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Dalia looked around at the beautiful woods as she absently reached down to pet the sleeping ghatta in front of her. She closed her eyes and let the gentle rocking of the horse's easy walk relax her into an almost trance-like state. Tobi stretched out on the oversized pommel platform and opened her blue eyes. How much longer before we reach this Stormpoint? she
mindspoke to Dalia.
Not much longer now, love. Dalia 'spoke' back. We're taking it easy today to give the horse a bit of a rest. Another day and we should arrive in the famed port city. At this, Tobi merely purred and went back to sleep.
Dalia smiled and shook her head. Stormpoint. she spoke quietly aloud. I wonder what kind of trouble we'll find there.
As night fell, Tobi was fully awake and gazing around from her perch in front of Dalia. We should make camp soon, Dalia. I can tell you're getting tired. Dalia only nodded, all too
grateful for a night of sleep. According to the map, there's a clearing about fifty yards ahead. We'll stop there for the night. Tobi purred contentedly at the thought of Dalia's warm body to sleep on instead of the hard platform that had been her customary place for the last week of travelling. Dalia brought the horse to a stop in the clearing and hopped off. Tobi leaped to the ground and immediately set about to sniffing the area. Dalia took the burdensome saddle off her horse and tied the gelding to a nearby tree. As she watched Tobi disappear into the
woods, she 'spoke to her. If you're going wandering, you'd better be bringing back fresh meat. Dalia felt the mental smile from Tobi, who just kept going. Muttering under hear breath, Dalia unrolled her bedding and set about gathering firewood. By the time there was a nice fire going, Tobi returned from her foray. Dalia smiled. Glad to see you didn't come back empty handed. Tobi dropped the pheasant in front of Dalia. I did it for myself as much as for you. It's been entirely too long since we've had a decent meal. Dalia nodded in agreement and began defeathering the bird. Tonight we will have a little feast, and tomorrow we seek our adventure in Stormpoint.
The first birdsong of the dawn awakened Dalia from a less than restful sleep. Her eagerness to arrive in a new city proved more powerful than exhaustion last night, but apparently she was
the only one affected. Dalia affectionately scratched Tobi's soundly sleeping body until she purred and opened her blue eyes. Morning already? She moaned and stretched her legs.
Can't we sleep a few more hours, Dalia? It's so early . . . Dalia laughed and raised herself up to her feet. I'm afraid not, love. We still have a good day's ride ahead of us and time is wasting. Now up, you lazy creature. With that, Dalia shook the blanket and sent Tobi rolling into a pile of dead leaves. Tobi glared at Dalia and groomed her rumpled fur back into place.
Dalia bundled their supplies together and hoisted the heavy saddle onto the chesnut gelding's back. She untied the reins from the tree and smoothly hopped into the saddle. Tobi made a
running leap and landed solidly on the pommel platform as Dalia guided the horse back onto the main road.
By the time the sun was well overhead, Dalia had removed her cloak and rolled up her tunic sleeves. It sure gets warm quickly in these parts, she remarked as she wiped sweat from her
forehead. Try wearing a permanent fur coat, Tobi commented in a sour tone while doing her best to lay as still as possible. Don't be so grumpy. Maybe some lunch will brighten your
spirits. Tobi's ears perked up at the mention of food, but she made no other motion. Dalia reached into the saddlebag behind her right thigh for a chunk of last night's pheasant and a
travelling roll, and then for the canteen tied to the left side. She pulled off a few sizable chunks of meat for Tobi then enjoyed her own small meal. Dalia then cupped her hand near Tobi's mouth and poured out some water for her. Tobi lapped up two handfuls before Dalia could quench her own thirst. After refastening the canteen, Dalia urged the horse into a
canter. She was suddenly very anxious to get to Stormpoint.
The sky was turning a rainbow of colors by the time Dalia tasted a salty tang in the air. She smiled as she sighted the rising towers of the castle and the cathedral spires. Tobi dug her
claws deeply into the platform as the horse took off down the ridge at a full gallop. Slowing to a trot outside the city, Dalia looked around at the people walking from place to place. It's good to be among people again, eh? She lovingly stroked the orange tabby fur, urging the horse toward an inn attached to a stable. Dalia dismounted and handed the reins to the nearest
stablehand. He glanced uneasily at Tobi as the toddler-sized ghatta padded along beside Dalia into the inn. The innkeeper barely looked up from wiping down the bar, and a few conversations stilled as Dalia entered, but almost immediately the inn was full of noise again.
How much for a room and boarding one horse?
