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* Meghan walks through the center of the market with a basket on her arm. She's wearing a dark blue dress and has a wool cloak on. It's a beautiful sunny afternoon and she is taking advantage of Michelle spending the day with Abby to do some much needed shopping. * Kevil is standing at a notions stall, haggling over a bolt of imported cotton and ribbons in a half-dozen colors. He is dressed plainly under his charcoal-grey cloak, but his face is drawn and tired. Finally, the shopkeeper meets his price, and he counts out the coins and gathers up his purchases. As he turns up the street, he spots Meghan and waves to catch her attention. "Lady Meghan! What a delightful surprise!" * Meghan smiles and waves to Kevil. She moves through people to get to him, leaning to give him a bit of a hug when she is close enough. "Hello Kevil dear. How are you?" <Kevil> Well enough, if a bit tired. And how do you and Abby fare? <Meghan> Very well, thank you. Abby is spending the day with Michelle so I can get some shopping done. How are Loria and Diya? <Kevil> They are well... Well enough, at least. Loria... decided yesterday evening that we would leave immediately to return to Alanis. Diya left this morning, to arrange transportation on the other end of the portal, and I have been sent to purchase certain supplies that are difficult to come by in Alanis. <Meghan> Ah ::she nods:: And are you happy to be going back home then? <Kevil> I am always happy to see my family and friends there. I would be happier if I thought Loria actually *wanted* to... Ah, well, there is nothing to be done, there. She has made up her mind. ::half-smiles:: Enough of my troubles. Do you still see young Lord Aldril? * Meghan raises an eyebrow at him, but lets the comment about Loria go for the moment. She nods. "We do see each other every now and again. Abby loves him to visit." * Taliesin strolls through the marketplace. He is dressed in more subdued tones, brown pants and coat, with a white shirt and a moss green vest and cravat. Spotting Meghan across the square, he pauses to dicker with a flower vendor over a bunch of fresh snowdrops before picking his way across the market towards her. He stops dead upon spying Kevil speaking with her, then squares his shoulders and approaches anyway. <Kevil> ::smiles slightly:: I do hope you will be careful, bright star. <Meghan> Careful? ::she smiles and shakes her head:: We are friends Kevil, just friends. * Taliesin tucks the bundle of flowers behind his back. "Good afternoon, Meg. How fortunate to run into you here, as you are the person I wanted most to see." He presents her the flowers with a flourish. * Meghan smiles seeing Trey and takes the flowers, leaning to hug him as she did Kevil. "Thank you, they are lovely." <Taliesin> ::fingers the petal of one snowdrop:: Not half so lovely as you... ::nods to Kevil:: Master Bard, good day. * Kevil starts to say something to Meghan, but closes his mouth again as Trey appears. He lifts an eyebrow at the flowers and gives Meghan a faintly ironic smile. "Of course, Lady." He turns to Trey. "Lord Aldril, good day." * Meghan glances between them as she places the flowers in her basket. "Well I was about to stop for lunch. I would be honored if the two most handsome men in the city would join me." <Taliesin> ::one thin eyebrow practically disappears into his hairline as the young lord looks over his shoulder before apparently deciding that the "other" handsome man must refer to the bard:: <Taliesin> I'd be delighted to break bread with you again, Meg. * Meghan smiles and looks to Kevil. "Kevil?" * Kevil apparently does not notice Trey's look, but offers Meghan his arm. "How could I possibly refuse such a charming invitation, Lady? Where would your whim carry us?" * Meghan slips her hand onto Kevil's arm and glances around before pointing out one of her favorite lunch places. * Taliesin twists his mouth to one side before walking to the other side of Meghan, shifting his packages to the hand closest to her, as to give the impression that the walking arrangement is deliberate. <Kevil> ::leading her toward the restaurant, he glances down into her basket:: Snowdrops... My second-favorite flower. ::he looks at Trey over Meghan's head:: Very thoughtful of you. And I am grateful