As soon as Myth began talking in the common tongue, Rayann was extremely grateful….until he more or less turned the situation over to her. Blinking, Rayann gave Myth one of those ‘do you know what you’re doing’ looks. When he tapped his forehead and she listened to his motives, she glanced at the elf woman then back to Myth. Giving an almost unnoticeable nod of her head, Rayann cleared her throat softly and tried to somehow smooth things over with the elf.

”I’m afraid my companions tactics aren’t exactly like polished stone. But he’s right. We’ve been taking to the forest to keep from encountering any of….the darker forces. We thought the forest would be a less likely route of travel for them. I am Rayann Padraig, student of Solinari. And this is my companion, Myth. Like Myth I do apologize for such measures we took but we were uncertain as to what your intentions were.”

The elf woman gave Myth a look when he referred to the Dark Queen as ‘her highness’ but didn’t say anything. Her eyes drifted from the woman to the tall, flaming haired elf then back to the woman as she explained things to her. While she was well versed in the common tongue, she much preferred her own native language but if the woman didn’t fully understand it then she had no choice but to use the less articulate language.



”I am Tanjee Celebrant. And while there is no doubt who you serve, I still question your companion, even though he is in your company. He referred to that woman as Her Highness. Only those who had been in service to her would call her by that title. The rest of us would not be quite so…..honorable. Which brings me to the next question. Why are you traveling together? He wears no insignia or crest that shows he serves her, but who is to say he is not still in allegiance with her?”

Rayann quirked a brow at the young woman. The magi’s body language changed entirely and Myth would instantly pick up a more defensive stance from her.

”Who said he served her in the first place?”

The elf woman blinked. Her eyes darted from Myth to Rayann then back again.

”I was just assuming since you didn’t deny it”

Rayann held leveled her gaze directly on the woman’s.

”Never assume anything. Until you have proof positive one way or the other, you should always give the benefit of the doubt. If I’m not mistaken, it’s one of the cardinal rules of your Goddess, is it not?”

Tanjee blinked again and looked from Myth to Rayann then back again. Her cheeks colored at hearing the woman’s words. Knowing she had been caught, she nodded slightly.

”Yes. You are correct. It is. I apologize if I offended anyone.”

Rayann smiled softly and nodded.

”It’s quite alright, Tanjee. You’re not the first one to make such assumptions and you won’t be the last. Of course, I’m sure it has to do with the legend that precedes the man.”

Tanjee once more looked at Myth before looking at Rayann and nodding then looking directly at Myth’s intimidating form.

”Yes….there’s only one flaming haired, very tall elf I have ever heard of and when I first saw you I thought it might be you but when I saw the house crest on the butt of your sword hilt, there was no longer any doubt you are him.”

Rayann smiled even more and while she was looking at Tanjee, she spoke to Myth’s mind.

You were right. She did know who you are. I had no idea just how much of a celebrity I was traveling with. I would say we’re lucky we encountered her instead of a more aggressive person who knows about you and your former servitude.

With a sigh Myth's eyes opened and fell upon the young elf. This was just one of many encounters he was certain that he would endure in the coming weeks as they got closer to the former lands of his brethren. This was a silent reminder of the many wrongs that would be levied against him but at the same time it gave him hope. Rayann's presence alone may give people enough pause to question his intentions and presence in these forests. After a moment of silent thought he offered a quiet thank you to both Solanari and Mishikal for this peaceful encounter.

He looked to Rayann when she spoke to his mind and nodded "When a well known prince wanders off and joins the darkness it tends to be well known. This is the case even among humans I have noticed as well. The downside for me though is that unlike human society elves have a long memory. I do agree though that it is fortunate that we met this woman and not a soldier or scout. Admittedly this may work out in our favor though... "

He looked back to Tanjee and offered a slight smile "Trust that I am not offended by anything you have said or done Tanjee. If I were in your place I would be concerned myself and would have chosen a similar course of action. Yes as you well know I served the Dark One for a great deal of time. As such it is hard to break from certain speech patterns when referring to the Dark One. I make no excuses for my past choices and allegiances but do give me some leniency for my choice of words."

