Thread: Tempting Bonds (Neuro+LI)

Just outside the town of Taverhault, within the large grove, bright lights were strung from tree to tree. Boisterous sounds of dancing and merrymaking filled the air, the sound carried away by the chilly autumn zephyr. It was the end of autumn, with signs of another frosty winter. Around this time of year was the Autumnfest, a way to celebrate before the winter arrived-- and where there was revelry, the Arenthy would be in the center of it. Hear ye, hear ye! The magnificent Arenthy troupe! Those with a head can offer a halfpenny, and those without come free! Dressed in gaily colored clothing, a young boy with a lute strapped to his back called out loudly to the citizens of Taverhault, collecting coins and offering witty jokes as the audience congregated in front of the outdoor stage. Two caravans had been built by the Arenthy to for this very purpose. With the proper maneuvers, it could be converted and combined into a stage anywhere the troupe saw fit. The Arenthy troupe often performed on the greens outside of towns, despite the fact their patron was the Duke Haliax, which meant they could receive the best service that the towns could offer. They were humble troupers, of course. Sebastian! shouted another voice over the din of the festival. The boy looked up towards the source. His smile widened and he waved over the tall man approaching him, letting another trouper, Tryk, take over his shift. Kvothe! How now? I was beginning to enjoy myself, and now you're here to steal all happiness, as usual. The boy said teasingly, with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. A grin spread over his face, but it faltered once he noticed the darker look in Kvothe's expression. What troubles you? I was only kidding-- come now, have a drink with me? Sebastian gestured towards an area with tables and barrels of cider. Aye lad, I'll have a drink. Thank you, The older man said. As they retrieved their mugs of cider, the two took a seat in a more private corner of the grove. They could talk freely now, where there was not one ear to accidentally eavesdrop. So, Sebastian... how long will you keep this up? Kvothe said, quirking a brow at the lad. A secret smile played upon the old man's lips. Sebastian returned the smile coyly, and absentmindedly reached up to smooth down his short, cropped hair. I am not sure, I've grown fond of being myself. He responded, knowing all too well Kvothe's next words. The boy had kept up this little game of charades for a while, and ending the game would be almost like stepping in a stranger's shoes. Foreign, alien, unrecognizable-- yet familiar all at once. What's the meaning of this? Rinwen , you've kept up this disguise for much too long. Several months have passed since you've joined the Arenthy and come under my wing as a lutist, and swordmage-in-training. And with the coming of the winter... Kvothe's voice trailed off, and he simply shook his head. Glancing at her once more he took a long swig of his drink before he spoke again. How much longer do you plan to continue your deceptions? Come now, child, show me your true face. The young man did not flinch as the true name was spoken from Kvothe's lips. Still, Sebastian's face hardened, but doing little to disguise the delicate features, almost that of a woman's. You are now out of your boundaries, Kvothe. But, we will draw the curtain and let you see the picture, A hand reached up and pulled off the wig... and cascades of dark curls fell forth, revealing the woman behind the delicate features of Sebastian. Look, sir, such a one I was this present. Is't not well done? Rinwen held a sly smile on her face as she quoted the Countess Olivia's lines from the famous play they were acting out tonight-- Twelfth Night. Once, she had played the part of Viola, and little did the others save for Kvothe know that the role fit her much too well. Rinwen Sitelo was her birth name, although most times she was often Sebastian Eindrel. For almost a year she had been on the road, and it was during this time that her parents had died from the plague. Several years had passed since her twin brother Nerin left the family for Myth Drannor, across the entire empire of Arythaea. Left alone, she had been forced to travel the hundreds of miles alone, which was why she took it upon herself to walk under the guise of a young man. She pulled it off well, considering Rinwen resembled Nerin very much. It was to her luck as well that castrati were popular among the nobles, and so she was usually left alone. Until several moons ago, life on the road was difficult. Upon encountering the Arenthy troupe, she had surprised them with her slight skill in the lute and a few swordmage tricks she remembered from her parents. She had been offered to learn more under the wing of Kvothe, an arcanist and leader of the troupe. He seemed to have an interest in her magic potential-- perhaps he noticed her lineage, but how, she would never know. Rinwen had learned and practiced many things under Kvothe. From simple sympathy binding to more advanced skills for a swordmage, to hunting and identifying and applying different medicinal herbs and potions. He had a wide range of abilities, and also had Rinwen learn how to hold up her own argument, and her own clever wit grew even wittier, more clever. Soon she could beat Kvothe at his own words... at times. She was still the student, and he the master. Little did Rinwen know that he was already marveling at how she learned more than any other apprentices of him had during the course of many years. Kvothe was a kind man, and he knew of her secret well before he came across her binding by accident. She had been embarrassed to tell him, and thought he wouldn't teach her things that girls shouldn't know, as her mother used to tell her, but he went to show that he cared not about gender. He only cared for a student's talents. It was through this that Kvothe became a father figure for Rinwen, and served to be the guidance that she never had in her years of growing up. When she had been found crying in her wagon, he helped change the some of the bitterness inside from her past by teaching her the Heart of Stone, no questions asked. The Heart of Stone allowed her to think clearly without any emotion. By separating her mind into two parts, it allowed her to think of the world in perspectives she had never even thought about in her previous life. Kvothe chuckled, downing some more of his drink. He smiled and reached out to stroke Rinwen's cheek with fatherly affection. Excellently done, if God did all. I would wish for you to come out as you really are. But I respect your wishes, I understand you feel more comfortable in the guise of a man... as long as you don't end up actually becoming one! Now, good fellow, play for us your lute! He responded with a hearty laugh, and to that Rinwen laughed as well. Without further ado, the girl unstrapped the lute from her back, and casually strummed the stringed instrument as she sang quietly. For the rest of the night, her voice was carried by the wind, her haunting song lilting to the ear of everyone who heard it. Later that night, as the festivities ended, the Arenthy packed up their caravans and prepared themselves for another bout of travels, much to the dismay of the Taverhault citizens. But Rinwen knew as well as anyone in the troupe that those of the Arenthy did not dwell in one place for too long. It was almost in their blood that the dusty road called to them, enticed them with promises of adventure and artistic fame. It was a temptation to be reckoned with, and even Kvothe was anxious to leave for the prosperous town of Hawkteyn, a good place to rest for the harsh winter to come. However it was about a fortnight away, and it would take them two fortnights if they traveled during the cold weather. In the morning, a young Sebastian sat beside his master Kvothe in the leading wagon up in front, with the lute in a case by his side. As the caravan rolled along the wide road past the vast fields and meadows, Sebastian was deep in thought over his master's words. I would wish for you to come out as you really are... Well then, what is decreed must be... and be this so, Sebastian sighed, and Kvothe glanced at him. What was that, lad? A coy grin tugged up at the corners of the boy's lips. Nothing, sir...