Alina blushes a little before whispering back, "I thought you wanted some time to think about what you want out of this relationship?" She gives him a coy smile, not displeased that Wayilant is still interested.
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Alina smiles impishly at Wayilant, a flicker of mirth in her eyes despite her still feeling unwell from the trip. "Oh? Who do you think picked out her clothing, Master Wayilant. Lady Talienda may be a talented artist, but she has no eye for fashion. In fact, she'd probably lounge around in a night gown all day if I let her," the handmaiden says while ignoring Talienda's hissed pleas to stop.
Alina and Wayilant: Alina chuckles softly as Wayilant tries to put out his halo and smiles at him when he invites her to stay. "Perhaps some other night when we don't need to be up before dawn," she says before kissing him on the cheek. "I love you Wayilant, and hope you and Julie both have sweet dreams." She stands up and leaves for Talienda's room. As she closes the door, she gives the cleric and his adopted daughter a warm smile.
Shopping Trip:
"Rwy'n gwneud. Fel y mae fy arglwyddes," she says coyly with a shy smile. "I do. As does my lady." Back at the inn, as Wayilant lays his heart bare, Alina, can't quite hide the hurt she feels. She doesn't blame Wayilant, and is even grateful that he's being honest with her. "Maybe it's selfish of me in Cayden's eyes," she admits, "but I want you to myself. We are who we are, and only we can change that." She leans her head against his shoulder as her hand holds his. "I was told once that only we can make ourselves happy. Maybe those couples had forgotten that. I asked a Shelyn priest once what made for a good marriage, and he told me that love, patience, honesty, and understanding were the essentials. It's like any other relationship, it takes time and effort on the part of both parties. To be married is to make a vow that you'll be there for the other, as long as you can, with as much of yourself as you can give. I don't need a fancy dress nor some officious papers. All we need is each other's word, that's what I think. It's a vow that we make to each other, to stay together and be there for one another no matter what comes. We give ourselves to one another, fully and completely, and if we have a problem, we talk and figure things out." She takes in a breath and lets it out slowly. "I see marriage as a sharing of ourselves, a vow that we're special to each other, the one we can share even our darkest, ugliest parts with and still have their feelings stay the same, the one we will always be with, no matter what may come, and the one that we can trust completely and utterly until we are called by Pharasma to be judged, and even after." She looks up into Wayilant's eyes. "I'll never forget my first kiss," she tells him with a bittersweet smile. "I will cherish that for the rest of my life. I am willing to wait, Wayilant Arden, but I want you to know that I don't want your freedom. I want your heart, and in exchange, I want to give you mine."
Shopping Trip: Alina, seeing that Talienda is already asleep and having been assured by Lady Heidmarch she's perfectly safe, accepts Wayilant's invitation. She holds his hand, and watches with a smile on her face at Julie's excited reactions to Magnimar's multitude of stores and stalls. While they walk, Alina asks Wayilant more about his life until now and shares some stories about how she, Talienda, and Echo would get into trouble while the young lady was growing up. She also reveals that she's got some skills that some might look askance at a young lady for having, and reveals the ears she normally keeps hidden in her hair, the ones that mark her as a half-elf. After returning to the Rusty Flagon, Alina hugs and kisses Julie goodnight and helps Wayilant get her into bed. Once the little girl is asleep, She wraps her arms around Wayilant and kisses him passionately. "Wayilant," she says after they both come up for air, "I love you. I love you in ways that I never suspected I could love someone. I want to be with you and Julie, but I made a promise to myself that I think you should now about. I saw what giving myself too easily could do to me before Lady Talienda's father took me in. I saw too many times women who were broken and little more than husks looking for their next high. I didn't want to be like that, and I swore the only man I'd ever lay with would be my husband, a man that I could and would happily pledge myself too, and he to me. I love you, and I think you could be that man. If you are, I..." Her voice trails off, as she finds that she's at a loss for words.
Alina apologies profusely to Wayilant on the way to Fizzledeck's ship. She'd been keeping an eye on Julie, but had taken her eyes off the young girl for a moment when she looked over at what Bryndis was up to. She's quiet the rest of the trip to the airship's berth, though it's clear she's having to fight hard not to gawk at the strange contraption when it comes into view.
