The Red Boar

A hand softly touches the side of her face and tilts it away from the brother she has longed all her life to see once more to the sister she had thought forever lost to her.

Years of hard living shown in the eyes she looked into and they looked almost haunted. As they searched each others eyes for some sign, Kazzia wondered briefly what those eyes had seen.

Softly words flowed, a phrase she'd never thought to hear again, a name few knew. Nuala! The name she had been give as a child because her skin was so fair and theirs so much darker.

Her arms quickly flew around Dana's neck and she started crying earnestly again. You do know me! Oh you do!

Hugging her little sister back. Yes then i do know you little one, it has been many years since i left. I did not think i would ever see you again. Softly wiping the tears from Nuala's eyes.

Looking over at i asume to be my brother, he has aged a bit. But i can see in his eyes. Lifting his chin up and looking in his eyes. Lys is that you?

Still holding my little sis to my side, as she weeps. "It will be fine you have found me and our brother little one, we will not be leaving you again!"

Grinning as she watched him sink down on the floor to join her. "Ruins!" she exclaimed "Never would I show you ruins". Chuckling at the way he seemed to know which way her mind had mused over the very real ruins that lay beyond the village outskirts. Giving in she started to laugh "OK..ok..I must admit it did cross my mind..but only briefly.." giving him her most innocent look.

Turning to stare at Lyskard's, she was about reply when a young lady walked up towards them. Noting the look on his face she frowned wondering if everything was fine with him. Before she could utter a word to ask she heard him whisper a name "Kazzia" and leapt to his feet embracing the younger lass. Louisa sat quitely watching the drama unfold before her when she realised that he had found not one sister but two in a matter of minutes.

Smiling she understood the emotion they must be going through as it wasn't all that long ago that she herself was reunited with two sisters she hadnt known existed. Bending forward she picked up the plate and got to her feet..feeling that they needed some private time to catch up she quitely moved towards the bar.

Finally getting his emotions under control and in a somewhat decorun shape , Lys , eyes still moist, sees Louisa standing at the bar ....he steps beside her turning back to his sisters saying..... Kazz , Dana , I would like you to meet a very good friend of mine , Louisa .....Louisa ,...as you have seen , these are my beloved sisters whom I have not seen for many years .... Placing a gentle arm on Louisa's shoulders .... " Louisa , please forgive us , but under the circumstances....can I meet you here tomorrow ? then we can set out to search for that home .

Walking slowly back to his sisters , plaing an arm around each one's shoulders lightly , Lys. inquires... I presume as least one of you have a home here ? we can go talk in private if you wish ...

Leaning with her back to the bar, she watched as the three siblings tried to grasp the fact that for some unknown reason they had all ended up in the same town. A sad smile played across her face as she watched, reminding her of her own meeting of lost sisters she had recently met and left behind on her travels. She watched as Lys walked towards her and was startled when he introduced her as his very good friend. Masking her thoughts she curtsied to both of them.."Pleased to meet you both" giving them a welcoming smile.

Feeling his arm across her shoulder she looked up and nodding at his explaination..."Hey... thats fine..I understand fully and tomorrow will do just fine, those houses aren't running off anywhere". She finished her drink as he walked back towards his newly found sisters. Placing the glass on the bar she thanked the barkeep. Turning towards the door she glanced back watching him a soft smile on her lips as she pulled open the door and walked out into the gathering darkness and headed for home.

Sitting and still holding Little Nuala as she calms down. Watching Lys regain his composure he gets up and walks towards the lady at the bar pulling Kazzia up to her feet walking behind Lys as he goes to speak this lass.

He introduce us to her

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he introduced her as his very good friend. Masking her thoughts she curtsied to both of them.."Pleased to meet you both" giving them a welcoming smile.

[color=cyan] Smiling 'shaking her hand' "nice to meet you Louisa, my name is Dana and this is my little sister Kazzia."[/ccolor]

Looking at Lys yes i have a home in the village you both are more than welcome to stay with me until you can find a home.

