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7th of Heartfire, 427 3E
It's starting to look like working for Mebestian isn't going to be worth it. In fact I only worked in the shop for a couple of hours this morning, causing me to earn far less in a day than I typically do by hunting mud crabs. On top of that, my employer appears to not have any problem with bending laws and wanting others to be the ones taking the risk. But I get ahead of myself....
After eating a quick breakfast of scrambled eggs and toast, I left my hut to go across the road to the shop. Mebestian was pleased that I had managed to get the frost salts so quickly and paid me seventy five drakes for them. Since that was less than what I had paid them in Balmora I ended up making a small profit.
A little later in the morning as I was unpacking a shipment of lamps and placing them on the shelves, Mebestian said anxiously, "It looks like I'm in a bit of trouble. I was handing out coupons the other day to advertise a big sale I was having and I seem to have accidentally handed someone a wrong coupon by mistake. You see, the first one I made had a printing error; I unintentionally added an extra digit. This special coupon will give whoever uses it one hundred percent off the price of an item, instead of the ten percent it was supposed to be. I meant to destroy the coupon, but it must have got mixed up in the pile of coupons I was handing out."
"How unfortunate," I replied as a I placed a lovely stained glass lamp with a fringed shade on one of the lower shelves.
He continued, "Even though it has a printing error, it is still legally binding, which means that someone could take advantage of this, and I could lose a lot of money."
I agreed, "Yes, I suppose you could."
Appearing somewhat uncomfortable, he then said, "I know this is a little unorthodox, but I need you to find out who has this coupon and switch it for an ordinary one before its owner realizes its value. What do you say?"
Blinking in surprise, I responded as I paused in the middle of placing the lamps, "You're suggesting that I break into people's homes and go through their belongings? I'm sorry, but I really don't feel comfortable doing that."
Mebestian argued, "But no one was ever intended to receive this coupon! Besides, what they don't know can't hurt them!"
I couldn't believe what he was asking me to do! This was not the sort of thing I had agreed to when I had accepted his job offer. Loosely clasping my hands and standing my ground, I said firmly, "I will not risk being caught and branded a thief! I'm afraid you're going to have to either live with your mistake, or take the risk of being caught while making the switch yourself."
His reaction was a mixture of mild anger, surprise, and a hint of guilt, as he snapped in response, "That's no way to talk to your employer! Get out of here and leave me alone for a while!"
At least he didn't say "you're fired", although I would not have lost any sleep if he had. Leaving him to cool off, I left the shop and returned to get Rey who had been patiently waiting at the huts until my shift was over.
It was too late in the day to walk over to the Bitter Coast and hunt so I decided to pay another visit to the Old Tomes Book and Tea shop. The day was too pleasant to stay indoors plus I wanted to see if Jobasha had any alchemy books. Rey and I had nearly reached Old Tomes when I noted with some surprise that another building was in the process of being built next door to Old Tomes and the small house that Jobasha and Adanja used as a home. The exterior looked complete but I could hear sawing and hammering from the inside.
Just as I was wondering what other type of business was being established next to Old Tomes I was startled when a male Dunmer stepped out from behind a tree and said with laughter in his voice, "Let me relieve you of the burden of your coin."
Widening my eyes, I took a step back. For almost a month I have been wandering around the Bitter Coast and no one has bothered me, but today as I was strolling along the main road in the Ascadian Isles I was approached by a highwayman. Oh the irony.
With what he must have thought was a charming smile, the Dunmer said, "Hello, my dear. Nels Llendo at your service."
Remaining silent, I took another step back, wishing for all the world that I had a way of teleporting Rey and myself away. It was stupid of me to not be carrying a teleport scroll. Even in the Ascadian Isles one needs a means of escape.
Taking another few steps toward me, Nels continued, " Fear not, fair lady. Nels Llendo is far from the heartless villain some have made me out to be. From as charming and gracious a lady as you, I would ask for but a single kiss. It would be the most precious prize I have ever solicited from a...client. Will you not grant Nels Llendo so simple a boon?"
