The doctor snorts dryly ~ "Your lucky he didnt kill you, dear...or that you didnt draw his brother. He's even worse." The doctor then begins giving you a careful examnination.

Hadiya grunts ~ "We laid out terms beforehand.. had it been weapons instead of fists I would be dead.. but it wasn't, and I'm not.. and that's what matters. The cause is just after all.."

The Doctor replies disinterestidly as he pokes and prods you, checking your wounds ~ "And what cause is that?"

{You get the feeling hes not a bad man, just a bit stuffy.}

Hadiya sighs ~ "Something that will not matter to you today, or tomorrow, and which you would not remember a week from now unless I fail. Tell me of Brencis."

Doctor ~ "Brencis? Tell me dear, whatever would you want to know about such a horrid man?"

Hadiya smiles and winces* "How to save the world of course.."

The Doctor looks at you curiously and makes a note in a small book, muttering quietly to himself ~ "Possible head trauma..."

Hadiya ~ "Where do I find him? I must speak with him.. "

Doctor ~ "Im sorry dear, I dont know where to find him...he passes through town on occasion, but we havent seen him for several weeks."

Hadiya ~ "Oh for heaven's sake, I've no head trauma.. I'm merely a child of a different place, I thank you for your care, but a little rest and I'll be right as rain and on my way.."

Doctor ~ "You'd do well to steer clear of him...hes a liar and a cheat... You'll stay put, young lady... there are those who would wish to speak to you. Don't argue with the doctor."

Hadiya nods ~ "I'm no fool doctor.. and no stranger to mending flesh, do not worry on account of me, I'm a strong girl, always have been."

Doctor ~ "Yes, yes, very good...now, get some rest. Someone will be in to check on you later." He puts his instruments in his bag and closes it with a click.

Conversing with Madame Geldra

Maggie is staring at the water, deep in thought...

Hadiya takes another deep breath and sighs, deciding she can do no more harm than yesterday~ "Can I ask what you see in the waters?"

Maggie takes a deep breath and lets out a slow, sad sigh~ "I see everything, and nothing."

Hadiya turns her eyes back to the water nodding~ "I see myself as I fear I really am.. inconstant, wavering, always running to a place not of my choosing.. indefinite and easily destroyed.. yet persistent, for everytime the image breaks it reforms.. though never quite the same.." She continues to watch the waters. "But mine are merely mortal eyes.. I do not have your sight.."

Maggie looks at you and raises an eyebrow~ "You have a flair for the dramatic, dontcha? Are you a bard?"

Hadiya chuckles mirthlessly~ "No.. but I am a beacon for tragedy it feels sometimes.. the last bard I knew was a mass murderer.. so you'll forgive me if I'm not overfond of the profession at the moment."

Maggie raises her eyebrows and looks back at the brook~ "...................I would imagine not..."

Hadiya watches the brook in silence for a time before again speaking quietly~ "I know you do not.. like me.. but I must ask you what you saw that frightened you so over my locket.. It has me flummoxed.."

Maggie sighs~ "I saw what YOU saw. Dont you understand? I saw what the locket saw, wherever you took it."

Hadiya ponders for a moment~ "..what about.. before it came to me?"

Maggie~ "....its too old. I dont pick things up as well after a few months."

Hadiya nods slowly~ "Thank you.."

Maggie nods, her jaw set as she stares at the brook.

Hadiya~ "You are troubled.. I hope it is not on my account.."

Maggie doesn't reply, and continues to stare into the brook.

Hadiya sighs quietly, framing her words~ "I do not belong in Kolya.. the longer I remain the more trouble there will be because of it.. but I must speak with Brencis and this is where I know to seek him.. " She glances up at Maggie. "If there is any way that you can direct me to where he is now I would be more than grateful.."

Maggie takes a deep breath and sighs again, continuing to stare at the water~ "Why do you seek him?"

Hadiya~ "Because he is the one who can tell me where Tremble lies."

Maggie~ "Who?"

Hadiya~ "My foe, an ancient evil.. and one who will bring death and desolation to all the world if allowed to rise to power. And that is not clever storytelling, that is truth."

Maggie raises her eyebrows and edges slightly away, while watching the book..

Hadiya sighs again~ "Please.. if you can just help me find him I shall trouble you no longer.. I do not ask you to believe me, I ask only that you point me in the right direction.."

Maggie looks at you and scowls "North. And may he and his beast have you." She spits on the ground and turns, walking away quickly.

Hadiya nods~ "Thank you.." She watches the brook for a minute more, listening to Maggie go before rising stiffly and heading back to Kolya along a more direct path than the one she took here.

Conversing with Haun'nar

[Having just had an unusual encounter with a wagon of folk who turned into hellish beasts on the road to Kolya, Hadiya and Haun'nar evaluate their situation.]

Hadiya glances around, taking in the immediate surroundings and making sure there is no immediate threat before checking Haun'nar for obvious wounds. Seeing no immediate threat she lifts her dark goo-drenched flamberge and kisses it reverently, cleaning it and sheathing it carefully.

Haunnar reaches up and clutches his head.

