The darkness was dimming. The crystals were less and less. The days had passed easily. And now she could see the sun light ahead of them. The sound of birds filled her ears. Before they took another step Delan stopped and looked form the light to her. Before she could ask him anything he leaned down to her and kissed her. It as a slow deep kiss that lifted her to her toes.

When at last the kiss was broken she slid her fingers down across his chest. He smiled to her, "I don't know whats coming,or when we might get moments alone again. But never doubt for a moment that I love you. "

She smiled and ran her fingers to rest over his heart. "As I love you. What ever comes, we face it together."

They turned and heaed in to the light then holding up their hands to let them adjust to the brightness. Zara tooka deep breath,looking around tos ee the ground was thick with snow. When they ahd left on this journey it it had been fall, and early in the season it was now deep in winter. Her skin welcomed the cold, she didnt even shiver as a cold wind whipped up past them. And below just to the south downt he little pathway she could see Haels Northen most gate. The city was busy, the snow had been pushed off the streets but still covered the roof tops. And she could see there were more gaurds about the road and at the gate.

She looked to Delan. They had trouble with gards before. Drow were not always welcomed. But Hael had always been different. She took his hand in hers and led the way downt he little roadway towards the gates.It was nice to smell the air, even if it was winter and no flowers were in bloom, she could smell the trees, the fires burning,bread being baked and spices in the air that wafted towards them from Hael.

She left her hood down and Delan followed her example.

Whent hey reached the gates there were eight men standing outside, four with swords four with spears, on the wall above along the gaurd towers stood archers watching them and the surround.

"State your business." They looked as if they had seen a few more battles than normal. Zara looked from the archers ont he wall tot he guard that had spoken. " We are here to stay at the clover inn and speak to Sydney Moon." The guard tooka few steps forward.

"And you are?" Zara looked to him, he was young for a guard but his face showed sings that whatever youthfull joy he had once had was gone from his eyes. "I am Zara Idande ranger and warrior of Eyllis and this is Delan Dulthaas ranger and warrior with me."

The guard looked to her then to Delan. He nodded slowly then. "You both may pass."

The gates were opened and they were allowed in.

At dawn they woke, ate and dressed for the city. They arrived at a small run down house just north of the temple. Outside hung an old sign. "Wizard at Work." It read in old elvish. "Its an illusion."She looked to the house again, anyone with magic would be able to tell that the house was cloaked in magic. "To keep a way the riff raff." To the door she would go. She knocked twice and the door swung open.An elderly man stood there.He was very old. "Good day sir, were here to see Master Dulinn." Zara spoke with a bow.

The old man ushered them in. "Sit.." They sat in the palor while the man disappeared up a small winding stair case. "An elf and a drow come in to my store."A voice came from above drawing her and Delans attention. Down the stairs came a man, a young man, a young elven man. His hair was dark auburn, his eyes steely blue, it was the same man whod answered the door. He was indeed a wizard of talents. A man how was very careful.

"Greetings master wizard." Dulinn smirked. "You saw through my little spell there did you. "He looked to Delan. "Zara Idande and Delan Dulthaas. Sid told me you were coming. But I would have known you Lady Idande, I knew your father." Her brows rose. "Which one?"

Dulinn smiled, "Both of them both Alinar Idande the fine smith and Lord Riz Kenai Auvry. "He sat down across from them. "I know why you are here, to gain a spell that will grant you both access to Eyllis, the lovely realm under siege from slavers. I have many potions,scrolls and spells you could use, but none will last more than a day or maybe if your lucky a week, and with your powers."Looking between them both, " its doubtful at that."

"So you cant help us?" Dulinn smiled to that. "Oh I can help you, can you pay me?" Zara nodded, "I have coin, gems and jewls, name your price."

Dulinn smirked, "I always liked a woman with spunk, first let me tell you what I will do for you both. I will give you each a talsmen if you will, it looks like the necklace worn now by the slave traders, the mark of Teien. They will look very normal, even to those with magic. Now these talsmens will work differently for you both. For you Lady Zara they will make you appear as a man to all who look upon you while you wear it, even your partner here will see you as a man, and you too shall you gaze in a mirror see your self as a male. Yet you will still have your magic and wepaons, yet all will appear different to others eyes, weapons fitting a man. For you Lord Delan, you will look as a male but a normal man, sun kissed skin, and all. You will look as this to yourself and lady Zara as well as all others who look upon you. Your wepaons will not change as they befit a man already. "

Zara blinked. Dulinn smiled, "as long as you wear the talsmen around your neck you both will look,speak and be men like the slavers. Place the talsmen in a pocket and you will be yourselves. That alone will get you in to Eyllis. "

"What do you ask for such magic?" Delan asked now hed been very quiet.


" fourty gold pieces." That price was amazing reasonable. Zara paid it and they took their talsmens. "Wait, before I accept this payment, try them out." Dulinn nodded to Zara.

Zara took the coin sized talsmen and slid the cord over her head. "Well?" That was not her vocie? It was rougher deeper not soft and melodic. Delan just starred at her, "I would swear that I am looking upon a stranger, if I did not know it was you Zara."

Dulinn smirked, "You'l have to come up with new names, for no man would be named Zara a no man would be called Delan... at least when in public. Now go a head look at your self Lady Zara." He motioned to a long wall mirror beside him, that wasnt there a moment before. Zara tooka few steps and looked at herself. "Wow...I look like"

"Alinar if he had been a human man, with pale hair and paler eyes.. yes you do." Her hair was still as long but now pulled back, her eyes still icy blue, she was no taller, but more masculain.More muscles and body weight. "I feel no different."

"You sound different and look different, even your fine weapons appear to be normal, just a bow and quiver, a broadsword and dagger." She looked to those items then, she touched her sword she could still feel the power there. "What of my mark?" She lifted up the back of her shirt. "Its gone..."Delan slid on the talsmen, "Well.." His voice was the same, but when Zara looked at him, she saw a normal man, sun kissed skin, dark hair and those same silver eyes. "You do good work Dulinn." The wizard nodded, " now... names for you both.."

The wizard looked Zara over. "You will be Owen from far off across the sea, a town called Forester. And you Master Delan."He looked the man over, "You will be Jake from our fine city. You both met when Jake here did a little work on a ship.. and yada yada, no one will ask you how you met.Slavers dont care, go in with money act like you want to buy, and dont try to save people not now. Go find your allies, and then make a move. Till then Owen and Jake.. go stay in these forms a while see how they work. It will be hard as your minds will wish to be as you are, lovers, but you get used to it."

Zara paid him and they left as Jake and Owen.


"I wish you luck.Both of you." Dulinn nodded to them as they ehaded off back for the Clover.



"I feel very odd. "Now back at the inn in their room Zara starred at herself. The talsmen had changed her fully, she was checking her self out bare chested. "I dont even want to have to shower." Delan chuckled, and pulled the talsmen off and tucked it in his pocket. "When we are alone, we can be as we are." 'Owen 'smirked and pulled ' his ' talasmen off as well forgetting she was standing there topless, till s he saw Dealns grin.

"Oh my..."She blushed and Delan moved to her. "I may never get used to you looking as you did... But this I like."He wrapped his arms around her. "If were doomed to go as two men for many days and nights.. let us savor just one as lovers.. man and woman. Elfess and drow.."He leaned down and kissed her.

Hael faded slowly in to the distance. She recalled her trip there away from home. The mighty Aevir were not yet in her sights. But she knew they were there, somewhere in the distance. The Bailions would soon fade away as Hael did. And the land would become rougher, the grasses drier.


They lives more at stake with every stride they took towards Eyllis. It had taken three days from Eyllis to find the grove of half alive trees in which she first too which the news of her parents death had reached her.

Then ten more days had passed. The Aevir had faded behind a mist then, and the Bailions were closer. Zara knew they must have been somewhere in between, for she could not see the mountains of home and the Bailions were still behind them. Hale a small dot hidden by the looming mountains.

They traveled more and more at night. For even though they stayed off the road, they could see it. Those passing on it. More often than not they saw men, who were no mere travelers on the road. Zara didn't want to take any chances of being seen, so the slid further south. Where no harm could see them traveling through the grasses and trees.

There were no towns or villages between the expanse from Hael to the Cresio Pass. As far as the eye could see there was nothing but grass land, dirt, and a few trees and shrubs. It made it easier to see the road , but harder to hunt. They had packed for the worst of it, rations to last in case.

But while they could they caught wild game and found wild berries and roots. The taste of wild rabbit was a huge improvement over cave rat, and wild tubers were earthy and delicious compared tot he mushrooms of the Bailion tunnels.

They would only spare the fire to cook their meals. They never left it lit. Not when they were getting closer by the day, or rather by the night to reaching their goal.


~~~

The days dripped by,sitting under the sun in slight shade of bolder's of dead trees. Practicing with sword and bow. Watching Delan practice with chath'ELGHINN . The weapon was a marvel, and Delan with it.. When he held it he moved like flame, flickering and fast one moment then slow and steady the next. The weapon could be a dagger, a short sword, a long sword.

She was sure there was no end to what it could be in the right hands. Delan could use it with out the matching gauntlet,but more often than not he choose to wear it, as if the gauntlet and weapon were truly one thing.. one mind.

As they Traveled on covering a few days match in a night or two. Clouds rolled in and rain beat down ont hem The earth under their boots turned to mud, and deep puddles. But they could not stop. And there was no shelter here.

The rain seemed to drag on, day in to night. Night in to day. Till they were soaked to the core. The only good thing about the rain was that it meant no one would travel the road.The road had become a muddy stream in the days and nights of rain.

By the tenth night Hael was no longer insight. The Bailion were just far off misty peaks and The Aevir could now be seen. The Cresio pass was still out of sight though.

The rain had at last let up on the morning of the twelfth day, but the road was still to muddy for anyone to pass along it. Zara and Delan had found their way back tot he grove of dead trees, back tot he rocks that had served her as her first night of shelter so long ago when she first left home.

She could see Cresio pass. Though no one walked along the road or through the pass in the mountains she knew that as the days went on there would come travelers,slavers with their cages of people.

There would come men at watch for anyone on the road. Tonight was their last night as Zara and ad Delan tomorrow they would dawn those talismans and become Owen of Forester and Jake of Hael.

They lit no fire tonight only sat in the darkness of the trees and bolder's. They ate bread and dried meat. Zara sat with her head on his chest they both were looking up to the stars. Zara had so much she wanted to say,but she kept quiet.

She could not play the what if game. And she knew he would not play it either. They had said all they needed to nights ago alone in Hael.
~~~
There was no going back.

