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Shalkai walks quietly with Talitha through Kithicor as she strides slowly, deep in thought. Rare beams of afternoon sunlight make the deep shadows even darker as they walk down the dusty trail. He wonders what she is thinking, and wonders if he should have avoided making any kind of a scene in the Tiger's Roar. He runs over it again in his mind, and decides Tylum is worth keeping track of, even at the cost of risking a little danger, or even by annoying Talitha. If she's even annoyed at all, that is....it's so hard to tell what she's feeling at times.

Finally, she turns to him and quietly asks about their travel plans. Shalkai is startled for a second, mostly by her question about Rivervale. She must not have noticed them walking right by the turnoff to the Halfling's home a half hour ago. He just nods and responds, though.

"Yes, I was thinking Freeport tonight, and we'll sleep on the boat over. If we're too tired though, we can stay the night in dustytown and catch the morning boat. So...dinner plans....do you want to picnic on the Ro beach and watch the sun set, or eat someplace fancier in town?"

After her response, Shalkai speeds up the pace a little, and keeps conversation going for a while as they head into the commonlands. He starts by relating some old tales of running the Wayfarers Tavern many years ago, after he first joined Sigils. Tylum figures heavily in his stories, as the young apprentice bard was a major fixture back then, and Shalkai wants Talitha to understand his continuing interest. He also tells her about Philodendron, known by everyone as Phil, and some of the humorous episodes involving the little halfling....like the time he got stuck under a wine barrel.

The afternoon passes swiftly, and soon they are on the road, with all its Inns, approaching the city of Shalkai's first adventures.

Shalkai ceases his tale-telling as they approach Freeport, sensing Talitha's distraction. She also seems relaxed, though, which pleases Shalkai quite a bit. One of the goals of this trip was to give them both a little relaxation and freedom from their usual cares. So far, things seem to be mostly off to a good start on that score, he thinks to himself.

The city is dusty and hot, even on this fall day, once they get inside the walls. The breeze can barely reach into the twisting alleys Freeport calls roads, and the sun-baked walls still reflect heat downwards even as the afternoon shadows lengthen. Shalkai decides to himself that they have enough time for a stop or two before dinner-time and catching their boat. Since the bard guild is close by the west gate, he turns his feet that way. Talitha and Shalkai spend nearly an hour there, visiting with old friends and new students. They trade a song or two with the human bards, then Shalkai makes excuses and guides Talitha and himself back out onto the streets.

Shalkai decides they have just enough time for one more quick stop before seeking out a restaurant for dinner, so he wordlessly escorts Talitha east through the city. She is silent once again, enjoying living in the moment, waiting to see what their journey will next encounter. She doesn't wonder for long, though, as Shalkai turns a corner and then starts heading straight towards the Temple of Marr. Shalkai slows down for a moment, and extends his arm to her. She stops and starts to blush, then a small smile appears on her face as she reaches out and takes his arm. She walks very upright, the tiny smile still gracing her lips, as they match strides and slowly approach the guarded entrance. Her bow of greeting to the gate-guards is every inch that of a lady, despite her dusty traveling clothes.

Once inside, they pause for a moment and enjoy the cool green sward and the ponds inside the temple grounds - a pleasant contrast to the dusty streets outside. They enter the Temple proper and pray quietly for a few minutes. After their prayers, they are greeted by a few old friends and start visiting and exchanging news. Shalkai is a frequent visitor to the Temple, and Talitha has even deeper ties here, having worked for the Temple in various roles over the years. Soon several friends are gathered around the two, asking about their recent adventures. Shalkai is happy to fill them in, and Talitha is just as happy to stand beside him and let him do the talking, only adding the occasional smile or nod. Then Shalkai cheerily relates one of the biggest bits of recent news, that of their own engagement. Talitha blushes and lowers her gaze, but then her heart and mind start to race as she looks downward. She nearly panics as her thoughts turn to what these people might think of her engagement, after all these long years.

Shalkai senses her sudden tenseness through the hand laid on his arm. He steals a few glances at his betrothed as he fields a barrage of happy, excited questions. His thoughts turn for a minute, wondering what might have made Talitha so uncomfortable, before he finally remembers her stories of times before they even met. Suddenly realizing his blunder, he gives her arm a squeeze and bends his head over to whisper in her ear, "It'll be all right, love. I'll make our excuses. I'm sorry, I didn't think what a big fuss this bit of news would cause!"

