so_out_of_ideas (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
so_out_of_ideas) wrote2006-09-23 03:10 pm
so_out_of_ideas) wrote2006-09-23 03:10 pm
Entry tags:
...it wasn't so cold...
Well, the summer must really be over now. I'm freezing. I know the summer's been over for some time, but I like to stay in denial about that for as long as I possibly can.
Anyway, I have responses for![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-community.gif)
scifi_five and sg_challenges. I had the idea for sg_challenges yesterday morning, but I didn't actually get it done until today. Too busy writing bios for the new RP characters Jess and I thought up last night. I can't believe I actually wrote a DRABBLE. Me! Not only that, it's from Cam's POV. Don't think I've ever written Cam before. Yay, me. Anyway, I just checked, and Nerca hasn't posted the next challenge yet, so I'm gonna squeeze it in under the wire, simply because I'm VERY proud of myself for writing it.
Thescifi_five fic is a continuation of my Ed and Lynae story, Intruder that I've been working on in between ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
aruna7's website headers this week. Next up is the D/V date #2 from Taking the Long Way. I think I'm gonna write it for the A/C challenge on scifi_five.
Title: Letting Go
Author: Lionchilde
Summary:AU It still gave him a twinge every time she tried it...
Rating: PG
Length: Drabble
Category: gen
Pairings/Characters:Story's from Cam's POV; Daniel/Vala implied
A/N: This is related to my AU series, Rediscovered Hearts. For any who haven't read it, Cam had a rather important role in the birth of Daniel and Vala's daughter.
Letting Go
It still gave him a twinge every time she tried it. He wasn't sure why, really. He wasn't her father--in fact, they weren't even really related. When she was born, he hadn't wanted to be there--sure as hell hadn't wanted to deliver her while her father and Sam were stuck on the Al'kesh above the planet. But when she finally let go of Jackson's hand to take that step, he breathed a sigh of both relief and regret.
"Here we go," he laughed, managing to keep his voice steady as she tottered to Vala. "We're all in trouble now."
For anyone who missed the first chapter in this tale, Edmindos and Lynae are/were a pair of OC lovers that I revamped forstargatefangurl's fantasy RPG, called Eternal Fire so I don't know if this story should be categorized as fanfiction or original work or what. In any case, the story serves as an introduction to them and their world, a completely original place called Aterium. I've tried to write the story just as I would the beginning of a new novel or something, so anyone who'd like to read shouldn't be confused. (If there is something you "don't get", it's a safe bet to assume that's because I plan on explaining it in the next chapter.)
A very brief glossary of terms.
Adept= A minor deity.
Seeker= A wizardish sort.
Rogue= A mercenary.
Danar= A gold coin, the most common currency in Aterium
Ethardis=The Capital City of Aterium
Mt. Albur=The home of the Seekers
Part 1
Title: Faithful
Author: Lionchilde
Summary: When a dragon falls on someone's head, the world begins to look a bit different...
Rating: PG
Length: Around 4600 words
Category: Humor/Romance
Pairings:Edmindos/Lynae; Jaris/Lynae
A/N RPG related. Part 2 of ?
Faithful
The moon was rising over the ridge when Jaris found her. At the sound of his boots crunching behind her, Lynae's mouth curved upward. She glanced briefly down at the gleam of the ring on her hand and let him come. Powerful arms wound around her waist, and she leaned unconsciously against him as his lips pressed against her ear.
"Aren't you cold?" he asked. "Come back by the fire with Oren and I."
"I like the cold," Lynae shook her head.
"You're tired," he said softly. "You've been caring for the Seeker for days."
"Why do you suppose I came out here?" she asked with a fond smile. "It's quieter without you and Oren arguing."
"Oren never argues," chuckled Jaris.
"But that doesn't stop you from trying to goad him," smirked Lynae. "I wonder why he follows you at all."
"It's his nature to be faithful," Jaris' tone turned uncharacteristically reflective. "A better friend I couldn't ask for."
Lynae nodded fond agreement, her thoughts turning toward the archer who still lingered by the fire. Others came and went in the Rogue Brotherhood. The group tended to swell in bountiful years, especially during the summer months when caravans needed escort and nobles traveled to and from the King's Court on a whim. Aterium's rich and powerful often turned to well known Rogues to supplement their own security forces, and small Rogue bands formed alliances to meet the demand. During colder seasons, their numbers dwindled as summer partners went in search of other work. In lean years such as this one, when harvests had been poor, the Brotherhood all but foundered.
Jaris would go hungry himself before allowing his men or beasts to feel the pinch. He sweat more to find them work than any leader they knew, and bore the brunt of any unsavory job they took. Yet by midwinter, all of their fellows had chosen to hole up in Ethardis or surrounding towns. It was a matter of professional pride for Jaris to work through the winter, and Oren Essec would follow him without question.
"Nor I," she smiled.
"Come join the game," Jaris invited, stepping back. He kept his arms loosely around her, drawing her with him, and finally Lynae turned to accompany him.
They walked slowly back to the campfire, where Lynae was surprised to find her patient seated on a log beside Oren. She couldn't have been away from camp for more than an hour or two, and yet he suddenly seemed to have recovered.
Now, he was hunched in a position long familiar to her from her years of traveling with Jaris. As she watched, his hand moved to make what was clearly a rather practiced throw of someone's dice. Taking a few steps closer as they rolled to a halt, she noted that the set had an unusual gold gleam and recognized it as Jaris' favorite set--a prize he'd won from a Duke's son several summers back.
Oren let out a companionable groan and conceded defeat with a clap on the Seeker's shoulder. Looking up toward Lynae and Jaris, he laughed, "Well, Jaris, it seems neither of us will have a Seeker's staff from Edmindos tonight."
"And you've lost your last week's wages to boot?" Lynae raised an eyebrow, sweeping over to the fire to sit beside the Seeker--Edmindos, she thought, realizing that it was the first time she'd heard his name. "It's just as well, you know. Neither of you would have any use for a Seeker's staff. You have no way to work the magic of the Eternals."
"Ah, but what price would such a treasure fetch at the Marketplace in Ethardis?" Jaris retorted, squatting to retrieve the dice.
"A fair one, I've no doubt," Lynae admitted, reaching for the staff, which Edmindos had rested against the log. She ran her hands speculatively over the smooth surface and smirked again. "If you could prove it was what you claimed. The wood is fine, and…" she paused briefly to look at the Seeker as her hand explored the intricate decorative carvings along the top…"this is impressive work, indeed. Is it yours?"
