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.
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«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 400 of 998 Newer› Newest»Sigh. I won't. I just want... to see you. Without all these people around. I want to talk to you. Really talk...
we can slip away now, while Gorrith and Uncle are busy.
Thanks, my lord. I appreciate your help.
Look. I appreciate...all of this. You helping us. You letting me...you know. See Marenya. It means a lot. And I'll do my best to keep you out of battle. I know you...
(smile) I think you're like my uncle. He'll fight but he hates it.
Yeah. Lets. I'll get rid of my cousins.
So you guys just going to stand there? Can you get us some clothes and stuff? Lord Tarnbel probably needs help.
You didn't say please, cousin.
(scowls) Please.
I'll be at the bar.
Drinking.
Much.
Better.
(rolls eyes) The younger generation takes so much bringing up, don't they, my lord. Come Jason, looks safe enough 'round here. Looks like we have some shopping to do.
Remember, Aidan.
how could I forget, with you reminding me all the time?
Come on, Marenya. Maybe you can show me around here a little.
(as they walk) So... that little critter that came by, the one that didn't like me? And a unicorn? Seriously? That's your army?
Piffla is just an owl sprite, but she's very good at getting messages through unnoticed. We have other sprites as well... fierce bears and foxes. The unicorns are not like Gabby's. They are powerful, would just as soon run you through as look at you.
And the nightstalkers were bred and trained by Synedd. They are deadly. There must be, oh, hundreds of them.
Well, that's a relief.
I guess. Where can we go... you know... (touches the back of her wrist)
But, Aidan, you haven't even asked about my "little golden darts."
(looks hurt)
All right. (leads her into the shadows between a building and a tree) What about your darts?
Well, as you know, I can create them with a flick of my wrist (demonstrates), they fly where my thoughts send them, can pierce the stone you cannot See through, and are extremely effective when used to support ten thousand Delfenwards like my uncle, each leading a company of half-elevja warfirien who are as tall and strong and almost as hard to kill as Sentinel.
(glances around and checks to see no one's watching, takes her in his arms with a grin)
There you go being all sexy again.
Mmmm...
Aidan...
I thought you wanted to "Talk. Really talk."
Danm it. And you say I'm the one who knows how to ruin the mood.
I don't know. This is a pretty good substitute...
...
No? All right.
Something your Uncle said keeps bugging me.
Look. I've been thinking. About Raynor, and the other prince, Mel. They're friends of Faldur's. Even if the king does ally with me, with Sentinel, I can't be looking over my shoulder all the time waiting for one of them to kill me and clear the way for him with you. Or even, in Raynor's case, kill me because he finds me annoying.
Something happened to let me into your world, something with the king and the gryphons. I don't have a clear handle on it yet. And that's all fine. But I need the princes' alliance too. Their respect.
So. Any ideas on how to get it?
Oh, Aidan. (runs her fingers along his face to his lips, then takes his scarred hand and turns it palm upward)
(winces as she touches it, then caresses it with her finger, sending a calm, cooling sensation up his arm)
you're too young to have seen so much death, known so much pain and fear and worry
Just be yourself. (small smile) You're with me. That's recommendation enough.
(imagines him screaming in Lorcan's torture chamber, and pushes the image away)
Stop. You don't have to go there.
just be your own, brave, beautiful, self
And I am, right? With you?
Even though I'm too young and all fucked up and a demon? Even though I screwed up your life, and everyone else's here? Even though your princes hate me?
And... And all of the rest.
I'm with you and so that makes it right?
No! Gryphon feathers, Aidan!
Why are you convinced everyone hates you? Just because in your world people try to kill each other every second, doesn't mean it's like this here.
Raynor was the worst example, and you've already won him over. Kind of. Well, anyway. Don't judge by him.
Faldur didn't disrespect you until you messed around with him. Did my uncle disrespect you? The King paved the way for us to be together, didn't he?
