Fifth listened to Piramay and then smiled as she referred to the construction and the protection needed, “Ahhh my sister, that is where magic comes into play.

He removed another scroll which had been buried in the deep folds of his robes and handed it to her. It was small scroll and the moment she touched it she would feel the enchantments that surrounded it, whatever was inside, Fifth wanted it to be kept secret. As she unrolled the silver parchment Fifth hissed words of magic and the jibberish on the page began to move and morph into a plan. The details of what would transpire began to unfold before her very eyes. The towers would not be built so much as grown, and in doing so they would become part of the landscape not over a series of months, but mere minutes. He leaned back on the desk and watched her as she read. A small fraction of their souls would be merged with the power harnessed in the soul well, and from that final key to the life force, the towers would become not only a reality, but part of each of them. The third tower would be created last, the energies from the first two towers twisting and synching up to create the “neutrality” between the two forces of fire and shadow, but still under their control.

“As you can see, the risk is considerable, but the rewards even greater.” His silver eyes panned over her face, he could feel her lust for power, it was as great as his own. “As far as protection goes, yes, I estimate that you and I will both be in a sort of stasis for some time, at least two weeks by my calculation, but in that time the ancient magic will protect us. Built into the plan are the wardings that will surround the whole area. The first, anyone that attempts to enter will be so stricken with fear they will not be able to maintain their sanity, dragon fear to be precise. The second warding will be drawn from your essence, the incinerating flame sphere, third, the landscape in a birth will be twisted with flaming shadow wraiths, not the simple shadow wraiths that only the most amateur of necromancers can create, but a new wraith, one of OUR creating.” He pointed to the newly formed diagram and Piramay would see exactly what he meant. “This is no small undertaking, we will need to be 100% on our game to make this happen.”

Ceridwyn could not help but see the conflict in his face, but when she finally cracked that shell she was seeing a new Elf coming through. As Aeolis spoke of his mistress being the guard she nodded her head, “I too have taken a spouse that does not hold you while you sleep. As most Magus, I married my moon.” She smiled and looked to the heavens and then back to Aeolis, “I was once involved with an Elf, he was a handsome fellow, strong and wonderful…” Her voice was slightly sad, and she left it at that. It was obvious she didn’t want to discuss the rest, at least not now.

She looked up as he mentioned food and she nodded, “Agreed Aeolis, we need a hearty meal and a good night’s rest, today was taxing enough as it was.” As they entered the town of Hamish, she glanced as the men stopped their work to stare. She was never sure if it was her white wizard’s robes or the fact she was an elf, but this happened everywhere she went. It was known among the Elves that human men had an insatiable attraction to Elven women, and with good cause, they were the most beautiful of all the creatures on Krynn, but for Ceridwyn it seemed unusually so. She knew that the presence of a mage was quite a head turner and she always associated it as the combo of the two. She felt Aeolis’ grip tighten and she squeezed back, ~ ‘Just relax Aeolis, they won’t approach, they see that I am “with” someone, and they will mind their business. Humans do know the appropriate levels on which they can tread. Seeing us together will eliminate, for the most part, any of them approaching us. Being a wizard brings mystery enough of its own, non-magic users don’t understand us and are prone to star just based on that.’ ~

He would hear the learned wisdom in her voice; this was obviously something she was used to. She looked up and smiled, speaking as she stared at a heavy oaken door, “The Inn of Silver Starlight.” She turned to Aeolis and smiled, “I have stayed here many times, the delicious food smells you are experiencing comes from within.” She smiled warmly to him and squeezed his hand once again, pushing the heavy door open with her other. The smell of stale ale and mead flowed outward as the fresh air plunged in. She spoke again, this time in missive; ~ ’Always full of wonderful, earthy aromas.’ ~ He would hear that playful sarcasm in her voice once again. She lead him to a small booth in the corner and sat, turning to look for a bar maid as she flipped the hood off her head. The men and women within turned to look and then went back to their business, being familiar with Elves due to their proximity to Elf lands. Ceridwyn looked across at Aeolis and smiled, “The saffron mead is wonderful here, but I would not recommend more than one glass.” She winked and smiled.

The news of the failed attack on the Silvanesti didn’t set well with the mage. Family ties ran deep and to think they wouldn’t come into play was foolish to assume. Lips curled into a smile as the old human saying was remembered. ‘Assuming makes an ass out of u and me’. It was more than appropriate right now. And now, because of this failed attempt, it went without saying the Elves would know they were targeted for some reason. Even without Nim’Sul there were others who were not to be underestimated.

