One Hell of a Night

Keep in mind, this all occurred After he found Skyler, and was sent on his way..

Leaving the shoreline, sent away for all intents and purposes, Blaed's ambling return to the city was taken along that roadway. His head lowered in thought though senses were attuned to the world around him. Sudden sound and rhythm, he would hear the pounding hooves as a steed came thundering down the roadway. Sharp senses gave Blaed the initiative to dodge to the side, and turn to face the rider. Prepared for whoever it was, but then the stench, er scent, hit him. It was Sebastian, the life saver. That was an odd turn of events. Yet anyways, he lifted the shrouded head, form prepared for thanking the man. " Eve Sebastian.." Yes, that was Blaed's voice. "Smithy .. glad to see you alive. I've been looking for you" Sebastian hadn't dismounted, so Blaed's head lifted towards the voice. " I have to thank you for the fact I breathe. .. and here I am, what can I do for you?"

"Your sister is safe. I got her out of the cell yesterday and she is with a man named 'Drew'. Though, Chase wasn't happy about that." Blaed's voice answered in shock. " You got her free?" God that was great news. The relief from Blaed was evident. " Sebastian.. thank you.. I don't know what to say. Consider.. I owe you another life." His mind whirled with the information. " Is she well? Where did he take her? Here? Home?" Yes Blaed was full of questions. " Chase? you saw her? She lives,.. the day can't get better. Wait, a problem with Drew.. and Elenea? Care to explain ?"

"Welcome Blaed .. " A gloved hand held upwards to slow down the motor mouth ... "Slow down smithy .. " ..A mild short lived chuckle. Blaed breathed, and nodded the shrouded features as he waited for Sebastian to fill him in. "Elenea was with Drew and they headed in a different direction. She seemed fine though. If I saw even a remote hint of tension I wouldn't have let him take her...." A scowl of confusion formed again. Chase was acting so weird... "I took the slaver to the Silent Skull for further ... um.. -questioning-" ..A soft clearing of the throat... "And yes, I saw Chase at a tavern. She was quite alarmed that Elenea was with this Drew person. You tell me, -is- there a problem?"

~Blaed?~ His head canted slightly, puzzled. ~ Jaina?~ Though attention was spent between two, Sebastian verbally and Jaina through a mental link, Blaed did carry on easily enough. "She wouldn't show.. tension.. is my guess. Drew and she used to be engaged, some two years ago or so... I'm sure he wouldn't hurt her, and she will be fine..." He nodded. ~News of your sister?~

"Don't bother being cautious. Consider that slaving, kidnapping bastard to be completely expendable to your whims." He sighed, trying to recall any issues that would bother his aunt. He knew the parents were at odds over Drew , father hated him, mother somewhat liked him, but the dissovle of the vow.. then the entire abduction started. " Might be. I better check on it. Chase is usually clearheaded and calm.. not one to start problems.." Usually. He shook his head. ~ Sebstian saved her.~ complete utter gratitude. Sebastain gained himself loyalty that was unquestionable.

~Where are you now?~ The men were between here and there. Hard exactly to say. Especially since he had no landmarks to give her. ~ Between the lake and the proper.. about fifteen minutes from the lakeside...~ "Well she was freaked out for sure. Not sure why though" Sebastian dismounted then, and Blaed heard Sebastian match his steps to his own. "You know, you don't look half bad .. considering" ~How is Elenea?~ "I had healing.. but thank you. Much worse under this than I feel comfortable sharing.." He continued with the man beside him. " I don't want more trouble with Elenea, for her.. I wish you had taken her with you. but that is a moot point now. " ~Unsure, but free and alive, the rest can be healed. ~

"Sebastian, it's good to see you again." Blaed's head lifted as Jaina came into view of the men. "It's even better to hear that you've brought Elenea to safety." Blaed's head turned towards her voice. Not expecting to 'see' her Here.. . he shook his thoughts away, and the link with another, to listen to them. "Well .. I was in the area" "Then perhaps you should travel more often? " "It tends to cost me a fortune in equipment. I lost a lot of tools getting Elenea out of there" So travel continued towards the proper, Blaed chuckled, "Send a list to me of what you lost, i'll replace it" Did he expect Sebastian to pad the number of items, yes, but it was worth it. "Actually, I was going to ask your mother for compensation. Though, Chase says she is gone for a while"

