Chaper Two

[Pamela]

Posted by: Castamir Apr 4 2004, 01:31 PM

Francis listened to Dani's advice and nodded before speaking. "It appears that I am in your debt Sidh-Dan Hrendh... Dani, both for giving me the benefit of the doubt and for looking after Carynsa so well. Please excuse me."

With a polite nod of his head he went to the inkeeper and collected Cary's supper. Noting Molly and Pietro missing, he caught the eye of Talin and nodded over to him and Klen before taking the tray of food and heading to Cary's room.

Knocking gently on the door he opened it without waiting for a reply and stepped into the room, his face nervous. "Supper?"

[Pamela]

Posted by: eocine Apr 4 2004, 01:47 PM

“We’re generally better at waiting till we’re out of sight.” He grinned. “It’s like with our bladders you see, just a fluke of physiology and nothing more,” said the Half-Elf with a smile and a shrug of his shoulders.

A black gloved hand waved away her thanks, “I thank you for the sentiment, but truly you need not thank me or any of the others for it.” He looked back into her eyes, happy to se that she seemed to be feeling slightly better. “We’re all proud to have had you fight by our sides, and they will all soon see that there is a good reason for that.”

At her words he nodded, moving towards the door. “Do remember that you are respected by us, and will earn the respect of the villagers.” He paused for a second to meet her eyes. “Of that I have utterly no doubt.”

That said he bowed. “I shall see you soon Lady Saint.”He left the room, closing it quietly behind himself…

For a few seconds he stood by her door and thought… Why is this world so full of prejudice? he wondered sadl then walked to the stairs and headed down into the throng, taking his place by the bar and looking out over the crowd.

[Pamela]

Posted by: Lady_Caetlyn Apr 4 2004, 01:51 PM

Carynsa put down her diaries and studied the man before her. "Thank you," she said quietly, making a motion towards the small table that sat next to the bed. He could see that she had been crying, quite a lot, and that more tears threatened if he wasn't careful.

She bowed her head, and fiddled with something on her tunic--his pin. "I shouldn't have slapped you." She finally said, her voice quiet. "However, I am still beyond furious. You took everything we shared--and cheapened it. I'm not prone to emotions, as you well know...but gods, you bastard, because of you I've been more emotional than I have in a very long time. Damn you Francis..." She trailed off, and took a small bite of meat. "Was that all I was to you? Just another conquest?" She asked acidly. "Was everything you told me a lie? At least give me the courtesy of answering that honestly."

She was quiet for a bit as she ate, but she would occasionally look at him. The anger in her eyes had faded, but an intense pain still remained, along with a close scrutiny. "I still love you, you know. God only knows why. You are arrogant and foolish, you don't care about anyone but yourself--or so it would seem. I don't know what you want me to do, what you want me to say. I thought you were dead, and was trying to grieve. And now--now you are here."

She took a deep breath, "What is it you were goign to say to me downstairs?" She asked.

The silent between them was deafening. She didn't know what else to say, and waited for his reply....Occasionally her hand would stray to her eyes, or to move a strand of her now-loose hair out of her face.

[Pamela]

Posted by: Neminus Apr 4 2004, 02:04 PM

"Maybe it's not so bad in this village... I already begin to feel as if I came back to my world with so many Faerunians here." Derrigan said to Dani. "I have the strangest feeling - as if I fell asleep and never woke up. I mean - what are the chances of Cary meeting her ex-lover on another plane of creation, right after telling us her story ?

If I heard something that unlikely in a tavern, I'd call the story teller a liar - and a bad one at that. Good stories should be probable, even if this probability is small. I wonder which of them was more surprised – her or Francis after the “greeting”." The monk grinned at the thought of the situation.

[Pamela]

Posted by: Pamela Apr 4 2004, 02:20 PM

Dani turned to the monk, and began smiling at his optimistic words. “Life isn’t predictable; that’s why it makes for terrible stories but great anecdotes.” She laughed. “And it really isn’t bad here at all. The life may be harsh, as you’re beginning to see, but the people do care.” She lowered her voice. “You can’t afford not to in such a small land.” She then winked. "Anyway, you're a monk; you people only eat once a day and sleep on the floor, don't you?"

