Vonnaver's seventh entry.

Twentieth entry

It is the end of a long day,  though it is hard to believe it has been all in a single sun rise.  Rare, is it when I write more than one entry in a day, yet here I see that I have.  It feels as if it has been two separate days.  Dare I say two different days each in their own week.  In truth no time has passed between the two.  Here I write the remainder of this sunrise, though the sun has well set by now and the night has claimed it’s old familiar cold.

Breathtaking is how I would describe today, not in the traditional sense of awe and wonder.  But needing to stop and take a breath, to regain one's composure or perspective.  Though I can not deny that there were moments where breathtaking could have been used in the traditional sense, I would rather choose a more fitting word for those moments.  Tranquil, peaceful or-curious, I don’t actually know what to call the feeling that just passed over me well thinking back on today's events.  It is not a feeling I am familiar with, I’ll have to do research to see what it is that has so clung to my heart suddenly.  In any event, in the middle of preparing for the Gala Corvin called me to the alleyway behind Trollskull Manor & Inn.  There he called forth on the ring's power, to which some cloud man appeared.  It is strange, in all the books I’ve read and all my training in the temples of the gods I do not recognize the being before us at that time.  He had no lower half, hoving in the air, nor did he have much clothing to speak of and it is the dead of winter.  He reminded me of wishing beings, if that is their name.  I can only recall children's stories from my youth.  Sage, for that is it’s name, made it clear it was not such a being nor one that can heal or fight.  It made me wonder what it’s purpose was in life, if it had one.  It was a chatty ring to say the least.  The only useful bit of knowledge it gave was that it had some magic, Sage never said what kind.  After the being went back into the ring, Corvin and I just looked at each other unsure what to make of it.  A chatty, useless ring.  At least Corvin has someone to talk to if he ever needs it.  I went in and finished preparing myself for the night's event.  Corvin and I arrived nearly an hour early at the Ulbrinter estate’s House of Flags, I wanted to be a little early but it seems Covin had other ideas.

When the proper time came, the nobles appeared in their usual line up.  I already made a full account of all the nobles, their family, importance, rank in the social circles, title, business, personality, properties...etc in my book of nobles.  This of course frees my journal for the actual events of the evening.  

Now the sport of nobles began, each claiming a partner.  I contented myself with getting to know each, secretly I wrote what I learned on a little book I keep on me at all times for such an occasion.  I do hate not having the facts and this book helps keep me from losing them.  I felt ever so slightly like myself from years ago, taking notes on nobles to make sure I did not offend them due to my ignorance.  Then, I would have said it was education, for I would not believe it to be spying.  But that is what it was and is, spying.  I could not watch and learn all night, it was bound to happen that someone would ask about my life.  Lord Alaeros Margaster was the first to both ask who I was or rather what I did and to ask for a dance.  I was the topic of conversation, not actually a thrilling place for me.  Yet it is to be expected and I played along with it, I could not wait for the night to be over or at least for the nobles to cease having interest in my fabricated house.  I made sure to be vague in everything to do with myself and house Lorieth, for that is how the Lorieth family survived for so long.  At least that is the story I wrote for them, I must give my sister some credit.  I did take her idea or did I take the idea of a book she was telling me about?  I can’t remember it was some years ago when she shared it with me.  I can’t say I cared for his personality, he wasn’t rude nor was he intriguing excluding the part where he might know Collette.  Either they do know each other or it was an overly friendly introduction.  I can’t say one way or the other, it does not matter.  (Note, Floon can be trusted to keep a secret at least this one.)

Dinner was called soon after that.  Each took their assigned seats, Lady Haventree wasted no expense on food or drink nor the eye for detail.  Something makes me think she never does.  I thought it was a mistake when I saw that I sat to the left of her, surely she would have saved that honor for someone with more importance or closer to herself.  I did not ask her about it, she is not one given to mistakes.  That does not stop me from questioning her reason or motive, whatever it might be…  Dinner came to a close and I found that I was not the last in the room.  Lord Urtos Phyund the third, was seated next to me and waited until then to introduce himself and before I could do the same, he did it for me.  Lord Phyund is bold in his instructions, I am not sure if it was flattery to win my favor as I have seen many do, or if he was just being honest in his statement.  “You are hard to miss.”  A statement I heard many times once, but not since the day I became human in the sight of others.  To hear it again… I have not the words.  Strange that is the second time I could not think of a word nor did I feel myself.  It is late when I write this, I must remember that if I read this entry again.  But I must write as much as I can remember before I sleep, any spelling errors or grammar I can fix later for now I want to get all that is on my mind on paper.  