The innkeeper gave Dalia a once-over and looked her in the eye. Now that depends on how long you plan to stay.
Her hazel eyes glared back into his until he looked down. Well let's just say tonight and see what happens.
The innkeeper swallowed hard and nodded. It'll be eight silver for the horse, and the rooms vary. Two gold for a standard room, four gold for the best.
Dalia reached into a pouch at her waist
and placed three gold coins on the bar. Which way to the room?
He quickly snatched up the coins and pointed to the back of the inn. Up the back stairs, third door on the left. Here's the key. He placed a key with a black tassel on the bar.
Dalia smiled and took the key. Thank you kindly. She and Tobi made their way quickly up the back stairs for some much needed
rest.
Eowyn stood motionless by the city gates. She had been there for hours, waiting, watching, dimly aware that her presence was starting to make the guards nervous. Though this last fact
admittedly gave her some degree of satisfaction, she eventually moved off to a less conspicuous spot which nonetheless afforded her a view of those passing in and out of Stormpoint.
She wasn't exactly sure why she was there--a vague but nagging thought somewhere in the back of her mind, prodding her into an action she didn't entirely understand. It was a
sensation she'd experienced with some frequency as of late, and one which carried increasing frustration. It was a feeling both foreign and familiar that swirled with a spiteful glee just
beyond the boundaries of her perception, only now and then flitting into her vision before skittering away once more. It was maddening.
It had started that night she had first seen Giacomo in the gypsy camp, the night he claimed his first victim. The act had driven Rianna past the point of rage. Eowyn knew that the gypsy
woman would act quickly to take whatever vengeance she could, and though she had not been privy to that act, the piercing cry and burst of flame that had risen from the camp towards the
heavens left no doubt in Eowyn's mind that a curse had been invoked.
She wondered if this then, might be the cause her of present state. Had the gypsy magic somehow joined with her own? And if so, had it enhanced it or obscured it. She frowned
slightly as she considered the possibility. Her visions were less clear than before, but her path now seemed to be graced with a certain serendipity. She closed her eyes, hoping to clear her head for a moment. It didn't help. Whatever the cause of the feeling, Eowyn hoped it would cease shortly. She had never been one to trust in luck, preferring to act with clear vision, careful discernment, and skill born of experience.
Putting aside her internal debate, Eowyn turned her attention to her surroundings once more, hopeful that the reason for her presence would soon appear. It didn't. She sat for several
more hours waiting, watching, and growing increasingly annoyed. She was about to leave and return to the shoppe when she noticed a young woman with sunred hair pass through the gates
of Stormpoint. She was riding a large, chestnut horse, and though her attire gave no indication as to who or what she was, the creature that rode with her was unmistakable--a ghatta. Eowyn had seen one only once before---a long time ago---but she knew that they were generally bonded to Seekers, to those who for whom truth was the only light. Eowyn raised an eyebrow in mild surprise--a Seeker in Stormpoint. She paused to consider the implications and decide whether she found them to be good, bad, or inconsequential. A small smile bordering on the sinister rose from one corner of her mouth as she finally settled upon the answer. "A Seeker in Stormpoint," she whispered to herself as she stood without another sound, and
quietly followed the woman through the busy streets.
"Joshua come here!"
The little dark haired boy unstuck his nose from the toy shop window and inched to his
mother's side. She sighed. If he got any more like Mikhail she was in for it.
~Oh please. You got yourself in this mess, Ari.~
~Shush Del. You know I love it. Allow me one moment of illusion~
~I cannot and won't. You know that. Besides you always say-~
~I can't lie. You can't like. Yes yes. It gives us both an absolute pounding headache when we
do. Now where's Cassy?~
~Look down~
The little girl smiled up at her mother and Ariadne chuckled. The twins had been incredibly
well behaved on this visit into town and she could not fault them.
A ripple of static washed over her suddenly, sending little bursts of warmth through her
fingertips.
~Del...~
But her bond was staring elsewhere.
~I thought you hadn't posted any of the Seekers here?~
~Not the Ag'Ri Shan no... there was no need. I only came because Samantha asked to help in
court decisions.~
~Then...~
Ariadne scanned the crowds, pulling the twins closer to her, her hands on their small backs.
Something niggled at her mind, something familiar, something magic, and something truth.
Truth. Powers long since honed inside her flared to life.
Truth was the basis of her life. She'd founded the Ag'Ri Shan for those like her, for those who
pursued truth and knowledge, for those who could sense a lie as easily as they could see
between black and white.
It had never occurred to her that their might be others.
