| Heartwood Logs |
2000-08-30
| Heartwood |
| Realms |
Retired
| Reality Fault |
General Info
 |
Things That go Bump in the Night
- Midwinter's, and the streets themselves are quiet. Light
spills out from windows and doorways, sending bright yellow squares
slashing across dirt and cobbled streets. Those out are mostly moving
from one place to another, usually carrying a cloth-bound parcel with
them. Between-times this is, between the end of dinner and the coming
of midnight, the time of quiet conversation before an exchange of gifts,
of friendship, and sometimes even promises.
A handful of men, a couple ladies, hang around the entrance to Brandreth's Tavern, where the stairs lead down to the basement level. Most take no interest as Anuje walks down the stairs, save maybe one, to see if the innocent heads towards the gaming tables...
Anuje takes stock of the room as she looks around, making sure to try to exude the self-confidence of the young man she's pretending to be. She smiles at a couple of the ladies as she looks for the proprietor. The innkeeper is easy to spot, for he is ensconced behind the bar with two others, his attention torn between five fullhand orders for food and drink. Beer and ale, wine and more wine (especially cheap wine), seem to be the order of the day. He takes a moment, rubbing the sweat from his brow. "And what's thine poison, lad?"
Anuje thinks quickly. He's more likely to share with me if I buy something. What is likely the most watered? She hmms. "How about the wine that seems most popular tonight?" She looks around the room as she waits for her drink, trying to note any of the women that might seem troubled about something, or alone enough to talk to.
"This be it..." And a tall goblet of deep purple wine is set before Anuje, an automatic reaction. "That's two crowns, lad -- coin on tha wood, ye be knowing." In the bar there seem to be very few ladies, save perhaps those already ensconced in their own entertainment. A trio of barmaids attempts to keep up with their orders, but here, tonight, they seem quite overwhelmed.
Anuje slips a hand into her show-purse and draws out two crowns, laying them on the counter. She takes a sip of wine. "Where's Mordyn? I'd heard she was workin' and I haven't seen her at the Dragonstooth. Such a pretty girl."
The barkeep just spits on the floor. "I wish I knew. She hasn't been here for three whole days, and she brings in more coin than any one else. Pretty, scheming, sneaky bitch. She's probably holed up with some rich merchant's eldest son."
Anuje blinks. "Did she see any of those the last day or so before she stopped coming?" She takes another sip of wine.
The barkeep scowls, his eyes darkening. "Of course. The Marrennenn bastard. Imperial airs has he. Every time we send a girl to him she comes back with a bloody nose or a black eye. I don't know what she sees in him."
Anuje frowns. "I don't care for a man who treats girls such. He's a regular? Has he been here since Mordyn was with him?"
The barkeep manages to fill another orders, watching Anuje slowly work on his wine. "I can't remember, we get so many folks through here."
Anuje smiles and takes another sip of wine. Why do I think he wants to tell me? "This wine is pretty good..." She slips another couple of crowns on the table. Bet he's never seen a kid with so many crowns...
The barkeep takes up the crown, frowning. "Talk to Daria over there -- the one in the corner with the black eye. She was with him last night."
- Bordertown: Brandreth's Tavern; Private Booth
A worn, heavy curtain separates the little niche from the rest of the gaming room. And while the noise from the gambling tables, the calls for beer and perhaps even the growing loudness of an argument beginning to break still seeps through, the curtain provides at least a minimal level of visual privacy. A single rectangular table is shoved tight against the back wall, with a pair of benches crowded on either side. A single bare candle lights the tight space, set in a niche battered into the wall.
Daria sits alone in the corner booth, her cloak's hood pulled over her head. Every now and then one of the barmaids passes her a piece of bread or refills her wine, but otherwise she sits quietly alone. Anuje glances over her shoulder at Daria and frowns thoughtfully. I'd like to have the jewels of the man that could do that to a girl. I think my Mistress wouldn't approve, though. She looks back to the barkeep. "Thank you." She takes another sip and picks up her goblet, making her way over to Daria.
The young woman looks up as Anuje approaches. She watches him sit, across from her. A dark grimace passes over her face, like the storm clouds above. "Go away. What do you want with me? Either you like what you see, which means I don't need any more, or you're too broke to buy one of the pretty ones over there, and I don't need to be anyone's cheap pickings."
Anuje gets a hurt expression and glances at the other women and back to Daria. "Daria. I just want to talk. If you want that to cost me, I don't mind."
"Talk?" Daria looks back at Anuje suspiciously. "Talk? That's all. Kor, are you one of those strange ones then? Who just likes to talk about night dancing? What would a stranger want to talk to me about?"
Anuje blinks. "I hope not." She smiles a little. "No... I wanted to talk about the one that did that to you. I can guess it's not a nice topic for you. Can we go somewhere more quiet?"
Daria just laughs. "That's original. I'll bite, lad." She rises. "That will cost ye ten crowns just to escort me back though."
Anuje stands, smiling. "Now or when we get back there?"
"Innocent, are ye?" Daria just laughs, "First, of course. I am in no mood to play generous lady who pities little lost cublings."
Anuje blushes a little and nods. "I have the crowns, lady." Daria holds out her palm, her other hand upon her hips. Anuje slips 10 crowns out of her show-purse and hands them to her, grinning and thinking to herself as she pays the girl Now this is something I never saw myself doing. Taking up the coins, Daria slips them into her purse. Then, very slowly, very awkwardly, she inches out of the small booth. As she leads her way back into the tavern it is obvious that she is walking with a limp.