"Wh--yes," he turned quickly, his eyes fastening on hers with a steady gaze that almost made her breath catch. She wondered for a moment if he could be seeing her again, but in the flickering firelight, she could make out the pale cast to his irises. When he saw, she remembered, his eyes were vividly, almost jarringly blue. No, he'd only trained himself to judge the position of people's eyes and mimic the eye contact that a sighted person would make. His lips moved in a quick, self-deprecating smile and she realized that he'd been embarrassed by the praise. "Just a passtime. It's rather boring shut up in Mt. Albur all winter…"
"So I'd imagine," Lynae smiled, handing the staff back to him.
He took it without hesitation, and she felt the hairs on the back of her neck rise as their fingers brushed. It was only the uncanny way he moved, she told herself, carefully schooling her expression and posture to remain casual. His eyes tracked the way a sighted person's would; his gestures held none of the uncertainty she would have expected from a blind man in unfamiliar surroundings. Was it magic or the product of careful self discipline?
She cleared her throat, turning her attention back to Jaris and Oren before they could notice anything amiss. "At any rate, the staff looks to be completely ordinary, and without an Adept's help, neither of you could make its real nature apparent."
"Couldn't we?" challenged Jaris. His tone was conversational, but clearly held a note of disdain for the magic of Mt. Albur. "Seems the Seeker must have some gift of his own. What is there to say I don't possess enough to make the magic work?"
"The Seeker's gift comes through the Eternals, Jaris," Lynae shook her head. "You'd put yourself on equal footing with them now?"
"Why not?" he laughed. "The Eternals couldn't keep our friend here safe. Nor could they heal him. That was your handiwork."
"And you know so much of the Eternals," she rolled her eyes, waving a hand dismissively in his direction. Turning to Edmindos, she went on, "Forgive him, Seeker. His tongue often wags before his brain engages."
"I thought you liked the wagging of my tongue, Lynae," Jaris winked, turning toward Edmindos. "You settle this, Seeker. Which of us has the right of it?"
Lynae raised her eyes to the night sky and pressed a hand to her forehead in exasperation. Jaris and Oren both snickered, and even the Seeker stifled a chuckle at the banter. She felt a hesitant hand on her arm and smiled a little at his reassuring touch.
"It's quite all right," murmured Edmindos quietly. "And in answer to your question, Master Jaris, the lady is correct. I had no special powers before I bonded with my Adept. My magic comes from him."
"Hmm," Jaris said. "And I don't suppose you'd throw your Adept in the betting pot, eh?"
"I think he might object," Edmindos replied with a shake of his head.
"Perhaps you should journey to Mt. Albur and find your own, Jaris," proposed Oren jokingly.
"I think Jaris might lack a few of the necessary traits," countered Lynae with a teasing grin at her mate.
"And what would those be?" he folded his arms, returning a sardonic smile.
Lynae grinned wider in response, reciting,
"A mind keen and ever ready
A spirit pure and bold
Forsaking wealth
To travel far
In search of inner gold
The Seeker's heart
Is forged within Eternal's Flame
To serve in hope
He may one day see.
"A keen mind, I'll give you Jaris, but the day you forsake wealth is the day we should all expect to see the Great Eternals," she remarked.
"And they would not provide one whit better for you than I," Jaris raised an eyebrow, daring her playfully to challenge him.
Before she could, though, she noticed the rather stunned expression on the Seeker's face and frowned. "Did I recite poorly? It's been some time since I read the poem, but I did think I'd remembered…"
"Oh!" he quickly shook his head. "No, m'lady. Your recitation…was perfect. But might I enquire where you chanced to read those words at all? I didn't think Seeker lore was much published beyond our Fortress."
"It isn't," she shook her head. "Nor, if it were, would many find it interesting. I was raised at the King's Court in Ethardis. My brother and I spent long hours in the royal libraries, though not always by choice."
"You are noble-born, then?" Edmindos asked, eyebrows rising.
"Hardly," Lynae shook her head. "Members of my family have served the king as Knights and healers for three generations now. Well--four, if one includes my brother, Carne."
"Then I owe your family a debt," smiled the Seeker. "I might well have died without your healing skills."
Lynae felt a blush rise to her cheeks and hoped it would be masked by the firelight. "My thanks," she murmured. "But I truly did little more than keep you comfortable. I think your Adept had more a hand in your mending than I, for my real training was as a Knight."
"Really?" Edmindos asked in surprise.
"I learned a bit of healing from my mother, and all Squires do a bit of such duties in service of their Masters--and I have certainly had a bit of experience tending Oren and Jaris over the past several years. They have a disturbing tendency to run into sharp objects," Lynae chuckled.
"Not to mention blunt ones," Jaris quipped. "Now. How about another game, Seeker? I've set my sights on that staff of yours."
"Well," Edmindos replied thoughtfully, fingering his newly fattened purse. "I would, of course, be happy to oblige, Master Jaris, but you appear to be out of danars."
"True," Jaris smirked, proffering the dice. "But I do have these. The finest set of six-sided dice in all Aterium."
"Your dice against my staff?" Edmindos raised an eyebrow.
"If you think you can best me again," challenged Jaris.
"Done," the Seeker grinned.
***
"My best dice!" Jaris complained, shoving back the tent flap.
Lynae hid a laugh, turning toward the wall as she reached back to begin undoing her braid. "I've warned you against gambling your precious dice before, haven't I?"
"I've never lost them," Jaris muttered, turning to seal the flap behind him. He lifted his left foot and gave the boot a hard yank, then flung it into the far corner.
"It had to happen sometime," Lynae shrugged.
"You're enjoying this, aren't you?" asked Jaris.
"Quite," Lynae didn't bother stifling her laughter this time.
"I think you like him," Jaris growled as the second boot crashed down after the first.
"Jealous?" Lynae turned, raising an eyebrow.
"What if I said yes?" Jaris tilted his chin.
She walked slowly across the tent and slid her arms around his neck. "I'd say you were a fool," she told him softly, her hand slipping up against the back of his neck.
"Good," he replied as their lips met.
***
As remarkable as she found the Seeker's quick recovery, Lynae was not fool enough to believe him capable of traveling back to Mt. Albur alone. Jaris, to her surprise, supported her, even to the point of insisting that the Brotherhood would escort him back to the Fortress.
Edmindos looked up in surprise as Oren handed him a share of the cold bread and cheese that the group was apparently well used to having for their morning meal. "That's…honestly…not necessary," he murmured.
"Lynae thinks it is," Jaris shrugged. "Lynae's tends to be right about these things."
"Remember that," Lynae smirked as she attempted to rip off a bite of bread. "You know, this would be better toasted."