Don't you remember Mel? He came by the common room a few times. He's nice. There are nice people in the world, you know.
( deep breath). Ok. If you say so. Be myself. Yeah.
I think...I think I'd like to go have a drink with Raynor, if that's ok with you.
I mean unless you want to go back to what we were doing before we started "really" talking. Then i'd say fuck the alliance and the drink....
Oh, I'd much prefer a drink. Why don't we all have one together?
Here, Marenya. Take my arm. You look a bit tired.
Thank you. I think I'll turn in early. I feel the need for a good night's sleep.
Truly, it's been a long day. You'll need your rest for tomorrow. Love.
Yeah. That sounds great, my lord.
seven hells. Does he have ken too? This courting thing is going to kill me. I am SO sneaking into your room tonight.
(glares at Aidan)
I'll have supper in my room. females aren't allowed in the tavern, Aidan And a hot bath. alone
Good night, Uncle. Behave yourself!
i still liked it better in the woods. Don't go all noble on me and pretend you didn't either.
Ok That was me being an ass. I know you have your doubts. I'll fix it. I swear I will.
But it still doesn't mean I won't sneak in tonight. You can't pretend you don't want it too. Not with me. See you...later
Heyya Raynor. What are we drinking?
Oh damn. My bad. Your highness...
Good night. Mark, Jason, Aidan. Let's go have a nice supper, shall we.
Gorrith, there you are. Come along then.
steers Aidan inside with a firm hand
Always sneaking off, that's our lad.
But what can you do with a young one?
Sigh. Just get me a drink.
Do they have decent whiskey here?
Please excuse our young lordling's manners (glares at Aidan) my lord.
He's under a deal of ... stress, I imagine.
(shakes his head at Aidan) you can try, Lordling. Just try.
(bows head)
I'm sorry, my lord. I'm just... hungry. I guess.
why do I have a bad feeling you're the nicest one in your family, Raynor?
Thanks very much. Whatever my lord is having...
(Mel and Faldur duck down to look into a dark hole in the mountainside)
This must be it, then.
(tosses an apple-sized orb of light into the air. It floats ahead of them into the darkness.)
(nods at Faldur, and enters)
(Faldur draws his sword and leads his Ranger pack in after the Prince. A dozen warfirien follow. five remain to guard the entrance.)
(squints, drink in hand, and starts to drift into a vision)
Damn, I know that look. What's on, Aidan?
Shhh....
(focuses on the middle distance) They're too far away. We can't...
(blinks and shakes his head)
They've found something.
Raynor, you know. You have better vision than me here. What are they doing?
(they creep cautiously down through cavern after cavern. all old, all dry. the air is stale, breathless.
they can feel hot air drifting towards them, along with a stench like burning garbage
they look all around
the warfirien cast more lights
the Rangers spread out silently, inspecting the perimeters)
(to Gorrith) You know, a bloke just likes to have a drink in friendly company once in awhile, without young love and warlike tendencies.
(looks at Jason) Smells like balefire.
(bows his head over his drink)
I can't see them. I'm glad of it. I don't think I could bear to know. But I can feel it.
(throws his head back and swallows it all)
Prince Raynor?
You have to look, Raynor. I need your help.
(Mel goes forward first, and seems to become faintly translucent in the darkness, as if and inner light has been kindled behind his fair skin and noble features.
Faldur stays close by his side, his head only reaching the Prince's shoulders, tense, eager, wary like the cats he hunts so well)
(blinks at his cousins)
He kind of looks like...me and Kae.
You're darker, mate, than these people.
Okay, they feel like me...
(shakes head) they're finding the legion. Or some of them. Seven hells, GET OUT!
(There is a red glow ahead as they proceed down a slope so steep they have to dig in their heels to keep from sliding. Mel extinguishes the lights.
He waves to Faldur, who runs forward and stops, hugging the wall just near the entrance of the cave below. Mel joins him.
