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Reality Fault

Explosive Decompression

The Hunter's Moon is high in the night sky by the time the travelers arrive back in Bordertown. And befriending the Captain of the guard does have its mundane benefits... for instead of being locked out until dawn, Roxanna and Brisa are recognized, and the little group is let in again. This late at night, the streets are almost pitch black, save for the occasional streak of yellow from a flickering candle in a lonely window. The stairs to the Dragonstooth are treacherous, but once to the commons there is both noise and illumination; a few last patrons left inside.

    Bordertown: Dragonstooth Tavern Commons
    The tavern commons is a crowded and bustling place. A short man shaped like a sturdy barrel tends the bar, his voice loud and boisterous. The tables all match, and usually a pair of very well dressed girls carry buckets and mugs, delivering drinks with a delightful swirl of their long skirts. Merchants and mercenaries seem to be the primary patrons, both alone and in little groups. And there behind the bar is what seems to be a huge jawbone, below which are racked row upon row of kegs and barrels. A single ivory tooth pokes out, a solitary fang.

    Soft lamplight washes across the commons of the Dragonstooth Inn. No trailside hall is this. Instead it is light and airy, slender marble columns rising up to heavy timber rafters. During the day the light falls in from a tall arcade where a second balcony overlooks a central courtyard. Banners of all sorts hang from the walls. Many sport the checkerboards of the horses below, though some bear more Noble patterns. The tools of a soldier's trade line the walls, shield and old spears, a sword or two here and there.

Mohlkavin and Garrick are there, finishing a meal and a drink. A guard watch too, gathering up their gear before heading to the walls. A pair of merchants, a farmer asleep with his head upon the wooden bar... Roxanna sits down, tired after a long day. "An ale, please."

Brisa makes sure her friends are settled before she heads for the bar to order some dinner. A polite nod and a, "Zhdrazvutsiya, gospodin captains," to Mohlkavin and Garrick... and then she pauses, a sudden mischievous thought occurring to her. She turns back, the mischievous grin still on her face, and murmurs quietly to them, "Incidentally... since Dayallans are supposed to be full of surprises... I just had to get you both a nice Midwinter's present!" She grins, her eyes dancing, before heading back for her table!

Garrick nods quietly, looking to Brisa. "Good. It'd be a shame to give something and not get anything in return, yes?" His companion Mohlkavin, though, simply grunts and mumbles something about Dayallans and letting live...

Brisa laughs softly (although not unkindly) at Mohlkavin's usual grumble, then smiles at Garrick, "Nyeh, gospodin... it is a very small thing, and it was not given with intent of receiving anything in return." Roxanna watches the by-play with a little amusement. Brisa wonders suddenly if the lady Kara would like braiding ribbons this Midwinter's... in Khari's flowing mane and tail... and maybe, if they could sneak in successfully, into the manes and tails of two particular war horses! She has to bite back her sudden urge to giggle at that... and can't help but wonder just what is getting into her tonight!

The guard Captain nods, "True, but it is nicer to exchange than either just give or just receive."

Brisa nods thoughtfully at that, "Da." She looks up at both captains and smiles -- a genuine smile, not teasing or provoking, and adds, "Spacebo for that thought, Captain Garrick. You and gospodin Mohlkavin will both be busy then, I'm sure... so, a little early, I will wish you both a happy -- and calm -- Midwinter's." She pauses, thinking... maybe she should get a real present for the good captain Garrick. It doesn't occur to her to even think that Mohlkavin might have a potential real Midwinter's present for her, of course.

Mohlkavin just coughs once. "Right. I have to baby-sit an uppity swordlord... maybe I ought to just play pell with him..." Garrick nods though, "Usually it is... the worst are folks who have drunk too much wine... rarely do we get folks really pressing the bounds of tradition."

Brisa gives poor Mohlkavin a sympathetic glance -- he's got a job she doesn't envy at all -- then adds quietly, "It is appreciated you do that, you know, gospodin Mohlkavin..." then, hopefully before she can get him into trouble, she looks curiously at Garrick, "What is pressing the bounds of tradition?"

The Captain of the Guard turns, looking back to Brisa. "Waiting to midnight before killing someone... taking a lady without her leave... stealing from a barkeep his ale and feast meal..."

Brisa gets a rather startled look -- doing that had never occurred to her! -- then nods a little grimly, "I... understand now. Well... I realize you have many already to help you... but if I can help please do feel free to call on me, da, captain?"

Crossing his arms, Garrick nods quietly, "It happens, every so often. But luckily, most folks... most folks are good. Even grumpy Jvrillia- ooooff!" Garrick's words are interrupted by a surreptitious elbow jab. Brisa giggles softly... but is polite enough not to comment!

Reveka bustles, finding a last ale for Roxanna. It is strong, obviously from the bottom of the keg or bucket. Reveka sets it down with a tired smile, left alone this evening to close the bar. Roxanna takes a long slow drink and smiles. "Spasebo. All by yourself tonight?"

Reveka nods quietly. "Aye... Mordyn spends more time at her other job at Brandreth's come the holidays. Ye get paid well for resting on ye back in some quarters o' tha town..." The barmaid seems quiet and very tired and probably at loose ends.

Roxanna says, "She does this often, Reveka?"

Taking a deep breath, Reveka shakes her head. "That... that an' except for th' honorable captains, she also gets better tips than me..."

Brisa grins at the two captains, "Well... then I will leave you both to your meal!" She waves, still grinning amusedly, and heads back to her table. She settles at the table, putting the plate of food for everyone down in the middle of the table, and smiles and nods at Reveka, "Zhdrazvutsiya, Reveka," then blinks at that last comment and gives Reveka a sympathetic glance also. She murmurs softly, "I am sorry, kisa. I do not know if it helps, but I have found that even if honor does not pay well... it brightens the soul when everything appears dark?"

