"Looking for the Lowly" Log Date: 7/22/99 Log Cast: Jenean, Faanshi, Almeda, StormBearer, Amber, FallingStar Log Intro: Ever since her return from Avalon, Faanshi has been beset by a new, if fragile, sense of purpose. In her own small way, she hopes to do her part to help the lowly of Haven, and perhaps therefore to emulate the example of Thomas Murako; perhaps even some small part of her mind hopes to win for herself the same freedom he has seized, but if it does, the maiden does not admit this to herself. What she does admit is that there are people in Haven who need her -- and she has the power to help them. A mysterious branded healer called TempestTouch has, she recollects, dropped cryptic hints about how she may in fact find these lowly ones who need her aid, and so Faanshi takes what amounts for her as another dramatic step in her hitherto sheltered life: venturing into the infamous Siren's Song in the south of the city, in search of one who could carry a message for her to that other healer. Little does she know that some of those of Avalon are in Haven again, and that she will not only have an opportunity to see her friend StormBearer again, but be reminded acutely of another thing she does not want to admit to herself -- the humble infatuation she carries for Thomas. *===========================< In Character Time >==========================* Time of day: Night (Duskside) Date on Aether: Saturday, December 27, 3904. Year on Earth: 1504 A.D. Phase of the Moon: Waxing Gibbous Season: Winter Weather: Clouds Temperature: Cold *==========================================================================* The Siren's Song - Haven The dim recesses of the Siren's Song tavern have, on occasion, been justifiably referred to as "a barbarous assault upon the senses." In the stale air the earthy smells of alcohol and the subterranean fungi from which Varati rot-gut is brewed compete with the scents of blood and vomit. The walls, painted vividly with sea-scapes from an Atlantean fever-dream, slope slightly inward as they arch to the sooty, star strewn ceiling, which itself sags slightly, supported only by a massive central column. This column, the feature the tavern is named for, is carved into the likeness of a siren, and she beckons lustfully to patrons, leading them through the ring of garishly painted tables to the cracked oaken bar. There is a stone fireplace against one wall, to drive away the damp and chill on wintery evenings. Opposite that is a set of stairs, rising to an upper level where guests can spend the night--or just a couple of hours with a willing partner. Contents: Loreena Obvious Exits: Stairs Out Jenean pauses halfway down the stairs: purely to survey the clientele, you understand. No desire to make an entrance or anythung. Not in those silks... well, maybe. A collection of cheers and wolfwhistles, and the odd suggestion that would make a sailor bluish, greet her. If the originator of the phrase 'sticks out like a sore thumb' had had a model in mind when those words were coined, that model would, undoubtedly, be the maiden in red and blue and gold silks who ventures uneasily into the tavern, her puppy close at her side. For one thing, Faanshi's garb is colorful. For another, her mere method of entry signals to every pair of eyes in the place that here is a maid who is as out of her element as an Atlantean in the desert. But still, enter the Song Faanshi does, Kosha's tether curled around her one visible hand. Jenean picks her way down the rest of the stairs, dodges, with many a sway of her body, a number of groping hands, delivers two random, or apparently so, and enthusiastic kisses to a couple of patrons, evidently for some remark, and knees a third where it hurts. Apparently also for some remark. His friends, being that kind of friend, cheer her on, and she eventually fetches up perches on a corner of teh bar, where a cup of red wine appears by her side, Jenean's entrance does an excellent job of directing most of the attention in the place away from the door -- but not all of it. Several eyes still linger on the girl who's just come in, and the half-grown dog on the tether who stalks along at her feet, doing his best to look like a larger dog than he really is and showing at least a bit of foreshadowing of the sizeable hound he will, in fact, eventually be. Green eyes over the top of that blue silken veil flick their gaze uncertainly about the tavern, taking in the rough and unkempt individuals in immediate sight as well as the woman who's just come down the stairs. She seems to miss the shadows in the corners which might hide other lurking figures, even as she takes tentative steps away from the door. "N-Namaste', imphada," she can be heard to murmur at the hard-eyed woman who sizes her up from a nearby table. Jenean takes a sip of the wine, then leans over and has a word with the very large (in all directions) mongrel who's also lounging by the bar. The proto-Agni-Haidar nods to