Mistic Circle ~ Story

Femmy:
Raven's outburst took her off guard. Luckily Shadowblade intervened, saving her from having to reply immediately. Agalein looked at Raven and Solarin closely. Could they have been in the mercenary company Medivh had hired a while back? If so, that explained how they knew the truth about Medivh.

Meanwhile, the troll announced that the dragon was friendly and then suggested that they travel to Citadel. Fallenangel and Etain agreed with him. Well, all for the best. No need to convince them to come. Medivh knew there would be mages among his 'guests' and has prepared to surprise them well before the blood-magic was detectable.

Agalein also took note of Etain's skill with knives. So far she had been able to catch knives aimed at her or deflect it with her fan, but she didn't know yet how good this Etain was.

Then Xenon decided to reveal himself. Agalein waited until he finished his performance while she tried to figure out what kind of game he was playing. He had always made her feel uncomfortable, the way he seemed to be able to look into her heart and soul. She had feared him for this more than she had feared his skill in magic.

Well, she was not an innocent little girl anymore who sighed every time he said her name. Too much had happened since then and she'd learned not to trust anyone, to guard her feelings from others – especially him.

The single poisonous needle in her pouch suddenly felt heavy. She'd waited so long for the day she would meet him again when she would prick the deadly steel in him, but she knew this wasn't the right time. She would have to be patient. Then again, there was always her other plan.

"And... though I feel for your losses and pain, if any is to see the finish, finally of my dear uncle, the slayer of my father... it will be me, and in my own time," Xenon said.

"Well you're welcome to it any time you want," she said as coldly as possible. "You know now where Medivh is and you know the way to the Citadel. I'm sure he'd be glad to see his nephew and explain once again why your father's death is necessary.

"As I've said, Medivh will be holding a feast at the Citadel he has prepared for his new recruits and allies," she said, looking at Raven and Solarin, challenging - daring - them to come. She knew that they knew without her saying it that Medivh's preparations also included those for his enemies. Only the foolish walked into a known enemy trap and the cautious turned back or found a way around it. "And for his nephew, of course," she added, looking back to Xenon.

"As for Raven's accusation, saying that I'm a liar, I say again that King of Teren _and_ the King and Queen before him are ruthless and wicked. The tortures by their underlings are as real as the death of my father. Or would you like to see the scars on my back to prove it? Medivh was the only reason I didn't end up in a grave like my father. You challenged me to explain Medivh's innocence, I challenge you now to explain King of Teren's." Agalein swept her gaze around the room. "I'm ready any time you wish to go to the Citadel. It seems that we won't need any map now that a guide has presented himself to us."

Rainbow:
Rainbow looked at Dee. "Shall we go? Seems like a good place to start exploring!"

Dee frowned. "It doesn't sound safe!" she replied, "especially for a princess!"

:Oh come on dearheart!: Rainbow switched to mindspeech, making it so only Etain, Muranog, Raven and Solarin, and 'Blade could hear; she didn't trust the others. :We're in the company of a fairie, two mercs, a troll and an elf with a very magical blade; what could go wrong?:

:Famous last words,: her winged friend said sarcastically :Your magic for one!:

Speaking out loud, Rainbow addressed the whole company. "I would like to come with you, but Raven, Solarin, I really need magic training, please can you help me as well? Maybe the dragon knows some magic?"

The two newest group members looked skeptical, as if they didn't believe _she_ was an adept.

Adrienne:
Aliaya could not fall asleep. It had been a year since the castle had been attacked and the nightmares haunted her still. She had wandered far in that time.

(A year,) she thought. (And so much has happened in that year.) She had run from her country, hunted by the tyrant who had killed her father. None of the countrymen would help her. Few people wanted to associate with a god-Touched, even the Princess. Besides that, nobody wanted to bring the wrath of the Tyrant upon themselves by aiding a fugitive.

Grandma Mare had died shortly after she had left her country's borders. The old pony could not withstand the travel and hard life that had been adopted. Aliaya never did purchase another pack-animal. As it was, she spread the money she'd brought with her out over the past year buying food and clothing her children. It was amazing that she still had some money left, even though she had taken quite a bit in jewels and monetary pieces. She's spent only as much as she had to. Often she and her children had slept in barns and other make-do shelters. Aliaya had avoided towns and cities for the most part.

(Maybe I should have gone to towns and cities. At some point I should have been able to find work of some sort. Then my children could have slept in a real bed. Then Rayna would not be buried somewhere along some road I no longer remember.) She pulled her sleeping son closer to her while tears streaked down her face and her body shook with sobs. Rayna had not survived the harsh travel, either. It seemed so odd that the three-year-old could not survive when the infant never even got sick or seemed bothered by the travel.

(My baby is now with her goddess,) Aliaya comforted herself. And sleep finally came when she had cried herself to exhaustion.

During the night it began to storm. With nothing to keep her dry, she awoke and gathered up the two remaining travel bags which she attached to her belt. Ruvan, she put in the make-shift carrier she had put together, so that he hung in front of her. She walked through the forest, hoping to find a road to take her to a city.

"We're far enough away from our country by now," she chattered to Ruvan, fully aware he could not hear her. "I'll find a town, and find a tavern, and find some work, though I'm untrained at anything besides being royalty." She sighed. "But at least we'll have a roof over our heads. How does that sound?" She smoothed the child's soaked hair away from his round face. "We'll find a new home."

Typo:
Erelan turned in startlement at the slight sound of movement behind her, bringing her wings forward defensively, laying her ear-flaps flat, and curling her neck back in a serpentine curve to present the most impressive array of claws and teeth to any would-be attackers. The rain had covered the sound, and she had been so entranced by the scene in the tavern she had not heard anyone approaching. Her mind registered the relatively non-threatening presence of the unicorn just as she heard the mental voice resonate through her head.

Easing up on her defensive posture a bit, though she did check quickly about her to make sure no more unannounced greeters were approaching. She nodded very slightly, never taking her eyes off the unicorn.

:I? I am... waiting. And worrying.: Her mental voice was the colour of tiger eye stones and flowed rich as caramel through the halting confusion of her words. She realized in that moment just how long it had been since she had last spoken to another, as the pure and disorganized truth rushed into her answer. This unicorn was no doubt someone very fine, and for all her world travels, Erelan suddenly felt very much like a hatchling caught at some mischief, with water drops hanging from her nose, chin, and ear-tips, and sticky mud so thickly sloshed over her feet and undercarriage that she seemed to be slowly melting into the earth.

The unicorn looked at her quizzically, and Erelan sighed as she brought her nerves under control. Stormwinds, but all those magic users together in this part of the land made her nervous, and she knew if she had had any sense at all, she would have moved away as quickly as her bedraggled wings would carry her instead of standing by like one bespelled to feed her curiosity and seek Adventure. She fanned her wings just slightly in apology.

