|
|
Post by Koloblicin on Apr 29, 2007 22:08:50 GMT -5
Gildor burst into a string of inappropriate words. "Th-that little-!!" He stopped speaking for a moment, seemingly restraining himself from further profanities. "She bloody ran off with my staff!"
At that time Arsen began to nervously paw the ground as though he was getting spooked. Then he began to twitch, soon after the ground began to shift slightly. Despite Amerylis' efforts to calm the horse he continued to lash about. Arabelle instinctivly tensed and almost reached for her weapons off the ground.
As suddenly as the small tremors had started they stopped once again. Gildor slumped against Arsen as though he was exhausted. "Sorry to c-cut this all short, but... it seems I have a need to reach Furnost and... a-and a need find Cirtothiel... qu-quickly.".
Amerylis shortly began to move forward leading Arsen with his reins and Farid followed her. Arabelle quickly placed her weapons back to there usual places and then hurried after them. She thought it would look suspicious to go running off before the group had fully decided that she was not with the Empire. Plus, she still wanted to know what they were doing out here, so much for not making the same mistake twice...
After a short walk Amerylis noticed Cirtolthiel. She quickly ripped the staff out of her hands and paused as though she was about to hit her. Instead she went back to Arsen and reassured Gildor that the staff was close to him. "Here is your staff. It seems Cirtolthiel got bored and decided it was best to return. I hope her excursion wasn't too tiring." She tied the staff onto the saddle and said, "There. Now it's right beside you. " She patted Gildor's leg and then began to lead Arsen once more. "Gildor? Really....I'm so..sorry...about that...I..." she gulped and continued, "Okay, as ridiculous as this sound, I...forgot...about the staff. And I apologize for storming off with it like that," she turned to the rest, "Actually, I'd like to apologize to everyone for running off. It's not like me to do that."
Farid, the one Arabelle really hadn't noticed until this point, watched the on goings then, after it had ended, he grinned at Arabelle. "Care to join me?" he said as he linked thier arms. He sadly nodded at Cirtolthiel and then continued on essentially forcing Arabelle to go with him now.
Amerylis pulled off the path and everyone proceded to cover themselves. She pulled up her hood and then went to lean against a tree.
|
|
|
|
Post by Gildor on Apr 29, 2007 22:57:04 GMT -5
To Gildor's relief, they began moving again almost immediately after his request, and quickly too. He had no energy left to spend feeling out the presences of his traveling companions, so he was uncertain as to whether or not Miss Arabelle had decided to accompany them to Furnost. It didn't matter to him, though. He hadn't felt this tired, blind, drained, disgruntled, and oblivious to his surroundings since his last visit to an elvish healer... and that was a little over one-hundred-and-seventy years ago.
Right after they began to move once again, Amerylis abruptly halted Arsen, and Gildor had to grip the front of the saddle tightly to keep himself from slipping off. "What happe-?" he began to ask, but cut himself short. Gildor's lips parted slightly in relieved puzzlement as the familiarly smooth wood of his staff brushed against his hand. Unable to help himself, he let out a long, utterly relieved sigh.
"Here is your staff," Amerylis told him, then added in an overly sarcastic voice, "It seems Cirtolthiel got bored and decided it was best to return. I hope her excursion wasn't too tiring."
Before he could rearrange himself in the saddle to grasp the wood, Amerylis pulled it away. "What are you-?" he cut himself short again as he heard a rope knot being tightened. "There. Now it's right beside you," Amerylis said with a reassuring pat. He murmured a soft, "Thank you," in return as they began to move quickly again. There was a hint of embarrassment in his tone as well... perhaps because he had panicked so dramatically over almost nothing.
"Gildor?" Cirtolthiel called meekly from beside him. He made no effort whatsoever to acknowledge her. "Really... I'm so... sorry... about that... I...." She sounded as though she was either trying hard to keep up with Arsen's pace, or trying hard to keep herself from crying. Maybe it was a little of both. He continued to ignore her, and she continued to apologize... As ridiculous as this sounds, I... forgot... about the staff. And I apologize for storming off with it like that. Actually, I'd like to apologize to everyone for running off. It's not like me to do that."
Gildor knew it was an honest mistake, and he knew she was deeply sorry and humiliated for what she had done. He himself was humiliated for throwing such a panicked fit as he did. Being so tired and cranky probably had something to do with it. Still, he couldn't bring himself to speak to Cirtolthiel at the moment. He needed some time to calm down and cool off. Perhaps he'd apologize in the morning, if he woke up that soon... but first he would need a place to either stay the night or spread out his bedroll.
Eventually Cirtolthiel fell silent. Everyone fell silent, actually. The whole group seemed very tense. He secretly hoped poor Arabelle wasn't still with them, as they were all making a horrible first impression. After traveling with Arsen's quick trotting pace for a deadly silent half-league, Amerylis slowed him to a walk and finally to a halt. Since everyone was still being quiet, Gildor was left to wonder what they had stopped for by himself. He waited for an explanation, but his only answer was the sound of rustling cloak fabric, and that was no help.
