Bondage of Love

[Max452]

OOC: ooo what are thou concocting? lol

Marek relished the closeness and simplicity he felt with Kari as they moved together on the dance floor. He held a genuine smile as his eyes never left hers; he only saw her in the room. He loved her so much and couldn't imagine his life with any one else. She was his counterpart, of this he was certain, and of this, he desired to make into an official reality. He continued to dance with her, the weight of the ring seemingly becoming heavier in his pocket as he thought about the proposal he wished to make to Karliah.

After Kari seemed tired out from dancing, Marek appeased her when she asked for a glass of wine. "Sure. I'll be right back." He told her as he reluctantly let go of her hands to retrieve her request. Locating a passing servant, Marek grabbed two goblets, and made way to head back to Kari, but was distracted by some other nobles who wished to greet him. Trying to be polite, as he hated the feeling of being parted from Kari for too long, Marek did his best to manuever his way back toward his lover.

[Tismri]

As Karliah waited for Marek to return, a couple of girls broke away from a group nearby and approached her. Instantly, her guard was up. She disliked nobles in the extreme, and the thought of conversing with them without Marek by her side was likely going to end in disaster. Still, she put forth her best efforts to be nice.
"Excuse me," one woman said. She was somewhat an oddity among the nobles; clearly she had the same stuck-up pride that the rest of them had, but there was a certain coldness about her. Her golden eyes, framed by strange violet markings, were hard as stones. Judgemental, and calculating. "I don't believe we have been introduced. I am Katriana Tamor. This is Adriana Vilkas. Might I know your name?"
"Kari," she replied, attempting to sound nice. Immediately she realized she should have come up with some sort of last name to make herself less suspicious.
"A pleasure to meet you," Adriana said and instantly drifted off toward Marek, now that he was seperated from Karliah. Katriana, however, stayed.
"Ah, and where are you from, Kari?" she asked. Karliah didn't like this feeling. It was as if Kat already knew who she was and was just trying to have her make a mistake. Even as she tried to think of a quick response, Kat jumped on the slight hesitation.
"You don't belong here," she said. There was a dangerous look in the woman's eyes, and Karliah knew that despite her rich origins, this Katriana wasn't someone to entangle herself with directly. "That much is obvious. You should leave this place and crawl back into whatever rathole you came from." With that, Kat turned away, leaving Karliah dumbstruck and furious, unable to even move from that spot.

[Max452]

Vanilor tumbled to the ground, his effort of flying faring less and less the more he tried. He felt furious that his attempts were causing him to degress! He knew it was because he was pushing himself more than he should, causing his wings to stress, but he wanted to fly! He wanted to be in the sky! He shook his head, defiant against the sky and its ploy against him currently. He felt a slight irritation come from Kat, and sensed that she was talking with someone that she disapproved of. Turning back to his flight attempt, Van began to start again.

***
Marek finished talking with the nobleman when Adriana appeared before him. The woman was indeed insufferable. No doubt she wished to flirt with him...again. Being polite, he greeted her. "Good evening, Adriana." He replied politely, his eyes drifting over to Karliah. A flare of anger flashed before him. Katriana! How he detested that woman! She had always harbored the belief that she was better than everyone around her! She was a deadly woman, as she was bred to be the King's personal guard. But in this very moment, he did not care. He watched with anger as Katriana spoke with Kari. "Excuse me." Marek excused himself from Adriana, ignoring her completely as he went to Kari. He passed by Katriana, not fearful of letting her see his angered face. He rushed to Kari and noticed her dumbstruck appearance. "Are you all right?" He asked, his voiced concerned, but he was despreately tyring to hide his anger with Katriana.

[Tismri]

Kat smiled, rather amused as she saw the furious expressiong on Marek's face when he passed her. Such emotion. Could it be possible that he had fallen for that commoner? It seemed the only viable explanation for his behavior. Well if he had, the standing of the Robinson family would fall greatly. Perhaps they would not even be worthy of her family's circles any longer.
She felt a twinge of pain in her mind, and cast herself out to Vanilor, sensing how hard he was trying to fly.
Keep trying your best, she told him. But take care not to injure yourself. You don't want to tear apart your wings to where you will never be able to conquer the sky.

Karliah's eyes trailed after Katriana, anger growing more because she was unable to act upon it. Were they in different circumstances, she would tear the woman apart for her words, or die trying. She turned back to Marek as he approached her.
"I'm fine," she told him, glaring again at Katriana. She took the glass from Marek and downed it in a single gulp to steady and calm herself. "Can we leave this place? At least this room? It's rather crowded in here."

