Main Page |
* Jewel cannot seem to sit still today. She tries to exercise for awhile, but gives up after the second time she falls off the balance beam. She moves nervously around the flat, stopping only occasionally to glance out the window. What Angel conservatively estimates to be a metric ton of food-- snack foods, sandwiches, salads, pastries, fresh fruit, ice cream-- packs the icebox and loads down the kitchen table. <Angel> ::mildly:: Are we expecting the next great flood, my lady? * Jewel paces the common room and shoots him a wry look. "My sister. A flood would be easier. Dawn told me he was going to try the Box today. But... it's after three already... how long before we should check on him? What if--" She stops and presses her fists to her temples. "I'm making myself crazy... and probably you, too, love. I'm sorry." <Angel> ::shakes his head:: Bad business, to bother a mage while they're thinking. Quite a good way to get ones nose snipped off, really. Give him some time... <Jewel> ::biting her lip:: It's only... I feel so *helpless!* How do you do it? How do you send people into danger, when you can't go yourself? I mean, I keep trying to be positive... Dawn can get in, if *anyone* can. I keep telling myself that. ::she sounds very much like she's trying to convince herself and hasn't succeeded yet:: And he's got Bonesteel's and Flip's clues to go on... any moment, they'll knock on our-- ::she stops:: Oh... da--ear. * Jewel looks incredibly sheepish. * Angel raises an eyebrow up. Rather far. One might even be so bold as to call it 'intimidatingly high.' <Angel> Correct me if I'm wrong, oh wife, but I believe your sister to be still unaware of our... ahem... living arrangements. And employment. I'm eager to see the explanation you concoct on the spot. * Jewel looks even more sheepish. And perhaps a bit guilty. "Um." She glances at the door. "She doesn't know about the flat, either. She thinks I live at the Cottage. And I never thought to tell Dawn..." She pinches the bridge of her nose. "Sweet gods..." <Jewel> Um... ::looking around with a critical eye, and crossing the room to pluck a stuffed bear out of the corner and tuck him in a drawer along with a bunch of her things:: Um... we could say it's just *your* flat, and you brought me here for safekeeping for a few days? * Angel looks around. "I have good taste in curtains, too." <Jewel> ::smiling a little:: Well... you *did* pick out the furniture, after all. <Jewel> Oh! I could ask Bie to leave word for Dawn, before he leaves the workshop.... ::she sounds hopeful:: * Dawn knocks on the door. <Jewel> ...or not. ::deflating on a sigh:: * Angel leans back in his chair, tipping it back on two legs. He tucks his arms behind his neck and gives Jewel a very unreassuring smile. One that says he expects to be entertained. <Jewel> Alright. I don't think we've a prayer of hiding our living arrangements from Ellie, but... for her own safety, I think it's better not to mention, er, employment. * Jewel sticks her tongue out at Angel, and goes to answer the door. * Dawn and Ellie stand on the landing. Ellie is clutching Dawn's off-hand, her fingers laced tightly with his. His silver knife is still in his good hand, a wisp of steam curling off his cloak suggesting a recent teleport. "Good afternoon, my lady. I have your package." He grins mischievously. <Angel> ::looks up at Dawn and flicks his fingers idly:: {Funny, I don't recall putting in an order for a young woman. You must have the wrong house.} <Jewel> Oh, thank all the gods... Ellie! ::glancing around outside quickly and practically dragging them inside:: <Dawn> {*YOU* didn't order her. Best have a word or two with your wife.} ::smirks:: * Jewel ignores both men, looking Ellie up and down quickly before enfolding her in a hug. "Thank the gods... I'm so glad you're safe!" * Ellie allows herself to be hugged for a little before she attempts escape. Even so, her eyes are suspiciously damp for all her bravado. "Cat, I'm *fine.* I only sat in the dark for a day or two, nothing happened, really!" * Ellie wipes her eyes quickly with a short sniff, pushing back and giving Dawn a sidelong glance. "I'm quite alright, just a little shook up. Master Dawn was quite charming." * Dawn claims a seat on the sofa and props his foot up on the coffee table. He raises his eyebrows at "charming," but doesn't contradict her. "She wasn't even awake for the whole thing," he tells Cat. "There's a hibernation spell in place." * Angel does not quite restrain himself from a doubting sort of snort. <Jewel> Hibernation? It put her to sleep the whole time? But... ::looking at Ellie:: You were awake when I contacted you...? <Ellie> Well, not that it would have made much difference, but I *thought* I was awake for most of it. I tried to nap, but... ::shrugs:: But... I thought I heard something, and then I got *terribly* tired, and next I knew there was a-- well, Master Dawn was bending over me. ::blushes slightly:: <Dawn> ::shrugs:: Maybe it triggered when I started to open the box. He wouldn't have wanted his victims to be able to ambush him. * Ellie is unable to restrain a shudder. * Jewel wraps her arm around Ellie's shoulders again, rubbing her arm with