November Reunion (18 Jan 2002) Hannah is reunited with her father.

"Aye, milord. Though I advised them the numbers favored at least several more seasoned warriors, Lord Explorer Thomas insisted that speed and stealth would carry the day," comes the familiar prim and proper voice of Abercrombie, from the other side of the door to the sitting room.

Sergius knocks on the ornate door before them, tall and paneled with a map of Mirari, a golden compass rose serving as the foundation for the doorknob. "Milord, Lord Explorer Thomas and Lady Hannah to see you as you wished," he says, and the voice on the other side fades away.

Lord November's deep voice replies, "Enter." Sergius opens the door and bids Thomas and Hannah through, then closes it after them.

Hawksmoor Sitting Room
This room is not so often used by the Golden Hawks nor the royal soldiers who guard their keep, for its plush chairs and couches and ornate paintings and tables and shelves with their tea things no doubt strike them as totally unnecessary when what they want are mugs topped with foaming heads of ale and dartboards and places to curl up with a book. That being the case, this room smells a bit dusty yet, though obviously someone's been in to make sure the room's fit for polite company; there are lines of dust here and there where they've missed a spot or two. A golden statue of a hawk rests above a painting which purports to depict the founder of the Hawks.

Lord November gets up from his chair, the tallest-backed in the room, and stretches his arms out as if bidding her to run up to him for a hug. "Ah, Hannah! Thanks be to the Lord that he has kept you young and me alive so that I might live to see you again, and thanks to Lord Explorer Thomas that he has found you and kept you safe 'til I could marshal my forces to come here." He smiles, and his face is more lined and he is not so towering as Hannah remembers. Then again, she is taller now. "I am at your service, milord; there is nothing I can give you that could repay the favor you have done me."

Abercrombie is quick to stand as well, so that he won't be sitting while lords stand, his back stiff. His eyebrow-arched, supercilious look toward Thomas suggests he hasn't forgotten being left out of the party to assault the witch's lair.

Even as friendly as her father's words are, Hannah approaches Lord November somewhat hesitantly. As she comes forward, she takes his golden signet ring from her finger and holds it out to him. She says softly, "I am so sorry, Father, that I left without telling you, face-to-face, why I felt it necessary to go. I should have been ... braver about that. I hope you can forgive me?"

Lord November pauses, looking somehow saddened though his smile remains fixed, as he lowers his hands and reaches out to take it, slipping it back onto his hand. "Time heals all wounds, it is said, daughter, but if anything, the longer we have been apart, the more I have felt myself pained to know there is a room of my castle that remains cold at night, where there should be a fire warming my daughter. I forgive you, daughter; only, come home so that we may be a family again." His hand goes out again, seeking Hannah's.

Hannah's expression brightens considerably as she reaches out to take her father's hand. When she is close enough, she brushes his cheek with a kiss and smiles up at him. "Thank you, Father."

Thomas doesn't speak immediately, while father and daughter are being reunited. Instead, he looks to the painting, examining it carefully. When a pause presents itself, he looks over to Abercrombie, green eyes steady. "It was the least I could do for you, Lord November," Thomas finally says. "You owe me nothing for what I've done. Without Hannah, I might not have been able to free those trapped here. She has great potential -- and a strong heart."

Abercrombie cracks his face with a slight smile, the corners of his mouth flexing little planes of bark. "It will be good to have a girl of November to teach again," he says. "Though I daresay that we shalln't be picking up exactly where we left off, milady?"

Hannah flicks a glance in Thomas' direction. "Probably not, old friend," she says to Abercrombie, although her tone is a bit uncertain.

Lord November squeezes Hannah's hand lightly, then turns toward Thomas. "Aye, I have heard much from Abercrombie here, Lord Explorer. I seem to recall that I sent him along with you in order that he might help guard your back, did I not? And when you found her, my daughter's as well," he says, raising an eyebrow.

The tree-man sighs lightly. "Well, one can never step in the same river twice," he says to Hannah, and then straightens and looks toward Thomas for his answer.

Thomas looks to Lord November and nods. "Indeed, you did. But, I needed those who were used to the wilds and moving through them quietly. Hannah and Rachel both are, and this turned out to be Simon's battle as well," he replies. "Abercrombie, for as capable as he may be, was often overly concerned and cautious. We had not the time for such. He might have presented the party further risk by acting upon a perceived danger, instead of following the plan. It was my call and I stand by it."

Abercrombie huffs, and seems about to say something, save that Lord November raises a hand to bid him keep his peace. "I have heard much of your exploits from the Hawks and soldiers here, Lord Explorer, but all second-hand, for those who were actually there besides you two, Simon and Rachel, are (I am advised) enjoying a well-deserved rest. Tell me then, how did the actual risks fall out?"

