• Closed • A change in circumstance

[Faith Augustin]

122nd Vhalar, 716

Faith had been relatively busy this trial, but she had to make some time to see Lady Elyna and Lord Krome. It was too important not to and it was not something that she wanted them to hear about from anyone else, also. So, she made her way first to the house they kept in the city, in Midtown and she was pleased to see that there were signs of life. Having knocked at the door, she had been greeted and let in to their home and so it was that Faith found herself seated at the table in the kitchen with Lady Elyna whilst Lord Krome made a cup of tea for them both. She had started to ask if she could do it, but Lord Krome gave her the briefest glance and most miniscule of eyebrow raises which she might have dreamt of but which, equally, would have students pinned to their chairs having not done their homework she was sure. So she sat down and thanked him with a very slight smile.

First things first, of course, there was fussing to be done for and about the baby. Faith had been steadily, now and then, making clothes for baby Elsie and, as she saw her she was pleased that she had chosen to do so in larger sizes ready for when she got bigger. Because she was big now! But the young slave had blankets, cardigans, hats, mittens and boots made and handed them over with a shy smile and an apology if they were not good enough.

However, eventually, she had to tell them and she knew that they could both see quite clearly that she had come here for a reason. She sat, hands clasped together and spoke, her voice quiet but determined. "It seems at once straightforward and complex, but I have been freed. Master", what was it that she was supposed to call him now, she wondered, "To start at the beginning, Lord Alistair Venora wrote to his cousin and suggested that I should not be a slave, that I had too much potential. So, Master asked me if I wanted to be free. I told him the truth and said yes, so he freed me." She looked at them both, knowing that this was something that, somehow, was relevant to them both. As she did, she frowned, a memory coming to her of a dream where Lord Krome had died and he told her not to live to serve, but to serve to love. Perhaps, she thought, that dream was a prophecy, maybe one sent by Famula. That made sense to the dark haired young woman so she said no more. "It was last night. I went to a.. a friend's house", the pause and slight stumble over her words was minute, but it was there. "Maybe he is more than that. I do not know. But I know that he is safe and would not push anything on me except a warm blanket and socks right now. But, Master... Tristan, he has given me my clothes and wants me to take money, but I don't want to do that. I just.. I wanted you to know. You have both been so kind to me."

She hadn't wanted them to find out from anyone else. In truth, there was no denying that the young woman was still very much in shock. She looked like she hadn't slept the night before (which was true, but one night of missed sleep did not disturb her too much), but more than that it was the look in her eyes. Lady Elyna, at least, had seen that look before, in the aftermath of the zombie attack and when they had landed on the ground outside Tristan's house that night where Velijorn had died. She was functioning, but she was in completely unknown territory, totally unable to comprehend what was happening to her. "Thank you, Lord Krome", was the automatic response as he put the tea down in front of her and she sighed a deep sigh.

"So, what's new with you both?" She could not help but smile as she asked, in a false and bright tone, the most obvious, and worst, distraction tactic she had ever managed. Whilst she was unsure how old she was, she was quite sure that in all her arcs, she'd never been so ineffective and blatant all in one sentence.

[Malcolm]

