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Wolf Offline OP
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The Heartwood
The Dirkwood Forest
Home
Marketday, the Ninth Day of Yrick


Bekkah, Lyric, Cesare, Keiko … and Most Everyone Else …

Tomomi blinked, once, twice and thrice, all as she listened to Keiko’s words. She then stopped, stopped and paused, turning her head back to the commons. Soft Mouse eyes met a Vixen’s. Lady, she just smiled, smiled and nodded her head.

“Make sure you pack your warm tunics and never forget to start the day without a good breakfast.”

In some ways Lay’s words were simple and light, but they were the words almost every mother had used once upon a time.

“Remember Broke’s One Rule. Renyard’s One Rule and My One Rule.”

Tomomi nodded, quietly, one and then twice and then thrice.

“No fighting …

“Never stop learning …

“And be kind to one another …”

The mistress of Home drew herself up then, crossing her arms. She gave another a stern look; this other was Mister Hinata Cat.

“Am I going to have to make you?”

Hinata just blinked.

“Look after my Mouse.”

“WHAT!”

Lady just gave the big cat an even more serious look. Hinata blinked.

“Why me?”

Lady then pointed to across the hall, where Wuff Wuff was scrambling wildly in the air, having been lifted off the floor and was being waved back and forth by Wrath - a sort of makeshift shield - as Wrath was facing down a rather annoyed looking Soft. Wrath actually looked a bit worried, for the female wuff’s fur sparkled as if bathed by sunlight. Broke obviously had figured out what was going on and was trying not to laugh – dealing with a Dominic had already taught her the danger of letting a priest or priestess get a good night’s sleep.

Hinata’s eyes narrowed.

“So?”

Lady gave the Cat an exasperated look.

“I already have them to deal with.”

“Oh.”

The big cat looked over Tomomi’s head, to the Rhoni wanderer.

“So.

“Do they have burnt fish on the way to this Dawnview place?”

Slowly the morning started to end. Cesare was the first to notice it, the slow collection of the Forest Folk in travel cloaks, the gathering of packs and baskets of goods to be traded. True, today might not be their largest Marketday – they had new folks to take care of and they came first – but they could not afford to just not show up.

To not show up would create more questions than showing up light handed. Both Merchants and Farmers could understand that every now and then any Village might have a bad week or two.

With a nod Lady excused herself from Keiko, Hinata and Tomomi. It was time for her to marshall her kin and prepare them for the walk to Market. From one to another to another she went, making sure they were ready and had wares to trade. Some were told about costs and what they needed to bring back, others had more specific tasks to take on. Such as a certain Raccoon lass and a Mouse, who were to act in Lady's stead.

Finally she clapped her hands and a portion of her Family gathered around.

“It’s time for Market …”

Which, then, left a simple, single, yet unanswered question floating upon the air.

One Fang, the lanky wuff, just smiled. His head tilted as her reached over, placed a strong hand on the top of Lyric’s head and just ruffled her hair. It was a very wuffish thing to do.

“Grrrrrr … donnae you be goin’ soft on me.”

His strong hand fell, rested on her shoulder and was quickly matched his other hand, so he could turn Lyric around to look at the others of the Pack.

“Of course it means you are stuck with them too.”

He looked to one in particular, the smaller black one, the one who fought with two daggers, their vanguard. One Fang raised a hand and simply pointed at Lyric. The Guardian chuffed out a single breath followed by a single syllable.

“Wuff.”

Standing behind her, One Fang rested his head atop Lyric’s.

"I think that kind of settles it, ja?"

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Wolf Offline OP
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The Dirkwood Forest
Waverider’s Watch
Marketday, the Ninth Day of Yrick[/b]

Bekkah, Lyric, Cesare, Keiko … Tomomi, Hinata Cat, One Fang, Broke and Wuff-Wuff and Dominic and Miss Emerald …

“The Squire?”

One of the Rats waited for them at the piers. He was in charge of the boats it seemed, a fisher-rat for Home.

“He took one of those coracle boats yesterday. In a rush to get back to the real world or so her said. I told him to stay in the center of the Blackwater. I hope he listened.”

For those who remained, - Keiko, Lyric, Bekkah and Cesare – they were gifted a ride on the Dirkwood village’s little fleet of punts. As opposed to their trek into the Forest this time it was much more luxurious – each punt even had a Rat gondolier to ensure a smooth trip. Tomomi chose to let the river do the work instead of her feet. Dominic and Miss Emmi traveled that way too. Hinata was a cat and thus walked alone. Well, to tell the truth, not truly alone but far enough away he could claim he walked alone without getting left behind or lost.

The rest? They took the Forest Path. They were still children of Mother ature so they were –relatively – safe against the Dirkwood’s fangs. There had been a debate, as to whether Soft could have kept those near her safe – but it was to remain an interesting speculation - her place, today, was with the newest members of Home’s now very extended family.

Even though they couldn’t see them, they knew the Pack followed along the river shore. The Blackwater did get wide in places but never enough to put them outside of One Fang’s range. The bow he was using was good and he had a quiver full of arrows, but both were obviously replacements. Before they had left the Archer had had an odd conversation with Lady.

I lost my good bow and all my arrowheads at the Keep …

Ja.

Can we afford three bars from our stores for new?

No worries. We will not be running out anytime soon. The Mice say the vaults survived; we should not have been surprised. The Old Masters valued their treasures much more than their own lives.

They never did find out the Mice had been borrowing from them ever since The Lockpick conjured out the way in.


Eventually the canopy thinned.

Finally there was just blue sky above. They could hear the creaking of the mill, see the Talantal banner snapping in the breeze atop its little tower. There were already merchants waiting along the hard packed path that served as a road. They were waiting patiently, as through the picket the Forest Folk came to trade.

The Pack – if you knew where to look - were easily spotted.

And last, there was the tempting aroma of freshly baked meat pies upon the breeze.

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Lyric, No matter how far you go, Home will always be in your Heart

The Minstrel sat quietly now as the old and dangerous Dirkwood thinned. This remnant of the Great Forest of the World bore the weight of a God's lonely and angry curse and Lyric could not now mourn it any less than when she first drifted through the shadows of the boughs on her way to Home. It pained her to feel this darkness and weight upon this place.

She had sung and played a few songs, lively tunes to lift spirits and to offer the sound of life and hope and maybe a bit of joy out from herself into this vengeful wildwood. But now, she was quiet and reflective as there came more and more evidence of an end to the forest.

Of the things lost and gained, things lost came to mind first.

