Darril
***

>"Of course, dear Wylla."  Glynweith smiled graciously, knowing that in
>reality the woman was going to go write up a report.  "Bella, Darril,
>would you care to join me for a cup of tea?"

>"Oh...not me..." Bella shook her head.  She was exhausted and the tour
>through the ruined town of Lotherra had only served to tire her more.  "I
>think I will retire for the evening, as well."

>She smiled graciously at the Duchess and Darril.  "Thank you so much again
>for this afternoon...." Bella added to the man that had saved her and
>Wylla from the rogues as she followed after a maidservant.

Darril turned to the Duchess after Belarade had left, "I would love to have
a cup of tea with you before I retire, M'lady."

Glynweith smiled and motioned for him to sit down. Then she motioned to the
serving girl, who quickly ran out of the room. Glynweith had an air of
authority around her. One that made servants hop to do her wishes .. not
out of fear as they did for Gerard. He smiled immediately respecting that.
His father had the same air. Unfortunately neither Regil nor Gerard seemed
to have it.

"I would like to hear more about you and your brothers banishment from
Lotherra."

Darril grimaced. "That is a bit painful."

"I've no doubt," she said gently, "But I really feel I need the whole story
from both sides. I've heard Lothar's case."

Darril chuckled at the distate in the Duchess' voice. "Ah yes, that we
plotted and planned against him. It never happened m'lady. Regil didn't
like that fact that his servants also served his brothers. I don't know
what he expected to be honest. But whenever a servant .. or a guardsmen for
the matter .. jumped to do anything for Gerard .. or for me .. Regil would
get paranoid. He claimed we were trying to undermine his authority.  If
Coneta smiled or said a kind word to Gerard, he was accused of attempting
to steal his brother's wife."

Darril shrugged, "You have to understand, Coneta never showed Regil any
kindness when it wasn't diplomatically necessary. She truly despises him."

He took a deep breath,  before speaking again, "The finale straw came when
Regil overheard his chief of the guards making some off-color remarks to
Gerard about him. I don't know exactly what those remarks were, but they
enraged Regil. He had his chief executed and Gerard and myself thrown out
of our own home."

The dark man frowned, and stared down into the cup of hot tea the serving
girl was placing in his hands.

"I hate to ask you this, Darril, as it obviously upsets you. But are you
sure that Gerard and the guard were not plotting against your brother?"

Darril shrugged, "No, I am not certain. Gerard never openly said anything
against Regil until after we were turned out. But sometimes .." he shook
his head with a faraway look, ".. sometimes you could see the wanting in
his eyes. He wanted what Regil had."

He raised his eyes to look directly into the Duchess', "I was only 15 when
my father died. Regil took over for him, and helped to teach me a lot of
what I know. But he is very different from our father. And I think he knew
it. Still, I loved and respected my brother .. despite his flaws."

"Until he threw you out?"

"Even then .." Darril lips turned up into a slight smile which last only a
moment, "However, I knew I'd never be allowed to return to my home as long
as he was in power. Which is why I support Gerard in his claim.  You must
understand, M'lady,  I mean no ill-will to my brother. I didn't want anyone
to be hurt. I just wanted to come home." He sat back in his chair.

"It pains me to see the devastation our return has caused. And perhaps I am
selfish .. but I am glad to be home. And someday soon, things will get
better."

"Under Gerard?"

"I have to think that m'lady. It's the only way I can sleep at night."

Regards,
Darril Lothar
***
NRPG:  Darril has poured out a lot of his heart ;) He won't mention Bryn ..
not until he's sure it's safe to do so.

Kristen

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       \oo/     Kristen Gant
        ~~      (AKA: Darlea & Makayla, Keldarra Warren, Courier
                      Waylene & Aura, Marrid Warren, Warrenlady
                      Meena & Vonn, Norwall Warren, Wingleader
                      Kalewyn & Sabbith, Telnor Warren, Dragonrider
                      Saul & Fayloth, Whiteriver Warren, Searcher
                      Merybelle Barmen, City of Ralengarde, Innkeeper
                      Ce'lot & Britche, Xylain Warren, Wingleader
                http://homepage.interaccess.com/~sgant/Kris/kris.htm
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