The Gig: Thursday [4-28-11]

[elephantgadget.livejournal.com]

Helen was working dilligently in the stables, head down and quiet. A balled up letter was lying on the table by her backpack and being studiously ignored.

Comments

[squire-hand.livejournal.com]

"Hallo The Gig!" James called out on approach.

[elephantgadget.livejournal.com]

Helen looked up and nodded, then continued on with her work.

[squire-hand.livejournal.com]

Oh. This was different. "What is it?" he asked, coming to a dead halt, looking around for anything lurking in the shadows.

[elephantgadget.livejournal.com]

She shrugged, eyes still down to try and hide her emotion. "Stupid priests."

The letter was short and to the point. No, they were not prepared to have her return as yet and they understood she was allowed to stay on through the end of summer and should do that. And no, they would not allow a message to be sent to her mother asking her to come to graduation. Her father had long since insisted she be written off as an abomination and they saw no need to bother anyone there ever again. Thank you and good day.

She'd known that was what they'd say, but she'd had to try and had hoped against hope that it might be different.

[squire-hand.livejournal.com]

"Are they here?" he asked, plotting the quickest route to where his sword lay.

If James were better acquainted with Kulgan, the court magician and once-tutor of Pug, who was counted as one of the most powerful magicians in two worlds, he would ask the elder mage to write back. If he were aware of the note.

[elephantgadget.livejournal.com]

She shook her head. "Just their words."

[squire-hand.livejournal.com]

He relaxed and let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. He nodded at the paper. "That?" he asked, putting everything into the single word.

[elephantgadget.livejournal.com]

She nodded. "Yes."

[squire-hand.livejournal.com]

"Burn it?" he suggested.

[elephantgadget.livejournal.com]

Helen managed a half smile for him. "It wouldn't change anything."

She hesitated. "Would you... would you hold me? And tell me I'm not an abomination?"

[squire-hand.livejournal.com]

"But you're not," he said, reaching for her. "It's a gift of the gods."

[elephantgadget.livejournal.com]

She went into his arms and clung to him, burying her face in the crook of his neck.

[squire-hand.livejournal.com]

"It's okay, they can't find you here," he murmured as he squeezed her tight.

And if these so-called Priests could find her here, they would see how resourceful he could be with the power of two worlds behind him.


[wooorktimes!]

[elephantgadget.livejournal.com]

"They wouldn't even bother," she said, fighting back tears.

[squire-hand.livejournal.com]

"They would find a very cold welcome," he promised.

It was jus a few years ago that he was thrown out of the only home he knew. He landed well. Helen appeared to land well, too.

[elephantgadget.livejournal.com]

"I miss my mother," she whispered, knowing she sounded pitiful, but not caring just then.

[squire-hand.livejournal.com]

"I miss mine," he said, after a moment. He gave her another squeeze.

At least Helen's mother was alive, possibly.

[elephantgadget.livejournal.com]

She nodded, hugging him tight.

[squire-hand.livejournal.com]

He absently rubbed her back. "You're safe, and wanted here," he stated.

[elephantgadget.livejournal.com]

"Thank you," she whispered.

[squire-hand.livejournal.com]

"Thank you," he whispered back. "For everything."

[elephantgadget.livejournal.com]

She smiled. "we are quite the pair, aren't we?"

[squire-hand.livejournal.com]

"We are," he agreed. "Best across three worlds, I wager."

[elephantgadget.livejournal.com]

She grinned. "I'm not so sure about that."

[squire-hand.livejournal.com]

"We should investigate and see," he said with a wink.

[elephantgadget.livejournal.com]

"Oh, I don't know," she said with a smile. "I think I like us just the way we are."

[squire-hand.livejournal.com]

"Well, we might have to eat," he teased. "I'm not fond of oats and hay. Perhaps venturing out to the town is in order?"

[elephantgadget.livejournal.com]

"I think that would be good, yes," she said. "I haven't been able to eat all day, but I think now, with you, I could."

[squire-hand.livejournal.com]

"It is a bad habit to go without eating," he chided lightly.

Worse habit to not have anything to eat.

[elephantgadget.livejournal.com]

"I try not to make a habit of it," she said with a half smile.

[squire-hand.livejournal.com]

"Good," he insisted, giving her another squeeze.

[elephantgadget.livejournal.com]

"Let's go get something to eat."

[squire-hand.livejournal.com]

"Yes," he said. "My treat."

[elephantgadget.livejournal.com]

She smiled and let him lead her from the stables.