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They leave the house after a good nights rest and travel without incident for a few more days until they come upon a few farms scattered around. After about another half a day's walking a small town appears on the horizon. A noticeable path begins to form and after a bit they begin to pass people every so often and a farm wagon or two. By the middle of their seventh day of walking they reach the small town and are greeted by a gatekeeper who tells them that they are free to stay overnight at the local Inn called the Green Rose. He seems rather friendly and finishes by telling them if there is anything they might need the local innkeeper is knowledgeable of the town and could help them out however they needed. His last words are of warning telling them that if they are to cause any trouble during their stay in the town they will not leave alive. He then leaves them to decide whether to stay in the town or not. <Kevil> ::raises an eyebrow:: Friendly sort of place. <Michelle> You noticed. * Meghan glances at Kevil and then to Michelle. * Michelle shrugs, "It's your quest Meghan. Another night in tents won't kill any of us, but if we're careful we should be able to avoid trouble." <Kevil> ::looks at Meghan:: It is your decision, bright star. * Meghan nods and turns taking a short walk away from them. She stops and bows her head and after a moment she turns back and walks to them. <Meghan> We should stay. At least overnight. <Kevil> ::nods:: As you will. We should try to stay to ourselves, however, if they mistrust strangers so greatly. * Meghan nods to Kevil as she walks into the town. * Michelle follows Meghan, bringing the horses along with her. * Kevil follows Michelle, bringing up the rear watchfully. * Meghan walks down the main road that leads to the middle of the town where there is a small market. There are townspeople selling foods and wares. There are a few smaller roads that lead to the left and right and up to the left there is a sign marking the Green Rose * Meghan stops at a stand looking at a beautiful burgundy scarf. <Kevil> ::amused:: I think we should obtain rooms in the inn before we begin shopping, bright star. * Meghan glances at Kevil and grins * Meghan heads towards the Inn * Michelle follows Meghan to the inn. * Kevil continues to watch protectively from the rear, content to allow Meghan to make any necessary arrangements. * Meghan steps inside the Inn. It looks basically the same as the Hall. Meghan walks up to the bar and talks quietly with the man standing behind it. She returns to Kevil and Michelle. <Meghan> He says there is a stable behind the Inn where we can keep the horses * Kevil nods and lifts the packs with their clothing off the horses. "Michelle, would you like to take care of the horses while I take care of these?" * Michelle grins at Kevil, "I believe you owe me any number of services. You can get the horses stabled." * Michelle picks up her and Kevil's packs, leaving Meghan's for Meghan to carry. * Meghan hands Kevil a key and keeps the other for herself. * Meghan takes her pack and heads towards the stairs leading up to the rooms <Kevil> ::raises his eyebrows in amusement, then bows floridly:: As you command, my gracious Lady. ::He takes the key from Meghan, then leads the horses around the side of the building.:: * Michelle follows Meghan up the stairs. * Meghan goes down the hall a bit and stops at a door. She puts the key in the lock and the door opens easily. She walks in and drops her pack on one of the two beds in the room. * Michelle drops Kevil's pack near the door, and then her own pack next to the other bed. * Meghan sinks down onto the bed next to her pack and leans against it * Michelle stretches, "I wonder how much a bath would cost us." * Meghan glances at her smiling. <Meghan> It would be worth it. * Meghan stands and stretches a bit then walks over to the one small window in the room and glances down at the roof to the stable. * Michelle smiles at Meghan, "Well let's make sure Kevil's settled, and then while he sings for our supper we can enjoy a bath. Unless you want to eat first, in which case we'll offer the first bath to Kevil while I sing for our supper." <Kevil> ::muffled, from the hallway:: Do I hear my name being taken in vain? <Michelle> Nothing