The Ravenclaw Tavern was still filled with many late night patrons despite the hour, the sounds of their drunken chatter filling the room accompanied with the sound of music played by a group of musicians up on the stage. The barmaids weaved in between the tables serving drinks and taking away empty glasses, giving stern scowls to any of the men who made crude comments or let their hands wander. Elrien, having finally relinquished the stage to the other musicians after earning enough gold to buy her and Janthos a couple rounds of drinks, was sat with Janthos reminiscing about their days in the academy as they finished off their last drinks. Janthos' cheeks were coloured a dark red as he giggled at the end of their story, slapping his knee with his hand.
"By the gods I am going to miss those days," he said with a great sigh, smiling ruefully at Elrien. She responded with a snort before downing the rest of her drink and slamming the tankard down with a loud thud on the table.
"I, my friend, am glad to be free of the place. I can finally leave and travel, see the empire and possibly more!" She grinned at him as he shook his head at her. "I can make money as I'm travelling using my bardic talents, and I'm more than capable of defending myself with my magic. Years from now you'll hear of me," she raised her hands to make a sweep in the air. "'Elrien the great'." Rolling his eyes, Janthos finished his drink and then stared mournfully at the glass.
"I seem to have run out of ale," he murmured, lifting the tankard to stare up through the bottom of the glass.
"Alas, so have I," They both giggled. Elrien stood up, stretching her hands up above her head. "Let's go have a game of cards,"
"We have no money, again," replied Janthos in a deadpan tone as he rose to his feet.
"So? I'm the master of playing cards. No one can beat me!" He snorted.
"Still doesn't change the fact that you have no money, Elrien," Sighing, she put her hands on her hips and spoke to him in a chiding tone normally reserved for children.
"Well the other players don't know that. We'll pretend we do and then when we win we shall have more money,"
"And in the likely scenario that we lose?"
"Then we shall stealthily make our exit," Janthos paused, considering her plan for a few moments before shrugging.
"Well alright then," Grinning, she grabbed his hand and led him over to a card game towards the back of the tavern, near an easily accessible exit.
A Minotaur, Human and Halfling sat around the table coming to the end of a card game.
"Oi! Lyen! Keep yer cards up, they're so low even I can see 'em," The Halfling laughed mischievously, waggling his eyebrows at the Human, Lyen, as he glowered darkly back moving his cards to rest against his chest.
"You're not meant to look our cards, little Tarin," Shrugging, the Halfling, Tarin, threw his cards down on the table and swept his hands through the air.
"I win again lads," Grinning, he stood up to scoop the small pile of coins towards them as he nodded at the two other players.
"Lucky Halfling," muttered the Minotaur, dropping his cards on the table as he watched the coins disappear into Tarins' purse.
"Luck 'as nothing ta do with it, Ghan," said Tarin with a cheeky grin. "Care for another game my friends?" Lyen smiled and shook his head.
"Why not?" Ghan nodded too, accepting the cards dealt to him. Elrien shoved Janthos forwards, gaining the attention of the men as she took a seat at the table.
"Can we be dealt in?" Tarin glanced at Ghan and Lyen before shrugging.
"Tha more tha merrier," Smiling at him, Elrien picked up her cards, giving Janthos a playfully disapproving look as he opted to sit out and watch. "Names Tarin Lightfingers, this 'ere is Lyen Silverblade and our friend over tha table is Ghan, a Minotaur from tha Isle of Charach" Elrien waved at them cheerfully.
"My name is Amie and this is Jarren,"
"Nice ta meet ya both. We're playin' red hands, know how ta play right?" Elrien nodded, placing one card facing up on the table showing a 5 and keeping the other faced toward her, a 9. The cards the other players had showing were a 7 (Tarin), a 10 (Lyen), and a 3 (Ghan). Accepting the next card, Elriens total was brought up to 15. Lyen threw down his cards with a sigh, showing his total coming to 24 (10,9,5). Elrien held out her hand for another card, as did Ghan whilst Tarin stayed with his current hand. Elrien felt a tingle gone down her spine as she was dealt a 10, bringing her total to 25. Grinning sheepishly, she made eye contact with Janthos who scowled darkly at her as she placed her cards on the table.
"Out," Tarin grinned and turned his attention to Ghan.
