Trouble Right Here in River City!

Juste Rivers, Hobbit of the River Lands

Juste Rivers hums and sings, mostly out of tune as he skips around his little hobbit house, putting the finishing touches on the foods for the evening market.

Juste Rivers: "Dis 'ere strawberry goes right der," the hobbit sings, dropping the big berry on top of a pie. "And dis 'ere goes wif da pig chops," he sings sliding some mushrooms onto the plates.

Juste Rivers skips about, clapping his little hands together as his tongue lolls out the corner of his mouth, a habit which seemingly helps him concentrate.

Juste Rivers packs all the dishes securely into a big wicker basket and heaves it up into his arms. His knees buckle a bit as he makes his way out of his cottage, arms wrapped around the big basket, grunting and moving in a crouch.

 Juste Rivers: "Argh," he lets out a loud cry as his hairy foot catches on something on the ground and the basket falls from his arms, taking him down with it.

Juste Rivers: "Wut dat?" he mumbles as he flails about the ground, caught up in a heap of blood stained and torn clothes. And as he rises, and sees the blood on his own clothes, his arms begin to flail and he does a dance, hopping from foot to foot, screaming at the top of his lungs, "The dowries done kilt someone.... the dowries done kilt someone...."

Juste Rivers looks at his huge basket of foot and lickity split, he leaps over it and runs toward Cheshire screaming  over and over as his puny arms flail in the air, "The dowries done kilt someone...."

Fitheach Eun: As Fit nears the bridge, she hears someone shouting and runs in that direction.

Fitheach Eun sees Juste running wildly and shouts to him, "Juste what is wrong?"

Juste Rivers sees Fit, and begins to run in circles around her, flailing his arms, "The dowries done kilt someone..." and he charges off toward Cheshire running as fast as he can.

Fitheach Eun runs after him, "Juste where?"

Fitheach Eun:  "Where is someone killed?"

Juste Rivers pushes past the people setting up for market, knocking one fellow down and just keeps running till he pushes open the doors of the inn, runs behind the counter and cringes under it.

Fitheach Eun leaps the fallen man and runs behind Juste into the tavern just in time to see him crouch down.

Fitheach Eun: "Juste, calm down; no one is after you. What did you see?"

Juste Rivers: "Missy Fit, Missy Fit, da dowries done kilt someone. Dey is a pile of bloody clothes at da glen and me knows it bees one of da hobbits," he says cringing and crying in his little corner.

Fitheach Eun: "I will go look; you stay here, Juste and have some tea." Fit nods at Betha and leaves still running.

Juste Rivers raises his arm up over his head, whimpering still, mumbling about the dowries. He manages to grab onto a chunk of bread from the counter and sits there munching it for after all food is the only thing that might calm him down.

Contessa Lacombe walks into the tavern and finds it empty.

Contessa Lacombe: "Betha, where is everyone?"

Contessa Lacombe: "Juste, is that you back there?"

Juste Rivers: "Missy Tessa," he says in a whiny, almost kid like voice, peeking up, his eyes level with the counter, his little hands digging into it.

Contessa Lacombe: :"Juste? Whatever is going on?"

Juste Rivers falls back down into his corner, one arm wrapped tight about himself as he chews on the big chunk of bread, "Dey coming fer me, Missy Tessa. Dey gone kill mees dead is whut dey gone do."

Contessa Lacombe: "No.  You stay there.  I'm going to look for Fit."

Juste Rivers: "NOOOO," he screams. "Da dowries be killing da peoples Missy Tessa."

Contessa Lacombe grumbles, "Drow."

Contessa Lacombe: "I'll be back."

Juste Rivers: "Dey gone kill mees. Dey gone kill Missy Tessa. Den dey gone kills all da people in da lands," he mumbles. And as a sidebar, "Den who da hobbit gone do da cooking fer?"

Aldina Gratly walks into the tavern

Aldina Gratly: "Why Juste, whatever are you doing back there?"

Juste Rivers hears the door open and cringes tighter into a small ball under the counter.

Juste Rivers: "Mees nots 'ere. Just Betha bees 'ere now," he whimpers.

Aldina Gratly: "What are you talking about? Dowries?"

 Aldina Gratly: "Juste, come out. It is okay. There are no dowries here."

Juste Rivers: "Missy Dina, is dat yous or one of dem dowries in disguisables?" he asks peering up, his eyes again level with the counter.

Aldina Gratly: "It is me, Juste. Dina."

Aldina Gratly walks around the counter, "Come my little friend. Let's sit and have a bit to eat, shall we?"

Juste Rivers: 'No, mees can't leaves 'ere. Da dowries done kilt one of da hobbits and dey is coming after mees next."

Aldina Gratly inwardly cringes, "What did you say? A hobbit is dead?"

Aldina Gratly: "Well, that counter is not gonna stop a Drow."

Juste Rivers nods, taking anothe big bite of bread, "Dey done kilt one of da hobbits in da glen," he says holding up his bloody hands.

Aldina Gratly: "Lets' go wash those hands shall we? Then we will have a bite to eat."

Juste Rivers: "Wells, maybe mees could eats a little bit. You sure der be no dowries out der?"

Aldina Gratly touches Juste's hands, "Let me see..." and she goes into a trance. "Let me see......ohhhhhh.....nooooo......looks like a demon but not sure...." and she jumps back as if she were slapped.

Aldina Gratly: "Juste wash your hands at once!"

Juste Rivers: 'WHUT BEES DA MATTER," he shouts startled and begins shaking his hands. ""Da demon done gots me, da demon done gots me" and he begins to run around inside the inn in circles, flailing his puny arms

Aldina Gratly: "Juste stop it! The Demon has NOT got you."

Aldina Gratly: "But, you eating with bloody hands, not good."

Juste Rivers jumps up and down trying to shake the blood from his hands, "The demon done got on me, Missy Dina. It gone sorb into me and make me like one of dem dowries."

Aldina Gratly grabs him, "Stop!"

Aldina Gratly "Come, let's wash up shall we? Then we will sit in the corner by the fire."

Juste Rivers jerks to a halt, almost falling as she grabs hold of him, "We gots to 'ide  Missy Dina. We gots to 'ide fore dem dowries gets us."

Aldina Gratly: "Well they wont get us right now. so let's wash up and eat."

Juste Rivers looks up at her now quite serious. "Does you got some of dem turkey legs mees likes?"

Aldina Gratly decides to lie and says "Yes."

Juste Rivers: "Mees will quit running if you gives me one," he says with a big kid hopeful look on his face.

Aldina Gratly: "Umm let me check my bag," fumbles around and sighs. "They are all gone."

Juste Rivers: "You done et dem all? And you did not save even da one fer da mergencies?"

Juste Rivers: "Mees 'eard you 'ad da sight Missy Dina."

Aldina Gratly: "Um yes I do, Juste. But, no one believes me."

Juste Rivers stomps his foot, "Den why did you nots know to save me one of dem turkey legs for dis mergency?"

Aldina Gratly: "Because I got frightened and ate it?"

Aldina Gratly: "Now, please go wash your hands. It is making me quite ill."

Juste Rivers grumbles and goes behind the counter, collecting plates of food, "Mees got da works to do.

Aldina Gratly: "Wash those hands!"


MEANWHILE, back at the hobbit glen ---

Fitheach Eun reaches the hobbit glen and wanders through looking for what Juste described.

Fitheach Eun checks the small houses and their yards carefully but sees nothing until she approaches the bridge.

Fitheach Eun notices  a dark shadow on the ground and approaches it carefully.

Fitheach Eun: Bending down, she examines the small pile of clothing, ripped and covered in blood; taking out her dagger she pokes through it, finding a small arm bone and several finger bones all hobbit sized, but nothing more.

Fitheach Eun: Sadly she pulls out her cloak and wraps the remains up in it so they could have a proper ceremony. There are no tracks to be seen and no trail of blood leading away, whoever or whatever did this has disappeared without a trace.

Fitheach Eun stands and looks at the blood on the ground and implores the fire spirits to come and cleanse it; lifting a hand to them in entreaty.

Fitheach Eun: There is a flash and all the blood is gone leaving only charred grass.

Fitheach Eun looks up towards the castle and wonders if the druid is home.

Fitheach Eun wraps the remains more tightly and decides that town is the better bet; walking slowly she heads that way.

Contessa Lacombe: runs along the edge of the river

Fitheach Eun: As Fit approaches the river she sees Tessa running towards her

Fitheach Eun: "Greetings Tessa."

Contessa Lacombe: "Fit? What's going on? Juste is mumbling about a Drow killing hobbits."

Fitheach Eun: "We seem to have a problems, someone or something has killed one of the hobbits."

Contessa Lacombe: "What? Who? Could you tell who it was?"

Fitheach Eun: "I cannot tell; there was little left to identify; what there is is wrapped in this cloak."

Fitheach Eun: "I was hoping to find the Druid or one of the guards."

Fitheach Eun looks tat Tessa sadly, "Let's head back into town."

Fitheach Eun: "Whoever this is deserves a proper ceremony."

Contessa Lacombe follows Fit across the bridge.

Fitheach Eun walks into the market carrying the bundle which shows blood soaking through the cloak. Everyone goes silent and draws back looking at it.

Contessa Lacombe: "Where should we put her....him?"

Fitheach Eun walks up to the guard house and carries the bundle inside. placing it by the end of one of the benches.

Fitheach Eun: She looks at the guard captain soberly and says softly: "This hobbit has been violently killed, please make sure the proper ceremonies are done."

Contessa Lacombe: "Fit, shouldn't we tell Jaek?"

 Fitheach Eun turns to Tessa: "Yes if we can find him."

Contessa Lacombe: "Shall we start at his castle? Or maybe his cottage?"

Fitheach Eun: Let me ask the guard.

Fitheach Eun turns to the guard captain: " Have you seen the Druid this evening, cousin?"