I have never kissed or been kissed by anyone, and I am most certainly not going to start by kissing a highwayman who was lurking along the road. Ready to bolt to the new building and hope for help from the construction crew, I took another step back and stated with far more authority than I felt, "You will not touch me!"
Raising his brows, Nels asked in a pretend hurt tone, "No?"
That was when we were both startled by another male voice that came from behind me which said, "You heard the lady!" Turning to look at the speaker, I saw a young male Bosmer with long brown hair who was seated on the back of a dark bay appaloosa gelding. The Bosmer immediately seemed familiar and I then realized that he was the bard I had seen playing at the Eight Plates, the one who sang the song that motivated me to venture outside of Balmora.
Speaking with an accent that I couldn't place, the Bosmer stated firmly as he nimbly jumped down from his horse and stepped between Nels and me, "You need to move along. The lady isn't interested."
Nels seemed to be studying the Bosmer, as though evaluating whether or not he could take this young mer. Thankfully he decided against it, for the Bosmer looked like he knew exactly how to use his bow and blade and was agile enough to avoid being struck. With a dramatic sigh, Nels replied as he looked at me, "Ah well, perhaps it was too much to hope for a simple mer such as Nels Llendo. But, if you ever change your mind, you can find me at the Halfway Tavern in Pelagiad. Good day, madam."
The Dunmer turned away and began casually walking up the road toward Pelagiad. After watching Nels for a while, the Bosmer turned toward me and asked, "Are you all right?"
With a slight nod, I answered, "Yes. Thank you."
I considered mentioning that I had heard him sing and enjoyed his music, but I didn't want the mer to think that I am one of those females who throws herself at bards. For some mysterious reason he seemed to look at me with a bit of surprise in his expression before clearing his throat and saying, "You're welcome. Do...you need escorted anywhere? Not that I think Nels is still lurking around. He seems to be going on to Pelagiad."
I assured him, "I'm fine. I was just heading for Old Tomes and had just noticed the new building when Nels took me by surprise."
Glancing at the building where the hammering and sawing continued, he replied, "According to Jobasha, it's going to be a new alchemy shop that's going to be run by a Adanja's sister who was until now was posted at the Mages Guild in Balmora." Gesturing toward Old Tomes, he continued, "I was in fact on my way there when I noticed you dealing with Nels."
Concerned for his safety, I inquired, "Aren't you worried that he might target you for getting him to move on?"
With a brief laugh, he answered, "Well, anything is possible, but I'm from Valenwood. A Bosmer from the Green can make sure that he's not seen unless he wants to be seen."
So that was the accent. Sort of like the Altmers, but with a more relaxed, casual way of speaking; very unlike the Bosmers I've met in Morrowind, most of whom were born and raised in Cyrodiil.
He seemed to hesitate a moment before offering his hand and saying, "I'm Neldor."
Following my own brief moment of hesitation, I took his hand and said, "I'm Aeronwen."
Lightly squeezing my hand between both of his, he repeated, "Aeronwen. Very pretty name. I'll remember it." Again gesturing toward Old Tomes, he asked cheerfully, "Now that Nels has scurried off, shall we go in?"
As we approached the shop I glanced at Rey and noticed that he was sniffing noses with the bay appaloosa. They appeared to be having their own conversation. I also noticed that while Neldor and I were speaking my protective little fox did not show any hostility or wariness toward the Bosmer from the Green. Apparently Rey didn't sense anything to be wary about.
When we entered Old Tomes I insisted that Neldor speak with Jobsaha first while I politely stood back and waited for my turn. It was easy to see that Neldor and Jobasha had already met for they greeted each other like friends.
With a warm smile, Neldor inquired, "How are the new shops working out for you and Adanja?"
Jobasha answered, "Very well. Jobasha finds this location far more pleasant than his old shop in Vivec. And here Jobasha does not have to put up with Ordinators calling him scum." He reached beneath the counter and continued, "The music books that Neldor ordered are here. Neldor will have more fine songs to learn."
