This Is Eden

Julietta watched with wide eyes, chewing slowly, as the scene unfolded in front of her. Romano and Emily--were they... flirting? It sure feels like flirting to me, she thought as her stomach roiled. She looked down at the floor, trying not to notice the obvious connection between the couple.

At Emily's comment, Julietta returned her gaze to the other girl. "Nice meeting you too," she choked out. "And you," she said, glancing at Romano and pasting on a wobbly smile.

She was sad to see the moment end; she'd actually felt like she had friends for once... aside from it being painfully awkward. She mentally riffled through her class schedule in her mind. Her next class was in 15 minutes, so she still had time to kill. Julietta looked at Kiev. "Are you leaving too?"

((ooc: Breaking back in here with LoE, Ellion style! ))

Legends of Erandor

People underestimated him. Ellion, though trouble maker he might be at times, was no unsympathetic weakling. The Roe farm was a good way outside of the main group of houses, but it was no so far that he found he had to make Aisnley walk on her own. He bore her all the way there, silent and stoic, blue eyes riveted to the one story quaint house that lay just down the next hill, smoke curling up from its red and brown chimney.

When they arrived he called out a greeting, shouldering open the front door, refusing to put his sister down until which time he was sure his Mother or Father were aware of the situation. Their mother came scurrying from the kitchen not a minute after he entered, drying her hands on a soiled clothe. She gasped at the sight she beheld and rushed over to her children, hand slipping to coddle Ainsley's cheek.

"Ellion. Ainsley..." She said, worried gaze asking the inevitable question. "What has happened?"

"She does not feel well. A couple of the people who were in town that claimed to know something of medicine advised she come home." Ellion curtly replied, straining slightly as he did, but not allowing any of his concern to be betrayed.

~*~

Jade caught herself leaning against Xeras' shoulder after a moment of them sitting in silence, his arm leaned against the back of the bench and in turn draped about her arms. "Pie. Yes." She purred softly, "It sounds so delicious at the moment." She shifted her head and glanced up at him, the angle permitting her to see only a low profile of his chiseled chin and cheek. "And what is your favorite kind, Xeras?" One of her hands touched his, but she retracted it, not wishing to make him feel as though she was moving in upon him.

This is Eden

Ever the gentleman, Romano snagged Em's books then offered her an arm as they said their goodbyes.

"So," Romano began as the cafe door swung safely shut behind them. "What do you think of the university's newest med student?"

~~

Kiev shrugged.

"No particular reason to..I've taken this class before, so it isn't like I'm missing much of anything. What are you up to?"

Legends of Erandor
Erivale Festival

Tears brimmed Kye's eyes, but she tried to keep her emotions at bay. She was sick with worry. Tristan showed no signs of consciousness except for the slow rise and fall of his chest. The breath from his nose was barely detectable.

She stood, crossing her arms against her chest. She had tried every method she knew for waking people, but none of them worked. "Tristan..." she mumbled, taking his strong, calloused hand in her tiny ones.

The door burst open and the innkeeper removed his hat. "Is he..." His voice trailed off nervously.

Kye wiped her eyes and quickly replied with, "He's alright!" The tone in her voice gave away more emotion than she intended. "He'll be fine."

The innkeeper, a man by the name of Lawrence, had known Tristan and Kye for years. He had even offered the use of his spacious dining hall for their wedding. They had politely refused, wanting the wedding to be outside, but Lawrence told them it was always available.

He placed his hat back upon his balding head and said, "Is there anything I can do for you? Or get?"

Kye smiled slightly, but only to show gratefulness. "No, there's nothing I can do until he wakes up. I've tried everything, but I don't know what's wrong with him. It was so sudden. But if you see his family, please get them."

"Of course," Lawrence said, slipping back out the door and closing it behind him.

Kye sat beside Tristan on the bed and wiped away some hair from his sweaty forehead. She wiped it with a cool, wet cloth.

Suddenly, a thought came to mind. "Elaina..." she breathed. Two minds would be better than one and perhaps Elaina would know what to do.

Kye jumped up and ran down the stairs to the front foyer of the inn. When she reached the bottom, she nearly collided with the exact person she was searching for. "Elaina!"

