Preparing for a vacation|Aegestrom | Maelstrom

[Northen Light36]

Waiting near Flash's chambers, Shadow fusses with his daughter and enjoys listening to the little girl chatter. At last though he sees Flash and Salaica approaching. Flash stops in surprise.

"Shadow? Is there a problem?"

"One or two, but nothing I can't deal with, I hope," Shadow replies. "I was hoping to speak to the pair of you in private, though."

"Of course," Flash replies, opening his door. "Come in." Once the door's closed behind the group, Shadow explains Lya's trip into the city. By the end, Flash is cringing.

"Oh joy. There's going to be some fasinating rumors flying around now," he mutters.

[Kender Bard]

"Poor thing," Salacia cooed. "Do you know if it's only going outside that bothers her? I can think of a few subtle, gracious ways to make up for this little stumble in her reputation, but a lot of it depends on what she'll be able to handle."

[Northen Light36]

"I don't know," Shadow replies. "I didn't want to question her about it when she's clearly distressed about it already. I don't think so though. She did tell me she's uneasy even in the mansion."

"She has been through a lot very recently," Flash murmurs. "Maybe this is all just stress?"

"That's what I'm hoping," Shadow agrees. "I'd take Lya back to Talen'sul, but that would only lend truth to any rumors that the Queen doesn't trust her people. Still, a holiday would only do her good, so I was thinking of taking up Damien's invitation to go to Naurorod for the Sun Fest." Flash looks thoughtful.

"Hmm... Well it would be difficult for anyone to make much out of that, I agree," he comments. "It's no secret that up until your and Damien's... disagreement, you almost always went."

Shadow nods, then looks seriously at Flash, and Salacia. "The question is, can you handle things alone for a few days?"

"I think so..." Flash murmurs.

[Kender Bard]

"Yes," Salacia remarks slowly, hesitant. "I mean, I am certainly up to the task.. But with my family here, you don't think that anyone will be resentful to you in effect 'lending' the Kingdom to a foreign family?"

[Northen Light36]

"He's not lending you anything, dear," Flash replies. "Neither of us have the power to make any changes to laws or to control the army or such. All we'd be doing is handling any problems that might pop up. If something's outside my power, by law I have to send for Shadow..." He gives Shadow a wry smile. "But of course no one will trust a half breed unless he has a baby-sitter. Forces know, I might start decreeing that all Storms walk about with their noses so high in the air they can't see their feet."

"Would we notice a difference through?" Shadow asks dryly, then looks sympathically at Flash. "Attitudes like the ones troubling you aren't welcome here, Flash. Eventually we'll get that through to the populance. But at the moment, for the sake of a little peace, yes, Salacia is your watcher."

"Could be worse," Flash comments, smiling at Salacia.

[Kender Bard]

Salacia winked slyly at Flash. "Not like I don't have experience in looking after grown men who can sometimes act like children. But Shadow, what should we do if something of grave import does come up?"

[Northen Light36]

"We'll be gone three days, Salacia," Shadow responds lightly. "But if there's a problem, send word to Talen'sul and the Winds there can send word to Lya. After that we'll be home quickly enough."

[Kender Bard]

Salacia gave a little bow. "Understood, Shadow. I hope you and Lya will find your vacation relaxing."

[Northen Light36]

"So do I," replies Shadow dryly. "Forces know, we need it." With that last order of business settled, Shadow goes looking for looking for Lya. As long as she's agreeable, they can get a good night's sleep and then leave in the morning. "Lya?" he calls.

[Kender Bard]

"mm?" Lya was cradling Luminous, trying to teach her new words. "Yes dear?"

[Northen Light36]

Shadow smiles as he comes up behind Lya. "We're all set," he tells her. "We can leave in the morning, if you want to." Rubbing her back soothingly, Shadow adds, "And when we come back, I think you and I will start taking a walk through the city each day. There are still some things you haven't seen yet." He kisses her forehead. "And I've been thinking, it would be nice to see if we can set up another bardic school here, don't you agree?"

[Kender Bard]

"That would be nice," Lya murmured. She was nervous at the prospect of walking around Maelstrom, but with Shadow with her, what harm could there be? "I think it'd bring a lively spirit to Maelstrom that has been lacking."

[Northen Light36]

"I surpose it would, but I was just thinking of how much you love bards," Shadow teases lightly, hoping to cheer his wife up. "But maybe I should rethink it. I might never see you again unless I visit the school."

[Kender Bard]

Giggling quietly, Lya rose to put Luminous in her crib. "That may be true, my dear. That or you could learn how to sing, hmm?" She turned and embraced him warmly. "Thank you, Shadow. Come, we should rest."

[Northen Light36]

"Trust me dear, you don't want me to sing," Shadow laughs as he leads his wife to their bedroom. "Although you might want to try getting Damien. He has a nice voice, on the couple of occassions I heard him."