Wanderer Lost II

[Daranavo]

This rp takes place several years after what had occurred in The Dunedain Inn, and Sullan's Shop.

Again, anyone main join, however, we would prefer more experienced players. To join, you must send either myself or AraCelebEarwen a PM with a character profile and ideas of how to implement your character before you enter the rp. Thank you.

Submit a character profile in the Council of the Wise Section under: Wanderer Lost II, OOC.

[Daranavo]

The mid-day sun did little to remove the cold from the frigid earth. The trees still had a fair amount of snow upon them as did the ground. In places, tufts of tall, dead grass protruded out from small snow mounds here and there. The nearby river could be heard as it was one of the few things not covered in a white blanket of snow. However, Boraden could only hear the beat of his heart. He did not know how long he had ran though the pain in his chest did give him some idea.

He had sent Tirnafi around to the south to flush the large deer he had smelled. Food was about to run out and if he could manage this kill he would not have to stop for long.

Boradon stopped finally and took a moment. He took in a deep breath and his keen nostrils told him that the doe was headed toward him. Quickly, he strung his bow and nocked an arrow. He closed his eyes and tried to slow his gasps for breath. As he did, thoughts of her entered his mind once again. She smiled at him and rubbed his beard as she always did when she wanted his attention. She always did have a way to get whatever she wanted. He cursed himself for how much he truely missed her. Was it the Medallion he was after or was it just her? The question posed itself often to Boradon.

The deer was close now, he could almost hear its hooves crunch in the snow. Tirnafi panted hard and snapped his jaws just behind it. Boradon pulled back the bowstring and aimed. Ever-so-sleightly, he drifted the arrow tip to the right, just ahead of the doe's neck. A little more he thought, it was running fast. A little more still and he let the arrow fly. The arrow pierced its neck right below the jawline. It ran for another 60 feet then collapsed and died. Tirnafi tiredly apprached Boradon with both his tongue and his tail wagging with the excitement. Boradon smiled and said, "I know boy...I'm hungry to. Lets go eat."

[AraCelebEarwen]

When was the last time there had been a warm inn? When had there last been a meal she had not had to get for her self? It was cold and she was tired but she knew she had to keep going. Olheri looked out across the snow covered land and pulled the thick cloak a little tighter; her breath showing as she let out a sigh.

Everything was at least a little wet and it was a while before a small fire had been built up. Chilled fingers stretched and soaked up the heat as the little face of a coin looked back at her. She thought she had known what she was doing when she took the little trinket from his pocket. The little feline's eyes watched her from the silver piece; a small smile curling the corner of her mouth as she rubbed it between thumb and forefinger.

Time slipped past as she finished of one of the last few pieces of bread and wondered if there was somewhere she might get more soon. Meat was not a problem yet as she had come across a shallow place in the nearby river and found that catching fish was only as hard as scoping them out of the frozen water with her dagger.

The nights had been hard on the young woman; sleep disturbed by dreams only half remembered upon waking. It was as though something was chasing her. A relentless mind and strong will focused on finding her. Memories of what she had seen a few years back still haunted her to this day. Her people were still being hunted and she was truly one of them. The feeling of something looking for her had been stronger some times then others. Whatever... Whoever was after her, she could not be caught. A chill ran through her, not at all from the weather but at the thought of what could happen if... No. She would not be caught.

[Daranavo]

Tirnafi stood and sniffed the cold night air as a wolfs cry rang out off in the distance under the moonlit stars. The recent lack of snowfall allowed his senses to extend much further now. The woman's scent was as a beacon of white light upon a blackened background to his nose. Not many women traveled across the land and the one's that did were all human, save for her. He turned to look at Boradon as he slept. The cold air plumed like smoke from his mouth as he breathed.

To most, this cold would be unbearable to allow sleep, however Boradon was a Northman. The Northmen are a hearty people that endured such weather all their lives. It is said that even in the harshest cold, a Northman could live for many days without shelter. The small fire that crackled near him now, warmed him such that he slept deeply and dreamt.

At her request, Boradon guided Olheri up the mountain. She had seen the cave where 2 of her people stayed for many months in her dreams. Now, she and Boradon were before its mouth.

He laboured long near the cave's entrance and she grew impatient. Suddenly the hairs began to stand up on her arms. Something was not right. She looked at Boradon and already he had his Handaxe and knife out and at the ready. Just then a large brown bear lumbered out at Boradon. Boradon fell back and it pounced atop him. Olheri could not bare to watch and closed her eyes. The bear growled and snarled. After a quick few seconds, it groaned then nothing. Slowly she opened her eyes and a blood covered Boradon scrambled out from underneath it. His knife was coated in the bears blood as was his own face. He did not want to kill the bear but had little choice. Silently, he payed homage to his fallen friend and began to cut loose its hide almost immediately.

[AraCelebEarwen]

Ice cold stars looked down on the last of the dieing fire. Though the soft fur was truly worth the effort it took to carry, even it was not quite enough to keep out the chill. She wondered for a moment if it had been so wise to leave him as she had.

He had been sleeping deeply, stretched out on the fire warmed floor with that little pup of his, leaving her the bear skin blanket. It had been so simple, his dreams made to last longer as she had slipped a little powder into his drink and used her mind to set his at ease. Silently she had knelt beside the sleeping man, taking the little coin he had shown her and placing a soft kiss on his forehead before bundling up and leaving without a sound.

She sat up with a gasp. As soon as she had fallen into a fitful sleep the dreams had come once again. No face would show its self, only the will, the desire to hunt down what it was after. Olheri shivered and curled back into a tight ball; the soft, musky fur brushing against frost reddened cheeks as it was pulled back into place. She knew she had to try to sleep, she had to keep moving if she was going to find any of her people before it was too late.

Finally the long night came to an end. No more good wood or kindling was to be found so there was no point in staying there. She breathed into cupped hands, warming the numbed flesh a little before lifting the bag to her shoulder. Stretching some of the stiffness out of her neck, Olheri glanced back in the direction she had come from. "You should not lose everything for what you do not know. I am sorry..." Only the wind caught the sound of the whisper as she continued on; walking in the trees but keeping track of the river that wound through the whitened forest.

[Daranavo]

The morning produced snow that fell slowly down and covered the frigid earth with a soft, new blanket of white. Tough, cold deer meat was probably the only meal Boradon and Tirnafi would have this day. Once Boradon's legs got going he always hated to stop and he rarely would. He was thankful that his boots had been properly cured and weatherproofed. Evenso, his feet were only dry for half the day as he trudged along in the thawing white wilderness.

Tirnafi was a strong beast of a wolf. Boradon had almost died when he attempted to bind his spirit to his own just after he found him. Dire wolves were large, ferocious beasts. Their howls struck fear into the most seasoned of soldiers for they hunted in packs and could take down even the largest game if hungry enough. Tirnafi was still a pup but already his adolescent coat began to show itself upon his back in greys and browns. On all fours his snout could reach Boradon's chest already and during play his teeth had caused large gashes in Boradon's arms on more then one occaision. Boradon wondered how big he would actually get. He also wondered what the southern lands were like for he had never been so far south as he was now.

Durgar, the dwarven smithy that found a home in his village had always spoke about the great cities of the south. As a boy, Boradon could sit and listen to his fantastical stories all afternoon. Much to the repute of his father. Who secretly wished that Boradon had died along with his brother to a Blue bear that attacked them while they were out in the wilds. Boradon was only wounded and unable to walk. Now, thanks to the Helgarot, the village Shaman, Boradon was healed and something more. He could jog for hours without a rest and he seemed to enjoyed the cold. As he stopped for a breather, he noticed that Tirnafi had once again picked up her scent and the two turned Southeast. Boradon smiled at Tirnafi. In turn, Tirnafi barked loudly and reveled in his own success. "Ok, come on then." Boradon said and began again with Tirnafi at his side.

[AraCelebEarwen]

It was warm; the sun shining through the trees and heating the early fall air. It had been the last thing she had expected to find a young man laying under a clump of trees. He looked to be sleeping and she was about to continuo on her way when she realized that he was only just alive...

“How should I know!? Are you not the one that can ‘see’ things?” His eyes locked on hers; his strong hands holding her shoulders when she started to turn away. “Yes. I can ‘see’ things. Her voice was tired and almost cold. “You do not know what it is I have seen...”

Strong arms held her tightly as she shivered from another vision. His touch warming her and his kiss pulling her back from the shadows she had been lost in...

The cold was working its way through her as bits of memories came and went. Had it really only been a few months?... One boot landed on a patch of ice just then, only her quick reactions kept her from crashing completely to the rocks she had been stepping around. Cursing silently, she could feel a bruise starting to form where her knee had hit one of the stones. As she stood back up and shifted the weight of the pack, Olheri tried to put her full attention on where she was walking instead of on things left behind.

[Daranavo]

The quiet afternoon was interrupted when Tirnafi stopped and smelled an unfamilar scent in the air. A musky, oily scent. Boradon sniffed the air himself and knelt down beside the pup. With a gloved hand he rubbed his chest and said. "What is it boy, do you...?" Right then, something strange happened. As Boradon touched Tirnafi, tendrils of color formed images in his mind. His senses came alive in a rush of red and green hues. He was now smelling the air as Tirniafi did. These colors took shape in his head and Boradon did not like what he saw.

Quickly, he took a look around him. The two had just jumped down upon an icy ledge outcropping and the only place to go was toward the orcs that were marching up toward them or over the edge. Boradon suddenly became afraid and realized that there were far too many orcs. They would have to jump for it. He knew Tirnafi would not understand what they had to do and so, Boradon motioned to the wolf to come close to the edge. He took a look over the edge and saw nothing but white. He hoped that it was deep enough to pad their fall. With all of his strength he suddenly pushed Tirnafi over the edge and fell himself along with him. Silently they fell 40 feet and landed in a thick hill of snow.

Completely submerged in white, Boradon scrambled to get to the top. Snow brushed into every part of Boradon's clothing that it could to the fall and struggle. Luckily, the snow had been deep enough to let them avoid the hard rock below. Not seeing Tirnafi, Boradon fought back the urge to whistle. Instead he clicked his tongue upon the roof of his mouth and made the sound of a squirrel. Tirnafi continued to struggle below him and Boradon saw it.

He hopped back down into the snow and almost landed on the wolf as it struggled. He shifted himself to get behind the wolf and began to push Tirnafi from the rear. The wolf kicked at the snow and Boradon pushed and with great effort, Tirnafi was atop the white mound. Boradon huffed and panted as he too came to rest on top, rolled over to his back and gasped for air. His rest was short lived however for he knew that the orcs would see their tracks very soon. With tired limbs, Boradon rolled and stood. He was cold and wet from the snow that melted into every inch of his body and clothing. With Tirnafi, he ran down the hill and out of sight of the orcs. He now had a long, cold, hard run ahead of him to be safely clear of them.

[Daranavo]

Princess Daelin sifted through the many dusty books that were stored down in the castle cellars. She had been down there so long that she no longer knew what time was daytime and what was nighttime. The days drifted into weeks, and the weeks into months that she would be a prisoner. She could never see the rise and set of the sun. Though she detested what her brother did to her, she did not hate him. He was more or less a good man that would never of become King if she assumed the throne. Nor did she hate him for his betrayal. He simply is who he is, and he will always be the spoiled boy who grew into a spoiled man. So day after day, night after night, she reads, and sews, and hopes beyond hope that someone will find her in this prison made her home.