Saying my farewell to Louisa 'i feel Lys walk in between Kazzia and I and place his arm over our shoulders.' As we walk out the door together heading for my home

Swallowing the invisible lump that blocked her airway Kazzia spoke carefully. I have a home as well. I just got it today.

Tears filled in her eyes again but for another reason. A true loss still shadowed over her happy reunion. She wasn't even sure if they had known Aunt Imogene but she felt it was her duty to tell them what had happened. Aunt Imogene passed on and left the cottage she had here to me. We... swallowing again she managed to speak. it is also open. Though it's only moderately sized. Shaking her head she hoped they would understand.

With careful training and great self control she managed to keep her head up and not to look down in tears again. The one thing she'd always been taught was to hold her head high and remember what had been given up so that she might grow up safe, happy, and healthy. Years of hurt, anger, and fear tore at her spirit demanding she give up, but the words spoken as her family was torn apart had always echoed in her mind.

I honestly don't care where we go, just don't leave again? Tears once again welled in her eyes and ashamed she wiped them quickly away with the sleeve of her dress and yanked her head up in stubborn pride.

Feeling that Louisa understood the importance of the occassion and his explanation , Lys had left the tavern with his new -found sisters , Escorting them , or was it they escorting him ? he couldn't quite recollect . The euphoria of it all frazzled his brain worse than whiskey ever did. The night hadn't ended there , it was well into the small hours before Lys. had managed any sleep .

the day after the night before feeling would not give Lys. any peace .. " only one thing for it , the hair of the dog's tail ! " He mumbled to himself . Leaving his sisters to talk alone together , after explaining his day's events , Lys slipped out the door .

Entering the tavern and with a quick scan , sees Louisa had not arrived . With eyes that looked like pebbles in the snow , he ambles up to the bar .. " A bottle of your best , or worst , whichever you look at it ! " he mumbled , as the bar-keep grinned knowingly at him . Nothing to wash down now , except maybe the taste of last nights whiskey . Throwing back three shots , and that's before he even got to the table ! Lys gives out a relieved " ahhh " then takes a seat to await his fate at the hands of the town drunk !! Well....she was still standing when he left .

Standing outside the Tavern, Louisa stood for a moment with her hand on the door handle. The walk here was pleasant...sun shining..soft wind..one of those days that are full of promise and that everything is good in the world. He said to meet him here but no time was mentioned, twisting the handle she walked in closing the door behind her. Once again the tavern looked to be in darkness due to the brightness of the day. Waiting for her eyes to adjust she took a few steps forward incase someone else came through the door and knocked her flying. "Wish someone would clean those windows and let more light in" she grumbled under her breath. Blinking she could make out large figure sitting not far from where she had put her cushions, walking closer she realised it was Lys.

Standing on the other side of the table she took the sight of him in. Arching one eyebrow she noticed the way he looked...."Good grief Lys...did you not sleep last night, or are you still hung over?" Nodding to the barkeep for one of her normal drinks she slipped into the chair opposite him. Thanking the man she took a sip and placed her glass down. Placing her arm on the table she leant forward resting her chin on her hand and search his face. "Either the reunion went too well or what was discussed was to painful." Sitting this close he did look like hell, she knew at times she could look like death warmed up but the way he looked surpassed even her worst times.

With a smile forming she looked at him impishly..."Ahh...you still looking to find a home here in the village or would you rather wait until you feel ...ahh...." she shrugged letting the sentence fade. "I suppose one shouldn't laugh at anothers misfortunes....but if he looked like this after drinking not even a full bottle...she hated to see how bad he could become." she thought as she sat comfortable in his presence and waited for him to talk. Used to the silence of men she never felt that she had to fill that silence with nonsense, looking down at her drink she became lost in her own thoughts..

