Pitstop in Therinsford

[Vavrinec]

Vavrin followed behind Yin. The idea of tea sounded pleasant, and she thought for a moment about what she remembered. She narrowed her eyes as she concentrated on the night before. "Well... I remember offering my room to Yang, then being accompanied by him to the kitchen, Nihael was there too. They engaged in heated conversation, Nihael offered us drinks... Yang declined, I accepted. Yang drank water... Ah... I remember listening closely but chosing to stay out of thier discussion. Yang went back to my room, and Nihael left abruptly. Then I started to drink." She was sure she had gotten that much right.

[dannylam4]

Good, Yin said setting the tray on the living room table. He took a seat and began to pour the drinks. Then you missed the sugar coating tale our rider friend spun. You'd believe him to be a saint with his words.

Yin opened up the glass case he had been carrying since the night. Stabbing a piece with a small knife, he dipped it several times into Vavrin's drink and then removed it. Umeboshi. It helps cure hangovers and upset stomach. Yin took a sip of his own drink, deciding it was a bit hot and blew on it to cool. Unlike my brother or our rider... companion... I do not lie. Not when I speak in this way, at least. The ancient language, changed for my own purposes.

Putting his cup of tea down, he stared at Vavrin. What is it that you'd like to know?

[Nihael]

Nihael woke from a semi-lucid and vivid dream with a start. He actually checked the far wall where he had dreamt Onyxia had ripped through it.Blinking from the light, shining in through the window and shaking his head to clear out the cobwebs and remnants of the dream, he noticed that there was no one else in the room. Knuckling his back as he got up, he staggered over towards the door and began to head to the kitchen where he could hear voices. Pulling himself up and wiping the dreariness from his eyes, he pushed open the kitchen door.

"Hello, everyone sleep well I take it." turning to Vavrin, a slightly sympathetic smile on his face, "How's your head feeling?"

[dannylam4]

Yin glanced up at Nihael when he entered the room, interrupting the conversation. This reminds me of a situation me and my brother were in... Yin said, looking down and picking up his drink. Though the situation and purpose of saying such a thing was quite different... I believe that it applies here.

Yin took a drink as he relayed the message. His voice changed to that of Nihael's. Why is it that the two of you always seem so ready to plant yourselves underfoot? You either dissapear or pop up at the most undesirable of times. His tone was calmer then when Nihael had said it to them, but the message stuck. Never mind now, seeing as you have already interrupted, we might as well finish up... Tea, Nihael?

[Vavrinec]

Watching Yin as he prepared her tea, she thanked him and took the cup in her hands and sipped from it. She thought about it for a minute, but there were so many questions that she had, and it was hard chosing one to begin with. Yin stared at her as she tried to think of something. Sugar coated tale, was it? I dont like the sound of that. Vavrin furrowed her eyebrows at the thought, she also remembered Nihael saying that he had a slight disagreement with the lads, but nothing serious.

Taking another sip and holding the cup close, she said, "I want to know about the disagree--" she stopped as Nihael joined them, his tone gentle as he asked about her head. It was still a dull ache, nothing like the intense throbbing before. Noises, voices, and sounds didnt feel like they were magnified. She broke her gaze from Yin and glanced at Nihael as he approached closer. "Oh, good morning. My head feels much better, thank you." Vavrin smiled thinly as she brought her cup back to her lips. She felt her face grow warm as the pang of distrust creeped into her mind.

[Nihael]

Nihael ignored the restatement of his comment, instead he forced a pleasant smile onto his face. "No, thank you." turning once more to Vavrin, "That is good to hear. I hope you are fit enough to travel, we need to cover alot of ground today." he turned back to face the group at large, "I am going to head out to the barn and see how Onyxia is doing, and get my gear ready to head off."

Stepping out the door, he couldn't help but ponder over the slight tone of uncertainty he thought he heard in Vavrin's voice when she spoke to him. What did the Twins say to him?

I am sure it was nothing too troublesome. Nihael almost jumped when Onyxia's voice spoke in his head, he had been so wrapped up inh is thoughts lately, he had been careless against shielding his mind in his safe little corner.

I do not like it when you do not speak to me or tell me what you are doing. I thought you said you were only going to get something to eat, yet you were gone the whole night. If I didn't feel your presence nearby, I would have ripped the place apart looking for you.

I am grateful for your concern, but I can handle myself[/i] Nihael spoke, slightly more venomously than he intended to. Onyxia's reaction felt somewhat like a mental eyebrow lift, but she stayed quiet. Nihael slightly angled his path to pass by the barn, he did not really want to stay cooped up, uncomfortably in a closed space with Onyxia at the moment.