Little did she know that her childhood friend did return to the very city in which she grew up to know Daelin. The two were nearly inseperable as children, and they would often sit under the poplars and talk about which boys they fancied. Neither had ever dreamed of growing up to become a Queen. However, Karanda never did trust Daelin’s brother. She liked even less his Chief Advisor Fargon. He had been a soldier before the King had died and the Prince held him in high regard. When Karanda heard of her blood sister’s death she wasted no time and set out for Gorshven.

Emery Castle sat upon a large hill that overlooked the village of Gorshven. Farmers, bakers, and merchants of all flavors called Gorshven home. Due to its centralized location, it was ripe with the trade of goods and services for travelers willing to pay high prices. As a result, the village flourished into a small, respectable town.

Olheri was three days out of Gorshven, though she did not know the area well. She was guided by her visions. She had dreamt of a woman in unending darkness. A woman who knew one of her kind for what they really were. A woman who had befriended a man of status among Olheri’s people. She only knew her by her first name…Daelin.

[AraCelebEarwen]

Weary eyes watched the as at last a few sparks took hold of the kindling and grew into a fine little fire.

The days were short; darkness coming over the land quickly, hardly giving the sunlight any time to warm the icy air. Olheri was glad she had been able to get this far in one day.

She had found herself running as again the feeling of something drawing near had caused the hair on the back of her neck to prick. If she had been able to risk leaving her pack behind, there was a faster way to travel, but it would not be worth what it could take...

Finishing off a little more of the fish she had packed away, Olheri watched the crackling flames send shadows to dance on the walls of the tight little cave.

It had only just been visible when she walked past; a dip in the snow bank giving her pause. A curious kick at the drift caused the cover to fall back and revile the top of a small opening.

She had carefully hidden the entrance again, nearly closing herself in, only leaving a few small points so as to not block off the air. As there was only just enough room for someone to sit up or lay on the floor; Olheri had built the fire in the short, narrow tunnel that was the entryway, and slowly it warmed the room.

Her eyes drifted shut as sleep caught up to her. Wrapped in the fur, she gazed around one last time before dreams crept over her...

[AraCelebEarwen]

Finally she could see it. Coming over another hill, she looked across the last few miles to the village. The houses and shops clustered together, a close but not crowded looking place. Just right for blending in if and when she would have to.

Olheri walked past the first of the outer buildings; glancing at towards it and wondering where to start. Knowing only a name and not at all knowing much about this place but what she could guess by observation. She shifted the weight of the pack and pulled the fur a little tighter around her shoulders as she continued on towards the center of town. 'Maybe I can at least find a hot meal somewhere...' Reaching into her cloak, she caught hold of the little coin pouch. 'Not much. hmmm... Not that it can not be fixed.'

[Daranavo]

Gorshven was not a large city by no means, however, it did have it where it mattered. The shops were neatly arranged and the streets layed out in simple square blocks. Down this particular block she passed signs that read: Harol's bakery, Burgen Smithy, Jurrin's Carpentry, and The Veese Market. The buildings were expertly masoned by the looks of their fronts and the smells that eminated from some of them made Olheri's mouth water.

Many of the roads were trodded and muddy due to the early thaw. As Olheri moved about the village, she finally came to a cobblestone road. It cut straight through the center of town and curved uphill toward some of the finest houses she had ever seen. She almost bumped into an old man when she gaped at the large castle that lay in the distance upon the hill. He smiled at her and said, "Excuse me mylady." She looked at him and asked, "Sir, would you happen to know of an...inexpensive Inn here abouts?" The old man looked her over briefly and gave a chuckled response as he moved past her. "Not in Gorshven mylady, good day." As she crossed the street, several people walked along a fairly level sidewalk and went about their daily business. As she turned the corner, she heard an uproarious laugh come from a pub just near her, She looked up and saw its sign post. It read: The Copper Spoon.

[AraCelebEarwen]

The door opened to a wave of laughter. Most everyone near the entry had their attention pointed at a young man as he tried to pick himself back up off the floor. Olheri shook her head at the drunkard and glanced around taking careful note of the guests and room alike. Even the more commonly dressed men looked to be fairly well-to-do; soft, white tunics on some and rich, dark colors on others. The air had a strong mix of scents; among them smoke and drinks but also a stomach twisting waft of hot bread and meat.

Keeping the thick fur over her shoulder, she pulled a few coins out with a disappointed sigh; ordered what she could afford- a small loaf of bread with a sad little bit of what she hoped was beef- and found a seat at the bar.

Talk and gossip traded hands. Going from one sober man only to be misheard or exaggerated by those that had had more then enough for the evening. Talking offhandedly, Olheri asked a few of those right around her where she might find a room and if they knew much of anything about a woman by the name of Daelin. Most just shook their heads or seemed not to have heard her at all. Only one glanced her over before letting a sly smile creep across his face and asking a question of his own to which she turned away, informing him over her shoulder that she had other plans.

'Other plans indeed. ha. All I want is a good nights sleep and something of a clue to where... who...' -A sigh interrupted her thoughts- 'One can not get a room without paying something for it, and any clue may do no good if worked over by a tired mind...' Thoughtful eyes wander across some of the faces, looking for one that would fit. It was the same man she had seen when she first entered who drew her atention. Now leaning over his table, she knew the others had had their fun and left. Walking with a very slight limp, Olheri approached him slowly, as though she was much less awake and sober then was true. Even a good target deserved caution and she didn't want to draw too much of any attention as she obtained at least a few more coins.

[Daranavo]

As she waited for the right moment to aproach the man, another man, one that she had not seen when she entered, pressed between her and someone else that sat on the bar stools. Olheri had been half facing the bar and her mark and now all she saw was a shoulder of a rude man. She saw him as he motioned to the barkeep and set 4 silver coins upon the bar. "Get the lady whatever she wishes and this should cover her room and board for 2 days." The barkeep scoffed and Olheri heard the sliding of coins across the bar, and the "clink, clink* of them being tossed into a pocket.

What Olheri did not know was that this man had watched her closely as she entered and listened to her inquiries to the patrons. Now, for her, he was really the only friendly face she had seen since she had arrived. Where did he come from? Was he in here all along? What does he want? All of these questions assaulted her mind as he turned and faced her finally. He tilted his head in a gesture toward an empty table and pushed himself away from the bar with a strong arm. As he moved toward the table, she observed him with narrowed eyes and a wary suspicion. He was tall, somewhat attractive and extremely well muscled by what she could tell. He had mid length brown hair tied with leather that held it back, but not in a braid. His eyes were green and his face cleanly shaven, and there was a pleasing odor that tickled her nose. He wore a long, grey coat that did much to hide his features well but not to her keen eyes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the distance, Boraden saw smoke plumes that bellowed into the sky from several miles away. He smiled lightly as he knew it as a sign for civilization. He looked down at his hands as he held them flat, palms up. "Filthy", he thought to himself. He eyed a small stream that ran not far from where he was toward the direction of the town. He took one last look around him and then began his descent down into the valley.

[AraCelebEarwen]

Glancing from the barman to the stranger, she slowly got up and walked over. Not about to turn down a meal, Olheri was cautious but decided as she looked over the man, wondering who he was. There was something about him... something that made her think he was not just another man, not just human. She interrupted her own thoughts as one hand rested lightly on the back of a chair. "I should perhaps thank you, sir. But surly no one can be so simply giving." There was an cool, questioning edge to her tone as she tilted her head slightly to the right, watching him curiously.

[Daranavo]

He slowed and waited for her as she approached the table and rested her hand on the chair, he said. "If you will excuse me miss." He reached over and grasped the back of the chair she stood behind. His face passed very close to hers in the process. His perfume rolled around in her nostrils once more and she withdrew her hand to steady herself as her head swam. He slid the chair back for her to sit and gestured for her to do so. She felt awkward and stifled a giggle that came to her throat just then but she managed to follow through with it and sit. He moved around and sat across from her. As she slid her chair closer to teh table he gave her his name. "My name is Giddeon, and as you may have guessed, I am not from here...originally. I can see that, that much, we have in common yes?" He smiled and let his green eyes wander across her female form.

[AraCelebEarwen]

Her eyes blinked as she tried to shake off the strong scent, unable to stop the light blush that touched the tops of her cheeks. "No... No, this is my first time to this place." Gathering her thoughts back, she alowed him a polite but still cool smile. "I only just arived...as might be plain to tell." Trying to brush a strand of dark hair out of her face, Olheri looked around trying to give herself a little more time to think. "Gallande is it? It is a pleasure to meet you sir, but..." A flash of a grin came and went, leaving a curl at the corner of her mouth. "I would still like to know why anyone would give up a good few silvers for a stranger."

[Daranavo]

He gave a sidelong glance to some ofthe patrons nearby them and replied. "Why would I indeed." He smiled and continued. "I realize you have just arrived, however, perhaps I could give you the guided tour of our fine village?" His eyes shifted toward the door then back to her.

[AraCelebEarwen]

"Maybe you could. Though, having only just arrived, I would like to give my feet a moments rest and have something a bit more filling then a cold scrap of bread." She paused to glance to the bar and look back at Gallande before saying any more. "A bit of meat and something to drink would do me more good then another walk just now, thank you. Maybe later." Blue eyes worked over his face, only just hinting at the tiredness they hid as they seemed to glow softly. Had he not yet bother to ask her name? Perhaps it was just his way but it interested her. Granted, she had yet to just give anyone her real name but she had always enjoyed the little game it had come to be. She blinked quickly and looked away as she realized that it had stayed silent as she looked into his eyes. "No, I am afraid a walk would do me little good just now."

[Daranavo]

As she wondered about Giddeon's intentions, she scanned her mind for anything that may help her in such a strange situation. As she did, Giddeon waved over a bar matron and asked for stew, bread and wine. Moments slipped by and she felt something that she had never felt before. It came to her slowly as if there was a door that she had not remember to lock. A tickle in the corner of her mind. She felt...a presence there, elusive but not dark or manevolent as one might expect. As she tried to search this presence down inside her mind, she felt it quickly slip away. It all became clear to her. He had read her mind somehow. How long he was there she did not know. All she really did know were that his intentions were good ones though what they were were still a mystery and that he wanted to speak to her in private. Giddeon smiled at her though she detected a very slight hint of blush on his right cheek. "The food shall be here soon mylady. Oh, and I never did get your name Miss...?"

[AraCelebEarwen]

What had he found out? Eyebrows knitted at the realization of what had happened. The thought of this man finding his way into her mind was a little unnerving and she wondered if there was yet a chance of keeping a few things to herself. "Some call me Shadow; though..." Olheri tipped her head to the side again to study his face; wondering more now not only who this was but what... Where could he be from? There were other races that had such abilities, but not of the race of man; at least very few if there were any. No, elves could work the same tricks. But... She risked a glance but couldn't see the shape of his ears for how his hair was pulled back. Not that it would help, she reminded herself, her own fetchers slightly telling when not hidden.

