RP:You Did WHAT to My Daughter?!

Part of the Rise of Larket Arc

Summary: Kelovath and Josleen, on the lam, seek refuge in Xalious at her parent’s house, but Kyl'oriel isn’t pleased with Kelovath. Although he believes the paladin’s innocence, he resents both the man’s existence and his role in draggin Josleen into his troubles. Kelovath and Kyl’oriel, Kelovath storms out of the house, but Jessa (Josleen’s mother) convinces the couple to stay one night, then leave in the morning. Where will they go? They aren’t sure.

Home of Kyl’oriel the Studied, Xalious

Kelovath found it surprising that Hildegarde decided to get involved in all of this. He knew Josleen and the Queen were close, but did Macon have some sort of connection to the icy city? Still, the paladin would accept whatever help he could get. The odd looks they received while passing through the village were ignored. The man moved closer to Josleen, happy to have her back. Her parent’s home came into view and his nerves started up. Basically the same feeling he had the last time they visited. Seemed to be a pattern now, visiting the house whenever something bad is lingering. He followed Josleen into the house and stayed silent until her father greeted him. “Sir.” A fast reply. Why he wasn’t asking about how run-down they looked shocked the paladin. It would have been the first thing out of his mouth, personally. Kelovath stayed rather silent, smiling here and there at their conversation like he understood this strange event. Finally, Kyl’oriel asks and there is an obvious change in Kelo’s posture. He was ready to explain everything as the man peered at him with interest. Josleen spoke first, then Kyl’oriel. Now, it was his chance to talk. And he did. The entire situation was spread out for the mage to hear. Everything from the Frostmaw coronation to the jailbreak. Yes, even how Josleen and Kelovath bought a house together. Already. And how his decision to actually leave the jail was extremely difficult. In a way, he hoped his confession to the mage would somehow balance the unlike-him decision to pass on the law-thing. After it was all laid out for Josleen’s father, the paladin looked over to the bard, curious if he had said too much.

Josleen is Hildegarde’s favorite. There is no connection between Frostmaw and Macon, except that Josleen hates Macon and Hildegarde loves Josleen. Kyl’oriel also loves his daughter, and thus dislikes Kelovath’s tale, especially the part where he was arrested and Josleen was viewed in public as the lover of a convict. On some level, the mage also blames his daughter’s terrible romance decisions and questionable taste in men (except for Ezekiel, who Kyl’oriel thought was/is an excellent man). The mage doesn’t outright dislike Kelovath himself, and although the elf’s expression slowly settles into a scowl of distaste, he seems to believe the paladin at his word. So far, he’s weighed the details of the story as presented by the paladin and deemed him innocent, but Kyl’oriel’s trust is thin. “That’s quite a tale. You know, Kelovath, at the risk of sounding inhospitable, I find it peculiar that you should have such a dogged and wicked enemy. Can’t say I’ve ever been unjustifiably thrown in prison for anything, but perhap we don’t get to choose our enemies.” He eyes Josleen quickly as if to silently add ‘or our family.’ First, she doesn’t become a brilliant mage, then she divorces a brilliant mage; now, this. Surprisingly, he doesn’t seem bothered by the news that Kelovath and Josleen live together. Elves aren’t particularly fussy about the order of operations when it comes to marriage, intimacy, and cohabitation. He is surprised to hear they’re a couple, however, but will gossip about that later with Josleen’s mother, in private. “So, what do you need from me?” He’s unsmiling and cold, clearly hiding his true feelings on Kelovath and his saga.

Kelovath agreed with the mage about Macon. “He is damaged, I believe. Something snapped within his mind and…I’m a threat to him. And his conquest to have Larket.” The paladin expect Kyl’oriel to disapprove of the entire situation, but he seemed receptive enough. Willing to help, maybe. “The man had an opportunity to kill me, sir. Several, I’d wager. He’s out to destroy, I being his first target, apparently.” Kelovath glanced to Josleen, showing an apology on his face, but being unable to say it. She was in just as much danger as he was. Not what the woman deserved. Back to her father, the man replied with hesitation, “I…Larket was my home.” Even saying that aloud felt wrong. Was. “I have nowhere to go…” The man looked to Josleen again, unsure of how to proceed. Obviously they would welcome Josleen to stay here, but asking to stay here with her seemed…Rude. The man was on the run. Possibly being followed. The words couldn’t be found, so he remained quiet.

