:;Shea awoke with the sun, she was quick to dress and gathered her things. She folded Connar?s cloak over her arm as she walked out of the room. She slowly walked down to his room, cracked open the door. Not back from the blacksmiths yet, good. She slowly placed that cloak upon the bed, with a sealed note on top, hoping he would find both, whenever he returned. Then she walked out t the main counter, she tapped her fingers on the counter top till the manager of the inn walked out and smiled to her.:: "Aye?" :;his gruff voice floated to her elven ears as he sipped that drink called coffee.::

"Thank you. Your rooms are very nice, my stay here has been pleasant. " :: she slid a few gold on to the counter:: :;the man smiled to her.:: " ye be welcome miss."

:;with that Shea went out the door, she was tot he stables, she gave Connar?s grey steed a glance before she took V by the reins. Then she would lead V out and walk away from that inn. Her day was now to begin. She pulled that hood high over her face as she walked away from the inn. Towards the market place, deep in thought.::


::Once Connar would return, once he found that note, if he were to open it he would read.::

"Dearest Connar,

There is no better way for me to say this,
I am as good with speaking these words
So i choose to write them.
I am sorry if I have seemed a bit off, things have been a little taxing
to say the least.
But although they have been, and may always be, I know that you alone may understand what I go through.
We are both bound to honor and duty.
And I find that very, appealing. For not many could fully understand those bonds.
I have never and shall never do anything to risk, any of that honor.
I may seem like I may want, something more.
And I can not deny that.
I can not deny that at times I may wish for something more, more closeness more contact.. but also, being that as it may. I have never felt so honored, nor so respected by anyone. The time may come, or it may not Either way : my love would remain.

You have always been honest with me, and you may always be, and you may always confide in me.
And I know I can be honest and confide in you. And that I may need to do.
There is some force that binds us, be it magic, fate, or similar circumstances.
I could not ask for anything more. For I have not felt so happy in years.
Things right now have vexed me, I may seem distant, and I am sorry for that. There are things on my mind I can not even begin to explain.
I am happy to be going home, when at the same time, there is a task that lies before me. Tests of my skills and strength to come.
We may face many more things to come, be together or alone. But I have found my strength by your side. A deeper understanding of it at the very least.
Though the journey ahead may be long, and full of many things, both good and bad. I know through it all it shall only strengthen, that which we have.
If you still wish to come with me back to GreenStone I leave tonight, I will be at the Red Dragon. If you have changed your mind, I do understand.
If that is the case I will see you when I return.
But I do hope you still intend to come with me.

amin mela lle

Shea

::He rode along side her,
taking occasion to look her way, watching
her posture as she rode:: Good thing I
took a nap...I had no idea we'd be traveling by moonlight...

::she smiled looking back to
him:; im full of surprises..:; hooves
clapped over cobblestone pathway as she
made her way North.:: Its easier to travel
by night..:; she gave V pat on the neck::

::He grinned:: Easier...how so?

::a laugh emanated from her lips:: Easier because I like to travel that way. I do my best traveling by light of the
moon, or in early dawn hours. Its just old habits...

::He laughed:: Oh, that
kind of easier...well, keep an eye on
me...if I start dozing off, ye might have to
take the reins.

; smiling she pushed back
that cloak, and slowed Violette?s pace, so
that she was right next to his horse:: I am
sure you wont fall asleep ::a soft kiss to
his cheek, a s a warm breeze swept by
Him ::not with me around

::He smiled at the kiss:: I
wouldn't be so sure...I do my best
sleeping when ye are close by.

; a smile to him:: aye, and I
do my best sleeping while near you, but
we have a lot of ground to cover, before
we can rest.

:He nods as they continue along the road:: Four days ride, correct?

aye, four days, a few nights,
this being one, then we should be at
greenstone gates at leas ta few hours
early... which is good...:;a thought passed
through her mind, she still had a few
tasks to do:; on our way I have to make a
few stops... I hope you don?t mind


::He smiled:: Why would I
mind...not like I have an itinerary to
keep...I should have asked this
earlier...but where will we be staying once
we arrive in Greenstone?


::the hove beats would
soften as the cobblestone ended, and the
earthen path began:: In the castle

Maybe I should be more specific....whose
castle...What I mean...is it your home or will we be the guests of one of your relatives?

In greenstone castle, my
home, the castle I was raised in, my
relatives live there, Salice, Audrey , my
niece... but it is still my home, for the
most part

::He smiled, looking at
her, picturing her living in a castle:: I'll
have to be careful then...castles tend to
be filled with a lot of old things that tend
to break easily.

:;eyes cast forward as she
saw the trees coming, Rhydin city behind
them now, once they passed through thee
trees it would all but disappear: : I wouldn?t
worry to much, its been child proofed as
they say, for Vanya, and the coming new
edition... not many breakable things
remain... a vase or two, but they would be
of no loss...

: ::He grinned:: Child proof
doesn't necessarily mean Connar
proof...but tis a start.

; a laugh:: you make your
self out to be clumsy... yet you are
not...:; a shake of her head, and now they
passed in to the trees, along that path,
now softly covered with snow::


::His horsed pawed at the
ground as they rode...liking the feel of the
snow under his hooves:: I?m not saying I'm
clumsy...I just...well...ye have seen what
I can do with couch cushions...

: ::The world of Rhydin slipped
away, as they passed in to those trees,
the lights, the sounds, the warmth pf the
city.:; yes, well there are plenty of those
to toss around :;a smirk:: in fact its a
tradition, between the sisters to have a
good fight with them, Shay always starts
it. I always finish it

Sounds like fun...I can't
wait for the festivities to start...:: He looked
forward, as far as the darkness the
tree branches would allow. Other than his
short excursion up the coastline, he
hadn't traveled very far from the city before
tonight::


its been a long time since
we could celebrate anything at all, its
been many years since we celebrated
Yenearsira, since we were children::jade
hues looked back to him, trusting her
mare to know the way::

by now the village is lit up
with lanterns, banners flying high in the air,
the smell of good food upon the cold of
night. The feel of warmth in every house..
by now most of the guests hare there,
save for Shay , Kulbin, Mila and Aiden..
and you and I.... Salice will be up for
nights on end making sure everything is perfect.

::He looked at her, just
content to watch her, listen to her voice::
What does that mean, Yenearsira?

Winter Solstice. :: jade
hues looking forward, just in time to duck
under a low laying branch..::

::Having a little advance
warning, he ducked under the limbs as
well:: That was close...

::With those elven eyes she
could see the edge of those trees, beyond
that wild fields, then though hilly
mountains, in which that hidden pass
lie:: Aye, usually someone give me a
warning :; she gave V a pat on the
neck:: So how did the blacksmith thing
work out :: just making idle conversation
to get other things out of her mind::

::He smiled:: I didn't think
I told ye last eve where I was going, did
I?...It went well...very well...my arms and
back will be complaining about it for a
while...but that is normal.

::the path under them
weaved, snaking along through the trees.
For now she kept her eyes forward, in
case of any more branches:: aye you told
me...forge something did you? ::knowing
that feeling::


:He smiled:: Aye...that I did.

did it turn out good? :: a soft
glance back to him::

:He was being coy on
purpose...it wasn't finished and he thought
it unlucky to talk about unfinished
crafts::... so far, so good.

: ::eyes looked back forward,
as the edge of the tree line got closer,
she could felt the wind coming off those
wild fields:; thats good,its been far too
long since I did any smith work, my uncle
will give me a long speech when i see
him....

Tis hard, unforgiving
work...but rewarding all the same...gives
ye plenty of time to think while pounding
all that metal on metal.

: ::smiling softly, as she
slowed again, stopping to look over those
fields. Lit up by moon light, a glance back
to him:; aye it is, my uncle is the finest
smith in all of my home lands... he
taught me how to forge blades, and
arrows, and other things.. yes time to
think that it does.. I do my thinking when I
ride:: a smile again::


: ::He looked ahead on the
trail, confident that Shea or V knew the
way, leaving him free to keep an eye out
for anything out of the norm. Given the
late hour of their departure and the
reluctance of road bandits to work in the
cold and snow, he figured their first night's
journey to be uneventful. He smiled:: Ye
won't do much thinking with me yapping
at you all the night through.

::a smile:: I like talking to
you Connar...it does me more good than
thinking... thinking gets me in trouble most
of the time...

::she looked ahead, far
through those fields, tall with wild grass
and flowers now closed for the night. She
could see beyond what most could, over
the soft roll of the hills, to that tree far in
the distance, that would be there stopping
point, a soft pat to V and in to the grass
they went::

Thinking is a dangerous
pastime of ours...:: He wanted to tell her of
his conversation earlier in the day with
Mercy...it had him thinking of many
things...but he would wait...the journey
had only just started, and they had plenty
of time for that::

::she glanced over her
shoulder at him, slowing a bit to come
beside him, to place a soft kiss again on
his cheek:: yes dangerous indeed...

::He smiled at the kiss,
just glad to be close to her:: I won't be
doing any thinking the rest of the night...I
promise.

::she would lead them through the tall grasses, over the soft rolling hills, of those wild plains. Till they reached the camp sight, she would tie V to that tree.::

"we will stop here till morning..." :: she sat down upon that grass covered hill side next to that tree, laid out most comfortably. No bed, nor fine sheets or pillows, just the earth under her, and that cloak for a blanket. not knowing if she'd sleep or not, just gazing upwards, at the stars watching them twinkle::

::she lay there, with his arm under her head, looking upwards. Watching the stars. Taking in the air of the surround. ::

::With the morning light, she lifted her head, opening her eyes, she had fallen asleep at what hour she didn't know. Gazing up to the blue sky. Filled with patches of fluffy clouds. A smile rose to her features, as she felt a cold morning breeze rush by. She would curl up under her cloak. As if she didn?t wish to get up. The sun had barely started to cast its warm colors over the sky, not even peeking out yet from the east. She knew they would have to be off once the sun rose, but she didn?t want to move. Yet the rumble in her stomach would wake her fully. She sat up and dug her gloved fingers through the folds of her cloak to find that bag at her side hidden in the folds. She slowly dug of a piece of caryave fruit. She slowly unsheathed her dagger and cut off a slice, and slid it in to her mouth. A jade hued glance looked towards Connar, wondering if he was asleep or awake.::

::she held out the piece of fruit towards him as she chewed::

::she cut the caryave fruit in half and placed one half in his hand. With a smile she rose and walked to V.:: " quel amrun ,Sana sina mellonamin" ::she offered V a piece or two of that fruit, with an open palm..:

::Once V had devoured it, Shea smiled running her gloved finger tips over Violette?s soft nose:: ? Long ride ahead." :;looking from where she stood towards those mountains a few miles away. :;

::They would get there before night fall if all went well.lAand hopefully up those twisting paths towards those caves before then too. She slowly ran her fingers through Violette?s mane. And over that saddle. Over that bow slung there with care, over the fine inlaid designs upon the worn leather of her saddle The sun was rising, and as it did the light danced over the wild plains, making the flowers of winter open. The softest touch a breeze brushed through those fields of tall grass. Sending the sweet smell of freshly opened flowers towards Shea. The wind blew through her dark locks, as she closed her eyes, embracing the new day. As the sun rose higher, the light danced over Shea. Up over her fair features, shimmering as it caught those jade colored hues. The wind picked up a bit blowing from the north now. With the sun in her hair and that wind blowing through it, her hair looked like a river of deep blue, as it shimmered in the morning glow::

::They had been riding for
just a little while, long enough time had
passed since he last kissed her, so he
leaned over and did so now::

::She let the kiss linger a
bit, holding back that smile

::By now their horses had
grown used to being flank to flank...he
held the reins loosely, letting the animals
lead the way...V seemed to know where
she was going.:: How far do we journey
today?

::slowly she with drew,
taking the reins in hand, eyes gazing a
head:; see those mountains there
?::pointing off to the north:; there is a
pass up twisting through them, we head
for that pass, and the safety of the caves
shall be our next resting place...

Caves?. .::he grinned::
From what do the caves provide safety
from...dare I ask?


::she smiled:; the cold, it
will be snowing most likely, and from,
wolves, bears, other creatures... and its
easier to build a fire inside the caves than
outside, besides the path is slim, we will
have to walk up half of it, with the horses
trailing behind, unless we want to fall off...

:He smiled, shaking his
head:: I shouldn't have asked

I had a dream last night
we were dancing...some formal
ball...everyone dressed in their finest...


:;a smile to him, as she
gave V a little nudge, and again she
started through those tall grasses:: but till
then it s just these grass filled hills...easy
ridding.. sounds like the festival... :;a
smile back to him::

I remember there was a
large staircase...winding on either side of
a great hall...we were at the top...making
an entrance of sorts.

there?s always dancing,
either the first or second night... we'll find
out once we get there...:;a smile:; sounds
about right.. depends on what Salice has
planned...

:Nods::...Not that I ever
been one to dream and have it become a
premonition or reality...but I recall at one
juncture...though I can't see or remember
any details...but something made me
wish I had worn my sword...or any
weapon.

she shall either go with the
old tradition or maybe she'll make a new
one.. :;a smile, crossed her features.
Feeling the sun upon them, the air was
still cool, but it made the day seem light::
well that?s one thing, since for the four
nights of the festival we ladies, though we
may argue ... we have to lay down our
swords, weapons of any kind save for
magic, and let the men defend us, should
anything happen

I wasn't planning on being
armed during the festivities...unless tis
normal...but I can't see it being much of a
festival if weapons abound...but, then
again, I am not familiar with the customs
of Greenstone. ::Smiles:: Do ye think me
capable of defending you?


We have not celebrated for
so long, since Salice and I were children,
I am sure Shay doesn?t even remember
the first festival...::witha nudge to V, the
pace quickened.:: aye I do, very capable..
:: a smile back to him::

::He gave his horse a
nudge, though the animal was already
quick to stay up with V. He patted the
animal's neck:: I've not given this beast a
name...have any ideas?

::The breeze then came
from the north again off those peaks,
softly covered with snow:: names? oh
dear, i am not usually very good with
names

I was thinking maybe
"Ashtray" for he looked like the bottom of
one when I first acquired him.

::witha soft nudge the pace
slowed, she was just having a good time
with him, seeing if he could keep up with
her.:: ashtray...:;a perplexed look for a
moment::

Maybe "Ash" for
short...or maybe "Cendrier"...sounds kind
of exotic.

:;she looked back to that
grey steed thinking of names, jade hues
then panned the landscape:: ash isn?t bad,
or cendrier for that manner...

::he looked at her horse
and smiled:: Well, how did ye pick Violet
as a name for your horse?

Violette... :;she said it
slowly:: and she was already named
when I got her...:;a smile:; i think it
fits...:;a pat to V's neck::

::He laughed::
Aye...she's just a big, soft, flower.

::with that pat V picked up
the pace, again, Shea smirked witha soft
laugh:; she is soft... but shes also a very
good mare, in battle times.. :;called back
as eyes moved forward, V jumped softly
over the fallen trees and rocks under hove::


::Connar pulled back on
the reins a bit, slowing his horse...he
wanted to run him a bit...he let V and
Shea get a good distance ahead before
he leaned over Ash's ear:: (w) Go get
her...::nudging him with his heels. The
horse shot up from the ground, the rear
hooves churning up the ground with a
heavy lurch forward, charging them ahead,
thundering beats against the ground as
the pair moved back to the side of the
"women" once more. He just smiled,
patting V as they slowed:: Nice horsey.


: ::Shea laughed, jade hues
cast forward through the grass, watching
the light of the sun bounce off the tallest
strands. Those looming mountains were
getting closer, her thoughts drifted, home
seemed closer , V slowed her pace to a
good trot, and Shea smiled over at
Connar ::she?s a bit touchy as of late
I think she?s more nervous than I am,
about going home.


::He smiled as she
looked his way...he was enjoying
himself...though not enough to push the
conversation he had had the previous day
with Mercy...it still weighed on his mind::
This may sound odd...coming from
me...but how long should two people
know each other before they get married?

::After saying it...he
wished he had given the context of the
question a bit more fleshing out::



I suppose it would depend
on the people involved... :;eyes panning
forward, keeping an eye on the surround
as V lead the way so to speak:: weeks, months, years.. it would greatly depend on whom is going to be getting
married...why?


I had a conversation with
Mercy yesterday...a short one...but she
doesn't think I am handling our
relationship correctly...meaning us...ye
and I.


::jade hues looked to him::
oh and why is that?

Her exact wording is a
little hazy now...but the long and short of
it is that Mercy thinks that tis unfair of me
not to give myself fully to ye if we love
each other...She suggested that I just
marry ye, have children, and go back to
my world after ye have passed on. I told
her that it didn't work quite so easily with
my world...and that ye would outlive me.


ahh well I may outlive you, I
may not... and we take our own path in
the realm of romance and commitment... ,
I dont think it unfair... not to anyone :: pause:: I think we, you, I... are
handling it just fine... we go at our own
pace... we enjoy each others company.. ::a soft smile, thinking a moment:: perhaps she?s just jealous? ::a wider
smile, just a tad:: ::eyes looked forward:: She
just doesn?t grasp, some of the key
factors...I suppose...

I tried to tell her that ye
and I have been open and honest with
each other...about everything. I didn't
think of it then...but I should have asked
her why any two people, love or
not...would rush into marriage after so
short a period. Call me old-fashioned...but
I don't think marriage is something to rush
into out of romance or convenience. ::He
thought a moment more::...I'm not sure if
she's the type to get jealous...though I am
sure she in envious of the time ye and I
get to spend together. ::He smiled:: She even
suggested that I take ye back to my
world...

I do agree.. :;a nod:; rushing
in can be dangerous...:; a nod:: envy and
jealousy are of the same green eyes...
well, it could not work so
easily for me to do that, I may pass
between Rhydin, GreenStone and Crendia all
well, but they are all on the same plane...
your home is not... though I would if I
could....but other things as you know
bind me to these realms...


Ye couldn't...nothing from
this realm or any other would last
long...assuming it survived the nexus. My
world is yet ancient still...the magic and
inventions of this place...the crossing of
technologies could never exist nor be
supported there. I don't think my sword
would survive the journey through the
nexus intact... I think Mercy's intentions
were genuine...she wants us to be happy
and can't understand why I would prevent
that.


::she looked forward fully, a
smile rose to her features slowly. As did
a soft rosy blush. Then she focused, eyes
forward: upon the land:: my point tis made
then...:: still a smile:: you do not prevent
that, I think we are happy :; a glance to
him, still smiling:; at least I know I
am... ::a nudge to V and she picked up
the pace again::


::He grinned...not
remembering that last time he had been
happier in this place. He pushed Ash to
keep up as the pace was quickened:: I
have this unsettled feeling that your family
might press the...um...unique nature of
our relationship...your sisters might use it
to make things quite uncomfortable for ye.

::As the pace quickened so
did that cool breeze from the north ,
which breezed its way through Shea's
dark green cloak. Eyes looked to the sky,
the sun. The time of day. And she slowed
the pace again smirking:: bring it on... ::she slowed V to a stop::

::He stopped along side
her:: Were ye talking to the weather or
the possible taunts of your sisters?


please, they are my sisters,
they might pull a few fully fun jokes, but
their relationships are rather unique..

: ::He grinned:: Ye needn't
worry on my account...be embarrassed by
them...I've nothing to hide nor be fearful
about...without that, their taunting are
but for naught.

:;she slowly brushed her
gloved fingers through her hair:; they are
siblings, taunts come and go... besides,
once they get the gifts I got them... not
taunting will go on...:;a smile to him as
she slipped one hand back in to her
cloak, digging in to the folds::

Gifts?...shite...was I
supposed to bring gifts for the festival?

:;out again she pulled
another caryave fruit, two in fact she held
one out to him:: refreshment? :;a laugh:;
no you were not, I did... its sort of a sister
past time...

::He took the fruit from
her with a smile:: Godds...ye scared me
there for a minute...::He held the piece of
caryave up:: thank ye.

:;she took a bite in to the
fruit, and chewed holding back those
giggles:; I saw that... :;a wink to him :

::He looked up the trail a
ways:: How far until we have to travel by
foot?

two miles...give or
take...::she held out the last of the fruit to
V, who ate it eagerly::

::He bit off a piece of the
fruit, leaning over to give the remainder to
Ash::


Once we reach the foot of
the mountain we can walk from there, up
to the resting point :;she looked to the
sky, clouds but not rain clouds:: with all
luck it wont snow...

Be there any trees that
far up the trail?

aye.. trees along the path
ways, down the mount side...

::He grinned:: Good.

she gave him a perplexed
look, and gave V a nudge and back they
went trotting in to the grass::

once in the cave I can make
us a fire, and dig in to the better of the
food that i brought with me...:;a smile,
eyes cast forward:;


::He patted Ash's neck
and they continued on their journey.
Connar scanned the horizon, watching for
anything out of the norm...though he was
assured by now that there was little to
fear beyond their range of sight...his
dreams, however, had him questioning the
safety to be found in Greenstone::
Hmmm...I can't wait. ::He laughed:: I didn't
think to bring any food other than some
dried meat and a skin or two of water.


:she looked ahead, two
miles, not to far on horse back, even at a
slow pace. She knew once they reached
those mountains, Shea knew her mind
would wonder... she had told him she
needed to make a few stops, but she had
not told him what they were for, not yet at
least:: that?s why Im the guide...:; a smirk
as she had V pick up the pace::

::it was still mid-day if they
picke dup the pace just enough they
could make it all the way to the last cave,
before night fall, and that was Shea's
plan::

:He smiled, prodding his
horse to keep up the pace:: Ye are a
guide?...I thought ye were just along for
the ride to beautify the landscape.


