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::The coach pulls up to a tall building, rectangular and flat, except for a small porch supported by simple columns. A bronze statue stands in front, of Nacheyla, child in one arm, sword in the other:: * Kevil climbs out of the coach and offers Loria his hand to help her down. His eye keeps being drawn back toward the statue... He's obviously trying not to laugh. <Loria>::taking a deep breath:: We're here. ::glances at him:: What? <Kevil>::looks at Loria, then glances back at the statue:: Oh... Having met her in person *first*, that seems a little... overdone, is all. <Loria>::shaking her head:: Get a grip on yourself, my heart. You haven't seen anything yet... <Kevil>::forces his face into something a little less obviously amused:: Lead on, n'shava. <Loria>::hopping down from the carriage, her long pale blue gown sweeping the ground elegantly:: <Greyson> ::an elderly man with a long silver beard comes out of the house:: Loria, my dear child, how good to see you again. * Kevil has dressed, for this final day of travel, entirely in black, relieved only by a small white rose at the throat of his shirt. He hands Loria out of the carriage, and turns to face the man greeting her. <Loria>::curtsies gracefully:: Saint Greyson... ::she takes his hand and kisses a large ring on his index finger:: <Greyson> ::laying one hand on Loria's head:: Her blessings on you, Child. <Loria>::standing:: Thank you. Saint Greyson, may I introduce you to my betrothed, Master Bard Kevil Talarin. Kevil, this is Saint Greyson, the thirteenth. * Kevil bows elegantly and deeply. "My Lord, I have heard so many good things of you, I am delighted to make your acquaintance at last." * Greyson pauses a moment, eying Kevil closely, his pale blue eyes widening upon seeing the glittering sun on Kevil's forehead. He bows to Kevil with profound respect. "An honor, Master Bard." <Kevil>::Kevil's hand, still on Loria's elbow, twitches slightly as he restrains the urge to rub at the mark on his forehead again:: <Polla> ::a young girl, her pale blonde hair swept into a casual ponytail at the back of her head:: Lorie! Lorie! <Kevil>::breaks into an unconscious smile at the girl's enthusiasm:: <Greyson> I see your sister couldn't be restrained... ::he turns to Kevil:: If you'll follow me, I have rooms set up for you. You can settle your things, if you like. * Loria smiles, squatting slightly to embrace the girl. "Polla, you keep getting taller. Kevil, my youngest sister, Polla. Polla, this is my betrothed, Kevil Talarin." * Kevil smiles at Polla, then offers her a sweeping bow. "An honor indeed, my Lady." * Polla stops short, looking up at Kevil with wide eyes. <Kevil>::turns back to Greyson:: Thank you, my Lord. ::he picks up the bags from the ground where the coach driver had dropped them, and nods to Loria:: I will see us settled, n'shava, while you visit with your sister, d'va? <Loria>::nodding:: Thank you. ::she turns back to Polla:: <Greyson> ::leading Kevil into the large house, almost a fortress:: This way, Master Bard. ::slyly:: I took the liberty of giving you adjoining rooms. ::hands him a small silver key:: <Kevil>::laughs softly as he tucks the key into a pocket:: Thank you, my Lord. I am certain Loria will be comforted to know that - should need arise - she need only call for assistance. <Greyson> ::the rooms are plain, almost sparse, with only a few pieces of furniture:: Here you are. And Loria's rooms are just there ::indicates a narrow door near the rear of the room:: Do you require anything? * Kevil sets both bags on the floor and looks around the room briefly, then turns back to Greyson. "No, thank you my Lord. Loria will find her way here, or should I go and lead her back?" <Greyson> She should be able to find it. As a child, she used to spend a lot of time in the library... The Blessed Mother's home was often her sanctuary... <Kevil>::jaw tightens briefly, then he nods:: I understand. ::he bows:: Thank you, my Lord. I will wait for Loria, unless you require my assistance? <Greyson> ::laying a hand on Kevil's arm:: Be at peace, Master Bard. Loria is obviously come into her own, and I, for one, rejoice to see it. ::his eyes twinkle merrily:: <Kevil>::smiles:: Loria's happiness is my own, my Lord. I only wish she had not such a hard road to reach it. ::his smile turns wistful for a brief moment, then he puts his own