A Blending of Nations/ Arrival of Avaria

[Anulia of Amora]

Eirian-When the night came and the lamps were lit, Turas Lan became the beacon of fallen fire on the coasts of Scotland. Her voice was merry, jovial, as the boisterous spilled out from the day's work to cavort with one another in the streets. The sea near the dockside pubs echoed the sediment, slapping salt water against wood worn down by the clank of weighted boot, the giggling of women who were sported on by seamen at last come home. Grufford's business was teeming tonight with well-wishes, drink wanters, and chance seekers who wanted to roll bone dice to increase the coin in their purse. "What say you, Grufford? Seems as if you and yours might need a spare hand!" Sloth with words the man was infamous for, but he smiled and nodded his head as Eirian took up a tray from his sprig of a young bride, " Ye ain't got to help us much misses," she blushed, "Tis nice o' ye to do it. I imagine Grufford is pudding pleased with this much business." On behalf of the festive spring season, she hadn't qualms with reaching back to her long ago roots , issuing out cups of ale on a happy beckoning from the crowd.

Anulia- Anulia still had many places within the city that she had not ventured, but her wanderings were leading her to those areas soon enough. When she was not working at the Briar Rose Inn, she was wandering about and seeing what other activities lay within the heart of this land. Skirts of browns and blues were picked up, exposing a bit of leg and ankle high boots as she moved off the path and towards the doors to a new tavern that seemed busy and alive with the smells of the sea, foods and others various scents. Normally, Anulia did not wear a corset, for her body was not use to the binding it gave, but tonight, she was once more trying something new and trying a softer version that Lady Eirian had recommended to her not long time that had passed. The Top of that dress held long sleeves that covered her scars upon her wrist and made sure to expose only the neck line, face, hands and a bit of leg though it was suited perfectly for her full figured form. Hair had been left bound in cloth to hide it from the view of others. There was no need to be so attentive, she told herself as she opened the door and was assaulted by the scents of smoke, alcohol and various foods. had she not seen Eirian, she may have not entered, but curious was the savage to the new world, so enter she did and moved around the tavern, gazing here and there to take in the sight. Much different from Briar. Anulia truly did need to be her own person, in the sense of what she was told. If she wanted to wander about, she did so without worry of having another with her. Perhaps, it was not a smart choice, but one made all the same. After being sheltered for so long in her prior life, she found enjoyment with being alone. The only reason people looked to her was because of her different skin tone and facial features. Most did not linger on her longer then that if they had, Anulia had not noticed. Chocolate eyes drifted upwards to Eirian now and then. That woman..she looked like a marble statue come to life to walk and talk to those around her. So different in every way from Anulia herself save for the dark hair that adored their heads. Her attention had been on Eirian for the moment when she felt a rough hand seize her wrist, pressing the soft cloth of her dress into skin, making her head snap chocolate eyes towards the source that made her pause. A sailor of some kind..for he looked as if he had not bathed in days. Anulia did not snap at the male, for that was not her way, but why did men insist on grabbing her? "Sir..if you would please.. remove your hand." the man's words slurred and she had to listen closely to understand why he had grabbed her. "Lass....un....drunk...unother...""Drink?" she tried to encourage and now understood the point of him grabbing her. She was not a tender here, but he assumed other wise.

Eirian- " It's my pleasure! Besides, isn't that a tradition, here about in spring time? Neighbors exchange a task for another, or some sort of thing? So I have been told.." Eirian was comfortable behind the worn wooden bar, dolling out orders alongside wanderers from the streets participating in the traditions. Frothy liquid spilled over the cups, touching over the backside of an upturned hand. "Welcome, everyone!" The banter she offered was different than the gruff, garbled tones of folk in their cups, so it was acknowledged with a lifted mug the other women went to instantly fill. The trick was to keep every cup from reaching the sinful, dry bottom! Her silks were exchanged for linen and spring cottons instead. As she turned to serve, lilac cuffed sleeves put naked forearms in the light for review, spreading the candle's color across a pomegranate dress' canvas. " I like this tradition! The Lady Eirian makes your room pretty Grufford, along with all these other fine lasses...won't ye come to sea with me girl?" A sailor swept open his arms and professed his like to her in half drunken drawls of admiration only to be graced with her laugh instead of the privilege of sweeping her away. Form the corner of keen sight, she spied Anulia being mistaken for hired help. Poor girl, she'd never understand this world's traditions at this rate! "Anulia, hello! Come, let me introduce you to Grufford." "Honey mead? But the sweetest drink in the land for a sweet lady, high large a cup my dear?" Her hair was strewn about with flowers, left to coil long and unbidden to go up again as it had been during the day. Grufford's wife swept past her in a breeze, easily navigating a slap to her rump with a saucy chastizing. One did not become the pub keep's wife and expect to be cared for by sea folk with kid gloves!

