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Talia moved out of the kitchen carrying a pot of hot coffee and set it down on the table. "Good morning," her eyes moved about the group, before resting tenderly on Riley. "A messenger arrived at the back door and delivered a note. It has the Lady Origena's seal on it." She pulled it from her pocket and handed it across to Riley to open and read/share with the group.
Retcon with Riley in Kitchen the night before: At his admission and upon his own tears, Talia gently replied, "Nothing to forgive. We will know each better with time. And, I see how you care for us. I do accept your help." As he grasped her hands in his own, she looked up at him and after his intention to remain was made clear, she lifted his right hand and brought it to her lips so she could tenderly kiss his knuckles, before replying softly; a delicate rasp in her voice, "That makes me very happy. I want you to stay."
Riley in the kitchen: Talia was scrubbing a stain on Rhia's dress when Riley walked into the kitchen and started stacking the bowls neatly to one side, ready for washing. She rubbed the garment with the chamomile soap and then left it in the water to soak a little longer. She dried her hands on the cloth by the bucket. When she turned at his voice; Riley could see a film of tears floating over her deep brown eyes. Talia listened to him as he offered explanation, and, when he reached out his hand to touch her, she did not pull away. She turned and stepped forward so she was standing right before him and looked up at him; and when she spoke her voice was very soft, "I have told you private things. Telling you about the finances of the inn is one of those private matters, for none but my household know of such things. I was trying to let you in; be honest with you, and I meant no formality in my tone or manner. I'm practical and my words are practical. That is all. I'm sorry you thought otherwise. I was trying to understand your meaning regarding the bath - please, next time just tell me you want to talk to me alone as you bathe. Even if I have work, I will set it aside to spend time with you." The shimmering tears were not wholly gone from her eyes - they held and made the brown of her eyes richer. She lifted her hands up to his face and felt the familiar stubble. "I care for you, too. I worried for you and wished you were not away from me." And with the words spoken, Talia stood on tiptoes and brushed her mouth against his, gently at first and then more ardently. She pulled away a little after the kiss; her breathing more marked, and softly added, "You are no mere guest, Riley. You haven't been since the moment our eyes met."
As Riley turned his attention to Janusz, Talia, uncertain of how she had given offence (even with his smile and words, something did not seem right), stood from the table and collected her bowl, spoon and mug. In the quietest of voices, she responded to his side profile, "I do want to talk. I have waited and worried. You've had a long day of fighting kobolds and I did not want to give you more work. Forgive me; I will do as bidden and leave you to your company," and with straight back, not looking at anyone, Talia moved to the bar and then toward the kitchen, disappearing behind the doors.
She smiled at his reference to Master. "Tonight's hospitality is on the house, Janusz. I am not offended. We have time on the morrow to discuss formal lodging and conveniences. Thank you," and she bid him rest and enjoy the music and fare before him.
Talia smiled upon the newcomer's statement. "My family have been innkeepers for generations. Politeness and courtesy were highly valued by my family and essential to our patrons and business. But as you wish, I shall call you Janusz. There is lavender soap, wrapped in a linen square, inside the dresser. I will keep your food warm for when you return to the hall." Talia inclined her head and closed the door behind her. When she noticed Janusz descending the stairs, Talia gestured for him to join the group. "Come, sit down and eat. We have ale and mead on the table, but if you care for something else to drink, please let Jax know and he shall bring it for you." Talia filled a bowl with the hearty rabbit stew and added a chunk of each bread and a wedge of cheese and set it before Janusz with a spoon and linen napkin.
