Rhydin- and the adventures there in.

(taken and adapted from live play)


::He looked down at his tumbler, muttering something under his breath. Just when he needed it most! He stood up, and slowly made his way over to the hearth. He wasn't cold, but he would deal with the heat. He approached Aria, stopping at a distance that kept him near her but as far from the fireplace as possible. There was an uncomfortable silence, and a look of concentration on his face, before he spoke, the words recognizable, but the accent flat:: <q> Mae govannen..

:She shifted only once to move her legs in to that criss cross under
her.Flame lit emerald hues then swept back over the commons..Then over to the man whom spoke to her, a soft chant of her head:: Vedui' ::the words flowed off her tounge with that sing song tone.::


:Another pause, and furrowing of his brow, as if he was
trying to parse this statement as well. He gave up.:: I'm afraid I'm out of practice. I haven't had to trade with elves in a long time. ::His gaze was neutral, but he subconsciously reached a hand up to his face to cover his eyes with loose strands of hair. Where to go from here?:: Good evening.

::Aria's smile was soft, and her gaze remained upon him.Those
emerald hues swept over him, her eyes took in everyone in such a way.She shifted from the floor before the fire and stood in a fluid motion:: Tis all right, I speak and understand common. It just takes mea little longer to phrase things
well.

:She stood there a moment the fire at her back, and shifted that veil
of hair from her eyes.:: I am Aria :: a soft bow of her head::

::He stuck his hand forward briefly, as if about to give a
handshake, then awkwardly withdrew it as she bowed her head. He did the same, although his bow was somewhat stiff.:: I'm Glenn.

:;she smiled softly, she knew the custom of the handshake, but did
not do it often.::A pleasure ::Noting the stiffness of that bow.Emerald hues swrilled to a ligheter shade of green.::

He had to brush a little bit of hair out of his eyes to get a
clearer glimpse at her own, and he did it with a quick flick. He suddenly felt awkward. He hadn't really thought this out very well.:: I, uh, I'm sorry if I'm disturbing you. I didn't mean to. I just- ::just what? He didn't say.:: How are you this evening?

::Her bare right hand shifted to rest upon that chair that sat there by
the fire side. That cloaked moved with her every soft movement. Raven locks swept her face hiding that soft rosy blush she had.:: Ye are not disturbing me. I am well, and ye? :: looking to those marks he had from the kitten. Then then the bandages.::

:He touched the scratch on his face briefly, before he took
the jade necklace out from under his shirt and started clicking the pieces of jade together idly.:: Well, I've been better ::shrugs his shoulders.:: but I've been much
worse too.

::Her eyes followed looking to that jade necklace then back up,
smiling softly she gave a nod.Those raven locks falling again to veil her eyes and hide her soft rosy cheeks.::

:The clacking switched quickly to him rubbing one of the
pieces between thumb, index, and middle finger. He continued to talk:: It's my fault. I should've known better.


::The fire at her back was quitewarming so she inched a bit futher
from it now..She watched him with softlt raised brows.:: well ye can not blame yourself..cat can be very tempermental,or so I hear..

::he flipped his free hand up in a dismissive gesture.:: I was
stupid. Cats don't like me. I should've know better but ::shoulders shrugged gain.:: what can you do?

she smiled softly to that:: Well at least ye are not to badly
injured..::her gaze shifted again,those hues shifting shades of geen,mixed withthe light from the fire behind her.::

::He smiled faintly as well.:: That cat would've escaped if it
hadn't been hurt so much. ::head lowered slightly, as he looks down at his arms.:: I just hope it doesn't scar. Got enough of those on my fingers. ::as if
forgetting where he was, he looks at the knuckles on his right hand, studying them intently.::

:She followed his gaze down to his hand and studied them a
moment, before looking back to his bandaged arms:: Scars are not all together a bad thing... they tell alot about a person. I doubt the marks upon your arms will leave scars,if they are tended to well

::He couldn't help but wince a little at the comment on
scars. What would his scars say about him? Things he wasn't ready to say aloud. The scars on his hands, however, were quite clearly old cat scratches.::

Well, I'm not a healer and ::he glanced over at Lydia, looking sheepish and apologetic.:: I thought I didn't need treatment. So I'm kind of stuck with what I get.

She gazed to her own hands a moment, no visible scars
there,but good healing spells and time had hidden most of her scars,save for a few Then up again her eyes shifted through that veil of raven hair: Well treatment
will help them heal betterwith out scaring, but if the bandage look ye nae
like,there be other forms of treatmeant about . :: she was sure that she wasnt the only one in this city that had that touch of healing magic..::

::slight sigh through pursed lips.:: I brought it on myself. I'll
just have to go see a healer tomorrow and pay for it myself.

:She slid her hands though her hair tucking it behind her ears.Her
eyes shimmered a moment.Normally she might offer to heal him, but Rhydin had its own set of rules and she was not versed in them yet.::

::His gaze lingered on the ears for a moment, before he
lowered his eyes. He felt a yawn coming on, that he barely stifled.:: Anyways, it's getting late.

:a soft nod to that::Aye the hour grows very late ::a soft smile then.::

:He paused again, searching for the words in a language
that was frustratingly out of his reach. He finally gave up again.:: Good night, and have a good evening. ::a slight smile crossed his face.::

: :: she wondered what corner of the woods shed find herself in this
night.Though a inn bed sounded better at the moment than the grassy knolls or tree top resting places she had been using.::Quel Du.. :: Aria smiled back to him:: It was a pleasure to meet thee, perhaps our paths shall cross again

::he nodded to Aria, before stepping away from the
fireplace.:: It was a pleasure to meet you also. ::He walked across the bar quickly, an apologetic glance shot to Lydia again as he made his way past, towards the staircase, up the staircase, and to his room.::

:: her hands shifted up towards the cloaks hood, she would have to
go and brave the chill of the city and find her way to some warm place to
sleep.She made for the door,pulling that hood up over her fair features and out, witha soft nod to the others gathered, as she went off out the door.::

The day slid on as Aria wlaked slowly through the trees. The light was fading and she had left Rhydin and that city behind hours ago moving as fast as any wild horse could. She was searching out her horse, she had set her free, but now needed her. Yes she could treck the way back on foot but it would take days, on horse back it wouldn't take as long she hoped. " Arda Manke naa lle?" Aria rested for amoment using the back of her sleeve to wipe the sweat from her brow, she shifted that bow and sword as they lay across her back.

She had made new arrows the day before,just incase she had the need to hunt something for food. Emerald hues gazed tot he sun, then as she leaned there against that oak she took out that map, that scroll of paper that she had dawn on with ink to make a map, Rhydin, then the beyond. These she had called the outlands, trees and grases mixed, and to the south she could see the towers of the village she had called home for those many months. the wild plains went on for ever and ever. Horses ran free here. Thatw as why Aria had let Arda go here. But Arda had never been a free horse. Bound by humans from youth.

The moon rose and Aria set a fire going. And sat before it thinking of home, thinking of her torn heart, torn two ways. Between Rhydin and Home. Bewteen Drake and Kegan. The ever nagging fear was set in her heart, if Kegan was alive her bonds were to him and if he was dead or if he had moved on did she wish her bonds to be to Drake. Drake , she had not told him where she was going, nor anything of her search for her horse. He could not know, he could not understand.

With the ever darking night she slept, her dreams fileld with old dreams, things that had happened so long ago. Ellya's face, Kegans and his brothers faces, the women they loved. those she had fought with. The faces of her mother and her father. Morwen Crebain. A voice from her dream woke her and Aria cast a long glance around. It had felt as if the very winds whispered her name, the name she was called by beacuse of who she was, really was. Kegan had loved her for who she was, Thoren had never known the real her till it was too late. Then there was Kyna. A low growl behind ehr rose to her attention and she turned and saw a wolf starring at her. . Aria rose slowly and gazed to the wolf, it was nearly dawn, and Aria knew the wolf was hungry. " draug, aut e' tel anoron, fara n'e vasa ." The wolf starred at her for a long moment then shifted back along the tree line and disappeared in to the distance. Aria tooka long breath, wolves were hunters and needed to eat as mucha s she did. Bt it was more than that that wold looked at her so oddly as she had never been gazed at save for by A fox.

Aria breathed a bit more and closed her eyes trying to keep back the tears. She had to go on. So on she went. That village she had called home with Drake was getting closer now. She was staying hidden. She had left her post behind to find something else something more fitting.And then a smile washed over her features as she saw the brown mare witht he raven mane standing in the patch of wild grasses. "Arda." Aria broke in to a run and the horse stirred at her a moment before Aria's hand calmed her. "Arda, Tis I, Aria." The horse snorted and swayed a bit before it looked at her. Aria then slid a set of old reins over the horse and mounted her no saddle needed.

The ride home was longer than expected. She had to stop many times to tend to Arda and herself. But at last she was back inside the citys great walls, leading Arda behind her. Worn and tired she and Arda rested just inside the city walls till again night fell and once again Aria found ehr self at the red dragon inn.



(adapted from live play)

No matter how long she told herself she'd staya way for she
always came back to the inn, but tonight seemed different. Though she walked in through the back she had ridden in ona horse a horse she did not have before. Her hair swept back and a bit messy her hands a bit worn from gripping reins that were all too worn but other wise smiling brightly. No gloves to pluck from ehr worn red fingers tonight, as she found a place at the bar. Emerald eyes swept over the commons not too busy tonight, and only a few faces that she could recall

:looks to the back door:: Hello Aria! Welcome!

"Good Eve Gav " a smile for the tender as a wisp or two of raven hair came across her cheek::

What can I get you tonight, Aria?

" My usual " which was elven wine

::pours Aria's Elven wine and puts it before her:: Five copper for the wine.

Des::she tips her hat to Aria a bit belatedly and smiles to her:: Evenin'.

A smile to Des " eveing.. " five coppers were slowly placed upon the bar top, plus three more for tip color=green]" thank ye Gav"

:winks at Aria:: Thank YOU! ::places the coins in the till and the tip in the orphanage fund::

: a nod and smile, before a long sip of wine was take, one of those
savoring sips. She held the glass a bit looser, her hands still numb as well as red and worn, what the past days had been like.one glass would never be enough of that wine she so favored that glass was set down slowly,later when she was some where she could tend to them with more detal she would tend to ehr worn and red hands, but for now she would just patron watch and listen while she had her wine

::looks to Aria:: What happened to your hands?

Her gaze shifted up from the bar and that glass to Gav " Old reins.. but They will heal.." a smile, she didnt much care if her hands took days to heal she ahd found her horse and was that much closer to getting back to what she wanted to do::


:raises a brow:: You have a horse, Aria . ::pours her more Elven wine:

Nods " Aye, I had le her go back tot he wild, tis a very long story. But I found her a ways outside the city yesterday.Made my day."

You let her go, Aria? That must have been difficult.

"Yes, it was. But I was not used to having a horse and then I came here. When I saw the city I knew that Arda would be happier in some wild field.. so I let her go.But things have changed."


Another slow sip of wine would be taken. And she let her hair
down and shook it out once and ran her finger tips through it before pinning those messy raven locks back up, still wisps of hair slid down across her cheeks

Would you like a horse, Aria? You're own?

"Well I found her days back, she is my own ina sense I do not think Drake would take her back from me, though... " a long thought on that " If he knew what i was up to he might..."

Well, Aria, you let me know if you need a horse.

"I shall dot hat thank ye. I do hope Drake doesnt... find out what i am up to..he'd be very angy with me... " a long slow sip of that wine::

Zev Zayveon: ::Eyes paused on Aria a moment, perk of a brow as he sipped from his mug::

A slow raise of a raven brow and a nod to Zev, she recalled him
from so many eves back. A tint of a smiel there as she lowered her wine glass to
the bar


Zev Zayveon: ::Caught!.... he gave a light bow toward Aria, before standing back up in his height and lifting the mug for a slow sip of rum::


Of corse, those emerald hues saw most everything. Those wisps
of raven hair were tucked back ebhind those showing elven ears. Only to fall forward again


Zev Zayveon: ::Gaze moving from Aria over those about the Inn then. reaching for the bottle to refill his mug at least half way::

another sip of wine and those ears twitched softly as her hair
tickled them. She blew a puff of air at the dnagling wisps that came across her face, before leaving them be for now. Now she dug in to that leather looking bag that hung at her side it was darkend hide for sure of what kind would be hard to tell, dig, dig sig with those red and worn hands..She smiled as she found her dark green gloves, brows quirked a
bit, where had they been before? No matter she pulled them on very slowly to hide those worn red fingers

::watching Aria put on her gloves...smiles inwardly::

her brows arched softly as she cast ehr gaze up to Gav, she
smirked lightly. Then took another long savored sip of wine. It was nearly like the wine at home, but not exactly.. but close

Zev Zayveon: ::Watchful of the gloves, light sip taken from his mug of rum::


The thought of that home wine made her smile faintly, it had
seemed so fara way for so long, but at last she was a step closer to finding it again. But she still feared what she might find, then there was the thought that she again was leaving with out any note. But she had to know.. that glass was lowered a bit then finally to the bar it was placed now idle gloves hands rested upon the bar at least her left did ehr
right reached up as if to grace that necklace that hung about ehr neck, what ever hung at its end was hidden under her shirt. But she stopped herself half way and took her glass up instead and leaned back a bit upon that stool that lean and her gaze shifted back over the common back to the hearth and its flicking light. A long moment spent looking off that way before that glass was settled to the bar aftera sip of wine.A smirk as she heard the meniton of that 'spoon', now was a good
time to move back towards that hearth so glass in hand she went with one graceful motion off the stool and back away from the bar towards the hearth::

A twist a turn and the hearth now stood before her, and that chair
behind her. Down she settled adjusting that dagger at her left as she sat and that glass on the arm of the chair and settled before the fire Emerald hues quickly were washed with fire light as she sat
there resting the edge of that small end table there,glass of wine not yet
touched. She let her hair down and held that pin in her hand for a moment as she brushed through those wild untamed raven locks before putting them back up more happy
with her hair now. Not the type to usually care about such things but it was just an idle task at hand there by the fire light ankles uncrossed and recrossed, and one last long sip of wine.
The glass was empty, so that meant she was back up and moving across the room to get a refill. That empty glass ws lowered to the bar and she regained that bar side stool. And shifted her elbows to that bar top and leaned there. Thinking, off some where in old throughts.