[Max452]

Vanilor grumbled when Kat's words reached him. But we must be the Leaders of the Hunt! Van told her, his voice a bit exhausted. He stumbled to the ground again, his wings tired from exertion. We will be worthless if I cannot fly. His voice sounding sad as he realized that tonight must not be the night that he learned to conquer the skies. The young dragon then caught an image of Marek's angered face directed at his bond. Lowly welp! I'll shred him to pieces for his daring look! Vanilor motioned to barge into the ball.

***
"Insolent woman! She's always trying to cause trouble." Marek muttered out, trying to calm his rage. He felt Kari snatch up her cup of wine, that action caused him to focus more on her. He looked at her, his expression a mixture of anger and concern. "Aye. There's the garden patio that isn't occupied at the moment." He told her. Taking her hand into his, he gestured to lead her there, abandoning his untouched glass of wine to a passing servant.

[Tismri]

Calm yourself, Van, Kat told her dragon. She didn't want Vanilor to charge into the ball and set the whole place in an unneccesary commotion. I am not angered. If anything, I am amused by Marek. His anger tells me a lot about him. She knew it was going to take Van a while before he understood her movitations and reasons. Dragons didn't follow the subtleties of noblity very well, it seemed.

Karliah followed Marek outside, nearly trembling with barely contained fury. When they were out of earshot from the other people, words exploded from her mouth.
"I can't do this, Marek!" she exclaimed. "How am I supposed to stay civil while I'm surrounded by all these demeaning, hateful nobles? If they knew what I really was, every one of them would treat me like trash. They all think that they are so much better than everyone else, but they've never had to work a day in their lives, where I've had to struggle just to survive the next day! I just, just..." She trailed off, her anger abating somewhat now that she'd had her say. She gripped Marek's hand tightly and leaned her head against his shoulder.
"Maybe it was a mistake for me to come here," she said in a quieter tone.

[Max452]

Van halted in his footsteps. His head tilted in a curious way. I don't understand, Kat. The young dragon admitted. Why can I not shred him to pieces?

***
As they entered the quiet garden patio, Marek smirked as Karliah bursted forth with emotion. He leaned against the balcony, an amused expression on his face. Despite his previous anger, Kari always seemed to easily place him in a more merry mood. Marek sighed as Kari finished her rant and gazed down at her as she leaned upon him. "No, it was no mistake." He whispered to her, lifting her chin to look at him. "Ignore the whole lot of them. They act like nobles, but their blood are those of rats." He adjusted himself so that he was looking at her more fully. "And if they realized who you really are, well, then they should be the one ashamed. For out of all of them, you have the blood of a noble; never make them allow them to make you believe otherwise." His voice a stern, but kind. "Kari..." He whispered her name, "stay with me...." his hand reached in his pocket, revealing a silver ring, a simple but shining diamond studded upon it. "...forever?" It wasn't the best proposal in history, but, Marek wasn't very elegant in explaining his feelings, he preferred to get to the point. And the point was, he wanted Kari to be his wife for all eternity.

[Tismri]

