Tropical breezes and smoldering sunsets

[lum]

Tropical breezes and smoldering sunsets

This story that will appear here is written by more than just myself. It's about the trip Aidan Thatcher and Juniper Bottlesocket will make to Lantan, Juniper's homeland.

[Necrotic Shadows]

He'd taken his long strides confidently down the hall to the Captain's quarters. The man was inspecting the work on his ship, last minute preparations before departure. He'd felt like a different person lately, renewed and reinvented. There'd been rumors still following him of his riches, and where he knew it wasn't wrong, they were not aware she was the only wealth he needed. That muse, that perfect shining example of everything right in his world, was in their room at present, packing for voyage. He'd looked then to the table in the office, visible from the hall.

Somewhere ahead was the woman who spun his whole world off course, he'd come to love every minute of the diversion she'd provided. Aidan's eyes gazed one last time over the schematics for the ship and rolled them up. He tossed them at his table when he rounded the corner to head to his bedroom. He came to the door, standing in it, he put a hand above the frame, and leaned in. Standing there in a loose white shirt and fitted leather pants. All his prior thoughts, every intention fell away. All he could think on was how enticing she looked. He stared shamelessly.

[lum]

Her gaze skated over to him and Juniper grinned excitedly when he saw her, one hand perching against the curve of her hip. Being the center of someone’s attention wasn’t something she was used to, but here she was, calling all his attention to her. She wasn’t dressed in her usual outfit but instead found her body enclosed in tight fitting leather, her waist squeezed into a custom fitting corset that she designed herself, pants made from soft lamb stretch leather with a matte finish and dark brown riding boots. She bit her lip as she waited for his reaction on the outfit she had worn months before, before she came to the Gate. An outfit he had never seen before.

Hidden: show

And now she was wearing her travel outfit again, only this time she was aware of the effect it could have on him. Putting this on was the last one of their preparations before they would depart to Athkatla. In less than an hour they would meet up with the wizard who had agreed to teleport them to the capital city of Amn. They would meet up with Aidan’s sister Myla and spend the night there before sailing tomorrow afternoon to Lantan. Her poor heart was beating rapidly with excitement, and she could swear it was going to jump out of her body.

Too bad she didn’t receive any word from her own sister yet, or from her step brother with the news that he had found Pixel. It didn’t matter anymore though as over a few days they could start looking for Pixel themselves. And Aidan would see the city where she had grown up, and the factory, and her family, and the High House, and her machina… and and…

Stop it already!! He’s watching you!!

Her mouth was dry, her stomach twisting and her hands were clammy when she took a step through the room closer towards him, her walk towards him feeling weirdly ceremonious to her.

Now he could see her face more near, and he could see how her eyes were shining. And in the darkness of the morning, with a sky struggling to light, Juniper looked even younger than before. An almost childish expression seemed to have come to her features as she looked at him with naïve curiosity. She wanted to get a closer view of the man she had come to love so ardently, she wanted to see what he thought of her.

Please please... say something…

[Necrotic Shadows]

He'd felt his hand cover hers at her hip. Aidan was wearing that sly devil-may-care grin he sometimes put on for her alone. Lowering his forehead to her own and swallowing the lump away from his throat. He watched her adorable eyes for a long while, before his gaze drifted down over her form. It wasn't hard to tell that he was appraising her. His eyes were always so full of tenderness for her. In moments like this, however, she could feel his predatory gaze looking for a weak point, but it wasn't a kill he desired, not this lion.

She expects an answer, and by all that's holy don't ask her to marry you, yet.

He recites softly, "were that my heart should skip its beat, were that I miss the moment, were that my eyes might never see, I'd still forever know it. There are no words that I might say, nor deeds that I might do, which compares with potency of reprise towards the beauty found in you." He kisses her affectionately and murmurs against her lips "all my words aside... you're so damn appealing right now. I don't know where you got this outfit.... but you should wear it more." He'd chuckled lightly and looked about the room. "my things are packed" His eyes once more graze over her own, a peaceful, loving smile on her mans continence.

"I'll give some last orders to the crew and let the temple know on our way out of town. I can't wait for Myla to meet you. Though I will warn you she'll have you in a dress within the hour." He'd hesitate there, drew her to his chest and kissed the top of her head. Thankful to have his arms around her without her pack in the way.

[lum]

About an hour later the pair was waiting just outside the east gate. It was cold, so cold that the grey heavy sky looked full of snow, and when it would fall, if it would fall, it would settle for an entire winter as the ground sure was hard and cold enough to receive it and to hold it.

It was one of those things Juniper wasn’t used to. Cold. Her feet were already so damn cold, her toes were cramping and she started to warm up her feet dramatically by jumping a little. And if it hadn’t been for Aidan’s cloak he had placed around her shoulders, the cold would have bitten through her clothing as well. But it would have been silly if she had put on more clothes because in a few moments they would be in a warmer region. And in a few days they would enter a tropical climate.