Hadiya ~ "How are you feeling, and what is the last thing you remember?"

Haun'nar ~ "Head hurts, last thing I remember was a loud screech, beyond that, something about a man turning into a rocksludge creature and two winged women and a sudden storm you?"

Hadiya nods quietly ~ "You do not seem to be injured however, and they are gone.." She lifts Haun'nar firmly under the armpits and lifts him to his feet." Hadiya smiles ~ "I am well.. quite well actually.." She smiles up at the sky once more before turning her attention to the smaller smoking mounds.

Haun'nar looks up at the sky to see whats so interesting about it then looks at Hadiya curiously.

Hadiya regards him with concern ~ "Can you stand?"

Haun'nar attempts to stand while studying her. "I can stand.. just don't think I can walk yet."

Hadiya nods and glances over the wagon, wondering if she can salvage some of it for a cart for Haun'nar, or a travois at least ~ "I'll see if I can rig something for you.. Otherwise I can probably carry you for a while, but we should move on from here.. we have a long way yet to go and these beasts taint the ground with their blood.."

Haun'nar ~ "If need be I can lean against you to keep myself steady."

Hadiya discards the notion of finding anything usable from the wagon's smoking remains and turns back to Haun'nar ~ "I think I should carry you for a bit, then you can try walking in a bit, okay?"

Haun'nar ~ "I'd really rather just try walking.."

Hadiya ~ "Come on, it won't be that long.." Hadiya takes his wrist and sweeps him up over her shoulder like a sizable whining sack of potatos.

Haun'nar grumbles unhappily at this treatment ~ "Well fuck, don't drop me."

Hadiya strides down the road toward Kolya, trying to keep her pace even so as not to jostle him too badly ~ "Dont' you worry, I haven't dropped a load since I was seven, and it was the fool boar that bowled me over.."

Haun'nar ~ "So what your saying is if we get attacked I'm gunna go flying?"

Hadiya chuckles ~ "Only if its the God of the Lost squealing like a stuck pig and not watching where he was going.."

Conversing with Gregor Audwin

Hadiya wakes in a clearing, to see a small scruffy yellow dog, licking her face ~ "Oh my! Oh Goodness.. I'm sorry pup, I didn't mean to startle you.." She blinks rapidly trying to focus her eyes, sitting up slowly and holding her hand out toward the small dog. "Its alright pup.. what are you doing out here all alone?" She looks around suddenly. "You are alone, aren't you?"

The well muscled scruffy yellow dog fairly wriggles and licks her hand with a small bark.

Hadiya chuckles and pats him fondly, fishing out some food for them to share ~ "I bet you're hungry aren't you fella? I sure am. I've never known a dog to turn down food, so we'll share, how about that?"

Hadiya fixes food for them both and the dog happily gobbles down his portion. She is chatting amiably with him as she starts to break down camp when the dog's ears perk up.

Hadiya listens and after a moment she can hear a voice calling from the woods ~ "Dog! Dog! Where the blast have you went?"

Hadiya tousels the dog's ears fondly ~ "Poor pup, surely you've a better name than dog?"

The dog barks, yips happily and spins in a circle as the calls approach.

After a few moments, a large man steps out from the underbrush ~ "See here, have you seen a- DOG! C'mere!" His gruff voice turns suddenly cheerful, as the dog happily bounds up to him.

{The young man is tall, 6"3' and powerfully built with long limbs. He is dressed in leathers with a greatsword on his back. His hair is scuffy and unkempt and he has the beggings of a beard, he's obviously been on the road for several days.}

Hadiya grins ~ "I have indeed.. Had he not woken me I'd likely have slept all day I think.. A fine pup he is too.. one of the northern breeds, right?"

The young man replies ~ "Aye, he is indeed...a Malarkin. Bought him from a pit trainer, passing through Effram." He looks up at you, and his smile quickly fades. His eyes grow concerned for a moment.

Hadiya blinks ~ "What is it?"

He flashes an embarressed smile ~ "This may seem to be an odd question.. but.. but where might you be from, young lady?"

Hadiya ~ "Small farm outside of Burton.. quite a way from here really.. Why do you ask?"

His face breaks into an open smile ~ "Hadiya? Is that you??"

Hadiya chuckles ~ "Why yes it is, though I'm afraid I don't recognize who you might be.."

He flashes a brief look of disapointment, then smiles again ~ "Of course, its been years.. years ago.." He coughs, and smiles again, and you detect a hint of sadness and shyness to him. "I'm sure you dont remember me.. but my name is Gregor. We used to play together. ... Then, my family moved away."

Hadiya ~ "Gregor? Gregor truely?" She chuckles. "Well no wonder I didn't recognize you, you've grown so much, where has my gangly Gregor gone?"

His dog then yips, and bounds off into the woods, he chuckles, slightly embarrassed ~ "Your young gregor got himself conscripted and shipped off to foreign shores...I grew up fast."

Hadiya nods sadly ~ "I wondered what had happened.." She smiles again and hugs him. "Come, tell me of your travels and I shall feed us both.. Here I've fed your dog but left you standing with a rumbling tummy.."