Anulia- There was truly no need to lash out at a mistake and Anulia's calm aura said she would not do such. Chocolate eyes drifted from underneath her dark and long lashes as she heard Eirian's voice came out over the conversations of the crowd to greet her. She would..if the man but let her go. A compromise was needed and she tried to think on the best way to handle this. "Sir..if you let me go, I shall bring you a drink once more." a delicate hand reached out for his mug and pulled it towards her nose to inhale the drink he had been taking. A trick of the trade from being a tender since she arrived. Whiskey. Another poison for the body. Odis had explained such to her, but still she did not see the point in putting poison into the body at this extent, or any extent. The man held on still, looking as if he were falling asleep under the brim hat that covered part of his features in shadow. The rest, was covered by facial hair, longer then that upon his head it seemed. Placing the mug down, she worked each thick finger from her wrist and once she was released, she rubbed her skin under the sleeves of her dress, taking up his mug with the hand she was tending and moving away. While she did not have to keep such a promise, she would. It was simply in her nature

Eirian- " Here you go lass, a glass neither to large or small. Be sure to show your thanks to the keep of the house!" Tradition dictated that those inside of establishment or home in spring who received good hospitality turned attention to those that kept the hearth. " May Grufford's place stand for many happy years, and congratulations to him that he may have a happy marriage with many children," "Aye, girl, but m'thinks they should rub your belly for luck, no?"

Tommy- Walking in through the out door, the leather-clad Talon paused on the thresh, just long enough to scan the interior of the establishment for one in particular. When the target of her attention wasn't seen, she pressed forward, maneuvering her way through the crowd and heading directly for the bar. The best information could be found among the soused; they leaked data without ever realizing their mistake. Glancing to the unusually large male that accompanied her, she created space at the bar, including enough room for the human obstruction known as General Maahes. Pressing an elbow against the edge of the bar, she leaned, comfortably, and lifted the opposite hand to signal the tender. Two fingers were extended, and two ales would be highly appreciated; drinking on duty was never a challenge to Tommy's ethics, not in the least. "Think we may have missed him," she murmured to the giant Egyptian, pursing her lips to express displeasure.

Eirian- " Here my dear, on the house..come, enjoy. Happy Spring and welcome to Skye, to Turas Lan. " Eirian waved away her disdain and plunked a few coins in the till on her behalf. Generosity given was generosity to be returned, but before the mead could be enjoyed the nervous recipient dashed through the door! Pressure applied to the brows left ginger placed furrow in the center as the head shook side to side. "Anulia, I didn't know you had a liking for this place. How are you tonight, anything new happen to thee since the day?" A starched towel came in hand to wipe the remnants of work away while other girls slid down the bar to tend the new arrivals. Oh, silly hopes had a few! To be a captain's sweetheart, a first mate's wife.

Maahes- Against the night they had moved so easily, form after form passed over with the darkest of amber.What a site to be had, the two battle starved warriors crossing lands that were not their own. He hated the ships that set sail, hated the rocking motion of the waves, but most of all how small the ocean made him feel. Always one to stick out like a sore thumb, the Muslim was weary of every gasp that would move past pale lips. As the doors closed behind him and the frame barely missed African drums pounded against the hard surface of his chest. "He's getting better." The sound of his voice rolling from his lips like thunder in the distant; rich and pulsing with an accent born from a lifetime spent under an unforgiving sun. He could not as easily find his seat as his spine straightened with the scan of the room. New lands, came with new threats, and very little would pass this one.

Anulia- Slow and steady steps were taken towards the bar, but having been all the way on the other end of the pub, it would take her some time to maneuver her form towards Eirian and the counter. A soft smile was given in greeting to Eirian as she spoke, before Anulia felt another pause in her steps and this one was not her own. It was brief, a tug given to her skirts as she forgot to hold up the material and a passing male stepped upon them. She quickly fixed her error and moved to snatch her brown and blue skirts in her hands so she could once more head towards Eirian. "This is the first time I have ventured here. Most nights that I do not work, I wander about to learn more of these lands..no..nothing that will offer conversation..I.." a pause was given as she noticed the female that had just entered, looking a bit more serious then most females Anulia had seen about the lands. Only moments later did chocolate eyes see the overly large male behind her. Full lips parted slightly as her grip was lost upon he mug and it went clattering towards the floor. It may have been rude, but Anulia stared. At only 5'4, the male was a giant compared to her smaller frame, but unlike the others in the tavern, Anulia had other reasons for staring. His skin, his hair, his features...they were like her own. Aman-ud-Din and Tahirah now paled in comparison to the similarities that passed between herself and that male. If Eirian was still in conversation, Anulia could hear nothing as her mouth parted and stayed that way, slightly. Was the male so large that he shook the ground?

