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Post by Marric Laster on Apr 13, 2007 9:19:08 GMT
Marric had gone ahead to the inn, and was now on his fourth ale. Annabelle should be there soon, in truth Marric didn't know where she'd gone.
"Patron!" the shepherd shouted, "ale!"
"You take it easy now," a woman with a harp told him. She was with an old man playing the flutes and a young boy with a small harp. Family business, Marric thought.
All the man did was nod to the woman's comment and accept his drink from the barkeep. He raised the mug to the minstrels and drained forthwith.
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Post by Annabelle Atria on Apr 13, 2007 10:15:02 GMT
Annabelle had calmed herself. Even though she was worried sick about Richard, she had managed to compose herself. Annabelle walked into the noisy tavern, it only took her a few minutes to spot her good friend Marric, at the bar. She walked over, and took a seat besides him. " Already started drinking, Marric ?" Annabelle said smiling. Annabelle then turned to the bartender who was waiting for her order. " Oh, no thank you, I don't drink." Annabelle said, the bartender walked off. Annabelle then turned her attention back to Marric. " I wanted to thank you Marric. For helping me so much, I really appreciate everything you and Zoltan have done for me." Annabelle said smiling.
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Post by Marric Laster on Apr 14, 2007 11:01:59 GMT
Marric looked surprised when Anna said those last things. He frowned and stared at th young woman with wide eyes.
"Zoltan, aye, but me? no, I never did much..." he stuttered. The shepherd's dog felt his boss' unease and Marric could se him rise to his feet.
"Okay, now. Sit, friend," he said slowly and silently, and Bucolica listened.
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Post by Annabelle Atria on Apr 14, 2007 11:35:45 GMT
Annabelle wished Marric wasn't so down on himself. She knew that the situtation they were in ,with the illness of Richard, would have an affect on their attitude, but that didn't mean they should have such hurtful minds. Annabelle thought of a way to cheer Marric up, after all he had done for her, cheering him up would be the least she could do. A tune chimed through the tavern.
"I-I wish I was in the land o' cotton. Old times there are not forgotten. Look away! Look away... Look awa-ay, my old friend..."
Annabelle stood to her feet. " Come Marric, dance with me." Annabelle said smiling, putting her warm hand out to him.
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Post by Marric Laster on Apr 14, 2007 11:43:05 GMT
Marric looked at Anna and nodded with an honest smile. He stood up and led her in a fast-paced dance. Marric knew the song as well as the moves. He almost stepped on his partner's toes for nigh on to three times. Light-headed, he felt the ale starting to tingle in his belly.
"I-in Elendhel where I was born, early on one frosty morn'! Look away, look away! Look awa-ay, my old friend!" the shepherd sang along.
A group of children had joined to watch the fun. Marric recognizd some, but couldn't remember where he'd seen them before.
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Post by Annabelle Atria on Apr 14, 2007 11:50:43 GMT
A smile grew on Annabelle's face. Marric seemed to be enjoying himself as Annabelle danced with him. Some children began to dance along side them as well. Soon, Annabelle could see the dizziness growing in Marric's eyes. She knew he was a drunk, but maybe that was the best way to free his mind of stressful thoughts for the moment. When the upbeat song had ceased, Annabelle took Marric's arm gently. " Come Marric, it is in your best intrest to recieve some rest." Annabelle began to walk slowly, along side him.
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Post by Marric Laster on Apr 14, 2007 11:59:59 GMT
"I didn't..." the drunken man started, suddenly ashamed. Why had he danced with this woman? This beautiful, young woman, who belonged to another... He felt like yanking her close and tell her to forget richard, but even the alcohol in his blood couldn't wash out the chivalry. He swallowed all his words, for fear of saying something that ought remain unspoken.
Marric followed the girl, who held her hand, wishing he couldn't feel the softness of her skin on his arm.
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Post by Annabelle Atria on Apr 14, 2007 12:08:13 GMT
Annabelle led Marric up to a room for which she had paid for. Not caring for the money, but for the safety of a friend. Annabelle led Marric into the room, sitting him down on the bed. " You may stay her for as long as you must." Annabelle said sweetly. " I will be back soon, to check on your well being. Until then, rest." Annabelle said smiling. Annabelle made sure Marric was well taken for, before she headed for the door. " Oh, and Marric. Thank you for the dance." Annabelle said smiling to him before she left the room.
( OUT )
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Post by Marric Laster on Apr 14, 2007 12:11:35 GMT
Marric didn't know what to say, still fearing his treacherous tongue will betray him. So, the man laid down on the bed and said nothing. He just waited for Anna to leave, appreciating all she did for him, but unable to face her in the state he was in.
Bucolica quickly jumped into the room and then Anna was gone.
"Thank you," Marric said, "my lady,"
Then he all but instantly fell asleep.
(out)
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