a hand. "Are you hungry? There's... um. I brought some food." She gives Angel a Look. * Angel tips even further back in his chair - is in fact, in danger of tipping over entirely - and makes a sweeping gesture with one hand. "By all means, miss, if you're a bit peckish, I'm sure Lady Hooke can find something for you." * Dawn eyes the overloaded kitchen table and smirks faintly, a distinct, "I was sooooo RIGHT" look. * Ellie turns to look at the man in the chair, narrowing her eyes a little as she tries to fit him with her memories. "You're... Angel, aren't you? My sister's... *bodyguard*?" She freights the word with meaning as she glances around the flat, her eyes lingering on the large, canopied bed. * Angel watches every spot that Ellie's eyes linger upon, then simply nods. "Yes." <Dawn> ::coughs:: Happens sometimes, with widows... Especially young ones. ::grins:: Never been quite that lucky, mysel- Oh! Would you mind, my lady, letting Bienca know I'm still in one piece and walking around free? * Jewel nods, her cheeks faintly pink, and closes her eyes for a moment. <Jewel> ::grinning and opening her eyes:: She says, bring home apple juice, Gar knocked over the jug and the baby's fussing. * Ellie bites her lip, looking faintly crestfallen. <Dawn> ::rolls his eyes:: Why do I have an apprentice, if she won't send him out on errands? * Jewel raises an eyebrow at Ellie. "I think, pint, you have little room to be commenting on *my* attachments." She hugs her shoulders genially. "And if you tell Mama, I'll shave off all your hair and glue it back on as whiskers." <Dawn> ::eyes the window:: Have a snack, and I can have you back to Arabel in time for dinner. ::to Cat:: You going with her? * Ellie rolls her eyes. "First she's sobbing on my neck, then she's threatening me with violence. *Do* make up your mind, Cat, I've had a very long day." <Angel> ::offers Ellie his slanted version of a smile:: Siblings can be like that, I'm given to understand. <Jewel> What is it about family that makes us revert to childhood, I ask you? Go on, you'll have no trouble finding something to eat, I'm sure. Kitchen's right over there. ::turning her by the shoulders and giving Dawn his very own Look:: * Dawn gives Jewel an enigmatic smile, raising his eyebrows as if to say, What? I am the very picture of innocence! <Jewel> ::frowning:: I'd best go with you, if only to explain to my mother. ::she smiles a little, shaking her head at him:: <Dawn> Your wish is my command, m'lady. ::he grins:: The standard fees apply, of course. * Jewel takes Dawn's hand. "And as I haven't said it, yet: *Thank* you. Really, Dawn. I owe you a big one, over and above the standard fees." She smiles. * Angel drops his chair onto the floor with a thump. "My lady?" He raises an eyebrow at her. "Shall you need an escort?" <Dawn> ::While Ellie is distracted by the groaning board in the kitchen, Dawn pulls something from his pocket and rolls it over his fingers. At first glance, it seems to be a smooth pebble; a second look reveals it for an enormous pearl, black as night and utterly flawless. He lets Jewel and Angel both see it, then pockets it again:: I count myself well paid, already. <Jewel> I... ::she glances towards the kitchen, and lowers her voice:: I'd rather have you with me. If you don't mind. Dawn can drop us off, and we can hire transport for the way back. ::looks to Dawn for confirmation, and boggles at the sight of the bauble that appears from his pocket:: * Angel coughs into one hand and flicks his fingers at Dawn. {And what's my cut, off the top?} <Dawn> ::grins at Angel:: {Ten percent?} * Jewel looks back and forth between them in amazement. She crosses her arms, moving her fingers in the crook of her elbow. {Great rewards, indeed... how much is ten percent?} <Dawn> ::out loud, to Jewel:: I can certainly drop you off and let you work your way home again. I can't stay too long. There are things that need seeing to. ::he glances toward Ellie:: Bodies, for one. I expect I can have our friend do the honors before you're back. {A very great lot. The room is full to the brim, though I pulled some of the nicest things already.} <Jewel> {Holy gods.} ::swallowing hard:: I would be grateful. Did you find all the things Bonesteel asked after? <Dawn> All but the ones that are still in Suzail. Shouldn't be too much trouble to get those, though. <Jewel> Good. ::she glances towards the kitchen to check on Ellie, who's sampling fruit from a platter:: You'll contact our factor in town, then, and arrange for their acquisition? {Meaning Bie, if you haven't asked her already.} I don't plan to stay more than a day or two in Arabel. <Dawn> Aye, I'll handle it. {I told her about it. She wanted to wait until I'd solved the Box, first.} <Jewel> {Wise woman, your wife.} Thank you. Soon as we get home, I'll see about arranging payment for everybody. {Sweet gods, Dawn, you're going to run off and buy your own kingdom now, aren't you?} <Dawn> {Why the fuck would I want that kind of responsibility? I can barely keep my *household* in line.} * Angel gets up and, without consulting his 'mark', he packs two bags, neatly folding a few of Jewel's gowns into a pack. <Jewel> {Thank goodness.