The journey leads me back home.

"My past is nothing like yours Zara." He said as if to warn her of the bracing tale. "But like yours it is full of sorrow, and regret and adventure. He looked accross at her now and she couldnt help but wonder. His eyes were clear so bright silver they shone ven in the dim of the tent. "If we had met in different times,we would have never been friends, nor lovers, nor maelamin." He smiled at that word and Zara smiled back. Beloved...

"I grew up in a different place, far from this coast line."He looked out over the beach towards the sea as if he could see home,his home from where he sat. "It was a small island, at least to the eyes of a young boy. But in the laregr sceme of things it was massive. The center of my known world for most of my youth, or youth as humans may see it. " Zara nodded, understanding.

"Shynt Raena." Zara's brows rose at him, the language was deep and she knew it to be some sort of drow. "Invisible Haven." He smiled at her as he kenw she was trying to figure it out. "It was more than home to drow kind. Many kinds lived there think of it as a rhydin on a isle, but no dragons or beasts like that. Pirates,sailors,elves,men, women, drow kind, orc kind, some minor beasts. "

He shrugged as if it didnt matter. "My mother was from the isle, my father was not/ But both were of drow kin. I also had four sisters, all younger. Caerthynna , was the next eldest,younger than I by three years , she had my mothers eyes, but was always built like a warrior or sailor like my father. Meira was five years younger than I, she and I shared the same eye tone.Silver is very rare for drow kin. As I am sure you know. Shiala who was seven years younger than I was much my fathers daughter, she took on his height and his work,built for the sea with hair the color of it. And the youngest of us who was eight years younger than I the one we all wanted to protect was Aluenda . "

He looked off as if he recalled every moment of his youth.

"I was twelve when they first came. There had been whispers of people looking for rare beasts. Though not rare elves,and drows were always on their list. For they were rare else where. I came home from the market to find my father badly beaten my mother crying and Caerthynna was gone. She had been only nine. " Zara sat back and shook her head. "Slavers?" Delan nodded sadly. He looked off in to the distance. " I never wanted to leave home after that, but my father convinced me to. "

"He and I went out one day, he was going to show me the ropes of his buisness. He worked near the sea, he loved it.A year passed and nothing, two years,three. I was now a man, at least to the eyes of most. Stong and able. "

They left the beach the next morning travling beyond Hidden Haven to the west. They left the coast line behind for rolling hills. They passed through open plains for many days.

After a week of grasses ,trees and little patches of dirt Zara spied a town. Delan looked off at it. "We are in need of a few things.But I dare not go in." Zara looked to him there in a little grove of pines they ahd rested throug the warm day and now the night was coming. " I will go in and gather what we need."

"They will not allow you out till morning." She pressed her hand to his chest. "I will be alright. " She leaned in and kissed him and made off for the small town.

It wasnt much of a town a low bolder wall went around it. One man stood guard at the small old rusted gate. Zara drew her hood over her head as she got closer. "State your business in Aseg ." The man said as she got within reach of his cross bow. "I require food and shelter , and supplies for the road ahead." The man with the cross bow inched clsoer. "Lower your hood please." Zara did so. The man starred at her for a long moment. "An elf. Where ye be from?" Zara looked to him, "Hidden Haven was my home for many years but I have need to see something besides the sea." The man looked her up and down and nodded. "You may enter."

Zara smiled drew her hood and walked through the open gate that quickly closed behind her.

She knew she didnt have long most shops would clsoe once it was dark. So she hurried to the first outfitters store. She bought enough for two.But the man behind the counter didnt question her. It was dark all too soon, and Zara had to find a cheep inn to stay in for one night. She found a little palce at the other end of town. She paid in cash for a room for the night then locked herself in the room. She hoped that Delan would be alright with out her.

The sounds below in the common room awoke her. She peeked out of her room and went down the hall.A few patrons stood at the up stairs railing looking down. "Whats going on?"

She asked a woman standing there leaning over. " Guards lookin for some one." Zara peered over the railing at the five men. They were dressed in full battle armor.They flashed a piece of paper at the inn keeper. No human eyes would have seen what Zara saw On that apper a very well done picture of Delan. She was careful not to show her worry or suprise. She listened in closely.While the others there were humans and likely wouldnt hear much Zara heard every word.

"Were lookin for this drow." The man in front said, clearly the leader. "Hes wanted for a string of murders." Zara nearly snarled at that,Delan had killed men but so had she.Slavers. The taven keep shook his head. "No drows here." The four men behind the leader started searching the down stairs stopping at every table to look upon thsoe there. Zara knew what would come next. She backed away slowly back to her room gathered her things and slipped out the back window.

When the men came through the rooms she was long gone.

She stopped off once before leaving to gather a few provisions and left through the same gate she had entered from. No one stopped her. Carts and traders came and went through the gates. But Zara was very careful.She travled tot he north for a while before heading back west towards the camp.

She found Delan pasing. She looked behind her once.No one followed her.

"Whats wrong?" He asked as she lay her pack down. "Men looking for you, and this." She handed over the paper with his picture on it shed torn it from a nail. He looked to the picture, a nicely done sketch of him. In the picture he had a shadow of a beard. "Nice." She smirked at him. He tore the paper in to little bits. "They will partol the area by dusk we should move before then. " "Agreed."

By dusk their was no sign of them at the grove of pines. They moved quickly off to the north then continued to the east. They did not stop when night fell. Neither one needed any light to guide their agile steps.

For two full days they went on, stoping only for a few moemnts to eat,drink or tend to personal affiars.

"Bless the gods. " Zara filled her water skin full with the clear running spring waters. Delan smirked at her. They coulds see the forest ahead of them they had passed the dangers of the open road. Before night fall they crossed under the deep shade of the forest. They found a place to camp under a massive birch tree.

Delan set up the tent and kicked off his shoes. Zara watched him and was following suit. The road had been long.

When he found the pond deep enough to serve as their own pool and was quick tos trip and jum in she followed him.The water was cool and felt nice. Delans powers over fire made the water warmeer as time went on. Zara washed and let her body soak in the water. Delan grinned at her,watching as she bathed.

