A Tiger, an Owl, and a Phoenix at the Boar...

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

The sun was approaching the horizon, and I made for the Black Boar, my heart beating in my chest with expectation and anticipation - a tad bit of nervousness as well.

Kendrick had said he would be there, and that made me happy, happy beyond words. I wanted to be close to him. It made no sense for family to be fighting the way we were.

Dressed in my usual garb, I entered the Black Boar. In a corner, an Eiran fiddler started a Tune that was sublimely joyful, lively, and the retainer at the entrance made me weak in the knees, with his tatooed face and his large build.

I made for the bar, and ordered some ale, looking around for my brothers. I expected Kendrick would be easier to locate, but I hoped, in my heart, that Vincent still had something of the quiet Owl I used to know.

[Vincent nó Gentian(D)]

I'd managed to get away from Gentian on the date in the letter. I'd been to the Black Boar once before, but after a tiny fight broke out, I'd decided not to return, not being a fighter myself. Julie mentioned she'd taken up sword fighting, mayhap that's why she choose it.

Dressed in a dark silk shirt and breeches, and sporting a midnight blue shall, I trailed into the tavern. I'd worn my hair back, though in either regard I caught quite a few looks. Besides being Naamah's servant, I looked the full mystic, and my white mane never was ignored.

But I ignored them. In stead, I looked around. I might have missed her, even with her read hair, for there was another Eiran in the room, redheaded as also. But only my sister would dress in men's clothing, and think nothing of it.

I glided toward her, "How have you been Julie?"

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

I'd barely received the ale, and a voice made me jump, as taken as I was in my contemplation. A man had entered, rather the oddball, white hair and flowing fabric of dark colors, and he had turned quite a few heads, including my own.

The thought had flashed through my mind, but I had discarded it - as curly as he was... he was all white. My brothers were all dark-haired - and I had always assumed the white roots would go away.

Hence the schock, and the spill.

Ale splashed on my boot, and I looked up, bewildered, but smiling, seeking out the child in the man, and eventually finding him. "I've been well, Vinny," my smile was broad, very broad. "And even better now."

[Kendrick Deveroix]

It wasn't until that morning that I knew I could go for certianty, and to my surprise I was able to leave on time. Julie must have spent the night elsewhere or gone ahead earlier than me, for she wasn't in the townhome, and as a result I arrived at the Black Boar alone.

Stepping inside, I blinked a few times to let my eyes adjust, then glanced around. Sable hair, brown hair, white and red... I shook my own dark head and made my way to them, giving a smile. "Long time no see, Vincent," I commented as I moved up, then teased Julie. "And you as well, Jules."

[Vincent nó Gentian(D)]

I smiled as Julie spilled her ale. From the looks of things, she hadn't changed a bit.

"Only you would chose a place like this to greet your brother. You know I never liked rough housing." I smirked, and took a seat next to her.

It seems we'd all arrive at the same time, for Kendrick was hot on my heels. He greeted me like he'd seen me like he'd seen me a week before, even with that line. Then he teased her.

Somethings are just made to stay the same.

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

Just after I'd made an idiot of myself, and Vincent had found me, rather easily, it seemed, Kendrick arrived, and his usual tease was there. Hmm... I guess I needed to spend more time at home, then.

"I thought you'd enjoy a change of scene," I replied to Vince, grinning, and I stuck my tongue out at Kendrick, only to tell him, "I missed you too, big Boar. Oh, sorry - that was Tiger."

I turned my attention back to Vince, and asked, "How have you been, brother? Still spilling ink all over the place? Or has that changed?"

[Kendrick Deveroix]

I grinned and took a seat, my gaze going up to Vincent. His hair was opposite of everything familiar to me, but in the end it mattered little - he was Vincent. Julies clothes lay along the same line, of course, but I worried about whatever backlash might come from members of the court or common folk seeing her parade in mens clothing rather than in a dress.

Gesturing at a passing waitress to come and take our order when she were ready, I sat back, lapsing into silence as they both chatted.

[Vincent nó Gentian(D)]

I would get to Kendricks questions, as I'm sure he'd ask them in due time. But for the moment, I was curious about Julie. As far as I knew, and what she told me, she'd only been here awhile. But first things were first. I gave my order to the waitress before turning to Julie.

