Lady of the Winter Sea - Part 04

Ursa Blacksong - Mid-Autumn of 113 YSTR
Port of Anders - Winterlunde

…

The pair had gone back and forth for a number of hours exploring the subject of magical theory and an assortment of theories and principles governing both divine and arcane spellcasting. One of them proposing a odd scenario and then the pair of them debating back and forth upon the subject finding a means to resolve the scenario to both parties' satisfaction.

It was during one of these in the early morning hours that third day Ursa had allowed her mind to briefly wander before returning once more to her senses only to discover that she had fallen asleep during the exchange.

“Wait… wait a moment, I thought we were discussing the parallels of divine and arcane barrier architecture?” Ursa said, looking up from her notes.
The Orb chuckled in amusement.

“ We’d moved well past that I'm afraid.” The Orb mused softly. “ While I find the fact that you can argue with me in your sleep most amusing. It would perhaps be best if you had a meal and got some rest before we continue. ”

Ursa couldn’t help but nod her agreement before taking a deep breath as she extended her arms above her head to stretch. " I believe you are right.”

“ The first item you have agreed with me on in the last several hours.” The Orb laughed in amusement.

…

Collecting her cloak from the bedside Ursa headed downstairs to the Inn's common room which was all but empty at this hour save for only a handful of individuals and a pair of young ladies acting as servers; the majority there only offering her a passing looks before turning their attention back to their meals.

From what she had gathered from the sailors aboard ship there are few if any full blooded elves or fey in the Winterlunde itself so most here don't really know what to make of her kind and thus beyonding a passing interest tended more towards avoiding trouble rather than being openly hostile unlike the common citizenry from the mainland.

The young server appeared a moment later offering a polite smile before placing a jug of a warm wine and that morning's meal before her. A rather unremarkable bowl of some simple cabbage and potato soup coupled with a second bowl containing boiled eggs, bread, and cheese. No sooner had she placed the first spoonful into her mouth than a deep growling voice sounded greetings as Kristov dressed in more formal attire than she was used to seeing joined her at the table.

" A good morning Sister Blacksong.” Kristov nodded politely motioning for a server to bring his meal as well.

Ursa for her part offered a brief upwards glance at the warrior’s more formal attire before returning her attention to her meal. “ Is it morning already? honestly I couldn’t tell.”

Kristov couldn’t help but laugh at her remark, nodding his understanding. “During the winter months it’s nearly always dark around these parts. You’ll get used to it given enough time.”

Ursa nodded her understanding before another thought struck her.

“Why are you here Kristov?” Ursa announced turning her gaze to the warrior. “ We’re gonna be stuck here for like a week. I honestly thought you’d be off bedding that pretty little wife of yours that you kept talking about during our time at sea. It’s been what, nearly half a year since you last saw her and your kids? ”

Kritov smirked at her. “ And here I thought a priestess of the faith would not care about such earthly matters as that?”

“Please, my oath is to be faithful not to be celibate.” She smirked back.

“Well, you are not wrong in that I would like nothing more than to go home and embrace my wife and kids again… ” Kristov nodded his agreement as his meal was placed on the table before him by the young server. “ That said, my oath is one of loyalty to the Duchess who has charged me with escorting you to her presence and then and only then by her leave. I shall be free of my task and can attend to other matters.”

Ursa nodded her understanding. “ You are a better man than I.”

Kristov couldn’t help but smirk at her poor attempt at humor. “ I would hope so, I’d do a poor job as a priestess of the faith.

“You’d likely do a better job than I’ve done.” Ursa noted aloud.

…