for the reminder, unintended as it surely was - I must remember to stop at the flower-stall on my way home. <Meghan> ::She smiles at Trey and then looks to Kevil:: So Loria must be very close to her due date. Is it safe for you to travel back to Alanis? <Taliesin> ::shrugs with one shoulder:: An impulse of the moment... but you are welcome for the reminder. <Kevil> ::wryly:: I hope so, as she has quite made up her mind on the matter. <Kevil> But I hope that when we return to Marsember, it will be with joyful news. ::he smiles dreamily for a moment:: * Meghan smiles and nods. "I am looking forward to that news." * Taliesin attends their conversation with the sort of nod-and-smile that one reserves for conversations about things that one is not interested in or not familiar with. * Meghan glances to Trey as they step up into the restaurant. "And what have you been up to today Trey?" <Taliesin> ::smiles:: I spent a tedious morning drinking tea and making polite conversation with Lady Ingrid and her three daughters of *suitable* age, which, while accompanied by more giggling than I usually have to attend to in the course of a morning, was at least less ridiculous then spending the morning with her husband instead, chasing foxes about the countryside. * Kevil looks at Trey, waiting for him to answer. <Taliesin> I admit to sympathy for the foxes, as the Lord keeps no chickens, I have no idea why he should like to kill foxes in the first place. <Kevil> "Suitable age," indeed. ::smiles faintly:: And how did you find the young ladies, aside from inclined to mirth? * Meghan nods. "It is the sport I guess. A silly thing to like to do." She shrugs a bit. "I'm glad you are getting the opportunity to meet more people though." She smiles to the waitress who seats them. <Taliesin> ::laughs:: Boring, mostly. There seems to be some deficiency, I'm inclined to believe it must be in myself, that yearns for a conversation that makes sense and is not punctuated by endless tittering behind perfumed handkerchiefs. As these qualities do not seem particularly repugnant to most other men I know, I assume it must be my own bad judgement. <Meghan> Nothing wrong with wanting to talk to a girl who has half a brain in her head. ::she settles into her seat, her basket on the floor next to her:: <Kevil> Alas. I fear it must be a lack of judgment many others share, myself among them. Though I understand it may prolong your search. <Taliesin> ::takes the seat across from Meghan:: At least half... a whole brain might be preferred best of the lot. But ::holding up one finger:: not someone so much brighter than myself, for I'm told that when I wed my lady will make me feel the fool often enough without granting her more then just cause. <Meghan> ::nods a bit and smiles to Trey:: You'll find someone perfect soon enough. <Kevil> ::taking the seat to Meghan's right:: It depends upon the lady, of course. * Meghan glances over the list of available dishes for lunch once before giving her order to the waitress. She looks to Kevil. "So when do you leave?" <Kevil> This afternoon. We may even be home in time to share dinner with my parents, or Diya's. <Meghan> Oh, well I am glad we had the chance to run into one another then. I will miss you though, as will Abby. She enjoys your company so much. <Taliesin> ::blinks and draws his attention back to the bard:: Oh, you're going, then? <Kevil> ::smiles:: I will miss her, too. ::nods to Trey:: For some few weeks, yes. My wife has decided that our child will be born in my home city. I trust that no... difficulties will arise while we are away. <Meghan> Let's hope not. ::She sips her water:: <Taliesin> ::places his order, handing the menu to the waitress without actually seeming to notice the existence of that person at all:: Are you in the habit of... experiencing difficulties? * Kevil orders his own food and returns the menu to the waitress with a charming smile before turning back to Trey. "Marsember often has difficulties. Port cities, I find, often attract visitors who turn out to be troublemakers, d'va? Do you not find it so, in Waterdeep?" <Meghan> They happen from time to time. ::She thinks about the whole dragon incident that she was more than happy to stay away from:: <Taliesin> ::laughs shortly:: Waterdeep has plots within plots within plots that disguise