"Most were illusion traps. Fairly simple to uncover, monsters that waved about and yet created no breeze. The harder ones were the pits, yet in those cases, the updrafts caused by such gave them away easily enough. I took point so that if I fell victim, the others could still back track out. Even when we came to the Dark Witch's lair, it turned out that a great deal of the risk was to myself and Simon. I was treading on thin ice as it were with an old promise -- and Simon, an old enemy," Thomas explains, then takes in a breath. "But, we did uncover some things of interest, such as real evidence that Jack is back. He was the Dark Witch's master."

"Indeed?" Lord November presses the point further. "At no time during the proceedings, would you have found an extra man, reliable and quiet, an advantage, Lord Explorer?"

Hannah listens quietly to Thomas and Lord November, but her eyes are fixed on her father's face. She frowns, clearly uneasy about something.

"No. Each extra person is a risk at snapping a twig, stumbling, or rushing off to rescue some maiden illusion. I had to be selective, and pardon but few believe who I am and would obey a command that seemed be risky. Besides, even if I took everyone, we would have been outnumbered. So, better to be selective and choose those who would trust in my judgment," Thomas replies, then looks directly at Abercrombie.

It is as if there's some invisible decision being made behind Lord November's mind, for then he smiles even as Abercrombie frowns. "Of course, Lord Explorer. Merely that someone wishes to accompany you does not mean that they should, for as you say, each additional person is also an additional risk." A glance sideways toward Hannah, and then he looks back to Thomas. "Very well; I am disposed to believe your claims now as to the existence of the Jack, and that he may somehow be behind these troubles which Mirari has seen overly many this Winter. Given this, what do you urge be done about it?"

Hannah's face flushes slightly at the words, "additional risk," clearly meant for her, but she keeps silent and bides her time - for now.

Thomas considers that. "Hard to say. He's powerful, cunning, and more than willing to simply wait. Given the state of Mirari, time is most certainly on his side right now. Food stores won't last too much longer," Thomas says. "I intend to begin by locating the Lord Protector, who is currently held captive by Jack. And I happen to know where the Year's End is -- and how to get into the fortress there. I'm continuing that path, and those who choose to go, do so of their own free will. I'm hoping the Lord Protector can tell me more of the current events and what he has uncovered. Jack may or may not know of my return. Perhaps he should -- perhaps that would be to our advantage."

"Then do you propose it be noised about that the Lord Explorer Thomas has returned from his absence of many Years?" Lord November suggests. "Or should it be kept silent? Should I throw my support toward Lord April or October, or urge them to bide their time 'til you discover the whereabouts of the Lord Protector? I command some significant influence, though Fall has passed on to Winter, but I see not what direction I ought to give it."

"If I knew more about the Lords of October and April, I could better answer that. As for myself, the reason I think it may be to our advantage that he hears I'm around is because he told the Dark Witch he had made sure I was gone forever. Hearing that I am back -- might force his hand earlier. If he enacts whatever he's planning before he's fully prepared for it, we may have a better chance at survival," Thomas explains. "It's all conjecture on my part, of course. At this time what I would like to see is the Houses getting together and talking. Each is acting with their own plans -- fragmented. If all got together and compared what they knew, perhaps more would be uncovered of Jack's plan. What has each house uncovered? How did they uncover it? All that would be interesting to discuss, wouldn't it? Could you act as a mediator between April and October and get them talking again? Perhaps convene a meeting of all Houses?"

Lord November frowns at this, looking a bit taken aback as if Thomas had suggested a closely matched game of chess be settled with a roll of dice. "Perhaps I could, but you speak as if to make them get along with one another were naught but a matter of having them sit down to the same table, Thomas. Moreover, were I to speak at such an occasion, I would surely be perceived as playing my own card in our 'game' -- that is, my pledge to reveal all might be merely a pretext to cause the others to reveal all, while I held back some key strategy." He pauses a moment, and then points toward Thomas. "You might have some influence on a gathering of Lords, as someone who has disdained loyalty to any one House, Lord Explorer."

"Or disliked because of it, Lord November," Thomas comments, eyebrow raised. "I had preferred to leave the game of politics to those with experience in it. My last address to the Lords -- failed. I may not have shown it back then, but it hurt to be so dismissed once things were settled fourteen Years ago. And how many would believe I was him, hm? You and Lord December, I suppose. That leaves ten who have never met me. Do you think they would listen to me anymore than you?"

