The Mind Wanders|Skyheort, Talen'sul

[Deleted]

When there was a good reason to celebrate, the residents of Talen'sul really went all out. There was a riot of color and cheerful voices everywhere. Locke was glad his shielding was dense for a Mind his age, and for once he was glad his Sign was on his forehead. The clamor of thoughts would have given him a migraine otherwise.

This way, however, he could enjoy the hubbub rather than suffer from it. Locke meandered through the streets, having a confection there, listening to bards there, examining the wares over in that area, and generally allowing himself to relax.

[Northen Light36]

Saph smiles to himself as he walks through the streets, a touch sadly because he can't help but think of how much his wife and son would have loved this but he's glad it looks like Flash has finally found some company of the female kind. "Trust Flash to fall for a queen," he chuckles softly, so lost in his thoughts he doesn't notice Locke until he walks right into him.

[Deleted]

"Oof!" Locke flailed as he went down; he had been so lost in thought himself, the surprise of being walked into made sure his equilibrium was not as it should have been.

Ordinarily just going down would have been fine; unfortunately, Locke pushed his staff forward as his hands instinctively went back and down to cushion his fall. As the staff fell too, the butt slapped Saph's left shin quite smartly.

"Oh no," the Mind groaned from the ground, smacking himself in the forehead, and hurriedly got up despite a stinging butt and palms. "I'm so sorry, that wasn't supposed to happen," he apologized, offering a hand to Saph. "Did I hit you hard?"

[Northen Light36]

Saph's wincing and he knows he'll probably be favouring that leg for the rest of the day, but he manages a smile and accepts Locke's hand. "Nothing that requires healing water," he replies. "And it was my fault for not paying attention. Are you all right?"

[Deleted]

"I wasn't paying attention myself," Locke confessed, helping Saph up. "I'm quite fine, thanks, but a bit more worried about you." He picked up his staff, dusting it off. "Stupid thing. Anyway, would you like some herbal tea or something to help with the leg? I'll pay."

[Northen Light36]

Saph starts to wave Locke off, then reconsiders and smiles. "Sure, why not. Better idea then just sitting around feeling sorry for myself."

[Deleted]

Locke smiled and nodded. "Did you happen to see any refreshment stands where you came from?" he asked, looking about.

[Northen Light36]

"No," admits Saph. "But I wasn't paying much attention. How about we try the town square? There's bound to be some sort of refreshment since I believe some of the Bards Guild are preforming there."

[Deleted]

"That's a good idea," Locke praised. It would be good to hear the bards while they had their drinks. A look around indicated the right way to go, and Locke lead Saph, keeping his eyes out for the refreshment stands and deciding what kind of tea he might like himself.

[Northen Light36]

Less then a minute after the pair have gotten their drinks, Flash calls out as he hurries up with Salacia. "Locke! Saph!" He grins. "We've been looking everywhere for you, Locke."

[Deleted]

"What? Huh?" Locke stared at Flash, not recognizing him for a moment. "Oh, Flash!" He smiled as the embarrassing encounter in the library came to mind. "Hello. It's good to see you again. How have you and your friend been?" he asked, motioning to Salacia.

[Northen Light36]

"I've been well enough," Flash replies. "Locke, I would like you to meet Queen Salacia. She's visiting from Contrasta, the land across the sea."

[Deleted]

Locke almost dropped his mug and staff. A queen! And he'd be so casual! "Your majesty," he said hastily, bowing and spilling some of his tea before he remembered what he was holding and righted himself, blushing.

[Kender Bard]

Salacia laughed in delight. "Young man, I'm afraid I'm no longer flattered when men trip in my presence," she giggled, though blushed. "You can set courtly manners aside in my presence. I find it's a refreshing change." Winking, she added slyly, "If I weren't here for diplomatic reasons, I'd have been tempted to come to escape the fawning courtiers regardless, eh? It's a pleasure to meet you."

[Deleted]

"Eh-heh. A-As you wish it, your ma- um, your gra- ma'am," Locke said weakly, wishing he was an Earth type about now. It would be very convenient to sink below the dirt. Man, was his face red. He gulped tea so he wouldn't have to look directly at anyone for the moment.