He smirked more whens he watched him. "Come here."He waved to her. She swam in closer and ran her cold fingers down his arms. He shivered lightly then pulled her hard against him. His fingers traced her form,his hands ran over her slowly. Zara closed her eyes,feeling as if she might melt.

She felt his hot kisses on her shoulders. "I have missed this." He whispered in to her ear. "I have as well."He smiled, " the trials of the road, and being so hunted. "She smirked at him. "We will have time for a while to be alone in these woods." He nodded to that. "Mmm hmm, much time alone." He pulled her tighter and kissed her deeply.

Later when she awoke in the tent she curled up against him. He smirked softly feeling her curl to him. "I have missed that as well."Her brows perked at him. "Being close with you, and hearing you voice my name,over and over again." He grinned. She smirked up at him.

They stayed there for two full days before pressing on for four. They found good food in the woods as wella s fresh water. The cover was thick,and some days they lit a fire to cook with. Always careful of attracting attention. Many days and nights they had alone. Zara enjoyed every passing moment.

She awoke some time later to find Delan perched looking out a high windowless panel. "Whats going on?" She crossed to him. He merely pointed out the window, the sun was slowly drifting down towards setting and a dozenmen rode out from the city beyond behind them was a wagon with a cage a top it. Zara sighed.Slavers. "They ride for three days to reach to port on the othe side of those mountians." He pointed off east and south. Zara could make out low hills.

"Are we to stop them?" She asked as if she knew the answer. "Wed have to leave now, and run all night to find a palce worthy of to drow to hide in the hills. " She smirked at that and went to change in to her black suit. Once changed they headed out in a full run across the darkining land.

Running was no task for either of them. They passed the resting mena nd their cart and were a full day ahead when they found a palce to hide in the craddy hill tops of the low mountians Delan ahd pointed out just hours before.

"We can rest tonight and tomorrow, they will not come through at night, the day after they will slowly pull through and we."He smirked to her, "will desend." She nodded to that. The thrill of this was evident .

That night they ate well and rested but Delan could not sleep. Zara leaned her head to his shoudler as they sat agasint the craggy rocks. His fingers twinde through her hair and down her sides. She knew his mind wa son the slavers and how he was going to kill them.

"Delan?" She asked him softly and he said nothing in responed only made a soft hmm sound. She shifted to settle over him straddling his legs. He grinned to her and his eyes were far off for a moment. He then leaned in and kissed her softly letting his mind slip from the slavers to her as the kiss deepend. But he pulled away softly. " Though I would love nothing more than to lay you back and be with you tonight, I can not focus." She smiled to him nodding.

They sat up all night watching the sky filled with stars. Once ina whie shed catch him looking at her as if he was thinking deeply about something.

As dawn broke they watched the cart with the slaves, still far off from the mountains they would have to wait out the day and the coming night before they would get their chance.

Another dawn and the cart and its men were within full view and striking range. "You sneak down behind the cart while I distract the soldiers" She smirked at him kissed him once deeply before hiding her fair face. She then slipped along the ridge and he went the other way.

As he slipped down next to the narrow road he smirked seeing her hiding in the shadows ready when he was. He chuckled to himself then shaking off the fact that they made such a good team he leaped out at the cart. The twelve men had all been force to walk in front of the cart and all focus their eyes on the Drow before them.

"Gents.."Delan bowed to them. "Your gold, and jewels and weapons if you would." Zara came out of her hiding spot and snuck up in to the back of the cart. There were six slaves shoved in to the small cage. Zara made short work of the lock.

"Go,"she whispered. "Run in to the mountains, run away from here." They didn't need any convincing as Zara soon heard the clash of steel to steel. She looked over the cart to Delan fighting all twelve men, it seemed six at a time. None of the soldiers even noticed the slaves running off or Zara. She picked her way off the cart around the other side.

She watched for a moment they had put Delan in the middle of their small circle six men inside six men outside. Zara slipped down along the craggy rocks behind the first man. He didn't even know what hit him when her dagger slit his that. Nor did his friends know what happened to the man. Zara slit his throat then dragged him off to the slight under brush to leave him to die. One by one she went around the outer circle taking down men one at a time.

Delan was a seasoned warrior and had already killed three of the first six. But now wary the last remaining three of the outside six moved in tighter about him. Zara knew she could not longer be stealthy. So instead she stood up in plain view. Delan knew they saw her when the shock played on their faces he grinned and used that moment to kill another. The shock also killed tow more by Zaras quick bow work. It was now three to two and Zara longed for close combat again.

So while Delan danced with two she took on one herself.

Later when he lay with her on their rolled furs he smiled to thier enjoyent. How she had cried his name, how her fingers dug in to his back. How he longed never to stop. He whispered her name again in her ear now. She roller over and face him and he smiled. "Did I wake you?" She shook her head softly. "I was mostly awake." He chuckled and kissed her softly.

After their hearty meal they sat by the water fall with their feet in the cool waters. Delan looked at her sitting there so content she looked back at him. Her eyes seemed to demand his attention. His fingers brushed along her cheek and he let a soft pusle of warmth go through his finger tips.

Zara eyes shut and she smiled. She could reamin there for hours,days even

When Zara had left home she had run. Or so it seemed. She ran and hopped the slavers would follow her out. Some had, they were all dead now. But others had remaind. What had become of her home since shed left, it been three years, almost four now.

Eyllis. The word in her mind seemed so odd to her. The name of her homeland. The name of the place she had been born and lived her first full century as an elf. Eyllis. Shed come to find many places along her route away from home places that welcomed her with open arms. People who she aided praised her.

She thought back tot he day she left saving any and all she could. Delan and she weren't that different. But he had risked his life to save more then she had likely. Though together they had faced a few salvers, they had yet to face any real foes, no mountain giants, or rock giants. No orcs or goblins. They crossed few people and saw only tracks of the wild life they had hunted dear, rabbit, goose and grouse int he woods. They had fed on berries and roots, and saved their water through the open patches of land. They had taken grain and water from empty store houses. But only in places where slaves were known to be kept.

