A Most Annoying Decision A demon. I haven't come across this human word before and I'm not sure what the thing is it is naming. So perhaps my sudden distrust concerning Kaldoren Marantar might seem a little misplaced. But I have sensed that something was attached to the little empath. Something of the element of Fire. Something that the mage Marantar should be well able to trace. I think he lied to me about Samiel's condition and quite deliberately. Of course the human has no reason to tell me about this. On the other hand I don't see why he wouldn't. I am quite curious about this demon. The humans at the inn seemed to be very scared of it and I gather this is the reason why the attitude towards empaths has changed so drastically. That they are connected with those demons. Though I'm not sure about the nature of this connection, I somehow doubt it is to the empath's benefit. The thing of the element of Fire that is connected to Samiel is clearly draining him, keeping him from rebuilding his shields. And I start to doubt Marantar's abilities to help that little empath. It seems like he can do nothing more for him then I did the previous night. He can shield him temporarily until Samiel regains the strength to rebuild his own protection against all those emotions washing over him from other humans. Thev might be a foolish, rude and hot-tempered boy who acts without thinking but his mistrust towards Marantar is not completely based on these feelings. Still Thev's outspokenness to Kaldoren Marantar seems to be somehow disrespectful, though I have to admit that it is satisfying to see that this is a general attitude of his and not just directed towards my folk. Wounded pride, the mage had said, is what motivates Thev. Marantar seems to think himself a fair judge on the young human's feelings and himself superior to it. I wonder what could have wounded Thev's pride in connection with the mage and Samiel. Perhaps it has something to do with that green-sleeve-costume of the humans. It seems to put young Thev's pride under a lot of stress. Proud to be a harlot. Too proud to sell himself to certain people like myself. Perhaps he had been Lord Greensleeves to the mage Marantar and that's what annoys him? I think that's what the mage tried to hint at, but then I'm a little reluctant to believe this since he tried to deliberately mislead and distract me. It is strange, but although he is treating me very politely and friendly, I think he dislikes me even more than rude Lord Greensleeves. All this is starting to catch my interest. These demons, the changed attitude towards empaths, and Green Sleeves have enticed my curiosity. I also realize that the best way to study humans is to observe the way they act around each other. Or, what is more revealing still, to watch how they react if someone is not acting the way that they are expecting them to act. Someone like Thev I guess. I have made a decision. It will annoy all people involved. It certainly will. -------- As Joanathos and the mage arrived back at the inn, the four other immortals had gathered with their trading goods at the edge of the forest - tall, slender shadows waiting patiently, while Marantar's men inspected the Fair Leather and amber. The humans shot longing glances at the Borderland Inn, where there was more enjoyable company than the haughty, taciturn elves with their cold gazes. There was warmth, a meal and a mug of ale, too, but Master Marantar hadn't given them leave to go and get warmed up in the tavern. And they couldn't leave the silver unguarded. At least there was something to keep themselves busy as the Fair Lords and Ladies had returned a little while ago. Negotiation between their grey-blue haired leader and Rielen had been rather short, though Rielen reminded the elves nervously that Master Marantar still had to agree to the arrangement they had reached. The immortals spotted Joanathos and the mage's return first, but they remained waiting without an outward sign that acknowledged the two persons' approach. Marantar was breathing harshly by now and sweating despite the chilly night air. Even though Samiel was achingly thin and light, he was an awkward burden to carry down a steep winding path and through the forest. More than a few times the mage had stumbled or slipped on a root or loose rocks, but he had managed not to fall or to drop Samiel. Moving with easy grace the immortal had followed Kaldoren Marantar without ever offering a hand or a word. "Master Marantar!" one of the men exclaimed as he noticed the mage stopping by the train of pack ponies. He walked over to help his master with what he was carrying, but then froze as he realized whom the mage held gathered in his arms. Uncertainly the man took a step back. "You've found him..." he remarked unnecessarily. Kaldoren Marantar didn't deign to answer, but ordered the man to fetch a blanket. His arms and back were aching and even more he cursed himself for not having taken the blanket from the cabin to wrap Samiel into. The simple, linen, knee-length shirt the boy wore didn't