Reflecting|Clan Fira, Naurorod

[Kender Bard]

"Why?" he pressed lightly. "What'd he do to annoy you from all the way in Anarlina? Does it have something to do with the Honored Leader?"

[Northen Light36]

For a moment it looked like Draesk had pressed Artica too hard, too quickly as her face took on the slightly distant, silently closed off expression that was identical to Tres when she didn't want to talk about something. Then she sighed again and relaxed a fraction.

"Not Ann, exactly. My niece, Aideen," she replied, her voice tight with controlled anger. "Thelon told her something he had no right to tell her, and he did it in a petty, cruel manner that's shattered her confidence in her parents. My brother-in-law in particular." Artica scowled. "Tavin and Aideen have always had one of the tightest father-daughter bonds I've seen. Or did have. I don't know if their relationship will be the same after this, and I'm furious with Thelon because of it."

[Kender Bard]

"Hmm, well, if he's a cruel, bad man, then I think that the clan should know this," Draesk said quietly. "Because this is a man who is not only supposedly our ally but whom has considerable influence with us through Tres. If Tres is going to be Elder again, we need to be aware of who she brings with her. What kind of man destroys families for selfish reasons? He sounds like a monster."

[Northen Light36]

"That's just it," Artica murmured. "I trust my sister's judgement enough that I can't imagine she would have anything to do with that sort of man, let alone marry him." Artica shook her head. "Draesk, please don't spread this around the clan until I've had a chance to talk to Tres? I need to know if there's more to this then what Aideen's saying, and if not... Well..." Artica sighes. "I'd like Tres to know what sort of man she's married to before the entire clan knows about it."

[Kender Bard]

Draesk let out his breath but gave a curt nod. "I will. I just hope what you find out isn't as bad as it all seems." He glanced back towards the clan with a somber look. "We didn't know what to think when the Sensatian Minds began to show up but they've become true clanners, most of them. I can't imagine the strife it'd cause if we had to break things off with Sensatia."

[Northen Light36]

"Hopefully it won't come to that," Artica murmurs. "I'm really hoping there's a good explanation for this." She sighes and shakes her head. "If Tres doesn't come home soon, I'll get Zap to track her down. Until then, I guess there's nothing I can do."

She looked very, very strained as she admitted that. She'd become very fond of her clan and it bothered her to think there might be trouble coming to it that she couldn't stop. And she was very worried about Tres being away so long. Could something have happened?

[Kender Bard]

"You can try to think of other things," Draesk suggested, putting an arm around Artica. "How's Amneris doing? You know, she's about at the age most of the Fires are beginning to really learn how to use their sign. Has she got a grip on her aura?"

[Northen Light36]

"We've had a slip or two, but so far she's keeping it under control," Artica replies, with a fond smile. Talking about her daughter was always enough to brighten her mood, and having Draesk's arm around her certainly isn't unpleasant either. "I was thinking of taking her to Reave soon, just so I can be sure her control isn't just luck. But I'll wait until things are more settled here first, unless she starts having problems." Artica smiles. "She told me to say hello to you by the way."

[Kender Bard]

"Well I'll be sure to say hello back the next time I see her," Draesk said with a wide smile. "Reave, hmm? Would you like a little company if you do go there?"

[Northen Light36]

Artica smiles, trying to keep herself from grinning like an idiot. "I always enjoy your company, Draesk," she replies. "And an extra pair of eyes keeping track of Amneris can be helpful, so if you want to come along you're more then welcome."

[Kender Bard]

"I always enjoy being with you," Draesk said softly as he brushed back some of her hair with his fingertips, letting the strands slide through his fingers slowly. "A man would have to be blind and stupid not to want your company."

[Northen Light36]

Suddenly Artica was greatful for the dark tan she'd acquired from so long in the desert. It almost hid her blush. "You're sweet, Draesk," she replied with a slightly shy smile. She wasn't used to complements of that type.

[Kender Bard]

"Just telling the truth," he chuckled. He seemed to hesitate for a moment over something before he turned his head and stole a kiss off of her cheek. "Actions speak louder than words though."

[Northen Light36]

For a moment Artica was lost for words, just looking at Draesk with a slightly wide-eyed look of surprise. Then common sense reasserted its self with a vengance and brought a smile to her lips. "Indeed they do," she murmured, then hesitated a second before returning the gesture.

Efil don't let me have made a fool of myself Artica thought quickly, already wondering if she could claim she'd spent too long in the sun.

[Kender Bard]

Draesk's smile grew and he took her hand in his, bringing it up so he could nuzzle his cheek against her fingers before kissing the back of her hand softly. "How did people court other people in Ronduin?" he asked lightly.