:Forgive my rambling. I speak... but little, these days. I wait for curiosity's sake to see what comes of such an odd palaver.: At this, the green dragon nodded toward the vacated table left by the shady group inside, surreptitiously stepping out of the line of sight of those within the inn, just in case anyone was looking out. :With so many magic users, something evil must be upon us... evil or at least very strange. As for worrying.... Lady, I should be worried to anywhere about these parts - there are fair fireworks of magery within those walls. I could smell it from miles away, though I have no taste for sentients or magic users. Be assured that there are those in these wilds who dine on both with great enthusiasm. They do not feed often or well, Lady, and hunger always whets the senses.:

She lowered her eye-ridges in seriousness, then blinked quickly as a large drop of water fell into her eye. Her tail drooped just slightly in the mud, and most of the mask of calm nobility faded, leaving only a very wet and uncomfortable, very young dragon in the rain. She coughed slightly and shook her head, sending drops of water flying about.

:I don't suppose you know whether dragon-hunting is popular in this part of the world?:

Raven Darkblade:
"As for Raven's accusation, saying that I'm a liar, I say again that King of Teren _and_ the King and Queen before him are ruthless and wicked. The tortures by their underlings are as real as the death of my father. Or would you like to see the scars on my back to prove it? Medivh was the only reason I didn't end up in a grave like my father. You challenged me to explain Medivh's innocence, I challenge you now to explain King of Teren's."

Raven would have spat a reply to the challenge, but Solarin clamped a quick mental hand down on her. :Peace, shayala, we have more important things yet to discuss. We know the truth, you and I. The details shall be bickered out later.: Raven clamped her teeth together until she felt they would split, but held her tongue.

Agalein swept her gaze around the room. "I'm ready any time you wish to go to the Citadel. It seems that we won't need any map now that a guide has presented himself to us."

:I cannot and will not trust one trained by Savar, whatever his intentions,: she told Solarin.

:Nor I,: he replied. :But between the lands that the Singer has marked and the areas I have scouted, we need not rely wholly on that one. Never has an elven ranger been led astray in forests he has scouted before - I shall not be the first.:

Speaking out loud Rainbow addressed the whole company. "I would like to come with you, but Raven, Solarin, I really need magic training, please can you help me as well? Maybe the dragon knows some magic?"

Raven ground her teeth and 'Said privately to Solarin, :Maybe the dragon wants you for lunch, girl!:

:She's better off with us than without. A good thing indeed that she landed here - she's a young and tender lamb wandering about in the wolflands.:

Sighing imperceptibly, Raven looked first to Agalein, echoing Solarin's words from moments before. "I hear your challenge, and will answer it - but not now. There is too much to be discussed, and action must be taken quickly."

Solarin picked up at her silent cue, saying. "As a ranger of the elven people, I have some skill at pathfinding, and though I do not know all of the Kaladh intimately, I have scouted certain areas and I know the way to the Citadel."

He considered, before adding privately to Raven, Muranog, Etain, and Shadowblade - the members of the group who could be trusted as experienced fighters - :There is also this. Hidden in a secret portion of the Forest is a permanent Gate. It has been carefully concealed by several powerful mages of my people, and I do not believe Savar or his allies are aware of its existence. If necessary, we might use it - but I prefer to keep its existence secret as of yet.:

Raven looked to Rainbow now. "As I have said, neither Solarin nor myself can teach you. But there are few places in the area I can think of where you will be safer - and once the Citadel has been dealt with, a teacher for you can be found." She looked around the table, neatly avoiding looking at Xenon and Agalein. "Unless someone here is willing to take on the task?

"At any rate," she continued, "whatever we decide, it would be best for us to be on the move soon. We are a very large target, and it would be better for us to be a moving one. There is a place not too far from here where we can camp that is moderately shielded from the weather. As for this dragon.…?" Raven cast a querying look to Shadowblade.

Dax:
Dak pulled his hood a little closer, trying to stop the lash of rain in his face. It had been raining since just after nightfall, and since his tent had a hole in the roof, and he didn't want to risk his magic being Sensed to fix it, he had decided it was better to keep moving, than just lay there and get drenched. The Black's head hung miserably, trying to see the trail in front of his nose as he stepped through the darkness. They had left the road several days before because of suspected pursuit.

(How was I to know that she was the Baron's daughter? She just looked like a well dressed lady of the evening, and she certainly acted like one – lady of the evening that is,) he mused to himself. And then she started mentioning the "M" word. Luck and Love, he shunned that word and that situation like the prison it was. (And I certainly know enough about prisons to make a good judgement on that.)

But now he had the sneaking suspicion that he was lost. (Well, if I don't know where I am, then they certainly shouldn't be able to find me either, right?) Somehow that thought wasn't as comforting as it ought to be. Right now, he would be happy to see anyone, even the dear Lady Emily. He hated being alone for long periods of time; sure, an elf needs some solitude on occasion, but extended periods with no interaction, really got him down.

(It probably came from that time that I spent six months in debtor's prison inside a wall of silence... what was that?) His head came up, swiveling around to catch the sound he had heard again.

(A baby's cry? Couldn't be, not out here... unless there was a cabin nearby,) he thought to himself. Then his thoughts naturally continued. (A cabin, warm and dry, with a nice lass, uh, lady, yes, lady with her babe in arms, her husband having been killed off by wolves in the forest. She would be lonely and afraid, but would have her fears erased as soon as she saw him. Her babe, suckling sweetly on large, creamy breasts....) That started another whole train of thought.... Then, he heard it again, jerking his thoughts back to the present.

(Luck and Love, if they _were_ in a cabin, I wouldn't be hearing that cry, my ears are long, but safety tucked into a cabin, even I wouldn't hear them.) He peered around, searching the darkness.

(There! A form moving. It doesn't even seemed to have heard us yet. Not very safe.... I could have been an orkan raider or an assassin, or a Renthan slaver.)

Then, some sense seemed to warn the figure and it turned. Dak caught sight of her face, for it was a woman, now that he was this close, and the misery and fear there, made his heart catch for a moment.

"My dear Lady, please, I mean you no harm. I would fain never see harm to so tender a brow, so sweet a face. What doest thou in so humble straits?"

Adrienne:
Aliaya traveled on, miserable in the wet. Ruvan just cooed like life was normal.

(Well, for him, this is normal. Four months in a palace, but the last year running and hiding.) She sighed. A thought wafted to her in her musings.

:...or an assassin, or a Renthan slaver…: She had long ago dropped all her shields. Usually the only thoughts she received were Ruvan's loving baby thoughts, and those of nature. Once in awhile she "heard" humans, but usually she avoided them. Now she heard the sloppy clop of horse's hooves.

(Too late to avoid.)

Aliaya turned and saw a man, though in the dark it was difficult to make out his features. Then a light appeared in his hands, about as bright as a candle, lighting the features within the cloak. He was the most beautiful man she thought she had ever seen, feeling a twinge of guilt in comparing him to her dear Sorjo. As though in response to her thoughts of wanting to see him better, he pushed back his hood, revealing the high cheekbones and near delicate features of a noble, though no woman would call them feminine. Silky-fine hair of an unusual silver-blonde, long, and disappearing within his cloak, his bangs dropped over his left eye as he peered at her, bringing her to look at the right one to ascertain their color.

Blue, brightest blue, sky-blue at sunset, or the color of blue in the stained glass window of the temple, when the sun lit it…. Thoughts of the window and the temple where she had spent her Touched training as a girl among strong and loving priestesses choked her throat for a moment. And then she focused on what that look seemed to say, and felt a stirring in her body that she had not felt for many months – a stirring that made her touch the ring still on her wedding finger in remembrance. But then she realized that there was something sticking through his hair on the sides of his head.