“As for the odds of meeting…well, is it really that unusual?” she began to sit back to contemplate the issue. “Cary said she had been following him when the Mists took her; would it be so hard to imagine they seized him at the same time? It is unusual that they didn’t both appear here together. But the Mists…” she shrugged and let her voice trail away. “I’m sorry you’ve lost your home, Derrigan, but for what it’s worth, if we can’t find a way out of here, feel free to come stay at my village. You’d certainly be welcome,” she said with a smile.

“As for the more surprised, I wouldn’t lay bets…” she said thoughtfully. So far the captain hadn’t returned, and that was a very good sign in her eyes. Golden Freya, spread your blessing of love upon that poor couple…

[Pamela]

Posted by: eocine Apr 4 2004, 02:20 PM

The slap had gone largely unnoticed by the majority of the gathered crowd, most of whom had been watching Mikhail and the scene with Pytor and Kerin, but there were still those that had seen it and soon the story was rippling around the room.

The Ranger stepped down from the table, and rested his battle-axe against the bar. His eyes flared with a passion that is rarely seen, and a desire to see his people become strong again. He was mildly confused for a second at the absence of Molly, Francis and Pietro but he soon saw the Half-Elf strolling down the stairs, and guessed from the look of disquiet on his face that something must have been wrong.

He soon twigged…

“I… Would apologise to her on behalf of my people if you think she will hear it,” he said sadly, embarrassed for what had occurred and to one he knew would die as willingly for good as he would.

He looked towards Talin and smiled. “I thank you for your words my friend, they were very valued.” He raised a hand and managed to catch Greta’s attention, “Please, drinks for my friends,” he said with an expansive wave that took in Klen, Talin and Pietro.

As the barmaid leaned across there was a brief whispered conversation between her and the Ranger. He looked over his shoulder a few times towards the seated monk and the dwarf. “I shall do,” he finished, “And thank you for the information.”

“Excuse me for a few moments,” he said to everyone, shrugging his shoulders regretfully to Anna who simply shrugged back, rolled her eyes and smiled.

Moving easily though the crowd he approached the table where the other foreigners were seated. “I do apologise for butting in so but it does appear that you have a tale to tell that would appear to be every bit as interesting as that of our other outlander guests.” The young man paused for a second.

“I am sorry for this question, but might I enquire as to what went on here earlier?”

[Pamela]

Posted by: eocine Apr 4 2004, 02:27 PM

As the Ranger had moved away, Kerin had moved to sit next to Talin. “Pleased to meet you sir,” said the youth quickly, his words seeming to utterly tumble from his mouth. “You plan on helping us right?” he asked eagerly. “Have you seen much battle? What do you think of Mikhail? He’s my mentor in the wilderness!”

Words and questions seemed to bubble up out of him in his excitement of how the evening had been going so far, and it seemed to take a conscious effort for him to slow down enough to give the undead hunter the time to even consider an answer…

[Pamela]

Posted by: Castamir Apr 4 2004, 02:28 PM

Francis put his hand through his hair - a sure sign he was uncomfortable. He was desperately trying to put some semblance of order to his thoughts so that he didn't sound like a gibbering fool when he opened his mouth.

"When I first saw you.. I was going to.. I thought you were dead! I thought that this damn place was playng another trick on me! I... I was pleased to see you, over the moon. You have to believe me I thought I had lost you..."

He sat on the bed, his head in his hands for a second, fighting the emotions welling up inside him, when he looked up his eyes were red rimmed, and his voice quiet. "I'm sorry. I thought I was the only survivor - I searched for hours, but there wasn't even wreckage washed up - nothing... I wandered until I found the town and... lost it for a while..."

[Pamela]

Posted by: eocine Apr 4 2004, 02:55 PM

Pietro had shaken his head at Mikhail’s apologies. “There is no need to apologise to me,” he said placing a hand on the Ranger’s shoulder. “You are not guilty for their sins and prejudices,” he grinned. “Unless of course you plan to take all the credit when we bury this boyar in a cold, cold grave?”