Kyl’oriel’s face darkened as Kelovath asked to stay, as expected. Still, there’s a difference between knowing it’s coming and hearing it asked aloud. He clenched and unclenched his fist. “The guard are still after you. What am I to do if they come here looking for you? And my daughter? Is she not wanted by the Larketian Guard now, too?” He looked to Josleen in disappointment. “Neither of you will be safe here for long. Not even my own daughter! Who you dragged into this!” He raises his voice for the first time. The kettle whistles loudly and he ignores it. qHe takes a second to replenish his patience. He’s seen over a century come and go and few things rile him, but the idea that his daughter may wind up in jail are among the few. He levels his gaze on Kelovath again and speaks in stunted phrase, the way people do when they’re trying to hide their anger. “Tell me/ you have/ a plan.”

Kelovath stayed calm as the parent grew angry. It was clear they couldn’t stay here. Not for long anyway. He wouldn’t push that topic, as there were a few others places to be checked out, if needed. The stern gaze from Kyl’oriel was met and the paladin spoke. “Nothing specific. A group will be investigating Macon, which will hopefully allow us to get a step ahead. There are still those within Larket that believe me to be innocent. Guards, citizens, a few on the council as well if Macon has not directed his attention on them.” The more he spoke, the faster his words got and the more confident Kelovath became. “When that group finds something, we will use that information against Macon. Turn the guard against him. Get myself and your daughter back in to Larket.” The man was speaking strongly, believing each word spoken. “If nothing is found against Macon, then I’ll figure something else out. I won’t stop until my name is clear and Josleen is safe to return to her home.” An obvious jab that Josleen seemed to not be welcomed here. “If you want to speed up this process, then anything you can offer will help. If not, then…” A small shrug, with a subtle glance toward the door, implying they’ll get up and be on their way.

Kyl’oriel listened without interruption until Kelovath took a swipe at his hospitality, and then suggested that it is incumbent on him to help solve their problem, and that if he doesn’t he is shirking paternal responsibility and showing them the door. He bristled, hard. “You have some nerve to come in here--an escaped criminal!!--” dramatic, wide-eyed rage pause, ”innocent or not, it does not matter! And you are here, dragging my daughter through the muck with you” “He didn’t!” Josleen interjects, but Kyl’oriel continues talking over her, “then suggestive that if I do not fix this for you, then I am responsible for anything that may happen to her.” “Father!” Josleen protests. “He isn’t saying that.” Kyl’oriel shakes his head at his daughter and says, “Don’t.” The way he says ‘don’t’ suggests he’s holding back choice words for her too, but which he’ll share in private. The way he glares at her makes her small; she feels like a child again. To Kelovath he continues, “What am I supposed to do if the guard come? Fight them off? I didn’t make this house dangerous for Josleen--you did! You made every house dangerous, but especially this one, or you’re daft if you think they won’t come here to look for both of you!!” So much for remaining calm. Tomato-faced rage, that’s what he is now. Jessa arrives just as Kyl’oriel rips into Kelovath and hobble-sprints into the kitchen on aging human knees. “What is all this?!” she demands, and before Josleen can explain charitably, Kyl’oriel, still shout-speaking, answers while gesturing wildly between the young couple, “-YOUR- daughter’s boyfriend of the day was arrested in Larket. Then he escaped jail. Now they’re both running from the law!”

Kelovath did not interrupt the man from his fit. He was right, after all. They were running from the law and coming here seemed to be the wrong decision. Not that he’d ever blame Josleen for the suggestion, as it was their best option. The man was being protective of his daughter. Which lead to the now irrational behavior being shown. As much as the paladin wished to exhibit his own anger and frustration over the situation, he knew better. It’d taken them all down a path that didn’t need to happen. Patience and composure. Kelovath understood the importance of such and when he was about to make another attempt at reasoning, Jessa arrived. Maybe she’d be willing to understand. But, Kyl’oriel’s last comment seemingly struck something within the paladin. He stood now, peering down at the elf. “How can you be so simple-minded?! Your daughter is asking for help and this is how you act?! Throwing a tantrum! ‘Boyfriend of the day’? Petty, passive-aggressive comment for an angry and bitter old-man. This arguing will get us nowhere. If you don’t want to help me, then help her. Hide her. Something! And then I’ll go.” The paladin knew he over-stepped. And he got angry. His head shook and his face was also red like Kyl’oriel’s. A harsh sigh and the man knew he needed to get out of that house. His armored frame quickly made its way to the backdoor and then outside. Gigi was barking at…Well, nothing. The dog was just barking to bark, but quickly stopped when the armored paladin slammed the door behind him. At least this wasn’t the first time meeting her parents. Although, this would probably leave a much worse impression than the first.