They wore their talismans,and left their world of Zara and Delan behind them. They were Owen and Jake. They crossed the grassy field to the dirt road that had been worn in by travelers on foot and on horse. Cresio pass was before them the mighty Aevir Mountains stood there, capped with snow fall.

The road as they got closer was lined with solders,men in crude armor that was broken and bloody. They were slavers all, guarding the way in to Eyllis . They never stopped them, they hardly looked at them as they walked down the path closer to the pass.

The pass was no more than a mile wide between the split of the great mountain chain. But somehow in the time that had passed a crude gate had been made, of wood and metal, it wouldn't out last any real attack..But no one could attack it with out some sort small siege weapon
The gate stood closed. There were five men beyond and five men standing outside. They looked the two over.

"Come with news?" One asked Delan. Who was now 'Jake'. "Yeah, we have news, gonna let us pass?"He eyed the men before him as if they were nothing. The one who asked looked to Zara who was now 'Owen'.

"Let me see your credits.." Both in turn showed their talismans then the gate latch lifted from within and they walked on. The gate closed behind them the falling lock sounded like a roll of thunder.

'Owen' surveyed the lay of the land. It was worse than Zara could have feared. Teien stood at least a fifth larger than it ever had reaching to the Elandara River two tributaries had been dug out to reach in to the new larger Teien.

The new city spread over the road east towards where Kerani once stood. That town was gone. Far in the distance where once Ibaea stood was now some sort of fort or encampment. The Rahelia Plain once a green and lush place looked dark and brown.

What trees stood were dead or dying, there was no sign of any animals save for a few black crows. She looked out beyond the river to try and glimpse the Nieli desert to see if anything was there, all she saw was sand, no sight of dune homes..

The worst sight was Taindira forest. It was small.. half of it was gone, burned or cut down, and two or three miles remained.

Tindomerel The small village to the south was gone, in ruins. Gilth across the river to the North was also in ruins. If she had not been holding it together for the fact of the men who were behind them Zara would have torn off the talisman and ripped them all apart. But she had to stay as Owen, she could not break, not even now as they walked down the road for Teien.

~~~
Teien had long been a place of trade. It had started the slave trade. And now it was a new place. No walls had ever guarded the city. But now there were walls, well made walls and guard towers, as well as a gate. The gate stood open. But as they passed Zara through her mask as Owen watched the guards and solider's watch them.

Some were slavers..some were slaves. She could see the difference, the slaves bore no real weapon,only crude wooden weapons,they wore a cuff of metal around their ankle.. it wasn't linked to anything, but they wouldn't get very far with it. The slave guards and solider's were weak,with a desperate look in their eyes, that haunted Zara. But she had to hide it..

'Owen' walked on . Watching. Arrogant.

Delan walked beside , in the mask of Jake. His eyes took in the land, and the new Teien. Hed had been there once too. But he would not see anything he knew.. and even if he asked her.. Zara would know nothing of this new larger city.

They walked on, with out being stopped. past new buildings and shops. Built over the old . They walked till they reached the fountain that still stood at the center of the city.

"We should find a place to stay.. then look around, and see what we can find out." Delan whispered to her. Zara nodded,looking around .She felt so out in the open,as if they could see through their masks...but the magic held. "I agree."

An inn was easy to find, there had always been a few in the town. now an inn stood in the center of town across from the fountain with other smaller buildings around it.

They entered with nods from passing slavers, as if they were apparent of the same team. Inside behind the bar stood a woman.. she was an elf. Anyone could tell that she was a slave. She looked almost frail, her long hair that must have once been like starlight was dirty and hung down in long tails on either side of her head.

She wore a collar, and large cuff around her right wrist and right ankle that was linked with a chain. 'Owen' and 'Jake' walked to the bar and she smiled to them,but anyone could see that the smile was through fear. She wore a name tag that was sown in to the low cutting blouse she wore. It read Gwydin .

"What can I get for you both?" Gwydin asked as she smiled to the two of them as she waited for their answer. "Rooms. Drinks and A hot meal." Delan stated flatly looking at her, then smirking. He played the part well. Though Zara couldn't show it she felt a little jealous.

Gwydin served them the nights special and gave them a room key. "We stakes tot he roof tops. You'll have to share." Not that it mattered to Zara and Delan. But as Owen snatched the key up he grinned tot he bar maid.

The food was decent, the drink was bitter ale. The room was bare save for two small beds. They were alone now, behind a wooden door that was locked. Zara slipped in to one of the beds. Their mission had to be air tight. No matter what.

Delan slipped in to the other. That way if anyone should come a rushing in to find two sleeping men.. not a drow and a elfess.

~~~
It was hard to find sleep in this city. But some how they both found some rest at least. When dawn broke they were back out in the city streets. As Owen and Jake. They had to find where The Collector was, likely not within the city limits. But how would they go about searching with out drawing too much attention?

There was one way, and Zara had laid out the plans long before they had gotten this far. They would meet with one of Helkaer 'Ksher's men. Someone higher in the ranks and tell him that they knew where to find Zara. She was wanted still, by Helkaer himself. She was his niece after all. But even Zara knew his reasons for wanting her were not to reunite their family. Delan had not liked the idea, but it was the only plan they had.

So they spread some whispers in the lower ranks. And through out the day as they wandered the streets the whispers would spread.

That is what led them to where they were now. Sitting in a nice house before a large wooden desk. They had been led inside and left there. With stacks of books,papers,quill and ink, and a low burning fire. Jake eyed Owen and Zara could feel Delan's anger already. The papers were slave papers, trade slips and ownership statements. She was angered by them as well but they couldn't show that.

When the door behind them opened they both rose. In walked the captain. He was Helkaer's right hand man. Zara almost broke cover when she saw the man, he looked very much like Renald. But this man was younger, far less disgusting looking,he bore no scars on his face,but many on his forearms.

"Please sit, brothers of the fold." His voice was a dead ringer for Renalds. " My men tell me you have news. Of Zara, the masters niece."

Delan nodded, leaving this all up to Zara. Owen looked to the man. "Yes sir, about two weeks ago we snuck in to Hael, per our mission. And we saw her. She's staying at the local inn with a drow male. We believe they are on their way here. I was able to steal one of these." Owen laid a arrow on the desk, one of Zara's own arrows enchanted with ice.

The Captain leaned over it and smiled. "So you were some of the men on that mission. I heard they were all hanged."

And in fact they all had been, Zara had seen them all hang as all slavers did in Hael. But that wasnt before she found out all their names, and who had sent them. "Captain Lewis sent us, before he went on his mission to the forest to get some more females. My self, Jake here, Kyle, Mason, Calvin and Tom. The poor souls never saw them coming, the damn guards."

Owen smashed his fist to the desk, "But we got away, just barely, they chased us for four miles before they gave up. Then the damn horses had to die on us, then the damn rain."

"Alright Owen.." Jake said. Owen quieted. "Captain Caravel Sir, forgive him. He's still a bit mad at the elf witch, she found out about the slavers and told the guards. He would like very much to have a piece of her hide."

The Captain smiled. "Well, with info like this you may get your chance. If she's coming this way, she'll have to sneak in. The master needs to be made aware of her and her company. I will send a message right away to the encampment."

Owen and Jake nodded. "Anything you'd like us to do for you sir?"
Caravel shrugged. "Take some horses and ride out towards those damn sands, see if you can find out what happened to the last two we sent. Once you come back. I'll give you new orders from the master himself."

With that they left.

They knew where to Collector was in the Encampment that had once been Ibaea. But they couldn't risk hitting it alone. No they needed help.

And now they had all the means to leave. They would gain horses and ride through the ruined Rahelia Plain. They would likely find out what happed tot he last slavers who'd been sent that way before they reached the high sand dunes.

But by that time they'd be out of sight and back to being themselves. Zara would lead them the long way towards the back side of the forest, with all hope of finding her friends, and amassing an attack.

When the sun rose they were already gone from their camp sight. The beat would settle in soon.They had made head way before it started to.

Now that the sun was up they both wore their hoods up. Zara was silent, walking through the sand at a steady pace. Delan matched her pace.

His eyes scanned the surround looking tot he trees in the distance. They would not go back to Teien, not with out first seeing who among she loved was alive there in that patch of forest. Delan walked with her and asked of her friends.

"Tell me about them." He had heard much about them, little pieces of their lives which had wound through Zara's life. But with miles of sand before them and no clue who would be alive or who would be dead Delan thought he might help her, by passing the time with tales of old.
Zara smiled and started her first tale.

"I know no better place to start than the friends I shared my life with. We all grew up together, though we were not all from Ibaea. We were the hunting party, band of brothers." She chuckled to the word. "Nylian Asleif grew up in Ibaea. He was one of our merry little band, and my best friend through out my young years. He had feelings for me, and I hardly would have known until he tried to kiss me before I left to see the world that was home. He was always a great marksmen." She glanced to Delan then back to the sand. "He was the one who got slapped and nearly frozen by kissing me." She walked on.

"Elidry Soliania , was born in Kerani but came with his parents to Ibaea every spring. Then finally he seemed to settle there. His father is a lord, head guards men for Kerani. His mother Maeralya makes the finest elven bread. He has two younger sisters Tivona and Niesha. His mother is part sea elf, and it shows in Eli. Though he had his fathers height, he has his mothers dark hair and eye unlike them both. He was our tracker, and taught me most of the tricks I know."

"Dhoean Gilth was the leader of our hunting party. He was also not born in Ibaea but in Gilthi, the tribe of elves near the Aevir. He is a sylvan elf, and very wild at that. He could walk right through an open plain and you'd never see him. He could blend in too any surrounding. He taught me how to climb trees and jump from one to another with out being heard."

She walked a bit slower now as if she could replay every hunting trip they'd ever had. From the very first to the last. "There is one more, and you know her, you met for but a moment under the slavers capture. Luana Ashemmii is my best female friend. The one who knew me the best, could tell what I was thinking, or planning to do long before I sometimes even knew. She was born in Teien, long before it became known for its slaves. It was a mere trading town, she came to Ibaea when she was a teenager, and fell in with our little group. We quickly became friends. She's half human and half sylvan elf. She was the first one to know about me, part drow part ice elf. She could cook a wild boar that would make your mouth water, and she told the best stories."

The day was not half over yet, they took a short break in the shadow of a dune. "I had known no better friends than them, for a long time." She glanced around slowly. "My life was in Ibaea for a long time, till the day I knew I wanted to range further. My parents knew I was wild at heart. My father gave me my weapons, my knife, dagger, sword, bow, arrows and quiver all were his art work. My mother gave me her love and I set off for the wild world. I met some new friends there."