The barmaid just gives Brisa the strangest look. "Risha's blessings!" And then she shakes her head and turns back towards the kitchens. She stops, however, pausing, listening to Brisa's words. If she responds, it's not to Brisa. But she does change direction -- she pauses, resting a hand on Garrick's shoulder. "Ye know, Master Tannerson, ye are dependable. Ye pick nice folks fir friends."

Brisa tilts her head thoughtfully... something happened there, but she's not sure what... but she thinks it was a compliment? She's not sure... still, if Reveka's a follower of Risha, she's risen a notch or two in Brisa's estimation. She smiles and just eats quietly... the town and its folk are rather interesting, so far... and should be even moreso in the next few days. She thinks as she eats, listening to her friends chat quietly around her... at a lull in the conversation she quietly murmurs to Romana, "Mishkhhyra... why did you say the Hysthainians were eastern?"

Romana blinks, looking to Brisa. "Because..." Romana's head tilts, as she rustles her hair behind her ear, "Romanas thought it not good to lie?"

Brisa looks a bit startled... then smiles, "Nyeh, mishka, was asking how you knew, is all."

"Because..." Romana shrugs, looking away, attempting to seem just the littlest bit innocent, "It's... not... a secret in some tall, painted towers?"

Brisa looks both worried and intent, "How do they hide in plain sight here?"

Placing her hand on her chest, Romana blinks again. "Romanas al'Lhahrhonshah... not al'Hysthainian. Romanas not know... cunnings though, they are."

Brisa blinks slowly at that... "I... I missed that earlier... is the last name of a family who they worship?!"

Romana shakes her head, confused. "No, that Hysthainian name is?"

Brisa nods slowly, "Ah... all right." She frowns then, "But... knowing this, we must do something... but... what..." She rests her chin in her hand, thinking furiously and still frowning worriedly. A moment later she hms thoughtfully, "They're not changed or anything, are they? Physically, I mean? They still have pointed ears and all? And the magic in their blood?" Curiously she adds, "What is that? Why are they magical, do you know?"

Romana blinks again, her eyes widening. "No... would never... but look, Romana here, yes? And not found... yet." She blushes some, and just places her hand lightly upon Brisa's leg, beneath the table. "Just like slender ears, special... a touch of magic is in Romanas' blood. Because we were... last, after humans."

Brisa looks faintly puzzled, "So... everything after humans has a touch of magic in their blood? Who else came after the humans? and... why don't humans have magic in them too?" She isn't sure why this seems to faintly embarrass Romana, but she'll rest one hand lightly (and hopefully reassuringly) on Romana's as she speaks.

Romana swallows and ducks her head. "No. Remember why... Romanas' folks made... only reason, to hurt humans... by Romana's Family gods... for vengeance. Crafted to be... better." Beneath the table Romana loops her fingers within Brisa's, tracing a soft circle here and there.

Brisa ahs softly, and nods once... then smiles at Romana, "It's all right, mishkhhyra... if anything you've taught me we are what we make of ourselves."

The door to the tavern pushes open upon Anuje's laughter, presumably at one of Dominic's many humorous moments. She pushes into the room and looks around, squinting at the light for a moment. Dominic walks quietly in, his pace silent but his smile bright, "...and that's what happens when you come from a village that small..."

Brisa glances up at Anuje and Dominic's arrival without moving her head much, still resting her chin in one hand and frowning in deep thought, "Zhdrazvutsiya, tovarishchii..." -- until she suddenly blinks and focuses on them both. A second later, still staring somewhat intently at them, a slow grin spreads across her face. Her voice is quite low, pitched just for her friends, as she murmurs, "So... the core family members of the Hysthainians are easterners, eh? Wouldn't it be... tremendously funny... if those easterners were somehow publicly unveiled here in town?"

Anuje lifts a brow, glances at Dominic, and then back to Brisa. "You're serious? It'd have to go perfectly or we'd be in a whole pile o' dung."

Brisa nods, "Absolutely. But nothing short of that would work... especially considering they're shakers and movers in the town, and we're itinerants."

Anuje nods. "It would take a lot of thought and planning..." She sits down across from Brisa and Romana.

Romana's eyes go wide at Brisa's brazen suggestion... and Dominic just blinks, joining the travelers at the table. "It reminds me..." he considers, "Of what my own teacher told me of practical jokes." Brisa gets an amused look, and wonders what 'our-village-was-SO-small' joke they're about to get. Anuje looks to Dominic expectantly. Dominic's look is actually serious, however. "The better the joke... the faster you have to run after it's been played. This... this would require very fast running."

Anuje mms. "Yes. Perhaps it is best saved for when we're already planning to leave."

Brisa nods slowly, thinking... then looks back at Dominic, "So... there'd be no way to do this without repercussions to the jokester, da? Hm..." she sighs, "Well... maybe better not to, then. I wouldn't want someone to get hurt."

Anuje says, "Unless they didn't know who'd set them up."

Brisa says, "Da... but I do not know how to do that." She looks glum, "-and it would be wrong to get someone in trouble for something I want revealed."

Dominic looks back, "No... it's as Anuje said... it would have to be very carefully done... sneaky, cunning... not a simple jest, this one."

Anuje says, "Certainly challenging, though..."

Romana nods quietly... and then asks, though, "What would accomplish, Brisa? Will it Bordertown a better place make?"

Brisa says, "I would hope so. It's certainly in the Hysthainians' interest to welcome Velikii here, after all. And if this town is an example of how Easterner nobility cares for its people... well, then, I think Bordertown is better off without them, and caring for themselves."

Anuje glances at the plate. "What are we having?"

