A Lot to Think About (Plot)|Clan Fira | Naurorod

[Kender Bard]

"You're not going by yourself," Libre replied firmly. "And Harmony does upset me but only in that she knows how to get under my skin. We didn't part on good terms and she's throwing that in my face a little, but she knows this is more important than our stupid separation." He took a step forward and pulled Flame into a tight hug. "And even if she had refused, I still would go with you. I know this is going to be a long trip... And I can't promise I'll be there for all of it, especially not the parts where I know you're safe and sound. I might need to slip away now and then. But you don't need to worry about my work. Sensatia does quite well on its own when it needs to, and Xavier is always there to pick things up where I need help."

In truth, he was relying on his advisers plenty as it was. Although he was learning more and more what needed to be done, and how, he was also beginning to learn that his father had taken on more work than necessary; either out of choice or obligation, he wasn't sure, but he didn't feel that pressing need to oversee every little detail that evidently his father had. "We're in this together."

[Northen Light36]

Flame hugged Libre back tightly, so tightly he'd be able to feel the slight shivers of nervousness and fear that were still running through her. "Thank you," she whispered. After a moment she managed to swallow her pride enough to admit, "I don't really want to go alone."

She rested her head on Libre's shoulder and murmured, "I'm glad you're coming too." Sighing she added, "I'll have to let Ann know I'm going and why. She should know about the demons of course, and she'll worry if I leave without telling her why. And we have to tell Gemma and Aunt Artica of course." She swallowed hard and added, "I think we're going to have to let it out that I am a seer."

Flame grimaced at that. She had hoped to keep that to herself, perferably forever. She didn't want the burden of people expecting visions from her, she just wanted to be a normal elder. And Ann wanted to be a bard, she reminded herself sharply. We can't always get what we want. "I think a vision is about the only reason the clan would accept for me up and leaving so soon after coming home. I don't want people starting to whisper I'm 'damaged' again and you're hiding me away."

[Kender Bard]

Libre frowned at that, trying to think of a good alternate solution... But he didn't really have one. His authority here was weak, at best. And it wasn't as if Soahc helpfully gave Flame a good reason to leave without trouble. "Yeah," he agreed with a sigh. "Although if you were more comfortable with it, you could say that you got your vision through mysticism instead of seer-sight. Mystics don't always--hell, usually--receive visions. If you have to be a prophetess, it's a less burdensome title. And you know the clans look up to the mystics."

[Northen Light36]

Flame frowned in thought. "I do spend a lot of what little free time I have at the temple of mystics," she murmured. "And I have learnt a lot of what they do there, even if I don't actually use it. And goodness knows, Fira will be willing to accept it. We haven't had a clan mystic since Ann's mother died."

She petted Secret, slipping into a silent conversation with her companion. After a long silence, she looked up at Libre again. "Secret thinks its a good idea. And... I don't like lying to the clan, but... I'm not ready to tell the truth yet. I don't want people expecting visions all the time, and... If I'm just a mystic, that won't happen. So, I guess it won't hurt to lie..." She looked to Libre for reassurance.

[Kender Bard]

"Is it really a lie anyway?" Libre remarked. "It's stretching the truth but you do get visions. I think you should go with it. And who knows? Maybe you will take up mysticism." It'd be a little redundant, but anything could happen.

[Northen Light36]

Flame giggled. "Some of the stuff they use is pretty," she remarked with a laugh. "Taking up mysticism would give me an excuse to play with it, if nothing else." Her mood brightening, she smiled at Libre and remarked, "Well that settles that." She covered her mouth to stiffle a yawn and added, "Maybe if I took up mysticism I'd stop getting disturbing visions when asleep or half asleep. I'm going to have nightmares tonight. Then again, I probably was going to have them anyway after what happened this morning."

She shuddered a little, thinking about the demon attack.

[Kender Bard]

Libre brushed her cheek fondly with a knuckle. "Well... I'll be there when you wake up," he assured her gently. "Now come on; you and I both have stuff to take care of. Then we're heading to Maelstrom. Harmony is going to meet with us there; we'll get a nice inn room and you can start taking care of business tomorrow."

