Reality Fault - Heartwood: Logs for 14July2000

Bordertown: Dragonstooth Tavern Stables
The barn to the Dragonstooth is reached through a huge set of wooden doors, each as sturdy as the town gates. The path leads through a darkly shadowed portcullis into a largish courtyard. Inside the courtyard is a small garden containing benches to sit, with most filled with merchants in close conversation. A stair runs back up to the commons balcony, while a second set of doors lead to the stables proper. The stables are tucked around the inside perimeter of the tavern's first floor, with a triplet of lads gladly and competently working the horses within. A single aisle runs the length of the double bank of stalls, the stalls themselves crafted of the finest polished redwood, stained deep and rich. The air is heavy with the scent of horses, an occasional whuffle or stomp of hoof disturbing the quiet.

He stands almost seventeen hands, a great palomino, his mane all pale and cream, bound in the stable cross-ties, standing perfectly still. The horse's ears are tall, perked, listening to every little thing going about him, but still the destrier stands tall, still, and quiet. A bright green band slashes across his neck, the mark of the town guard. Next to him, patiently making hard circles with a curry comb, the Guard's captain gives his mount his morning brushing. Captain Garrick is stripped down for work. His scabbarded sword hangs on a hook at the side of the aisle, while he himself is garbed only in a worn and stained chrys, bound in the middle with a burlap belt.

Brisa smiles quietly, admiring the big war-horse... then wonders idly how Garrick kept from losing him to the Firstborn HorseLord. Must have been Garrick's time on the town wall, she guesses. She fishes out a small dried carrot for the horse, offering it as she nods politely to the captain, "Captain Garrick." Anuje steps into the courtyard from the tavern, hair slick from washing and dying. She squints at the light and then walks over towards the stables.

The big destrier just looks at the carrot, but doesn't move. His ears flicker however, and he whuffles. At the destrier's flank, Garrick looks up and nods. "It's fine, Stormrunner." He chuckles softly, making a small motion with his hand. "Brisa of the Fortress. Good morning." A moment after Garrick motions, the big horse leans down and, with a sharp snap of his teeth, claims his carrot.

Brisa looks curious, "'of the fortress'? That... is a new one to me?"

Roxanna chuckles from behind the Dayallan. "Quite appropriate, though." Anuje walks into the stables in time to hear the start of the conversation.

Brisa grins ruefully over her shoulder at Roxanna, then looks back at the captain, "Good morning, captain." Her voice is quiet as she adds, "I am glad to see your horse is still here." She gently rubs a hand down the big war-horse's soft nose as he chews the carrot.

The captain just shakes his head, a dark, wry grin crossing his face. "Who would have suspected that happening... though was touch and go there for a while, actually... Stormy had a choice between instinct and training. He had a good trainer." He pats the horse's neck, strong and sure. The war-horse patiently holds his head still, accepting the petting. Finishing his task, Garrick steps back. "Lady healer, and you, lad... a good morning to the pair of you two."

Brisa blinks, then looks a little guilty, "Er... da, it certainly was not... expected..."

Anuje bows her head briefly at the greeting. Roxanna nods. "Captain."

Looking down at Brisa, Garrick just raises an eyebrow. "I take it I shouldn't ask?"

Brisa smiles quietly and calmly at Garrick, "Only if you mind the truth, captain... but I doubt you do." She casually strokes pale silky forelock out of the stallion's face, then adds, "Tonight at Her setting we are going to have a small celebration on the hilltop. I was going to light a small bonfire. I wanted you to know this so you would not worry... and we would like to invite you if you have the time." Brisa studies the big stallion, then guesses, "Mikhail Torensson?"

"You know your horseflesh, lass. He's got a way with them. And doesn't sell to just anyone. I had to spend a year in Talesan's Village working with him before he'd let me take Stormy home with me."

Brisa chuckles quietly, nodding, "He'd have to be dedicated, to live in the shadow of the Dirkwood... or so I hear." She grins sideways at pretty Roxanna, then looks innocently up at Garrick, "There'll possibly be singing... and story telling. Maybe even that story...?"

Garrick pauses, considering. He chuckles quietly. "Maybe I'll drag Jake up with me... but I'd like that. Thank you for the invitation." Smiling, he laughs, "Singing and storytelling. Jake will definitely be there... he knows a lot of good stories."

Brisa tilts her head to regard Garrick thoughtfully... then ducks under the cross-tie to stand next to Garrick. She appears to be simply stroking an admiring hand down the stallion's flank next to Garrick... as she murmurs very softly, "Only if he doesn't mind being in Her temple, captain..." She smiles and adds in a more normal tone of voice, "It was the calmness that gave your Stormy away, captain... not any skill on my part as to horseflesh, I admit." She smiles calmly up at Garrick... then steps away as if admiring the horse from another angle. She adds in conversational tones as she moves, "Thank you for being so polite, captain... I'm afraid we were all a bit exhausted that first night." She waves a hand, "May I introduce Roxanna, Lady of Attera, and our friend Anuje? The Hasturian is Brother Benedict Matthewsson, the other fellow is Trystan, and the dark-haired lady you've met already..." She smiles quietly, "Romana." Brisa straightens up to glance over the horse's back at the captain and inquires a little anxiously, "You did get the note I sent to you that first night before the messenger left, da, captain?"

Garrick smiles at Brisa as she looks over his horse. He reaches up to comb his hand through his hair, giving Brisa a long, sideways glance. Then he shakes his head and nods. "Jake Mohlkhavin is a smart man and a good one, Brisa. And a lot more tolerant than some folks give him credit for."

Brisa nods thoughtfully at the captain. She'll follow his lead... surely he'd know better than she what might cause Jvrill to throw out one of His sworders -- and she definitely does NOT want to do that to Jake Mohlkavin. He's been a decent man, as far as she can tell.

Brushing off his hands, Garrick extends one to Anuje. "Pleased to make your acquaintance... in good company you travel." He pauses then and extends his hand to Roxanna's. "And we are always pleased to have a healer in our midst. Especially one so skilled and fine."

Brisa grins quietly to herself as she looks down at Stormy's hooves, on the other side of the horse from the others. She's pleased... Garrick's a nice man, and it'd be nice for Romana to have a nice man to spend time with if she wants for Midwinter's! Anuje shakes Garrick's hand firmly. "We kind of fell in together."

Roxanna accepts the handshake with a slightly embarrassed shake of her head. "P'jalst. Lady Kay has more skill than I, Captain. I'm still but a journeyman in the trade, as it were."

Brisa chuckles quietly, then leans her arms companionably on the big stallion's back to look over him at little Anuje and Garrick with a grin, "More like thundered by initially, da?"

Bowing politely over Roxanna's hand, Garrick lifts it to his lips for a proper and polite kiss. Turning back he just gives Brisa another look before rubbing his chin and looking down at Anuje. "Thundering? Sounds like there's a story in that."

Brisa laughs softly, then grins at Anuje, "It is his story for the telling, captain." She straightens, "So... shall we head for the hillside, tovarishchii? So we are ready when the captain and the gospodin arrive?"

Anuje grins. "A bit of one." She nods to Brisa and glances at Roxanna.

Roxanna says, "Might as well. I do want to take some more food up to Lady Kay's tower. She's got quite a few patients still."

Brisa smiles and waves to the captain over the stallion, "Danya 'til later then, captain!" and heads back into the barn.

Gathering up his tack, Garrick leads his fine destrier into the courtyard. Stormrunner clip clops in a perfect cadence following his master's lead. As the captain steps out of the door he shakes his head again and just whispers to the fierce stallion, "...so, when did you start falling in love with Dayallans, boy?"

Brisa's head tilts slightly at that... but she politely doesn't say anything -- simply keeps walking into the barn where Khari waits (relatively patiently) for her apple. Odd... surely the big stallion wasn't usually ill-tempered?

The ride up the crumbled battlements is a slow and careful process, for while the trail is passable, it is not an easy trek. She is already on the down-slope side of Her day when Brisa reaches the next to last of the shattered terraces. And here is where the path gets worse. Slow work it is to cut across the remnant terrace, to search out the answer to a very old, old question. In the end, the little group has to dismount and lead their horses through the thick brambles. When they do, however, Romana snares a long and heavy stick to carry. She speaks but one word as she hefts it. "Badgers." Brisa grins at Romana's badger preparations.

If they were looking for a window, it would never had been found. But the path of flowers is unmistakable. Perhaps a handful of feet wide, it happily dances down through the shattered slopes, disappearing beyond the northwest Horizon. And backtracking, yes, one can find its source. A very small and bramble choked window. A window which looks into a silent tomb.

Brisa smiles, looking down at the flowers... then stoops, gently running her fingers through them to see if one will come free in her careful hand. Anuje looks down from horseback. "That's where the window comes out? We were down deep."

The golden dandelion easily comes loose in Brisa's hand. A moment or two later, Romana crouches down besides Brisa, looking down the colorful path, choosing a daisy for herself. "Pretty, yes?" Brisa brightens happily, straightening... she looks at the pretty blooms in her hand, then looks up at Romana. Her expression gets a little shy as she wordlessly holds her hand out, offering the flower to her pretty companion.

Romana stops, and she slowly smiles. For a moment, she places her hand upon her lips to stop from chuckling. Her sapphire eyes sparkle, however, as she takes the dandelion from Brisa's hand, her fingers trailing light and definitely tarrying. Then she continues with her previous plan. And reaching up, her long fingers brush sun-bleached blonde locks, slipping the daisy behind Brisa's ear.

Roxanna stares up and down the little valley of flowers still blooming in the storm season. "There's something odd about this, you know."

Brisa flushes slightly, grinning a little sheepishly, but says, "Spasebo, mishka." She glances up at Roxanna -- then suddenly goes still at an unexpected thought -- and slowly looks up, back down the path of flowers. She straightens up next to Khari and Romana, shading her eyes to stare intently for a moment... then whispers, "The flowered path! Do you suppose this is it?!"

Anuje nods. "Yes... I wonder if the snow will cover it... or if it will still be blooming with the snow around it."

Brisa's expression gets fascinated as she mounts up, then knees Khari to turn, giving her a bit more height to see the path, trying to tell if it heads straight towards the Dirkwood. Softly, excitedly she breathes, "Do you suppose? Maybe we could follow it, see where it goes?" Khari is actually stepping sideways towards it when Brisa remembers herself, glancing around -- she has responsibilities here, and storm season's coming! She grins ruefully, "Er... maybe in the summer?"

Romana smiles, "Easys. Just follow the dandydandylions, Brisa, to its very end. Flowers and path certainly doesn't look like trying to hide?"

Roxanna says, "Hmm. But which direction did it go? What do the legends say about this 'flowered path,' Brisa?"

Brisa thinks a bit... her voice is sing-song, as if she's repeating a story or song she's heard, "Stretching somewhere from the shadows of the Dirkwood towards Bordertown, there is said to be a path of sadly beautiful magic. The stories tell of a swath of flowers, violets and columbines and lilies of the valley, which are eternally in bloom, each day of the year." She adds in a more normal, perplexed tone of voice, "No, it doesn't, mishka... so... why isn't it better known?"

Roxanna says, "Magic, possibly... you may have to start here to follow it..."

Brisa says, "Huh." She still sounds fascinated, but not overwhelmed with wonder and curiosity as she adds cheerfully, "An adventure for later!""

Romana hugs herself, looking down. "If not into darkness leads..."

Roxanna says, "Not too much later, though? Maybe it leads to the Two who were summoned?"

Anuje blinks. "What Two?"

Brisa grins and turns Khari to continue up the hill... she blinks a bit, not used to flowers at the corner of her vision and smiles down at Romana, "If it leads to the Dirkwood we certainly don't want to go to its end, mishka. Just to follow it a while... maybe see the Centauri dancing?" She smiles at Anuje, "It would make sense that this path was left by the Horned God and the Mother as they fled here as mortals, for the protection of the Dirkwood from the Eastern Hordes?"

Romana slowly walks back to Dancer, slipping her dandelion into her hair, the bright yellow disc a sharp contrast to her sable locks. Brisa brightens interestedly, staring down the path, "If the Horned God left a path of flowers... I wonder what the Mother left? Or..." she ponders a moment, then oohs, "Maybe the Centauri are what happened as She brushed by?" Then she tilts her head, watching Romana, and asks concernedly, "What's wrong, babochka?"

Anuje glances to Roxanna. "Is there a song about it?"

Roxanna says, "I'm afraid not. Maybe I'll write one, if we learn enough."

Anuje nods to Roxanna. "That would be nice to hear."

At Brisa's words Romana looks down for a moment before leaning on her horse. Brisa backs Khari a bit, so she can gently touch Romana's hair with her fingertips. "Romishka?"

Looking back, Romana swallows. "Kh'lhy'ra stories tell only one to The Heartwood escaped."

Brisa nods quietly to Romana, "Da, mishka. We figured that out. It is not your fault, babochka." She smiles, lightly brushing dark bangs out of Romana's face, "Come with us to the hilltop... we will all celebrate life returning here again." Romana smiles quietly as Brisa brushes her hair, her eyes closing for a moment. The way back is easier, returning on their path slowly towards the summit of the abandoned fortress. Romana walks next to Brisa, Khari next to Dancer. And she reaches out to hold Brisa's hand. Brisa smiles with quiet happiness.

The last rampart is now a familiar trail leading to the fortress top. The sun is slowly falling, and as they look back it is Anuje who spots the two riders slowly making their way to the base of the hill. Her light is now low in the sky, glittering off the rooftops and bits of broken quartz. The pathside pebbles are tossed by the horses' hooves, the trail ancient and worn. Some sparkle gold, some have a remnant of a rune upon them. Finally, however, the top of the Dayallan temple is reached.

Bordertown: Dayallan Ruins
The grade is steep up from the Bordertown plains, and often one must scramble on all fours, even up what passes for a narrow footpath. The underbrush is thick, always threatening to trip; a natural defense to the hilltop, and while there is leaf-covered earth the primary component of this terrain is broken stone and jagged rocks. The hill rises to the fortress top in a series of equal ramparts, scrubby pine claiming the tumbled slopes. Until finally its summit is reached. In one corner the ruins of a stone wall remain, and a stalwart rock tower is nestled in its broken corner. A wooden stable and granary is tucked next to the tower. And while there is a large door at the stables, the true entrance to this retreat is a heavy wood and steel reinforced door set into a small portal at the base of Lord Random's Tower. Inside the fallen walls there is a second small square of broken stone and brush, with a wood covered well center.

Brisa watches the pebbles quietly, hoping to see one that sparks somehow... special. She's swaying lazily in the saddle, letting Khari pick the path she wants... and so she looks faintly startled and sways a bit more sharply to regain her balance when Khari abruptly stops, her head down, snuffing intently at something on the ground. "Schto, pretty lady?" She leans to one side to look... then abruptly slides off, to crouch next to Khari. Khari just whuffles softly, her muzzle dusting the ground.

Anuje glances back down the hill. "Hmm... two riders. Garrick and Jake?"

Roxanna says, "Most likely."

Brisa picks up the small, golden glittering pebble, looking at it in quiet wonder, "Even has most of the rune on it..." She grins at Khari -- or rather, mostly at her nose, as Khari continues to snuffle interestedly at it, "P'jalst, pretty lady, it'll be this one then!" She'll carefully tuck it into the small decorated bag that hangs around Khari's neck, just under her jawline... then leads Khari the last few feet to the top of the hill, looking pleased. She grins over her shoulder at the others, "We'll have to hurry then. Anuje, can you take care of the horses, and I'll slide down the well and gather enough wood to make the pyre?"

Roxanna says, "There'd have to be something there."

Brisa gives Roxanna a curious glance, "Something where, Roxy?"

Roxanna looks up. "Sorry, woolgathering. Just thinking about the flower-trail." She slides down from her saddle and collects the packs of medical supplies she brought up. "I'll just take these over to Lady Kay and be right back." Anuje slides off her mount and takes the reins of the horses, leading them towards the stable.

Brisa nods, "Yell if you need help, Roxy!" She leaves the horses in Anuje's care, and swiftly slides down the well. Her little blue sparkling friend dances around her as she carefully sweeps the dust and ashes of the remains of Tashka and Allena into the small decorative bag she brought. She carefully closes it, then quickly gathers enough wood for a pyre. She ties the wood to the rope, climbs up it, then hauls up the driftwood. Then she sits for a moment, catching her breath and looking around. Anuje tends to the horses, using the water that was brought along if necessary.

