Regynn

Just a woman giving back to the community as best she can. Human priest, Wyrmrest Accord server, World of Warcraft.

[sagebetweenthepages]

[wintersrein]

The cat wasn’t hers, Regynn hadn’t stayed in any one place long enough to make the kind of commitment that required.

She had learned early on to keep her luggage close at hand, she never knew when a lead would send her off in another direction in her quest to find the truth about her parents. So far though, everything she had been told was a lie. She was no closer to knowing who she was.

Now she was in Duskwood, staying in a room at Devlin House. Tired of travel and disappointment, Regynn had decided it was time to focus on her own life, and let her parents stay shadowed in the past.

[wintersrein]

Returning

“Did you see him?” 

“Yeah, I saw him.”

“Well? Did you talk to him?”

The slight shake of the head accompanied by an almost inaudible, “No.”

“Why ever not? That’s the whole reason you came back wasn’t it?”

A shrug, “I guess. That was part of it anyway.”

“So. Why didn’t you talk to him?”

Regynn finally raised her head, her eyes glistening slightly in the lamp light, “He was with someone.” she shrugged before lowering her head to her sewing needle.

“Someone? Someone. Why that little…” 

“Clair no. It’s my fault. I went away without a word and stayed away. Without a word. It’s been ages since I spoke to him. Besides, we were always just friends anyway. Marc never saw me as anything but that. I was stupid to think it would ever be anything else.”

“Well tell me what happened. How do you know their a couple?” Clair asked.

“I saw them walking. They were talking, they were… I… I could just tell. So I left them to it. There’s no way I was going to intrude on that. He looked happy. I’m glad he’s happy. I’m glad he’s forgotten about me.”

Clair gave her friend a withering glance, “He hasn’t forgotten you hon, he’s just moved on. Men do that.”

[togifs]

[ilusion-fantasia]

Fantasy •

https://weheartit.com/user/franzoimiriam

[wintersrein]

Finding Shelter

The room was small and dusty, light filtering in through the thin, worn curtain, revealed layers that hadn’t been touched in ages. Aut at the old woman’s words of apology Regynn smiled and shook her head, “It’s perfect. Thank you so much for taking me in.”

The woman took Reggy’s hand, holding it in her own, firm with strength and determination underneath an exterior wrinkled and bent with age and woe, “Of course dear. You did so much for my Benny when he was in the stockades. He talked about you often before he passed, he said you were his guardian angel. How could I not help the woman who let me hear from my boy while he was away.”

She let go of the priestess’ hand and nodded, “I’ll bring you some tea and then we’ll work on getting you settled in.”

When the woman left Reggy set her bag on the narrow bed and took off her coat, hanging on a nail driven in the back of the door. After a few moments of searching she found a broom, mop and bucket, and the necessary cleaning supplies. She lost herself in the task of cleaning the room, driving her thoughts away with the dust and grime. By the time the kettle was whistling in the kitchen the room had undergone a complete transformation.

Mrs. Bishop stood in the doorway, tea tray in hand, her eyes sparkling as she took in the smudge of dirt on Reggy’s cheek, “Dear girl you didn’t need to do that.” she said as she moved into the room and set the tray on the chest at the foot of the bed.

“I did actually.” Reggy answered, moving to serve the tea, allowing her hostess to sit and relax. “I have a lot of nervous energy. And my brain won’t slow down. The only way I can stop it is to stay busy. I hope you don’t mind. It’s… it’s just… I…”

The old woman placed a hand on Reggy’s, “You don’t have to talk until you’re ready. Trust me, I know the look of someone on the run when I see it. I don’t believe you’re a bad person. I know, whatever it is, you have a good reason to hide. Like I said, you helped my Benny and I’m going to help you. It’s what he would have wanted me to do.”

The two women sat in silence for a moment, each sipping tea, lost in their own thoughts. Mrs. Bishop set her cup down with a sharp click and took Reggy’s hand, her eyes sparkling with mischief, “Besides, these old bones just don’t get around like they used to, this whole place could use a good once over. Or three.” she grinned.

