CH. 13 - Climbing the Ladder

[Daos]

"Yes, it has been quite eventful today," Sidhanar agrees.  "I heard you were runner up in the combat contest."

[HorizonsDream]

"I was hoping to be the winner, but I ran out of the spells that could help me out," Ladonna says. "But runner up isn't bad. How long have you been painting?"

[Daos]

"Ah, since I was a youth, really," Sidhanar answers.  "But I only dabbled.  It wasn't until I became a warden that I started doing it more seriously."

[HorizonsDream]

"Why when you became a warden?" Ladonna asks.

[Daos]

"It was a way to cope with the isolation," the ranger answers.  "All those days or even weeks alone, and the Sunwoods has some beautiful vistas, so there was always something new to paint."

[HorizonsDream]

"Well, I'm not much of an art critic, but you seem to capture the beauty of nature well," Ladonna says. "I wish I could stay long, but I have to go. Enjoy the rest of your day," she says before she rushes off to speak to Mannan.

[Daos]

As expected, Ladonna finds Mannan waiting for her in his room.  After knocking, she opens the door to find a room lit by candlelight.  Rose petals line the floor and bed.  Mannan lies on the bed in a suggestive pose, a rose in his mouth.  "Ah, I was just waiting for you.  Come in, come in," he offers.

[HorizonsDream]

Ladonna can feel herself getting ready to laugh. The corners of her mouth twitch as she barely controls not laughing at him. She steps inside his room, and closes the door. "So you had him sent to jail," she says.

[Daos]

"For now," Mannan says.  "I'm sure he'll cough up proof that the document is forged and be on his way, but his reputation will likely never recover and people will always wonder."  He sits up, suddenly serious.  "Actually, it's a bit odd that he hasn't yet.  All he needs to do is provide a real birth certificate.  But it's almost like he's afraid to for some reason."  The gnome shrugs.  "In any case, care for some wine?  It was bottled in 290--a very good year."

[HorizonsDream]

"Very well," Ladonna says. "And I don't think most people carry their birth certificate with them," she says. "At anyway rate, my father doesn't seem completely convinced. He is apparently going to wait it out, to see what happens. That gives me time, but not much."

[Daos]

"No, it's more than that," Mannan says.  "He could easily ask for someone to retrieve it for him.  In fact, it's been offered several times.  He outright refuses.  Almost like he thinks the real certificate would somehow be more damning than the fake one..."

He shrugs.  "Well, regardless, I did what you ask.  And it was no easy feat!  Perhaps you'd care to show your gratitude and have a drink with me?"

[HorizonsDream]

"Pour the drinks," Ladonna says. "But if he refuses...Will they let people visit prisoners?" She asks.

[Daos]

Mannan eagerly pours two glasses of the wine, and offers one up to Ladonna.  "I suppose they could.  But if that's a problem, I could have him moved to solitary."

[HorizonsDream]

"No, that isn't necessary," Ladonna says as she takes the glass of wine. She swirls it in her glass a few times before she takes a sip.

[Daos]

The wine is quite good, with a sweet taste.  Even with only one sip, Ladonna feels a warmth slowly spread throughout her, loosening her tense muscles a bit.

"As you like," Mannan says.  He pats the bed by his side.  "Care for a seat?"