themselves as plots. As few really know who the Lords of the city are, so much intrigue goes on that it is a wonder fully half the city does not suffer from constant headache. <Kevil> ::chuckles:: Quite. So of course when I leave, I go with some amount of concern for the health and happiness of those dear to me that must be left behind. <Kevil> ::glances at Meghan and gives her a quick smile:: * Meghan returns Kevil's smile "We worry about you all as well." <Kevil> ::waves a hand:: There is little to be concerned of, in Alanis, especially with such protection as I have, d'va? * Meghan smiles and reaches to pat his hand. "I still worry some." <Kevil> ::smiles warmly:: I appreciate your concern, bright star. <Meghan> Of course, as I do yours. ::she sips more of her water:: * Taliesin shakes his head. "It must be comforting to have someone looking out for one's welfare... much like an older brother..." <Kevil> ::raising an eyebrow:: Have you no siblings, Lord? <Taliesin> I have several sisters... one older, two younger... they don't much look after my welfare so much as believe that I was born for the purposes of squashing spiders, opening jars of jelly, and reaching things on high shelves. Though, thankfully, Lydia's gotten herself a husband to do such things for her. <Meghan> ::grins:: I do believe squishing spiders is very much looking out for ones welfare. <Kevil> ::laughs:: <Taliesin> ::picks at his food when it arrives:: Of course, one is never allowed to admit that one *also* finds spiders to be rather appalling... ::he grins at Meghan:: * Meghan chuckles and begins in on her lunch. <Kevil> ::grins, somewhat lopsided:: Or scorpions. Which, thankfully, we do not have in Marsember. <Meghan> ::makes a face:: Thankfully. * Taliesin pushes his food around on his plate for a while with his fork before deciding to eat some of it. <Kevil> ::raising an eyebrow as he eats:: Not hungry, my lord? * Meghan glances to Trey looking somewhat concerned. <Taliesin> ::shrugs:: Not entirely... but I have discovered that I am much more fond of my father's kitchen staff than I might have supposed. Nothing seems to taste exactly right, here. <Kevil> ::half-smiling:: Perhaps the cure is to eat dishes entirely unfamiliar - if they are ill-prepared, you will not know. * Meghan nods at Kevil's comment and smiles at Trey. <Taliesin> Perhaps... ::he takes a few bites of vegetable:: Or I will just grow accustomed to Marsember's food as I have to Marsember's beautiful sights. ::he is not looking out the window as he says this last, but instead directly at Meghan:: * Kevil gives Meghan another ironic look before lifting his water glass to drink. * Meghan grins at Trey. She's gotten quite used to his flattery. "There are many other beautiful sights in Marsember. Much more beautiful than I. Perhaps I can show you some of them." <Taliesin> ::scoffs:: My lady, you can attempt it, but I daresay you're unlikely to be successful... * Meghan chuckles and finishes the last of her lunch. * Kevil gives Trey a measuring look, then finishes his own lunch. * Meghan stands "Excuse me a moment gentlemen," She gives them both a wining smile before heading off. * Taliesin admires the view as Meghan walks back towards the necessary. * Kevil watches Trey watching Meghan with a knowing smile. * Taliesin catches Kevil's smile and raises one eyebrow. "Was there something, Master Bard?" <Kevil> Should there be? Lady Meghan assures me that the two of you are no more than friends. I would hate to doubt her word. <Taliesin> ::looks down at his plate for just a moment, flinching:: Does she, now? <Kevil> I confess, I had thought otherwise... Perhaps I am not the only one so confused. <Taliesin> And you disapprove? Or have I also mistaken your... brotherly glowers in my direction? <Kevil> I am not in a position to approve or disapprove of the lady's paramours. Nor, even were I in such a position, do you seem the sort of crude or heartless person of which I would. Let us say only that I disapprove of dishonesty. I am given to understand that you are commanded to find yourself a wife, and it seems to me - though of course I may be wrong - that a woman such as Lady Meghan, no matter how beautiful and charming, will not meet your noble father's requirements, d'va? <Taliesin> My *specific* instructions were to be out of