Brisa will, with Romana's help, clear the altar stone, wash it off with the blessed water she has, then lay out the driftwood and kindling for the pyre. The small bag is gently laid on top, with the appropriate murmured prayers to Dayalla... and sandalwood is laid in amongst the kindling as well. Finally Brisa runs her hand through her hair and then through Khari's mane a few times. The few loose strands she ends up with are lightly twisted together, then laid under the little bag so the wind doesn't blow them away. Softly she murmurs in Ancient, "A small gesture of respect from my companion Khari and myself, Verchovai Taskha Korliss and Priestess Dama Allena, for your courage and heart." Once she's laid everything out she smiles and thanks Romana... then lights a few torches and a small heating fire that people can gather around later.

Romana watches carefully, helping where she can. She collects wood and tinder, and also seems very adept at setting up places for a special celebration. A knack... or practice, one cannot tell. At the door to the tower, it opens just a crack at Roxanna's tapping. "Yes? What now?" comes Lady Kay's terse answer.

Roxanna doesn't bow, being a little off-balance with the packs. "'Tis just me again, Lady Kay. Brought some supplies up from the town. How are they doing?"

Slowly the door opens, and Lady Kay looks back, actually surprised. "Please come in. Thank you... and all are resting. They will need to sleep for a few days yet."

Anuje walks back over after a bit, smiling a little. "I think I understand your love of horses, Brisa."

Brisa grins happily at Anuje, "They are kind and trusting souls at heart, aren't they, kisa?"

Romana stands silently next to Brisa, her hands slipped beneath her surcoat. She quietly fingers some hidden object, as if she were patiently waiting... and as she waits, two figures crest the hill. One is Garrick, and he calmly walks up. The other is the Jvrillian Swordmaster, and he stays a handful of paces back silently.

Brisa smiles and bows politely to the captain, then the Jvrillian, "Welcome, captain Garrick, Swordmaster Mohlkavin. We celebrate life beneath the stars tonight."

Roxanna nods. "If you need any help at any time, don't hesitate to summon me here, milady. I'm staying at the Dragonstooth with my friends, for the storm season at least. For now. Brisa wants to conduct a ceremony to cleanse the last of the evil from here, she hopes, and has asked me to stand with her."

Brisa glances at Roxanna, then adds politely to the two men, "Would you excuse me for a moment, pazhalstah?" She calls softly to Roxanna, "Roxy, will you invite the Lady Kay and the Lord Random also if they wish?"

Roxanna nods to Brisa, and continues. "If you and your brother would like to observe, milady, we would be honored to include you."

Anuje pours a couple mugs for Garrick and Jake. "Care for a drink to warm you?" Brisa eyes Herself, gauging how long 'til her setting.

Lady Kay disappears into the tower for a moment, quietly padding up the stairs. When she comes back she is wearing a shawl... "Brother will watch from the tower top, of course... but I shall come here."

Roxanna bows courteously. "Thank you, milady." She walks back to the group, escorting her superior in the order.

The setting sun is almost upon the far horizon, her sphere already now a bloody crimson. Garrick and Mohlkavin both accept the drink with a nod, a deep throated thank you echoing from the Jvrillian. Brisa smiles at Lady Kay, "Zhdrazvutsiya, dama." She'll nods quietly to herself, noticing the two men and the lady are being taken care of... then she'll take a torch as Herself nears the horizon, and strides over to stand by the altar stone and the small pile set on it. Her voice is strong, low, and calm as she chants the evening prayers, then adds in Ancient her own prayers, "Bright Lady, let me be Your hands and Your eyes this winter, please... let me clear Your temple and bring it back to You. Tell me Your desires and guide me and I will do my best to restore it as You wish it to be." She raises her arms towards the sun, waiting... and as Herself touches the horizon, setting, Brisa lowers the torch and lights the pyre.

Romana sets herself next to Brisa, quiet and almost even proper, as Lady Kay places her self similarly next to Roxanna. The two swordsmen stand quiet, a respectful two paces back. The fire lights, as red as the setting sun. It burns easily, crackling, sending sparks shooting up to the very heavens itself. As it does Romana reaches out, stealing a pair of bracelets from beneath her surcoat. One is silver, the other gold, and they match. Both are beautiful, a simple knotwork pattern. Brisa watches Romana thoughtfully, the torch held up so there's light for her.

Anuje watches quietly, standing near the two Guards. Romana shakes her head and hands the bracelets to Brisa. "For you. For you to give to Tashkas and Allenas... Romana ask. Old custom, yours. Bracelets of those who wed?"

Brisa accepts the bracelets carefully, but looks a little puzzled, "I... explain again, please, mishka?"

Romana smiles softly. "You only Dayallan here. Tashka Dayallan. Romana can't give. Brisas must. For fire, to throw, so Tashkas and Allenas bracelets to the stars follow. So they, maybe, can be wed?"

Brisa draws her breath in slowly, studying the bracelets in her hand for a moment... then she smiles at Romana warmly. She knows this old ritual know from Poppy. It's a backwater custom, probably from the Second Age, for marriages. Her voice is quietly heartfelt, "Spacebo, slatke." She turns, her eyes getting very bright again, and carefully tosses the bracelets, together, onto the pyre. She watches for a moment... then looks up, searching the heavens for a particular star she saw the other night by Silver. When she finds them she smiles again, her hair streaked with the dancing firelight, and raises the torch once in salute as she calls, "You said She watched even the Wild Ones, Verchovai... even if we didn't get pretty pyres! Well, you do -- I kept my promise, Verchovai!" Then Brisa turns again, hugging Romana very tightly for a moment, one-handed so the torch doesn't come too close.

Romana burrows her head next to Brisa's. Her lips brush Brisa's cheek and she smiles. "Beautiful..."

Brisa straightens slowly, her arm still around Romana as she smiles once just for Romana, while their faces are so close... then she turns with Romana, torch still held high, and adds with a grin, "And now... we celebrate! Tell stories, drink, eat, be alive!" Anuje smiles. Roxanna grins and starts out with a cheerful air on her balalaika, a merry dancing tune.

With that said, the Jvrillian and the Guardsman approach, each choosing a big rock to sit upon. Mohlkavin laces his fingers together, looking back to Brisa. "Who did you lose, Dayallan?"

Brisa smiles, "It's... a long story, gospodin. If you're willing to wait but a moment I'll be happy to tell it to you?" Anuje sits down close to the fire and watches Roxanna's playing.

"Patience all good warriors have." His words are clipped, brusque; almost belligerent. But his stance obviously betrays Mohlkavin. He is playing a role. Romana, on the other hand, doesn't notice the tension as she bounces lightly next to Brisa, light upon the balls of her feet.

Brisa smiles quietly, unruffled by Mohlkavin's role-playing... at least it's not a mean-spirited role, which she's seen far more of than she'd like. Instead she gets a drink for Romana and herself, then gets a particular bag out. She heads for the horses, making sure each of them gets their apple and carrot from the bag, including the two newly arrived war-horses, and a friendly, celebratory pat on the neck. Mohlkavin's eyes go wide, as Brisa gifts the horses their treat and all the horses stand calm and quiet for her tending. He just looks at Garrick, who looks back and just shrugs. The Jvrillian just rolls his eyes to his friend and turns back to listen to Brisa. Anuje lifts a brow at the exchange between the two.

Roxanna finishes her first tune and goes into a very much more subdued music, something suitable as a quiet background to the story Brisa has offered. Brisa will settle down then, with a soft, "Spacebo, Roxy," to her friend, take a sip, then consider where to start.

Brisa tells the story of Bordertown at the end of the Second Age, and of how Tashka and Allena defended her... and how the avatar chained them to the wall. Then she tells of this little group wandering in, finding them there, discovering what had been happening every night since the Second Age. She apologizes then for not being a very good story teller... then tells of slaying the lizards, of preparing for the Avatar, of how Lord Random called it early... and then of how Dayalla slew the Avatar on Her newly consecrated temple grounds. Brisa pauses... then takes a long drink, and smiles ruefully, "So... I'm afraid I didn't really do very much. It was mostly Dayalla, and my friends."

Roxanna snorts. "And who led us here, and knew all the clues, Brisa? Who kept us alive through the dangers of the road?"

Brisa says, "Um... well... we worked together, Roxy. That's what's always worked best for us."

Anuje nods. "And killed that lizard?"

Brisa grins at Anuje, "Benny! And Roxy saw it coming."

Anuje says, "Not the first one."

Garrick face-palms, shaking his head, at the first mention of asking Lord Random about the Sunset Rider. But then he shrugs. "He's dead now, at least..."

Anuje looks to Garrick. "Are you planning on tracking down the new one?" Romana laughs and just looks innocently to the sky, knowing who killed the first two hunting beasts, actually.

Brisa chuckles, "I think, honestly, I got lucky with that one. Its..." she looks a bit repulsed for a moment, "-mouth... was full..." She grins at Garrick, "Captain, how were we to know he'd repeat the summoning name?!" Anuje glances carefully from Brisa to Lady Kay, quite surreptitiously, but enough for Brisa to notice. Brisa gives Anuje a ruefully amused glance, then keeps talking away from the subject of Lord Random, "They don't need to track it. Just call it."

Anuje says, "But... do we know its name?"

Brisa nods a tad grimly, "Da. Not its personal name... but its title will do, according to the Verchovai." She leans to refill everyone's mugs, then settles back comfortably, sighing in contentment, "Just a little one this time." Anuje is drinking water.

Anuje's glance catches Lady Kay just shaking her head, looking once over her shoulder to the battlements, mentioning something about a certain brother being luckier than a fox in the shadows. Garrick, however, answers Brisa directly. "Haven't you ever listened to him? He always repeats the name of who he's looking up... over and over and over..."

Brisa smiles at Garrick, "Won't make the same mistake twice, captain. So... will you be taking the Forest of Roth back and summoning the new chaos rider while it's still weak?" She glances a touch curiously at Jake Mohlkavin... she suspects he'll be relieved to hear Brisa's not the astonishing beast-slayer town legend was starting to make out of her.

Looking to Mohlkavin, Garrick shakes his head. "There are still hundreds of them in the woods, Brisa. We'd need at least three troops. Donner's could hold the town, and I know Jake would follow me and mine in, but The Mark won't. Michael likes his safe coin too much. If we can convince Emeraldsson to foot the bill, I'd recommend hiring the Wild Horde on for a few months, and then give it a try."

Brisa grins, "I imagine the Wild Horde may well be down this way soon, captain, after your message to the folks up there..." especially if Kori has anything to say about it! she thinks amusedly. She pauses, then says thoughtfully, "I... have to go up that way myself come spring. Would you like me to carry another message, if there's no hurry?" She adds slowly and quietly, "Would it really be... wise, to leave Michael in town, alone?"

Anuje hmms. "He seems to ride very fast when he's called. Seems he comes alone in those cases."

Brisa says, "Well... he comes alone if his chaos riders are busy elsewhere, I think?"

Garrick shakes his head. "It all depends on how well paid Michael was the day before we went out... as for a message, ask me again in the spring..."

Anuje sips her water and looks at the fire. She glances towards the dim lights from the town. Brisa nods thoughtfully, "Well... you know him, I don't."

Mohlkavin simply sips his drink. At the end of Brisa's story, he just looks up and shrugs, very nonchalantly, and yet his words chosen very carefully. "Well, swordbrat, at least you seem to know which end of the sword to pick up."

Brisa laughs! then grins at Mohlkavin, "Funny... that's exactly what Barris Ironhand said to me not two months ago!" Anuje grins, glancing between Brisa and Mohlkavin.

Mohlkavin looks up, his expression changing for just the quickest fraction of a heartbeat. But then he shrugs again. His tone, however, doesn't match his fell words. "So at least the traitorous bastard is still alive..."

Brisa deliberately and politely misunderstands, "Who? Davidson the Black? I suspect so... somewhere in the Forest of Roth."

Mohlkavin blinks and then just chuckles. "Yahyh. Him."

Sitting next to Brisa, Romana looks between her companion and the Jvrillian, her eyes only slightly narrowed. She considers a moment, and then two, before leaning back again with a very small knowing smile upon her face. Brisa studies Mohlkavin curiously over her mug for a long, slow heartbeat... her expression is a tad quizzical... then she sets her mug aside and cheerfully adds, "Well... about the Wild Horde! Barris was leading it last I saw them, while the captain was doing some healing. He was kind enough to beat on me some too before we left." She glances curiously at Mohlkavin again. She's struggling with the concept that one might actually fear one's deity... that one might have to play a role, try to lie to them. She feels, suddenly, a bit sorry for Mohlkavin... but her face doesn't show it as she speaks. "That was... up in Cragside, right, Benny?"

Benedict taps his chin, frowning slightly. "I think so, Brisa, yes. They were leaving there by the time we left."

Brisa nods a little glumly, "Because of Anwynsson, da." Benedict nods quietly.

Garrick frowns quietly, casting Brisa a warning look. And while he doesn't take an action or speak, he casts a sidelong glance to his companion. When Mohlkavin looks back, Garrick just shakes his head, once, solid and firm. In response Mohlkavin just raises his mug to his lips and takes a long, long draught. "So she got herself hurt. Bound to happen." Then he just takes a second sip of his drink, his expression hidden by his mug.

Brisa tilts her head, then shrugs... she'll follow Garrick's lead on whether or not to tell about Anwynsson's death, and it looks like a 'nyeh' so far. Instead she looks up at Roxanna and grins, "So... do you know any dancing tunes, Roxy?" Benedict inwardly frets. He hadn't expected this much tension. Then again, it could just very well be Mohlkavin being cranky. He himself has little doubt that Brisa could whup Mohlkavin... but at the same time, he's tired of seeing fighting, and just hopes that the man will keep civil. Brisa glances at Romana and cheerfully asks, "And... do you know how to dance, mishka?"

At Brisa's words Romana smiles brightly, her sapphire eyes lighting up. She takes both her hands and wraps Brisa's one, almost half standing already. "Dancings... pavanes and brawls and circles and hole-in-the-walls... of course Romanas dance. Do Brish'khyas?"

"Uh...!" Brisa gets a suddenly slightly panicked look -- what has she started here?! -then gulps and rises to her feet a little nervously, "I ah... well..." she grins a little self-consciously, "I'll try? But um... maybe you better be patient with me? I only know some of the um simple dances from the High Tarn?"

Romana smiles, "Don't Brisa's know what dances are for?" And at Romana's words Garrick just chuckles, Lady Kay actually manages a small smile... and Mohlkavin just chokes once on his drink.

Brisa blinks at Romana, "Um... for having fun, of course...?"

Benedict blinks in surprise at Romana and Brisa, then laughs softly, folding his hands into his sleeves to keep them warm as he leans back against a stone. He casts a glance up towards the top of the tower, but before he can make out any details of what -- or who -- might be up there, he returns his attention to the gathering. No need to dwell on unpleasant memories, he reasons. Tonight is Dayalla's night, after all, in a sense. Dayalla's, Tashka's and Allena's.

Roxanna grins, having limbered up on some simple tunes. "What sort of tune do you need, Romana?"

Brisa grins over her shoulder at Benedict, "Hey, if I am dancing you can dance too!" Brisa's expression is quietly cheerful as she glances once between Benedict and Lady Kay, with only the slightest of tilts to her head. Then she turns back to Romana... looking only slightly as nervous as she looked when facing the dread lizards!

Benedict chuckles. "That's one thing they never taught us in the Temple, Brisa. Besides, someone has to watch you dance for history's sake!"

"Dances romana'romanticsha!" Brightly bounces Romana, looking over her shoulder to Roxanna. "But not enough folks to do good dance... if change partners... only have Brish'khhya." She pauses then, looking at Brisa, her bright blue eyes sparkling. "But that not all bad at all."

Brisa's grin gets mischievous as she casts her gaze across the gathering, "We have plenty of folks here to partner, mishka... how many do you need?"

Roxanna smiles. "Just start with the two of you, Romana. I'll play one meant for couples." She starts a traditional dance, with a slow and stately start building to faster and faster rhythm as the song continues.

Still the only two standing, Romana carefully walks Brisa through the simple dance her hands light on Brisa's figure, and while her wit is bright and mercurial she is patient with her explanations. With a swirl she moves about Brisa, the flare of her skirts dramatic, the flicker of her lashes, touch of her cheek and the warmth of her breath a temptation only heightened by the lack of breath and fanciful music. Brisa tries hard to follow Romana's directions... although it's occasionally hard to concentrate when there's the cool, light touch of silken hair across her hand, or when the campfire streaks Romana's hair with fire and makes her eyes sparkle like stars... but Brisa follows the music as best she can, and soon enough the motions and the song become as much an invitation to touch and swirl and sway with Romana as they are a dance in and of themselves. Brisa grins delightedly, enjoying the music, the dancing, and her partner tremendously -- she'd never realized how much fun it was!

