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Meghan and Sabrina Meghan is sitting in the living room of the house reading one of her books. She is curled up on the sofa much like a cat might be and is deeply absorbed in her reading. She felt more than heard the girl approach her from behind. "Hello Sabrina," she offered softly. Sabrina seemed startled that she had been noticed and slowly walked around to the front of the sofa and sat on the floor. Meghan marked her page and closed her book looking down at the girl. Inside she shivered at the pain she could feel, but she did not show it to Sabrina. She only smiled again. "How are you feeling?" Sabrina slowly lifted her gaze to Meghan and seemed to think for a moment before answering. "I am doing better. Don't hurt as much as I did last night," her voice is hardly a whisper. "Well you do look a bit better," she says only slightly glancing at the bluish black spot on her left cheek. "Give you a few more days of rest and I think you be ok," she paused looking Sabrina in the eye and then continued. "Physically anyway." Sabrina nodded and lowered hr gaze back to the floor. Meghan took a breath and slowly slid to the floor sitting close to the girl and much more on her level. "Do you want to talk about it," she asked softly. Sabrina immediately shook her head, almost as if it was a habitual response. Meghan places her fingers lightly on the girl's chin and turned her gaze up. Slowly their eyes met and there was an instant between Sabrina's strength to keep everything in and her falling forward into Meghan weeping. Meghan pulled the girl into a tight embrace, being very careful not to hold her to tightly, and let the girl cry. She said nothing but projected feelings of comfort and most of all safety very lightly so Sabrina would not feel that she was intruding, but simply trying to be of comfort. After a long time Sabrina sat up her face red from crying, but there seemed to be a bit more of a peace about her than ever before. Meghan smiled softly to her. "Feel a bit better?" Sabrina nodded and her look became curious. Softly she asked, "how did you do that?" "Do what," Meghan replied. "I could feel you," Sabrina lightly tapped her head, "in here." Meghan smiled again. "I am an empath. Do you know what an empath is?" Sabrina thought for a moment and then responded. "They know other peoples feeling without being told," she said tentatively. Meghan nodded. "Yes we do. We can also project feelings to others as I did to you. Did it help at all?" Sabrina nodded smiling softly. "It made me feel safe. I can't remember the last time I..." she trailed off looking down again. "Well you are safe now. You're not going back to the horrible man either." Sabrina looked up surprised. "But if I don't he will come looking for me. Do worse I am sure than he did last night." Meghan shook her head. "You are safe here Sabrina. He can't get you while in the house. Even if you decide to go out I will make sure that someone is watching out for you so you don't need to worry about him." Sabrina just looked at Meghan for a few long moments and then nodded seeming to take her words for the truth. The talked for a long time, most of the afternoon. Sabrina told Meghan about her life in great detail. Meghan took in every word and in the end wanted to weep as bitterly as Sabrina had. Sabrina looked at her tentatively once she had finished, her voice again hardly a whisper. "Do you think Mistress Michelle will allow me to stay knowing what I am?" Meghan looked at her doing her best to contain all her bitterness and anger at what the world had done to this lost soul, her voice was firm. "You are a beautiful sweet girl Sabrina. I know that Michelle will be very happy to have you stay as long as you think that you need to. I know that you don't want to live the way you have been forced to all your life. So today you have the opportunity to start a new life. One where you can be whoever and whatever will make you the happiest." Sabrina nodded but her gaze was on the purple stone set in Meghan's circlet. It was glowing brightly. "Is it supposed to do that," she asked pointing to the stone. Meghan glanced up and then took a moment, closing her eyes and slowing her breathing. After a minute the stone stopped glowing and Meghan looked up at Sabrina again. "Sometimes," she began, "when I have so much emotion in me it helps me to keep it from going out to other people. When it glows it is doing just that." Sabrina nodded in understanding. "So what emotions were you having a hard time controlling," she asked curiously. "Anger mostly," Meghan replied. Sabrina's face fell instantly, and Meghan quickly continued. "Anger at the world Sabrina, for letting such things happen to such a beautiful, and innocent girl. It's not very fair and