Eirian- "Nothing ventured sweet one, nothing gained. Hopefully you will find a few good souls tonight that will answer your questions...life is very broad here..Anulia?" Footsteps carried her around the square corners to stand beside the woman as they spoke, only to find that shock had a different plan in mind. " Are you alright, Anulia.." she whispered, reaching out to tap her arm with persistent vigor to ensnare the attention that had drifted off. Gaped mouth, like a fish belly up from the sea, the Welsh sought to know what stole the air. "Anulia, whatever is it?" Her voice transferred to lower regions of tone, the lyricsm attaining an esoteric aesthetic as council was privy between them alone.

Tommy- The term of endearment from the barmaid fell on deaf ears, and though it wasn't intended as an insult, it surely could have been mistaken for one. Realizing her mistake in hindsight, she deposited a coin atop the bar, a gesture of thanks for the well wishes and welcoming service. The depth of baritone that assaulted, from Maahes' own lips, caught her attention; she turned her body slightly to face him, eyes traveling the plains of his chiseled face as she pondered the statement. "Indeed he is. Not good enough. We'll find him." The woman reeked of confidence and seeped strategy -- tactics weren't unfamiliar to the long-time pair of comrades. Lifting the mug to her mouth, she drank deeply, and then turned her attention to the vast expanse of the room. It was littered with ever moving bodies, each having their own agenda for the evening. Finding that several pairs of eyes were resting on Maahes wasn't surprising. "Taking you anywhere is like leading a monkey by a leash. Draws all kinds of attention." Mutter.

Maahes- The Beast would only narrow his eyes to the woman who so carelessly lost control of the contents of her hand. Her open mouth and gasp was nothing he was not used to, and perhaps what this place meant to Apollo was the only thing that kept that woman's head atop her shoulders. Dark eyes would narrow at the woman, and as Tommy spoke so did the voice of reason. He did not carry his sword at his hip, but strapped against the lines of his back. The curved blade pressed against one shoulder tip against the base of his neck in a leather holster. So ever-so-slightly did a hand raise to the base of his spine just to curl a finger or two around that fitted hilt. Silently he'd dare the woman on, air forced from his chest and out his nose in a wayward huff.

Eirian- The woman was spell-bound to what was just over the bridge of her nose and out in the sequestered space of the common room. As she peered over to observe her eyes, chocolate orbs manifested over miles spanning infinite thousands too far to count that took her away from the place her feet stood on. What was there to do? Stand amay for answers; ethereal countenance stood silent vigil over the innocent as a language she'd never heard crossed Anulia's lips as if she expected the man in front of her to answer

Anulia- Eirian's words were not lost on her, but her attention was shifting between memories and the here and now. Narrowed eyes towards her, would only help to confirm her thoughts at best as he moved past her. Had someone else survived? She did not know this man and he looked right at her. Did he not see her? Did he not see she was like him? He kept moving and his stance was one that Anulia understood as some one who was not in a mood of any kind to be looked upon and she dared to move forward, ignoring the mug on the floor, as it had nothing left to leak or leave save it's solid form. Her mouth finally closed and she swallowed hard as she thought of the words to say to him. " Malia pavio. Tiska lia." Her voice was sweet but with more firmness then one would think. Only during the last words, had her voice started to break as she dared to get closer. Had he escaped as well. How...when...what tribe? Chocolate eyes were pleading for him to answer

Selene- Bare feet moved along the ground silently beneath the hem of the simple fabric of the long, white gauzy skirt that swept to the tips of her toes. Pale blue eyes would glance up at the structure as she stood out in front of it, having watched the two she knew disappear inside just moments before. Anxiety welled up within her, but a deep breath was taken to expell the knot of nerves tightening around her stomach. She had not come this far to turn around in fear. The few steps were taken to allow herself entrance to the pub, wild eyes glancing around quickly ... and thankfully it wouldn't be hard to spot the warriors. Quiet footfalls fell against the floor as she made her way toward them and slipped up into a seat beside the large Egyptian.

Eirian- Did Anulia fancy a piece of the unknown homeland on the stranger's face, that his mouth moved in unknown connotations of another place? Air was trapped in the lungs in order to be held captive -- no exhale, not yet, it waited for the ineviable heartbreak

Tommy- Idly, she fingered the hilt of the dagger strapped at her thigh; it was a comforting action that instigated a relief of sorts. The brief exchange between Maahes and another was instantly noticed; she smirked when an attempt to communicate with him was made -- they weren't familiar with whom they were dealing. Turning her back to the room, she lifted the mug again, only to drain it entirely of its contents before it was again abandoned. Eyes shifted when Selene was finally noticed; how had she missed the woman's entrance? Odd, that. She shouldered Maahes, gently, providing support, as always. With a backward lean, she nodded to the witch in greeting.

Maahes- A quick release of the strap that so carefully kept death at bay, would only be one motion away, but as she spoke Maahes only took one step to tower over her body. How easy it was to devour your prey when so made it so simple. "Turn around and walk away." Would be more then he had truly ever given any, but there was a tone of desperation that even the blackest of hearts could easily relate. Tommy's touch was always appreciated, in many ways it brought him back to reality; crashing against the shore of reason and manners. The Muslim then passed eyes over the movement of the witch, before returning them to the woman before him.