hand over Greyson's:: I am glad to know she has such a good friend. * Loria comes down the hallway, Polla at her elbow, enthusing over Loria's gown. <Kevil>::glances up as Loria and Polla come down the hall and smiles a little more genuinely:: <Greyson> ::nodding:: Then I shall leave you and her to get on with your calls. When she is rested, send her to me, for we have matters of the spirit to discuss. <Kevil>::nods:: Of course, my Lord. * Greyson exits, his pale gold robes swirling around his skinny legs. <Loria>::enters a moment later:: Ah, here you are, my heart... could you dig the Turnip's gift out? She won't stop pestering me. <Polla> ::sulking:: I am *not* a Turnip. <Kevil>::laughs and picks up one of the bags:: No? ::he eyes Polla carefully:: You are certain of this? <Polla> ::bouncing around, trying to peek in the bag:: I'm pretty sure... <Kevil>::grins at the girl's obvious impatience, and begins a careful, leisurely search through the bag:: With all that jumping... perhaps a Flea. ::he glances up and winks at Loria:: <Loria>::ruffling Polla's hair:: Perhaps a Rabbit... fleas aren't very cuddly. <Polla> ::hopefully:: Rabbits are cute. ::looks up at Kevil with wide eyes:: <Kevil>::eyes Polla critically:: Hmm... All that, and cuddlesome too? ::he grins and turns over the wrapped gift in his hands:: <Polla> ::eying her gift impatiently:: Definitely... ::bats her eyelashes at Kevil with exaggerated cuteness:: <Kevil>::laughs and hands it to her:: All right, rabbit. <Loria>::hooking her arm around Kevil's waist:: Go bat your eyelashes at someone else, Polla... this one's mine. <Polla> ::unwrapping her gift:: Oh, I've already picked one out. ::she grins:: <Kevil>But do not expect me to intercede with your brother to change from Turnip. ::he slides his arm around Loria:: <Polla> ::squealing with delight, she pulls out the dark green silk, a good color for the girl:: Oh, this is beautiful, Lorie... thank you. <Loria>::curiously:: So, who are you planning to marry, Rabbit? <Kevil>::smiles at the girl's enthusiasm, then turns back to the bag, unpacking his things and setting them carefully on the bed as he listens:: <Polla> ::holding the fabric under her chin:: Finn... ::she turns:: You think I could get a dress made, like yours? <Loria>::blinking in surprise:: You're still stuck on Kristo's mage friend? <Kevil>::glances up and grins, looking back down quickly to hide the smile from Polla:: <Polla> ::sticks her tongue out at Loria:: He just thinks I'm too young. I'll get a nice dress like yours and I'll be all grown up... <Loria>::sighing, tugging lightly on Polla's ponytail:: If only it were that easy... Shall we go see everyone else? * Kevil brushes some imaginary dust off his sleeve. "Are we presentable enough, n'shava?" He smiles at Loria. <Loria>::kissing Kevil's cheek:: You look wonderful, as always. <Kevil>Thank you. ::kisses the top of Loria's head:: A mere backdrop against which you may shine the brighter, raindrop. <Polla> ::looking a bit envious:: Well, come on then... * Kevil winks at Loria as he takes her arm to follow Polla. * Loria follows behind, almost hesitantly. She chews her bottom lip a bit nervously. ::The main lane of the village becomes congested with people, as the villagers stop what they're doing to nudge each other and whisper as Loria and Kevil walk down the street:: <Loria>::clutches Kevil's arm slightly tighter, she takes a deep breath, lifting her chin imperiously:: {I have sung in front of the elven diplomat. I am not afraid of a few townsfolk.} * Kevil looks around casually, nodding to people in a friendly-stranger sort of way, moving with confident grace. He puts his free hand over Loria's where it rests on his arm. {They are struck dumb with your beauty, n'shava. You must forgive them their impudence.} He glances down at her and sneaks her a wink. <Kevil>::somewhat more seriously:: {I will tolerate no abuse of you, n'shava. It will be well.} <Loria>::nodding:: {I know, my love. Try not to break too many heads.} ::she smiles graciously at a few older women who are waving at her:: <Kevil>::grins:: {Only because you ask it.