They had laid under the stars with no tent just their furs. They had laid under rocky slope, in deep cave and wondrous wood lands. This trek was not fast nor slow. It was the perfect mix. On her way towards Rhydin her journey had been slow three years long, but she had stayed in a few places now of they had come to pass. Those were still miles away long from where they now sat under the shade of a rocky slope still in those low hills.

Delan seemed content with their pace. He didn't seem to rush nor to want to. They ate well most nights and mornings, some days they walked while eating lunch or sat down to rest and ate a bite. They took shelter in caves and dinned on the mushrooms Zara knew so much about. There were crystals in those caves like the Crystals in Abban. They glowed with their own light, in shades of purple,blue,white and yellow.


Every now and again she catch Delan looking at her. Not int he way that made her blush, but in the way that made her want to ask him what he was thinking. It would be doing simple task of washing clothes, dishes or while around the fire, or when they were hunting dear or elk or sneaking upon rabbits and grouse.

Zara thought back to those days she fled to the wise owl that had sought her out to the words penned by her dearest of friends. Was Luana alive still? Were any of her friends alive? Were the people safe or in hiding, had there been war? Were the woods alive, the sands? Ws anything as she could recall it?

She had to steady herself for a moment looking out at the craggy rocks. What if nothing was left, the forest turned to ash the people enslaved? Or dead? She knew Delan saw her worry, his hand rested to her shoulder and he shook his head is if to silently say, ' do not dwell on such things.' She looked to him, his silver eyes her anchor in that moment, nodded and would not cry.

She sat back in to he shade and closed her eyes as Delan kept watch. They had seen no one, and hardly anything in the last two days since they left the cave. A few hawks,rabbits,and cave rats. No soul, no monsters no slavers.. nothing.

Zara thought for a moment back to her time in Hael. Sid had been there and Zara never said a word to her, nothing that hinted at who Zara had been. This time if they passed through Hael which she was sure they would she would great Sid with a smile. Delan wouldn't be shunned there, Zara had seen many dark elves in her short days there, and slavers were not allowed.

Now when she thought of the Rahelia plain she could not see it, not really. So much had passed that the image faded from her mind. Shed been gone too long. She looked out again forgetting nothing now of her trek past Hael, in to the Bailion, the city beyond she had first seen Cindeigh, and the many towns that came after. She was a ranger again, to those she helped, a friend and ally.

She looked to Delan now who looked off down the road they would soon head down. She studied him for a moment, as she sometimes caught herself doing. Yes, she loved him, and could marvel at him. But in the shadow of the rocks he looked so stoic, powerful, a dangerous force. His hair whipped back in the wind, his eyes steady to the empty road. She marveled at him for a moment and for a moment could see him standing by the lake shore in Taindira forest. Much at home there as he was any where else. She wondered if he would be content there? Or would they need adventures? There were always the Lukiae Mountains. Filled with so many adventures.

There were ales she knew her friends would tell, and things she could teach him, and things shed learn about him. Shed learned so much now, he hid nothing from her, his past was an open book as hers was to him. When he looked at her she felt as if she were the only thing in the world.

He looked at her now his brows rising. She just smiled and shook her head. He then snickered and took her hand. They then continued down away from their shade and on to the road to the East.

As night fell and a small crescent moon rose Zara walked with him hand in hand. The day had gone away so quickly and now the night settled in. There was a chill, but Zara did not feel it. If it was because of Delan or the fact that no cold seemed to ever touch the ice elf she knew not.

Now as they walked slower enjoying a little hand held meal Delan cast his eyes to the moon then to her. They had spoken very little since they left the cave. But she dared not ask him what he was thinking. Knowing in turn he'd ask her.

The days in the cave had been the best since the forest pools. Out in the open they could not linger nor love as she wanted to. They were cautious.

She looked back to him again as she finished the light meal. She was about to say something when a lonesome howl echoed along the rocks. Zara looked up and left and then saw the wolf, a common wolf, sleek and gray. Delan spotted it too. "Calling for her mate." He winked then followed the slow movements of the sleek black male that joined the female on the hill top. Zara watched as the two wolves nuzzled and yipped at each other then ran off side by side. Zara grinned to that and looked to Delan who's eyes were now set on her.

The moon light came down just right through the high cliffs and hanging trees and lit her face, eyes and hair in moon light. And when Zara looked at him she saw his eyes as if they were made of liquid silver glowing, burning really as he looked at her. She blushed, he'd looked at her in many ways and many times but now she couldn't look away.

Liquid silver. That was what it was like, pure and flowing and perfect. His eyes, burning with the glow of the moon. Then the kiss surprised her. He had been wary and very careful since they left their cave dwelling, for days wondering if the slavers would come to find them. But nothing had come and they'd been alone on the road.

But now he seemed to throw all that caution to the wind as he kissed her. True they had seen no one and no signs of anything, no dangers had sought them out nor had they gone looking or stumbled upon any. But still Zara was surprised by his sudden and passionate kiss.

She found her self lifted in his arms then pressed to the wall of rocks behind them away from the road. The kiss was returned with shock then with an eagerness. Her hands easily found the back of his shoulders and neck his hands pressed her tighter to that wall, held her firmly against him.


When he broke the kiss it was only for lack of breath. Zara took a deep breath and opened her eyes. Even now with the moon light off his face his eyes seemed to burn like little stars. His fingers traced the outline of her face, trailing through her hair, going over her ears then down her neck, then lastly along her lips. She stared in to his eyes as his fingers did these simple moves.

She had not felt him be so passionate since they had left the cave. She wondered what this sudden moment had been about. He smiled to her as if he sensed her question or that he saw it in her eyes. "The moon light, you looked so. "His fingers traced her face now in shadow. "Beautiful. I couldn't help myself."

Zara smiled and blushed deeply. "You surprise me Delan Dulthaas." He grinned at her then stole another kiss. They were back on the road to the East within no time.