Miles away with his thoughts of the events of yesterday Lys. never even noticed Louisa enter the tavern . Even when she came and sat at the table looking into the sorry state he called his eyes , it still failed to register she was there . Then deep in the back of his mind a familiar voice called ..

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"Good grief Lys...did you not sleep last night, or are you still hung over?" ............................... "Either the reunion went too well or what was discussed was to painful."

Returning from his reverie the penny dropped , or was it a boulder ? Either way his sleep-lacked eyes focaused on the figure before him ... " Sorry Louisa , I was miles away ...literally . That was one hellva of a shock for a man to get last night . Sorry if I made a fool of my self , but the shock took me completely off guard ." Talk about an understatement , even falling into the chasm created by an earthquake couldn't have been greater . Pushing the bottle away from him Lys. turns to the barkeep and calls.... " Have ya got anything weaker than alcohol behind the bar , can't go out wiv a young lady looking like the dog's distasteful dinner ! " Nodding the bar-keep prepares one of his concoctions for Lys. [b]

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..."Ahh...you still looking to find a home here in the village or would you rather wait until you feel ...ahh...."

After swallowing the vile tasting concoction the bar-keep brought him , Lys glares at the bar-keep mumbling something about .." I owe you one " .....[b] " Am I still looking ? geez Louisa , more than ever now ! and besides , how could I rob you of showing me the pleading beggars ? " The concoction must be working because Lys' face broke into a big grin as he answered Louisa .

Hearing him yell to the barkeep for something weaker than alcohol, Louisa thought for a moment he was asking for water. A look of shock passed over her face at the mere mention of water....taking a closer look at him a frown formed as she leant across the table looking him in the eyes and asked "Ok!...exactly who are you and what have you done with Lyskard?" Louisa lips twitched as she fought to keep from laughing.

'Oh damn...forgot about those homes" looking back at him "You still want to look?" firing these questions at him not really waiting for him to answer. In her mind she went off on another thread and was about to voice those when she stopped. Looking sheepishly at him she burst out laughing realising that he was just sitting there looking at her.

"Sorry...I tend to say one thing and jump to another, confusing all and sundry" picking her glass up she downed what was left feeling it leave a warm trail down her throat. "Ahh....any idea of what you may be looking for?...I can show you castles, cottages or a manor...in any state...standing or ready to move in...whatever suits your needs...beggars?? what have they to do with showing you houses?" Louisa looked at Lyskard wondering if whatever it was he had just drunk..had robbed him of clear thinking...

Lys. turned his head and look at the bar - keep , thinking... " You wiley old sod , Jah only knows what you shoved in that concoction , but I really do owe you one ." His head had cleared , the affect of the lack of sleep had gone , he felt back in the land of the living . He was ready to follow Louisa faithfully in search of a home , A wicked smile doned his features as he thought ... let' hope she leads me down the right garden path ! Thinking about what type of home he could purchase , it was as if Louisa was thinking the same ....

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"Ahh....any idea of what you may be looking for?...I can show you castles, cottages or a manor...in any state...standing or ready to move in...whatever suits your needs...beggars ?? what have they to do with showing you houses ? "

Now what in the world will he want with a castle ? there was only himself , maybe someday a wife , even children , but certainly not an army of 'em ! Keeping this thought under wraps , he commented... " W-ell , I love space , so a wee cottage is not for me , a castle ?... naw too big .So a Manor house sounds a little more becoming ..a..n.d , I will need a roof on it ...I just can not get comfortabe in a bed when it raining...and I'm done with sleeping under the stars ............Beggars ? I don't want want them at my door , unless they can do gardening. "
Standing , then looking at Louisa , he asks ... " Is the good lady ready ? or does she require six bottles of whiskey to last the journey ? " Bursting out laughing Lys. quickly heads for the door before something heavier than a cushion should follow ...

Laughing at his request for a manor house with a roof..."What lost your sense of adventure?" she inquired happy to see him come back to his laughing self. Winking at the barkeep for handing out one of his miracle cures, she couldnt help grinning back at him.

