Party Games
When she arrived at the party, Bjorke found several people already gathered. She played her role as hostess, trying to ignore the searing pain in her leg. As the night wore on, her patience wore thin. Talk turned to politics, as it often did, and tempers flared. A young priest tried to turn the topic onto more practical matters, saying her current tasks were harder than she expected.
The old elf, Jivundus, spoke up. “Perhaps you should find a husband to take care of you.”
Bjorke’s temper snapped. Usually, she enjoyed his company, but this speech of his on love and marriage hit a nerve. “A woman does not need a man to take care of her! And love and marriage do not need to follow one another!” Edrick, who had been drinking steadily, stomped off to find more mead. Discovering the bartender had none, he threw his mug against the wall, and staggered outside, bellowing for his horse. Read the rest of this entry »
Preparations
Bjorke hated parties. She hated making small talk; she hated being nice to people she didn’t know; she hated using diplomatic manners; but most of all, she hated having to wear this stupid dress. The skin on her thigh was raw. The bath had not helped, and neither did bandaging. She couldn’t bear wearing her leather leggings, so she was forced to wear a dress. She had asked Mabon for advice, knowing the young woman had an extensive wardrobe.
Mabon frowned over the three dresses Bjorke owned. “This one is too skimpy. This one is too formal. And what’s with this one?” She held up the two-piece dress that was Bjorke’s favorite. “Looks like it came off a Troll!” Her nose wrinkled in disgust. “Well. I’m sure I have something you can borrow.”
Bjorke looked at the short woman, and then at her own long legs, her eyebrows raised in skepticism. And just what was wrong with that dress? Read the rest of this entry »