(Well, not a man, because he has pointy ears. But does that make him less a man?) She blushed with that last thought and reminded herself she was married, or had been married. She shook the confusing thoughts from her head.

Then he spoke. "My dear Lady, please, I mean you no harm. I would fain never see harm to so tender a brow, so sweet a face. What doest thou in so humble straits?"

Aliaya checked the "I mean you no harm" part by quickly and unobtrusively scanning his foremost thoughts.

(What a poor, sodden creature, she is, and the look of a deer caught in the lantern light on a trip to the outhouse. Now, Dak, that's not a very charitable thought. Now, look you've confused her, most like some poor peasant girl, that doesn't understand your high-fangled speech.)

She heard clearly, as though he hadn't the least thought, or ability, for shielding. She didn't quite understand the rest of his speech, but she understood he wanted to make her feel good. (Real good, by the look in his eye.)

"I - I'm lost, actually," Aliaya said, her voice sounding sweet with a slight accent. "I am looking for a town – well, a tavern or inn, I suppose." Aliaya stopped and cursed herself for stumbling over a simple answer. She peered up through wet tendrils of hair at the man, uh, elf, not sure what to say next.

Dakorillon brushed his hand through his now soaked hair, brushing the recalcitrant bangs out of his eyes and then dismounted, moving slow so as not to startle the poor thing, her sweet voice catching his heart-strings.

(Now's not the time to fall in love again. It’s cold and wet – wait for a nice warm inn. Can't let her know that I'm lost, too. Doesn't look good for the rescuing hero to be lost.)

"I'm Dakorillon - Dakorillon SilverSong, (that sounds bardish, doesn't it?) at your service, my lady." He swept into a courtly bow and when he stood, that lock of hair was back over his eye, lending him a rakish look; making her long to brush it out of the way, as she would Ruvan's. His thoughts were clear to her and he didn't even seem to notice that she was "listening".

(He's lost, too?) she thought in dismay. (Well, he looks strong and confident even though his thoughts belie it.) Somehow, knowing that, she felt safer, safer than she had since before the night her father had been killed. It would be so nice to just lay everything on someone else's shoulders for a while. But, dare she trust him? She wanted to make a new life for herself, but not by risking her son's life. She realized he was waiting for an answer.

"I'm Aliaya, thank you, sir." Manners coming to her rescue, she gave a small bow, since curtseys looked ridiculous in pants. His returning smile warmed her throughout. Just then Ruvan cooed again.

"What have you there, Aya?" Dak queried, trying to peer into the bundle in her arms. She started at the sound of her nickname rolling off a stranger's tongue, confused that he spoke the name only her family had called her by. Yet, it felt good to have someone call her Aya again and she was unsure.

(Is he influencing my mind?) she wondered. (No, nothing but thoughts of curiosity and concern for what may be a child out in this weather.)

"This is my son, Ruvan," Aya answered. "I am afraid he might become ill from this weather. That is why I am looking for an inn." Her voice became softer as thoughts of Rayna came with the mention of illness. She bowed her head and forced back tears, for it was unsightly to cry in front of strangers. A few moments passed as she calmed herself, very aware of Dak's intent gaze upon her. "It has been a long time since I have had anybody except my son and myself to converse with while traveling. Would you mind traveling with us? Perhaps you know the way to the nearest town," she added with a smile and knowing full well he also had no idea where he was.

(Lost together is better than lost alone.) She saw a spark in Dak's eye and knew he desired her company too.

Typo:
Erelan backed up a pace or two at the sight of the huge form approaching from a distance. It appeared to be a sheep, though this ewe was a far cry from the wild woollies she had occasionally snagged in the western hills. Instinctively, she drew herself up higher and roused her wings again to appear larger, for, in spite of her considerable size, this creature dwarfed her easily. Her eyes flickered with faint golden shimmers and her tail-tip flicked with slight anxiety at its approach.

:Greetings, O Scaled One, in the name of Ironhold, Trollhome and the Dragon Clans of the Trollhome Mountains. What brings one of your ancient kindred to this place?:

That stopped her short. :Trollhome Mountains? Aye, I know of them... but you are neither troll nor dragon. What connection have you to dragons and dragon-friends?: The nearly-imperious words seemed brash the moment thought was sent, but they were all she had to combat her growing unease. Something odder than she liked was going on here, and she felt herself being drawn into it, willing or no. She had never seen Ironhold, though the tales of her very distant cousin-race in those mountains had been among the stories passed to her by Aristide.

He had traveled there in his wanderings, and mapped a good bit of it onto her crystals and other copies of the matrix-libraries at SeaCliffs, but Aristide was twice the cartographer she was and half the sentientologist. He possessed little interest in the myriad races that walked the world, while she could happily study the ways of the world's intelligent races for the rest of her life. Every one she had encountered or heard about was interesting.

All were interesting... a few were truly dangerous. A shiver that had nothing to do with the cold rain passed through her, and she whipped her head around, hissing, then launched herself straight into the air with a powerful thrust of her hind legs, spraying mud against the ground with one flap of her wings. She fanned her great sails loudly with agitation and dug her hind talons into the roof ridge as she crouched - black against the night sky – with only her fiercely glowing eyes and the occasional burst of lightning showing her tensed, gargoyle-like form. She hissed into the shadows at the edge of the building where she knew someone or something else was waiting, completely ignoring the unicorn and the black sheep's question.

:I Sense you there in the shadows, sneaking thing... I know not what you are, but you have the stink of foul talismans on you.: She sent her thoughts out in an almost painful burst, glad enough that she didn't have to speak - her natural voice would have shaken terribly with anxiety. She had Sensed things like what this creature carried before, in the rifts beyond the realms of this world. Erelan had traveled far in the nearly fifty years since she had left home; not all her memories were happy ones. The thinnest wisps of smoke began to twist from her nostrils as she bared flashing white fangs at the formless darkness.

:Man, mage, or demonkin, you will feel my teeth, should you attack!:

Angie:
Ynys looked up at the young dragon. :'Blade...we've got a very jittery young dragon out here....:

Shadowblade was standing by the table, silently observing Raven and her response to the White Woman - Agalein. :Yes. And?:

The unicorn turned back to what the dragon was saying. :With so many magic users, something evil must be upon us... evil or at least very strange. As for worrying... Lady, I should be worried to anywhere about these parts - there are fair fireworks of magery within those walls. I could smell it from miles way, though I have no taste for sentients or magic users. Be assured that there are those in these wilds who dine on both with great enthusiasm. They do not feed often or well, Lady, and hunger always whets the senses.:

She nodded. (That _was_ what I told the young elf. But noooo, she had to Gate in and worsen the storm. Now she reinforces energy to the shields. I hope she knows what she's doing.)