vain about it Kevil, unless you're planning on wearing your holiday clothes this evening. * Meghan nods to Michelle and goes to the door taking Kevil's bag and opening the door holding it to him. * Kevil chuckles and takes his bag. "Thank you. And the plan is...?" * Michelle looks to Meghan. <Meghan> ::Smiles to him:: do you want a bath first or food first? <Kevil> ::drawls like a spoiled nobleman:: What? I'm not to be served my dinner in the bath? * Meghan shakes her head * Michelle giggles, "I don't think our purses are that deep Kevil." * Meghan raises her eyebrow to him "Unless of course you want me to" said teasingly. <Kevil> You mean.. this *isn't* the luxury tour? ::looks around himself bewilderedly:: * Michelle shakes her head a smile on her lips. <Kevil> ::raises his eyebrow at Meghan in return:: Lady, be careful what you offer lest you be taken up on it. Alas, we promised the good guardsman to avoid trouble on our stay. * Meghan smiles and nods resisting the urge to continue the conversation with him. "So Kevil which will it be?" <Kevil> ::he grins:: I shall bespeak baths of our innkeeper, and arrange meals while you ladies bathe, if that will be acceptable? * Meghan glances to Michelle * Kevil heads back down the stairs. <Michelle> Fine by me. Means I can get to bed early. * Michelle starts going through her pack, pulling out her bath things along with a clean change of clothes. * Meghan goes through her own bag taking a fresh change of clothes and her bath things. * Kevil comes back upstairs to direct the ladies to the bathing room, then ducks into his room to freshen up for dinner. * Meghan leaves with her things and heads to the bathing room. * Michelle follows Meghan to the bathing room, softly humming to herself. * Meghan takes her bath quickly but enjoying every moment. She changes into clean clothes and heads down to the bar. * Michelle follows Meghan's example and enters the common room a few minutes after Meghan. * Kevil is sitting in the common room, dining on bread and stew. He smiles as Meghan comes down and waves to a seat at the table. * Meghan goes to where Kevil is sitting and sits next to him. * Michelle takes a seat opposite Kevil and signals a barmaid for two more orders. <Kevil> It is good to rest after some time on the road, d'va? ::he smiles and takes a deep drink of dark brown ale:: * Meghan nods to him. <Meghan> Wait till you take a bath ::she grins at him:: <Michelle> Agreed. <Kevil> ::laughs:: Am I so offensive? * Michelle looks around the common room, "Do you think these people would enjoy some song, or do you think it would be safer not to draw attention to ourselves?" * Meghan winks at him. * Michelle giggles at Kevil, "No, but tomorrow morning you will be." * Meghan glances around at the few patrons in the bar. <Meghan> I don't think anyone will be that interested Michelle. <Kevil> Ah, well then, bright star, I shall endeavor not to offend your person come the day. <Kevil> ::grins at Michelle:: All folk enjoy song. But given the gate guard's warning, it might be best to remain quiet. * Meghan shakes her head placing her hand on his arm. "Kevil you would never offend me." * Meghan begins to eat the food the barmaid has just left on the table and drinks some of the water left for her. <Kevil> 'Tis gracious of you to say so. But perhaps I should endeavor to not... push it, yes? ::he grins and stands:: Ladies. * Michelle raises an eyebrow at Meghan, then gestures for the barmaid again, "Beer for my companion please." Gestures to Meghan. * Meghan glances at Michelle a bit surprised. * Michelle smiles at Kevil, "You don't have to go rushing off Kevil. Just make certain you get a bath before you go to sleep tonight." <Meghan> I don't think drinking beer is a good idea Michelle <Meghan> ::glances at Kevil:: But you will take me shopping yes? After you bath before bed? * Michelle lowers her voice so it can't be heard at the other tables, "We don't know if the water here is safe to drink. Besides, unlike on our world, the beer here still has lots of protein and carbohydrates in it. It's surprisingly nutritious." <Kevil> I will return, yes. I wish only to be sure my bath is uninterrupted by other custom, as well as good and warm. I only bathe in cold water if it is fresh in the stream. ::smiles, bows to the ladies, and