Royal Company

[Wildfire]

Nicola poured herself a cup of the rich coffee and added a generous helping of cream and a spoonful of honey. She sat back and let aroma of the delicious drink fill her nostrils.

“What I’m going to say can only be shared with yer friends and, naturally, Duke Corwynn” Nicola stated with a touch of gravity in her voice. “Ye have come her ta escort some disciples back ta Threshold. However, I fear their passage on these city streets is dangerous. Given the account of Sayer, there be an infection within our ranks o’ guards. We dunna know who it is we can be trusting and what lies behind that corruption.” Nicola sipped her coffee.

“The danger doesn’t end there I’m afraid. Sources be telling us there is some sort o’ underground war going on. We’ve gotten reports of people dead on the streets…not just people but dragonmen as well. Some o’ the priests that arrived here after the mysterious plague have been found at the death scene…arcane scholars as well.” she noted. A serious look came upon her face as she looked at Kit. “We not be knowing how it is they are all linked.”

Nicola allowed Kit a few moments to absorb the information. There was much intrigue involved and with only a few pieces to the puzzle it was confusing to grasp.

“What I need you to do is go to The Temple of the Valiant, of Paladine, and escort an aspiring priest here to the keep to bring with you back to Threshold.”

[Dray]

Kit was confused by the entire story.

Many days ago, back at home, she had officially become Ashe's apprentice. She even had moved in with him.

It was during her lessons, and in the evening hours as they sipped tea and talked, that she had an epiphany. She had realized how self-absorbed she had become while fleeing from tragedy. And while it was a necessity to be selfish and think only for herself as she escaped Leech, Drakyr and his minions in every turn she made, it wasn't after she had found Threshold. Now she had to think of the friends and family again, like she did back in Mandin before all this had occurred. By talking to Ashe, she also realized she wasn't the only person in the world that the Gods had put to the trials of fire. She wasn't the only person with pain in her heart and painful memories of sorrow and despair.

Ashe through his actions and his words, instilled within Kit a new purpose in life. Instead of fleeing from her past, she had turned to face the evil chasing it. And to protect those innocents who, like her three years ago, had been swept up by a wave of injustice as it came to her. And now, as she had listened to Duchess Nicola, she realized she needed to quickly catch up to world events, if she was going to be of any help at all.

As Nicola had sipped her coffee, she patiently waited for Kit to sort out her thoughts.

'How like Ashe she is', Kit thought to Jordan.

'True enough. I think he would find breakfast with her most pleasing.' Jordan replied. Kit enjoyed Jordan's comfort in the Keep, her little sand-dollar shaped sister felt totally secure here.

"I will do anything for my new[/i] home of Threshold," Kit replied, absent-mindedly opening an invitation to question to her past.

"Where is this Temple of the Valiant?" she asked.

[Wildfire]

“Oh, it’ll not be hard to spot, it’s the tallest building in the city!” Nicola mused rubbing her hand over her stuffed belly. “I’m sure that ye become familiar with the streets today while yer on yer oot and aboot in the city.” Nicola placed a black leather pouch with a wolf embroidered in silver on the table among the many leftovers of breakfast. “The Duke and I would like to thank you for your service ahead of time. Tomorrow you shall go to the priest…leave today unto today and relax among the citizens of Kurr.”

Nicola stood up and headed for the door. As she so often did, before leaving she turned to Kit and with a wink said, “You ought to be visiting Emerald Wisp Fineries in the Artisan District…ask for Ingrid and tell her I sent you. She’ll be sure to outfit you exquisitely”

Nicola gave Kit a reassuring smile and asked, “Ye be having any questions, good Kit?”

[Dray]

Kit looked down at her clothes.

'Well, I guess your right. You must look like a complete beggar for her to tell you to go get new clothes!' pathed Jordan with a giggle.

'Or she simply understands people the way a leader should.' Kit replied smartly back to her.

“Will I get to see you again before I leave tomorrow?” she asked the Duchess with a smile.

[Wildfire]

Nicola's eyebrows raised with delight and her head cocked to the side as she enthusiasticaly said, "But of course....the audience supper of the Protectorate is at six chime. I expect you'll be there. Oh, and bring your appetite."

Nicola looked upon Kit sensing a wisdom beyond her years. She felt a sort of kinship to the young girl even after the short time of having met her. She wanted to look after this girl...protect her. She thought it ironic that given this feeling, she had sent Kit on what could be a dangerous endeavor. She trusted that she had made the right choice.

Nicola's brogue came out thicker,  "Miss Kit, ye be enjoyin' yer day. I wan' ta be hearing all aboot it after the night's feast, aye" With that...she quietly closed the door and Kit could hear her footsteps trailing away down the hall.

[Dray]

'Still odd' Jordan pathed, mirroring Kit’s earlier comment.

'She is very nice, I wish we could take her back to Threshold with us.' Kit sighed.

'Part of a NICE PEOPLE OF ELSENBAN COLLECTION?' Jordan asked merrily.

Kit giggled and replied, 'Order now and get your free, EMBROIDER MAPS BY NUMBERS, THE STARTERS KIT!' Kit pathed as she gestured to the big map tapestry and laughed out loud.

Kit picked up the bag of coin and walked over to the end table to then pick up her sister. She gently placed the gem in the deep pocket of her loose leather breeches.

'Time for shopping?' Jordan asked with intrepidation.

'Don’t worry little one, I promise not to forget you in these old pants.' Kit replied with a grin.

With that, she left her cozy quest room at the Keep and headed out to see what the City of Kurr had to offer.

END OF THREAD

STORY WILL CONTINUE WITH "New Threads".

[Dray]

Wilfire....here it is.