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Main / DealsWithTheWife

Dealing With the Wife

Paul returns, clearly more distressed then when he left and whispers: :

Rose, we must take this conversation and discovery else where. While the tavern is warm, even if we are on the other side of the room (to avoid the locals) there are warmer and more secure places to talk.

Paul leads Rose out and around Gon, as if he is giving her a tour: :
Paul says rather loud and grand: :

As you can see, this is a small town. This part is much as it was when the original DragonSlayers saved it so many years ago. All I have done is taken over the protection of Gon and the neighboring area. I do not rule Gon nor the area. I am the Protectorate of the Northern Traderoute. Each town governs themselves.

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My main contribution to Gon is these 4 wooden towers surrounding Gon, along with a few minor soldiers that have chosen to follow me. Along with a few homes and storage areas in the out laying area.

::Leads Rose to the SE tower, signals to the guards and the guards vacate the building and leave Rose and Paul alone::

I would say we should have Lady Kylia look at that scar, but we may have use for it.

dramatic pause and sigh: :

I trust your people and the DragonSlayers will handle their respective tasks, which allows us to handle this situation.

As I said, I do not know you and you do not know me, as much as you may think you do. But I must trust you and share with you things I have not had a chance to share with the rest of the DragonSlayers, not completely.

Over the last few months I have taken some time off from active duty in the DragonSlayers. One of the reason was my relationship I developed with one of the local bar maids, that I made my wife. She did not approve of my adventuring and did not like the use of magic. But I was smitten by her and did my best to keep her happy.

Shakes his head, as he pauses: :

She was mildly upset when I told her and went on the quick adventure to save Brad, though I did not tell her where I had gone. I just told her I had other business to attend to but I would be in town. She seems disturbed, so I had to tell her it involved to protection of Gon.

Her reaction was unmistakable. She tried to hide it but she knows something she is not saying. I shrugged it off and said I would have Khan take care of it so she would not get suspicious, but I think you need to meet her and see if your scar gives you a signal. I don't want to think the worse, but I have to know.

-- ::follows Sir Paul out of the tavern, complimenting him on his fortifications to Gon and the surrounding area. Follows him up to the Southeast Tower, and waits patiently for the guards to leave...::

turns to Sir Paul: : There are Guejada runners currently traveling to all of

the allied Elven Nations, high, sylvan, grey, wild, highland, and aerial, some twenty-five tribes total, relaying the news to gather their armies together and head north. Right now, we believe the Carnach, known to you as the highland elves, may have the best idea of the Illithids' whereabouts. We also have scouts monitoring Stormport to ensure nothing further happens there. The Elves will be ready to fight when the time comes.

looks cautiously at Sir Paul at the mention of Kylia's possible aid: :

I thank you for your concern, Sir. It's most generous of you.

shrugs: :

I have lived with them for some time now, and other people's efforts to reduce their effects have not been very successful. I do appreciate your kindness though.

watches him judiciously: :

As you said, you don't know me, and I don't know you. But as Guardians of our respective peoples, we both bear a heavy burden of responsibility, one which does not always let us choose our friends willingly. We both have secrets and mysteries in our lives. I've come to you, and am willing to put my trust in you. I believe I can trust you in return, Sir.

waits patiently for his nod, then nods in return: :

::turns and looks out over the tower wall as she ponders Sir Paul's words about his wife, then casually reaches down and adjusts the top of her boot.:: It would seem your bride has a secret or two, also. Perhaps she is just reticent about your protective duties.

shrugs: :

Perhaps not. I would hope she loves you as much as you appear to regard her. ::sees the tower guards and townspeople watching them, then turns to Sir Paul, and smiles brightly:: Perhaps you'd be good enough to introduce me to your charming associates and your lovely bride, kind Sir?

follows Sir Paul....: :

-- Meanwhile in the North West Tower of Gon, a young woman with shoulder length auburn hair paces back and forth in her bedroom. Quickly she packs a bag, grabs her baby from the crib and opens the door to leave.

"Can I help you Belinda?" asks a guard outside her door. (low level henchman don't get names)

Belinda is startled and gasps. "You started me", she tries to say as calm as can be. "I was just taking Androw for a walk."

"Sorry, can't let you do that. Sir Paul asked me to keep you here, for your own safety." the guard replies, trying to sound stern. (He is low level and is not sure he can take her.)

