Have A Little Faith In Me

[Trinn]

Scowling, Teodora hastened back towards Tristan's tent. She held a loaf of bread in one hand a steaming bowl of stew in another. Retrieving the injured prince's dinner had been a bigger ordeal than usual. Back in the make shift mess hall, she had discovered Ismalian troops gambling and drinking a bit too much of a strong brew of Surdan ale. Normally she would have gave them a warning stare and gone on with her business. However, the situation had changed entirely when a young and fetching cook caught their eye. Men! The ale had turned the soldiers into snorting pigs at the sight of a female, and they had done their best to "charm" her. Teodora remembered the scene clearly. Her stomping over and slapping them all about the ears. It had been quite satisfactory to rebuke them and send them to their superiors for punishment.

Smiling now at the memory, Teodora found herself before Tristan's tent. Sweeping in, she halted next to his bedside. The hatchling of his rested in his arms, and Teodora eyed it carefully. "Sorry I took so blasted long." she said, rolling her eyes. "Had to deal with some brutes." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "What have you been up to?" she asked, suspicious. He seemed a bit pale, more so than usual. "Have you been out of bed?" She attempted to ask nicely, though she felt a bit frustrated.
***

Trinn made her way down a muddy road through camp, treading gracefully lest she get her boots too dirty. Soldiers and civilians alike marched by, busy about their day. She herself was on her way to see Sidhion and make sure he was still where he should be. Although, Tismri visited the traitor quite often, so there was really no need for her to check. Still, better to be cautious than not. From the corner of her eye, she noticed two of the Varden riders and a man with a staff. She could hear their conversation, through she was some distance from them. So, that was the saddle maker. As she drew closer, she looked into his face and felt a strange sensation of recognition, though she was sure she had never seen the man before in her life. Curious nonetheless, she approached the trio, just as one of the riders walked off.

"Greetings, rider Einar, saddle maker." She nodded her head to each man respectively, crossing her hands behind her back. "Do you mind if I walk with you to the fields? I couldn't help but overhear your conversation, and I'm curious to see your skill at work." she said, directing this towards Erik.

[Max452]

OOC: Oi! I forgot where I put Tristan and Roland...*skims* Okieday! lol

Tristan bolted up at the sound of Teodora's voice, startling the hatchling again. She snapped angrily at Tristan, but never close enough to land a mark. She slithered off of the cot and went to go and lounge on the fur rug on the floor. Tristan, on the other hand, had a more pleasant aura around him. He smiled widely when Teodora walked in. "Finally! I'm glad you're back." His smile faltered into a nervous one. "Don't worry, I didn't go far...." He hoped that lie would be enough to ward her questions off. He thought about letting Teodora know that Tenel Ka had run off with Romulus for a hunting trip and then muse with her about his cousin liking the man, but, he figured he allow Teodora to calm down first before getting her worked up again. "Is that for me?" He asked sweetly as he pointed at the food, trying to appease to her better side. All the while, trying to figure out how he could broach the topic of marriage with her. "You wanna sit down?" He asked innocently as he scooted himself over on his cot to make room for her.

***
Roland had finished talking with Einar, who had come by again to give him some more money that he found in his other saddle bag. "I hope that can do."
"Do not worry, Silver Hand." Roland assured the Rider, not really caring for the money, but he had to appear somewhat like a greedy human.
As they continued to talk, Roland felt a familiar presence not too far oft. He stiffened when he heard Trinn's voice. Gazing over, so that she could only see his right bandaged eye, he politely saluted her. "It is an honor, Silver Hand." He referred on the matter of meeting her.
"Greetings, Rider Trinn." Einar smiled and then quickly excused himself. "I am sorry, but pardon me. I have some other errands to complete. Thank you again, Erik. I'll stop by at the end of the week."
"Very good, Silver Hand." Roland waved Einar off, but now felt very tense with Trinn. "Ah, yes, you are welcomed to see my crafts; it will be an honor." He told her but fearing what she will suspect when they reached his booth. After all, his saddles were special...as they were sung to completion in their final stages, a task he did only late at night and a bit aways from camp. "Shall we go then?" He pointed with his cane to his booth. "I am a bit surprised that one such as your calibar is interested in seeing my work." He commented, trying to make converstation, but all the while wondering how he could hide his identity. He quickly went over his spells, making sure he let out no clues of who he truly was.