With the tea finished Mrs. Bishop rose, taking the tray with her, she stopped at the door and looked back at the priestess, “Benny said you loved to write letters. I’ve got ink and paper a plenty. Is there someone you wish to write?”

Regynn looked back at the old woman though her thoughts flew across the sea to her friends in Boralus. She took a breath to say yes then stopped and shook her head, “Thank you ma’am but no. There’s no one that needs to know where I am.”

[wintersrein]

Going Away

Regynn handed a young man a basket of food, gently tussling the hair of the child who stood at his side, “I’m sorry there’s so little Mr. Ridgley but I promise, if you come back tomorrow, I’ll have more for you .” The man smiled and started to answer but the words dissolved into a mumble as he nodded and scurried away.

The priestess felt a sense of dread as she turned, looking up into the eyes of the one person she hadn’t wanted to see.

“I didn’t expect to see you here again.” Jonah’s voice sounded matter of fact but his eyes held an odd gleam.

Reggy straightened, squaring her shoulders as she forced herself to hold eye contact, “Why wouldn’t I? There’s still people in need and your people don’t seem willing to supply it.” she replied, inwardly cringing.

He chuckled and reached out to her, pushing a strand of hair from her face, ignoring the fact that she flinched from his touch. “Don’t get me wrong sweeting, I’m happy to see you.” he took a step toward her and she retreated; step by step until she felt a solid wall behind her and Jonah, feet firmly planted, in front of her. She glanced around the alley, realizing that the hustle and bustle that had been there previously had melted away. She and Jonah were quite alone.

He placed a hand against the wall above her head, leaning in close as his other hand stroked the strand of hair, following it down to her shoulder where his fingers grazed her collar bone. “I’ve missed you darling.” he murmured, “I’m ready to forgive you for your behavior. I’m willing to give you another chance.”

Shocked, Reggy tried to push him away but he shoved her back against the wall, his mouth descending on hers brutally. With a grunt she raised her knee, driving it into his groin and he stumbled backward, bending almost double as he clutched the injured area, snarling and spewing curses and threats.

She scampered away from the wall, grabbing the staff she’d left leaning against a wagon, she barely had it in her grasp when she saw his shadow loom over her.Turning she used her own momentum to drive the staff into Jonah’s knee, giggling hysterically when she heard the bones crack. He dropped to his other knee, his face a mask of rage, “You little bitch. I’ll kill you for this. You’re finished here…” his words were quickly cut off as Regynn twirled the staff again, wincing as it connected solidly with his skull and he slumped, unconscious, to the ground.

The priestess stood for a moment, looking at his prone figure then glanced around the street. Above her head a curtain fluttered at a window. Someone had been watching, someone saw her attack a Kul Tiran noble. Panic bubbled up in her throat and she fought to swallow it down.

Regynn gathered her belongings and made her way to the horse she’d borrowed from the stable, climbing into the saddle and driving her heels into its flank. The horse shot off, nearly unseating her but for once she didn’t care. She clutched at the strips of leather, crouching over the animal’s neck as it carried her over the bridge and through the side gate. Just before reaching the stables she drew in the reins, taking a moment to straighten her hair, trying to look as if nothing had happened.

Once the horse was safely delivered to the stables Regynn rushed to her room, thrust the door open then slammed it shut. She stood for a moment before searching under her bed for her suitcase. She stuffed her clothes inside, sweeping her toiletries in on top of them.

With a quick glance around the room the priestess realized she couldn’t take everything with her. She’d have to leave the stacks of fabric she’d been using to make blankets with, as well as a handful of books and the stuffed animal Marachius had won for her at the faire.

When her gaze settled on the fish bowl sitting on the window sill she grabbed it, cradling it against her chest as she made her way down the stairs, her suitcase clutched tightly in her other hand, “We’re going away Galahad. I don’t know where we’re going but we can’t stay here.”