He met her eyes directly and there was no no anger or malice in them only understanding and peace.

"I will tell you one thing though that I hope sets your mind at rest to some degree."

He looked to Rayann meeting her lavender gaze with a sad smile.

"The gods of light blessed me with a chance to meet this woman Rayann so that she could steer me towards a more noble path. The road to redemption will be a long and hard one for me I am sure, but I take solace that I am not entirely alone."

There was clearly more to the tale of these two travelers but Myth did not speak of it. He would let her curiosity run rampant on the subject and let her ask the questions in due time. Myth offered his hand to help Tanjee up from the earthen floor.

Tanjee saw the exchanged looks shared between the two travelers. She’d pretty well deducted they were lovers at the least already. Why else would she only see the impression of one sleeping roll when she passed through their make shift camps as she followed them again? Now there was no doubt. And while it was apparent they were very much in love by the looks they exchanged, she couldn’t help but wonder why Myth had sadness in his smile. Perhaps that would be something she would find out.

When Myth offered his hand to help her rise, Tanjee hesitated a moment. Letting her hazel colored eyes drift from the outstretched hand to the face of the lavender eyes woman, who nodded ever so slightly, the elf glanced back at his hand before leveling her gaze to his piercing green one. Reaching out and taking the offered hand, knowing it would have been an insult to do otherwise, she got to her feet and brushed herself off as best she could.

”I am sure that was no small feat, either. You strike me as a very stubborn man who is well set in his ways.”

Straightening, she looked to Rayann then.

”My regards go out to you, m’lady. As do my sympathies. You still have your work cut out for you.”

Glancing at Myth, Tanjee quirked a delicate brow.

”And I mean that in the most respectful of ways.”



Rayann quirked a brow as well and let a small grin ease over her lips before looking at Myth again. Her mind reached out to him as she spoke in the silent way they could to each other now.

I wonder how she really feels?

Rayann looked to Tanjee then and smiled, nodding her head.

”It’s well worth the challenge, I assure you. And I would have it no other way. And please…call me Rayann. Well. Now that we’ve gotten all this out of the way, would you like to travel with us?”

Tanjee looked from Myth to Rayann then back again. There was something about the way the big elf stood that told her he wasn’t thrilled with the woman’s invitation. Which made Tanjee take it all the more. Giving a pleasant smile, Tanjee nodded.

”Why…I’d be honored to join you in your travels. Where exactly are you headed?”

Rayann glanced at Myth for the answer to that. If he wanted to reveal where they were headed, then so be it, but she would leave that decision totally up to him.

Kwinn was ready for another few hours of rest as another day came to an end, the ranger gathered up some deadfall and made a small fire (he was hesitant to cut wood in the Sylvan woods). Kwinn's stomach growled, he had not eaten for most of a whole day. As the evening gave way to night Kwinn found a comfortable spot to sleep, before putting down for the night he set a half dozen snares in hopes of having a big rabbit for breakfast.

As Kwinn laid out in the dried leaves and pine nettles he watched the stars twinkling overhead, he had been told as a boy that the gods looked down from them, this particular night sky was clear and beautiful, the ranger could almost sense the eyes of the gods upon these Sylvan acres.

An owl settled in a nearby tree, it called out a few times loudly, Kwinn turned at the sound.

If it's all the same to you yellow eyes, I'm going to sleep now, soon you will have to hoot louder above my snoring...

With that Kwinn tucked an arm under his head and drifted off to sleep.

He eyed Rayann a moment when she offered a spot in there troop and mentally sighed. Thee were many things about this woman that were typically elven and he still found those tendencies to be quite irritating and new this was going to test his patience. Perhaps it was for the best though as they were heading into the heart of the old country he knew there would be more. This one's attitude was timid by some comparison and the practice of steeling his patience was going to be a great benefit for the more bull-headed. He looked the the elf and simply raised an eyebrow before he smirked. "We are heading to my home of course... right to the heart of Sylvanesti itself." He raised his hand knowing she was about to say something. "I am well aware of events that have transpired since my departure. I would have been a fool not to at least what went on in my homeland. There is no love lost between my father and I but I never turned my eye completely away."