Malcolm had gotten in very late that morning, well before the sun was up, though somewhere in the distance, he had recalled the late night crow of a rooster with his wires crossed. The warden had seen enough sleep to function, but felt a little sluggish, mentally at least. He hadn't expected to find Faith at the door, but welcomed her in all the same, and busied himself with preparing tea for three. Elyna had gotten up some time before him to fuss over Elsie, the baby asleep and content in the woman’s arms where they sat at the table, a small fire burning away behind her to keep the room warm.
The man was careful not to listen too closely, but quickly realised Faith meant to address both of them. He turned to face her while he stirred the tea, and was surprised to hear that Tristan had released her from her obligations, slaves after all, especially talented individuals such as Faith, were worth a pretty piece. “That's wonderful news,” he smiled as he set the tea down on the table and took Elsie from Elyna’s arms, it was his turn for a cuddle. “You know you can always stay here,” he offered, “Elyna and I will both be on the road soon anyway, we wouldn't expect any rent,” he glanced at his wife to make sure she had not problem with that.
Elsie had become so good at recognising his voice, that even in sleep she flinched and seemed to try and look about, eyes moving beneath the soft, closed lids, fringed with dark, black lashes. Faith had admitted to having feelings for a friend she had stayed with last night, and though he was sure this friend had made her more than welcome, Malcolm thought it probably didn't hurt for her to have options, just in case. “This house is empty otherwise, we both stay on the farm.” Elsie tried to open her eyes, yawned, and went back to sleep again.
Malcolm smiled, there was no one more precious to him in this world than his two girls. He stroked Elyna’s hair then as he moved to stand beside where she was seated. “Otherwise I'm sure there is plenty of money to be made on the road with us if you need some, we could do with a good cook.”
He could understand why Faith hadn't accepted any money from Tristan, and though he was probably right in assuming that the man had made his fair share from Faith, he wondered why they had left her go, always so suspicious of every kind deed. Malcolm was inclined to offer something as well, but he understood pride, if nothing else. “You'll never go hungry, or homeless, you know that, not as far as we are concerned.”

[Elyna]

For a baby who was only 39 trials in the world, Elyna like any proud parent couldn’t help but feel her child was advanced. Elsie insisted on holding her head up and staring out at the world. Elyna had sat the baby on her lap, but with careful arms wrapped around the child to stop her falling forward and doing herself an injury. Malcolm’s return had been later than expected and their time together too brief, before there had been a knock at the door. Elyna had dressed and joined Faith and Malcolm downstairs. Tired, she was aware that her skin was pale and the dark circles beneath her eyes made her feel conscious. Everyone tended to tell her it was how she would look, because she had a child. It wasn’t tiredness, it was simply her new face.

The steam whistled from the pot and she almost didn’t catch what Faith said, until her mouth fell open in surprise. She remained calm, heart thundering as the former slave continued to speak. When Malcolm took Elsie, Elyna couldn’t contain herself anything longer. She lept at the young woman and wrapped her arms around her in a hug. “Of course!” She agreed with the Warden, “of course you would never go hungry or homeless!” She squeeze the girl tight before she straightened. Pacing across the floor before she placed her hands on her hips. She took a deep breath and turned to face the pair again.

“Faith…this is…I’m so…” she was in shock and delighted for her friend. In the back of her mind, there was a quiet voice though that begged the question; how was Tristan? He truly was the best of men but she had seen the way he looked at his lover. Her heart ached for his loss and she bit the tip of her tongue to silence it. It wasn’t for Faith to be questioned about her former Master.

“Your friend…” she obviously trusted her friend. Elyna rested a hand on Malcolm’s arm. A comfort for her and a way to steady her thoughts, grounding herself with the mortalborn as her lifeline. Faith made good decisions, she wouldn’t question her choice of friends either. “Faith, you are welcome with us and…if you wanted to join the campaign there are a hundred hungry mouths that would be grateful. You have no rush to make any decisions though…a routine just might be a good…place to start. It might just give you space to make some decisions.” For now she had her whole life to make decisions about. It was amazing.

[Faith Augustin]

122nd Vhalar, 716

They were both pleased for her and she returned Lord Krome's smile with an expression which spoke of pleasure, terror and a million other emotions all at once. "That's very kind of you, thank you. Oh!" She could not help but cling to Lady Elyna just a moment, in much the way that Tristan had clung to her just this morning and, for all that she had held them in with Padraig and with Tristan, she realised that the tears had fallen, just a few, and she was both laughing and crying in the same moment as the woman who meant so much to her hugged her.