Had this man been a prisoner of the kobolds? She was certain she'd hear the story at some point. "Master Janusz, no apology is necessary. And aye, a tub will be brought up to your room so you may bathe before you eat." The proprietress gestured for Delfi to come closer, "Tell Jax to being up the tub and help you bring the water to the room at the far side of the stairs." Delfi bobbed her head in agreement and ran over to the barkeep to pass along Talia's instruction. "If you'll follow me upstairs, I'll show you to your room, Master Janusz. Your bath should be ready soon." It was then that Rhilatyra spoke up, "Talia, I would like to bathe now, too, if you'd be so kind to arrange it. It has been a taxing day." "Certainly, Mistress Rhialtyra." Talia motioned to Delfi and Jax that two lots of baths and water needed to be arranged and they slipped into the kitchen to organise them. Talia, moved ahead of Janusz and Rhilatyra. Once upstairs, Talia showed the newcomer his room: a neat chamber, not overly large but accommodating a single cot with clean sheets and woollen blanket, chamber pot, a dresser with a bowl and pitcher for washing, a side table with a candlestick and a single wooden chair with a clean muslin washcloth set atop. She lit the candle to bring more light into the space and turned and smiled. "Jax will be up shortly to set your bath," and looking down the hall at Rhialtyra, "and yours, Mistress Rhia. Delfi will knock on your door when they are ready. I will see you downstairs when you are done. Any clothes that require laundering, please leave them in the empty buckets by the tub and they'll be collected and washed." With that, Talia smiled and left them to return to the dining hall and the others. It isn't too long before the baths are readied for Janusz and Rhialtyra and they are left in private to their respective ablution.
Inside The Wise Piper the dining hall is once more decorated in scented red roses and pretty soft candlelight. The fire in the hearth is lit and crackles in a welcoming manner. The adventurer's usual table is already set with a pair of platters filled with various cheeses, figs, honey and two loaves - pumpkin and barley bread. In the middle stands a large pot of still-warm, fragrant rabbit stew: slow cooked rabbit with mushrooms, parsnips, carrots and herbs from Talia's garden. A wooden ladle sits to the side for serving and the wooden bowls and spoons are set beside the pot. Talia looks up and registers the party's return. Her brown eyes linger on Riley a long moment before smiling to all and welcoming them to the table. "It is good to see you return in one piece. Food and drink now and we will have your baths prepared as you eat." She notes the stranger among them and moves forward a little, "Well met. I am Talia Orem and I bid you welcome to The Wise Piper."
Talia listened as Riley and then Rhialtyra spoke to Emarthine. "Two of their own recently departed, and, with the Sheriff and his deputies away, their number is short and Lady Origena has tasked them with this duty on behalf of the town. It does not sound like a simple task and only one among them, pointing to Braylee, speaks the kobold tongue. Would you be able to help them, Emarthine?"
"I can take you up to the orchard now, if you care to meet with Ermathine?", Talia posed to the group, certain they would wish to start sooner rather than later.
"Emarthine Willoway. She is an Elven Druid who runs Willoway Orchards. She is a friend to my house as well as Xemne's. I believe she would hear us out if you required her aid in this mission against the kobolds. She is quite capable with scythe and sling. And, she does possess divine magic to complement Rhialtyra's."
Talia smiled. "I speak a number of languages. It does come in handy when one is an innkeeper and spends time in the forest."
Talia had not responded anew to Riley for Xemne and Braylee had come and it appeared the young kinswoman of Xemne was eager to join the adventurers upon Riley's prodding. After Xemne had spoken, Talia added, "So, you no longer seek a townsman to aid you with the kobolds?"
When Riley said he missed her terribly, and had grinned at her in the way he often did around her, Talia nestled against him; her heart beating happily. Talia has leaned into Riley as he placed his arm around her and shared words with Xemne. Her friend seemed to be playfully taking credit for pairing them, and Talia wondered if Riley had spoken to Xemne before gifting her the perfume. "Indeed. Your perfumes are certainly admired in town, my friend. Good morning to you both and well met to Braylee." Talia smiled warmly at the two women. She moved from Riley's side and embraced her closest friend. She then moved with graceful swiftness/practiced ease to the kitchen and returned moments later with fresh mint tea, mugs and some bread, cheese and honey and laid them on the tale. Talia moved back to Riley's side and then felt Delfi gently push between them and hold them both. Seeing Riley sweetly kiss the top of her sister's head made her heart flutter anew.
"Thank you, Braylee. A kinswoman of Xemne's is certainly a friend of House Orem and welcome in our home."
He tries to recover quickly. "No. Thank you. Everything is delicious." At her second question, he nods and then sits down to finish his breakfast. Had she said or done something wrong? His demeanour had changed abruptly and upon his nod and sitting down, she nodded, too, ignoring Connor's remark regarding distractions, and moved to the bar to refill the jugs and allow Riley some time to himself and his companions.
Riley in retcon:
At his playfulness, Talia smiled. Being that her family performed in some capacity, hearing that Riley was once part of a travelling carnival, made her suddenly feel more connected to the Half-Elf.
