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* Lisl stalks towards the Music Box, clutching a scroll in one hand and frowning deeply. * Kevil perches on a stool in one corner of the store, idly playing his lute as he watches the people in the street. * Lisl looks up at the sign, giving an irritable glance to the boarded-over window as she pushes through the front door, setting the entry bell to jangling harshly. <Lisl> ::scanning the shop:: 'Morning, Kevil, is-- Kevil? ::raising an eyebrow:: Loria dump you out of bed this morning? <Kevil> ::laughs softly and stills his strings:: Now that I am not playing the Dragon's Den until the hour before dawn, I am no longer sleeping until the hour before noon. <Lisl> ::chuckles:: Oh, was *that* your excuse? ::scanning the shop again:: Have you talked to 'Brina yet this morning? <Kevil> ::shakes his head, mystified:: Loria and I opened the shop, and she is gone again to teach lessons. <Kevil> I have seen no one else today. <Lisl> ::grimly, slapping the scroll down into the counter next to Kevil's elbow:: Then you've not heard of these, yet. <Lisl> She said she'd come talk to you-- most likely will be, sometime today-- but I didn't think this should wait. <Kevil> ::frowns at Lisl's expression and picks up the scroll:: <Kevil> ::quickly scans the contents and snorts:: Idiots. ::glances up at Lisl:: Am I to understand these... people have set up in Marsember? <Lisl> I don't think they've quite set up shop here, yet-- still checking on that-- but they're certainly sending in feelers. ::jerks her head back to indicate the broken window:: That was probably theirs... and a group of their priests tried to kidnap 'Brina out of the market square yesterday. <Lisl> ::a tingle of yellow shows in her eyes as she pulls back a corner of her lip in a half-snarl:: They were going to reform her... show her the error of her "musical" ways... * Kevil jumps to his feet, his eyes suddenly furious. "They *WHAT*?" His jaw tightens, and the scroll in his hand crumples as his fists close. "What happened?" <Lisl> Not quite sure. They had her over the city wall by the time I got there... Fosst was there, but he couldn't see a chance to get her back, all by himself. I ran into him straightaway after finding what was left of her lute... we followed, and with the help of some... friends, we got her back in one piece. <Lisl> ::clenching a fist:: I thought I'd warned them off, but I went to ask Gloss about them... ::nods to the scroll:: I don't think that sort's going to warn off so easily. * Kevil doesn't calm down much. He tosses the crumpled scroll onto the floor, and begins pacing with restless fury. "How *dare*...." He looks around at Lisl. "How many were they?" * Lisl makes a throwaway gesture. "In this lot? Three priests, I think-- one leading-- and a handful of thugs. They had a small camp out on the edge of the woods." <Kevil> ::continues pacing:: But there are more, you believe? <Lisl> ::nods, gesturing to the scroll:: That's old. Gloss understands they've got a growing following in some places... they... persuade. ::spits out the word as if it were poison:: <Kevil> ::wheels on Lisl:: "Persuade"? <Lisl> ::narrows her eyes:: Ever see a charismatic cult in action, before? Sweet as honey, pure as snow on the outside... convince the general populace their way is right, and show everyone the "evils" of the things they hate... give people convincing reasons to hate it, too. But to their victims... they're not so nice. <Kevil> ::growls:: Stop stepping around it, Lisl... <Lisl> ::jaw clenching:: They lie like devils as it suits their purpose, and torture their chosen "evils" into "repentance." And if they die... ::she shrugs with elaborate ease, though her eyes are blazing yellow now:: well, they either died repentant, or it's one less bit of scum for "good" people to worry about. <Lisl> Either way... they break their spirit, beat the will out of them. * Kevil turns away again, stalking to the far side of the store. He faces the bare corner, quivering in anger, and takes several slow breaths before turning back to Lisl more calmly. "Where is she now?" <Lisl> ::firmly:: Safe. Fosst and I walked her here to get her things, and escorted her to the Hall. She's taken a room for the time being. <Lisl> ::watching his face:: I'm glad I