The woman on the chestnut gelding had a large cat on a saddle platform. Ariadne's nose wrinkled, the lines about her eyes becoming faintly deeper for a moment. A cat but not a cat. Her head throbbed for a moment.
~Del, who on earth? A Bond? Like ours? And...~
~A seeker but not a seeker. At least not an Ag'Ri Shan seeker. No arm band. But I'd bet my scales that she's a lot like us in that respect.~
Delius' tail twitched rapidly back and forth.
Ariadne spied Eowyn following the woman. She'd only glimpsed her once or twice in the castle. Still... Ariadne took the twins firmly in hand and set about adding another few bodies
to the train developing behind the woman with the ghatta and the chestnut gelding.
Eowyn didn't have to turn her head to know that she wasn't the only one trailing the Seeker. Three sets of footprints, two scampering as they went, told her of the trio following behind
her; and instincts born of the fey told her of the winged creature accompanying them. Eowyn had little taste for either children or dragons at the moment, but wanted to learn more about
the Seeker before she left. With an internal sigh of resignation, she therefore continued to follow the newcomer and the ghatta.
At last, the woman stopped before a medium-size inn not far from the center of town and dismounted the large chestnut gelding. As she handed the reins to the nearest stablehand, Eowyn slipped quickly into the inn's common room. Dusk had just passed, and many of the inn's guests had come down for the evening meal. Other townsfolk, tired from their day's labor, had stopped by for a quick drink and shared merriment before their trip home. Taking a table near the back hearth, Eowyn ordered a drink and waited for the Seeker to enter. It didn't take long. From her vantage point, she was able to see the woman pay for a room and
ascend the back stairs with a travel-weary gate that didn't bode well for a quick return. Ah well, she could wait, she was after all, quite experienced in that regard.
She slipped quietly into the inn as she had done so many times before, with the hood of her cloak drawn to conceal the shock of her auburn hair. The twins were staring about wide eyed.
~The children...~ Del reminded her...
~I know I know~ Her hazel eyes scanned the room. Where was she? The old healer had said she liked to spend time in this inn.
Ariadne smiled with relief to see the old woman by the fire. Jadria. She'd watched the twins before. Surely... but Josh an Cassy didn't need prodding, the old woman was already laughing
and nodding as they engulfed her in hugs and laughter. She gave a warm smile to Ari and the Seeker smiled in return.
"Innkeep?" She turned to the bald man wiping the bar.
"Aye, lady?"
"A woman came here.. she had a large...cat...with her. May I enquire as to her wereabouts?"
The innkeep scowled. He wasn' t in the habit of telling random patrons where his paying guests were. But the firelight flashed on the golden armband, set with a marquis cut garnet, saphire, and emerald. Ag'Ri Shan... and not a silver or bronze band. Only the Head Seeker wore that band. He knew she had looked familiar, but then her husband had been through these parts before and he had shown sketches of his wife and children. The innkeep nodded.
"Upstairs m'lady. And send your husband me regards. The inn's been too long without his songs."
"I'll do that sir... and make sure he graces your fireside with his voice and lute once more. 'Sides, it wouldn't hurt him to visit his children." She laughed a bit but there was a touch of
seriousness there. He dissapeared for the longest times. Occupational hazard and they both worked too hard.
She turned and jogged briskly up the wooden stairs, searching for the correct door.
~Here Ari... can smell the cat...or whatever she is.~
Knuckles met wood as she knocked lightly, hoping the intrusion would be tolerated.
"Hello?"
Dalia closed the heavy wooden door behind her and collapsed face down onto the bed with a heavy sigh. Tobi hopped up beside her and sniffed Dalia's face lightly.
We were being followed from the moment we passed through the city gates, she 'spoke to Dalia while grooming her orange paws. Dalia sighed again.
I know. I sensed the other mind-bond pair, and the woman following just ahead of her. She did have cute children, though.
Tobi shuddered at the thoughts of screaming toddlers pulling her limbs, tail, whiskers . . . anything their grubby hands could reach.
"Oh come, Tobi. You know perfectly well all children are
not that poorly behaved. One bad experience and you're ready to prejudge the whole lot of them!"
Tobi's blue eyes avoided Dalia's stare as she continued to groom. I think that other bond pair is similar to us. She remarked, changing the subject. I get a very strong sense
of Truth from them. They are most definitely curious as to why we are here. The other woman following us seems to have something else in mind, but I couldn't tell what.
Dalia nodded. "Well, we shall see. As for right now, I will go and fetch our things from the stable and then we shall eat." Tobi's eyes lit up visibly at the mention of food, but her head turned sharply toward the door at the knock.
"Hello?"