:;a smile back to him:; oh
yes, for that too.. ::she didn?t want to tax
his horse to much, the pace not too fast
nor to slow::its all apart of the experience.. ::a wink back to him. She could see the tree line in the distance,
those trees marked the foot of the
mountain, little less than a mile left, at
this point.::

::He had to work the reins
of his horse...Ash had been ridden hard
on their last journey and kept anticipating
with each nudge to take off again as last
time...Connar had no idea of this horse's
past...but he could tell by the way his
was built, the way he handled a rider, that
Ash was trained for more than pulling a
plow:: Experience?...and here I thought V
was the one leading the way all along.

oh, well she can lead the
way, but im the best guide any one
could hope for...:;another wink to him::
just you wait. you?ll see

He laughed:: Oh...I need
no proof...ye have my vote of confidence
already...trust me.

;she glanced back to him,
and smiled. Those trees getting closer
and closer::

He gave her a smile and
a wink as she looked back to him...he
could see the mountain beginning to loom
ahead...it looked steep, even from this
distance::

I do trust you..:: another
smile, eyes forward again. the wind came
down from the mountain side, and flowed
through those tress and towards
them, colder air, through those trees Shea
could see far, to the path they would take,
it was free and clear of snow, that made
her smile all the more:: seler' ::she
muttered to her self as the grass faded to
become a soft red and gold carpet of leaves
under them with just the slightest touch of
snow, those trees now towering over them
as Shea slowed the pace::


:As she slowed, he
moved up along side her, gazing upward
as the trees towered overhead:: Mighty
big trees living in the shadow of the
mountain.

;she smiled:: aye, most do
not come this far, most would not know
that beyond through hidden paths is a
land they have never seen, and few ever
will..

:He grinned:: Let's just
hope I be one of those few.

the tress slowly lessened,
as the pathway up in to the mountain
became more visible:; do not worry
Connar, you will...


I'm not
worried...::laughing::...I was merely
referencing the fact we hadn't made it to
the *safety* of the caves yet.


Shea slowly dismounted
as V's front hooves stopped upon the
pathway in tot he mountain side.. one for
sure would think it to be covered with
snow... but it was clear of snow, and
ice... not a trace for as far as Shea could
see:: besides, our path has been cleared..

::He followed her lead and
dismounted:: Should that worry us...that
the path has been cleared?

:;she smiled to him:: y our
welcome to sleep outside the cave if you
wish...I am sure a nice creature will make
you a fine mid-night snack... ;a smirk:;
nae, Salice did this... tis my present from
her

:He grinned:: Your sister
manages the trails between here and
greenstone?

::She walked in front of
Violette, taking the reins:: she didnt do it
her self, by hand if you mean... but she
had it cleared for me, yes...

I think I knew that...but
had to make sure...::He scanned up the
mountain side...there were trees, but not
as many as down where they stood:: Ye
go on ahead...I'll catch up shortly...


she started up the path, V
close behind her:: don't fall too far
behind...

:He took the wood axe
from his pack and sized up one of the
larger pine trees, lopping off the large,
sweeping boughs along the bottom. When
he had gathered enough, he lashed these
to the saddle and took Ash by the reins,
jogging up the steep slope to catch up
with Shea and V, the muscles in his legs
burning in protest at the sudden exertion::

::eyes forward she started
up the path, slowly. Listening to the far off
sounds of the birds. Somewhere higher in
the trees. V trotted slowly behind her.
Shea hummed a soft tune::

:It took some doing, but
he could finally see them just ahead, and
he could hear what sounded like a tune
being hummed...but the blood was
pumping through his body, pounding in
his head...it could very well have been just
his imagination::

::the path went up, and
turned to the left then seemed to
disappear upwards...She walked, witha
steady stride.Keeping an eye out on the
sky, pleanty of day light left.::
;a soft glance back over her
shoulder:: dont get lost now... :;a smile to
him::


:He slowed his pace to a
steady walk as he and Ash finally pulled
up along side of them, wiping sweat from
his brow as he smiled at her:: Me and lost
are great pals...we spend a lot of time
together.

she smiled to him, as she
turned left.:: aye but in these parts tis
dangerous, all sorts of things can
happen... ::smirking:;

::He laughed:: I am sure
of that...and I'm not even lost yet.


;the climb upwards didn?t
seem that steep, the path was well taken
care of, eyes looked forward, another turn
this time right, then the path was straight,
the side of the mountain now beside
them, with a few small caves here and
there, Shea walked past them slowly,
making sure not to wake sleeping
creatures::


I wouldn?t let you get lost,
what sort of guide would I be? ::onward
she walked, the path snaked, left then
right around a huge fallen bolder... Shea
gave the huge rock a soft pat with her
gloved hand...::


Connar followed close
behind, the trail not wide enough to walk
side by side. He looked into the shadows
of the passing caves...curiosity wanting
to poke his head inside to see what
lurked within...prudence suggesting that
wouldn't be such a good idea. He smiled
at her comment:: It would make ye an
Incompetent but pretty guide.

she giggled softly, the
path seemed do go up just a bit higher,
rounding around the mountain.:: why
thank you.. ::a smirk, she could see their
resting place from here, just around the
next few turns... amazing what elven eyes
could see::

:He looked back down
the trail, over the distance they had
covered...Rhydin was so very far
away...both in distance and memory. He
turned back to look ahead, knowing they
must be close to their stopping point for
the night::

::upward glance, the day
had begun to fade. Around one bend, then
another, then the mouth of the huge cave
could be seen:; ah home sweet home:;
musing to her self as she Led V towards
the entrance::

::there was one lone, very
small pine tree there, that Shea tied V's
reins to:: Esta sinome ::V looked to her
and let out a breath, Shea smirked::


He gave the area around
the cave a quick study...he wanted to be
familiar with the structure while there was
enough light yet to see it...he didn't want
to have to stumble completely blind in the
dark if necessity required him to exit the
cave in the dark. He led Ash next to V,
unlashing the large pine boughs they had
hauled up the mountain. He looked at the
cave entrance and smiled:: Is this it?


aye, this be it...call it home
::a smirk::

:He grinned, giving the
cave a wave:; Hello, home.

she smirked holding back
that laugh as she slowly sat down upon
on of the smooth rocks near the cave
entrance:: it goes back for a good mile
or so... but I like it right here just inside

:The light of day was now
fading fast:; I should make that fire, before
it gets any darker...

::He looked at her and
smiled:: A mile back? Tis more a tunnel
than a cave...

aye, I?ve been back there,
There?s a natural spring... from the melting
snow.. and glittering crystal caverns....

;she rose to her feet,
looking around for suitable wood.. the one
thing she never really thought much
about::

:He smiled, seeing her
search and handing her a small bundle of
dried wood he had collected with the pine
boughs:: Will this work?


aye:; she took the bundle
from him, and kissed his cheek softly:;

:
:He smiled at the kiss,
stepping inside the cave to spread out the
pine boughs on the ground, using his axe
to trim off any unnecessary parts as she
worked on the fire::

:once the wood was in
place she gave him a little signal with her
hand, a sorta step back signal, there were
many ways to start a fire, the hard way,
and a way Shea would not use often::

::He moved back a little
farther into the cave, expecting fireworks::

Be careful, I like your
eyebrows just where they are.

::she held her hands over
the wood, and focused...:: Yala onna en'
naur :: a spell chanted in elvish. The wood
lit up quickly, the flames licked up at her
fingers, she stepped back, and smiled
softly::

::The light flowed into the
cave, filling the opening with the warm,
glowing light:: Now that's better.

::the fire was started, and
she looked to her now bare fingers, not a
sign of a burn, a brighter smile, another
test passed, with flying colors:: not too
bad for me.. ::.she then waved him over
as she sat down near that fire, slipping
that bag off to sit beside her::



::he laughed:: Sounds
like ye haven't always been so
successful...::he went back to arranging
the boughs, and when satisfied, he moved
over to sit by her on the rocks::

Fire is not my element... ::
she smiled:: tis complex to explain...::
her eyes moved to the dancing flames::


He grinned:: And even
more complex for me to understand...ye
can leave it at that...tis complex

:He fought back a yawn
as he looked at the fire, extending his
hands toward it, enjoying the new-found
warmth::

::a smiled to him, looking to
him closely for a moment with a thought...
then back to the fire, she sat comfortable
before the fire, watching it, no longer did
fire pose such a threat to her::

He looked at her with a
smile in return for hers:: Ye have a
scheming look in your eyes...I'm not sure
if it be the critters I should be worrying
about.

:: a smirk:: who me :: a
fake yawn:; no...


::He scoffed:: Nae, not
ye...what could I have been thinking?

thinking, me no..:; looking
in to the fire..:: nothing of importance I
assure you.. we should try and get some
rest...: :;changing the subject as
always:: another day begins tomorrow...


:He stood, taking off his
cloak and laying it over the pine boughs in
the cave, smoothing it out and making it
as flat as possible before laying down on
top of it, testing the bounce and support it
gave::


:;Shea smirked watching
him, many things flooded her mind now
that she was back here. She'd been to
this cave dozens of times, on supposed
trips back home, but this time she would
be going back, and not turning back...::


:He smiled at her as he
took off his belt, setting it and the
weapons it held to the side on the ground.
He patted the spot next to him:: What are
ye waiting for? ::pointing to her and her
cloak::...you?ve got the blanket.

she smiled and rose to her
feet crossing to him unclasping her belt to
lay it beside his, then she slowly sat upon
that spot he had patted, unclasping her
cloak::

He reached over,
touching her back and shoulders softly as
she sat next to him:: Ye weren't planning
on running any errands tonight, were ye?

nae, why?

He smiled:: I was just
asking.

;she relaxed a bit in to his
touch. She reached down and slowly
untied those boots and let them fall to
floor:: nae, not tonight...





That's good...I'd hate to
wake up all alone in this big cave...::He
grinned. His boots were removed in like
fashion and he laid back on the makeshift
bed, it felt better than the cold ground, the
cloak on top of the boughs providing a
slight bit of comfort::

she sat there, then leaned
back tossing her cloak up, and it fell
slowly over her ,feet, and legs:: I have no
place else I'd rather be though..


He smiled, reaching
under her to pull her next to him:: Good,
that makes two of us.

: smiles as he pulled her in
closer. A soft kiss to his cheek:



he wrapped his arms
around her, looking into her eyes,
caressing her back and shoulders:: This
has been a pleasant diversion, Shea...I'm
am glad ye invited me along.

:: looking in to his eyes she
nodded:: I am glad you came.. ::resting
quite comfortable there in his arms:: I
hope it can be more than just a
diversion... perhaps, it can become
something more:: a yawn passed through
her lips as she rested her head on his
shoulder, closing her eyes::




He stroked her hair as it
fell about her neck and shoulders:: More
than a diversion? What did ye have in
mind?

:she smiled:; perhaps an
adventure.. more than just a simple
diversion... though it has taken my mind
off things in Rhydin...:; her hands came to
rest upon his chest, as the days ride was
slowly getting to her:: and perhaps .. :;her words
started to fade as she started to::


::He leaned down, lifting
her chin gently so as to see her face::
Being with ye is always and adventure
Shea...tis a given.. ::He kissed her lips
softly as he looked at her::


:;she returned the kiss
softly:: mm good.. ::another yawn:: quel
du...Connar... ::her words fading off as she
started to fall asleep::


:He smiled, holding her,
the light from the fire dimming a bit with
each passing moment. His mind
wandered as he contemplated the days
ahead...but always coming back to
her...reassured by her presence and
closeness...the cave could have been a
palace for all he cared::

:They had left the cave,
almost an hour ago, and Shea was still
silent. Eyes forward, V trotting behind her::


::Ash and Connar take up
their position behind Shea and V,
following closely...the rhythmic padding of
hooves all that could be heard::
Something on your mind, Shea?


huh ::she gazed back over
her shoulder to him and shook her head::
just thinking

:He smiled:: So I
gathered.: Ye seem to grow more
and more distant the closer we get to
Greenstone.

a soft smile:: you know
me always thinking :: jade hues scabbed
down the path before them, maybe
another hour and they would reach those
tightly nit trees: I am sorry, I don't mean
to be distant. It just... ::she ran a gloved
hand through her hair as she slowed V to
a stop, looking back to him:: I am just
worried...there is a task I must do and I
am not sure how to do it

A task, ::he stopped,
standing next to her:: What kind of task?


One hand gripped the
reins:: you want the long version or the sort
one :: a smile to him::

::He smiled:: Whichever
ye feel most comfortable in telling...either
way, I have no where else to be than with
ye.


she slowly let go of the
reins, and turned to face him:: I will spare
you the very long version. ::a breath
taken:: when my brother came to visit me,
it was for a few reasons, to gain my
forgiveness so that he could pass on, and
to set me witha task, a task that no other
can do. Yet it seems daunting to me

::He smiled, touching her
shoulder:: What are brothers for, if not to
tax ye at every moment, even in death?

:a smile to him:: yes well,
after gaining my forgiveness for all his past
darkness, he told me of a task I must do..

:Nods:: What sort of
task?

this is where the tale gets a
bit more winded...when my father still
rued and my brother was young, my
father hired a man, a teacher for him, to
teach him the good uses for his
element...but my father was called out to
war before he could give the man a good
once over.. and then my father died in the
war, this man this teacher was Alaric.. he
was a dark wielder of fire, the same
elemental as my brother was... he
corrupted Jinnalt, though it didn?t take
much work...:Nods as she tells the
story::

::she slowly sat upon on of
the rocks there :: once my brother
became king, Alaric sat in his right hand,
using all manner of darkness, in this
darkened state my brother did many
things, to which he has not be forgiven
for.. yet then a war began because of it...
::smiles to him:; and here?s where I'll save
you the huge battle story and skip to the
end... I had been taken captive by Alaric,
he intended to use my mage powers over
the wind to fuel dark fires to burn the
world, in the end it was

Jinnalt whom stopped
Alaric... by grasping my fathers sword,
which Salice had been protecting for a
long time...in the end, Jinnalt, Alaric and I
fell from the tallest peak of the greenstone
mountains towards the trees below.. I was
save by Dae.. my brother and Alaric well
they had already been mortally wounded
by the fall surely killed them it they were
not already dead... from the battle


:He looked at her,
visualizing what must have transpired:: I
always knew ye had the favor of the
gods.

Alaric carried a stave with a
dark obsidian orb at the top, this orb
possess darkness and fire, and a daemon
like presence, It survived the fall,
according to Jinnalt.. I must go to the
place where they fell find the orb and
destroy it...I can not touch it with my bare
fingers for if it didn?t burn me alive the
daemon would take over me... I can use
magic, gloved hands and anything else I
dare to ..to destroy it.. ::a smile:; ah yes
the gods favored me that day...


What about me? Can I
touch it? Am I allowed to help?


yes you may help if you
wish, but to touch it with your bare hands
, the daemon inside the orb would take
you... for before Alaric was whom he was
to me and mine, he was Lance Aelaryn,
Devron's father, once a honored knight of
Iron-winds.. ::smiles:: yet that is a longer
story to tell.. but you may help me, if you
wish, I must find some way to destroy it,
mere strength tis not enough for if it
survived the fall from the peak it will take
more than mere strength...

That is one of those stops I
have to make on the way to greenstone,
the other is not so... looming :: a smile::




:He smiled:: I'd be glad
to help...sometimes my old-world
knowledge sheds a fresh light on the
magic?s of this and other realms...I am at
your service, M?lady.

Tis a fire element, right?

That means shattering it
with heat won't work, I imagine...::His
mind was already thinking on the task,
scheming::



a soft kiss to his cheek
and she rose:: your help is greatly....::
just smiles to him:: thank you

fire and darkness aye..:;
nodding as she took the reins in hand
again::


::Snaps his fingers as
she kisses him...perhaps a spark of
inspiration:: Ice...Shea...ice...Can we
freeze it to the point of shattering?...::he
was rambling quickly::...If we encased it
in ice and snow....freeze it to critical....to
the point where it changes the structure of
the crystal....it would shatter like a wine
glass at the slightest touch...


:: thinking a moment, that
sounded like a darn good plan:: that just
might work.. :;another kiss to his cheek::
the snows always the coldest there near
Dae?s caves, yes, yes that might work, ::
a soft kiss to his lips:; your a genius

:He moved into her kiss,
letting it linger:: Ye could use your
element to drive the temperature even
lower...that would be the only way to get
it cold enough.

: ::she smiled to him:: well
that I can do.. we'll just have to get it
packed up in ice, and then I can use one
of the coldest wind spells I know.. ::her
hands went to his cheeks, and she
kissed him again a bit deeper this time::

::He leaned into her kiss,
arms coming around to hold her gently,
savoring the kiss::

He looked into her
eyes:: I guess you will have lots to share
with your sisters when we arrive.

:letting the kiss linger for a
moment, savoring it as well, before she
with drew very slowly::. Aye, a few things,
some things they can not expect.. :;a
smirk now thinking of those gifts::

He smiled:: I am sure
ye will be full of surprises.

Oh yes, as I am sure they
are. :; she went back to leading them
down that twisting path::

she could see those
tightly nit trees ahead, she smiled
continuing forward, wondering what he
would say about this 'dead end' in the
path way, no way around and seemingly
no way through the trees::


::He smiled, watching her
walk ahead, leading the way, her hair
tossed by the wind, giving brief glimpses
of her face. He could see the trailing
leading to what looked to be a dead
end...he wondered if they were going to
hack their way through the thicket of
trees::

::she smiled to him, leaning
one hand upon one of those trees, just
smiling to him as the wind brushed by::
ahh yes, how longs its been since I
passed this path...:: she slowly took off
her right glove, and looked back to him::
The elven lands lie beyond these trees,
many travelers hit these and turn back,
only those trusted may pass through...


Grins:: Let's just hope
the pass is liberal with that trust in my
case.

Liberal:: she gazed back to
him:: the pass doesn?t have to be liberal, I
trust you, that is enough:: a smile to him,
before she faced those tightly nit trees,
her hand still upon one of them:: ally to
the people...defender of all:; the trees
began to spread apart, making a nice little
path way through::


::Watches as the
pathway opens:: Impressive....is that the
secret password?

you could call it that,
beyond these trees lies the land of the
elves, though others live there ..those who
know this way each have a saying that
they must say in elven or common before
passing...

Nods:: What controls
the opening, for it allows the passage of
good and evil, does it not?

evil can pass yes, though
its harder, beyond these trees lie many
dangers, those not custom to the lands
can be easily taken care of, unless they
have made them selves seem ally.. tis
pure magic the controls it, it does not
really see through evil as most things
might...

Did Raevyn and Blahl
pass through here?


but only those who know
certain key phrases will be allowed
passage. So if they gained the knowledge
then they must have been trusted by
someone at some time...

nae they came to Rhydin by
magic... and a different road, most likely
they went all the way a round, by the sea
perhaps, or the other ways, which there
are few of

::Smiles and does a
formal greeting to the imaginary guardians
of the opening:: I'm with her...::points to
Shea::

Nods:: I could get lost
very easily...all the passageways and
portals...

aye you could :;she led on
through the passage way::

In fact we will be passing
but he very woods that holds that portal,
but nae to worry, we will be far from
it...::she walked on feeling the wind rush
in at her:: once these trees end, you will
be standing in the lands I have called
home, yet we will still be far from
greenstone

::He followed behind her,
looking down as he flexed his left hand,
muttering to himself:: Somehow I think I
will have a good idea when we're close.
::He looked ahead as the scenery
changed slowly:: How is it that ye call
both Crendia and Greenstone "home"?

: ::the path was now wider
than it had been before, wide enough for
her to walk beside him, with V to her
right, she could hear the ocean, the
sound of sea birds. She smiled, the trees
began to thin, the path behind them
closing as they walked:: I do not call
Crendia home, i had been calling it that,
but greenstone is my home, these lands
are my home.. and Rhydin has become a
second home...



::He leads his horse,
walking along side of her, scanning the
horizon, taking in their surroundings::...Tis
a beautiful land...I can only imagine it
grows more so the closer we get to
Greenstone.

the portal is deep with in the
woods, beyond the counsel champers,
near the lake.. ::the trees slowly faded, to
become short grass plains, the trees now
to their right:: welcome to the lands of the
elves :: not far ahead he would see huge
walls of a castle, and he would most
likely hear the ocean::


aye it does, sweeping plains, vast woods, wondrous caves and lakes and falls. And some of the greatest elven kingdoms, any realm has ever know :;she gazed forward as she led V over the small wooden bride that crossed over the flowing river, she looked to those huge walls, those tall towers, she smiled hearing the flags whip in the wind::

He walked alongside
her, taking in the ever-changing scenery.
He looked up to the skyline, hearing the
flags:: Is this Greenstone?



this is the kingdom of SilverWaters.. The king is a very good family friend, :: looking to the walls as she walked on, a hand up in to the air for a moment:: Tis the gate way to the ocean, and another route to Rhydin, though it takes a lot longer by ship. ::Above in those tall towers eyes watched them, a few hands went up in to the air, hailing Shea back in silence::


:He looked up the those
along the walls, feeling horribly exposed
to archers' arrows. He smiled, looking at
her while she was warmly greeted:: Ye
are quite the popular lass.

she led on to that road, a
carved out dirt path in the earth, that led
to the east:; greenstone lies in this
direction.. :;on ward she went , a small
guard city lie ahead of them, smaller rock
walls around it, a smile:; I am like family,
and most of those men on those walls I
have commanded in battle... I should be
popular..

I would think it had more
to do with your stunning beauty...but it
could also be for those reasons ye
mentioned as well.

a smile to him, as she
slowed V's pace, to gaze in to his eyes
for a moment:: we can ride from here if
you wish...or we can continue walking...


He needed not to be
asked twice, he was up in the saddle in
the blink of an eye, a grin on his lips:: I'd
just as soon get on with the journey and
your tasks...

she was up, and took the
reins:: very well, lets go..