[Daranavo]

Just as the food arrived, piping hot and smelling completely divine, 2 men that appeared to be guards stepped into the Inn though she did not notice them. One remained at the door while the other moved up to the barkeep and spoke to him in hushed tones. The barkeep pointed in their direction. She barely noticed a hint of worry upon his face as she broke a piece of bread off and prepared to drown it in the scrumptious looking stew. In a whispered voice gallande said, "do not speak of her in the slightest and all will be well." She paused holding the piece of bread just over the stew and pursed her lips as her eyes fluttered up to meet his questioningly.

"You know the law Giddeon...all newcomers must go to see the Chief." A raspy voice boomed out behind them. Giddeon rolled his eyes and sat back lazily. "Why Verrin, do I detect an improvement in your manners?" He told him. The guard moved up and stopped just behind Olheri. She flinched when he pounded his spear onto the floor. He gave gallande a stern look as he spoke. "Mylady, you will accompany me to meet Chief Fargon...It is the law here in Gorshven." Giddeon tilted and shook his head in disgust.

[AraCelebEarwen]

Unable to see the guard as he stood behind her, Olheri's gaze instead settled on Gallande. "I was not aware of any such law, and it would be a shame to wast such a fine meal. Perhaps..." She paused "Perhaps we might at least be accompanied by master Gallande here? After all, we have only just found a place to sit and I think I would be glad of a little well mannered company." Hoping what she had said had not been too bold, she couldn't help but let her eyes sparkle as she watched the look that crossed the man's face.

Standing none too quickly, Olheri stepped lightly away from the table.

[Daranavo]

As she gazed down at iddeon for assistance, he shook his head in a dissapproving manner is if she had made a big mistake and worry soon fell upon her. The guard behind her grabbed her clothing from behind and turned her toward the door. "Do not mock me woman, it was not a request." The guard said angrily. She was barely able to collect her things as she was practially pushed out the door. Laughs form the patrons punctuated her exit. One guard remained at her front and the other behind her. "No tricks woman, The Chief does not like the troublesome sort, now git movin." He said in a forceful tone.

[AraCelebEarwen]

She had not wanted to cause any trouble but now she began to wonder if that was just what she would get. Biting her lower lip, she tried once to look back but only saw the broad shoulders of the guard before he pushed her roughly back into line. Clutching her things tightly, Olheri tried to think what could be ahead; cursing herself for acting as she had and hoping that their might yet be a way out. "Where are you taking me?" Olheri's voice sounded confused as she carefully let herself act; though it was not at all hard just now. "Why must..." A strong shove nearly made her run into the back of the other guard, a warning growl enough to silence the woman.

[Daranavo]

The guards took her around the corner and northward along the stone street toward the castle. The sun was still out but the wind blew into her in whafts of biting, cold air. She felt that if she really wanted to, she could run and lose the guards with ease. The chain that they wore could not be very light and they had helms, shields, and spears. However she doubted that doing such a thing would make her investigation any easier. She passed by the nicer residential quarter of the village. Houses painted in actual colors with slate tiles that covered them. Indeed had she had other designs for being here, she might of considered a little skullduggery to fatten her otherwise near empty purse. She looked up ahead and the castle loomed from its perch atop the large hill. It was long and had several tiers to it. The stone work alone had to of taken decades she thought to herself and it has had several upgrades through the years. However the guards turned left just before the gate house and bridge that spanned over a large moat that lay at the front of the hill. A large, stone building stood in the center of a small courtyard just ahead of her. Horses whinnied and snorted in a coral just behind it. Several men lunged at each other in mock combat just to the right on a grassy area just off the courtyard. The guards led her to a large, wooden door and another guard opened it as they approached.

Inside to the right sat a large, wooden desk. An older man wrote with ink and a quill on a piece of paper. The guard stopped her just in front of it. The guard behind her shut the door. Large stone pillars framed the large chamber and it was well decorated in tapestries, paintings, furs and lit wall sconces. Several minutes passed as the man continued to write on the paper.

[AraCelebEarwen]

Shivering at the change from cold wind to the warmer room, Olheri kept her chin lowered slightly as her gaze wandered briefly over some of the items. A hunting scene danced across one of the tapestries; great horses pranced about as armored men claimed victory over their prey. The writhing form of a monstrous feline lay bound and at spear-point while howling dogs snapped their jaws at it; pure cat or not, her gaze was only taken away when a low cough brought her attention back to where she was. She held the pack and fur tightly, her pose calm but slightly tense as she did not know what to expect from this man.

She waited for a while longer before lightly breaking the silence. "Sir?" She paused for a moment. "Please excuse me, sir, but are you the man I am to see?" Olheri stood in silence once more, waiting for a responce and hoping that she had not been wrong to speak.

[Daranavo]

The man dipped the quill once more into an ink jar that sat very near to the piece of paper of which he wrote upon. Small, beads of sweat pounced their way down the side of her brow as she waited for what was to come. The man paused a moment and took note of what he had written. He tilted his head and set the quill into the ink jar. He tilted back and opened a large desk drawer toward his midsection. He lifted a large, round, metal stamp from the drawer with his left and with his right, he held up the paper toward Olheri. He had a stern, wary look when he spoke to her. “Miss, I do not know from where you came, and frankly I do not care. It’s quite unusual for a woman to travel about alone and in this country, very unusual indeed. I care not what business you have here in Gorshven but know that I do much to keep the peace here and even more to keep the wrong folk out of our fine village.” He shook the paper at her harshly. “People here do not take to strangers much, mind whom you consort with while you’re here. On my word alone, I could write your name upon this paper and set my stamp upon it and have you hung…best you remember that during your stay.” He motioned to his men. “Now, lets see what you have.” She felt the guard behind her take hold of her arm and lift her pack from her grasp. Another from in front of her moved up and placed his hands on her arms and gripped them tightly. He sneered down at her lustfully as his hands probed for weapons and hidden objects. Her things were dumped upon the desk with little care and the man stood and begin to sift through them carefully as she was held and searched thoroughly by strong hands. The man spoke to her during the search. “Let us start with your name shall we?”

[AraCelebEarwen]

"I take it you are Fargon then? My name is Olorwen." She stated, nothing of her showing that it could be anything but true. Wishing to be done with these men, she stood still and silent, her eyes focused ahead of her towards the man at the desk. She watched as the contents of her pack were dug through; an extra set of clothing, a few scraps of cloth, packs of herbs and everything else were scattered and looked through. Only once did she flinch as rough hands wandered where they were not welcome, no more then a twitch of her lip as she held back a sharp retort. "If it helps any, there is a blade in the right boot. Not that I would want to cheat you of anything." Her eyes took on a sharp edge for a moment as the guard growled at being directed to something he had nearly missed. 'How much longer? Oh to be done and get back... Fool. What were you thinking? Too late now though. If I could only...' She stopped the thought of striking or snapping at the guard, she had had enough and did not want to make things any harder.

[Daranavo]

Fargon responded to her query angrily. "I'll be askin the questions here woman!" The guard paused his search of her when he found a coin in one of her pockets. He looked at it closely, and gave it to Fargon. Fargon took it into his hand and held it within a curved finger to look at it closely. "Woman, where did you get this and...why are you here?"

[AraCelebEarwen]

Her arms were beginning to ache where the guard held her tighter then was needed; hunger not being of any help as she tried to focus. “I am here because I grew tired of living in the cold. I had hoped to find a place to stay before the winter grew too harsh, but... as you have seen, it set in early this season." Tired but even, Olhei's voice paused only a moment between answers. "The coin is a trinket; something of a memory I suppose.” A light, sad blush colored the tops of her cheeks only briefly, fading as she refocused away from the thought.

[Daranavo]

Fargon dumped the contents of her coin purse onto the desk and rubbed his chin. "You have very little in the way of coin, Gorshven is a very expensive place to shelter from the cold as you say. To stay here for longer then a day or two you will need more coin, how will you accomplish this?" He said as he placed the coins back into the pouch and cinched it tightly. He came around the desk and gestured to the soldiers once again and they repacked her belongings into her bag and released her. He waved them off and the two soldiers went further into the room and moved out of sight. Though she knew they did not go very far. He tossed the pouch back to her and she caught it deftly. "Well?" He said impatiently.

[AraCelebEarwen]

"I am sure there must be some inn or other place that a little music and help would not be unwelcome." One hand tightened protectively around the little pouch. "I do not like finding trouble and know how to work for what I need."

[Daranavo]

The man paused a moment when a soldier opened the door and waited to be called over. Fargon gestured him over and the soldier whispered into his ear. "Mylord, old man Leeland is starting a ruckus again...he is in the street." Fargon shook his head at the news and replied. "See the woman out." The soldier nodded and moved aside for Fargon to pass by him. Fargon quickly exited the room as if Olheri was not even there. The soldier looked over at Olheri and nodded politely. "Miss, if you would follow me please." He opened the door for her and stepped aside. She moved out of the room and the door was shut behind her. She found herself in the courtyard once again.

[AraCelebEarwen]

Having watched that everything had been placed back as it should be, it had only taken a quick moment to pick her things up. Greatly relieved at finding that it had been left, the coin now rested in her pocket once more. She nodded a short thanks to the man holding the door as she walked out. It was good to be back outside without the guide of another guard. Olheri swung the cloak over her shoulders as the cold wind again brushed past. Shifting the pack into place, a quiet sigh slipped through drying lips. ‘Now to remember the way back. With any luck they may at least have left me a room.’ At best guess, she knew she could not have been gone more then an hour, but getting back could take some time as there was no one pushing her on. The thought of passing through such a wealthy part of town was nothing to her now. She would try to keep a little lower as she did not want to see those men again any time soon.

[Daranavo]

Boradon stopped just outside of the Copper Spoon. Already, many of the people that walked by gave stares and glances at him with his rather large animal. However, he ignored them and asked TIrnafi to stay outside. Reluctantly, Tirnafi complied and layed down a few feet away from the front door. Boradon sighed and entered the dim, smoky Inn. He stopped near the door as he was almost hit with a stray glass that was thrown by a drunk man that sat at the bar. Him and another man were arguing about something and making a spectacle of themselves. Boradon looked around the room and saw that perhaps the Bartender may know something about getting a room to stay. Boldly, he walked up to the bar and set his bag upon it.