"Last time you tried to toast the bread, you blackened it," Jaris reminded her, sighing.
"Perhaps I could be of assistance?" offered Edmindos.
"You cook?" Lynae asked, her tone mildly surprised.
"Well, yes, from time to time," Edmindos smiled, twitching his fingers. "Usually not like this though."
Lynae let out a small gasp as the bread warmed right in her hand. She watched in amazement as it browned and crisped, the cheese bubbling slightly over the top. She wondered if the Seeker might be showing off a bit, but he performed the trick again for Oren and Jaris with equal precision.
"Thank you," she murmured quietly, biting her lip.
Oren grinned, clapping his free hand against his wrist, and even Jaris offered a small bow of approval. Lynae felt her cheeks flush at her own uncharitable assumption, but hoped that the men were too busy being impressed to notice.
"Of course," the Seeker nodded, turning his attention back to his own breakfast.
The meal passed companionably enough, if one managed to ignore Jaris' usual ribbing of Oren. Afterward, the group broke camp and made for Mt. Albur with only minimal protests from the Seeker. They led the horses for a while, but when the skies began to darken, Jaris offered Edmindos his own mount and swung up behind Lynae.
This time, at least, the storm did not blow up without warning. Within an hour, though, it was clear that they were not going to outrun it. Heavy, fat flakes began to fall in steady rhythm, eventually even soaking through their thick, fur lined cloaks. Lynae shivered, glad of Jaris' arms around her.
"This is going to be a long one," observed Edmidos, his voice tight with concern. "You may well have to spend the night at the Sanctuary."
"I thought you Seekers didn't like company," Jaris replied.
"You won't be turned away in this, I assure you," the Seeker promised.
Jaris nodded silent thanks as Lynae let her horse fall back a length or two, trusting Edmindos to guide them along the narrowing mountain pass. The storm worsened rapidly, forcing her to squint in order to even see the familiar outline of Jaris' mare ahead of her, but the Seeker clearly knew his way. With the narrow walls of the pass on either side, the wind was sharper, making her briefly wonder how the blind man didn't become disoriented in the noise the way that he apparently had in the last storm. After a few moments' thought, she realized that this trail must be so familiar to him that even the sound of the storm wind was recognizable.
She leaned forward in her saddle, but before she could actually ask the Seeker if she was right, the horses began to snort and stomp. Lynae looked up sharply and gasped as the Fortress suddenly appeared through the snow and mist.
It towered several stories above them, with massive stone walls extending outward from the mountain itself. Strangely, the storm seemed to abate as they approached, and as she craned her neck to peer upward, she felt a touch of reassurance at the arched windows and high towers, much like those she had known at the King's Court in Ethardis.
Edmindos led them to a great set of iron doors, which were inlaid with carvings she thought might have been writing, but not in any language she knew. The Seeker paused for a moment, raised his hand, and touched several in quick succession. Each one glowed momentarily, then the entire set swirled before her eyes and rearranged itself. A loud metallic click echoed through the pass, and the doors squealed back on their ancient hinges.
How in Aterium does he know which to touch if they move each time? she thought as she followed him inside.
The horses hooves echoed on the stone floor of an open chamber so vast that she couldn't see the ceiling above her head. Several stone staircases wound down from balconies above, from which men and women she assumed were Seekers halted to stare down at them. Lynae struggled not to shrink under their scrutiny, holding her shoulders erect as the murmuring and whispers began.
No one started toward them, though, and Edmindos offered a reassuring nod as he climbed down out of the saddle. Somewhere behind them, a single, light pair of feet raced down the steps. Edmindos turned toward the sound, and Lynae followed his gaze in time to see a dark haired girl who looked to be about nine leap off a set of stairs while still only ¾ of the way down. She landed with stunning grace and sprung forward again, catlike, to land in the Seeker's outstretched arms.
"Papa, you're home!" she grinned, planting a loud kiss on his cheek. Then, she pulled back, glaring down at him. "And where have you been for so long? You're never out overnight! I had to stay with Berca and Otner."
"I'm sorry, sweetling, I was lost in the storm and ran afoul of a dragon," Edmindos replied, lightly returning the kiss as the Rogues each slid from their mounts and joined them. "These friends helped me find my way home again. Lynae, Oren, Jaris…my daughter, Ashanica."
"Ashe," the little girl corrected, rolling her eyes. Then she turned an appraising look on her father's new companions. "You're not Seekers. You're Rogues, aren't you?" her eyes widened slightly. "Did you slay the dragon?"
"No, little one," Lynae smiled up at the girl. "There was no slaying, for in the end this dragon turned out to be a good sort. Only a bit deaf."
"Well, that sounds…interesting," Ashe remarked, wriggling down out of her father's grasp. She walked over to pat each of the horses as she gathered their reigns, and then started leading the animals through a tall arch in that seemed to lead deeper into the mountain.
"Hold on…" Jaris cleared his throat, but she smiled reassuringly.
"The stables are this way, Master Jaris. I'll see to your mounts for you."
"Stables?" Jaris' eyebrows rose. "You keep horses here?"
"Field horses," Ashe shrugged, starting off again. "We do grow our own food up here. Though once we had fine beasts like yours to travel on, so my Papa says."
"Ah," Jaris nodded, attempting to keep a straight face as he gestured the Brotherhood to follow the child.
Lynae chuckled lightly and trailed the group through the torch-lit corridor to the stables. Once there, she quietly hung back with Edmindos, allowing Ashe to unsaddle and rub down Whisper while Jaris and Oren saw to their own beasts.
"Thank you," the Seeker murmured quietly as another pair of footsteps could be heard. Both turned toward the entrance to see a tall, broad-shouldered young Seeker duck inside.
"Blessings of the Great Eternals to you, Edmindos…and to you, strangers," he nodded once to each in turn.
"And to you, Zaern," Edmindos returned with a smile. "These are the members of the Rogue Brotherhood. Lynae Aeirelestos…Oren Essec…their founder and leader, Ra'arick Jaris. Rogues, Zaern Elander."
Lynae smiled in greeting and offered the younger Seeker her hand, which he graciously took before turning his attention back to Edmindos. "I'm to tell you that the Circle wishes to see you," he said apologetically. "I'll…see your friends get settled for the night."
"They want me already?" Edmindos smirked knowingly. "I expected they'd at least give me time to change my clothes."
"Can I come with you, Papa?" Ashe spun to face him.
"You know you can't," Edmindos shook his head. "You're to stay with Duric until I leave the Meeting Hall. I'll see you in our chambers later."