Were his cloak not enough, he kept her drawn against him, his back to the wind sheltering her from it. He'd revel in the moment of being warm next to her, having given up his cloak. He turned his collar up against his neck and tucked his head in, murmuring to her. "This seems surreal, the whole experience. You're about to meet my sister in a matter of hours" He smiled so sincerely but his teeth chattered.

Before long he'd be back home, back in the city of his youth and the man couldn't think of a better reason to return. He'd introduce his Gond girl, his woman, to his family. His smile only grew as she watched him.


She grinned excitedly up at her boyfriend, her partner, her man… her future. Boy… would she show him off when they got to Sambar. And what would her sister and her adoptive family think when they see him? She just couldn’t wait to see their faces. Her first love ever and it was as if she had won a jackpot. Without even playing.

Together they looked out at the farms. About fifty yards ahead, several cows stood silently near a bar ditch, chewing on their hay. So silently. It was as if the earth itself was asleep while the air was getting alive with feathery flakes. Snow after all?

As they stood there in the still reality of a winter’s morning, pebbles of the desolate road crunched under someone’s boots, a breeze stirring the newcomer’s loose clothes. The magician looked up from under his hood and stroked his white beard.
“You’re the ones for Athkatla?”

“Yep! We are!” Juniper said with a grin, extending her hand in greeting.

“Ah… yes, of course. I recognize you now, my child. And this is the famous captain?” He asked as he shook Juniper’s hand.

[Necrotic Shadows]

Aidan offers his hand and shakes the man's. "You've heard of me, or did she just write a bunch of crazy things in a letter to you?" He'd chuckle softly and blow in his hands to warm them after shaking the elderly man's hand. His breath like clouds escaping him. He pays the man, then with his arms back around Juniper, he'd listen to the man's words before they were wisped away.


The Mage teleported them to a prominent neighborhood in Athkatla where they first stopped at a barber for Aidan's hair cut. Then the couple hand in hand visited an outfitter. Aidan dressed up, looking sharp in a upperclassman's long tail jacket and breeches, black leather boots

They stopped for whatever reason Juniper needed, no matter the cost, and after modeling dresses, much to Aidan's interest and even buying her nightgowns, he rented a carriage and they travelled through the district till they came to a large manor.

An aged man with kind eyes that nearly threaten to disappear when he smiled, opened the carriage door. “Aidan, your sister has been expecting you.”

“Mm mhm.” Aiden nodded and laughed in a rather pleasant way.

“And this... must be the miss we are expecting, I see what keeps you from returning home. Wish that you had my years, and I your luck with beauty, master Thatcher.” The aged grounds keeper/butler backed away so Aidan could help her out.

Where Aidan might sometimes get jealous at a man's attention, he'd known this one long enough not to fear his kind words. “Taggert, she's more trouble than you know.” But even she could see his jest and the lighted smile on his eyes as Aidan accepted her hand and helped her down.


Be yourself, be yourself... thats what he told you. Just make sure you talk with two words, use a fork in the left and a knife and spoon in the right and everything will be fine!

“Woww!!” Juniper blurted when she saw the house. And with that she almost tripped and stumbled from the step. Good thing Aidans hand was there. She peeked up at him, and then at the butler and flushed hard.


Aidan cought her if necessary, a look of doting love upon his face for her, his smile wide and contagious.

Juniper smiled, hooked her arm in Aidan's and followed his lead to the house.

Aidan grabbed using his other hand their things and carried them along towards the manor, walking across the loose stone center which wrapped around a large fountain. He gave her a sidelong look and asked, ”Are you okay, my love?”

She grinned so hard that he could see it was for her a way to conceal her nervosity -and- excitement. But he saw easily through that and if he didnt know better, he'd say she was ready to explode cause of it.

He went to speak and started in on reminding her that his sister was very proper and prudish before he fell silent realizing he was not helping…

She laughed softly albeit a little hopeless and then shook her head to him. “I'll be fine…” she added shyly.

Aidan walked her in. As they entered the opening hall she could see stairs going up, a well lit candle chandelier, granite stone surfaced floors. And there lined up from largest to smallest are five children. The oldest a woman half grown at the age of thirteen was already looking her part the beauty, with deep doe eyes that could melt a man's heart, long blonde hair and standing in a satin green dress she watched, wearing a smile.

The next down is a boy who looked like he may never not wear a scowl, but for all his seriousness there too hidden in the depths was a curiosity for the woman who' was entering his home. Beyond him was another boy who looked sooooo bored of standing there, and he was slouching, grumbling, bumping into his older brother, and whined a bit. "When's supper going to be done?".

Next to him stood a precious little girl, the kind that could steal a heart with just a look, adorable and sure to be a heart breaker some day. She wore a very genuine smile and said , “Oh momma, she's pretty!"

To which the grown woman crouching before the last, rubbing a smear of chocolate from his cheek and straightening his cloths, looked back over her shoulder. The look of sheer excitement at the prospect her brother was there with the woman he loved, instantly turned to a more graceful and polite smile held by an upper-class woman. She stood and her lithe form stepped aside to stand behind her children as her husband entered the room. She instantly righted herself for him, standing straight backed and prepared to receive guests.