"Always good to have a variety," Neldor stated cheerfully as he paid for his purchases.
When Neldor had gone from the book shop to the tea room with his new music books, I stepped forward and asked Jobasha if he had any alchemy books, for I have an interest in it but am without the means to actually practice. While showing me what titles he had, Jobasha said, "The building next door is soon to be an alchemy shop run by Jobasha's sister in-law Ajira. Ajira was happy to get away from Balmora's Mages Guild where she had to put up with annoying Bosmer enchanter and sneaky Dunmer guild steward."
Amused, I commented, "It sounds like she will indeed find it more peaceful down here."
With a smile on his feline face, Jobasha explained, "Aeronwen might be glad to know that Ajira will allow student alchemists to study in her shop. Aeronwen will have a way to study and practice until she can have a laboratory of her own."
Once again I wished these enterprising khajiits would have build their businesses within the town of Pelagiad, but again I can't blame them for wanting to be off by themselves in a secluded little corner of the Ascadian Isles. And it wasn't like the walk to and from town was long or difficult. Selecting a alchemy book to get me started, I stated, "Ajira's shop sounds perfect. I will most certainly visit when it opens. In fact I will regularly be going there to study and then stopping here for a book and some tea afterward."
Grinning, Jobasha said as I gave him the required amount of septims for the book, "Khajiits have wares if you have coin."
With the transaction complete I went over to the tea house. Although the place was empty at that time of the day, Neldor and I ended up sitting down at same table where we each had a mug of coffee and comberry muffins. We chatted about trivial things, such as the articles in the Tattler and the fact that another certain rogue, Nelos Olmar, seems to have disappeared and is believed to have run off with with Maurrie, who was known as the daughter of a minor noble who lived in Ebonheart.
Neldor commented, "I never met her, but based on what the locals have said, Maurrie isn't the sharpest knife in the drawer."
After telling him about how I had met on Maurrie on the road and how smitten she was with Nelos, I said, "There was no detering her. I don't think Nelos is the sort who would murder her, but it's difficult to tell. Whatever the case, she shouldn't have just run off with him."
Following a swallow of coffee from his mug, Neldor replied, "And some people actually think of this as a 'romantic love story'. It's a disaster waiting to happen if it hasn't happened already."
Yet again I ended up loosing track of time. There is just something so warm and welcoming about that tea room that makes a person want to remain there until closing time. Looking out the window and seeing the darkening sky, I said as I stood up, "Oh dear. It was very nice chatting with you but I should be getting back before it gets any darker."
Also rising to his feet, Neldor said, "Let Garland and I give you a ride back to town." Noticing my hesitation, he smiled and continued, "I'm a nice mer. Really." Becoming more somber, he added, "I would feel a lot better if I saw you back to town. Otherwise I'm going to be awake all night wondering if you made it back all right. You don't want me to be pacing and fretting all night, do you?"
Amused, I answered, "Oh, all right but only if it's not out of your way and you're sure your horse won't mind."
Grinning, Neldor assured me, "No, it's not out of my way. And no, Garland won't mind. He likes you. I can tell."
We went out to the water trough where Garland was waiting along with Rey. The ride back to Pelagiad was a little awkward, at least at first. Being clad in a long skirt it was easier for me to sit sideways behind Neldor but that didn't make for a secure seat. Granted I have ridden sidesaddle, but only when using an actual side-saddle. And seated the way I was on Garland I had no choice but to hang onto Neldor.
Obviously feeling my hesitation, Neldor assured me in an amused tone, "Don't worry, I won't feel molested or anything like that. Neither Garland or I want you to fall off." Looking down at Rey who was waiting a few yards ahead of us on the road, he asked, "So, just follow the fox?"
I answered, "Yes, Rey knows the way back." Following a pause, I added, "We're staying at the little pair of rental huts near the Halfway Tavern."