Bat-like creatures with pale, papery faces like hawen cover the entire ceiling, hanging from every inch of space, even the projections on the ceiling. They are asleep, lulled by the presence that sits in the center of a pool of molten rock at the bottom of the cavern.)
(They don't need to look a moment longer. They start to move warily back up the slope.
One of the warfirien's armor makes the slightest clink as he moves.
It is enough.)
(the host of haggiths begins to stir. Mel seals the cavern with a holding spell that snaps in the air like a crack of lightning. The haggiths beat against it like moths hitting a window.)
Run!
What is that? Not Asmodai. A commander or something...
(reaches for his drink and looks at Raynor)
(starts a small fire in the rushes at his side, blinks at it and extinguishes it)
They think they found the legion. But... it's like a hideout or something. That's not it.
(shoves his cup toward Raynor)
(Faldur waits until everyone else has gone. He waits for Mel, who is struggling to maintain the holding spell against the onslaught of the haggiths. "Now!" Faldur yells.)
(Mel turns and transforms into a giant, graceful white bird like a long-necked eagle. He swoops low to Faldur, who grabs his shoulder-wing and leaps onto his back.)
(the haggiths pursue. Faldur puts his sword to good use. Mel swoops through the caverns, drawing the haggiths away from the retreating hamen.)
Once again, you care to share, in detail, Cousin, just what in bloody hell you're seeing?
(fixes his gaze on Raynor) When His Highness fills my cup. He's got the good stuff.
(Mel takes out as many as he can by making them follow him among the formations, causing them to crash and fall against them. He circles back to the exit. One of the largest haggiths, a Captain, perhaps, darts out at them unexpectedly and attaches itself to Faldur's back.)
You're going to watch them die, Raynor, without a drink in your hand?
How many times do I have to tell you? I can't see. It's too far away.
I used most of my powers to save myself and Marenya. And she took quite a bit today, in case you hadn't noticed.
I am weak. Useless.
My father could've gotten us there. I can't. I'm not that good yet.
Are you, Raynor?
you're lying to yourself because you're scared. fuck, I get that. but you can do it. you're just choosing not to.
I have my bow. Right here. I could take them all out...
I just need to be there.
Faldur's dying. Do you want to live with that?
(Faldur screams, grabs his sword in both hands and stabs it backwards over his head. He flings the haggith aside with a flick of the blade. Mel carries him out the entrance)
(Mel lands, and Faldur rolls off his back. Mel rises up, beats his wings, and kills the last few that follow them with his beaks and talons, while the warfirien form a chain behind him.)
(Faldur struggles to get up. He is bleeding.)
SHUT UP!
(rises)
Marenya! Take me there!
(Mel turns around and runs to his friend. He places his hands on Faldur's back. Faldur tries to breathe steadily. One breath. Two. Three.
The bleeding stops. Mel stays crouched by his friend, who grabs his hand. They remain motionless for several minutes.
Then Mel pulls Faldur to his feet.)
That was easy.
Thanks. Nice flying.
There's more coming.
Do you hear me, Faldur? The spell isn't holding.
MARENYA!
It's a miracle you didn't kill yourself with that move. Stab your own back? Are you daft?
(shrugs) I know when to stop.
(glances nervously around, then walks forward, stiffly)
Let's get out of here. At last, we've found the nest.
What under Heaven is the matter, Aidan? I am warm and soapy and I am not getting out of this tub. Do you hear me?
Faldur and Melbrinor are under attack. Stay in your tub. But for hell's sake send me!
(Mel turns around and shoots a lightning curse at the opening, which collapses)
(The hamen march quickly back down the mountainside.)
Faldur! You didn't find a nest. You found a fucking GATE. I'm coming. Hang on.
MARENYA!
Send you? How?
Are they alright?
NO. NOT ALL RIGHT. (thrusts himself from the table and runs outside, focuses on Faldur, his features and his strength. Starts to feel the pull...