Ashe sighed disappointedly, but her face brightened a moment later when Duric appeared, first as a strange, almost ghostly outline of a human form, which filled with flame and then faded to reveal what appeared to be a dark haired man about Edmindos' own age, dressed in Seeker's robes.
"Are you sure you want to face them alone?" Duric asked half-jokingly.
Edmindos smiled. "I think I can handle them. My apologies, Rogues. Zaern will see you to some empty rooms for the night, and I'll join you later, if I may…"
"Wait--" Lynae caught the Seeker's arm as he started to turn away, not quite managing to hide her astonishment at the Adept's sudden appearance. "What--what is the Circle?"
"The Seeker's Council," he replied.
"A collection of old stuffed shirts if…" Duric started.
"I don't recall anyone asking you," Edmindos sighed.
"You're to be reprimanded for bringing us?" Lynae frowned.
"No," Edmindos promised with a slight shake of his head. "Though I will have to explain myself. And they don't much like my habit of wandering in the mountains."
"They prefer we all stay holed up here with them," Ashe remarked. "Don't worry, though, Papa's well used to it."
"Indeed…" Edmindos said rolling his eyes. "Though I prefer you to keep a more civil tongue when you speak of your elders, miss."
Ashe stuck out her tongue in reply, flouncing toward the door. "Come on, Duric."
"I saw that," Edmindos informed her as he followed them out.
"What?" she asked, feigning innocence.
***
Ashe seemed to enjoy the Rogues' company, as she didn't return immediately to her father's chambers. Instead, she tagged along with Zaern and the Brotherhood and gave a running commentary on each door or passageway they went by. When they arrived at the small suite of rooms in which the Rogues were to spend the night, she walked in with them and flopped into an oversized chair, where she proceeded to ply them with questions about their travels.
Duric, rather than correct her, shifted into the form a tiger and settled at her feet like some strange house pet. Ashe continued her discussion with Oren about his mastery of the Elven tongue and slid off her sandals, running her bare feet through the tiger's fur until he actually rolled over, exposing his belly in a tacit request to have it rubbed.
All three Rogues attempted to maintain a casual air as the Adept's antics began, but finally found themselves staring in shock. Ashe grinned, planting the soles of her feet on the tiger's stomach and moving them rapidly back and forth. "Isn't he fantastic? None of the other Adepts are fun like Duric!"
"Quenten might object to that statement," remarked Zaern, his lips twitching slightly in amusement.
"He might, Zaern, but he's too shy to actually say so himself," Ashe shrugged. "Although he is nice enough."
Zaern started to speak, then turned to look at the air above his shoulder. Lynae assumed his own Adept was there, though she saw nothing. He nodded slightly and then smiled at Ashe again. "He says he appreciates the compliment."
"See? Too shy to say so himself," Ashe laughed fondly.
For a brief moment, then, Lynae thought she saw the outline of a bird appear on Zaern's shoulder, but it vanished again before she could determine what sort of bird it was. Ashe nodded approvingly at the appearance, and Zaern chuckled.
"There, you see? Not as shy as you think. Come now, I'll take you home before I resume my duties," the Seeker offered.
Lynae honestly didn't like the thought of leaving Ashe by herself until Edmindos' interview with the Circle was complete. The little girl, of course, protested that she wasn't being left alone--she was with Duric. Somehow, though, the supervision of a semi-corporeal being who had a habit of leading his Seeker into dragons' caves seemed rather unappealing. Jaris had a good laugh at what he called her overactive mothering instincts, but he raised no objection when she announced that she would take Ashe back to the Seeker's rooms herself.
She wondered too late if she might offend Duric and started to apologize, but the tiger rolled to his feet and offered what was clearly a wink. Her eyes widened in surprise, and Zaern laughed outright. "I'll leave you, then," he decided. "Ashe can show you to the Gather Hall later if you'd like a bit of supper."
***
Despite her assurances that her father was well used to handling the members of the Circle, when Edmindos didn't appear after an hour, Ashe began to worry. She fretted, getting up every few minutes to peer out into the hallway, until Duric walked over to the hearth and blew a stream of air from his nostrils, igniting a rich blaze. Then the tiger Adept stretched out in front of it and flopped onto his side, idly watching the flames flicker. This appeared to be some sort of ritual affair, because as soon as she noticed, Ashe raced over and dropped down on the rug with him, settling her head on his meaty ribs.
Curious, Lynae moved closer as well, and sat down on the edge of the rug, hugging her knees. The first shapes appeared faintly, so that Lynae almost wondered if they were really there at all. Then she clearly saw a deer leap up to bound across the fire, followed by an Elven hunter who chased it for some time through what became a forest . Finally, the doe escaped by bounding up out of the hearth and disappearing.
The scene shifted to a sailing ship, which bobbed along the top of the fire as if it were a sea, then a second ship emerged, clearly flying a pirate's flag. Lynae found herself as entranced as Ashe by the images, and was almost disappointed when Ashe finally drifted off to sleep against the tiger's side and he allowed the flames to flicker and die.
It wasn't long after that when she heard the door creak slowly open and turned to see Edmindos slip into the room. She felt her face flush as he made his way over to them and wasn't quite sure why. The Seeker seemed to know without having to be told that Ashe was already asleep, and quietly knelt beside her.
Ashe came half awake as he slpped his arms under her small frame, and her arms rose to encircle his neck. "Papa," she murmured sleepily. "Lynae stayed with us."
"I see that," Edmindos smiled, gently kissing her hair as he carried her across the main room and disappeared into what Lynae presumed was the little girl's bedchamber. Duric vanished with another wink, and she frowned, wondering if Edmindos' Adept was slightly daft. She followed him to the bedchamber, clearing her throat softly.
"I should thank you," he said quietly as he pulled the blankets up around Ashe.
"No," Lynae shook her head. "I…wanted to apologize to Duric. I think that I misjudged him. Would that my brother and I had had such a guardian."
"Duric doesn't mind," Edmindos assured her, stepping toward the door.
Lynae felt suddenly warm at his proximity, but couldn't will her legs to move. He paused, his expression slightly surprised, and she glanced away uncomfortably, forcing her eyes over his shoulder toward Ashe.
"Her m-mother must adore her," she stammered, grasping at any thread of conversation she could find, any reason to explain why she hadn't yet moved away.
Edmindos stiffened, his smile becoming forced. "Ashe's mother…was killed--during the war," he explained.
"Oh! Oh, I'm sorry!" Lynae finally stepped back, feeling her chest tighten with regret.
Edmindos reached for her, his hand catching hers. "It's quite all right," he cleared his throat. "Please don't go."