Their companions just smile at one another as Shalkai whispers to Talitha, then turns back to them. Shalkai shrugs at them with a depreciating smile, and explains that Talitha is still very shy about being the center of attention. Their smiles grow even wider at seeing the honorable and usually forthright singer caught before them, head bowed and cheeks bright red, unable to say a word. Shalkai then starts to excuse himself and Talitha, explaining that they have to catch the boat soon, but the priests and acolytes have different plans. The senior among them sends an acolyte rushing off, then insists that Talitha and Shalkai be guests for dinner at the Temple, and promising not to keep them overlong. All the servitors of Marr are obviously delighted at the thought of a celebratory dinner to honor the couple. Shalkai bites his lip and wonders if there is any way to graciously decline, but realizes there is none, even though he can feel Talitha's anxiety growing. The servants of the Twins know exactly when the ships depart, even better than he does. Shalkai thanks them for their hospitality, and asks if they can be given a few minutes to freshen up. Then he bends over and whispers to her again, as some of the younger female acolytes give Talitha a quick squeeze or pat of congratulations before they hasten off to get ready for supper.

"I'm sorry, there's no help for it, Tal...but see? There's nothing to worry about! See how overjoyed everyone is for us?....for you? This is the way it should be." Talitha takes a few quick breaths, then nods in reluctant acceptance. Acolytes quickly escort them off to guest rooms, where they quickly wash up and change into clean clothes. Less than a half hour later they are led down to the dining hall, and a merry if brief feast occurs. Talitha soon finds that she is rather enjoying herself, as she tries to answer all the eager questions from the priestesses and acolytes, and is forced to repeatedly show off her engagement ring. She finds herself filled with pleasure as she explains that her ring bears the hallmark of a true master jeweler, and one of her oldest friends, the enchanter Beldhyr Jogues.

Soon enough, the sun sets, and six rings peal out from the great bells atop the Temple. As they sound, two senior knights of Marr stand and march up to the guests, and announce it is their honor and priviledge to escort the two bards down to the docks. Talitha's embarrassment returns as she is once more the center of so much fuss, and her gaze lowers once again. Shalkai and the senior priest exchange brief speeches of thanks, and then Talitha and Shalkai are promptly escorted from the dining hall by their knight escorts. Once outside, they find a servant carrying both their bags waiting. Shalkai begs for a minute's delay from their escorts, then leads Talitha off a few steps to the left, onto the beautiful open portico north of the Temple entrance. He gives her a quick hug, then puts two fingers under her chin and tilts her head skyward, at the darkening sky. She gazes up at the first few stars gleaming above, and smiles. Shalkai's gaze turns upwards briefly as well, then returns to her face, a soft smile upon his features.

"There.....memories of the past, with another from the present to add to them. All is well, my love. But now, we have a boat to catch!" Shalkai holds out his arm once more, but his smile turns teasing as they make their way back to their escorts. He grins and whispers to her one last time, "And once we're on the boat, away from these honorable knights, you may bonk me soundly for my wayward tongue and all the bother its caused!"

As they head off from the docks hand-in-hand, Shalkai considers their journey so far, and also what remains of it. After glancing up into the nearly cloudless sky, he comes to a quick decision, and steers them off to the right once they leave the fortifications protecting the docks. Talitha looks at him curiously as they head south, back towards the beach leading off into the distance. Shalkai smiles at her unasked question, and explains,

"Its a beautiful morning, and we're in no rush. I feel like watching the sea, and enjoying the sun on the trees and the sand for a while." Talitha gives a little nod and returns his smile, then they walk in silence for a few minutes until they reach the dark sand. Shalkai comes to a stop and moves his arm around Talitha's shoulders. "I've always loved to listen to the sighing of the waves, as you've no doubt noticed by now," he says with a small chuckle. "I don't know why...maybe the ever-changing rhythm of the ocean....but I do. The sound of the wind rushing through boughs I find perhaps even more comforting, but we'll be hearing that soon enough. Mmm...I guess I just feel like enjoying more of Nature's music today."

The couple ambles slowly down the beach, stopping frequently to pick up and admire shells, or watch the waves crash into a rocky outcrop. The morning slowly turns into a warm autumn day, with the sun hanging over the dark green forest behind the sands. A hazy mist from the ocean is caught in the still air between the trees, and turns them into a portrait of green and reflected golden sunlight.

As midday approaches, Talitha interrupts their reminiscing with a question, wondering if they should be heading back and on the road to Kelethin. Shalkai shakes his head in reply, and tells her, "Not just yet. We've still plenty of time. I sent a letter telling Sarotar to expect us sometime late today, but there's no rush. We'll just head straight to the Wayfarer's Camp from here, anyway. Elves don't need roads, after all, and I still remember these mountains very, very well from my youth. I bet you'll catch me patting a few old forest giants I remember from old as we go!" With that, Shalkai turns his tales to times of his first return to Faydwer, when he hid from and ambushed goblins, and searched for weeks for a perfect scarab carapace as demanded by the armorers of Kaladim.