Kadri had fallen. Defiant and determined. She had a very clear sense of the order of the World and where she felt she belonged within it. What more could she have done? And earlier than that, Mikal had left the group before she ever had the chance to know him. And then, without a farewell, Squire 'Ser' Pietro had departed from Home by himself. This was something she did not understand, and didn't know the questions to ask of others about this. She knew she would miss him. His was a gentle nature, steadfast and true. So much of him was so different than her, but he seemed to have an inexhaustible supply of patience and Lyric appreciated his kindness as well.

And, sadly, there was more loss.

Tawny and Grey had fallen as well. What more could she have done? The Pack had resolved itself to a final stand before she got there and, in that frame of heart, two of their number had already fallen so that many more might live. She did what she had to do to change the odds and their fate, and also change that frame of heart. What she did was a grave risk to herself, and against the intent of the careful and wise words of the One who sent her to seek a Song.

Lyric reflected on that aspect for a length of time, seemingly lost to the world around her. What more could she have done? Better yet, What else could she have done? She was not forbidden to use her magic, but she understood the risks and the consequences and that was the intent of words of caution given to her before she left her own home to start this journey.

What is done is done. This was the Here and the Now. She would do it again... and again, to help those who needed help. Dark design and ill-hearted intent must never be allowed to prevail where there is even a mote of courage and resolve remaining, to do the right thing and stand in opposition.

Things gained?

Friends. Hard to add more to that. She never really had any friends before. Such is not the way of her people. Allies, yes? Acquaintances, for certain... but Friends? Not really. But she had them now and she wanted very much to be as a good a friend to each of them as they were to her.

A sense of belonging and the trust with which that came. It was a concept of family that was deeper and stronger that oaths and vows. And, an experience that came with laughter and happiness and tears and sorrow, emotions that comforted her and also grieved her. In her poetic, bardic view of herself and the world around her this was like a tiny flame being sparked on the open and barren, windswept plain that was her heart and soul and now she nurtured it, and protected it, treasured it even, both the good and the bad, the happy and the sad.

She sighed deeply, contentedly, and felt comfortable with her choices. She had done all she could and tried to do even more. That it wasn't enough, and that perfection could not be achieved taught her a valuable lesson about the precious nature of life, and the value of sacrifice. Lessons that she now realized were steps taken on the Path to finding a Song to save her People.

Her quiet and peace now gave her a moment to think back upon two conversations of farewell. She approached each, addressing them with profound respect, but speaking as one who also had a wisdom beyond her years.

To the Lady, whose grace and presence seemed to dwarf that of anyone else around her, even the mighty Wrath, or the wily Dominic, Lord of All He Surveys. She smiled at her own jesting thoughts. Dom might even chuckle himself at such a turn of words to describe him. To the Lady she said a number of things in gratitude, but also left her with a warning. If any of the Old Masters or the Dwarves survived, for it was never the plan to kill them directly but only as necessary as a part of the larger goal of freeing the enslaved souls trapped within the evil keep, then there could be a lingering threat to the peace of Home. The hope that the forest would consume them was an ideal and fitting end for the horror they inflicted upon it, but in truth, they had survived the forest for too long as it was and might well be able to survive it again until they escaped it altogether. Be wary and vigilant.

To Soft, the New Priestess and Den Mother to the Pack, of which she now belonged she reminded her of a lesson she was surely familiar with now. Take care in the use of magical energy. It is tied to your soul and it is a part of you. Use too much and you, well... you know what happens now.

There was a moment where she thought about Wuff-Wuff. She saw some similarities between herself and the Vanguard Wuff. Both of them were small and agile. Both of them could surprise the unsuspecting or the overconfident. And both of them found that a blade in each hand suited their style, skills, and personality best. In as many ways as they were different, the things of commonality seemed stronger to her right now.

Lyric would make her farewells to the pack at the treeline and to One Fang at the end of the Market Day. In truth she had already said what needed to be said to him and so the farewell might actually have few words and many emotions. But that was not Now and this was a time of reflection in preparation for What Was To Come.

Lyric had taken a few minutes to remove the damaged armor and to give it a cursory cleaning before leaving in the coracles and punts. But a true and proper cleaning and the much needed repairs would have to wait until they returned to Waverider's Reach. She had bathed as best she could, but the dank grime of the depths and the blood, hers and One Fang's and that of twisted and angry Weasel, and especially the wash of demagicked Dragon's blood, could not be cleaned away so easily. A proper bath would also have to wait until Waverider's Reach. She wore more proper travelling clothes, tunic, breeches and boots for now.

At some point she felt the sun on her face and opened her eyes to see the blue sky. The time for reflection was past. The journey to the Reach had nearly come to an end, but a bigger journey awaited. There would be new experiences and new adventures.

Lyric awaited the moment they would step out of the punts and she looked about her for her other companions. They would be travelling with Tomomi and the Cat Person who had been rescued and that was sure to be an interesting adventure all by itself.

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Cesare

He leans back in the small boat, happy to be at the mercy of its rat skipper. A long moment of quiet. He closes his eyes but still sees the patterns of light on his eyelids as the boat glides beneath the trees, the soft tinkle of the water providing its own lullaby to the weary travellers.

He pictures the people no longer with them. Pietro whom he would have liked to have known better, whose path has taken him in a different direction for reasons unknown to Cesare. Kadri who had traveeled his wave for sometime now. He remembers her teachings, her bravery, her spontaneity and is sad that her journey had ended. Most of all though he misses Mikal. The warrior had taught him much, introduced him to the crossbow, lead him by example into many a fight, never shirking what he saw as his role, his duty. Yes, he misses Mikal. But the Winds of Fate have a habit of bringing folk back into your path when you least expect it. Maybe they will meet again?

His path stretches out before him. Currently it is shrouded in mist, unclear in its direction and its content.. but that is life. And it is exciting. It can bring adversity.. but also friendship, trouble but also fun, danger but also safe havens. But always it brings variety and lessons to learn.. and he finds himself eager for the next one.

He needs to talk to the others to find out their plans. He has a mind to travel with his kinswoman for a while longer. He feels their is much he can learn from her. Lyric too, she has surprised him over the last few days and he wants to learn more about her. And Bekkah. Bekkah is the last of his old companions. A serene soul with so much to give. And she has given him back life at times he might have lost it. How could he not want to travel further with her?

But these are his feelings. He knows they may not be shared and that maybe his journey will be more singular in this next stretch?

But he hopes not...

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Keiko
[pronounced KAY-ko]

The Market was quite a bit different when seen from the Forest Folks’ point of view. As Keiko left the Forest with Tomomi at her side and Hinata nearby while at the same time trying remain aloof, she saw the people of Waverider’s Watch and the merchants as more of an outsider than she had her first Marketday all those months ago. The Pack moved into their protective ring, Broke the only truly obvious one on the stairs overlooking the field.