She looked towards the woods. "The first time I had seen it. I thought there was nothing more pure and beautiful in all the realm. Eyllis was new to me even though I had ranged over the land before I had never gone to Taindira. It was nine days in to my journey. I crossed the river and headed in to the forest. The smell was of pine and oak. Of the earth its self. I didn't even know I was being followed."

"They tracked me from above, then called out to me. There were six elves there all ready to aim and kill me if I proved to be a foe. But I told them who I was, and they led me towards an encampment. I met Llewellyn Cael that day she was the leader of the group who'd followed me. She was elegant to say the least that she was beautiful is hardly fair enough to her. She was the daughter of the leader of Cael tribe, and destine to become its leader one day. She was a ranger and led me to meet the other tribes of the forest. We went through the forest and she told me about her life, and the life of an elf. She taught me more about myself and the forest than I had ever known. We left from Cael and went to each tribe. Saeabrar was first wood crafter's of Taindira forest they lived near southern most tribe along the Vaernon lake. Sylua was the next tribe just north of Saeabrar. They are known as the fairy kin, for they are moon elves. Magic flows with them. Tyaear is next just north of Sylua, fine fishermen and water mage's. They are both water elves, forest elves and silver elves." Zara sat eating some of their shared rations looking towards the forest.

"Llewellyn took me to Sumean next, great water elves they all are, masters of the element. Amaera was the last along the lake that we visit. Great singers, they care for the wild swans and other water fowl that live on the lake. Both forest and water elves live in that tribe. From there we went west along the border of Rahelia, till we reached the Uhar'Gar tribe they are some of the oldest and wisest of the elves in the forest. After that we went back to Cael for supplies,Llewellyn then led me towards the southern end of The Nieli." Zara's eyes panned that way, the forest was no longer the same, the tribes of elves would have been pushed inward towards the lake.

"It was the wise owl of Uhar'Gar that Luana sent to me that I learned of my parents death and the up rising of the slavers after I fled." She looked back to the sands. Then to Delan.

Soon they were on their way again.

"But my friendships did not end in the forest with those I met. Llewellyn told me about the people that lived here once. I know it seems quite desolate. And in all truth it can be. But when there were homes and elves here. There was life in this harsh place. From the southern end of the forest beyond where Cael once sat I went north to the Shari tribe. They had dessert elves and forest elves." Zara looked that way those elves were gone, every last tribe of the sands was gone fled to the mountains or forest. "When I continued on I went north then slightly west and came to Deth'Rua, there I had my future foretold by a wise star reader. I didn't believe her then when she said my future would have much bloodshed and loss. Nor did I believe that she saw a love for me in the stars."

Zara had never told him that, she'd only ever shared that with Luana.

"I stayed there overnight to see the stars as we have seen them now. Brilliant and glowing. I left at day break and heading slightly east I came to Ael'Si. The large felines they kept on flanked me. You met two of them, young ones they were. I can only hope someone from that tribe still lives. I headed north from there the sands get less deep and less hot as you near Viniten, they hold the powers over the storm, wind and rain. I spent much time with each tribe. From Viniten I headed south east back towards the forest, then when I reached the platue. I headed east to Huavain. They are the great horse lords of Eyllis. I then went to Kadrimme the great eagle flyers, fine falcon trainers and wise people. I watched everyone, learned so much. I met many an elf. Tanseril Huavain was one of the few males who had ever tried to pursue me beside Ny. He was a ranger like me, and very kind. I hope he and Luana are married now. For they fell in quickly with one another." She grinned at him. "For I have found someone else."

"When I was done seeking the dune elves I was greeted by Elara Vonlirr of the Vonlirr tribe of Snow Haven. The snow seemed to shimmer and no one else had come out to speak to me. It was there I learned of my father, and mother."

"Keelin Ilri came to me. She took me to the encampment where I was born, where my mother lived and died. They didn't trust me the people. I was a half breed, but there had been talk of my coming. I learned everything I could about my mother from her, about my father. I knew I had to go to Abban eventually where as you know I met my brother Ruvyn and heard of my half sisters Aeila and Dyldra."

She set the pace till night fall the forest still a few miles away. "From there my world seemed to unravel. Everything came apart, and when I fled I didn't ever think I would come home again." She glance to him in the darkness. She slid her gloved hand over his fingers feeling that subtle warmth. "But everything changed the moment I knew how I felt about you. It didn't matter if I went home or not. I felt something I had never felt before with you. And now that we are here together to save this realm." She scooted in closer to him. "I hope that my friends are alive and well. I know many of the people must have fought and died when the slavers came. How the forest must have burned and they all must have mourned." She nuzzled in to his chest. "I am glad you are here with me Delan."

Delan remained silent as he listened to her as she told him her tale in full, as most of it he had known. Yet he knew getting her to relax and talk would help her to calm her nerves. So he would smile softly, with a light nod each time she paused in speaking.

When they finally set up camp for the night, sitting together by the fire. With her slipping in closer to him, he lifted their joined hands up when she finished speaking. Placing a soft kiss to the top of her hand. "Zara. For a long time I was like you, never thinking that I would find someone. That all changed when I met you. I am here because I love you deeply, and as well as wanting to make those that have harmed us both, suffer for their crimes."

He paused there to turn and face her. "I am sure your friends are still alive, but if they did perish. We will make those that killed them suffer even more. But for tonight, try not to let your mind dwell on that." Softly as he moved to lead her into their shared tent, and once it closed behind them. He moved towards her, pulling her into a very soft romantic kiss. Letting the world around them fade for the night, as he slowly turned to lay her down on their makeshift beds.


Fade to black.

Soon they sat around the lake. Zara could see that the encampment was rather large. It gave her hope. Llewellyn brought them food and drink then joined them. She looked over the large encampment. "We have some from every where here, though some fled in to the Lukiae mountains. There are only five from Gilthi."

Zara's eyes searched for Dho, and his family. Llewellyn followed her gaze. "Dhoean is not here, he and his family escaped Eyllis through the mountains about two weeks ago. He always knew you would come." She dug in to her pouch at her side. "He said to give you this."

Llewellyn handed Zara a necklace, at the end hung a pendant the shape of an arrow. "He was given this when he became the leader of our little band of hunters." Zara slipped the necklace over her head.

"He told me that you would be more than able to bare it now."

"What about Ny, Eli and Luana?"

"Zara..!" The voice came from across the lake but Zara would know it any where. "Luana.." Zara rose and ran to her dearest friend and they embraced. "Oh Zara, I knew you'd come home." Luana hugged her friend fiercely. Her eyes then rested on Delan. "Oh I see you brought, an old friend with you."

Zara chuckled to that and together they walked to Delan and Llewellyn. "Delan, this is my dearest friend Luana. Luana, this is Delan."

Luana smiled to him. Her dark eyes looking him over. "I never did get to say thank you." She held out her hand and Delan shook it. Luana looked back to Zara "Looks like you found a man after all." Zara snickered to that. "I was just asking Llewellyn about you. Are Ny and Eli here?" Luana shook her head softly, her eyes growing sad. "No, but Tanseril should be back soon. "

Zara saw the sadness in Luana's eyes. "Luana, what has happened?" Luana looked to Llewellyn, the forest elf merely nodded. "Come, walk with me." The invite was for Delan as well. Once Llewellyn and he rose they four walked slowly through the encampment. "Much has happened, as I am sure you saw when you got here. Many fled, man were killed. There have been few joys."

"Luana, there you are." Tanseril came from the other side of the encampment. "The hunt did not go as well as we." He paused his eyes setting upon Zara. "So the whispers are true, you have come back." Zara nodded to him. "Tanseril. It is good to see you are alive. This is Delan, my beloved, and a fellow ranger in this fight." Tanseril nodded to him, "I welcome you both." His eyes looked to Luana then. "May I walk with you?" She smiled and nodded.

Zara smiled side long at Llewellyn then looked to Delan. Who could not see that Tanseril and Luana had bonded, and were in love? He joined them now as they walked, his hand slipped in to Luana's. One slight joy. Any joy would be enough Zara thought in this hell.

Luana walked speaking of who had come, and who had not. As Llewellyn added in bits and pieces. All those from Tindomerel had fled out of Eyllis. Most of Cael's tribe was here within the encampment. All of those from Uhar'Gar, Amaera, Sumean, Tyaear, Sylua and Saeabrar were here as well, they were weary,yet the lake gave them food and water, and what was left of the forest gave them game to hunt and roots and berries.

From the desert the Huavain tribe was here, as well as Ael'Si. Kadrimme had fled in to the mountains, as had those from Viniten. Most of the Shari had been killed, and those few left had fled. Those from Deth'Rua had fled or been killed off. There had been no word from any of them. None had come here from Snow haven, if any lived they must have fled in to the Lukiae.

Luana walked slowly. "Some from Abban are here." Zara's eyes now searched the camp for her brother. "Ruvyn is here." Llewellyn looked towards one of the tents. Zara broke off from the group and walked towards the tent. She had much to tell her brother.

"Llewellyn, where have you?" He spoke as he came out of the tent then stopped as his eyes met Zara's. "Sister." Zara smiled at him, "Hello brother." He suddenly crushed her in a hug. She returned the hug. "It is good to see you as well, brother. I have much to share with you, but it seems you have something to share with me?" Her eyes panned to Llewellyn who acutely blushed.

Ruvyn nodded. "Our sisters are safe, as are most of the Abban people, who did not come here, they fled in to the deep tunnels, where the slavers dare not go. As for me." His eyes looked to Llewellyn. "When I came here, I was showed everything, the forest, the wilds. And I watched it all burn, and fall apart. I started to fight with all of the warriors. I fell in love with the forest and the people and with Llewellyn."

Zara grinned. "I assume there is no other?" Ruvyn shook his head. "I have never known a woman like her." "Good. Now to my news." She told him of their father, of the drows under The Bailion. Of their father, the news shocked him that he had lived there so close yet so far away and of her and Delan. After her tale Ruvyn shook Delan's hand. "I am glad you kept her safe all this time." Now Ruvyn joined them in their walk about the camp.

They came to stand under a grove of trees. Zara could see what it was. A grave site. Luana walked from Tanseril and she knelt to a grave. It was unmarked, like off of them, but Zara knew. She walked to Luana's side and knelt there. "Ny fell in battle as he always had wanted to fall. He went out with some of our warriors, and though we won the battle, none of them lived through the night." Zara placed her hand to the packed earth. "And Eli?"