:'Blade, there are Creatures out here who'd have a buffet on your shields. And I have the strangest feeling that that "Xenon" fellow is all and more than what he said he is. Bad news, child. Why are you still standing by his side?:

:Ynys, don't call me "child". I grew up a long time ago, and have seen mortal friends grow old and die while I remain as I first was when I met them. Xenon's Bloody. I can smell it on him. And I'm still by his side because he has an arm around me, and Etain probably feels better with my presence there anyway. Those Magic-eaters are always present and I _have_ been careful, I don't need another fight.: 'Blade sighed. Suddenly angry at Xenon's hand at her shoulder, she shrugged it off to stand closer to Raven and Solarin's group, pushing Rainbow and Dee in that direction as well.

"Take your hand off me, or you won't even _have_ a hand," she said in a low voice. Threats didn’t seem to work all that well on the other mage, however, as he simply grinned back at her.

"As for this dragon...?" Raven cast a querying look to Shadowblade.

'Blade spoke at the cue. "Oh, we have a young and nervous dragon in our hands my friends," she said, ignoring Xenon and giving Agalein only the briefest of glances. "Erelan, for that's her name, wishes to inform you that there are Beasts around these parts that eat magical energy... not to mention the mage as well. I suggest less usage of magery in case any of us fall prey."

She paused for a breath before continuing. "I would go with you, Raven and Solarin, if you'd have me tag along. My skills as an archer -," here, she gestured at the bow and quiver slung at her back, "- and as a mage would serve well in your group. I have some skill in scouting, and, I admit freely, in convenient deaths. Allow me to join you, if you please."

(Never mind that Xenon's sure to follow.…)

The elven-mage finally looked at Agalein, the mysterious intruder. There was something familiar about the woman. 'Blade racked her mind, but she could not place the face, nor the clothes. Yet her senses screamed at her that this seemingly innocent woman was bad news.

(What is it? She... I can't remember! And it's not like me to forget. Who is she?)

Meanwhile, outside the relative warmth of the Twilight Room, Ynys turned her attention away from her partner and back to the dragon.

:I don't suppose you know whether dragon-hunting is popular in this part of the world...?:

The unicorn managed a Mind-grin over to the dragon. Shades of blue and white mingled to form her mindvoice, the result being an eternally wise and serene tone that never failed to calm people.

:No, I don't think so. No cavalry charging up yet... of course, that might just be due to the rain.…: The unicorn nodded her head at the rain. :Thank goodness I fit into the stables! Would you like some shelter? If you have magic capabilities, I could teach you a spell for shapechanging a dragon. A friend taught it to me.:

Ynys looked up at the towering dragon and felt sudden pity for the creature. Erelan _did_ look amazingly pathetic when wet for a reptilian being of the first order. Then a huge black sheep made its stately way from the stables and greeted Erelan, ignoring Ynys completely. The unicorn never felt so small.

(Oh well, Prestige might just come with size....)

Sorchafyr:
Sand was startled out of her reverie by the feeling of someone standing too close behind her. Suddenly a voice spoke as an arm draped around her shoulders.

"Well hello one and all!" He said smiling with real pleasure at the looks on their faces. "I was going to try to get a job here working as a stable boy, figuring to retire early on what they seem to earn hereabouts, but your Quest has perked my interest and wonder in most extraordinary fashion. I am from near here, and though I have no maps upon my person, perhaps I could help as a guide at any rate?"

Sand could recognize a performance when she saw one, however this one was well done in the extreme. She smiled when he turned his little stable-boy joke; no one in his state of dress needed income.

He continued smoothly before interruptions could occur. " I want to give you a token of my sincerity. I will answer a question for the dear lady – Raven is it, oh dusky goddess of elven light? – such as perhaps how it is that Medivh the Black lives. He lives because I, Xenon Xerxes Zohar, cleft that stone beneath Drakehall in which your Captain and Singer had so finely buried his useless ashes, and raised him back to life once again."

She had sensed his elation when he made his revelation, timed like a Master. This was no shock or concern to her. Being an itinerant Bard, Sand had to know the local politics and rumors, and had heard them all, both good and bad, about Medivh the Black. She could really care less who ruled, or how they were portrayed, unless it affected her. Sand knew full well that a finely crafted song or story could influence the masses, and thus never ever formed an opinion about someone until she spent time with them. Then a dismaying thought occurred to her.

(He raised him back to life. Oh, gods, that means _he's_ a magic user.)

Xenon finished speaking and snuggled her to him. She almost smiled again; she was being used as a shield was transparent even to her. The mage on the other side of Xenon threw his arm off her shoulder and moved away. Sand, however stayed still. She was no stranger to physical attraction, and that was present, radiating from him like warmth. However, there was something more that held her – a sense of power, or perhaps danger.

Something in her unwound a small bit. Here was something she was familiar with, something she knew how to play and respond to. She knew who to be in this particular dance. Besides, she sensed something a bit out of tune in his performance, as if he were too eager to be playing the carefree rogue. There was something deeper, and she was curious. At the end of his speech there was a moment of – she could almost swear – introspection, wildly out of character from the image he wished to project. No one could have caught it but her, trained as she was to observe the nuances of any act, in close physical proximity.

(Ah well,) she mused, (I haven't been accused of caution in much too long.)

Axe:
Xenon knew all about the Mercs his Uncle had hired. He had never met his cousin Kat, and was pretty sure she had never heard of him. Still he knew Medivh hated her, and he often secretly cheered her on. Being half-elven himself, he knew of Medivh's hatred of the Karalanthians, and had alternately concealed and flaunted his elven nature at his Uncle. Not that Medivh had cared much of course. Medivh loved him – if at all – for his mind, his Power and for his usefulness. He was sure Medivh had long intended him as a spy supreme to infiltrate Karalanth, and his new freedom and the chance to deprive his uncle of that particular little scheme made Xenon all warm and cozy – yes indeed it did.

(Heh. Suck that one down old ash worm,) he thought.

He analyzed dear Aggy's little speech, sifting elements here and there, seining the fact from the clever fiction, and quietly laughing to himself over her discomfiture at seeing him. He refused to admit to himself that he cared for her at all still – the innocent and tormented young girl he had tried to help was gone surely as a day passed, and he saw little hope for the rise of a new dawn in her soul.

:do not be so sure of that,: Kang said. Xenon's lip almost curled in response to what was sure to come next. :your caring for her is not dead surely if she were unredeemable it would be so and your heart would not ache for her lost innocence though the lust you feel for all females would surely arise….:

(Lust indeed,) Xenon thought ruefully. (I do ache for her. But... well, a bard in the hand and all that.)

Xenon felt the little bard beside him snuggle up and knew he had another conquest in the making. As Aggy finished her speaking and invitation and the others studiously ignored him he leaned down and gently, as soft as a breeze, and as sure as the repetition in the sounds of spring rain drops kissed her hair, lost for a moment in the scent of it, the warm soft color of it, the sparkling fairyscape of it with its garden webs of reflected glitter, and let his hand roam to a more secure holding snuggled around her white curved.…

His attention was diverted and he stood as his other arm was thrown neatly from the elf – Blade's shoulder. She stalked away, taking charge of a couple of the weaker others, and as she did, he, due to the requisites of form, let a hand gently brush her backside as if in the simple process of lowering it to his side.

(Oh dear,) he thought. (Menage a' deux again.) His secret smile of amusement was well returned and he slipped into the chair beside Sand, snuggled her up against him again, gently and reassuringly caressing her side. She seemed to continue melting against him aside from one small start. He moved his hand up to her face and hair for a moment, gently pressing her head down to rest on his shoulder, stroking her hair and toying with one of the glitteries, before moving it back down to her softly curvy side once more.

