Elven Fantasy Pt. Two.

[Valdimer]

Regal


He gave a satisfactory nod, as he rested his hand on his giant sword. "As the king said, we should take the rest of the day to enjoy what this city has to offer. If you'll excuse me...I must retire to my church, to pray...and prepare."



Valdimer


He turned, Korg's eyes trailing along with Valdimer's, as he looked to Giamond. "Just have our young friend ready when first light approaches." Turning back to Korg, the two of them dissapeared in the shadows of Castle Browning....


Florin


"How about, The Tail of the Dragon Inn? They serve up quite a juicy potato stew...and the ale isnt as watered down as a port city's bar. Besides...it's more suited for, your kind?" he said, looking toward the Drow...but making reference to everyone in the party...including the goblin.....

 

[Jeremy Davis]

::Thay looked over his group and then looked at Florin and nodded::

Agreed, I will have to follow you for this is the first time that I have been in Browning and I donnae know where things are located.

::Thay then looked at Rose, seeing that she still remained silent after all of the talking wondering if Topper had taken her tongue. They would need to speak about things soon and this eve while they rested would be as good as any::

 

[Ravenloft]

Soon enough, the core of the elven party was at the Tail of the Dragon, and over the course of a few hours, more of their number made their way there.

Giamond, Thildimar, and Rothalis all sat at a table with Florin, along with anyone else that joined them. Eventually, Thildimar excused himself to go get a round of drinks for them all, feeling great agitation at having been asigned away from Rose.

At the bar, a few minutes after Thildimar had placed his order for three wines, a gruff little dwarf came up beside Thil, giving him an unpleasant look before barking out an order for Blue Lightning, the most potent drink in all the land.

 

[Jeremy Davis]

::Sits with his back to the wall as he drinks his ale, his eyes always looking around them careful of his surroundings. Watches as Thil gets up and walks to the bar to get drinks for him and two others at the next table over and looks for Rose and topper the two having gotten separated from him and Florin when they walked in.::

 

[Leetah]

Rose

Rose sat quietly at a corner table, watching the others move about. Topper sat close beside her, his flank pressed against her thigh tightly. She knew he must be somewhat overwhelmed by all that had been going on. In so many ways, he seemed like a child. With her thoughts roaming in that manner, she lightly laid a hand on her belly, wondering when she might feel the child move for the first time. Glancing around, she spotted Thay, who appeared to be looking for someone. She wondered if it might be herself, and that seemed confirmed when his eyes met hers and his body appeared to relax a bit.

She wasn't yet sure how she felt about him. Even though she knew he had not willingly participated in her rape, it still gave her nightmares. It was hard to trust him completely, although she found herself drawn to him in a way she didn't understand. She wondered again if this child she carried might be his, and what that would mean to both of them in the future.

Sighing, Rose glanced about again, her eyes coming to rest on Thil this time. There was another tangled mass of feelings, that she wasn't quite sure what to do with. She knew she felt something for him, but was not yet sure what it was. She picked up her mug and took a swallow of her drink, than looked over to her father. Smiling, she thought ~at least that's one person I have no question as to how I feel about~ She was so happy to have found him. And Ari...she was wonderful as well. She felt a deep abiding love for the two of them, and for her Elven kin in general.

Tiredness seemed to wash over her in waves. She felt as if she could fall asleep where she sat, and wondered what was causing it. She had had harder days than this in the past, and had never felt so tired. Stopping to think about it for a moment, she realized it must be the child she carried, pulling energy from her body to grow strong. She smiled again to herself, wondering what this child would be like. Her smile dimmed slightly, thinking of Ari's daughter, and she vowed that the Spider Queen would never get her hairy claws on this child.

 

[Ravenloft]

Thildimar:

Lifting his head and giving the dwarf a sharp look, Thil caught Rose's glance from across the room. For a moment, he felt at ease, and nothing else mattered to him, other than Rose's soft, warm eyes upon him. They she looked away...