it makes me angry." Sabrina seems visibly relived and smiles softly to Meghan. "How is it that you can have so much emotion for a person you just met," she asked softly curious. Meghan smiles thinking she was going to have to get this girl into a school as soon as she could for all of her curiosity. She thought about Sabrina's question for a moment before answering. "I have very recently felt much like you do. I did not think I was special in any way and did not understand why people cared about me as much as they did. Then I met a very special friend. He was able to help me see that I am special, not because of what I can do," she touches the circlet lightly, "or even because of others around me. But because of who I am inside." Meghan reached out and touched Sabrina's cheek lightly smiling softly at the girl. "You are very much the same as I was. So I want to help you to see the light in yourself, as he has shown me." Sabrina smiled tears coming easily to her eyes. Meghan quickly pulled the girl into an embrace and the both cried for a few minutes. When she pulled back Sabrina looked even brighter and happier than she had in a very long time. Meghan smiled brightly back and pulled herself back up onto the sofa. "So what would you like to do with your afternoon Sabrina," she asked the girl. Sabrina thought for a moment before answering. "I was thinking it might be nice to go see the river. I have not been very close to it." Meghan nodded, "It is very beautiful. I know of a very nice spot, if you would like I can tell you where it is." Sabrina nodded and Meghan took a few minutes to tell Sabrina how to get to the grassy spot Jaret took her to the first time she saw the river. She also reminded Sabrina that she would be safe. Sabrina nodded and left the house to go out to the river. Meghan and Xarroch * Meghan is sitting on the sofa book in hand. Her head is bowed and she looks as if she is concentrating hard. She calls to Xarroch somewhat urgently but not so much as to make him worried about her. She then sits back and waits for him * Xarroch knocks at the door * Meghan smiles and stands walking quickly to the door and opening it. Her smile widens as she sees Xarroch "Hello Xarroch" <Xarroch> ::smiles:: Hello, little Meghan. A fortunate thing I was close by... ::looks around and walks in:: This is Michelle's house, is it not? * Meghan nods stands back as he walks in and closes the door behind him. "For today. I think tomorrow we are moving to a bigger house" * Meghan leads him to the living room and offers him a seat <Xarroch> ::grins:: And a new place to learn... What did you wish to see me for, little one? And have you at last made a decision concerning that man? <Meghan> Well that was not what I called you for but since you mention it I think you should just let him go. * Meghan sinks down onto the sofa <Xarroch> ::nods:: Very well. Your decision and it has been made. ::smiles just a little:: Mercy can be a... good thing. * Meghan nods running her hand over her belly. She whispers softly "Sometimes it can" * Xarroch sits cross legged on the floor across from Meghan, his face just about even with hers now. <Xarroch> ::nods:: And how is the child coming along? * Meghan smiles at him "Very well I think. I have just started being able to sense her. Well I think it is a her anyways." <Xarroch> How long does it gestate? For a human? <Meghan> 9 long months <Xarroch> Ahh, the lunar cycle. Not so very long, Meghan. ::smiles:: <Xarroch> Do you wish him to know of the child and the fate of you both? Or not? <Meghan> ::grins:: well hopefully I'll be ready for her then. <Meghan> ::shakes her head:: I don;t want him to know anything <Xarroch> I am certain that you shall be. <Xarroch> Very well, he shall live his life out with no knowledge of his child. It was not conceived in love, but it shall be born with it... ::smiles:: a fair thing. <Meghan> ::nods:: Well I did ask you here for a reason. There is a new girl, I believe she has been at the Hall a few times. Her name is Sabrina. Have you seen her? <Xarroch> Sabrina? I do not know her, I think. ::thinks:: I might have seen her at the Hall, but things were rather busy with our search for the illithids. <Xarroch> What about her? <Meghan> ::nods:: She is a small fairly young girl. Pretty quiet. Michelle brought her here last night. She was working as a prostitute and the man she worked for beat her last night. Apparently Michelle found her and brought her here. She has gone out to the river to be alone, could you go keep an eye on her. I am worried this man is going to try and find her. If he does lord knows what he will do to her. <Xarroch> A prostitute? What is this? And why would her employer beat her? Was she not doing a good job? <Meghan> A prostitute is a woman who has sex with men for