Benedict smiles quietly, leaning back to enjoy the dancing. Then something tugs at his mind. He frowns a little, trying to think what this pestering could be... then his expression of bemusement returns, hiding his abject panic. Oh, Hastur, oh, Hastur, oh, Hastur...! he prays. I know it's not your policy to conceal the truth, but please, please, please, don't let these two men see that with Romana's ears she must surely be an Easterner! What to do, what to do...?! Think, Benedict, think...!

A touch, a twirl, and eyes sparkling in the night like the stars above, fingers teasing soft blonde locks, a smile brought on by the touch of shoulder to shoulder or arm slipped in arm, and Romana's step is as light as her heart, lost in a Dayallan's presence... until finally the music fades into the night, the sable sky casting concealing sable shadows on a fair lass, whose final steps takes her into Brisa's arms, a delighted Romana in close embrace, a kiss upon Brisa's cheeks, and then a second kiss, more romantic, breathless and intoxicated with her companion. Brisa blinks, looking a little startled as she's kissed! Roxanna flexes her fingers after the final chord. "What next? Anyone else want to dance?"

Brisa blinks again, then smiles quietly at Romana. Her words are pragmatic, although her eyes practically glow with happiness, "I am thinking we should get the rest of them on their feet also, da, mishka?" She gently hugs Romana, where her arm rests around the slender girl's waist... then she grins mischievously, turning to Garrick, Benedict, and Mohlkavin, "You too!"

Softly does Romana sigh, looping her arms loose over Brisa's shoulders... finally resting her head next to he companion's, her long hair a silken cascade upon both. She just nods against Brisa. "Ya... maybe... but who dances with Roxanna... if Roxy plays?"

Brisa hms... then grins, "Well, why not have a dance or two, then maybe you could play some while she dances? Didn't you say you played the lute, mishka?" Benedict blinks, looking to his left, looking to his right, then back to Brisa with a 'Er, me?' look, his momentary worry about Romana's Eastern features disappearing. Brisa grins with gleeful wickedness at Benedict... that sort of 'of COURSE you!' look that means he's not getting away!

Romana blinks, leaning back so she could look at Brisa. "That... long time agos. And never as good as Roxyanna!"

Roxanna giggles. "You never know until you try, Romana. Won't you let me have just one dance?" Benedict opens his mouth, then closes it. Do the Easterners have a distinctive musical style? Chances are these men won't have heard whatever Romana would play... arrgh, they would have said something well before now if they'd seen anything. I have got to stop worrying, I'll send myself to an early grave if I keep doing so. He chuckles softly and sighs, raising his hands slightly in concession as he stands.

Brisa chuckles, "Well, if I understand correctly, mishka, dancing's not just about the music anyways... at least according to you!" She grins at Roxanna, "So... one line dance for all of us, then we'll try cajoling Romishka into letting you have a dance or two?"

Romana just leans upon Brisa, reaching up to nuzzle at the Dayallan's neck, a gentle touch. "Oh, Romanas for fun will always dance... but so much better to dance for the one Romana... cares... for."

Garrick and Mohlkavin just exchange a playful glance. "Should have warned her about country dances..." is Garrick's quiet observation. He looks across the tumbled stones and his gaze falls, quiet and considering. "How long has it been since you danced, Lady Random?"

The Atteran's face pales for a moment -- a long, long moment -- and she hugs herself tight and hard. Then she looks back quiet. "I grant you Her Mercy, Captain. You have been fair to me, always. So I trust you did not say that unkindly. A fair long time, Master Tannersson."

Brisa touches Romana's cheek lightly, her face softening... then she smiles quietly, "Perhaps we can share a little tonight, babochka... a little happiness with our guests as well?" Her eyes are warm -- then she looks up a bit puzzledly at Lady Kay's tight tone of voice.

Benedict only glances briefly over to Lady Kay, wincing inwardly. What could it be that was so bad about the question...? he wonders, then sighs softly. He doesn't think he or any of the band will ever learn or be able to help her, and the only one who probably would know what happened and what could be done to help, blast him to cinders, is her brother... whose duty is to merely watch and not act. He keeps these thoughts guarded to himself, however, though he tries to hide whatever discomfit he might have. Garrick looks back, and then he stands. "The offer still stands then, Lady Random, if you might wish."

Roxanna raises an eyebrow at the priestess, then shrugs. "How about this one?" She begins another tune, a corner dance where the couples trade partners. It properly needs eight, but... you work with what you have. Lady Kay looks to Roxanna. She doesn't answer the Bordertown Captain, and instead just watches, as if the lute held the key to her fate... and half-afraid of either answer it might give.

Romana blinks twice and then she nods brightly. Then she nods again, more slowly. "That fine with Brish'khhya?"

Brisa grins quietly at Romana, "Babochka... watching you have a lovely time is always a pleasure." She grins mischievously at Benedict, adding, "And... how can you resist teasing our very own Bennydicts?!"

Benedict folds his hands behind his back and says, wryly and clearly mock-petulantly, "That seems to be a growing pastime, you know..." Brisa laughs delightedly at Benedict!

Brisa glances at Lady Kay, unsure what to do but wanting to help... finally she grins at Romana, nodding towards Benedict... and then walks quietly over to crouch next to Lady Kay, careful not to walk between her and the Bordertown captain. Softly she murmurs, "Dama... we would be honored if you'd share a dance with us?" Romana takes a step back as the music slowly begins, a bit confused.

Looking down at Brisa, the older Atteran nods her head, looking to the side. "I believe I... have... been asked." She looks up, slowly standing. "it would be impolite to say no."

Brisa brightens and steps back so she's not in the way of Lady Kay... she looks around happily. Is Benedict asking Romana to dance? With a nod to Brisa, Garrick stands. "Besides, she knows I'm safe..." Bowing once, both properly and with a spark of dash, "Lady Random... my pleasure..." And with that he takes his place.

Benedict blinks, glancing to Brisa, then coughs slightly and looks to Romana. "Ah... erm, well, Romana uhm, would you like to er, dance?" He is not nearly as proper or genteel as the guards' captain, of course. With a mischievous smile Romana doesn't say yes to Benedict and instead snares him, sweeping the little brother into place. And for this moment he has a pretty lady draped loosely about him, her soft curves obvious company, a slender hand light on his waist. Bouncing on the balls of her feet, Romana smiles, impatient.

Benedict blinks. "Ah, but I -- yawp!" is all he gets out before Romana snares him, and a moment is all it takes for him to blush warmly, shakily. He glances over to Roxanna, and really hopes Romana won't be irritated by him not being able to dance. Roxanna plays a few measures as the dancers get ready, to set the beat.

Brisa grins cheerfully at Benedict, then looks around to see who's left. The expression on her face is for a moment almost comical as she realizes only the Jvrillian is left -- and he's probably not likely to want to dance with her! She glances at Garrick -- busy... drat. Then again... Garrick did say Mohlkavin was more tolerant than most folks knew... she takes a deep breath, then grins -- can't know unless she tries! -- and offers her hand to Mohlkavin with a cheerfully inquiring look? Mohlkavin slowly stands, looking at the small gathering. Then he folds his large hand over hers. He meets Brisa's gaze even with two words, evenly spoken. "I lead."

Brisa laughs, then grins and nods, "Good... because I don't know the steps!"

From both Garrick and Lady Kay comes a stern warning, at the very same time. "Jake... be good."

Brisa grins cheerfully over her shoulder at both of them, then looks back at Mohlkavin with a smile, "Shall we?" She is obviously, by her demeanor, not being challenging... she genuinely just wants to dance, to have fun tonight. That... and she's not stupid... a step ahead of Brisa, Mohlkavin leads her to their place in the three-quarter box. Roxanna nods as the dancers take their places, and starts the piece in earnest. It's a cheerful tune, the dance one in which the couples weave in and out between each other.

Romana's steps are light, and she weaves brightly between the dancers, sable hair, the flash of her calves as her skirts flare so high... a touch here, a touch there, a daring flash of her fingers upon her partner's waist and chest as she spins away for a change of dance mates. Even Brisa feels Romana's touch upon her own hips, the coquettish wink as the Dayallan catches a sapphire gaze. Mohlkavin is a strong dancer, and Brisa finds her feet threatening to leave the ground with each heady turn. And Garrick, Garrick is a gentleman for a Lady. Once even, just once, Roxanna catches the barest hint of a smile upon her elder's face. Brisa laughs as she dances, enjoying the swirl of music and skirts, the strong partner, and the enjoyment of the moment, creating something vibrant and alive with her friends! And then Benedict finds himself standing out a round while the others continue their turn, Romana so close he can feel the warmth of her breath upon his cheek. The taller Romana looks down, her eyes bright, sparkling of mischief. "Bennydicts know what supposed to do now?"

Benedict blinks to Romana and says shakily. "Er... I'm afraid I don't...?"

Romana smiles quietly, "In dances... to meet loves... so two stand quiet... talk... hold... kiss!"

Benedict blinkblinks to Romana in startled surprise. "Erp...?!" he stammers. Leaning forward, Romana places a bright and playful kiss upon Benedict's forehead! And before he can stammer again, she sweeps him back out into the dance! Benedict blinks in surprise at the kiss, and is almost too stunned to even yelp in surprise as she takes him out onto the dance again. Roxanna suppresses a giggle as Benedict is swept back into the dance and concentrates on the music. Brisa laughs again, her eyes bright with warm affection as Benedict flashes by, helplessly drawn along in the wake of Romana's enthusiasm -- she quite understands how that can happen!

And as Mohlkavin ends up standing alone with Brisa his strong arms are wrapped about her waist, the music naturally drawing them close. A sharp glance from Lady Kay, however, has him hold his peace... until they too rejoin the dance. Brisa gives the lady a faintly puzzled look... she wonders if she's missing something. Mohlkavin's seemed quite nice to her so far, after all! She grins cheerfully at Mohlkavin and happily swings back into the dance with him. Finally though... the dance has to end... all returned to their original partners... all back to their final square. Roxanna stretches a bit and cracks her knuckles. "I'm taking a break for a bit."

Brisa is laughing happily and a little breathlessly as they swing to a final stop and bow or curtsey. Her eyes are bright with enjoyment of the moment as she does a modified sort of half bow, half curtsey to Mohlkavin... then at Roxanna's words she laughs again, holding up her hands to applaud her friend, "Spacebo, Roxy!"

Roxanna says, "Niskolko." Benedict, still blushing, smiles and bows to Romana, then bows to Roxanna. He blinks, looking over to Brisa.

Brisa wanders around happily making sure everyone's mugs are full (Roxanna's first, of course) and that everyone has nibbles... then she settles down on her sitting rock again, still beaming contentedly. She grins cheerfully at Garrick, "So, captain, I promised you what happened, da? With the HorseLord... you want to hear now?"

Romana laughs happily, her own applause accented by her light, bouncing steps as she returns to Brisa's side. She pauses but once, to poke at Benedict, her finger drifting light where her finger touched. Then next to Brisa she is, looking for a mug to share with her friend. Lady Kay returns to her place next to Roxanna, smoothing her skirts out so properly, while Garrick and Mohlkavin return to their rocks and their own goblets. Garrick looks back, remembering. "I don't think I need to know that tale, Brisa. Unless it needs telling..."

Roxanna whispers to Lady Kay. "That wasn't so bad, was it?"

Lady Kay quietly nods. "True. The Captain is a kind man."

Brisa smiles and gladly shares her mug with Romana, then looks up at Garrick, "Oh. P'jalst... I thought you wanted to know. Well then..." she grins cheerfully, "Why don't you or gospodin Mohlkavin tell a story?"

Garrick looks back at Brisa, shrugging quietly. "I have no desire to add any trouble to this night, by either speaking or listening... and you just seemed reluctant before. But true... what tale might you wish heard?"

Brisa looks a little sheepish, "Well... it was a mistake on my part that the Firstborn showed up, and He was... a little cranky with me, so I was not inclined to tell everyone in town that horses were lost due to an excess of enthusiasm on my part." She smiles, spreading her cloak around Romana so the cool night air doesn't chill her as she considers... then she smiles and says thoughtfully, "Maybe... would the gospodin Swordmaster like to tell a tale? Perhaps..." she debates with herself, trying to pick something he might like to tell, but that won't aggravate anyone here... ah! She brightens, "Would you tell us how the world began, gospodin, since we were just talking about Firstborn?"

With a shake of his head, Jake Mohlkavin turned his head towards Brisa. Taking a sip from his mug, he wipes his lips with his sleeve. "This world... surely you know that tale better than I, since the Shattering was the fault of your... goddess... rising above the Forest and the Firstborn, bringing the wrath of the Chaos Lords and the breaking of the Forest that followed."

Roxanna says, "Ah... but all the Gods tell that story differently. 'Tis always interesting to hear the other versions." Benedict blinks to Mohlkavin, then nods with Roxanna's words.

"And from the Shattering arose all the many forms of beast and critter and man, Romany and easterner. But all about them the Chaos Lords fought Dayalla, fought the Firstborn who stood with her; us -- me and you -- were but pawns in their struggle, tokens of their power, our blood a part of their game..." Taking a second drink, Mohlkavin continue. "One of the first to stand was Jvrill himself. Painted in blue patterns for armor, stealing the secret of steel and axes from the shattered bones of the earth, he showed that by fighting back against the dark one might survive...

A third drink taken. "And for standing against the pawns of the Chaos Lords his Following grew and the truth of his words borne out in the protection of our fathers and the death of the cruel and brutal men whom would grow up to be the cursed Easterners... and we were that way for many, many years. We survived the Shattering in his Name, painted in blue. The bright Empire, until the end of the Second Age. And that's how the world was made.

Brisa looks suddenly fascinated by Mohlkavin's words, leaning forward to listen intently. Her eyes gleam brightly in the flickering firelight, "Is that how you heard it, gospodin? Is that why Jvrill hates Dayalla so?" She's silent for a moment, thinking hard, "So... Shattering, but no mention of being one of the Firstborn..." She looks up and blinks at Roxanna's words, brightening, "How did you hear it, Roxy? And you, Benny?"

The big Jvrillian looks back to Brisa and nods. "Your Lady broke paradise, and created a war where our blood ran in rivers and there were seas of death. And ask your own priestesses to deny that."

Roxanna says, "You want to tell, it Benedict, or should I?" Brisa opens her mouth to reply to Mohlkavin, then looks interestedly at her companions -- her story can wait.

Benedict says, "It's up to you, Roxanna. I can give the groundwork, and you can interject as you wish?"

Roxanna says, "Sounds like a plan."

Benedict grins softly and nods, then looks to Brisa and Mohlkavin, hiding his irritation with the Jvrillian's words. "When the Shattering happened there were Four who stood between the Chaos Lords and desolation. They were Attera, Hastur, Rames, and Jagnar. They protected mankind -- I guess it would be more accurate to say, that part of mankind which would become the Empire -- from Chaos, and let the Empire to grow and prosper. At the start of the Imperial Court's ascendance Lord Hastur watched us and set down our laws, to separate the order of the Empire from the chaos of the East." He tries very hard not to look at Romana through the liturgy. Instead, he glances to Roxanna. Romana just sits very quietly. Her eyes though, they dart, looking between the collected friends... and also looking nowhere.

Roxanna says, "And of course, Lady Attera tries to heal the harm done by the Shattering. Funny, the basic doctrine doesn't even mention Dayalla and Jvrill, or the Firstborn."

Benedict nods quietly. "All that is mentioned, in fact, is the Shattering itself."

Garrick looks across to the two Imperials. "I'd wager that's because you follow the youngest of all the Lords and Ladies."

Benedict says, "That could very well be, Captain. I think it was many, many of the elders in the Temple who said that the young see the past in a blur, for they are far removed from it."

Brisa smiles, picking up a slender stick to trace patterns in the dirt with, "My Verchovai tells the story differently, gospodin Swordmaster. Here." She traces the triangular rune for 'forest,' and her voice is quiet and almost sing-song as she repeats the old prose poem, "In the beginning there was the Forest..." she traces the broken circle rune for 'chaos', "-and all else was the many changing forms of darkness. And in that primal time before Time, in the World Forest, the Firstborn played and ran." She traces the rune for 'horse,' and her sigh is soft as she remembers that eerie perfection -- that spoke to her... she takes a breath, then continues, "Dancing above the green treetops was Chaos incarnate, an eternal night, vibrant and deadly. Until She rose above the wood, and traced Her bright path through the sky. Behind Her trailed all of the little children," she looks up into the starry night sky with a smile, "-who still mark the passage of Time.