:watching Aria, wondering what she's thinking::

Destre: I was gonna introduce ya to Aria here Lana. ::she smiled between
the two::


A long glance was given up to Gav, and a nudge given tot hat
empty glass. Ears perked to Des hearing her own name mentioned

Lana: ::Looks to whom Des was speaking about:: Im always happy to meet
new people


A nod given to Gav and a soft smile to the woman who Des was
speaking to. "Thank ye Gav " for the refil of her wine



Any time, Aria. ::watching his Des do the intros.::

Destre: Great! Lana this is Aria. Aria this is Lana. Please meet each other. ::she motioned to each other for them so they would know who they were
meeting with a bright smile::

Lana::She smiles and extends her hand in a friendly gesture:: Pleaseure
to meet you M'Lady Aria

Emerald hues gazed over and another smile was give:: "A
pleasure to meet thee Lana." gloved hand extened back. " No need for titles as
that for me,Aria is fine.

Lana: Very well Aria

Lana: Tis a pleasure to meet new people since I have no memory of my
past

Again ever falling wisps of raven hair fell from that percj behind
her elven ears and across her cheeks. Aria was always pleased to meet new people. " Rhydin tis a good place to build new memories as well as remember
old ones once forgotten"


Zev Zayveon: ::A turn of his head over Aria and Lana at talk of new beginings.. light shift from the bar, taking his bottle of rum in one hand and the mug upon the other as he moved through the tables::

LadiLana: It seems a nice place , and the people are nice as well ,have you been here long in this town?

" Not that long ,a month at best." to the question. " Aye yes the people here for the most part are very kind"


Lana: And what keeps you here in town? ::Finishes her wyne and places the glass at the edge of the Bar for a refill::

"Well many things. I have made firneds here. I couldnt recall a day from my past tillr ecently, and my home lies far from here and have not yet found my way back."


Lana: Ah so we have a common! We must make a toast.

a nod to that " aye yes"

Lana: ::Looks to Gav and Des:: May I have a Refill of Rose wyne please ,and if Aria needs one ,her as well

" just half a glass full for me Gav" a smile then

::gives Lana her rose wine and Aria her elven wine, half full::

Lana: ::She smiles and takes up her drink:: To New beginings for us and many more Friends!

after the glass was given it was taken up and softly touched to
Lana's glass " to new beginings for us and many more friends " a smile then

Lana :Smiles:: And hopefully A job soon

a nod to that " aye having something to do while in Rhydin tis a good venture..."

LadiLana: I could kill someone If need be Im a Sword for Hire ::Sips her wyne hoping she didnt say anything wrong::

a long sip taken, she had asked for half a glass for two reasons
one, she had a long ride ahead of her and two, well two and a half glasses sounded about her limit for one eve . " Tis a worthy skill in this town , we share yet another thing in common"

Lana: Swords?

"Swords, daggers, bow and arrow, hand to hand ." Thought he only thing she was armed with right now was that dagger at her left. I am well trained... one might say"

Lana: I remember I am trained, but I think it has something to do with my
Father ::Shrugs::

Another slow sip of wine taken, glass set dow n a soft nod to
that " I am sure given some time you shal remember everything. Tis hard when somethings missing..."

Lana: I dont even know If I have a Love ,missing me or not, well to New
beginings :: Downs her last bit of wyne::

Emerald hues washed over the commons, raven brows rose just
slightly, Des was queen of intros tonight, though Aria had seen her do it before. A soft smile played across her face as she slid two silvers to the bar top " Tis hard when you do not know that, yet another thing we share in common " her wine was gone as well


Lana: ::Looks around:: I think they need to have a Singles night here, so people might connect


a quirked brow to Gav and a smirk then. Emerald hues shifted
two tones ligher as Aria shifted against that stool " they should, tis a good idea..."

A singles night?

LadiLana: Hey Gav! You need to have a Singles night here

Oooo...good idea! I like that! Of course that rules me out. Maybe I can host!

Lana: Im sure there are those who wish to have such a closeness like you
nad Des

" would you not get in trouble? all the women would flirt with ye, Gav..."

Lana: Laughes:: have two host Gav for the females and Des for the males like a medeator

I would be in terrible trouble, Aria...but someone has to do it. Might as well be me! ::grins::

A wide smirk, it was true. Aria knew well of that sort of
closeness it was one thing she could not forget

Des and I have a beautiful marriage. ::listens to Des and smiles with a little wave to Lethe at the appropriate moment::

A nod to that " One would have to be more than blind not to see that Gav. You two make sucha very lovely couple... " and with that she shifted off her stool

Lana: ::Looks to her finger and sees the ring but doesnt know what its for ,its not on a certain finger ,just there::

Thank you, Aria.

LadiLana: I totally agree with you Aria

"Lle Creoso " another nod give

And tis time for me to head out, Lana twas a pleasure to meet thee and I do hope we can talk again

Lana: ::Looks to Aria:: Well I must call it a night as well, it was nice talking to you , I shall see you again

a nod and smile " good night Gav " a wave then to Des across the room as Aria moved back for that back door

Lana: ::Nods and smiles:: Pleasent dreams

Good night, Aria.

"Quel esta, Lana " another wave and out she went with one graceful motion and down came that hair too as she went out

With the rising sun Aria was up. She gave Arda a good long drink and fed her as well. The morning was chill even under the canopy. The night had been uneventful. But that was all about to change. Aria knew that partols were amde at dawna nd dusk. And at the moment her ears twitched, she heard those patroling knights. Three of them walking through and around the forest. Arda sturred a bit but Aria clamed her with a gentle touch. They could not be found. Aria had no way to hide her face.

"I'll go check it out!" Called a male voice back tot he others that flaoted in the din of the dawning light. Aria had snuffed her fire and knew that some one must have seen the smoke. She quickly took Arda by the reins and started away from that small circle of rocks and burnt wood. That fire pit would be easily found. They had to move quickly and quietly away. Aria knew that there were three men, one coming towards her one on the eastern end of the woods closer tot he town and one that would be right in her way to escape.

Emerald hues shot around the woods for a hollow tree or some rocks anything to hide Arda and her self. Then she caught sight of a small grouping of rocks and a tree. Arda could be easily hidden there by the rocks and she could always climb the tree. Arria pulled Arda faster throught he underbrush and over the fallen leaves.

"Someone was here captain!" came the mans voice again. Aria found that that out cropping fo rocks was much larger thats he had first through, there was room for Arda to slip between the rocks and blend in . "Uuma dela, Nurta. " Arda slid in tot he rocks and settled wth Arias soft touch. Aria then looked over her shoulder there came the captain throught he woods making so much nose she coudl have shot him int he dark. She climbe dup in to the tree and hid within its brances.

The captain went over and nudged his boot at the fire pit. "Not even an hour old. Hmm" He looked around, " go get Gabe, and meet me abck here. I'll be looking around." The young man nodded and hurried off. Aria didnt shift didnt hardly breathe.

The captain looked around, Aria hoped that he wasnt too smart. He looked her way towards the outcropping of rocks then shifted down tot he ground. He saw hoove prints but no foot prints. He rubbed his hand along his chin. Then the oung man returned with the one the cpatian had called Gabe in toe to Aria's surpise Gabe was the only one not dressed in so much armor. He looked more like a hunter some one trained to quide through these woods.

"Alright Kyle you go over there." The captain lightly barked at the youth. "Gabe get to doin your thing." Gabe seemed to roll his eyes at the captiana nd started to move towards the out cropping of rocks. If he spooked Arda there would be no hidding. Aria focused hard, it was not in ehr nature to use the magic that flowed through ehr veins but she might not have a choice. Aria chanted softly and the winds shifted through the tree tops. She used a spell fo conceal Arda from Gabe's eyes as he peeked inbetween the rocks. "Nothing here." He looked to the hoove print sin the soi and his brows perked a bit.

Aria had to do something. She took out her bow and strung an arrow with careful presision and shoot it off in to the distance. The sound of the arrow hittign a tree made animals run and birds fly off. All the mens eyes shifted to the sound. "That way!" The captain barked. Kyle fled off that way slwoly the Captian followed but Gabe lingered for a long moment and Aria could swear as he looked up in tot he tree that he saw her. Aria didnt move. Gabe then shifted away. Once theyw ere out of sight Aria took Arda out of her hidding spot. "That was too close."

Aria wouldn't risk mounting up and ridding off, inseatd she took Arda by the reins and led her the other way. To the west again, it would make the trip longer but she needed to get further away from that village.

By mid day when Aria looked over her shoudler all she could see was forest, no one had follwoed her, that distraction had worked. The trees were becoming thin, and Emerald elven hues could see wild grasses not fara way, once int he grass lands she would mount up againa nd ride to the south. But being out in the open also meant she as easier to see and easier to hunt down.

She wasnt nearly far enough out of range of the village. But she had no choice, those grasses brushed past ehr booted feet and at lasts he mounted up and nudged Arda on to the South. If they were spotted Aria knew that she was much faster on arda then the heavily armored men were ont he backs of their slow steeds.

The fire flickered and Aria was roused from a sleep she did not intend upon. Arda nudged her with a cold wet nose. Aria blinked and gazed around. For a moment she had been swept back home sitting with Kegan by the lake side. Sitting with him in the steams of that hidden grotto. Aria touched Arda's nose softly. "Diola lle, mellonamin"

Arda nudged Aria again. The flames of her fire snuffed out as a massive wind raced over the plains. Arias gaze shifted up storm clouds blew over her. Thunder rolled and lighting flickered in the distance. Both she and Arda were about to get very wet. There was no shelter for miles and that would mean back tracking in to the woods.

Lighting flickered closer and lit the dry grass on fire. Arda stirred. Aria rose and slid her bow over her shoulder. " Luume' a' aut." Grabbing Arda by the reins Aria led the mare away from the brush fire that was racing towards them. No rain had yet to fall. Aria pulled a sash of cloth from her back and tied it around her face. The smoke was rising fast. Arda pulled hard against the reins. Aria knew the horse was scared. Quickly Aria moved mounting up and ridding to the Southwest there was a patch of trees there, it could prove as a shelter. Aria drove Ada quickly as the flames from the lighting started fire faster over the golden grasses.

Aria felt a few spots of rain hit her face. Jumping from Arda's back she pulled the mare in to the trees. They were young trees, not old enough to have many dry parts. But fire knew no difference. Aria was hoping that the rocks that surrounded the trees would hold the fire line. Emerald hues watch the fire rage, small animals fled from the grasses and towards the trees, mice and squirrels ran past her feet. A heard of deer that had been resting int he plains rushed towards the trees as well. Then Aria saw it, a figure ran not a few feet behind the racing deer. Someone else had been resting in those plains along with her. She tired to make out the figure but it moved far to quickly. Young does raced past her and Arda and deeper in to the treeline.


The smoke would surely be seen for miles. And that mean the plains would not be safe.Once the fire stopped there were sure to be patrolling units of nights from the village. The fire raged till the rains finally would rage to snuff it all out. Aria knew she would have to keep going to the West for a while before she could again head south. But something stayed in her mind, she knew she had seen someone running behind the heard of deer. They ran to fast to be a human, though elves were known she had not seen any since leaving Rhydin. And she knew that in that village there were very few.

As long as she was heading in the same direction as the deer had fled perhaps she would see the figure again. The smoke still lingered all around her so she kept that cloth pulled over her nose and mouth her dark raven hair clung to her face and Arda shook her black mane wet from the rain. Aria had dismounted and was leading Arda by the reins through the woods, the rain falling bouncing down through the branches and leaves.

There was a flicker of movement to her right.Aria flinched and her hand graced the hilt of that dagger at her left. Another flicker of movement to fast to be a deer. Arda stirred as well. An arrow flew past her through her hair just above her shoulder, it thunked hard in to the tree behind her, taking a bit of her hair with it. Aria stood before Arda protectively, of it was a village guard they were a very good shot.

Then the flicker became more solid as a male shifted in to view, a dark elf. His face was hidden by a long cloth that was wrapped around his head. Only a set of jade colored eyes looked out. He held in his hand a well crafted bow and it was ready to fire. Aria held her dagger before her and gazed back at the male. She knew no drowish, only elvish she hoped to talk him down from a fight. " Tulunka eller, amin naa il lle goth." The male swiveled a bit and shifted the bow back and with drew the arrow and nocked it back in to his quiver. The bow followed suit on to his back and Aria sheathed her dagger and settled Arda.

The drow shifted looking at her, a wisp of silver hair flew from his head. Aria's brows perked softly. She hadn't met many drow men, but now the one before her seemed very familiar.

Aria chuckled. "How is Hera?" Karnil grinned at that, " with child."

Aria grinned to that. "Well then, congrats." He grinned, " your friend Ellya and Aldreon are to be wed soon under the full moon light.Sekara and Ty are also expecting a child. Kegan had told me that he couldn't wait to start a family with you." Aria felt a touch of pain along her side, though the wound was gone the real wound was deeper than flesh and bone. "Karnil.. I have to tell someone this.."

His brows lifted softly. "It took me a long time to remember all that happened that day by the river. But at last in Rhydin I recalled everthing up till one moment.A moment that I am sure only Kegan could tell me of. Kyna attacked me, and slid her claws along my side deeply in to me. I ams till surpised I survived. But that and the fall over the falls casued me to loose more than my memory and my way home."

Karnil looked to her his eyes softening. "You were with child. " Aria nodded, "yes, it was lost by the time Drake found me. " Now his brows rose more at a mans name, " is this Drake the man you stayed with in the village near the one who taught you of this knight business?" Aria nodded softly. Karnil gazed to her, "You care for his man don't you?"

"I am assamed to say I care for him. I did not expect to. I had no memory for so long, but I knew my oaths were to Kegan I led Drake on. I.." Karnil patted her shoulder, " you fell in love with this Drake?" A nod tot hat, " But I love Kegan." Karnil nodded, " who do you love more, the man your wed to or the man that saved you?" It was a question Aria dreaded, she loved them both.But she knew she loved Kegan first and formost, "Kegan."

" I am glad to hear you say that it is my brother whom you love most. " He shifted up, " Now rest, tomorrow will be a long day."

Aria nodded she would stay there by the fire side curled up ont he soft fur rug, she slowly took that ring off that chain necklace and slid it on to her left hands ring finger. The necklace she then put back on with out a charm to hang there. She gazed tot he fire light and whsipered to herself, " forgive me Drake, but my oaths are to Kegan. "A single tear ran down her cheek. Aria knew that once Kegan was found they would go back to Tel Mandu Taure and she would leave Rhydin and all she knew there behind.

