9th of Eleasis: Morning

   9th of Eleasis, 1491

Chapter 1:  Sunrise

No sooner did the hint of color begin to appear in the sky, than Vasilya strolled up the stairs.  He scanned the deck and saw no one but his love. He was still bed disheveled, his shirt loose and barefooted.  A contented and sly smile grew as he found her eyes watching him approach.  He reached to gently pull her off the rail and into his arms, "This is no substitute for waking by your side..." Before Atalaya could retort, he cut her off, "...where I have the time..." He worked his fingers over her hips and around, to pull her closer, "...and the privacy..."  His breath a warm promise in her ear, "...to find every beautiful part of you that the world never sees..."

Atalaya watched Vasilya approach her; his hair stirring in the light morning breeze.  Then she noticed his bare feet and smiled to herself.  From out of nowhere an image of her four year old brother wandering through the house, his shirt untucked and unbuttoned while carrying his socks and shoes searching for her blossomed in her mind.  When Vasilya pulled her into his arms she startled and the image vanished as Vasilya’s words penetrated her awareness.  Leaning into him and wishing that she was not wearing armor, she shivered as he whispered to her.  “Soon.  Once the ship wakes, we can make some time for ourselves.  Her hand snaked into his hair bringing his mouth to hers.  As he claimed her mouth she met allowed herself to melt into his arms.  When she had no breath left she gently pushed him back.  “You need to save that thought, Iubit meu.  I was about to make a circuit.  Come, walk with me.”

Vasilya gave her another peck of her lips and moved to her side.  Wrapping an arm around her armor-covered waist he followed her as she made her way around the ship.  Stopping near the bow they watched a flock of pelicans heading towards the open water for a morning fishing expedition.  A saucy seagull landed on the bow sprint, loudly requesting some scraps.  Atalaya waved him off saying, “Nothing for you here.  You need to find a fishing boat.”  

Vasilya shook his head, “You don’t really think that will work do you?”

Atalaya just pointed at the gull as it makes its way to the next ship.

As they head back to the main deck they heard the door to the stern stairway slam open and with little warning Cirilli came bounding out of the stairway.  She began her stretching and warm up exercises on the main deck counting her repetitions to herself and totally unaware of Atalaya and Vasilya.  Atalaya stood watching for a couple of minutes and nodded to herself, pleased with the effort that Cirilli was making. 

Vasilya growled low then whispered again into Atalaya’s ear, “Let’s make some time.”

Atalaya checked the position of the sun and nodded.  “It’s safe enough now.  Cirilli will raise an alarm should anything untoward occur and Annie or Ivar should be making their way on deck at any time now.”

As Atalaya finished her sentence Lonnie made her way out of the bow staircase.  “My watch is done,” Atalaya told her.  “You have the deck and the watch.”  Lonnie smiled at the couple and made her way to the mast with the crow’s nest, jumping into the rigging and flying upwards through the ropes until she reached the high perch.  Gaining entry into the crow’s nest, she took in the morning and the activity below her.  

Vasilya bent and whispered into her ear again, “Now you are mine.”  He began steering her towards the stairs…

Vas entered the room gently holding Atalaya’s hand and keeping her close in tow.  He closed the door after she entered and started unstrapping her own leathers and kicking off boots.  His gaze did not falter, he gave her space, sitting on the bed watching every move she made.  Does she know how beautiful she is?

Atalaya stepped closer, between his legs, Vaz's eyes looked up to her with deep longing. She gently touched his face, then ran her hands back through his hair.  He closed his eyes, feeling his hair part with every finger. She chooses me again and again. She will know today.

  Atalaya stood within Vaz’s space, listening to how his breathing caught as she played with his hair.  She pulled her hands through the strands, the silky locks tickling her palms.  Her smile grew wider as she reached down and began pulling his shirt off. Vasilya felt his foot being lifted as she pulled one boot off, and a moment later the other.  Both dropped to the floor by the bunk.  

Vasilya laughed as the second boot hit the floor.  “Do you have something on your mind, Iubita mea?  He reached out and drew her down into his lap and then flipped her onto the bed and straddled her.  Leaning down, he whispered in her ear, “Now who is wearing too many clothes?  I need to do something about that.”  His hands moved down her front, lingering as he reached her thighs and then firmly grasping her tunic hem and began pulling it upwards, purposefully letting his fingernails scrape along her sides.  Atalaya squirmed at his touch as she calculated her revenge.  Vaz, noting the gleam in her eyes purred as she shook his head.  “Don’t try it, love.  I’ve finally gotten you right where I’ve wanted you since last night.  Arms up and a little crunch and I’ll have this pesky bit of material off you.”  

“You time will come, my love,” Atalaya teased.  But she complied with his directions, letting him send her soaring as the rose into the morning sky.  

***********

Nevil was still quietly laughing and slowing her breathing when she rolled off of Inman and fell to his side.  Their mingled sweat ran off Inman’s chest as he adjusted to fit her to his shoulder.  Both grinned, eyes closed, and rolling as endorphins flooded over them and the cool morning air cast through the open porthole draped over their naked bodies.

Nevil finally opened her eyes to see the first color of a sunrise cut into the room.  She began to rise, "Morning prayers."

Inman protested craning his neck to see her face, "Oh, no you don't.  Eldith has the rest of your time.  This moment is mine."

Nevil found her muscles were unwilling, especially after Inman began to run his fingers through her hair.  Inman repeated, "This one is mine." 

Atalaya slowly settled back into the reality of the rocking bed and the loving embrace of Vasilya.  “Ah love, I want to stay here forever.  Even just for the day.”  She rolls onto her side to better see Vaz, her hands once again shifting and fondling his hair, pushing the hanging strands behind his ears.  “But, the morning calls.  I need to head back on deck and greet the day and maybe get a few katas in before we head out.”  Sighing, she disentangles herself from his grasp and starts searching for her clothing.  Still missing her tunic she glances at Vaz, and sees him dangling the tunic from his finger.  

“Are you looking for this, perhaps?” he asks.  As Atalaya steps towards him to grab the tunic he pulls it behind him while crooking a finger at her.  “Tolls in effect dear.  You should take better care of your clothing.” 

Atalaya laughed, “As long as you don’t ask for your heart back, I’ll find a way to pay your toll.”  Stepping into his embrace her hand tugs on his beard, drawing his face closer to her.  Kissing him deeply she feels her heart beating rapidly.  Taking his hand in hers she brings it to his heart.  “See, I’m keeping it safe for you, Iubit meu.  The iubesc cu toata inima. (I love you with all my heart.)  