As Xenon sized the ebb and flow of personality and Power in the room, he took note of the sweet voice of the baby powernode asking for a teacher. He felt her cut him out of her little loop, and though he could have slid like a serpent through her faultily trained shields, he got all he needed to know from her words and the emotion leaking around her shields. She was feeling _adventure_ she was – her young excitement like a caramel flavor and a good belt of dwarven whiskey all at once. No one seemed to take her seriously – the worst sort of insult to the young and powerful. Well... that could be remedied and quickly so. He could see her worth after all.… Besides, that snotty elf and his trained war femme would surely see her to the door of some rustic old rucksack nature mage with years of wisdom concerning swallow tails and straw in his hair. He just didn't think that would be too exciting to young majesty Rainbow of wherever – no he did not.

He turned his attention for a moment to the little knot gathering on the far side.

:What do you think of them Kang?: Xenon sent through their touch contact. They weren't the only ones who could send on the sly. The big elf's body language spoke all he needed to know though, really.

:they do not like or trust you of course and the elf thinks he can lead them to the citadel more i cannot endeavor to ascertain lest i be found out the elf and the dark woman's bond is very strong and secure and only the fact that they were including others allowed me that level of access even: Kang's metallic tang of mind regret told Xenon that he wished he could provide Xenon with more.

:It's well enough Kang,: Xenon sent. :I can tell most of what I need from their movement and positions in the room, and their evident personalities. You did really well finding out the elf thinks he knows the way, though. Thanks:

He looked at the _oh baby oh baby oh_ sweet treat beside him and smiled his best, non magically enhanced smile at her. He quietly spoke, his voice a quiet husky purr.

"It seems I must speak again to these honest folk if I am to be allowed to be of service to them. I hope we can get to know each other... much... better soon. Still duty calls, and I must try to save them pain if I can. Little they know of the Citadel or the true ways into it though they believe they do." He gazed into her eyes and was suddenly shaken slightly by a wave of desire rising through him from his base to where his eyes were locked with hers. He leaned forward and brushed his lips, oh so feather light, to hers, and then straightened. His arm never left her and his posture showed clear claiming... at least for now.

Raven had begun to speak aloud. He decided to interject before she or the dear elf Blade could do too much damage.

"As I have said, neither Solarin nor myself can teach you. But there are few places in the area I can think of where you will be safer-"

(The hubris of the little dusky dear,) Xenon thought.

"-and once the Citadel has been dealt with, a teacher for you can be found." She looked around the table, neatly avoiding looking at Xenon and Agalein. "Unless someone here is willing to take on the task?"

(Oh woe is me!) Xenon thought. (She doesn't vewy much wike me, do she... heh! And how convenient for her to so take charge and "find" and undoubtedly approve a teacher for little… now Xenon... for Princess Rainbow.)

"At any rate," she continued, "whatever we decide, it would be best for us to be on the move soon. We are a very large target, and it would be better for us to be a moving one. There is a place not too far from here where we can camp, that is moderately shielded from the weather. As for this dragon...?" Raven cast a querying look to Shadowblade.

"Well!" Xenon exclaimed in an appropriate voice for this stage. "I would certainly like to again offer my assistance in these matters. First, I should address a very serious matter that seems to be receiving too little attention for it's magnitude. Her Majesty, Princess Rainbow, has evinced a serious desire for training, showing a well contemplated decision to take the responsible path and not let her Power remain or become further danger to herself or others, by requesting training. If what you wish is a trainer for the nonce dear Lady, I will surely offer my services to assist you and your fine equine lady companion as well, until you come to your own decision as to whether you wish to continue training with me. I would first start you with warding and protection magics, to help you assure your own safety and the safety of others. The choice, of course, is yours to make, Princess and I trust, if no other does, that you will choose as your heart dictates and wisdom requires. You seem quite old enough to make your own decisions, and I but offer to assist out of professional courtesy, and in respect to your rank and your obvious beauty and Talent." He directed his words to the Princess and met her eye with a smile and a nod of respect.

"Second," Xenon again addressed the others, "I should certainly like to help you all deal with my Uncle. He has his faults and most areas of earthshaking and volcano spewing have fewer, but I _do_ know him. There are paths to trod to the Citadel and then there are safer paths to do so. I would not want to see any of you harmed getting there, nor after you have arrived. I do not know what game my uncle plays, but you can be assured that it is intricate and perilous. For all _my_ faults, I have walked that web and lived to escape it. I would but help you do the same. There are good folk here... and I would not see them come... to harm." Xenon felt the catch in his voice, surprised at it nearly as much as anyone else could be. Still, he continued.

"Third, dear, dear, dear, Aggy. As all can see my dear friend Aggy is beautiful and courteous. Her voice sings, but one might have a care with accepting drinks from her. I've known folk to become quite... ill... from doing so. Still, she is surely, indeed, from Medivh. Perhaps death sat ill with him and he sees the error of his former ways. I'd not give it much hope, true, but I am hopelessly romantic enough to believe that the human soul is infinitely capable of good and even a soul so shadowed as his might see the light"

(Yeah, only if a devil shoved it down his rotting throat,) he thought to himself, but his features never showed his... lack of belief on this particular issue. He shook his head sadly.

"Still," he smiled ruefully, "Uncle does set a fine table.

"As for the King and Queen of Teren being torturers, I mean dear Aggy no disrespect and acknowledge her deep feelings on the subject, but when I attended the Teren Court, I found the King to be a generally decent chap, and the Queen to be... quite a forthcoming and interesting lady." He winked at Solarin in friendly fashion. "I could have swooned myself at her beauty, and that for truth. Oh, and _please_, dear Aggy, if you should feel the desire at any time to bare your soft white back to us and let us try to share your pain and perhaps give you what comfort we can, I, for one encourage you to do so.

"Ah well," Xenon sighed. "I cannot blame you for distrust and caution, and such behaviour is wise as a course at most times and in most circumstances. I apologize if my past associations offend you, my dear Dusky Lady and Thee Lord Elf. I assure you I had no part in what happened to your Company. I simply found myself in a position to escape a debt and I did so. I have never met my cousin Kat, but have oft applauded her actions. I am sure she knows nought of me, and I hope to learn more of her in the future and perhaps meet her should the occasion arise. I would be grateful for any word of her you can give to me. I have few relatives left in this world, and she is, in all likelihood, the only one whom I might ever be able to consider a friend.

"That said, if none say nay, I will go with you to the Citadel, assisting as I might and, perhaps garner a bit more trust from you if my luck holds good." Xenon eased the straight and earnest posture he had assumed during the course of his speaking, and relaxed back into his comfortable relaxed lounge, snuggling Sand, and awaiting the reply of any and all.

Dax:
Zeke crouched in the shadows, trying to become one with them. (Isn't that the phrase? First dragons and now there's unicorns dancing daintily across the mud.) He expected a fight, but instead, they seemed to stare longingly into each other's eyes for a while.

(Usually indicative of mind talking, standing slack-jawed being the second,) he thought with a touch of humor. He almost jumped when a voice spoke in his head.

