Markellus' eyes narrow more at Vulf's threat, but he stands his ground and nods slightly as the barbarian walks back to the arena. Without taking his eyes of of Vulf, he asks Zelaria, "How well do you know him again?"
This brutish idiot isn’t worth the effort.
Sheathing his sword “I mean you no disrespect. I fear your own honour has dealt you a far greater wound than I could have. It is clear to me now that you mean Zelaria no ill and so let us put the whole unpleasantness behind us what do you say?”
"I performed a reading on him today," Zelaria answers Markellus with a sense of finality to the statement, as though that is all that needs to be said. She looks to the barrier between her and Vulf mournfully. "He is afraid to rely on others, and I am afraid to be alone."
“For now I must go I have urgent things to attend to. winking at Markellus. “So I shall meet you all later for supper.” Shaking Markellus by the hand and bowing to kiss Zelaria’s Florin departs after the girl.
As Florin departs, you all spot Rohan and Copper making their way back to the crowd. Copper riding atop his best friend's shoulders like a little brother would when he gets tired of walking. Copper has a leg of mutton in one claw while holding on to Rohan with the other. The summoner has a decidedly calm and content look on his face as he has had a few drinks while gone. That look is replaced by a little bit of confusion when he sees the obvious tension and awkwardness of his companions and the absence of Vulf. "I was only gone for a little while. Did something happen already? Am I late for the final match?" He asks.
Markellus sighs, fully releasing the tension that had been building before Vulf departed, and turns to Rohan. "Well, you're last opponent was an odd one, to say the least. Things just got a mite tense, but I think everything's settled now." He turns to Zelaria. "Let me know if you need help with him. I can give him a talking to if need be." He has a concerned look in his eye, clearly unhappy with the earlier exchange.
Zelaria sighs and looks after Vulf's exit. "I understand better than most that it is difficult to trust those who are different from yourself, but, I have yet to puzzle a way to reach you," she spares a glance at Rohan and colors slightly, though not a full flush. "It appears we all might benefit from learning more about each other."
Zelaria smiles at Markellus's offer. "I don't believe it necessary. If I am to travel beside you, as it seems that Desna intends, I must learn to overcome my weaknesses, and look towards the future rather than fear the shadows of my past. Besides, I would be considered a very poor magician indeed if I could not charm the heart of a warrior," she attempts to return the mood to one of levity.
Delighted by the prestidigitation Zelaria performed, Dorrak smiles and bows. To her comment about his hair he replies A lust for life indeed, one that seems to have shaken my foundation recently.
His teeth clench when he sees the reaction between Vulf and Florin. He shakes his head, relieved that no blood was drawn.
That boy seems to be the sand in everyone's trousers today. If you're going to allow his courtship, best tread softly. This last outburst was quick as a viper. I'm sure he didn't mean harm by the playful gesture but seems folks need to take a walk and clear their heads after they spar.
Dorrak nods in the direction of one of Hemlock's deputies who took note of the near conflict and was watching the group to be sure nothing serious was happening.
I think Hemlock's boys would be right unhappy if things got out of hand. Eyes raised to the rest of the group (Zelaria, Markellus, Rohan and ... an npc was gathered with us too, right?) Maybe let's all see if we can't manage to steer things in a happy way, at least for the rest of the evening, eh?
Vulf? What did he do?
"Lack of knowledge can breed misunderstanding which can breed contempt." Rohan says as though he is repeating something word for word.
"A normally harmless prank," Zelaria replies to Rohan's question. "He could not have known that I am afraid of the dark. It is not a weakness one readily admits to at passed the age of six," Zelaria sounds more than a little embarrassed to admit to her shortcomings.
I think Hemlock's boys would be right unhappy if things got out of hand. Eyes raised to the rest of the group (Zelaria, Markellus and ... an npc was gathered with us too, right?) Maybe let's all four see if we can't manage to steer things in a happy way, at least for the rest of the evening, eh?
"Indeed, and thank you, Master Dorrak. I wished to invite everyone to supper and... a reading. Our accommodations may not be so luxurious as the Rusty Dragon's but for our purposes, they should suit."