"I have not seen him in near a month now. He had gone to make sure his family was safe in the Lukiae, and had not returned. I hope that he is alive, but there has been so much death."

Zara could see that, under that grove of trees, there must have been over one hundred graves. Some bore flowers, most bore river rocks over them. Zara felt the tears race down her cheeks. So much death. She felt as if she had fled and left them with it all. Delan glanced to Zara started to cry and without a word, he pulled her into his arms. Letting her cry into his shoulder.

~~~~
Later as they sat around the large camp fire. Zara told them all everything that had happened. Of her travels alone. Of Rhy'Din. Of how she met Delan. Of the collector, who was in all rights her kin. Of finding her father. And how she and Delan came to be here, the dragon, the talismans, and their plans to kill the collector and free everyone he had in slaved. Delan told them of his mission to save his family.

Luana, Llewellyn and Ruvyn told them of what they knew of the collector,of their battles with slavers. Of the loss of family and friends. Of death, and what hope they had.

They sat for hours talking. Of old times and of hope. They spoke none of fear or loss after some time, the fear and loss faded to talk of the little joys. As the fire burned on Zara watched Llewellyn and her brother, then Luana and Tanseril. There was hope there, in love. Her eyes panned to Delan.His eyes were on her. He had taken it all in, every story every bit of info.

Of coarse he knew what their plan would have to be. He didn't like the idea already. But he knew as she did. There would be one way, and one way alone to get to the collector.

After Luana and Tanseril had retired. Llewellyn and Zara sat together while Ruvyn and Delan spoke. Zara watched them both, her brother and Delan. Though they were very different, they shared a new mission, to save Eyllis, to save what they had come to love.

Zara looked over to Llewellyn. "How did he come to be here?" Llewellyn looked from the two men to Zara. "It was before the forest was plundered. I had gone out with some warriors towards Ibaea, the village still stood, but the slavers were taking over. There was nothing we could do. Some were running for the mountains, for the caves of Abban. I suppose that is your doing. For Ruvyn told me of how you came to find him. He was there at the edge of the river with a dozen drow warriors, beating back slavers who tried to capture drow and elves alike."

She looked to Ruvyn now and smiled. "I had never seen anything so powerful in my life. We saved a few from Ibaea, those drow warriors are here in the forest with us, along with a few family groups the others fled deep in to the Abban tunnels."

Llewellyn looked off towards the lake. "It was weeks later that they came, and started hunting down those in the desert and forest,we fought back, but many died. He saved my life." Zara's brows rose to that. "I was trapped with slavers all around me, I had no where to run, as the fire burned all around me. He came through the smoke. They never saw him coming. And I never forgot the moment his eyes met mine. It was later that we sat by the lake, and I knew. I would never look at others again. He told me he loved me days later."

She smiled. Zara smiled as well, and hugged Llewellyn by the shoulder. "These little joys, you and Ruvyn, Luana and Tanseril. They give me hope." She looked to the forest. "I should have never left."

Llewellyn shook her head to that. "You had to leave, and none of this is your fault, you drew out many slavers after you. It didn't all happen at once. But when it did happen, we couldn't stop it, we fought. But we all ran eventually. But your here now, and you brought your own joy with you." She looked to Delan. "He is fierce and handsome too. His eyes are only for you, and yours for him. You were meant for each other."

Zara smiled to that.

Later it was just her and Delan, sitting by the fire after the camp had gone very quiet. She leaned her head on his shoulder.

"You have wonderful friends, and family here." His fingers went through her hair. "I am sorry though for the losses. Ny was your friend.." Zara nodded to that her eyes on the fire. "He was, and I will not let his death go unpunished. But I don't want to talk of that now." She lifted her head to gaze in to his eyes. "Come for a walk with me." She rose and held out her hand and he took it.

They walked slowly through the camp, past sleeping elves in their tents and under the stars that shone through the trees. She led him to the lake. She looked up at the sliver of moon and the stars. Then shifted out of her boots, laying her weapons and cloak on the ground. She shifted out of her clothes. She watched him as he watched her. Soon she stood before him wearing only a smile, her fingers were quick as they undid his shirt and pants, and he shifted out of his clothes and weapons .

She tugged him in to the water. It was warm, even now in winter, swans swam at the other end and fish swam below and around them. She stood in the water her arms over his shoulders basking in the warmth of his skin. "I want only to talk of good things." He smiled to that and ran his fingers through her damp hair.

So he just looked in to her eyes and they swam for a while, not taking at all just enjoying this rare moment. Yet as they floated in the deeper waters, his eyes turned to hers. "You spoke with them about our plan?" She nodded, "Yes, and you spoke to Ruvyn. You seem to have gotten off well with him, with them all."

"Your brother and father are much alike, yet there is a fieriness in him where your father has become more resigned." She smiled to that. "Luana and Llewellyn agreed to the plan, neither like it." He smirked to that. "Good, I don't like it. Your brother hates it.But he agreed."

"Two days, in two days everything will fall in to place or be shattered." She gazed in to his eyes, there had been so much death, so much loss and she felt so responsible for ti all. Llewellyn had told her none of it was her fault, if she would have stayed she would have died. And Zara knew so much of what was, would not be, so much good and joy.

He held her for a while in the water watching how the moon played in her hair, in her eyes. He traced slow lines down her back, to work out the tension and perhaps tease her a bit. He let his mind linger on the here and now and not tomorrow or the day after. He leaned down and kissed her softly.

That kiss took them from the deep waters to the other side of the lake where Delan lifted her from the waters and wrapped her and himself in a large towel. He smiled to her and kissed her again.

It was later when the moon was bright and full that they lay inside their tent side by side wrapped up in nothing but the bedroll and firs. That Delan felt that hope again, hope for it all. They would win this battle,for there was hope in love. Every time he looked in to Zara's eyes he was reminded of that, and of how mush he loved her, of how deep those feelings were.

And he knew when she looked back at him that she loved him, in the same way. And it was for that love and so much more that they would go to war. That he would risk the plan she had set down, risk her, risk their life together.

All the planning had come down to this.

Zara stood out on the north Western edge of the woods looking off to the north towards where Ibaea had once stood, yet now the encampment of the collector and his men stood there over the destroyed homes of people she had known all her life. She looked across the dead Rahelia Plain,then back tot he south to the dead trees and burnt ground of the once mighty Taindira Forest.

They had laid all the preparations that could be laid. Those who would not go in to battle would be safe within the woods with one hundred good warriors staying behind to protect the women,children,and old. Many women were going in the battle, but there were some with families that could not go. If the battle should go ill, they were set to leave to cross the desert and flee through the Lukiae Mountains . Zara hoped it did not come to that.

Zara had given up her sword,dagger,and bow and quiver. She was going in with out any weapons as a captive. Delan held her sword and dagger. Llewellyn held on to her bow and quiver.

Zara brushed her hand against her cheek knowing there was a growing bruise there. Neither Delan nor Ruvyn would harm her,not even to pull off the ploy. Llewellyn and Luana had pulled no punches. Zaras side would be bruised,her pretty face looked dirty and that bruise would look worse in the day to come. It was all worth it.

Delan came up behind her. " Ruvyn is saying his goodbyes,Tanseril is mounting any who can ride." She glanced back to him, he had not dawn his magical talisman yet. His fingers brushed along her cheek, "Remind me when this is over not to piss your friends off." She chuckled to that, and winced slightly. Luana had pulled no kicks either.

"The warriors are ready." This was Ruvyn's voice when Zara turned to regard him she saw a normal man standing there,his hair was fair,his eyes were dark. "You look as our father would if he were a mortal man.Tall, handsome and strong."

Ruvyn smirked softly, "I brought the rope to bind your hands.But I think I'll let Delan do that."

"Jake.." Delan dawned his talisman and once more was Jake,and though Zara knew them both she had to forget them, who they were under that magic. She let Delan bind her hands behind her back. Ruvyn would lead the way through the dead plain to the North.

"Lord Commander, there are two men outside,with your prize. Shall I allow them in?"

Zara listened as the guards spoke. The had stopped before a building,it might have been a house at one point but now it was more like a manor. She dared not think of who's home it stood over.

"Allow them in." She heard his voice and her blood boiled.

Delan and Ruvyn led her in.

Helkaer 'Ksher sat behind a dark wooden desk. The room was push with furniture. A long dark cough, a high backed chair,and stools. The windows were shaded with large dark curtains. As she walked she saw many women chained to the walls. Some were young,very young. Others were older. The Collector was true to his name,all the women were different.None looked the same. Yet young or old they were all fair,and beauties.

"Jake and Liam is it?"He walked towards them smiling. "You have brought me my niece."He knelt before Zara and lifted her head up, she knew she could not touch him with her powers so she dare not try. "I see she gave you some fight,just like your mother,she was a spit fire." He chuckled and rose to his feet. "Well gents,you brought her to me,and your reward is gold,and women."He grinned.

He paced towards the far wall where some younger women were chained. "Pick some,they make fine bed mates. "He walked towards a young drow woman. He knelt to her side and pulled the gag from her mouth. "This one,is ripe and fresh. Tell the men your name sweetling."

"Aluenda .." Her voce shook. Zara glanced to her. She was a teenager,perhaps eighteen,yet Zara knew it was her. Delans own sister, the youngest. Her hair had been chopped short,her eyes were silver blue. Delan looked to Ruvyn. Ruvyn nodded. "I will take the pretty little girl. And that one too."He pointed to the human woman.

Helkaer smiled and unbound Aluenda, and walked her to Ruvyn. "This man is your new master,you will obey him." He unlocked the human woman and handed her to Ruvyn as well. " You have fine taste young Liam.Your gold is down stairs. If these two start to bore you,come back,I am happy to give you more girls." Ruvyn nodded. "Come.. both of you." He looked to Delan and left, the two slaves in toe.

"And for you Jake. I hear you fought very well for me. You shall get three girls, and twice as much gold. Pick your three." Delan looked down at Zara. "What of this one?"

" My niece? " Helkaer knelt and dragged her to her feet then pulled her to the wall where he locked her. "I will be keeping her.In six days there is a lord coming looking for some pure slaves. I trust she is unspoiled." Delan looked over at Zara then laughed. "We didn't touch her,in that way,M' lord. But I have no clue other wise. " Helkaer nodded, "Very well, pick the three ladies of your choosing."