her, with a glance at the new arrival and a half smile, and moves... a sort of making-himself-noticed movements (hard though he might be to miss). Whatever this movement is menat to do, it does seem to coincide with a drop in interest in the young shudra. Jenean just chuckles, sweeping hair off her face wuth a free hand, and nods to him again. Faanshi can't exactly miss the abruptly turning in the tide of attention; visibly out of place she might be here, but she isn't entirely unobservant. Her frame doesn't relax quite yet, but relief flickers across the green eyes that peek nervously over the top of the veil. The puppy on his lead, satisfied as long as nobody seems about to threaten his mistress, lets out a gruff little 'yes, and you'd better just keep looking away' whurf, as he and the girl set a wary course for the bar. Jenean and that extremely large fellow there are even harder to have missed than the redirection of assorted gazes; recognizing someone who seems to pass for authority here, Faanshi accordingly draws near. Slender golden hands clasped at her breast, she bobs her head demurely to Jenean, venturing in a soft and anxious voice, "Namaste', imphada... may I please have a moment of your time...?" Wayward red-brown locks touched with grey, in tumbling curls most of the way down her back, frame a slightly older, worldly-wise face. Sea-blue eyes dance with amusement, taking in everything around them, and lips quirk in a smile. Jenean's frame is slim, yet shapely, of slightly above average height. Jenean Diaphanous red silks are all that keep her technically decent, altough they're sheer enough to hint at what lies beneath. A belt of silver links and coins hangs low around her hips, holding the silks up and showing well-defined thighs, and an abbreviated top of the same material reveals much more than it hides of her upper body. Several items of bright jewellry adorn her - a group of silver and gold bangles jingle on one wrist, two whisper-fine chains encircle and accentuate her slim waist, and a pendant around her neck dangles down to nestle in her cleavage. For her age, and even for years younger, she is by no means unshapely. Her movements are graceful, yet somehow sensuous. Around her slim neck is a choker of dark green silk, so dark it's almost black, set with a pale stone that almost matches her eyes. One of the crawd at the bar gets about as far as "She usually charges fer tha...oof" and finds Jenean's outstretched foot in his midriff. WIthout comment,or even looking to note its effect, she smiles at you. "Aye, sure, sweetheart. C'n I help ye?" StormBearer steps into the tavern from the docks outside. StormBearer has arrived. Inwardly breathing a prayer of thanks to Ushas that her luck seems to be holding -- and inwardly grateful that her veil hides the fierce blush that tinges her cheeks as she dimly grasps what that nearby fellow's interrupted witticism had been about -- Faanshi once more bobs her head respectfully to the woman she's approached. "I pray that you can, imphada," she replies earnestly. "I seek someone named TempestTouch who said that if I wished to find her... I should leave her a message in this place... could you please tell me how such a thing might be done...?" Almeda steps into the tavern from the docks outside. Almeda has arrived. Jenean sets her winecup down, mms, thoughtfully. "TempestTouch, aye? Y'specifically ofter her, or just a healer?" Almeda pushes through the door of the Tavern, reaching up and rubbing her nose. "I bloody hate winter." StormBearer steps in through the door, passing from the darkness outside into the light of the Siren's Song. Well, whatever light there is. He checks the crowd, and blinks. Is that Faanshi? Why, yes it is. He stalks quietly in that direction, hoping to talk with his favorite halfbreed. The crow on his shoulder fixes itself as he walks quickly, getting a more comfortable position. He simply walks over and takes a seat near where Faanshi and Jenean are talking, turning around to face the two. You might, Almeda. This late-night Siren crowd seem to be enjoying it just fine. The golden brow visible between the blue sari and the blue veil crinkles a little; feathery black eyebrows wing down over those big green eyes, as Faanshi peeks up at the... um... sparingly clad woman she now addresses. "TempestTouch in particular, imphada," she explains. Then she appends tentatively, "I _am_ a healer, and she spoke to me of people who needed me..." Her puppy, in the meantime, spots StormBearer and his avian companion before Faanshi does. Kosha is, however, on guard duty, sitting up stern and watchful at the maiden's feet while she converses with Jenean, and so all the greeting StormBearer gets is a soft whurf. The aforementioned Almeda moves further into the Tavern, pulling her cloak off and folding it around her arm. She's wearing... well.. it's the fact of what little she's wearing. Jenean ahs, nods, shaking hair off her face and setting the