Brisa's voice is quietly wistful in the shadowed light, "And those dark Lords who are ever changing became enraged, and came down into the Forest. They challenged Her light, Her new order, and strove to strike Her down." Quietly, firmly she traces the circular rune for 'order.' "And thus began the first Great War." She falls silent, her face still and thoughtful in the firelight as she adds, "And since that time no Dayallan has ever cowered in fear from Chaos. It is our duty, forever, to both confront it and hold it back." She sighs softly, regarding the runes she's traced. Slowly she leans forward to look at them more closely -- then she says in quiet curiosity, "Look... I never saw that before. Look at Order, and at Chaos. Doesn't Order look like a -- like a grown-up version of Chaos?"

Garrick and Mohlkavin just nod, while Lady Kay just wrinkles her nose for a long, long moment. Garrick catches the Atteran's glance and then looks back to the runes Brisa had inscribed, as if seeking an understanding. The only other person, watching intently, stays very, very quiet. Brisa sits back, looking puzzled... then she looks up at Mohlkavin and politely offers him the stick, "What runes do you use for Jvrill, gospodin?"

Benedict blinks, and looks at the runes himself. That is interesting, he thinks. Then again, I wonder if it was as direct as that? Dayalla simply arising out of nothing, while Chaos surrounded all? And to the Jvrillians, Jvrill came out of those first, horrific conflicts between order and chaos... Order from Chaos... There's something to be learned here, but I wonder what it could be...?

Taking the stick, the new Jvrillian scribes a black square... an upside down wye... and a short flat bar. "We now mark ourselves by Mastery... Man... and Stability."

Brisa nods, leaning forward to watch interestedly. "What other runes do you use? And is the order important?"

Mohlkavin shrugs. "Before the Second Age... the black circle of darkness was more favored than stability."

Benedict considers... the square, almost the direct opposite of the circle of Order. And the sigil for Stability is also... significantly different. No curves, either, are in evidence. That may or may not be significant, but... Brisa looks fascinated, "So... before the Second Age you used the runes of darkness, mastery, and man to signify yourselves?"

Mohlkavin looks to Brisa and nods quietly. "Aye. Some still follow them."

Brisa draws a slow breath of realization, "Ooh... I understand! The Second Age... that was when the Knights of Roth started the New Jvrillian training, right?"

Benedict nods quietly. He's probably referring to the Old Jvrillians, he thinks. He frowns slightly, looking down at the sigils. Mastery... Man... Stability... Brisa frowns thoughtfully at the runes, still thinking furiously. Benedict blinks suddenly, and leans forward, looking at the runes closer. Then he stands, circles the runes slightly, looking at them from the angle that Mohlkavin drew them. He looks at them for several long moments, confusion on his face. Brisa looks up at Benedict curiously, then smiles, "Schto, Benny?"

Benedict slips back to his seat, glancing briefly towards the quiet Romana, wondering what's going on in her mind. "These runes... they're the same ones associated with Lord Hastur," he says softly. He shakes his head. "That can mean anything, of course -- including nothing." But, 'there is no such thing as a coincidence,' Benedict...

Brisa looks startledly back at the runes... then looks up in sudden fascination at Roxanna, "What runes do you use for your Lady, Roxy?" She grins, "Let's see if they're associated with another deity here!"

Benedict blinks in shock to Brisa. "What are you saying, Brisa?"

Brisa adds puzzledly, "Of course... that couldn't be... unless... unless somehow people from here had gotten to there... to the Bankorpool Empire. But there's not been any..." She straightens, her gaze far away, a wondering look on her face, "...or wait... bright sisters! Could it be the Forgotten Fleet maybe?!" Her eyes widen in delighted fascination, "Go on, Roxy! What runes do you have for Attera?"

Benedict blinks. Forgotten Fleet? He glances over to Romana, who's been strangely quiet through all this, but does not call to her just yet. The Jvrillian might not want to hear her side of the Shattering... Roxanna nods, looking at Lady Kay for any sign of disapproval... then traces a square, a tau, and an upside-down gamma. "Mastery, Death, and Man."

Brisa frowns, thinking... then guesses, "Krysta? Her priestess Kara has that one hanging on her wall." She points to the death rune.

Roxanna says, "For Attera, it means the mastery of man over death -- the healing arts."

Brisa nods thoughtfully, "So... if the Forgotten Fleet sailed successfully to a new land across the Sea of Opals..." she shakes her head in slow amazement, "-how? How could it have happened... again?!" She rests her elbows on her knees and her chin in her hands, staring morosely at the runes.

Benedict frowns slightly, looking at the Jvrillian... and the Hasturian... runes. "So would this mean... mastery of man over stability? And for the Old Jvrillians... mastery of man over darkness..."

Roxanna says, "I doubt that you should overdo the analogy. The importance may not be in the same order for each."

Brisa says, "Amazing. So the new gods are possibly just... just new versions of the old ones?!" She looks up at the sky puzzledly, "Don't they know?!"

Benedict looks to Roxanna, and nods, "You're right. Everyone'll look at these different. I imagine Hastur's priesthood read it differently." He blinks to Brisa. "I don't think it's that simple, Brisa..." he says a little quickly. He's not at all sure how the Jvrillians will take such talk.

Brisa sighs, then looks back at Benedict, "What do you think it is, Benny?"

The two sworders watch the conversation, listening quietly. Mohlkavin just chuckles though, at Brisa's wit. "I think many would question that statement, troublemaker."

Garrick slowly nods, agreeing. "That's what causes bloody battles in the middle of town, Brisa. It's often those type of questions best asked around a very small fire."

Their last companion remains silent, looking away from the fire and Benedict for a moment, gazing up at the stars. Brisa is silent, thinking as hard as she can, trying to remember... finally she murmurs slowly, haltingly, "...the Shattering was the first war of the gods... and also the last. The Long War was the first of the mortal kin, but it was not the last... not by a long shot. And... and Caer Maiyin fell... and across the World the East swept, and at the Port of Lys the tides ran red, buying time. We are always only just buying time." She sighs, rubbing her face, then looks up tiredly, "Why, captain? Doesn't anyone want to know the truth? Not just dogma?"

Taking a deep breath, Garrick looks across to Brisa. "Because most believe they already know the truth."

Brisa murmurs pragmatically, "What do they do when facts arrive that show they're wrong? Shatter?" She blinks, "Um... poor choice of words there, sorry..."

Roxanna smiles lopsidedly. "And aren't we a mixed bag. This is what is needed. One wonders if the hostility between the Imperial Gods and the Second Age Gods is only to distract us from noticing the reality. If Jvrillian and Dayallan cannot be friends, how will they learn from each other? If the Imperial Court oppresses the followers of the others, who would notice the similarities..."

Brisa nods quietly and worriedly at Roxanna. "Another thing I just thought of, Roxy... remember the chaos riders, with their bloody scarves? Well... who is it that is said to mark those He's chosen with a red scarf on their pillow?" She frowns, "I think there are more similarities than we know..."

Benedict looks down at the runes thoughtfully. "I think..." he says slowly, "-well... first, there are probably points of correspondence here that we're not aware of yet. And, second... that we're going to be finding more of those points than we'd ever want to learn in the coming journeys." He looks up to Brisa, smiling wanly. "It all started with Chaos, didn't it? If we're going to find out the tru- the history of the gods, we'll have to go back through the ages, from the Third, to the ascendancy of the Bankorpool Empire -- to the fall of Bordertown at the end of the Second Age -- to the Shattering and the end of the First Age." He's very careful, mindful of Lady Kay, to not use the word 'truth.' "That means discovering how the Chaos Lords came to be, or at least getting insight into it." His words are a bit ominous to him, but the Eye in him is actually as excited as Brisa is. This, this! is why he felt Hastur's call, he's sure of it! Even with all the problems of his faith, he can feel that this is the sort of Truth that can help them all. He glances away from the talking briefly, blinking over to quiet Romana.

Brisa nods quietly at Benedict's words, "I think so, Benny-varishch." She glances at Garrick and adds, "What is your story of the beginning of the world, captain? If you wish to share?"

Romana barely catches Benedict's eyes before turning away, idly smoothing her skirts in both a lazy and determined manner. Then Garrick speaks, answering Brisa's question. "That's when you find out just how much faith they have in their Lord or Lady, Brisa. Faith often has nothing to do with truth and everything to do with power. Like when you believe, and the whole hilltop washes white from a bolt from the sun."

Brisa smiles ruefully at Garrick, "But captain, my belief in my Lady doesn't require me to blind myself to tru-" She pauses, looking shocked, "Wait... are you saying other deities expect their followers to -- to blind themselves?!"

Roxanna says, "One can have faith, but still search for more of the Truth. We Atterans have already bucked convention once to become what we are." She adds, "I don't know if it's expected, or if it's just that most people are too lazy to open their eyes, Brisa."

Brisa blinks, covering her mouth suddenly and darting a faintly guilty glance sideways at Mohlkavin, "Excuse me..." Mohlkavin just chuckles, shaking his head at Brisa, as if laughing at a private joke.

Garrick shrugs his shoulders, looking back. "I wouldn't know. I haven't a god to follow. I just wake up each day and look to my duty to the folks of Bordertown."

Brisa nods to Roxanna firmly, gladly willing to follow the conversation elsewhere... then tilts her head curiously at Garrick, "So... you defend the defenseless also, da? So... who are the Three in Bordertown? And where is Hysthainia?"

Benedict blinks quietly as Romana says nothing, barely acknowledging him in fact. Frowning slightly, only guessing how much this might be making Romana uncomfortable, he glances back to the others. If Brisa's right, then the Chaos gods are, in fact, the Second Age gods, which are the Third Age gods... and I know these men won't like that! He looks to Roxanna, then smiles quietly, looking down into the fire. Spoken like the Lady of Mercy's own, he thinks admiringly. He glances over to Romana. What's your people's story, Romana? Will we ever know? Maybe peace can come to this world with the Truth, the Truth even as told by each of our ways. Then, unbidden, he glances to Lady Kay. Or maybe the truths as we see them will just hurt us all the more. Oh, Hastur, what a tangled web of Truth is woven about the world, hiding fact within skein of shadow!

Garrick blinks, the sudden shift of conversation taking him by surprise for a long moment. He then smiles, leaning back. "Oh, the merchant princes? Marrennenn, of course, who live in the big manor behind the Dragonstooth... Emeraldsson, who run the gaming halls and brothels... and it's not Hysthainia... it's Hysthanian. They ship exotic items and fine goods up and down the Highland Path. They, with the council that hires me, pretty much run Bordertown."

Brisa looks interested, "So there's three main families then? Is that the 'Three'? And one of them's better at getting to the battlefield after the fighting's done, than the others? Emeraldsson, Hysthainian, and...?"

Mohlkavin frowns and Garrick just laughs. "Hysthainians can smell loot at half a league and will have their runner picking over the wreck before the sun can rise." Then he looks back. "Marrennenn. Just like the Merchant God. Between that and Jake's Temple the closest thing we have to any sort of religious power in town. I don't mind. Both are very pragmatic."

Brisa gives Mohlkavin another faintly apologetic look, "I'm sorry... did I say something rude?"

Mohlkavin just shakes his head, laughing. "No, this time you aren't the troublemaker. Every so often we catch them raiding our burial sites."

Brisa grins quietly, "Ah! Good... although... still, if being a troublemaker is no more than asking questions and trying to find out truths... is that so bad?" Her grin is faintly mischievous.

Benedict perks, mentally. Hysthainia was the place that Romana -- he looks again to her, wonders if he should walk over to her, or ask her if she's well... maybe after the little gathering disperses -- had said was a tower in the East. Even if it's not the same 'Hysthanian' that the captain is talking about, the names sound too much alike to be a coincidence, certainly. Another mystery!

Brisa adds curiously, "Is it just me, or does Hysthainia sound like an Eastern word?"

All the three guests turn, listening to Brisa, a little shocked. Mohlkavin looks back. "Since when does a Dayallan know Eastern... and no. It's an old name. Been here since before the beginning of the Age."

Benedict's heart leaps into his throat. Oh, dear... He glances quickly to Romana, then back to the others. Before the beginning of the age... which means it was surely Eastern. Erk... we've roused their suspicions, I think. This is not good...

Brisa looks faintly surprised, "P'jalst! I was just wondering, truly."

Roxanna says, "She's right, though. It does have an Eastern flavor to it."

Brisa gives Roxanna a slightly startled raised eyebrow, then grins, "Well... I could be wrong. Wouldn't be the first time." Her look gets rueful.

Garrick just looks at the Atteran. "And how would you know?"

Roxanna says, "I'm from Trundle." Brisa gives Roxanna a slightly more interested look.

Both Garrick and Mohlkavin look up. Garrick blinks and smiles. "Trundle? As in Trundle-on-the-Hill? All the way from the other side of the Dirkwood? Is it true there's still an Imperial Prince in the palace and a Justice in the adjucator's hall?"

Brisa frowns. Roxanna says, "Well, they have those titles, and the blood... but they no longer behave as Imperials should." Brisa nods a tad grimly, staring down at where she's idly switching marks into the dust at her boot tips.

Mohlkavin leans forward, "Pray tell what do you mean by that? Don't they have Imperial blood?"

Brisa looks up silently at Mohlkavin... and idly hopes he never meets an Imperial. Roxanna says, "Apostates, the lot of them. The temples are abandoned."

Lady Kay speaks up. "They at least remembered Our Lady's teachings, Sister Roxanna."

Brisa blinks at a sudden thought... if her suppositions are correct, and the Forgotten Fleet that fled the Port of Lys was indeed the seminal force behind the Bankorpool Empire... then that would mean that everyone here was of so-called Imperial bloodlines! Her quiet grin gets a little wicked at that wonderful thought. She wonders if the Hysthainian family of Bordertown is actually somehow crossed with Eastern bloodlines. Can humans and Easterners interbreed? Fascinating thought... that would mean that potentially everyone here might have had a little Easterner crossed through them too! That thought's a little less wonderful... but still fascinating.

Benedict sighs softly, looking down, remembering Cragside. The apostates. '...and Lord Shannon bowed his head and let tha' bastard do it!' The Hordesman's words still ring in his ears from that hellish night. He looks up, blinking slightly, as Lady Kay speaks.

"Hard times for all on the Colonies, I fear, then." Garrick just nods, quiet crossing his arms upon his knees.

Brisa looks up at the priestess and says softly, "What teachings do you refer to, dama?"

Lady Kay just nods. "Someone had to teach Sister Roxanna."

Roxanna says, "Da. The last, besides myself... and she ordered me to leave for my own safety."

Brisa nods quietly, "There is that, da." She smiles at Roxanna, "I'm glad you left, Roxy-varishch. You've made traveling lighter with your song."

Benedict nods quietly. "An apostate city's no place for anyone, let alone an Imperial," he says softly, "-even if it sounds paradoxical."

Brisa grins at Benedict... then straightens, clapping her hands lightly, "Well! Enough gloom, nyeh? We promised Roxy a dance or two... so, mishka, can you play for us for a set?"

Romana slowly turns and manages a small smile. She blinks once, then nods. "Maybe Romanas can remember somethings."

Brisa gives Romana a puzzled, then concerned look, gently taking one pale hand and brushing her bangs back with her free hand, "Mishka... are you all right?"

Romana just shrugs her shoulders, "Will be fine, yes? I can play. Maybe remember simple chords..."

Brisa looks a bit confused... Romana sounds... hurt? She glances around... how to get Romana alone for a moment so she can ask what's wrong... ah! She nods, "Well... actually, mishka, could you give me a hand first getting something from our bags?" She smiles at the others, "We'll be back in a moment. Maybe dancing then, da?" She stands, offering Romana her hand.

Romana nods, quietly, shyly slipping her hand into Brisa's walking with her to the horses in silent. When they get there she starts to look through the saddlebags and gear for Lady Kay. "What Brisas looking for?"

Brisa is standing behind Romana with a concerned look on her face. She glances back towards the fire, making sure they're away enough, then gently readjusts her cloak on Romana's shoulders, to keep her warm. Softly she murmurs, "I'm sorry, mishka... I just... well..." she sounds a little guilty, "I ah... lied. I... wanted to get you alone for a moment so I could ask you... is something wrong?" Her face is worried in the pale moonlight.

