Sunday, March 27, 2011

Story Thread: Aidan and Marenya

From Christine:
Betsy and I are trying an experiment we call "Improvisational Fiction." The interplay between our fantasy worlds and characters has been such a rich mine of material for us the past week, we decided to try pushing it a little farther and see what happens. 

This is spontaneous; we don't know what is going to happen. We welcome other characters to jump in if they wish. We appreciate your forbearance, and your feedback.
 
From Betsy:
We're starting story threads so we don't continue to hijack the regular discussions. In future, we'd love to launch new stories for other characters and authors to play with. You need only email one of us and we'll set up a new thread.

We want to encourage other characters and writers to read and participate. Feel free to jump in at any time as an antagonist, someone needing help, an innocent bystander, or simply an observer with comments. Everyone is welcome.

A brief summary of our story so far:
After months of shameless flirting here at CIC, the demidemon Aidan decided to get a little more serious with Marenya, a respectable hanorja. This prompted Faldur, Marenya's actual love interest, to make his claim on her and approach her uncle about a period of formal courtship. When her uncle refused, Faldur left on a mission, furious. Marenya left, too, seeking some time away from everyone. But Aidan sensed she was in danger and crossed into her world. He saved her life and finally admitted how heartbroken he was over losing her. She agreed to let Aidan speak to her Uncle, who reluctantly approved the match. Unfortunately, when Aidan crossed into her world, he discovered evidence his enemy, the demon Asmodai, has a presence there. He wants to approach the king about making a formal alliance against this shared enemy.

998 comments:

1 – 200 of 998   Newer›   Newest»
Galadriel said...

Thank goodness. They did tend to hijack the thread.

Marenya said...

I'm sorry, Galadriel, I can't help it. I'm just written this way.

And Aidan is... well.. irresistable.

Marenya said...

(Jason and Marc are about to leave)

No! Don't go. Listen. Raynor is very weak right now. He gave away some of his powers to... someone. He was under the influence of a very evil elevja, who forced him to... do things. And...

if Kaelin touched him when he - Kaelin - was riled... you don't touch an elevja unless they let you. Do you understand? They can transfer or absorb other's lifeflow. Aidan, you know what I mean. They are affected by the presence of other magic, other power. Which is why we keep our world so pure.

Raynor may have absorbed some of Kaelin's rage. If so, he's very dangerous. He doesn't have the training to control it. And I don't know what it may have done to Kaelin.

Aidan said...

Right back at ya, babe.

Aidan said...

He did. I know his intent was to cut Raynor's throat if he didn't stop attacking. I had to tell him twice to let Raynor go.

Aidan said...

Wait a minute, what it did to Kaelin? You mean Kaelin might have some magic now?

Marenya said...

Yes, of course! Right. Absolutely.

I need to be by myself for a bit. This is a lot to figure out. I'm just going to the garden, okay? Thanks.

What if Kaelin is weaker?

And what if Faldur is in trouble? Uncle said he and Mel are hunting haggiths. No wonder he didn't tell me where he went! He could have said something. He could have trusted me.

I feel like I'm going to explode. All of this started because of a conversation about stress. WELL, I FEEL A LITTLE STRESSED RIGHT NOW.

Aidan said...

Damn.

Marenya said...

(sonic boom)

Marenya said...

That's better.

Marc said...

We don't mind a moment with you, mate. Because we've been meaning to ask,

Just what in seven (shove) bloody (shove) hells (shove)do you think you're doing? Courting? Alliances? You have a war, remember? An army to run. A betrothal.

Aidan said...

Shhhh. She'll hear you.

I'm not betrothed. I never agreed to it, never wanted it.

Hell, I never wanted the damn war or to be Lord Seer either.

But I do want Marenya. And I want to kill Asmodai. If he's here, threatening her, then it's what I have to do.

He killed my parents. The enemy has Kaelin. I can't let Asmodai take her, too... I'm sorry.

I just can't.

Jason said...

We're already in it, Marc. So arguing doesn't help.

Marc said...

Oh I don't know. I feel better.

You. (pokes Aidan's chest) Don't do anything else stupid. No heroics. No talking out of turn. Got it?

Aidan said...

Jeez, yeah. Knock it off. People are watching...

