(no subject)

[socrowdedinhere]

 Tia: *will peek back once she thinks enough time has passed for him to dress... and she's right, he's dressed.  She turns to him.* ....Those slavers probably still have your things, hm? *she looks like she's considering if they can sneak in tonight to get his stuff back...*

Darnell: ................. *nods, grim* My horse, my satchel . . . my badge.

Tia: ...Worth the risk of trying to steal back from them tonight?

Darnell: *startles . . . eyes her* What are you thinking?

Tia: *shugs* That I have little to nothing but the cloths on my back and a small knife, and that's /all/ you have right now, and we could really use the supplies...

Darnell: ............. *grins* Yup, I had full travel supplies. Plus money to buy whatever else I might need. *pulls a breath* Tonight's hours away yet. I'm a decent cook. Maybe the local inn will let me help out in the kitchen in trade for a meal for two? And then we get to know each other a little until tonight?

Tia: .....*nods* All right, let's go then...

Darnell: *nods and will follow her*

Tia: *it will soon become...very clear she knows nothing about what she's doing.  She doesn't seem to know for sure how to identify an inn, and when she does (or Darnell points one out), she seems completely lost once they step in...really, Darnell maybe should just take the lead to get what they need...*

Darnell: *quickly will, quietly inserting himself to speak for his mistress and just getting things done*

*They'll have to go to three different inns before they'll find one willing to put Darnell to some work in exchange for a couple of meals.  Darnell will be put to work cleaning the kitchen actually, and then he can fetch food for himself and his mistress once he's done the job to the innkeeper's satisfaction.*

Tia: *sitting at a table when he's done and sent out with food.  She's looking all around, looking kind of... lost and out of place, and yet rather fascinated and taken with her surroundings.  She'll blush softly when she notices Darnell approaching.*

Darnell: *will give her a small bow as he sets down her plate* Milady. *will settle with his own*

Tia: ...Thank you. *gives him a smile and...omg it’s so obvious she’s /starving/ and /trying/ to be polite and not just scarf the food down*

Comments

[neverasked4this]

Darnell: *thought so and has brought her a larger portion than for himself (he's at least eaten since yesterday...)*

[socrowdedinhere]

Tia: *manages to keep her dignity, if barely. She definitely finishes it all.* That was really good. *she gives him a bright smile, a bit of a tease in her tone and expression.* I’m so glad you’re good at cleaning.

[dragondancer5150]

Darnell: *grins* I'm useful for a few things. *keeps his voice down as he looks at her* I wanted to ask, though...you had enough money to buy a slave, but you've not eaten in some time? *offered to work for food because he didn't want to assume she had any money left over*

[socrowdedinhere]

Tia: *won’t look at him now* *shrugs* You seemed like a better investment.

[dragondancer5150]

Darnell: *another piece in the puzzle, files that away for later.../sincere/ as he replies instead* I can't say I'm not grateful, milady. Thank you, truly, for stepping in when you did.

[socrowdedinhere]

Tia: *looks at him... and smiles.* I’m glad I was there to help and had enough money to do so.

[dragondancer5150]

Darnell: *nods* If we're going to get my stuff back, we'll have to follow the caravan out of town, since I doubt they'll stay once they've made all the sales they're going to. I'll talk to the innkeeper about some more work in exchange for a meal we can pack and carry with us.

[socrowdedinhere]

Tia: That would probably he a good idea... let me know if there is any way I can help. *just because she’s never worked a day in her life doesn’t mean she’s above trying... she’d just have to learn as she goes...*

[immortal_kitten]

Darnell: *eyes her, surprised at the offer...and yet somehow not, she may be a sheltered noblelady, but she's proven both kind and practical, plus she's out here by herself, which means she's either a runaway who's changed her mind, or she /was/ kidnapped and managed to escape...either way, it shows a strong will and a willingness to get dirty - he nods* Of course, milady. *they'll finish eating and he'll take the dishes back into the kitchen, having her come with him as he talks to the innkeeper again about more work (not /necessarily/ to include her, but he can better keep an eye on her...and more easily offer her something to do once he knows what's to be done)*

[socrowdedinhere]

Innkeeper: *waves off Darnell’s offer.* Son, I’ve had people offer to clean my kitchen for a meal who haven’t done half as well as you uave. If I can give them a meal for their work I can give you two for yours. I’ll pack something up for you both.
Tia: *gives the innkeeper a bright smile.* Thank you very much. Still, if there’s anything you'd like for us to do, just say.