winecup down. "I can get a message t'her fer ye, if ye want, hon." A lazy stretch, hands behind her on the bar. "Haven' seen her in a while, but I know who will have." StormBearer smiles merrily down at the less-noisy-than-usual puppy. It's Kosha the wonder pup. After a few minutes of watching the small dog he turns his head back up to Faanshi and Jenean. People needing Faanshi? What a coincidence. The rabble do pay attention to mongrels in pink. Especialy that little pink. A few wolfwhistles, and intersting sugestions (depending on one's view of interesting), Certainly enough to cause Jenean to straighten up enough to study the object of their attention. That is _definitely_ relief that lightens the eyes of the maiden in Clan Khalida's red, blue, and gold. "Ushas bless you, imphada," she breathes in grateful tones. "I have a coin or two... they are small, but I can pay for a message. Or if you know of anyone who might need..." As Jenean's attention seems to divert, though, she trails off, waiting to see what might be considered appropriate recompense for a message in this establishment. Almeda moves in more slowly and playfully winks at the men who whistle and say things. She moves slowly over towards the bar, working her hips back and forth slowly. Jenean smiles, a touch distractedly, at Faanshi. "No need fer that, hon. She's a fruiend." Gently, eyes still on Almeda, "But I do need t'know what y'need her t'know." Of, course, StormBearer turns to see what has distracted so much attention, however, seeing what it is, he turns his head back. Nothing to be concerned about. Oh, yes, veils are quite handy for hiding scarlet blushes. Faanshi swallows at the unabashed display that new arrival is providing for those same men who had so closely scrutinized _her_ upon her entry, and the green eyes that glance in Almeda's direction reflect something of her bemusement and discomfiture at those goings-on. But still, she straightens up at Jenean's words, raising her head to add the weight of her earnest gaze to the first truly steady words she's uttered since she came in: "I need her to know that I will come and heal any who need me, imphada, anywhere in Haven." Jenean mms. Gently teasing, blue eyes dancing, "I do need t'know who ye *are*, sweetheart." Still a watchful eye on Almeda. Almeda moves up towards the the bar and sits, rolling around in the chair, before she leans back against the bar. She smiles a bit towards Jenean and Faanshi, before she gets a small glass of wine and sips at it slowly. StormBearer smiles. Why, she's Faanshi of course. He sits. He waits. He sits some more, while waiting. Wow, isn't he skilled? Maybe he should enter a sitting and waiting contest. His attention doesn't waver even a bit. "Faanshi, who serves Clan Khalida," is the soft-voiced reply of the maiden in sari and veil, choli and silwar, and layers of colorful rags knotted about her calves and ankles. Jenean nods. "Aye. I'l pass it on fer ye." She picks up her wine, sips at it, eyes still flicking to Almeda. Raises her voice and asks, almost idly, "Ye sellin', swetheart, or jus' chasin'?" Almeda's lips come to her glass as she sips lightly. "A bit of this, bit of that dearie." StormBearer sits there still. Waiting to see if Faanshi will notice him he is. Well, the caw of the crow might help. Silly bird, always causing some sort of noise. However, in this setting, the bird's cry is mostly ignored. Jenean raises her eyes heavenwards. The rather large mongrel bouncer (who could pass for an Agni-Haidar in bad light) turns to study Almeda a touch closer. Almeda grins a bit at Jenean. "I am merely a Patron here." "Namaste', imphada, thank you for your kindness." Coming from anyone else, the words might sound fulsome; coming from Faanshi, however, they are simple, sweet, and earnest. Taking Jenean's redirected attention as a dismissal, she turns to move away -- only, indeed, to be taken aback by the caw of the crow. Once more, Kosha whurfs, and the shudra maiden's eyes brighten perceptibly over her veil. It is relief upon relief to see a familiar visage in this strange gaudy place, relief that fuels her steps toward the Herald, and relief that lifts up her voice as she breathes, "StormBearer!" Amber comes down from the upstairs rooms. Amber has arrived. Bruno (for as all patrons would know, that's the big mongrel's name) rumbles, quietly, to Almeda, "Jenean don' like other folks workin' her girls' patch." Merely a point of informatin, of course. StormBearer's grin curls up even more, and he replys quickly. "It's good to see you too, Faanshi. I assume from your present state of being not in Delphi that they didn't get you?" Amber slips down the stairs, raking a bit of sweat-soaked hair off of her forehead. Sweat-soaked in the winter cold? Yes. She grins broadly and scans the room with a bright gaze. Almeda looks over at Bruno and grins playfully. "Yes, I see." She looks over at Amber and smiles. "Why hello dearie." Green eyes dip at the