Celebrations Part 11

“Hm.“
Alexis considered that question.

“You know, before coming to Arcadia, the answer would have been a firm ‘no’. With nigh invincible whirlwind men…”

she gestured to Tarmen’s rather unique souvenir.

“… and all the other shit going down, not so sure anymore. Though I also think, avoiding to ‘meddle’ is pretty much impossible either way.”

Islana smiled at the compliment from Gonyaul. "Thank you."

That was all she got out before he moved on. She could see Voah dancing it was quite beautiful to watch.

She saw Alexis talking with that man, maybe she should introduce herself, then again maybe later.

Gonyaul was moving about, Boyce was playing music. Nicholas was some where around here. Wim was handing out drinks. That was her thoughts. The young woman leaned back laying on the grass, she really needed to limit herself to one ale.

Tarmen grunted in agreement.

“I am beginnin’ to see that. Seems the powers that be won’t accept not meddlin’. Good to know I’m not the only one thinkin’ it though.”

Looking to the imp, he was sure now that it was just another key to something they were stuck in.

He found himself looking to her with genuine concern.

“Seems like since the island everyone has had their ass handed to them in some way. You doin’ ok?”

“You can say that again. Despite all that, yeah. Somehow I’m doing ok. How about you? Haven’t seen much of you since back then.”

Alexis asked, genuinely curious.

“Dealin’ with Zane has been… pleasant. Plus being stuck here isn’t much of a treat either.”
Tarmen was silent for a moment, still debating how much he could tell her.
“Doin’ better. Havin’ this little bastard,” he flicked the imp,” is a good reminder that things have changed and maybe for the better.”
He smiled, as if saying it had finalized this small hope in him.
“Plus gettin’ to see Hunter fumble was a boost I needed. Poor boy has probably never seen a proper jig before.”

“You definitely should put that one on your resume. Getting Hunter to dance. I would not have believed such a feat possible had I not seen it with my very own eyes.”

Alexis joked in good nature as she regarded Tarmen out of the corner of her eyes. He seemed to be truthful and for that she was glad.

“Good to hear you’re alright.”
She meant it.

Tarmen chuckled at her jest.
“You think that’s somethin’? I once had to train a jester while on a job. Man couldn’t get a baby to laugh if he tried, not sure how he even got there to begin with, but by the time I had swindled his lords’ most precious jewels after only two days, he had the whole court rollin’!”

That got the mercenary to laugh.

“Somehow, I can absolutely see you doing that. You need to get your exploits written down one of these days. Would make one hell of a read, I’m sure.”