Aman-u-Din- Aman-ud-Din passed down the street like a dark shadow, dressed in the dark robes of the Arab world as well as the turban upon his head, leaving locks of ebony to touch his shoulders. The dark cloth hid the lower portion of his face leaving chocolate eyes visible to observe his world. Having previously inquired the location of Anulia and finding a new piece of information that both she and Eirian were unescorted, the lofty Middle Eastern made it his business to serve as a person escort. The ends of his robes swirled about gray booted feet as long strides carried him to the pub. Aman-ud-Din was not a lover of these places, personally, but this was not his choice of destination. Passing within, dark eyes glanced this way and that, searching for the two women who should have been with at least a guard. Well, now he would take up that role.

Anulia- There was no denying that this larger male did indeed tower over Anulia without so much effort. While she was not slender like most women, she still had features that were smaller such as hands and feet. Anulia did not try to get any closer then she had, but chocolate eyes went wider like a doe's at his words. Firm and deep, then made her afraid, but her mind was pushing past such to find out truth. Why did he look as he did? Why was he here? Why did he tell her to walk away? Not only that, but the mind began to turn the words and language in her head. It was not the one she had spoken. Eyes shifted to the woman that seemed to ease him with words, before they shifted back to him. "Why.I mean no harm.." The woman's movements made Anulia look to her once more before looking to the male around her. " What have they done to you? Do you not understand my native tongue anymore? How did you escape them?" So many questions in her mind, she her mouth ran away with her.

Selene- Her head nodded in a return response to Tommy, though her attention was taken for a moment by the exchange between Maahes and the stranger, slender brow arching slightly as the odd shaded blue gaze would study the latter carefully .. especially so when Tommy rose to place herself between them.

Tommy- "Gently. Gently, my friend." The soothing sound of her gravelly voice was almost drowned out by the obnoxious wave of cheering coming from a table across the way. Pushing from the bar, she moved to stand behind him, planting a hand between the blades of both impressive shoulders. Luring Maahes back from wherever he went (when in such a dangerous mode), was sometimes challenging, and if she didn't handle herself carefully, it was she who would find his wrath. "Please, give him space. He doesn't handle crowds well." No, the screaming, boisterous wave of power that spliced through the Colosseum when the Egyptian was forced to fight..still affected him. They'd do well to take heed of the gentle warning. "Let's speak with Selene, Maahes. Perhaps she can help us find Percival."

Eirian- The willow stepped in closer to bend near the presence of Anulia to keep their companionship close for safety's sake. Grasping at straws in the text of the common tongue, she wondered how much truth she gleaned from the meager offering. Blunt, straightforward expression may have gotten one to heed but it didn't foster all. There were too many nuances in this world, and for this one Eirian feared that it might prove too much so as she spoke she put a hand to Anulia's shoulder, gently, firmly, to keep her from going too far forward. A faint perfume from Anulia's flesh, the inflection of sound in the throat began to play at things kept qiuet.."Anulia, my friend..I do not think he is from where you are from...some may have earthen skin..but the world is very vast and big. He comes from another place.." The even tone subsided as her eyes began to close, a flash of light, a stroke of midnight behind shut lids..a flash of a place Anulia called home appeared in the mind's eye before it was nothing more than tables again

Maahes- Features so easily confused found themselves working a new puzzle. Voice rose like distant songs as thoughts would travel to perhaps where he could have at once placed her. No, there would be no they nor escape just the rolling sands of a barbaric nation he once called home. A cloudless sky and a torturous sun, some of the very few things he truly could remember. There came a time in everyone's life where the past was simply forgotten. Though parts live on and affect the way a mind worked, it was simply that..gone. The scars that chased his flesh could be easy reminders, but now they were simply marks of life. No, this one did not handle crowds well, he didn't handle ships well either, so perhaps tonight just wasn't the night. A ticking time bomb, with a furious upper cut, this one was a trained army alone. Yet, as Tommy lured him back to where he sat, that army became one and eyes would then part from the woman to be replaced against the features of his companions.

Eirian- Two of them touched each person in the encounter, and Eirian observed the woman who touched the towering giant to ease his ire. Ether was pulling away from the corners of her mind until the distinct utterance of familiar sound took a name. Percival. It made her seek the inside of the depths again, even so far as to turn from Anulia to ingest the transmission of the sound's echo in the ear as it created an instant reaction.

Selene- Soft lips had begun to move silently as the tense exchange continued, her fingers slowly curling into small fists at there sides. Fortunately, however, it seemed that Tommy would be successful in luring the beast back toward Selene away from the stranger. Taking a slow breath, she forced her hands to relax one finger at a time and allow the rush of panic subside within her and the threat of having to defend ebbing away. Her gaze shifted between Maahes and Tommy then.