There was a few Manor houses in the district that could be what he was looking for. Looking at him she didnt think he was the Castle type and a small cottage wouldn't do considering how big he was. So with his mind made up about a Manor house her work was not going to be all that hard. A few Manors...a quick walk around...hey what could possibly happen.

Seeing him stand up she about about to follow when he cheekily asked :

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" Is the good lady ready ? or does she require six bottles of whiskey to last the journey ?

Standing there with a shocked look on her face she yelled back to his retreating back "6 bottles...what you think you can buy me off with 6 bottles...I'm insulted...thought I was a dozen bottles girl!" Laughing she followed him out the door into the sunshine...

As promised Lys. arrived at the tavern good and early , all ready to start what can only be discribed as a " please do not try this at home " adventure . Walking to the bar , a smile to the bar-keep and a little light-hearted conversation , he took his drink and sat at the table in the corner . Not the seat occupied normally by Louisa , but across the table on the stool he had previously sat.

While waiting for the entertainment commitee to arrive , Lys. pondered what the day would bring and whether Louisa would be serious on her choices, or feel he still needed to be taught a lesson.

Chuckling to himself , knowing that she had just as an outrageous sense of humour as himself , he was fairly confident she would put it to one side while picking all they needed to make his house a home. Yeah, sure they would have fun, they were both crazy people , they couldn't help them selves. It was part 'n parcel of who they were, it was in their make-up. Just at that moment his musings was interupted just as , as large as life, Louisa stepped through the door , giving a wave as she ordered a drink....

After her escapdes of the previous day, Louisa woke up bright and early eager to begin the search and destroy part of furnishing Lys new residence. Smiling to herself she hoped that her little fun she had yesterday in describing the decor she had planned had the desired effect and and he as worried as he looked should be in what was in store for today.

Her head full of colour schemes and types of furniture she also had some not so good ones, just to teach him a lesson or two in having more faith in her. She wasn't a Hamilton for nothing and her family manor was most definately decorated to perfection, but since he wasn't aware of that little fact and there was more to her than just a lady who liked to drink, she wasn't in any hurry to inform him of that fact.

Pushing the door inwards she literally bounced through the doorway so full of eager anticipation, grinning at Lys who sat in the chair he had occupied previously, Louisa asked for her usual drink and once she had that in hand, made her way beaming at a very worried Lys.

"Morning Lys...ready for another fun filled action packed decor hunting trip" Pulling out a chair she sat to the side of him instead of in her normal place...didn't want to get too comfortable just yet. Smiling ...she seemed to be doing that alot lately...well if you forget about the episode yesterday where she cried.....she seemed to be smiling more. Giving herself a mental shake and laughing inwards she couldn't for the life of her work out why he made her smile so much... "Ahh maybe it could be the fact that he also enjoyed the fun of taking the mickey out of all and sundry" she thought.....nevertheless while waiting for his response she sipped her drink.....

A happy smile given as he waved back to her . " Ah.. well , here goes , this is where the day starts ." Lys though as he iwardly chuckled to himself. He had this strong feeling that this was going to be another story of .... " the escapades of 'the louisa & Lys. saga. " Over the last few days since he had known her , Lys. wondered why she made his days feel so ...so fullfill, so complete . she made him laugh so much by what she said, and the humourous antics she got up to . He seem to sleep well, thereby awakening up in a position of feeling that the day was complete, and the was before it had even started !! Maybe it was her infectous smile, you know the one that says ..." look out boy... I'm up to something. " Or it could be ingenious way of making you laugh along with her... What ever it was .... it certainly made Lys. a very happy man.

