Iorwerth sat cross-legged in a park surrounded by small children that hung on his every word. Ylli his faithful "horse" lay behind him providing a comfortable bolster to lean up against as the man animatedly told tales of faraway lands and foreign peoples.
His hands moved about as he described each piece in majestic detail. From the sands of Essyrn to the mountains of Serendipity, no land was left unmentioned to the little ears that ooo'd and aww'd at the imagery he placed within their young minds.
Adults passed by, some sparing a glance and others disapproving that a man would waste his time in such a form yet Iorwerth did not care. He loved his tales and loved even more sharing them with others. Children were always the best. They truly appreciated what they were and later once they had been shooed away he knew they would give them new life, acting them out or retelling them with their own embellishments to any who would take the time to listen.
Illi closed her book and took a deep breath. She had just gone through the emotional roller coaster of losing her best friend, almost dying, and then returning to her kingdom to be made king. Well, not actually. But reading it in the book was close enough.
Looking around, she realized that half the day had already passed while she was busy reading in the corner of the park. But that meant she had a whole other half day to pass... and she wasn't in the mood to return home to grab a new book to pass it with.
Sighing, Illi stood up and started walking. Maybe she'd just happen upon an interesting shop...
... or, it seemed, something better. The crowd of kids caught her attention immediately—anything that interested so many kids would surely interest her. It could be some kind of performance, or an interesting animal, or maybe a magic trick. But this time, it seemed to be a story teller. Illi immediately found herself drawn in, and she laughed and gasped with the kids whenever anything interesting was said.
Once the children began to disperse, Iorwerth realized that his audience had been one more than children. He smiled shyly and bowed his head in greeting. "It is always a great honor when I have an audience to share my tales with, it is an even greater one when they are enjoyed, but truly the greatest honor would be knowing the name of the one who so enjoyed my humble tales." He stood, too shy to give the traditional greeting of Connlaoth, given his surmountable height, so bowed instead, hoping the young lady would not be offended.
Illi clapped her hands with great enthusiasm and responded, "That was wonderful! I really loved everything you said about Serendipity... it's such a different place there! Well, it's different everywhere, I suppose. Our country is just a bit odd." She only wished Connloath accepted magic.
Still not responding to his request, she continued, "I can't help but think you've visited all those places. Is that true? It's amazing if it is." Tilting her head to the side, she added, "I think I would like to travel. I don't know." There would be so many complications. If it wasn't for her family, Illi would have picked up her bags and moved out of Connloath long beforehand.
Sticking out her hand, Illi finished, "I'm Illi, by the way! And you are?"
Iorwerth smiled, grateful that the young woman seemed so enthusiastic about everything. He refrained from commenting on Connlaoth's ways, ever nervous himself of arousing suspicion towards his already curious person.
"Traveling is quite an adventure, I will give you that my lady. I must admit though that I always love it when I can at last come back home. There is just something deep within a heart that makes home the best place to be at the end of a journey."
He took her hand and gently pressed his lips to the back of it. "Tis a pleasure to meet you Lady Illi." The Centaur faltered slightly as he repeated her name, Ylli behind him also cocking his head and turning to look in surprise. "You did say Illi yes? You must forgive my surprise as um, this is Ylli," he chuckled motioning to the resting horse behind him. "I on the other hand am the humble bard Iorwerth, at your service."
Smiling, Illi curtsied to the man. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Iorwerth." Turning towards the horse, she bowed again. "And you too, my fateful named companion, Ylli." She looked down at her shoulder bag and stuck her book into it. Rummaging threw it, she found that she had, indeed, brought some money with her.
Looking back up at Iorwerth, she questioned, "Wanna go out to get an afternoon snack? I haven't eaten since I woke up, and I know a good place nearby! I'll treat you—as a reward for telling such a fascinating story."
"A snack? My dear lady I would be remiss in my duties as a gentleman if I let you dare pay. However, I would be more than willing to escort you there Lady Illi. If you would be amendable my dear," Iorwerth suggested, offering his arm to his listener.
Illi laughed and accepted his arm. "Well, my gentleman, perhaps I will let you pay this time, then." She planned on sneaking off to pay with the disguise of a trip to the restroom... though he didn't have to know that. "But only if you promise to tell me another story!"
Then, as if it was a passing thought, she added, "Oh, but do know I have someone who has stolen my fancy."
Iorwerth laughed honestly and shook his head. "She wants me to both pay and tell a story as payment for paying. How adorable you are, my lady. Oh," he faltered slightly, blushing as he did. "Have no worries my dear, I would not think of tarnishing your virtue with such a common man as myself. Rest assured you will find no unruly advances from me!"