When they stopped for their morning respite he saw signs of orcs. Foot prints and left behind half eaten meals. He waited for Zara while she finished her morning routine. The morning for her usual regired a bit of privacy which he gave to her, as she gave to him.

He followed the tracks till they were no more, the land became to hard packed to follow them but he knew which way the orcs had gone, off north away from them.

When Zara came around the bend he nodded to her. They were on their way shortly after eating as they walked. Though the city was far behind them, there were dangers here.Dnagers that didnt afford time to sit and eat most days.

How he missed the deep woods full of lush prey,fresh water and berries. He was getting tired of their rationed meals f dried meat, hard craker like bread and cheese. Then there was the cave rats and mushrooms they had on occasion. Neither which he liked. And he longed so much to be alone with Zara out of danger.

When they were clean,and smelling and feeling better at long last they left the bath room in fuzzy robes. Thier clothes had been taken as Zara requested to be cleaned. Every pair she owned was dirty and Delans was like wise. The only thing she refused to have cleaned were her cloak and gloves those shed tend to herself in the morning.

She padded across the room to the large bed to comb through her hair. Delan watched her smiling. The room was larger, it had massive windows and a huge bed. Room enough for four or maybe even six people but it was theirs.

He dropped his robe at the bath room door way. Zara looked up at him. " Though that is a good look for you, you have nothing clean to put on." He grinned at her. "Who needs clothes we are alone." That was true the door was locked the windows shaded. Zara rose and shed her robe. This all reminded her so much of their days in the Rhydin woods. That first out right dare.

She gave him a once over and he did not hide the fact that he gave her more than one once over. Still though hed seen her this way many times now she blushed. His warm hands cupped her cheeks. " Alone,well fed, and clean at long last." He kissed her softly, then led her to the bed.

He continued to remain slient as he ate, as he was remembering everything that he had told her. Back when they were on that beach, when he finally told her everything about himself. A pause for a moment, as he slowly set the fork down. A glance to Zara for a moment, with a faint smile as he stood and moved over to his bag. Searching for a certain item.

Upon finding what he was looking for, a small frame and moved over to Zara. Holding it out towars her, his voce soft as he spoke. "This is them..before they were taken from me." It was a small picture of his family, done a few days before the slavers took his mother and sisters.

Once she took it from him, he moved to sit back down across from her. "Once we find this Collector, and kill him. I do not know what I will do. All my life has been geared towards finding this one man, and seeing if they are still alive." Hands coming together as he looked down to the table.

Zara could tell, part of her beloved drow, whom rarely showed the scared side of himself. Was showing it now. "If they are alive..I doubt they would remember me..or approve of what I have become. I don't even know what happened to my father." Softly before he just shook his head. Falling silent.
Zara took the small framed picture of his family. There they were his siblings, his mother, his father. All outside an old house on a beach like sand.Shynt Raena, Invisible Haven. His home, the home that ws stolen from him. On the far end stood his mother,drow kin,she was tall lovely, her hair was long,longer than Zara had ever seen a drow female wear her hair.

Caerthynna stood to her right, she looked strong, her hair was shirter her eyes were nearly exactly the same as his mother not only in color but shape and placement. Meira stood to the right of Caerthynna , her eyes blazed silver her hair was shorter almost curly. Shiala stood next to Meira, she was dressed like a sailor,looking touch and ready for a fight.

Then there was Delan... and beside him his father, they looked much alike and in Delans arms standing in front was Aluenda. He was twelve at this time, before they first came. This must have been taken days before Caerthynna was taken, she had been nine

Zara knew what happened next his father convinced him to go out, and they returned to find the others, his mother ,Meira, Shiala and Aluenda. gone. Then his father disappered.Then Delan became someone else, a different person. She handed the frame back to him. "We will find your family,I dont know if they will be alive..But we will find this man, this Collector, and kill him. We will kill anyone aiding him." She knew he was scared as scared as she had been that day sitting in the shade of the roocks thinking about home, worrying about what could be.

"We cant know what will happen, if they are alive.I hope they are. And if we find them and if they wish to stay in Eyllis then they can." If anything was left, but she let that thought fade. "And if they dont we will find them a safe way back to where ever they wish...they are family if they approve of what you have become or not... and if you wish you could go with them, lead them back home..." She looked down , she meant he coudl go, and she would not.If there was anything left of her home or her friends she would stay there,and he could go.. It would kill her yes to let him go, but she could do it.

"We will find out, I promise you... we will find all the answers." She took his hands in hers, being strong, though she wanted nothing more than to cry.

She didnt want to break down inf ront of him so she let go of his hand aftera moment and rose with their empty tray. "I will take this down to Daphne." He wouldnt be able to stop her she was up and gone before he could say a word.


Down the stairs two at a time, she sat the tray at the end of the bar and sat down there. "Mornin there Zara." Daphne took up the tray and eyed the elfess. Zara let her tears flow. Daphne stopped ehr bar duites and went to Zaras side. "What wrong?"

" Daphne... have you ever heard of a man called the collector...?" Daphne tooka step back and a few at the bar side fell quiet. " Yes.. we know of him here..."

Zara looked up, tears filled her vision. "What can you tell me?"

Daphne lowered herself to the sootl beside Zara and the conversation at the bar went on. " I know him, .. a slaver, one who favors young girls.. he takes them.." She looked off Zara looked to her, " You know him?"

Daphne nodded. " He came through here when I was a child.. and if if had not been for my brother I would have been taken... He stole a few girls from here back then, he was taking them all to the east to be traded... sold.. he had a few drow girls with him, a few elf kind.. He also had someone else with him I never saw his face but I knew he was a male, a drow male.. likely someone being used for terrible things..."She took a deep breath as if the memory haunted her. "My brother, he came in to find me fighting him off... and struck him with a short sword.. . The man him self was tall, or at least he seemed that way to me then.. he wasnt ugly I suppose to some he might have been handsome.. before the short sword cut at his face.. hes likely missing that eye now, the left... If Iolan hadnt been there I would have been taken. Why do you ask? He is a horrid man..."