He could see a look of discomfort and only smiled before he looked at Rayann speaking to her mind with a soft voice "This one is sure to test my patience, but I trust that you knew that when you made her the offer... This journey is going to be an... interesting one."

He shouldered his pack and spun on his heel with little more than a word and began upon the path. "We're about a day from the closest town if I am correct. We'll stop there and provision up before we venture further into the woods. I'm not completely aware of what we will run into so I want to be prepared for any unpleasantness." He knew that going into town itself was a risk in and of itself but he also knew they could not avoid going to a town forever. As it was since they had the elf along now as well it was also going to be the last chance for a while for Rayann and himself to be alone and talk of things. They could always speak through their thoughts but Myth preferred to speak mostly because he was still getting used to her form of talking. There was also their companion to consider also. While they could carry on in silence it would actually be kind of rude of them to leave her out of all their talking. He could only wonder what new wonders the coming days would bring.

If Tanjee had any more to say, she had chosen wisely to keep her mouth shut. It was obvious Myth wouldn’t be swayed in his decisions. At least, as far as any suggestions she would make were concerned. Rayann, on the other hand, could probably get the large warrior to do just about anything within reason.

As Myth shouldered the pack and began walking along at a good pace with is longer legs, Tanjee found it rather easy to keep up with him despite the height difference. So if he thought to somehow loose her or make her fall behind he was going to be sadly mistaken. Besides, she could follow along easily in the trees if she had to.

Rayann watched the looks that traveled over Tanjee’s face and couldn’t help but be amused. While she smiled pleasantly outwardly, inside she was almost in a fit of laughter. Myth was right. This elf was going to try his patience indeed.



~Patience, my love, is a virtue. Or so I’ve been told. Besides, she doesn’t seem THAT bad. I mean, you put up with me when we first set out traveling together. And look how you survived that. Remember, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger and you are one of the strongest men I know, Mythalas. I wouldn’t love you if you weren’t. Weak men just aren’t my cup of tea. Not that I’ve had a variety of beaus knocking down my door. I was just waiting for you to find me….that’s all.~

Tanjee’s voice interrupted the mental conversation Rayann and Myth were having.

”So how long have you both been traveling together? I mean, this does not appear to be your first outing. Not with the way you both keep in step with each other. Especially with you taking such long strides, Myth. Not that it is a bad thing. It is better to put as much distance behind you in the daylight as you can. Traveling at night can be quite treacherous. Do you not agree? But traveling with a student of Solinari does have benefits. At least it is not a Kender….”

Rayann looked at Tanjee then glanced at Myth.

~You’re right. This journey IS going to be…interesting.~

Kwinn awoke to a slight chill, the Sylvan trees grew thick and the morning sun was weak at this hour. The ranger walked his camp area, checking his snares for their bounty. Kwinn heard a rustling as he neared the second set of snares.

By the Gods...
Kwinn was looking at the fattest hare that ever lived in Krynn and it was caught in his trap. The animal kicked and jumped in an effort to free itself.

Easy now you fat thing...I shall name you breakfast! The ranger chuckled as he grabbed the animal and went about untying the snare. Kwinn's fingers were cold and stiff, the animal strong, it jerked from his hands and landed on it's feet and took off like a shot.

OH NO YOU DON'T! Kwinn shouted COME BACK LITTLE BREAKFAST!

The man raced after the animal, zigging and zagging throught the trees and scrub, Kwinn was right behind the thing shouting and hollering, his stomach growling.

The animal was a good distance ahead but the ranger was determined to eat, he pumped his legs harder in an effort to close the gap. Kwinn's sharp eyes never lost sight of the thing even as it crossed very near the paths of three other travelers, one in white robes.

Maybe it was pure hunger, maybe it was that he was not fully awake yet but Kwinn continued to chase little breakfast as he came very near the travelers still shouting and yelling.

