(A/N: By Mystra! Do you people have something AGAINST reviewing? Let's go! No more chapters till I get a couple more reviews. Doesn't matter on what story… review the two new ones! And tell me what you think of my idea for the "Jander theme song". OMG, guys, I don't know how many of you read Tamora Pierce novels (not bloody likely either of you do, seeing as how only two people actually read these), but have you ever seen "Chocolat"? (I LOVE that movie, by the way. It's almost as good as "X-men", which is almost as good as LotR. I could watch the three of those hundreds of times without getting bored.) ANYways, Johnny Depp, as Roux in that movie, would be the PERFECT Numair, don't you agree? They'd just have to die his hair black, but other than that…. *Her mind wanders and she starts dancing and singing* I have the "X-men" DVD. I have the "X-men" DVD. I have the "X-men" DVD. I have the "X-men" DVD. I'm gonna watch it a hunnerd times. I have the "X-men" DVD. I love X-men. I have the "X-men" DVD. I wish Wolverine and Rogue would realize that they love each other. I have the "X-men" DVD. *Random thought* I wish Drizzt and Catti-brie would realize they love each other. I have the "X-men" DVD. I have the "X-men" DVD. I wish I were an X-man. I have the "X-men" DVD. I have the "X-men" DVD. The sequel better come out soon. I have the "X-men" DVD. I have the "X-men" DVD.)
Chapter Four
Jander had convinced Pa'das to take her meals down at the bar with him. His reasoning was that she couldn't spend two tendays in one room, and mealtimes they could sit together in a shadowed corner where none would notice them. His reasoning worked well for most of the time. Although the people of Corostine had never seen an elf before, and were usually gathered around him, he made it clear that he wanted to be left alone when his friend was with him. When people did try to talk to them, no one recognized Pa'das. The shadows sufficiently hid her features, and she was much changed from the timid, homely girl they had driven out years before.
The vampire talked to Eckerd, and he agreed to leave in a tenday. They did not see Eckerd much - apparently he and his cousins got along very well, and were going to make the most of his short visit. Everything went fine until the day before they were to leave. Jander and Pa'das were sitting at what had become "their" table, eating (well, Pa'das was, anyway) chicken soup. Korrieana was sitting on Pa'das' lap as she fed her bits of chicken and some broth. The door opened, ushering in a frosty breath of winter air, and a beautiful lady walked in, who looked about Pa'das' age. Luscious blonde ringlets (which where undoubtedly fake - put in rollers every night) fell to her shoulders, and her voluptuous chest was half-revealed in a low-cut dress that accentuated every curve of her perfect figure. As soon as Pa'das saw her, she groaned.
"What's wrong?" Jander asked. His back was to the door. He knew someone had come in, but didn't particularly care. At Pa'das' groan, however, he turned around to see who it was. Inwardly, he, too, groaned. The woman was one who had been trying to seduce him, unsuccessfully, since they came. The first time he saw her, he had dismissed her as a material girl, and did so again right now. "Undoubtedly a vain, self-centered, stuck up daddy's girl who had gotten everything she ever wanted all her life." He slid his chair around next to hers so he could hear her quiet voice better. That was another thing - she had begun talking quieter since they got here.
"She's Cecile Grommstein, the leader of the kids who tormented me." Pa'das paused as she watched Cecile's eyes settle on Jander. An almost predatorial look settled on the woman's face as she began to make her way over towards them. "You're absolutely right in everything you just said, only she's doubly so. Daddy's given his little darling everything her little heart desired since she was born." Pa'das' first instinct had been to run to her room, but one look at Jander had banished that thought. He hadn't given Cecile even half a glance before getting her number perfectly. But, still… Cecile could be very convincing, and she was undeniably beautiful…
Cecile had finally reached their table. "Do you mind if I sit here?" she said coyly, not waiting for an answer before sitting down and leaning forward a bit to give Jander a tantalizing view of her cleavage. Then she noticed Pa'das. "Why, it's little Pa'das. Finally back from running around the woods like a wild animal? Still as ugly as veer. And what an ugly baby that is. I suppose the father was a customer?" Jander could sense Pa'das stiffening and shrinking back as Cecile talked. He had to strongly resist the urge to put his arm around her shoulders. Now was not the right time - it wouldn't make as much of an effect as it would if he waited for what he was sure was coming soon.
Cecile dismissed Pa'das quickly as unimportant, moving her chair closer to Jander's and fluttering her eyelashes. "So, what is such a handsome elf doing with such an ugly, lowly girl like Pa'das?"
Jander, out the corner of his eye, saw Pa'das shrink back even more, her eyes dropping to the floor. Screw the effect, he thought, some things are more important. He put his arm around Pa'das' shoulders, saying clearly that she was his and he was hers, and that wouldn't change anytime soon. He squeezed her shoulders gently, then said to Cecile in an icy tone, "Excuse me?"
