Date: Fri, 09 Jan 1998 21:30:56 GMT
From: Sia-Vin`Deylarosta
His dreams seemed to be nothing more then a disgusting myriad of violence, and decay. Nightmares in the most horrifying sense of the word. Screams of those dearly loved, in torment and torture rang through out his mind scape, and tore at his very soul and existence. The very life blood that gave him sustenance threatened to drown him, and destroy him in a way that only one of his own could fear. Ignorant, and unforgiving priests bore down upon him, wielding silver symbols of divinity, etched those pure marks into his pale skin with just a simple contact, and the smell of burnt flesh. The once warm and pleasant feeling of the morning sun against his skin, twisted, and amplified in intensity, burning more then his flesh, but his very soul...
those are the dreams of a Kindred. The dreams of a vampire. The dreams that Sia-Vin` Deylarosta awoke from every morn, tears of crimson streaming from his eyes, and this morning was no different. The sun had yet to make its spectacular, colorful rise over the distant horizon when Sia-Vin` awoke, and more so then usual, his nightmares had affected him. A small puddle of dark red liquid had formed on the ground where he lay, from his tears. Adding a sharp contrast of color to the stark white snow all around it.
The vampire elf sat up stiffly and sighed. Careful to make sure his gaze never caught the small pool of blood he knew had formed there. He wiped off his tear stained face with a black suede gloved hand, so as his tears didn't freeze to his features, and forced his weary body into its feet. Leaning heavily on the trunk of the willow tree that had given him protection from last nights blizzard, his cloak keeping his killing touch from the sacred tree.
Under his breath, Sia-Vin` grumbled faintly as he scanned the carnage and white hatred that the blizzard left in spite behind it. The deep white being at least as deep as the sickening crimson in his nightmares. He made a mental note of that fact, as he made his way out from under the protective barrier the willows leaves had made. Sia-Vin` had never really cared much for winter as a whole. It put all but the most sacred tree to sleep, killed the grass and the flowers, and made all of natures children, including humans and elves and the like, hunt for cover desperately. Despite the fact that it was a law of nature, for everything must have a balance, and winter is the balance of summer, the entire prospect of it seemed a little backwards to him.
Sia-Vin` pulled up the hood of his Cloak of Darkness shortly before dawn, to protect himself from both the elements, and the light of day. A faint breeze dusted new snow down upon what was already there, and pushed along some of the settled snow into some fair sized drifts beside the beaten paths. Occasionally, small balls of hail would make their way down from the heavens, leaving small holes in the otherwise undisturbed snow, and when the sun rose to a certain height, it gave the whiteness an almost divine, sparkling quality. Adding an almost blinding, divine luminescence to the still morning. Sia-Vin` did have to admit being rather fond of that.
It took almost three full hours longer to reach his destination then it should have, had the snow not been a factor, and he reached the gates of the Town of Golden Twig with a distinct sigh of relief. A warm, dry bed, and a few hours in front of a hearth with a nice book would suit him rather well right now, he thought. But that wasn't why he was here. Business first, pleasure later. He was beginning to think that being an Advisor to the MageKnights was more actual work then being a MageKnight himself. But, then, isn't that always the way?
"Halt, who's be a goin' dere!?" Shouted a gruff, and dark voice from somewhere about the towns gates, as Sia-Vin` approached.
"Advisor Sia-Vin` Deylarosta of the MageKnights. I am to meet with your towns Govern, and spread some news about a possible threat." Sia-Vin` replied. His silvery voice taking to the wind like a whisper in a hurricane, but the guard still managed to hear his words somehow. As to backup his story, he opens up his cloak, and showed him the shoulder of it. Embroidered in gold and silver, was the symbol of the MageKnights.
The guard brooded for a while, and seemed to be speaking to someone else up on his wall podium, high above, before turning and shouting. Despite that, though, his attitude seemed to take a marvelous swing into almost polite. "All'ight, da Govern Council 'ill be a seein' ye, Advisor Deylarosta. Just a be a headin' down da main street 'ere, an' takes it to de square. Tis the third buildin' on da right. Merry day to thee, Your Grace." And then the gates began to open.