Josleen shouted “Father!” and chased after Kelovath. She too slammed the door. “Kelo! I’m with you.” Gigi chased Josleen, tail wagging because the drama went over his head and he’s just happy Josleen is outside with him again. Jessa threw her hands up and stared, flabbergasted, at Kyl’oriel and he too stormed out of the kitchen, to his study. Jessa exited the house through the back door and called, “Jos! Kelovath! Wait.” She caught up, winded from the effort, and asked for an explanation. Josleen explained everything Kelovath had explained to Kyl’oriel, but more succinctly and without mentioning the house they bought together. The focus of her story was Macon. Jessa sighed for a long time. “This is quite a pickle.” Her gaze flew between Josleen and Kelovath as if trying to see the strength of their bond. Can she suggest Josleen stay and Kelovath go? Is her daughter too deeply in love to accept that? Although Jessa’s desire was to keep safe only her daughter and not take on the burden of Kelovath’s plight, she couldn’t be sure Josleen would accept that. “Stay the night. You’ll be safe for one night. In the morning, decide what is best, but eat, rest.” Then to Kelovath she said more kindly, with a smile, “Forgive Kyl’oriel if you can. He is upset for many reasons, and many of them have nothing to do with you.” Josleen took Kelovath’s hand and looked up at him hopefully. She hoped he would say yes, but if he refused, she’d go with him. Jesse could see that now, and something primal and possessive stirred in her.

Kelovath thought for a long time about what they should do. One night wouldn’t hurt anything. It would take another whole day or two before any Larketian guards could even leave the city limits. They’d still have their head start. Staying here would also be the safest option for the night, as the nearby tavern may lead to allowing unwelcomed attention. The paladin’s fingers moved nervously within Josleen’s grip, but finally the man nodded. “Okay.” A fake smile showed at first, but there was a lingering honesty there as he spoke again, “Thank you, Jessa.” His hand squeezed Josleen’s and his gaze shifted to her, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to get so angry.” He was looking at Jos, but as he spoke his eyes looked to Jessa, offering the apology to her as well.

Josleen and Jessa both accepted the apology with the exact same, uncanny nod. “No need to apologize. You’ve both had a stressful day. Come inside, shower, change, and I’ll heat something up for both of you to eat.” Inside the house, Jessa prepares the guest room for Kelovath, fulling expecting him to sleep apart yet another night from Josleen, because while Kyl’oriel doesn’t care about romantic and sexual propriety, Jessa does. Under her roof, until wed, Josleen and Kelovath will sleep in separate rooms. Josleen offers the washroom to Kelovath so he may bathe first while she fetches a robe and some cotton pajamas. They’re her father’s, as he is the only other man in the house, and they’ll likely fit really tightly over Kelovath’s muscles. While Kelovath cleans up, the family of three argue in hushed whispers in Kyl’oriel’s study. It’s impossible to make out words from the bathroom, but the distinct hissing of a whispered argument seeps through the wall. Once Kelovath has washed up, Jesse, all smiles and civility, brews him tea or coffee in the kitchen while Josleen bathes. Jessa sits at the table with Kelovath as stew heats over the hearth. “Kyl’oriel tells me you and Josleen bought a house?”

Kelovath would accept whatever arrangements Jessa made, as it was her home. The idea of not being able to lay next to Josleen tonight was unsettling, but no reason to bring it up. If everything worked out how he pictured, then a night or two away would be worth it. The man bathes slowly, trying to enjoy the clean, as well as calm his nerves. It’s always a bit strange, bathing in an unfamiliar place. Even more so when it is your significant other's parents’ home. Just awkward. When finished, he could hear a quiet argument taking place, but no specific words. The man ignored it. Josleen would tell him anything important, or not important, anyway. The clothes provided were tight, but still comfortable enough. He was thankful to have something other than armor and being clean helped ease his mind. Amazing what a bath can do. Tea is brewed and sipped at. The man gave a single nod, a slight flush coming to his cheeks. “Ah. Yes. We did. In…Larket. Two story. Large yard. Stone with a gate.” Minor details, as the choice was more Josleen’s than his, but he did enjoy the house. Suited the couple very well. “I think Gigi enjoys the yard.”