You're supposed to work for me, remember?

Jason said...

Live for you, work for you, die for you, lordling. It doesn't mean we have to be stupid about it.

We go first. We fight first. We guard you. Got me?

Gorrith said...

We're just about ready to leave. If you're done arguing, that is.

I see Marenya has been letting off a little steam. (rolls eyes)

You fellows can ride, can't you?

Aidan said...

Sure. All around sportsmen, that's us.

You know, Gorrith. I never got the chance...
Thanks. For helping me find her.

Marc said...

If she survives more than a day of your courting I'll eat my cloak.

Gorrith said...

You're welcome. Thank you for insisting we go look.

Father's waiting. Let's go.

Marc said...

How far away is this king of yours? And is he a decent sort?

Lord Tarnbel said...

Come on, then. We need to hurry. Marenya, I would appreciate it if you would have some mercy on our vegetables, and vent your feelings somewhere else.

Aidan said...

You can always vent them on me.

Gorrith said...

It's about a day's ride north to the capital. He is... exceptional. There is no word for the grace that Heaven gives our Kings. The good ones, that is.

Marenya said...

I know. But I don't think you wanted to be on the receving end of that. I was just practicing.

Aidan said...

well, that wasn't exactly what I meant...

Aidan said...

Look, I know you're mad. I know I should have told you. I know I probably did exactly like... breath Faldur would have, not keeping you in the loop. I'm sorry. It won't happen again.

Marc said...

You know, Gorrith, the lad there sometimes sets things aflame when he's upset. Perhaps they have more in common than we think.

Marenya said...

I'm not mad.

How long do you think we have before Asmodai gets here? Do you have a plan?

I think we all need to know what we have going for us. What we do best. And what our weaknesses are. There won't be time to think in battle.

Lord Tarnbel said...

(raises eyebrows)

Aidan said...

Asmodai...I don't know what his plans are or how quickly he can move. But his legions are nimble, and huge. Six thousand demons per legion, and they can fly. They siphon off our energy to fight us.

One of his legions is here. (looks around and shudders) I can feel it. If they're that thing that attacked you, then maybe you've hunted a lot of them down already.

Or maybe it's something different. Something new.

Jason said...

Aidan's greatest value to Sentinel is his ability to sense the enemy. He knows when they're near. He can see them. The rest of the rangers can't.

But it sounds as if your king has similar sight? Perhaps together, Aidan and your king can work up a plan.

Aidan said...

And there is the blood thing...

Marc said...

No, mate. It's not practical. Not against a whole legion. And maybe they have magic to kill the bastards.

Aidan said...

But we can use it some. I have enough for my arrows. And their knives and swords.

Aidan said...

You remember some of the fight training I gave you? From before? Give me your knife, Marenya.

Marenya said...

What, so you can make yourself bleed for us? Even I know that the first rule of fighting is not to give away your weapons.

Marenya said...

(sends a small, slim, golden dart, right past his ear, into a tree trunk) You can have that, though.

Aidan said...

You need my blood, at least for now. We don't know that your little darts will kill them, and I know a regular knife won't. Like you said, there's no time in the heat of battle.

Aidan said...

Not mad, huh?

Marenya said...

Fine. Here.

Laura Martone said...

I'm glad you're pleased, Galadriel, because I certainly didn't want anyone to feel unwelcome or to be chased away from the site. :-)

As I'd told Betsy and Christine, I didn't want to discourage their engaging interactions... but I also recognize that their quick (and comprehensive) interplay was making it difficult for other authors and characters to jump in.

So, I'm delighted that they decided to start their own story thread, which will allow them to continue experimenting and allow others to continue participating in the site. In other words, everybody wins - yahoo! I only wish I'd thought of creating separate story threads sooner.

Aidan said...

Yeah, right.

My lord, would it be acceptable if Marenya and I ride a bit apart from the others for couple of minutes, please? Just a couple of strides away.

Lord Tarnbel said...

As long as you stay within sight.

Aidan said...

Thanks, my lord. Of course. We won't stray far.

Marenya?

(gently takes her rein and leads her apart from the others)

Go ahead. Let me have it.

Aidan said...

(takes her knife, slices it into his forearm and rubs the blade in his blood. Holds it while it dries)

Aidan said...

