Main Site |
Elgara'a ibn Al Shudhyr hurried through the growing chill, glancing sidelong at the tepid orange ball of the setting sun. She shook her head. She would never risk the fierce goddess's wrath by saying so aloud, but At'ar's Eye had certainly grown dim and weak in this lush, cloud-ridden land. She shrugged deeper into her woolen jellaba and wrapped her dark blue, flowing burnoose tightly around her body, walking a little faster to generate more body heat. Still-- it was balance. The gods of the cold south could survive the temper of her desert land no better than their pale worshippers, she expected. And perhaps... a relief for her to be free of At'ar's steady gaze, for a time. She shivered. Although perhaps it would have been better to wait for their high summer to do so.... Elgara'a peered from the depths of her hood. She was approaching the regular trade routes, now, and the foot- and horse-traffic had been increasing steadily. She had seen many pass by with the dust of long travel on their clothes. Some had gaped at her in passing, some had skirted her warily, some had merely nodded to her... all, she was sure, had noticed her. She smiled in the shadows of her burnoose. Yes, it was true, the Bedine did not leave their lands often... she had grown accustomed to being stared at, treated with distrust. The Difa, the ways of hospitality, were not the same here, either. But then, a full-grown woman in men's clothes drew not a few stares at home, as well. Elgara'a studied her fellow travellers covertly. Yes, it seemed there was more local traffic here. Fewer travel cloaks, more bare feet, less dust. A small town, then, perhaps with an inn. She would appreciate the shelter of an inn, before this chilly "early spring"-- winter, more like!-- settled in her bones and made her creak like a grandmother. She rubbed her hands against her bare arms, deep within her voluminous sleeves. Yes, perhaps even a fire... and fresh spring water. Or juice! She licked dry lips, and picked up her pace again at the sight of a garishly-painted sign swaying temptingly over the door of the ramshackle structure ahead. El stretched her sturdy camel-hide boots a little closer towards the fire from her place beside it in the common room. Ah, blessed warmth. She looked around. It must be the beginning of spring, she thought, as the inn was doing good custom despite the town's small size and obvious mistrust of strangers. Her burnoose still shrouded her form-- she didn't like the wary looks of the innkeeper's staff, and she knew of the perils a woman travelling alone in this country could encounter. Not that these people would necessarily even *know* that she was a woman... she snorted softly to herself in memory of the innkeeper's surprise at hearing a female voice emerge from the layers of cloth. Still, her father's scimitar was a reassuring pressure on her back, for all that it was too well-wrapped to be of much use in a sudden attack. If any wished to test her defenses, they'd find her jambiya sharp and fast enough, she was sure. But, she had no desire for trouble. Best for her to simply do as she had done-- sit with her back to the wall, her eyes on the door, and keep as low a profile as she could manage. Besides, the food was surprisingly good, and she had been eating dried jerky for too long now. She glanced around, her eyes mere dark glints in the depths of her hood, as she reached one dark hand out for another hunk of the amazing bread. Kevil stowed the purchased supplies in the saddlebags and tied them deftly with knots that would tell him if they'd been tampered with. He leaned for a moment against the comforting warmth of the horse, breathing in the thick scent that was the only thing in this place that was anything like home... Get ahold of yourself, he thought. You're here now, and there's nothing to be done about it. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly before picking up the thin packages not yet stowed. He strolled out into the yard and looked up at the inn. He could see the window of his room, and the room next door, where the two women slept... Child's play, he thought, smiling thinly. Clean the muck off his boots, leave the packages, and then down to the common room for some of their excellent, nutty ale. He came down the stairs with a measured tread that allowed him to sweep the room carefully, the way Darin had taught him. At this hour, most of the custom was locals, here to drink and socialize. His eye swept over card and dice games, raucous arguments, and quiet discussions. There was a group of travellers by the door - he'd seen them earlier, in the market. They, too, had sensed the tenor of this place, its wariness of strangers, and were keeping to themselves. And by the fire... Kevil's curiosity was immediately piqued. The lone stranger there was draped in fabrics that, in color and design, reminded him somewhat of the peaceful nomads who often came to Alanis' marketplace. His heart clenched again with homesickness, and he sighed briefly as he finished descending the stair and looked for a place to sit. He happened to look toward the lone traveller again just as a hand emerged from the depths of the robes to take a bit of bread, and his heart rose into his throat. Bright Lady, he thought, that skin's as dark as mine... Suddenly resolute, he made his way toward the corner table. Most travellers, he had found, welcomed a bit of friendly conversation on the road. The worst that could happen would be that the stranger would desire to be left alone, and he would only sit on the end of the bench and warm his feet while he drank his ale. Dark eyes looked out of the robe's cowl as he approached. He bowed politely. "My eyes greet with happiness one who is so obviously a fellow traveller. If it would not be an offense, I would share with you a pitcher of the house's ale, and talk." * Elgara'a looked up at the stranger who had approached her table... and up... and her eyes widened in surprise as she beheld dark eyes and skin so similar to her own. Another desert-dweller? But... city clothes. And no tribal markings. And taller than any Bedine *she'd* ever seen. For a moment, she was speechless as she studied him, seeking any ulterior motive. * Elgara'a chewed and swallowed the bit of bread in her mouth, and found her tongue and her manners. "Mise 'el kheer, stranger. Good evening. Please, if you need a space, share my table freely. But I fear I do not indulge in spirits. * Kevil bowed briefly before he sat. "What is it you drink, then? Water? Juiced fruit?" He waved for the bargirl, then smiled. "I am Kevil Talarin. Very honored to make your acquaintance, Lady." Elgara'a: ::pushing her hood back slightly from her face, to show her features and tribal markings more clearly as she makes the ritual hand gestures of greeting, touching forehead, lips, and heart before extending her right hand in the balance of a graceful seated bow:: Elgara'a ibn Al Shudhyr, of the Raz'hadi Bedine. Likewise honored. ::smiling a little:: Elgara'a: And yes, I drink water, or fruit juices. ::laughing a little:: Such are intoxicating enough, after so long without them in my native land. * Kevil sends the bargirl for food for himself and juice and water for them both. * Kevil stares at her for a long moment, then looks away with something like embarrassment. "My apologies. It has been a long time since I have seen anyone... whose features were so similar to mine. It is like..." He glances up and smiles. "It is a drink of water from the first rains of winter." Elgara'a: ::turning her head to the side, a faint blush appearing on her dark cheeks, barely visible in the firelight. She turns her head back after a moment:: If it is not too forward-- I wish no offense, but-- where do you hail from, stranger? I have... never seen your like, on the road. ::frowning a little as she studies him:: I think... you are no Bedine. Kevil: ::nods:: I have not heard of these Bedine that you mention. These are your people? My home is... ::he frowns briefly, then sighs:: ...very far away. I have travelled nearly a year, now, since leaving my home. Elgara'a: ::nodding:: I am Bedine. ::putting a hand to her chest to indicate herself:: Raz'hadi. ::lifting her hand to indicate her cheeks and forehead in a circular motion:: You comprehend? Elgara'a: ::frowning:: A year is a very great distance. You came by... ::swallowing hard a moment:: by sea, then? Kevil: ::looks over the markings on her face:: Raz'hadi is your... family? Your clan, perhaps? * Kevil shakes his head. "I do not know how to explain my travel. It is by..." He