departs:: * Meghan nods to Michelle "Ok I trust you would know best." * Michelle smiles at Meghan, "Not that you should over do it of course. The alcohol is still bad. But the alcohol won't have nearly the effects that coming down with something from bad water will." * Meghan nods to her and continues eating. * Michelle starts in on her own supper. * Meghan finishes and sits back in her chair looking out the window at the sun setting. * Kevil is gone for close to an hour, but eventually returns down the stairs. He has changed into clean clothes, and his hair is still damp from the bath. His bronze skin has a ruddy cast where he has scrubbed himself nearly raw, and his smile is more relaxed than it has been for days. "Ah, civilization!" * Meghan smiles at Kevil. <Meghan> Feel better? <Kevil> Much. ::looks out the window:: Do you know if there is a night market here? Or shall I promise to take you shopping tomorrow? * Meghan stands. <Meghan> We could at least go for a walk and look. Still a bit of time before it gets dark I think. * Meghan glances to Michelle. <Meghan> Come to? <Michelle> Sure. ::Michelle stands and follows Meghan and Kevil to the door:: <Kevil> ::offers an arm to each lady:: Where shall we stroll first? * Meghan walks out to the street her arm resting on Kevil's. There are still a few stands open but not quite as many as before. Most of the food stands are closed. * Michelle takes Kevil's other arm, "Well don't you look like the cat's meow?" <Kevil> ::blinks at Michelle:: The cat's meow, Lady? I fear it is a phrase out of my understanding. * Meghan walks past the stand where the scarf is and touches it lightly, the man behind the stand telling her how beautiful it will look on her and how much it is. She smiles at him but shakes her head and looks around at the other stands * Michelle smiles at Kevil, "It just means that you look very proud of yourself. As you should when you have a beautiful woman on each arm." <Kevil> Ah, I see! ::he grins:: Yes, I am certainly to be envied! * Meghan smiles to them and lest go of Kevil's arm to walk over to a stand showing jewelry. * Kevil keeps a wary eye on Meghan, but doesn't follow her. * Meghan looks at a few of the things and shares a few words with the woman at the stand and then wanders back to Michelle and Kevil. <Kevil> ::smiles at Meghan:: Are you finding anything interesting? * Michelle begins to poke around in the stalls herself, spending several minutes in conversation with a woman selling fabric. * Meghan smiles to him "Maybe." <Meghan> ::looks over at Michelle and back to Kevil:: Were you going to look at anything or just stand there looking nice. <Kevil> ::grins mischievously:: Perhaps I will only stroll up and down the street cleaning my whiskers. * Meghan laughs softly * Michelle finishes her conversation, purchasing several squares of cloth and moving on to the other stalls. A few more of the stands close as the sun sets and a warm twilight settles over the quiet town. <Kevil> ::to Meghan:: Do we linger in this place long, bright star, or leave with the dawning? * Michelle rejoins Kevil and Meghan, "So did either of you find anything?" <Meghan> I think we should not stay to long. ::her voice soft:: there does seem to be a false sense of kindness here. <Kevil> ::grins at Michelle:: Any number of things, but none so fine as the beauty on my arms. <Meghan> ::Smiles to Michelle:: Nothing I couldn't live without. <Kevil> ::nods to Meghan:: In that case, perhaps you two should go back to the inn, and I will endeavor to replace some of the foodstuffs we have used up? * Meghan nods to him and turns to Michelle. <Meghan> Are you done or did you want to look at anything else? * Michelle gently hits Kevil's arm, "Keep that up and you might never be rid of us." <Kevil> ::chuckles:: <Meghan> ::laughs: * Michelle turns to Meghan, "I'm done. Let's go and get some sleep in soft, warm beds. I for one will not miss the trail tonight." * Meghan nods to her. <Meghan> I agree. * Kevil watches the ladies as they head back toward the inn until they are well and safely out of sight, then turns back to the swiftly-closing market stalls. * Meghan goes back to the Inn and up to her room. * Michelle follows Meghan up to the room, placing her purchases in her pack. * Meghan sits on her bed pulling her feet up under her