The man would speak up as he looked down over a letter. "Five toppings to the seven bars I've already wagered, these men are savages. I don't think they quite estimate the value of my good business." He looked towards Myla. "Why are you just stan- oh! hello! Welcome back, Mr. Thatcher. I do hope the weather finds you better than the gate. And lovely miss."


Juniper wondered if she should stand as straight as Myla and almost did so in a reflex when the man entered and addressed her.

Myla remained silent, standing behind the youngest two, the girl of cute beauty and perfection, the kind that could tame even the angry.

And the now visible youngest who was in grubby clothing he must have -just- gotten messy in the kitchen, raked his arm across his nose and sniffled. "Momma says you're stayin a night uncle James.. says we can make a tent fort. I told her we were going to kill some ogres, she doesn't believe me."

Myla tried to smile but it was obvious she was a bit embarrassed, almost as if she thought higher of Juniper than of herself, wanting her family to be absolutely perfect for the woman's visit.

Juniper however couldn suppress a giggle at the youngest one’s question. She flushed right after that escaped from her lips, wondering if it even was appropriate to giggle in here. She gazed a moment over at Myla.

Myla herself had dark brunette hair, naturally wavy and long. She seemed to be the portrait of poised elegance. She was thin, with more subtle curves than Juniper, but it looked very good on her. She had a graceful slender neck, beautiful soft lips, and rose filled cheeks. The smile she was wearing lingered only a moment and then she seemed more proper as her husband looked from his visitors to his family, and all discernible excitement escaped her.

Juniper glanced nervously at her own dress… wondering...

"I'm Kale!" the youngest blurted out.

Myla instantly panics "Oh yes, yes.. oh no I'm so sorry where are my manne-"

Aidan stopped her. "Myla, perhaps I should. Everyone, this is Juniper Bottlesocket, my woman, my companion, my assistant, my best friend and the woman I ardently love. Juniper this is my sister Myla, her husband Redrick, their children from oldest to youngest... Contessa, Redrick the second, Gander, Kathrine who's named after my mother, and James."

To which young James said : "I was named after Uncle James"

Aidan smiled. “It’s only my middle name, James."

The boy seemed bashful a moment, looked up at Juniper. "He's only my middle favorite uncle."

Juniper looked up from her dress at that, her hands running absently down the fabric as if trying to flatten it out. Her dress was a sophisticated design, a bit clingy on her hips and butt area, but it was rich and fabulous enough, the color a nice bottle green.

Aidan looked to Juniper to explain. "His name is James, but his middle name is Kale and the one that everyone calls him by. and for what it matters... " He looked at the boy "You little fibber.. I'm your only uncle.”

[lum]

Her laughter was contagious at the joking between the two, her smile perhaps addictive when she looked up at Aidan and then sort of curtsied for the other pair. And the way how she touched Aidan s arm, told everyone her love for him was forever "Hi...! Uh... I mean, a pleasure to meet you all." Her eyes seemed so bright, and twinkled a bit as her gaze moved over the children.

The kids all laughed some, and Redrick gave an odd gaze a moment. He dipped his head in a formal courtly bow, not willing, however, to go so far as to lower his head enough to put himself on level with anyone in the room. After all, he was lord of the house. He turned to step out of the room. calling back. "Aidan, Bernadette will see you to your rooms. And kids, come with me."

Myla concealed her smile as she saw her husband leave. The kids were ushered out of the room, while Gander eyed Juniper like he's just got a new crush. Kathrine waved her cute little hand and smiled back in the addictive way Juniper might, but those big eyes of her are so adorable. Kale just shoved his slightly older sister. "Hey, don't stop.. we're walking Katy Krankles." On which Kathrine lost her adorable face and elbowed him before walking off.

Aidan grabbed their things, kissed Juniper’s cheek and murmured. "I'll be back down after I settle in. Myla can send for me if you need me sooner."

Juniper just waited, ready to follow wherever they would tell her to go, the one thing she couldn't take distance from in her left hand, being her backpack. Eventually she was left alone standing with Myla, who looked down at the stone floor for a long while, feeling the silence.

Juniper shifted a bit uneasily, looking up a moment at that otherworldly beauty and trying to see the family resemblance. “That’s a lovely dress...." she whispered.

After a long pause and listening for the manor doors to slam shut, Myla took a deep breath of relief. She looked up at Juniper. "I've waited a long while for James to bring a woman home. The rarity of this occasion, I fear, eludes you." She said it with emboldened strength at the absence of her husband. She walked over and gently took Juniper's arm and smiled warmly. "Come, you must sit, lets talk about, I don't know... everything." Her eyes lit up with excitement, and she seemed carefree, happy, nothing like the woman Aidan described as a prude.

Which immediately kinda had a calming effect on the nervous Juniper "I'm very glad to meet you, miss Myla. Aidan told a few things ab... well I mean he...." She blushed.

Myla grinned. "My brother doesn't know me as well as he'd like to suggest. He sent me off to private schools so that I might be a "proper lady," she said in a deep mock aidan voice, “But you can't steal an individual away with conformity. Where I do have my areas of study, I'm very much Myla the free spirit. Well as long as Redrick isn't about. He expects me to hide that side of myself when I'm not behind closed doors. Ohhh but he means well..." she nodded and walked slowly down a corridor with Juniper, still arm around hers. She had a very proper and graceful walk.

