Group role-play: Maldrek, Vilandra

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Maldrek
Maldrek sighed as he sat in his chair facing out the window. What else could he do? Compliments don’t work, trying to show my worth is not working. He spotted her going across the market place in a hurry, approaching the fur traders shop. An idea sprang to mind. Gathering up some things and his coin purse, he rushed out into the square.
Hiding in wait till she left the shop, Maldrek quickly formed the rest of his plan. The door creaked open and she stepped out into the light. What a sight to behold. As she entered the clan hall again, Maldrek strode forth purposefully and entered the Traders shop.
“Zelreg, my good man. I have come in search of a favor.” Maldrek then shakes his hefty purse.
“What is it you need, buy or sell?”
“Neither actually A woman came in here, Nadrak, amethyst eyes, you know her?
“Possibly? If the price is right.” Maldrek throws down a few coins. “Yea, she’s a regular, accompanies a fur shipment to the Sendar fair...”
“Good, I wish to go with her on this dangerous journey.... I dont know she looks like she can handle herself.....” A few more coins hit the counter... Zelreg's eyes grow wider....
“But alas she only allows herself and the wagonmaster ......” A few more coins clink to the counter....
“Then I shall be the wagonmaster...” The last of the purse is emptied.... “Use this to buy what you need, make sure you get me some heavy robes, I’ll decide when to let her know who I am.... Maldrek reaches in his pouch and pulls out a fairly good size gem. “And this should buy your silence.”
Maldrek left the shop and blended quickly into the shadows. Once back inside he attempts to act like he was there all along. He notices Vilandra in the distance talking to Chrye and smiles to himself.

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Vilandra
Vilandra stormed out of the Merchant clan hall, her amethyst eyes flashing. The anger inside her was overflowing and she clenched her fists to control it. I need to work, to get my mind off this, she thought. She strutted into the Boktor Market Square, eyeing the crowd and trying to blend in with it but this was difficult for she was donned in her usual Nadrak leather that seemed to attract and turn many heads in her direction. Feeling even more disgusted at the leering looks she was attracting she decided to ignore them and get down to some business.
It had been her responsibility to undertake the transport of large wagons of fur to the annual Sendar Fair that was going to be held soon. She started making her way quickly to the fur trader Zelreg, who received large supplies of fur from the trappers he had contacts with in Gar Og Nadrak. Vilandra knew him for he used to take fur from her old master but he had never seen the merchant side of her. Underestimating her to be just another silly Nadrak woman, he had started his bid very high hoping to make large profits in the process but she had shrewdly beaten down his price and showed him her skill in bargaining.
Now all that was left was to sign a few papers of agreement, which would be burnt right after anyway. She entered the little fur shop by the corner and greeted Zelreg curtly. He quickly handed over the papers to her and she read them diligently. The mysteries you can hide in fine print, she thought. Something caught her eye by the window and she looked up to see Maldrek face peering in. She blinked. No, it was just some other Drasnian looking in. She shook her head and cursed herself for reminding her of him. Maldrek.
His name itself made her feel anger. Him and his little compliments and flippant words, always trying to impress her and make her like him. Her nostrils flared angrily. If he wasn't a trusted friend of Czrel she would just cut his throat one day. She had come close today when he had returned from Melcene and come to greet her, but had stopped herself in the last minute and walked out. Why couldn't he just leave her alone? She thought.
Signing the papers quickly, she bid good bye and left, returning back to her room in the Clan Hall. She sank into her little bunk, unnaturally tired. Then she noticed it, something was placed on her desk. Something small and white. She rose and walked over to examine it, her eyes burning with curiosity.
Vilandra picked up the tiny ivory figurine in her hand and looked at it curiously. Talented fingers had carefully etched and carved a beautiful elephant from the block of ivory. The tiny details, up to the finely shaped large ears to the creases of skin on the elephant's legs, were intricately depicted. Vilandra marveled at the beauty of the creation and blinked at the thought of what it was doing here.
"Gandahar," she mused. "This kind of work usually originates from there..." She smiled slightly at the kind thought the person had for giving this to her and slid the idol into a blue embroidered pouch that contained things that were the most precious to her.
She then relieved herself of most of her daggers, placing them in a line inside her drawer but keeping a few just for emergencies. Maldrek's face flashed before her eyes and she blinked it away grimly. She didn't know what aversion she had towards him and what its cause was but she hoped that her trip away to Sendar would cure her of this inexplicable hatred. Her forthcoming trip reminded her that she still needed to speak with Reidia, informing her about the details of her journey and how long she would be absent. As Czrel was unwell, she would have to report to Reidia about this.
Vilandra quite liked her. She was a typical Drasnian and treated her with smiles whenever she met her. Vilandra was already headed out the door before she realized that Reidia was away somewhere, journeying with Ordici. She sighed in dismay and reluctantly decided that she should inform Maldrek about it instead. Pouting, she made her way to the main hall and headed towards his room.
But as luck had it, she ran into him coming from outside. He flashed her a smile.
"Hi," he said.
"Hello," she replied shortly. "Can I have a word with you?" He looked a bit startled, perhaps because she'd never asked to speak with him privately but then regained his composure quickly and nodded.
He led her to his office and when she was seated shut the door.
"What's up?" He said casually.
"I've been carrying on a trade of furs between here and Gar Og Nadrak and I've decided that I'm going to extend this and take part in the annual Sendar fair. I've got a good supply of wagons ready and I plan to make the trip there along with them." She cleared her throat. "I'll be leaving tomorrow for it'll take us a good three weeks to make it to Sendar and then we'll have plenty of time to set up in the week that is remaining." Vilandra noticed a certain glint in Maldrek's eyes but ignored it. "I should be back in about two months if things go well. I'll be in touch so I'll provide all the information about how it's going. I just thought I'd inform you since Czrel's sick and Reidia's away." She stressed on the last sentence, making sure he understood why she was doing this. "Well, that's about it. I'll see you soon then." She rose and let herself out of the room, closing the door behind her.
Maldrek smiled.