That happened to be one part of his title that he would never get used to. For some reason beyond his comprehension, people felt it necessary to tag on the term "Your Grace" when referring to him, as though he were a Count, or Baron, and that always set his teeth on edge. He was far from royalty, and made no motions to make others thing anything otherwise, but they added that title none the less. Had he known that he was going to be Your Graced again and again, he pry would have just kept to being a Knight.
He stepped through the gates, adding "And a merry day to thee as well, m'Lord." almost as if it were an after thought.
Silently, he made his way through the lightly snow dusted streets of Golden Twig. Here and there people made their ways to work and shop. The warm smell of freshly baked rolls filled his nostrils, as he walked past a bakery, and the sharp twang of cold steel bombarded him as he passed an armory. The town itself seemed more like a city, and a fairly industrious one at that. Many businesses, and many people. But, towns don't have to pay as many taxes to their Duchie, so that pry had to deal somewhat with the classification. It took almost ten minutes or so of walking to reach the town square, and it almost marveled him. Actually a ring, and not a square, this circle seemed almost impossible lavish. In the center was a marble fountain, with an intricate sculpture of an angel at play, pouring water from a never ending basin on to a nude elfling. Beautiful work, but after pointedly telling himself that he was here as a Dignitary and diplomat, and not as an art lover, Sia-Vin` tore his view from the fountain, and looked over the rest of the circle. Each of the building were works of architectural art upon themselves. Some of which rival those made feats made by the first architects in Babylon. But the most impressive has to be the huge monolith, made entirely of marble, that was the third on the right. Indescribably beautiful in every regard, and at least four stories tall. From its pillars, to its paned windows, this places seemed every inch the regal palace, and not just a dusty state building. Again, Sia-Vin` reminded himself of his business, and began his way toward the huge building.
Sia-Vin` closed the large double doors tightly, once he was inside, and pulled down the hood of his cloak, letting his long, sparkling silver hair spill down his back. Everything seemed to catch his ice blue eyes in this place. The inside no less beautiful then the outside, and no less seeming like a palace then its structure would lead one believe. It reminded him a lot of Camelot's Firehall, or the Dancing Hall, but on a grander scale.
"Amazing." He murmured to no one other then himself, as he looked around. Noting the crystal chandelier hanging from the incredibly vaulted ceiling in the main hall, around fifty to sixty feet up. "Are those diamonds?"
From directly behind him, came a soft, and incredibly educated, stuffy sounding voice, thick with English accent. "Indubitably, Your Grace. Councilor Devian holds no bars in way of the beauty of the Council House. May I take your cloak, Advisor?"
"Eh?" Sia-Vin` turned to see a tall lithe man, wearing a butlers or servants uniform.
"Your cloak, Your Grace. Would you like me to take your cloak?" The uniformed man said.
"Oh, no, that is quite alright. I never take it off."
"Very well then, Advisor. I shall guide you to the Council Chambers then, as for you to have your conversation with the Governs. Please follow me, Your Grace." And with that, the man turned, and started off in the direction of a long hallway at the end of the entry hall.
Sia-Vin` nodded, and followed the servant, who, after a march that seemed to take hours, and very well could have given the size of the place, took him to an expansive hallway, that spilled into an even grander room. Lined with tapestries, and carpeted with soft fur. Sculptures and blown glass statues everywhere. And in the middle of it all, sat a huge rectangular table, with the nineteen or twenty men sitting around it. The uniformed fellow stopped at the grand rooms entry way, and bellowed in a regal tone. "His Grace, the Advisor Sia-Vin` Deylarosta on the MageKnights."