[wintersrein]

Orders, Charges, and Repercussions

“It has come to our attention Miss Winters that you have been… left to your own devices… since arriving in Kul Tiras and you have created quite a stir in Boralus.” Bishop Prichard looked down his nose, through a tiny pair of spectacles. He scanned the documents spread out before him then looked up at her over the wire rims.

“I can explain…” Regynn started but the elder priest raised a hand, stopping her mid-sentence.

“It appears you are responsible for the food exchange on the Ashvane docks. Very clever of you to get those who produce the food to give the unused portions to those who are in need. Commendable work young lady, commendable indeed.”

Reggy bowed her head, “Thank you your grace, I’m sorry that I haven’t kept it up. I feel awful about all those people not getting what they need but…”

The bishop interrupted her again, “My dear I assure you the food is still being delivered. You didn’t just feed the people, you empowered them to help one another. Of course there was a bit of upheaval for the first few days but word got out that… something happened to you and you were… recovering. A few motivated individuals stepped in and took up the reins, you created a repeatable process, you’re intervention is no longer needed.”

She sat in silence, dumbfounded. She opened her mouth to speak then closed it again, swallowing thickly. After a moment she nodded, “I am glad to hear it your grace.”

“It is the something happened that has prompted this meeting Miss WInters. Would you care to explain?”

She lowered her eyes, clutching tightly to the basket in her lap, “I would really rather not if it’s all the same to you.” she murmured.

The old man looked at her, his fingers tapping idley on the papers, “I would have your side of it girl. I’ve heard several others. I’m afraid I must insist.”

Regynn looked up, her eyes wide with shock at his declaration, she sighed heavily and gave an almost imperceptible nod,  the story coming out in a rush of words that took much less time to speak than should have been possible.

“I understand a pair of local women took it upon themselves to look out for you afterward. You disappeared from the city for several days. What transpired while you were away?”

She sat straighter now, her chin up, “We went camping and they taught me how to defend myself. They helped me come to terms with what happened and make sure that I wouldn’t be such an easy target in the future.”

The bishop watched her for a moment, his lips pursed. “I see.” he said, his voice, becoming more businesslike, “Had you been gainfully tasked by the church none of this would have happened. Do not think I miss that double edged validity of that statement. You have been unsupervised, to your credit you continued the good works that are your halmark from Stormwind. I am aware that things could have taken a completely different turn.”

“However, there are many things that a priest who is incapable of healing can do to assist the cause. By not reporting to your superiors you have been shirking your responsibilities to the Alliance. The only thing saving you from immediate punishment is the fact that you helped the local populace and there are many who have come forward to speak on your behalf.”

Regynn stared at the man in disbelief, her stomach tying itself in knots as he continued, “It has come to our attention that there are members of the Alliance who are participating in illegal activities on the docks. You will return to your previous work there so that you can gather information. You will determine who is involved. Names, places, dates. Any and all information required to arrest and prosecute the scoundrels.”

“No.” Regynn blurted, “I can’t go back there. I just can’t.”

Bishop Pritchard narrowed his eyes behind his glasses, “It was not a request Miss Winters. Either you return to the docks and do as I say or you return to Stormwind to be brought up on charges of desertion.”

[myfairylily]

‘Poldark’

[myfairylily]

‘Miss Aurus, the Red Book’ by Sir John Lavery, 1907

[wintersrein]

Finding the Facts

Clair looked at the woman across from her, torn between revulsion and an almost childlike sense of wonder. She had, of course, heard of the Forsaken, but she’d never seen one in person much less engaged in conversation with one.

The exposure of the woman’s major joints, the parchment thin skin hanging on like shredded bit’s of gauze were unnerving to say the least. But the thing that had given her the most difficulty was the ragged flesh of her face. Even when the woman paused in speech, Clair could see the dull gleam of wickedly jagged teeth and the blonde shuddered to think of what the woman had been gnawing on to leave them in such a state. At the same time Clair found herself being drawn in by the woman’s exuberance. She was not the drab, lifeless being that Clair had expected.

