(no subject)

[sticksandleaves]

A cool rain brings welcome relief

Comments

[tinatin]

From the heat? It's been horrible lately.

[sticksandleaves]

Yes.
It is draining.

[tinatin]

It is cooler where I am from.

[sticksandleaves]

My home is cold all year long.

[tinatin]

Where are you from?

[sticksandleaves]

Ireland.

[tinatin]

I'm from Georgia. Across the sea, a small village near a wood.

[sticksandleaves]

Across the sea? A small village near a wood? ...I am headed there soon.

[tinatin]

Yes. I am headed there as well.

What is your purpose?

[sticksandleaves]

There is a baby who needs to be returned to his people. That is where they live.

[tinatin]

[Silence for a moment]

Yes, it is.

[sticksandleaves]

...Will you guide us there?

[tinatin]

I suppose that I must. You are capable without me, but it is time that I returned.

[sticksandleaves]

I am... weak right now but I will no be a burden.

[tinatin]

I am certain of that.

You will be going to my home.

[sticksandleaves]

[She looks interested now]

The child... You could return it...

[tinatin]

[Nina looks worried. Again.]

I'm not ready.

[sticksandleaves]

You must be ready. Marcus will also come with us.

[tinatin]

Returning is no small thing for me, or for him... and he has no idea.

[sticksandleaves]

Is will be for the best.

...For all of you.

[tinatin]

For the baby, yes. Marcus should stay and wait for your return.

[sticksandleaves]

I.. cannot cross over. I needed him to bring the child across.

[tinatin]

He was baptized as a holy warrior by those who took him. He does not know any of what happened.

I will take the child across.

[sticksandleaves]

[Her face crumples whens he hears about Marcus but for only a moment. She wont show that sort of weakness]

I will fetch the child then. Then we must leave.

[tinatin]

He is very happy, and is a good warrior. [Nina is good at hiding her emotions, and shows no more signs of being upset about the situation]

You have done well.

[sticksandleaves]

Yes. He is. And still very kind.

[She's quiet for a moment]

I did as was necessary.

[tinatin]

Kindness was a gift, and his sword will always ring true.

Not all will do that. Many do as they wish.

[sticksandleaves]

Those are wonderful gifts.

I could do no less. When will we leave?

[cricketsong]

It also ruins the tuning of instruments.

[sticksandleaves]

This is true. But out of tune music can have a place.

[cricketsong]

[He snorts] If you wish to play for goblins or those with no ear for sound.

[sticksandleaves]

Goblins pay good money.

[cricketsong]

Perhaps. But I like to think I earn enough money that I don't have to play for those who can't appreciate what I consider to be good music.