[Anulia of Amora]

Eirian- Sound, texture, color, taste: sensation became muted subtexts in the body of a great work. A greeting may go lost in the abysmal melee as it stretched, pulled, and became a new shape. Good women of Christ did not speak of gifts that came from the Enoch line, nor give whisper to the mystic if it had rolled in veins with the crimson tide. She commanded it back, back so that she could see with sapphire jewels Jelenah near by, or the Lady night Brynna in causual retirement against the wall. Aman-un-Din had entered into the living portrait, unsure she was of when his entrance had painted the setting at all. " Good evening, Jelenah..Aman-un-din..Brynna. But excuse me for a moment.." A pardon that may not have been granted by them but taken all the same. With the Arab here Anulia would be safe now, steered and guided with the questions that preforated her conscience as she now needed a gust of fresh air to preforate hers.

Anulia- Chocolate eyes drifted towards the woman of more fair skin between the two of them as she spoke of him wanting space and not liking crowds. Anulia could not have known that. Anulia was so confused, she did not notice Aman-ud-Din had entered. There was never a time when she did not notice him, but now her attention could not even be given to Eirian when she touched her. Anulia did not press forward, did not crowd the male or his companion's space, but she did continue to look to him, seeing he was not responding or answering her questions. Instead, he turned away and that confused her all the more. Eirian's words...she heard, but..how could that be? How vast was the world that others could look the same but not be from the same place? She did not understand and her eyes showed it as tears began to mist them over while she looked to the male. His attention was no longer to her, but her own had not left him yet. Full lips grew red with her heart's ache at the first person she had seen to look just like her for so long, simply pretended as if she were not there. Her words came out quiet, as tears were so close to falling. "You..are not alone, but you make yourself as such." Chocolate eyes tore from him and moved to see Eirian had left her side. Only then, did she see Aman-ud-Din and walk towards him, trying to be strong and not show hurt. She was hurt, because now more then ever she felt truly alone.

Tommy- Her jaw flexed tightly under the tension that now weighted the room. It blanketed tightly, weaving between and around to grasp with its steely control, unrelenting and unforgiving to all present. The smaller female was given a brief nod of thanks, and then she was repspectfully dismissed as the group had business to discuss. Looking again at Selene, Tommy grabbed a chair back and flung the thing around; it was straddled, arms folded comfortably as she sat. "I need to know if you can find him, Selene. I need to find Percival, and I need it to happen tonight. Help me." ..It wasn't a question.


Aman-ud-Din- Coming into only what the Lord knew was happening, full lips were pressed together and he silently cleared his throat. Surely he looked out of place in this part of the world, but he did not mind in the slightest. A thick brow arched as he watched the two women carefully. Upon Eirian's voice, the Arab nodded, and having no choice now, his direction was towards them and he silently approached. A polite, but curt, nod was given to the woman as he took a stance behind the women, a glance to those about them as large hands clasped the opposite wrists and were hidden within the long sleeves of his black robe.

Tommy- Tears? What's this now? Frown.

Selene- Selene very barely resisted the urge to place her hand on Maahes, if only to let her calming touch ease the fire simmering within them, but she remained still. Despite the fact she had shared his bed for several nights now, she would not deign herself priviledged enough to simply act so at her whim. The glacial blue eyes shifted to fixate on Tommy then and a slight nod of her head was given. "I know." She paused for just a moment before the heavy broken accented alto continued. "That why I follow you. To help."

Eirian- The door was her destination but the window afforded gust enough to keep her behind the heavy oak doors of the Pubs at Dockside. Scarlet stained an unaccustomed flush of bright color the woman's skin while gravity eased her back against the broad sill. Why had the touch triggered the spiral that raced forward without her insistance? Then again, who could stop a dream from taking hold in the depths of the night when the body slept? Visions were similar. At times they were as involuntary as a heartbeat, as quick as lightning strike on clouds. "Percival.." she muttered to herself.."Percival.."

Aman-ud-Din- Chocolate hued orbs turned to Eirian for a moment, and brows furrowed a bit in concern. "My lady.." He whispered to her, but then the presence of Anulia coming came to his attention. There was something in her eyes, those deep brown orbs that made his frown deepened a bit, though the downwards curve of his lips were hidden behind fabric. Hands released their hold upon his wrists and lowered to his side. "Anulia...?" He asked, partly, concerned.

Maahes- He no longer heard the woman's voice, but as Tommy's own found the shell of his ear, Maahes read the lips of the woman. you are not alone. How perfectly that fit him, that woman would never know. His comrades were speaking that much he was aware of, but as reality grounded him he'd suddenly realize Selene was even there. Perhaps he had expected her to listen, to know the urgency of the subject and how he could not have any distractions. It was how they worked, and just as he was about to offer his protest..Tommy had muttered two words..'help me'. "No, she is to return home on the first ship at dawn." The witch was a very powerful prospect to the lands now. She had her place, and he knew the road they were to tread to be dangerous. Tommasina was battle, the fires burning twice as strong within that chest then of his own. If anyone could find that man, this woman could.