“Oh that. That article was about someone else completely. The rumor mill tried to say it was about Miss Denham but the facts we are wrong. First, Miss Denham’s father, Desmond, was a customs agent, not a merchant.” the little woman, introduced as Loniara, pursed her withered lips and raised a bony shoulder, “It’s true that Miss Denham was friends with that young lady and when she left Stormwind MissDenham went with her.”

“How do you know all this?” Clair asked when Loniara paused.

The forsaken woman beamed at her with an expression of pride, “I was a librarian in Stormwind before, well, before this.” she passed a hand in front of her to indicate her undead condition. “I didn’t have much of a personal life so I kept up with everyone else’s. It was simple enough, I was such a mousy thing as to be nearly invisible. It didn’t hurt that people never whisper as quietly as they think they do.”

She tilted her head to the side, tapping the tip of her finger against her teeth, the bone clicking eerily against the stained enamel, “Where was I? Oh yes. Mr. Denham, being a customs agent, had occasion to entertain sea captains and there was one in particular that took the city by storm.” she giggled to herself, “Stormwind by storm… heh…” she sobered, cleared her throat and continued, “Yes, well… He was Captain Stafford. What a beautiful man he was. All the women, not aristocracy of course, but all the other women, pined for him. Some of them none too subtly either.” she wiggled her eyebrows and snickered, “But he only had eyes for Miss. Denham.”

“They used to meet in the Library, back in the back corner near the stacks. I could hear them whispering such sweet things. But then there was a scandal on the docks and old Mr. Denham was investigated. Turns out he was taking bribes from certain captains and merchants to accept their wares and turn the others away.”

Loniara stopped and picked up a tea cup, sipping delicately while Clair caught herself cringing at the fact that the tea set was bone china, worrying that her companion might take exception. But the Forsaken set the cup down and tapped her fingers against the arm of the chair, once more pausing to gather her thoughts. “Well Miss Denham and Captain Stafford ran off together and were handfasted. Mr. Denham caught up with them before they could actually see a priest you see. But not before he could plant that little seed, mind.”

“What did he do? Mr Denham I mean.” Clair asked.

“Why he sent his daughter off to visit his sister in Booty Bay. Nine months later the poor dear died. Caught some jungle fever or some such.” Loniara raised her hands in air quotes then lowered them and shook her head regretfully, “A real shame that, she was such a nice girl. Always had a kind word.”

Clair frowned, “What about the captain?”

Honiara sighed though there was no expulsion of breath, “He stayed for several months, tired to reason with her father, tried to find out where she was but then he had to return to Boralus and as far as I know he never came back.”

“And the baby?”

“The wee tike was given to the orphanage as well you know missy. Don’t think you can fool me. I know you’re not just chatting to pass the time of day, you know who she is. Now. I’ve told you my part of the story, you tell me yours.”

[wintersrein]

Girls Day Out

“Where are we going?” Regynn asked for what must have been the tenth time since the girls had set out on the road.

Clair glanced over her shoulder, “Don’t worry, we’re almost there.”

The priestess turned to Kyalith who rode beside her, “You know that wasn’t an answer right?”

Kya shrugged, “I wouldn’t worry about it, you know Clair isn’t going to do anything to get you in trouble, or hurt. Well.. hopefully not hurt.”

Regynn narrowed her eyes, opening her mouth to speak when her temple hound nearly collided with Clair’s horse who had stopped at the edge of a field. It took the priestess a couple of minutes to recover herself in the saddle and settle her pounding heart. “What in the Light is wrong with you? Why would you stop like that?”

“We’re here.” Clair answered, nodding toward an expanse of low grass, clear of trees or rocks.

She looked around searchingly before turning back to the blonde, “Is something special supposed to happen here?” Reggy asked.

Clair slid from the saddle and lead her horse to a spot away from the path then turned to her companions, her blue gaze intent on the priestess, “Yep. This is where I’m going to teach you to defend yourself.”

