The Caravan Master Turns Red
Jeath your new friend moves over to make room for you on the seat, and
you are just introducing yourself when, Christeel helps a stumbling
Darrin to the table. Darrin is pale and you can see a very thin trickle
of blood bubbling from a fresh cut above his right eye.
Darrin calls out, "Hey, look it's Jeath," with a silly grin on his
face.
The oldest woman, who now that she speaks and your attention is drawn
to her, is familiar and in a flash you recognize her as the woman with
the many veils. She quickly says, "Here, sit your friend down in the
booth. Rui draw up two chairs and you and our other rescuer can sit
at the table's edge. It seems we have all four of us made friends
tonight, Vea," she says pointedly to the woman sitting next to Jeath.
After all is arranged the seating is Rui and Christeel at the edge and
next to Christeel and going around the table are Meli, Vrey, Darrin,
Vea and Jeath on the aisle.
Vrey is the veil dancer, and she introduces the two twins Meli and Rui
saying that they are both young dancers, and next is Vea a fortune
teller. She goes on to shake her head, saying she did not understand
how one of the four could not stand to dance, and yet they were all
sisters.
Jeath asks many questions, and Vrey buys the first round as she and Vea
answer all the questions. The twins giggle and make eyes at Christeel,
Vea sits close to Jeath, and Vrey continuously daubs a silk kerchief at
Darrin's cut.
They are all performers and heading to Waterdeep. Three dancers, one
fortune teller, and their parents perform magic on the stage, but
usually only in the bigger cities. They leave the small town
performances to their daughters. Vrey scolds the two younger twins,
"You both danced to close to the edge. It is fine for an earlier
performance, but after the ale has flowed so freely, you must keep from
the stage and watch for their outreached hands."
The twins look crestfallen, but Meli with the hurt ankle, says, "You are
right of course. I was not paying attention. My eye was caught by this
gentleman hear," she turns to Christeel and gives him a huge smile.
Vea asks what happened, and Vrey quickly tells the tale of the stage
incident. (jeath, a drunk mob tried to take the stage and attack the
girls and the two flautists. Christeel and Darrin helped them to
escape, but then Darrin got hit by a busted bottle, and Vrey and
Christeel had to help him run. Vrey led them here, knowing that any
followers would be left outside.)
Yes they are going to the big festival in Waterdeep. They have stayed
here two days, and will be leaving in the morning. They inquire as to
where you are all headed, and are glad to hear that you are on your
way to Waterdeep as well.
The night continues on, and the girls chat freely about their likes
and dislikes. Darrin seems to be doing alright, though he looks a
little uncomfortable every time Vrey goes to check his injury. Rui and
Meli seem to have their complete attention focused on Christeel's every
word and Vea grins and snuggles ever closer to Jeath, even when it seems
there is not half an inch of space between them.
Darrin yawns and says, "Maybe we should be getting back to our
inn. Perhaps we will see each other on the road tomorrow."
Vrey says, "We have barely said thank you for your noble deeds. I
have an ointment that should give you some aid. It's back at our wagon.
Come, Darrin," she urges.
Darrin shakes his head and stammers, "Uh, no. Please you've done
enough. I'll be....fine without it."
Rui speaks up looking to Christeel, "And you could help Meli walk
back to the campsite with me. I'm sure her ankle is not well."
Meli says, "Yes. It feels tender just sitting down with it on the
floor."
Vea says to Jeath, "And you can walk me safely back. I have
enjoyed our time here together."
Christeel, you and Jeath meet up on the main road from the
camp area, both wearing very contented looks on your faces.
You walk into town together, and are just coming up to Finnegan's
when Darrin walks out with Vrey on his arm. He is saying, "...a
wonderful evening. You were very understanding, and I hope we
can ride together today and talk some more."
Vrey says softly, "It is very refreshing to meet a young man, whose
first thought is to talk and not have sex. But if you reconsider,
I would very much like to be your first, Darrin. Perhaps once you
get to know me better."
Darrin nods, though his face is turning a deep crimson and his teeth
gnaw on his lower lip. "I wish you a good morning, Milady," he says
and after a quick glance at the two of you, he bows low and lifting
her hand, touches his lips to the backs of her fingers.
Upon rising, Vrey steps in close, and gives him a quick peck on the
cheek. He stands flustered, his mouth gaping wide, as she walks away.
The sun is just now rising over the eastern ridge of the valley.
As Vrey passes Christeel will nod his head and say
"Good morning Vrey"
Vrey nods to both of you, and her eyes twinkle when she sees
your apperance. She laughs out, her laughter light and
airy, as she continues on down the road.
To Darrin: So you and Vrey had a nice talk, huh. It was a beautiful
evening for conversation. Vea and I had a splendid chat. In fact we
chatted and chatted and chatted some more. In fact, we both hated the
sunrise, knowing we had other obligations and would have to stop chatting.
However, we agreed to get together at Waterdeep and chat again. How about
you Christeel? Did you and the twins have a nice discussion?
Christeel replies to Jeath,
"We talked some and when the subject changed to magic, I was
inquiring about their parents and their magical ability, then
Meli and Rui were so excited about the fact the I could do
real magic and they insisted that I preform some, I finally
gave in and cast one spell, It is amazing how entertaining
an unseen servant can be."
Darrin begins to regain the color in his face, as you all talk
about magic and talking the night away.
Christeel Speaks to Darrin,
"How's the head doing?"
I feel okay, he mumbles after a deep breath.
"Will the sisters actually be joining our caravan?"
"We are both leaving this morning, and they are headed our
direction," he shrugs as if to say, the chances are good.
Christeel says with a slight grin,
"Did I hear that Vrey wants to be your first?"
At this, he turns red as a beet again, and shuts his eyes as
if in his own private hell. He stammers, "I...uhm...I...," his
head bows, and his shoulders sag, and he softly he says, "I'm...
I'm... really sorry. Here I was...in there thinking about sex,
and you guys were being perfect gentleman. I really thought you
guys, were gonna ... you know, and Vrey said you would, but that
it would be okay," the words begin to rush forth suddenly. "And
really, it was the right thing to do, you guys. Maybe after you
get to know them for a few days, and maybe you make some serious
plans, and after a lot of talk, then yeah, you know,...it would
be okay... to...uhm...sleep.....together...kinda...." he slows
again just as fast, "un...dressed like." He looks back up and
glances at you both hopefully, but then he looks in your eyes
and knows he's just proven how naive he really is about sex. He
quickly mumbles, "Maybe in Waterdeep with... with Vrey."
He turns dejectedly and you head for the inn.
Christeel walks over to Darrin and says with a pat on the back
"You have nothing to be ashamed of lad, I was passed my
200th year before having my first experience with women.
All I can say is the it is more special when it is with
someone that you have strong feeling for and I defently
have strong feeling for Meli and Rui. I'll tell you
something though it does not make you more or less of a
man. When the time does come, Talk to her and she will
tell you when you are doing things right.
Now let's get some breakfast, I'm kinda hungry"
(
geocities.com/timessquare)