Saturday April 20th 1428 Imperial Calendar (Time Bubble)
The distant shores of a bubble world can make for a harsh contrast to that of the real world. The idyllic landscape of the Leipzig Haus couldn’t have been more different from the dark inhospitable halls of the infested abbey of St. Rose. Injured tired and defeated the adventures had earned a reprieve. Carrying the corpse of their rogue they made their way to the bridge leading to the restful retreat.
After a chilly reception from Greta the fey goblin host of Leipzig Haus. Casper promptly displays the amulet and her tone changes immediately. The group is escorted inside where hot baths await them. Heidel can be heard tinkering in the kitchen as aromatic scents waft up to the group on the tour of the residents level of the house.
Casper and Calais are the first to avail themselves of the steaming tubs. Heidel and Greta were careful to juggle the responsibilities to their many guest. Frivolity seemed to be the theme of the day as inhibitions seemed to slip away. Silverhawk’s acceptance of Corman sitting a tub away without a stitch of clothing between them was more proof of the matter.
Outside on the porch Celeste had pulled Enzo aside to confess her concerns for his actions and his associations. After a few minutes of thoughtful ranting Enzo thought to make a counter point. “Your asking me to change what I am! Would you be willing to be willing to walk away from your chosen profession to allow us to continue toward a closer relationship?” Celeste’s answer was unexpected. “If you would honestly make such a bargain I would. I have never stopped loving you. You would need to set aside your ambitions at revenge on the Monsignor. Justice will find him.” Enzo was not so willing to yield the point. “He will meet his end and know it was my hand the conveyed him to his doom.” The discussion was interrupted by notice that the tubs were cleared upstairs and dinner would be starting soon.
Casper and Calais had already made an appearance in the dining room and were joined by Silverhawk who looked stunning in a full length silver sleeveless gown. The effect of her bronzed skin juxtaposed to the silver of the dress served only to accentuate the flesh that was visible. The dress did little conceal her irrepressible form thinly veiled beneath. Calais maintained enough composure to assist her in sitting at the table. Pushing in her chair afforded him the opportunity to breath in the fragrant mix of herbs that had graced her bath. She was truly a wondrous creature.
Corman was next to enter the room. His unfamiliarity with customs of the empire found him wearing an outfit more cut for a jester than a chieftain’s son. Several adjustments to the cod pies did little to abate the awkwardness of the garment. Heidel and Greta fawned over the guests seeing to their every culinary desire. Heidel’s self proclaimed vintner status was confirmed by the guests at the table. The beer and wine was peerless.
Fresh from the baths Enzo and Celeste enter the room. Enzo dressed in a puffy sailors shirt giving him the look of a Casitllian pirate. Celeste garbed in a full length long sleeved blue gown made a modest, but alluring entrance. Corman was feeling a slight tinge of disappointment as he surveyed the table for meat aside from fish. Heidel explained that wild game in the area was not reliable and the fish were plentiful.
The meal progressed with all but Mouse present (He was sitting on ice in a cedar chest in Corman’s room.), a toast was raised to Sullivan as they remembered their other fallen comrade.
Greta, by way of apology for not having a broader meat selection, brought forth a crystal decanter. She issued thimble sized glasses to everyone. Enzo reminded the host that Celeste had already had two glasses of wine and was not to be over-served, lest she retire too soon. The clear liquid had little taste. Silverhawk was the first to discover the trigger, as she took a breath to speak. The drink vaulted in it’s effect, sending a minty shock to the system and increasing the sensitivity of her skin. Her face flushed as she revealed the secret to the other members. Soon everyone was siphoning air to enhance the effect of the beverage. Onlookers would have thought it funny to see so many simulating the act of sucking from a pipe without the proper props.
The two host cleared the table as the conversation moved to the porch. Celeste and Enzo continued out into the meadow making their way toward the boats at the dock. Corman, Casper, Silverhawk and Calais cherished their fortunes as they watched the sun set behind the trees. Corman excused himself and retired for the evening. Calais, ever the gentleman excused himself long enough to tear a blanket from his bed. Upon his return he invited Silverhawk to join him in his chair. Casper, sensing the mood of the moment excused himself as well.
The temperature on the patio hardly called for a blanket, but the object was well suited to hid the amorous advances happening below its vail. The tension of suppressed desire was evident and expressed fully. The tow had complemented one another on the field of battle and stalking prey. This time the common goal was easily reached and thoroughly pursued.
Out at the docks prowess was not sow easily expressed as Enzo’s attempt at captaining a vessel was clearly a maiden voyage. Celeste could offer no advantage in their endeavor and the eventually found themselves adrift on the lazy current. The buzz of dragonflies in concert with the occasional surfacing of fish served as a backdrop to the panorama of stars overhead. The tension of mistrust between the two warriors melted before such majesty. The last time the two lovers had embraced was half a year behind them and a world apart. Much had changed in that time, but the intensity of the encounter was not. The surrender of such willful beings was never without expression. Though their wounds ran deep their desires flourished unabated.
Corman’s well deserved rest was interrupted by a dream that presented itself in the manner of and oracle’s whispered musings. The images of fire and home were unsettling. The effort to escape the malevolent images chased him from his sleep. Coated in sweat in the dark confines of his room, a tide of seriousness washed over him. “I must return home...”
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