As before with Lord Margaster, we talked of me...again.  We did not spend the whole of the conversion on my family, gratefully.  We talked of adventures each of us had at one point or another.  He also shared what it is the Phyund family is known for, capturing, training and selling fierce animals.  (Note, keep a working relationship with the Phyund family.)

We parted ways and I went in search of Renaer, he owed me a dance and beside that I had something to tell him.  At the time I did not notice, but thinking about it now he walked in with Collette.  Strange, what could possess two competent people to stand in the cold of night when there is a warm house they could be in instead?  It is Renaer, he never made sense, still doesn’t.  As for Collette, I don’t know her.  I can’t say for certain it was her, though I think Renaer mentioned she needed fresh air and something about being overwhelmed.  I guess it must have been her then.

Renaer approached me just as the dancing was picking up again.  We had barely begun the dance when I stepped on his toe.  I can only hope he will forget, he deserves it for something.  Dancing without wings is challenging, I never thought it would be.  But as I danced I felt the muscle in my back twitch each time we turned or leaned in any direction.  And thinking back, I remember now that I would give a slight flap to keep my balance.  In turning fast or leaning or even when I was lifted into the air… This night has brought back memories, I only wish I were a person who could reminisce.  

I told Renaer of the visit from Elminster and the hope of wings again.  I dare not ask him, and I wonder if I already know, there was, but for a moment something in his countances.  He quickly brushed it aside and said that tonight was a more significant occasion than he originally anticipated.  I can’t help but wonder what those eyes are hiding, it concerns me.  

The conversion went on about the news and how it was going to be done.  He nearly blurted it out at one point, and I was not sure how to respond to his enthusiasm.  Excitement is not something my race knows how to deal with, and I could not think of how to respond to his outburst.  I instead spoke of his clothing and how fine he looked, anything so I did not have to reply.  I was not lying, he did look handsome.  But it was the way it happened that I don't approve of.  If I am to play this part I must learn how to transfer from one topic to another flowently.  

Just as the second dance was about to begin, Lord Victoro Cassaianter    interjected to ask if he could have a dance.  Both Renaer and I were disappointed, he is the only noble or man I could say that I actually enjoy dancing with and the only person I have no pretense with.  

“You are one of the few faces in the group I have not seen before.”  Lord Cassainater’s accent and voice remind me of something darker.  Though he himself has nothing to do with what I felt upon hearing his voice.

“Yes, I am new to Waterdeep.”

“I had assumed as much, yours is not a face I would readily forget.”  Lord Cassainater.

“My face is not one you will see too often either.”

“I would very much like to change that.  I understand you are doing businesses in Waterdeep now.”  Lord Cassainater.

“Your information is correct.”

“The Trollskull manor is a bold venture, but you seem to have a handle on it.”  Lord Cassainater.

“Very few things slip my grasp.”

“As I would assume your notices.”  Lord Cassainater.

“Indeed”  I began to wonder where he was going...

I can recall it well enough, the words do not matter.  I got his massage, it is not worth the ink.  In short I will write it, lest I forget for it has been a long day.  He was offering a business arrangement, he was willing to invest into my business.

 A few more dances and the evening drew to a close, each went his or her own way.  I went to the Library and there Renaer and I conversed.  The time I lost all track of, the memory never to be forgotten.  In the quietness of the room, in his presence I felt most myself.  I could have spent the whole time in silence and been content.  Yet I was the one who broke it...

