Opposites Attract

[RPerMan]

"Were you ready to get dressed then? I could use some of that breakfast you made, and then we can head out and talk more along the way. I think I gave you the wrong impression about the refugee camp the Princess/Goddess set up. I should tell you more about it as we travel, as much as I know, that is."

“Quite. I hoped you would tell me about it, though I seriously doubt that I can afford to be confined to the camp. There are many in Carrion who anxiously await my return, and I cannot abandon them- But I cannot leave while I’m with you either…” He thought strongly of what he meant to say without offending her.

If only she could glimpse into his mind, like a Carrian Elf… If there was anyone in this world he would open his thoughts to, it was her. And though she seemed to be soaking in his ability, as a sponge soaks up water, she neither controlled, nor realized, nor actually really used it yet.

“If the price to pay to return to my people, without wasting a second of my time with you, is, well, to break out and return to Carrion hunted by Rangers… Then so be it.” He said, picking up his own clothing- though it was debatably some sort of strange armour- and slipping it on slowly, his gaze pinned to Brennisen’s nudity, a chuckle breaking out of his lips as she picked up her binding, and the “o” shape her mouth made when she realized how ironic it was.

He bent down to pick up the meats and fruit, and wrapped them in large flat leaves, which were almost oily, with a waxy texture. They were not edible, not as they were poisonous, but simply impossible to chew without being cooked. Either way, it would compensate for the fact that he hadn’t found any utensils. What more is that they could eat as they travelled. Spare gourds held the cold tea anyhow.

When he looked up, it was his turn to gawk foolishly at his partner. Brennisen had taken her wrap and made it into a revealing, sexy, tempting top. To think she had opened herself so much in such a short time… He blinked, and his bemused expression changed into a grin that showed off his sharp, white teeth.

“You know Isen… That’s a capturing look… It’s going to be hard to actually travel at all.” He said with a content chuckle, handing her a portion of food, as he licked his lip- In regards to the food or her clothing was albeit a mystery.

 

[Annisthyrienne]

Brennisen grinned at the look on Chard's face, her color rising at his comment. For once in her life, she as happy to have such well endowed features. Now it seemed as though her breasts were an attribute to be valued rather than clumsy obstacles that hindered her ability to stand with the other Rangers. They had always set her apart, emphasizing that she was a girl, not a warrior. Now she liked the way that Chard seemed to be pleased with them, with her.

She took the food after shouldering her pack and belting on her scabbard, her falchion in it's accustomed place. Her bow she left on the pack horse for now. Hopefully they would meet up with nothing more dangerous than forest animals that would sooner avoid them than anything. Of course the Gnolls could be a problem, but they were mostly active at night, near dusk especially. Now that it was a clear bright morning, the danger they might pose seemed far from her thoughts.

As she and Chard set off down the trail, side by side, she took a bite of the food, moaning as the flavor hit her mouth. "You cooked this, Chard? It's delicious!" She jostled him in the ribs playfully. "You're a fellow of many talents it seems." she said with a wink. The morning's activities had left her in good spirits, despite her earlier troubling thoughts. She continued eating until the last morsel was savored. Then her thoughts turned back to Chard's confident remarks.

"So you think you could escape us so easily, Chard? It might not be as easy as you think. The refugee colony isn't like a guarded prison though. It's just remote. When the soldiers of Randalee first started encountering runaways from your country, they were mostly farmers and villagers. They were hungry and scared, just wanting to get away from the fighting. They were taken to the dungeons in Randalee only because the soldiers didn't know what else to do with them. It didn't seem right to put them to the blade, according to the stories I heard."

"And there were the problems of ensuring their safety from the citizens who didn't want them in our lands. So the king had them confined. The Princess-Goddess felt partly responsible for the conditions in Carrian destabilizing. She thought that her confrontation with Ravenclaw might have led to his downfall, perhaps because his generals no longer believed in his invincibility. So when he was assassinated, she thought it might have been partially her fault. She asked the King for permission to deal with the refugees, and any future dark elves captured in our kingdom. Now she personally questions every new refugee brought to the kingdom to find out what things are like in Carrian. The refugees are our main source of information about conditions there."

Brennisen paused to glance over at Chard walking beside her. There were no restraints or bonds for him now, he traveled at her side like the friend and companion he now was to her. She noticed his weapons were still on the pack horse, and for that, she was grateful. If anyone from Randalee saw them, it would not look right if he was armed. Still, she made no move to keep him away form them, even letting Chard lead the horse himself. If it came to a fight, she'd want him to arm himself, especially against any other dangers than her own people. She didn't think they would encounter other elves this far out from the city though.

Brennisen continued as they walked along, "Anyhow, the Princess-Goddess came up with the idea to relocate the refugees to a new settlement, far enough away from Randalee that the citizens wouldn't interfere, and yet on the far side of the kingdom from Carrian, so that Randalee forces could offer a deterrent to any reprisals against the refugees from hostile forces from their home. The camp is in a remote place. No one claims that valley except the wild things that live there. It is hard living, completely untamed. But the refugees are making a go of it. It will be a long time until its a thriving community, but it's not a prison at least, and it's not overrun by some new warlord every month."

"I don't know if anyone has tried to leave the camp. I don't know if they would be chased or brought back, unless they tried to return to the heart of the Randalee. That wouldn't be safe for any dark elf, not so soon while things are still uncertain between our people."

Brennisen lapsed into silence, wondering if Chard's suggested plan from earlier in the morning would work. If he went to the colony with the other refugees, he could leave again. He'd have a long and difficult journey to make it back home, and it would take weeks perhaps. But she didn't know if he would be pursued by soldiers intent on bringing him back. If he were discovered by patrols, he might be recaptured again though. Brennisen wondered if someone were sent to bring him back, if she could manage to be assigned to the task. If she were to simply fail to return from such a mission.....no one could accuse her of any treachery. They would think she'd been the unfortunate victim of a desperate fugitive. And she could stay with Chard.