The Healing Weaver (Open)

[rpgoddess]

((Not to worry, I am glad you are alright. Good luck on the fix, I can only imagine, I've been needing to replace my graphics card for months now))

Naria stirred slowly and gave a muffled groan. Her arm shot out and fell into empty space before landing on the bed where Pippa had slept the evening before. Eyes still closed she groped around for a minute, searchingly, then her rumpled head shot up off of the pillow in a panic.

"Pippa!"

"I'm right here you worry willow." Pippa replied from a seat near the window. Naria puffed out some air to get her hair out of her eyes and focused on her sister.

"What are you doing?" Naria asked as she sat up and rubbed her eyes.

"We need cloths, you especially." Pippa replied matter-of-factly. Naria shook her head, finally seeing her sister had been working through the morning fashioning some tunics out of some gray material.

"Where did you find the things? You didn't go out alone did you?" Naria queried as she threw her legs over the side of the bed and rose.

"No." Pippa answered in a high-pitched voice full of exasperation. "I found them in the dressing table. There are also some other ladies things in there for you to use before we leave. That way we look presentable in a new city."

"Are you saying I don't normally?" Naria asked with a raised brow, she resisted the urge to grin when Pippa clapped her lips together and returned her attention to her sewing project. Naria crossed the room, a little stiffly, and sat at the dressing table. Her image reflected at her. She was still a little pale, but she could see the health flush in her face beginning to return. As she picked up a brush and began running it haltingly through her platinum hair she looked at Pippa."And the fabric?" She asked.

Pippa blushed a bit and tucked her dark hair behind an ear, "An extra blanket I found in the cupboard." She answered quietly. Naria set the brush down and stood, moving to her sister's side, her fingers caresses the fabric. Pippa had long since finished with the shape, and was now working on little flowery designs with the thread in the neckline and sleeves. Gray and white were not normally flattering shades, but Pippa somehow managed to make the new tunics look lovely and well-made. "I don't know how you do it." Naria said with a smile and gave her sister's shoulders a soft squeeze. "You will make a much better wife than I ever would have." She added as she returned to the dressing table.

"So you won't marry the elf then?" Pippa asked after she cut the thread with her teeth and shook out the tunic. She moved to Naria and placed the tunic on the back of the chair Naria sat in.

Naria chuckled. "Sweet Pip, I don't think that is possible."

Pippa stepped behind the dressing screen and her voice floated over in a muffle "Why?"

Why? Naria shook her head. "It's complicated."

Pippa popped out from behind the screen, wearing her new tunic. "I'm not a little girl anymore Nari, I can understand things better than you think."

Naria turned to look at her sister and realized with stunned clarity, that Pippa was indeed blossoming into a woman. Next year she would be marriageable. "No Pip, you are not, are you?" Naria said with a soft smile. She then turned away and busied her self with her hair again. "Even so, it is not my story to tell. Perhaps James Tekkarro will share with you his story someday." She added.

It wasn't long after that that the two had dressed and tamed Naria's hair, washed their faces, and went below. It was too late in the morning to expect much, but the both opted for a cup of cider and then left the inn, fully expecting a few hours of wandering before James found them.

[Elf Prince Tekkarro]

James continued to wait outside, drumming his fingers along his arm and looking about the streets as the sun continued to climb higher in the sky. He sighed and kicked his feet against the cobblestone streets. He looked about and saw a man dressed in rags and approaching him slowly. The torn shreds of clothing adorned his body, as dirt and filth clung to his beard and tuft of hair hanging on his skull. He extended a hand out from under him and whimpered, in the sad way akin to a starving dog.

"Please sir...just enough to feed me for the day." he begged, looking up at James with pleading green eyes, dulled with age and wear. James frowned and stared with pity upon the man. He reached into his pocket, and found a small amount of gold still in his pocket. He poured the amount he had in the old man's hands. He smiled weakly for a moment, before the old man smiled back. The man stood straight once more, His slouched back fine, and he placed the coins back into James's hands. HE stared at the old beggar in confusion. The man laughed and stroked his beard.

"Ah so it is you Prince Tekkarro. Your kindness proceeds you." The old man bowed deeply, the look of age now gone as James noticed his pointed ears.