“It is strange, fire and snow.  In a time past, one I do not know for it was taken from me.  Fire was my life even to the point I reflected its very nature, I had a zeal, a purpose, a goal.  I was so much like fire it consumed me.  And now after a time of darkness, I felt death’s cold grip.  It clings to me no more, yet it’s icy touch lingers still.  From fire that took my memory, to the cold snow that takes my feelings.   Can one person truly be the opposite of themself?  With my wings gone, I felt my inner warmth, the part humans know as love or purpose, it was dampened.  With the hope now given to me, I feel a spark and I can’t explain.  Cast from my very own race, a curse to them and forgotten by the gods.  Yet I am not crushed, left all I know and love and am not broken.  There is a power or a nature I do not understand at work here, a peace that can not come from a mortal source.  I do not understand the world, though I have tried.  But my desire to learn and grow has not been hindered by life’s cruel jokes, rather it’s been encouraged.  And with the hope of flight again, I feel the snow melting and purpose coming back into my veins.  But as in every soul, the mind still brings to life things you wish to forget.  A constant fight between wrong and right, yet it is not that simple.  With the memories I now have, I recall my training.  We were made almost void of emotions, at least those that bring purits, truist good.  We were filled with vengeance and a great desire to destroy evil, but we could not bring good to fill the void we made by killing.  And for that reason, to fill the void with good and to learn what it is mortal races have that we fight for.  I became accursed to my own race.  And not just to them...I’m sorry I usually save thoughts like this for my journal.”

“It would be a true shame if your journal was the only one who had to listen to it.”  Renaer.

“I do not normally speak to my journal, I usually write in it.”

“It seems...It seems Waterdeep has been good for you then.”  Renaer.  He seemed to have something else on his mind.

“It’s been a breath of fresh air in a way.  Opening my eyes to a world I didn’t realize my eyes were blind too.  I thought I could see, but now I see it was cloudy.”

“Clouded by what?”  Renaer.

“Duty...Even though I didn’t have my memories at the time, there was just this innate born in Taiven desire to do as I was told.  To obey the will of the gods, I was a soldier, I was a good soldier.  But no one can be a soldier forever.  They too must realize they are mortal.  They-I cannot fight every day.”

“Oh, yes I remember you were one always about your duty.”  Renaer.

“It was bred into me, I could not help it at that time anyways.  I thought it was the greatest privilege ever to serve the gods without question.  Without emotions, to kill when they said kill.  To let live those they willed.  If I saw evil I was to vanquish it.  No thought, no consideration, just do.  Now I am stripped of my wings which I thought gave me freedom.  I have more freedom in my life than I ever did before, soaring the skies alone.  Thee only of my kind here.”

“I shouldn’t be so sure of that.  Perhaps you’re right.”  Renaer.

“I will say though it is strange being here in winter, it is the first winter without my wings.  The cold is so much more intense.  I find myself often reaching for my shawl or some blanket nearby.  I thought I got used to it, adjusted, yet I guess when you have had something all your life it takes a little bit longer than a month or two to get over it.”

“With thee ability to feel, I guess you don’t realize what you do not feel.”  Renaer.  His thoughts seemed to be going somewhere, but he did not continue. 

“No.  It is a strange experience even with the encounter with my mother, which I told you about, she was not perplexed at beating me up, she did not seem saddened to hurt me.  It was as if it was her duty, she just did it.  There was no emotion, and if there was sorrow I doubt it was for me.  It was properly because I was her heir and now am cursed to them.  Because I choose to feel what mortals feel, I choose to see what it is we fight for.  I choose to walk among you all, a decisionI have not regretted.  We were never encouraged to explore emotions, nor to ask questions, nor to explore beyond our options.  I do believe I told you how Taivens came to be?”

“Yes”  Renaer.

“They see me as a monstrosity for feeling and I see them as heartless beings.  It’s funny how our views have changed so radically.  Yet we are of the same cloth.”

“Birds of similar feathers.  That was poorly thought of…”  Renaer.  It was good to see him smile, even if it was but a moment.

I smiled, but my gaze was still fixed on the flames.

“...Though from a different perspective, the cloth is not quite faded.”  Renaer.

“How so?”

“You might see clearly, perhaps even broader than you once did.  Cannot fully shake off what you are, with or without your wings.”  Renaer.

“You are correct, I strive every day to learn...Even just the simplest emotions.  Properly why my old group saw me as heartless...Taiven’s are.  I work every day to learn what it is to have a heart and to have a passion beyond what Taiven’s were given.  Perhaps that is why I choose to stay in Waterdeep.  For the first time it felt I was making the decision and not the gods.  For the first time it was when I felt true emotions.  Considering I never felt emotions before, I cannot say for certain they were real.  Yet it was more real to me than anything I felt in my life before.  Well besides that of betrayal that is a emiton I know all too well.”

“Hmm.  And of all the paths you could have chosen, to become a noble.”  Renaer.

“Not entirely my choice, but yes.”