"Sticking with these I think," His grin widening, Tarin spread his cards on the table to reveal a total of 20.
Lyen clapped his hand on Tarins shoulder, reluctant congratulations on his lips but a growl of frustration from Ghan drew all their attention to the Minotaur. He had pulled back his hand and brought it down hard on the table, the wood splintering under the impact of his fist causing the table to collapse. The cards were sent in all directions, fluttering to the floor around their feet. Ghans' shoulder shook as he breathed heavily, his eyes focusing on Tarin as he took a step forwards, the table breaking more under the weight of his hooves. Quickly, Elrien grabbed Janthos's shoulders pushing him backwards before stepping in front of him, her fingers crackling with magic. Lyen had down the same with Tarin, drawing his sword and pointing it menacingly at the Minotaur, his tone low and threatening.
"You will not touch him," Ghan paused, his nostrils still flared as he stared at his reflection in the blades metal. Tarin laughed uneasily, peering around Lyen as he raised his hands.
"It's jus' a game Ghan. Calm down eh," Ghan closed his eyes, moving his head into a nod as his stance relaxed.
"Yes. Yes. You are right, I.. I apologize," he took his hoof off the table and half turned away, his eyes downcast in shame. "You won fairly and I shall honour the rules. It's just I need the gold, " He tossed his head making growling in anger. "I will never regain my honour now. I will have to return to Charach and tell my Vhaarah that I lost my soul brooch," Tarin frowned, fully stepping out from behind Lyen to walk closer to Ghan
"Easy now, big fella. I certainly didn't mean fer a simple game of fun ta turn inta this. Tell us what happened eh? Perhaps we can help?"
"Two nights ago, I lost a game of cards to Mylok, a dirty little man here in the Market," Elrien shifted uncomfortably as Janthos looked at her with a frown; he had heard the rumours of her seen with Mylok and she knew he disapproved and most likely Ghans story was going to justify it - any story involving Mylok normally cast him as the bad guy.
"I had no gold to pay my debt…. I was forced to give him my Soul Brooch. Please understand, among my people there can be no greater shame than losing one's Soul Brooch. It is more that just a mere trinket; it is a symbol of the life bond between myself and my love, Vhaarah. To loose such a great gift shows dishonour and weakness," Elrien could hear the self-loathing and sadness in the Minotaurs voice and she felt pity well up in her as she looked at the other men.
"If it means tha' much ta ya, Ghan, I can give ya tha gold ta buy it back. I was only playin' fer fun so it would be little trouble ta give ya the gold ya need," Ghan shook his head, baring his teeth into what was apparently a smile.
"That is kind of you to offer, Tarin Lightfingers, but I cannot accept such aid. It is I who brought this upon myself, and it is I who must face the consequences of my action. To accept your gift would only increase my shame," Ghan lowered his head, his shoulder slumping at the realisation that he could not accept any help. "Goodbye friends," He slowly walked away from the table across the room to a secluded corner, slumping down on a stool and ignoring a barmaid that approached him.
"Poor Ghan," muttered Tarin as Lyen sheathed his swords. "Tha' Mylok fellow is known fer riggin' games. 'e is tha sort ta so tha'," Elrien glanced at Janthos who jerked his head towards the door, mouthing the words 'lets go'. Nodding, she inched towards the door, she would have liked to help Ghan but they had lost and needed to get away from the other players before they asked her to pay up.
"Elrien Dy'Mana!" Freezing, she looked at Janthos in panic before turning to face the innkeeper, Ruknar. The old dwarf was frowning at her furiously, his eyes almost completely lost under his thick busy eyebrows. "You damaged more of my property in another of your brawls, girl! I demand that you pay for the damages!" Laughing sheepishly, she rubbed the back of her neck as she snuck a glance at Lyen and Tarin who were watching her with un-amused expressions. "Who shall I send the bill to this time, your father?"
"No," said Elrien quickly, her voice turning shrill. "Last time you did that I was put under house arrest," Ruknar 'hmpfed' and crossed his arms over his broad chest. "Daevan will take care of it for you, and for the record I would like to point out that I didn't not start this brawl, neither did I take any part in it so I should not be held accountable, in fact I don't think this should even count as a brawl. It was a one sided fight against a piece of furnit-"
"Listen Dy'Mana, I don't care." The dwarf turned on his heel and walked back to his bar, leaving Elrien to glare angrily at his back.