"Why have we stopped?" he finally asked, trying not to sound too upset over being forgotten.
|
|
|
|
Post by Amerylis on Apr 30, 2007 6:19:25 GMT -5
"Why have we stopped?" Amerylis was pulled away from her thoughts. She looked up to Gildor and smiled for the first time ine a while. "We have to get out our cloaks. We are near the gates, it's getting dark, and I don't think the guards would let in a hord of elves and.." She looked to Arabelle, who had apparently desided to accompany them. "Her." She said coming to a loss for words, wishing she would have listened to her introduction.
Amerylis untied the staff and held it in grabbing range of Gildor. "There. Now you can get down, if you need to. It's right in front of you if you need it, so don't worry." She said, looking through Farid's bags with the other hand. She found his traveling cloak and tossed it to him. She then pulled everyone's bags off Arsen's back, still only using one hand.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Gildor? Really... I'm so... sorry... about that... I.... As ridiculous as this sounds, I... forgot... about the staff. And I apologize for storming off with it like that. Actually, I'd like to apologize to everyone for running off. It's not like me to do that."
Farid listened silently as she apologized to everyone. As she came back to him, a suprised looked washed over her face, which was quickly covered. Oh now you want me? He thought, biting his lip to keep it in. When Gildor's ignoring you, THAT'S when you come back to poor little Farid?
He continued on thinking these things till he realized Arabelle was stopping beside him. Farid cursed himself for being such a bad host and not speaking with her. As they turned into the grove, he looked over to her and began making idle chit-chat while Amerylis was speaking to Gildor, who was oblivious to what was going on. "So where did you say you where from?" He asked, looking past her to Cirtolthiel.
He took a step to her, then thought better of it, after all he was still mad. He turned just in time to catch his traveling cloak that his sister had thrown at him, then turned back to listen to Arabelle. Another playful grin danced across his face as he forced himself to forget about Cirtolthiel for now.
|
|
|
|
Post by Cirtolthiel on Apr 30, 2007 16:11:13 GMT -5
Despite her efforts to apologize, Gildor pointedly ignored her. No one else wanted to accept her apology either. This boosted Cirtolthiel's mood even lower, and they finally reached the gates. Amerylis helped Gildor get down while Farid chatted with Arabelle. No, Cirtolthiel just didn't have a place to talk to anyone right now. She watched everyone retrieve their cloaks, and she followed suit.
Tugging the black cloak around her shoulders, her hair caught in front of her face. She sighed, remembering that she had to do something about it. Murmuring a few magic words, her hair gradually became brown with gentle waves. She concealed her ears with it carefully, and turned to the others.
"I have altered my appearance temporarily for our visit here," she looked to each of their faces, then shrugged. "Just remember that I'm a brunette now." She glanced at the sky, still rather moody. The silence of the group wasn't helping either. She then remembered an idea to make up for her mistake. Quietly, she strode over to Gildor, who was gripping his staff tightly and though he was still looking weary.
"Hey," she said softly. "I know you're not exactly energized right now, so would you like a guide? Unless, you're all set with your staff," she added quickly. All her intentions were to make up for her mistake, not make Farid jealous, or even Amerylis for that matter. She stepped back lightly, preparing for a retort from Gildor. Maybe offering hadn't been such a good idea.
|
|
|
|
Post by Gildor on Apr 30, 2007 21:14:25 GMT -5
We have to get out our cloaks," Amerylis explained patiently, "We are near the gates, it's getting dark, and I don't think the guards would let in a horde of elves and... Her."
"You mean Miss Arabelle," Gildor corrected, having remembered her name despite the fit he threw after her introduction. So she had come along with them after all. They were probably scaring her to death, what with how peculiar they were all acting. Well... that wasn't exactly a new thing for Gildor. He always did something weird to almost everyone he met.
Still moody and tired as ever, he slowly undid the stirrups and dismounted. As soon as his boots hit the ground, Amerylis was there with his staff in hand, which he grasped immediately. There was such... nothingness on the ground, which was something he wasn't used to. He knew there were trees around them, and he knew the town was somewhere nearby, but... without using magic, he was completely unaware as to exactly where they were. He could use his staff to find his way for the most part, but it would be an awkward and slow way to get around in unfamiliar territory. He undid the ties on Arsen's saddle to retrieve his travel bag while wondering how he was going to overcome this. He had just thrown the the single strap over his shoulder and across his chest when Cirtolthiel's voice spoke up timidly from beside him.
"Hey... I know you're not exactly energized right now, so would you like a guide? Unless, you're all set with your staff."
Gildor had to stop himself from inhaling sharply in utter disgust at the proposition. She had just run off with his staff, almost leaving him entirely helpless, (though he knew and understood it was an honest mistake) and now she was proposing she lead him around like his mother had? The nerve!