Tommy- A half-smile erupted from the woman, something that wasn't seen often! She stared at Selene, narrowing her eyes, then shook her head in disbelief. The witch had saved her ass on more than one occasion, and here it seems she was we find him, or--" ...that was enough information from her, for now. Maahes' command, however, didn't go ignored. "We need her. She's not going back, and if you challenge me on this, we'll end up in the alley again." Brow quirk. Their last..argument..had gone saturated in physical blows.

Eirian- Fiddler Fitzgibbons turned his violin and drew the bow across cat gut to bleed fairy-tale blood saturated with his own desire for the crowds so they might fill the case still hollow with want for funds. Tables were pushed aside as a few seasoned men sought to take the hand of a lady fair to lead her across the room. Others partook of a heavy supper, slopping thick gravies with baked bread hot from the oven. "You look peeky Lady! Perhaps a little bread n' gravy eh? Ye haven't had a nip since ye got here.." The pub keep's wife thought it pertinant to point that out to Eirian, who did not disuade the kindness she was shown, "Yes, that'd be fine, I thank you..and if you would..could you bring one of your lanterns back with ye, the corner is a little dark." Fortune! The suggestion was taken as merely only, though Eirian had another reason she wanted the enclosed source of flame close at hand

Maahes- Lord he still didn't sit right from that little alley fight. Dark eyes narrowed as he was quickly overruled. Passing then his gaze over the contents of the room he'd press them against the ivory flesh of the one who so carelessly muttered a single name. Though his attention was then captured and contained with the strings of the violin. Over the past few years he had heard it played only once, and the songs were everlasting. "We need to find him before our king." No it did not take his under educated mind to work hard on that concept. Apollo had vengeance against a man, and the one thing he had truly learned about his King was to not cross that one.

Tommy- Tommy suddenly runs out the front doors, heading around back to use the little girls room. Poof.

Anulia- Anulia did not want to shed tears over this. She had not shed a single tear since she fought death to get to this land and now they were ready to release from her body so fast over...a stranger? No...it ws a stranger that looked like her in more ways then one. Still, she would not cry like some lost child. Her chin tilted a bit higher as Aman-ud-Din called her name through the fabrics of his facial wrappings and chocolate eyes stared to his own dark ones. She inhaled softly, trying to gain control. "Aman-ud-Din...." Her back was stiff and she was unsure what to do. A hand moved to her opposite writ and pulled back the sleeve to gaze down upon the scars that the chains and shackles from months of digging into her skin. Everything else around her was nothing but mumbled and distant voices as she beg his pardon and moved towards the front doors. Air..she needed air and to think better on her words. The smell of salty air greeted her as soon as she stepped from within the Pub and into the night. Eyes drifted to see not many about as she headed for the corner area and a darken alley way to hide from curious eyes. Home. It was becoming a distant memory to her and fading unlike the scars upon her body. Arms wrapped about her middle as she sunk down into a crouch while she let her body do as it must and silently cry. There was no need for shouts, for who would want to listen. No need to be angry, for things were how they were, so why could she not fight the sadness and lonely feeling? One hand reached up and slipped fingers into the top of her dress to feel the scars that ran along her slender shoulder blades. They kissed all over her back and rear, around the back of her thighs and sides of her stomach. Being a slave was not easy and Anulia had come out with a smile when most harbored it deep inside and had let it fester into hate. Ankles and wrist held the scars of the chains that had weighed her down so many days and nights, eating at her flesh with rust and heat. When she saw dogs, she still shook from toes to head as she remembered one biting into her thigh to stop her escape. Suddenly, she wanted to go home, but she still had no idea where it was. A hand touched her shoulder lightly and mist covered eyes turned to see Aman-ud-Din there, offering what comfort he could. For once...it was not enough to ease her.

Galen- Galen's small frame had finally started to cramp up, it wasn't easy to be fetal in a crate next to what he swore was full of potatoes for a couple of days. He had finally had enough of the tight space and freed himself, though he swore he couldn't help but bring the box with him. Ah ha! It was a potato.! Galen kicked at it slightly, watching as it rolled away into the corner. His stomach was growling, compelling him to leave the confines of the ship. Blue eyes took a moment to focus as the moonlight filled his hues. Lanky arms stretched high above his head, relieving the stiffness he felt in his muscles. The pub, it must have been where they all went, but this time he would make sure he didn't get caught by his Father. He would be in, then out then back to the ship! It seemed his lucky star was shinning tonight for a window was left open near the back of the pub. He took a running leap, nearly flying head first into the confines of the building. Thankfully he landed in what he made out to the the kitchen, for his light frame met with the soft bags of flour. One of the bags was left open, sending a cloud of white into the air.: " Ugh...Achoo!" : Poor Galen! He crawled out with a halo of powder atop his head, the back of hand coming to meet with his nose.

