~The Day of Reckoning~(Open)

[Lindy Ravenswing]

Lindy laughed. "Eriale is kind to ask after work on my behalf, but I believe I shall be heading back to Portshire today. It is early yet, and I believe I can yet get a good start. I don't mind a bit of hard work, but I would like to try my hand at adventuring, and I am unlikely to find much of that sort of thing out here among the trees."

[Charlie Wallace]

Lady Pomason was relieved at Eriale's kindness. Her pretty face lifted. She said, "I would be happy to give you a recommendation. In the meantime, if you let me fix my face, it would be fitting to commission you to paint my portrait.

Lady Pomason turned to Lindy, "Would you care for an excort back to Portshire? The brigands have been operating recklessly in the forest outside of manor grounds.

[Eriale]

Eriale was glad that this had been resolved peaceably. She realized how close she had come to backing away from it all. Now glad that she had seen it through. She smiled at Lady Pomason," My Lady is already lovely-but if you prefer to wear a favorite garment , then I will gladly wait. I already see three possible places for you to pose. Standing before that beautiful stained glass window with it as a back light-or perhaps the warm glow of the Hearth to silouette you or perhaps standing on the balcony overlooking the water...that is if it is still there. I haven't seen this place in so long."

Despite having seen such opulance before-she still found herself mezmorized by the beauty of this place-it somehow seemed tranquil now. A peace settled over her heart as she gazed about the room. Eriale turned to Lindy with a bright smile and asked,"Would you like me to paint a portrait for you also? I am sure you have a sir that would enjoy a painting of his favorite girl. Truth to tell it- with all you and Laike risk by coming here-I owe you both a great deal.

Secretly Eriale wondered where the Lady Pomason would recommend she go to apply for a job. Then that nervous feeling began to gnaw at her stomach. What if it were one of the large estate homes she had robbed in the past? Then it occured to her that none of them had actually witnessed her take anything. Her eyes twinkled with amusement. Still that was the past and she would try to live honestly now.

[Lindy Ravenswing]

Lindy hesitated when Lady Pomason offered her an escort back to town. She did not feel especially afraid of walking through the woods, but there was a chance that an escort meant a ride in a cart, and if so that would decrease her chances of having to spend the night on the road.

Finally she said "My lady, I am not afraid of robbers. Just last week I killed two pirates that sought to give me trouble. Still, if there was a wagon going to town for supplies I would happily ride along to save time, although I shouldn't want you to put yourself out if such a thing was not already planned."

To Eriale she said "I would very much enjoy having a painting, but I must admit that I have no suitors. I am not sure that it would be practical though for me to carry a still-wet painting with me all the way to Portshire. And I imagine you shall be busy for quite some time with Lady Pomason's portrait. Perhaps I shall see you in town sometimes and you could paint me then? In fact, I'm staying at the Boarhouse tavern and you are welcome any time you're in the neighborhood."

[Laike Storm]

Laike smiled watching the women talk. He now knew his way to and from the mills and the city. It wouldn't be that hard to head back. He would wait and see if Eriale or Lindy were going back and then head with them since he would not wish to see either of them hurt. They were great women. He would like to get to know them.

[Eriale]

Eriale was pleased to have had the pleasure of two such kind persons on her journey here. She smiled at Lindy fondly," I understand. Yes perhaps I can stop by again and meet with you. In the meantime-think over what type painting you would have and when I come again-we can meet and discuss things. We could even sit and dine together while we discuss it.

Turning to Laike, Eriale gave hima warm smile. Thank you so much for all your help too. All turned out far better than I could have dreamed. If you would like-I can paint your portrait or a landscape of your choosing. Just let me know so that we may arrange a time and place to meet. Oh! I also do sea scapes too.


Smiling her most dazzling smile Eriale - extended her hands -one toward Laike and the other toward Lindy," Because of you both-I was able to find the strength to face my fears and have been released from them now. If -ever- you have need of my help-You have only to ask and if i am able to give it-you shall have it."


Eriale grew silent. For the first time in a long time she felt peace . In her heart she felt affection for these two who had so willingly protected her. She was uncertain why they had done so-seeing that she had not been completely honest with them at first.
Despite this they had come with her. Now she had three new friends-no four- Lady Pomason had also helped her-depsite how difficult this must have been for her. Awaiting Eriale back at the Gypsy- camp was yet another friend.

Ahead there were new adventures. A sweet sadness filled her now. She would likely part with her new friends soon--but hoped they would never be too far away. Turning to Laike - Eriale asked him," Will you be returning with Lindy or do you wish to accompany me still? Either way is fine. You have given me much of your time already and I do appreciate it.