frowns. "A sort of magic, perhaps? But not..." He sighs, then smiles. "Though for the last months I have travelled this land more simply, by foot and horse." Elgara'a: My tribe. ::with a touch of pride as she tears off another bite of bread:: Forgive me, please... ::taking a bite, and swallowing quickly:: The tribe is several clans, each many families strong. Kevil: ::nods his understanding:: Elgara'a: ::looking a trifle unsettled:: Travel? By magic? ::more to herself:: Well... perhaps, for berrani... ::shakes her head:: Still, but foot and horse is a noble way to travel. ::grinning a little, even white teeth flashing in her face:: Certainly not by camel in *this* boggy land. * Kevil laughs. "I should think not!" Elgara'a: ::looking at him sidelong, quick understanding in her eyes:: Ah... so you are also from a dry land, then, I think. Kevil: ::hesitates a moment, then nods:: An oasis city, actually. I can not claim to be a... ::he is obviously trying to figure out how to translate something:: ... a brother of the desert. A... a cousin, at most. ::he smiles:: Elgara'a: Ah... ::nodding wisely:: A city-dweller, though a warm-blooded one. You did not look like one who lives upon the Great Sand Sea. ::teasing smile:: At'ar would have stooped that tall head long ago, I think. * Elgara'a takes a sip of fruit juice, sighing with satisfaction. Kevil: ::laughs:: The people of my land are tall. The brothers and sisters of the desert that I know often approach my height, and I am not considered overtall. ::he grins:: I have learned, however, to be considered so here. Kevil: ::eyes her:: At'ar is... the sun? Elgara'a: ::chuckles, leaning back in her seat slightly and stretching out a leg so Kevil can get a decent idea of her height without her standing up and attracting undue notice:: In my homeland, I am... very tall. I tower over several men, even. Elgara'a: [she's about 5'6" btw] Kevil: ::chuckles with her:: I was married once to a woman taller than myself. Sisters and brothers to the sand, I understand, tend to be... compact, d'va? * Kevil eats, pulling meat and bread from the plate in front of him with an almost dainty grace that suggests he is used to eating with his fingers. Elgara'a: ::nodding with a smile as she draws her leg back in under the table:: * Elgara'a takes the opportunity to dig into her own meal, eating in companionable silence for a moment. Kevil: And so what brings you to this cold, damp land, if it is not an offense to ask? Elgara'a: ::looking up with a smile and swallowing:: Please, no offense. I have travelled this land before... several years ago, when I was younger and more adventurous. Now I am older, and find I have a desire to see old friends, if, in sha'allah, I can find them. Elgara'a: Though perhaps...::pulling her jellaba a little closer with a small shiver:: I should have better waited for summer. Perhaps I am not so wise in my years, after all. * Elgara'a grins. Kevil: ::chuckles:: Yes? It is a similar quest that brought me from my beloved home as well. * Kevil grins in return. "I find it helps if one tries to think of it as a winter night... Though nothing ever prepares for the *damp*... I have been places I thought I could not breathe!" Elgara'a: ::arching her thick, dark eyebrow in an oddly familiar gesture:: Yes? But-- I travel two weeks, leisurely. You travel... a year? ::studying him:: Your friends are most dear to you, I think. Elgara'a: ::chuckling:: Ah, but no desert winter has ever been this lush, this green! * Kevil opens his mouth to reply, but is stopped.. After a pause, he smiles and sighs, lightly touching his fingers to his heart. "My entire heart, in truth." Kevil: ::smiles:: Beauty is everywhere, if only one has the eyes to look. Elgara'a: ::looking at him closely for a long moment, with a small frown:: You swore... akeud to them? Blood oath? ::tilting her head with a smile:: Or perhaps a lover? ::shaking her head:: My apologies. It is not hospitable to pry, so. Elgara'a: ::nodding:: Wa'a, indeed, beauty can be everywhere... but even new-come to this land, my heart's eyes see the blue of my home skies, the brilliance of the dunes, and finds this... pale. Kevil: ::he waves away her apologies:: I do not mind. The quest is complete, in fact, and another taken up. I had come to find my... She who was once