A Miserable Feast

[keep_hallways]

Unlike the dark, narrow halls of the barracks, the Great Hall was bright with candle- and fire-light. The smell of wood-smoke lingered in the air along with the scents of the dishes set out on the table

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[gotyourwallet]

Hungry as she was, the journal and the note within had almost Vie's full attention. The letter from Deior was one she'd been reading over and over, attempting to puzzle out the how and why and where exactly the Keep was. It wasn't going so well. There were too many questions, not enough answers, and a single glance around the room was evidence enough that these others were not from her homeworld.

Frustrated, she shut the journal and focused on her mug of ale. The lump on the back of her head from when she'd been struck down in Shad's tower was still there, but thankfully smaller than it had been. Regardless, Vie had weapons, alcohol and more thoughts running through her mind than she cared for.

Quietly she sat, drinking and watching the others around her. It was amazing what you could learn just by playing witness.

[blackantiquas]

It was indeed. For example, just by watching, Rem knew that Vie was informed of her situation. He knew that her companions were either not here, or hadn't been gathered from around the castle yet. He knew that she preferred to observe, rather than immediately engage.

But observation was limited.

Though his steps were quiet, Rem made no effort to hide his approach.

"Hello. I trust you've been treated well?"

lol tense fail!

[gotyourwallet]

She looked to Rem and did her best not to startle at his eyes. They were different, he was different, and for a moment she couldn't help but wonder if Rem were one of the Shure clansman. Best to not reveal her species, at least until she was sure.

"Well enough, considering that our arrival seems to of caught you all off-guard."

Vie sipped at her ale and offered Rem a small smile. "Relieved as I am to be one that was saved, I can't help but worry about those left behind."

[blackantiquas]

Rem's smile softened. He sensed Vie's surprise, but he wasn't at all bothered by it, instead taking the empty seat to Vie's left.

"You need not worry about others you knew. They, like you, have lost their world, but it will be returned."

[gotyourwallet]

She turns to face him, one elbow on the table to support a slight lean. For a moment there is silence, the woman reading his face and searching for some hint that he is lying. Finding no reason to doubt him, save from that his words seem more fitted for a story than fact, and gives a slight nod.

"Alright, ah... I apologize, Sir, I seem to of missed your name?"

[blackantiquas]

"I am Rem. There is no need to call me sir - in fact, I would prefer if you did not." He pauses, and then asks, "And what is your name, miss?"

[gotyourwallet]

An odd thing to say. Vie gives Rem a curious, calculating look. "My name is Vie. Quite the pleasure to meet you, Rem."

She offers a slight smile. "Though I do wish it were under better circumstances. This day has been rather... eventful."

[blackantiquas]

"Indeed it has." There's a note of humor to his voice, though he doesn't out-right laugh.

"Tell me," he continues, "have you any unanswered questions? I may not be able to answer them all, but I will tell you what I can."

[gotyourwallet]

She offers a small smile. "I've many questions, Rem, about many things. Where exactly this place is, for one."

[blackantiquas]

"The keep is nowhere," Rem answers quite simply. "A place cannot be anywhere when nowhere is all that is left."