Saruna had almost -- almost -- flung herself out the window at the Rosemary girl at her rather offhand words. "Nothing to do?" She asked, the anguish on her face matching her voice. "What do you mean? Where's Derin? What happened -- "
Kori's deep voice interrupted her panicked stream, and she backpedaled from the window, fear shooting through her. She stumbled and went down hard onto her tailbone, a strangled yelp of surprise her first reaction to the fall. Pain shot up through her hips and lower back, radiated down through her thighs. But that pain was nothing to the trembling in her soul at the terrible, terrible suspicion she had.
It didn't truly matter that she escape, if Derin was lost. Her chin wobbled, and her eyes flooded, dangerously close to spilling the deep well of angst that rose in her. She had to be strong? She had to stand firm? Who was she kidding? Her eyebrows scrunched closer together as she fought to retain some bit of dignity, and buried her face in her hands.
Happily Ever After
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Derin Edala
- Citizen
- Posts: 340
- Joined: Thu Feb 26, 2009 6:12 am
- Name: Derin
- Race: Human
Re: Happily Ever After
The man's presence solved one little puzzle in Derin's mind -- of course, that's why he had helped at the inn. He was Saruna's acquaintance; she'd known what would happen and planted him. She had neither the time nor the inclination to puzzle through why Saruna seemed distressed now; the complex negotiations of higher-ups weren't really her business. Instead she dashed for the workshop.
There were so many things in there she'd never used... different dyes, threads... there! Small wooden beads. She grabbed a handful and used a pair of fabric scissors to carve runic-looking symbols into about a quarter of them. Since the symbols weren't magical and magic here was so variable, it shouldn't matter what she carved, but she found herself carving in her old magical signs -- symbols fo binding, for coercion, for domination -- and reflected with some amusement that it wasn't all that long ago she'd thought there would be no use for her spellforms here.
This was so, so very dangerous. But it had to be done to secure her future. She was about to invent something huge out of thin air, but all the witnesses were dead or missing, so it shouldn't matter. Perhaps she should send Rosemary into the desert and change bodies again afterwards, though. Just to be sure.
She wrapped the beads in a piece of cloth and dumped on some dye that she knew to be very flammable before dipping a candle flame onto the little package. Thirty seconds later, the had a handful of charred, crumbling beads, many containing mysterious symbols; she threaded them onto a piece of cotton, gave her new "damaged, ex-magical" bracelet a cursory inspection, wrapped it in her handkerchief and tucked it into her belt. Then she dashed back to the kitchen window, hoping that Kori and Saruna weren't embroiled in some time-consuming negotiation.
There were so many things in there she'd never used... different dyes, threads... there! Small wooden beads. She grabbed a handful and used a pair of fabric scissors to carve runic-looking symbols into about a quarter of them. Since the symbols weren't magical and magic here was so variable, it shouldn't matter what she carved, but she found herself carving in her old magical signs -- symbols fo binding, for coercion, for domination -- and reflected with some amusement that it wasn't all that long ago she'd thought there would be no use for her spellforms here.
This was so, so very dangerous. But it had to be done to secure her future. She was about to invent something huge out of thin air, but all the witnesses were dead or missing, so it shouldn't matter. Perhaps she should send Rosemary into the desert and change bodies again afterwards, though. Just to be sure.
She wrapped the beads in a piece of cloth and dumped on some dye that she knew to be very flammable before dipping a candle flame onto the little package. Thirty seconds later, the had a handful of charred, crumbling beads, many containing mysterious symbols; she threaded them onto a piece of cotton, gave her new "damaged, ex-magical" bracelet a cursory inspection, wrapped it in her handkerchief and tucked it into her belt. Then she dashed back to the kitchen window, hoping that Kori and Saruna weren't embroiled in some time-consuming negotiation.
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KoriStronghammer
- Citizen
- Posts: 332
- Joined: Wed Jul 28, 2010 7:27 am
- Name: Kori Stronghammer
- Race: HumanNorthernman
Re: Happily Ever After
"Dumb girl." Kori growled as he forced some of his considerable bulk through the window frame, helping Miss Saruna up. Setting her on her feet, Kori bowed his head and placed his fist over his heart briefly.
"Excuse me for my interruption Miss Rischett. The young bar-maid ran while I distracted the mage, has she perhaps came by here by any chance?"
As Kori talked to the frailer woman, he scanned the room for the Guard. So, she was with them now? Or was it a trick?
"Excuse me for my interruption Miss Rischett. The young bar-maid ran while I distracted the mage, has she perhaps came by here by any chance?"
As Kori talked to the frailer woman, he scanned the room for the Guard. So, she was with them now? Or was it a trick?
Re: Happily Ever After
Fay spun and was ready to go out to Saruna when she heard the Rosemary girl walk into the house and go through the things on the desk. Sounds of carving reached her ears even as the tall man walked in and took care of Saruna. It would seem.. Fay thought to herself that we're all with one thought - getting Saruna out of Marn. Her ears swiveled and she pondered a moment. Should she come out now? She saw no reason against it, the new comers knew she was on their side now... The sound of something igniting and the smell of fire snapped Fay very quickly from her musings. A cold sweat broke out along her skin and she forced herself to remain calm. Just as quickly she heard the flame being put out along as the sickening scent of smoke burned Fay's sensitive nose. Waving a gloved hand before her face as she shifted her ears back to normal, Fayane walked out from her hiding spot, makeshift saddle bags over her shoulder.
"Very well. As we all seem to be on the same page, shall we flee before Melagone finds us?" Fay looked at Kori briefly before meeting Saruna's teary and agony filled ones.