do much to protect him from the cool air. Now the small body felt all chilled. Obediently the man got a blanket from one of the ponies and held it out for the mage, who grimaced wryly, having both arms full of unconscious empath. "Put it on the ground, Marel!" After the flustered man quickly did what was ordered, the mage carefully lowered Samiel down onto the blanket, wrapping him tightly in it so there were three layers of woolen cloth around him. Marantar's arms were trembling slightly and he kept crouching by the small empath for a moment, massaging his upper arms and shoulders. Then he wiped his face at his sleeve and pried the damp strands of auburn hair away from where they got stuck to his cheeks. Joanathos had stopped a few steps behind them and observed the proceedings. He felt Hylasander come up to him and after he let him wait shortly he turned to look at the young elf. Amber eyes searched his face in the darkness. "Where is that other boy?" Hylasander asked in the elfin tongue. An almost wistful smile curved the silver haired immortal's lips as he observed Hylasander. Suddenly he reached out and lightly brushed his thumb along the other elf's cheekbone up to the slight indention of his temple. The bard's eyes grew wide at the gentle, intimate touch, which came all unexpected. But then a hint of unease ghosted over his smooth features and he took a still closer look at Joanathos. "Joanathos... what do you have in mind?" "Have you brought my bag along?" the tall elf asked softly, not answering any of Hylasander's questions directly. Reluctantly Hylasander nodded. "It is by that tree together with our other things." "Thank you." They both felt that they were watched and Joanathos drew back his hand from the younger elf's face. Even though it was dark and quite a few steps separated them, there was no doubt about Silvassandra's misgiving gaze that rested upon them. But it had been Hylasander himself who had approached Joanathos and asked the questions, so there was nothing she could do against it, not even complain. "I will tell you what I have in mind, Hylasander. Just in a moment." Joanathos said loud enough for Silvassandra to hear. "But could you tell me first, if our trade is settled and finished by now?" "Yes, the humans were just waiting for their leader to return, so he could confirm it." Joanathos nodded, turning back towards Kaldoren Marantar, who had gotten up again and was talking to one of his men. A light touch at his shoulder drew his attention back to Hylasander, but the bard motioned him towards the Inn. Hesitantly a small shadow approached the crowd of men, animals and immortals, as if it looked for something or was afraid to come closer. It was the little maid, Seri. After she observed the mage Marantar for a moment she suddenly walked nearer to Joanathos and Hylasander. Joanathos looked asking down at her, noticing that she held something cradled in her apron. Nervously the girl bit her lip, still being shaken by what had happened at the Inn. "Thev... where's 'e?" she asked in a small voice. "I gaed th' salve 'n' bandages, but 'e wasn't 'ere..." Worry showed in her wide eyes and even with her thick borderland dialect Joanathos had understood enough. "You can give me those and I'll see to it that his burns will be tended to." The elf told her, holding out a hand to make his meaning clear, even if she didn't understand all the words. Seri hesitated for a moment, then put a small jug and some stripes of clean linen uncertainly into Joanathos' hand. As the immortal's slender fingers closed around the simple equipment they brushed the maid's rough little hands and her eyes grew, if possible, even wider. With a small gasp she stumbled back a step then quickly averted her gaze. Her mouth opened and for a moment it seemed like she wanted to say something but suddenly she whirled around and dashed off back to the inn. Joanathos slightly lifted an eyebrow, then he got his traveling bag and put the small jug and bandages into it before strapping the bag across his shoulders. He was only too aware of Hylasander's gaze following every one of his movements but he ignored him and walked straight over to Laertessian. The grey-blue haired elf stood a few paces away from the bustling humans waiting with haughty indifference that they would confirm the trading conditions with their returned leader. As the tall dancer stopped in front off him Laertessian took his time to acknowledge his presence by looking at him. When his silver eyes finally came to rest at Joanathos, tacit resentment showed in them in an unusual intensity. It made Joanathos smile slightly. "The trade is settled." He told Laertessian, as their leader remained silent. "You don't need my ability at the human tongue anymore, nor do you need me to get the silver back north." With a slight inclination of his head Joanathos touched his wrists together in formal sincerity. "I step back from company and claim the 'freedom-of-no-name' again." Laertessian's slanting silver eyes didn't blink and after some moments he just shortly