and leaning back against the wall sighing softly. <Michelle> Something the matter Meghan? * Meghan glances at her and smiles shaking her head. <Meghan> Just more tired than I expected I would be is all. * Michelle lays a long flannel nightgown out on the bed, but raises an eyebrow at Meghan's comment, "Are you sure?" * Meghan nods slowly to her and then looks away out the window and whispers softly "I miss Val" She sighs again and pulls up her knees resting her head on them. * Michelle walks over and sits down next to Meghan and hugs her, "Do you want to talk about it?" * Meghan shrugs. <Meghan> Not much to talk about. I have seen him almost every day since I got here. I miss his voice ::she pauses and smiles lightly:: and his smile * Meghan sighs again leaning against Michelle * Michelle sighs, "Meghan, it'll be easier if you don't think about him so much. Let's try one of those exercises I've been trying to teach you as long as we're in a town. Humans are easier to sense than animals." * Meghan nods to her. * Michelle continues to hold Meghan and speaks softly to her, "Just close your eyes and relax. Just like I taught you. Take a deep breath and relax. Breath. Relax." * Meghan closes her eyes and steadies her breathing her body relaxing in Michelle's arms. <Michelle> Now open up with your senses...Expand your mind until it includes both of us. <Michelle> What am I feeling Meghan? * Meghan slowly lets her mind widen until she can feel Michelle's feelings lightly on the edge of her mind, and then after a few more moments completely * Meghan smiles softly and whispers "Very motherly." * Michelle smiles, "Now expand your mind further. Expand until it encompasses the people downstairs." * Meghan nods and very slowly lets her mind open further to encompass the patrons at the bar and tables <Meghan> ::softly:: There's a man who is very worried about something. <Michelle> Anything else? * Meghan softly shakes her head "Happiness sadness, that's about all that I can tell" <Michelle> Alright. Now expand your mind until you find Kevil. * Meghan nods <Michelle> What's he feeling? * Meghan lets her mind open to outside the Inn. It reaches the few people left at the market and after a few minutes lightly touches Kevil's mind. * Meghan frowns slightly and says softly "He seems happy, but also frustrated" * Meghan opens her eyes looking at Michelle at the same moment her mind closes back up and she loses the feeling of all those she has just touched. <Meghan> Do you think he is ok? <Michelle> Feeling any better? * Meghan nods a bit. * Michelle smiles at Meghan, "I wouldn't know for certain without spying on him, but I suspect he's probably haggling with someone." * Meghan nods. <Meghan> Yes probably. * Meghan smiles at Michelle. <Meghan> I do feel better. Thank you for that. * Michelle hugs Meghan again, "Why don't we get changed, and then I'll brush your hair out and we can go to bed?" <Michelle> Remember, the trick is to keep your own emotions separated from everyone else's. * Meghan nods to her and gets up going to her pack and taking out her nightgown <Meghan> I am learning that. * Michelle changes into her own nightgown then pulls out a brush and sits down on Meghan's bed so she can brush out Meghan's hair. * Meghan changes and goes to sit in front of Michelle. * Michelle brushes out Meghan's hair, "Anything else you want to talk about?" <Meghan> No that I can think of ::smiles softly:: * Michelle finishes brushing out Meghan's hair and stands up, "Alright then, to bed with you." * Michelle pulls the covers back for Meghan. * Meghan slips under the covers smiling up at Michelle * Michelle tucks Meghan in and kisses her forehead, "Sweet dreams little sister." * Michelle dims the lamp and goes to bed herself. * Kevil returns some time after the ladies are asleep and crawls into bed, himself. He falls asleep instantly and sleeps until false dawn. When Meghan and Michelle awaken in the morning they each discover a package on top of their packs. In the packages are scarves. Meghan's is burgundy woven with gold thread, though far finer fabric than the one she had seen the previous day. Michelle's is made of the same fabric but is blue with silver thread. * Kevil is up well before dawn. He is sitting at a table in the corner of the common room, staring vacantly out the