Slender fingers toyed with one of the rings that adorned them as the mage stood looking out the window of the residence they occupied. This was going to change everything. Not that a back up plan was difficult to come up with. After all, one didn’t make a move without having a back up plan in this day and age.

Hearing a soft noise behind, the mage turned to see the figure that walked into the room. The smile that had formed slightly on the mage’s face grew a little more at seeing who joined them. Walking over and placing a hand on the figures shoulder, they exchanged glances before the mage left the room followed by the figure behind them.

Walking to the far end of the residence, the mage walked through a door followed by the figure and once inside, the door was closed. Within this area the mage seemed to be more at home. Many tables were set up with different vials and pouches set neatly on shelves that were labeled in the delicate scroll writing of the Elves. On other tables containers bubbled gently and the aroma of regents and spices filled the air. The mage inhaled deeply and closed their eyes as the familiarity of the room settled about them.

Near the center of the room, resting against a large support beam, was a staff made of the blackest material ever seen. At times it seemed to shimmer as the light hit it a certain way and other times it seemed so dark that it swallowed up the light that tried to shine upon it. At the top was a large, violet colored crystal that seemed dull. As the mage walked by a hand reached out to gently caress the smooth shaft of the staff almost as though the hand were caressing a lover.

Looking over at the figure that still stood by the door, the mage smiled softly and gestured for the figure to join them. Soft words were spoken to the figure and soon, the mage and the figure were working together on gathering certain ingredients and mixing them together to collect them in vials or pouches then set on the shelves. The day would come when all of this preparation was needed and the mage wanted to make sure they were well prepared. Until then, time spent with the other in the room was cherished as their ability to absorb information like a sponge simply amazed the mage to no end. Already things were being handed without being told to do so now.

Aeolis couldn’t stop the look that crossed his face when Ceridwyn opened the door to the Inn. He even pulled his head back slightly as the first, initial scents assaulted his nostrils. Hearing Ceridwyn’s mirthful missive, he glanced at her and wrinkled his nose in dislike. As she led him to a booth in the back of the place, Aeolis was looking at all the exits to make sure he had them all covered.

Once he got used to the way the placed smelled, he began to smell that wonderful aroma of food again and his mouth actually began to water. As Ceridwyn mentioned the saffron mead, Aeolis looked over at her as he pushed the hood off his head and quirked a brow at her.

”And what would you know about the saffron mead in here? I am beginning to see a whole other side of you, Ceridwyn. Who would have ever thought you were anything but proper and official? It does my soul good to see there is more beneath your layers than skin.”

As the serving wench came by, he glanced up at her then to Ceridwyn then back tot eh serving woman. With a small grin, he ordered their drinks for both of them and himself something to eat.

”Two of that wonderful saffron mead your so famous for and I will have some of what ever that delicious smell is drifting from your kitchen.”

The serving wench grinned broadly.

“Be glad to, dearie.”

Looking over at Ceridwyn, she smiled again.

“Is good to see ya back, dearier. Would ya like somethin’ t’eat as well?”

Ceridwyn couldn’t help but chuckle at Aeolis as he spoke to her, “There is much neither of us know about the other Aeolis, that is for certain.” As the Barmaid approached and Aeolis ordered, she simply smiled. When the girl turned and looked at her and asked her question Ceridwyn nodded and responded, “Yes Lilly, I will have my usual, and I would also like for you to bring some of those puffed cinnamon cakes for my friend here after the meal.”

Lilly winked at Ceridwyn and patted Aeolis on the shoulder as she turned on her heels and cheerfully walked to the kitchen. Ceridwyn watched her and then turned back to Aeolis, the look of curiosity on his face. She giggled and waved her hand, “Oh stop it, you’re going to love the cakes.”

She leaned back and giggled as she looked at him, shaking her head, “There is much that the Elves don’t understand about humans, their spirit to never quit is indomitable, and in my years of spending time with them I would dare say they are the most unique race on Krynn. Their pendulum can swing so wide however, the most tender and most cruel behavior comes from the same race, it’s baffling.”

She turns to the bar and observes two men, laughing and drunk on mead. “It never ceases to amaze me; they celebrate as hard as they work…”

She turns back to Aeolis after a moment and leaning forward on her elbows she rests her elbows on the table, placing her chin in her palm and staring across at Aeolis, not saying a word.