Fitheach Eun: The guard captain nods and say the Druid had gone into the forest earlier and had not yet returned.

Fitheach Eun looks at Tessa; " I do not know if it makes sense to follow him? We do not really know which way he went."

Contessa Lacombe: "I don't know. I'm afraid that if we do, we will just miss him."

Fitheach Talks to Dina

Aldina Gratly "I am enjoying this dancing, wish I had the stamina to do it all the time. Oh god's help me, my head aches so much."

Aldina Gratly hollers out to Betha, "Please bring me a soothing tea..something with willow bark."

Aldina Gratly slowly sips the brew as Bertha looks on with concern

Aldina Gratly: "Oh thank you Bertha. Yes I will be alright."

Aldina Gratly something is not right.

Aldina Gratly finishes my dance, "My throbbing head is begging for my pillow, yes to ease it. I will go home."

Fitheach Eun strolls into Cheshire for some dinner and heads for the tavern.

Fitheach Eun sees the gypsy and smiles.

Fitheach Eun: "Why Dina, how are you?"

Aldina Gratly "Ah hello Fit."

Aldina Gratly "Not to well. I have a very bad headache, was just heading home."

Fitheach Eun: "I am sorry to hear that; is there anything I can do to help? I could make you some of my headache tea?"

Aldina Gratly accidentally bumps fit and stands there eyes wide and dead silence.

Fitheach Eun: "You do not look well at all."

Aldina Gratly grabs my head,  "Arrgh," whispers hoarsely.  "Something is wrong. Oh so very wrong."

Fitheach Eun: "Why don't you sit down and I will brew some of that tea for you?"

Aldina Gratly: "Ah thank you, it might help," grabs my head again.

Aldina Gratly sits and rests my head on the cool table.

Fitheach Eun walks over to the kitchen  and asks Betha if she may use the stove?

Fitheach Eun: She rummages through her packets of herbs and find the one with willow bark, chamomile and lavender

Aldina Gratly starts mumbling, "I can't see it ...all black. Please let me see."

Fitheach Eun grabs a kettle of hot water and a cup she walks back to the table where Dina is sitting.

Fitheach Eun drops the herb packet into the cup and pours hot water over it.

Aldina Gratly grabs Fit's hand and looks up at her with blank eyes, "Something is very wrong."

Fitheach Eun sits next to Dina and squeezes her hand, "Tell me about it?"

Aldina Gratly "I...I cant I don't know what it is, but I see danger."

Fitheach Eun: "Danger? What kind of danger?"

Aldina Gratly sips the tea, "Mmm, very good."

Aldina Gratly "I don't know, the Gods will not let me see."

Aldina Gratly "It will affect the whole of the River Lands."

Fitheach Eun: "That sounds very serious; what can we do to prepare?"

Aldina Gratly grabs Fit's hand again and .hisses in a low raspy voice, "Your time has come to die."

Aldina Gratly stands up in fright, "Did did I say something?"

Fitheach Eun raises her eyebrows and looks at Dina seriously. "Sit down again, my dear."

Fitheach Eun: "You were predicting some one's death."

Aldina Gratly "No, I  am sorry. I have to go." And she runs for the door.

Aldina Gratly runs all the way home and goes into my vardo, "I feel safe now."

Fitheach Eun runs after her but not fast enough and she disappears from sight.

Fitheach Talks to Xella about the Demon

 Fitheach Eun searches for the mermaid near the waterfall.

Xella Steward smiles as she sees the pale elf.

 Fitheach Eun: She knows that spot is one of her favorite haunts.

 Fitheach Eun spots her friend in the water and waves.

  Xella Steward waves back happily.

 Xella Steward flops onto the land.

Fitheach Eun: "How are you, Xella; I have not seen you in some days?"

 Xella Steward: "I am......troubled......."

 Xella Steward smiles at her softly,

Fitheach Eun: "Troubled?"

 Xella Steward nods and sighs

Fitheach Eun walks closer, "What troubles you, my friend?"

Xella Steward: "Dina,"

 Fitheach Eun: "Dina? But I thought you were such great friends?"

 Xella Steward: "She insists that my new friend Ryn is the demon."

Xella Steward: "And claims I've signed her death warrant."

Fitheach Eun: Ryn; "Who is Ryn?"

Xella Steward: "A good Drow I met."

Xella Steward pats the rock beside her for fit to sit.

Xella and Fitheach

Fitheach Eun: "Good and Drow do not normally go in the same sentence."

Xella Steward smiles, "There are exceptions to every rule."

Fitheach Eun: "Well that is certainly possible," she says thinking about the story of Jaek's foster father.

Fitheach Eun: "What makes you think this Ryn is a good Drow?"

Xella Steward: "First off, he has been nothing but kind to me."

Xella Steward: "Second off, he likes sticky buns," she laughs softly.

Fitheach Eun smiles.

Xella Steward: "Just a feeling I get around him, I feel calm and safe."

Fitheach Eun: "That sounds like a good thing."

Xella Steward nods unaware the feeling is due to the demon's power.

Fitheach Eun: "How did a Drow happen to come here?"

Xella Steward head tilts, "You know, he didn't say"

Fitheach Eun: "He didn't? But, perhaps, you talked of other things than why he was here?"

 Xella Steward nods and smiles "We talked about local gosip, and such."

Fitheach Eun: "Ah, what is the current gossip then? I seldom get to hear it."

Xella Steward: "Ah, when I last saw him i told him about the demon looking like a Drow,"

Fitheach Eun: "The demon that Jaek and I rescued Kat from?"

Fitheach Eun: "He looks like a Drow?"

Xella Steward: "And how he should be careful not to be mistaken. I also told him that Jae wished to meet him for tea," she nods.

Xella Steward: "That's what gossip, and Dina......are saying."

Xella Steward face falls when she mentions Dina.

Fitheach Eun: Ah I see; Dina believes your Ryn is the demon Drow?

Xella Steward: "Yes, and its caused a huge rift."

Xella Steward: "She even told Jae about it, even yelling at his Majesty."

Fitheach Eun: "Oh dear...that is bad of her."

Xella Steward nods.

Fitheach Eun: "So I gather you think it impossible that Ryn is what Dina says he is?"

Fitheach Eun: "And the Druid was comfortable enough to have him over for tea?"

Xella Steward nods "You know, I wonder if the real demon hasn't gotten to Dina, making her spread lies. And, yes, he was."

Fitheach Eun: "Demons can have many effects on people; they can usually create the illusion they want to be seen."

Fitheach Eun: "Perhaps he has affected Dina."

 Xella Steward sighs and nods "She has been acting so odd, even wishing to lock me up."

Xella Steward looks at Fit, true worry for Dina in her eyes.

Fitheach Eun: "Lock you up?"

Xella Steward: "She says I'm a danger."

Xella Steward laughs with little humor.

Fitheach Eun: "From this Ryn? But you said he was kind to you and he is here alone?"

Xella Steward: "I know."

Xella Steward: "That is why I think she is acting odd."

Fitheach Eun: "It does seem odd, but surely she has your welfare at heart; she is a good friend."

Xella Steward: "But, if the demon got her?"

Fitheach Eun: "Hmmm, well there is that."

Xella Steward: "I know Dina, we've gotten into enough trouble together for that, and I say she is different."

Fitheach Eun: "I cannot believe she would betray you, though; she really cares for you."

Xella Steward: "I know."

Xella Steward: "Worst thing, she accuses me of betraying her."

Fitheach Eun: "She does? Why?"

Xella Steward: "Says i stood there while the demon choked her."

Fitheach Eun: "I cannot believe you would do this?"

Xella Steward: "When I know that the day she claims this happened I took her to the waterfall to help her get over a hangover."

Xella Steward sighs.

Fitheach Eun: "And what happened?"

Xella Steward: "We where at the tavern, she had a headache, so I thought we would come to the falls."

Xella Steward: "We sat here and her headache went away, and returned to the tavern."

Fitheach Eun: "But, she says during that time the demon choked her while you watched?"

 Xella Steward nods, "Yes. But, only a week after."

Fitheach Eun: "Really; that is very strange... you should make up with her, Xella; she is a good friend to you. Perhaps she needs help now?"

Xella Steward: "I tried......just a few days ago."

 Xella Steward sighs, "She refused to listen."

Fitheach Eun: "Perhaps, if you do not bring up the Drow?"

Xella Steward: "I'll try that next time."

Fitheach Eun:" I hope that works for you."

Xella Steward nods

Fitheach Eun: "I had better go find Jaek; we need to plan some ummm hunting."

Xella Steward nods, "Take care Fit."

Fitheach Eun: "Fair winds to you, my friend."

Xella Steward looks up at the stars and smiles.

The Demon and the Drowess Plot the Druid's Capture

Arianna Shadowdew quickens her pace, anxious to return to their lair, deep within the caves of Calenhad. There is much to discuss with the demon, if her plans are going to start falling into place.

Ilmryn Xiltyn moves about the lair, his spirits heightened as threads of powers push through him. He moves along the walls, running his clawed hands over the stone. The sound is disturbing enough yet the image of him gliding effortlessly around the confines of the lair is something short of terrifying.

The Demon Clawing at the Walls

Arianna Shadowdew makes her way through the tunnels in total darkness, her eyes perfectly adjusted to the environment. She moves about stealthily until she finally comes up behind the demon.

Ilmryn Xiltyn turns to face her, a snarl on his thin lips as he hisses, *Jabress, you have returned. How did your journey go to the homeland?"

Arianna Shadowdew almost smiles, she has such a smug look on her face. "Rather well if I do say so myself. I have troops at my disposal, should I need them. Though after what happened just before I left, I think they might not even be necessary."

Ilmryn Xiltyn gave a small smile, "Something happened that pleased you? Do tell, Jabress."

Arianna Shadowdew takes a seat on the rocks, making herself quite at home. "You will never guess who decided to pay us a visit...and ALL alone"

 Ilmryn Xiltyn: "We had company, Jabress? And I wasn't home to greet them," he says as he settles into a crouch across the fire from her. "Just tell me, I am in no mood for... games."