"Oh, right, that letter. Sorry about that. I was up all night writing it, and I fell asleep a couple of times on it. I didn't have time to rewrite it. You didn't worry did you?"

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

"If I didn't worry? You had me sick with it, you dolt!" I replied, half laughing, half scolding. "Imagine the face of Father if I'd told him I thought you wanted to leave your house? I never said anything, it was too confusing - but Elua, yes, you had my concern alright."

I didn't add that with Falla passing, Kendrick had enough on his plate - that would come later, if it had to. I had no desire to get there, just yet.

"I'm just glad everything is fine," I concluded, smiling, half-laughing in relief.

[Kendrick Deveroix]

I ordered a brandy for myself and a bowl of sweet rolls for the table before glancing to Julie, wondering what she was going to have. Whatever the two of them were talking about I didn't know, but that seemed to be how things were, how they had been and likely how it always would be. Still, I was content for the moment to merely relax, my arms hooked around the empty chairs to either side of me.

[Vincent nó Gentian(D)]

With an order of soup and ale, I turned back, addressing them both.

"Yes, I've been quite fine. I daresay I don't get into as much trouble as I used too," I teased. It wasn't completely true, the Dowayne had been badgering me to be more gentle revealing my visions, and not to just blurt them out. I found it strange that someone could be so influenced by an adepts one little insight, even after a night of pleasure.

"You on the otherhand look like a stowaway on a pirate ship, I'd thought you'd given that look up." I didn't actually.

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

I shrugged. "I just came from practice," I explained matter-of-factly. "I don't spar in a dress. Then again, there isn't much I do in a dress, save look uncomfortable, and try to avoid other people's feet, or stumble while I curtsy."

I nudged Kendrick, "I do have two very beautiful gowns though - and I like them. They are just not... I don't think they are suitable for an evening such as this."

There had been an agreement on the day following my arrival - I would always wear a gown at court. For now, it sufficed, I thought.

Jesting, I added, "Besides, I need to be ready, should there be any looting to do, don't you think?"

[Vincent nó Gentian(D)]

"Yes, well, you'll have to wear one for me, I never did see you in a dress." I rested my chin on my hands in thought.

"I don't suppose you've thought of a way to turn that little game into something of use, have you. Join the palace guard?" I asked teasing. Even now, I found myself relaxing around her, jesting as I had been unwont these past years.

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

"Don't worry, the occasion will arise, I promise," I said gently. "I would never go to court in this, for one. And... well, maybe for your natal, I will make an exception."

My eyes shot to Kendrick, and I smiled - I was happy I had told him about Jaiden, Gad, and everything else.

"Well, in fact...." I grinned, amused at the twist of words, though a tender emotion suffused me as I said the first piece of news, "I am rather joined to a palace guard, and I have been training, to offer my services to the Crown, with a mentor, mind you."

[Vincent nó Gentian(D)]

"Has my little sparrow found herself a nestmate." I mused to myself. "Now I am curious. Please, indulge your brother in all your little escapades."

I was glad for Julie, and I wondered when she would find Naamah's gifts. Granted I was exposed somewhat more gently, and with more understanding, so I was most curious as to her expirences, though not sure if she would tell all now.

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

I paused.

"He is Shahrizai," I said, leaving that sink in. Then, Vince would be free to ask his questions.

It hadn't occured to me - but having a brother who as an adept... that did have its quirks. Likely, he would be more inclined to discuss my discoveries - but again... last time we had spoken, neither of us even had an inkling of these realities.

[Vincent nó Gentian(D)]

I nearly choked on my ale, but I had good control over my voice. I looked at Kendrick to see his response. Judging from a lack of a knee-jerk reaction, I saw that he already knew, though he didn't look to pleased about it.

"So, little sis likes danger in the bed too, hmm." I chuckled.

Gods, how was I not suprised at this. It was becoming apparent that life in Mount Nuit prepares you for things even a Gentian seer wouldn't see coming.

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

I chuckled at Vincent's reaction - though I preferred that to another cut-throat session. I blamed myself for it, truth be, but nevertheless.

"I like him in the bedchamber," I replied, smiling, still, mostly because talking of Gad infused me in my feelings for him. I was not offended, though, but I intended to make things clear. "He would never do anything I would not agree to," I added soberly. "Trust me on this, Owl, please."

