| Logs |
2003 October 19
| Idlewild |
| Realms |
Retired
| Reality Fault |
General Info
 |
| Realms: Idlewild Logs |
October 19
Steven nods and goes over to the staff, smiling and bowing politely. He's still not sure why the others can't see them; he's been smiling and nodding to them all morning. "Ah.. hello," he starts. "We were.. wondering if there was some way that you could safely hold on to this, that is... in a way that you aren't affected by it, and that we could pick it up at another, similar inn later on.
Everyone can hear the breathy, polite voice from that doorway. "If you refer to the item on the floor, we do not have a... messenger service in place between branches." The voice stays polite as it adds, "Nor do we wish to maintain an unknown item of some power. Perhaps you could seek the advice of a specialist."
Aiden blinks at the voice. He was absolutely certain that Steven wasn't talking to anyone at all.
Steven blinks. "A specialist. That's... that's a good idea. Do you know of such a specialist nearby?"
The breathy voice says rather primly, "The nearest reputable wizard is Frangipani of the Turning Tower, perhaps two days to the west."
Soleil gives Lotte a concerned look.
Lotte mumbles, "Great, another wizard."
Steven says, "Ah, how do you mean 'reputable,' if I may ask?"
The invisible staffer says, "She has been in business for fifty years in the area, during which time the reports of her services have been largely positive."
Aiden just listens quietly, not wanting to interrupt, since his party mates are already asking the questions he would have asked.
Steven nods slowly, "That's... reputable then, I'd say, I guess. Thank you, very much. Two days to the west, you say?
Smoothly, the voice says "That is correct. Will the party be remaining here tonight?"
Steven glances to the other at that question.
Lotte eyes the key's position under Seodil's jacket and quickly speaks up, "Yes, yes we are staying another night.'
Aiden nods, "I think so, yes."
Steven pauses, then nods, and turns to the staff. "Yes, we'd like to stay another night, please."
The voice says, "Lunch will be available at midday, dinner at nightfall. Your beds will be changed while you are out unless you prefer that no one enters. Do you have other needs?"
Aiden says, "Not personally, but thank you."
Steven shakes his head slowly. "Uhm, I don't no...."
Lotte does not respond. She simply continues to stare at the floor with a brooding look in her eye.
The invisible staffer says politely, "Ask at the front desk if you discover a need."
Aiden says, "Lotte? Why don't you come over here and sit down?"
Steven nods to the staffer, smiling. "Thank you."
Lotte turns her head to look at Aiden as he speaks, but doesn't reply. Her eyes dart around the room, then settle back on the key's position. Finally, she moves to sit where Aiden motioned.
Aiden pulls out a chair for Lotte, one that is turned away from the key.
Lotte sits, but continues to look preoccupied.
Soleil frowns, and walks over to Lotte. The pretty amber elf sayts gently, "Lotte? Why don't we go for a walk?"
Lotte takes a moment to respond, but finally nods absentmindedly and stands.
Aiden nods his thanks to Soleil.
Soleil smiles, still very gentle, and guides Lotte out the door.
The group disperses, the key still under Seodil's jacket on the floor. The inn staff responds to a query that there are no other guests presently, and none scheduled to arrive today. The party members do not meet as a complete group again until dinner is served in the same room as breakfast and people start arriving as they notice nightfall.
Aiden wanders down from his room, pulled by the smell of the food. He looks at the buffet style spread of food and goes to the buffet to get a plate of food and a glass of water. He settles at the table that they were sitting at earlier.
Steven enters, stretching a little, and after a moment to sniff the air and smile, he heads for the buffet. It's tempting to just gorge; he's not seen this amount of food in quite a long tijme. But too much is almost as bad as not enough, so he takes small servings at a time, with water. He wonders how the others have fared during the day, as he takes the plate back to Aiden's table. "'Evening, Aiden."
Lotte arrives from her room with Ghost by her side. She appears cheerful from her walk with Sol, and helps herself to a large portion of food. As usual, she sits down near Aiden to eat and shares most of her food with the wolf.
Seodil's jacket still lies on the floor by the door, presumably still hiding the key.
Aiden nods. He takes a moment to finish chewing and swallows. "Evening, Steven.. you too, Lotte."
Steven nods to Lotte in greeting, and turns to the food.