money. <Meghan> ::frowns slightly:: She did not want to be one. It's somewhat a long story. Apparently she wanted the night off and went to the Hall. He went there and took her away &aamp; and beat her because she was not working. <Xarroch> Does she wish to stop working for this man? <Meghan> ::nods:: He likely won't let her though. She's pretty and probably gets him a lot of business. I don't doubt that he will try to find her. * Xarroch looks genuinely curious, obviously not understanding the gravity of what Meghan is trying to say <Meghan> I'm afraid if he finds her and she resists going with him he will kill her <Meghan> Until now she would not have resisted. But I think she will now if she happens upon him. <Xarroch> ::nods a little:: And this would be a very wrong thing, then. I can understand beating your underlings for doing a poor job, but humans have more choice, yes? Or are supposed to? <Meghan> ::nods:: In this circumstance yes. <Xarroch> So it is then even worse that he should kill her for leaving.. she should have the choice. And she has not the power to defy this man? To go to the friends or the.. the law, I think it is, for protection? <Meghan> I don't know about the law. Until last night I don't think she had any friends here. I have promised her safety though. Which is why I am asking you to watch out for her. <Xarroch> ::nods, smiling:: Then I shall watch her, Meghan. ::thoughtfully:: Is this employer of hers an evil man? <Meghan> ::thinks a moment:: I don't know. I would quickly say yes because I feel that way about anyone who would beat a child such as he did. But I know nothing about him other than that ::sighs:: so I just don't know <Xarroch> ::nods:: It is easy to set a label while knowing little. <Xarroch> Do you know his name? And where I could find him? <Meghan> ::nods again:: Maybe I will ask Jaret to look into it when he returns <Xarroch> ::grins:: I can see to him. At the least I can scare him away from your friend. <Meghan> ::thinks a moment:: I think Michelle said his name was Rufus <Meghan> ::Smiles:: I can imagine you can <Xarroch> Rufus... ::chuckles:: I will find him <Meghan> ::thoughtfully:: I just want to make sure she feels safe going out of the house. <Xarroch> She cannot feel safe until she decides to for herself, Meghan. Having a protector can help, but until you decide that you will not let your fear rule you... then it will. <Meghan> ::smiles nodding at him:: Of course you are right. I want to make her feel as safe as possible today then ::she winks playfully at him:: <Xarroch> ::chuckles:: Then she shall. Would you like me to see her? Or her to see me, rather. <Meghan> ::shakes her head:: If you have not been introduced to her she is likely to be as scared of you. I'll introduce you to her the next time we are all together. <Xarroch> ::grins:: Alright. It would not do for her to be even more afraid. * Meghan nods in agreement <Xarroch> So you have yet to tell me of your journey, little Meg. ::smiles:: How did things progress for you? And what did you learn? <Meghan> ::Sits back and smiles:: It went very well. I learned a lot about my strength. Also about using my abilities for healing. <Meghan> I got to know Kevil very well. ::she flushes slightly:: and MIchelle much better <Xarroch> Tell me of it. I would like to hear. <Xarroch> ::nods:: The are both good people. I learned a bit more of Kevil as we travelled together to find the illithids. <Meghan> Well I never truly thought I had the strength to be an empath. I always thought I had to rely on others, that I could do little on my own. The castle that we traveled to had this ::touches the circlet lightly:: and the only way I could get it was to depend on my own strength <Meghan> As you can see ::she smiles:: I learned that I did have the strength <Xarroch> ::grins:: And you *finally* saw something of your own strength? <Meghan> ::nods to him:: I have a thick head at times, but yes I did. <Xarroch> ::chuckles:: Perhaps now you'll listen to some of your friends when we tell you something, hmm? <Meghan> ::grins:: Perhaps <Xarroch> Well I hope so! <Meghan> ::smiles:: I'll do much better at least <Xarroch> So an insightful journey.. both for yourself, and into the hearts of your friends. That is a good thing. I am learning as well. ::smiles fondly:: <Meghan> oh yes::looks curious:: Do tell <Xarroch> ::laughs:: Getting to know you humans a bit better. Finding something of a purpose for myself again. <Xarroch> Also finding I have things to teach, as well. It is a good feeling. <Meghan> ::smiles wide:: I'm happy for you then <Xarroch> Thank you, my friend. And I am happy for you as well. <Meghan> ::grins and reaches out hugging him gently:: * Xarroch hugs Meghan back gently <Xarroch> I shall go see about making this friend of yours safe, now. And I would like