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Soren · Journeyman Joined: 03 Sep 2009 Posts: 102

True to his word, Adrian had stayed right outside the cabin door all night long. She knew because she had checked on him at least a dozen times before finally giving in to sleep. It was the first night in a long time that she didn't toss and turn. And it was the first time since her parent's had died that she felt wanted. Adrian could have told her to simply be careful and see you when your mess is over. But he didn't. He could have told her to take her Bryelle, Her Beetle, and her problems and go away. That's what everyone else would have done. But Adrian and the other Gypsies weren't anyone else. They were special, they were kindred. And for now, until she could talk to Xana, they were her temporary home. Home, the Manor had never really felt like a home. The workshop, with it's cold walls and unforgiving instruments, was more sacred to her than the Manor ever was. And the tents just outside of Minoc beat both of those by a long shot.

Just before dawn Soren awoke once more and pulled Adrian's robe tightly around her body. Her muscular arms held the fabric in a death grip as she inhaled it's scent, his scent. It was a rugged aroma tinged with berries, herbs and a lot of wood. She closed her eyes and inhaled even more deeply. Finally she conceeded that it was time to venture out. She needed to look around, and as much as she hated the thought, she would have to go back to her shop and get some things. She didn't have a clue how she was going to do that unnoticed but it was going to have to be done. Slipping into her own clothes, she folded up his robe and placed it in her pouch. As quietly as she could she opened the door and stepped out into the morning chill....

Adrian Bishop · Adventurer Joined: 08 Oct 2009 Posts: 95

The smell of frying bacon lifted Adrian’s head as he slumped against the front of the cabin asleep. His hands and face felt cold and heavy, having been exposed to the night air after the fire died down, and he blinked to clear the sleep from his eyes and adjust to the pale morning light. He rose, trying to smooth down his long disheveled hair and untangle the thin braids and silver charms, then cracked the cabin door and peeked inside.

Inside, the cabin was cold and quiet. Soren’s bed was already made, and she was gone. Adrian cursed himself for falling asleep. If she could have slipped out without his knowing, then anyone else could have slipped in. He slammed the door, uttering an oath under his breath, and stalked off toward the tents and the inviting scent of bacon and bread to see where Soren had gone. One thing was certain – he would have to find a new place to make camp. Someplace Umbra didn’t know. Someplace as far from prying eyes as he could go.

Adrian dreaded the conversation with Xana, but she had to know he was right. The others could watch over Soren while he was gone. The Minoc camp had already been compromised. He had to find a place that would keep the ones he loved safe from the claws of the not-quite-living. He took a deep breath, and stepped into the commons around the campfire.

Soren · Journeyman Joined: 03 Sep 2009 Posts: 102

The new workshop was now thoroughly in full swing and a new worker had been employed at Dragonstorm in her stead. This little Blond girl named Ashley seemed capable enough at least. She wasn't stupid and she was handy with a spellbook! Both of those were pluses in Soren's mind. Soren had even met a new Gypsy while at the shop. A gentlemen called Kieran. He had offered to see her back to camp but she had refused politely on account of still more work to be done. It took a good extra hour to put all her bulk orders in place before she set out for the camp on the outskirts of Minoc. By the time Soren had returned to camp, Adrian was nowhere to be found. Politely asking around to a few of those who were busy tending the fire gave her the impression that it would be awhile before she saw him again. Choosing a good sized rock Soren sat and begun to sulk. If she hadn't been in such a rush to get to the shop she would've been able to say something to him. "Alright, so I knew what he'd say if he knew I was going to Umbra."She said aloud to herself. "I should have woken him up." Rolling her eyes at her impulsiveness she mentally kicked herself. She'd gotten used to him being around, liked it a lot even. What if she had scared him off? What if the thought of having to stay in camp with her there was something he was regretting? Soren bit down on her tongue and tried to quiet all the what if's floating through her head. He would be back eventually. Deep in her heart she knew it. She just had to keep going until then. Picking herself up she dusted off her skirt and set out to do some stitching. Maybe the mindless work would distract her from noticing the very real hole he left with his absence. Quietly and determined she went hunting for Xana, or Kieran or Gustav, even Gustav's fiance ( the one he fell on). Time to find out where Adrian had went and for how long.

She had taken only 3 steps and froze. The wind picked up and a chill that reeked of everything the opposite of human bore through her. It occurred to her then and there that the time for Bryelle's death was coming. Her heart in her throat she really needed to find someone, anyone familiar at this point.

Gustav · Posted: Mon Jan 18, 2010 1:46 pm Post subject:

He sat up, arms reaching toward the ceiling of the tent in an almost painful stretch, further punctuated by a drawn out yawn. Lowering his arms, he turned to take in the form of his copper-headed angel, Cezanne, still peacefully slumbering. He pulled the woven blankets over her shoulder with a smile and bent forward to press a kiss to her cheek. Though the snow had been melting, he did not want her to take chill in the still crisp air.