That drew Blaed to a stop. His head turned towards Sebastian, but he didn't ask. "Your choice..." his mother was 'gone for a while'. what happened now? Mother went no where. Who was holding the Empire? David was a troublesome one, there were eight new residents, the training sessions, and the audit request.. someone.. who? Del? Gods no, please. His head lowered as thoughts were gnawed on. Sebastian quickly quipped.. "Though, I might take up your offer and you can haggle with your mother. You might have better results" "I have never seen her 'haggle' the request will be approved.." no matter who sent it. Yes, he brooded, deal with it. Blaed was also blind, so he never saw the distinctive ring that belonged to his father, the wedding gift from his Mother. Must be nice to have the Emporer's power and seal on Sebastian's hand.

"What is it with you and saving women, Sebastian. When I met you, you were bringing an unconscious woman into my clinic." Sebastian answered her, by commenting to Blaed. "Your family has a lot of problems. Ever considering being checked for curses?" Blaed almost snorted. "We have, and none. Just seems too many people in the family, and every one of them in need of a keeper." He remembered Shannon, and the first time Sebastian had earned Blaed's respect, and with it a favor. The ex warden kept collecting them.

Sebastian continued, with his 'effortless hero' ploy. "That is -my- curse I guess. I have a talent for getting myself and others out of tight spots." So Blaed called him on it. " Then I'm going to keep you around. No idea who will need it next. Mother has had her share, and Del likes the danger.. so .. yeah.. Ever think of being a guard for one of the Talbain women?" Blaed would pay him well, but liked it better the way it was. Sebastian putting himself out for others, and doing a damn good job of it.

Blaed's head lifted, hearing laughter, but the woods around here were never silent fully. He kept that in his mind, and focused upon the two before him.

Sebastian declined, as expected. "I am not sure I have the willpower for the job of that magnitude Blaed." Jaina noticed something, and spoke quietly. "Sebastian" "Mm?" "I just felt a bit of...." Jaina paused a moment, "...caution? from you. Do you know something?" "Nothing specific really" .. The dirk was toyed with between nimble digits, being half twirled back and forth in spinning fashion .. "Never know whan you need to be assertive youself is all"

The only danger here was Blaed's mood swings, and Sebsatian's ego. He accepted Sebastian's refusal, expected it, and listened to them talk as he took in the air, and the scent of a woman." Relax, it's Ana coming." He wouldn't bother her in her walk, but didn't want her a pincushion should she come around a bend..and Sebastian reacted. His senses resumed normal existence. "Is there anything I can do for you Sebastian.. you have done much for my family... " Head turned lightly. " How was the travel, Jaina?"

Sebastain blithely continued his conversation. "I do have an idea I would like to discuss with you sometime... ...Maybe some other time soon" " No, now or whenever is fine. Lead me there and we can get to business." Jaina pipes up. "Please, don't let me stop you. I'm not planning on heading back to Lethrelus for a few days. I'm nt anxious to see Sephie right now." Then Sebastian.. it was
like watching a tennis match. "No no Blaed... I am not interested in sweet Ana like that, she is all yours. Really. You two would make a very adorable couple" Blaed wouldn't mind laying into Sephie right now, ease some anger before he helped Mortim get a new face, again.. Head lifted to the babbling Sebastian, and he was lost. What in the world was the man doing now..?

~There is much to discuss.~ "I haven't met Ana yet. Is she new to Ceanalta?" He sent his senses outward, Ana had neared. Was Sebastian trying to embarass the woman? Then Jaina had her reaction, and Blaed almost laughed. It wasn't funny, but it was damn ... tense. ~Is there?~ He shook his head, and leaned to a tree, letting them play out there scene as they liked, melodrama, humor, and drama in one package deal. Blaed would be there to pick up the pieces should it be necessary. ~You should have told me. I don't wish to be in the way of your life, Blaed.~ Now Blaed didn't lie, or fib, and the short times, and long emotions between him and anyone was not to be shared so soon. Blaed didn't even know if there WAS anything to talk about, so why bring it up, and his mind was almost scornful, though softened at the reaction to Jaina's. ~ I find this interesting.. and see how I am seen by you. Taking his jest as fact, and disregarding my personal words. Thank you.~ he set his jaw, then spoke. "Sebastian, do see to escorting miss Jaina to a safe place to stay? I have things to do. We'll talk soon." Leaving Sebastian to gossip as he wished, and that was that. Blaed walked away.