Gathering herself, though, and trying to regain her composure, she nodded to them both "Thank you, it means a lot. More than I can tell you. But my friend, mister Padraig, he has gone this morning to buy a bed and some furniture and curtains for me. I have never had a bed of my own, I had only ever slept in Master's bed. I have been to see him this morning", she explained. Lady Elyna especially was fond of him, she knew, "I won't abandon him. He is upset, but has done the right thing, he believes. He has signed over my papers and I can take them and get the freedom brand", she tried to look anything except terrified at that, but failed "It seems ironic that to negate the four I have already, I have to have another. On my cheek." Her expression told what she thought, she was quite obviously not overly impressed with the idea of a brand on her face. But it is what it is. Once that is done, though, I can come with you, yes. I had some experience of cooking for a large number on the ship to Ne'haer and for the play. I'd like to help, if I could."

She looked at them and saw the concern on Lady Elyna's face. "He is my tutor. Master hired him for me when the university would not allow me to study there. He has become a friend. I don't know if he will be more than that, I am sure he thinks no such thing. But I feel safe with him and...", it was hard to explain but she did her best "And like there is a storm in the air. That feeling of lightning brewing. Or something. I don't know, but I do know that I will not be with anyone at all until I am sure that I know my mind. I love Master... Tristan. I do. But I am confused and unclear right now, so I will make no decisions of the heart. That would be foolish. Instead, I will stay with mister Padraig and just learn how to be free. But I would be very happy to come and cook on your campaign, yes." And then, if they needed any more indication of just how emotionally jumbled the normally clear-headed young woman was, she considered that she hadn't asked a very important question. "Where are we going?"

[Malcolm]

The mortalborn’s own concern was etched in the creases of gathered skin at the centre of his brow. It would be a shame to mark such long awaited freedom with another scar, and one so obvious. Malcolm looked down at Elyna, squeezed her hand, and seemed to suggest without saying a word that there must be something he could do, something they could do. He had thought to mention Elyna’s father, but knew the man would not do anything that might jeopardise his good name, including signing off on a slave’s papers without the full extent of the law being carried out. How frustrating it felt, to have the power to do something, but not the trust to see it through.
Malcolm turned away from the pair and paced across the room slowly with Elsie in his arms, rocking the baby gently. He folded his arms closer together to raise her, and pressed a kiss to her cheek.
Faith was rambling, saying more than the man was willing, or perhaps even able to follow. Women, he found, were like that, especially when they were excited. He smiled at the thought of Faith being so pleased with something as simple as a new bed, one she could call her own, and realised in that moment how much he took for granted.
The conversation was steered back to the campaign, and the warden turned around slowly, his tone low enough that his speaking wouldn't upset or disturb Elsie. “We are bound for the Eastern Settlement, I'm leading just shy of hundred and fifty men to try and track down what's left of Qe’dreki. I have a few warrants for rebels and nobles alike still associated with the faction. It's going to be very cold, and very dangerous, I won't lie, reports and different scouts I've heard from say we are outnumbered about ten to one, but it is new terrain to Qe'dreki, and they've been roughing it all season in the mountains and the Vanwilds, so they are sure to be tired.”
Malcolm spoke in Rakahi then, a language he knew Elyna was familiar with. Benjamin and Godric had been able to teach him a few of the basics. “Should I do something, with the brands?” he asked his wife.

[Elyna]

Unable to stay still Elyna found herself circling the small patch of the room before she sank down on the lower steps of the stairs instead, listening to Faith speak. It seemed more appropriate really then sitting at the table as though they’d all gathered for brunch or afternoon tea or something frivolous. She let out a slow breathe of air and studied the girl before her. Heart in her throat. Malcolm could remove the scars, but then Faith would know. She trusted Faith with her life, and Elsie’s…but Malcolm’s? If Malcolm removed the brands then anyone who had known the slave would mark the difference. They’d also realise that something was amiss.