Gregor returns her hug shyly and sits on a rock ~ "After my family moved away, my father fell ill, and my mother made me join an academy down in Treast.. a few years after that, I got sent overseas, to war.."

Hadiya gets out more rations and prepares food while listening ~ "I'm so sorry Gregor, your father was a good man.. How old were you, when the academy sent you to war?"

Gregor sighs, and smiles sadly ~ "Not old...I was about 14. But, the war was getting bad, and they were desperate. I grew up fast. Apparently, I was good at it. Military life made me grow up, large and strong, like my uncle, just like father always wanted. After a while, I was promoted and trained as a ranger. After the war I got shipped to Effram. I still do some scouting, here and there. Thats what im doing today. But I also fell in with a kindly man, who's apprenticed me as a smith."

Hadiya ~ "Goodness.. such a life you've had.." She grins. "Teach you to run off and leave me behind.."

Gregor smiles ~ "Yep.. I tried writing letters to you.. did you ever get any?"

Hadiya shakes her head sadly ~ "No, I didn't, I'm sorry, I would have loved to hear from you.."

Gregor mutters shyly ~ "I really missed you, Hadiya." He coughs, and looks up with a smile. "So, where are you headed? And what in the world are you doing way out here?"

Hadiya smiles slowly ~ "Effram actually.. I've sort of been letting the road guide me.."

Gregor smiles broadly ~ Lucky for you, I can show you a much faster, easier way..."

Hadiya chuckles ~ "Can you now?"

Gregor ~ "Of course.. I am a ranger, after all.." He smiles. "I was headed there myself, till that damnable dog ran off on me..."

Hadiya grins ~ "Well, perhaps if you'd give him a proper name he'd be more inclined to listen?"

Gregor ~ "I tried, but he really seems to prefer Dog.. So, what say you? Do you care to join me? It would be a shame if such a wonderful chance meeting lasted only a few hours" He smiles hopefully.

Hadiya smiles kindly ~ "Of course I will Gregor, the road has been a bit melancholy of late.. I should enjoy your company.."

Gregor smiles broadly ~ "And I yours!"

Hadiya chuckles at his pup ~ "And that of your Dog! Such a charismatic fellow he is.." She serves them both, eating mostly to be polite. "Tell me of Effram Gregor, you said you'd been posted there.. How fare its people?"

Gregor eats quite happily as he relates the story of Effram ~ "Its quite.. large. Grown into more of a town, then a fort, really.. lots of trade from all places.. they race horses there, fight dogs, boxing, wrestling matches.. kind of a rough town, but not a bad place to live. Better then open war.. I personally feel its under-manned, but things have been so quiet in this part of the country, people think I'm crazy." Gregor smiles at Hadiya and winks. "Ever seen a giant?"

Hadiya chuckles ~ "You mean other than you? I still can't get over the size of you, honestly.. But a Giant, no, that I cannot claim, an Ogre I have had the dubious pleasure of chatting with.."

Gregor chuckles and smiles ~ "Yes...I hit quite a growth spurt, after I turned 13...military made sure I filled out nicely, as well...my uncle and granfather were both over 6', so its really not too suprising, had you met them." He coughs on his food. "An Ogre??? Where in heavens name did you meet an Ogre?"

Hadiya chuckles ~ "South of Samsel actually.. he was a harmless enough fellow, just hungry all the time.."

Gregor ~ "An ogre, that far south.. how odd.. I dont see them often except in the mountains.. Haven't seen one leave the mountains since during the war.." He shakes his head and smiles again.

Hadiya ~ "Though, I do count myself lucky to have escaped unwed, he seemed to think I'd make an excellent wife.." She shakes her head smiling.

Gregor smiles ~ "I'd have to.." He coughs abruptly. "This is wonderful food, Hadiya! Truly wonderful!"

Hadiya smiles ~ "I'm glad you like it, Grumble seemed quite fond of it too, though he ate a good sight more in a sitting.."

Gregor chuckles ~ "Grumble was the ogre's name, wasn't it?"

Hadiya chuckles ~ "Indeed it was.. 'Hadiya' seemed a bit much for him though, he called me 'Honeysuckle'.. such a funny beast.."

Hadiya ~ "Fensir? And what, pray tell, might that be?"

Gregor ~ "Giants. From the north.. traders, mostly. Blue skinned, huge noses and heads. Some of the folk call them 'Trolls.' Crafty folk, very strong too. Huge..ten, twelve feet tall"

Hadiya ~ "My goodness.. they are friendly though? Or at least deal fairly?"

Gregor ~ "Aye, they are friendly enough. As for fair dealings.. I'd watch them, they are no better or worse then other merchants I've came across, though they are a might craftier.. The only times you have to watch for them, is during the long walk or.. or when the females turn into a Rakka."

Hadiya ~ "And what is a Rakka?"

Gregor sighs sadly ~ "A Rakka.. well.. very rarely, a female fensir will have a pair of twins.. usually, this is a joyous event. But once in a while, it triggers a horrible change.. over the next several days, she will grow larger, and larger, and ravenously hungry, eating anything and everything she can. ... Including her own family."