Arianna Shadowdew arches an eyebrow giving the demon a displeased look before continuing. "The Druid himself! I found him lurking about in the dark."

Ilmryn Xiltyn: "The Druid? Well, well," he says flicking his tongue at the corner of his mouth, "What a treat that must have been for you, Jabress. How did the...um... reunion go?"

Arianna Shadowdew a wicked smile appears on her lips, "It was quite rewarding." she speaks in a growl. "Looking him in the eyes when I told him that his dear father was dead by my hand was utterly satisfying"

Ilmryn Xiltyn lets out a bit of a chuckle, "I do not think I have ever seen you so excited about anything, Jabress. And I have news of my own; I visited the castle and made nice with the foolish elf only last evening."

Arianna Shadowdew eyes widen, "Well it seems fortune smiles on us both!" lets out a low raspy laugh.

Ilmryn Xiltyn: He does not trust me, of that I am certain. But, he is off his guard and now would be an opportune time to.... " and he lets his words trail off.

Arianna Shadowdew taps a finger against her lips as she thinks, "You know Ryn, he was overly emotional when he met me so he was off his guard, but I doubt he would come down here alone again, knowing that I may be about." ponders for a moment, "He isn't a skilled fighter, though he does have magic, which I do not understand. "

Ilmryn Xiltyn nods as a hand plays with the coals in the fire, picking one up and letting it roll about like a toy, "Perhaps, I could distract him in the forests. Perhaps, you could subdue him and we could take him easily."

Arianna Shadowdew stands and begins to pace slowly as she thinks. "If you can lure him into an area where he is away from his guards, I can use a poisoned tip arrow to incapacitate him. Mind you, I know how much of my poisons to use, it would only make him unconscious and feverish, though it won't kill him, unless I continue to up the dose."

Ilmryn Xiltyn continues to stare at the fire rolling his eyes up to watch her as she paces, "That would work, Jabress. But, you will have to keep him unconscious while we have him. If he awakens, his magic could be our downfall."

Arianna Shadowdew nods, "Well I leave it into your capable hands Ryn. Bring him to me, and I shall take care of the rest."

Ilmryn Xiltyn nods, rising as his tongue licks across his teeth, "How soon do you want this done, Jabress?"

Arianna Shadowdew narrows her eyes thinking about Jaekob, "As soon as you are able"

Ilmryn Xiltyn nods, "So be it, then. He routinely goes out searching for herbs and we may be able to take him as soon as tomorrow or the next day."

Arianna Shadowdew: Very well, then we shall have our fun soon enough.

Ilmryn Xiltyn nods and says nothing further, he makes his way slowly out of the lair to go in seach of food.

Jaekob Talks to Fit About His Past

Jaekob Faola paces, back a forth, his shoulders slumped and a tired look on his face.

Fitheach Eun walks slowly into the study, wondering if Jaek is there. "Jaek? Are you in here," she asks peering around the corner.

Fitheach Eun: Jaek?

Jaekob Faolan turns to the sound of her voice, "Ah, Fit," he says softly, the words almost inaudible.

Fitheach Eun: "Quel undome, Master druid. How are you this evening?"

Jaekob Faolan: "My Druid Sister, suilad," he says motioning to a seat. "Come sit with me hmm?"

Fitheach Eun smiles back and sits in the corner of the sofa.

Jaekob Faolan follows her with his eyes and after she sits, he moves to sit across from her, pushing his back into the chair.

 Fitheach Eun: "You look tired, my lord; are you all right?"

The Druids, Fitheach and Jaekob

Jaekob Faolan shakes his head, rubbing his temple, "Fit, so much.....well....." and he leans in to speak low.

Fitheach Eun leans forward looking concerned.

Jaekob Faolan: "Something...well....Fit, I encountered a Drowess in the dark caverns several days ago. And... well.....this is no good thing most assuredly."

Fitheach Eun: "A Drowess?"

Fitheach Eun: "There is more than one of them around?"

Jaekob Faolan nods, chewing on his lip, "I had hoped to get some insight on the Demon, but suddenly there she was. And.... and... Fit, I know her."

Fitheach Eun: "You KNOW her?"

Fitheach Eun: "How on earth..."

Jaekob Faolan: "Yes, she is.....is... the sister of the man who raised me. I had.....well... its been decades since I have seen her. And I think she is behind some of our problems."

Fitheach Eun leans closer, looking confused. "You were raised by a Drow? How can that be?"

Jaekob Faolan: "Well, it is a long story. I have never meant it to be a secret, but it was not important. He was kind to me and raised me to be the elf I am now."

Fitheach Eun smiles: "He sounds a most unusual Drow then."

Fitheach Eun: "Why do you think your ummmm aunt? is behind our problems?"

Jaekob Faolan pushes back into his chair, chewing on his lips, "He was typical as Drow go, my dear. But, with me he was...different."

Fitheach Eun looks seriously at the druid.  "He must have been for you have surely not turned out drowlike."

Jaekob Faolan: "Yes, I think she is behind what is going on. And I think her hated of me is what has brought her to our lands," he says as he swallows a dry throat. "Father would never have allowed it, but....but....she says that she has killed him."

Fitheach Eun sits up suddenly: "Oh no, that is evil; surely she could not slay her own kin?"

Jaekob Faolan: "It is not so uncommon for Drow, Fit. Their agenda is only to rise in power. And though he was male, he had a lot of sway in the community. She never forgave him for bringing a wood elf into their family and raising him... well, me....with kindness."

Fitheach Eun: "Ah, that would lower her status then?"

Jaekob Faolan: "It did. Having a woodborn elf in the family lowered the family's standing immensely. It made them appear weak."

Fitheach Eun: "Oh course it would...yes, you would normally be prey to Drow."

Fitheach Eun: "I do not wish to pry, but how did you happen to end up with the Drow?"

Jaekob Faolan sighs, "It is not prying. I will tell you the short of it."

Jaekob Faolan: Father, not my natural father obviously, met my mother and they fell in love. But, their love was an impossible one and they parted ways."

Jaekob Faolan: "I was the product of an unwanted attack on my mother and she died on the day I was born."

Jaekob Faolan: "Obviously, I was not wanted and would have been a bit of an outcast. Father knew that and because of his love for my mother, he came and stole me away and raised me as his own."

Fitheach Eun: "I am sorry to hear that, it is a sad way to come into the world. Although it sounds like you adopted father was a noble Drow to rescue you that way."

Jaekob Faolan nods, "But, now my past has come to haunt us in the form of his sister, Arianna."

Fitheach Eun: "I take she is is not at all noble in character?"

Fitheach Eun: "And she hates you for dragging down the family status?"

Jaekob Faolan: "Well, am sure she has a thousand reasons. But, yes, that is foremost I think. And now, she has discovered the elf she hated is a ruler and she is intent on destroying me."

Fitheach Eun: "Hmmm, a difficult situation to be sure. What do we do ; we need a plan to defeat her surely?"

Jaekob Faolan: "She is a proven warrior; I know none of comparable skill in our lands. But, she has no magic at all. So, she is....defeatable."

Fitheach Eun: "Ah, that sounds hopeful."

Fitheach Eun: "What do you think she intends to do? Surely she will not attack openly?"

Jaekob Faolan: "Something else Fit," he says with a worried look. "Xella's Drow friend, Ilmryn, came to visit earlier."

Fitheach Eun: "Xella has a Drow 'friend'?"

Jaekob Faolan: "Yes, she seems rather taken with the fellow. And since, we seem to have this Demon who presents himself as Drow, I asked her to arrange a meeting with him."

Fitheach Eun nods thoughtfully: " And what did you learn; is he the demon? "

Jaekob Faolan: "I cannot say one way or the other, in truth. He was pleasant enough, even cordial. He was relaxed and not nervous to meet me."

Fitheach Eun: "Really? That in itself seems odd...Is Xella safe with him?"

Jaekob Faolan: "I asked him outright, actually. And he said he had no intention of doing her harm. So, he kind of skirted my questions with.....well.... what I wanted to hear, I think."

Fitheach Eun: "Do you believe he is connected with the Drowess?"

Fitheach Eun: "It seems out of the realm of all coincidence that we should suddenly have 2 unconnected drows here."

Jaekob Faolan: "I cannot prove it, Fit. But, how likely is it that these two are here at the same time hmmm? Yet, until he does something wrong, we cannot condemn him as a Demon."

Fitheach Eun looks resigned: " Yes, I guess we will have to wait until he slips. But what about this drowess, surely we need a plan for her?"

Jaekob Faolan nods, "There is only one solution, I fear. If she attacks any of our people, we will have to retaliate in kind."

Fitheach Eun: "Do you think she plans to capture you?"

Jaekob Faolan: "But, again she has done no harm in our lands. Well, she did give me a rather hard blow on the head; but, when I was down she left instead of going further."

Jaekob Faolan: "I don't think she is foolish enough to think she could go up against my magic, Fit."

Fitheach Eun looks sternly at Jaek:  "And how did she manage to strike you; where did you encounter her?"

Jaekob Faolan: "In the caverns," he says biting his lip hard.

Jaekob Faolan: "When she told me she had killed Father, I attacked her. It was provoked on her part, I suppose."

Fitheach Eun: "The most powerful Mage or Druid can be felled by an arrow or dagger from distance with no change to throw a spell...you know that."

Fitheach Eun sighs "And why were you in the caverns, alone?"

Jaekob Faolan: "Yes, I know that. We will have to have extra patrols on the borders and particularly in Calenhad since we are so close to the caverns."

Jaekob Faolan: "I was looking for signs of the Demon hmm."

Fitheach Eun: "Some armor might not be a bad idea."

Fitheach Eun: "You went into the caverns, looking for the demon...alone?"

Jaekob Faolan gives her a nervous grin, "I suppose I did."