"Ah, so they sent you from the city." James said, masking the worry and guilt in his voice. The man hastily rose and smiled, pulling from his belt a scroll he had hidden behind his hair and rags. He handed it to James and smirked.

"A messenger?" James questioned, taking the scroll and gripped the scroll tightly. It could not be good news in any way. The messenger simply bowed once more before departing, hiding his face once more and pretending to limp, even though as an elf he was in perfect health. James sighed and shook his head, looking with a sense of dread at the scroll. He finally untied the single gold ribbon around the parchment and began to read.

Your highness, if this scroll has reached you, one of our messengers has finally found you in your journeys. We knew you would somehow return to the Human's city of Durantia. We regret to inform you that the city is in desperate need of your rule. Without a , the elven people have began to worry. Even though the threat of Xariss attempting a takeover once more is gone, without leadership the elves will feel helpless. Please return as soon as possible Tekkarro.
Sincerely, The Council


James continued to run his eyes over the words " Tekkarro." before he could finally accept it. He was in charge now, there was no escaping it now. He was officially the last in the line of royalty. HE hung his head when he heard footsteps approach the door. He quickly stuffed the scroll into his chain belt and smiled as he turned to the door. As Naria and Pippa stepped out, he gazed up and down at their new clothing. They were washed and looked fantastic. Newly refreshed, and without worry. He smiled and crossed his arms. "Well, you two took your time."

[rpgoddess]

Pippa rolled her eyes at James, "We are women, we always take our time." She replied.

"Well not always" Naria interjected with a small smile, her eyes everywhere but on James. Suddenly the events of the previous night had her cheeks flaming. Bashful? She couldn't remember ever feeling so in her life.

"Perhaps not you, Nari, but you aren't like other girls, you simply don't care." Pippa added with brutal honesty that betrayed her youth.

Naria flushed a bit deeper but didn't reply.

"So, James, what are you doing here so soon?" Pippa asked, seeming to have completely forgotten how rudely she treated him the day before. She was almost certain that James and Naria were in love, why even James' reluctance to let her sister out of his sight was proof. She found it sooo romantic, but it annoyed her that they always seemed to be covering it. She wasn't a baby, she could handle it, to be honest, she craved to see how Naria would act unrestrained.

"Pippa that is quite rude, please greet James Tekkarro properly." Naria spoke up. Her eyes drained on the side of her sister's face. She felt awkward.

"It's too late for that now," Pippa replied, then shot her sister a look, "Why are you acting so strange?"

"I am not acting strange." Naria answered and lifted her chin slightly, which did nothing to hide her returning blush.

"Yes you are." Pippa argued lightly.

"Suit yourself Pip." Naria sighed, then with some effort she trained her features, slowed her beating heart and lifted her eyes to James' face, she smiled,"Good morning James Tekkarro, I trust you slept well. Please forgive my sister for her unconventional conduct, as I have said many times before, she is young."

"Not so young. You said so yourself just this morning."Pippa complained. Naria closed her eyes and chuckled lightly.

"Yes I suppose I did."

[Elf Prince Tekkarro]

James laughed and poked Pippa in the forehead and laughed. "I thought young ladies such as yourself were supposed to have manners." he jested, looking up at Naria. She looked astounding, but he hided his surprise. He had never really been able to see her up close and what he considered renewed. He laughed and allowed Naria and Pippa to talk amongst themselves briefly. He looked back down at Pippa and stretched, laughing slightly. "Well, as much as it pained me to drag myself from my cozy little patch of dirt on the outskirts of this city, I decided I had better come to check up on you two." He smirked and crossed his arms. "You may not be a child anymore, but that doesn't mean you don't need to be watched young lady." He continued to gaze at Naria and smiled. "So, which one of you crafted the new clothing hm?"
He looked to Naria and bowed. "It is fine, I told you long ago I understand how children are. It is perfectly fine." I Trust you two slept well?"

[rpgoddess]

Naria returned the smile, if a bit shyly, which was yet another shock to her, she had begun to think that one kiss from James had rendered her senseless!

"Very well, thank you." She replied meekly. Pippa on the other hand had crossed her arms over her chest in a defiant manner.