grazed his wrists together in acceptance, then turned away without a word. Joanathos suppressed a soft sigh. Of course Laertessian wouldn't ask what he was up to. Not anymore. But at least there was someone who had asked about it. Someone who was still watching him with patient apprehension. Turning his back on the grim immortal Joanathos walked back towards Hylasander. For a moment he just observed the young bard. "I will now tell you what I have in mind." He offered and Hylasander slightly inclined his head to show that he was still ready to listen. "The leader of this human band has bound that other boy, Lord Greensleeves, by magic. He left him in a small hut close by, where those two boys used to live." Joanathos explained calmly in the elfin tongue. "Now I will go back there and free him and then I will follow young Lord Greensleeves and watch what he will be doing." Hylasander's amber eyes widened slightly at this incredulous decision. "You are doing this so you can write it in your book-thing?" He asked after a moment of quiet disbelief. Joanathos nodded with the hint of a pleased smile. "Yes, I'll be staying here in the human lands." "You are on your own again then." It wasn't a question. It was a statement of calm acceptance. Thus Joanathos didn't bother to nod. His icy-blue eyes sparkled as he gave the young immortal a last look before he turned away and started to walk off, heading for the trail that led to the cabin in the forest. But Joanathos' way was intercepted by Kaldoren Marantar, who gave a small polite bow as he blocked the immortal's path. A rather stiff and short bow. "Fair Lord. I think the trade was to your and to your leader's satisfaction. I am hoping your journey back to the northern lands will be pleasant." The mage said curtly. Joanathos had stopped, gazing levelly down at the human. "I am going back to the hut, to undo the bonds that hold Lord Greensleeves." The elf announced bluntly then raised an inquiring eyebrow, clearly expecting the mortal to step out of the way. Kaldoren Marantar kept blocking Joanathos' path staring at him with growing enmity. "I think, Fair Lord, that this is nothing you have to bother yourself with. This is about human law. Thev belongs to the mines. But since you seem to be worried about him I can assure you that I won't be too hard on the lad, even though he could be punished for running away like that." The elf's eyes were cold and unimpressed and despite himself Marantar found himself shifting nervously under that unblinking gaze. "You are interfering in human business, Fair Lord." The mage's voice sounded strained. "Yes, I am." Joanathos answered leisurely and then just walked past Kaldoren Marantar, forcing the human to back off. He could sense Marantar's boiling anger, but the mage had a far better control on his temper than Thev. For a moment Marantar struggled, considering his options, then Joanathos heard him turning back to his men and ordering them to get ready to move. A human could hardly argue with a Fair Lord. --------- Joanathos walked swiftly along the path, a pale shadow gliding through the velvety darkness of the night that cloaked the mountain slopes and pooled even thicker in the deep valley. The long silvery strands of Joanathos' hair streamed behind him, dancing in the nightly breeze. They caught the errant glint from the thin sliver of the crescent moon, just like the foam on the small brooks that gushed downwards through the narrow crevices in the mountainside to join the dark river in the valley, taking with them a sparkle of silvery moonlight. Light-footed the elf ran up the steep slope never stirring a loose rock, barely rustling the long soft grass in his silent passage. Like a ghost he slipped into the deeper darkness between the trees and soon he reached the clearing, where the deserted cabin crouched amongst the tree stumps and wild brambles. Joanathos entered the hut to the dimly glowing embers of the dying fire that had remained burning in the fireplace. It hadn't much to offer in terms of illumination and warmth anymore. But in the corner with the makeshift bed there was another dimly pulsing source of light. The magical bonds throbbed a dull red defining the form of the prone human against the darkness. Thev didn't stir at the sound of the door opening and closing again. His back was turned on the room like they had left him and his head rested on the blanket, the heavy locks of his hair falling across his face. There was no telling if the young human were still conscious or if he had passed out. Not from here anyway. Joanathos crossed the room and put his traveling bag down on the floor before bending over Thev. The youth was still breathing, the slight heaving of his torso unmistakable. With one hand Joanathos reached out and brushed the tumble of hair back from the human's forehead to see his eyes. They were closed; the thick fringe of lashes resting darkly against the plump cheeks. The elf hesitated, then turned his attention to the bindings of Fire that held the youth, careful not to touch any of the