Fitheach Eun shakes her head, "You know you could have sent for me or at least taken a guard with you."

Fitheach Eun: "It took two of us to take that demon down and we did so only by luck."

Jaekob Faolan:  "Well, in the end, " he chuckles a bit at her chastisement, "It was a good thing that I discovered the Drowess."

Fitheach Eun raises my eyebrows: " A good thing? Well yes the known evil is always preferable to the unknown one, I guess."

Fitheach Eun: "Since we now know about her, we can plan."

Jaekob Faolan pushes back into the sofa, "Yes, we can. But, we need to know if there is a connection between her and the Demon."

Fitheach Eun: "How about a nice mithril mail shirt? You could wear that all the time?"

Jaekob Faolan me sighs, "Very well, I will wear mithril for a bit if it will satisfy you."

Fitheach Eun nods: "It will help."

Fitheach Eun: "How do we learn if there is a connection?"

Jaekob Faolan nods, "And, perhaps, you could talk with Xella and sway her to spend less time with her Drow friend?"

Jaekob Faolan: "Maybe, he has spoken of the Drowess to Xella?"

Fitheach Eun: "I can try, yes; she can be quite stubborn, though."

Fitheach Eun: "Ah yes and I can see what he has told her."

Jaekob Faolan: "Good. Good. Maybe this friendship of theirs could prove advantageous."

Fitheach Eun nods dubiously..."Perhaps..."

Fitheach Eun: "I worry about Xella; she is too trusting."

Jaekob Faolan: "So, talk with Xella and find out what she knows hmm? Then we can figure out the next step."

Fitheach Eun: "Yes I will go and look for her as soon as I can."

Jaekob Faolan: "But, I remain firm in that until she does a wrong, we cannot take the offensive."

 Fitheach Eun: "I agree, however reluctantly."

Fitheach Eun: "It is not our part to attack first."

Jaekob Faolan smiles a bit, "That is why you are my right hand, my Druid Sister. We do think alike."

Fitheach Eun smiles back: "We do seem to much of the time, my lord."

Jaekob Faolan chuckles and rises, "So, let us meet again when you have talked with Xella. I must go find my....mithril shirt," he says laughing."

The Druid King and the Demon Meet

Ilmryn Xiltyn left the darkness behind as he made his way from the dark caverns into the dusk of the evening. He had been invited to meet the Druid, a thing which intrigued him. All his attempts to draw information about the Druid from first the Gypsy and then the Mermaid and all the others in between had proved fruitless.

Ilmryn Xiltyn wound his way up the narrow passages to the top of the mountain. And for the first time, he cut to the steps going upward, toward Calenhad and paused only when he came upon the elven guard at the city's big gate. "I have been....." and he flicks his tongue at the corner of his mouth. He wondered if the guards had been told he was coming or if a bit of persuasion might be needed.

Elven Guard stands at attention seeing the Drow, his face giving away no particular message.

Ryn and the Guard at the City Gate

Ilmryn Xiltyn: "I have been.... invited to meet His....Majesty," he says with a bit of a distasteful hiss.

Elven Guard nods and motions toward the gate, "He is expecting you mi lord. Can I have your name to send word to him that you are arriving?"

Ilmryn Xiltyn: "I am known as Ryn. Tell him...Ilmryn Xiltyn comes to visit and meet him on promise of safety."

Elven Guard nods and waves a hand, "Follow me," he says and leads him directly to the castle gate. He whispers to the guard at the turn and turns back to Ryn. "You will be escorted to the Druid's Library, mi lord. Might I ask you to leave your weapons at the door?"

Ilmryn Xiltyn gives the guard a bit of a smirk and removes his bow and quiver of arrows, offering them up. He slides the dagger from his leg sheath and flipping it in the air offers the silver handle to the guard.

Elven Guard takes the weapons and steps aside with a nod, " Thank you, mi lord." And he returns to his post at the front gate.

Jaekob Faolan sits quietly, in his study. He had talked to no one since his encounter with the Drowess and when the guard approached with news of the Drow's visit, he simply rubbed his temple and nodded, "Of course, show him to the library."

Ilmryn Xiltyn follows the guard up the steps from one floor to the next, matching his long strides until they arrive at the library and he is face to face with the Elven King. He grabs the skirt of his coat and bows low to the elven king, "Your Majesty, I am honored."

The Druid and the Demon Meet

Jaekob Faolan chews on his lip for a moment, taking in the Drow's countenance before motioning to a seat, "Please sit. Join me, Lord Xiltyn.* And he wiggles his finger at the guard, "Tell the kitchen servant to bring us wine hmmm."

Ilmryn Xiltyn inhales a deep unnecessary breath and moves toward the sofa, "Thank you Your Majesty." and he sits down, crossing one leg over the other.

Jaekob Faolan moves over to his seat and settles back into his usual spot, pushing comfortably back into the overstuffed sofa, "I thank you for coming so quickly, Lord Xiltyn," he says softly, his eyes narrowing a bit watching the male who appeared quite relaxed and not at all on guard.

Ilmryn Xiltyn: "Ah, please. Let us dispense with the niceties. I am not titled, Your Majesty. My friends call me... Ryn. Or Ilmryn if you prefer," he says with a bit of a snicker wondering which choice the king will choose.

Jaekob Faolan nods, still chewing on his lips. "Thank you, Alice," he says as a servant arrives with two glasses of wine.

Jaekob Faolan: "Ah well, yes," he says dancing around the two options. "Our dear Xella has taken quite a liking to you, calls you her friend."

Ilmryn Xiltyn: "Xella," he says her name slowly. "And, yes we are... friends of a sort, I suppose. I do enjoy talking with her from time to time. But, it seems, I am mistaken for someone else Your Majesty. And it seems further there are those who think I will do her some harm."

Jaekob Faolan inhales deeply, watching him, "You are right on both counts. There is trouble in our lands and it seems a Drow is at the root of that trouble. Now, considering I have seen no other Drow, it is a safe jump to thinking YOU might be him hmmm?

Ilmryn Xiltyn laughs, a thin smile appearing on his lips as he watches the Druid, "Well, a logical assumption certainly. I have to admit that if I were you or any other, I would jump to the same conclusion, Your Majesty."

Jaekob Faolan: "So is she in danger, Lord Xiltyn," he asks softly as he lifts his goblet for a sip of the wine. his eyes rolling up to watch the Drow. "Is Xella safe calling you friend hmmm?"

Ilmryn Xiltyn: "You know bloodwine is much better than...this...," she says sitting his goblet on a small table. "Will I offend you if I do not drink it Your Majesty?"

Jaekob Faolan shakes his head, long strands of red hair falling into his face. He reaches up to push it behind his ear, shaking his head, "Ah,of course not. But, you did not answer my question. Is my friend SAFE with you?"

Ilmryn Xiltyn: "Perhaps, one day we can share a glass of bloodwine, but for now, I must beg my leave Your Majesty." And he rises slowly, moving away to stand behind the Druid. He turns his head slightly to look over his shoulder. "I can be accused of doing no wrong in your lands, Your Majesty and would appreciate the kindness of being treated as any other until I am GUILTY of some thing."

Ilmryn Xiltyn: "As for Xella, I have no intentions of harming the gentle mermaid, Your Majesty. I do thank you for the wine and the... company," and he moves away, his every step so fluid he seems to be floating.

Jaekob Faolan sighs and watches him go.

The Druid and the Drowess

Jaekob Faolan: The Druid rubs his temples as he begins to gather the things he will need for a journey to the dark caverns. He straps his bow and quiver onto his back, a leg dagger on his right leg and pulls his rucksack over his head to let it fall down to his side. He fingers the daggers, the silver dagger he had for decades, the one the Gypsy had lost and later found.

Jaekob Faolan: As he passes through the castle, moving ever downward. He nods to each servant in turn, a bit of a smile. He dismisses each elven guard with a wave of his hand as if to tell them not to follow.

Jaekob Faolan: Once in Calenhad proper, he looks around, smiles at the elves busy at their work, the children playing in the courtyard. A small girl runs to him breathless, holding out a flower and he kneels down to take it. "Thank you, my dear. This is a treasure," he says tucking the flower in his long flowing hair and ruffling her hair with a hand.

Jaekob Faolan: "Rains bless you," the child says to him mimicking his own small blessing to others.

Jaekob Faolan: "And you, little one," he says with a bit of a smile curling onto his lips. He moves toward the gate to the elven city and passes through, inhaling a deep breath as he makes his way down the mountain, through the narrow passes toward the dark caverns

Jaekob Faolan: As he nears the entrance to the caverns, he pauses and mumbles to himself, *Rains and storms, bless us all. For surely, we are in a time of need." And he slips into the caverns, his fingers playing at the handle of the dagger, ever alert and wary of the possibility of coming upon the Demon.

Jaekob Faolan moves slowly, deliberately; each step takes him deeper and higher toward the Demon's Lair. "Nothing... no one," he mutters to himself somewhat relieved.

Arianna Shadowdew walks in the darkness as quiet as the mist itself. She's preoccupied with her plans to destroy the Druid King. Her blood red eyes adept at seeing in the darkness scan every corner and crevice without effort. Her movements graceful and purposeful she moves like a serpent through the halls. Her ears perk up and her body stills as she hears a sound.

Jaekob Faolan: Power pressed in on him as he neared the layer. He licked his dry lips stopping in the huge cavern, a mist laying silent on the stones.

Arianna Shadowdew's eyes narrow and she sniffs the air. She picks up the scent of an elf. She makes her way stealthily through the caverns taking great care not to make a sound. She rounds a corner and while hiding behind a pillar she spots HIM. Her target has come to her. A wicked smile forms on her lips. She watches silently to see the boy grown to a man she has been plotting against for so long.