He followed the line of her gaze, finding it came to rest upon her father. He smiled a little at that, not even paying attention to the dwarf cutting slowly in on him, where he stood. Then he turned to look back to where the drow, Thay sat. He was looking toward Rose intently. That was when the short peaceful repreive came to an end for Thildimar. His jaw clenched as he watched the boy. The dwarf cut even closer, clapping his hand upon the table top. "Ere now, since when did the high and mighty Elven Nation get into cahoots with them thar filthy goblin kind?" The dwarf asked, challengingly, obviously intoxicated.

Turning his cold gaze upon the dwarf, Thil remained silent, collecting the drinks that were just being delivered. He intended to deliver them to the parties table, and then excuse himself, in the hopes to steal a moment with Rose alone.

 

[Ravenloft]

Giamond:

Sitting with his party, Giamond's thoughts were on the morrow, there was so much that depended upon him, as he was named leader.

His daughter, she seemed to have such inner strength, but he knew there was much that dwelled within her heart that she must strive through.

Ariadne, this mission was her heart, a mission he deeply desired, for her heart was of great concern to him. He loved her so.

And all his brothers, no matter how distant, nor how estranged, their lives would be in his hands all too soon.

In this way, Giamond sat in contimplative silence.

 

[Leetah]

Rose

Rose felt herself slipping into a bit of daze, the weariness consuming her. Topper's head was resting against her, a warm weight, and he appeared to be dozing, apparently feeling safe and comforted in her presence. She felt her Shadows draw near to her, seeming to want her to know they were there, but not speaking to her at present. She smiled gently, feeling grateful for their presence, as always.

She looked around again, and saw Thil standing, waiting to get drinks it appeared. A dwarf was speaking to him loudly in a drunken voice, but she couldn't quite make out what he was saying. Thil appeared to be ignoring him, but she noticed a bit of tension in the line of his body that told her he was not entirely pleased by whatever was being said. Would there be trouble? She felt for her dagger, comforted when her fingertips brushed the handle, although she wasn't sure just how much help she would be at present in the state she was in.

Shaking her head a bit to clear it, or at least attempt to, she kept her eyes riveted on Thil and the dwarf. Topper snorted in his sleep, and snuggled closer against her arm. Gently, she pulled her arm from beneath him, in case she needed to rise quickly, and he made a tiny sound of protest, but did not awaken. Feeling her tension, her Shadows drew nearer to her, waiting themselves to see what would happen shortly.

 

[Jeremy Davis]

::Thay Finally spotted Rose sitting a distance away with Topper. The Inn was getting a bit overcrowded and seeing more enter made Thay decide the best place for him at the moment was outside where he could think about the mission in peace.::

Giamond, this atmosphere is getting the better of me at the moment. I am retreating to the outside where it is cooler and less noisy.

::He offered all those at his table a nod, then glanced once more over at Rose waiting til their eyes met, offering a nod, then stepped outside.

Once outside, the feeling of the cool night air passed over him and Thay relaxed, took a few gulps of his mug, then looked around him watching the people go about their business. Some of the merchants in the marketplace were breaking down their shops readying to move on, others were simply putting their goods away. Here and there a guard unit of three would pass through on their patrol and at the entrance to alleyways and a few huts stood women displaying their "wares" for those passing-by.::

 

[Ravenloft]

Giamond:

"Eh? Oh, certainly, in fact I would greatly appreciate if I might be able to join you, a breath of fresh air would do me a world of good as well." Giamond rose to his feet just as Thay did, but he caught sight of Thildimar at the bar. "You go on ahead Thay, I must... Attend to something... I shall be there shortly." With that, Giamond began toward the bar.

Thildimar:

His jaw clenched, Thil turned to leave with his drinks when all of a sudden the dwarf flailed his arm out, knocking the flagons of ale from Thil's hands. "Aye thar, are ye bloody deaf, ye daft pointy eared... Elf!" Thildimar stood for a moment, ale having slashed across his face and chest, his eyes were like ice as he bared them down upon th dwarf who was glowering up at him drunkenly. His body tensed as his hands balled into fists, the wolves teeth woven in his hair seemed to rattle against one another, like a rattlesnake's tail, of their own accord. Drawing a fiery breath, Thil was about to spring at the dwarf, but a hand clasped upon his shoulder insistantly. He knew without looking that it was Giamond, and was stilled... For the moment.