got to you before she did... I'm not sure she'd understand that's not directed at her. ::nods to his still-clenched fists:: <Kevil> ::half-smiles, forcing his hands to relax:: I have more control than *that*. ::he sighs:: Thank you. I will... she will be protected. <Lisl> ::lifts one corner of her mouth in a half-grin:: I know you'd never take it out on her, don't be silly. But control... ::shakes her head:: You could control your reaction about as well as I could mine. ::gestures to her eyes, just starting to pale back to blue-grey:: And Loria? ...and you? <Kevil> ::takes a deep breath, and lets it out slowly, then shrugs:: Loria and I rarely perform publicly. What of Vallel - or for that matter, every other bard, minstrel, an amateur musician in the city? ::mouth tightens again:: You informed the Purple Dragons? <Lisl> Sabrina did, already, of the earlier attacks. She'll go to them on this, too, but I put a word into the ear of a gate guard I know to keep an eye on the campsite. <Lisl> ::shakes her head slowly:: I think it'd be foolish to assume only the street performers are at risk. <Kevil> ::closes his eyes:: What shall I do, Lisl? Barricade me and mine in my house and bow meekly to their nonsense? ::he looks at her again, his eyes crackling with fury:: Music is my mandate. I will not be barred from it, nor allow any other to be. <Lisl> ::shakes her head:: I'm not saying you should be, Kevil, nor that you should hide behind shutters. But you *do* need to recognize the danger, and prepare against it... this isn't just physical, Kevil. ::looking troubled:: You know how I felt about you when I first met you... you *really* don't want to give them a chance to spread that kind of feeling throughout the city. <Kevil> You think I am ignorant of the power of the persuasive word, Lisl? *I*? ::he glares at her:: Give me an option, then, if you have one! <Lisl> ::holds up her hands, taking a step backward:: I have no options... this... ::she sighs, deflating, and sits on the stool he vacated, drawing her feet up to hook onto the rungs and hanging her head:: This isn't my kind of fight, Kevil. I can threaten, I can let them know it's going to be harder than knocking over a few street performers... but... ::shakes her head:: Just... warn them, Kevil, please. * Kevil kicks the legs out from under a hapless stool, sending it flying halfway across the room. "I will do more than that..." He eyes Lisl. "Keep your eyes open, d'va?" <Lisl> ::nods, looking up a little:: Of course. The pack trailed them to the edge of the woods... they won't be camping *there* again without being under watch. <Lisl> ::grinning faintly:: Of course... I'm not quite sure *what* Fosst thinks of me, now... <Kevil> ::nods:: Watch within the city as well, if you will... Watch for more trouble - and anyone who seems to agree with them. And report all you can to the Purple Dragons. They'd not interfere with a harmless cult, but abduction... ::shakes his head:: They are sworn to protect. <Kevil> ::raises an eyebrow:: Master Fosst? What was he doing mixed up in such an episode? <Lisl> ::nods:: I will. And... I don't know so much that he was "mixed up" with it, as that he happened to be there at the wrong time. I know 'Brina's been taking language lessons with him, too. But he was just running for help, I think, when I ran into him. We chased the lot of them to the woods... and I... well. I might've called on a little extra help, from the wall... ::looks uncomfortable:: <Kevil> ::grins suddenly:: Beastmaster. <Lisl> Well... yes. That's what I'm rather hoping he'll think. I've known a ranger or two, through the years, that picked up the knack of it, too. <Kevil> ::cocks his head:: Is he a fighter? <Lisl> ::shrugs a shoulder:: He's Uthgardt. He's no woodsman, that I can tell you, but it never came down to hand-to-hand. ::grinning a little:: Aerdrie bless her, 'Brina kept her head and her knife, and had half-freed herself by the time we got there. ::grinning:: Of course... their horses were *awfully* nervous, I'm sure. <Kevil> ::smiles slightly:: Did she? Good. She is so timid, I had worried that lessoning was too much for her. I am glad to hear it was not a poor choice on my part. <Lisl> ::raising an eyebrow:: Timid? 