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Maldrek
Fate was playing cruel joke on him today. As soon as he appears back into the clan hall, Vilandra marches up to him eyes ablaze. He flashed her a smile.
"Hi," he said.
"Hello," she replied shortly. "Can I have a word with you?"
Maldrek was a bit startled, perhaps because she'd never asked to speak with him before but then regained his composure quickly and nodded. She was tough to figure out. Did she know where the figurine came from? Did she suspect his motives all along? He knew it was a thin line he was treading. A false move or statement would find him at the business end of a very sharp dagger.
He led her to his office and when she was seated shut the door. "What's up?" He said casually. "I've been carrying on a trade of furs between here and Gar Og Nadrak and I've decided that I'm going to extend this and take part in the annual Sendar fair. I've got a good supply of wagons ready and I plan to make the trip there along with them." She cleared her throat. "I'll be leaving tomorrow for it'll take us a good three weeks to make it to Sendar and then we'll have plenty of time to set up in the week that is remaining."
Maldrek leaned back slightly in to his chair and was trying not to show the happiness of his plan unfolding. Then he noticed Vilandra give him a strange look. "Stupid," thought Maldrek, "Never let you feeling show on your face." It’s a basic rule but with her in his presence its one that is easily forgotten.
She continued. "I should be back in about two months if things go well. I'll be in touch so I'll provide all the information about how it's going. I just thought I'd inform you since Czrel's sick and Reidia's away." Maldrek noticed how she stressed on the last sentence." She’s making sure I understood why she was doing this. "Well, that's about it. I'll see you soon then." She finished then rose and let herself out of the room, closing the door behind her.
Maldrek smiled. Things were going better then he had hoped. Maldrek turn to one of his many wardrobe closets and fished out some wagoner clothes. A set of unerrobes to bulk up his person. He wouldn’t want to be too recognizable. On his last thought he grabbed the face shield the covers everything except the eyes. Protection against dust, wind, sun, and in this case, recogition.
Walking down the corridor he knocked at Czrel's door. "I’ll be gone on urgent business for a couple of months possibly. It’s to the south but I wont bore you with the details." Maldrek began. Czrel finished his tonic and nodded slowly. "Well, I usually know how to find you if you are needed. Go .. And .. Maldrek... Happy hunting, its dangerous prey you seek. I hope you know what you are doing." Maldrek closed the door with a chuckle. He always seems to know what’s going on, even when you didn’t want him to. With that he head to the wagoners to prepare for a long, productive, journey.

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Vilandra
Vilandra approached the wagon camp as the sun emitted its first glow over the frosty land of Boktor. Her eyes still slightly red from the early awakening, she pulled her fur-lined cloak around herself tighter and scoured the campsite for Zelreg, the fur merchant. Spotting him issuing some orders to the now fur filled wagons, she set off towards him, lugging her large brown bag along with her. Zelreg greeted her with his usual curt nod and went back to looking furiously through his paper work.
“Is everything ready to go?" Vilandra asked in a business-like fashion. Zelreg nodded and then pointed to a wagon a few feet away being fervently cleaned by a man.
"That one is for you to travel in." He whistled sharply and the man looked up and walked up to meet them. He was drowning in clothing, covered entirely by layers of it. On his face he had wrapped a piece of cloth like a mask which exposed only his eyes. Dark, obsidian eyes, familiar eyes. Vilandra blinked, trying to place them in her mind but Zelreg distracted her by continuing, "Kavell here will be your wagon master. He's pretty reliable." Zelreg thumped him on the back. "Show the lady where to keep her bag," he said to Kavell.
Kavell looked at her again, his eyes penetrating and then motioned her to follow. Vilandra did diligently and he reached over to take the bag from her but she shook her head, making it clear that she was capable of carrying her own. It seemed like Kavell was smiling at this but she couldn't tell, he was crinkling his eyes but perhaps it was just the sun. She heaved her bag into the open back of the wagon when they had reached it and then climbed in her self. There were two small bunks by the sides of the wagon, and by the looks of it she could tell that the ride was not going to be comfortable.
"So we'll be leaving in half an hour?" She said to Kavell, who seemed to be standing and staring at her awkwardly. He looked away, "Yeah, as soon as the last supplies from the warehouse arrives we'll be off." He seemed to have a curious lisp to his speech, pronouncing his words strangely. Vilandra nodded and leaned against the wooden wall, Kavell disappeared for a while and when he reappeared it was time to go. Hitching the horse to the wagon, he took the reins and started at a canter. Vilandra was already regretting it for in about half an hour she was sure her backside would be purple.
"Hopefully the Great Northern Road will be smoother," she muttered to herself. Kavell laughed at that, "You can't count on that," He lisped and then turned to look at her. "Tolnedrans are famous for their highways but not for keeping them that smooth." Vilandra frowned. Unusually, his last sentence was spoken normally, without a hint of a lisp. Funny, she thought. Kavell's eyes clouded slightly and he looked away and back at the road.
She shrugged and then reached over for her bag and took out her blue pouch. Slipping out the ivory elephant she had received she pondered over where it could have come from again. Tracing the intricate lines she closed her eyes, feeling the cool white stone. It had a certain calming feeling on her and in minutes she was fast asleep.

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Maldrek
Kavell was tighting the cinches on the horses when he heard the voice, "Is everything ready to go?" The familiar voice of Vilandra asked in her business like tone. Zelreg nodded and then pointed in his general way. Time to get into character. Kavell fervently cleaned the wagon, making a big show of polishing all the metal. "That one is for you to travel in," Telreg told her. He whistled sharply and kavell looked up and walked up to meet them. Time to see if this disguise would work. Vilandra blinked, as Kavell watched her trying to place them in her mind but thankfully Zelreg distracted her by continuing, "Kavell here will be your wagon master. He's pretty reliable." Zelreg thumped him on the back. "Show the lady where to keep her bags." He said to Kavell. Kavell glared at him and Zelreg just gave a wink.
Kavell looked at her again, his eyes lingering on her this early in the morning and still is a sight to behold. He then motioned her to follow. Vilandra did just that. Kavell tried to be a gentleman and he reached over to take the bag from her but she shook her head, making it clear that she was capable of carrying her own. Kavell just smiled at her hoping that the scarf would cover any knowing expressions. She heaved her bag into the open back of the wagon when they had reached it and then climbed in her self. There were two small bunks by the sides of the wagon, possible the most uncomfortable in the west. Kavell noticed her taking in the grim picture and sigh as she resigned to her task. She pulled herself into the wagon.
"So we'll be leaving in half an hour?" He heard her say as he snapped back to the present. ‘Damn,’ he thought, ‘I’m starting to slip.’ He had been watching her, a little too closely. Looking away, Kavell replied,
"Yeah, as soon as the last supplies from the warehouse arrives we'll be off." He wanted to disguise himself more so he gave his speech a slight lisp. Vilandra nodded and leaned against the wooden wall. ‘Well I guess that did the trick,’ Kavell thought. He took his leave for a while. The get up was hot so he went around the back of the building to remove a few layers. Getting some water and fanning himself for a few moments, only to reappear when it was time to go. Hitching the horse to the wagon, he took the reins and started at a canter. Vilandra he noticed was already regretting it with the pained look on her face in about half an hour into the travel.
"Hopefully the Great Northern Road will be smoother," she muttered to herself. Kavell laughed at that.
"You can't count on that," he lisped and then turned to look at her. "Tolnedrans are famous for their highways but not for keeping them that smooth." Vilandra frowned. Kavell felt the slip.
That last sentence but that look that she gave him, disappointment and then a faint smile. He couldn’t help it again lost in thought of her. He brooded over the incident hoping it didn’t give him away. He looked away and back at the road.
Glancing back, he noticed her shrug and then reach over for her bag. She took out her blue pouch. Slipping out the ivory elephant he had given to her without her knowledge. Was she wondering where it could have come from? How would she react if she knew it was from him? Back the road, then back to her his eyes trying to focus. She was tracing the intricate lines with her fingers. Kavell noticed her close her eyes. A small smile touched her lips, he looked back to the road for a few minutes. When he glanced back she was fast asleep. Kavell slowed the wagon slightly to give it less bounce and avoided the big ruts, allowing her to sleep. How will she react when she finds out that Kavell is really no one and Maldrek is driving these wagons…?