[immortal_kitten]

Darnell: *small bow* Thank you so much, sir. *glances at Tia, small grin - definitely very kind and conscious* And yes, as she said.

[socrowdedinhere]

Innkeeper: *waves them off again.* Just wait there, I’ll pack up some food for you.
Tia: *turns that smile on Darnell once the innkeeper is back in the kitchen.* Thank you for doing such a good job earlier. I think you really made an impression.

[immortal_kitten]

Darnell: *small grin, shrugs* I did the job put before me. *he honestly wasn't doing anything extra in his mind*

[socrowdedinhere]

Innkeeper: Here you go. *holds out single bundle.* There’s enough for two in there.
Tia: *smiles, it’s such a bright and warm smile.* Thank you again. You’re very kind.
Innkeeper: *her smile is infectious and he smiles too.* Just paying for the work done, milday.

[immortal_kitten]

Darnell: *grins, it really /is/ infectious - accepts the bundle* May your establishment last and be prosperous, sir. *with that, they'll head out*

[socrowdedinhere]

Tia: *once back outside she’s looking around everywhere. Half just drinking in the sights, and half nervously studying people...*

[immortal_kitten]

Darnell: *slips a light but protective arm around her shoulders* Let's go take a peek at the slavers. It took them a while to set up, so if they're not already packing, we have a bit of time. *if she doesn't protest, he'll steer her that way - he's not planning to approach or even let their presence known, he just wants to see what their status is*

[socrowdedinhere]

Tia: *tucks to him...and the mention of he slavers reminds her of seeing him nude, and that though makes her blush. She won’t look at him, and hopes he doesn’t notice, but she doesn’t protest or pull away, easily moving with him.*
*The caravan seems to still be settled. They’ve a little time yet.*

[immortal_kitten]

Darnell: *if he notices, he doesn't react - he'll spend some time studying the slavers and their movements . . . how many, pecking order, which wagon likely has his satchel, where's Blossom (if she still has his saddle and tack on, that will be easy...bonus if she still has his packs too, though that's unlikely at this point) - he learned some things from the inside last night, he's hoping to learn more from the outside today*

[socrowdedinhere]

*He’ll note the leader’s wagon, where his satchel likely is, and seems no one has bothered to remove the saddle or packs from Blossom yet, they’ve just not had time to worry about what travel supplies he may have had with him.*

[immortal_kitten]

Darnell: *points out Blossom to Tia* I’d really like to get my satchel back, but our priority is going to be her. She has all my travel supplies – bedding and such – plus we’ll travel faster. *he’ll have to repack things a bit to allow room for a second rider, but part of his mind is already working on that puzzle to one side . . . that done, he’ll slip them off somewhere where they can talk freely*

[socrowdedinhere]

Tia: *nods and will move off to find a private place to settle for now.* I wonder how long we’ll need to wait...

[immortal_kitten]

Darnell: *shrugs* No idea, but I’ll go peek at them now and then to see where things are. I’d guess they’ll get back underway by this afternoon. *grimaces* So they can be on the road between towns and maybe pick up their next poor victim to sell tomorrow. *huffs and lets it go* Anyway . . . *”so I guess we sit and get to know each other, since seems like we’ll be together for a while”…but that might just get her to shut down again, so he tries a different tactic, speaking conversationally* I really do want to get my satchel back, though. If they’ve not dug into it too deeply, they won’t have found my badge. Although I suppose even if they have, they’d just keep it in the satchel. It’s gold and silver, so it’s worth a /lot/. But more than that, the king himself gave it to me. *he’s hoping she’ll take the bait…*

[socrowdedinhere]

Tia: *hook, line, and sinker.* The king himself? *really?* You mean your detective’s badge, right?

[immortal_kitten]

Darnell: *nods, hiding his relief* I’m King Sidon’s Master Detective. His Majesty is good friends with a noble family by the name of Dukein. Apparently, the lord’s daughter, Lady Khela, has disappeared. King Sidon sent me to investigate her apparent kidnapping. I was on my way there when those monsters waylaid me. *tilts his head in the direction of the slavers - pulls a breath* Once I get you home, I intend to get back on that case, but I’ll need my badge to prove my claim to Lord Dukein that I am who I say I am.

[socrowdedinhere]

Tia: *her face is...too unresponsive as she just stares at him...and then tears slip down her cheeks.* L-Life Light. *she finally huffs and buries her face in her hands.* I-I’m K-Khela Dukein.