"We must leave Ms. Rischett. I am sorry, but if Derin was alive she would be here by now. The fact that Rosemary said that there is nothing for us to do tells us that Derin will not be coming with us. But I must ask, Ms. Rosemary, how do you know of Derin's... situation?"
Fay was trying to be delicate, she really was, but she didn't know HOW. Besides... something was off about this Rosemary woman. Why would she burn what she carved so briefly? And how did she know, more or less, where the wooden beads that she had sought, would be? Perhaps Saruna had pointed to the desk? Fay doubted it, the older woman seemed more keen about Derin's well being than some silly beads and their location.
"Very well. As we all seem to be on the same page, shall we flee before Melagone finds us?" Fay looked at Kori briefly before meeting Saruna's teary and agony filled ones.
"We must leave Ms. Rischett. I am sorry, but if Derin was alive she would be here by now. The fact that Rosemary said that there is nothing for us to do tells us that Derin will not be coming with us. But I must ask, Ms. Rosemary, how do you know of Derin's... situation?"
Fay was trying to be delicate, she really was, but she didn't know HOW. Besides... something was off about this Rosemary woman. Why would she burn what she carved so briefly? And how did she know, more or less, where the wooden beads that she had sought, would be? Perhaps Saruna had pointed to the desk? Fay doubted it, the older woman seemed more keen about Derin's well being than some silly beads and their location.
Re: Happily Ever After
Rosemary's quick, assertive trespassing into the house went unnoticed by Saruna, as did the strange man's own act of trespassing. Such was the day, where her privacy and right to refuse strangers entrance was simply batted aside. Was it only yesterday when she'd slammed the door in a merchant's face? She was suddenly levered to her feet, but it was wrong because it was not Derin. There was someone in her sewing room, but that was wrong too, because it wasn't Derin. Was she being looted? Already?
She looked at Kori, uncomprehending, when Fayane took charge. Her shoulders rounded, and she deliberately avoided Fayane's eyes. Pain continued to radiate from her backside, a dull ache that would suitably remind her of her fall. She bit her lip to gain control of her expression; that was one thing you learned to do when you were a mother. Oh, Derin. She cut in over Fayane's words, the question to the stranger who had pilfered things from her workroom.
"Tell me, tell me now where she is. I must know."
She looked at Kori, uncomprehending, when Fayane took charge. Her shoulders rounded, and she deliberately avoided Fayane's eyes. Pain continued to radiate from her backside, a dull ache that would suitably remind her of her fall. She bit her lip to gain control of her expression; that was one thing you learned to do when you were a mother. Oh, Derin. She cut in over Fayane's words, the question to the stranger who had pilfered things from her workroom.
"Tell me, tell me now where she is. I must know."
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Derin Edala
- Citizen
- Posts: 340
- Joined: Thu Feb 26, 2009 6:12 am
- Name: Derin
- Race: Human
Re: Happily Ever After
"Come on, Miss, do you really think Derin would be stupid enough to come here?" Derin sniffed at the woman's question before her second question, along with Saruna's cut in.
'Tell me where she is'? Did Saruna... know the truth? Was she demanding that she confess? No... no, such a thing would not happen in front of strangers. She wasn't giving any sort of recognisable signal. Best to stick to the current plan, unless she got backed into a corner -- the current plan that should get Megalone, and anybody he told about her, off her trail forever.
"I ran into her on the road. She made me promise to help Ms Rischett. We're friends, see, work at the inn together... anyways, she told me most of what happened. So I can help. She can't; that's why she sent me." Evasiveness wasn't working. Not that she'd really expected it to. She was going to have to say it, if only to get them moving. She took a deep breath. "Derin is not with us any more," she said, remembering enough about human emotion to keep her voice low and face averted as she spoke. "My last promise to her was to help you. So we should get going before we're accosted by the mage."
"He can't be anywhere near the trial; it'll ruin everything. We need to get into Marn and give ourselves up without him realising what we're doing. That means somebody needs to run interference. If the guard lady claims she lost Saruna in the market, catches him up and spends a couple of hours or so looking for Saruna and Derin with him, would that give us enough time? Meanwhile, Saruna and I can head into Shim, having lost her guard escort but being the good, peaceful citizens that we are and deciding to head there once we'd given up looking for her again. K -- the strong gentleman here can act as a runner, following us and then tracking down and signalling the guard when it's safe for the mage to return to Marn. In Marn, I can tell them what happened and clear Derin and Saruna's names. I'm the only person here who knows what really happened, now.
"Anybody see any holes in this plan?"
'Tell me where she is'? Did Saruna... know the truth? Was she demanding that she confess? No... no, such a thing would not happen in front of strangers. She wasn't giving any sort of recognisable signal. Best to stick to the current plan, unless she got backed into a corner -- the current plan that should get Megalone, and anybody he told about her, off her trail forever.
"I ran into her on the road. She made me promise to help Ms Rischett. We're friends, see, work at the inn together... anyways, she told me most of what happened. So I can help. She can't; that's why she sent me." Evasiveness wasn't working. Not that she'd really expected it to. She was going to have to say it, if only to get them moving. She took a deep breath. "Derin is not with us any more," she said, remembering enough about human emotion to keep her voice low and face averted as she spoke. "My last promise to her was to help you. So we should get going before we're accosted by the mage."
"He can't be anywhere near the trial; it'll ruin everything. We need to get into Marn and give ourselves up without him realising what we're doing. That means somebody needs to run interference. If the guard lady claims she lost Saruna in the market, catches him up and spends a couple of hours or so looking for Saruna and Derin with him, would that give us enough time? Meanwhile, Saruna and I can head into Shim, having lost her guard escort but being the good, peaceful citizens that we are and deciding to head there once we'd given up looking for her again. K -- the strong gentleman here can act as a runner, following us and then tracking down and signalling the guard when it's safe for the mage to return to Marn. In Marn, I can tell them what happened and clear Derin and Saruna's names. I'm the only person here who knows what really happened, now.
