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| Details |
| Author: | OzmaAsimov |
| Summary: | Dara reveals to Sophiette the full truth behind her self-exile. |
| Rating: | M for Mature 17+ |
Chain: Light Guide Us
Dara stretches and yawns coming down the stairs, then smiles when she sees Sophiette.
[Dara]: Hello! Do you have any idea what they stuff the mattresses with here? They're hard as stone!
Sophiette chuckles. "Really? You must have gotten the one full of old lumber. Mine was like a cloud." She winks playfully.
Dara giggles. "Maybe we ought to switch rooms next time. Or I could join you in yours." Dara seems to belatedly realize what she just said and a blush rises to her cheeks.
Innkeeper Farley says: Welcome to the Lion's Pride Inn. Make yourself at home!
Sophiette opens her mouth to gallantly offer her room, but finds herself stunned for a moment. Her own cheeks redden. "Ah…eh…well…if that would be…"
[Dara]: I mean… I didn't mean… for the bed, obviously… *Dara smiles apologetically, still a little pink* Anyway! Are you still doing paladin work here in Goldshire?
Sophiette clears her throat as one does to clear the subject. "Yes. I've been helping out where I can. Mostly I've been chopping wood for the inn. I think they just like having a paladin in residence. It keeps things calm."
[Dara]: Mm, you do have that aura about you now. I bet that helps. Is there anything maybe I could help with? I'm thinking to stay out here for at least a little while longer, and I'd like to earn my keep.
Sophiette beams at Dara. "I'm enjoying seeing this hands-on charity in you. I think it suits you." She tilts her head. "Come, I know a few people in town who could use some assistance."
Dara nods and follows with interest.
[Sophiette]: Hello, Mr. Pestle.
William Pestle says: Hello, young Valonforth! Good to have you around these parts. Do you have a moment?
[Dara]: Yes, Sophie said you might need some help?
[Sophiette]: Are you still in need?
William Pestle says: Indeed. You've probably seen the place, but I run an apothecary up in Stormwind with my brother. I'm down here to resupply wax.
William Pestle says: Unfortunately, it turns out the main place to get wax… is from kobold candles. *William grimaces* As you might guess, my kobold-fighting days are long behind me. But you two…? Could you help?
Sophiette chuckles, glancing to Dara. "I suppose we do take candle."
Dara giggles. "Yes, I think we could manage that, sir."
Dara bites her tongue. This is not a sir, clearly.
Innkeeper Farley says: So much to do, so much to do! Where does the time go?
William Pestle says: Thank you. My old knees appreciate it.
[Sophiette]: Leave it to us, Mr. Pestle. Rest your knees.
Marshal Dughan says: Sophiette, over here!
[Sophiette]: Marshal, sir!
Marshal Dughan says: I heard you were helping out around here. Mind if I ask you to do some reconnaissance?
[Sophiette]: I am always at your service.
[Dara]: And me! Her priestly companion.
Marshal Dughan says: Alright. I'm concerned that a number of the Elwynn mines have a growing kobold population, once again. If you go by any, can you have a look?
Sophiette grins at Dara.
Marshal Dughan says: If it's the case, it's something the Marshal's should keep an eye on for local safety.
[Sophiette]: It so happens we're already looking into some kobold issues. So we're more than happy.
[Dara]: Yes, it's quite on the way.
[Sophiette]: So…'priestly' hmm?
Sophiette grins.
[Dara]: Yes! The woman here in Goldshire said that I have talent for it. Can you imagine?
[Dara]: I'm not ordained or anything, of course.
[Dara]: But… maybe? Maybe it's something I could do.
[Dara]: And wouldn't that be nice, if when I go home in a month I can tell Devon I was just becoming a priestess?
Sophiette nods, suddenly sobering.
[Sophiette]: Do you…want to talk about what you really are doing here?
[Dara]: I… *Dara blushes again* I'm becoming a priestess? *She sighs* I told you it was a thing with a boy. A man.
[Sophiette]: Yesss…you mentioned that.
[Sophiette]: Listen, I'm not going to pry. Just know that you can always talk to me in confidence.
Dara looks down, her face burning with shame.
Sophiette frowns in worry, stepping close and reaching out for Dara's hand.
Dara takes it and gives it a squeeze. "Devon has not found any suitable match for me. It's been years, Sophie. I thought you and I… and then…"
Sophiette nods slowly. "…and then?"
[Dara]: Well, I thought I ought to attract someone myself, if Devon wasn't going to handle it.
[Dara]: So I tried, and a lot of fellows weren't interested, if you can imagine. I mean, they were interested but not in marrying me.
[Sophiette]: I have a hard time believing you would have trouble attracting anyone.
[Sophiette]: Oh…
Sophiette frowns.
[Sophiette]: Men can be such pigs.
[Dara]: There was this one man, and I thought… he was so romantic and sweet.