A Nighttime Stroll with Wayilant: Alina listens to Wayilant's tale, though growing up in cosmopolitan Absolom has left her without much in the way of a frame of reference for what life in a city like Vigil must be like. When the conversation turns to the cleric's feelings for her and how she must look naked, her cheeks burn bright red and it takes a few attempts for her to answer his questions. "No, I was twelve or thirteen when Lady Talienda's father brought me into the household, and romance wasn't something I thought of much until recently," she says. "I enjoy cooking and baking, I guess, but I learned that as part of my duties. In the end, I'm just a humble maid and I'm lucky to have someone as kind as you and Lady Talienda to count as friends. I fear that I'm not all that interesting of a person." Later, when Wayilant pulls her into an alley near the Rusty Dragon, Alina is confused at first, then bashful and shy as she learns why he did so. It takes her a little bit to come out of her shell and warm up, but when they pull apart to head back inside, she finds that she wants more. Still, however, it is getting late and Julie needs to get to bed. She smiles sheepishly as she and Wayilant go their separate ways for the night and he wishes her pleasant dreams. Said dreams are indeed pleasant, if not a little overstimulating for the sheltered half-elf.
Wayliant: Alina takes advantage of the time and starts asking Wayilant about what he likes and how he became a priest. In turn, she answers any questions he wants to know about herself.
Alina playfully nibbles at the offered tastes. She seems to be enjoying herself. Wayilant: "Half a glass," Alina corrects as she points to the indeed still half-full glass. "I believe that's the first time she's ever had any alcohol, or at least anything particularly strong."
She snuggles up a little closer to the priest of the Lucky Drunk and considers his question. "It should be my responsibility to look over her, though I wouldn't mind Julie's company. I think she's taken with Echo," she says with a soft giggle as she watches the little girl and the cat play with each other. She sighs after a moment and holds Wayilant's hand. "Still, I would love to have your company, Master Wayilant," she admits. "I'd also like to get to know more about you."
Alina nods and about a half-hour later comes back down. Meanwhile, Echo has busied herself by playing with Julie. "I am so sorry about that," Alina says after she takes her seat next to Wayilant. "She's going to be mortified when she remembers what happened." She takes a sip of her drink and leans in and rests her head on Wayilant's shoulder. "Still," she says as a warm smile spreads across her face. "It's nice to know she cares about me that much. She really is a good friend."
Alina blinks in surprise then sighs in exasperation. "Master Wayilant, I'm not about to let you nor Lady Talienda face this alone. I'll be there to help watch over Julie and make sure she is safe. Besides, I am still in milady's service. If she goes to Ustalav, then so do I." She slides up next to the Caydenite and intertwines her fingers into his. "Not to mention that I've grown rather fond of you, Master Wayilant," she says quietly as she blushes.
"Milady does have her moments," Alina says with poorly hidden pride. "As for Miss Julie. I can help keep an eye on her. Still, what I have heard about Ustalav makes me uneasy. I hope that we can take care of this quickly."
Alina looks at Julie before looking at Wayilant and grinning. "I think she has the right idea. Could you put blueberries in mine," she asks the server.
Alina turns back to look at Wayilant, and it's clear her mind has just gone blank. Her face is flushed, and it looks as if a stiff breeze could knock the poor girl over. She stares at Wayilant, though her hand moves to hold his. "Th-that sounds nice," she mutters as her other hand pulls up the scarf she's wearing to ward off the chill in the air to partly shield her face. She smiles at the cleric.
Alina turns her head to face Talienda, a look of surprise layering over the one of embarrassment. "B-b-b-b-but milady," she stammers.
Alina's face turns beet-red as she pouts and glares at Wayilant. "I-I kissed you, then fell asleep," she answers.
Alina looks at Wayilant, then looks away blushing as she sits next to Talienda at the noblewoman's insistence. After an awkward moment or two, she finally speaks up. "M-master Wayilant, I-- I'm truly sorry about what happened last night," she apologies quietly.
Alina gives Wayilant an impish smile. "I thought you liked the way I called you Master," she says before returning the kiss. After a few moments, she snuggles in closer and yawns. "Julie wore me out," she mumbles. "She's fast with her hands and her feet. She's gonna be trouble when... she's... older..." The handmaiden's breathing slows as she falls asleep.