[Trinn]

So he didn't go far... For once, Teodora didn't have the heart to berate him. Tristan was always good at looking innocent, though usually the innocent look meant he was far from it. "Yes, stew and bread." She waited for him to scoot over, then handed him the food and sat next to him on the cot. She sighed as she was finally able to rest her feet. With Tristan injured, she found herself rushing from his bedside to Tenal Ka's side quite often. The queen had been assigned knew guards, but they were inadequate as far as she was concerned. She watched the little hatchling for a while, before asking, "Have you thought of a name for it yet?" and she gestured to the golden dragon.
***

Trinn fell into step beside Erik. She watched him discreetly from the corner of her eye as he spoke, still feeling oddly intrigued by him. "Interested I am." she agreed. "It is strange to see a dragon saddle maker in these dark days. After all, dragons have only recently emerged again. I'm interested to know how one of this age crafts saddles for the dragons." They walked on, and before long reached the booth where Erik worked. Trinn looked about, eying the saddles intently.

[Max452]

Tristan took the meal graciously. "Thank you." He took it from her and dared to give her a peck on her cheek. He began eating, enjoying the fact that Teodora was next to him. His eyes darted to the hatchling on the floor. He could sense a bit annoyance from it. He guess it was still annoyed with him for interrupting its nap. "I don't know. I have some in mind, but I don't want to name it until I know for sure what gender it is." He took a bite of his bread. "I was talking with Stigandr and he said that dragons choose their names. He said that Einar ran off some names, and he decided to choose Stigandr." Tristan shrugged. "So, I've been thinking of some, but until it can talk, i can't figure out if it likes them or not..." He told her as he placed his food down, pondering thoughtfully. His attention was then distracted by another thought. "Um, so, I was talking to Tenel Ka...she's gone off with Romulus for a hunting trip..." He told her, stammering it out, unsure how she'll react to the idea that he allowed her to go alone with the man. "And, I think...well...I think she likes him." He added.

***
Roland kept silent as Trinn let out her perfect reasoning. "Aye, I see. Well, I just modeled it after Saphira's saddle that she received from the elves." He lied. "Of course, its not as beautiful as theirs, but I figured that I could replicate the style and shape. After that, it was just the same as making a saddle for a horse." He told her, which was a half truth. As they reached his booth, where incompleted saddles laid, Roland hoped she wasn't familiar with tannery, as some of the saddles that he made couldn't be done with the equipment he had, hence the reason why he sung them into completion. It not only made the saddle sturdy and acceptable to a dragon, but also warded against being worn out in the typical manner. He glanced at the way she inspected the saddles, a bit nervous. "What do you think of them? Are they similar to those that you are familiar with?" He asked her, making sure that his bandaged eye was toward her. He wasn't sure if she could recognize him if she saw his eye.

[Trinn]

The light kiss on her cheek made Teodora feel content. The fact that the feeling was due to a man was simply astonishing. She fidgeted with her hair for a bit while she stared at the dragon. It really was an elegant creature, it's color quite fetching. Her head snapped towards Tristan when he finally stammered out the news about Tenal Ka. "What!?" she exclaimed, standing anxiously to her feet. "You let Tenal Ka run off with some guy?!" She waved her hands in exasperation. "Too bad that dragon of yours isn't big enough to ride. We need to chase after her and get her to come back! She's the queen! This is scandalous!" Now wringing her hands together, Teodora paced the tent. "That crazed woman! She should have at least taken another girl with her. Shards, she should have taken me!" Teodora stopped in front of Tristan. "Romulus you said? Well, at least he's a decent man. But still! Are you not at all bothered by this?" She wanted to grab Tristan's shoulders and shake him.
***

Trinn nodded, accepting Erik's explanation. However, as she studied the saddles, she was struck again by an odd familiarity. These saddles looked just like the saddles of the dragons before the fall. In fact, Thora's saddle seemed to be of the same caliber as these. "Similar, indeed." she said, slightly astonished. "Erik, these saddles could pass for, well, 'ancient' saddles. I'm truly impressed that you could accomplish such a thing." She looked back at him, but his face was angled in a way that only showed her one eye, and that the one with the eyepatch. "Perhaps I will have you take a look at Thora's saddle... I'm not much of a tanner myself, and I'm sure there are some finite repairs that need to be made that your expert eye will catch. What say you?"

