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Post by Tara on Jan 13, 2006 0:10:22 GMT -5
The Elf's lips rested in a flat line as the letter was passed from Elosia to Anzee. Why had their meetings always been cursed with such serious matters? It certainly wasn't the fault of anyone present--Meneluin knew well enough that Anzee had endured sadness because of her choice to remain associated with Meneluin.
Meneluin knew that if Logan or Djomede ever returned, or sent notice of a possible return, she'd have a knife drawn. Then again, she had no children with them--at least not any more. She fought hard against blurting out her opinion of what Anzee should do, but when it came down to it, the situation was entirely different than the Elf had ever known...because of dear little Ivy.
Meneluin sat back and sipped her tea contemplatively.
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anzee
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Post by anzee on Jan 13, 2006 22:52:49 GMT -5
Anzee's lips pursed gently... She thought for a moment and spoke gently.
"I should like to think about this for a little longer. I need time to compose something. I still don't know the answers... " She sighed softly but smiled to Elosia.
"Thank you so much for carrying this all this time. It was good of you to do such a thing."
She handed the letter to Meneluin because she knew her sister would give her an opinion. She knew already by Meneluin's posture and expression that she wasn't happy about it, but Anzee kept her feelings light nowadays. She tried to keep herself on the up and up. Always she had dreamt that Kemian would come back to her and they would have a house like they used to. A lovely four bedroom with an upstairs and rooms for their babies and Skye.. She smiled and thought of their first night there. She had made cookies with Skye in the kitchen. Anyway, enough memories for now!
She looked to her little daughter and Elosia's. Ivy was showing off Anzee's favorite drawing.
Ivy grinned and nodded vigorously! "Yep. How could you tell?!" The drawing of her mother of course had fiery red hair... And smewhat looked like her. Green dress... Red hair.. You know. Ivy turned the page and on it there was a picture of a kitty cat. It was a wonderful looking kitty. Orange tabby with fluffy ears and tail. Very good likeness as well. "It's my kitty. Butters."
Ivy smiled and sipped her cocoa some more and nibbled on a cookie.
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Post by Tara on Jan 14, 2006 5:04:22 GMT -5
Meneluin nodded to her sister as she accepted the note. Her expression remained quite flat as she read it, and she passed it back to Anzee upon finishing it. The paper didn't weigh much when held, but Meneluin knew what a heavy burden it could prove to be. She took a sip of tea, meeting Anzee's eyes, and offered her counsel.
"Really, you need to do what is best for your children, seler. From experience I can note how damaging it is to a child if her father comes in and out of her life, never staying permanently. It will make her relationships more difficult later in life."
The Elf then stood and moved gracefully to the back room, taking a minute or two to rearrange a few things. She poured herself a glass of Elven wine and sat the bottle on the table with two more empty glasses in case Elosia or Anzee wished to partake of it.
"On the other hand, you should find yourself at least wanting closure. You have mourned more than enough for someone your age. Perhaps a private meeting would be best--just the two of you."
Meneluin sipped the wine quite elegantly. She looked like a queen--how easy it was to decide the details of a situation when it wasn't her own life.
"He'd be welcome here, but if he hurts you by hand or tears, he will have reason to fear me, ranger or no."
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Post by Tara on Jan 14, 2006 8:16:40 GMT -5
Meneluin paused after she spoke. Her keen Elven ears had picked up some noise from the outdoors. An urgent noise. Gesturing for the others to remain seated, she stood, leaving the warmth of the hearth and her company.
The Elf put a careful ear to the door, her expression still flat.
"It's a message," she explained, though she was somewhat surprised--she hadn't received a message of sorts in ages.
Meneluin opened the door just long enough to allow the hawk in. The magnificent creature flew around excitedly, right over the girls--shedding a few feathers near the hearth as well. The poor creature looked not only exciteable, but hungry as well.
"Hush, my woodland friend, for you I have a treat." The bird continued to fly while Meneluin retreived some leftover meat from the kitchen. She placed it on a towel for the bird, on the bar away from her company so there was no chance of the children being clawed.
Before the bird ate, it landed and looked to Meneluin. She immediately opened the small leather round attachment on the bird's leg, withdrawing a small piece of parchment. She read it aloud as the starving animal began its meal:
"Notice to all local proprietors, travelers, and guests: the nearby city of Arn Athyn now sees a rapidly spreading plague. Enter the city at your own risk; remain at home if possible. A call is hereby put forth for all healers capable of removing, or aiding cure of, this sickness.
Signed, The Council of Arn Athyn."
Meneluin rolled up the small scroll of parchment; as soon as the falcon was finished, she placed it within the leather carrying case at the bird's foot.
"Go on now, mela, onto the next inne."
The Elf looked sharply at the bird's eye. It nodded in understanding and she opened the door for its exit. After cleaning up the bar area, she rejoined the others.
"So it seems as though Kemian might arrive...and illness as well."
Her eyes drifted to the young ones. Would Anzee and Elosia risk venturing out in the cold, in the opposite direction of the town, or would her friends prefer a longer stay?