Daria's room is nothing like the rooms of the Dragonstooth. Small, dim, just a single candle in a tin box for light. A straw tick on a rope frame bed. A chest for her clothes, a basin and a chamber pot. She sits on the edge of the bed, wincing. "Go on... talk."
Anuje purses her lips at the pain that the girl is in. She nods. How much do I reveal to get her to talk about Mordyn? I can't imagine that they're best of friends. She sits down, too, but not too closely. "The barkeep told me his name was Marrennenn. He's beat up the other girls, too, hasn't he?"
Daria nods. "Aye. Usually Mordyn takes him. She likes that kind of game. We always told her she'd one day bite off more than she could take."
Anuje frowns. "He beats her too? Does she show it as much?" She quickly puts her hand on Daria's, "I didn't mean that to sound that way."
The act of tenderness actually takes Daria by surprise. The prostitute just looks at Anuje, her head tilting. "Ye just want to talk, don't ye? Why?"
Anuje considers for a moment. "Do you like Mordyn?"
"Like Mordyn?" She shakes her head, "No more than I like Kemmi or Tori. Or less. She always gets the best, the most, and doesn't share. Why should I like anyone here? Think this is where I would chose to be?"
Anuje shakes her head. "I met her at the Dragonstooth. She seems nice enough. She tried to seduce my friend, but I think for more than money. I'd like to find her, but she disappeared after spending an evening with the...beast that hurt you."
Shaking her head, Daria ponders, "You care for her? That's sweet. But if Lorgnan hasn't stuck her body in the sewers I'd try looking up the ruins at the Lady's home for her."
Anuje blinks. "Lady's home? Ruins?"
Nodding to the south Daria nods, "You know, Lady Kay's, the Atteran, up all alone in the tower with her crazy brother?"
Anuje blinks. "Why do you think she'd head up to those ruins?"
Daria laughs, "Well if I was hurt, I'd go up there. Think I'd be stupid? Or maybe find the new young one in town. You must have seen her... she's staying at the Dragonstooth, correct?"
Anuje asks, "Do you know if she was hurt that night?" She nods about the reference to Roxanna. "Yeah... I know who you mean."
"Well, if she was with Lorgnan, which Henrik says she was..." Daria shakes her head. "Ye don't spend a night with him without something happening. So that's what I would think. But why do ye care for her, lad. I know ye are too small and spindly to be her type."
Anuje smiles. "Oh... I care about my friend, actually. I might find her and convince her that he's worth more than she thinks."
Daria reaches out and just pats Anuje's hand, soft and almost maternal. "Lad, if ye really care about your friend, get out of here, go to the Eastern Gate or the Dragonstooth, and find a nice farmer's daughter for him to dance Midwinter's away with."
Anuje smiles sadly at Daria and nods. "Can I do something for you?"
Daria looks back and holds out her palm. "A handful more coin? I'm not that nice, laddie."
Anuje stands and holds her open palm with one hand and then reaches out with another hand, tentatively, to cover her bruised eye. "Hold still... I won't hurt you."
After the small healing Daria shivers, winces, and then just blinks. She goes to the basin in a rush and, raising the candle, looks into the water-filled basin. She turns, eyes wide, and then her instincts slip into place. "Ye gonna be wanting your money back now?"
Anuje shakes her head. "No. It's Midwinter's, right? Consider it a gift."
The battered lady just blinks, reaching up to touch her cheek. She nods, once, very quiet. "Find a farmer's daughter for thine friend. Try Lady Kay's for Mordyn... and stay away from her two friends, Landis and Jarek. They are just as bad."
Anuje nods. "I'll remember." She turns to the door and then turns back. "I know the Atteran at the Dragonstooth, too. I think she's likely willing to help if you stop by tomorrow."
Daria looks back incredulously. "Ye aren't fooling me?"
Anuje shakes her head. "No. She's quite kind. I came into town with her."
"I could really come to the Dragonstooth?" Daria slowly considers. "I will sit in the shadow of the stables. They let me do that every now and then. It's not like I can wait at the well. So if I see her, who should I say sent me to her?"
Anuje grins. "I'm Anuje. I'll tell her to watch for you. Oh... uhm, where do her two friends haunt? So that I may avoid them."
Daria considers. "Landis has a shack down on Sword Street; Jarek, I think he's a shipper. He buys and sells goods at the market."
Anuje cocks her head. "Does he sell garlic?"
"He sells most everything. He travels into the farmlands and comes back with food, taking out cloth and blacksmith work in trade." Daria shrugs. "He does enough to keep himself alive, I suppose."
Anuje nods. "Okay... thank you. Good eve. Can you take the goblet back for me?"
Daria laughs, "Certainly... did you leave anything for me?"
- Down Sword Street is a long walk away, almost on the other
side of town. Past the noisy Jvrillian Guildhall, already well into
their celebrations, the yard filled with mercenaries of all types and
uniforms. But around back, almost against the wall, there is a silent
shack. It sits alone, as if others don't wish to tarry there. And as Anuje
approaches she definitely feels like she is being watched...
Anuje stops in her tracks in a shadow next to the wall. She pulls the hood out from underneath her outer cloak and pulls it over her head as she looks up into the sky and whispers, "Lady of Shadows, lend me your cloak..."
The shadows themselves seem to wrap softly around Anuje as she slips along the town wall. There is a laugh -- a giggle -- and a I was wondering how long it would take you, silly. You are cute.... in the winter breeze. The rain has stopped, but still big blocks of clouds mar the night sky.