"Elrien Dy'Mana eh?" Cringing she turned to Tarin. "Seems we're in most esteemed company, Lyen, this 'ere is tha daughter of Magistrate Okaris," Lyens eyebrows rose and he looked Elrien up and down.
"Funny that, thought her name was Amie,"
"We don't have the money for the card game, so we lied," said Janthos quickly, his voice shrill.
"Nice," muttered Elrien under her breath. "Remind me never to trust you with any deep dark secrets," Janthos glared at her in reply. Tarin sighed and glanced at the broken table and then at Ruknar.
"Tell ya what; if ya go and get Ghans Soul Brooch we'll call it even, eh?" Elrien looked at him in surprise.
"Really?" The Halfling nodded.
"It's either that or I send a bill to this Daevan of yours," Elrien rolled her eyes and made her way out the doorway, grabbing her cloak as she went, Janthos remaining inside the Tavern.
The temperature of the nights air had dropped considerably since she had first entered the tavern and she pulled her cloak tighter around herself, her breath coming out in white mist and spreading out into the darkness. She walked past empty stalls, their stock locked up and warded against thieves, and past Nelgirs normal post and weaved around Ragos open, makeshift shop to reach the alley behind it; the known haunt of Mylok. Sure enough he was there, leaning against the wall with his hood pulled up hiding his face from view. As she neared his head swiftly turned in her direction, his stance becoming aggressive until she passed underneath a brazier holding a touch that illuminated a small part of the alley, and he became more relaxed.
"Well, well, well," he took a few steps towards her, his arms open wide as he cocked his head to the side. "If it ain't the lovely Elrien, lookin' for me sweetheart?" Elrien cringed as she took in his grubby attire; the man obviously hadn't washed recently and from the smell of him had been sleeping in the pens with some of Rago's livestock.
"Hey…Mylok," she said hesitantly, giving him a reluctant wave. "Think you can help me out?" He gave her a toothy grin, taking the few steps to her side to throw his arm over her shoulders.
"Sure love. Of course I can help ya," he wiggled his eyebrows suggestively at her. Making a disgusted noise, she shrugged off his arm and turned around so they were facing each other.
"No thanks, Mylok. One night was enough for me," she snapped. Myloks stance became less friendly, his mouth upturning into a nasty sneer as he stared down at her angrily.
"Oh I see, Imperial, too good for me, is that what ya think?" Rolling her eyes she shook her head.
"Don't be immature Mylok. I need the soul brooch you won off that Minotaur in a card game," Myloks angry stare turned into one of suspicion as he lifted a hand to pull a thin chain out of one of his many pockets, a small object attached to the end.
"Yeah?" he swung it around his finger, eying her speculatively. "Well I ain't givin' ya it for free, Dy'Mana, I want 75 gold pieces" Frowning she spread out her hands.
"I have no money Mylok,"
"Well ain't that too bad," he drawled, giving her a sarcastic smile. Growling she leant forward to snatch the brooch out of his hands, but he held it up out of her reach.
"Uh uh, Imperial. You ain't gettin' this 'till I get some payment." Pulling back, she smiled at his sweetly before nodding.
"Of course Mylok, it's only fair," Quickly, she stepped closer and brought up her knee, hearing a satisfying grunt from Mylok as he slowly slid to the ground. Grabbing the brooch and tearing it out of his hands she took off into a run back towards the inn.
"Elrien!" Mylok shout travelled through the air, carried further by the wind, his fury and pain ringing clear in his tone. Chuckling to herself she pulled open the tavern door and stepped inside; sure Mylok would be out for payback and chances were he'd try to rough her up but the look on his face was worth it.
Tarin and Lyen looked up from their card game with an uneasy looking Janthos who was clutching his cards so tightly that they were beginning to bend and crease. Giving them a triumphant smile, she held up the brooch on the chain and dangled it in-between them.
"Great!" whispered Tarin, glancing at Ghans hunched back before jerking his head in the Minotaurs direction. "Go give it 'im back eh," Nodding, Elrien approached Ghan cautiously, clearing her throat loudly to get his attention.
