StarDestroyer.Net BBS

Lindar wrote:Ok, well, here's what I've got so far, and I hope that someone will give some advice as to what needs to be fixed, or elaborated or changed.*points at the word CHANGED and nods* Anything that needs changed, Please, please, please, please let me know.

Waking before the sun had done more than lightly tint the sky, I disentangled myself from the embrace of my lover of the night before. She made no protest and settled back into whatever dream she was having, and I slowly dressed, examining her in the pale morning light. She looked like carved ivory under the dark furs on the bed, and the pink light of the dawn made her hair look like spun gold.

She’d proved to be good company, but I couldn’t remember her name. Perhaps that was something that I would need to work on when I arrived at the next castle or manor. Knowing better than to leave her with nothing in return for the pleasure I had received, I pulled a ring from one of my pouches and placed it in her hand carefully. The stone in it, which was nothing more than glass, though I doubted she would care or note the difference unless someone told her, glowed like bottled dragons blood in the silver setting. She shifted a bit, blinking up at me in slight confusion.

“Shhhhh, Lady it’s alright. I just have to be on my way.” I leaned over and kissed her lightly, which caused her to turn a vibrant crimson. Oh how I loved that after giving me so much, they could show such emotion. “Thank you for everything.”

“Are you ever going to come back?” She asked with a hint of hope in her voice. A sound that, I heard often enough to know it well. They thought that after one night, they might keep me. They always thought that. So I decided to give her the same answer I always gave them.

“If fate allows it my Lady. Now go back to sleep and dream well. Please remember me with kindness.”

She smiled and said nothing else, closed her eyes and drifted back to sleep. I like to think, egotistically of course, that the smiles that they wear when they go back to sleep are because of thoughts of me. Of course, in truth, I realized that this couldn’t be true. But as I picked up my lute, and strapped it to my back. I couldn’t help but think that way.

I crept through the manor house as silently as a ghost. I didn’t want to risk waking anyone, and have to prolong my stay. I crept into the kitchen where the stable boy and one of the cooks’ apprentices shot up from where they had been, and scrambled to look like they’d been doing anything but what they had been.

“Ah, it’s only me. Go back as you were I ‘ll not scold you.” I said laughing as I went to the cupboard and helped myself to some bread and some apples. “But be wary of your masters. I’m certain the two of you would get a sound beating.”

They laughed as well, appreciating the fact that I wasn’t going to tattle on them. So I knew that there would be nothing said about me taking the bread and apples. I slipped out the back door of the kitchen and wandered to the stable where Aerien waited, puffing and stamping his feet. This was another reason I couldn’t stay any longer. Two nights was as long as my horse could actually handle being stabled.

As I saddled and bridled him, he turned around and bit me. Not hard, but hard enough, Showing me his displeasure in one of the few ways that he could. I hadn’t come to see him, and it seemed that they’d brushed him down and washed him. I swatted him laughing, and pulled out one of the apples which he took. It’s easy enough to appease him. And Aerien didn’t give me any trouble as I tied my bindle onto the saddle, and hung my lute from it as well.

“Now Aerien, We must go quietly so don’t stamp and do anything stupid. If you know what’s good for you, you’ll listen to me this time.”

Aerien stamped his hoof on the ground three times showing that, yes, he understood me. Satisfied, I sprung upon him grabbed the reins and rode him out of the stable. Looking back over my shoulder, I could see movement in some of the windows. High, in the top left hand window I could see my lady watching. I blew her a kiss, and then Aerien and I disappeared into the morning mists.

We rode for a few hours, or more I’m not really sure since I fell asleep, before we came to a forest. Aerien knows better than to enter a forest if I’m not awake, and he threw me off. Wakened in this way I evaluated the day, and it wasn’t all that long gone. Aerien had proceeded to munch on some of the soft green grass that was at the edge of the path, and this made me realize that I was hungry too. I took an apple out of the saddle bag, and let him eat as he wished for the time being. We were in no hurry after all.

While I ate I examined our surroundings. The forest seemed to be full of plants in various vibrant shades of green, and some of the flowers that bloomed at the edges, and as far as I could see, were of sorts I had never seen before. The path seemed to disappear in the darkness that the canopy of trees created, and I wondered if the path even went to another village or manor. It didn’t really seem all that well traveled. But the ruts made by wagons were deep, and clear of obstructions, suggesting that it was traveled more than it appeared to have been. It was Aerien who decided that it was time to move on though.

I climbed back up into the saddle, and we headed into the forest. It was rather quiet, and that was somewhat disturbing but we continued anyway. Eventually though the hairs on the back of my neck started to rise, and I knew that someone or something was watching us. Aerien started at the crack of a twig, but I reined him in raising my voice as I peered anxiously into the forest.

“Whoever you are, come out.” I used a commanding tone, but put my hand on the hilt of a dagger that was hidden by the ornamentation on the saddle. Just in case what came out wasn’t all that friendly.

It seemed like ages, and nothing came out of the forest around us so we continued on. It wasn’t long though before we heard laughter coming from somewhere to the right of us, and moments later to the left. Aerien halted, and before I could shout again, a whirlwind like being fell out of the treetop above us, knocking me from the saddle and pulling at my clothing. As it examined me, I struggled, which caused bells on it’s clothing to start ringing. Eventually it was satisfied with what it saw, and released me, backing away a bit so I could get a look at my attacker.

She sat cross-legged on the ground with her hands on her knees laughing as I sat up and dusted myself off. Her clothes were shades of green with vibrant red and blue mixed in making her appearance comical. I had no idea how she had kept the bells that were all over her outfit silent, but as she had I knew that she had some sort of talents. Her copper hair was long and loose, and some of it hung over one of her eyes. Her eyes were probably the one thing that startled me. They were as green as a cats, and seemed to reflect what little light that was around in such a manner that they seemed to glow.

“Welcome to the forest Stranger.” She finally said in a voice that seemed to say a thousand things to once. In that instant I knew exactly what she was. This one was a jester, and if I intended to keep my head, I had to play along. That or convince her that I wasn’t worth the times spent toying.

“Well you certainly welcome folk in a strange manner.” I growled standing and straightening my cloak, and taking a pose that I practice often. “How dare you simply touch someone of the nobility without talking to them first.” I ventured to make her feel guilty.

“You don’t appear to be of nobility, Bard.” She laughed back, springing to her feet in a fluid movement. “Your attire might convince some of that, but you don’t fool me.” She went over to Aerien, and ran her hand along his neck playfully.

Then much to my displeasure she turned him against me. As I watched in disbelief, she pulled some sugar cubes from one of her many pouches and fed them to him. He glanced at me having eaten these sorts of treats rarely, and whinnied as he nuzzled her and clamped his teeth onto the collar of her top. He flipped her over his head and onto his back and started back off down the path.

“Hey! Where do you think you’re going!?!”

“I’m going back to my camp, and it looks like your horse is coming with me. You’re welcome to come as well if you’d like. If not, I suppose I could whistle up some company for you.”

I didn’t doubt her in that. “Aerien!” I shouted. “Get back here now you ungrateful beast!”

He turned his head and blew air at me, then followed the jesters directions. I crossed my arms and watched them walk off, thinking that Aerien would realize his error and come back. But he didn’t, so as it was getting even darker and the facts were that fairly soon I wouldn’t be able to see. Not only that, they’d taken my supplies! Eventually I had to relent and follow after them.

It wasn’t long until I came to her camp. It was set up in a small clearing next to a stream. Above, in the canopy of trees there was an opening large enough that the stars in the night sky were visible. Smoke floated up from the crackling fire almost hypnotically, and I could smell and hear the sizzling that comes with the cooking of meat. I spotted Aerien a small ways from the fire clearly flirting with the Jesters horse, and that made me even angrier. And just a little further off in the darkness, I could see that a small tent had been set up.

This sort of thing wasn’t supposed to happen to me! Other bards and heroes in stories, but not me! Jesters are supposed to be in a great hall, what was this one doing out? This in mind I crept into the camp, and made a beeline towards Aerien. But before I even reached him, both horses started to snort and stamp, alerting the camps mistress to my presence.

“So I see you do not hesitate to join me. How pleasant. I figured that you’d show up eventually, I’ll have a meal finished shortly if you care to join me. Not that it matters. If you try to leave, I can follow you. But I doubt Aerien, I think that’s what you said his name was, will want to leave at the moment.”

She was mocking me! I felt anger flood through me, and I tried to keep it covered as I approached her. What was with this demon that she acted this way towards me? Most women would fall into my arms, like they were supposed to, and say nothing of it. Not that I would want this one to. But the situation was making me very angry. I’d reached my breaking point though, and as she stood there, waiting for a response, I slapped her. Not hard enough to satisfy myself, but hard enough that her eyes opened wide in surprise.