Myth's eyebrow twitched slightly as the elf girl rambled and finally smiled. "Traveling is only as dangerous as you let it be. As long as you are adequately prepared and have a companion or two to help you along the way you should be fine sticking to the main roads." He glanced to the elf with a vicious smirk "Also one does not need to travel with a kender to have their ear talked off or find trouble. There are those among the other races of Krynn who make up for our lack of kender curiosity." In short she was being to loud asking to many questions. He could see the anger clouding her eyes and was about to open his mouth again when a sound caught his attentino. He held up his hand as the girl went to speak and fixed her with a look before looking at Rayann.

"Something comes this way my dear... though from the sounds of it I would wager I would say its a small chase..."

He said nothing else pushing away from the group and after several moments the crashing became audible to human ears and before long Myth looked upon the sight of a man determinedly chasing a rabbit. He listened as the man spoke as he chased the thing and a grin crossed his face as he watched the spectacle before him. Myth could tell he was human at the very least and judging by his dress the man clearly was accustomed to living off the land. It was obvious though that the man had decided to hunt for breakfast before he was completely awake.

Myth did not like the commotion the human was making because it would draw the attention of things Myth wanted nothing to do with. He reached back and slid a dagger from his leg and watched as the duo drew closer to him. With a snap of his wrist the blade buried itself into the rabbits head pinning it to the earth. Myth waited to see how long it would take the human to stop. He could only smile knowing he probably gave the two women a shock when he had drawn his blade.

Kwinn's lungs were on fire now, he had been chasing the animal at a full run for a few minutes, and only now in this moment did he finally take notice of the three travelers. Two were certainly elves Kwinn could not see the face of the person wearing the white robes but he was fairly sure it was a woman. One of the elves was a tall massive specimen, the tallest Kwinn had ever seen. In one fluid motion the tall red haired elf flicked his wrist...little breakfast was dead.

The ranger slowed his pace, stopped a few yards from the travelers. Only now was Kwinn aware that he was not wearing a shirt, that his hair was a mess and that he had left his weapons back at camp.

Kwinn spit into his hand and ran his fingers through his hair, he wiped his hand on his leggings and addressed the three strangers.

Out of a true respect for the elves Kwinn attempted to speak in elvish.
Kaerol vaeraelaer shos

Which of course translates into "Greetings respected birds...." The ranger smiled and bowed as he spoke the incorrect greeting, he looked over at the dead rabbit.

I am unsure if there is enough of little breakfast for four, perhaps we could stretch him out with some wild potatoes and turnips. The ranger shifted on his feet and looked at Rayann. He had never seen a priestess of the moon goddess before, the woman intrigued him.

Seeing that she was human, he addressed her.
Greetings priestess... The ranger nodded to Rayann and then looked back at the giant Elf.

Tanjee heard the commotion about the same time Myth did. Thankfully the diversion happened at just the right time for Tanjee was certain she would have said something that would have offended the tall, intimidating elf. And that was the LAST thing she wanted to happen.

As her keen eyes watched the shouting man chasing after the terrified rabbit she was thinking it reminded her of what humans must look like when they chase after greased pigs. While she’d never seen such a spectacle before, she’d heard stories of it and surely this was similar.

Of course when the dagger landed squarely in the rabbits head dropping it where it ran, Tanjee let out a small yelp of surprise. Where did it come from and how did it get there so quickly? Blinking, her green eyes looked to Rayann then to Myth. There was only one obvious answer to her unspoken question.

Swallowing hard, Tanjee knew the skills of the warrior were far greater than she had first suspected. While that unnerved her she didn’t know yet but one thing was for certain….she hoped she’d done right by asking to travel with them and not gotten herself into more than she could handle. Again.

Finally she looked to the strange, wild looking man and her nose caught the scent of something…unpleasant. Furrowing her fine brows and wrinkling her nose, she made a face that spoke volumes of how much she didn’t like what assaulted her nostrils. But when he greeted them with the strange greeting, the female elf finally found her tongue. Even as her eyes focused on the muscular, bared chest the Ranger sported.

”Lle holma….gaya. Mani nae lle umien?”(You smell….awful. What have you been doing?)