some more details of your journey later, little Meghan. ::smiles:: <Meghan> ::nods to him smiling:: Ok We can talk more later. <Xarroch> Good! ::heads for the door and offers Meghan a large smile as he opens it:: It is good to see you happier. <Xarroch> Be certain you stay that way. <Meghan> ::smiles at him:: good to be happier. ::laughs:: I'll try. Be safe my friend <Xarroch> ::grins fiercely:: Always. * Xarroch exits and closes the door a bit too hard behind him * Meghan laughs and stands at the door watching Xarroch leave Sanriel and Sabrina * Sabrina is sitting quietly at the edge of the bluff looking out over the river * Sanriel carries a fishing pole, a bow-staff, and a pail. He's whistling as he walks along beside the river, staring up into the sky and smiling * Sabrina spots Sanriel and looks surprised to see someone she recognizes. She fights the urge to jump up and run away and curiously watches him * Sanriel breaks into a skip for a few steps, then walks normally again. He brings his gaze down, looking across the river, watching the water move. * Sabrina smiles as she watches him skip. * Sanriel draws closer to Sabrina, then looks in front of himself and notices her, looking a bit surprised, but still smiling <Sanriel> Hello! * Sabrina stands quickly and whispers "Hello" <Sanriel> ::grins:: Speak up a bit, Lady. ::walks closer, looking out at the river again:: Wonderful view out here, isn't it? * Sabrina nods to him her eyes a bit wide. She says nothing <Sanriel> So.. umm... you're the lady from Sealgair's Meadehall, right? * Sabrina nods again and says softly "I was there last night. For a little bit" <Sanriel> ::blushes a little and sits down, readying the fishing pole and baiting the hook:: I wish I could remember what I saw last night... * Sabrina watches him for a moment and then sits next to him her eyes on his hands she whispers "He beat me" <Sabrina> ::softly:: That is most likely what you saw. <Sanriel> ::shudders a little:: Maybe. I can't remember... <Sanriel> ::looks up at Sabrina and blushes again, asking quietly:: Why did you go with him? * Sabrina looks up at Sanriel "I was scared" she looks away "Scared of what he would do to me if I didn't" <Sanriel> but... look at what he *did* do... <Sanriel> Those people there at the Hall. They're so nice. ::smiles a little:: Don't you think they'd help you? <Sanriel> I mean heck.. I can here a stranger. With nothing but my clothes, my dagger, and my bow. <Sanriel> And now... now I'm in a school, I know I'm not going mad, and I'm making some really great new friends. * Sabrina looks at Sanriel with a seriousness beyond her years that makes her look much older than she is "He didn't kill me." She listens to him quietly "It's just all very new to me. The longest conversation I have had with any person that did not involve sex was with Meghan this a afternoon" * Sanriel blushes furiously suddenly * Sabrina looks a bit surprised at his reaction. softly "I'm sorry" <Sanriel> ::coughs a few times and looks hard at the fishing hook:: <Sanriel> New isn't necessarily bad. At least for me it's been pretty darn good. With some of these people.. it can be for you, too. <Sanriel> You just have to accept it. That lady with the strange clothes.. she was about to run that man through. Didn't you see? And Lady Michelle... she was practically begging you to ask for help. * Sabrina nods to him a soft smile coming to her lips "I am beginning to see that i can live my life differently" <Sanriel> Sometimes you have to. I had a good life back home in my village, but... I had to go. And I'm having to learn a lot of new and different stuff. But it looks like it can be pretty good, here. <Sanriel> ::grins:: Certainly some decent fishing around here. * Sabrina nods watching him <Sabrina> ::softly:: I have never fished before <Sanriel> Would you like to try? And speak up a little, I can barely hear you over the water. ::grins and blushes:: * Sanriel offers Sabrina the fishing pole, careful of the hook * Sabrina looks at him a bit surprised and nods taking the pole lightly in her hands. She holds it somewhat awkwardly <Sanriel> ::smiles encouragingly:: more like this... gently. ::adjusts her hands a bit, blushing deeper at the contact:: * Sabrina lets him move her hands also flushing slightly at his touch trying to hold his pole as he instructs <Sanriel> now you just flick it out to the water... careful of the hook, let it fly wide. * Sabrina looks at him and to the pole. softly but a bit louder than before "How?" <Sanriel> here, I'll show you... ::smiling, he takes the pole back:: * Sabrina smiles back at him and watches him closely * Sanriel demonstrates slowly, then faster, easily and smoothly casting the line into the water <Sanriel> It takes a bit of practice, but I didn't really come to get any