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[gypsy_merrique]

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Merrique looked around the bedroom of the house she'd been sharing with Walter since shortly after the now-infamous (at least in her own mind) night in the Sanctus caves. The feeling she had was not something easily articulated in words; perhaps it was something only another gypsy could understand, and perhaps it was uniquely Merrique. Simply put, she needed to leave, if only for a while.

The life that was beginning to stir in her belly was a daily reminder of the changes past, present, and forthcoming in her world. Among those not of the gypsy blood, she often felt alone and adrift. There were times that it made her heart ache to be away from her people. Merrique lamented at the liquid way time ran through one's fingers. It seemed only a few weeks, a few months, since she'd left the familiarity of the camp and those she grew up among.

In the end she decided to not leave a note for Walter, nor to tell him of her departure. Somewhere in the crowded spaces between thoughts, she figured that if he truly loved her he would not be angered by her little hiatus and that he would welcome her return. So it was, she tossed a handful of personal items into a backpack and left Walter's house, giving a wistful look over her shoulder as she walked away.

Merrique stepped through the moongate at Compassion, and slowly made her way through the trees that housed various types of hostile life. Going past the brigands and heading into daemon territory, she was grateful for having learned the arts of the Shadows. She blessed and revered those shadows as she passed through what would be certain danger to her, and more importantly, the child she carried.

Eventually she found her way to some distant cousins who, much to everybody's surprise, were glad to see Merrique. She was surprised by the sudden sting of tears as embraces and kisses were shared. The surprised expressions they bore was something that would amuse Merrique, no doubt, for months to come when they found out that she not only was with child, but was such by choice. A campfire lunch was enjoyed, and Merrique then moved on to find the person she sought, the old wisewoman who served as a healer and midwife, as well as having been mentor to the now deceased queen Sabine.

A little more than a day later she came across the correct camp, exhausted and fatigued. Those present were shocked to see Merrique come into the caravan. After the blow-up with Sabine that lead to Merri's leaving the encampment, it was assumed she wouldn't be seen again.

Without mincing words, Merri stated her business there and was afforded time with the midwife. It was confirmed by her divinations that Merrique did indeed carry a boy, a boy who would doubtless take to weapons and not the mystic arts. Merri's fears about the child's health were eased, though the midwife did mention that she should keep an eye on the strange ailment that seemed to flare up for Merrique every so often.

With a sigh of relief, Merrique fell asleep at the fire to rest for her journey back. Throughout the entire journey she felt guilty and missed Walter. These feelings were something to take into account. They were not only new, but somewhat frightening. Usually when Merrique took leave of male company she was grateful and downright gleeful to do so. With a frisson charged with emotion she realized she would never willingly leave Walter's company again and actually began to regret the way she handled her absence.

It was too late to worry about that now, she figured. As she began the arduous journey back she had plenty of time to think. While traveling she again blessed the shadows for their safety and several times had to stifle bouts of the giggles as she slid past dangerous creatures that would have been glad to part her head from her shoulders, or worse.

The closer she got to Umbra, the more her nerves toyed with her. Would Walter be angry? Upset? Worried? As she obsessed over these woes, a strange sensation in her belly stopped her cold. For a few minutes she had no idea what was wrong. She cursed the midwife for giving her bad information.

It was just then that she realized. The sensation she felt was actual movement in her belly. Her jaw fell open and she stood in the wilderness, pale and shaking. Suddenly, it all seemed real.

Merrique traveled hastily to Umbra.
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. . . But the dark is very trustworthy.
It's always as dark as you thought it was.
And you don't have to work at staying there.
All you have to do is survive it.
And I've been doing that forever.
from the novel "Dark Debts" by Karen Hall

[Walter]

---

A slowly stretched his arms, the past few months had him spoiled. With no battles or battles to plan he was afforded the luxury of sleeping in. He turned and looks next to him at the empty spot next to him in bed.
He sighs slightly and in his head he says to himself "Where did she run off to now?" His thoughts were of worries, worries for her safety, he trusted this woman with all his heart he knew she would return or send some sort of message if her absence was going to be an extended one.

He drags himself out of bed and makes himself a cup of tea and poured a measure of liquor into the cup.

Ever since his time in Zento commanding the Emperor Tai Kwan Leap's army he had become used to this beverage. Though he disliked it but forced himself into the customs of the people of Tokuno. The small amount of liquor made it tolerable and quickly turned it into his favor drink of the morning.

He opens the front door in his robe not even bothering to dress yet. And picks up small messages left for him. He opens them one at a time. Most of it was diplomatic news that he didn't care enough about to read. He knew if it was important he'd hear from Isk.


*few days later*


Again awaking to the empty house, his concern grew. Was she attacked by some monster? Quickly Walter shook the thoughts out of his head. Knowing she has left before and she will be back. She's a tough woman who can take care of herself he knew. But with anyone he has ever cared for deeply, his mind wanders and thinks horrible scenarios.

He quickly dresses and summons his mount and runs off to have a look around. After several hours of searching and not seeing any sign of her and not knowing where to look from here, he pushs the thoughts to the back of his mind. These feelings of concern will do him no good and he knew it. So he stayed as rational as he could, for tonight he had alot of business to do. The meeting of the Protectorate was coming soon. Much preparing to do.



He meets with Isk shortly before the meeting and off they go to Nujelm. The home of his dear friend Rufus Oryan. "I miss Rufus, he was a hell of a man. Always good when you needed advice. It's a shame he wasn't around when mine and merri's son is born."

How he hated these damn meetings, nothing but politics. Insults thrown at everyone, Isk and Walter seemed to get alot of them. With Merri gone his efforts to keep his calm were futile. Worries about his Merri, how he missed her touch these last few nights. All these things weighed on him. Several out bursts at Sarah of the Legion of Honor, anger at the table fool of diplomats. He couldn't stand it he needed to be done with this meeting and back in the arms of his Merri.

Then the topic came up, the plans for dealing with the Dark Order. Ever since Isk told him of the joining of this Protectorate he knew this was going to come up. How he hated to do this, his love for Merri was extremely deep. And would never let a conflict between their allies come between them. His resignation letter was ready at home if needed. But he knew Tarothin will turn on Umbra, when, thats something no one knew. But he knew it was going to happen. And he knew in his heart and in his mind. That the best way to protect his family was to stop Tarothin's advance as soon as possible. He would give his life for his family. Family was the most important thing to him. And as Isk would say, "Family, thats what seperates us from the lesser races."



Again like every night since she left he wandered into the Den. And waited. This night, there she was in your beautiful red dress. A sigh of relief and it felt as if a huge wieght had been lifted off his shoulders. He was so happy to see her and so glad to see she was alright. When he finally started talking to her something was different. She swatted his hand away when he went to touch her stomach which now was showing signs of the pregnancy. "Was she mad at me?", "What is wrong..." and other thoughts like that raced through his head.
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[20:28] Inkari: walter=chuck norris

"What do you mean I can't sell castle deeds I create on Ebay?" - GM Darwin circa 1999