WWN+-+Brother's+Measure

Brother's Measure
Reideliron Slade raised a glass in his brother's name. There was no one around him to toast with, so he closed his eyes, imagined he was dining with a beautiful young lady, and drank his wine. Though Drayton was not his full brother, he had always treated Reid like true family. Even gave me the duties of a brother... he smirked and reread the letter sent to him via hawk.

//"Escort Lady Elspeth to Nys, and remain there//."

//Ah, my dear brother. What lack in poetry, in fancy words and tone. Even your handwriting is atrocious. Always so simple and to the point. Commanding, arrogant, and entirely too bold. Who does he think he is? Telling me where to go and what to do?//

Finishing his wine, Reid stood from the small, two-place table, and sprawled upon the straw-stuffed bed. Another night in a cheap hotel room, cold and alone. Didn't even have a fireplace. The bard who has been noted by royalty across the realm, and here he lies in the pits of poverty and exile. With seventeen homes in six kingdoms, surely he could have stayed in one of those. But, no. Living the life of a man charged with high treason never was one of great standing, wealth, or comfort.

The rukus from downstairs roused Reid from his half stupor. //What do those people think they are doing down there? Trying to train an orc to dance?// Rising up from his bed, he placed a well-tuned ear against the door and concentrated, listening to the noises emanating from the tavern below.

It took Reid one moment to hear it, and another to be out of his room and across the hall. Breaking the lock on Elspeth's door took little more strength than flicking a bug from a leaf. His eyes, already accustom to the darkness, found the lady healer curled up in her bed, fast asleep. How, by Lyrna's sweet tongue, can anyone sleep in this swallor? He took two long strides into her room, swept up her few items, and woke her with a gentle shake.

"They've come for us, Lady. Our time for resting is over." He spoke, letting his gifted voice flow over any uneasiness she may have felt at being awoken so suddenly. "We must leave now."

Elspeth nodded slowly and rose from the straw-mattress bed. She pulled on her boots and gathered her cloak about her shoulders. She followed Reid to his room, where he picked up his guitar and cloak. If this tattered old rag could be called such a thing. Opening the windows, the frigid night air found its way quickly into the room. Slowly, he lowered their things to the snow-littered ground below, before helping Elspeth descend as well.

Glancing once more at the tiny room, Reid let out a low breath. Though the room had been small and uncomfortable in every way, it had still been a room. A place he could have slept, made love, and played music. "You owe me, Drayton."