Kat smiled as she sensed the confusion from her dragon. Well, he had to learn eventually. She had a feeling that even when he understood, he would still desire to act with violence.
Because, dear Van, she told him gently, He is being destroyed by other means, ones that will linger far longer and inflict upon him more pain than simply rending him to pieces will do. One way or another, he will be reduced to nothing. After that, should he ever have the misfortune to meet us again, you may do to him what you will.
~~~~~
Karliah tried to comprehend what Marek was telling her. Those vicious and evil people were nobles, no matter what else they were. Their blood destined them for what they were. And she was a commoner, a street rat, a thief. There was nothing noble about her, not that she could see. But perhaps Marek could see better than she could; he seemed to know everything when it came to her, and she could trust his judgement. He was speaking metaphorically, she knew. She still wondered what he meant.
Her mind became a complete blank as her eyes fell upon the object Marek offered her. It was a silver and diamond ring. From her fencing experience, she guessed it was worth about a hundred crowns, which was no small price. And he was giving it. To her. She had heard that when a rich man asked a woman to marry him, he would offer her such a ring as a symbol of his love, and if she accepted it, that was showing her returning the love. At least, that was how she understood it.
"Stay with you?" she asked. A smile crossed her face, and she forgot all her frustration and anger with noblity and could only concentrate on his words. "Forever...Of course I will!" she said. She put her lips to his, and she knew that she was going to stay with this man for the rest of her life. Nothing--not even that busybody mother of his--would ever seperate them again.

A MONTH LATER:

Karliah stared down at the ring on her finger, doubts gnawing at her. Was marrying him the right course? She loved him more than anything in the world, but for some reason that didn't seem to be enough. Around the room was a number of items, including her wedding dress, a book on proper ettiquette, clothing generously provided for her.
It was all too much. If she continued the course she was on, she could see herself becoming one of those nobles that so disgusted her. That thought terrified her, and on occasion she had resolved to burn the book that was teaching her things like appropriate mannerisms and the like. But she was stop whenever she remembered that she needed to do this, for Marek's sake. She needed to learn how to be a lady like those of his station, because when she married him, she would be equal to him.
You don't belong here, the words echoed in her head. That much is obvious. You should crawl back into the rathole you came from. Despite how much the words had angered her, she knew they were the truth. She didn't belong here. Marek's world and hers were completely incompatable, and even a love as strong as their could not overcome it.
She looked down at the note she had written, but the words were now blurred as tears fell from her eyes. Several stained the page. She wanted to say this to him in person, but every time she saw him, the words would not leave her mouth and she would be distracted by his affections.
She stood from the desk and dug through the all the clothes given to her to find her old leather clothing; the perfect attire for a thief like her. She changed into it, casting aside the velvety dress she had been wearing with distaste. She started to open the door, but then her eye fell upon the silver and diamond ring on her finger. She couldn't take it with her, not even as valuable as it was. She went back to the desk and placed it by the note before turning to slip out of the Robinson estate in the chilly, overcast midnight.

The note on the desk read:
Dearest Marek,
I am so sorry...but I can't marry you. We live in two different worlds; despite what you say, you are Somebody, and I am Nobody, and that can never change. Please know that I love you more than anything in this world.
All my heart,
Karliah.

[Max452]

Marek was elated when Karliah accepted his proposal. He feel into ecstacy as she kissed him, knowing that they were going to be together forever. Nothing could ruin this for them. He embraced her, kissing her slowly, allowing both of them to enjoy this tender moment.

A MONTH LATER:

Feeling like Karliah had been couped up for too long in the mansion, Marek thought a day of fun would be just what the adventrous needed. He had a cunning smile playing across his lips as he knew that Kari would love to go reeking havoc with him today. He had already planned the heist. It was a fat nobleman that was traveling to Gil'aed. His prime occupation was selling slaves, so Marek thought that he could...relieve the man of his money, and perhaps buy back the slaves freedom from it..or maybe feed those in the slums at the edge of town. He hoped Kari would be able to help him figure out what they could do with the money.

Reaching her door, he knocked quietly, wondering briefly why she had chosen to stay in her room last night instead of his. Excited to see his wife to be, Marek impatiently knocked on the door again. There was still no answer. Puzzled, Marek called out. "Kari, hey, I'm coming in..." He turned the handle and stepped inside. His puzzlement increased. No one was here. Her wedding gown and a few other clothes were placed neatly aside. "Kari?" He called out to her again, wondering where she was. He glanced at the neat bed. Did she awake early? If so, why did she not come to him? He furrowed his brow. Well, she might have gone to breakfast early, he supposed and motioned to exit the room when something familiar caught his eye. Stopping in his tracks, he motioned to the desk, a feeling of dread building in his stomach. His shaking hand slowly picked up the diamond engagement ring. He turned pale and felt his stomach lurch with sickness. "Kari?" He glanced around the room, his voice panicky and alarmed. She wouldn't...she said she would....His eyes glanced down at the scribbled note. His hands were trembling more violently as he picked it up. He had to steady his hand with the other in order to read the paper.