“I find it suiting you quite perfectly.  It does seem to be more of a...parallel.  Perhaps its why it’s such a good fit.”  Renaer.  

“Why?  Because nobles are often known as heartless, so I can blend into the role very well?”

“Nobles, just by the very station they inhabit are called upon... For lack of a better term to fake it.  To feel when it is important to feel, to turn off certain emotions when it’s inconvenient.  To bear one's responsibility, even when it’s not opportune.”  Renaer. 

“It is there I differ from most nobles.  Where they turn it off, I wish I could turn it on.  I have read many romance novels, not one makes sense.  I have been told they have the greatest emotions, but I cannot understand or process them.  I have tried many others, including children’s books.  I-I see the emotions but I cannot understand it no matter how hard I try.  I have had so many tell me they relate to this character or that character.  I can relate to none.”

“Well I don’t blame you in every respect, I haven’t understood some of those things myself.  But properly in time...Well there was something you wanted to talk to me about?”

“Oh, yes a few topics actually.  One I already told you during the dance, I did not get to tell you the full story, or did I?  Well anyways, indeed it was Elminster who brought this news to me.  I was surprised to say the least and I felt what I could describe as hope.   It was a strange feeling.  I wanted to scream, I have never had that conplustion before.  Well beyond the time, someone who stayed with our group a while.  Threaten to kidnap my sisters.  I wanted to scream, but also pull out my blade.  He was undead and I was very much still under control of the gods at that time.  A god stopped me from killing him, which confused me.  Anyways, Elminster came and offered my wings back.  And when he returns in a day or so he said we could begin the process.”

“Hmm.  So...It does in my mind raise a few obvious compilations.  As wonderful as it is.  They're hard to conceal…”  Renaer.  Something in his voice changed here, I do not know what to call it.  It made me wonder if he truly was happy to hear the news or if he was playing down his excitement....

“Yes, I’ve been thinking about that too… I had a few thoughts but I haven't been able to decide on anything.  Another reason I wanted to talk to you.  So my thought was, one of two anyways.  I have been hiding them all this time because I did not want to bring too much attention at first.  But once I settled in and was more comfortable, I am willing to reveal that I am not human.   Or that I have been blessed, and that it was a gift.  That one seems a little more far fetched.  Because as we both know, the gods don’t normally interfere in any person's life.”

“It is not unheard of for them to grant a boon or a reward.  But the reason for you having them might...I don’t see why you can’t use all of thee above.  Let people think what they think.  It’s more the fact it would be tempting to use your wings and they are, if I remember correctly, quite distinct.”  Renaer.

“Yes.  They...They were.  Unless, that’s the other thing I am curious about.  The blue tips came from the time I was in Doriend’s realm.  But since they are being regrown and I have not spent that time, they should be pure black.  Same with my hair, I no longer have to dye the tips black.  It has naturally returned to its normal color.  It’s as if the time I spent in her realm has faded.”

“The skin pale which dwells beneath the moon, or golden which dwells beneath the sun….I, it’s a curious thing which I do not understand.  I think more to thee day to day.  As you are adventuring, it would be easy for someone to identify you...”  Renaer.

“Yes.  I had thought of that too, with my new magic, that I am still getting used to....”

“Not at all a problem, unless you are wanting to keep your activities concealed.”  Renaer.

“I was referring more to the fact that I can change my appearance at will.  I should be able to hopefully disguise that.  Not to mention I seem to blend in better when I have my wings.  Due to their darkness, they hid me in the shadows.”

“What of it?  You're going to get your wings back, you're going to fly again.  Who cares what anyone thinks.”  Renaer.

“I don’t care what they think, but I do care what you think.”

“Well it will definitely be a lot harder to keep up with you.”  Renaer.  He seemed to relax a little more.

“I could always offer you a ride, it's not often people get to see from the sky.”  

“Very true.  It will be a bit hard to explain around these galas, oh yes don’t mind me I’m a little ruffled.  I went for a fly with my friend here.”  Renaer.

I laughed, “No, we wouldn't do it in public.  That might raise some suspicions, especially on your part.  I have plenty of rumors, you don’t need new ones.”

“Oh, but rumors are but the spies of life.  Without them it wouldn’t be half as interesting.”  Renaer.

“We can always do it at night, if you do not wish to be seen.  Besides, night time is my favorite time to fly.”