"Absolutely n-!!" Gildor began to exclaim, but a small, sensible voice in the back of his head commanded him to stop. The angered furrow in his brows deepened as he shut his eyelids and let out a deep, slow breath. He stood in silence for a solid minute, his staff held out in front of him with both hands, his head bowed in thought. When he moved again, he didn't say anything. He simply opened his travel satchel and rummaged through one of the smaller pockets until he pulled out a long strip of white linen. Resting his staff against his shoulder, he tied the linen around his head and over his eyes, being careful to make sure the tips of his ears were covered by the makeshift blindfold. When he was finished, he picked up his staff in his right hand again and sighed.
"Would I like a guide? No," he finally answered, and firmly. However, that firm tone disappeared as he continued, and was slowly replaced with a more... broken one. "Do I need a guide? For the time being, yes," he admitted sullenly.
It was with bitter acceptance that Gildor then held out his left arm for Cirtolthiel link hers with. He was still upset, but he was not, however, about to keep this chance for Cirtolthiel to regain his trust from her. He was stuck on this mission to regain his own trust to the Varden, after all. It was only fair to give her a second chance.
|
|
|
|
Post by Koloblicin on Apr 30, 2007 21:45:09 GMT -5
Gildor asked why they stopped and Amerylis answered him saying, "We have to get out our cloaks. We are near the gates, it's getting dark, and I don't think the guards would let in a hord of elves and..." she stopped and looked at Arabelle as though she disapproved of her presence, "Her." Arabelle shifted uncomfortably under Amerylis' gaze and then turned away from her eyes, Arabelle hadn't really expected an elf to be so... not so much cold, but...
Amerylis helped down Gildor and conversed with him when Farid asked, "So where did you say you where from?" Arabelle was grateful for the distraction from Amerylis, although she wished t had been on a different topic. She was about to answer but the words caught in her throat when the memories of what had happened to her tribe popped into her head. She cleared her throat and took a little breath, "I come from the Hadarac Desert, even though I no longer live there it will always be my home." She returned Farid's grin with a little smile of her own, then with those thoughts of her home back in her mind Arabelle realized that her dark skin was sure to raise some questions at the gate, as such she made sure she could cover as much of herself as possible in her cloak.
Arabelle looked over at Cirtolthiel when she started to speak, " I have altered my appearance temporarily for our visit here." Arabelle sighed mentally, "I wish I could do that," she thought. Cirtolthiel continued, "Just remember that I'm a brunette now." Cirtolthiel looked at the sky and then walked over to Gildor, speaking ot him in hushed tones.
"Absolutely n-!!" he began to exclaim. He then sighed and sat silent for a minute, a long and very awkward minute. He tied a blindfold over his eyes, careful to also cover his ear tips with the blindfold, then he spoke again. "Would I like a guide? No," he said in a harsh tone, then he softned it and spoke again, "Do I need a guide? For the time being, yes." He held out his arm for Cirtolthiel, the only thing Arabelle thought was missing was him rolling his eyes like a teenager. The mental image made her smile a little wider.
Turning back to Farid Arabelle asked, "So where are you from?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Amerylis on May 1, 2007 6:29:38 GMT -5
((Amerylis wasn't being mean. She just didn't catch her name and was trying to refrian from using human or anything like that...  )) "I come from the Hadarac Desert, even though I no longer live there it will always be my home." Farid nodded. It sure did explain alot. He followed her gaze to Cirtolthiel and Gildor, who were now link as he and Arabelle had been. His face flushed in anger, but he forced himself to look away. "So where are you from?" Farid forced a playful smile. " Where would you like to begin?" He asked with a laugh. "I was born in the dwarvish city, Furthen Dur. When I was young I moved around alot," He said pulling his cloak over him ." My mother was in the army and I traveled with her since I know not who my father is." He explained. "Then when I was in my early thirty's I moved to Ellesmera and stayed with Amerylis." He added nodding over his shoulder. By Cirtolthiel's lead, he mumbled a few short sentences in the Ancient Language, bowing his head. When he looked back up and took off his hood, his hair had turned a dark black. Unfortunately brown hair still coursed through it. He shrugged and ran his hand through it, exposing his ears for a brief second. He linked his and Arabelle's arms as he heard Amerylis ask if they were all ready. "Aye." He called. ------------------------------------------------------------ "You know you're not exactly energized right now, so would you like a guide? Unless, you're all set with your staff." Amerylis held back an amused laugh. She bit her lower lip and went back to searching through the bags to see what supplies were needed. "Absolutely n-!!" Right on cue. Wait. Why'd he stop? Amerylis looked over her shoulder curiously. He wasn't seriously considering letting her guide him? She watch him till he spoke up again "Would I like a guide? No. Do I need a guide? For the time being, yes." Amerylis turned back, bewildered. She made a mental note of what they needed and stood up and turned to face Gildor and Cirt. She forced herself not to look angry or amazed, both of which she was. Gildor had looped his arm through hers. Amerylis straightened and cleared her throat. "Everyone ready?" Amerylis gazed over to Farid and Arabelle, who had obviously gotten acquainted. She suddenly felt alone, and to her dissatifaction, pity for Cirtolthiel who had obviously felt this way since her return. |
|
|
|
Post by Cirtolthiel on May 1, 2007 15:27:43 GMT -5
"Absolutely n-!!" Gildor began to shout. Cirtolthiel winced, she had been ready for this blow. But why had he stopped? "Would I like a guide? No." Cirtolthiel lowered her eyes sadly; this what exactly what she had been expecting.
