Dinner by the River

[Robin]

The sun was a glowing disk of gold setting in the West, setting all the sky aflame in rose and golden hues. The flowers of spring graced the breezes with sweetness, and even in the new come evening the air was not chilled. It seemed the perfect evening, or so Robin thought it.

She had been seen little in recent weeks, keeping mostly to the suite she shared with Corbyn. In the morning she walked with Varys, at noon with Kidwyn, and her evening stroll was spent with her betrothed. Other than that, the Lady had seen the wisdom of those who counseled that she should not make herself an open target for any who might do her arm.

So, her days were filled mostly with reading and writing. The Book of the Duchy was filled with her flowing script, and countless elven tomes of Corbyn’s now contained her notes in the margins. She had learned a great deal, the greatest of which was patient. This day, however, she had set about to a task which she had not seen to in some time, other than for herself, Eli, and Corbyn. This day she had prepared a lovely dinner, with Kidwyn and Audry’s aid.

It came to pass as the golden sun set that she could hear the voices of the men coming down the hill to the place by the river where she and her love had made a ritual of taking their evening meal. It was the one thing in their day that never changed, the one thing they kept for themselves. On this particular evening, Robin was dressed in her fine black and scarlet dress and corset, her fine matching cloak near at hand should she catch chill. Her long golden hair was not braided as usual, but left long and curling about her shoulders. They were to entertain one she had once called Master, and later friend. It had been a long time, 9 years to be exact, and she intended to look every bit the Lady she very soon would be.

She was no longer the girl they had known, newly tried in her command and still trying to learn her place in the world. Now… now she was at peace with her life, and her place in the lives of those around her. Despite everything she had always done to the contrary, she was become the perfect Lady her mother had always desired for her to be.

With the bountiful meal set perfectly before them, Robin sat herself upon the large rock near at hand and waited for the party to make their way down the steps and into the clearing by the river.

[Gomja555]

Incarius leads the delegates toward the bank and the awaiting Robin.

"Robin, lass , I would make introductions but I believe you already know these good sirs. and regretably, my dearest appologies but I can't remember the entirety of your titles and would hate to forget any part there of. Please forgive me but I mean no offence."

with that Incarius takes a stand off to the side awaiting to see thier interactions.

[Varlen Kal'jura]

*Valren keeps in stride with the group. Only a few step be hide his Ka'lef. Once they reach the clearing where the dinner is to be at. He scans the area and moves to the right of Ka'lef. Awaiting for him to find a place to set himself. Once Ka'lef is settled into his place. He nods and bows to the Child of the East, and than to Corbyn. Than he claps his hands together and stands there in his place.*

"Greetings Child of the East, and Duke Corbyn it is an honor to be in this place tonight."

*He watches Incarus than nods to him as well.*

[Aislynne]

Aislynne follows the group, keeping a watchful eye on her and their surroundings. Once near the tables she props her back to a wall so that she can keep watch while others eat.

[Corbyn]

*Having arrived directly behind the main group with Varys, Corbyn takes his seat at the head of the table which had been brought to the clearing.*

The honor is ours. Let us break bread together and learn of each other's customs.

[Varlen Kal'jura]

*Valren stands there and does not move toward the table. He bows back to Corbyn and smiles.*

[Varys Snow]

*Varys walks on when Corbyn stops and goes by Robin, giving her a smile, a nod and a slight squeeze on her shoulder. He moves on down the area and bows to the Ka'lef and tilts his head to Valren.*

"Ka'lef, I know the Kal'jour is here to serve you, but today, if you would permit it, you are both guests at this table. Please allow us to serve both you and him." *Varys leans in a little toward the Ka'lef and says, sotto voice, "I promise I won't let him get used to it."

*He then smiles and laughs and takes an open place near the Ka'lef and Valren.*

"Capt. Steel, what can I help you with?"

[Robin]

As the men entered the clearing, she rose and bowed to each in turn. As each was seated, she took up her place at Corbyn’s right hand, though she did not sit until last. After Corbyn had addressed them, she smiled and took her chance to greet her old friend. She rose gracefully and proceeded to the Ka’lef’s side.

There were long years and much emotion between them, for once she had hated him for ‘putting her in her place’. Once, she had been little more than his surf, a piece of driftwood without even her own shoes. However, months changed them, made them friends, and comrades. She had learned respect for his unique culture, and had gained a great deal of wisdom. Their parting had been bittersweet, for though all Robin wanted was to return home to Silverthorn, she knew it would be some time before she could return to see her friends once more… longer than she could have known then.

She made the sign of greeting, giving him a sweeping bow.

“The winds of the world have been fair, my friend, to have brought us together once more. It fills me with great joy that the threads of our fates might be woven together again.” She smiled shyly. “I must ask your forgiveness for my absence earlier, for I was kept in private with the needs of this Haven.”

Robin gave Varys a warm smile, pausing to squeeze his hand as he walked by. To him, she said, “I have laid all to the ready. I have employed a few of the girls of the village to see to our serving this night, you need not worry, my friend.”

She returned to her seat and took up Corbyn’s hand, which he had rested upon the table. She gave him a nod of greeting and said, “All is as you would have it, my Lord, the meal set.”

[Gowin D'Josian]

Precisely at the appointed time the Ka’lef entered the clearing that was to be the location of the meeting. Being met at the edge of the clearing by Varys, he bowed slightly and listened intently as he spoke. When the sailor had finished a slightly ironic smile flashed across his face.

“I do not believe that any amount of permission will alter what my man sees as his…duties, however, if you are yet to accomplish your three impossible feats for this day, I will not prevent you from the attempt.”