} Pint? Ellie? Are you nearly ready to go? Dear gods, Mama's probably worrying herself sick.... <Dawn> Oh, you'll probably want to loan your sister a dress... That robe was the best I could do. 'Dria's things are too small, and -- well, can you imagine her in one of Bienca's outfits? * Jewel looks faintly horrified. "No, thank you. We're nearly a size now, I can find her something, just a moment." * Ellie comes wandering out of the kitchen, nibbling on a strawberry. She carries a napkinful of other assorted food, and looks around curiously. * Angel glances up and absently hands Jewel a blue gown as soon as she gets anywhere close to him. "This one should do, you were complaining it was too short last time you wore it." <Jewel> ::smiles:: Oh, just the thing. Thank you, my-- ::she glances over at Ellie, and finishes rather defiantly:: -- love. * Ellie looks thoughtful, watching Angel's back for a little while as he packs. * Jewel shakes out the dress and crosses back to Ellie, holding the dress to her shoulders and leaning back to eye her critically. "It should fit. Gods, you're so *big*! Washroom's right over there." She nods towards it, handing her the gown. "You can keep it, if it fits." * Ellie grins. "That's why I'm not a half-pint anymore!" She tosses the dress over her shoulder and heads for the washroom, keeping her eyes on Angel the whole way. <Dawn> ::to Jewel:: If your mother happens to ask about Fli- er, Flavian, I suggest you tell her that the Box claimed his life. {Close enough.} ::he eyes the door to the washroom with amusement, and a hint of speculation.:: {Keep an eye on that one. She has a taste for rogues.} <Angel> {Must run in the family.} <Jewel> ::shrugs:: I was going to tell her that he tried to have Ellie kidnapped, and it went south on him. I was going to try to keep the Box out of it as much as I could. ::she grins at Angel and blows him a kiss:: <Dawn> {Aye, but Ellie has bad taste.} <Dawn> ::shrugs:: Up to you. Magic'll enter into it, though. I don't think you're going to get her to turn that rock loose. <Angel> {If she was flirting with you, I agree.} <Dawn> ::smirks drily:: {And Flip before me.} <Jewel> {Ha! I think that shows her taste's improving a little.} ::nods:: I'll try to keep it simple. * Angel cannot quite suppress a shudder. "Cheerful lad, that." <Jewel> I owe *both* of you a great deal of thanks. ::grins:: {And money.} Oh! I promised Bie apple juice. ::wryly:: I don't suppose I could interest you in a hamper, too, Dawn? Or we could invite you all for supper tomorrow... including Nip. <Angel> ::blinks:: Are you certain there's *enough* food, in that case? <Dawn> Anytime we don't have to eat our own cooking. Make it the day after tomorrow. * Jewel gestures elaborately to the groaning board. "It should do him for *one* meal." She grins. "You're on, Dawn." She fetches a jug from the cool room and hands it over to Dawn just as Ellie emerges. * Ellie comes out of the washroom and does a twirl, checking herself in the mirrors by the bed. As well as being better-dressed, she also looks fresh-scrubbed and considerably perkier for it. * Angel bows, doing his best - which is quite impressive, really - courtly greeting. "You look much improved, Miss Ellie." <Ellie> ::smiles, unable to help being flattered:: Thank you, Master Angel. I feel much better, too. I just... ugh. That feeling won't be so quick to wash off, but being clean helps things. * Dawn only grins. "So women *can* wash and get dressed in less than an hour. I'd wondered." <Ellie> ::grinning at him:: You know, normally the sisterhood would force me to kill you now, but since you saved my life I'll spare yours. <Dawn> You are too kind. <Ellie> Besides, who would believe you, if you told? <Dawn> ::considers it:: I could pass it down to my apprentice, as one of the Master secrets. <Ellie> You have an apprentice? Really? How old is he? <Jewel> Ellie... <Ellie> I'm only *curious.* Are we ready to go, then? <Dawn> ::snorts:: He's ten, I think. Entirely too young to be interested in girls, no matter how lovely they look in blue. ::he winks at Ellie and offers her his hand again:: I believe we're ready. * Ellie takes Dawn's hand without hesitation, offering her other to Cat. She looks back and forth between Cat and Angel. "Does Mama know? Do you mean her to?" <Dawn> ::murmuring:: Didn't we already fucking cover this? The whole hair thing? * Angel slings one pack over his back and hands Jewel the other one. He puts one hand on Jewel's shoulder, keeping his left hand free for action, should it become necessary. * Ellie sniffs. "She was joking. *I* am serious. If you want me to keep it quiet, I will. I promise." She adds more quietly. "I owe you, Cat. And I owe you, Master Angel, for taking care of her. But... Mama would want to know you're happy again." * Jewel slings the pack over her back and takes Ellie's hand, squeezing it gently. "You're family, Ellie, you don't owe me anything. But yes, I'd rather... one crisis at a time, for Mama. I *will* tell her. Later. Dawn?" * Dawn -- knowing little of families in general and even less of mothers in particular, wisely opts to remain silent. He only waits until everyone is situated, and performs the teleport. |
|
|