greeting, leisurely measuring up the mongrel woman from head to toe and flashing with dirisive humor at the jaring clash of red hair and pink garment. As if. The barest remnants of a smile remain on her lips as she returns the greeting with a hint of cool, "G'deve. I don't believe I know you." Amber's brows rise just slightly, questioning the woman as to why she feels she can be so familiar. Kosha duly accepts the shift in his mistress's location, trotting over and plunking himself down to sit once more as she moves to speak with the Sylvan. Only now, however, does the pup start showing approval of Faanshi's whereabouts; his tail wags his opinion of StormBearer. The maiden, in the meantime, blinks and then murmurs earnestly, "I explained to the imphadi Sibyl that my service belongs to the Khalid Atar, and so he wished me good day and went about his way. He was very kind." That this is, in fact, somewhat at odds with the various rumors she'd heard about Delphi's opinion of unsanctioned magic-users does draw a crinkle of consternation across her gentle brow, but still. Jenean leans back on her hands, watchig Amber with a faintly amused grin. The mongrel woman laughs a bit. "I've come here on more than just the Patronage of this.. fine establishment." She glances over towards Jenean. "I have come for business.." Her face lights up a bit as she chuckles. "I own a clothing shop, and I have all kinds of dresses that I could get for you and your girls." Again, her gaze is drawn towards Jenean. "All at very reasonable prices." Her eyes turn back to the woman before her. "Seems you've gotten your exersize for the day, no?" FallingStar steps into the tavern from the docks outside. FallingStar has arrived. "A tailor, are you. Well. No wonder you're selling here with those manners." Amber smiles much more openly and it's hard to say with such a friendly expression wether or not the comment was meant to sting. Her hand rises again to stroke back through her hair as she turns towards the bar, "Excercise? I'm hardly warmed up." Hips sway and her hand falls to the shoulders of one of the men she passes to drag along their broad length teasingly. She gives him a wink as her last fingertip parts company with his skin and she watches back over her shoulder as she saunters up to the bar beside Jenean. StormBearer nods. "Yes, that would work." he says. "I hadn't thought of that. Yes, They only go after mages who don't belong to any government. Those who do, like you and me, they won't force to join." The door opens and closes a little more quietly than usual, as FallingStar makes a relatively unobtrusive entrance into the Song, accompanied by a puff of cold air from outside. Cloak still drawn about herself for warmth, she hesitates to take in the current state of affairs inside. Jenean sits up, offers Amber a sip of her wine (without letting go of the cup), chuckling. Blue eyes light up at the new arrival, Almeda grins. "I am a merchant, not a tailor.." She says to the woman sliding in next to her. "Aw, don't you two make a cute couple." She giggle ssoftly. Faanshi, who hadn't exactly considered what she'd told the Atlantean Aztlan in terms of 'how to get Delphi off her back' -- since, after all, her service _does_ belong to the Khalid Atar and the Amir-al smiles upon those who speak with truthful tongues -- blinks a bit and then nods gingerly to StormBearer's assertion. "I bow to your wisdom in this," she murmurs, before a more urgent thought rises up and prompts her to go on, "But I am so glad to see you -- please, could you tell me... did Imphada Milane come safely back to Avalon? I have been so worried...!" Long fingers fold over Jenean's and ruby-shaded lips press to the rim of the cup as Amber takes a sip of the proffered wine. Her green eyes never leave Jen's and her touch lingers on the other's wrist affectionately. Almeda recieves next to no mind for her further comments, dismissed out of hand. "Mmm. Excellent as usual." FallingStar reaches up one hand to push back her cloak's hood and absently shakes her hair free. Ah, there we are. The usual people, in the usual place. And thus, the Sylvan turns her steps in the general direction of the bar. Almeda's attention turns back towards the middle of the area, leaning against the bar slightly.. StormBearer laughs lightly. "Don't bow to my wisdom Faanshi, it's just something I picked up along the way." he smiles, and then nods. "Yes, word is that she did, though I am not sure what happened. I do believe, however, that Thomas is in Haven at the moment." Jenean's eyes dance with a rather dangerous mischief at the 'don't they make a cute couple', and she snags an arm round Amber's neck and steals a decidedly unsisterly kiss. Which *certainly* diverts attention away from the pink-gowned Mongrel. Fortunately, Faanshi's attention is so thoroughly riveted by StormBearer's last remark that, despite the hoots and applause that spring up in reply to Jenean's show of affection, the maiden