Jaekob Faolan blinks, once, twice, trying to adjust his sight to the darkness. He wiggles his fingers a bit as he speaks to the elements, "Light my way, I implore you. Help me to see in this forsaken place," And as he mumbles a quiet thank you the cavern lightens just enough to see the walls and the mist that lays gentle on the ground. He moves further inward, his fingers tightening around his dagger as the hairs on his body seem to prickle and dance in warning.

Arianna Shadowdew's face twists in a look of contempt for the Druid and his light. She narrows her eyes once more, allowing her eyes to adjust to the light he conjured. She follows him quietly observing him to ascertain his reason for being in her caverns.

Jaekob Faolan stops at the center of the big cavern and kneels, placing his hand palm down onto the cold stone. His lips twists as pain sears up through his fingers and through his hand and up his arm. The elements aid him further, provide the information he sought. The Demon had been here and recently.... but....there was...something else he could not fathom. He bit his lip hard and rose to walk deeper inward.

Arianna Shadowdew's sees him get closer to their lair and decides to move in. It was time for the moment she'd been dreaming of for so long. She move out from the shadows quietly until she is standing a few paces from him in the darkness. Her voice like the hiss of a snake, raspy, low, but smooth, "Vendui Jaekob"

Jaekob Faolan startles at the familiar voice and turns slowly to face her. His features are drawn and pale as he blinks to focus on her and bits of the past begin to twist and take shape in his mind as he remembers his beginning.

Jaekob Faolan: "YOU!" he finally exclaims. "You are behind THIS!"

Arianna Shadowdew's normally non-expressive face takes on a wicked smile, making her cold, hard features seem more menacing rather than friendly. She paces a bit as a predator stalking their prey. "Aye, ME. I was wondering if you would ever be smart enough to see my hand in this."

Jaekob Faolan  stares at her as a terrible tension builds inside him, his eyes haunted with fear that was raw and uncontrolled. The Demon he was prepared for, but not HER.

Jaekob Faolan closes the distance, "Wha..what are you doing in my lands?"

Arianna Shadowdew's eyes scan his face, his body....pleased to see his body tense in her presence. She pauses for a moment considering her answer carefully before speaking. Her face once again expressionless, like a cold statue, her blood-red eyes, framed by her dark lashes seem to be filled with darkness. In a low growl-like voice, she answers him. "Rectifying past wrongs, my dear Jaekob. Rebuilding the honor of my family."

Jaekob Faolan: "You have no right to be here," he growls as he slowly regains reason and control. "Father would never allow this," he growls.

Arianna Shadowdew a wicked laugh escapes her lips, the echos of it bouncing off the walls around them. She paces a bit, her hands on her hips, one over her sword's hilt. "A yes, my BROTHER. Well he's not here to protect you now, is he? He won't be able to come to your aid ever again." she speaks in a sarcastic tone.

Jaekob Faolan bites his lip hard, his hand clenching and unclenching into fists, *WHAT do you mean? What have you done to him?"

Arianna Shadowdew stops moving her eyes now fixed upon his. She's waited for this moment too long now, and wants to relish the exquisite pain she will cause him. A dark smile forms upon her lips before she speaks, ever so clearly and slowly as she savors the taste of the evil pain they will inflict. "I made my brother pay for bringing dishonor to our family name. I took his life, not in a fit of range.....oh no. I took my time with him, ever so slowly. " pauses for a moment, "Though I will give him credit, he never did beg for mercy."

Jaekob Faolan lets out a scream that seems to fill the cavern, stifle it as it bounces from wall to wall, "Nooooooo," and without a thought, his hand slides his dagger from his sheath and lifting it high in the  air, prepared to strike her dead, he advances.

Arianna Shadowdew's seeing his reaction pleases her greatly. Her countless years of warrior experience serves her well, as she knows his emotions will cloud his mind. Without much effort she glides turning gracefully away from his attack, moving behind him in the blink of an eye, while pulling her sword. For a split second she considers running him through, but decides a quick ending for him is NOT what she wants. In that instant she uses the hilt of her sword and strikes at the back of his head with all the force she possesses. She watches his body go limp and fall to the ground.

Arianna Shadowdew moves in close to him, she crouches beside him and whispers in his ear. "Not like this. Not YET. I will enjoy making you suffer."

Dina and the Mermaid Discuss the Drow....er Demon!

Xella Steward goes to the tavern, hoping to see Dina. Her eyes are still a bit glazed from her encounter with Ryn.

Aldina Gratly:  "I was hoping for some peace and quiet."

Aldina Gratly "Hello Xella."

Xella Steward smiles softly at Dina, "Hello."

Aldina Gratly smiles back.

Aldina Gratly "How have you been doing these days?"

Xella Steward sighs, "Not overly well, been doing a lot of thinking."

Aldina Gratly "I haven't seen you in a while," looks around casually.

Xella Steward smiles.

Aldina Gratly "Oh sorry to hear that."

Xella Steward: "I have been out swimming and keeping an eye out for Ryn."

Xella Steward goes over to Betha and orders a meal.

Aldina Gratly does not let her see the anger in my eyes. She looks down quickly.

Xella Steward orders eggs.

Aldina Gratly "So you are still calling the de...Ryn friend?"

Xella Steward goes over to dina with some food.

Xella Steward sets out the food she bought along with the sticky buns

Xella Steward nods "I talked to him yesterday. He is still a good Drow."

Aldina Gratly "Ahhh sticky buns. I have missed them."

Xella Steward smiles at her and nibbles the human food.

Aldina Gratly "You look nervous. Something on your mind Xella?"

Xella Steward nods "Ryn said to try to reconnect with you."

Aldina Gratly "Really? hmmm do tell me more."

Aldina Gratly "So you didn't decide to do this? Ryn did?"

Xella Steward: "I'd been missing you too." she says smiling.

Aldina Gratly "Well I am all for having you back as my beloved friend. But Ryn, NO."

Xella Steward: "Anyway, I told him of your thoughts on him being a demon."

Xella Steward looks at her and sighs softly.

Aldina Gratly "What ...what did you say?"

Aldina Gratly you told him what i have been saying?

Aldina Gratly: "HOW COULD YOU?"

Xella Steward jumps, eyes wide.

Aldina Gratly calms down somewhat.

Xella Steward: "He wanted to know why i was sad."

Xella Steward swallows.

Aldina Gratly says with hissing breath, "You have betrayed me to that demon."

Xella Steward finishes the eggs.

Aldina Gratly "You as good as signed my death warrant."

Xella Steward: "I did not betray you!"

Xella Steward eyes widen.

Aldina Gratly:  "YESSSSS you did!"

Xella Steward: "He would not touch you!"

Xella Steward sighs softly.

Aldina Gratly "Well I hope you are right and your demon stays away from me."

Xella Steward: "He is a Drow."

Aldina Gratly: "But, I know that to be a false hood."

Aldina Gratly "He is both! Get that through your head."

Xella Steward sighs, "How can you be two races at once?"

Aldina Gratly "Demons can be whatever they choose to be."

Aldina Gratly "They have to stick to the shadows."

Xella Steward: "Then......why pick a drow? a being most would run from?"

Aldina Gratly "I have no idea. Maybe the finds every other race distasteful."

Xella Steward looks at her and sighs.

Aldina Gratly stands up so fast I almost lose my balance and pushes the sticky buns back at her. "Thank you for killing me,"  and with that walks out the door.

The Demon and the Mermaid

Ilmryn Xiltyn paces the lair deep in the dark caverns beneath Calenhad. He licks his tongue over his lips as he feels the monster in him pushing to the surface. "Not now," he mumbles to himself pushing his powers outward as the Drow skin wraps perfectly over his body to mask the demon flesh.

Ilmryn Xiltyn: It had been days since he went to the surface. The Drowess had been missing and, frankly, her absence was not missed. He would go exploring today; perhaps, run into the mermaid again.

Xella Steward sits at the docks in the shadow lands, near the spot she had found the ash. She wonders if ryn really is a demon

Ilmryn Xiltyn climbs the deep stairs up to the mountains of Calenhad. He passes through each narrow passageway, hugging the stone walls, always lingering in the shadows.

Ilmryn Xiltyn pauses at the landing to the top and cuts his eyes upward toward the elven city. His tongue flicks at the corner of his mouth as his nostrils flare. He turns downward, still hugging the shadows as he makes his way to the forests and heads toward the Shadow Lands.

Ilmryn Xiltyn: "Humans," he growls in a low breathy voice seeing them up ahead. He reaches down and pulls the skirt of his black cloak tight to his flesh and seems to become nothingness, a dark mist. And he moves further into the forest, passing them with a snarl on his lips.

Xella Steward growls softly, thinking of Dina's accusations....

Xella Steward would never just stand there when a friend is hurt!

Ilmryn Xiltyn: "The bridge to the Shadow Lands," he hisses and looks into the darker lands with a smile curling onto his thing lips. He lets his coat fall away from his body not expecting to encounter anyone in this mostly uninhabited land.

Ilmryn Xiltyn makes his way toward the dark ruins.

Xella Steward runs her fingers though her hair as she stares at the water, eyes sad.

Ilmryn Xiltyn's nostrils flare as he picks up a scent. "The Mer," he hisses and changes directions, following her smell.

Ilmryn Xiltyn sees her and licks a tongue on his teeth as he moves closer. Only when he is within inches of her, at her back does he speak. "Xellaaa," he draws the name out so fluid, it will pull her attention to his will.

Xella Steward turns her head as she hears footsteps. she smiles as she sees her Drow friend. "Hello Lord Ryn!"

Ilmryn Xiltyn: "What a.... pleasant surprise finding you here. How have you.... been?" he asks, his words feigning a sincere kindness.

Xella Steward face falls a bit "Things have been.....hard."

Ilmryn Xiltyn: "Hard? What do you mean by that, Xella? Is there something I can do to... help?"