His pain was something she wished she could take away but the past had a way of dictating bad memories and their hold on a person. Talia understood his meaning of not wanting to be chattel at the whim and mercy of a tyrant master/mistress. Talia looked upon each and every scar that laced his upper back and inwardly winced at what he had endured in the carnival. She wanted to touch them gently, wishing there had been a healer in the employ of the carnival to tend to such injury, but his loathsome master may not have wanted to spend more coin than he had to. Riley thought he ruined their recent pleasure but he had not. "Nay, nothing is ruined, here." Her soft, gentle words met his ears. When he turned to face her and held both her hands in his, she looked up at him, listening as he said he did not want there to be secrets between them. She lifted their interlaced hands to her lips and kissed the knuckles of his hands. Talia felt the guilt swell inside her for she had not told him her own story, yet, for they had only recently grown close/familiar. "If a man seeks honesty and loves openly then that is a man I wish to know and deserve. I have something to tell you and once you hear it, I would know if you still wish to be with me." Talia begins her story.
Riley in retcon:
Talia looked at his outstretched hand and wondered how seemly it would be to walk, grasping hands so, in town with gossiping neighbours, but she pushed aside the concern and reached out for his hand and felt as his fingers interlaced with hers. Any concern melted away. His question caught her a little off guard but she answered readily, "I was born in town and Delfi just beyond. We've lived here all our lives; great-grandfather, Selwyn Orem, built the inn, and he and great-grandmother, Edeva, ran the inn and raised their family there. Four generations of my family have lived in Belhaim. My father, Allard, and mother, Eolande, were decent, hardworking and affable people. They treated people with respect and cordiality and they loved Delfi and I very much. I could not have asked for better parents. I was not always the best of daughters, I was a little wild at times, but they loved me deeper and tried to guide me as best as they could." She grew a little quieter, remembering the day she heard of their deaths. "As I have said, I was seventeen when they died, and, my world was turned upside down. Thank the fates I had Delfi, Jax, Jorje and Xemne or else I would have been completely lost." Talia pushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear at her nervous admission. "What was your home like, Riley?" she asked politely, still aware of his warm hand holding hers, as they walked a little ways along the river. --------------------------------------------------------------------
As Talia bustled around the dining hall, ensuring all had food and drink, she glanced at Riley and saw that his eyes were on her and she was met by his large smile. She could not help but return the smile, albeit a little more shyly than his. He strode over to her with sure steps and then lightly kissed her before his friends and her family. She grew shyer, yet she returned his soft kiss and then moved back just a little, knowing that Jax would certainly not approve of a man acting so freely with her. Talia could hear a small giggle coming from the kitchen door and could see that Delfi had witnessed the kiss and Talia's cheeks were now aflame. To cover her awkwardness, she asked Riley, "Is there anything more I can get for you, Riley? Will you be leaving for the old quarry soon, then?"
For GM's eyes only:
Riley in retcon:
Talia was a little out of breath from the passion of their kisses and the dormant feelings they had evoked so quickly/unexpectedly. Riley's words registered inside her mind and she began to slow down her inflamed senses and started to nod in time with his words. Riley gently held her face and kissed her softly between his words, so he wasn't rejecting her as far as she could tell. Her deep brown eyes searched Riley's face and eyes, and her cheeks, the very same he held now, were further flushed by her reaction to his kisses. He isn't Calen, her heart seemed to be attempting to still her mind from any doubt. She did not want to pull away as his hands still rested on her face, so she drew away just enough so she could look at him properly. "Aye, let us learn more about the other," she managed a warm smile even as her senses still quaked from the desire in her blood. Not certain whether she should or not, Talia leaned in and softly kissed Riley's lips to show him she understood and then drew away from his touch so she could restore some balance to her emotions. Her left hand still clutched at the vial of perfume Riley had given her. "It is a pretty scent and I shall wear it. Thank you, again, Riley." Talia was unsure if he wanted to remain out here, on the bench by the river, so she watched him to see if he would stand or remain seated.