"I fashioned them, and I am not a child!" She stated in a very grown-up voice.

"Yes, yes Pip, we know." Naria sighed. She returned her attention to James and a rolled section of parchment peaking from his belt caught her eye, a missive? She frowned for a moment, fearing he would be leaving soon afterall, but forced the look from her face as she met his gaze. "So, what are your plans for the day?" She asked.

"Yes, what shall WE do?" Pippa chirped happily, nosily. Naria looked at her sister and tilted her face expectantly. Pippa groaned and slumped her shoulders, "I'll just go see about something inside...don't leave with out me." She murmured.

"Wouldn't dream of it."

[Elf Prince Tekkarro]

James smirked at Pippa and gently thumbed the edge of the fabric on one of the sleeves of the makeshift tunics. "Yes, I know you are no child Pippa. This is excellent craft work, you are very skilled for your age." he praised, straightening up once more. He caught Naria eyeballing the parchment in his belt and he covered once more, smiling reassuringly. He rolled his eyes and folded his hands across his chest as well. "Well, seeing as you two are free now, that is your decision, the both of you. I was thinking though if you two would enjoy it, I could give you a tour of the city." he offered, unfolding his arms and gesturing around him. He raised an eyebrow as Pippa went inside, and he glanced back at Naria. The air began to become awkward in the silence, as he drummed his fingers along his arm. He shrugged and looked around at the city. "Well..."

[rpgoddess]

"Are you leaving?" Naria blurted then covered her mouth, eyes wide with apologetic shock. "Don't answer that, I'm sorry." She added in a hurry. Crossing her arms over her chest she leaned her back against the wall and looked out over the city. "Actually, I was thinking of looking for work, for a while at least, until Pip and I have enough money to move on." She said finally. "And it will do well to make acquaintances with the local shop keepers, the more who know us, the safer we will be here during our stay." Naria explained.

It was a spur of the moment plan, but once she said it out loud, is seemed sound enough. Naria gave a short nod in confirmation, quite proud of herself for being able to formulate a plan of action so quickly. She swallowed down any doubts that she ma have had about it, she and Pip would be okay. She slid a glance at James, how quickly things seemed to change, she was sure though that once they found her father things would settle, and maybe then she would allow herself to reflect on what had happened here.

"About last night..." She murmured, then cleared her throat. "I-ah do not want you to feel awkward, I was not displeased." Naria rolled her eyes at herself, not displeased, she sounded like a complete fool, what she wanted to say wasn't coming out right at all. "That is, I meant," she paused, "It was nice, I hope you don't come to regret what happened." She stammered. With a deep sigh she shrugged,"In case you haven't guessed, I don't have a lot of experience with discussing...those matters, I've never really allowed myself to be swayed by strong emotion." She explained in a matter-of-fact tone, as if conducting business. "At least, until recently." She added a bit shyly.

[Elf Prince Tekkarro]

James Tekkarro blinked in confusion and stepped back slightly at the sudden outburst. He understood that Naria would be worried about him departing, but he thought he had assured her last night that he was going to stay for quite some time. HE laughed slightly at Naria's embarrassed reaction and made a slight tsk sound with his teeth. "Nothing to be ashamed of. I assure you, I am not leaving yet, I promise." He listened to Naria's plan, finding a few problems with it, but in every other way seemed perfectly safe. He flushed a little bit and laughed nervously. "Well, that does sound well and all, but I don't really thin we need money..." he said, remembering the large chest of gold he had acquired back in the village, which he had kept safely stored with his horse. Even now as they speak, it was still strapped to the side of the saddle. He shook his head and smiled. "But we could stay here for awhile, and knowing people would never hurt."

James flushed red against his pale skin once more at the mention of the foolish occurrence he brought about last night. He felt like a fool for what he had done, and now it seemed it would come back to haunt him. Even as they spoke, the way she said things, he felt as if he had attacked her. It did not bother her is what she meant, but she had been in too much shock to react. HE shook his head and listened to her stammer on. HE couldn't help but understand where she was coming from. "I too have very little experience in...that area. You may not know, but I too have been locked away from outside society for quite some time."