She would have to leave Drake behind as well. He had followed her to Rhydin he had risked his life, and loved her deeply enough to want to stay by ehr side even though she was spoken for. He was a good man and Aria knew that. As she fell to sleep one last tear graced her cheek.

The rabbit had been eaten hours ago.Aria sat awake scanning the surround while Karnil slept. She wasn't worried they had been followed. No one had suspected a thing when they passed through the village. Even if someone did seen their camp fire it was unlikely that anyone would check it out. They were too far for most patrolling knights to go. Aria just watched watching every flicker of movement. Even Arda seemed calm. But Aria was tense. At dawn they would head out on the trail of Kegan.

A pang of sadness wafted through her as the wind shifted directions bringing with it the scent of blood. Far off blood but even Aria could smell it. Rhydin announced it coming long before you could see it. But this scent was of a kill not too far off. Aria's ears perked to the sound of wolves howling. A pack of at least twelve by the sounds of it. Aria felt the chill of the wind coming towards her and huddled closer to the fire tossing on another few small pieces of wood.

She started to wonder about luck. Karnil had said with luck they would catch up with Kegan. Aria wanted to, some part of her just wanted to have Kegans arms wrap around her. She wanted to take in his scent, that wild scent of woods and musk. She wanted to fell his long hair grace over her cheeks. She wanted to feel his lips to hers again.

So much had changed since that day Drake had found her. She had learned all about the world of civilized people. Then when she went to Rhydin she learned more about the world beyond Tel Mandu' Taure. Maybe with luck Kegan might wish to stay with her for a while inside Rhydin's walls. It would be to far to travel every day back and forth and far to dangerous with the reward for her. The king wanted to see her before him and Aria wondered if it wouldn't just be easier to face him. Her eyes cast back over the plains and past the lone trees that stood in those grasses.

"You should rest." Karnil's voice cut through the chill and darkness. Aria's gaze shifted over to him. "I will get no sleep tonight."

Karnil sat up slowly, " If you went back there and turned your self in, there is no telling what they would do to you. Your no knight Aria, your a fine warrior yes, but you should never be bound by honor and duty. Your binds are to the clan, the soil the wild. "

Aria nodded she knew he was right, there was no telling what exactly they might do to her. Eventually the flyers would fade and her name would vanish from the lips of the villagers. But it would never be a place she would venture close to ever again.

Karnil slid his hands over the fire and cast his gaze to the stars. His nose took in the scent of that wolves kill. Then the further off smell of blood. His thin brows arched softly to that scent. He closed his eyes again and listened. He knew Aria could hear as well as he could. He took in the sounds of the feasting wolves, the movement of owls and small rodents. Also a sound of far off cart wheels and horses as well as people on the move.

"People heading to Rhydin." Aria's eyes were open and she was gazing off that way.

Karnil opened his eyes, " perhaps Kegan is among them." Aria wondered if that was true. It wouldn't be hard for him to find an easier way in to Rhydin like she had. Many merchants traveled the road to and from Rhydin. "We will find our way tot he road tomorrow. See if we can track any signs of Kegan. " Aria nodded gazing over the wild, would Kegan be the type to travel on the road with all those unknown?

She had done it but she had been rather desperate. Yes, it was easier to travel on the road, but a wild elf such as Kegan might travel through the open fields and woods towards Rhydin. But the solution came simply, check out the road see if any thing stood out. Perhaps ask camped out merchants if they had seen Kegan and if not track him through the fields and woods which would take some time.

A smell of burnt wood rose to her through the shifting wind. A fire newly put out,most peopelavoided the woods.Only hunters and the brave came in. Aria wondered could it be Kegan whos heels she was now on?

Arda snorted softly and shifted back pulling on those thick reings. Aria steadied the mare with a soft soothing touch of gloved fingers, and softly spoken words. "Easy there girl." Aria then led the way on till she reached the camp sight.It was empty. The fire gone and the smoke nearly gone as well. But there were tracks in the soil.

To heavy to be Kegans. Aria hoped that those wella rmed guards had not come this way looking for her. A quick look around but she saw nothing. But she sensed something. Arda did as well pulling hard back on the reins. Emerald hues flickered as she sensed someones gaze .Elven ears heard a rustle of cloth, and the sound of a bow being pulled form a quiver. She froze knowily caught in the sights of an archer.

You should be more careful, theres a high price on your head." A male voice floated from the trees.A voice she had heard before. Emerald hues snapped back through ebon locks to look on the man. It was Gabe the hunter who had been with the guards.The one she had sworn had seen her in her hidding spot.

Aria held on to Arda's reins. His bow was trained right on her. "Are you going to kill me or take me in?"

Gabe stared at her. "Neither." Aria's brows rose tot hat, then mroe to to watching him lower that bow and nock the arrow back in to the quiver.

He looked at her for a long moment. Aria looked back at him, dressed in that green tunic and brown pants.His hair swept his face.A face far to angled to be a mans face. "Your elven," she muttered. A smile graced his features and he pulled back his brown hair. "Half elven, yes. " Aria could see his ears only softly pointed. But it was his face that gave him away.

"So are you." He looked to her, " Theres a huge mass of men,women and all sorts looking for you.If you were smart you'd be far away from here." "I was." She bit off those words to him. "I was going back home, ran in toa few issues. Now someone I know is out here looking for me and I and his brother are looking for him before someone else finds him or me."

Gabe nodded. "They wont come in to the woods. I've been following you and the Drow for three days. No ones even close to finding either one of you. So who are you looking for?"The question resonated in her mind. What would she answer? " I am looking for an elvish man. The brother of the Drow you spoke of. Kegan is his name, tall silver hair tanned skin."Gabe nodded, "I see. Well Rhydin isnt far off. Perhaps he's there. But one thing you should know. You'd better go there. And stay there till this hunt blows over other wise you'll see the hang mans nuse."

Aria throught of that. What a way to die. "I'll take that in to consideration." Emerald hues flickered over Gabes shoulder there came Karnil sneaking to attack.Aria shook her head once. Gabe then peered over his shoulder at Karnil. "I'd listen to her." Aria looked between the two men. "Its alright, hes not going to kill me or turn me in."

"No I wont turn you in, but if I am asked if I saw you. I may not have the chance to lie. They have called in a powerful mage. Who says he can read minds. "

Karnil grinned to that, " is that even possible?"

Gabe shrugged, "I've learned anything is possible."

Karnil looked to Gabe with that fierce gaze. "I don't trust you.He could turn you in Aria."

Aria's gaze lingered upon Gabe. "No I don't think he will." Gabe looked between Aria and Karnil and shifted back in to the woods. Karnil watched him go before settling his sight to Aria and Arda.

"We need to get out of here, no ones seen Kegan and they are all starting to act weird. " Aria nodded, "agreeded.To Rhydin then."

When dawn broke Karnil and Aria were among the first to start the walk towards the pass in the mountains. Mist gathered at the foot of the mountains and rose in to the dawning morning. Aria led Arda by the reins towards the pass. They were not alone for long merchants soon woke and readied their carts and started on their way for Rhydin and the far beyond.

Karnil walked slowly watching all those who passed them. There were many mounted travlers. He wanted to make sure that none were guards from the village. Aria walked with the wind at her back and that long green cloth pulled around her mouth and nose. Passing merchants looked at the two and moved onward through the mist. "Its getting colder." Karnil looked over to Aria and tugged down the sleves of his green tunic.

Aria nodded, " the mountians are cold, but the city seems colder still.It does not seem to bother me though. " In all truth the cold stung her ears, but every clock or coats he'd bought had been stolen or torn to pieces. The cold seemed all to familar. Emerald hues lingered upon the mist for a long moment before they passed in to it. It was thin mist but cold. Arda tugged uneasily upon the reins. Aria held those reins tightly and glanced to Karnil. He was as uneasy as the mare was. His hand lingered upon that blade sheathed at his side.

Aria glaced around those ahead of them had stopped the cart wheels no longer moved and the horses snorted uncomfortably. A woman screamed.Aria's ahnd tensed along the hilt of thats word at her side. Karnil's jade gaze shifted up through the mist. He move din clsoer to Aria and Arda. "Bandits?" His voice but a whisper to her. Aria looked through the mist with elvish sight but she couldnt see much. "Or worse,be ready just incase." Her gaze did not lift from that mist before her. Arda pulle dont he reins hard. Aria was tugged back and while try to steady Arda her gloved hand brushed past something warm and wet. Withdrawing her hand from Arda's side she saw blood upon her glove.
"Karnil?" He moved to her side, " are you injured?" Aria held her bloody glove up to him. "No but Arda's been shot, we need to get out of this mist. Now." He looked to ehr hand and throught he mist then he saw the line of pines to his right they broke through the mist and there was a small place to stand there. He took Aria by the arm and she went with him leading the snorting Arda behind her.

To that small ledge that stood there holding those pines high above the mist. Kanril kept a watch as Aria tended to Arda, who had been shot with an arrow. "Easy girl." Aria soothed the amre with her now bare hands. Once in Rhydin she'd ocne again have to buy new gloves, but for now she puleld the shaft out of Arda's side and the arrow head next. The wound was healled with elven magics. Arda snorted and made painful sunds the whole time but one hand steadied her.

"We have company." Karnil shifted his ahnd back to his bow and looked throught he mist tot he other side of the path way and there stood that bandit gang with there small compound bows shooting blindly down at the emrchants carts hoping to hit someone. Aria glared towards them and tied Arda offf to one of those pines and drew her bow forward. "Then lets teach them a lesson."

"Looking for me?" The figure stood there holding Aria high up off of the ground Aria kicked but she was held at arms length away fromt he figure. Karnil snapped looking between the two. "Let her go." The figured chuckled the sound made Karnil shiver. The figure shifted so Aria hung off the cliff side. "Okay." He dropped her then disappeared.

"Aria!" Karnil ran to the cliff side and looked over in time to see Aria falling for the tree line far below.


Aria looked up at Karnil as she had been dropped she knew the tree line would come quickly. The rock wall of the clif side passed by her so close. One hit and she knew she would not survive this fall. It was surely to be her last few moments. Eyes closed, many images passed before her mind.


Thoren the first human mans he ahd ever known the one to teach her the way humans spoke.Ellya and her red as flame hair and her sweet smile. Kegan the day they had met in Mor Taure. The days and nights that followed. The Tel Eldalie clan members. Drake and his home and those knights she had met,Dan and Natasha. The love she had felt and known from all three.

Then images from her child hood flashed before ehr, ehr fathers face,her mothers. The love she knew they had shared. She then recalled something she had blocked out, before her father ahd left he knelt down looking at her witha smile . His large hands cupped her cheeks as he spoke, " Aria remember who you are, don't ever give up the fight. Remember that I love you, and take care of your mother." His voice was so clear as if he was there right beside her. Then the image of her father dead on the shores of the Nisse, flashed through her mind though she had never seen him dead there. Then ehr mothers bloody body as it was laid before her.

Then an odd image flashed her mind Gabes face flashed before her face, then ehr fathers. Her eyes shot open then as she realized who Gabe reminded her of. The trees were getting closer. Karnil's voice echoed down to her as he screamed her name. He was running down through the narrow pathway trying to make it to the trees before she did. But Aria knew he would not make it there before she did.

The trees got clearer,pines and mighty oaks. Aria reached her gloved hands out hoping that she could grab a tree branch as she fell through them. The ppine needles and oak leaves greeted her fall. twigs snapped as she fell through them,more wipped across her face leaving small cuts. Her hands out streatched caught a thin limb and she held on for dear life. Her stomach slammed in to the branch under her as her hands gave way and she winced, a rib or two broken for sure. Blood formed at the conrner of her mouth and dripped from her nose and the trees started to fade from he sight again.


"Aria!" Karnil ran as fast as he could down the thin passage way in tot he trees.Aria had slipped from his view as she fell in tot he canopy.He didnt hear anything safe for the twigs breaking as she fell then nothing.The brids fluttered away as their resting spots were disturbed. "Aria!" He called in to the din of the forest.

But he was not the only one in that forest. Some where deeop in those woods walked Gabe the local tracker.He had lied to the guards and they were far from here now but he was now leaving for Rhydin when he heard that voice he knew. "Aria!" His brows rose a bit, that was the dark elf he had met with the woman who was wanted. Suddenly Gabe broke in to a run running towards the voice.

"Do what you can for her!" Karnil called up to Gabe.

Gabe looked to Aria looking really close at her fair features. "I'm not one to know much about healing wounds,but I can try to do something for ye."

Aria grinned lightly , "I know I must look like hell,I've had worse I assure you." Gabe blinked she had noted he was starring at her. He slowly sat down carefully there across that branch. The most concern to him was those ribs she knew she had broken.

"Lift your shirt up I can bind you with this." He wiggled that long roll of bandage before her eyes. Aria moved her fingers and lifted her shirt up. Gabe winced as he saw the bruise there all ready formed, no bone poked through her skin at the very least. He very carefully started to wrap her up in that bandage. "Karnil told me what happened." Aria watched him closely,perhaps for the same reason he had been staring at her.

"Aye, that mage came out of no where,made sure to put me out of the fighting game for a few days till I heal." Gabe pinned the bandages down and nodded softly, " well your all bandaged up." Aria lifted her arm a bit the bandages helped it seemed witht he pain and discomfort. "Lets get down from here then." Gabe nodded, "I'll lead the way that way if you start to slip I can catch you." He smiled a sooth and kind smile beofre he shifted down off that branch. Aria smiled back and followed him down slowly. It took a while and much slow and careful placement of hands and booted feet but at last she could stand on soild ground.

Karnil smiled to seeing her alive. "I'll make us up a camp."

Gabe nodded, " I'll help you."

Aria looked between the two, once not that long agot hey had hated the other but now they were working together and she knew it was for her. Settling against the tree again she rested while Karnil and Gabe made up a camp.Fire and freshly caught food. Before long night descended it was a chill night even under the canopy. The fire helpped emmensely to warm her and the cold even felt good upon her broken side.

They ate in silence Aria constantly looked at Gabe. He did remind her of her father what she could recall of him. The angle of Gabes face, his dark hair and the way he moved even so much like Mor Crebain.

Gabe and Karnil would take turns patroling the camp while Aria slept. Though the mage that had tossed her off the ridge had been hidden even from her view his voice was burned in to her memory. Dark and deep,and witha hiss to it liek some serpant.The voice reminded her of Carad's voice. That sinsiter tone only a truly dark mage could behold.