} ::he nods to the same women with his most charming smile:: <Myralynn> ::a middle aged woman with thick grey hair comes out of a farmhouse, wiping her hands on her apron. Her resemblance to Loria is obvious, particularly around the eyes:: * Kevil releases Loria's arm to allow her to greet her mother. <Myralynn> ::hesitantly:: Loria? ::she eyes her daughter with some confusion:: <Loria>::tearfully:: Mother... I've come home. ::she wrings her hands together uncertainly:: <Kevil>::puts a comforting hand on Loria's shoulder:: <Myralynn> ::nodding:: I see... ::almost reaches a hand out, then drops it again:: Would you like to come in? * Kevil takes a breath as if to speak, then lets it out again without saying anything. <Loria>::catching her mother's elbow:: Mother... I'd like you to meet my betrothed, Master Bard Kevil Talarin. * Kevil offers Myralynn a polite bow. "Madam, I am honored to meet you." <Myralynn> ::curtseying:: Thank you, Master Bard. Do come in, I've got luncheon spread. <Kevil>Thank you, Madam. ::he glances at Loria and gives her a quick, sympathetic smile:: {Chin up, n'shava...} <Bess> ::a woman, perhaps seven years older then Loria, comes out of the house, a small child clinging to her leg:: Ah, there you are, Mama... Da' was getting impatient. ::she glances at Loria and almost contemptuously looks away:: * Kevil tightens his jaw at the woman's rudeness, and looks at Loria with a raised eyebrow. <Loria>::in a low voice:: My father's heir, Bess. ::following her mother:: <Kevil>::snorts contemptuously, if quietly:: <Bess> ::out of the corner of her mouth as Loria enters the house:: Well, well, little Loria... did you have to rob the graveyard to get a man? ::she smirks, then retreats to the right side of her father:: * Kevil breezes past Bess as if she is invisible to him. * Loria clenches her jaw and says nothing, refusing to react. Instead she turns to another woman. "Winnie... you're looking well." <Winnie> ::a sturdy looking woman with nimble looking fingers:: It's good to see you, Lor. Somehow, the weaving all seems to take so much longer with you gone. * Kevil relaxes a fraction, and offers Winnie a smile. <Winnie> ::very quietly:: Da's... ::biting her lip, she pulls her sister aside:: Da's not going to see you, Lor. I'm sorry. * Loria blinks, looking puzzled. "What do you mean, Winsra?" * Kevil puts his hands on Loria's shoulders lightly, frowning at Winnie. <Winnie> ::giving a helpless half-shrug:: He's furious. He's... well, Mama and I tried to talk to him, but he won't listen. <Rostell> ::at the table, Rostell sits, filling his plate and talking in a gruff voice to Bess about some of the herds:: <Kevil>::voice quiet and cold:: What has he to be furious about, if I may ask? <Winnie> ::looking up at Kevil:: I don't know, rightly. He seems to think she's... well... disrespectful. Go ahead and sit down, have some food. Mama and I will talk to you, you know ::squeezing her sister's hand:: Kristo told me you're all healed now. I'm glad for you. <Loria>::paling a bit:: Well, not that he ever talked to me anyway. It doesn't matter. ::smiling at Winnie:: * Kevil tightens his hands on Loria's shoulders. "No." <Kevil>::In a firm voice easily audible by those at the table:: N'shava, we are leaving. We have obviously come into the wrong house. ::his voice becomes sharp and as cold as the winter wind:: No true father could be anything but overjoyed at his daughter's happiness and success; no true family could be anything but honored by one such as you. <Kevil>::glances at Myralynn:: Madam, I thank you for your offer of hospitality, but we may not accept. ::he looks at Winnie, and offers her a half-smile:: Please, do come and see us in town, and we will host you there as well we might. ::he glances at Rostell and Bess, his voice cold again:: Our doors are always open to... true kin. <Myralynn> ::gasping, she puts a trembling hand to her mouth:: * Loria goes to her mother's side, taking Myralynn's hand and pressing it to her cheek. "I'm sorry, Mama... but he's right." Standing up, she looks at her father. "This is not my home. It never was." * Kevil stands by the door, holding it open for Loria, his face fixed as if carved in stone. * Rostell's expression tightens, but he carries on his conversation with Bess, as if he heard nothing. Bess, almost gleeful in her malice, speaks to her father in bright tones. * Loria hugs and kisses her other two sisters quickly. "Do, come visit while we're here." <Loria>::setting her chin:: Goodbye, Father. ::she turns and walks out of the house:: * Kevil follows Loria closely, not speaking. When he takes her arm, his hands are trembling with rage. * Loria strides across the