Brisa says, "Venison."

Anuje says, "Good... I'm famished. Are you hungry yet, Dom? Or is that beetle you ate yesterday still holding your appetite at bay?" She grins.

Romana bites her lip, her teeth white upon crimson flesh. "If Brisa sures... and not like... child's game of ten-stone, when one falls, others fall." Romana plays at her meat for a moment and then, distracted, delves in with a vigorous gusto! Dominic looks to Anuje though, and nods, "But if it could be done... it would be fun."


The night is cool, and far above Bordertown the stars dance brilliantly against the night sky. All in all, it is a beautiful night. Here, in the shadow of a chimney, it is warm; the hearth fires inside share their warmth with the two foxes sitting against its masonry shell. Dominic leans back and loops his hands behind his neck, feet drawn up comfortably upon the slate roof. The little rogue has a sharp smile on his face, while carefully balancing a mug of wine on his knee. Where the small skin and goblet came from however, is a mystery...

Anuje grins. "Got another mug?"

Dominic reaches one hand back and from his cloak he pulls a second small mug, tossing it lightly to Anuje. "There you go, laddie. And isn't this the very best way to spend an evening? A beautiful view of the town, the skies, the lands about... the comings and goings, and if you close your eyes and listen well, bits and pieces of midnight chattering."

Anuje catches the mug. "Yeah... a great night. I don't have many left before Midwinter's."

The little fox blinks, "Midwinter's... khai... I haven't even thought of Midwinter's. It's not often I'm with a group of friendly folks this time of year. Usually it's been with a bunch of unfriendly folks, which makes the gift giving rather easy."

Anuje laughs. "Yeah... a good joke to help them through the winter." She holds out her mug to be filled. "That reminds me... have you thought any about Brisa's idea?"

Dominic takes a sip from his mug. "Tricky, I'd have to be tricky. Defrocking them could hurt a lot of people, Anuje. You know why?"

Anuje says, "It could start a war, maybe? I mean... if they were suddenly exposed... no matter if it seemed like it was their fault or not... they'd be forced to fight."

The little man shakes his head. "What do they do, Anuje? Think about that for a moment."

Anuje thinks quietly. What do they do if they're outnumbered? What did Romana do? Her eyes widen. "They call their Friends?"

Dominic reaches out to punch Anuje's shoulder lightly. "It could also be true, lad. We just don't know." Then he smiles, "...yet."

Anuje grins. "Yeah... what are we going to do with the rest of the night?" She points down into the street. "Wow... look at her." She rubs her shoulder while he's looking at the woman leaving work for home.

Dominic leans forward and smiles, "It is late... that's Reveka from the Dragonstooth, lad. She's a good kid."

Anuje nods. "Nicer than Mordyn. Poor Benedict. He didn't deserve that."

Dominic nods, "No one does... though if he was one of us, we might have been able to turn the tables on her. Always alternatives, Anuje... and always opportunities."

Anuje says, "He isn't, but he's a friend of mine. I still wish I could do something."

Dominic smiles quietly, "Well, when you think you got a plan we shall have to lead this Jagnar lady on a merry chase..."


    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.

Afternoon. Late afternoon on the Temple top, the well cleared, the day's work finally revealing the foundations of the small arcade which once encircled the well top. And it is with the final drink of cool water that Anuje spots the slowly developing calamity. There... rounding the trail, almost a hundred horse and a handful of carts, and just as many footmen approach Bordertown. They come from the Road East and bear a gray starburst for their colors. They are not stopped, at the gates... but as the newcomers enter the town, from this vantage more can be seen. From Sword Street there is a wave of black and red, another troop of soldiers moving east through the town... and last down Market Street a much, much smaller contingent of the green-clad town guard. And they all seem destined to meet at the center of the town.

Brisa and Anuje's sharp eyes can see the common folks -- they run and scatter into whichever shadow they can find. Anuje stares and asks quietly, "Who wears the gray starburst?"

Brisa brightens at sight of the Wild Horde... then shakes her head, frowning, at sight of the black and red. "The Wild Horde, kisa, whom we rode out of Cragside with. Looks like Michael's going to make the fight he wants so badly." She sighs, turning and whistling for Khari, then adds, "I must go down and help my sisters. It's going to be messy."

Anuje frowns. "Alright... but I'll follow. Maybe I can drop shingles on their heads."

Brisa chuckles quietly, swinging swiftly up into the saddle, "Stay safe, kisa."

Anuje swings up into her saddle, looking sharply at the unfolding drama below. She asks up into the air, "Am I being a fool?" Brisa chuckles quietly again.

As Anuje mounts her horse, Romana pulls Dancer around and slips into her saddle. Her eyes narrow quietly as she moves up next to Brisa. Meantime Dominic just looks back to Anuje and laughs, with a whisper meant just for her. "Of course we are... it's our job!"

Anuje leans down and offers Dominic a hand up, scooting forward in the saddle. "Coming, then?"

Dominic smiles, "And miss a chance at calling a certain Captain Dandy? -of course I am."

The ride down the temple top is not fast, but once the fields are reached the smallest Bordertown troop begins its gallop towards the gate. They know they are being watched, for the guard stand and point from the walls, obviously in fierce conversation. Some, however, point ahead of their trouble, and their focus soon becomes apparent. Rounding the town wall is a rider dressed in shades of green, galloping posthaste to intercept. Brisa is checking her bow and arrows when she notices and hms to herself... wonder why a town guardsman's been sent to intercept? -but she gently nudges Khari with a knee, and the galloping mare changes her angle towards town slightly to head for the green-clad rider.