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Maldrek
Better then expected? Maldrek was thinking. The travel to Sendar was accomplishing just what he set it out to. He glanced back at his passenger. Sleeping peacefully it appeared. Now a week into the journey they had come closer then he had planned. His first thoughts were just to get to know her, to find out what it was about her that made him feel this way. Several times during their stops she would even ask for him to sit with her. They would talk a little and laugh a little. "They" of course were Vilandra and Kavell. He was still pondering how she would react when the truth was finally revealed when he heard a shout.
"Kavell! Look out" Vilandra's cry pierced the air along with another familiar sound the buzz of an arrow. The arrow lodged into the seat back of the wagon, a little to close to where he was seated. Instinctively he reached for his daggers, but with the disguise, nothing came to hand. Vilandra was quicker and whipped a dagger into a nearby tree. A muffled groan and the drop of a bow signified the aim was true. Three men rushed the wagon from the nearby cover. The men, unkempt and worn. Smiled toothlessly.
"Now don’t be trying any more heroics, pretty. We've got seven more men with bows trained right at your hearts." The heaviest of the three spoke. "Come on down off that wagon we are here to collect the tax." The men started to approach slowly and wielded small cross bows. "Toss your purses in front of you and step back to the wagon." Kavell and Vilandra both complied tossing small bags of money to the ground.
As the robbers came forward on recognised the other potential offerings of the Nadrak female. Brashly, he stepped forwards and put his arm around the non-responsive Vilandra. "Don’t we make a great couple, eh?" which drew laughter from the other two and a hidden dagger from the person of Vilandra. The man’s laughter was interrupted when a startled expression crossed his face and his hands with splashed with his own blood. The dagger now drawn back to her ear sped forward and into the neck of a second target. With two down and one to go Kavell obtains his dagger from his belt and takes one step towards the remaining assailant.
Pain erupts through his thigh. Turning quickly Javell finds that another attacker has silently crept up behind him and Vilandra while distracted by the main voice. The gruff leader sensing victory rushed forwards with a smile on his face. Kavell dropped to his good knee, fired his dagger into the previously hidden attackers abdomen, and in a fluid motion took the attackers dagger from his leg switched momentum and rose back to his feet now facing the rushing thief. The thief obliged and ran his belly right onto the awaiting steel where the then fell backwards still smiling as he crumbled to the earth.
Panting, Kavell turned to check on Vilandra. She was rummaging through the belongings of the attackers. "They appear to be regular thieves, not part of any clan." She sighed. "Look at all this crap, it’s worthless, let’s drag the bodies to the side of the road." Kavell looked intently at the tree that housed the bowman. "No luck there either, the bowman jumped down and took off after I gutted the one who touched me, Now I have to bath, this smell will be hard to get off." Vilandra kicked one of the corpses in disgust. "How’s the leg?" she inquired.
"Itsth will be fine. Itsth not the firsth thime, I’ve been cut." Kavell winced as he could feel the forced tongue slip here and there, trying hard to concentrate. Maldrek thought that it sure would be funny to have himself discovered dead next to these thieves just because of his boldness. Back in character he forced his thoughts.
Kavell helped Vilandra remove the corpses from the clearing and set back to the wagon. They mounted and went a few more leagues to leave the bodies behind. They stopped for the night at an encampment of several other wagon teams. Kavell sat apart form the gathering rebandaging his wounded leg. He looked up to see Vilandra staring at him.
"Gandahar must be nice this time of Year," she spoke very softly, her eyes piercing.
"It’s very humid, if thatsth what you call niceth," Kavell replied.
" Which religion is it that requires you to wear your wagoner garb at all times?" she asked him. It was the best excuse he could think of at the time. ‘Man she really clouds my judgment,’ he thought, that’s a stupid excuse.
"One of the Dalith religonth, m'lady,’ he answered, hoping she didn’t know much about the Dals or their religions. "We musth be covered at all timeth."
She handed him a chunk of bread and ham and went to join the other merchants sitting by the fire. He stole once last glance at her as she walked away and noticed that she looked back at him. What was she thinking now...? What would she think later…?

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Vilandra
Vilandra looked out at all the caravans surrounding her, little bonfires dotting the scenery. She frowned slightly, still feeling a slight pain in the deep cut on her forearm. Rubbing it slowly, she turned, her head clouded with thoughts. She was still quite shocked with the ambush they had faced, it wasn't that she wasn't used to fighting but Kavell...she had never expected him to be such a skilled fighter. In fact, he had saved her life. And the last thief...there was something strange about the way Kavell fought him...something that reminded her of how someone else had used that same tactic...and that someone else was Maldrek.
Vilandra shook her head, trying to dispel such suspicions. How could it possibly be? Perhaps they had similar training...she thought. And he definitely didn't show any signs of knowing what her comment about Gandahar was about. Her suspicions about the figurine were towards Maldrek, and he couldn't be Kavell...no.
Vilandra walked back to the bonfire and sat down beside it, warming her hands. She peered through the flames at Kavell, his hooded face crouched over intently at the wound on his leg. He was trying in vain to tie a bandage around it for somehow the ends would slip and the knots wouldn't tie.
Vilandra rose from her place and walked over to him. He looked up, his black eyes flashing with reflected light. She sat down beside him silently and took the ends of the bandage from his hands. Neatly and briskly she brought them together and made a firm knot. Patting his wound softly she looked up at him. He grunted slightly in pain but nodded his head.
"Thank you," she whispered. He looked her in the eye, his piercing gaze as if penetrating her soul.
"For what?"
"For saving me." She said simply. He touched her hand lightly and nodded.
Vilandra felt a shiver run through her. A shiver of what? She thought. But it wasn't fear or anger or any other feeling she related with. It was something new...something unusual. Frowning slightly, she rose quickly and turned away. "I think I'll have a bath. There's a spring by the trees there and I need to get this stench off me. Can you make sure no one wanders?" She didn't turn to see him nod, but instead picked up a few clothes and hurried away.