He caught her by the
shoulder before she started V moving,
leaning over to give her a kiss:: I want all
the eyes to know ye are with me.


she returned that kiss and
smiled to him, then with a soft nudge V
was off in a nice pace down the earthen
path, soon they would leave the kingdom
of Silver Waters behind, and come to
another bride over a river:: welcome to the
lands of Amethyst Rose :: she pointed off
ward towards the large kingdom to the
south ::

He looked down into the
waters as the crossed the bridge:: I am
going to need a map to keep all these
names and places straight...ye best not
leave it to me to find our way back.

she rode on, closer to
those walls, of that kingdom, then she
turned V north, along that pathway that
led toward home:: now we head
north, past the many guard cities and
towns, and steps closer to GreenStone ::
V was stopped, she smirked to him:: I
have that, but don't worry I will lead the
way back...

::for a moment her eyes
panned towards the mountains in the
distance, wonderful blue mountains, she
smiled and gave V a little nudge:: on
ward.. we must reach HarpSing before
dark...::V was off again a bit faster::

::He smiled as he
followed closely, light pulls at the reins to
get Ash heading the right way:: Well, if
we ever do get separated, I'll be back
there, on that river, fishing.

:;she smiled:: tis the Myst
river, finest fishing in all of these parts...


::Grinned:: I may not
know north from south, but I know good
fishing when I see it.

she smiled to him as she
rode beside him:: north :;she pointed off::
South :;she pointed back towards the
kingdom now fading behind them::

:on that road they traveled
others did as well, merchants with carts,
women, children, armed men, and armed
women as well, going from town to village
to kingdom, doing duties.. and such,
many of the passers by waved to Shea,
some even bowed deeply::


he watched the people
as they passed by, watching with interest
the reverence they paid to Shea:: I think I
am in way over my head.

::Northward she led, pass
villages, and towns, farm lands and small
homes, she could see the walls of
Iron-winds not far beyond them:: soon we
will be in HarpSing, which is where we
shall stay till morning...

HarpSing?...:;smiles::
Will there be music?

: When do we go after the
evil, "ye-know-what"?

whys that :; a soft glance to
him:: aye music, fine craftsmen, and my
first task.. or stop of interest..

with a name like
HarpSing...it kind of lends itself to
thinking there might be music there.

tomorrow...:;she looked to
the fading light of day:: after some rest... :: they passed the walls of Iron-winds, and
to the north east of those walls were
larger ones, she smiled::

::Bites his own
tongue...he was a stranger on foreign
soil...He had made himself commit to
being on his best behavior...not
jesting...no teasing the locals. He nodded
as she spoke, steeling his resolve to be a
model citizen of whatever hamlet might be
hosting them::

tomorrow we go after the
obsidian orb, tonight we stay in the inn at
HarpSing, I will lead you there then go
speak to my uncle...

:His eyes widened:: Ye
are going to leave me alone? Ye think that
is wise, given my...um...knack at
attracting trouble?

Amban Inn and Tavern
:;she pointed towards the taller walls:;
that kingdom there is FairWinds ::she
passes in to the small Village of HarpSing
and dismounted:: and this village is
HarpSing :: it was lit up by soft lantern light,
all sorts of elven artisans about, many
grand shops with grand things:: your
welcome to come with me...

::He dismounts as she
does, taking hold of the reins, looking at
the various buildings, shops, artisans and
passer-bys:: I will go and do whatever ye
would have me do, Shea...ye have
business that needs your attention. If I
can't help ye, then I'll probably just be in
the way.

;Jade hues looked towards
the inn, as she slowed V, she then tied
V's reins to one of the many trees outside
the inn, and turned witha smile to
Connar:: your never in the way ::a kiss to
his cheek:: you may leave Ash here with
V, my uncles shop is just up the road

::He tethered Ash next to
V, grinning at the kiss and the fact that
Shea had taken to tethering the once
free-to-roam V. He smiled, walking along
side of her:: I'll be good...I promise.

She could see the smoke
rising from the back of his shop, she
shook her head softly.:: Looks like he?s
still working. Too, oh you don?t have to be
the model citizen around my uncle Dagor,
trust me...


Uncle Dagor...::He
smiled::...He gets to be the first, then.

she smiled to him and slid
her gloved hand across his, as they
walked:: aye, he'll be at the fest as well,
in fact I am wondering why he?s not there
already:: she paused in front of the shop,
the sign read Dagor Vanya Sulie:; here
we are..

He looked at the sign
with her:: Is that your family name, Sulie?

Sulie means winds, Dagor
FairWinds... my mothers youngest
brother...

:Grins:: I should have
been working on my elven on the way
here...

:: she pushed through the
door, and a soft bell rang, though it be
hard to hear over the banging of metal on
metal:: that?s why I am here...


e smiled:: Never stray
too far away, then. ::He followed her into
the shop...he loved the smell of the
blacksmith's shop...something natural
about the smell of steel being worked::

: ::She smiled walking
towards the large wooden counter, letting
go of Connar?s hand she smirked,:: Aiya
tano ! :; calling back in to that far back
room::

All the elements that
created mountains and valleys...now
yielding under the hands of
master craftsmen to forge tools from ore::

:He looked at the tools of
the trade, hanging from the walls and
timbers above his head, all showing signs
of their age and their use in the shop::

:;the sounds stopped, and
from the back came a man, covered in
dark ashen soot, long dark hair tied
back, leather gloves upon his hands,
shirt and pants black as night:: Shea? ::
he spoke attempting to wipe some of that
ash from his face:: Shea!

::He stood in place,
hands locked behind his back, watching
the soot-filled reunion::

:He nearly vaulted over the
counter, and stopped a few inches from
Shea:: I would hug thee but, I'll get you all
dirty.. ::he held out his gloved hand:;

Uncle ;she shook his hand, not minding the
soot:: tis good to see you.. why are you
not in GreenStone, with your wife and the
other guests? ::getting right to the point::


;He smiled looking to her
then to Connar:: Oh blazes.. Shea.. thank
goodness your hear something?s been
driving this old smith mad.. you know how
horrid I am with secrets...

::A nod as her uncle
looked his way::

Secrets..:; she smiled
towards Connar:: What secrets Uncle?



:;He smiled broadly:; you
must not tell anyone else this, I was
sworn to secret, but I am horrid with
keeping them,. he hopped back over the
counter and pulled out a small box then
rounded it again:; not a soul out side this
rom can know : a nod back
to Connar:;
but Kulbin asked me to make
something...::he opened the box and
showed the finish piece to Shea::


:Connar could smell
some strange smelting he had never
encountered before...a different metal,
perhaps...it permeated the shop. He
looked casually about, from where he
stood, listening to them talk, his curiosity
not getting the best of him...not yet at
least::

Oh my lord... Uncle... this
is.. this is, amazing... you've out done
your self...:;gazing in tot he box:; so I was
right, he is going to ask her isn?t he?

Dagor nodded, holding the
box out to Shea but watching Connar
witha keen eye:: aye he is...at the fest
Shh its a secret....you must not tell him I
told you...I trust your gentlemen here will
keep the secret as well?


He crouched down,
picking up a small bit of dirt and straw
from the floor, rubbing it between his
hands and bringing it to his nose,
breathing in the scent::

aye, oh yes I haven?t done
introductions, ::she closed the box and
handed it back to her uncle:: Uncle this is
Connar.. and yes he will keep the secret...

He straightened up,
emptying his hands, and brushing off what
remained on his pant legs::

::He smiled::

:;Dagor placed the box on
the counter and smiled to Connar:: your
admring my shop, I know another metal
worker when i see one :;holding out his
hand:: apleasure to meet you..

he took her uncle's
hand as it was offered, giving a firm
shake:: I am but a humble admirer of the
craft, sir....Tis a pleasure to meet ye, as
well.

;Dagor smiled and shook
back:; ahh you no need to call me sir,
Dagor will do fine. Admire all ye like, there
are many fine things to be seen in this
shop... Shea my dear :;he turned to her
whispering something, the moment he
pulled back Shea?s face was red as a
beet:: :: Whipsered::
" seems like a fine lad youve found your self, maybe it will be ye that is next for me to make a ring for. For I have not seen you smile so in an age"

you should head to the fest
Uncle, Eleyna will be waiting, and Salice
as well.. :: hiding that smile as she
spoke::


:He smiled, watching
Dagor and Shea share some private
words...no doubt this was just the
beginning to the taunting Shea would have
to endure because of his presence::


:Dagor took up the small
box again:: aye yes ..yes, i just have to
wash up and then I'll be off.. you'll be
there tomorrow I assume, the journey
from Rhydin a long one and all ::he kissed
her cheek:: you just think about what i
said :: a nod to Connar:; Connar Lad see
you tomorrow as well :; and he slipped
away in to the back again::


Aye...on the morrow,
Dagor...::watching him slip out::


;Shea smiled, and turned
back opening the door and stepping out in
to the street again::

::He followed her out,
casting one more glance over his shoulder
into the shop...thinking they might have
time on their return visit to poke around::

Did ye get what ye came
for, Shea?


;she paused there looking
upwards for a moment:; see what i
mean... aye I did...:;she slowly slid her
hands inside her cloaks folds:: my
suspicions confirmed...

He looked at her,
standing by her side:: What do ye mean?
What suspicions?

:;she smiled to him :;oh just
sort of this feeling I had, about Kulbin and
my sister, and I was right, i knew that
once I came here that if indeed I was right
my uncle would know... for I know he?s
terrible at keeping any secret a secret for
long...

He smiled, having no
idea what she was talking about...he was
still struggling with the whole north is that
way, south is that way...:: What about
your sister?


and by the gods that ring ::
she shook her head:: Shay is going to
adore it. Which makes my gift all the
better for her ,:: she leaned up closely and
whispered in his ear:: Kulbin?s going to ask
for her hand.. :;she kissed his cheek and
headed down the road slowly:;


He smiled at the kiss,
walking with her back down the road, still
just barely able to put names with
faces...Shay's he knew...Kulbin he didn't::
Doesn't that make ye the only single
sister, Shea?


aye, it will if she says yes,
which she will.. :;a smile:: both my sister s
the eldest and the younger will be
happily wed before the next autumn...

He nodded as t hey
walked:: To whom is Salice wed?

perhaps I'll be there for
Shavyn?s wedding...;a smile; Devron
Aelaryn

Devron...::repeating the
name:: Uncle Dagor...brother-in-law
Dagor....::grins::. .this isn't going to be
easy.: Wait...brother-in-law
Devron... Maybe we could make
name tags.:

:she smiled laughing
softly:: oh there?s more than just them to
remember, but it should be rather easy
once you get to know them all... name
tags?


:He reached down,
taking her gloved hand in his:: Aye...name
tags...placquards...yours could say, "I'm
with the village idiot."


::she stopped outside of the
bustling inn, smiling to him:: you are not
a village idiot Connar...::a soft kiss to his
cheek::

what about this, I could tell
you everyone that will be there and
something about them, hair color, height,
name so forth would that help any?


he smiled:: I know...I
like to lower people's expectations...makes it easier to surpass what they might think from the outset.

Nae...just stay close
by...whisper a name now and then...I'll do
my best to recall.

I'm good with "M?lady and
M?lord" if I can't remember a name.

: a soft nod:: that I can
do.... that always works...


i'm sure your uncle will
spread the news of our arrival long before
we get to plan any entrance of our own.


: ::Slowly her eyes panned
through the city as people went inside
houses beyond those tall homes and
buisnesses she could see the woods::
Dagor... I am sure he will, but need not
worry about it, you will be welocmed with
open arms.. ::another kiss to his cheek::
we should get some rest tomorrow the
Dark Enchanted Woods lie before us, and
the task at hand...

He smiled at the kiss,
wrapping an arm about her waist, with a
nod:: Should I go gather some pine
boughs?

but then again, Eleyna may
keep Dagor too busy for him to announce
us...:;a smile:: no we stay at the inn
::looking up in to his eyes:; the rooms
are nice, small, nothing lavish... the food
and drink is good, and the service better
than at the red dragon...

He smiled, looking at
her:: Better than the Red Dragon Inn? Ye
best not let Wyh hear ye say that.


e brushed her hair
back behind her ear:: As long as ye are
Close by, tis all the lavishness I need.

Wyh is a wonderful
tenderness and dear friend... as are all
the others who tend.. ::another kiss to his
cheek:; yet none of them are here


aye I shall be close by. I
wouldn?t have it any other way, come lets
go inside, so that we may acquire a room...


::He smiled, pulling the
door open for her:: After you, m'lady.


;a smile to him as she
passed within. the inn was four stories
tall, the common room smaller than the
red dragons, hearth at the back with
tables and a small bar, stools filled with
patrons, behind the bar at least six
women worked while on the floor serving
matrons, gathered empty glasses...::


He walked in, measured
strides moving him next to her as he
looked over the room and those gathered
within::

:;Shea walked to the bar,
jade eyes peered over at one of the
tenderness she knew:: Yana, my friend,
what rooms do ye have left?


::The women stepped
Closer Shea and slid her a key:: welcome
home Shea, tis free of charge tonight.


:Yana?...She knew the
inn keeper? Well, there went checking in
under assumed names...he was thinking
they could pretend to be royalty from afar
off land...he chuckled to himself as he
looked about the inn::

:He nudged Shea:: Ye
must have overpaid the last time ye were
here.


: ::Shea smiled:; thank you
my friend ::key in hand she looked to
Connar :: the last time I was here I
cleared out some bandits that were
messing with the ladies...


He looked at her and
smiled:: How gentile of ye...

: ::a smirk as she walked for
the stairs:; I wasn?t gentile, was I now :; a
smile cast to Yana, the women just
smiled shaking her head, making one of
those fake slit across the throat moves
with her hand...::

:Followed Shea to the
stairs, not sure if the throat slit was
meant for him or was an indication of the
fate that fell upon the bandits::


::he wasn't about to ask::

: :;Shea proceeded upwards,
she looked over her shoulder at him::
those bandits didn?t see me coming...they
pegged me as a run of the mill woman...
what they got was anything but...

::He smiled, poking her in
the side:: Run of the mill, ye? Ye didn't
say the bandits were blind...

::up again another flight, to
the second floor, and down the hall, to that
room, which she unlocked , she gave the
door a nudge. The room was small, a few
minor decorations here and there, simple
lamps, a rug, and a bed, that filled up the
bulk of the room:: it was during one of the
times I had come from FairWinds, I was
dressed like a run of the mill lady, but I
hold other weapons besides... blades...::
a smile to him as she passed inwards::


He walked in behind
her, looking the room over:: Ye could be
dressed in a gunny sack and ye would
still not look run-of-the-mill to me.

: tis one of the occasions,
that I was in a dress, but I need not bore
you with those details.. ::cloak unclasp,
and lay upon one of the chairs that sat
upon that rug, she smirked to him,
slipping her bag off to join her cloak:: well,
you see more than most do Connar

:Grins:: I should hope so.

:He set his pack to the
floor, his cloak removed to hang from the
chair next to hers::

::She walked to the bed and
sat down, slipping off that belt letting it fall
heavily tot he floor then those boots were
untied and fell there beside her belt with
sheathed weaponry, gloves tossed down
to join the slight mess shed made::


::He smiled, watching
her, chuckling as she removed the mass
of accessories. He removed his belt,
taking sheaths and scabbards along with
it, setting them to the floor. His boots
removed with a little more effort::

::her eyes gazed to the very
small window against the far wall, she
could see the lights outside in the village
twinkling, eyes slowly gazed to him, as
she rolled upon her side watching him::


::He loosened the ties at
the neck of his tunic, pulling it over his
head, shaking his hair as the fabric came
free of his head::

:;He turned, looking down
at her with a smile:: Enjoying the show?

aye :: a smile to him::

He walked around to her
side of the bed, leaning over her, one
hand pressed to the bed, the other
mussing her hair:: Ye look far too
comfortable.

::she lay there still in her
daily wear, wondering if she should
change:: I do ..do I..?.::::looking up to him::
just when i was thinking I should
change...::a smile::

He smiled, fingers
combing through her hair, undoing the
mess he had made, his hand caressing
her cheek:: Change?...::His smile
brightened:: That reminds me...I came
prepared.

did you now? came
prepared how?


He grinned,
straightening and moving to crouch down
and open his pack:: I went to a shop...I
asked for gentleman's night wear...and
they sold me this...::holds up a pair of
satin-esque pajama bottoms...:: They
claimed this is what all the savey
gentlemen are wearing these days.


They tried to get me to
buy a smoking jacket...but I kept telling
them, inspire of their insistence, that I
didn't need one because I didn't smoke.

::she smiled:; oh ::looking
those satin-esque pajama bottoms
Over ::they look comfortable... savvy
gentlemen eh? :: she smirked and rose
up and walked back across to her bag
digging in to it deeply, she took out a few
things as she dug::


Aye...savvy....I think they
claimed that Gav had a pair in every
color...

:;she laughed:: ah yes he
would... I think James has a pair or two
as well, at least that?s how the ladies tell
it...:;::continued digging::


:He stood, looking at the
pants:: I went with blue...to match your
hair.

:;she took out a few more
things, that black bound journal, that blue
bound book, another book, and a white
box, with Shavyn?s name on it, and then
she found her night gown at the bottom::
blue suits you well... ::she placed all those
other things back in her bag::

::He smiled:: ye don't
have to tell me that.


::she smiled to him, with
her back turned to him she slipped off that
shirt and tossed it on top of her other
things and slid that night gown over her
head...pants pulled down and off after that
and tossed on to her things as well...a
flash of bare skin for only moments time::


:He turned his back to
her as she started to undress, loosening
the draws of his pants and sliding them to
the floor, stepping into the pajama
bottoms, chuckling as his feet struggled
to emerge from the leg bottoms::
E-gads...who in hades do they make
these for? ::He bent down to roll up the
bottoms so he could walk without
dragging the pants across the floor, the
movements swinging the medallion freely
across his chest::

she turned back to him
smiling, jade hues catching the sight of
that swinging medallion:: I think you look
very dashing and handsome, my
self...::crossing closer to him::


::He turned to look at her,
his eyes enjoying the softer side of Shea
as she approached:: Why thank ye,
M?lady.

nod:: your
welcome..: ;she adjusted a bit, fixing
those thing silken straps of that green
nightgown, which was among the most
revealing of things she had to date, that
she dared to wear at least, jade hues
studied that medallion once more, before
she looked up in to his eyes::

and I mean it you do look
very handsome...::a soft kiss for his
cheek::




::his hand brushed her
arm and shoulder as she drew near...he
looked into her eyes and smiled softly to
her, catching her cheek with his hand as
she kissed his cheek, easing her lips to
his::...and ye look as beautiful as ever.
He smiled, thinking of
the soldiers on the wall earlier in the day::
I do not think I could follow ye into battle
without drooling.

:;leaning in to that soft
touch, returning the kiss:: thank you:; a
rosy blush graced her cheeks::
drooling... over me?

Aye...I certainly wouldn't
be drooling over anyone else.


::a smile:; tis a complement
then.. :: another kiss to his cheek:: I am
glad you approve...of what you see...


he folded his arms
around her, the softness and warmth of
her skin against his nearly electrifying::
Tis not as much what I see as what I feel,
Shea.::In light of her nightgown
and her proximity to him...he wasn't sure
that came out right::


her hands slid up over his
shoulders:; aye, i can understand that...


::He pulled her close to
him, lowering his head to softly kiss her
lips::

she returned the tender
kiss, daring for just a moment to deepen
it::

:He leaned into the
warmth of her lips, feeling her closeness,
her mouth pressed to his:

:her hands slid slowly
behind his neck, eyes closed, heart a
flutter, enjoying in the kiss and that close
embrace::

:His lips and mouth
moved with hers, tasting her with each
movement. He stroked her back and
shoulders as they held each other...the
day's journey behind them, the adventures
ahead, just a distant dream::

:she drew in closer,
savoring in that deep kiss, her shoulders
shifting against his touch::



His lips tugged softly at
hers as he tried and failed to break the
kiss, returning each time to kiss her
deeply:::

;:slowly, reluctantly she with
drew, from that kiss, just enough to gaze
in to his eyes::

he smiled, looking
softly into her eyes, breathing deeply for
the first time in a while::


she took a deep breath as
well, smiling up to him,
Breathless ,speechless.::


his smile broadened as
he looked at her, his hands moving to rest
on either side of her waist:: (s) We best
get ye in bed before we end up on the
floor.