[Max452]

"Oh, calm down Teodora." Tristan finished off his bread and began finishing the stew, his eyes following her as she paced back and forth. "Its just for a few days..." He said between mouthfuls. "She practically begged me to let her go. What was I to do? She needs a break...and well, on the matter of them being alone, well, I trust her judgement, and I trust Caedus to roast Romulus to a crisp if he tries anything." He finished his stew and set the bowl aside. "I was a bit unnerved by the idea at first, but, well, I think its about fine time that my cousin finds a love of her own, and gets to enjoy a bit of a break from everything." He eyed her as she stopped in front of him. "Relax and sit with me." He gestured her to come and sit down again. "I've been thinking a lot about some things, and I've become aware that my dear cousin is growing up." He used Tenel Ka's situation as a leway to broach a more personal topic for him. "She's going to want a husband someday...and, you know children and that sorts..." He shuffled a bit, wondering what Teodora would think about his next question. "Marriage will soon be on her mind..." He felt his stomach twist within him. "What...what is your opinion on marriage?" He asked, trying to sound nonchalant on the whole matter.

***
"Oh, now you're just being too nice, Silver Hand." Roland feigned a modest look. "I'm sure its not that great of a quality." He added, hoping that he sounded convincing, despite how the compliment actually made him beam inside. He was proud of his work - it was the least he could do to help the Riders flourish and to redeem himself for allowing Galbatorix to slaughter all their friends and curse the land with his reign. Upon Trinn's request, Roland thought about it quickly, but thoroughly, his elven mind calculating numerous of possibilites of what could happen if he accepted or did not accept. "I am flatter that you wish to have me help you." He avoided sounding cautious, which was really how he was feeling. "I am happy and honored to help you and your dragon." He gave a respectful bow. "Do you wish for me to take a look now, Silver Hand; I have finished most of my process for today and thus am free for a few hours." He informed her, hoping that his 51% probability of not being found out would be accurate.

***
Sidhion gazed out at the cool field that he was in, contemplating Tismri's words. He had finally had his affections returned, but, was it enough to help him place faith in this new generation? Was it enough to let go of his vision?

[Trinn]

Sighing, Teodora reluctantly sat down again. She still felt tense though, wondering if even right now Romulus was hurting Tenal Ka. Tristan's next question was rather odd, she thought, but obliged him. "I think the queen mother will marry, eventually. But to Romulus? Pah, he is not Ismalian! I fear that whoever Tenal Ka gets stuck in marriage with, that man will try to manipulate her. I only hope I'm still around to protect her from that." She fell silent, pondering, having completely misunderstood Tristan's question. "And what do you think of the matter?" Teodora asked, looking over at Tristan.
***

Trinn thought for a moment, then nodded. "I would be much obliged if you were to take a quick look now." She gestured for Erik to follow, and led the way towards Thora's napping form. The emerald hued dragon dozed in a field on the other side of camp, and Trinn set a moderate pace towards her green friend. She could have reached the field in seconds, if she wished, but Erik would never have been able to keep up. "How did you acquire that limp?" she asked him suddenly, noticing the walking stick he used. "Perhaps I can take a look at it as part of my payment for you taking time out of your day to look at Thora's saddle."

[Max452]

Tristan wanted to groan out loud. Teodora didn't understand his question at all. Not wanting to make a huge issue out of it, he again tried to lead her to his real question. "Ah, yes. She will marry, that I am certain too..." He rubbed his arm, feeling nervous. "I doubt Tenel Ka will marry someone she doesn't care for....its not like her...and and..I think that's what marriage is suppose to be about...you know, getting married to someone you really love and care for." He rubbed his hands together. The hatchling on the rug looked over at Tristan with a curious tilt in its head, sensing an odd emotion from him. It crooned, arching its neck at Tristan, wondering what was going on with her Rider. "Um...would you...ever marry?" He asked her, again, not trying to sound obvious, as he became interested in his boots.