The guardsman comes riding up, hauling his horse to a sudden and sure stop. "M'... m'lady..."He seems a bit uncomfortable with that first word but he goes on, "Milady Brisa, I sure as hope never to dance with Krysta that you are rich. Garrick's got Michael and Captain Koromov held off... calling on the Town's peace... but Michael's claiming that she's been branded outlaw by the Empire and such, being a Koromov, and she says she's just a simple mercenary like Michael... so Michael's demanded to know her employer and see the contract price, and will call it a sham if it's like a two crown token."

Brisa looks a little confused... then just shakes her head to clear it, "So I'm supposed to be the employer? Very well... get me there, please." Brisa nudges Khari into a gallop again, heading for the town... the guardsman will catch up.

Anuje frowns. She sidles her mount up alongside Khari and speaks quietly to Brisa, "If you need crowns, Brisa, we don't have any worries about that. Okay?"

Brisa smiles quietly at Anuje, "Spacebo, Anuje... that is very kind of you." Brisa is thinking furiously as they ride... would it be better to point out that captain Koromov is a priestess returning to her temple? Hm... that'd probably be a mistake around Michael... or remind Garrick of the seven darksteel shackles? -but they might be already spent as per her previous instructions... -or hope she can cover an appropriate price? She frowns... even if she added Anuje's money to her own she's not sure they can come up with anything like what Captain Mohlkavin said his heavy horse cost... Brisa swears under her breath... what she wouldn't give for the armored corpse of the avatar to prance up, still tied to the back of that nice war-horse! That armor would have covered the cost nicely, she suspects.

"Aye... goddamn captains... everyone knows Mohlkavin, Garrick, and Koromov won't lie... why do we have to be cursed with three honorable ones and one louse. If he wasn't so bloody good at what he does..." And with that last curse, the guard turns and follows Brisa, Anuje, and Romana. Brisa grins over her shoulder at the guardsman in sympathy.

Romana frowns for a heartbeat, then smiles, "Always find more pretty stones, Brisa... no worries."

Brisa blinks at Romana... then sighs softly, in some relief... then anxiously adds, "You are sure of this, mishkhhyra? I do not want to take something from you that you don't wish to give."

Romana nods to Brisa and laughs. "Romana pretty. Men love giving Romanas pretty bright stones... foolish to say no, yes?"

Brisa blinks at a sudden thought... then draws rein before they hit the Rothian gate, between the forest and the town, "Wait. They are arguing, da? They will not start fighting immediately... and I have a question I must ask." She pauses, thinking... then looks up at the afternoon sun and raises her arms to pray. In Ancient, her deity's language, she calls out, "My Lady, you know I do not turn from a fair fight, but this one does not look fair to me. I beg a favor of you... can you ask the Firstborn if they will allow the dead avatar's war horse to bring the avatar's armor here, as a sign that will quell the possibility of senseless bloodshed, of both their children and Yours? I will make sure he gets safely out of town afterwards to return, if he wishes?"

There is no answer to Brisa's prayer, her words echoing to the empty sky. The wind off the mountains breeze whips and shivers, cutting through one's armor... the only sign of Her watching is Her face upon the clear blue sky. The gate is already open as the little troop thunders through the portcullis and gatehouse and then down the length of Lonely Street, assuredly lonely at this moment, with all the streetside shutters and doors closed. Anuje splits off from Brisa and Romana with Dominic and heads into a side street before reaching the square. She slips down from the horse and secures it in the shadows, glancing up at Dominic. "I'm thinking of being on the roof. We can drop stuff from above to aid Brisa and the Wild Horde."

Dominic smiles, slipping off the horse in a smooth quick motion. "That's a good plan... as long as She isn't watching. She so loves to knock me off the roofs..."

Anuje grins. "I'll try to catch hold of you before you fall too far." She looks around for something to climb on.

"Are you saying that I am lying, Master of the Mark, that I don't have a legitimate employ?"

"We know you, bitch. An Imperial Lord was here, and spoke well into the night of your stripped title. I don't understand why our foolish captain of the Town Guard hasn't arrested you yet. I'm sure to bring that up before the Merchant's Council Firstday Eve."

"I wouldn't try that, Sir, because I'll be forced to mention certain guardsmen working under Emeraldsson contracts..."

There is a tight knot of swirling horsemen circling the well. Garrick facing off a tall and dashingly handsome man in Jvrillian colors. He rides a tall destrier, and his horsemark is a bloody crimson splash, as if his mount's throat has been cut. And between them both is a frail looking blonde country lass who holds a dull black sword in one hand, her own destrier pacing quiet and sure, like a merebeast about to become... grumpy. "Ah... here comes my employer... now."

Brisa lets Khari pace up quiet and slow, calm looking... it probably won't help cool the tempers here, but hopefully it won't hurt either. She smiles and nods politely to captain Garrick, then again to captain Koromov, "Gospodin captains... I am glad to see the Wild Horde made it safely. Will you be wishing payment now, Verchovai?" Because she's paranoid, Brisa also makes sure Khari's placement is such that she has a clear shot, as much as possible, to the angry Master of the Mark.

Michael just frowns, and then he can't help laughing. "You expect these two waifs to be able to pay for the famous Wild Horde? Let's all dance with Krysta now, yes?"

Captain Dandelion Koromov shrugs her shoulders and turns, "I trust my Goddess, oh little Jvrillian. She will come through for me. Correct, Brisa?"

Anuje doesn't see it... but Dominic does... and he literally yikes!s and throws himself towards the closest roof eave. "BRAT!" And that is when Anuje is blindsided by something very cold, very heavy, very large, and very, very rancid smashing her off the roof, a Dominic for her cushion upon the ground, and the clatter of black armor and corpse about three feet from the tumbled sneaks. All Brisa hears is a huge clatter behind her, which causes both her and Khari to start, whirling to face the noise, bow already in hand and arrow knocking...