As he signaled to Garland to start walking down the road after Rey, Neldor replied, "Ah, I know those huts. I rented them for a little while before I moved to where I am now. They're tiny but they sure beat the windowless closets that pass for rental rooms in Balmora."
I agreed, "They do. In spite of their size, Rey and I are fairly comfortable in them."
Pressed against Neldor's back I couldn't help but notice how clean he smelled. His long wavy hair carried the scent of shampoo and was soft to the touch. This is a mer who obviously keeps after himself. Of course as a bard he would always want to make a good impression. Again I considered mentioning that I had once heard him sing, but I didn't want to come across as a swooning fan.
Garland has a nice, smooth gate so I never once felt like I was going to fall off his back. I expected Neldor to bring the horse to a halt when we reached Pelagiad but took me right to the doors of the rental huts. When I slid down from Garland's back, Neldor reached down and said, "Meeting you was a real pleasure, my lady."
Taking his hand, I looked up at him and replied, "Likewise, and thank you for the ride home." Lightly touching the appaloosa's shoulder, I added, "Thank you, Garland."
Garland turned his head toward me and nickered. He does indeed seem to be a very nice horse and is well suited to his rider.
"You're very welcome," Neldor replied as he straightened in the saddle and lightly touched the brim of his hat with his fingertips; the gesture making him look, well....irresistible if I am to be perfectly honest.
Rey and I went into the sleeping hut as Neldor and Garland got on their way. I have no idea where they were going but they were trotting toward the southwest when they disappeared in the darkness.
Noticing that Rey was staring up at me with his head tilted to the side, I asked, "What are you looking at? No I'm not going to swoon or anything silly like that. He's a bard, and a good looking one at that. He probably has a dozen lady-friends in every town. I'm not going to lie to myself and make myself believe that meeting me was anything special to him." Furrowing my brow, I added softly, "Not that it matters in any case. I have to stay by myself."
In this strange land where there is danger can be lurking around any corner, one must appreciate the small things and enjoy the memories that are made, even if the memory is a one time meeting with a fine spoken Bard from the Green.
*~*~*
It's starting to look like working for Mebestian isn't going to be worth it. In fact I only worked in the shop for a couple of hours this morning, causing me to earn far less in a day than I typically do by hunting mud crabs. On top of that, my employer appears to not have any problem with bending laws and wanting others to be the ones taking the risk. But I get ahead of myself....
After eating a quick breakfast of scrambled eggs and toast, I left my hut to go across the road to the shop. Mebestian was pleased that I had managed to get the frost salts so quickly and paid me seventy five drakes for them. Since that was less than what I had paid them in Balmora I ended up making a small profit.
A little later in the morning as I was unpacking a shipment of lamps and placing them on the shelves, Mebestian said anxiously, "It looks like I'm in a bit of trouble. I was handing out coupons the other day to advertise a big sale I was having and I seem to have accidentally handed someone a wrong coupon by mistake. You see, the first one I made had a printing error; I unintentionally added an extra digit. This special coupon will give whoever uses it one hundred percent off the price of an item, instead of the ten percent it was supposed to be. I meant to destroy the coupon, but it must have got mixed up in the pile of coupons I was handing out."
"How unfortunate," I replied as a I placed a lovely stained glass lamp with a fringed shade on one of the lower shelves.
He continued, "Even though it has a printing error, it is still legally binding, which means that someone could take advantage of this, and I could lose a lot of money."
I agreed, "Yes, I suppose you could."
Appearing somewhat uncomfortable, he then said, "I know this is a little unorthodox, but I need you to find out who has this coupon and switch it for an ordinary one before its owner realizes its value. What do you say?"
Blinking in surprise, I responded as I paused in the middle of placing the lamps, "You're suggesting that I break into people's homes and go through their belongings? I'm sorry, but I really don't feel comfortable doing that."
Mebestian argued, "But no one was ever intended to receive this coupon! Besides, what they don't know can't hurt them!"