"Anybody see any holes in this plan?"
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KoriStronghammer
- Citizen
- Posts: 332
- Joined: Wed Jul 28, 2010 7:27 am
- Name: Kori Stronghammer
- Race: HumanNorthernman
Re: Happily Ever After
Kori slowly nodded. "Aye. I see one big problem. I do not know you from anyone girl, how do I know you aren't working for the mage himself? Your plan seems awfully well thought out to be on the fly and have all these very easy ways to avoid the mage." Crossing his arms over his chest, Kori rose to his full height and looked down upon the girl .
"So my problem is this little girl. Why exactly should I trust you?"
"So my problem is this little girl. Why exactly should I trust you?"
Re: Happily Ever After
Fay could feel the mixed emotions throughout the room and was getting a mild headache from it all. Saruna's agony, Rosemary's switching between stoic and emotional, and Kori's own lack of trust. Leaning back against a nearby wall Fay pinched the bridge of her nose and quickly analyzed Rosemary's plan.
"He can't be anywhere near the trial; it'll ruin everything. We need to get into Marn and give ourselves up without him realising what we're doing. That means somebody needs to run interference. If the guard lady claims she lost Saruna in the market, catches him up and spends a couple of hours or so looking for Saruna and Derin with him, would that give us enough time?" Rubbing the bridge of her nose harder Fay thought. Yes Melagone WOULD be stupid enough to fall for it but would Bela? Or the Captain for the matter. If she gave a false story as to how she lost Saruna they were going to look into it and Fayane would be persecuted... not that that mattered as she was to be persecuted anyways for helping convicts escape.
Meanwhile, Saruna and I can head into Shim, having lost her guard escort but being the good, peaceful citizens that we are and deciding to head there once we'd given up looking for her again. K -- the strong gentleman here can act as a runner, following us and then tracking down and signalling the guard when it's safe for the mage to return to Marn. In Marn, I can tell them what happened and clear Derin and Saruna's names. I'm the only person here who knows what really happened, now.
"Anybody see any holes in this plan?"
Fay's hand swept down her face to rub out the wrinkles and thought that half out, ignoring the outward tension that was rising. She doubted very much that the Judge would believe that the two were being good Samaritans... however based on the law they should have their sentences shaved, and if they defend themselves properly they may be able to even get out of jail time. Fay followed that train of thought.
Since Derin was dead that could only mean that Melagone killed her somehow. Of course the idiot man would deny it, and of course the judge would believe him. However... Fay's eyes snapped open. IF Fay could distract Melagone, slip away at some point and join Rosemary and Saruna, then she can testify with them. The murder of a suspect, especially one Bela would have wanted to poke at, would overrule the petty crime of harbouring a criminal. Fay was about to relay her plan when her guy told her she'd missed something. Frowning she re-played Rosemary's voice.
"He can't be anywhere near the trial; it'll ruin everything. We need to get into Marn and give ourselves up without him realising what we're doing. Why would Rosemary need to give herself up as well? Unless... Melagone claimed that Derin was a demon - he had more or less shrieked it, not something Fay was about to forget. But the only way he could tell that would be if Derin had had some form of magical item that was made for that purpose. Pushing herself away from the wall Fay strode to Rosemary. Standing in front of Rosemary she eyed her critically. Long sleeves hmm...
"I also have a flaw or two in your plan Rosemary. Yes Melagone WOULD be unintelligent enough to fall for out little ruse but would Bela? Or the Captain of the Guard for the matter. If I gave a false story as to how I 'lost' Saruna they will go back to look into it and it will make it harder to clear your name." Fay began, moving to the window to peer out onto the streets and listen for a heartbeat and breathing. Hearing none that she hadn't already heard before she stepped back turned back to the group.
"I also have an issue with the idea of the two of you acting as good Samaritans. This is simply not done. Few would give themselves up to Bela and the Judge as our 'justice' system includes various methods of torture. However... were we to blame the murder on Melagone all would be well. Mind you they won't take your word. Here is my proposition."
"You two get a head start on me to Marn, stay in the wood and as far off the path as you feel comfortable. I would appreciate it if you - " Fay nodded at Kori "Would guide and protect them. You've already proved your strength and fighting abilities in my eyes. As you two do this I will distract Melagone by saying I've lost Saruna. Have him split up with me so we can cover more ground. I search the woods as I'm well acquainted with them, he searches the town. I will then meet with you three and I will take Rosemary and Saruna in. You, I will have to ask, to keep your head down and remain hidden." Fay smiled a small, apologetic smile at the tall man.
"If I testify against Melagone for the murder of Derin, it will be a stronger word than if you testify, and the Judge will be more inclined to accept my words. This may even clear your sentence as it is a much larger charge than, say, potentially harbouring a criminal. Which would be something that one can downplay through the age of the accused." Fay turned to look at the batter Saruna.
"If we say you weren't quite in the right state of mind then the Judge will likely toss you from the courtroom. As for you Rosemary." Fay turned her steely gaze on the girl. "Why on earth would you want to turn yourself in? Unless you've something you have committed? Or, perhaps, is it the body of Derin who is dead and not the soul itself?" Fay gave a meaningful look to the girl's arm. The only reason Fay could think of Rosemary's little slip would be if Derin were possessing her. Memory flashed.