Now with Aria out of the tree Karnil tended to her wounds at least the surface dammage witha bit of dark elven magic. Gabe watched closely from afar. Aria smiled to Karnil as he knelt close. "I wish Kegan was here." Karnil nodded," as do I. But I am glad yu are okay." Aria nodded, " You seem to be getting along with Gabe." Karnil snorted softly and gazed over towards Gabe. " well yes, you were right in trusting him.We may have gained yet another member to our little band." Aria grinned, " is Arda alright?" Karnil nodded, " grazing not too far away.Her wounds will heal faster than your own."

Aria smirked softly, "well she is a tough mare. Any sign of the bandits or that mage?" Karnil shook his head, " no,nothing. The mist has lifted fromt he way in to Rhydin. Who ever they are it seems now we are their tragets. Gabe and I are keeping an eye out. He is an odd fellow, he keeps staring at you."

Aria smirked softly and tried not to laugh, "He reminds me of someone, and I think I do the same for him." Karnils thin silver brows rose to that, " who does he remind you of?"

"my father."

Karnil then looked over towards Gabe with a long glance then back to Aria, " I can see why, he looks a bit like Mor."

"Do you know if Mor ever had any other children?"

Karnil shrugged softly, " he was gone for a long time ebfore her was found dead, some beileve he came this way.It is possible he sired other children." Aria thought of that, " why would he be with another woman, he loved my mother." Karnil nodded, " yes he did,it is possible that what appened to you also happened to him. The wild Nisse seemes all to able to wash more than bodies down it."

Aria nodded and glanced towards Gabe who was staring at her yet again. "Think I should ask him?"

Karni nodded, " couldn't hurt.I'll take over patroling." He rose and walked towards Gabe they shared a few words before Gabe came towards her.

After talking with Karnil for three hours through the cold night. He agreed that Gabe could come along. At last before dawn Aria got some much needed rest. But nightmare plagued her mind. The days of the past. The cold taste of blood upon he lips mixed with the bitter cold of the wild Nisse. Kegans voice echoed again and again in her mind, He was calling her name, he was looking for her. Snapping up Aria winced as her head bumped in to something over it. Then focusing she saw she was in a cage of wood and iron. "Karnil!" Her voice rang out but nothing came back. Then looking around she saw that in the cage next to her was Gabe broken, bloody but breathing. Focusing in the darkness she could see another cage but it was empty. "Karnil!"

Still nothing came. Not a sound, not a cry in the darkness.

Then she spotted a light, fire light coming their way, she was armed but the bars she knew not even Elven weapons could break, her arrows had been taken but not her bow, dagger or sword. Gabe was armed with his hunting bow, small hunting knife but too no arrows. But where was Karnil?

The fire light was coming closer. Aria watched reaching for her dagger. Now that she was awake she had every intent of fighting. But then she remembered she was wounded, ribs broken and bound. Who ever had captured them was smart far too smart.

The fire light came close and a figure stood there, a tall woman. A dark elf. She starred at Aria for a long moment. But said nothing, only pointed to a tree barely in view now with the help of the fire light and there strung up, bloody was Karnil.He looked alive, but barely. "Karnil!"

" Dina." The dark Elven woman spoke softly. "Manka ro tena lle, ro innas ndengina, lle,ho and ho." She looked to Gabe then back to Karnil.

"Why are you doing this to us?" Aria pleaded but the thin silver brows upon the dark Elven woman's face just rose softly. "Mankoi naa lle umien sina a' lye?" " Amin il umien sina a' lye. Ro naa."

Aria sat back in tot he cage, there was that term again, he, who was he and why was someone doing this to them. " Ya naa Ro?" Aria dared to ask the dark elf. But she did not answer only pointed off in tot he darkness of the night. Where if not for Elven eyes Aria would not have been able to see a camp. The fire flickering. More cages there, each held someone beaten and bloody. Aria winced at the sight.

"Dina, Ro tula." The dark Elven woman then slowly walked from the cages. Aria fell silent and closed her eyes to appear still knocked out. But she could hear just fine.

"Naa re kulie?" A all too familiar male voice floated to Aria's ears.

"N'uma"

" quel, tir ho." Then heavy foot falls did Aria pick up coming her way. Through one slightly open eye she peered to see the cloaked man from the ridge. Now not so hidden, his hood was back. His face was scarred his nose looked like it had been broken many times, on his forehead was a tattoo that looked to be burned in. A marking Aria did not know. He looked down at her, his hair was long black and greasy and his skin now looked dark as onyx but as the dark elf drug Karnils limp body to his cage her fire light cast a glow upon the mans features, his skin was tanned, darkly from many ears in harsh sun. Then Aria noted that the mark he bore was also upon the lovely dark elf's shoulder.

He soon stalked away leaving her to watch over them all. Once he was out of sight and ear shot the dark elf knelt to Aria's cage. " listen to me." Aria opened her eyes the dark elf did know human speech. "He is the master here, he has taken us all captive."

"Who are you? What does that mark mean? Who is he?" Aria had all to many questions.

"I am Olvana Soronuume once of a tribe of dark elves of the forest." Her words were hushed and low, " my people will die if I do not do as he orders, he is the master of a house of assassins and slavers.He rules over bandits that hunt the merchants on the way to Rhydin.his name is Kaleb,but dare not speak that to him. He goes by Tura in the Elven tongue, and he does not know that I can speak human tongue. It has saved me much. He intends to sell you and your friends to slavers in Rhydin.You will be parted from your two male friends, and sold as someone's slave in their house. But I am sure before that Tura will make sure you always obey him. Those he deems fit stay with him and he brands for all time. I cannot escape alone, you are a warrior as are your friends, but he is a mage. I have roused a few other warriors closer to the camp, who say they will help. When your friends wake, tell them to be silent, and together we can escape him." She then rose and was swiftly gone.


The next three hours were too quiet till wince and moan at her left made her eyes snap open.Gabe was at last awake. Silently she told him all that had happened since he had been out. And he filled her in on what had happened before that. He agreed to help in this fight. Two hours later Aria told Karnil all the same and then they would all play possum as foot steps neared. But it was Ovlana not Kaleb.

"You are all awake, good. Here." She gave them all some food, "eat and be strong."

Kanril glared at her. "How do we know we can trust you?"

Ovlana looked to him. "You have no choice master dark elf. If you wish to save your friends from their doom then you must trust me. Trust that I want him dead." She was gone again as swiftly as she had come. Aria and Gabe ate without question but it took a little longer for Karnil to eat. But he did at last.


There were many hours of silence as dawn broke. They could all see all the cages around them now, and those further away. Everyone was armed and had tried to get out but the cage was more than wood and iron it was of magic make and Aria knew only magic could break magic. She was not strong enough to cast such sorcery. Then as she took in some rest sitting back against her cage her heart hit the floor. "Karnil..." she whispered. "Look." She pointed and Karnils eyes followed her own, his heart too hit the ground. "Oh my god."

So at last Aria woke and Olvana led her towards Kalebs tent. But not before unlocking all the cages and making sure everyone was well armed. There were twenty slaves,warriors and two mages.Kaleb was out numbered. But they all knew he was a powerful mage and was also very unpreditcibale.

Olvana led Aria towards his tent,Aria had nto been disarmed as Kaleb had asked.No tonight would be his last night ondark soils and open fields. All the captives hoped he would rote in the worse fires of hell. Olvana parted the curtain in to Kalebs tent. He was sitting with his back to them both.It was now or never.

Aria drew her dagger with silent prosicion..Kalbe didnt move he didn't seem to breath.As Olvana and Ariagot closer they could see that it was not Kaleb sitting upon the bed it was another man, one of the captives and he wa slong dead.

"You betaryed me." Kalebs voice floated to the two and at once they turned to see him standing before them.Hids eyes glowed witha power Aria had never behled. Ovlana had seen that glow before though. She inched back and drew a dagger from behind her back. The blade was black and the handle red as blood it seemed to have a magic all its own in the din of the tent. Aria had behld magic of different kinds at home.Kegan had a magic to him and she had been told time and time again by many that she too was more magical than she gave ehr self credit, she could ehal wounds and cast simple spells but complex spells were never her fortay.

"I saw that you've gathered quite the little force of warriors,My dear dark slave. But you see Olva. None of them can fight like I can." He drew his hands out before him, he held no weapon but as Aria watched she could see sparks fly between his gloved fingers,like lightning.Aria inched but only slightly.

"Olva, my dear sweet girl." Kaleb started to walk closer, " now hand me that dagger and help me tame this one." His dark glowing gaze cast to Aria. "If you do I'll forgive this tresspass."

Olvana just starred at him,long and hard.But would not give up her dager. Aria then felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand up,something was going to ahppen the room was filled witht hat electrity. Kaleb shook his head and a bolt of lighting tore the tent assunder.

The fellow warriors were spread out in the underbrush watching on with wide eyes.Most of them knew of Kalebs pwoer. In the underbrush for once after a long time.Kegan embraced his brother and met Gabe for the first time.There would be time for stories after all were safe and sound.When the lighting struck the tent Kegan flintched but Karnil held him back with a strong hand.

Neither Olvana or Aria ahd been hit but the message was loud and clear to them both. But they knew that if they did not fight they would eb sold off as slaves. Aria figured shed ratehr die fighting than as someones slave tied or chained to a wall. Kaleb looked to Olvana then back to Aria and smirked. "I could break a deal with you, you could be come my new slave, work for me.I could give you power you've never known."

Aria didn't even flintch,she would not utter a word to him. He was not worth the waste of breath now. Yet something stirred with in her at his words. She did not need his power she had her own. Slowly with a graceful fluod motion of ehr hand she drew ehr sword and nodded to Olvana. The two started in at Kaleb. The mages dark brows rose and he snickered.

In the underbrush a few moved closer. In the time they had been free a few had the skill to make new arrows for thier bows,and those who had good aim would watch Kaleb with the bow string pulled ready to fire. Among those ready to fire was Kegan,Karnil and Gabe. Many of the other captives were also posied and ready. About half were armed with daggers,swords or ax's drawn the other half waited poised to fire at Kaleb.

The mage could sense the arrows aimed upon him and didnt even flintch. Another bolt of lightning struck the ground before him.Leaving the once green grass now black and charred. He did have power,that was all too apparent. Aria held her sword tightly by the hilt awaiting a moment she might get the edge up on the mage. Olavana didn't move only gripped her dagger all the tighter.

Kaleb inched in closer to the two women with a daring smirk on his face. "I could kill you both in one shock,or." His smirk got wider. "I could just make it so you couldnt escape. You'd both prove a good way to teach the other women a lesson about betraying me. "

Olvana glared at him. Over her shoulder flew a dagger. Someone in the underbrush had snapped and let the dagger fly.

The trip to Rhydin was now even faster.Arda rode quickly with Aria on her back and thoughh= luck Kegan,Karnil,Gabe and Olvana had been able to tame a few wild horses to becoming not so wild. Kegan was eager to see this city that his love had been in for so long now.

This city that both she and Gabe described as a place of fallen angels and tormented devils. A place of darkness and blood, yet with a power that drew one in.

Rhydin, the outer city was reached before the third day of ridding was over. The walls rose from the tree line and all stopped. Gabe took in a breath he'd been to Rhydin before many times before. It was an oddly welcome sight. One could easily disappear in this city.

Olvana too had seen the great city before. Once long ago when she was but a child under the rage of a man much like Kaleb. The dark elf had been a slave her whole life and this was the place she was often destined for before her slavers became too interested in her talents with magic, the Elven tongue and a blade.

Karnil and Kegan starred at the great city. That look Aria saw upon their faces she knew, she had it when she first came here. Awe and wonder and fear all mixed in to one. She was sure the brothers would have many questions, but for now they needed to find a good place to stay outside of the city walls. Karnil had said he would not go in to the city unless he had no other choice, Kegan seemed to echo that.

There was an abandoned cabin on the far outskirts of town, that would suit them all there were enough rooms for everyone. After a short rest and a freshly caught meal Olvana,Gabe and Aria would get ready to head in to town. Gabe needed to go to the market and Olvana and Aria had other, more bloody plans upon their minds.

Before they left Kegan drew Aria in to their room it had been so long since he had last seen her.

His fingers rose through her raven lockes. His icy blue gaze shifting over her as she stood before him. His hands shifted through her hair to her shoulders. She gazed back to him, like a woman who had been waiting for a ghost to return from the dead. Emerald hues looked at him closely as she couldn't help but lean in to his soft touch. " I have missed you," He spoke softly his words made her eyes open and ears twitch. "Kegan, much has changed since that day we lost each other. It is a long tale to tell, but when I get back tonight I shall tell you it."

He nodded softly his hands sank slowly down the length of her arms. "As much has changed with me since that day. Yes, when you get back we shall talk." He leaned down the two inches that separated them and kissed her cheek.

Aria then with a slight smile left their room and joined Gabe and Olvana out front. The three would then ride for Rhydin proper.

In to the room two collared women walked followed by a tall man. He looked to Olvana and smirked. "I love new blood in the house." Through that smirk Olvana could see he was no human. The two collared women had marks upon their necks,they were not just slaves they were cattle. "Leave us." He ordered and the two left the room.Aria peered out from the closet and tried not to make a sound.

"A dark elf,hmm." He looked Olvana over with a keen eye. Olvana stood still,very still. "You may relax my dear,I am surely not like your last master. tell me do you speak the tounge of men?" Olvana watched him closely, " yes,though I was not allowed to by my last master." The slaver smirked, "mmm, well what happened to you last master?" Olvana dared not to tell the truth, "I escaped, and the bounty hunter found me,brought me here for gold and gems."

"I see." His hand rose and slid through her pale hair, " your a lovely dark elf,I will pay this bounty hunter myself once I taste you." Olvana flintched. She wasnt the only one Aria dared not to watch what was going to happen.

Down stairs Gabe sat shadowed and hidden in the main living room being waited on hand and foot by women clad in leather.The three guards had left him there.He sat there watching the inslaved women wait on him like he was some sort of god. Then one of the guards came back in this time a different man tall and lanky with a glow to his deeply set eyes. "I hope your enjoying your time here master bounty hunter." Gabe merely nodded. The man in the doorway smirked, "perhaps you would like to see the rest of our girls, we have many here, do you have apreference?"