[Vavrinec]

Vavrin finished her cup of tea and placed it down with a clink on the table. She crossed her arms as she leaned back, frowning slightly. Her hooded eyes followed Nihael as he left, then she turned and focused intently upon Yin, speaking in a low tone, "Right, what can you tell me about this so called "disagreement" that took place... I trust you will give it to me straight." Vavrin was just beginning to get annoyed, and she wasnt quite sure of what Yin would tell her. However he was the only one she could get straight answers from at the moment, and she wanted to hear it before they got ready to leave for Therinsford. Vavrin wanted to make sure whatever it was wouldnt be an ongoing problem that would present further complications.

[dannylam4]

I'll give as best as I can, I suppose... Yin said, pouring himself another cup. Where to begin.... Well, I suppose it was when my brother went downstairs to retrieve you....

---------------------------------------------

After that, Yang went down to the gate and is staying there til it opens, Yin said, finishing another cup of tea and his story. My brother with his sharp tongue and Nihael... well, you heard the tale; you know well enough about him.

Yin looked up at the window and stared for a moment. Yang informs me that the gate's open. We'll leave immediately unless you have other stuff you wish to do.

[Vavrinec]

The Shade clenched her jaw as Yin finished regailing her on the events of the night before. For someone who had just had the missing puzzle pieces put back together, her expression was rather blank and there was no sign of being cross, her face did not betray what she felt inside. What was lying underneath was a great amount of anger that would eventually boil to the surface. I shall deal with this... *later.* For the moment however, she had put up the facade of being rather unfazed and she focused on getting ready to leave.

Vavrin spoke hastily as she stood up, nearly knocking the teacup over. "I see. I am ready to leave this place. Let's go." Within minutes she gathered her things and was out of the farmhouse, briskly approaching Indy and putting her things away. She glanced briefly at Nihael as she past, keeping her thoughts in check as she mounted Indy and gave him a swift kick. They began taking off in the direction of the gates of Therinsford where Yang was already waiting.

[Nihael]

Seeing Vavrin hop onto her horse and go riding off towards Therinsford, he figured that he should be going in and getting ready to leave. Heading into the tent, he took a moment to adjust his eyes to the shadowy space before moving more confidently to his gear.

I thought you were going to avoid me all day, even walk to Therinsford if you had to.

I did entertain the idea, although my stuff is still in here. Plus, uncomfortable silence beats walking the distance to Therinsford. Nihael continued to sling on his gear and over Onyxia back before they headed out of the barn. Placing one hand on the pommel of the saddle, he leapt up onto the saddle as Onyxia took off towards Therinsford.

[Vavrinec]

Vavrin acknowledged Yang as she rode Indy past the gates of Therinsford. She knew that it would be cruel to make Indy ride across the Spine, so she had no other choice but to temporarily relinquish him to someone else. Navigating her way through the streets, she called out to a passerby as to where she would find the nearest stable. Vavrin growled in response and trotted in the direction.

Dismounting and taking her belongings out of the bags, she was met by a tall shaggy haired man who was taking off his gloves. He eyed her horse greedily, and eyed her just the same. Vavrin contacted Indy before the man spoke.

I wont subject you to the harsh elements of the Spine. I will back for you, that is my word. Give this man hell while I am gone. Trample him if he mistreats you.

As much as it pained her to do so, she reluctantly handed over the riens to the man. Coming within inches of the man's ear, she snarled through gritted teeth, "You are to care for Indy until I return for him. In the event that he is not here when I come back, I will rip your spine out with my hands and beat you with it." Vavrin's maroon eyes were alight with malice as she slowly stepped back, and began to walk away.

[dannylam4]

Yang bowed slightly as Vavrin arrived. He works for the Empire, Yang said, hearing Vavrin's whispers to the man. Though that does not make him a good man.

Yin arrived soon after and dismounted Midnight. He handed the reigns to the horse keeper, giving his horse a few words of goodbye and an apple for the ride. I left the wagon behind. We won't be needing anything in there any longer. Yin took out a box of hooks and handed them to Vavrin. I figured you'd still want those.

Yin and Yang glanced at the old man. "Your job here is done," they said, glancing at the three horses.

"And what of my pay?" the old man asked, snarling at the twins. "I don't do this for free."

"You do this for the empire. You're still alive, and that is payment enough." The man did not seem pleased with the answer but kept his mouth shut as he walked through the gate with the three horses. "Have you figured out what you need from the shops or are you... window shopping?"

[Vavrinec]

Vavrin kept walking, seemingly with her mind elsewhere."What--?" she said distractedly, glancing at Yang, giving him a subtle once-over. "No, I dont require anything. What about you two?"

They had already passed a few stores and businesses along the way. Vavrin did not take notice, she kept her eyes averted and didnt even glance at the people she bumped into along the way. True, her mind was elsewhere, she still felt annoyed about having to leave Indy with that wretched excuse for a man. Her head wasnt paining her much anymore. Vavrin hoped the day would get better as the hours went by, but she greatly doubted it. For a split second she wondered what Nihael was up to, but that only reminded her of what she had to adress later.

[dannylam4]

"Just some bags will do..." Yin and Yang spoke. They looked around and turned the corner. "Go find Nihael, will you? He seems to be lagging behind, maybe dropping off Onyxia some where."

