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<Orlann> ::the Crow's Nest has been slightly busy all day. The early spring, followed by a hard frost has required the rapid harvest of certain herbs from the gardens, and several people have come seeking a remedy to their spring colds. While Tarri has been busy at her chores, Orlann has taken the opportunity to work with his sword, shadow-sparring in Bran's open backyard:: * Tarri emerges from the still room, wiping her hands on a green-stained towel. She leans against the wall of the building to watch Orlann practice. * Orlann has long since discarded his shirt, gleaming with sweat even in the chill air as he fights with unseen foe, his blades mere flashes in the air. * Tarri follows his movement with half-held breath, a faint smile hovering on her lips. * Orlann glances over and catches sight of her. "Miss Tarri..." His blades finish their circle and come to a halt. <Tarri> ::smiles:: You don't mind my watching, do you, Corporal? <Orlann> No, ma'am, if you're not bored... I was just about fixing to call it quits... ::he gives her a rueful grin:: I'm sorely out of shape. <Tarri> ::laughs and walks toward him to offer her towel to wipe his face:: You couldn't prove it by me... But you've been injured for quite a while. You're bound to have a little catch-up to do. * Orlann slides the scabbard onto one blade before leaning his sword against his hip to wipe his face. "Thank you." <Tarri> You're welcome. Are you about ready to head home? I've just got to finish one or two things, inside... <Orlann> Yes'm... I just need to cool down a mite... ::hands her back the towel:: <Tarri> I'll just meet you on the porch, then? ::she backs away a few steps, then grins, turns and heads into the house.:: * Orlann watches her go, then recovers his homespun shirt, pulling it over his head. He does some rather lazy stretches. * Tarri finishes her chores in the house and talks to Bran about a few unusual cases. Ready to go, she pulls her short cape over her shoulders and sits on a porch stool to wait for Orlann. * Orlann finishes his stretches and straps his sword onto his back. "T'was a busy day, Miss Tarri?" <Tarri> ::nods:: Seems like this weather has everyone coming down with a cold. And we had a couple of kids with sprains. Getting too enthusiastic about spring. ::she smiles:: Can't blame them too much for that. <Orlann> Spring Fever, aye... used to come down with a case of that myself, some years... thought my father was going to tan my hide for me, once, for swimming in mid-Ches. <Tarri> ::laughs:: That *is* a bit early for swimming. Do you like to swim? There are a few good places for it, not far from here. <Orlann> ::protesting, his voice mock-injured:: The ice was out on the lake, ma'am... I used to swim a lot, as a boy. The stream that runs through Bleakhill was a bit shallow for more than a bit of wading, though. <Tarri> ::giggles at his tone:: We had a nice lake, in Khymrych, for swimming. And of course, there are the rivers, here. I know a couple of good spots for a picnic, though the only time I actually went swimming here was sort of an accident... ::she grins at the memory:: <Orlann> Fall in? ::he glances around in the woods as they walk back towards the city, wary as he always is beyond the protection of walls:: <Tarri> Mmm.... ::she sounds amused:: *Glossaria* fell in, and I tumbled in trying to help her out. But I about half-suspect her of overbalancing me on purpose. <Orlann> ::snickers:: Sounds only fair to me, ma'am... <Tarri> ::mock-indignant:: Fair? How is that fair? <Orlann> ::shrugs:: Well, *I* shouldn't want to be the only one soaked in my clothes... <Tarri> ::chuckles:: She's a mage. She could have dry clothes if she wanted. *I* think the boys egged her on. <Orlann> Well, *that* takes all the fun out of it, doesn't it? Magicking up dry clothes! <Tarri> ::giggles:: She probably felt the same way. * Orlann laughs. "And did you get even with her, later?" <Tarri> ::laughs:: Oh, no... You'll have to meet Gloss sometime. She's impossible to embarrass, and trying only makes her ask even more embarrassing