> [The Tellari estates still in the early hours.]

  < Aelxirn meets Sherri >
 
> "What am I doing here?" asked Aelxirn.
> "As I said in my letter, there are many things we need to discuss. Now is   
> not the time however. There will be plenty  of time to talk later."

  Aelxirn was becoming more angry by the minute.  No one would answer
plain and simple questions, and all of this mystery was starting to grate
on his last nerves.  He had no idea why he was here, he still didn't
remember this woman, and now here he was being teased, he was sure of it,
by one of the Lady's serving wenches.  No doubt set up by the Lady
herself, if he had to guess.

> Rheyanna started to lead Aelxirn off up the stairs and into Aelxirns   
> room.
> 
> The room was open and spacious, a huge four poster bed dominated the   
> room.
> "Your bath is in the side room. Is there anything you require? Food,   
> drink you have but to ask."

  Aelxirn was for once, at a loss.  He really didn't know what was going
on, and it made him highly uncomfortable.  He almost wished he was back at
the inn.  He was beginning to feel like a puppet, being toyed with at
another's whims, and he had no control whatsoever over anything.

  However, a bath was a perfect idea, and after dismissing the young girl,
he soaked leisurely, and afterwards, fell into a deep sleep.

< next morning >

> The sun was up high in the sky when Aelxirn was woken by the sound of   
> gentle knocking at the door.
> "Yes?" inquired Aelxirn sleepily.
> "Lord Aelxirn, I have prepared your breakfast." said the dainty voice of   
> Rheyanna.
> The door opened and Rheyanna slipped in carrying a full cooked breakfast   
> on a silver tray. Aelxirn sat up in bed.

  The meal was exquisite, and cooked to perfection.  He was slightly
uncomfortable with Rheyanna watching almost every bite he took, and for a
split second wondered if the food was poisoned.  But he finished the meal
in silence, and waited to see if the new day would bring him the answers
he wanted.

> a short while later Aelxirn emerged from his room. He asked a passing   
> page where Lady Tellari was and he was lead towards the morning room. It   
> was a bright room, filled with a  variety of colours and plants.
> 
> Sherri sat at a table with and elderly scribe playing a game of Chess.
> "Ahh Aelxirn, I trust you slept soundly?" asked Sherri "Do you play   
> chess? I find it a fascinating game."
> The old scribe stood and bowed low and exited the room.
> "Yes but I am not especially good at it..." began Aelxirn sitting down at   
> the table. Sherri laughed.
> "I said I found it interesting, not that I was any good at it!"

  Aelxirn fumed inwardly.  Here he was trying to find out why he was here,
and what exactly was going on, and this woman wanted to play games!
 
> Sherri started to set about placing the figures on the board.
> "A messenger arrive about an hour ago Lord Aelxirn." Sherri noticed   
> Aelxirns eyes light up at the sound of this, but otherwise his expression   
> remained the same.
> "and?"
> "The Lothars will be arriving in about an hours time."
> 
> Nothing else was said as they played each other at Chess. It was clear   
> that they were evenly matched, neither of them able to gain a clear   
> advantage over the other when a messenger arrived.
> 
> He bowed low.
> "My lady, my lord. The Lothars are approaching the house."
 
 < snip..the Lothars arrive >

  Aelxirn didn't say much, but watched to see what new developments were
going to come about.

[Tag: James ]

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

Jeanette
Aelxirn/??
and others


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