[rpgoddess]

Naria smiled at James. "I was practicing Pippa's bad habits, I am sorry." She explained referring to her peeking at the parchment in his belt. She gave James a nod. "Well, if you are sure you are not leaving yet, then I have a favor to ask of you." She began, it felt awkward, asking him for more when he had already done so very much. "Actually two, now that I think of it," she added with an inward wince.

She needed to find her father, she knew she must go west to do that, it also made sense to continue on, this city was the closest to the village, and if Hansid was intent on finding her and keeping her under lock and key, or worse, this was a likely place to begin. She also knew that she needed to acknowledge this new found ability of hers, and if she did, she would need to know more about it. She doubted that there were no weavers at all left in the world, it seemed more likely that they were in hiding.

"First, I would like to leave this place, go further west if possible. My father was from the west, but more importantly, I would be more comfortable if there were a greater distance between myself and those lunatics in the village." She explained, she knew that James would not deny her that, he had offered to stay with them longer, possibly even long enough to find her father, and that meant he was open to further traveling. "The second favor may be a bit more difficult, and I would not be angry if you deny me." She began carefully. Where to begin? How to approach the issue without making herself look suspicious?

Naria took a moment to think, then she began."Hansid's entire reason for wanting to keep me underwing and under control was based on a part of our past. Before the birth of my mother, our village often gave birth to some of the fabled healers, the healing Weavers. In those times and before, the weavers were great in numbers, and much sought after by warlords and kings alike to heal their armies or even serve as personal healers to royal families. However, when war broke out across the land not far from the village, some warlords would ride into it, and slay anyone with the weaver mark, it was a tattoo that weavers were required to get so that they would be identified easily. This often resulted in incredible massacres, and then one day, the last of weavers was slain. Or so they claim." Naria took a breath. "Hansid was certain I would be a weaver, even though I had never shown any sign of it. My mother was a descendant of the last great weaver, and so our family is always watched closely for the signs." She said. It was not a lie, she had never shown any sign of being a weaver before Hansid made his accusations. "I am gifted with a knowledge of potions and herbs, and because of that, I was always a suspect." She added. "I want to find out if there are any weavers left, they would be in hiding of course, but I need to know...I need to know if recent events...I need to know if I have the signs." She finished, her mouth closed into a thin line.

[Elf Prince Tekkarro]

James waited to receive Naria's instructions in full before he agreed to anything, but he once again bowed deeply. "I would be honored to help you int he search for your father and the other weavers." he replied, rising back to a firm,straight position. He placed his fist under his chin, pondering to himself the first step of the plan. He snapped and smirked. "I say that we stock up on supplies here first of all. Then, I have a plan on how we can track both your father and your weavers at the same time. Coincidentally it will also keep both you Naria and Pippa safe." He touched the parchment now tucked in his belt mischievously, thinking that being royalty may finally pay off for him after all.

[rpgoddess]

Naria lifted a delicate brow and tilted her head to the left, her face held a questioning expression, "Oh?" She was curious now, she was interested in seeing how James' mind worked. She of course had little idea of how to accomplish either task. She knew nothing about her father, save for he was from the west, and was a warrior. It would pose little problem to ask about, including facts that were related to a warrior who traveled to the village, remained for a time, and then returned changed, emotionally, that is, if true warriors actually expressed themselves as openly as that. However, locating any surviving weavers would be a much more delicate task, they would need to be extremely careful about who they asked, and how much information they shared. It was not only her life on the line, but perhaps countless others, who had lay in hiding for a very long time.

Again Naria played with the idea of confessing to James, how would he react? He was a , or would-be , would he expect her loyalty? Would he demand her services? Would he eliminate an ally to any possible enemy? Naria shivered at the thought. In her heart she was certain that knowing she was a weaver would change little about their relationship, but the need to keep the information secret was so strong. Perhaps because she herself was not yet willing to fully accept the reality of it. She was a weaver.