(the landscape changes to a tunnel, deep in the mountainside, behind a cave-in. runs deep in the cave, throwing off haggiths until he reaches the hole. shoots arrow after arrow down the tunnel. screams echo in the cavern as his blood-tipped arrows hit the demon. it rises, winged and 2-headed. A last arrow pierces its eye and it falls with an earth-shattering thud, knocking out the cave-in)
Well, seven hells, he did it. He really did it. Even Uncle Nathanial couldn't teleport so quickly.
(hastily dries off and dresses)
(runs downstairs)
Aidan?
(the rest of the haggiths die screaming)
(staggers out of the cavern, climbs through the rubble and takes a minute to unstring his bow, leaning on it heavily)
Heyya, Faldur.
You must be Prince Melbrinor.
(collapses)
(half the mountainside collapses behind him, sealing the gate)
(storms out of the tavern, muttering, cursing, angry tears running down his face)
Raynor? What is it?
What's happened?
You should have let me die! This is worse.
Living with this helplessness is worse.
Don't look at me that way!
Aidan went to help Mel and Faldur. They've found a presence at the haggiths' nest. I don't know what, I don't know where.
East. That's all. East.
Aidan went? How did he "go?"
(Lord Tarnbel runs up to them)
(Raynor shakes his head helplessly)
I'll try to find them. I'll report to Tor Aden.
(Raynor tilts his head up, spreads his arms, and jumps. He transforms into a great, brown falcon, but can't get airborne and flutters back down.)
(He tries again. This time his wings catch the air. He glances at them over his shoulder, then catches an updraft, wheels, and slowly glides east.)
Aidan? impossible
(looks at Mel, then at the cloud of dust rising from the rubble of the mountainside)
(the warfirien and Rangers stare in horror and disbelief)
(Mel's face is tight, grim)
(Faldur places his hand on Aidan's forehead and seeks him)
He's there. He's just unconscious.
He's...
(pulls his hand away abruptly and walks away)
no. Marenya, no.
(passes his hand over his face)
there is no time for this. i cannot think on it now.
(begins to shake uncontrollably
closes his eyes, swallows, tries to master himself)
I said I would do anything You asked, if she lived.
I asked not to lose her that way. And I didn't.
I just didn't expect to lose her this way. Lord of Heaven, not this way.
(groans, bows his head)
All things are predetermined, and in the end are right.
(lays his hands on Aidan's chest, gently sending the warmth of the elevja through him)
Aidan. Wake up.
Ooh, this is so exciting!
( eyelids flutter and then widen. Fire arcs from one of his hands and dies. Pushes himself up to a sit)
My bow? (reaches for it)
Thanks your highness.
(glances at Faldur's turned back and looks a little sullen) you told him, your highness? I was hoping...walk as a man among men, he said. I wanted to tell him myself.
(gets to his feet) sorry to jump in like that, but you guys missed the big one in there, big enough to break through the rubble. I think I blocked the gate but there are more. Somewhere...
(groan) I'm going to handcuff him to me, I swear I am.
He couldn't have brought us. He's not strong enough. Yet.
Marenya? Don't be upset. We're still alive, right? He's fine.
Rather, he will be until he gets back here and I beat him to a pulp.
(staggers a couple of steps and sinks to his knees, his hand to his head) I think I got up too fast.
There are more gates. (shudders) A lot more. We have to go tell him. Your king,
He is delirious. But - (motioning to the warfirien who have surrounded him with bows drawn) - harmless, I think.
You know him, Faldur?
He is from those strange visions that come to me at times. Visions of the portal world.
I don't know how he got here. Or-
(guestures to the rubble)
marenya, can you hear me? we're okay. all of us. don't be frightened. i'll come back soon.
I'm not delerious. And i came from your king. Well, not him but by him...
We should leave here at once. The ground may be unstable. It is a miracle we weren't all buried.