'Brina?? <Kevil> ::nods, looking faintly confused:: Well, less so now than when I first began her lessons - she nearly cringed then every time I laid my hand over hers to show her a fingering. Her improvement is excellent... but yes, she remains yet somewhat... quiet and retiring. <Lisl> She's... ::sighs:: She's not very comfortable with men, generally, tho' fine, singly, I imagine, once she's gotten a chance to know them on her own terms. But... ::shakes her head:: I told her I'd train her, but I refused to teach her killing moves. That one would be far too eager to use them. <Kevil> ::looks faintly surprised:: Would she? ::considers:: Well. I am, after all, a man, even if she has accepted that I am not a danger to her... ::sighs:: <Lisl> ::chuckles a little:: Most of the time you are, yes. <Kevil> ::raises an eyebrow, then grins in understanding:: <Lisl> ::looks pensive:: I gave her the address of Hanali's temple... I don't know if she'll take me up on it, but I advised her to talk to the priestess. If she has someone to listen, and understand... maybe she'll let some of it out safely, at least. <Kevil> ::nods and smiles faintly:: If any may help, it is that one... <Lisl> ::cocks her head as she studies Kevil for a moment, murmuring:: The soul of discretion, too... <Kevil> ::crosses to pick up the stool he'd kicked earlier:: Do I detect a rebuke? <Lisl> ::shakes her head:: Not where that one's concerned, no, never. I know her too well for that. <Kevil> ::grins:: <Lisl> ::with a ghost of a smile:: Just observing that you paid your penance down long ago, at this point. <Kevil> ::shrugs:: And yet, she continues to find a use for my meager services. How should I refuse? <Lisl> Ha! She's like that. *You're* like that. ::snorts:: "Meager" services... ::shakes her head again, and chuckles:: <Kevil> ::smiles:: Well... none of the children are especially musically talented, and so I am reduced to teaching them to read... Not my best skill, in truth. <Lisl> Best not let Gloss hear you say that... ::shakes her head as she looks at the ruin of the scroll:: And I thought she was being silly, taking the time to copy it out instead of lending me the original... <Kevil> ::winces and picks up the scroll, trying to smooth it flat:: Forgive me... <Lisl> ::grinning:: I'm not the one you should be begging forgiveness of. You should see how *I* keep my bookshelves. <Kevil> ::chuckles:: Best not to have her to visit soon, d'va? <Lisl> Too right. ::smiles:: * Kevil takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly. "Well. I am informed, and warned..." He eyes Lisl sharply. "Can you not visit ever merely to discuss the weather?" <Lisl> ::makes a face:: I do seem to be the bearer of tumultuous news most of the time, don't I? ::attempting to look meek:: I didn't bring you bad news *last* time I saw you. <Kevil> ::considers, then nods:: True... ::smiles:: How fares your family? <Lisl> ::runs her fingers through her hair:: Well as ever. Bares-His-Teeth is a good provider, even *without* my occasional help. * Lisl glances out the window and unhooks her heels from the stool, sliding off and standing somewhat reluctantly. "Much as I'd love to chat, though, I've got to go clear snares...." <Lisl> ::snorts a little:: I managed to lose myself a day's catch, in all the excitement yesterday. <Kevil> ::nods:: Each of us to our duties, then. ::he smiles:: I will not thank you for the news, but I will express my profound gratitude for your care of my apprentice. <Lisl> ::waves a hand:: She's my friend, too, Kevil. ::grinning:: And my student as well. <Kevil> ::returns Lisl's grin and sweeps her an elaborate bow:: <Lisl> ::chuckles and shakes her head, smiling:: Bards. ::giving him a jaunty wave as she opens the door, eyes sliding to the right and left as she checks the street before exiting:: * Kevil watches Lisl go, then turns to lean heavily on the counter. "Bright Lady watch over us..." <Kevil> ::After a moment, he straightens with a sigh, looks around the shop, then nods decisively and leaves, purpose in his step.:: - - - - - Interlude - - - - - <Kevil> ::mutters:: Why can not Lisl ever come to see me only to discuss the weather? Why must it ever be doom and danger? * Loria laughs <Loria> My heart, it is because she does expect that you look up, once in a while. <Kevil> ::snorts and continues stomping around the house angrily:: <Loria> ::following