totally misses it. Kosha, in the meantime, yips brightly at the word 'Thomas', his tail wagging harder; Faanshi, though, merely goes very wide of eye and is silent for three heartbeats. And then she blurts, "He is...?" *Swoon* Jen being unsisterly is enough to melt a stout man's knees. But Amber is no man. Her hands twine about her 'sister's' waist as she returns the affectionate gesture with a distinct lack of haste. Only after the catcalls and whistles rise to a level to interrupt other conversation in the common room does she surface for air, eyes sparkling. "Well, good evening to you, too, love." A gesture brings a glass matching Jenean's to her hand from behind the bar and she turns to lean against it and watch the room. Almeda looks over her shoulder and grins slightly at the kiss, a pouty smile coming to her lips. "Aww, I'm feeling left out now." Jenean fans herself, laughing, and takes a sip her wine. Blue eues sparkling with mischeif light on FallingStar, and she holds out her free hand to the Sylvan healer. Amber's eyes fall on FallingStar as well and she nods respectfully to the woman as she waits for her approach. Aside to Almeda she drawls, "You're not paying, either." Oh, yes, definitely usual affairs in the Siren's Song this time. FallingStar arches one brow momentarily at the little display, apparently trying not to grin, before she moves forward again in response to Jenean's outstretched hand. "Evening," she observes, with a decidedly impish gleam in her eye as she glances toward Almeda. The big mongrel bouncer looks between Jenean and Amber - he didn't add a voice to the cheers, but then it's not his job. Almeda's remark draws her a look. As if considering the concept. And then a rumbled, "hrm..", and he settles his back against the bar, and takes a long pull of his ale, returning to surveying the inn. "It's not if I can't dearie...but" She tsks slightly towards amber. "Ye seem so....hesitant." A grin comes agian as she turns towards FallingStar and inclines her head. StormBearer nods quickly. "Unless he just left. Heard just the other day that he was about." he says, and then taps his ear for no apparent reason. "One of my sources at the Gem in told me so." My, my. All this information being just given away. Well, he owes Faanshi his life, so I suppose no price need be exacted. Jenean snags an arm round FallingStar's waist, tugs her close and whispers in her ear. FallingStar gives a startled little 'meep' as she's pulled in closer, but just laughs at whatever Jenean says. "... don't... says she..." Jenean shrugs, expressively. Things jiggle, attractively, when she does, too. "Beats me." Amber's head turns slowly and her eyes fall on Almeda with no particular warmth or chill. Just as slowly she extends one hand, palm upwards and cupped, as if expecting something. With that gesture made, she simply looks at Almeda, silent. Though it's rather difficult to really read the expression of a girl in a veil, Faanshi nevertheless is giving a very good impression of someone who's just been poleaxed, her eyes still wide, her gaze turned distant. Then, with a visible shudder, she pulls her attention back to the Herald and whispers, "Well... Ushas grant that he will have a safe journey home again... roads are bad in the wintertime... are they not...?" StormBearer raises an eyebrow. "He may be staying quite a while, or they may be leaving in the poor weather. Never can tell with Thomas." he says, and then turns for a moment to order a drink. Turning his head a moment, he asks, "Faanshi, would you like anything to drink?" Almeda grins a bit at Amber, and not one to back down from something, the chinks a few coins into the woman's hand, smiling broadly at her. Her eyes aren't smug, but if one looks close enough, she's obviously enjoying herself immensely Jenean rests her chin on FallingStar's shoulder, eyes dancing, arms round the Sylvan. "What's that buy, love?" she asks of Amber. "I am sure he is extremely busy either here or on the road or in Avalon," Faanshi proclaims, a trifle swiftly for her normal speaking tone, even as she turns the end of Kosha's tether around and around in her apparently now unsettled hands. Then she blinks again. A drink? What? Oh. A drink. She glances around uncertainly, once more registering her location, and she adds timidly, "I... have done what I came to do... I am not sure if I should stay..." One of FallingStar's hands surreptitiously descends to slide about Jenean's waist and tickle gently, even as the Sylvan pretends she's innocently watching the little transaction going on nearby. Green eyes drop to the cupped palm briefly counting up the coinage there. The gaze flickers slightly and then she slips the three coins down the front of her bodice one at a time, all the while holding Almeda's gaze. There's the unmistakable glint of gold with each motion. "Luv, you bought yourself the night." She swirls the wine in her glass slowly and smiles, quite warm and friendly