Gabe wondered what the man was up to but as he looked closer at the tall lanky one he could see that he wasnt human. Gabe took a breath and deepened his voice. "I like human women with red hair." Trying to sound as forboding as he could. The man nodded, " Ahh well then I think I have the woman for you."Gabe slowly rose, "Infact If you have any twins that would be most pleasing to me." "Ahh a man after my won heart, you are new to Rhydin no?" Gabe nodded, " well then I am second in command of our fine house, I am Lukus.Do you have a name bounty hunter?" "Michale." the human name flowed off of Gabe's tounge with all to much ease.

Luckus nodded," well sir Michale follow me." He then led Gabe back upstairs towards the slave room. The door opened and Gabe saw that it was the room they had seen from outside women hung by chains and were chaiined tot he walls as well a few young men were also chained up.A few free young womenw alked through the room clad in leather or fur or nothing at all.

Luckus smirked, " you have your pick of any women or even men for the night."


In the room with the master slaver Olvana tooka slow breath. But he with drew, "how rude of me, my name name is Travis.Do you have a name?" He starred at Olvana. " Zeara." Travis then pressed closer taking in her sweet scent, "Zeara, may I call you Zea?" Olvana nodded. "I am sure you are hungry,let me get you something." He then moved tot he door and out down the hall way. Olvana took a breath and opened the closet door. "Aria" she whispered, Aria poked her head out witha smirk. "I found a passage here it lead in to the bed room next door. I am going to use it can you handle him?" Olvana nodded. Aria nodded back and moved.Olvana then closed the closet door.

Travis moved down the hall way and in to the main slave room doorway. "Ahh Lukus, I see your showing the bounty hunter his choices, good man."

Travis smirked, "mmm."He kissed the side of her neck, " anything? well then." He moved to the bed and sat down. "I want to see how dangerous you can be. Your skills could be useful to me." Olvana smirked then and moved towards him and pushed him back with a strong hand to the bed. Travis smirked a bit as she came on top of him and pinned his hands to the bed. " you have a taste for the darker things my dear." Olvana just smirked. "That I do, close your eyes and I'll show you how dark I can be." Travis grinned and closed his eyes

Olvana leaned in closer so he'd feel her hips press in to his own, his grin only got bigger.Olvana held back her firm distaste as she started to kiss the side of his neck and undress him with nimble fingers.

Slowly Aria crept in the window, if they gave her away she'd have to fly out the window and hope the ground would break her fall. She slank along the back wall till one slave saw her. Aria froze.

Yet the slave did nothing but come towards her. It was a young girl, though Aria could have been fooled by what she wore and how she acted. Aria still stayed still. The girl looked to Aria. Aria gazed back, "If you give me away to the guards you'll never be free, help me save everyone one here and you can be free of this life." The girl nodded softly. She then hurried away and closed the door and brought all the slaves that were alive towards Aria.

Aria flinched wondering if they were all so willing but as they stood there she saw the fear in their eyes most were women young and beautiful there were three men young and handsome and now Aria was that one woman was still bound to the wall she was dead. Now she understood. "If you want to get out of here, your all going to have to listen, " A quietly as she could she explained her plan to the slaves once she was done she waited to see if they would agree.

"We've been here far to long."One woman spoke finally. "Travis is a monster and Lukus is just as bad, poor Glory."She cast her eyes to the dead woman. " She wouldn't sleep with him so Travis had her chained to the wall and they all would feed on her. Travis said that if any of tried to escape he'd kill us or turn us."

Aria nodded, " and what about the collars, can they be taken off?"

A simple yet solum nod was given by the group. "Travis carries a special key, if any of try to leave the house with them on the alarm goes off."

That would complicate things. Aria knew Olvana was dealing with Travis but what about Lukus and the guards.


"That I do, close your eyes and I'll show you how dark I can be." Travis grinned and closed his eyes. Olvana then pressed closer running her hand s down his chest. "Tell me master," now slowly starting to undo his pants. "Do you like this?" Travis grinned, "mmm yes, your very good." Olvana grinned and used one hand to pin his hands down and stripped him nude before she bound his hands to the bed post he seemed to enjoy every moment of it she blind folded his eyes and while he couldn't see her she took her dagger from her boot and slid back on top of him. Leaning down she kissed him as she dug the blade in to his neck. He tried to scream for help but all that was likely heard was his voice in a moan.


Outside the room Lukus shifted hearing the moan and he snickered softly. Then his brows rose to seeing the slave room door close. He started down he hallway not knowing that his master was dying in the room that he'd once been standing outside of.

Olvana made sure that Travis was dead, shed cut in to his neck but that wouldn't kill a vampire so she made sure she cut his head off it took longer than she would have liked and she did get a bit bloody but it would all be worth it. She stood and looked tot he dead vampire slave master then moved to the closet and moved towards the other room.

Gabe paced in the room he heard Lukus pass so he whispered in to Tara's ear. "Moan for me." She did so and Lukus didn't even stop in his pace knowing the two women would take good care of the bounty hunter. After that Gabe unbound their eyes and sat them down. He slowly explained what he was up to and it was then Olvana came out of the closet. "He's dead."

Maria and Tara cast a glance to Olvana. "Did you get they key?" Olvana's brows rose at that. The twins soon explained the collars and how the metal ones worked.Olvana would then slink back through the closet passage way to get the key out of Travis coat pocket.

Maria was the first one set free, and Gabe used his hunting knife to cut the leather collar from Tara's neck. Then Gabe and Olvana moved from the room, just in time to watch Lukus slip in to the slave room. "Aria's in there." Olvana nodded and out the door they went. Tara and Maria had agreed to stay in the room until Gabe came back.

It was a long walk in the newly fallen snow for the three. But soon a warm fire greeted them along with warm drinks and food.Kegan was up awaiting them to return. After a long silent hour spent by the fire Gabe and Olvana disappeared upstairs. Aria had to smirk at the fact that they acte dlike two young lovers hidding their new found feelings from everyone.

Now there by the fire it was just her and Kegan.

"Lle desiel?" His voice lifted just above a whisper. Aria gast her fire glow filled gaze towards him. "Am I ready for what Kegan?"

He shifted closer, " to talk." He starred at her for a long moment, "I understand you feel bound to this new cause because of what happened but Kaleb is dead and now so are two more slavers,is that not enough?"

Aria's thin raven brows rose to that, " enough? Was it enough for you to just think I was gone? Did you ever stop your self from going past the point of no return?"

Kegan sighed and let his hand come to rest on hers. "Aria, I understand your need to do this. But we also need to head home, the clan needs us. Gabe and Olvana can come. He will be welcomed as your brother and Olvana wiill be welcomed in to the clan as well. I want to go home with you and forget all this darkness."

Aria shifted a bit looking to him,could he not see that she had changed. "It is not that I do not long to go home to Eldamar Ennorath. To see the sands of Tel Anfauglir, or the Yarra Orn in Tel Mandu' Taure. i have longed to see my friends and for long now longed to see you alive again.But I am not the same woman I was.Rhydin has changed me.You have no idea what I have seen nor been through."

"I would know,if you would but tell me."



" That day by the Nisse had been lost to me for so long,after the fall. That day we went hunting,to track Kyna.That day she attacked us both. Sending me in to the cold waters of the Nisse witha wound that went deeper than flesh or bone.I remember you diving in after me and holding me as the water turned red with my blood. I know that we were seperated and I ended up far beyond the falls.Injured but alive. Kegan, the day we went hunting I was going to tell you something."

He listened holding her hand with his as they sat bundled before the fire.

"That day I was going to tell you the wonderful news, that I was with child."

The words sunk in slowly as he heard them. "you were..?"

Aria nodded, " though I can not be sure if it was Kyna's attack or the fall from the river I lost the child.By the time I was found ont he plains of the far beyond the child was gone."

"I looked for you, but I never went beyond the falls till I could not dare to not try."

"Drake found me in the plains,wounded and wary.The sound of hove beats woke me forma deep sleep.I called for you but it was Drake who came to my aid. He was kind, and helped me.He took me to his village home, and let me stay with him.I could not recall for a long time what had happened the day byt he river but I could recall you and home. Drake is a knight, a warrior of this more modern world.It took a few weeks for my body to heal.Drake took very good care of me,we became quick friends.I could recall all my past save for the day by the Nisse it was a dark as night to my memory. Every time I looked in to the fire I saw your face. All I wished for amny days was that you would find me."

He slid a bit closer wraping his arm around her shoulders. And for once Aria leaned in to that embrace.


"I learned about Rhydin from Drake, and hid the fact that I was bound to someone from everyone.Drake offered me a job of sorts,to become a knight like him. It seemed a worth while cause since I could not recall how to get back home.Drake would train me and the king would make me a knight if he saw fit to do so. It was the first castle I had ever seen and still today it amazes me to no end. I also ahd to learn how to ride a horse and found Arda. She and I seemed like two sides of the same coin, both once wild now mroe tamed for reasons we did not know. I got to know Drake and told him about our home."


Kegan nodded still listening.

"For once I was not judged by the fact that I was Mor Crebains daughter,Drake knew nothing of him nor the ways of our people.Wild ways as they are."

Kegan nodded softly, "I understand why you fight, but is not home worth fighting for?"

"Yes it is, but right now Rhydin is my home.If you choose to return you will do so without me and I can not and will not stop you."

Kegan shifted and rose to his feet. "When the pass home clears Kanril and I go home,I can only hope that you come with us Aria.Your home lies not in this dying city but at home witht he clan and me." He walked away and Aria let him go.

Rising slowly to her feet she walked tot he door and took down her cloak and put it on,then grabbed her bow,arrows ,sword and dagger and left the cabin. Outside in the cold Arda was awaiting her. Aria gave a long look tot he cabin then mounnted up and rode away towards Rhdyin,though her hood was drawn high over ehr face the chill stil stung her cheeks now fresh with tears.


She rode in the din of night as the fresh snow fell.Past the trees and the outlands of the wilderness as fast as Arda could take her away from that cabin did she fly. At last still far from the citys glow she stopped and let Arda go with nudge. "Auta n'alaquel a' tel kard." At first Arad didnt move but then as Aria went on foot away from the mare the mare turned and headed backt he way they had come.


Along the cost. the north cost at night.She had never come this far along the cost before.The light from the moon shown down through the clouds,and the snow drifted upon the cold night air to the white capped waves that crashed laong the beach.It was a lovely night even for being so cold, but Aria was not cold,bundled in that dark blue claok, but a shadow walking the shore line.


Heavy were her hands inside that thick cloak,heavy upon a sheathed dagger. A long glance was given by her hidden face out to the ocean. "Atar, what would you have done.I wish I knew better how to be more like you.I wish I knew why you were gone." She sat slowly upon a slightly icy rock and looked out to the dark blue waves. The waves crashed with out worry that anyone would dare be out at this hour in the cold.Aria shifted rising once more making ehr way across the sands with slow silent steps.

It was so quiet now by the costline,the frost clung to the sand and the water was cold and satly.like the air that stung her cheeks. Armed and ready for almost anything,she hugged that dark blue cloak closer.Wolves howled in the din,in rhydin wolves could be much more than the normal type. Ships and small boats rocke dout far in the distance across the ocean.The sand cracked under her booted feet as she shuffled along through the cold.

Searching for her answers. Alone in the dark cold night.

"How can I choose between this world and the one I know, how can I make a choice between them?" Her breath lifted in to the air but she knew no answers would come. "How can he make me choose? " Shifting that cloak a tad as she walked the shore line was getting rockier.But it mattered little to Aria.


"Pretty,pretty." A guff low voice rose to ehr elven ears and she turned to see a man sitting against a icy rock,he was frozen but starred at her then down across the waves.

Aria drew her hands in to her cloak to grip her sheathed dagger.But kept walking slowly away and up the hill. Lights glittered from that hill.A house or large manor sat upon it looking out at the ocean.As th e mounted the hill she saw it was no house or manor it was a castle. "Ed' i'ear ar' elenea." Then something snapped behind ehr and she turned to see the frozen looking man stanidng there with a fierce look in his eyes. "Come pretty child of the night let me see you." His eyes starred at her two pools of glowing red surronded by an icy black hair and bread.

Aria recoiled and drew her dagger. "Stay away!" Rhydin was full of all sorts of things, beasts and flights of devils.Aria was wary of everyone she met,especailly those she ran across in the darkness of night.

The man snarled and Aria could see that indeed he was n normal man, but some sort of creature only Rhydin beheld. He lunged at her catching her across the arm with long sharp claws. Aria spun around running,daring not to face off with soemthing she knew not how to kill.

Up the hill she ran with the man turned beast on ehr heels,his limbs covered with fur and his snarled face looking at her. Aria dashed up around the side of the castle and jumped n to the road that led from a pair of gates towards the front of the castle. The beast stopped snarling at her then as if sacred off by soemthing else it flew off in to the night.

Aria cluntched her arm and peeled back the torn cloth of her long sleeved shirt and winced at the sight of the four long marks that went down her arm from elbow to wrist. The cold stung at that wound. Emerald hues starred at the castle before here there were lights on,someone had to live there.She knew Rhydin held no king to its country so perhaps a lord or duke owned this fine castle.

In either case it was too far to try to go to Rhydin and too far to go home wounded. She had bandages but it would be better to clean the wound before binding it. So with the wind at her face she walked for the doors. Her hood blew back the wind tossing her ebony hair and filling it with bits of snow. The door was reached and she leaned upon it as she clasp her gloved hand around that wound. Her glove was stained red with blood. At least here the wind couldnt touch her.



-Continues in Dark Hidden Beauty in Longden Castle

http://rdi.dragonsmark.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=8365

Ever has it been that love knows not its own depth
until the hour os separation.

Kahlil Gilbran

As he walked the long dark rode home alone Kegan sighed and shivered.Thinking of all he was leaving behind. The woman he loved,the life he wished to have so before with ehr seemed such a distant image in his mind now. He reaclled every moment they had shared so clearly.As pure as glass in the sun. That day he could never forget,it had seemed as if fate wished him to find her there.

The mid day sun glittered high above the canopy and made the dark woods sparkle with life. All seemed quiet at mid day, hunter and hunted both resting as the heat swelled outside the woods. He had been tracking Kyna for miles going on marks in the mud. Then he spoted Aria and int he shadows he swore he saw her eyes glimmer with magic. It had to be Kyna in another form. So taking his bow back he snuck up on her and knocked her out only to find that the elven woman was not Kyna, in that very moment as she fell he knew she was not the panter he hunted.

He watched her until she stirred and spoke. He voice was soft but carried so much command to it. She was beautiful that was plain to see. He looked at her and asked her a simple question , " Ered Lithui?"

She answered yes, and he bent down to unbind her hands. Then feeling rather bad he opened his camp to her.

