Convergence - 1

"Uncle Doughan," Kailee yelled in the direction of the kitchen. "Ya better come oot here."

Doughan rushed through the doors and stopped. "Sweet Bridget" the deep man's voice bellowed from across the room. "Blessed Beldrem, Janus it's good to see you." Doughan moved quickly from behind the bar and embraced the young druid fiercely.

At Doughan's words, Aislinn's head came up and her crystalline-blue gaze sharpened. "Seems my assumption turned out correct, after all," she says quietly to her companion.

Yahim nodded slowly, eyes narrowing. "Either the LuckBringer favors me more than I knew, or I'd say more than your assumptions were correct, Aislinn." At her look, he winked. "Instincts. Intuitions. That Janus is here, where he's being sought is... well, if you believe in coincidence it would boggle the mind, wouldn't it?"

"There are some who say there are no coincidences, Yahim," she replied, almost too quietly to hear. Obliquely, she continued watching Janus and Tob.

"I'm one of them," Yahim nodded, taking a moment to watch her watch Janus. Definitely more than a pretty face, this Aislinn of Mathern. She's sharp enough to know that you can sometimes learn more about something by not having your eyes all over it... Her air of going about the procedure was quite a bit different than his, though. She seemed to be a Mother watching her children while handling another mundane, daily task.

Janus grimaced as he heard his name bellowed out, echoing across the common room of The Crook. He didn't know for sure why Tob had concealed his identity at the gate, but it had seemed like a prudent move. There was nothing for it, now, though, what had been done could not be undone. Janus managed a smile and wrapped one arm around the Doughan, and the other slipped his last flask of the Master's Berryshine into the front pocket of the Innkeeps apron, with a wink.

"You look well, Master Ap Connor. Very Prosperous!" He said as he patted the mans prominent midsection.

Aislinn ate her stew while watching and listening to the exchange. Janus might be fooling Doughan, but she knows exhaustion and heartache when she sees it in a person.

Doughan laughed aloud at this as he hugged Janus, again, and lifted him slightly off his feet.

"Please, dear boy," he told him. "Doughan. Call me Doughan."

"Allow me to introduce my Brother-in-Choice, Tob ap Huwyll, a fine man, and Veteran, just home from the front." Janus motioned with his free arm to his friend, noticing for the first time how damned fierce he looked.

The young Sundar watched this exchange thoughtfully while keeping his thoughts out of his face. They've been traveling hard and long to get here. Something's wrong.

"How fares your happy house, Doughan? It seems busy as ever in here."

"Oh, t'is been slow o' late, but we be gettin' by. Kailee and I are well. I'm sure she is happier ta see ya than the lass let on," he said with a wink of his own.

Janus arched an eyebrow at the man. " I wouldn't wager on that one, the mysteries of the forest, I was taught. Master Goentryx seemed to have a certain gap in his knowledge where the fairer sex was involved."

Tob smiled and tried his best to look nonthreatening. Charm had never been his strong suit, and the past few years in the company of the other justifiers, by disposition lacking in charm generally, hadn't helped. He regarded the senior ap Connor, and tried to make a generous assessment of the man. His father had never had much respect for men of the clans who had given up their landless ways and taken to city dwelling, and while Tob was fairly certain that his father was wrong on that point, family habits had a way of sticking.

He extended a hand to the man, and gave a traditional greeting. "Clan Meridudd, at your service." He wanted to greet the man's niece, but protocols had kept the clans at peace for years. He wouldn't screw it up now, even if her bodice exploded, as he wished it would.

Doughan reached out and clasped the young man's hand in his own. He looked at Tob with admiration and respect in his eyes for one who had served in the fight against the Dolfanc. "O'course ye are welcome here, Master Tob, and we be honored to house Clan Meridudd."

"It's always good to meet a man of the lands, but especially hip deep in a city such as this one. Thank ye for your hospitality." Tob meant every word, as usual, and it showed.

Now that had better be an honest man, Yahim thought to himself while studying the man identified as Tob. With a face like that, a dishonest man wouldn't live long at all.

Janus took a look around the common room, surveying the inhabitants, then continued on in a lower tone.
"Do you have a spare room for Tob and I? The road was a long one, and I'm afraid Tob's been traveling so long theres more dust in his throat than on the Turnpike."

