Ettrian Rescues Kathena

Ettrian: There was a moment when he forgot to think of her and his routine actually took on some normalcy. But, now and then, she would creep into his thoughts, usually when he lay quietly for reverie.

Ettrian: But, this night his dreams were troublesome. It had  been three days - or more - and she had not returned. A rumor had reached him earlier that her mission had failed and that she was in trouble. He tried to push it from his mind, but his heart was beating rapidly. He jerked up from the bed where he lay.

Ettrian: His bare chest was washed in sweat, the sweat beading up on his flesh. He sighed, heavily. "No, it is not....not my responsibility. SHE is not my responsibility.'

Ettrian in  Reverie

Ettrian: He reached for a goblet of thick red wine and as he raised it to his lips, his body began to tremble and he jerked upright as the wine stained his chest a deep red, flowing down like blood.

Ettrian: He began to shake harder and thoughts of her touch, her kiss crashed through him as the wine soaked into him like blood.

Ettrian: Quickly, he slid his boots on and next his tunic came crashing over his head soaking up the luscious red wine. He strapped his sword belt around his narrow hips and just as quickly threw his bow and quiver over his shoulder, "I must be crazy," he mumbled. "This is...." and before the last word touched his breath, he was running toward the stables. A hand reached for the mane and he whispered, "Let's go, to the woods" he whispered in a shaky shallow voice. The white steed melted from the elven city as it raced downward toward the forests of Calenhad.

Ettrian: The elf and the horse were one as they moved in sync through the forest. Heavy brush and limbs crashed into the horse, into him. But they were one and moved as swiftly as a bird in flight.

Ettrian: When he came to the narrow bridge that led toward the Underdark, the horse reared up, it neighed letting its hooves dig into the soft soil. "Onward," the elf whispered as he leaned along the contours of the animals back. "Onward," he said again and the pair rushed over the bridge, making their way along the bank of the river, heading to Falcon's Edge.

Kathena Mavendorf: Rob paces a bit looking like is usual, impatient self. Gabe sits calmly in a chair. "Look I already sent for Andraste. She should be her before lunch time. I'm sure she will have word from the boss as to what he wants us to do with her." Gabe tells Rob reassuring him. Rob nods and sits, crossing his arms in front. "I've only met her the once before when she hired me. I hope she's a bit less, ummmm, scary than then. I truly thought she's cut off my head." Rob chuckles remembering the incident.  Gabe laughs loudly. "Yes well yer shouldn't have tried to touch her arse! She did wield a mighty big sword, and she's quicker than ye think." Rob grins widely. "It was worth it."

Kathena Mavendorf: The morning dew is fresh upon Kathena's skin. She'd been unconscious the entire night, ever since Gabe squeezed her neck so hard that for once Kathena thought she'd not make it through. She's not yet opened her eyes, but can hear the men talking in hushed tones to each other. The throbbing headache had kicked in and make it difficult for her to concentrate. She lay still for a minute letting her mind calm a bit before trying to move.

Kathena Mavendorf: Rob paces a bit looking like is usual, impatient self. Gabe sits calmly in a chair. "Look I already sent for Andraste. She should be her before lunch time. I'm sure she will have word from the boss as to what he wants us to do with her." Gabe tells Rob reassuring him. Rob nods and sits, crossing his arms in front. "I've only met her the once before when she hired me. I hope she's a bit less, ummmm, scary than then. I truly thought she's cut off my head." Rob chuckles remembering the incident.  Gabe laughs loudly. "Yes well yer shouldn't have tried to touch her arse! She did wield a mighty big sword, and she's quicker than ye think." Rob grins widely. "It was worth it."

Kathena Mavendorf: Kathena stirs and moans as her head throbs and her throat is very painful at the moment. She struggles a bit but gets herself sitting up. "Would ya look who's awake?! If it ain't our own personal torture doll." Rob says while grinning from ear to ear, obviously very amused. She blinks a few times, adjusting to the light and trying to focus clearly on the two men. Gabe approaches the cage, looking quite imposing and dangerous. He smiled at her admiring the collection of bruises he'd slowly created on her. His hands had used her skin as a canvas, and with each strike, he'd painted her skin in shades of purple and blue.

Kathena Mavendorf: "Sleep well princess?" Gabe says almost chuckling. Kathena tries to call him a rather nasty name, but her voice breaks badly and the pain doesn't let her get the word out. Her hand softly covering her throat as she tries in vein to sooth the pain. Gabe sees her struggle and starts to laugh at the pathetic sound that comes out of her mouth. He then sits back down.