Vasilya stills as he takes in Atalaya’s words.  “That does it, you aren’t leaving this room,” he proclaims as he tries to pull her back onto the bunk. 

Atalaya resists the pull, but her mouth nibbles it way to his ear.  “Tonight love.  The crew can take the watch again.  I need some time in meditation before the day really starts.”

Vasilya pouted.  “You do that all night.”

“No,” she corrected.  I trance at night.  That revives my body and opens me up to use the small spells that I have.  The meditations I do in the morning revives my soul.  My spirit.  It’s not the same.”  She looked at him earnestly.  “You could always join Nevil and myself in our meditations.”

Vasilya looked as if he was actually contemplating it.  “I’m still waiting for your lessons on that subject.  Maybe afterwards.”

Atalaya looked into his eyes, “You have only to ask, Vaz.”  Her eyes hardened then, “But now, you owe me one tunic.”  She held her hand out, waiting.  With a sigh, Vasilya placed it in her hand and released his hand that had somehow ended up holding her hip to keep her near him.  

Taking a step back, she slowly put on the tunic, keeping her eyes locked on Vasilya’s.  “I’ll see you at breakfast then.”  She turned then, gathered her pouch, sketchbook and longsword and headed to the forecastle deck.  

Nevil nodded off in Inman’s arms as Inman traced light circles on her back. A quiet morning was just too much to resist.  When she opened her eyes, the hues of burnt oranges had passed, and the hint of pink remaining was disappearing.  Inman's chest hummed in her ear.  "I suppose I can let the day have you."  

Nevil smiled, "I'm glad you said something.  I was lulled back to sleep."  

"...And would that be so bad?"  

"No, but it is a bad look for a mentor who just assigned her student independent-study."

Inman smiled, rolling to the side after Nevil started to rise.  He watched her get ready, grinning the whole time.  Until she asked, "You getting up?"

With a hand propping up his head, "No, just holding on to a lingering moment."

"You are hopeless.” She accused tucking in her shirt.

Atalaya made her way to the forecastle deck.  Looking around for Nevil, she made her way to the rails overlooking the harbor and the area around it.  Bells from the Temple of Procan were heard, calling the clerics and the faithful to their prayers and drawing the people out of their houses to their daily pursuits.  She watched as shop owners made their way to their stores and stalls.  Displays were being set up.  The areas in front of the shops were swept or raked.  

Atalaya turned away from the scenes of increasing business and seated herself against the wall in what had become Nevil’s and her favorite place to meditate.    Pulling out her meditation focus, she turned it over in her hand, wondering if Nevil would be joining her.  Deciding to give her a few more minutes, she pulled out the sketchbook and a drawing pencil.  Looking over her quick sketches she was drawn to the quick picture she had made of Nigel in his little nest.  Deciding that this was it, she turned to an unused page and after a long look at the sketch, began working on a detailed picture.  

Nevil appeared on deck lost in thought, but her attention was quickly drawn to Cirilli, who was performing blade drills, a series of defensive parries in a low retreat, a dozen or more repetitions port to starboard. 

Nevil didn't say a word, but gave Cirilli an approving nod on her way to the foredeck.

"Sorry I'm late…”

  Atalaya looked up and seeing Nevil set her sketchbook aside.  Nigel rested comfortably in his little nest, his nose peeking over the edge and his eyes closed in bliss as Inman’s finger rubbed the top of his head.  Nodding to herself, Atalaya decided that this was going to be a good picture when she finished it.    She reached into her pouch and brought out her focus.  

“Good morning.  It was a quiet night.  Just like I like them.  Your student has been working for a while now.  She showed up with the dawn.  She did stretch before she began her strengthening exercises.  I know she was sore last night.  I hope she doesn’t overdo it this morning.”

  Nevil sat near Atalaya, "at dawn..?  I guess, I'm not surprised.  I did the same, you probably did too when given some reign in training."

Nevil rubbed the back of her neck. "You don't think it was too soon do you?”

“If she were ten or eleven and just starting her training, I definitely would think so.  But she is thirteen.  And she has been held captive in a cage by a crazy priest and had people try to capture her to give her to a demon.  She is really driven to be able to defend herself.  I think she will try to push the speed of her training, and the more she learns and becomes independent, the more I think she will push it.  There are many positives in this.  Please, just don’t let her get too far ahead of herself.  She doesn’t know how to modulate herself yet.  Or what is too much.”  Atalaya looked into the horizon, remembering her training as a teenager.  “I wouldn’t say anything, but she does need to be able to ride today.  Hopefully not anything but ride, but then again, you never know.”

Nevil nodded, "You read my mind. A while you say?"

Nevil stood and walked to the stair.  Cirilli's effort had pushed sweat through her shirt. "Not too hard this morning Cirilli. Remember, we ride today."  Cirilli replied while finishing a set.  "Yes, Ma'am."

Nevil sat again near Atalaya. "Fortunately, Shep is an easy mount."  Then she leaned toward Atalaya, crooning her neck to get a better view, "He was a very happy rat this morning.  This is a good likeness.”

“Thanks, he looked so content in his little nest when I took over the watch from Inman.  I guess he doesn’t need to worry about running into cats up here.  I haven’t seen either of them spend much time out here.  They seem to prefer the cabins and the hold.  It’s probably safer for them to stay down there.  I would hate to see them washed overboard by an errant wave.”  Atalaya looks at the sketchbook again.  “The portable nest is a good idea.  He has a home wherever he is.  Has he had any more problems with the cats since our attempt at introducing them to each other?”

Nevil shook her head while unfolding her prayer cloth.  "Well, it hasn't been that long.  But no, it's been quiet for the most part.  I think at least one of the cats was sniffing under our door last night. Nigel crawled down out of his nest to explore our room for several hours last night.  It's going to take a while for me to get used to his nocturnal shenanigans.    Hopefully, he'll be friends enough with the cats to not need to be sequestered in our room.”

“I hope so.  It is always better when all the children play nicely together.”  

I was waiting for you to do my meditations this morning.  And I was also planning on doing some katas afterwards if you are interested in that.  I am guessing that we will be too tired for any kata work when we get back tonight.”  As Atalaya waits on Nevil’s reply, she traces the ash leaf with her fingers and turns it back and forth in her hands.    