"So that's Janus of Beldrem," Yahim murmured to Aislinn, absently reloading his pipe. "Doesn't look old enough for all this, does he?"

"No, but then again I don't, either, apparently," she grinned across at him. "He wouldn't be the Archduid's apprentice if he weren't up to the task."

"I shall have rooms prepared fer both ye," he told Janus. He hugged him again but this time whispered into his ear. "Seems t'be a Child o'Matern here t'see ya. She be settin' at d'same table as a Sundaryan who also made some inquiries boot ye and Master Goentryx."

Janus held his head still, as he listened to the Innkeepers hushed whisper. What in the name of Beldrems Blessings were a Priest of Mathern and a Sundaryan doing here, inquiring about him? He glanced at Tob, his blue eyes conveying a wary caution, as his right hand briefly touched his scimitar, and returned to his side.

Tob shrugged his reply with an easy nod and a slight hand gesture in the direction his two swords. He was ready. He was always ready now.

Janus waited for Master Doughan to turn , and be off about his business, and he leaned heavily on his staff. Trying to cover all the possibilities of this moment. His brain felt like it was trying to sprint through wet sand, though. If they mean you harm, they probably wouldn't announce to an Innkeep they were searching for you... Predators don't announce themselves to their prey.

Janus straightened himself up, regaining his posture, and lifting his chin, before he turned, and located the odd pair. A handsome pair, trying to make it look like they were uninterested in Him and Tob. His sharp eyes quickly appraised them, taking stock of what he saw, and what he did not. Weapons, and armor, a pipe, recently smoked. Empty tableware, and full cups.... The Sundaryan had the look of one who was used to trouble, his eyes alert though he was trying hard to seem detached and cool. The Priest-ess (he silently corrected himself) was striking. gorgeous and confidant in her air. She was pale skinned, and as it was midsummer, It was fairly obvious she was from the Northlands... a truly odd pair.

He walked over to their table, deciding that it was better to find out what this was all about sooner, rather than later. His eyes never left the pair as he approached, to within a pace of their table.

"It would appear that Master Janus is as direct as you are," Yahim murmured, rising to his feet as it became clear they were the young druid's destination. His words were pitched to Aislinn's ears alone, though his expression was open and relaxed as this nexus for so much attention reached their table.

Aislinn just grinned at him and winked. "And that Master Doughan likes to talk."

"Forgive my intrusion, my name is Janus, Master Doughan has said that you are inquiring about me, and my Master, Goentryx. How may I be of service?"

Yahim bowed floridly, in the way of his people. "Our good innkeeper has introduced you to the entire room and saved us you the trouble, Master Janus." The smaller man offered an easy smile. "Allow me to introduce myself in turn. I am Yahim Atafahdi, late of Char. And this is the lovely Aislinn, Priestess of Mathern." The Sundar indicated empty chairs and clearly invited the newcomers to join them. "You would honor us to join us."

"Master Doughan has many fine and admirable qualities, subtlety is not counted among them." Janus stated, forcing a smile. Ever since he'd been a boy, he'd noticed his smile could put people more at ease, His mother called it a winning smile....Master Goentrx was... not so kind. Janus returned the man's bow, not so graceful, or so low, and repeated his name immediately, committing it to memory.

"Master Yahim, well met."

He directed his eyes to the lovely Priestess, as she was announced, inclining his head, and bowing to Her much the same. "Mistress Aislinn, I am charmed." He said, trying not to look the dumbstruck fool. Aislinn smiled in reply and the brightness of it seemed to touch every part of both newcomers.

"Please, meet my lifelong friend, and Brother, Tob ap Huwyll." Janus half turned, and gestured to his friend with an open hand, but never really took his eyes from the Sundaryan. Having completed the formalities, He stepped to the chair, and slid it out from under the table.Using the staff to maintain his balance, he sat down, leaning back against the high ladderback.

Yahim bowed again to Tob and with a quiet "well met," sat with the men at the table. "I must allow the lady to speak first, of course, but please try to relax, masters. I mean you no harm."

