#14 - Free Play

[twilightblade]

The cowled figure stirred. "Courier. What is your choice?"

Without thinking, Demanvar reached out a hand to Wildair, pulling the horses in closer. "Take a horse."

The two mounted and rode toward the gates leading into the city from the Mage's building.

****
Thalassa smiled at the girl driving the lead wagon, a harp sitting on her lap. "Hey Harper! Come visit us when you're done!" she called out, waving.

[blossom]

Laurel sat on the steps of the Great Library of Arin, her hood pulled down and her face turned upwards to the moonlight. She had decided. She wouldn't visit her tonight. No ... maybe tomorrow. Or the day after. But not night. Tonight she could wait.

* * *

Reia sat at the desk in her room in the Mage's tower. White parchment was rolled out in front of her, and she scratched away at it with a quill. The black in shone slickly in the candlelight. She lifted her head at a noise down the hallway, but when she heard nothing but silence returned to her writing. Her black curls fell down her shoulder onto the desk like a pool of ebony water. Behind them, though, her eyes flashed seriously as she wrote.

* * *

Hester looked up at the call. She smiled tentatively back at the woman and waved. Rois reached down and slapped her on the shoulder. "Stop it!" she hissed, "Concentrate on the driving!"

Hester nodded and looked down again at the road miserably. But the woman's call had added to the flame of hope inside her. Somehow, somewhere, she would find her place.

[twilightblade]

The assassin looked back down at her work and stayed silent, so Anaz tried to resign himself to more pain on the morrow. He sighed, trying to fall back asleep, but rest wouldn't come. Silently he stared down at the chain around his ankle.

****
um...I was kind of getting Reia involved in a conspiracy...she and Commander Sardorn would be the ones behind Breeze going after Anjala, etc. That ok with you? I can switch it to someone else if need be.

Demanvar rode silently beside Wildair, questions racing through his mind. He was almost certain that Wildair had been the one to attack the Magess Reia and him in the Observatory. But that made little sense next to the fact that Wildair had been one of those who had given him information about who the message was to be delivered to. And if Reia was the receiver, why would Wildair be attacking her?
But first things first. He would report in at the barracks, then find a quiet room and talk with Wildair.

****
Thalassa frowned as she saw one of the other Singers hit the harpist, but shook away the thought and hurried back inside to get ready. As a Lady of the city, she needed to be there to greet the caravan along with the Commander and other notables.

[blossom]

No no, that's fine. I like the others better than Reia

Laurel smiled to herself now she had made a decision. The night was hers now. The streets seemed quiet enough, but the girl knew there were plenty of people awake and lively. Theives for one, assassins for another. The city had a thriving underground that everyone knew about though no one was supposed to. The question was, what to do first?

Laurel stood and jumped gracefully from the steps. As she landed on the cobbles, she heard the distinctive sound of hooves on the paving coming from the next street over. She stood for a moment in a shaft of moonlight, then withdrew back into the shadows. Who was it riding through the city? She wondered. Most of the underground activities took place ... well, underground, and the surface maintained a facade of peaceful sleep. So who, she was curious to know, was disturbing it?

***

A satisfied smiled curved Reia's lips as she laid down her quill and rolled up the parchment. Her smooth skinned face bore the look of a cat who has not only gotten the cream, but the entire bottle of milk with it. She snuffed out the candle with a snap of her fingers and snuggled down between the bed covers. Soon, she assured herself, soon her time would come.

***

Hester jumped down from the caravan and looked around eagerly at the town. She clutched her harp tightly to her, hoping to spot the friendly woman who had waved at her. Rois placed a restraining hand on her sister's shoulder, pulling her back in to crowd of Singers. Hester glanced up at her, then fell back, still looking around her with wide awe-filled eyes.

[twilightblade]

Demanvar and Wildair rode side by side silently until Wildair held up a cautioning hand. "Someone's waiting ahead."

Demanvar nodded. "We'll watch for ambush then, but usually no one goes after a soldier."

They kept riding.

*****
Breeze watched Anaz from beneath her eyelashes, noting his line of sight. He was taking this rather well, for all his original stubbornness. Perhaps he could be brought to her side. She frowned slightly. Or maybe not. It had taken a considerable amount of pain to make him answer her questions, and even then he hadn't told her much.
Whatever the reason, it was making it easier to be around him. The rage was still there, but he wasn't glaring at her. And he was easy to look at. She would figure out something.

****
Thalassa saw the harper being pulled back into the crowd of Singers and started forward, keeping her eye on the girl. She didn't want an actual Singer who sang, really, but someone who played well would be perfect. If the harpist didn't want to come and play, perhaps she would know someone else who might.

"Singer," she called, working toward the girl, "wait a moment, please."

[blossom]

Two men on horseback. Laurel stood half hidden in the shadows, her hood still down. What would they think? She wondered with amusement. A young girl stood alone in the dark. Or perhaps, she considered, half with with annoyance, half with bemusement, they would mistake her for her mother.

