Mekali Plaza - Azuria
Varis and Bridgit stroll past the debris of the tower and stop out of earshot of the party.
Varis: “What are you doing here? Why are you a guard?”
Bridgit: with a look of confusion on her face, “Uhm, I’m sorry. Why does that matter to you?”
Varis: becoming increasingly flustered, but still with a look of concern on his face, “... Where’s… where’s Lenora?”
At first Bridget is stunned, then confused, then a look of horror crosses over her face.
Bridgit: “I… I don’t know, but I have to go check on her. She could be hurt!”
Varis: “Come on. Let’s go.”
Varis turns and leads her through the streets and alleyways, now deserted or in ruins. Bridigt does not say much as they go. Looking at her scared expression, Varis tries to lighten the mood.
Varis: “That was a pretty good shoulder check you did earlier. Didn’t expect it. You know,” he rotates his shoulder in a mock painful expression, “I might still be feeling it.”
Bridgit: “... Oh! That was you! I’m so sorry. We were running, I just… yeah I’m sorry.”
As they run, she begins to notice Varis is not following her, but rather leading her through the city. A confused look on her face, she continues, though now trying to understand who it is she is going with. They race outside the city walls into the Farmer’s Grove District. As they get near Lenora’s home Bridgit slows her pace and turns to Varis.
Bridgit: “... wait? How do you know where to go?”
Varis: “I… I’ve always had my eyes in the city.”
Bridgit: “...and… you were watching… my mom?”
Varis: “... well, I guess Athena didn’t tell you.”
Bridgit: stopping in her tracks and turning to Varis, “Wait. You know Athena?”
Varis: “Your mother will explain.”
Bridgit: her face becoming somber and looking away, “Mamma hasn’t explained anything in a long time. Not since Mirena.”
Varis: “Well, let’s just make sure she’s ok first.”
With a look of confusion, she continues at a jog, Varis following, deeper into the district towards her mother's house. They approach a small home, with the interior lit. Nothing seems to be damaged or out of place. Bridgit turns back to Varis.
Varis: “Have you figured it out yet, dear?”
Bridgit stares confused and a little afraid of what he is implying. With her back to the door, she opens it and enters, though leaves the door open. Varis waits a few moments before entering.
Lenora's Home - Azuria
Inside is a small apartment for Lenora Tamer. Lenora has not been able to take care of herself much since the attack on Mirena when Bridgit was young. Bridgit fell deeply ill and was in a coma for weeks. Since then, Lenora was distant, hardly spoke, and could no longer support herself. The only time she seems to be most herself is when she sits at the loom and spinning wheel crafting masterful works which are sold and help pay for her keepers.
Inside, Varis sees Bridgit drop her shield and mace and kneeling before a woman with a distant look in her eyes, Lenora Tamer sitting frightened and alone. Bridgit comforts her and lets her know she is safe and she is here. Lenora seems to focus more and a look of relief washes over her.
In the main chamber, Varis looks around and sees some tapestries hung up on the wall. For some reason, these were not sold. After a few minutes, he can see why. The tapestries adorning the walls don’t seem all that special, though the craftsmanship is amazing. Only upon looking closer does he realize what the connection is.
There is a scene of a daring swashbuckler brandishing a rapier, and a woman standing defiant in his face. Another of the same woman dressed in green standing on a balcony overlooking the sea as a ship sails away. Yet another where the woman and the swashbuckler overlook a bundle in her arms. As he spins in the room to looks at every tapestry, there before him is the story of Varis, Lenora, and Bridgit Tamer, woven and on display. Each scene painstakingly detailed and designed. He turns and enters the room with Bridgit. Lenora’s eyes look up and lock onto Varis.
Bridgit: “Oh, Mamma, this man helped save the city. He came with me to make sure you were ok.”
Varis: “Long time no see, Lenora.”
Lenora: with a shaky voice: “Yes, my love. It has been a very long time.”
Bridgit stands back in shock.
Varis: “I kept her safe tonight. Made sure nothing happened.”
Lenora: “As I knew you always would.”
Varis: “Bridgit...”
Bridget backs into the corner, tears in her eyes. Varis is unsure if it is the shock of seeing her mother speak and in a sense come back to life, or if it is because she has finally understood.
Varis: “You were always clever.”
Bridgit: “No… no, it can’t be.”
Varis: “I guess you wouldn’t recognize me. You were so little. So young.”
At this point Bridgit has lost all composure as the revelation fully crashes upon her.
Varis: “I guess I did look differently back then.” glancing at the tapestries.
Lenora: “Yet, you are still just as handsome.”
Varis: “I haven’t seen you in 17 years. How you have grown. And a city guard and everything. I always knew you’d make it off better than I did.”
He moves to the tapestries and starts to tell the story. Lenora occasionally offers a witty comment or corrections as he speaks, and Varis feels a comfort he has not felt in so long.
Varis: “She probably didn’t tell you these were of us. Your mom and old man.” he turns and walks up to her, “The name’s Varis.” He extends a hand.
Bridgit: “Papa?”
He nods. Bridgit runs and embraces him, tears cascading down her face. Lenora stands and walks over as Varis pulls her into the hug as well. After a moment, Lenora takes a step back and sits down on the bed. Bridgit still has not let go. Varis holds her close when she begins to pull away. She looks up to him, tears still falling. SMACK! Varis is punched hard in the chest.
Bridgit: “17 years I was without a father. 17 years I wondered and waited hoping you'd come back. Don’t fall apart again. Now that I know- … Don’t leave.”
Varis: “I won’t.”
Bridgit: “Good.” she then quickly reaches over and grabs her mace and points it at him, “And don’t go back to that syndicate. If you do, I will have to be the one to deal with you.”
Varis: “What! I- How did you?”
And she points forcefully to one of the tapestries.
Varis: “Oh… she remembered that time. I won’t. I promise. I’m staying right here.”
Bridgit puts the mace down and sits beside her mother, Varis joining them in the room. They share stories, laughs, and tears, and enjoy being in each others company now they are together as a family again.
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