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As Darrien continued looking at his reflection he noticed his eyes, they are same color of the sky right before a storm, but it is more than their color that draws his attention, his gaze appears knowing and penetrating. His eyes are set in a well-proportioned and tanned face which is framed by curly auburn flowing hair, with a small goatee, and tufts of hair on his feet the same color.

He nods approvingly as he gives himself one last look over. Yes, yes, it all went well together and brought out the blue highlights in his eyes. All perfectly coordinated from the light brown pants and the thick dark brown belt around his waist to the loose dark blue shirt and a grey cloak that reached to his knees. Impeccable, he decided hoping Alia would appreciate the effort. With one last smile Darrien concludes, as nice as the outfit he was wearing was he was just as happy that he couldn’t tell he was wearing a chain shirt underneath it all and that his sling staff was concealed under his cloak.

He thought, enough admiring yourself, you are acting like a maiden going to her first ball. Darrien grabs his picnic basket and heads toward the kitchens. You can hear him whistling a merry tune as he makes his way down the hall.

“What do you think you’re doing in my kitchen dog master?” A melodic voice questions Darrien as he enters the kitchen.

Darrien looks up to see one of the kitchen helpers, Kelli, smiling at him. He smiles back noticing that the room is filled by several halflings. He knows right away the head cook is away by the carefree attitude of those sitting around the kitchen counter.

“Darrien, what brings you here this time of day second breakfast isn’t for another hour.” the familiar cook inquires, “Are you hear to partake of Milandra’s charms.” Milandra, another cook’s helper blushes and the others in the room give a quick chuckle.

“Probably shirking another task,” Chimes in Rab, as swarthy halfling with a sour disposition, who was assigned as a groom in the stables.

Darrien approaches the group and takes a seat at the counter top next to Kelli and answers, “Not today.”

“I wound up having to clean the stables yesterday because you skipped out on another task,” the groom continues heatedly.

“Pay him no mind Darrien,” Kelli interjects and smiles, “By the looks of things you’ll be wanting that basket filled.” She motions Mellandra to come over and says to her, “Be dear and fill this basket up.” She turns toward Darrien and asks with a raised eyebrow, “For two?”

Rab raises his voice interjecting, “Of course it’s for two.” He continues, “I know all about you Darrien, you’re an arrogant, philanderer, and the mistresses little pet, off on another dalliance while we are stuck here doing the work.”

“You forgot slothful and I have a tendency to talk with my mouthful. Also, technically, I’ am more of a womanizer than a philanderer,” he grins at the groom.

“And smartass,” the groom retorts.

“True, true,” Darrien chuckles. And continues, “Now friend, I’ll be the first to admit that there is a fine line between arrogance and self-confidence and that sometimes I cross that line. But I say what’s wrong with enjoying a good laugh, a clever joke, a strong drink, a willing wench, or a relaxing smoke? Some would label these as bad vices or excesses, but to me they add savor to our lives.”

“And full of crap,” adds the groomsman. “I’m tired of pulling you load.”

“Well, that was unfortunate business with the stables yesterday. Unlucky for you, but a lucky turn for me. And let’s be honest friend, a sturdy fellow like yourself can handle the extra duties.” He pauses and shrugs, “I’m afraid if didn’t do such a fine job of getting out of work I’d have no energy for my other pursuits, so to speak. Moreover, if I helped clean out the stables the grooms would probably lose their meager savings gambling with me and start beating their wives.” With a grin he finishes, “So as you can see the way it worked out is better for everyone.” Darrien concludes and begins to hum a slow melancholy tune.

Kelli faces the Groom and adds, “Now most people would conclude that Darrien is a rascal and they may very well be right. It is true that he is always willing to steal a kiss or a pinch, it is worth noting that he never takes more than is offered. Additionally, if they paid attention they would find that there is more to him lurking below the surface. The Darrien most of us know is gregarious and good natured and sees everyone as a potential friend.” She pauses while she stirs something in the pot on the fire, “Understandably, he might not be the first person you would think of if you wanted help cleaning the stables because he has an uncanny knack of slipping away from work. However, he isn’t doing anything we all haven’t tried, only he does it better than the rest of us.” With a soft chuckle she adds, “Nevertheless, he is the Mistresses first choice when she has a special task and when he is in charge of a project most of us follow him willingly. Most importantly, he is a fierce defender of his friends and cares little about what others think. It's not that he doesn't care about others but he believes that his well-being takes priority over theirs.” With a stern look at the groom she concludes, “Oh, and most importantly for you, he has a tendency to hum when he is angry.”