Anuje looks around carefully, not sure yet of her concealment. Then she very quietly approaches the shack, intent on peeking in a crack in the boards, or at the very least a window. A pair of eyes look back at Anuje. Feral. Bestial. There is a sniff sniff sniff... and a dull growl behind the boards. It is a canine sound. But no common ruff. Anuje backs quietly from the shack into another shadow and whispers, "Would it be wrong to push some of those nasty, ungarlic-cloves into some meat and slide it under the door?"
Upon the wind, whispered in the shadows, comes the softest laugh. "Depends on how many wolves are in the house, little foxy."
Anuje chews her lip and sneaks back to the wall, standing high enough on her toes to look in a crack higher on the wall. Looking, Anuje can just see shadows, and hear the whine of a hunting canine; too big to be a dog, too lanky to be domesticated. It strikes her suddenly. This person keeps wolves... at least three. Anuje carefully sneaks away from the shack and makes her way quietly to the Romany gate, where she intends to look up towards the tower and see if there are any lights to be seen that aren't in the tower.
The guards nod as Anuje approaches, and the gates are actually open this Midwinter's Eve. But there are more than the average number of guards here, and they do not appear to be drinking. Anuje's gaze, to the runs, sees only the lights of the tower... that and the Romany guest fire at the base of the rubble pile. Anuje sighs and shakes her head, stepping back inside and nodding to the guards. She heads back to join the others, hoping she wasn't missed.
- Midwinter's, and the streets themselves are quiet. Here in
the eastern quarter of the town the revelry has stopped early. The
anger spent, the bite of garlic upon the winter's night thinned on cool
water and cheap wine. The tavern commons at the gatepost is but lit by
a handful of candles, each set in a smoke-stained sconce. Lady Kay had
come and gone... and those she could help she did. And those who she
could not were sent to Lady Kara's care.
A few remain awake. Just a few. Sister Roxanna, a very quiet Romana still sitting next to the lost horseman. Anuje vanished, on quest... and Dominic grumbling in his own space, speaking quietly to Benedict. For Brisa, it is the pale Captain who is her attention, Dandelion Koromov forced to talk and stay awake, lest she too accept a colder Midwinter's invitation.
Slowly brushing a blonde lock from her eyes, the older Dayallan gives Brisa a rueful smile. She lets out a single chuff of breath. "You do realize, dear sister, that you are becoming like a wind from a shadowed corner... every time we meet, I get hurt." She smiles though, softening her words. "She marks an interesting path for us to follow, doesn't She."
Brisa looks faintly abashed, then simply smiles with quiet rue, "Da, Verchovai... but at least I am slowly learning what I need to do." She ducks her head slightly, her grin a touch mischievous, but still a tad unsure if the higher ranking warrior will be displeased at her small attempt at humor, "-like not letting you go wandering about town with no armor and only one sister at your side... things like that..."
Dandelion chuckles softly, leaning back into the corner. "You can take the street rat out of the alley... but you can't take the alley out of the street rat." She closes her eyes for a moment. "She loves it when we are ordered and consistent, aye?"
Brisa puzzles that one out for a bit... who? Dayalla loves it? Hm... idly she wonders if the Wild Dayallans represent a form of disordered order... or perhaps a different kind of consistency... hard to tell. She smiles, "I would think so, da, Verchovai... but I am just an initiate." She pauses, then says curiously, "Verchovai... why do you refer to yourself as an alley rat? Koromov is an Imperial name, da? And... your family is ah... certainly quite famous...?"
Dandelion laughs brightly, "That was before father started to speak for..." She smiles, placing her fingers on her lips, albeit very slowly, "-speak for the common folk, in Court."
Brisa looks both confused and fascinated, "The common folk? They had someone to speak for them as... as a group, rather than their respective lords? What... how could that happen?" She thinks a moment, then adds a little embarassedly, "Ah... that is, if it does not pain to speak of it, Verchovai...?"
Shaking her head, Dandelion manages a small smile, "I wouldn't, but it all happened before I was born. But what he said was simple. It is our duty, as one of the Imperial families, to not lord over the common folk, but to serve them." Shrugging quietly, Dandelion manages a second smile. "Daddy was a scoundrel. He said how could we help them if we didn't like like they did? Of course Velikii, Seliadon, Harhmekhan, and even the Translevs were horrified."
Brisa echoes puzzledly, "...'like like they did'...? I... do not understand, Verchovai?"
"Daddy moved out of the palace, lived in a street-side residence, and worked as a woodcarver's apprentice." Dandelion smiles, "And he married my mother."
Brisa's eyes widen in startlement, "He what?!" She hastily covers her mouth at that small outburst, looking around a little guiltily... then whispers back to the captain, "Imperials don't act like that! Why'd he do that?!" She pauses as something hits her... then adds softly, "Wait... all the Imperials live in the palace? Er... doesn't it get a little... crowded?"
Leaning forward, Dandelion smiles, "You haven't figured that out yet, Sister?" She smiles, a weak smile but true. "For the exact same reason Poppy Gwynn, her sister Gillyflower, and myself... and you, aren't temple Dayallans."
Brisa pauses, thinking again. Maybe it's a big building. She knows there are two and three story buildings... and she's seen the buildings here and in Cragside. She tries to imagine one that is... hm... maybe twice as big! -and maybe... maybe four... or maybe even five stories! Goddess... mind-boggling, but it could hold a lot of people... "Crowded... huh, I would never have guessed that was why Verchovai Poppy wandered with Lightning Hooves. I always got the impression it was more due to um... personality conflicts?"