"There is much that people wish to believe," Lord November says cryptically. "Let us settle things this way: you shall press on with your search for the Lord Protector, while I shall return with Hannah to Mirari, and there we'll cause it to be known that the Lord Explorer Thomas has not only returned, but he has caused to be cleansed the Golden Woods. People will believe; any ray of light in these dark times is much to be desired, Thomas. Concommital, I shall ask the other Lords and Ladies, aye, and the Queen as well, to be prepared to meet with me upon your return, for I shall say to them that you will return with evidence of the Jack's own return, and if not with the Lord Protector, whose word would go unquestioned, then at least your own testimony." He pauses. "Provided all is properly timed, your return will not only go unquestioned, but welcomed, I should think. At the very least, you can ask for no more higher-placed audience."

"Fair enough," Thomas replies with a nod. "Though I think Hannah will decide where she goes. I intend to extend membership into the Golden Hawks to her. That is, if they still listen to me." He pauses, remembering something. "However, I will have a favor to ask of you. I will need some letters delivered to a Lady Knight Redmane. She may still be with Lady Nymuae. If I provide them to you, could you have a messenger try and locate her?"

Hannah nods at Thomas' reply, finding her opening at last. Looking Lord November directly in the eyes, she says evenly, "And I intend to accept the Lord Explorer's offer of membership. I know this may not be what you would wish for me, Father, but I have never given up my dream of one day becoming a Golden Hawk." Her expression softens. "I love you and respect you, but as I am almost a woman grown, I must make my own decisions now. I only hope that my honesty has not offended you, but I cannot lie about this."

Lord November's face is a study in masked emotions, as behind his eyes flicker fury, sorrow, anguish, and love, though his mouth remains set in thin-lipped neutrality. He says at last, "I will need you, daughter, to have the proof that the Lord Explorer Thomas has returned, for if I return empty-handed, who can testify to his character and deeds?" he says at last. "Hannah, gifted and talented as I know you are, he has many friends to company him into the West, and I can lend him armed men as well, if he feels that he will need more. Will you not come home and make your father happy?"

"And I want you to return with him, Hannah. The path I go isn't for you," Thomas replies, looking towards Lord November. "Your vision is unclouded by the goings on outside these woods. You may see things at the other Houses that others may overlook as 'normal'. Consider yourself an emissary of the Golden Hawks and go with your father? And besides, all life is uncertain. Remember what I told you? Cherish those you love, and who love you. They could be gone tomorrow. The road will remain waiting."

Abercrombie blinks at what looks like a sudden reversal on Thomas's part, as if he had expected the Explorer to insist that the Lord's daughter should company him. He opens his mouth, then shuts it.

Rather than seeming disappointed by Thomas' request, Hannah merely smiles. "In fact, Lord Explorer, it was never my intention to accompany you on your journey to the West. I do think that you have enough able companions for that without me tagging along! Plus, even though I may not be near my father at all times now--" Here Hannah glances over to include Lord November in this. "-- I do wish to be closer to him, now that I am able. Have no fear -- I do remember your words, Thomas."

"I would like you to remain close to him. Please, accompany him for a time and learn the state of the world outside these woods. Remember, you have lived apart from it for a Year. It is no more a known world to you now than the wild lands would be," Thomas says, looking between Lord November and his daughter. "The road will always be there, and once we can defeat this endless winter so much more will be open for you to explore."

Lord November looks taken aback, and looks at Hannah for a time to see if she really means it ... and then throws his arms around Hannah, abandoning his reserve. "D-- Daughter! ... " He holds her close for a time, while Abercrombie dabs at his eyes with twiggy fingers and sniffs.

Hannah looks just as surprised as Lord November for a moment -- but this is at the sudden drop of her father's defenses. Very soon, however, she puts her arms around her father and returns his embrace. "For what it's worth," she whispers into his ear, "I've missed you so much!"

Thomas smiles briefly, then turns away. His expression fades some, and his eyes close for a bit.

The Lord of November smiles. "And I, you, Hannah. You have a younger brother now, but no one could replace you in my heart. You'll always be my little girl." He straightens slowly, hands on her shoulders. "Though you have grown so much from how I remembered you, daughter. Things will be different, I expect." A chuckle. "'Tis one thing to bounce a little girl on your knee, but I think I should sprain my leg should I try that now, eh?"

Hannah starts to chuckle at this, but Lord November's earlier words stop her. She looks at him, wide-eyed. "I have another brother?" Her voice is incredulous, but happy.

"If you have no more need of me, I will take my leave," Thomas says quietly. "I'm certain you to have much to discuss and would prefer the privacy to discuss it."

"Aye, he's six Months old now," November confirms. "His name is Galvyn. And he loves to chase about with a toy sword, much as Malcolm did." His eyes turn toward one of the Keep's windows, looking out into the wintry sky. "Though this Winter has been hard on Sir Malcolm, now that he must serve as a knight in our defense. Glory's shine gives way soon to the cold metal of duty. Aye, Lord Explorer, but whatever you have need of, merely send word and I'll see you have it quickly."