my wife, d'va? We had a... a bond between us, and it was... severed. I came to see what trouble there was. ::he shrugs:: As I should have known, as always with her, she had solved the trouble herself, and I travelled a year for nought. ::he grins:: Now I rest, a little, before I return home, yes? Elgara'a: ::frowns, puzzled:: She... left your tent? Your wife? Kevil: She... ::glances at her, then sighs:: We found that our paths led in different directions, yes. Elgara'a: Ah, a... ::thinking for a moment:: A divorce. Yes, I have heard of such, in these lands, although... where I am from, such is rare without, well, specific cause. Kevil: ::he winces, but nods:: That word is the closest that this language serves, yes. Elgara'a: So, she... she returned to her father's tent, and still you followed her? ::looking a little puzzled for a moment, and shaking her head again:: I am sorry. It is not polite of me to discuss... matters between a husband and wife so openly. Kevil: ::he grins:: No, it is not a thing of offense. Though you may not like the answer... Elgara'a: ::gestures gracefully with her free hand as she continues to eat with her left, indicating her curiosity in his answer:: Kevil: We had travelled together, some time, as... adventurers, yes? We travelled together after our... ::he glances at her, then shrugs:: ..after our husband was killed. I think, in truth, our travel was less of an adventure, and more of an escape. ::he sighs:: After a time, I tired, and wished to return home. She wished to continue to travel - hers was a nomad's life, even before we met. The parting was hard, but... It would have served nothing, for one of us to insist on the other's compliance, d'va? Kevil: It was I who returned to my parents, and she who continued on. She eventually came here, to this land. Elgara'a: Oh... ::cheeks reddening:: I am sorry, I had not realized you were a... kha'awal... a... I am sorry, I do not know the word in the Common tongue. ::she seems very embarrassed:: Kevil: Kha'awal.... ::he seems to taste the nuances of the word on his tongue:: I don't know how it translates to this tongue, of course. It... I would say, it is the custom of my people to marry in groups, what we would call a circle - of friendship. Kevil: ::his face darkens somewhat:: I have been given to understand that in this land, such a thing is a... a *perversion*. Especially... physical love shared between two men, or two women. ::he sighs:: I do not mean to offend, Lady. If you wish it, I shall leave you in peace.::He picks up his water and looks into its depths:: Elgara'a: Oh! ::putting the back of her fingers to her mouth, as if she'd just made an embarrassing situation worse:: I... I beg your forgiveness, I... I have heard of such, but it is... haraam, it is forbidden among my people. It-- I am sorry, I do not mean to judge another, it is not my place. It is only... my ways are... different. ::coloring again, looking both amused and chagrinned:: I had thought you were a... lover of men. Elgara'a: That in itself is unusual among my people, but... both at once... ::biting her lip a little:: I... I am base to even *ask*, but, forgive me-- do you not get-- confused? Kevil: Ah... ::he glances at her briefly, then looks away:: I am sorry to have distressed you. I do not... often speak of such things, so soon after meeting a person. It is only that you seemed so... familiar, being a desert-dweller yourself. Kevil: Confused, Lady? ::he grins briefly:: I have found that matters of the heart are frequently confusing to those who endure them, no matter the rules of the land, eh? Elgara'a: ::nodding and chuckling a bit despite herself:: I am sorry... I do not believe I have blushed so much since my milk-mother first told me of the way between men and women. Ah, if it disturbs us both, it is forgotten. ::she makes a gesture with her fingers as if releasing an insect for flight:: Kevil: ::he smiles:: You are generous. Elgara'a: I am but a poor sand-dweller, happy to share her meager table and company with such a fascinating stranger. ::her confident grin and the ease of her posture belying the humility of her words:: Kevil: ::he laughs:: But neither your table nor your company are meager, Lady, and it is you who are fascinating to one such as I. Might a poor and travelworn bard