questions. But she's such a dear. I can't stay upset with her. <Orlann> ::raises an eyebrow:: What sort of questions? <Tarri> ::coughs and blushes, looking rather fixedly at the path in front of them:: She interviewed me once on kissing. A rather lengthy, *detailed* interview... And that's just a beginning. * Orlann stares off in the other direction, his cheeks likewise darkening. "Oh... pardon my asking..." <Tarri> ::grins:: It's okay. She's just... Gloss. You'll see, when you meet her. She's getting a little better about it, but sometimes she still slips, especially if Val isn't around to warn her away from sensitive topics. You can refuse to answer her questions, though. She never gets mad about it. Just kind of confused. <Orlann> ::turns even darker:: 'Fraid I wouldn't have much answers for her... <Tarri> ::glances up at him and smiles, then slips her arm through his:: Oh, but you would! Once she heard how much you travelled, as a boy... Not *all* of her questions are embarrassing, I promise. * Orlann pats her hand, but refuses to look at her. "Well, traveling I can talk about..." The woods thin out as they approach the city's gates. <Tarri> She takes some getting used to, but I think you'd like her. 'Most everyone does... ::she peers ahead to the gate to see who's on watch this shift:: * Orlann glowers slightly as he catches sight of a blonde guard. * Tarri misses Orlann's look and waves to the guard in cheerful greeting. * Orlann mutters something under his breath after they pass through the gates. <Tarri> ::looks up:: What? <Orlann> Miss Tarri... ::he hesitates until they're well beyond the hearing of the guards, gnawing on the inside of his cheek:: Miss Tarri, I think mayhap I should move back to my room in the inn. <Tarri> ::blinks in surprise:: But- Well, you're a grown man, Corporal; I can't tell you what to do. But do you really think you're ready? You're still having so many bad dreams... <Orlann> Miss Tarri, I don't... ::he colors again:: It ain't that, ma'am. But... ::he glances at her:: <Tarri> But...? <Orlann> My... Miss Tarri, I don't want to compromise you... <Tarri> ::looks perplexed:: *Compromise* me? How are you compromising me? <Orlann> ::looks down at the road:: It's not fitting, my living in your home... folk are starting to talk. You haven't heard them? <Tarri> Oh. Talk. ::she harrumphs under her breath:: There are gossips everywhere, Corporal, and most of them aren't much interested in facts. <Orlann> ::frowns:: Miss Tarri, I'm perfectly in earnest... <Tarri> ::a little sharply:: So am I. I spent too much of my life certain that *seeming* mattered more than *doing*. I let it uproot me from my home, and I let it hound me here. I'm done with it. When I heard the rumors, last summer, after I came back... ::her mouth tightens:: No more. I know what the facts are. I cherish the opinions of the people I respect and love. The gossips can say whatever they like. <Orlann> ::hesitantly:: If you're certain, ma'am. <Tarri> ::stops and looks up at him, her angry look evaporating:: Corporal, if you truly *want* to leave, I won't stop you. If you're sick to death of sleeping on the floor; if you think you're ready to spend your nights alone; if you think someone else could help you better... The door's open. I- I'd miss you, I have to admit, but I've no hold on you. But don't let *talk* drive you away. They're not going to say anything about me that's worse than anything that's been said before. * Orlann takes a deep breath. "No, Miss Tarri, I *don't* want to go." He pauses. "Which is why I believe mayhap I *should*." <Tarri> ::shakes her head:: I'm sorry, Corporal. I don't understand... <Orlann> ::shakes his head:: I'm not so familiar with custom here, and ma'am, I don't want to take advantage of you. <Tarri> ::bewildered:: You're talking in riddles. Marsember's a pretty big city, with lots of different customs. How are you going to take advantage of me? * Orlann gives her a surprisingly direct look, given that his face is so flushed it's practically purple. "Don't you be on teasing again. You're a right pretty young lady, and I'm not... unaware of't." <Tarri> ::looks