"Tadaaaaa," she sung, presenting the brooch to with a sweep of her hand. The Minotaurs eyes widened as he lifted a hand towards the brooch, hesitating before his fingers made contact with the smooth metal before withdrawing back with a shake of his head.
"I did not think I would lay eyes on this again, but I can not accept its return, I lost it in a game of chance, and honour demands that I can only recover it in such a fashion," Inwardly rolling her eyes, she shook the chain and frowned.
"Mylok cheated. It's what he does Ghan. He even told me he rigged the game," Ghan shook his head, going to turn away. "What if I told you I won it in a fair game?" she quickly lied, the Minotaurs attention quickly returning to her.
"You did?"
"Yeah, course I did. I'm the master at card games!" The Minotaur snorted to show his disbelief in her statement and she grinned. "Come on, Ghan, I'm giving this too you, no shame can be brought to you through that, now can it?" Ghan nodded slowly before taking it from her hands.
"I thank you, Elrien Dy'Mana. I am in your debt," Smiling she shook her head.
"Don't be silly," she replied, turning back to Tarin who nodded at her, raising his tankard to her. "I trust we may leave now?" He nodded, a grin lighting up his face.
"Course," Janthos scrambled to his feet, throwing the cards a Lyen who flinched away from them and scowled at him darkly. "Come an' play cards with us again, Lady Dy'Mana," Elrien was sure he said her name in a mocking tone, but his expression was friendly. "But next time 'ow about ya play as ya real self and bring some money along eh?" Laughing as her cheeks turned a light shade pink, she nodded and began and allowed Janthos to pull her to the door.
Once outside and once again watching as her breath left her mouth as a white mist, she waited as Janthos asked the questions she had been anticipating.
"Why do you get us into these things? And why do I listen to you? How did you get the Brooch back? Did Mylok do anything to hurt you?" He asked all this in one breath and then stood there watching Elrien impatiently as she slowly replied.
"I don't get us into theses things, they just sort of happen. Because you secretly crave the rush. I kicked Mylok where the sun don't shine and ran. No he didn't," Janthos took a moment to register her words as they walked towards the gate before his eyes narrowed and he gripped Elriens wrist.
"Elrien! Mylok won't take that lightly, he'll be after you now," Elrien nodded and pulled her wrist out of his grasp.
"Calm down Janthos, I know he'll try to get me back but he's not stupid enough to try to endanger or kill me. My fathers the magistrate and the guards are always on edge whenever I'm in the area. Don't worry." Janthos shook his head as they passed through the gates.
"I'll see you tomorrow Elrien. Thanks for the drinks," he muttered before leaving her to go home to the Imperial Estate. Elrien watched him go with a sigh; the Gnome was worrying far too much.
***
Elrien stood in front of the Imperial Estate with a doubtful expression on her face. It was early in the morning and Daevan and, most definitely, Kaelee would be asleep. Opening the main doors would wake Kaelee and alert her brother to her late home coming which would mean he would absolutely have to give her a lecture. With a slight grin she waved at the guards who nodded in acknowledgment, they were used to her coming home at early hours in the morning, and she made her way around the back of the estate. The only sound other than the murmur of the guards' quiet chatter was that of the wind through the trees and an orchestra of crickets that were hidden amongst the tall grass at the edge of the garden. A lattice was nailed against the wall with a thick layer of vines growing up its length. The lattice stopped underneath a small balcony but the vines had continued to grow, giving Elrien an easy access to the second floor corridor. Grabbing the vines, she began to nimbly climb her way up and swing one leg over the balcony, gaining her footing before bringing her whole self over. Creeping over to the double doors she peered through the laced curtains before whispering the spell 'knock', the sound of the lock clicking open filled the silence. Pushing the door open slightly, she reached around to push the laced curtains out of the way so they wouldn't tear. She closed the doors behind her, relocking them, and began making her way to her bedroom.
"This is ridiculous," Jumping at the voice; she looked up to see Daevan leaning against the doorframe to her bedroom, his arms crossed over his chest. "You're 20 now, Elrien. Sneaking into the house is stupid. Gods know what the guards think," Ignoring him, she strode past into her room and unfastened her cloak, hanging it on the back of a chair. "Didn't think you were going to come home tonight. None of the men take your fancy?" Whirling round on him, Elriens eyes narrowed.
"Is that what you think I do?
