Welcoming returning heroes with lapetitmauvais

[lambwolfandman]

It's several hours past dusk when Alistair comes running. Predicting arrival times had never been a precise art. There's always the risk that the hero will come earlier or later than expected

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[lambwolfandman]

Alistair glances at Sebastien and offers a fleeting questioning but concerned look. Though it vanishes as Sabri look back at the two of them. Knowing that Sebastien would probably dislike it if Alistair asked what was wrong while there are so many people about.

"And your shoulder is alright?" He asks as his concern turns to Sabri. Asking about his friend, not the mighty hero everyone is hearing about.

"I can still shoot an arrow so I'm doing alright," the assassin replies with a soft smile.

"Do you have a trophy?" An excited young man asks.

Sabri shakes his head. "No. Only scars. As I said, I sold the pelt."

"Was that the only thing you killed?" Someone else who sounds somewhat unimpressed.

Again, he shakes his head. A smile light on his lips at the consistent questioning. "No. No, I have defeated many things."

"Like what?"

"Men, mostly." Sabri sighs as he says this but there is no regret in his eyes. To him, it is a fact of life. "But also strange beasts. Shape shifting creatures, and more than one ghul." He shifts his weight toward Alistair then. Speaking as if he and only he will understand. "They have been appearing in such strange places, my friend..."

Alistair frowns and nods. "You must tell me more when you don't have a crowd waiting."

"Ah! Yes!" Sabri sits back properly in his chair. Pulling apart what little of his roll is left. "I have encountered beasts and beautiful creatures, but my most common foe has been man."

[lapetitmauvais]

Sebastien looks back and forth between them, following the conversation as best he can. Watching Alistair's face carefully. Noting the frown and the solemn look, the way he and Sabri seem to be sharing a meaningful look. Sebastien doesn't understand. What places? Why are they strange? And who are these men Sabri has been compelled to battle so often?

It seems his curiosity will remain unsatisfied for now. He watches the hero, still tearing off little pieces of the roll. He wonders when Sabri will give leave for everyone else to eat. Sebastien has fed already, of course, so it is of no consequence to him. And Sabri is the guest of honour. It only makes sense that he should eat first. But he has been here some little while now, and Sebastien has seen more than one pair of hungry eyes dart toward the table. He frowns a little, but stares resolutely at his hands. Trying not to judge or make assumptions. He is the stranger here, not Sabri, and there is much he has to learn about the ways and customs of this world.

[lambwolfandman]

Sebastien may rest assured that as the members of the audience stop being distracted by Sabri's story telling they slowly start to help themselves. Smaller hands darting quickly as if it is a game not to get spotted by the older students.

"Did you rescue any damsels?" An older young man calls over. A grin already on his face at the idea.

"Yes, Sabri," Alistair encourages then. Smiling and leaning closer as if to pressure the assassin to answer. "Did you?"

Sabri's grin can hardly get any wider. He swallows his last piece of bread before answering. "Yes. I rescued several." He catches the glint in the young man's eyes and adds, "Rescued and only rescued. It is very hard to do much else when you have to go out every day and night."

"Did you see any of our brothers or sisters?"

"A few from time to time, yes. Not as many nor as often as I would have liked," the assassin admits sadly. "But they were all always doing reasonably well." There is barely a heartbeat before his tone jumps up a notch. Turning jovial once more. "But I have given my share of information for the time being! I will offer no more until I am given some gossip from home!"

"The Prince of Finland was arguing with the Prince of Sweden again!"

"That's not from home, idiot," another boy about the same age retorts. Though it causes Sabri to chuckle anyway.

"Lichtenstein picked up a French kid out of nowhere!"

That makes Sabri laugh. He pats Sebastien on the shoulder and calls back, "I can see that! But if he was brought from nowhere then how can he be French?"

The awkward silence from the student prompted several unhidden chuckles.

[lapetitmauvais]

It takes Sebastien a moment to realize that he is the French kid. He blushes bright red, blinking up at Sabri as the hero pats his shoulder. Looking around the room as the crowd breaks into a smattering of chuckles and the unfortunate student slides down low in his chair.