:What are you waiting for? Go inside.: It was Zora. Zeke breathed a _very_ quiet sigh of relief. :How you can forget that another person shares this body I have no idea,: came the scathing continuation.

:There's a dragon and a unicorn out there,: he returned petulantly. (That should explain everything.)

Then things got stranger as a huge black form loomed out of the darkness.

(Another dragon? No, a... sheep.) This turn of events really had him going. (Maybe the farmers here have a lot of problems with dragons, and so breed bigger sheep to feed them?) He noticed that the unicorn looked like someone had just thrown her soul on the rack for an afternoon's pleasure, when the sheep walked up and began looking longingly at the dragon.

(Considering the size of the sheep, maybe the farmers started breeding them big so that the sheep had a fair chance to bite back,) he considered, only half joking as he saw pointed teeth in the sheep's mouth. (Hmm, the unicorn looks like she was just spurned for dinner; she should be happy.)

Zeke watched unhappily as the sheep and the dragon continued staring at each other, wishing hard that they would go away so he could get into the inn. (Hell's bells, I just want a drink, to get dry and maybe a willing woman! Is that so much to ask not to have to stand out here in the rain, slowly being swallowed by the carnivorously muddy streets?) Then he saw what may be a break as they moved further from the side of the building, soon crushed as the sheep turned and trotted back towards what must be the stable. The unicorn following. He hoped the dragon took this as an invitation to dine and headed out too.

He was startled as the green whipped her head around, hissing, then launched herself straight into the air with a powerful thrust of her hind legs, spraying mud against the ground with one flap of her wings, soaking him again in mud in the backlash.

(What the heck?) he thought as he spun to look behind him, to find out what had startled the dragon. (If it scared _her_ I don't want to meet it.)

She fanned her great sails loudly with agitation and dug her hind talons into the roof ridge as she crouched - black against the night sky, only her fiercely glowing eyes and the occasional burst of lightning showing her tensed, gargoyle-like form. She hissed again and then he was slammed back against the wall with the force of her mind-sending.

:I Sense you there in the shadows, sneaking thing... I know not what you are, but you have the stink of foul talismans on you.:

The thinnest wisps of smoke began to twist from her nostrils as she bared flashing white fangs at the formless darkness. :Man, mage, or demonkin, you will feel my teeth, should you attack!:

:Attack?: he returned at a much lower volume. :_You_ nearly drove me through the wall of the building!:

(Uh, oh, it started smoking... smoking is bad, very bad. Anything that smokes is bad, demons, dragons, campfires....) He hated getting smoke in his eyes, worse, the flames which usually followed smoke we quite often painful, even to him. :Uh, you have very fearsome teeth, but I only want to get a drink and get dry... is there a law against that?: Zeke 'Asked the dragon, injecting a note of humor.

(Where is Zora when she could be useful? She's older, she should be dealing with this. Wait, foul talismans? I only have... Oh, frag and devil toes.) He suddenly remembered the dagger he had picked up off the battle field. He checked it and sure enough it came from the netherworlds. (Whew, she couldn't possibly have been able to sense the aura talisman, for its purpose was to hide from mages and magically active.)

:You must be talking about this.: Zeke brandished the offensive dagger. :Here, look, I'll throw it away, I, uh, found it on a battlefield. I had no idea it was foul at the time.: He then threw the dagger out towards the center of town. :See, all gone, no more talismans.: He hoped she was satisfied.

:May I go in now? You do look fearsome there on the roof, with the lightning behind you, although that does make you the tallest thing around, and lightning does like tall things..: Zeke added helpfully.

:She's probably going to fry you for that, idiot. Well, at least I’ll have the body to myself again,: Zora sniped mentally to Zeke.

Andi:
Etain just happened to glance out the window, and saw a face she almost recognized.... Black wavy hair, green eyes, gaunt yet handsome face that she knew almost as well as her own.

(Darro?) she thought. (No, it can't be. He's in Limanse working for some Merchant or another. Why would he be here?).Unfortunately that train of thought was interrupted by the strange mage.

Etain stood abruptly at the sound of the unknown voice. She whirled, facing the strange man, senses straining for any sign of a threat, a knife in each hand. She listened to his speech, carefully noting his body language.

(This is a sly fox,) she thought, (though I'm not sure if he's on the hunt, whatever he is. Stableboy is not the kind of work he was looking for. 'Tis better to wait for now.) She listened as he continued his offer.

(Oh Goddess! Another Mage. We're probably lit up like a beacon from here to the Citadel itself. Damn. How do I get all these people _out_ of here!)

She mindspoke only to Shadowblade, Raven, Solarin, and Muranog, looking them each in the eyes. :We need to get out of here _now_! I, who have limited mage sense can see this place lit up in white-bright light! I can only imagine what you see... I think we'll be safer in the woods, at least... I've heard its not called the Black Woods for nothing! We can figure out this strange man and the dragon when we're safer.... I suggest we go now, or there may not be a later!:

Muranog:
:Trollhome Mountains? Aye, I know of them... but you are neither troll nor dragon. What connection have you to dragons and dragon-friends?: Erelan asked as the huge black sheep approached and greeted her.

Sable smiled, insomuch as a sheep could smile, revealing the sharp teeth that separated her kind, the war sheep, apart from the more peaceful and far smaller cousins with whom they shared the valleys in the mountains.

:Indeed, Scaled One, as you say, I am neither troll nor dragon. I am a war sheep of the Ferrile Valley – Sable by name. But I am bonded, in mind and in soul, to Muranog Shadowbane, an Adept of Ironhold. _He_ is a troll, and a sworn dragon-friend to the Six Dragon Clans. He is within – in the Inn – together with certain others of magical Gift and, I believe, some others of the nonhuman Folk. If you wish it, he can cast – through me – a spell to shrink you so that you may enter the Inn and join those others, as clearly you are no threat to the people here. Alternatively, the stable back here is nice and warm, and since there are stalls big enough for me, there are certainly stalls big enough for you! One way or another, friend dragon, I am sure you wish to get out of this rain. I have given you my name and that of my bondmate; will you now favour me with yours? And you also, friend unicorn? – I can Sense that you are linked in mind with someone within the Inn, but not whom.:

:Bondmate,: Sable sent privately to Muranog inside the Twilight Room, :I have bespoken the young dragon and she clearly bears no ill will to any of us. She is somewhat bedraggled by this accursed weather, poor thing – I would think she has flown quite some way. She reminds me of Stormwing when she was young, and I think we should give her any help she needs.: She quickly updated her troll bondmate on the situation outside the Inn and her exchange with the dragon and the unicorn, and the troll mage agreed.

"My bondmate Sable has bespoken the dragon, and invited her into the Inn to join us," Muranog told the others gathered in the Twilight Room. "Once she has decided whether to accept that offer, perhaps we should begin to plan our journey to this Citadel? Guides are useful, certainly, but maps would be good also – or if not maps, then at least some idea of what we are likely to encounter in this Kaladh Forest. I have never been here before, and neither, as I understand it, have most of the others in our party, and it would be good to be prepared – at least as prepared as we can be – for whatever may come on our way to this fortress of magic. Solarin, if you would like to tell us of your travels in that forest, and the creatures you have come upon? And then you, Xenon?"