Hadiya ~ "Good Heavens!"

Gregor ~ "She becomes nothing more then a mindless, hideous animal.. when this happens, she usually has to be.. destroyed. Its only happened once, while I was at Effram.. We had to take a group of men out and kill her, im sad to say." He frowns sadly. "Thankfully, its very rare"

Hadiya ~ "My word.. I never would have guessed.. I'm so sorry.." She puts a hand on his arm comfortingly.

Gregor smiles and squeezes your hand gently ~ "It was either her or a village...protect and serve, in the name of Mithias, the arch-angel of war. Thats my oath."

Hadiya smiles ~ "So much I do not know, you've had a world of adventures while I was still working the farm it seems.."

Gregor chuckles ~ "Indeed I have, though...well, I'd rather have been on the farm with you." He smiles then goes back to his food.

Hadiya smiles and nods ~ "I'd missed you Gregor.. you've grown into a fine man.."

Gregor swallows hard ~ "And I've missed you Hadiya.. you have grown into a fine young woman. How I wish I could have been there with you."

{Milos, an inn in the morning. Hadiya shakes her head and finishes up her food quickly, paying her tab before trotting outside, having made up her mind about something.} Hadiya heads over to visit the mare, skeptical, but checking her over, wracking her brain for memories of an animal she rode months ago now. She makes her way to the mare's head and talks to her softly, offering her some tentative pets to the neck and cheeks. "And what might you be doing here young lady? Awful long way from home you are.."

She hears a familer voice behind her ~ "Hadiya!" Its a voice she hasn't heard in several months, but is nonthless recognizable.

Hadiya turns hesitantly, searching for the source of the voice. "Gregor?"

{Gregor, indeed. As sure as salt, there he is.. Hadiya's hulking brute of a childhood boyfriend, his sword strapped to his back, a fresh sack of supplies under his arm. He is dirty and dusty from the trail, but its him, nontheless.} Hadiya ~ "Gregor?? How on- Why-? What are you doing here?"

Gregor ~ "Hadiya! Its really you!" He drops his pack and sprints over to you, hugging you tightly. "I've been looking for you, of course!"

Hadiya beams uncontrollably and hugs him tightly. "Ye gods am I glad to see you Gregor.. I'm so glad your well.. and safe and.. here!"

He holds you tightly for a moment, then leans back to look at you.. "Your...face?" He looks at you curiously, then hugs you again.

Hadiya breaks into a tumbling laugh that expells months of pent up frustration ~ "Yes well.. its a long story.. I've got several.."

Hadiya suddenly pushes him to arms length, inspecting him to be sure he's in one piece and been eating well ~ "How on earth did you make it all this way? And I thought they needed you at the fort? I can't believe they just let you come.."

Gregor looks you up and down with a smile.. "Im sure you do.. you've been gone a long time.. I grew worried.."

Hadiya nods ~ "I wrote.. you and my folks both.. I never knew if they reached you or not.. but I felt.. connected still I guess, no matter all the strange things about.."

Gregor ~ "Oh, Hadiya.. I'm a ranger. If I can do anything well, its cover ground. And as for the fort.. well, its a long story. Lets get some food, eh?" His face darkens slightly. "Yes.. the letters.. they stopped coming a few weeks ago.. the runner got.. intercepted. Goblins."

Hadiya nods solemnly and hugs him again, tucking her head into his shoulder ~ "I'm so glad you're here Gregor.."

Gregor hugs you tightly ~ "So am I, so am I."

Hadiya sighs and soaks in the scent and the warmth of him ~ "How long have you been in town? We just got in last night but the food is decent where I'm staying.."

Gregor ~ "I just rolled in...oh, by all means, lets head there.. I could stand a hot meal and a good drink."

Hadiya grins ~ "Why is it that you're always hungry when I find you?"

Gregor smiles ~ "Hey, a man like me, hes got quite an appetite. And trail rations just dont cut it."

Hadiya chuckles and leads him by the hand across the street ~ "Not to worry, I completely understand.. and as I've just had them I can reccommend the steak and taters here quite highly.."

Gregor ~ "Mmmm.. steak and taters.." He rubs his stomach as you hear it burble and growl.

Hadiya chuckles and settles them at the window table she just vacated. She flags down the barmaid again grinning broadly and orders another plate of steak and taters for her friend.

You get some curious looks from the tavern dwellers as the barmaid takes your order. Gregors belly rumbles, as he smiles shyly and kicks back.

Hadiya shakes her head, smiling and watching him ~ "I'm just.. amazed to see you here, really. I'm sorry, I'm just.. well.. How was your trip up? Did you come through Kolya?"

Gregor ~ "Trip was alright.. hard. I did come through Kolya.. don't think the mayor much cared for me. But when I told him I was looking for you, he grilled me.. once he realized I wasnt a bounty hunter, he pointed me in the right direction."

Hadiya grins widely ~ "Sounds like Eduard.. I'm glad you passed."