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Vilandra
The bustling view of the Sendarian fair caught Vilandra's eyes as she and Kavell drew into the large fairground. The entire place was milling with people from all over the West. Big burly Chereks, sly Drasnians, grey cloaked Rivans and tall loping Algars. Even some Arends were amidst the crowd, setting up tents and displaying their wares. The hurried activity was making Vilandra's blood flow quicker and faster, the excitement was making her tingle all over. Her merchant instincts were at their sharpest now and she couldn't help but smile with impatience as she longed to start bargaining. She looked over at Kavell, his hooded face surveying the crowd and noticed curiously that he had a similar twinkle in his eye.
She slipped off the wagon when it had come to a stop and then walked, with a feeble attempt to feign defiance, towards the man in charge of allotting sites on the ground to the various merchants.
"Evening," she said shortly. She wanted to come across as someone that should not be messed with, otherwise being a woman as she was, she was always seriously underestimated. The man in charge was seated in a chair, bending over a list on a clipboard. He looked up on hearing her voice and Vilandra winced inwardly. He was a Cherek, and the Cherek had a firm belief that women belonged in the kitchen. A large smirk spread across the man's face as he looked at her and unashamedly eyed her up and down. Vilandra could feel her blood boiling but controlled her anger by clenching her fists.
"I'm here with a supply of furs. I would like a suitable location, preferably one which can fit five tents." She said, her voice bordering on the edge of civility. The Cherek started laughing.
"Really, missy?" He said, cockily. Vilandra's nostrils began to flare, a sure sign of danger for a person who knew her.
"Look he-," she began but was cut off by a voice behind her.
"Five tent space at the east end. And I won't pay more than ten gold pieces for it." Vilandra turned around but she knew who it was before she even had. The characteristic lisp was a dead giveaway of Kavell's voice. The Cherek looked at him and frowned.
"I can give it to you for nothing less that fifty." Kavell laughed. And before her very own eyes, Vilandra watched him begin to bargain with the Cherek, beating him hollow at his own game. Vilandra blinked. This side of Kavell was unexpected, and somehow vaguely familiar.
Czrel had once said that if you ever wanted to get something cheap, take Maldrek with you, he'll get it for you for free. Somehow that seemed to ring true for Kavell too. Vilandra shook her head, why was she always comparing him to Maldrek? There were so many things she didn't know about Kavell or his nature, how could she assume that a wagoner was just that and nothing else? But still, she furrowed her brow, there was something about the way he was arguing, something about how he suddenly leapt out of his shell and began expressing himself, there was something strange in all of it.
Kavell triumphantly deposited five gold pieces on the Cherek's table who had a sullen look on his face. Kavell on the other hand was positively beaming.
"Shall we go?" He looked at her and lisped. Slightly disconcerted, she nodded and followed him.
"I-I didn't know you could do that." She said finally. He looked at her like a child who had just been caught stealing jam. His eyes clouded up a bit but then he smiled.
"Neither did I." Somehow Vilandra found that hard to believe.

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Maldrek
The morning appeared as the soft sun rose above the small hills. Almost cheerfully the day started, and for one who wished it wasn’t so cheerful. Maldrek, sat on the already loaded wagon, reflecting on the past few days events. Vilandra’s suspicions have subsided, but Maldrek’s own were starting to grow. And what was that last night, he thought, a close moment. One he even felt jealousy for? The way she looks at me.. No not me... Kavell, who’s played by me.. What if she falls for him the way I want her to fall for me. That was the whole point of this was to get to know her better and her me. I just was tired of the cold shoulders and the hard stares. What is it about me that she just doesn’t like, how have I wronged her? These thoughts ran over and over in his mind.
"Got the wagon loaded already?" A soft voice called up to him. Maldrek looked down and stared. The morning sun highlighted her hair which was down across her shoulders. A smile was on her lips and her eyes seemed to glow.
"Yesth.. I could not sthleep lasth night." Maldrek replied with Kavell's lisp. He reached down to offer a hand up into the wagon. Instead of the normal cold look, she took his hand in hers and accepted the help. "To Sthendar then," he said quietly, as he snapped the reins and the wagon started to move. The mooring passed by mostly in silence, Maldrek stealing glances at Vilandra every so often. She sat at an angle to him softly chewing on one of her fingers, she seemed to be thinking about something.
The conversations began with only a few words and a few short responses, but gradually built up to laughs and awkward silences. Maldrek had found out that Vilandra was an orphan growing up on the streets, till she was taken in by a retired dancer and was taught the craft. She was taught very well. She chronicled her history of being bought and sold, no details, just the sad history of experience.
Maldrek, instead of making up a background for Kavell, he told her about his own. His mother moving around a lot, not knowing who is father was, just the man who beat him up for the slightest reasons. His mother telling him the was a family secret, that Maldrek, instead of making up a back ground for Kavell, he told her about his own. His mother moving around a lot, not knowing who is father was, just the man who beat him up for the slightest reasons. His mother telling him the was a family secret, that he was part of, but when he was older she would tell him, but she never made it that far. She had died soon after; a Nadrak really wanted her so he took her and then ended her when he was finished.
Then how he loved this woman once, but she didn’t not return the love, or even act as if he existed. How he wanted to reach for her so bad. His thoughts played hard on him and most of his sentences trailed off almost inaudible. He looked over to her and small lines of tears appeared on her cheeks. Neither spoke much till they came over the hill leading to the gates of Sendar.
"Well we made it this far, I hope going home will be much easier" Kavell said, not even bothering with an accent. Vilandra nodded and wiped her face preparing herself for business.

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Maldrek
Maldrek cursed under his breath. How could he let the excitement of the game overtake his emotions? The clinking of gold changing hands, the uttered curses of those swindled, then the overly large Cherek that sought to take advantage of Vilandra. Enough was enough. He stepped into action getting the price he wanted. As the deal was completed he looked over to Vilandra with a satisfying grin pasted on his face, one that quickly vanished as she scrutinized his actions and motives.
"I-I didn't know you could do that," she said finally, her cool eyes starting right into him.
"Neither did I," Maldrek finally stumbled to say.
Time was up, he didn’t want this to go on any longer, she had to know the truth. Kavell was no one, made up, fictitious. It was Maldrek that gave him life. "We need to talk." Maldrek began as they walked to their appointed spot. She nodded probably sensing something was amiss. As they reached the spot and began unpacking the wagons Maldrek tried at conversation again.
"Vilandra, you need to know something." He began. She set the box down that she was moving and looked at him expectantly. "This is hard.. I’m not sure where to begin..." He stammered. About this time a porter approached Vilandra awaiting instruction. Maldrek waved his hand tell telling her to continue with business that he could wait. The rest of the evening went the same way. Every chance he had to talk to her there was some sort of interruption. IN frustration Maldrek gave up and retired to his tent. A short while later he heard someone call his name softly. He quickly dressed and opened the flap. Vilandra was there and she looked as if she had been crying. "Kavell, I need someone to talk to.
Maldrek slides on his wagon gear quickly and steps outing to the moonlight. They walk to the edge of the fair in silence. She begins to tell him more of her troubled past. Something has reminded her of things she has chosen to forget a long time ago. Maldrek starts to feel uneasy. Her trust in him is what he wanted and that has happened, but its Kavell she is talking to, or perhaps does she know already. Not wanting to upset her more, Maldrek keeps his silence about his identity and listens to her. He silently puts his arm around her and she doesn't not pull away. He stares into the distance, listening to her, and wanting her even more.

