Revelations

She watched, eyes wide with terror, as the men approached, demanding Issic turn her over to them. She glanced around quickly, hoping to catch some hint that perhaps Silas had followed them. Fearing for Issic as he stood bravely before the thugs, she tried to calm her mind that she may focus her concentration and use her magics in holding the men off long enough to escape.

There wasn't even time to scream before Issic had disposed of the first man and had his blades to the throat of the second. Soon the second was down as well. Trembling, she remained quiet as Issic escorted her back to the pub, her eyes wide with confusion and fear. This was no bumbling incompetent fool who passed through training on his family's name and money. But why would Silas lie to her about his abilities? Mumbling a soft "goodnight" as they entered the pub, Caelynn went to her room, casting a troubled glance at Silas as she walked past.

Silas knew something was wrong the moment they returned. The confusion and hurt in Caety's eyes just confirmed it. He motioned Issic over to him as she went to her room and closed the door. "What happened?" the question was hushed. He listened, his mouth a grim line, as Issic described the incident with the two thugs. Motioning for Issic to follow him, Silas turned and went upstairs without another word.

The room was plain but comfortable. Silas motioned to a chair and sat in another nearby. Leaning in, he spoke quietly. Though his words were measured, there was almost a sense of urgency in his voice.

"She told you of her past." It was a statement rather than a question. "I needed you to hear it from her before I told you why you are here. All she told you is true - as she knows it." He paused a moment to light a pipe before continuing. "What she doesn't know is that there have been reports of a traitor - an Avalonian wizard - working with the forces of Midgard. A wizard who looks remarkably like Caety."

He looked at Issic, his gaze piercing. "I needed you to see for yourself that she speaks the truth. There are those in power who believe Caety is a spy - that she is working with her brother to aid the Horde. I know she isn't and I trust you now realize she isn't. You are here to help me find out what happened and help prove Caety's innocence before the fools in Camelot get too nervous and demand her arrest."

He sat back with a frown. "I'd been trying to keep this from her. Th' girl has enough on her mind - still hurtin' over her parents turning from her. But I'd told her you were sent here because you were at best a mediocre infiltrator and the guild was trying to quietly get you out of the way. You did right protecting her like you did. But now she'll know I'm keeping something from her. The question now is, how much and what do we tell her?"

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Title says it all.

Fall from Grace

Waiting the tables as well as watching the bar gave Silas the excuse to venture close to the door to check on Caety and Issic. He wasn't able to hear much, but he gathered that before the night was over Issic would learn the truth behind the lass. He nodded slightly to himself. It would be good for him to hear her story - from her own lips.. to see the look in her eyes as she spoke. If Issic was as good as the headmaster said he was, he would be able to tell the truth in her words for himself. Then Silas would be able to use him to help prove her innocence.

When only a few customers remained at the end of the night, Silas insisted Caelynn and Issic take off early to make up for leaving them to run the pub while he was out. Caelynn ducked back to her room and returned wearing a midnight blue woolen cloak. Though plain in design, it was obviously of high quality - the only item of luxury she'd brought with her. Stepping outside, she found Issic already waiting for her.

Walking through the now-empty market, Caelynn described a life of privilege living in a manor on the border between Avalon Isle and the Dales of Devwy. "We had little warning the Drakorans were about to attack, but it was enough that we were able to pack our clothes and more precious items and flee." Her voice was soft as they turned to walk along the shore. "We were going to move to Cotswold. We kept a house there for trips to Camelot. Just as we were preparing to leave, my brother announced he was staying. He was going to join with the men of the town to try and hold back the enemy. My parent's protested, but in the end he would not be swayed." She paused and took a deep breath. "We were still unpacking when we got the news. His unit had been slaughtered. The bodies were so badly mangled it was impossible to identify them all."

