“You called me? Why, stable lad? And who are these people?" The living woman’s eyes bore down on Aislan and Alearindu. Was this Calimiel?
“She’s Calimiel. Why else would she have said that our friend had called her?” Alearindu pointed out to Aislan, in a hurried whisper.
“If she’s Calimiel, how would she know the Stable Lad had called her? She’s…alive…” Aislan’s voice trailed off.
While Aislan considered the situation, Alearindu realized something: if this Calimiel was living, she could communicate with her! She wouldn’t need Aislan as a translator! Things would go much more smoothly.
For the moment, though, Calimiel's attention was all taken up by the book that Andreth had brought with her to Castle Maladil.
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Andreth then went to hide behind a pillar, as she watched Calimiel closely; Alearindu and Aislan followed her.
"Companions, I follow Calimiel who goes to look at my book, and then says she will store it in a safe place. I wish to see what this safe place is. Perhaps it will contain a clue for us." Andreth spoke.
Andreth then looked with amazement as Calimiel took the volume and came up to the bookshelf, intending to shelve it. Andreth sat quietly wondering what would happen next. She then watched as Calimiel shelved the other book next to an identical one. Then, out of the corner of her eye, Andreth saw Hinura, the bard, standing near the statue upon which the nightlights of moon and star played, and Hinura sang a reminiscent of the song about the Night Lights. When Hinura was finished, the stone hand of Adela tilted upside-down, and Hinura reached out and picked up a key.
Calimiel then saw the key with her eyes. She quickly strode over to Hinura and grasped her wrist. “Who are you, and why have you taken this key?” She asked Hinura.
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With Andreth showing Calimiel the golden pendant engraved with the words "From Adela.....With love, to my brother Arthad," the ranger Alearindu felt it time to make another effort to speak to Calimiel as well.
Alearindu had watched as Calimiel angrily walked to Hinura, and then as Andreth followed Calmiel and tried to calm her. Alearindu also took action, and strode over to the three of them. She cautiously placed a hand on Calimiel's shoulder and began talking; "Calimiel.." she said slowly, not being entirely sure it was even Calimiel:
"Surely this key will help us more than hurt us..surely you know what it goes to..I know nothing of it, but I don't believe it's worth harming anyone over.." Alearindu ended, just trying to make sure nothing unnecessary happened. She glanced at Hinura and Andreth and wondered if either of them had a hint where the key could go.
“I’m Alearindu. This is Aislan,” Alearindu bowed and Aislan tried to curtsy, but wobbled clumsily.
“Our friend here, the stable lad-“
“Daerohil,” Calimiel supplied, interrupting Aislan.
“Yes, Daerohil. He said you would know if there was an herb that could help our poisoned horse. She’s in a lot of pain, from what I can see. Perhaps you could help us in some way? Or shall we go back to the Stately Stables and hope for a miracle for Whinny?” Aislan hoped that Calimiel would be able to help.
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