Hello and welcome. Some of you may be familiar with this piece, but I present it for its appearance on the Attic. Hope you like it.
Also, if I put this in the wrong place, let me know and let me know where it should go. Thanks
Disclaimers: Interludes overall rating Strong PG-13. Contains some adult situation/language. This chapter contains only brief nudity.
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Sunlight streamed through the open window, casting the room in the soft glow of morning’s light. A suntanned arm poked its way from under a soft blanket, resting in a mass of chestnut hair. There was little noise, but slowly the sound of a city waking and recovering streamed over the balcony and noise from below started to filter into the bedchamber. As the light slowly grew stronger the sun tanned arm slowly reached over to the other half of the bed, searching. When the questing hand did not find what it searched for, the movement spread, as the chestnut tangle stirred.
A suntanned and beautiful face emerged from the sheets and one hand pushed back the tangled tresses that were obstructing her vision. The hand revealed a face that was a mix of human and elven blood as well trained eyes swept first the bed then the rest of the room. Seeing nothing, she looked out the window into the morning light. She grumbled, “He let me sleep and by Silvanus, I did and too long. Spending so much time abed, you’d think I was an invalid. Hmmph.”
Throwing back the covers and pushing herself out of bed, she stood and stretched languidly, working joints and muscles still dealing with being awake. Skyclad and well tanned all over, she strode over to the intricately carved bathing chamber. Even though they had spent some time here, she still found new beauty to appreciate in the elegant but simple scrollwork of both the wood and stone. It was a perfect blend of form and function, seamless and elegant. Stepping to the bathing basin, she turned the silvered taps and sank into the warm water that came pouring out. She was not one to indulge in luxury, but some things are more than worth the indulgence. A clear mountain lake was wonderful, but so was this bath. It was a pity she had to take it alone. It had been a good night’s sleep and she felt a need to burn off some energy.
Once she roused herself from her watery luxury, she quickly toweled off and pulled back her hair. Shrugging into a green tunic and pants and tugging on her well broken in boots, she took another look around the room. The chairs they had turned into an armor rack were still heavily populated, with both his mail and helm and hers. Their weapons rested against the wall, Wave leaning against Crom. “Well, if he left everything here, he couldn’t have gone far. Although, considering, there is little here one has to worry about now.”
Ready to face the day, she pushed open the chamber door and stepped lightly down the white circular stair that coiled down to the main chamber of quarters. One hand idly traced along the ancient bark of the tree limb their dwelling was built around, feeling the massive power that throbbed within the ancient wood. As she turned the final spiral she could see the hall was empty except for one figure reclining in a chair. He sat by one of the large windows with a cup of tea in one hand and thick book in the other. Deep into the tome, he did not look up as she reached the main floor. She allowed herself a small smile that she moved quietly enough to not be noticed by the veteran warrior.
Calling out, she said, “Good morning, Keldorn. How are you?”
The old knight looked up from his book with a small grin of his own twinkling in his eyes. “Good morning Jaheira. I was wondering when you would announce yourself.” His smile widened as he added, “It has been a long time since I have been taken unawares my friend. I have survived dozens of campaigns and I raised two daughters. A man who doesn’t keep his senses sharp won’t survive either too long. And I’ve managed to do it so long now that my joints ache from the times I wasn’t so sharp.”
Jaheira humphed and then returned the old campaigner’s smile. “I suppose so. Although I think perhaps in the forest I might have some small advantage over you.”
“Perhaps,” he said with a friendly smile. “Care for some breakfast? Despite good Minsc’s appetite, there is still some fresh bread and fruit left, as well as some hot water for tea.”
Jaheira walked over to the table, selecting a fresh apple and pouring hot water into a cup along with some tea leaves. As they steeped, she turned back to the reading knight and asked, “So, where are the others?”
Keldorn closed his book and took a deep draught of his tea. “Aerie was awake even before I was this morning, eating hastily and leaving almost as quickly. She said she was going to House of Healing. There are still many injured to tend to, and she said she could not rest when she could help.”
Taking another sip, he continued, “Minsc said that he wanted to show Boo around another part of the city. He seems quite taken with the place and for some strange reason our hosts seem quite comfortable with the gentle giant. Imoen,” Keldorn shrugged. “Your guess is as good as mine. She skipped out with Minsc talking about looking for some fun. I can only hope that what ever fun she finds does not overtask our hosts’ patience.” Keldorn tried to sound disapproving, but he couldn’t muster much conviction in his voice. It lightened his heart to see the empty eyed girl he first met in Spellhold so full of life again, even if much of it seemed to be focused on some minor mischief.
Lifting her own tea, Jaheira sipped and asked, “And Viga?”
This time Keldorn’s voice did lose a little of its cheeriness. “I do not know. Something was weighing on him this morning, but he did not speak of it. And I did not want to press. The events of recent days still weigh heavy on his soul. And considering the scope of them, there is little advice this humble servant of Torm can offer him. He did not speak to you before he left?”
“No, he left before I woke.” And he managed to slip out without waking me. Something troubles him, but what amongst these troubles worries him today. It is most unlike him to simply disappear.
Her concern must have shown on her face as Keldorn replied, “I would not worry overmuch. While I am no master of the realm of relationships, I do know he is a good man. He probably just wanted some time alone.”
Jaheira smiled absently, “I’m sure you’re right Keldorn.” But doubt nagged at her. Considering what he had gone through, what he had suffered and how it had changed him, she just couldn’t be sure. She finished her tea and said, “I think I am going to go for a walk, and perhaps find where Viga has wandered to. And you?”
Keldorn, concern still in his eyes, smiled widely. “I myself am going to engage in a luxury I rarely in my life have been able to enjoy.”