She stepped closer before she realized she had, her hand moving to his cheek. She told herself it was only a gesture of sympathy, despite the rapid hammering of her heart. He leaned closer, moving his own hand toward her face, but she pulled back.
"I--" she stammered. "I am--promised…to Jaris…"
Anyway, I have responses for
scifi_five and sg_challenges. I had the idea for sg_challenges yesterday morning, but I didn't actually get it done until today. Too busy writing bios for the new RP characters Jess and I thought up last night. I can't believe I actually wrote a DRABBLE. Me! Not only that, it's from Cam's POV. Don't think I've ever written Cam before. Yay, me. Anyway, I just checked, and Nerca hasn't posted the next challenge yet, so I'm gonna squeeze it in under the wire, simply because I'm VERY proud of myself for writing it.The
scifi_five fic is a continuation of my Ed and Lynae story, Intruder that I've been working on in between aruna7's website headers this week. Next up is the D/V date #2 from Taking the Long Way. I think I'm gonna write it for the A/C challenge on scifi_five.Title: Letting Go
Author: Lionchilde
Summary:AU It still gave him a twinge every time she tried it...
Rating: PG
Length: Drabble
Category: gen
Pairings/Characters:Story's from Cam's POV; Daniel/Vala implied
A/N: This is related to my AU series, Rediscovered Hearts. For any who haven't read it, Cam had a rather important role in the birth of Daniel and Vala's daughter.
It still gave him a twinge every time she tried it. He wasn't sure why, really. He wasn't her father--in fact, they weren't even really related. When she was born, he hadn't wanted to be there--sure as hell hadn't wanted to deliver her while her father and Sam were stuck on the Al'kesh above the planet. But when she finally let go of Jackson's hand to take that step, he breathed a sigh of both relief and regret.
"Here we go," he laughed, managing to keep his voice steady as she tottered to Vala. "We're all in trouble now."
For anyone who missed the first chapter in this tale, Edmindos and Lynae are/were a pair of OC lovers that I revamped for
stargatefangurl's fantasy RPG, called Eternal Fire so I don't know if this story should be categorized as fanfiction or original work or what. In any case, the story serves as an introduction to them and their world, a completely original place called Aterium. I've tried to write the story just as I would the beginning of a new novel or something, so anyone who'd like to read shouldn't be confused. (If there is something you "don't get", it's a safe bet to assume that's because I plan on explaining it in the next chapter.)A very brief glossary of terms.
Adept= A minor deity.
Seeker= A wizardish sort.
Rogue= A mercenary.
Danar= A gold coin, the most common currency in Aterium
Ethardis=The Capital City of Aterium
Mt. Albur=The home of the Seekers
Part 1
Title: Faithful
Author: Lionchilde
Summary: When a dragon falls on someone's head, the world begins to look a bit different...
Rating: PG
Length: Around 4600 words
Category: Humor/Romance
Pairings:Edmindos/Lynae; Jaris/Lynae
A/N RPG related. Part 2 of ?
The moon was rising over the ridge when Jaris found her. At the sound of his boots crunching behind her, Lynae's mouth curved upward. She glanced briefly down at the gleam of the ring on her hand and let him come. Powerful arms wound around her waist, and she leaned unconsciously against him as his lips pressed against her ear.
"Aren't you cold?" he asked. "Come back by the fire with Oren and I."
"I like the cold," Lynae shook her head.
"You're tired," he said softly. "You've been caring for the Seeker for days."
"Why do you suppose I came out here?" she asked with a fond smile. "It's quieter without you and Oren arguing."
"Oren never argues," chuckled Jaris.
"But that doesn't stop you from trying to goad him," smirked Lynae. "I wonder why he follows you at all."
"It's his nature to be faithful," Jaris' tone turned uncharacteristically reflective. "A better friend I couldn't ask for."
Lynae nodded fond agreement, her thoughts turning toward the archer who still lingered by the fire. Others came and went in the Rogue Brotherhood. The group tended to swell in bountiful years, especially during the summer months when caravans needed escort and nobles traveled to and from the King's Court on a whim. Aterium's rich and powerful often turned to well known Rogues to supplement their own security forces, and small Rogue bands formed alliances to meet the demand. During colder seasons, their numbers dwindled as summer partners went in search of other work. In lean years such as this one, when harvests had been poor, the Brotherhood all but foundered.
Jaris would go hungry himself before allowing his men or beasts to feel the pinch. He sweat more to find them work than any leader they knew, and bore the brunt of any unsavory job they took. Yet by midwinter, all of their fellows had chosen to hole up in Ethardis or surrounding towns. It was a matter of professional pride for Jaris to work through the winter, and Oren Essec would follow him without question.
"Nor I," she smiled.
"Come join the game," Jaris invited, stepping back. He kept his arms loosely around her, drawing her with him, and finally Lynae turned to accompany him.
They walked slowly back to the campfire, where Lynae was surprised to find her patient seated on a log beside Oren. She couldn't have been away from camp for more than an hour or two, and yet he suddenly seemed to have recovered.
Now, he was hunched in a position long familiar to her from her years of traveling with Jaris. As she watched, his hand moved to make what was clearly a rather practiced throw of someone's dice. Taking a few steps closer as they rolled to a halt, she noted that the set had an unusual gold gleam and recognized it as Jaris' favorite set--a prize he'd won from a Duke's son several summers back.
Oren let out a companionable groan and conceded defeat with a clap on the Seeker's shoulder. Looking up toward Lynae and Jaris, he laughed, "Well, Jaris, it seems neither of us will have a Seeker's staff from Edmindos tonight."
"And you've lost your last week's wages to boot?" Lynae raised an eyebrow, sweeping over to the fire to sit beside the Seeker--Edmindos, she thought, realizing that it was the first time she'd heard his name. "It's just as well, you know. Neither of you would have any use for a Seeker's staff. You have no way to work the magic of the Eternals."
"Ah, but what price would such a treasure fetch at the Marketplace in Ethardis?" Jaris retorted, squatting to retrieve the dice.
"A fair one, I've no doubt," Lynae admitted, reaching for the staff, which Edmindos had rested against the log. She ran her hands speculatively over the smooth surface and smirked again. "If you could prove it was what you claimed. The wood is fine, and…" she paused briefly to look at the Seeker as her hand explored the intricate decorative carvings along the top…"this is impressive work, indeed. Is it yours?"