Sol wanders in yawning and grins at Aiden. "You should've woken me.." She gathers food and sits at Aiden's table, smiling at everyone who makes eye contact. "How are you doing, Lotte?" she murmurs.
Lotte nods. "I'm doing well, how are you?" She also flashes a smile to everyone else at the table, as if remembering her manners.
Aiden grins at Sol. "You were resting peacefully, and once the smell of food caught hold of me, I was lost." He winks at her.
Lotte looks from Aiden to Sol confusedly for a second, then grins and giggles.
Seodil arrives last, wearing a thin white cotton robe in addition to his usual leather pants. After visiting the buffet table, he pulls up a chair at the edge of the group with a good view of the door, quiet and expressionless. The deep pink welts are still visible on his pale skin, but the robe hides everything but a strip down his chest. He smells like tea tree oil and chamomile.
Sol ducks her head and grins shyly at Lotte, then winks.
Aiden nods at Seodil when he sits. "Evening, Seodil."
Seodil nods calmly. "Aiden."
Steven nods in greeting to Seodil, chewing something that he thinks is a carrot.
Soleil coughs lightly, "I'm very well indeed, Lotte." Slight blush as she glances toward Aiden.
Lotte has spotted the lump on the floor where the key lies, as if reminded of its presence by Seodil's arrival. She begins to frown.
Aiden goes quiet as he eats..
Sol sighs, catching Lotte's expression, and says "So... plans for tomorrow?"
Aiden looks up from his plate, "We should probably range back out and see if we can't find that mage to do something about that.." he thumbs over his shoulder towards Seodil's jacket. "Maybe she can do something about your change too.."
Soleil nods, suddenly quiet, and busies herself eating.
Lotte, who had been scowling at the mention of the wizard Frangipani, now looks thoughtful at the mention of getting help for Sol.
Steven nods, "Mmm... that'd be a good idea, actually."
Seodil eats quietly, listening.
Aiden looks at Soleil curiously, "Or not. The key, at least."
Sol jumps guiltily and nods, "No, of course we should."
Lotte pipes up. "Will the Summer Court even recognize you... in your current state?"
The pretty elf-girl adds quickly, "Steven... don't you have rings to identify, too?"
Aiden says, "Would they have recognised you at all?"
Steven blinks. "Oh! Yes, actually, from the dragon's hoard."
Sol looks gratefully at Lotte and says, "Probably. That's a tempting point, disguise... but I think I need to be me, for us to have bargaining power." She nods to Aiden, "Yes. If their ambassador to our court is still alive."
Lotte nods thoughtfully.
Aiden nods at that. "Right." He taps his thumb against his lips thoughtfully. "So. We leave for there in the morning?"
Sol says softly, "I think we should. Lotte suffers."
Steven nods, "I agree."
Aiden nods and looks over at Lotte, "I'd rather not drag you through this any longer."
Lotte shoots a wide-eyed look at Sol, then stares at her plate.
Soleil reaches to gently pat Lotte's hand. "I do not think you should carry it when we go."
Lotte pouts, her lower lip jutting out and her brow furrowing. "Then who will?"
Steven shifts a little. "Well... uhm.. that depends. Lotte... what did it do to you?
Sol sighs and looks hopefully at Seodil. The silver elf says flatly, "No."
Aiden shakes his head slightly. "Look, I'll do it, okay?"
Lotte says in a rather heated voice,"It didn't do anything to me. I don't see what the big deal is!"
Steven shakes his head. "No. I will. We need you to make decisions." He grins a little. "And to keep Seodil from hitting me too hard if the thing starts doing something to me.
Soleil gives Aiden a very worried look, then turns gratefully to Steven with a tiny giggle.
Steven says, "Besides, I'm not carrying anything more dangerous than a staff, while you have a sword and arrows. Not that it'll get to that point, but.."
Lotte snaps, "Neither of you are worthy of taking it." Right after the words escape her lips, she claps a hand over her mouth and shuts her eyes.
Aiden actually laughs at that, "Alright, Steven. I'll do my best."
Steven arches a brow, and looks slowly to Lotte. "'Didn't do anything?' Are you absolutely sure?"
Seodil looks at Steven. "That actually is a very good consideration, and why I will not take it myself. You speak wisdom."
Silver eyebrows arch at Lotte.
Steven bows his head to Seodil, smiling, and looks back to Lotte.
Aiden reaches over to Lotte, who is next to him and touches her shoulder gently.