[Vincent nó Gentian(D)]

"Julie." I lingered over her name compassionately. "You already forgot my profession. Of course I trust you. I'm no Valerian, but I've seen the Shahrizai well enough, they know how to control themselves."

I'd actually had one Shahrizai patron. I'm sure it wasn't the most typical of outings for her, but she had been distraught about the well being of her family back home, unable to visit at the time. As it turned out, they were well, so I saw, and besides her original patron gift, received another after a few weeks, a belated thanks for sound of mind.

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

I smiled gently, grateful that Vince hadn't made me lie to Gadleon. I had told him it would go well should they meet one day, after all.

"I'm glad you accept that," I said, smiling. "Speaking of which, how is your service going? It's been three years already, has it not?" I let it hang - he knew what I was talking about, no doubt.

[Vincent nó Gentian(D)]

"Its." I paused. I wasn't sure how they would take it. Granted most adepts weren't done at my age, but it was undeniable that my progress was slow given the number of my patrons. But that was my problem.

"It's going well. I've learned many things." I said plainly.

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

I told him with a look of obvious disbelief that he wouldn't get away so easy, but I let it go.

"As long as you are happy, Vince," I replied, drawing on my affection, "It's the only thing that ever mattered to me."

Lightly, not pushing, I asked, "And what did you learn, for example?"

[Vincent nó Gentian(D)]

"Oh, things" I murmured. Many, many things I thought. Far more than she culd grasp right now. There wasn't much else to say, with out being detailed, and this was hardly the venue for such a conversation.

But, I couldn't help but poke fun at her. She may have learned her sword play, but she was still innocent in spirit. It's what made her lovable.

"I'm more interested in your tales. You must have had a rough journey. How'd you get to the City anyways?"

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

I smiled, even what I would tell him would be a little painful, though i was barely sore for it, anymore.

"On horseback, escorted by a grumpy Jonas," I replied matter-of-factly. "How else would I, anyway?" I teased, winking at him in the process.

[Vincent nó Gentian(D)]

I blinked in surprise. "Horseback, you and Jonas?! Alone?" I knew she was desperate to get away, but I thought she'd take at least a few more escorts with her. Men's clothes or not, two people are hardly enough to fend of bandits.

I should know.

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

"I've been through it already," I said a little grumpily. "And I may have gone alone, had Jonas not forced himself on me." That summoned another grin, mischievous - it was an unwitting double entendre.

"I'm here, well and safe, am I not?" I said, concluding the matter. No use going back on it.

[Vincent nó Gentian(D)]

Only because I spent the last nine years in the Night Court did I catch what that little smirk was. I wondered if Kendrick figured out as much. Surely, I supposed.

"I suppose that's a matter of opinion. How did father take it? And speaking of which, how is he?" I realized I'd not heard from him in awhile.

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

"Last time I'd seen him, he had taken the bed," I replied.

Oh gods - that letter. In the madness we had endured with Gad and Kendrick, I'd forgotten to mention it.

"He wrote over a week past - and the parting words were ill-boding, I found. Something," I thought, attempting to recollect, "something about losing sleep, and chest pains."

I stole a glance a Kendrick, wondering if he had other news. We'd not discussed Father in the past nine days or so.

[Kendrick Deveroix]

I nodded as Julie looked at me, confirming what she just said. For all the chatter going on around me I had remained silent, merely sitting and letting the two of them go on like I remember them doing back when we were kids. "I gained a missive yesterday; not from Father, though. He's slipped more."

I didn't bother elaborating more; how he was sleeping more, how it took a few hours sometimes for him to gain his bearings and remember where he was, what year it was, why everyone looked older than they should have. It would only sink the mood, and I didn't want to be responsible for the fall of the light tempers around here.

Nodding at the waitress as she delivered our orders, I took my brandy and sipped it, ignoring the rolls for now.

[Vincent nó Gentian(D)]

I nodded. Truth be told, awhile was a severe understatement. I'd not seen him in years, though I suppose I was slightly better equipped to deal with his loss when the time came. Strangely enough, I always expected to have foreseen his death, but I haven't.

As the food arrived, I took a quick spoonful to quell any stomach rumblings. "So how have you been Kendrick? Your making me out to be very talkative. And you know I don't like that." I did my best to taunt him ever so slightly.