Gorvi suddenly bursts out laughing. "Did either of you realize you're threatening each other with blunted blades?" he asks with a grin and a raised eyebrow. "The sherriff's boys won't have blunted blades, and if either one of you start a scuffle they'll let you sit the night in one of the cells. I know, I've spent a few nights there after a barfight." He seems to have trouble keeping his mirth contained.
The Chelaxian girl, when caught up to by Florin, gives him a devilish grin. "Well if it isn't The Flower Knight. I'm afraid our bargain was made and struck sir, and while your loss was very chivalrous, a loss it still was." The slight grin never leaves her dark eyes and a mischievous twinkle enters them. "Still... perhaps such a valiant knight deserves a token. And perhaps such a fine man can still find a lady, if he is clever enough." She hands Florin a small red handkerchief, with the initials S.V. embroidered into the corner. "If you can find out my name yourself, then perhaps you will gain a kiss. After all, no lady wants a fool for a man." She bows playfully and is soon lost in the crowd.
The match between the halfling and the dwarf is a quick one, with the dwarf succumbing to his quick strikes within only a few rounds. Soon after Olmur Danvakas is declared the winner the cryer once more announces a short intermission before the final bout, the championship bout coming directly on it's heels.
"You're afraid of the dark, Aria? Aww...that's adorable!" The golden drake comments while trying to not let any mutton fall to the ground or on his friend. "Your fear is understandable and nothing to be ashamed of." Rohan says trying to comfort her a bit.
Zelaria blushes when Copper calls her adorable, it is a light and disarming term. "Why, thank you Copper. You are a master wordsmith," she hums happily.
Something about Gorvi's words bother her, however... It is truethatonly the most war-like would seek to challenge the Sheriff's championship, and... What a clever way to ensure that fighting would not spill out onto the streets, after. Zelaria almost beams a smile, but then, if it should come to defending themselves, or others against a threat - "How long does the enchantment on the blade last, Gorvi?"
"I am a master of a lot of things." Copper replies in between mouthfuls of meat. "Too bad chewing with your mouth closed isn't one of them." Rohan comments to his friend. The drake looks like he wants to refute the statement, but realizes the validity of it and keeps eating.
Markellus nods at Dorrak's last comment, and glances over to the ring just in time to catch the last blow of the dwarf's bout. Well, looks like Vulf is up again shortly. Should be interesting. He returns his attention to the group to mention this, carefully not commenting on Zelaria's fears. "Steering things happily is certainly a laudable goal, and one I'll be working toward. At any rate, it looks like he'll be up shortly. Should be pretty interesting." He shrugs, hoping that the barbarian's bout would help him work off any anger from the earlier exchange. Course, it might be that he gets aggressive enough to try something stupid. Either way, I'm glad the dwarf is here. He should help settle things down a bit.
Zelaria gives a start at Markellus's words. I pray that he does not believe that I am actively promoting strife. But... are my methods wrong? I would not suffer to speak to him and Dorrak, privately. Vulf first, however.
For the second time this afternoon, Zelaria thinks of laying the cards for herself, but she waits on Gorvi's answer about the qualities of Vulf and Rohan's weapons.
"Ah...not too long milady. Never tested it in earnest before and you'd have to ask one of those spellcasters to know exactly but... I'd guess an hour or so?" Gorvi shrugs. "Maybe a little longer." He spits towards the fighting pit. "But don't worry too much. Not too likely to get in that kinda trouble here at the Festival, and the Sherriff's men are out in full force anyhow."
"Thank you, Gorvi," Zelaria replies politely. Would that my talents lie elsewhere. This spell may prove useful in the future. Zelaria smiles brightly, and changes the subject. "Do you plan to bet on the final match?" she asks. "Though the cathedral will be dedicated to many gods, the swallowtail is Desna's creature, and she does enjoy games of chance."
Gorvi grins and walks a gold piece over the back of his hand. "Yup, this'll be on the line, though after watching that halfling, I think it'll be going to him instead of your big odd friend over there."
Zelaria grins, and produces a gold of her own, , letting it flip and twirl through her slender fingers delicately in return. "I do believe my Lady's luck favors my friend, Vulf," she hums daringly. "I will accept your wager."
Florin rubs the handkerchief thoughtfully between thumb and forefinger.
Ah but I do enjoy the chase.
Formulating a plan Florin watches the second semi-final applauding loudly for the dwarf.