my father's sight while I persisted in remaining single. I have never lied about it, nor would it have occurred to me to do so. And there are other considerations aside from money and position that can determine the suitability of one's companion. <Kevil> ::nods:: Of course you must know better than me what your requirements are in Marsember. I might only suggest, in a brotherly fashion, that you endeavor to be certain she is aware of all potential outcomes of a liaison. I would be greatly distressed - as would a number of the lady's other friends, no doubt - were I to discover she had been misled and then heartbroken. <Taliesin> It must be a great comfort to her to have her happiness so... eagerly guarded. I'll give your suggestion its due attention. * Meghan reappears and begins to make her way back to the table. <Kevil> ::eyes Trey a moment longer, then smiles thinly over the rim of his water glass:: * Taliesin smiles brightly at Meghan as she returns to her seat, then turns his attention to the remains of his lunch with rather severe concentration, particularly after having declared the food to be not to his liking. * Meghan slips back into her seat and smiles at them both. <Kevil> ::smiles at Meghan as she returns:: <Meghan> ::sips her water, then looks to Trey:: So do you have plans for the afternoon, or can I invite you to keep me company? <Taliesin> I should be delighted, if you're certain that you can stand an entire afternoon with my company... or I'm sure you can count on the Master Bard here to rescue you, should I prove too dull for words. <Kevil> ::laughs:: Alas, I must return to my wife and prepare to depart. The lady will have to defend herself from you, I fear. ::he smiles at Meghan:: But I am certain that will not prove necessary. <Meghan> ::Smiles:: I am sure it will not. <Taliesin> ::smiles, only slightly insincere:: Well, I wish you good journey, and may you find as much to entertain you at your destination as I have found at mine. <Kevil> Thank you, my lord. ::drops his napkin on his plate:: Thank you for the invitation, bright star. I look forward to seeing you again on my return. ::he puts a few coins discreetly under the edge of his plate, then stands and bows to Meghan:: Alas, I must be going. * Taliesin stands and bows politely to Kevil. "Good day, Master Bard." * Meghan stands as well and leans close to give him a hug and a kiss on the cheek. "Give my love to Loria and Diya. I hope things go well. She'll have the best help with her in you." She grins and gives him a wink. "I should know." <Kevil> If she does not kill me first, of course. ::grins and kisses her cheek, then bows to Trey:: Good day, my lord. ::he collects his packages and leaves without looking back:: * Meghan sits again, watching Kevil for a moment before looking back to Trey with a bit of a smile. <Taliesin> ::smiles:: So, are you finished, or was there a dessert that tempted you? <Meghan> No dessert for me. ::she nods:: I do think I am done. * Taliesin stands and pushes his chair back in to the table, dropping several coins on the table. "Well, do allow me to cover the remainder of the reckoning, then?" * Meghan stands as well and lifts her basket, placing it back on her arm. "So how does a nice walk sound to you?" <Taliesin> ::offers her his arm:: Much more pleasant than a bad walk... shall we? * Meghan places her hand on his arm and walks out of the restaurant with him. She glances around and heads them in the direction of the city gates. <Taliesin> ::pulling her gently closer to him:: Outside the gates, my dear? Shall we be quite safe? I was under the impression from your minstrel friend that Marsember was a hotbed of desperate criminals. ::he winks at her roguishly:: <Meghan> ::chuckles:: Oh you'll be quite safe my dear. This is a well known walk we are taking, and I have yet to run into trouble with it. <Taliesin> Once again, I place myself entirely in your hands, Meg... * Meghan grins and hugs him close. "So are you doing anything besides being social while you are here?" <Taliesin> ::laughs:: Not really, no. Unless we are directly attending our estates, nobles are a rather useless group of people, my dear. We exist entirely to set fashion trends and fence politely with each other over tea and biscuits. <Meghan> ::makes a face:: Honestly ::she glances to him:: Seems