Alina looks at Wayilant with a confused expression as he turns and compliments her. Her eyes open wide again as he kisses her, and she stiffens in surprise. It only lasts for a moment as she returns the kiss and embraces Wayilant. Her movements are gentle and timid, and she's clearly unsure of what to do in this situation. The tips of her ears and her cheeks turn crimson as the hoots and cheers ring out, but she doesn't pull away quickly or far when she stops kissing the Caydenite. "You think I'm beautiful," she asks softly as she leans against his shoulder. She smiles serenely as she melts into his arms. "I think you truly are a great man, and I guess that makes me an adorable lucky drunk." She giggles and kisses Wayilant on the cheek. "I love you too, Master Wayilant."
Alina finishes off the first drink as Wayilant gets up to get her another. The second one is half gone after a few sips, and the young handmaiden is noticeably tipsy. "Masssster Wayilant, You-- you wanna know somefin' funny," she asks. "Af'er you bandaged my ankle, Tali as'ed me when shhhhe shhhhould sssstart callin' me Missssess Arden. A han'some fella like you who's sssweet an'-an'-an' kind prolly has sum'n b-b-beaudiful waitin' on him. No waaaaaay I could be Misses Arden." She laughs and leans against Wayilant and rests her head on his shoulder. "But y'know, if I had a chance, any chance at all, I think Alina Arden has a nice ring to it," she says just loud enough for Wayilant to hear, though it sounds like she isn't even aware that she is speaking aloud.
"I-- I really shouldn't. That would be taking advantage of your kindness, Master Wayilant," she answers before she takes another sip. Her cheeks glow cherry as she sets the glass down. "One more wouldn't hurt, would it?"
"A-alright," Alina says timidly before taking a small sip. Her eyes grow wide and round as saucers as the applejack hits her tongue. "That's-- That's really good," she says before taking a longer sip. "That's really, really good. I wish Lady Talienda were here to try some. I think she'd love it."
"S-stronger?" Alina stutters as she blinks in surprise. She looks at her mug full of water. "I've only ever had water, or juice as a treat," she mutters as she squirms next to Wayilant. "Our tutor told us it was unseemly for young ladies to be drunk, so... I..." Her voice trails off as she begins to blush in embarrassment at having to admit that.
"She was still asleep when I checked on her a little while ago. She may be up now, but given what you have been through and how exhausted she looked when she went to bed, she may sleep though the night."
Alina shifts her hand to hold Wayilant's and seeing the Caydenite turn into Julie's father brings a smile to Alina's face. "I can watch Julie while you meet with the Sheriff," she offers. "I assume Lady Talienda will be going with you?"
"No!" Alina blurts out her reply almost before Wayilant can finish his qualifier. She blushes and looks back down at her half-finished plate before continuing. "N-n-no. I-- I would like it if you stayed with me." She takes a bite of food hoping to buy herself some more time before having to speak again. "I overheard Bryndis telling a story about the fight. Was Master Darius really the only one that could be saved," she asks in a much softer voice.
"My day," Alina asks. "I am afraid there is not much to tell. I made sure that you and Lady Talienda were alright and I kept an eye on Miss Julie while she played. I have tried teaching her a few things, mostly etiquette, but that has proved vexing for both of us." She shrugs and looks back at hers and Julie's meals. "Could I get you something? Lady Ameiko is a wonderful cook. Her curried salmon is delicious!"
Wayilant finds Alina and Julie eating supper away from most of the crowd. The young handmaiden is trying to teach Julie some basic table manners, and from the looks of things, it's not going smoothly. "Ah, Master Wayilant! I hope you slept well. A certain young lady has been wanting to see you all day," Alina tells him with a smile that banishes the subtle signs of frustration from her expression.
The aasimar takes his change and kisses Alina's cheek. "Thank you. Wake me if there's any trouble. " Alina's fingers brush where Wayilant had kissed her cheek as she blushes. "O-of course," she stammers.
"I may not have to, Master Wayilant, but I don't think you're in any shape to look after a young girl. I did manage to get a full night's sleep, so even with a sore ankle, I think I'll manage," Alina says with a confident smile. before he can disappear up the stairs, Alina puts a hand on his shoulder and looks him in the eyes. "Thank you for making sure that Talienda was safe. I'm grateful that you both made it back safely. I'll do what I can to pay you back for that kindness."
