Topic: Vanilla and Rose Petals....

Teyah Blackstone · Date: 2007-01-19 20:27 EST

:::Teyah Blackstone emerged from the foliage of the thick forest and peered down the familiar cobblestone paths lined with a myriad of shops, homes and city institutions. As she stood at the edge of RhyDin waves of emotion washed over her like a salty sweet shower. Her mahogany eyes began to tear up.

Ten years"

The words echoed in her mind as she pulled back the hood of her suede cloak allowing her wavy ebony locks to cascade down her back.

Had it really been that long"

Down the pathway, she caught sight of the elaborate sign of the Red Dragon Inn blowing gently in the winter wind. Memories flooded through her of her favorite bar and the good times that were spent there.

She was fairly sure that her last moments in RhyDin included sharing a rich, stout ale with her best friend Darrin. She smiled remembering Darrin's contagious grin. A wandering mortal quite similar to herself, he had the uncanny ability to make her laugh and blush at the same time. His trade was that of a court jester and performer, stopping in RhyDin mostly for the copious amounts of praise and coin. The closest of friends for the two years she had been a RhyDin regular they had tried for a brief time to be lovers. But it seemed they were better suited as friends. Though the love was indeed pure, she was sure Darrin knew deep down she still carried Killian's torch, the flame fighting desperately to stay alight.

The circumstances by which she first came to RhyDin back then were mysterious as well as unsettling. She had awoken under a great oak in the heart of the forest with the clothes on her back, a suede pouch at her hip and the name Teyah Blackstone inscribed on her silver anklet. It felt accurate that the name was hers, but the rest of her past had vanished. Her form-fitting black leather breeches, lace-up top and simple slippers adorned her lithe figure and the pouch contained a few coin, a couple non-descript crystals and a sparkling diamond ring. She had a strong awareness that she could read and write and loved the idea of learning. Her body seemed strong and fit as if she kept it fine for defeating possible dangers. Once she had taken stock of as much as possible she had sought the nearby town for answers.

Not one of the people in town recognized her face or had any idea who she might be, thus, she had assumed she was not a native of RhyDin. Be that as it may, she had decided that maybe there was some other reason why she was here and that maybe she should stick around. She met many who would become her friends, but it was Killian who she remembered the most.

Killian Slade had been the first male she had met in RhyDin that caused her very core to stir. It wasn't long before he had captured her heart with his tender caresses and searing gazes. How could she resist his muscled physique, his cat-like eyes that changed color to suit his mood, or his long silver mane that entwined around her when they'd kiss" It was inevitable that soon they would share a love so passionate and deep that when it finally came to an end it tore apart her very being.

They had shared so much together. From the moment Killian had seen her he had vowed to aid her in any way. And he had honored his promise. Even to the extent that when she uncovered that the ring she carried was, in fact, a wedding ring, Killian had helped her locate her rightful husband. Both she and Killian had been devastated. Upon finding the husband she no longer knew or loved, she broke down. Unable to control his helplessness at the situation, Killian erupted in a jealous rage and he challenged her husband to a duel. And though Killian dealt the final blow to knock her husband from the steep cliff, he then offered his hand to save the man he dueled. It was a sad moment when he had said he had already lost everything he had ever loved and plummeted to his death below.

Yet, her and Killian's life together had been anything but easy. As a mercenary, Killian would have to pick up and go in a moment's notice, gone for days, sometimes weeks. Though he had sent occasional missives and gifts, nothing would compare to having him there. She would grow lonely and took comfort in Darrin and her other friends. He refused to give up his life as a mercenary and resented her for even daring to ask such a thing.

She wanted him to be there, especially if they started a family. He wouldn't commit and always pushed the topic aside. Both grew resentful and bitter.

When the decision had been made to be apart, both left without saying a word, yet storms battled within them.

It was then that she had decided it was time to see the world outside of RhyDin on her own terms. She traveled to many exotic places, talking to any who would listen. She was intrigued by magicians and alchemists, showing them her crystals, but never finding the answers she wanted. And she became obsessed with learning, seeking the help of tutors, scholars and professors. A star pupil, she put her all into her studies, favoring creative endeavors. She made her coin with writing poetry and novellas and composing music. She had to rely mostly on her instincts, being incredibly sensitive to them, even when her learning told her the opposite.