The men at the table turned, and all nodded in greeting to the vampire, who in turn nodded back. The man at the head of the table, however, kept his high-backed chair turned from Sia-Vin`. His voice regal, and diplomatic, and almost charming in a magical sort of way, yet as dark and cold as coal in an other. Frighteningly familiar. "Merry meet, Your Grace. I see you have broken the rules yet again, and disregarded the Kname in which the Spirits gave you."
Sia-Vin` froze in his tracks, his hand instinctively moving to the hilt of his claymore...
Date: Fri, 9 Jan 1998 23:39:29 +0000
From: Stacy/Jolieve
Jolieve had been tormented for weeks by the absence of BlackHawke. So much so, that when Sir_Francis reappeared and told her that she had to wait eight, whole days before the quest to search for him could begin, she almost went off by herself without a party to bring him back.
There is no love, more powerful in this universe, than that of a sister for her brother, save for true love itself, of course. Sir_Francis said that only seven people could go on the quest to retrieve BlackHawke and Jolieve was determined that she would be one of the seven. So when William insisted that a team of trained warriors should go on the quest, Jolieve became infuriated and rode out of Camelot alone. After having gotten over her fury, an idea came to mind. The Wand of the Orcs. It would have to be retrieved before they could go after BlackHawke at all, it was the only protection to be had from Glabrezu's immense powers. She rode immediately back to Camelot, then crept into the firehall from the garden door. Once inside, she got LadyVelvet's attention.
"Pssst! Velvet!" she whispered harshly. Velvet took notice and quietly made her way toward Jolieve. "What is it Jolie?" "If you want to go on this quest to retrieve BlackHawke, I know of a way... but we must leave tonight!" Jolie looked around to make sure that neither William, nor Blackthorn, who was also in the hall, had caught sight of her. "Of course I want to go! But how?" Velvet said quietly. "The Wand of the Orcs, they cannot go without it, and they cannot leave us behind if we possess it! We must go tonight. I know a lady that will assist us." Jolie smiled, then looked around the hall again nervously. "This sounds exciting!" Velvet giggled. "The lady is a friend of my aunt's. She is from the far east, a very different kind of woman and I understand, she once bested your husband, Lord_William in a spar..." Jolie continued to whisper to Velvet as she closed the garden door behind them...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>Blackthorn looked up from his spot, and noticed that Jolieve had somehow slipped in the garden door. "William?" he said quietly, then motioned to the two ladies. "Surely she will not go to the Dark Tower alone? Even Jolieve is not foolish enough to try something like that." William looked on discreetly and Jolieve and his wife whispered to one another. "I don't know William... this is Jolieve we are speaking about after all... You understand that she is more likely to go riding off alone than any one of the knights." Blackthorn watched the two ladies over the rim of his glass as he spoke to William. "But even Jolie..." William stopped as he looked up and saw the two ladies slipping out the door. "Velvet! No!! Wait!!!" He then ran over to the door and opened it, just as the two ladies had slipped around the corner to the courtyard, where they mounted their steeds and rode off into the cold darkness before William ever saw which direction they went. Blackthorn walked up behind William and gave an amused smile. "They're gone." William and Blackthorn returned to the hall quietly. William's brow was furrowed with worry...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jolieve and Velvet slowed down as they approached Morrigan's Inn. Inside, there was still a light on. Jolieve dismounted her steed and grabbed her belongings, then helped Velvet do the same. She entered the Inn quietly and saw the very woman she sought sitting Indian-style on a blanket, that was neatly laid out on the floor. "To-kai?" she whispered. "Jolieve. How nice to see you." To-kai's voice was very soft, so she did not need to whisper. "To-kai, we are going to need your help. You see, BlackHawke is missing, and in order to bring him home safely, we must retrieve The Wand of the Orcs..." Jolieve stopped when To-kai raised her hand. "Do not worry child, I already know of your quest. I was expecting you. Now sit down and share some tea with me, while we discuss my plan to get into the hall of the Orcs and retrieve that wand, so that you can save your brother." the slight woman stood, revealing that she was much smaller than either Velvet, or Jolieve.