"Of course," he snapped, throwing his arms up in exasperation. "I've seen the way you act, and you should hear some of the rumours flying around the guards. Some of them have seen you with Mylok. Mylok! By the gods Elrien he is dangerous!" Elrien frowned, why was everyone so fixated on Mylok?
"See, you can't even deny it. You're actions are causing me, not to mention father, so much embarrassment," Rolling her eyes, she sat on her bed and began to unbuckle her boots, pulling them off and throwing them across the room.
"That was a one off ," she sighed.
"Oh really? You're never at home, Elrien, and if you do come home it's at unsightly hours like this,"
"It was my graduation ceremony tonight, Daevan, something you and father seem to have forgotten as neither of you came or even bothered to make an appearance. I went out to celebrate with Janthos, ask the keeper, I sung for drinks," Daevan frowned.
"And I suppose you do this every night?"
"No. I was a student. I spent my time studying." she growled, her fists clenching as she clutched her sheets in anger.
"You're a bard, Elrien. Seriously it doesn't require that much studying," Elrien scowled, gaping at his words.
"Excuse me Mr-High-and-Mighty-I-can-hit-things-with-a-sharp-stick, but barding does require strenuous amounts of work," Daevan snorted and looked away, disbelief evident in his features. "I had to learn how to play instruments, practice my singing, and learn a wide range of tales and songs whilst trying to write my own. Then on top of that I was also developing my skills in the arcane," Daevans head snapped back to face her as his eyes narrowed dangerously. "Don't look at me like that. Father wanted me to be a bard and it never interfered with that. Mother was more than happy to teach it to me and I love it, Daevan, it fascinates me!" Daevan said nothing in response, turning round and storming out the room.
With a groan, Elrien placed her head in her hands, clenching her eyes shut against the palms of her hands.
"He really is his father son," Pulling her head up to look a Giles, she gave him a questioning look. He hovered in the doorway, a nightcap balanced on his head with his nightdress hanging down around his ankles. They had obviously woke him some time during the course of their argument.
"Your father walks away when your mother is mentioned too. There's just too much guilt for them both to be able to stand there,"
"That's not my fault," grumbled Elrien sulkily. "They don't need to treat me so harshly,"
"Your father once told me, and this was a rare occasion indeed mark you, that you look very much like your mother. So much like your mother that it was painful sometimes, and with your talent in the arts it adds to that," Shaking her head, Elrien replaced her head back in her hands.
"I'm going to sleep," he voice was muffled through her hands but Giles heard her anyway, saying his good night before she heard his footsteps fading as he left the room and walked down the corridor. Getting up to close the door, she got on her knees in front of the bed and leaned over to look underneath. A pair of bright yellow eyes stared back at her, blinking twice before their owner emerged from underneath the bed.
"Elrien!" The Faerie Dragon threw himself into her arms, making a noise deep in his throat that resembled a purr. He resembled a miniature dragon with large gossamer butterfly wings that were light green speckled with spots of pale yellow. Ivory coloured horns protruded from his head and turquoise scales ran the length of his body, a leathery, paler skin on the underside of his belly.
"Hey Nimthys," she murmured into his neck.
"How did your ceremony go?"
Elrien and Nimthys sat for many hours talking before Elrien finally crawled under her covers, Nimthys curled up by her side.
***
A scream pierced the night starting out high pitched and then lowering to a wail. With a jolt Elrien sat up, knocking Nimthys off the bed, and looked around the room in alarm. The wail had ceased but Elrien still got out of her bed, ignoring Nimthys's grumbles, and picked up her crossbow and a few bolts. Hissing, Nimthys flew over to her as she opened her door, peering cautiously up and down the corridor before stepping out. Another scream sounded, making Elrien jump as she spun around in a circle to try and locate the direction it was coming from.
"Elrien, that sounded like mistress Kaelee!" Panic and fear gripping her, she bolted down the corridors, quickly making her way to her little sisters' room to find the door wide open and a dim flicker of light streaming out into the hall. Skidding to a halt in the doorway, she brought up her crossbow and aimed it into the room as she took in the sight before her.