yard, almost running. "Bastard... heartless... " <Kevil>::walks in utter silence:: <Loria>::stalks off through a field, her hands balled into fists. She leads the way across a gently rolling meadow and down to a small creek. Just to one side of a small wooden floodgate, she stops, her eyes sad:: * Kevil glances back toward the house, then takes a deep breath, releasing it slowly. * Loria shudders all over, her gown rustling as if in a stiff breeze as she looks at the creek. * Kevil puts his hands on Loria's shoulders again. They are still shaking minutely, but he carefully pulls her close. "I... am sorry, n'shava." His voice is tight. <Loria>::in a flat voice:: No. <Kevil>...No. ::he almost smiles:: I am not sorry. But I had hoped things would go better, and I am sorry they did not. * Polla moves carefully down the hill, her face a mirror of her concern. "Lorie... Lorie... " She looks around. "What are you doing *here*?" * Loria trembles, falling to her knees in the soft bank of the creek. She opens her mouth to say something and starts to weep, great ragged sobs. <Kevil>::turns at Polla's voice, and suddenly the anger in him evaporates, and he sighs, suddenly tired:: Rabbit... ::he starts to say more, then drops beside Loria and takes her carefully into his arms:: N'shava... <Polla>::anxiously:: Lorie... Lorie you shouldn't be here... ::pats her sister awkwardly on the shoulder:: <Kevil>::gently strokes Loria's hair:: Of course not, Rabbit. She should be in your parents' house, enjoying their welcome. ::he looks up at Polla seriously:: Failing that, where else should she be? <Polla>::gesturing at the area:: This is where she fell... this is a bad place for her... ::tugging at Kevil's sleeve, she frowns uneasily:: * Loria clings to Kevil, nearly blinded by her tears. <Kevil>::looks around, then looks back at Polla for a long moment:: <Polla>::her own voice trembling:: Please... Master Talarin... this is a bad place... ::plucking at his shirt, she tries to pull him away from the creek:: Bring her... <Kevil>::sighs and nods:: All right. ::he lifts Loria carefully, cradling her against him as he stands:: Take us someplace else, then. Someplace quiet and hidden. <Polla>::nodding, leading the way:: I know where the Escape lets out... this way. * Kevil follows Polla with a careful but ground-eating stride. * Polla leads them to a tallish oak tree, then, jumping up, she grabs a branch, pulling it down and revealing a secret passage through the trunk of the oak. <Kevil>::blinks, surprised:: This goes where, Rabbit? <Polla>::smiling, pleased with herself:: Back to the Blessed Mother's home. The wine-cellar. I'll go, unless... ::glances at her sister:: Unless you'd rather I stayed? <Kevil>::smiles faintly at Polla:: Bless you, Rabbit... ::he looks down at the sobbing Loria, and shakes his head:: I think you should stay, this time, unless I will need a guide. She will need time to recover, d'va? <Polla>::in a quiet voice:: I love her, too. ::she looks up at Kevil, wiping her eyes:: I'll stop by and visit later. ::kisses his cheek:: Take care of her. ::she turns and dashes off through the woods:: * Kevil watches Polla run off, then ducks into the tunnel. ::The tunnel, fairly wide, twists underground for a while, before coming up in a damp, chilly wine cellar:: * Kevil looks around the cellar as he emerges, searching for the door or stair out. ::Near the base of the stairs is a bottle of wine, a 1264, with two glasses. A scrap of parchment reads only "I'm sorry. - N":: <Kevil>::makes a face, then carefully sits on the stairs, cradling Loria in his lap:: N'shava... My love... Shh... ::he rocks her slowly, stroking her hair:: <Loria>::pulling at her hair:: I'm sorry... I thought... ::she bites her lip:: I thought I was ready. <Kevil>Shh... ::he carefully takes her wrist and pulls her hand away from hurting herself, smoothing the hair she's abused:: There is no such thing as "ready" for such a thing, n'shava... <Nacheyla> ::there is a slight shimmer in the basement and Nacheyla steps out of it. Her face is set, her eyes blazing:: * Kevil looks up at meets Nacheyla's eyes, his own sparking with rekindled anger, though his voice to Loria remains soothing and quiet. <Nacheyla>::moving with fluid grace, her body untouched by signs of pregnancy:: I'm sorry, Child... ::she reaches down, laying a hand on Loria's shoulder:: I should have been here sooner. <Loria>::her