Delan looked over the room. He didn't see any more of his sisters,though he hardly would know them now. He was sure Ruvyn was already setting free his youngest. "I will take, her."He pointed to a young girl, "Her." An elven woman, "And her." A drowess. Helkaer smiled and set them all in to Delans care. "Your gold is down stairs, please do come back,again."

Delan nodded and left with the slaves in toe. He had to trust in Zara now. Though the wish to kill the Collector stayed with him,rising like a wild fire through him.

It was later when they led the slaves away from the encampment. There by the edge of the river they waited to cross.Out of sight now Delan spoke to his sister.

" Aluenda do you remember me?" Ruvyn stood with the others across the river by the mountain.Leading them on. They had risked much to get them here,sneaking out of the encampment in the dark of night. They could be caught and killed at any moment.And with every passing second dawn was creeping closer.

Aluenda looked to him. "You look like my father.."Her steely eyes searched his face. "Your Delan..your my brother." Delan shot a glance to the trees, then the mountians. "Yes,you are safe now. But you can not stay with me. You must go follow the others.They will keep you safe. I will come for you after the battle is done."

Aluenda nodded. "Will you save our sisters?"
He nodded. "Are they within the encampment?"

"Caerthynna, was sold not long after we got here. Meira as well, but she is somewhere in the encampment the man she was given to his one of the collectors men. Shiala escaped,and I do not know what became of her. He keeps our mother in his bed chamber. And father.. he is dying below the manor in the cells."

Delan scoweled in the darkness. "I will save them all.I will find our lost sister. You must go now. Go with these others.Soon there will be more. "Aluenda nodded and follwed the others in to the mouth of the cave.

Helkaer watched the two men go with their chosen slaves.Then turned to look at his captured niece. "You look like her."He walked over and knelt beside where he had chained her. "So much like Kalea.My brother was a fool to leave her.Even more a fool than I knew." He chuckled, and looked towards his other slaves. "Soon enough you'll come to respect me as they all have.And evn if you don't."He gave her bruised cheek a pat. "You will obey. You have no chhoice. Your powers are useless here.The chains that bind you and all my slaves can not be touched by any magic. You will be sold to the man that sees fit to buy you. "

He rose to his feet. And looked over his other slaves. "Nakiasha , come here." When he called she came. A lovely drow woman,her hair was long past her waist in a long braid. Her eyes were a shocking blue,she wore a slip of a dress,that showed off more skin than it covered. Zara gazed at her in awe,she saw some od Delans own features in his mother. She walked in with her head held high. Her legs were bound by shackles and a long chain,her hands were free as she carrie dina silver tray with a decanter of wine and a cut wheel of cheese upon it.


"My Lord." She knelt to her knees before him and offered up the tray. She smiled dimly looking down at her. "This is what an obeditant slave does. Man or woman it doesnt matter.Though I trade in mostly women and girls. I have captured a few men and boys for the guards. They serve well for their time."

He tapped his hands under Nakiasha's chin. "Rise." He took the wine off the tray as she rose to her feet. He walked around her looking at her with a grin. "Tell me Nakiasha what would you say if I told you your youngest daughter was given away today?"

Zara saw the womans eyes flare,she saw her hand move.But they were slight things,things he wouldnt have seen. "I say nothing of it my lord. " He grinned, "The man I sold her to is likely deflowering her as we speak. Perhaps they both are taking turns.. Young Liam and Jake. " Zara watched Nakiasha eyes narrow at that her hands gripped the tray a bit harder. " Hopefully she will please her new masters well."

He chuckled now. "You see niece, perfect slaves. You will be one of them. Nakiasha,take Zara down to the training rooms will you,show her around." He walked over to Zaa and unlocked her from the wall only to lock her in shackles.

"Yes master." Nakiasha would lead Zara away.

Jake and Liam walked around the encampment. Looking over the guards both slaver and slave alike. Delan kept track of each man. Slaves were easy to spot,with their shackles. Slaver bosated and shoved them. Neither Jake nor Liam was ever asked anything,nor treated with any hint of suspision. They walked the encampment all day.Talking to some,seeking out others.

By the end of the day in their bought room they sat both glarely lightly at the gols they had been given for bringing in Zara. It wa sblood money,yet it would go to the people once the battle was over. "I counted fifty slave men and boys as guards and servants. I coutned at least two hundred women servants ." Delan nodded. "I counted about two hundred men at arms,guards and slavers worth killing. The army will be here at night fall. We should be well ready."

Elven riders blasted through the slaver troops. They stood no chance against three mighty archers. Zara,Luana and Llewellyn stood shoulder to shoulder. The once enslaved women tore through the ranks as they tired to fall back.

Zara saw Nakiasha pull a in slaved womans chains off. The woman was a drow,her hair short,curly and silver.Her eyes tore through the night like silver stars. Zara knew the woman must be Meira Dulthlaas. Mother embraced daughter for a heart beat before they were back in the battle.

Zara spared a glance at the collectors house.It was not yet on fire but soon it would be. She wondered how Delan and Ruvyn were fairing inside. Helkaer had not yet fled the house. Zara knew what he was doing inside and it made her sick. "Hes gone down to kill your husband."Zara eyed Nakiasha.

"Yes, he will not leave loose ends. Alton will not go with out a fight." Zara looked to Llewellyn "Take half of the women . Nakiasha ,Meira and I along with the others will head inside. " "Not alone."Luana slid in beside them off the back of a mighty horse. Tanseril nodded to them all before ridding off to kill fleeing slavers.

"Llewellyn take this half and meet up with the warriors. Once all the slavers here are dead or captured ,tell Tanseril to move towards Teien. " This battle was more than just the encampment. "Those in the city will see the smoke soon enough,come day break, and once that happens well ahve more slavers bareing down on us."

Llewellyn nodded and took half of the freed slave women and led them away. Zara stayed with Luana and the other half of the women. "Delan and Ruvyn will be making their way through his guards men. We must go in from behind, and stop those yet to go to their masters aide. "

They followed Zara's lead. Zara knew the women with her would fight and die to be free. She nodded to Luana as they spotted three guards.

Zara nodded to her friend and they took them on.As if noting could stop them. She would see her uncle hang,no burn for his crimes to her land, to her family. Delans family was half there at least his mother, and Meira. Aluenda would be safe by now. Caerthynna was not there, nor was Shiala, thsoe two would be found though. As Zara killed slavers she didnt let all the blood shed go to far. The land had seen enough blood.

From within she heard raised voices then the scream of a woman.

Zara and Luana rushed up side by side with Nakiasha and Meira close behind. The other women were making head way the slavers were being killed or caught.

As they ran in they saw Helkaer 'Ksher backing up with Delana dn Ruvyn going in on him.Delan held chath'ELGHINN in his ahnd. Both men had dropped their masks, they were two drow men now. And Helkaer 'Ksher seemed surpised. The blade in Delans hand was ready to strike, and Ruvyn was ready as well the posion would be easily fired at the collector from the cross bow on his back. Mori'quessir elg'cahl was highly dnagerous and Ruvyn would only dip the arrow in at the last moment.

Neighter man advanced on the Collector though and Zara saw why. He held a woman tight to him a knife to her neck.

Caerthynna Dulthlaas looked frail,her body was whip thin yet some how strong. As if she had beenw roked too hard for too long. Her hair was buzz cut short. Her eyes were dark though not the same tone as Nakiashas. This was the warrior of the clan, the woman who had beena sailor. She looked aything but. Then Zara relized why her eyes were so dark, she was blind.

"I swear I will kill her too." Helkaer backed up. Zara saw there was already blood on his knife.

"Alton! No!" Nakiasha saw the mans body the same time Zara did. He lay face down looking old and frial,and blod wept from his body covering the floor. He looked beaten,and an arrow stuck out from his back. Zaras eyes flashed to Delan who stood still, the mask of his face was sorrow and pain and utter death for the Collector.

Zara and Luana had to stop Nakiasha and Meira from rushing to Altons side.The man was dead, there was nothing they could do for him.If they rushed in Caerthynna would die. Zara looked to the pained faces,then to Delan.

"Let her go." She looked to her uncle. "Let her go and take me instead."

The room in which they all stood went cold as death. Zara pushed away from Luana and Nakiasha . Outside the war was raging on, the elves were wining. Llewellyn and Tanseril broke through the other barred door at the far side. Llewellyn's bow as up. Zara moved in to the path. "No, halt." She held her hand up to her friends. She faced her uncle again. "Let her go and take me."

"Zara no!" Luana begged softly. But Zara's eyes never left her uncle's. "Take me, give Caerthynna to her mother and take me. None here will stop you. They will let you pass." She spoke to the room as well as to him. Helkaer 'Ksher looked to her then to the frail blind woman in his arms. He pushed the blind Caerthynna in to Nakiasha's arms and took Zara by the wrist. He pulled her along looking back at them with a dangerous,some what daring look in his eyes.

Ruvyn moved almost to stop him, but Zara shook her head. "Let him go." She cast Delan a look as Helkaer took her out the side door. None inside followed. Nakiasha held her daughters close. Ruvyn looked to Delan than back at the others. "Take Delan's mother and sisters to safety, beyond the river. Tell the rides to form up, dawn is coming. More slavers from Teien will be on their way." The order was given to Tanseril and Llewellyn.

"What about Zara?" Luana looked towards the side door and beyond to the encampment in flames. The Collector and Zara were out of sight already.

Ruvyn swallowed hard, then looked at Delan. A moment ago they had been ready to kill him, the collector within their grasp, now he had fled with Zara as a hostage. "He will head for the Lukiae Mountains , if he gets past the riders. Its a two day ride .A Longer walk."

Llewellyn and Tanseril moved to Nakiasha Meira, and Caerthynna. With Nakiasha's help they led Caerthynna away towards the road to safety. Llewellyn nodded to Luana, a silent vow once this was done she would come back and if no one else could go to Zara they would.

Luana nodded to Llewellyn. The silent vow was mirrored in her own eyes. "We can not leave her to him." Ruvyn shook his head. "She chose to go. He cant hurt her,not with his magic, and he wont kill her." "He could sell her,to other slavers beyond the mount." Luana nearly screamed.

"Zara gave her self up so that we could save Teien. Dawn is breaking the horses and elves from the wood will be ready with in moments. The slavers will not expect us now. Teien is ours. We have saved the slaves here, but there will be more. Zara knew that. We must form up and go in to Teien now, and capture the city, free the slaves and end this reign of their rule. Then we can go after Zara. "
He understood his sister's selfless choice. He hated it, the pain was in his eyes in his voice. But he had to fight on, that's why Zara gave herself up. To save Delan's sister and to save their forward attack.

Luana looked to Delan. "You would leave her to him?"

Outside the elven riders were ready, the encmapment was burning the slaves were free and most of the slavers were dead. Only a few were captured and bound. Tanseril led the warriors on horses. When Llewellyn returned the three drow women were no longer with her. "Myren of the great house Rilyn has posted warriors from the tunnels to protect those inside. Nakiasha and her daughters are safe within."