You going to tell me what's on your mind?

Marenya said...

(looks away)
Don't you know what's on my mind before I say it?

Aidan said...

Uncle Julian says it's rude for me to use my ken on people who don't want me to. I don't think you want me in your head right now.

Aidan said...

But, I still want to know.

So go ahead. Hit me. Yell. Whatever.

(hands her the knife)

Marenya said...

(stares at it, then sheaths it)
I'm not mad. I'm frightened.

And I'm worried. About Raynor. I should be looking for him right now. I'm the only one he really trusts. But I can't. And Faldur is out hunting haggiths, and I know he's capable and I know he's with Mel, but I still wish... I wish we hadn't parted on such bad terms.

And I'm worried about Kaelin, okay?

And all of this is my fault.

Gorrith said...

She was never like this when Faldur was around.

Aidan said...

You're kidding me, right? No, look at me.

I'm the one who came here. That was my choice, one I had to make because I knew you were in danger. I would make the same one. I couldn't let you die, Marenya.

But this is my enemy, my fight. If the legion attacks in force, it's because of me. Not you.

And I'm even the one who pushed you... I pushed you into this...thing we have. So if...if you...

(looks down at his horse, twists its mane in his fingers) it's okay if you decide ... but
I'm not going to let anything happen to any of you, not Faldur, not Kae, not even Raynor.

Marc said...

Aye, the lad has this effect on people. He takes a bit of handling.

But then, I reckon so does she, yeah?

Lord Tarnbel said...

Marc, Jason, would you care for a smoke? I brought a couple of spare pipes in case you wanted them.

Pipecherry is a wonderful tree. The wood makes beautiful pipes, and the leaves make a first-rate smoke.

Jason said...

We would indeed, and thanks, my lord.

Ah that is fine stuff.

Gorrith said...

No, she's usually quite calm and sunny, Marc. At least, she always was in the book.

(scratches head)

Marc said...

Aidan's a tempest, and not in a teapot, either. Must be the ken. Gets everyone round him a bit crazy. A more determined person you never met.

But I know the lad. He loves her. Damned if I understand how it happened, but he does. And he will die, and we with him, before he lets anything happen to her or her country.

Lord Tarnbel said...

I think that's what she's afraid of.

Marc said...

(glances back at the pair)

Right.

Marenya said...

But I wouldn't have been in danger if I hadn't taken off. If I hadn't gotten into such a rebellious mood, none of this ever would have happened!

I could have killed that haggith if I had seen it in time. I just was off my guard, that's all. So stupid! to get complacent like that.

I know better. I should know better, after everything that's happened.

And now you're here, instead of in hiding where Marc and Jason can protect you.

because I wanted you with me so much

Aidan said...

you're not the only one

Fuck it. I don't care if they see. (takes her hand and lifts it to his lips)

I never even believed in love. I thought it was a myth, until that first night we walked along talking and everyone watched us. Remember? The nights by the fire. Remember?

You don't have to be scared for me. I'm going to fight and I'll win. I don't have another option because I'm not letting you go that easily.

Jason said...

And he starts to weave his own sort of magic. Sigh. Not like he can help himself.

This is a grand smoke, my lord. And fortunately, I've a flask of my grandfather's whiskey to offer you.

Marenya said...

(small smile) You certainly don't suffer from lack of confidence, Lord Seer.

That's part of what worries me. You can't save everyone. No one can.

I know. I tried. It didn't work out so well. I needed help. Faldur and Mel and even Gorrith... and a whole lot of others...we did it together.

Aden fath. That's what we say to each other. It means "hold to faith." Faith just for this minute, this day. Because that is as far as we can see, and if we can get through this moment, now... then we can deal with the next one when it comes.

I suppose I just need to have more faith.

Lord Tarnbel said...

This is excellent, Jason.

You seem accustomed to waiting for Aidan. Is this a habit of his?

Aidan said...

Well, that's why I'm going to see your king, right? So we can all join forces and beat these bastards back to hell.

Now kiss me --come on, Jason has your uncle all distracted with the whiskey -- and show me those little darts. I want to know how they work and if they can kill the demons.

Aidan said...

And then later you can tell me about your little secret, yeah?

Marenya said...