Velvet wondered how a woman who was no more than 4 and a half feet tall was going to help them get past an army of Orcs. However, she trusted Jolieve to know what she was doing, then sat down at a table with the two ladies to discuss the plan....
Date: Sat, 10 Jan 1998 15:33:01 EST
From: Rob/Thorak/Sgian/Tien/etc
Thorak grumbled and frowned as the lady and the tall man accompanying her, (with bunny slippery and blue/green? nightie on) strode out the door. Shaking his head all the wall and folding his arms across his chest, he glanced around the room slowly. Taking in the craftsmanship of the brick. "Hmmm...does nae look like dwarves made this place. But th' work is almost equivalent in structure an' design...interesting"
Thorak was now curious about his strange guests, and more importantly the small boy. He was reminded of another small boy. Who would be about the same age as this one, but...much shorter in height. For This young boy named 'Simon' seemed to be growing fast in Thorak's eyes. He thought it no matter and walked to a window. Looking out of it and into the countryside.
It was lush, and green. The soil seemed rich and untouched like the rest of the lands. He wondered exactly how long the splendor would last. His eyes focused on what seemed to be a ring of mist around the area he gazed upon. "Tha' must be wha' veils th' location o' this place...it was 'ard enough t' find th' first time. Even wi' th' swords 'elp. I wonder how long it will hide this place. Oh well."
Thorak didn't notice some of the castles staff bring in a tub and pour hot water into it. Leaving soaps and towels. Turning slowly and grabbing his chest in surprise. "DON'T DO THA' T' AN OLD DWARF!!!" he breathed heavily and his face got even redder. "Whatcha standin there fer?" A nervous looking staff member stepped forward and bowed "We need your clothes too good sir."
His jaw just dropped in disbelief. Eyes wide in amazement at the audacity of their question. "GET TH' 'ELL OUT!! I CAN WASH ME OWN DAMN CLOTHES!!", boomed the little dwarf. The staff scurrying away like rats. Scampering out the door. After disrobing and making sure no one was around. Thorak slipped into the tub with ease. Sighing softly at the warm soothing water, Thorak continued so slide in the water til he accidentally slipped under. Splashing and sputtering as he came up. He looked now like a shaggy wet dog with wide blinking eyes. Shaking his head he blinked down at the water he normally feared with an puzzled brow. "Tha' was nae so bad." Dunking his head back down he began to soap himself, and scrub with a sponge.
"Well..now that I've found the hero. I need to find an appropriate name for the sword. ThunderBane, Light Giver? StormClaw? FireVeil?" he ran his fingers through his wet beard and continued pondering. His thoughts idly wondering what the boy was doing now. And how the mother was taking the news.
Date: Sat, 10 Jan 1998 22:22:58 -0600
From: Kat aka LadyVelvet
Having spent the night with To-kai at Morrigan's Inn discussing their plan to obtain the Wand of Orcs they retired to bed and woke early as the dawn was just approaching. Their plan in place they ate a quick meal and thanked To-kai for her help and assistance.
Jolieve and Velvet looked to each other smiled walked out the door, mounted their steeds and rode off in the morning light towards the west. They talk back and forth about what there mission is and the hopes of BlackHawke's safe return back to Camelot.
As the sun rises high into the sky the two travelers decide to rest from there journey. They dismount from their horses and allow them to graze. The area in which they have chosen to rest is densely populated with large fir and evergreen trees a small stream runs along side the trail that they have been following on their way to the Isle of Perce and the Hall of Orcs. The air is still except for the slight rustle of the wind through the snowladen branches.
Jolieve is suddenly aware of a rustling sound coming from the distance. Jolieve turns to Velvet and speaks softly as if to whisper to her "did you just hear a strange sound coming from within the trees?" Velvet turns, her attentions now focused on what it is Jolieve wants her to listen for. Velvet listens for a moment and does indeed here the faint sound of rustling coming from deep within the trees. She turns to Jolieve as Jolieve takes the dagger from her waist. They both look cautiously around as if looking for something that as yet cannot be seen. Velvet in turn puts her hand to the dagger that rests at her side. Just as doing so two men rush from within the trees and towards them daggers in hand.