Nevil drew her knees under her, thighs tight from the day before, despite the early morning activity. "I think I will skip katas today in deference to some more strength work.  Itinerant life has dulled some of my core. I've gotten a little soft."

Wrapping her hands with her cloth and beginning to slow her breath. "Anything on your mind this morning?

“I’ve been thinking about that book the raven dropped a lot last night.  It caught Vaz by surprise.  It actually has a lot of information about the day to day life of a group of Gur.  I am thinking that it brought back memories he has suppressed over the years.  He hasn’t said much about it, but he was taking in everything that was in the book when we were looking at it.”  Atalaya watched the shadows of a flock of seagulls flying past the ships.  Turning back to Nevil she added, “Cirilli and I came up with an idea last night. She wants to copy the book so that Vaz can have a personal copy of it.  And she wants me to illustrate it for him.”  She twiddled the token in her hands.  “I think that is a good idea.  She has missed out on some of her schooling it seems, with the replacement of the Merrika priestesses with the cultists in Parabor, and then we took her way from there and haven’t really done anything about her schooling.  Some functional work on her penmanship seems like a good idea, and to pair that with something she wants to do… Well, that seems like that could be a good activity for her.  What do you think?  Is that something you would have had your girls do?”

Nevil looked a little taken back.  After a pause for consideration,  "Ah, well, no and, yes.  I suppose when they were ready.  But my girls, they were much younger than Cirilli is now, only three and four years old."  Nevil's fingers ran over the stitching of the sash and looked over the waters of the harbor. "They were very young."

Changing topics, "But, it's a wonderful project and gift for Boz. I'm sure Inman would be happy to allow the use of his ink and quill set he uses for scroll transcription.  He has several colors and pens.”

Nevil's smile had mixed meaning, “I meant did you have anything on your mind as a focus of prayer.”

“I’m thinking that it would be appropriate to ask for help finding the right words to use when I’m talking with Sorrow.  His music last night wove its way into my trancing and it was full of sorrow and hurt.  I want to help him, but I don’t know what to do, other than encourage Cirilli to spend time with him.  He seems to open up to her and move past his hurt when he is with her.  Their reading together last night… it seemed like they both really needed that.”

“Did you have anything in mind for yourself?  

Nevil looked to Aralaya with concern.  "I very much understand your heart, but I was reminded last night that, for as much as we want Sorrow to heal and to usher him along that process, he has to walk much of it his own way, and in his own time."  She grinned, "I mothered him a little too much and was reminded that not allowing him to do so, may be counter productive."

Atalaya searched Nevil’s face for a moment before saying, “I think we are in agreement about Sorrow then.  And that is why I wish to seek guidance in this matter.  It’s very easy to want to have all the answers for our friends, when in fact they need to find their own.  But, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be present with them in times of hurt.  And to lend them an ear when they have need of someone to listen.  I hope to find the balance between the extremes.  The Forest Mother is often a bit impetuous in her   actions.  Perhaps I need to include a prayer to her sister this morning?”    

“It can't hurt, right?”

Returning her focus to her prayer cloth, "So, today, given the chaos of late, I think I will just pray and then meditate for an inner stillness.  I am really hoping to find a stream or flowing water today.  Purified saltwater works, but something closer to my lady is nice."  

“Flowing water?”  Atalaya thought for a moment,  “Well, there must be some sort of a water source at the manor we seek.  Either from a stream, or a small river, or else from a well.  I don’t remember anything large enough to show up on the maps I have seen of the Sword Coast until the Trollbark Forrest and we don’t want to be stopping there, if we can avoid it.” 

Atalaya looked towards the east.  “The sun has risen.  We should take time for our prayers before it reaches midday.”  She looked chagrined as she settled herself into a comfortable position and focused on the token in her hands.    Seeing Nevil settle herself and focus on her prayer cloth she took a deep breath and releasing it she began to center herself.  Her finger traced the edges of the leaf as she allowed herself to settle into herself, quieting her mind and body.  The sounds of the waking day faded as she transported inside herself.  She saw herself seated high in an ash tree, its roots delving deeply into the earth.  Sunlight filtered through the leaves and their shadows dappled her face as she gazed into its warmth.  

 

Nevil relaxed her muscles and felt their dead weight.  Her thoughts quickly moved over muscle groups and cast off awareness.  Then her remaining thoughts settled at the base of her skull.  It's where it always seemed to catch when something weighed heavy on her mind. 

It has been a long time since I felt the release of stillness.  It's harder without the focus of her waters and so much has happened.

Nevil laughed, reminding herself of Tyrn's lessons. It's not supposed to be easy.  The journey and not the destination.  But we can't help but focus on the destination?  Stuck on the ego as always.  

Several minutes later, Nevil submitted and released control.  Her awareness left through her forehead, just between her brows, like the gentle stroke of a thumb of anointing passing over.  She simply fell into eternity, but not alone, a warmth drew beside her, and they were as one, in a sea of nothing.

Atalaya rested in the peace of the High Forest as she sat next to Nevil on the ship.  Atalaya quieted her mind and then began to talk with Mielikki about the coming day, her worries for Sorrow, and her concerns for her young ward.  Then she allowed her mind to grow quiet as she listened for any answers from Mielikki in the rustling leaves. 

As the wind ruffled her hair she saw herself climb down from the tree and begin to run along the deer path that followed along the bank of the quickly flowing stream.  After a time she saw a wolf sitting in the pathway watching her approach.  Atalaya slowed and then came to a stop watching the silver grey wolf ahead of her. His amber eyes glowed in the dim light of the forest morning as he compelled Atalaya to maintain eye contact with him.  Slowly he stepped forward and stood in front of her.  After searching the woman’s eyes he whined softly and nosed his head under Atalaya’s hand, clearly asking for ear and neck scratches.  Atalaya breathed a single word, “Clearwater,” as she fell to her knees and hugged him tightly.  Pushing his head back so that she could look into his eyes again she said, “How are you here?  You can’t be here,” she added in a whisper and she scratched his left ear, just as he had always liked.”  After expressing his delight in the scratches, Clearwater drew her eyes to him again, and then started to walk into the forest, his body fading away as he went.  

Atalaya felt the stirring of the wind and she was again high in her tree.  The leaves rustling in the wind and the stream bubbling below her filled her senses with a sense of calm even as she wondered if she had really seen and touched Clearwater just moments before.  Slowly she began the shift from the woods to the ship.  The rocking of the ship as the waves rushed under it to the shore and the calls of the different ship crews as they readied their ships for the day called her back to the present and she opened her eyes to the new day.  