I couldn't believe what he was asking me to do! This was not the sort of thing I had agreed to when I had accepted his job offer. Loosely clasping my hands and standing my ground, I said firmly, "I will not risk being caught and branded a thief! I'm afraid you're going to have to either live with your mistake, or take the risk of being caught while making the switch yourself."
His reaction was a mixture of mild anger, surprise, and a hint of guilt, as he snapped in response, "That's no way to talk to your employer! Get out of here and leave me alone for a while!"
At least he didn't say "you're fired", although I would not have lost any sleep if he had. Leaving him to cool off, I left the shop and returned to get Rey who had been patiently waiting at the huts until my shift was over.
It was too late in the day to walk over to the Bitter Coast and hunt so I decided to pay another visit to the Old Tomes Book and Tea shop. The day was too pleasant to stay indoors plus I wanted to see if Jobasha had any alchemy books. Rey and I had nearly reached Old Tomes when I noted with some surprise that another building was in the process of being built next door to Old Tomes and the small house that Jobasha and Adanja used as a home. The exterior looked complete but I could hear sawing and hammering from the inside.
Just as I was wondering what other type of business was being established next to Old Tomes I was startled when a male Dunmer stepped out from behind a tree and said with laughter in his voice, "Let me relieve you of the burden of your coin."
Widening my eyes, I took a step back. For almost a month I have been wandering around the Bitter Coast and no one has bothered me, but today as I was strolling along the main road in the Ascadian Isles I was approached by a highwayman. Oh the irony.
With what he must have thought was a charming smile, the Dunmer said, "Hello, my dear. Nels Llendo at your service."
Remaining silent, I took another step back, wishing for all the world that I had a way of teleporting Rey and myself away. It was stupid of me to not be carrying a teleport scroll. Even in the Ascadian Isles one needs a means of escape.
Taking another few steps toward me, Nels continued, " Fear not, fair lady. Nels Llendo is far from the heartless villain some have made me out to be. From as charming and gracious a lady as you, I would ask for but a single kiss. It would be the most precious prize I have ever solicited from a...client. Will you not grant Nels Llendo so simple a boon?"
I have never kissed or been kissed by anyone, and I am most certainly not going to start by kissing a highwayman who was lurking along the road. Ready to bolt to the new building and hope for help from the construction crew, I took another step back and stated with far more authority than I felt, "You will not touch me!"
Raising his brows, Nels asked in a pretend hurt tone, "No?"
That was when we were both startled by another male voice that came from behind me which said, "You heard the lady!" Turning to look at the speaker, I saw a young male Bosmer with long brown hair who was seated on the back of a dark bay appaloosa gelding. The Bosmer immediately seemed familiar and I then realized that he was the bard I had seen playing at the Eight Plates, the one who sang the song that motivated me to venture outside of Balmora.
Speaking with an accent that I couldn't place, the Bosmer stated firmly as he nimbly jumped down from his horse and stepped between Nels and me, "You need to move along. The lady isn't interested."
Nels seemed to be studying the Bosmer, as though evaluating whether or not he could take this young mer. Thankfully he decided against it, for the Bosmer looked like he knew exactly how to use his bow and blade and was agile enough to avoid being struck. With a dramatic sigh, Nels replied as he looked at me, "Ah well, perhaps it was too much to hope for a simple mer such as Nels Llendo. But, if you ever change your mind, you can find me at the Halfway Tavern in Pelagiad. Good day, madam."
The Dunmer turned away and began casually walking up the road toward Pelagiad. After watching Nels for a while, the Bosmer turned toward me and asked, "Are you all right?"
With a slight nod, I answered, "Yes. Thank you."
I considered mentioning that I had heard him sing and enjoyed his music, but I didn't want the mer to think that I am one of those females who throws herself at bards. For some mysterious reason he seemed to look at me with a bit of surprise in his expression before clearing his throat and saying, "You're welcome. Do...you need escorted anywhere? Not that I think Nels is still lurking around. He seems to be going on to Pelagiad."
I assured him, "I'm fine. I was just heading for Old Tomes and had just noticed the new building when Nels took me by surprise."