They walked in silence a few moments before she continued. "I knew... deep inside... that Andreww was still alive. But my parents were just as sure he was dead. Finally, I decided to come back to Avalon and look for him - and fight the Drakorans. My family has a natural talent for magics... I returned to Gothwaite to seek a trainer. I wrote home every day to assure my parents I was alright. A week later they were all returned... unopened." Her voice broke as she went on. "A cousin sent word that because I came back against my parent's wishes and because they couldn't stand the prospect of mourning another child, they had disowned me."

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Thoughts of Home

She kept her eyes to the northwest, following the riders. She didn't know of Issic's discomfort regarding the approaching customer, but didn't say anything until the man had passed through the door anyway. When she did finally speak, her voice was soft.

"Ever go out to Avalon City? There's a little town out there... Afal Dyffryn. We used to live there." She sighed softly. "I swore I'd go back and reclaim our home." She looked down to the small towel in her hands and smiled ruefully. "And look at me now. Silas has been wonderful to me, giving me a place to stay and a steady job... I just never thought I'd end up a bar wench."

She looked up to him, her smile still a bit sad but her voice a little brighter. "So do you have any brothers or sisters?"

Getting Closer

(by Issic)


Issic nodded towards Silas as he walked in. There was nobody of concern within the Pub yet. Mostly just the older retired adventurers telling war stories. Some of which were a bit over the deep end. But Caelynn seemed to humor the man and act like she was interested. She seemed to be good at listening to people, making them feel more important then perhaps they felt.

Issic found himself following Caelynn out the door, he stood against building wall, just off of the doorway to let people get in and out. He looked down at Caelynn who seemed to be lost in thought as she watched a group of people ride by. He took a flask out of one of his inside pockets of his cloak and offered it to her.

“Want a drink? Don’t worry, it’s just water. Not trying to get you drunk just yet.” He winked playfully at her. “Mind if I ask why the sorrowful look upon such a beautiful face?” His tone was sincere and genuine.

He looked down at her as she sat there. In the corner of his eye he caught the glance of something that didn’t sit well with him for some reason. He shifted his position so he could both look at Caelynn and still see the person who happened to be walking to the Pub. He didn’t know why, but he didn’t like the feeling he got from this person. He made sure to keep him in eye sight all the way into the Pub.

“Oh yeah…the ribbon looks very nice in your hair.” He smiled softly at her as he spoke.

Disturbing Rumors

Returning to her room, Caelynn gasped as she saw the ribbon and necklace sitting on her bed. She knew Silas hadn't come back yet, which meant the gifts could have only come from one other person. She smiled, blushing slightly, as she admired the gifts. Dressing for work, she decided to wear her hair down and pulled back with the light blue ribbon instead of putting it up in the usual bun. She considered wearing the necklace as well, but decided to save it for another time. It could too easily get broken or lost in the bustle of the pub.

Heading out to the main room, Caelynn frowned. It was almost time to open and Silas still wasn't back. At least she had Issic to help until Silas returned. Making sure he knew where everything was behind the bar, she reminded herself to keep an eye on him just in case.

A worried frown creased Silas' brow as he approached the pub. He hadn't planned to stay away so long. Though he had no doubt Caety could handle the place - and had Issic to help if she needed it - he still didn't feel comfortable leaving her alone at the pub. And the rumors he'd gone to investigate did nothing to ease his discomfort. Rumors of a traitor... an Avalonian lad with natural powers very much like Caelynn's... Caelynn's search for her missing brother... It would be hard to convince the Guild that Caelynn had nothing to do with the attacks if the traitor is indeed her brother.

Assuming an apologetic smile, he entered the pub to find it very quiet so far. He noted Issic's position behind the bar and nodded a thanks to him for covering the work. Turning to Caelynn, he hesitated a moment as he noticed she was wearing her hair different. He apologized for being so long and told the two to go take a break for a bit to make up for their covering for him.

Smiling, relieved that Silas was home alright, Caelynn stepped outside to get some fresh air. Taking her usual seat by the door, she watched a group gallop past on the road to Avalon Isle, sorrow filling her eyes.