So Where might a stunning creature of beauty and intrigue frequent.
Florin heads to the female tailors shop to make his inquiries.
Quickly finding the shop Florin enters the shop, he finds it remarkably busy and he has to wait to be seen to. ”My fine woman my heart is confounded by the beauty of one of your patrons. If I do not discover her name I fear for my sanity. Perhaps you could identify for whom this fine work of craftsmanship was commissioned.
"Aha... it seems our little lady friend is a gambling woman. I'll take that bet milady." Gorvi smiles and shakes her hand, turning to the match.
The halflng draws his two daggers and bows, then smiles at Vulf. "Sure hope you like the dust barbarian." He says with a sneer.
The cryer announces in his characteristic over flowery style, the crowd has grown to a truly prodigious size and it seems much of the town is about the ring.
In the tailoring shop an older woman looks over the scrap of silky handkerchief. "looks like the work of my competitor, Povalli. Little girl is always taking my business with the younger girls. No one wants to go to the old hag for thier dresses. Even when the old hag would never cheat them, and risk Abadar's wrath. Ah well. I'm sorry Flower Knight, looks like your girl shops at Vernah's Clothing." She makes a sign of Abadar and smiles you from the shop.
Vulf bows to the little man things being entirely too wierd here in the city first the dwarf and now an even smaller...thing. However with that insult Vulf sneers down at him and whirls his swords.
Initiative
Stepping forward he slices down at the halfing, however unused to fighting an opponent this size his sword goes wide.
"Hilarious. Were you trained in battle or on a playground?" The man sneers as he strikes.
Distracted avoiding the first dagger, Vulf is struck by his second.
Vulf snarls and launches into his own attack. Scoring once on the halfling, however his second swing goes wild.
Zelaria bites her lower lip and watches this match with more concern than Vulf's match with Rohan. Facing a companion in battle had its own challenges, to be sure, but she gathered from Vulf's reaction to Dorrak that he had not been particularly acclimated to races other than human or elf, and his experiences with us have not been particularly beneficial thus far she admits to herself sadly.
She darts a glance at her companions, briefly, and hopes that her eyes communicate that she is glad that they are near in this moment, and hopefully after, because she does not know the best response to this particular challenge.
"Too slow, you big bastard." The halfling laughs as he strikes again.
Another ring and another hum as his weapons glow white. "Ready to taste defeat barbarian?"
Vulf already at the breaking point from his companions loses it at the jests of the little man, his tattoos once again glow white hot and his body clenches with power and he swings violently unaware his weapons are still blunted to not kill.
Uncaring if he hits or not Vulf just snarls and keeps swinging, just trying to take his anger out on something, not even interested in winning anymore.
The halfling is shocked by Vulf's rage heating up and his next swings go wild.
Markellus, who had been enjoying the match until now, starts to chew nervously on his lip. "I think that he might be losing it," he comments as he watches Vulf go berserk. This doesn't bode well for after the match...
Zelaria nods, her power giving a flutter as a void of fear opens up near where she visualizes cultivating it to maintain her control. Will he remember the reading? That the briar is only an object? That he is free? she wonders.
"What should I do, after?" Zelaria asks.
Vulf twirls and smashes a blade into the side of the halfling's head his other blade misses but Vulf takes joy in the hit before he feels a strange sensation in his body and he gasps his body not responding to his will. He slumps to the ground his swords hitting the ground with a clang as he retches slightly his tattoos glowing an ugly red. He reaches towards his sword's handle before looking up towards the halfling.
Markellus squints to get a better look at Vulf before responding. "Well, I suppose we'll have to wait and see. Could be that he calms down a bit after the match, could be he stays angry. Part of it will probably depend on if he wins or loses." He shrugs. "Time will tell. For now, let's just watch the match, I guess."
The halfling seems to fear as Vulf's blade strikes him, but he begins to smile when he falls. "Seems you can't keep up that pace forever big guy. You scared me for a second, but now... look at you. You're pitiful." The halfling seems so interested in gloating he hasn't struck at you yet. You think his guard might be lowered a bit as well.
Vulf grimaces and swings wildly at the halfling.
"Finish it then coward. You wretched people, all you know how to do is talk. There's no honor in you."
"Honor's the word to salve the spirits of those beaten." The little man says as if it's an absolute truth.