Becoming panicky, Belinda looses her cools quickly. "You do not understand, I have to get out of here, my son's life is in danger."

Confused the guard says "You will both be safe here."

Suddenly, Belinda lurches to the left to get past the guard. The guard steps in front as Belinda spins to the right and gets past and runs to the stairs and down. The guard shouts as he turns himself around and running to the follow.

Belinda, grasping her baby boy tight scrambles down the stairs, and to the edge to the magical pool of water she distrusts so much. Kissing her baby she steadies herself and starts to step in.

"What ever it is, we can work it out." Paul says as gentle as he can.

Belinda turns around in disbelief.

"Belinda, you can tell me anything." Paul continues as he stretches out his hand.

She falls into Paul's arms, sobbing. Paul kisses his adoptive son and his troubled wife gently as Rose looks on, with a throbbing pain in her neck.

Rose looked on as Paul comforted his wife gently, noting his calm attitude to her tears. Finally, after Belinda's storm of weeping had passed, Paul whispered to her, "Honey, please talk to me. Let me help you." She looked up at him, fresh tears in her eyes.

Rose cleared her throat delicately, and said gently, "If I may, Sir Paul, perhaps your wife could use something to drink to restore some of her strength first. She may need some time to compose herself..." Belinda looked up, startled, at the stranger's voice, then shrank even further into her husband's embrace, a look of pure terror on her face.

Paul glanced over at Rose, missing his wife's reaction, and nodded, "Yes, that would probably be a good idea." He loosened his hold on Belinda a little. "Belinda, I'd like you to meet Rose. She's, um..."

Rose had seen Belinda’s response, but chose to ignore it for the time being, curious why she was so terrified of someone she’d never met before. "My Lady," Rose interrupted gently, curtsying elaborately as she would to an equal in the Thumoleonas Royal Court,"I am Rosepina, an old comrade of your husband's. It is truly an honor to meet you. Sir Paul did not tell me what a truly beautiful woman you were. I apologize if my presence disturbs you. I will be on my way, if you wish..."

Belinda shook her head slowly, her fear slowly receding to be replaced by confusion, "No, you don't need to do that, Rose. You just surprised me, that's all. It's nice to meet one of Paul's friends."

Rose nodded, "As you wish, My Lady. Perhaps you'd like to sit down for a bit? You look a little tired."

"Yes, let's go inside and get comfortable," Paul replied, guiding his wife back to the Northwest Tower. As they stepped inside, Paul glanced at Rose. Rose lightly brushed the side of her neck, and nodded imperceptibly, not meeting his gaze. Paul's face hardened slightly, then calmed again.

Once inside one of the smaller rooms of the tower, Belinda began trying to calm her crying baby while Paul sent a henchman off to fetch some wine for them. Rose looked on from a distance, trying to reassure Belinda that she was not a threat. She studied Paul’s wife intently. The pain from Rose’s scars was sharper and more intense than she would expect if Belinda had simply met with Myrtle. She scrutinized the woman closely, finally spying a small dark spot on the back of Belinda’s wrist. She looked away then, muttering lowly to herself in Elven, “Shit, she’s marked her. Dammit.”

After several minutes, the baby had quieted, and Paul poured the three of them wine. Rose watched as Belinda downed hers quickly. The wine seemed to soothe her somewhat. Rose met Paul’s glance briefly, then turned to Belinda. “My Lady, forgive me for intruding. I’ll leave if you wish, but I only want to help you. Your husband has faith in me. I hope you will too. It is not my way to hurt those who have done no wrong and cannot defend themselves. Will you let me help?” She waited for Belinda to think her words over for a little, then saw her nod slowly, and breathed silently to herself in relief. “Thank you, My Lady, for your trust. You’ll not be disappointed. Will you tell us why you were so upset a few minutes ago?”

Belinda shuddered briefly, then began to speak softly, “I can’t take anymore. When I went to get Androw up from his nap, I found a large spider in his crib. It was just about to bite him, but I managed to pull him away before it could.” Belinda began crying again.

While Paul cried out in surprise and anger, Rose nodded sympathetically, “That must have been quite a shock for you. You were very brave, pulling the baby away from it like that. Can you tell me what it looked like?”

Belinda shuddered, then replied shakily, “It was very large, and black, and had a large blue spot on its back, and big fangs.”