“That’s only a taste of what you’re dealing with fool.” I said as I walked over and sat by the fire. “You should be more careful choosing those you’ll trust. Not only that you should show respect towards your betters. Now, what was that you said about a meal?”

Her eyes hadn’t followed me so her back was to me now, and I could see that she trembled slightly. Ah, so she could feel something besides mirth then. Finally she dashed back towards the fire and yelped something about the food burning. I laughed quietly, and listened as she talked to the food as it was cooking. She glanced over at me eventually though, and in the fire light I noted something different in her eyes that sent a shiver down my spine. Would I regret my previous action?

She started whistling after that, in patterns that seemed unnatural coming from a person. She still worked with the food at the fire, and I wasn’t going to let her get to me. The air seemed to chill slightly though as she continued. Eventually I heard what sounded like the rustling of leaves all around the camp. The forest around seemed to get an almost eerie glow, and then a flock of orbs started circling me where I sat. The jester stopped whistling, and crossed her arms to watch. I laughed at first, since I know this trick myself, dancing lights are harmless on the most part really.

Then the orbs started to pinch me, laughing as they did so. It was as they did this that I realized they weren’t dancing lights or orbs at all. Nor were they will-o-wisps. These were pixies and faeries. How or why they came I didn’t quite understand but as they pinched at me, and I swatted at them, one landed on my shoulder and started to whisper things in a merry little voice that would have disturbed even an undertaker. I refused to yield to them, but they were faster than I was, and we fought for what seemed ages, until I had to yield.

“Fine…”I hissed standing in a motion that caused my cloak to fall around me, hiding me a bit from a good number of the small creatures’ attacks. I walked over to where the Jester was taking the food off the fire, and bowed. “Lady I’m sorry if I have offended you and I realize the error in my ways.” My voice on the other hand told the truth, and the pixies that had followed me rather than watch started pinching me again. I swatted at them, and continued. “Thank you for asking me to eat with you…” I grabbed one pixie and shook it. “Would you stop pinching me already?!? It’s rather hard to try and be charming when you’re being pinched and threatened!” I tossed the pixie back towards where a lot of them were sitting, standing and floating and continued, now unhindered by the pixie plague.

“I asked you to eat simply to be polite.” She said finally a bit stiffly, eyes on the pixies and faeries that, as I glanced over seemed to be rallying for a secondary attack.

“I thank you again lady.” I bowed again, starting to feel flustered. What sort of person was she that pixies and faeries would come to her rescue? If these were what came when I was only rude, what else might she be able to summon? I pushed the thought to the back of my mind. “I know you know Aerien already, he’s my horse, and has traveled with me for a few years now. My name is Damen June. But generally I generally just go by Day.” The fairies and pixies settled, so I relaxed a little. I’d at lest satisfied their request.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Day. Aerien certainly has better manners on the most part compared to you I’m forced to admit. He and Lindera seem to be getting along wonderfully.” I think she noticed my raised eyebrow. “Yes my horse is Lindera. My name is Lady Pelinor Uriel Haloria Dawn Lissuin Alasse Rashwe, mistress of the laughing arts, and keeper of the spirit of mirth. I forgive you for your previous rude actions, and I implore you to join me in the meal I’ve completed.” She turned away from me, taking the pans of food further from the fire, and started to help herself. She seemed to care less what I did now.

I gulped slightly, noting that some of the pixies and faeries had finally wandered off. But there were a few that seemed to be lingering, just in case I did something else. “Well then Lady, what shall I call you? Forgive me in asking, but that is an awful lot of names for one person to have.” Which was an honest question; rarely in my travels did I meet anyone that had more than three or four names.

She seemed to think about it for a few seconds as she popped a piece of meat into her mouth. Her green eyes shone bright in the fire light, and it wasn’t long before she answered. “You can call me Alasse. Generally though, I use Rashwe when it comes to having people listening to me seriously.” She motioned that I should eat. “Now hurry up before everything is cold. It would surely be a pity if you waited that long, would it not?”

“It doesn’t really matter actually.” I mumbled. One pixie heard me and darted over; pinching my ear hard, but I bit my tongue. Alasse hadn’t heard me so that’s all that mattered. I helped myself to a hearty serving of everything she’d made, which meant basically I ate whatever she hadn’t taken.

I noted that she looked a little startled by this. But I just shrugged. She’d invited me to eat, and since it wasn’t out of my own store I might as well eat what I could. Just as I do at the manors. I watched Alasse as she ate her food, slowly. This seemed a bit strange yes, but it didn’t matter much. I decided that I might as well start up a bit of conversation.

“So are you coming or going? I mean this forest is amazing, but it’s hard to say if anyone’s come in.”

“I’m going in actually. I heard your horse, and went up into the treetops to see if you were dangerous or not. You seemed fairly harmless, and I could tell from your clothes that you’re a bard. Well, that and the lute.” She laughed and dabbed at some gravy on her plate with a piece of brown bread. “For a few moments I thought you’d figured out that I was following you in the trees, but when I realized you hadn’t I decided to have some fun. You probably understand how boring it can be traveling alone.”

I couldn’t help laughing at her. “Yeah I can understand that. But it’s not that lonely for me. I’ve had good company over time you know.”

“I’m sure you have. Your reputation precedes you, I’m sure you well know that Day.”

“Has it now? I don’t see how that can be a bad thing.” I could feel my usual smirk spreading across my face that I usually got when talking about myself. “People only seem to have good things to say about me on the most part.”

“Yes on the most part.” Alasse paused and took a spoonful of something and looked at it thoughtfully. “But I’m not the most part am I?”

“No...” I said watching her suddenly feeling uncertain. Had I met this woman before? No, I would have remembered meeting a jester like this. Then as I watched, she whipped the food from the end of her spoon over the fire, and it splattered against the side of my head. “Hey!” I couldn’t believe it, or I wasn’t all that surprised, I wasn’t sure. “What’s that about?” Then I readied a spoonful of food myself to retaliate if her answer didn’t satisfy me.

“What’s what about?” Alasse said in a tone that was anything but innocent. What did she think she was playing at?

“You know what!” I said as I flung a spoonful of food back at her. Unfortunately my marksmanship, with a spoon at least, isn’t that good. The food didn’t make it anywhere close to hitting her and it fell with a sizzle into the fire.

I jumped to my feet as another spoonful of food hit me on the forehead. I darted to her side of the fire, and stood holding my plate of food threateningly. “You’re going to regret that you did that.”

“Oh am I?” Alasse blinked at me, and I got the feeling she was right. I couldn’t just dump my plate of food on her. I was still hungry!

“Ok, maybe not right now.” I said with a growl. “But soon enough you will.”

“I’ll hold you to that.”

“I bet you will.” I said laughing as I sat down again. As much as I didn’t like Alasse, she didn’t really seem all that bad. True, I still thought she was part demon, but there’s nothing wrong in that. I finished eating without wearing anymore food. By the time I’d finished though, Alasse had already cleaned her pans and the plate and spoon she’d used.

I got up and was actually going to wash my own, when she swooped in and disappeared back to the stream. I wondered mildly how she could move around in what seemed like pure darkness. What’s more, how was she managing to make sure that the dishes were clean? Curiosity eventually got the better of me and I slowly headed towards the stream, where I could hear her splashing at the waters edge. In what little bit of light the stars overhead provided I saw something I wouldn’t have believed if I hadn’t seen it. She wasn’t washing the dishes. She stood there chattering amiably with a banshee, who was washing the dishes!

Ok, maybe I’m seeing things, I thought to myself. But if she’s talking to banshees, and calling pixies and faeries, what is she? I don’t think if she has these kind of talents she’s just a plan jester. That would just be ridiculous.

I hurried back to the fire side though when I saw the banshee start looking in the direction where I stood. I called Aerien over, and he came reluctantly abandoning his new companion. I took my lute off the saddle and started to play it lightly. More to calm myself and sooth my racing mind. After all this might be nothing more than a dream, and I might wake up in the morning and find that I’d simply drank some bad ale.

Thinking like that though wouldn’t help things. So I sat my lute down, and went over to unsaddle Aerien. He seemed startles by the change, but I figured he would be more comfortable for the night. Plus it might help prevent chaffing.

“I think it’s almost time to set in for the night.” Alasse said coming back with the clean dishes. But then she noted my lute and sat down. “But I think that bed can wait a short while. Are you going to play something?”

I blinked and shifted, looking from her to the fire then to my lute, and pondered what I could sing or what story I could tell After all there was no harm in being nice. “What sort of song or story would you like to hear?” I finally said heading back towards the fire to pick up my instrument.

“Well, I like stories about dragons, or faeries…just about anything would do actually.”

“Fair enough.” I thought for a few moments, playing a few warm up chords, and singing a few random sequences, nothing that really made much sense. But she seemed to like it. In the end I decided on something that was a work in progress.

