The Respite

8/12/2019 The Respite

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tacky, fake. There were small tales and racks ehind where the

ed of straw lay, and there was where she placed his armored

arding, after unsaddling and ridling him.

He nosed at the $eweled o%, and she opened it, revealing a

large uantity of richly green hay. He uried his nose into it, and

egan to eat. She produced curry coms and rushes, as well as

soft cloths and oils, then egan to clean her horse. He was &

hands at the shoulder, with a dapple grey that almost lended in

with the color of the pavillian's canvas. His neck arched as helifted his head to move to the arrel of water, and when he lifted

his mu((le again, he shook, letting his white mane ripple in the

dim light.

")hh, you o%*" she said $okingly as she patted him on the

rump. +hen she finished with his cleaning, she removed her

outer clothing, hanging the soaked cloak on a peg on one of the

support poles, and kicking off her oots to dry eside it.

She was tired, ut it was a good kind of tired where she

knew that she had accomplished much in the past town, the last

few weeks uickly whisked away y her knowing that the road

was now open to her and her horse. The payments were wellworth her time, and her privacy.

Her private chamer was cold and dark, so she lit the small

stove, set up small gloes of light for illumination, and undressed.

She laid out all of her wet clothing on a rack in a corner,

allowing for it to all dry. n pegs she hung her elt, and the

precious pouches that she carried her life within. She draped her


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kid#skin gauntleted gloves over the rack as well. Such power in

such simple items made her look at them in the same awe she

had when she first received them.

She made her way along the inside of the large tent,

chanting strings of words that sounded like the ale of a rook

in the summer sun. Soon the roaring of the rain on the roof

susided to a dull patter pat, and she smiled. -inally, a reason to

use that spell. The reali(ation that it had een pent up inside her

made her laugh. She'd memori(ed the spell months ago, whenshe thought she was going to a place she knew would rain.

However, when she got there, it turned out that it was in the

middle of a drought.

She went ack to her room, which was connected to

Hooahn's stale y the same thin canvas walls, and caught sightof herself in the full length mirror on her wardroe door. She

looked away uickly, for she had never gotten used to the

immage the reflection had given her since that fateful day in

/&, the day she had changed. )ll angles and pale skin, white

hair and large eyes. She could have passed for some supermodel

at one time, ut she didn't care. It wasn't she who stared ack

with the frustrated scowl, ut some mockery of what she had

een in the past.

She touched her face as her ack was turned to the mirror,

and ran fingernails down the cheeks to her chin. She wished she

could tear this ody away and return to herself, )she the short,)she the tuy, )she the every#day girl... ut she couldn't. This


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was who she was now. She was an 0lf, a Sidhe as some would

have titled her. She didn't care for titles, even though over the

hundreds of years in this ody she had gained uite a few.

She was tired, tired of the rain, tired of the travel, tired of

the way she looked and sounded. )fter all this time, she would

find days like this, and $ust rest. So she did.

She turned and layed down in the ed. She closed her eyes,

and sighed in relief. The end of the road was here. )t least for

now, until the rain let up. Soon she found herself in a deep sleep,forgetting her malcontent, and replaced it with memories of good

days, which seemed to outweigh the ad.

She woke to a horse's mu((le pushing at her face, lips

nomping at her nose.

"h, sorry, sweetie* I guess I was more tired than I thought.

I'll get another ale for you." she got up out of ed, stretched, long

arms nearly glowing in the dim firelight she forgot that she had

started $ust efore she passed out. "It's proaly later than I

thought, as well." She announced to the room in general.

She went to her racks, lifted one of the many ags from it,

and dug inside for a green patch of cloth. It looked as if the finestemroidery had detailed alfalfa hay in perfect symmetry. She led

Hooahn ack to his stale, and tossed the little suare into the

ornate chest, which then urst out the top with sweet#smelling

hay. Hooahn lew through his nose, and nickered, urying his

face in it once again.


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"I think we'll wait out the rain, pal." she said as she leaned on

his road side, feeling him reathing deeply as he ate. "I don't feel

like traveling too much right now, either." He curled his head

around, pushing her over a step. "1not#head*" she thumped his

shoulder with a gentle fist.

She went ack to her ed, flicking her fingers over it, small

sounds coming from her throat. The ed egan to make itself,

covers lifting and shaking, sending its of sand and drips of

water to the floor, where a small wind seemed to push it all to thecorner of the room. The pillows fluffed themselves, and the

lankets tucked in and around the pillows. She smiled at the

simple pleasures such cantrips made her life.

) small tale sat y the stove, and the small gloes of light

once more illuminated her cooking area. She pulled small its of

chicken and vegetales from her satchels, as well as hers and

spices. The pot she had simmering on the stove was filled with all

of the fi%ings for a rich chicken stew.

)fter her meal, she sat and produced a very large ook from

another of the precious pouches. It was ound in dark leather,

the spine illuminated with gold leaf inlays that wound andknotted from top to ottom. She smiled, took another drink of

water, and went to memori(ing new spells to make up for the

ones she had used.

The lights urned for hours, the rain kept coming, pit#

patting and dully roaring over the magical ule she had placed


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over her snug pavillian. )cross the land, the rain came down, and

clouds covered the night sky.

She went ack to her ed near dawn, and lay on top of her

lankets. She took three even, deep reaths, and closed her eyes.

2emories flashed through her head of her past. There was a tall,

dark haired man, a sunny river, shacks, pavillians, anners and

pennants. ) large red dragon and a smaller purple one sat in

conference with a woman with long, rown hair.

3leasant, restful memories all sank her into a deep reverie.The days, weeks, months and years flew through her mind, sweet

smells and dark shadows crept in on her senses. There were

parties of whirling dancers, whirling swords and the clash of

steel against steel. 2asked alls, lavish feasts, and a long road

with companions ahead of her and ehind. She was filled with

the sense of contentment.

+hen her eyes fluttered open, the rain was still falling, ut it

was lighter outside. She rose, checking her clothing, and

euipment, making sure all dampness was out of them. She

looked to the side wardroe she had, in which were cleaner

traveling clothes. She pulled out soft denim $eans and a dark redsilk louse. She found clean socks, underwear and dressed in

silence.