Inman stood mid-deck looking over at the bustle of the dock. He was chatting with Ivar and the two broke into brief laughter as Cirilli approached.  She had a bag packed, presumably for the promised day trip into the woods.  It was Inman’s distinct laughter that inserted itself into Nevil's detached communion with the still mother.  Nevil's soul blushed and she had to turn her attention back to the still mother.  "Yes, It is... but I have not forgotten you, my lady.”

A contented smile drew across Nevil's face before she opened her eyes to bring a full awareness back into her body and mind.  She untucked her legs and began to fold the cloth, looking over to Atalaya.

As Nevil changed position and started folding her prayer stole, Atalaya smiled at her.  “You are back.  Cirilli seems ready and eager to head out.  I think I am going to contain Cirilli’s enthusiasm a bit and offer her the chance to either practice meditation or help with breakfast.”  Atalaya stood and refastened her longsword to her belt.  “Shall we see which task she chooses?” She asked while holding out a hand to help Nevil get up.

Nevil reached for Atalaya’s hand and stood with her assistance. She straightened her pants and stepped to follow Atalaya with a locked brow, "That will an interesting bet..."  

Chapter 2:  Cirilli’s Choice

Together they made their way to the main deck.  Atalaya greeted Cirilli with a hug and a grin.  “You seem really excited this morning Daughter of my heart .”

“I am.  I’m all ready to go.  When are we leaving?  I can’t wait to meet Shep.  Are you ready?  Where is Boz?”

Atalaya’s heart melted as she heard the excitement and impatience in Cirilli’s voice.  “Well… I expect that Vaz is getting himself ready for our trip about now.  But we aren’t leaving until everyone has eaten and we conclude a few tasks here in Blue Haven.  We need to find a cartographer and also stop and pick up some books from Mother Bettewhyte.”

“So, you have a choice to make right now.  Do you want to help make breakfast or do you want to work on your meditation skills?”

“We could eat at the Wind Rose,” Cirilli attempted to tempt the other adults.  “Right?  Or pick something up at the Bistro or one of the bakeries?”  

Atalaya shook her head.  “No honey.  Not today.  But, you do get a choice for what you are going to do right now.   What would you like to do?  Help out or squeeze in a lesson before we leave?”  

Cirilli’s piercing gaze bore through the deck’s planks as she contemplated her answer.  “I saw Sorrow heading towards the galley as I was coming up.  “I’m not sure, but maybe he was going to start breakfast.  Or maybe he just wanted a bite or two of charcoal?  I’m not sure.  But…”  Finally meeting Atalaya’s eyes, she continued, “I think I would like to work with you on meditating,” before looking back at the deck.

Atalaya exchanged a silent look of amazement with Nevil before wiping her face free of any signs of shock.  “Okay then.  Go stow your pack and weapons in your room.  They are safer and out of the way there.  Then meet me in my cabin.   I’ll just check on Vaz while you do that.”

Nevil beamed at her student.  “You choose well.  I’ll help Sorrow with breakfast while you spend some time with Atalaya.  

Nevil walked through the galley on her way to pack her prayer items.  She found Sorrow inspecting the spices and fingering some with a flirtatious stroke of a finger, imagining interesting combinations.  

"Oh no you don't", Nevil butt in, "No starting without me.  I've heard of your culinary artistry.  I for one have no desire to have a stomach upset and be on a horse all day."  

Nevil cracked the door and slipped in.  Inman was near the porthole using its bright light and a hand mirror to trim his beard.  He looked over with a sly grin.  Nevil giggled to herself as she packed her things.  Eldeth save me.  That man in just a towel will be my end.

Returning to the galley, Nevil found Sorrow leaning on the counter.  His playful expression pushed through, "So no clove in the eggs?  I mean... where is the fun in that."

     Cirilli knocked on the doorframe to Atalaya’s cabin.  The door swung open and she saw Boz talking quietly with Atalaya.  Hearing the knock, Boz turned and waved her into the room.  “Ready for our trek today, sweetheart?”

Cirilli nodded eagerly as she entered.  “I’m all packed and have everything ready.”  Looking at Atalaya she said a little hesitantly, “I took my armor off though.  That’s right for this, isn’t it?”

Atalaya swiftly finished tying Boz’s vanguards and then turned to face her ward.  “That’s right for now.  The time will come when you will be able to meditate in whatever you are wearing, but for now, the more comfortable you feel, the easier it will be for you.”

With a teasing tone to her voice, she gave Boz a little push towards the door.  “That’s your cue to give us a few minutes alone.  If you will, give me a knock on the door when breakfast is ready, please Vaz.”  He stepped away from her, gave Cirilli a quick hug and then headed out the door.  “Certainly, milady.  As you wish.”  He quickly shut the door before Atalaya could retaliate and headed towards the galley.

“What are we doing today?” asked Cirilli as she hopped onto the bunk.  I brought the grips, and I’ve practiced with them.  I think that I can relax my muscles better, but my mind still races while I do that.”  Cirilli settled into a tailor sitting position facing Atalaya.  “I saw you and Nevil this morning when I was climbing to the crow’s nest.  I don’t remember you meditating so much before.  Why are you doing it now?”

Atalaya settled herself across from Cirilli.  Her body easily moving into a relaxed state as she contemplated Cirilli’s question.  “Good question, Daughter of my Heart.  I do my main meditations at night.  That is what renews my strength and allows me to heal from any hurts or wounds that I took during the day.  It is also when I am able to refill my connection with the earth and nature that allows me to wield the weave to perform the small “spells” that I can use.  I’ve done this for many years, certainly once I formally started my own training.  Although it was many years before I was able to connect with the weave to have any type of magical effect.  You seem to have picked that up much easier than I did.  Perhaps because the things that have happened to you in your life have made it necessary for you to develop those skills.  But my morning meditations and at times devotions are newer.  I’ve found that when we have the opportunity for them, it is a nice way to greet the day.  And it has given me the time to get to know Nevil and to be able to feel comfortable sharing my concerns with her. To be able to trust her with the problems we are facing with ‘The Eye,’ the cultists and the Thayians that we are facing.  She came to us as a friend of Seraphina.  Now she is my friend too.”  Atalaya pulled out her focus token and looked at it, rubbing the unicorn face as she looked for the words to explain herself. 