At lunchtime, Shalkai pulls out a flask of cold tea, and some apples and shelled nuts. The two crunch their way through the snack, while Shalkai promises her a fine dinner in Kelethin. Talitha frowns, wondering what kind of dinner plans he might have in mind. He smiles at her, and explains he is thinking of a quiet table in a tavern by the south lift where the cook prepares wonderful sauteed prawns, and the two bards can sit and start going through the old Aven archives. Talitha's gaze turns to a look of intense interest at this, and she starts asking more questions about the old papers and what Shalkai plans for the rest of the day. He explains all, telling her he plans for them to stop by the orphanage and drop off their bags with Sarotar, go visit the papers in storage and take some of the journals and records out, and then have a leisurely dinner with lots of reading at the tavern. Talitha smiles and accepts the plans graciously, and starts to feel anticipation for what the rest of the day holds.

After finishing their food, the two set off south along the beach for a little longer, though both steal glances east into the trees and towards Kelethin from time to time. After another mile crunches by in the sands beneath their feet, Shalkai finally turns left and heads up a valley into the trees and crags of Butcherblock. The forest is nearly silent, only a few sounds of birds and distant animals to be heard. The two elves travel quietly as well, respecting the silence about them. Their sharp eyes notice the angry eyes of a few goblins, and one scruffy dwarf, peering at them from behind boulders or over fallen trees. Nothing is unwise enough to attack them, though. After several hours, they come out of the trackless southern bounds of the hills and find a road in front of them. Shalkai guides them to the right, and the next hour finds them passing a dwarven outpost and the Wayfarer's camp. They are still traveling slowly, enjoying the trip and not using any of Selo's tunes to speed their journey.

Late afternoon finds them crossing the pass into the great valley of Faydark and wending their way under the giant trees towards Kelethin. They greet the guards with smiles, and head up the lift into the flets above. Shalkai leads her on a twisting journey to one of the flets on the southwest side of the city, and points to a large, drum-shaped building poised above the platform ahead.

"Well, there it is. The Redwood Orphanage. We'll just stop and say hi to Sarotar, and drop off our bags. I want to visit Willaen before he closes, and get our papers out of storage. We'll explore the orphanage tomorrow." The two head up the stairs leading to the entrance in the bottom of the round building, and Shalkai carefully unlocks the gate and door, relocking them after they pass through. Once inside, he knocks on the nearest door, then opens it and ushers Talitha in at the call from within. Inside, Sarotar Windchaser rises and greets his uncle and guest, showing them to chairs and pouring them a cup of wine in welcome. Shalkai formally introduces Talitha to Sarotar, The younger elf responds with gracious attentiveness, which starts Talitha blushing, but his casual, airy demeanor soon puts her at ease. The three visit for a few minutes, Shalkai explaining his plans for the rest of the evening. Shalkai passes over their bags to Sarotar, and murmers a few requests into his ear, then offers his hand to Talitha. The two bards take their leave from Sarotar and head back down into Kelethin, this time only burdened with a single bag. At Tal's curious glance, Shalkai explains that he has a few journals in it, plus things to make copies and notes if they want.

They wend their way back to the center of Kelethin, and stop by to see Banker Willaen. The banker smiles and nods at Shalkai's request, and bids them wait a few minutes. An assistant goes off, then returns a quarter hour later, wheeling a small, bronzebound trunk on a cart. Shalkai and the banker each unlock separate locks on the trunk, then Willaen returns to other work. Shalkai starts pulling out some bound volumes, and two small bundles of string-wrapped loose papers, while Talitha looks on. He catches her curious glance at everything in the trunk, which is filled with books, papers, a few portraits wrapped in protective cloth, and some small mementoes. He smiles and says, "Don't worry! We'll be back, and you can take as much time as you want to go through everything. I'm just getting a few things now. We'll want daylight to go through the rest of this."

Shalkai gets what he wants out of the trunk, then relocks it and returns it to Willaen's care. The two then head off over a few bridges, and find themselves at a small tavern overlooking the south lift. Shalkai holds the door for Talitha as they enter and are greeted. They are quickly ushered over to an already-set table with two glasses of elven wine already poured. Talitha shoots an inquisitive glance at Shalkai, who grins and explains that he sent word ahead through Sarotar. A plate of pastry appetizers soon arrives, but finds itself quickly pushed aside, as Shalkai pulls out volumes and starts showing passages to Talitha, who is completely entranced by this look into years past, and shocked with sudden memories as her own name appears in places within them.