The men were very loud and Boradon tried several times to get the barkeeps attention to no avail. He knew he would have to speka up to get any service here. "Barkeep Yo!" He barked. His yell started one of the drunken men that sat near and he spilled his ale all over himself. All talk stopped in the bar and eyes shifted nervously over to Boradon. "Well, what ave we ere.? A strappin young lad eh?" Boradon continued to look toward the barkeep and nodded. "An all gussied up I figger." He chuckled and elbowed the man next to him that responded in kind. "Yah, this lad be sportin o fine leathers dere." The second man said with a sneer on his face. "Ye must ave a drink wit us yah?" Boradon said softly. "No..No thank you...barkeep, do you have any rooms available?" The barkeep set down a glass that he had been cleaning and skittishly set a small book in front of him and looked at it. "You see dat Grell? He is ta good fer us to ave a drink wit." The first man said, now becoming angry. "Yah, me thinkin da same thin Sarge." The second man added and moved up to Boradon. "Ye ain't from arund ere are ye laddy?" The man said. Boradon shook his head no and as he turned to face him, the man struck him in the jaw and sent Boradon backward onto the floor. "No one says no to da Sarge boy, ave at ye now." As Boradon stood up, the Sarge spit into his hands, rubbed them and squared off to him. The other man held up his hands also aside the Sarge and awaited Boadon to ready himself. Boradon gathered his footing and felt his jaw as he stood up. He could taste the salty flavor of blood and his mouth felt like it was on fire. Several of the patrons began to urge on the Sarge and Grell. "Sarge, looks like we ave a bit o entertainment today eh?" Grell said. Boradon paced back and forth with his hands up and the Sarge came in with a low left hook. Boradon missed the block and took it in the gut. He doubled over and the Sarge shoved him backward toward the door. Boradon gasped for air as the wind was knocked out of him. He lashed out with his foot and caught Grell in the knee. Grell staggered back and yelped. Boradon got to his feet and positioned himself just in front of the door. The Sarge growled angrily and rushed at him. Boradon dodged to the left and set out his foot. The Sarge went tripping out the door and rolled onto his back. "Yur gunna pay for dat boy!" Grell yelled and rushed him. Boradon grabbed him and fell backward and launched Grell into the air and out the door behind him. He landed on Sarge and Sarge groaned at the sudden addition of Grell's weight upon him. Boradon stood up in the door way and took one step outside. Tirnafi moved up quickly and bared his large incisors to Grell. Grell looked up quickly and gulped. Boradon spit out some blood onto the ground and said. "Now, lets talk about entertainment."

[AraCelebEarwen]

Everything had gone well as she worked back along the roads. Finding the way had been simple enough and there was only a little further left to go before she could rest.

Coming around the corner of a small shop, the inn just ahead, a sudden gust of wind pushed her forward. Dark strands of undone hair whipped across a blank face. ‘No. Not now!’ Mind reeling, one hand reached out to press against the closest wall for support. Olheri had only caught a glimpse of the large wolf as it rose to it’s feet and the solid form of the young man as he stood in the Inn’s door. Time spun to a halt as another vision tried to make it’s self seen. Dark eyes took on a blank stare before closing tightly. Knees started to give way, a cold hand clung to the wall as she tried to pull away. ‘Please. Please, no...’

[Daranavo]

Her vision clouded and her hearing went numb. She was seated within a dimly lit room. A woman wearing a painted mask and a dark cloak addressed her. She could not hear what it was that she was saying and she could not see her lips to read them either. She knew it to be a woman by her form under the cloak. Confusion and frustration came over her when she stood, leaned over a small table and shook the womans hand. The woman nodded to her and gestured toward the doorway of the small room. Olheri moved through the doorway and her vision came back to her in a blinding shimmer. At the same time, her hearing pounded back to her ears.

As it did several guards passed her in a jog, their chain and weapons clanged as they passed by and surrounded Boradon. Boradon moved to cover his wolf that had become quite aggitated. Boradon gave them no fight and she heard him say as he held up his arm to stave off a sword that was very close to his neck. "The wolf is fine, he is well trained." She gasped and turned away from the scene.

Giddeon moved from inside the Inn and began to explain the situation. "These 2 men, and we all know Sarge right? Well, they had drank alot and started the ruckus. The fellow was simply attempting to get a room at the Inn when Grell struck him. He was only defending himself." Grell tried to argue but his words were very slurred and the Sarge had passed out while he layed there. The guards escorted Boradon and Tirnafi up the road and passed by Olheri. She saw that Boradon did not see her.

[AraCelebEarwen]

Shivering and silent, her back pressed against and slid down the wall tell she was only a small heap at the side of the building. Knees pulled to her chest, long hair spilled over and around her shoulders as her head sunk wearily to rest on curled arms. Hunger twisted at her stomach but she hardly noticed for her throbbing mind.

The small, shadowed figure shook with a long, deep breath. The winter air sending a chill to sting lungs and slow thought. Eyes closed and ears still ringing, Olheri knew that trying to get to her feet just now would only bring her back to the ground.

It seemed that only moments had passed since the guards were out of sight before the street was again haunted by what little life it had shown before. A few warmly dressed figures kept up a good pace as they hurried from one shop to the next. Cold wind brought the scent of rain to wash through every street and ally. Promising another hard night for those that did not have shelter.

[Daranavo]

Just then, Giddeon approached her. He had a slight smile upon his face. He had seen her out of the corner of his eye as he handled the guards on Boradon's behalf. He squated down to her and spoke to her at eye level. "I am happy to see you again...miss. Please, take this key, it is for a room at the Inn and I have taken the liberty for a hot meal to be sent there for you. You look cold and weary and I do not like discussing business to people who may not have their wits about them. Do not consider this charity for I honestly do need your help. I will return tomarrow at noon. I will knock thrice upon the door to your room. If you are not there, I will consider it a deal breaker and that you have gone your own way." His voice warmed her some and she could smell his intoxicating scent once again. She could tell that he was well educated and as she took the key from his hand, she heard something inside her head. "Everything will be ok, Boradon will be fine." He squeezed her arm lightly, smiled, and gave he a re-assuring nod. He grasped her hand and raised up which brought her to her feet. He took one last look around, released her hand and moved down the road.

[AraCelebEarwen]

She had felt his presence as he came closer. Bringing her head up, she meet him with a blank gaze that crept away as he spoke. Thinking grew slowly clearer as the strange scent touched her face; a deep breath of it working to further calm her mind. For a brief moment her eyes grew wide as again he touched her thoughts. A confused but appreciative blush accompanying the small, half hearted smile. When, in one effortless movement he pulled her to her feet, she began to take a steep to catch herself but stopped at finding it unneeded. His strong grip sending a current of warmth through cold fingers before he let go.

Olheri watched him walk a ways down the street before looking at the key in her hand. A small number was etched in the metal in two places, making sure it could be found and not become worn out too quickly. Gathering herself back together, she was soon again at the Inn. Silent steps took her down a dimly light hallway. Seeing that the rooms were marked with small signs, it was easy to find the one that matched the key.

Rain was beginning to spatter on the window as the door swung open. A tray of hot stew and bread could be seen set on a table along with a bottle of wine. A small fire crackled in the little hearth; filling the small room with with a warm glow. Closing the door tightly, the pack and fur were let fall at the foot of the bed. Taking the tray from its place, Olheri sat on the carpet and leaned against the side of an old chair by the fireside. The first wonderful bite of food flooded her senses. Hot juices, meat and thick, soft bread vanished; washed down by a filled and refilled glass of cool wine.

After finishing what she could, the dishes were pushed away as a yawn brought her eyes shut. Too tired to want to stand, she reached out to pull the thick fur over. Using some for a pillow, she tugged the rest up as a cover only moments before sleep overtook her. The soft sounds of rain and the warmth of the fire worked together with the meal and wine. A long, quiet sigh was breathed out as one hand fell limply beside the relaxed face of the sleeper.

[Daranavo]

Boradon finally stood before Fargon. He was very tired and hungry for he had been made to wait for several hours. This time however, Fargon was not at his desk when Boradon was brought into Fargon's office. Ofcourse Tirnafi was made to wait outside. "This one'll be gettin it when da Chief shows up." A guard mused. "He'll surely ave at em...maybe evin give'em da boot." Another said. "I ain't see em give da boot fer a while now." The first guard said as he chuckled. "Ere ee come....quiet now." The second guard added. Boradon thought quickly and could only come up with one idea that he though might work as he took a moment and looked about the lavish room.

Fargon entered the office and had an angry look on his face. "Whats this now...the trouble maker eh?" The two guards that stood on either side of Boradon shook their heads and sneered in enjoyment of the moment. "Good sir, Fargon is it?" Boradon said. Fargon was about to scold him for speaking and held up his hand, however, Boradon continued. "I am the son of Gorthral, a leader among my clan, far to the North. I have come to ask permission to hunt the Blue bear upon your lands." Boradon said broadly. He dropped his pack upon the ground and untied the flap. He sat down next to his pack and crossed his legs and waited. The guards were shocked at his insolence and the second moved up and grabbed Boradon by the back of his collar roughly. "That will be all." Fargon commanded. The guards looked at each other in awe. "That-will-be-all." Fargon said once more, in a forceful tone. The guards hurried from the room and shut the door behind them. Fargon groaned and sat down upon the floor opposite Boradon. Slowly, he crossed his old legs. Fargon was also a hunter and he had not met another for quite some time. If Fargon had a weakness, this was it, and Boradon had hit the nail right on the head. Boradon nodded and brought out a small, burlap sack. He uncinched and stuck his arm into it. He pulled out several animal furs. Fox, beaver, and a silvery fur that was from the rare and extremely intelligent Silver Fox, a native animal to these parts. He layed them flat onto the floor and smoothed them out with his hands. All were in exquisite condition and the silver Foxskin shined when the flickering light of the lit wall sconces hit it just right. Fargon was very impressed. "Trapped?" Fargon asked. "Bow." Boradon said as he looked straight ahead, as was the custom. Fargon shook his head in amazement and looked at the skins again. Boradon had managed to shoot the animal on the belly, which allowed for the prized skin of the creatures back to be preserved perfectly and whole. "How long will your hunt take?" Fargon said. "Less then a month." Boradon said. "The blue bear, that be a crafty and wicked beast boy." Fargon added. "It is the namesake of my clan mylord, and I am the only member of my clan to survive an attack by one." Boradon told him. Fargon remarked to that. "Well boy." Fargon started. "Boradon mylord." He replied coldly. "Boradon, I am but the commander of the guard here, these are my Prince's lands. However, he respects my judgement. I can see no reason that I should interfere with you on yoru hunt." He said plainly.

The evening continued with talk of hunting stories, the comparing of scars, smoking, and much eating and drinking. Fargon even showed Boradon the stables and freed up a stall for Tirnafi. Boradon had calmed the horses as the large wolf, made them very nervous and skittish. Fargon amazed again at the way that Boradon handled the horses and commanded Tirnafi. Boradon requested to be allowed to stay with him and sleep in the stables but Fargon would not hear of it. He introduced Boradon to the Prince and set him up in one of the state rooms set aside for nobles and other notable guests to the Prince. Though Boradon lacked much as far as proper ettiquette, the Prince considered Boradon a pleasent diversion for the remainder of the evening. The Prince ultimately selected the beaver pelt as he liked how it felt under his feet. Fargon ofcourse selected the silver fox skin and he knew right where he would put it.

[AraCelebEarwen]

He smiled down at her, his fingers twisting a stray strand of her hair. Half closed eyes glowed a deep green as she touched her fingers gently to his face. Tracing out the strong shape, he moved lightly to catch them with a kiss.

How long she had slept, there was no way to tell. Dark clouds hid the late rising sun. Only a lightening of the shadows showed that it was not still night. The fire had died back, leaving glowing ashes to be stirred back to life. Olheri had awakened slowly, blinking as she tried to remember where she was and what had happened. With a tired smile, she spotted something that had hidden in a darker corner beside the hearth. A small pitcher and wash basin had been tucked just out of the way; a clean towel folded and set beside it. Stretching as she sat up, she pulled off the leather boots, dug a change of clothes from the pack and began to wash away the long journey.