Do you know what else we say? M'aszkenai el folmendur. Tu se marenken. My heart burns for you forever, I hold you in my heart.

(places his hand on her heart)

Aidan said...

I can keep faith in that, even if I'm a demon and I'm jealous and have impure thoughts about you all the time.

Aidan said...

As for the secret, we have a little saying too. "You can't bullshit a Seer."

Raynor gave part of his magic to...someone? And then you go blow a bunch of leaves off a tree. Now you're all guilty and worried over him. You think I missed all that, love?

Marenya said...

You really know how to spoil a mood.

Marenya said...

There are some things that I really don't want to talk about.

Aidan said...

We don't have to talk about it now. That's cool.

I just wanted you to know that I know. And it's fine with me. I like when you're... powerful.

Rebellious, even. It's sexy as hell.

Marenya said...

Don't. Not about that.

Don't.

Ginger said...

He can't possibly be that awkward, can he?

And I thought my ex was dense.

Aidan said...

I saw what happened to him.
And I get it. I mean, I really, actually get it.

(holds out his palm and shows her a triangular burn)

I've had some of that too.

I don't joke about it. But I wasn't joking about you being strong, either. You are, you know? One of the toughest people I know.

And it is sexy. I'm standing by that. (leans in for a quick kiss just as Tarnbel is turning his head and then spurs his horse forward)

Jason said...

(eyes his cousin, glances back at Marenya, and drops back to her)

All right, then?

Marenya said...

I suppose.

I'm not an elevja, Jason. I wasn't born to this. I was... forced. In order to survive.

It's not natural for me. I'm learning, but... it's difficult.

Aidan's so cocky. I love him, but... I'm sure you know what I mean.

Marenya said...

And he is about thirteen years younger. don't tell him, though

Marenya said...

not that it will matter that much when he's 107 and I'm 120

Nighfala said...

Marenya, come

Jason said...

I know exactly what you mean. (chuckles)

I saw he showed you his hand. That scar, yeah?

He was just a green kid, not even Lord Seer yet. He had no idea what his capabilities were. The enemy tortured him and questioned him.

Then the questioning turned round to Kaelin.

Our cocky young Aidan lifted his chin, looked his torturer in the eye, and said, "Kill me, you bastard. I'm not telling you shit." They tortured him enough to kill him after that, but he said nothing about his brother and he lived, too.

So he's cocky, yeah. And I'm damn glad. It keeps him alive.

Aidan said...

(lifts his chin and looks around)

Something's not right...

Marenya said...

I had no idea, Jason. He never told me.

Jason said...

It's not something he talks about...

Ah, look. Our boy's on a scent. Come along. Not the time to stray from the group, I reckon.

Marenya said...

Nighfala, if you can hear me, tell him I'll come as soon as I can. tell him to wait.

Nighfala said...

hurry

Aidan said...

(glances back at Marenya)

It's him, isn't it? Something's wrong, though... I think we should help him.

Marenya said...

Aidan, wait, please!

Marenya said...

I have to go alone. He'll freak out if he sees you. At least, stay where he can't see you.

No, that won't work. He has some sight, not as strong as yours, but some.

Aidan said...

I'm not letting you go alone.

No way.

Aidan said...

Pretty little speeches, that's what your people like to do, right? So we'll get him talking.

I understand him. He knows that, even if he doesn't like it.

Marc said...

Someone care to enlighten me about whatever the bloody hell you're talking about?

Aidan said...

Here. (hands Marc his bow and dismounts) Hold this.

And this. (his knife)

Let's go talk to him, Marenya.

Marenya said...

Marc, stop him! He's being an idiot.

Marenya said...

Jason, please!

Jason said...

You forget, I have little say. And he has Sight. He knows.

He magicked your uncle's respect, didn't he?

Let him go.

Marenya said...

Fuck it! I'll do it myself.

Aidan said...

Stop it, Marenya. I'm not letting you go alone.

Trust me, love.

Besides, 3rd time's the charm, right?

Aidan said...

Heyya, Your Highness. It's me, Aidan.

Raynor said...

Just the person I was in the mood to see.

Aidan said...

Now, don't be like that, Your Highness. You know there's the devil you see and the one you don't. Wouldn't you rather have me right here in front of you where you can keep an eye on me?

Marenya said...

