A New Found Sibling (Open)

[Elmaryia Grey Leonard]

Time Stamp: Month of Optima. This thread happens on the same day before the night when the fire occurs, that spreads throughout the city.

Elmayria decided to take her brother to the Inn that she had went to with Straylor in the month of Aperentus it was called the Trade Pavillion Inn. It was on the northern end of the Pavillion, among the cleanest and best kept stores were lined there. Among them were several restaurants and other shoppes.

Constructed almost entirely of wood, merchandise is lined up inside one of the immaculately clean windows. A double-take reveals that the store is also a Tavern, and further investigation will soon reveal that this place is also an Inn. The strange combination of the three enterprises is intriguing, to say the least.

An investigation of the storefront reveals an arched doorway leading into a single square room, where merchandise is divided up by category. Rows upon rows of shelves cover the floor, and while one side was filled to bursting with every type of camping equipment, equestrian tack and care items, and even a few weapons, the other side of the store revealed food. Salted meats, vegetables, spices, herbs, even some fruit and breads could be found here, along with a few more exotic foods likely not seen anywhere else. Along the back wall runs a long counter, where a doddering (or at least he seems to be) old man sweeps the floor, smiling graciously at any newcomers. It is nearly impossible to guess at his age, as his slanted dark eyes and olive skin make him seem younger than he truly is. The only indication of his age is a head full of snowy white hair which seems to be balding ever so slightly. He keeps a sharp eye out on anyone who enters so as to avoid troublemakers and thieves.

Along the side of the building lies the entrance to the Tavern, where young, dark-haired girls move silently and swiftly between low-standing tables lined up along the floor. Luscious and tempting scents of food emanate from the kitchen as patrons sit in quiet respect on overly stuffed crimson cushions. One of the girls comes to greet you, smiling sweetly as the family resemblance to the old man minding the store makes itself known. Armed with the same quiet demeanor, her dark, slanted eyes narrow slightly as her smile graces her face, her hands clasped together before her. Her dress, a slim crimson affair stitched with various unintelligible embroidery, is tied at the waist as her wooden sandals clop merrily along the floor, carrying her over to greet you.

"Moshimoshi, etoranze. Serale, stranger. My name Kimi. Do you seek food or a room?"

(Written by Gryffin.)

Upon entering the tavern, Elmayria found an empty table pointing to it she lead Valan into that direction. With a smile she sat down across from him.

" This is a nice place, in the month of Aperentus a friend of mine introduced me to it. In the month of Ionnes I am to go to Trysvale and work for him. He is hoping to be constible of that city, and he is requiring a manager, his name is Straylor Lenoard. So what do you do to make some coin Valan?"

As she waited for him to answer a server came and asked them what they wanted. " I will have the chicken and steamed vegitables and a glass of cow milk." With a smile the server wrote that down on a piece of parchment. After that was done she turned her head to Valan. " And you sir?"

[Valan Quinn]

Valan slowly tailed Elmaryia as she made her way to their table. Valan stared at his surroundings as they walked. It seemed that this tavern also doubled as supply store, although the young man couldn’t possible imagine what he would need right now. He nearly tripped over a leg table when he wasn’t minding where he was going. Val returned his sister’s smile as he sat deliberately into his chair. He nodded politely as she initiated conversation. “Trysvale? Working for a constable? You’re certainly moving up quickly aren’t ya?” he laughed. “Much more direction than myself- that’s for sure.”

“Coin?” he paused slightly. “Well, not much to tell you the truth. I’ve sold some uh, real estate a while back, and I’ve just been coasting on the profits ever since. But when the money runs out, well, I’ll think of something.” he winked.

Valan looked up at their waitress, stared up at her perhaps a little longer than he should’ve, and smiled. “Me? Ahem, let’s see… I’ll have the fish, swordfish if you have it. If not, then anything’s fine. Oh, salt, too please.” He pressed his index finger to his lips. “The herb soup would be great, a rice cake, and handful of strawberries...” Valan nodded towards Elmaryia. “Do you like strawberries, Elma?” The young human picked his eyes back up to meet the waitress’s. “And to drink… white wine. Enamorian chardonnay would be perfect. If not then anything else white will do.” He folded his arms and nodded, indicating that he was finished.

[Elmaryia Grey Leonard]

" Oh well I do not know about that. I am not doing it for political gain. He is a good friend of mine. It was him that went with me to Saerunn's apartment. He showed me much kindness. So if I can earn some coin and help him out then I shall be glade to do it." Elmayria said with fondness in her voice. She could not wait for the month of Ionnes to see him.

