21st of Eleasis, 1491
Chapter 1: Greeting the New Day
Atalaya shook off the last vestiges of her trance. Glancing around the cabin she realized that the oil lantern by the desk burned brightly and that Vasilya was staring at an array of cards spread before him. His index finger traced over the cards as his attention shifted from one to another. A grin appeared as he picked up one card and scrutinized it intently.
The slight rustle of the bed covers as Atalay rose had him swapping his hand across the cards, jumbling them into a haphazard pile as he spun around his hand reaching for his dagger at his belt, only to realize that it rested under his pillow. Seeing Atalaya he let out his breath. “You startled me. I got involved and didn’t realize so much time had passed.” He stood up and walked swiftly to the bed. One hand reached out and gently eased some of Atalaya’s tangled tresses behind her ear. His fingers trailed down slightly, tightening on the nape of her neck as guided her up and into his embrace. “Good morning, draga mea,” he greeted her. Shifting slightly, he sat bringing her into his lap.
“You are up early. What were you concentrating so intently on?” Atalaya queried, her eyes drawn to the scattered cards.
“I was just thinking and practicing.” Vaz nibbled on her ear. “It’s not dawn yet. Surely there is something we can find to do before you leave.”
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Vaz lay resting as Atalaya stirred again and silently extricated herself from the bedcovers. Quietly she tossed on a tunic and trousers. Impatiently brushing out her hair she quickly braided it into a single braid down her back, picked up her boots, armor and sword before heading into the common room. She finished dressing and quickly made her way up the steps and into the cool air of the dawn. She could hear Annie talking quietly with Kyle. The sun was just starting to appear over the top of the treeline as she headed up to the bow of the ship and settled into a tailor-sit position to greet the day. The land breeze brushed against her skin and Atalaya could just detect the faint earthy smell of the forest as it mixed with the briney sea scent. Atalaya emptied her mind of thought as she listened for the whispers from Mielikki. The sky began to blaze with the oranges and pinks as the birds began to call out to greet the new day.
Atalaya smelled the sweet aroma before her consciousness returned. When her eyes opened, Nevil was half reclined, lounging on a bed roll, in a sunny corner of the foredeck. She appeared to be reading, a book opened in her hand, resting in her lap, but her eyes watched the water, and her pipe rested lazily on her lips.
Nevil smiled when she realized Atalaya had returned. "You beat me up this morning. What did our lady of the wood have to say?”
Atalaya shook off the last vestiges of the altered state she had been experiencing as Nevil spoke to her. “You did make it. I was surprised when I didn’t find you out here when I arrived.” Atalaya measured the time she had been tranced by the height of the sun. “I’ve been out here for an hour or so? It didn’t seem that long.”
Nevil gave her a look that Atalaya interpreted to mean, “I'm waiting for an answer.” Finally she sighed, “You know she doesn’t speak to me as clearly as the Still Mother speaks to you.” Atalaya let the wind brush over her face as she contemplated how to answer Nevil. “I think it could be summed up as that we really need to destroy The Eye.” Atalaya looked out to sea, her eyes following a flock of pelicans as they dove after their morning meal. “I think that she is asking me to consider my future after we destroy the artifact.” Her fingers toyed with her meditation token. Hesitantly at first, but then with more confidence words tumbled from her lips as she tried to make sense of what she was feeling.
The forest calls me,
Mielikki guides me forward,
My steps seek the path.
The forest calls me,
My soul searches for the way,
Mielikki holds me.
The forest calls me,
Though far from its paths and glades,
My heart knows its home.
The forest calls me,
Its ancient ways surround me,
I ache to return.
The forest calls me,
Tendrils of life reaching out,
Pulls my soul inward.
The forest calls me,
I feel its hurt and its pain,
Mielikki binds me.
Atalaya turned back to Nevil. “How did you know that you wanted to be a Harper?”
Nevil grinned as Atalaya spoke from the heart, "Mmmm, brava my lady. poetry suits you."
Nevil closed her prayer book and rested it in her lap. She thumbed the pipe, examining its smooth surface as if it were the first time. "It was by luck. Just a teen scraping by, I certainly wasn't looking for a cause. But Orsino's hand in Seaton became so oppressive, at one point or another, everyone had to choose. You can either lay down and accept your place, or fight for change." Nevil looked over, "By blood or by berth, we Coopers are a stubborn lot. Seriphina just provided the means."
Nevil looked over, "What brought that up?”