Remembering Rayann didn’t truly understand the Elven language all that well yet, Tanjee reverted to common. But as she studied the human more, after he attempted to render his unruly hair back into some sort of control, she narrowed her eyes making sure they looked at his face more.

”Wait a second…..you are that human I have heard the others talk about. Kwik….Kwan…..Kwak…oh Goddess…what is the name again?”

Looking over at Myth, she tried to explain who he was even as he stood before them and studied Rayann.

”He has lived in our woods for many years and has learned a great deal from the Elves. He is not Elfkin but I think he fancies himself to be as close to us as he can get.”



Rayann was immediately on the defensive when Myth warned about something headed their way. The human woman was extremely cautious after everything that had occurred between her and Myth. So when a sudden crashing sound with a shouting male voice filled her ears, she quickly wove a spell that could have, if nothing else, given Myth’s dagger the ability to destroy what ever it was coming towards them.

It was almost as though they were back training again. As soon as Rayann heard Myth’s words, she slipped easily into his mind and saw what he was planning on doing. For a split second, she felt a hint of fear slip through him but it wasn’t fear for himself she felt. It was fear for her. As Myth made his sudden plan of attack, Rayann was able to weave a spell that would aid his dagger for the plan Myth would use it for. But when she saw it was a fearful rabbit being chased by a rather boisterous human, she dropped the spell just as Myth flipped the dagger into the rabbit’s head.

As the Ranger spoke of sharing his breakfast after he tried to make himself presentable and Tanjee spoke of knowing about him, Rayann relaxed slightly. He didn’t seem like the sort of person that would be sent by the Dark Queen but she didn’t want to be fooled either.

As the Ranger addressed her, Rayann glanced to Myth then nodded to him in kind but didn’t say anything audibly to him. However, her voice was drifting into Myth’s mind.

~I sense no evil or deceit in him, mela. He seems to be as genuinely surprised at us as we are of him. And it seems Tanjee at least knows OF him and he is not a sudden appearance here. And it does appear as though he just woke from his nightly slumber. Unless he makes a habit of chasing after rabbits half naked. But since I see no marks on his skin, I would say he at least wears a shirt on a normal basis.~

When Myth glanced back at her, she gave him a sweet smile beneath the hood of her robe before her voice slipped softly into his mind again.

~It’s an honest observation. One Tanjee noticed as well….long before I did.~

With a slight nod of her head towards the female elf, Rayann drew Myth’s attention to the way Tanjee was trying not to openly stare at the bare torso of the Ranger.

He let out a soft chuckle as the man greeted them with his attempt at elvish. Myth regarded the human with mild curiosity as Tanjee spoke of what she knew of this human. He shot her a look of disapproval when she spoke of the man's scent and wrinkled his nose. He was not in the mood to discuss manners with her as of yet and let it slide as he took a few steps towards the rabbit and withdrew his dagger from little breakfast as the human called it.

"I think we have some things that could spread our little friend into a fine enough stew as you suggested."

Myth bowed slightly "My name is Myth..." He motioned to Rayann "My companian Rayann..." he nodded to the other elf "and the talkative one is Tanjee..." Myth spoke to Rayann's mind with a smirk "With as much as she talks I want to call her little kender"

"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance...."

Myth smiled as Rayann spoke to him. He felt as she did that the man before them was not of the darkness. It was quite the day having met two new people. It would seem the gods deemed that they needed help along there path. A soft chuckle escaped his lips once more as she made an attempt to sooth any ill thoughts he may have had about her taking notice of his dress. It was a fact he had noticed himself and when she mentioned Tanjee he looked over catching her eye then looking back to the human and then her once more giving her a wicked grin. He was going to have fun tormenting this one. His attention once more turned to the human.

The dank, moist cave was painting a perfect backdrop for the dance. He watched with seething anger as the figure above moved. Slender, agile, and graceful she moved like an elf, but he knew she was all human, a special human, but human nonetheless. He could feel her breathing as much as he could hear it, and he waited patiently for the exact moment when the prey would be devoured with effortless efficiency.