The world of a wanderer can be a lonely one and since she refused to get involved with anyone on more than a friendly level, she began to take to the drink for solace. Her love of alcohol came from her fascination with the process by which it was made, especially wine. Soon she could handle more liquor than the most hardened sailor, but she was smart enough to see the danger of the path she was on. She began to write down her goals and set limits for the future.

It was then, after ten years, that she decided it was time to revisit RhyDin. It was time to settle down and grow some roots. Not that she didn't want to travel anymore, but she wanted an honest to goodness home".and dare she say"..a family"

She looked ahead and grinned, her porcelain cheeks catching color from the cold.

It was time to move ahead into the future::::

Teyah Blackstone · Date: 2007-01-22 23:52 EST

::::She pulled her achey body from the comfort of her bed, her thin white tank and low slung pajama pants wrinkled from the night's sleep. She felt ten times better than the eve before. The combination of whiskey and fae wine had slowly worked through her, coming to a head in a dizzying explosion of fuzz and pain which tore her from the heart of the Inn. She wished she could have stayed longer, comforting Jewell in her time of need, yet she also remembered the other reason she found it hard to pull herself up the stairs to bed: the company of a certain gentleman fae whose eyes drew her into their sparkling and knowing depths. She smiled as she sat down at the small desk in her room, grabbing a piece of textured parchment from the rickety drawer. She dipped her quill in the small bottle of ebony ink and began to write:::

Dearest Jesterin,

I wanted to thank you for a lovely eve at the Inn. It was a welcomed surprise to meet someone of your fine breeding and gentle demeanor. I have met many friendly faces at the Inn in the short time I have since returned, but please let me say that yours is especially memorable.

:::she paused, the image of the smiling fae seeming to clear away the clouds in her mind::::

I pray that the remainder of your eve was to your liking and that the Blue Moon Wine didn't wreak the havoc it did combined with my single malt whiskey. I hope that I may find you again soon, so we can share another drink and toast to new friendships.

All my best,

Teyah

:::she finished signing her name and sighed as she folded the parchment neatly and put it into an envelope, scented with her perfume of light vanilla and rose petals. She licked the paper flap closed, addressed it and kissed it for luck...She lifted the portal near her door marked "mail," dropping it in. She listened as the message ran down the shute and hopefully stopped in Jesterin's mail slot down at the Inn. She didn't know his home address, so she figured he would get it the next time he came in to work... She walked over to the window and gazed out at the moon, still in the sky before the sun took over. It must be a wonderous place. She had been many places, but always hungered for more. To travel was a great privilege in her eyes. One must see as much as possible to learn the ways of life. And the people you meet along the way could be great teachers. She turned away from the window deciding to get ready for the day. As she grabbed her towel, she thought of the gentleman fae and wondered what he was doing at that moment. It had been so long since she had felt anything beyond the surface. Maybe it was the 'special something? he had put in her morning coffee, but she had the unsettling feeling there was something else brewing::::

Teyah Blackstone · Date: 2007-01-23 00:12 EST

:::She sat at the harpsichord in the music room of the Inn, which Jewell had mentioned was never used, and finished playing the last few notes of her new piece. She smiled at how easy it had seemed to create. She had had some of the strangest dreams this last eve, yet these dreams had allowed her to wake with such clarity and newfound inspiration that the music had simply poured out of her heart and into her hand; the hand in which she held the Pegasus feather quill that Jesterin had given her. Even the ink seemed to flow easier than most and the parchment eagerly embraced each letter and note that she scribed.

It wasn't totally finished, considering she was not sure what to call it, or indeed, if she should incorporate lyrics, but the base was there, and it was in her mind, quite beautiful. It brought out within her every emotion and created tension and release, just like the rise and fall of a great novel.