When he studied the server, Elmayria just rolled her eyes and smiled. " Yes I do enjoy strawberries. Though unlike you, Valan I have not sold realistate so my funds are limited."

It seemed that the server too noticed how Valan was looking at her, and she did not mind it. With a nod of her head she wrote it down and gave him a flirtatious smile. Once she was gone. " Ah my brother the womanizer. I am so proud." She teased with humour.

" Well I am sure that he will not mind if you come along. I am sure that he will have work for you too, and I will be their to keep you in line."

[Valan Quinn]

“Your not? Well, why not? I mean, I agree that you should help your friend, but if you can kill two birds with one stone, I say go for it! Or do you not have any interest in politics?” he inquired. Valan figured she sounded a little too excited about this trip she was making. Who was this Straylor? “I may have to ‘meet’ him one brightening.” he thought. Valan cracked his knuckles.

“Oh, good. I only get a chance to eat them every once in a while.” remarked the swordsman. He leaned forward in his chair, propping his elbow on the table, and resting his chin on his palm. “Well, when you think about it, my fund is limited, too. It’s limited to what it is right now.” Valan sighed and continued. “It probably won’t get any larger. In fact, it’ll just run out. And If I had a choice between sooner or later, then I say, why not sooner?” he laughed, jingling the coins he had in his pocket.

Valan nudged Elma under the table with his foot. “Hey! Quiet you!” he chuckled, turning slightly red in his cheeks.

“I appreciate the offer, although I regret to say that I may not be able to stay with you for good, now.” he said, with his sorrowful tone in his voice. “Say, I haven’t even told you what it is I’m actually doing about in the Empire, have I?”

[Elmaryia Grey Leonard]

" Well he did not assist me for personal gain. He just perhaps got a sharp tounge from me. In case you have not noticed I can be sarcastic." Elmayria said with a chuckle. At the mention of politics she sobered slightly. " I dont know often politicians in the beginning have good intentions, though are easily corrupted for greed. Also it is a huge responsibility and you have to give much of your self. A true politican should be selfless, and not live in a mansion while beggers are starving." She said with a shake of her head.

Seeing his face turned red, caused Elma to laugh out loud. " Ah the desired reaction that I wanted."

Elmayria was going to say more though the server came back with their food. " That will be sixty realms for it all." Taking sixty realms from her pouch she handed it to the server.

Cutting up her chicken she took a bite, once chewed and swallowed. " Why will you not be able to stay? I have finally not found your character so annoying and am beginning to enjoy your company. Why are you a wanted criminal?" She asked with a chuckle. " Though no you have not told what you do for the empire. What do you do?" She asked as she lifted up her glass and took a sip of her cow milk.

[Valan Quinn]

“Oh, yes, I have.” He laughed. “Since the moment I met you.” He smiled and leaned back casually into his chair as he continued. “I agree. I don’t care much for politicians anyway, although I travel around so much that their policies rarely affect me personally.” he said with a sigh.

" That will be sixty realms for it all."

Valan nodded at the server and dug feverously into his pocket for the required coinage. But when he looked up, she had already made off with what Elmaryia had given her. “Elma- What do you think you’re doing?” he scolded. “You don’t get to pay for stuff like that.” He paused and sat straight up into his chair, as if at attention. “As your brother, and a gentleman… I won’t allow it!” he yelled gallantly, perhaps overacting. Valan smiled and slid a small pouch of sixty crowns across the table. “You’ve got enough to worry about as it is.”

Valan popped at strawberry into his mouth. “Aha! Perfect! Not too ripe at all- try one.” He nudged the bowl of strawberries over to Elmaryia. “A criminal?” he laughed. “Well, no. Not yet anyways. And I suppose you’re not too bothersome after a while.” Val said with a wink.

“Well, I don’t actually do anything for the empire, I just happen to be out in it.” He paused as he took a sip of his wine. “That is to say… the reason I left home is…” The human bit the side of his cheek, wondering what phrase to use. “… I left home to become a swordsman. A renowned duelist, I guess you could say.” Valan slumped back into his chair again, blushing slightly. “Well, I suppose it does sound a bit silly when you say it out loud.” He remarked as he looked away.

[Elmaryia Grey Leonard]

With a sigh she took the offered bank notes and placed them in her pouch. Well how am I to say no? I have very few bank notes to my name.

" Gentleman? Well I would not go that far, kind yes but a gentleman?" Elmayria said in a teasing tone. Taking an offered strawberry she tasted its ripe sweetness. " Very appetizing and sweet with a little tartness." Elmayria commented about the strawberries.