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Vilandra
Vilandra sat down by the tent, and looked up at the silent moon that was gazing down on them. Today had been confusing. Confusing and torturing. It had been years since she had actually sat down and thought about who she was and what she was doing. Ever since she had been picked up from the streets, she had just accepted life as it came, not thinking about whether it was good or bad. But somehow today, she found herself thinking of the past, and shedding tears over it that had never been cried before. Her silent and closed attitude was disappearing, and she had begun to feel again.
"What's wrong, Vilandra?" Kavell looked at her concernedly. It was the first time he had said her name. She liked the sound of it when he said it.
"I-," she began, but her voice was choked. She took a deep breath. "Have you ever felt like your past is all coming crashing down on you?" She sighed and looked at the sky again. "There's a group of dancers from Nadrak on the far end of the camp. I was watching them, the way they danced, the way the men watched them. It was like watching a memory. A cold, hard memory. I never chose that life. Who would want to survive on straight nights in a bar full of drunkards leering at your body, trying to feel you up whenever you move. And who would want to dance for such bastards." Vilandra spat.
Kavell looked at her, sympathy reflecting in his eyes. "I guess I learnt to survive, I learnt to fight with these." She slipped out a dagger from the top of her boot, spun it and inserted it back in. She sighed again. "But I didn't want that either. I didn't want to turn into a warrior." Tears were sliding down her face now. "I know I sound confused, complicated, but I guess all I wanted was a normal life. A life with a happy family, and parents who loved me. Not filthy Nadrak men who bought and sold me, not the smell of spilt beer, not the transparent purple silk dress that lies in my suitcase. If I could erase all that from my past I would, but..."
Kavell drew her towards him and turned her so that she faced him. "Look at me," he lisped. "You are what you are today because of what happened. And take it from me, everyone's proud of what you have become." He pushed her sinking chin up and held it there. "You're strong, you're brave and above all that you're compassionate." Vilandra looked into his obsidian eyes, and was surprised to see that they actually seemed to care for her. Unknowingly, she felt her self move closer to him, and she saw that he was too, his lips reaching for hers.
"Mistress Vilandra?"
Vilandra looked away when she heard her name, the moment was ruined. It was one of her men who had broken it. "The last of the wagons have arrived." He said. She nodded in reply and looked at Kavell.
"I'll go help them unload." He said. There was something else in his voice that she couldn't figure out. The two men walked away, disappearing into the darkness leaving Vilandra behind in her thoughts.

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Maldrek
Note: this storyboard refers to this role-play on the RP channel.

The instructions were simple. Maldrek just hoped that it would have the desired result. What a chance meeting. Fereia, just happened to be travelling back from Nyissia with Medicine for Czrel. Maldrek thought of the note he sent:

Czrel, I know you did the honorable thing in buying Vilandra, Please take 700 gold from my savings as repayment for her. I know that you tried to refuse her collar, and she has not worn it since. Please place the collar in her room. With this note... Vilandra, “You are what you are today because of what happened. And take it from me, everyone's proud of what you have become." "You're strong, you're brave and above all that you're compassionate." "Now, also you are free, never to be owned by any man, no need for collars even if not worn. It is your life, make it normal, surround yourself with people that love and care for you, have a family, be free." " I do this out of love and respect for you." "Maldrek"

Maldrek then sighed. They were so close last night, damn that man, for interrupting. Now he hoped that Vilandra didn’t suspect anything from seeing him and Fereia talking. She will know soon enough, then it’s a matter of how much she will hate, or perhaps she will see my motives are nothing backhanded. Maldrek continued to walk through the different pavillions, Nadrak, Drasnian, and a few Tolnedran. The fair will be closing in another day or two. Now its timing, when is the best time to tell her the truth...
Maldrek wrestled with the idea as he walked back to thier own set of tents. Quietly he entered, all was quiet and the tent void of people save one female Nadrak. She was sitting in a chair, facing the tent flaps. So exhausted that she did not even seem to waken when he entered. Coats haphazardly placed on the tables with a few dangling arms to the earth. Maldrek put some order to them, refolding the coats so they would be presentable come morning opening. He took the last coat and softly covered Vilandra's sleeping form.
He whispered to her as he placed the coat.. "Soon, It will all be clear, you will see that it was me all along, You are a perfect thief, you stole what I would allow no one to get close to .. My heart." With that he retired to the back tent and drifted off to sleep.

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Vilandra
Vilandra woke up and pushed the warm fur coat away, her eyes still feeling drowsy from her unplanned nap. Rubbing them to invoke some energy, she rose and stretched lazily. Curiously, she could hear the sound of rhythmic clapping coming from outside. Intrigued, she got up and pushed open her tent flap and peered outside. It was dusk, and the stars were visible in the purpling sky, out by the end of the ground, Vilandra could see a crowd of men circled around a fire clapping their hands to a beat. Vilandra narrowed her eyes, the scene looked more than just familiar but she had to take a closer look to be sure. She stalked forward towards the noise and pursed her lips.
Just as I suspected, she thought. The Nadraks are displaying their dancing abilities and the men just can't help watching. Vilandra shook her head and turned to leave when a familiar face caught her eye. There were three dancers circling the fire, enticing the men, and one of the men, obviously drunk with ale, had been pulled forward by a dancer in flashing red. There was no mistaking who the drunken man was. Vilandra could make out his dark eyes and covered face at any distance. Kavell.
Anger seemed to surge through her blood and she was seething as she marched back to her tent. I may loathe my past but I'm still the best dancer that ever lived, she thought angrily as she rummaged through her suitcase. For a moment she stopped to think, what was in Kavell that made her go mad with jealousy? Like today afternoon when she had seen him with Fereia, she couldn't stand him paying attention to anyone else. Perhaps, he was one of the only few people who touched her heart, who looked beyond her looks and saw her real true self. That was why she despised Maldrek, for he looked at her with nothing but lust in his eyes. He never did see her for what she was...but Kavell was different.
Vilandra quickly slipped into her sheer purple dress and smiled to see that it still fit. Pulling a black robe about herself, she stepped out and walked silently to the crowd. Pushing through the men who were too busy to notice her, she walked to the centre and turned around swiftly. Fixing her gaze on Kavell, she slipped her robe off and began to dance. The other dancers looked at her haughtily but she ignored them. Kavell was looking at her with a weird look in his eyes. His eyes still looked drunk but he walked forward and picked up her robe from the ground and covered her with it.
"There's no need for that." She hardly understood him with the lisp and the slur. Vilandra felt surprise jolt through her body and then she smiled with happiness. No one had ever said that to her before and hearing that meant much more than she had ever thought it would. "Go back now, you don't belong here." He patted her lightly on the back and pushed her gently.
Vilandra frowned. I don't belong here? she thought irritably. He was too drunk for her to figure out what he was saying. Vilandra walked to the barrel where the ale was being poured from and filled up her own mug. She took a deep swig and breathed deeply, allowing the alcohol to wash away her confusion, her bewilderment, and finally, her thoughts of Kavell. She was going to get very drunk tonight.