Romana just looks up, quiet, shrugging her shoulders. "It fine. Brisas wise, knows what is important, yes?"

Brisa smiles humorlessly, "Not really, nyeh. What's wrong, mishka?"

Romana shrugs her shoulders, quiet. She looks down, her sable locks falling forward in a wild chaotic cascade. "Brisa ask everyone important questions... to seek, to learn. Everyone, and eyes sparkle when they speak. Wish Romana could make you eyes sparkle like that. But not even a lonely question asked."

Brisa gives Romana a very confused look, then gently slips a finger under Romana's chin, hoping she'll look at her. Softly she says, "Mishka... I did not ask you any questions tonight around the fire because..." she shivers slightly, realizing she's about to say something she hadn't realized a moment before, "-because to keep you safe and happy is almost the most important thing in my life... and I would not endanger you for the world. The two sworders are not stupid men... and at some point they would ask you how you knew some of the things you knew, just as Verchovai Tashka did -- and they are not chained to a wall, and there is but one of me, although I'd gladly do my best to stop them if necessary." She takes a slow breath and adds softly, "You... babochka, if you will allow me, I had hoped to..." she flushes a bit, but continued doggedly, "-to... ask you questions tonight, maybe after... after ah..." she finishes a little sheepishly, "-after?"

Romana just blinks, looking up to Brisa for a long, long moment. Then she softly smiles, letting Brisa so easily lift her chin. The sparkle returns to her soft blue eyes, just like the stars in the sky above. She looks back at the small group around the campfire. "But Romanas thought those Brisa's friends... is Romana wrong?" She lets out a sigh, slowly rising. As she does, she takes a half step closer. "Romanas safe with Brisa. Always." She then manages to shrug, her smile so small but so very true. She holds her breath for a single heartbeat, before flushing slightly. "Romana loves Brisa too."

Brisa feels the oddest warm, wonderful tingle rise up her spine, and it seems the most natural and right thing to do to wrap her arms around Romana, tight and warm and safe, to hold her close in her cloak... she takes a shaky breath, burying her face against Romana's silky-soft hair... she must have heard wrong -- princesses don't say things like that to vagabond swordbitches! -- but... oh, it sounded SO nice! She swallows, then whispers softly against one graceful, pointed ear, "I... Brisas loves Romanas too, dear heart."

It doesn't even take half a heartbeat for Romana to melt into Brisa's embrace, her long arms looping so easily around Brisa's neck, and her cheek pressed so light upon the warmth of Brisa's. And she hugs back, returning Brisa's comfort and caring with all her fierce heart. There's no words she has except for the touch of her lips against straw blonde hair, anything to bring a smile to a Dayallan's lips... including the soft, deep kiss, her heart skipping upon Brisa's words. And when she finally slips back to breathe, she simply nuzzles her Companion. "Brish'khhya true... " is Romanas soft whisper.

Brisa sighs shakily, her gaze both wondering and quietly joyous as she searches her Companion's face... did she do something wonderful, something Dayalla really approved of? Is this why she's been so blessed? She's leaning forward, eyes dreamily half-closed again -- when there's a *crack* from the fire. She starts, glancing sideways a little guiltily at the small group around the fire, then smiles quietly at Romana again. She's not sure what Romana means... but she's quite happy to do her best to make it so, if it's something Romana wants. "Schto, mish... khhhya?"

"Brish'khhya... " Romana looks up, pale blue eyes meeting Brisa's, so intense, so sure. Her kiss is soft, as if simply amazed that a hero could care for a nightmare, that all the empty lessons of her home could even get a second glance from one so real. Romana smiles quietly. "It was wish before... now made real. Brish'khhya... friend, friend Romana would love. Khhhyaaa..." Romana blushes. "Love."

Brisa smiles, lightly tracing a careful finger along Romana's pale forehead, brushing soft, dark bangs back. Her voice is quietly wondering, "A wish? For someone like me? But... why not some-" She catches herself, her small grin a little embarrassed, "Sorry, mishkhhya... if you don't mind, I'll save that for asking later also? And... we should go back soon, so they don't come looking for us!" There's a hint of delighted laughter in her voice, a sharing of a delicious secret just between the two of them... breathless with happiness she hugs Romana tightly, then reluctantly releases, knowing that if she doesn't do so now she won't be able to make herself do so later... and then she'd be a bad hostess! She looks around, then scoops up the apples bag -- that'll do for an excuse to come back here! A little shyly she slides the fingers of her free hand along Romana's hand, to see if she'd like to walk with her so. She brightens hopefully at a sudden thought, "Oh! so, mishkhhya... do you want to try playing some dancing music?"

Brisa smiles a little shyly sideways at Romana, "So... khhya means love?" She beams quietly, savoring the word she rolls around on her tongue, "mishhhh... khhhhyyyaaaaa... that's... so pretty, slatke..."

Romana just nods, quiet. "For only Brisa." Her words are soft, playful again and so light. Romana is so easy to hug, soft curves caught beneath broadcloth, fitting perfectly against the Dayallan. And just as naturally does her hand turn to meet Brisa's exploring fingers, until they intertwine and squeeze sudden and so tight. Her head tilts, and when she leans forward, her breath is warm as she brushes her lips against Brisa's ears. "If this keeps up, Brisa will spend all night with Romana... just talking." But then she smiles, a sudden realization hitting her, flushing her cheeks. "And... and Romanas wouldn't mind." She takes a step towards the fire again, slowly spinning a circle around Brisa. Romana smiles. "Khhyaaa... nice word. So easy to whisper."

Brisa grins, turning slowly and holding out her hand so Romana's fingers, entangled with hers, can easily slide through her hand as she pirouettes around Brisa... she whispers softly, just for Romana's exotic pointed ears, "I think spending the night with such a lovely butterfly would be heavenly... regardless of whether it was all talking or not!" She falls silent as they near the fire, although her eyes are still glowing with happiness. She sets the little bag on her stone, smiling at her friends and beaming quietly at Romana, "Sweet late-harvest apples, for when we're finished dancing!"

The two Swordsmen just smile, taking two apples each. And it is Garrick who looks up and asks, "And who is dancing now?"

Brisa grins, nodding towards Romana, "I am thinking you'll have to ask her that... or ask for a particular dance, if you have one in mind?" She chuckles, "Although it has to be one Roxanna can dance to, since we promised her dances!" She settles on her sitting rock, waiting for Romana to start... and also letting Roxanna pick the partner she wants.

It is the wild dark haired waif who sits down upon the player's rock, looking to Roxanna for permission first, before lithe fingers pick up the mainland lute. For a rare moment Romana looks awkward, her fingers testing the strings and the balance of the lute. She adjusts the pegs, changing the tune of the instrument, a small frown crossing her face for a moment as her fingers test each string in a descending succession. Finally though, she looks up, "In Travelers' Rest heard this... a circle bransle, yes?" She tests the tune. No, not as smooth as Roxanna's melodies... but competent and certainly with an exotic flavor to the chords and notes. She pauses, waiting for the others to choose their partners.

Brisa grins encouragingly at Romana -- then smiles to Roxanna and gestures for her to go first. Roxanna grins at Romana. "I never went in that one, but I did listen from outside now and then." She stands, looking at the others. "Captain... would you do me the honor?" Brisa watches quietly, hoping one of the men present will once again coax Lady Kay into dancing... she hopes, somehow, that this might cheer the Lady up a bit.

The Captain of the Guard blinks once and then nods, looking far down to Roxanna. He smiles though, reaching down to take Roxanna's hand. His grip is warm and gentle and she just feels safe. "Two of Her Ladyship's Ladies on a fair evening. One cannot be luckier, can they?" Brisa grins quietly at the captain's words.

Roxanna grins in spite of herself. "Thank you, Captain. For both of us."

It is Benedict who steps up to quietly take Lady Kay's hand. For a moment there is a familiar nature to his pace, as if this is a custom carried out in a place far away, where a Lord of Hastur or Rames escorts Attera's daughter. This, of course, leaves Brisa standing alone. And alone. Alone for so long even Romana lets her hands hold off the lute, perplexed. Only then does Jake Mohlkavin rise and wrap his hand about Brisa's, drawing her into the circle. "We shall dance..." The Jvrillian manages somehow to temper his grim smile, a glimpse beyond. "For it will not be said that in a night of dancing it was the Dayallan that asked the Jvrillian."

Brisa chuckles softly and nods, "Spacebo, gospodin..." although a moment later she does murmur very quietly to him, and only to him, "You do not have to if you do not wish to, gospodin. We could eat apples instead?"

"And let it be known that Jake Mohlkavin sat out a dance with any woman or girl... even... a Dayallan? That would be even worse." Captain Garrick laughs, looking to his friend. "Well, it's true. And be good."

Brisa laughs delightedly, then grins cheerfully at the Jvrillian, "Then spacebo again, gospodin swordmaster, I would love another dance!" She grins a little ruefully at Garrick, adding, "-although... sometime I would like to know why you keep telling him to be good? He dances quite nicely, I thought?"

Roxanna lets Captain Garrick lead as Romana starts the dance again. "This is much nicer than a tavern full of strangers. I prefer to celebrate quietly with friends."

Mohlkavin just frowns, looking back to Garrick. "As if Dayallans are my..." and Garrick interrupts him, "...but you've left a trail of broken hearted blondes between here and Silk Creek Bridge."

Romana just looks up and giggles, hesitantly starting a simple introduction, her playing quickly picking up as she remembers how to pick a tune and let loose a bright, happy chord. Brisa blinks at that last comment from Garrick, then gives Mohlkavin a slightly bemused, slightly uncertain smile... hm, maybe she's glad Mohlkavin didn't finish that sentence... no matter, Romishka's starting up the music! She brightens, one booted foot tapping lightly to the beat, waiting for Mohlkavin to lead into the dance.

It's with a fast step and a snap of wooden heels upon the stones that Mohlkavin leads into the dance, taking Brisa with him bright and fast. And no one can say that Jake Mohlkavin isn't a good dancer. His quarter panels flare, but it is Brisa that looks like a sure-stepping country lass, her partner's pace leading her round the circle in a swirl of skirts. Brisa looks a little startled initially -- then grins delightedly and cheerfully follows Jake's lead. It's a pleasure dancing with a good partner, especially one that makes you look good, and that hides your lack of knowledge. Brisa's smart enough to know that, and appreciate Mohlkavin's skill -- even as she happily glows and whirls light-footedly through the rapid, wonderfully spinning dance!

Roxanna is swept away like a lady, Garrick a fine and handsome lord, sure in his step but oh so proper. Where Mohlkavin's hands might stray to accent a turn or spin, Garrick's respect lends a touch of nobility to Roxanna's path around the circle. Around in their small circle the six dance this way and that, following Her path and then counter to it. Skirts brush legs and the bright music is only marred by an occassional chord or very high note that suddenly and jarringly seems missing. But with a frown, a bite upon her lip, a sibilant curse, Romana continues on.

Roxanna grins to herself at the occasional discord. It's harder than it looks, isn't it, Rommicats? runs through her mind, though in truth the Easterner is doing well for someone who was never a professional. Mainly she concentrates on the dance steps, trying to be a worthy partner to the lordly Garrick. Brisa grins quietly at the curse, but is having too much fun to let a single note be that jarring. She does, however, grin encouragingly and wink at Romana as she whirls past in the dance -- this is more fun than she's ever had at a dance!

Breathless, fast, and then with a handful of short, sharp chords, the dance is suddenly over. Inertia takes its course and Roxanna finds herself close in the arms of the tall Captain of the Guard, his arms wrapped protectively around her waist. Brisa too is caught suddenly against Mohlkavin, the guardsman with a mysterious smile, his arms locked at the small of Brisa's back. Romana just blinks... emerald eyes so bright and shining, watching Brisa dance and fly. The only two proper, of course, is Benedict and the Lady Random.

Brisa brushes a straying curl of pale hair back behind one ear and grins happily (and with the complete lack of worry of someone who doesn't quite get it) at Mohlkavin. Surprising... but very nice! She's glad Garrick invited him, oddly enough... dancing is much more fun than she realized! Roxanna leans against Garrick and applauds. "Very good, Romana. Thank you."

Brisa grins over her shoulder at Romana and applauds also, "Bol'shoye spacebo!" She grins back at Mohlkavin, "Spacebo to you too, gospodin-" she laughs, "-I am thinking you made me look like I knew what I was doing in that one!"

Quite consciously, Mohlkavin lets his grip relax and his hands rest back on his hips. His head tilts, and he very carefully chooses his words. "So. Dayallans can dance. Who would have thought."

Brisa giggles at Mohlkavin. "We're just full of surprises!" She grins at Romana happily, "So... another one after you've had a drink and a breather?"

Garrick, on the other hand, just steps away, placing a warm kiss upon Roxanna's hand. "Thank you, Lady Roxanna."

Roxanna curtseys to Garrick as he kisses her hand. "Thank you, Captain. It was a pleasure." She looks at Benedict and Mohlkavin, wondering who she should dance with next...

Romana smiles, "Yes. Maybe." She seems to be giving Roxanna's lute a closer look, maybe even counting the strings?

Brisa gets a sip of her drink, checking to see if anyone else's needs filling. She grins and tosses an apple to Mohlkavin, then sits next to Romana for a moment, nibbling on an apple of her own, "What are you looking for, mishka?"

Her brows twitching, Romana looks up. Her eyes meet Brisa's and then fall to her drink. She licks her soft red lips. Then she remembers. "Oh. Looking for top two strings, yes?"

Roxanna says, "That's all the strings you get on a balalaika, Romana. You're thinking of a different instrument."

Brisa is still glowing happily from the dance as she comments, "I saw a minstrel up close once, tuning his lute... he had a little sing-song he used to tune it. How'd that go..." She pauses, then sings, each word a different note, "My ruff has fleas!" She grins at Romana again, "That's how he remembered the notes, he said... one word and note for each string!"

Romana looks up to Brisa and blinks. "But then this ruff tail missing!"

Brisa touches the balalaika cautiously with one gentle fingertip, running it along a bit of the smooth polished wood with wondering interest... then smiles, taking another bite of the apple. She laughs softly at Romana's comment, "Must be dangerous fleas then?" She grins, her eyes dancing with delighted mischief -- then she gets a thoughtful look, "Maybe we can find you a proper one like you're used to, whatever instrument it is, in town, mishka?"

Roxanna catches Brisa's gaze, or tries to, giving an almost imperceptible shake of her head. Romana's eyes just brighten, they sparkle like a summer sky. "Oh... would be wonderfulness!"

It's Jake that turns, "Try the Hysthainian importers. It'll cost a pretty set of stars, but they specialize in fine goods from Talesan's to Trundle."

Brisa raises an eyebrow at Roxanna's look... then nods imperceptibly as she chews and swallows her bite of apple, "That might be the best bet, gospodin. Well..." she grins quietly at Romana, "-can this ruff maybe sing another pretty dancing tune for us?" Internally she sighs softly and smiles. From Roxanna's look she's guessing they won't find exactly what Romana wants... but after a look like that from Romana, Brisa knows she'll be checking every instrument store in town!

Romana considers, looking up quietly. "Should it be a dance?"

Roxanna says, "Not if you don't want to. What did you have in mind, Romana?" Brisa hesitates. She'd love another dance, but she won't ask Romana to play one if she doesn't want to... maybe she shouldn't push the Jvrillian's good will either. She nods at Roxanna's words.

Romana leans back, so very, very quiet. She considers, looking at the little group. Then she turns to Roxanna, her head tilting quietly. Sapphire eyes meet the Atteran's, and it's obvious she is picking her words carefully... as carefully as Mohlkavin. "Roxannas... did you ever hear a minstrel named Tammyarris? Ro... I once asked him a question..."

Roxanna nods. "Oh, yes. As often as I could, actually. What was the question?"

Romana considers again, her fingers light upon Roxanna's balalaika. "Asked Tammyarris why all hates the East. This he sung..."

Garrick blinks, looking back the black haired girl. Mohlkavin just stands still, his head tilting, one hand on his sword and the other at his chin. For a moment it is so very, very quiet on the fortress top, and then a low melody sneaks out into the dark. Her fingers still unfamiliar, still remembering, remembering something taught in haste. Clumsy but echoing of loved ones lost... Romana's voice, however, is very pretty... catching each little nuance. Natural... if she had practice she might even be good... Brisa blinks slowly... then settles back against her rock to listen in fascination.