be permitted to hear your tale? Elgara'a: A bard? Truly? Ah... ::making a denigrating gesture:: I would not have your gift for words, Singer. What would you wish to know of me? Kevil: In my homeland, yes, I have that honor. My words in this language are not yet so... clever, yes? ::he grins:: Tell me of your people, then, if you will. Are all so brave as yourself, to venture abroad? Elgara'a: ::her smile is bittersweet:: No, we Bedine do not often leave our lands, even to trade. And my original decision to travel was not entirely... my choice. Kevil: Ah? There is no need to speak, if it brings you pain. I am only curious, yes? Elgara'a: You see, among the khowwans-- the tribes-- of the Bedine, women are not warriors. Women tend the flocks, they care for the home, they hold the family's wealth, but... it is the men who raid, who fight. You understand? Elgara'a: ::nodding, and continuing:: Kevil: ::he nods:: Yes. It is not the way of my people, but I am familiar with such a thing. Elgara'a: Women may defend themselves... in fact, it is the duty of a woman to defend her honor against a personal attack. ::her hand drops to her jambiya-- a double-edged, curved knife-- in its ornately jewelled sheath:: * Kevil blinks, briefly opens his mouth to ask a question, but closes it again to allow her to continue. Elgara'a: But otherwise, they do not fight. My father ::her voice warms a little, here, and it is obvious she holds great respect for the man of whom she speaks:: ...he was the chieftain of the Raz'hadi. Alas, my mother died in childbed with her firstborn-- me-- and my father was left with a miserable girl for an heir. Kevil: ::lips tighten briefly, but he nods:: Elgara'a: There was no need for him to do so, but I suppose in his desire for a son, he taught me... some things that women do not learn. How to hold a bow, how to race a camel bareback under the moon, how to fight with the scimitar. ::she smiles a little, nostalgically:: Elgara'a: [Kevil gets the sensation that "miserable girl" isn't how she thinks of herself, merely the standard figure of speech] *Kevil is unable to resist finally commenting. "A man of wisdom." Elgara'a: ::smiles and nods:: Aye, he was. And strong, and very kind. Although... he could not have known what his wisdom would bring him, or how difficult a path of honor he set me upon... Elgara'a: When I reached marriageable age, my father could no longer stand against the wishes of the elders. He, I think, had some thought of simply naming me his heir, but he knew there was no way a girl would be accepted as tribal chieftain. There would be strong dissent, and clan wars, and...::shaking her head:: it would not be right. Kevil: Hm. And so? Elgara'a: He sought wide across the sands for an appropriate alliance, and found one in Nemal ibn Al Shudhyr, of the El Mara. Elgara'a: ::her voice is soft as she speaks her husband's name:: Kevil: Alli- You speak of marriage, yes? Such a thing is arranged, among your people? Elgara'a: ::nodding:: Marriage, yes. My father brought me to his tent himself, and was returned a rich brideprice-- ten pure white camels. ::her voice is wistful:: I was very nervous, on meeting him... but oh, my betrothed was so handsome, and the bards sang of his bravery and cunning for several nights. Kevil: ::shakes his head, smiling slightly, but says nothing:: Elgara'a: He was young, only a few years my elder, yet he had proven himself well. And he was the third son of the leader of the El Mara. It was arranged that I should go to his tent, and when my father went to the sands, we would return to my home tribe. Such was unusual, but not unheard of, yes? Kevil: ::nods:: Elgara'a: ::she dips her head a little, her hood hiding her eyes:: We had one glorious week together, before he returned to his regular duties. He was on watch, that night, and I thought to bring him some mare's milk and apricots... something to tide him to morning. I dressed, and slipped out among the dunes... * Kevil gets a haunted look, and shakes his head slightly. Elgara'a: ::she puts her hand up under her hood, touching her cheek:: I was... I was in time to see a man all of sand rise up behind him, and slay him in dishonor from behind. And then the Black Robes rode in.... Kevil: ::lifts a hand as if to comfort her, then - unsure whether it