"What do you mean, demon?" "Insolent mutt, the woman here is a demon, the bracelet holds her captive in this poor woman's body."
"Tell me Rosemary. Where did you get that charming bracelet?"
"He can't be anywhere near the trial; it'll ruin everything. We need to get into Marn and give ourselves up without him realising what we're doing. That means somebody needs to run interference. If the guard lady claims she lost Saruna in the market, catches him up and spends a couple of hours or so looking for Saruna and Derin with him, would that give us enough time?" Rubbing the bridge of her nose harder Fay thought. Yes Melagone WOULD be stupid enough to fall for it but would Bela? Or the Captain for the matter. If she gave a false story as to how she lost Saruna they were going to look into it and Fayane would be persecuted... not that that mattered as she was to be persecuted anyways for helping convicts escape.
Meanwhile, Saruna and I can head into Shim, having lost her guard escort but being the good, peaceful citizens that we are and deciding to head there once we'd given up looking for her again. K -- the strong gentleman here can act as a runner, following us and then tracking down and signalling the guard when it's safe for the mage to return to Marn. In Marn, I can tell them what happened and clear Derin and Saruna's names. I'm the only person here who knows what really happened, now.
"Anybody see any holes in this plan?"
Fay's hand swept down her face to rub out the wrinkles and thought that half out, ignoring the outward tension that was rising. She doubted very much that the Judge would believe that the two were being good Samaritans... however based on the law they should have their sentences shaved, and if they defend themselves properly they may be able to even get out of jail time. Fay followed that train of thought.
Since Derin was dead that could only mean that Melagone killed her somehow. Of course the idiot man would deny it, and of course the judge would believe him. However... Fay's eyes snapped open. IF Fay could distract Melagone, slip away at some point and join Rosemary and Saruna, then she can testify with them. The murder of a suspect, especially one Bela would have wanted to poke at, would overrule the petty crime of harbouring a criminal. Fay was about to relay her plan when her guy told her she'd missed something. Frowning she re-played Rosemary's voice.
"He can't be anywhere near the trial; it'll ruin everything. We need to get into Marn and give ourselves up without him realising what we're doing. Why would Rosemary need to give herself up as well? Unless... Melagone claimed that Derin was a demon - he had more or less shrieked it, not something Fay was about to forget. But the only way he could tell that would be if Derin had had some form of magical item that was made for that purpose. Pushing herself away from the wall Fay strode to Rosemary. Standing in front of Rosemary she eyed her critically. Long sleeves hmm...
"I also have a flaw or two in your plan Rosemary. Yes Melagone WOULD be unintelligent enough to fall for out little ruse but would Bela? Or the Captain of the Guard for the matter. If I gave a false story as to how I 'lost' Saruna they will go back to look into it and it will make it harder to clear your name." Fay began, moving to the window to peer out onto the streets and listen for a heartbeat and breathing. Hearing none that she hadn't already heard before she stepped back turned back to the group.
"I also have an issue with the idea of the two of you acting as good Samaritans. This is simply not done. Few would give themselves up to Bela and the Judge as our 'justice' system includes various methods of torture. However... were we to blame the murder on Melagone all would be well. Mind you they won't take your word. Here is my proposition."
"You two get a head start on me to Marn, stay in the wood and as far off the path as you feel comfortable. I would appreciate it if you - " Fay nodded at Kori "Would guide and protect them. You've already proved your strength and fighting abilities in my eyes. As you two do this I will distract Melagone by saying I've lost Saruna. Have him split up with me so we can cover more ground. I search the woods as I'm well acquainted with them, he searches the town. I will then meet with you three and I will take Rosemary and Saruna in. You, I will have to ask, to keep your head down and remain hidden." Fay smiled a small, apologetic smile at the tall man.
"If I testify against Melagone for the murder of Derin, it will be a stronger word than if you testify, and the Judge will be more inclined to accept my words. This may even clear your sentence as it is a much larger charge than, say, potentially harbouring a criminal. Which would be something that one can downplay through the age of the accused." Fay turned to look at the batter Saruna.
"If we say you weren't quite in the right state of mind then the Judge will likely toss you from the courtroom. As for you Rosemary." Fay turned her steely gaze on the girl. "Why on earth would you want to turn yourself in? Unless you've something you have committed? Or, perhaps, is it the body of Derin who is dead and not the soul itself?" Fay gave a meaningful look to the girl's arm. The only reason Fay could think of Rosemary's little slip would be if Derin were possessing her. Memory flashed.
"What do you mean, demon?" "Insolent mutt, the woman here is a demon, the bracelet holds her captive in this poor woman's body."
"Tell me Rosemary. Where did you get that charming bracelet?"
Re: Happily Ever After
"Stop," Saruna said, when they all began to talk, trading ideas and plans.
They didn't.
"Enough," she pleaded, as the tension rose.
It wasn't.
Suspicion, anger, betrayal.
Derin is not with us any more.
Derin is not with us any more.
Derin is not --
"No!" And this time, her voice rose staccato and sharp. "You are in my home," she said, as her effort to control her voice warped and warbled as it slowly and steadily failed. "Show some respect." She did not look at them, placing all of the grave weight of her terrible emotion in each terrible word. She took a breath in through her nose, and it snuffled against the moisture that had collected there.
Derin is not with us --
"I am leaving." And just like that, she did.
It wasn't that she was brave. She was tired, and she creaked and clicked as she moved, a thousand tiny pinpricks of pain her own small burden to bear. She wasn't strong. She knew she would disappear if she went to see the judge. She knew she would be forgotten, left to die at the mercy of the merciless. She had always known that. She had cared about it deeply, and strove to make her own impact in a way that was, in the end, negligible. She'd stuck on stubbornly, determined to make her presence known. She had done nothing.