The sound of feet shuffling in a ed of straw ne%t door

reminded her of the wonderful colt she traveled with. She went

over to the flap, and ducked under, smiling as he swung his head

over to meet her with a soft whicker. She stepped up to his face,


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were covered in various anners of cotes of arms of people she

called ally, and some she even called family.

The tale held askets of fruit, candelaras, and different

games. She smiled at how co(y this room was. It was her home

away from home, offering her solace in times of frustration, and

was perfect for entertaining any guests she may have over the

course of her travels. To the right of the main room was another

chamer, in which the canvas walls could e pulled ack to offer

wider space for more guests, or sealed if privacy was needed. Inthis chamer she stored many of the spoils of her adventures.

There were anners, cases with different items, and her armor.

There also stood pells for her to practice on, to keep her martial

ailities in tune.

Cornered from the main chamer and the armory, was a

slightly smaller chamer which held a large lion#clawed tu, a

wardroe, a sink, and small tales that held various toiletries.

This floor was covered in thick sheep#pelt, the wool comed and

curried to a fluffy softness that would ease the footsteps of any

who walked into it. There was also a porcelain toilet tucked in a

corner of this chamer, a curtain was around it, for slightly moreprivacy if needed. To the left of the main chamer was of course,

the stale that housed the giant of a horse, and had room for at

least three others, and her private chamer ehind that.

Her private chamer held her large, four poster ed, and a

large wardroe that held many different clothes ranging from

lue $eans and tee shirts, to ornate court gowns. There were her


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personal drying racks, desks and chairs, and various other small

tales around the room that held all manner of conveniences.

The floor here was also covered in the plush sheepskin rugs. The

walls here were hung with different paintings and poster#prints

of different tastes. 0ven a portrait of herself sitting in a group of

four others, all in ornate thrones wearing different crowns. She

smiled at this portrait, done y the hand of one of the most

prominent artists of !etha.

This was her home. This was what she had desired herwhole life, a place where she could e, and not have the troules

of the world on her shoulders. Circling all of the chamers was a

singular chamer that held supplies, food, water, medicines, all

in crates and urlap ags. It not only was a useful storage, ut

also was useful as insulation.

)s she finished her cleaning and arranging of the room, she

heard a loud whinny from outside that did not elong to Hooahn.

However, his answering ugle from the stale chamer came

almost instantly. She could tell he was agitated y the presence of

another horse that he didn't know. The rain hadn't let up, in fact,

it seemed as if it were coming down harder, ut apparently,someone else had decided to travel in it.

"Halloo*" came a call from outside.

She went to the front, and peered out. ) group of riders

came up to the pavillan led y one of the most edraggled people

she'd ever seen.

"Hallo* )nyone there4" came the call again, in a rolling


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accent that seemed unlikely to have come from a ody as soaked

and muddy as the one it came from, ut it did.

She opened the flap the rest of the way and stepped out

under the canopy. "5es, who is it that wants to know4" she asked,

peering up at the herald.

"His royal highness, 6homan the Third of Suna. He asks if it

please the owner of this fine 3avillan that he rest here while his

own is set up in this gods forsaken rain."

"Certainly* 3lease, tie the horses to the posts there, and ewelcome inside*" she stepped ack into the large chamer. +ell,

I'll have to clean again, I suppose, she thought to herself, ut it is

a nice reak from this rain.

The men dismounted, and she noticed a small caravan of

wagons. They pulled into the muddy meadow, and egan to

unpack. The three lead riders tied their horses to the hitching

posts under the canopy, and made their way to the entrance of

the pavillian. ne was taller than the others, cloaked in a rain#

soaked cape and hood. He stood at the entrance of the tent, and

looked around inside. He made way for his companions as he

was ushered in."Thank you, 2y 7ady. 5our generosity will not go

unnoticed." He said in a pleasant aratone. He egan to shed his

outter coverings, handing them over to one of his companions.

She motioned to the large drying racks ne%t to one of the smaller

stoves for him to egin hanging the wet vestments.

She noticed that he was only a few inches shorter than


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herself, ut had a fighter's uild. Thick arms and chest, and

hands that looked as if they had seen many years of hard laour.

She looked him over, and smiled. He was definately handsome, in

her eyes. His skin was pale, and framed y lack hair, neatly

trimmed. He had a few days worth of lack stule on his face,

another indication that they didn't stop for long, if they had, on

the road. His eyes were a deep rown, almost lack, and also

rimmed with $et eyelashes and eyerows. He had a strong $aw,

with a few scars that slipped from cheek to chin, ut did not marhis good features. In fact, she thought they enhanced his

attractiveness.

His two companions also stripped off their sodden clothing,

hanging them on the ample racks, then turned to the man

standing there, waiting. She motioned to the sofa and two seats,

"3lease, 2'lords. 2ake yourselves at home. +ould you care for

some hot drinks4 3erhaps a small meal4" she made her way

toward the oven in the ack, and the shelving eside it.

They looked at each other, then around the room once more,

finally dawning on them how large the space actually was.

"Indeed, 2'lady. It would e a pleasure to spend a few restfulhours here while my own accomodations are set up." said the

taller man. "I am 6homan, 1ing of Suna. These two gentlemen are

+ill and Shamus." he motioned to each, and they owed their

heads in polite nods as he spoke their names.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, your Highness. 2y name is

7ady )she, and may I ask, " she stated, ringing a simmering


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teapot to the tale, and setting up fine mugs for the drink, "+hat

rings you out in this kind of weather4" She smiled as she poured

four cups of the hot liuid.

"2y retinue and I are on our way to the river valley for

peace talks with the council there." He spoke as they all three sat,

6homan in one of the single chairs, and the others on the sofa.

She rought over a tray with the cups of tea, as well as many

small triangular finger sandwiches. They all took their shares

with a greatful smile and nod. She sat down in the other singlechair, and rested the tray on the small tale in the middle, within

easy reach if they needed. They ate in silence for a few moments,

then 6homan looked at her,

"+hy are you out this far from civili(ation, if may ask4" he

sipped the tea, and watched her with shrewd eyes.

"I am a traveler of sorts, m'lord. I've semi#retired from my

previous line of work, and now I $ust $ourney from land to land,

en$oying my retirement." She answered in turn, sipping her own

tea.