She thought back to the dream and furrowed her brow. She must discuss it with Jesterin. Maybe he would have some clue to what it meant. She gathered the music from the instrument and made her way back to her room. She hadn't thought about anything all morning besides the driving need to compose, but now, as if waiting in line for their turn, thoughts of Jesterin stepped up, wrapping around her mind like an insistent minty mist. Yes, it was time to get some fresh air::::

Teyah Blackstone · Date: 2007-01-23 00:26 EST

:::Teyah groggily paced back and forth in her small room at the Inn. It was past midnight and she couldn't sleep. Her strange dreams again had woken her and though she had continued to lay under the soft covers of her bed, she finally cursed, rising, unable to give into sweet slumber.

Her dreams had been vivid, with wild colors and unbelievable emotion. Not a new thing to her, since she had always been sensitive to feelings, objects and places, she remembered studying the stylus left by one, Orleon Templeton. She had just met him that night, but something was definitely familiar about him. From his ebony hair to his grey eyes, she felt as if they had connected somewhere before. Could it be she had met him in her travels outside of RhyDin" Surely she would have remembered him. He was rather attractive for a mortal. She couldn't deny that she had a soft spot for scholars. Jesterin's image popped into head quickly. Her thirst for knowledge sometimes could be mistaken for other feelings, but Orleon was".different. His eyes looked somewhat pained as they peered into her soul, reading the markings for her and though his predictions did not seem as they should, somehow she believed in his talent.

In her dreams she saw flashes of his presence. Something about betrayal"..Something about imprisonment".and something about his power to create. The notion that he was not only a scholar, but a master of the creative arts had filled her with such wonder that she couldn't get back to sleep. Images of him filled her head and they would not leave until she found out what this all meant.

She looked over to her cloak where she had put his stylus. He had run out of the Inn so fast last eve that he didn't seem to realize the lack of such a personal instrument. As she took it in her hand it nearly sang his name over and over. This was ridiculous. She had to get it back to him. And now. She quickly dressed and threw on her cloak. As she headed out the door she hoped someone could tell her where he lived. Then her mind wandered to a bigger dilemma. What would be her reasoning that she had to seek him in the dead of night?:::

Teyah Blackstone · Date: 2007-01-23 00:30 EST

:::Teyah hurried down the creaking steps and sought any patrons remaining in the bar at the late hour. The place was undeniably empty; glasses hung above the bar and the stools had been placed upside down on the tables. It looked as if a tender hadn't been there for at least a couple hours, considering the distant smell of ammonia and other typical cleaning products. She sighed, figuring she would have to find other means to seek Orleon's shelter.

She pulled her cloak hood up over her head and tightened it, hoping to keep as much of the cold winter night out as possible as she headed out into the city.

The city was strangely quiet, only the rattle of a garbage can or the faint meow of a feline could be heard every so often. She felt the stylus grow warm against her side as she thought about Orleon, trying to will her way toward his home. She stepped out into the Marketplace, her footsteps echoing eerily on the dewy cobblestones. It had all but closed up, vacant booths and carts left for the next morning.

Maybe this wasn't such a good idea, she thought, the shadows around her seeming to move without masters. Her mind started to play tricks on her as she saw beady eyes glowing from one dark corner. She swore she heard more than just her set of footsteps now and she moved a bit quicker to an unknown destination. She turned slightly to look behind her. When there was nothing she could pick out as truly abnormal, she turned back around.

"Hello, young miss!!" a shaky old voice exclaimed.

Teyah jumped and a short shriek filled the night sky.

"I am quite sorry, dear," the voice returned. She could see the gnarled features of an old man barely up to her waist, smiling up at her, lit by only the light of the moon.

"Oh my, you frightened me, sir." She said clutching at her chest.

"Again, my apologies, dear girl, but what possesses you to be out in the city this late at night. "Tis not safe, for such a pretty young thing," the man said, his narrow eyes filled with concern.

"I appreciate your worry, sir, but I have a pressing matter I must discuss with a man who I believe has taken up residence in these parts.."

"Oh' I know the city better than most and my wife tells me the local gossip more often than I wish. Maybe I can help you?

Teyah blinked, wondering how she could be so fortunate at such a late hour. Kismet"

"His name is Orleon Templeton, an alchemist and well, a reader."

The old man scratched his chin and then snapped his fingers. "Yes! I know the man. The studious one with all the bottles and herbs. He spends many hours in that shack of his down the road here. Just keep going a bit and his place is on the right. You can't miss it, his porch is covered in plants and containers galore."