The Gond girl blinked first at the contrast between the picture Aidan had painted and the reality. Then, with the confession her girly grin surfaced, like two girls conspiring. This could be an easy friend for her, and even perhaps like a sister. She did however remain careful, cause... what if this was all a test? To lure her out and find out what her weaknesses were? She always had done so much her best to hide them... until the day she met Aidan and started dating him. Then she shook her head lightly. This was Aidan’s sister, his own blood. She would never... " So uh... wow, this is really a nice home miss Myla!" she said instead, staying somewhere in the middle lane between formal and casual.

Aidan’s sister shook her head and grinned. "Amnians, we've always got to look and act our very best. The wealthy hold more sway in ruling than the traditional judge, magister or duke of other places.. and though we have the council of six..... " She trailed off, stopped and looked at Juniper. "Please, just Myla while no one is about, I would very much like to be called that." She adopted a more relaxed walk as she continued to lead her off.

[Necrotic Shadows]

They passed several stainglass windows that looked out into a small central garden with stone walkways, wroth iron chairs and a table, a small fountain in the middle with a few assorted shrubs. Till they came to a door and entered what seemed to be a study with shelves of books, cherry wood everything and beautiful floral sofas. Myla took a seat on one and holding Junipers hand now she has the other woman sit next to her. Taggert walks in a moment later as if he was looking for something.

"Oh Tag, please be a dear, would you bring us some tea?"

The aged man smiled his beaming smile and nodded. "Of course, and with those scones you like, madam?"

She would half giggle at that. "Now what have I told you, Tag, Myla or nothing... at least while the master is out."

Taggert would note the two and nod "Of course, Myla... and you're safe, he's taken the children down by the pond to discuss the importance of not throwing balls in the water."

Myla's eyes showed the same kindness of Aidan's, whatever is in him seemed to be her own makeup, most likely the teachings of a good woman, or just the inheritance of a sweet soul. She smiled and watched Juniper. "You must forgive me, I must seem rather odd to you.. I just can't get over the fact he's finally brought someone home and that.. that you're well..you're you I sup-suppose.. I don'-" She shook her head. "I'm being silly, you really must tell me about yourself cause I only know what he tells me in his letters. And by letter, I should say.. one."

Juniper blinked a bit, wondering what kind of reign the master of the house had. But she almost had to laugh at the thing about the balls. “Oh... only one...?” She blurted out kinda accidentally.

"Mm mhm, well since my wedding. James hasn't always been the most open with me. He I believe feels to blame for a lot of what's transpired over the years. Perhaps even guilt for our father passing, though it was the brutes own doing.. oh Juniper.. had you met the man." She put her hands both on her own cheeks and shook her head. "What an awful beast, I don't know how we were related.. I think I have one fond me-no no.. two fond memories of him out of a hundred.. Two out of a hundred, Juniper! ohh.. but we can't complain about where the gods have put us and Amn is a wonderful place to live," Myla rambled on excitedly.

[lum]

Before she knew she had put her hand on Myla's arm in an almost compassionate way. "I... wh... yes uh ... well I never been in Amn really for long and don’t know the city really. Uh... I was here once when I came from Lantan to the main land..."

Myla gasps excitedly. "You must allow me to show you around! oh please please?" She laughed.

Juniper shifted a bit "Well sure... yes... maybe tomorrow a little bit before we leave? And.. and more when we get back? I like to see Waukeen's Promenade!” Now she started to sound as excited as Myla, her excitement naturally surfacing like bubbles of air from deep water.

The lady of the house looked at the floor and she smiled a bit. "Forgive my forwardness miss Juniper but I feel we might be close friends in time. Aidan..." In a rare moment using his first name "...doesn't bring women home. This seems rather serious. I must I fear therefore, become serious a moment if you'll permit me." But her kind eyes remained, and that same iconic caring Aidan shared.

Juniper blinks once "Wh... uh,... oh! Yes of course! I understand!" But whether she really did or not was yet to be seen.

Aidan’s sister eyed her a long moment, seeming reluctant. "What intentions do you have with my brother? if I may be so bold to ask."

She widened her eyes and blushed hard. "I uh ... well... I love him and I want to marry with him, and make things together... huhhh... whoa... wait... I mean... not... we are... ship build…”

Myla suddenly put her hand over Junipers "Have you two...... um....." she reddened, giggling some.

Before she knew it Juniper nodded automatically, like she couldn’t help that, and then flushed deeply.

Myla didn’t hesitate, and hugged her. "And he makes you happy? I me-I...if...well... wh...erm...he. I don't mean in that way... wait yes.. no.. I mean I do meant in some ways but in all ways? He's good to you? Because if he's not... I can do things about it.” She hid her face, laughed hysterically and fanned herself. "I'm so embarrassed."