"Well met," Tob nodded in reply. He said nothing to the priestess, but bowed his head in her direction with real formality. "These are strange times when a man can say he means no harm and mean it." He sat at the table, comfortable but not relaxed. His back was to the door, but his eyes were searching for a reflective surface to see behind him, his ears were listening to every step around him, and even his nose was testing the air for danger. These things had become as automatic as breathing, but they did not make a man calm, even when his body rested. He did not relax. He coiled.

"I only claimed to mean you and Master Janus no harm, Master Tob," the young Sundar replied politely. He hadn't missed the nuances that screamed this man's "veteran of many ugly battles" status. "And Aislinn, of course. As for the rest, well... no man can tell what the future may hold."

No, nor woman neither.

"I'm truly glad to meet you both," Aislinn began, smiling gently. "I don't want to add to your burdens, Master Janus, but I was packed up and sent traipsing clear across Nordren because, as my foster mother and uncle said in not so many words, 'It was time.'" A soft sigh escaped her and her clear blue eyes searched Janus's. "Some two and a half decades ago, the Archdruid saw fit to 'hide' me, and I ended up in Caer Talldyr for most of my life. I couldn't have asked for a better mother but..." she paused and put a hand palm down on the table, half-way between them. A gesture that reflected the intensity of her emotions and the urgency she felt. "Things are moving and I want to find out why I needed to be hidden and from who or what."

Janus listened to her tale intently, waiting for her to finish before he considered what she said. He felt his chin drop to his chest... Two dozen years ago.... that was before I was born. What were you playing at, Old Man? Raising his gaze again, his blue eyes framed in dark circles, he tried to convey genuine regret for what he had to say next.

"Unfortunately, Mistress Aislinn, The Master never saw fit to mention anything about hiding a girl child in the Northlands, to me. I fear that his reasons for this, are his own. I wish I could answer your questions."

The priestess sighed. "I thought as much. Don't trouble yourself over what your mentor didn't tell you," she smiled gently. "They always hold something back from us for their own reasons."

"Indeed. And to make matters worse, you wont be able to ask him for yourself, either. The grove is closed, .....none may enter...." Janus thought about that for a moment, then corrected himself.

"I was unable to enter... to be more precise. I do not even know if the Master is in the Grove, or not. Nor do I have any idea if he even lives."

"That certainly doesn't bode well. I'm willing, however, to help you get to the bottom of this, if you wish."

"Maybe one of these two is your hawk," Tob said to Janus. "Maybe one of these two will unbar the way."

Janus squeezed his eyes shut tight, as Tob's words registered. What is done cannot be undone... seems that is becoming my new mantra.

Aislinn's blue eyes turned to Tob, pale eyebrows raised. Then she turned back to Janus. Her tone now reminded them all of their mothers or mother-figure in their lives. "You've been having prophetic dreams? No wonder you're exhausted. Please... I insist you have something good and warm to eat, something to drink. I have herbs and things in my bags to help you sleep. You can't continue this way and be effective in what you have to do."

"Warm food, and a mulled wine sound fine to me, Mistress Aislinn, as for your remedies, I do appreciate the offer, more than you know. But I have a feeling the nightmare is important, and.... it changes sometimes. There may be clues that are missed if Im taking a weed nap. Perhaps in a few days, I will accept your gracious offer."

She looked as if she was going to insist,but relented with a nod. "Very well, Janus. When you're ready, come talk to me."

From maiden to mother between heartbeats. Impressive -- does the temple train them in how to do that and still maintain such appeal, I wonder? Yahim finished reloading his pipe and then lit it, watching the exchange with some concern. Prophecies seem to be flying thick and fast these days. How did someone like me end up in the midst of them?

Tob's face was flat with the realization that he had tipped his and Janus's hand quite readily, precipitously, and possibly quite badly. He deadpanned a look at Yahim and softly added "This is why I don't play cards."

A strangely muffled squeak came from across the table. Eyes turned that way found Aislinn held a hand over her mouth, stifling her actual giggles. Not giggles meant for flirting or coquetry. No. These were giggles of purest delight. Blue eyes danced with laughter she couldn't suppress. Quite infectious.

Janus chuckled and looked across the table, his smile returning as he followed Tobs eyes to Yahim. "Don't believe it, Master Yahim, it is impossible to tell if he's bluffing."