A muffled sound from the hall made her jump once, her thick brush pausing as it untangled carfuly cleaned hair. Not knowing when to expect Giddeon to come, Olheri hoped she still had at least a little time. A fresh shirt was pulled on over a simple, sleevless top. Slipping into a pair of only slightly less raged trousers, she tied a long green sash snugly around her waist. Maybe there was enough time to find some breakfast. But leaving the room could mean missing the arranged time... Walking to the little window, Olheri peaked out through the thick curtains, trying to guess what time it was. Finally, with a decided sigh, she gathered everything back into her bag and curled up in one of the two chairs by the fire to wait.

[AraCelebEarwen]

Giddeon knocked three times and waited patiently for her to answer.

Olheri had been watching the dancing fire. Jumping at the sound of the knocking, she got up quickly and made sure she was ready before opening the door. Giddeon bowed to her as the door swung open, that same scent filled her nostrils and made her face feel hot.

"Thank you for seeing me." He said as he waited for her to invite him in and when she did, he moved into the room. He took a brief moment and looked around. She caught a glimpse of his clothing under the long gray coat and she wondered if he always wore the same thing for he had on exactly what she had seen him in the day before. "I hope the accommodations, suited you?" He asked her with a smile.

"Yes... Yes, it was fine." Trying not to let herself blush, Olheri stepped away slightly and closed the door behind him. Turning back, she took a moment before looking up at the man once more. "And I suppose thanks, though they may be in order, should wait tell I hear a little more." Steady blue eyes fixed on Giggeon's strong face.

"May I" He said, as he gestured toward the chair. he moved over, turned the chair, and waited for her to sit down on the open bed. Once she had done so, he sat down upon the chair. "I am sure you are quite puzzled about this place. It is not your typical hamlet." He said plainly. "I hope Fargon and his men did not frighten you?:" He shook his head. "He is a very dangerous man."

Pulling her feet up under herself, she could tell that sleeping on the floor had not been too much of a loss. The edge of the bed not allowing much give as she settled in her place. A questioning look wandered through her eyes as he again seemed to know more about her then she had let out. Shaking it off, the thought of his seeing her mind worried and intrigued her all in the same moment. "I am fine. Perhaps still a young fool, but no, nothing happened." Eyes fell as she spoke. Going to the flickering light of the fire behind him, her thoughts wandered a line of their own for a moment. "Perhaps he will think before acting..." Suddenly realizing that she had spoken aloud, she blinked and pulled her attention back to where it should be. "But what is it you want of me, sir?"

He nodded to her question. "Do you sense anything unusual about this place? The people....the buildings, the ground you walk on?" He asked her.

Slightly surprised by his question, Olheri glanced over to where thick drapes covered the window. There was indeed something different about this place. Something she had began to feel even as she had first come near. "I... Something, surly. This place is not like any other I have yet seen..." Her eyes darted back to look into his, searching for something as she whispered her next words. "Who is she?"

He raised a brow at her intuitive remark, however, it was not so much what she said as in the way she said it. She knew,...somehow she knew. There was no beating around the bush he said to himself, may as well make this brief. "Mylady wishes to remain anonymous. She...used to live here when she was a girl. We have waited quite a long time for you. Here is my end of this thing. I am to present you with 100 gold crowns. To earn this money all you must do is listen to mylady. If you agree to her proposal and accomplish what she requests from you. You will be given another 500 crowns." He said as he stood up slowly and removed a piece of paper from his pocket. Bending over, he handed it to her. He then moved over to the fire hearth and removed a small pouch from his left pocket. He set it upon the hearth and turned back to face her. "If you leave now, I am out 100 gold crowns. I am going to trust that you will make the appointment written on that piece of paper and follow those instructions" He said in a confident tone. He moved to the door and set his hand on the handle when he stopped. "Somehow Olheri, I know you. You have appeared in my dreams and I do not know why or how. Long before I set eyes on you." He said as he turned the handle and left.

Taking the paper, she had glanced at it briefly then looked up as he set down a thick leather pouch. She stayed silent as he spoke, hoping to catch him let something slip even slightly. She was about to ask a little more when his hand went to the door. A tight knot forming in her throat as he said her name. Turned from view, she could not read his face. Her own a picture of lost thought and surprise at hearing of such dreams. The door clicked shut behind him as she watched. Blankly she looked back to the little paper and began to read.

“At dusk, follow the road away from the castle yard. When you reach the second road on your right, turn onto it. Head down the north side of the street a ways. Count, four houses on your left, then turn left into that alley. Go to the end of the alley and enter the wooden door on your right. Take a seat at the table, there will only be one chair. Remain seated until she asks you to stand. Good luck.”

Reading and rereading the letter, she let it sink into memory before folding it up tightly and tucking it into a fold in her sash. There was a little time now. Digging a worn out pair of light shoes from her pack, she pulled on the last of her change of clothes. Brushing the dried mud from her other things, they were quickly washed and mended. The pouch of coins was divided up, hidden away among other items, some in her pack and a few tucked into her sash.

A quiet click sounded as the door locked. Silent steps followed the hall back to where tables were set and voices continued on, taking no notice as another guest made its way to a side table. “Just bread and porridge please.” Olheri asked a little barmaid. “And I do not suppose you would have any milk back there?” Olheri grinned as the girl gave her a slightly odd look before nodding and walking off to fetch what had been requested.

Time slipped past. Daylight starting to fade almost as soon as is it come. Having eaten and rested a little more, Olheri now felt more prepared to carry out her mission. Curiosity would not let her put it aside as she set out. Weaving her way along the streets, it was only a short time before she turned her back to the castle yard and started counting roads and buildings. ‘This must be the place...’ She thought as she reached out to open a thick wooden door.

[Daranavo]

The room was dimly lit by three candles that sat in a silver candelabra upon a small, round table. The table was centered within the room and one simple chair sat beside it. The darkess made it very difficult to get an accurate feel for the true dimensions of the room. The boards beneath her feet creaked and groaned as she moved toward the table. She smelled the faint smell of plums and jasmine as she moved further into the room. Slowly, she pulled the chair out and sat upon it.

Several minutes passed where she neither saw nor heard anything. However, a waft of drafty air moved within the room and the same scent came to her stronger this time. A voice from somewhere in the darkness spoke slowly, in an even, calm tone. "I am pleased you are here. I would address you by name, however, I am a cautious person and wish to keep our business our own." She paused and that familiar feeling of a large barn door being left open came to her just then. She felt anxiety and tried to close it. "You are wondering why we have been waiting for you and how we knew you were coming. It is a...simple thing really." Olheri could hear that the voice moved about very near to her. "It is not often that strangers come to these lands. You were the first in several months, and the first since I have arrived here. However, now..." She paused once again and Olheri felt her probe deeper into her mind. "Please, hold your questions." She said quickly. "The Prince of this land is a spoiled, vile man. His Captain, Fargus is much much worse and a very dangerous man. I had a friend once, in truth we had become blood sisters in our youth. Daelin is her name and she is sister to the Prince. She had taken the throne over her brother by her birthright...at least...for a time. She supposedly died while on a ride 2 years past. I know her brother and though he is a coward and a child, he did love his sister. I suspect that she lives still...somewhere near. If my preence here ws ever found out, I would be put to death immediately...thus...I have not been able to get close enough to Fargus or the Prince to find out for sure." She moved closer now and her voice came from directly in front of Olheri. A dark form moved into the candle light. She wore a mask, colored in bright vibrant colors in a strange pattern. She wore a long black cloak that did much to cover her features. She was somewhat tall and lithe however that much, Olheri could tell. "I have one, single task for you. I need you to visit the family crypt and confirm the presence of a body. If a body is there, remove a strand of hair or some other object that can be obtained. You can bring it back here and you will be payed upon receipt of the item. beware, the crypt is guarded...you may need...help, but I will not be involved." A long uncomfortable pause and she began again. "If you do get caught, do not speak a word of this meeting, or Giddeon, or myself, to anyone." She moved close and stood before Olheri in the candle light. "There is one other thing. If the Princess is alive, it is she that can help you with whom you seek. Of this, I can say no more. You may ask your questions." She said finally.

[AraCelebEarwen]

So many questions there were that she could ask. Many of them wanting to know something about this woman and how it was that she also could... Olheri couldn’t help but see a similarity between her and Giddeon. Maybe they were of the same blood...? There had to be far more here then was being said, and she knew she had the short end of this stick. “I do not know this place as well as could be needed to try such a thing. I will need some time... before I dare attempt what you ask. Time to learn my way around, where one can go or can not. As you have said, there are those in places that it would be better to avoid if at all possible.” Olheri’s voice was calm as she looked up at the masked woman from where she stayed seated. “Perhaps a guide...?” A light, slightly nervous smile came to her face as a memory, or was it something else, came to mind.

[Daranavo]

Though Olheri could not see it, the woman smirked from beneath the mask. "He is under my employ, and has grown far to attached to you already. I am sure you are resourceful enough to find the help you need on your own mydear. In any case, he is under enough suspicion and he would only make your work that much more perilous. The family crypt is east of the Castle across the moat. I did not say it would be easy, however you are being well compensated. Take time and learn your way around if you need to, however the guard will grow suspicious of you if you do not fall under another's employ very soon. There is always soemthiung that needs doing about the village, and not all here are as brash as you have witnessed." She paused and waited for another question.

[AraCelebEarwen]

She thought in silence for a moment before speaking again. "I am able to do many things, but it is not so much a matter of what I can do as what I should do. There is always a place for a willing worker... somewhere..." Her voice trailed off as one thought kept coming to her. "You say you knew I was coming. Seeing that I seem to be an open book to you, I should should not be surprised. But why do you need me? How can you be so sure I am anyone that could help you...?"

[Daranavo]

The figure folded her arms behind her back and answered her. "Did you not traverse the wilds on your own? You seem to know little of fear and you hold no ties. You are exactly who I have been looking for." She tilted her head and continued. "Do you not wish to see an injustice righted? Has your heart become so cold that you can hold no feeling or love for anyone? What of this Northman that has followed you? Is he nothing to you? I would say that you are very much to him. He did not come for the coin Olheri...he came for you, and you alone. His heart is pure and unbridled by the toils of corruption and the evils of the world. Is your quest so important that you have forgotten why you started it in the first place?" She paused once again and tried to remain patient.

[AraCelebEarwen]

Sadness crept over her. Darkened eyes fell to where folded hands rested in her lap. "I... I am sorry. I wonder if I have not indeed become too accustom to caring only for my self." Olheri blinked slowly and raised her head slightly. "If the princess is dead, why would she call me? Dreams are common to me but not likened to such as these. I am at a loss for words, mylady. Forgive my coldness." Taking a long breath, Olheri wondered at finding that she had indeed seemed to have hardened herself so much. Had she not saved Boradon's life and that of the pup when she found the two of them? Had she so soon forgotten him? "He is a young man. Not long from boyhood to one as I. He is... There is something special about him. I could not have left him to die, but perhaps I should not have lingered so long... I do not wish to bring suffering to him. He has done nothing to deserve a share in such hardness as I have known." She paused to work over her thoughts. "If there is any way I can help you, there is no reason anyone should have to suffer... If the princess is dead, I shall bring you news. If she is, as I feel to be true, still alive, she should be given back her freedom." Her voice was low but strong and somber. "One should not be left to live in darkness. Not even if that is all they know..."