Riley in retcon:
Talia felt his hand move to the back of her neck and the kiss grew from a soft touch to a deeper demand/longing. There was a momentary/brief inclination to pull away from the burgeoning ardour, but she would not permit the past to dictate the present. The trembling would not abate, making Talia move nearer to Riley as she opened her lips under the expert, eager pressure of his. Talia lifted her arms and wrapped them around the back of his neck to draw him closer still. She had forgotten how vital passion could make her feel and any shadow of fear from the past would not stop her from enjoying this kiss with Riley. Then all thought was gone as she gave into emotion and instinct.
Riley in retcon:
His proximity and the familiarity in which Riley touched her made Talia's breath catch and her heart beat faster in her chest. She had given him her wrist to take in the scent, but instead he had chosen her neck. She had closed her eyes a moment when she first felt Riley's breath behind her ear; biting down on her full lower lip from the sensation it stirred. Having a man so close, so affectionate with her was something she had not experienced in years. Talia was both thrilled and anxious and her body began to tremble. When Riley leaned in and placed his lips upon hers, her mind warred with her heart, yet she did not want to pull away, could not for she wanted to know what his kiss felt like. So closing her eyes, and savouring the feeling of his hand upon her cheek, Talia leaned in, too, and kissed him back.
Riley in retcon: It pleased Talia that Riley understood Delfi's merits and she smiled at his comment.
Talia was surprised by the gift yet happy that Riley would think to show his gratitude. She held the small, wrapped parcel in her hands and recognised the pretty cloth Xemne used to wrap her stock of potions and alike. With one, small glance at Riley, Talia unwrapped the ribbon and cloth and saw the vial of blueish-purple liquid. Unstoppering the vial, she drew it to her nose and she could immediately smell the lavender and rosemary. It was a soothing, welcoming fragrance. She placed some of the perfume on the tip of her finger and dabbed it upon her wrist and just behind her right ear before closing the vial and holding it gently in her left hand. "You do not have to thank me for my service to my guests, Riley. However, I gladly accept the gift and the spirit in which it is given. Thank you." Her warm brown eyes watched him for a moment or two. Extending her right wrist to him, she asked softly yet boldly, "Would you care to determine how the fragrance sits on my skin? Err, that is, how you like the scent upon my person?" A faint blush bloomed on Talia's cheeks after she had asked the question. She lifted her eyes to his and waited to see what he would do.
He leans against the wall and takes a drink from his flask then watches as Rhia and Talia speak of the tower. When he catches Talia's eyes, he gives her a warm smile. She had caught Riley's look and smile and her mouth warmly responded of its own accord. It was becoming a habit - his gaze on her and a smile if she noticed. Talia did not mind it, if truth be told. He was a handsome man to be sure, but it was more than that. There was something deeper that drew Talia to Riley. She shook herself out of her musings with a soft laugh. Filling two mugs with the warm, slightly spiced apple cider for Felix and Anila, Talia places the drinks before the quiet pair. They appeared content in their quietude so she did not disturb them with idle chatter.
Retcon with Riley:
His hand held hers tighter and she wondered at the gesture even though she relished the small intimacy. She steered Riley toward the side of the inn, toward the fenced back garden, where the river flowed and the tall fence granted them a little privacy from the adjacent properties and road. There was a wooden bench nestled between two bushes there they could use if they desired to. "My day was good, productive. It was quieter with Delfi out with your party, showing you around town. The luncheon patrons missed her bright presence. And you may call me Talia; I have noted that you and Master Connor call me by my full name. I am content for you to call me by my first name. How was your day?" She warmly smiled up at him as they walked toward the river shore, watching as the afternoon light played in his hazel-eyes.
"The Witch Tower had its revenge upon the wizard it would seem. A terrible way to remain until flesh turns to bone and then dust." Upon Rhialtyra's warm response to warm drinks and a light meal, Talia smiled and inclined her head and left the beautiful woman's side with a short reply, "I will return shortly with the refreshment." After a few minutes had passed, Talia reappeared with a tray laden with a large jug of warm apple cider, scented with a sprinkling of cinnamon, and a platter with two fragrant cheeses, berries, honey and a loaf of bread. She placed it upon the table occupied by the party. Talia had noted that Connor had not returned with them. Perhaps the man had other plans for the rest of the evening.