Xella Steward sighs "A good friend of mine is demanding me not to see you, she thinks you are a demon, and nearly killed her"

Xella Steward looks at him really not seeing how he could be the monster

Ilmryn Xiltyn reaches out as if to touch her arm, but lets his hand merely hover close for a moment as he chooses his words carefully, "I am not .....well.... I do not think I have tried to kill anyone." he says looking very serious wondering who she speaks of. "Who is this... friend I tried to kill, Xella?"

Xella Steward: "Dina, she is a human gypsy. She claims we found your home, and you came and hypnotized me....and tried....to choke her,"

Xella Steward feels hurt repeating it.

Xella Steward: "She also says you took our memories of it."

Ilmryn Xiltyn chuckles, his tongue washing inside his mouth as he simply nods to her and breathes in a deep unnecessary breath. "I do recall something, but has been awhile ago. Was it near the big waterfall?"

Xella Steward nods and smiles softly, "The one we met at."

Ilmryn Xiltyn: "Ah, yes. Well I DO remember us meeting there surely," he says softly drawing her in. "But, I did not try to kill this gypsy friend of yours. I swear to this," he says, his words being half truths for if he had tried to kill this gypsy, she would not be a detriment to his plans; she would be DEAD.

Xella Steward nods, fully believing him, "I thought not, you are a good Drow,"

Xella Steward smiles, "Oh yes! I told the Druid King about you, he wants to meet you."

Ilmryn Xiltyn nods and chuckles, "Well as far as Drow go maybe? We Drow do not have a reputation for being....good."

Xella Steward smiles and nods "Nor do sirens, yet here I am."

Ilmryn Xiltyn: "He does," he looks at Xella wide eyed now. "Then we should....well.....yes, that is very good.... meeting this Druid King."

Xella Steward nods and smiles "tell me a good time and we can all meet for tea

Ilmryn Xiltyn: Well, am not sure, but we will do that soon? Maybe in the next day or two?

Xella Steward nods and smiles.

Ilmryn Xiltyn: "You should talk to your friend and sort things out, Xella," he says in his most caring voice. "Friends are important and am sure she will ....come around," and he thinks he may just have to pay the friend a visit.

Xella Steward nods to him, "Yes sir."

Ilmryn Xiltyn smiles, the smile almost earnest and rises, "We will talk again soon then."

Xella Steward waves to Ryn.

Corrine Shroud Tells Tales at Brigantia Firelight Tales

Corrine Shroud, Storyteller

   What a wondrous evening! Friends gathered around an open fire as day turns to dusk, a gentle breeze whipping across the lands and the smell of distant sea water faint in the air. And what makes it even more spectacular is that we have a wonderful new storyteller in our midst - Corrine Shroud. Tonight, she regaled us with a story about the FireKeeper, the Goddess Brigid.

The Gathering at Firelight Tales

Corrine Shroud: In the beginning, before there was a beginning, there was nothing. And in this nothing, was the mother goddess Brigid.

Corrine Shroud: The goddess—in this empty void—was unhappy, for there was nothing beautiful to rest her gaze on.

Corrine Shroud: Summoning ancient energy and breathing her fire of life, the goddess formed the earth and the skies, the oceans and the heavens.

Corrine Shroud: She was a lover of uniqueness and colors, so she created the plants that used the earth for sustenance, and mountains and plains to forever explore in her time of boredom's

Corrine Shroud: For a long while, this was enough for the goddess,

 Corrine Shroud: But soon she knew each plant’s colors and she’d explored all the mountains, stars, and seas.

Corrine Shroud: Brigid looked at the empty realms she ruled, overcome by the loneliness that accompanies being the only being in existence and thought:

Corrine Shroud: “This can be changed. I will create things to be loved and to be loathed. I will create love and chaos. I will breathe my fire of life and create creatures to live in the lands I have crafted.”

Corrine Shroud: So, Brigid spoke her words and breathed her breath of fire and of sea.

Corrine Shroud: She created kind creatures that consumed her beloved plants, and she created formidable creatures to keep the kind ones in control.

Corrine Shroud: She created lowly insects and enormous bears. And, for a time, she was content. She walked among her animals and watched their barbaric ways.

Corrine Shroud: One afternoon, Brigid was walking through one of many gardens. For once, her flowers did not make her smile. The animals no longer amused her.

Corrine Shroud: "There is something missing, "she thought. Her eyes roamed all that she had created in its unperfected perfection as she pondered in the silence.

Corrine Shroud: It was this silence that made her realize what she was missing. “There is no one,” she realized.

Corrine Shroud: No animal, no plant could speak to her—converse with her in such a way that she would respond.

Corrine Shroud: There was no art, no music, no stories. Her creatures and plants, as loved as they were, were merely ruled by laws of nature and chaos.

Corrine Shroud: For the final time, Brigid took a deep breath and blew her power over the lands, forming sentient minds.

Corrine Shroud: In these special creatures, she imbued thought and intelligence, a piece of herself.

Corrine Shroud: This was a long time ago, and we have honored the goddess’s gift by creating wondrous works of art, song, and stories.

Corrine Shroud: Brigid continues to wander her earth, tending her animals and plants, and conversing with her creations and has never been bored since.

Corrine Shroud: And that, dear companions, is the end of my tale.

Celeste Twigg Listens Intent

Tessa and the FireKeeper

Contessa Lacombe sits by the water, splashing feet through the current. She leans down and splashes the water with her hand.

Contessa Lacombe looks at herself in the water, same familiar face.

Contessa Lacombe:  As the water gently ripples, the face begins to change.

Contessa Lacombe: The hair changes from the familiar light brown, to silvery white.

Contessa Lacombe: The surroundings begin to swirl, and dizziness envelopes her.
Tessa tumbles into the water and begins to sink. Deeper and deeper she falls.... then blackness.

Contessa Lacombe's eyes blink open.

Contessa Lacombe: Her surroundings are hazy. Is she still in the water?

Contessa Lacombe: Up ahead, she notices a light.....is it a flame?

Contessa Lacombe stands up and walks toward the light. As she gets closer, she realizes that it is indeed a fire.

Contessa Lacombe: Sitting by the fire is a petite woman with long silvery hair. She is dressed in a white dress that is short enough to expose her bare feet.

Contessa Lacombe approaches cautiously.

Contessa Lacombe: The white lady does not look up, but begins to speak.

Brigid Firekeeper: "Ah, there you are."

Contessa Lacombe: "Lady?"

 Brigid Firekeeper: "Hmmm?"

Contessa Lacombe: "You are the lady I saw in the water."

Brigid Firekeeper: "I am."

Contessa Lacombe looks around. "Where are we.....exactly?"

Brigid Firekeeper finally looks up, her radiant face almost aglow. "You are in my world."

Contessa Lacombe: "Am I dead?"

Brigid Firekeeper softly chuckles. "No, no. You are just seeing the world with different eyes."

Contessa Lacombe: "Are we.....in the water?"

Brigid Firekeeper looks around. "It appears so."

Contessa Lacombe: "But, you have a fire burning."

Contessa Lacombe: "How is that possible."

Brigid Firekeeper: "My dear, the world is not always what it seems."

Brigid Firekeeper: "You need to look beyond what you think is the....normal.....world."

Contessa Lacombe: "Umm hmm."

Contessa Lacombe goes over and sits beside the lady's fire.

the FireKeeper and Tessa

Contessa Lacombe: "And how is it that you have a fire here?"

Brigid Firekeeper: "This is the eternal flame. It matters not where it burns. It just is."

Brigid Firekeeper: "This is the task I set before you, Tessa."

Brigid Firekeeper: "If you choose to accept it."

Brigid Firekeeper reaches into the fire, a small flame appears in her palm, and she holds it out to Tessa.

Brigid Firekeeper: "Take this small flame. Go to the place in your world where the flame burns. And light the fire anew."

Contessa Lacombe blinks. "I don't know where the fire is."

Brigid Firekeeper: "Well, it is not difficult to find."

Brigid Firekeeper: "Go into the garden behind the tower, to the very back."

Brigid Firekeeper: "There you will find a tunnel in the mountain."

Brigid Firekeeper: "Enter the tunnel, and follow it to a cavern."

Brigid Firekeeper: "The fire is laid."

Brigid Firekeeper: "Simply light it."

Contessa Lacombe: "That is all?"

Brigid Firekeeper softly laughs. "Well, no. That is just the beginning."

Brigid Firekeeper: "If you light the fire, you must keep it lit."

Brigid Firekeeper: "You must go there each day and feed hawthorn wood into the flame."

Brigid Firekeeper: "And if you do, I will be there."

Brigid Firekeeper: "Just as I am here."

Contessa Lacombe: "That is all?"

Brigid Firekeeper smiles slightly. "No, Tessa. It is time for you learn many things. Your mother was the keeper of the flame. It is now your turn, if you wish to follow her footsteps."

Contessa Lacombe: "You mean....to live at Brigantia, and be a priestess?"

 Brigid Firekeeper: "Yes."

Brigid Firekeeper: "But it is more than that."

Brigid Firekeeper: "Brigantia has been without a high priestess for some time now. A new priestess must step forward."

Brigid Firekeeper: "It is your right to do so, if you choose."

Brigid Firekeeper: "But, you did not grow up on the Isle. Your mother did not have the chance to teach you what she knew."

Contessa Lacombe: "Who will teach me then? And what is it I need to know?"

Contessa Lacombe: "Will Taryn teach me?"

Brigid Firekeeper: "Many people will teach you. Taryn will teach you some things. She is a master of the forest. A guardian."

Brigid Firekeeper: "But there is a druid. A king."

Contessa Lacombe nods. "Jaek....yes, he is my friend."

Brigid Firekeeper: "He is.   And he can teach you part of what you need to know."

Brigid Firekeeper: "You must go to him and tell him of our meeting. Tell him that he is charged with teaching you what he knows of healing, even though you are not one of his druids."

Brigid Firekeeper: "Tell him that I sent you."

Contessa Lacombe:" And what name shall I give him? Brigid? I have heard Taryn speak of you."