"Thank you so much, good sir," she said a weak smile on her face, feeling the stylus grow warm again under her cloak.

"Anytime, dear.." he bowed and patted her arm before he continued on his way.

She moved forward when she heard the man speak again after her. "Oh and be careful, miss."

She waved, nodding slightly, then moved down the path. She saw the porch the old man spoke about and took a deep breath.

What the heck was she doing here?::::

Teyah Blackstone · Date: 2007-01-28 22:27 EST

:::Teyah felt as if she was spiraling down a long twisted slide, rushing quickly into plush, velvety darkness. It grew thicker as she spiraled on further. Whether she was spiraling up or down, she did not know, but it arms pressed further inward and wrapped her tightly. Almost too tightly. Eventually she came to surprising stop. She wasn't sure if her eyes were open or closed, confusion setting in as she floated in what seemed to be a spatial purgatory. She tried to collect her thoughts, but they seemed to float about her just out of reach, similar to her body's current predicament. And then as soon as she felt the thoughts returning one by one to her mind, she dropped. Free falling fast and furiously, her stomach slowly creeping into her throat, she hit hard ground. She winced, expecting blinding pain to scream through her joints and muscles, but there was only stillness. Not even her breath came heavy. It was the oddest sensation she had ever experienced, at least, that she could remember"

Suddenly, the darkness began to drop away like a crumbling wall. She was soon standing in the middle of a cluttered room, covered in scrolls, herbs, bottles, decanters and various things she couldn't name. It seemed to be a researchers haven. Then across the room at a desk piled high with books and parchment, sat Orleon, scribbling frantically in an open book, his eyes wild, his dark hair flowing down his back without restraint. She went to call out his name, but her voice did not flow from her lips. She could hear his name in her head as she wanted the words to sound, but when she tried again, her mouth opened and nothing emerged. Yet Orleon stopped as if he heard her and quickly turned around eyeing the room suspiciously. His searing gray eyes passed right over the place she stood. Twice! Then he shook his head as if he willed away whatever he heard and went back to his writing. She noted his hair seemed longer and there were no salt and pepper streaks. His face was less weathered and he was much more intense than she recalled. He leaned back in his chair and took a deep, bellowing breath. His eyes closed and he brought his hands up, tracing intricate designs in the air. His hands were graceful and smooth as they mimicked an array of steps, like an elaborate dance. Soon his fingertips began to glow in their movements. The glowing grew into a pulsating orb that slowly encircled his body. She could only watch, amazed. Then as soon as the orb connected the circle it was gone. Orleon's eyes flew open and he went back to the journal, drawing the designs he just traced so beautifully in the air.

She was aware of a faint movement across the other corner of the room. She peered into the darkness and made out the silhouette of a man in heavy robes. She squinted, trying to see him more clearly, but he stayed stealthily in the shadows, watching Orleon intently. She called out to Orleon again, hoping he would turn around to catch the watcher. Her words echoed in her mind, yet like before, made no sound. He jerked up, his brow furrowed. He looked around the room passing over her and then he stopped at where the man stood in the shadows. He narrowed his eyes and cocked his head slightly to the side.

"Who's there", he called out, listening intently, staring in the darkness.

No one answered and she saw the figure sneak back into the shadows out of her sight. Orleon stood and moved quickly to where the man had been, turning back suddenly, before he ran out, staring in her direction. His knowing eyes seemed to penetrate right through her, though seeing no recollection. And then as quickly as he had turned toward her, he turned back to run after the intruder.

The world around her twisted and she fell backward, waiting to connect with ground. But instead she floated upward as the darkness returned. Once again she was wrapped in its suffocating grasp as the spiraling returned. This time it was quick and almost as is placed there, she was standing easily on floor. Her gaze went to her feet, and she realized she had delicate cream-colored slippers upon them. In fact, she was dressed in a beautiful pale gown, alive with taffeta and chiffon, expertly beaded with sparkling jewels and pearls. The bodice fit her snuggly, accentuating her slender waist and neckline, while the skirt and sleeves flowed outward like a soft cloud. Her hands came up and felt her hair tied up in a dozen beaded ribbons and flowers, with a large bouffant and pristine curls that hung about her shoulders. Her mind raced as she wondered why she was dressed this way and moreover where she was.