She knew that Lady would teach Hinata how to interact with human people. She suspected that the merchants would not be prepared for his delight in bargaining. She had never seen much beyond straightforward transactions when observing the Market in the past. And Keiko knew Tomomi was experienced at trading, so she didn’t worry about her friend.

And that just left her with... with what? She looked up at the mill and knew that visiting the Miller and his wife was something she had to do. She glanced at Missus Heatherson and her meat pies, her mouth watering at the thought of them. She had enough pennies to purchase several — one for Broke, of course, because that had become something of a ritual; one for Hinata simply for the experience of something new and hopefully delicious; and one to share with Tomomi.

Looking beyond Missus Heatherson, she scanned the rest of the merchants. Perhaps one of them had ribbons; Hinata seemed to like them. But a proper ribbon for the Cat would have to compliment his coloring. It couldn’t be just any ribbon.

Did she need anything for their upcoming journey that she didn’t already have? Other than trail rations, there probably wasn’t anything beyond what was already in her pack and the things she’d left in the Millers’ loft.

Where were they going? What path would they take? Dawnview, it would seem, was an ultimate goal. The question remained, then, what route to take. It would be dangerous and foolhardy to retrace her journey on the Forest Path back to the Road East. That left only two ways to reach the Highland Path. They could go south to the Big Village — Talesan’s Village — and then east to Talantal, Bordertown, Brementown, and Cragside before going up through the Highgaard Reaches to Snowgate Pass and Dawnview. Or they could take the overland route, the Flowered Path, to Bordertown and beyond.

The calendar might dictate their route, for it was rough traveling in the mountains in winter. Snowgate Pass was closed entirely, and the Highgaard Reaches would be less hospitable than the Road East. Even on that route, most Caravans chose to spend the worst of the winter season somewhat settled.

It was a discussion that would have to wait, at least for a little while. Keiko didn’t know if Cesare or Lady Bekkah planned to join her and Lyric — and Tomomi and Hinata, apparently. It would be interesting, to be sure.

So that left her with the question... what now? She looked around for Lord Tone Deaf but didn’t immediately see him. She would like to know his opinion. She knew the routes of several Caravans, including her Family’s, and had to keep in mind the elders’ dictate that she avoid them all. It made the Flowered Path the best route for avoiding her kin. Was there also a practical, political reason to avoid Talesan’s Village and Talantal? Dommi would know.

She smiled and whispered to Tomomi, “Happy Marketday, my friend! I’ll meet you in a little while.”

Keiko traced Broke’s path up the stairs, passed the Pack leader, and continued up to the mill. She set down her pack near the door, took off her cloak and draped it over the pack, kicked off as much dirt from her boots as she could, then entered the Millers’ home. Keiko smiled at Missus Miller’s industrious preparations for the day’s main meal for her and Mister Miller. At the moment, she was just about finished pounded on the bread dough. She’d marveled at the efficiency of the woman’s movements when she’d first arrived — it reminded her of her grandmother preparing dough for baking. After the kneading came the final folding and a towel to cover it all while the dough rose.

“Missus Miller.”

She half skipped, half danced over to the woman who tried to be so gruff but opened her home to a stray Rhoni girl. Keiko hugged Missus Miller, not caring about flour-covered hands or apron.

“Thank you.”

Two words that didn’t seem to be sufficient for the gratitude she felt — for the kindness, the acceptance, the example of who the good people are — these were the only give Keiko could give her right now. And the bread-making miller’s wife was a touchstone in a world where the horrors of ancient Dwarves and Imperials were part of a far distant wave.

The Rhoni lass didn’t need to read her Cards to know that endings meant new beginnings... to know that new beginnings needed endings.


"Everything is bad except unicorns." -- Phoebe
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Wolf Offline OP
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The Heartwood
The Dirkwood Forest
Waverider’s Watch
Marketday, the Ninth Day of Yrick


Bekkah, Lyric, Cesare, Keiko … Tomomi, Hinata Cat, One Fang, Broke and Wuff-Wuff and Dominic and Miss Emerald …

“Dominic …”

Miss Emmi stirred. She had been leaning back, wrapped up in a black cloak, letting the Blackwater drift them from Forest to village. The young Korie lordling was stretched out , leaning back on one of the punt’s simple board seats, his feet propped up on the other.

“Uh … huh …”

He had his eyes closed, taking in the sun and how could one not be comfortable with a green-eyed Mouse?

“Dominic …”

Miss Emmi spoke again, just her head peeking out from their protectively comfortable cocoon. The Mouse’s eyes narrowed when all she got back was a sleepy mumbling.

“… mmmmmmmmhhhmmmmmm …”

Which was followed by a poke, then another, then another then another. Poking, it seemed, was always very serious business for Mice.

“Dominic … WE ARE DRIFTING PAST THE VILLAGE!”

The two vanished under the little wooden bridge. Not a heartbeat later, from the shadows beneath the bridge came a sudden squawk and splash.

About that time the boats made shore. At the least, all the boats but Dommi’s. As they climbed up the steep bank, their arrival could not help but cause a stir. Not just from the those who were brave enough – or wanted coin that much – to set up a wagon of wares for the Forest Folk but those who held back, the ones on the other side of the Bridge. Those were the merchants who were looking forward to tomorrow’s more mundane trading. The latter and their guards were the ones who became the most obvious, pointing at the boats and the folks getting out. That some of the Forest Folk had taken boats, that was unusual by itself. But that others – others not Forest Folk, not wearing travel cloaks – had somehow come out of The Dirkwood alive, that was a completely different matter.

That was new. It was very new. It was inconceivable.

So inconceivable that a very large man, dressed in tunics that were trimmed in gold and silver key patterns, wearing a long cloak trimmed with merebeast fur and held by a finely crafted broach, broke off from the greater collection of merchants, his destination obvious - to cross the bridge and enter the Village proper. Keiko recognized not the man but the type, having seen several of the markets at Waverider’s Watch. He was probably the eldest merchant, the one who organized these excursions for rare goods and a chance to procure a helping of darksteel..

Of course, a rough looking man in non-descript armor followed him. That was probably his personal Jvrillian guard.

There were other people watching. Atop the Rock, in front of the Mill, the fierce Miller’s wife was observing who came out of the wood this day, obviously noting the return of the boats. When her sharp gaze accounted for a certain Rhoni lass she turned and entered the Mill. A little later the Miller himself showed up, setting out sacks of flour for the day’s trade.