:Though I shall trust this Xenon's account of the area but little,: the troll added in private Mindspeech to Solarin only. :If he is both pupil and saviour to one who is an enemy of your people, he is no friend to mine.:

Having said his piece, Muranog resumed his seat on the couch and waited.

Kang:
To Muranog, as others begin speaking:

:i have never seen a troll before you are very interesting and you seem to be very wise in your council it is obvious that you are a seasoned leader i have been to the citadel and was prisoner to medivh there it was not pleasant he is a monster in the truest sense of the word as i understand it he should be destroyed i look forward to talking to you and think you will be of great help in the kaladh i am kang and you have been seeing the Xenon my own he is good with demons and could have helped you in your wars i wonder if you would be so kind as to tell me more about them and you and your people as the others deliberate.:

To Solarin, after he finishes speaking:

:i am kang i speak to many you are right there is good in the kaladh you are right the other place folk are few in the kaladh and medivh did not summon most of them the Xenon my own did and i will ask him to send them back i think he will he only did it to please his uncle but his uncle hates him for the most part i was in the citadel as a prisoner and medivh wanted to use my in his rituals he does do horrible blood magic and i can show you where and will ask the Xenon my own to tell me how so that i can tell you and you can avoid more of it the Xenon my own cannot tell you as much of the warped creatures he does not know as much but i will help serve to watch as i can far sense very far and i will look for danger and try to tell you i do not bear any love for medivh and want to see him destroyed and do not want to see anyone hurt or die i do not see all you say but when you open to several i see some of what you say i am of a strange pattern and hard to notice i hope you will not kill yourself friend solarin you are good and it would be so much a waste please say you will not i can only hear parts without intruding into your senses but i heard you were going to kill yourself and i am distressed and ask you to not do so it would be so horrible and i will help you if i can and tell the Xenon my own to help you you are good and medivh is not it should be simple to see and know what to do destroy medivh we will many of us try to if you will not leave us so soon and to the grave i much am loving elves and much kindness have seen in their hands and all can be worked out.:

To Etain:

:i am kang i know you spoke the others when you saw in their eyes and i could not hear to hear the fairie is harder than some but i did hear you think to your own head that there were so many mages here do not worry so much to this the Xenon my own put the wards on this place here so he could come here and think and medivh could not see and he is good to do the wards and if you do not tarry overlong you will remain safe and we can all plan and then go to the citadel and destroy medivh i was a prisoner there and i know of myself he should be destroyed and i know to tell you that he is at this time weak as he is not yet fully recovered from being brought back and it is his physical form which is the worst to suffer and if you drove your fairie steel deep in him i think he would die of it and so when we go i will help you look to a good time to do this if you will you are fast and i think you may move the quiet or the elf blade where the human raven will be felt by him more coming and so end his very bad person in blood such as he is so quick to spill of others.:

To Raven, as she muses:

:i am kang and i hear you in your head wonder if the Xenon my own would like to see his relative this woman kat and i will tell you that at this time a little before this time in the now he did wish to do so he is lonely but will never say it and he thinks you are pretty and it will be most interesting to see if you or the elder adept muranog begin to do the most leading here for this group and when we reach the citadel i can scout with my very far farsenses and help you even if the Xenon my own is angry and will not for medivh should die i was a prisoner in the citadel and i have seen his blood magic and it is foul i hope you will let me assist i would see him destroyed from this world and no longer hurt so many.:

Kang was very disappointed when no one answered his friendly overtures, no one even seemed to hear him.

Raven Darkblade:
"I would go with you, Raven and Solarin, if you'd have me tag along. My skills as an archer -," here, Shadowblade gestured at the bow and quiver slung at her back, "-and as a mage would serve well in your group. I have some skill in scouting, and, I admit freely, in convenient deaths. Allow me to join you, if you please."

Raven nodded. "We'll have you, all right - if you'd chosen not to come along, I might have tried to change your mind. You needn't sell your skills to me; I know and trust them."

:A relief,: Solarin 'Said to Raven, :to know there are some with us we can trust. We're toying with lightning, shayala.:

:I know,: she answered quietly.

"Solarin, if you would like to tell us of your travels in that forest, and the creatures you have come upon? And then you, Xenon?"

Solarin nodded to the troll, graciously. "The Kaladh itself is not wholly bent to Savar's will - nor shall it be as long as my people move within it, and we yet do, in small numbers - and there are places that have, to some measure, been warded against his Power and his creatures. Also, here are some of the Folk who make their homes in the Kaladh, who might be called upon to aid us. As to the rest... there are some creatures who were summoned by Savar from other Planes, but they are relatively few. More common are those wild things which were changed by Savar's magic into predators, and bound to him to serve as his... watchdogs, if you will. Not only animals, like the wyverns and the screylinhs, but also some plants, and there are traps of several kinds as well. Generally, in the Kaladh one should be wary of anything that seems innocuous - and the friendlier it seems, the warier one should be. I have some earth-sense by virtue of my race, of a similar kind to what our friend Muranog -," Solarin nodded to the troll, "-has, though weaker than it might be if I were bonded to the land here. Between the lot of us, if we are cautious, we should be able to avoid being fatally surprised."

Privately, he added to Muranog, :I cannot say whose side this Xenon is on. Half-elven as he is, Savar cannot bear much love for him - Savar hates my kind with an unholy passion, and has gone so far as to ally with the dark elves against us. Still, he is a master of subversion, and it is possible that his pupil shares that mastery.:

"Her Majesty, Princess Rainbow, has evinced a serious desire for training, showing a well contemplated decision to take the responsible path and not let her Power remain or become further danger to herself or others, by requesting training. If what you wish is a trainer for the nonce dear Lady, I will surely offer my services to assist you and your fine equine lady companion as well, until you come to your own decision as to whether you wish to continue training with me. I would first start you with warding and protection magics, to help you assure your own safety and the safety of others."

Raven ground her teeth together at Xenon's offer, but Solarin 'Said, :Pegasi are canny, and not easily subverted. I think that should young Rainbow become in danger from Xenon's influence, her winged friend would become aware and endeavor to do something about it. We can only be wary, and keep watch on him and on Agalein at all times.:

She nodded, ever-so-slightly, as Xenon continued.

:I will not follow this one without testing the way,: Raven told Solarin firmly.

:Indeed, shayala. Nor shall I. Patience.:

"Third, dear, dear dear, Aggy. As all can see my dear friend Aggy is beautiful and courteous. Her voice sings, but one might have a care with accepting drinks from her. I've known folk to become quite... ill... from doing so."

Raven could not suppress a slight, wolfish grin at this. (In that, at least, we are in accord....)

"Still, she is surely, indeed, from Medivh. Perhaps death sat ill with him and he sees the error of his former ways. I'd not give it much hope, true, but I am hopelessly romantic enough to believe that the human soul is infinitely capable of good and even a soul so shadowed as his might see the light. Still, Uncle does set a fine table."

:As I trust him little, I trust Savar not at all. Agalein may argue until she is blue in the face - the fact is that he is a Blood Mage who draws power from the tormenting and breaking of the innocent.: Through Solarin, this went to all those at the table who Raven felt could be trusted - the same group whom Solarin has Bespoken minutes ago.