So, the wizard had perished with his kobold allies except one. Talia's gaze fixed on the flames in the hearth for a moment before speaking again, "The wizard was no devout or considerate man, so I pray the gods are merciful in their judgement of his soul." Had his body been returned to town? Would there be a burial? "Has his body been taken to The Sunset House for burial?", she asked Rhialtyra. Upon Rhialtyra's caution of causing unnecessary alarm to the townsfolk, Talia nodded. "I will not say a word until I hear what you have found. However, I will be more watchful around town in case the kobolds grow bolder. I hope you manage to discover the extent of this trouble. The kobold sightings in and around Belhaim have been very few and far until now. I wonder what has stirred them." Trying to lift the mood of the moment, Talia shook away her unease for a moment and gently smiled to the group. "Would any of you care for a hot drink? Maybe a small platter of cheese, fruit and bread?" Upon their answer, Talia moves toward Jorje for a moment and then goes to prepare the evening refreshments.
Talia considered Rhialtyra's words. Balthus Hunclay had instigated the tower collapse and with kobold conspirators? A frown appeared on the young proprietor's face. "Has Master Hunclay been located, then? Is he in chains now? And from the sounds of it, mayhap it will take more than asking the kobolds to leave if they are determined to remain. Is the town safe in the meanwhile? Should we give warning or wait until you have investigated?"
Talia nodded upon the lady's words. "The Lady Origena keeps her word. A new task on behalf of the baroness?"
As Riley passed and whispered he would be in town a little while longer, Talia's eyes and smile brightened and she whispered back, "Aye, that is fair and welcomed news."
Looking back to Delfi, the elder said to the younger, "You're in charge now, love. I'll back be shortly." Riley:
Upon Riley's invitation and then as he took her hand in his, Talia's face brightened at the prospect of being alone and discovering what he had for her. She had not held hands with a man for some years and in her heart of hearts she enjoyed Riley's easy liberty. "Where are we headed? The back garden or down by the river shore?" Both were nearby and Talia could not help smiling as they walked together.
Talia and Riley as soon as he came back in: "Beauty and its varied flourishes can always brighten a room. Thank you, Ri...Master Riley.""Just Riley, love." Talia smiled a little shyly at the man. "As you wish." She paused a little awkwardly before continuing in much lower voice, for his ears only, "Riley, did you still want to take that walk?" She knew it sounded ridiculous as he had only just come back in after a long tour of the town and perhaps did not want to go out again so soon or perhaps this evening? She was not good at this; not confident in approaching such things and felt her inexperience showing.
Talia looked from Riley to Delfi and she could see the mutual, easy affection. "Indeed, Master Riley. From the moment she first smiled, she has had people enthralled by her charm. As a grown woman, she will have them spellbound to be sure." She gently, affectionately brushed her sister's soft cheek lost in thought for a moment. Remembering Riley was standing beside them, she gave an apologetic smile and added, "I'm heartened to hear things went well in town."
Hearing the beautiful woman praise her attire, Talia self-consciously smoothed down the front of her skirt. "Thank you for the praise, mistress." Talia's cheeks flushed a little under the compliment. "I will ensure the meals are ready in the dining hall before you leave." She smiled at the group, her cheeks still rosy.
Entering the inn you immediately note that the dining hall is set up for the evening meal ahead - fresh linens, flowers and candles are set in place and a low fire burning in the hearth. You can smell something deliciously fragrant wafting from beyond the kitchen. Talia is standing by the bar, talking with Jax and Jorje. It appears she has recently bathed and changed her clothing. Her hair is slightly damp still but braided to the side in a long, thick plait. She has a white shirt, ruffled a little at the neck and sleeves and a long cornflower blue skirt cinched in with a brown belt and matching brown boots on her feet. She wears some fine jewellery - delicate silver and small sapphire earrings and a matching ring on the ring finger of her right hand. As soon as she sees Delfi rushing in, Talia opens her arms and embraces her sister, listening to the girl speak of the tour around town and the pretty ribbons Riley gave her and the sweets bought for her by Rhialtyra. Looking up at her adventurer guests she smiled, "I hope your walk about town was fruitful?" And then turning to Riley and Rhia, "Thank you for your gifts for Delfi", her eyes lingering just a little longer on Riley, before turning back to the group as a whole. "Will you be supping early before you go to see Lady Origena? I can have your meals out in an hour, if it is your will."
"Their will should prevail above any other, Master Connor, when it comes to the proprietary of their person." She turns to wait on the womens' election to bathe alone or bathe together with the men.