Jolieve turns quickly on her heels to face the men that stand before her. Velvet runs to her side to also face the strangers that have suddenly appeared as if out of no where. The larger of the two men suddenly bellows out "give us your purses and jewels now or we shall take them by force." Jolieve and Velvet look to each other knowing that they carry no coin and the only jewels that they are wearing are the pendants of BlackHawke and Velvet also has on her platinum amulet of Asgorath and her wedding ring. Jolieve looks to the large man that stands before her and takes a step closer to him saying "if you wish to relieve of us of our property you must be foolish enough to take it." The large man leers at Jolieve, staring her square in the eyes and takes a forceful step forward. The other man in turn takes a step closer to Velvet seeming to think that they are of no threat to either of them.
The man that stands before Jolieve suddenly rushes to her and lunges towards her with his dagger extended. With a quick sidestep and a twist of her wrist Jolieve reaches forward and ahead with her own dagger and catches man cutting him deeply across the length of his face. The man suddenly steps back in surprise as the other man looks on he in turn steps back realizing that they may indeed have stumbled upon two that are not as vulnerable as they once thought. Velvet looks to the two men and speaks to them saying "be thankful tis a cut across your cheek is the only injury you have sustained here thus far." Jolieve speaks in a threatening manner to the two men "begone with you now whilst you still have your legs to carry your thieving hides away." The two men look to each other knowing that they may indeed be bested and turn quickly with a final glare to Jolieve and Velvet disappear back into the woods from which they so suddenly appeared from.
Jolieve and Velvet look to each once more. Velvet says to Jolieve "best that we leave now lest they should decide to come back in greater numbers." Jolieve nods and they walk to their steeds, mount up and are once more on their way to the Isle of Perce. They ride the rest of the day and late into the evening towards their destination. The come upon a clearing as the moonlight shines down to light up the land around them and see before their eyes the haunting outline of the Hall of Orcs. Seeing this they know the true journey has just begun.........
Date: Sun, 11 Jan 1998 13:00:49 -0800
From: Sharon/LadyXan
(author's note: Please pardon the length of this missive, but I need to get it right so everyone is caught up. For those on Dalnet, Xan sent an announcement of her engagement to TienShinHan, but it bounced back. I will attempt to bring this all together for everyone and my apologies for taking liberties (altho I love taking them
Xan's mind wandered back. Thinking about Poet, their argument, thinking about how he had left her hurting and yet, her thoughts and heart were filled with him. Each day she waited, hoping for word and none came. She remembered the first time she had spoken with TienShinHan and smiled. Somehow, after that, she always looked forward to seeing him. She remembered when Tien had gotten hurt badly and she had flew to his side with the others, hoping he wouldn't die. Remembering that he said he loved her... she remembered all their other times together, the night she admitted she loved him.... confessing she couldn't bear him children... the night he asked her to be his wife... realizing that Poet was the stirrings of a Dream unrealized and that before her stood a man who could give her that Dream..become that Dream... a man, she realized, who was in every way her equal and perhaps some... and the night...she said she would become his wife..... her thoughts abruptly brought back to the present with a simple kiss....
TienShinHan kissed Xan gently and smiled, "Yes...life is good. " SirPoet slips into the firehall quietly, his satchel slung over one shoulder and a tired look upon his brow. Xan looked up from the comfort and safety of Tien's arms, her eyes going wide. Tien blinked down at Xan, frowning.
" Whats wrong? "
Poet looked about the room once, his eyes resting a moment or two on Xan and Tien before passing by.