The vampire also notes more than a few hands making their way onto the feast table, helping themselves to various treats. His sense of fairness satisfied, and Alistair close by to lend moral support, he relaxes slightly. Still very curious about Sabri - and convinced the returning hero is holding out on them when it comes to more of those mesmerizing stories - but feeling less like a fish out of water than before. He listens intently to the chatter around him. All the while idly wondering how a humble student would know that the Prince of Finland was arguing with the Prince of Sweden. And why were they arguing? What does it all mean?

So much to learn. So much he doesn't know. And there's that nagging fish out of water feeling again. Sebastien chews his lip, wondering what else the evening has in store.

[lambwolfandman]

"Alistair has a girlfriend," a young man coos. An assassin judging by his unnecessary hood.

Sabri's eyes roll to Alistair and he grins a sly grin. Assassins informing an assassin. The healer already beginning to blush bright red. "Oh really?"

"Yes!" One of the young man's friends jumps up onto the table. Another follows and the two act out exaggerated scenes as they speak. The first leans on the shoulder of the second and gazes off into the distance. "He's hopelessly in love." Then the second takes the hand of the first who does a little spin. "And he dances and sings where ever he goes... And if you mention beauty he swoons as he remembers his mysterious lady." The first then falls gracefully into the arms of the second. Flapping a hand to his face.

"You two, don't step in any of the food!" Alistair begs in a hopeless attempt to change the subject.

Sabri laughs joyously. Both at the news and the display. "Ah Alistair! I had heard rumours, but is this true?"

The healer clears his throat. Casting a glance around to Sebastien and back to Sabri. "Yes," he replies very very quietly.

The assassin tilts his head. "Definitely a lady-friend?"

Alistair rolls his eyes and smiles. "Yes."

Sabri leans to Sebastien then. "Do you know anything about her?"

[lapetitmauvais]

Alistair surely catches Sebastien's dumbfounded look. The vampire staring at the healer openmouthed, so surprised at this news that he scarcely notices the assassins prancing about the tabletop. And then Sabri is looming over him, looking down with a hearty smile and an expectant look. Sebastien blinks, startled out of his reverie. Looking around the room as he slides down lower in his seat. Though his posture is already so bad that it would make his dear departed mother wring her hands in despair.

"No," he says, very quietly. Why does Sabri insist on calling attention to him? He doesn't like everyone looking at him. He averts his eyes, not wishing to embarrass Alistair any further, nor let that little ache he feels show on his face. Of course, Alistair had every right not to confide in him. He's entitled to a private life, after all. And by the sound of it, it's not just Sebastien who was left in the dark. He doesn't seem to have told anyone at all, except maybe Lichtenstein. Sebastien shifts in his seat, not sure what else to say. Waiting for Sabri's - and everyone else's - attention to shift elsewhere.

[lambwolfandman]

"I see." Sabri leans back then. A sly smile on his lips and a mischievous glint in his eye. "So he has kept everyone in the dark." His gaze flickers to Alistair and he makes a soft tutting noise. "Bad form, Alistair, bad form."

The healer sighs, "I was hoping to keep it out of the spotlight. At least until I brought her over. But the eyes and ears of the castle have other ideas, don't they?"

Sabri rubs his hands together happily. "Indeed they do, Basim! We'll teach you how to lure her to a bed of petals..."

"Sabri!" Alistair whines and nods to one of the younger students. "Remember your audience."

The assassin can't help but grin at the healer. As if all too happy of the reminder of his friend's concern for everyone around him. His hands stay palm to palm as he points to Alistair. "Then remind me, when we are out of earshot, to tell you of the poor bachelor who forgot to remove the thorns from his roses."

"Oh, Sabri..." Alistair mumbles as his head falls into his hand.

Sabri laughs again. "Don't worry! I will only speak great truths to my wonderful audience. That you must win a woman as you win any other person. Only with more effort and charming persuasion. I've oft heard of men who, jealous to see their beloved's gaze hover over another, have framed him with some devious crime. But usually that only serves to win her sympathy and insult her intelligence." He thinks before he adds thoughtfully, "Or perhaps it is just that only the dumb plans get found out and remembered in such a way."