Dandelion watches Brisa think, and then smiles. "Trundle-on-the-Hill is big, sister. Even the Alley... has as many folks, almost, as Bordertown itself."
Brisa brightens, "Ah! That must be why the Velikii is wandering too -- because it's crowded, and be- er..." She pauses, thinking again... then blinks startledly, "The Alley alone has that many people? Oh! Wait, I understand... that's where the common folk all live, da?"
The elder Dayallan stops then, looking back. "No. That's not why. It's for the truth, Brisa. Imagine yourself sitting in the temple, being told that Bordertown is rising to war..." She takes a breath, continuing, "And the only thing you know is what you've been told... what you've been taught... which, if you haven't seen for your own eyes... might have no connection at all to what's really going on."
Anuje seems to appear out of the shadow by the door, pulling her hood back and tucking it underneath her outer cloak. She looks around the quiet room, hardly believing the terrible vision of earlier in the night. Brisa looks a bit confused, trying to wrap her head around that concept... she nods absently to Anuje, then says to the captain, "But... but Bordertown was at war, Verchovai... er... are you saying the lords were lying? That there wasn't really a war?"
Anuje walks over and looks at the two Dayallans talking. "You are looking much better, Captain ma'am."
Dandelion pauses in her discussion, just wrinkling her brows at Brisa for a moment... "You are even more literal than Fireball, Sister..." She then nods to Anuje. "Thank you, lad. Please, if you wish, join us?"
Brisa gives the captain a slightly confused look, but just nods politely, "Er... spacebo, captain? I am sorry, but I do not understand again...?" Anuje nods and sits, knees apart and leaning forward to rest her chin on her hands and her elbows on her knees. She glances in Dominic's direction before returning her attention to the two with her.
"It's like a game of doublebluff, Sister; surely Poppy taught you doublebluff, aye?" Dandelion smiles. Brisa nods, listening carefully. "Reality in the Courts is like a game of doublebluff...I have my pieces, you have yours, and I try and outmaneuver you..." Dandelion considers, "And if I win, I don't have to show you my pieces. Why do you think Dayalla lets us play that game?"
Brisa looks surprised, "There are games She doesn't let us play?" She adds curiously, "Which ones?" Anuje looks thoughtful and not much like she's paying the conversation much attention, despite her occasional attempts.
Dandelion blushes, soft pink coming to her cheeks. "Oh, I think Jake could give you a few examples... but look at it from the outside, Brisa. Anyone just looking at the game sees only -- this game teaches us to lie..." Dandelion leans back again, "But that's not what it really teaches... it tells us, Brisa, that the only way we can know the truth... that you can know what my pieces are... is to be able to sit in my place and feel what I feel, see what I see, live a moment in someone else's life. Just like a Noble cannot really know the people they are to serve..." She smiles, "...unless they live a bit like them. That we cannot serve the people of the world... unless we are out among them, not locked away in either a court or a temple."
Brisa tilts her head curiously at the captain's faint blush... then nods slowly, her face still. A moment later she says gently, "That is not a game you refer to, Verchovai... which I suppose is one of the reasons we're not allowed to play it -- because for men it is but a game... and for women -- it's for keeps." She sighs, sitting back and rubbing her face tiredly... then smiles ruefully and shrugs, "Ah well. So... doublebluff..." She nods, although it looks like she's gathering her thoughts from somewhere else... curiously she adds, "How did your sister come to be the Hasturian Patriarch, Verchovai? And is your father safely hidden away now? And what happened to your mother? Was it you mentioned in all the songs, or her? And your brother... how is he?" Brisa doesn't ask, of course, any of the theological questions she'd really like to ask, regarding Dayalla and men.
Anuje's eyes quietly shift to Dandelion as she speaks. What could have happened to Daria that she'd feel forced to live like she does? She looks over at Romana and Roxanna. Why do I live like I do? Maybe she doesn't see any other choice from where she is.
"You mean the cold hearted bitch that I lovingly call Older Sister, when she doesn't cuff me on the head to be a scalawag?" Dandelion smiles quietly. "Velikii and his crowd had us stripped of our privileges for consorting with the common before we were born. Father took us to the alley, where he knew the elder Velikii couldn't follow... he and his dark haired companion... his Romany wife. But Velikii can't take the name away, Brisa. We all carry it. And in Trundle, my cold-blooded sister gained a reputation. As the only person in that bloody city who could not be bribed."
Anuje comes out of her reverie, thinking out loud, "Is it a game when men beat women?"
Brisa points out laconically, "There's a big difference, Verchovai, between being unbribeable, and being the female head of a woman-hating church." She blinks at Anuje a little startledly -- then says softly, her eyes cold, "Nyet, Anuje. That is no game... and is probably a good reason in itself alone to avoid letting men get close."
Anuje's eyes charge Brisa a reminder as she nods. "It brings about an anger... in me. I want to..." She shakes her head.
Brisa smiles ruefully, "Think first, kisa. Always be sure you know what's behind you before you strike." She glances at the captain, wondering if the rest of her questions will get answered.
Dandelion blinks startledly at Anuje, "Excuse me?"
Brisa sighs softly... guess not. She smiles with quiet resignation. Anuje looks at Dandelion. "There is a Lord... a regular at Brandreth's... who is... rough with the girls there."
Brisa looks surprised, "Why do they lay with him then?"
Dandelion frowns, leaning forward. "And some things never change."