The Ranger smiled for a second then spoke. “I do still owe her an apology, and I will give it to her when I see her”.

“Then do, but know that we hold none of their words against you.” He then waved the young man away. “You have much to sort and talk about.” He grinned. “Leave me to drink myself into a stupor”.

Mikhail looked stunned for a second, then smiled and moved away.


He took the drink that Greta offered and drank deeply of the first gulp then turned to Anna. “Shall I take it you’re not drinking tonight?” he asked, noting the absence of a glass in her hand.

The young lady smiled for a moment, her eyes moving unerringly towards Mikhail as he made his way towards Dani and Derrigan. “No… It’s always best if at least one of us stays sober.” She smiled gently.

The expression however clearly said to as gifted a person watcher as Pietro that she was drunk on love...

He resisted the urge to roll his eyes with a smile, and instead asked her a single question. “Do you feel as confident as he is that we can win this?”

Her dark eyes met the Half-Elf’s and when she spoke it was with absolute conviction… “I truly believe whatever he does,” she said simply.

There had always been a belief in Pietro that he would manage to find a way to be cynical about utterly everything but faced with such simple, naked belief and confidence even his unbreachable cynicism waned. A few seconds passed… And a confident smile crept across his lips…

We really should get people like this into government, he thought to himself as he drained the last of his glass…

[Pamela]

Posted by: Pamela Apr 4 2004, 02:59 PM

“Thank you,” Molly said softly to the investigator, tears welling once more at his bow and use of her title. She began to cry again once the door had closed.

What is the matter with me? I’m being foolish, she started to scold herself when the worst of the emotional storm had passed. She looked about the tiny room, seeing no washbasin, and sighed. She stretched out on the sleeping furs, stroking their softness, trying to find the point of calm from which she normally operated. It seemed to have disappeared. She was wandering in confusion and turmoil and it scared her to be so lost.

All her life she’d obeyed orders, been a good girl, then served to the best of her abilities. In her teens, she’d luxuriated in the break her life had given her when she’d entered Jamie’s world, and when it - and he - disappeared, she was able to hide it away, surrounded by a shared misery. There had been neither time nor reason to question…

No. You never let there be time. You never let yourself think about it. About him or her. Even in her head she generally avoided their names. All those platitudes, all those years. Haven’t you had enough? How much more do you plan to give up- do you have left to give up?

“And what am I supposed to do? There isn’t even a way out of here - and if I’m...cursed…” she whispered aloud. She shook off the thought, weary of the cycle of argument that she’d been caught up in the previous night. She sat up, and said aloud, “Deal with the werewolves and Gregor. Find out if you or the others are cursed. Then see if there’s a way out. Anything else - everything else - is moot till these issues are dealt with,” she said firmly.

She stood up, and looked out the window at the dark landscape, leaning her forehead upon the icy pane, trying to convince herself still that she was right.

[Pamela]

Posted by: Lady_Caetlyn Apr 4 2004, 03:11 PM

Carynsa gave Francis a long look. She had never seen him looking as if he had been crying or fighting back tears. She reached out a hand as if she were going to touch him but pulled it back quickly.

"How do I know you aren't just saying that?"sShe asked quietly. "You forget, Francis, I know you too well." Her hand brushed his accidentally as she reached for her tea and against her better judgement she let it linger there.

"I'm not going to just forget what I saw and forgive you that quickly. My trust in you is not what it once was," she said slowly. "However, given that we are stuck here, possibly forever, I am willing to give you another chance; to start over. However, I will not be as forgiving as I once was. I've had my heart broken twice, I won't let it be broken a third time....and you will not seduce me to your bed as easily...."

She took his hand in hers. "I'm glad you are alive, and I will fight by your side. I look forward to meeting your companions." She looked directly into his eyes. "Tread lightly around me, Francis. If you raise my ire too much, you will see what exactly I am capable of." Her eyes narrowed. "I am trying to start a new life here. Make your decision carefully. If you would rather be free to travel, I won't stop you. It's all or nothing this time."

