Returning from the Cape

~It was early in the morning when willow and Leon got into town. They made there way to the shop. She handed off the horses to Leon as she went up to the door and unlocked it. She flipped the sign over to open. She walked inside and walked up the stairs and set down her bag. She changed into different clothes and washed the road dust from her face and neck. Then walked over and took the letter out of her bag. Then walked downstair she still had alittle limp to her as she walked. Placing the letter on the back of the counter she went into the back room checking stock. She was swearing under her breath. That attack took her supplies for the month. She sighed. She rubbed her head.~

Artimus had returned to the city, following his failure to find Marloc where he'd left it, and then his unexpected visitiation from his wife. He entered through the East gate and guided his horse through the streets. He needed information on the location of Marloc - If it still existed on the island at all - and he thought of severla place he might gain such information.
One way was to visit a few taverns. But there was an easier way. Mrs. Rensain.

He left Azure in one of the stables and headed on foot to her place of business. It was closed. He stood outside for a moment wondering which tavern might the best to start his search.

~she limped across the room as she cleaned up a few of things dusting the crystal glass in the window as she lost her balance and knocked over a few pieces with a very loud crash. She swore loudly~

" Damnit!" ~shattered glass all over she hung her head and sighed.~

"God this is not my month."

Artimus turned and started heading towards a tavern called the "Broken Wheel", but was known locally as the "Rumour Wheel", when he heard the crash from the shop. He spun and looked in the direction. Willow's shop. She was either back from the Cape, or someone was breaking in.
One glance at the door and he saw the open sign. That ruled out one of the possibilities then. Unless the burglars were trying to do some business for her at the same time.

He knew he shouldn't bother to look; he didn't have the time right now and he'd only get delayed longer by her; but he still found himself taking those few paces towards the shop.

He saw her lying on the floor, clutching her ankle, with peices of glassware sacattered around her. He knew she had been injured in the attack on her, and reached out for the door, his mind still yelling at him to turn around and go.

No, he had to make sure she was alright.

He stepped into the shop.

Need a hand there?

~she looked up at art a little surprised~

" oh yes. I guess I wasn't fully fixed I think i hurt my ankle again."

"Oh I have news for you..."


~she made her face look sad and almost start to cry.~

"Art... Something happened to Jade before I left. Tib wanted me to tell you if I happen to see you. Jade is very ill. She didn't look so well when i went to see her either. I am worried it might even..." ~she looked down around at the glass pieces.

Artimus began to help her up, but froze as she mentioned Jade being ill. He saw the look on her face and he felt a chill down his spine and his mouth went dry.
That's what Indis had come to him about. He looked at her even as he held his hand to her, trying to avoid those eyes of here. This was not the time to get drawn into one of her games.

Even, what? If anything has happened to her...

Images flashed through his mind. She's seemed fine when he left. Could someone have poisoned her? If so then two suspects jumped right out at him. He'd get those bastards.

All thoughts of finding Marloc were gone, right now he had to see Jade.
He choked slightly. He needed a drink.

~she looked up at him and took his help to get up.~

"Get worse...or it might kill her..." ~she limped over towards the counter and sat down. She grabbed two glasses and poured some whiskey in each glass. As she offered him one as she downed one to help with the pain.~


"If I was you I would get back to the cape. She needs you." ~she tried to not make eye contact with him. She knew what her task was and wasn't going to let her green eyes do it if he would go on his own.~

"Leon will be back soon. He can help with the clean up."

Artimus noticed she was averting her eyes. That told him enough. This wasn't some trick on her part. If it was, she'd be trying to snare him in.
He'd chosen before between his daughter and his duty, and he had picked the wrong option then. He wasn't going to do it this time.

Has anyone sent for a healer? Even as he asked he was thinking if he shoudl head to Draco then to the Cape.
I can get out there...

He wouldn't be able to go fast, his horse was too tired to manage the trip at full speed. Damn him. Artimus mentally kicked himself for leaving in the first place.
Why hadn't he suggested the idea to someone else? Why had he run off - again - on a wild goose chase. If anything happened to Jade he would... He'd never forgive himself!

((i need this to help me relax ))


~she nodded~

"What ever it is. The healers can't help. Its something that if they try to heal her it will just kill her that much faster. But if she can make it thru the next few days. There is hope... just not that much..." ~she glanced up at him then back down.~

"If you need a fresh horse those two outside are ready to go back to the cape. I can tend to your horse. Maybe bring him in a few days."

((I bet! ))

His eyes widened as she said more about illness his daughter had. What the hell had happened to her? The offer of a fresh horse was... exactly what he needed.

Dear Gods, what have they done to her?

He spoke under his breath, then looked at Willow noting she was still averting her eyes.

Thank you. I'll bring the horse back in a couple of days.

He made sure she was steady on her feet then kissed her very quickly on the cheek before running out of the shop, mounting the horse in a dramatic leap and heading towards the city gate.

~she nodded and smiled as he kissed her~

"safe journey."

~she yelled out the door as he took off. ~

~she sent a ml to leon who was still in town.~

ML: He bought it. He is taking one of the horses make sure to watch after Azure. And we have a bit of a mess here to take care of.