“For every tale that is told
There is some truth that is told
And some lie that is sold
There are things that are forgotten
And things that are added

This is to remember
What some do try to forget
The memories of yesterday
The failures of the past

When warriors stand fearful
On the brink of victory
When dragons soar into the sky
With a sound that scares humanity

That’s when it needs to be remembered
When things were so much better
When creatures lived in peace
A fact that’s faded fast”

I glanced up from my lute and saw that Alasse had fallen asleep. I stopped playing and stood, stretching, tired myself. At least I’d gotten to practice what I could remember of the piece. Half of me, the half that had been angrier earlier wanted to leave Alasse where she was. But looking at her, as she was curled up into a ball near the fire, I felt a spark of curiosity enter me. Looking over I saw that Aerien and Lindera were both asleep. I couldn’t help laughing quietly at the fact that they seemed to be so close so quickly. Maybe I should have been letting him meet other horses more often.

“Alasse?” I said quietly shaking her gently. “You need to get up long enough to go to your tent.”

“Hmmm…?” She blinked up looking confused for a moment.

“Your tent girl. You need to go sleep in your tent.”

“I do?” She asked the question like it was something she’d never done before.

I nodded. “Yeah, you do. Tell you what though, I’ll carry you over there, but you’ll have to go in on your own.”

“mhm.” Alasse said curling back as she’d been. Does she ever sleep in her tent, I wondered as I scooped her up. The bells on her clothes rang out, and lindera shot up to attention looking over as I walked past the horses.

“Shhh, Lindera it’s fine. I’m just delivering her to her tent.” I said feeling a little silly. Honestly now! The only thing this jester made me was angry, so why should the horse worry. Ok, so maybe I was a little curious too, but still. I set Alasse on her feet, and she leaned on me, clearly still asleep, but it seemed nice. Wait what was I thinking? “Alasse, here’s your tent, you ought go in and sleep there now.”

“thank you.” She said quietly, and then it looked like she fell into the tent. Those two words startled me. Enough in fact that, I half wanted to peer into the tent and see if I’d been dreaming.

I went over to where I’d left the saddle, and took my own blankets off and set to laying out my own bed for the night. I checked around the camp once before going to sleep. Then lay down with a sigh to look at the stars that showed through the canopy gap.

“What have I run into this time?”

Heh. That guy reminds me of me a bit. Although I wouldn't be dumb enough to mouth off to someone I met in the middle fo the forest like that.

I like this story. For some reason, I reminds me of Hidalgo for some reason. *shrug* I liked the stuff with Aerien, that was a good way of doing person-animal relationship without the talking horse/telepathy stuff that paladins always flock to. The characters were pretty unique, although I sometimes wonder why all a bard ever plays is a lute or a harp. I'd like to see one who plays a horn *points at sig*.

Anyway, a +5/+5 story of interest. Very enjoyable.

Really good, sweetiepie. I think you did a really good job of portraying the male point of view (especiallly the ego bit).

I really like this character and this world you're basing it in, and I want to know more about it all (for some reason, it reminds me a little of Narnia--not sure why yet). More more more!

Yes yes! I loved it, please continue!

Nice work...pretty interesting to use a 1st person perspective.

For some reason I picture Day as Sean Connery.

Ok. So I'm not doing all that awful.

Kuja, I would have had him play something else if I could have been able to think of something else. I can tell you this much, that the Lute isn't the only instrument that he's going to play in this.

Zaia *hug* I'd almost forgotten about Narnia, but you reminded me of a few things that I'd almost forgotten about. We might have an influence here, and it's not alcoholic!(last night was a trip, heh)

*hugs Ghost, Tevar, and Mark* You sure there's nothing that needs changed just yet?*looks hopeful* Anything at all, even if it's just a word... Please let me know ok? wwmasap

Well in the very beginning you say, "...I slowly dressed, examining her in the pale morning light. She looked so pale..."

You should try to avoid using the same word so closely in a row like you did with 'pale' here. Speak it out load and it sounds weird.

*nods* Caught the tip, changed it. I'll work on keeping it 1-2-1 ratio.

P.s. Sean Connery is too old to be Day

I woke up, and found that I was in my tent, I knew this simply from the fact that I was in a blanket. Unusual; how in the world did I get here? I rarely sleep in here, save for when it’s raining…and what’s more I couldn’t breathe. I wondered if perhaps… I shifted and opened my eyes to find a pair of piercing blue ones looking straight into my own.

“Your lord is not pleased Lady.” The small creature hissed as he sat on my chest, applying just enough weight so that I could barely breathe. “But I’m sure you know the reason why.” The creature pulled back a bit so I could see the rest of his blue opalescent face. The smirk that Perin was wearing, as he tried to smother me, was nothing unusual: Since I knew him well.

“Get off it Perin.” I said grabbing him by one of his silver horns and whipping him into the side of the tent so that I could sit up and breathe. When he hit the tent I heard a semi-satisfactory thump. Too bad it wasn’t a stone wall. “I’ve done nothing that my Lord wouldn’t approve of.” Having found out that it was only Perin one could say I was relieved.

Perin, stood up to his full height, about 3 feet and his wings touched the sides of the tent. As he stood he smoothed wrinkles out of his silvery clothes. He looked angry. “How dare you be so rude to me young lady! I have it half in my mind to…”

“And you better stop right there because you’ll do nothing while I have company.” I cut him off and brushed my hair out as he huffed and puffed. “Lord Gerin does not appreciate it when you disturb company without his permission. Besides little one, he likes me better than you.”

Perin growled. He knew what I said was true and I could see how it angered him by the way his skin flushed to an impressive shade of indigo. “Just the same Alasse. When those of the court are no longer amused by you, I will get a chance.”

“That Perin is an empty threat. You have no way of backing it up. Besides, even if they tired of me, you have a long wait to get a turn with me. Which means that by the time it’s your turn there will be very little left of me.” My tone was mocking. Gerin would never let Perin hurt me. Which made me wonder… “So what are you doing here?”

“Your ‘company’ is wandering Gerins’ forest unsupervised. Our lord has sent me to tell you to find him and bring him to the castle, before the others find him and tear him to pieces.” Perin smirked before he continued. “I took the liberty of notifying a few of them, just to be nice.” His jealousy was not hidden. Perin always tried to ruin things and I wondered who he would have told.

“Well who did you tell?” I finally asked, and then I wished I hadn’t.

“I told the forests mistresses Alasse. Who else would I have told?” Perin laughed then, nad disappeared in his usual manner as I lunged at him.
“Damn you Perin!” I shouted at the top of my lungs, knowing that he would be close enough to here, but not close enough to feel my wraith. I scrambled out of my tent, and found that Lindera had been tied to a tree. She looked panicked as I untied her and leapt up onto her bare back. “Lindera go where they’ve gone.”

It wasn’t long until we found Day and Aerien. Aerien was cornered by four wolves, while Day was swinging at a large one with a fallen tree branch. The Matriarch of the pack. I leapt from Linderas’ back into the tree after whispering to her to go back to camp. I knew that she would obey, she knew better than to mess with the forests mistresses.

From the tree I evaluated the situation. The four young ones were not harming Aerien, they were simply worrying the poor beast. Day on the other hand was in danger. I watched only for now though. Perhaps he deserved to belong to the mistress. I would have only watched if he hadn’t fallen.

“Grandmother! Stop, please, for the sake of one of your daughters!” I called out as I dropped from the trees, landing at the Matriarchs side.

The Matriarch glared at me and growled loudly. She clearly cared little for this one that was before her. She snapped at Day, who swung at her from where he lay on the ground. She growled, and howled a warning. The four young wolves let Aerien go, and he dashed off, back towards the camp. This left only Day and the wolves to deal with.

The four young wolves circled Day as the Matriarch approached me. I bowed to her in the fashion that Gerin had taught me, baring my neck to her. “My Lady, forgive him for his foolish ways. It is not his fault.”

She growled in response, shaking her ruff and moving here ears. She wasn’t sure about Day, I couldn’t blame her for wanting to be cautious though. He had stricken her. She turned her great golden eyes and watched as Day stood watching me as I talked to her. He looked scared, but I knew better than to say anything about that.

“He is new to the forest M’lady. I met him last night, and was planning to escort him to Lord Gerins’ Castle. You are welcome to accompany us as well. I’m sorry if Perin gave you the wrong idea.” I glared at Day, and signaled that he ought to bow. “I’m certain that he did not realize that you and your kin are the keepers of this forest.”

Day didn’t bow. The Matriarch growled at me, but she seemed to be in a better humor now. The four young wolves circling Day, were leaping at him, and growling. But the Matriarch howled quietly, and their threatening actions became those of puppies. They yipped, and Day was so startled by the sudden change he fell over as one leapt at him. They licked his face all over, and I could hear him grumbling.

I bowed to the Matriarch again. “Thank you Grandmother. You are wise, and know what is best for your daughters.”

