Returning and Leaving|Rivenway, Ronduin

[Kender Bard]

"Artica!" Cascata cried out, jumping up and running after. "Artica wait, I didn't mean to snap at you!" She sighs and stops. Her words would probably fall on deaf ears. Moodily, she went back to her suites.

Draesk wasn't far outside the building; he was looking with interest at a street performer.

[Northen Light36]

Although she'd like nothing more then to break down and cry, Artica fights down her grief and forces a fake smile onto her face. She's an Elder now, she tells herself firmly, and she is not going to look weak. Crying is for when she's in private, if she has to cry at all, and so she's not going to acknowledge the lump in her throat or the burning in her eyes.

"Draesk," she says, trying to keep her voice light and calm. "Enjoying yourself?"

[Kender Bard]

Draesk starts to smile and reply but pauses and studies her with a serious look. "Artica?" he asks. "Are you okay? You seem off. Your eyes are red. Did something happen in there?"

[Northen Light36]

Artica sighes and manages a weak, but real smile. "You know, there is such a thing as noticing too much," she comments lightly, taking Amneris from him and hugging the child close to her. Sighing, Artica adds, "Yes, something happened. Cascata and I, well... We had something of an arguement and she said some things that were a bit hurtful... and uncomfortably true."

[Kender Bard]

Draesk glanced back at the building, frowning. "Do you want me to talk to her?" he offered. "I mean, she might be the Mother but I don't think that's an excuse to be rude to you."

[Northen Light36]

Artica gives him a greatful but shakes her head. "As nice as that would be, I don't think it would help and I'm at least as much to blame as Cascata is," she replies with a sigh. "Please, don't worry about it. I wouldn't want spoil your trip."

[Kender Bard]

"My trip isn't spoiled," Draesk protested. "It would be improved by your smile, of course." He moved to put an arm around her shoulders. "Come on, let's find some way to cheer you up, aye?"

[Northen Light36]

"Yes, let's," Artica says, managing a small smile as Draesk puts his arm around her. The gesture catches her by surprise, but it's not an unpleasant one and she's not complaining. "Amneris, where do you think should we show Draesk, sweetie?"

[Kender Bard]

"Beach," Amneris answered.

"Haven't you had enough sand?" Draesk joked. Amneris just giggled. "Actually I'm quite curious about the local cuisine if you don't mind picking a good eatery."

[Northen Light36]

Artica chuckles, her mood improving a little in the company of her daughter and friend. "I think we can satisify both wants," she tells Draesk. "There's a little cafe I favour on the shore, with seats outside as well as inside. If you don't mind the chill for a bit, we can sit outside and eat while Amneris plays."

[Kender Bard]

"That sounds great!" Draesk enthused and let Artica lead them to it.

While Amneris was playing and Draesk had gotten his fill of nibbling on a variety of things (he concluded that the fish tasted odd but he rather enjoyed the shrimp), he looked at Artica and asked, "So where do you go from here?"