Gigi barks when Kelovath says his name. He is forced to sit outside, looking into the warm kitchen (which smells delicious), like some sort of dog. Jessa’s smile looks forced. “Sounds like a lovely home. Wish I could have seen it.” And there’s the rub, she resents being excluded from Josleen’s life. By all appearances, she doesn’t seem bothered by Kelovath himself. Strapping, handsome, and seems to care for her daughter. His trouble with the law should pass, she expects, as she believes him to be innocent. “Well, hopefully I’ll see it once the trouble in Larket is resolved. Though it is rather unusual to buy a home before… I mean you’ve only been together for a few months, is that not right? Perhaps I am being old fashioned, but I always thought it was proper to marry before buying a house together.” Mercifully, it sounds like Josleen is finishing up in the bathroom now. Still, there’s a full two minutes of chitchat to fill before Josleen appears. In Larket, she wore silky, one piece, short nightgowns. In her parents home, she dons long-sleeved, two-piece, flannel pajamas and pants. Not sexy. She sits beside Kelovath and brushes her flanneled thigh under the table against his tight, cotton pants. Jessa pours Josleen some tea. Soon after, there’s stew, and whole lot of small talk to get through. Thankfully, Josleen can take over now whenever Kelovath gets stuck.

Kelovath didn’t know a lot about Josleen’s mother. She seemed nice and caring. Obviously wants to be involved in what Jos has going on. “I’d love to have you out to the house, once everything calms down.” A true offer, whether Josleen would agree with it. As for the order of things, “I wouldn’t say old-fashion, but things do change. As you’re well aware, Josleen seems to do whatever Josleen wants to do.” Playful jab, followed by, “She can be quite stubborn.” He laughed some, then turned as the bard entered the room. No. Not a sexy outfit, but clothes mattered little when it came down to it. Kelovath does his best to keep up with the small talk, taking the appropriate cues from both the women as to when he should actually chime in. The food tasted as wonderful as it smelled. Way better than what he had been getting at the jail. With the night quickly approaching, it was now time for bed. The paladin had thanked Jessa several times during dinner for many things, and did so again when they all went off to bed. The man was extremely grateful for what Jessa had done and felt bad for the grief she’d probably get from her husband. But, that wasn’t his place to judge. Rules are rules and Kelovath would follow them. He walked Josleen to her room and happily wrapped his arms around her. He almost felt like a kid again, knowing he needed to get going and let go of the girl he cared for so they both could get some sleep. But, the last few days had been hell. Having her here was about as close as he would be getting to anything peaceful for a while. Whispered softly, “I love you, Jos.” A kiss pressed to her cheek and then lips. His lips lingered on hers for probably longer than what Jessa would rightfully allow, but her rule was technically being followed. When the kiss (finally) broke, the man went to the guest room, sat at the edge of the bed and prayed. Still feeling like a child, the man also stayed up a bit longer and thought about sneaking into Josleen’s room. Or even wondering if she’d be sneaking into his room. The thoughts stayed as thoughts and before he could even think of being brave enough, the man started to drift off.

Hypocrisy has no age limit: Jessa and Kyl’oriel aren’t married. But of course, if pressed, they would say their situation is different, unique, etc. etc. In the hallway, alone with Kelovath at last, Josleen apologizes for her parents. Tomorrow, on the road, she’ll explain the nuances of what happened. She lingers in the kiss as well, says, “I love you too, babe.” They part ways, but Josleen has experience sneaking around her parent’s home (trained by past boyfriends of the day). Shortly after midnight, she creeps into the guest room and slips under the covers to nestle up against Kelovath. First she faces him, kisses whatever part of him (chest, shoulder, arm) is nearest her lips, but as the night progresses she rolls onto her side away from him, her (plaid, flannel) bum pressing up against him as she becomes the little spoon.