"Stop moving, you know it's over as well as I do."
Vulf shows his teeth in a feral snarl thinking the little man was toying with him and swings his swords once more.
The halfling rolls with the blow Vulf strikes and snarls.
"Bad luck chum. Try again when you get better." The halfling says through his teeth as his dagger strikes Vulf's chest.
The crowd is clearly booing the halflings unsporting conduct, but the cryer unhappily announces him the winner regardless.
Zelaria holds her breath at it appears for a moment that Vulf will succeed, but when he is struck for the third and final time, she becomes quiet. She turns to Gorvi and hands him the coin that they had wagered on the fight.
"Your man fought well, and was victorious," she says, and then offers a faint smile. "But I still believe Desna favors my champion, still."
Zelaria looks to Markellus and shows him a radiant smile. "If he does not come to me, that is fine, too," she tells him serenely, and returns her gaze to the arena to watch Vulf's reaction.
Vulf watches the little man walk and then struggles to his feet to make his way out of the arena and slowly makes his way to where he had seen Zelaria last. on his way he looks down to his wrist and waist studying the flower and ribbons thinking on what to say.
When he approaches he sees Markellus and narrows his eyes slightly but then he sees Zelaria and mentally prepares himself for what he feels hew has to say. Making the final few steps towards her he thinks to himself She still seems so different than anyone else I have met, and then there was that fortune she had given him. He knew all of the cards shed read to him except the last, What did it mean?
He bows slightly as was her due according to his tribe, he then fixes his gaze on the stones at her feet. "What I did..was wrong, and afterwards was wrong as well. I don't know what will happen after the ceremony but if you want me to leave I will. But if you'll have me I'd like to stay." He glances at Markellus and then down to the dwarf before continuing. "I know I have done wrong much, since meeting you but I am who I am I can't change that. However, who I am tells me to stay beside you, as an equal, and no one and I mean no one, will change that. "
He then shrugs uncomfortably unused to these many words and on such a touchy subject but then looks up and meets her eyes ready for anything, even rejection.
Zelaria opens her mouth several times before speaking. She wishes that she could consult Markellus, or Dorrak before answering, but that would not place her on equal footing with Vulf.
"Neither can I change who I am," she answers, and smiles softly. "I believe that Desna has sent you, has sent all of you, here for a reason, perhaps to strengthen me," The Concubine... she shakes her head. "Or... maybe that I should guide in some function, I do not know either."
Zelaria offers Vulf her hand. "Let's not speak any more of unpleasantness. You and I should speak later, but, I do not believe that we'll benefit from so many observing us, hmm?"
Markellus nods slowly as Vulf apologizes. "I'm thinking that Deadeye's the one who sent me, but lets not argue semantics here," he says in response to Zelaria before turning to Vulf. "No harm done. Just be careful when you're talking alone with Zelaria here." His eyes narrow slightly, "Harm to her would not go over well."
With that, he turns his attention back to the ring for the final match. "Now let's see if that halfling can beat your Sheriff. Five silver says that he does it--after all, if he can beat you, Vulf, then I'm sure that he'll do well in the final."
Vulf blushes furiously at Zelaria's last comment and takes her hand gently. "I'd like that Aria." he says to her quietly.
And then he hears Markellus' comment about being careful when talking to her and all his anger comes flaring back up and he glares dangerously at him from beneath his now undone hair.
He says nothing but the comment sticks in his gut like a knife, to think someone could be little him so much to think he would hurt the one person who accepted him. He would correct the arrogant human someday, violently, but not today, no today he was spent and wanted to make amends at least with Zelaria.
Zelaria senses the swell in tension, and steps closer to Vulf, on something like impulse touching his face and drawing his eyes to hers. "We are not your enemies," she soothes him. "Will walk a while with me? Or do you need to see the result of the match?"
He blinks down at Aria and stares at her for a momment before replying "You are the furthest thing from an enemy Aria. I would like it if we walked a ways."
Zelaria leaves her hand on his face for a few moments more, then brushes a bit of Vulf's hair back and steps away again. Flushed, and breathing somewhat heavily, she addresses Markellus and the assorted company with an inclination of her head in a bow. "Good afternoon, friends. We should meet again after the ceremony. I'll speak to my Mama and gather some food for supper. I should like it if you all joined us, if you meet the shinning knight du Poisse again."