Gregor ~ "Heh.. me too.. I take it you know him? He certainly seemed to know you..."

Hadiya grins sheepishly ~ "I kind of went a few rounds with his brother my first day in town.. Didn't do too badly for all it was my first time in a ring fight.. so I hear anyway.. Man that seems like forever ago.."

Gregor ~ "You fought his brother?" Gregor chuckles and shakes his head.

Hadiya ~ "Well.. he was throwing knives at a woman on a wheel. I didn't think that was appropriate and I told him so.."

Gregor listens and nods.

Hadiya ~ "Anyway, Eduard took me under his wing after that.." She chuckles. "Seemed to think I might get myself into trouble on my own.. Kind of like someone else I know."

Gregor chuckles ~ "Sounds like he's got some good insight then."

Hadiya laughs ~ "I think I've managed decent enough thank you.."

Gregor laughs, then smiles ~ "I missed you so much, Hadiya."

Hadiya reaches across the table for his hand ~ "You'll stay a while.. won't you?"

Gregor smiles as you take his hand ~ "Of course... I came to find you."

Conversing with Mr. Eduard of Kolya

{So, we again find ourselves in J world, as we join Hadiya and Eduard as they explore the wonders of Rigenthorps Carnivale...}

Eduard looks at you as he leads you about ~ "Enjoying yourself?"

Hadiya glances up from the photo plates ~ "More than I though I would I must admit.. Especially with what weighs upon me still.."

Eduard sniffs, keeping his neutral facial expression ~ "Brencis?"

Hadiya ~ "Honestly no.. though I still must meet with him. Haun'nar."

Eduard ~ "....I see. The Jauh'dha...do you know him well?"

Hadiya shakes her head quietly, curls swaying about her shoulders ~ "I have traveled with him from their lands, but he keeps his heart as closely bound as you.. A week, perhaps two, that is all."

Eduard nods ~ "A good thing then. He is very young...I see that."

Hadiya ~ "He must not die for this Eduard." *she focuses on the ground before her feet* "It was foolish, yes.. but you said yourself, your brother was also foolish."

Eduard is silent for a minute before replying ~ "Foolishness is not the problem at hand..."

Hadiya ~ "He must not die Eduard. He is still my companion, we share a common purpose he and I and alone I shall fail in my task. I know there must be blood.. there must be a show of power, unequivocal superiority.." *she lifts her golden eyes to meet his* "..but it must not end in death."

Eduard ~ "If there were another way...I'd try to take it. I have no personal hatred for the Jauh'dha...I've a great respect for their people. But..." *He stops and looks at you for a moment, quietly.* "Whether or not it ends in death...that is up to him."

Hadiya sighs ~ "Ahh.. but he is young and foolish.. the young have not yet learned the tact to repair their foolishness.."

Eduard nods ~ "That is a sad truth... Let me show you something..." *He nods to a space between two tents thats a bit more private then the throng of people* "Trust me."

Hadiya watches his eyes for a moment then nods ~

Eduard gently leads you to the space where theres a bit of privacy... He then smiles slightly and pulls out one of his long knives, and hands it to you, blade first (proper blade ettiquette)~

Hadiya takes the blade gingerly, examining it ~

{Upon examination you see it isnt a butcher knife as thought earlier, but rather a carefully crafted fighting knife... The blade on the knife is about 9" to 10" long...its blade is darkened with time, as has its handle}

Hadiya hefts the blade with increased respect ~ "A fine weapon, not that I would expect less.. I trust the other matches it?"

{Upon the blade are lines of intricate writing...its an old knife, but the blade is still razor sharp, and perfectly balanced {You don't recognize most of the writing... however there is one line you recognize... "Duty before blood"}

Eduard nods ~

Hadiya's eyes drift over the intricate writing before locking on the phrase she recognizes, brushing a calloused finger over them* "These were made for you?"

Eduard nods ~ "A long time ago... I've fought Jauh'dha before. These blades are all I have left of my Uncle."

Hadiya nods ~ "And was he too a man of Duty?"

Eduard nods ~ "Militia...during the skirmishes with the Jauh'dha and goblins. These blades remind me of him."

Hadiya ~ "Can you read all that is written upon them?"

Eduard shakes his head ~ "I had those put on later, when I was in Kael Mar'us. After what happened in the milita...I wandered a while. I had some others put on in Treast...enchantments." *He taps the "Duty before blood." line* "Hadiya...do you understand what this means?"

Hadiya nods ~ "It is the one I can read of them." *she glances up from the blade*

Eduard ~ "It was engraved on...because...I killed my uncle. He sided with the Jauh'dha...I, with the militia."

Hadiya presses her rose stained lips together and nods ~ "Duty carves a hard road we must follow.."

Eduard nods, he then takes the knife and sheaths it ~ "Enough of the grim...I brought you here...to enjoy your company." *He offers you his arm and ever so slightly smiles*

Hadiya's eyebrows lift compassionately ~ "You are a good man Eduard.. you will do what is right." *she kisses him lightly and solemnly on the cheek* "I trust you."