Reggy blinked, “You’re going to what?”

“Look, you carry that staff around to help you focus the power of the Light when you do whatever it is you do. But there’s nothing that says you can’t use it as a weapon too. In fact, mosts priests do. I don’t know much about fighting with sticks so we’re only going to go over the fundamentals.” she reached behind her back and withdrew a long, wickedly curved dagger, holding it out to Reggy, “This is more my area of knowledge so I’m going to teach you to fight with this too.”

The brunette glanced from one sister to the other as Kya nodded, “You can’t count on your paladin showing up to save you, you have to be able to save yourself.”

The three girls spent some time going over blocking procedures, foot movements, how to leverage the body’s momentum to deliver a solid strike, and dodging before Clair squared off with Regynn, the two of them armed with staves. It didn’t take long for the priestess to see that Clair wasn’t pulling any blows.

“You know what you need to do?” Clair commented when Reggy complained of a particularly stinging hit, “Move faster, dodge better.” and then she launched another flurry of attacks that the priestess was just barely able to fend off.

The sparring didn’t stop until dusk had fallen, then three worked together to set up a camp by a stream at the edge of the field. Kya laid out the meal she’d packed in a basket and they ate, their silence broken by occasional comments on the events of the day, the sounds of light laughter drifting on the evening air.

“Do you think I’ll be able to do it? Defend myself I mean?” Reggy asked.

Clair looked her over and shrugged, “Probably not yet, you’ll need practice. You had a hard time putting any real effort into it didn’t you? All your blows were weak.”

The priestess ducked her head, “I’ve never set out to hurt anyone before. I’m a helper, it’s what I do. It’s what I’ve always done.”

“And you’ve been lucky so far that Jonah was the only one to take advantage. You have to be able to give as good as you get. Even when what you get is bad.” the blonde glanced around the camp then back at Reggy, “Get some sleep, we’ll start again first thing in the morning, this time with daggers. Trust me, we’re not leaving here until you can give that creep what he deserves.”

[afaerytalelife]

[wintersrein]

To the Rescue

There was a knock at the door but Regynn only looked at it, not bothering to rise or call out. “It’s another posey for you Miss Reggy. People are right worried about you dear.” the landlady waited with a small bouquet of wildflowers in her hand but when the door stayed shut she sighed heavily and continued, “All right then, I’ll just leave ‘em here with the rest.”

She could hear the old woman’s heavy footsteps as she retreated down the hall, they paused at the top of the stairs for several moments then proceeded to descend to the lower floor. Only then did the priestess move from her chair by the window to open her bedroom door. The table that stood on the landing just outside was covered in flowers, small parcels, and stacks of letters and cards.

She smiled softly, beginning to gather them up when she heard a loud commotion coming up the stairs. She started to dart into her room when she heard a voice calling out to her, “Don’t you dare rabbit back into that room. We’ve come to kidnap you and it’ll be a lot easier if we don’t have to break down the door.”

Kya and Clair topped the stairs, the sisters grinning at Reggy like mischievious children. The red head came forward, hugging Reggy gently before stepping back to look at her, “Oh you poor thing, you look awful. You’re coming home with us. No more brooding in your room.”

Kya took Reggy’s hand, leading her into her own room, “I know what happened was a terrible thing but I’m sure he was just drunk. He’ll come to his senses then he’ll be begging you to forgive him and take him back.”

“Like hell she will.” Clair said, entering the room and plopping down on the bed. “He blew his chance.” she looked up at Reggy, her determined demeanor faltering slightly at the expression on the priestess’s face. “You wouldn’t do that. Not after what he did to you. Would you?”

There was silence for a moment then Regynn blinked and shook her head, “What? No of course not.”

“What did Marc say about it?” Kya asked.

“Nothing much. He asked me if I was okay and brought me home. He kept watching me though. I think he thought I was going to have a breakdown.”

