Ink before dawn [Part 5]
[07:48] Portus Stromberg (brett.pennent): “oh what a lovely surprise…Belle!….extends my arms for an embracee
[07:48] Belle Stromberg (bellewhitlocke): Arriving to the land where her brother lived and pushed the scroll of the name down in her pouch, Walking along the docks she turned the corner and there he was. Smiling wide.. “Portus” she says as she rushes to his arms and hugs him so tight…”Tis good too see you”
[07:49] Portus Stromberg (brett.pennent): “it has been tooo long….gives her a loving kiss to her cheek….how are he buns?”
[07:50] Belle Stromberg (bellewhitlocke): she looks up and smiled as she steps back “Aye it has been, the buns are making my worth, How is the family, Niamh the kids, Ive missed you all so much”
[07:53] Portus Stromberg (brett.pennent): “Niahm has been working hard with preparing meals…..as you may guess Elodi remains spirited”…puts a hand to my forehead and shakes it….”a fathers nightmare but it seems she is thriving….Caspian is less in touch than i would like but the last i heard he was prospering”
[07:55] Belle Stromberg (bellewhitlocke): she laughs as she looks about then back to him again “Niamh is always a busy bee, and Elodi, well just let her thrive, dont hold her back too much..Besides i do believe that child has always been one to get your goat going..she reminds me alot of myself when i was younger” she shakes her head “Caspian has always been a loner, kinda like you in that time of your youth.. I recall being little and the parents worried about you on your off adventures.. so sounds as if your Children are doing just as they should be” she winks and kisses his cheek.
[07:57] Portus Stromberg (brett.pennent): places a protective arm around her shoulder….”come see how we now have a lake to fish and there is a matter i need to discuss with you”
[08:01] Portus Stromberg (brett.pennent): [07:58] Belle Stromberg (bellewhitlocke): canting her head up towards him..”A matter, Portus ive been sticking to my own, i have not caused any trouble or grief, i speak to no one, so whatever the matter is i didnt do it, but show me this lake anyway”
[08:00] Portus Stromberg (brett.pennent): smiles as she repeats the answer to everything ever since she could talk…..”i’ve nay hear any bad of you so nothing to worry about”
[08:02] Portus Stromberg (brett.pennent): spies his mate in the shed and Pauses…”look who has come to visit”
[08:02] Niamh Strömberg (karlotte.shelman) spied Belle from where she was and instantly moved towards her. “Belle!!!”
[08:04] Niamh Strömberg (karlotte.shelman) wrapped her aarms around her. Checking for any cuts and bruises. “Waht a lovely surprise … or shall I say how wonderful you have come !” she would look back to Portus. Her eyes lit up with love and adoration. “Thankfully all is done in time. Are you showing Belle the lake ?”
[08:05] Belle Stromberg (bellewhitlocke): She smiled and hugged her dearest friend “Niamh!!!! i couldnt stay away any longer, i had to come and visit, ive missed you all so much”
[08:07] Niamh Strömberg (karlotte.shelman) laughs “Well I was about to ask Silas to take me to you or have him bring you here.” she answers. “It has been way too long.”
[08:07] Portus Stromberg (brett.pennent): “aye there will have been some changes since she was last here”
[08:09] Belle Stromberg (bellewhitlocke): laughs “Silas, Have i met him?” she asks then looks about to the couple..”you two bring such joy to this old heart, im so happy for you both” she hugs her friend again as if savoring the moment a bit longer then normal..”Its been too long”
[08:10] Niamh Strömberg (karlotte.shelman) nodded “Oh yes some changes indeed.” she would look over her shoulder. “I need to finish a few things. Shall I bring some refreshments to the lake ? ” she asks.
[08:11] Portus Stromberg (brett.pennent): “come let us talk then you can both catch up”…smiles as his mate as usual sees to everyones needs…”that would be perfect..I think i would like some Ale”
[08:15] Portus Stromberg (brett.pennent): “I hope you are hungry …as you can see Niamh has not stinted”
[08:16] Belle Stromberg (bellewhitlocke): laughs..”When does she, i not one for an appetite as of late but ill munch on something after the sea leaves me settled enough to eat something…This place is beautiful”
[08:18] Portus Stromberg (brett.pennent): “then come enjoy the peace of the lake ’tis a quiet spot to talk”
[08:20] Belle Stromberg (bellewhitlocke): She followed and sat down on the chair warming byh the fire “so what be so important that cant wait.. ” shed look over to him
[08:22] Portus Stromberg (brett.pennent): strokes his beard as he considers the best way to broach the subject and decides to come right to the point….”I hear you have been in the receipt of some letters?”