“And that is?”
“Sit in a comfortable chair and read a good book.”
Jaheira couldn’t help but laugh, despite her concerns. “This is your great luxury?”
“When you have spent most of your life on campaign as I have, simple pleasures can be the greatest.”
“Well then, Keldorn, enjoy the book.”
“Indeed I shall. Good hunting Jaheira.”
Keldorn watched as Jaheira nodded and walked out of the door of their shared apartments. He stared at the door for a long moment, concern for both of his friends etched on his worn face. “I hope that what you find is what you are looking for. And perhaps you will both find some peace as well. For both your sakes my friends.”
He stared at the door for another few moments and then turned his attention back to his book.
Interludes in Suldenessellar Chapter 1 Section 1
Started by
Guest_VigaHrolf_*
, Dec 16 2003 07:39 PM
10 replies to this topic
#4
Guest_Theodur_*
Guest_Theodur_*
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Posted 17 December 2003 - 04:57 PM
Viga,
This is a great, great story - though I believe I've told you that before. And I would be lying if I said that this is only the second time I re-read it.
I say, friend, everything that features Jaheira in a bathtub (even if she's there alone
), should be bookmarked immediately! 
This is a great, great story - though I believe I've told you that before. And I would be lying if I said that this is only the second time I re-read it.
I say, friend, everything that features Jaheira in a bathtub (even if she's there alone
), should be bookmarked immediately!
#5
Guest_VigaHrolf_*
Guest_VigaHrolf_*
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Posted 17 December 2003 - 06:33 PM
Theo,
Indeed you have my friend. And I know how you like those Jaheira bathtub scenes.... you ol dog you.
Oh, and its great to be able to read all of the rest of Rush of Blood to the Head... working my way through the whole series, hopefully will catch up with you soon...
VH
Indeed you have my friend. And I know how you like those Jaheira bathtub scenes.... you ol dog you.
Oh, and its great to be able to read all of the rest of Rush of Blood to the Head... working my way through the whole series, hopefully will catch up with you soon...
VH
#8
Laufey
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Transcendant
Posted 18 December 2003 - 05:19 AM
Also, if I put this in the wrong place, let me know and let me know where it should go. Thanks
It's fine where it is, since I assume it's as serial or mini series.
A suntanned and beautiful face emerged from the sheets and one hand pushed back the tangled tresses that were obstructing her vision. The hand revealed a face that was a mix of human and elven blood as well trained eyes swept first the bed then the rest of the room. Seeing nothing, she looked out the window into the morning light. She grumbled, “He let me sleep and by Silvanus, I did and too long. Spending so much time abed, you’d think I was an invalid. Hmmph.”
Liked the description here...very nice impression of Jaheira.
Calling out, she said, “Good morning, Keldorn. How are you?”
The old knight looked up from his book with a small grin of his own twinkling in his eyes. “Good morning Jaheira. I was wondering when you would announce yourself.” His smile widened as he added, “It has been a long time since I have been taken unawares my friend. I have survived dozens of campaigns and I raised two daughters. A man who doesn’t keep his senses sharp won’t survive either too long. And I’ve managed to do it so long now that my joints ache from the times I wasn’t so sharp.”
*grin* A likable Keldorn too...enjoyed the little crack about his daughters.
Good way of showing us his personality.This time Keldorn’s voice did lose a little of its cheeriness. “I do not know. Something was weighing on him this morning, but he did not speak of it. And I did not want to press. The events of recent days still weigh heavy on his soul. And considering the scope of them, there is little advice this humble servant of Torm can offer him. He did not speak to you before he left?”
“No, he left before I woke.” And he managed to slip out without waking me. Something troubles him, but what amongst these troubles worries him today. It is most unlike him to simply disappear.
There is always trouble for the Bhaalspawn...I assume we will learn more of this soon.
Rogues do it from behind.
#9
Guest_Beyshaliban_*
Guest_Beyshaliban_*
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Posted 18 December 2003 - 03:04 PM
Heh, gotta love this quoting option. Very handy! No I can point out your puns most efficiently if I think I have to. 
Or the groups...
Keldorn, that old rascal.
This is really a wonderful opportunity to read Interludes again.
I can only hope that what ever fun she finds does not overtask our hosts’ patience.”
Or the groups...
“Sit in a comfortable chair and read a good book.”
Keldorn, that old rascal.
This is really a wonderful opportunity to read Interludes again.
#10
Guest_VigaHrolf_*
Guest_VigaHrolf_*
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Posted 18 December 2003 - 09:04 PM
Also, if I put this in the wrong place, let me know and let me know where it should go. Thanks
It's fine where it is, since I assume it's as serial or mini series.
Indeed it is... hopy you enjoy
The old knight looked up from his book with a small grin of his own twinkling in his eyes. “Good morning Jaheira. I was wondering when you would announce yourself.” His smile widened as he added, “It has been a long time since I have been taken unawares my friend. I have survived dozens of campaigns and I raised two daughters. A man who doesn’t keep his senses sharp won’t survive either too long. And I’ve managed to do it so long now that my joints ache from the times I wasn’t so sharp.”
*grin* A likable Keldorn too...enjoyed the little crack about his daughters.
I've always liked the old paladin, and I thought it very appropriate because he is an old paladin. Its not a profession with a long life expectancy, and here is one near retirement. He's gots to be good at his job.
There is always trouble for the Bhaalspawn...I assume we will learn more of this soon.
Oh yes. The next section starts to deal with this.
And Bey... this quoting thingie kicks the bootay! Verra nice. No more hunting, just quoting!!!
And Keldorn is a bit of a rascal, no? Hehehe.
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