Kathena Asks Why???

Kathena Paces Worriedly

It has been weeks since she was returned, battered and bruised by the guard Ettrian. She'd been upset at the rescue, because she was gathering valuable information about the marauders. Ettrian was furious with her ungrateful remarks and the fact that she could have escaped the torture all on her own. He left her at the infirmary and left in a huff.  She now wonders what has become of him and her dearest friend Jaekob. Both vanished overnight and only a short note from Jaekob was left behind.

Kathena paces worriedly through her shack by the water. Her steps slow and heavy with the thoughts of what could have become to them. Her physical injuries now fully healed, left only behind a small assortment of scars to add to her collection; each containing its own story.  She places her hands on the table as she leans on it for support. "Why didn't you wait Jaekob? I would have joined the search! I could have done this for you!" She fights alone, hoping her words would travel with the wind towards her friend.

She takes more steps, this time stopping to grab a goblet then fills it with rum and takes a long drink. Rum has been her medicine of choice these last few weeks. She clings to the hope that the drunken state will help ease her worries, and make the terrible thoughts disappear. Kathena's eyes well up with tears, as her face begins to look angry and lost. She screams loudly, "Why?!" Kathena throws her clay goblet against the wall and watches as it breaks into many pieces that fly through the air, landing on the ground with small splashes of rum.

Her hands cover her face as she sobs; the pain and loneliness starting to crush her. "You were my only true friend, Jaekob. This is why I should have never stayed. I broke my own rule. Never get close to anyone! They will always desert you."Kathena walks over to her bed and collapses on it. Her only hope at this moment is that if she can sleep, she will escape the torment that she finds herself in.

Just as Kathena faded into sleep she is awoken with a start by loud banging on her door. She quickly stands and notices a smoky scent as she makes her way to the door. She opens the door ready to scream at whomever stands there but is startled to see an elven guard, she'd met when training the troops. "Amarth? What are you doing here?" The elf looks unusually upset. The usual stoic expression replaces with one of desperate panic. "Lady Kathena, a monstrous fire has erupted in the Shadowlands and it's heading this way. All citizens must evacuate this instant! Grab all you can carry and head towards the shire."

She stands there motionless with an incredulous look on her face for a moment. Amarth grabs her arm and shakes her. "Woman you need to go! NOW!" She finally blinks and reacts to her shouting. "Yes! I'll get my wagon and leave straight away. Thank you." With that the elf turns and runs away to continue her evacuations.

 

Fire in The Shadowlands

Kathena is used to making hasty exits, though instead of villagers with torches, it appears the fire comes of its own will. She packs all the essentials, books, crystals, cards, potions, coins, and a small container of rum and places them all quickly into her wagon. She runs to get her horse, "come Shadow we must hurry out of town." The horse rapidly moves as she guides him and attaches the wagon to him. She takes a quick look around to make sure she hasn't left anything important then with a quick flick of her wrist the snaps the reins and takes off to the shire. "The shire should be a safe place for a few days, but I mustn't make camp there. I'll have to find a place better suited to my privacy later."

Kathena crosses over the bridge with her vardo in tow and hurries to safety.