Kathena Mavendorf: Rob watches her for a moment then questions his partner. "Gabe, what if Andraste wants to talk to her? She's can't even get a word out right now." Gabe looks at him and grins. I'm sure she can figure out how to make her squeal all on her own. After all, she's the boss' favorite from what I hear." They both chuckle for a moment. Kathena sits in the back of the cage looking exhausted, broken, in pain and weak, but she listens intently, so her efforts aren't in vain.

Kathena Mavendorf: "Let's get something to eat before Andraste arrives." Gabe says as he stands to leave. Rob nods and follows him back into the inn, leaving Kathena alone in her cage.

Ettrian: He rode northward, the horse and the elf moving as one. As he neared the stone pathway that led  cross the river toward the inn, he slid off the horse with an elf's ease. He whispered to the horse, "Stay among the trees until I call for you," Ettrian whispered as he lay his cheek to the horse in a parting gesture.

Ettrian: He moved forward, heeding her lesson, "Stay in the shadows. Think like a human..."

Kathena Mavendorf: Gabe returned to keep watch. He glances at her briefly then sits and continues to drink his coffee.

Ettrian: As he neared the inn, his senses felt the warning, the fear crept into him and her spilt blood raced through his nostrils like a flame. He dropped behind a rock, looking across the river's depths and almost choked when he saw her there, caged like an animal. His keen eyesight into in the cuts, the bruises and he clenched his fist as he looked at the male in the chair.

Ettrian Sees Kat Caged

Ettrian: With ease, with quiet, he unbuckled his sword belt. He removed his bow and quiver. He stepped in the water still cool from winter's passing. He let his body sink into the water and swam, hand over hand, until he reached the further shore.

Kathena Mavendorf stairs at the cup of coffee. Her throat is on fire and hasn't had anything to drink in over a day now. Gabe notices her stare and chuckles. "Oh no little one. This coffee is just for me." He takes another sip.

Gabee Teases Kat

Ettrian: With an elf's, a ranger's ease he pushed his palms into the moist bank and pushed his body upward to end postured like a wild animal.

Ettrian: His eyes went directly to Kat, they felt both sadness and anger and putting his fingers to his lips in hopes she would not set off an alarm for the seated man, he moved forward, toward the man.

Kathena Mavendorf locks her eyes on Ettrian and tries to keep Gabe from looking at him. She drops a hand by her side and tries to motion Ettrian to go away, without success.

Ettrian: Crouched, his knees bent, he sees her hand move. He pauses a moment and moves forward until his breath is close enough to be felt by the man. One arm moved swiftly to bind the man's throat, the other gave balance to the one. His eyes cut directly to Kathena.

Kathena Mavendorf looks horrified, and gasps loudly as Ettrian moves so quickly that she doesn't have time to control her reaction.

Kathena Mavendorf's eyes wide with fear for a moment, she looks around to make sure Rob isn't coming around the corner at any second.

Jaekob Faolan: With a quick twist of the arm, he could hear the bones break. He could feel the life flow from the man as he fell from the chair and crumpled to the ground.

Kathena Mavendorf tries to speak, but only a crackling whisper comes out. "Ettrian, run! Rob will return soon!"

Kathena Mavendorf is terrified for him. She knows if Rob returns Ettrian will have no element of surprise and will face a rather violent man.

Ettrian moves quickly to the cage, shaking at the bars, "I will...Oh Kat my sweet. I will set you free." And he looks around, "Where are the keys?" he asks still jerking at the bars as if they would magically open.

Kathena Mavendorf rolls her eyes and pulls a pin from her hair. She picks the lock in less than 5 seconds and steps out of the cage.

Kathena Mavendorf: Just then she hears Rob's voice yelling at someone coming up the path. "There's the love of me life!" He chuckles loudly. Kathena looks terrified, but not for herself, but Ettrian.

Kathena Mavendorf: "Go!" she strains to say to him.

Kathena and Ettrian

Ettrian looks at her wide-eyed, shooting her a cold stare, "Just like that?" he says a bit loudly. "Just like that and you are free." And he moves quickly when he hears the voice of yet another man. Putting fingers to his lips, he lets out a loud whistle and just as quickly the horse seems to fly over the walking stone. The elf grabs Kat and flings her over the horse. And grabbing the horse's mane, he says loudly, "Home, my friend." And the horse swiftly turns and crashes over the river's walking stones.

Kathena Mavendorf shrugs at the question. Of course she could open the lock! She's been picking locks since she was four. She could have left at any time, give the right distraction, but she was getting much more information by staying inside the cage. She feels light as a feather as he picks her up. She can feel the strength of the horse as it carries them both swiftly from there.