would be taken amiss - drops it back to the table.:: Elgara'a: ::she half-turns away:: I am sorry, I cannot... if only I had had a proper blade, some might have lived, but...::her voice is thick with emotion:: Women... do not... fight. My jambiya was red, but still they came at me... had I still been in my tent, I would have died instantly. But... ::she lets out a breath:: Elgara'a: The Grey Sisters. Berrani-- foreigners, adventurers... women, all four of them. They rescued me, saved my honor. But they could not save the El Mara. Elgara'a: ::she looks up again. Her eyes are dry, but haunted with emotion as she touches her hand to her breast and curls her fingers in an obviously ritual motion:: They exist in my heart, still, but that is all. They rest. ::her voice is hard:: I joined the Sisters, and trained with them, and eventually avenged my husband's tribe against the Black Robes. * Kevil's eyes are haunted, and far from dry, though his voice remains strong. "Truly, your song brings you honor, Lady." Elgara'a: I... my father knew I had survived, I sent him word. He would have had me back, but the elders would not hear of it. I was unnatural, a woman who fought. So, with my Sisters, I left my homeland for a time. And I resolved to become, to my tribe, a man. ::she indicates her clothing:: Kevil: ::Unexpectedly, Kevil grins:: Elgara'a: ::she dips her head:: It was... not what I would have chosen. I was happy in the life that had been worked out for me... I could have lived that way, I think. But... ::cocking her head to the side:: I would not give up what I have seen, what I have experienced in my exile. Elgara'a: ::she smiles merrily, suddenly:: I think I would have given much to hear my father's arguments. I made well sure that my exploits reached my tribe's ears every so often... I paid the bards myself, at times. ::grinning:: Elgara'a: I had settled for a time in a city to the south-- I had gained good comrades there-- when I heard from my father, come back. Elgara'a: And so, I went back. Dressed as a man, carrying a blade on my back. ::her eyes twinkle a little at the memory:: Elgara'a: I don't know how he did it...::shaking her head:: But my father had gotten them to accept me as his heir. He refused to have another-- he swore I was his own blood, and had made him proud, and the tribe needed change to survive. They knew what had happened to the El Mara-- everyone knew. And they knew there were strangers in our desert, who would not allow the old ways to stand. Elgara'a: ::she leans back with her water mug, taking a sip:: Eight years, since my father has stepped down from the chieftainship. Eight years I have been chief in my own right. We survive. We thrive. ::she grins:: And I think I'm finally starting to grow on them. Kevil: ::smiles, then nods thoughtfully:: This course you track is no easy thing. So much easier might it have been, to bow before custom, to die with your husband, or re-marry at your father's word... ::He stands, suddenly, and bows to her, very deeply:: I stand in awe, Lady, before your courage. Elgara'a: ::she smiles a little and nods acknowledgement of his words, but waves him quickly back to his seat:: Sit down, sit down. You attract notice, and I have no wish for trouble here. Elgara'a: ::chuckling a little as she steeples her fingers together:: And my father, I think, would have had little wish to remarry me after that first time. Besides, he liked my cooking. Kevil: ::He sits and drinks his water:: Kevil: ::laughs:: Elgara'a: So... ::spreading her hands:: forgive my bumbling efforts, but I hope I have amused you for some little while, at least. Kevil: ::astonished:: Bumbling? But your story is eloquent and strong, Lady! Would... ::he looks oddly shy:: Would you grant me permission, Lady, to attempt to craft in my clumsy way a song from its pure marble? Elgara'a: ::dipping her head, making the odd finger-flick from her forehead she used in her earlier bow:: If my small efforts could so inspire a Singer, I count myself deeply honored. No permission is required, please, use my tale as you will. Kevil: ::bows as best he can while sitting at a table:: I thank you, Lady. It is a tale with which even the poorest bard could inspire. To think that such courage, such strength, and such beauty could reside all in one