(Marenya glides silently around them, positioning herself between and to the side of them, hidden in the trees)

Raynor said...

(slow smile) Where's your brother?

Aidan said...

(shrug) Gone. He got bored here. He thought there wasn't enough demons to kill.

(sobers)

He was wrong, though. They're all around us. (glances over his shoulder)

And you and me, we know what that's like, don't we? Having the demons on us?

Lord Tarnbel said...

I don't know about you two, but I am not in the habit of sitting by.

(draws his sword)

Raynor said...

Don't try to get inside my head. You won't like it there.

Aidan said...

My lord, please. Stop. No need to hurt him.

Of course, if he kills me, be my guest...

Lord Tarnbel said...

Just think of me as your rear guard, Aidan.

Aidan said...

(taps his head)

Yeah, too late. I've got this... condition...

Sucks. But what are you going to do?

(squats some feet away)

It's not that bad, compared to some. Compared to Asmodai's head, your's is a sunny, happy picnic.

Come on. We can deal.

Raynor said...

What do you know of this world? How dare you talk to me? You have been here one day.

And in that time you have ruined two lives, and perhaps every one of my people's.

Aidan said...

just stay out of sight. Keep by Marenya. Keep her safe. Please.

Aidan said...

Do you know what my crazy brother did? He enslaved himself to the demon who tortured me, just to gain the demon's trust.

And one night, when he has it, Kaelin is going to kill him.

I don't think he's that unique. Marenya did a lot of the same for you, yeah? Sacrificed. Showed me around, stuff I never knew existed.

So I might know a little more about this world than you think.

Aidan said...

Asmodai might follow me here, yeah. Someday.

But he already had a legion here. He already had a foothold.

And I think you know all about it firsthand.

Aidan said...

So I guess the question now is, What are you and I going to do about it?

We can sit here and pout if you want. Or we can kick its ass.

I kinda like the second option.

Raynor said...

Shut up! You don't know anything!

I didn't save her for you.

(lunges forward with his hand outstretched to give Aidan another ass-kicking spell, but at the same moment Marenya raises a spell wall between them, and Raynor's lightning glances off and hits a tree, splintering it)

Raynor said...

(Raynor whirls around and directs another lightning spell in Marenya's direction. She dodges it, and it blows a smoking hole in the ground.

Nighfala leaps on him, snarling, and knocks him to the ground.)

Aidan said...

(not moving)

Thanks, Marenya.

(eases a breath from his chest and lights a little fire on his palm, lets it die out)

Lord Tarnbel said something to me today. He said it wasn't just about me and Marenya. It's about our people.

(snorts) Like we don't know that already, in spades.

You kill me, you lose a weapon. We kill you, the same. Seems kind of stupid under the circumstances, and I had the impression you were pretty noble and smart, to hear Marenya talk.

She admires you. Do you really want her to see you kill me? Do you want to break her heart?

I don't think you want that any more than I do.

Aidan said...

I'm a demon, right? I know evil. You're not it. You've got your problems, but evil isn't it. Come on. Let her help you.

Raynor said...

(to Marenya) Does he ever shut up?

Relasz, Nighfala. (the lioness backs off)

Jason said...

Never.

Raynor said...

(Reaches his hand out to Marenya. She takes it and he pulls her close.

They hold each other for a very long time.

Like, a long time.)

Aidan said...

Yeah, so we're a little bit on a schedule here, if you can wrap up the snuggling.

Raynor said...

(Breathes a very long sigh. Gives her a very long, deep kiss.)

Thank you.

Jason said...

What's this all about, mate?

Marenya said...

(Marenya runs into the trees and starts vomiting.)

Aidan said...

Oh shit...(follows her)

Why do you do this? (strokes her back) You're crazy, you know that?

Marenya said...

(wipes her mouth) Not any crazier than you.

Aidan said...

No. Don't try and move. I got you.

Marenya said...

You want to know how magic works? This is how it works, Aidan. It can be easy, or it can be hard.

The bad stuff is hard.

Aidan said...

I know. Just don't move yet, okay?

Raynor said...

It's my fault. I did it to her.

She wouldn't have survived otherwise.

Aidan said...

I know, man. For what it's worth, I think she's better for it.

Raynor said...