Ruvyn nodded. Llewellyn looked over to Luana who's question she had interrupted Delan she noted stood very still the red sword chath'ELGHINN lowered, his fist tight about it the red matching gauntlet showing in the night against the flames out side.

"The sun is rising."

Delan kept his eyes focused in the direction that Zara had been taken in. Rage and anger shown in his eyes, as chath'ELGHINN seemed to mirror his anger. It took a few moments for him to calm himself down. He would be no good to Zara if he charged in, blinded by his rage in anger. Soon Helkaer would pay for all the things he had done.

They crossed the river on thundering hooves.

Arrows flew.
Buildings burned.

The riders led the charge and with them was Luana,Llewellyn,Tanseril,Ruvyn and Delan.

Across the river they had gone, thudnering through the walls of Teien. The slavers who were left didnt know what hid them.

Slaves were set fre to fight or flee for the safety of Abban. The warriors of the wood set fire to every house,every buidling. Salvers fought and died in the street, some were captured others fled towards the Cesio pass . Many who fled were shot down by arrows.

"Check every house, every building for slaves." Luana gave orders as did Llewellyn. They were side by side through the battles. Their minds on Zara. The sun had risen and the smoke rose in to the blue sky. They had till dusk to set slaves free, and free the city.

Ruvyn and Delan went house to house,building to building setting free slaves. Some they found fought with the other warrios,some were given safe passage to Abban. Some they found dead. The city was burning,the outter wall had been nearly ground to dust. Any slaver holding slaves againstt heir will was shot dead.

Ruvyn had never seen someone so determined as Delan. chath'ELGHINN was sheathed, but he used his other weapons now, as well as his bow. He was deadly with a sword,quick and cunning witha dagger and a shot of heaven with a bow. His eyes burned silver,though his hands were stained with slaver blood.

Ruvyn fought with such passion as well. Thinking if it had been the woman he loved.. if it had been Llewellyn out there in The Collectors hands what he would do. But it was his sister, the sister he had barely begun to know. He would be damned it The Collector stole her from him.

They stood on an ashen field of victory. There was blood and gore, the scent of burning wood and burning bodies. But the slavers were dead,captured or had fled. The small wooden gate that had been placed in the Cesio pass had been burned and torn asunder, the guard towers knocked down to nothing but stones. There was nothing left of the slavers, butt he dead land and the ashen bloody battle field. The sun had risen past it apex, as the fighting had drawn on. The slaves were free. Given safe passage to Abban.

Ruvyn had left a moment ago with Llewellyn to go and collect them all from the caves, they would be given safe passage in to the forest if they so chose to go. Luana stood watching the last of the buildings burn. Tanseril had gone for the woods with some of the injured warriors. They were all to meet at the edge of the forest before dusk.

Luana just stood watching the last building burn. Everyone had been covered in sweat and grime .Blood was in the street,and only a good rain would wash it all away. But it was done, the battle was won. She glanced to Delan who remained with her. His clothes were torn and bloody, his wounds were slight, but she knew the battle was not yet over for him.

It would be dusk in three hours. "Come, lets cross the river and rinse ourselves of the blood and filth and meet with the others." She started to walk and only continued when she knew he followed.

The river washed them of the filth. It was cool and clean and perfect. They crossed the land easily and met the others at the edge of the wood. Ruvyn stood looking off to the East as Llewellyn bound his arm in a bandage. Luana met Tanseril in a soft embrace.

"Your mother and sisters are safe within the wood." Ruvyn spoke to Delan. "We lost twenty warriors in all. But many more were saved. All that had hidden in Abban are within the wood, and being taken care of." He looked to Tanseril who had brought them fresh horses.

"These fine horses will be of service." There were four horses with supplies packed and ready. "" He looked to Luana. Zara was his friend and ally. "But my duty is here. I will stay and keep order and keep everyone safe, in a few days when the smoke is cleared we shall go back to Teien and see what we can do. You four must go and help Zara."

Luana embraced him softly.

Llewellyn nodded as she filled their quivers with new arrows. The sun was setting, casting a long shadow over the land. "We must go." Tanseril nodded, "Watch out for each other, and bring Zara home."

Llewellyn mounted up, Ruvyn followed suit. Luana kissed Tanseril softly before mounting her horse. Delan mounted up last.

"We shall bring her home, as well as the great news of the collectors death." Llewellyn spoke looking to Tanseril then to her forest home.

With that they rode off for the east. Across the dead Rahelia Plain. Ruvyn, Llewellyn, Luana and Delan ridding to rescue Zara.

They pushed their horses. They rode with the failing light. Four compainions on one quest. But thery were very apart from one another.


Luana looked to her right to Llewellyn. She was a warrior of Cael, honnored daughter of the fallen chief and leader of that tribe of elves. Luana knew there were hardly any more true tribes now after the slavers. It had become one huge blended tribe. But Llewellyn would always be an archer of Cael. Her silver hair shimmered in the moon light, her green eyes were focused ahead. Her mission was to save Zara, they had long been friends, almost as long as Luana and Zara had been friends. Zara was like a sister,a fellow ranger a woman willing to fight and die for her people and land.


To Llewellyns right rode Ruvyn. Ruvyn Auvry was the son of a great house. The second great house of Abban. Luana wondered if the houses would ever be the same. So many drow women and children ahd been taken and killed long before the slavers came, many of the drow houses had slaves. Would that still stand after all of this? Ruvyn was a handsome drow. He was tall, but to Luana most were tall. His skin was ebony, his hair as white as snow and his eyes firece and red. But when he looked tot he woman to his left there was only love there. And when he looked to Zara that was the same look. He and Delan were like brothers, and she thought of him that way as well. He was set out to save his sister who he ahdnt known for most of his life and only barely gotten to know.

To her left Luana looked to Delan as he rode his eyes ahead. She had known him long ago, but never his name.Some how now he seemed more fierce than he ahd when burning down that house. He was as handsome now as he had been then. Tall for a drow or most elves for that matter, his hair was silver and his eyes were as well. He beheld fire in his veins, Zara was his beloved, his mate, his heart and soul. You could see that when he looked at her or now as it was evident upon his face. If she were to die at The Collectors hands, he would hunt the man tot he ends of the earth and kill him. He was set to kill him any how, but one death would not be like the other.

She thought then of herself ridding to save her best and dearest friend. Zara had been one of few who ahd understood her, the one whos eh could share anything with. She wanted Zara to be at her wedding. To be at her side in the wilds again as they ahd long ago. They had lost Ny, Dho had survived and fled, Eli was injured but safe. She thought of the city they had ridden to.Teien had been her home,long before the slavers came. Shed been born there raised there. She ahd watched it crumble and fall. As so many fo the towns had.. Ibaea was gone.Kerani as well. Teien was in ruins and would never be the same. Many of the tribes had been lost or disbanded. Eyllis would never be the same. They could not see how dead the Rahelia Plain looked as they rode across it quickly. Nor how empty the Nieli desert seemed with out its tribes people. Nor how truly cold the SnowHaven Valley was with out its elves.

The world seemed so dark and bleek. As Elandara River ran with blood and grime. The rains would come and wash away all the blood. The forest would be green the plain wild and full of dear again, the tribes would rebuild and the old towns and villages would become new ones. No it would not be the same, but it would be good again.

It was dark now as they reached the foothills of the Lukiae Mountains. Llewellyn differed to Luana then. Luana knew these mountains best. She knew of the small pathway up in tot hem that The Collector would take. The trade road deep beyond that. They could go on horse back for a while then theyd have to lead their horses on the slow long crawl up.

They could only hope that they would reach The Collector and Zara before the trade road.

Midday.

The sun had risen in to its apex,but there was no real heat from it here in the Lukiae Mountains. The tallest peaks streched up towards the blue sky, those peeks had snow on them at most any part of the year. The nights would only get colder. She could smell snow. It would start tonight the first snow flurry, it wouldnt be hard,only a slight dusting. But that would be the start of it.

He pushed them on,the road widdened ahead,able to bare the horses with their ridders. But The Collector didn't seem to noticce that, and Zara wasn't about to tell him. He didn't take note of anything. Not the fact that he left a very easy trail to follow,nor any of the tracks upon the trail. Zara did. There were deer tracks, days old, a bear had passed this way in the night, and the tracks she saw the most. Cave troll. Large tracks indented heavily in to the earth, a day or two old heading the same way they did. What an end that would be for The Collector.Cave trolls were far used to cold, even below freezing. They hunted mostly at night here in these parts of the Lukiae.Dear and bear. There were caves the called home,she scanned the higher terrian for those caves now. Any one of them would do.

She was just glad it was a cave troll,not a mountian giant or frost giant who lived higher above. Or goblins,s he didn't much like them, they ran in wild packs and some how she doubted ice would do much to them. Then there were orcs, at least ice would be helpful there.

If they were attacked, she wondered if he knew how to fight. Truly she had never seen him do so, nto with out someones help or an innocent between him and harm. She figured shed be put up between him and anything that came at them. She'd rather die fighting any how than bound.

It was past midday whent hey stopped again as the horses ate and he did she watched. He still didn't offer her any food and she didn't ask for any. She'd gone days before,and wasnt likely to even try to chock down what he ate. She'd starve first. She watched him as he ate,leaving little bits behind, marks upon the soil.. A blind man could track him. Her friends would have no trouble.

The smell of death. It wasn't fresh. But it was foul. Zara noted The Collector turning up his nose at the scent. Old dead blood,rotting. The sound of the crows and ravens. They came across the body not long after. The Cave troll, tossed in to the rocks,its body blown apart. There was also what remained of what had been a deer. Likely the cave trolls dinner. Something had come upon it the night before perhaps the night before that and killed it while it ate. Zara looked at the massive dead body.

It had been torn apart flung on to the rocks and left to die. It must have died painfully. She Watched The Collector spit on the d ad and walk on leading the horses. Zara walked by it, looking over its wounds. The rocks had smashed through its large torso. But its neck had been slit. But that blow had come near the end. Its arms hung loosely from its body,its legs were broken. Its eyes were gone, though most cave trolls were mostly blind anyhow. It had been beaten brutally.

The cuts on its massive body done by a long sharp blade, a powerful scimitar, a broad sword or perhaps a battle axe. Nothing of the body had been eaten, though very few creatures besides dragons ate troll. But the eyes were gone, and Zara knew if she got closer to really look shed find the trolls teeth gone as well as is toe nails and tongue.