After you kiss Eduard he looks into your eyes a moment, saying nothing, seemingly lost in your beauty. You think you can detect the faintest hint of a tear welling up in his one good eye. For a moment, it looks like hes going to speak, but says nothing. Instead, he turns and gently escorts you into the crowd once more.

Eduard ~ "Walk with me. Tell me...about yourself. Let us walk in the moonlight and talk. Away from the bustle of...my...people."

Hadiya sighs again and nods, pulling pins from her hair in silence for a while ~ "This.. is not who I am, I am a simple farmgirl Eduard.. playing at being a lady for a day. It is a pleasant falsehood, but false nonetheless.." *she pulls a bit of brightly colored silk from her pouch and works off the make up as best she can* "I have seen terrors no girl should ever have to see.. I have been to the place of the dead.. and I have returned.."

Eduard listens in silence ~ "I...see."

Hadiya ~ "I know that seems like a contradiction.. but its not, I.. I'm not my parent's daughter.. and that's a hard thing to know." *she sighs* "But I am still the child they raised.. I am indebted to them.. but a greater hand also guides me, and I've been given a quest and I must pursue it.."

{Eduard takes a wandering path with you out into the fields and gently rolling hills beyond the Carnivale.}

Eduard nods and stops you gently and turns you to face him ~

Hadiya pauses and meets his gaze with a quiet sigh ~

Eduard ~ "Hadiya... I do not claim to... understand... what you are. But... you truly are... very... *he pauses longer than usual, thinking* special to me." *He puts his hands on your shoulders and looks at your face* "You are... a very beautiful girl, Hadiya. And... I'll admit. I am quite... taken... with you. If I were in a better... situation... and I didn't have... this... *He makes a brushing motion over his face.* ...and you weren't... *he trails off for a moment* I'd ask you to be my wife. Like in a children's fairy-tale. But... life is not a fairy tale."

Hadiya she smiles sadly ~ "No.. life is not a fairy tale.." *her eyes darken and she speaks softly* "..else such horrible things would never come to pass.."

Eduard he nods ~ "If life were a fairy tale.. men like me would not exist. Come Hadiya... let's go home."

Hadiya ~ "The world is a dark place Eduard.. and I do not mean just Kolya.. all of it.." *she meets his gaze again* "You are a strong man. A good man, inside you still, regardless of what you've done.. We shall all need allies soon.. I would like you to be one of mine.."

Eduard nods as he leads you home ~

Hadiya follows quietly, tugging the last of her hair free of its bonds and twisting it over her shoulder, watching the moonlight ~

Eduard ~ "Hadiya...I've been all over this land...there truly are terrible things out there... and despite your experiance... you are still very young. You've still much to learn... for one... you must learn tact. Not all have seen the things... we have seen. Many here in town consider you a madwoman. I will admit... I thought you slightly....off. At first, myself."

Hadiya she sighs ~ "I am a child of heaven traipsing through a town full of people who dispise me for what I represent, what I remind them of.. I am a fool to even be here, especially with only a young Jauh'dha as a companion.. Of course they think me mad.. but this does not concern me. I cannot be but what I am, I persist in my quest and hope that my strength is enough to sustain me."

Eduard nods slightly ~ "I just... dont want you to die by some lout killing you in your sleep, or a town full of fools, burning you alive because they deem you mad. You are safe... in Kolya... because the townsfolk fear and respect me. Elsewhere... may not be as...safe."

Hadiya ~ "Well.. I don't sleep deeply anymore if that is what you mean.. though honestly I do not know where I must go from here. I am grateful to you though, for.. providing a roof for me.." *she smiles slightly* "And a steady hand for some not so steady feet.."

Eduard smiles lightly and nods ~ "Hadiya...I've something to ask of you..."

Hadiya watches him for a moment and nods ~ "Ask.."

Eduard ~ "I don't know... how long... you'll be staying. But... if something should happen soon... with the gangs. Do not get involved. Their numbers are many, and their blades are fierce."

Hadiya licks her lips and sets them for a moment ~ "I... have a hard time not helping people.. but I do not know of gangs. I am not a child of the city.. but if they come against you, against your house.. I cannot promise I will not aid you."

Eduard ~ "Likely, it will be all out war in the streets. I've one more thing to ask..."
Hadiya nods, watching him ~

Eduard ~ "I would ask... one more picture, from the wondrous invention tent. To remember you by, when you're gone. I would like one of you now, as you are."

Hadiya laughs quietly ~ "Well then I must ask you to allow me to wash my face, I fear I've only half of that awful stuff off.. and at least put my hair half in order.."

Eduard pulls out his flask and takes another long drag on it, sitting in silence ~

Hadiya sighs and paces the room, internalizing the places that are still sore so that she can be mindful of them when the tension finally breaks. She finally stops and rounds on Eduard, opening her mouth and closing it a couple times grimly, then mutters. "Flornshingles Eduard.. how can you stand this waiting?"

Eduard shrugs and takes another drag off his flask ~ "Ive been waiting my whole life...no need to hurry off to my death."