“That is a large part of it.  But that is not the total of it.  I’m feeling the need to take time to think about my life and my relationships with the people who are important to me and perhaps about what my life is going to look like for the next little while.  I’m finally starting to feel as if I’m growing up.  Maybe because of my feelings for Vaz.”  Looking deeply into Cirilli’s eyes, “And because of my feelings for you.  My life is changing and I need to catch up with it.  My morning meditations are giving me a chance to focus on that.  Or maybe I’m being guided to focus on that.  Sometimes I’m not sure.”

“What if I can’t do all that?”

Atalaya reached out and pulled Cirilli over.  “Do you think that I was just able to do this after one or two lessons with my father?”  Seeing the uncertainty in Cirilli’s eyes, she continued.  “I didn’t.  I worked for a long time.  And my progress was slow and uneven.  Sometimes… well, there are many stories of my efforts at meditation and then of my trying to trance.”  Looking out the porthole and noting the position of the sun.  Perhaps we can share those as we ride today.  But now, we need to do a little work.”  Atalaya gave her another hug and then helped her to lay down with her head towards her.  

“You responded well to a guided meditation the other day.  Let’s try that again, this time on purpose.  Just a quick little time out to let you get another little taste of what meditation can be.”  Looking at Cirilli as she settled herself, Atalaya added, “That’s right.  Just take a few deep slow breaths.”  Atalaya stroked Cirilli’s head, smoothing her hair and clearing it away from her face.  “That’s right.  Just breathe slowly and deeply and listen to my voice.  Remember, you are in control of your body.  Hold your token in your sword hand.  If you need to come out of the meditation, all you need to do is rub your fingers along the edge of the token.  The roughness of the laces will help you shake off the meditation state and return to the here and now.”
“But for now, feel the swords.  They represent your strength and control.  You are a strong and very skilled youngling already.  These represent all that you have already learned.  That’s right.  Breath in.  Hold it.  And now slowly release it.  You are strong.  You are loved.  You have family here that love and support you.  You have my love and support always.”  Atalaya continued to encourage her to breathe slowly and deeply and to focus on her strengths and the love that surrounded her.  

Finally she continued.  “Now turn over the token and trace the bear claw.  This represents Gwaeron Windstrom.  The foremost of the rangers.  Our teacher and guide.  This represents all that you have learned, are learning and will learn as you become a ranger.  He symbolizes balance.  The balance of nature.  The balance between tracking and action.  The balance between our wants and the need to protect others and the land.  He watches our progress and will actively help us learn the skills we need to travel through the forests and wild lands of Toril.  He stands as a mediator between ourselves and Mielikki the Forest Queen.”

Cirilli tensed briefly at the mention of Mielikki, but as Atalaya’s voice droned on encouraging her to simply breath, to listen to her voice and to tighten and relax different muscle groups, she sank deeper into a relaxed state.  Atalaya saw that at times she seemed to tense, but then her face and body would relax again.  After several minutes where Cirilli was in a more relaxed state Atalaya began to call her slowly back to the present.  Cirilli’s finger began following the token edge as she journeyed back, again following Atalaya’s voice, her call back to awareness of the bed she was lying on and the ship that rocked with the waves searching for the end of their journey.  

Cirilli opened her eyes.  “Oh… I did it, didn’t I?  That felt so different.  I felt like I was being surrounded by a cloud of love.  Is that what it is like for you?”  She rolled to her side and tried to twist her body around to get a better view of Atalaya.  “Is that why you like to meditate so much?”

Atalaya reached out and tweaked Cirilli’s nose.  “Yes.  Many times that is what I feel.  Especially when I’m doing my evening meditations.”

“And I’m going to be able to do that for myself?  Without you talking to me the whole time?”

Atalaya nodded.  “Yes.  You are going to be able to do this.  You actually were very deeply relaxed and what I think of as floating in the meditation state.  You are really good at this.  I think …”  

Two heads turned towards the door as there was a quiet knock.  “Breakfast is ready,” Boz called out softly.

“Coming,” both Atalaya and Cirilli called out together as they untangled themself from the bed and made their way out of the room.  Cirilli appeared lighter to Atalaya in both the way she held her body and in the expression on her face.  At Vaz’s inquisitive look she whispered in his ear, “It went well.  Very well.  Ask me later.”  

The three made their way to the table.  Seating herself and reaching for the cup of coffee sitting in front of her, she let the sugary bitterness of the strongly brewed drink fill her mouth before she swallowed it.  “So, what’s for breakfast,” she asked Nevil as she saw her enter the room with a full platter in her hands.

Nevil leaned over the table to place a platter of fresh fruit and a bowl of a white creamy mounds on the table. "Being that we are in town... we have some fresh items today." She explained pointing, "Veggie and cheese omelets, freshly fermented milk (aka yogurt), and fruit." 

"Fermented milk?" Cirilli asked very skeptically. Inman almost laughed but he caught himself. "Have you not tried this before?  It's not as bad as it sounds.  I like it plain, but honey and fruit are commonly added."

"And for those of you who are adventurous, Sorrow made a few omelets to his liking.  It's.."  Sorrow cut off Nevil.  His eyes widening with anticipation.  "See if you can guess the flavor combinations."  He promptly sat throwing a leg over the stool and reaching for a red and speckled folded egg.

Nevil sat, spooning a cup of fermented milk, and glancing up to the others.

Boz watched as Sorrow took his first bite of his omelet, trying to mask his horror at the thought of trying an unsupervised offering from Sorrow.  Quickly shaking his head he looked at the rest of the party and warned, “Don’t do it.  You’ll regret it.”  Seeing Sorrow’s hurt expression he added, “Sorry Sorrow, but without Seraphina or another trusted cook to attest to the dish I’m not going to take you up on that offer.”  He turned his gaze to Nevil.  “Will you give surety to his concoction by eating some of it yourself?”

Nevil reassures the group, "actually we already have tried them."  She gives Sorrow a little nod as she reaches over Boz's shoulder to select one of Sorrow’s creations for her own plate.  The omelet was speckled with black, red, and green.  It oozed a white cream when stabbed. 

"He picked the flavor combination.  I only moderated the amounts.  It's not what I would have selected but it works."  She cut a healthy slice from the middle of one and placed it in her mouth.  With an unphased expression and seemingly unhurried, she spoke with a mouth full. "Goat cheese, shaved chillies, and various dried spices.  A smooth savory heat." 