"Speak of the devil!" .. Sebastian's hand shot up to gesture towards Ana up ahead, since Blaed already informed him who it was, to which the hand dropped to smack his pant leg. .. "Yes. Very lovely woman. A pikey
nonetheless." .. His elbow shot out to nudge Blaed, antoginizingly playful, as his chest shook with internal laughter. His horse was soon under the affection of a soothing palm, as he gazed from Jiana to Ana then back. "Blaed is a very desirable man. So many women after him .. almost makes me .. Jealous. You think he is handsome, right? .. I know .. you're married .. but objectively, what do you think?"

Sebastian, Ana recognized instantly, the rogue. She waved back to him... and then she saw the shrouded figure... Blaed. She still couldn't hear them well, but she smiled and waved to them all. Soon enough she reached the group.When he drew near Ana, he spoke. "Evening. I'm sorry but I seem to be in a foul mood. I do not think my company worthy of being held. Sebastian is ahead with Jaina. I'm sure he'll be pleased to accompany you where ever you like." He bowed slightly, anger and .... laughter, sorry but it was there, inside, vying for supremecy. Yes he was a stick in the mud on some things, and yes he expected Sebastian to be laughing at him. Oh well. Sebastian had proven himself to be the best protection a woman can have. Enjoy.

~Please, understand that I do not mean to be distrustful~ "I'm not married, Sebastian." That sprung forth a rich laughter from the rogue. "Smithy .. this is so not fair .. why am I in charge of escorting? .. Get BACK here!" Blaed didn't respond to the yell. A few steps .. "Blaed! .. Come here, seriously Blaed, come here! .. Do something unexpected you lout .. Please?" he wants unexpected? There you go, Blaed dropped his pants and mooned the scoundral, so there. Smirk. Act childish in retort. trous lifted, a mumbled apology to Ana, and Blaed turned to hear the next taunt thrown his way.

"Whoa...." Now Sebastian rang out with laughter. Deep, hearty, thick laughter. By this point, he was leaning on his horse to keep him from falling over. Through panted breathes .. ."Blaed .. come back here .. I have an idea to cheer you up" What was there? a dozen or two steps between them. Blaed groaned, and 'looked' to Anna, then to the other two. "Nice to hear you laugh, scoundrel !" It was too. He sighed, and retraced a few steps.. forward. "What is it?"

"Okay .. You, me, Ana, and Jiana here .. well all go swimming. The lake is not far from here." .. Can we say .. COLD water? .. Was he insane? to Jiana.. "And I think you hurt Blaed's feelings. When a man asks if another man is attractive, you're supposed to answer" .. Wide smirk in effect.

Blaed nods. "Fine, if the ladies wish it, then so be it." Leave these two women alone with Sebastian.. was a bad idea. Not for their safety, but Blaed's safety, his very well being! "I mean, if you were .. available .. you'd want to .. you know .. " Sebastain's brows raise .. ".. Right?"
"You're terrible, Sebastian. Blaed knows what I think of him."

"Terrible. Mm." Back to Blaed .. "Am I terrible?" Sebastian was going to get a fist in his throat soon. " Yes, in this matter you are. When did my life become your playground? You may have saved it, but that does not excuse this..." A firm slap to Blaed's shoulder... "There. See? .. Back to normal. Good, good Now, shall we swim or go get a drink?" They had been close to becoming 'friends' and now.. Sebastian had to always push it.

"Either" Blaed was getting used to this. Scuffle, verbal parry, then all was fine? Tiring but fine. "Either... I don't care."