The Gift

(by Issic)

Over the next few days Issic had been asked to keep running the morning/afternoon errands to the market. He really didn't have anything else to do so he didn't mind too much. Each night he had stayed in his corner, hood over his head hiding his face and watching. He watched everyone's movements, their gestures, the people at the tables, the people up at the bar. He was beginning to see who the regulars were and who were the passer-by adventurers. Nobody had given Silas or Caelynn any grief these past few nights. Every night after Caelynn and Silas went to sleep, Issic would stay awake for a bit longer and perform a workout routine he had come up with awhile ago and also make sure to sharpen his blades, then lace them both with poisons.

This afternoon was like no other. They each did their regular routines. Issic went out to the market and gathered all the items they needed for that night. As he was on his way back, he saw something that caught his eye. A thin gold necklace with an eagle hanging from the bottom of it. Issic had always loved to watch eagles fly around the skies. Next to the necklace was a small light blue hair ribbon. He smiled as he picked both of them up and bought them from their current owners.

The sky was clear this day, the sun was shinning brightly, the birds all singing. It wasn't too hot outside yet as the breeze from the harbor kept it cool around the surrounding areas. As he entered the pub he heard splashing, laughter, and the sweet sound of singing. He smiled as he walked very quietly back into Caelynn's room. He opened it slowly and walked in. Looking around he saw that she kept a very clean and tidy room. He laid the two items on her already made bed and walked out shutting the door behind her. He gathered a glass of orange juice and sat in his chair listening to her sing. Such a lovely voice she had. He wondered why she hadn't sang before. Perhaps she does, and he just hadn't been around to hear it yet. As he listened to her, he closed his eyes and within seconds had visions of her dancing around joyfully in a summers day as a flower garden was in bloom.

Secrets

He had no rights to her. He knew that. Further, he cared for her so deeply that he would be truly happy for her if she did find happiness with another.

But seeing Caelynn return from the market with the rose, and the way Issic's eyes followed her every move worried Silas. He still could not be certain Issic didn't have ulterior motives. The letter from the Headmaster hinted that they still consider the girl a potential  spy despite Silas' reassurances to the contrary. Though Issic appeared to be falling for Caelynn, there was always the potential that he was here to eliminate her as well.

Silas shook his head. If that were the case, they would have sent one of their more experienced infiltrators to do the job before Silas even knew they were there. Better to sit back and wait and see what happened between the two of them.

Over the next few days the trio settled down into a routine. Issic continued running the errands to the market which gave Caelynn a
chance to relax some between breakfast and preparing for lunch while Silas took care of the books.

One morning just after Issic left for the market, Silas knocked on Caelynn's door. "I'm heading out for a while, Caety-girl. You've the  place to yourself a while so you can feel free to use the tub."

Caelynn's wasted no time heading upstairs and down the hall to the bath room to fill the large tub with water. She didn't even bother heating it before the fire first - her talent would ensure the water was warm enough. Her eyes shone as she returned to her room and quickly gathered fresh clothes and the package she'd picked up from the alchemist. Running back upstairs, she opened the package and pulled out a small vial of fragrant oil. She poured some of the oil into the bath water before she undressed and eased herself into the deep water.

Laying back in the tub, she smiled contentedly and closed her eyes.  Bless Silas, he was so good to her! Reaching over the edge of the tub, she got into the package again and pulled out a small round bar of lavender-scented soap. She giggled as she remembered a song from her childhood - a tale of flowers in a garden holding a party.  Working the soap into a rich lather, she began singing joyfully, the lines punctuated with splashes and laughter.


 

Day in the Market

(by Issic)

Issic listened to her intently about the pub, how things were ran, the
way she cooked the meals before so she could wait on the tables; how
that most people didn't mess with Silas because of his old profession.
He looked at her as she spoke, she looked like an angel, such a delicate
frame, her long hair that she had put up, her eyes when she looked at
him were breath taking. Of course he'd look after her as Silas
instructed.