person! Elgara'a: ::coloring a little:: I could not have done less, and be Bedine. The courage is the courage of my people. The strength is the strength of my father. As for beauty... ::turning her head to one side again:: Well... you are kind to an old widow. Kevil: Widow you may be, Lady, but old? ::shakes his head:: I will not grant you that. Nor does my kindness reach beyond the truth. ::he smiles:: I ask no return on the compliment, Lady - you need not fear accepting it. Elgara'a: Ha... my thirtieth year, the year of a man's middle age, has been and past already. But as for your *kindness*, effendi... ::dipping her head gravely:: I thank you. Kevil: ::he grins:: Your grace, Lady, does you credit. I myself am toddering into the grave - that no doubt accounts for the blindness of my eyes. Elgara'a: ::raising an amused eyebrow:: You? Ya' salem, you are no older than I. * Kevil's eyes twinkle merrily. "But have you not said that age is elderly?" Elgara'a: What is past prime in a woman is maturity, in a man. Kevil: Ah, but in truth, the people of my land age some little bit slower, it seems, than those of this. I near my fortieth year - this very summer, I believe, if old age has not entirely addled my counting. Kevil: ::more seriously:: And to my people, what is maturity, in a man, is maturity, in a woman. Elgara'a: ::dipping her head, refusing to be led:: Your women must age far more gracefully, then. Kevil: ::eyes her somewhat critically:: Perhaps somewhat, though not more than might be expected of the longer span of years granted us. But my circle-mother turned heads at my youngest sister's wedding, though she was years past childbearing. ::he smiles:: I think it must be only that we value our women for more than their fertility, and our men for more than their strong arms. ::hastily, realizing he may have said too much:: Not that I would cast aspersions upon your people, of course. Elgara'a: ::looking somewhat disbelieving:: Wisdom is valued highly in our tribes, but... how do they say? A fresh apple is drawn from the basket faster than a wrinkled one. Kevil: ::he grins:: Oh, I will admit to an understanding of the... the appeal of the young. ::he blushes a little:: But there is much also to admire in the lines of maturity, of a... a partner of experience, d'va? Who would you ask to bake your basket of apples, Lady - a maiden child, or an established matron? Elgara'a: ::she nods her head with a smile, obviously enjoying the verbal repartee:: Darab'! A sound hit. But there is more to marriage than cooking... and continuing the clan line *is* an important matter. ::she looks vaguely worried for a moment, and then smiles, shaking it off:: Kevil: ::nods:: I would not dare to suggest otherwise. But not every glance of appreciation must be with an eye toward offspring, must it? Elgara'a: ::reluctantly:: No, there is... flirting, of course. But... ::shaking her head:: That is for the young. Kevil: ::grins, looking at her out of the corner of his eye:: Is it, indeed, Lady? Kevil: Do you not believe that, had your husband lived, he would not find joy in you as you are now? Elgara'a: ::dips her head again, feeling her cheeks heat, and quickly reaches for her water-glass to cover her fluster:: Elgara'a: Well... but that is with a couple grown old together... ::rallying:: Who is to say that at that age, anyone else would have them? They're stuck with each other. ::grinning a little:: Kevil: Ah, well, perhaps it is such among your people. ::his tone plainly suggests that he doesn't believe this:: Why should you disbelieve my word, though? We are strangers, chance-met for one evening in a wayside inn - only the gods will determine whether we ever meet again. What reason might I have to speak falsely? Elgara'a: ::dryly:: For some men, effendi, that would be reason enough... to say what is needed to bed the woman, and move on. Elgara'a: Although perhaps it is not so among your people. ::her tone plainly suggests that she doesn't believe this:: Kevil: ::laughs:: I will grant you the point. But it is a poor man who cannot find a way to flatter a woman truthfully. Elgara'a: And a poor host who would peek into her guest's coffers. ::grinning teasingly:: Kevil: ::chuckles:: Elgara'a: ::tears off another hunk of bread, butters it lavishly, and eats it, washing it