"He stole Delans family... I think he was taking them to Teien..a town in my homeland.." Sahpne stood slowly,placing her hands on Zaras shoudlers a move that would have hurt anyone else if Zara wasnt in control. " I hope you find them, and kill him. " Zara nodded , " I hope we do too." But she wanted to be selfish, she wanted Delan to stay with her, but she knew that may not happen.

With a deep breath she returned upstairs. Se had to tell Delan what Daphne had just told her. She pushed the door open. "I found out some things... about the collector. " He was standing looking out the window.

After Zara left, he moved to stare out the window. As his mind seemed intent to bring back those long lost memories of his childhood. He had never thought upon them, till that night she had asked him about his past. Now his mind tended to drift back to that point in time.

" I promise to make him pay for what he has done. I'll not rest untill I have avenged you." Whispered words to himself, but more to his missing family. Where ever they maybe. He knew it was a low chance any of them were still alive. As anger and revenge had brought him to this point in time. But those feelings had been ebbing away since he met Zara.

Upon hearing Zara's voice, his gaze moved to her as he moved to sit down. He had a feeling he would need to be sitting to hear what she had to say.

The sound ot the town bell ringing shook her from her moment. She lept off the rock wall and went sprinting for the center of town. The bell was only rung for two reasons, major storm coming in.Which she could tell it was not ,being clear out. Or they were under attack. Women and children were ushered insdie safe for those who would fight. Zara sprinted past the inn,to the center to town. She found the mayor there.

"Sennandri" She called to the woman,a mid ehight lighter toned drow woman. The woamn turned and regarded Zara. "I heard you were back in town, a moment not to soon." Zara nodded, she could see Dahpne and Delan coming out of the inn,Delan was armed carrying Zaras quiver and bows to her. Dahpne was armed as well.

"Orcs.." Senn explained. Zara looked back out to the west to see the dust rising. The people of Elirine had faced down orcs,goblins,giants,slavers and many other things through the years. They did not hide they stood their ground. Those that could not fight would be well guarded int heir homes enchanted by drowsh magics.

"Goblins as well." Zara noted the front runners of the coming hord. Delan was at her side then and she took her quiver and bow from him both slipping to her back. "Archers to the front of town,take your places behind the houses. Senn called and with one back ward glance Zara ran towards the out laying houses with the other noted archers of the town.

"Fire at will!" Senn was mayor and leader,everyone knew their place. Zara took up her place beside the people. She knew Delan would take up his own part in this fight.

The arrows flew at will over and around the houses towards to orcs and goblin kind that rushed in. A dozen goblins fell in the first few moemnts, cross bows stung out a healthy dose of drow posions. Low bows hit the orcs behind, Zaras bow was along bow, her arrows were not posioned like many of the others at the wall, but as she slipped them in and pulled back she froze them over, when they struck an orc or goblin it froze the creature soild, sometimes breaking in to many pieces after ward.

For the many that fell in those few first moments . Rocks flew in at them tossed fromt he field beyond they rolled by homes,crushed fellow fighters and soemtimes a goblin or three. Zara was flung aside in to rocks and rubble as Orcs and goblins crashed in to the center of town.

"Take your marks." Senn called, from the roof tops more arrows brought down more, and now swords men,axe men and all fighters alike went in to the coming fray.

Over the tossed bolders around rubble like waterthe orcs rolled in till they filled the cnetr of town,trashing away as they killed or were killed.

Zara dug her self free of the rubble and freed those she could aide. Some were long gone. She looked towards the bloody fray and slid her bowk then drew her sword,with a nod to thsoe she saved they rushed in from behind.

Everything shed been thinking about was quickly washed away in blood and gore. There had to have been at least one hudnred orcs and likely more than that in goblin kind, many ahd been taken down by arrows, and now many more lay dead in t he streets. As orcs rushe din upon drows, the dorw moved with grace, killing easily.

This would end with all the orc and golbin kind dead , and some drows dead and wounded. Zara could not pick out Delan in the mass, she told her heart not to worry. She ran in to the fray,setting her mind to this task alone.

The enemy was fleeing under a rain of arrows. There werent many left now, a dozen maybe.

"Help!" A voice cried. Zara spun and saw a mother trapped with her children behind ehr two orcs standing before her ready to strike. Zara moved with out thinking,sprinting the twenty pases that spearated ehr from the woman. Then Zara was between the woman her children and the two orcs. Her balde was already dark with blood. "Dar adel amin." She spoke in the elven tounge which was the most commonly used about Elirine, more so than language of the drow.

The woman nodded hodling ehr chidlren behind her while Zara stood between her and the orcs. Orcs didnt speak elven,but they did sometimes know some drowish. Zara looked them over these two werent smart. While the few others of their kind fled they stayed behind to torment a poor woman and her children. Zara was slowly walking them back away from the woman and her two children.

They hadnt struck yet. The didnt get the chance to, Zara reached out with her sword and touched one on the boot, not a killing bow. But Ice pusled through her hand through ehr sword and over the orc, that turned solid and then burst cracking to to bloody cubes. The other seeing its friend shatetred turned and ran, but likely wouldnt get far with the archers firimg down upon him. Zara saw Delan now near the wall taking off fleeing goblins.

Zara turned and the woman thanked her then rushed away indoors with her children.

The orcs that were alive fled, no goblins survived. Zara looked around, the dead orcs and goblins would have to be burned.Te dead towns folk would have to be found and buried.

Walking over to stand beside Senn,Zara eyed Delan as he walked over. He looked as if hed had the best time,not hardly a mark on him, while Zara was covered in blood and gore, and little pieces of rock rubble.

Not to mention mud and dust. Delans clothes were dusty a bit of blood and mud on his bootsand his balde he was cleaning as he walked over. Senn smirked to Zara. "Thats a hell of a drow you have there."
Zara chuckled half worn to the bone.

Senn smirked patted Zara on the shoulder the thanked Delan as she walked past him, the villagers would waste no time gathering up the goblin and orc bodies and pileing them up otuside the city walls to burn them. But first their own fallen had to be found,woudned sent to be healed.