“I think that Mielikki is offering me several different directions for me to think about and choose between. The Emerald Enclave is one. You probably know more about them than I do, even if my father is one of them.” Her thumb rubbed over the unicorn symbol on her meditation token. “Or a place among her church’s orders. Have you heard of the Needles of Mielikki or the Forestarms? Actually the more formal name of the Forestarms is ‘The Arms of the Forest’.”
Nevil raised a brow, "Ah, contemplating your path of service in the faith. This is not normally a small decision. I am familiar with the Enclave only from the outside. I only know the Needles to be rangers in service to Mielikki. I didn't know they were a formal part of her church. Are these paths mutually exclusive? Do they require vows?”
“I should have paid better attention to Master Elaria.” Atalaya sombered as she thought about her time with the Master. “She would talk about the different groups spread throughout the Sword Coast. Most often about the Harpers and the Enclave. I guess it makes sense now, since she was a Harper. From what she said the majority of the members of the Emerald Enclave are also worshippers of Mielikki, Silvanus or Eldath. But those of other beliefs are also welcomed, as long as they are not of evil intent towards the land or to others.” She gnawed on her lip. I know more about the Church of Mielikki. That is split into three main groups. The Forestarms are the clerics and druids of the faith. I’m sure that they must take some sort of vows. And most of them are also rangers. Those that are first called as clerics and druids frequently learn the ranger skills as well. And there are those that were rangers first and then later became one of her clerics. The Forestarms that came into my father’s village while I was growing up were usually druids, but I have met a few of her clerics.”
A smile grew on her face. “And then there are the Needles. They are her rangers. I’m not sure if they take vows, but they are said to be the militant arm of the church. They respond to her concerns when things happen in the forest. It could be to find and rescue someone who has become lost or hurt while in the wilds, or to rout out someone of evil intent. I believe that my father must be a Needle, though he hasn’t told me so. But then again it was only a few short months ago that I found out that he was a member of the Enclave. And even that he didn’t really talk to me about, other than to give me his badge.”
“And then there are those who are just her followers. I guess you would call them the laity in other churches, but I don’t think I have heard that with hers. Those would be someone like me. Raised in her faith but not a member of any of the organized groups.”
“Oh yes, and then there are the Heartwoods. Shosheni would be included in this branch. It is for the Dryads, Hamadryads and the Treants. They speak for the Spirits of the trees and are the heart of the Church. I don’t think they need to take any vows.”
Nevil nodded, “and where does your heart call you?”
“That is the question, isn’t it.” Atalaya looked deeply into the eyes of the unicorn on her little piece of leather. Placing it in her lap she picked up Amaurea and her finger traced along the tooling on the scabbard. “When I thought about it, I think that I just assumed that when I grew up that I would become a Needle. I’m not even sure when that idea was first formed, but I was really young. I didn’t question that thought as I grew older. It was always, when I grow up…. And when I found out my father was in the Enclave I thought about joining that too, so that I could work with him more often, like when I was little. I still think about that. It is actually a good fit for me to be a Needle, I think. ”
Atalaya finally met Nevil’s gaze. “Among humans I am considered to be ‘grown up’. But I frequently still feel like a little girl waiting for someday to come. And lately…” Her voice lowered, “... lately I feel pulled towards more than just being a Needle. Her voice on the whispering winds sounds louder and I hear it more frequently. It is as if she is calling me but I can’t quite make out her words.”
"Ah..." Nevil was silent for a while. Drawing shallow breaths on her pipe. She openly considered, "perhaps the focus should be less on 'which role do I fit best', and instead ask 'What does it mean to serve Mielikki? And ‘which of those acts fulfilled you and connected you most to her?”
Atalaya stared at Nevil. “I… I don’t know. I never really thought like that. I’ve always revered and honored her. But have I served her?” Atalaya stood suddenly, Amaurea clasped in her hand. “I can’t just sit anymore. I need to think about…. Do you want to join me in some katas?” Atalaya looked around her. “I can use the practice short swords if you like.”
The look that Nevil gave Atalaya was reminiscent of an old grandfather. Had she been wearing glasses, her gentle but firm look over their top while holding her pipe would have been exactly that. "You need to think about what? This goes both ways, you know?" Nevil didn't move but only to place the pipe again to her lips and draw softly and expectantly of a longer conversation.
“I need to think about what you just asked me.” Atalaya tried, but couldn’t maintain eye contact with her friend. Almost lurching the few steps to the bow railing she stood there, watching the waves as they made their way towards the shore. The wind still swept from the grasslands towards the sea, ruffling Atalaya’s hair as she stood there. Impatiently she smoothed it down, hooking the forward strands behind her ears as she searched the sea for answers to Nevil’s question. Finally she turned around, her back resting against the railing. “What goes both ways? What does that mean?” She seemed to breath in the breeze as another gust swept across the ship. The scents of the earth and grasslands filled Atalaya’s senses and calmed her slightly. Finally she sat down next to Nevil again. “What goes both ways?”