Aeolis heard Ceridwyn order the cinnamon cakes and he just looked over at her. Hearing her giggle, he couldn’t help but chuckle. It had been a long time since he had smiled so much, let alone actually chuckle or laugh. He found it actually helped him relax a little and he liked not feeling quite so…tense…all the time.

As Ceridwyn talked about the humans, Aeolis lert his eyes scan the Inn and saw they came in all shapes and sized. They were so different from the Elves. Yet he had to admit, they seemed to be quite resilient and as he looked at the two enjoying themselves at the bar, he had to agree with Ceridwyn there.

”I suppose. It looks as if those two took their playing a little too seriously. I would tend to think they will have quite the headache when they awake next.”

Noticing the way Ceridwyn was looking at him, he glanced around then looked at her again. He was about to say something to her when Lilly returned with their drinks. Setting them down in front of each of them, she set a plate of cheese and bread down for them as well.

“Somethin’ for ya t’nibble on until I can get yer food for ya.”

She winked then turned and was off again. Aeolis brought the mug to his nose and sniffed. It didn’t smell all THAT bad so he carefully took a sip and let the taste of it roll over his pallet. Deciding it had a unique yet good taste, he raised his brows and gave it his approval before he took another sip, this one bigger this time.

”I can see why you like this drink.”

Taking another sip he looked around at the gathered humans again. Licking his lips, he leaned in a little closer and lowered his voice.

”I wonder what the draconians we encountered were really looking for? I do not think it was a coincidence. They are looking for something.”

Ceridwyn leaned back when the appetizer arrived and she too took her mead and inhaled it. “Ahhh, nothing like honey wine.” She smiled and sipped, closing her eyes and nodding in approval. She took some of the soft white cheese and spread it on a cracker. When Aeolis leaned forward and whispered she simply smiled and leaned forward as well answering simply, “Us.”

She leaned back and stared across the table at him, her eyes fixed on his. “You were an unwilling agent of the Dark Queen Aeolis, she will not let a servant of hers go, even one that was acting against his will. There was more reason to get out of Silvanost than simply being hasty in our quest, you are being hunted. No doubt there was transfer of knowledge into your head; stuff you don’t even know is in there… we need to figure out what key will unlock it.”

She picked up her wine and sipped it, looking over the rim of her glass and watching his face. She was speaking so relaxed and matter of fact about it. It would be obvious that she was fairly well grounded in the ways of things, and this was simply something that needed to be accepted and dealt with. “Aeolis, I can sense that you have this growing desire to protect me, but surely I tell you, currently, it is I who am protecting you.” She leaned forward on her elbows and whispered, “This is not an assignment. Truth be told there are much larger fish in the preverbal pond, the council is acting on other matters with others in positions of much higher prominence than yourself, but in my opinion everyone deserves a second chance, and besides, we might have had a rocky past, but we are kin after all.” She smiled and leaned back, grabbing her mead on the way to reclining in the booth again, “It is... " she sipped her beverage, “…the little things that make us happy.”

Aeolis didn’t like hearing her speak so matter of factly about the fact he was the one being hunted. Now he was thinking he’d put her in jeopardy just by being with him. But he was right. She was capable of taking care of herself…and him in certain things.

”It is something that is ingrained in my since I was young, Ceridwyn. The fairer sex needed to be protected. Even those who wear the robes of their deity. While I know you are more than capable of taking care of yourself, you cannot have eyes in the back of your head. So, just consider me your rear eyes.”

The finality in his voice told her he wasn’t going to budge on the subject and leave it at mutual respect for each others skills. He sipped his wine some more the looked over at her again.

”I’m not sure I want to know what is in here….”

He pointed to his head and shook his head.

”….what ever is it cannot be good if they are trying to extract it from me. If it is buried deep, then as the humans day, no need in beating a dead horse. If it is alright with you, I would just as soon let it be. It is not hurting anything but me being where it is. And if that is all that will be affected, then I am all the more happy.”

Lilly returned with their food and as she set the bowls down in front of them, Aeolis sniffed the aroma once more and smiled. He didn’t know what it was in the bowl and really didn’t care. If it tasted as good as it smelled, he would gladly eat it.

“Enjoy, dearies. If ya need anythin’, just give me a shout.”

Another wink and she was gone again. Aeolis watched her walk away then looked across the table at Ceridwyn. Seeing how closely she was watching him, he felt his cheeks grow warm. Clearing his throat, he looked as dignified as he could.