She just nodded her head to me, and let out a low growl, which cause the other four to fall to attention. Then she led them off leaving Day were he lay, looking a little…rumpled from the encounter. I couldn’t help laughing as he stood and glared at me.

“I would have been perfectly fine if you hadn’t come along Alasse!”

“Wrong. You were set up. Perin came and told me so. Now, shall we go back to camp and have breakfast before going to Gerins’ Castle?”

“I don’t know who this Perin is, or Gerin. But…” He stopped. “What do you mean I was set up?”

“Perin…Is a little jealus of anyone that has something he hasn’t. No matter what it is he thinks they have. He told the mistresses of the forest that you were here. Though Gerin had told him to ask me to escort you to the castle, he instead waited until you were in trouble to inform me of Gerins’ wishes.”

Day didn’t seem to believe me. “So you know this Gerin and Perin then?”

“Yes I’ve been here more than once. I know many of those that live here. Most of them trust me. Some even would go as far as to protect me, as you’d learned.” With that I turned and started back towards camp. “Where did you think you were going?”

“I was heading towards the castle. Or so I thought.”

“Thought is more like it. The path only goes in circles ending back at the camp, unless you know the way to go.”

“Oh.” Day said from behind me. He sounded thoughtful, and I felt butterflies start fluttering in my stomach. Was he going to thank me?

No, he wasn’t. We walked the rest of the way back to the camp in silence. We found Aerien and Lindera at the stream, and there was already food on the fire. I hadn’t put it there, but I doubted he would know that. I wandered over to the fire and checked what was cooking. Slabs of dragon steak were on the fire, and there was a pot of potatoes boiling next to them.

Mentally I thanked Gerin for having sent someone to start the meal for me. I doubt we would have eaten so well otherwise. I don’t think Day realized the meat was dragon though. Which was just as well, I didn’t want to think about who had died in the acquisition of it.

I ate quick as I could, and finished long before Day. I had to get my tent torn down, or so I thought. “Gerin you rascal.” I said with a laugh to myself as I saw that the tent had been mostly taken down already. It didn’t take long at all to get everything packed up again. Lindera was a little upset about having to be saddled again. But I didn’t have much of a choice. I certainly wasn’t going to try to hang on to everything while riding bareback.

I turned around and spotted Day watching me. This startled me somewhat, but then I remembered that he’d tried to leave earlier so he was already packed. I started whistling a tune that I knew well, and led Lindera over to where Day was sitting. I noticed he was wincing slightly as I whistled, and I asked him what was wrong.

“Last time you whistled, you brought an army of faeries out to torment me, So if you don’t mind I would prefer that you don’t whistle.” He spoke curtly, and short. Like this request was the end of the matter.

“Fair enough I suppose.” I replied shrugging off the slightly icy tones he’d used. “But you’re going to have to sing that song you started last night when we get to the castle. I think I fell asleep before you finished.” I turned and got up into the saddle, which caused Lindera to dance a little. Generally I didn’t ride if I could help it, since she carried just about all my supplies, it didn’t seem fair. But Gerin was expecting us so we had to be on our way as fast as we could.

“You never did explain to me who this Perin and Gerin are.” Day said riding next to me.

I glanced over and pondered for a moment. “I suppose in a manner of speaking, Gerin is my patron Lord. If I need, he provides. Perin is one of the members of his council. He dislikes me much, mainly because of the fun everyone has while I’m visiting the castle.” I wasn’t sure if the explanation would satisfy him, so I continued. “I can’t recall the first time I arrived at the castle. I don’t remember how I got there, and I certainly don’t know what convinced me to enter this forest when I did. Maybe it was the most fool hearty thing that I’ve ever done. But I arrived at the gates of a beautiful castle, that was guarded by the most beautiful woman and men I had ever seen.

They stopped me only long enough to say hello and welcome me, and then they escorted me into the great hall. The great hall had been decorated with green boughs and thousands upon thousands of the flowers that grow in the forest. The sight itself was enough to take my breathe away at that point. But the most beautiful thing in the room, that eventually stole my attention from everything else, was Gerin.

Gerin, sat upon a throne that was a nook at the base of a tree, that grew up from the floor almost touching the ceiling of the hall. I would have though him a statue had he not stood then. He strode across the room stopping in front of me for a moment, long enough for me to notice that his clothes that looked fairly simple were of green and blue velvet. Underneath his jerkin he wore an ivory shirt which his tan skin made look even paler. His eyes…” I had to pause and I noticed Day looking at me like I was crazy.

“You talk almost as if you’re in love with him.” Day commented, and I imagined that I heard a hint of jealousy in his voice. At least I think I imagined it.

“No.” I laughed. “I don’t love him, at least not in the way I think you mean. He is my lord. I’m only a simple lady due to having been given the title. He has always been a lord, and I have always been a jester. But back to where I was.

His eyes were the most amazing blue. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a blue before. His hair is a lovely chestnut color. Almost the same shade as Aerien there.” I decided to give an example. “The smile that he wore as he greeted me was warm enough to melt a thousand winters away. His voice is like nothing you’ve ever heard before. It’s absolutely beautiful. Maybe you won’t think so, but you are a man after all, and so is Gerin, so I don’t expect you’ll see him the same way I do.”

“I think I understand about Gerin now.” Day interrupted what I was saying. “What about this Perin? What is he like? From what you said about him, I am led to believe he is a treacherous creature.”

“He is only like the rest of his kind. Perin is the ambassador to Gerins court from the Unseelie. He’s not always bad, but he dislikes happiness.”

“Unseelie ambassador? Are you trying to mess with my head? What kind of place is this?” Day sounded angry, but I suppose I couldn’t blame him. I wouldn’t have believed that the Unseelie in the area would send an ambassador to a court besides another of their own either, if I hadn’t seen it myself.

“Yes. Perin is the Unseelie ambassador to Sheehogue Castle. You’ll know him by his unquestionably apparent vanity. He’s only about 3 feet tall, and his skin is a pearly blue color. He has wings similar to a dragon, but he’s getting to the point, in my opinion at least, that he’s far too round to use them to fly.” I could almost swear that I heard cursing off to my right, and I couldn’t help laughing. Serves him right for eaves dropping.

“So this isn’t a regular court at all.”

“Correct. It’s a mixed court. But as long as you mind your manners I doubt that you’ll have any trouble. Gerin is the lord in this forest, by the appointment of the others. I simply call him Lord or Gerin, but do not be surprised if he prefers that you call him King Basadone. It takes some time to be on a name basis. So please refrain from calling him Gerin if you can.”

“I shall try to. So what do they call you here at this castle?”

“Rashwe. They call me Rashwe here. But you can still call me Alasse if you so wish. Gerin calls me Alasse. So you can call me whichever of my names you wish to.” I stopped talking and reined in Lindera. I raised my hand and pointed. “There’s the castle, we’re almost there.”

We weren’t far at all from the castle, and in the middle of the forest a grassy clearing seemed to sprawl out. In the center of the clearing was a lake that shimmered like liquid sapphires. In The center of this lake a castle, that appeared to be carved of obsidian, rose like a testament to the skill of the kingdoms people. The bridge that spanned from the castle to the shore seemed to shimmer in and out of sight. As we got closer Day got off Aerien, and was going to let him drink some of the shimmering water.

“Day, don’t do that.”

“Why not? He’s thirsty, so am I for that matter.”

“I mean it. If you value your life you won’t do that.”

“Why not?” He repeated the same question looking into the shining water.

I pointed at some beautiful giant goldfish. “Aren’t they lovely to look at?”

“Not really, they look like they’d make a few good fillets.”

“Well watch this.” I bent down and picked up a pebble, tossing it into the midst of the fish.

As we stood at the edge of the lake, where the pebble had entered the water, a crocodile leapt out of the lake. The sapphire water streamed off his deep green scales, and he dropped back into the lake with a splash. I crossed my arms and laughed.

“Now, do you think those fish would really make good fillets?”

“They’re not fish!” Day looked at the fish in disbelief. “This is ridiculous….”

“No it’s not, it’s a safety measure.”

“Not when you’re thirsty.”

“There’s a well at the gate. Can you wait until we get there?”

“It looks like I’ll have to.” Day snapped, grabbing Aeriens lead and heading to the bridge.

Shaking my head I wondered if Gerin was going to be able to put up with Days’ actions. Lindera had followed them on her own as I was contemplating, so I had to hurry to catch up to them.

“This bridge is safe right? I mean, if the fish aren’t why would the bridge be.”

“Oh stop your whining.” He was really starting to get on my nerves. Here I was trying to be nice to him, yet it was getting me nowhere. I looked up and saw a pair of swans fly over the castle wall, and sighed.

I hopped back into the saddle, and we started over the bridge. I was done explaining things. He didn’t seem to believe me anyway. Perhaps Perin had had the correct idea in trying to get rid of Day. Looking over my shoulder I noted his grim facial expression, and couldn’t help laughing.