Nevil softly smirked as she exhaled thin smoke. "Friend either you are playing coy with a hell of a poker face, or you are avoiding a topic." Nevil rested the pipe in her lap again and warmly offered, "Care to tell me which it is?”
“I was never very good at poker. So… Your question makes my stomach knot up and encourages me to strike out at something to stop the uncomfortable feelings it brings. Performing a couple katas seemed like a more appropriate way to settle those feelings than chopping down another mast.” At Nevil’s bland look she continued to search for words to answer her.
“What connected me most to Mielikki? When I was around twelve a lightning strike started a fire near our village, my father’s village.” She looked at Nevil. “Have I told you about my Aunt Kalusa?”
Nevil shook her head. “Is this relevant to the question?” At Atalaya’s nod, she picked up her pipe and handed it to Atalaya. “Tell me then.”
Atalaya contemplated Nevil’s outstretched hand as she slowly reached out for the pipe. “Trying to loosen my tongue?” she asked softly. Nevil motioned to Atalaya to bring the pipe to her mouth.
“Is that why I smoke in silence? It loosens the brain, so the heart may speak freely.”
Atalaya rolled her eyes. Slowly breathing in the pipe's smoke, she actively tried to release her tension as she blew the smoke out of her lungs. After a few rounds of this she handed the pipe back to Nevil.
“Aunt Kalusa is my father’s sister and is married to my Uncle Rhys. They are both rangers, but Aunt Kalusa is a druid first and one of Mielikki’s Forestarms. As you know, when a tree dies Mielikki asks us to plant a new one to maintain the health of the forest and to maintain balance. But she challenges her Arms of the Forest to plant forty trees for each one lost, especially those lost to fire or irresponsible logging.” The Nightcap began to relax Atalaya as she talked and some of the tension and restless energy stilled as she spoke.
“The fire was bad. We had gone a long time without rain that spring. The forest was dry and brittle when a storm finally seemed to approach the village. There was lightning flashing across the sky and the thunder was loud and close. Most of the village gathered in the center of the town to watch the fierceness of the coming storm and to await the life-giving waters from above. Then it happened. A blinding flash of fire came down from the sky and struck a tree that had died several years ago, but had not yet fallen to the earth. It caught fire immediately and as it burned it sparked many more little fires all around it. The winds spread it, and soon the woods were burning. It took the druids and other clergy days to put out the last of the flames and to make sure that everything was truly safe again. Hundreds and hundreds of trees were lost over those couple of days.”
“The druids came to our classes and told us that Mielikki asked us to help with the reforesting of the lands around our village. All of us helped them. We gathered seeds, looking for pine cones and baby seedlings. The whirly wings from the maple trees. We gathered whatever we could find; the seeds from all the types of trees and bushes that had burned. We learned how to plant them in the burned out areas and how to tend them in growing trays and then to transplant them in areas where the seeds didn’t grow successfully. That project took five years to complete. Under the guidance of my Aunt and the other Forestarms the whole village worked on this. And the forest revived. It is much younger than in other areas, but it is thriving and growing. Not every tree grew, but we planted many many trees. And bushes and grasses. That was a time I felt very close, very connected, to Mielikki.” She grew quiet as she thought about that time in her life. “Of course that was not the only thing we did. Lessons still continued and training and learning about the land we lived in and protected.” Finally meeting Nevil’s gaze she asked, “Is that what you wanted to hear about?”
Nevil studied Atalaya as she spoke. The quiver of small muscles around her lips, the way she held herself, It was a state she so very rarely saw in her friend, uncertainty.
"Not really. That helps to explain the what, but not the why." Atalaya looked at a loss for words. Nevil redirected. "Serving as a Needle seems important to you. I can see why. You also seem distressed that you feel called in another direction. Why? When you don't yet know which direction Mielikki points? What are you afraid will happen, if you look?" Nevil laughed a little. “You look like you have the jitters of a teen in your first courtship.”
“I have always thought things through the best when I had my hands busy. It seems to allow me to focus on things better. My teachers finally gave in and let me draw or finger a small braided leather strand or even just tap my feet while listening to them lecture or while I was reading.” Atalaya reached out for Nevil’s pipe again and took another long draw on it. Sighing, she handed it back. “This does provide one with a feeling of calmness, real or not.”