Anuje rubs her head and heaves, pushing the dead weight off and to the side. "Ugh... Goddess, that smells!" She stands and helps Dominic to his feet. "Are you al-" she glances at the crowd of people looking at them. "Uhm... hi." She even waves. Her feet straddle the location that the avatar's head would've occupied, had it still been attached.

"What in Krysta's hells is THAT?" Michael turns, startled. Dandy's eyebrows rise, for a moment... and then she just shakes her head. "I am not sure of the nature of my payment, for sure..."

Brisa stares for a moment... then suddenly laughs, tossing her head back delightedly and calling, "Spacebo!" She turns to grin at the Jvrillian, "Of course we can pay... our Lady provides." Her grin gets wicked, "She took care of the Red One's avatar too, after all." She beams at Captain Koromov, "Moment, please, Verchovai, payment coming! Sorry about the stench..." She's still giggling to herself as she knees Khari towards her companions. She draws rein next to Anuje and Dominic and asks a little worriedly, "Are you all right, tovarishchii?"

Anuje checks herself. "I'm okay... feel it a little more tomorrow, I'd bet." She glances startledly over at Michael. "A body?"

Brisa looks relieved... then grins, "It's the armor of the Red One's avatar, Anuje. That's the payment for the Wild Horde. Would you like to present it?" She winces slightly as the wind changes, then says bravely, "-or... if you prefer I could..."

Dandy just raises her eyebrows, looking over at the corpse. "I guess... you don't find... finer armor... or more rare." She casts a glance to Michael, her eyes sharp, "Fine loud one, what cost do you put on his armor, or should I call one and ask?"

Dominic just looks up and frowns. "Gods, when did he last bathe!"

Brisa murmurs dryly, "Dead men don't usually bath much, Dommi..."

Anuje glances down at the body and back up to Brisa. "You mean... like a cat, presenting a dead mouse at the door of its owner? I'm honored, I'm sure, Brisa, but he weighs more than twice as much as me." Anuje looks suspiciously up at the sky and rubs the back of her head. She glances at Dominic, then leans to whisper to him, "Think this might clear the air?" She laughs.

Brisa grins and obligingly dismounts, then grabs an arm and drags the body over, Khari pacing behind with her nose slightly wrinkled. Brisa dumps the body by the well, then retreats strategically as the wind changes slightly again. She bows politely to the Verchovai, "This is the armor of the former avatar, captain... um, and the body also, I fear, thoughtfully provided by... Herself. Will this suffice for payment?" Then she mounts back up, in the possibly vain hope that the air circulation is better up there...

Everybody pushes their horses away, some of them spooking at the heavy scent of Death. Dandelion just swallows and nods and then says a single word. "Duffy!"

"Oh, damn..." slips out from the Horde troopers. Brisa covers a grin, suppressing (with difficulty) a sudden urge to insist that Michael examine the payment closely, to be sure it's enough... then gets a faintly bemused look... where are these naughty thoughts coming from?!

Captain Garrick looks down and then looks across to Michael. "Payment delivered. Now go before I ask Mohlkavin to hold a court. Your terms have been met."

Anuje adds, louder and over-dramatized, "I'm sure hungry!" Brisa coughs to stifle her laughter.

"Damn yo..." And then there is a choke. A blink. And Michael's face turns beet red... he turns his horse, and very fast tries to ride away. He gets but a few steps, a few heartbeats after Anuje speaks, before his breakfast is all over the cobbled courts. Half a dozen other riders of all sorts now match the color of Garrick's tunic.

Brisa grins at Garrick, thinking, good for you! but merely sidles Khari over and says quietly just to him, "Well... it was not as nice a Midwinter's gift presentation as I'd hoped for you, gospodin captain... but hopefully you and gospodin Mohlkavin will be happier with the arrival of the Wild Horde... later."

Anuje laughs hard and grabs her stomach. "Oh... oh... the pain..." Brisa giggles at Anuje! Dominic is sitting in the shadows, just smiling.

Garrick just looks at Brisa, green to the gills himself. "I... uhm... think... Koromov, GET THAT OUT OF HERE!" Brisa covers a grin again, but will back Khari politely out of the way of everyone else.

It takes a handful of the bravest of the Horde to haul the avatar away... leaving Dandy and Garrick trying to rein in their stomachs. Anuje was even holding a hand over her mouth and nose after she'd finished laughing. But finally they all can breath again. Brisa beckons quietly to Romana and Anuje... maybe now might be a good time for them all to softly slip away. It'll be a while anywise before the Starlord can take time to go to the temple with her.

Anuje nods and moves towards the side of the building, heading around to the other side to retrieve her mount. Brisa beams happily at Romana as Dancer edges out of the crush of horses and whispers quietly just to her, "And we didn't have to use any of your pretty stones, slatke! But spacebo for offering -- knowing you were there helped tremendously."

Romana just looks at Brisa, shrugging quietly. "So he was dead. Hasn't anyone seen dead before?" But then she laughs, "Brisa, what is mine... is yours too, yes? If Romanas can help, let Romanas..."

Anuje unties the horse and swings herself up. She heads back out onto the street and over to her friends. She looks around. "Where's Dom?"

Brisa gives Romana a startled glance -- then smiles, touched at Romana's statement. She rests a hand lightly on Romana's where she holds the reins, and murmurs, "Babochka... you don't have to do that. I don't have anything that valuable, so it wouldn't be fair to assume on that... but if you want to help..." She pauses, not sure what to say to properly express her astonished pleasure, then just beams, "Spacebo, dear heart." She turns to glance at Anuje, "He was um... right over there?"