Lotte flinches at Aiden's touch and sighs. "I want to carry it."
Aiden says, "Lotte, I don't think that's wise.."
Lotte whines, "Why not? It's mine, isn't it? Why shouldn't I be able to carry it the rest of the way?"
Steven shakes his head. "Because it's have some kind of effect on you even without you holding it."
Seodil says cuttingly, "Lotte, you would carry it away from the rest of us and become the willing thrall of a mage. THAT is why."
Aiden nods, "I don't want to have to tie you up to keep you from running off on us in the middle of the night, Lotte, and I don't want you to have to suffer any more because of that thing. Haasha's made us all suffer enough. Time to be rid of it, without further risk to you."
The silver elf says, "If this Turning Tower wizard can render your toy harmless, then by all means, wear it as a necklace and be welcome to the bauble."
Lotte realizes that she has no argument to throw at them, besides childish whining. She falls silent and pouts like a spoiled brat.
Soleil leans over to say softly, "Lotte... you have to trust us, that we want what's best for you. We're not trying to hurt you."
Aiden looks around at the group, carefully. He tries to put this as diplomatically as he can. "Speaking of trust. There are other things that we need to discuss before we leave here. I think we really should have them sorted out before we go."
Lotte sighs sadly, but refuses to make eye contact with anyone.
Seodil looks at Aiden warily.
Aiden looks over at Lotte. "You said you wanted to know why I know more about Sol than everyone else does. Have you had that answered?"
Lotte hesitates for a long time before nodding. "I never realized you were... together. For what it's worth, I trust you much more than I did before I knew, Aiden."
Aiden just nods slightly. "Thank you."
Seodil's eyes... glitter. He says calmly, in what would be innocent tones out of anyone else, "But perhaps the rest of us would like to know, Aiden."
Aiden looks over at Seodil. He struggles with himself not to give the smart-ass answer that lept to mind. "Soleil and I are lovers, Seodil." He pauses for a moment, then adds, impulsively. "I thought you'd heard." He winces at himself.
Steven arches a brow sharply. Somehow he's not surprised Seodil would say that. Why does he enjoy tormenting Aiden so much? Wait... enjoy? I'm not so sure anymore. As for Aiden and Soleil being lovers... that's not really a surprise to him
Seodil raises a perfect eyebrow calmly at Aiden and says, "Oh. I thought that was cats." He smiles and sips wine.
Steven winces at that.
Aiden doesn't justify that with a response, beyond a quick smirk thrown in his direction.
Soleil winces and says, "So. Trust."
Lotte looks from Aiden to Seodil anxiously, but says nothing.
Seodil actually grins, briefly, and says with a courteous nod, "Please, go on. I do agree this is important."
Aiden looks over at Soleil, "Honestly, I'm not sure quite what to add here. I trust everyone at this table in this situation." He shrugs lightly.
Sol nods at Aiden and looks seriously at the rest of the group. "I owe you all a great deal. I wouldn't be here now without you, and Lua might not be alive at all. Thank you, again... I haven't said it enough. I trust you all, as well, and thank you for your help. I am only concerned that Lotte must not touch that key, because I care for her and think it will hurt her."
Lotte stares at her plate, but nods defeatedly.
Steven nods quietly. "That's my only concern as well right now. I trust each of you with... well, anything. We're all in this together."
Aiden looks at Steven. I'll apologise to you later, Steven. "Are you including Seodil in 'each of you'?"
Seodil's face blinks surprise for a bare second before all expression vanishes into blank, pleasant calm.
Lotte looks at Seodil as if she were thinking the same exact thing.
Soleil says quietly, "I am. I trust Seodil to act in my best interests and help us save my home."
Sol adds, "It's his home too, you know."
Seodil says absolutely nothing, and doesn't move, sitting very still at the edge of the group.
Steven lifts his hands a little. "I do. He hasn't lied, he hasn't betrayed, he hasn't done anything to break any trust." Even though he's been a right bastard about it all. I mean, geez, setting us on fire was bad enough, he didn't have to enjoy it....
Aiden nods, "Thanks, Steven."
Seodil's eyes flicker surprise.
Steven nods to Aiden quietly.
Lotte considers Seodil for a moment, then nods and says quietly, "I trust everyone too."
Aiden looks at Lotte. "Do you, really?"
Seodil is so still that he might not even be breathing.
