For Aravi, a little scene from between the worlds:
___
Darkness had fallen early as it did in Evening Star. Three friends gathered to share the warmth of each other’s company in a fire-lit study. The Breton sat bent over correspondence. The Nord paced the floor with more speed and vigor than a small chamber should allow. The Bosmer perched on the hearth, wine goblet in hand and feet drawn up out of the way. She watched her friend with some amusement. Jerric thought best with his entire body in motion.
“You’re wearing out the carpet,” Lildereth observed.
“Do not attempt to ease his mind,” said Darnand. “The wind from his passing helps my ink to dry.”
Jerric stopped in his tracks. “Say, if it’s more wind you need, I could—”
“No!” cried the elf before he could rearrange his trousers. “I’ve already cracked the window. If we open it any more it might snow in here. You knew we were going to be indoors tonight! Why must you eat the food they put out in taverns? Spicy bean dip and cabbage rolls, for the love of Mara!”
“So, no lentil soup for dinner?”
Lildereth snorted. Jerric resumed his march.
“It’s nearly Saturalia,” he finally said.
Darnand did not reply. Lildereth gave him enquiring eyebrows.
The Nord sounded exasperated. “Well, is someone going to have a party? Will Aravi be able to make it? I’m not sure if I should send her gift, or wait and hope that we see her. I should have thought of this before. I know she likes to swim, and wet fur won’t keep her warm.” He tugged a fistful of hair in agitation. “I don’t know what to do.”
“Well,” said Lildereth, “first you should show me what you got her.”
Jerric produced a small package.
“Oh how lovely!” Lildereth exclaimed. “You chose this yourself?”
Jerric grinned. “Yep. And I enchanted it.”
That got Darnand’s attention. “You enchanted something? Let me see. A Frost Shield charm! This is a strong enchantment. How did you...?”
Jerric flushed. “Uh...”
Darnand’s face turned white. His eyes bugged out. “You used a
Sigil Stone?!”
Lildereth plucked the chain from Darnand’s hands and held it against herself. “I’m glad you got her gold instead of silver. Wait a moment, Jerric, this isn’t a necklace.”
The Nord hitched up his trousers. “Belly chain.”
Now Darnand looked flushed.
“That’s hot,” said Lildereth.
“I know. I tried to use two moons, but it looked like a pair of bosoms.”
Darnand found his voice. “Then you could have called it the Belly Chain of I Hope to See You Naked.”
Lildereth snorted. “That part goes without saying.”
Jerric coiled the chain carefully in its box. “I’ll send it to her today. Darnand, you can write the note for me. Elf, you pour us some more wine. I’ll sit down so the dog will come back in here.” Jerric plopped to the floor with a crash. “Ulfe! Come here, girl. It’s safe now.” He looked up after a few moments of lolling with the hound. “Come on you two, get busy. Who’s ready for dinner?”
For Aravi,
Belly Chain of the Icy Dip![IPB Image](http://chorrol.com/files/919/moon_belly_chain.jpg)
From your friends, with great affection.