Her father.
Her mother.
Her children.
Her husband.
Derin. Oh. . .
Each gone, in varying stages. Each due to the place, the city, that towering hulk of destructive decomposition that only knew how to take. Marn. Shim. She was done with them both. She knew to go south, to reach the second trade route. She knew she'd likely die before reaching there. She knew she'd likely get caught. She didn't care. Her eyes were swimming so she could not see each step, but she did not care. No, no, that wasn't it. She cared too much. So much, so she felt like she was straining and bursting into an infinite amount of painful fragments, cast to the ground. It was a miracle she was hobbling forward at all, because how could any single person carry so much weight without simply withering away to nothing? How could she exist with such heartbreak? Over, and over, and over. How was she alive? How was it that she always lost those she cared most about? How could she go on alone?
She cared so much she just couldn't care at all. So she walked.
They didn't.
"Enough," she pleaded, as the tension rose.
It wasn't.
Suspicion, anger, betrayal.
Derin is not with us any more.
Derin is not with us any more.
Derin is not --
"No!" And this time, her voice rose staccato and sharp. "You are in my home," she said, as her effort to control her voice warped and warbled as it slowly and steadily failed. "Show some respect." She did not look at them, placing all of the grave weight of her terrible emotion in each terrible word. She took a breath in through her nose, and it snuffled against the moisture that had collected there.
Derin is not with us --
"I am leaving." And just like that, she did.
It wasn't that she was brave. She was tired, and she creaked and clicked as she moved, a thousand tiny pinpricks of pain her own small burden to bear. She wasn't strong. She knew she would disappear if she went to see the judge. She knew she would be forgotten, left to die at the mercy of the merciless. She had always known that. She had cared about it deeply, and strove to make her own impact in a way that was, in the end, negligible. She'd stuck on stubbornly, determined to make her presence known. She had done nothing.
Her father.
Her mother.
Her children.
Her husband.
Derin. Oh. . .
Each gone, in varying stages. Each due to the place, the city, that towering hulk of destructive decomposition that only knew how to take. Marn. Shim. She was done with them both. She knew to go south, to reach the second trade route. She knew she'd likely die before reaching there. She knew she'd likely get caught. She didn't care. Her eyes were swimming so she could not see each step, but she did not care. No, no, that wasn't it. She cared too much. So much, so she felt like she was straining and bursting into an infinite amount of painful fragments, cast to the ground. It was a miracle she was hobbling forward at all, because how could any single person carry so much weight without simply withering away to nothing? How could she exist with such heartbreak? Over, and over, and over. How was she alive? How was it that she always lost those she cared most about? How could she go on alone?
She cared so much she just couldn't care at all. So she walked.
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Derin Edala
- Citizen
- Posts: 340
- Joined: Thu Feb 26, 2009 6:12 am
- Name: Derin
- Race: Human
Re: Happily Ever After
"So my problem is this little girl. Why exactly should I trust you?"
It hadn't occurred to her that she would be under such suspicion. Derin cocked an eyebrow and opened her mouth to reply, when Fayane started listing plan flaws and, just as Derin was busy correcting them in her mind, gave an accusation.
Think fast!
This was exactly the sort of thing she had been afraid of. One person sensed something, said something... would all of Shim know soon? Derin drew herself up with all the haughty peasant rage she could muster. "Okay, fine, I took Derin's bracelet. It was hurting her, ok? But... but it didn't help." She unwrapped the charred bead bracelet and showed her. "I've gotta go put it back before we testify. And I ain't in no trouble, but I promised to help Saruna. She only knows half the story. Derin told me what happened and the city has gotta know. Or they could hurt Saruna. It weren't her fault and it weren't Derins; it weren't even Gustel's! It was the people with the demons!" She took a deep breath as if to compose herself. "But I don't see why you wanna frame the mage. He didn't do anything. Why should we lie? Everyone's innocent here. Although I'm sure we all have... secrets... like clearly aiding suspects in fleein' when you're s'posed to be a guard... but maybe we should all not pry into each other's lives until after we've cleared up this mess, hmm?"
"You are in my home. Show some respect."
Derin jumped as Saruna gave the first truly powerful command she'd ever heard from the woman. And then she was gone.
Derin glared at Fayane and Kori as she tucked the bead bracelet away. "I need to speak to our hostess privately, I think." Then she rushed after Saruna.
She lingered behind until they were some distance from the house, then jogged to catch up. "Saruna! Saruna, are you okay? Changers, are you crying? We can fix this." Why was she so upset? Why wasn't she fighting to keep her home? Surely she must have lost guards and assistants before; she couldn't be that distressed over a failure to keep Derin. The woman was strong enough to... to...
Everything slotted into place.
Oh, you sly witch.
Had Derin ever seen any evidence of Saruna's strength? She'd seen the results -- a magnificent territory of her own with nobody assisting her -- and she'd assumed. How could somebody who wasn't abnormally strong maintain such a territory? How could she compel others to assist or cooperate with her? But she'd never shown any strength, any scheming, any inclination to defend or conquer to Derin... and Derin had fallen right into place, defending and shielding her, helping her with her territory. Saruna herself had shown no capacity to react to danger at all.
The whole thing was a huge double bluff. It was brilliant.
And the most brilliant part was that Derin had no way of verifying her new conclusion -- the evidence for her previous assumptions stood as strong as ever. She couldn't be sure. Oddly, she found that she didn't really care. Saruna's home was spacious, peaceful and safe; something she'd never get back home. It was worth defending. She took a deep, steadying breath. Perhaps Saruna was shaken over her failure to keep Derin around, reminded of how fragile she herself was. Maybe that's why she'd run off. Fear, probably, or confusion. She could tell positive moods from negative, but as far as details were concerned Derin realised that she had a lot of learning to do.