Captain Koromov looks to Garrick and then to Brisa. "May we go... elsewhere?" With Michael down it doesn't take much for the crowd to disperse. It seems no one wants to be close to the fell avatar's corpse. So if there will be a fight, it will come later in the holiday... just not at this moment. Slowly the Horde retreats a bit, and it seems it is claiming the tavern at the Road East Gate.

Dominic steps from the shadow, looking up to Anuje, "I didn't know you had such an effect on people, Anuje."

Brisa looks around with a bit of surprise as Dominic appears from someplace she didn't expect -- then grins, "That Anuje... he's our lad!"

Anuje blinks. "Uhm... I didn't either." She grins after a moment.

Brisa watches the major players slowly dispersing and sighs happily... then grins at her friends, "Well! Shall we go clean up at the inn? They're not going to be interested in us -- or much of anything -- for a while, I suspect."

Anuje nods. "That sounds like a good idea. It landed on me."

Brisa winces slightly, then gives Anuje a faintly guilty look, "I'm so sorry, Anuje -- believe me, that wasn't my intention!"

Anuje nods. "I'm sure it wasn't."


Reveka quietly intrudes into the baths, her nose wrinkling as she approaches. It seems the incident has reached the Dragonstooth faster than a frightened swiftling. She stops at the very edge of the room and calls in. "Masters Mohlkavin, Tannerson, and Madame Koromov would like it if'n ye visited them in Garrick's home off of Star Street. It's right next to the beer seller... and it's gray stone with a black door."

Brisa blinks, looking a bit startled, but smiles and nods, "Spacebo, dama Reveka... we'll find it. Ah... are they expecting us instantly, do you know?"

Reveka shakes her head, "As soon as you may. It's quite a bit till sundown, yes?"

Brisa says, "Er... da... is Her setting significant to this?" She's hastily scrubbing down as she speaks.

Reveka shakes her head, "Oh, no... just after dark. It's usually too dark to walk the streets, safely at least. Unless Master Tannerson is walking ye home. He's nice. He does that sometimes."

Brisa pauses a moment, staring at Reveka, "You... have to walk home alone? You don't have a place here to sleep?" She blinks, then shakes her head, "Nyeh... one problem at a time. Dama, if you'd like someone to walk you home at night I'd be happy to... but right now I must go talk to the captains, please?" She's rinsing madly as she speaks, then steps out of the baths and starts toweling briskly.

Reveka blinks, "As if I can afford a room here? I have me mother and my younger sister to keep fed. We have a nice house in the eastern quarter, all ours."

Brisa nods to Reveka and smiles, "All right then. Spacebo for giving me the message... and pardon me please, I must dash!" She tosses her tunic on, grabs up her stuff, grins at Romana, "Take your time, mishka, I know how you love hot baths!" then pelts towards the door to head out of the room and up the stairs to change into clean clothes.

Romana looks to Brisa, her head tilting. "Romanas not coming with?"

Brisa pauses at the door, brightening, "If you'd like that would be nice?" She adds hastily to Reveka, "Could I ask you to pass that message along to my companions, dama?"

Reveka nods, "I shall..." and she vanishes into the tavern hallways.


Garrick's house is a simple and plain affair. The whole front half of the structure is one room, with the hearthfire crackling on the far wall. Stone built, nice work, with pewter goblets lining the mantle. A pair of doors flank either side. Within the main room there is a wooden table, with chairs set around. The walls are lined with sturdy chests, a shelf or two here. There is a set of leather carving tools and a few half-completed projects upon a simple work counter located beneath the front window. On the table are a carafe of wine and a bucket of water, a plate of cheese and a basket of bread. Jake sits next to Captain Koromov, while at the end of the table is Garrick himself.

Garrick stands as Brisa enters, "I think everyone knows everyone... or is that not true?"

Brisa looks around curiously as she steps into the house. She's dressed in her best clothes, and her now-gold-again hair is neatly braided, although still damp. She tries to suppress a bit of a guilty look as her gaze sweeps across the three captains... then sighs softly and straightens. Time to face the music... she should have realized Michael would be such an ass. Politely she nods, "Da, captain Garrick... except..." She pauses and introduces Romana to Koromov, then nods again to Garrick. Anuje enters after Brisa and Romana. She doesn't actually have a large selection of clothing, but she's certainly not in the same tunic she'd been wearing when the body fell on her. Romana follows quietly behind Brisa, her step light, and she smiles, taking that last step forward to take Captain Koromov's extended hand...

KEEERRRWHHHAMMMMMMM! -and there is nothing but noise, the sound deafening, the flash of fire and water blinding, like thunder and lightning, there for a moment and then gone, screaming, the sudden flurry of snow driving everyone off their feet, rock and stone and wood splintering, blown out, slammed back out into the street in a blizzard of snow... and then... to all the gods and goddesses... the even worse... the screaming is insane, gibbering, splurshing, an unholy ever-shifting monster of impossible angles and curves, protoplasmic, yelling, its cry of tekeli-ki! as it is slain and banished almost driving one insane...

And when the debris quits falling from the air, Garrick's house is gone, just scraps. The Captain and Jake pick themselves out of the alleyway... while in the center of the small crater sit Dandelion and Romana... looking at each other in utter shock.

Brisa grabs Romana's arm, not sure what's happening, but sure there must be something going on with magic near the captain! -then pauses, going still and looking around at the sudden silence... she sighs softly in relief, then shakes her head and mutters in disgust, "I am an IDIOT!" She checks Romana over quickly for damage... is she all right?

Anuje coughs and pushes off a couple pieces of wood, leaning against the wall of another house. "What... what was that?"