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Maldrek
Maldrek drank deeply from the cup. He lost count on how many times he had filled it up. The light was bright from the fire and the rhythmic clapping became more intense with each drink. He was not paying attention to the dancers before him, he suspected that they were very good. Most Nadrak females were and the crowd seemed to appreciate their actions. His thoughts were clouded, Vilandra, yet again, dominated his mind. What was he going to do about this situation. He was reasonably sure that she had seen him and Fereia talking. He also suspected that she was starting to have some sort of attraction to Kavell. He took another drink.
A rustle rose from the crowd. A familiar figure slid into the centre of the circle wearing a dark black robe. Maldrek stared until his eyes met hers. Startled a bit into a quiet soberness he gazed at her as her robe slid to the dusty ground. She wore a shear purple dress. Breathtaking and heartbreaking. How Maldrek desired to be with her. She started to dance. Her eyes never left his as Maldrek felt his cheeks start to burn as he realized she was doing this for him.
Still a little drunk, he walked forward and picked up her robe from the ground and covered her with it. "There's no need for that." He could tell she didn’t understand him with the lisp and the slur. What was he thinking when he developed the accent for Kavell? "Go back now, you don't belong here." He patted her lightly on the back and pushed her gently.
Vilandra frowned as he spoke these words, he could tell she was upset over the comment.. She misunderstood, he just wanted to reassure her that she didn’t need to dance for approval didn’t need to dance to be sold, to be taken care of, he would do that without the tempting dance, out of love and respect. She turned quickly and grab his cup from him, strode over to the barrel, refilled and took a long drink before handing it back to him. The crowd roared with approval. He and
Vilandra went and sat side by side and watched the other dance the night away.

Morning broke brightly a few hours later. Maldrek's head pounded. Memories of the night were slim and hard to come by. He remembers the first part easy enough. The fire, the drinking, of Vilandra dancing then more drinking.. The rest.. A fog.... He ran his fingers through his hair, trying to shake off something that was nagging at the back of his mind. Did he finally admit who he was and why he pretended to be Kavell?
His fingers on his left hand snagged as he ran it through. He glanced at his hand. A ring was on his finger... The wrong finger...
He looked at the gold band as a dozen questions filled his mind. The room began to sway. Panic was seting in.. What had he done.. How would he explain this to Vilandra.. This was the worst time to do anything stupid. He held his head in his hands and he felt movement at his side. A tangle of dark hair was all that was visible beneath the blankets of the bed. He stood quietly hoping not to disturb the girl and make a clean getaway. He found his clothes on the floor and gathered up the wagoner robes that distinguished Kavell. He put them on hurriedly, then noticed something that brought his world further around his ears. A shear purple dress lay at the foot of the bed.
Oh gods, this is who he wanted to marry, but not how. She must think that I am Kavell.... To all hells what am I going to do .. Maldrek slowly eased to the doorway. He adjusted the headdress into place and started to turn. He stopped when he heard a soft voice call out.
"Kavell, my husband, leaving so early?" He turned to see Vilandra barely covered looking at him expectantly.

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Vilandra
Vilandra watched as the raindrops splashed on the muddy road trailing on behind her, causing large puddles of dirt and dust. The wagon in which she was seated in, shuddered as it rattled on, the wooden seat sore against her behind. Vilandra sighed and continued to stare out into the rain but her thoughts overcame her and clouded her vision...
Vilandra frowned as she watched Kavell wear his clothes and run out quickly. Pulling her robe over herself, she ran a hand through her wealth of blue black hair, her thoughts confused. Her hand caught in her hair, some strands had snagged on to something she was wearing. Vilandra extricated it carefully and looked at the flashing amethyst that adorned her finger. For a moment her memory failed her, and she floundered in a sea of fog that was darkening the images of last night.
She remembered the dance, the fire, the ale...and then suddenly she remembered standing under the stars, someone was holding her hand, she could hear her own laughter as she looked up at the person's arm she was resting herself on. Vilandra blinked at the ring on her finger, trying to draw back more memories. She knew they had been married, and her heart leapt with joy as she thought about it for she had finally come clean with her feelings for Kavell. Never before had she met anyone who had looked at her the way he had.
Vilandra sighed, she couldn't remember anything more. The hangover and the headache were like anvils on her head. Vilandra rose from her bed and poured herself a cup of hot tea from the kettle. She settled down and sipped, trying to clear her mind. She remembered the ring, he had it and had slipped it out of some inner pocket. She remembered laughing and clapping in delight when she saw it. Vilandra cringed as she recalled that reaction now. The tent flap opened just then and Kavell entered again. He was sweating, and his eyes looked worried and gaunt.
"Vil...I...," He began. Vilandra looked at him curiously, "What's the matter Kavell?" She stood up and walked over to him and placed her hand on his arm. He shifted slightly, uneasy under her touch and Vilandra frowned at this. She looked into his eyes again, they seemed troubled, and at the same time there was a lingering fear. Vilandra narrowed her eyes, and then slowly reached up and began to untie the mask around his face. Kavell closed his eyes, as if he was afraid to see what she was going to say. The last wrapping fell away and Vilandra gasped in amazement. Anger took a split second to ignite flames through her body.
"Maldrek," she whispered.

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Vilandra
The wagon rode over a bump on the road, sending sprays of water up in the air, and jerking Vilandra out of her reverie. She sighed and wiped away the tears that had slipped down her face silently. Her mind was a home of chaos and confusion, Kavell was Maldrek...Maldrek was Kavell...she couldn't get over it. Closing her eyes, she reminisced about the past again.