His asperation to be a swordsman peeked her curiosity. " So you wish to fight for coin? Or to help the weak? I think the latter would be a more noble profession. I do not think that a dream is silly. I wish to learn gadgeting and druidism, eventually."

[Valan Quinn]

"Coin? The weak? To tell you the truth I hadn't really even thought about either." he said casually. "The best way I can put it is that I'm after... recognition. Recognition of being the best. Although how I'm going to do this is a little unclear. I've asked someone how, but I ended up getting more questions than answers." Valan scratched his temple as he spoke, reflecting on his experience at the Temple of Dreams.

"Hmm, gadgeteering and druidism? Nice combination." he smiled. "What made you want to pursue those things?" Valan slurped his soup loudly, looking up at Elmaryia. "How far is Trysvale from here? Is it anywhere near Jaedaxia? I may be going there soon."

[Elmaryia Grey Leonard]

" Well it is something to contimplate. I mean I would rather do something noble and profit, then participate in sketchy activities and profit." Elmayria said as she took another sip of her cow milk.

" So you want to be the best, swordsman. For power or own personal satisfaction? I mean what is the point of being the best at something if you are not going to aid others or share your skills?"

Balance between nature and technology to be intune with both elements.

" Well I think it is a decent balance between the two. I enjoy nature and often prefer animals to people. Unlike people animals do not have agenda's nor are capable of malice. I find their lives quite simple actually, unlike us they are not burdned with materialistic greed. I know a bit of a philospher, and my ideas are probably not realistic." Elmayria said with a chuckle.

At the mention of Trysvale she smiled. " Oh I would assume about four days from here if you are on foot. I do not have to be their till the last month of Summer. So I may be able to do some travelling before hand. Though I have just met a cousin here, and a friend."

Sensing his surpirse at the mention of cousin she smiled further. " Ah yes before Saerunn died apprently she sent a letter to a woman by the name of Iseult Fleursdotter, her mother was Saerunn's sister."

[Valan Quinn]

Valan nodded while chewing a piece of fish. “I suppose you’re right. I could do some good- though I can’t imagine what.”

“No no, not power. I’m far too content with sitting on the beaches of Ieffreon on a future brightening, sipping champagne and watching the ships pass.” He smiled. “With a villa, and my own boat, and 3, no four horses and…” he looked up at Elmaryia laughing. “Alright, bad example.” He took another sip of wine. “But if I had to choose, I would say recognition. Maybe use that to… I don’t know… open my own academy?” he grinned at the thought. Val put his hands up above his head, gesturing a sign, and said, “The Quinn Institute of Swordplay. I can see it all now!” he chuckled.

Valan nodded at Elmaryia’s observation. “Hmm, animals are fine, I suppose. But I personally couldn’t substitute the company of people.” He laughed and said, “Yes, you are quite the philosopher. Maybe the academy is the better place for you, after all.”

“A cousin?” he blurted. “Who?”

“Oh, I see- a cousin, indeed.” he leaned backwards in his chair. “I suppose this Iseult, would be my cousin, too, eh? Albeit a half-cousin.” He gestured toward the waitress to refill his glass. “It seems this family is getting larger by the moment, hm?”

[Elmaryia Grey Leonard]

No no, not power. I’m far too content with sitting on the beaches of Ieffreon on a future brightening, sipping champagne and watching the ships pass.” He smiled. “With a villa, and my own boat, and 3, no four horses and…”, said Valan.

Upon hearing her brother's example she did raise an eyebrow in response. " I too enjoy fine things, we would not be human if we did not. I just believe in a balance and not living an excessive materialistic life style."

I wonder if he seeks recognition so strongly, because his father never recognised his self worth.

Listening to his ideas she took another bite of chicken.

" Yes it seems that their are many skeletons that are in our parents closet. Though Iseult is a kind woman a little stubborn and rough around the edges. She is in the city now. Though I do not know for how much longer."

Despite how her father did not want her she was still curious about him, and what Valan would say about her to him. " So what is our father like? Is their any Uncles or Aunts? When you write to him about me what are you going to say?"

[Valan Quinn]

“Excessive and materialistic? Well, I believe that would a point of view, wouldn’t you? I think a villa in Ieffreon would be just dandy.” he said with a smile.

“Skeletons, hm? I suppose, but I could really care less. I’ve decided that the less I know about our parents, the better.” Valan said coldly, jabbing his fork into his fish to cut off another piece. “Kind, stubborn, rough around the edges? Sounds like someone I know.” He said, lightly kicking Elmaryia under the table. “But she’s here in Archadoon, you say? I do hope to meet her one brightening, although I can't say for sure that it will be soon."