"Okay, I gue-"
"Do I need a guide? For the time being, yes," he continued quite bitterly. Cirtolthiel raised her eyesbrows, surprised he had accepted her offer. Cautiously, she took a step to him. He held out his arm for her to loop through.
"Mmhm. Just tell me when you don't need me anymore," she said kindly, and looped through his arm, making sure she wasn't too close. She forced her face to be completely emotionless. After all, she was only doing this because of her mistake, nothing more. Well, that was what she kept telling herself anyways. She shifted a bit. They set through the gates after affirming that everyone was set.
After a few blocks or so, night had undoubtedly fallen. They needed a place to stay, and through the show veiled streets Cirtolthiel spotted an inn on a corner and pointed this out. "Oh, good, it has a bar too," she sighed. Today had been rough, and a little drink was exactly what she needed. She had no question her mind that everyone else was probably thinking the same thing. Slowly moving towards the inn, she guided Gildor and lead the others. They reached the door, and Cirtolthiel drew her arm away. "After you, Amerylis," she said politely, then nudged the others to follow her inside.
|
|
|
|
Post by Gildor on May 1, 2007 19:29:32 GMT -5
Gildor didn't have to hold his arm out for as long as he thought he did. Although hesitantly at first, Cirtolthiel linked her arm cleverly with his so that his hand was resting on top of hers. This way he would feel her lead the moment she moved in any given direction. Hmph... perhaps she wouldn't be too bad of a guide. There was nothing worse than being manhandled, in Gildor's opinion at least.
"Just tell me when you don't need me anymore," she said gently when she took his arm, to which he nodded curtly in reply.
"Everyone ready?" Amerylis called, interrupting the idle chattering voices of Farid and Arabelle somewhere behind them. Gildor listened as he heard Arsen being led away, then began to walk forward with Cirtolthiel as she began to move. He took care of all the rocks, protruding roots, and any other obstacles in his way by feeling out the ground with his staff; he only needed Cirtolthiel there for directional purposes. Once the roots gave way to soft dirt and a stone step here or there, he guessed they must have passed the guards at the town gates without problem. Not much later he confirmed his guess as correct as tavern music tickled his ear from a short distance away. Cirtolthiel pointed the tavern out shortly after he noticed the music.
"Oh, good, it has a bar too," she said as though relieved. Gildor raised an eybrow half-covered by his blindfold. He thought of asking what else a place with music like that would be, but then realized she might not have been able to hear the music from as far away as he did. He assumed the other part of the bar she was talking about was an inn, or at least he certainly hoped it was an inn. He needed a place to pass out for a while... For quite a while, actually.
Once they reached the tavern door, Cirtolthiel waited for the others to file in before following, then carefully lead Gildor up the two steps to the doorway. The sharp violins, flutes, and drums were coming from one corner of the room, and although the usual laughter and merriment found in any bar surrounded, it didn't seem like it was going to be too wild of a night. He felt Cirtolthiel stop as the sound of chair legs scraping against the wood floor hit his ears. Apparently they had found an empty table with enough seating for everyone.
|
|
|
|
Post by Amerylis on May 1, 2007 20:57:25 GMT -5
"After you, Amerylis."
Amerylis had barely noticed where they were. She quickly picketed Arsen and curtsied playfully to Cirtolthiel, already in a better mood since there was mead around. Mead that they were all in desperate need for.
She pushed her way through the crowd, which seemed to part when they noticed the large caravan which followed her. She found a vacant table in the rear or the bar and made her way to it hastily. She pulled out a seat for her, one for Gildor, and on the other, side one for Cirtolthiel, in an attempt to make up for her rudeness earlier. Make that for her rudeness on the whole trip.
She watched as everyone was seated and motioned for the tall brunette bar maid who could pass off for a twin of the newly brunette Cirtolthiel. "What can I do for ya?" She asked politely, eying Gildor. Amerylis didn't know whether it was his blindfold, or if the maiden was interested in something... else.
"How about a round of mead for everyone. On me." She told the waitress. The bar maiden nodded and left in the direction of the bar. "That is if everyone is okay with it." She added, not thinking anyone would mind. Free booze.
After the girl returned with six glasses in hand, and Amerylis payed, she took a sip. It wasn't that bad. Better than most. The brewer knew what he was doing. "So. I say we split a room. Gildor obviously needs rest, as do the rest of us." She said, taking another sip briefly afterward.