She paused. He watched. Her gaze shifted and his jaw tightened. She was staring directly at him, and then the hiss of words escaping her lips filled the massive cavern. He ground his teeth as he pushed his hands forward, hissing his magical retort and the spells collided in mid-air exploding in a fantastic dance that reflected an ancient splendor, however anything that might have been caught in the dazzling light would have experienced something all together more lethal.

He shifted as she hissed again and an explosion of purple fire hissed through the air and shattered the rock where he had just been standing. She shifted her gaze and bite her lip, seeing he was no longer there. Her eyes scanned the nearly complete darkness, but there was no sign to follow.

Minutes of complete silence passed, well, except for the sound of her breathing. He waited, watching from a small indentation in the rock. The plan was to have her move into his range, not be detected, and now he reset the odds back to his advantage. She stayed crouched exactly where she had been, her soft breathing was calming more and more, she was centered again, and he knew she was refocusing her inner vision. She had most likely found him by tapping the magic field that flowed across all of Krynn, something he had seen her do in the past on many occasions. This time however, he was masking, and she was searching. Finally after 30 minutes she began to move again. Her guard was still up, and she was moving with a cat like grace once again, the soft leather soles of her boots not making a single sound as she moved.

A thin smirk crossed his face and she was barely half a step into the kill zone when the spell erupted from his hands. She reflected and the spell bounced off her shield and into the ceiling above. She spun and looked up, casting a second spell with effortless motion, which mended the stone as if nothing had happened, and then a third spell exploded from her hand and shot right at his location, or at least where he was. The rock vaporized instantly and she grit her teeth as she saw that he had once again eluded her strike.

Suddenly the explosion froze in mid air, and a blue mist began to swirl from within. She froze as she watched and began to scan the magic field for his signature, however this time it wasn’t there. She hissed words of magic and her staff illuminated, sucking the darkness from the massive cave. She watched in horror as a demonic figure erupted from her own spell and exploded in fire as it swiftly closed the gap between them. She narrowed her gaze and thrust her hands forward, searing light smashing into the demons chest. It recoiled and howled in pain, a piercing sound so horrific that her eyes closed in a vain attempt to shut the sound out of her senses. She reached into the magical field and saw the demon coming at her; it’s black essence pumping like a heart driving it towards her once again.

THUMP!!

Her banish spell hit the demon square in the chest and it dissipated in a hollow fog… but the ruse was complete. The cold blade hit her throat form behind, and the cut came across so effortlessly it was almost as if it didn’t happen. Her snow-white robes began to seep with crimson, starting from the neck and swiftly flowing down as if Lunitari had filled her with neutral grace. She slumped to the floor, clutching at her gapping throat, the involuntarily gurgling sounds a sickening symphony to the beginning of the death throws.

He stepped over her body and gazed down into her lavender eyes, the eyes he had known so well. “You never should have broken with me sister.”

--

Rorie snapped awake with a start and sat up in bed. His tattered robes, which looked more grey than white, were soaked with cold sweat and he clutched at his chest. His heart was racing a million miles an hour and it took many minutes for him to calm down.

He turned and looked out the dirty window at the hamlet outside. It was morning, and people were moving through the streets. He turned and his bare feet hit the cold, dirt floor. Rorie Padraig, the once powerful mage of the white robes rubbed the ache in his back and stared towards the door, it was the beginning of one more day in misery.

At Tanjee's words Kwinn lifted one arm and sniffed, then the other arm and..sniff.

What smell? That's how I always smell. It's the smell of a life of freedom.

The ranger put his arms down and shrugged.
I am indeed the human named Kwinn who lives in the wilds at the borders of Elf lands, I am pleased to meet you and very pleased to cross paths with Elfkin.

Kwinn thought to ask why a follower of Solanari was traveling with Elfkin in these woods but thought it might come off rude so he let it be for now.

I don't want to rush you fine folks but I say we make that stew...

Kwinn clapped his hands together in anticipation, it had been more than a day since he ate anything and he was ready for a warm meal. Kwinn moved towards the rabbit, in a flash Kwinn was skinning the small animal, tearing at it with his bare hands, it's blood and insides splatting on the rangers already soiled leggings and boots. Kwinn twisted the small things neck and popped the head off.