astonished, then laughs:: I'm glad to hear it... ::she calms, though a hint of smile lingers at the corners of her mouth and color is rising in her own cheeks:: I was beginning to wonder if you were made of stone. <Orlann> Ma'am? ::it is his turn to look puzzled:: <Tarri> Well, I all but- ::she breaks off and shakes her head, looking down at the cobblestones:: What would a Bleakhill girl do, Corporal, to let a man know she might like to... get to know him better? <Orlann> ::grins a little:: You mean, like the husking bee? <Tarri> ::glances up briefly:: What's that? <Orlann> It's a sort of... festival... to make the work go easier and make a bit of game of it. After harvest - Bleakhill's main crop's corn, you know - everyone gathers to husk the ears together. <Tarri> ::nods, her blush fading slightly in curiosity:: <Orlann> And, well, mostly the corn's yellow... but sometimes it's not. Sometimes it be red as harvest moon. And getting one in your basket's good luck, and you have to seal your luck... ::he stuffs his hands in his pockets:: ... by taking a kiss from one you wish it. <Tarri> ::laughs delightedly:: I can nearly imagine some frantic pre-party checking, and whispered bargains going on in the corners... <Orlann> Most certainly, Miss Tarri... very few be surprised when they find their red-ear. <Tarri> ::giggles:: Khymrych is mostly sheep farms, so we don't have anything like that. But every spring the whole village turns out to pick berries - there's an *enormous* berry patch off to the side of town - and then for a few days everyone's busy canning and baking, and after that there's a big festival with prizes for the baking and a maypole dance. <Orlann> What's a maypole? <Tarri> It's a pole... Tall. Almost as tall as a two-story house. With rings attached to the top. They thread colored ribbons through the rings, and everyone takes an end. There's a dance, weaving in and out... You'd have to see it, I can't describe it, but it makes very pretty patterns. <Tarri> After the dance, they pull the ribbons free and everyone finds out who's on the other end... Depending on the color of the ribbon, the partners have to exchange certain... gifts. ::her eyes twinkle:: <Tarri> A meal... or a kiss... If you get a gold ribbon, you get to ask for anything you like. <Orlann> ::his eyebrows shoot way up:: That be a bit daring... <Tarri> ::grins:: A bit. There aren't many gold ribbons, and they're assigned pretty carefully. There's an acceptable amount of bribery that goes on for the other ribbons, though... <Orlann> ::grins:: Near as much as goes for a red-ear, I imagine... Miss Denna gave over a whole wheel of cheese and three fresh apple pies for mine, year afore last. <Tarri> ::chuckles then fixes him with an impish look:: I wonder what they paid for an ear to kiss *you* with... * Orlann flushes. "It's not mannerly to speculate, ma'am." <Tarri> ::laughs:: Not for *you*, maybe... But it's important to know the rates before one begins bidding. * Orlann shrugs. "And was there much tussling for the other end of *your* ribbon?" <Tarri> I don't know... Maypole bribes go to the lottery master, and are mostly secret. Though I'm pretty certain my Papa arranged to give me a meal-ribbon and to be on the end of it when the music stopped, the first year I danced. I was *so* mad at him! ::she laughs, remembering:: <Orlann> ::grins:: Bet the lottery master's the richest man in town... <Tarri> ::giggles:: It changes, year to year... But I think most of it goes to the Town Council. <Orlann> It does sound a fair piece like a husking bee... ::smiles at her:: Mayhap we ain't so different as I supposed. * Tarri meets his eyes, her blush rising again. "No, I don't think so." <Orlann> ::eyes her seriously:: I'm sorry if I made you put out with me, Miss Tarri... I'm only being concerned for your well being. <Tarri> I know. I wasn't upset with you. I appreciate your concern, Corporal, truly. ::she smiles with a hint of mischief:: But I can promise, you're not going to "take advantage" of me without my permission. <Orlann> No ma'am, I surely wouldn't. Not meaning to, anyhow... * Tarri