“What am I afraid will happen if I give words to some of the jumbled thoughts that are running through my head right now? That my life may change more dramatically than it already has during the past few months. I’ve left the forests and mountains of my youth and family, become a de facto parent of a talented child on the verge of womanhood and all the trials and turmoil that will bring, I accepted the burden of ridding this world of a dangerous artifact that even our Master didn’t seem to know how to defeat. I have accepted a geas in order to free myself and my friends to escape from an entrapment that I will still need to perform at some time in the future and I seem to be progressing with my own skills faster than normal. And… someone has come into my life that loves and cherishes me and that I have come to love and cherish in return. The differences in my life between what it was a year ago and what it is today … I would never have believed someone if they had described this as where I would be now.”
“But through all that, there was one constant. The knowledge that I am a Ranger and that once my skills are trained and developed I have the option to become one of Mielikki’s Needles. I watched my father and saw that he did much more than simply safeguard our village. There are some rangers in our village that never seem to do more than that. Which is not to say that they aren’t very skilled and deadly at what they do, for they are. But many others such as my father, aunt and uncle do more for Mielikki. Aunt Kalusa as one of her druids and my father and Uncle Rhys as Needles.”
Atalaya seemed to calm as she finally put her thoughts to words though she continued to fidget with her prayer token, “But lately, I feel her call me towards a slightly different path and I don’t know what to make of it. At first it was just an occasional feeling that she wanted a closer relationship and I began being more observant of the dawn and dusk meditations and that felt … feels right. But now it seems as if she continues to want more, to ask for a more formal binding between us.”
After placing the small token back into her belt pouch and almost without thinking she picked up her long sword and laid it across her lap, once again tracing the elven writing on the scabbard. “I never aspired to be anything other than a Ranger and one of her Needles. And since learning that my father was a member of the Emerald Enclave I have thought about perhaps becoming a member of that too. I’m not really sure what that would entail, I need to speak to my father about that sometime when we have the chance to talk privately.”
Atalaya grew silent again, her fingers stilled from their restless movements over the scabbard. Her voice lowered slightly as she continued. “You have told me that you saw me offering my sword following the katas I practiced after Cirilli’s first training session.” At Nevil’s nod Atalaya grew silent again. “I told you that I didn’t know what you were talking about. Nevil nodded again. “Well at the time I didn’t. But last night, during my trancing and the receiving of her gift of her magics for today I was guided into a recalling of that afternoon. I saw us sparring,” she smiled at Nevil, “and my doing my best to defend against your sword with naught but a shortsword. Teaching Cirilli her first kata and then my continuing the forms afterwards. And I remembered how it seemed that I was back in Olaescoa practicing katas with my Master there.”
Atalaya paused in her recitation, remembering the freedom that she had felt during the execution of the katas.
“What came next?” Nevil’s soft voice prompted her as Atalaya was drawn into her memories.
“I saw myself transported to the Goddesses’ glade at the Unicorn’s Run. The Lady of the Forest was there and she beckoned me to approach. I did and I knelt and offered her my sword. Then I don’t know. It seems as if time passed and then I was getting up from a prostrate position in front of The Lady. I looked up to see her surrounded by her priestesses and druids, my aunt among them.” Atalaya looked up at Nevil, “I had the same series of images come to mind this morning while I meditated. With the same missing moments. Yet I feel that those moments are important. Did I agree to something like you did with Eldath? And if so, why don’t I remember it?”
Nevil tried to stay neutral but she unconsciously smiled more and more as Atalaya spoke. "Working with pilgrims at the first order grove taught me that everyone's calling is different. Some like lightning strikes, others gradual realizations, but all eventually find their way to a knowing point of choice."
Nevil turned and placed her hand on Atalaya’s shoulder, and with the kindest smile, "Don't worry, you haven't unknowingly made vows in your meditations. I am not aware of a faith where some form of ritual and consent isn't required for dedicating oneself." Her face relaxed. "I have also heard of memory loss. It can take time for the brain to translate what the soul feels."
Nevil looked concerned, "but rarely does dedication to service obligate you to blind obedience to an unknown. It is just a step on a journey, one accepting a way of life, and a commitment to try to enact a shared vision for the world. Details of what that looks like, are built in your future relationship."
Nevil smiled, "I mean some are called to save the world... but most just serve their communities in faith. Is there a reason to think that dedication restricts your current life, or excludes you from service with other groups? I am still a Harper.”
“No, a Forestarm wouldn’t be forbidden to take other oaths. Kalusa works closely with my father and Uncle Rhys. I suspect that they are also in the Enclave, although nothing has been implicitly stated regarding that. And Mielikki requires all her clergy and druids to also be rangers. If they are not when they come to her, they are trained as one once they take their vows.” Atalaya thought for a minute. “Well, almost all of her priestesses and priests are trained as Rangers. I have heard of a few who were not. That is very unusual but not forbidden.”