Kegan could recall everything,everything they talked about and then most of all that first time he kissed her. It was so simple a thing, two pairs of lips pressed together.


A kiss, when all is said and done,what is it?
An oath thats given closer than before;
A promise more precise; the sealing of
Confessions that till there were barely breathed;
A rosy dot placed on the i in loving;
A secret that is confined toa mouth and not to ears.

From Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand


But it was more than that for him.He coudl recall the nights of the hunt and the eve they were married under the moon light. He glanced down tot hat ring that bound his finger. Aria had not been wearing hers, it was worn around ehr neck bya chain.He knew that she had not forsaken him she had come looking for him, but she was not the same woman she ahd been when they met.Rhydin,or the village had changed her.He could not understand what she had been through ,nor what she could be feeling for him now. He loved her but knew perhaps she needed time to think things through.


"Yes she loved Drake and she loved Thoren. But she amrried you,under the full moon light. She bares the hunt tattoo and is one of the clan now. She would not forsake that unless she thought there was nothing there to forsake. And if you go now she will know there is nothing in Eldamar Ennoratg but pain and heart ache and she will stay in Rhydin. "

His brothers words still so clear in his mind, but Kegan knew that if eh stayed things would only get worse. So up he cast his gaze and walked on for home.

the night seemed to dwindle onward,as the three sat by the hearth wtaching the flames dance over the pine,and oak limbs. The fire rose and fell as they sat there silent.Gabe poked at the fire with the poker.And sat back folding his arms over his bent knees.

"She will be alright, she has been through a lot." Karnil looked over to Gabe with a slight smile.

Gabe shifted looking to Karnil. "I just found out I had a sister and now shes gone."


"I have known Aria only a little while, but I know that she is strong, and willfull.She has survived so much,I am sure she is alright."

Gabe sat forward then, "What can you tell me about her?"

Kanril smirked softly, " I know only a little bit about her,Kegan could have told you more. But what I do know is this. She has survived through many battles.And she has fought for the clans from the get go,even when she was cast out from her own. You shared a father, but she never really knew Mor Crebain. I am sure you didn't know him very well either. But I knew him, my father knew him. She is much like him,and I see him in your eyes as well. Half brother or not,I know one thing.If anything was wrong you'd sense it. I know this beacuse I have brothers, and now I can feel Kegans pain. He left going home without the woman he loves so deeply and now he has forsaken that love because she wishes to fight for the sake of Rhydin.And Kegan doesnt understand that. Aria is strong,you must trust me on that."

Gabe nodded, " yes ,I know she is strong. But I can't help but worry about her,she just lost the mans he loved and she doesnt even know it yet."

Karnil nodded," I am sure she knows, she has a great sense of things. She will surive this as any other battle.She has loved and lost before."

Gabes brows rose at that. "Do not some wounds go too deeply."

"Aye sometimes, perhaps that is why she left without warning." Karnil slid his hands through his hair and cast a glance to the fire light then to Olvana who was sound asleep. " Kegan will go home, and I will foloow him come monring.I too care for Aria but I have a family to go home to."

"I will stay here,wait for Aria to come back."

Karnil nodded, " good, she will need you. If she wishes to stay here and fight this fight, she will need help. I will leave a letter with you for her,before I leave tomorrow.For now I think its time we rest."

Gabe nodded glancing once more to the fire,which was now nothing than embers.

Kegan walked all night, long strides away from The city of Rhydin, through the pass in the mountains. The night had passed with hardly a sound. The screams of the city were left far behind. Now he could see Baris and beyond to the wild open plains that evetually would lead him to the Nisse and back home. He looked back only once through the mist of the mountain.


He then ajusted his pack and bow and walked on towards the tree line. Not so long ago he had been there with Aria, Kanril,Gabe and Olvana.Trapped by a wicked man, but now it was peaceful.

The trees were a welcome sight,taller and greener than those found in the woods near Rhydin. Kegan knew that eventually Kanril would be on his way back home. Kanril understood the bounds of the clan, and his duty to them.

He gave a long glance to the ring upon his finger, though nothing but metal forged in to a circle it had meant more,but now it did not. Aria was gone, gone to Rhydin and what ever kept her there. Kegan had thought it might be Drake, the man he had never met. And gladly so.Kegan would have killed him, killed the man that made his wife forget about him and move on.

He had given up all hope that she would change her mind. He kept walking keeping his eyes turned towards home. Baris Village passed him on the left a mile away. No guards now patroled the out lying areas, it seemed everyone had given up on finding Aria. The wind rushed from East to West and Kegan closed his eyes for a moment before he stepped out in to the wild grassed that covered the plains.

The wind did not let up as he walked on,through the grasses that were golden and some dead from the nightly frosts. They brushed past his ankles and shins and blew in the wind making the softest rustling sound. The sound was a welcome one from the noise of the city. No screams filled his ears out here,save for the call of the hawks that soared high in the gusts of wind.


After hours of walking through the plains at last like a mirage rising out of the grass he could see the Nisse. Though it was not called that by the villagers nor anyone in Rhydin, but it was the Nisse to him, the tail end of the wild river. He would have to follow it miles up stream but first he would have to cross it.

But all that walking had made him tired so for now in the midday sun on the sandy shores of the Nisse Kegan would take a few moments to rest.

Gabe rose hours later as the sun peeked through the trees and down to that cabin. He could smell something cooking and was quickly up and down the hall. He peeked in tot he kitchen and saw Olvana standing over a boiling pot. Her long silver hair was tied back ina long braid and she wore loose fitting clothing.Very different from her usual clothing. As if she sensed himt here her purple toned eyes moved from the pot to him and she smiled.

Gabe smiled back and rustled a hand through his hair and made his way barefoot across the wooden floor. "Smells wonderful." He peered over to the pot.

Olvana just smiled, " seems Kanril left us well stocked to staya while I found some vegetables and fruit on the table and tracked his foot prints to the small wild garden just inside the oaks.Seems this place was not always abandoned."

Gabe nodded and looked her over again still a bit taken back by her, the way she oved smooth percise movements like a jumgle cat on the hunt. "Need any help?"

She just looked back at him with those thin silver brows risen, " yes find some wild herbs if you can,I am sure there are some around here."

Gabe nodded and didnt bother to put on shoes or a shirt before he moved his way through the door and out in to the sunlight that slipped through the canopy. Itw as a lovely dawn, brids sung and deer nibbled the dewy grass. Gabe went right to work searching out wild herbs to use in that pot of stew Olvana was making.

He pasued as he walked looking to the restless Arda. He turned his head towards the shore and wondered what had become of his sister. Surly she was somehwre in Rhydin taking in what ever time she needed to escape the world he had never known.

He had been raised human, though his pointed ears were many hours of laughter and dicussion. Mor Crebain was not a name anyone knew on the far side of the Nisse. And his mother had loved the dark elf with all of herself. And he had only known the man he called father for two years before he disapperd and never returned.Gabe had not known about Aria nor Vanya Er till years later when his mother lay dying she told him he had a half-sister beyond the rgeat river.

As he picked the wild ehrbs from the tufts of grass under his bare feet Gabe wondered what Aria could be feeling now.

He knew without question, that she must be feeling betrayed and left for dead. She had lost the man she loved in hours,but he knew it was likely he had been lost long before they saw each other again.

Gabe had never been so tortured in his life,as he was in thsoe days in that cage on the edge of life,death and some slave hood int he city now just beyond him. He ran the herbs through his hand before turning to go inside once more.

He handed Olvana the herbs and she thanked himw itha nod.He left her to finish the stew and sat at the table and then saw the note there for Aria from Karnil.

Gabe sat at the table loooking tot he folded piece of paper with Aria's name scribed finely upon the outside. While Olvana leaned over the pot of stew he lifted the folded paper and ran it through his hands.

Purple hues set upon him as Olvana laddled out the stew in to two bowls. " She will be back, maybe not for a while.But she will come back Gabe." Her voice was soft at first as she settled the bowl of hot stew before him but then as Gabe noted her everything seemed to come back in to focus. "I know." The smell of the stew brought him around too, and he lowered the note back to the table and managed a smile for her. "It looks great."

Olvana just nodded,seeing as she was already eating a bite.

Gabe sat there for a moment looking at her,he was awe struck by her.Not just her beauty which was evident to all . But everything about her just made him feel like he was a teenager in love. Goofy and without words to say what he wanted to. He let his gaze drift from ehr tot he stew as he lifted up the wooden spoon and tooka bite of it. Savory and sweet, with the perfect balance of herbs. He smiled softly, the taste reminded him of something very homely, something he might have had when he was little.

"Do you like it?"

Gabe smiled and nodded, "Its wonderful, where did you learn how to cook so well."

"Amin Atara." Olvana smiled watching him eat, he was different from most half-elves she met,he wasnt high and mighty like a man nor was he as regal as most elven men. He was sweet and intelligent, as well as strong and handsome.

Gabe noted her glance , " you learned well."

That made her blush softly and continue eating.

Gabe smiled softly, he had never seen her blush before,it was even more beautiful.

They ate in silence then just wth those slight glanced to each other. Once they were both done Gabe happily offered to wash the dishes. Olvana stood by his side drying the dishes as he handed them to her. In those seconds that their hands touched Gabe could swear he felt a spark.Like electicity.

Olvana glanced to him for a long moment, he was not the only one that felt that spark as their hands touched for those brief moments. But she would not say nor do anything about it. "We should find something to do while we wait for Aria."

Gabe nodded as he was trying not to stare in to her eyes. "Yes, well now that its day light should we try to go looking for her again or should we just wait?"The question fumbled through his lips, for all he could think about was kissing her right then and there.

"We could do that." The answer was said low, as Olvana looked to him,was it possible that he was making her feel so flustered? No man,elven or human, now drow man even had ever made her feel flushed,no unable to speak as he did. Olvana did not know what to do about it, save for try to keep her mind on simple tasks at hand.

"We could do that." The answer was said low, as Olvana looked to him, was it possible that he was making her feel so flustered? No man, Elven or human, no drow man even had ever made her feel flushed, no unable to speak as he did. Olvana did not know what to do about it, save for try to keep her mind on simple tasks at hand.

They got ready for the long walk towards the coast line. Once they were both ready to go they headed out the door and made sure Arda was fed and able to wonder around. The mare snorted at them both as they passed her by. She seemed just as uneasy at the fact that Aria had not been seen, but it had only been one night, and the dawn was still new.

Olvana led the way along the trail towards the coast those prints from the eve before had weathered away with the slowly melting snow.Gabe followed her footsteps, glancing around the woods in the dawning light, the sun was still low in the sky casting long shadows of the trees across the still snow covered ground. These woods were old but not in the same snese as most woods, they had seen much yet the trees within were young.

They walked slowly with much caution. Not only were there wolves and bears int hese woods but far worse than that. Gabe shot a glance to every twig that snapped in the distance to every shift of birds that flew over head. Olvana seemed just as cautious her hand steady upon that short blade at her left. Gabe could recall quite well his first time in Rhydin,it was in the woods North of the city long before the city was as big as it had now become. He was only five and his mother was at his side. They walked quickly from the then small market place through the city hen back through the woods. Mor was going to meet them. He had vowed it.

Gabe shook his head, he recalled very well the day Mor left to cross the Nisse to bring Aria and Vanya back to the wild plains, he recalled his mothers saddened look as she watched him go. Gabe somehow knew then that he would never see Mor Crebain again. He was only ten at the time, and five years later his mother lay dying. She told him everything about Mor that she had learned, and Gabe finally undertsood then why the man he knew as his father had left and never returned. But he did not understand, it was not till melting Aria that he knew that Mor had been killed.

Gabe then let his mind drift back to the present to the form of Olvana as she walked in front of him. They were getting closer to the coast line now he could smell the salty air and feel the cool wind that blew in over the ocean. Olvana turned to him and placed a hand upon his shoulder. "You all right?"

He nodded simply glancing to her hand. " yes, I was just thinking."

"You seemed off in your own world there for awhile." Her hand slowly moved from his shoulder. "What were you thinking about?"

He just shook his head he wasn't sure how he would explain what he was thinking about to her. How to explain that feeling of de ja vu'. " I was just thinking about the first time I was in Rhydin."

Olvana nodded softly, with a quiet understanding. There was nothing quite like being back in Rhydin to remind you why you left. The first time she had seen Rhydin she was just a little girl, one of many being taken through the city. Those were the days when she could freely go in to the city with her mother and they were safe, even without her father by their side. But things quickly changed. Slavers came to town and Rhydin went right to hell. They left the city, most of the clan vowed never to go back. They would live in the woods hidden from the eyes of those slavers.

And they did live int he woods for many years in peace out of sight and out of mind of everyone in Rhydin. Then came a man on a mission, and in two days time half the clan was wiped out or taken in cages. Among them her mother. Her father in rage went after the slavers and neither was seen again. Those who did not get captured moved further from the city and Olvana went with them.

But they only lived two peaceful years before the bandits started to raid, stealing women and killing men. Olvana remembered that day she saw Kaleb for the first time, he was young and she was as well. He caged her for two weeks and she did not speak a word, finally she allowed herself to speak the Elven tongue. But every time Kaleb spoke to her in the human language she just starred at him blankly. It had worked too, while every other woman was used for his flights of fancy she was left untouched. Finally he burned that tattoo in to her dark skin and she was used as a go between. She spent five years there, never uttering a word of the human language until the night Aria,Gabe and Karnil were caught.

Gabe looked to her watching her face go blank. " We've both loved and hated this place. And now were back."

Olvana nodded softly.

At last they had reached the coast and somehow through their walk they had reached an understanding with each other a trust that was not easily gained.

The coast was a glittering jewel, with its dark waters and bright sands. The sun hit those waters making them look just right. No wonder sailors loved this place, the waters were deep and blue, and hardly ever rough with storm. Olvana stepped from the long shadows of the woods and out on to the rocks that lined the trees just before the sands of the coast and looked down across the beach.

Aria was no fool, she knew this land. Knew how to disappear when she needed to. " It goes for miles, the sands. Before the rocky cliffs there, then the city beyond."

Gabe nodded, shielding his eyes from the sunlight. "Well, I suppose we could just head in to the city. We need supplies any how. Maybe someone has seen her, or maybe by luck we'll find her."

Olvana nodded and shifted along the rocks and down in to the sand,Gabe followed her his eyes looking out to the ocean beyond the beach.