"You are welcome to our hospitality, Master Connor." The warrior's request for the party to bathe together was a strange one and she was unsure of the women's principles in such matters. From what she had observed, it appeared to her that neither women would be comfortable bathing before the men but it was not for her to dictate. Talia's eyes searched Rhialtyra's and Anila's, before she gave the only reply she could to the warrior in the meantime, "I am uncertain if it is a custom of your land for men and women to bathe together. So, with respect I say this to you, if the ladies of your party bid me to heed your request, then I shall do so forthwith. I await their word." Talia gave the warrior a polite smile, unsure of how he would react to her reply.
She gave a nod of understanding as he mentioned Rhialtyra's healing. She still wondered if the two had an intimate understanding, but held her tongue. At Riley's proximity and soft words against her neck, Talia felt a warmth rush through her, and a shiver pass along her skin, before she felt the light brush of his fingers against her hand. She turned her head slightly, but not daring to look at him, and whispered, "I will join you on your walk later this day, Master Riley," before awkwardly/hesitantly drawing away from him to get their meals and order their baths (and privately collect/calm her reaction/emotions).
Upon Delfi's announcement, Talia came around the corner from the kitchen, wiping her wet hands on her clean white apron, and, as soon as she saw Riley and the others, she smiled, her brown eyes filled with warmth and relief. "You've returned, unharmed. Welcome. I have food prepared if you are hungry. Please let Jax know what you would like to drink. For those who would bathe, I will have the copper tubs and hot water brought up to your rooms."
Connor:
Talia tilted her head and scrutinised the warrior. "Not all siblings resemble each other, Master Connor. If it was not an issue for you last eve, then why is it so this morning? Our physical features would not have changed overly much from candlelight to sunlight. And aye, your look suggested something more that your words you do not say. If you've a question, then ask it, and if not, please do not stare at my little sister so. It may discomfort her." The Taldan woman kept her voice low/discreet but her deep brown gaze was fixed on Connor.
He managed to keep her surprised by his actions or words. "It does my heart good that you enjoyed the music. I have been playing since I was a child, with Jorje as my music teacher." The top of her hand still tingled from his light kiss. She gave a soft, nervous laugh - suddenly shy in his presence and then quietly assured him he would hear her play, again, soon.
The other beautiful woman in Riley's party rescued her from any further awkwardness and Talia turned upon her words of gratitude, "Mistress Anila, it is the least I can do. The copper tub has been brought upstairs and hot water shall be provided for you and Mistress Rhialtyra in the morning. Good night and rest well."
As the duet came to its sweet conclusion, Talia drew her eyes up as Jorje's final chord was strung and she saw that Riley had fallen asleep by the fire and Connor had yet to return from Calladastina's. Talia stood and bowed and then inclined her head in due respect to Jorje's talent and the beauty of his playing. The elderly fiddler in turn stood and bowed to her and then to his intimate audience. The music had ended for the night. "We will be closing the inn for the night - one of us will let Connor in when he returns. I bid you a good night." Talia placed the harp securely on its base and covered it with a fine woven cloth to protect it. She walked quietly to the hearth and gently laid a hand on Riley's shoulder and lightly shook it to rouse him from his sleep and entreat him to climb the stairs to his bed. "Come now, Master Riley, it is time you found your bed. You will be more comfortable there."
Jax looked up from the bar and his brow lines furrowed more deeply at the younger man's brisk manner. Since Talia had given instruction to provide her guests with what they required, Jax moved off his stool to the back room and collected a brown bottle filled with the house wine and handed it to the blue-eyed warrior. "With Mistress Talia's compliments", the older man said hoping the younger man realised it was all due to his employer's charity and compassionate nature and it should not be taken for granted.
Talia, caught by surprise at his interest in the Undertaker's abode, gave simple instruction because they had passed near to the house when they examined the tower ruins earlier. "Please do not tarry too long, Master Connor, for one of us must stay up until you return and then lock the doors." There was a faint note of annoyance as she and her people planned on heading to bed soon as they would all be rising early to prepare for the day ahead. She placed a small smile on her face as she bid him "Safe passage."