Just a smile to him, and a
soft nod.:: aye.. :: breathy words spoken
at last::

His hands never leaving
her as he guided her toward the bed, the
back of her legs meeting the edge as he
leaned against her to pull back the
covers::


a smiled to him leaning in
to his touch, her legs met with the edge of
the bed, she braced against him softly so
not to fall back as he pulled the covers
down::



::The covers pulled back
for her, he smiled, motioning for her to
slide under as he held them up with one
hand, the other holding her at the waist::


;she moved and slid under
those covers in one fluid motion::


::She never strayed far
from his touch as he joined her, letting the
covers drape over them, his body partially
covering hers, his lips finding hers without
hesitation::


::she returned the kiss,
hands finding their way back on to his
back, eyes fluttering closed.::



:His hand brushed past
her cheek and into her hair as they
kissed, feeling the silken strands pass
through his fingers, the warmth and
softness of her body against his, the
embrace deepening::


:her hands slid up along his
neck, as the embrace deepened, a soft
shiver passed over her, as she felt his
hands slide from her cheek, through her
hair and over her shoulders::

::The soft skin of her
neck and shoulder moved under his hand
as he kissed her, his fingers returning to
gently touch her neck and cheek as he
pulled back to look at her, his body flush
with heat::


::opening her eyes she
gazed up to him, a deep breath taken
slowly. leaning in to his touch softly::



::He looked at her eyes,
his fingers following the line of her jaw
to her ear, where they would be lost in her
hair again. He smiled softly to her, the
soft light from the window seemingly
caressing her skin in glowing radiance::

:eyes closed as she leaned
in to his touch more, a smile upon her fair
features. Jade hues opened and looked
up at him, her fingers still rested upon the
back of his neck::


::He lowered his lips to
kiss her cheek, moving to her neck and
then just at her ear, his breath warm
against her skin:: (s)...there is no where
else I would rather be than right here with
ye, melamin.

a bright smile at his
words:: and there is no place I would
rather be...A'maelamin ::a soft shiver
flowed over her form at his warm breath
upon her sensitive ear::

::He smiled...it always
sounded better from her lips, his accent
still atrocious. He kissed her neck and
shoulder softly, before returning his lips to
meet hers once more::

:lips pressed against his
softly, finger tips working their way up and
down the back of his neck::



::he kissed her softly,
feeling the fullness of her lips with his
mouth, his hand caressing her shoulder,
following the curve of her body to the
narrow of her waist...the smoothness of
her nightgown gliding under his touch::


she shifted softly against
his touch, body moving under him,,
deepening that kiss once more. That soft
shiver went over her, as did a sudden
rush of heat at his caress::



His body shifted with
hers, their bodies meshing as if they were
made for each other. He kissed her
passionately, the warmth of her skin
against his, her soft scent filling his
senses::

her heart fluttered, her
hands moved slowly down his back, as
she returned that passionate kiss.:


:The heat and passion
rising quickly, the kiss and embrace
lingering moments longer before he raised
his head, his breathing heavy and in
spurts. He touched her cheek softly,
wanting nothing more than to stay right
there and let what would happen,
happen...but he wouldn't...he cared too
much for her to let passions run
unchecked. He smiled to her, his voice
soft::(s)...I could kiss ye past sun rise, if
permitted...but we need to rest
some...even if my heart and lips cry
otherwise.

she nodded, taking
A deep breath:: aye I could do the same,
yet your right... we do need our
rest...::though her heart might say other
wise, she knew it wise to get some sleep::



He moved slowly from
atop her, though not moving far, turning on
his side, his hand gently touching her arm
and shoulder as he kissed her cheek::
...what is that I've heard ye say...quel du?

: ::a smile to him:: aye it
means good night...::she kissed his
cheek in return::

:He smiled, kissing her
cheek each time he repeated the words::
quel du...quel du...quel du...

: ::a smile:: quel du ::a blush
rising to her cheeks as she settled in
beside him::

:He closed his eyes as
he nestled against her, caressing her
shoulder and arm:: How do ye suppose
are sleeping arrangements will be at the
castle?


well, you are welcome to
share my room with me, but I am sure
that there will be a room prepared for
you... if you so desire..


::He smiled:: What do ye
think the expect us to choose?...I know I
won't get any sleep apart from ye.


:a smile:: as I said your
welcome to stay with me in my room.. for
I doubt I would gain much sleep
otherwise...


:He thought of all the
teasing and taunting that was certainly
coming Shea's way from her sisters...he
didn't want to make it any harder on her
than need be. His hand rested on her
waist, nested in the curve above her hip::
Maybe I'll just volunteer to guard ye day
and night, for your safety...closely
guarded...ye should be.

:: moving closer her eyes
fluttered, still idly looking at that
medallion, she didn?t recall seeing it
before tonight, shed have to make a
mental note to remember...eyes closed::
mmm don?t worry about what my sisters
might think... they both will be far to busy
by that time to care if we share a bed or
not...what better place to stand
guard than laying by my side...:: a
smile:: just the way it should be...


::he smiled, kissing her
cheek and neck:: Aye...what better
place...

a smile:: good night
Connar, pleasant dreams... :: starting to
drift off laying there comfortable next to
him::


::He rested his head next
to her shoulder, holding her in his arms,
sleep coming swiftly, though not enough
to take her from his thoughts:: (s) Quel
du, melamin.

:she heard his words and
drifted asleep::

::Finally she rose from his side, tossing the covers back, and pressing those bare feet to the worn wooden floor boards. She crossed to her bag, digging out that last clean shirt. Black pants were slipped on over her legs and laced up in the front. Night gown pulled p and tossed off in one deft motion. Shirt tossed on over her head, and tucked in before she walked back over to the side of the bed, slipping her boots on ,tying them up. She leaned over taking that belt in hand and wrapped it about her waist . It always seemed to rest bound perfectly about her hips. A smile to Connar and a kiss good morning::

:;Soon enough they would be fed, and be off again, the day lie ahead of them, Shea?s task, one of the final tests , of her strength as a wind mage.::

:;Once they had eaten. They would be ready. Or as ready as they dared to be.::

::Shea ran her fingers down V?s nose, listening to the harp and flute music fade, though she had a task to do she didn?t see too eager, she was prepared, just a bit nervous. She took the reins and mounted up. Giving V a good pat along the neck. A smile towards Connar, she hoped that she hadn?t rushed him, it was not her intent to at least. She sat there, mounted up ready to go, not moving, eyes closed taking a deep breath:,

:Shea was still just sitting
there mounted up, full and ready for the
Task a head, yet she had to focus, hands
on the reins gripped hard:: I think I am
ready now?

Connar had been
running around the building...nervous
energy...He sees that Shea's ready to go
and he practically leaps into the saddle,
pulling on the reins and setting Ash in
motion:: I know I'm ready.

::she gave V a little nudge
with her booted foot, and V backed up
and started a slow trot out of the city and
back northward, letting the morning
breeze blow through her hair as it came
through those trees::


:He had Ash headed in
the wrong direction, after seeing Shea
back up V. He gave the reins a twitch,
turning Ash around and tapping his heels
against rear flanks to get him moving in
the right direction, coming up along side
Shea and V:: How far is the task?

Those jade hues focused
on the tree line coming closer, she could
see that highest peek of those mountains
in the not so far distance. :: you see this
wood coming up, tis the dark enchanted
woodlands, and do you see that peek
There :;pointing with her left hand:: that is
where we all fell from, the orb is some
where below near the other end of the
woods near the foot of the mountain...not
too far.. a short ride through the woods?

His gaze moved in the
direction she pointed, nodding:: What are
the chances that the orb is still there?
Could someone have found it?

::he thought for a
moment:: If ye seek it to destroy it, to
keep its evil out of the reach of others,
surely there are those with evil intents
that seek it also.


::as they got closer to the
entrance of the woods a huge shadow
passed over head, a wind gust came
down towards them, Shea?s eyes went
upward:: aye some one could have, but
not many dare go that close to the foot of
these mountains :;she pointed upward'::
because of him :: above them soared
huge silver dragon, who was descending
towards his cave in the foot of those very
mountains::


: ::He looked up at the
dragon, posing the question to Shea:: Is
he friend or foe?

friend...Tis Dae, sacred
dragon to GreenStone, don?t worry he
wont harm us :she gave V a little pat and
processed in to the woods::

He chuckled:: He looks
a lot like the dragon on your cloak...

::a nod:: it is...he is the
symbol of my home, how he came to be
so is a longer story?:: under V?s hooves
were the leaves of autumn covered by a
thin layer of snow, the trees above them
still held many of their golden and red
leaves, some where even still green.::


::Connar nudged Ash
along, keeping an ever-present awareness
of the environment around them...any
sudden movement, the slightest snap of a
twig would garner his undivided attention::

::the path way through the woods was rather wide, with those wondrous trees on each side, the path did curve a bit here and there, above them in those trees there was the sound of movement, the feeling of eyes upon them, though none could be seen. Shea just smiled as she made her way through those woods, she knew who watched them...::



:He let loose of the reins
to reposition his sword across his back,
making it easier and quicker to draw if the
need arose. He adjusted the straps,
pulling the hilt just above his right
shoulder. He knew they were being
watched, though he knew not if those
eyes belonged to the dragon flying above,
or other dwellers of the forest::

:A glance back to him:;
worry not Connar tis the Archers of
GreenStone.. that watch us, protectors of
the forest realm..:: she lifted her hand in
to the air just slightly, and rode on a bit
faster::

:He looked ahead, taking
up the reins once more:: Tis being a
worrier that has kept me breathing air
thus far.

::The chain maille vest
added extra weight, but he was glad he
had put it on this morning::

:; in the distance the sound
of wolves could be heard, howls in the
morning. She just smiled to him:: as of
late most of the creatures that live here
have been allies, since the war
ended...few remain that are evil .. a few of
a more neutral state though. .:;eyes
looked down through the tree keeping an
eye out for those few left in neutral state::


Ye forget...not counting
yourself...half of the creatures from your
realm have given me cause to defend
myself?::He was referring to Raevyn and
Blahl:: I don't believe in neutrality...ye are
always on a side...even by the absence of
your acts.

::That mountain was getting
closer, the air was getting colder as well,
from the snow that adorned it:: as long as
the ones I'm thinking of stay far away:;
jade hues caught the sight of a wolf, she
picked up the pace, she was in no mood
to deal with any of those ones whom were
not allied:: aye tis true?


:He had seen the wolf
earlier...knowing full well, where ye see
one wolf, three more are cached from
view. He pushed Ash to pick up the pace,
his head scanning left and right, watching
for movements in the distance::


:the ground shook for a
moment, Shea smirked, she knew that to
be Dae's landing. She could even seen
the shimmer of silver scales through the
trees, the trees had now started to thin a
bit, as the mountain got closer, Shea
slowly dismounted wrapping the reins
about one of those trees that stood there
at the edge of the forest, The mount side
there to her right as she gave V a pat::
we'll have to walk from here Connar :: she
gazed towards that peek, that pieced in
to the sky::

::He watched Shea
dismount, the shaking of the ground a bit
unsettling to Ash and Connar had to pull
on the reins hard, circling him about, his
horse snorting in protest. He moved Ash
opposite the trail from where V was
standing...better to have them looking in
different directions. He slid from the
saddle, giving Ash a pat on the neck as
he moved to stand next to Shea::


::the path that lie before them was slim, far to slim for any horse to walk, much easier by foot, elven eyes could see ahead to the spot she figured they would find that orb:: it should be this way :: she started to led the way, hands slipping below her cloak , right and left hands gracing the hilts of her blades, every ready with that bow across her back as well, just incase.. the wind even stirred.::


:He moved the sword
and scabbard back to his left side,
brushing back his cloak so that he had
unobstructed access to both sword and
dagger, a bladder flask bouncing against
his leg with each step. Hazel eyes
narrowed against the stirring wind as they
moved up the narrow trail::

: Ice and snow adored the
foot of the mountain going up the side to
that tall peek high in the sky, which its
self was topped with ice. Shea walked,
slowly yet with purpose. She would
glance up from time to time, to gage
things from this point of View.. now trying
to remember what she saw that day
when Alaric and Jin fell... she could see
the rocks that had fallen from the cliff far
above, the snow even had covered them,
she slowly rounded them, a few bones
scattered over the snow::

:He stayed a few paces
back of Shea, wanting to be able to scan
the trail on either side for movements too
low or to the side for her to see. He
stepped where she did, making no sound
as he moved...his only objective was
keeping her safe::


: then she saw it, laying
there ona patch of earth, no snow near it,
the ground under it black as if it had been
burned. It was slightly embedded there,
for a moment Shea froze, looking to the
orb:: well at least we know its here::
releasing her right gloved hand from that
hilt at her right hip to point at it, that
perfectly round orb of black obsidian::

:;the in the fallen rocks now
to her right were broken pieces of
wooden stave, and a shimmering hilt of
Mithral... stuck out, the blade of that
sword some where below hidden by those
rocks..:: Jin's sword..:: eyes looked back
to the orb, that was her task...::


::Connar moved up next
to her, first surveying the immediate area
before he would look down at the
orb...black obsidian...the faint throbbing in
his hand more noticeable now:: (s) How do
ye want to proceed? ::He loosed the
flask, holding it up for her to see::


: her eyes looked to him for
a moment:: i figure we should gather
some snow and what Ice we can, and
pack it around it, if the heat from the orb
doesn?t melt the ice or snow, then we can
proceed from there?::There was plenty of
ice and snow around, she figured best to
move the snow and ice to the orb than
vice versa::



:He nodded, handing her
the flask as he moved around to the base
of the mountain, searching out the
crevices on the north side of the larger
rocks and boulders, hands digging into
the hardened ice and snow, which he
began pitching in her direction::

::jade hues moved from the
orb to that hilt of that blade sticking out
from the fallen rocks, then to that flask
he had placed in her hand she went right
to work packing the snow around the orb::

:He looked over the large
rock to her after a few more shovels of
snow and ice:: When ye get enough
packed around the orb, pour the contents
of the flask onto it?


::she watched as she
packed in the snow, and ice in layers, so
far it hadn?t melted any, she continued to
pack in in, tightly around the orb.:; what?s
in this thing? ::looking to the flask which
she'd sat aside::

He looked over, seeing
she had a sufficient supply of ice and
snow and he walked around to join her,
brushing off his near numb hands:: Taste
it? ::When she did, she would find the
flask contained very salty
water...extremely salty, in fact::


::she with drew after tasting it, that was plenty of snow, it was completely incased in ice and snow, and opened the flash and poured the extremely salty water over the snow, now it was magic time...:; alright Connar, stand back... lets see if this works

he stepped back,
looking around them to make sure no one
or thing had neared while they were
distracted:: The rock salt and water will
make it freeze colder than water
alone...much colder in fact...if ye can get
the water to freeze...the salt will take it
even further.


Yala onna en' vilya ::the
winds around her whipped, spinning that
green cloak up behind her, her hair flying
up:: ring wing. .::: the wind started to get
very very cold, she pushed it towards that
ice and snow packed orb:: khelek hurro' ::
the air pushed in at the ice and snow, the
water froze, the air was very chill, Shea?s
jade hues shimmered silver as she
focused on where the orb sat::

:He watched her work
her magic only briefly, keeping his back
to her so as to watch the trail and the
surrounding trees and rocks::

:then suddenly there was a
loud crack, steam seemed to rise from
that place where shed packed in the orb,
steam turned to smoke, and the smoke
rose upward, the ice began to melt around
the orb now shattered sitting still where it
had been, but that smoke wasn?t like
normal smoke:: Yala rauko..:; a voice
seemed to rise from that smoke, as it
seemed to take a form, no where near
human. Shea's left hand was quick to go
back to the hilt there at her left... the orb
was destroyed yet now something else
was to be taken care of...::


::sword already drawn
as he pushed closer, the eerie smoke
rising and hissing. As if taking on a life of
its own::


though not made of flesh
and blood it was that daemon she had
spoken of that possessed that orb, fiery
eyes looked to her, from that smoky
figure those eyes focused on Shea:: Sul
Val?istar?:: a hiss of a voice::

The hilt of his sword
glowing hot white...his hand aching. He
stood in front of her shoulder, readying to
strike::

:Her hand tightened around
that hilt and she with drew that blade, the
shinning mithral blade, with its swept hilt
and beautiful design. Though she was
afraid she starred in to those eyes,
holding the tip of that long blade out
towards the Smokey figure:, that gem that
hung from around her neck glowed as did
that other light blue gem on the hilt of that
blade she held, the Smokey figure wasted
no time, lashing out at Shea, knocking her
down with a powerful blow.::



::Connar ducked down,
sliding under the figure as it lashed out at
Shea, coming up quickly, his blade arcing
up through the air, slicing through the
mid-section of the mist...not sure if he
would strike anything solid::

:He reeled back around,
cloak spinning out as he stepped in front
of Shea, blocking the path to her::


::Shea slid back, to her
knees, she hadn?t been prepared for that::
:: the Smokey figure seemed to reel back
a bit at Connar?s strike.. looking from him
to Shea..::



::His eyes
narrowed...evidently he could
strike...Shea's magic in his sword no
doubt. He wasted no time, advancing on
the creature, back spinning in a two-fisted
grip on the hilt, slicing down through the
mist once more, the gases encircling him,
choking out breathable air::

:The Smokey figure, slipped in
two then reformed behind him::

::she rose
up, never to be one to just stay down, she
had to get back at Connors side, blade in her
left hand, something dawned on her then.
she moved in from behind, jumping
through the smoke to Connar:; Connar..
do you trust me? ::she gazed to him
waiting for response...she had a plan::

He looked to her,
grinning through clenched teeth:: Like ye
had to ask?::He was readied for the next
strike even as his last turn was
completed::

:;the Smokey figure turned
as if taken off guard by Shea?s sudden
movement. Shea held out her right hand
to him:: then trust me now take my
hand.?

::he took her hand firmly
in his, not sure what her plan was...but it
was far superior to any plan he had
formulated to that point::


:;she took his hand in hers ,
and looked forward as the Smokey figure
turned to face them :: Yala onna en' vilya.
ed' tel' megil en' tel belthil, amin
nuquerna amin goth :;with her left hand
she pointed that blade out at the figure for
a moment it shown, brightly, the wind
stirred around them, and blew hard, there
was a horrid scream and then the smoke
cleared, the daemon gone::


::He winced against the
blowing wind, not understanding a word of
what was uttered, but, judging from the
results, she must have said something
good. He held her hand still as the smoke
cleared...sword yet at the ready:: That
seemed to do the trick...::He looked to
her, making sure the issue of magic
hadn't weakened her...he'd be ready to
catch her if need be::


::those normally jade hues
were now silver shimmering, she blinked,
sword slowly sheathed, right hand still
holding his as she took a breath she
swayed, weakened by the spell::



one look into her eyes
and he knew not all was right...he buried
the tip of his sword into the ground,
leaving it standing upright as he brought
his arm around to support her:: Shea...are
ye all right?

leaning back in to his arm,
taking deep breath she opened her eyes
blinking, the jade color now back, and if
possible even more brilliant:; I am alright...
I think... ::leaning in to him for support::


:He held her tightly,
supporting her weight, keeping her
balanced:: Don't try to move...just
breathe...regain your strength.

:: a soft smile graced her
features, she'd past the final test, she'd
mastered the strength test for a wind
mage and now mastered that element,
she took a deep breath looking up to
him:: Thank you ? ::she wasn?t going to
move, taking deep breaths::




::He smiled to her,
holding her next to him. He looked from
her to their immediate surroundings,
keeping an ever watchful eye around
them, though the foreboding he sensed
earlier had all but been removed. Her
chest heaved against his as she
breathed, becoming stronger and
steadier::

::She watched him as he
watched the surround. And placed a soft
kiss upon his cheek, her strength
regained., jade hues cast a glance to
those fallen rocks then along the ground
where the shattered orb lay... eyes moved
back to those rocks, and her brothers
blade sticking out of them.. she could
only assume either the skeleton of Jin or
that of Alaric was under there, and she
was in no need of knowing, if anyone or
anything could pry that blade out, they
were welcome to it...:: I am alright?

He looked into her eyes,
holding her by the shoulders as he
examined her, a smile coming to his lips::
Ye look fine...are ye able to stand on your
own?


;she nodded, planting
those booted feet firmly under her, as she
steadied:; I think so?

::He did not release his
hold on her arms as he chuckled:: Well,
when ye are past thinking and arrive at
knowing, then I shall release my hold on
ye.

:she gave it a moment,
looking to him.:: I can stand see:: looking
down to her firmly planted feet , though
she had weighed the idea continuing to be
unsure, she knew she could stand just
fine, but she did enjoy this closeness
so..:: I am sure?


:He released on hand
slowly, giving her a bit of a shove with the
other as it held tightly to her arm, just to
check her balance. Assured that she
was, indeed, fine...he let go, reaching over
to retrieve his sword from it earthen
sheath:: What did ye say to the
demon....and why did ye have to hold my
hand?



::she was perfectly
balanced, giving him a shove back for
good measure:: I summoned my wind
elemental, then using my mothers blade I
said by the sword of the divine, I destroy
my enemy :;a smile to him:: and I held
thy hand for ye give me strength Connar, I
don?t think i would have come this far with
out thee?




He smiled, dipping his
head to her:: Glad to be of service to ye,
M?lady...my hand and anything else I
possess are at your beck and call.

:just a smile to him., as
she turned and started back towards the
horses.:: I shall hold you to that Connar...
:: her smile widened::


:He took one more look
around before re-sheathing his sword,
walking behind her:: I hoped ye
would? ::said with a smile::

::there were no words that
she could say that would explain exactly
how he had helped her, strength,
courage, those things that a knight would
normally have, she had none of them
from the moment the smoke arose, she
turned back to him walking backwards::
Oh I shall, you know that?::she pressed
a kiss to her gloved fingers and blew it at
him::

He smiled, the blown
kiss landing where it may, his pace
quickened to catch up to her, arm
wrapping around her waist, as the blown
kiss was returned in kind with a real
one...as they dance-walked back to their
waiting horses::

::she returned the kiss softly, and walked beside him back towards their horses. Just smiling over to him .Once she arrived by V's side she gave her mare a pat on the side::

::He released his arm
from her as the arrived at the horses...no
worse for the wear...more than likely
oblivious to the fact that anything than a
few gusts of wind had stirred while they
were gone. He looked at Shea:: Ye need
help getting in the saddle?


me? :: she took up the
reins, in one hand and was up in to the
saddle with out a second thought:: nae
but thank ye...::a soft wink tossed his
way::






::He grinned, pulling up
onto Ash, twitching the reins to bring the
horse about, facing the direction they had
arrived from earlier. He leaned over,
patting the animal's neck and giving him a
bit of counsel:: Chivalry isn't dead...tis
just not needed most of the time.


she smiled:: you'll have
plenty of opportunities once at the fest...
pulling out chairs, opening doors...so forth

::He trotted Ash along,
continuing his discourse on chivalry...to
the horse mostly:: Ash...there was a
time, not too long distant, when the
women would feign any weakness, just to
have an excuse to have their man dote
over them...using any devise or excuse to
have more occasion to hold or be held by
their suitors.?::another pat on the neck
as he straightened and looked at Shea
with a grin::... ah...but these are different
times we walk in, mon ami.