Kegan woke to the sweeping sunrise a set of bright blue eyes starring down at him.He sat up quickly and came face to face with the young woman who sat there. He blinked trying to shield his eyes from the sun. She sat there upon the bank beside him she had long golden hair, and thsoe bright blue eyes were as bright as the sky above.

"You'd best get up quickly. They are coming this way."

Kegan sat up more and shot a glance towards the village and he saw dust rising in to the dawning light. Guards were coming his way.

"They think your among some of the men thatr aided the village last night, but all of them woke hours ago and left the sights of the guards. I had to come out and warn you."

Kegan looked to her then around she had come all the way from the village, how was that possible someone would have seen her. "Why are you helping me?"

She just smiled, "I know a honest man when I see one,come hurry on your feet. I shall help you hide."

Kegan looked to her and rose quickly grabbing his things in one fell swoop.

"My name is Opheila." She held out a gloved hand to him, and Kegan took it.

He felt the world russh away and soon he stood ont he other side of the Nisse far out of dight of the Baris guards. He shot a glance to Ophelia. "Your a.."

"Sorceress? Yes, but seeing as how your elven I did not think a little magic would bother you."

Kegan blinked at her, and rubbed his hands together then noted where he was on the other side of the Nisse. "You brought me here?"

She nodded, " yes, you were planing on crossing werent you? I just helped you along."

Now in the dappled sunlight he could see her better, she was tall,nearly as tall as he was.She wore a long flowing dress of deep purple, but had a dagger through the loop of sash like belt around her waist.She was beautiful for a human woman.

She smirked as she felt his long glance. She had taken him in in the time there uppon the otherside,he was quite the man,elven or not. She liked his ice blue eyes and silver hair. " Well, you are free from them now. But not quite done. I have told you my name. What pray tell is yours?"

"Kegan Helkaer of Eldamar Ennorath."

"Well Kegan Helkaer.I hope your ready to do me a little favor now that I have saved you from most certian death."

"I am willing to offer what help I can to you,M'lady Ophelia."

"Good, I am in need of someone who knows these lands, who knows their way around. You are from these lands yes?"

Kegan nodded, " my home is far from here but yes I know them."

"I am looking for something of value, a very powerful stone. If you help me find it,perhaps I can help you have everything you've ever desired."

Kegan thought about it for a moment, he deires for Aria to be with him beside him again, and he would do anything to do that. Make a deal with the fires of hell,and the devil himself. " I will help you, what does this stone look like?"

"It is a round orb, hidden somewhere beynd the reach of men, it is the color of the sky at night it is called ilmen lisyul, in the tounge of the elves. It holds much power and will be well protected."

Kegan did not reconize the name of the orb he had heard of no such powerful thing among his people but perhaps it was hidden from their view as well. "Where do we start looking for this orb?"

Opheila smiled and stepped closer to him, " are you sure your willing to risk your life to find it?"

Kegan looked to her, " Yes, but if I help you find it you must help me as well." Opheila nodded. "You shall have everything you have ever desired set at your feet. We satrt looking for it that way. " She pointed off away from home towards the outline of the forest Kegan did not know, it was beyond their borders and known for wild dark elves and beasts unknown to man or elf.

Kegan looked to her, " Yes, but if I help you find it you must help me as well." Opheila nodded. "You shall have everything you have ever desired set at your feet. We satrt looking for it that way. " She pointed off away from home towards the outline of the forest Kegan did not know, it was beyond their borders and known for wild dark elves and beasts unknown to man or elf.

They walked slwoly across the plains as the sunrose higer in tot he sky,the grasses glowed golden. Kegan kept his sights on the woods he had no name for. "Aelin-uial" Ophelias voice flaoted to his ears as she walked beside him witht hat long dress slowly passing through the grass. Kegans brows rose at her, "Meres of Twilight?" Ophelia slowly lifted her hadn and pointed to the woods whichw ere but a alf mile away now. Kegan nodded, for a woman of human blood she spoke the tounge of elves very well, as if she had spoken it all her life.

Kegan shook off his wonderment,she wa shuman he could smell it.Human women were so much different from elven women. Opheila was no execption to that, though she was different fromany other human woman he ahd ever seen, she walked with that dress flowing being her slowly becoming tattered and torn,she carried a weapon and did not conceal that fact.

Most women he had seen lifted their dresses up, and carried no visible weapons and did not give orders.Opheila seemed like the type to be giving orders not taking them. They walke don for the half mile in silence.Kegan kept an eye on the surround and Opheila just walked slowly throught he grass as if she was nothing more than passing through tot he woods with otu a care in the world for what lie inside them.

The moment Kegan stepped foot in to Aelin-uial a shiver ran down his spine as if death itself hung from the trees above him. Opheila passed in tot he woods and seemed not to be as unnerved as he was. These woods were old, older than Tel Mandu Taure and older than any other he had seen. The trees were tall and dark and consisted of pines and oaks. As well as odd gnarled trees of which Kegan had never seen.

"Agar Tavar Orn." Opheila pressed her hand to the gnarled tree before her.

Blood wood tree, the name made Kegan shiver abit more. It was darker int hese wood s than even in the deepest reigons of Tel Mor Taure. The air was a scent he knew he could never forget, like fertile earth mixed with blood and sweat. Of moss and dying bark and leave. Death ruled here in this twilight forest.

The midday sun did not even breach the thick canopy,but there was still odd dark moss and dark red ferns upon the ground under the trees. Every where Kegan looked he saw signs of the things that called this wood home, large claw marks upon the trees, even larger paw prints in the fertile soil. It was no wonder that those who called this place home were consitered the most wild of all the elves.

If this orb Opheila so desired lay somewhere within these woods it would be heavily guareded by something. But Kegan had agreed to help her,so without the silghtest hint he might turn and un he glanced to her. "So, now what?"

Opheila smiled to him, " The orb is hidden somewhere within these woods,I have been looking for it for a long time.But been unable to find it. By a simple stroke of luck I heard some of the leves here talking one day. They gave me the news I needed to hear. They were two drow wild elves walking across the marsh that lies just that way," she pointed, " They spoke of the orb they ahd been trying to get to it, but somethign stopped them. I have been in these woods with mages, and warriors of every type.But none could sense the orb nor find it by any magcial means. But then it dawned on me that only an elf would be able to find it."

Kegan nodded, " and did these dark elves say anything about what kept them from the orb?"

"No. But theyw ere both wounded, not deadly wounds but I am sure what ever keeps the orb protected is strong. But we wont worry about that yet, first we have to find it."

Kegan took a breath, his death could lie around every corner in these woods. But then he wasnt sure why it mattered. Aria was gone from his life,Karnil was returning home and Kegan knew that if he didnt show in a few days that Karnil would take over as the clan leader of Tel Eldalie. So witha deep breath he headed in the direction of the marsh, if what Ophelia said was true than the orb lie some where beyond the marsh.

So with a deep breath he headed in the direction of the marsh, if what Ophelia said was true than the orb lay some where beyond the marsh.Kegan could smell the marsh long before he could see it. It smelt like dead and dying reeds, as well as a mix of old moss and alge.There was also the distant smell of blood on the air, old blood and new blood. As he walked he could feel the ground getting softer underfoot, the soil was so moist.

Opheila walked along the roots of the trees stepping lightly over the mud. The marsh land spread out for miles to the East and west, and beyond it to the East was home to the West a tall jutting cliff of rocks. But the only way there was to cross the marsh lands, which was not easy doing. "We will need a boat of some kind to cross over these marsh lands. The soil will not hold us all the way."

Opheila nodded, " there's a small boat around here some where the dark elves use it." Kegan nodded looking around the edge of the marsh for the boat, he spied it was not much more than a very primitive raft, pieces of tree wrapped together with vines. But it would do. Kegan carefully walked along the edge of the water, which was black and thick and bubbled oddly. Kegan could only image what lived within those dark depths.

He jumped to the raft and used the ors to steer it back towards Ophiela who patiently waited for him on the dry land. Once he was close enough she jumped on to the raft and sat down. Kegan shook his head as he knew he'd be doing all the or work across the marsh water. The or dipped in to the water and it was slow going out of the weeds and reeds in tot he more open waters. Kegan tried his best to only breathe through his mouth for the smell of the marsh was nearly too much to take.

It was slow going through the black waters. And every where Kegan sensed eyes upon them. Behind them from the forest ahead of them from the jagged cliffs, and even from under them which unnerved him to the core. Opheila sat upon the raft just glancing forwards her face expressionless.

At last they reached the other side of the marsh Kegan helped Opheila tot he soil ground before jumping there himself. The ground was less moist on this side and there were far more trees. The cliffs jutted from the soil and rose up high in to the air, higher than Tel Uuranor and Ered Lithui combined. Opheila looked to the trees then tot he cliff face, she knew it would be a long climb, so she drew that dagger she had and cut her dress to the knee, she then used some of the cloth to bind her long hair up. The other pieces of cloth she saved just in case.

Kegan glanced to her, she had alabaster legs, as white as snow and they looked smooth as ice. Kegan then focused upon the cliffs, he sensed something staring there a power held never felt. "Do you feel anything?" Opehila's voice breathed in his ear.

"Yes, a strange sensation as if I am being pulled towards the cliffs."Kegans let his gaze wonder over the tall cliffs. "There.. that cave. I feel as if that is where your orb lies. " He pointed upwards past the canopy further than most humans might be able to see.

"I suppose we'd best find a way up then."

"Yes, a strange sensation as if I am being pulled towards the cliffs."Kegans let his gaze wonder over the tall cliffs. "There.. that cave. I feel as if that is where your orb lies. " He pointed upwards past the canopy further than most humans might be able to see.

"I suppose we'd best find a way up then."

Kegan looked to the tall daunting cliffs looking for some easier way up. Some narrow path wat anything.But saw only one thin little ptah way but it was many meters up. "Looks like we will have to climb."

Ophelia shook her head, "I think not.We can use other methods to get to that ledge there then use the path way." she was pointing out a wide legde and the path way he had seen. "Unless you can grow wings and fly,were not going to be able to get up there." "Oh you think not." She held out her hand. "you forget who I am."

Kegan looked at her hand then to the ledge then slowly he took her hand again the last time he had done this she had ushered hima cross the Nisse.

Opheila gripped his ahnd and looked up to the ledge. "Hang on." Kegan felt a sudden heat rise through his had as she clasp hers around it then he felt as if the world under him fell away. Moments later her felt the earth return and he felt dizzy.

"Sit." She placed her hands on his shoudlers and easily pushe dhim to sit. They were now upon the ledge. "Sorry it can be a rough trip." She slowly sat beside him. Kegan blinked as he watched a hawk fly by them. "Why didnt you usher us across the marsh?" "Too dangerous, besides who knows when I'll need my magic to fight. We will have to walk and climb the rest of the way,just incase."

Kegan nodded, he had no arguement for that. He knew he could have easily scaled the cliff face but she ont he other hand well,Ophiela did not look like the mountain climbing type. "We should rest a while and contine before it gets to dusk." Kegan again nodded as he dug in tot hat pack for some rations. Now more than ever he was gald he had as much as he did. He slowly offered her a piece of dried meet and she took it with an odd look on her face. "Its good, you'll need your strength Opheila." She tooka slow nibble then satasfied she tooka larger bite. "Thank you." She said witha full mouth and Kegan nodded to her. He had enough food and water to last at least three more days then hed have to hunt or forage.

His eyes scanned the cliff side, no trees grew along the steep slopes.But there were many caves inw hich he knew they might be likely to find wolves or bears. If worse came to worse he could falla wolf or bear but if they were attacked by a pack or more than one bear he was counting on Opheilas magic. She ate in silence and watched him.

It wasnt long before they were ont heir way again. Edging along the narrow pathway that snaked up in to the cliffs of the mountain the cave in which Kegan had felt that strange senseation was still many meters above them, it was unlikely they would reach it by night fall. To there luck along the way up they found a cave that had no bears nor resting wolves in it and they would take up shelter there for the night.Kegan built a fire witht he wood he had brought along with him. They sat by the fire in silence till at last opheila fell asleep.Kegan wouldnt sleep he felt unnerved by these mountains it was as if something was watching them from every angle.

At dawn Kegan made them each something to eat and then doused the fire on their way out of the cave. They walked for many meters up along the path way with out a word to each other. "Its getting stronger."

Opheila smiled, "were getting closer.We should get ready, who knows what is guarding the orb." She tapped the hilt of her dagger.

Kegan nodded, he had his hunting knife,a short dagger and his bow and arrows. That would have to do for any fight.When all else failed he could fight with bare fists. They walked upwards along the path tillt he path ended. There was a short climb up to the cave. Kegan had Opheila go up first so if she fell he might be able to catch her. He followed her up tillt he rested on the ledge of the cave.

It was a huge cave the mouth was wide and high and it was deep and dark. Opheila looked in but could see nothing. "Can you see anything?"

Kegan focused his eyes on the darkness, " it goes back for a while." He then lifted up a stray piece of wood and wrapped the end in old cloth and lit it on fire. He then led the way in tot he mouth of the cave with Opheila close behind him.

They had walked a few meters in when the torch began to flicker. Ouside there was now ind and there was no way that any air came down fromt he roof of the cave there were no visible holes at the very least. Kegan froze letting the light shine around them both. "Its much stronger now." Opheila grinned. " Which way?" They ahd reached a part where the cave tunnled off two ways one way was wider than the other. "This way." Kegan led the way down the larger of the two tunnles.

The waft of air got stronger making the torch nearly flicker out. "Stop." Opheila put her hand on his shoulder. "What is it?" She gazed around, "do you sense that?" He nodded, " were close." She nodded, " were not alone either." The torch was then snuffed out with a waft of air. They stood in the darknes sof the tunnle for only a few moment before another fire was lit right before thier feet and there stanind before them was a dragon as black as onxy . Its orage toned eyes settled upon them. Kegan took in the dragon with awe and fright, it was huge its tail alone had to be seven feet long. Its claws dug in to the earth under them and it sorted smoke. Opheila stood beisde Kegan she ahd never seen a dragon so large.

"Kanu dar." A male vice floated through the tunne and the dragon stepped no futher. Kegan looked around but could barely see. Ohpheila was fairing no better. " Creoso." The voice came again this time closer and suddenly the tunnle was filled with a puprle light Kegan looked around the dragon and saw a man standing at a alter holding a stave that held the Ilmen Lisyul. "Opheila, there is the orb." Kegan whsipered and Opheila peered but couldnt see around the dragon as well. "Diola Lle." Kegan aswered back, his own voice echoing in the tunnel.