After the last drink was handed out and the group were talking quietly among themselves, Talia excused herself from Riley's side and moved to Jorje who was seated by his fiddle. She spoke quietly to the elder man and moved to draw an ornately carved harp from an alcove toward the back of the dining hall and set it beside the fiddler. Jorje had set a chair for his mistress and after adjusting some of the strings, Talia looked up at Riley and then the others and in her melodic voice introduced their final piece, "A pretty melody we would like to play for you before you retire for the evening." And with a gentle smile, Talia settled by the harp and looking to Jorje waited for his cue and they began playing one of the sweetest melodies their guests had ever heard.
Talia considered the Half-Elven male before her - her deep brown eyes closely studying him possibly for the very first time. Had he been orphaned or abandoned as babe? She wondered at his Elven heritage and if he ever tried to locate and learn more of that side of his family. She wondered who had raised him, taught him the ways of the land and life ... She shook herself out of her musings and gave the man a gentle smile as he spoke so kindly of Delfi. "I am sorry." There was a brief pause before she added, "From the moment I saw her, I loved her. If any would try to harm or ruin her, I would kill them or die in the attempt." She felt self-conscious in the admission yet she felt Riley would instinctively understand how she felt. Riley's experiences seemed to have been hard and terrible simply from how he spoke of the world at large. She would not pry and if he wanted to tell her about his life, then he would in his own time. At his question regarding her last duties, she shook her head, "Once your party have finished their drinks, I'll place the mugs in the kitchen and will leave them to wash in the morning. Jax will lock up and check the inn as his way and I will extinguish the lamps and candles."
Her flushed cheeks brightened all the more for having been overheard, yet she smiled softly at Rhialtyra. "We have means to defend ourselves, but together, we are stronger." She politely handed Rhialtyra a cup of soothing lemon myrtle tea.
"My parents died when I was seventeen and Delfi was only nine. Jax and Jorge stayed on and together we made The Wise Piper what it is today. I had much to learn and quickly. I am still learning." Talia's soft smile held a trace of melancholy, for she missed her parents every day. They had been good people who had been taken from them too soon.
"You may help, Master Riley." His words pertaining to pleasures and returning favours (or the double meaning thereof) seemed to be lost on her at the present time, although she did notice his gaze kept straying to her mouth. Her cheeks were aflame. He had pretty hazel-eyes; their hue a little darker than Delfi's. Upon his vow to protect her and her family, she wondered why he would seek to protect people he barely knew. Yet, she was well-disposed to the overture. "You honour me and my House, Master Riley. Thank you," her words were softer than before. There were some in town who had known her her entire life and they would not be predisposed to offer such assistance and here were strangers who would put themselves on the line for her - it was humbling and gratifying. Talia looked over to where Delfi was sitting and saw how she yawned and how her eyes were closing. "Delfi, my love, go to bed now. It has been a long day."
Talia watched as Riley attended to Delfi and then dallied with Rhialtyra. She wondered inwardly if he enjoyed plying females with his charms, but since the conversation at hand did not involve her, she remained silent, but thoughtful, as they walked back to the inn. Are they lovers? The thought caught her by surprise and she pushed it away. It was none of her concern.
That he stepped up to help was a kind gesture, yet his question was unexpected, and she noted his eyes stray to where Delfi was standing in the dining hall. Was he always overly familiar with women? She was not his love, yet he had called her by the endearment a number of times this night. "I am well, Master Riley." Does he believe I am too delicate for such troubles? "I am concerned about the arrival of kobolds and what it could mean to my family and the town. The Witch Tower has been tumbled and who is to say other buildings in town will not meet a similar fate or worse. I am no warrior, but I will not stand by as people I care about are in danger." Her voice had risen a little upon her last words and she blushed slightly at her impassioned declaration before Riley. Talia, too, hoped she had not drawn the attention of any other in the room with her words.
After a bit, Riley walks over to Talia and Delfi. "Ladies...May I walk you back to the inn?" He offers his elbow for Delfi to take and grins warmly at Talia. Delfi looked from Riley to Talia, eager to get away and return to the inn and her bed for the hour was growing late and she had to get up early to bake the bread. She linked her arm with Riley's and the other hand held Talia's so all three of them were linked together as they walked. "I believe that answers your question, Master Riley", Talia softly laughed and then grew sombre again with a last parting glance at the fallen Witch Tower. "We should go, now" she said quietly and politely gestured for Jax and Jorje to follow.