“You better not look like that when we get in there. Please smile. You look so much nicer when you smile.”

He started, and then settled again. I was led to believe that he didn’t think much for me. Well forget him then. I whispered to Lindera to run, and we crossed the rest of the bridge in a flash crossing into the castle unchallenged. Dismounting I was met by one of the stable boys who took Lindera off to care for her.

“In a hurry daughter?” A silky voice said behind me with a laugh as I pulled a pail of water from the well.

I turned dropping the pail back into the wells depths with a splash. Without hesitation I ran over wrapping the silver haired woman in a tight hug. “As always Grandmother. I’m glad to see that you’re not any worse for the wear.” I released her and looked her over. “He’s not going to recognize you this way you know.”

“That’s the idea.” Was the reply she gave, brushing a few stray strands of silver hair out of her golden eyes. “I doubt he’s worth the trouble that you’re being put through though daughter.”

“I know. Trust me I know well this might be one of the worst things I’ve ever gotten myself into. Plus I never actually said anything about him being worth…” I shook my head then straightened her grey cloak, and playfully smoothed the wrinkles out of her hunting clothes. “But I’m sure that things will eventually look up. There is a new person to join in the tom foolery tonight. I’m not sure how he’ll take it but he is a fresh face. So hopefully my sisters and brothers will be pleased.”

Grandmother laughed lightly, shaking her head. “They will be I’m certain. I’ll keep an eye on Perin though. He’s been rather uppity lately you know.”

“So I noticed. Is there anything that I ought to know before going into the court?”

She pondered this a few moments, her golden eyes watching Day as he forced Aerien to walk slowly across the bridge. “He’s rather…stiff and that makes me a little frustrated.” Was the comment Grandmother gave, causing me to laugh.

“I know. But he’ll be fine. Hopefully. If not, well there’s nothing I can do about it.”

“The only thing you need to know is Perin is trying to do something. What I’m not really sure. He was rather upset last night when he found out you were coming last night. Your…acquaintance?... made him even angrier. I had thought he was actually unwelcome. You’re lucky that I hadn’t torn him to pieces before you got there. What did you say his name was?”

“Day. He’s a bard.”

“Is he? Well he’ll need to loosen up a bit before tonight then. We’re celebrating the full moon tonight. We haven’t had a bard from the outside in…” She paused a moment and I laughed.

“Longer than you can remember.”

“Yes, that’s about right.” Grandmother said joining in my laughter.

We stopped laughing though, as Day finally crossed into the castle.

“Welcome to Sheehogue Castle” Grandmother called to Day, as a stable boy darted out to lead away Aerien. “I hope that your journey was fair. There is a celebration tonight. I hope that you’ll be joining us.”

Day walked towards us his arms crossed, looking almost like a wraith. “Thank you for your welcome. Where should I go now?”

Grandmother raised an eyebrow and signaled for him to follow her. She didn’t need to tell me, I knew where we were going. “You can’t be going anywhere looking and smelling like that.” Grandmother said. “You are going to take a bath.”

I clamped my hand over my mouth trying to stifle a laugh, but I didn’t make it in time. Day glared at me and followed Grandmother off to the bathhouse. I went to the stable to get my things.

“Lindera, isn’t he just the most peculiar thing?”

What are Bards always uppity? LOL!

Great chapter, Lin, and I like the change in perspective. But the Bard is right... Rashwe does sound like she's in love with Gerin

She's got a crush on him the size of an Imperial Star Destroyer.


Can't wait to see what happens at the party.

Argh, switching between characters in the first person always throws me. I don't really like the idea of having more than one 'I' in a story at all, but obviously it's your story. If you don't think it would be somehow bad, starting each chapter with something like Alasse, the forest might help.

Other than that one thing, it seems good to me.

Taken into consideration.*ponders*

I think I found myself a new fic addiction.

Little bit off about change of perspective...still very good.

“I don’t want to take a bath!” I said angrily as the woman that had led me off ushered me to the bathhouse. “I’m not dirty I had a bath…maybe 3 days ago!” I crossed my arms and refused to go into the small stone structure. “Besides Alasse isn’t taking one, so why should I?”

“Day, if you do not go in and take a bath voluntarily I will take you in and give you the bath myself.” Her voice sounded gravely as she gritted her teeth and blocked the way we’d come from. Personally I didn’t doubt that she would do as she said. “And Rashwe is a lady; she does not bathe in the men folk’s bath.”

“I don’t have to. This is preposterous! I’ve never been treated like this anywhere before!” I fumed. How could she say that I was dirty? I hadn’t done anything but ride my horse! Besides, I’d washed up, somewhat, at camp before I’d left.

“I don’t care, you smell terrible. I don’t know Rashwe was able to stand riding with you all the way here.” She tossed her silvery hair. “You are taking one whether you will or won’t. DIETRICH!”

The door to the bathhouse opened a crack, and a silver haired youth peered out. “Yes Grandmother?”

“You will make sure this one is bathed before he comes to the great hall. If he doesn’t bathe he doesn’t eat.”

With that threat I had to relent, I knew better than to do something that would leave me hungry. I was going to take a bath, even though I had no use for one. I went through the door to the bath, and noted the details on the inside. This whole place seemed to have been carved and adorned to please the senses. Nothing was simple, and I wondered what on earth would have possessed anyone to carve such things as was I here. The walls were murals of dragons, griffins and mermaids, and other magnificent beasts that I can find no name for.

“Hot bath or cold?” Dietrich asked with a sly grin.

“I don’t care.” Having said that I should have realized that I would regret it before long.

“Good then.” He grabbed me, and threw me into what looked like a crisp pool, and it was freezing!

“Hey!” Was all I could manage, spluttering in the icy water, as I felt my clothes swelling around me as they soaked up the water quickly.

“I thought you didn’t care.” Dietrich said with a sly grin as he went over to the wall and started fiddling with some of the tiles that were mixed into the mural the wall. “Would you like it warmer?”

I bit my lip and climbed out of the pool, taking my soggy boots off, and pealing off layers. I tried not to say anything. But I had to give him some sort of answer as he waited. “NO. It’s fine. I’ll live.” But I added under my breath “If you people let me anyway…the lot of you are crazy…”

Dietrich laughed. “You’re lucky we’re the friendly sort.” He commented lightly, almost with hidden meaning. But the bath went uneventful for the rest of the time.

After the bath, I was left with a problem. “Uhm... since you threw me in the pool, what am I supposed to do about my clothes??” I asked as I wrapped the plush towel around my waist, being semi modest I suppose.

“You are so simple minded!” Dietrich said rolling his eyes. “The idea was to get the whole of you clean, Clothes and you. They should be dry by now.”

He wasn’t lying. Had I actually been in that long? The idea seemed rather ridiculous. But then again, it was true. Grumbling I redressed quickly, and dashed for the bath house door, only to find that it was locked. I grumbled and growled at it until Dietrich caught up and opened it with a sly grin.

“Unfortunately it seems that Grandmother obviously doesn’t trust you.” He said pushing the door open. “But I don’t trust you just yet either. Now if you care to join us in the great hall, I think… it’s about time to eat.”

“Sounds like a good idea. At least for now it does.” I answered following him through a set of silver doors that led into a large hallway. The walls were hung with tapestries that shimmered, shining from the metallic threads that were woven through them. I noted that the entire castle seemed to lack the touch of gold.

“The food tonight should be divine. Last nights were simple, and we always know that tonight’s dishes will surpass them. Silveri always likes to make our palates dry a bit before whetting them again with her masterpieces. When celebrating she likes to celebrate with what she makes.”

“That doesn’t sound so unusual.”

“Well once you taste ambrosia you’ll understand.”

Damn these people. Why can’t they just say something outright? First they make me take a bath because they thought that I smelt; now this one is talking about ambrosia. What sort of fool do they think me to be?

“You know I’m not here to replace the jester, right?” I asked frustrated suddenly.

“So you say. But I’ve found you amusing so far.” I decided not to respond to the obvious goading, and I followed him silently.

It wasn’t long until we finally reached what had to be the entrance to the great hall. The silver doors were polished to the point of looking like large mirrors. The knobs appeared to be huge rubies, with emeralds set into them somehow. The effect was rather interesting, and I was wondering how much they’d be worth when Dietrich threw open the doors.

Looking inside, I understood why Alasse had spoken as she had. The hall was quite impressive, the ceiling was high reminiscent of a cathedral I had once seen. The tree or throne, what ever you want to call it, did almost reach the ceiling. The walls shimmered, and it was obvious that some sort of magic had affected the appearance of everything within in some way.

I spotted Alasse. She was juggling three silvery orbs and talking to a few people that sat at a long table. They were all laughing and clapping, except for one character, which stood angrily thumping a pale fist on the table which he could barely see over. From simple deduction, it was clear that he had been the butt of a joke…or two. He looked over to where I stood, just outside the room and what I saw in his eyes was startling. This must be Perin. Having identified one of the two she’d talked about, I started to glance about the room, hoping to spot Gerin.