Standing, he gave another exaggerated stretch, pressing his fingertips against the canvas confines of the tent ceiling. He glanced at the floor, scanning his gaze around to locate his clothes, which lay strewn about. As he bent to pull his breeches on, a tinge of pain from the newest wound on his back forced an annoyed grumble from him. It still had not finished healing. He'd have to remember to avoid the trip-wires the next time he went for a jaunt in one of Sosaria's many dungeons.

Clothed and ready to greet the world, not to mention that delicious aroma wafting his way from the camp, he lifted the tent flap and stepped outside. The camp was awakening and the usual preparations and activities were underway. Following his nose, he casually stalked the mouth-watering smell of breakfast.

~~~~~

Emerging from the tent with a full stomach, to which he gave a satisfied scratch, he took up his customary position leaning against the post beside the tent entrance. He chewed a toothpick as his star sapphire gaze drifted over everyone who sat around within vicinity. His perusal stopped short as he beheld Soren, who seemed to be standing stock still almost as with fear, staring at something unseen. Then the wind shifted and he caught the scent of what surely must have been paralyzing her. The stench was enough to nearly make him retch, the hand over his stomach quickly fell to his side so as not to tempt his body into giving in. He refused to lose his stomach of such a satisfying breakfast to a smell he was familiar with, even if it was riper than normal. He had no idea where that malodorous breeze was coming from, but he was sure he would eventually discover it for himself. If for no other reason than to satisfy his curiosity. Which reminded him...

So the girl Soren was in camp now. He wondered if Adrian had decided to man up and pursue the delicate creature. Gods knew that the fellow needed to get laid. He was all caught up in every manner of "do right" there was over this girl. A grin crossed his face at the idea that he might have played a part in helping his brother in her direction. What were comrades for, after all? The smile slowly dissolved as another idea crossed his mind. What if Adrian really was interested in Xana and not this younger woman? Shrugging, he decided that Adrian would eventually do what he really wanted, and stop getting hung up on the intricacies of "right" and "wrong".

Flinging his toothpick, he leaned away from the post and broke into a leisurely stride toward Nic, whom he'd just spotted exiting from the tinker tent. Nic was one of his contacts, a good source of information for Gustav. He'd often done a fair trading of trinkets to the man and knew his guesses to be accurate more often than not. Sidling up beside the graying man, Gustav gave him a friendly pat on the back as he spoke quietly.

"So the new girl there, Soren, she's with Adrian, yes?"

Nic was busy tending to his pots, organizing those that needed repair from those that didn't. His response sounded as if the news wasn't very important, which led Gustav to believe that it might actually be. Nic was funny like that.

"Well, maybe if he were here, but he's not. Took off this morning with a look on his face like a fellow that needed to get things done." Nic waved a copper pot in the general direction Adrian had gone. Pulling a ring from his pocket, he handed it to Nic in thanks.

Gustav mulled the facts over. Soren was in the camp now instead of in Umbra, Adrian was off on an important (to him) mission, and there was that horrid odor coming over on the wind. He didn't like what those particular clues seemed to add up to. He turned to head back to the tent where Cezanne was sleeping. He would make sure their belongings were gathered up, just in case.
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It wasn't nailed down, was it? They must not have wanted it.

Soren · Journeyman Joined: 03 Sep 2009 Posts: 102

Her time in camp had been joyful. She had found the familiar faces she was looking for. And after a particularly long day mining with the heated and glowing Ashes, she had found him, once more. She had watched as Adrian had placed the powder as Llyrian had taught him and set up the two benches near the fire. She listened as he described Bryelle's visit to the camp and the reactions between the two. It made her smile when he explained his side of the conversation and what she needed to be prepared for. The smile wasn't so much for the words, but for the effort behind them. At the end of the conversation it was very clear she couldn't stay there any longer. He had taken the time to see her safely to her room before taking his leave. Life would be Inn to Inn and letter to letter from now on.

All of those things crossed Soren's mind as she sat at the writing desk in her room in Skara Brae. She had tried very hard not to let everything that had happened the past few weeks get to her. But they were. Inch by inch a sliver of shadow was seeping it's way into a once exceptionally bright outlook. At that moment just beyond her tiny room window, the wind picked up and the leaves brushed against the glass as if to agree with her. As the cold chill tiptoed its way along her spine she reached for Adrian's robe. The room did not have the homey feel of the cabin at the camp. But with the robe around her she felt as if maybe it at least had a touch of the love. Reaching for the quill at the head of the desk Soren began their correspondence once more.