Waves of emotion rushed Marek as he stared at the paper, noting the small tear splotches, but not really seeing anything. It took him a moment to realize that his eyes were blurry because tears had formed. A large tear splotched the sheet in his hand. Marek couldn't breathe. It was has if the world was spinning unpleasantly and all sound seemed nonexistant. His thoughts whirled in his mind uncoherently, but seemed to all gather to one thought: She left.

Marek clenched his jaw, forcing the tears to remain in their tearducts. She left him. His initial emotion was one of sorrow and hurt. How could she leave him? Why would she? Didn't she love him? Weren't they going to spend the rest of their lives with one another? Didn't she realize that she was the world to him? He clenched his chest, unable to breath properly. "No...no...I don't believe it..." He thought he heard himself say as he collasped against the wall. He held his head, trying to figure out the truth. Did his mother say something to her? Was that it? He didn't know. By the sound of the letter, she left on her own accord. Did she not understand at all? He didn't care for her station. Even if the world thought otherwise, she was someone to him. She was everything to him. Why would she leave? To protect him? From what? The only thing she now succeeded in doing was leaving him in this world alone. Why would she do this?! If she claimed to love him why do she leave him! He pounded a fist against the wall he was slumped against.

He stared at the paper again, a more hallow look in his eyes. She had abandoned him. He could feel a wall of ice starting to build within his chest. Anger soon replaced sorrow. He crumpled the piece of paper as he stood up to leave the room. He did his best to not show the pain he felt, but that did not hide the small tear that exposed the young man's hurt.

TWO MONTHS LATER.... (OOC: hehe...)

Marek stood on the patio that overlooked the Robinson estate. It had been months now since Kari left, and Marek had become more hardened and distant toward everyone. His eyes were hallowed, filled with little emotion now. He no longer went on his rogushish adventures to help those in need, but instead, became the modeled nobleman and son he was bred to be. Nothing seemed to matter to him now. His mother noted this change within her son.

At first, she was ecstatic that her son's fiancee had left. She was a peasant after all. He was too good for her. And what made her even more joyous was when Marek began acting like the nobleman he was meant to be. He was perfectly obedient to her; he even went out on a few outings with some other women upon her request. However, despite all this, she never again saw him smile nor heard that playful laugh he let out whenever he tried to irritate her. His eyes were blank and distant. His body was here, but his soul was gone. This, was not Lady Robinson's son. This was not the happiness she desired him to have.

Marek turned when he heard his mother's soft footsteps. "It is a fine day, my son."
"Aye." Marek replied, his eyes turning back to gazing at the estate.
"Are you not going out hunting with Remus Kingsley today?"
"Aye." He rested his hands upon the marble railings.
"Lady Lieda sent a message to you. She said that she would be there today."
Marek made no reply.
"She's a pretty woman." His mother commented.
"Aye, she is."
"Do I sense a proposal of marriage soon?"
"If that is what you wish, Mother." Marek replied, his voice as vacant as ever.
"What is it that you wish for, Marek?" Lady Robinson's eyes were filled with concern. She knew perfectly well that Marek destested Lady Lieda.
Marek, again, did not answer.
"Oh my dear boy," His mother turned his head to face him. "You have done your best to muddle through these past few months, but your pain cannot be hid from me. Stop this charade."
"I'm afraid I know not what you are referring to, Mother." Marek lied.
"Marek Robinson, you are just like your father. Stubborn and overly sensitive when it comes to the heart." His mother sighed, recalling his deceased father. Marek's eyes studied his mother's. "She was right you know. We do live in two different worlds."
Marek's eyes seemed to harden more at the mention of Karliah, but he said nothing. "But, that does not mean, that two worlds cannot collide." She patted her son's cheek. "I did not raise my son to give up so easily."
"She left Mother, on her own accord." His voice cold.
"She left to protect you. She only wished for your happiness." He voice filled with passion. Marek grunted.
"When did my son become so ironcasted, hmm? Go after her, you fool!"
Marek blinked, and his mother smirked and began to leave him be, but stopped for another moment. "After all, aren't we all somebodies? There aren't any nobodies in this world. That's just silly." She left her son to ponder on those words.

[Tismri]

"Sixty crowns. That's my price," the old man said. Karliah's eyes widened with outrage. She held in her hands a foot-long statuette made of pure gold and gems.
"You have got to be joking," she said. "You do realize it's worth more than ten times that amount. This dragon statue was crafted over a century ago, and it solid."
"I've named my price," the fence said rather irritated. "Are you going to sell, or risk being caught with that hot little item?"
"Look, I risked my life to get this. There was plenty of other loot in that house I could have taken as well, but this was the only thing I was after. I want no less than five thousand." She refused to budge, and her eyes glinted dangerously. The fence gave a grunt of irritation and inspected the statue again. Karliah really knew her stuff. He was sure he could make ten thousand easily off of it, especially if he ransomed it back to the owner.
"Nine hundred," he said. Karliah reached for a dagger at her side, drawing it an inch.
"Five thousand, and maybe I'll let you keep all your fingers," she said darkly. The fence stared at her for a few moments. She had disappeared from this community for a few months a while back, and ever since she returned something about her seemed harder...Before she had not been prone to violence unless pushed to the absolute edge, but now it seemed it didn't take much to make her frustrated. She'd backstabbed a few guards for noblemen when she was nearly caught on some occasions, seeming to panic. She threatened her fellow thieves on occasion, saying she would rat them out if the mentioned her to anyone on the outside. They could only assume that she was hiding from something, and she rather desperately didn't want to be found. She was taking care that none of her hiests could be tracked back to her.