***
"Lead the way, Silver Hand." Roland politely gestured with his cane. He walked with Trinn, reminding himself not to use any quirks that might give him away. As they walked, Roland was surprised at Trinn's offer, but not surprised at her bluntness; she was the same as he remembered her. "Oh, noooo...that is not necessary, Silver Hand." He stammered out, fearing that the moment she touched his leg, she would sense easily that it was well intact. "I've grown quite accustomed to my walk." He replied, hoping she wouldn't get suspicious. He walked for a moment in silence before obliging Trinn with his false tale. "There was an accident in my youth that caused me to walk the way I do." He began, "I was an apprentice for the local tanner, and well, I did something that I should not have, and ended up getting some bones crushed. It does not hurt much as it once did, but I can get by." as he finished his tale, he spotted the familiar emerald dragon, lounging. The sight gave him a forlorn memory of his own dragon. Faith would roughly be the same size as Thora. "She is a magnificent dragon." He commented to Trinn as they approached.

[Trinn]

Teodora suddenly felt awkward, seeing how Tristan was acting so nervously. She blinked at his question, having never given it a thought before in her life. There was silence as she thought it over, fiddling with her hands. "I used to think I would never marry." she began, "that there would never be any man good enough for me, honorable enough, trustworthy enough. Marriage used to sound like a death sentence." Teodora glanced once at Tristan, then quickly looked away. "But, now, I suppose, I'm no longer adverse to the idea. I've seen plenty of happy couples here in the Varden camp, and, well, I know a few good men now, so I know that nice guys do exist. I mean, here you are." and she gestured towards him, feeling even more awkward. "Why do you ask, Tristan?" she blurted out, turning on him with an intent gaze.
***

"Ah, I see." Trinn said, lifting an eyebrow at Erik's story. "I had no idea tanning was so dangerous." was her last remark before they were standing before Thora. The dragon nodded her head in acknowledgement of the two humans before her. "Thora thanks you for the compliment.

What is that smell? Thora asked then, sniffing the air. Something smells familiar. Trinn was intrigued by this.

Is that so? I've had the strangest feeling of familiarity since seeing this tanner. I cannot account for it, though. I've never seen the man before in my life.

Nor I, to be sure. Agreed Thora, who was now gazing down at Erik thoughtfully, though the jagged scar across her right eye made any gaze she gave seem threatening.

"I don't take Thora's saddle off much these days. It takes a while to get it on now that she's so big. Never fat, of course, darling." she added, stroking one of Thora's emerald scales. "One moment." With light motions, Trinn stepped over to Thora and went about removing the saddle. THe process took no more than a couple minutes, and at the end she sat the heavy saddle down before Erik. "There you go." She did not mention how heavy the saddle actually was. No normal human would be able to lift it without difficulty. It was made for wear, to last for years, and to hold against the constant rubbing of dragon scales. Trinn had been in possession of it for years now.

[Max452]

The silence was unbearable. What was she thinking? Tristan continued to stare at his boots, afraid to hear a negative answer. His heart was racing and his mind was whirling from different possibilites that Teodora could present. Marriage used to sound like a death sentence. Tristan's heart hammered against his chest as she spoke those words. He dared to glance up and caught Teodora's glance. Funny, she didn't look repulsed...but more....

Tristan couldn't help but stare at Teodora as she claimed how she would be acceptable to the idea of marriage. She even called him nice! Did that mean she would be accept his proposal. His mind and heart began to race rapidly. His mind incoherent as it was elated with this new revelation. He didn't even think of anything else as he just wanted her to be with him forever. He even forgot about trying to plan an elaborate proposal. He forgot about it all as Teodora's gorgeous face stared at him. His common sense went out the window.
"I'LL GIVE YOU THE REST OF MY LIFE IF YOU GIVE ME YOURS!" Tristan pratically yelled out, exasperated and without thinking it through. He gaped then, a mixture of surprise, embarrasment, and anxiety splattered across his face. He froze, unsure of what to say or do, much less what Teodora was thinking about his shouted proposal.