"Wh--yes," he turned quickly, his eyes fastening on hers with a steady gaze that almost made her breath catch. She wondered for a moment if he could be seeing her again, but in the flickering firelight, she could make out the pale cast to his irises. When he saw, she remembered, his eyes were vividly, almost jarringly blue. No, he'd only trained himself to judge the position of people's eyes and mimic the eye contact that a sighted person would make. His lips moved in a quick, self-deprecating smile and she realized that he'd been embarrassed by the praise. "Just a passtime. It's rather boring shut up in Mt. Albur all winter…"
"So I'd imagine," Lynae smiled, handing the staff back to him.
He took it without hesitation, and she felt the hairs on the back of her neck rise as their fingers brushed. It was only the uncanny way he moved, she told herself, carefully schooling her expression and posture to remain casual. His eyes tracked the way a sighted person's would; his gestures held none of the uncertainty she would have expected from a blind man in unfamiliar surroundings. Was it magic or the product of careful self discipline?
She cleared her throat, turning her attention back to Jaris and Oren before they could notice anything amiss. "At any rate, the staff looks to be completely ordinary, and without an Adept's help, neither of you could make its real nature apparent."
"Couldn't we?" challenged Jaris. His tone was conversational, but clearly held a note of disdain for the magic of Mt. Albur. "Seems the Seeker must have some gift of his own. What is there to say I don't possess enough to make the magic work?"
"The Seeker's gift comes through the Eternals, Jaris," Lynae shook her head. "You'd put yourself on equal footing with them now?"
"Why not?" he laughed. "The Eternals couldn't keep our friend here safe. Nor could they heal him. That was your handiwork."
"And you know so much of the Eternals," she rolled her eyes, waving a hand dismissively in his direction. Turning to Edmindos, she went on, "Forgive him, Seeker. His tongue often wags before his brain engages."
"I thought you liked the wagging of my tongue, Lynae," Jaris winked, turning toward Edmindos. "You settle this, Seeker. Which of us has the right of it?"
Lynae raised her eyes to the night sky and pressed a hand to her forehead in exasperation. Jaris and Oren both snickered, and even the Seeker stifled a chuckle at the banter. She felt a hesitant hand on her arm and smiled a little at his reassuring touch.
"It's quite all right," murmured Edmindos quietly. "And in answer to your question, Master Jaris, the lady is correct. I had no special powers before I bonded with my Adept. My magic comes from him."
"Hmm," Jaris said. "And I don't suppose you'd throw your Adept in the betting pot, eh?"
"I think he might object," Edmindos replied with a shake of his head.
"Perhaps you should journey to Mt. Albur and find your own, Jaris," proposed Oren jokingly.
"I think Jaris might lack a few of the necessary traits," countered Lynae with a teasing grin at her mate.
"And what would those be?" he folded his arms, returning a sardonic smile.
Lynae grinned wider in response, reciting,
A spirit pure and bold
Forsaking wealth
To travel far
In search of inner gold
The Seeker's heart
Is forged within Eternal's Flame
To serve in hope
He may one day see.
"A keen mind, I'll give you Jaris, but the day you forsake wealth is the day we should all expect to see the Great Eternals," she remarked.
"And they would not provide one whit better for you than I," Jaris raised an eyebrow, daring her playfully to challenge him.
Before she could, though, she noticed the rather stunned expression on the Seeker's face and frowned. "Did I recite poorly? It's been some time since I read the poem, but I did think I'd remembered…"
"Oh!" he quickly shook his head. "No, m'lady. Your recitation…was perfect. But might I enquire where you chanced to read those words at all? I didn't think Seeker lore was much published beyond our Fortress."
"It isn't," she shook her head. "Nor, if it were, would many find it interesting. I was raised at the King's Court in Ethardis. My brother and I spent long hours in the royal libraries, though not always by choice."
"You are noble-born, then?" Edmindos asked, eyebrows rising.
"Hardly," Lynae shook her head. "Members of my family have served the king as Knights and healers for three generations now. Well--four, if one includes my brother, Carne."
"Then I owe your family a debt," smiled the Seeker. "I might well have died without your healing skills."
Lynae felt a blush rise to her cheeks and hoped it would be masked by the firelight. "My thanks," she murmured. "But I truly did little more than keep you comfortable. I think your Adept had more a hand in your mending than I, for my real training was as a Knight."
"Really?" Edmindos asked in surprise.
"I learned a bit of healing from my mother, and all Squires do a bit of such duties in service of their Masters--and I have certainly had a bit of experience tending Oren and Jaris over the past several years. They have a disturbing tendency to run into sharp objects," Lynae chuckled.
"Not to mention blunt ones," Jaris quipped. "Now. How about another game, Seeker? I've set my sights on that staff of yours."
"Well," Edmindos replied thoughtfully, fingering his newly fattened purse. "I would, of course, be happy to oblige, Master Jaris, but you appear to be out of danars."
"True," Jaris smirked, proffering the dice. "But I do have these. The finest set of six-sided dice in all Aterium."
"Your dice against my staff?" Edmindos raised an eyebrow.
"If you think you can best me again," challenged Jaris.
"Done," the Seeker grinned.
***
"My best dice!" Jaris complained, shoving back the tent flap.
Lynae hid a laugh, turning toward the wall as she reached back to begin undoing her braid. "I've warned you against gambling your precious dice before, haven't I?"
"I've never lost them," Jaris muttered, turning to seal the flap behind him. He lifted his left foot and gave the boot a hard yank, then flung it into the far corner.
"It had to happen sometime," Lynae shrugged.
"You're enjoying this, aren't you?" asked Jaris.
"Quite," Lynae didn't bother stifling her laughter this time.
"I think you like him," Jaris growled as the second boot crashed down after the first.
"Jealous?" Lynae turned, raising an eyebrow.
"What if I said yes?" Jaris tilted his chin.
She walked slowly across the tent and slid her arms around his neck. "I'd say you were a fool," she told him softly, her hand slipping up against the back of his neck.
"Good," he replied as their lips met.
***
As remarkable as she found the Seeker's quick recovery, Lynae was not fool enough to believe him capable of traveling back to Mt. Albur alone. Jaris, to her surprise, supported her, even to the point of insisting that the Brotherhood would escort him back to the Fortress.
Edmindos looked up in surprise as Oren handed him a share of the cold bread and cheese that the group was apparently well used to having for their morning meal. "That's…honestly…not necessary," he murmured.
"Lynae thinks it is," Jaris shrugged. "Lynae's tends to be right about these things."
"Remember that," Lynae smirked as she attempted to rip off a bite of bread. "You know, this would be better toasted."
"Last time you tried to toast the bread, you blackened it," Jaris reminded her, sighing.
"Perhaps I could be of assistance?" offered Edmindos.
"You cook?" Lynae asked, her tone mildly surprised.
"Well, yes, from time to time," Edmindos smiled, twitching his fingers. "Usually not like this though."