The two take a break for dinner, as the prawns smell and taste wonderful enough to distract even scholars in the midst of discovery, and then return to the stacked volumes. Hours pass, and the two go through nearly two bottles of wine and some large pieces of pie as they read and quietly talk. Finally, Talitha's eyes start to flag, then Shalkai yawns in response, so he starts packing things up. It is nearly midnight as the two make their way across the quiet platforms of Kelethin back to the orphanage. Once inside, Shalkai shows her the room he'll be using on the second floor, then escorts her up to the fourth floor, and unlocks another room. They meet no one in the halls and stairs, though a few quiet sounds can be heard behind other doors. He gives her the key to her room, and escorts her inside. Talitha finds her bags standing next to the freshly-made bed, and the window partly open to let in the night breeze. She looks around the small, comfortable room in delight, and gives Shalkai a thankful hug. The two share a long, tender good-night kiss, then Shalkai bids her goodnight, and tells her to sleep in late and relax. He asks her to come down to his room and find him if she awakens early, but otherwise, the only plans for the morrow are a tour and introductions in the Orphanage, and looking at more of the old papers in storage. With that, he gives her one last quick embrace, then smiles softly as he leaves the tired bard to her thoughts and sleep. Talitha can barely hear the soft words he utters as he closes the door behind him, but she knows exactly what they are all the same.

"Until the world shall end...."

The door opens soon after the second knock, and Shalkai greets Talitha with a warm smile and a soft-voiced "Good morning!" He waves her into the room with a bow and a smile. Talitha notices that his hair is still tousled, but his eyes are bright and awake, and he is already dressed. Glancing around the room, she sees his bags open, and the contents mostly strewn on the bed. Shalkai picks up a bag sitting on the desk chair and drops it to the floor, then invites her to have a seat.

"I was just sorting things out, as you can see. Stuff for Sarotar, stuff for the playrooms, some new clothes, well....you see. Those Aven journals are right by you on the desk, if you want to leaf through them. Why don't we get things sorted out here, then go get some breakfast in a half hour or so? The kids and teachers should be off to the classrooms by then, so it won't be a big production with introducing you to everyone. I figured we'd have you meet people either as we tour the orphanage, or at dinner some night, whichever suits you best. No big deals like at the Temple of Marr, though! I let Sarotar know we are here to relax and plan, not have big parties."

Talitha considers that for a moment, then nods silently in agreement. Shalkai nods in response, then turns to his nightstand and grabs a small teapot. "Some cold tea to tide you over until breakfast?" He pours and hands her a small cup, then turns back to his sorting.

"So....I'm thinking we'll get some breakfast, drop off this stuff on the way out, and go visit Willaen again. Maybe eat lunch at a nice restaurant or the Songweavers? Whenever we've had enough of the old papers, we'll come back here. I'll show you around if you still have the energy. You've asked lots of questions about here, and we'll get to everything....but not all in one day!"

Shalkai continues to sort and stack things, while Talitha sips the cold mint tea and peruses some of the old Aven records. After a few minutes, Shalkai grunts in satisfaction and sits himself down on the bed. "There, that should be enough. Now....in thinking about things, it would probably be easier to introduce you to a few people at a time, maybe spread over the next couple of days. There are a score of children, and nearly a dozen adults around here, so all at once would be hectic and nervewracking. Once you've been introduced and met some people, I think you'll be quite comfortable, though. The dining room has small tables, so we can eat there whenever you want and just chat with a few others at our table. The kids will be curious, like they are about anyone new, but once they see you a time or two they'll be fine."

He pauses as children's voices come echoing up the stairway, followed by the sound of many footsteps as kids head up to the classrooms. He just smiles at Talitha as the voices, laughs, and footsteps recede upstairs.

"There....a few more minutes, and the dining room will be pretty quiet. Sarotar should be there still, and one or two others, but that's about it. Oh...that reminds me. I wanted to get a note ready for Reridore....maybe meet her tomorrow for some wedding planning. Here....switch seats with me for a sec, please?"

Talitha obligingly switches places, and Shalkai pens a quick note, seals it in an envelope, and slips it into his beltpouch. After that, he holds out his hand to Talitha, and they leave the room. The two slip quietly down the stairs, meeting no one on the short journey to the dining room. They enter, and find only two people inside...Sarotar, sitting alone at a table with a cup and some papers, and a young woman cleaning up stacked dishes off a low table.