She looked ahead and with a jolt she was in a crowded hall. Music and laughing filled her ears as she gazed out at the magical scene before her. Ladies and gentleman in fantastic costumes covered the grand ballroom. All their faces disguised in various masquerade masks, some chatted together while others twirled about in dance. Glittering decorations were strewn from all around; ribbons, balloons and confetti, catching as she moved through.

As her eyes took everything in, she became aware that she twirling along with the other guests, a man, a woman, a man, exchanging her as their dance partner, laughing at the fun of it. She smiled despite the situation allowing herself to feel the rhythm of the music as she latched arms with the masked dancers. The last man in the long line of partners twirled her wildly and suddenly she was caught in the arms of a new masked man, who now held her a foot from the ground in a long languid dip. She blinked, stunned at her new mate, who had a familiarity about him as he held her. His musky scent filled her nose and she peered into his eyes. Her arms tightened about his as she saw the same grey tones of Orleon's. She could tell behind the mask that there was a slight smile in those eyes and she sucked in a breath.

Her mouth went to speak, but he pulled her upright and slid his left hand into her palm, as they began a slow waltz. They continued their dance as the music played and the husky lyrics filled her head:::

"There's such a sad love Deep in your eyes, a kind of pale jewel Open and closed within your eyes I'll place the sky within your eyes

There's such a fooled heart Beating so fast in search of new dreams A love that will last within your heart I'll place the moon within your heart

As the pain sweeps through Makes no sense for you Every thrill has gone Wasn't too much fun at all But I'll be there for you-oo-oo As the world falls down

Falling (As the world) Falling down Falling in love"

:::It seemed like they had danced like that for ages, never taking their eyes off one another, moving gracefully to the music that continued on":::

"I'll paint you mornings of gold I'll spin you Valentine evenings Though we're strangers till now We're choosing the path between the stars I'll leave my love between the stars

Falling (As the world) Falling down Falling As the world falls down Falling Falling in love"

:::Though she did not want to give over the sweet satisfaction she felt swaying in Orleon's arms, reason prevented her from staying in wondrous oblivion. Was this indeed Orleon, or some vision of him from before" Why did she feel so relaxed in his arms and in this ballroom' Had she been there before" But how, Orleon wasn't from the world of RhyDin" But was she" The questions ran over her like a stampede of cattle. Where was she"

She realized Orleon had slowed the dancing to a stop and bowed low. He took her hand in his and brought it gently to his lips. As he pressed the kiss into her hand, his eyes looked up into in hers. Everything seemed to be moving in slow motion as his mouth dropped a bit. Was that recollection in his eyes" Or was it something else? Why now" He came back up to full height and moved closer to her. Teyah was frozen as she gazed into his eyes, unable to do or say anything. He brought his hand up and slid it against the side of her neck. He continued to stare back at her, his eyes roaming her face, eventually landing on her lips. He moved closer never breaking his gaze with her mouth. She could feel her heart pound as he inched closer".and closer".and then her eyes closed as she felt his breath upon her.

In the same instant, his breath was gone and her eyes flew open. She was standing alone on the dance floor and all the guests and Orleon were gone".As she tried to figure out what had happened, she glanced down to the floor. A card lay there in the midst of the confetti and ribbon. She leaned down to pick it up and read the fancy script writing"

"The Annual Rivermoon Masquerade Ball"

The thoughts echoed in her mind. Rivermoon"

And as the scene around her changed back into darkness, she heard the music faintly play on::::

"As the world falls down (down) Falling Falling Falling in love As the world falls down Falling

Makes no sense at all Makes no sense to fall Falling As the world falls down Falling Falling in love?