O'er miles of blood and lifeless pain
Running before their dark might,
Small frays, gathered hope like a breeze gathers dust,
Only scattered night after night,

'Tis only Silk Creek 'tween them and the rest,
Our last stand is here or not.
'Tis only Silk Creek, sang the voice in the night.
We stop them here, or 'tis lost.

At heather's rocky gate they grew and they gathered
A great army to stand 'gainst the foe
Run like hounds to a fox, the Easterners hunted.
To be smashed by our greatest blow.

'Tis only Silk Creek 'tween them and the rest,
Our last stand is here or not.
'Tis only Silk Creek, sang the voice in the night.
We stop them here, or 'tis lost.

The morn it came early, 'fore even the dawn.
But on the far hill they massed
All's stood in the way is a bridge of red fire...

The words fade, the melody alone completing the unfinished stanza. For a moment there is just silence; silence... and then Romana barely whispers the final chorus:

'Tis only Silk Creek 'tween them and the rest,
Our last stand is here or not.
'Tis only Silk Creek, sang the voice in the night.
We stop them here, or 'tis lost.

"Tammyarris said she never got to finish her song." Romana just leans on Roxanna's instrument, her arms folded.

It's Mohlkavin though that quietly claps, his stern visage gone. He nods to Garrick and settles down on his rock. "It's a good song."

Brisa quietly nudges Romana's drink and a small sweet apple over next to Romana, then says softly, "It's... very sad..." Roxanna nods, remembering that song. It was rarely played at the Shattered Griffin, but Tamaris played it other places. Brisa sips her drink thoughtfully, then murmurs, "I wonder why it never got finished." She sits, staring up at the sky a moment, then adds equally softly, "I wonder if the Easterners have sad songs for their missing dead too..."

It is Garrick that answers Brisa's question. "It was because Chelsea Torrensdottir died at Silk Creek Bridge, Brisa."

Brisa gives Garrick a puzzled look, then oh!s, "Chelsea Torrensdottir wrote that?" She sighs softly, glancing over towards the hole into the ground, invisible now at night, that leads into the temple... and murmurs quietly, "I... wonder... if they ever get as tired of fighting and dying as we do..."

Roxanna says, "I daresay they must. We only saw the upper crust of their society in Trundle, though."

Brisa nods silently to Roxanna... then quietly offers her mug to Romana. Romana just shakes her head back and forth, soft silken locks a darker shadow against the night sky. "No. Maybe one. Maybe two. But no."

Brisa glances a touch worriedly at Romana... then deliberately looks at Garrick and says, "I have a question, captain, that's sort of in this vein... did Velikii pass through here recently? And if he did... do you have any idea what he was doing in the west instead of Trundle, where he belongs?" Anuje glances up from her mug at the question. Benedict also looks up quietly and interestedly at the question.

Roxanna mutters something under her breath... "-good riddance..." seems to figure in it.

Both the guard Captain and the Jvrillian start. For a moment Garrick turns, glancing to the eastern side of town where the Rothian gate lies silent. Mohlkavin crosses his arms, his look dour and his jaw set, while Garrick turns back to face the young Dayallan. "You do get around, don't you, Brisa. Velikii. Excuse me, His Imperial Lord Velikii. He came through the winter before last. Talantal bound he was, but rumors have him tarrying at Montague. And when he was here he was closeted with Marrennenn and Hysthainian... and had men making a survey of the lands just outside one of the gates."

Brisa straightens slowly, a worried look on her face. Quietly she says, "What does that vicious apostate want with here?"

Benedict says softly, looking into the fire, "He's an apostate, he doesn't deserve the title 'Imperial Lord.'" An' he stood there and let the bastard do it! rings in his memory. He blinks, looking up, at Garrick, frowning. "Surveying the land? He's not planning on moving here, would he?"

Brisa scowls suddenly, "No wonder he egged on the conflict in town, and killed the Shannon lord's son right in front of him -- he wanted an excuse to claim Cragside for Talantal!" Anuje chews her lip, staring at the fire.

Benedict says, "But why, Brisa? What good would it do to do that?" Anuje glances up at Brisa and over to the Captain and the Jvrillian.

Brisa's face is hard with restrained anger, "Benedict, you know why. The Korie's been trying to claim land up there forever. Don't you remember why Anwynnson and all those folks first got angry with the Wild Horde? They'd been hired by that chornye dirka to just sort of... 'take' the Corliss area." She folds her arms, staring east, "He is an honorless man, to use people so." She shakes her head slowly, "Well... he won't be able to use Anwynnson so again..."

Mohlkavin looks to Garrick, rubbing his chin again. "I didn't think he could... move here that is."

Lady Kay shakes her head, her eyes narrowing. "True. He can't. But if he has a large family..."

Anuje frowns. "I just remembered something I heard before I left." Brisa glances at Anuje inquiringly.

Benedict sighs, rubbing his forehead. "Blast it to cinders. You're right, I should have thought of that." He blinks, then looks up. "Then... why was he here? And what did he have to do with two of the Three?" He blinks again and looks over at Anuje.

Anuje thinks about her words carefully and then speaks, looking at the others over the licking flames, "I'd heard tell that one of the Imperial Lords had made a large order of Montague marble. The largest anyone's ever heard of... and they were going to ship it East." Brisa's eyes widen slightly... then she swears softly under her breath.

Roxanna says, "The only thing that stuff is good for is for a palace or a temple, and he's not the sort to be building temples. This does not sound good."

Benedict gasps. "He's... he's going to be building... er, something, probably outside Bordertown, if he was surveying land there."

Brisa's head tilts at the captain and Mohlkavin, "You don't trust him... is it because he's building confidently outside the town, near the forest?"

Mohlkavin whistles, a low and ominous sound. "Cor... that must have been Krysta's own bribe to get Marrennenn to allow an Imperial to consider making a home here... and it must mean he's already bought Emeraldsson off too."

Roxanna says, "Bribes, or threats?"

Benedict frowns. "Considering what we saw in Cragside... I would say 'threats.'"

Brisa says slowly, thoughtfully, "Or... promises... promises that they won't be troubled by the chaos riders?"

Benedict says, "How would he be able to promise that, unless..." His eyes widen, then he shakes his head. "He's apostate, no more, no less. He wouldn't...? Or would he?" Brisa just watches Benedict think about that. She looks a bit repulsed at the thought herself.

Roxanna says, "Judging by the sorts of things he tolerated in Trundle, I'd say he's on good terms with them." Brisa nods quietly at Roxanna's words.

"Garrick... you might be out of a job." Mohlkavin's words are low and so very even.

"I know." Garrick sits back still, looking down the broken stone to the town below. "I wonder if Michael has ordered cloth of contrasting colors..." Mohlkavin's answer is just a dark nod. Brisa's eyes widen again at the news that Michael's already in on it.

Benedict looks at his hands and finds himself saying softly, "We can't let him do this." Then he blinks and sighs, rubbing his forehead. "No, of course we can't... except for the fact that he can have us killed on a whim."

Brisa murmurs, apropos of nothing, "Just as we almost had them too... avatar and all..." She sighs softly, looking into her mug, and mumbles a little dispiritedly, "Isn't it interesting that each Age is about 250 years long? -and... it's been 250 years since the end of the Second Age?"

Lady Kay looks back to Brisa, her head shaking. "Pray that isn't so, lassie. That means things will get much worse before they ever get any better. And we won't live to see the better days."

Anuje looks up. "You really think any mortal, no matter how twisted, could make a deal with the Red Scarf?"

Brisa nods a little bleakly at Lady Kay... then glances at Anuje, "Don't you remember the captain telling us about that um... individual -- the Counselor, I think? -- who asked the gospodin Mohlkavin what the price of a bottle of wine was in that town? -and he found out the farmers were making deals with the chaos riders?" Silently Romana looks up, her gaze catching Anuje's. Silently and very subtly, she shakes her head no..

Anuje smiles weakly. "What were we celebrating?"

Roxanna grins. "A victory, of course. But we haven't yet won the war."

Brisa nods quietly, a touch grimly, "Da. We are celebrating. And even if it will not help much, I am still going to urge my sisters to bring the temple back here..." she looks up at Mohlkavin, "-and you also -- you should fight hard to keep your temple strong in town. It would be wrong to just hand the town over to an apostate." She nods firmly, then looks at Romana, "Mishkhhyra, please? A good, bright, strong dancing song, da?"

Benedict looks down into the fire, feeling frustration build up in him. An apostate Imperial, unworthy to hold the title 'Imperial Lord' -- oh, who's kidding who, the prince is apostate. There's no law that binds Velikii, or prevents what he's doing... he can't even recall a law against dealing with the Eastern riders, since that's considered to be just plain insanity. Would Hastur's Judgement even be halfway binding on him if invoked? Would there be a Justice in the Empire who would call for such judgement upon Velikii? What could an Eye do? The answer is the only one he can give, as irritating now as when he heard it from Lord Random: Watch. Observe. That is our duty, Brother Matthewsson. "No." He says the word softly, more to himself than anything else. Then he shakes his head, pulling himself back into the conversation. "No town deserves that, Brisa," he says softly. Then he falls silent at Brisa's request of Romana, sorting through whatever little iotas of fact might be found in his forlorn mind.

Mohlkavin blinks, quiet. And then he just gives Brisa an even look. "We don't need your help, girl. We are Jvrillians. Look at you. You just have ruins here. Pitiful. How can you even hope to make a difference if you can't even get your little temple built first?"

Anuje thinks quietly, watching the flames dance... then glances up at the Jvrillian. "How long were you fighting the chaos riders?"

Brisa raises an eyebrow at Mohlkavin, then shrugs, "Suit yourself, Jvrillian." She grins at Anuje's comment.

Benedict says tightly, albeit idly, "Last I saw, Dayalla Herself put Her light into the tip of this hill." He's feeling tired, weary. And right at this moment he doesn't particularly care if Hastur is somehow related to Jvrill or not.

Brisa smiles quietly at her friends, "It's all right. He's just very worried... he has a right to be worried. Come... let's dance, and if he wants to he'll join us." She grins with sudden mischief, her eyes bright, "Anuje... will you dance with me?" Mohlkavin blinks once, and then quietly sits back down. Garrick casts Brisa an odd glance, and takes a sip from his goblet.

Roxanna takes her balalaika back from Romana and re-tunes it. "How about a nice reel?"

Anuje blinks and smiles. "Me? Ah...sure." She stands and glances at Benedict, grinning.

Brisa laughs, then adds, "You do know the steps, da? I'm going to expect you to lead!"

Anuje grins. "Sure... but I doubt I'll be able to spin you like Jake here."

Brisa chuckles softly, "It's all right, lad... it's the thought and the caring that counts, not how big and impressive someone is." Anuje glances at Roxanna and Romana.

Brisa grins at Benedict, "Come on, lad, you too!"

Benedict blinks, a bit startled, and looks up at Brisa. "Er, pardon?"

Roxanna grins back at Anuje. "It's Romana's turn to dance. I'm back to playing."

Brisa says, "Pick a partner, Benedict! No just sitting around here -- we're celebrating!"

Benedict blinks again. "Ah... I mean... er... who...?"

Brisa gives Benedict an amusedly exasperated look, "Usually a lady, silly! -of which there are two here!" It doesn't occur to Brisa to include herself in the category 'lady,' of course.

Romana gives over the balalaika and slowly stands, her pace light. She looks to Benedict and then to Garrick and then to Mohlkavin and then to Benedict and then to Garrick and then to Mohlkavin and then to Benedict and then to Garrick and then to Mohlkavin... Brisa ahems pointedly at Benedict! Benedict blinkblinks, glancing to the left, glancing to the right. "Er... oh! Ah, Romana, might I have this dance...?"

Romana spins and flashes a bright smile to Benedict, bouncing lightly up to him. Three steps and the tall Romana looks down upon Benedict with a bright smile. "We dances agains..." Looking over her shoulder she queries Roxanna. "Another country dance, or elses?" Anuje grins at Romana's exuberance. Benedict blinks over to Roxanna, still looking rather stunned and surprised.

Again it is Garrick who takes up the Lady Random's hand, leading her to the others. "It is unseemly for a Lady to sit out a dance. Jake can suffer." Anuje takes Brisa's hand in hers and places the other at her waist, waiting for the music. Brisa grins cheerfully down at Anuje. Height difference or no, she's become quite the fan of dancing!

Roxanna settles herself back down with her instrument, the re-tuning taking some time after Romana's revision to Eastern chording. When she is satisfied she grins to the waiting dancers and starts into a reel, a sprightly air with a traditional but elaborate dance step. Anuje positions herself and Brisa so that she's able to watch Garrick's feet, leading a bit awkwardly until she gets the step down. Brisa grins as she realizes they're both new to this... but she obligingly follows Anuje's lead as smoothly as she can.

Romana hears the first notes and theatrically frowns. "Reels and reels..." She pouts, "-can't kiss Bennydicts again..." And before the brother can answer Romana drags him into the dance, her step light and fast, years of courtly training betrayed as she bounces, her tunic slashing here and there, often wrapping tight to her pretty figure. Benedict stumbles a little at the first few notes, but settles into the reel, somewhat familiar to him back home, though it has been a while.

Garrick and Lady Kay make a fine couple, Garrick allowing the lady to set her pace and Kay adding an almost noble grace to Roxanna's bright and wonderful melody. The music alternates between a stately, almost marching, tempo during which the partners pace hand-in-hand, and a whirling active tempo where the couples dance in and out and swirl back the way they came. Though it's traditional in Trundle, Roxanna slows down a bit when she realizes that not everyone here is familiar with the steps. Anuje relaxes a little after the dance moves through once and starts to repeat. She grins up at Brisa and glances over at Benedict and Romana, but quickly returns her attention to the dance as she misses a step.

Brisa enjoys herself once she gets the hang of the dance, whirling light-footedly through the couples, grinning cheerfully at Anuje. She can't resist a laugh though at Romana's comment -- she calls out teasingly, "You'll have to ask Roxanna for a country dance later, da?"

Anuje grins and spins Brisa. "Might be my turn with her then, Brisa."

Emerald eyes flash as Romana passes her friend. "Would rather dance then with Brisas." Brisa chuckles at Anuje's comment, twirling easily and grins -- then blushes suddenly at Romana's statement, looking both abashed and pleased.

Roxanna continues strumming, occasionally adding a counterpoint with a wordless chant to round things off. The music ends in a bright flourish of notes as the dancers (at least theoretically) end up in their starting positions. Brisa does a final gleeful pirouette, her outer tunic's skirts swirling, then beams and bows gracefully to Anuje, "Spacebo, kind gospodin!"

Anuje smiles and bows to Brisa. "Spacebo, friend. Dancing is even more fun to do than watch."

Brisa settles on her sitting rock again and takes a thirsty draught of her drink, then laughs and nods cheerfully to Anuje, "Da, it is, although I'd not realized that previously!"

Romana and Benedict come to a bright halt, her tunics ricocheting in a playful swirl and brushing his legs, her touch light, her hand tarrying a bit before she flounces off the dancing 'floor.' Her cheeks are flushed, her breath a bit short. With a *floop* Romana sits down, an unladylike but very comfortable sprawl. Benedict chuckles softly, and bows to Romana. "Thank you, Romana..."

"Welcomes, Bennydicts!" Romana calls across to Benedict, and then scrabbles for an apple for herself. She smiles and with an enthusiastic bite she attacks the red fruit. *crunch*! Anuje sits and takes a long drink of water from her own mug. She glances down at the town.

Brisa chuckles quietly at Romana, leaning over to refill her mug. She sits back then, taking another sip and thinking, still a little flushed herself from the dance... she stares silently into the fire for a bit. Then, slowly, her gaze gets extremely thoughtful... she looks up, studying Mohlkavin with intent curiosity. The rugged Jvrillian quietly returns Brisa's gaze. Brisa blinks as he actually looks back... then smiles faintly and looks deliberately at Garrick, "Captain, was having strange thought just now... was thinking now would be the best time for messengers to take the Highland Path, da? While the chaos riders are in disarray?"

Roxanna smiles at Brisa. "Remember this one?" She plays the ballad again that she played for the Elemental Faerie.

Brisa turns to Roxanna, distracted, then grins, "Oh, da! Strange time that was, in the fey lands."

Benedict blinks, looking over to Roxanna. "Good heavens, I remember that. Yeesh, we nearly became food for the wolves... er, bears... er, whatever those things were."