window and humming quietly something with a sharp, foreign tone. He repeats the same few musical notes over and over, altering them slightly, tasting their feel. Every so often, he smiles and jots a note on a scrap of parchment by his hand. * Meghan wakes just before dawn the next morning. She gets up quietly as not to wake Michelle. Curiously she takes the package from the top of her pack and smiles softly upon opening it at the beautiful scarf. She quickly dresses and slips from the room walking downstairs to the common room. * Meghan smiles seeing Kevil and shakes her head slightly walking up to him * Kevil is so absorbed in his music that he doesn't notice Meghan until she is nearly upon him. He jumps slightly, then smiles as his eyes meet hers. "Bright star, I did not see you! You are up early." <Meghan> ::smiles at him:: Sorry to startle you Kevil. I'm am surprised to see you up this early as well given your night travels ::she grins touching the scarf than hangs around her neck:: <Kevil> ::he grins:: I'm glad you like it. Is Michelle up? Did she find hers? <Meghan> ::shakes her head:: no she is still sleeping, but I imagine she will be please as much as I was. I was going to take a short walk if you would like to join me? * Kevil nods. He folds his notes and tucks them into a pouch on his belt, then stands. "Your wish guides me as always, bright star." * Meghan grins at him and walks out into the predawn. It is slightly misty but there is a touch of warmth in the air. There are a few people out doing morning chores but it is mostly quiet in the small town. * Kevil follows her out and, as always, offers his arm. "Where is it you wish to go?" His voice is hushed in the pale light and mist of dawn. * Meghan slips her arm through his <Meghan> ::softly:: I was thinking just outside the town. :she begins to head in that direction and soon they are just past the entrance to the town. The land around is flat with the forest they had just passed through ahead of them. The mist hugs the ground and swirls with the light breeze:: * Kevil doesn't talk much until they are into the forest. Every so often, he'll hum a few notes of the song he was working on before, and then stop, grinning ruefully. <Meghan> I love this time of day. ::Smiles up at him:: New song? <Kevil> ::nods:: I met another traveler last night, after you had gone to bed. She had a fascinating story to tell, and gave me her permission to attempt to craft a song for it. <Kevil> ::he grins:: One of my teachers once called composition the "songforge" - she said it was... to be used while still hot, d'va? <Meghan> Ahh how nice. I look forward to ::she pauses frowning:: <Kevil> ::looks at her:: What is it? * Meghan looks at him a moment her face filled with concern. "Something filled with very," she pauses and looks around until looking forward again and she nods in that general direction. "It's there, and it knows we are here I think." At the same moment a horse looking beast steps from the mist about 30 feet in front of them. * Kevil tenses as the horse-beast appears, taking half a step sideways into a defensive and protective stance. The horse easily towers over both people. It is midnight black and has a silver/gray mane and tail. It also has a silver horn in the middle of it's head about 2 feet from base to tip. The beast snorts and nods but does not advance on them * Meghan does not move but simply stares at the unicorn * Kevil eyes the unicorn for a moment, then releases Meghan's hand. He bows deeply to the creature, then steps back until the path is clear. * Meghan follows Kevil's moves and watches as the unicorn moves to walk past them. It stops as it reaches them and turns gazing for a long moment at both of them. It turns slightly and bows it's head the tip of it's horn touching the stone that hangs from Meghan's neck causing it to warm and Meghan smiles. The unicorn stands and give a long last gaze at Kevil before moving on into the morning mist. * Kevil holds his breath for a long moment after the unicorn passes, then lets it out with an awe-inspired sigh. "Lady's blessing," he whispers. * Meghan turns to Kevil a huge grin on her face and hugs him suddenly <Kevil> ::smiles and returns the hug, but says nothing:: * Meghan steps back and turns looking in the direction the unicorn went <Meghan> He