*****

Hester turned, and saw the kind woman who had waved at her. She smiled and nodded, waving to show she had heard and understood. Rois turned to see who Hester was greeting and frowned slightly, but made no comment. If this woman wanted something from her sister it might end up benefitting them all.

[twilightblade]

Wildair's cowled head turned toward the girl, then away. Demanvar rode on with barely a glance at her...but he kept alert for any others around, or a move on her part that would be a threat to them.

*****

Thalassa smiled back at the harpist, then nodded to the girl beside her. Too pretty. None of the soldiers would pay attention to her playing enough to sing along.

She focused on the harpist. "Hello. I'm Lady Thalassa."

[blossom]

Laurel watched silently as the two men rode past, but her sharp eyes noted the second man's uniform. A soldier, from Serin. One of Commander Sardon's Legion, no doubt. She had heard that he had sent a Courier for one of the Mages. He was, she supposed, headed for the barracks after delievering the message.

The other man was cowled, so Laurel couldn't make out his face. There was something ... oddly familiar about him, though. But what? When she could not place it Laurel shrugged it off, then headed down the road in the opposite direction. Time to find somewhere to pass the night.

*****

Hester smiled and nodded eagerly at the woman, the Lady Thalassa. Tugging on Rois' sleeve, she indicated the woman and moved her mouth a couple of times to signify talking. Rois answered for her,

"Greetings Lady Thalassa. I am Rois Singer, and my sister here is named Hester."

[Kage Chaos]

Mivim walked the streets of Arin. It was new territory for him, as he had just come from the far continent. He had traveled after hearing news of an opening in the Mage Council guard, which he intended to join if possible.

He had come to Islen to find their headquarters, and hopefully procure a position in the guard.

[twilightblade]

Demanvar reported in at the barracks, then took his leave from the place, rejoining Wildair outside. "Let's find a tavern and talk," he suggested, remounting.

Wildair nodded, and they rode back into the middle of the city.

*****

"Nice to meet you both." Thalassa smiled politely, puzzled by Hester's silence, then remembered that she had gotten Singer Rois to speak for her. "I was wondering, Hester, if both of you would be needed at your performance tonight?"

[blossom]

((Just so you're aware Kage, it's late evening, early nighttime, 'kay?))

Laurel leaned back comfortably in her chair in The Maiden Fair inn. Her hood was down but her cloak wrapped comfortably around her. She was sat near the merrily crackling fire, but the chill of night still lingered. In front of her on the table was a mug of warmed, spiced wine, and it was soon to be joined by a hot meal.

There were only a few other customers around, the majority of people having either retired to their homes or gone further into the underground of the city by this time. Laurel did not mind the silence however. Rather, she preferred it.

***

Ed unsaddled and rubbed down his horse in the Arin stables, while Sofie did the same to her mare in the next stall over. Dreya was helping her, and the two girls were chatting animatedly.

Shaking his head, Ed sighed. He had been slightly piqued by having two girls claim his escort to Arin, and even more annoyed when they delayed his journey by two hours to listen to some Singers. Well, perhaps now they were here they would take care of themselves and leave him be, he thought, though he knew it wouldn't happen. It was late, and despite his grumblings Ed's gentlemanly conscience wouldn't allow him to leave the two girls alone at this time.

*****

Hester pointed at her sister and nodded to say Rois will be, then indicated herself and shook her head to say I will not be needed. She hoped the woman would understand the message, as Rois had been drawn into conversation by one of the more handsome soldiers.

[Kage Chaos]

((Mmkay. Does my intro sound decent?))

Mivim wandered around in search of an Inn, or even a tavern where he might ask for directions to an Inn. After a short while, he found The Maiden Fair. That's in Arin right?

In a hurry to get out of the dark and the chilly night air, he walked briskly to the entrance.

[blossom]

((Yes to both questions ^^))

Laurel looked up briefly as the bell rang to announce a new customer. The newcomer was a young man, dark haired. He had the look of a fighter about him, perhaps a guard or a mercenary.

Unconcerned, Laurel turned away as the innkeep brought over her meal. She thanked him and counted out the three silver in payment. Lifting the cutlery with one white-gloved hand she began to eat.

*****

After some deliberation, it was decided that Sofie and Dreya would spend the night at Ed's home and in the morning go and look for lodgings for themselves. As one of the Librarians, Ed had a small apartment over Arin's Great Library. It wasn't much, but it was cosy and fulfilled his needs. Sofie certainly seemed to like it; she clapped her hands together enthusiastically and expressed her joy at finally leaving Eren.

Ed sighed to himself. This was going to be a long night.

[twilightblade]

Thalassa nodded to Hester, puzzling out her answer, and smiled brilliantly. "Do you think you could come now?" she asked, her face wistful. "It's been so long since we've had a good player to listen to."

****

Demanvar and Wildair stopped at The Maiden Fair, as it was one of the few Inns still open. Dismounting, they tied the horses at the rail and entered, looking about the common room.