Clair blew out a derisive breath, “Men.” she muttered as she rose and began rummaging under the bed. Before Reggy realized what was happening the sisters had packed a bag for her and Kya looked around, picking up a hairbrush, and a few other sundries they’d missed the first time.

“I think we’re ready. We’ve already told Mrs. Jessup you’ll be away for a bit. Any packages or letters will be delivered to the shop.” Kya handed the bags to Clair, hooking her arm through Reggy’s as she herded the priestess through the door. She was closing it when she stopped, “Oh! I almost forgot.” she exclaimed as she let go of the priestess and disappeared back in the room. After a moment she emerged with the fish bowl cradled gentle in her hands. “Can’t forget about this little guy now, can we?”

[thepioden]

Man though you know what makes me sorta sad is when nerdy, “quiet” kids latch on to me during camp and they just talk and talk and talk about a thing they’re into (Skyrim, Pokemon, Harry Potter, Doctor Who, dinosaurs, whatever). And I see the kids just light up when they say something and I can chime in with an ‘oh hey, are you talking about [x]? I love that thing! Tell me more about it.’

Like, their parents will warn me ‘so-and-so is pretty quiet and hard to engage’ but no, man, just listen, your kid is so smart and so into This Thing, they’ll engage like fuck and talk your damn ear off it you let them. Frame it in their damn terms. Or! Just! Listen to them about their Thing! And they will engage with the rest of the material! Because they know you care about them! Amazing!!!

[knightoflodis]

Quiet kids are usually that way because either no one listens, or there is always someone more dominant speaking wise in their group that always talks over them and then they give up. Some quiet kids are starved for attention and really really want to talk, but don’t always get the chance to

[panic-at-casualty]

Everyone who reblogged this are good people. Bless you, this made me happy to read

[blood-trip-god]

Me

[lakeffectqueer-deactivated20240]

this reminds me of my favourite comic ever:

[wintersrein]

It isn’t just kids, lots of quiet adults went through this as children, and still experience it today. There are only a handful of people I really talk to and when I do I can’t seem to shut up because it’s such a joy to find someone who listens.

[architecturejunkie]

[wintersrein]

At the Garrison

((Written in collaboration with @marachius#83. Thanks again for being a great RP partner.))

The Kul Tiran guard cast a glance over his shoulder to assure himself that Regynn was still behind him. She hadn’t spoken, moving silently, wraithlike through the rain as he lead her over the causeway to the garrison in which the Alliance troops were billetted. They were brought to the duty officer and the two men stood in quiet conversation, each casting occasional glances at the priestess before the guard saluted then made an exit, leaving Regynn in the hands of her countryman.

Captain Severino ushered the young woman into his office, barking orders as he went; warm blankets and hot coffee to be brought post haste. He ushered Regynn in, attempting to engage her in conversation but she barely seemed to notice as she moved to stand near the fire, still clutching her sodden cloak tightly in fingers gone blue with cold.

The paladin looked at her for a moment, she wasn’t what he’d call a beauty, too tall and thin for his taste. She reminded of a puppy he’d seen once, beaten and abandoned in a storm, and it was this that prompted him. “Please feel free to use the room as long as you need ma’am, try to relax and warm yourself. Your young man will be with you shortly.”

He stepped out of the office, shutting the door firmly before turning to the soldiers standing nearby, “Get Ainsley here now.” he snarled. “He better pray he’s not responsible for this!”

Not long after, the main doors opened again. The soldier that Captain Serverino had sent to find Ainsley stepped through with the young paladin in tow. Marachius was wearing simple linen pants and a loose shirt and had all the signs of a person who had been suddenly roused from a deep sleep. The young paladin stumbled into the room, almost losing his hastily tied shoes as he crossed the threshold. Upon seeing the captain, he immediately snapped to attention and raised his hand to salute his superior.

“Sir.”

The elder paladin glowered at Marachius, his tone flat as he hooked a thumb over his shoulder, indicating his office, “You’ve got a visitor.” he started to walk away then stopped, looking down his long, beaked nose at Marc, “If I find out you had anything to do with this you’re finished.”

