Kai tips his chair forward and bounces slightly off the seat, and it
seems to move next to Manon's of its own volition as he rocks back again
to a two legged balance, his own legs again crossed casually at the
ankles. He leans in Manon's direction while turning his head to face
the old man, gesturing up toward him with his right hand while his left
sits unobtrusively on the pommel of his dagger, reciting "i present the
noble count manon ehron who having served proudly in garian service i
am prouder to call captain and the illustrious kirion mandrake
veteran though not in any formal sense of many a campaign and sortie
as well as a fellow explorer and student of the wide world"
Now properly introduced to Kirion Mandrake Manon takes the few steps
in the older man's direction and shakes his hand.
"Most honourable Mandrake I am pleased to meet a friend of Kai's."
Manon proposes, "As I have said to Kai the same I say to you. This
could have been under more friendly circumstances, but I am pleased
to meet you nevertheless. I will extend my hospitality to you as
well as I have lodged Kai and you are most welcome to stay at Han
D'or if you happen to be in the vicinity."
This third time you hear Manon speak you find yourself almost
spellbound listening to his very melodious and gentle voice. A
strange contrast to Kai Larsen's monotonous speech. The peacefulness
of Manon's voice soothes your soul and lightens your burdens and you
discover you would very much like to speak to this tall and handsome
man only to hear him talk again.
Returning once again to his seat next to the Hawk you study Manon
more closely. His clothing and gear fits him well and are crafted of
the finest material. Not pompous or extravagant but elegant and in
good taste. His light hair is held in place with a circlet of gold.
At his side a sheeted sword hangs in a scabbard, and in his belt a
large knife. The knight's movements are smooth and strong leaving him
ready for every eventuality.
Making a brief pause in the hushed conversation Manon turns his head
to look at the other imprisoned men.
When Manon returns to his seat, Kai leans forward, still balancing
the chair on two legs, and puts his ear to the Counts mouth for a
moment. After hearing a whispered comment, he leans back again and
fixes his eyes once more upon the door.
After Manon has finished, and some time for contemplation has
passed, Kai speaks again "captain you have yet to tell us why you
were in town so far from your own lands" he glances aside at the
count and elaborates "although as yet no connection has become clear
to us aside from the fact that we are all travellers perhaps the
addition of your tale will give us the clue we need to unravel the
riddle." Now his focus returns to the door as he continues "at least
it will divert us from the passing of time"
At the Hawk's request to hear the tale of Manon, the count speaks.
"The story is long and could be interesting to listen to." here he
trails off a bit but continues "I would rather speak with the
company of whine, food and a warm crackling fire. Thus I prefer to
keep the story to myself for a while..." with a sight he again speak
"I will, though, more than willingly tell you the full story when we
all later sit at the inn and have food and drink..." It now appears
the count is speaking more to himself than to his imprisoned
companions. "I have to think more about this peculiar situation.
Never have I been wrongfully imprisoned, and I will" almost angry now
"demand a full explanation of the mayor or who else runs this
ratty town, as soon as we are let out of this hole."
With this the count lightly lifts a hand to his forehead and gently
rubs his right temple.
Suddenly Aurel jumps from his position by the door with a start.
"Someone's coming!" he hisses.
The story continues...
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