Dalia looked at Tobi in confusion.
It's the bond pair. The creature bonded to the woman is unlike anything I've ever encountered. It seems to be . . . a large lizard-like creature.
Now Dalia was even more confused. "There's only one way to find out what she wants." She straightened her tunic and walked over to open the door. Dalia looked at the woman standing
before her, looking so much like herself, and at the strange winged creature by her side. She smiled a little as Tobi came over to investigate and greeted the woman at her door. "Hello.
What can I do for you?"
"Hello. What can I do for you?" the woman with the blondish hair and hazel eyes said. She looked weary, but well.
Ariadne smiled warmly, glad for the fact that the woman didn't seem too perturbed by her intrusion.
"I wanted to.. well say hello I suppose," she murmered and held out one hand, slightly roughened by long rides and the care of two children. "Ariadne Briande Thorgrin, leader of the Ag`Ri Shan Truthseekers."
At her feet, Delius sniffed and flicked his tail at her leg. "And my spirit bond... Delius."
~I was getting there you know.~
~Slow~
Delius stretched his neck foreward to sniff at the "cat" and his bluish green snout quivered for an instant. He looked up at Ari.
~Truth indeed! They smell as strongly of it as you or I, m'dear. Truth and...ugg...fur.~
~Oh stop Del. You complain about Talmurian and his feathers and the twins puppy. You can handle a little fur in your stuck up little snout for a few minutes. She might give you a run for
your jerky~
~Ariadne Briande Thorgrin, the Emperor Dragon would be shocked!~
~Shush~
The woman lavished another warm smile upon the tired traveler before her.
"Apologies. Delius get's a little carried away with some of his mental conversations. It was rude of me. I came here because I think we're alike. I sense the truth. Or rather Del and I both
do. We've made it a quest of sorts to help those who can't decipher it as easily." She adjusted the golden armband as if to show proof. "Yet you're not one of my Seekers but we get the same sense from you. May I ask where you come from m'lady?" Her tone is curious, hazel eyes sparkling with welcome and geniality. Delius has returned to sniffing the ghatta.
~Could you?~
~We just walked in...~
~But it's infinitly easier...~
~Fine fine.~
"And my lovely little mini-dragon would like to know whether or not he may 'speak your ... well she is not a cat but she is beautiful." Ari glanced at the orange tabby and smiled again.
She made a normal cat look positively clumsy and tiny and their was a great dealof mischief and wisdom behind the creatures gaze.
"Oh..and welcome to Stormpoint I suppose. I'll extend the Regents' welcome until or if you meet them yourselves."
"I wanted to.. well say hello I suppose," she murmered and held out one hand, slightly roughened by long rides and the care of two children. "Ariadne Briande Thorgrin, leader of
the Ag`Ri Shan Truthseekers."
At her feet, Delius sniffed and flicked his tail at her leg. "And my spirit bond... Delius."
Dalia took the offered hand and shook it briefly. "A pleasure to meet you. I am Dalia Sorentine, and this," she nodded toward Tobi, "is my bondmate Tobi." Dalia watched Ariadne and Delius carefully, aware of the mental exchange between them but not wishing to intrude.
Tobi sniffed curiously at the dragon. I wonder if I could communicate with . . . Delius, she said?
Dalia nodded faintly. Yes, I was wondering the same thing.
"Apologies. Delius get's a little carried away with some of his mental conversations. It was rude of me. I came here because I think we're alike. I sense the truth. Or rather Del and I both
do. We've made it a quest of sorts to help those who can't decipher it as easily." She adjusted the golden armband as if to show proof. "Yet you're not one of my Seekers but we get the
same sense from you. May I ask where you come from m'lady?"
Dalia smiled slightly. "I was just about to have dinner. After I fetch some things from the stable, would you care to join me? I believe we may be able to clear up mutual confusions."
"And my lovely little mini-dragon would like to know whether or not he may 'speak your ... well she is not a cat but she is beautiful."
At that, Dalia chuckled softly as she sensed the mental indignation from Tobi at being thought of as an ordinary cat. "No not a cat. Tobi is called a ghatta, and as for communication . . . there is only one way to find out." She and Tobi exited the room and Dalia closed the heavy door behind her, locking it before she descended the stairs. She turned at the next words Ariadne spoke.
"Oh..and welcome to Stormpoint I suppose. I'll extend the Regents' welcome until or if you meet them yourselves."
Dalia smiled warmly. "Thank you very much, Ariadne. I appreciate the official welcome. Now," she turned back to the stairs with Tobi close at her heels, "it is time for dinner. Shall we?"