gives him a look, then shakes her head ruefully. "Good. Then, are you coming with me, or not?" * Orlann smiles at her. "Yes'm... if you'll have me, nothing else'd keep me away." <Tarri> ::slips her arm through his:: You're welcome to stay as long as you'd like, Corporal. I enjoy your company. * Orlann clasps his hand over hers. "You'll let me know, aye, if you get tired of tripping over me?" He grins at her. <Tarri> ::laughs and leans against him briefly:: Oh, aye, if you'll let me know when you're tired of sleeping on the floor. <Orlann> ::lifting his chin:: It's not so very hard that I can't bear it... <Tarri> Nor are you so terribly underfoot, so it seems fair. * Tarri glances up at the still-light sky as they approach Tarri's apartment. "I know it's a little cool this evening, but it's not raining, for once... How would you feel about taking a walk?" * Orlann looks at Tarri's light cloak, hesitates, then puts his arm around her shoulders. "You tell me, if you get cold, ma'am. I don't think you need to be taking a dose of Master Bran's tonic yourself." <Tarri> ::leans into his warmth gratefully, and nudges him toward the center of town:: I'll avoid a cold, I promise... But *please* will you just call me Tarri? * Orlann glances at her, then puts on his most befuddled expression. "But ma'am... that wouldn't be at *all* proper!" <Tarri> I don't care. I'm a bad woman, remember? ::she grins up at him:: Besides, there's only so much "ma'am" and "miss" I can take. Don't make me take a pie plate to your head, Orlann. <Temire> Tarri doing something improper? I definitely picked the right time to stop by. ::Temire rounds the corner, a mischievous smile on her face. She's dressed in her usual shirt and britches with her conch shell rapier.:: <Tarri> ::looks up with a smile:: Mira! ::she slips out from under Orlann's arm to hug the younger woman in greeting:: * Orlann shakes his head, obviously confused, but still grinning. * Temire returns the hug, keeping one arm around Tarri's shoulders as the hug ends, looking appraisingly at Orlann, "I obviously don't stop by often enough. I'd have remembered if he was the one I saw you dancing with way back when. He looks familiar though..." Temire trails off in thought. <Tarri> Mira, this is Corporal Drilgar, from Bleakhill. He's a recent patient, and a very dear friend. Orlann, this is Temire, though we mostly just call her Mira. ::she grins at Temire:: He can't look but so familiar, Mira - he's only been in town for a few weeks, and you've been keeping yourself scarce! * Orlann nods to Temire. "Tarri honors me with her friendship. It's good to meet you." * Temire gives Orlann a half bow, "Corporal." Smiles at Tarri, "Well I've been fighting my natural urge to get into trouble. How successful do you think I'd be if I was around." <Tarri> ::laughs:: I don't know. I'm sure you could get into trouble most anywhere, really... How's Roni? <Temire> ::waves her hand in a so-so motion:: Very busy teaching. If he's not sounding like a younger and less vicious version of Master Bluestar then it seems that he enjoys it. He hasn't had any time to write since he started teaching though. I still can't decide if that's a good or a bad thing. And of course, we both miss Ilya since she's with Kauriss for a while. <Tarri> I was going to ask about Ilya next. ::smiles:: But maybe once Roni settles in with the teaching a little more, he'll be able to write. Of course, if he's teaching *and* writing, he'll barely have any time for *you*. <Orlann> Is... that your husband, Missus Temire? <Temire> ::smiles in a frustrated fashion:: Well that would be part of why I'm having to try so hard to keep out of trouble and why Ilya's staying with Kauriss for such an extended period of time. I really hope once he starts teaching classes that he's taught before that things improve, otherwise I'm going to have to take a leaf from Jelarthna's book. * Temire smiles at Orlann, "No, just my lover. I don't know what she's been telling you about her being a bad woman, but her job is to keep me on the straight and narrow, and my job is too corrupt her thoroughly." Temire's