Without giving Elaina time to react, Kye grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the stairs.

~~~

This is Eden

"You put the sugar before the cream, weirdo." Laureli mumbled to her co-worker, Jake. He stood about a foot taller than her with dark hair and eyes. He was attractive, but she wasn't looking for a man just yet, or maybe ever. She was fine with being single. The friendship between them had been almost immediate after meeting and they'd been tight ever since.

"That way the sugar can dissolve completely before the cream cools the coffee down." Laureli continued, wiping up a small spill with a coffee-stained towel. She tossed it in Jake's direction.

"The sugar still dissolves, Eli." Jake spat out, fumbling to catch the wet towel. He hung it up on a bar above the sink.

"I can't believe you've been working here for a year now and you still do it wrong." Laureli snickered. "Gosh, who taught you how to make coffee? A squirrel?"

Jake leaned against the counter, arms crossed. "That doesn't even make sense."

"Of course it does. Squirrels love nuts, after all, and that's exactly what you are." Laureli winked as she walked through the swinging door. She grabbed a small stack of napkins as Jake sputtered for a reply. Her fire-engine red boots clicked on the hardwood floor as she stopped by a table occupied by a man and a redhead. "Here's some napkins for you, hon. I know those cinnamon buns are messy, but they're just so dang good!" Laureli set them down by the girl.

"Can I get you guys anything else before you skip off to class?" she looked at both of them in turn.

This Is Eden
“Not much. I’ve got fifteen minutes till my next class.” She managed a small smile. “So thanks for keeping me company. How long have you been going to this college?”

She licked her lips and sat back in the chair right as the waitress from the counter approached. Julietta glanced towards the floor. Oh, wow. Those boots were red.

Julietta bit back a grin at the waitress’ words. “Yes… yes, they are.” She took the napkins. “Thanks so much. I … I needed them.”

She glanced across the table at Kiev. “Nope, I don’t think we need anything. At least, I’m good. Now that I’ve got the napkins.” She blushed with a grin. Then she looked at Kiev. “You want anything else?”

Legends of Erandor
The walk home was a blur as Ainsley floated in and out of consciousness. The next thing she knew, she was waking up as Ellion placed her gently on her bed.

“Thanks, Ellion, for carrying me home,” she said with a weak smile. “Sorry we had to leave the festival early.”

Her mother swooped into the room. “Ainsley, dear.” She let out a sympathetic sigh and sat on the edge of the bed. “Are you all right?”

Ainsley managed a weak smile. “Yes, just feeling a bit ill.” She looked up at her mother, then glanced at Ellion. “Could I… could I just have some water?”

—
Xeras resisted a smile as Jade leaned against his shoulder. So. She trusted him. Maybe even loved—no, not that. Not this soon. But perhaps eventually. At least he had her respect and adoration. That was a good feeling, and it was enough for now.

“My favorite pie… hmm.” He whooshed out a breath through his nose. “I would make you guess, but I am not that coy.” He winked. “It’s strawberry.”

He reached into his pocket and slid out a couple of gold coins. “And speaking of pie, let me know when you’d like some. Just say the word.” He held up the coins, which glinted in the sun, and flashed a blinding white smile. “And just remember, money is no object.” Not for you, my love, he added silently, unwilling to voice such a term of endearment out loud just yet.

This is Eden

Laureli smiled, motioning towards her gold name tag. She, or someone, had drawn a cup of coffee on it in black Sharpie marker. "Laureli Wilson. I've seen you guys come through a lot, but I'm always so busy in the mornings that I've never gotten to say hi."

She shrugged, her silver hoop earrings swaying. "I mean, I'm not saying I know everyone else in the school, but I try to at least learn as many names as possible. It makes it easier for me to remember whose coffee is whose when it's really busy. If the cup says Derek, I know he's the guy with the long, blond hair who usually wears plaid."

"Anyway..." Laureli ran a hand through her very layered, long hair. "I'll let you guys finish your coffee..."

~~~

Legends of Erandor
Festival of Erivale

"Of course it isn't, but one can never have too much." Aedra said, slipping through the crowd and snatching the coins from her brother's large hand. She had been watching the couple for the past few minutes, her annoyance with them bubbling over.

She pocketed the coins and continued, "By the way, my dear brother, I wouldn't eat the pie if I were you. I've heard a nasty rumor going around that it's causing illness of all sorts. The drinks at the pub would be a much better choice, if you ask me." She glanced at Jade and smiled. "Unless of course you can't handle anything heavier than water...Then I suggest the well, where the poor people get their fill."