Though Yahim did not change expression, his dark eyes suddenly shone with repressed mirth. "Master Janus, I do believe you," he drawled. "Allow me to sum up the situation here. Aislinn has traveled the length of Nordren and sailed to Portsdale at the urgings of her foster mother to consult your Master, Goentryx, about his reasons for hiding her on the Choshu border as a babe. Some weeks ago you tried to enter Goentryx's grove and were prevented by agencies you do not understand. Which means you have no idea where the Archdruid is or what his purposes might be. You've also been having dreams disturbing enough to make you confide in them to a friend. So... you've come to Portsdale at the exact time our lovely priestess was seeking you."

That pipe puffed liberally for a moment. "Does that about do it?"

"It would seem so, Master Yahim. Though I cannot speak for Mistress Aislinn, for my part it is mostly accurate. I would describe the "dreams" as Nightmares, if using my own words, however."

"It does it more or less for me, too," Aislinn said, still grinning. "There's a bit more to it than that. I was originally going to Banamyr, but messengers from the Council were waiting for us outside the city," she frowned. "They told us that something happened in The Grove and that I was to make haste to Portsdale. My uncle Atreus, a priest of Verengaard set me on a boat in Pelldyr with a sealed message for Doughan," she sighed.

"I want to hear about these dreams if you'll tell me, Janus. But," she said, holding up her hand. "After you've eaten."

"I can't see why not, perhaps they'll make more sense to the two of you than they do to us."

Kailee appeared at the table with two bowls of stew, fresh bread, and four fresh tankards. She placed them upon the table, but her gaze lingered upon Janus for a moment longer than one would expect. She took away any of the empty plates and tankards with her when she left. Tob and Janus could tell their bowls contained more meat than was customary for Doughan's typical portion.

Janus reached out, touching the girls wrist as she set his mug in front of him. "Forgive me Kailee, for not greeting you as we entered. Its good to see you again."

Waiting only until Kailee had retreated (and noting her longing looks at young Janus with some wry amusement carefully concealed), Yahim clears his throat softly. "And if you will allow me to suggest, any further talks should take place in a less public venue." The youthful Sundar looks somewhat chagrined. "Something larger than us is at work here -- which suggests forces we do not yet understand. In a time of war such things are best discussed privately, not in the open where hostile ears might hear."

"Probably for the best," Aislinn agreed with a nod. "Though it won't keep whatever's moving from listening in, it'll stop wide-spread rumors and panic, anyway."

"Where in this city would that be?" Tob asked through a mouthful well gravied salt pork. He washed it down with a swig of ale, and continued. "We have a room upstairs, but that's neither secure nor any place for three men to take a Priestess of Mathern." He paused and reflected on what he had said. "Bring, not take."

The young Sundar, who had been inhaling on his pipe as Tob spoke, suddenly began hacking and choking as if he were going to cough up a lung. Several minutes and a few long pulls on his tankard later, Yahim wiped his streaming eyes and cast the woodsman a jaundiced look. "That may well be," he finally gasped, sipping from the tankard again to clear his throat. "But nearly anyplace is better than the common room of an inn, Master Tob." He glanced sideways at Aislinn. "For talking, of course."

For her part, Aislinn simply rested her chin on a hand, elbow propped on the table. It appeared she hadn't put any extra meaning into Tob's words at all. Until one saw that devil-be-damned sparkle in her eyes. "Or just about anything else, for that matter," she said with equanimity.

Janus shot a look across the table at Tob, and shook his head, before raising a spoonful of the thick stew to his lips, pausing to let the aroma of the dish waft to his nose. He was ravenous, dry rations kept one moving, but, fulfilling, or tasty, they werent. He listened to Yahim, as he broke a crust of bread, and sopped up some broth for his next bite.

"You both make good points, as for me, Ive seen no sign of any unseen forces machinating against us, or following. But, setting the proprieties aside, I think we should carry the conversation to my room, upstairs. If for no other reason than to keep from worrying Kailee."

"I've seen no evidence of such either, Janus," the priestess replied with a shrug. "But there's been something making me a little restless for a while. I'd say it was just me, but knowing even the little information I do, I don't think that's likely."

"It may be that I can cast a different light on this," Yahim admitted. "But I won't do so here. Let's take Master Janus up on his offer -- after you've both eaten, of course," he added.