::she gave V a nudge:: homeward bound V?::V started off trotting towards that path way that was carved through the lower lying end of those mountains, once they would pass through that pass, they would come to a huge valley, at the far end a lake could been seen and near the middle was a very large tree and a stone under it, she smirked the whole time listening to him:: We women still do that, from time to time, ::looking to ash then to Connar:: but we knightly types have a hard time with it?



:He grinned, following
close to Shea and V, speaking to Ash::
Aye...tis the knightly types ye have to be
careful with, Ash...but ye already know
that...ye've been hanging out with V all
day and night?


::She slowed V's pace a
moment to bow her head towards that far
off tree, then onward, she went, she could
see the guard towers:: Ahh, but V and I
have a soft side, don't we girl ::a pat for
her mare:: we will just have to show them
wont we? :: smirking, as they trotted over
the last hilly mountains, the gate now
seen, as always wide open, flags flying in
the wind.::


he looked about the
tree-lined landscape, the gate and
towers, flags left to flutter in the wind:: Ye
hear that, Ash? They have a softer side.
Now where do ye suppose they keep that
hid?


::Trotting slowly through
those gates she smiled, the village was
well decorated with banners and lanterns
that would be lit once night fall came. Alla
round them children ran and played,
merchants sold goods, villagers were hard
at work. Shea could see the Castle::
welcome Connar, to my home to
GreenStone :: beyond the castle and the
businesses and homes more of that lake
they had seen from the valley::


::He took in the bustling
scene, much like what he had
anticipated...and then quite different all
the same:: I am pleased to be here...and
in such fine company, Shea.


she smirked patting V
softly, dismounting as the stables came
closer, Shea looked over the other horses
there, her sisters, moon the white mare,
tiger lily the spotted one, Devron?s black
steed, her sons horse as well a s the
others, she led V in to the stable::


He slid from the saddle,
walking Ash toward the stables, pulling on
the reins, lowering the animal's head::
Mind your manners, Ash...we are guests
here.



looks like we are the last to
arrive... :;she gave V a pat, and turned to
Connar, in the distance she could hear
the sound of fighting? sparring
perhaps.. Shea just laughed softly: come
on :;holding her hand out to Connar:: V
will keep him in check wont you girl :; a
wink to her mare as she led Connar
towards the castle steps::


He laughed, releasing
Ash in the stables as he took Shea's
hand:: We kind of have to remind each
other to be on our best behavior...doesn't
come naturally to either of us.


::upward she led him and
towards those huge doors, which were
opened from with in, there on the other
side stood a woman, a bit taller than
Shea, long silver hair showing signs of the
child she carried, weapons sheathed upon
her hips and one very large sword across
her back:: your late? ::a smile softly
formed on her face:: Seler'




He smiled as they were
greeted, a polite nod to the
woman...Salice was his guess::

:Shea let go of Connar?s
hand to embrace her sister:: Salice.. you
look very well :: a hand pressed to her
sisters stomach?:: where is everyone else I
was expecting a huge rush


:Hands were clasped
behind his back as the sisters exchanged
greetings and hugs. He smiled at the
homecoming for Shea...happy for her::


They are out side watching
your son and Lord Evermore battle it out...
after a while even the ladies went out, I
remained inside, to wait for you..:: a
smile blue eyes looking over to Connar::
ahh you must be Connar..:; a nod of her
head:: welcome..


He smiled and bowed
his head to Salice:: thank ye, M?lady...tis
my fault we are late...I couldn't find a
single thing to wear.


Shea just smiled:: Aiden
and Caleb are fighting? Oh dear..

::Salice smiled:; tis alright still about four hours
left till the fest begins.. yes Caleb and
Aiden, your son is doing very well for him
self?

::He smiled...reminding
himself silently to keep his smart-arse
comments to himself::


another smile to Connar,
as she let the doors close behind the
two:: :: the room was huge, a stair way to
the left the long hall behind Salice, the
lounge to the right... the stairs curved up
and out of sight:: come lets go see how
he's fairing shall we...?


He had seen this room
in his dream...the stairs were
different...but it was more or less how he
had seen it:: Who's fighting?


:Shea smiled taking
Connar?s hand in hers, for a moment
before Following Salice down the hall
towards the doors that led out in to the
garden, the sound of metal to metal got
louder, as did the cheers, and calling of
names:::

;Salice smiled:; Lord Caleb
Evermore and Aiden.. a bit of a sparring
match.?

::Aiden...Shea's son...the
other name he didn't know...but he did
know titles...anyone with Lord before their
name was used to winning, no doubt. He
took Shea's hand and followed them out::


::they crossed to two
doors, Salice pulled them open and the
fight could be more or less seen, the
other guests had encircle them watching,
Salice circled around to find Devron::

::Shea walked with Connar to the back of
the circle..:: this is something the men do
every year?




:He smiled:: Ye mean
like washing our hair


yes, like that. :;she
smirked.::

::soon enough Salice came
back on the arm of Devron. ::

::Devron hugged Shea softly:: how?s my lovely
sister in law?

:He stepped back,
getting out of the way of the hugging::


I am well :;a smile:;

::Devron looked from Shea to Connar::
ahh so this is the one I have heard so
much about :; he held out his hand to
Connar::


he took the hand as it
was offered, giving a firm shake, making
note of the face and name that went along
with it:: Tis a pleasure to be welcomed so
warmly into your family gathering, sir.

:;Shea just shook her head
looking at Salice:: Devron... Connar ..
Connar this is my brother in law Devron?

:: Devron smiled at the sir:; no need for
M'lords nor Sirs with me..

::He smiled:: Tis better
safe than sorry?

we are glad to have ye
Connar ::he turned back to Salice and
Kissed her cheek and passed inside::


He watched Devron
leave, leaning over to Shea:: Who's been
talking about me here? ::then he remembered
the visits from Shavyn and Aiden::

Aiden, Shavyn perhaps?


::No doubt his
near-halving of Blahl had also stirred
some talk. He nodded:: Aye...no doubt.



:Connar would then feel a
tug upon his leg, then a poke, behind
Him stood a little girl, about the age of five
human years, golden hair and big green
eyes. ::

::those eyes moved to Shea, and the
girl then went to Shea and hugged her
legs:: auntie Shea!

He turned, smile on his
face, as he looked down on the child,
making sure not to step on any tiny toes
as the girl moved to hug her aunt::


Shea bent down and lifted
her in to her arms:; well hello there my
lovely niece. :: Vanya giggled and looked
back at Connar and waved at him with a
tiny hand::

::he chuckled: "auntie
Shea"?

:Shea smirked and let the
girl down:: where is your mother Dear
Vanya?


:He waved back to
Vanya with a smile::

::a little finger pointed
inward::

::soon after a voice was
heard:: Vanya Lindua GreenStone..! ::that was Audrey?s voice::

:He smiled, looking at
Vanya:; ooh...tis never good when ye get
called by your full name.



Audrey paused at the door
way seeing Shea:: Shea you've
returned...:: she walked lifting up her
daughter:: your niece here just used wine
to color my bed sheets... :: a smirk, a
soft bow of her head to Connar::

::A nod and smile to
Vanya?s mother::

This one ::looking her daughter:: used wine to color my bed sheets with.

::Shea held back those
giggles:: Audrey this is Connar, Connar
my sister in law Audrey?


::Head bowed:: tis a
pleasure...M?lady.


A pleasure Sir :: Audrey
smiled:: if you shall pardon me I have to
go give this one a bath:: Vanya squealed
in her arms, as Audrey walked away::



: :;Shea burst in to
laughter:; looks like Vanya has my
brothers since of humor?


:He nodded:: What is
your brother's name, again?

Jinnalt. Audrey and he were
married, she is widowed now, but it
seems better that way then the way it
was before?




:He looked at her:: I'm
sorry...I had forgotten that Jinnalt was
dead...I thought perhaps there was yet a
brother I did not know about.

::Eyes moved to the
sparring match wondering who would be
next to meet and greet.:; nae worry about
it, Jinnalt was not much grieved for...
though that may sound harsh?


:He nodded, following her
gaze to the sparring area::


::Soon another pair broke off
from that Circle, it was Dagor and his wife
now on their way inside:: Shea... my dear
::Dagor patted her shoulder: did ye think
about what i told thee? ::a grin towards
Connar:: Connar my lad, good too see you,

:: he presented his wife:: this be my wife Elenya...


::he smiled to the
blacksmith and then bowed his head to
his wife:: a pleasure to meet ye,
M?lady.. :;he smiled:: I have great
admiration for any woman that can keep a
blacksmith in his place.

She smiled to Connar
tucking those rosy strands of hair behind
pointed ears:: thank you ::she bowed her
head and smiled back at Shea, before the
two passed inward,::

::Dagor smirking at
Shea:: you just think about it dear! ::said
before Elenya pulled him in::




He smirked, looking at
Shea:: What are ye cooking up with your
uncle?

me? its him and
his.. ::pausing a moment:; nothing..

::.He shook his head with
a grin:: Aye...nothing...sure.

Shea GreenStone! ::A
female voice called to her, a woman
crossed to her dark brown hair, soft
eyes, her arm laced through the arm of
the man that led her, a tall man, with silver
hair and blue eyes::

Niece.. mine. .::he
smiled:: Cermie and I were worried you
wouldn?t come...

::Shea smiled as she
embraced her Aunt, then her uncle:: why
wouldn?t I come?

:He would turn and look
upon the latest relatives to greet Shea::


Nenime just smiled:; oh
we have our reasons dear. ::his gaze
turned to Connar:; ahh and this is the one
my brother tells me of, Connar correct?

He smiled:: Don't
believe anything ye have heard...I am
usually twice as bad as the stories would
lead one to believe.

:;Nenime slowly extended his
hand to him::




:;Shea just smiled:: Uncle
this is Connar and Connar my uncle
Nenime and his wife Cermie?


;Cermie bowed softly to
Connar, before she passed in wards
leaving the three alone::


:Nenime chuckled:: I hear
nothing but good things about you...:;a
glance to Shea:; your son is quite the
story teller, and that of the things my
brother tells me, then Shay.. dear sweet
shay, she has a way with words?


:He watched Cermie
leave, then turns back to Nenime:: They
be just that, stories...tis Shea the only
one worth raving about.

;Shea sighed looking
towards the group that was left, Spying
Shay and Kulbin sitting on the bench
kissing like mad:: yes she does have a
way with her tongue... uncle mine :;a soft
blush rose to her cheek as she heard
Connar::

: ::Nenime smiled and patted
Shea on the shoulder:; I like him...:: he
passed inward as well::


:;He chuckled at the
exchange:: What can I say...I'm just the
likeable type.

: ::now the sparring match
more visible, Shea could see Mila sitting
watching alone, Duchan sitting alone as
well, she gave him a soft wave and he
rose to come over:; aye that you are
Connar?

He smirked:: I get that
from Ash...he's a great tutor.

:;Duchan smiles to her as
he stepped before her:; I swear you look
more like her every day Cousin ...::a
glance to Connar:: I see you arrived late
as always in classic style... and you
bring a guest. ..:;a nod to Connar::


Is this Dagor's son, Shea?

Nenime?s

::Snaps his fingers:: Ye
all tend to look alike?

::Duchan smiled:; though I
do look much like my uncle.. ..:;.:;a dashing
smile:::

:Duchan smiled:; she
looks like her mother... and Mai is at
home in silver arrow official business...

;he gave Shea a pat on the
shoulder:: I am sure my father and uncle
would agree... with me that you look like
her... ..:;:;a soft wink before he went inside::

He watched Duchan
leave, then looked at Shea:: Is that a
good thing, to look like your mother?


:;Shea just blushed, trying
to focus ont he fight: ; aye... she was very
beautiful... what I can remember of her?



::He smiled:: That might
just merit further investigation....I happen
to be an authority on all things beautiful.


:Then Mila rose from that
bench crossing around the fight to Shea,
she stood there, before her, silver hair tied
back in a braid:: Shea.. :; she bowed her
head::

Mila my dear good too see
You :looking her over, a bit surprised to se
her so fully clothed:: tis a new look for
You


Aiden convinced me that
even for one night an elven bezerker can
wear more than next to nothing he said it
would make everyone more at ease...
::she smiled softly still getting used to the
idea of clothing::

You look lovely Mila... ::a
smile to her:: This is Connar..: ;pointing to
him:; Connar my sons beloved Mila?

::the words darted
through his mind..."elven bezerker"?...He
shook out the idea and just smiled at the
discussion until introductions ensued:: Tis
a pleasure, Mila...Aiden is a lucky man.

Mila nodded to him and
passed inside:;



::picking up from what he had said before:: An authority on all things beautiful eh? well there i s a painting, of
my father and mother up stairs, yet it
does not have the grace that she did,
those est to describe her to you would be
Nenime, Dagor or Salice... ::she laughed::
You look lovely Mila... ::a
it is this sort of fighting matron in Crendia,
and well, I don?t know why they would not
wear clothing, its not like she's naked all
the time just in very little, and the young
lady has very. Fine assets which I am
sure is part of what drew my son to her..


:He just smiles at the
explanations:: You look lovely Mila... ::a
Lack of clothing on the part
of the lady does tend to attract the male's
attention.


::Jade hues looked towards
the two fighting, Caleb caught sight of her
first and held up his hand:: you?ve out
done me Aiden.. ; he sheathed his sword
and pointed towards Shea::

Atara.. ;;Aiden Sheathed
his blade and went to her side:: your
here..:; he hugged her, and nodded to
Connar::

:A nod to her
son::? Aiden.

:Aiden smiled:: Connar
good to see you again?

he smiled:: Aye...tis
good to be seen anytime I can be at your
mother's arm.

:;Aiden smiled softly at his
mother, and nodded:: I am glad that you
Came :;he kissed his mothers cheek.:;
atara?:: that always meant something more when he spoke it to her, more that the actual meaning, and passed in ward going after
Mila::


Sha just watched her son,
shaking her head:: I swear the older he
gets the more like his father he
becomes?


He smiled, looking at
her:: the whole of the town seems to orbit
around ye, Shea?


its been a long time since I
saw half these people?


then shame on thee for not
coming home sooner.. :;Caleb stood
before them now:: ye were meant to come
have dinner with Isis and I ages ago...


;Shea cast a look to
Caleb:; do not make me pull rank on you
Caleb :: a smirk:: tis good to see you,
seems your skills have laxed some, for my
son to beat you

:Caleb chuckled:: aye
perhaps I have been in bed more often
then on the battle field as of late.... ..:;a
smirk, a double meaning to that::



:: Shea just shook her
head:: lay about.. :: ignoring the other
meaning, knowing him all too well:: where
is your lovely wife?

::He was thinking that,
perhaps, being her son gave Aiden a
natural advantage with the sword...but he
just smiled, listening to the exchange::



Isis she?s up stairs helping
Audrey with Vanya.. she?s getting some
practice... Salice is not only one
expecting...

;a soft nod:; how very good
for you both.. so all that 'bed rest' did
some good :;a smile:: ahh yes but my
manors leave me, Caleb Evermore,
Connar... Connar.. Caleb :: a hand again
back and forth::


:He smiled and greeted
the man accordingly:: A pleasure to meet
ye, Caleb.

Caleb smiled:; a pleasure,
perhaps ye Shea:; a glance to her:: will be
the final one of the Greenstones to be
caught?:;a smirk to Connar:: happy
Hunting ::in ward he went with A whistle::

He grinned:: Caught?
Are ye on the loose, Shea?

::Her hands met her cheeks
as she shook her head:; yes wild loose
and rabid?

::He laughed:: Seems ye
will be getting more attention over that
fact than anyone else here.

everyone else here is in a
couple or is married.. .::fingers brushed
through her hair :,looking towards Shay and
Kulbin going at it still on that bench::
see like those two?





:He looked to where she
was pointing with a smile:: Aye...I noticed.


Shavyn Rose GreenStone,
didn't your mother ever teach you to greet
your sister.. in fact i know she did...!


:There was the use of
the full name again:: Ye probably sounded
just like her mother just now, Shea.


::Shay with drew and rose
taking Kulbin?s hand in her and walked
before Shea:: ohhh just wait till later

;a smile to Connar:; Connar... yes you did
sound like Ember there for A moment...
:;a giggle as she looked back to Kulbin:;
Kulbin love this is Connar, since i know
you don?t remember?


:It was then that he
recognized Kulbin...from that morning in
the marketplace with Blahl...he didn't
stick around long enough that time for
introductions:: I remember now.


::Kulbin just offered Connar
a nod, concentrating on shay::
:;Shay
smirked:: the fest will start soon ::she
took Kulbin?s hands in hers... and smirked
to Shea:: just you wait.. . :; inside she went
Kulbin close behind...::

He watched them leave,
out of earshot:: Kulbin is Blahl's
brother...correct?


::Shea just watched her
sister pass in side:; aye he is. ::what did Shavyn have panned, what ever it was it could not be good.::

I can't imagine I am
endeared in any way to his family over the
incident in the marketplace.


Shea then turned as well
to go inside, most of the guests were off
getting ready by this hour:: I'll show you
up stairs, I need a nice long hot bath, and
to set these darned heavy things down ::
looking back to him:; Kulbin holds nothing
against you... you may ask him your self
when you get the chance?

Kulbin and Blahl were never
and shall never be close? :;walking and
talking, heading for the stairs, those long
looming stairs::



::He shook his head,
walking with her:: I am not going to bring
it up...tis neither the time nor place to
mention his name nor what happened.

::He took note of the
walls, with their ancient decorations,
tapestries and collectables, and the
stairway as they moved up::

:she started up the stairs,
hand going along the railing, heading up
the first flight, then the second then
slowly down the hall to her room, along
the way they passed that painting she
had mentioned, she opened the door and
stepped inside, her room::

:He stopped to look at
the painting, the family resemblance
striking, to say the least::

::it was a lovely painting,
Alcander standing behind the seated
Adamina, her long flowing dark blue hair
and soft blue-green eyes, looking out ::

:It was the eyes,
Adamina's eyes that drew his attention
most...realizing it was just a
painting...but still, the artist had captured
something on that canvass and oil::

:; it was there that most
saw the resemblance between Alcander
and Salice, same eyes color, same hair
color... same sort of look to their eyes.,
Shea sat her bag down upon the chair
next to her bed, cloak she lay there as
well, belt with weapons let go to the floor,
gloves on top of her other things, bow and
quiver, then her boots kicked off, head
poked out looking at him; see any
resemblance?

He smiled, looking down
the hallway at her:: Aye...there be a little
that would make me think ye were related
to these people.

she smiled:: well they are
my parents

;he grinned:: Ye don't
say?

:she smiled and ducked
back in to her room:: you can set your
stuff any where you like in here, I am
going to make a long hot bath for my
self?:;a smirk:; yes indeed, Alcander
and Adamina?::her voice faded a bit as
she passed in to that private bath of hers::


He hesitated...the
formality of the occasion and being
surrounded by all of her nosy relatives
making him take second thought to their
sharing a room...at least openly sharing
it:: Maybe I should see if your sister had a
room saved for me...ye should have some
privacy.

He had other
motivations as well...suspicions...d
doubts...it might be safer for her if
everyone thought they had separate
rooms, though he would not share that
with Shea::

: ::the sound of water filling up
a tub and the smell of faint roses and
lilacs:: oh for gods sake Connar :; she
stopped the water, and poked her head
out towards him, wrapped in a towel now:;
get in here, I don?t care what they think,
besides they are all too busy to care,
trust me?

