Not Quite a True Parting
Roaring laughter instantly met their ears as they entered the restaurant; the welcoming atmosphere embracing them. After being guided to a quiet little corner the two sat upon the comfortable chairs and ordered the exotic sounding meals.
Fouracres smiled.
"This is a nice place isn't it?" He said almost absent minded as his eyes wandered the building. Ichorlin agreed; nodding her head and joining in with the sights. At the far end of the room was a small stage where three people played upon strange looking instruments. A rather short, plump man was blowing into a monstrously long pipe of some kind. It had a flattened reed sprouting from the side, and the rest of the highly polished body fell right to the ground. Had the man not been sitting on such a high stool it would have far reached over his head. Ichorlin wondered what it was called, and she decided to ask Fouracres.
"That's called a bassoon." He said happily. "Quite a rare instrument around here, but none the less a beauty. It's a bit like a large oboe." He added. Ichorlin tilted her head slightly in confusion.
"And what is an oboe?" She asked rather red-cheeked. Fouracres laughed.
"I see you don't know your instruments very well. But do not fear, the player on the right has an oboe. On its own it makes a terrible racket, but within a group like this it can really bring magical sounds to the music."
Ichorlin nodded, agreeing that the music really was magical, it felt more like she was going on an adventure. Fouracres pointed the person in the middle.
"That's a violin." He said. Ichorlin nodded again as she followed.
"I've seen them once before." She murmured. "But it is still just as amazing to see one again." Fouracres nodded.
"True. They are quite admirable instruments."
They listened contently as the music continued, and when at last it finished they added loudly to the applause. Finally, sitting back in their seats, they were happily greeted by the maid who was carrying their food.
"Minted Lamb with seasonal roots?" She asked, holding out a large plate loaded with tear-shaped pieces of meat, and large chunks of roasted potato, turnip and several other kinds of root vegetables. Ichorlin raised her hand and smiled.
"Yes thank you." She mumbled. The maid smiled and placed the dish in front of her.
"And venison stew pie with mashed peas and carrot for you?" She asked grinning. Fouracres nodded appreciatively.
"Yes. Thank you very much." The maid dismissed herself politely and the two excitedly began to eat. Ichorlin picked up one of the bony fingers of the lamb before taking a large bite from the meat. Her mouth watered from the unusual, yet pleasant taste.
"Dis ish dewicious." She said, her mouth already full from her second bite. Fouracres lifted the piece of pie he held in his hand as a salute, agreeing wholeheartedly that the meal was more than they had expected. Swallowing his mouthful he quickly added to the conversation.
"I've had venison before, but it was old and far too strong, but this, it just melts in your mouth!" He exclaimed. Ichorlin giggled.
"Well we had best eat it and leave the talking for later."
The night passed quickly, with much eating, dancing and even the occasional singing. Soon the two were rolling back to their bunks, exhausted, but content.
Fouracres tipped his hat as Ichorlin began to enter her private chamber. "I'll be heading out in the morning young Ichorlin, they've asked me to start early seeming as we've arrived so promptly." He added. "If you care to join me then you may, the decision is yours. But good night for now."
Ichorlin nodded in reply. "I'll think it over in the morning." She replied tiredly before retreating into her room. Closing the door gently behind her she sunk onto her bed to think. She had decided to rid the Felix of the filthy bandits; brigands, that had decided to make it their home. But the Felix was also the route in which her new found friend was to travel. She couldn't reveal her secret to him, but at the same time couldn't let him travel unguarded along such a dangerous route.
Ichorlin fell back onto her bed in a turmoil of thoughts; pulling her hair in frustration until exhaustion overwhelmed her and she fell into a fitful sleep.
"I shan't be going with you yet I'm afraid." Ichorlin said sadly as Fouracres readied his satchel of letters for the day. He bowed his head sadly but smiled nonetheless.
"That is sad to hear, but you may still make good use of my room if need be." He said motioning the hotel behind them. "I do imagine I'll be seeing you again soon?" He said, inclining his voice with expectation. Ichorlin smiled.
"I do hope so." She replied hesitantly. With that Fouracres left. Ichorlin watched and waved sadly for a few moments before turning back into her room. There she packed her few belongings into a shoulder satchel along with food supplies for at least two days. Finally filling her water-skin, she strapped it to her waist and stood in front of the dirty mirror in her room.
"I'll give him another 30 minutes to get ahead, and then I shall head out." Ichorlin mumbled to herself reassuringly. "That way I may do my job, and also keep an eye on him." She nodded her head with one firm 'bop' before locking the room and heading to the market where she would buy the last few supplies she needed.
Sorry for the huge delay (it's been over a year almost right?). I've been so busy with life that writing has been pushed to the end of the longest possible list at the bottom of the largest possible pile. Now that I'm on hols though I hope to get another couple of chapters in at least, please bear with me n(_ _)n