Zara knew she had promised that she and Delan could leave at day break tomorrow. But she didnt want to leave the people hanging.
She cocked her head at him slightly when he came to stand beside her. " I can not leave them to burry their dead and tend to all these orc and goblin bodies alone.. Once the task of burrying and burning is done, we can go." She knew there would be repairs ,houes to be fixed but Zaras trade was not in fixing, tending to dead yes, that she could do.


The day was long and hot. There had not been many of the villagers that had died.Only a dozen, but each had friends,family and was known here. It was bloody work,messy work. More were unjured than killed. Zara could not help in the healing, it would be to risky with out her gloves, which were still inside her and Delans room at the inn. So she helped to bury the dead.


They were given found fairwells. Zara knew where Delan was. He was in the small cottage set up for tose withinjuries.Broken bones had to be set, wounds banaged,deeper wounds healed by those talented in magic. Zara glanced towards the cottage now and again. They had set off in different directions for the first time since leaving Rhydin.


She now helped pile up goblin and orc bodies,sometimes pieces of bodies in wagos to be pulled outside the walls. The work on fixing the destroyed wall was already under way as the frst wagon full was pulled away.


The orc and goblin bodies were piled far outside the walls. Once all the boides were gathered they would be set ablaze. It wa slong hot work, Zara could feelt he sweat dripping down her back. Not since the Nieli Desert had she felt the heat like this. Now and again she would take a long drink of water and wipe the back of her neck with a wet cloth.
By dusk the piles of orc and golbin bodies were bruning. The wall was still mostly destoried but plans had been set to fix it come dawn.


After a long cold shower Zara and Delan found them selves along side the warriors , the simple villagers and all others gathered inside the mighty hall,which was connected to Senns house to celebrate the victory, mourn the dead and cheer on Zara and Delan. There was food , drink and much talk.

Delan seemed to be very stoic about it all, thanking the people for their kindness, saying it was his honor to serve in the battle. He always looked to Zara, as if she had been the hero. But he had done as much as she had.

Zara thanked them as well, for welcoming them back.The battle hadnt been huge but it had been enough to weigh her down. To wear her out. So she ate and toasted and praised theuse who had died. All the while wishing for sleep. And a long cold bath, to battle off the heat she still felt that had settled in from the long hot day.


The people celebrated and mounred and cheered on the victory. Zara slipped out,to stand outside in the now cool night air. She could see the fires in the west, the piles of orc and goblin bodies burning still. She ran her hand over her neck,letting the cold seep in across her skin.

She knew someone,likely Delan would come looking for her sooner or later. But for now she stood there soaking in the cool air. She hadnt been mortally injured,a few cuts,scrapes,bruises for sure. More than anything the heat of the day had weighed on her. With her eyes closed she thought of those days in the cool woods.


She found it odd though.Delans warmth,his natural heat had never bothered her, not even in the hot springs. The sun did now and again bother her when she didnt wear her cloak. She wore it now, along with her gloves, they brought in coolness to her along with their other ablities.
She leaned to the back wall closing her eyes. The battle had washed away her thoughs, but not permiently. They came flooding back to her now, how she wanted to be selfish,to hold on to Delan for as long as she could.

But their road leading to Eyllis was leading them possibly to this man, the collector and answeres for Delan.Perhaps even his family. But it may very well lead them out of Eyllis just as quickly. What could she do?
She sighed and pressed her hands to her forhead,it was finally cool.She knew the long hot day had set her body off,heated her more than her ice elf half could stand. But the drow in her had enjoyed the battle, the blood.
When she opened her eyes she saw Delan leaning there across the way looking at her with concerned eyes.He hadn't made a sound, she didn't even know hed been there.

He looked as worn as she felt, "How long have you been standing there?"
" Long enough to know that you are worried about what will come to pass if and when we meet this Collector, and find out about if my family still lives. " He didn't need her to tell him that, as he as well had been pondering over that very thing. Without a word as he leaned off the wall across from her, and started towards her. He was tired, sore and just wanted to rest at the moment.

Yet being with Zara had openned his eyes to the rest of the world, to the point he wanted to be with her. If she would wish him to walk along the same road as her. " Before you say anything more. Just know, that even if my family is alive or has passed from this world. I will stay by your side, for as long as you want me there. "

Once in front of her, he leaned down to press a kiss to her cheek. He then turned to head back, giving her the time she wished for to rest. "When you are ready to head off, let me know. I'll be in town. Helping out where it is needed." Said over his shoulder to her.
He didnt get far as she pushed off the wall and went after him. Yes she had been worried,worried about that and so much more. she took his hand in hers the moment she caught up to him. "Theres not much more to do. The bodies of the orcs and golbins will burn all night, the rubble will have to wait till dawn, and Senn talked of building a wall. "

She looked to him tired and wore as she was. "Lets go back to the inn,take in rest, The others will too. Tomorrow is another day. We can stay and help if you want to. I would not ask you to stay with me, if your family needed you more. I would understand. I have ponderd much, the fate of my friends, youe family. My home. But no more of that tonight. I am to weary" Understand. Yes she would understand even if her heart would break to see him go.

Cindeigh was now two days out. Theyd walked for two full days and nights and now as the thrid day dawned they rested in a grove of old pine. Just beyond them ran a low movng river,that wasnt much more than a thin stream of water, but it had proven to be fresh, clear and cooling. They would cross it at dusk. Then continue till they saw Cindeigh.

For the last half a night Zara knew they were being followed. Not closely, but followed by someone or something. Shed see a shadow,she knew Delan had to.Hed be wary,keepigng his eyes on the surround. Theyd not stopped in any village or town,not since Elirine.


There it was again, a shadow. Zara lifted her bow and waited. Delan watched,then his eyes panned away, there was another shadow. Thieves?Raiders?slavers? Zara was ready for a fight,tense.Delan watched he was tense beside her. They wouldnt go easily if this was someone trying to catch them.