fish, so feel free to practice a bit... ::offers her the fishing pole again:: * Sabrina takes the pole back and tries to cast it as he did. A bit clumsily at first but after a few tries a bit better. <Sanriel> Better! Here.. let me bait the hook again this time. Then you just sit and hold it, and hope. ::smiles:: * Sabrina grins and nods * Sanriel baits the hook and stands back <Sanriel> Give it a try! * Sabrina casts the hook into the water and sits still holding the pole. She glances at Sanriel "Like this?" <Sanriel> ::grins:: Pretty good. Now just have a seat and wait.. hold the pole up, and with the outer hand higher than the inner, so it won't be jerked away if something bites. * Sabrina does as he instructs and watches the water intently <Sanriel> You don't need to hold quite so tight. Just relax. Enjoy the sky.. the water.... ::lays back and takes a deep breath, holding the bow staff possessively close:: * Sabrina glances over at Sanriel relaxing her grip. She looks at him curiously "What's that? <Sabrina> " <Sanriel> ::smiling and relaxed:: She's my bow. <Sabrina> Oh. ::seems confused:: I didn't know bows had sexes <Sanriel> ::chuckles:: Sort of. I guess when you.. when you develop a relationship with something that's important.. and you fit together just right... ::sighs:: Things can become more than just things, and you work together even better. <Sanriel> That's how I was taught.. and that's what I've come to believe, anyway. * Sabrina looks intently at him "That's beautiful" <Sanriel> ::blushes deeply again:: Umm, thanks. * Sabrina smiles softly at him. She jumps suddenly as the pole moves in her hands. <Sanriel> ahhh! Relax, just hold tighter... don't fight it. Not yet. * Sabrina grips the pole a bit more tightly "What do i do now?" wear himself out. ::grinning:: <Sanriel> Pretty exciting, isn't it? * Sabrina smiles at him a bit wobbly and tries to do as he instructed pulling and letting go in jerky movements <Sanriel> smoother.. he's swimming, so let him swim. The pull a bit, make him change directions, then let him swim again... ::moves closer, watching the line and the pole:: * Sabrina nods trying to smooth her movements some her arms quickly tiring and the pole jerks almost out of her hands <Sanriel> here, it's hard the first time... ::gently takes the pole from Sabrina, blushing suddenly at the contact again:: <Sanriel> You're doing really well for your first time! ::quickly:: * Sanriel expertly plays the fish around for a while * Sabrina gives up the pole easily watching him closely she flushes slightly at his praise * Sanriel eventually pulls the fish in, removing the fish and plopping it into the pail * Sabrina watches in amazement as the fish goes into the pail. She looks up at Sanriel a look of wonder on her face <Sabrina> Now what do you do with it? <Sanriel> ::grins:: That's the gross part. When I get it home, I have to clean it. Get rid of the scales and the innards and stuff. Then I can cook it. * Sabrina grins suddenly. "Will you tell me if it tastes good or not?" <Sanriel> I sure will. I'd offer to save some for you, but fish goes bad pretty quick. And the other students at the school are notorious for snitching bites. ::laughs:: <Sabrina> ::nods:: It's ok. I'm just curious if it will taste good or not. I didn't mean to ask for any. <Sanriel> Well it's fair if you wanted some. You did at least half the work there! Tell you what, though. If you'll show up at the Hall next week, I'll bring you a cleaned fish, and we can see if someone there will cook it, okay? * Sabrina looks a bit surprised at him. She nods "Ok" * Sanriel grins. * Sabrina smiles back at him <Sanriel> So.. are you gonna ask for help, now? And loud enough for people to hear? ::grinning:: * Sabrina flushes and nods slowly "I'm going to try anyways" <Sanriel> ::grins:: Great! * Sabrina smiles back at him <Sanriel> Unfortunately I've got to get back soon for my next reading and writing lesson. ::laughs:: All sorts of new things to get used to... <Sabrina> oh ::stands:: ok. Enjoy your fish. <Sanriel> ::blinks and blushes again:: Oh.. I didn't even ask your name.. or introduce myself! I'm sorry! I'm Sanriel Tailorson. ::offers his hand:: * Sabrina blinks and places hr hand gently in his shaking it lightly "Sabrina" <Sanriel> ::blushes slightly again:: I'm glad to meet you, Sabrina. And you shouldn't be so afraid. There are a lot of wonderful things here. ::smiles brightly:: <Sabrina> ::Smiles at him:: I am learning that ::she flushes softly:: <Sanriel> good! Hope to see you again soon, then.. at the least to give you your fish. * Sabrina nods to him "Have a nice evening" <Sanriel> I will! ::waves as he walks away, smiling and whistling:: * Sabrina watches him go the flush slowly fading from her face |
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