Dalia smiled warmly. "Thank you very much, Ariadne. I appreciate the official welcome. Now," she turned back to the stairs with Tobi close at her heels, "it is time for dinner. Shall we?"
Ariadne nodded and Delius took a flying leap to land heavily on her shoulder. She glared at him and he nuzzled her neck in mute reply. He was working up his courage.
~Ghatta...Tobi? What is a Ghatta? Hmmm... ~ He cocked his blue head to the side and wondered if Tobi was hearing him. He tried shifting the thought pattern a bit, bolstering it with a bit more energy, aiming for a differnt sort of tingle in his mind. Then he felt the crackle of conncetion, the acknowledgement that two minds were linked for a moment Good...this is so much easier. You and Dalia are bonded? Mind linked or in spirit too like Ari and I? And my this feels different with you...
Ariadne, meanwhile, continued down the stairs behind Dalia. She waved lightly to the innkeep that they would need food and glanced to the corner.
Josh and Cassy were playing a game of hoopa-rock on the floor and Cassy, as usual, was completely trouncing her brother. She chuckled. Jadria nodded to her.
"They're fine m'lady. Go about yer business."
With this Ari hooked her bot on the leg of a convenient stool, pulled the seat over and sanks down with ease born of one who is used to travel and less than comfortable accomadations.
The serving girl that came over brought a two bowls of beef stew, a loaf of warm bread, and two flagons of water. She placed a saucer of sardines and a plate of jerky down as well before shieing meekly off into the kitchen.
"What brings you to Stormpoint, Dalia? It's a bit out of range for any Seeker route I'd ever establish. It's about as far as you can get from the rest of Dominia, Darkendale, *or* any of
the other nearby kingdoms."
There was no point in questioning the bond. Delius, she knew,. was already probably plaguing Tobi with questions. She hoped the Ghatta would give him a bit of his own back.
He tried shifting the thought pattern a bit, bolstering it with a bit more energy, aiming for a differnt sort of tingle in his mind. Then he felt the crackle of conncetion, the
acknowledgement that two minds were linked for a moment Good...this is so much easier. You and Dalia are bonded? Mind linked or in spirit too like Ari and I? And my this feels
different with you...
Tobi's whiskers twitched and her ears tingled at the strange new mental connection. Yes, Dalia and I are bonded both mentally and in spirit. And I must admit, this feels different for
me as well.
They continued down the stairs to the main room of the Inn. Dalia chose a stool next to Ariadne and practially drooled when the beef stew was set in front of her. She took the saucer of sardines and set it in front of Tobi. How goes the communication with Delius?
Tobi delicately sniffed the sardines to assure herself they were edible and began to eat.
It goes well. The connection tingles a little, but we can communicate easily. I am sure it would be possible for all of us to mindwalk together.
"What brings you to Stormpoint, Dalia? It's a bit out of range for any Seeker route I'd ever establish. It's about as far as you can get from the rest of Dominia, Darkendale, *or* any of
the other nearby kingdoms."
Dalia took up her spoon and looked deep into the stew while she considered her answer. "I know I must be truthfull with you. You and Delius would sense a lie, and Tobi would never
forgive me. In truth, Tobi and I were supposed to be Seekers of Truth in much the same way as you and Delius. We became bondmates by pure accident." Dalia cut herself a piece of bread, dunked it into her stew, and took a bite. She chewed thoughtfully as she remembered the story. "I was walking in the woods outside my home when I heard this terrible noise in the bushes about ten feet away. When I went to investigate, a blur of orange fur launched itself from the bushes and into my chest." She took a bite of the stew and a long swallow of water.
"Tobi was running from a wolf that had been chasing her all morning. When she leapt into my arms, her mouth was open in a howl of terror. She accidentally clamped down onto my
thumb and began to lick the blood. Before I knew what was happening, I was hearing this other voice in my head. Tobi and I were bonded, whether we liked it or not."
Tobi tried to 'speak Ariadne through Delius. It wasn't much of a choice for either of us, but we were stuck. We didn't want to be tied down to the boring life of a Seeker bondpair. I had been born and raised wild, and Dalia never was big on authority. So we left Canderis and headed out this way.
Dalia nudged Tobi with her foot for her comment about authority. "For some reason, we felt drawn here. I don't know how to explain it, but it's like some greater power willed us to Stormpoint." Dalia took another bite of stew and bread. "So concludes my story. Now it would be only fair for you to tell me a bit about yourself," Dalia smiled over her shoulder, "and your darling children."
