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Noting Talia's strange and abrupt departure into the kitchen and Riley fascinated with the bottom of his cup, the apothecary leaned over and very quietly spoke to the Half-Elf, not caring if she incurred a retort, "You won't find her at the bottom of that cup. Go to her; she's been worried all day," before straightening, placing a smile on her face and letting Jorje's music wash over her.
Upon his words and raising of drink, Xemne smiled and lifted her own mug, "To new friends", before taking a sip of her wine.
Xemne frowned somewhat at the statement and continued to clarify for the man's sake, "Well, it is true some of us are welcoming to strangers come to Belhaim, but the same cannot be said of some of the other locals. A small town can breed small minds, so be wary of who you meet here, Janusz. Earn the town's trust and learn more of the townsfolk and your troubles will be lessened."
Xemne's pale blue eyes fixed on Felix. The catfolk did seem out of sorts and more quiet than she had noted before. She wondered what had passed in the kobold lair for it to have had a marked effect on the adventurer. When the newcomer began sharing his story, her attention was diverted back to him.
As he answered, vaguely, as to where he came from, Xemne was quick to note Janusz seemed hesitant to speak of it - as though he would rather not discuss it. When he spoke of his misadventure on the road with the kobolds, Xemne interceded, "That does not make you a fool. The kobolds have been playing havoc on our town these past days and you were caught in their mischief. To be caged is a terrible thing and it is good that you are free and among civilised company. Do you mean to stay and try your luck in Belhaim, Janusz? Oh, apologies for I didn't introduce myself - I am Xemne, the town's apothecary, and cousin to Braylee."
Xemne had been outside, inspecting the back garden, when she had heard voices and walked back inside. She went to stand by the fireplace as the reunion unfolded, not wanting to get in the way. When Braylee approached her, Xemne smiled and they sat down in the chairs by the fire. "Evening, cousin. My day was simple and uneventful, thank you. By the looks of you, I would wager your day differed much from mine. Do not sit there and smile like you took a light stroll in the garden. Tell me, how bad was it? Do not tell me some muted story - I would hear it all. Perhaps, tonight, when we are back in our own home. I was worried, Braylee, I will not deny it. But I am proud of you for aiding the adventurers." The Demgazi woman patted her younger kinswoman's hand in a reassuring, familial way. "Now, let us return to the table and eat some supper. You must be hungry." Xemne stood and waited for Braylee to do the same and then both women moved to the table and sat down, side by side.
"Well, Miss Rhialtyra, it seems you have ample tutors at your disposal. Since my cousin means to work with you on the Draconic tongue, then you may count on me, and I'm certain Talia, for any additional lessons."
"Although I would enjoy a visit with Ermathine, I have kept the shop closed for too long and I must return to it. I entrust Braylee to your care and hope to see her this evening for supper," and with that the apothecary bids all farewell and squeezes Braylee's shoulder in a reassuring, affectionate way, giving her a "be careful" look before exiting the inn.
Xemne mirthfully nodded as Braylee proclaimed her a favourite kinswoman. Upon the healer's question and her cousin's answer, Xemne nodded, 'Aye, their native tongue is Draconic. I, Talia and Jorje speak it. We could teach you their speech, if you are interested."
Xemne eyed her kinswoman and chuckled. "Why would that offend me? Our maternal line was never one for idleness and blindly serving the will of others"
A private thought moved inside Xemne's mind but she did not give it voice and merely smiled. "Braylee, you are a woman who knows her own mind well enough from what I've gathered. If your will is to help them, then so be it. I counsel caution to you and them in this pursuit, especially because I would not like to write to your parents informing them of your demise so soon after they charged me with your welfare."
Xemne's eyes sought Talia's by Riley's side (or close enough with Delfi between them) before settling them on the Half-Elven male. "I do not doubt your word, Riley. We seek the welfare of you all and do not expect you to endanger yourself or my kinswoman for the sake of the town. We have a Sheriff and deputies who will return in a few days and can sort out the troubles, if needs be. The Baroness has asked much of you since your arrival. You do not always have to bend to her will; know this. "
Riley and Apothecary retcon:
"Such a dear, dear child. She has that effect on most people, but I see, too, that you have endeared yourself to her, for Delfi has embraced you as if you are long acquainted."
Hmm. The man's disclosure set her thinking. "You care about them, this is obvious, no matter how little time has lapsed since you met them. If you care for Talia, do not waste it or toss it aside because I have spoken my piece. Talia is a loving, loyal and giving woman. Her life has known more sorrow than I would wish for her. If you can love her, then love her with all of you. Because if she can love you, she will love you with everything that she is." Looking at the Half-Elf she added, "Please come by again and let me know how well she likes the perfume. Good luck, Master Riley." |