Darrien sits on an old red and white checkered table cloth in the shade, with his back leaning against a tree, at Aria Park smoking his pipe. As he waits for his companion, Alia, to arrive he looks over the little picnic he has set up and nods approvingly as he considers what he has brought, cold chicken, fresh bread, as well as several different types cheeses, assorted fruit, and a jug of sun tea. The onlything that could make it better would be some of Kelli’s grilled mushroom caps, he thinks as his mouth begins to water. He gave a little laugh as he recalls gathering the items with the kitchen staff and without the head cook noticing they were gone.

While he waits Darrien takes an occasional pull of his pipe, and watches the crowds gather in anticipation of today’s rally. He reaches down and pets Blue, one of his Lady’s hounds that he has taken a shining to. Tap, tap, tap, Blue’s tail thumps against Darrien’s leg at the attention. He pets Blue again and takes another pull from his pipe.

He was lucky he was able to get away from his Mistresses’ estate today with all the changes going on in the city. Opportunely, he used Blue as an excuse to leave the grounds saying the animal needed some exercise. Darrien was thankful that his position as Kennel Master allowed him more freedom then the other slaves. Not that Mistress Aulamaxa was a hard taskmaster as most of the household slaves were treated well.

While he waits Darrien reminisces about his upbringing and his life as a slave. Slavery was all he has ever known, when he was 8 years hold he was separated from his family, who were slaves on the Sarini estate. Lord Sarini was a harsh taskmaster and treated his slaves poorly. His household was one where the slaves were routinely beaten for the slightest of reasons. Fortunately for Darrien he was bought by the Jhaltero family who were known for treating there slaves well. On occasion he still gets word from his parents.

At young age it was recognized he had a way with animals and put to work in the stables. His way with people and animals eventually led to him being put in charge of the kennels. As Kennel Master he enjoyed the time he spent with the hounds and the freedom it allowed him. Over the years he had developed a keen eye for judging a dogs breeding qualities and had a knack for training the hounds. Darrien enjoyed his Mistresses favor and was often chosen to control the dogs on the hunts, or to lead special projects around the yard. And when he when he wasn't in charge he had an uncanny ability to get out of work.

Darrien waits he wonders, why does Alia have such an interest in these rallies and politics of the tall folk, doesn’t she realize how dangerous these things can be. Darrien shrugs as he remembers that the only reason he has agreed to come was to make sure Alia was safe, and with the growing crowd of humans she just might need his protection. Well woman and their fancies, he resigned himself to never fully understanding their ways. Nevertheless, he is prepared for the worse as he is wearing a chain shirt under his shirt and has his trusty sling-staff concealed under his cloak. Additionally, he smiles as he recalls the net and supplies he has hidden in the bottom of the picnic basket. He reaches down and pets Blue again, I can't forget about him.

He anxiously awaits for her arrival and another smile crosses his face as he imagines the happy look on Alia’s face when she sees his surprise picnic. His wait is not long as he see Alia and several of her friends purposefully making their way towards him. He is surprised that she is not alone, but he can’t help it as his hart races as she draws near. As she gets closer he stands up and raises his rich tenor voice in greeting, “Halloo.”

From the look on her face it is immediately apparent that she is not pleased but he is still unprepared for the tongue lashing she is about to give him. “What do you think you are doing?” She asks as she eyes the picnic he has set up. She doesn’t wait for an answer and continues, “This is a rally protesting the martial law imposed upon our city not some romp in the country side, or romantic interlude. Why did you think I invited you along for? For some silly Dalliance.”

One of her friends, a tall sallow looking youth, chimes in, “I told you it wasn’t a good idea to invite the lazy slip.”

Another plump lass chimes in saying, “Darrien has always had a reputation of being a fool and his mistress’s lap dog. It was a waste of time inviting him,” as she rolls her eyes.

Looking at Alia, Darrien sheepishly replies, “I thought a picnic would be a pleasant way to watch the rally and to be honest I am more interested in spending time with you then listening to political speeches.”

Alia turns red in the face and practically shouts, “Political speeches! I thought you understood, was everything you said a lie, do you even care about the tyranny and injustice our city is subjected to. Does the subjugation of Halflings mean nothing to you? I was a fool not to listen to my friends about you,” as she storms away.

Darrien mumbles, “It wasn’t I lie, I do miss my mint tea in the evening.”

Dazed Darrien picks up his picnic basket, turns toward the dog motioning with hand, "Come Blue." I do care I'll show them, I'm not some stupid slip, as he discreetly follows Alia and her friends, still hoping to keep her safe.