Maahes- Against the very shore of his mind crashed the wave of heat from Selene's voice. His skin stilled against her breath and chills chased his spine. Her words were clear and easily made out, but often he had trouble understanding. It's what happened when he got tired. English met Arabic and both were a constant war with who should leave his lips. "You should be wrong. If he is here, God could not save him from my wrath." There was poison behind those eyes, just then as he rose them from the top of the bar. "I am not taking well to being disobeyed." Like a good trained dog, was the picture he was raised on as far as women were concerned, it had taken a lot to beat that out of him. Tommy was first inline, then Danae, and who knows perhaps Selene would get to take her shot.

Selene- Dark brow arched slightly at his words, the temper seeming to fill the man this eve virile and lethal. "Maybe I be wrong." The words murmured quietly, though Selene knew very well the boy was present .. and that he was only a room away from them. "We look for man now?" Maybe a change of subject would work in her favor, though it didn't seem likely.

Eirian- "Here," one finger followed the whisper's impact as air spread out in a mist over the lantern's cover. Food should have been more important, given inside the babe was discontent! Swimming, flipping, fluttering under the silk clad belly, a kick conveyed discontent only to quiet as if it knew the mother was busy in some task or other. Capturing the lantern in hand, the bowl was abandoned as she carried the light to the bar to ask Grufford he if he might burden one of his boys with the task of escorting her to the docks nearby for the purpose of...an inquiry to the dock master.

Maahes- He knew better, don't play games with this one. A flat palm would find the surface of the bar, and he'd rise. The middle of the room would find him standing in the midst of dances and drinkers. "Galen!" His voice boomed like thunder heard within the same instant of the flash of light. If the boy was close he would know to come running. Or..at least if he knew what was best for him.

Galen- "...Shoot..." : He heard his Father's voice loud and clear, so much for being in and out! Well, if he was going to get yelled at might as well have something to eat, he needed something to occupy him while receiving Maahes's wrath. Quietly he creeped out from the kitchen, white flour smudged on his cheeks. Galen was going to take his time, nibbling on an apple as his final steps were taken.: "Ah...I swear I was going to go fishing and I took the wrong boat..." :yeah that was a bad lie

Anulia- Finally she stood, looking to Aman-ud-Din and placing a hand on his own as she wiped her eyes. She was fine..on the outside. Inside no one needed to truly know her thoughts save for herself. "I am ready to go back inside now.." she spoke as she placed her hand within his and laced their fingers together for comfort as they headed back around to the front entrance and inside. As much as she tried, she ended up looking to the male who now was standing some distance away. Eyes left him for a moment as she moved back to pick up the mug she had dropped and no one else bothered to worry on, then placed it back on the counter of the bar as her skirts were pulled and shifted so she could take a seat once more. Aman-ud-Din sat down by her side and released her hand to pull at the wrappings over his face, tugging them down to show the tattoos that marked his cheeks and forehead from his homeland. Arabic markings giving to him during his time of duty for the sultan. Anulia's chocolate eyes stayed on the counter until the boy moved from the back kitchen and headed towards the large beast of a male.

Maahes- He would say nothing, standing in silence he felt betrayed. For once he'd like for the boy to listen. To understand the stress that this puts on him. Now, not only did he have to watch his own back, now two others. Selene's words crept up on him and he'd turn to bring his voice against one shoulder. "No, not tonight." He'd move away then from them, both left in the tavern as slow steps carried him outside and into the night. This beast needed sleep, and he wanted to be alone.

Selene- Selene's gaze drifted between the father and son, only nodding her head briefly in response to Maahes's words before watching as he stomped out of the pub. A foul, foul mood that man was in. Slowly the pale blue gaze shifted back to Galen, a faint smile offered before she waved him toward her.

Galen- :Galen was quite happy that he didn't get yelled at too much. True he felt bad defying the man, but hell when you declare yourself dead then come back, who wouldn't want to spend more time their loved one? He made his way over to the woman, wiping away the flour from his cheeks.: " Don't worry, he's just grumpy. His bark is way worse than his bite..." : He smiled brightly, each pearly white being displayed.: " I am Galen...whats your name?" : he tilted his head to the side, causing a waterfall of curls to follow.

Selene- A small grin twitched over full lips as Galen's explanation met her ears. "Hope so." Her fingers extended to brush a bit of flour from the tip of his nose that he'd missed. Returning her hand to the tabletop, she spoke again. "Selene." Blue eyes studied him carefully for a moment. "Want see a trick?" Amusement glittered in her eyes briefly, seeing if he was up for the challenge.