Illi giggled and nodded in response to Iorwerth. "Well, my sir, I don't believe any part of you is common! Someone with such stories could never be normal, after all. Then again, I like to think that nobody is truly normal. Plus, do I really have any virtue to tarnish?" She didn't consider herself the most ladylike of people.
"Ah, we have to take a left here," Illi said while guiding them. "It's at the end of this block."
The man tensed slightly at her proclamations yet did his best to keep his features relaxed. "Thank you lady for your high praise, however I am indeed but a common creature of habit who would not hear otherwise of you having the purest of virtues. My resolve cannot be shaken. I will accept nothing else," he declared.
"Left? As the lady wishes. Can't say I know where you're leading me though. Hopefully it's not some dastardly trap," he gasped in dramatic mock-horror.
Without sparing a second, Illi unlocked her arm from his and spun around so that they were (relatively speaking) face to face. Talking as if she was completely serious, she whispered, "You have caught onto me. Don't try to escape—there are people positioned throughout this street, all of whom want to capture you."
Motioning with her head towards three different people, she continued, "The guy with the cigar... he's a trained assassin known for his brute strength. And that girl with the boy around her arm by that store? She's famous for her use of needles. And don't even get me started on the little boy sitting on the edge of that fountain. His appearance is just a mere disguise." Just a hint of a smile broke through her lips as she finished, "Ah, but seeing as you have a bounty of three million dollars, I suppose that is nothing new for you."
His eyes widened comically as he listened intently to the little game she was playing. He obediently looked in the directions she indicated, taking great amusement in her jests even as a chill ran up his spine and Ylli wickered nervously. It was all fun and games but the thought of people after him for having found his secret, always did put Iorwerth on edge.
The tension was ruined though as the aforementioned boy caught sight of the pair and whooped, waving enthusiastically and calling the man's name with great fervor. Iowerth chuckled, crossing his arms over his chest smugly and smirking.
"Seems there was a spy in your midst my lady. Joff works for me you see. Jig's up. We've got you now!"
Gasping, Illi raised her hand to her mouth and exclaimed, "Why, I think you misunderstood me! None of those people work for me, but they all work to capture you. I just would do it in the most humane way, hence why I said it would be better for you to stay with me... Nonetheless, I would check out that friend of yours. Sounds like he might not be the best person to hang out with, seeing as he's after your bounty and everything."
"I am afraid it is you who is quite mistaken my dear. You see Joff and I go way back. Poor boy owes me a massive debt having saved his life and all. I have more dirt on him than mud on a pig. Now," he breathed, pulling her arm close to him and smiling in greeting to those around him as his talked through his teeth.
"You're going to smile and wave and we're going to walk merrily on our way with no trouble. If you're good I won't hand you over to the wolves, Lady Illi."
At the mention of wolves, Illi's face turned bright red and she sheepishly giggled. After a few slow breaths and a little time to compose herself, she responded, "But my kind sir, didn't I tell you? The man I am enthralled by is a wolf himself! So perhaps I shouldn't be so good after all?"
Iowerth's eyes widened in shock as a steady blush flushed his tanned cheeks. "Forgive me," he begged quickly. "I did not know. I meant you no insult my dear. Was but a turn of phrase that seems to have gone an ill-fated route. How may this humble man make it up to you fair maiden?" He bowed his head low in apology feeling like a heel for saying something so careless.
Illi stared at Iowerth blankly. What was he apologizing for? After a few moments of silence, she slowly responded, "Um, Iowerth, you didn't do anything wrong... What exactly am I forgiving you for? I mean, you're forgiven of course, but I'm still kind of confused." She glanced over at Joff and added, "Oh, and I think your little friend is getting impatient."
He stuttered and fumbled with his words completely thrown off by her confusion that in turned fueled his own. "But, you said...I mean you indicated...that is say that....well...it was implied...oh dear," Iorwerth finally sighed in defeat, far too flustered to complete a coherent sentence let alone thought.
With a large hand he waved back at the boy who immediately shot off from the fountain to come and stand in front of the pair. "Master Iorwerth, Master Iorwerth!" the child shouted, bouncing enthusiastically with joy. "Have you come to tell a story? Has she? I haven't seen you with her before. Where are you going? Can I come with you both?"
Illi laughed at his attempted rebuttal but her response was cut off by the boy. Her enthusiasm grew with his, and soon the both of them were staring as Iorwerth with big eyes. "Oooo yes!" exclaimed Illi with a wide smile. "Let's hear another story!"