Lynae let out a small gasp as the bread warmed right in her hand. She watched in amazement as it browned and crisped, the cheese bubbling slightly over the top. She wondered if the Seeker might be showing off a bit, but he performed the trick again for Oren and Jaris with equal precision.
"Thank you," she murmured quietly, biting her lip.
Oren grinned, clapping his free hand against his wrist, and even Jaris offered a small bow of approval. Lynae felt her cheeks flush at her own uncharitable assumption, but hoped that the men were too busy being impressed to notice.
"Of course," the Seeker nodded, turning his attention back to his own breakfast.
The meal passed companionably enough, if one managed to ignore Jaris' usual ribbing of Oren. Afterward, the group broke camp and made for Mt. Albur with only minimal protests from the Seeker. They led the horses for a while, but when the skies began to darken, Jaris offered Edmindos his own mount and swung up behind Lynae.
This time, at least, the storm did not blow up without warning. Within an hour, though, it was clear that they were not going to outrun it. Heavy, fat flakes began to fall in steady rhythm, eventually even soaking through their thick, fur lined cloaks. Lynae shivered, glad of Jaris' arms around her.
"This is going to be a long one," observed Edmidos, his voice tight with concern. "You may well have to spend the night at the Sanctuary."
"I thought you Seekers didn't like company," Jaris replied.
"You won't be turned away in this, I assure you," the Seeker promised.
Jaris nodded silent thanks as Lynae let her horse fall back a length or two, trusting Edmindos to guide them along the narrowing mountain pass. The storm worsened rapidly, forcing her to squint in order to even see the familiar outline of Jaris' mare ahead of her, but the Seeker clearly knew his way. With the narrow walls of the pass on either side, the wind was sharper, making her briefly wonder how the blind man didn't become disoriented in the noise the way that he apparently had in the last storm. After a few moments' thought, she realized that this trail must be so familiar to him that even the sound of the storm wind was recognizable.
She leaned forward in her saddle, but before she could actually ask the Seeker if she was right, the horses began to snort and stomp. Lynae looked up sharply and gasped as the Fortress suddenly appeared through the snow and mist.
It towered several stories above them, with massive stone walls extending outward from the mountain itself. Strangely, the storm seemed to abate as they approached, and as she craned her neck to peer upward, she felt a touch of reassurance at the arched windows and high towers, much like those she had known at the King's Court in Ethardis.
Edmindos led them to a great set of iron doors, which were inlaid with carvings she thought might have been writing, but not in any language she knew. The Seeker paused for a moment, raised his hand, and touched several in quick succession. Each one glowed momentarily, then the entire set swirled before her eyes and rearranged itself. A loud metallic click echoed through the pass, and the doors squealed back on their ancient hinges.
How in Aterium does he know which to touch if they move each time? she thought as she followed him inside.
The horses hooves echoed on the stone floor of an open chamber so vast that she couldn't see the ceiling above her head. Several stone staircases wound down from balconies above, from which men and women she assumed were Seekers halted to stare down at them. Lynae struggled not to shrink under their scrutiny, holding her shoulders erect as the murmuring and whispers began.
No one started toward them, though, and Edmindos offered a reassuring nod as he climbed down out of the saddle. Somewhere behind them, a single, light pair of feet raced down the steps. Edmindos turned toward the sound, and Lynae followed his gaze in time to see a dark haired girl who looked to be about nine leap off a set of stairs while still only ¾ of the way down. She landed with stunning grace and sprung forward again, catlike, to land in the Seeker's outstretched arms.
"Papa, you're home!" she grinned, planting a loud kiss on his cheek. Then, she pulled back, glaring down at him. "And where have you been for so long? You're never out overnight! I had to stay with Berca and Otner."
"I'm sorry, sweetling, I was lost in the storm and ran afoul of a dragon," Edmindos replied, lightly returning the kiss as the Rogues each slid from their mounts and joined them. "These friends helped me find my way home again. Lynae, Oren, Jaris…my daughter, Ashanica."
"Ashe," the little girl corrected, rolling her eyes. Then she turned an appraising look on her father's new companions. "You're not Seekers. You're Rogues, aren't you?" her eyes widened slightly. "Did you slay the dragon?"
"No, little one," Lynae smiled up at the girl. "There was no slaying, for in the end this dragon turned out to be a good sort. Only a bit deaf."
"Well, that sounds…interesting," Ashe remarked, wriggling down out of her father's grasp. She walked over to pat each of the horses as she gathered their reigns, and then started leading the animals through a tall arch in that seemed to lead deeper into the mountain.
"Hold on…" Jaris cleared his throat, but she smiled reassuringly.
"The stables are this way, Master Jaris. I'll see to your mounts for you."
"Stables?" Jaris' eyebrows rose. "You keep horses here?"
"Field horses," Ashe shrugged, starting off again. "We do grow our own food up here. Though once we had fine beasts like yours to travel on, so my Papa says."
"Ah," Jaris nodded, attempting to keep a straight face as he gestured the Brotherhood to follow the child.
Lynae chuckled lightly and trailed the group through the torch-lit corridor to the stables. Once there, she quietly hung back with Edmindos, allowing Ashe to unsaddle and rub down Whisper while Jaris and Oren saw to their own beasts.
"Thank you," the Seeker murmured quietly as another pair of footsteps could be heard. Both turned toward the entrance to see a tall, broad-shouldered young Seeker duck inside.
"Blessings of the Great Eternals to you, Edmindos…and to you, strangers," he nodded once to each in turn.
"And to you, Zaern," Edmindos returned with a smile. "These are the members of the Rogue Brotherhood. Lynae Aeirelestos…Oren Essec…their founder and leader, Ra'arick Jaris. Rogues, Zaern Elander."
Lynae smiled in greeting and offered the younger Seeker her hand, which he graciously took before turning his attention back to Edmindos. "I'm to tell you that the Circle wishes to see you," he said apologetically. "I'll…see your friends get settled for the night."
"They want me already?" Edmindos smirked knowingly. "I expected they'd at least give me time to change my clothes."
"Can I come with you, Papa?" Ashe spun to face him.
"You know you can't," Edmindos shook his head. "You're to stay with Duric until I leave the Meeting Hall. I'll see you in our chambers later."
Ashe sighed disappointedly, but her face brightened a moment later when Duric appeared, first as a strange, almost ghostly outline of a human form, which filled with flame and then faded to reveal what appeared to be a dark haired man about Edmindos' own age, dressed in Seeker's robes.
"Are you sure you want to face them alone?" Duric asked half-jokingly.