"Well I guess Silas is getting a bit older and slower, especially if he
has to deal with some rowdy folks, why else would he feel the need to
hire me." Issic smiles at Caelynn.

Caelynn had shown him all around the market, which vendors to stay away
from, which ones they did business with, where not to go within the
market. Many of the vendors smiled and nodded to her as she passed by,
most of them had also given him strange glances. At the bakers Issic
noticed that when Caelynn thought he to be preoccupied she snuck out and
went off somewhere.

"How long until this order is finished Sir?"

"It'll be another few minutes or so."

Issic nodded and told him that he'd be back in a few and left. Weaving
in and out of people he followed Caelynn at a safe distance wondering
where she was off to. Finally she ducked into a store, that of an
Alchemist's shop. He waited in the shadows to make sure she had come
out alright. When she did exit the shop, she was carrying a small
package that she tucked into her pocket and then headed back to the
baker's. Issic was a distance away from her and made it easily back to
the baker's shop before she did. A few minutes later he found her by
his side again inside the shop.

"I was starting to miss you, wondering if you left me to get lost and
attempt to find my way back out alone. That would be tragic walking out
of the market alone after being seen walking in with a beautiful lady by
his side." He winked at her as he smiled gently towards her.

"Silas's order is done, here you go."

Issic nodded towards the baker and handed him the coin, gathered up the
different breads and headed towards the door.

"After you."

They walked down the market, Issic had noticed that Caelynn liked to
look around and sort of window shop like most other women did. When her
back was turned he reached into his pocket and flipped a flower dealer a
gold piece and took a single red rose. When Caelynn looked back towards
him to make sure he wasn't fumbling about he held the rose out in front
of him towards her.

"It begged me to introduce it to the most lovely lass within the Market.
How could I say no?"

He could see her blush fiercely and smile at him taking the rose and
smelling it's sweet scent. Soon they found themselves back at the pub
and putting the different items away. Silas had noticed that Caelynn
carried in a rose with her when they returned. He glanced over at Issic
who was helping putting to put away the groceries.

To Market

"Oh! Uh... certainly!" Caelynn blushed at the unexpected compliment. "Just let me clear the dishes and I'll be right with you." She stood and gathered the dishes, noting a look of concern in Silas' eyes. She gave him a reassuring wink as she carried the tray of dishes back to the sink.

Quickly washing and putting away the dishes, she caught bits of hushed conversation between Silas and Issic - she assumed Silas was explaining how things go in the pub with customers. Silas entered just as she finished putting away the last of the dishes.

"You know you don't have to go to the market, Caety. I figured by sending him today it would give you a bit of a break from all your work."

Caelynn laughed lightly. "I don't mind, Silas. Besides - while I'm sure he can find his way to the market just fine, I can help with getting just the right things." She lowered her voice. "Besides... the fish monger is awfully close to the edge of the dock... I'd be afraid he'd fall into the harbor or something!"

Silas laughed. "You've a heart of gold, Caety-girl."

Walking to the market, Caelynn told Issic a little bit about what to expect at the pub. She told him about how she normally cooked up large pots of stew and had most of he food already prepared before people came in looking for a warm dinner. That way she was free to serve the tables while Silas worked the bar. She told him that while things usually went smoothly, once in a while someone would get a little too rowdy and Silas would have to ask them to leave. Luckily, most knew of his previous career and were unwilling to put up any resistance.

Arriving at the market, Caelynn showed Issic around, introducing him to the various merchants with whom the pub did business. After completing their business with the fish monger - where Caelynn made sure to keep Issic far from the edge of the dock - she took him to meet the baker. While he was busy collecting the days order, Caelynn slipped away to the other side of the market, ducking into the alchemist's shop. A few moments later she emerged again, tucking a small package into her pocket. Blushing slightly, she quickly crossed the market to return to Issic's side once more.