“Does sound intriguing.”  Renaer.

“Especially if there are clouds, I would just sit on the clouds for hours.   Though I would have to figure out some way for you to sit on the clouds, because unless I’m wrong I don’t think you can sit on clouds.”

“I don’t know, you can fly sitting on clouds seems, but a after thought.”  Renaer.

“Perhaps we can find something magical that will allow it.  For it is truly a wonderful experience.”

A moment of silence followed, “So beside my wings there was also a thought I have been having for the last day or so.  But I wanted your advice, especially since you live here.  What do you think about me becoming a patron? “

“First wings, now patron?  What next?  Does thou what the seat of the gods themselves?”  Renaer.  

“No, I never want that.  I rather be my independent self than rule other lives.”  

“I meant it as a jest.”  Renaer.

“I am sorry, it's just that it is still a bit close in my mind.”

“Then we shall put it out of our minds...  A patron you want to sponsor the innkeepers?”  Renaer.

“Other adventures.”

“Ah, well I’ve heard running an Inn can be quite the adventure.”  Renaer.

“Well so far none of it has succeeded in anything I have done in my life, but yes it does keep things interesting.  Such as that man who came and offered protection of my Inn, I chased him off because I don’t need any protection.”

“Then...Well the most obvious issue is, what kind of patron?  They offer all kinds of services.  Man power, resources, enchanting.”  Renaer.

“I will supply the gold for them to buy what they need and equipment and health potions.  For I now own a herbalist shop, a new development.”

“Ah-ha, wings, herbalist shop, you sure have been busy.”  Renaer.

“Lets just say after all these years fate is finally being kind to me.”

“Hmm, so to supply adventures with their various needs?”  Renaer.

“Yes and if they come back I get a bit of the cut.  Key word is ‘if’ they come back”

“It is a tricky business with adventuring, but high success, high reward.”  Renaer.

“It’s also one way to help others out there.”

“You should be careful, you might actually become true nobility of Waterdeep.”  Renaer.

“The term ‘true nobility’ varies depending on where you go.  Some places it means a bad attitude and lots of wealth-”

“Not all together a bad combination.”  Renaer.

“It depends.  But what I deem as true nobility is being able to give up everything you have to serve those who have nothing.”

“To which when you have something you are already seeking to hand it off to others.”  Renaer.

“I am not true nobility though.  I was given the title princess and I was given the title noble here.”

“Curious titles, but as you said.  Perhaps not altogether earned.”  Renaer.

“I do believe in earning things, but I also believe in giving it.  Even when they do not deserve it.”

“Well, if your very certain this is the path you would like to go down on.  There are a number of things that would be important to discuss.”  Renaer.

“That would be the reason I came to you.  Not only to get a second opinion, but so you can also give me a list of things to do.”  

“My favorite thing.”  Renaer.  His smile nearly made me start laughing.

I pulled out a quill and paper to humor him.  For the next half hour or more we spoke of business and all that is required of a patron.  Towards the end I also asked Renaer what he knew of Lord Cassainater.  He said that he and his wife were near broke as the rumor went and in a year or so turned it around and is now one of the wealthiest philanthropists and now is quite prominent within the city.  He said they are a savvy couple and that if they are willing to put money into my business that would be significant.  I then shared with him a little of how I got the herbalist shop but would explain in more detail when next we spoke, I did however say that he would need to have an open mind.  

I changed the course of our conversation, business is not something I enjoy talking about late into the evening.  “I am curious, what have you been doing with yourself as of late?”

“Your spies didn’t learn anything interesting?”  Renaer.

“Are you suggesting that I have spies watching you?”

“Aways.”  Renaer.

“Least just say when I lost my tiara, I lost a lot of that influence too.”

“Hmm, well.  Since you weren’t able to glean anything interesting I suppose I will let you in on my little secrets.  It has, well it has been mostly business as of late.  I was able to move whatever was salvageable from my mother’s estate to a small house across town.  And some various old things my father kept when he was open lord of Waterdeep.  I’ve been able to make myself at home, between that business has been slow as of late.  It seems there has been a bit of a upsate up the coast.  But it hasn’t affected business all that much.”  Renaer.

“An upset?  I have not heard of anything.”

“I’m not exactly clear as to what went on, seems to be quite the steir along the coast.  Merchants came in, oh what was it, a day ago.  Said something about slave ships or something.”  Renaer.