Glancing at the building where the hammering and sawing continued, he replied, "According to Jobasha, it's going to be a new alchemy shop that's going to be run by a Adanja's sister who was until now was posted at the Mages Guild in Balmora." Gesturing toward Old Tomes, he continued, "I was in fact on my way there when I noticed you dealing with Nels."
Concerned for his safety, I inquired, "Aren't you worried that he might target you for getting him to move on?"
With a brief laugh, he answered, "Well, anything is possible, but I'm from Valenwood. A Bosmer from the Green can make sure that he's not seen unless he wants to be seen."
So that was the accent. Sort of like the Altmers, but with a more relaxed, casual way of speaking; very unlike the Bosmers I've met in Morrowind, most of whom were born and raised in Cyrodiil.
He seemed to hesitate a moment before offering his hand and saying, "I'm Neldor."
Following my own brief moment of hesitation, I took his hand and said, "I'm Aeronwen."
Lightly squeezing my hand between both of his, he repeated, "Aeronwen. Very pretty name. I'll remember it." Again gesturing toward Old Tomes, he asked cheerfully, "Now that Nels has scurried off, shall we go in?"
As we approached the shop I glanced at Rey and noticed that he was sniffing noses with the bay appaloosa. They appeared to be having their own conversation. I also noticed that while Neldor and I were speaking my protective little fox did not show any hostility or wariness toward the Bosmer from the Green. Apparently Rey didn't sense anything to be wary about.
When we entered Old Tomes I insisted that Neldor speak with Jobsaha first while I politely stood back and waited for my turn. It was easy to see that Neldor and Jobasha had already met for they greeted each other like friends.
With a warm smile, Neldor inquired, "How are the new shops working out for you and Adanja?"
Jobasha answered, "Very well. Jobasha finds this location far more pleasant than his old shop in Vivec. And here Jobasha does not have to put up with Ordinators calling him scum." He reached beneath the counter and continued, "The music books that Neldor ordered are here. Neldor will have more fine songs to learn."
"Always good to have a variety," Neldor stated cheerfully as he paid for his purchases.
When Neldor had gone from the book shop to the tea room with his new music books, I stepped forward and asked Jobasha if he had any alchemy books, for I have an interest in it but am without the means to actually practice. While showing me what titles he had, Jobasha said, "The building next door is soon to be an alchemy shop run by Jobasha's sister in-law Ajira. Ajira was happy to get away from Balmora's Mages Guild where she had to put up with annoying Bosmer enchanter and sneaky Dunmer guild steward."
Amused, I commented, "It sounds like she will indeed find it more peaceful down here."
With a smile on his feline face, Jobasha explained, "Aeronwen might be glad to know that Ajira will allow student alchemists to study in her shop. Aeronwen will have a way to study and practice until she can have a laboratory of her own."
Once again I wished these enterprising khajiits would have build their businesses within the town of Pelagiad, but again I can't blame them for wanting to be off by themselves in a secluded little corner of the Ascadian Isles. And it wasn't like the walk to and from town was long or difficult. Selecting a alchemy book to get me started, I stated, "Ajira's shop sounds perfect. I will most certainly visit when it opens. In fact I will regularly be going there to study and then stopping here for a book and some tea afterward."
Grinning, Jobasha said as I gave him the required amount of septims for the book, "Khajiits have wares if you have coin."
With the transaction complete I went over to the tea house. Although the place was empty at that time of the day, Neldor and I ended up sitting down at same table where we each had a mug of coffee and comberry muffins. We chatted about trivial things, such as the articles in the Tattler and the fact that another certain rogue, Nelos Olmar, seems to have disappeared and is believed to have run off with with Maurrie, who was known as the daughter of a minor noble who lived in Ebonheart.
Neldor commented, "I never met her, but based on what the locals have said, Maurrie isn't the sharpest knife in the drawer."