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Post by elosia on Jan 14, 2006 13:19:15 GMT -5
Elosia would nod, finishing her cup of tea and pouring herself another. "Thats fine Anzee, whenever have the letter ready I'll deliver it. Your most welcome." She said then glanced over to the two girls.
Little Meneluin smiled starting to feel a little more comfortable. "It looks like her, red hair and the dress." She spoke looking back to Anzee briefly then looking at the next drawing. She giggled softly. "Hes cute! You draw really good."
When Meneluin spoke El looked back at her, listening to her words intently. She did look and sound very much like a Queen. The dragon never really knew her to be so stern. Remembering her more as the gentle, fun bardess. El had much respect for Meneluin. Then a bird flew in. El ducked muttering, "Bloody Abyss.." Watching Meneluin and the falcon and her face paling a few shades when she spoke of the plague. "Oh hellfire..." Elosia sprang to her feet and paced the ground her sharp features fixed into a frown. Little Meneluin looking up at her with confusion. "How long has the plague been here? Is there still a chance for me to get out? My son is still left at home, Elvorex...and Ala.." When she left Ala had gone off somewhere leaving El with the children. Elosia figured she would have a short fly with Mene but then they ran into the Inn...it had been hours, and her son left in the horde. Which was generally safe, but it was none too far away from here...she didn't want her son wandering looking for her..and she had no idea what time Ala was coming home.
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Post by Tara on Jan 14, 2006 21:22:48 GMT -5
"I don't know, but I think our safest option would be to remain here. I know of a healer and could perhaps message for her, but she's gone to the city and it might do more harm than good to bring her back."
Meneluin assessed the situation, pouring herself another cup of tea. Since leaving Ar'Tauron, she'd learned to be stern out of necessity, though a bit of the kindness was returning. Realistically, one person couldn't go through the experiences of her life without hardening up some...without resisting love to the extreme. But now she had enough softness to at least let her family and friends back into her life, and that was a fair start.
She drank her tea, contemplating the situation.
"We have enough supplies here and out back to last all of us for weeks. Surely we'll hear more word by then..."
The bard tried not to appear too worried in front of the children.
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Post by return on Jan 16, 2006 10:59:06 GMT -5
~ still the music played on. elegance of the dancing flames. the only thing he announced at the time. he'd come when it was right. yes Meneluin's Atar would come. soon~
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anzee
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Post by anzee on Jan 16, 2006 19:20:18 GMT -5
Anzee looked at the bird, she quirked a brow and frowned slightly. "Well, here it is then. Can Ivy and I get a room so's we can have a place to stay? We were only staying with a friend so I can send them a message to let them know that I have a place to stay now... I that's alright with you..?"
She spoke gently, strawberry lips pressed together in a thoughtful way. She sipped her cocoa gingerly. "I think it's time for dinner. Ivy, dear, will you help set the table? Meneluin, please, help me in the kitchen, if you will. I must do something to keep my mind off all these pressing matters. I would go help with the plague, but I must think of my own dear Ivy."
She smiled to her sister and nudged her daughter along into the kitchen. She began to make her wonderful stew. The beef, the carrots, celery and all the rest which won't be revealed! It's a secret!
After setting the pot to boil over the kitcen fire, she gathered her ingredients. She would need Meneluin to help her chop and dice things. Hopefully her beef was cold enough to be cubed without ripping it to shreds.
She hummed gently smiling. She was thinking of Kemian. She didn't really know if she wanted Kemian to come, she did think that meeting him once in person, once and for all, would be a good idea, but she also wanted him to meet his lovely daughter! She thought that he had the right to see his own child. She would have to speak to Meneluin about it, though she knew what she would say.
Ivy smiled to Lil' Mene and set her drawing book on the table next to Lil Mene. "You can look through it if you want to! I gotta go do the table!"
She went with her mother and pulled dishes from underneath the counter and inside drawers and such. She used a step stool to climb up onto the counter to get glasses and such. She slowly but surely set the table for all that were in the tavern: Elosia, Lil Mene, Aunty Meneluin, Momma (Anzee, of course.) and herself. She also brought extras out of anyone wanted to suddenly join up!
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Post by Tara on Jan 16, 2006 21:12:09 GMT -5
"Of course," Meneluin replied to Anzee, but included Elosia as well, "Do stay here, no charge of course, until this plague has passed and beyond, of course."
Reassured by the surrounding music of her father's presence, the Elf gathered any empty cups of tea and plates on the table and followed Anzee into the kitchen. Anzee was definitely the better cook between the two of them--her knowledge was so practical and heartfelt, and Meneluin's wisdom was old, and patient when she let it be--they made a very good sisterhood.
She helped Anzee as needed, dicing and chopping...but their kitchen visits were frequently about more than food. The Elf placed a sympathetic hand on Anzee's back. Now that Ivy wasn't present, she asked a more honest question.
"Are you holding up? This feeling will pass. I am here for you."