Inman raised a brow of interest and stabbed one for his plate and quickly sampled it.   "Well that is anything but boring."  Sorrow beamed with pride.

Nevil pointed to the bowl of fermented milk (yogurt).  If the heat is too much, that will help tame the burn.”

Atalaya took the bowl with the fermented milk, and stirring it held it to her nose to smell the mixture.  Grimacing, she quickly passed it to Inman.  “Here, all yours.”  She quickly filled her plate with Nevil’s omelet offering and the fresh fruit  

Cirilli, watching her, copied Atalaya’s choices and settled into enjoying the warm omelet.  “No bacon?  Well, it’s still good, Nevil.  

Nevil looks around the table, “Would I ever dare to make breakfast for you all, and not include bacon.”  She heads back to the galley and brings in the platter filled with bacon.  Cirilli quickly snatches a handful as Nevil places it on the table.  

 “Is this spinach?  It goes well with the rest of the vegetables.  I think Grinda would like this too.”  She looks pensive as she eats.  Finally she asks, “Do you think he’ll be in Salt Marsh when we get back?”

Atalaya throws a helpless look over Cirilli’s head towards Boz and Sorrow.  “I don’t know, honey.  I’m not sure why they left.  We now know Seraphina is more highly involved in the affairs of the Sword Coast.  I’m hoping that she has sent them off on a mission for her, and when that is finished and ours is finished perhaps we will see them again.” 
“I hope you get to see Grinda again.  I know you miss him.  Traveling with a boatload of adults must get tiresome for you,” she added in a teasing tone.  “But I’m sure that Elanil and Willow will be excited to see you when we get back to the Salt Marsh.”

Cirilli nods.  “I know.  But it’s not the same as adventuring with Grinda.”

Boz taps her hand, to gain her attention.  “Maybe we have not come up with enough lessons for you.  Perhaps we should add sewing or embroidery or maybe weaving to your lessons?”  He can’t maintain a straight face as he adds the last task and breaks into soft chuckles.  Cirilli picked up a blueberry and flung it at him, hitting him squarely in his chest.  “Hey, those stain!”  Boz quickly checked the front of his shirt, while trying to hide the patches that repaired the frequent abuse the shirt had undergone.  

Inman laughed as he watched Boz.  “I can take care of the stains after you two are done playing. But I’m sorry, I can’t mend it.”

To Sorrow’s delight Inman and Nevil both finish one of his omelets, however Nevil had to soothe her burning tongue.  Adding a little honey, she nonchalantly spooned the creamy milk ferment into her mouth for relief.

Boz watched as Inman and Nevil ate some of Sorrow’s omelet.  When Sorrow raised an eyebrow and smirked at him, Boz smirked back and reached the omelet platter.  Cutting one of the omelets in half he placed it on his plate and then after catching both Sorrow’s and Cirilli’s eyes, made a dramatic production of tasting the eggs.  After his first nibble, he took a larger bite and nodded at Sorrow.  “Not bad Sorrow.  Spicy but I can detect Nevil’s hand in not allowing it to be overpowered.”  He added another small bite to his fork and held it out to Cirilli.  “Want to try some?”

Cirilli looked around a little wildly, searching both Atalaya’s and Nevil’s expressions.  Finding no hints from either of them, she picked up her plate and reached it out towards Boz.  Boz placed the small bite of Sorrow’s concoction onto the plate.  After she pushed the food around a bit with her fork she looked up at Atalaya, “You aren’t afraid to try this are you?  Everyone else is eating it.” 

Atalaya gave Cirilli a searching look, before looking over the rest of the party.  “Afraid?  No, not afraid.  Wary?  Yes, very.”  She watches as Boz eats another bite of spicy omelet.  Noting the looks of amusement in everyone’s eyes she laughs and says, “Okay, pass me the platter.”  When Boz passes it to her she takes the second half of his omelet and places it on her plate.  Atalaya mutters something in elvish and takes a bite.  She pulls out the drama of the moment as long as she can as she ‘tastes’ the varied spices and notes the heat of them.  Smiling at Cirilli she winks.  “Your turn Daughter of my Heart.”

Cirilli grimaces but then quickly shoves the eggs into her mouth.  She chews once, twice and thrice before swallowing.  Grabbing up her cup she swallows the juice and looks sadly at the empty cup.  Nevil slips a bit of her sweetened fermented milk onto Cirilli’s plate and whispers, “I promise, this helps cool your mouth.”  Cirilli grimaces again and quickly spoons the thickened milk into her mouth.  Sighing, she takes a second and third bite and then reaches for the bowl of the fermented milk and spoons a huge lump of it onto her plate before reaching for the honey to sweeten it.  

Amidst the laughter and teasing from the party she enjoys the rest of the sweetened treat.  Atalaya looks over at Boz as she continues to eat Sorrow’s omelet.  “Are you finishing your half, Vaz?”

He smiles and his hand slips under the table to squeeze her thigh.  “Of course Iubita.  Just be sure that there is more of Nevil’s fermented milk and honey left for us.”

Atalaya laughs.  “This is actually pretty good Sorrow.  A tad spicy, but still good.”  She winks at Nevil, “Thanks for tempering his hand as he added the spices.”  The two finish their portions of the omelet with Boz making liberal use of the sweetened fermented milk.  

“Perhaps a better challenge for you would be to try Nevil’s concoction.  It’s full of sugar, I would think you would like it.”  Boz holds out a spoonful of the stuff towards Atalaya, laughing as she backs away. 
“No thanks.  One new food per meal is plenty,” she responded as she pushed his hand away.  “I’m fine.”

[Open table, if anyone has anything to add]

The banter continues as the friends finish their breakfast and then quickly organize themselves for the rest of the day’s tasks.  

[See game notes 6-26-24]

Chapter 3:  Morning ride to the manor ruins.

Leaving the Chauntean temple, we begin the journey to the manor the Countess had told us about.  Cirilli is holding tightly to the saddle horn as Shep walks alongside Nevil.  Cirilli seems to slowly adjust to the slow walking pace.  As Nevil notices this, she winks at Shep.  “Looks like you are good with walking now, Cirilli.  Let’s try a trot.  That’s a better pace for a long trip.”  She looks at Shep again and says, “Take it nice and easy.  Sitting trot.”  Squeezing her heels into her mount and getting no response, she shakes her head and gives him a gentle kick.  The rental mare snorts and shakes her head as she moves into a rather uncomfortable trot.  Nevil, saying a few words under her breath, pulls the mare back slightly and finds the sitting trot.  Nevil smiles and gives her a little pat on her neck.  “Now, behave little lady and this will be a much nicer day for both of us.”  

