The Road Least Traveled

Monday, September 28, 1528 (late at night)

It was still the day after the lich had been defeated, or perhaps really early Tuesday morning. Being in the middle of the night, it was hard to tell the exact time. It had been a strange day for Tirvor, as he tried to piece it all together in his mind while poking at the wood in the campfire.

First, the annoying little girl Mélielle wouldn’t stop pestering about what had been bothering him, as if talking to her would somehow be able to resolve something. It was during her pestering that he had notice the embrace between Eliam and Domino. A farewell, for the Meute was leaving that morning, but Tirvor could still see the feelings and emotions there between them. He was glad that Eliam was finally leaving. While his desire to kill was gone, he still hated the man.

Samia had approached him afterward. This discussion was of a different nature: one of sharing similar pains. She had lost her child two seasons ago, and could understand Tirvor’s loss with the death of Mathias. Samia’s story, however, had a happier ending, as a few days ago, she had found her daughter. Morgan had grown quickly over the last few months, but had left just as quickly as she appeared, gone in search of her father. Talking with Samia had allowed him to accept things as they were. It was a start for being at peace with himself.

By mid-afternoon, it was Domino’s turn to visit him. That conversation took on a whole different tone, as Tirvor really didn’t know where he stood with the priestess. There were some accusations, and some pointed questions from both sides. But in the end, what had to be said was finally said. For Tirvor, it was as if a weight was lifted off of him, allowing him to breathe again. As Domino left, Tirvor began to wonder if she finally started to see things his way, and understand his pain. He had offered her several possible solutions to her current problem, and hopefully she would use one of them, and they could resolve it together. When she left, Tirvor had hope that perhaps, just maybe, their friendship might have endured the storm.

But late that night, just a few minutes ago, Domino came to him again as he was sitting by the fire at his camp. Le Comte de La Britain (Sir François) was also there in the camp, sitting around the same fire, as was Samia, and Niena likely wasn’t too far away in the woods. Despite the presence of the others, Domino and Tirvor sat a bit away, and were able to have a semi-private conversation.

Domino had come to Tirvor with something else she wanted to do. And of course, it involved Eliam. Oh, not directly, and she avoided mentioning it, but there it was. Tirvor realized her mind was already made up. He saw no point in trying to convince her otherwise. He gave his opinion, certain that she wouldn’t really care what he thought anyway, and left the decision completely up to her. She then asked what Tirvor was going to do next – which, to Tirvor’s thinking, merely confirmed that her plans were made and certainly didn’t involve him in any way, as she didn’t seem to trust any of his ideas at resolving her problem. He again mentioned that he believed he could get the help and resources he needed in Firenze to solve things. But Domino’s response to his words - specific words Tirvor regretted saying almost immediately - surprised him. She got up and stormed away, clearly stating, loud enough for those nearby to hear something along the lines of “You don’t understand because you’ve never been a slave. You’re just a noble.”

Tirvor was taken aback by her words, and didn’t know how to respond. So much for trusting his judgment, he thought. It was a recurring theme with her. So he let her walk away.

As he had guessed, she already knew what she wanted, and nothing he could say or do would change that. She would likely be leaving now, on her “mission” that probably wouldn’t accomplish anything. At least it wouldn’t do anything to help her. Other than bring her closer to Eliam.

And he wondered, not for the first time since the conversation began, if he should simply have said, directly, he didn’t want her to go.

Monday, September 28, 1528 (late at night)

As Domino stormed away, Tirvor noticed the stares from Samia and Sir François, who had caught the end of that conversation. They remained quiet, however, not wanting to disturb Tirvor.

After a few moments, Samia asked if he was ok. Tirvor respond in the affirmative, stating that, although he was surprised at the ending, it was more or less the same outcome he expected regardless. But now that it was confirmed, it had narrowed down his choice of future paths to one; well, two actually, but they both had the very same beginning.

Tirvor asked Samia to excuse him, as he needed to talk privately to the Comte de la Britain. Sir François and Tirvor moved to the side for their private conversation. Tirvor asked the Count about the reward he had promised those who would help him reclaim his lands – a piece of land within his domain. Tirvor indicated how he thought he could provide much more assistance that most. He pulled out a map, showed places of interest to the Count, and indicated what would be the best way to proceed. For each issue the Count had with the idea, Tirvor offered alternatives, finding the solution that best fit the noble’s desires.

Tirvor thought the odds of his success at pulling off the plan were good, but they would certainly be better if Sir François himself came, as he could better argue the case in person. All Tirvor wanted in return, in addition to the land promised to everyone, was trade concessions for the Sunhallow Guild. The exact nature of the concessions would depend on the assistance provided, and could be negotiated… which was another reason why Tirvor believed it best for Sir François to attend in person.

Sir Fançois, however, merely answered that he would think about it, and provide an answer in the next day or two. Tirvor accepted, knowing quite well that the Count would have to talk to his wife, Countess Laure-Emanuelle, about this before answering.

With business completed, Tirvor then brought up another subject with the Count. Again, Sir François indicated that he would need time to think about it.

With that, Tirvor bid the Count a good night. As he left, he also wished Samia a good night, then proceeded to his tent. As Tirvor prepared for bed, he was pretty certain that the Count would accept his offer. It was likely the best offer of assistance he could hope to receive in his bid for reclaiming his lands.

Still, it wasn't guaranteed, and he would have to wait a day or two to see whether or not Sir François would be joining him on his way to Firenze.

Tuesday, September 29, 1528 (morning)

Tirvor was one of the first to awake that day. It was a sunny morning, although clouds closer to the horizon left some doubt as to whether or not the day would end that way.

Tirvor went through the camps, looking for a specific tent, until he finally found it. He found himself a comfortable tree to sit under, then sat there. He mused about whether he should return to his camp and get his guitar, but then shrugged. He would just sit here and enjoy the morning… something he hadn’t done in a long, long time.

His thoughts would drift to Domino occasionally, wondering if she had left or not. From the way things ended, he figured she would be disappearing out of his life.

As people got up all over the camp, Tirvor still waited. As always, he would be sleeping in, he laughed in his head. Finally, there was movement, and Draken eventually got out of his tent.

Tirvor approached his friend, or at least he hoped Draken was still his friend. It had been a while since he had talked to him. It really started to dawn on Tirvor what the impacts his self-imposed exile had been. But had he not left, then likely Eliam would be dead now, and the current situation would probably have been worse. Or would it? It was too late now, he thought. What is done is done. The damage to most of his friendships could hopefully be repaired. The damage to himself… well, there are always sacrifices to be made. Thinking back to the conversations he had yesterday, Tirvor found it sad that this sacrifice had been all for nothing. He quickly snapped those thoughts out of his mind as he arrived beside Draken.

The initial conversation with Draken was cautious, as the former servant was likely trying to discern what Tirvor wanted from him. Although not said in so many words, Tirvor ultimately apologized to Draken, and indicated he wanted things to go back as they were before. Draken accepted hesitantly.

Tirvor then went on to inform Draken about his plans. He was going to Turres, in Firenze, where he and Sir François (he hoped) would meet with his uncle, the head of the Sunhollow Guild. After the negotiations, they would then go back to LaRochelle where they would assist the Comte de la Britain in reclaiming his lands. Along the way, they would of course pass by Tirvor’s family’s estates to see how things were going there.

Tirvor then brought up the role he saw Draken playing in all of this. It was an important one. It was a task that showed that Tirvor had a lot of trust in his former servant.

Draken was happy to accept.