“Well if it’s up or down the coast it shouldn’t affect us much.”

“Well, it all depends. I don’t generally expect much out of Laskun but it does supply lots of goods from the North.  Seems there was some sort of cafuffel, properly nothing.”  Renaer.

“I only know that Laskun is a stop.  I am a little surprised that a small amount of news from that place would slow trade.”

“Well you know how marchants are, any bit of news is something you can barter.  Either way, it seems the winter time is setting in not a whole lot going on.  I’ve been keeping myself busy, Floon seems to be ever ancy to get out of the house.”  Renaer.

“Is he currently living with you?”

“No.  Floon has many places he stays, I am but one.  But he likes to keep company and I don’t mind accompanying him.  And making sure he doesn’t get kidnapped again.” Renaer.

“Has he been kidnaped before?”  The topic got more interesting and for once I saw something that could get Renaer in a tizzy.

“Oh, it seems like every week he’s ending up in strange rooms and dusty closets.  I fear most of it is his own fault.  But at least I can bail him out.  Other than that business interest has been keeping me somewhat occupied.  Trade has been good up the coast, again fairly slow this time of year.”  Renaer.

“You know I just had a thought, what if there was a magical artifact that could somehow make Floon allergic to alcohol.  That would stop him from drinking in a jiffy.”

“Oh, no.  No that wouldn’t do at all.  You see, Floon intoxicated is a person you can enjoy his company with.  A sober Floon, oh he is unbearable.”  Renaer.

“Whatever do you mean?”

“He is an entirely different person.”  Renaer.

“I would assume that, how is he unbearable when he is sane?”

“Wouldest you picture a person who has opinions, but not the sort of enduring kind of opinions where you can laugh it off or it’s amusing.  But a person whose opinion is so sharp and detract, that you're not sure if you should be offended even if it’s not directed at you or offended for the person it was aimed at.  No, no, no sober Floon would be absolutely terrifying.”  Renaer.

“Sober Floon sounds even more intriguing now.”

“No, don’t encourage it. It’s better if he has a little alcohol in him, it keeps him fluid.”  Renaer.

“You forget for nearly twenty years of my life, sharp witted arguments or pin pointed opinions were a daly pass time.  A consistent thing in my side, to see it once again would be amusing.”

“Perhaps for you, but over time Floon would drive you absolutely nuts.  He keeps rearranging furniture for no good reason, he gets antsy if he doesn't have something to occupy his time, like alcohol.  I don’t know what I would do with him.”  Renaer.

“I’m curious, have you ever tried, I don’t know, getting him interested in a woman who has a plethora of things to do?  Then she could order him about all day, it would give him something to do.”

“Oh, no.  I once saw that happen, fortunately he wasn’t sober, but at the very point she started ordering him about he simply just left.”  Renaer.

“I mean no offence to Floon, but does he have the mind of a child in the body of an adult?”

“Floon, no quit the opposite.  His opinions and thoughts are very well formed on various topics.  He merely drowns them with alcohol so they become less rigid.  He is less offensive that way.  But he is quit intellectual when he wants to be.  He can think for himself, but has no Inhibition, no focus or passions other than, obviously alcohol.”  Renaer.

“I see.  I’m sorry you're just making this even more intriguing.  There are so many things I want to try to see what would happen.”

“Oh, no.  I’ve tried it all.  Floon in his current state is a safe Floon.  Floon a man suddenly in possession of his wits, becomes a man who wants to change things without your permission or consent, simply because he thinks it’s correct or right or proper.  And that ends up becoming a problem.”  Renaer.

“I don’t know, Floon in his current state can also be dangerous.  In the sense of how he says or phrases things to women.  I’ll tell you, but don’t tell him.  When I first met him, my hand was on my warfan, I was very close to slapping him across the face.”

“You wouldn't be the first woman who hit him on the chin, alas whatever the reason might be.  Floon in possession of his faculties would probably receive a sword thrust instead of a slap.”  Renaer.

“Now you're just making it all the more intriguing, how about we stop talking about Floon before I go down and find him to slap him to his senses.”

“Than let's hope he has already gone to sleep.”  Renaer.

“With how much alcohol he drinks I’m surprised he manages to stay awake at all.”

“He has a hardy constitution.”  Renar.

