Fall Festival at Sarna
Blog entry

10/17/05

Today is Fall Festival in Sarna. Today is also Torlinque's regular day off, it being a Monday.

The kitchen staff had banquet tables already set out at dawn, including the mead casks. Streamers, ribbons, and bouquets were set up the night before. They didn't erect a pavillion, but did put up some poles and enclose the area with white, orange & yellow ribbons.

I went about my usual morning routine, and had some tea. Then I got in the shower. Torlinque came in there with me, and I could immediately tell something was different.

He wanted to dance and tease more than anything else, and had a rather silly expression on his face. "You've been at the mead haven't you?" I asked him. "Yes." he admitted, grinning at me. Generally, when they start this early, everyone gets their drinking in by mid morning, naps all afternoon, and then begins again in the evening when the fires are lit and the dancing starts in earnest.

It's mid morning now, and he is stopping. He's not drunk, but it's obvious he's had 2 or 3 pints. I asked him if he and his squadmates were dancing tonight and he said they are. He knows he’ll need all his wits for that, so I'm not surprised he went for getting his drink in early. He's not working security this time, and he's certainly earned some recreation time. Torlinque generally doesn't drink much. Most Elves don't. Just wine with the evening meal and maybe another or 2 in the evenings. Festivals are a little different though.

I know I'm probably being paranoid, but I can't help but be somewhat anxious right now. He sensed it, and it's one reason he's stopping. I told him I want him to have a good time today, that I don't want my feelings to get in the way of his having fun. I know part of it is that I'm a little envious that I can't truly be there. I get the most Homesick on festival days. Another part of it is that I know the Veil is thinning now. Even with all the wards, one never knows what opportunistic creepy crawlies are lurking, even if they are merely low level wildlife.

He told me he's not drunk, and that if something comes along, he will still slay it immediately. I know he isn't, but I said to him, "Drunk or not, drink still affects your skills Torlinque." He nodded and stared down at me, "You're afraid. I sense it."

It is hard to find a balance between letting him enjoy himself like I want to be able to, and yet at the same time make certain that I am still well protected. I asked him if he'd rather assign another Adrastai to me today for bodyguard duty, because I wouldn't mind, but he said no. There are always 3 or 4 Adrastai who are nearby to me who will come to me if I call for help, or come to aid him if there's a lot of trouble, but he is my Champion and the one responsible for looking after me, except when he's working his shift at the Temple. During then, other protections are in place.

I told him I want him to enjoy himself today, that I can defend myself if necessary, but he shook his head and said, "No, I'm stopping. You're afraid, and I don't want that. I've had enough anyway."

Gods, sometimes I feel like such a burden on him. Sigh. He's just sitting at one of the tables now, laughing and talking with his friends, which is good, but is no longer drinking. He said when everyone goes in for a nap, he'll spend some time with just me.

Tolirion is one of the few who is working today, poor thing. He's building all the bouquets they'll need for some of the dances tonight and the centerpieces for the evening banquet tables, etc. The kitchen probably has last minute herb and veggie needs as well. He'll be at the dances later tonight, but he’ll be exhausted.