Juniper started to laugh too "Oh gods... let me just say he is ... for real isnt he? I mean, you are real so he must be real too right? He is really the best thing that ever happened to me and it is still happening. And I never want it to end. I always dreamed of creating something to fly... but I never would expected it would be a man instead of a machina or something..."

She searched the other girl’s eyes. "You really love him, don't you?" Myla seemed awed by that.

"It's a feeling I have never ever experienced before, miss Myla. Some say it'll pass if you ever experience such... but I dont know. For me it gets every day stronger, more intense and ... huh... I'm... easily jealous... I think?"

"Easily jealous of what? I don't know James as well as I should like. But I know he loved once and she was everything to him.. He doesn't suit an unfaithful life.If I might be candid... I never thought he'd be the same way after my friend Emma."

"It's just... other girls I think to see circle around him... it isnt him... it... it's... me..." Juniper said, looking up at the mention of Emma.

Myla looked off, almost half hiding her face but from the corner of her eye, Juniper saw they were misty. "I see life in him that hasn't been there in years.... and that's because of you."

"I really like him alot, miss Myla…”

She returned her gaze, wiped at the corner of her eyes. "Please, remember, just Myla"

Juniper rubbed her eye, and then pressed her hands flat together between her knees.

The look on Myla’s face was one of pure happiness over her brother’s good fortunes. "Waukeen blessed him with wealth... it is the only thing I know. You are welcome in my home anytime, Juniper. I'd like you to write me as well, if my brother can not find the time. So we might plan a visit to see you both.”

She giggles, happy to be conspiring again "I'd like that a lot!"

"We have some rules here.... one of those wont allow you to share a room with James out of wedlock.” She said as fixed a clasp in her hair. "So when Redrick falls asleep... I'll come get you and make sure you can find your place next to your man."

Juniper shifted on her seat "Uh… ohh.. I mean your husband seems... well... eh.” She flushed "Does ... does Aidan know...?"

"Know what?"

"About the... rules..."

Myla nodded.

"Maybe... we should follow them... "

“If that is your wish. But I'm sure he thought to sneak to you. Don't tell him I'm allowing this. I'd rather he go on thinking I'm too proper for my own good. He doesn't need to know I'm more wild than he believes."

"More wild... ?"

“Well, just that James believes I'm a proper lady, and where I am in many ways. I'm a proper tree climbing, swimming, horse straddling, and daring woman."

Juniper rubbed her nose. "I just dont want you or any in trouble but... Aidan and I.... We're... he s older even and..."

She laughed "Are you afraid he'll fall out of his feeble old age without you near?"

Juniper giggled uncontrollably.

“What does older have to do with it, Juniper?"

"I meant... we are old enough to... well..” she coughed"... sleep together?"

"I didn't assume you were with him for his looks, so I believe you" she beamed at her own jest, against her brother, like he was ugly.

"We have barely spent one night apart from each other since we are a couple..." Then she grinned "And he's handsome."

She nodded her agreement to the comment about her brother's looks. "We can pick up this conversation again after dinner, and I can show you around the grounds?" Myla seemed very fond of Juniper. "As for sleeping, I want you to be with him, just must wait till Redrick is asleep. His honor is different than mine or Aidan's. He doesn't allow such things, and if he were to get upset I would gladly take the blame."

[Necrotic Shadows]

Myla stood and contemplated something, looking at Juniper. "If you ever need to be alone this room is probably your safe bet. My husband doesn't often come down this hall, my kids know not to bother me here, James.... I mean Aidan, wont set foot past the door." She looked across the room at a portrait hanging from the wall.



"Emma had that commissioned for him for his eighteenth birthday some nine years ago. When he left, he left it behind. She was my friend, I couldn't leave it to the elements. We hadn't been close in the beginning. She and I saw quite differently on all accounts and I was rather bitter with jealousy over the fact she'd claimed all my brother’s time. He stopped visiting so much. But time mended wounds and she became one of my close companions prio.... prior to....." She looked at Juniper and nods. "I'm sure he's told you all of that."

Juniper shook her head. “Not everything, Myla, but I like to hear more one day.” She smiled faintly.

Myla took a long pause and then said, "Supper will be ready in short bit. Brenadette will be along pressingly to see you to your quarters. Be sure to change into something less formal, but still pleasant. If you have nothing, I can spare a gown or two, though they might be tight on you. The gods have blessed you with all the charms that appease men, where they've endowed others of us with less so." She smiled warmly, quite taken in her brother's choice of a woman. "I wish you could stay with us for a month, Juniper.. there's so much I'd like to talk about, so much to share and hear." Hearing her husband entering the home she lifted her skirt in hand, turned and walked out. Rounding the corner, Juniper overheard how the other woman's heels smacked against the ground as she made haste to be presentable for Redrick.

The thought might occur to her that Aidan expects the same in a woman. obedience, submission, and duty bound.

But he told me never to change… and Myla… wow… it’s so odd. I’m really starting to wonder now what kind of a man this Redrick is. More, I wonder if Aidan even has the slighest idea about how his sister looks at it all.

Juniper wondered over a few more things before she got up and went to check the things they had bought. She gazed at her reflection in the mirror when she did and stood up straight, imitating the way how Myla had acted earlier.