A single tall Forest Folk, the one with a long black sword walked halfway up the path to the Mill. That was Broke, taking up her place where she could look over the afternoon’s activities. She also attracted the attention of the Jvrillian guard, but a touch of a commanding hand from the Merchant kept him still. Those who traveled to this place on a regular basis knew that it was never the Forest Folk who broke the One Rule. He also probably was quite aware that that the Guardians never traveled alone, and while the others of the Pack were not apparent they were probably somewhere close. Those from the boats knew this was true. One Fang was watching from the tree line while Wuff-Wuff was small and light framed enough to pass as any other of her Kin when wearing her travel cloak.

“I’ll get us meat pies and I have never been beyond the Village before. Maybe I need pouches? Maybe one of those real big pouches you carry on your back?”

Tomomi bounced on her heels as she considered her purchases. Like all of the Forest Folk – even Hinata – she had been given a bit of coin to spend. Hers and Mister Cat’s allowance was a bit heavier than the others, as they had better reasons for spending.

“No!”

Two of the Forest Folk suddenly appeared beside the cat-person. They were the two odd sisters – the Raccoon lass and her Mouse companion.

“Bad cat! Keep your hood up!”

Hinata had been in the middle of a tug to bare his head, only to be quickly corrected. Lady had stayed back at Home, so it was these two who had been trusted with taking care of their kin. It was, however, Tomomi who explained why hoods were good as she snared a shocked cat-person’s sleeve to tug him forward.

"Squeak! It’s not because we are ashamed at all, but it’s for respect of the other folks. We want to be good neighbors or they’d be all scared at us – even me - and not trade us nice things. You like nice things, right? Burned Fish. Ribbons. And Tomomi will show you practical things too. Like knives and spoons and combs. They know we really, really like combs. Tomomi will teach!”

Like a little sister she nodded to her two elders and then took Hinata shopping. It was odd. Of all things the big fierce cat seemed as wary of the merchants and farmers as they were of this new and very large Forest Folk. Very much like any other slink in a new field. The farmers, however, relaxed visibly when they saw him took in tow by one of the smallest.

Broke was quiet as Keiko passed her on the stairs, returned to her traditional duties. The pack leader wasn’t standing at her usual landing; she had tarried on a lower one – probably in response to the small group of merchants that were crossing the wooden bridge. The Merchant and his guard had gained the company of a few others – probably the Merchant’s apprentices and their guards. This would bring more swords into the market than normal, which in turn deserved closer than normal attention.

The Miller, he just smiled, as Keiko entered his house. She had better not have cared about being flour dusted. Each time the Miller set down a large sack a cloud of white was also kicked up.

Inside it seemed that the Miller’s Wife had been preparing for the midday meal. It would soon be noon and Her light at it’s highest. She let out a grumpy sigh as she saw the Rhoni stand at the door.

“So. I guess I now have to be setting extra plates.”

The sudden skip and hug did take her by surprise. For a long moment the gruff woman just looked down at the lass who had so strongly attached herself.

“Words. Bah. Words and a penny will get you a pastry come Marketday. You want to thank me? Were you ever taught how to make snacking rolls? Fine. Show me.”

She took a step aside, giving Keiko room at the kitchen table.

“So.

“How many plates do we need to set out now?”

When she thought Keiko wasn’t looking, Missus Miller smiled.

Cesare saw Keiko head up the stairs to the top of the Waverider’s watch. This left him with a choice – to follow, as the Rhoni was kin and was certainly one their group who seemed to move with a purpose or peruse the Market looking for goods to help carry them on their next step. There was much to choose from.

That was something that Lyric was discovering too. She had never really seen a Market before; trading for her was something that was a matter of clan ties and feudal responsibility rather than somewhat free enterprise. That folks would line a road with carts and offer goods for trade was some what new. Of course she knew that coin could buy things and was often used in payment for work done, it was more a case of a weaver making their bolts of tartan and then turning them over to their oath-bound lord rather than selling the cloth to just anyone.

What sold and traded at this market? As best Lyric could tell the locals sold simple goods – food they had raised or collected, critters for meat or milk, food they had made to feed those coming to market. The river bed was a source of clay, so they sold a good amount of pottery too. What they were buying from the foreign merchants were everyday goods; cloth for clothing, flatware and candle tins from the tinker, threads and needles or larger items made in Talesan’s Village and beyond.

What made this a profitable and desired Market, however, was what the Forest Folk brought; treasure from the Dirkwood Forest. Meat and leather, merebeast fur, rare herbs and medicinal plants, odd Forest spices and then, of course, those far older item scavenged from those who died in the cursed wood, ages past. She faced a similar choice as Cesare. To follow Keiko, to shop from the collection of wagons and tables, or perhaps become part of the Occurrence.

The Occurrence was something that had not happened before. Forest had offered up a brand new treasure this day. And, of course, it had but one focus. How could it not?

Keiko and Cesare were both Rhoni; they mattered little in comparison to the others. The Forest Folk, one could be allowed to trade with them, because that was their God Given geas – to travel the world conduct the business of buying and selling. That was how Their People survived the Shattering – providing the goods the rest of the broken world needed to survive. But it was unseemly, disgusting and heretical – or at least it used to be heretical – to actually engage the Forest Folk.

They had a minstrel, true. But minstrels were not to be trusted – they were, in the grand scheme of things, Marrennen’s competition. Both traded information.

That left only one. And this one was unmistakable; not only was this one was Imperial, this one was an approachable Imperial.

Thus it was that the Marrennen Priest – the Master of the Market – crossed the bridge and came straight away to the Lady Bekkah Yurisdotter.

“My Dear!”

The large man spoke both loudly and perhaps a bit too familiarly, but also friendly like.

“You must have had some marvelous adventure, to becoming from such a Cursed Wood, from boating down the fierce Blackwater. Am I correct that you are – as must be – returning from Within The Forest itself? That you have managed to not only entered this Place of Legend and then – as we see now before us – returned?

“Come come come …”

He swept his hand, indicating the small encampment on the other side of the river.

“Please join us for lunch. We would gladly hear your tale of how such a thing was possible. We shall have the best meat and bread prepared, along with wine suitable to a Fine Lady’s taste.

“What could have driven a Beautiful Woman as your self into such a Dark Place? Was it in Service to your Beloved Goddess? How did you Survive the Dangers of Tree and Beast? How did these Ill-Formed Creatures aid you and Why? Did you See Where they Live and Keep Their Treasures?

“They have – As any with Our Sight can Tell – Have Changed? How could Something Like This have Occurred? Your Lady is one of Mercy; How did such as these come to deserve Her Touch? Are They now your Thralls?

“Did You Visit any of The Three Mysteries? The Black Heart of the Blackwater? The Shadow of The Last Army? The Grave of the Most Brave and Lost Prince?