pulsing red twines. To get that close to such a pure form of the element of Fire made his skin itch. He thought of a way to undo those bonds. Perhaps just cutting the original strip of cloth around Thev's wrists would be enough to dispel the magical bonds as well, but that would require touching the fiery threads. Suddenly the bonds flared up a livid orange and Joanathos heard a low, enraged hiss. "You!?! What are you doing here, cursed elf?" Startled Joanathos backed away a fraction from the burning bonds and looked up at the human's face. Black angry eyes glinted at him. Obviously the boy had just faked to be unconscious for now he strained with great vigor against the magical ropes holding him. Joanathos watched him calmly, noting how the bonds started to pulse ever more fiercely with Thev's struggle. "I've returned here to free you." The elf announced. It got him a low snarl from the young mortal. "Free me?! It's yer bloody fault he managed to capture me like that! Go away elf, I don't need your help. I don't believe you're here to free me!" Breathing hard Thev managed to twist around and kick both his bound legs against Joanathos. He would have hit him hadn't the elf gracefully backed away. Thus the boy only managed to get himself in a rather awkward position, squirming helplessly against the constraining bonds. His struggle took on a desperate edge and it grew obvious to Joanathos that Thev started to have troubles breathing. It probably accounted for the lack of more insults following his failed attack. "I suggest, that you stop struggling and calm down." Joanathos told the youth aloof. "You're just strengthening the bonds. They are feeding on your anger." Patiently the immortal watched Thev hiss and stubbornly fight his bonds for some more moments, but then the young human slumped back on the blanket, panting harshly. "It's no use to fight fire with fire like that." Joanathos mused. With that he straightened up, a slight smile lifting one corner of his lips. "I advice you to remain calm and silent, Lord Greensleeves." He watched how the boy grit his teeth and just stared darkly at him, but then the elf turned his attention to what he had in mind. He rolled lightly on the ball of his feet, raising his arms in a long graceful arch. Focusing. Concentrating on calling the element of Water from around him. The room was too small for a real dance but even with this restriction to his movements Joanathos found a way to focus and to recreate the mental impression he had in his mind with the fluid gestures of his arms and with his lithe, flexible torso. Disbelieving the young human stared at the immortal's strange behavior, biting back an annoyed curse. But then Thev's dark eyes narrowed following the elegant long-limbed movements. It looked like the Fair Lord was hunting the air for a thin, almost invisible veil that floated around him. It kept slipping though the elf's long, pale fingers but slowly it gained more substance. An iridescent ever moving veil. Finally Joanathos spread his arms in a languorous gesture, holding the thin veil expanded between his hands. He stepped beside the makeshift bed again and bent over Thev who gazed apprehensively up at him. As the youth opened his mouth in protest the elf raised one arching eyebrow in an acerbic expression that for now silenced the human. Carefully Joanathos drew the veil of Water elemental over Thev's body, spreading it so it covered him from neck to toe. He saw Thev tense as the fiery bonds flickered and hissed beneath the thin layer of Water, but it didn't take long and they were extinguished. With a graceful flip of his hands Joanathos dispelled the element of Water again, eliciting a startled gasp from Thev, as the young human suddenly found his clothes soaked wet. Thev sat up and then swayed slightly as he realized that his arms were still bound behind his back by the strip of cloth. He cursed softly and started to try to work his hands free. Without much success. "By Fimbulan's sacred balls!" Thev spat suddenly, his patience snapping. "There's a knife beside the fireplace, elf. So cut that damn cord!" Joanathos blinked slowly. "Fimbulan's sacred balls?" he repeated in a flat voice. "Well yes, whatever! You've said you'd free me, so do it properly!" The human's sullen glare bore into him. Impassively Joanathos returned the dark look, standing unmoving above Thev. Some moments passed in tense silence and the elf noted, how the young human started to sweat and finally lowered his gaze with a raucous growl. He needed more patience to stare down a Fair Lord. Leisurely Joanathos finally walked over to the fireplace, picked up the notched knife from the loamy floor and returned to Thev. "Marantar knows I am here to free you." He told the boy calmly. "I don't think he sent any of his men after me to fetch you. There's no need for being quite so impatient." Only then he turned his attention on severing the strip of cloth around Thev's wrists. He could hear the human release a pressed huff and the tense set of his shoulders betrayed that patience