you:: Whatever is the matter, my heart? <Kevil> Lisl tells me there is a... *cult*, which preaches among other things that music is anathema. ::he glares at an innocent bit of bric-a-brac:: These... jackals attempted to abduct my apprentice. <Loria> Brina's all right? <Kevil> ::nods tiredly:: Lisl and Master Fosst escorted her to the Hall, which is well-protected. ::quietly:: Lisl believes they may be a threat to any musician in the city... Me, your brother... ::looks at her:: You. ::he suddenly pulls her close, burying his face in her hair:: Be careful, n'shava. <Loria> ::worriedly:: Has it been reported? Surely the city doesn't want bards killed and captured? <Kevil> ::nods:: Reported, yes, and Lisl's family are watching outside the gates, where they seem to be based. But the danger remains, if Lisl is to be believed. ::cups her face in his hands and looks at her worriedly:: It would kill me to lose you. <Loria> ::hugging him, then tracing patterns on his arm with her finger:: You could escort me around. Remember? You used to, back when the city was so troubled, after? ::she smiles up at him:: <Kevil> ::smiles slightly:: Yes, I remember. ::brushes her cheek with his knuckles:: If it would not inconvenience you... <Loria> ::tweaking his beard:: Not as much as it would inconvenience me if you were to misplace me to these... cultists. ::shakes her head:: The weird things people decide are wrong... I don't understand. <Kevil> I hope I never do... ::hugs her tightly:: I love you. <Loria> I love you, my heart. ::she leans her head against his chest, listening to his heart:: <Kevil> ::sighs and kisses the top of her head tenderly, lightly stroking her hair with one hand:: <Loria> Does she know anything about them? Why do they hate music so much? <Kevil> ::shakes his head:: I have no idea... But I expect before this is over we will know more than we ever wished... ::half-smiles:: and that even after we know, we will not understand. <Loria> ::softly:: And I was hoping we could be safe and comfortable for a while, before... ::she swallows:: Before we have to go. <Kevil> Loria... ::puts his hands on her shoulders and looks into her eyes:: We will be safe. I will keep you safe, I promise. ::he kisses her gently:: Both in this, and on the road. I swear it to you, n'shava. <Loria> ::taking his hand:: Don't make promises like that, Kevil-lin. We can't know what will happen... <Kevil> ::kisses her cheek:: That much is true even in the safest of times and places... But if it makes you easier, I will amend: I will do all within my power to protect you from harm, Lori-love. Before the Bright Lady, that much I *will* swear. <Loria> ::smiling:: That's better, my heart. ::poking him in the chest:: <Kevil> ::looks down at her finger poking him:: What is that for? <Loria> ::looking down at her finger:: Hm? I usually use it for A chords. But right now, I'm admonishing you not to worry so much. <Kevil> Yes? ::considers:: Cultists working against musicians; my apprentice nearly abducted; my beloved facing a god-quest in a matter of mere months... ::he half-smiles:: What should I worry about? <Loria> ::giggling:: You should worry about what you're going to wear to our wedding. <Kevil> ::laughs:: Black, if you have your way. What is to worry *there*? <Loria> Silly. You do get some say, you know. <Kevil> ::considers, then widens his eyes in wonder:: Shall I be allowed to choose the color of my hair-ribbon? Or even... the flower on my collar? <Loria> ::laughs:: Actually, you have better taste in clothing than I do, you know. <Kevil> ::grins:: I merely have a larger wardrobe from which to make selections... ::he winks:: <Loria> ::rolling her eyes:: You know, I think I noticed that... <Kevil> ::grins and kisses her nose:: I noticed you noticing. <Kevil> Besides... You have said you like me best in black. Should I not strive to be pleasing to my bride? ::he grins:: <Loria> ::smiles:: Then what color should I wear? <Kevil>::raises an eyebrow:: I thought I had heard there were rules already in place for your dress... <Loria> Usually they're white... but I don't rightly care... <Kevil>::grins:: Ah, well... ::he cocks his head, looking at her appraisingly:: Green to match the ring? A blue to highlight your eyes? ::he grins:: Black, so we might be matched? <Loria> ::shakes