Session 9

Homecoming

Holding a still-damp pair of shoes in my hands, I walked softly along the floors of the guest wing, hoping that I could get back to my room without running into anyone. No-ah-ah. A door popped open in front of me, and I skidded to a stop as my brother emerged. He looked like hell on a bad day, and I think I actually smelled the whiskey on his breath before he even noticed me. But notice me, he did.

Bleary-eyed, he looked at me as if I was dressed in a poodle skirt, and asked what the hell I was doing up and about. Not that it's not normal for me to be up early. I was just hoping Ben was still in the tank enough not to be able to notice my hastily-donned suit from last night, me walking away from the permanent housing of the castle, and then put it all together. Being real unspecific, I was successful. But why he was the way he was, I needed to know.

Benny didn't go into specifics concerning his inebriation, so I decided not to push it. He did wonder about the happenings at the bar, and I told him when Gen told me. He looked upset by the news, and I don't blame him -- the situation had the potential to rip our friendships all apart. I reassured him that I would be honest with her, and try not to break her heart.

*****

After some confusion, we were all collected and gathered in the main hall, ready to go home. I only talked with Gwyn for a second -- enough to tell her that I needed to talk to her when we got back, and that I would find her. We learned that Bishop would not be returning with us, staying to deal with more ambassadorial duties. I wished him luck here.

Bailey finally emerged, after we had talked with the King, with a smallish, younger girl whom I recognized as Ellesandra, Bailey's cousin and the King's daughter. I smiled at them both, and remember the many sets of eyes about us, and decided to save my salutations for another time and universe.

We saddled up, me with a parcel from Ivory in my pack, and rode for home.

*****

Foolish me for thinking things would be as we left them.

Miredrith, Bleys's daughter, had been kidnapped, by forces from a Golden Circle shadow. Shouldn't be too much of a problem, except that someone was using Pattern to hide her from us. Troops were also funneled into the main square of the town, wounding many in the distraction.

I wasn't sure exactly what we could do about the situation, since Bleys was actively searching his own self. I Trumped to Random upon getting through the gates, told him everything I knew, and then brought Bailey and Ben and Ellesandra to us. Gen had made her way here and was giving Random the what for as well.

In the bustle, the shade that had been stalking Gwyn was mentioned. The look on Bailey's face quickly led me to believe that she had no idea. I told her what I knew, quickly, and apologized. I truly did figure that Bishop would have told her, and she accepted that, worried for Ivory still, though. My reassurance that the targets of this observation were gone from there fell on deaf ears.

*****

Determined to be certain that not everything had changed, I made my way back to the family home. Ben had been here before me; but he was not around. I made my way to Caine's study. There he sat, not much different from when I'd left him, glass in hand. I stifled an audible sigh.

He was interested to here what Ivory was like, and I described it as best I could; leaving out those parts that weren't necessary. He seemed pleased that I had just made it back in one piece. He was not as pleased that I was going to move out; I'm not certain if he actually saw through the reason I gave him. Caine is perhaps the hardest man to read.

I made my escape before the conversation got more strained, to find my brother lying out back, book in hand. He was more accepting of my reason for moving, as I figured he would be. When the conversation came around to why, I found I couldn't omit the main reason.

I was able to look past his laughter upon hearing how I ended up in the creek; in fact, something inside me brightened, to be able to share this one thing of my life. He asked if I was happy, and for the first time in a many a year, I looked Ben straight in the eye and told him that indeed, I was.

*****

Much of that afternoon was spent with her, and we watched clouds float overhead overlooking the town and ocean. Like my brother, she looked at me and asked if I was happy; as with Ben, I confirmed it. While I never like to admit to myself how content I truly am, in fear of jinxing myself, I couldn't deny the truth. In Bailey, I had found a companion which made the best of me.

That evening, I made my way back to the castle, after speaking with Gen. She desired my help in finding Miredrith's captors, and requested stealth. As I have nothing else occupying me, I agreed to give her a hand. A bit of me feels irritated about separating myself so quickly from Bailey, but I think I can smooth things over...



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