 

[Leetah]

Rose

Rose remained seated for the moment. She felt other eyes upon her, and momentarily glanced away from Thil, to find her eyes meeting those of Thay. He gave her a nod, then moved out the door and out of sight. She wondered briefly if she should follow him, then wondered why she would think that. Her thoughts were interrupted by the dwarf's voice again, and she turned her eyes back to Thil in time to see the dwarf knock the drinks that Thil carried, splashing him with ale.

Rose saw the expression on his face, and was on her feet in an instant, gathering the Shadows to her. She watched his body tense, his fists clenched and felt her body tighten in anger towards the belligerent dwarf. She was just getting ready to give her Shadows the power to frighten the living daylights out of the Child of Earth, when her father stepped up and laid a hand on Thil's shoulder, staying him from his course of action for the moment. She could tell it took a great deal of his will to keep himself in check, but he was doing it admirably.

She remained standing, feeling too keyed up now to relax into her seat again. She glanced down at Topper, who was curled into a ball and snoring quietly, not even noticing she had moved from his side. She smiled fondly at him, then decided suddenly she needed a breath of fresh air; she was suddenly feeling nauseous. Quickly, she moved toward the door, and into the night air.

Once outside, Rose drew a deep breath, feeling better as soon as the cool air bathed her face. She glanced up at the sky, and then around her. Suddenly, she was conscious of two bright eyes watching her from the shadows, and feeling a bit nervous, drew her own Shadows about her, like a cloak. She met the gaze evenly and simply waited, without speaking.

 

[Jeremy Davis]

::Thay heard the door of the Inn swing open once more, expecting Giamond to come and speak with him about their next moves, he was stunned for a split second to see that it was Rose. Seeing her tense up made him aware that the moonlight and shadows hid his ashen body from her view, and he stepped into the dim light from within the Inn and smiled warmly at her::

Greetings Rose...The Inn get too crowded for you as well I take it?

::As he spoke many thoughts and memories crossed his mind. Would she allow him to be in the child's life if indeed the child was his? How could she after what he had done to her, even if he was not in control of his actions? He knew that Thil had feelings for her and everyone in the group could feel them as well. Only time would answer his questions, and the underlying thought was If the Spider Queen knew of this plot would they all survive the ordeal? No they will survive, they will put the Spider Queen in darkness and they will move on with their lives.::

 

[Leetah]

Rose

Even knowing it was Thay's eyes she had felt did not ease Rose's tension for a few moments. She could feel the Shadows just waiting for her to release them, so they could keep her from harm. Then he smiled warmly at her, his teeth gleaming whitely in the moonlight, and inexplicably she relaxed. She didn't understand why the sight of his smile would cause this, but only knew she had nothing to fear from him. In fact, she felt somewhat glad to see him, another emotion she could not understand in the least. She still had nightmares regarding her experiences in the Underdark, and Thay was often a large part of them, since he had come into the village.

Greetings Rose...The Inn get too crowded for you as well I take it?

She watched him study her, as if trying to gauge her feelings towards him. She was certain he had noticed her body's easing, so he must have some idea that she felt more relaxed with him, even though she could not bring herself to trust him entirely.

"I was feeling a bit ill...I suppose the heat was too much inside. I thought perhaps the cool air would help." Rose explained, running her fingers through her hair. He gave her a quizzical look, and in answer she said, "It has helped, somewhat. I am feeling better. " She paused, then asked. "What about you? " Before he could answer, there was a high-pitched keening from inside the Inn and what sounded like furniture being turned over, and dishes crashing to the floor. Rose and Thay whirled about, as the door burst open, and a wailing Topper came flying out, bumping into Rose's legs, and causing her to fall forward. She would have hit the ground, if not for Thay's arms catching her.

Trembling, Rose knelt beside the goblin, who was sobbing in wheezy gasps. Shushing him, she asked "Topper, what is it? Has someone hurt you?" "Topper wakes up...Rose is gone...Topper not know where she go....Topper must find Rose..." Topper gulped the words out between sobs. "Oh, Topper....." Rose stroked his warty little cheek gently, "I won't leave you alone, I promise. I may leave the room and your sight temporarily, but I won't leave you behind ever. I promise." Topper looked at her tearfully. "Rose promises?" he said doubtfully, and she nodded. "I promise." She paused, then said "It sounded like you caused quite a ruckus in there. Is everything alright?"