didn't come easy to Thev. But at least he kept still until his bonds were cut. Curbing a soft moan, Thev moved his arms and rubbed his chafed wrists. He remained sitting on the makeshift bed with his back turned on the immortal. Some more time passed without Thev neither saying anything nor showing any sings of action. This did quite surprise Joanathos. He had no way of telling what the boy was up to, but he would wait to see. "I'm going to catch up with Marantar and his men. I'm going back to work at the mines." Thev suddenly announced still massaging his wrists absently. It wasn't a decision Joanathos had expected from the rash human. "Ai'tike?" He uttered astonished. "Aren't you going to charge off and free that little empath?" The elf's voice held only impassionate interest. "No, Marantar was right. I haven't been thinking." Thev said scathingly. Joanathos lifted an eyebrow and bent around the human to search his face. The weak illumination from the dying embers wasn't making that an easy task, but even in the darkness he caught the fierce sparkle in Thev's black eyes. There was no doubt about it, the boy was still very angry; he seemed to possess a whole range of different ways of articulating his anger. And just now he seemed to have moved from blind anger to considered anger. Joanathos grew aware that Thev's gaze had been redirected, focusing on him and he could watch how he switched back to annoyed anger, his features settling in his usual surly look. "What are ye starin', elf? Just you get it; ye didn't help me by freein' me! I don't need yer help, ye're just interferin'." The boy told him obstinately. A corner of Joanathos' mouth turned up in a slight smile. "I beg your pardon, Lord Greensleeves." Thev gritted his teeth at the immortal's superior calmness. "Just push off, elf!" he growled gruffly. "No. I will follow you." Joanathos told him matter of factly. The blunt statement left Thev glaring speechlessly at the immortal for a moment. Joanathos used the time to pick up his traveling bag and fished out the salve and bandages that the young maid had given him. "Here. I think you have got some burns from Marantar's magic. The little girl at the inn gave this to me to take care of them." Thev still glared at him, not paying any attention to the offered bandages. "You're not going to follow me!" He finally protested. "I don't want you to follow me!" "I know." There was no doubt that the Fair Lord didn't consider this a reason to change his plans. If anything it was an added attraction. Thev exhaled in a furious huff, his chest heaving. "You damned pest of an elf!" "Now, will you take care of your burns?" Joanathos asked unimpressed. With another murderous glare at the Fair Lord Thev got abruptly up from the bed and walked over to where the mat of woven and tied together twigs covered the storage-hole in the floor. He reached wordlessly into it and jerked out a wooden bucket, splashing water on his trousers with the brisk movement. Then he started to unlace his jerkin and pulled it off grounding his teeth around a muffled moan. The green-sleeved shirt followed along with the tight mi-parti trousers. Patiently Joanathos watched Thev wash and dab the worst filth from the burns and chaffing covering his body. He returned for the salve and bandages and walked over to the fireplace. Frowning as much as from his bad temper as from the ill light, he applied the salve on the deeper burns on his lower arms. Then he quickly wrapped the linen stripes around them rather relying on the help of his teeth than asking the elf to give him a hand. Still ignoring the calmly waiting Joanathos, Thev returned to the bed's side and jerked the plain clothes from where they hung at the wall. "Lord Greensleeves?" At first it seemed like the youth meant to ignore Joanathos' calm inquiry, but then he snapped. "What?" "What was that about Fimbulan's balls?" There was no inflection what so ever to Joanathos' voice. Thev stopped half dressed and looked up trying to see the immortal's face, searching for a clue to what he was on about. "What?" The elf's face was just a pale indistinct shadow in the darkness. "Before I cut you loose you said: 'By Fimbulan's sacred balls'." If anything there was an air of faint amusement accompanying the Fair Lord's question. "It's just swearin'. A curse. The mercs' use it." Thev told him curtly and then pulled the coarse shirt over his head. "Indeed..." Thev didn't pay any more attention to the elf's musings but reached out and grabbed the blanket on the bed. "Get up." With easy grace Joanathos rose from the bed and watched how the human jerked the blanket off and then wrapped his spare clothes, the remaining salve and the knife into it. Thev tied the blanket across his back and finally poured the remaining water over the last glowing embers in the fireplace. Without a look at the elf he left the dark hut and setoff into the forest. Joanathos slung his own bag across his shoulders and followed the young human. End of Chapter Six | Part 7 | | Tavernroom | Tales | Hosted by www.Geocities.ws