Two felines came forward,sandy toned cats a bit larger than your average town cat.Zara sucked in her breath. And lowered her bow. "Vedui' beleg Cathle." She looked to Delan, he likely had never been to Ael'Si. But she had. "They are not enemies." She saw his hand on his sword hilt relax. "They are of Ael'Si the great cat tribe of the Nieli. They are a long way from home."

The looked to her then sat down one was female Zara coold tell by size, the male was much larger and darker in color. Both had golden toned eyes wich studied Zara. Then slowly the female came to stand beisde her. Zara knelt down to run her hand through the thick golden fur and saw it,like the great owl before this cat carried a message. Zara was careful to take the rope off the cats leg and unfurl the message.

The male carried soemthing about his neck.Zara watched Delan undo the fine mithral chain on the end a heavy looking locket. When that was done the two cats ran off together eastward. Not once looking back.
The note was worn,the paper falling apart. But Zara knew this hand writting shed seen it.

" Sister,
Come with all speed, the people need you. We are trapped,hunted,dying. We have all fled in to the forest. Abban is even not safe. Aeila and Dyldra have fled with half of the other drow houses in to the Lukiae.I came in to the forest with your Friends. Nylian,Elidyr,Dhoean, Luana ,Tanseril their children and Llewellyn of the Cael. Most of the Ice elves have feld with the drow Elara Vonlirr and Keelin Ilri asked me to send this to you."

The page was tearing,ink blotted.

"One of the Ael'Si offered me these two felines. On carried this note the other, something I hope will prove useful to you. Come quickly sister,we are holding out, but the slavers have spread like wild fire. There is a man come now, his men call him the collector. He is an elf..and elf sister,with his eye missing,and he brought slaves in with him.I saw them.. women,children. Many girls have gone missing. I heard his true name one night while scouting with Tanseril. Helkaer 'Ksher , he weilds magic like your own. I have sent word to some old friends, but none have come yet.I hope these cats find you...please hurry

Ruvyn"

The message could have been months old or years by now, the paper was so worn, but she read the message out loud and with every word Delan seemed to tense. They knew his name now the collector, and why he had not yet died of old age, he was an elf.. Zara looked to the chain in Delans hand and the heavy locket.

He slowly handed it to her. She knew what it was the moment she stouched it, she was sure Delan knew what it was as well.

" Mori'quessir elg'cahl."Drow posion, the posion they dipped their cross bow darts in.It was prized,and valued in almost every town and village from Eyllis to Rhydin. There were different types, some that made you sleep,some that made you have a slow death, and one that killed you the moment an arrow ,knife or anything covered in it pierced your flesh. There were marking on he locket,drow markings.

Zara ran her finegrs over it, "Its the deadly kind,enough to kill maybe two dozen men. If not more .Ruvyn wouldnt have sent this out if he didnt think the cats would find me." She looked to Delan as she slipped the locket chain in all carefully in her pocket.

"We can not delay any longer, we must hurry to Cindeigh replenish our stocks and rations then make our way as quickly through the Bailion as possible."

She saw Delan give her a tight nod, she new what he was thinking, some of those women Ruvyn mentioned, might be his sisters, his mother. She looked to the streem then headed off that way as soon as they were packed, which didnt take long.

Zara thought about this man. The Collector ,Helkaer 'Ksher his name meant evil,and icy one... He had magic like hers, many elves had magic.. but this unnerved her to the core.

They ran to the stream and crossed it quickly and kept on the fast paced move. With over two hundred miles to cross,two days worth of walking ata brisk pace. Zara knew they would reach Cindeigh before the day was done. They would need no rest,only food and shelter. She knew Delan wouldnt rest for long there.

At dawn they made way to get what they needed for the coming days,the mountains held some food, mushrooms,cave rats, some berries and under ground tubors. But no wild game,save for maybe a rabbit here or there. They held dangers,orcs,giants, and now there was talk of a dragon too. Great just what they needed a dragon..The stocked up on rations and water,some travling clothes, and not much more before meeting at the gates and heading out once more. The crossed the road past farm houses and deep grasses.

The Bailions seemed huge now,streching out for miles. Zara had a map she knew the way so she lead the way up in to the pass cut in to the mountains. "The Balilion.. no way round for miles,it took me a long time to pass this way ebfore, maybe if were lucky I can find a shorter route through some cave this time." She led the way. "Orcs,giants,wolves,bears and I heard talk of a dragon lurking about.."

At dusk Zara could barely see the lights of Cindeigh, and that was only if she stood high on a bluff. There was no moon tonight, so Zara led with a lantern lit by magic,it was an interesting little thing, she could fold it down in the day light, and if she so wished the light would dim or brighten or even change color at soft elven words. Delan followed closely behind, they only needed the light now, for there was no moon.
Zara stopped when she heard a sound.Delan had stopped as well. She let the lantern brighten and they saw them the same two cats on the road not far ahead of them. They loped back towards Delana nd Zara and purred softly. Zara knelt to touch the female once more. " Dar manka amin innas, lan amin a' tengw n'alaquel." It took only a moment for her to find paper and pen,she used the rock as her table as she wrote quickly.
"Brother,

I am coming with help, keep everyone safe, fight on,we will be there soon.

Zara"

She gently tied the note to the females leg. "Auta." With that the two cats ran off. Zara rose and she and Delan walked on, that had been a short delay that meant they would eat while walking the next two at least. Zara didnt complain, though she wished maybe for one night where she didnt feel so pressed. Now and again his hand would brush hers. They were road weary,dusty and dirty. But all Zara wanted to do was stop so she could kiss him. But she put all thata side and spoke of the weather and tracks they had seen.

Zara tried to pick her way along the normal trail as well as higher ones,so far thered been only a few caves nothing that linked up with any others. They kept a good pace now. Zara more worried about home than the future.

When dawn broke the storm was gone, but Zara saw that Delan had not moved. They lay still intertwinde on the cave floor covered with soft blankets. The night before lingered in her mind still as she could feel his brush through her hair and along the back of her neck. Her fingers rested over his chest, her hand over his heart. She had fet it race the night before,now it was steady in it beat.