Topper looked sheepishly at the ground, tears still running down his face. "Topper not know. He looking so hard for Rose, he not pay attention to where he going. Maybe break some things." Rose sighed heavily, feeling her tension return. Turning to Thay, she said, "I'd better go see what damage he's done. Are you staying here, or do you want to come?"

 

[Jeremy Davis]

" I donnae handle crowds well, I...."

::The loud cry and the sound of crashing caught Thay off guard, but only momentarily, and just as he went to move he saw Topper darting for within the Inn's glow and all but tackle Rose. His momentum carried them both back into Thay and seeing them off balance, Thay caught Rose in his arms, holding her close for what seemed like minutes but was in fact merely seconds, feeling her body against him before helping her back to her feet. Rose consoled Topper as images of what had happened between them in Underdark returned to haunt Thay.

Regaining himself, Thay went to the doorway and looked inside. It seemed the little one toppled the table their party was sitting at, spilling the food and drink on the floor. Scows and murmers of disgust passed many lips within the Inn, and the potencial for an all out brawl within the Inn boiled close to the breaking point.::

I'd better go see what damage he's done. Are you staying here, or do you want to come?

::Thay turned to Rose hearing her voice over the others and waves his hand at her::

I donnae think it would be a good Idea for Topper to go back inside. Seems his outburst caused some to become angry. I will go and send Thil out with you then help Giamond smooth things over with the owner. Hopefully we can leave without a fight.

::Thay turned and entered the Inn, his eyes cautiously scanning everyone he passed knowing that everyone was on the verge of a brawl. He gently laid his hands at his side, the fingers of his left hand toying with the hilt of a dagger tucked in his belt. He reached Thil as he was still at the bar with Giamond, the dwarf still rattling along about Elves and Goblins, Topper's outburst only adding fuel to the drunken barrage spewing from the dwarf's beard covered mouth::

Thil, Rose is outside with Topper, Would you please go out with her and Topper while Giamond and myself speak with the owner?

::Thay chose his words with some caution feeling his presence making Thil tense, but he knew getting Thil outside would protect Rose as well as get him away from the other things making him on the edge of an outburst of his own::

 

[Leetah]

Rose

Thay's voice stopped Rose in her tracks, as she started back in the door of the Inn. I donnae think it would be a good Idea for Topper to go back inside. Seems his outburst caused some to become angry. I will go and send Thil out with you then help Giamond smooth things over with the owner. Hopefully we can leave without a fight. Thinking it over quickly, she nodded in agreement and turned back to the goblin, as the Drow re-entered the building himself. She hoped he was right, and that all would be worked out smoothly.

Topper whimpered again, and she turned her attention to him for the moment. Taking the hem of her cloak, she gently wiped his unlovely face, made even more unlovely by the remnants of his bout of hysteria. Once she had cleaned him up a bit, she took his hand and led him over into the shadows, to sit beside her on a bench. He was perfectly happy now that she was taking care of him again, and leaned against her as they sat there.

"Topper," Rose began earnestly, "This must not happen again, do you understand? We simply cannot afford trouble or to call too much attention to ourselves. Lloth could have spies almost anywhere." The goblin began to whimper again, tears pooling in his eyes, but she shook her head at him. "I'm not angry with you, Dear Heart, I just want to make sure you don't make the same mistake again. Alright?" She ran her hand over the top of his head, thinking how like a child he was. "Topper understand. Topper be good...be quiet. No more trouble."

"Good. That's settled then." Rose gave him a warm smile, then her thoughts turned to Thay's statement that he would send Thil out to her. She found the idea warmed her, and wondered again just what her feelings were concerning Thil. She thought of some of the things that had passed between them, and sighed, wishing for things to be simpler.

 

[Jeremy Davis]

Thay

(Bumps this to the top of the List on ORP for those who wish to read it)