Vilandra's eyes flashed angrily, but at the same time a sense of confusion washed over her. "M-Maldrek?" She whispered again, a note of disbelief in her voice. He closed his eyes, as if trying to shut out her voice but then finally sighed and opened them, looking her full in the face. His dark eyes seemed to be filled with pain and regret, and seeing them ignited Vilandra's anger even further. Those eyes...those familiar eyes were Maldrek's! Her mind shrieked. Shaken and confused, she took a step back away from him. "Vilandra," he began, but she cut him off. "Don't say my name. You have no right...you...you..." she faltered, and her hands began to shake. Torak! She had married him, she had married him! Her thoughts collided in an uncontrollable frenzy. She held onto the handle of the chair to support herself, the shock was making her lose focus.

"Vil, just listen to me," Maldrek pleaded again. "I wanted to tell you, right from the beginning. But...but I couldn't. If I had you would have never...we would have not..."
Vilandra's heart ached, the man she loved with her heart and soul, was actually the man she hated with all her might. "You tricked me," she lashed out. "I didn't fall in love with you. I fell in love with a non-existential Kavell," tears were pricking her eyes now, threatening to flow. "No! I didn't mean that. Kavell and I are the same, believe me, Vil." Maldrek said again, his voice breaking. "Don't call me that!" Vilandra cried. "This marriage, this relationship, this...everything we had, was just a lie!" Tears spilled over and ran down her cheeks as she pulled the amethyst ring off her finger and flung it at Maldrek. "I never want to set sight on you again." She said coldly and walked out of the tent, leaving a desolate Maldrek behind.

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Maldrek
Maldrek, confused and bewildered, folded the unsold cloaks and placed them into boxes. The rest of the camp were taking down the camp and making ready to leave. The questions keep coming. Where was Vilandra, why are we leaving a day early? The frieght boxed up, Maldrek turned to a Murgo and handed over the bill of lading. He didn’t like Murgos but this was business, plus it was a decent profit for the out of season cloaks. The Murgo reluctantly handed over the gold, since it was standard gold instead of the red gold the Murgos preferred. Maldrek turned to help with the final preparations as the Murgo clapped his hands and several broadbacked Thulls moved in to take charge of the crates.

What a whirlwind night it was. Drunk, then married, then the truth comes out and all hell breaks lose. Maldrek had seen Vilandra mad, but not quite as mad as she was. Never once has she just left an objective behind. Which made him wonder where she was and if she had calmed down a bit. Perhaps she was returning to the clan hall. The packing went uneventful for the remander of the day. About dusk the set off for the clan hall. Maldrek thought often of Vilandra, how happy she was when he was Kavell, the laugh, the toss of her dark hair, the dancing. He looked thoughtfully at the ring he gave Vilandra and she hurled back at him. An Idea struck him. He pulled the wagons to a stop and gathered his horse. Shouting instructions to the rest of the porters, he jumped into the saddle and rode forcefully back to the clan hall. Three sleepless nights stopping only to rest his horse and eat a bite, Maldrek finally made it back to the clan hall. He raced up the stairs and quickly looked around. No one was in sight. He knocked quietly on Vilandra’s door, getting no response he opened it and stole a quick glance inside. The chain and collar were on the bed, as well as the gold that was ever paid for her. Beside it, he placed the remainder of the gold from the cloak sales, a parchment that outlines she now owns half of everything that people know Maldrek owns. And the amethyst wedding ring. With a sigh, he gathered himself and left the room to get much needed rest in his quarters.

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Vilandra - Thoughts
Vilandra spun her turquoise dagger around, watching the blue of the studded stone make streaks with her fingers. She was sitting in the Merchant lounge, staring into the depths of the orange fire, flaming before her. Ever since she had returned, she hadn't spoken a word to anyone. She had retired to sitting quietly in a corner, deep in thought. Tears filled her eyes occasionally but she would angrily rub them away.
Maldrek was here.
She had seen him when she had arrived, he was looking tired and worn, a sorrowful look was etched around his eyes. Those eyes... Kavell's eyes. Vilandra could feel a wave of sorrow wash over her. She couldn't understand what to do. The wagon ride back to the city of Boktor had given her more perspective on the situation. Her anger had ebbed and she was ready to look at the truth of what had happened. It was true that he had betrayed her... had taken advantage of her not knowing his true identity... but... her mind was still overwhelmed with the shock that there was no real Kavell. The man she loved was non-existent.
But could it be? Was Kavell a part of Maldrek really? Or was that another lie he was making her believe? Her thoughts were running haywire inside her head as she absently tossed the blade deftly with her hand. Stopping the dagger in mid-air, she pushed into the side of her black leather boots and stood up, walking slowly to her room. She felt like lying down for a while, for if she stayed awake, these incessant thoughts would constantly plague her. The door was ajar, and somehow she remembered shutting it completely.
Curious, she peered in, but there was no one there. Frowning she entered, shutting the door behind her and headed to fling herself onto the soft comforter. But the sight of things on the bed stopped her. Her frown deepened when she saw her collar and chain placed on her bed along with a pile of money and piece of paper. She sunk into her bed, and picked up the note. In it was a statement issuing that she now owned half of what Maldrek owned being his legally wedded wife.
Next to that was another sentence confirming that Maldrek had now bought her from Czrel and had set her free and the price paid was to be hers now. Vilandra's eyes widened when she realized the cost she had brought and a smile lifted the corners of her lips at the thought that it was probably the next after what Vella had been bought for. But then her eyes flashed again when she realized that it was Maldrek who had done it. Maldrek Maldrek Maldrek. Did he really want her so badly?
Her fingers brushed against something metal on the bed and she looked down. There, pushing her thumb, was her amethyst engagement ring, glinting purple in the light. Vilandra felt her heart melt as flashes of the wedding night came back to her. Her eyes softened and the picked up the ring and fiddled with it and then slowly slipped it on.

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Maldrek - The business end
Maldrek's head kept spinning. The clan was undergoing drastic changes. Rumors of him being set to the Angarak kingdoms to find more souls that are willing to make a profit. Meetings it seemed day and night. But his head could only focus on her. Its been almost a week since he returned to the clan hall and his disastrous trip with Vilandra. He thought it was the best way to show who he really was.. But now that it’s over, what a mistake, thought Maldrek, she would have never let him get so close. So here he is back at the clan hall. Thinking about his "wife" that wants nothing to do with him. He can only blame himself though. Maldrek lifted his eyes and saw she was standing nearby yet again. He tried to smile at her, and only caught a malevolent stare that sent shivers down his spine. He lowed his head the smile quickly fading from his lips, concentrating on the latest reports from Mal Zeth.
This wasn’t the first time he’s looked up to find her there, at first he thought she might be seeking him out, but those looks told him otherwise. On several occasion Maldrek almost had mustered up the courage to approach her. Once he even took a couple of steps till she took out her dagger. She absently twirled it around the palm of her hand not even bothering to look up. He abandoned that course of action lest he meet the business end of that dagger.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Maldrek left to retire to his room. Passing by Vilandra’s door he raised his fist to knock. He sighed, lowered his hand and walked on, his eyes never leaving the floor.
There at the end of the hallway Vilandra stood watching him enter his room.