“Apparently.”

“Well it is getting late.”  Renaer.

“Indeed.  We can converse another time.  Perhaps we can have dinner or a game at some point.”

“Well the winter months tend to be quite unbearable, I would find that agreeable.”  Renaer.

“I could use a break from my daily life.  Even today was unplanned.”

“Then should we plan for perhaps in a fortnight?”  Renaer.

“I don’t think I have any plans that I can’t change.” 

“I’m sure I can move things around in my busy schedule.”  Renaer.

“I will leave it up to you where we are going to eat, as long as it takes me out of my Inn.”

“And thus becomes the great debate, who feeds the cook?”  Renaer.

“Well I assume the cook would be able to feed themself.”

“Ah, but there is the great challenge, does the cook really want to cook for themself?  Does the Innkeeper make up their own bed?  Does the lawyer, when it comes to the law, represent himself?”  Renaer.

“Renaer, are you teasing me?”

“Too late to tell, you do need sleep.”

“It's been a long day.”

“Then I shall escort you to your room and shall say good night.”  Renaer.

“Very well… I just realized I have no clue what the others have been doing.  It has been good spending time with you and not thinking about the others or anything else.” 

“Rare occurrence indeed.”  Renaer.

Night had long drawn it’s curtains, the fire was the only light left.  So he walked me to the stairs then stopped and took my hand, giving a bow too.

“It has been a pleasure, Vonnaver.”  Renaer.

I paused and looked at him, “We are not quite at my room yet.”

“Would you ask an old man to walk all the way up those stairs?”  At these he pretended to have a hunched back.  If he can still play pretend then I do not think he is old.

“I thought we’ve been through this, I’m twice your age.”

“And twice as beautiful.”  Renaer.

I could not help but smile at him, “You flatter me, but I will not excuse this.  You need your exercise.”

“That was a deep wound.  But I fear it will heal.”  Renaer.

“I would hope so, just so long as you don’t take any of Floon’s medicine.” 

“I will be very careful not to overdo it.”  Renaer.  

“Though he might be in a ‘better’ state of mind, I fear when you get a hold of it you go all down hill.”

“Your criticisms are cutting.  But I must speak with Rami before she retires.  So good night.”  Renaer.

“Good night.  One finally questions.  Or perhaps two.  Are you still into adventuring or are you too old for that?”

“Well as you said I do need to maintain my youthful vigor in some way.”  Renaer.

“Yes, especially if you're going to someday attract some young beautiful woman.  That is if you still plan on that sort of thing.”

“And what is your other question.”  Renaer.

“Very smooth, just avoid that completely.  If you were perhaps interested in adventuring...Are you free tomorrow?”

“Umm.  I feel I have been batted.”  Renaer.

“I should warn you now it’s not the kind of adventure where you go down to the wine cellar to peruse the selection.  It’s a little more spicy than that.”

“Well if it involves dark dungeons then I think I can clear my schedule.”  Renaer.

“Nothing is for certain, I of course would always enjoy your company.  I’m not sure how the others would feel about it.”

“Well I feel as though I cannot refuse.”  Renaer.

“I hope you don’t, because if you do…”

“Well if you feel that I might be of service, then I shall consider it an honor to accompany you.”  Renaer.

“I’m hoping it should be an easy endeavor, it is I who would enjoy your company.  I’m hoping it will make...I’m hoping you’ll have a good influence on others in the party.”

“Oh I see, you're thinking it’s going to be so easy it will be dule and I'm just thee entertainment.”  Renaer.

I laughed, “Oh trust me, nothing in my life is that easy.  It’s more because I know I can be rude and abrupt.  And your can, that was a bit of a mean thought I just had.  You are better at smoothing relations and you more than even my brother can tell when I’m going over the deep end.”

“There are a number of things you just said that I found very concerning, but I will think about them until we have time to sleep on what we have discussed.”  Renaer.

“Indeed.”  We spoke a few more words in detail, then we said good night.  I hugged him when no one was around, I’m not sure what possessed me to do so.  But I am glad I did, I assume he was too for it felt as if he held on a second longer.  But it is late and my mind is starting to blur details.  My hand has grown weary of writing and yet my heart says there is more to add but my mind can think of nothing else.  If it should come to me I’ll write it in the morning.  For now I can sleep at ease knowing I have made an account of today and will not soon forget.