Kaelee was sat up in her bed; her big, doe-like eyes wide were wide with fear as tears fell down her cheeks. Her wavy, black hair was matted to her forehead and her nightdress was clinging to her due to the sweat. Her bed sheets were in a messy heap on the floor, some of it still twisted around her legs as she shook her head vigorously from side to side as she struggled against Daevan who was leant over her, attempting to comfort her. He was still dressed in the clothes Elrien had seen him in earlier so it was obvious he hadn't been sleeping.
"No. No! Want mommy. Go away D!" she sobbed, her small hands feebly pushing at his chest as he looked over at Elrien pleadingly. Walking over to the bed and putting the cross bow on the floor as she sat on the bed, making it deep slightly, Elrien pushed her fringe off her forehead and cocked her head to the side. Kaelee gasped and flung her arms around Elriens waist, hugging it tightly while still trying to squirm away from Daevan.
"Mommy!"
"No Kae, it's me, El"
"El?....That's okay," she murmured, burying her face into Elriens nightdress. Looking up at Daevan questioningly, she received a shrug in reply as he rocked back onto his heels.
"What's wrong little Kaelee?" She asked, gently rubbing her back in circles.
"We were burning El," Daevan frowned, his hand reaching out to clasp one of Kaelees tiny ones.
"A nightmare," supplied Nimthys, Daevan staring at it in surprise before his eyes narrowed on Elrien.
"What in the hells is that?"
"That? I am a Nimthys," replied the Faerie Dragon, sounding insulted.
"He's my familiar Daevan," said Elrien flippantly. "Was it a nightmare Kaelee?"
"Mmmm…No….It hurt,"
"What did?" asked Daevan quietly.
"My ankle," she replied, shoving her foot in his face. "I tried to walk through the fire, I know you told me not to D, but the big stones were mad," He took her foot in his hands to examine it, his mouth thinning into a straight line as he held out her foot for Elrien to see. A big, angry looking burn had appeared on the sole of her foot. Surprised, Elrien glanced up at him as he looked down at Kaelee.
"How did you burn your foot Kaelee?"
"I told you D," she snapped impatiently. "I trod in the fire,"
"Kaelee do not lie to us, I want to kn-" Elrien was cut off by Kaelee as she pulled away from her.
"I'm telling the truth!" her voice became shrill as fresh tears began to fall down her cheeks. "I am. Dae tell her I am," Looking up at Daevan she scowled as he shook his head at her, motioning for her to be quiet.
"Tell us the rest of your dream Kaelee," he said gently.
"You hurt your arm and was loosing so we had to run and they were watching," she managed through her sobs as they slowly began to stop, turning into hiccups that made her whole body jump.
"Who were?" asked Daevan, his jaw muscles tightening.
"The people on the ship," Noticing Daevans strange look, she brought Kaelees attention to her by placing a hand on her shoulder.
"It was just a nightmare little Kaelee, time to go back to sleep,"
"Don't go!" she yelled, gripping Elriens nightdress as she tried to stand up. Shaking her head, Elrien pulled her into her arms as she stood up and turned to Daevan who had started putting the sheets back on the bed.
"Kaelee can sleep with me tonight,"
"And D!" she demanded, her head resting on her shoulder. Daevan hesitated and glanced down at her hands, they were covered in ink.
"Daevans working,"
"No!" She began to struggle as one of her hands reached out to him.
"Kaelee," said Elrien soothingly, stepping closer to Daevan so she could clutch his shirt. "Daevan has a sofa in his study; we'll sleep on that okay?" Nodding, she didn't let go of Daevan, even when he lent down to pick up the sheets and pillows.
Giles was waiting in the doorway, his hands out stretched for the items.
"Nightmares are not uncommon with Lady Kaelee," he said in attempt to sooth them both. Glancing at Daevan, Elrien nodded.
"She used to get them a lot on the plantation before we came here, almost every night," Daevan just blinked as them both and continued through the door, leading the way to his study.
***
Daylight hadn't begun to show yet but its pink glow could be seen creeping into the sky from the horizon through the opened doors that lead to the balcony. Kaelee was stretched out on the sofa with Elrien, her head resting on her lap with her hands clutching the blanket tight around her. Daevan sat at his desk scribbling away on a piece of parchment, occasionally glancing up at them whenever either one of them shifted. Elrien had the book Jarvis had given her, The Chronicles of Abaran, in her one hand whilst the other gently stroked Kaelees hair.