But if your dead set on
having your own room tis that one there ::
she pointed to the room next to hers::


:He looked at her with a
smile, masking the concern he had on the
inside. His dreams of the festival being
interrupted...and more::

He looked at the door
and smiled:: Just for formality's sake...will
ye humor me in that?

she smiled to him :; what
ever suits you best Connar.. .::she ducked
her head back in to her room, and
crossed it to that bath door she opened it
and went with in, closing the door behind::

:He grimaced at her
words as she disappeared behind the
door, muttering to himself as he went into
his room:: (m).. .that didn't go well...::He
removed his pack, setting it on the bed,
taking a look at the rather large
room...large compared to the ones at the
inn. He opened the pack, carefully laying
out the clothes he had brought for the
festival::

::The room he was in was decorated with a scrolling woodwork along the walls. The walls them selves were a pale green. The bed was large with fine sheets and many pillows, there was also two doors at the far end, one to a wash room with bath sink and all the comforts of home, and the other door led to a closet like area, which was sparse within. There were also two other doors that led out to a balcony that over looked the Garden below, Shea?s own Balcony lie to the right. Beyond that railing.::

::She sunk in to the water,
letting the day wash away, letting the
steam sooth her, eyes closed thinking
deeply, over the days past. She was no
fool something had changed::

Lower and lower Shea sunk in to the water, letting the heat sooth those sore muscles. Eyes closed as her head sat just above the water line. A deep breath taken and she dunked her head in to the water. Moments later she surfaced, wiping the wet strands from her cheek, eyes still closed, trying to figure out what had changed.::

::after sitting there till she was relaxed in body she rose, drying off, and pulling the fluffy sleeves of that robe over her arms, a simple bow tied in front before she pulled the water free and walked out of the steamy bath.::

::Bare feet rested on the wooden floor for a moment, she walked to her bed, pulling out those gifts for her sisters and laying them on the bed spread, then she pulled out that black bound journal.. She gave a look to it, though writing might have helped at this time it would wait till later. She sat the journal down and crossed tot hat other door, pulling it open she could see all her day to day clothes, pairs of pants, another pair of boots and shirts. There at the back of the closet hung her dress, the dress she was to wear during the festival. Jade hues looked to it as she stepped closer running her hands over the fabric.:: (w) You?ve out done your self Salice.. :;she just stood there looking at it, running her hand down the front, though it was beautiful, Shea was having second thoughts about wearing it. But it was tradition.. And she would not break that Her fingers ran through her hair, drying those wet strands, before she slipped out of that robe, and began the long process of getting in to that dress.::

::Down stairs things were hectic, the plates being placed upon the large table in the dinning hall, fire being lit, those gifts being place near it. In neat piles, Shea?s pile, Salice?s and Shavyn?s. Cups and mugs were readied. Cider ,water, wine and ale, all readied. The smell of cooking food rose from the kitchen through the halls and up the stairs towards the guests that readied them selves.::

::cooks, and other servants hard at work making everything prefect?s the last of the d?cor went up. the harps, piano and flutes cleaned and readied for the coming dancing. The floor was cleaned and shone , there in that wide open throne room, that had been cleared save for the musical instruments, and the hearth, with chairs and couch there at the far end. Windows had been draped closed with lovely deep green draperies. ::

::The lounge was readied, couch and chair cushions cleaned and fluffed fire roaring, presents adjusted and readjusted . The table was se with fine silver pates, glass stem wear ,as well a s silver goblets, and fine mugs of carved wood. The wine chilled in buckets of ice, the ale kept at the perfect temp. Place cards with every guests name place by each plate. Devron and Salice would be at the head of the table. Down each side the place cards were set. Once done, the servants went back to finish up with dinner.::


::Upstairs the ladies readied them selves, wiggling their way in to those new gowns that Salice had gotten for them. The gents also got ready in their finest, and keeping with tradition they kept their sheathed weapons at their side, or sheathed along their back. ::

::Vanya?s giggles could be heard. Once each lady was well prepared their gentlemen awaited them outside their room doors. Duchan stood outside his sisters door, ready to catch the spinning Vanya when she came out. Each lady came out in turn. Salice, Shavyn. Audrey and Vanya, Isis, Cermie, Elenya and Mila. And each gent took their arm :Devron, Kulbin, Duchan, Caleb, Nenime, Dagor and Aiden. Each with wide eyes and open mouths to the wonder of their ladies in those fine gowns.:: :: Then they were led down thouse stairs to the lounge where they would await the others, mostly Shea, it was always she who took the most time::

::Shea was still not dressed yet, taking her time. Lacing up those laces in the back of the dress, slipping her shoes on, then going to sit there near a mirror, fixing her hair pinning half of it up, in lovely curls. Leaving the other straight half down. Even that pin she used matched the dress she wore. She smiled to her self in the mirror. No matter what was going on, she was make a very good attempt of having a good time tonight, she could smell the food, nearly taste it.::


::Finishing up she rose to her feet, ajsuting that dress a bit, before taking a deep breath and walking to her bed room door, a glance back to her weaponry that lay on her bed, and she opened and passed outside, jade hues turned to see Connar's door open. Even so she gave the door a soft knock before stepping in to view::

::She watched him as he walked around her. That dress she wore was breath taking to say the least a lovely dress of an ivory color , an off the shoulder number with long sleeves. Intricate silver and green designs along the swoop neckline, and down either side of the dress. Flowing shirts from the waist downward and a form fitted top. It showed off her curves, accentuating each one. Her hair half up half down, the half part up was curled most delicately, the half part down was straight reaching down over those bare shoulders and her long neck. pointed elven ears shown off, as did her jade hues, that dress accented her finest points. Matching shoes covered her feet somewhere under the skirts, heeled slipper like things, that she was getting used to. As he pulled her in the room, closing the door behind them, she smiled softly. Before returning the kiss, cheeks rushed with a rosy blush. Then laughing softly at his words. She could deal with not going down just yet. Before returning the second more passionate kiss. A simple nod was given to him as she took his arm::

Yes we shall. ::that hint of rosy blush slowly faded from her cheeks, but that smile remained.::

:: She saw her son sitting there near the lounge doorway. He smiled as he saw his mother, and rose to his feet, this was the signal for everyone else. Dagor could be heard, laughing. ? Good now we can eat.? ::he led his wife towards the dinning hall through the double doors at the far end of the lounge. The others followed in turn, Shavyn peeking her head around Aiden to see Shea, and giving a thumbs up. ::

He held her arm through
his as they descended the stairs, smiles
for those that greeted them. He turned
and smiled to Shea as he heard Dagor's
voice:: Are ye ready for this?



:;a soft smile:; as ready as I
shall ever be ::Aiden stood in the door
way still leaning back against the wall.
Salice came to stand beside him,
whispering something to him before she
gave Shea smile and went to the dinning
hall, with the others Aiden nodded to Mila,
who followed Salice::




:Connar did the best he
could to divine whatever the protocol for
the night would be, holding on to Shea for
comfort and guidance::


Aiden bowed his head to
Connar, and smiled to his mother.
Sharply dressed him self, in those black
pants and white shirt with green designs
along the neckline. His long dark blue
hair tied back behind his head.:: Atara..
:;he smiled to her::



::A nod for Aiden as they
passed. At least Connar had the correct
color scheme...greens, silvers and blacks:


:Shea smiled to her son. In
the days, weeks and months she?d been
away her son, had gone from young boy
to young man. Handsome ,dashing, with
that look to his dark eyes, mystery and
magic. She noted his attire, and also that
sheathed throwing blade there at his side,
next to his other sword. Old memories.
Jade hues looked in to her sons deep
blue hues.:: You look very handsome my
son. You and Mila make the perfect
couple tonight. ::she had noted Mila?s
dress before ::



;He couldn't recall the
last time he had been surrounded by so
many beautiful women. It was a marvel
and wonder that the men of this town did
not suffer chronic neck pains from quick
turns of the head suffered each time one
of the ladies would pass by...though he
was sure, none turned more heads than
the woman at his arm::



:;They walked in to the lounge, Shea paused there, looking at her son, still leaning on the door frame. Aiden smiled looking from his mother to Connar then back, he noted his mothers smile ,her real smile. He had not seen that in a long time, in his vaguest memory he could remember that smile of hers the one that lit up her features. Dark blue eyes looked to Connar. Offering a nod, he knew he had something to do with his mother being so happy..:: look at who?s talking, Lle naa vanima Atara.

::He smiled at the
exchange between mother and son as
they entered the lounge::

::He then proceeded to kiss her cheek softly, he smiled softly at Connar. The he proceeded to walk in to the dinning hall pulling out the seat for Mila, then sitting beside her. Most everyone was seated, a few of the ladies were offered their chairs, and pushed in. Devron and Salice sat at the head of the table::


:He led them to what
must be their seats, the only empty ones
left at the table. He pulled out Shea's
chair, a smile to her:: M?lady?


::Shavyn and Kulbin sat on
the left hand side of the table to Devron?s
right, on the right hand side were left two
empty chairs, Shea smiled and slowly sat
down in the chair he pulled out for her::
Thank you. .::getting perfectly
comfortable, looking to Salice who just
smiled widely at her from the head of the
table::



He slide the chair under
her as she sat down. He pulled out his
chair, looking over those seated at the
table:: My apologies for the delay...I
simply am terrible at managing how long
it takes me to get ready for such formal
occasions. ::A nod to those seated at the
head of the table before taking a seat
himself::

::once everyone was seated
the food was brought out, the wine, cider
and ale poured in to each glass, goblet or
wooden mug::


::He reached over, under
the table, and took Shea by the hand,
turning to smile at her::

:Salice nodded softly to
Connar, breathtaking as any queen could
be, sitting there in that green dress with
that silver circlet in her silver hair. Shea
took his hand in hers and smiled. There
was a soft ding of a glass as Devron rose
to his feet at the head of the table:: My
friends? ::he began his toast::


:He turned his attention
to Devron...not his full attention....as he
gave that hand a squeeze as he looked
and listened::


my wonderful family, it has
been too long since we could sit and
enjoy this fest, it has been too long since
we could honestly say we had peace, but
tonight we celebrate, not only the winter
fest, we celebrate new life ::looking to his
wife:; new love ::a glance to Shea and
Connar:: and peace.. as well as the
coming of winter.. so my blessed family
raise your glasses, goblets and mugs and
hail greenstone?


::He took up his glass as
the toast was offered, releasing Shea's
hand so she could do likewise::

: ::Shea took her glass of
wine in hand and raised it in to the
air:; hail greenstone.. ::all the glasses rose
up around the table and voices called out
hail greenstone::

::He followed in kind with
his glass as the group toast and hail was
given::

::Shea took a sip of wine,
Devron sat slowly:; now lets eat...! :: the
feasting would begin::

He turned, giving a
private toast and wink to Shea before
taking a sip and returning his glass to the
table:: (w) I'm sure nothing will compare to
dessert...

::Shea smiled, and lifted up
a fork and looked down to the plate of
food, she smiled softly looking to him::
lisse' lereth innas caryave ::she muttered
the dessert to him softly as she started to
cut in to the food on her plate::


:Around the table everyone
ate, and drank having their own
conversations, a good natured laugh
would come from Nenime and Dagor, as
the brothers talked with mouths full::



He smiled, having no
idea what she just said, but, following her
lead, he looked at the food on his plate,
fork and knife quickly in hand as he began
to cut and take first bites, sampling
everything on his plate::



::there was
meat, vegetables, and what looked like
bread on the plate, Shea smiled as she
chewed, taking a sip of elven wine from
time to time savoring the taste knowing it
to be her uncles private reserve::


He took small bites,
never more than a swallow away from
being able to speak without having food in
his mouth. He looked at Shea, smiling to
her as she was eating. His eyes followed
the conversations as the bantered around
and across the table...not able to follow
much if any of the context or content. He
took the napkin and wiped at his lips
before taking up his glass for a drink::

::in the far corner crackled
the hearth, one of many in the castle, it
warmed the room. Another laugh emanated
from the table this time from
Shavyn. Shea just looked across the table
at her sister, wondering what in blazes
was so funny...::

e looked from Shea to
Shavyn and back again, not sure he
wanted to know what she was laughing
about. He was certain they would find out
eventually, one way or another. He waited
for a break in the conversation to speak to
Devron and Salice:: Congratulations on
the expectancy of your child.


Devron smiled to
him, looking to his lovely wife, Alice
bowed her head to him:: thank you
Connar. . ::her hands lowered a bit witha
smile::

::Those at the head of the table then finished off their food, the plates were quickly taken away, as each guest finished off their food the plate was taken, and hurried off in to the kitchen. Shea took the last bite and savored it, napkin cleaned her face and her plate was removed from the table. Soon smaller plates were placed before each guest, on the plate was lisse' lereth innas caryave; a sweet bread with apples. Dessert had been served.::

Tis welcome and happy
news anytime a child can be brought into
a warm and loving home.

::Shea looked towards
Salice, never had she seen her sister so
radiant, jade hues moved to the plate
placed before her, taking in the smell of
the sweet bread::


:Devron rose his glass Connar and took a sip, before taking in the aroma of the dessert::

He looked down at the
sweet bread and apples and grinned,
looking at Shea::

His glass was raised in
like fashion before he took a sip, his
attention turned back to the dessert...a
smile given...before he looked down at the
other dessert on the plate::


:;Shea looked to his glance
at her, and started to dig in to dessert::
tis is my favorite dessert ..::she took a
bite of apple, making a soft mm sound::


:He chuckled, taking a
bite, looking at her:: I had a better one
earlier.

:; a smile to him trying ton
hide that rosy blush that flushed her
cheeks, eyes moved else where watch
Kulbin feed Shay a piece of apple off his
fork, eyes moved to her son doing the
same with Mila.. another bite, another sip
of wine::

::He followed the direction
of her gaze, the couples sharing dessert
with each other. He took a bite, followed
by a drink of wine, scanning the length of
the table and back to Shea::



At the other end of the
table Vanya, Duchan and Audrey sat,
Vanya?s face was being wiped off and
she was fighting back, with Duchan::

::He smiled at the fussing
over Vanya...it was good advance training
for Salice and Devron...they'd have one of
their own to fuss over soon enough::



;Salice watched , then rose
to her feet:: when each of you is ready, the
next part shall begin .. :;a smile to Devron,
and he led her outward towards the throne
room, they were in no means rushing any
of the other guests...::



:;he instinctively rose as
the hosts did...waiting for them to leave
before sitting again::

::Shea smiled watching
both her uncles followed soon in suit
leading their wives , Audrey and Duchan
followed suit after that Vanya spinning
around:: its time to dance its time to
dance:: she would chant on her way out::




he leaned back in his
chair, sipping the wine, looking to Shea::
Dance? Is Vanya right? How can anyone
dance after eating all that food?


Shea nodded softly:; aye.
they will go and sit in the throne room,
then the dancing will begin :: eyes
Moved across the table towards Shavyn
Kulbin had risen behind her, he gave her a
kiss on the head and wondered
outward, Shavyn smirked at Shea:: Just
you wait... ::a whisper to her sister before
she rose, and left the room::


::He looked at Shea,
taking her hand and raising it to his lips,
placing a soft kiss on the back of her
hand:: I suppose there is no postponing
the inevitable, is there?

::Shea smirked softly,
watching her son lead Mila out, :: No
there is not :: eyes moved to focus on
Connar there they were alone again::

:He looked at the now
empty room and back to her, another kiss
to her hand:: How long do ye suppose we
could stay in here before they sent in a
search party?



a while, they will be sitting
and talking in there for a while, before the
music and dancing begins?



He finished what
remained of the wine in his glass before
setting it to the table. He rose, pushing
the chair back to stand next to hers,
hands on the sides of her chair as he
anticipated her standing...He grinned,
thinking of the first time they danced:: Do
ye suppose they've ever seen the tango?


:a soft shake of her head
as she rose to her feet:: no i highly doubt
it?




::As she stood, he
stepped next to her, wrapping his arms
around her waist...pulling her close,
looking into her eyes:: Whatever Shavyn
has planned...ye needn't worry about
me...She probably just wants to see ye
blush.




:a soft smile to him:; I don't
worry, I have an ace up my sleeve.. .:: a
soft kiss to his cheek::


:He caressed her sides
and waist, smiling to her:: I would think
this dress to be too tight and revealing to
hide anything except ye underneath it.
::He gave her a kiss, pulling her against
him::



:a soft blush rose to her
cheeks at his words.:: you'd be right
about that...: :a wink to him:: we should go
To the throne room, before they send in a
search party?


:Another soft kiss:: Well,
let's not be making a habit of them waiting
on us the entire festival. ::He took her
hand in his, walking them around the
table, through the doors and into the
throne room::

:;She walked with him, out
through the hall and through the open
doors in to the throne room, at the far end
was a window, a few seated there, a
hearth at the back wall, others seated
there, the floor was wooden perfect for
dancing, in the corner sat a few harps,a
piano and a flute or two on top of that
piano. Vanya spun a round the dance
floor, as Salice and Devron watched her::

::A nod given to those
assembled as they entered. He gave her
hand a squeeze as they moved across
the floor, surveying the layout of the room,
the warmth and splendor abounding as
this family gathered together::


::Duchan sat at the piano,Audrey sat at one of the larger harps.They would be playing the first few songs, there was a harp florish, and a few key strokes on the piano,those two perfromers warming up, while Vanya danced to her own tune, spinning till she came flopping to the floor before Connar and Shea::

He set a knee to the
floor next to Vanya, offering a hand to
help her up, giving her a smile:: Vanya,
wuld ye like to dance with me?

He looked up at Shea::
That is, if that is all right with your *auntie*


:;a little hand was placed in
his:: yesum..:: big eyes looked to Shea::
Auntie Shea? ::a smile::


Yes,dear thats fine..::she
slowly let go of Connars hand and
crossed towards Salice and Devron.::

:He stood, bowing
deeply at the waist to Vanya, extending
his hand to her:: M'lady....::taking her two
hands in his, not really waiting for the
music to start, he began dancing with her,
bending down enough to keep her feet on
the ground, twirling and spinning her
across the wooden floor as they
moved...knowing full well that, for little
girls, dancing meant lots of twirling and
spinning::

:Vanya smiled and giggled
as she twirled and spun, holding tight to
Connar?s hands:: ::Shea just watched
smiling::

::He gave a smile to
Vanya's mother as they danced near her.
He also knew, that the sooner Vanya was
tuckered out, the sooner her mother could
put her to bed and enjoy the company of
adults for the evening. With that in mind,
Connar moved all over the dance floor,
weaving past those sitting or standing,
making sure they covered every inch of
the area several times over. He would give
Shea a wink and smile each time they
danced close to her::

::Duchan still warmed up on
the piano, Audrey gave the harp a little
florish. Watching her daughter and
Connar.::

::He gave Vanya a big
smile:: Ye are a very good dancer, Vanya.


::Vanya smiled giggling, a
little yawn passed through her lips, eyes
moved to her mother, she didn?t want to go
to bed yet, she wanted to dance with the
grownups:: you are too.. ::a smile:: thank
you..
::He grinned:: Thank
you...Your auntie Shea taught me
everything I know. ::He gave her another
spin, holding her hand above her head,
then re-took those tiny hands in his as
they skip-danced the length of the floor
again::

::Shea smiled watching
them, it seemed she wasn?t the only one,
everyone was awed by the sight::

another Yawn passed
through her lips, as her spinning became
slower. Her feet more uneasy under her,
even that cute purple dress she wore
looked worn out::

::As the reached the far
end he bent down to her ear:: Are ye
ready for the big finish, Vanya?

: a soft little nod given to
him:: yes ::a slight bit of excitement still on
her voice::



he smiled, giving her a
wink as they spun to the middle of the
floor. He put his hands gently at her
sides, lifting her off the floor and tossing
her in the air with a spin, catching her
again and following the movement to the
floor, setting her feet softly down, one
more spin for good measure as he
finished, knee to the floor, head bowed to
her:: Ye dance as an angel, Vanya.
Thank you for dancing with me.


: she weed as she was
tossed up, and smiled to him as he sat
her down, big eyes looked to him, and
she kissed his cheek softly.:: That was
fun....:: Before Isis Evermore took her up
in her arms, a nod back to Audrey, she
would put the tired girl to bed...::


:Once Isis passed out of
the room, and was out of ear shot the
music began softly, the other couples
going to the floor::


He smiled at the kiss,
rising to his feet, waving goodnight to
Vanya as he walked back over to Shea

::;Shea stood by the
thrones, watching the others pass in to
the floor and begin to dance, eyes moved
to Connar: She just smiled to him::


he stopped a few
meters from her, arms extended towards
her, a smile on his lips:: Don't think for
one moment that ye are sitting this one
out, Shea.

::she extended her hands to
him::

::He took her hands and
pulled her next to him, his arms wrapping
around her, slowly turning her as they
moved out onto the dance floor. He was
more interested in any excuse to hold her
than dancing. He held her tightly, looking
into her eyes, swaying to the music with
her::

:she swayed with
him, smiling up at him. A soft rosy blush
rising to her cheeks, as her fingers laced
with his, the other hand resting on his
shoulder, pressed close in to him::


:He brought her hand to
his lips, kissing her skin, holding in
against his lips, looking into her eyes as
they slowly turned about::: Everyone else just faded
away, it was as if they were alone back at
the inn...:

:she gazed up in to his
eyes. Smiling brightly. Feeling everything
else drift away for a moment::


:He leaned toward her, a
soft kiss to her lips as they turned on the
floor. He wasn't sure that they were even
moving to the music, they shared and
danced to a tune they felt and heard
within::


:that soft kiss was
returned, as she swayed with him, if they
moved to that soft beat played or not,
didn't really matter to her, they had always
danced to their own tune::



:He smiled, looking at
her:: (s)...Ye are a vision, Shea...tis not
fair to the other gents that I have the
loveliest woman here all to myself.

:a soft blush rose to her
cheeks:: (s)

:He pressed his hand to
the small of her back, the soft, supple feel
of her dress the perfect complement to
the skin underneath. They continued their
slow dance, remaining fixed to the center
area of the wood floor. This was the
escape they had been longing
for...whatever cares they had lie far
outside the walls of the city::

::she smiled looking up to him. Leaning in to that touch on her back. The music was faint in the background, as was the conversations that had taken up since they began dancing::


He caressed her back
softly as they moved, taking occasion to
place kisses on her hand, smiling to her
as they held each other::


:Her cheek were still rosy
with a soft blush, jade hues closed for a
moment as she felt that caress along her
back, feeling his hands go over bare skin,
then the fabric, and over the first of the ties
there at the back of the dress::

:His fingers touched her
skin softly as the glided over the ties. He
looked at her and saw from the corner of
his eye that they had drawn the attention
of most of the other eyes in the room as
well. For the first time since they began
dancing, he was brought to the realization
that they weren't alone. He smiled to her,
kissing her hand again:: I fear we might
have strayed from protocol a bit, Shea...I
am keeping ye from mingling with your
family.

:jade hues looked back to
Salice and Shay who watched them,
Dagor and Kulbin were off talking in the
corner. Shea shrugged:: maybe I don't
want to mingle...

::He chuckled:: Tis fine
with me...

::a smile rose to her
features.:; I figured it would be..::jade
hues cast back to Shay who watched
them witha smirk, mouthing just you
wait... at Shea. Other soon stopped
talking and danced some more, Shea saw
no sign of her son or Mila, figuring they
had slipped away back to the lounge to
be alone::


He kissed her cheek
softly, catching the end of the wordless
mouthing from Shavyn. He kissed her
neck and ear:: (w) What is she planning
on doing to you?

Shea smiled softly, closing
her eyes at the kisses:: hmm I don't
know, but I have a feeling I will soon
enough....but I still have that ace up my
sleeve...::a smirk as her eyes moved to
gaze up in to his::


He smiled at the notion
of what Shea might have planned for her
sister, kissing her neck just below her ear
once more as they continued their slow
dance...if it could be called that at
all...more resembling a slow-turning
embrace than dancing by this point::

:she smiled, closing her
eyes at the kisses. The music behind
them had faded, Audrey, Duchan, and
most of the others had by now gone to
the lounge. Again they were left alone::
see I think we've won...:;eyes opening to
gaze around:: we've out danced them all...