[Elf Prince Tekkarro]

James Tekkarro continued to think. He began to pace back and forth, scratching his head. He finally smirked and tore the parchment form his belt once more, reading it. " Tekkarro" it had said. So they had already officially named him . That made things all the easier. He turned back to Naria and laughed. "Looks like I'll be heading back home sooner then I thought, only it seems I'll be taking a few friends with me." he jested, gesturing a hand toward Naria and the Inn where Pippa no doubt had her ear pressed against the door. He tucked the paper away and smiled. "You see, the elven people are in tune with the spiritual world in a way not many humans are. And when it comes to healing magics, we are notorious for being second to only, well, it seems the Weavers." he laughed, pondering the thought of how his brethren might act when they found out they were not the greatest after all. He tied his hair back once more, removing a leather throng from the hilt of his sword, which held together the leather concealing the weapon. He attempted to make himself seem at least a tad bit more presentable. He couldn't help but smile. "You see, maybe I was dodging the duties for far too long. But, as we all know, the may have certain...privileges, as well. Meaning at my command, we would have as many of our kingdom's soldiers and people ready to help search for your father. Many of the elves are far older than I, and may have stumbled across such a sorrowful man in their travels abroad. After that, finding the Weavers shall be trickier. But if we could follow a trail of powerful healing magic, we may come upon at least one or two by chance." he turned to look toward the sun, shining in the sky like the brightest diamond known to man, reminding him of the jewels of Glerinel. He turned back to Naria and chuckled, shrugging. "And if they are not eager enough to help outsiders, we can lie about the festival of your village and say we've already become betrothed, what would they dot hen?" he jested, waiting to see Naria's opinion on the plan.

[rpgoddess]

Naria listened intently, however she was also glancing about, looking to catch a glimpse of her sister. There was no sign of the girl, at least for the moment. Naria wondered momentarily where Pippa had gotten off to and who she was pestering. Her eyes focused on James as he explained his plan, and smiled tightly when he mentioned lying about being betrothed. In the law of her people they were, however she understood why he did not accept it, and did not blame him for avoiding it all together. "A sound plan, but say your people take offense to your supposed betrothal to a common girl, the is not always all powerful from what I have been lead to understand about such governmental structures, even the must answer to someone, correct?" She commented, once again giving a glimpse of her intelligence.

Naria watched James as he spoke, and began to wonder curiously about other elves. James was the only elf she had even known or seen, she wonder if they held common physical traits, if they were all kind, and had the strength of character that her friend did. That thought naturally lead to another, she often thought of James as her friend when she thought about him, but was that what they were? Friends? Somehow their relationship, or perhaps the bond they shared, seemed to run deeper than that. Then again, entertaining that thought alone could be proof of her inexperience in such matters.

[Elf Prince Tekkarro]

James chuckled and scratched his head as Naria pointed out a few worries she had of his plan. "Ah, a clever girl you certainly are." he answered, smiling broadly. "Alas, no. I do not know how other kingdom's are ruled, but in Elven Rule we have a simple ruler. Since us elves live for many centuries, we must learn to live with our one way or the other. And seeing as most of our populace is filled with kind caring people, we worry not of a war ruler or that of greed. The 's word is law, simple as that. Even though some detest me, they accept me as and they are fine with it. The council merely serves as a lower court, handling the problems and agendas too beneath or not important enough for the . Which means the is more of a figurehead until a bigger problem comes along, one of the reasons I detest having to rule that land someday... But no, I am sure they will accept this 'common girl' no matter what. besides, seeing as we are already betrothed, how will they argue?"

[rpgoddess]

Naria gave James a true smile, she liked the way he made his home sound, and if it was on the way to her mystery destination, she was more than pleased to visit it. Even if she would be the outsider. She "Alright, you have me convinced, James Tekkarro, I trust your word on this." She said with a smiled.

Taking a deep breath she looked about. "Now I must go find my troublesome little sister, and pray she hasn't caused any ruckus." She figured Pippa would be in the kitchen or somewhere of the likes, sticking her nose into the working people's business, as she was like to do. She turned and began heading in that direction but then stopped and looked over her shoulder at James.

"If I might make a suggestion..." She began, choosing her words carefully. "You will be a young , new to the throne," she pointed out. "I believe a good would not think any trouble in his state too little for his personal attention." She said honestly. "But I know little of such things." With that said she cast another smile in James direction and then resumed her departure, disappearing behind the kitchen doors.