spoke to me. How amazing <Kevil> Did he? What did he say? <Meghan> ::turns back:: He told me he was aware of my journey. That I would meet him again before it was over. To be looking for him in my deepest time of need ::she frowns slightly:: Humm I guess I should be worried about that <Kevil> ::He recites something in his own language that has the cadence of a proverb, then translates:: Worry not for the future, bright star - the present cares are enough. * Meghan nods to him <Meghan> He also told me that you had better watch out for me or he'll have words with you the next time you meet. ::she winks at him and then turns back looking where the unicorn went and whispers:: how amazing <Kevil> ::chuckles:: A needless word, I assure you, Lady. More watchful I could not be without standing over your bed each night. <Meghan> ::turns and smiles to him:: And you don't? <Kevil> ::raises an eyebrow:: I have been told it is rude to watch a lady sleeping, unless she is your lover, your sister, or your patient. ::he grins:: Besides, I trust Lady Michelle equal to the task. * Meghan smiles and steps back to him slipping her arm through his once more <Meghan> Between you and Michelle one would think me unable to take care of myself <Kevil> ::he chuckles:: We have been charged with your safety. I hope you do not resent us for taking such a charge seriously. Besides, I have seen that you are not an experienced traveler - better too much care be taken, than not enough, d'va? <Meghan> ::nods to him:: very true. I was mostly being playful. I'm very grateful to have you and Michelle along. I can not think of more pleasant people to travel with. <Kevil> ::he smiles:: You are too kind, bright star. <Meghan> ::returns his smile:: Simply telling the truth. Should we head back? * Kevil glances at the light filtering through the trees. "I think so. I should hate to distress Lady Michelle with unexplained absence, and I yearn to see if my poor gift pleases her as much as it did you." <Meghan> ::looks up at him:: Kevil it's a very beautiful gift, and very kind of you ::she leans up and kisses his cheek lightly:: She will love it as much as I do. <Kevil> ::he grins:: I am pleased. I enjoy giving gifts to my friends, yes? * Meghan smiles at him and nods turning and begins walking back towards the town <Meghan> I wish I had something to give in return <Kevil> Ah, but your smile is enough. <Meghan> ::grins at him:: You flatter me <Kevil> ::nods, grinning:: But of course. Did your mother never tell you to beware of bards? <Meghan> ::laughs:: Umm no I don't think she ever anticipated me running into one. <Kevil> No? Ah, you see, bright star, the things you must yet be protected from? ::he chuckles:: I should warn you myself, but perhaps it is a speech best delivered by Lady Michelle. <Meghan> I'll try to remember to ask her for that one ::laughs softly:: <Meghan> So tell me about this traveler you are writing a song for. Someone you know? or just met? <Kevil> ::he shakes his head:: I only met her last night, and I do not think we will meet again. She travels south. <Meghan> ::nods:: You never know. We will be going back south eventually * Meghan stops and watches as the sun peeks over the horizon. She stops and turns to gaze at the beautiful sunrise <Kevil> ::chuckles:: True. She did not say where she was bound. But she goes for a brief visit only, I believe, so... ::he shrugs:: Strangers chance-met. Only the gods know if we shall meet again. But her song is worth the singing. * Meghan smiles at him <Meghan> She should be honored that such a beautiful voice is singing it <Kevil> ::he chuckles:: Well, I didn't sing for her, so she does not know. But I hope the song itself one day reaches her ears. <Kevil> Ah, well. Perhaps our quest will have a song in it, as well, d'va? <Meghan> ::nods:: I do hope so * Meghan turns her face to the sunlight and closes her eyes letting the suns first rays soak into her skin <Kevil> ::smiles at her for a moment, then gestures at the inn:: Come. If you will roust Lady Michelle and arrange for breakfast, I will see to the horses. * Meghan turns and nods to him walking back towards the Inn * Meghan smiles as she watches Kevil walk towards the stable then she walks into the Inn to get Michelle and breakfast |
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