[Northen Light36]

Flame nodded, giving Libre a smile. "I'm going to get dressed and see if Ann's still awake," she decided. "Could you tell Gems and Aunt Artica what's happening? And I guess we both need to pack too." She touched her mind sign and reached out to lightly touch her Leader's mind. ~Ann?~

Flame? What's wrong? I thought you were getting an early night since you have a dawn scouting ride tomorrow.

~Yeah... About that... One of the other scouts is going to have to take my place. I had a vision Ann. A big one. And I've got to go away and do some stuff.~

What? There was a stunned pause. No, wait. I'm coming over. This is a conversation I'd rather have in person.

"Ann's coming over," Flame told Libre as she headed back into her bedroom to get changed back into her day clothes. She stripped off her night dress, then hestitated, looking through her small chest of clothes. "If we're going to Maelstrom, I'll probably need my warmer clothes, won't I? Most of them are at Sensatia." She pulled on the warmest of the clothes she had in Fira, a green cotton dress that wasn't even close to suitable for a visit to Maelstrom in winter but was the best she had until she could get her things from Sensatia.

[Kender Bard]

"Yeah," Libre replied. He was still fully dressed from the day, having not gone to bed yet. "And it belatedly occurred to me that we don't need to stay at an inn; King Shadow would probably be more than happy to host us. And while we're there, I'll buy you a new outfit before I go pick up some of your things from home."

[Northen Light36]

Flame smiled and nodded. "I'm sure he would," she agreed. "He's nice like that."

"Who is?" Ann asked as she entered. "Oh, hello Libre." A flicker of discomfort crossed her expression, but she quickly covered it with a warm smile. "Thank you Flame," she added as she sat down and accepted the glass of water Flame offered her. The Naurorod Leader wasn't looking particularly well at the moment. She was rapidly approaching the due date of what had proven to be a difficult and uncomfortable pregancy and the strain had taken its toll on her.

"We were talking about King Shadow," Flame explained, making Ann smile.

"I see," she replied. "Now, what's this about a vision and leaving?" As Flame explained her vision, Ann's smile faded into a grim frown. "Demons..." she muttered. "Forces help us. Not again..."

[Kender Bard]

"Flame and I are going to work on getting those rings to his followers," Libre explained. He looked at Ann in some concern. "Would you like to take refuge in Sensatia?" He felt acutely uncomfortable of her being in such a close, dangerous situation in her current condition.

[Northen Light36]

For a minute, Ann was silent as she considered the offer. It was tempting. There were few places safer then Sensatia and she was in no shape to handle a fight.

"Or I'm sure King Brightmore would be happy to let you stay with him," Flame added temptingly. She gave Ann a concerned frown. "Everyone will understand. It's not safe for you to be here right now."

"I don't like leaving my people at a time like this..." Ann murmured. "But... You're probably right. I would just be one more person to protect." She sighed and nodded. "Libre, can you see if Uncle Shadow is willing to let me stay with him please?"

[Kender Bard]

"I'm positive he will," Libre replied. He could make the jump with both of them, too, but he had a feeling he was going to be pretty tired out. ~King Shadow?~ he asked, reaching out for the other man's mind. ~I have a favor to ask of you. Flame and I need to head to Maelstrom; I'll explain more later as it's a long story. We'd also like to bring Ann with us. May we all stay in your home? Naurorod is about to turn very dangerous.~

Which reminded Libre that he had to think of the safety of Fira too; he would see about having the Minds of the clan take as many people to the safety of Sensatia as possible.

[Northen Light36]

Of course, Libre. You three are always welcome here. Will it be just the three of you, or will Alyssa and Tuono be coming as well? Shadow asked.

[Kender Bard]

Libre repressed a sigh. ~I might be able to take Alyssa too.~ He had the raw power there now, and the elemental workout would be good for him. ~I don't think I can take Tuono too. I'll have to come back for him. Ann won't like that... Maybe someone else in the clan could help but I'd rather have the Minds of Fira work on evacuating people to Sensatia. If you have a Mind to spare, that'd be helpful.~