Turning towards the boy, Illi jollily stuck out her hand and introduced herself. "I'm Illi, by the way! My full name is Jillian Treyburn, but please never call me that. Jillian sounds yucky to my tongue and Miss Treyburn or Lady Treyburn or Madame Treyburn or anything using just my last name makes me sound like my mom. And for all I know, you could be referring to one of my sisters! So yes, I'm Illi!"
"Lady Treyburn," Iorwerth stuttered incredulously. His eyes were wide in shock as his heart seemed to be pounding in his ears. "My dear why did you not tell me sooner? Joff I have been deceived by beauty herself! Quick! Shield your eyes before she casts you under the same spell." So saying he clapped a large hand over the laughing boy's eyes even as he looked at Illi with his own nervous pair. He would need to be extra careful now if he hoped to not be punished for what he was and what he was capable of.
Illi cocked her head to the side, quite confused by the display that Iorwerth was putting on. She didn't get what he was trying to do... but that didn't mean she couldn't play along!
Gasping, she responded with confidence, "Illi, not Lady Treyburn! Alas, you must be punished—and the young boy, too! After all, you seem like the kind of man that would bear a punishment for himself, but feel terrible for those on others. Hmm... what spell should I cast on you two... Aha! I know! I still haven't eaten. I expect to be taken to the best restaurant in town! You two shall be my guides to make sure I don't get lost, as well as my partners in eating. After all, I can't have any assassins coming after me!"
"Me?" cried the boy, struggling to be free of Iorwerth so he could see. "But I didn't do anything Illi! It's all this big oaf's fault! Count me out! I got nothing to do with this mess!" He squirmed some more before he was finally released. With a childish wink, he was off like a shot, bounding across the road without a care in the world.
Iorwerth shrugged and smiled as he saw him go. "Can't be contained I suppose. Now tell me dear lady, where is the best restaurant in town? I would hate to take you somewhere sub par and offend your delicate being."
Illi laughed as she watched Joff run off. He looked so happy and content with his life... but was he really? Was anyone in Connlaoth truly happy? The war did little to please anyone except the crazy military people who were in it for money. Even those that wanted honor wouldn't find anything pleasant in killing others. She knew the kids were impacted by it, too. Oh, how she would hate to raise a family in this country. She would have left long ago if it weren't for her many siblings.
Looking up at Iorwerth and putting on a smile that vanquished all of the troubling thoughts within her own head, Illi gleefully responded, "Why, the very same one we were heading to! Actually, I have no idea, but that place still sounds delightful to me. Hopefully it will not offend your delicate being, seeing as mine will be perfectly fine. Maybe there will even be some fine mead for your horse?"
Iorwerth laughed a very horselike laugh as he shook his head. "Well isn't that convenient? Although why my dear lady you would think my being delicate I would know. I have all the strength and grace of a thoroughbred I'll have you know," he boasted, lifting one arm to flex his muscle.
Linking arms with her once more, he began to lead horse and lady both towards their intended destination. "I must say though my dear I strongly advise against providing any mead to Ylli. He really can't hold his liquor and he's a right snobbish pig about it. Why just last week he stole my changepurse and drank the town dry! Can't trust a workhorse I'll tell you. Sneaky lot, they are!"
OOC: omg why the heck did I say mead? I don't think that's what i meant to say but now I can't remember... is that a reference to something earlier or was it literally just my randomness?
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Illi laughed as Iorwerth showed off his muscles and delightedly took his arm. "Oh, but that sounds like a joy to see! A drunken horse would be the spectacle of the whole town... perhaps even the world! You could win your riches and would be able to tell the most intriguing stories. I must say, maybe I'll start my own drunken workhouse business now."
Pointing to the building just ahead, Illi quickly dropped the previous topic and exclaimed, "Oh, there it is! Is there a place for you to leave your horse? Why do you bring her around with you, anyway?" She thought most people left their horses in a stable.
"Believe me, it's the worst idea imaginable. They're a lazy lot and drink only makes them bitter, nevermind the mess! Why you should have seen it when I first found Ylli. Drunk as a skunk out behind some dodgy pub as it were! Invest elsewhere the business is not all it's cut out to be," Iorwerth confided in her solemnly.
Though his expression quickly went from serious to shocked. "My lady don't let Ylli hear you callin' him a her! You'll ruin his reputation and burn his poor ego. After all he's a stallion through and through!"
He avoided answering her question, choosing to express his aghast horror at having part of himself declared as female. That was certainly a first for him.