rather boring to me. <Taliesin> It can be, yes. On the other hand, it's particularly reassuring. When things get exciting in the lives of the nobility, it is generally because we have been disrupted by war or disease or bankruptcy. <Meghan> True I guess. ::she smiles to the guards as they walk out the city gates:: It's hard to imagine living that life for me I guess. I am rather happy being a simple peasant ::her tone is playful:: <Taliesin> I don't believe you actually rank among the peasantry, my lady, simple or otherwise. ::he smiles:: <Meghan> ::she nods with a smirk:: So what does interest you then? <Taliesin> My lady? <Meghan> Well what do you like to do. If you had time to spend doing anything at all in the world what would that be? <Taliesin> Ah... ::nods:: Architecture... <Meghan> Really? ::She turns their walk towards the river:: Design or some other aspect? <Taliesin> Primarily design... ::shudders:: You have no idea how inconvenient my father's castle is. And cold, even in the heat of summer. I've been sketching out some new plans, for when I inherit, to construct a new keep... But I enjoy building, as well. I told you, did I not, that my father insisted on a rather rigorous education? When I was in my mid-teens, I spent a summer rebuilding the village church after a fire. <Taliesin> With help, of course... ::he held up one hand:: But it was a very interesting time. <Meghan> ::she nods:: You did tell me. I'd be interested to see your sketches. It's good to know you get to be involved in something that you enjoy ::She smiles:: Perhaps someday I might get a chance to travel to Waterdeep and see your father's castle. <Taliesin> ::nods:: If nothing else, my father and his father before him have kept the land prosperous enough that the idea of rebuilding the keep is not completely absurd. <Meghan> That's good. It's nice to know you'll be able to do it when the time comes for you to inherit it. <Taliesin> And you, my lady... what do you "like to do", as you put it? <Meghan> Me. Well I like spending time with the kids. watching and helping them grow. Working to find good places in the city for them to thrive. When I have a bit of time away from children in general I like to read. <Taliesin> And take walks? ::he prompted, looking around the area:: * Meghan nods with a grin and she glances around. "Yes. I love walking along the river." <Taliesin> ::casually:: It's lovely... ::not looking at her:: Your friend is very... protective of you, are you aware? <Meghan> Kevil? ::She nods a bit:: Yes, he is. We are close, like brother and sister ::she fingers the ring he gave her so long ago and then glances to Trey:: Do I want to know what you two talked about while I was away during lunch? ::her voice is again playful:: <Taliesin> ::returns her smile:: I don't know, Meg. Do you want to know? <Meghan> ::laughs:: Probably not. ::She looks towards the river:: He fears for my heart, I know that. We never want to see our friends hurt. * Taliesin puts one hand on her arm and turns her to face him. "Do you believe it is my intention to hurt you?" <Meghan> ::she smiles fondly at him:: Not at all dear Trey. I think it is you intention to be my friend, perhaps practice your flirting on me. May I say that I don't mind that at all. ::she grins:: But eventually she will catch your eye, and I will be happy to have had the chance to get to know you and call you friend. * Taliesin releases her arm. "And that is what you wish?" <Meghan> ::raises her eyebrows:: Well, yes. * Taliesin takes a deep breath and murmurs under his breath... "told him I wouldn't *lie* to you, but I don't think this is entirely what he had in mind..." It is obvious that she is not meant to overhear this. * Meghan takes a soft breath and gently brings his gaze back to hers "Lie to me about what?" <Taliesin> Your Master Kevil... ::he refuses to meet her eyes, staring instead at a spot just over her shoulder:: made several pointed suggestions while you were out of hearing, my dear. Pointed, but utterly wasted. Perhaps he is not so observant as he believes himself to be. <Meghan> ::she frowns slightly:: I'm not sure I follow you? <Taliesin> ::shakes his head:: Perhaps it's for the best that you don't follow me. ::he tries on a smile that does not quite fit:: <Meghan> ::she smiles a bit, wanting him to be