Brisa looks surprised again, then slowly adds, "You say that, Verchovai... like... like it is inevitable...?"
Anuje shakes her head. "Maybe he pays more for it... maybe they're afraid that they'll be turned out by turning down a paying customer. Maybe they like it..." She frowns.
Brisa gives Anuje a disgusted look, "Don't be silly! Who'd like being beaten up?! They'd have to be damaged to like that."
Anuje answers with a single name, "Mordyn."
Brisa answers simply, "Damaged." Then she blinks, straightening slightly, "Anuje... when were you at Brandreth's?"
Anuje nods. "She's his more often than the others, I heard." She glances at Brisa and nods after a moment. "I learned some things. Earlier...before Lady Kay arrived." She looks around. "She did, didn't she?"
Brisa says, "Tonight then?" She pauses, thinking... then gives Anuje a concerned look, "Was it her... the garlic?" At the question about Lady Kay, Brisa nods, "Been and gone."
Anuje frowns. "I'm not sure... she might be in on it. She got hurt by that Lord a few nights ago. Daria, another girl there, said she expects that Mordyn probably went up to the tower for healing." She glances at Brisa meaningfully. "She sure seemed curious about the ruins to Benny."
Brisa nods slowly, thinking... then suddenly sits up and swears softly in a guttural tongue. Then she glances around, frowning, "Would she do... all this, just to clear out the temple so she could go up there to check it out?"
"Brandreth's..." Dandelion frowns, dark and quiet. "At least Renwick in Trundle cared about the girls..."
Brisa mutters softly, "If she tries defacing the temple I will strangle that little bitch..."
Anuje says, "I healed her a little... told her that I think I could convince Roxanna to give her more help tomorrow."
Brisa looks around again restlessly... then nods, "Garrick would know her best, da, don't you think? Whether or not Mordyn would do this, just to be sure she could look at the temple unhindered?"
Dandelion looks back quietly, her brows slowly raising. "And who is this little merebeast of which you speak. The name is unfamiliar with me, I think. Mayhaps..." Dandelion frowns, trying to remember with a slow and clouded mind.
Anuje says, "She's Jagnar's, Captain." Then she looks thoughtfully at Brisa. "She has two friends here. One of them buys and sells at the market. The other has a shack full of wolves behind the Jvrillian quarter."
Brisa looks shocked, "Wolves?! Locked up in some smelly, tiny shack?! The poor things!"
Anuje says, "Not so small... but yes."
Brisa shakes her head, focusing, "Nyeh, one thing at a time, I think." She waves Garrick over, "Captain Garrick, have you a moment please?"
Dandelion looks back, eyes sharp. "Careful of that one. His name is Landis; they call him Wolftamer. They also say he's madder than a coven horned lord whose been under Her gaze too long with nothing to drink.
Brisa's expression darkens, "Then he definitely does not belong in Her temple, Verchovai!"
Slowly rising from where he was stirring the keep stewpot, Garrick approaches, carrying a small bowl, an evening meal for himself. "Yes, Brisa?" Brisa will quickly lay out the possible scenario to Garrick when he comes over, then ask if Landis, Mordyn, and some other guy would actually poison the whole Wild Horde just to be sure they were undisturbed at the temple.
Anuje frowns. "I don't know if he is, but he didn't seem to be home. I think the best way to try to catch Jerek up is to see how he squirms when we try to sell him the half-bag of 'garlic'."
"Jagnar's..." Dandelion frowns, "That's never, never a good sign. How in Her name did you fox out that tender bit of information?"
Brisa smiles quietly to herself at the captain's inadvertent word usage... but leaves the question to Anuje. Anuje blinks. "Me? Dominic told us about her being Jagnar's."
Both Garrick and Dandelion lean back, looking at the small rogue. Dominic just waggles his fingers back in their direction. Dandelion laughs quietly. "Are you visiting the slums again, Master Dominic?"
Anuje blinks. "You know him??"
Dandelion looks to Garrick and then back to Brisa. "I doubt it was the temple, Brisa. Though I know a few folks who would wish the balance of power in the town so drastically changed."
Brisa looks relieved, sitting back again, "So... you do not think the temple is in danger from them right now?"
Garrick shakes his head. "No. This was against the Horde, Brisa... that would be my guess."
Brisa nods, relaxing, "All right. Spacebo, Captain Garrick, for answering my questions." She sighs, taking a long drink of water... then tilts her head curiously at Dandelion, "So, Verchovai, may I swap stories with you?"
Dandelion nods. "And it's probably Michael's fault, though there's nothing we can say. Since he was so conveniently busy with Jake all evening..." Leaning back into the corner, Dandelion nods. "We most certainly can, Sister. Hopefully a nice one for a change?"
Brisa smiles quietly, "Then you'd better start the telling, Verchovai... mine is... mixed..." She pauses a moment, then nods to the captain, "I was wondering what happened to your family most recently... are they with the Rom now?" She pauses, wondering thoughtfully what will happen to the Koromov family if there's only one unmarried son left... then shakes her head -- none of her business! She adds, "I've heard the stories of Thomas Montgomery, but they never said what happened to him in the end. I always hoped he got to settle down comfortably, or something like that...?" Brisa grins and adds, "And I would still love to know how your sister went from unbribeable to the head of the Hasturian church!"
"That's easy, actually. If you can't be bribed, people come to you for advice... to help them make decisions when two sides come into conflict. The Imperial justices had forgotten Hastur years before..." Dandelion smiles, mayhap even proud. "Folks started going to Erika, and the Court Judges had a problem. They could either make her a Judge... or watch as no one ever came to them again."