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Post by elosia on Jan 16, 2006 21:15:47 GMT -5
Elosia paused listening to Meneluin and Anzee then remained standing staring at the floorboards furiously in thought. She took a moment to try and mind reach Alavorex, her dragon mate, but he did not answer. This could only mean he was some long distance away from her..or asleep. She couldn't mind reach her son, he hadn't developed those skills yet. She turned to Meneluin. "I really need to find my son. Hes...a bit of trouble and I don't want him straying around the town. I think I might have to find him. Mind if I left little Meneluin here?"
The little dragoness wasn't listening to what her mother was saying. She nodded to Ivy walking over toward the sketch book to look at it but then asked. "Okay...well do you need an help?" She asked tilting her head slightly.
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Post by Tara on Jan 16, 2006 21:26:07 GMT -5
Before going into the kitchen, Meneluin took care to respond to Elosia.
"I understand. I will gladly look after your daughter. Be safe, my friend."
With those words, Meneluin leaned forward and embraced Elosia. She hoped that as a dragon, Elosia would be able to fly far above whatever plague attacked the earthbound.
"Please lock the door as you leave. I'm not apt to having strange visitors in with things as they are and the girls in the front room."
She didn't sound concern, but as a mother, Elosia could probably sense it. The bard had altered her voice to disguise the worry from the children.
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Post by elosia on Jan 16, 2006 21:38:56 GMT -5
El hugged Meneluin tightly and nodded. "Alright, will do. When I find my son if he's sick I'll take him to the cave. If he's fine I'll bring him here. Thank you." She nodded to her words, able to hear the concern and gave her a last squeeze then went over to her bewildered daughter. Kneeling down to be eye level she took her hands. "Momma is going to find your brother okay? Just stay here with Ivy, Anzee, and Meneluin. Mind your manners and do what they say." She kissed her forehead and without another second she went out the door, shut it formly took two steps from the porch and whoosh Silver Dragon form and she was away. She wasn't too much worried about herself...it took alil more than a humanoid's plague to get an old Wyrm sick. But her son was just a youngling...and a mutt of a dragon. He could catch it just as easily as any child could. She hurried to find him.
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anzee
New Member
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Post by anzee on Jan 17, 2006 21:32:46 GMT -5
She smiled and nodded to her sister. "Yes Meneluin, I am holding up. I just don't know if I should let them meet. I know that he would probably want to, but I don't know if that is what would be best for Ivy. She should know her father, or at least have one and it's so hard to find a nice man anymore.. And now with the plague and all.. "
She placed the cubed meat into the pot of boiling water. A few dashes of pepper, a clove or two of garlic, salt and chili powder went into the water along with the vegetables, too. Anzee smiled gently and nodded to herself then started to make a loaf of bread.
"I want him. I do. He was so wonderful, but then all the leaving and coming back was so painful.. You know all this, of course.. " She chuckled sadly. "I suppose I could give him a choice, but I don't want him to be a once a month father..."
She sifted flour, added shortening, added water and a few special seasonings for a flavorful dough and yeast of course to make it fluffy. Salt, too. She put it in the oven. She looked in on Ivy and Lil' Mene. Ivy was showing Lil' Mene her dollies that Anzee had made for her.
"I'll be fine, I just need a little guidance, but I know you would tell me to forget him, or just do what my heart tells me.. But it seems that half my heart says to tell him to come back and the other half wants to tell him to stay away.... I should meet with him first, then, shouldn't I...? " She looked to her sister again. Her sister always knew something that Anzee didn't.
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Post by Tara on Jan 18, 2006 1:41:17 GMT -5
"You are a stronger and braver woman than I could ever be, Anzee."
Meneluin turned to face her sister, looking sincerely into her eyes. She allowed the years of pain to show through in her tone and in her eyes again, just for a second, so that Anzee knew how serious she was about this advice and this very topic.
"You and I have both known the pain of love and loss. However, I think because you have Ivy, you owe Kemian a visit, though I am not sure it is in your daughter's best interest that you let him see her. I will be happy to look after little Ivy while you have your private meeting with him."
She then turned her gaze to the delicious looking food in the making, contemplating, and returned a less mournful gaze to Anzee.
"You will just need to remember your strength, though. Remember that Ivy is the most important person in your life. I am sure you feel this way--you surely act it, and you are an amazing mother, an inspiration to all that would want to be one."
Meneluin then smiled reflectively. Her tone had become calm and even, as she kept a keen Elven ear out for sound from the front room, knowing that the girls were safe.
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anzee
New Member
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Post by anzee on Jan 19, 2006 0:13:23 GMT -5
She sighed softly and smiled at her last comment. "You're right. However, if Kemian wants to see her, I can only let him meet her and nothing more. She can't know that he is her father. I think I will meet him. Thank you, Meneluin..." She hugged her sister tightly and closed her eyes as she rested her head on her shoulder. She missed her sister so much through the years...
Ivy was giggling happily in the front room. She was just playing with her dollies!
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