"+hat was your line of work4" 6homan tilted his head.

") soldier, m'lord" she smiled a wry grinShe poured herself another cup of tea as they all stared at

her, then proceded to stand, and refresh other empty cups. She

looked at them with a it of confusion, and they all looked away,

seemingly emarrassed.

"8egging my lady's pardon, ut did you say soldier4" the

king's man, +ill, asked.


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"5es, m'lord." She returned to her seat, and picked up her tea

cup once more.

"I do hope you forgive me if I say I do not elieve you."

6homan stated, setting his tea down on the tale in front of

himself. The other men followed suit as the sound of construction

continued outside.

"I'll forgive you." She simply stated, and tilted her head, once

again smiling.

6homan looked at her once again. Her ody wasscandilously apparent as she wore men's leggings. ) shirt cut to a

feminine uild clung to her not unshapely form and she wore

fine oots, strangely made with lacings on the front, and dagger

sheathes on the sides. She had milk#white skin, hands with long,

delicate looking fingers, and long arms. The muscles were also

well defined in her thin clothing, letting the king reali(e she was

not a soft nolewoman. 8ut how4 He looked at her face, which

seemed to radiate kindness as she looked ack at him. Her

cheekones were high, accentuating full, lightly rouged lips. Her

eyes were large, almond#shaped, and the color of the winter sky,

pale lue, with lack rims. Her hair was long, thick, and strait asa oard. It was loose around her face, and draped over her

shoulder in nearly paper#white waves.

To say she had an etherial eauty was an understatement,

for that kindness that radiated from her had an underlying

darkness to it, as if she had secrets that would topple his world if

he ever were to know. However, if she were to wear descent


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clothing, perhaps she would e more acceptale to his court. His

eyes went to her long, thin neck, which hung a thin silvery chain

that attatched to a pagan symol of a sort, which also shone in

the light of the open fires in the stoves.

+hen he looked ack up, she was staring at him, her kind

smile hiding the look in her eyes of challenge. He raised an

eyerow, and uirked a smile in return, then sipped at the tea

once again.

She had een studying him as well, noting that although histitle was that of 1ing, he was poorly dressed for his station. His

clothing was clean, ut worn and patched. He wore no chain of

station, or $ewelry ut three rings on his left hand. She only

linked once when she reali(ed he was grinning ack at her as

she caught his own look.

He held up the teacup, "+hat manner of tea is this4 It is the

richest, most flavourful tea I have ever had."

She raised her own mug, "It is a engal spice, named for a

land far across the sea."

"Have you traveled the seas often4" he asked, while his two

men continued to watch."I have traveled seas, deserts, mountains and prairies, sir."

she smiled at him again.

")re your people amung the ararians to the north4 I must

admit, I have never seen a lady such as yourself. However, I am

curious as to how one of the 8ararians lives in such lu%ury." he

looked around the pavillian once again.


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She chuckled, "I am definately not a 'ararian'." she

followed his ga(e, "2y people are fairly reclusive." She looked

ack at him, and sipped her tea.

"5our hangings are uite interesting. I have never seen their

likes. )re these from lands you have visited efore mine4" His

eyes landed on one particular cote of arms of two intertwined

dragons holding what looked like white rocks aimed at each

other.

")hh, yes. 2any lands, over the seas and mountains, sir. Ilike to have a memento of my encounters. It helps the memory."

She grinned when she noticed him eyeing the tapestry of Coalt

and !limmerwing when they had encountered snow for the first

time. The two little -aery 9ragons she had as constant

companions, however, on this trip, she was without the little

imps. They had asked to stay at the :orthagetha 1eep to learn

more from their cousins, the -ae 9ragons of )(ul. However, she

didn't mention this to 6homan.

The king turned to her once more, "5ou said you were a

soldier." he egain.

"I did.""I only say that I do not elieve you ecause, one, you are a

woman, and a very young one at that. )nd two, I see no armor,

no weapons, in view where a soldier would display them proudly

in his pavillian." He watched for her reaction.

")h, well, 2y pavillian is much larger than you would

suspect, 2'lord 6homan, and thank you for saying that you think


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I am a younger woman. It does my ego a oost." she grinned

wryly.

He nodded, ")hh." was all he said $ust as a knock came to the

door post. )she went to the flap, lifting it to reveal a muddy,

soked and tired looking young man.

"His highness's pavillan is raised, m'lady. +e are finishing

with the others, ut could you let him know4" He stated, ruing

his hands together.

"f course. I'm sure he'll e happy to hear his own place isup." She replied.

He turned and returned to the pouring rain, where there

were more sounds of construction. 9ark figures made their ways

ack and forth etween wagons and slowely raising tents.

"2y men aren't too fond of traveling in the rain, 2'lady. It

was hard to get this far without camping earlier." He said as he

stood.

"I can understand why, sir." she stated, turning around. "If

you would like, to keep passing the time, I could engage you in a

game of chess4" she motioned to the tale. The men all looked at

each other and nodded.")h, e%cellant* It has een a while since I have played." he

said with a gleam in his eye. She could tell he was downplaying

his capailities.

"Then I may e ale to win once, myself*" she stated, and set

up the oard.

)ll three men came to the tale. +ill and Shamus sat one on


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each side, watching, and 6homan took the white side. )she

oliged. The game lasted nearly an hour, with surprise moves y

oth sides, making +ill and Shamus laugh at each turn.

6homan picked up each piece from the side, turning them

over in his hands. "These are made y e%pert hands. )re they

made of metal4" he e%amining each individually. The white were

more like silver, polished to a high shine. The eyes were

gemstones of ony%. The king's faces were lank, ut for the eyes,

as were the ueen's. The rooks were heads of ravens, the ishopswere ;ackal's heads, and the knights...oth knights of each side

ore a striking resemleance to the 7ady who sat across from

him. She was seated on a large horse in full rear, weilding two

long swords. The white pawns were caste as elves, and the lack,

dwarves. The lack pieces were also metalic, lighter than the

silvery ones, and the eyes were gem ruies.

"Indeed, m'lord 6homan. " she said, moving another dwarf.