It wasn't much of a choice for either of us, but we were stuck. We didn't want to be tied down to the boring life of a Seeker bondpair. I had been born and raised wild, and Dalia
never was big on authority. So we left Canderis and headed out this way.
Dalia nudged Tobi with her foot for her comment about authority. "For some reason, we felt drawn here. I
don't know how to explain it, but it's like some greater power willed us to Stormpoint." Dalia took another bite of stew and bread. "So concludes my story. Now it would be only fair for
you to tell me a bit about yourself," Dalia smiled over her shoulder, "and your darling children."
Somehow the twins always knew when they were benig spoken about. Josh and Cassy perked and left the game on the floor to run to their mother's side. Then they simply gawked at Tobi.
"Momma...the kitty's huge..." Josh whispered.
"She's a Ghatta m'dear. She's supposed to be that size," she corrected him gently, mindful of the Ghatta's pride and her son's sensitivity.
"Ghatta." He said and grinned rakishly. "She's huge" But he was clearly enamored with her and Dalia both.
Cassandra, always the shier of the two, hugged a battered Raven stuffen animal to her chest. Then she held out her hand to the ghatta and crouched down.
"Hello," she whispered.
Ariadne smiled. Gods how they were like their parents sometimes. One minute so shy and serious and insiteful and the next complete little bundles of mischief. "I'm the leader of the
Ag'Ri Shan Truthseekers. It sounds much like what you've described your..Seekers Veritas as... but we don't have Ghatti here. The Ag'Ri SHan....it's been around for centuries." Her
voice becomes sad. "But it's still young now. I've rebuilt. I used to be a regualr seeker on routes for hearings. And then Delius and I went to visit Elric one night and when we came back they were all gone. Raiders of some sort... I don't know who. But they'd destroyed the headquarters. Only a few of us who were out on routes were saved. So we rebuilt." She takes a long swallow of water and sighs. It seemed so long ago now since they'd appointed her to this post. She still loved it even though it was more work than she'd ever anticipated.
"My seekers have bonds, but they're often different creatures. Del..well Del was a gift from an Elvin friend of mine. Or rather he was an introduction. He was the one who inspired me to encourage the bonding. You see we all have our own magic...to tell the truth." She crooked one finger, sending a small gust of gentle wind skittering around her head, pushing her hair back. "To do other things. And of course body language and simple speech are always key, but the bonds seem to strengthen it"
Joshua climbed into her lap and started playing finger tab with Delius' tail. The mini-dragon sighed a bit but the expression on his face was one of amusement as the little boy tried to tag
his swishing tail.
"These two little ruffians," she remarked fondly, "are my children Joshua and Cassandra. My husband is a bard, does a lot of wandering himself so they're usually with me."
Her mind was spinning though. A rogue seeker pair. She'd never seen one before and the thought that a bond had occurred of its own violition was amazing to her.
"I'd offer you a job, Dalia, if you like it but I suspect you like your freedom too much." She grinned. "But there probably is a reason you are here. There's usually a reason for everything,
especially in this city."
The serving girl placed the goblet on Eowyn's table just as the two Seekers descended the stairs and took seats towards the front of the common room. Eowyn didn't turn to face them.
She didn't need to. Being creatures of the woodlands, those of elven blood are blessed with certain gifts--gifts which enable them to both survive and to care for the golden forests and all
that dwell within their groves. One of these gifts is a heightened sense of hearing. Thus, even from her table by the back hearth, Eowyn had little difficulty overhearing their conversation, and was pleased when the auburn-haired woman asked the question percolating in the forefront of Eowyn's mind. "What brings you to Stormpoint, Dalia?"
Eowyn listened to the account that followed with some interest as she swirled the hot wine mixture about in her goblet. It was heavily spiced with clove and citrus, a sweet and aromatic
concoction which glowed crimson in the warmth of the fire. ~A seeker by accident, how interesting,~ she thought as she stopped swirling the drink and let it run in small rivulets down
the sides of the goblet. Eowyn noted the inflection in the woman's--Dalia's--voice as she explained how she and her bond were "supposed" to be Seekers. It was a tone which bespoke
the need to seek more than truth, and a tone which Eowyn found to be promising.
Their conversation, though smooth-flowing, was interspersed with moments of silence, and Eowyn surmised that in these moments the women were engaged in a "telepathic" dialogue through their bonds. There were ways to hear such things, and a few of them crossed Eowyn's mind before she discarded them. There was always a chance of discovery when engaging in such undertakings, and she had no desire for any of the conversantes to question
her motives. Better to wait, she decided, reminding herself that all things come to the patient.