her head:: Not black... black's bad luck. <Kevil>::blinks:: So I should not wear it, either? <Loria> ::patting his arm comfortingly:: Bad luck for brides, I mean. <Kevil> ::looks confused, then takes her hand and kisses it:: You see? I lack too much lore, here, to be trusted with such choices. Besides... ::he leans forward and kisses her lips:: You could not fail to be anything less than beautiful, regardless of your clothes. <Loria> ::giggles:: Flatterer. <Kevil> ::smiles:: Only the bare truth, n'shava. - - - - - Back at the Music Box - - - - - * Sabrina is sitting behind the counter in the shop. She has a sheet of music in her hand but is not looking at it, her thoughts elsewhere at the moment. * Kevil enters the shop, his hair damp, humming under his breath. "Good morning, songbird!" He goes to a large cabinet on the far side of the shop and pulls open a drawer, rummaging for strings. * Sabrina blinks and looks up. "oh morning Kevil." She places the music down and pushes it just a bit away from herself. He can easily tell she is not looking herself. * Kevil raises an eyebrow at her, but continues his search until he's found the strings he's looking for. He tucks them into a pocket, then strolls over to the counter, picking up Sabrina's discarded sheet of music and examining it idly. * Sabrina looks away, glancing out the window. "Kevil we need to talk." <Kevil> ::looks carefully at Sabrina's face, then nods and leans casually against the shop counter:: Very well. <Sabrina> I have been having some problems with some ::she says the words with a bitter edge:: priests. I am not sure where they come from, I know they are not from Marsember. They seem to have a problem with my singing in the square. <Kevil> ::nods:: Lisl came by earlier this morning to tell me. <Sabrina> ::nods her voice is soft:: Oh <Kevil> ::raises his eyebrows:: Tell me what happened, please. <Sabrina> Well a few weeks ago I was walking to the hall, I had been singing in the square that afternoon, and they came up on me. They mostly just tried to tell me that singing in public was a bad thing. They tried to get me to go with them to their temple. When I said no they tried a bit more forcefully. By then I was close enough to the hall that I was able to outrun them there, and they didn't come in after me. Then about a week later.... <Sabrina> I was here and they threw a rock through the window ::She motions to the recently fixed window:: Fosst was with me. We didn't see that it was them, but there was a note attached to the rock that again warned of the dangers of singing in public here it is disruptive. Then yesterday two of them came upon me in the square and grabbed me. Fosst was there, and tried to help. They got me outside of the city, but I managed to get away..... <Sabrina> and Lisl and Fosst were there. Lisl strongly discouraged them from coming back, and they left. I am staying at the hall for a few days, just in case. ::She takes a deep breath and lets it out in a slow sigh:: That's everything. <Kevil> ::nods, then looks at her carefully:: Were you harmed? * Sabrina shakes her head a bit and shows him her lightly rope burned wrists. "Other than a bit of a rope burn and a few bruises, no." <Kevil> Very well... You said two took you from the city - how many were there outside? <Sabrina> Three. <Sabrina> Well three that I could see, but I don't think there were any more. <Kevil> So five in all? * Sabrina shakes her head "No the two that came inside the city and one outside the city. Three in all." <Kevil> Ah, I see. What did they intend to do with you? Did they say, or imply? <Sabrina> Based on what they said to me before, I assume they were going to take me to their temple. But they didn't say specifically to me, no. <Kevil> And besides myself, whom have you told of these attacks? <Sabrina> After the window I told the Dragons what happened. Fosst, and Lisl, and Val knows about the window, but not the others. <Kevil> ::nods:: Have you reported this incident yesterday? <Sabrina> ::shakes her head:: Not yet. I was going to after my shift here in the store. <Kevil> ::nods:: Good. ::he strolls to the unboarded window and looks out across the street:: Did you walk here alone from the Hall? * Sabrina nods <Kevil> I thought so. ::he turns to face her and leans against the