"Saruna. Things are going to be fine." Dammit, if the woman realy was fragile, Derin couldn't tell her the truth, not now; she'd break under torture. What could she say that would fit into Saruna's current perception of events? "I don't break vows easily." She pulled up her right sleeve. "Derin gave me this, for if I needed to prove to you that she sent me. She told me not to show anybody except you. You recognise it? She made me swear on my life to protect you. And I can. We can clear your name, and Derin's."
It hadn't occurred to her that she would be under such suspicion. Derin cocked an eyebrow and opened her mouth to reply, when Fayane started listing plan flaws and, just as Derin was busy correcting them in her mind, gave an accusation.
Think fast!
This was exactly the sort of thing she had been afraid of. One person sensed something, said something... would all of Shim know soon? Derin drew herself up with all the haughty peasant rage she could muster. "Okay, fine, I took Derin's bracelet. It was hurting her, ok? But... but it didn't help." She unwrapped the charred bead bracelet and showed her. "I've gotta go put it back before we testify. And I ain't in no trouble, but I promised to help Saruna. She only knows half the story. Derin told me what happened and the city has gotta know. Or they could hurt Saruna. It weren't her fault and it weren't Derins; it weren't even Gustel's! It was the people with the demons!" She took a deep breath as if to compose herself. "But I don't see why you wanna frame the mage. He didn't do anything. Why should we lie? Everyone's innocent here. Although I'm sure we all have... secrets... like clearly aiding suspects in fleein' when you're s'posed to be a guard... but maybe we should all not pry into each other's lives until after we've cleared up this mess, hmm?"
"You are in my home. Show some respect."
Derin jumped as Saruna gave the first truly powerful command she'd ever heard from the woman. And then she was gone.
Derin glared at Fayane and Kori as she tucked the bead bracelet away. "I need to speak to our hostess privately, I think." Then she rushed after Saruna.
She lingered behind until they were some distance from the house, then jogged to catch up. "Saruna! Saruna, are you okay? Changers, are you crying? We can fix this." Why was she so upset? Why wasn't she fighting to keep her home? Surely she must have lost guards and assistants before; she couldn't be that distressed over a failure to keep Derin. The woman was strong enough to... to...
Everything slotted into place.
Oh, you sly witch.
Had Derin ever seen any evidence of Saruna's strength? She'd seen the results -- a magnificent territory of her own with nobody assisting her -- and she'd assumed. How could somebody who wasn't abnormally strong maintain such a territory? How could she compel others to assist or cooperate with her? But she'd never shown any strength, any scheming, any inclination to defend or conquer to Derin... and Derin had fallen right into place, defending and shielding her, helping her with her territory. Saruna herself had shown no capacity to react to danger at all.
The whole thing was a huge double bluff. It was brilliant.
And the most brilliant part was that Derin had no way of verifying her new conclusion -- the evidence for her previous assumptions stood as strong as ever. She couldn't be sure. Oddly, she found that she didn't really care. Saruna's home was spacious, peaceful and safe; something she'd never get back home. It was worth defending. She took a deep, steadying breath. Perhaps Saruna was shaken over her failure to keep Derin around, reminded of how fragile she herself was. Maybe that's why she'd run off. Fear, probably, or confusion. She could tell positive moods from negative, but as far as details were concerned Derin realised that she had a lot of learning to do.
"Saruna. Things are going to be fine." Dammit, if the woman realy was fragile, Derin couldn't tell her the truth, not now; she'd break under torture. What could she say that would fit into Saruna's current perception of events? "I don't break vows easily." She pulled up her right sleeve. "Derin gave me this, for if I needed to prove to you that she sent me. She told me not to show anybody except you. You recognise it? She made me swear on my life to protect you. And I can. We can clear your name, and Derin's."
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KoriStronghammer
- Citizen
- Posts: 332
- Joined: Wed Jul 28, 2010 7:27 am
- Name: Kori Stronghammer
- Race: HumanNorthernman
Re: Happily Ever After
Kori scowled. "Bless married men. I couldn't deal with all these hens every day."
He walked to the door and looked out the opening. Saruna and Rosemary were whispering, and Kori was honestly getting to the point where he didn't care anymore. He really wanted to protect these people, after all, his fighting probably got them in more trouble. But he was not going to fight and die for someone who didn't want to live, it was senseless. Looking to the guard he sighed.
"Well, you do whatever you want girl. I follow them." Walking out the door, Kori kept a respectful distance behind the two. If he had to follow he would, he wasn't silent but he knew how to track. Watching the two talk, he sighed and looked up. The skies wee so dirty in this place. He wanted the skies to be clean, not sullied by the fires of Marn in the distance and the stench of so many beings in one place.
He looked to the door and spotted the guard.
"Well? You coming or what?"
He walked to the door and looked out the opening. Saruna and Rosemary were whispering, and Kori was honestly getting to the point where he didn't care anymore. He really wanted to protect these people, after all, his fighting probably got them in more trouble. But he was not going to fight and die for someone who didn't want to live, it was senseless. Looking to the guard he sighed.
"Well, you do whatever you want girl. I follow them." Walking out the door, Kori kept a respectful distance behind the two. If he had to follow he would, he wasn't silent but he knew how to track. Watching the two talk, he sighed and looked up. The skies wee so dirty in this place. He wanted the skies to be clean, not sullied by the fires of Marn in the distance and the stench of so many beings in one place.