“Come come come … we have so much to talk about! Surely after such an Experience, let us provide you with Rest and Repast.”

Bekkah had become the center of attention.

Which was very fine for the last of their returning group.

Finally, while everyone’s attention was directed elsewhere, from the shore at the base of the Bridge two figures climbed up the bank. The shorter one followed the only-slightly-taller one, her steps lighter, almost a skip, as the other – in his black cloak – left wet footprints in his wake. They were bound up to the Tower, because, well, this was Dominic’s village after all, he at least needed to look into the Tower for more than just dry clothes.

And the very last thing Dominic wanted was the Marrennen busybodies discovering that there was a Noble in the neighborhood.

It did mean, however, that through the open door, Keiko would catch a glimpse of the Korie and his bodyguard as they tried to sneak past.


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Cesare

His eyes follow Keiko's climb and he does consider following, not because it is a kinsman's duty to assist a kinswoman but because he is curious as to where she is going. After all he has little experience of being a kinsman. But he figures that she is likely visiting the folk who live here as she had been staying here before the rest of them arrived. So giving her space and privacy, at least initially, seems a considerate thing to do.

He surveys the market, Bekkah and the approach of other merchants and his eyes finally rest on Lyric.

"Fancy a look at what is on offer? I know the meat pies well deserve their reputation."

He smiles. It might be a good opportunity to discuss future plans too.

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Lyric, the overly curious

The return to Waverider's Reach brought a journey full circle. The circle was an important concept among her people. Never ending because it is never beginning. It just is, and everything that once was will be again. Or something like that.

Lyric wondered what she might do with her time. Keiko had departed to the place where Lyric had been given a place to sleep when she arrived. The house with the gears and the spindles. Keiko spent much time there, that much was evident in the relatiobship that Lyric was invited to witness. But this was not one of those times where Lyric was invited. Tomomi and the Big Cat that Keiko had befriended were also not brought along. Thus the Minstrel believed that friend Keiko needed the space to be alone. And that Lyric accepted. She understood what being alone meant. She, herself, had spent more time in her own life alone than she could possibly hope to remember. Then again, alone time was not always about thinking and remembering. Sometimes it was about being alone.

So what tasks might remain? There were the mundane but necessary things. Her armor required more cleaning, deeper cleaning... and some repairs as well. But that was boring. Necessary... but boring. Lyric wanted to be amused. She wanted to smile, maybe laugh... she wanted to smell something she had never smelled before, see something her eyes had never witnessed before. Yes... But what?

She stood for a time, a short time, surveying the village and the market and those who wandered it. She looked at those merchanters who kept a distance but made the effort to approach the priestess. They seemed to shun her, and overlook the Rhoni... but, instead the familiar Imperial Priestess was the avenue they used to make contact and connection.

It was in those thoughts and considerations that Lyric found herself, when Cesare addressed her with an invitation. She still looked out across the market for a moment or two longer, and then turned her head quickly to regard the handsome young Rhoni. Her smile was one part innocence and two parts eager anticipation. But there was something else too. That glint in her eye that was mercurial chaos waiting to be unleashed.

"I do, indeed."

Lyric beamed and clapped her hands together thrice as though her happiness needed a measure and beat. The first step to close the distance to her escort was very nearly a hop and then a skip. Already she was anticiapting the new experience that was ahead of her. There might even be some flowers to smell... and sinno-man bread to buy.

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Bekkah

She wondered what this day would be like. A lot had changed. She wondered if they'd go without their hoods now. She wondered if the people of this village could see the difference that she saw. She was smiling as she trailed the group from the boats only to be greeted boisterously by the large priest.

She let him go on before accepting his offer, following him back to his people.

"So many questions." She began, her radiant smile in place.

"The easiest of which is why. And yes, as you guessed, I was in the forest on behalf of my Goddess. And yes, their change is because my Lady granted her mercy upon them. And no, they are definitely not my thralls. They are free souls. They are a good and honorable folk and should be treated as such at all times."

"As for the rest of your many questions, that will take some time. Perhaps over wine and a light meal. I have seen much, but there are many who could answer you even better than I could for I did not enter where others did."

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Cesare

His grin matches her expression as she accepts his invitation. Maybe she feels as he does in that he wants to push the responsibilities and cares to one side, at least for an afternoon. Yesterday was a heavy day in many ways, adding weight to their souls and today he wants to be carefree at least for a while.

He crooks his arm so she may slide hers through his, his eyes twinkling.

"So what first.. a stroll to look at wares, a delicious meat pie.. or something else of your choosing?"

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Lyric, wondering about an old idiom regarding curiosity

Lyric the Minstrel cocked her head at Cesare, as he posed with his arm crooked and then realized what he was offering. That realization was like watching a child discover something. Her eyes grew round and she smiled even more broadly. She 'bounced' on the balls of her small feet and slipped her arm in as though they would now both skip along together and sing a song.

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Cesare

As Lyric has yet to express her preference but has happily slipped her arm through his, he heads for the meat pies, remembering how good they were last time. Never one to refuse the opportunity for good food, it is maybe surprising he is as slim as he is. Probably something to do with his high energy levels!

And it is a while since he has walked.. skipped along with a girl on his arm.. and it feels good. There are times he misses Darian but today is not one of them. And he will happily join in any song that Lyric starts.

So like a couple of happy kids, they follow the scent of pies to their source.

"Two pies please?"

And of course all the forest folk are around them but this day it is very different because in their own way they are part of the forest folk now, not separate and distant as they were on the last Market Day.

A good feeling.

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OOC: sorry Gypsy- There was supposed to be more to that post. I must have gotten distracted at work and forgot i hadn't finished it. I will do a work around for it though... but the odd part is that Lyric is so weird it is still in character.

Lyric

His question was seemingly ignored, but watching the wonderment with which she viewed this whole open market environment was certainly explanation enough.

With wide eyes and a smile that was never completely gone, but flashed broadly at each new cart or table or wagon, Lyric danced along to a beat in her own head... but it was not a tough one to follow.

Sometimes she even turned around, twisting against Cesare's arm but not letting her own slip free of his escorting crook. She lifted up on her toes at times to see what was ahead, as if the extra inch or two added to her small stature might actually enable her to see that much farther ahead.

At Cesare's direction, Lyric was led to a seller of meat pies. A merchant? What did one call a person who made and sold meat pies? That was a question that Lyric might easily ponder for a long time, but not just now. She stared intently at the delicacy being purchased by the young Rhoni man. It was difficult to contain her eagerness, but formalities such as the exchange of coin were customary it seemed before the meat pie would be in her hands. Lyric believed she had eaten one of these, or something similar, when she stayed at the Mill, but it might as well have the very first time given the way she started into the handheld delight.