Quite surprisingly Louisa came and sat to the side of him instead of her usual seat opposite to where he sat. "Morning Lys...ready for another fun filled action packed decor hunting trip" Searching her her smiling face , Lys tried to find some sort of indication what she had in store for him today.There eyes locked together , a slight concerned look on his face , he greeted her.... " g'day to ya Lou, what ya got planned for us today ? or is it better I not know ? " And in the short space of time he had known her .. Boy ! it might be better he not know !!! Adorning with a wide grin he replied.. " yeah , sure, I'm ready , what for - I've yet to find out ! " That brought a deep chuckle from her , full of .. " ya better believe it Mister ! " Well what ever the consequences were .....it was a challenge ... an Lys .. never refused a challenge.....

Taking another sip of her drink she looked up and held the gaze of one that wondered what he was in for.

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"g'day to ya Lou, what ya got planned for us today? or is it better I not know ? "

Finishing her drink off she began to toy with her empty glass. With a look of sheer devilment she looked him in the eye.... "Well I have lined up an appointment with Bruce...you know the guy I was taking about yesterday...he has just had a shipment of the most divine candy striped furnishings direct from France....oh and just around the corner from him is the partner Jean-Luc....when you deal with one you get the other in tandem...Jean-Luc has a knack of making sure everything comes together"........Standing up slowly while she kept the banter going, she placed her empty glass on the tarvern bar. Making her movements deliberate , and precise as to not draw attention to the fact she was getting ready to flee.

In the distance Louisa heard the church bells pealing out the time. With a look of horror on her face, she turned to Lys...."Quick Lys, to the market" heading to the door her hand on the handle she turned and seeing him still seated attempted to add a bit more drama into her voice..."If we hurry we might just head off Bruce and Jean-Luc, they had let me know earlier that the cart was loaded with the furniture to deliver to your new home...you know the candy stripped chairs and curtains, and a divine coloured carpet of pink to set the whole tone." Trying desperately to not laugh she watched the look on his face and without giving him a chance to react, she flung open the door and ran like the devil himself was after her. She knew full well that it wouldn't be long afore he was running hehind her but the amount of fun she was having how could she pass up such an opportunity.......

Holding each others gaze ,their laughter lines clearly showing , Louisa , finishes her drink, and with a slow deliberation , placed her glass on the table in front of her after twirling it in her hands thinking. Then comes her narration of all the decor and furnishings he has to look forward to . The smile is still transfixed in place on Lys' face but slowly fading
the longer she spoke, and the more serious she looked. " OH Hell !! ".. he thought .".she aint fooling none." .... who in the world is going to visit him with all that adoring his home ? yeah , sure , he will have visitors. but return ? not if they had an ounce of sanity above his . Letting Louisa rattle on as his mind tries to picture the outlandish decor , not to mention furniture . Lys' face slowly turns a sickly ashen very pale gray. OMG!! what can he do ? he was too much of a gentleman to withdraw the offer he had put before her . And besides she seemed so enthusiastic , he never had the heart to refuse her now.

While he was so lost in his musings, poor Lys had not realised that Louisa had stood and walked to the bar then towards the door. The pause from her narration, then restart talking again brought him to look up at her stood by the door. Louisa's next words hit him so hard as it suddenly dawned on him she had been leading him well and truly down the garden path . All he saw was this big sign that read ..." Hi Stupid .......you've been had again ! "

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...."Quick Lys, to the market"............ ..."If we hurry we might just head off Bruce and Jean-Luc, they had let me know earlier that the cart was loaded with the furniture to deliver to your new home...you know the candy stripped chairs and curtains, and a divine coloured carpet of pink to set the whole tone."

Watching her pull the door open and dart through Lys jumped to his feet to chase after her for running him though the mill . In his enthusiastic urgency to get at her , lys stuck his foot in a side rung of a stool instead of stepping over it . With only one leg left to run with, he wasn't going anywhere except where his body's momentum took him, polishing the floor with his head ! Looking up at the bar-keep .....Idiot... written alll over his face . He gave a silly grin as the bar-keep stood watching him shaking his head with the look of ...." there's ome born every minute !" Slowly getting to his feet amist his awkwardness and the silly grin in place , Lys turns tail and heads for the door as fast as his limpimg leg would carry him . Jerking open the door , he was through it and chasing Louisa like a scolded cat.