Propping her feet atop an empty chair, Eowyn tilted her chair backwards just a bit, and blew gently across the surface of the still steaming wassail. The dark liquid rippled like folds of
velvet beneath her breath, and settled to a more palatable temperature. "For some reason," she heard Dalia explain after one moment of silence, "we felt drawn here. I don't know how
to explain it, but it's like some greater power willed us to Stormpoint." Hearing the comment, Eowyn smiled softly and raised the goblet to her beckoning lips. The drink was warm and
rich, its differing spices and contents blending to create a surprisingly potent result. She found the accidental metaphor to be pleasing, and knew that Dalia represented an indispensable
component of her plan.
"Momma...the kitty's huge..." Josh whispered.
"She's a Ghatta m'dear. She's supposed to be that size," she corrected him gently, mindful of the Ghatta's pride and her son's sensitivity.
"Ghatta." He said and grinned rakishly. "She's huge" But he was clearly enamored with her and Dalia both.
Tobi walked over to Joshua and sniffed his dangling fingers, her delicate whiskers outstretched and her tail curling around his legs. This one smells of mischief, she 'spoke Dalia privately.
Dalia had to bite her lower lip to control the laughter that threatened to bubble over.
Cassandra, always the shier of the two, hugged a battered Raven stuffen animal to her chest.
Then she held out her hand to the ghatta and crouched down.
"Hello," she whispered.
Tobi then walked to Cassandra and sniffed the offered hand. This one is more like her mother . . . soft-spoken, but strong-willed.
Dalia gave an almost imperceptible nod of her agreement.
I could tell that even without mindreading abilites. Dalia listened carefully to Ariadne's story about her Ag'ri Shan Truthseekers. "That must have been devastating for you and the rest of the survivors, but rebuilding is always the best thing to do."
"My seekers have bonds, but they're often different creatures. Del..well Del was a gift from an Elvin friend of mine. Or rather he was an introduction. He was the one who inspired me to
encourage the bonding. You see we all have our own magic...to tell the truth." She crooked one finger, sending a small gust of gentle wind skittering around her head, pushing her hair
back. "To do other things. And of course body language and simple speech are always key, but the bonds seem to strengthen it"
Dalia nodded, smiling softly. "I know exactly what you mean, Ariadne. Except Tobi and I don't posses any special magic other than Tobi's natural ability to read minds and decipher Truth."
"These two little ruffians," she remarked fondly, "are my children Joshua and Cassandra. My husband is a bard, does a lot of wandering himself so they're usually with me."
Dalia smiled warmly at the children. "Hello Joshua and Cassandra. My name is Dalia Sorentine, and this," she gestured to the ghatta now curled at her feet, "is my bondmate Tobi."
"I'd offer you a job, Dalia, if you like it but I suspect you like your freedom too much." She grinned. "But there probably is a reason you are here. There's usually a reason for everything,
especially in this city."
Dalia couldn't help laughing. "I do appreciate the offer, but you are correct in your suspicion. As for the reason we are here . . . I hope to discover that soon."
"I'd offer you a job, Dalia, if you like it but I suspect you like your freedom too much." She grinned. "But there probably is a reason you are here. There's usually a reason for everything,
especially in this city."
Dalia couldn't help laughing. "I do appreciate the offer, but you are correct in your suspicion. As for the reason we are here . . . I hope to discover that soon."
Eowyn had heard enough, and though she wanted to speak with the newcomer, the inn was quickly becoming too crowded for her taste. Meetings of the type she planned were best carried out in private if at all. Her decision made, Eowyn drained the last of her wassail, and lowered her feet back to the floor. Placing her empty goblet on the table, she caught the attention of the serving girl.
The girl, dependent upon her customers' generosity, was quick to comply, and swiftly slipped through the now-bustling inn to stand beside Eowyn's table. Eowyn asked her a question, lost
within the din of the inn's clientele, and the girl nodded in response before heading back to her duties. Satisfied with her response, Eowyn stood to leave, pausing only to drop a few extra
coins on the table before she left.
Dalia couldn't help laughing. "I do appreciate the offer, but you are correct in your suspicion. As for the reason we are here . . . I hope to discover that soon."
"Hopefully soon will not take long in coming," she replied carefully. She was not sure why she felt so. Dalia should be here. She was certain of that. Her entire prescence rang of truth, and yet from what she'd said, she was an oddity to their land, a rogue seeker pair.
Then why Stormpoint? Why now of all times? Her own seekers were over-worked, but Dalia was not here to help them.
The city was in turmoil though. Had the fates led Dalia here because of that?