"Just having a messenger deliver some letters to Lady Knight Redmane is enough, Lord November. Are you willing to do so? The rest I must do on my own," Thomas replies grimly. "The 'dance' with Jack goes ever on."

"The Lady Knight Redmane.... It seems I should recall the name." Lord November furrows his brow, letting a hand slip from Hannah's shoulder as he brings it to his forehead to think. "I do not know of a Redmane presently extant in Mirari, but I have heard the Lady Sorceress Nymuae has had guests recently. I believe they were one red-haired lady and one blonde child. Are these to whom you wish your message delivered, Thomas?"

Thomas nods and replies, "Correct. Only to the red-haired lady, Lady Redmane. I do not wish Nymuae to see them at this time. There is much that she need learn, and soon. Preparation to finish out what must be done here, should I not return from the West."

Hannah smiles a little at Thomas' comment about the Lady Sorceress Nymuae, but she keeps her thoughts to herself.

"Very well," Lord November says crisply. "I shall ensure the letter is delivered with discretion and dispatch. Do you have a notion as to how long your journey might take? Should I ask Lords and Ladies to wait o'er long, they will tire quickly of the game; should I give them too short notice, they will not all be ready to join in a council."

"I honestly do not know an exact time, Lord November. The trip to the realm of the Year's End is not a short one. It would take a week, at least, to just get there. Give me two weeks, then start sending notices for a meeting in perhaps one week's time from then," Thomas replies, then hmms. "May I take a messenger hawk with me? Should I get delayed, I can send word to you to adjust the plan."

November nods. "It shall be done; Abercrombie will see to it." He nods to his servant, and the Treeman nods gravely as well. "Yet know this, my gratitude shall not run to the merely political; there shall be gold and jewels waiting for you when you return," November says, chuckling. "It is traditional to give the damsel's hand to the conquering hero as well, but I think that we shall defer such questions 'til later, ah?" He raises an eyebrow toward his daughter to see what she thinks of that.

Hannah starts at these words, but blanks her expression just as quickly. However, she does mutter, "Preferably later ... much later. Perhaps never ... ?"

Thomas eyebrow goes up at that. "'Tis not necessary to pay me for what has been done, Lord November. Though, I suppose the Golden Hawks could use such to fortify what remaining outposts there are for weathering what battles may yet be ahead. And as for Hannah ... " Thomas pauses, mulling over a polite way to respond. "I would not condemn someone to bear the burdens of such an arrangement with me. My life is too unpredictable and dangerous. I would prefer to spare her the pain of having to mourn me should something happen. I am honored you would consider such, though, all things considered that I left House November so long ago. Plus, 'tis better for her to find the one she wishes to spend her days with in her own time."

Hannah gives Thomas a look of eternal gratitude for this speech. She is apparently not at all offended by his sentiments.

Lord November laughs. "I think you sell yourself too short, Thomas, but nevertheless, I do not think I myself could bear to give Hannah away so soon. Very well, then; let us retire for dinner, and we shall speak more pleasantly later. No doubt many in Hawksmoor thirst for the stories you will both have for them of your derring-do. Tomorrow, we hunt bandits."

Hannah's eyes sparkle mischievously -- then she steps over to Thomas and envelops him in a quick embrace. "Thank you for all you have done for me and the people of Hawksmoor, Lord Explorer," she says, loud enough for her father to hear. Then, as she moves away again, she pitches her voice so that only Thomas can listen to her last words. "And take care on your journey. I owe you much and wish to repay you sometime ... but that requires you to be alive at the end of it."

Abercrombie watches the embrace with a little nervousness.... It's the look one would get when realizing one's little kitten has grown up into a very large cat. A willful one.

Thomas' expression is one of utter shock at being so suddenly embraced. He stands there for a bit, not exactly sure how to respond. Finally, he runs his hand through his hair and says, "It was the least I could do for those who have kept the dreams alive." He then nods at Hannah's last words, eyes reflecting his own awareness of the dangers ahead and he adds in a quiet reply, "I cannot promise for what is yet unknown. I do not wish to die, but I face a foe that has existed since the beginnings of our lands. You just live; that is payment enough."

Lord November raises an eyebrow, then glances sideways toward Abercrombie as if questioning him, to which the tree-man spreads his hands as if to suggest he had no idea.

Hannah nods at Thomas' response to her quiet words, then says in a low voice, "As long as you do your best to return, I will be satisfied with that." Turning at last to her father, she says in a louder voice, as if nothing had transpired between the Lord Explorer and herself, "I believe dinner was mentioned. Shall we go, then?"

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