Solarin added, :I know it as well as you, and I would take my own life before I would place it in his hands willingly.: Coming from an elf, for whom suicide was tantamount to sacrilege, this was a grave statement indeed.

:So,: Solarin 'Said to his partner, :he's been to Teren. I wonder if it was Kharvasi and Angharad he met, or the rulers before them.:

:I wonder,: Raven agreed. :Angharad's parents were as devious as the path of the Leviathan river, and as treacherous as the Kaladh.:

"Ah well," Xenon sighed. "I cannot blame you for distrust and caution, and such behavior is wise as a course at most times and in most circumstances. I apologize if my past associations offend you my dear Dusky Lady and Thee Lord Elf."

Waspishly, Raven remarked to Solarin, :If he uses the word 'dusky' in reference to me one more time, I'll hand him his bowels on a plate.: Her partner responded with a slight mental chuckle, as Xenon continued.

"I assure you I had no part in what happened to your Company. I simply found myself in a position to escape a debt and I did so. I have never met my cousin Kat, but have oft applauded her actions. I am sure she knows nought of me, and I hope to learn more of her in the future and perhaps meet her should the occasion arise. I would be grateful for any word of her you can give to me. I have few relatives left in this world, and she is, in all likelihood, the only one whom I might ever be able to consider a friend."

(Well, isn't that interesting?) Raven thought. (If only we could be sure he meant it....)

"That said, if none say nay, I will go with you to the Citadel, assisting as I might and, perhaps garner a bit more trust from you if my luck holds good."

Raven, seeing no need for more words, merely nodded acceptance. Casting a light mental query to Mor to be sure all was yet well, she waited to see what those who had not yet spoken would say.

Dax and Adrienne:
"This is my son, Ruvan," Aya answered. "I am afraid he might become ill from this weather. That is why I am looking for an inn." Her voice became soft and edged with the husk of tears held in check, Dakorillon heard.

(The poor little sprite,) he thought about the baby. Then he waited for her to calm herself, watching her closely. (Was she faking it? No, there was genuine love in her voice.) He gazed at her face until she continued.

"It has been a long time since I have had anybody except my son and myself to converse with while traveling. Would you mind traveling with us? Perhaps you know the way to the nearest town," she added with a smile.

Dak warmed to her smile, desire sparking again. (Hasn't had anyone around, hmm? I'll bet its been a long time since you've had anyone to... converse... with.) His mind ran rampant for a second, images flashing that would surely cause her to blush if she knew. (I'll happily be your knight, my lady fair, my armor is a bit dented and tarnished, but in the dark, who's to notice? Luck and Love, getting lost isn't half so bad! Oh, yeah, town....)

Dakorillon SilverSong swept a bow again, then spoke, brushing the errant lock back again.

"My dear lady, I would be honored to accompany you and your precious cargo to the next town, I was just on the way there myself, and I can lead two as assuredly as one", (no lie that). He smiled gallantly, then removed his cloak revealing the silk shirt and black leather vest beneath as well as well-used sword and dagger hilts.

Aliaya barely hid her smile at Dakorillon's healthy lust. She was actually quite used to hearing the randy thoughts of others. People at court were very crude about what they wanted to do with each other. At least Dakorillon's thoughts had a bit of romance to them. (Besides, he seems to have been traveling a long while, too. And I'm no stranger to cold nights wrapped within oneself trying to stay warm, and longing for someone to be there to warm me. He's probably had just a few too many of those sorts of nights. Sorjo used to tell me about what he and his friends were like before he married me. Dakorillon is likely no different.) Aliaya did not notice that the pain that always accompanied thoughts of Sorjo was absent this time.

The light was floating gently in the air now and bobbed as Dak wrapped his cloak, warmed from his body and carrying his scent, spicy and musky at once, around her and Ruvan. Then without a by-your-leave, he picked her up and set her on the Black's back, tucking the cloak tightly around her legs.

(Oh, my that is a nice waist, and those legs are the shapeliest you've seen in weeks, Dak, wonder who would just leave her to her own like that? Doesn't deserve her whoever he is.) He then picked up her two bags and fastened them to the back of the saddle.

Aliaya let out a little squeal of surprise at being bodily hefted onto the horse's back. (Now, where did that noise come from?) she asked herself. His cloak felt so warm and nice. Ruvan gurgled happily and fell to sleep against her chest. And his cloak smelt warm and nice, too. Aliaya caught herself before her thoughts began to wander. (No need to let his lust and beauty get me started.) Then she caught his reflections on her body. She frowned slightly. In court, voluptuous woman were considered beautiful. She had become quite skinny, not underfed, she couldn't allow herself to not eat for very long because Ruvan's dinner relied on Aliaya having dinner. Her arms and legs had become muscled, which is not considered attractive, at least not in court. (At least my breasts are still full,) she thought with humour.

(There, the poor thing weighs a little bit of nothing, no problem, right, old boy?) The Black seemed to eye him reproachfully. (All right then, the last of the grain.) Dak pulled the last of the grain from a saddle bag and doled it out to the horse, who looked a little perkier if no less wet when finished. His new charge hadn't said a word the entire time, as though she was sizing him up, or listening to something he couldn't hear, though he could swear she seemed amused at one point.

"How's that, Aya? A little warmer?" The words were filled with multiple meanings. Dak smiled up, a boyish grin, but the look in gut-twisting blue eyes belied its innocence.

"Thank you, Dak-dakor-illion," she stumbled over his name. (Oh, yes, he'll appreciate me mangling his name.) Then Aliaya's nurturing nature surfaced. "But what about you? You'll surely freeze. I'll not have you freeze because of me."

Dakorillon opened his mouth to answer in true and gallant fashion when he was interrupted by a sleepy little voice.

"Umm dak-dak."

Dakorillon looked around, startled. Aliaya looking no less startled as she realized that the sounds had come from Ruvan.

(Coincidence? Had to be – he's deaf, he couldn't have heard me stumble over Dakorillon's, Daxor-, Dak-, what is his name? They are so much easier in my country.)

"May name is pronounced Dakorillon, but you may call me Dak if it is easier for you." (Or darling if you prefer.) "Don't worry about the weather it is of little moment to me," he replied with all the penache he could muster.

(So what if I'm freezing? It sounds good, and they need it worse than I do. You've spent plenty a night huddled from the snow with nothing more than rags, Dak, my boy, what's a little rain?)

The mage-light bobbed soggily in front of them as Dak led Black through the night. After a while he began to wonder, (What am I doing? They need warmth, not more wet travel. We should stop. I think I can rig a tent and provide a little heat if not a fire....) More rampant thoughts raged within him, warring with the shivers that kept racking his frame. (Yes, warmth.)

He stopped the horse and looked up Aya, shrouded in his cloak, looking nearly asleep. "We are not going to reach the town tonight, dear heart. If you don't mind, Black needs to rest. I can have us a small camp in no time and we can use our body heat to warm one another, e'en though no fire will burn in this downpour." (I'm so cold, that I can't hardly think lusty thoughts, much less try anything, so you are perfectly safe this evening, my dear,) he added to himself.

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