EllaDoraa made her way to the inn, as per Cynraede brief instruction.
He had been more absent than usual lately, and of course this concerned her greatly. She had watched from a distance as he sat silently on the hillside. His eyes covered, and his shoulders low. For days he seemed to just sit there. She had no idea how to help, other than to just stay close. She made sure there was food within reach, though it was hardly touched, and filled her days moving and clearing some of the mess and chaos around the building.
The note had been waiting for her as she awoke. She put aside her initial frustration that he didn’t just speak to her, and gathered her things together.
Walking into the inn, she wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. What did he have to say here that he could not have said back at the house? She scanned around the gathered patrons, and spotted him warming himself beside the fire.
“You wished to see me?” Ella asked, the words leaving her lips before her brain had engaged.
"I wish to see a great many things in this life,” said Cynraede softly, “but unfortunately there were other plans that have been made.” This left Ella looking momentarily confused, then as realisation dawned on her she began to crumble. “I… I… I’’m sorry , I didn’t mean…”
He gave a slight smile “No offense was taken Ella. Thank you for coming. There is one other that shall be joining us, soon... I believe.” He stopped to smell the air. “Forgive me Ella, I am still growing accustomed to the lack of sight. Is there a dog in here or have you been stalking in the woods again?” The slight smile, turning into a deeper smirk.
Ella just gave Cynraede a look, with raised eyebrows although it was wasted on him, and snipped “I have not, nor do I smell like a hound”. With that she turned and looked to the door. “Well of course…” she thought. “Of Course he could…” she gave a short laugh combined with a sigh.
At the door stood a woman, who obviously was looking around for someone. In her hand she clutched a note, bearing a mark that was familiar to the courier, as it was the mark of her employer – The Order.
Ella gave the woman a small nod and she began to walk towards them, her dog walking close to heel. . When they had reached the fireplace, the woman reached into a pouch on her waist, and handed her canine companion a treat, which he laid down to eat.
Cynraede gave a smile, as if he could see what was happening before him. “Good, I like you already”, he spoke gently, and gestured towards Ella. “This is Elladoraa. She is my courier. Though, forgive me, but the broker who spoke of you did not give a name. What do they call you?”
Ella watched the woman with curiosity. “They couldn’t have spoken of me that highly if they didn’t know my name” she muttered, but then with more clarity stated “Jacyk, to some. Pain in the arse to others” she added with a slight smile.
“Well it is a pleasure to meet you Jacyk, I am Cynraede and I thank you for coming here, as we have quite a bit of business to handle and I have work for you both. I need you to both, venture towards Rohan..” At these words Ella could see Jacyk’s eyes flash in her direction. She got the impression that this woman was not altogether happy about being thrust into this new partnership.
He went on to further explain the reason they would be traveling East, would be to search for a “missing person”. The words set a shiver down Ella’s spine. “Sir?” she asked. Was this it, were they going to look for him?
Cynraede confirmed that it was indeed his brother Baralinion who had gone missing and that he wished for the woman’s assistance in locating him. There was mention him going missing in Mirkwood after attempting to spy on some unsavory individuals, but other than that, there was very little to go on. This made Ella’s heart sink. She had been hoping that there may have been more positive news.
She of course was keen to leave as soon as possible, for she had been waiting for an opportunity to do SOMETHING for far too long. Jacyk however, understandably, had questions for Cynraede.
He told her that both he and Ella worked for the Order of the Seven, and it was to be their village they were to head to initially, that payment would be made upfront and that all expenses would be taken care of.
“So when do we go?” asked Ella, impatience getting the better of her.
Jacyk spoke, with a look of amusement at Ella, “You seem awfully fond of this lost child?” she smirked, then turned to Cynraede “I can be ready to leave the dawn after next. I have business to finish in town tomorrow."
Ella gave a sharp look and a short laugh at woman’s comment. “Fond?” she muttered, “We just need him back here. Where he belongs. Where he is needed.”
Cynraede interjects calmly, '"He is currently in training to become the leader, of the Order. The fact he has not returned or sent word is what is concerning... We will bring him home.” He turns to face Jacyk, “Go, finish your business. We shall see you the dawn after tomorrow.”
Ella watched as the woman turned to leave, her hound trotting close beside her. She wondered where she had come from, and what particular skills she would have in locating Bara. But she was sure she would find out in time, and after all, Cynraede would not have sent for her specifically if her reputation had not proceeded her.
She could feel that all too familiar tightness in her chest as the reality of the situation dawned on her. Enough was enough. They were going to find him. It was time to find Fruit Boy.
She just hoped and prayed there was something of him left to find.