I stepped through the door and the laughter and merriment that had filled the hall was silenced. Almost as though I had lost my hearing; but as I looked over towards Alasse, she dropped the three orbs and they fell to the floor with loud metal clangs. She shook her head at me, then scrambled to gather the balls which had started rolling away. It was almost as if something had happened in the room.

Then I heard a cough behind me, I spun around quickly to find myself eye to eye with one that needed no introduction.

“Hello stranger. Welcome to Sheehogue Castle. I hope that things have been…agreeable.” His tone was cold, and he brushed past me. He was nothing at all like Alasse had said! He seemed cold as ice… “What now? I thought tonight we were going to celebrate? Isn’t that why Lady Rashwe has come back? Besides, we’ve also got this new guest. Matriarch tells me that he’s a bard. Is that so?” he turned to me and I felt every eye in the room fall upon me.

“Yes Sir.”

“Good then you will not mind playing for us?”

“My instrument is with my horse…” I said simply, truthfully, and stupidly. What else was I supposed to say?

“Well I’m sure there’s something here in the hall you can play. Do you play stringed instruments or…?”

“Stringed. I sing as well.”

“I’ve no doubt that you can sing.” He smiled, and following his eyes I knew he was looking at Alasse. She turned an impressive shade of pink, then looked down at the orbs that she held in her hands. Everyone started to laugh, and the tension that had gone over the room lifted. “Can you play harp?” Gerin said in light tones now.

“I can try. Tried before, but it’s always interesting to play.”

“Good to hear such…enthusiasm Damen. I am King Basadone, and I welcome you again to this castle.”

He stood there a moment, and I remembered my manners, bowing low. This clearly satisfied him, and he headed down the few steps to the floor of the hall, and straight to his throne. As I watched, various beings took their places around him. Alasse sat at his feet, and the one that I’d identified as Perin, sat in a small chair to his left. His round form looked fairly ridiculous in the high backed seat that dwarfed him further, but he didn’t seem to care.

Dietrich approached me then, smiling. The room had gotten lively again, and I felt calmer. “I think that you may want to come eat before he decides that it’s time for you to play Day.”

“You people are sure insistent.” I said as I followed him to a table at the far end of the room. “Yet your hospitality is amazing. Is this the same way that you great all new comers?”

Dietrich laughed turning to wink at me. “Of course. We can’t have people thinking ill of us when they hardly know anything about the castle, and us the inhabitants.”

The statement caught me slightly off guard as I sat down on a bench facing the rest of the hall. The smell of food wafted from the kitchen door near where I sat, and soon Dietrich brought food to where I sat, and I realized they expected me to eat. Around the room various eyes watched me from different angles.

Gerine and Alasse… rather King Besadone and Rashwe were deep in conversation, as Perin sat turning a vivid violet color as the two discussed something laughing. The demon like creature eventually slipped down out of his seat and stormed out of the hall, slamming the doors shut behind him with a loud crack as they clicked into place. Everyone in the room laughed, and Rashwe swept quickly to her feet juggling the orbs again and telling some story or other as she pulled more items out of her pouches and added them one by one to the growing circle.

As everyone continued to laugh and listen to her I ate, wishing mildly that maybe, just maybe the table had been closer to the show. I wished that I knew what they were laughing about, but also, I sort of wished that I could watch as she juggled.

Yes, I’ll admit it, I like to watch as performers entertain. Maybe that’s why I myself became a performer. But I doubt that was the full reason. The costume that she wore now sparkled and I wondered what the design was on a whole, as it seemed to change as she moved.

“She’s pretty good aien’t she?” A soft quiet voice said behind me, surprising me slightly, and I near drowned in my glass of wine.

“She’s alright I guess.” I said catching myself as I turned to see who had to be Silveri.

Beneath a cooks apron covered in various spices, and a few small splotches of blood and chocolate she wore silvery grey clothing. Her skin was the same color as the clothing, as was her hair. If it hadn’t been that she’d said something I doubt that I would have ever noticed her. She just seemed to disappear against the walls. Probably the most notable thing about her though were her eyes. Even in the bright lights of this magical hall they seemed to glow as though they had some sort of magic behind them.

She coughed slightly, and I realized I must have been staring. “I’m the cook here, Silveri. So what do you think of the food…everything to your liking?”

“Yes…Thank you.” I said grabbing a piece of bread from my plate, knowing that my ears were probably turning crimson. “I hope that I’m not being an inconvenience to you.”

“Not at all. The rest of them are probably going to eat while you play. That is if you don’t mind. Honestly, I came out here to see if you wanted anything else. What do you desire?”

Her question caught me off guard and I thought about it for a moment as I chewed on a piece of the sweet bread. “There’s little I need, what you sent out has been wonderful. Though, I have a question. Where is this harp King Besadone spoke of?”

“Over there.” Silveri said with a laugh. Her hand swept in an arc from her side, and I noticed how long her fingers were as she pointed one towards where Besadone and Rashwe were.

Behind the throne, a transparent white cloth draped over it loosely, stood the harp. It’s strings seemed to shimmer, and I had the urge to get up and run over to it. I wanted to play that harp, more than anything I had ever done before.

“Hey now, don’t rush things.” Silveri said, she must have reaed it on my face what I wanted to do. “It’s a magic harp, and it could play itself if it was given the permission. But Besadone prefers that a performer of sorts touches the strings to make music.”

I nodded. “Thank you for the warning lady.”

“Don’t thank me, it’s not needed. You’re a guest after all. Now finish your meal, because at the rate you’re going everyone else is going to starve to death before you’ve finished.” Her tone was light and I couldn’t help but smile.

I watched as she disappeared back towards the kitchen, and then I worked on finishing what was on my plate. It was hard to concentrate on eating, as I continued to wonder what Rashwe was saying. The minute I finished the last of my food though, Dietrich swept my plate away and Besadone called me forward.

Besadone proceeded to order two small fair haired boys to bring forward the harp, to which I felt an even stronger pull as it was brought out.

“I assume that this instrument should not prove to be a challenge for you.”

“No sir….I would enjoy such a challenge if it should turn out to be one.”

ok...so i couldn't get what i wanted...but i'm getting it....ack

...I feel tension building...

Very nicely done.

I wound down my routine after Besadone called Day forward, which was easy enough. Having done that though, I was uncertain as to what I was supposed to do. So having no better idea, I stood with my hands behind my back at the foot of the throne, listening as Day was told about Alore, and how she had come to the castle.

Alore was a special instrument. Each of her strings was a sirens hair, and the wood she was carved from had been salvaged from the remains of ships wrecked due to their call. The pegs that held each string were said to be made from the finger bones of the unfortunate crews of said ships. I myself knew that the part about the bones wasn’t true. Gerin had told me about how the story had simply evolved to encompass that bit to give Alore more of a mystifying air. In truth the pegs were carved Ivory But the story always sounded better than the truth. That and everyone else in the hall preferred a good story more than the truth.

Her face was exquisite, and the body that had been sculpted was beautiful. Alore…was a captured embodiment of a Siren, or so I swore. A shapely creature, though made of wood, she always managed to enchant any who laid eyes upon her. I myself had no desire to play such an instrument, but some did. Gerin made sure that she was always polished to a coppery sheen. The harp was kept better here, than any instrument was kept anywhere that I’d visited outside.

As Day sat down to play the harp, the rest of us sat down to eat. Sileveris’ kitchen crew marched out; all cleaned up bearing large trays of food that smelled divine. Besadone directed everyone to their seats, and I noted that Perin hadn’t come back. With a grin I settled in his vacant seat next to Gerin and took an opal plate, placing bits of the heavenly food on without question.

Gerin turned his blue eyes to me, before I even got a bite though. “This one…he fits you know.”

“Pardon? I’m afraid I don’t understand Sir.”

“This one.” He said pointing a fork at Day, who had started to play Alore. Granted, it was more that he sat mesmerized by her, strumming the strings. Each movement he made towards the harp was more a caress than strum though. The sight was not unusual. It wasn’t the first time I’d watched someone play the enchanted beauty.

“But that’s the effect she has on everyone save for you sir. How does he fit in?”

“Don’t be foolish Rashwe. He’s not exactly what I imagined when you described him to me.”

I couldn’t help but laugh, pulling my feet up under me on the chair. “I’m sorry if my words seemed misleading. But he doesn’t seem all that bad. Besides, wait until you hear him sing.”

“I know how he sings. You don’t think that the faeries you called would have all left after knowing you were home again. Everyone had thought you might have come in last night.”

I felt my ears and face flush, and knew that I likely looked embarrassed. Why though I wasn’t sure, I’d done nothing wrong.

“Don’t worry so dear. There’s nothing wrong. Actually, I am amused by the situation at hand, and as I said it fits.”