Hadiya holds her hand out for the flask ~

Eduard takes another swig and hands it to you ~

Hadiya takes the flask, sniffs it briefly and takes a short drag off it, coughing onto her hand. "No need to drink yourself into an early death either.. talk to me Eduard.. tell me of you."

Eduard chuckles ~ "Talking isn't my strong point. What do you want to know?"

Hadiya ~ "Tell me how you came to Kolya.."

Eduard leans back in his chair and closes his eyes, thinking in silence for a few minutes. "Which time?"

Hadiya thinks a moment* "The first time.."

Eduard ~ "I was a very young man...in the militia. I was on leave. Came through...there were some priests in town. Trying to clean it up, you know?"

Hadiya nods ~

Eduard ~ "They had a priestess with'em...beautiful little thing. Curly blond hair, pale skin...you remind me of'er....'cept, she was smaller...of course." He thinks again for a moment.

Hadiya nods quietly, watching him intently ~

Eduard ~ "The Redbloods were around back then, too...they arent really called the redbloods. But thats what we call'em. Their leader was a half orc...a real son of a bitch. One night...the priests were outside...making their sermons...and I hear a commotion. I was in the whorehouse, talkin' to the girls. And I look outside, and these redbloos, they are giving the priests a hard time. I didnt think much of it..." Eduard shrugs. "Far as I was concerned, I didnt care."

Hadiya listens quietly ~

Eduard ~ "But a little while later, I hear screams... I look outside again, and these redbloods are...killing...the priests...the men anyways. Raping their women. And nobody is doin' a damned thing. The redbloods, they owned this town back then. And I see that girl...that pretty young girl...and she looks *right* at me, right into my eyes. Shes not screaming. Shes crying a little bit, but shes not screaming. The big half orc had her. But shes looking at me."

Hadiya continues to listen intently, afraid to break the spell that has him actually talking ~

Eduard ~ "But...there was nothing I could do. It was just me, and musta been 15, 20 of them. I went down, went to the bar, tried to get someone, anyone. But nobody cared. Nobody wanted to help her. I was just a sprat back then. A kid. I was too afraid, too afraid to go after those redbloods. So I just started drinking, tried to drown out the noise."

Hadiya shakes her head sadly ~

Eduard ~ "A few hours later, when I went outside..She was still there. Dying, but still there. She was covered in their blood, their piss, their..." Eduard shrugs. "I told her I was sorry. I told her I was sorry I didnt help her. I promised her I'd make it right someday. And 15 years later, I did." Hadiya raises her eyebrows ~

Eduard reaches into another pocket and produces yet another flask, taking a big swig. He takes another drink, then stares off vacantly.

Hadiya ~ "Tell me how you made it right. Please.." Eduard looks and you and makes a chuff with his nose, waving his hand obscurly. "I caught the half orc one night, with 2 of his friends. I slit their throats, and had the half orc to myself. The bastard pulled his sword on me, but I got it away from him. Then he starts crying, pleading for me not to kill him."

Hadiya has a flash of the obese man Eduard killed outside his whorehouse ~

Eduard ~ "But there was no way I wasnt gonna have my fun. I played with him a while, made him suffer. Took away his sword hand first, then his other weapon. Cut off his cock and balls, shoved them in his mouth, then I put a gag on him, so he couldnt spit them out. Then I hung him up, in the town square, and let him choke to death on his own vomit and manhood. Thats how they found him the next day." He takes another drag off his flask. "This wasn't till after him and his boys had tried to kill me, of course."

Hadiya nods and is quiet for a time ~

Eduard "Anyway, I had my gang togather, so I took full credit for it. We rumbled with the redbloods, and I finally got to their true leader. Broke his neck with my bare hands. After that, the redbloods pretty much faded away. He was the fucking mayor." Eduard chuckles grimly, then takes another swig.

Hadiya ~ "..and now you are.."

Eduard ~ "Every year. I celebrate. Thats whats the whole festivale is about." Eduard nods his head. "To an extent, yes." Hadiya ~ "That was how you became mayor then? Because you killed the one before you?"

Eduard ~ "Yes. And because nobody has been able to kill me to take my place."

Hadiya sighs quietly ~ "What do you miss in life Eduard?"

Eduard ~ "What do I miss in life? You and that priest of mine aren't teaming up to write one of his damned adventure books on me, are you?" He looks at you with a slightly raised eyebrow.

Hadiya laughs quietly ~ "No, nothing of the sort.. though he was taking a disturbing amount of notes when I spoke with him last.." Hadiya's eyebrows lift. "You intrigue me Eduard.. I feel like I know so much and so little of you both at once.."

Eduard chuckles and takes a swig of his flask ~ "Him and that damned pen-name. 'Close friend' my ass," he says with a laugh.

Hadiya blinks ~ "Oh, for Heaven's sake.."

Eduard grows serious again and looks at you ~ "What do I miss in life? Hmmm..." Eduard chuckles again. "You didnt know?"

Hadiya shakes her head ~ "I've only met him the twice.."

Eduard waves you off gently ~ "Ahhh...I assure you. He meant no harm. He only uses the pen name because hes shy about his own writings."