now. "What's your pleasure?" StormBearer eyebrow remains up. Well, he was going to get a drink.. Luckily the bartender hasn't poured it yet. He cancels the order, and stands from his seat. "Then, by all means, go. I'll come too, I'd like to talk to you, I'll come along for a bit." Almeda drinks the rest of wine in her cup and sits it back on the bar. Her eyes go to FallingStar and Jenean, where she smiles a bit. She then turns back to Amber and heaves a small sigh. "Perhaps some..... private conversation?" Jenean squirms, laughs, swats at FallingStar. "Stop that." A grin, eyes also flicking to Almeda, and maybe the warning's for her, too. "Leastways, don' start what y'ain' prepared t'let someone else finish." The silent 'oh' Faanshi makes is unseen behind her veil, but her attempt to adjust to StormBearer's change in plans is nevertheless readable in her stance. She nods, uncertainly at first and then more firmly, piping, "I will be very glad of your escort!" FallingStar merely gives Jenean an impish grin as she dodges the swat. "I'm a big girl, Jen. I don't buy more than I can pay for." She absently pushes back the edge of her cloak, as it's a bit warm for the inside of the tavern, and gives Almeda only a brief glance. Amber licks her lips slowly. "Conversation. Well." She shrugs gently, "If that's what you want." She glances back over her shoulder and grins at Jen and FallingStar. "I suppose I'll catch you later." Jenean grins impishly at Amber. "Y'know the rules." StormBearer nods lightly. "Well, lets not delay then." he says lightly. Turning towards the door, he walks there, holding the door for Faanshi after he reaches it. Almeda slides up and off of the seat slowly, and straightens her clothing with her hands.. A soft tug to Kosha's tether isn't really needed, for when Faanshi steps back towards the door, the leggy, lop-eared pup promptly hops up and trots along beside her. "Namaste'," Faanshi murmurs more or less towards the bar and the women exchanging their pleasantries (among other things) there. Then, she and the dog have caught up with the Sylvan who's gone to the door, and are stepping out into the night. StormBearer steps out of the Siren's Song and onto the docks outside. StormBearer has left. You step out of the Siren's Song to the docks outside. Western Docks - Haven Here is a wilderness of masts and sails; where great wooden behemoths dwarf tiny fishing boats, and narrow skiffs glide atop the waves as fleet as deer. Here is the main harbor of Haven, and goods are unloaded daily by the burly dockhands, while others are toted aboard ships bound for distant ports. Day or night, the bustle of activity remains constant, and a few rowdy taverns supply drink and entertainment for sailors who've enjoyed neither for months. The smell of the sea--salt, brine, and fish--hangs over the docks, but not unpleasantly so. For those who make their living from the sea--be they shipbuilders, sailors, fishermen, or merchants--it is the smell of home. And whether they've settled down in this seaport town, or are merely passing through, it is a welcome reminder of a life beneath the open sky, with the wind in your sails and the stars above to guide you. Contents: StormBearer(#1891PJOUncem) Obvious exits: Docks Streets Siren's Song Town Garden The tavern door swings shut behind you, rattling slightly. Faanshi hadn't quite realized how close and heavy with countless odors the air inside the tavern had been, until she steps out into the fresher atmosphere of the street. Once she has, she sucks in deep breaths, grateful for the meager warming her veil allows of her cheeks. StormBearer walks alongside you, and talks as he does. "I'm sure, Faanshi, that if you wanted to talk to Thomas while he is here, he'd be more than happy to see you." he says, and it is at this point that the crow jumps off his shoulder and starts circling in the air high above. As she and her companion set off down the street, Faanshi starts a bit as the crow takes wing, and then starts again at the first words StormBearer utters. Kosha has fallen into step beside her exactly as if he had been whelped to do nothing else; his mistress fidgets with the end of his lead as she blurts, "I-I do not want to bother him. He is a leader of many now, and has so much that he must do...!" StormBearer shakes his head. Lets try another appraoach. "Faanshi, Be he a leader of no one or a leader of many, he's still just a man. A man who I know would be pleased to see you. It would brighten his day." It's taken her many months of painfully slow learning, but Faanshi has at last figured out certain places in Haven to which she gravitates more readily than others. One of these is the town garden to the northeast, towards which she and Kosha now head, trusting that the Sylvan will keep pace with them... Sea and salt are left behind as you step into the tangled wilderness of the town garden. Old City Garden - Haven A strange thing, to some, to see such a thick, unbridled