(to Aidan) Prince Melbrinor, son of Elmoran. (extends his hand and clasps Aidan's wrist)
(searches his mind) I see. Faldur sought you inside yourself, to be sure you were allright, and saw what you were thinking at the moment. I am sorry. Our gifts are inconvenient at times, are they not?
Could they stop pointing those at me now?
Inconvenient. You sound like my uncle. I'm Aidan....Lord Aidan, I guess. I'm here to make an alliance with your king.
They are just being cautious.
Relasz.
(a tremor shakes the ground)
We should leave here at once.
(They hustle)
Relasz = "release"
sorry, I'm even thinking in Hanorjan now!
(frowns). I wasn't going to bury you, don't worry. I'm better than that. But the gate is deep, all the way to hell. Took a lot of mountain to fill it in.
Feels like Asmodai is pissed off. (smile) good. It'll make him stupid.
What do we do now? I hate being left behind!
all I wanted was a bath and one decent night's sleep.
if he's gone, maybe I can sleep in Uncle's room
Get a good night's sleep, and continue in the morning. We need our strength, and there is nothing more we can do.
Poor Gorrith! I suppose I'll have some pity on him. If Aidan returns, he returns. This seems to be out of my hands.
Heaven help us all!
You may share my room, son.
(to Marc and Jason) keep watch for him? And ON him? Good night.
Will do, my lord.
I can't stay here. I want to, but...
Can you feel it, your highness? Can you feel the legion? They're hiding in those creatures and digging their way through. If you keep hunting them, you're going to find more demons.
(glances around) How good are your archers? Hit an eye at 500 meters...you know, like this much (spreads hands)
Hey everyone, seriously... I made up this language for the book and I know it's hard to wrap your tongue around. Just so you know, the "sz" sound is a "zhuh" sound like the end of the word "garage"
I'm part Hungarian, so those sounds are ones I heard growing up.
Back to our story...
And I haven't even dropped any Latin yet. :)
Yes, you did, when Aidan was fletching arrows and I couldn't figure out what it meant. ;-)
Laura, I'm glad you're enjoying it. I am totally addicted here. It's like a guilty pleasure getting to play so long with this.
This is getting wayyyyyy off concept but so cool.
Look, stop. Stop walking!
Somebody give me a cup.
(draws his knife, slices open the vein in his wrist with a grimace, and lets his blood pour in the cup)
Dip your arrows in this. Another cup, come on!
The eye is the weakest, of course, or under a scale. But that's tough to get unless you're in hand-to-hand. They're fast. You have to be faster.
And fire will stop them...yours probably won't kill them, but it might buy you some time.
You see smoke on the ground or fire on water, there's one around. That's balefire and demon smoke. Smells like this (starts a small fire on his palm and holds it up for Mel to sniff)
I have to go. That's all I can do for you guys right now.
(glances at Faldur)
For what it's worth, you're probably the best man. And you still might be the last, once this demon thing is all fought out.
I got to go. Sorry.
(staggers a few steps, focuses on Marenya's voice, and vanishes)
See? I told you I was sneaking in your room tonight...
(falls against Marenya, still bleeding)
She just took a bath! That's the one thing she keeps wishing for through all her adventures. A bath.
My poor girl.
Nobody stays clean around Aidan for very long. He's like Pigpen. Only hotter.
(hurls three darts into the wall in a perfect triangle, catches him and eases him onto the bed)
Aidan? What happened?
(places her fingers on his cuts)
There was a demon there. Digging its way out of hell, right in the nest of haggiths.
I think I fixed it.
(lowers gaze)
They're okay. Faldur's... he knows about us. But he's alive. Fine. And you're right. That prince is a decent guy.
The demon's dead but there's more where that came from. They're not coming over the wall. They're coming from underneath. From Hell.
You... you "fixed it?" Aidan, you have to tell me more than that.
You can't just materialize like that... I almost killed you!