[blossom]

Hester gazed up at the woman in awe. She was so pretty ... and had such a beautiful smile! Hester nodded eagerly, clutching her harp to her breast. She quickly indicated to Rois that she was going to accompany Lady Thalassa, and her sister nodded, irritated at having her conversation with the handsome soldier interrupted.

*****

Laurel almost choked on her food as she tried not to laugh. The soldier and the cowled man she had passed before had just entered. Lifting her napking, Laurel disreetly smiled to herself. When she was composed she lowered the napkin and resumed eating, keeping an ear open for any interesting conversation.

[Kage Chaos]

Mivim took a seat at one of the tables near the middle of the room, trying not to sit too close to anyone else, but not too far either. Information was almost never unwelcome.

The innkeeper approached and asked, "Would you like anything?"

"A mug of mead would be fine, thank you," he paused as she nodded, "Also, could I get directions to the Mage Council headquarters?"

((Someone else wanna make up some directions? lol))

[twilightblade]

Demanvar's head came around at the words, "...directions to Mage Council Headquarters."
He nodded to the innkeeper, then the other man. "Go east until you reach Starfall, then go down that road. There should be a stone wall on your right, follow that until you come to a gate. The gate takes you to the Council."

He glanced back at Wildair, then they turned toward a dark corner almost simultaneously, each taking a closer look at the girl they knew they'd seen on the street earlier before passing by.

*****
Thalassa beamled cheerfully at Hester. "I'm so glad you can! Please," she gestured down the street, "come this way."

[Kage Chaos]

Mivim nodded in thanks at the man who had given him directions, "Thank you."

[twilightblade]

As they sat at the table in the corner, Demanvar produced some paper and two mark-sticks, and wrote his first question.

Wildair grinned at him, nodded in appreciation, and answered. Their conversation continued silently until the innkeeper came over.

"Something to eat or drink?"

Demanvar looked up and nodded as Wildair's bulky sleeve neatly covered the paper. "Two mugs of dark ale, and some stew. That come with bread?"

****

Eventually, Anaz fell asleep, and Breeze rose and left the room. She had much to prepare in the way of spells and defenses for the morning.

[blossom]

The spoonful of stew froze on the way to Laurel's mouth. "...Mage Council Headquarters." As the soldier answered, the blonde girl forced herself to relax and continue eating. Sensing the men look more closely at her as they passed she glanced up and waved, then immediately turned back to her food.

Perhaps she would go and see her tomorrow after all. She might have some interesting things to say.

*****

Hester smiled brightly and followed Lady Thalassa cheerfully.

[twilightblade]

As Demanvar and Wildair completed their meal and silent conversation, Demanvar set a silver and a few coppers down for payment and rose. "Thank you. That cleared up a lot of things."

Wildair nodded, his bright, clear voice sounding in The Maiden Fair for the first time. "Of course. Perhaps we might talk again, sometime."

******

Does Hester remember what Demanvar told her about Thalassa?

Thalassa smiled at Hester. "Can you sign? Or if not, can you write?"

[blossom]

Laurel finished her meal with ease and leant back in her chair to enjoy the spiced wine she'd ordered. The soldier and the hooded man stood in the corner, and bade each other farewell. The hooded man's voice sparked recognition in Laurel's mind ... now where did she know that voice from?

*****
Hester'll remember ... the question is if I do ... um, sign language right?

Hester shook her head at the first but nodded at the second. All Singers learnt to read and write; part of their trade was writing new songs. While noone but Singers ever saw the music written down, it helped to pass songs between Singer tribes.

[twilightblade]

yep!

"Very well," Thalassa nodded to Hester. "Would you mind learning some, or would you rather write?"

****

Demanvar and Wildair turned to go, nodding to the man at the table, and again glancing at the blond girl.

[Kage Chaos]

Mivim drank his mead when the innkeeper returned with it, then inquired, "Any chance I can get a room for the night?"

"Certainly," the innkeeper replied, "One room costs 3 silver marks."

Mivim handed over the money and the innkeeper handed him a key, "Your room is at the end of this hallway." She indicated the hallway by pointing.

"Thank you," Mivim said simply and made his way to his room to sleep for the night.

[twilightblade]

Outside, Wildair looked for a long moment at Demanvar, then nodded. "I'll take Wind's Fire back to that Inn for you." He patted the chestnut he stood beside. "He's a good horse, and you've treated him well."

Demanvar shrugged. "My black was tired, and he was a good mount. It was the least I could do."

They exchanged a long look, all they had learned of each other going into it, then nodded once more before they each mounted and took a different way.

***

Commander Sardorn glanced impatiently out the window down at the Singer's in the Square. He paced the tower room again, wondering irritably if Demanvar had gotten through. The man was reliable, but with what he might have arrayed against him, perhaps not even he could get through.
After a moment he sighed and shook his head, glancing down into the Square again. Perhaps a little music would be nice. And some Singing. He moved toward the door.