Brisa laughs softly, "Good for her!" Then she tilts her head curiously at Dandelion, "How does she feel about you being Dayallan, Verchovai?"
"The farther I am away from her, the more she loves me." Dandelion laughs, "Erika is stern, and I try to be friendly. We do not tend to get along. Except when we need each other. But she is prouder of me, I suspect than Lynn... for he's, well, he takes a more pragmatic approach to social reform than either of us."
Brisa says, "What does that mean -- a more pragmatic approach?" She blinks suddenly at a startling thought, "But wait... that means... that means the Imperials are... really are pragmatic!" Her eyes widen slightly at that fascinating thought... and then she muses, "Now... how could that be used...? -certainly not in Talantal though... hmm..." Anuje listens quietly, paying more attention now that she's delivered her news.
Dandelion laughs softly. "Lynn believes in the forced redistribution of wealth."
Brisa nods slowly, "Ah..." She smiles quietly, wondering if Lynn 'redistributes' to the needy... or just to himself... then curiously adds, "And your parents?"
Dandelion raises her glass of water, then. "To Father and Mother, though." She takes a sip, "May they be dancing the night away in Krysta's halls, in each other's arms, as they did each night when we were children... and didn't think we were watching. Oh, father, how you could bransle." Brisa blinks at the news that the elder Koromovs are deceased... then sighs a little sadly, and politely raises her mug also. The world is somehow a slightly less wondrous place, if such fascinating people are no more. The older Dayallan pauses, reading Brisa's expression. She smiles quietly. "Every generation, Sister, has their stars. They were theirs... mine are scattered from Talesan's Village to Dawnview Keep. Where do yours walk, now at the time of their rising?"
Brisa's thoughts trail on as the people around her talk... she stares into her mug and wishes a little wistfully that she knew more about dancing... she's not even sure what a bransle is, although it sounds like fun. Then again, she reflects ruefully, it's not like there's anyone here who would dance with her, except Romana, and she feels a little like she's slowing Romana down when they dance -- Romishka's so good at it! -and after the deaths tonight... dancing seems somehow inappropriate... she feels sorry for Garrick, actually, as the captain of the Bordertown guard. She wonders if he's ever had a real, uninterrupted holiday to celebrate... she blinks, realizing she's being spoken to, and looks up hastily, "Er... pardon?"
Anuje hmms. "How are you chosen?"
Dandelion looks to Anuje, blinking twice. "Chosen? I don't understand?"
Anuje says, "Dayallans, I mean. Obviously without being chosen the numbers would dwindle on their own. They and the Jvrillians seem to have a... uhm... disadvantage in that regard."
Dandelion blinks quietly. "Actually, Anuje, we are on the rise. In Dawnview it is an opportunity to any woman who enters the Vale... and out here... well, look... Poppy Gwynn, one Dayallan -- two apprentices... Fireball and Brisa here. That is a gain, not a loss. Eventually, sister, you will find those you wish to train too."
Anuje smiles. "I know... it just seems that some of the others... have the ability to have children. You know? Within the same belief?"
Dandelion blushes, "Oh, you mean where do little Dayallans come from?" Brisa looks suddenly interested... she'd been wondering that herself, actually. Anuje grins at being able to cause the legendary captain to blush. She nods. Dandelion smiles, "Not all of us seek unicorns, Anuje. Some take just the sword in Her name. They have no prohibition against children. Only when you get into the higher ranks, where She demands total devotion, are such ways limited, and most importantly, it is always your own choice." She smiles softly, "In Dawnview you will sometimes find even men and women, farmer and swordlord, both of our Church."
Anuje blinks. "Oh! Shows how much I got out..."
Brisa blinks in surprise... then rests her chin in her hands thoughtfully for a while. She muses silently to herself... so there are Dayallans that lie with men -- how very strange! -and interesting... still, not really her problem, since she won't be having any babies... she looks across the room to Romana sitting by the young cavalryman and smiles quietly and happily... then blinks as another thought occurs to her -- but what about Romana? She might want one. Brisa looks a little taken aback at the thought -- would she be a daddy? an auntie? -then grins quietly to herself. Doesn't matter really. What would matter would be finding someplace safe and calm that Romishka could have her child, that would accept such an odd grouping... maybe someplace in the High Tarn. Certainly not here, or any other town she knows of. She grins ruefully -- maybe she could make herself useful in some small High Tarn area, like Garrick is here. Interesting thought.
Anuje glances at Brisa and notices her gaze, looking thoughtful. Dandelion smiles again, looking down at Brisa, "Poppy's blacksmith, Sister, follows our Lady. True, men cannot rise as high as us ladies, but they too can follow in Her light if they choose."
Brisa looks up startledly at Dandelion, "Poppy's what, Verchovai?"
Dandelion smiles, "Poppy has a person she loves very much, Brisa. Like you... and your companion. Even though they will never share the intimacies of night. She loves a Talesan's Village blacksmith. He follows Dayalla as his chosen goddess."
Brisa sits up startledly, "She does?! She never told me!" She looks exasperated and amused, "Well that sneaky...!" then laughs, "Bright lady, are Kori and I the only Wild Dayallans that aren't secretly attracted to some man?!"
Anuje smirks, then speaks up almost theatrically, "Brisa, speaking for my fellow men, you do us injustice by being so devoted." She grins roguishly.