What right did she have to make this decision? She tilted her head in surprise, unaware that the Warden had taken any pains to learn her Mother’s tongue. The Skyrider found that her fingers were pressed to her own cheek. Malcolm had taken her scars and risked his immortal life in doing so. Yet she had never wanted him to, he had taken her woes without permission and bore wounds that weren’t his. Elyna wondered if given the choice, Faith would make the same decision. That was the old brands though. How could she, in any good conscience say anything that would prevent Malcolm putting his offer forward, but it was so dangerous...

How dare the city demand a brand on Faith’s face as proof of freedom. A brand that would mark her a former slave before anything else. How dare they determine the view of the world in a final act of possession? The woman held her fingers in tight fists before finally she stood up. There had to be a different way.
“No,” Elyna looked to Malcolm before she stood again, “there has to be another way, Faith. There has to be another way. We’ll go to the Temple, and we’ll go to the Palace. If the Temple can bring back a hand and an eye then they can help you. You’re a woman and you fall under their duty of care. You’ve met Emerson Sands and you’ve met the king. We’ll request an audience because it’s not right. Not just for you, but for any slave that’s freed,” she could feel herself getting cross and the heat rising in her voice. She struggled to contain the sense of injustice. They’d avoided Malcolm’s brand with Immortal intervention. If there was something she could do to prevent a fresh mark on her friends’ face, she would enact all in her power to do so.

“No free person would ever submit to being branded on their face. It’s unjust and it needs to change,” the young woman was aware she was maybe taking on too much but she was an instrument of justice and she felt with all her heart that this action would be unfair. She sent a silent prayer to Pre, that she would find justice for Faith and any other slaves who found their freedom. It surely wasn’t an act the Immortal agreed with, because she had prevented Malcolm from that fate.

Elyna looked between the pair of them before she turned on her heel and returned up stairs. She gathered a warm coat and scarf and snatched up her boots.

“Let’s go,” she met Faith’s gaze, undeterred as she returned. Slipping her feet into the boots and pulling the coat over her shoulders. The scarf quickly wrapped around her pale neck, “the world is broken and if no one else is going to fix it, then we will” she offered a hopeful smile.

[Faith Augustin]

"The Qe'dreki?" She was surprised, but it made sense and Faith listened to what Lord Krome said, what they were going to do, what they were facing and how hard it would be. It seemed like her first decision as a free woman would be one which was bigger than she had thought it might be. But there was no hesitation from her, she nodded "I have some medical skill and I can cook. If I'll be of use, I'll be there." No more than that needed saying, she knew, so she said nothing else.

Had she known, when he spoke his next words, what Lord Krome suggested to his wife, Faith would have had a very clear opinion and she would have voiced it; these people had been put out more than enough on her behalf and she would walk on hot coals before she hurt anyone she cared about. Especially either of these two. But she did not know what Lord Krome spoke in the unknown language, although she saw with absolute clarity that it was something which caused Lady Elyna to stop and really consider his words. She lowered her head as the pair of them communicated, not wishing to invade into their private time. Whatever it was that Lord Krome said, though, it provoked a response from Lady Elyna which Faith had seen before.

Last time she had seen that look, that transformation on Lady Elyna's face it had been just after the zombie attack had started. Wielding a frypan, Faith had tried to protect the noblewoman and attempt to get her to hide. Lady Elyna had been having none of it and had transformed in to a determined, proactive, protective woman in charge. Not to mention whirling dervish zombie-killing machine, Faith thought with a smile to her friend. There was no arguing with her, not that Faith wanted to argue anyway. She could only watch in awe as the woman determined that they were going to go to the Temple and the Palace, to petition the King and the Empress because, quite simply, it was broken and Lady Elyna was going to fix it. She went upstairs and Faith turned to Lord Krome with a raised eyebrow and an expression which told a lot of her feelings for his wife; respect, admiration and fondness all evident.