Farid downed some of his mead. "So what WERE you doing to get so exhausted?" He asked. Amerylis shot him a "that private business, don't meddle" look. He shrugged. "Don't look at me like that, Rilly, you were thinking it." A loud thud was heard from under the table followed by a soft "Ow!" from Farid, letting everyone.
Amerylis scowled at the nickname he had given her so long ago, hoping no one would pick up on it and start calling her that. She took a long sip fro the glass and set it down with another thud.
|
|
|
|
Post by Koloblicin on May 1, 2007 22:00:08 GMT -5
"Where would you like to begin?" He asked, laughing. "I was born in the dwarvish city, Furthen Dur. When I was young I moved around alot," He pulled his cloak over himself." My mother was in the army and I traveled with her since I know not who my father is." He explained. "Then when I was in my early thirty's I moved to Ellesmera and stayed with Amerylis." After Cirtolthiel had changed her hair Farid followed suit muttering a few sentnces in the Ancient Language. Now Arabelle really wished she could do that...
Arabelle shifted her cloak about as much of her as she could when Amerylis cleared her throat, "Everyone ready?" Arabelle offered Farid her arm. He linked with her arm and answered with an affirmative "Aye." After the remainder had also confirmed that they were ready they went through the city gates. The guards seemed to not take notice of Arabelle's dark skin. She thought it was odd, but rather than questioning a blessing she put it out of her mind.
By now the nights veil of shadow had fallen over the city of Furnost, although they did not walk in complete darkness due to the light that poured from various buildings and taverns along the road. The group walked several more blocks when Cirtolthiel spotted an inn on the corner of one of the streets. "Oh good," she commented, "it has a bar too." Arabelle chuckled to herself, she didn't think many elves, if any at all, would be drinkers. Cirtolthiel led the rest of them to the door and held it open for them, "After you, Amerylis." Amerylis led the way in. As Arabelle walked by she smiled and nodded thankfully to Cirtolthiel for holding open the door. They soon got a table and seated themselves.
After they were all comfortably seated Amerylis waved over a bar maid who asked what she could do for them, although from her eyeing Gildor she though it was more what she could do for him... Amerylis ordered a round of mead for them all and asked if any of them would object. No one did.
The bar maid returned shortly with six glasses. Amerylis was the first to take a sip, she seemed to enjoy it so Arabelle picked up her glass and took a small sip. Arabelle had never drunk much liquor before, perhaps it wasn't the best idea to have all that much, of course what could it hurt?
As Arabelle took her first large swallow of the night, Amerylis suggested that they split a room saying that they all needed the rest particularly Gildor. "I agree, she said eyeing Gildor sympathetically, "We could all use some rest." Farid had taken a large swallow as well, "So what WERE you doing to get so exhausted?" The question was obviously pointed at Gildor. Amerylis shot him a warning glance, Farid responded verbally, "Don't look at me like that, Rilly, you were thinking it." A 'thud' came from beneath the table, following which Farid muttered a soft 'Ow'. Arabelle was wondering exactly what Farid had meant, but she remembered that when she had been following them Gildor had gone of for a rather long period of time while the rest had swam. Although she was curious she decided it not wise to pursue the matter especially when she was on rather thin ice with pretty much all of the group, she was suprised that they had let her to come with them this far. Instead of asking what Gildor had been doing Arabelle turned to Farid, "You said you lived in Ellesmera, whats it like?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Cirtolthiel on May 3, 2007 13:54:05 GMT -5
They filed into the tavern, and were seated almost immediately. Amerylis pulled out chairs, and Cirtolthiel paused for a moment in surprise. But she sat down, thanked her, and waited. Sure enough, a waitress came by. She looked at each of them one by one, though Cirtolthiel noticed that her gaze lingered just for a second longer over Gildor. Cirtolthiel chuckled to herself, it seemed that everyone was....curious about him.
"How about a round of mead for everyone. On me." Amerylis said, looking around at everyone. Cirtolthiel smiled in thanks, then tucked her money pouch away. Mead was fine with her, though it wasn't her absolute favorite. Too bad they didn't serve faelnirv.
The waitress returned with six mugs. Cirtolthiel sipped hers, and paused for a moment afterwards, considering the taste. Could be better, she decided. The group was oddly quiet for the moment, until Amerylis decided to break the ice. Again.
"So. I say we split a room. Gildor obviously needs rest, as do the rest of us," she said casually. Cirtolthiel nodded.
"Yes, today has felt unusually long," Cirtolthiel said, but not going into further details. Everyone knew why already. She lowered her eyes, definitely not wanting to pursue the subject. Luckily, Farid drew the attention away.
"So what WERE you doing to get so exhausted?" he asked rather loudly, and Crtolthiel looked up. Oh, he was talking to Gildor. She took another sip, interested, and curious to know the answer as well. But Cirtolthiel caught gilmpse of the glare that Amerylis gave Farid. He shrugged, then said, "Don't look at me like that, Rilly, you were thinking it." Amerylis kicked him, and Cirtolthiel took a gulp of her mead to conceal her laughing. She wasn't laughing at Amerylis' nickname - on the contrary, she had a feeling if she ever called Amerylis that she would chop Cirtolthiel's arm off right on the spot. She gulped again and yawned once she got her mug down.