Brisa smiles slowly at Anuje, then shakes her head quietly, "Nyeh, Anuje. I mean no unkindness to you... but I have seen very few marriages that would persuade me they were of benefit to the woman." She shivers slightly, adding, "Worse, I can think of few things more horrible than being a helpless breeding cow for some disinterested man."
Dandelion weakly laughs, a bright and playful jangle. "Oh, I don't think it's secret at all... just very personal."
Brisa tilts her head thoughtfully at Dandelion, then nods quietly, "Then I will keep my mouth shut, Verchovai."
Anuje hmphs. "If I... I mean... I would not treat you such. Or any other for that matter."
Brisa laughs softly and gladly lets Anuje change the subject, "Of course not, Anuje. Not only can I protect myself and others, but you're far too... polite for that." She wonders amusedly how one says politely to a man 'you're not a chornye dirka'!
Dandelion shakes her head. "She never said life was fair, Brisa. But for what we work for, She remembers."
Brisa shakes her head a touch grimly at Dandelion, "I do not know what that means, Verchovai. I just... am." She sighs softly, resignedly... then deliberately turns her gaze to Romana, to cheer herself up... just in time to see poor Romana pull the cover over the young cavalryman's head. She sighs softly again, then turns one hand over and raises an inquiring eyebrow at Romana, in silent invitation to come sit with her.
Anuje says, "Maybe when I'm older and more 'battle-hardened,' I'll be more of a jerk, hmm?" Brisa smiles, but remains silent. She knows too many older men, hardened and casually cruel in their ways to both women and animals, to answer that without bitterness.
Very slow does Romana walk over. She quietly sits next to Brisa, blue eyes empty; empty until she catches the sparkle in Brisa's eyes. Then, without a word, she just climbs up into Brisa's lap, shameless, and buries her head against Brisa's shoulder, arms wrapped so very tightly, holding on, trembling; she just can't stop. Brisa wraps her arms around Romana, close and warm, murmuring softly and reassuringly to her -- as she would to any wounded thing. She gently strokes her long, fine sable hair, and gives her someone to lean on... someone who can maybe soak up a little of the pain for her.
Anuje blinks and frowns. "Yes... I hope we catch who did this. Do you think my idea with the 'garlic' will work, Captain Garrick?"
Dandelion softly smiles, "You are not lacking for love, Brisa. That is a miracle in your arms, yes?" Brisa hmm?s over her shoulder at Dandelion, not sure what she means, and a bit distracted.
Garrick raises his eyes tiredly. "It's definitely something we shall try, Anuje... but if they are brave, they might just risk getting sick..."
Anuje says, "Yes...they might not expect it, though... especially if it isn't a warrior trying to sell it to them. Maybe myself or Dominic?"
One breath, two, and so slowly does Romana relax, until she is just a soft bundle of black hair and sweet curves in Brisa's arms. She whispers once very quietly, "He wasn't alone, at least. He knew he wasn't alone."
Brisa nods quietly at Romana's words, and murmurs softly, "You did everything you could, serdzhemoi... I'm sure it eased him that you were there..." She keeps holding Romana close, gently stroking her, slow and calming.
Garrick frowns at Anuje, "Are you looking for justice... or revenge?"
Anuje blinks at Garrick. "You think I'm stupid, Captain? Revenge begets revenge. It wouldn't be mine anyway."
Dandelion simply leans back, sipping her water, very patient... until Romana finally relaxes, just snuggled in her Companion's arms. Brisa will wait until Romana's not quite so tense, and when her breathing is calm again... then she gently takes Romana's left hand and slips a light bracelet over it to her slender wrist. It's one of the darksteel bracelets, and the lamplight flickers across the intricate knotwork and the rich blueblack sheen. "For you, slatke. Remember I promised you armor? This will do that for you, although we will have to ask Captain Garrick how it works." She smiles shyly, her arms around Romana still, whispering softly just for Romana's delicate, pointed ears, "And... Midsummersfest, serdzhemoi... if you still wish me? -I will have a gold handfasting one for you instead?"
Romana looks back then, her eyes so wide. She says only one word, brightly and happily and suddenly crying, overjoyed. "Yes! Yesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes!" and hugs Brisa with all her strength! Brisa starts! looking quite taken aback for a fraction of a second... then laughs and gathers Romana up delightedly, hugging her tightly... she's a little flushed with embarrassment at everyone staring, but still her face is almost shining with happiness! Anuje blinks and glances at Romana, a slow smile creeping on her face. Romana lays her head upon Brisa's shoulder quietly, so happy; and in front of everyone she softly whispers, "Romanas loves Brisas."
Brisa blushes a bit more, but just keeps hugging Romana, glowingly happy... and quietly murmurs back, "I love you too, serdzhemoi."
Anuje sighs softly, smiling. She glances at Garrick's meal. "Is there some of that for someone my size?"
Garrick looks to Anuje, looks to his bowl, and nods, "Just a moment." A handful of heartbeats later and he is back, a small bowl set aside for Anuje. "There lad, eat up. No garlic allowed."
Anuje makes a face. "Ugh... I may never touch the stuff again." She sits down and pokes out her soup a little before starting to eat it.
Dandelion looks to Anuje, "Something wrong, lad?"
Anuje shakes her head to Dandelion. "No... just... a little nervous about food, I guess."
Brisa whispers to Romana, "Are you hungry, babochka?" She looks over to Garrick and Anuje, her lap and arms a little full, and asks hopefully, "Could I trouble you for a little more, please? Oh! and captain Garrick... could you tell Romana please how the bracelet works?"