“A visitor?” The young paladin was caught completely off-guard and stood for a moment more before realizing that he still held his arm in salute even though the captain had walked away. Slowly, he lowered his arm as his gaze first followed the captain as he left the area and then turned to the door of the office. Marc walked over to the door and knocked with one hand as he tentatively opened the latch with the other.  “Hello?”

There was a moment of silence then the door opened slowly and he could hear her voice, timid, shaking; like he hadn’t heard in ages. Regynn stood by the open door, her gray gaze resting on him for a moment before falling to the floor, “I… I’m sorry. I hope I didn’t get you in trouble. It… it’s just. I didn’t know where else to go.”

“Reggy?” Marc’s look of surprise quickly turned to one of concern. The paladin knelt down next to his friend and looked her over real quick for any obvious signs of injury. “Don’t worry about that. What happened? Are you hurt?”

Regynn gave Marc a shaky smile and nodded tucking a damp tendril of hair behind her ear, “I’m fine. I… fine.” she took a deep breath and nodded, “I… it’s… Jonah.” as she said his name tears welled up in her eyes, spilling unheeded down her cheeks, “he…” she stopped and swallowed, visibly struggling to get hold of her emotions. Finally she took another breath and let it out forcefully, “It didn’t go well.” she finished, her spine ramrod straight as she brushed the tears away.

“What..” Marc began to ask, but then stopped short. “Let’s go inside,” he began again, motioning for inside the office. He stood and then held out his hand to help Regynn up. Marc led her over to one of the chairs that faced the captain’s desk and waited for her to sit down. Once she was settled, the paladin went and closed the office door before taking a seat in the chair next to her.

“Okay, start from the beginning. What happened?” he asked calmly as he watched the priestess closely.

Regynn clenched her teeth, stiffening when Marc reached for her, but she let him lead her inside the office, shutting away the prying eyes of the men loitering outside. She sat on the edge of the chair, her head lowered, her hair falling forward like a thick, matted curtain to obscure her features from him. She pulled her cloak closer, shivering as the damp wool pressed against her skin.

She waited for him to sit then took a deep breath, her words starting slowly then coming out in a rush as she told him about dinner and the way Jonah’s parents had treated her. She slowed again when she spoke of the walk in the garden, stopping to take deep breaths, her teeth clamped tight against the flood of emotion that threatened to make her breakdown. When she had control again she told the paladin of the things Jonah had said and done.

She stood in a rush, stopping by the fire, her cloak slipping from her shoulders as she passed Marc’s chair. He could see that she was wearing the dress he’d given her, the panel of lace she’d sewn into the neckline to make it more presentable was torn, hanging by mere threads. Above the white fabric, against the pale skin of her throat, was a dark purple bruise the size of a man’s thumb.

Marc leaned forward slightly so that he could try to get a better look at Reggy’s neck. With a mixture of concern and anger on his face, the paladin then looked to the floor for a moment while he tried to compose himself better. Taking a deep breath, he leaned back and looked up at Reggy.

“Are you sure that you’re not injured?” he asked calmly, in a quiet voice. “Do you need to see one of the healers?”

Reggy nodded, her hair falling forward to hide the bruise once more, “Yeah. I’m fine. I’m just tired. I… I think I want to go home.”

Marc watched her for a little bit longer before responding. “Okay, if you’re sure. But how about you stay at the inn tonight. That way you won’t have to go all the way across the city to your place.” The young paladin paused and watched his friend, waiting for her to disagree with his suggestion.

She nodded then looked up at Marc, her expression bleak, “Do you think they’d let you come with me? I don’t want to be alone. I know you’ve probably got duty in the morning and I don’t want you to miss that but I don’t think I can sleep and I… I could use someone to talk to to keep me from thinking…”

“Yeah, sure,” Marachius answered with a smile. “Let me go clear it with the captain. You be okay here for a minute?”

She nodded again, giving him the hint of a smile, “Thanks Marc. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

[kellyelainesmith]