" It's Poet....he's returned, " she whispered, her eyes going wide. Poet walked in, stepping past the bulletin board until his eyes catch an announcement there and he pauses to read it. It was the announcement of Tien's and Xan's engagement. Tien looks at Poet then at Xan, nods and steps away from her for a moment. Xan walked across the floor to Poet, stopping a few inches away from him.
"Greetings Poet, welcome home." Poet was reading the posting a second time, his shoulder drooping slightly until he heard Xan's greeting. Taking a deep breath, he turned slowly to face her.
"Greetings to you as well, M'Lady Xanthia and congratulations," Poet wearily gestured to the announcement on the board. Tien folded his arms across his chest, his three eyes surveying the situation carefully as Poet forced a smile onto his face and his eyes looked to hers trying to hide any hint of his thoughts.
"I trust you are well, M'Lady?" Xan looked at Poet and spoke quietly.
" Thank you Poet, I am. " Tien turned away to move out to the garden, giving the two some privacy. Xan glanced over her shoulder sensing a movement from Tien and watched as he leaves the Firehall for the gardens. Poet, turned his head slightly away and coughed once, a ragged cough coming from deep in his chest. He turned back, seeing her gaze and following it to the departing Tien.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tien moves out to the garden and after finding a spot, started working through various techniques to keep his mind off what was happening in the Firehall with his beloved.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Xan turned back to Poet, after hearing the ragged cough, frowning.
" You are not well, Milord Poet. " Poet turned backed to her at hearing her softly spoken words.
" A cold, nothing more. I guess sleeping on the ground will do that to you, M'Lady. "
" Please, come sit with me by the fire. Would you like a cup of tea, Poet? "
" Tea? No, but my thanks for the offer, M'Lady Xanthia. " Poet looked to the earth, remembering the last time he sat there with her and remembering the words that he had spoken.
" Then, at least sit with me, Poet? For a moment. I will not keep thee long. "
Poet bowed slightly.
" I have ever been at thy command, M'Lady."
Xan smiled at him gently, walking to the hearth and sitting in a chair there. Poet walked with her to the hearth, being careful to stay as far away from her as is polite. He sits upon the hearth stones facing her.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tien, in the garden, steps into a defensive stance and begins to move slowly. His movements are fluid and circular. As if he was defending himself against some imaginary foe.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Xan watches as Poet sits and unconsciously twists the engagement ring on her finger.
"A belated Yule Tide to thee, M'Lady. "
"And to thee, Poet... "
Poet smiled and nods, feeling the fire's warmth at his back and being grateful for it. " I am sorry, but being in the field, I was unable to get thee anything. "
Xan's eyes scanned his face with concern and shakes her head. " It matters not, for I did not expect anything from thee, especially after our last words together, " she whispered softly for his ears alone.
Poet visibly blanched at her mentioning of their last parting and nods.
Poet looked down at the floor. " When is the day?" came his softly spoken words.
" We haven't set a date yet. "
" I.... I.... " his voice trailed off.
" Poet..." she started saying, reaching out to touch him. He jerked away from her touch slightly. She looked at him in concern and frowned.
" I'm sorry. Nervous habit of late, I guess I am still skittish from the front. "
Xan smiled gently.
" I can well understand that...." her words faded. Poet swallowed hard.
" M'Lady Xanthia......" his voice paused.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tien seated himself in the garden, Indian style, and closed his eyes. Balling his fists, he pressed them together. A low rumbling sound comes from his chest as energy sparks on his knuckles.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
" Yes, Poet? " she asked quietly.
" I..... I would like to formally apologize for my harsh words of.... before, " he looked up at her as he spoke. " I had no right to say what I did. " Xan closed her eyes briefly before looking at him again. Poet looked at his feet, not being able to meet her gaze for long.
" I ask thy forgiveness, M'Lady. "
" Thy words were harsh, Poet.... I thought you would never speak with me again. "
" At the time, tis what I thought to do. "
" I lived each day, waiting for word from thee and when none came...." Xan sighed deeply.
" I was.... am a fool, " he sighed softly, still looking at the floor.