Galen- " A trick?! I Would love to! I once tried to do a trick but it didn't end up so well. Petey ended up with a black eye..." : He paused for a moment to grin. Not all the days at the boys home were bad! He did have his friends there. He settled into a chair, though blue eyes couldn't help but follow the woman with such fair skin. She sort of reminded him of a princess. He gave her a flour fingered wave, before turning back to face Selene.:

Eirian- "Now, Lady....why e'er do you want to go there.." Grufford protested little or not at all, but on this he would have a say even if someone outranked him. A woman in Turas Lan had the capacity for getting into mischief given the laws of the Island allowed her to persue the means she saw fit! At least this one asked for escort, but it seemed rather late for the pretty one to put her soft feet on hard wood docks. " It is urgent, Grufford. If you can spare a man or two, I have but one question for the Dock Master and no more...given I think that the Duke will wish to know something 'pon my mind, I do not wish to give a half tilt story.." Firm, staunch resolve incapciated his ability to She passed the table containing one floured boy and his feminine companion. It was the same table that stoked mention of the spark that now roared uncontrollably in need of an answer to be the water to douse the flame. Oh, she wanted to speak to them, to say something, but a half tilted tale of an unpieced dream wouldn't do. On her passage towards the door, she smiled to them, leaving them with a face to recall...the first feature being alabaster skin, the second? An unusual, rare set of azure eyes that stood distinguished among the variance of colors many possessed.

Selene- Being that Selene had just barely entered into civilization a week or two prior, it was no surprise that she was not sensitive to the actions of others around her other than the one who captured her attention at that moment. A small smile was given as she nodded her head. "Look at flame. Close." She pointed to the flickering light from within the small lantern on the tabletop. As he stared at it, the flame would seem to separate into two different factions that would then take the shape of a small falcon. It only lasted a moment before melding into a single, oval flame again.

Anulia- Anulia looked to the boy whom the woman of fairer skin then her own was amusing with a trick. What connection did he have to the male she had confronted earlier? She could not help but wonder as she watched. He was light in skin, not like herself or the beast of a man. Perhaps it was much like Tahirah was to her. The squeal of excitement was heard and Anulia smiled once more for the first time in the events that had followed that night.

Galen- :Blue eyes went wide as he watched the flames dance and morph into the winged creature. His jaw dropped but it wasn't long till a squeal of excitement pushed passed his lips. He began to bounce, so much that he lost his balance and took a tummble to the floor. He started to giggle madly, golden curls wildy displayed across the floor.: " How did you do that?! All I can do it wiggle my ears, or was it my nose?" :Laughter once more exploded from his small frame. And Perry said he was growing up too fast!

Eirian- The meager, debateable five feet of stature melded into center of two bohemoths of six feet n' five inches. Between the chisled, muscular strucures she took her steps near the outside world, only stalling to see the happiness splash like a vagabond's traveling show across the face of a young boy causing Anulia to smile. All was right with the world in that, but she wanted to waste no more time. It was gnawing at her now when it had been only a little itch, so she looked into the lantern light again before using the circlle of illumination from it to light the way the short distance down the docks to the Dock Manager's office.

Selene- Selene hadn't laughed in what seemed like years, but at Galen's obvious excitement at her 'trick' Selene couldn't help the throaty, hoarse laughter that bubbled from her lips. It was a foreign strange sound even to her own ears, but not wholly unwelcomed. Slowly she got to her feet and offered him a hand up. "Come. You stay with me" She offered a wink and smile as she steered him toward the door. "Maybe I do another trick?"

Anulia- Anulia's chocolate colored eyes watched as the woman laughed in return and the boy's only seemed to grow before the woman had stood. The male that shared Anulia's features and skin tone had left and not returned, perhaps he would never do such again? Anulia was still not sure what to think of the confrontation. She wanted answers..and they were not given. When she spoke, he ignored and turned from her as if he did not understand her words. Now..this woman and child were linked to him somehow, but Anulia could not think on how. Eirian's words of people being of same skin tone and such, but there had to be more. She had been here for months and no one that looked so simalir had ever ventured here. God...was talking, but Anulia could not understand.

Galen- "mmhm!" : Galen happily took her hand as he rose from the floor. He stayed close her side like a puppy following't master. Golden curls fell into those doe like eyes, casting a gentle shadow across his face.: " Another trick? There is more?" : He began to tug at her.: "Please show me more..." : Another character caught his eye before the pair drifted off into the night. She looked very similar to Maahes, and he couldn't help but send her a long lashed wink. He spoke to no one in particular, but he his phrase was carefully chosen.: "Papa's anger is way of showing love. It's hard for him to know any other emotion...."

Eirian- Eirian curled her hands into a fist before beating on the door that seperated her from the Dock Manager. Inside, he startled, blinking thrice as the little sound carried over to rattle his little ledger and coax ink to pour from bottle. Damn late visitors! Even if he was a terrible insomniac! Another knock showed his visitors had no patience, so imagine his surprise when he pulled back the wood to let him view out of the square cut out! A woman, this late? Well, he didn't remember ordering for a whore...and she didn't seem the whorish sort. Too pretty..too well kept...too well guarded! "I need to know if you've given permission for a certain ship to harbor, please!"

Selene- Selene kept one hand at Galen's shoulder, the other ruffling through his mop of curls for a moment. A quiet laugh sounded again as she lead him out the door and into the night. "More .. but be our secret."

~~~END THREAD~~~