Teyah Blackstone · Date: 2007-01-28 22:29 EST

:::Teyah could smell, feel and taste the next place she came to before the darkness departed this time. It was dank and wet, the smell of warm mold and corroded metal wafted about her nose. The muggy heat crawled over her skin, like a train of uncertain insects. She went to brush the feeling from her body, but only noticed that the beautiful gown had vanished and she was in her old clothes. The sound of chirping bugs, dripping water and clanking iron came quickly as if chasing away the darkness. She looked about what seemed to be a large holding cell, thick with unrecognizable slime and grit. She fought the wave of nausea at the taste of sulfur behind her tongue. She looked across to find bar lining the side that wasn't a slick stone wall.

A man then materialized in the cell, sitting against the wall his head buried in his hands. His clothes were dirty, but she recognized his upstanding attire, his rippling cloak, and his long hair, though now greasy and unwashed...Orleon, lifted his head and Teyah put a hand to her mouth to cover the gasp. His grey eyes were dull and sunken, large black circles encasing them, and a rivulet of blood that had run down from the corner of his mouth had dried there amidst the soot. He looked beaten and drained. She ran a hand through her hair and he looked about the room as if he were thinking rather forcefully. He stared down at the floor for what seemed like an eternity. She thought he had ceased to breathe, but then his eyes blinked and shut as he rested back against the wall.

Then she noticed something on the floor in front of him. She walked over to him and looked down, ignoring the sudden movements of his cloak. An amazingly intricate eight-pointed asterisk adorned with various other symbols was etched into the stone. She leaned down to trace the designs with her hands, somehow drawn to touch them. The cloak fluttered, causing Orleon to stir.

"What is it, Xariri?" he whispered too hoarsely.

He looked to the cloak and it began to edge toward her. Could Xariri see her" She reached out a hand to pet it, but it went right through the cloak. Orleon reached out where her hand had been and furrowed a brow.

"Something is amiss," he stated, holding the cloak back, protectively and then relaxing into a weak smile.

"It is almost finished." Orleon said, then lapsed into a coughing fit.

Teyah looked down and watched her hand trace a rather deep groove. It began to glow under her fingertips and she watched in wonder. Suddenly the floor dropped from under her and she was spiraling again. Darkness enclosed about her. She floated in that familiar black purgatory, waiting. For what she wasn't sure. Then she heard her name. A male voice called to her from somewhere'somewhere deep in the recesses of her mind. She listened more closely hoping she would go to the voice":::

Teyah"..

Teyah"..

Teyah Blackstone · Date: 2007-01-31 17:03 EST

:::Teyah awoke with a start, her eyes flying open and seeing some strange sort of scientific mobile above her. It was dark, except for a few twinkling lights. She studied the mobile in the dim light allowing her eyes to focus and then turned slightly to see where she was. Her head ached as she noted the wild disarray of bottles, decanters and parchment. She could hear various liquids bubbling nearby, while a gentle mist seemed to hover about the room. The memories of her and Orleon's exchange came back to her, reminding her that after he had placed the instrument of memories on her forehead, she felt as if she were to faint. Judging the current situation she was in, she must have done just that. Her hands felt underneath her, connecting with the soft material of bed linens. She went to lean onto one elbow when the warm covering over her stirred. She smiled and rolled a hand over the cloak.

"Oh"Xariri. Have you been protecting me?" she managed to whisper.

The cloak ruffled its approval and then she heard a movement next to her. The sound of labored breathing commenced by her side and she turned. Orleon lay sleeping there, his mouth slightly open.

Teyah grinned and briefly her previous dreams bounced back. She remembered watching him in the shadows of his study as the intruder caught him creating elborate designs. She recalled the condition he was in when locked away in his prison cell desperately trying to escape through his etchings on the floor. But most of all she saw the way he looked at her at the Masquerade Ball. The "Rivermoon' Masquerade Ball. How could she have been there, or was it simply the confusion of her dream' Was she placed into one of his memories, like the other scenes" But why did he see her, acknowledge her, dance with her, and almost"..kiss her"

She eyed him there, wondering what he was dreaming about. She pushed herself into a sitting position, Xariri snoozing by her lap. She took Orleon's hand, feeling his skin in her palms and fingers. The dream had been so real. She could place exactly how his skin felt as he held her hand in the midst of their dancing. She could smell his musky scent and taste his flinty breath. She brought his hand up to her cheek and caressed her face with the back of it. She placed her lips upon it and inhaled.