Lindy? Do you wish for Laike to accompany you? You are both welcome to continue on with me or if you must go- I understand. I just want you both to know how greatful I am. I am not sure that I would have had the courage to stay the course had the two of you not continued on.

Now she was silent- the words failing her-she just smiled a tearful smile at them. Quickly wiping her eyes -she put on a face of gentle courage. The Day of Reckoning was over and now a new start lay just ahead.




Oh! I almost forgot to tell you -all- I also do sea scapes too.

[Lindy Ravenswing]

Lindy took Eriale's hand and smiled. "There is no need to feel indebted, I've had a good time." To Laike she said "I should be glad for your company on the trip home, but don't feel any obligation. If you wish to stay here and watch Eriale paint, you should certainly do so."

She then looked around curiously, waiting to see if any food would soon be forthcoming. She hated to mention it again, but if she was not to be fed she was eager to be on her way.

[Laike Storm]

Laike smiled with a small chuckle "I should be heading back to the city also. I have a few things to do there that can not be delayed longer." He grinned playfully, "People to watch, others to help. That sort of thing." He said as he rested his hand on Eriale's shoulder for a moment "It is alright though. You did something very brave. Never forget that you did it or had the courage to do it." Laike commented as he then started to head to the exit.

[Charlie Wallace]

Lady Pomason posed each brightening, while Eriale toiled with the canvas and brushes. The portrait was beginning to capture the strength and sorrow of the Lady of Pomason manor.

During a sitting near the end of the portrait, Lady Pomason held an official envelope out for Eriale to see. Lady Pomason said, "I have received a reply to my recommendation of your cultural talents. The city of Jaedaxia is the cultural heart of the Empire. My dear friend, Francine K'trynne K'rria Rrita, Aedile of Jaedaxia has agreed to interview you for work in your natural talents, voice and art. The city is unlike any other you have ever visited. You can make your fortune there, and become world famous."

Lady Pomason took fresh parchment and wrote the Aedile's name and her own recommendation for Eriale. The portrait was finished and framed. It was hung in the place of honor over the mantle replacing the portrait of Lord Pomason. Eriale could sense the placement was significant in the emergence of Lady Pomason as a strong, compassionate leader of the Pomason Mills.

Lady Pomason waited at the foot of the marble staircase on the morning of Eriale's departure. The carriage stood at the gates. There would be Inns along the way, but the guard and carriage would assure a safe journey for the young artist. Lady Pomason handed Eriale a leather pouch. It was heavy with coin. Lady Pomason said, "We never agreed to a commsion for the portrait. I have been generous with the coin for the portrait not only captured my visage....its placement has captured my resolve to amend for the brutality of my husband. Pomason Mills will move forward with honesty and generosity. Thank you Eriale."

ooc: Leather pouch contains 1000 cr. CW.

[Eriale]

Eriale was overwhelmed by the gift of Lady Pomason. She had never really intended to ask for anything in return. Yet this was the Lady's way of settling the debt her husband had made. Eriale assured her that she would happily do more portraits for her at no charge,as One thing was certain now. This had been the right thing to do. For now not one but two hearts had been freed of the pain that had so long plagued them both. Eriale bowed her head graciously to the Lady as she bid her farewell. Unable to resist-Eriale hugged the Lady gently,"Thank you for everything. At last we can both put this all behind us and move ahead." She could not help but smile warmly at Lady Pomason," Peace and prosperity to you good Lady."

With that Eriale boarded the coach and waved out the window as it pulled away. Lady Pomason had taken good care of Eriale while she had stayed with her. With a calming peace Eriale watched out the window as they past fields and trees. Now with new resolve she began planning how best to utilize her -honest- wages. That felt so good to say and even more to realize..she had earned this honestly and not stolen anything from the Lady since she had arrived. She would need art supplies..though she still had a few with her.

She day dreamed as the carriage headed off to new adventures. She wondered what this new place would be like and what this Francine K'trynne K'rria Rrita, Aedile of Jaedaxia would be like..Aedile...Hmmn....I hope she likes me." An amused smile crept over her face--she has to be well off to have such a name. Likely Nobility of some type. Secretly Eriale wondered what her full name was..she had always been called Eriale or 'You there! Girl! Come here." She snickered softly at this. Maybe one day she would learn her whole name..For now she was content to take one step at a time...One day at a time.

@OOC-This Concludes this part of Eriale's adventure. Thank you Charlie for all your help. Thanks to those who helped with this thread:Charlie, Laike and Lindy- great role play!