Brigid Firekeeper: "Yes, some call me by that name. I am the mother. The firekeeper."

Brigid Firekeeper: "You will tell him."

Contessa Lacombe nods

Contessa Lacombe: "I will."

Brigid Firekeeper: "But there are things he cannot teach you. Taryn will teach you.  And I will teach you."

Contessa Lacombe nods

Brigid Firekeeper holds her hand out, with the small flame flickering in her palm.

Contessa Lacombe reaches out, hesitating, afraid she will get burned.

Brigid Firekeeper smiles. "It will not burn you."

Contessa Lacombe holds hand out.

Brigid Firekeeper gently places the flame into Tessa's palm.

Brigid Firekeeper: "There...Light the fire, and feed it the hawthorn wood, Tessa."

Contessa Lacombe nods.

Contessa Lacombe looks down at the little flame, then up to the lady.

Contessa Lacombe: But, she is gone, and Tessa finds herself sitting on the river bank.

Contessa Lacombe takes a deep breath. Stands, and walks up the hill toward the tower.

Contessa Lacombe: Walks behind, into the garden.

Contessa Lacombe enters the tunnel as instructed.

Hear Ye, Hear Ye Brigantia Firelight Tales Every Week!!!

  The River Lands weekly bardic is moving!! That's right! Beginning Wednesday, April 22, Bardic is new and IMPROVED and moving to Brigantia to be hosted by none other than Brigantia's very own, Contessa Lacombe.
   Join us around the campfire in Brigantia as Corrine Shroud, bard extraordinaire, makes her debut in IW to regale us with stories of times gone by. Early on she will tell us tales of the Great Pantheon. As weeks go by, who knows what you may hear. Come prepared to share a tale or two yourself or just to listen. This is an IC (In Character) Event held in the breathtaking medieval role play community of Brigantia.
   Join us at 4 p.m. Wednesdays for this extraordinary event!

tRLs in the GRID Spotlight

Check it out! We landed the cover of GRID Magazine!!!

Just as awesome as landing a TIMES Magazine cover in that parallel world called real life, is making the cover and being included in a writeup about roleplay in GRID Magazine in InWorldz (go to page 24 for the article)! 

Many thanks to Jake Hunter for supporting creators and communities on the grid and provided the only *FREE* outlet to inform other InWorldz residents of what's on offer.

Happy reading, folks!

Juste Rivers, Hobbit Extraordinaire, on Market Day

Aldina Gratly hollars at Juste.  "I'm reading fortunes tonight."

Juste Rivers: "Heys deer Missy Fit and OKAYS Missy Dina," he yells back as he sets up his stall.

Fitheach Eun: Quel "Undome, everyone."

Aldina Gratly: "Hello fit would you like to have your fortune told?"

Fitheach Eun: "Hmm, I am not sure if that is a good idea."

Aldina Gratly smiles, "Why not?"

Fitheach Eun tilts her head and smiles at Dina: "I'm an elf'"

Juste Rivers: "Missy Druid Fit 'ow you bees a'doing?"

Juste at Market in Cheshire

Fitheach Eun wanders over to Juste's stall. " I've been pretty well Juste; how have you been?"

Juste Rivers: "Oh mees doing okays, but mees is starting to gets worried bouts da dowries."

Fitheach Eun: "Dowries?"

Juste Rivers: "Yes, Missy Druid Fit, dem dowries whut are elves wif da dark skin."

Fitheach Eun: "Have you seen any around here?"

Juste Rivers: "All da hobbits getting a bit nervous jus from da talk bouts dem. And no, mees has not seen any of dem dowries."

Fitheach Eun: "I can see why you would be worried."

Juste Rivers: "Do dey bees dangerabus Missy Druid Fit?"

Fitheach Eun: "They can be dangerous, Juste; although I understand not all of them are."

   There was more to the evening; people came and went, filling their baskets with hot apple pies, meats and various pastries. It was Market Day in Cheshire, after all, and the time when folks traveled from far and wide to restock their supplies.
   Then it was over and the hobbit found himself alone in the darkened streets as all of the travelers made their way back home. "Screeee," a sound filled the air and the Hobbit let out a squeal and dropped a plate of food. It was only an owl, but he did not know that. Everyone was talking about the Drow and the Demon and all he knew was that their was mischief afoot and he was 'skeered.'
   Finally, all his foods were tucked into the big basket under the table and pulling it up into his arms, he began the walk through the forests toward home, the Hobbit Glen. Again he heard the sound, "Screeee," and just as quickly as it filtered away, he dropped the basket on the ground and ran toward home, his puny arms flailing in the night. "Da dowries is after mees," he screamed all the way home. And once there, he ran into his cottage, bolted the door, pushed a chair against it and crawled under his bed, pulling a plate of chicken under with him. After all, hobbits are always hungry, and tonight he was more so.

Dina, Fit and Tessa Talk about the Demon!

Contessa Lacombe: "Fit! Do come have a seat. Tell me the news of the day."

 Fitheach Eun: "Tessa, how are you?"

Contessa Lacombe: "I am fine."

Fitheach Eun: "And greetings Dina"

Contessa Lacombe: "I've been working hard today and thought I needed some refreshment."

Aldina Gratly: "Hello Tessa and Fit."

Aldina Gratly: "I have been busy worrying most of the day."

Fitheach Eun: "Worrying?"

Aldina Gratly: "Yes. About Xella  and her new friend, Ryn," cackles.

Contessa Lacombe: "Ryn?"

Contessa Lacombe thinks, "I've heard that name before."

Fitheach Eun: "Ryn?

Aldina Gratly: "Yes, well that is not his full name. I have tried to warn her."

Contessa Lacombe scrunches brows together,  "Isn't he that .....what do you call them?"

Fitheach Eun: But Aldina; "Who is this you are trying to warn?"

Aldina Gratly shakes head sadly, "And now even the Druid seems to be on her side."

Aldina Gratly: "Xella."

Fitheach Eun: "The druid?"

Aldina Gratly: "His full name is Illtryn or something like that. He masquerades as a Drow."

Fitheach Eun does not recall this name.

Contessa Lacombe: "Drow! That's it! I've met him. It was some time ago at market."

Aldina Gratly: "He is a demon."

Contessa Lacombe: "He makes chills run up my spine. Something about him."

 Fitheach Eun: "Wait, a demon?"

Aldina Gratly: "I saw him in him in his true form, in my crystal."

Contessa Lacombe: "I have seen at least two I believe."

Fitheach Eun: "Not the demon? The one Jaek and I fought?"

Aldina Gratly: "Yes!"

Contessa Lacombe: "Wait. Explain this to me. I am thinking he is the same one."

Fitheach Eun looks alarmed.

Aldina Gratly: "I do not know for sure."

Contessa Lacombe: "You can see such things in your crystal ball?"

Contessa Lacombe: "Fit, what did the demon look like?"

Fitheach Eun: "I was hoping we had seen the last of him."

Aldina Gratly shrugs her shoulders, "I have the sight Tessa."

Fitheach Eun: "He was large, red; he had horns. I did not get much time to study him though."

Contessa Lacombe: "And you think that Ryn and this demon are one and the same?"

Contessa Lacombe: "Did he have pale skin Fit?"

Fitheach Eun: "I was too busy firing arrows at him. No, he was definitely reddish."

Contessa Lacombe: "Is it possible that such a creature could take on another form?"

Aldina Gratly: "Well when I asked my crystal about Ryn, a very bad demon came through and shook me to the core."

Aldina Gratly: "He is the same demon that took my memories, or Drow."

Fitheach Eun: "From what I have read, demons can change their appearance."

Contessa Lacombe: "Well, then. This is something we need to consider."

Fitheach Eun: "And they can also hide their true selves in other forms"

Aldina Gratly slams her hands down upon the table, "Would you please listen!"

Contessa Lacombe: "He would not want to come out in the open, right? And I am listening Dina."

Fitheach Eun: "There are tales of demons taking over the bodies of others and wearing them."

Contessa Lacombe: "What if your red demon comes out in disguise? As a Drow? So you suppose it possible Fit?"

Aldina Gratly: "WE DO NOT HAVE TIME TO PONDER THIS."

Fitheach Eun: "I think it quite possible."

Contessa Lacombe looks at Dina and back to Fit.

Aldina Gratly: "He is the demon and he means to take Xella and the Druid."

Fitheach Eun: "The Druid?"

Aldina Gratly: "And it will be very soon."

Fitheach Eun: "What do you mean about Jaekob?"

Contessa Lacombe: "What do you suppose he wants with Jaek?"

Aldina Gratly: "The Druid has agreed to meet the Drow in his castle."

Fitheach Eun: "He has? When?"

Contessa Lacombe: "The Drow contacted him?"

Aldina Gratly: "I don't know but soon."

Aldina Gratly: "No, Xella is the key here! He contacted Xella."

Contessa Lacombe: "Little Xella? What would she want with a Drow?"

Fitheach Eun: "Or a demon?"

Contessa Lacombe: "Either one."

Aldina Gratly: "She thinks he is a Drow."

Contessa Lacombe: "I can't imagine what she would see in a Drow. Especially that one."

Aldina Gratly: "Something is wrong with her sight. She gives him sticky buns and calls him her friend."

Fitheach Eun: "Do you think he is affecting what she sees?"

Aldina Gratly: "Well, that is what Alastair thinks."

Contessa Lacombe: "Alastair? Have I met him?"

Fitheach Eun: "Alastair? I do not recall that name."

Aldina Gratly: "Um I don't know. He is a ranger."

Contessa Lacombe: "No, the name is familiar. But, I can't place him."

Fitheach Eun: "Ah...the white elf ranger. I have not met him yet."

Aldina Gratly: "He was here one night talking about his bow."

Contessa Lacombe: "Ah, yes. I remember now. I have only seen him the one time."

Fitheach Eun: "But, Jaek told me about his bow."

