Whitestone: The Gap Year Begins

[whitestone_npcs]

The two come to consciousness, with no memory of what preceded the unconsciousness, in the middle of a cluster of trees. An orchard, branches laden with pink and white blossoms, tucked against the white stone wall of a castle.

It's a bright spring morning, sunlight spilling down from a clear blue sky. There doesn't seem to be anyone around besides the two of them, at least not immediately.

Comments

[whitestone_npcs]

"A little help," repeats the captain, almost tonelessly. "What did you have in mind?"

"Captain ..." One of the guards steps toward him, and lowers his voice, not quite out of range of hearing. "This is some kind of magic bullshit, isn't it? Two men pop up out of nowhere, no one sees them come?"

The captain gives the younger man a narrow look. "Yes, so?" he mutters.

"So shouldn't someone tell the Lady de Rolo?" the guard persists, still low-voiced.

It wouldn't be clear to anyone not paying very close attention, but something in the captain's face darkens with some unspoken worry. "We'll see," is all he says, no louder.

[mistertwister]

"I'd take no jail time, for a start." He's too nervous not to be a little sarcastic.

He tries not to jump at the name. He tries to be ready for if she doesn't recognize them. He hopes the disappointment won't show if she sees him without knowing him.

[ss_buttcrack]

"That, and maybe a little bit of charity if you can spare it..."

He eyes that guard, worried about what news this could bring, but he isn't prepared to hear Cassandra's name. His lips twitch and pull tight. Never did have a great poker face. If she's here then... will she know them? He's not getting his hopes up.

[whitestone_npcs]

He glances back and forth between them, his gaze sharpening at the way their faces change. "I take it that's a name you know. When was it you said you were here before, mister ...?" Focusing on Crichton, with a look rapidly darkening toward suspicion.

But before Crichton can answer, the door opens again from outside and yet another younger guard leans in. "Sir," he says in quick low tones, "the Lady --"

Behind him, rather louder -- though with a possibly alarming note of strain to it -- comes a voice both Crichton and Okie will recognize. "The Lady will announce herself, thank you, Lewis."