“So I would still be a Ranger. And I could become a member of the Emerald Enclave with my father if I choose to be one. That would not change.” As another memory blossomed in her she continued, “Most Rangers claim Mielikki as their goddess, but there are many who do not send their prayers to her or worship her directly. They feel that it is too forward of them and instead ask Gwaeron to mediate with her for them. I never did though. I always prayed directly to the Forest Lady. Many of the elves thought that I was being presumptuous to do so. Especially for one so young. But Sossheni would teach me what she called ‘special prayers’ to pray when I would come to see her for my birthdays. And when the first stirrings of magic began she instructed me to rely on Mielikki for its daily renewal, directing my prayers and meditations directly to her.” Atalaya grew silent as she thought about what that might imply.
Nevil looked up with unusual interest. "Hum, I assumed your parents would have instructed you in faith. Why did he pass this responsibility to Sossheni? Is this normal for Rangers?”
Atalaya smiled at the memories Nevil’s question evoked. “Yes, my parents did teach me about the gods and goddesses. When we were in Ottetwell, my mother often took me to the Chauntean services. And she filled me with stories of Chauntea. And Ailwin taught me about Mielikki, Gwaeron, and Silvanus. And Aunt Kalusa often included me in her discussions with Talina and Lorsan. But as I grew up, Sossheni often talked of Mielikki and the duty of the faithful to protect the forests and wild places of Toril. She included simple prayers when she was talking to me. And now that you mention it, nothing about Sossheni is normal. I didn’t know any better when I was little, but I’ve wondered about it at times during the past several years. My brother and sister didn’t have birthdays with her. And I don’t know why I did. Those meetings stressed my father though. He would never tell me why though.”
Nevil nodded, and after a quiet moment, she added, “it sounds like you've been moving toward her service your whole life, be it in one or several of these groups, yet you seem surprised?”
“To be called to her service? No. But not this young and not to the clergy. My older cousins are still what would be considered a teenager if they were human. And even for a half elf I would be considered by many to be too young to contemplate such a binding life decision.”
Nevil nodded. “Well, these are extraordinary times. And really, only your opinion on the matter counts. Boz's too maybe.” Nevil waited to give Atalaya space.
Atalaya smiled. Well, at least I do not have to worry about whether or not the clergy are allowed families of their own. They are. It is nature’s way for us.”
Leaning forward a bit she shifted her thoughts. “So, enough about me, at least for now. How about you? What decisions did your morning devotions bring you to? Do you think that you can continue to train Cirilli, or do I need to make other arrangements?”
Nevil half chuckled, "Ah, yes the burning question." Nevil paused to clean her pipe, "Our paths in faith are a good bit different. Where you had a whole community to offer guidance, well, we are a small faith. And fewer still are warriors. But I think your council earlier was good."
Pocketing the pipe and watching the water, "Until this morning I had been interpreting a vision that I commonly encounter during meditations the same way. Over and over again, Eldath shows me a dammed river and the destruction it brings when released. I have always thought it was an allegory of restraint, the wisdom to withhold fury, to prevent chaos and pain. But I looked closer this morning. "
"Unlike a healthy natural dam, there was no life, no still water above the dam, only smothered and submerged signs of life. I now consider this a sign of warning."
Nevil looked calm but quite serious, "I did not come to Eldath organically as you have to Mielikki. I came, as many do, in desperation, while seeking relief. In her teachings, we are taught to reject rage, hate, vengeful thoughts, and the like. Many begin with numbing and a denial of state to achieve this. Avoiding situations that could bring conflict, like teaching Cirilli, would be an extension of this method."
"But in looking deeper, I see that completely denying and withholding prevents the acceptance and growth required to really move past the conflict. That moderation of the two is required. For a dam without release is not sustainable. It will break in unpredictable ways."
"Eldath commands me to go deeper and I think this is what she means. It is easy to deny oneself, but to move past the need for such restraint, that would be true devotion. That will be my next challenge of faith."
Nevil smiled, "A long winded answer, but yes, I can continue teaching Cirilli. But I do still expect her response to yesterday's assignment.”
Atalaya sighed in relief. “I am so glad to hear that. I was dreading working out other arrangements because you do such a great job with Cirilli. She has not yet spoken to me about her thoughts regarding her anger at you yesterday, but I think it was really about her being scared of losing you as her teacher. I’ll be sure to get her talking today, and will encourage her to talk with you after that. She did spend some time considering the question I put to her. I’m sure she is doing the same with your question.