[immortal_kitten]

Darnell: *hand on her shoulder* I thought so, but I didn't want to assume. *will pull her into a hug if she'll let him* I'd like to say 'you're going to be okay now', but we're not out of the woods yet. *a beat, then wry* Literally... *glancing at the trees around them - rubs her back (or squeezes her shoulder if he's not hugging her)* You're not alone anymore, Lady Khela. I'll do everything in my power to see you home safely. You have my word.

[socrowdedinhere]

Khela: *leans into his hug, and huffs a soft laugh at his terrible pun.* Thank you. I-I’m glad I saw you this morning. I-I’ve so lost and helpless the last few days, I just wanted to find someone who might know what they’re doing out here.

[immortal_kitten]

https://socrowdedinhere.dreamwidth.org/351045.html?thread=7921477#cmt7921477

[immortal_kitten]

Darnell: *hadn’t actually intended the pun, only realizing what he’d said after the fact…but he’s glad it made her laugh* I can imagine so. *huffs a soft laugh of his own* Though the irony of being found and rescued by the very young woman I was sent /to/ find and rescue myself is not lost on me.

[socrowdedinhere]

Khela: *clinging to him, trembling softly. She’s finally able to let go and just.../deal/ with everything now that she’s found someone she knows she can trust without question...* Yeah, what are the odds of that, huh?

[immortal_kitten]

Darnell: *will hold her as long as she needs, glad to be a rock for her while she /does/ finally get to deal . . . after a long moment, quietly* Will you tell me what happened?

[socrowdedinhere]

Khela: *another huff at his question and she clings a lilttle tighter.* Four men came into my room at night. I’d never seen them before. I woke when one pressed something over my face. I-I couldn’t do anything. Th-they k-killed Tia, m-my attendant. *chokesob* Wh-whatever that man drugged me with kept me from moving or screaming. They stabbed Tia and left her to bleed to death on the floor as they carried me out the window. *gaspsob.* Life Light... *shaking hard now. They put me over the back of a horse and rode away. We rode all night, and all the next day, and into the night again before they stopped at a cabbin in the woods. They killed whoever lived there before, the bodies had been dumped outside and animals had been at them, and the from room smelled of death and blood. *regaining some control* I think they meant to deug me again, but forgot, exhausted themselves by then. They fell asleep, leaving me dumped on the floor by the bed one of them slept in. When the drug wore off and I could move again I found some shoes that fit well enough, dressy, the lady who lived there probably had them for special occasions. I also found a knife, and they’d left their money near the bed, so I took that too and left. I was going to take a hirse tol, but they started making noise when I tried to approach and I was afraid they’d wake the men if I pressed it, so I just ran. I know they’re hunting me, they have to be.

[immortal_kitten]

Darnell: *rubs her back, loving on her as she talks and cries* I’m sorry . . . I’m sorry you had to suffer all that. *again, will just…hold her as long as she needs*

[socrowdedinhere]

Khela: *takes the comfort, relishes the chance to let go and grieve. She’s had to keep it together, keep her head on straight and be smart so she could get away and find a way home, and now she’s with the very person sent to save her. Finally she’ll pull herself back together, the determination and fire back in her brown eyes.* Thank you, Darnell.

[immortal_kitten]

Darnell: *glad to see that, she’s a very sweet and sheltered girl, but she’s also surprisingly strong of character - nods* You’re /very/ welcome, Lady Khela. *will gently pull back from her* Stay here. I’m going to go take a peek at the caravan again.

[socrowdedinhere]

Khela: *nods and will shift to kind of tuck herself into some bushes.*
*It seems... the caravan may be settling in for the night to sell here again tomorrow before moving out. This may be an advantage for Darnell and Khela.*

[immortal_kitten]

Darnell: *surprised but /glad/ - heads back* Lady Khela, the slavers seem to be setting up camp, so they'll be staying /here/ for the night and we won't have to keep up with them on the road. We should get some sleep now while we can. We may well have a long night ahead of us. *no doubt she had as long a night as he did last night...and every night before that since her kidnapping*

[socrowdedinhere]

Khela: *relief.* Sleep sounds good. *just showbher where. She does have a small knife if Darnell wants to try to make a small shelter with pine bows.*

[immortal_kitten]

Darnell: *will do his best to make a small shelter, will have her climb in first, and then will follow, putting himself at the opening - will encourage her to sleep a few hours, then as it gets into afternoon, he'll wake her if she's not already awake, they'll eat, then he'll sleep a while . . . by then it should be dark*

[socrowdedinhere]

Khela: *she is /out/, feeling safe with him. And she’ll dutifully sit guard for him as he did for her. As dark settles in she’s clearly nervous, but determined. She’ll help him get his stuff and horse back.* So what’s the plan?