[i]”She is quite….curvaceous.”

Without another word, he dug into his food and savored the flavor knowing he would enjoy every last drop.

Myth sighed feeling the sensation of fingers being run through his long hair. His eyes closed for several moments till he felt the anger rise within Rayann as she thought of her home. Her anger was justified to say the least of the matter. The few times he looked upon the tower and the castle revealed an ancient and well kept home. A place filled with fond childhood memories tuned into a monster infested nightmare. Myth seriosly doubted anyone could feel anything but anger in her shoes.

"A time with little more to do than practice my blade with the shadows or study a good book.... oh horror or horrors what ever will I do" He chuckled at the thought. Time spent without conflict seemed far off and foreign to him but at the same time deep down it was something he looked forward to.

"We cherish the time that we have and do with it what we can, or so the humans say."

Kissing the top of her head slightly Myth rested it there for several moments.

"I suppose a meal would be in order then we should consider the possibility of rest."

Myth looked out the window noting there was still plenty of time left in the day but he also knew that this time was needed for Rayann and Kali to recover. Myth knew he would be restless by the evening knowing there was still more to come on the morrow.

Her eyes scanned the parchment as the words and runes contained inside began to shift and take shape. She resisted the urge to wrinkle her nose at the notion of a piece of their souls, her soul in particular, being linked to this well. However she also saw the necessity of the act to achieve the overall plan. Once more she saw the risk that they would both be at and was fully convinced of Fifth's sincerity of sharing this new found power. It came down to the universal balance of Krynn. She did not have time to contemplate the importance of this thought only what was to come.

"I am neve at anything less than 100% Fifth. I have my doubts about the overall effectiveness of the fear and the strength of the flame but...." her voice trailed off as there came a knock upon her door.

An almost other worldly growl emanated from her throat as she crossed the room hips swaying seductively. Straitening her robes she opened the door and shot a withering stare at the acolyte outside before taking a scroll from him. Waving the little git off she closed the door once more and began walking back to the table reading the contents. A bright smile had appeared on her face as she rolled the item up setting it upon the table.

"It would appear that the broken prodigy has failed in the task of retrieving his niece for her audience." A bemused look sparkled in her eye knowing the torment to come. Her mind was back on task almost as quickly as it had been distracted. " Now where was I... ah yes... since these defenses are drawn from the magic we intend to harness I suppose the effects will be all that much stronger and I should not discount them out of hand. However I believe that is what we are counting on others to do.... When do we start?"

Rayann tilted her head back so she could look up into his handsome face and smiled softly.

~I’ll get us something to eat and make enough for Kali and Nol for when they are ready to eat.~

She knew Myth enough to know where his thoughts were straying. While she wished she could engage him in something that would keep him occupied, she knew her rest wouldn’t wait. With a soft kiss to his cheek, she rose and made her way to the kitchen area to look for anything that she could make for some semblance of a meal.

When she came back to the room, she had, following behind her on a hovering tray, two plates of what appeared to be some kind of meat and vegetables. It didn’t smell bad. In fact, it smelled rather nice. And to top it all off, she had a small pot of steaming tea and two glasses of what appeared to be Elven wine. When Myth gave her a curious look, she smiled sheepishly and confessed.

~It appears the cooks on Myst Isle are in tuned with what ever it is we need. I suppose it has something to do with Nol being with us. Either way, I don’t want to look a gift horse in the mouth.~

The tray settled down on a large table near the window and Rayann proceeded to set everything accordingly then glanced over at Myth as he walked over to join her. Smiling softly at him, she sat down at the table and eyed the food. Her smile faded as she realized she really didn’t have much of an appetite. Finally she reached up and took a few sips of the tea then nibbled on her meal. Perhaps she was more tired than she realized.

As Rayann left the room Myth rose from his seat making his way to one of the nearby windows. His eyes looked over the landscape below and he let his mind wonder. With the battle over for the moment the strict order in Myth's mind had loosened. His focus split amongst the happenings here in his beloved's ancestral home and on events back at Silvanost. There were still storms to weather but he knew they would endure. The petty politics were trifle compared to the threats to come. The conversations with his father upon his return were likely to be difficult and frustrating. There was a need to change long dead rhetoric and Myth hoped he could convince his father to open his eyes and see it.