***
Roland managed a small smile. "Thank you, Thora. It is an honor." He gave a small bow to Thora. Standing back up, Roland seemed to stare at Thora for a moment, remembering her features since the last time he saw her centuries ago. The jagged scar she received long ago still made her look elegantly fiercesome. His gaze turned to Trinn when she began speaking. Roland refrained from scolding Trinn at the mention of not removing Thora's saddle. The dragon must feel uncomfortable for having that on, and not to mention how her scales would be uncared for. He watched as she unstrapped the saddle and placed it before him. He began to inspect it as she laid it before him. "Ah, yes...it has been placed in good use, for sure." He tapped it with his cane, inspecting the top. "Yes...a good polishing is in order..." Roland muttered aloud. "New leather must be placed to gain better gripping...not too badly damaged...hmm I wonder..." Roland was focused on the saddle that he forgot momentarily about its weight. Bending a bit, Roland bent his head to inspect the bottom part of the saddle, which would probably be worn out to the extreme from Thora's scales. Using his free hand, he easily lifted a foot of the saddle off the ground for a better look. He froze, remembering the weight. He dropped the saddle quickly. "Ah, yes...its terribly worn on the bottom. I'll have to refashion it with new leather." He replied quickly. "Well, I think I should get right on it. Thank you, I think I have gotten what I needed. Excuse me." Roland said hastily as he turned around quickly to get away from Trinn and her inquiries. There was no doubt that she would have seen him lift the saddle; no human could do that by himself.

[Trinn]

OOC: HA!

Teodora flinched at Tristan's sudden loud outburst, and for a moment she was too startled to realize what he had said. But soon she did realize, and heart seemed to prance about in her chest. So that was why he was asking those questions! What was her answer? For a long time she felt frozen, unprepared for such a question. In many ways, she had already planned on being with Tristan for the rest of her life. They were both Tenal Ka's personal guards, after all. And there was no doubt that she would give her life up for his in the heat of battle. There was no doubt that she would want nothing more than to spend the rest of her life with him, no matter if it was during a war or raising rambunctious kids. "You didn't have to yell!" she said with a laugh, then threw her arms around his neck. "You have the rest of my life, Tristan."
***

Trinn watched Erik go about his work, observing him closely. He knew precisely what he was talking about, and had no trouble moving about the saddle. Trinn's eyes widened when, with ease, he lifted a portion of the saddle. Thora arched her neck back in surprise. Before Trinn could get any questions in, Erik was shuffling away. She could have easily caught up with him, but she let him run away. There was something very strange about that man! And she was going to get to the bottom of it. "I'll stop by tomorrow evening, then!" She shouted after him.

[Tismri]