"It was a gift from the comined efforts of two peoples I had

helped in their own peace talks. +hen the talks were done, and

ammendments made, I was given this set as payment, as well as

in thanks." she looked up at him as he studied each piece."I have never seen anything like it." he sighed and set each

piece ack down. He turned his attention ack to the game. "2y

lady, you will have me in check soon, won't you4" he chuckled.

She grinned, "Indeed, sir." she merely stated. +ill and

Shamus looked down, a it emarrassed.

"7et us play it out, and see what comes of it, then." he said,


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and moved another piece, taking her rook.

In si% moves, the game was over. She may have checked

him, ut he had her in mate. She smiled rightly, "+ell played*"

she e%claimed, e%tending her hand to him in congratulations.

He took her hand, and kissed the ack of her knuckles, "It

was indeed well played, my lady. :ow, I must retire to my own

little piece of home in the rain. " he stood, releasing her hand.

They all stood as well. She was smiling softly after the knuckle

kiss."I hope we can play again soon, sir." she owed her head to

him as she egan to remove the now completely dry clothing

from the racks, handing it over to +ill and Shamus.

They thanked her and dressed their 1ing for his short $aunt

to his tent. She untied the flaps to the door once again, and held it

for them. They had een the ideal company, and now, ideal

neighors4 -or how long4 Her smile was soft, happy, ut

guarded.

+hen the three men made their way into the colder

pavillian of the 1ing's, they went aout furnishing it with foldedwooden chairs and thick lankets rought in large chests. The

king layed his damp cloak over a chair, and went to the warming

stove in the center of the room, holding out his hands.

+ill finally spoke, "I don't know aout the woman, 2y 1ing.

She is far too odd. To e out here in this weather and with a story

like hers, perhaps she is sent to spy on my 7ord and his


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enterage4" He opened and re#folded a thick uilt, draping it over

one of the chairs for the 1ing to sit in.

"I felt no threat from her, 2y 7ord." said Shamus as he made

the king's ed off to the side. "5ou know my ailities to sense

these things. She was pleasant, she spoke nothing of the 3eace

talks. However, like you, learning of her martial aility was uite

a surprise." his words sunk into oth +ill and 6homan. Shamus

was a reader, ale to tell the true intentions of any he was in

viscinity of. This made him invaluale for the talks with the6iverfolk.

They sat there in silence for a few moments, and noticed that

for some reason, the sound of the rain was more pronounced in

this pavillian compared to that of the 7ady )she's. 6homan

looked at them, "She seems to have the capaility to fend for

herself, if not make a name for herself if applied at the right

stages. I will offer her a place in our retinue for the peace talks. If

the people she had helped were willing to give to her such a gift

as that chess set, she must have een a oon to their own talks."

"Indeed, Sire." said +ill. He had other ideas aout her,

however, and some of them were more suspicious than his 1inghad. "She may e rich, ut she ore no mark of noility of our

land, or that of the 6iverland. She did admit she was a common

soldier, and possily a defector. +hat do you really know aout

her4" he asked, trying to see other sides to the scenario.

"+ill is right, 2'lord." Shamus said, sitting on one of the

chairs, without cushion, "5our will is our command, however do


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not let riches or eauty, no matter how e%otic, influence you to a

rash decision." he rued the ack of his neck in thought.

6homan stood, and egan to prepare for the night, removing

outter clothing to e replaced with sleeping dress. "There are

guards upon my step, and it is late. 9o not worry aout my safety

this night, Shamus, +ill. 5ou two need to sleep as well, we'll

reak camp in the morning. I will sleep on this delimma. !ood

night, friends." He patted them oth on the shoulders, eliciting

smiles from oth. He had that way aout him to make things feelalright, if only for a while. He was the poorest king Shamus had

known and een in service to, ut he was definately the most

desireale. He was too kind.

They went to separate tents, calling their good nights to the

servants and guards alike. There were almost twenty people in

retinue, and they all held their 1ing in the highest reguard. They

all kept an eye on their 7ord's pavillian, watching to e sure that

he was not harmed, or if he needed of anything, someone would

e there to help.

6homan sat on his ed, ruing his temples. He laid ack on

the single cover, and spoke softly to himself, ")h, 7ady )she.+here did you come from4 +hy have you crossed our path at

this time4 +hy is it I feel that you are more than you seem4" he

closed his eyes with visions of her ice lue eyes following him

into sleep.

He woke to the roar of heavier rain, and crashes of thunder.

Horses were whinnying, snorting, and he could hear servants


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trying to calm them. !ods last it* +ill this weather never end*4

He rose from his dreamless slumer, and sighed. There was a

fresh suit of clothing on the chair, Shamus had een in already,

as well as a tray containing meats, fruits and hot cider for him to

en$oy. ")h, Shamus, I don't deserve such a man as you." he said

softly, and egan to pick up the tray.

"If I were not your servant, 7ord, I would offer my services,

anyway. 5ou do deserve what you recieve from your humle

people*" Shamus said as he entered the tent."The talks are only a week away. +e may not make it if this

rain continues any more*" 6homan e%claimed as he lifted the

cider to drink.

"I have een thinking aout what you said, 2y 7ord. 3erhaps

to offer the 7ady )she a place in the talks will e uite eneficial.

I think she will e ale to ring closure without loodshed."

Shamus said softly.

6homan nodded. 0very time there had een offers of peace

to the 6iverland people, emmisaries were sent ack either

maimed or eaten half to death. The only reason 6homan did not

go to war with them, was for the fact his own troops were toothin to advance upon the 6iverland. They were e%cellant soldiers,

and were first and formost protection for his lands if the

6iverland's host decided to advance first. He had e%cellant

defense, ut little to no offense. This othered him consideraly.

"I will ask her this morning. +ill you go to her and ask for

her ear and talk to me aout my delimma4" he looked at Shamus,


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who owed deeply.

"I will, 2y 7ord*" he said with a deep smile.

Shamus left the 1ing in his pavillian to eat and drink in

peace, and dashed through the rain, holding his cloak over him

as a soggy umrella, to the 7ady's door. He knocked on the

doorframe, and heard movement within.