He looked to the door and spotted the guard.
"Well? You coming or what?"
Re: Happily Ever After
Fay wanted to laugh, cry and shake some sense into the woman known as Saruna as she couldn't to the final she simply chuckled weakly and shook her head.
"Bless married men. I couldn't deal with all these hens every day." Fay chuckled quietly. She certainly was glad herself that she had no interest in females sexually. She watched the tall man walk to the door and sigh, obviously something was troubling him.
"Well, you do whatever you want girl. I follow them." Fay raised an eyebrow, girl? Well wasn't he was polite. Fay sighed and rubbed her nose, to follow or to not follow... if she followed she lost her position as a guard for sure. If she didn't she'd likely keep her job after some penalty for losing Saruna. Fay opened an eye to watch the older woman sob and felt her heart break. This woman, apparently, has lost everything she holds dear. Fay saw no traces of a husband or children while in Saruna's house, and all Saruna had seemed to care about was Derin. Fay knew vaguely what that had been like, when she'd lost her mother. She stared, trying to make up her mind when the tall man called to her again.
"Well? You coming or what?" Chuckling and shaking her head she padded softly up to the tall man.
"I suppose so, after all I did tell the woman I was assisting her... to leave her now... it would cause too much stress on her heart. I shall come." She moved forward, ignoring the fact that she'd be trespassing on a conversation, and gently laid a hand on Saruna's shoulder.
"I know this is hard, Ms. Rischett, but please. Derin would not want you to sit here and cry your heart out for her. If what I know is true, Derin would have wanted you to move on." Fay, knowing despite the denial, that it was Derin in Rosemary's body, looked to the woman for confirmation.
"We must hurry if we do not wish Melagone to catch us."
___________________________________________________________________________
Meanwhile Melagone was howling in fury. The peasant, that pitiful WORM had mislead him once more! Standing on the outskirts of town Mela found no signs of the familiar house that was Saruna's. Damn filth! How was he to find the damn convict now?
"Bless married men. I couldn't deal with all these hens every day." Fay chuckled quietly. She certainly was glad herself that she had no interest in females sexually. She watched the tall man walk to the door and sigh, obviously something was troubling him.
"Well, you do whatever you want girl. I follow them." Fay raised an eyebrow, girl? Well wasn't he was polite. Fay sighed and rubbed her nose, to follow or to not follow... if she followed she lost her position as a guard for sure. If she didn't she'd likely keep her job after some penalty for losing Saruna. Fay opened an eye to watch the older woman sob and felt her heart break. This woman, apparently, has lost everything she holds dear. Fay saw no traces of a husband or children while in Saruna's house, and all Saruna had seemed to care about was Derin. Fay knew vaguely what that had been like, when she'd lost her mother. She stared, trying to make up her mind when the tall man called to her again.
"Well? You coming or what?" Chuckling and shaking her head she padded softly up to the tall man.
"I suppose so, after all I did tell the woman I was assisting her... to leave her now... it would cause too much stress on her heart. I shall come." She moved forward, ignoring the fact that she'd be trespassing on a conversation, and gently laid a hand on Saruna's shoulder.
"I know this is hard, Ms. Rischett, but please. Derin would not want you to sit here and cry your heart out for her. If what I know is true, Derin would have wanted you to move on." Fay, knowing despite the denial, that it was Derin in Rosemary's body, looked to the woman for confirmation.
"We must hurry if we do not wish Melagone to catch us."
___________________________________________________________________________
Meanwhile Melagone was howling in fury. The peasant, that pitiful WORM had mislead him once more! Standing on the outskirts of town Mela found no signs of the familiar house that was Saruna's. Damn filth! How was he to find the damn convict now?
Re: Happily Ever After
Saruna dashed away the proof of her strain, dabbing gently with a handkerchief produced from pockets sewn into her skirts. The words and intonations of Rosemary were heartrendingly similar to Derin, so much so that it broke Saruna from the cage already growing about her mind. There would be time for that later; for now she would need to free herself from these mislead children. It was her duty to protect them from consequences they would not see then in their youthful years; pride and bravery were brittle shields against the cruelty of the world.
"Dear child, I do not wish to stay here. I will leave, and seek the family that has not been ruined by Marn's shadow. There has been nothing for me here but tragedy. You though, you should not be seen with me, for they will assume you a conspirator." The firm words were ruined by her sniffling every second and third word: tears that had been blinked back now assaulted her through her nose. She was about to claim herself independent of the situation when a gentle hand descended on her shoulder.
"I know this is hard, Ms. Rischett. . ." Fay spoke earnestly, and firmly, and dry eyed. Saruna felt awash with sadness that she had not met the young woman before everything had happened. She would have liked the young woman. Her heart tightened in her chest, and she set her jaw firmly. These would have been babes when she was watching her eldest be seduced away by the promise of adventure.
"Perhaps you are right," she said, speaking around the constriction of her throat, "but it is not your decision." She pulled away from that hand and its comfort freely given. She could see Kori standing behind Fayane, even, stout in his decision to help strangers. It was hard to walk away from them, but she still turned and took that first step, and then another.
"Dear child, I do not wish to stay here. I will leave, and seek the family that has not been ruined by Marn's shadow. There has been nothing for me here but tragedy. You though, you should not be seen with me, for they will assume you a conspirator." The firm words were ruined by her sniffling every second and third word: tears that had been blinked back now assaulted her through her nose. She was about to claim herself independent of the situation when a gentle hand descended on her shoulder.