There were potions and poisons, cure alls and all manner of things people,those who used deeper magics, made from parts of trolls, as well as from other beings. Mages and wizards. But no mage had done this,no wizard would have beaten a troll so badly. those kills she'd seen before. They were clean. A troll found dead in a cave,killed easily with magic.. cleanly too. This was brutal, yet still those parts were missing. As The Collector moved them on she looked for tracks.. anything.

What ever it had been left no tracks,not a sign. But to kill a troll a massive thing so brutally,it would take an army usually,or a well placed arrow to the head. She walked on,behind pulled ahead. Now there was an unknown foe lurking here.. someone or something that could take on a Cave troll solo.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"By the Grace of the gods." Luana held her cloak up across her nose. The others had dismounted and had checked the area. Both Ruvyn and Llewellyn were armed looking up behind in to the caves. Delan stood beside Luana looking at the dead cave troll.

"They passed this way, were not far behind them now." Luana took breaths through her mouth. The stench of death was one she was used to but cave trolls were not nice smelling creatures in the first place. The ravens had come, the crows as well. Picking at the flesh. They picked at what was left of the deer as well.


"Nothing in any of the caves near by, no tracks." Llewellyn and Ruvyn came up behind them. Luana looked to Delan who studied the cave troll. Then back at Llewellyn and Ruvyn. They all looked at the cave troll. It's body thrown a part on the rocks. Torn apart, pieces missing, left to die.

The rocks hadn't killed it, the force of the throw had, the beating it had taken. Luana could see the bruises on is marred skin. The darker tones of black and grey against its ashy toned skin. Its arms hung loosely pulled from their sockets, its legs were broken in many places.

The eyes were gone. The cuts on its hard skin were made by a powerful blade. Luana held her own sword up against the length of the marks. It was longer than any elven blade. She eyed Delan's Scimitar and the might elven broad sword on his back. Both were powerful, but both seemed too small. A skill hunter could make a mark like that. An axe she figured something heavier. Luana saw that its toe and finger nails were gone and the crows picking around its head picked at its open maul,which held no tongue.

"Wizard?"

Delan shook his head, then spoke. "Wizards would subdue it with magic, a cleaner kill,take what they needed. This was done by force and with intent on inflicting harm on it."

"Cave trolls are harmless to people. They hunt mostly by smell and heat. Deer and bear. Once in a while they might come across someone and well, but that hardly ever happens." Llewellyn spoke,looking to the poor dead creature.

"There are no tracks. Nothing here on the road. Whom ever or what ever it was came from above stayed high in the rocks,or some how left no tracks. There are few who do that, mostly elven kind, and those possessed of magic." Luana backed away now the horses were getting restless at the scent of blood.

They mounted up soon after now looking ahead and behind. What ever or whom ever had killed that troll could still be around.

Zara wished her sheathed weapons would do her any good against The Collector. He walked her down the trade road for a cart that stood still at the end. A trail of slaves on foot and in wheeled cages was lined up behind the cart.

He would need to untie her from the mare to sell her. Zara had made the choice now, as soon as she was free she would fight. It would likely mean her death. Her friends were still coming she knew that, but there was no way they could be there in time. Zara closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

It was odd standing on the edge of the end. Zara had long believed she would die fighting. But this was no the scene that had played in her mind when she was younger. Nor the one that had replaced it after she fled to save all she had loved. This was something new.

She couldn't regret any of her choices. She had never forgotten those she had left behind, those she had lost. For so long she had fought for them. If this was to be her ending she would go down in history.She would kill as many slavers here as she could before falling. She sealed her heart away for Delan. She hoped her brother would find love with Llewellyn. He would tell their father of her endless fight. Luana would be safe and find love in Tanseril.

She thought of the parents who had raise her. She couldn't have asked for better than Iliana and Alinar Idande. They had raised her to be brave, to be who she was ... she was their daughter no matter what blood said.

For those that had fallen in the fight she sent up a soft unspoken prayer. Ny.. her long life friend who had loved her foolishly. She wished only that she could have been better to him. But he had died a warriors death.So many had fallen, and been lost whole clans had been wiped out.

She knew she would never likely see Elidyr or Dhoean again. Nor her homeland. She thought of those she had met on her first journey those of the clans. Those who had become family and friend. Of the lost city of Rhydin not so far away now by the trade road. The place she had found and in turn.. Delan.

Delan. His name was like the pulse of her heart. They were fire and ice. So very different.

Eyllis would return to being green.The forest would grow back. The people would rebuild. Better than before. Those who had fallen would be mourned and one day as many believed would return to the land. Perhaps in a new form.

Though he walked her to her sure death Zaras mind was not on the fight yet to come.It was on the past. On Delan. He would come she kenw,and he would fight still even if they all arrived too late. He would fight and perhaps die at her side. She closed her eyes, if they died here this day.They would find each other again.

She believed that with her whole heart. They had met at the Inn. It seemed so long ago. She had not met many drow men in her life time. Ones like Delan were rare as it were. She remembered thinking he had been some dream, to fill her lonely mind. But she found out soon enough that he was real.

Out in the wild alone,yet together. Put together by the weather and by her need to speak to someone anyone. It had been a lonely time for her. They shared space and food. They spoke of things they had in common. Both rangers of the wild, both good at being alone. There are things she knew only the wild could teach you, only being in it could even prepare you for.

He seemed not at all shocked that she was touched by ice. Nor was she that he was touched by fire. That their inner elements were so different didn't seem to make any difference, they fit together. She didn't care if he was a drow, which she knew he took great comfort in. Having just found out about her half drow side herself she held nothing against their kind.. her kind.

She had never been close, that close to any man. He didn't fear her power over ice. And she had never felt the need to use it against him. Nor she found when she touched him did it harm him. They had gotten closer over time.

She remembered that first stolen kiss. How he had been so bold. How though it irked her, she had not truly minded. He had trusted her, and she him.From the first moment. Fire and Ice .. two elements often at war with the other. But she and Delan made sense to her. They had from that moment, and it had only grown with time.

With her eyes open she saw they were closer to the cart. She was ready. She had all her memories, she would die fighting. Closer still. Her mind focused on the fight to come, who she would go for first. The Collector couldn't be hurt with her ice bound weapons but the slavers could. The chains that held the slaves could be broken. As they got closer she flexed her fingers under the rope.

It was in that moment as The Collector reached up to untie her that she smelt it. Fire.. no not fire. Delan, his scent coming down to her from ahead of them. In the moment the wind shifted, everything changed.
An arrow streaked down the road, level with the slavers carts.

Slavers started running trying to put out fires and The Collector had untied her two seconds before. With free hands she drew her sword and hit him as his eyes panned forward to the chaos. Her sword may not be able to harm him with ice but there was more to her sword than that. A pommel to the head would still hurt. As he stumbled she ran, darting under the closest slave cart. From the snow and fog ahead they came on thundering hooves.

Zara could only wacth as they fought. chath'ELGHINN reamined a dirk sized blade, as he fought The Collector blade to blade. Sparks flew but still no one had made a hit. Llewellyn,Luana and Ruvyn could only watch as well. They could do ntohing,trapped by the fallen snow than watch. If Delan fell none of them could weild chath'ELGHINN. not even Ruvyn who was a little more resistant to fire.

Snow began to fall,slowly around them fromt he darkening clouds above. Zara wondered if it was The Collector try to bury them all. He could have done it with the land sldes but this would be more his style.While Delan fought to hurt those around. Zara sneered up at the clouds. He wasnt the only one with powers over the ice. She looked to Luana and Llewellyn. She nodded tot hem,with out any spoken word.She knew they would cover her, and Zara trusted her brother to cover Delan.

Focused now ont he snow that fell Zara chanted under her breath. With her gloves off and her mind keyed towards the falling snow she sent it off away from the drifts behind them all. The clouds were dark and there was thunder. She saw The Collector eye her,justa short glance between a parry and strike which didnt hit. Delan saw it too. Zara nodded softy and still cnating started to send the dark storm clouds away.

Helkaer 'Ksher didnt like that at all. He ducked a strike from chath'ELGHINN and sent a small knife that was hidden at his belt back at Zara. In the moment it took him to fling the knife back Delan struck. Zara easily hit the knife away with one swipe of her sword.

chath'ELGHINN was burried deep in Helkaer 'Ksher's shoulder. His own dirk had been pushed away tot he side by Delans out streched hand. There was blood on that hand, but the look on Helkaer 'Ksher's face was one of defeat. chath'ELGHINN burst to life,fire engulfed them both. Zara blocked her eyes with her up raised arm and she heard Ruvyn call out to Delan.

A moment later Helkaer 'Ksher stumbled out of the fire and towards Llewellyn, his body was burnt chath'ELGHINN no longer in his shoulder. Ruvyn took the shot then, aiming three drawna rrows at The Collectors back. As Helkaer 'Ksher moved forward,Llewellyn moved and the arrows posioned with Mori'quessir elg'cahl. The posion worked quickly and before he mett he snow drift he had made Erlan,Helkaer 'Ksher,The Collector was dead.

Zara tooka long breath then rushe din to Delan who was knealing to the ground. "Delan."

The others came closer but didnt crowd him. His eyes were closed, and he didnt look harmed. The cut on his hand had seared closed. The fire from the blade now shetahed to his back had cleeared some but not all the snow from around them. "Delan?"

His eyes opened and looked to her, they were the tne of fire, then once more his normal tone of rich silver. His lips found hers with a fever. Heat seeped in to her evey pore as he drew her down to her knees. Her hands clasps around his neck,letting the welcomeing warmth seep in to her. God she had missed this.

She heard Ruvyns laughter, and Luanas cheer. Then she was released to see Ruvyn giving Llewellyn a kiss. "Lets go home." Zara smiled to Delan and they rose together. Delan made them a path through the snow drifts,and the others followed.Leaving The Collector where he would rot.

Their horses were gone,run off or dead. It would be a long trek back up the side of the moutaint but now they were all together.

They were down the road,nearly free from the trade road when they all felt it.The ground below them shook. Zara and Delan looked tot he sky,looking for the dragont hey ahd long evaded. But no shadow shown,nothing darkened the sky.