"Good morning!", says Shalkai, then he makes introductions. "Jaldri, this is Talitha, a bard and fellow Sigil who's visiting this time with me. Talitha, meet Jaldri, our assistant cook. And you know Sarotar, of course." After the introductions, Shalkai leads Talitha over to a table with various pots and trays on it, and they help themselves to what's left of the morning buffet, then sit down with Sarotar. Jaldri takes a load of dishes into the kitchen, returns and pours herself some tea, then takes the last seat at the table. They all begin talking quietly as the two bards break their fast.

The two bards proceed through a busy day, but enjoy themselves while they do so. Talitha is briefly introduced to a few more people in the orphanage as they drop things off, but the grand tour is postponed until the morrow. After that, they collect the papers and other mementos from storage, then proceed to the Songweavers. A workroom becomes their home for the day, in between visits with the Songweavers' staff. Shalkai makes sure his note goes in the morning post, and then the whole day is devoted to reminiscing of years gone by. Both of them find themselves smiling and even laughing at times as they go through the pictures, letters, and journals. Much time is spent remembering their old friends, now long retired. At times they find themselves reminded of names they'd forgotten over the long years, and pause to think or talk of them.

As the evening approaches, they gather a few copies they've made of particularly interesting bits, plus some journals to peruse later, and then return the trunks once again to storage. They take a leisurely stroll on the green grass under Kelethin to stretch their legs, then Shalkai escorts Talitha out to dinner again, this time a small family-run restaurant in the north part of Kelethin. They enjoy a long, quiet dinner as their conversation turns to many things - wedding plans, how much Kelethin has changed over the years, thoughts of the past, and dreams for the future.

Talitha asks about plans for the morrow, and is quietly pleased to learn they are short. Shalkai suggests that they join everyone for breakfast, then he'll give her a full tour from top to bottom. Once Talitha has seen the orphanage and met the children and staff, Shalkai intends that they just relax, helping out and visiting if they feel like it, until late afternoon. Shalkai smiles as he tells Talitha she'll have plenty of time to do whatever she wants the next afternoon, either alone or with him. Nothing is planned until near sunset, at which time the two of them will meet Reridore a bit south of Kelethin for a quiet wedding planning session.

They eventually head back to the orphanage, walking slowly as they muse about possible choices for wedding details. Just like before, they find themselves overwhelmed with many possibilities for when, where, and how to do things. After a while, Shalkai changes the talk back to other things. They stop at a tavern and enjoy a brandy nightcap to warm themselves in the cool Faydark night. A short walk after that, holding hands, finds them back at the orphanage.

********

The next morning finds them both awake early again, so they are among the first people to the dining room. They take spots at one of the tables, where Shalkai finds himself performing many introductions, and he and Talitha quietly answer dozens of questions as the word spreads that Shalkai and his betrothed are there. Breakfast-time is long and loud as the many children of all ages chatter and interrupt with questions. Eventually though, the teachers gather up the children and move them off to the classrooms and playrooms for the rest of the morning. As peace descends once more in the dining room, Talitha turns to Shalkai with a sigh and a bemused look on her face. Her wide eyes speak silent volumes, and Shalkai can only shake his head and wryly smile back at her.

"It's like a really big family...what can I say?"

Shalkai gives Talitha a quick hug, then settles back into his chair. He smiles to himself as he considers what life has brought him. He may have no grandparents, parents, or siblings, but he is still blessed by being part of two large families, at the Sanctum and the Redwood Orphanage. His smile grows more tender, and he leans over to soundly kiss Talitha (which provokes a gasp and blush from her) as he thinks of a future alongside her - a hopeless dream for many years, but one about to finally be realized.

Soon they leave the dining room, and Shalkai takes her on a long, slow tour of the whole building. They see the kitchen and storerooms, laundry and offices, bedrooms and bathrooms. Talitha soon realizes that as full as it seems, the orphanage was actually built to hold even more children. Her questions elicit long responses and explanations of how the building was built, then later expanded, with planning for everything Shalkai and the veteran staff could think of, from fire to thievery to preventing children from wandering off. Talitha enjoys visiting the classrooms, and finds herself giving an impromptu flute lesson to the older children for a half hour. She spends even more time playing with the younger children in their big, bright playroom, answering questions and telling stories. The tour ends up on the top floor in the nursery, where Talitha and Shalkai spend a quiet hour with Deslana and the babies, quietly making friends while getting the little ones down for their morning nap. Talitha soon finds herself at ease with Granny Des, who has seen more years than Talitha and Shalkai put together. Deslana's thoughtful, kind and patient nature, and old-fashioned manner of speech, make the two bards feel almost like children again themselves.