Mohlkavin nods quietly. "Prolly for the next couple days. If the courier is good... or a group of folks are fast and sure and work well together. Depends on how important the message is."

Garrick looks to Brisa and nods, "Jake would know."

Brisa nods slowly, looking pleased -- so, perhaps her guess at Mohlkavin's apparently odd behavior was correct, and he was trying to tell her something -- without actually saying it! She frowns thoughtfully into the fire, then looks up at the two men, "Do either of you know of anyone who wishes to head that way currently?"

Garrick shakes his head and Mohlkavin crosses his arms, looking down at the town. "No... I don't have another to send... and Jake..." The mercenary shakes his head too. "No. After what I have learned tonight, I am going to have to keep a younger member of my church in line. It wouldn't be half hard, except the damned leader of the Mark happens to be good at what he does."

Brisa nods quietly, "Ah. It was a thought."

Anuje says, "Doesn't it take a long time to build a temple or palace? Like ten years or something?"

Roxanna says, "Normally, yes. But there's already one here, after all."

Anuje says, "You think they're going to take over the one here and rebuild it?"

Brisa says, "I think Roxanna thought you were referring to this one, Anuje... not to the Velikiian one."

Romana looks up. She looks back over her shoulder for a long moment, to the woods. Then she shrugs quietly, looking back. Benedict glances quizzically to Romana, quirking an eyebrow at her glance into the woods. Brisa taps her fingers thoughtfully on her mug's rim, staring into the fire, "The messenger would do best alone, anyway... race up there, spend the winter there... maybe not. Maybe head back with a contingent.. that might work. One person, quick and quiet, like Rhys."

Anuje shakes her head. "No... I didn't mean this one."

Roxanna looks puzzled for a moment, then abashed. "Sorry. Misunderstood."

Brisa smiles ruefully at Anuje, "I don't know, lad. How long does a palace take to build?"

Anuje kicks another piece of wood into the fire, sending sparks flying high into the night sky. "Do you think...it would take less time to go to the Capitol and back than it would for them to build it?"

Brisa says, "Capitol of what, Anuje?"

Anuje says, "Of the Empire."

Brisa looks puzzled, "Sail to the Bankorpool Empire?! Why?"

Very quietly Romana whispers speculatively, "Dancers fast horse..."

Brisa looks at Romana and says softly, "Nyet." She reaches over to take one of Romana's hands in her own and says gently, "Please don't even think about it, mishka." Benedict blinks quietly to Romana.

Romana slips her fingers into Brisa's, squeezing lightly. "If importants Romana would."

Brisa nods and says firmly, "It is not worth your life, mishka." She sighs, "P'jalst." She glances at Roxanna and says tiredly, "Maybe something to lighten the mood again, please, Roxy?"

Anuje looks at Brisa. "Do you think the Emperor would approve of what the Prince is doing?"

Roxanna says, "Absolutely no idea."

Brisa glances at Anuje, "Lad, I don't even know if there is an emperor any more. It's been a generation or more since we've had contact with them, da?"

Anuje blinks. "Why wouldn't there be? Even if the last one died, there'd be a new one."

Roxanna strums her instrument, then starts into a traditional song for the upcoming festival. Brisa listens quietly, not letting go of Romana's hand unless Romana pulls away. If the song is a repeating chorus style one she'll sing along with the choruses. Romana doesn't try to pull away. Instead, when Brisa looks over, she finds Romana sitting right next to her, watching not the stars or the shadowed town below, but her. Brisa smiles a tad wearily at Romana, then just quietly puts an arm around her, tucking her into her cloak so she's not chilled.

Anuje glances at Garrick. "And if there wasn't an Emperor... would the Lords mean anything?" Benedict blinks, looking slowly at Anuje.

Roxanna says, "I can't help thinking that if the Emperor only sends a few messages once or twice in a generation, do the Lords mean anything anyway?" Brisa nods quietly at Roxanna's comment.

Benedict says quietly, "I think... what's important isn't that there is or isn't an emperor... but that, since the Lords work in his name, that the people believe there is one."

Roxanna says, "One thing I learned in Trundle... the responsibilities of rule are just as important as the privileges... and taking the privileges without accepting the responsibilities leads to people like Velikii."

Garrick looks to Anuje, a bit worried. "You had better hope so lad. Otherwise you'll have seven keeps vying for power again. And that... from what I've been told, that's not a pretty thing."

Brisa murmurs dryly, "Velikii's crawling grasp is better?"

Anuje says, "It's the beginning of just that, isn't it?"

Brisa blinks, thinking... then gives Anuje a worried look, "Bozhemoi... you're right."

Anuje says, "Shouldn't the Emperor know, if that's what this is?"

Brisa says puzzledly, "Where exactly is the Empire? Does anyone know?"

Benedict frowns slightly. "You're right, he should know. But I've never made the journey to Bankorpool, and they say that it's a very long journey away..."

Roxanna says, "If there is still an Emperor. If Chaos hasn't taken them."

Anuje frowns a little. "Isn't it about time somebody find out, though?"

Benedict taps his chin, and glances, reluctantly, up to the tower... Brisa smiles wryly, "Probably. But who will go, and risk coming home a stranger?"

Benedict sighs softly, and looks to Brisa. "I would. Pursuit of the truth is what being an Eye is supposed to be about. And if the Truth is that the Empire is survived only by this region..." He gives a slight shrug.

Brisa nods gravely to Benedict, then says softly, "What if you are needed here, Benny-varishch?"

Roxanna nods. "Things used to be better in Trundle, even fairly recently. It wasn't until the Koromovs were forced out of power by Velikii's family for standing up for the commoners that... things..." She stops, her eyes widening.

Brisa frowns, looking suddenly worried at Roxanna's expression, "What, Roxy?" Mohlkavin and Garrick pause, looking to Roxanna.

Roxanna says, "Koromov, Brisa. The name ring any bells?" Lady Kay looks back to Roxanna, and then tries not to yawn.

Brisa nods, "Captain Dandelion Koromov of the Wild Horde, da, Roxy. Schto?"

Benedict shakes his head quietly. "How would I know where I'm needed?" He blinks, looking to Roxanna. "Not a coincidence, I'd wager."

Roxanna says, "Daughter of Thomas Koromov. Heir to one of the Imperial houses of Trundle. Until Velikii arranged to have him stripped of his rights and, supposedly, killed, because he kept interfering in Velikii's abuse of the commoners."

Brisa looks puzzled, "But she spoke of knowing him as a child. How could he do that while he was just a boy?"

Benedict says, "And his daughter went on to become a captain of the Wild Horde. Hastur above!" He adds, "Perhaps it was the father of the Velikii we saw in Cragside." Brisa looks blankly between Roxanna and Benedict.

Roxanna says, "That is the connection, I'll wager. That's why Velikii's thugs are after her." She blinks at Brisa. "The elder one. Thomas Montgomery Koromov." Anuje watches Jake's expression during the exchange.

Brisa says, "They're after her specifically? You're saying Anwynsson wasn't the Korie's pawn, so much as the Korie is Velikii's pawn, against the captain?"

Roxanna says, "Da. That's my guess for the moment, at least."

Brisa nods slowly... then sighs softly, "P'jalst. I'll go then."

Garrick and Mohlkavin just exchange glances. And then slowly Mohlkavin reaches into his purse and places a handful of coins in Garrick's hand. Garrick just smiles and slips them into his own pocket. Brisa raises an eyebrow at the exchange.

Roxanna says, "Someone lose a bet?"

Benedict blinks, glancing to Brisa. "You'll go... where?"

Romana just looks to Brisa, reaching up to touch her cheek. "Brish'khhya?" Brisa smiles faintly at Romana, then glances interestedly at the two men, waiting for them to answer Roxanna's question.

Anuje glances at Brisa. "You can't go alone."

Benedict says, "Brisa... I will ask the same question you asked me: what if you are needed here?"

Garrick just laughs. "I bet him ages ago that Thomas Montgomery just had to be a Koromov..." then he too turns to Brisa. "You'll go where?"

Brisa sits up suddenly, "Thomas Mo-" she blinks, then smacks her forehead, "Oh, of course!" Then she grins quietly (although with not much humor) at Benedict, "I would tell you the same thing you replied, Benny-varishch... how would I know where I am needed? All I know is that the message needs to go out... and I don't want any of you to go." Her glance sideways at Romana is worried... then she glances at Anuje, replying belatedly to her question, "Why not? I will be with Khari. I won't be alone."

Anuje says, "Which message? Sounds like there are two."

Benedict says dryly, "I'd like to hear why you don't want any of us to go... especially considering, not to put too fine a point on it, you'd be a Dayallan walking into the heart of the Imperial Court."

Romana speaks plainly and simply. "Romana will not leave Brisa."

Brisa murmurs dryly, "I imagine the Dayallans can be trusted to tell one of their own of a potential attacker, Anuje." She grins at Benedict, "Not there, Benny-varishch... to Dawnview. If a temple here will slow Velikii down... then it should happen." She adds more seriously, "Benedict, think careful, please? This is a suicide run -- this is the Greenland Path. Speed is of the essence... speed and good horsemanship." She adds quietly, "You should be here, Benedict... like you were in Cragside. Someone should see and record, if Velikii returns too soon."

Benedict blinks. "I thought you were talking about going to Bankorpool." He shakes his head. "Brisa... there comes a point when the time for watching is over -- that the time for doing something with that knowledge is over! We know Velikii is abusing his power, we know Talantal is apostate. Now something needs to be done." He jerks a thumb at the tower. "Believe me, I had this discussion not too long ago."

Brisa nods to Benedict, "Then convince the people of the town that they shouldn't just tamely let Velikii move in, Benedict. Do you think they'd listen more to you or to me?"

Mohlkavin frowns quietly. He looks to the small group. "A lone Dayallan would be a toy there. Unless you are as good as Rhys Kellenni, anyone going alone will be cut down. The only ones who last long in there are mad mainlanders and their Eastern masters."

Brisa says, "You, Mohlkavin, Garrick, the Atteran ladies... if you all said it was a bad idea they'd listen to you. You're all respected in town." She looks at Mohlkavin and shrugs, "I suppose I will find out if I am as good as he, then. I know Khari is better than his Thorn... she's Nehrimstel bloodline." She adds thoughtfully, "And Lord Random said he'd have a map for us of Roth. I will use that."

Benedict says, "But if you're talking about going to Dawnview... if it's a suicide run, why make the trip? There'd be safety in numbers. And I'll make a counter proposal: you need to tell your sisters that a temple needs to be built here, and quickly. Don't you think an Eye of Hastur, who has Seen what happened here -- an Imperial -- would help to cement what you say? Confirmed by another Imperial, one of the Lady of Mercy's own? And the friends and companions whom you fought your way out of the fey-realm with?"

Brisa can't help a grin at Benedict, "Benny-varishch... ah, how to put this... the Allaines are not fond of Imperials?"

Benedict shakes his head. "And I know why. There's supposed to be no love for them from Imperials, either. But I'd be willing to make the journey to tell them, if nobody else, of Dayalla's Miracle. An Eye of Hastur might not mean much to them, and I can't change that. But if there's even the remotest chance of being able to help convince them..."

Brisa says, "And da, there is safety in numbers... how many do you recommend, if we are seeking safety? Captain Garrick is not sure if he and gospodin Mohlkavin are enough for that forest... and I am not made of stars and crowns, lad. I am thinking speed and planning is the best way to get through... just as gospodin Mohlkavin said, while they are in disarray."

Anuje presses her lips together in thought and then looks at Brisa. "We can get enough stars and crowns if we need them."

Benedict says, "Brisa... the alternative is to let the Chaos Riders throw themselves at Bordertown, again and again. And while I know these men and their guards can beat back most attacks... with an apostate Imperial welcoming the riders in with open arms, that will be one less thing they need. Brisa... Dayalla's Temple needs to be rebuilt." He looks at the other companions, a bit of a wild and desperate look in his eyes.

Brisa nods calmly, "Da, Benedict... we will make sure it is. You keep the people of the town from welcoming Velikii in. I will bring the Dayallans, if it's at all physically possible."

"What Jake said is true, Brisa. In this case..." Garrick's words are simple, sure and even. "It's not the proper number. It's the folks who ride with you. It needs folks who work together as a team. And that doesn't grow overnight."

Brisa says, "What's not the proper number?"

Benedict says, "I think he means, the number of people doesn't matter." He sounds almost tired, a faint shake to his voice. "The important thing is not how many, but who.""

Brisa says gently, "Then he's never ridden with a caravan, Benedict. The more people along, the slower you go."

Garrick looks to Brisa. "You asked me what the recommended number of folks to make a run down the Greenland path might be. It's not the number of folks, but how well you work together."

Brisa counts on her fingers to Garrick, "And how good their horses are, and how good they are as riders and as surviving in the wilderness, and how good they are as warriors, and how long shall I go on, captain?" She waves a hand at her friends, "Look, captain. They are all very good at the things they do... but riding all day, fighting, surviving by scavenging in the wilderness... that they are not good at. I would no more ask them to come than I would expect to survive Trundle alone." She gives the captain a puzzled look, "Why would you try to send city folk into the Forest of Roth, captain?"

Garrick nods. "All true. But you might not have a choice, Brisa."

Brisa stares levelly at the captain, "One always has a choice, captain."

Roxanna grins. "We're getting better at that sort of thing, Brisa."

Anuje looks at Roxanna. "Good enough for that?"

Garrick slowly nods and then looks to Brisa's companions. "Tell them, Brisa."

Brisa says gently, "Nyet, Anuje." She looks at the captain again, her gaze unflinching, "Captain, do not think for a moment that I will not sacrifice myself to convince them not to go."

Benedict takes in a slow breath. He stands quietly. "Please... excuse me for a moment," he says softly. He moves quietly out of the circle of firelight, walking a short stone's throw away (he's not entirely dim-witted) before perching himself upon a rock, looking up into the night sky. Lord Hastur, he prays, Brisa and I can't both be right. But I don't think we're both wrong, either. The Truth... the Truth is, we're on the edge of the bloody dawn of a new Age, whether we like it or not, and we need to be two places, perhaps even three places, at once. But I still feel we were brought together for a reason, all of us. The trial in the fey-ground proved that. And that if we were to separate it would bring a doom upon us.

But what do we do? Where is the Truth needed; who needs to hear the Truth the most? And would anyone believe me if you told me? Brisa says she'd sacrifice herself to keep us from going with her, but... but what if that was where the Truth needed to be heard by someone who had Seen it? They would believe her if she told them of Dayalla's Miracle -- I hope you're not annoyed that I Saw that, by the way -- but she'd be going alone... He sighs softly, shaking his head. Sometimes of late I wonder if I can truly say I am your Eyes, Lord Hastur... He rests his head on his arms, leaning on his knees for a few moments more, before rousing himself to return to the fire...

Benedict starts to walk back to the circle, his footsteps quiet on the gravel... but then there is the sound of a stumble, the scraping of cloth on stone, a soft, startled yelp, silence... Then a shout to the heavens. "HASTUR!" Anuje stands, stepping out of the circle of light to better see Benedict. Roxanna turns toward Benedict. What now? Brisa's head snaps around and she's on her feet, heading towards Benedict's call, a small bluish star-friend darting forward to light up where Benedict is. Romana, Mohlkavin and Garrick just start, and even Lady Kay stirs again, her eyes blinking open. "Oh, my."

Benedict is on the ground, clearly having stumbled. His eyes are wide and a cold sweat has broken out on his forehead. He shakes slightly, his breathing ragged, but he appears otherwise unharmed. Brisa looks around puzzledly... then just scoops Benedict up and returns to the fire with him. She'll set him down carefully next to Roxanna, so she can check him.

Benedict looks to Brisa as she brings him back and tries for several long seconds to try to say something. He is unharmed, just startled, as if he had never been startled in his life before. Finally he shakes his head, losing none of the shock in his eyes, before looking into the fire. Even then, it takes him a while to speak, though he clearly opens his mouth, trying to speak. Anuje stands over Roxanna and Benedict. "Bene... are you okay?" Brisa stands next to them, looking around warily and cautiously for a few moments. Roxanna does a quick check for shock, or maybe sprained ankles, though she suspects it's another visitation.

Finally he swallows audibly and says in a quiet, yet oddly firm, voice. "He spoke to me."

Romana rushes up, looking over Brisa's shoulders, looking down upon Benedict, concerned, eyes steady. Her hair lightly drifts over Brisa's shoulder, soft as the finest samite upon her neck and cheek and collar. Brisa says, "Who? Hastur?"