She leaned forward, giving Jander a clear view down her dress, and said to Pa'das, "He probably stays with you only because he feels sorry for you." Then she turned back to Jander. "You can do so much better, you know," she said in a breathy voice. Her chest heaved alarmingly, like it would pop out of her dress. Jander merely looked at her in disdain.
"Better as in a shallow-minded cunt like you? Sorry, but I prefer a real person who has actual feelings, and does not need a ton of makeup, nor done-up hair to be beautiful. You have far too much breast and not enough heart."
Cecile stared in shock, then made a wounded noise and flounced away. Jander watched her go, not at all satisfied with what he had said, but figuring it had to do. He then turned to Pa'das, whose eyes were still glued to the floor. He gently tipped up her chin until she was looking at him with watery eyes.
"The floor can't be that interesting, can it?"
Pa'das managed a weak smile. "I hate it here. I hate it here," she whispered.
"Do you want to leave right now?" Jander asked her, gently brushing a wisp of hair off her face.
Pa'das shook her head. "I'll stick it out one more day. That's all, right?" Pa'das stopped as Jander nodded, and her eyes dropped back to the floor. "Do you really think I'm beautiful?" she asked softly.
Jander put two golden fingers under her chin and tipped her head back up until her eyes met his. He hated to see Pa'das like this, so timid and withdrawn. It was nothing like her usual vibrant self. He kissed her gently, leaning over Korrieana. "Mind-stunningly, breathtakingly beautiful, like the goddess Sune is standing before me." He kissed her again, cupping the side of her face in his hand. Korrieana settled between them as they kissed - she always seemed to like it when the two were being all lovey-dovey, and was always quiet. They separated, and Jander continued.
"Cecile was beautiful in a superficial, made-up way, which isn't real beauty. But you…you are beautiful in an honest, natural, innocent way. Your soul is like a ray of sunshine that can pierce through any cloud. I could not be any luckier." Jander smiled, sweet and sincere. He leaned over to kiss her once more, the kiss saying more than a thousand words ever could.
They broke apart again. Pa'das wished, as she always did, that the kiss had continued for longer, into forever. Jander noticed Cecile coming back over. His snapping silver eyes warned her away, and she almost turned on her heels, hurrying in the other direction.
"Let's go back to our rooms - your room, my room, whatever - okay?" Jander wanted Pa'das somewhere where Cecile could not bother her, harass her. Pa'das nodded, standing up. Jander left a couple of coins on the table for Pa'das' meal, and took Korrieana from her. He held Pa'das around the waist, holding her tightly and comfortingly. She walked as close to him as she could, needing the support and comfort just in his presence. As they walked by Cecile - she was sitting by the stairs - Jander glared at her with unbridled fury in his silver eyes. At times it amazed him how protective he felt of Pa'das sometimes.
Pa'das sat on Jander's bed. She sighed and raked her hands through her auburn hair. Jander thought about what Pa'das had told him, sickened by that the people of the town had done, knowing it would have been the same in almost any other place. To have chased her out just because… Jander's eyes opened wide at his realization.
Pa'das buried her face in her hands, leaning on her knees. She could not put into words how much she hated it here, how insignificant and lowly the whole place made her feel. She felt Jander sit down next to her, putting his arm around her shoulders. She leaned into his side, dropping her hands to her lap. He had Korrieana on his knee, keeping her amused with a ball, catching it each time she dropped it.
"Let's leave now," he told her. Jander realized that if they had chased her out the first time, they might do so again, or try something worse. On the road, they would be fine. And perhaps Pa'das would regain what she had lost in the damned village. Less than a tenday had turned her into a rabbit, timid and afraid of everyone.
Pa'das did not argue. She wanted to be out of this hellhole. She disgusted herself - just memories had changed her, and she hated that she was so weak. But she couldn't help herself. She knew everything these people said was true. She was ugly and worthless, and she knew it.
"Pa'das," Jander gave her a little shake. "Go get your things, and let's leave now?"
Pa'das nodded numbly. Jander kissed the top of her head and pushed her up. "Go. Get your tings. Korrieana and I will get my things, you get yours."
Pa'das raked her hands through her hair again, sighing. Jander plunked Korrieana down on the floor as Pa'das left. He threw his things into his pack as fast as he could. He figured he must have set some kind of time record. The faster they got out of this foul place - the faster he could get Pa'das out of here - the better. He cast a final glance around the room, making sure he had everything, then picked up Korrieana. He found Pa'das almost done - she had been perpetually ready to leave since they arrived.
"What about Eckerd?" Pa'das asked, shouldering her pack.
"Give a note to the bartender to give to him?"
"Do you have any paper?"
Jander shook his head. "You?"
Pa'das shook her head. "He'll figure it out."
As they left the room, Jander transferred Korrieana to the other hip and took Pa'das' hand, twining his fingers in hers and giving it a squeeze. Going down the stairs, Jander cast his gaze around the room, searching for Cecile. He did not see her anywhere, but he did see Eckerd. He pointed him out to Pa'das, and they went over to him. Eckerd raised an eyebrow questioningly when he saw them.