She leaned back against the headboard of the bed, weariness apparent in her red-rimmed eyes and in her face.

[Pamela]

Posted by: Pamela Apr 4 2004, 03:30 PM

Dani turned at the Marshkovic’s approach and stood up to give him a curtsey. At the mention of a tale, Dani was briefly confused, unsure what he wanted to know - and how much he did know. When she realised it was the earlier incident, she went, “Ah, that! A lover’s tiff, I’m afraid. Francis Blackblade and my newly-arrived friend Carynsa were separated after an accident - shipwreck - in their country.” She was careful not to make any mention of where, but began to settle back into her seat, going into story-telling mode. “He assumed she was dead and well, took to…indulging himself in his grief.” She winced at the poor euphemism, but knew people would have heard Cary’s reference to a whore, and wanted some perspective to save both’s honour.

“She arrived in the town where he washed up, and found out what he had been up to. She was approaching him unawares when they both were taken in the Mists. Each had assumed the other now lost forever. Now they are reunited when they never expected to be and, well, the shock…seemed to overwhelm them both.”

She looked up at the ranger pleadingly. “Cary is a good woman, and from I have seen and what she has said, she has a good heart and is not a violent woman. She has been here less than a day and even in her grief has asked me to tell you that her services as a mage are at your disposal.” She said this in a low voice. “She’s had years of experience and is quite powerful,” she added, reflecting on the encounter with the Cowled Wizards.

“I myself have come here from Voronina with a messenger about allying with your village against Gregor. I’m stepping on Ivan’s toes here, but he’s not around so... I myself am a cleric and can handle a sword. My services are also available to you if you are willing to accept our aid.” She looked up at him beseechingly. Imagine, an adventure of my own…now to make sure I don’t get myself killed in it…

[Pamela]

Posted by: Castamir Apr 4 2004, 03:39 PM

Still holding her hand Francis spoke, his voice husky. He felt like his heart was trying to climb up his chest and strangle him. "Yesterday I thought you lost to me forever, today I know that you live. Just knowing you survived - even if I were never to see you again - would have made me a happier man than yesterday. If I have a chance of redemption I will take it with both hands. I may be a habitual liar and a cheat and maybe I have become all of those things I was accused of all those years ago - but I have never lied to you. I would never lie to you."

He leaned across the bed, and planted a light kiss on her cheek - a risk he needed to take. Her scent, her warmth filled his senses - Gods, don't screw this up sailor - and then he stood.

"Tomorrow then. I will sleep sounder knowing you are safe. Goodnight my love." He walked out of the room, closed the door behind him and made for the stairs.

[Pamela]

Posted by: El Diablo Apr 4 2004, 03:45 PM

Klen had managed with the use of his magic to widen and mend the small pieces of cloth he had. With them he managed to create a robe and hat to totally obscure him. He stayed quiet in the bar not wanting to draw any unneeded attention.

When Klen saw the welcome Mikhail got he felt a hint of jealousy but quickly pushed it aside and thought that he should be happy with what he got.

(El Diable posted that picture of the evil sorceror from that comic I can't remember here :P Unfortunately I don't have the link still.)

[Pamela]

Posted by: Lady_Caetlyn Apr 4 2004, 03:54 PM

She stared at the door as he left, trying to sort things out in her mind.

Are you sure about this, Mistress? Delilah jumped onto the bed.

No, Del, I'm not sure of anything anymore. My head and my heart are arguing over this one. Let's hope that I did make the right decision.

She decided that she needed to be around people and not alone. She made her way downstairs, clad in tunic, pants and boots, her hair unbound, not really caring at that point who saw.

She found Dani at their table and walked over to join her. "Dani, do you think you could get me a list of all the herbs and plants that are still growing around here along with a list of any minerals that are mined, if any. I need to know what is available to me." She sat down and smiled, not wanting to bring up Francis.

She turned to the man that Dani was speaking to and smiled. "I don't believe we have been introduced yet. I'm Carynsa." She held out her hand.