The irony left his smile to be replaced by genuine warmth as Robin approached. Forgoing a bow, he gently reached out and placed his hand on her shoulder.

“It is good to see you again, child. Though the winds have carried ill fortune these past years, I bless them that they have brought us once again together. That they have brought me here in time to share with you a most blessed time in you life gives me faith in the journey of my life and hope for the future.”

Finally turning to the elf at the head of the table the Ka’lef bowed deeply, held the position for a moment and then rose to meet the other’s eyes.

“Duke Corbyn Gravesbane, I am Ka’lef Gowin San-draco D’Josian Pelsi and I would seek permission to join with you at this repast, so that we may speak of many things and learn to understand one another so that we may better fulfill the duties we hold for those we lead.”

[Varlen Kal'jura]

*Valren stands in his spot in silence. He awaits for Ka'lef to find his set and sit. Valren looks at the food with a scanning eye. Than picks up a piece off the place that taste it than removes it form his maw. At this point he whisper to the Ka'lef, and moves back to his place behide him to the right side.*

"It is ok to eat my Ka'lef there are no taints."

*He than looks up to all at the table. He smiles and speak clearly and frimly.*

"It is not meant as an offence but I can not eat this fine food. For it is not my place to sit in the court of nobles nor is it my place to eat with them. I am not of my blood to do so. I do thank you greatly for the offer, but I must not. It was meant as no offence that I taste my Ka'lef food either it is our way. So if that I might pass before my Ka'lef than I have done my job with rightousness. I am sorry Varys you must have forgotten that I can not eat here it has been some time. Please by all means my your talk be fruitful and may wisdom araise form all that is learned here."

*At this point he nods to Varys and Corbyn, than smiles to Robin.*

[Corbyn]

*To Robin*
A beautiful table you have laid before us, my betrothed.

*To Varlen*
No offence has occurred, such caution in these times is certainly warranted.

*To Gowin*
Permission granted. Come, tell us of your lands and people while we eat.

[Varys Snow]

*Varys laughs again and replies…*

“Of course, Ka’lef. I remember well his duties, as I am sure you both remember my…what did I call it…oh yes, ‘respectful irreverence.’

*He smiles wide* “You should also remember that while you were ‘showing’ us your culture, I always made sure that you all also ‘learned’ our culture at every chance. But fear not, for Kal’jour’s thick-headedness is safe…for now. My three impossible feats for the day were;” *and he raises a finger for each feat* “One, not dying from the shock of seeing you here. Two, keeping the underworld from freezing over because I am being served by Robin once again.” *At this he casts a sidelong glance her way to enjoy her reaction.* “And three, I was able to control myself and not plan any schemes that would cause you any discomfort and remind you just how uncontrollable this Kal’jour could be.”

*He laughs while he stands up and takes a flagon offered by one of the servers and directs them to fill everyone's cup. He bows at the waist to both the Ka’lef and Varlen before pouring two glasses, one for himself, one for the Ka’lef. When the servers have refilled everyones cup, he raises his glass in salute and offers to all at and around the table…* “Let me apologize for all my past indiscretions, Ka’lef. A toast for all my friends, old and new...May we all live together in peace and harmony. May our lands be bountiful and our lives uneventful. The future is ours to make as we will…may we make it wisely.” He drains his glass and turns to Varlen.*

“Don’t worry, old friend, I’ll make sure not to eat or drink too much so we can catch up after the meal is done. For this…’noble’, *he says with a very ironic tone and a look towards Robin*…knows well his roots."

[Robin]

Robin, upon hearing Varys’ taunt relaxed a bit and gave him a raised eyebrow as a reward. “Don’t get too used to it, my friend,” she said in her old tone. “You may be Magistrate now, but you are first and always my Mate.” With that, she lifted her glass to his toast; though her smile faded a little at his mention of nobility and the pain she knew she might be the only one who could hear. Her eyes sought his, and there was an apology there.

The moment between them quickly passed, for they knew there would be time enough to speak later. Even though this was a night to remember things of the past, some of those things were best left behind. It was a lesson she was still learning daily.

She turned her jade gaze upon the Ka’lef, for she still could not believe that of all the people lost in the shadows of that which came before, he had strode back into her world. And in this of all hours. She was not sure exactly how she felt about it all, but the believed mostly she was glad. Sometimes in the face of all the challenges of Haven life, she felt small and ill equipped. He reminded her that she was strong, and could face anything. He had always been kind, if not firm, and she would need that in the days to come.

Finally she said, “Perhaps, my Ka’lef, you could begin with a brief in custom for my Lord Duke. I have told him but little of the ways of your beautiful land, and the lore will be so much clearer coming from you.”

[Gomja555]

Incarius smiles and sits back and bids the serving wench for a refill of which he exchanges for his mug. Then bids the bottle to stay. As he seems to take a well deserved rest.

"Good Varlen I will wait to eat with you if you will permit the request. For ,I hate to see any man eat alone. Further, Me stomach not quite right for eating today."

Then he leans over toward AIslyn and whispers something

"My apologies but I had to make sure the guard rotation is assured"
he states as he returns to his seat "Aislyn if you would be so kind to take care of that for me and make sure thier on watch this time, Please"

[Aislynne]

Aislynne leans toward Incarius, taking his whispers in her ear.

She returns a whisper in an almost unaudible voice.
Nodding to Incarius she stands back straight and looks to the table.
She bows towards the guests at the table, then turns to walk toward the Inn.

"I shall probably return shortly".