I go to open the door of the tavern and I am almost runn over by two people running out so I quickly step out of their way. When its safe to enter I go in and sit down at the bar and tell the barkeeper "Give me your strongest drink in the place" When he brins it to me I down it in one gulp and ask for another. I sat there for several hours downing drinks like they were candy.

Tearing out the door Lys nearly knock a young lady over , looking up he sees it is Pk . while running after Louisa he is plagued by the look on her face. Stopping looking at Louisa disappearing in the distance Lys decides to return to the Tavern to satify himself Pk is okay.

Reaching the Red Boar entrance Lys pushes the doors and walks in . Sat at the bar is Pk downing drinks asif they were free . Nodding to a the bar-keep , He slides a bottle of whiskey to at the end of the bar. Looking at Pk , a sadness in her eye I ask... " May I share a drink with you Pk ..Please ? "

I hear someone say

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" May I share a drink with you Pk ..Please ? "

so I look up and see that its Lys and say "Yes you may."

Wondering what on earth had happened to Lys, Louisa back tracked, walking mainly in the centre of the path just in case he decided to jump out and scare the living daylights out of her. Making it safely to the door of the tavern, she turned the handle and walked inside. Looking towards the bar she saw Lys and another lady sitting with a bottle of whiskey between them.

Curious she moved closer and standing on the other side of ...well she wasn't sure...the lass had her back to her. Looking over at Lys she mouthed "Whats wrong ?" Grabbing a stool she sat perched on the edge while trying to figure out why all the empty glasses were on the bar.....

Masked with a worried, defeated look on her face, Pk turns and looks at him. Staring for just a moment, she answers with a shrug........ "Yes you may." Lys pours her a large whiskey. " would you like some company Pk , we can talk, or just sit and see how many bottles we can empty ."

Before she could answer , the door opens and in walks a wary Louisa. "Whats wrong ?" Lys beckons her to a stool with a serious look to indicate all is not well .

Thinking the presence of another lady would help, Lys offers Louisa a drink.. "Got thirsty did ya with all that running Lou ? ....or were you kicked out of the market , yet again ? Grinning, he looked her way , waiting for the retort he knew would come.

If louisa could bring Pk to realise that her problems were not so bad , and that we are her friends , then maybe Lou could convince Pk to spend the time with us , shopping . She may end up not buying anything, but she sure as hell gonna enjoy her self !!! that's if she can stop laughing enough to walk.

Gladly accepting the drink from him she was about to down in her customary way when she heard his rather cheeky question:

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"Got thirty, did ya with all that running Lou?.....or were you kicked out of the market, yet again?"

One eyebrow raised she retorted... "At least I could run...what happened to you..did you aleast make it off the chair...good grief Lys...I imagine that Bruce and Jean-Luc are delivering that furniture to your place right now!" Watching his face at the mention of the two he still had to meet, Louisa deftly emptied her glass and pushed it in the direction of the half empty bottle.

A cheekly smile flittered across her face...."Hey Pk...what about coming furniture shopping, I know of two fine establishments that Lys here has used... and his choice of colours is a sight to behold" grinnging at Pk she continued..."I hear you have just purchased a home...well funny Lys has just done the same thing and he wanted a Ladies touch...so between the two of us...he'll get just that !"

I didn't realize anyone else was there until I heard Louisa say

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...."Hey Pk...what about coming furniture shopping, I know of two fine establishments that Lys here has used... and his choice of colours is a sight to behold. I hear you have just purchased a home...well funny Lys has just done the same thing and he wanted a Ladies touch...so between the two of us...he'll get just that !"

and when she did I looked up a little startled and replied "I wouldnt mind going shopping with you guys it will give me a good distraction." Then I paid my bar tab and thanked the barkeep.