"Ana? .. Preference? Jiana? .. " Ana's voice was soft, but decisive. "I think I could use a drink, Sebastian... to be quite honest." "One vote for a drink. Wow. A deep inhale, followed by a soft exhale.... "So this is what it feels like in the republic. Jiana? .. Swim? . Drink? .. Cat got your tongue?" "I'm not against swimming...I don't have a towel....." Jaina finally mumbled "Drink" "What?" .. Sebastain leaned closer, "Did you say swim? .. I can't hear you." .. A pause, "Lyric's wagon is by the lake. She is likely to have fresh towels inside" A smirk towards the smithy, he most certaintly knew what was in Lyric's wagon. Clearing her throat, Jaina shook her head. "I said drink." Ana soon smoothly interjected. "I think we both said "drink" you rascal." Ana laughed and shook her head... "and I think you know that very well... "

"Alright, alright!" .. a pair of hands held up in surrender. Eyes widening slightly in sarcastic supplication ... "I was just making sure. No need to get all huffy M'Lady .. Really. The Rathskeller or somewhere else?" Blaed listened to them still, a shadow as escort while Sebastian entertained them with his charm... " The Rat is fine." Ana was enjoying this. "You haven't seen 'huffy' yet, amigo."

"Alright. Drink it is. Lead on Blaed .. and do protect me from Ana .. she looks very vicious tonight" The four were in the middle of the road, with Sebastian's horse, so five. Blaed in a grumpy bear mood, Sebastian having a grand time embrassing Jaina and entertaining Ana. Blaed turned and started walking, Not offering his arm for anyone, not to be rude, but he was preoccupied. and Sebastian was more than enough man to handle the women.

"Heruamin ... " And there was another soft voiced call to Blaed. He stopped as another voice joined the fray. Count to ten, paste on a smile, and fake it. You have done this before, just play your role and no harm to anyone, right? "Good evening Meadow. Have you met the others..? Jaina, Ana, and Sebastian, as well as his horse, everyone, Meadow." Yes, that's it perfect. Simmer inside, smile outside. Victoria taught you well, idiot.

"You know Ana .. you get lovlier each time I see you" .. Sebastain decided to change the subject.. ."What is your secret? .. Mud bathes?" "No, Sebastian.... lavender oil in a steaming tub of water." "Hola, Meadow... " "We've met briefly before. Pleasure to see you again, Meadow." "That .. " She paused and rethought her words. "Sebastian, yes, we have met before. Pleasure to meet you Jaina, Ana."

"Ah. I knew you had a secret. Lavander oil. My mother used to use that stuff all the time. The wagon reeked of it" .. Eyes fell to Meadow, placid smile forming . "Oh yes. You're here. -Fantastic-. We are going to the
Rathskeller. You're welcome to stand outside and stalk Blaed like you did by Lyrics wagon" Then back to Ana "You a pikey by chance?"

Ana just smiled and walked along. "I do not know this word.... pikey. What is it? " "Gypsy .. pikey .. you know. Travelling kin" .. A cluck of the tongue, swaying side to side as his horse began treading forward on Blaed's heel. When he stopped, he would veer around him, taking the lead if need be. Sebatian could lead. Blaed had a thought that didn't belong in his head and cursed quietly, then mumbled another apology to those of delicate hearing. "I was raised in a kumpania in España..." "Hm. I think I met one or two of those in my youth. From your clan I mean...Hard to keep track really" .. As he passed by Blaed, he peered over his shoulder .. "You coming?"

Meadow moved to Jaina's saide and walked with her. "I am sorry to ask such a foolish question, but it is Jaina?" Jaina nodded, offering a warm smile. "Yes, it is." Meadow continued. "You speak to animals." "Yes, I suppose you could say that. I'm afraid you have me at a loss though. I know very little of you." "I am afraid there is little more then I protect my meadow and follow the wind where it guides me." Blaed nodded distractedly to Sebastian's inquiry.. "Yes, yes...." And walk he did, trudging along as the three women and that man talked. Lovely day. First Skyler, now this. Well, he still lived, couldn't be too bad.

"My clan originated in Renfrew actually. Though, we did travel a lot as I am sure you did, hm?" "Sí, we travelled often.... it was wonderful." "It was a lifestyle .. don't know if I would call it wonderful though." So the inn came to be, and Blaed moved ahead, opening the door and holding it for the rest.

(To be Continued)

[Onyxthievery*, GhitsaDodger*, AnaDelecroix*, MeadowLark, Mastersmithblaed - All [*] are missing friends, and their actions/words taken from previously posted Permitted entries.]