Romana blinks, looking up to Brisa as if, for the moment, she can't hear her words. However... her ears are bleeding... her earrings gone... as well as her opal pendant! Brisa goes pale in sudden fright, then hastily rips a piece off her tunic's edge to stop the bleeding... and very gently she brushes dark hair to cover those ears... she glances over at Anuje's movement in relief, "Anuje! You're all right? Check captain Koromov, please? -but only if you don't have anything magical on you?" She'll gently move Romana's hands, getting her to hold the makeshift bandages on her ears. She'll check the other two captains next if she can get Romana to do that.

Anuje stands up and moves quickly back into the center of the once house. She hastily checks herself before touching Dandelion, taking the cloak off and tossing it away. She takes off the necklace she was wearing under her tunic and sets it on the ground, nudging a piece of wood over it and then kneeling down next to Koromov, checking her over.

All Brisa finds is the torn lobes where Romana's earrings destroyed themselves... the Captain seems fine as she slowly gathers her wits. She just looks back and stares up to Brisa, "Who is she and what in Her name just happened!"

Brisa sighs, looking really guilty... then just shakes her head, "I... Verchovai, please, can we talk in... in our room at the Dragonstooth?" She adds, "I promise everything is fine now... and..." she glances at captain Garrick, looking very unhappy, "I am so sorry, gospodin captain... but we will pay for it, I promise?"

Both the sworders come walking back as a small crowd slowly emerges to the street. "Oh, my... Brisa, I think you have some..." Anuje nods and offers captain Koromov a hand up.

Brisa gently helps Romana to her feet, then nods to the two sworders, "Gospodin captains, please, will you come to our room at Dragonstooth, and I will try to explain?"


    Bordertown: Dragonstooth Tavern Room
    Down a set of stairs, down a small hall, and the polished wood door to the room opens... and inside it is as rich as the commons above. Wood floor and paneled walls, a diamond paned window opening to the court; a casement too, already half open to let in the fresh air. A small padded couch and a wooden chair are set next to a wooden trunk, and atop the table a pitcher of water and a basin. Dominating the wall beneath the window is a four poster bed. It has a quilted comforter and two pillows.

It is a quiet group that reconvenes in Brisa, Roxanna, Anuje and Romana's room. Brisa orders drinks and bread and cheese brought up for everyone. Once in the room she takes a moment to settle Romana and make sure better bandages are applied... then quietly moves around the room after the food has arrived; closing the window, blocking the door... Anuje stands in a corner, quiet and with arms crossed.

Brisa sighs finally, not able to stall any longer, and sits next to Romana on the bed. "I... am very sorry to all of you... but before I begin, I will ask you all to please hear me out, before you take any action?" She looks around at everyone... then adds quietly, "I'd also like to point out that Romana is in training to be a Lady of Attera." She pauses a moment, letting all that sink in... then continues, "...unfortunately... I should have realized it was a good bet that Romana was carrying something magical on her person... and that putting it near Captain Koromov was dangerous, since the good captain negates magic."

Romana looks up guiltily. She hugs herself, swallowing, a small and quiet figure next to Brisa. She shyly reaches over to touch Brisa's hand, nervous and scared. Brisa smiles reassuringly at Romana, then looks alertly back at the three captains. They're bright... they'll figure it out in a moment, she fears. Anuje frowns. Is this really the right thing to do, Brisa? I hope you know what you're doing. Brisa adds politely (and hopefully calmly and distractingly), "Would you all like a drink?"

Captain Dandelion just blinks once, twice, and then just laughs. "Oh, that is choice. And they thought my sister was a maverick." Brisa looks faintly relieved... then looks a bit worriedly at the other two captains.

Garrick frowns "You don't mean..."

Anuje nods. "Drink...that sounds like a great idea. Doesn't it?"

Mohlkavin swallows, looking at Romana closely, "But I can tell a blonde at fifty paces. What the hell are you doing with an Easterner!"

Brisa's small grin at Anuje is wiped out as she watches Mohlkavin alertly... although a little confusedly, "Er... pardon, captain? Um... what are you telling the blonde?"

Mohlkavin blinks twice. The he looks to Brisa. "Easterners are supposed to be blonde, white haired... and she is Romany black..."

Anuje nods, laughing nervously. "Yeah... Romany Romana."

Brisa nods, listening to Mohlkavin... then adds, "But... I thought captain Garrick said you liked blondes? Or... are you saying you feel you should have recognized her as a blonde?" Well, at least he's not leaping across the bed to attack her... that's a good start... Brisa adds calmly, "Anuje, I think drinks would be lovely. Could I ask you to pour, please?" She's still unsure as to whether it's safe to leave Romana's side or not. Anuje nods quickly and moves over to the tray, pouring mugs. She offers them to the captains first, using the tray so that she doesn't accidentally touch Dandelion.

It is Garrick that speaks next, "No, it's beetlenut black, Jake. So. Here in my town I have two Dayallans, no home and an easterner. Who is claiming Attera's mercy. Brisa, can you tell me why I shouldn't just kick you out and execute her?"

Anuje blinks. "She's a hero?"

Brisa swallows... then says evenly, "It would not be the right thing to do, gospodin captain." She glares guiltily at Anuje, "I keep telling you -- it's the group, not ME!"

Anuje looks at Brisa, Yeah... but that won't keep you alive. She puts on a smile and offers the drinks a little harder.

Brisa will reach for Romana's pouch, not letting her gaze drift very far from the captains, and spills a little of it on the bedding, "There, captain. I told you we'd pay for your house. I know it can't replace it immediately, but maybe it will help you be comfortable while the house is being rebuilt." Amber, sapphire, amethyst, and a few other jewels wink in the lamplight.

Garrick's eyes go wide as he counts the jewels, "But that's..."

Brisa says firmly, "-is NOT a bribe. You must do what you think is right, captain. But it is an attempt to apologize and repay you for the accidental destruction of your home."