The door flap looped up, and she stood there, in a different,

ut no less eautiful, outfit. It was more dress#like, ut the dress

part he could tell were cut to reeche's fit. He owed to her, "2y7ady )she, 2y 7ord 6homan asks that you speak to him on

matters of an offical manner. +ould you grace his humle

pavillian with your presence4" he asked, head owed.

)she tilted her head, cocking an eyerow, "ffical manner,

hum4" she asked.

"5es, 2'lady. +ill you e willing to hear him out4"

"f course, Shamus. I will e over soon. I am going to finish

my morning chores, then I will e over. It won't e too long." she

nodded to him, then watched as he turned and hustled ack to

the king's tent.

"!ood lord. +hat have I gotten into now4" she asked herselfas she returned to the comfort of her sofa, opening a large,

leatheround ook, and egan to memori(e the words within.

Shamus found 6homan sitting on the padded chair, sipping

his cider once again, the platter empty. He smiled as his 1ing

looked at him in e%pectation.

"She will e here soon, 2y 7ord. She is willing to talk." his


23/42

smile was infectious, and 6homan smiled ack.

"That is hopeful news indeed*" he said, standing. He went to

the chests that held his clothing, opening the lids. "+hat should I

wear for a simple talk4" he asked noone in particular. Shamus

stepped up ehind him, and rested a hand on his elow.

"+hat you wear now, Sire, is acceptale. She will e here to

talk of politics, not to discuss the way your shoes match your

sash." he snickered.

6homan laughed aloud, "5ou are right, once more*" heturned and egan to pace. The thoughts of what he would tell

her, ask her. The people of the 6iverland had een a su$ect of

much grief amung his own. They had severed trading ties, and

even attacked people on the roads if they were traveling from

Suna to the 6iverland, in hopes to send terror through the

kingdom. It had to stop. The 6iverland's own 1ing, his Cousin

2arlon, held 6homan in complete contempt, and he didn't even

know why.

6homan's father, and his father efore him were strong

willed leaders, commanders of great armies that none dared face

in the region. 8ut the illness and death of each caused the ranksof the army to dwindle to the few elite that swore fealty to the

1ing and his predacessors. 6homan felt weary to the ones,

trying to keep his head held high, and his people happy.

However, his hold on his land was slipping slowely, ut surely,

and with no


24/42

He took a deep reath, and closed his eyes. Shamus's hand

laid to rest on his shoulder, "-ear not, Sire. If this 7ady )she has

any honor in her ody, she will see the necisity of her assistance."

")gain, you are right, Shamus. I need to rela% and

concentrate on the oon that has landed in my lap." 6homan

nodded and went to the chair y the tale. "-etch me the

documents that I plan on offering my cousin. I will have her look

them over. It doesn't hurt to have another go over them who is

not iased."Shamus snapped a ow, and dug through the chests that

held the important documentations. Including every instance of

harassment that the 6iverland committed. It would all e rought

efore 2arlon and his advisors. It was documented ack two

whole years, and had to e ended now.

)nother knock came to )she's doorpost, as she had finished

her last it of memori(ing. It was +ill, looking past her into the

pavillian, a stoic look on his face.

"5es4 How may I help you, +ill4" she asked, smiling

pleasantly.

"I wished to speak to you on what you will e discussingwith the 1ing." he looked at her with a serious tone.

"I am on my way over to 6homan's pavillian right now. 9id

he send you to escort me4" she asked, suspecting not.

":o, m'lady. I wanted to give you word that he is all Suna

has, and these peace talks must go smoothly. +e cannot afford to

lose him, or any of the people that travel with him."


25/42

"I have no deigns on him or any of you, +ill. :ow, if you do

not mind, we can make our way through the rain, and speak to

his Highness." she pulled an umrella from a round stand ne%t to

the doorway, and stepped lightly past +ill. He looked at her in a

confused way, then $erked in surprise when she snapped open

the canopy. "+e can share the umrella to his Highness's

3avillian. " she held the umrella out, and +ill tentitively stepped

underneath.

He was pleasantly surprised when the rain didn't hit him,the impliment she carried was an ingenius device, and he was

smiling when they entered the 1ing's tent. 6homan set down a

ook that he had een reading, and smiled in return. Shamus was

sitting ne%t to him, holding a ceramic mug of something

steaming. He stood, and motioned for )she to sit where he had

een.

She snapped shut the umrella, and leaned it against the

door post. She made her way to the chair, and sat gracefully.

"Thank you for the invitation. I am to understand that you wish to

speak to me of the 6iverland 3eace Talks4"

6homan nodded and smiled, and motioned to the small talethat held a teapot and ceramic mug, "5es, 2'lady. I need to know

if you would e willing to mediate etween my cousin and

myself. +e were close friends at one time, ut something

happened that I am unaware of to cause him to turn on me and

mine."

)she nodded, tapping her chin with one finger, "I see. 2y


26/42

services in the past have come at steep prices, at times. If it were

to come to a steep price, what would you e willing to sacrifice4"

her tone was low and uite serious.

"I would sacrifice much. )s long as my people are not

harmed, or my kingdom lost, I will give you anything you desire."

His words rang in her mind. This man was worth the risk4 To

her, it was.

The room was uiet, contemplative as the roar of rain

attered the pavillian. Thoughts ran through 6homan's mind tothe pulse of the sheeting rain. His kingdom was poor. 0ven the

richest noles, save for himself, had few to no servants. :o true

income was made y Suna, they lived hand to mouth. His soldiers

were well trained as well as the few elite guards that traveled

with him, and the 6iverland was giving him grief at every corner.

He had come to the end of his rope, and he had ecome

desparate. His father, and his father efore him were great

leaders, ut when they were oth killed y 6iverland raiders, the

task of 1ing fell upon 6homan. He had no silings nor heir, and

this worried his people, as well as himself. There were very few

choices he could have made to help them, and when he chose tosend word of peace talks to his cousin, he knew there was going

to e troule when the reply was uick and affirmative.

Then SH0 crossed his path. This strange woman who seemed

to come from nowhere, and had no enterage of her own. She was

a mystery, and 6homan was eager to give anything a chance at

this moment, even if it came from outside of their lands. This


27/42

woman, this )she, seemed like the reak he needed, and here she

was, agreeale to his reuest. 0specially when she nodded.