[Daranavo]

She smiled behind the mask that completed covered her face. "It appears I have chosen well...Quite often, we do not know...or possibly do not remember why we chose the path that each of us travel. We are simply there with a road behind us and one ahead of us. Daelin was forced from her road and she deserves at the very least, for all to know how her life ended. I seek only the truth...good or bad. I feel Boradon can help you and in any case he is here in the village. I do not suggest that you owe him anything, that is for you to decide, however, trials like these will be good for him and are but a shadow of what yet lies before him. I can not see all ends nor all thoughts, only those that are the most profound and exemplified through emotion. It has taken me many many years to learn this, however your abilities come natural to you..." She stops and looks to the side for a second. " As she returns her gaze toward you, she steps forward and gestures for you to rise. "It appears that our time has grown short...We have a deal then?" She asked as she extended her hand to Olheri.

[AraCelebEarwen]

Olheri watched the masked woman, letting herself except that what she heard could well be true. Boradon had a lot to learn about the world, but to think of bringing it to him... Perhaps better that way then own his own though... She thought flatly. Her thoughts clouded for a brief moment as she felt confusion and uncertainty bring up more questions that she knew would be better left unasked. Standing slowly, her face stayed a saddened calm as she took the out reached hand to finish the meeting. “If it is possible, I will bring you the news you seek.”

[AraCelebEarwen]

Nodding silently, the woman gestured to the door, allowing Olheri to leave.

It had grown dark; a covering of clouds hiding away what little light might have otherwise been lingering after sunset. Once again the winter air bit at exposed cheeks, the chill sending a shiver through her body and down her arms as she pulled at the thick cloak. Starting to walk back up the road, a thought came to her at seeing the sprawling castle grounds. Maybe Boradon was still there? There might be a chance that she could find out for sure, but it could only lead to more trouble if she ran into any of the guards in their own yard.

Pausing only for that moment, Olheri shook her head and set her feet back towards the inn. There were things that needed thought over and plans that would have to be made... Perhaps a strong drink wouldn't hurt. A privet smile flashed across her face as steady steps continued on.

[Daranavo]

Though the hospitality of the Prince was very pleasent, Boradon felt somewhat out of place. His room was quite large, and he could not sleep upon the large, 4 post bed. He took to a large, thick carpet that lay near it instead. As he lay there, he became very restless. He knew he would never find Olheri if he stayed here. He felt that she may of stopped in this village but had probably had already moved on. He could not linger here long, that much he knew for sure. He tossed and turned until finally, he stood up and got dressed.

Quiet feet stalked about the large, lavish halls. He made it to a stairwell, however he heard footsteps head up toward him. He moved quickly over to the nearby wall sconce and capped it quickly. Then, he backup up against a wall very near it, now, in a shadow that hid him nicely. The guard made it to the landing, stopped and looked around. He mumbled something that Boradon could not hear, and then continued down the hall. Boradon padded down the stairs as the guard moved down the hall a good distance.

The ground floor looked very similar to the second. It was difficult for Boradon to remember which way to go, and this time, he did not remember correctly. He moved through a hall that he thought led to a side door which had a balcony, instead however, he moved deeper into the Castle.

Chambers, hallways, and locked doors, everything looked the same to him. How do they find their way around? He thought to himself. He kept to the shadowy areas. Against walls, behind furniture and boxes, it had become somewhat of a game now to him, and he was beginning to enjoy it until, he saw the Prince. The Prince moved across his vision, and headed through an adjacent chamber. Boradon's curiosity got the better of him, and he decided to follow. The Prince held somethign in his hand and spun it several times as he walked through the small hall. He turned left out of sight and Boradon came up short near the corner. He silently remarked at the fact that there were no guards in this area. He shrugged and continued his stalk of the Prince. Another chamber, and another hall the Prince led Boradon.He whistled and spun what sounded like a chain or a key around his finger a he walked. He approached a large painting at the end of the hall and Boradon peered around a corner to view what the Prince was doing. The Prince stuck the key into a dark area of the painting, and turned it. Boradon heard a barely audible click. With the key in place, the Prince opened the Large painting, and swung it out far enough for him to move through. He removed the key and let the painting swing shut behind him. Just then, as he tried to hear, he strained his senses and once again the colors swirled and shifted in his mind. His senses came alive and he could smell the guards...the flowers in the vases, and smoke from the oily wall sconces, and...a woman, close by. He saw her in a strange, but vivid light. He lowered to the floor and pressed his ear to the stone. He heard the woman weeping, and he heard the Prince's voice. Just as quickly as they came, they faded away and he lifted up his head from the floor. He felt that he had lingered far to long here and decided to find the way out once again for the game had ended.

The night was cold but to a Northman it was a rather mild evening. He moved out of the Castle courtyard, waved and bowed to the guards as he passed by them. He wanted to see the village better then he had. As he moved form street to street, he remarked to the wealth and craftsmanship of the roads, the buildings, and the landscape. All of it was well tended and he doubted that he would find even a single blade of grass out of place. As he moved about the night, he came upon the same Inn in which he had the fight with the guard. He was about to pass by it, however, something forced him to stop. He scratched his head not understanding what it was, and decided to go in for a drink anyway.

[AraCelebEarwen]

Refilling the mug of ale, the barman shook his head and walked off again, leaving the woman to her own thoughts. She had come in and walked directly over to one of the quieter side tables, asking only for a drink before leaning back and falling silent.

Olheri had seen the empty table soon after walking in. Just darker then the others, it looked to be a place few would bother. Placing herself to be able to see the most of the room, she could watch the goings on without being involved. Nothing much was happening this evening though. A few men laughed over drinks, others eating on their own or with one or two others while a bar maid slipped in and out of the back with filled plates and frothy drinks.

How long she had been there she didn’t know or care, even as she watched others come and go. The first drink had not effected her and though the second hadn’t been finished yet she could feel herself start to relax. Raising the cup again, she swallowed quickly as she watched a familiar face enter the building.

Her eyes fixed on him, she stayed seated, watching Boradon while holding back the smile that tugged at her lips. An almost concerned warmth touched the young man’s mind as he took a few steps more before pausing to look around.

[Daranavo]

Boradon was quickly amazed at the number of people in the Inn that still milled about at such a late hour. He did crave the taste of a nice ale and as he moved up to the bar he gazed about the dimly lit room. He scanned the room for the two that tussled with him the day before and as his vision passed over Olheri, a barmaid moved into his view. She paused and smiled to him. He returned her smile, and nodded a bow to her as the Prince had taught him as a respectful greeting to a lady.

During his stay in the castle, all of his clothes and gear had been cleaned and polished, as well as he, himself. Warm water and even soap powder had been supplied for him, as well as two bath maidens who tried very hard to relieve him of his clothes so that they could clean him properly, however, he would not allow them to remove his underclothes. His beard and mustache were trimmed, and his hair had been brushed. In addition, two small braids were tied with leather, and they hung to the sides of his face. His dark, well oiled leathers were a distinct contrast to the clean white of his tunic, that he left untied near his neck, and exposed underneath his unbuckled jerkin. Indeed he stood out very much to the style and colors worn by most everyone in the village. Evenso, he remained oblivious to such comparisons, and his youthful, untamed demeanor only served to personify the contrast.

A large mug of ale was set before him and he lifted it quickly to his parched mouth. "Ah." He exclaimed after he took a long, hard swallow. "It is very good." He said sincerely to the bartender. The bartender looked in his direction and beamed with pride. "We make that ourselves here in Gorshven, the best around." Boradon smiled and decided to show off a little. Quickly, he tilted the mug up and drank its entire contents in less then 3 seconds. He slapped the mug down upon the bar and wiped his face with his hand. "I'll have another." He said with a wide grin. The ale was much less potent then that of his own village, however, it had a much nicer taste he decided. Soon another mug of ale was set before him. "This one I shall savor." He said loudly to the people at the bar as he raised his mug to them. "Salut" said a few voices of men along the bar. "Sa-lut" Boradon replied awkwardly and took another drink.

A sultry woman that had been watching Boradon moved up beside him. her gate was that of a stalking predator. As he talked with the men at the bar, she asked him, "You're not from around here, are you?" He turned his gaze toward the soft voice and smiled at her. "I'm just passing through." He told her. The bartender saw the woman and rolled his eyes to her all to familiar forwardness before moving away to tend to another customer.

[AraCelebEarwen]

He had plainly faired well since being taken by the guards. His clothing looking as though it must have seen more then a simple washing, light hair and his strong fetchers almost glowing in the candlelight. Wondering at the sight, she let pass how it could have come about. About to call out, her words were stopped as she watched someone else nearing him.

The twist of a smile changed to a grimace as the mug was set down softly. Strengthening the mental touch on Boradon, it took on a warning tone as she looked over the woman. An ill fitted dress and hungry eyes all too obvious as she drew his gaze. Many thoughts flashed through Olheri’s mind just then. More then a few of them stopped by knowing that it was simply unwise to do such things.

No one interrupted as another form approached the bar. Silently Olheri came to a stop just behind and to the side of the temptress. “Boradon? Boradon, what happened to you?” Surprised by the suddenness of the questions, the woman spun to glare at Olheri only to find a cold and threatening shadow filling her thoughts. Nodding lightly to her, Olheri addressed her in a relaxed tone. “Forgive my interruption. Here, you look like you could use a drink.” She set a silver coin on the counter before sidestepping around the confused figure to stand in full view of Boradon.

Here eyes glowed from the mixed mental impressions she had extended as much as from the drink and seeing him again. “It has been a while. Join me for a drink?” Blinking as a thought hit her, her tone changed, a little sadder as she let her gaze fall. “I hope I have not given you reason not to...”

[Daranavo]

As he was about to speak, he heard a familiar voice. Quickly, he set his drink down. and turned to face where it had come. To his surprise, it was Olheri. His face had a look of bewiderment. "Olheri?" He said questioningly. Many things rushed through his mind just then. So many questions, so many thoughts, however he could think to do nothing else at the moment but one. He enveloped her in his arms and lifted her up in an embrace. Sweat developed upon his brow and upper lip, and he trembled ever so slightly. In the embrace he whispered, "I thought I would never see you again." He pressed his face into her hair and held her tightly. Just as she thought he was about to release her, he tilted his head back and kissed her forcefully. Everytime she pulled back to speak, he would kiss her again. Oblivious to the staring eyes around them.

He no longer cared why she left or where she was headed. Nor did he care that she took the coin. At that moment, he only knew her to be the woman that saved his life, and he loved her. The woman that approached him earlier, regained her wits and moved in a huff back to her table.

[AraCelebEarwen]

Olheri let out a short, surprised laugh as he lifted her off her feet. Her smile only lasting a moment as he nearly smothered her in kisses. Not wanting the attention she could feel pointed at them, she finally pushed away from him enough to place one hand over his mouth. “I...” She had to pause for a breath. “Please. Listen a moment. You know I do not like to draw attention...” He could smell the ale on her breath and she didn’t try to hide her blush or the look that touched her eyes. Not having dared to think that he would react this way, her voice was no more then a whisper. “I have a table just over there... I...” She swallowed. “It has been a while since my last meal...” Blue eyes worked across his face, fingers moving from his mouth to brush a droplet of sweat from his cheek. "Please Boradon. Set me down a moment?"