Yes, Lyric was odd and it was certainly not something she hid from view. Peeling it open was quite like a child unwrapping a gift. In fact, she reveled in the moments where she experienced something different or new and touching her tongue to the exposed center of the pie was no different. It made her shudder and she closed her eyes to see the colors of the taste in her imagination. She ate the food whilst turning in a circle, oblivious to the world around her for those moments of joy.

And then she was back, arm and arm, with Cesare to visit the next merchanter.

At one point, not long after the 'meat pie extravaganza' Lyric did indeed slip free of Cesare at the sight of hand made flower circlets, quite similar to the kind she was wearing when she first arrived in the company of the Squire. She ran to them like a child in awe. She leaned over the table to smell all the smells, and then each of the smells. Then all the smells together again.

She drew out a small coin purse with a draw string that she had tucked inside the waistline of her breeches. The price was given to her when she pointed at one circlet in particular and she seemed to stare at the coins in her hand as if she was not sure how to come by that price with coins she possessed. or maybe she didn't really understand the value of the Imperial coins. Cesare should certainly remember that Lyric said she came from a remote village that was secluded and aggressively reclusive.

That awkward moment dragged out as Lyric tried to fathom the coins against the merchant's requested price. She glanced at Cesare with a helpless look and a shrug.

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[OOC No probs grin ]

Cesare

Very happy to have such a delightful and carefree companion, Cesare paid the merchant for both pies, waving away Lyric's offer with a grin.

"Just enjoy."

And she does. Strangely he enjoys his pie more this time around, probably the company though maybe just because he is hungry. Wasting none of it, wiping up a dribble of gravy on his chin with his finger, he then licks his fingers clean.

He watches her with a smile as she looks at the flower circlets, her delight infectious. When she struggles with the coins, he steps forward and points to the two she will need to give the merchant, before stepping back to let her make her purchase. Again he is ready to offer his arm whilst all around them the forest folk make their own trades. Magical...

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Lyric, minstrels must minstrel

Lyric smiled for Cesare and relaxed when he singled out the coins she needed. Some things, mundane things, simple things to everyone else, where complicated for Lyric. She paused a moment at that last merchant though. Her coins in one hand, a circlet in the other, and her innocent and happy smile became one of mischief. She place the woven flower circlet atop her head and glanced back and forth between her waiting escort and the table of circlets. That smile of mischief was playful and she even bit lightly at her lower lip as she gauged her own courage to proceed. And then the choice was made and Lyric separated the same size coins again and purchased another circlet.

In a twirl with a flourish steps she danced and skipped around the Rhoni, unconcerned with the spectacle she made of herself. It was innocence and frivolity that led her to place the circlet on Cesare's head and slip the mandolin from her back to the front. She tuned while making the next twirl or two and started to play a lively dancing jig that she was creating on the move... that might have sounded like this-




and then another, as she drifted from one table of wares to another wagon...



Pausing to engage merchants and residents and especially the Forest Folk, Lyric played and danced. Shifting from one song to the next with tunes that were plaintive and sad, to one of joy and happiness. She orbited Cesare though for she anchored her minstreling around him as she flitted and fluttered with a seeming careless abandon. Her happiness would be infectious for any who allowed themselves to be at ease and relax enough to notice that market day could be more than just a day of commerce. It might well become of day to celebrate as well.



And at one point Lyric stopped her dancing and she walked a few steps to give herself a clear line of sight to the forest. She stood for a time looking out into the treeline with mandolin in hand. This day was a parting of ways and though farewells had already been shared Lyric could never truly leave, at least not in her heart. She was a part of them and they were a part of her now.





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Cesare

Often he dances as Lyric plays, dancing together at times but always to compliment each other. And he accepts his circlet with a smile. This day reminds him of one in the past when they had arrived at a settlement when there was a fair. He together with his Ma, his Aunt and his Uncle had danced almost until they had dropped. In some ways they had become part of the entertainment, one of the times he had felt welcomed by the locals and a really fond memory of his mother, seeing her almost a girl again, how she must have appeared to his father and he could understand the love they had shared.

Then he stood and listened as she played to the forest.

Once she had finished, he moves a few steps closer and whispers in all seriousness.

"You do realise that in Rhoni custom this.." he points to the circlet "..means that we are betrothed."

He looks at her, his eyes wide before his face cracks and he starts laughing.

"Sorry, couldn't resist.."

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Lyric, getting punk'd

Lyric finished playing and paused to hear that last note fade away, given over to the forest and those of the pack, one in particular, who waited just within the treeline.

With Cesare's words whispered in her ear, her head came around sharply, suddenly, as she took an involuntary step sideways just to gain her balance.

He laughed, as if he played at a joke... or was he laughing at her? Or was this part of a Rhoni custom?

Sorry? resist what?

It was worthwhile to note that Lyric had struggled in the past with other words when spoke quickly, and at times she paused when responding. It was possible that Imperial Common was not her first language, and that while she seemed to have a decent grasp of it, there were a few times when she didn't

"Realise? No... Wait... What? Betrothed?"

Her eyes were as wide as saucers. The word she repeated was spoken as though she was trying to understand it, or translate it.

"As in Handfasted?" There was almost a panic in her eyes.

And his laughter, which might only grow at her confusion and apparent consternation, gave her pause to consider that he was indeed teasing her.

Lyric cocked her head a little and looked at him, before offering a thin smile in return to make sure this was a jest. Her eyes searched his, seeking a truth to add to her suspicion.

"Teasing me?"

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Cesare

"Yes Lyric, teasing you."

He is still chuckling, obviously pleased with his joke.

"Come on, I need a drink. There is a seller over there that has some lightly spiced cider. It is very good. Let's get some?"

He offers her a hand this time, his eyes looking into hers.

"Am I forgiven my tease?"

The smile is still broad though, even as the laughter has subsided.

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Lyric

Lyric regarded him with a fake glare of disapproval. Lips pursed tightly in an exaggerated frown and eyes narrowed as he asked for forgiveness. But she couldn't hold it very long and the frown gave way to a straight smile and a 'what am I going to do with you' shake of her head. She swatted his left arm with her right hand though. A just punishment perhaps.

"Yes, of course you are... But you had me worried," she said as she turned to walk beside him toward this merchant of 'lightly spiced cider'... whatever that was.

"I was worried you might be serious... just for a moment though. You see, I no longer have a clan. I am exiled from my people, my home... everything."

"Besides, I am Banished," she added as if it were more a title than an adjective, or at the very least a term for an entirely different form of punishment than being just exiled.

