Found:
Atharann found me in the jail. I'd settled into the notion of being there for goodness knows how long whilst the local idiots decided whether or not I needed to be punished for speaking another language - it was probably Varadja. I tend to lapse into that when angry, It's a very good tongue to be angry in - when the man came around the corner. I've no clue why he was there, I didn't bother to ask, but I'm grateful that he was. A few words to the right people and I was set free again.
I went with him to his study where he soothed my wounds as best he could with some... strange ooze in a jar. It did feel better afterwards, I must admit, though much of the bruising remains even now. At least my ribs and chest no longer ache, even if my face still looks like I got on the wrong end of an angry troll.
We spoke a while. Some of what he said actually made sense! And then I went into town to begin my plan. Well, more of a pl' really.
It felt to me as if words were not enough. I wanted to make a gesture of some description as well. Something personal. Something nice. Something she could throw back in my face if she wanted to. So, I went to a jeweler. It's not much, just a little trinket of my own design, not particularly expensive or ostentatious. Small, discreet, and tiptoeing that fine line between "too much" for a girl who's never had anything and "not enough" to truly convey the depth of my regret. Something with some meaning.
I'm sure he'd say that I'm trying to buy her forgiveness. I'm sure that's exactly what he'll tell her when she shows him.
Just tell him to stuff it! The man's even more clueless than you, and that's saying something.
On some matters, perhaps. Not on all of them. He is worth hearing out, even if following his advice isn't always the best plan. Isn't that the way with everyone, though?
Anyway, I found her after the piece had been completed. We spoke at length. She seemed willing to listen, at least, and though not explicitly stated, it feels like my apology was accepted. She had some interesting insights to make as well. Whether or not things improve from here, only time will tell.
Meanwhile, I have commissioned something for him as well, though not from the jeweler this time. I had considered making him a cake, but I don't think food poisoning is a good way to apologise, and - taking her suggestions into account - neither does a woman in a pie upon a pole.
Why bother? He brought it on himself. Stand your ground for once!
I do so when when it's right to do so, as well you know. Unlike you, I am capable of saying sorry when I'm in the wrong. That's not giving in. It's being fair and reasonable.
It's not right in this case! He knew already. He pushed and pushed even after you said to stop. He wasn't being reasonable with you, he was being intrusive and demanding more than you were willing to give. Just like the man in the tavern. You punched that one. The first time I've ever felt some pride for you. Why not him too?
You have a point about him being pushy. I won't deny that. But my reaction in that moment was the wrong one. It was unnecessarily harsh. My reaction is what I'm apologising for.
So you have something made for him? The girl, I kind of understand, since she just got caught up in it. But him? Maybe you are trying to buy forgiveness.
Are you agreeing with imaginary him?
NO!
Well, then! I'll forge ahead with my pl' then.
I feel less certain of this one, of course. Things went well with her, but I'm not sure it'll be so smooth with him. It's broken now, I'm sure of that. Maybe he'll want the tooth back. Maybe he'll just tell me to naff off. Maybe he's done and it's all over and I'll return to wandering alone.
Whatever happens, at least I'll have tried.