down with fruit juice:: Kevil: ::raises his eyebrows as he takes a sip of water:: Were we speaking of... coffers, Lady? Elgara'a: ::cheeks reddening as she nearly spits out her mouthful of juice:: A... a figure of speech, merely, el'azim. Elgara'a: ::weakly:: Poor man... coffers... A jest. ::swallowing more juice, getting it down properly this time:: Kevil: ::grins:: Ah. Obviously it is a weakness in my understanding of the language. ::he glances at her and then takes another drink of water:: Do you care to... enrich my understanding? Elgara'a: ::glancing at him again over the rim of her glass:: My grasp of the Common tongue is, alas, also shamefully poor, Singer, but I will help you as I can. In what way may my meager wisdom be put to your service? Kevil: ::leans back in his chair, props up one knee, and folds his hands around them:: When you have already given so much, Lady, I must of course only hope to beg for whatever remaining scraps you may deign to offer. Elgara'a: Ah. ::tensing slightly as he shifts his feet, almost as if she's afraid he's going to jump over the table at her... or worse, leave:: Well, I had only attempted a, I fear poor, play on words... a poor man's coffers. I did not intend to refer to any other... treasures. ::cheeks darkening visibly under the edge of her hood:: Kevil: I see. ::he grins:: You flirt remarkably well for an... an "old widow". Elgara'a: ::turning her head to the side, murmuring:: A bard's words are living inspiration to his audience. It... is certainly not a thing I learned as my father's heir... or in which I can claim much... practice. Kevil: ::chuckles warmly:: Then I should say you show considerable talent that has obviously been going to waste. ::he looks at her, almost disconcertingly directly:: Perhaps you should see about finding a tutor. Elgara'a: ::faintly:: Perhaps... Elgara'a: ::feeling her mouth go a little dry, and suddenly shaking her head:: However, I am no houri, to go tempting men's affections... Kevil: ::sits up again:: A... a houri? I am sorry, Lady, I don't... understand. Elgara'a: ::hands moving restlessly, adjusting the fall of her burnoose exactingly and needlessly:: Houris are... one of the rewards of Paradise. For men. ::reluctantly:: And also... the word is used for very... accomplished concubines. Kevil: Ah. ::he looks directly at her again:: I would not think such a thing, Lady, of one who has related to me a tale of bravery and courage such as yours. If I have offended... ::he looks away and sighs:: I am not used to considering such things... ::he glances back at her:: Forgive me, Lady. Elgara'a: ::she sighs in relief a bit as he looks away, glad to have the pressure of his direct gaze off her for a moment:: I... ::automatically, taking refuge in the pleasantries as she tries to reorder thoughts that scatter like geese every time he looks at her like that:: Ma'alesh, it is nothing. Kevil: ::he smiles:: Ah, once again, you are gracious, Lady. Elgara'a: ::she smiles, automatically again, and drains her juice glass, playing with it a bit as she puts it down:: * Kevil stretches, yawning. "Alas, Lady, enjoyable as the evening has been, I must leave with the dawn, and so must bid you a good night." Elgara'a: ::nodding reluctantly:: I thank you for your kind and enjoyable company, sahim, and I wish you a favorable road. Kevil: ::He rises and bows once more:: Lady, may the gods grant we meet again. Elgara'a: ::smiling:: Perhaps. Fate is whimsical. ::offering him a bow of her own, perhaps a bit deeper than the one she offered on greeting:: Pleasant dreams, my lord. Ma'a e salemma, go with the gods' guardianship. Kevil: ::He smiles, nods, and heads toward the stairs. As he starts up the stairs, he turns and smiles at Elgara'a before beginning the climb.:: Elgara'a: ::she pushes her hood back father for a moment, watching him disappear up the stairs, craning her neck a little. When the sound of his steps has faded, she leans back in her chair again, pulls her hood forward, and fans her face:: Whew. Elgara'a: ::she picks up her water glass and drains it in one long swallow:: Whew. Elgara'a: ::softly, to herself:: I think, perhaps, I have spent too long trying to be a man.... Elgara'a: ::she shakes her head, rises slowly from her seat, and heads up the stairs to her narrow bed:: |
|
|