Knowing all of this, the old man reluctantly agreed to her terms and counted out the coin. "Fine, Karliah. There you are. And good job; there is no way they could ever find it was you." She turned away without a word and made her way out to the streets of Feinster. The statue job had been the riskiest thing she had done ever since returning to her thieving life. She thought perhaps Marek might have recklessly gone to look for her after he'd discovered the note, and she wanted to make sure he couldn't find her.
However, she hadn't heard a thing about him since she had gone. She asked the tavern keepers for rumors and gossip, but the Robinson family was never even brought up. It was nearly driving her mad not knowing how he was doing, and she was half tempted to return to the estate just to see him from a distance. But she couldn't risk that; she had left him behind, for both their sakes, despite the irrepressible pain it had caused her.

[Max452]

Marek sat in his room, reflecting on the words given to him by his Mother. He never expected those words to come from her lips. He never expected that she would approve of Karliah. He glanced down at the small item inbetween his thumb and forefinger. It was the diamond engagement ring that he had given to Karliah. He stared at it for another moment longer, before feeling that familiar pain in his chest. He motioned to toss the stupid ring into the blazing fire in his fireplace, but halted in mid throw. He had no idea why he kept it. It wasn't because he wanted to remember how it looked on her rough, but slender finger. No, it wasn't that, or the way it reminded him of how her eyes shone brightly when he finally said "I love you" to her. Or how he had caught her admiring it after their lovemaking. No...he had no idea why he kept it. His arm lowered and he carefully returned the ring to a silver chain he had made for it. He placed the chain over his head, letting the ring slide inside his tunic, hiding itself and the emotions that broke his heart.

That night, like every night, Marek was hardpressed to find any sleep. His dreams always consisted of the woman that broke his heart months ago. He stared at the ceiling, once again recalling his mother's words. Go after her, you fool! Her voice echoed in his mind. How could he? She obviously did not want to be with him. Why else would she leave? We do live in two different worlds. But, that does not mean, that two worlds cannot collide. He sat up in his bed, his hand resting on his temple. Did he not try hard enough to help her see that their worlds could collide? That there was hope for them to actually be together? Did she really believe that she was still a nobody? He growled out in his usual frustration. He hated the night. It was the only time his blasted emotions would slip from his control. He had come to welcome the day, if only to feel nothing at all when he was playing his facade. He sighed, his hand slowly caressing the spot that Kari once occupied beside him. He grunted, irritated that he was haunted by memories of her. He cursed his meddling mother. It was because of her that all of his emotions were running extremely wild tonight. He slammed his head against his pillow. Staring at nothing as he wondered what Kari was doing right now. Did she think of him often? Did she love him still? Probably not. Why else would she leave? He felt his anger fuel in his bitter thoughts. But how could he know for sure? Marek grunted out of bed, feeling, for once since the last few months, some determination. There was only one way to find out the truth. He was going to have to find her and ask her himself. If only for some closure on the whole matter. Dressing, Marek placed all the necessary supplies he would need in a pack. And for the first time in months, Marek glanced at the armour that laid hidden underneath a sheet. Removing the sheet, Marek quickly placed on the armour, needing all the help he could to locate the woman that broke his heart. Malve, I'm sorry that I have ignored you...forgive me...but I need your help to find Kari...will you please help me?

[Tismri]

Karliah lay awake in the small rented bed, restless as she always was. She could hardly sleep after leaving Marek, as if there was a void in the bed next to her. The first couple of nights, she would wake up and reach out for him, only to come up empty-handed. Then she would remember that she had left him, and her reasons for doing so, and she could feel her heart breaking again. She hugged a pillow close to her body, crying into it.
Why did it have to be like this? What god played such a cruel fate on them, bringing them together when they could never remain? She repeatedly cursed every one she could name, and some she couldn't. Without Marek, life was devoid of any reason to continue. So many times she had been tempted to end her misery, but something always stopped her.
Marek...I love you, she thought to herself. She finally sat up, giving up on sleep, and headed out. She had stayed too long in Feinster anyway. Someone was bound to catch wind of her soon. She had to move on. She slipped out into the cloudless night, trying to run from the emotions that hounded her constantly.
~~~~~
Malevolence slipped right into place in Marek's mind as the man put on the armor for the first time in months. Without a host, Malevolence had little indication of how much time had passed, but he knew it had been a while.
He instantly felt a change in Marek's mind. While before he had been fun-loving and perhaps a bit preoccupied with that woman, now his thoughts seemed to fully revolve around her, and not necessarily in a positive way. It had caused such a shift that Mavlevolence's own spot within the man's mind had become distorted, and the spirit noted regretfully that he would have to do some renovations yet again.
So you desire my help to locate the woman who has caused you so much pain that she has altered your perception of the world? he asked, perhaps somewhat amused. I will help you, of course, but might I ask why you are searching for her? What do you intend to do when you find her?