Talia and her people had inclined their heads as the noble family bid them all a good night to return to their home. Upon raising her head, she felt Riley's eyes on her and listened as he spoke of more merriment upon their return to the inn. He winked at her readily and she wondered anew at the teasing in his earlier, easy endearment and present expression. Talia cast a glance at the bright-eyed warrior to Riley's side. Connor was adamant he would search again this night, but did they not already search the ground for tracks and had not the feline-esque Felix attempted to ferry out a scent? She returned her attention to Riley and the others, and with a soft smile, responded, "Aye. Once you are done here, and we are returned to the inn, we will do our best to lift your spirits before you retire for the night. I suppose you will want to rise early to start upon the Lady Origena's task?"
In truth, she had never met such a vocal warrior before, yet perhaps in his culture it was the rule. She responded to his complaint with a steady and quiet voice, "Master Connor, does not your people's saying also apply in regard to you and your friends? You are strangers to the town and are under the scrutiny of all within, until you prove your worth. I counsel patience. I do believe Sir Benhovy knows that these two lack experience, but he had an official task to perform - to return a criminal to the proper authorities. Ours is a sleepy town, and, troubles such as this have not existed until now. He could not have foreseen the Witch Tower collapsing, nor the town in chaos. Let us concentrate on what can be done now and do our best to discover the culprits." Talia inclined her head, and, together with Delfi moved toward a mother and daughter, who they appeared to know. Jax and Jorje kept a close eye on their young mistresses, prepared for trouble if it broke out.
Once Talia had reassured some of the local townsfolk, she lifted her head upon Riley's invitation to join them and nodded in his direction. Together with Delfi she moved back to her guests, who apparently had been summoned before the Baroness. She would not interfere in the discussion lest it be to reassure the Baroness that the group appeared to be goodly folk.
"Master Connor, you have not met all of our deputies to make such a bold pronouncement. Only the two present this night, and, they are the least experienced of them all. If the Sheriff and his main deputies were here it would have had a different outcome." Although, to be sure, Talia was not sure Connor would have liked Sir Pelle Benhovy's attitude any better than he did the two silly deputies. "We will try to make the best of it, then."
Talia cast her eyes down to Delfi who nodded in turn, affirming she would take the lady to meet Bassy. "If Bassy can be found and isn't working on some task for the Baroness, then it may be possible to meet with her." Delfi quickly returned Rhialtyra's smile; her large expressive eyes taking in all the activity and confusion around her.
"Regrettably, history is not my forte, Mistress Rhialtyra. All I know is that the tower is a very, very old one - standing at the time of my grandparents and great grandparents and even before them. It became a ruin because it was abandoned and none own it - it was preserved by the Baroness herself for it was the place her husband perished. You may wish to speak with Bassy, the local gnome, our longest living resident - she would be more than four centuries old by now."
Looking to the plume and its location due north east, Talia replied to Riley, 'The local boy, Locke, is right. It can only be the old Witch Tower. Let us proceed for we have a distance to cover by foot." Kobolds?! Where did they come from? And with that, Talia leads the way toward the plume, her torch in one hand, Delfi's hand firmly in her other.
Talia was momentarily surprised when Connor offered his short sword to her, but she quickly collected herself and shook her head. "Nay, Master Connor, for you are better equipped in its use. Jax and Jorje are handier with weapons than I or Delfi." It is then you note that both men have weapons with them: Jax with what seems to be an ornately crafted masterwork heavy crossbow and quiver of bolts, and, Jorje with his daggers. Out of the corner of your eye, your notice Delfi trying to catch your attention to show you she has a small dagger hidden inside her boot. She drops her skirt quickly to hide the fact.
The offer of a bath sounded enticing to Anila and she turned to Talia Orem and said, A bath would be lovely. Perhaps, one final drink first?" Talia heard Felix mention that Anila was a singer and she wondered why the beautiful albeit quiet lady had not taken to song much sooner. "Take your time, Mistress Anila. I will have some water boiled for you and a tub brought to the room," she responded to Anila, wondering if she would indeed sing now upon Felix's urging.
"As you wish, Master Felix." Having a quiet word to Delfi and Jax, you see the pretty girl run off toward the kitchen and Jax leave his post at the bar, somewhat begrudgingly, to fetch the copper tub and carry it upstairs to the sleeping chambers. |
