Best Laid Plans

There was something in the way the man spoke that compelled Eirian to remain alert and mind her replies; he struck her as one who would not hesitate to seize the advantage of any verbal opening she presented. She did not dispute his point on the typical desire for lurid and distracting tales, knowing he spoke only the truth. The best minstrels and bards won over their audiences by weaving a spell of enchantment over their audiences. What he meant by 'tangible,' Eirian was not certain and refused to ask, the better to deny him yet another opening on which he could pounce.

At his reassurance, she relaxed marginally, mollified by his acceptance. That did not engender trust in him, as she swiftly surmised that here was a man who did not surrender without a fight, no matter what the battle. That he remained in her vicinity left her wondering just what he was up to, why he lingered. Eirian started to speak, then decided against it. This encounter was proving entirely too strange and when faced with the unknown, she invariably proceeded with caution.

His gentle tone caught her attention, bringing her gaze back to the shadow in which he lurked as she considered his words. "Fear, perhaps. Some are afraid of being caught in their own minds, or that their mistakes will catch up with them, I think." She answered quietly. "But for me, I need that time to appreciate what has been, to learn from those mistakes and find my hope for the future."

Eirian was still working through her grief, trying to fold the past away as a golden, tender memory so that she could once more allow herself to hope and look forward, but he could not possibly know that. Few were aware of her loss, thankfully. She feared one more expression of sympathy might shatter her.


Ruadhan Connell

Eirian wasn't much of a dancer, but she strove to keep up with him. On the one hand, she appreciated the challenge to her mind and her wits, but on the other, his taunting arrogance (as she perceived it) grated on her nerves. The hour was late; couldn't he simply be like a normal man, go to bed and leave her to her peace and solitude?

Of course not, she reminded herself. He was a men, and men were contrary creatures. So she was caught and might as well make the best of it. Fortunately, Eirian was unaware of what went on in the man's mind where she was concerned, else he might see her flee as if the hounds of hell were hot on her heels. She might have learned how to stand her ground, yet there remained at the core the same innocent girl she'd once been.

For a time after Aindriu had died, Eirian wasn't sure that she was still living herself. True, her heart beat, she breathed, walked, talked, slept and ate, but she was not truly alive. It was a mechanical form of existence. She was slowly finding herself again, thanks to time and work.

Glancing towards the sound of his voice, she did not immediately reply to his comment. Instead, Eirian considered what he said, finding a curious kind of balance in their diametrically opposed personalities. "Fortunately, there is plenty of room in the world for both types, my lord. But are we passing each other now?" Was he finally about to move on to whatever mischief he'd originally intended for the night?


Ruadhan Connell

Moonlight had a lovely effect when it fell upon Eirian's features, yet the silvery light had a melacholy effect on her heart and mind, reminding her of what was and what would not be. Having the man persist in lurking in the shadows in his effort to... do whatever he felt he needed to do in her company was not helping, yet she strove to delve deeper into her well of patience. Surely he was growing bored with her by now, ready to move on to whatever she'd interrupted by now.

Moving subtly some distance from where he stood, Eirian accepted she would not gain a look at his face and instead sank onto a nearby bench. Perhaps if she sat, that would further reinforce the reminder that he had other places to be and things to do. One last glance went up to the moon, albeit without the wistful sigh he might have expected from her. She preferred to keep her thoughts of Aindriu sacred and private.

Glancing back in the direction of the seemingly disembodied voice, she narrowed her eyes. "I would not care to lay a wager on that one, sir. Nor would I stoop so far as to call it exciting. Ominous is more like it, with tedious coming right after, hm?" Now, if that did not wipe the smile off his face...


Ruadhan Connell