"Hey…El?" Her eyebrows rose; he hadn't called her that since they were kids on the plantation.
"Yes Dae?" And she hadn't called him that in years. He hesitated as she put down the book to give him her full attention.
"Do you remember Aerian?" She was mo…. She used to visit us on the plantation a lot," Elrien nodded. The woman had been strange from what she could remember, but had been one of their mothers' oldest and dearest friends.
"Yeah, she used to tell me she could see the future," she giggled shaking her head. "But mother always told me she was a drunk and to take no notice," He flinched at the name but nodded. "Why?"
"I, ah….. I was just wondering. She used to have nightmares too," Elrien smiled at him wryly.
"I doubt our 8 year old sister is having alcohol induced nightmares Daevan," He frowned as Elrien shrugged and returned to her book.
Coughing to regain her attention, he placed his hands on his desk, fidgeting with the edge of the parchment as he looked at her thoughtfully.
"What are you going to do now that you've graduated?" Putting down her book again with a frown she looked at him questioningly. It was unlike him to be so interested in her affairs; maybe it was the lack of sleep.
"I mean, I know father has some people he would like for you to meet. Aristocracy is always looking for a good bard to fill their halls with music, and coming from our family should mean you would get a good, respectable job," Elrien scowled; figures her father would try to get rid of her as soon as possible.
"No, I'm not being shipped off to another city to play for them so you and father no longer have to put up with me an 'my antics'," she snarled.
"You can't continue what you're doing now, Elrien. Coming in at ungodly hours, getting into trouble, scraping a living from that tavern,"
"I don't plan to," she interjected.
"Kaelee will be old enough to join the Academy soon," he continued, ignoring her. "You won't be needed here either,"
"Oh thank you Daevan," Shock ripped through her. "So now my job of filling mothers place is fulfilled, because of course that's why you kept me around, to babysit Kaelee, I am to be kicked out or forced onto someone else? Then your moulding of Kaelee can begin, a chance to have someone live up to your expectations and abide by your laws," Daevan sigh and shook his head, a hand rising up to rub his temple.
"That is not what I meant Elrien and you know it, I just worry about your future. Father and I-" Elrien silenced him with a bark of laughter.
"I have my own weapons and armour, Nimthys will be with me and I can earn money on the road. I guess there was some used to father forcing me to become a bard after all, I should thank him,"
"You wouldn't last out there, Elrien. It's not like the South. This part of the Empire hasn't been fully tamed yet,"
"I'm pretty handy with the crossbow, and my magic will be more than enough to defend me,"
"I'm telling you Elrien, you wont survive out there by yourself," His tone had changed but she was too angry to notice.
"My instructor told me there's a group interested in me. They're in service to Rhaka. I'll go with them," Daevan closed his eyes and let out a big breath. Gently so as not to wake Kaelee, who had surprisingly remained fast asleep during their fight, Elrien got up from the sofa and walked to the doorway. Nimthys, who had been curled up near the fire, flew the distance between them to hover by her shoulder.
"I didn't mean you were a substitute for mother," he muttered quietly, surprising Elrien by saying her name. "You're just so unhappy here. I can see, father can see. We just want you to be happy and the only person tying you to this place was Kaelee, not that is shouldn't be like that, but this place is suffocating you," He sighed and shuffled his papers on his desk until they were in a neat pile, his tone becoming brisk. "You can't join that group or just up and leave, I won't allow it, neither will father. Guess you'll just have to pick a hall you like if you want out," Continuing through the doorway into the hall wordlessly, Elrien pulled a face – Oh she was definitely going to see Markius Albright.
The Card Game
Lyen - 10, 9, 5 = 24
Elrien - 5, 9, 1, 10 = 25
Tarin - 7, 10, 3 = 20
Ghan - 3, 8, 6, 2 = 19
Authors Note: Sorry for such a long gap between updates but I had my AS exams, but now they are over and we are on our last few weeks of College ^_^. This chapter took me forever to write because I kept going back and rewriting things which then meant I had to redo the stuff after it XD and I can't say I am still happy with it but it'll do.
Thank you to Anon for the review. I agree with you, I would have very much liked to have seen a part II to this game. I shall try my best not to disappoint.
Please tell me what you think
Ramen Tree xox