Room With a View

Velentham sat in the room at the cottage, staring out the windows that overlooked the small garden at the back. He hated Gilean now. Truly and utterly hated him. His cousin and the purple being, Claire, had come to his rescue, but only after Gilean had tried getting him killed. Only Claire had prevented him from battling his cousin outright, but staying in their home was detestable to Velentham. He had to leave, and he would go where he knew he could be wanted.

Velentham walked into the living room to see Gilean on the couch. The lesser Celestial was busy trying to read, but Velentham knew his cousin was aware of his precense. "You know the sooner you tell me where she is, the sooner I get out of your house and life, right?"

"It has been pointed out to me that it might be none of my business what you do. After all you are not my responsibility. But it doesn't mean that I have to help you do something I disapprove of either."

"Well then, you won't mind if I go out and start asking around?"

"Why would I? You don't need my permission after all, right?"

"Done."

Velentham headed for the door. He didn't care what he had to do, he would find the information that he required. He had the door opened as Claire walked in. He would start here. With all the charm he could manage, he turned to her. "My cousin has decided not to help me find Sanria. You wouldn't happen to know the way to her home, would you?"

"Well... I do..."

"Velentham, don't you dare!" Gilean glared over at Velentham.

"What business is it of yours?"

"She is my wi... the woman I love. Don't you dare try to use her like that. Do you understand me?"

"Simply my way of doing things, no harm intended."

"He's trying to influence you to do what he wants," Gilean announced to Claire, his eyes boring into Velentham's skull.

"It wasn't intentional, cousin. We all do things we don't mean, don't we?"

Claire admonished the two of them and Velentham looked at her again with hope on his face. If she would just let him know, he would get out and never return. "You wish to know where she lives?"

"Yes," Velentham said, mentally adding, 'More than anything.'

"Will you be returning here once you've visited with her?"

"I don't believe my company is wanted."

"I can't... I can't sit here and listen to this," Gilean said.

"Then don't," Velentham snapped and looked back to Claire. "Will you help me, please?"

"Head west until you see a waterfall. Go behind it and you will be at her cavern. Please... do not use your charm on her. I hope you will give her the freedom to choose."

"Thank you," Velentham said, heading out the door.