eyes wide with awe:: Blessed Mother... <Nacheyla>::almost apologetically to Kevil:: Take the wine... I'll be back shortly. ::she stalks up the stairs:: * Kevil nods, and leans to pick up the wine bottle and the glasses. He balances them all in one hand, then offers the other to Loria. "Come, n'shava - let us go somewhere more comfortable than a cold cellar." <Loria>::nodding, she gets to her feet, her eyes still awed:: She came here... for me? <Kevil>::smiles slightly as he leads them up the stairs:: She loves you, Loria. <Nacheyla>::as they climb the stairs, there is an ominous rumble of thunder:: <Loria>::looks slightly worried:: I hope She doesn't hurt him... <Kevil>::squeezes Loria's hand:: She loves him, too, Loria. <Nacheyla>::several enormous bolts of lightening strike the ground in rapid succession, the thunder crashing over the small village:: * Kevil leads Loria into his room, and makes sure she's seated comfortably. He opens the bottle of wine and pours them each a generous glass, spilling a little when he jumps over the last, most impressive lightning bolt. He offers one glass to Loria. * Loria gasps suddenly, her face paling. "Blessed Mother... NO... " She knocks her wine glass over in her haste to leave the room. "Father! No...." <Kevil>Loria! ::he chases her as she runs out of the room:: <Loria>::racing out of the house into the blinding downpour:: No... I won't... ::she is soaked to the skin within a moment:: <Kevil>::following:: Loria, wait! What- ::he curses as he trips over a loose rock and nearly falls:: <Loria>::racing through the rain, she sprints towards her father's farm:: * Nacheyla stands over Rostell, untouched by the rain and wind, Her eyes crackling with fury. She raises Her hand over Her head. * Kevil follows Loria, stopping only when he catches sight of Nacheyla. "Oh, Bright Lady...." He puts on an extra burst of speed. * Loria dashes between them, her pendant glowing like the sun. "No... I won't let you do this. Blessed Mother..." She holds up her hands, pleading. <Nacheyla>::angrily:: You dare? ::She raises Her hand again:: * Kevil skids to a halt just behind Loria, helpless terror in his eyes. * Rostell, his face stricken with panic, surges up from the mud, grabbing Loria around the waist, pulling his daughter to him. With a gasp, he shields her, turning his back on Nacheyla:: <Nacheyla>::with a whisper, Nacheyla smiles, the storm abating with shocking suddenness. The sun peeks through the clouds, the first rays falling upon Rostell and Loria:: <Nacheyla>::calmly, She embraces Her Children:: Much better... ::with a brief kiss, She blesses the two, then fades as the clouds break up:: <Kevil>::sighing with sudden relief, Kevil shudders violently and drops to his knees in the mud, his hands over his face:: * Loria collapses in her father's arms, sobbing. Rostell: ::awkwardly patting Loria's hair:: Shhhhhh... shhhhh... s'all right. Ever'thin'll be all right. <Loria>::wiping her eyes:: Da... Da, please welcome my betrothed... * Kevil is still on his knees in the mud, shivering with reaction. Rostell: ::taking Loria's hand firmly, he leads her over to Kevil:: Young man... ::he pauses a moment:: Ah... I's sorry. ::gruffly:: Do c'min and have lunch? * Kevil takes a deep breath, and lowers his hands to look up at Rostell, his eyes challenging. He looks at Loria for a moment, then nods and carefully climbs to his feet. "All right." Rostell: ::offers Kevil his hand, an appendage more like a garden spade than anything else, hard and calloused:: I... din't know how dear she was, 'til I 'most lost 'er. <Loria>::urgently:: Please, Kevil... I've not heard him apologize so much in my whole life... ::she smiles, her eyes glittering with tears:: <Kevil>::meets Rostell's eyes seriously:: Master duNache, Loria is beautiful, intelligent, and wise. She is possessed of wit, bravery, and passion. She is a talented musician, a patient teacher, and a caring and generous friend. I am proud to be her friend, honored to be her love, and will be overjoyed to be her husband. <Kevil>I can not for the life of me understand how you failed to recognize any of these qualities in her before. ::he looks past Rostell at Loria, then meets Rostell's eyes again:: But for her sake... ::he puts his hand into Rostell's:: * Loria bursts into tears, placing her hands over her father's and Kevil's. |
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