“How do you feel about letting go of your dams? Are you ready to release the built up waters in order to cleanse them and find a new resting place, a new pool of still water to pull your strength from?
Nevil lightly cocks her head in consideration, "Relieved I guess. Finding a middle ground seems like a more sustainable option. Not the fiery tavern lass, not the repressed nun, something healthier perhaps? more mature?"
Nevil stands to stretch, "What shall we bring into today?”
Atalaya judged the distance of the sun over the treetops. “First breakfast I think. I wonder if any of the guys have started on that? And then… maybe some kata work and perhaps today would be a good day to get Cirilli into the water.” She looked up and down the coastline. We could take a walk north along the coast and see if we can find an appropriate cove to do some swimming. Somewhere out of the eyes of that ship’s crew.” Her gaze lingers on the pirate ship moored nearby. “Interested?”
Before Nevil could answer, they both became aware of approaching footsteps. Turning from the rail, they saw Cirilli with a warming but still sheepish look at Nevil. "Boz sent me to check on you. Breakfast is about to be set."
Nevil smiled first, "Good, we will need energy for the day. Atalaya has a good idea for your training. We eat, then prepare yourself. No armor, no swords, just a towel and some water." She looked to Atalaya, then back to Cirilli, "it may be the most challenging lesson yet."
Cirilli glanced quickly into Nevil’s eyes and then lowered hers. “A towel?” She turned that over in her mind for a moment and then brightened. “Are we going swimming?” Her gaze shifted between Atalaya and Nevil. “Really? Swimming! Are we all going?”
“We thought to give you a swimming lesson. But, I guess that you could ask anyone to come that you wanted,” answered Atalaya.
Cirilli took a deep breath and then turned back to Nevil. “I’m sorry. I’m really sorry. I shouldn’t have said that to you. Please forgive me.”
Nevil's heart lightened. Seeing Cirilli’s youthful exuberance toward something so simple as swimming reminded her how young and sheltered her young student remained. Nevil put a hand on Cirilli’s shoulder, “It is already done. I'm glad to see you feel so strongly about continuing your training.”
“I do. And I really want you to be my teacher. I was just really confused and really really sad when I thought you didn’t want to teach me anymore. But, I didn’t stop to think about what you were feeling and having to figure out. And I said stuff without thinking about what I was saying. I shouldn’t have done that. That’s what a child would do and I’m not a child anymore.” Cirilli looked down, not able to keep her gaze on Nevil any longer. “I didn’t mean to hurt you. I’m going to try really really hard not to ever do that again. But if I ever do, I know you and Atalaya will be there to help me understand how to keep my thoughts to myself until I can think things through.”
Nevil smiled, "You are growing so fast. And this is additional confirmation that continuing is the right path.”
Cirilli, her lip quivering slightly turned into Nevil and hugged her tightly as she tried to not cry again. Nevil could feel Cirilli’s tremors as she returned the teen’s embrace. Cirilli, breathing deeply, mastered her control of her emotions and finally pulled away from Nevil. “We need to go downstairs. They were putting things on the table when I came to find the two of you. And there is lots of bacon!”
Chapter 2: Breakfast
Below, the men had indeed taken charge in the kitchen, Sorrow was pouring a hot liquid into mugs at the set table. Inman sat a platter of pancakes down before seating himself. Sorrow and Inman looked up with anticipation as Boz turned the corner, with a plate full of the crispiest peppered bacon. With pride, he set it down next to the eggs and fruits then wiped his hands on the chef's apron draping his chest. As the women approached, Boz’s eyes met with Atalaya’s, he spread his arms to display his handwork and gave a suave grin of accomplishment. Suddenly, Boz swatted Sorrow and hissed at Inman, who were grabbing for strips of bacon. "Ah, Hyenas! We wait for the ladies!”
Atalaya made her way to the common room and seated herself next to Vasilya. Her hand rested on his elbow as she leaned over to whisper in his ear. “The protector of the bacon. My hero,” and she quickly gave him a peck on his temple.
Sorrow, seeing that Boz was distracted by Atalaya, approached the table again, his hand reaching for the bacon. His eyes widened in surprise as Boz’s hand shot out and firmly grasped his reaching hand.
“We are waiting for all the ladies,” Boz said as his lips twitched with amusement.
Across the table Inman ushered Nevil to sit. Nevil looked quite amused as she glanced around the table, but Cirilii’s halting approach upon observing the stalemate brought a full grin to Nevil's face. Cirilli realizing her power to control the distribution of bacon, did not sit but stood next to Atalaya.