“So you continue to say sir. I don’t quite understand, but that’s alright. I trust your judgment. I hope in time you will explain to me what it is you’ve decided though.”

“Good, now eat before everyone has eaten all there is.” His eyes sparkled as I used my fork to spear something on my plate.

I wondered as I starting watching Day play Alore what it was that Gerin meant. I ate pondering, and didn’t comment though some of the others whispered to me. I didn’t quite understand what they were all getting at

Day played upon Alore for a long while, or so it seemed, before she took it upon herself to sing. The harps voice rose chillingly, and I felt the hair on the back of my neck stand on end. I swear her eyes darted to me as her small carved hands stretched forward, almost as though pleading to those of the court.

“I don’t care anymore,
What chains you bound me with
They matter not.
I’m so glad that now I’m free
You’ll no longer bother me.
It’s true I hope, but I can’t swear.

I’ll sooner cage a free bird,
Than the one I love.
I’d rather see the sun burn out
Than tears fall from his eyes.

So now that I am lonely,
I must remember this.
Love is something only
When a kiss is not a kiss.

…”

I only half paid attention as her sweet voice filled the hall. Her songs were almost always the same. Like the Sirens that were her mistresses originally she sand of love and sadness. Hardly had I ever heard her sing of happiness. I only caught some of what she sang, focusing instead on Day. Occasionally though, I swear Alore smirked at me as she sang.

See…Even though she is an enchanted creation, I almost swear she considers me a rival. While I am here… She is kept under a beautiful dust cloth. The court diverts their attention from her, and pays attention to me. Mildly I wondered if maybe I was feeling envious myself. Granted I cared little if Day wanted to entertain tonight, but I wished that Alore would let him sing.

Alore didn’t let him sing though. And soon Silveri had served dessert to everyone, and the night’s celebration was drawn to a close. Everyone applauded as Gerin told everyone that they were free to depart to their chambers.

I jumped to my feet, figuring to head off. But I wasn’t fast enough. Gerin ordered me to stay where I was. I watched as The Matriarch laughing told Dietrich to escort Day to the room which he was going to be staying in. I bit my lip, wondering why I wasn’t the one being told to do that. I crossed my arms and settled in the seat I’d just vacated.

“He sure can play.” Gerin said with a laugh after everyone had left, and he’d placed the cloth over Alore again. “Though I think Alore stole his thunder tonight. I’m sorry.””

“It’s alright.” I couldn’t help laughing. “What do you mean stole his thunder? I could care less what he does.’ You know as well as I do about that.”

“Don’t be stupid Rashwe.” Gerin replied, patting my head, in the manner one would a rebellious child. “I could read it on your face, just as everyone else in the room could.”

I felt my face flush, and hated the fact that I was so easily embarrassed so often in the past….och…two days? “Sir! There is no reason that anyone would have read anything on my face. I have never met the fool before in my life. And I simply escorted him here as per your instructions.”

“True. But even before my instructions were sent, you’d already captured him.”

“I hadn’t captured him. I’d simply caught him off guard. Your woods are not the friendliest place for a stranger after all.”

“But there is reason for that. You well know that.”

“I do. But that is all the more reason that I kept the stranger in my care.”

“In your care.” Gerin laughed, his eyes sparkling. “Rarely do I hear that you care for anything.”

I balked. “The very idea! I care for little besides your people and everyone’s merriment. As is the agreement between us sir. That whenever I come into your realm, I come and entertain.” I couldn’t believe that he’d said I cared for little.

“Yes I know. That agreement… how long ago was it that we drew it up?” He seemed to be mocking me.

“You know as well as I do…that I do not remember the date of it sir.”

“Then how is it that you can claim to care for it? After all if one cares so much one would know.”

“I’m sorry that my memory fails me. I am only human my lord.” I hung my head ashamed that I could not remember such a simple thing, such an important thing.

“You realize Perin is getting restless as well? The fact that you have forgotten something like that…has him on the edge of his seat. He brought the fact to my attention; I think to make me re-evaluate the agreement. Rashwe, I hate to say it, perhaps the agreement shall have to be renewed.”

“What?” I blinked up, surprised by what he’d said.

“The agreement, we might have to renew it, and add a few new clauses. After all, as you said yourself. You are only human. We would hate to lose you. As much as some would deny it, that is the truth.”

“What can I do then? If you feel it must be renewed, then I give it up to you to decide my lord.”

“Accommodating as usual.” He laughed lightly, and tugged my hat off, shaking it so the bells jingled brightly. “What say you that we take care of that tomorrow though? I know that you probably would love to get a good night of sleep.”

“As you know every time I come home sir.” I couldn’t help laughing, as I tried to get my hat back from him. “Now is this all you’ve kept me here for?”

“Not in particular.” He held the hat just out of my reach, amused as I tried to get it back. “I also would like you to deliver the payment for tonight entertainment to that Bard.”

I stopped, and stared at Gerin. “Are you kidding? Why can’t that wait until tomorrow?”

“Did I wait to send someone with payment on the first night you were here?”

I wracked my brain for a moment. “No you didn’t.”

“Then why would I wait this time?” He questioned simply, and gave me my hat back.

“I see what you’re getting at. What is it that you would like me to deliver to him?”

Gerin reached into the pouch at his side and took out a small silver brooch. The design upon it was that of his kingdom, and I grinned as he spoke. “The same thing that you received on the first night, the seal of my approval, of course.”

I laughed taking the brooch and dropping it into my pocket. “Am I to tell him that it is what it is? Or shall I simply hand it over to him?”

“We shall see. If he wears it tomorrow, then there will be no explanation. If he doesn’t wear it straight out, Dietrich will inform him to. Now… I think perhaps you should be getting to bed Rashwe.”

I nodded, suddenly noting how tired I actually felt. “Aye…I agree with that.”

“I’ll walk you to your room, and then you can decide what to do from there. But don’t forget.”

As Gerin walked me down the hallway, the torches that had lit the corridors went out one by one as he passed them. Eventually the night orbs that drifted the halls formed and started their prowling, and I laughed quietly as Gerin scolded a few of them.

“What are you laughing at?” He said with a Cheshire grin. “I could just as easily be scolding you M’Lady.”

“mmm.. You could but you wouldn’t.” I replied with a grin as I pushed the door of my room open.

“Oh wouldn’t I?”

“Nope. I don’t think you’ve got it in you to scold me. At least… not really.”

Gerins eyebrows shot up and he put his hands on his hips. “Young lady! Do you even know who you are talking to?”

“Yes, I know exactly who it is I am talking to. A little boy that loves everyone.” I wrinkled my nose as he crossed his arms. “Afraid of few, hurt by few, trusting many, and always looking for trouble.”

“I am not a little boy! I am a grown man…and a King to top it off!”

“I know that much well, some have told me you prove it. But I doubt you would.”

“I’ve no need to prove it to you Lady Pelinor Uriel Haloria Dawn Lissuin Alasse Rashwe. If I feel the need to prove it, I would do so in front of the whole court. Remember, you’re simply a lady of the court, not my mother. Plus… if I was looking for trouble I know exactly where to find her.”

“I would love to see that.”

He laughed and patted me again. “Hush now child, and go to bed.”

“Goodnight Gerin. I still don’t understand what it was that you were getting at, but you’re slowly explaining it to me.” I hugged him quickly and dashed into my room, closing the door quickly. I leaned on the inside, laughing lightly to myself as I heard him laugh as he started his nightly rounds of his castle.

I searched through all my things, not at all surprised that everything appeared to have been recently washed. Regardless as to what was going on, everything her at the castle was always kept in the best condition. I changed without worry and was about to drop like a stone into the murky depths of sleep, when I remembered Gerins brooch in the pouch across the room.

“I’ll surely be scolded if Dietrich scolds Day about not wearing it…especially if that’s my fault.” Shaking my head at myself for having changed already I grabbed the shawl Matriarch had made for me, and wrapped it around my shoulders. I crept out into the halls quietly, and closed the door behind me. The silence that filled the corridor wasn’t unusual, and I stayed put until an orb came to accompany me to my destination.

My footsteps echoed quietly as I headed towards the guest rooms. When I found the right door, I was thankful to Dietrich for having labeled the door. They’d done the same for me when I’d first arrived, but it was always nice to know one was at the right door.

I hoped that Day wasn’t already asleep, and worried that if he was he might be angry at being waked. But just the same I tapped on the door.

Grant me some patience...I've lost my train of thought, and no one's giving it back to me....*shakes a few of the characters, and frowns unhappily*

Yay!!

I like, if you would do some more

[Watto]Hmmm...no' bad, no' bad.[/Watto]

I was just about to fall asleep when I heard someone knock on the door. Whoever it was had a terrible sense of time. It was very late, I was tired, and I’d already stripped down for bed.