::He stole a quick glance
around the room before he looked at her::
We were dancing? ::A smile before he
would press his lips to her, the urge to do
that being suppressed the whole while they
were dancing...so he made up for it by
kissing her deeply, holding her to him, his
hand touching her skin over the ties
criss-crossing her back::

she returned the deep
kiss, leaning in to that touch upon her
back, her hands moved over his shoulders
as she inched closer to him. Eyes
fluttered closed, as those slender fingers
found their resting spot there one behind
his neck the other upon his shoulder::


:The warmth of her touch
on his neck making him to want to kiss
her and hold her there all the more. The
room was gone again, there was only her
and him, their bodies so close together
that they occupied nearly the space of
one. His hands moved over her bare
shoulders and down her back, every curve
and undulation defined under his touch::

::a soft shiver passed
through her as she felt his hands upon her
bare shoulders Leaning up and in to his
touch, deepening that kiss. Letting
everything slip away::



::His lips and mouth
responded to hers as he caressed her
shoulders and back, knowing full well that
they'd have to rejoin the others eventually.
He pulled back from her kiss just enough
to whisper over her lips, soft kisses
between breathed words:: (s)...we're not
being exactly model guests, are we?

a few deep breaths taken::
i doubt they even notice were gone...::a
smile:: but we shoudl go join them, its
time for that sister tradtion..:;a smirk
softly, and another quick kiss:: I wonder
what they got me


He slowly slid his hands
from her body, caressing her arms as he
did so, walking around her to stand
behind her, kissing her neck on the side
where her hair was done up, letting his
lips moved down to her shoulder and
slowly back up again as he held her by
the waist:: (w) We best not keep your
sisters waiting then.

she smiled closing her
eyes at those kisses:: no.. we... best
not... ::leaning softly back::

::He pulled her back
against him, kissing her neck and earlobe
softly, as he moved them slowly toward
the door, suckling her soft skin at every
step::. .(s) ...no....that wouldn't be
polite...to keep...them waiting.

:a smile:: mmm I'd hate to
keep them waiting.. :;leaning in to each
kiss, a soft shiver passing through her at
that soft kiss at her ear::



:He moved them slowly
to the door, stepping to her side to take
her hand as the doors were opening, a
quick look to her with a smile:: Here we
are.

:she smiled taking his
hand, making way slowly back in to the
Lounge Salice and Shavyn sat. Devron next
to Salice and Kulbin next to Shay. Aiden
and Mila at the window, the other guests
dispersed within the lounge ,talking
laughing enjoying them selves::


::He tried to put on a
non-chelant smile, as if they'd just been in
the other room playing cards or stacking
chairs, but it wasn't very convicing::

:Shavyns eyes moved to
Shea:: good there she is...its about
time...come on sit down you two...

:Shea crossed in to the
room, towards the couch and sat down,
Salice sat with Devron across the way
and Shavyn sat right next to her:: so
eldest first ::eyes moved to Salice.::


:: He gave Shavyn a
smiled and walked with Shea over to
where she motioned for them to sit,
waiting for Shea to take a seat before
doing so himself::



Salice smiled looking
down to those gifts on her lap:; aye,
which one should I open first? ::eyes
going from Shea to Shavyn, before
opening the wrapped package from
Shea...::


:He held Shea's hand as
the gifts were opened by her sister::


::Her fingers passed over
the outside of that book that now sat on
her lap, she opened it and looked up at
Shea:: Oh Shea...::a bright smile, as she
turned the pages:: where did you ever?

That book was a book of
lullabies, that Shea found in Rhydin and
bought from the library for a rather large
amount:: Rhydin still holds many unfound
treasures..look in the back...

::He grinned, looking at
the presents...thinking that explained why
Shea's pack was so full::

::Salice turned the pages to
the back of the book, at the back is a
single leaf of paper with Shea?s own hand
writing, after years of blocking it from her
memory she had written down the words
of the Lullaby their mother used to sing to
them:: This is mothers ....Lullaby I shall
tresure this...::she hugged the book and
smiled to Shea:: and so shall your niece
or nephew...


::He grinned thinking..."or
both"...Salice could have twins...who
knew::


Shea smiled. Salice sat
the book aside and opened the box from
Shay,a nd held up cute litle clothes:;
aww, Shay, you softy...:;wiggling them in
her hands::


:Shavyn smirked:: clothes
was my theme this year ::eyes cast to
Shea, knowing she was next::


:Salice smiled and tucked
the book and little clothing away and
smiled to Shea. Shavyn palced two
wrapped gifts on her sisters lap:: now is
when you'll regret calling me by my full
name...::a smirk::

he looked from Shavyn
to Shea with a smile. This is what Shavyn
was taunting about...her gift to Shea::

He let go of her hand to
facilitate the unwrapping::


I think I'll start with Salices
then. ::shea smirked looking over to
Connar, as she opened the wrapped gift,
pulling out a worn book, her fingers
graced the front:: where on earth did you
find this salice?

In fathers old study up
stairs...

He leaned back so as to
not block the view of the others in the
room. He looked at the book she held in
her hands::


so thats where I left it :: the
book in her lap Shea?s old notes, torn
pages in a journal of sorts. Salice
knowing the value of these pages to
Shea.Salice had them restored :: I didnt
read anything I assure you, but I knew
you'd want them... I had them restored...

::Saice smiled:: it has the
eccounts of everything before the war...
Aiden birth,Adaron... past memories, both
good and bad...::Salice offered her sister
a smile::


He looked from Shea to
Salice...the elder sister truly knowing
what Shea treasured most::


thank you Seler' ::Shea
lowered the book back to her lap, and
looked to that other box, Shavyn's present
on her lap. She took a breath and cracked
the box open, and gazed inside, she
opened it a bit more, seeing the silken
fabric of a nightgown, ivory colored, like her
dress:: Shay? ::quirked brow to her::

:;Shay smirked:: Oh don't
hide that smile I see it, both Salice and I
know your dark secret... you just act all
modest.. i know the softer sexier Shea's
alive in there, and that... night gown
should do the trick...

::Shea smiled towards her
sister, and closed the box:: your hiding
something, I know it...

::shay hummed softly.::
once you try it on, then afterwards you
can yell at me... but I think you'll like it...


He looked between
middle sister and younger sibling with a
smile::

:He cast a quick glance
at the other men in the room, guessing
from their expressions that the sibling
exchange of gifts had a history all of its
own::

Shavyn smiled and tore in
tot he wrapped gift from Salice, and pulled
out a delicate circlet, of silver with leaves
around it and a soft rose at the front..
made of shimmering stones and
metal::ohh ::she sat it on her head::
pretty ,:;a smile to Kulbin:; how do i look lover?

He smiled:; like a
princess.. my dear ::he kissed her
cheek.::

:He nudged Shea::...a
princess.

:;Shavyn smirked and
looked at Salice:: i love it Salice... worthy
of my title..: :a little pose..::

Shea smirked:: tis worthy
for the daughter of the rose..: :Shea just
smiled:: alright now mines not really
something I'd let your mother seeing you
wearing, but Kulbin will like it...



: ::Shay smirked, and opened
that box from Shea,looking
inside::ohh...::she showed it up to Kulbin,
he looked to Shea witha riase brow:: This
proves you have a soft,sexy side..::a
smirk back to Shay:: I do like it...


:He looked at the
garment as it was held up wondering
where in rhydin such clothes, if they could
be called that, were made and sold::


While in rhydin I heard of
something women wore there to inpress
their lovers, and after speaking toa few, I
foudna shop, and found that... the woman
in th e shop called it Lingerie.. and when I
saw that color, and knowing how you two
are ::looking to Kulbin:; i figured it
perfect...

::He just smiled and
looked at Shea::


Kulbin smiled, and looked
to Shea. This was the prefect moment, he
slippe d from Shay side and stood there
before her.:;it is perfect..Shea...::a smile
to Shay:: M'love?

::Shay turned her attention
from the clothing in the box to Kulbin.::
yes dear?

:Shea hled back her smile,
she knew what was coming, her hand
softly squeezed Connars...

::He noted the special
interest Shea's uncle was taking in
Kulbin's actions::


::Kulbin slowly knelt down before ehr on one knee and presented that finely crafted ring to her.:: I can think of no where else, and at no better time than this to ask you, if you will be my wife?


::Shay;s mouth dropped
wide,looking from the ring to Kulbin back
to her uncle Dagor giving her the tumbs
up, she;d known that craftmanship any
where..:;Kulbin...:she smiled:: yes... a
thousand times yes.. ::Kulbin smield and
slipped the lovely ring on to her finger.
Moments later shay tackled him to the
floor, filling his cheeks with kisses::

::He laughed as Kulbin
was tackled, nudging Shea:: that's your
princess...

Salice smiled to Shea and
rose to her feet.:: well I can think of no
better way to end tonight.. ::looking down
to Kulbin and Shay:: M'love help me to
bed? ::To Devron, he nodded and looked
down to Shay and Kulbin nodding
goodnight around the room, some of the
guests had already gone up off to bed::

:

Shea smirked, waving
goodnight to Salice, and tossing a pillow
at Shay:: get a room you two...

::Kulbin smirked and rose
up, placing Shay on her feet for a
moment, Shay took Shea's present box
in hand, and Kulbin lifted Shay up again::
we have a room...::::a smirk to Shay, and
the two were away, off to the stairs...::

:he grinned, extending a
hand to Shea::


:She took that book and
box in one hand and extended the other
too him and rose to her feet::

::He looked at her:: Was
it everything ye had expected...this
night...the festival?

yes so far, tomorrow is
another day, of feasting and fun, the fest
continues for a few more days, events
happen and such, i thought that maybe
we could.. ::she stopped a moment:: do
something together tomorrow...

:He smiled, touching her
cheek softly:: Aye...anything ye want.

she leaned in to his touch
softly:: I am dying to get these shoes
off... and this dress..:: thinking maybe
that might have come off wrong, a blush
rose to her cheeks:; shall we ::motioning
with her full hand towards the stairs::


:He laughed, leading her
toward and up the stairs:: That's what ye
want...to take of your shoes tomorrow?

:;she laughed:: no, Im not
telling you what we will be doing, you'll
just have to be surpised..

He grinned as they
moved down the hallway to her room,
opening the door for her:: Tis good to
hear, I was worried maybe ye were
cracking up from all the commotion of the
evening.

::she walked up the
stairs,smiling the whole way up, it would
be too soon that they stood outside her
room,, she shook her head softly, opening
the door behind her to gently place that
book and box on the chair inside the door,
she then turned to him:: I suppose this is
goodnight..

:He smiled, holding his
position at the door for a moment before
taking her by the waist, lifting her from the
ground, kicking the door closed as he
carried her to the bed, lying her on it, his
body coming to rest on hers as he looked
down at her:: Aye...I suppose ye could
call it that.

:a smile as she looked up
to him,a deep breath taken, those shoes
of hers fell to the floor.:: I enjoyed my
self.. to night...did you?

::He supported himself
with one arm pressed to the bed as he
looked down at her, brushing her cheek
and neck with his fingers:: It was
splendid...more than I can say in words.

her eye fluttered closed as
she leaned in to his touch:: good I'm
glad... ::eyes opening to look up in to
his:: I don?t think I told you how very
handsome you look tonight...:: a hand
graced his cheek softly::


:He smiled, looking into
her eyes:: Ye didn't have to...but thank
you all the same.

:a smile to him:: your
welcome... and I know I didnt have to I
wanted to..::That pin in her hair fell out
and her hair went free,casscading down
over her cheeks and touching her bare
shoulders::

::He moved his fingers
through her freshly loosened hair, leaning
down to kiss her neck, moving slowly to
her shoulder and back again, lips tracing
a soft line under her chin to her throat,
then back up to her lips::



eyes fluttered closed at
those kisses, returning the one upon her
lips those soft curls of dark blue
intertwined with the straight pieces. She
could feel those laces at the back of the
dress itch at her bare skin, she adjusted
A bit::

::He kissed her softly,
before breaking the kiss and sliding off of
her body, pulling her to her feet, giving her
another kiss as he pulled her up:: tis been
a very long day...ye best get comfortable
and ready for bed.
she nodded to him softly::

its not been all that long, its just these
ties are starting to drive me mad...::she
kissed his cheek softly:

:He laughed, turning her
around to look at the ties:: They look
harmless enough to me.

he shook his head:: Not
a long day? ::Thinking back how the day
began with the destruction of the dark
orb...the ride here...all the
anticipation...and she could say it hadn't
been that long?::

;a soft laugh:; they are
making me itchy...::she eyed that box
that sat on the chair:: alright so we did
have a long day...::she turned back to
face him one arm reaching around her
back to start to undo those ties::


He swatted her hand
away:: Let me do it...::and he proceeded
to loosen the ties::

she smiled to him ::all right
::she stood still for him

::He stood behind her,
slowly loosening each tie until they
dangled loosely at her back. He kissed
the back of her neck softly before giving
her bottom a pat:: There...all better now?

:she nodded and
smirked: ;yes thank you.. ::glancing over at
him::


drew a finger up from
the small over her back up to her neck as
he moved past her:: I'm going to go
change...all right?

::she smiled softly:: all right,
I am going to do the same..


:He smiled, moving to
the door, opening it and looking back to
her:: I won't be but a moment

:Her door was closed
softly and he moved to his, walking
inside, his belt and sword already hitting
the floor before the door could close
behind him::

:Once he passed out of her
room, she took up that box, and passed
in to her closet, slipping that dress and
hanging it back up. A deep breath taken,
before she reopened that box, and lifted
out that new nightgown, she gave it the
once over, before slipping it over her head.
Then she looked to her self in the mirror::
Oh Now I see why ...:;she looked to it..
spinning around a bit::


:The shirt was untucked
as he sat on the bed, pulling the boots
free from his legs, the black pants
following in short order. He found the blue
pajama bottoms and stepped into them,
the shirt hanging loosely over them as he
walked back to her door, a soft rap on the
door::

She bit her bottom lip,
looking at her self in the mirror. She
peeked out from the closet:; you can
come in... ::back in to the closet she
went::



He opened the door and
stepped inside, but didn't see her at all.
He pulled the shirt off over his head,
pulling back the covers and sitting on the
edge of the bed, thinking she might be in
the wash room...though there was no light
coming from under the door:: Shea?

I'm in here :;she poked her
head out of the closet door...::

::He turned to see her in
the closet, laughing as he fell back onto
the pillows:: What is this...Greenstone
tradition to sleep in the closet?


smile to him, trying to
hide her blush, she laughed softly:; no. .its
just... this present that Shay got me
Well ..its a little...

He laughed again,
sliding under the sheets:: Say no
more...I'll close my eyes and ye can
dowse the lights...::Said as he pulled the
covers over his head::

: ::She took a deep breath
and stepped slowly out of the closet, that
night gown was ivory colored, with thin
straps, it was short in length shorter than
the green one, and it had a rather Long V
neck line:: You don't have to close your
eyes Connar...

He held the sheet over
his head, chuckling:: It might be for my
benefit that I don't look...

Then if Shavyn happens
to ask if I liked how ye looked in the
nightgown, trying to pry into our privacy, I
can say that I never saw it.

::Slowly bare feet carried
her across the room, she sat on her side
of the bed and pulled the sheets back::



She smirked, tossing the
covers back, and turning down the lantern
light:: she wont even remember that she
gave me this tomorrow morning...

::He slid over next to her,
a soft caress to her shoulder:: Aye...ye
may be right...she had been the recipient
of quite the surprise herself.

::a soft smile to him, as she
slid in to the covers next to him:: aye that
she was... and since that be the case,
we wont see hide nor hair of Shay or
Kulbin till we leave... back for Rhydin, I
can be sure of that

::He wrap his arm around
her as the settled into the bed, a soft kiss
to her shoulder:: Why is that...will they
not leave their room in all that time?

:She relaxed back in to the
pillows, the lantern light snuffing, the glow
from the moon outside now danced
across the floor:, she smiled:: maybe, for
food... but not for long... they will be to wrapped up
in each other... :;is how she would put
it, with a smirk::

He laughed, thinking of
a prank he participated in a long while
back...flushing newlyweds from their room
by filling their room with smoke:: He
snuggled up next to her, caressing her
arm and shoulder, having a hard time
feeling the nightgown::
There isn't much to this
nightgown of yours, is there?

:she smiled:; no.. there is
not..: : his fingers would pass over the thin
silken straps, and down her bare arms.::
its a bit revealing.

he followed the fabric
with his hand over her shoulder and down
her back, over her waist, quickly reaching
the hem at the back of her legs::
Aye...revealing indeed...that won't keep
ye from being able to sleep in it?

No.. Shavyn and Salice
know my darkest secret...I am rather
comfortable in these sorts of things,
though its not common for me to wear
them...::she leaned in to that touch
moving in closer to him:: It won't bother
you will it?


He chuckled softly,
kissing her neck:: Good, then I'll be the
only one wide awake.

::a smile:: wide awake why?
do I make you uncomfortable?


:He continued to kiss her
neck, nuzzling against her soft, warm
skin:: I ...was just...teasing?

:eyes fluttered closed at
those kisses upon her neck:: Oh... good?


his hand would move up
and over her back, caressing touches to
her shoulder and back down, following the
curve of her waist and hip as he kissed
her neck, moving from one side to the
other::

::she tilted her neck from
one side to the other , leaning in to his
touch, her hands finding their way up on
of his arms slowly::

::The kisses moved up
her neck to her ear, gentle tugs at her
earlobe before moving down her cheek to
find her lips...soft, gentle pulls of his lips
to hers as he felt her body under his
hands, the supple softness of her skin
like warm silk to the touch::

The soft kiss was
returned, as her fingers slid up along his
shoulder, pulling her self closer, to deepen
that kiss::



:He wrapped her in his
arms, pulling her against his body, his
lips and tongue finding hers...he felt as
though they were dancing again...all else
fading away::


::Her hands slid along his
back, across his shoulders and neck then
down his back, jade hues were closed, but
she needed not her sight. She could taste
his lips on hers, her hands raced up and
down his back, as everything faded away
again, pressing up in to his body against
hers. Feeling those silk-esque pajamas of
his against her bare legs::



His lips and mouth
moved over hers as they moved against
each other, the supple curves of her body
pressed against his. His fingers moved up
her back, to her neck and into her hair, as
they kissed and held each other::

:she leaned in to every
touch. Breaking that passionate kiss for a
moment to take a deep breath ,her chest
heaving against his, her fingers dancing
slowly up his back, as she looked up in to
his eyes::





He opened his eyes to
look at her, brushing the hair from the
side of her face, back over her shoulder, a
soft smile coming to his lips::


:a smile back to
him, leaning in to his hand, she wanted
nothing more than to let what might
happen just happen...:: Connar...

He touched her cheek
softly, looking at her in the
moonlight::....aye...Shea?

:closing her eyes she
leaned in to his touch, her hands
sweeping their way across his back, she
didn't know what she was going to
say...jade hues looked upward in to his
eyes, speaking volumes over what she
might:


::He gazed back into her
eyes, those soft pools of jade, his palm
caressing her cheek and neck softly,
reading what she wanted to say...what
she wanted to express...he knew full
well...he could feel her. His thumb softly
brushed her lips, as he held her gaze::


::Leaning in to his
touch, she smiled looking up in to his
eyes, kissing that thumb that passed over
her lips::

He smiled softly,
looking at her::...(s)...ye know that I love
you....

Aye, I do... and I love you.. ::a soft smile::


as much as ye and I
might want to...desire to...consummate that
love...I can't...even being this close to ye,
I press things further than I should...but I
need ye...want to have ye close.

I know...::she kissed his cheek:: I am glad just to be close to you..


He rested his head
against her shoulder:: I am sorry,
Shea...tis not fair to ye...I know.

::she ran her fingers up his
back:: Dont be sorry Connar... you know i
understand...::she kissed the top of his
head:: i enjoy just being with thee, being
close. I could ask for no more...

He raised his head to
look at her:: I've no right to trifle with your
heart and emotions...even if ye do
understand.

you do not trifle with them...
I know how you feel, for me. And that is
enough.


:He nodded softly then
kissed her lips again:: Ye deserve so
much more.

:she kissed him softly::
More than happiness..: :a smile, as her
fingers graced his cheek:: I would ask
nothing more of you Connar, I know you
love me, we need not... consummate it...
not now, nor ever... if that be the case,
::her fingers traced along his shoulders. ::
I would love thee wither way... nothing
could change that.

:He smiled, comforted by
her touch:: Someday...maybe things will
change...be different...time will tell...::He
held her close again, lips finding hers
once more. They would kiss, caress and
hold each other into the night until the
weight of the day would prevail and sleep
would take hold of them::



::She would lay there in his arms,sound alseep. Content. Happy. That smile finally faded as she drifted deeper. Resting in his arms.Letting the day washa way, and the night linger over them.::

::The nights always seemed to go slower there in GreenStone. But even so, eventually the night would give way to dawn. The sun rising over the lake to the east. Casting its warm glow over the tall peeks of those mountains and dipping down through the Valley of Dae. Sun light awoke those early to rise, those soldiers, farmers and villagers. The sun light slowly danced its way over the castle and through the windows. Shea was sleeping still, some where off in her pleasant dreams. Her head resting there on the pillow, curled up close to him. The castle was quiet this morn. Just the faint sounds of servants getting to work ,on the lower level.::

:;That warm sun light danced over that bed,still she didn?t wake,even as the sun danced through her dark hair and over her cheeks, her body just adjusted in sleep, lowering in to the sheets. Those silken straps of that night gown hung off her shoulders, her hair a soft mess, strands covered her cheeks now. Those curls having come out during the night, her hair straight once more. Still she slept, the day before had caught up to her. Her body in need of this rest. ::

::Connar walked around the tree as she spoke so fondly of it and the time spent here with her family. He gazed up into the tall branches that seem to reach endlessy toward the sky::

"I marvel everytime I see anything in nature left alone to grow this magnificnet."