The twins walked into a small shop and looked around quickly. They grabbed a few backs, small ones mainly, a thing of rope, and a blank scroll. Paying for their items, they took their leave and sat down at an abandoned shop lot. Sitting down on the floor, Yin and Yang took out several items and began to sketch out a map of the Spine as best as they could remember it, trying to figure out the best route though the maze of trees. With their mind in link and simple exchange of images, they were soon finished.

[Vavrinec]

"...Fine." she said, turning sharply on her heel, leaving them behind as she continued to follow the street and headed back towards the main gates of Therinsford. I might as well. Nothing better to do anyway. Vavrin stopped when she arrived at the gates, though she wasnt entirely sure if Nihael was still riding Onyxia around, or whether he had left her someplace and was already in town getting supplies or something.

Vavrin hung around the gates for a while, until she simply grew bored of it and finally decided to just reach out to contact him with her mind.

"Nihael. Where are you? I wait for you at the gates."

She scanned the sky and glanced over her shoulder as she anxiously awaited his response.

[Nihael]

Nihael was casually approaching the gates of Therinsford when he heard Vavrin mentally contact him.

"Nihael. Where are you? I wait for you at the gates."

I will be there shortly Nihael sped up his pace to a brisk walk, the gates fast approaching.

On arriving, it did not take him long to spot Vavrin's red hair among the small crowd of people moving about the town. "Been waiting long? I hadn't really decided to come into the town until a short time ago. I suppose I don't really need any more supplies. I take it you are done with whatever you came into the town for?"

[Vavrinec]

Vavrin was satisfied with his answer, as Nihael had come not long after she had contacted him. She turned her attention to him as she said, "Not long. I do not require anything here, though I took care to see that Indy will be taken care of while I am gone. Now there is nothing left for me to do. So I wait."

She held her steady gaze upon him purposely, though she spoke no longer. Vavrin wondered if he would take advantage of their time as they waited, curious to see what he would say. Vavrin had not spoken to him since they had left hurriedly from the farmhouse a few hours ago, in fact she had not said much since. Mainly keeping inside of her own head the whole day, she tried to untangle the mess of random thoughts, urges, and feelings that weighed heavily upon her.

[Nihael]

"Ah, so i see we are waiting on the Twins yet again?"

Nihael shifted slightly uneasily from foot to foot, realizing that he was once again alone with Vavrin, as alone as they could be with people walking around the town, but he hardly took notice of them. He had never been particularly taken with small talk, preferring to doing things quickly and moving purposefully. It made the situation even worse considering the thoughts he had been having lately regarding his current companion. Trying to regain his composure, he attempted at a conversation, if only so that he didn't have to be alone with his thoughts.

"I see you seem to be over the effects of last nights 'events'."

[Vavrinec]

"Yes, they are busy elsewhere." She glanced away as a few people exited the gates. There wasnt much else to say about it, and it was the truth. For a moment she had forgotten. Even though they had told her to go off and find where Nihael was, they still were taking care of thier supplies or whatever it was they were doing, she wasnt altogether sure.

Moving aside a stray strand of hair from her face, she turned slightly so her body was facing him fully. Vavrin took a moment as she chose her words carefully. "My body has rid itself of the hangover; yes," she nodded, "However there are certain things that arent so *easily* overcome." The Shade watched as Nihael shifted around, she sensed he was not at ease. Her maroon eyes were focused upon his again, a part of her wanted to come right out and confront him about the things she knew, the things Yin had told her, but she decided to be more tactful in her approach, and bidded her time - for now.

[Nihael]

Nihael caught the tone in the last sentence and started to wonder what exactly Vavrin meant by that. Maybe she is embarrased about being seen drunk? No, she wouldn't be looking at me like that then... It seems like she is trying to bore a hole in my head with her eyes, what did I do wrong? It can't be because I lied about nothing going on last night, she was drunk and wouldn't have known anyhting. Unless... the Twins told her! Blast them! I wouldn't put it past them either. Wait, why am I so worried about whether she is angry at me? A little voice in the back of his head started to perk up and suggets that he had feelings for her, but the voice was soon quashed. It is because I have to travel with her and I don't want to be uncomfortable. Yes, that is it... Even after coming to a conclusion, he couldn't help but feel the twitch of that voice back there. It seemed that he had not fully crushed it, merely shoved it further back.

He realized how long he had kept silent and fished around for something in his head to open up new avenues of conversation, he had already figured it best for him to imagine there had been nothing in that last statement. Several times his mouth opened but he soon snapped it shut before he bumbled out something stupid. He figured that he probably looked like a fish out of water and the little voice in the back of his head turned to hysterical laughter, shouting out I told you so between gales of laughter. SHUT UP! Miraculously, it seemed as though the voice faded away, not lowering, just as if it had been moved a long distance away. "If I may be so bold as to ask, do you, or did you have any family?"