Alina pauses to allow Wayilant to catch up to her and Julie. She smiles at Wayilant as she hears him laugh. "My, you are tired. I think after you eat, some sleep would do you some good. I can keep an eye on Julie for a little while."
When introduced, she gives the best curtsey she can to Darius while holding Julie's hand and helping keep Talienda upright. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Master Darius," she says before looking down at Julie. "What do we say to people when we first meet them, Julie," she asks the young girl, obviously trying to get her to practice good manners.
Thankfully for Talienda, Alina and Julie come rushing out of the Rusty Dragon. Julie nearly takes out Wayilant's legs while Alina wraps him and Talienda in a tight embrace. "I'm so glad you're both safe," she says. "When I heard that you'd been in a fight--" Her voice trails off as she hugs both of the adventurers tighter. "Welcome home, Papa," Julie says into the silence. "Momma said you'd come back." Alina's face flushes at being called Momma, but she doesn't correct Wayilant's newly adopted daughter. "Alright, Julie," she says once she's regained some of her composure. "Papa's tired and I'm sure he's also hungry. He can't walk with you hanging onto his legs like that." As Julie lets go, Alina takes Talienda and walks beside Wayilant while her free hand holds Julie's. "And indeed, Master Wayilant. Welcome home. I see that there's a new face among the Flagon Slayers."
Alina lets go and nods her head, figuring that her mistress would say that. "I-- I'll stay here. I'd just slow you down with a hurt ankle. I'll make sure your rooms are ready when you come back."
"Unfortunately it's hard not to be dark when you're dealing with slavers and kidnappers." Alina looks to Talienda and sighs. "I'm sorry, Milady. I hope that I'm wrong, but I think it's better to expect the worst."
"I hate to say it, but those girls are likely gone or dead," Alina says. "I can't imagine someone keeping them captive around here for long, not if they're smart enough to avoid getting caught. If they are ruthless enough to kill them, I don't imagine they'd have many qualms about about killing a bunch of little kids either."
Thanks for the well wishes, and I have some good news. She had the MRI, and it came up good. She'll only need to undergo the one procedure. We're hoping she'll get to come home tomorrow if they can get her in for the procedure today. Again, thanks for the well wishes. I appreciate it. :)
Alina sighs as Talienda gives vent to her temper. It'd been a long while since she'd seen her mistress this worked up. She turns to the young woman who works in the bakery. "A thousand apologies, ma'am. These four," she gestures to the children who'd been caught red-handed, "were trying to pick our pockets and got caught in the doing. We were trying to stop them, and La-- I mean, Tali, here cast a spell to scare them away from the door."
"A fine band of thieves you all make," Alina huffs before demanding, "Are you with that Vhiski fellow?"
Alina smiles as Govrina finishes up her explanation. "Miss Govrina, I think you'll find that between two charming flirts, a handmaiden that forgets herself more than she'd care to admit, and an affection starved noblewoman you might get a little too used to being hugged when you needed it, and sometimes when you wish we wouldn't." Gravi's musings, however, quickly squash any levity she was feeling. "You don't think he'd try to kidnap Lady Tali-- I mean, milady as leverage, do you," she asks him.
When Govrina stiffens, Alina lets go. "S-sorry! You just looked like you could use a hug."
Alina moves next to Govrina and gives her a hug. "Just don't knock yourself out trying to figure out where to start. Once Master Muziel and Master Wayilant come back with Miss Bryndis and milady, we'll help. This is a little too close to what happened to her for either of our comfort."
Alina smiles at Govrina as she takes a seat next to the tiefling. "You're fine, Miss Govrina," she says. "Besides, I know milady would like to know more about where you're from once she returns from wherever she and Miss Bryndis went;"
Between Govrina's comment and Wayilant just so casually mentioning that Talienda is a noblewoman, Alina reaches up and pinches the bridge of her nose. She'd been trying to avoid saying her mistress' name where so many could hear since learning that they hadn't eluded Heckna after all. "What Master Wayilant is neglecting to mention," Alina says with a sigh, "is that milady and I are not from around here, so while he is correct, he probably shouldn't be mentioning it since she has no sway here." She lowers her hand and looks around. "But he does raise a good question? Where did milady and Miss Bryndis go?" |