Why did I do this again? The nighttime rush was on and he had several men of various ages jabbering at him for a drink made this way or a wine from that year. It was unbearable. Add that on top of the fact that his empathy was choosing this particular time to be overly sensitive.
Ignoring the pain and familiar sensation of choking, he filled up yet another pitcher of ale, it was someone's birthday and he called for Martic to deliver the pitcher to the exuberant party guests. The younger boy grabbed the pitcher and a tray at the same time, weaving his way through the crowd with a skill Val envied. The 16 year old had a knack for remaining unseen and unheard, on top of other things, that's what made Martic and excellent thief. Soon Val heard the beginnings of a brawl starting up. Smoothly he interrupted and told the dissidents to take their fight outside and not dirty the counter which he, Vallendel, had just cleaned immaculately.
The two smiths, startled by his quiet, yet commanding, voice got up drunkenly and took it outside. Taking a few others with them to watch. Val sighed and reached for the towel at his belt. No matter, they still got ale all over the place. He wiped it clean and took up a few empty mugs and glasses. Pushing them towards a young waitress about his age. She batted her eyes at him but he ignored her. As always, every female (and some males) that came in here would make a go at him. And as always he would refuse them coldly. Young Jyra looked hurt and a single tear formed on her cheek. Vallendel pushed her away with the glasses.
"Take them to the kitchen girl, I have no time for your nonsense." He said sharply before turning his back and answering a request for more wine. A big hand grabbed his arm suddenly and wretched him around. Startled Val turned and came face to face with... Oh gods, not him. Terrified he broke the merc's grip and stepped back away from the counter and out of reach. Gods, he only looks like my father, the eyes are different. Val shook his head and stiffened his spine. I am ice, no one can hurt me, least of all Him. He grabbed a mug and turned to the merc. " What will you have sir?" covering for his slight lapse of control.
" Ale barboy, the strongest you got." The mercenary said in a thick accent Val didnt recognize. But that term, barboy, how rude! Vallendel nodded and went under the counter, grabbing the oldest and nastiest ale they still had. Pouring in a generous amount he shoved it at the merc. "Here sir, enjoy." Val said with a fake smile plastered on his face. The merc downed it in one gulp, then went green in the face. He got up and ran to the latrines down the hall. A few people laughed and jeered at him. Val was thankful when another person slid into the spot the merc had vacated. The newcomer asked for wine and looked very depressed for one reason or another. Doesn't matter to me, I dont know the guy. He handed him a skin of older Benden white. The man's face lit up and Val found that he was somewhat glad to have cheered the fellow up. The guy muttered his thanks and drank greedily. Van nodded crisply and turned to a few other waving hands.
Finally! Vallendel pulled up a barstool to his side and sat down with a sigh of relief. Only a few patrons remained. The merc had disappeared after the ale and Val wasn't sorry to have seen him go. The other depressed fellow was collapsed at the bar, sighing Van shook him gently and asked him to move so he could wipe the counter down. The man, no dragonrider to judge by the badge, nodded wearily and moved over a seat. "Can't believe she left me, the good for nothing" whatever else the man was saying was lost when he put his head back down. Val shook his head sadly and grabbed a bunch of glasses to polish. Sitting down on his stool he just reflected on what was going on in his life. His thoughts were broken when the dragonrider picked his head up and looked at him wearily. "yes?" Val asked sharply. The man shook his head, "Just looking for pity I don't deserve Forget it." Interest aroused Val moved closer. " I've had some hard times fellow, I'll listen." The dragonrider looked up at him with such gratitude Vallendel was momentarily startled. He regained his composure quickly and settled in a stool across from the rider.
The man lapsed into his tale of woe and sorrow so quickly Val was surprised. Must have been bothering him for awhile. He shrugged inwardly and continued to listen politely adding a comment here and there of sympathy and encouragement. Finally the rider, P'mir, stopped totally and took a swig of wine. Val was shocked that the man had downed 4 skins and wasn't even close to drunk. Now I've seen everything. P'mir shook his head and looked into Vallendel's eyes. " Good god, you have silver eyes!" he exclaimed eyes wide with surprise and awe. Val shrugged and made to get up. P'mir grabbed his hand. " Wait, you said you've had problems, you listened to me, I'll listen to you if you want." Val resisted-tried to pull away, then blinked.
The cold desert of gray sand stretched for miles, empty-but not asking. Cold, but not a threat to his person. But empty-Gods how empty-
But not hurting, no pain, only emptiness, and yes loneliness.
He looked at P'mir, at the blueriders compassionate face. " Son. Your hurting aren't you." It wasnt a question, but a statement. Panicked Vallendel shook his head and assumed his habitual expression of flippant arrogance. "No sir, I'm fine, nothing wrong at all." The rider looked very concerned and his eyes went unfocused. Vallendel knew he was talking to his blue Siyeth, whom he had mentioned earlier, and trembled inwardly. P'mir looked at him again and shoved the wineskin over. "Drink kid, you look like you could really use it."
Val looked at the skin dazedly, the numbness came, unbidden and unwelcome. He fought against it, felt as if he was turning to ice, outside a dragon bugled and P'mir leapt forward as Val collapsed. As soon as the bluerider touched him he screamed, he felt them both, the worry and overwhelming anxiety of dragon and rider, it was unbearable. Martic came running as did his brother Carse as well as Jyra and Ralle. With all of them so close he felt his mind overloading. The Empathy lines pulsed in his head, he saw stars for a moment and heard a strange voice in his head. Relax Vallendel, they wont hurt you. And how would you know! Get them away from me! He struggled against restraining hands, fought to get free, fought to escape. P'mir release him. One pair of hands let go then the others, Val jumped to his feet and ran as fast as he could. He heard Ralle shout, heard Martic coming after him, then the voice of P'mir called Martic back. But Vallendel didn't really register that, he thought the terrors of his past were still after him.