Benedict looks to Brisa, his eyes filled with... wonder, and yet shock, and he nods dumbly; it is as if he is trying to remember to breathe. "I prayed. He... He answered." Only then does he close his eyes and take a ragged, shaking breath, putting a hand to his forehead to daub at the perspiration. Anuje sits down, looking a little relieved that he's alright.

Brisa says, "Schto? What did he say, Benny-varishch?"

Benedict opens his eyes. She's not going to like it, he thinks morosely. But... it was his words. "He... He told me to go with you, Brisa..." He seems to find his voice. "I speak the truth, Brisa, I would not even imagine doing that. He... never spoke to me before, and... He just said those three words. 'Go With Her.'"

Brisa's eyes widen incredulously at Benedict's words... then she rolls her eyes in exasperation and says the same thing she said when Lord Random screwed up the plan for Marin's hell rider, in the same fervently irritated tone of voice, "Tov yo mat!" She looks up at the sky and yells in a foreign tongue for a few minutes, in a loud and irritated tone of voice, waving her arms occasionally to include Benedict and her friends, or to gesture at herself... finally she just shakes her head and sighs. She looks back at Benedict, then raises an eyebrow, shrugging and folding her arms. Bluntly she says, "Your Hastur doesn't like you or me much, does he? What's he going to do if I refuse to go, to save your life?"

Anuje says, "Why'd they put it on the other side of Roth anyway? How inconvenient."

Roxanna blinks. "I think we'll simply have to trust them on this one. Unless you want to check with Dayalla for a confirmation first?"

Far above a star twinkles, a star bright. A soft voice quietly speaks in Brisa's head, her words gentle and sure and so very, very familiar. She didn't have to stay, you know. She had no magic... she had no skill with a sword. But she stood with me. She died with me. And I was never able to tell her I loved her... little one, she never wanted to be anywhere else... no steel... nor a priestess' call for the stars to cry could be as strong as a heart true. And you have four who would stand with you. I would not have made it without her, little one... more than just my body would have died..."

Brisa's head snaps around, staring at the stars. She's silent for a moment, then snarls, "This is a different Age, Verchovai -- and an entirely different situation! And I don't want my friends in that situation!" She turns away from the fire, pointing at Benedict and opening her mouth to snap something else... then pauses, frozen still in thought. Slowly she murmurs, "...a different situation... yes... that's it!" She turns slowly to stare at the captain and Mohlkavin, "They just have to be there first... but that doesn't mean it has to be by bringing them here!" She laughs suddenly, tossing her head back to yell cheerfully up at the sky, "Spacebo!" then turns, grinning, to face her friends again.

Roxanna casts a thought upward as well. So, my Lady. Are we truly at the end of an Age now? Is Your will on us as well, to make this hell-run to fetch the Dayallan Horde? Benedict looks up to Brisa, and sighs softly. He stands quietly, looking to Brisa wearily. "You know as well as I do," he says quietly, "-that it's well past what we want anymore. As a Dayallan you're pledged to protect the defenseless. In a sense, so am I." He points to the town beyond the rocks. "Those people. The people in Cragside. Even Talantal. All of them are naked babes before the riders. My life isn't my own, Brisa, it belongs to them, and to Hastur. For the first time since starting this journey, Brisa, I'm to do something with what I as an Eye have Seen..." His voice trails off as Brisa holds up a hand, still beaming excitedly.

"A moment, Benny, please? I have a thought?" Brisa is animated as she speaks, waving her arms to include people in what she's saying, "Mohlkavin is right, we need to have the temple active by when Velikii arrives... but look! What if Velikii's work takes longer than expected? What if... what if Benny-varishch and Roxy-varishch let people know what happened in Cragside and in Trundle? Would they be willing to help the Imperial build if they knew the chaos he brings?" She turns to Benedict and says passionately, "Da, Benny-varishch, do something with what you've seen as an Eye -- make sure the whole town knows what they face if they aid Velikii -- if they let Velikii put Michael and his 'easy coin' in place as Velikii's personal guard!" Brisa pauses for a breath, then grins mischievously, "And also -- what if the marble just... doesn't arrive? How much would it cost to hire Mohlkavin's heavy horse to take a caravan, captain Garrick?" Brisa's grin gets malicious, "It'd put Velikii out a pretty penny too!"

Roxanna says, "Marble's not structural rock, generally. Most of the building could proceed... though it would cost him, yes..."

Brisa nods to Roxanna, then brightens at a thought, "It is very difficult to build where a battle is ongoing, da? So, Verchovai Tashka taught us how to call the correct chaos rider -- what if it was repeatedly called and didn't have time to grow strong because it kept getting killed? Who would willingly go build through chaos riders?" She adds to Garrick and Mohlkavin, "That would help the town too in the long run, gospodins, da? -because the Red One's followers turn on each other each time the avatar dies -- and even if only the avatar shows up for some reason, the other followers don't immediately know an avatar has died, as we saw last time -- so the pool of available candidates would keep getting whittled down, the avatar wouldn't have time to grow in strength, and maybe you could get rid of all those annoying riders in the forest!" She grins at her friends enthusiastically, "Schto? What do you think?"

Anuje looks a little relieved. "So... we're staying?"

Roxanna says, "Are you sure the new avatar would be all that weak? Hate to call up another nasty one and find out that Dayalla is busy..."

The sturdy mercenary just looks to Brisa quietly. "Yes, we'll work for anyone with coin and honest trade. But do you have any idea how expensive it is to hire the Heavy Horse... especially for a day's brigandry?" Mohlkavin rubs his chin, considering.

Brisa smiles, "Nyeh, gospodin... but if all of the folk of Bordertown who didn't want to see it taken over by Velikii and his thugs contributed... might it be feasible?"

Benedict blinks as a small memory tugs at him and demands attention. "Oh, blast it to... Brisa, I don't know if they do this anymore, or if Velikii would do this, but a long time ago if they lacked building supplies, constructors would ransack the nearest ruin for stone..." Anuje blinks at Benedict and looks at the stones around the group.

Roxanna says, "This would NOT be a good thing. Mayhaps we should try the battlefield solution. Get a lot of folks killed, though."

Brisa looks over to Benedict, then hmms thoughtfully... "Well, it sounds like it might be good to... ruin the land some too then? It's all smooth now since it's never used..." she grins mischievously, "-but if the Bordertown guardians happened to do a few days' drill there... and it just happened to be after the first good rain... that land would be a morass!" She adds with an innocent grin at the captain, "A... show of force, between the city and the forest, da?"

Brisa nods to Roxanna, "Well, my thought would be to ruin the lay of the land first, at the beginning of storm season. Then, when spring approaches, that would be when to send out some ah... marble collectors? and then call the riders out of the forest... repeatedly, so no one wants to leave the city to build! But, of course, this is entirely up to the gospodins here." She grins, "It's your town, and you both know it best."

Benedict blinks. "You mean... just shred the area he's going to be building on?"

Brisa beams cheerfully at Benedict, "Da!"

Benedict says, "I don't know how the forest would feel about that... but I think it'll understand. Almost anything's better than Velikii..."

Garrick shakes his head very quietly. "You forget, he's already bought Marrennenn and Hysthainian. That's the town's money. It could cost more than four good horses for that day's work, Brisa. Where are we supposed to get that sort of money. The folks I work with, if they were better off they'd have house guard protecting them, not me. You have a rich patron in your pocket?

Benedict bites his lip, and glances over to Brisa. No... but we have wagon wheels... Brisa gives the captain a blank look, "How would you lose horses? Use a wagon or two instead, perhaps? Er... and as far as the town's money..." she thinks, then brightens, "Well, we'll have a whole winter to convince folks otherwise, da?" She gestures at her friends, "And Imperials and trusted townsfolk to tell them otherwise!" She adds quietly, "And, gospodin captain, it is true the folk have very little to spare... but if they are convinced this is a good cause even a few stars is better than none. I do not think gospodin Mohlkavin will turn up his nose at money collected a star at a time? As long as the price is there at the end of the winter? And if we do not have the amount the money can be returned. And as soon as the weather permits... then my friends and I can race for Dawnview."

Garrick looks to Mohlkavin. "As for the land they want... that would take magic to ruin. To ruin to a point it couldn't be fixed. But who?"

Roxanna says, "Any chance of sending a messenger by the long route before then?"

Anuje notes the patrons of the Dragonstooth Inn filing out past the flickering lamp down in the town and stands. "I don't mean to end your party, but I need to run an errand. I'll meet you in the Inn later." She heads towards the horses.

Brisa nods to Anuje, "Take care, lad. We'll see you later." Romana looks up and nods as Anuje wanders out, just listening quietly to conversation.

Benedict nods, "Take care, and... thank you..." He mentally frets, knowing that Anuje is pursuing Mordyn. Take care... he mentally wishes Anuje again. Brisa watches quietly, waiting for Garrick and Mohlkavin to decide whether or not the plan has merit.

Garrick looks to Brisa and considers. "Look, Brisa. It sounds like you've got some thoughts. But not a plan. You got a couple days probably before the path becomes too dangerous to travel again. Maybe you ought to just think a bit more. The townsfolk, maybe a couple hundred crown they could spare, but that's about it... for example, I get food and board, mostly."

Brisa nods quietly, and politely doesn't reiterate her previous explanation of the insanity of taking new riders on a suicide run. She sighs mentally, Well, your Ladyship, I'm open to ideas now... because I won't kill my friends for this, I know you and Hastur want us all to stay together, and short of a miracle or a really original new idea from you... short of that, it looks like Velikii will be here first. She looks curiously at Mohlkavin, "So... how much does it cost to hire heavy horse, gospodin, if I may ask?" She wonders idly if Mohlkavin would accept payment in marble, and grins to herself.

The big mercenary crosses his arms. "Depends on what you wished me to do."

Benedict considers for a moment. "I wonder... if Velikii would know if someone kept summoning Marin's avatar right on top of his building project... that has a great deal of danger of hurting innocents, however. And it smacks of making bargains we can ill afford to make."

Roxanna says, "And I doubt he'd care if innocents got hurt." Benedict nods quietly to Roxanna.

Garrick nods to Benedict. "Of course he would. All he'd have to do is let the Rider be, and the Rider would seek out the person who called it."

Brisa thinks a bit... "Stop the marble from arriving here. How would be best left up to the expert at hand, of course..." she smiles, "-like the leader of the heavy horse?" Curiously she adds, "Must you be paid in coin? Or would, say, marble be a viable payment?"

Benedict looks to Brisa. "If we delay the marble, Velikii would be less likely to ransack local sources. Presumably he's carrying it with wagons..." He taps his chin. "Wooden wagons... which may burn easily..." He very, very carefully does not look at Romana. Now is most assuredly not the time to introduce these two gentlemen to Romana's 'Friends!'

Brisa says bluntly, "If the entire caravan simply disappeared without trace Velikii'd be probably more willing to wait a while for it... but that would mean killing everyone associated with it. I'm not sure that's something I'd care to do... so I wouldn't ask anyone else to either."

Mohlkavin rubs his chin. "Take out a lawful caravan. A lawful Noble caravan on Imperial duty. I'd have to make the case that doing so was in the best interest of my Temple. Michael would speak against, I don't know where Donner or all the independents would fall. It could run, let's say, between nine to fifteen thousand crown. The problem is, we can't take the marble in trade. We couldn't use it or sell it...except back to Velikii or his agents."

Brisa nods and says simply, "Then I am out of ideas, gospodins. I am sorry." She wonders internally, puzzledly why Garrick and Mohlkavin seem so resigned to this, so resistant to even trying anything. She knows she can just leave the town -- she has no ties or family there. But if she did, she'd fight for them... every step of the way. Mentally she shrugs -- it's their town, and their decision. Maybe she'll understand it more when she knows more.

Benedict looks up at the two men. The question Brisa doesn't ask happens to be on his mind as well, as it happens. "What would you two gentlemen like to see?" he asks softly. "Velikii is coming here to build a temple. An apostate Imperial building a temple of some kind -- the gods only know what fell construct it might be. Do you have any suggestions? We want to help, we need to help. But we can't do it without either of you."

Mohlkavin shrugs quietly. "If I was going to delay a caravan, I wouldn't hire the Horse to do it. It's a very, very long trip from Montague to Bordertown. I'd just take care of it myself."

Garrick nods. "And I would not try using the Rider as a pawn. Something is bound to go wrong. It's too risky. And if you did delay the stone, you'd also have to make sure he didn't get it from somewhere else."

Benedict taps his chin. "The Rider is cha- erm. Is of the Eastern riders, after all, at that..."

Brisa looks amused... she's resigned to being used by Dayalla or Poppy... but Poppy helps back, and Brisa gets to hang around with a unicorn. Dayalla gives comfort and abilities. To be used, unwittingly or no, by these two men to save their town from Velikii... and to not even get a spacebo, let alone any help, offends her sense of right and wrong. Politely she says, "Well, spacebo for your ideas."

Benedict nods quietly, "Yes, thank you very much, gentlemen." He sighs and shakes his head. "If I were a Justice, I'd actually consider calling down Lord Hastur's judgement on him," he quips, yet in all seriousness.

Brisa grins wryly at Benedict, "Da, I think you would, Benny-varishch."

Lady Kay is the first to beg leave for the night, gracefully returning to her Brother's Tower. Her step is at least a little bit lighter than it has been the last handful years. As she leaves, the door to the tower closing behind her, Garrick and Mohlkavin rise too.

Brisa smiles quietly, watching Lady Kay retire, and happy that she seems to have had a good time. She turns her attention back to the fire and the others, and notices the two men standing. She nods, "Time to go? Well... spacebo for celebrating with us." She also rises, then pauses, "Actually... captain Garrick, may I ask a favor of you?"

Garrick pauses, looking back. "What sort of favor?"

Brisa pulls a small bag from her belt and hands it to Garrick. It's surprisingly heavy, and it clanks. "I... if you will, captain, I would like to get leather armor for Romana, to help protect her. I thought you of all people in the town might be able to convince someone to make her some?"

Mohlkavin continues, gathering his and Garrick's horses. Garrick pauses, looking back over Brisa's shoulder. "I'd make sure that's what she wishes first... and not what you wish for her. But if that's true, I'll see what I can do."

Brisa chuckles quietly, "It's not for her to fight in. It's for keeping her safer on the road. The Wild Horde gave all my friends good leather armor, but we met her after then... and I'd like her to be protected also."

"Yes... but there are other ways of getting similar protection." Garrick considers. "I shall keep my eyes open."

Brisa raises an eyebrow, "Such as?"

Garrick shrugs, "A nicer cloak... the touch of magic. Alternatives."

Brisa wonders if she's missed something obvious... or if leather armor's more expensive than she realized here. She would have thought the 7 darksteel shackles would have been overwhelmingly more than enough for a straightforward, quality set of leather armor. She laughs softly, "Actually that's my cloak... it's a little travel-worn, I fear. As far as magic... I wouldn't know where to find it, or how much money I should offer for it."

Garrick jangles the bag, and then he looks inside. He softly chuckles. "This for protection for your Romana?"

Brisa sounds a touch uncertain, "Um... I thought that might be enough, with perhaps a little left over? I ah... was going to ask you to use the rest to either buy the Lady Kay more supplies or a horse so she doesn't have to walk to town... or maybe to convince the local goodwives that have lost their men to maybe alternate coming up here and um... maybe giving her a hand a bit? If that isn't ah... rude to suggest?" She blinks, realizing with amusement that she's um'ing and ah'ing as much as Benedict when he's nervous! The thought makes her grin quietly to herself, and she smiles at the captain, "Just if you want, captain, of course."

The Bordertown captain looks back to Romana and nods. "Trust my judgement on this? And yes, this is more than enough. You re carrying a small fortune here."

Brisa nods a little puzzledly, "Da, that is fine, captain... er... what am I trusting your judgement on though, please?" She tilts her head at the small bag and smiles, "Oh, good... then we should be able to get everything we want, da?" She grins, "I wish I could have saved the armor the chaos rider was wearing... but it left with the pretty stallion. Still... I imagine he's happier now than I could have made him."

Garrick nods quietly, "Yes, the Firstborn take care of their children. Probably fat on green grass and lazing about with a passel of mares. If only life were so simple for folks like us. Good night." He looks back as he climbs into the saddle again. "They are already calling this place Brisa's Fort, you know. Take care..."

Last modified: 2000-Aug-01 10:39:25

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