Aldina Gratly: "And how his wolf spirit is missing from his bow."

Contessa Lacombe: "Yes!"

Fitheach Eun: "And I found the arrow he shot into the demon."

Contessa Lacombe: "Where?"

Fitheach Eun: "It was up by the Druid's cottage where Kat had been hiding."

Aldina Gratly: "Xella and I found the cave that he was in with Kat before you and Jaek did."

Contessa Lacombe: "So, he's been snooping around Jaek's house. Again I ask...what could he possibly want with Jaek?"

Fitheach Eun: "He went there to entice Kat; Jaek had laid a ward on the house and nothing evil could enter. But, somehow he got her to come out and the ranger saw him and attacked him."

Aldina Gratly: "But ...we hadn't had a chance to tell you about it yet. And I lost the memory for some time until I consulted my crystal about Ryn."

Contessa Lacombe: "The Drow or the Demon?"

Aldina Gratly: "He is the one that choked me nearly to death, the Drow."

Contessa Lacombe: "Alastair shot the Drow? Well, but if Alastair shot a Drow, and then Kat ended up with the Demon, you must be right. They are the same."

Aldina Gratly: "And Xella just sat there watching him choke me."

Contessa Lacombe: "I really need to come to town more often."

Fitheach Eun: "I used the blood on Alastair's arrow to track him."

Contessa Lacombe: "But, I believe you Dina. And what pray tell, should we do?"

Fitheach Eun: "So do I; it all fits."

Aldina Gratly: "Stop him! He has to be stopped."

Fitheach Eun: "How do you propose to do that? Two of us were only able to knock him out for a few moments."

Contessa Lacombe: "Exactly. Is there anyone who could provide us with information?"

Aldina Gratly: "We have to find something to use against him."

Contessa Lacombe: What about Wicced. Has anyone consulted her?

Aldina Gratly: "I dont know I havent seen Wicced in forever."

Fitheach Eun: I have already used his own blood against him to heal Kat."

   And so, dear friends, the three came to no true conclusion except that the Drow and the Demon are one in the same. The role play went off in several directions after this and am ending it here. Needless to say, everyone is in quite a quandary about what to do. Maybe YOU have an idea hmmm? Why not join us in the River Lands and become part of this epic role play storyline.

Contessa and Jaekob Talk about Clerics

Contessa Lacombe looks for the Druid and spies him in the garden.

Jaekob Faolan glances toward the heavy iron gates into the garden and a smile curls onto his lips, "Suilad, my dear. How wonderful to see."

Contessa Lacombe: "Greetings Jaek."

Contessa Lacombe smiles, "May I sit with you?"

Tessa and Jaekob in the Garden in Calenhad

Contessa Lacombe: "I have worked hard all day and I think I've found all of the herbs you asked me to gather."

Jaekob Faolan chews on his lips, "It is so serene here, if for only a moment,* he starts. "Ah, you found them all?"

Contessa Lacombe empties bag to show him her findings.

Contessa Lacombe: "I think the mandrake was the most difficult to find."

Jaekob Faolan shifts on the small wall he is sitting in and gently touches the herbs, pushing them this way and that with his fingertips. "And do you have knowledge of what this herbs are used for hmmm?" he asks rolling his eyes up to look at her.

Contessa Lacombe: "Well, the mandrake can be poisonous."

Contessa Lacombe: "But, it can also be used as an anesthetic."

Jaekob Faolan nods, still chewing on his lips as he is want to do, "And what of the others?"

Contessa Lacombe: "I suppose if you knew what you were doing with it, it might be useful to induce visions, but I don't think I want to go there."

Contessa Lacombe: "You can use bergamot in some recipes for very delicious teas."

Contessa Lacombe: "But..."

Contessa Lacombe: "It's also good for colds and coughs."

Contessa Lacombe: "Kava can be used to make a sedative tea."

Contessa Lacombe: "I think you must also be very careful with the dosing on that one."

Contessa Lacombe: "Sage has many uses, besides being a culinary herb."

Contessa Lacombe: "You can use it for indigestion."

Contessa Lacombe: "Hmm...not sure what else on that one."

Contessa Lacombe: "The roses....well, I know that you can use the rose hips as part of a tonic."

Contessa Lacombe: "It's good for scurvy."

Jaekob Faolan: "Enough," he chuckles softly. "You have convinced me that you have a good basic knowledge of herbs, my dear."

Jaekob Faolan takes a small scroll from his rucksack, "I was hoping you would return to me soon so I had this ready for you," he says handing her the scroll.

Contessa Lacombe: unrolls scroll.

Contessa Lacombe: "Will we be having these classes next?"

Jaekob Faolan shakes his head, "We will sit soon and talk more of herbs. You have just opened a small window to a big world, my dear. For now, I would like to have you look at the scroll and am sure we will need to sit and discuss some of the things I ask of you. You are now a Cleric Acolyte and when done with these tasks, you will move on to journeyman."

Jaekob Faolan: I have a class on Herbs and Healing I can give you as soon as you have time hmmm

Contessa Lacombe smiles then sighs, looking at the long. list.

Jaekob Faolan bits his lip, smiling at her, "I shan't make your journey an easy one. It will be hard earned and worthwhile, I assure you.

Dina Talks to Xella About the Demon!

Aldina Gratly sits by her friend Xella and looks at her with a questioning stare.

Aldina Gratly knows no other way to ask so just comes right out with it.

Xella and Dina

 Aldina Gratly "Xella, do you remember seeing this demon before a few days ago?"

Xella Steward: "Demon? No?"

Xella Steward looks at her friend, a bit confused.

Aldina Gratly "Remember right after we came out of the caverns and sat right here in this very spot?"

Aldina Gratly "We went to the tavern and I had a bad headache. And we thought it was too much wine."

Xella Steward nods, "Yes, then we came here and your headache left."

Aldina Gratly "Yes."

Xella Steward smiles at her and wraps tail around her cuddling.

Aldina Gratly smiles, thinking she won't do that when she is finished.

Aldina Gratly "Well the demon came to us here."

Aldina Gratly "Remember?  We found his lair."

Xella Steward: "Only after King Jaekob and Fit blew it up," she says.

Aldina Gratly "Yes."

Xella Steward looks over at Dina, eyes narrowed  "My Drow friend Ryn?"

Aldina Gratly "Yes. He is not your friend. He is evil."

Aldina Gratly "He choked me, almost killed me and you just sat there doing nothing."

Xella Steward tenses up, "I would never just stand there!"

Xella Steward looks at her, hurt that she could even think that she would let her friend be in pain.

Alastair Shadowbane slips through the trees, his eyes on the look out for anything out of the ordinary. Hearing the voices as he gets near the waterfall he slips up into one of the trees and moves lightly through the tree-tops before he stops and listens to the conversation.

Aldina Gratly "Well you did ....it..it ...was like you were in a trance or something."

Aldina Gratly "He almost killed me and all you could do was offer him sticky buns!"

Aldina Gratly "Well, he took our memories that day. You have to tell the Druid about Ryn."

Xella Steward wraps arms around Dina "That I know of, mer can't get hypnotized."

Aldina Gratly "Well what was it then?"

Aldina Gratly "Did you enjoy watching him half kill me?"

Alastair Shadowbane continues to watch and listen. Hearing the words about mer not being able to be hypnotized he slips out of the trees. "It sounds like her mind was clouded. It wasn't hypnotism."

Aldina Gratly "All I know is you did nothing!"

Aldina Gratly "You need to tell the Druid about this ...er...friendship with Ryn."

Xella Steward looks at her angry "I would never let a friend be hurt!"

Aldina Gratly "ARE YOU CALLING ME A LIAR?"

Xella Steward looks her in the eye "I would never let a friend be hurt and I consider you my friend!"

Aldina Gratly grabs Xella's hand and the images flood in." "Oh the gods have abandon you!"

Aldina Gratly drops her hand and is shaking."

Alastair Shadowbane leans against a tree and looks at the pair. "Ladies, please listen to me. The demon clouded her mind from the sounds of it. All she would remember is what he wanted her to remember. It's a trick that I've seen demons use before."

Aldina Gratly  "Yes, he stole my memories, but I got them back."

Xella Steward: "Clouded......my mind?"

Aldina Gratly "That's a good word for it."

Alastair Shadowbane gives a nod of his head. "Yes, it sounds like he wanted something." Frowning slightly he shakes his head, wishing his sister was around, that she might know more.

Xella Steward leans on the rocks and sighs "My memory is working just fine my friends."

Aldina Gratly "You have to stop seeing him Xella! I demand it."

Xella Steward hisses softly at the work "demand."

Alastair Shadowbane shakes his head and looks at Aldina before motioning her over to him for a moment.

Aldina Gratly rises and goes to the elf.

Xella Steward looks away from them, trying to keep her temper down.

Aldina Gratly frowns at the elf, "What do you need? this is important."

Alastair Shadowbane drops his voice low. "If her memory was clouded, and she still has no memory of it, we need to let the Aran know and keep an eye on it (the situation)."

Aldina Gratly walks back to Xella and sits down once more, Well, if you do not tell Jaekob, I will."

Xella Steward signs, "Tell me Dina......"

Aldina Gratly "He is using you. Get that through that mer head."

Alastair Shadowbane slips off through the trees, his eyes moving through the woods in search of the Aran.

Xella Steward: "If Kat demanded you to stop seeing me, would you listen to her?"

Aldina Gratly "If she could prove you were a demon, yes."

Xella Steward nods slightly "My tail is enough......to be labeled a demon by many two-leggers."

Aldina Gratly "But my sweet mer,  you are not a demon. I only want to protect you."

Xella Steward: "Dina........I kill humans!"

Aldina Gratly "To bad you don't kill demons." she shrugs.

Xella Steward stares into her eyes, her own amber eyes dark and angry. "Do NOT tell me what to do!"

Aldina Gratly gasps.

Xella Steward dives into the water, leaving before she does something she regrets.