Inman standing behind Nevil watched Boz and his grasp of Sorrow’s wrist. Inman slowly and defiantly leaned around Nevil, moving a hand toward the bacon.
Boz glared, pointing with his free hand a warning, “Cirilli has not yet joined us.” Cirilli giggled as Boz nodded in affection toward his adopted daughter.
Inman raised both hands in defense, but his sly expression and eyes gave away the game. Tracking in the direction of Inman’s attention, and just at the side of Boz's vision, a semi-transparent mage hand grasping a fist of bacon passed swiftly under his arm grasping Sorrow's wrist, behind Boz, past Atalaya, and directly into Cirilli’s hands.
Cirilli gasped in surprise at the bacon that appeared in her hands. She giggled as she watched Boz glaring at Inman even as he released Sorrow’s arm. Boz patted the bench between Atalaya and himself as he scooted along the bench to make room for the young girl, effectively forcing Sorrow to make his way to the other side with Nevil and Inman. Cirilli quickly sat down and placed the bacon on her plate, surreptitiously counting the strips and smiling to herself.
Atalaya reached for the pancakes as Cirilli sat beside her. Then she added butter and some of the strawberry preserves to the pancakes and watched the butter melt for a moment as she passed the platter filled with them to Cirilli. Finally, with her eyes on Inman and Sorrow she slowly reached for the bacon and placed a few strips next to her stack of pancakes. She winked at Nevil as she asked what plans people had for the day.
Vasilya took the platter from Cirilli and filled his plate with the still warm pancakes. “I have no plans for today. What are you offering?”
Cirilli, excitement in her eyes and bacon filling her hands exclaimed, “We are going swimming! I’m going to learn how to swim and then the next time you go to explore under the water I’m going to come with you.”
Inman looked at Nevil with a dirty grin, "Indeed! Well, count me in. That's far better than staring at books all day." He glanced across the table and remembered his company. "For safety of course," he corrected.
Nevil added, "I was hoping to find some time for water prayer. With the inn nearby, there might be some natural freshwater close. If not, well, I can make do." She looked at Boz, "I know I don't have to ask. I'd check you for delirium or possession if you didn't come." Nevil then turned to Sorrow, "I know water isn't your thing, but sunbathing, a bottle of wine, a book or two, a picnic, tempted?”
Boz laughed and winked at Nevil as Sorrow looked around the table, his expression doubtful. “You know there is a boatful of pirates moored here, right?”
Atalaya nodded. “Yes. But we planned to hike north for a few coves to put some distance between us and to be completely out of sight of them. So, I think it should be safe enough. But if you want to come and keep watch over us while we swim…?” She thought for a moment, “Someone to keep the animals out of our picnic baskets would be a great idea.”
Sorrow laughed. “A picnic, a bottle of wine, a book, and my violin. That would make a nice day. But no water sports for me.” A mischievous look crossed his face, and you can bring your recorder Cirilli. It’s time to see how much you have been practicing.”
Cirilli looked around the table, her face turning slightly pink. “Sure, I can do that.” She looked around the table and then added, “And Atalaya can bring her panflute and…” Looking up at Inman and Nevil, “Do you and Inman play any instruments?”
Nevil chuckled, "I was too busy serving ale to learn an instrument. Then life got too busy. But I can hold a tune." She looked at Inman fondly, "and as I recall, what Inman lacks in musical talent, he holds in spades with dancing." Looking at Sorrow while she reached for a pitcher, "I don't know how much you remember from Midsummer, but he was on full display."
Inman looked amused, "No, no musical aptitude, but I can hold my own with the ladies of court." He relaxed one arm on the table and slid his hand to lightly squeeze Nevil's thigh. "It sounds like we're all making a day of it then.”
Cirilli looked disappointed. “But you’ll bring your pan flute, okay Atalaya?” She turned to Atalaya and Boz, her eyes filled with mischief. “You should play more with Sorrow.”
Atalaya laughed. “It sounds like you are trying to get out of playing for Sorrow. Are you?”
Cirilli mumbled something about being busy with trips to see the Scarlet Sash and learning to dance. Her attention turned to Boz and added, “And you need to practice your dancing. Well… maybe not on the beach, but when we get back to the ship.” Leaning over, she whispered in his ear, “Remember, we need to teach Atalaya.”
“I think you should be the one teaching the women’s dances little one,” Boz whispered back.
Cirilli rolled her eyes and then began attacking her stack of pancakes. “These are great!” She reached for several more and then grabbed a couple bacon strips. “I need to have enough energy for my swimming lesson, right?” she asked when she noticed the others watching her.