When Lady Elyna came back downstairs, Faith stood, her emotions in turmoil. She looked at Lord Krome and then Lady Elyna and she shook her head. "No", she said with her usual soft voice "No, Lady Elyna, the world is not broken. Not while there are people like the two of you in it. I have no words to tell you what I feel." There was a lot more that she wanted to say, but if she began then she would not stop. Rather than the outpouring of babbling from earlier, now she knew that she just wanted and needed to do as Lady Elyna bid her "But you are right, that bit is unjust and it should be changed for the slaves who come next, not just me. Lets go sort it out", she nodded to her friend and smiled at her. It was not anything so terrifying as what they had done before, nor was it anything as huge as what they were about to face.

It was just the king and the empress, Faith though and bit back a burst of laughter that would have been hysterical in nature. Instead, she followed her friend.

[Malcolm]

Faith had looked at him with raised brow while Elyna had been out of the room, and Malcolm couldn't help but look a little disappointed, not because he wouldn't be helping, but because he felt like Elyna was setting herself and Faith up for failure. It took a long time to get an audience with the king, and as the man was currently out of the country, if he had heard right, Emerson would no longer be situated at the tremple.
He stood in front of the door holding Elsie, as if he wasn't going to allow the two of them through, but Elyna looked so determined, and she had already inspired Faith. Malcolm stepped aside and watched the pair leave the house.
The door was closed and Malcolm planned to return to the bedroom with Elsie and out the baby down in her crib so that he could get a bit more sleep. Before he could even make it to the stairs though, there was a knock at the door. Brow knitted, he returned to the front door and looked out the window before opening it.
He stepped back, “Godric, Ava, come in.”
Godric didn't follow the woman inside and Malcolm stared. “Actually I have some things to do in the marketplace, I need to get my chainmail mended and pick up a new tabard after that close call in the mountains,” the pirate explained.
“Will you be home in time for dinner tonight?”
“Of course,” Godric agreed, “I should only be a few breaks.”
Malcolm waved his comrade off and shut the door. He turned the key and left it in the lock, still determined to get some sleep. The mortalborn headed for the stairs and stopped, looking back over his shoulder at Avari. “You can drink the middle tea if you like, I haven't touched it.”
“Three,” Avari observed, “did you have visitors?”
“Just the one,” he agreed, and continued on up the stairs.
Avari stopped him, “Malcolm?”
“Yes?”
“Can we talk? We haven't talked since before we left for the Burning Mountains.”
The man looked down, he had been afraid of this moment, afraid because he was worried that he couldn't talk to her, only yell. “All right…”

[Squirrel]

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Faith

Story: 5
Structure: 5
Collaboration: 5

Knowledge:
Elyna: Is *very* pleased for you.
Elyna and Malcolm: Welcome you to stay with them any time.
Elyna: Feels very strongly against face-branding.
Malcolm: Is hunting down the Qe'dreki and anyone associated with them.

Fame: +2
Offering a gift (baby clothes) +2

Malcolm

Story: 5
Structure: 5
Collaboration: 5

Knowledge:
Faith: The former slave.
Sometimes it takes the views of a slave to realize how free you are.
Rahaki: Simple sentence questions.

Fame: +1
General good deed (offering refuge) +1

Elyna

Story: 5
Structure: 5
Collaboration: 3

Knowledge:
Faith: The former slave.
Malcolm: Has learned Rahaki at some point.
Which comes first, husband or dear friend?
Standing up for friends means standing up against the world.

Fame: +2
General good deed (offering refuge, standing up for a friend) +2

Devotion: Pier and Pre +9
Act out against an unjust law +7
Promote fair treatment +2

Additional Notes:

Short thread, I had to remove two point from Elyna's grade because she only made two posts, and there were a few small spelling errors scattered about, nothing flow-breaking. Overall as long as it needed to be and enjoyable while it lasted. And as always, if there are any concerns or questions with this grade, please, please sent me a PM and I'll be more than happy to talk it out. Happy writing!

Credit goes to Kydrel!