Legends of Erandor

Ellion nodded to his sister's word of thanks and then departed at her request for water. Their mother staid and he heard her gentle voice, low, conversing with Ainsley's weaker tone. Something was wrong. No. Nothing is wrong. He busied himself with retrieving a tin cup from one rough wooden cabinet and then fetching water to fill it. Her illness is nothing serious. The dull blue surface of the liquid in the now brimming glass reflected back his image in dark shades of cobalt. But she had not been the only one. Others. Yes. Another had collapsed. He flexed his jaw, departing the kitchen and returning to his sibling's modest room. Upon the stand beside her bed he placed the cup, afterward moving to hover in the doorway. He did not know whether to leave or stay, chill azure irises intently watching. This twist of concern, the dull ache of worried affection that sunk in his stomach, was something new to him. He wanted to escape it, to slip back into his usual mask of apathy, but he could not seem to force them away. Ellion what is happening to you...

~*~

"Strawberry." Jade licked her lips, "You have good taste." At the solid clink of metal she glanced up, olive eyes falling upon the gold coins now grasped between two fingers of his hand. Her gaze followed them, much like a kitten who looks upon an appealing string of yarn, but quickly diverted, rushing once more to his face. Money was no option. Yes. This she knew, but it did not please her. Many women would surely pursue him for his coin. He was rich and powerful, considered attractive by many, and for these reasons alone he easily garnered attention. I do not need your money, darling. She thought, sighing quietly. She did not want it. Her smile returned after a moment and she leaned away from his shoulder, words forming on her lips but dying when another voice filled the silence that should have been hers.

Jade felt anger course from her mind into her limbs, tightening her form until she was rigid. Aedra. You little... She shot the other woman a sharp glare, one heated with silent rage. The insinuation had been clear. And it stung. It might have been the truth, for she was of no political standing, or noble, but it did not prevent the animosity from entering with striking force. I am no ragamuffin! No scheming gypsy girl. Not such a commoner that I-I... Her tongue was bound. What was she if not these things? No titled lady. No fashioned, trained courtier. She looked away, hurt and indignant. Ebony ringlets crowded her face and hid her expression, her livid green eyes. She would have snapped back. Retorted perhaps with a crafty response, but not now. Not with Xeras there.

Legends of Erandor
Festival of Erivale

Aedra arched a challenging brow in Jade's direction. The older woman was getting angry, which was exactly what Aedra hoped would happen.

She glanced at her brother and took a step back, making sure she was out of his immediate reach. Her eyes narrowed at Jade, but she changed her expression to a faux-sweet smile. "But don't worry, love. My brother loves to shower his women with riches and gifts. It's a little slice of proof that he still has a heart. However shallow and material it may be."

Behind her, people bustled about, enjoying themselves with the festival's activities. They were completely unaware of the long-standing battle between the two women. Later, when they returned home, Xeras would most likely punish her, but here, he would only reprimand her. Or so she hoped.

This is Eden

Kiev shrugged.

"Eh, probably for a few years now. I don't tend to keep track of that stuff, and I don't always take courses consistently. Things come up, you know, and sometimes you just have to go do...stuff," he grinned, leaning back and balancing his hair on two legs. "That doesn't quite answer your question, does it? I've been going about as long as Romano, if that's much help. How about you?"

Legends of Erandor

Before she was able to ask Kye if she needed any assistance, Elaina found herself being escorted... no, more like dragged, towards and up the stairs of the inn. Once the girls were at the top of the staircase, Elaina gently yet firmly removed her friends hand from its death grip on her arm.

"I guess this means you need my help..." the herbalist of Wescraven said seriously as she rearranged the strap of her traveling bag on her shoulder.

-----------------------------

This is Eden

"She's... quaint." Emily finally said in response to Romano's inquiry to her opinion of Julietta. "There are other descriptive terms floating around in my head that would apply to her, but I'll give her the benefit of the doubt for now."

Noticing a slight eyebrow arch from her man, Em gave Romano a friendly nudge in the arm. "And yes, I can withhold completely and utter judgement on all humanity when I want to!" a slight pause... "It's just that I rarely want to."

Em gave a playful smile before walking down the stairs ahead of Romano, waiting for him at the bottom.