[Daranavo]

With regret, he hugged her one last time, set her down, and released her. He reached out hsi hand and retrieved his mug of ale and followed her to her table. He could do nothing to wipe the perpetual smile from his warm face. He was very happy to see her again. She sat down quickly and Boradon sat across from her. Soon, the several pairs of eyes drifted back to their own business and the room became what it was once more. He shook his head and chuckled. "I don't believe it, I was certain you had moved on from here already. I had planned to leave tomarrow myself and pick back up your trail. It's so good to see you Olheri." He told her. His thoughts raced as she took a moment to decide what to say. An unpleasent thought hit him just then, one he had not considered until now. "Why did you leave Olheri...do you...not care for me?" He said as he reached out and took her hand in his from across the table.

[AraCelebEarwen]

Thought she tried to keep it back, a shimmering tear slid down her cheek. Her hand felt so small in his, her fingers stretching out to curl between his as she searched for how to answer. “Do you think I would have just done anything if I did not?” A sad smile washed across her face. “I am sorry, I do not really know why I left... I... Perhaps to keep you from getting hurt...” Her eyes fell from his to her nearly emptied mug.

Without letting go of his hand, she stood soundlessly and moved around to sit on the bench beside him. Leaning her head on his shoulder and letting his arms fold back around her, her eyes slowly drifted shut. She felt safe, like nothing could touch her; but she knew better then to think it true, though she almost wished it could be. There was always something, even the dreams had not left when by his side. A shudder ran through her light form as memories clawed their way into her waking thoughts. “I should not have left you like that... I would not even be here still if not for my needing to stay a little longer... Can you forgive me?”

[Daranavo]

He listened to her words, and leaned his face upon her head. "There is nothing to forgive. You did what you thought you had to...And so did I by following you. But, I must ask you now..." His tone had changed suddenly. "If you wish me to go, I will...But, you must know that I love you...I always have, since the first day that I saw you." His words flowed plainly and sincerely, and he made no point of lowering his voice. He seemed to have no fear or thought of others hearing him.

[AraCelebEarwen]

No other sounds were heard as his words sunk in. Time seemed to creep past before she finely tipped her head back to look at him. Shimmering blue and shadows both lingered in her gaze. “I have been asked to do something. The dreams...” She shook her head with a tone of the confused thoughts that spun through her mind and mixed with emotions that she tried to keep locked away. “Something happened and I was the one asked to help... I... Things change, Boradon. Time passes and things change. But help is needed here. There is something that needs done and I have been asked to try... I do not know if I can do it on my own though...”

[AraCelebEarwen]

Her lowered voice was a soft whisper as she lifted her head from his broad shoulder. Her eyes searching his face as she asked if they could talk somewhere else. One hand opened to show that she held a room key.

Everyone had gone back to what it was they had been doing and didn’t notice as the two stood and left. Olheri’s eyes showed a little of the emotions that she kept locked down. She was calm. But something clawed and ripped at that calm. As if letting it out could tear her apart.

Finally the heavy door was closed and locked behind them. It was still warm. The last of the embers glowing a ruby red in the ash-filled hearth.

“Boradon You know me better then I should have ever allowed...” Rising and turning from the fire that she had built up once more, Olheri looked up into the young man’s face. “I do not regret it though. You have helped me when I thought no one could. But...” The mattress was a little more forgiving as she sat down. An empty gaze seeming to look at nothing and through everything as a tremor ran up her back and along her arms.

He knew that she had slipped away from the room, thoughts spinning dizzily as she lost track of what she had intended to say. Two swift steeps carried him to stand before her. Boradon’s chest pressed against her knees as he crouched down, his hands cupping around her unblinking face.

[Daranavo]

The last remaining embers of flame, flickered in his ocean blue eyes as he spoke softly to her. "Whatever it is, whatever troubles you, we can face it together. Fate has brought us here. It was by no mere chance did I follow you. It was as if I had no choice. You hold my heart and so I must follow you until you release it..don't you see?" He smiled and tilted his head as he felt the softness of her neck in his hands. Though she felt as if she was very fraglie, he had seen her fight ferociously. A trait that he respected.

"You know, I must introduce you to Lord Fargan...and maybe even the Prince. The castle is very...big." He continued. "So many rooms...

[AraCelebEarwen]

Thought her mind had wandered from the things around her, her eyes sank shut at his touch. Taking in a slow breath, his words sounded strange for a moment before she realized what he had said.

His hands felt the shudder that ran through her as she opened her eyes. “The prince...? Castle? Is that where... How long have you been there?” Both concern and hope showed in her gaze. “Please Baradon, if you have been... If you are a guest there...” Olheir’s voice trailed off.

[Daranavo]

Boradon stopped speaking and remarked at her sudden aggitation. "Olheri...what is it?" His eyes took on a questioning look. "I am a personal guest of Lord Fargan...does this....displease you?" He asked finally.

[AraCelebEarwen]

“You seemed to have faired better then I. It is apparently a law here that all must see Fargan. There is... something about him... I do not like...” She paused a moment, the fingers of her right hand working through his well brushed beard. “But I must ask: do you know much of the castle? What I was asked to do requires my seeing some of the grounds...” She wanted to tell him about the princess but didn’t know if she could. It was not a mater of trusting him but... But she just couldn’t seem to find the words.

[Daranavo]

Boradon found it hard to concentrate with her warmth so close to him. "I was given a tour of the grounds last eve." He said sleepily. "Where is it that you must go?" He asked her. " Lord Fargan has only been a very good host to me thus far. I do not know why he would be so suspicious of you or anyone for that matter." he closed his eyes and thought a moment. "If you do not wish to be seen as your tone suggests." He said as he looked at her. "I could help in that regard as well." His face took on a grin. "I went sneakin about the castle myself tonight." He said and chuckled.

[AraCelebEarwen]

Her eyes sparkled at hearing the welcome bit of news. A guide indeed. One that was not unwelcome on the grounds no less. Laughing quietly, she rubbed her hands roughly along the sides of his face as she spoke. “Young pup. Do you not know that it is unwise to do such things? What would you do if you were found out?” Placing her hands on his, Olheri’s tone changed a little. “What I am to look for my be in the crypt... but if you have been in the castle... Did nothing seem... odd? There is a tale of a princess that is said to have died only a few years back. But... Well... There are some who wonder if it is true...”

[Daranavo]

He looked at her with a heightened interest. He considered his skulk through the castle as nothing more then a game. "I was just having a bit of fun with the guards is all, nothing more. I have visited the crypts once, I could take you, but...there is not much to see there. Its just grass and stone." He said plainly. "As far as the castle, I did not see anything...." He stopped as he thought a moment. His expression changed and he held an unsure look in his eyes. "Well, there was the painting." He said as he scratched his head, still puzzled about it.

[AraCelebEarwen]

“What is it? What about the painting?” Olheri watched carefully as he thought. “Baradon? Could you... Could we go tonight? It can not have been dark too long so time would be with us in that.” She pursed her lips, biting back some of the excitement that came in part from the thought of prowling the shadows of a place long guarded.

[Daranavo]

He feared that she would not believe him. Or even more likely that he was making it all up, yet, he told her anyway. "Well, The Prince...er...um...well...he opened this large painting on the wall, and entered it." He said hesitantly. "I don't know why." He thought another moment. 'Oh...you mean to go tonight?" His face took on a look of dissapointment. "But...I just found you again, and after days and days. I thought..." He looked down when he realized that she ment tonight. In truth he wanted to spend the evening alone with her.

[AraCelebEarwen]

Her forehead knitted as she heard about the prince's actions. “A large painting or hanging could hide a passage. Maybe that is what you saw?” A glossed look came to her eyes and she had to blink and shake her head. “Did you notice anything else? The look of the painting; where it was; anything?” But as Baradon’s face began to sink, a tired sigh accompanied a soft smile, her eyes drifting to the dark leather on his shoulder. “The sooner I find what is needed... The sooner the truth is known... If too much time is taken, things can only get harder.” Leaning back carefully, one hand braced behind her, Olheri blinked again and rubbed her face.

[Daranavo]

Boradon felt that her need was great and so he relented. "Then to the crypt I shall take you." He said with a lightened smile. "I will distract the guards for you to pass across the bridge." He added and nodded in finality. "We should leave soon then." He told her and stood up to his full height. He extended a hand down to her. When she grasped it, he lifted her briskly to her feet and hugged her strongly one last time. "It is so very good to see you again Olheri." He said as he released her and took a moment to look into her eyes.

[AraCelebEarwen]

Everything spun a little as he pulled her to her feet. Held tightly against him, her head rested on his chest, a deep breath shook the small form as she returned the embrace. She wanted to say something but as the words came to mind, they would be found to sound wrong if they were even found. "Be careful pup." She whispered. "You still have a lot to learn... And if anyone, anyone asks, or if a name must be said, call me Olorwen. Do you understand?" A pleading and warning tone filled her voice, a shudder running through her as she looked into the deep blue of his eyes. When he nodded, Olheri wrapped her arms around his neck and placed a soft kiss on his lips; the scent of ale still lingering on her breath.

[Daranavo]

Boradon looked down at her and smiled. He thought it all some kind of game that she wanted to play and so he nodded. "O-lor-wen, sure." He nodded again in understanding. As the two of them exited the Inn, Boradon raised his head oddly and whistled. " I can think of other things we might do this evening besides looking at a crypt, but I will help you." He whispered softly into her ear. "The bridge is not far from here, and I have met most if not all of the guards." He added as he walked beside her. Though he made no note of it, he had felt the presence of weapons upon her sleek form earlier. However he did not grasp why she had them now. The large, stone road loomed ahead of them. In the moonlight as they walked, a large form bounded toward them from the distance at great speed. its silvery coat gave it away to her immediatley. It was Tirnafi, Boradon's Dire Wolf pup. it came in quickly and tackled Boradon onto the road. It licked him excitedly and allowed him to get up. "Its ok boy." He said. "I missed you to."

[AraCelebEarwen]

Stepping out into the early night, the cold air cleared away a fog that had started to be felt in her mind. Even thought she had on some of her warmer clothes, she shivered and welcomed the arm that wrapped around her. Thought she had nearly gotten used to the sight, an unavoidable thread of fear sent a quick chill through her as the wolf ran at them. Olheri knew that such a strong creature was deserving of respect and that this one was of great importance to Baradon. Stepping back from the two, she waited before reaching down to try helping Baradon to his feet. One hand holding his tightly, she carefully offered the other to be inspected by the pup. A smile curved at the corner of her mouth, growing a little as the waves of warm breath washed over the exposed skin of her fingers. "Hello again Tirnafi. Did you help that boy find my trail?"

[Daranavo]

Tirnafi panted with glee. He had been cooped up far too long within the confines of the stable. One of the stableboys had taken a liking to him and fed him more then the others, but that was small compensation for freedom for the large wolf.

Tirnafi bent down and licked her palm. Tufts of white breath escaped his snout as he jumped around the two playfully. The wolf loved Boradon and he loved him. Forever connected by the bonding of blood that had nearly claimed their lives. Olheri watched as the two of them proved to her once again how important it was for her to find her people. She sensed that Tirnafi knew what she was, however the subtlety of such a distinction would never be undestood by Boradon. His lack of worldliness, his simplistic ideals of life was what she loved most about him. She wondered if the world would change him.