wall:: Until this... cult is taken care of, I will insist that you are not on the streets alone, at any time. ::he looks at the boarded-over window with a frown:: I will arrange for a guard. * Sabrina opens her mouth to protest and then nods. "Ok." <Kevil> ::smiles at her:: Good. What had you thought to do? * Sabrina shrugs a bit. "Fosst offered to walk me between the hall and here. I guess that was all." <Kevil> ::half-smiles:: But he did not walk you here this morning, d'va? ::shakes his head:: You are my apprentice. I am responsible for your well-being. * Sabrina nods. "You are right. I am not sure where Fosst was this morning. I..." she shakes her head a bit and looks down at her hands. <Kevil> ::picks up the sheet music and considers it again, humming a few measures of a harmony line before putting it back down:: When do you next sing in the market? <Sabrina> I am not sure. I don't usually plan it ahead of time. I go when the weather is good and I feel like it. <Kevil> ::nods, then looks at her sternly:: You will not allow these jackals to dissuade you from singing. * Sabrina nods again the smallest bit of a smile crossing her lips. "The thought had not even crossed my mind." <Kevil> ::smiles:: Good! ::He hesitates briefly, then reaches across the counter, putting his fingers under her chin to lift it a little and searching her face for a long moment. Finally, he nods in satisfaction.:: Good. <Sabrina> ::her smile widens and she looks happy for the first time since he got there:: Thank you Kevil. <Kevil> ::smiles and leans one hip against the counter:: It is well Lisl came to me first, though. It gave me time to make certain arrangements, and to... recover from my initial reaction. * Sabrina raises an eyebrow at him. "Why am I glad I missed your initial reaction." <Kevil> ::grins:: Because it was not a thing you would have enjoyed, I imagine. Come... ::he walks over to the window and gestures for her to join him.:: * Sabrina slides off the stool and walks over to the window near Kevil. * Kevil signals to someone across the street, and from the shadows between the buildings emerges a half-elven woman dressed in grey and brown. She nods to Kevil briefly, then turns a cool gaze on Sabrina, examining her closely. * Sabrina blinks and looks from the woman to Kevil and back again. <Kevil> ::quietly:: She, or her sister, will be watching you at all times. They will remain in hiding - not to disturb you or your audience - unless you are in need of assistance. They will watch for these priests and report any sightings. They are, I am informed, *very* capable. * Sabrina nods as she watches the woman. She then looks back to Kevil and nods again. "Ok." * Kevil nods to the woman, and she disappears into the shadows again. He looks at Sabrina with a sympathetic smile. "It is not an easy thing to accept, I know. I would not insist if you had not already been so nearly taken..." * Sabrina nods as she looks back at the empty space where the woman was. "I understand." <Kevil> ::nods:: Thank you. ::he fishes in a pocket and comes up with a small vial, which he hands to Sabrina:: Here. Ointment for your wrists. ::he grins:: It is meant for soothing the blisters of long practice ::he rubs his fingertips together as if they're a little tender:: but I believe it will help with the rope marks, also, d'va? * Sabrina takes the vial and nods. "Thank you. I'll try some soon." She goes back to the counter and places the vial on top. * Kevil nods. "I should go, I think." He checks the strings in his pocket, then nods and looks back at Sabrina. "One last thing..." * Sabrina looks up at Kevil "Yes?" <Kevil> Lisl told me that you were in a good way to effecting your own rescue, without any assistance from her or Master Fosst. She said that you kept your wits about you, and that your lessons of self-defense were put to good use... ::he smiles warmly and brushes a lock of hair back from her face:: Very good. You make me proud. * Sabrina smiles, her cheeks flushing just a bit at his praise. She whispers "Thank you Kevil." * Kevil smiles briefly, and leaves. * Sabrina watches the door for a moment after Kevil leaves. With her mood brightened she goes back to the music laying on the counter, and begins to hum the melody. |
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