The von Heschburg Tent

Adrian led his family family towards the tent that had been prepared for them. He was grateful for Naoki's generosity. The quarters were larger than he expected, and now he felt even more compelled to serve the Empress. Once his family was settled in he would try to find a way to pay her back.

"Well, my love... home!" he announced, pulling the tent flap to the side to let Cerri and the children in. "Or at least, as much of a home as it can be." It was as furnished as it could be - with some chairs, a table, some cots, and general miscellaneous items that the Israns had provided. Adrian was glad to see a larger cot set aside for himself and Cerri, in a private area of the tent concealed from the rest. Some time alone with his lovely wife was long overdue after being cramped on the Depravity for so long.

Terra ran from one corner to the next, touching and toying with anything she could find. A curious child, that one. There were a few playthings for Hansel as well. "We're fortunate that Naoki has provided for us," he said. "I feel that I should provide for her. I will try to find some work that needs to be done around the camp. You can watch after the children here... or if you get too restless, I'm sure there's enough work to find here."

Adrian smiled, proud to feel the movement of a healthy child within Cerri. "Don't worry, my love, by the time this one arrives we will have a worthy home." He hugged his wife and kissed her on the forehead for good measure. "As for the loom... if I cannot find one, then I will make one. And aye, it is good to be out of that gods-forsaken mist. But, all is well, and we are among friends and allies who will help us as much as we help them."

Adrian did what he could to arrange the tent comfortably. Terra made a space all on her own, and Klaus' little cot would serve his needs. Adrian and Cerri had their own private section and it was as comfortable as it could be. When everything was set he would ask Cerri "would you want to explore the camp a bit? I think we have some things to trade, maybe we can trade it for something to eat. Anything you're uh..." Adrian looked at her belly, "craving?"

Adrian grinned and nodded, "I think we've had enough fish to last a lifetime." He stood behind where Cerri was sitting and teased her shoulders with his hands. "Let me go take a look around. I'll hurry back as soon as I can, then you can have your meal. And your back rub." He bent down to kiss his wife, shuffled his hand through Terra's hair, then bid them farewell.

Adrian strolled through the camp looking for something he could take back to Cerri and the kids.  Fish was easy to find - it was the main cuisine aboard the ship, and the 'emergency food supply' for many of the survivors.  Some of them, however, were able to kill or trap critters from the nearby woods.  But that meat was a luxury to everyone and hard to acquire.  Fortunately, some of them foraged an excess of fruit, and were happy to share.  He stored the fruit in a satchel slung over his shoulder.

During his trip he came across a cache of supplies guarded by some Israns.  It was a collection of large crates, bags, and miscellaneous items taken off of the ship, and placed here to be distributed later.  Two lobster traps sat upon one crate.  "Have those traps been claimed?" he inquired.

The guard turned to look at the traps and shrugged, "no?  It's just some junk unloaded from the ship."

"Could I take them?  I think I could put them to use.," Adrian inquired.

The guard thought for a moment and shrugged, "I don't see why not."  The former Knight-Brother happily took the two traps and resumed his search for meat He would set them out later.  

Adrian continued to peruse the camp, but made his way back to the tent.  At least Cerri would have her fruit.  But then, a chance encounter.  A familiar face stopped Adrian dead in his tracks.  Clink!  Both lobster traps fell to Adrian's side.  For a few seconds he and the 'stranger' simply stared at each other.  "I heard you had died," Adrian finally said.

The individual chuckled, then slowly walked forward.  "Many have tried to kill me, Brother Adrian.  But I yet live."  Silence again.  "And I heard you have a woman now.  And a child.  No, two!"  A sinister smile spread across his face.  "Hope they're well."

Adrian clenched his fists.  "They're fine.  And you would do well to stay away from them."

The stranger held up his hands, "I'll keep my distance... Brother.  But let's face it - they're hungry.  Now I can see that fruit on your side..."  He licked his lips.  "But they're looking for something more filling, no?  Some red or white meat - a break from the fish."  He took a few steps forward and revealed a satchel of salted meat.  "Freshly skinned and cleaned.  You just have to prepare it.  Take it.  For old times sake."  That sinister smile never left his lips.

Adrian hesitated, but nevertheless reached out to claim the meat.  "...thanks."

"Don't mention it, Brother.  I'll be seeing you..."

The stranger turned on his heel and walked away, leaving Adrian alone.  Adrian wasn't sure what to think; he was uneasy, shocked even, but surprisingly glad to see that man's face.  He dispelled these thoughts and focused on his family.  He would return at once to the tent.

"My love, my love!  Fruit, and salted meat!"  He stowed the lobster traps nearby and placed his other findings on the table.  If Cerri had a preference she could fix the meat for them, and Adrian would gladly help.  But as he spoke to her she might sense a hint of uneasiness in his tone.