"I will help you, 1ing 6homan the Third of Suna. 8ut my

price will e spoken after the dealings. I will ask only what is fair

for the outcome of the talks. Is this acceptale4" She crossed her

hands in her lap and looked at him.

The men in the tent with them were watching her like

hawks. She had an inkling that Shamus perhaps had some kind

of psychic aility, for whenever she spoke, he would nod, $ustarely, as a signal to +ill, who in turn would either raise a finger

to his lord, or shake his head at Shamus. They were a good team.

If they were in the presence of people who were unaccustomed

to catching small details like that, they would seem innocuous.

They spoke at length as to what had een going on with

6homan and his country, as well as what the 6iverlanders had

een doing to harass him. )she agreed that this had to stop, and a

peace had to e rought etween them. )fter hours of

delieration, and planning, the rain still fell, easing up somewhat

over the course of time, ut still coming down too hard to travel

in.)she finally stood, and id them all to return to her pavillian

for a much needed hot meal. She was happy to hear them agree

full heartedly, and offered to serve the enterage as well. )ll they

needed to do was to come to the pavillian in aout an hour's time

to fetch the food for the men. 6homan was more than happy to

reuest her wish.


28/42

+hen she returned to the pavillian, she set to work

immediately. She pulled package after package of food from her

precious little ags, setting meats, fruits, vegetales, reads and

cheeses on the large tale. :e%t came pitchers of hot and cold

wine and cider as well as large trays with covers to set it all

within. +hen she had the ma$ority of the food prepared and

stacked on the trays, a knock, once again, came to her door.

"Come in*" she called from the ack of the room near the

stove.+ill entered and looked around in great surprise, "2y 7ord

has sent me to assist you in your preparation of our meals...

however, it seems you have nearly finished this task*" he looked

at her in wide#eyed wonder.

"5es, yes. " she stated and waved a hand at the tale, "Those

trays are for your men. 3lease have some of them come in and

help take them to their tents4 I will not have uite enough room

to host all of your troupe." she smiled and pulled a pan from the

stove top.

+ill owed and left the tent, hurrying to get help with the

trays. Soon, si% men, as well as +ill, appeared at the tent flap,and nearly tripped over themselves when they entered. +ill

hurried them along, having each of them take a large tray to

different tents to feed the rest of them. They all whispered and

looked around the place efore e%iting, much to the amusement

of )she.

"The 1ing's meal will e set up shortly. I'll call you when the


29/42

tale is set." She smiled at +ill, and he did a doule take. He felt

lood rush to his face as he then owed, and left in a hurry to

speak to 6homan.

6homan stood in his tent, in front of the tiny stove that

Shamus stoked with another scoop of coal and wood chips. He

had een usy finding a suitale outfit in his travel chest for the

meal. He found one that was simple, ut finely made. There were

no tatters or stains on it, as well as no patches or look of wear. It

was a dark lue rocaide, trimmed in silver and gold chording. Itwas one of the two rand new suits he had made $ust for the

peace talks, and well, this was the perfect occasion for this one.

Shamus looked at his lord and smiled. He would certainly

impress nearly anyone with his earing. If it hadn't een for the

6iverland's 1ing and their attacks on Suna, perhaps he wouldn't

have seen his lord in such finery. -inery that was most deserved

y 6homan. He turned as +ill made his way inside, smiling.

Shamus was leary, +ill rarely ever smiled as he did when he

entered.

"+hat rings such a look to your face, +ill4" he asked, arms

crossing.6homan turned and looked at him, then raised an eyerow.

"5ou will not elieve what the 7ady )she had $ust sent with

our men. There are smells so rich and mouth#watering in that

pavillian, I fear you wouldn't want to leave*" he e%claimed,

shaking his head.

They all laughed at this, light hearted and rela%ed. This was


30/42

something they hadn't felt in many a night. 3erhaps things will

look up, 6homan thought... 3erhaps.

There was a gentle rap upon 6homan's doorpost, and when

+ill went to see who was there, the spot was empty. He looked

around and saw )she waving at them to attend to the meal. He

didn't really think aout how the knock came to the door, he was

$ust happy that his 1ing was going to e fed a decent meal with

lovely company. Such very lovely company with such an odd tale

to tell.They all made their way to the pavillian and once more

removed soaked cloaks, for the rain was once more coming down

in sheets. )she smiled up at them, and motioned to the tale

which was loaded with enough food for them, and another ten

people. Shamus' mouth set to watering, as well as +ill's and

6homan's.

"3lease, my lords, e seated and en$oy the ounty of my

tale." she said formally.

They all sat and egan to pass around roasts, fowl, read and

vegetales. She went to each plate and poured golets of wine

and mugs of hot cider, then sat at her own place. They noticedthat she had also dressed for the occasion in a fine gown that was

reminiscent of Suna's past age, the age of 6homan the -irst.

However, it was styled after that age, the materials were new,

crisp and clean, and $ewels adorned the high collar that rested on

her milky neck.

6homan looked up from his plate, and stared. +hen she


31/42

stood to raise a toast to the talks, he saw that the odd clothing she

e%changed out for a formal dress made her even more desireale

in his eyes. )ll eyes were on her as they stood, and she smiled

pleasantly, raising her golet of wine.

"To new found friends in the weather that would have een

anything ut pleasant upon this road. To peace etween Suna

and 6iverland. To 1ing 6homan and his e%cellant men." she

raised her glass, as did all of the others.

"To peace." Said 6homan."To the 1ing." Said Shamus.

"To 7ady )she, our fine hostess." said +ill, letting his eyes

lock with hers, which was met with a nod and smile.

"5es, to our 7ady )she." Said 6homan and Shamus

simultaneously.

)she smiled and owed her head, then all drank deeply, and

sat. The food they ate was rich and moist, dry and filling, with

spices they had no idea what flavoured it. Compliments came

from all of the men, as well as reuests for seconds and thirds. )s

they slowed in their feast, a chorus of singing came from outside.

The men in their tents had taken up the songs of Suna. Somewere loud and awdy, others patriotic, and others sad and

longing. )she sat in silence and listened, mug of cider in her

hands as she heard their words, their hopes, fears and prideful

oasts. +hat would she get from those of the 6iverland4 She

dared to hope.

