Sunshine in Chains

“Sir de’Lesco, a letter has arrived for you. Sorry for interrupting your training, but it is marked urgent.” The young squire looked nervous as he approached the well-known paladin, letter held carefully in his hand.

“Not at all, the men are just doing some drills. Thank you for brining this to me.” Taevin reached for the letter, and opened it, as the squire, looking relieved, backed slowly away.

As he turned to leave, he caught a glimpse of Taevin’s face, suddenly gone pale. “Men, I have urgent business. Continue your drills for another hour, then report in to your commanding officers!” With that, Taevin bolted for his room in the barracks.

Looking on from where she was chatting with several attentive paladins on the side of the training field, oddly comfortable among the armoured knights - a concerned Tatienne noticed Taevin run off, a look of worry flickering across her delicately tattooed face. She politely ended her conversation, and was about to follow to the barracks and was stopped when she saw Taevin already running out. Following him towards his family’s home, noting that his rucksack was in hand. A raised eyebrow was all that anyone saw, but now she was truly concerned. Having once visited his family she followed along behind, unseen by others now so that the dismay and darkness washed over her.

Taevin burst into his home, “Mom, Dad, you home?” Hearing calls to the affirmative, he turned toward the dining room, then turned again hearing a knock on the door. Opening the door, here was Tatienne, looking intently to him.

“I saw you rush away from the training field, and then again with your traveling bag. Is everything okay?” she asked, with some concern.
A bit flustered, Taevin responded, “No, not really. Come.. come in. You may as well hear it with everyone else.” He waved at her to follow.
Walking into the dining room, Tatienne in tow, he saw his parents, along with his brother and sister, sharing the afternoon meal. “Oh, fortune smiles on me, you’re all here.” He gives them a bright smile, to try and temper the bad news. They aren’t fooled, placing down their cutlery. “I just received an urgent letter from my friends in the islands. You know the ones that helped me against the Iron Ring.”

He does not wait for their responses. The words flow like water across well worn river stones. “They didn’t dissipate like I told them, but thought they’d keep it up. The fools!” Despite the harsh words, the family could hear the pride and fondness in his voice. Looks are exchanged between them. Love, concern, acceptance of what’s coming next.. however terrible the message. “But, The Ring responded heavily, they’re on the run. Immortals know how they even managed to get this letter to me.”

He rakes a hand through his much lauded blonde locks. Harried, poised to act.

Everyone looked shocked, and didn’t even need to see the bag to know what Taevin would do. His father was the first to find words, “Son, we know what you have to do. I assume you head for Mirros at once to catch a ship?” His mother looked on, clearly worried – his parents clasp hands. His sister fiddles with her napkin, holding back tears. His brother, stoic and nodding in agreement with his father. Tatienne shrinks further into the darkness of the hallway.
“You know I have to. I’m needed.” Taevin says, finally. Trying to gentle his words, but firm and offering no room for argument when he confirms this.
“You be careful, son,” his mother, nearly in tears, knowing the dangers he’d face.

“Of course, you know me,” he responded with his usual grin. The mischief and cheer an offering to cover the underlying fear that ripples through his family home.
“That’s the problem, I think.. We do.” Tatienne chimed in with a bit of her usual snark, though it is softened by the thought that her friend would be heading off into danger clearly and the suffering of his lovely family. “.. Know you, that is.”

Taevin turned to her, a serious look on his face. “You know, Tatienne, I know there were some . . . issues . . .with how the people in Threshold acted around Trill and her accusations, but I think they came from a place of wanting to help.” He almost pleads with her now. No time now for the long solemn talk he had planned with her. “Things aren’t the same here as Glantri, not so much backstabbing and vile rumour. Please, give them a chance to show you that they really are good people. One more chance.” He gazed at her, his words in earnest. The quizzical looks of his family do not penetrate their tête-à-tête.

Tatienne ducked her head and watched him through heavy lashes with solemn brown eyes. The words quiet, heavier than usual with her Glantri accent as she replies - “I’ll think on this, Taevin. You’ve been a good friend, I’ll miss you. Be careful, and come back to us.”

Before he can reply she holds up a finger, walking to his room and then returning. Opening his hand and placing something in it with gentle importance. Shocking him with her knowledge of his space, but this is short lived as he realizes what she’s gotten.

“You forgot this.” She says pointedly. As he opens his hand and knowingly examines the elegant shell pendant on a thick gold chain.

“No, I..” He turns it over and sighs tiredly. “Some things are better left in the past.”

“Then you won’t mind that I checked the symbolism of the painted colours inside the shell from some books. That this sunset is one they would look into together. Forever.” Her head is tilted, the sleek ponytail swinging to the side. Taking in his perplexed and annoyed expression that transitions to a softly pleased flush. He decides then, becoming sure of something. Tugging it over his head hurriedly and suddenly. Moving close so he can put a friendly hand on Tatienne’s shoulder “I will be back, you can count on it.” He goes to move off and then stops and turns back. “You’re a good friend, Tatienne, Petra watch over you.”

With that, he gave everyone a solemn wave – Nothing emotional. It was good evening and not goodbye. Then headed out the door.

Tatienne politely excuses herself and steps out into the small front garden. Opens her deck box and shuffles. Pulling a card and giving it a dispassionate look before stalking off in the opposite direction.