::He came around the tree to see Shea lying in the grass, her eyes closed and faint rays of sunlight streaked across her face. He leaned against the broad trunk of the tree, looking at her, the peaceful, content look on her countenace. His eyes followed the soft contours of her lips, a wry smile coming to his his thoughts roamed to the previous night and morning::

::He sat down next to her, lying on his back in the grass with her. He reached over and took her hand in his, closing his eyes against the streaming sunlight, enjoying the peace and calm provided by the valley and tree::

::He opened his eyes, watching a tiny puff of cloud drift by overhead...and then a thought would cross his mind, followed by a smile as he turned his head to look at her:: Ye know what would be perfect right now...?

::Once dressed again for dinner, this time a bit more casual, still in rather lovely dress just not the one from the first dinner. Shea opened her bedroom door, with a smile::

::Connar was leaning in
his door jam, dressed in the black pants,
now accompanied by an ivory-colored
loose-fitting poet's shirt, open at the neck.
His belt and sword wrapped loosely over
his hip. He smiled to her as she came out
of her room:: Ye look lovely, as always.


::Her hair was long and down, reaching past her shoulders, over the short sleeves of that rose pink colored dress, with its own lovely silver and green deigns along the Low collar line ,and around the mid-section. The dress was less full of shirts than the ivory one, more form fitted, and with no dreadful ties up the back.:, she did a little spin: ;thank you, you look dashing as always

:He smiled, bowing his
head:: Thank ye, M?lady...ye are too kind.
::He walked over, extending his hand to
her:: Shall we?

::she extended her hand
back to him:: yes we shall, I wonder what
on the menu tonight, Salice is always full
of surprises...

:He laced his fingers with
hers, bringing her hand to his lips for a
gentle kiss:: As long as those surprises
are edible, I'm not sure that I'd care...I am
famished.

:a soft giggle::well then lets
get down there before my uncles eat it all..



He smiled, walking with
her down the stairs, the smell of dinner
heavy in the air as they descended::

:Shea took in the
scent:: mmm smells good

:He leaned over, his
cheek brushing hers as he took a deep
breath from her neck and hair::
Hmmmm...aye...simply divine.

:a soft blush rose to her
cheeks, as she glanced over at him.:: I
mean the food ::another smell: ;mm
smells very familiar..

He smiled, as they
reached the bottom of the stairs:: Ye have
your favorites, I have mine.

: ::once they had reached the
bottom of the stairs, Shea would glance in
to the lounge, no one seated in there, she
could hear the sounds of conversation in
the dinning hall, she walked on with him
until they reached the open doorway of
the dinning hall. Jade hues gazed over
everyone just standing around the dinning
hall talking she held back her smirk::


Salice?s gaze turned to
Shea.:: Ah well, there?s one of my
sisters.. did you perhaps see Shay up
there? I want to make sure she is still
breathing ::a smile::

He gave a nod to those
gathered within the hall as they passed
through the door. He muffled a laugh at
Salice's inquiry into Shay::

: :;Shea smirked now:; Oh
she's breathing, I wouldn?t count on ehr or
Kulbin tonight Sister dear, we best just
start with out them

:He grinning, turning as if
to head back upstairs:: Do ye want me to
go fetch them?

::Salice smiled:; nae leave
them to their, excitement, we can ea with
out them. But thank you for the offer
Connar. Come now everyone lets sit, and
enjoy the lovely meal, courtesy of Hisime
SilverWaters, who sends his love to all,
he would be here, but He is helping
Morbin prepare his wedding date...


Smiles, looking at
Shea:: Maybe we could send up a
tray...We wouldn't want them to starve to
death, now would we?

Shea smiled:: I am sure
that has already been done, Shay would
hate to miss out on dinner, even if she
does not come down to enjoy it with the
rest of us...::she started to move towards
her seat::

He walked with her,
pulling out her chair for her, waiting for her
to sit before sliding the chair under her::

::Shea sat and smiled to
Connar, as he pushed her in:: thank you..


:He smiled, taking
standing at the back of his chair, a glance
to the head of the table. He leaned down
to ask her a question:: Is it proper for me
to sit, or should I wait for all others to be
seated first?

;she smiled to him:: you
may sit Connar.

:;The others started to seat them selves as well. The plates of food being brought out and placed before each guest ,glasses and mugs filled .Once done the servants would retire again to the kitchen. Salice looked over the guests, she tapped the side of her glass with her spoon, and slowly rose to her feet: ;tis my turn to make a toast ::she lifted up her glass::

:He pulled out his chair,
taking his place next to Shea::

;Shea turned her attention
to Salice, taking her wine glass in
hand. listening::


:;Salice smiled and continued:: I am so pleased to have you all here ,my dearest family. :;gazing over each face:: To have you all here, each one of you, means the world to me. Shea.. Your being here means the most of all to me. Though I love everyone here, you my sister.. Were our strength in the last war, I do not know what I would do with out you. I do not know what GreenStone would be without you.. :;she rose her glass up:: toyou my sister, I raise my glass.

::He rose to his feet for
that toast:: here, here!

::Shea blushed deeply, as she watched everyone raise their glasses to her, She slowly follower suit:: Diola Lle Seler?

He couldn't speak for
GreenStone, but, he too, wondered what
he would be without her influence in his
life::

::Salice took a slow sip of her cider, and smiled to Connar:: No thank you Shea, we wouldn?t have gotten this far with out you. You my sister, bound to duty so young, we rode together as Knights, you I and Shavyn. We all faced our own trials, we each lost loves, I was the only one granted to get mine back. Shavyn found new love, and you faced death, more times now than any of us. And you still fight ? I do not know where this kingdom would be now if you had died that day?::a smile to Shea:: Neither I nor Shay would be where we are today with out you, you have served this kingdom so well as a knight, forsaking everything for this your home. And I know that cost, you my sister are my most honored in command. And I love thee. ::Salice looked to the table, and rose her glass again:: To Shea?



::Raising his glass high,
echoing the toast:: To Shea.


:shea was blushing
deeply:: thank you all:; a slow sip of wine
taken.::


A look from Shea to
Salice, after the latter took a sip, he
followed suit and then took his seat again::

:He leaned a shoulder to
Shea's:: (w)...that was quite the toast.


Salice sat slowly:; now
lets enjoy this Lingwe ::Salice started to
eat::


Shea just smiled to him,
still blushing ::(w) aye...:;another slow sip
of wine::

He looked down at the
"lingwe" thinking he should have brought
paper and quill to write all these new
names and dishes down so he could
reference them later. He leaned over to
Shea, kissing her cheek:: All of it
deserved, I'm sure

:she started cutting in to
the food on her plate, everyone had
toasted her, she had gotten a wink from
Nenime, and a smile from her son ,Salice
had spoken high of her before but never
like that: you should try the fish its very
good:; after a swallow::


:He nodded with a smile,
looking at the cooked fish on his plate::
Ah, fish...I should have guessed...::Taking
knife and fork in hand, he cut off a small
portion and ate...his mouth filling with a
rich, savory flavor he had never tasted
afore::


Shea smiled as she took a
bite of fish and a bite of vegetable::
Hisime goes out and catches them him
self, from the ocean. ::a sip of wine:: mm
and Salice had paired it well with the wine
choice..

At the far end of the table
Audrey cleaned off Vanya's face and
slowly rose to her feet, off to put the little
girl to bed::

:He continued sampling
all the offerings from his plate, enjoying
the meal::


:He waved to Vanya
before she was led from the table::

As everyone finished the
plates were cleared, Salice rose to her
feet, and took Devron?s arm and he led her
to the lounge, where the other would soon
follow as they finished::

::In short order there was
nothing left on his plate that would give
evidence that it had once been filled. He
took a drink of wine, his gaze following
those leaving the room::


Shea smiled looking
across the table at Dagor and Elenya as
they rose. Dagor sent Shea a wink as he
walked in to the lounge::


He gave Dagor a smile
and nod as he leaned back in his chair,
his hand finding Shea's:: That was a
superb meal.

:her fingers laced with his::
yes wasn't it, simply divine.

:He looked at her, seeing
others leaving the room as their meals
were finished:: What awaits us next?

::she smiled tilting her head
to listen in to the lounge:: sounds like its
a quiet night, something must be up...if all
I hear in there is talking... perhaps just
some simple talk in the lounge, it must
have been a longer day for everyone
else...

::He nodded, rising slowly
from his chair to stand next to her:: I
guess we shouldn't keep them
waiting...unless ye have reason not to
want to go in there.

::she pushed her chair back
and smiled to him as she rose to her
feet:: nae i think the ode to Shea is over
for now...

:He smiled, lifting her
hand to his lips:: That ode shall never fade
as long as I am around ye....I've a mind to
add a few verses myself.


:again she blushed:: oh?
well then perhaps it wasn?t so bad, if ye
intent to add on to it.. shall we? ::looking
toward the lounge::



:He gave her hand a
squeeze as they moved toward the
lounge, passing through the large set of
doors::


I'm sure I could add a few
lines of praise that your sister may not
have considered.

:;she smiled to him and
walked slowly in to th e lounge seats all
pulled in around the hearth, everyone close
by, all except her son and Mila who sat by
the far window: such as? ::she moved
towards the smaller of the two couches
and sat slowly::


grinned as he took a
seat next to her on the couch, wondering
why she would even leave a door that
wide open for him:: Ye wish to hear
it...now?

well, you don't have to tell
me now, but later if you wish, if they be
more private words, but yes i would like to
hear it, eventually..



He rose to his feet, a
smile on his lips as he gently released
her hand:: Now is as good as any time. ::He looked about the room, readying to
gain the attention of those gathered::
Mesdames...monsieur?s...if I might speak
to you a moment...::A look to Shea as he
gathered his thoughts and the room
quieted::


::attention turned to
Connar, every eye went to rest upon him
as a hush fell over the room::

He looked at those
gathered, making eye contact with each
as he spoke:: I am but a stranger in your
land, a guest in your home. ::He looked to
Salice:: Your toast and praise of your
sister was lovely and befitting her,
M?lady...I would entreat ye to allow me to
add a few of my own...

Salice nodded:: you are
welcome to add what ever you wish
Connar.. please go ahead.. :;a smile to him
then a smirk to her sister::


As many of ye know by
now...and if ye don't, tis no secret that I
love this woman that ye call sister,
cousin, aunt, friend, and captain. I was
lost before she found me, adrift when she
rescued me. Shea embodies all that is
just and right in this realm, amid the
darkness and squalor, she is a bright
warm light.


Shea just listened to
Connar, smiling. Blushing deeply red.::


He turned to look at
Shea, leaning down to take her by the
hand:: I've said as much to ye, but I would
have ye hear it again. Thank you for loving
me. For being my eyes when I couldn't
see. For parting my lips when I couldn't
breathe. I've not deserved the half of what
ye have given me. ::He looked to Salice, a
soft smile on his lips::



:Salice watched him as he
spoke so highly of her sister, everyone
watched him, every eye. Aiden's the most
keen of watch. Salice applauded Connar,
and the others joined suit:: very well
spoken Connar...:;a smile to her sister::
what say's you to this Shea?


I've stood by her side in
the throws of a fight, been healed by her
touch, comforted by her soothing voice
and smile. I am a debtor to all of ye for all
of this and more. Tis with grateful heart
that I thank ye for letting her be a part of
my life. ::He kissed Shea's hand softly
and took his place next to her::


::Shea?s cheeks were very
red with blush, a huge smile on her
face, looking to Salice then to Connar, she
didn't know what to say::


He looked at Salice and
smiled:: Shea needn't say a thing, for she
has said all I need to hear or know
already.

;Salice smiled:: I am glad to
hear all that you have Said.. Connar. And
to see my sister smile, her true
smile. .which I have not seen.. in a very
long time.. ::a soft nod to Connar :: you
sir are more than just a guest here, if you
love her:: she leaned in to Devron who
stood by her side::

:He bowed his head to
her:: I speak from the heart, M?lady.

:Salice smiled:: tis a trait
we treasure here...::she kissed Devron?s
cheek, and sat down in that large arm
chair, looking over to Aiden by the window
then back to Shea.::

He leaned back in the
couch, looking at Shea, a soft smile to
match his gaze on her::.. I'm sorry if that
embarrassed you.

:a smile to him:; no you did
not..: :she kissed him softly:: you honor
me with such loving words...thank you..

:He returned the soft
kiss, looking into her eyes:: Ye are
welcome.

::her free hand graced his
cheek, jade hues moved from him to her
son, who had moved in to view, he
crossed out of the room with Mila. Shea
closed her eyes and leaned in closer to
Connar::


He put his arm around
her as she leaned close. He saw Aiden
pass out of the room, not sure if he might
have upset the lad or said anything out of
turn. He thought that Aiden might resent
the time he was stealing with his
mother...a mother he did not get to see all
that often, and now Connar took all of her
free time::

:Salice was soon to rise,
and on the arm of Devron she passed
out, with a wave back to Shea and the
others left. Dagor came around the couch
to kneel before Shea:: Elenya and I are
headed home tomorrow, but on your way
back to Rhydin you should stop in to the
shop.. ::he rose to his feet:: and come by
the house.. we all can have dinner, if you
both like..

thank you uncle, safe
travels, and I shall be in tot he shop
before we head off to Rhydin, that is a
promise...


:He smiled, offering his
two-cents:: I'll keep her to that promise.


:;Dagor smiled and took his
wife?s arm: ; good good.. ::out of the room they went. Nenime still sat there across
from Shea, Cermie already gone off to
bed.::

:;Nenime smiled and rose to
his feet:: Audrey ,Vanya, Duchan, Cerime
and I also leave tomorrow, back to
FairWinds... you should come by the
castle on your way back to Rhydin as
well..

:He looked at his guide,
with a grin, knowing Shea was the only
one that could assure that the two of
them could get anywhere...he was all but
lost...geographically speaking::


:Shea smiled:: aye uncle
we shall stop in.. I'll have to get my blade
worked on in HarpSing, so it be best to
stay around in FairWinds while I
wait...that is if ye don't mind Connar


He looked at her with a
smile:: Tis fine by me...I've nothing
pressing to attend to...I would love to visit
anywhere ye care to visit.

Nenime nodded:: good
good.. ::he smiled to Connar and passed
out of the room, leaving the two alone
there by the fire::


looked over the
empty room and smiled to Shea, lifting a
hand to run through her hair as it hung at
her shoulders:: Here we are, alone
again...and we even showered today...

leaning in to that soft
touch she smiled:: aye we did, it was
rather nice, the rain.. you'll like
FairWinds. .the castle is not as grand as
GreenStones, but there isa lake and falls
::closing her eyes as she thought about
it::



:He touched her cheek
softly, leaning back into the couch and
against her:: I'm sure I will...::His thoughts
turned back to Aiden:: Ye don't suppose
that Aiden has missed opportunities to be
with you? I've all but monopolized your time
here.


::She smiled:: tis kind of
you to think of him. But I wouldn?t worry, my
son loves me, and he is happy to see me
happy, I can tell, in the way he smiles at
me.. tis true it has been long since he
and I spent any time together.. but he has
a love and life all his own now, and though
I am his mother he is now a young
man..he may need me from time to time,
and when he does need me he will sa
it...he likes you. .::she smiled looking in to
his eyes::


he smiled, looking at
her:: If the opportunity presents itself, ye
should seek him out and just talk with
him...even if sons don't show it, they
always need to hear from their
mothers...love interests or not.

I shall do so. .::she kissed
his cheek::


:He smiled at the kiss,
leaning against her, stroking her hair and
shoulder:: Tis been a pleasant day all
around, Shea.

she leaned her head upon
his chest closing her eyes:: Aiden has
long searched for answers, to why his
father was murdered, after we found out
who and how.. Aiden still searched. .::a
smile:; it was pleasant for me as well..


::He closed his eyes as
he ran his fingers softly and slowly along
her neck and shoulder inside the collar of
her shirt, his head leaning to hers:: I'm
sure he will always be searching for
answers to his sense of loss. Those kind of
answers are hard to come by.

aye, he sought vengeance,
even at his young age, but I was the one
who faced Jinnalt when I found out that he
was the one who had Adaron
killed...Aiden barely remembers Adaron...
but he is so much like him, not bound to
an element like we sisters, though we can
learn and practice others, Aiden is bound
by none, he can weild them all, he is what
his father was... a Taur'Amandil.. he has
had to find his own path :;she ran her
fingers up and down his chest::



Why did your brother kill
Adaron?

My brother killed two men,
Zel, and Adaron. Zel loved Shay and
Adaron loved me, yet they were both men,
not of elf kind, my brother had been dark
since forever, but after my father
died....and Alaric came in to our lives,
Jinnalt was never the same, he killed both
Zel and Adaron for he feared they would
take his kingdom...Jin also tried to take
Devron from Salice...she was the lucky
one...though Shay after finding Zel was
dead found Crendia and Kulbin.. and new
love and I I found my way to
Rhydin..

::He nodded slowly:: The
women of this realm suffer much at the
hands of evil, Shea.

yes we have, we lost our
mother Salice and I to evil and we all lost
our father to the same evil...and we each
lost love to Jinnalt and Alaric, but each
have gained it back... we are strong...

He caressed her skin
softly as he thought about that new-found
love. How it might feel to love and lose
again:: I've heard say, that which doesn?t
destroy us, makes us stronger in the end.

::she smiled, looking up to
him:: that it does: she sat up and looked
in to his eyes:: we?ve had quite the
day.. ::a soft kiss to his cheek::


:He smiled to her, the
realization that their escape...their retreat
from all cares would soon be at an end.
He closed his eyes, leaning in to kiss her
lips, chasing those thoughts from his
mind:: Aye...tis been a non-stop thrill ride
since we left Rhydin.


she returned the soft kiss::
well the next day shall be quiet... we
could even stay in bed all day...::a smile::

:He smiled:: What, and
deprive GreenStone of her prized citizen?
We would be seiged by search parties for
certain.

I don?t think so... both my
uncles their wives Duchan Audrey and
vanya leave tomorrow at dawn, which
leaves you and I, Salice and Devron, Aiden
and Mila , Kulbin and Shay... and all of
them will be 'resting' the day away...


Ye make a strong
argument for staying in bed all day...and I
can't find a reason not to do just that.

good, then its settled...

:He grinned and nodded::
Well, that was easy.


::she smiled resting her
head on his shoulder:: I could lay down
right now. With ye.. and be most
comfortable

:He ran his fingers
through her hair, squeezing her neck and
shoulder as his hands moved over:: As
could I...::He grinned::...There be enough
cushions to make a right fancy pit here.

:leaning softly in to his
touch:: that is true.. hmm are you thinking
what I am?

:He laughed:: I would not
dare...not here...:

:she smiled:: oh come
on. Why not?

;He shrugged:: Why not?
Ye are the guest of honor, right? Ye can
do whatever ye please.


:she smiled:: exactly...::she
nudged him with one of the pillows:: but
even so if I make a mess I'd have to clean
it up. Much easier just to go upstairs.



::He smiled, reaching
over to take up one of the pillows, popping
her on the head with it:: Did ye change
your mind already?

:she smirked and hit him
softly with another pillow:: no...just trying
to distract you...


:He laughed, not dodging
the pillow volley:: If all ye wanted to do
was distract me, all ye needed to do was
smile.

: ::He jumped up from the
couch were they were seated, moving
quickly to another, taking up cushions
and pillows as he went, sending them
haphazardly in her direction:: As I recall, the last time
we did this, it didn't end all to well for ye.

:she ducked and tossed a
few cushions back at him:: i think last
time it ended just fine for me.. ::a smile::
in fact I liked how it ended. .::tossing
another pillow at him, as she ran to hide
behind one of the chairs::

He laughed and ducked
as the pillow volley continued, the floor
quickly becoming a sea of couch cushion
and pillows:: I seem to recall ye begging
for to be set free.

:she smiled:: maybe I was
just feigning weakness.. ::a larger pillow
tossed at him:

Another laugh as he
jumped over to another couch, sending a
new hail of cushions and pillows her way,
stopping long enough to loosen his belt
and scabbard, tossing them aside:: I'm
sorry, I was there...there was no feigning
involved.

:she ducked under the
pillows and cushions and fell back in to
the ones behind her that lay before the
hearth::

He tossed a few more in
her direction before stepping over the
back of the couch, lowering himself to the
cushions next to her, leaning over her, his
face poised just above hers:: This is about
how the last pillow fight ended.

:she smiled:: I?ve been
beaten again ::lays there motionless with
a smile::

He leaned down and
kissed her neck softly, raising up to look
into her eyes:: To the victor go the spoils?

aye:: smiling:: and you are
the victor again..

:He grinned, tickling her
sides:: I've seen how ye live...ye are
spoiled. ::He wrapped his arms under her,
Leaning down to kiss her lips::

:she slid her hands over his
shoulders and returned the kiss::

:her hands slid to their
resting point on his back, her eyes
closed, as she returned that passion filled
tender kiss. One hand moving up slowly
to the back of his neck:

:His hand moved up her
arm and shoulder to caress her cheek
and neck as they kissed, leaning into her
lips, softly cradling her skin under his
touch. His lips would move over hers,
exploring their warmth and softness::


::her body leaned in to his
touch, like a natural reaction, as her
fingers played their way up the back of his
neck, her body shivered softly, as she
could feel the heat rise between
them, deepening the kiss pressing her body
up close to his::

::They would continue to
hold and embrace one another on those
cushions in front of the hearth, letting their
love and passion fuel their embrace....at
some point finding the right moment to
kick off their boots and find a blanket to
snuggle under. They would whisper to
each other, share more sweet kisses
before sleep would take them. Morning
light and the first visitors to the lounge
would find them wrapped in each others
arms, peacefully sleeping::