A roar came,and with it snow tumbled down again behind them where The Collectors body was burried. They all looked to the hillsides.It was Llewellyn who saw it first. "There, on the top of the south hillside." She pointed and they saw it. It was larger than any wolf,or warg. Though it bared some similaries to the rare wild fighting wolves of fable and tales. Its eyes were sharp,its color was white and silver like the snow.

It looked down at them like prey. SLowly it came down the hillside.

"Theres someone on its back." Delan noted, they were all again ready to fight. As the creature came colooser they all saw it more closely looked like a large feline than a large wolf. Hardly tame,it was ridden bya woman,she was wrapped in layers of blue cloth,her face hidden. Red eyes looked out. Zara noted the woman wore teeth,orge,goblin,orc,and troll teeth as a necklace as did her mighty mount. At the side of the mighty beast was a pouch, and Zara had no doubt there were parts from the troll she ahd seen within it.

She was armed whom ever she was, sword and drik and mighty spear. Made of bone and high elven mirthral. Zara looked to the hidden face of the mighty warrior. "We mean you no harm, we are merely passing out of this place."

The woman dismounted. "You killed the cold one." She looked not at Zara but at Delan and Ruvyn. She took a step forward and then bowed. "We thank you."

Zaras brows rose. "We?"The woman rose. "Forgive me, I am Shiala. I have been living in these parts for some time.I once escaped the cold one.. I found a tribe of people living here.. in the frost, they took me in, and made me their chief."

Zara starred shocked. "Shiala Dulthaas? "The woman looked over Zara. "Yes.."She slowly unwrapped her face to let everyone see who she was."Sister.."Delan breathed.Shiala looked to him,her eyes stucdied him slowly. "Delan...? How can this be..?"

" I came here to kill The Collector, he had taken Zara.." He looked over to Zara then to the others. "Forgive me, this is Zara, Llewellyn and Ruvyn. "He motioned to the others. "The Collector had been a plague on Zara's homeland,and then we rose up against him,with soem help, but he took Zara captive.. its beena long road here.. sister.."He stepped forward slowly watching her mighty mount eye him. "Our mother and sisters are there in Zara's home land free once more.. but father, he is dead."

Shiala nodded softly. " I escaped,and couldnt free them. The people that i found welcomed me, and I never wished to return.The mist people are not war kind. "Zaras brows rose. "The mist people.. the people of Ilri? Of SnowHaven?"

Shiala looked to Zara. " Yes, they once called Snowhaven home, most are from Ilri,some from Vonlir and and Daeoro.. but very few. I found them living in a frozen valley, they had come upon these lovely creatures and learned to ride them,to hunt and to keep safe from the frost giants." Zara edged closer. "What do you call them?"

"Cath Drejan, this is Cas'Dae'Mai, I just call him Cas" Zara edged clsoer to the large feline.It eyed her with deep blue eyes. "Hes mostly friendly. " She looked back to Delan. "I am glad you killed the cold one, and that our family is free. You must all go home now, theis place is dnagerous,filled with creatures whom are dangerous."

Zara looked back to her. "There was a troll on the road down.. did you kill it?" Shiala nodded, " There has beena plague.. some wizard in these parts has weaved a spell over many of the trolls,and goblins, it takes them over,its hard to see the change.. but the Cath Drejan can smell the change.. it was kill that troll or have it kill the people,in a week. "

Delan looked to his sister. "You could come back with us,make a home in Eyllis. " Shiala shook her head. "My place is with the mist walkers. But I am glad you are safe,Lady Zara. Give mother my best..brother." She backed away then,and wrapped her face once more as she mounted the mighty feline and then strode away.


Delan watched sielnt.The other just had watched silently. It was Luana who spoke first. "That cat was massive.. makes the cats of Nieli desert look like pets. " Llewellyn laughed and Ruvyn hung his arm around her shoulders. "I've seen creatures in Abban that would flee in terror from that thing and you nearly got close enough to pet it sister."

Zara smiled looking back at them. "Lets go home."

With no horses they walked through ankle deep and sometimes knee deep snow drifts up tot he pass through the mountains. Luana walked along side Zara and Ruvyn and Llewellyn led the way back. Zara had lingered a bit in the pass,looking to Helkaer lay dead. His body would rot. Vultures would pick at it. She diubt mush else would find his now freezing flesh worthy of being consumed .

Zara had seen Delans features change. Shiala had been cold, almost detached from him. But it had been a long time since they were brother and sister. So much had changed, they had been stolen from their family,made slaves. Their father was dead, his body among those in Teien. Caerthynna would be blind for the rest of her days,never able to fight nor be anything that she might have dreamed to be . While Meira,Aluenda and his mother Nakiasha grieved over their losses, and found new life within Eyllis.

Zara wondered if they would ever see Shiala again,or any more of the Snow Haven people. So many had fled, so many had died, would any of the tribes return? Or would the land remain ever changed? Zara hoped one day Shiala would come in tot he Snow Haven valley with what people were left from there and bring the Cath Drejan with them. What a mighty beast they were.

Delan couldnt hide from her. Not really. But she let him be. As they walked away she let him look abck to the dead body of The Collector. No longer would he torment his family. Zara walked beside Luana and nodded back at Delan as they made their treck up the slopes to the road through the mountains.

It would take days, many days,two weeks maybe to walk all the way home. What ever had been packed was gone witht he horses, they had the packs on their backs,and their weapons.Nothing more. Llewellyn scanned the snow. "We will have to find food,though with all this snow,it will be hard."

"I have a few rations left." Luana smiled looking to Zara who had nothing but the clothes and cloak on her back, and her weapons. They amde it three miles before they stopped to rest. The deep snow was behind them, the trail before them with only clining frost and a dusting of snow.

With no one to hunt and no one hunting them they could make a fire and rest. Zara left Delan to himself. He had been through much more than she had. She still had her family,these friends whom she called family. Her parents ahd died long ago, and she had morned them,she knew he was grieving, brooidng over his sister, so cold and deatached, what The Collector had taken from her and him.

She sat near Luana and smiled across the fire at Ruvyn and Llewellyn. They shared some of his rations, and passed them around. They rested only long enough to regain their engery before the fire was put out and they were on their way again. They had to make it out of the high pass before dark.

The crackling fire was the only sound in the cave. Zara understood what her dearest friend and brother had done. They had left to go search for food or water so that she and Delan could talk. Llewellyn slept soundly curled up upon her bed roll,with Ruvn's blanket over her form.

Zara wasn't sure what to say. The days had been long and hard and they both ahd gained and lost so much. Her eyes flcikered up at him, as he sat across from her now proding a new log in to the fire. He had lost his father. She knew the pain in that,for she had mourned the loss of her own for so long. She wished she could have done more,that she could have stopped The Collector from harming his family. She would have done anything to do so, even if it had cost her,her own life.

It would have been well worth it. As things were he had some of his family back. His mother and three of his sisters. Buts he knew that Shiala's coldness towards coming home stuck with him. As she was sure the fact that Caerthynna was blind forevere and would never be the same woman again.

None of them woudl eb the same, ripped from their home,tortured and held by a mad man. Ther father and husband dead,one sister gone another blind.The other two touched by such darkness that it may never really fade.

She watched Delan and didn't speak, not even when his gaze caught her own. She lowered her gaze to the fire and thought of that kiss they had shared. They had been parted before,but it had never been like that. She had been sure she would never see him again, that she would die at the hands of her deranged uncle. She had come to a peace about it.

When she looked up from the crackling fire the space Delan had been was empty. Perhaps he had deiced to go out of the cave, to deal with what ever was on his mind alone. She lifted her gloved hands up, to warm them on the fire and was shocked when she felt Delans hands take hers. He knelt before her,his silver eyes warm. "Delan.."

A very warm finger pressed to her lips. " I thought I'd lost you. It ate at me, every day. We were so close,yet so far away. I couldn't save my father, I couldnt change the fact that Caerthynna had been blinded,nor my oher sisters and mother so changed by Helkaer 'Ksher. I wanted to kill him, to strangle the life out of him for all he had done to me.. and to you, your family, your homeland. Your friends were so sure you were alive. Luana and Llewellyn, they were certain. I could see Ruvyn wanted to believe it too, but he had seent he death The Collector had caused." He sighed and drew himself closer to her.

" We followed tracks, and the moment we cgot wind of your scent my heart soared. But then we found the dead cave troll, and there was so much looming.. I wondered if it was not already too late. We almost were too late. " He framed her face with his hands. " I don't know what I would have done if he had killed you, if he had harmed you any more. "

Her heart broke and sank and rose as he spoke. She tugged off her gloves and reached for him when his hands framed her face. She simply held on to him. "I thought I was lost too.. that I would never see home again, my friends,my family. "Her gaze met his. "I started recalling our time together,every moment. I didn't want to forget anything, but I knew when the time came I would have to let you go. I wasnt letting The Collector return to harm anyone else.Even if it meant my own death. I came to a peace about it.. a sad peace. That I would never see you again.. hold you in my arms.. kiss you..be with you." She felt the tears stream down her face but didnt stop them. they tricled down her cheeks slowly as her cold skin started to freeze them as they fell.

He captured her mouth in a slow despearte kiss. She locked her arms around his neck and gave in to that kiss. She would not have to wall off ehr heart,and die in the frost and snow. She had him here,now.
He pulled away slightly. " I am angry,with him even though he is dead. I am saddened by the fact that my sister would not come back with us.. that my mother and other sisters were so touched by his evil.. And I am so sorry.. I didn't know what to say or to do."

There was sorrow in his eyes. "I know.." She stroked his face. " We have been through too much,so much that words seem..hollow. I wish I could have killed him for you,to save your sorrows. To save your father..your sisters from his evil."

He pressed a kiss to her forehead. "I wil mourn my fathers passing, as a warriors passing. And in time I think I may forgive Shiala. It is not ehr fault, she found a new life, and I will learn to be happy for her. And we will go home and my mother and sisters will heal.. we all will."

Zara nodded softly and leaned her forhead to his. "If I had stayed so long ago,instead of running, this may have never happened. The slavers would have never gotten such a hold, and so much would be different."

"You wouldn't be here, we would never have met...I would have never found the woman I love so deeply. No.. we can not change the past. Somethings were meant to happen. Like us." He linked one of his hands in her own.

Zara smiled faintly to that. " I would never unwish our meeting,or my love for you. I just wish none of this darkenss would have come to my homeland, your homeland, our family."

"The light has won, and we will mourn our losses, rebuild the land and make a family together."