"The guard is near." Boradon said to her as she was lost in her own thoughts. He smiled and waited for her to look over at him. His words drifted on the edge of her mind. She felt sad right then as the memories of her family were faded and returned to her in broken fragments. The images and colors came to her mind with difficulty. How much time had passed? Will she eventually forget them altogether? Determination crept back into her heart and she suddenly slipped back to her surroundings once again. Silently, she faded into the shadows of the night and awaited Boradon to give her the signal.

[AraCelebEarwen]

As she stepped back into the shadows, one hand stayed clasped around a clay bead at her heart. A simple cord had been strung through what looked to only be a silver loop showing from the gray earthen piece. Plain and simply etched with a light design, it showed nothing of what it hid. The face of her brother and mother slipped from her mind as she watched Boradon. Shaking herself a little, the memory of her brother clung to her mind. Thought she had hunted long and hard, no sign of him had been found since that time... Even though it had only been a vision, still she wondered a little what had been real and what had not.

[Daranavo]

Boradon was greeted warmly by the guard. It was obvious that they had spoken before. The chill in the air made any such dviersion a welcome one by the men about the courtyard of the castle. Tirnafi performed tricks at Boradon's command. Subtle hand gestures accomplied sometimes by sounds or words set Tirnafi into action. As the guards attention was turned upon the large wolf, Boradon placed his hand behind his back. He made a fist then opened it. Olheri saw the motion and moved down the bridge across the moat. After a few minutes, she heard laughing and clapping behind her.

Boradon gave a wave to the guard who waved back and moved down the bridge to the next guard. Over and over he performed for the guards and again and again Olheri slipped past unnoticed. The night had grown very late and now the large stone crypt sat alone in the distance. The stone shined white against the dark green background. It gave the square building an eerie look and for a moment, Boradon grew afraid, though he did not know why. The hair stood up upon the back of his neck and Tirnafi growled deeply.

[AraCelebEarwen]

Silently Olheri came to stand beside them. Sinking into the thick winter coat, her fingers rubbed a soft place just under and behind Tirnafi’s ear. His growl vibrating along her arm as she turned calmed eyes from the building to Boradon. There was little that could hide anyone in the last distance; not anything their size at least. “You need go no further if you do not wish to...” Though she showed no sign of what she felt, her voice held an unsure note that she had hoped to not let out. “I can find my way from here if I...” She rethought what she had been about to say. “I can find my way.” Still rubbing the warmth of the pup’s skin, Olheri reached out her other hand to touch Boradon’s arm reassuringly.

[Daranavo]

The three cautiously skulked up to the crypt. The large wooden door was shut and a sickly green moss had grown atop much of the stone and part of the door. A large iron latch was fixed upon the door. When touched, the stone felt cold, and the feeling sent shivers down their spines when they touched it. The door looked as if it had not been opened for quite some time. Boradon moved up and lifted the latch. Though it was rusted, it slid up slowly when he pplied some strength. *click...rrrrr* A whaft of sickly air bellowed out of the crack in the doorway. Boradon stepped back and coughed. There was nothign but blackness inside the opening. Olheri dropped her pack and handed Boradon a oily smelling torch, flint, and steel. Boradon took them without question and turned away from teh biting wind. He set the torch between his legs and cracked the flint and steel together right above a few pieces of straw that were well oiled. Within seconds he had it burning.

No words were passed between them as both of them knew something was amiss. Their senses were perched upon teh ede of a knife yet the reason had yet to be discovered. Boradon gulped back his fear and opened the door fully. He held the torch above him in his left hand, took a deep breath, and moved into the crypt. Olheri and Tirnafi followed close behind.

The dim light from the torch flickered and refelected upon the stonework of the walls. In front of them lay several stone sarcophogi. Along the walls, stone shelves held bodies badly decomposed yet dressed in finer fashions and adorned with jewelry, clothing, and armor. Women, men, soldiers, all of higher status it seemed to Olheri. Which one is to be the Princess? Olheri thought. An opening at the back of the chamber attracted her attention. She pointed to it and Boradon nodded in understanding. Their movements upon the stone floor echoesd throughout the eerie crypt. Slowly they crept deeper into the dreadful place. The chamber entrance soon revealed a larger chamber. Much more dorned then the first. The walls depicted variosu scenes of celebration. 4 Sarcophogi sat in the center opposite each other. One layed yet empty, and two looked much more older then the others. One looked fairly new. The three moved up to the recently sealed Sarcophogus. Olheri began to read the inscriptions. Boradon held the torch down for her and looked around. Just then, something hissed from the darkness. All at once, Tirnafi wimpered. He tucked his tail between his legs and looked to be in pain. Boradon went cold and the torch fell from his hand. He could not feel his legs, infact he could not feel anything. His vision went black, his skin went white and he stood unmoving. Olheri looked up and saw a white hand move from out of the darkness toward Boradon. Tattered and rotted clothing hanging from its wrist. A frightful moan eminated from its head that moved closer into the dim light.

[AraCelebEarwen]

Trying to concentrate on the inscriptions, the fear she had felt grew stronger as Tirnafi whimpered and Boradon let the light fall from his hand. Looking up at him, she almost cried out at seeing him just standing there, pale and unmoving. A low sound filled her chest. One hand reached for the still glowing torch while the other snatched a dagger from its place along her side. In one moment her eyes had changed; opening wide and reflecting what little light there was. A sickened knot formed in her throat as a white hand reached from the darkness. One swift motion brought the flames up towards the ghoulish limb as Olheri moved from behind the young man and crouched slightly; ready to fight as there was no thought of running. Olheri’s teeth locked in a hissed growl. The hair on her arms and along the back of her neck standing on end as she tensed and sprang forward. Plunged deeply into the creature’s chest, the dagger was released and traded for long, sharp claws. As dark as the shadows around it, a large feline sprang again at the beast. Claws ripping into soft tissue as she tried to keep her head clear of the piercing sounds that rang in her sharp ears.

[Daranavo]

Black blood, old blood dripped from the creatures wounds. It moaned as it tried to rend her flesh with its own claws. Deftly, she avoided its attack. The large, catlike form leaped around and slashed at its back. Clawing, tearing away clumps of dried, old flesh. Large claws tore into its throat and it hissed and gurgled its last moan as it fell back onto the cold, stone floor. Slowly, black blood oozed from its throat and it moved no longer. The green mist that eminated from its body dissipated back into the darkness. The feline predator stood over its now rested corpse, hunched over, poised to strike at it yet again. Its sickly smell sent waves of nausea through its stomach.

Tirnafi calmed and came to sit nearby the frigid and still unmoving Boradon. His face locked in surprise and terror. The crypt grew silent once again save for the growl that came from the now fanged mouth of Olheri.

[AraCelebEarwen]

A few slow moments slipped past before the dark head lowered slowly. Olheri's shoulders sank, her shape changing back as she knelt to pick up and replace what had been shed at the change.

Head reeling and hands shaking, she kept her gaze away from the two as she retied the sash around her waist and jerked the dagger from its victim. Though she could change form, it took enough from her that she could not stay too long without risking complete exhaustion.

Tears pricked at her eyes as she looked up at Boradon's white face. Letting the dagger fall to the ground, she came to her knees and tried to calm the sickness that burned in her throat. A warm breath of air on her face was followed by a soft nudge as Tirnafi whined, looking between his boy and the woman. One shaking hand reached up to stroke the great muzzle as Olheri tried to find her voice. "I am sorry..." Letting her eyes meet that of the wolf, she tried to impress on him that he would have to take guard for a little while. Hoping that he understood, she nodded slowly before sliding to a heap on the cold floor. Trembling visibly, she wished that her mind would clear and things would stop to seem to be spinning.

[Daranavo]

Several minutes past. The crypt grew cold again, and very quiet. Gradually, Boradon began to regain his color and he soon felt his extremities. He could move his thumb, and then his fingers. Soon his hand, and then his arm. His eyesight returned and huffs of labored breath escaped his lungs. He blinked as he wondered what had happened. He could not remember...he saw....something. He remembered the awful smell. His stomach felt very tight as if he had been struck in his abdomen several times. He felt cold all over and he turned his head to see where Olheri and Tirnafi were. He spied Olheri upon the stone floor not 3 feet from him. With difficulty, he knelt down beside her and tried to assess her health. In a scratchy voice he said. "Are you alright?...What happened?...Are you hurt?" He looked over and saw the body, wreathed in a black pool of thick, drying blood. Tirnafi stood and wagged his tail. Boradon lifted her chin to face him. "Olheri?" he said questioningly.

[AraCelebEarwen]

Her face looked pale in what was left of the lamplight. Eyes closed and skin cool to the touch, but slow breaths and light tremors showed her to be alive. “Boradon...?” Olheri’s eyes blinked open slightly as the sound of his voice and warming touch found her. Sighing softly, a tear ran down her cheek and she tried not to retch as a strong wave washed through her. Guilt, relief and tiredness mixed with the smell of the room, making the small form shake as she lifted a hand up to touch him. “I... I though you were...” Closing her eyes once more, she could feel her strength beginning to come back.

[Daranavo]

Boradon snatched her up into an embrace. Her skin felt cold as his did, and cold sweat dripped from his brow. He shook as his voice cleared some. "Why do I miss all the...fun...stuff." He said uneasily, with a half cocked smile. "Lets do what we came to do and leave this place." He added urgently s he pulled away from her and looked into her exhausted eyes.

He knew something strange had occured but he did not exactly what, nor did his thoughts dwell upon the question long. It quickly faded as he helped her get dressed and back onto her feet.

[AraCelebEarwen]

Pulling the thick coat back on, she nodded carefully and leaned against him for a moment before she tried to speak again. Whispering her thanks, she looked up at him and managed a small smile. “Yes. I have had enough of this place.” Watching the torch-light dance across the carved stone, Olheri tried to remember what it said but quickly decided that it would be better to just find out for themselves. “Can you move the lid? I only need to see and take something as proof if she is there...”

[Daranavo]

Boradon nodded in agreement and lifted the torch from the floor. He hunched over and began to scan the edges of the Sarcophogus closely. Its lid was securely placed and it looked extremely thick and heavy. After several minutes of careful searching, he moved away and browsed along the outer walls of the chamber. Spying what he was looking for he moved up to a wall and handed the torch to Olheri. He grasped a thick iron wall sconce and began to tug, twist and pull at it. After a few moments of grunting and tugging, it pulled free from the wall. Little pieces of stone fell onto the floor when it was removed.

He brandished it like a weapon and moved back over to the sarcophogus. He stuck a beveled end of the thick piece of iron into the crease of the lid in a corner. He stabbed at it several times, each time small pieces of stone broke loose and fell around him onto the floor. He jabbed it in hard and lifted. The lid broke free and a sound of air displacing came to their ears when it did. He placed his hands upon the lid and tried to move it. He could not. He tried again, and it slid only very slightly. He stood back angered and thought a moment. He took in a few deep breaths and approached the lid again. Determination set upon his face. He tilted his head as he grasped the stone and heaved. Every ounce of his body pushed and shook as he set all of his strength to bare upon the lid. With the strength of the Northman and from the bonding of blood between he and Tirnafi, he lifted the lid from its perch. He growled and grunted. Slowly, he slid out out of place. His breath broke suddenly, and he fell down aside the sarc