" Poet.. I.. " she started to speak, looking up at him. Poet looked at her.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tien rises slowly after a small exercise and moves to the hedge maze, wandering around inside it idly.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Poet once more swallows as he feels a lump form in his throat as his eyes gaze upon her beauty, knowing it forever beyond him.
" The Winds of Fate work in mysterious ways, Poet, " she said, her eyes turning to look out toward the garden, a soft smile curving her lips.
"Aye and oft they blow in all directions, M'Lady" he added softly "Xan.... does he make you happy?" he gazes at her, his emerald eyes intense.
"Aye Poet, he does. Beyond all expectations. " She looked at him again, smiling gently. Poet held her gaze for a long moment then nodded once as if deciding something for himself
"That is well then. Your happiness is what matters most to me. "
Xan nodded. " Poet....."
" Aye? " he asked.
Xan simply shook her head.
" May I... " he started, having to clear his throat, "May I ask a boon of thee, M'Lady?"
" Of course, " she looked at him questioningly. Poet reaches into his satchel and pulls from it a beautiful case of dyed dark blue leather etched into the front of the case is a scroll overlaid by a harp, the Poet coat of arms.
" Will you hold this for me 'til I return?"
Xan looks at the case, her eyes widening as she reaches for it.
" Its your harp, isn't it?"
"Aye, M'Lady by name." Poet passes the case to her.
"But Poet... you always have it with you..." she started to say as she took the case. Poet nodded. " Then why? " Xan asked.
" Aye, but.... where I go now, it may well be too dangerous." Poet smiles suddenly.
" I will care for it well then, Milord, until your return. " Xan spoke softly.
" If she were to get broken, I would not be able to play her at thy wedding, now would I?"
"Aye, " Xan smiled as she ran her hand slowly and reverently over the case. SirPoet frowns as if hearing a thought that he likes not but the frown is quickly replaced with his soft smile again.
"She is a good companion, M'Lady Xan" he says softly, "as I am sure you will find for yourself." Xan nods... a lump rising in her throat. "When do you leave, Poet?" Poet notices the hour glass on a nearby table and rises.
"In a few hours, for on the morrow LordWolf is opening a gate to our destination. With luck, we should be back in a fortnight, " his words sounding hollow.
Xan rises with him, the case clutched to her body, nodding and reaches out to touch his arm. Poet flinches from her touch but covers the action by bowing to her.
" Poet... " Poet rises from the bow.
" M'Lady?"
"May the Lady keep you and bring you safe return, Milord.."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tien returns from the hedge maze and begins to cross the garden.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SirPoet swallows once, suddenly having this feeling that he may never see her again.
"My thanks, M'Lady. May you and he that loves you know happiness always. "
"Be well and my thanks, Good Poet..... and Poet..."
Poet smiles softly and turns, stepping towards the doors of the firehall.
"Fare ye well one and all!" he pauses and turns and looks back towards Xan.
Xan shakes her head, tears filling her eyes as she looks upon him. Poet notices the tears and has to rapidly blink his eyes to forestall the same response.
"God Speed and Safe return... "
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TienShinHan stands in the doorway of the garden, and ducks back into the garden at the sight of the two in tears.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Remember the garden, the dance and the night," Poet softly says as if to her alone. Xan 's eyes close and nods her head. Poet nods and slips out the door, as a single tear slips down his cheek, reflecting the bright sun light from the courtyard outside. Xan turns toward the hearth, holding the case, tears falling from under her closed lids. Gently she wipes away the tears and takes a deep breath, turning to go find Tien in the garden.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tien moves to the fountain in the garden. His arms folded neatly over his chest. All three eyes study the water below.
" Tien, " she softly called out as she moves about the garden. Tien looked up at her approach.
" How did it go, beloved?" he asked.
" Better than I expected, " she replied softly, looking up at him. " Hold me, please?"
E-mail comments and/or corrections to Diana/Wenn & Co