And then she looked ahead of her and no longer at him, and the subject changed with the same mercurial speed that a breeze might come up when before there was none.

"What is spiced cider?"

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Cesare

He is still enjoying their 'moment' when Lyric tells him something of her status. He stops, eyes haunted for a moment and then he hugs her, hard.

"Their loss.."

He mutters fiercely, deliberately avoiding asking about the circumstances. If she wanted to tell him, she would.

He releases her and the smile is back.

"But you are not on your own now.. and besides this gives us something in common. I am estranged from my people too. I grw up with my mother, Aunt and Uncle as we effectively went on the run when I was a small boy. Keiko is the first Rhoni I have ever met to talk to."

He takes her hand as they move again towards the cider seller.

"Well cider is a drink brewed from apples and then spices are added. Cinnamon I think and maybe nutmeg. But it has a nice taste and is light and refreshing.. though it is alcoholic."

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Keiko
[pronounced KAY-ko... do you think the GM has memorized this yet?]

“If you’d like to invite new friends to dinner, that would, of course, be just the thing a hospitable woman such as yourself would do. And yes, I’ve made snack cakes. I learned from my uncle, so if I do things differently, that would be why!

“Tomomi would likely come find me, and bring our new friend Hinata. He’s...” She paused with furrowed brows. “...difficult to describe except to say that he is one of the Forest Folk, he has a good heart and tries not to let anyone see it. Oh, and he’s quite fond of fish. And ribbons. But he seems to be adventurous enough to try new food, which is a good thing. Lady has decreed that he will watch over Tomomi, who has decided that she must travel along with me as I continue my journey. That will not be today, of course.”

Keiko was happy to help Missus Miller with the mid-day meal. Baking, cooking... it was familiar and soothing. She smiled as she recalled Tomomi’s enthusiasm about shopping for her journey into the World beyond the Forest. She’d never seen a rucksack as small as the sort Tomomi would be able to carry. Of course, that didn’t mean the merchants didn’t have such a thing.

“I believe the Marrennen has whisked Lady Bekkah away. I don’t know what plans Lyric and Cesare have made. Perhaps to eat their way through the market. So... two? Tomomi can share with me again. Or four?”

She was just dusting the snack cakes with a small amount of sugar when she spied Lord Tone Deaf trying to sneak by the door. She giggled and called out to him.

“Dommi! Do you have a moment? I have some questions for you and Emmi.”

She looked back up at Missus Miller while waiting for Dommi to do his best not to make the biggest mess ever in her kitchen, then turned to him and smiled.

“Oh, I’ll clean up after you. I don’t mind. After I finish with putting the snack cakes together, of course.

“Missus Miller is in a quandary. As you know, she is ever so kind and gracious and wanted to know how many plates to set out for the meal. I completely understand why you would want to avoid the keen eye of the Marrennen Priest — he is a Priest, isn’t he? They always seem more well-fed than the journeymen and apprentices. But if Emmi would be so kind as to inquire of Lyric’s and Cesare’s plans, we might be able to give Missus Miller a proper answer.”

She grinned at him. Not once in all her nineteen years had she ever conceived of the idea that a Noble might be a friend to a wandering Rhoni. But Dommi was definitely that, as was Emmi.

“You, m’Lord, are a mess. And you smell like the Blackwater. We can’t have the likes of you sitting at a table with us until you’ve cleaned yourself up.” She winked at him. “But it seems to me that the potential number of plates might be greater than the available space at the Millers’ table. You are a great thinker on matters of such great importance.”

Keiko laughed as she set the baking stone to the side and wiped her hands on the too-large spare apron Missus Miller had given her.

“The safest place for you — if you want to avoid the watchful eyes of the Marrennen — would be the guard tower. Being in the presence of two Rhoni might protect you almost as well. They do like to avoid us, you know.”

Looking over his shoulder out the door, her smile slipped just a little as she added, “I have other questions, but they can wait. Mid-day meals cannot.”


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Lyric

"Mmmm..." She closed her eyes remembering the taste and smell and texture of the spice. "...sinnoman..."

Her eyes flashed open as she nodded. "Then that is what we will do next.. Spiced apple cider."

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The Heartwood
The Dirkwood Forest
Waverider’s Watch
Marketday, the Ninth Day of Yrick


Bekkah, Lyric, Cesare, Keiko … Tomomi, Hinata Cat, One Fang, Broke and Wuff-Wuff and Dominic and Miss Emerald …

The Forest Folk Market was a cornucopia of new things for Lyric as her Rhoni companion escorted her from wagon to wagon. Cesare might know but Lyric wouldn’t, that this was both odd and normal. Normal, in that market day in the fields of the High Tarn was an informal thing – folks gathered at a Village a day’s walk from their farms, so they might trade with each other. But as it was a one day gathering there were no stalls of shops, simply goods sold from the back of a wagon or from a barrow. It was odd, as the size of a town and its prosperity could be judged by the number of permanent shops and stalls that surrounded a market square. Where everything started, Cragside, was large enough to even have a huge barn dedicated to trade.

It was also odd in that there were two market days. What was happening today was focused completely on the Forest Folk. Tomorrow there would be an even bigger market, when the farmers would come out to trade. There were more – and probably nicer – goods just waiting over the bridge.

The Rhoni was wrong about something else.

“Here laddie, something to take off the cool of the afternoon.”

They had to wait, for two of the Forest Folk first, as they traded handful of coin fro not just a hot drink, but a keg of cider and two nice smelling satchels. Cinnamon and nutmeg. The drinks were ladled out from a not-small but not too large stewpot which in turn was set upon a small brazier.

For Lyric it was a simple but exquisite treat. Cider she had known, but heating it and adding spices was something only common folk might think of. The wrong part, however, was that had no hint of beer or wine or alcohol, no punch of mead or fermented beverage.

Adding rum, that was something done in more expensive venues. Perhaps tomorrow he might find such, for the hardworking farmers, but certainly not for those from the Dirkwood Forest. Looking up he could see the merchants gathered on the other side of the bridge. He could also see something unexpected. Lady Bekkah being escorted across the bridge by an ample merchant in very nice clothes.

“Of course, of course of course!”

The Merchant clapped his hands together, as Bekkah replied.

“That we can most certainly arrange. Come, come, come, this way, this way, this way.”

He certainly liked saying things in threes. He escorted the Atteran Priestess across the bridge and into their encampment. There, with but a wave of his hand and a bright word a place to sit and a place to eat was provided.

“Here, here, here – we have guests. Some bread, some wine, something warm because our Fine Lady here has just Come from a Place Cold and Dark.”