"I know this is hard, Ms. Rischett. . ." Fay spoke earnestly, and firmly, and dry eyed. Saruna felt awash with sadness that she had not met the young woman before everything had happened. She would have liked the young woman. Her heart tightened in her chest, and she set her jaw firmly. These would have been babes when she was watching her eldest be seduced away by the promise of adventure.
"Perhaps you are right," she said, speaking around the constriction of her throat, "but it is not your decision." She pulled away from that hand and its comfort freely given. She could see Kori standing behind Fayane, even, stout in his decision to help strangers. It was hard to walk away from them, but she still turned and took that first step, and then another.
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Derin Edala
- Citizen
- Posts: 340
- Joined: Thu Feb 26, 2009 6:12 am
- Name: Derin
- Race: Human
Re: Happily Ever After
No! Derin needed Saruna!
The whole thing wouldn't work without her. Without any living suspects to judge, it made no sense for Rosemary to turn up and explain, and Megalone's suspicions couldn't be put to rest. She'd be hunted; forced to leave. Which left the question: what was more dangerous? Allowing Saruna to leave, or telling part of the truth?
She glanced at the guard. The woman knew the truth. Derin wasn't all that good at emotions, but she knew of secrets, of strategy and counter-strategy, and the woman wasn't even hiding that her suspicions hadn't been put to rest. Negotiating her silence was, Derin assumed they both understood, an issue for later, but if there was already a breach then letting Saruna know couldn't be too bad. She trusted Saruna a lot more than she trusted the guard.
As she trotted after Saruna, she shouted towards Kori, "Make sure Megalone isn't following us!" She jogged after Saruna, not caring if the guard could still hear her -- she knew all the incriminating parts anyway -- and said as quietly as she could while knowing that Saruna could still hear her, "You said you trusted my judgement. When we found Gustel's treachery, you said that you trusted my judgement, and I said that I would protect you.
"This is still the same situation. This is about Gustel. Either my bluff failed or his employers caught onto him, but either way, I haven't finished protecting you. And I need you to trust my judgement again." Don't take fright, Saruna; don't panic... "I lied to you when I said that I didn't have any magic, as should be abundantly clear right now. It's a dangerous ability that comes at great risk and personal cost, and I don't like to do it more than I absolutely have to, but in this case it can help us. We can fix this. We can clear both our names. If you help me."
The whole thing wouldn't work without her. Without any living suspects to judge, it made no sense for Rosemary to turn up and explain, and Megalone's suspicions couldn't be put to rest. She'd be hunted; forced to leave. Which left the question: what was more dangerous? Allowing Saruna to leave, or telling part of the truth?
She glanced at the guard. The woman knew the truth. Derin wasn't all that good at emotions, but she knew of secrets, of strategy and counter-strategy, and the woman wasn't even hiding that her suspicions hadn't been put to rest. Negotiating her silence was, Derin assumed they both understood, an issue for later, but if there was already a breach then letting Saruna know couldn't be too bad. She trusted Saruna a lot more than she trusted the guard.
As she trotted after Saruna, she shouted towards Kori, "Make sure Megalone isn't following us!" She jogged after Saruna, not caring if the guard could still hear her -- she knew all the incriminating parts anyway -- and said as quietly as she could while knowing that Saruna could still hear her, "You said you trusted my judgement. When we found Gustel's treachery, you said that you trusted my judgement, and I said that I would protect you.
"This is still the same situation. This is about Gustel. Either my bluff failed or his employers caught onto him, but either way, I haven't finished protecting you. And I need you to trust my judgement again." Don't take fright, Saruna; don't panic... "I lied to you when I said that I didn't have any magic, as should be abundantly clear right now. It's a dangerous ability that comes at great risk and personal cost, and I don't like to do it more than I absolutely have to, but in this case it can help us. We can fix this. We can clear both our names. If you help me."
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KoriStronghammer
- Citizen
- Posts: 332
- Joined: Wed Jul 28, 2010 7:27 am
- Name: Kori Stronghammer
- Race: HumanNorthernman
Re: Happily Ever After
"Why in the bloody hell are you telling me? I poked him with a hammer and it's not like I'm inconspicuous, I'm taller than most of the damn houses in this town!" Kori shouted at the girl. Grumbling, he stomped to the edge of the house and looked around. He started grumbling to himself.
"Damn damn damn. Short skinny assholes that throw lightning bolts at me, Old women that won't listen, guards that look like 12 year old. What the hell is wrong with this damn place? Now, now I'm getting bossed around by someone I don't even know. This is why I never got married"
Never minding and completely ignoring the fact he had never met a woman he had even thought about asking to marry, he continued his grumbling. Looking once again down the street, he threw his hands up in the air in defeat. "Nothing. There isn't even a chicken walking down the street!"
Turning he watched the girl catch up to Saruna and talk to her. He had seen, heard and done more talking in this village then he had done in his entire life. Growling, he dropped down to the ground on his ass and crossed his legs. Planting his elbow on his thigh and his chin on the raised fist, he looked around. "I need a beer."
"Damn damn damn. Short skinny assholes that throw lightning bolts at me, Old women that won't listen, guards that look like 12 year old. What the hell is wrong with this damn place? Now, now I'm getting bossed around by someone I don't even know. This is why I never got married"
Never minding and completely ignoring the fact he had never met a woman he had even thought about asking to marry, he continued his grumbling. Looking once again down the street, he threw his hands up in the air in defeat. "Nothing. There isn't even a chicken walking down the street!"
Turning he watched the girl catch up to Saruna and talk to her. He had seen, heard and done more talking in this village then he had done in his entire life. Growling, he dropped down to the ground on his ass and crossed his legs. Planting his elbow on his thigh and his chin on the raised fist, he looked around. "I need a beer."