You can't just disappear without telling anyone where you're going. We're supposed to be doing this together.
I tried! Raynor wouldn't help me... or couldn't. Whatever. And I called you. I thought you could...
The demon was going to break through. It would have had them in minutes. They didn't even know how to kill it.
But it's okay. I gave them enough blood... if they find another they should be okay.
I didn't even know I could...do that. I mean, I'm supposed to be able to, but Dad died before he taught me how and... I have a headache.
Can you just, like, give me a hug for a second?
Here. What am I going to do with you?
I'm trying. I want you to be there with me. I just...I didn't know what else to do. I'm sorry.
Fuck. That's all I ever say to you. Sorry.
No, you say Fuck a lot too.
Well, sometimes it's on my mind.
"Sometimes?" Are you serious?
Is that a human thing or a demidemon thing or what?
You're warm...and perfect. Thanks for not killing me.
I was trying to be... I don't know.
Sor...
Never mind. How can I not feel that way with you here all the time, with me, huh?
*sigh* I did try, you know.
(leans her forehead against his)
This is all too much to absorb. I know that I, and the others, haven't gotten as upset as you think we should about demons from Hell clawing through the earth into our homeland.
It's just that it's very hard to believe. Not that I think you are lying, but why would they care about us? Why would they come all this way just for you?
It doesn't make sense. I don't think anyone will believe it until Elmoran does.
just because we don't run around screaming, doesn't mean we don't feel anything. we hold it in, Aidan.
I know you feel. I get it. pauses as he remembers Faldur's reaction.
I'll talk to the king. We'll figure something out. Tomorrow.
I just want... I just want a night, you know? With you. Or an hour, even. Without all these people around, without worrying over the war or the king. I just want you. It's why I came here.
okay.
but... not too much, Aidan. understand? i don't know what would happen.
no. not too much. (holds her close and closes his eyes, just for a second...)
Marenya...
(exhaustion drags him down)
I am of two minds. I feel I should go to my father straightaway, but I don't want to leave you all here unprotected.
(sees Faldur's raised eyebrows)
You know what I mean. If there truly is a gateway to another world under that mountain, there could be others. Do you know what he was talking about? "Hell?"
Yes, I believe I do. We have always thought our world to be self-contained, and all that was above or below it confined to this sphere. But I am learning that there are others. I was not entirely sure that he existed, to tell the truth, it seemed like some sort of lifelike dream I would have from time to time, and I dismissed it.
But the fact that he was here, and has had such an obvious effect upon the (clears throat) landscape, proves it.
He has had an effect on someone else, as well.
Look! What do you see? It looks like a falcon, but it is too large to be that high.
(in the courtyard)
He's back.
Right. I can feel it, too. Do we go fetch him?
No. Give them a few minutes. I've a feeling they'll get precious little time alone in the coming days.
It's Raynor. He's found his wings again.
we are well, brother. guard the newcomer and Marenya. we will meet you at Tor Aden.
(the falcon turns and flies back the way it came)
That is exceptionally good news.
(turns his head and looks behind them)
And there is more. (a joyful smile lights up his face)
Even I can sense them.
(hundreds of gryphons, invisible, majestic, soar down, swooping, patrolling, guarding)
(lies awake, cradling him, for a long time)
(dreaming)
Aidan is holding and caressing her. He is getting hotter and hotter. Everywhere he touches her, her skin starts to blister.
She struggles, but he pins her hands down so that she can't make her darts. His eyes are red. Lorcan's eyes. He leans forward to kiss her with balefire in his mouth.
Faldur appears over them, grabs Aidan's hair, pulls his head back, and draws his sword across his throat
(wakes, thrashing)
(the room is dark and quiet, Aidan breathing deeply as he sleeps
she slips out from under his arm and sinks down by the window, looking at the stars and hugging herself
she closes her eyes and begins to go deep inside herself, slipping away from the fear and the stress into the calm, bright center of her being)
there it is... yes... let go... rest.