happy:: Try me. <Taliesin> It does him no good to caution me against breaking your heart when I haven't got it to break... ::he bites his lip:: <Meghan> ::sighs:: Trey I...::she shakes her head and steps back from him just a bit:: We come from different worlds, you and I. Could you ask me to give up my children and my life in Marsember for you? Would you be willing to give up your kitchen staff for me ::she smiles to take any sting from her words:: I could care about you, so easily. I could give you my heart. But then what? <Taliesin> ::takes a step towards her, bending down slightly:: Does there have to be a "then what?" ::he moves to kiss her:: * Meghan blinks and leans back a bit. "Yes, Trey there does. I have a daughter. I can't afford to not think about then what." <Taliesin> ::stuffs his hands in his pockets and turns to look out at the river:: I... Meghan, both you and your friend seem to leap from admiration to love to matrimony in an instant. It astounds me. I have not asked you to sacrifice anything... Bloody hell, I practice being eloquent for years and standing here with you, I cannot even begin to find the words to say. Is there a reason for you to close that door, Meghan? Someone else, perhaps, that you care for? <Meghan> ::she reaches to place her hand on his arm:: Trey I never even thought there would be a door to close. There is no one else. But I have been in love and had my heart broken. ::she pauses for a moment and looks down:: I'm sorry if I've hurt you. <Taliesin> ::shrugs, his hands still in his pockets:: It is of no consequence. I pray, pay it no mind... <Meghan> Trey please ::she moves in front of him:: I don't want to lose what we have gained in friendship. I do care about you. * Taliesin takes a deep breath. "I am not going to scorn you, Meghan, or treat you with the same contempt I occasionally show for my sister's husband, of whom I am none too fond... I am only disappointed. It will pass." * Meghan sighs and nods, stepping back and turning to look out at the river. <Taliesin> Meghan... ::turns to look at her:: * Meghan glances over at him "Yes?" <Taliesin> ::offers her his hand:: Just... don't decide now? Unless you have no feelings at all for me. If you are only afraid of being hurt again... I cannot change your past, and I wouldn't even if I had that power, for it had made you all that you are. But don't deny love from fear. That's all I ask. * Meghan nods and takes his hand, turning it over and placing a soft kiss in the palm. "I won't, I promise" * Taliesin sighs, cupping her cheek. "I really do wish you would let me kiss you." He makes an attempt to sound light-hearted. * Meghan nods, her lips turning up in a smile. She turns to him, placing her hands on his cheeks and bringing her lips to him. * Taliesin slips an arm around her waist, covering her mouth with his own. He does not press the issue, content for that moment to hold her and be held. <Meghan> ::she also keeps the kiss light. Then presses her forehead to his and whispers against his lips:: Why me? <Taliesin> Perhaps because you have been the only one who has treated me as a man, not a title... a friend, with no expectation of favors... I do not know, Meghan. I had not thought to question it. I only know what I feel. * Meghan nods and leans against him, wrapping an arm around him as well. "I hope you will continue to share with me what you feel." <Taliesin> ::leans his cheek against the top of her head:: I did promise him I would not deceive you, although I don't believe this was what he had in mind. ::laughs shortly:: * Meghan chuckles. "I'm glad you promised him that." <Taliesin> Well, not so much promised as denied the charge that I was intending to be less than honest with you... <Meghan> ::she tilts her head to look up to him:: Even that. I always want you to be honest with me about how you feel. I will be as well. <Taliesin> It is all that I can reasonably expect, Meg... Shall I walk you home, now? <Meghan> ::nods:: I'd like that. * Taliesin turns and offers her his arm. "I surprised you, that much was painfully obvious, but I hope you don't think me unworthy to peruse your affections?" * Meghan places her hand on his arm. "I have a feeling there is very little you are unworthy of Taliesin." She smiles at him. |
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