After telling him about how I had met on Maurrie on the road and how smitten she was with Nelos, I said, "There was no detering her. I don't think Nelos is the sort who would murder her, but it's difficult to tell. Whatever the case, she shouldn't have just run off with him."
Following a swallow of coffee from his mug, Neldor replied, "And some people actually think of this as a 'romantic love story'. It's a disaster waiting to happen if it hasn't happened already."
Yet again I ended up loosing track of time. There is just something so warm and welcoming about that tea room that makes a person want to remain there until closing time. Looking out the window and seeing the darkening sky, I said as I stood up, "Oh dear. It was very nice chatting with you but I should be getting back before it gets any darker."
Also rising to his feet, Neldor said, "Let Garland and I give you a ride back to town." Noticing my hesitation, he smiled and continued, "I'm a nice mer. Really." Becoming more somber, he added, "I would feel a lot better if I saw you back to town. Otherwise I'm going to be awake all night wondering if you made it back all right. You don't want me to be pacing and fretting all night, do you?"
Amused, I answered, "Oh, all right but only if it's not out of your way and you're sure your horse won't mind."
Grinning, Neldor assured me, "No, it's not out of my way. And no, Garland won't mind. He likes you. I can tell."
We went out to the water trough where Garland was waiting along with Rey. The ride back to Pelagiad was a little awkward, at least at first. Being clad in a long skirt it was easier for me to sit sideways behind Neldor but that didn't make for a secure seat. Granted I have ridden sidesaddle, but only when using an actual side-saddle. And seated the way I was on Garland I had no choice but to hang onto Neldor.
Obviously feeling my hesitation, Neldor assured me in an amused tone, "Don't worry, I won't feel molested or anything like that. Neither Garland or I want you to fall off." Looking down at Rey who was waiting a few yards ahead of us on the road, he asked, "So, just follow the fox?"
I answered, "Yes, Rey knows the way back." Following a pause, I added, "We're staying at the little pair of rental huts near the Halfway Tavern."
As he signaled to Garland to start walking down the road after Rey, Neldor replied, "Ah, I know those huts. I rented them for a little while before I moved to where I am now. They're tiny but they sure beat the windowless closets that pass for rental rooms in Balmora."
I agreed, "They do. In spite of their size, Rey and I are fairly comfortable in them."
Pressed against Neldor's back I couldn't help but notice how clean he smelled. His long wavy hair carried the scent of shampoo and was soft to the touch. This is a mer who obviously keeps after himself. Of course as a bard he would always want to make a good impression. Again I considered mentioning that I had once heard him sing, but I didn't want to come across as a swooning fan.
Garland has a nice, smooth gate so I never once felt like I was going to fall off his back. I expected Neldor to bring the horse to a halt when we reached Pelagiad but took me right to the doors of the rental huts. When I slid down from Garland's back, Neldor reached down and said, "Meeting you was a real pleasure, my lady."
Taking his hand, I looked up at him and replied, "Likewise, and thank you for the ride home." Lightly touching the appaloosa's shoulder, I added, "Thank you, Garland."
Garland turned his head toward me and nickered. He does indeed seem to be a very nice horse and is well suited to his rider.
"You're very welcome," Neldor replied as he straightened in the saddle and lightly touched the brim of his hat with his fingertips; the gesture making him look, well....irresistible if I am to be perfectly honest.
Rey and I went into the sleeping hut as Neldor and Garland got on their way. I have no idea where they were going but they were trotting toward the southwest when they disappeared in the darkness.
Noticing that Rey was staring up at me with his head tilted to the side, I asked, "What are you looking at? No I'm not going to swoon or anything silly like that. He's a bard, and a good looking one at that. He probably has a dozen lady-friends in every town. I'm not going to lie to myself and make myself believe that meeting me was anything special to him." Furrowing my brow, I added softly, "Not that it matters in any case. I have to stay by myself."
In this strange land where there is danger can be lurking around any corner, one must appreciate the small things and enjoy the memories that are made, even if the memory is a one time meeting with a fine spoken Bard from the Green.