“Who is it?” I shouted, not really wanting to get out of the large soft featherbed I’d buried myself in.

“It’s me. I forgot something.” I heard a voice reply quietly, almost inaudibly from the other side.

“Give me a minute.” I couldn’t figure out who it was. The thick wooden door had helped muffled the voice, I didn’t even know if it was a man or woman. I got out of the bed and pulled my britches on, even in the late darkness I knew I had to have some semblance of decency. I glanced in the mirror, in the fairly dark room and used my fingers to straighten my hair out a bit. I wasn’t dressed, but I didn’t look all that bad now either.

I pulled the door open and found Rashwe looking far different than I had seen her before. A small orb of light hovered near her shoulder. It’s silvery light glowed softly revealing my visitor. With one hand she kept a shawl wrapped around her shoulders tightly, while the other was clenched around something tiny. The white shift like gown she wore seemed out of character, but that wasn’t all that surprised me. Rashwe looked rabbity, and was glancing around the hallway nervously.

Being in a good humor yet, since playing Alore earlier, I smiled at her. She seemed to start a bit when she noticed I was only in my britches. The reaction was kind of cute.

“Maybe I should have waited till morning. I’m sorry to have disturbed you.” She said bowing slightly and moving to go.

“Bah. You’ve got me out of bed already. You might as well ask me now if you were going to ask something.” I laughed a little, watching as she stopped. Considering the fact that she’d had no problem telling me what was what before; I found her sudden change amusing.

“Oh.” She said simply turning back towards me, playing with whatever she had in her hand.

“So what have you forgotten?” my tone was even, not really concerned. I wondered if maybe there was some hidden joke she had yet to tell or something of that sort.

“Put out your hand and close your eyes. It’s a delivery.” Her tone was light and cheery again. She sounded like the jester I’d been pounced upon in the woods.

“Why would I do that?” my tone clearly told her that I suspected some sort of trickery. Just what I couldn’t be sure, but there was something in it.

“So that we can go back to bed.” Her reply came naturally, and I couldn’t help raising an eyebrow. What did that mean? I could feel my ego starting to shift inside me.

Her reply had caught me off guard. That was enough that I didn’t question again. I simply did as she had asked me to. I closed my eyes and put my hand out towards her. “Alright, but no mischief.”

Rashwe laughed, I felt her grab my hand and press something cold into it.

“You can open your eyes now Day.” She said simply and shortly.

I opened my eyes slowly, uncertain as to what I was going to find. Rashwe’s hand still covered mine, pressing the small object into my palm. The smile the pale orb light revealed on her face unnerved me slightly, as I pulled my hand away from hers.

“What’s this?” I asked quietly examining the small metal brooch. The design on it was impressive, and I wondered how such detail had been done.

“That is your pay for tonight’s entertainment.” Rashwe answered wryly. “King Besadone bid me deliver it to you. But as I said before, I had forgotten.”

“Oh tell him I thank him and hope that he sleeps well tonight. Playing Alore… was probably the best thing I have ever gotten to do.”

“Was it? Many have said that over the years.”

Her comment unnerved me, and I wondered mildly what she meant. Of course I knew better than to ask such a blatant question.

“I’m sure they have. But which has been your favorite?” Yes, my ego wanted stroking. And suddenly it had worked its way out. Honestly though I was curious, and on another point I’ve had a girl at every manor, why not one here?

Her ears turned crimson and she turned her back on me. “None. I have had many favorites. But none of them stay long. It’s not in their nature.”

She hadn’t moved away though, she’d simply turned her back on me. I moved wrapping an arm around her waist and rested my chin on her shoulder. She jumped slightly, but didn’t move. In the silence I imagined that I heard her heartbeat quicken.

“Isn’t it though?” I whispered quietly, noting that for the first time she actually seemed serious. It was almost as though she was contemplating something.

I moved my face closer to hers, don’t ask me what I was thinking. But at that moment I wanted to kiss her. She turned her face away though, and not to be deterred I buried my face in her neck, humming quietly.

“Something wrong Rashwe?” I heard a cold voice say to the right. I glanced over, and quickly disentangled myself from the little fool.

She nearly jumped out of her skin as she saw Besadone. A slight grin scrawled itself across his face. “You just don’t seem yourself. I’m sorry to have interrupted.” The last bit, I knew was directed towards me. Slightly startled I kept my balled fists at my side.

“No sir. I’m alright thank you.” She looked at her feet, and Besadone started to laugh.

“No thanks are needed. How many times have I told you that young one?” His tone was light, and his eyes sparkled merrily in the slight silvery light. “I’m simply on my nightly round. Please, go back as you were.”

“Actually I was about to leave.” Rashwe said, making Besadone frown. His reaction made me curious.

“Very well then; Goodnight Rashwe.” He nodded his head to her, then to me as well. “Goodnight Day. I hope that you sleep well.” He turned and before I had a chance to reply, had disappeared down the corridor.

“He’s certainly unique.” I commented to Rashwe after he had gone.

“Yes I know.” She glanced at me, and seemed to ponder for a moment. “I was disappointed that you didn’t sing tonight.” She was clearly changing the topic.

“Were you? You should have said something. Alore has such a beautiful voice…I was just so drawn to her…”

“So I noticed.” Rashwe cut in icily. Such a cold tone from her was a surprise.

“What do you mean by that?”

“Exactly what I said.”

“Well I don’t see why it would be a bad thing. She’s the most beautiful instrument that I’ve ever played. And not only that, Alore has the voice of an angel.”

“Hmph.”

“What’s wrong with you?”

“Not a thing. Should something be wrong?”

“I suppose not.” I scratched the back of my head confused. Was she jealous? “Well goodnight then if you’re going.”

She bobbed her head in my direction, with a mocking laugh. “Aye, sir good night. May your dreams suit your desires.” She spun on her heal and ran down the corridor, in the opposite direction to Besadones. The small orb bopped and swayed chasing after her, and soon the hall was dark again.

I shut the door after I was certain that she was gone and wondered what her problem was.

“These people just get stranger and stranger.” Having decided that I went back, set the silver brooch on top of my other clothes and flopped into the bed. “Maybe they’ll make more sense tomorrow.”

I fell into a deep dreamless sleep without any trouble.

Next thing I knew bright sunlight was pouring through the large windows that made up one whole wall of the room. And there was someone banging loudly at the door. After last night, I knew that it wouldn’t be Rashwe, so I got out of bed, finding I hadn’t taken my britches back off, so I had do no more than go to the door.

As I pulled the door in I saw Dietrich, already dressed and looking right as rain. He beamed upon seeing me in such a disheveled state. How I wanted to slam the door shut and then go back to bed. But I didn’t.

“Good Morning Dietrich.”

“Good Morning Day. I hope you slept well. I see you’re not ready to go to breakfast….” He laughed and leaned on the doorframe, looking around the room.

I followed his gaze and saw that my lute and all my belongings had been brought in sometime during the night. “Not ready yet, but I can be ready soon enough.”

Dietrich laughed and settles in a high backed chair. “Well get ready then.”

Since he clearly cared little what I thought about him being in the room, I pulled my clothes on quickly, and straightened my hair out. “How’s that?”

“You’re missing something.” He said not even looking at me. I looked where he was looking and spotted the brooch Rashwe had brought last night.

“You’re kidding me right?”

“Not if you plan on eating.”

Grumbling I went over and picked up the shiny brooch, pinning it onto the front of my shirt. I put one hand over the brooch then fluttered it away with a festive flourish, more just to mock than anything.“Happy now?”

“Not really. But that will have to do.” Dietrich stood and then led me silently through the halls, past small groups of folk that pointed at me and laughed, or whispered. I felt slightly uncomfortable. What were they saying?

“Are they always this way when it comes to visitors?”

“Always.”

“Oh…”I thought about that for a while. “Have you seen Rashwe this morning?”

“No. But I doubt she’ll be up this early. Rumor has it she was out late last night.”

“Really now? And where would she have been?”

“Who knows. Such things are not for me to worry about. Only Lord Besadone has to worry about such matters. It’s not like she’s ours to keep.”

“I see.”

Suddenly a storm of silver robes, about as high as my waist rushed past. By now I knew that it was Perin. His wings hung behind him limp, and he seemed to waddle more than walk as he hurried to get as far ahead of us as he could.

“Perin doesn’t look happy.” Dietrich said in a merry tone.

“Really? So he’s not always like that?”

“Nope. And since he’s so stormy I would guess Rashwe went and visited the Mada’s Unseelie Court last night.”

“Mada? Who is Mada?” Suddenly I wondered if maybe this wasn’t where I wanted to be.

“Now Dietrich…. I would never have suspected you to be one who’d spread rumors.” A quiet voice that sounded a bit sleepy said from behind us, and Dietrich stopped, turning with a raised eyebrow.

“Oh wouldn’t you?”

hrmmm...

D'oh! Better luck next time, Day.