Paul looked over at Rose in confusion as she swore softly in Elven. “That doesn’t sound like something from around here.”

Rose looked at him, her eyes bleak. “That’s ‘cause it’s not. It’s called a Black Spire Spider, and it’s from the Great Forest up north. Their bite is lethal within minutes, especially for children.” She rubbed her forehead tiredly, then met Paul’s eyes again. “It didn’t get here on its own,” she said meaningfully.

Rose turned again to Belinda, saying gently, “Has anything else strange happened lately to you or the baby, Belinda?”

The woman instantly seemed to shrink inside herself, on guard and wary, “What do you mean?”

Rose nodded at her arm, speaking even more softly, “That sore on your wrist, for instance. It looks painful.” She looked away, pretending to take another sip of her wine. “It looks similar to something that I have at the hollow of my neck,” she went on nonchalantly. “Someone hurt me, and scarred me. A woman. She was a little shorter than I am, very beautiful. Very pale, almost alabaster face, deep, blue-black, waist-length hair, black eyes.” Rose saw Belinda’s eyes widen in recognition, and her stomach tightened tensely. She raised her goblet again, feigning another sip of wine, then continued carefully, her voice sympathetic, gently luring. “How did Myrtle hurt you, Belinda?”

Belinda looked up at Paul, tears in her eyes. “I’m sorry, Paul. I’m so, so sorry. I didn’t mean to. I was just trying to protect my baby…” She began to dissolve into tears again.

Paul looked down at her, utterly perplexed, “Do what, Belinda?”

Rose leaned forward, her voice still gentle, still subtly entrancing, “Paul knows you would never hurt him or Androw, Belinda. It’s all right, I promise. You’re safe now. Tell me what happened to you. You can trust me.”

Belinda’s eyes turned slightly glassy, her thoughts far away, “I met Acanthus three years ago in the village. He was so different, so kind. He made me feel things I’d never felt before. I fell in love with him so fast, and he loved me too. Then I found out I was with child, and we were ecstatic. Things were so perfect. Then everything went wrong.” She shuddered slightly, her breath catching.

Rose hummed to her softly, quietly encouraging her, “You’re safe, Belinda. What happened then?”

After a moment, Belinda continued, her voice quieter and more troubled than before, “About a year later, Acanthus went hunting one day. He never came home. I waited two days for him to return, but he didn’t. So I went out to look for him. I searched all over the forest for him. I came to a thicket, and tripped on a vine. I must have hit my head, because I passed out. The next thing I knew, she was there, and my wrist was throbbing. She said that she’d been nearby when she’d seen me, and a snake had just bitten me. She’d managed to kill the snake, but not before it had bitten me. Then she said some kind of spell, and my arm stopped hurting. I was so grateful to her. I asked her if she’d seen Acanthus.”

“She said she hadn’t seen him, but she would go look for him. I went back to my cottage. The next day, she showed up. She brought me Acanthus’ tribe-charm.” Belinda rubbed the small wooden charm that was circling her son’s throat on a delicate silver chain. “She said she knew where Acanthus was, that he’d been taken by a group of evil demons, and the only way to save him was through magic. She said her powers weren’t strong enough, and that there was somebody who was powerful enough to be able to save him, but he was mad and unpredictable. The only way to be able to save Acanthus would be to get a hold of the wizard’s spell book, and then she could use it to fight the demons. But she wasn’t able to get anywhere near it, that only someone human, with no magical powers would be able to approach it.

“So I came here to Gon to try to get the spell book to save Acanthus. But nothing makes sense anymore. Paul’s been kind and gentle to both Androw and me. He doesn’t seem insane. Why would she lie like that?” Tears leaked slowly from the corners of Belinda’s eyes.

Rose hummed softly to Belinda, whispering, “It’s all right, Belinda. You’re safe now, and so is Androw. Your baby is safe, and beautiful, and sleeping. You named him well, Little One.”

Belinda smiled sweetly at that, “Acanthus named him that. He said if the baby was a boy, he would be Androw, and if it was a girl, she would be Androwna.” She leaned down and kissed her son’s forehead, her eyes still distant and glassy.

Rose stared intently at the baby in surprise for a moment, then reached out and placed her hand on Belinda’s shoulder gently, murmuring something softly in Elven, then said in Human, “He was well-named, Little One. Rest now.”

At that, Belinda instantly collapsed against her husband’s shoulder, deeply asleep, but still cradling her dozing baby to her.