With a smile, Garrick gets up for a third time, before returning with two more bowls. "Now I know why Reveka looks so tired every night I walk her home..." he smiles then, laughing. "You just wear it, lass. It's like a good suit of cuirboilli with plates riveted to it."
Brisa thanks the good captain a little sheepishly for fetching their food... then beams happily at Romana, "Do you like it, mishkhhyra?"
Romana wrinkles her nose a bit, but then heartily digs in. "Not enough meat..." It does however seem to disappear fast. "But almost thick enough with daggers to eat, yes?" Anuje finishes her soup quietly, not having realized how hungry she'd been.
Brisa laughs softly, then grins, "Well... I meant the bracelet, babochka?"
Romana blinks, looking at the bracelet. Then with a bright smile Brisa is hugged delightfully again. Eyes sparkling, Romana nods her head. "Oh yes! But... Romanas distracted. Romanas never thought... Romanas getting married!"
Brisa eats her own stew as well. She smiles quietly to herself... maybe they can take a rain check on the meal they were supposed to get at Dragonstooth, that was supposedly paid for by the three captains -- then erk!s slightly as she's suddenly hugged again. She does a bit of creative hand waving to keep the stew on her spoon from spilling, finally managing to dump it back into the bowl -- then laughs and hugs Romana warmly, "Only if you can still stand me then, babochka."
Romana smiles, and deeply kisses Brisa, intense and long and brightly passionate. It is so obvious in her eyes and her claiming kiss that the young Easterner is all Brisa's. "Of course... if ... if Brisas still want Romanas!" Anuje glances up and can't help staring. She blushes and quickly looks away before anyone notices.
Brisa turns, of course, bright red -- but it doesn't occur to her at all to not return the kiss just as warmly and passionately! She has a little trouble meeting people's eyes after a kiss like that in public though... she leans her forehead against Romana, a little sheepish... then suddenly blinks again, looking faintly guiltily over Romana's shoulder at Captain Dandelion, "Oh! I'm sorry, Verchovai -- I forgot to share a story with you." She pauses... then adds a little more gravely, "It's got... sad... and maybe happy parts, I don't know. Maybe there'll be a happy ending some time in the future... I hope so, at least."
Dandelion smiles, just watching the two embrace. She sips at her water, nodding to Garrick. "Were we ever that young once, lad?" But then she nods to Brisa, "Go ahead, Sister." Brisa grins, blushing again, and surreptitiously sticks her tongue out at captain Dandelion from behind Romana, so only the captain can see her! Dandelion just looks at Brisa, then opens her mouth as if to say something -- then just gives the younger Dayallan her sweetest country-lass smile. Brisa giggles, still quite a bright red, turning her face to bury it against Romana's hair.
Brisa will eventually tell the story everyone else here has heard already, of the Kierkegaard boy and the Dawnview girl, and the Montague ambush... and of the probable offspring of the woman. When she's done she sighs, adding, "I... I wasn't sure telling Kori would be wise, Verchovai... but you needed to know, I thought... and I intend to tell the Allaines when we go east to tell them of this temple. But... I thought I should check -- is there anything else I should do, or anyone else I should tell, that you can think of, that I've forgotten? I didn't want to tell too many, because I don't want to imperil the woman, Brittany...?"
Dandelion listens -- she listens very quietly. Then she just leans forward, burying her face in the palms of her hands. She whispers just two words. "Oh, Goddess..." Brisa looks worried for a moment... then reaches out and silently, gently rests a comforting hand on the captain's shoulder. And then Dandelion leans back. The strategist's eyes are clear, cool, and sure. "Brisa. This means. There will be war. I'll stake my Name on that."
Brisa nods quietly, "Da, Verchovai. I've no intention of taking friends anywhere near there." She adds softly, "I've spent some time thinking about it... I was thinking of asking my friends to travel with me after Midwinter's, after the temple is consecrated... east along the Amber border to Dawnview. The passes will be open by the time we get there... we can give the news to them, I can spend my time in the temple, and then we can head west past Kirkegaard's halls, so he will know also... and then..." She smiles faintly, shrugging slightly, "Maybe we will go see what is on top of the Plateau, da?" Brisa hms thoughtfully, adding, "-and... Khari needs better schooling than I can give her, I think... I am thinking after that I should take her to that horse trainer near Talesan's Village."
"You are lucky, dear Sister." Dandelion swallows. "I am in the employ of Linnell Allaine. I won't have a choice."
Brisa nods gravely to the captain, "True... but you also have more support than I, Verchovai. Everything is a tradeoff."
Dandelion smiles, "I hope what you find there will be brighter than my summer."
Brisa sighs softly, and shifts so she can gently squeeze the captain's hand, if Dandelion lets her, "Verchovai... if you need me you know I will come. I ask only that you give me enough time to find a safe place for my friends to stay first."
Dandelion looks to Romana and smiles, "Like you could pry that one loose?"
Brisa's gaze at Romana is troubled. Slowly she says, "She is... a lady of Attera, Verchovai... but still I would do my best to find someplace safe for her. But... I do not own her... she will go where she wishes.
"She will be one. But if she behaves as she did tonight, she will be a good one, I suspect. But I warn you of a rumor I have heard." Brisa nods inquiringly at the captain. Captain Koromov smiles, "Good ladies of Attera... tend to get uppity and have minds of their own."
Upon Brisa's shoulders Romana kisses her cheek. "Yes."
Brisa chuckles quietly, looping an arm around her beloved, "As if I could complain about independently minded women?"