[Max452]

Marek didn't even bother with a retort at Malve's implication that everything had been changed in his world. There was no point. His face was stoic, as he sensed the amusement in Malve's voice. It was funny how emotions could easily changed. How long ago was it when he used to get so riled up by Malve? Now, he just really didn't care anymore. I want her to answer a question. That's it. I already suspect the answer, but I want a confirmation. That's it. Once I get it, then I'll have no use of anything anymore. Marek's voice was hard. After that, feel free to use my body as you wish; you the man and I the void...at least one of us will get some happiness from all of this. Marek told Malve, intending to just give Malve his body so the Spirit could live on, whilst he retreat to the confines of his mind, where he could feel nothing. Or so he hoped. So, how do you propose we begin in finding her? He asked, getting straight to the matter. Marek had no idea how to start. He figured Karliah would avoid any area that he may go, so that left him little to begin with. He could use his alter identity as a theif, but Kari knew about that, so that wouldn't work to well. Perhaps he could pose as a bounty hunter? She was wanted after all...but again, no...she would easily learn about someone following her and disappear with ease. Where would she go?

***
Months had passed now, and Vanilor was quite larger now. He had finally learned how to fly, and ironically, it was only the next day after that ball. Vanilor figured it was those wonderful pastries that Katriana brought him. They were filled with such wonderful energy that the dragon just couldn't keep his claws to the ground. Now, out in the training field, Vanilor's next goal was to get Kat to ride him. Convincing her would be the hard part. It is a wonderful sensation, Kat! You must come with me! He urged his bond, wishing for her to share in his feelings on flight. We will conquer the skies together! He added.

[Tismri]

OOC: Wow...Marek's just being plain creepy right now. lol, stupid depressed maniac.

With the state Marek was in right now, Malevolence was really not surprised by his words. The man was more than a little depressed, and letting the spirit take over forever was like a form of suicide. However, Malevolence wasn't sure that was what Marek truly wanted. It seemed more like an excuse. But he wouldn't argue. They would settle this matter some other time.
Malevolence paid attention to the thoughts and ideas spinning through Marek's mind, considering.
She is a thief, is she not? Malevolence suggested. Perhaps you don't know this, but like most everything else, thieves tend to form communities in order to survive. There is likely one place in every city where they gather together to sell their stolen items, train to hone their skills, and find a safe place to rest if someone is searching for them. I suggest you look for this sort of place in Gil'ead. Certainly they will have some level of information for you there, and it is the nearest city.

[Max452]

OOC: Yup yup. Marek is definitely not thinking clearly. lol I feel sorry for the dude...*sniffle* lol Hey! You forgot about Van! lol

I doubt they will give information about her easily, if I do find that type of community. Marek replied, his feet already hitching up onto a horse. But, I think we can persuade them to speak to us. Marek let out a cold smile. He ushered his horse forward, heading toward Gil'aed, leaving behind his home, where a single candle was burning in his Mother's bedroom.

Lady Robinson gazed out her window, watching her son ride a away. She hoped he would find Karliah. For both their sakes. Lady Robinson could no longer bear the blank and emotionless feelings that her son had developed. Ice had formed in his heart, and she only hoped, that Karliah would have the sense to burn it down.

***
Reaching Gil'aed by morning, Marek's eyes were keened onto anything that would give him a clue about a thieving community. I'm not quite sure where to look Malve. I'm so used to doing things on my own when robbing coaches, that I have no idea what a real theif appears to be or go...do you think if I ask around in the taverns that I'll find something? He asked the Spirit, while he wrapped a cloak around him, to hide the armour he was wearing. He tethered up his horse and began walking around the city for some clues.