Paul looked up at Rose in astonishment, “How did you do that? I thought you had no magical abilities!”

Rose chuckled softly as she helped Paul untangle himself and lay Belinda down on the seat. “It’s an old trick of my people,” she replied, “just like the entrancing was. Don’t worry, it won’t last long.” She tilted her head to the other side of the room, “Let’s talk over there. They should rest for a bit.”

Once there, Rose reached out and briefly placed her hand on Paul’s shoulder, murmuring something again in Elven.

Paul’s shoulder tingled slightly as she spoke, and he looked at her in surprise, “What’re you doing?”

Rose smiled at him, “Just a simple blessing in Elven acknowledging your status as one of Androw’s protectors. It’s nothing to worry about.” She sipped from her goblet, then looked up again at Paul. “Did you know your son has been gifted?”

Paul frowned in confusion, “Gifted? What do you mean?”

Rose nodded, “It’s an Elven custom that usually happens at a baby’s birth. The child is usually bestowed with three ‘gifts’, either unusually rare or special possessions, or unique talents or abilities. They can be conferred by anyone who knows the child, whether the person has magical abilities or not. In your son’s case, Androw was gifted by his blood father before his disappearance.”

Paul watched the sleeping pair, then looked at Rose, “How do you know this?”

Rose shrugged, “Simple. By his name. In Elven, ‘Androw’ means ‘Hunter of the Drow’. It means that the child will eventually grow to become a great hunter, and enemy of the Drow. Apparently the man wanted to make very sure that the boy’s gift be known to others, in case something happened to him. He may even have foreseen something in his future about it.”

Rose looked up again at Paul, “I trust you have safeguards placed on your spell book?” Paul nodded grimly. Rose nodded back as she drank from her wine, “Good. You might want to increase them, if you can. I doubt Myrtle will stop trying to steal it now.” She gazed thoughtfully at Belinda and the baby. “They’re going to need to be protected at all times from now on, until we find Myrtle and her spies. Her hold is slipping on Belinda, and I think she knows it.”

Paul nodded pensively, then asked, “What’re you planning to do now, Rose?”

Rose looked up at him as she finished her wine, “I think we need to find out exactly what happened to your son’s blood father, for one thing. His people will want to know what happened to him. And finding his whereabouts, regardless of whether he’s alive or dead, could help lead us to Myrtle.” She nodded at the baby, “The charm that Androw is wearing is an oak leaf, the insignia of the local tribe of the Anasari Elven nation. I think I need to go see them to talk with them, and to get their help with trying to locate Acanthus.” She looked up at him, “You’re welcome to come with me, but they may not be as hospitable towards you and your men as you’re used to. The Anasari are not as friendly to Humans as the Guejada are.”

She waited patiently for his response…. --

Paul smiled. Not because he was happy, but it was clear he had a few tricks up his sleeve.

"Rose, I appreciate you calming my wife, but just to be clear, we are not old friends. There is much you do not know about me. Most importantly is that I have someone from the Anasari on my staff, if you will. I do have to maintain political ties with my neighbors. He could go with you, or more appropriately us. The question is do I go as me, Sir Paul or in disguise as an Elf myself. If the situation was different I would have Kit protect my wife, but with her out with the DragonSlayers, and Khan not comfortable around Belinda, I guess that we need to get her to Wolfspack. I have a friend who owes me a favor and it's a much safer town in general. In this weather, I dare not subject Belinda and Androw to the pool. I will teleport with them after I get my spells prepared for our journey. I think Tellis is in Thedd so we will have to stop there, but it is on the way. Let me think for a moment to make sure I don't forget anything. --

As Paul packs for his wife and her child, he speaks quietly to Rose.

"The more we find out the more questions I have. I had thought my previous life was behind me, but I can only assume from my wife's story that this all stems from my past. But my spell books have only a few Drow spells and certainly nothing worth all of this, it makes no sense, unless I am missing something more than my memories." Suddenly Paul stopped. It was as if the gears in his head became jammed and just as suddenly cleared. "Rose", he said with a calm rage,"You will have to deal with the Elves with Tellis. I have some old friends to have a talk with. Maybe the less you know the better." Paul remained quiet as if under a silence spell, but Rose saw his lips moving and could at least pick out a few choice words. "Mother"....."Druids"...."Balance this...."