"I'm going to have to turn in soon," she informed them, growing sleepier by the second. The tang of alcohol still prodded her awake though. She shifted slightly.
|
|
|
|
Post by Gildor on May 3, 2007 14:32:38 GMT -5
Gildor didn't release Cirtolthiel's hand until he found exactly where the chair Amerylis pulled out for him was located. He murmured a soft, "Thank you," before letting go, setting his bag down, and seating himself... and once he did, he was practically gone.
In Gildor's groggy head, the lively bar music blended with the idle chatter around them until everything sounded like one, long, indistinguishable buzz. This usually never happened when he was sober, but he was so tired his mind was willing to make an exception. Had he been alone like he was for his usual missions, he would have passed out right then and there at the table. When this happened, he was typically taken for a sick drunkard not even the tavern owner would come near. But he was with company now, most of whom were ladies. It was all he could do to keep himself sitting upright.
Through the blended buzzing he heard Amerylis order mead, he heard the tray of mugs being delivered, he heard one of the them being placed in front of him, he heard her, Arabelle, and Cirtothiel chatting about possibly getting a room... he just didn't take much notice of it.
"So what WERE you doing to get so exhausted?"
Gildor slowly slipped out of his trance and lifted his head slightly. When Farid wanted to draw attention, he certainly had a loud way of doing it, and that sort of question could only have been directed at him. Farid said something else to Amerylis, (or was it 'Rilly'?), and whatever it was got him kicked from under the table - Gildor didn't catch exactly what it was he said. He was busy trying to gather his fuzzy thoughts.
"I already told you what I was doing," he answered irritably, though only because he was more than a little tired and grumpy. "I was searching for egg. It takes a lot of magic, the way I go about it," he explained roughly, not wanting to go into any of the finer details. "It took a toll on me, but I now know the egg nowhere within a ten league radius of this area. We need to travel farther... north..." he trailed off there and covered his mouth to hide a wide yawn.
Funny... all the time he speak sitting quietly and talking bitterly, he hadn't once touched his mead.
|
|
|
|
Post by Amerylis on May 3, 2007 17:11:46 GMT -5
"You said you lived in Ellesmera, whats it like?"
Farid held back a laugh. "Depends on who you ask." He gave gave her playful smile over the rim of his mug before pressing it to his lips and taking a small sip. "I found it boring and lonely. Not what all the stories make it out to be." He paused to take another sip, this one quiet longer than the other. "The only intresting places really are the training feilds. And of course the Blood-Oath celebration."
He turned his attention back to Gildor as he began to speak. "-already told you what I was doing. I was searching for egg. It takes a lot of magic, the way I go about it. It took a toll on me, but I now know the egg nowhere within a ten league radius of this area. We need to travel farther... north..."
Farid shrugged. "North is fine. I'm just along for the ride." He took another sip and turned back to Arabelle. "So besides hot, what's the desert like?" He asked.
------------------------------------------------------------------
"I'm going to have to turn in soon." Amerylis (most definatly NOT Rilly --;; ) grinned. "As will I." She took a long swig of her drink, hoping to drown out the music and the chatter that coutinued to grow louder.
She looked to Gildor as he bagan to talk. "I already told you what I was doing. I was searching for egg. It takes a lot of magic, the way I go about it.It took a toll on me, but I now know the egg nowhere within a ten league radius of this area. We need to travel farther... north..."
Unlike Farid, Amerylis actually cared where she was headed, and wished she had a map. "And what is north?" She asked, feeling dumb for not knowing. She took a sip of the mead and looked to Cirt.
"Cirtolthiel would you like to acompany me to the stables? Arabelle care to join?" She downed the rest of her mead and yawned slightly. She smiled pleasantly to the two of them.
|
|
|
|
Post by Kaala on May 4, 2007 23:15:08 GMT -5
Kaala quietly followed the group, listening to the silence that reined. She put herself on auto pilot and walked aimlessly, deep in thought. She clutched her hand tightly around the gold medallion. She shook her head and resolved to sell it while in town, till then? She unclasped the chain and fastened it around her neck, the small added weight seeming to fit her perfectly. With a small sigh she focused once more to realise that they had come to a stop at the city gates. She gratefully took her cloak from Amerylis and donned it. A few muttered words later a brown haired, blue eyed woman pulled a hood over her head, hiding a pair of pointed ears.
She walked beside the group, taking note of the look on Amerylis’ face as Cirtothiel offered to lead Gildor. She turned slightly and cast a glance at Farid and, what had she called herself? Oh yes, Arabelle. Funny that she was the only one there with no Elvin blood in her. Kaala shook her head and as soon as they were past the guards, released her spell. She sighed in relief at the feeling of what felt like a mask being taken off tingled her senses.