Lotte nods again. "I don't... I don't have a reason not too."
Aiden smiles, "Thank you, Lotte."
Seodil moves. One blink.
Aiden looks quite pleased. He casts a quick look over at Sol, then says, "I'd rather not have any more surprises in the Summer Court than we're already going to have. I have a couple of questions."
Sol looks a little worried. "Yes, Aiden? I'll try..."
"Actually, my questions are for you." His turns his gaze to Seodil.
Seodil's pale silver eyes meet Aiden's straight on.
Aiden says, "You were a member of the Summer Court, were you not?"
Seodil looks at Aiden without expression. "I was."
Aiden nods, "Do you anticipate any.. problems.. when you arrive back there?"
Seodil says calmly, "What sort of problems, Aiden?"
Aiden says, "Are they going to try to kill us for showing up with you? Or you for showing up at all?"
Seodil laughs, then says, "No. I am not at all worried about that." He almost smiles. "Will I be in good standing? No. Not until I make them fear me. There may be a duel or two necessary to improve our reputation. I am rather looking forward to it."
Steven says, "Wait... duel? Between whom?"
Lotte listens quietly to Aiden and Seodil, but notices that Sol looks uncomfortable. She whispers, "Are you ok?"
Steven says, "Well.. let me rephrase.... Why?"
Aiden nods at Seodil. "Thank you. I just wanted to make sure before we got there that we weren't in for violence the second we turned up on their door."
The silver elf hesitates, then says, "I have not been there since I was a child. I was a gift to Winter. Summer did not expect me to survive it, Steven. If the people who sold me are still in power, we may need to make them see me as myself."
Steven hesitates, then nods slowly.
Seodil flicks his long hair at the table. "I do not wear Summer colors. It was seen as... a defect."
Aiden says, "Is there anything else that we should be aware of before we get there? Rules of decorum or anything like that?"
It takes Steven a moment to realize that Seodil is talking about his hair. SO of course he looks to Soleil. "If.. that's the case, then what about you, Sol...?
Seodil's mouth twitches. "Yes. Let me and Soleil do the talking in official situations. At parties-- and there will be many-- if we are invited we must go, but do not promise anyone anything. And try to take only food that Sol or I give you."
Aiden listens carefully to what Seodil has to say and nods, "Good. Thanks, Seodil."
Steven nods to Seodil, biting his lip as he considers the implications of that.
Lotte nods simply.
Sol touches her amber-gold hair and grins at Steven. "Winter is more forgiving than Summer in some ways, Steven. We accept anyone... even those with demon blood. Summer likes to think of itself as... elite."
Sol continues wryly, "When in fact, they are only elitist."
Steven nods slowly. "How will they view you with Summer's colors?"
Aiden frowns at Seodil. "How's that going to affect us? I mean, Lotte, Steven and myself? We're not pureblooded elves."
Seodil answers that for Sol, chuckling softly. "I expect Sol will be their darling. They like pretty."
Aiden pales a shade for a moment when Seodil says that.
Steven says, "So the fact that he's from Winter but has Summer's colors won't be an issue with them. And they won't try to claim him as theirs. All right." He taps his chin thoughtfully."
Seodil shrugs at Aiden. "They may be rude to you-- they may be fascinated by your touch of mortality. Novelty is coveted, and new experiences are precious in a jaded court-- I suspect that you will be both courted and scorned, all of you, and possibly be the object of some rivalries between bored lords and ladies."
Steven grimaces a bit. Oh. Joy....
Sol gets up and walks over to rest her hands on Aiden's shoulders, standing behind him and murmuring something with a worried look.
Lotte shifts uncomfortably and watches Sol and Aiden.
Aiden turns his head towards Sol and whispers something back to her.
Aiden turns back and nods at Seodil. "Any suggestions for handling these situations if you or Soleil are not around at the time?"
Seodil frowns. "...We will try not to leave you alone."
Steven's brows rise at that. Oh. That is so not a hopeful sign.
Lotte offers hopefully, "We'll just have to make sure that we're always in pairs, at the least. Would it help if some of us appeared to be couples?"
Seodil grins briefly. "That would not be a bad idea at all, Lotte... it will give you a partner in declining invitations, at least. Would anyone like to 'marry' me?"
Aiden chuckles.
Steven blinks.
Lotte says, "I suppose I'm the eligible bachelorette..."
