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Nivram and Detheriel
Emotions played across Nivram's face as ripples dance on the surface of the sea in a heavy storm. Indecision, uncertainty and even fear were visible on his face, for once Nivram shed his mask, letting his emotions show as he was lost deep in thought, unable to come to a decision.
"There are arguments for both options," he started, falling silent as he mulled over what he was going to say.
Having joined their makeshift group deeply wounded, Isokla had remained a mystery to Nivram ever since. The only one who had seemed to manage to get close to her was the young Ydalon, who had surprisingly become the leader of the band. Not much could be known about what might be happening in Isokla's mind, and Nivram had trouble reading her, even though he was more than adept at interpreting emotions.
"I honestly don't know what would be the better solution, Detheriel. Confronting her might bring a solution, while watching her for some time and putting off doing something about this might help us learn more about why she had acted in the way she did. I must admit that I fear confronting Isokla. I fear the unknown, and to me she has so far remained an unknown to a much greater extent than the others in this group."
"What do you think of all this?" Nivram asked, after another lengthy pause.
Detheriel thought for a moment, rubbing his face with a calloused hand. Eventually he spoke:
"I think we need to consider this carefully. Let us assume the worst for a moment - that she knows of your secret and is aware of your suspicions. Let us further assume that she is in fact a woman of evil character. The risk you take at remaining silent is that she will act to eliminate the only witness."
"Furthermore, even assuming her innocence, by not confronting her you shall forever be wondering at her allegiance."
His face contorted into an annoyed scowl as he tugged at his beard.
"You must tread with care however. Emotions are easily roused at these kinds of accusations; enemies are made and former friends can come to blows."
He gave his beard a particularly ferocious tug.
"This cannot be allowed to occur" he said, looking Nivram directly in the eyes. "To that end I would suggest drawing her to one side when you raise this. Keep this between ourselves and the odds are good that this will be settled without bloodshed."
With that, he spat angrily on the ground.
"The Gods know that there has been enough of that for one day."
Seeing Detheriel tug at his beard made Nivram remember his own facial hair, which was slowly becoming more than a stubble and was matted with dirt and dried blood from lord knows who. It was quite probably going to be quite some time until he would have a chance of cutting it.
"Would you be willing to come with me when I talk to her? I'm not normally a man to admit to fear, but somehow I don't fancy facing Isokla alone"
Detheriel pursed his lips for a moment, not really surprised by the request but nevertheless not particularly looking forward to the task at hand.
"If that is what you wish, I shall support your enquiries" he informed Nivram, placing a deliberate limit on his extent of his assistance.
"Courage my friend" he said with a weary grin. "For all her mystery and airs, she is still a slip of a girl."
Nivram sighed.
"I hope that you are right Detheriel, and we aren't stirring up something which was better left unstirred." Nivram forced a smile, as stirring reminded him of various alcoholic beverages. "Shall we confront her now?", he asked.
Detheriel nodded his head slowly. "Yes" he replied. "Lets get this over with.".
As the pair started walking back, Detheriel suddenly paused and placed a hand on Nivram's arm. "I think you know what I shall be wanting from you when this is done" he said pointedly.
Nivram stopped dead in his tracks, already dreading the moment, and the ensuing alcohol-less hours, possibly days, but he had promised Detheriel to do it, and he was not about to go back on his promise.
"I know that it is in my best interest that it is done, but it shall not be easy for me. You can search through the contents of my pack once I've given it up to see that I'm not hiding any more."
The taller man nodded briefly. "That's all I needed to hear" he said.
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