[08:24] Belle Stromberg (bellewhitlocke): Well that isnt what she was expecting, in face she became a bit angry “You what?” she asks..”Do you have spies on me, do you not think i can handle being alone Portus.. You know at some point in time you will have to learn that i dont need to be coddled, im not the little girl that you once knew. I cant believe you have spies on me..” she grew more upset by the moment. “If i recieve letters then that be of my business not yours”
[08:27] Portus Stromberg (brett.pennent): holds up my hands in a calming gesture fully expecting this reaction…..”do you think i would stoop as low as that….and when was i ever able to protect you where you were not fully capable yourself….you would never allow me to offer any comfort even when you were hurt…but please…trust me on this and tell me”
[08:30] Belle Stromberg (bellewhitlocke): With her arms folded across her chest she glared at him, He was her oldest brother and she respected him for that but she was also taught to do things on her own. “Then how else would you know off the letters, the only way is if you had spies on me. You might not of been allowed to be close when i was hurt but you were always there off in the distance watching over me, so why do you think i would believe this time to be different. Im fine Portus, my bakery is making it and im living day by day on my own”
[08:33] Portus Stromberg (brett.pennent): looks at her and takes pause….”I believe the letters were anonymous and as father is absent it falls on me t be aware of what is going on with our family….the fact that they are anonymous is concerning”
[08:35] Belle Stromberg (bellewhitlocke): Oh he was really digging in deep now..”And how do you know this, How does this effect you in any way. So i have recieved a few letters from someone i dont know.. They are scratched words on paper is all for most but for me they have reason. there be no reason to be concerned. I want the spies called off Portus or im moving and you will never see me again. I will …. Just call them off”
[08:38] Portus Stromberg (brett.pennent): “hush and calm now…..maybe what i know of this matter may benefit you”….takes her hand in his…”think carefully and tell me if you suspect who these could be from…no doubt you have many admirers but you always have….surely there is some thought on your part who this could be?”
[08:41] Belle Stromberg (bellewhitlocke): Knew she wasnt getting out of anything with him so took a few deep breaths her hand went to her wrist where one of the ribbons that held the letter of such words were tied around it. It calmed her as a sense of closeness. “I not know who they are from. The man said he saw me at the village of our old lands, Once on the docks. that is all i know. i know nothing else of the person. “
[08:44] Portus Stromberg (brett.pennent): “you have no suspicions….it seems that you made quite an impression for him to take these steps”….sees the ribbon making the connection as to where it came….”i don’t think it comes from a Northern man…he would be far more direct and it seems he has his own vessel and there is only one instance i know of that fit the circumstances”
[08:47] Belle Stromberg (bellewhitlocke): she looks at him a bit confused…”Own vessel, how do you get that from me receiving a few letters, It is more then likely some man who is after something,m i dont know i have nothing to offer anyone.” she then looked to him. “You dont have spies yet you know of the letters, seems you have secrets brother and i suggest you tell me of them and tell me now
[08:48] Portus Stromberg (brett.pennent): “the man i speak of is Silas….the time he brought me Runa…you were there I know and i know you appreciated his charms”
[08:53] Belle Stromberg (bellewhitlocke): She thought for a moment “I not know of this Silas, so this man… this man be a friend of yours.. brings you bonds ..Is this something you had your friend do, keep an eye out on little sis, feel bad for her that she be this old and alone.. Is this your way of…” tears began to roll down her eyes. “tis it not funny how you know who this man be but yet i dont. This man be somehone who Niamh mentions to bring her to visit me or i here. ” she shook her head hurt and just looked offfover the waters
[08:56] Portus Stromberg (brett.pennent): could hold back no longer …”please do not distress yourself…it is Silas….my business partner….he revealed himself to me and asked if i could see how the land lay and whether you had suspicions but it appears now you do not”
[09:00] Belle Stromberg (bellewhitlocke): She stood up..”Oh im sure it is Silas, im sure you and him whomever it is are having a great laugh at my expense..” she ripped off the ribbon and tossed it into the flames. “this is too far Portus, too far, even for you. I be fine now stop the games, please i beg of you stop!” it was then she looked to Nimah as she came down “It was good to see you again my dear friend. Perhpas keep my brother a bit more busy so him and his friend dont have time to play with others” she was hurt, confused and well now broken. “Ill be on the next serpent off the lands, when will it arrive?”
[09:02] Niamh Strömberg (karlotte.shelman) carried a tray with a bowl of fruit and a tankard of mead and ale. She approached seeing them in conversation. Trying to read the mood. “I am sorry I kept you both waiting. Things were … well when you need Runa to help she never is there.” Something never changed. As she saw Belle stand and cry and clearly distraught she placed the tray down to stand beside her. “No .. wait .. what is this?” she would look between both of them unaware of anything. “Play ? I doubt he has time … and Silas ?” she looks at Portus in question. “What did he do this time ?” surely Niamh had her thoughts on the man.
[09:05] Portus Stromberg (brett.pennent): “this is no joke,,,,i have never seen the man so…please sit and drink and let us discuss this”….looks to his mate….”Silas spoke to me on a matter this morn …he has been sending my sister letters of affection anonymously and asked me to try and see what her feelings were if any?”
[09:08] Niamh Strömberg (karlotte.shelman) tried to digest the words and Belle’s response “Well clearly Belle doesn’t like it. So tell him to stop.” she suggests. “Why does he anonymously ? Trying to win a womans heart for what ? I doubt he needs help in getting a woman ? ” clearly Niamh was overwhelmed.