Edmindos smiled. "I think I can handle them. My apologies, Rogues. Zaern will see you to some empty rooms for the night, and I'll join you later, if I may…"
"Wait--" Lynae caught the Seeker's arm as he started to turn away, not quite managing to hide her astonishment at the Adept's sudden appearance. "What--what is the Circle?"
"The Seeker's Council," he replied.
"A collection of old stuffed shirts if…" Duric started.
"I don't recall anyone asking you," Edmindos sighed.
"You're to be reprimanded for bringing us?" Lynae frowned.
"No," Edmindos promised with a slight shake of his head. "Though I will have to explain myself. And they don't much like my habit of wandering in the mountains."
"They prefer we all stay holed up here with them," Ashe remarked. "Don't worry, though, Papa's well used to it."
"Indeed…" Edmindos said rolling his eyes. "Though I prefer you to keep a more civil tongue when you speak of your elders, miss."
Ashe stuck out her tongue in reply, flouncing toward the door. "Come on, Duric."
"I saw that," Edmindos informed her as he followed them out.
"What?" she asked, feigning innocence.
***
Ashe seemed to enjoy the Rogues' company, as she didn't return immediately to her father's chambers. Instead, she tagged along with Zaern and the Brotherhood and gave a running commentary on each door or passageway they went by. When they arrived at the small suite of rooms in which the Rogues were to spend the night, she walked in with them and flopped into an oversized chair, where she proceeded to ply them with questions about their travels.
Duric, rather than correct her, shifted into the form a tiger and settled at her feet like some strange house pet. Ashe continued her discussion with Oren about his mastery of the Elven tongue and slid off her sandals, running her bare feet through the tiger's fur until he actually rolled over, exposing his belly in a tacit request to have it rubbed.
All three Rogues attempted to maintain a casual air as the Adept's antics began, but finally found themselves staring in shock. Ashe grinned, planting the soles of her feet on the tiger's stomach and moving them rapidly back and forth. "Isn't he fantastic? None of the other Adepts are fun like Duric!"
"Quenten might object to that statement," remarked Zaern, his lips twitching slightly in amusement.
"He might, Zaern, but he's too shy to actually say so himself," Ashe shrugged. "Although he is nice enough."
Zaern started to speak, then turned to look at the air above his shoulder. Lynae assumed his own Adept was there, though she saw nothing. He nodded slightly and then smiled at Ashe again. "He says he appreciates the compliment."
"See? Too shy to say so himself," Ashe laughed fondly.
For a brief moment, then, Lynae thought she saw the outline of a bird appear on Zaern's shoulder, but it vanished again before she could determine what sort of bird it was. Ashe nodded approvingly at the appearance, and Zaern chuckled.
"There, you see? Not as shy as you think. Come now, I'll take you home before I resume my duties," the Seeker offered.
Lynae honestly didn't like the thought of leaving Ashe by herself until Edmindos' interview with the Circle was complete. The little girl, of course, protested that she wasn't being left alone--she was with Duric. Somehow, though, the supervision of a semi-corporeal being who had a habit of leading his Seeker into dragons' caves seemed rather unappealing. Jaris had a good laugh at what he called her overactive mothering instincts, but he raised no objection when she announced that she would take Ashe back to the Seeker's rooms herself.
She wondered too late if she might offend Duric and started to apologize, but the tiger rolled to his feet and offered what was clearly a wink. Her eyes widened in surprise, and Zaern laughed outright. "I'll leave you, then," he decided. "Ashe can show you to the Gather Hall later if you'd like a bit of supper."
***
Despite her assurances that her father was well used to handling the members of the Circle, when Edmindos didn't appear after an hour, Ashe began to worry. She fretted, getting up every few minutes to peer out into the hallway, until Duric walked over to the hearth and blew a stream of air from his nostrils, igniting a rich blaze. Then the tiger Adept stretched out in front of it and flopped onto his side, idly watching the flames flicker. This appeared to be some sort of ritual affair, because as soon as she noticed, Ashe raced over and dropped down on the rug with him, settling her head on his meaty ribs.
Curious, Lynae moved closer as well, and sat down on the edge of the rug, hugging her knees. The first shapes appeared faintly, so that Lynae almost wondered if they were really there at all. Then she clearly saw a deer leap up to bound across the fire, followed by an Elven hunter who chased it for some time through what became a forest . Finally, the doe escaped by bounding up out of the hearth and disappearing.
The scene shifted to a sailing ship, which bobbed along the top of the fire as if it were a sea, then a second ship emerged, clearly flying a pirate's flag. Lynae found herself as entranced as Ashe by the images, and was almost disappointed when Ashe finally drifted off to sleep against the tiger's side and he allowed the flames to flicker and die.
It wasn't long after that when she heard the door creak slowly open and turned to see Edmindos slip into the room. She felt her face flush as he made his way over to them and wasn't quite sure why. The Seeker seemed to know without having to be told that Ashe was already asleep, and quietly knelt beside her.
Ashe came half awake as he slpped his arms under her small frame, and her arms rose to encircle his neck. "Papa," she murmured sleepily. "Lynae stayed with us."
"I see that," Edmindos smiled, gently kissing her hair as he carried her across the main room and disappeared into what Lynae presumed was the little girl's bedchamber. Duric vanished with another wink, and she frowned, wondering if Edmindos' Adept was slightly daft. She followed him to the bedchamber, clearing her throat softly.
"I should thank you," he said quietly as he pulled the blankets up around Ashe.
"No," Lynae shook her head. "I…wanted to apologize to Duric. I think that I misjudged him. Would that my brother and I had had such a guardian."
"Duric doesn't mind," Edmindos assured her, stepping toward the door.
Lynae felt suddenly warm at his proximity, but couldn't will her legs to move. He paused, his expression slightly surprised, and she glanced away uncomfortably, forcing her eyes over his shoulder toward Ashe.
"Her m-mother must adore her," she stammered, grasping at any thread of conversation she could find, any reason to explain why she hadn't yet moved away.
Edmindos stiffened, his smile becoming forced. "Ashe's mother…was killed--during the war," he explained.
"Oh! Oh, I'm sorry!" Lynae finally stepped back, feeling her chest tighten with regret.
Edmindos reached for her, his hand catching hers. "It's quite all right," he cleared his throat. "Please don't go."
She stepped closer before she realized she had, her hand moving to his cheek. She told herself it was only a gesture of sympathy, despite the rapid hammering of her heart. He leaned closer, moving his own hand toward her face, but she pulled back.
"I--" she stammered. "I am--promised…to Jaris…"
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Oh, yes. Loved the Cam drabble too. Heh.
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