~You think too much, woman.~ Delius glared at her. ~It's rude when she cannot link with you. And you have always done better to let instinct guide you.~
"Apologies...I was lost in my thoughts," she whispered. "I was thinking that this city so often draws people in. I was trying to puzzle why it feels so right for you to be here."
Ariadne caught a glimpse of Eowyn's form leaving the inn and her brow furrowed.
"The regents would gladly see you if you wish it. Or..." Eowyn. How was Eowyn linked?
"There's a small shop over on the Merchant Row called The Kuriosity Shoppe. For some reason I..."
Truth tingled up and down her spine and Delius looked at her strangely.
~Odd feelings in the air, my dear...~
~Indeed~
"You may want to visit there." Ariadne smiled hesitantly and watched the children staring at the Ghatta to ease her mind.
Stormpoint was torn with thievery and murder and chaos. How did Dalia's arrival all fit, she wondered. And why the sudden feeling that the rogue seeker pair most certainly did have a
part to play?
"Hopefully soon will not take long in coming," she replied carefully.
Dalia smiled, and suddenly fought to stifle a yawn. Realizing she would fail miserably, she at least managed to cover her mouth. Noticing Ariadne was lost in conversation with Delius, or
her own private thoughts, Dalia glanced down at Tobi immersed in a thourough after-dinner grooming. Are we going to bed soon? Dalia smiled, knowing Tobi tried hard to keep her tone casual. Yes, love, we shall excuse ourselves very soon. I grow tired as well, and sleep seems a welcome reprieve right now.
"Apologies...I was lost in my thoughts," she whispered. "I was thinking that this city so often draws people in. I was trying to puzzle why it feels so right for you to be here."
Dalia nodded. "I feel much the same way. Not quite sure why we are here, but somehow certain that we should be in Stormpoint."
"The regents would gladly see you if you wish it. Or..." Eowyn. How was Eowyn linked? "There's a small shop over on the Merchant Row called The Kuriosity Shoppe. For some reason I..."
Dalia noted her pause and waited patiently for Ariadne to continue.
"You may want to visit there."
Dalia smiled. "It sounds delightful, but I believe it will wait until tomorrow. Tobi and I are both tired from our travels, and the thought of a warm bed is almost too much for her." Dalia
chuckled softly at Tobi as she briefly paused her careful washing to stick her rough pink tounge out at Dalia before continuing. "We thank you for your companionship this eve,
Ariadne, and I truly hope this is not the last time we meet." Dalia rose from her seat and Tobi followed suit. "If you will excuse us, we are going to retire."
With a courteous half-bow, Dalia took her leave of Ariadne and Delius. As she and Tobi walked toward the stables to retrieve their supplies, Dalia turned her attention to the events of the evening. What do you make of them, Tobi?
They must be truthful, but I sense apprehension coming from them.
Dalia tipped the stable boy three coppers and gathered her few possesions.
They are not sure what to make of us. Ariadne wants to believe we are here for a good purpose, and Delius seems to think we are. Tobi paused as they made their way through the main room of the inn and to the back stairs. Once they were ascending the stairs, she continued. There is trouble brewing in the city . . . I could sense it from Delius. Something very wrong is going on, and I think Ariadne hopes we are here to help put a stop to whatever it is that is causing the trouble. Dalia shouldered the door of their room open and set her bundle down on the bed. As she turned to close the door, she noticed a piece of paper on the table beside the door. She unfolded the heavy parchment paper and read the contents of the note.
It was signed with a symbol: a circlet comprised of three intertwining rings, each wrapping impossibly about the other two without beginning or end. Within the center of the triple circle
hovered a marking, possibly a rune, consisting of three lines--two running vertically the length of the ring, and the third crossing first two with an upward slope.
Dalia set the note down and settled on the bed. She pulled off her boots and began undressing for bed. And what, my dearest ghatta, do you make of this curious note? Clad only in her shift and loose-fitting undershorts, she set the rest of her gear on the floor and turned down the bed. It is from the other one that was following us earlier. I didn't catch her thoughts, she must be able to block her mind, so I really don't know what she wants. But since Ariadne suggested the Kuriousity Shoppe, and we now have a conveniently placed invitation, I believe it would be worth investigating. Dalia sighed. Trust a ghatta to answer and not answer a question at the same time. She eased herself into bed and snuggled the covers around her. A sudden weight at the foot of the bed told her Tobi now inhabited the spot she had intended for her feet. Grumbling slightly at the lost space, Dalia settled for sleep. "Whatever it is," she said sleepily before drifting off, "it will have to wait until tomorrow."