voice is merry and her face clearly says that she's joking. * Orlann stares at her, then flushes, looking down on the ground. <Tarri> ::grins and takes Orlann's arm again, given Temire a bit of a wink:: They take things a little slower where he's from, Mira. Try not to shock him *too* much. * Temire laughs, "I like him Tarri." Pats Orlann's shoulder, "I'm sorry Corporal, I shouldn't have been so crude." * Orlann laughs a bit shakily. "Tarri keeps telling me our customs aren't so very different, but I think she's still teasing." * Temire chuckles, "Marsember customs or Khymrych customs? And for what it's worth Corporal I'm an aberration by nearly any standard you care to choose. Except the standards of the Hall patrons." <Tarri> ::grins:: A little closer to Khymrych customs, I'll admit. <Temire> ::grin:: Thought so. <Orlann> ::eyes Temire:: A matter for your pride, Miss Temire? * Temire shrugs, "Probably. My parents and I fought back and forth over who I was going to grow up to be. I finally won the argument when they disowned me because I insisted on learning swordsmanship." Puts her hand on her sword hilt. "Since then I've pretty much lived my life the way I saw fit. When your life and how you live it are all you have left I guess you have to take pride in it." * Orlann nods. "I didn't mean for you to take offense, Miss Temire. I... everything seems a mite strange to me. It surely isn't my place to judge." <Tarri> ::nearly winces at this last bit, but merely squeezes Orlann's arm gently:: <Temire> ::smiles pleasantly:: It's alright Corporal. The gods know I need to stop and evaluate my decisions more often than I do. At least if I want to live to a ripe old age. ::grin:: I'm currently shooting for three hundred. Think that's too ambitious? <Orlann> ::shakes his head:: Don't rightly know, Miss Temire... the lady barkeep told me her life's story t'other night, so, you never know, I reckon. <Temire> ::giggles:: If I'm going to wind up like the Blessed Mother I think I'd rather die young and beautiful. Excitement is one thing, but I don't think I could handle her life. <Tarri> ::looks faintly scandalized, but laughs:: So, what are you doing over on this side of town, Mira? Are we interrupting business? <Temire> ::smiles:: Nope, you are business. Unless I'm interrupting the two of you. Like I said, I've been trying to keep out of trouble. I figured I'd check in on you since I haven't for a while and you've never gotten me in trouble and have occasionally gotten me out of it. * Orlann colors again. "We were just going for a walk..." <Temire> Great. Mind if I join you? <Tarri> Feel free. <Temire> So, any destination in mind, or just around? <Tarri> Nothing in particular. I just spent all day bouncing between still room and sickroom, and wanted a little fresh air... * Orlann shakes his head. "Not so much... I think Tarri's taking Mistress Lisl's advice and not letting me get by with just a few stretches." <Temire> Fresh air, then we most definitely are staying away from the docks. ::sets a course down the street away from the docks:: <Temire> So how have you been Tarri? I assume your studies are going well. * Tarri shivers at an evening breeze and worms herself under Orlann's arm again. "Well, your leg's healed, but it still needs to be worked." She follows Temire gamely down the street. * Orlann lets Temire get a step or so ahead, then puts his arm back around Tarri's shoulders. <Tarri> Well enough. Things are pretty busy, just now. It's beyond me why so many people choose spring to catch colds. <Temire> ::grins back at Tarri:: Probably running around without cloaks trying to enjoy the good weather. <Tarri> ::protesting:: I've got a cape! I didn't think it would be cool enough to need a full cloak! <Temire> ::chuckles:: Exactly! <Orlann> ::softly:: I said the same thing to her earlier... <Tarri> ::mock-sighing:: I am surrounded by mother hens... <Orlann> ::raises one eyebrow:: If I scratch up a worm, you get to eat it. <Temire> ::chuckles:: Nah, I'm just a friend giving you a hard time. I'll leave the mother henning to Lisl, she's got so much more experience at it than I