Valan sighed at his sister’s questions. He took a deep breath and reluctantly looked up at her from his plate. “Father? Well, I don’t really know what I could say. Up until a couple cycles ago, he was just a stubborn, snobbish, shrewd merchant in Imperia. Now, we’ll, he’s a little bit more than that…isn’t he?” he said between his teeth. “Uncles?” he laughed. “Yes, yes. We’ve an uncle. Bacchus. Hilarious man, although I’ve only met him a couple times. He’s a drunk, you see.” Valan explained, pointing his fork. “So, father…. Talan didn’t care for him much.”

The young man paused for a moment and sighed again. “Now that you mention it, I have the faintest idea. I wasn’t even sure if I would write to him.” Valan put down his fork and knife. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table, speaking to Elmaryia plainly. “I’ll tell you what: I’ll let you decide. Would you have me tell him that you are alive? Or dead? Or that the rumours were false?”

[Elmaryia Grey Leonard]

" I think my mother lied to me about Talan, because she knew that he never wanted me. I do not believe that she ment to be hurtful. Though still I believe that a person is entitled to the truth, no matter how painful it is."

I do not wish for him to hate his father, because of me.

His facial expression and body language caused her to frown in concern, slowly she moved her right hand and placed it gently on his own. " I never intended for you to hate him Valan, he loves you. Yes I think your father as a coward and a cad for doing what he did, but my mother letted him. He was married to your mother and strayed and wanted to save face. Just think how devistating it would be if your mother thought that she was so lacking in the matter of passion, that your father had to seek the company of another?" His sister said softly as she comfortingly patted his hand and let go.

At the mention of his uncle she chuckled. " He does sound very much like an interesting man. I too enjoy a glass of strong dwarven whisky or dark rum now and again. In moderation of course."

Upon hearing her brothers suggestions, Elmayria paused in quiet contimplation.

What should I do. If I tell him that I am dead that may be too cold. If he did not care or felt any remorse for his actions he would not have sent Valan. Though he did not care enough to come himself. He is still as much as a coward as before determined to save face.

After many moments she spoke. " Tell him this. One of his daughters is still alive and that while she thinks of him as a coward she bares him no ill will. Nor does she want any handouts or expect anything from him. While he sired her she does not accept him as her father. She will not scandilize his reputation because he as already scandilized his soul. Oh and write this, that the only good that came from him siring his daughters is that Elmayria has met his son. That he is a good man and she is proud to call him a brother, and that one of her sorrows is that his sister Elloria never met him."

Valan's sister said with emotion. With a smile she looked up at him and met his gaze. " Well do you think you can manage to write that down and send it?"

[Valan Quinn]

“I love my mother very much, Elma.” He began, looking down at her hand that was resting upon his own. “So, I won’t hate Talan… my father, for at least her sake.” He sighed, but then after a moment looked up with hard, determined eyes. “But for the same reason, I’ll never tell her anything about all this. It would hurt her too much.”

Valan laughed loudly, his cheeks turning red for a moment. “Dwarven whisky? Is that so?” he sipped his newly refilled glass of wine. “Dwarves are amazing people. You know, I could fancy myself a connoisseur of alcohol, but those dwarves…” he chuckled. “They drink me under the table every time.”

The young man touched his lips with his index finger, listening attentively to his sister. “Hm, very good, Elmaryia.” He nodded. “Yes, I believe I can manage something like that. And I’ll send it soon- I can imagine that he’s been waiting anxiously for my response.” His eyes met Elmaryia’s and he forced a small smile.

[Elmaryia Grey Leonard]

"A wise decision, I am one usualy to speak the truth, but the hurt that it would inflict in this case would be unjustifiable." Elmayria said with a nod of her head as she showed agreement with Valan's words.

Her brothers laugh was loud and pleasing, full of mirth and quite contagious. His laughter was met with hers though it was softer and more musical. " Oh yes I have always fancied dwarvin whisky and ale and rum, wine is delicioues too. Though I do love the fire that the whisky's and the rums bring to your belly. I can not imagine from our previous encounter that anyone can out drink you." She said with a smile.

It is best to send the letter soon, then their will be closeure.

" Of course its good, it casts him in a bad light because he knows what he has done, but it provides some dignity for me. I do not look like a pathetic idiot. Did you expect other wise? I do have a way with words dont I?" Elmayria said with a smile.

" Yes I am sure that he is anxiously waiting to see if I am going to find him and make a scene."