The Grey Pearl (Of Caladuin: Volume Two)

9

Caladuin arranged to meet Tathariel for dinner at The Blue Dolphin. He left his lodgings at The Pelican's Roost and walked across a small square towards the harbour. Helluin and the brighter part of that ancient spray of stars, the Rossiaur, were setting behind the northern hill. Fornamon, the innkeeper had called it. Although the town was settling under a clear sky, extra lamps were being lit in the darker alleys.

He walked along the wide curve of the quayside, humming and nodding to sailors as they sat huddled on their forecastles, sharing a bottle or softly singing. The deep black waters of the harbour sloshed at the boat hulls and the white stones of the quay. A pair of gulls perched on the bowsprit of a fishing boat.

The events of the eriel had made a strong first impression on him. Strong enough to make him vow never to come to Ethirost again. Looking at the sailors as he passed, he fancied that any or all of them could be smugglers who would like nothing better than to stick a shank in his gut. But then he realised that none of them were Dolendrim and he drove such foolish thoughts from his mind.

The Blue Dolphin was half empty and he took his flagon of wine and two goblets to a quite snug in the back. It was a little dark box with wood panelling and a small hearth in one wall. The oil lamps on each of the four tables gave the room a cosy glow.

It wasn't long before the elleth appeared in the doorway.

"There you are." He rose and gave a half bow.

She had changed into a silver-blue tunic with a violet sash tied about her waist. Two thin braids, tied back from her temples, kept her hair away from her face. For the first time, Caladuin noted the fullness of her lips.

"I took the liberty of ordering wine," he said as they sat down.

"I am from Arvernien, so I drink wine," she said, a touch curtly.

"You have family there?"

She nodded. "My father was among the first to settle there. After the Great Journey."

"Arvernien is a place I have yet to visit. But if the wine is anything to go by, I will be visiting soon."

He offered her a goblet, which after a moment's hesitation, she took.

"The merits of Arvernien wine are undisputed, green-leaf. And hardly need to be discussed here."

This elleth was even colder than earlier. But he tried to bring some warmth between them with a smile. She held the goblet as he poured the wine. They both clinked their goblets and he noticed that she waited until he had drunk before she took a sip.

"And how long have you been stationed in this delightful little town?"

"Long enough to learn its ways and customs."

"I have learnt a few of them already."

Tathariel frowned. "Ethirost is strange because its people are strange." She said this a little too loudly and some of the Falathrim sitting in the room opposite turned and glared.

"You know, I thought it strange that you feigned not to recognise me at the Governor's Halls."

"In certain matters, green-leaf, I keep my own counsel."

"But I recall you saying that you were a friend at our first meeting."

"It is hard to make friends in this town." And before taking another sip, she murmured: "And harder to keep them."

"Elleth, it is true we have known each other but a short time. But I cannot ally myself with someone who does not trust me."

"And why should you trust me?" she hissed. "How do you know I am who I say I am?"