Dara straightens with a sudden fury, and says, "But you're right, he was a pig. An awful, awful pig."
Sophiette 's usually bright, soft blue eyes turn icy. "Did he…hurt you?"
[Dara]: Only my pride. Well, and my feelings.
Sophiette puffs up all the same. "If he has besmirched your honor, I will have satisfaction on your behalf!"
[Dara]: Oh, Sophie. *Dara flings herself at Sophie for a hug, with very little warning.*
Sophiette 's goes wide-eyed in surprise, but quickly softens and puts her arms around Dara.
[Dara]: I don't want you dueling anyone over me. But thank you.
Sophiette sighs with a hint of disappointment. "As you wish."
Dara pulls back. "I suppose he had a sort of a bet with a friend of his? If he could get me to…" Dara trails off, blushing. "So anyway, I thought I should just hide until I know for sure what I'm dealing with."
[Sophiette]: Ah…I see.
[Dara]: About a month should do it. *Dara nods*
[Dara]: This mine does seem to be rather full of kobolds, doesn't it?
[Sophiette]: So…this is why you couldn't tell your bro-…oh, um, yes.
[Dara]: I… to be honest I just panicked, I think? And now I've gone off, and I couldn't bear to face him until I know for sure.
[Sophiette]: Dara…does anyone else know you went to Northshire Abbey?
[Dara]: I was thinking, Baron Ros… um, the man could not spread rumors if I disappeared. Then he would have a scandal.
[Dara]: Um… no?
[Sophiette]: You're absolutely sure?
[Dara]: I don't think so. Why?
[Sophiette]: It's probably nothing, but…
[Dara]: What is it?
[Sophiette]: …a man came by the abbey recently. Shortly before I left. It struck me as odd.
[Sophiette]: He was from House Esprit, ostensibly looking for priests to aid with that new warlock initiative.
"Auntie" Bernice Stone says: Young ladies! Can you keep an eye out for my necklace, if you're working around here?
[Sophiette]: Of course!
"Auntie" Bernice Stone says: Thank you dearly!
[Dara]: The new warlock initiative?
[Sophiette]: Yes. The WEB? The Warlock…Ethics…something.
[Dara]: Warlock… Ethics… huh. I suppose I do know a few warlocks myself. Mayellen Mullby. She's a mercenary.
[Sophiette]: I didn't realize the Duchess Esprit had anything to do with it, which is why it struck me a little strange that this Boutille fellow was sent. But I suppose I'm just being overly suspicious and protective.
[Dara]: That is odd, isn't it? The Esprit's are not warlocks at all.
[Dara]: The only one I can think of in Society is the Count Tyrrell from Redridge.
[Sophiette]: Nor have they ever shown a particular interest in the priesthood, as far as I know.
[Dara]: I'm sure there's more, around, somewhere…
[Dara]: So now the Esprit house has come calling to ask for priests for warlocks? To… bless them with ethics?
[Sophiette]: Something like that. To help guide them and make sure they don't succumb to the darkness.
Maybell Stonefield (nee Maclure) says: Oh, are you going back to the Stonefield farm anytime soon? If so, could you carry a letter to my husband?
[Sophiette]: Husba-…OH! It's you!
Maybell Stonefield says: It's me, Maybell? Yes?
[Sophiette]: Sorry…I was just recently telling someone I happened to be at the abbey when you got married.
[Sophiette]: Just a weird coincidence.
[Sophiette]: Congratulations, by the way.
Maybell Stonefield says: Thank you! I'm so happy it finally happened! And our families are finally burying the hatchet, I hope.
Maybell Stonefield says: He's over helping my in-laws with some farm work… I'd go talk to him in person, but you know the roads these days, with the army all up north.
[Sophiette]: We'd be happy to deliver your letter, Mrs. Stonefield.
Dara smiles, a touch sadly. "Yes, you just stay here safe. He'll get your message."
[Dara]: I'm glad somebody got the happy ending they were looking for. *Dara smiles wistfully*
Sophiette smiles softly. "It's rare, it seems. Nice when it happens."
Sophiette reaches out to give Dara's hand a squeeze.
Dara takes her hand and returns the squeeze.
[Dara]: So about the warlocks, you were saying. Stopping them from succumbing to darkness?
[Sophiette]: Oh, right. Yes, that's my understanding of it.
[Sophiette]: I introduced him, Finley, I mean. Finley Boutille. I introduced him to Priestess Anetta. I assumed she would have a better idea of who might be able to help him.
[Dara]: Finley Boutille? *Dara raises her eyebrows*
[Sophiette]: Yes. He's Duchess Esprit's man.
[Dara]: He used to have a bit of a crush on me, I think.
[Sophiette]: Wait…you know him?
[Dara]: Yes, I haven't spoken to him recently, though. He's their butler? A lot younger than I imagine when I think 'butler' though.
[Sophiette]: Hmm…he wasn't dressed like a butler.