Then she stopped. She inhaled again and closed her eyes to hold back"what was the feeling?".disappointment. She could smell the scent of someone. Someone rather feminine. It was a combination of phermone, soap and perfume. She had always been keen with primal senses, but she was hoping that her current feelings for Orleon hadn't compromised their accuracy. Maybe it was a potion he was working on' Maybe he had helped a fair maiden with some remedy' But she couldn't shake her instincts. Her instincts that the scent was indeed feminine and quite potent. But then what right did she have to feel this way' He was not hers...

She dropped his hand gently and slipped quietly off the bed, adjusting her clothes. She found her cloak nearby and then thought it would be best to leave Orleon with a taste of some magic she had acquired on her travels. She found a blank piece of parchment and quill. She scribbled a note and placed it on the bed where she had lay. Then she stopped to concentrate and whispered a few unintelligible words. An exact replica of her shimmered into appearance on the bed next to Orleon. She walked over and placed his arm over the twin for good measure. The figure, that could even make the motions of breathing and unrest, would last for a few hours and then fade softly, the note below coming into view.

She hastened to the front entrance, looking back to wave and mouth "goodbye for now" to Xariri. She needed time to think. She definitely felt something for this man and she was bonded to him in some way. He also may have answers to her past. But right now, she just wanted to get home and have a drink. She stepped out into the night, a hint of morning light bursting over the trees.

And back at Orleon's place, the note read:

"Thanks for the memories.

Sincerely,

Teyah?::::

Teyah Blackstone · Date: 2007-02-02 21:18 EST

:::The next morning Teyah had finished dressing, feeling refreshed and new. Somehow the events of the previous evening had lifted her spirits enough for her to regain her once sweet and mischevious nature.

After her quite harrowing yet elusive journey into her mind through Orleon's enchanted memory stick, she had departed the cluttered shack. Most importantly she had left with the help of the intoxicating smell of femininity that mingled with Orleon's desire upon his skin. It was rumored, mostly by whispered secrets, that Kairee was his charming consort and muse. She shrugged. I guess that's what he chose to call her, but judging by his actions at the bar that night, Kairee had caused more than just inspiration to rise.

So why did she care" She guessed that it was her and Orleon's wickedly intense and swift bonding compounded by his memories that she was uncontrollably dropped into. Well she did ask for it. Damn her and her boldness. She couldn't help but feel extremely close to him. Perhaps the ballroom moment was her reaction to those feelings of closeness.

She also couldn't deny that she missed the attentions of the male persuasion. And not the hoots and hollers of passing warriors or bards, but the excitement of a simple look or touch, or a heartfelt word or phrase. She knew she was attractive and had the ample goods to prove it, but her modesty prevented her from displaying it all for show. Besides, in the many lands that she had traveled, it was a best to keep discreet. There was much less probability for attack and thus, more chance for survival.

Her mind went back to the smiling face of the gentleman fae, Jesterin. She had wanted to see him again, meeting him only after a day or two in RhyDin. He had asked her rather properly for another meeting. But her missives had gone unanswered and her inquiries at the bar told her he had not been seen for some time. There was talk that he had set out on a journey to far off lands, but for what purpose she did not know. It would have been nice to get a missive just to say he had gone, yet maybe it was something he could not discuss. She hated not knowing" not having any control. An effect of her missing past, she was sure. Or maybe she scared him off" She shook at the thought, then remembered his soft and entirely sweet kiss. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Enough of that for now.

She was feeling altogether better and she didn't want the feeling to get clouded with unwarranted emotion at this time. She had decided to grab a bottle of whiskey from the bar last eve to drown a little bit of sorrow. Orleon and Kairee had been at a table, divining. Hmm, she remembered when she sat at that table with Orleon. Interesting. But he had barely even acknowledged her last night. How quickly bonding fades" No matter, soon she was wrapped up in helping a rather distraught male, Fayloan?.Fayloan the Lost..figure out where he was. How she sympathized with his plight. Then Gabriel, her lovely pupil had visited, while Baker had been his deeply inept and righteously chauvinistic self. It was beautiful. Friends were great things, indeed.

She stepped out into the brand new day, reveling in the sunshine and breathing the fresh morning:::::