+hen the meal finished, the men stood and owed,


32/42

thanking her for her hospitality. She owed in return, then gave

each a chaste emrace. They were startled at first, then took it in

stride. )s they left, they were happy to hear $oy in the voices of

the other men. This was one of the most fortunate misfortunes

they had ever had.

6homan, Shamus and +ill retired to the 1ing's 3avillian

with a ottle of fine spirits she had given them, as well as three

fine glasses to pour it within. The little stove had stayed lit the

entire time, and Shamus stocked it once again. They all sat, +illpouring the spirits into each glass, and sighed in relief.

)she had turned from the door, and raised her hands,

speaking a phrase of power. Soon a shimmering force stood

efore her, "I wish for you to clean, servant. 3ick up the food

uneaten and undamaged, storing it in the containers on the side

tales. +ash the tale and chairs, then clean the floor, and wash

dishes. 3lease then return all things to their proper places. Come

to me when this is done. I will either release you or find one more

task. " she spoke to the wavering form, which owed to her, and

set to work.

She went to her room and pressed a utton on a small o%,which then egan to play soft music as she re#dressed in her

pants and shirt, inding her hair into a long raid as well. She

went to Hooah's stale, and rushed him down, giving him a

large apple and sugar cue in a small feed trough. He had messed

in his straw, so she cleaned that out as well. The evening had

een wonderful, and ended on an upnote. There was ut one last


33/42

thing to do. If they were to make it to the riverland in any time

for these peace talks, the rain H)9 to end.

She gathered materials from her room and went to the

armory chamer. There she laid out a large mat traced and

painted in runes and archaec symols. She placed candles at the

four corners, and other necesities within. She sat in lotus position,

and egan to chant over and over, faster and faster. In a few

moments, a misty form wavered in front of her, as well as a

swirly ree(e. She looked up and smiled."8lessings and greetings to you, element of mist and air." she

owed her head to the forms.

"+hy have you summoned us, 8ringer of 9eath4" they asked

in unison in etherial voices.

"I am on a mission of peace, h powerful 0lements. I am

willing to give you much in e%change for the end of the rain

until we reach the 6iverland." She owed her head again, hands

held in supplication to the two forms.

"+e have your reuest, and what would you give us in

return for the end of the rain for this ammount of time4"

whispered the swirling mist."I have three elementals of each ound to me at this time. I

will give two of them their freedom efore their contracted time,

as well reath from my lungs and water of my ody." she looked

up at them.

They were silent for a few moments. This was concerning to

her, for normally this reuest was snapped up uickly y the


34/42

flighty elementals. However, these two seemed to delierate. She

kept her pose as still as possile, until they turned to her, swirling

and sighing.

"This is acceptale, 8ringer of 9eath. +e reuire the air and

water now. +hen you return to the 6iverland, then release your

oundlings. Then our duty as the monsoon will continue twelve

more days, until the earth is full and the rivers are wild once

more." they whirled around her as she nodded.

She took a deep reath, and cupped her hands in front ofher mouth. She reathed long and slowely into her hands, then

motioned forward, still reathing out, a nearly impossily long

reath. The swirling vorte% danced in front of her, picking up

small its of deris and sand, then deposited it all in a small pile

on the edge of the mat. +hen that finished, she inhaled again,

reathing steadily once more.

She took a long, mithril dagger from in front of her, and cut

thinly at her inner arm, drawing a long, thick line of lood which

she caught in a shallow saucer. In which she also spit a mouthful

of saliva. She thought of sadness, and agony, and allowed tears to

well in her eyes. These dripped into the saucer, which then shestirred with the tip of the dagger.

She layed down the dagger and held up the saucer to the air,

where the misty form curled around it, drawing the liuid into

itself, turning the mi%ture into a pink mist.

"+e are pleased, 8ringer of 9eath. 5our sacrifice is

accepted. The rain will end at the pinnacle of the moon's rise. It


35/42

will egin again as soon as the two oundlings are released

within the orders of the 6iverland." the two forms whirled and

disappeared.

)she took another deep reath, and slouched her shoulders.

Summoning elementals was hard to do, and making them happy,

even harder. 8ut now the roads would e clear of rain. She set to

work once more, raising her hands and chanting again. It took

slightly longer this time until a muddy form schlorped under her

pavillian's edge, and formed a short, suat figure at the edge ofher mat.

"+hy have you summoned me, 8ringer of 9eath4" it said in

a deep, gravely voice.

"2ighty 0lement of 0arth, I call upon you to make the road

we take to the 6iverland dry and easy on the feet of our steeds. I

wish to ring peace to the 6iverland and those of Suna, and I ask

for your assistance." She lowers her head, once more hands out,

asking the elemental his permission.

The creature shifted ack and forth upon its stumpy legs,

looking at her for a few moments, as if contemplating. She was

once more surprised that the elements here took longer toanswer her reuest. 3erhaps they were not used to eing

summoned4 She kept her pose in front of it.

"+hat will you give to the earth in e%change for this

reuest4" it asked in that same deep voice.

"I offer gems and dirt of my home worlds. :ot of this world.

They will speak tales of lands other than this one to you. The


36/42

gems are rare in the land from which they come, and the dirt is

of a land long lost to the ocean. +ill you accept my offering,

mighty 0lement of 0arth4"

It seemed to delierate again, then owed to her, "I will

accept these gifts. I will make the roads dry and hard to the

6iverland from Suna when the sun strikes the top of your

dwelling." it stated.

)she pulled a small ag from her hip, and dumped a

handful of sand into a differant saucer, then placed on top of ittwo gems nearly the si(e of the Hope 9iamond. They la(ed red

and lue, as if knowing that an 0lemental were neary. She held

up the saucer to the elemental, which took it, and the things

within. She gladly gave up the ceramic saucer as a onus to the

elemental. It opened its mouth, and swallowed the whole thing in

one lump.

"+e are pleased with your gift, 8ringer of 9eath. +hen you

meet opposition, return their odies to me as well." it said, then

schlorped ack out into the night.