"We're leaving," Jander told him, glancing meaningfully at Pa'das. Eckerd nodded. "We'll come find you outside the gates tomorrow, okay?"
Eckerd nodded again. "See you then." He did not argue, nor plan on cutting his stay short. The only person in this town whom he disliked - and he hated her with a passion - was his cousin, Cecile. But the rest of his cousins - and the town - were perfectly nice people, who he enjoyed spending time with. Seeing as how he probably wouldn't be back for another five years or so, he wanted to make the most of his time.
Jander nodded, understanding his sentiments without them having to be spoken out loud. Pa'das didn't care, as long as she got out of there soon.
* *
* * *
Eckerd and his relatives sat around the dinner table, eating roast mutton. The family was laughing and chatting in high spirits. Eckerd only had half his mind on them. The other half was wondering what had precipitated Pa'das and Jander's sudden departure. He had not seen Cecile all day; she might have had something to do with it. She had to be the cruelest, most spiteful person he had ever met.
As if on cue, Cecile flounced in and sat down in her chair.
"Where have you been?" Sara, her mother, asked.
Cecile ignored the question, as she was apt to do with any question she did not like. Being daddy's little girl, she never got in trouble for that. Eckerd pitied the man who married her.
"Guess who's back," she said with a self-satisfied smile. "The little witch girl."
Eckerd's ears perked up. Now he might find out some more information.
"She's with that elf I've been trying to get." Eckerd inwardly laughed. Poor Jander! This was the first Eckerd had heard of his cousin's latest romantic pursuits. He wondered for an instant if he should tell her she was wasting her time, but knew she wouldn't listen. "I put her in her place, though. She shan't be thinking she's all high and mighty for being with an elf, anymore."
"You what?!" Now Eckerd was certain Cecile caused Pa'das and Jander to leave.
"I put her in her place, the stupid whore. The elf probably just stays with her because he pities her. I told her that and more."
"You fool," Eckerd hissed as he glared at her. "And you said this in front of Jander?" Cecile looked confused. "The elf! By all the gods, you don't even know his name! And how could you do that to Pa'das?! She is the sweetest, kindest, most caring girl in the world!"
"How do you know them?" Cecile asked with narrowed eyes. "The girl is a witch, you know. And ugly witch, at that."
"They're my traveling companions I told you about. Have you no brain in your head? Can you not make logical connections? And she's no more of a witch than I am, stupid girl, she just does a different kind of magic. And if you think you, of all people, could come between Jander and Pa'das…" Eckerd shook his head.
"The girl was a witch," Eckerd's uncle, Matthew, put in, "tainting out children."
"She brought bad luck on the town," another cousin added.
The rest of the family added various comments like that, as Eckerd stared at them, unbelieving. He had never seen this side of his relatives before, never realized what shallow, narrow-minded people they were.
"You are friends with this girl?" His aunt, Sara, asked, her eyes narrowed to slits. Eckerd nodded, and suddenly the whole family was looking at him with unmasked hostility in their eyes. "We don't want anyone associated with her in our house."
Eckerd was amazed at how fast their attitude toward him had changed. He matched their looks, glare for glare. If the Grommsteins were any indication, Corostine was remarkably intolerant to all who were different. "I would not want to stay with ones such as you, or in a town such as this. No wonder the poor lass did not want to come here and be subject to your hatefulness. In any of you in this gods damned town had ever taken the tiniest moment of your time getting to know her, instead of making her an outcast, you would have known that she is the sweetest, kindest person in all of Faerûn." Eckerd cast one more glare around the table, too overcome with rage to speak, then stalked to the guest room they had given him to get his bag. He began to toss the few things that were out into his pack, muttering under his breath about how asinine the whole situation was.
Davie, who used to be Eckerd's favorite cousin, slipped softly into the room. Eckerd glared furiously at him. Davie held out his hands in a gesture of peace, but the glare did not soften.
"Listen to me," he said softly, glancing back to the door. "You have to warn your friends. They're talking lynch mob."
Eckerd barked out a short laugh. "With a mage to protect her? Not bloody likely." He resumed packing, Davie tossing him things. Eckerd could tell that the boy was working up the courage to ask something. As he shouldered his pack, Davie came out with it.
"Will you take me with you?" He looked at Eckerd with pleading eyes.
Eckerd couldn't help but be suspicious. Admittedly, Davie hadn't said anything at the table, but still… What better way to murder someone you don't like than pretend to be a friend?
"Get what you need and meet me outside the gates in fifteen minutes. I'll decide then."
Davies face lit up in a huge grin. For all his twenty-odd years, he was still a little boy sometimes. The lad dashed to his room. Eckerd watched him go with mixed feelings. But he'd find out the lad's true motives soon enough. Hitching up his pack and going out the door, Eckerd noticed that Matthew was gone. He was glad that his friends were already gone and out of immediate danger.
Eckerd turned back to face them at the door. "'Ware the wrath of mages," he warned icily, and strode out, leaving them wondering and worrying about what he meant.