We won't need this... Kwinn let the head drop at his feet, he laid some leaves out and gently set the skinned rabbit down on them. Grinning wide he turned to his new friends,

Let's get a fire going. yes? Kwinn went about gathering of tinder to make a fire. Licking his lips he could almost taste little breakfast.

As the ranger gathered up the wood he had not realized that he was singing several bars of "I like to go swimming with bare naked women.."

He was indeed doing so and loudly.

Sorry...Kwinn said sheepishly.

I've been on my own for awhile... With that he shrugged and went to whistling the tune instead.

Rorie released a heavy sigh as he stood to his feet. The damp cold was penetrating him to his bones and without a stove in his tiny room there was nothing to take the chill off. He shuffled to a small basin and poured clean water from a large pitcher. Splashing the water on his face he blinked and tried to wake, and also to wash away the splitting headache, but it was of little use. He slipped the once pristine white shoes on which sat beside his bed and threw a hand woven grey and brown wool coat over his tattered robes and headed out into the morning.

The people had begun to get used to him living among them. Rorie the Mad he was known as, though he was of sound mind he had received this moniker after wandering into Ravenshire many months ago, babbling incoherently except for his name, “Rorie”. He got better over the next weeks. The town blacksmith, A middle aged Dwarf named Ort had compassion on Rorie and took him into his home, giving him a barely standing shack to sleep in out back while his wife and daughter nursed the poor man back to health. Ort was a kind Dwarf, and patriarch of the only Dwarf family in town. The truth was he had lived in Ravenshire for so long nobody could remember him not living there. He was a skilled Blacksmith, well beyond the normal skill of men and even far superior to many of his Dwarven brethren. Unlike many Dwarfs however, he loved humans, most likely because of the overwhelming accolades they would bestow upon him for his work.

Rorie walked into the workshop. Unlike his shack the room was warm and inviting. Ort was meticulous about his tools, and the shop was immaculate. This was in no small part thanks to Rorie who earned his stay by aiding the Dwarf by working around the house. Ort of course was delighted to have an extra set of strong hands and in his opinion at a rather small price. The sun had barely been up 15 minutes but the shop was already bustling with the sound of the bellows and roaring fire. Ort turned with a jolly smile and walked over to Rorie, slapping him gently on the small of the back and speaking with his usual cheerful, baritone voice.

“Good morning lad, nice to have you back this morning!”

Ort laughed and thumped Rorie on the thigh as he turned and walked back over to the fire.

“That mead looks like it made a man out of you last night Rorie.”

He laughed again and Rorie, despite the splitting headache, couldn’t help but smile at the Dwarf’s constantly cheerful demeanor.

“The Misses brought you some porridge and toast; she left it over there by the fire to keep it warm.”

Rorie smiled, but it was a hollow smile. Now it was true that to Ort, this was the only smile he had ever known from Rorie, so it was nothing outside of usual, but to anyone who might have known the man before something warm and wonderful was lost from that smile.

Rorie ate in silence as Ort scurried around his shop preparing to work on his newest venture, plate armor so light it was like wearing cloth. Rorie watched quietly as he chewed his breakfast, wishing beyond wishes that he could feel that same sense of purpose that swallowed Ort whole and gave him a reason to face the day.

Tanjee was about to say something to the woods man when she caught Myth’s eyes looking pointedly at her. What ever she may have been about to say was swallowed down and forced to remain that way. Obviously her words had not been favorable to the tall elf and while she would have liked to debate this with him, there was something about the way he looked at her that made her squash any thought of doing just that.

Looking to Rayann, the elf could see the human woman was looking over at Myth at the same time but had an almost humorous look on her face. Tanjee didn’t see ANYTHING humorous about the whole ordeal but hey, who was she to argue with a rather intimidating elf and a rather accomplished magi?