This is Eden

Romano waited until Emily got to the bottom and then sat down on the banister and slid down, playfully flailing arms and legs all the way to the bottom, where he hopped off lightly beside his dearest.

"Not only is she quaint, but she's allergic to whipped cream. I'm pretty sure that's not possible..." Romano extended an arm to Emily and bowed slightly. "Would you like an armed escort to your next class, mi'lady?"

Legends of Erandor
Festival of Erivale

"Yes." Kye wrung her hands. "Elaina...I don't know what to do."

She moved to the bedside and bit her lip, her worry obvious. There was a layer of sweat on Tristan's face. She patted his forehead with the wet rag that sat in the basin beside the bed.

Kye turned to face Elaina. "You know so much more than I do. Please help him."

Legends of Erandor

At any other time Elaina would have been deeply touched by Kye saying she knew more about healing and herbs and would have tried to downplay the fact. But now there was no time for being humble.

The Herbalist of Wescraven knelt by the prone figure of Tristan and of his forehead and then checked his pulse. "He's burning up... and his pulse is all over the map." Elaina grimaced as she rummaged through her satchel. "Kye, I need you to go downstairs and get a small glass of ale and a cool, wet rag."

As she laid out an array of small bottles with dried herbs on the nightstand, Elaina wondered if even her knowledge would be enough to save Tristan. I'll give it my best... That's all I can do....

----------------------

This is Eden

"Unless she has an allergy to dairy, but that couldn't be the case since she was drinking coffee with creme and a cinna-roll...." Em gave her best "criminal investigator" face as she appeared to give deep thought to her previous observation. This was quickly forgotten when Romano offered himself as an armed escort.

"Thank you, kind sir! I believe I shall take you up on your most gracious offer." Em gave a mock curtsy before sliding her right arm into Romano's, being sure to snuggle up to her man as close as possible while still being able to walk.

Legends of Erandor
Festival of Erivale

Kye listened as Elaina spoke, carefully watching her. "His breathing has been shallow for the most part. He hasn't responded at all, either..."

At Elaina's bidding, Kye gave a nod. "Absolutely."

Without hesitating, Kye grabbed the pitcher beside the basin. She slipped through the door and down the stairs, "Lawrence?"

Lawrence looked up from his desk and stood. "Miss Kye, what can I do for you?"

"Would you happen to have a mug of ale?" Kye asked, shrugging sheepishly.

"Yes. Yes, of course. I'll bring one up for you." Lawrence said, heading toward the dining hall and ultimately the kitchen.

Kye exited the inn and walked briskly toward the well. People slipped past her, laughing. She frowned, but then shook her head. They had no idea what was going on. They were simply enjoying the beautiful day and the festival's many activities. Once the pitcher was full, she picked it up and headed back toward the inn. She took the stairs as fast as she could without spilling the water and returned to Tristan's bedside.

Soaking a rag, she sat down just as Lawrence came with the ale. Kye took it and quietly thanked him. She handed the rag and the mug of ale to Elaina.

Legends of Erandor

Taking the wet rag from Kye, Elaina placed a few pieces of tree bark onto the rag before wrapping it up and pacing it on Tristan's chest. A brief feeling of embarrassment came over her since she was putting something on the chest of her friend's beloved, but the feeling quickly passed as there was more work to be done.

Elaina then took the mug of ale and mixed several different herbs into the drink. "This will hopefully help to regulate his pulse..." she nodded to the wet rag on Tristan's chest. "and that should help to bring down his fever as well as clear his lungs... I hope."

Once she was through making the herb-ale concoction, Elaina handed the mug to Kye before taking a small vile of dark liquid from her satchel and passing it back and forth under Tristan's nose. "When he arouses, give him the ale. He'll hate the taste of it, but he must drink it." With that, the herbalist began quickly gathering her things together.

"I hate to leave you like this Kye, but what Tristan has is far beyond what I currently know. I need to go back home and consult with my aunt." Elaina looked down at Kye with distraught eyes. "I wish there was more I could do for you..."

Before leaving, Elaina gave Kye a bottle of Old Mans bark and instructions: "Keep the rag wet with cool water and change the bark every few hours. I'll return as quickly as I can... be strong, dear, dear Kye!" With that, Elaina gave her friend a final tight hug and left the inn in search of Alexander...