"Creoso Opheila." The man uttered again. Opheila stepped beside Kegan trying to peer around the dragon. " Diola Lle Atar en' loki " Kegans ears did not decieve him she had called the mysterios man father of dragons. Now Kegan began to wonder if this was a trap. " Please come in,Kanu, let them pass." The dragon snaked over a tiny bit,and Kegan took Opheilas hand and went in towards the man still shadowed. He stood with his back to them,his hair was long and silver his skin as dark as the dragons scales. It was a drow ,and elder by the looks of it. His clothes were torn and tatered and he carried a long elven blade across his back that shown in the purple light cast by the orb.

Kegan was forced to focus his sights upon the mans back and that blade and an od image flashed through his head, he ahd seen that sword somewhere before long ago. Then with a slow deft motion the man turned to face them both and Kegan starred in to those eyes he had not seen for ages. "Atar.."

"Atar?" Opheila questioned then looked bewteen the two even in the dim light she could see they looked much like father and son. This quest had just gotten all that much harder.For the Atar en' Loki was Rocean Helkaer,Kegans father who had disappeared years ago.

"Utinu, it has beena long time.Youve grown to be a fine man."

"Atar?" Opheila questioned then looked bewteen the two even in the dim light she could see they looked much like father and son. This quest had just gotten all that much harder.For the Atar en' Loki was Rocean Helkaer,Kegans father who had disappeared years ago.

"Utinu, it has beena long time.Youve grown to be a fine man."

Kegan felt as if the air had been sucked from his lungs as he starred at the man he knew was his father.The man who had disappeared long ago. He seemed to not have aged at all,it was hard to tell an elfs age, but even the elders of the clan could be told from a glance and Rocean Helkaer did not look like an elder.He looked as young and spry as Kegan recalled him. Kegan had been just a boy of thirteen, Karnil was eleven,Ty was eight and Alderon was six when Rocean had left.He kissed his lovely wife on the lips and gave a hug to each of his four boys before he left the Tel Mandu Taure. He never came back. It had been many years.Their mother was dead now,but he was alive. Looking stronger than ever.

Kegan felt weak in his knees and Ophelia just looked on bewteen the two. Kegan looked a lot like his father, save for his tan skin. For the dark elf before them both was as black as any night,onyx really, off set by white hair. And deep set blue green eyes.

But her mind was still set upon the orb. But her sights were ever present of the dragon breathing at her. Kegan dared not even breathe, not sure if he was truly awake.

Rocean smiled dmily, "Come closer,both of you pelase.Kanu will not harm you,unless I tell him to." Kegan looked to trhe dragon whos eyes had never left him nor Opheila then took slow tentitve steps towards his father. Opheila followed close behind, and soon the dragon settled in behind them,blocking their only way of escape.

Rocean Helkaer sat slowly on his chair of darkly toned rocks, still holding that stave in his hand. "Sit." He gestured to the open area before him and two dark vine chairs rose from the very core of ther cave underneath them. Kegan knew his father was rather profiencet in elven magics, but that was far more than he had ever seen.

Ophelia sat with out question, the orb had to have something to do with Atar en' Loki's powers,it was no simple elven magics that could raise vines trhough soild rock. kegan sat down as well after looking at the chair seveal times.

Rocean eyed Opheila for a long moment. He knew what she was here for. "I see after many attempts Ophelia, you finally found a way in here.How odd that it was my eldest son to lead you here."

Opehila smirked and was about to speak.When Rocean held up his hand, " we will discuss all thsoe matters after I hear of how my sons are,and my clan."He then gazed to Kegan, "how fairs the clans my son?"

Kegan blinked softly looking to Opheila then looked to his father. "Much has changed Atar." Rocean nodded, "how is your mother?" Kegan lost his breath at that, "she is dead." Now Rocean caught his breath and looked down tot he gold and rgeen band that adorned his hand, "My dear Alassie is dead.."He sighed then, "I should have come back..." Kegan looked to his father so deeply hurt by the loss of his beloved Alassie.

"Tis the price for power." Opheila looked on with out even a change in her face. Kegan shot her a icy look and then looked back to his father. "I am now the eleder of the clan.." though surely that would change.That news brought a smile to Rocean's face. "My son the clan leader.I a;ways hoped that day would come. I never thought I would be there to see it though. How are your brothers?"

"Alderon is well, suited to a lovely woman from Old Tel Ronyo they are soon to be wed." Konwing his father well Kegan would start with his youngerst brother, and go up. "Ahh good, bringing together the clans.. very good and Ty how is he?" "Ty is wed to a woman from Tel Kua and they are expecting a child." That made Rocean smile more, " a grand child.." Kegan nodded, "Karnil is also wed to a woman from Tel Mithlin she si too expecting a child or children." His fathers face grew with delight, "and what of you my son?" Kegan didnt wish to anwer this question but knew he would have to, "I had fallen in love with someone,but she died."It was a lie but Kegan didn't want to go over the details again.

Rocean's face saddened, "Oh I am sorry." Kegan nodded, "I then ran in to Opehila and after helping me I decied to help her.Tis why I am here." Rocean's eyes then set upon Opheila, "and did you tell him everything sorcress?Or did you leave some of your past out?" Opheila didn't say anything. "Let me fill in what she might not have, she is after this orb Ilmen Lisyul, a powerful magic to all. I am sure she did not tell you what it could do,so allow me.Ilmen Lisyul, is a power unlike any have seen in many an age.It has been around since the time of my fathers father, protected bys elect dragons.But the dragons turne dout not to be enough, so after a few years alone the dragons would seek out powerful people to help them.Kanu sought someone out and found me." His gaze moved to Kegan then back to Opheila hoping she might squrim.


"I had heard of the orb long ago a tale told by my grandfather. It was taken from the earth by the first dragon to walk these areas, when the dragon stepped on the soil its claws sank in so deep that the dragon had to fly, but one day a star fell towards the soils and burried its self in to the earth, the fire that rose would have burned every tree, but back then that dragon breathed ice and stopped the fires and took the star fromt he soil and hid it where it could do no more damage.Thsi orb is that very fallen star of history..power of the heavens in ones hand.This orb had every elemental power in it,it has the power to kill . Opheila has been looking for it for some time."


Kegan then looked to Opheila.Ophelia just smiled, "I deserve to have such power old one."She suddenly rose in a blur of speed and rushed at Rocean.

Kegan then looked to Opheila.Ophelia just smiled, "I deserve to have such power old one."She suddenly rose in a blur of speed and rushed at Rocean. Kegan was taken back for a moment by her sudden movements but before she could reach Rocean Kanu lifted her up with large claw. The draagon narrowed its eyes at her and a puff of black smoke wafted from its nostrils.

"That was very careless Ophelia." Rocean moved at last now coming closer to Kanu. The dragon lowered Ophelia to the ground but did not move from her. "Lanta kaima, mor'loki," the words where uttered just under her breath but they seemed to have a greater effect upon the large black dragon as he stumbled backwards and his neck fell forward,his eyes closed and he began to snore. Opheila then rose fromt he ground, the air around ehr crackled with energy. "Now there is nothing that will stand between me and the orb."

Kegan watched unmoving not sure what to think. He looked to Opheila she seemed so changed fromt he woman he ahd met days ago.She had hidden the truth from him, her true intent. Opheila moved towards Rocean but the Ilmen Listyul kept her at bay at least for now. Kegan now moved in towards his father behind the mystic barrier that held Opheila back. "Atar, what is going on?"

Rocean looked to his eldest son, "Opheila is not whos he seems my lad. She is a powerful sorcress,an evil one." Opheila grinned tot hat, and the beauty she had once beheld faded right before their eyes,long blonde lockes turned black as onyx,bright eyes turned darker,and that dress she had been weraing was replaced with long flowing robes of deep purple. Kegan starred at her for a long moment, he had been tricked by magics. "You lied to me." Opheila just smirked, "I had to, I had to find the orb and you led me right to it,most of the others never lasted this long I ahd to kill them.But you Kegan, you are strong.I will make you a deal. If you aid me now,perhaps we can share in the power of the orb.I know what it is that you desire."

Kegan glared at her, "I desire nothing from you foul wench." Opheila laughed at that, "I told you that the orb could grant your greatest wish,did I not?And that wish is to have the woman you love back in your arms. Aria,correct?" Kegan blinked, he had never uttered Aria's name, nor told Opheila anything of his desires to have her back. "I can read it in your eyes.She is not dead,not really. She is just changed from the woman ye once loved and wed."Opheila glanced at Rocean who glanced back at his son, "Kegan is this all true?" Kegan hung his head, "yes, she told me that the orbw as powerful and that it could grant my deepest wish.But how she knew of Aria.." Opheila grinned, " your heart speaks loudly Kegan." Kegan glarred at her then, "Aria is gone,dead to me now." Opheila just chuckled to that, "is that so, so if she were already in love with anyother or back with Drake it would not bother ye?" Kegan flintched at Drakes name, there was no way Aria had returned to the human.there was just no way. "What she does is none of my concern."

Ophelia's smirk got wider, "oh you lie,you care for her.You love ehr still, even though she would not come back for you or your clan." Kegan glared at her all the harder having to hold himself back from rushing at her,he wanted to take the sword from his fathers back and cut her down to size. Rocean looked at his son,knowing all the word Opheila soke strucka deep cord. "Leave him be Opheila, you tricked him as you tricked all the others, with promises of power and wealth.But you will not have it, not as long as I can stop you." "You ccant keep me back forever,old man. Your people are long lived here, but they are not immortal like your forfathers believed, you cans till ebe killed and die,like your beloved did. "

"Leave my mother out of this you witch!" Kegan took two steps but Rocean stopped him. "Witch," Opheila scofted, "witches have nothing on me, I am a sorceress,Kegan.Much more powerful than mage or witch.And thanks to my many elven ties I know how to call on the magics your people hold so dear, how else do you think I got little Kanu here to take a nap."

She brushed by the dragon with ease. "Now,Rocean step down ahnd em the stave and walka way, or."She looked at Kegan and vines shot from the floor and wrapped around his arms and legs. "I pull your son apart nice and slow." Kegan felt the vines,like long serpents around his ankles and wrists, rough and covered with small pricking thorns.He would not scream he did not move, for one little tug would cause the thorns to dig in to his flesh through his clothing. Rocean was frozen, to save his son emant giving a very dangerous power to a very dangerous woman, and if he did that,no one would see the light of another day.

Rocean was frozen, to save his son meant giving a very dangerous power to a very dangerous woman, and if he did that,no one would see the light of another day. Rocean inched forward. "Atar n'uma." Kegan shouted as the vines held him fast. Opheila just grinned, " thats right, give me the orb and you can walk out of here with your son."

Rocean looked to her then back to Kegan, he wasnt willing to risk his son, but he also wasnt willing to risk the fate of Eldamar Ennorath, how could he choose beteen his son and the land he had sworn to protect. Ophelia stepped closer, "hand me the stave and he goes free." Rocean stepped closer. Keagn watched unable to move unabel to fight his way free, he knew this choice fell hard upon his fathers shoulders. For no matter what he chose they lost. Opheila would not let them leve this cave alive, and if they did leave it alive.It was unlikely Eldamar Ennorath would surivive.

Kegan had to muster up the strength to break free, to see past the pain and the danger to help his father fight Opheila. He tugged ont he vines and the thorns dug in to his kin. He gritted his teeth and pulled harder, trying to reach his thin hunting blade. He tugged and grited and took a breath and reached for it.

Rocean looked to his son again seeing him starting to fight.He with drew the stave. "You'll do too much damange with this." Opheila glared at him, " then your son dies." She turned to see the vines ont he ground and Kegan no where in sight. Her gaze snapped to Rocean then and she drew that golden dagger from her robes, " all right old man,I didn't want to have to kill you. But sometimes we don't have a choice." She rushed at him.

Kegan had climbe don tot he back of the sleeping dragon just in time to see Opheila rushing at his father.Rocean was a very good fighter he spun out of her attack range and tossed the staff which held the Ilmen Lisyul in tot he air and unsheathed that elven blade from his back. On the top of Kanu's head Kegan reached out to grab the stave with both hands, he felt the surge of power the moment his hands touched the wooden staff.

Opehila hissed when she saw that Kegan now held the stave, it was of little matter though. She would simply kill Rocean and then take the staff from Kegan. She continued on her attack path moving toward Rocean.

Rocean moved witht he skill of a much younger man, arching up in tot he air over her back and landing behind ehr still holding his sword at a low guard. Ophelia only had a dagger but even in the dark fot he cave Rocean could sense the magic the sorceress had. That dagger she behld was no normal dagger it was posioned,from hilt to tip by a magic that he could not fight.No elven spell or words written by any mage scholar could help him now. He had to intrust to his skills witht hats word and hope that she didn;t corner him

On Kanu's head Kegan sat holding the staff and looking in to the orb of Ilmen Lisyul. It sparkled like diamons ,like the night sky itself.It shown in tones of purple and blue, and flickered with a dark blue toned light. It was a star of the heavens,and Kegan couldf eel it s power pulse through the staff in to his hand.

Opheila moved slowly arounf Rocean to the left watching Kegan witht he corner of her dark sight.All she had to do was get in clsoer to Rocean to kill him, one cut would do it, the dagger didn't even have to slice in to his skin deeply, it could graze it justt he tip of the blade and that would be the end of him. She darted for him again hoping to watch that dagger slide in to his gut.

The room fileld witht hat dark blue toned light as Kegan watched her move below. He could see her paln, and he wouldn't let it happen, he would not just let her kill his father he jumped from Kanu's head and freefell towards her swinging that staff with all his might towards her. The light was blinding and Opheila froze sheilding her eyes from it then she was suddenly knocked back hard by a blast of purple lightning.

When her back hit the back wall of the cave her eyes settled upon Kegan who stood there now beside his father holding the staff she so longed to have. Opheila growled and went to move but was frozen to the spot. Kegans icy blue eyes fixed on her, and with justa thought in his mind her arm ebgan to rise out of its own accord, and in her hand she held that dagger and then stabbed ehrself with it. Kegan watched her eyes go wide at the feeling of the dagger cutting through her arm. The posion would set in with in moments, and soon she was dead upon the cave floor.Kegan breathed deeply, and looked to his father.

Rocean starred forward watching Opehila cut her self and fall dead to the floor, then to his son. Rocean had not wanted this to happen, but Kegan had bonded with the orbs powers. Kegan would never again leave this cave.