mass of forest within the city walls. Even during the brightest days, it is shady here; looming tree branches above filter out the sunlight, casting shadows that might be relieving during a warm summer day, or alternatively fearsome by night. The heart of the garden is most often alive with the chirps and chitters of the wildlife that makes its home here. Still, some civilization prevails, if only tentatively. A wide, roughly cobbled road stretches east to west, suitable for the usual traffic of a city street, if a bit precariously. Benches line the various man-made paths, reminding the visitor that this is indeed intended to be a respite from the bustle of the town, and is not merely some uncontrolled mass of trees within Haven. Obvious exits: Streets Garden Archway StormBearer steps into the tangled wilderness of the town garden from the docks to the southwest. StormBearer has arrived. ... and it seems to require much effort for Faanshi to succeed in a reply to her companion's assertion. Once she does, it's in a tiny, plaintive voice. "I am... not sure how..." StormBearer sighs. "Faanshi, everyone likes being around people that they consider thier friends, and I'm reasonably sure that Thomas considers you a friend." he watches them for a reaction. Polaris arrives from the shady path to the west. Polaris has arrived. Polaris treks east to the crossing of Main and Border. Polaris has left. Trot, trot, trot, tail wag, trot. Kosha fourfootedly trots along at Faanshi's heels, occasionally interjecting a soft yip or a more vigorous wag of tail into the conversation every time magic words like 'Faanshi' or 'Thomas' are uttered. The halfbreed girl falls shyly silent again as her course is momentarily intercepted by a figure passing in the dark, and once it is gone she murmurs to the Sylvan at her side, "He _has_ said so, and I believe him, but... For all that she is doing her best to sound stoic and determined, there is still a suspicious shy fragility to her softly uttered words. "... but I-I do not think he... approves of me very much right now." StormBearer's eyebrow rockets up. "Why .. is this?" he asks carefully. There must be something that he has missed. Darn. He's not supposed to miss anything. He waits, watching and listening. Faanshi's gaze has lifted, but rather than turning to StormBearer, it instead is pointed on the path ahead of her... though from the distant look in her eye, one might wonder whether that is actually what she sees at the moment. "I am not very brave or strong or wise like he is," she explains dolefully, "and... I-I cannot make words beautiful like he does when he speaks... so I, I could not explain to him very well w-why I could not... when I woke up from the nightmare, why... I could not look at him..." And with that, she trails off. StormBearer's eyebrow goes back down. Oh. He shakes his head. "Faanshi, I still think he would be pleased to see you." he says. "I think you should go and talk to him, but maybe you should think how to explain to him first." "No!" This single syllable bursts with such uncharacteristic vehemence out of the maiden that the force of it stops her right in the middle of the path and makes Kosha yip in surprise when his nose bumps into her knee. Slender hands clenched, shaking ever so slightly beneath her sari, Faanshi insists, "N-no, StormBearer, I cannot... I _must_ not...!" And her gaze swings round to find the Herald's own, a frightened but steadfast resolve blossoming in those green orbs of hers. "There is so... _much_ I must do first!" StormBearer blinks in suprise. He puts his hands up in front of him in a gesture to calm. "I .. I am sorry Faanshi." he says. Then, he blinks again and turns. "I should depart you now." He slowly walks away, not turning back. Faanshi's vocabulary, as it happens, does not include any stronger oaths than _Ushas!_ for all that she's had opportunity to overhear several choice examples on her nocturnal forays through the city; it is not proper, after all, for maidens to admit such words into their minds and hearts, much less their spoken words. And so Faanshi is forced to practically vibrate in her sandals in the grip of a surge of frustration and hurt and annoyance, mostly directed at herself. Tears spring up in her eyes, and she darts after the Herald. "StormBearer, please, please wait, forgive me if I have offended you, I did not mean... oh, Ushas, I didn't explain well now either...!" Poor Kosha yips again, rather turned around by this change in course, but he scampers off in Faanshi's wake nevertheless. StormBearer turns quickly as his name is spoken. His eyes are dim, but unreadable. "No .. I am sorry." he says. "I .. .. . " he is at a loss for words, so he just sighs. He's made a fool of himself again. StormBearer This Sylvan could fit into any crowd, excluding one made of short Empyreans. He is tall, but not too tall. He is thin, but not too thin. There is nothing about him that strays too far from the normal