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[Claudette]

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Claudette was excited as she arrived at the Freehold. Tonight was her cousin’s birthday and she hoped that seeing all her friends gather to celebrate with her would up her spirits and take away some of the guilt she always seemed to drag around with her.

She arrived early to see if Hugh needed any help with anything, but he had everything taken care of and was just setting up some last minute things. She noticed Flair sitting at one of the tables with some other people and decided not to disturb him since it looked like they were discussing something important. Instead, she sat down and was soon joined by Drayden.

Soon more people started to arrive and she was extremely surprised to see Max. She didn’t go out of her way to say hello but she admitted to herself that she was glad to see him, especially since he did not have Ceinwyn at his side.

As Vaen and Brianha entered, everyone jumped out of their hiding spots and surprised her. She seemed very pleased to see a lot of her friends and soon Hugh had started the fun by singing some songs and setting up some contests. It was quite a surprise that Max won first place for the best tavern pick-up line.

Claudette was enjoying herself, especially watching Drayden and Flair come up and deliver some very nice lines. Everyone seemed to be having a good time until Ceinwyn walked in. Instantly the mood changed in the tavern and Claudette felt an uneasy feeling in her stomach. The same feeling she always got when she was around Ceinwyn. The only one who seemed pleased to see her was Brianha. What was it about that woman that she liked so much? It is like she is blind and cannot see what the rest of us see, she thought to herself. She controlled her anger and patiently waited while Brianha and Ceinwyn exchanged pleasantries. She even brought her a gift, how thoughtful Claudette thought sarcastically.

Some time passed and Claudette noticed quite a few people missing. Thinking that perhaps they stepped outside for some air, she went downstairs and found a gathering. Immediately she noticed the tension between Vaen and Ceinwyn. She made eye contact with Drayden and saw only fury and anger in his eyes. Getting very aggravated herself, but thinking about her cousin, she tried to relieve some of the tension and shift the focus to the celebration upstairs. Although they agreed to return, the night was ruined and she could blame it all on one single person. “That drow woman” she muttered to herself “she ruins everything”.

Claudette was discouraged. All she had wanted was for her cousin to have fun and enjoy her birthday. Now she knew she was upset and most likely trying to calm Vaen down. Drayden had left without saying goodbye. She saw him run by as she stood outside talking to Flair and she feared that he was upset with her. Not wanting to insult Flair by chasing after him right there, she said her farewells to Flair and some other people and hurried to Drayden’s house.

She sighed with relief when she knocked and he actually opened the door. She noticed the anger in his eyes and timidly walked in. “Why did you leave without saying goodbye?” she asked him. “I was too angry to stay,” he answered. She looked down and whispered, “Is it me you are mad at?” Claudette waited, her heart caught in her throat and she held her breath waiting for his answer. “No” he simply answered.

She felt air expanding her lungs again as she hugged him. “Please tell me why you’re so angry then,” she pleaded. He remained silent as they sat on his couch and then finally he spoke. “It was Ceinwyn, she upset me.” Rage welled up inside Claudette as she thought about how many Ceinwyn had upset that night. “She ruined the evening!” she exclaimed. They sat quietly for a moment as she gently tried to rub the tension in Drayden’s muscles. She wasn’t sure it was helping but she needed to do something. She would be damned if she let Ceinwyn ruin this for her.

Drayden was tired and angry at the things Ceinwyn had said. He did not want to speak of it anymore and Claudette, knowing when to back off, suggested she leave him alone. She was getting ready to head home when he spoke. “You could stay here if you wish.” Her heart skipped a beat and thoughts flooded her mind. Her heart was telling her one thing and her mind another. She didn’t know which of the two to listen to. She began to speak “I, umm, don’t know that that would be a good…” and then he spoke again. “Please stay.”

Her eyes widened and she kissed him delicately on the lips. “As you wish” she answered simply. They stood there in each other’s arms for a long time and then she walked upstairs. She knew that they both needed the comfort. She had had thoughts about what might happen in his bed but tonight she knew they would just hold each other and sleep. As they lay in bed she rested her head on his chest and kissed it. Slowly she heard his breathing pattern change and knew he was asleep. With a smile on her face and holding him close, she too drifted off to sleep.
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