[09:11] Belle Stromberg (bellewhitlocke): She looked between the two through her tear stained eyes..”You won brother, the letters so perfect, brought light into my dark days, they gave me reason to hope once again. Silly girl you can write me off as.. You and your friend please go play with someone else. I should of known, i should of figured something was admist. Dont you see it as funny that he tells you of his name but not me? you of all people, i have not seen you since the lands fell. Well the laugh is on me i guess”
[09:15] Portus Stromberg (brett.pennent): “i never saw him so….the man was choking his words finding it difficult to express them….it is true that he is ferocious as he captains the stormcrow and leave women in his wake…..YET….the man has a heart and fears rejection…i made sure he was sincere in his intentions….if you do not feel drawn to the man behind his words then say now and i will relieve him of any misery….i may tease you Belle but on this matter I am in deadly earnest
[09:24] Niamh Strömberg (karlotte.shelman) looks back to Portus “You mean … ” she would step beside Belle in support and understanding. “So you mean .. Silas .. the captain of the Stormcrow. Who clearly has no issue in having women drop to their knees is truly interested in Belle ? And he … ” she would look to Belle. “Oh by the … now I understand. That is why he needed all that papyrus ?” she knew Portus serious and would take Belle’s hand if she let her. “I think I start to understand what is going on.” she reasons. “Where is Silas ? Can’t you get him and see that he is here to settle this now?” she asks Portus.
[09:27] Portus Stromberg (brett.pennent): “I had hoped he would be here later to share in our food and drink but he would check first who would be here…he decided to head to victoria although i have never seen him so reluctant to meet a situation like this”
[09:28] Belle Stromberg (bellewhitlocke): reaching up and wiping the tears away from her cheeks, She couldnt even look to her brother, but Niamh when she spoke she raised her orbs to hers..”you mean…” she then looked back to her brother..”This man, this Silas as you call him, is here, upon these lands.. Brother if you love me at all then tell me this is not you, this man those letters, these letters” she reaches in her pouch and pulls them out, the paper clearly being read over and over again, the creases from the folds. She held them not to be read but to be shown..”these letters have given me reason to wake each morning, so iffin the man be here, go and get him. Let him not hide any longer..”
[09:31] Portus Stromberg (brett.pennent): looks sadly at his sister and holds up his hands…”this is not my work i am merely the messenger ..his agent nothing more…i was merely asked to see your feelings….he is not here and all i hear was him saying he was heading to victoria”
[09:33] Niamh Strömberg (karlotte.shelman) would wrap her arms around Belle’s shoulder trying to process and see what she could do to support her best friend. As she noted the letters she recognized the handwriting and the papyrus. It was her that had done the work for so he could write. “Well for sure he will return here, Portus ? I mean he can’t stay away for ever. Is that bird of yours … capable ?”
[09:36] Belle Stromberg (bellewhitlocke): She reached up and laid her hand on her sisters arm and listened, she was at a loss for words, the man she dreamed off, the man whos taken over her thoughts and world was part of this land. “bird?” she asked then turned to look at Nimah…”What if he doesnt want to see me, what if he just wants the letters, a purpose, a reason.?” she asked her mind running with thoughts and such so fast like.. she felt ligh headed and leaned back against the chair…”I have to lay eyes upon him Brother, please i have not asked you for anything ever, and this i beg of you.. I have to look upon his eyes “
[09:38] Niamh Strömberg (karlotte.shelman) would smile “If a man goes through all that effort. There is more to it than just games. I guess it is his way to truly express himself. When you meet him. You must see and understand why. He is a very handsome and charming man. But perhaps his water runs much deeper than I gave him credit for.” she would look to Portus. “Well I let him explain the bird.”
[09:38] Portus Stromberg (brett.pennent): “yes i believe she is if you wish it”…looks to his sister …”write a note and i will send your namesake with it…i will not add or detract it will be your words only”…..looks seriously now….”i saw a man in love a desperate fear of failure….i felt him sincere and i know it extends past letters”
[09:41] Niamh Strömberg (karlotte.shelman) would look to Belle “You are a good judge of character. Surely a letter can fool, but this many ?” she questions “What do you think? ” she asks.
[09:44] Belle Stromberg (bellewhitlocke): she looked between the two, and could only nod. she sat back down on the chair and pulled out an empty piece she had kept in her pouch for well the voyage over. Scribbling something quickly she rolled it up and handed it to her brother. “Im sorry brother, i just.. i dont know what to think of all this but if you think its worth a shot, then here send this with your bird, ill remain here as i had planed and if he does not return before i set sail then i will know the true man behind the words”
[09:49] Portus Stromberg (brett.pennent): “hush this was a delicate matter and by the sound of things a shock….drink now and refresh yourself while I set my bird on her way”….makes sure the small parchment is secure and takes the bird in both hands and speaks in an ancient language a little apprehensive as this was her first use but he had been rigourous in her training…..throwing her in the air “fly pretty one”
Crows Murder 
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