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Vilandra - The power of observation
Vilandra looked at Maldrek through the corner of her eye, watching his every move. She had kept up the strong wall she had built between him and herself, not allowing it to weaken just yet. True, her feelings towards him had softened a tad, but she wasn't ready just yet to believe that he was truly the man she wanted. She fingered the cool amethyst that was fitted on the ring on her finger. She had turned it around so as to hide the stone and not give him any inkling of her mixed feelings, allowing herself free to observe his actions and doings.
He had been busy the past week, hurrying about with Reidia as he performed work to pull the Angarak Consortium together. She sighed and flipped the pages of her accounts book, trying to look immersed in it but finding the print blur before her eyes and being replaced by images and glimpses of Maldrek. She had seen the hesitancy in his eyes, the fear of how she would react if he approached her. She had seen him try to do so, mustering up the courage to walk forth and then quickly shaking his head and turning back. Her insides were rolling in peals of laughter as she watched him flounder like this but her exterior remained as still and stony as before.
The more and more she watched him, the more affectionate her feelings grew, and she began to notice the little things that she had never seen before. The way he was a master with blades, but ran a mile when it came to facing a little spider. The funny way, in which he was supremely confident about any task but the moment she walked by and gave him a look, he was like a little lost boy. Vilandra felt herself turn pink with pleasure when she noticed these little nuances that made him seem much like a little boy as much as he was a man.
Her original impression of Maldrek, as that of a savage person, holding both traits of Angarak and Alorn due to his mixed Drasnian and Nadrak blood, was crumbling fast. She began to perceive him more and more as a loving genuine person, who was worthy of her love. She noticed him now, hovering in the distance, just out of sight, trying very hard not to look at her directly lest she would flare up. Inwardly, Vilandra smiled at his apprehension and smiled again when she realized the torture she was putting the poor man through. Thoughtfully, she rose to her feet, and strutted towards him, her eyes not betraying any of her true feelings.
Maldrek was looking down, apparently pondering over a piece of parchment that he had to sign. She could notice by the way he was tapping his fingers nervously, that he was aware of her approaching. Smiling again, she stopped before him and cleared her throat. He looked up, his eyes filled with hope and, Vilandra blushed, love. "I think we need to talk." Was all she said before walking away into her room, waiting for him to follow.

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Vilandra - Love
Maldrek opened the door to her room gingerly and smiled slightly when he saw her. His expression looked confused and hopeful and he struggled to keep his features straight to try not to betray his feelings. Vilandra felt nervousness tug at her own heart for although she knew exactly what she was going to do, she had never done it before and she wasn't sure what he was going to say to it.
She was seated calmly on her bed, her hands folded sedately on her lap. Maldrek walked forward and seated himself next to her, the closest he had been since they had fought. "It's been three weeks since..." She began. "Since we were married." She cleared her throat slightly and then continued. "And in these weeks I haven't spoken to you at all and neither have you spoken to me." Maldrek looked at her curiously, perhaps wondering why she was rattling the obvious. "I've been watching you. Trying to see if there was really any of the man I fell in love with in you." She narrowed her eyes slightly and scrutinized him.
"Trying to hope that what you said about Kavell and you being one was actually true." She closed her eyes for an instant, as if preparing herself for what she was about to say. "And it's true. It really is you." She reached over and brushed her hand against his.
Happiness seemed to exude from Maldrek and he leaned over and held her close. "Is this real? Or am I just dreaming it?" He murmured through her black hair. He drew back and brushed away a strand of hair from her gleaming face and looked directly into Vilandra's purple eyes. In there he could see that she was not lying, that she really did love him as much as he loved her.
Vilandra smiled softly and then moved away for a minute, loosening the daggers around her waist. Maldrek looked at her curiously, a little bit of apprehension as to what she was doing overcoming him. Vilandra giggled when she saw his slightly shocked expression. "Don't worry silly, I'm not going to kill you," She grinned evilly, "at least not yet." With a more serious expression, she clutched her two daggers in her hand and then handed them over to Maldrek. Maldrek gasped and then smiled, understanding this sacred ritual of the Nadraks. Vilandra smiled serenely, and then whispered for the first time, "I love you."

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Maldrek - Finally
Perhaps it was the slight hesitation that gave it away. She told him to follow her, but he had not moved an inch. She smiled at him and reached out with her hand and took his and gave him a small tug. Obediantly he started to shuffle forward. Maldrek knew that his face was showing everything as he tried to comprehend what was going on. Confussion, happiness.. They all flowed. She led him to her room. It finally dawned on Maldrek the possiblity that she was leading him to death for decieving her. Vilandra must have noticed this for she leaned in and whispered "Fear not ." And walked through her doorway.
Maldrek opened the dorr a litle more and saw Vilandra sitting calmly on her bed. Maldrek smiled slightly though he was positive his features were betraying all the year of training to remain the same. He walked closer to her and gingerly sat down on the bed next to her. His thoughts raced ahgead "this is the closest we have been since we returned..."
She began to speak, telling him the obvious, the long silences, the analizing, he realized it had been three weeks since they were married. She said something something about trying to find Kavell the one she loved in Maldrek, but he could not stop staring at her, how beautiful she was. He could see how it pained her to talk about such things so Maldrek focused more on what she was saying. Her hand, slightly tembling, touched his lightly. She said "It really is you." Happiness whelled deep within Maldrek, he leaned over and held her close." Is this real? Or am I just dreaming it?" He murmured through her black hair. He looked deep into her eyes, and saw it was true, he abestly wiped a few strands of hair out of her face and stared into her purple colored eyes.
She moved away loosening her daggers. Maldrek grew very waryand sat up a bit straighter. She laughed lightly," Don't worry silly, I'm not going to kill you," She grinned evilly, "at least not yet." With a more serious expression, she clutched her two daggers in her hand and then handed them over to Maldrek. Maldrek was shocked, this ancient ritual of the Nadraks. She was giving her self completly to Maldrek. He stood and closed the short distance between them he tossed the daggers on the bed and took Vilandra in his arms. She smiled at him and whispered "I love you." For the first time.
Maldrek kissed her lightly and then pulled away. Maldrek searched for the right things to say. "Im sorry ...." He began " This can not happen this way." He saw the startled look appear on her face. " We are still married and that can not be." He breathed deep "Not that way, Lets do it right." He looked at her and pulled a chain from around his neck. He removed the chain and something fell free into his hand. He looked back at her and sank to one knee. "Vilandra." He spoke softly as he rasied up the amythist ring to her. "We have been on many of the same adventures. My love for you has grown stronger with each one. Will you consent to be my wife so we can star t our adventures together.?"
He looked back at her with a hopefull expression, waiting for her to answer.

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