She waits for Vulf to step in beside her, and then leads them off into the crowd.
Rohan and Copper are of course speechless throughout this whole conversation. The drake eating his food and staring like he was watching a play and Rohan not quite knowing how to respond to the situation. "Are they going to be okay?" He asks while the two walk off.
With Vulf beside her, and his hand in hers, Zelaria leads the pair through the massing crowd of townsfolk and travelers who are interested in watching the match between the finalist and the Sheriff. Zelaria, made aware of the presence of the guard by Dorrak and Gorvi pays them little heed as she passes, confident that beside her, Vulf is unlikely to lash out.
The streets cordoned off to host the festival are far less lively, now. A number of swallowtail butterflies, antagonized by the nets of children as of late uninterested in displays of martial prowess flutter about desperately, seeking to retain their freedom. A few are drawn in by the sweet fragrance of the flowers in Zelaria's hair, but land only briefly, to flit their wings and then as quickly away, upset by the pace she and Vulf maintain. Very few flowers have a will, or the freedom to travel.
"I apologize for startling you earlier. It was not my intent to make you uncomfortable, or... provoke hostilities between you and others," Zelaria says cautiously. "I know that you would not harm me, and there was no way that you could have known that I am," Zelaria's voice breaks, "pardon, that I am afraid of a great number of things, darkness chief among them."
Zelaria squeezes Vulf's hand and smiles at him sadly. "When our caravan was attacked my brothers held me like that, with one hand over my eyes, and the other over my mouth so that I could not watch them die or give away our position if I screamed. Neither thought to cover my ears, so I heard our family scream and die in the dark."
Vulf walks along side Aria, listening to her tale about her family, his own memories of his family coming to mind.
He looks down at her as he squeezes her small hand with his as he replies. "I never knew my own family, only my grandfather and when he was drunk or in a rage he would often rant and sometimes beat me. He told me that my mother had been raped by a human and she had died in childbirth. So i never got to know her as you knew your family. Though once, i overheard some of my mothers old friends talk about her when they thought I wasn't near, one said that she knew my mother had been sneaking off to see someone and was soon pregnant after she noticed. To me this doesn't speak of rape as I know it. My father, whoever he was, died scant days after my mothers death by my grandfather's hand. I suppose never knowing a family could be a blessing but Aria I yearned for a family every day. I know its hard to think of but think of the happy times you had with them and don't focus on their death I don't believe they would want that...So where are your brothers now, do they live here?"
He looks embarrassed upon confessing to her but smiles shyly at her.
"I'll try harder to not start fights with the others. It is as you say a festival."
Zelaria holds Vulf's hand a little tighter while he talks about his childhood, then shifts it and slips her fingers through his again. He's known no comfort, she realizes, her face transfixed in a false expression of serenity, willing herself not to alarm him further. That is why he mistakes companionship with competition. She looks at their hands clasped together, and thinks of The Tangled Briar. It was an obstacle, to be sure, but not a manacle. No man, or woman was bound to their past, or the cards, it was all a manner of interpretation...
She smiles softly and steps a bit closer to him so that she does not have to raise her voice unduly. "Thank you for telling me, Vulf," she says sweetly. "And for trying. I know that it must be difficult for you to speak of it, and I'll not tell the others. If you prefer I can travel beside you like this, and assist you in any way I can," she offers. "And when you feel comfortable with them as well, I am sure they will be happy to make a place for us both.
"As for my brothers," Zelaria pauses and exhales slowly. "I do not know what became of them. I see them in my dreams, but they are... wrong. Older, obscured in shadow or changing shapes. The dreams have been with me for so long, I wonder if I ever really knew them."
Zelaria appears embarrassed to admit this as well. There is a period of silence while the walk in which a faint chime can be heard corresponding to her steps.
"Among my people, my traveling kin, I would have been something like a princess, I suppose. The ability to interpret dreams is highly prized, but also dangerous. Where dreams end and life and truth begins are not always easy to distinguish," Zelaria realizes that she is quoting her master and blushes furiously.
"Pray, forgive me, my enthusiasm for my studies often bores my companions. If that were the result, it was not my intention."
Zelaria will continue leading Vulf in the direction of her Mama's booth.