Talibah - The Egyptian
Chapter 15 - Page 1
Finding One's Space

Still rather uncertain about her place and what she would be expected to do in the great labyrinth of Caverns the Bards had dubbed Wynseren, Talibah had seemed to be left to her own decisions for the present. "Don't worry." Remarked Brandon, "It's only been a couple days. Taliesin is just returned and that occupies the Counsel most. Besides, you need some time to get used to everything. Where you are, where to go. I know that's why they haven't bothered me much, either. They know I'm helping you in that respect." He shrugged a bit, the light filtering pleasantly into the room. It was an easterly window that eased Talibah into morning with the grace only a sunrise could give. Even shuttering it did not keep out all dawning light and this pleased Talibah for she liked the gentle rousing nature it provided. She always liked the morning air, it had a crispness in energy, a newness almost, that faded as the day faded. She liked being in that crispness for it seemed to clear her heart and mind a space, something she always felt she could do more with.

Talibah stretched a bit, yawning and looking at Brandon as he moved about, putting some clothes on for the day. "Should I not be helping somewhere, at least?"

For a moment the young man paused at the polished metal that served as mirror in the room and noted the bristled hair on his face, wondering if he ought go and shave it or just let it be. Talibah had evinced no preference yet, so he opted to leave it alone for a while, if for no other reason, to see what her response might be or even if she would make one. Smiling at her, Brandon sat back on the bed as he pulled on a pair of cloth and leather shoes. "If you like." He said. "Whatever, where-ever. I doubt it matters much, yet. I really expect they'd like you to explore, love. This is a big place, as I'm sure you've noticed. And we've barely gone through much of it."

"Perhaps the stables, then. I love horses and I enjoy working with them. And I've not seen my horse since we got here." Talibah got up and casually looked out the window, pulling the shutters back completely to let in the golden rays. "I see people all about working in the fields, husbanding the stock and riding here and there. It is busy here inside these caverns and out."

"It is as big as a large town. Maybe larger. There's a lot to see. I barely have much grasp of it all though I've been here several times, even staying several seasons when much younger. But, I like being here. I always have. 'Course, I am like to be sent out again before long."

"Sent out?" Said Talibah some startled, looking back at Brandon with concern in her eyes.

"Why, yes." He frowned a bit. "I am a Runner and still in training. Perhaps I will be sent with Kevyn again. Though I get the impression he's already being prepped and making ready for new destinations. And I doubt they'd expect me to leave so quickly." Brandon's eyes turned reflective. "I like working with Kevyn. He's easy to work with. And right fun to tease!" He grinned, trying to ease a sense of tautness that had gathered in the airs about them.

To read the rest of the chapter in e-book format, click here.