Dandelion completes his sentence, "More than you earn in two years." She then looks across to Brisa, her head tilting. "Do you vouch for her, Sister? What is she to you?"

Brisa takes a deep breath, then says equally firmly to Captain Koromov, "She is my companion, Verchovai. She stood beside me when the eastern hunting beasts attacked, and she helped us plan the attack against the chaos rider. I... can do no less than stand beside her now." Brisa pauses, her expression softening as she glances at Romana and smiles... then she looks back at the captains, "I am proud I can do so."

Anuje nods. "She's honorable, and ashamed of the behavior of her people."

Brisa adds curiously to Mohlkavin, "What is it about you and blondes anyways?"

Romana looks up to the three soldiers. "Please. Romanas sorry for house. Didn't mean to. I never... never used friends to hurt. Now never will again. Roxanna says Romanas might make a good healer. Please, let Romanas try?" Brisa accepts a drink from Anuje after Romana gets one, although she doesn't drink immediately... just listens quietly to Romana's words.

Anuje drinks from her own mug, but her mug is special. The level of ale doesn't ever seem to diminish. She keeps this fact well concealed, however. Brisa opens her mouth to say something more -- then hastily decides not to hit the captain of the Bordertown guard with more than he can handle just now.

"It's a well known fact that Jake prefers blondes, Brisa. It's a joke... a bad one, but funny between friends." Garrick nods, looking back at Brisa. "That's what it is. But this... this is... either a gift or a curse. Or both. But if she is yours..." he looks to Dandy and she nods, "Then keep her out of trouble... please?"

Brisa looks indignant, "Romana gets in far less trouble than Kori the Fireball, if even half the stories I've heard are true!" Then she blinks, "Er... pardon me..." She hastily decides drinking is a good idea right now...

Dandelion just shakes her head, "Kori has never blown up a stone house before either, Sister Brisa... but I understand." She looks to Garrick and shrugs, "If my sister can be the Imperial Justice, I suspect we can have a good easterner too."

Brisa brightens in relief. Anuje relaxes a little and considers actually taking a drink, but she waits for Garrick's reaction. After all, he's the one that lost the house. Mohlkavin, the quiet one, looks over to Dandelion. He shrugs. "No one's paid me to hunt black-haired easterners. So she is safe from me." Brisa smiles, looking a bit more relieved... she glances at Garrick hopefully.

Garrick takes the longest to answer, quiet. "Bordertown law is not race specific; it's always been that way for some reason. It's why the Rom like it here -- it protects them too. I accept the restitution and as long as no one presses charges... this one stays out of my jurisdiction, correct?"

Brisa wonders curiously, as she watches Garrick, if Mohlkavin is really just joking about blondes... or if he really does chose companions not based on who they are... but what color their hair is... it's a rather strange thought. What if there was someone nasty that had blonde hair? or, as is the case with Romana, someone really nice that has dark hair? Then she nods, "It's not race specific for a reason, gospodin captain." She blinks again... then thinks maybe she should have another drink, definitely...

Anuje speaks quickly, "Uhm... so why did you call us to your... uhm... home?" If her voice could crack, it would. Brisa throws Anuje a grateful glance!

Garrick blinks, his attention suddenly snared by Anuje. "We... we wanted to know why you hired the Horde and what you expected of Captain Koromov."

"Oh!" Brisa looks enormously relieved, "Is that all!? Eh, I mean, ah... right!" She nods firmly to close that thought. Anuje glances quickly at Brisa, consternation showing clearly. Tell me you have an answer. Please? Brisa continues, hoping to change the subject definitively, "Right. It was so that I don't have to make the Greenland ride!" She nods again, just as firmly... and quietly puts her drink down. She needs to watch her mouth tonight.

All three just look at Brisa questioningly. "What?"

Brisa says, "Ah... well, it was gospodin Mohlkavin's idea... he said we should have the Dayallans in the temple before Velikii arrived!" She nods again, looking pleased. That should answer all their questions!

"Velikki?" Koromov just blinks. "Not that street brat Karn Velikii?"

Anuje nods. "He's coming here with a lot of marble."

Brisa nods, "I'm afraid so, captain. He's paid off two of the families here and bought land by the Rothian gate... and ordered a huge shipment of marble from Montague!" She scowls, "Remind me to tell you what Montague did later, please, captain..." She adds hastily, "But NOT while Kori McLaine's around, please?" One explosive disaster at a time, please, Lady! she thinks ruefully.

Koromov just shakes her head. But then she shrugs. "If I knew I was tweaking Velikii's nose, I would have paid you, Brisa. The man's a brigand. And never appreciated it when our street gang kicked him out of the Trundle Alley when we were kids."

Brisa grins cheerfully at captain Koromov, "Pay the temple then, captain -- because there's an old Dayallan temple out under the hill to the south of town, and I can't awaken it myself!"

Anuje passes the bread and cheese to the guests. "Something to eat?"

Brisa adds happily, "I have to go east anywise after storm season is over -- I can pass the news to the other temple. Is the armor enough to persuade you to keep the Horde here until the other folks arrive?" She grins at Anuje.

Eyes widening, the captain says, "You mean that pile of rocks outside of town is the Fortress Poppy's been looking for, for half her life?" Dandelion blinks, then just shakes her head, "Figures."

Brisa nods happily, "The poisoned well, da! I hope she'll be proud of me for finding it... oh! and when you have a chance, gospodin captains, do ask my friend Roxanna to sing her song to you of the Verchovai Tashka and the dama Allena, that were there from the Second Age, da?"

Captain Koromov just looks at Brisa, "Tashka and Allena?" She stops, and then just looks to Garrick and Mohlkavin, "How come I get the feeling this is going to be a very long night?"




Last modified: 2000-Aug-25 16:09:05

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