Nahhh… this isn’t me at all!

The gond girl grinned, agreed with herself she looked perfect enough and looked about the room, wondering if they were to pick her up, or if she had to find her way around herself. Then she wondered a moment on how Pixel was...

[Necrotic Shadows]

He'd been shown up to an apartment by Bernadette, A room he'd had the luxury of staying in before. Last time his visit was not heralded, but then he'd not told her he was coming. Aidan hoped it would be a grand surprise to be fair. Entering the room back then all the furniture was draped with dust cloth and the room wasn't stocked with the basic amenities. But Myla had quite honestly caught him off guard. He stepped in, stood shock silent for a moment and looked around, dropping his bags where he was.

She had removed a lot of old artwork from the room, replaced with model ships and seafarer paintings of coastlines and harbors. She'd had a standing mirror brought in, a canopy hung around the bed where the old one was torn away, the bed was spread with newer cream colored blankets and pillow-bere instead of the old moth eaten green fleece blankets. They had caused him reason to complain to the maid the following morning. "To scratchy" he'd muttered as she questioned why he had flung them from the bed during his nights stay then.

More than that.... she'd brought in a fresh water basin for his hands and face, with lilacs in the bowl. A brush, shavers edge, some scented oil, even lay about a bed shirt incase he'd forgot one. He shook his head and picked his things back up as the maid had come over to try and help. He cleared his throat "that wont be necessary, in fact that will be all, Bernadette". She'd given him a glowering look which seemed almost comical amid her portly face. He had no dislike for the woman, so he offered her a smile, and she left on her way grinning herself. It occurred to him that maybe people did see his genuine smile as some form of flirtation, though it'd been meant as nothing more than kindness.

Aidan closed the door and took long strides across the room. If anything could be said about Aidan Thatcher, it was that he held himself quite the part of nobility even if he were not. Where his heart was humbled to the poor and those less fortunate, he still held himself in high regard. Perhaps this was the Sunite in him, or so he gathered.

Now where did I put that.... ahh.

He took his coin pouch out from around his neck where he tied it any time he came to Athkatla and shoved it in his belongings. Made good his attempt to remove his shirt and boots, leaving his hat with them on the bed. He stood there in his pants leaned over the water basin where he drew a scoop up over his face and hair, slicking it back and lacing his fingers behind his head a moment before doing so a second time. He looked towards the mirror and chuckled. He'd need that shaving edge for sure.

[Necrotic Shadows]

The thought slipped his mind quickly as he took one more glance about the room, not noticing the slender figure who slipped her way through the door and latched it gently. The timing could not be more humorous as he spoke, "with the way you frivolously spend, Myla... it's surprising your husband doesn't take a precipitous plunge in wealth and inadvertently.... power". She wasn't quite so humored, "Is that so Mr. Thatcher?" He wheeled about on his heel, ignoring the fact that he was without shirt.

Aidan tried to make recompense, "I... if... wh-", she cut him short. "seems you're on the horns of a dilemma, Captain Thatcher, undone by a woman from how I hear it." She crossed back over to the door and locked it. He searched about found his shirt and was starting to pull it down over his head. "No need for that, leave it" And so he did, putting it back on the bed. Her voice was spoken as one who'd brook no complaint or guff out of him. She pulled a chair over, "Sit James...If you'll permit me to break from formality".

Really? first you're going to command me, and then ask I permit you? But he never spoke the words.

"As I said, undone by a woman. I know you James... and I-" He stopped her, "please stop calling me James. That was father's desire not my own, remember. He thought it was more respectable than the name mother had chosen." Aidan looked up at her, "I'm your brother, Myla, I don't know what manner of witchery has come over you, but I'm still your brother". Her shoulders gave in slight relief, she looked on him in fondness. "I'd hoped, you know... for so long I had hoped you were the man I heard you were. But how could such a man be, and only visit me twice. Once to stand and look on at my family from a parlor as if coming to inspect his holdings, and then once more to see me wed"

He'd reached for her hand, she tensed but a moment, before she felt how warm his hand was and no less.. he was gentle. "How'd you hear anything, Myla... you live in Athkatla". She worried her lip a long moment and watched his gaze, "you must not be angry, I was curious" He watched her with a level gaze, "Myla, what is it?" She stepped away moving across the room to a window and drawing back the curtain to look out at the orchard behind the house. She addressed the matter, quietly, "I paid for a man to send me missives from Baldur's Gate about you. I realize how low that might seem. I however wanted to know my brother. Where I could not come to you for obvious reasons, nor would you come here"

[Necrotic Shadows]

Aidan stood up and she looked back towards him, "I meant no harm, but Wildflower? whether it was wrote in the setting of Baldur's Gate or not, Jam-" She paused and corrected herself. "Aidan.... that was about me, wasn't it?" He wanted to be angry but he couldn't find it in him to be. He moved towards her, she stepped away a moment and grabbed up a book, flipping through a few pages. She looks up at him as if a warning and read his own words back at him to prove she'd knowledge of the poem.