Marenya? (a soft mumble from the bed)
Looks like Raynor is on his way back.
(lands, transforms)
My brother and Faldur are safe. They sent me back here to help you guard Aidan and Marenya.
Where are Aidan and Marenya?
(rolls his eyes upward to indicate the rooms in the inn)
Your Highness, wait. Before you go storming in there, when Aidan works his particular brand of magic, I suppose you all might call it, it utterly exhausts him. Also, proximity to the demons cause him a deal of pain.
I'd say there's a better than average chance our little lordling is fast asleep.
Not to mention Marenya has a hold on him like none I've seen. He won't step one inch beyond any barrier she sets up, if you understand my meaning.
I do. And I appreciate your telling me.
But I'd like to check on them, just the same. They both have a tendency to slip their ropes.
Fair enough, highness. Let us know if there's any, er, handling to be done.
I will. (goes up to Marenya's room. the door is bolted, but he magicks the bolt back and enters silently.
sees Aidan on the bed and Marenya huddled on the floor by the window.
places his hand on her forehead and seeks her. smiles when he realizes she has gone deep)
(gently lifts her up, lays her beside Aidan, exits, re-bolts the door, goes back to Marc and Jason)
They're fine. And I could use some rest now, too. Dawn comes early, and we have a ways yet to go.
We'll watch then, highness, and take it in turns. Get some rest.
Not a bad sort, that Raynor, when he's not trying to rip your head off with that big beak, eh, Jay?
Reminds me a deal of Kaelin, actually.
(stirs and stretches)
(and groans when he realizes it's morning)
I can't believe I fell asleep.
(smooths back Marenya's hair and kisses her cheek)
Hey, you.
(opens her eyes)Heyya.
(a low knock)
Got clothes for you, mate. And a bath.
Aidan snuggles her closer let's pretend we're still asleep
Marenken, Aidan. M'aszkenai folmendur.
Stop pretending like you're asleep.
As if you don't play possum every morning of your life.
Up. NOW.
(kisses her and sighs) I love you too.
(hauls himself from bed and sighs again. gives her one last regretful look and heads out the door)
(a bit later, water streaming off his hair, he's pulling on clothes)
All black? BLACK? What are you trying to do to me? I look like an evil knight in a bad fantasy movie.
We thought it rather appropriate.
And it sets off your hair--
(dodges a thrown towel)
Hello, Renya! Done being nauseating? Yes?
No saltwater. That's good. I'm under orders to bring you down and be sure you have a good feed.
Wallflower.
Fumblethumbs.
Besides, it'll cut down on stains.
Remember that tapestry at Oman's. Heh. Someone said it was supposed to be you. I told them it couldn't be. The figure was all in white and yet so clean...
I'm going to eat. (stomps down the stairs with his cousins grinning behind him)
Move along! Both of you.
she's smiling. for now.
Good morning again, Beautiful. What are you smiling about?
Morning, Lord Tarnel. (avoids his gaze with a grimace, hoping against hope there won't be any reprimands)
Aden Fath, Gentlemen. Attend to the board, then attend to your saddles.
We need to move quickly.
You look quite presentable, Lord Aidan. Impressive. I hope you burned that other rag you had on.
Right, yes, sir. My lord.
Thanks.
you do look fine.
thanks (tucks in)
I'll need more arrows at some point. I ran through most of mine last night.
More eggs anyone? I feel as if I haven't eaten for a week.
(at the same time) The Rangers have a post nearby.
(look at each other)
You can get as many arrows as you need from them on the way. Or, make your own, if they won't suit.
Aidan's bow is a lot longer than theirs.
(pushes back his chair)
I'll just go see about the horses then.
I'm sorry, Aidan. We can't escape it, wherever we go.
My father will fit us all out with everything we need.
Let's go.
(blows out his breath) Tor Aden. right.
Get ready to be impressed, boys.
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