Shep nickers at the mare’s antics, looks back at Cirilli to see if she is ready and then moves easily into a smooth easy-to-ride trot.  Cirill’s hands grasp the saddle horn tighter than before.  “Nevil… I’m not sure…” 

Atalaya pulls her gelding up to Cirilli’s other side.  “Just relax Cirilli.  Shep is doing all the work.  Sit up straight.  Heels down.  And, if you look down the path ahead of you you’ll find your seat easier.  Good.  “Now, your hands with the reins in it…” 

Cirilli glances at her hands on the saddle horn to see that, yes, she does have hold of the reins in her right hand.

“... That’s right, there they are.  Take that hand off the saddle horn,” Atalaya continues.  She watches as Cirilli takes a deep breath and slowly pries the fingers of her right hand off the saddle horn.  “Good.  Relax your arm and hold your hand over the saddle horn for now.  If you need to grab the horn for any reason it’s right there.”  Atalaya looks at Nevil, I’m sure you can just tell Shep what to do, but…” and she looks again at Cirilli, “There are times when just guiding him will be faster and easier.  And it will teach you what to do if you ever ride a normal everyday horse.”  

Cirilli smiles up at her.  “Or a unicorn?”

Atalaya laughs.  “A unicorn will never allow either a saddle or bridle.   With the unicorns, you go where and at the speed they want to go.”

Cirilli’s eyes get big as she contemplates that.  Finally as she begins to relax into the trot, and her left hand begins to loosen its grasp on the saddle horn, she turns to Nevil.  “So how did you get Shep?  Does he always come to you when you ask him to?”

Nevil smiled as the horse turned his ears back to hear her response. "I wouldn't say 'I got' Shep.  He found me when I was in need and we became friends.  

How to tell this story without saying too much. The less she knows about the Harpers, the better.  For now.

“Many years ago, I was running messages along the valley for... the cause.   I was ambushed on the road by... thieves.  They were easy enough to dispatch but a stray bolt hit and mortally wounded my mount.  I was deep in the Wilds between towns, with no way to get the message home in time.”  Nevil exchanged glances with Inman. “Knowing many lives were at risk, I wept and my heart called out.”

“I became aware of his presence when he nudged my shoulder and blew a deep rolling exhale. At the time, I had no idea where he came from, but he was there and ready to go.  We ran, and ran hard to get the message home in time. His stamina through the night was unnatural, but even then, it took me a while to realize he was different and a blessing of the spirit."  

Nevil reached from the other horse to pat Shep's neck.  "He's my road buddy.  We've been through a lot."  Shep excitedly raised and nodded his head in agreement.  Cirilli was startled as the reigns shook and clattered.

Nevil considered, "Does he always come?  Well, given his nature as a familiar, yes.  He can't really say no. But given his intelligence and awareness, I let him be as independent as the situation allows."

Inman laughed, "I'd say.  It was weeks before he stopped nipping at me."  Shep's head jerked again.  He rolled the bit in his mouth and gave a sassy trot.

Nevil interjected. "He was protective.”

Cirilli patted Shep’s neck.  “You are a good boy, aren’t you?  You like me right?  No nipping me and I’ll give you lots of scratches and pats.”

    “Nevil, Does Shep like getting brushed like other horses do?”  She carefully leaned forward and gave him a few more pats on his neck.  “I was learning to brush Luna while I was at the Greenleaf’s.  Can I brush Shep when we are done riding today?”

Nevil smiled, watching Cirilli’s excitement, "Of course.  Shep's good to learn from.  You can't hurt him, he will not step on your toes, and he can tell you what he likes."

"For as real as he feels, he's a spirit animal.  He doesn't need to eat, or sleep, or be groomed.  He doesn't even have to breathe.  Of course he likes, and does those things, but most are just the habits of life.  Their absence does not affect his wellbeing." 

Sorrow spoke up, giving Shep a little kick as they fell behind for Cirilli got distracted marveling at the steed. "Being a spirit, also means he doesn't have the pains of life either.  He doesn't feel hot, or cold, or tired, sore, hungry, or even feel pain the way we do."

Nevil concluded, "True, but he does get dirty, and slobber, and, if he eats or drinks, he'll do all those other gross things that living horses can. Because it feels right to him.”  Nevil looked at Cirilli whose interest could not be more genuine. “So, yeah, spoil him all you want.  There is nothing you can do wrong with him and he'll love the attention."

Cirilli petted Shep’s neck again, her enthusiasm easily read on her face.  As they continue down the trail she becomes more comfortable with Shep’s movement.  Her arms relaxing and her left hand released the saddle horn and rested on her thigh as she observed the others doing.  After several minutes of quiet conversations between the adults, she piped up again.  

“Atalaya, you said we could talk about you learning to meditate.”  

Atalaya nodded.  “I did.  Do you have a specific question?”  When Cirilli didn’t immediately ask anything she added, “Or are you just looking for random stories?”

Cirilli guided Shep to walk beside Atalaya’s horse. “Well, you said that you had a difficult time learning to meditate initially.  What did you mean by that?”

Atalaya sighed.  “I was an active child.  Sort of like you in a way.  And at nine years old I would much rather have been following my father on walks through the High Forest or shooting by bow at targets.”  She chuckled derisively as she shook her head.  “Even lessons were easier for me than trying to sit quietly and still my mind.  And there were a few years that the only thing that kept me at my lessons was the threat that my bow and arrows would be off limits and that there would be no forest adventures with my father until my lessons were finished.”

Cirilli stared at Atalaya.  “You are pulling my leg, right?”

Atalaya noticed that both Cirilli and Sorrow were staring at her in amazement.  Vaz had also edged his horse closer to her and Cirilli as well.  “I became a better student when I got a little older, but until I was about your age, I would much rather have been outside than sitting at the kitchen table working on my lessons.  We still lived out at our cottage in the woods and my mother was my main teacher then.  She was strict.  Reading, arithmetic and languages before time outside.”

“You didn’t have to study history and science?” asked Cirilli. 

“I did, but later.  I was older and had learned to enjoy learning.”  She winked at Sorrow.  “And history can be as good as any adventure book if it is presented correctly.  And the natural sciences are relevant for a ranger and when I figured that out, I became very interested.”