She followed Amerylis into the bar and sat herself in one of the seats at the table. She sat tense for a moment until she was sure it wouldn’t crumple under her weight. She sat back and relaxed. She sipped the mead and sighed as the warm liquid traced it’s way down her throat. As she finished her drink she rose. “I think I will excuse myself for a bit.” She said, making her way from the group and heading outside, missing the conversation that followed. She sat on the edge of the porch, her thoughts seeming like a jumbled mess. She began to doze as a figure made it’s way out of the bar.
|
|
|
|
Post by Koloblicin on May 5, 2007 0:11:25 GMT -5
After Farid asked why Gildor was so exhausted Gildor replied, seeming rather irritated. "I already told you what I was doing. I was searching for egg. It takes a lot of magic, the way I go about it. It took a toll on me, but I now know the egg nowhere within a ten league radius of this area. We need to travel farther... north..." Arabelle quickly thought about what was in the north. "North is rather vague, do you have a specific place in mind?"
Arabelle asked Farid what Ellesmara was like. "Depends on who you ask." He continued, "small sip. "I found it boring and lonely. Not what all the stories make it out to be. the other. "The only intresting places really are the training feilds. And of course the Blood-Oath celebration." He then announced that North was fine with him and that he was just along for the ride. Then he turned ack to Arabellle, "So besides hot, what's the desert like?" Arabelle considered it for a moment then replied, " That too would depend on who you ask, although not many people know much of the Hadarac and its peoples. Once you get past the heat the desert is actually quite beautiful, especially the sunrises and sunsets..." Arabelle's voice trailed off as a wave of homesickness washed over her. She held the tears and swallowed the lump in her throat and continued, "Perhaps I could take you and the others there sometime and show you the desert. The oasises, my tribe, other tribes... Well that is if we were lucky enough to see another tribe... Anyway, I think you'd really like the Hadarac."
Cirtolthiel spoke up and said that she needed to sleep soon. Arabelle stifled a small yawn and realized that she too needed to sleep. But rather than just go and turn in she decided to be polite and wait for the rest of them to be ready. Kaala then spoke up, "I think I will excuse myself for a bit." Arabelle wondered why she had been so preoccupied for so long. The entire trek to Furnost she had been absorbed in her own thoughts. She disregarded it and looked at it as unimportant.
Arabelle glanced over to see Amerylis drain the remaining contents of her mug and then let out a little yawn. "Cirtolthiel would you like to acompany me to the stables? Arabelle care to join?" Amerylis smiled at them. Arabelle decided this might be a good of time as any to get to know both Amerylis and Cirtolthiel. "I'll join you." she stated simply.
|
|
|
|
Post by Cirtolthiel on May 5, 2007 16:32:11 GMT -5
Cirtolthiel's eyes were slowly on their journey to being completely shut when Gildor finally decided to answer Farid. "I already told you what I was doing. I was searching for egg. It takes a lot of magic, the way I go about it. It took a toll on me, but I now know the egg nowhere within a ten league radius of this area. We need to travel farther... north..." Gildor finished by yawning widely. Cirtolthiel took another sip of her mead and nodded.
"So that's why you're so tired," she murmured. Using magic - especially large amounts of magic - always recoiled on the user, and Gildor must have used quite a lot of magic to become that tired. Cirtolthiel wondered briefly why she hadn't felt the magic's presence, but she wiped that thought away while rubbing her eyes.
"And what is north?" Amerylis asked curiously.
Soon though, she met Cirtolthiel's gaze. "Cirtolthiel would you like to acompany me to the stables? Arabelle care to join?" There was a note of intention in her voice that Cirtolthiel heard. Cirtolthiel took a sip then glanced around, seeing that Kaala was missing. Hmm.
"Yes, yes, I'll come," Cirtolthiel said wearily. Arabelle voiced her acception a few seconds after, and Cirtolthiel gulped her mead a few more times. The alcohol was easing and pleasant. She set down her half-finished mug and stood up from the table, waiting for Amerylis to stand too. "Well, let's see what's at those stables.." she said, stretching her arms.
|
|
|
|
Post by Amerylis on May 6, 2007 17:58:47 GMT -5
" That too would depend on who you ask, although not many people know much of the Hadarac and its peoples. Once you get past the heat the desert is actually quite beautiful, especially the sunrises and sunsets...Perhaps I could take you and the others there sometime and show you the desert. The oasises, my tribe, other tribes... Well that is if we were lucky enough to see another tribe... Anyway, I think you'd really like the Hadarac."
Farid shrugged. "Perhaps I would." He stated simply. He drank a few more sips of his mead and watched as Arabelle and Cirt rose. At some point Kaala had left the group, but he didn't know when.
-----------------------------------------
Amerylis nodded when Arabelle and Cirt agreed to go. Cirt stood and streched. "Well, let's see what's at those stables.." She noded agian and stood. She tossed a few crowns to Farid. "Pay for the room. Make sure he gets up there okay. And you get some yourself." She said to him, not as an order moreless as a suggestion. She pushed in her chair and started to the door , motioning the others to follow.