image of a city dwelling Sylvan. His clothing consists of a dark brown Heralds cloak, held at the neck by a small metal compass rose. Underneath this is a lighter brown tunic, and a pair of sylvan style leggings. Black hair falls down the sides of his face, but a bit of brown near his scalp gives away the fact that it is dyed. Often, a large black crow sits upon his shoulder. Faanshi's eyes, by contrast, are quite expressive as she gazes ashamedly and mournfully up at the Herald -- expressive, and quite wet, for she is crying freely. Her hands, however, abruptly go very, very steady as she lifts them up -- and lowers her veil, baring to the wintry night air a face that in structure and shape would not look at all out of place on a girl of StormBearer's own people. Tears glint on her lashes and her cheeks as she pleads, "I beg you to forgive me... but please, understand... I _will_ go follow your counsel and go to Thomas, but... not now, not yet! I-I am not ready!" StormBearer bites his lip. Look what he's done. He reaches out and lays a hand on your shoulder, as a friend comforting. He doesn't interupt, he can tell you probably want to say something more, and if not he should probably remain silent anyway. He just stands there and lets you finish. Encouraged, the maiden takes a step forward, something that might almost be a smile curling the edges of that unfamiliar mouth. Drawing her own hands up to clasp them at her breast, Kosha's tether cradled between them, Faanshi breathes, "I am only a shudra a-and I know my place... I do not expect or ask for much... but I have thought v-very hard and prayed, and I have decided that if I follow the surahs as best I can... then perhaps I will learn to be brave and wise like Thomas...! I want to find the hurt ones and the sick ones in Haven, and heal them... and, and perhaps if I explain to them... some of them will go to Avalon and live there because Thomas does need them so very much! And... and perhaps someday... when Thomas has wives and many strong sons, he will be able to say to them, 'All of this I give to you, this place and these people, and some of them are here because the shudra Faanshi asked them!'" Then, all at once, the halfbreed healer catches herself, surprised by this immense wellspring of speech that has just burst out of her. Her unveiled features crumple in acute shyness and embarrassment, but she manages to finish, "Do you... do you see?" Darkclaw enters the shady depths of the town garden from the east. Darkclaw has arrived. Darkclaw follows the western path out of the garden's heart. Darkclaw has left. Darkclaw arrives from the shady path to the west. Darkclaw has arrived. Darkclaw treks east to the crossing of Main and Border. Darkclaw has left. A kind of slight understanding half smile graces his face. He squeezes your shoulder comfortingly. "I see Faanshi. I see." he almost laughs, but he holds himself. "In fact. I will help you. I will help you find the sick." he says. With her veil off, it is almost ridiculously easy to read Faanshi's countenance; obviously, she's never had to learn to school her expression, with that blue silk so often concealing it for her. Hope and eagerness kindle in the tear-bright summergreen eyes and call up a smile that flashes white against her sungolden skin. "You will? Oh, StormBearer, thank you...! I-I-I know that Avalon needed me, but there are so many in Haven that need me, too, and... perhaps if I work very hard, I will help some of them, and learn to be a better healer, and Imphada Kiera and the Amir-al will permit me to visit Avalon again...!" StormBearer smiles fully now that you seem happy again. Good, he's finally managed to say something right. "I'm sure that you will help many and get better." he says happily. The crow suddenly, and quite unexpectedly, lands upon his shoulder, giving him quite a start. Not to mention giving Kosha quite a start. The young dog barks, leaping off his front paws for a moment, and Faanshi reels back abruptly before realizing what that winged shape is. Then she offers the bird a tremulous smile, too, murmuring politely, "Good evening, Imphadi Crow...!" StormBearer smiles fully. The crow, however, responds by cawing loudly and flapping it's wings from it's perch on StormBearer's shoulder, giving him a face full of feathers. He sputters and turns his head, spitting out a few feathers. Once the crow has finished it's little display he turns his head back, smiling at you, and giving Kosha a happy look too. Taking the crow's voluminous caw as a sign of its approval, Faanshi beams up at it before rubbing the back of one hand across her face to dry it. Then, she asks earnestly, "Will you both escort me and Kosha back to Atesh-Gah? The night is cold... and it is good to walk with friends!" StormBearer smiles and laughs now, a joyfull mirthfull laugh. "Yes Faanshi, let us get you back home." and then turns in that direction, setting off once you've started to walk also. [End log.]