As the human male began to prepare for the shared breakfast they were all about to consume, Tanjee stole a glance at him from time to time as she watched him work. The muscles rippled in his torso reminding Tanjee of sinew in a tree. Especially when he skinned the animal with a deft hand. SHe found herself comparing him to a mighty oak as she watched him make short work of the rabbit. But when she saw the mess it was making on his clothes and as he twisted the head off the animal, she crinkled up her nose again. She had skinned animals herself many times, but she always made sure she cut the head off and didn’t make a mess on her clothes while doing so.

Humans, she thought, they can be so…barbaric at times. Where are their manners? Of course she didn’t have time to think about all of that as she began gathering dried wood and kindling for a fire with Kwinn. Of course when he began bellowing his song about swimming with bare naked women, Tanjee thought she would swallow her tongue. In fact, she ceased all movement and stared at the human male as though he’d sprouted a second head from his shoulders. When he apologized explaining he’d been on his own for a good while, Tanjee muttered something under her breath that sounded like ‘obviously’. Giving Myth another glance, she saw the elf’s eyes practically bored into her and she quickly set about gathering more kindling for the fire

As Tanjee set to making sure the fire was started and burning low but steady, she found some rocks nearby to surround the fire with as well as fashioned a spit for cooking the rabbit on. Using the only weapon she carried, which was a small knife at her waist, she widdled a sharp point onto the skewer to make sure it would easily pierce through the rabbits raw flesh.

Once the rabbit was set to cooking over the fire, Tanjee set out gathering some wild herbs that grew around the forest floor to help add flavor to the meat. Bringing them back tot eh fire pit, she sat cross legged and pulled a small mortar and pestle and began crushing the herbs up, blending them together. Reaching over and sprinkling the herb mixture onto the roasting rabbit, the air began to take on a delicious aroma. Turning the rabbit from time to time, she continued to add more of the herb mixture as the rabbit cooked over the open fire.



Rayann watched the exchange between Tanjee and Kwinn as she and Myth brought out the few provisions they had and gathered up some vegetables. Carefully setting the vegetables on the stones Tanjee had gathered, she sat near the fire with Tanjee and watched how quickly the elf found, gathered and mixed the herbs. It was now Rayann saw the elf’s gifted abilities and deducted why she had chosen the Healing Goddess as her deity of choice.

~Talkative as she may be, I believe we are seeing a small glimpse of her abilities. Perhaps it will be an asset having her in our company. I would have given anything for her presence a few months ago.~

As Tanjee worked and Kwinn hummed a song, Rayann broke silence and finally reached up to push the hood of her robe off her head. The morning chill had been chased away by the sun and she liked the feel of the fresh air around her.

”Your knowledge of herbs is quite extensive, Tanjee. I can tell by how easily you found these herbs and ground them up to flavor the rabbit with.”

Tanjee looked over at Rayann as she spoke and nodded.

”My mother, Goddess rest her soul, taught me everything I know. She was quite knowledgeable about herbs and plants. Many people from our community came to her. There was just something about her that put people to ease and lightened the burden they seemed to carry. Her touch was unlike any others around. Warm. Gentle. Caring. But there was something else about it as well…something that was difficult to explain. I saw how her touch affected others and I knew that was what I wanted to do as well.”

Rayann tilted her head slightly.

”And has that been your legacy as well?”

Tanjee gave a sad shrug and shook her head as she cast her gaze to the cooking rabbit.

”I would like to say yes, but I cannot. At least, I am unsure if I do or not. I have not practiced the art of healing since her death. When I saw how futile my attempts were at saving her, I was not sure if I truly possessed the right to carry on her legacy.”

Rayann felt her smile slowly fade and she swallowed hard.

”I’m sorry. I didn’t meanto bring up bad memories.”

Tanjee shrugged again.

”There is nothing to apologize for, Lady. You did not know.”

Needing to change the subject, Tanjee looked to Kwinn then and nodded towards him.

”Thank you for sharing your would be catch with us.”

She dared to glance at Myth then as she added the second part of her statement.

”At least your arrival was a little better received than my own.”

With a poke of her knife into the cooking rabbit and vegetables, she announced it was ready to eat before Myth could give a retort to her words.

”Little Breakfast is ready to eat.”