It was not fancy, but the attempt was most certainly made. A barrel rolled over and set up for a table, with a bright cloth to make it look pretty. A pair of well made wooden chairs were brought out, cleverly constructed of interlocking slats so they could be made smaller for travel. Upon the barrel-table was set a carafe of wine, a loaf of bread. Apples were found and set as well as – a little bit later – some sliced venison on a plate. And of course, simple flatware and a pair of finely carved wooden goblets.

“Does this meet with your approval? It is a bit impromptu, but we do know how to travel well. Though compared to you, ours are but mundane, simply following the seasons and the trade routes, bringing things needed from one place to another.

“You, My lady, have done More Than That. And please, please, Humility may be a Virtue, True, true, true, but too much modesty does not suit anyone well. You are a Priestess of Attera makes you both a Lady and Imperial peerage. Your word in such matters is far, far, far more important than that of others. It will – not to disparage your companions – is by necessity the impeccable truth.

“And yes, being in a God’s Service I have noted the strangeness of the folks the others are dealing with. It is of course a Miracle and one Only the Most Merciful could conceive. It may change things, but it may also not. Just because the stain of abomination has been taken from them, that does not change the fact that they are …

“… different.”

Reaching out, the Merchant took a sip of his wine.

“You, My Lady, of course, may call me William. And while I may not be part of your Church, myself and my household consider ourselves good Imperial Citizens, abiding by all your Laws and Customs. We have only prospered under the Imperial banner and have no desire for that to ever change.

“Now the Dirkwood, that is a curse older than your presence on the Mainland. T even swallowed an Imperial Prince and his entire retinue, if you believe the old tales.

“So …how did you find yourself entering the Forest? How ere you protected from its Curse? What did you see when you were there? What wonders did you discover?

“Please … start your tale at the beginning. We have all afternoon, aye?”

Lyric’s music drifted not just through the market but also up to the top of the rock. The merchants appreciated it as well as the farmers. But their response was kind of quirky. Of course they smiled, true and honest. But they all had the same question.

“Will you be here tomorrow?”

The meat pies were good. A small part of that was probably because Missus Heatherson was the only one who didn’t ask that. Glancing up, away to the top of the big rock that sheltered the Village proper, Lyric was able to see Dominic and Emerald start past the Mill and then pause as they were interrupted.

“The tower …”

Keiko’s questions caught Dominic and Emerald Mouse as they passed the door. Dominic looked back to Emerald and then to Keiko and then up the path.

“Actually that may not be one of my brighter ideas. True, it’ll be the last place they’d look, but simply because it’s the longest walk. Of course they'd look there, its where I am supposed to be as it flies the Talantal banner after all.”

He then sniffed.

“Oh. Right. I’ll be back.”

Dominic vanished and Miss Emerald padded through the door. She offered Missus Miler a silent wave as she set herself at one of the chairs. Missus Miller just eyed the Mouse, crossing her arms.

“Well. At least you folks don’t eat vey much.”

A little later Dominic re-appeared, wrapped in his cloak, his tunics sticking to himself a bit, still looking wet but definitely nicer. There were benefits, after all, in having a mill pond right next door. Dominic wasn’t shy, leaving wet footprints as he peeked around Missus Miller’s shoulder, watching the midday meal being made.

“Lets see. There’s two of us and two Mice. That’s two places. There’s Mister Cat, and while he’s big, that’s still just one more place. Then one for just in case.”

He then stepped back.

“But that’s all predicated on one very important fact.”

The Korie Lord looked to the Miller’s wife.

“If it’s fine by you Missus Miller. Coming unannounced puts us at your grace, saving that Miss Emmi and I would be right appreciative of sharing a meal with you.”

The Miller's wife considered the request, wrinkled her nose and nodded to the cupboards.

“Then you set the places.”

As he took up such a mundane tas, something so not Noble, Dominic offered Keiko a wink and a smile.

“That’s one of those things coming from a small, small village, aye? It was so small we only had one table for the lot of us. And there were a lot of us, there was me, brother Tray and brother Hallibert – we just called him Hal because his name was too long and we only had room for three letters – and of course sister Fred. We had run out of girl’s names …”

Miss Emmi just poked him at that. Fine. It was a very old joke.

“ ... oh, and everyone else ... but you know what?

“We always figured out a way to fit everyone at the table.

“Food tastes better when its shared.”

From beneath her travel cloak, Emmi just smiled.

“Husband!”

Missus Miller called out to Mister Miller.

“Is this rapscallion of a Young Lord right about that?”

The answer was exactly as expected.

“Yes, dear.”

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Cesare

He buys two cups of the spiced cider and passes one to Lyric.

"Hope you like it."

He eyes twinkle as he lifts the cup to his mouth and takes a sip, then a deeper draught.

"So have you any thoughts on where you might be heading next, assuming that you are moving on from here. Like most Rhoni I have itchy feet - in that we cannot seem to stand still in one place for too long."

He laughs.

"I intend to ask Keiko and Bekkah too. I have no firms plans in any direction but I have enjoyed my travels and adventures over the past year or so. Might be nice to continue that."

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Lyric, all good dances must come to an end... and then the drinking starts!

Lyric accepted the cup and the warmth of the heated beverage surprised her. Sure, Cesare had mentioned the spices being added, and anything with sinnoman in it had to be good, but there was no mention of the drink being warmed up. She held the cup tightly in her two small hands and, with eyes wide in wonderment, she smelled the aroma of the apples and the spice, and somehow it was right that it was warm, because that seemed to bring even more scent to her nose.

That first sip, was more like her tipping the mug close to her face and then sticking her tongue into the cider. She wasted no time from there with a real swallow and a sigh. The people of her remote and hidden village did nothing like this and she had to wonder why that was so. Was it always this way? Was it something else that had been lost in their isolation?

"I have no thoughts on anywhere to go, because I have never been anywhere," she said whilst looking over the top of her cup."

Cesare's sentence structure might seem very normal to him and most others hearing but Lyric was a little odd and like it was with some words, she had trouble understanding colloquialisms, and worse when wrapped in conversational phrasing.

"Itchy feet? Keiko never mentioned her feet itching and she does move around a lot. If it is an ailment among the Rhoni, and it bothers you so, then why do your people travel so much? You should rest and maybe someone here sells a powder, or an ointment, maybe even a tincture."

And at his mention of Bekkah and Keiko, she glanced from the Miller's home to the Merchanter Caravans waiting at the edge of the town.

"I do not think we can do both at the same time... so we should pick one and ask them where they want to go."

"As for me... Every place will be new to me, and I want to see all of it... to learn everything, and if every place has a custom such as this market, and a drink such as this cider, then I am truly happy with any decisions made by those who might know best. I have a song to find so that I might one day return home and save my people."



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