A wildflower grows on the cobblestoned streets of Baldur's Gate,
Among the dirt and debris left behind by the seasons.
A misplaced beauty working her way up among the cracks between
the rocks of this place she calls home.

About her, the hustle and bustle of life worms its way in and out of
the shops, searching for refinement and riches.
The flower shop with its roses, tulips, and lilies well cared for by
the hand of the man who procures them.

As he approached to relieve her of the book, she pulled back and only read louder. It was her home, she'd not be silenced.

She wonders what the touch of his hand might mean, the potted rich soil,
and frequently bath of water. To be cared for.
She waits ever the patient instead for drops of rain, a word of kindness
from a world lording above her on these hallowed streets.

Ignored, overlooked and unadmired. She, the common girl of the flower
kingdom, to simple to be dressed in the gown of the rose.
To wilted and torn to be worthy of the vibrant colors of the tulip,
and nowhere exotic enough to be the lily. she, the wildflower.

She grows up below the broken walls caused by the destruction
of her cities life, in a land once ravaged by war and worry.
Her head held high, her arms stretched out, ever waiting for her rain.
For her's is not a story of defeat, but the promise of victory.

For when the flowers of the shop are put away each night and the shop closes,
she stands alone with the evening breeze on her face.
Clothed the way the gods saw fit and for this brief moment, she feels
just beautiful enough not to be seen as common.

Were any to love her, any to hold her, any to give her the time of day,
or a moment in a million moments, they'd have her forever.
she like the spirit of our city, rebuilt. she rises still, she grows still, to cut her low
is to stunt her, but only for the season, only for the now.

She's surely longed for love in her day, but love is found where -it- chooses
to be, not always where -we- choose it to be.
.....uncompromising.......
Some things of beauty are meant to last while others fade
....and wildflowers grow where they will.

She put the book back from where she'd taken it off the wardrobe, it had been her own book and not his. Myla's man had copied his poem word for word.

"that poem had won you a sum of coin, it'd been the first place winner and it was about me." She seemed touched, turned once more to the window and put her fingers to her mouth. Aidan approached and standing behind her put his hands on her shoulders, "what would you have me say? I knew we struggled, I saw the way you looked at the wealthy, and longed to be like the girls in the dresses. I wanted you to have the life we could never afford and since father and mother were gone, what better time to give you a life, off to learn and live with aunt Lauren." She looked at him now, a bit perplexed "And what about a brother? I had to grow up without one of those as well. There were times I could have used a protector. I nee-" She saw the look on his face, knew he had wished nothing more than to have been there for her, but for circumstances. She conceded the point and turned some towards him. On tippy toes, she kissed his cheek where she was met with the reminder of his stubble. "You love me, that was never in doubt", she said softly before she motioned back to the chair near the mirror.

[Necrotic Shadows]

Aidan walked back across the room and she followed. Getting a bit of the oil as he went to sit, she rubbed it over his face and took up the shaver. He'd looked between her and the blade, "Do you have any idea of what you're doing with that?". To which he was met with narrowed eyes and knitted brows, "Aidan James Thatcher, I am married to a man after all and there are some things I wont allow the maid-servants near.. him most of all". She smiled some, "but besides my inability to shave, and my decadent nature in which I spend every last coin we have "frivolously" I believe you suggested, we've other things that need to be discussed. Namely, miss Juniper" Myla stiffed the blade against his neck and drew it up, the edge scraping over the stubble roughly, causing an unpleasant sound. He fidgeted and she spoke out, "oh stop it, you baby. I'm not going to hurt you". She did draw a bit of blood as she knicked him however, a small satisfaction for her after his unkind words about the decor of the room she'd made up special for him. Well, him and Juniper of course.

His hair hung loosely framing his face while he watched himself in the mirror and the work Myla was doing on his jawline. "you didn't dirty the water to much did you?" She looked towards the bowl and his gaze followed hers, "ehh?" He'd responded. Myla rolled her eyes, "The lilacs were for Juniper, you honestly thought I meant for you to smell like flowers? and speaking of flowers, as well as that poem. Juniper.....she..." He looked up at her, "she what?" Myla stopped shaving him for a moment and came about in front of him, wanting to see his eyes, "I saw the way she looks at you, I see that same look when I so much as mention her name infront of you, Aidan. I don't think I've ever seen a man in love. It's fetching... not that you aren't handsome normally I gather. But, that look wears well on you and it makes a sister happy. She mentioned you and she... that... well.... that you don't sleep alone." Aidan ran his hands down over his face. He'd gone from, happy someone could see how he felt about the gond girl, to extremely tired of this conversation.

She spoke up, "If women are like flowers in your poem, and being picked means they're taken, married as it seems quite cryptically to imply. Most flowers when they get wilted, are thrown out. If you love Juniper, when she wilts, keep her, when life has caused her to age faster than both you and she would like... keep her, like a flower dried in a book, treasure her. Because if she's to be the mother of your children, and your wife, she's spent her life in loyalty to you... she deserves to know she will be kept as a keep sake, instead of thrown out in exchange for the picking of a new flower". Aidan shook his head and murmured, "her age would not subtract from her beauty, she's beautiful in far to many ways, and far to much like a gem with a thousand facets, each shinning brilliantly." She watched him a long moment, "Are you suggesting you'd not be rid of her for some young pretty miss thing besides her?"