Seodil looks amused. "Steven is probably a better choice, as we are looking at the contingency in which I am not around to help."
Lotte turns to look at Steven and shrugs at him. "It's your decision."
Aiden nods, "If the two of you have to leave for any reason." He looks at Seodil and Sol. "It's probably better if the three of us all stick together as much as possible. I'd rather we not get separated, if possible."
The silver elf adds, "It will not stop the invittations, however. You will simply get them as an assumed pair. When everyone has already slept with everyone, and someone new and pretty arrives... the blood is, simply, very much in the water."
Aiden says, "I'm assuming that we will be able to decline? That these are invitations, rather than 'commands'?"
Steven blinks again. "Ah... sure! I've no problem with that...." He stops and looks to Seodil. "Wait... you mean, that just because we're new there... Lotte and I.... would get invitations to...." He sits back in his chair, blinking, looking to Aiden, then flicking his eyes over to Seodil for the answer.
Sol says "I agree, Aiden... the three of you should stay together." She looks at Seodil for the next answer.
Seodil says, "Invitations and not commands, yes, Aiden-- but some invitations are more pressing than others. These will not be people accustomed to 'no'."
The silver elf looks at Steven. "Yes, that is what I said. You will both get offers. If you appear as a pair, some offers will include you both."
Aiden nods, "Alright. We're probably not going to have an easy time there. We have no choice, though, we have to go. At least we're going to be a little more prepared. Thank you for your candor, Seodil."
Lotte cringes at the thought of these invitations. "Well, it's not going to help if they see us as a... threesome. Perhaps we just need to create very strong personalities for ourselves."
Seodil hesitates, then says, "The offers will not just be for sex. There are... varied tastes."
Aiden blinks, "Such as..?"
Steven nods slowly to Lotte, then fixes Seodil with a flat stare, waiting for the other shoe factory to drop.
Seodil's eyebrow barely raises at Aiden before he tells the group calmly, "Pleasure alone is not everyone's taste. Some prefer to mix sensations, or shift entirely to the other end of the spectrum. New reactions, someone who is not a known quantity, appeal to both those who enjoy soft sounds, and those who prefer screams."
Aiden nods. He was afraid that might be answer.
Steven closes his eyes. Pelor, give us strength. What are we getting ourselves into?
Lotte makes a face. "Blech."
Sol stands behind Aiden looking paler than usual but determined. She says firmly to the entire group, making eye contact with each person in turn, "I will not allow ANYONE to become a 'pet' who does not wish it." She includes Seodil, looking at him last. The perceptive would also notice him look away first.
Aiden reaches up to his shoulder and covers Sol's hand with his own, giving it a light squeeze. "Thank you, Soleil."
Sol nods, looking a little strained.
Steven lets out a breath, and nods, swallowing. "Thank you, Seodil." Suddenly he finds himself wondering... back in a series of visions he had, there was one elf in them... a friend, or an assassin, the images were mixed. What color was her hair? Or rather... were her colors Summer? He shakes himself out of his reverie.
Lotte gives Sol a sympathetic look. "It'll be ok. We're a strong group."
The amber elf says quietly, "I'm sorry I'm taking you into this. Any of you. But thank you for being here. You don't understand how much it means to me."
Aiden tilts his chin to look up at Sol with a grin. "Nowhere else I'd rather be."
Sol's eyes get awfully bright, and she ducks her head a moment to touch her face to her sleeve.
Lotte smiles at the couple, then stands. "I think I need to take my leave for the night, if nobody minds."
Steven nods, standing. "Of course, Lotte. Good night.
Aiden nods at Lotte, "Rest well, Lotte."
Aiden stands up and turns around, looking at Sol. He leans in close to her to whisper something to her.
Sol sniffles. "Goodnight, Lotte. You were brave today."
Soleil starts crying, softly.
Aiden wraps his arms around Sol's shoulders.
Steven binks at Sol and Aiden, then smiles a little, setting his chair in. "I should as well," he says qquietly, smiling. "Good night."
Lotte smiles gently at Sol and touches his arm. "Goodnight Sol. Don't cry, all will be well!" She looks around the room and says, "Goodnight everyone," before heading up to her room.
Sol hiccups loudly and says, "I'm ok, I'm ok, I'm sorry. You're all just so ..KIND." She starts bawling again.
Soleil waves goodnight determinedly around tears, smiling.
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