Tenel Ka was surprised when Romulus sat down next to her and took her hand, though she was grateful for his comfort. Few people had ever made such a personal gesture to her. Her fingers slowly curled around his in response and she smiled as he asked her about brighter topics.
"Really, I think my favorite thing to do was finding a way to get away from it all," she admitted to him. "Mostly, I would climb up the side of the palace and walk on the rooftops throughout the city. From that height, I was reminded that the entire world did not rest on my shoulders alone, and I was but one small person in this vast land. After Caedus was large enough to ride, flying with him gave me that feeling to an even higher degree. I took great comfort in the feeling."
~~~~~
Tismri walked slowly back to her tent, trying to sort out her new thoughts. It was difficult for her to take it all in at once, and she needed to think things through. Once she returned, she found the sheaf of papers she had been writing on, and took the last one. She read the sentence she had written.
Sidhion is in love with me. She'd thought it unlikely when she'd written it, thinking it was ludicrous, but now she knew it was the truth. Thoughtfully, she took her quill again and dipped it into the inkwell, scratching out new thoughts.
This is the truth. I have confirmed it for myself, having spoken with Sidhion. He did not tell me, exactly, but rather showed it.
What I will do with this truth, I do not know. It is all so sudden. I have always thought of him as a friend. Even as he attacked the Varden, I refused to believe he was an enemy. I believed--and still believe--that he is mislead. I have been trying to show him the right path. Unity of Alagaesia cannot be won through tyranny, but through the heart and efforts of its people. Ah, but I stray from my point.
Sidhion is, and always has been, and I hope always will be, my friend. But it is clear he desires more. Can I return such affections? Can I love him in such a way? Perhaps. In the future, I may grow to do so. But for now, I cannot. There is too much else that demands my attention. And I cannot give him my heart while his still holds so much bitterness. It is my hope, though, that he will soften, after Galbatorix's defeat and Alagaesia has come to know the peace we all so long for. Until then, I can only continue to care for him as a friend.

[Max452]

OOC: Lol! I'm glad that you guys enjoyed that! =p

Tristan's heart was jumping all over the place that he swore that it was stuck in his throat as he awaited Teodora's reply. She was completely silent for over an eternity! He was still trying to recover from his own outburst and surprise was still evident on his face. He wondered if Teodora would reject him and wondered if he should make an excuse for his outburst. But he couldn't think of one; he meant ever word.

When Teodora did speak, Tristan thought she was laughing his proposal off, just so she wouldn't have to deal with the awkwardness that would immediately follow when she rejected him. He prepared himself to not cringe when she did.

Tristan did not expect Teodora to wrap her arms around his neck. His mouth hung down from surprise and bliss as he registered her final words. Even though she didn't say that one word, those string of words were just as effective and caused him to feel like he was flying. He wrapped his arms around her, bringing her close. "I love you, Teodora." He whispered in her ear, feeling blissful and surreal.

***
Roland hurried back to his booth in a steady walk, doing his best not to just bolt out into a run. It would do him no good to expose himself even more. He heard Trinn's shout easily and dreaded the moment she would come; no doubt she would have pressing questions.

Sighing the moment he entered his little booth, Roland settled himself in the back, behind the curtains where he spent most of his nights. Going to a water basin, he stipped the bandages from his face and began to splash himself with water. That was extremely close! How could he forgot the weight of Thora's saddle!? That was reckless of him! He had never been so careless and foolish before! Why now? Why in front of Trinn and Thora? He didn't know, but he had to meditate on the matter before he went mad with worry. Placing himself down in a cross legged position, Roland began his meditation, trying to calm himself.

***
Romulus smiled as Tenel Ka described her favorite past time. She reminded him a lot about himself - how he used to love to just be alone and explore the world. It was a nice way to escape the burdens of the world, even for a little while. As she talked, he tried to pay attention to her words, slightly distracted by how her fingers curled firmly against his. It sent an excited thrill down his spine. "Its always nice to find a place where you can just be alone, whether to think or just simply exist for a time. I like doing that too, but, I never got to scale any buildings. My time was spent mostly with nature." He told her as his eyes into hers. He suddenly felt an urge to lean in towards her, but refrained, not wanting to be dictated by his emotions as well as not understanding fully his emotions. "Hmm, I think its time to rest. We have a lot to cover tomorrow." He gave a large grin as he slowly pulled his hand away from her's and returned to his bed. "Good night, Tenel Ka. May you have sweet dreams. Good night Caedus." He placed himself inside his blankets, as he stared up into the sky, wondering about his emotions as he drifted off into sleep.

***
Morning had come, and Roland was still nervous about Trinn's knowledge. What did she think, he wondered. Did she suspect his identity or was just merely curious about him? His wonderings occupied most of the morning as he labored diligently on making Einar his new saddle, as well as making the necessary materials to repair Thora's as well. He mentally admonished himself, as he forgot to ask Trinn to bring the saddle over so he may work on it. He continued to make his preparations, slightly dreading the night as Trinn would appear....

OOC: poor Sidhion....oh well, makes my plans a bit more....fun. =D

[Tismri]

Tenel Ka smiled at Rom's words. He seemed to understand her better than most. Even better than Tristan did, it seemed. She stared into his eyes as he spoke, and for a moment, it seemed her heart forgot how to beat. But it passed as quickly as it came and he stood, releasing her hand.
"Sleep well, Romulus," she told him as she lay down, excited thoughts of the next day rolling over in her head as she drifted off. Good night, Caedus, she told the dragon as sleep overcame her.
Sleep well, Princess, he told her affectionately, nuzzling the side of her face before relaxing into a watchful position.

[Max452]

The sounds of the trilling birds reverberated in Romulus' sensitive ears as he awoke from his slumber. Rising, Rom glanced over at Tenel Ka's sleeping form, a grin on his face. He was really glad that he was able to wake up to her image. He paused from his thoughts, abashed by them. He wondered where that had stemmed from. Getting up, Romulus grabbed his pack to freshen himself for the day. Having finished with that, Rom began to start another fire, the weather unusually cold for a spring morning. He chewed on a mint leaf, feeling a bit more vigorous than usual as he finished the fire and began to make their breakfast.