do. <Tarri> Oh, no. ::she rounds her eyes at him:: I wouldn't want to deprive you of your dinner... A nice... fat... juicy... worm... * Orlann laughs. "You're a *bad* woman..." <Tarri> ::grins at Temire's comment:: Lisl's been avoiding me. <Tarri> Oh, yes. You see, Mira? I'm the bad one. <Temire> ::chuckles and shakes her head:: Now I'm glad Ilya's out of town. I can just see her singing to try to get Roni to buy her a present. ::in a sing song voice:: No body loves me, everybody hates me, I'm going eat some worms. <Tarri> ::laughs:: Does it work? <Temire> She hasn't tried that one yet. But he's been getting better about not spoiling her rotten. Unfortunately I expect Kauriss to undo all my work. That woman is a merchant to the core. <Tarri> ::smiles wryly:: Well, there's not much you can do about that... Maybe she'll at least learn there are two sets of rules. <Orlann> ::nods:: Mother's rules and Father's rules... oh, yes... <Temire> ::nods:: More like Kauriss's rules, Temire's rules, and whatever rules are working on Papa at the moment. <Tarri> ::laughs:: <Orlann> ::shakes his head:: Ah well... little girls are right cute when they're being bad... <Temire> ::chuckles:: Hear that Tarri. You're cute. <Tarri> ::grins and glances up at Orlann:: I'm not sure he meant me, Mira. I'm not a little girl any more, after all. * Orlann makes a show of looking at the difference in their sizes. "You certain of that?" <Temire> ::grin:: I should hope not. If you're a little girl then I'm still in diapers. <Tarri> ::giggles, craning her neck exaggeratedly to look up at Orlann:: Now, now. Just 'cause you're unreasonably *tall*... <Tarri> ::winks at Temire:: Roni's a cradle-robber... <Temire> ::chuckles, brushing her white lock of hair behind her ear:: <Orlann> Is your... ::searches around for a word:: your gentleman so very much older than you are, Miss Temire? <Temire> ::makes a so-so gesture:: He's nearly a decade older than I am, but his father was an elf so he doesn't act that much older than me. * Orlann nods. * Tarri shivers again despite the protection of Orlann's arm, and glances up at the setting sun with a faint sigh. "I think we should probably head back." * Orlann tightens his arm around Tarri's shoulders. "Yes'm..." He colors. "Sorry... habit." * Temire looks up at the sun, "I should be heading back as well. Sallah will have dinner on the table soon, and it's one of the few times I can guarantee that I can pull Roni away from his work." <Tarri> ::winks at Orlann:: I suppose I can forgive a few habitual slips, as long as you're trying. * Orlann laughs. "I could lend you m'pie tin, Miss Temire." <Tarri> ::giggles, then gives Temire another hug:: Stay out of trouble, now. ::she says this very sternly, though with a twinkle in her eye:: * Temire chuckles, "Nah, I've found better ways to distract him. I just don't want to overdo it. I don't have a source of income after all." * Orlann blushes again. <Temire> ::returns the hug:: I'll try to stay out of trouble if you promise me that you will stay out of trouble. ::winks at Tarri as she releases the hug:: <Tarri> ::solemnly:: I don't think I can promise that, Mira... I'm a bad, bad woman... ::she stifles a chuckle as she slips an arm around Orlann's waist:: * Orlann shivers, looking both pleased and slightly embarrassed. <Temire> ::chuckles, waving a finger at Tarri:: You're going to tell me the story behind that some day Tarri. ::gives Orlann a half bow:: It was a pleasure to meet you Corporal. ::addressing them both again:: I'll see the two of you around. * Tarri waves, then turns back the way they came. <Temire> ::waves back then head off for the nearest gate:: * Orlann shakes his head as Temire walks away. "Ever' time I get used to a thing around this town... is she really so wild?" <Tarri> ::laughs:: Sometimes... Though she's calmed down a lot lately. * Orlann shudders with mock-fear. "I'm all cowed to think on it." <Tarri> A big strong man like you? ::grins:: Don't worry. I'll protect you. * Orlann laughs. "It seems likely." He turns the corner towards Tarri's flat. |
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