Once her plate was empty again she stood and looked around the table. “Just my recorder, my towel, and a book? Shouldn’t I have my armor and sword for the walk to wherever it is we are going to swim?”
Nevil looked up over her mug, taking a sip as Cirilli spoke. She looked to Atalaya for confirmation, "We take gear and critical items in the bag. We can not afford being caught off guard. Especially in this pirate haven of a cove." Nevil lightened, "but we don't have to dampen our picnic with the outward trappings of adventure."
Nevil gathered loose items to her empty plate, and stood, "fruit, cheese, breads, and cured meat for our lunch? I better work on a lunch box." Lifting the plate and looking over her shoulder as she began to walk away, "Sorrow, would you care to select our wine?”
Chapter 3: Swimming Lessons (?)
Sorrow performed an elegant seated bow to Nevil. “I do believe that we have a few bottles of the Parabor wine left that were meant to be a… a bargaining aid during our last visit to Mistress Val when we went to acquire more healing potions. Since we forgot to take them with us and it will most likely be a long time before we return to Riverport, I think they will do nicely for now. I will be happy to retrieve a bottle.”
“That sounds like a better choice than attempting to obtain something from ‘Mother’ at The Harpy.” Atalaya looked down at her empty plate and sighed. “If you are getting the luncheon ready, I’ll clean up the dishes.” She began stacking peoples’ empty plates. Her hands full, she headed towards the galley.
Vasilya stood and began collecting the coffee mugs. His gaze fell on Cirilli as he did so. “Why don’t you find our waterskins? We will want fresh water if we are swimming, and we can’t count on any being available.
Cirilli nodded eagerly. I can do that. As she headed towards her room a white cat leapt from the back of the lounger onto Cirilli’s shoulder. A startled cry quickly turned into a loud chastisement as Cirilli scolded the cat. “Dorian! You naughty cat. What do you think you were doing? I’m neither a serpent or a ship’s rat. …” The cat’s pleased purring followed the two of them into Cirilli’s cabin.
Atalaya looked around the room. “What do you think brought that on? And where is Llywillian?” Her gaze searched the common room landing of the calico cat perched on the back of another of the swinging loungers, its eyes focused on the nearly empty bacon platter. Atalaya laughed. “Poor thing, are you hungry? Have you two actually caught all the vermin? Can’t have you hungry. But no jumping. I’ll give you a taste of this, but it isn’t really very good for cats. How about some nice chopped chicken? Atalaya broke off a small piece of bacon as she was talking and handed it to Llywillian meowed plaintively after eating it. “No more. I’ll cook up some chicken for the two of you, but it will take a few minutes.”
Turning to Sorrow, she asked, “will you bring up a chicken breast when you get the wine?” When he nodded, she gathered up the remaining dishes and prepared the washbasin while she waited for his return. Checking the stove to be sure she still had appropriate coals she added a few more coals/ Quickly washing the dishes and placing them on a drying towel, she scraped the griddle and placed it in the basin to soak.
When Sorrow returned she thanked him and began chopping the chicken into little pieces. At Sorrow’s raised eyebrow she smiled. “Not the normal procedure, I know. But it will roast faster this way, and I know Cirilli isn’t going to want to wait for long. The chicken placed into the oven, she returned to scrub the final dishes and then started another pot of coffee.
After checking the chicken she made her way to her room to quickly gather her armor and weapons. As she entered she found Vasilya placing several towels on the stack of items he had gathered. “Might as well bring a change of clothing too, since you are carrying the bag. Won’t be a problem. And here is my sword, bow and arrows. I think I’ll keep my dagger on my belt though. Doesn’t feel right to have nothing readily available.
Atalaya nodded. Searching through her pack she pulled out her own dagger. “Good idea. I don’t fight with this often, but if I had too…” She quickly added the items that Vasilya had gathered to the bag of holding. “Did you give Cirilli our waterskins?”
“Yes,” he laughed. “She’s a girl on a mission right now.”
“Well, we have been promising her swimming lessons for quite a while and haven’t had the time or place to fulfill that promise.” Atalaya looked around the small room. Most of her things were already stored in the bag of holding. Taking her colored pencils and sketchbook from the desk drawer she added those. “Time to check on the catfood.” She handed Boz her pack with the bag inside it and headed back to the galley.
[Open]
Cirilli’s assignment. "Spend a few days reflecting with Atalaya, while I give thanks. And in our meditations we shall contemplate, who is the master of our thoughts when such anger is manifest? By what right do they continue to rule and how well does that serve us?"
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