Hadiya ~ "He shouldn't be, they're lovely stories.."

Eduard nods ~ "If one likes that kind of thing, I suppose." He then sips his flask again and sits quietly.

Hadiya ~ "Surely this is not the life you would have chosen for yourself.."

Eduard ~ "What else is there?"

Hadiya ~ "There is an entire world of possibilities.. were you ever wed?"

Eduard ~ "Never married. Hadiya...could you ever see me settling down? Honestly?" Eduard looks at you with a mild expression of skeptisicm.

Hadiya regards him quietly ~ "Yes, yes I could.. not 'settled' necessarily, and she would have to be a strong woman, to share the life you lead, but wives are not only for making children."

Eduard nods his head lightly ~ "Take a look though, Hadiya. Take a good look. You think many women would want to marry a man like me?"

Hadiya smiles quietly ~ "Not many perhaps, but I would suggest only taking one wife, I would think more would be trouble.."

Eduard chuckles ~

Hadiya walks quietly over, dragging a chair to the side but facing his and sits ~ "But honestly Eduard, these.." She lightly traces the scars on his near arm. "..and this.." She touches the scar that crosses his eye. "They do not make you ugly, they are merely a measure of the life you've lead.. look at me, a few days ago I looked like a right side of beef.. ..who in their right mind would want anything to do with me? But it didn't even give you pause.. Why should the same not be true for others? The people of Kolya see you as the Butcher because that is what you wish them to see.. Simply show a woman the Eduard you are and she will know you for true.." She smiles. "Tell her she's beautiful and ask her to dance.. it shouldn't take much more than that."

Eduard sits stiffly, swigging another flask from his drink... He takes your hand and gently kisses it, and holds it to his cheek, closing his eyes tightly and enjoying the sensation. He then lets go and stands up slowly...

Hadya watches him quietly ~

Eduard ~ "Hadiya...how I wish what you just told me was said out of love, not pity. For I do care for you Hadiya, deeply. But the Eduard that I am...the real Eduard...is going out there. And he's going to kill a lot of people today. And he's going to ensure that they suffer." He sighs and turns on his heel, heading towards the door. He then stops at the door, and says quietly, calmly..."Because that is who I am. That's Eduard."

Hadiya sighs quietly ~ "Only because you believe it must be so.. ..And I do not pity you Eduard.. you remind me of someone.. someone I care very much about.. it is.. hard.. not to reflect that to you.."

Eduard starts to open the door and then stops...closing it slowly. "What did you say?"

Hadiya ~ "I.. I care about you Eduard.. and I worry that that will hurt you.. especially today.."

Eduard slowly turns at you and scowls.. "Don't say that. Dont pity me."

Hadiya sets her jaw ~ "I have yet to slap a man Eduard. Don't make me start. And don't you Dare try to scare me off for my own good either."

Eduard takes your face in his hands, and leans in real close...almost forehead to forehead (watch the horns...) and looks into your eyes... "Look into my eyes, Hadiya. Look. Dont talk. Look."

Hadiya sighs quietly, breathing in the oddly mixed scent of them both and peers into his eyes, brown and blue to her gold and green ~

Eduard ~ "What do you see?"

Hadiya ~ "A man who has prepared himself for what the day will bring. He has fortified himself with drink and convinced himself there is nothing more to life than kill or be killed."

Eduard ~ "I'm the way I am because I *enjoy* it. Not because I have too...not because its required of me...because I *like* it. Do you understand, Hadiya? There *IS* nothing more to life! Not in the overall scheme of things. Dont you understand?" He face contorts, and you feel his strong hands tighten, ever so slightly...before he sighs and lets go.

Hadiya ~ "I don't believe that. Men who enjoy what they do exhibit joy. They talk loudly of their acts of depravity as though they were parties and sport.. they do not drink themselves sullen and dance quietly in the night."

Eduard ~ "Believe what you want. You know nothing of this world, nor of men like me. But you'll learn." He scowls and opens the door... "Its in two hours. If you insist on fighting, meet at the town square. Now get out."

Hadiya watches him for a moment then nods ~ "Do not spend your life carelessly Eduard. There is always more to learn.." She fetches two of the knives, threads them onto her belt and leaves quietly. You are a foolish child Hadiya.. to destroy his focus now when he needs it, but he must hear these things.. You hear the door slam loudly behind you, followed by some loud crashes from inside the butcher shoppe...

The door gaurd groans ~ "Now look...ya went n' made im' mad! Me beautifool shoppe..."

Hadiya cringes slightly when the door slams ~ "I'm sorry.." She shakes her head and sighs. "That was never my intent.." So different, and yet so alike.. I only hope Gregor has not lost so much hope when he is Eduard's age..

Door Guard ~ "Yeah, yeah...off wit' ye! I'll try ta' calm 'im down..."

Hadiya glances back at the shop and nods, heading back to her room quickly ~

The door guard mumbles and grumbles as you leave ~ "Ought ta' be ashamed of 'erself...angerin a man 'afore 'e goes off ta battle..."