With a sigh he felt Rayann approaching once more and did his best to bring his mind inline once more before putting a smile on his face. He could only watch in wonderment as the trays floated in behind Rayann before arranging themselves upon the table they would eat at. Myth sat down looking over the items on the table. Like Rayann he was not feeling all that hungry but for different reasons. He could see the weariness in her eyes as she looked over the food and chose to focus on her tea and nibble at the meat.

"Wonders never cease around us it seems..." he sat in silence watching her for a short time with caring eyes. The need for rest was becomign increasingly apparent on Rayann's face as they sat their enjoying each other's company.

"You should get some rest mel'amin... you look as if you are going to pass out mid bite. I'm sure I can find something to do while you rest."

The last thing Rayann wanted to do was sleep while Myth was with her, but the more she sat there, the more she realized she was not going to have any choice in the matter. She knew his mind was troubled and what ever it was, he didn’t feel the need to burden her with it just yet. Knowing he would reveal it to her when he knew the time was right, she smiled sleepily at him and stood up then walked over to where he sat.

Wrapping her arms around him, she leaned in close and cradled his head to her bosom then rested her cheek on the top of his crimson colored head. Closing her eyes for a moment, she let the peacefulness of him surround her before she reluctantly pulled back and walked over to the bed and laid down. It was only mere seconds before she was sound asleep.

Ceridwyn looked over at him and could not help but react when her referred to her as the ‘fairer’ sex… of course the female sex was fairer in appearance but the implications behind such a statement were screaming at her. As she listened however, her face softened and she simply smiled, letting it go.

“Perhaps then…” she turned her head as Lilly returned and placed the delicious smelling food before them. Ceridwyn closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, smiling the broadest, most beautiful smile Aeolis had yet seen. “There is nothing better than good food.” She looked up and she was simply glowing. It would be obvious to Aeolis that Ceridwyn truly was among the salt of Krynn, a sophisticated woman with a fine tuned appreciation for the smallest things in this life. “This is called ‘wedding soup’, it’s a human meal served at special occasions typically, however it’s become more popular over the last century as an ‘anytime’ sort of meal.” She brought the spoon to her mouth and took a mouthful, closing her eyes and savoring the flavor. “Elven food is good, don’t get me wrong, but we insist that everything be so rich and spiced, human cuisine is quieter, they seem to know how to extract the most with the simplest ingredients.”

She continued to eat slowly, dunking the delicious bread and savoring the warm food in her stomach. “I am already feeling rested, I think I could take on a whole division of Draconians right now.” She smiled across the table at Aeolis and reached over, taking his hand gently, “I am sorry I misjudged you Aeolis, I must admit I didn’t like you, but getting to know you has shown me that even I can be a poor judge of character when I don’t allow myself to see the whole person.”

She smiled and patted the top of his hand, withdrawing her own slender fingers and taking her mead again, sipping it and smiling at him over the rim of her glass.

Aeolis was in mid bite when she reached over and took his hand in hers. His first reaction was to pull it back so they didn’t do anything improper but he remembered they were supposed to be portraying as though they were a couple. He felt his cheeks grow a little warm as he finished following through with taking another bite of his bread. He studied her intently as he chewed his food thoughtfully.

“You did not misjudge, Ceridwyn. I was an arrogant, pampas ass who looked down his nose at others, especially those of other races. I have sit and wondered many times if I did not deserve what happened to me. I was too proud to look beyond my own gain to see the others around me. I believe the humans refer to that as being unable to see the forest for the trees. Although I have never really understood that saying. Perhaps I will one day. Until then, I shall not lose sleep pondering over it.”

They finished their meal and had one more glass of the saffron mead, sipping it a bit slower than they did their first glass. Lilly, as it turned out, was quite the good server and made sure they didn’t lack for anything. When it came time to inquire about a room, Aeolis walked with Ceridwyn to the desk and secured a room for them. As they climbed the steps leaving the noise and merriment of the common room behind, Aeolis eased his hand over Ceridwyn’s so no one got the idea to even think of looking to her for company.

When they reached the room, he waited for her to enter before he slipped in and closed the door softly behind him. Waling over to the small table near the bed, he turned the wick of the lamp up and looked around. It was cozy and quaint…and not very big. Seeing a chair in the corner, he nodded towards it.

”I shall take the chair. You take the bed.”

He unshouldered his bow and pulled the belt that kept his short sword and quiver of arrows secure on his hip off, setting it down next to the chair.