Tu m'el brin hanor, Marenya. Aden fath, sursa relevai.

(you honor me, Marenya. Have faith, for the King)

She'll be allright, Aidan.

Aidan said...

Okay, love?

Anonymous said...

I hate my job.

And I really hate throwing up in front of you.

Lord Tarnbel said...

Raynor, come with me. Leave them be.

Heavens! Now I'm doing it.

Aidan said...

Yeah. Not your most attractive moment. (dodges a slap)

Raynor, he's got daddy issues, too, doesn't he?

Marenya said...

What? I have no idea what you just said.

Aidan said...

Never mind.

So, how long can we sit like this until they start bugging us, d'ya think? There might even be time for--

OW.

Marenya said...

Like you really want to kiss me with throwup in my mouth? Even you can't be that horny, Aidan.

Aidan said...

I like holding you, though.

Aidan said...

And by the way, I really don't care that you're older than me. Just so you know.

Marenya said...

You are persistent, aren't you? (Brushes the hair back from his face.) I never braided that for you.

I don't want to spend another night in the forest, so why don't we hold that thought? It would be nice to have a bed, for a change.

Aidan said...

Yeah. It would.

I imagine it'll involve a whole bunch of sneaking around, though, huh?

Could be fun.

Marenya said...

Until our five bodyguards find out.

I hate having to torture you like this. I know you're not used to it.

Anonymous said...

Make that six.

Marenya said...

Raynor, please!

Nighfala said...

Make that seven.

Piffla said...

(a small, grey owl shoots down from among the trees like an arrow) Who-hoooooo---ooo!!!

(lands on the ground next to them, instantly transforming into a tiny, childlike creature with a hooked nose and large, round eyes, dressed in soft, downy material)

Marenya! (hurls herself into Marenya's arms)

(looks at her, sees how tired and messed-up she looks, looks at Aidan, frowns)

Where is Lion-Killer? What did you do to him? Let her go!

(flies at him, beating him with her wings and pecking his head)

Marenya said...

Piffla! He's safe. He is hunting haggiths. Bat-faces.

Stop it! Stop.

Piffla said...

(stops, transforms back into her childlike form, panting and glaring at Aidan)

Marenya said...

Aidan, are you okay?

This is Piffla. "pee-fluh" She is a wood sprite. And an ardent admirer of Faldur's.

Piffla, this is my... friend. Aidan. He is a demon-killer from another world. He is helping us.

Faldur is away. Hunting. He is fine.

Piffla said...

(bows, still eyeing him warily)
I am honored to meet you, demon-killer.

Marenya said...

I have an important job for you. We need your help. Tell all of the sprites, and the Great Unicorn, that there is going to be a battle. Can you do that? Tell Brambleburr. No, he already knows, of course.

Just tell them to prepare for war.

See if you can get an emissary to speak to the nightstalkers. We may need them. Nighfala can't go, Aidan. They don't trust her.

Piffla said...

(puffs out her chest)I am Piffla, Messenger of the Forest!
(gives Aidan one more scowl, then jumps up, transforms in mid-air, and flies away)

Jules said...

(from the peanut gallery)

What in the universe was THAT?

Comic relief? Or a bedtime story on acid?

Marenya said...

Aidan? I'm sorry.

This might be more difficult than I thought. The whole... Faldur thing. I know he didn't make much of an impression in the Common Room, but he's really very... well-liked here.

but i love you more

Aidan said...

That's all that matters to me, love. And I did it your world's way, yeah? Got your uncle's permission? (kisses her forehead) The others... I'm used to disaproval from them. It's just yours I can't deal with.

Jason's scowling at us. Better get on with it. (glances around). And something's watching us. I don't like the feel of that.

Aidan said...

(catches her arm). And hey Marenya? Can you like, not go around kissing all your old friends?

Like Faldur. Especially Faldur.

(reddens and looks down)

Marenya said...

Oh, Aidan. It wasn't what you think. It was... I don't know how to explain it.

Not passionate. Utilitarian.

Why do you think I was throwing up? I had to get rid of what I drew out of him.

Marenya said...

Faldur wouldn't go anywhere near me if he knew you were courting me. Don't worry about that. You know how he is.

Lord Tarnbel said...