She returned back to her work as he responded, "if you're asking if I'd be rid of her, the answer is no. I don't regret our encounters, nor take shame in being her man. She's not someone I found for a moments joy and then intend to set aside" He looks up at his sister. "I love her ardently, with every fiber of who I am. I.. I don't understand it to be honest. Most women I've taken the pleasure of coming to know, I've been glad to be separated from at times and had no interest in such things as the knowledge of the inner workings of their thoughts... and yet with her..... I'm avid in all things Juniper. I want to know her thoughts, read her feelings, know when she's upset and needs my soft kindness. I want to be there and be the only thing she needs when she cries. Or just an ear mid of night when she's had a bad dream. I... " He stops as she scraps to close for comfort. "do you mean to castigate me for loving her after such a short bit?". She raked the blade against a towel and set it aside, while she trimmed his hair and said softly, "I'm done, you and I will have to talk more, but for now I want to say this, Aidan. Don't hurt that girl." She wandered towards the door after she mentioned dinner would be ready soon, "If you hurt her, she'll never forgive you." She'd walked out and he started gathering his things to prepare for dinner before Myla leans back into the door way, "she'll never forgive you..... and I wont either"

[Necrotic Shadows]

Aidan came down to dinner dressed in rather formal attire. He'd stop to hang back in the doorway as he saw Juniper, her hair up and kept in a bun with a silver and emerald hair pin. She'd chosen a dress he'd never bought with her, nor saw her in. The material lingered on the far reaches of her shoulder and left a portion of her upper back and neck completely unchecked and revealed. It cupped and caressed her body like something a seamstress would have fitted for her. She looked absolutely stunning, with all the elegance and grace of a swan.

He'd been well aware of her beauty prior to today, she'd ever been alluring. Yet, as she reached up and rest her hand against the side of her neck he wanted nothing more than to close the distance between them and see his lips where her hand now resided. He was pulled from his thoughts to the tune of her laughter, his heart jumped and he couldn't help but smile as young James was attempting to imitate her.

She must have sensed something, felt something as she looked back over her shoulder to where he stood in the doorway. More, she must have read his mind as she blushed and her hand nervously played with a string of pearls around her neck. And Still, Aidan looked on, mesmerized like a cartographer who just discovered a new continent and enough room on his chart to quill it in. There was a tug on his hand, little Kathrine was there gazing up at him and he couldn't help but smile as he crouched and hugged his niece. She whispered and he hadn't heard her at first. He turned his ear to her and she cupped her hands around it whispering "Sit near me, please?".

Aidan's jovial laugh surely caught the room off guard as everyone looked their way. Redrick stood, cleared his throat like a gentleman might when something was inappropriate. His two older boys followed suit in standing. Regardless Aidan had known better than to tell his brother in-law to stuff his etiquette. He stood and taking Kathrine's hand, walked the young girl back to her seat. Settling her and pushing the chair in he took the one next to her, sitting across from his Juniper. He found her gazing at him and watched the rose hue climb to her cheeks and ears each and every time she would return to find him looking at her. Though he was already in awe of the woman, something deeper and soul seeking happened that evening, there was something he felt he had to do, but for now it would wait.

Dinner carried on as one might find with nobility, but there was nothing noble about the name Joriam. Yet in Athkatla it was understood that wealth was akin to lordship. Any man of true wealth was a power not lightly ignored. So the Joriams being a well off trade house, dinned on delicacy not found at lesser tables. The whole affair was dealt with in formal custom. Light conversation about local gossip, new leadership, cowled wizards and shadow thieves. The child were sent off shortly after for bedtime preparations.

The adults stayed to discuss plans. Expect as much as Aidan would like to stay longer and get to know the closest relatives he had, he could see how anxious Juniper was to visit her own. Little did she know that he'd booked passage on one of the first ships out in the morning, leaving her to believe it'd be late afternoon before they departed. But he gave it light then, deciding it could wait no longer.

"Juniper and I must be leaving first thing in the morning, Redrick, Myla. I know it might come as a shock to y-" but the shock was Junipers, what'd been a late sampling of what remained on her plate, caught in her surprise found her coughing and drinking hurriedly at the wine in her glass. Further shock captured her expressions, she was a milk drinker. Wine sprayed from her mouth, and to her embarrassment everyone at the table clambered to her aid. She was never one to enjoy the attention of a gathering, the gond girl would sooner be a potted plant than a girl at a party, if the choice was hers.

When the situation had passed, and the mess dabbed away from the table. Juniper looked on to her man, eyes filled with light and wonderment. She'd tried to dial back her excitement, tried to avoid the rudeness of seeming eager to depart the Joriam household. But this was home, this was her family, her people, Lantan first thing tomorrow? She'd thrown her arms around his neck and he held her, her voice low and sweet, "thank you, Aidan." was all she could muster in her disbelief. A pleased smile was her gift in return.