The hot summer sun shone through the windows to the Shady Corner, making the air uncomfortably warm in the tavern. However, many patrons still found themselves coming inside in an attempt to escape the Summer heat. Suddenly, a small portal opened up in front of the unlit hearth, introducing a blistering wind even hotter than before with sand spilling all across the tavern's floor. A very well dressed man stepped through, cape billowing from his shoulders and a scarf protecting his face, held in place by a wide brimmed hat. THe portal snapped shut behind the figure as he removed the cloth from his face proclaiming, "People of Jastrey! Despair no longer, for your very own Pelle Carne has returned!" He offered a sweeping blow to the tavern's patrons before taking a seat at the nearest table.
He offered a scoff at the Ixifar. "Judging by the small army at our gates, the rumors of the Dhuroscht activities, and the dragons terrorizing Rica, it's safe to safe to assume you have all missed my presence." Pelle flicked a skeletal hand in the direction of the barmaid, "Wine please. Chilled."
The smile disappears at the Riven's words, and the healer of Avaren lifts her head, leveling a steady near-glare at the male. With a tilt of her head, she says, "Perhaps you should then make your presence known to those gathered beyond our walls, Pelle," she tilts her head toward the door. "I am certain they would welcome a visit from such an illustrious personage such as yourself."
The riven let out a small chuckle. "I am sure they would love to have me waltz among their ranks. But I do not make house calls for Mauraders. It sets a bad precedent." The bar maid arrives with a bottle of Rican Red and Pelle grabs it and sends her back on her way. "Besides, I know what they want and do not plan to make it easy. There's no fun in that, now is there?"
Pelle takes a drink from the bottle, savoring the flavor as if he hadn't tasted it in some time. "Speaking of fun, how has little Bianca been? Last I heard she was being rebuilt. I am truly curious as to how she's handled the whole ordeal. I haven't heard of any similiar circumstances personally."
Still not looking up from her book, Althena responds, "Bianca has grown up, that is true." Now she looks up, closing the book over one finger as she continues. "She seems healthy, and is quite bright, too. Poppy took care of her..." she frowns, clearly searching for the appropriate wording. "growth. She's also exceptionally friendly, and many of the elders in Jastrey have taken on a guardian-like role of her. There are many here who care for her." She tilts her head slightly. "And, before you start moaning, I have not taught her in the Avaren faith," here that mischievious grin returns. "But truly only because I have had no time for such tutelage yet."
"Even if you had, Madam Althena, there is no brain washing or propaganda that can't be reversed with a little time and work," the Riven said in a sort of matter-of-fact manner as he looked into his bottle. "Still, I am glad she has come to find her new body acceptable. There is little use for a creature with the sze and strength of a baby. Well, outside of Jackal bait of course." He took another drink from his bottle, mumbling something unheard under his breath.
The Ixifar Custodian tilts her head slightly, feathers flicking under her chin as she gazes at the riven for a moment. With a sigh, she glances down at her book, pulling free a jeweled, sunburst bookmark and setting it between the pages. Rising, she walks to where Pelle is enjoying his wine. "Bianca has a quick mind, quicker wit and a thirst for knowledge," she says as she stands before the riven, holding the book under one arm, spine upwards. "Should she express any interest, I would certainly be more than willing to take her on within the Church as an acolyte." She smiles at Pelle. "However, she has not shown an interest, and I would never force a belief upon another. Time will tell what path she wishes. But, have no doubt, Pelle, that should she show an interest, as one of her guardians I would not look favoritely upon any who try to dissaude or coerce her into giving up what she holds value to." She sighs, pinching the bridge of her nose between thumb and forefinger. Then, shaking her head, she opens her eyes, and smiles at Pelle. "I am pleased to be the first to greet you home, Pelle. Harsh words should not be the first you hear upon your return home." She tilts her head again, green eyes fixing briefly upon the riven's face. "I hope it will be a pleasant homecoming for you."
The riven eyes the ixifar as she approaches. "I wouldn't save any spots for her. She seems to take after myself, after all." A mischievous, with slight sinister undertones flashed through the riven's eyes. "As for the harsh words, I expected nothing less. Too many have too deep seated jealousies."
A chuckle bursts briefly from the healer's mouth as she shakes her head with a smile. "I suppose we shall have to see what the future brings, then." Bowing slightly to the riven, she says, "I'll bid you good day, then Pelle." Then, clasping her book, she gives him another smile and nod, and turns to leave the tavern.
Pelle took one last drink from his bottle before resealing it with the old cork. "My fellow patrons of this tavern, I am weary from my travels and must part for some much needed rest. But worry not, I shall return soon enough."With that, he swept his cape behind him as he left the tavern, leaving in the direction of his graveyard home.
Sitting at a table near the back, Althena glances up from the book she was reading, one hand poised over the cooling cup of tea before her. With a slight shake of her head, a small, mischievous smile crosses her lips as she addresses the riven. "Oh, Pelle," she calls out, the smile widening into a grin. "Were you gone? Sorry, hadn't noticed." Her grin is now a smile and she gives him a small nod as she returns her attention back to her book, lifting the tea cup to bring to her lips for a sip.