We must be going if we're going to reach Burnwood by nightfall.

Marenya said...

"Burn wood." I hope not. Come on.

Aidan said...

I'm not so sure about Faldur. But yeah, we'd better ride.

Jason said...

I hope you get a chance to bathe and clean up before you meet with the king. You're a right mess, lordling.

Marc said...

I do adore how he thinks ripped jeans and an old t-shirt is appropriate attire for every life event.

Marc said...

(slapping Aidan on the shoulder) But I suppose we shouldn't complain. At least you're basically dressed, mate.

Aidan said...

(casting a worried glance at Lord Tarnbel)

Can you please shut up now?

Gorrith said...

We will certainly have to get you some proper clothing. All of you. Can't have you walking into Tor Aden like a bunch of beggars.

Ow! Renya.

Raynor said...

Aidan, you hurt her, I hurt you.

Marenya said...

It feels so good to be out in the open again! I see the village.

Aidan said...

Then we're agreed.

Somebody going to tell me something about this king? Or do I just get to wing it?

Gorrith said...

And the tavern.

Marenya said...

His father was killed in the war. He is the first son, and Raynor's brother Melbrinor is the first son.

He is young, only about one hundred years old. The fullness of the magic Heaven gives the Hanorja resides in him. He lives at Tor Aden, which is a castle on a hill in the center of range of seven hills at the edge of a wide plain. It is surrounded by an inpenetrable, unburnable wall of trees called The Hedgewood.

Nothing can get inside it. And gryphons live in its branches.

Marenya said...

When you meet him you sort of forget everything that is bothering you. Not forget exactly, but the power and splendor of his palace of his aura, make them seem somehow not so terrible after all.

I can't explain it. He is... remarkable.

Gorrith said...

And Mel is turning out just like him. He will make a good king some day.

Raynor said...

(stares straight ahead)

Aidan said...

I have a feeling I'm not going to be quite what he's expecting.

Marc said...

When do you ever meet expectation, lordling?

Marenya said...

He can also change form. Each elevja has an alternate form, Aidan.

Raynor's is a black falcon. A huge one. He could have torn Kaelin to shreds in a second.

Aidan said...

Yeah, but this is different. I mean, Sentinel has to take me as I am. This guy doesn't.

(rubs his hand over his stomach)

Lord Tarnbel said...

He meets with emissaries of many races, Aidan, outside of our borders. He will not be put off by your appearance, nor even your demeanor.

He has True Sight.

Aidan said...

But he didn't.

He doesn't want to be the way he is any more than... Kaelin. Or me.

Aidan said...

Yeah, my lord, I do too. But that castle up there is stone, and my ken doesn't go through stone very well.

So I'm walking in blind here. I just don't want to screw it up.

Never mind. I'm sure... never mind.

Marenya said...

I'm working on that, Aidan. Don't worry.

For all of you. I have something I want to ask King Elmoran. He will know.

Gorrith said...

At last! (dismounts and hands the reins to the groom)

Who else is thirsty?

Lord Tarnbel said...

Gorrith.

Gorrith said...

Yes, sir.

I'll see the horses are properly cooled, fed and bedded, myself.

"A horse is a haman's first and best companion."

Aidan said...

all right. I trust you. (turns on her with a sly grin) are we staying there tonight... or... somewhere else?

Lord Tarnbel said...

(smiles) Excellent. I will get us.. how many rooms do you require?

Jason said...

We're staying with Aidan, so one, my lord. (smirks at his cousin) We're accustomed to keeping him in sight at all times, when he doesn't run off into the woods, that is.

Aidan said...

(stares daggers at his cousin)

Lord Tarnbel said...

One or two of you may share with me.

Gorrith may be Marenya's chaperone and sleep on the floor, as he is the youngest. Normally, I would have a female companion for her, but since we have none, he will have to do.

Gorrith said...

(blushes scarlet) really.

not again.

I can't wait until I turn 25!

Aidan said...

good. you can handle Gorrith, right?

Lord Tarnbel said...

I'll take care of it. I'll meet you in the common room. Gorrith, see to the horses!

Gorrith said...

I am. I am.

Marenya said...

Aidan... please. Don't let's get into trouble tonight.

Lord Tarnbel said...

I will see about some clothing for you, also.

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