[Dara]: Wasn't he? Was he undercover? Curiouser and curiouser.
[Sophiette]: Though he didn't entirely act like a gentleman, either. He was hard to get a read on.
[Dara]: He's not a gentleman, unless his circumstances have changed.
[Sophiette]: Now I'm concerned again. The fact that someone you know showed up at the abbey is worrisome.
Dara blinks. "Do you think he was after me?"
[Dara]: Am I a fugitive now? I just thought I was hiding for a bit.
[Sophiette]: It's suspicious. What are the odds, honestly?
[Sophiette]: You're not a fugitive, Dara. But you're missing, as far as your family is concerned.
[Dara]: Just a few more weeks, and I'll… *Dara sighs.* Do you think they'll give me a few more weeks? Or will… will SI:7 track me down or something?
[Sophiette]: They may have gone to Finley to track you down because he knows you.
Dara bites her lip.
[Sophiette]: How well does he know you? Is he the sort to be able to predict your habits?
[Dara]: I don't… think so? We weren't like dear friends, he was just a person I talked to sometimes, when he was accompanying the Lady Esprit.
[Sophiette]: Still, just knowing what you look like could have led him to Northshire.
[Sophiette]: It's likely there are people who saw you headed that way, even if they didn't recognize you.
[Dara]: What do you think I should do?
[Sophiette]: Stay with me, for one thing.
Dara nods. "By your side."
[Sophiette]: Perhaps we shouldn't use your real name.
Kobold Tunneler says: You no take candle!
[Dara]: What should I call myself? Something rhyming? Zaara? No, wait, that's obvious, that's a Cobalt Blade Adventures thing…
Kobold Miner says: You no take candle!
[Dara]: Maybe something very usual, like… Sara?
[Sophiette]: Still rather close to Dara.
[Dara]: Gosh, being missing is hard.
[Dara]: Mayellen? Is that a common name?
[Sophiette]: Hmm. Maybe?
[Dara]: People call her May, so what if I go with Ellen?
[Sophiette]: Ellen. That could work.
[Sophiette]: It's just temporary anyway.
[Dara]: Yes, just a little while. *Dara smiles*
[Dara]: If I could be a priestess, officially…
[Dara]: Then maybe that would overshadow whatever else?
Sophiette smiles warmly. "Is that what you want? Do you feel a calling to the Light?"
[Dara]: I… think so? I don't know what a calling feels like, exactly. But I feel… safe? When I hold the Light?
[Dara]: Is that how you feel?
[Sophiette]: I do.
[Dara]: How did you know you wanted to be a paladin?
[Sophiette]: But it isn't just "when" I hold the Light. The Light is with me, always. And with you.
[Sophiette]: I've always known as long as I can remember.
[Sophiette]: But, my house has a long history of taking up the mantle of the Light.
Dara ponders that. "I don't feel it when I'm afraid. But it seems like it comes to me, when I reach for it."
[Sophiette]: I suppose what I mean is that I have the knowledge that the Light is always with me, and that comforts me.
[Dara]: Maybe it's a matter of being able to remember that.
[Sophiette]: I certainly feel its power and warmth when I actually perform the rituals to call upon it.
[Sophiette]: That's what faith is to me.
[Sophiette]: Knowing that I'm always within the protective warmth of the Light.
[Dara]: My family has always been… fighters, mostly. They value the Light, of course, but they've never been priests or paladins.
[Sophiette]: You asked what a calling is.
[Dara]: Yes, and that's what it is to you?
[Sophiette]: It's when you feel a pull toward a path in life.
[Dara]: A pull?
[Sophiette]: When you take steps toward that path and it feels right, and so natural that it comes easily to you.
[Sophiette]: Well…not always easily.
[Sophiette]: Anything worth doing is worth working hard for.
[Sophiette]: But it can sometimes feel easy, because of the joy and satisfaction you gain from it.
[Dara]: Like the harp, maybe? But I know that's not the center of who I am.
[Sophiette]: Sure! Not every calling has to be the core of you.
[Dara]: But it does feel right when I set to the strings. And it takes a lot of practice.
[Dara]: But the practice is good, too.
[Dara]: Let's go deliver that letter?
Sophiette nods at Dara.
[Dara]: I'll have to think. If this is right, or if I'm just running from something else.
[Sophiette]: Mr. Stonefield?
[Sophiette]: We have a letter from your lovely wife.
Tommy Joe Stonefield says: Oh! Thank you!
Tommy Joe smiles as he reads the letter. "I'll get back to her as soon as I can!"
Sophiette grins.
[Sophiette]: So sweet to see two people so in love.
[Dara]: Yes, it is sweet.
[Dara]: Thank you, Sophie, for looking out for me.
[Sophiette]: I will always look out for you.
[Dara]: Let's have a rest here, before we report back about the kobolds?
Sophiette smiles. "Sounds good."