)she nearly passed out right there, the power used to

summon these creatures drained her much more than she hadthought it would. This was indeed a place where elementals were

not used to eing summoned.

She picked up all that she had laid down, and waiting for

her was the unseen servant y the flap of the main room.

"Clean the floor in this room, pushing all dust and dirt to the

outside edges. Then you are released after this last task." she said


37/42

in a tired voice. The servant owed to her once again, and egan

to clean.

She retreated ack to her room, and put away all of her

components. She pulled off her clothes once more, and wrapped

in a fluffy roe, then took the small o% to the athroom. She

flicked her fingers over the tu, removing dust from inside, and

uncorked a pitcher that was hinged to one side. She put a plug in

the drain, and tipped the pitcher into it. ut poured scalding hot

water. She smiled as the tu filled, and egan to unwind her hair.It fell past the middle of her ack, and glistened in the dim light

the little ors of light produced in the corners of the room. She

rushed it out, and opened another pitcher at the opposite end of

the tu. She tipped that into the scalding water, countering it

with cold. +hen the tu was almost half full, she stopped up the

cold pitcher, and tested the water. She let the hot pour a it

longer, then tipped it ack, corking it. Steam rose from the tu,

and she stepped into it, sighing as the heat soaked into her ones.

She took three long, deep reaths, and let herself soak,

rela%ing into the tu, falling into a light reverie. +hen she

awoke, there was a feel to the room as if someone had disturedit. She looked around, and noted that nothing in the room was

distured, ut there was that feeling.

Shamus knew that she would know he had entered. He

didn't take anything, ut had a small ornately carved o% that

held two small yellow gems. These were the earrings of his 7ord's

mother. She handed them down when she passed away, as did


38/42

her mother efore her and her mother efore that. He would

wait there for her to come from her ack room where she was

athing. This was his duty, to offer the


39/42

She closed the flap and spoke, "I understand your duty,

Shamus, ut ne%t time, knock first. If I had een put to duress,

you would have een killed. " She opened the flap again, her hair

up in a large towel, and the thick roe she wore open much

further than anticipated. Shamus cleared his throat and looked

away.

She walked up to him, her normally soft smile was now a

serious frown.

"+hat did you come here for, Shamus4" she asked himdirectly. He handed her the small o%, and looked up at her.

"This is a gift from his Highness, it is not much for one such

as yourself, ut these are the earrings of his Highness' mother,


40/42

Suna is now part of me. )nd I thank you for your gift.' " She

owed ack to Shamus and motioned to the door, ":ow, I wish

for some privacy, so I may dress and prepare for ed. I will e

ready in the morning to go, I suggest you get up early as well."

Shamus linked and swallowed heavily, ut nodded, and

turned away. He e%ited the tent as uickly as he could without

seeming rude. +hen he made it ack to 6homan's pavillian, he

repeated the message that )she had given him, making his 1ing

smile. Then he told her aout the ears. 6homan looked at himoddly, then nodded.

"Thank you Shamus. This is proaly why we ran into her in

this weather. !o to ed now, we reak camp in the morning." he

patted Shamus on his shouler, and motioned for +ill, "5ou, too,

+ill, go get some sleep."

They all parted ways, and 6homan sat upon his ed, closing

his eyes. He $ust may have the upper hand. +ith a person like

this 7ady )she to help him turn the tides, Suna may once more

see a glorious future. He put out each candle and climed under

the covers.

In the morning, there was a rapping at his post, he had sleptlike the dead. He sat up, and went to the flap. There was +ill,

pointing to )she's 3avillian. The sky was clear, the rain was gone,

and the ground around the tents to the road was dry and packed

as if rain hadn't fallen at all.

"The lady )she asks us for one more meal efore we leave.

Shall we go, my lord4" he asked with twinkling eyes. The other


41/42

men had already egun to tear down pavillians and tents, which

all seemed to have dried as if in the sun for hours. They were all

cheery as they roke camp, and 6homan looked ack at )she's

home.

"Indeed* I would love to see what she has for morning meal."

he said with a huge smile.

They made their way to the pavillian, and Shamus was

already there, setting a ouuet of flowers in the center of the

tale. There was lovely music piping throughout the large room,strings and flutes, a whole orchestra that 6homan couldn't see. )t

this $uncture in the peace talks, he didn't care if it were eing

performed y trained mice, this was how a 1ing SH>79 have

his meals*

)she came out of her private chamer, suited in the most

lavish armor 6homan had ever seen. She was draped in the

shiniest silver chain mail, and partial plate covered arms, kidneys

and ris. 8lack metal ands protected her shins and thighs, and a

pair of ornate swords hung at her sides. Her hair was held down

y a spider we of silvery chain as well, studded in different

gems which shone and glittered in the light from the little gloesthat hung in the air aove the tale. She was smiling as she

motioned to the tale, "3lease, sit, eat. The men outside have had

their meals, and we are last to pack. Hooahn is ready to go, and I

will pack my pavillian as soon as you are done here.

6homan and the others sat, and tucked in. The food was

uickly consumed, and they all washed their hands and faces in


42/42

her washroom. +hen they were finished, the food had een put

away, the tale cleared, and all things suared away. +hen they

left the pavillian, she was standing there with her horse, which

was suited in armored arding as gleaming as her own.

"I say, 7ady )she, you travel in style* )nd the weather is

perfect for travel* If we leave soon, we can make it to the

6iverland $ust in time." he stated with that rilliant smile. )she

smiled in return.

"I will have my pavillian packed soon. 6ide ahead, and I willcatch up." she waved them off as she let Hooahn gra(e at the lush

grass around the campsite.

6homan didn't seem to think twice aout it, ut +ill and

Shamus looked at each other, ut shrugged when 6homan

motioned for them to head out, calling to the troupe as the

wagons set out to the road.

)she watched as they rode off, and turned ack to her

pavillian. She smiled as she raised her hands, chanting the words

of power. The pavillian disappeared in a whoosh of air, leaving

ehind a flattened area on the ground and a patch of cloth in the

center.)she picked it up, tucked it into one of her precious little

ags, and mounted Hooahn. She patted his neck, and kneed him

to a fast $og to catch up with the wagon train, on their way to the

6iverland.

Date post:	03-Jun-2018
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The Respite

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