Her body felt slightly warm,as if shed be laying by a warm fire all night. Her fingers she knew were likely cold there upon his chest but he did not move, he did not speak. The night before had been different,the words they spoke were in whispers and moans. Zara didnt want to move,she longed to stay there intertwined with him forever.

She sun was shinning through and she knew theyd need to go sooner or later. But Delan hadnt moved, his fingers played on her bare shoudlers and back, brushed teaseingly along her hip and side.

He had not moved had not tried to. She smiled at that fact. When she proped herself up to gaze in to his eyes he winked at her. She chuckled slightly, they had needed that night.

When at last the earth had not moved for over three hours Zara removed the ice barrier from the cave mouth and hand in hand she and Delan left their safe spot. Zara drew in a sharp breath all around them the terrain was different, rocks here and there, broken trees,uneasy ground and the normally clear pathway made long ago by passing traders and dwarves was now stren with rocks and rubble. "We will have to keep to the high ground."

Zara nodded to Delans assestment. Slowly they picked their way around and over the rocks. Till they reached the higher path. Once more they walked now with dawn breaking. "I wonder what that was?" Zara asked out loud not expecting any answer. Delan merely shrugged walking with her hand in hand as often as the terrain would allow.When dusk came again the were miles from the cave and the fallen rocks but kept to the high ground in case of another aftershock.

"Delan, come quickly!" Zara was a head of him beyond two bolders. Delan jumped up and ran to her quickly ready for a fight. But he found her knealing near something. It was large and oval , larger than Zara as she knelt. Its color was that of amethyst. And it looked very much like an egg. He bent down beside her, looking at it. Zara was about to place her hand upon it but her stopped her shaking his head.

As he looked up from Zara, he saw three more of the same odd looking eggs. Then he relized where they were standing. "Zara.. get up.. hurry we must get out of here." His eyes shot sky ward. "Delan whats ..." She didnt finish her words as he tugged her to her feet and lifted her from where she knelt and over the rocks they went.

He didnt let her down till they were far from the bolders. She didnt try to fight him, shed never seen him scared of anything ever. "Delan.." She said breathless. "What was that about?" He held his fingers to her lips. "Shh.." Her brows rose at him. He then took her hand and led her further away.Zara followed only once looking back wondering what Delan was so worried about. And what were those odd rocks? She saw his eyes continue to scan the skys. What was he looking for?

Not until the next dusk did they stop.Moving miles at a time running or walking quickly.Zara wanted to pose the question of what they were running from, but Delan just kept her moving,holding his fingers to her lips when she might pose the question.Zara sat partched, drinking some of her water. "What was that back there?" Delan now sat besider her drinking deep. "Dragon eggs.." Zara blinked at him nearly loosing her grip on her canteen. "Dragon eggs?" There had been four massive eggs then. "That means the rumors are true.."


Delan nodded. "Mother dragons are very territorial. I learned that in Rhydin.. if she would have come upon us in her nest we'd be dead." Zara licked her lips nodding. "Will she follow us?" He didnt have an answer for that. " I don't know.. but I think I know what those earth quakes were... dragons.."


Now her brows shot up. "Dragons?"
"Male dragons fighting their heavy weight and roars must have shaken the whole mountain." "You mean theres more than one?" Now her eyes shot sky ward. Delan nodded. His eyes had been searching the skys as well now at least there were birds about, and animals below them wandering. Zara knew the warning signs of dragons coming,no sounds, no animals. The skys were no longer safe.

"The high ground is not safe, the path way is not safe..." Zara knew what that meant. "We need to find linking tunnles, ones like in Abban.. and travel in them till we reach the other side. " He nodded, no sun or free ranging food for days.. the long dark. "Yes, you know this area the best are their any such caves?"Zara looked around thinking, of where they were though it was hard to tell. If she led them in the wrong cave theyd have to back track again and again. Then she rose to her feet and ran to the top of the ridge on which they sat. Delan followed her. "What?"

She smiled. "Were on raiders perch. "He gave her questioning look. " There is a cave not far from here with linking tunnels , that should lead through close to Hael. I found them when running from the slavers, were further along than I thought."She dashed down and around the rocks and Delan followed.

"How close does it run to Hael?" He asked as they moved. "I dont know I only took part of it,but I knew it ran deeper then too. If only I had found it sooner."They walked at a brisk speed till the found the cave opening it streached back in to the dark abyss. "Are we sure we want to do this?The dragon is miles away now."

Delan looked skyward. "I'd rather face a thousand angry orcs than one angry mother dragon, and male dragons are not kind creatures.These are wild dragons..nothing like the dragons of Rhydin."Zara nodded looking to the slowly dimming sky she would miss the sound of birds the feeling of the sun.The clear brisk night. She sighed and fixed her bag over her back. And deep tunnels meant no free range food, only cave rats, and mushrooms. "Yeah, I know your right its just..."

The ground shook. Delan shot his gaze out to the sky. A roar shook them to the ground. Zara saw it then, in the dimming light, it was massive. Delan looked over his shoulder he saw it too. A massive dragon. "Zara!" He yelled over the next roar. "Run!" Zara was on her feet and Delan behind her, she saw what he did, the massive dragon had seen them and was coming right for them. The ground shook, it was hard moving when everying seemed to shift around.

They ran in to the cave, deeper in to the tunnel the ground under foot shaking, stalagmites fell and rocks shifted all around them as the dragons huge head came through the cave opening snapping its jaws at them. They were just out of reach and the dragon couldnt fit its mass within.

Zara darted around a bend and Delan followed and not too soon as a huge wall of flames raced down the tunnel.Delan jumped and rolled to stand beside her. He stood guarding her knowing the fire wouldnt hurt him but might hurt her. The fire ended but the rocks had metled ,the once living things were dead and chared.

Now there was no other way than through the tunnels. The ground shook , no more fire came. Delan let him self breathe. Zara looked to him. "There is no large enough entrance for that massive beast, but there are other things down here.." He nodded and tapped his swords. Zara grinned at him, "we will have to be carefull with our food and water. We should go before it tries again." She headed down the tunnel and Delan followed.