Atalaya sighed, “But we digress.  We were talking about meditation.  A couple of months after I turned nine years old my father started to teach me to meditate.  I struggled with this more than I had with learning to multiply or to read.  As I neared my next birthday I was finally starting to be able to relax my muscles without either falling asleep or ending up tighter than when I started.  And my father was introducing guided meditations such as you and I did this morning.   My father doesn’t use a token like I made for you when he meditates and he taught me meditation as he had learned to do it.  On my tenth birthday, Sossheni gave me my meditation token as my birthday gift from her that year.  Having something in my hands during the meditations made it easier for me to focus.  And I started doing better, although I still could actually meditate without my father or another adult guiding me.   I found that, for me anyway, my Aunt Kalusa was a good guide; my Uncle Rhys, not so much.”

Cirilli looked startled.  “Those people are the aunt and uncle I met when we went to Otterwell.  Your uncle was really nice.  Why do you say that he wasn’t a good meditation guide?”

Atalaya reached out and squeezed Cirilli’s hand.  “My Uncle Rhys is a wonderful uncle, a very good ranger and a good father to my cousins.  He is not a teacher.  He can meditate and trance.  But he is not very good at teaching others to do so.  Aunt Kalusa and my father taught those skills to my cousins.”

Cirilli contemplated that for several minutes before turning to Nevil.  “How about you?  When did you learn to meditate?  Did your grandfather teach you?”  

Nevil was caught off guard.  Imagining Atalaya as anything but a disciplined and mature woman was deeply entertaining.  "Oh, me?  No, he did oversee my schooling and taught me much of the world, but it was Master Elaria who first started to teach me meditation with sword forms.  I was much older and in my early twenties."  Nevil looked ahead and took a moment to appreciated the beauty of the day in the overhang of the aged trees above the roadway.

She continued, glancing to Atalaya for approval, "Some things need the maturity of time to develop."   I didn't really begin to understand its full depth until just a few years ago with Master Tyrn.”  Nevil paused in memory, “Humans do not have such practices woven into their culture quite like other races.  So, it can take longer."

Inman snickered. Cirilli glanced over to see Inman loose in the saddle, his eyes steady on Nevil, and quickly removing a private smirk from his face. Cirilli looked questioningly back to Nevil who looked past her to glare back at Inman with feigned annoyance. 

Cirilli looked confused. "What's so funny?"

Inman goaded Nevil before he trotted ahead to avoid her reproach.  "That's true but tell her the whole truth. My sweet Maggie had a temper."

Nevil shrugged, "Yes, and as I have told Cirilli, it was a handicap until I learned to control it.  The only thing stronger than my temper was the master's will to break it."

Sorrow teased, "What a waste.  Could have used that passion and made a hell of a berserker, Nevil."

Inman called over his shoulder with a tone above Cirilli’s head. "Oh, it wasn't wasted."  Riding behind Cirilli, Sorrow silently raised a brow to Nevil's guilty glance.

Nevil pivoted and asked Cirilli, "So, how are the meditation studies going?”

Cirilli glanced over at Atalaya and then smiled a little to herself.  “Atalaya says they are going okay.  What we did today seemed to go well.  I felt … It's kind of hard to describe.  I guess you could say I felt lighter today when we finished.  It’s a lot easier when I can concentrate on Atalaya’s words rather than trying to just not think.”

She rode, her eyes searching through the trees on either side of the road they were riding on.  “So why don’t we have meditation woven into our traditions like the elves do?  And what other races use meditation?” 

Nevil smiles, "Well, it certainly seems to be woven in the cultures of elves and gnomes."

"As to why humans do not as a whole... I think we should.  But many of our kind see this as wasted time."  

Nevil shrugs, "Perhaps, in some ways, other races are right to think that it is our nature to be impatient, in the honing of a craft or in the reaping of reward.  We are often accused of rashness, of being unable to view the world beyond our own short lifespans." 

Nevil's tone becomes a bit more stern and rises as she continues. "However, at times, I have found this to be a rather condescending bit of paternalism, or worse an excuse for inaction.  It's not a lack of vision that makes me impatient, it's an unwillingness to sit by while suffering and injustice persists."

Inman slows his horse to be nearer to Nevil again. He looks back, half flirting. "Careful love, the Harper in you is showing."  

Sorrow quietly jests, "Passion indeed.”

“I wonder if Joan meditates?  She’s a ranger too.  I never saw her meditating.”  Cirilli looked hopefully at Atalaya, her eyes begging for an answer. 

Atalaya, shifting her focus from Cirill, searched through the woods as she foraged through her mind for an answer.  “I’m not sure.  You’ll have to ask her when we get back to Parabor.  I would have to guess that she does something to help her to focus and to refresh herself.  She’s a skilled ranger.  She trained for a while with Master Elaria, so she would have at least been exposed to meditation then, I think.  Where she got the rest of her ranger training, I don’t know.”   

Cirilli rode silently thinking about what she had been told.  

Vasilya maneuvered his horse near Nevil’s.  I’ve heard you mention Master Tyrn before.  Is he another paladin of Eldath?  Or one of her clerics?”

Nevil smiled remembering. "No, not a fighter by any means, even as an old Cleric.  'Tyrn the Patient', a devotee of Eldath, sworn pacifist, keeper of a First Order Circle near Tribor, and skilled teacher sought by pilgrims, survivors, refugees, and the like."  

Looking to Inman, who listened intently at newly offered details, "Serephina, after a bit of insightful tough love, sent me to his care... several months after Amphil. Like others, he set me on stable ground again when I was drowning."

Looking back at Boz, She smiled, "It's not easy to be a pacifist so near orc borders and at the crossroads of ripe merchant paths and pilgrim camps."

“After taking vows, well they needed protection.  That's why I stayed with him for so long..." Recognizing her half truth, Nevil corrected herself. "Well, it made it easy to justify not leaving."

Nevil looked with curiosity at Boz, "So, with the 'gifts' of the Gur, do they meditate too?  I mean, you don't ever join us, so I suppose not."

"Not that I know of." Boz shrugged. "You know there is much I don't know. Although the drabarni from Saltmarsh gave me some mental exercises. I don't know if that's the same thing. Probably not."

Nevil looked back and fourth between at Atalaya and Boz.  “I mean, we'd hate to disturb your training, but there is only one way to really know.”  Nevil grinned, offering her last thoughts before trotting ahead to catch up to Cirilli.  “I guess you'll have to join Atalaya or I some time…”

[End]