----------------------------------------------------
Farid grabbed the coins and added a few more for himself, then flagged down another bar maid to pay for a room for a night, though from the looks of Gildor, they may be there a while. He shook Gildor gently to wake him.
The bar maid guided them to their room, giving them awkward glances, since Farid was guiding Gildor as Cirtolthiel had. After she left, and Farid guided Gildor to the bed, he quickly set out his bedroll in the middle of the floor, leaving the women to fight over the bed.
---------------------------------------------
Once the band of women had exited the tavern, Amerylis noticed Kaala. She tapped her on the shoulder and motioned down the road to the stabbles. "You coming?" She said while untieing Arsen. She looked back anxiously to the tavern , thinking she made a mistake by leaving the two men alone, then continued down the road.
"Listen, Cirtolthiel. I wanted to say sorry about how I acted earlier. I came off as a... well I wasn't the nicest person. " She said glancing to Cirt. "<I'm sorry. I really am,>" she said in the ancient language to prove her point.
------------------------------------------------------
Farid shifted uncomfortably, looking to Gildor. There had to be a reason Amerylis left them alone, or else she had gone insane. He sighed. "Obviously... your tired so I'll make this quick." He took a long, overly dramatic sigh. "I-i'm sorry."
|
|
|
|
Post by Gildor on May 7, 2007 14:36:01 GMT -5
"And what is north?" Amerylis asked. Gildor barely heard her. The buzz of the bar around him was becoming more and more nondescript with each passing minute.
"What's north?" he repeated, sounding a little irritated, then answered, "Where we're going in the morning." Could he be anymore vague? Well... he probably could. He actually couldn't really remember what was north at the moment. Just a protruding edge of the Hadarac, and the Guarding Forest much farther beyond it... maybe.
After getting her unclear answer, Amerylis seemed content enough to take her horse to the stables... along with everyone else. Well, everyone except her brother. Gildor scowled sleepily, (which was really just a small, tired frown) when all the ladies agreed to accompany her. Why was it that girls had to do every little thing in packs? She left Farid with some suggested orders and money to pay for a room upstairs, then left with Cirtolthiel and Arabelle following behind her.
She honestly expects her brother to lead me up a flight of stairs without trying to kill me? Gildor couldn't help but think perhaps Amerylis was crazier than he was rumored to be. Leaving him alone with Farid was just asking for a few broken bones and bruised eyes... or at least it would have been had Gildor been feeling energized enough to put up a fight. Needless to say, he was surprised to find Farid's guidance up the stairs and to the room to be exceedingly careful and kind. Without a word, he helped Gildor out of his seat once he had his staff in hand and his bag over his shoulder, then linked their right and left arms together as Cirtolthiel had. No trips up the stairs, no leading him into walls or beams, and no other words besides short directions.
Just what was he playing at?
Once inside their rented room, Gildor found the first bed with the end of his staff before Farid could point it out. He placed his staff and satchel against the wall, then unhooked his arm from Farid's and sat down on the edge of it. Old wood groaned under his weight. He was pulling off his boots and wondering if the bed would hold the whole night when he was suddenly caught by surprise. Farid was finally speaking to him, and was he was saying was probably the last thing Gildor ever expected to come out of his mouth.
"Obviously..." he started, but paused immediately after. He sounded a bit nervous. "You're tired, so I'll make this quick." He then paused again, sighing deeply...
"I'm sorry."
Gildor stopped pulling his second boot off halfway, frozen by what he just heard.
"What?" he asked, confused. Did he hear that correctly? Was Farid apologizing to him?
|
|
|
|
Post by Koloblicin on May 7, 2007 20:38:46 GMT -5
Amerylis handed some coins to Farid and told him to pay for the room and also to make sure both he and Gildor started to get some rest. After that she led Arabelle and Cirtolthiel to the stables.
Once they had exited the building they noticed Kaala. Amerylis tapped her shoulder, "You coming?" she inquired as she untied her horse. Arabelle saw her glance uneasily back at the inn as if she was regretting some decision she had just made. Arabelle disregarded it. Amerylis broke the silence, Listen, Cirtolthiel. I wanted to say sorry about how I acted earlier. I came off as a... well I wasn't the nicest person. " She glanced at Cirtolthiel, "<I'm sorry. I really am,>"she finished. Arabelle wasn't sure what exactly they had been angry at each other about, or if they had been angry at all, but she thought it best not to inquire.
After they had been walking down the road for a little while Arabelle couldn't contain her thoughts anymore and they burst out of her mouth."Other than to tie up your horse, why are we going to the stables? I mean it is something you can do on your own. You don't need us there with you right so, what do you need?" Arabelle quickly added after that, "Not that I'm angry or anything. Its actually probably a good thing that I can talk to you both and stuff but..." Her voice trailed off. She wished she hadn't started talking in the first place. Now she just felt like an idiot. Arabelle closed her eyes and shook her head a little. She whispered under her breath, "Idiot."
|
|
))