Kathena Mavendorf: Rob hears the whistle and turns immediately to see a horse with two riders take off. He then notices his partner on the ground. "Damn it!"

Kathena Mavendorf: He runs towards Gabe and the cage and finds him dead, and the gypsy gone. He stands looking at the woods in the distance and feels Andraste close in behind him. He slowly turns to face her. "I....I can explain." She hit him hard across the face and pushes him into the cage, locking it behind him. "I'm sure you will." She says in a calm voice then sits in the chair.

From: Silverwind Trading Co. to Jaekob, Druid King

**A letter arrives from a courier rolled up in a scroll case. Upon breaking the letter seal, fine black ink can be found scribbled elegantly on the parchment. It is a handwriting you have never seen before and from a name you do not recognize**

From: The Stillwater Trading Company
Cheshire
To: Cheshire, The Druid King
May 5th

Dear Sir:

I am writing on behalf of Guildmaster Sir Nyza B. Stillwater and the Silverwind Trading Company, newcomers to Market Day at Cheshire, in regards to troubling incidents we have witnessed during our recent market days. Since our inception to doing business in the Fair City of Cheshire last month, a Faeling by the name of Talia Sunsong has caused pandemonium and damages to our assets as well as the assets of other merchants and their property. Local authorities were dismal in their execution of policing the Market and it would appear this is not the first time incidents such as this have occurred. One such witness to these events is a Hobbit known as Fiesty Lotus who can vouch for the troubles.

In the interest of promoting a fair and safe trading atmosphere, The Plutocracy of Silverwind is requesting additional personal to be available during Market Days to remove possible ruckus, perhaps even banishing the Fae Talia from being allowed on the marketplace premises as well as any other noteworthy heathens. Should Cheshire be unable to provide additional security at the event, we will take decisive action accordingly to safeguard our own assets which may include the hiring of mercenaries to patrol Cheshire on our behalf when we are on the grounds. If the situation proves ineffective to our business thereby proving more trouble than it is worth, we will seek alternatives outside of Cheshire and will wholly recommend to our trading partners to avoid Cheshire for trading purposes due to its lack of professionalism in terms of security and welfare for the common merchant.

Attached is a bill for 500 silver to compensate for mental and physical damages caused by Fae Talia's destructive actions upon one of our guards. In addition, about 1000 silver worth of damage occurred on the scene to a merchant's stand of whose name I was not able to acquire. Your timely response to this important matter is appreciated, and we look forward to doing further business in Cheshire and the surrounding River Lands for the prosperity and goodwill of all.

Health and prosperity,
Sir William Staple, on behalf of Master Merchant Nyza B. Stillwater
Silverwind Trading Company, Plutocracy of Silverwind

Galdor Returns to Lothloriel

Galdor gained the rise, leaving the heaviness of Mirkwood behind him and with just a few more steps he reached the peak and watched Lothloriel unfold beneath him. To unseeing eyes it was bathed in a golden mist. The brightness of the canopy of burgeoning trees and the lushness of the underbrush only just visible below took his breath away. He had been gone just four short days, yet each moment away had stretched an eternity.
'Here is my home and my fate is bound to the Golden Vale and it's blessed Guardian,' he spoke aloud to no one in particular.

Not far beyond, resting but alert, sat a giant eagle, and he listened intently to the words of the solemn Elf, noting his posture relax as his gaze swept the valley underneath them, as the joy of his return flooded his body.
The eagle stretched his wings, swivelling his large, majestic head due south and his exacting eyes connected with a second huge eagle yonder, perched on the highest crag, overlooking the Vale and the waters separating it from Taibreamh.
􀀁
Both birds gave a curt nod of their heads and having silently communicated their thoughts on the lone elven warrior about to enter Lothloriel, they returned to their Watch, unconcerned about the end of his errand.

Galdor heaved his pack onto his shoulder, adjusting his sling and newly acquired bow and hurried onward, recklessly taking a lesser known path, skirting the mountainside and reaching the pavilion where he deduced he might find the Maia, Elbereth Elentari, in less than the time for the sun to crest the skies.

His approach was noted by Elbereth, as was his entrance through the enchantments concealing and protecting Lothloriel. Each living creature that broached its borders did so with the knowledge and allowance of Elbereth. This was her task and also her burden. Her gift was the swift appraisal of the true motivation of those seeking sanctuary within this realm. Her ability to reach deep into the soul of all living things and perceive their purest intentions was the purpose for her mission to these Lands and part of the greater designs of Eru.

􀀀Galdor is Watched by the Great Eagle Meneldor

'Mae athollen, Thalionen, mae tollen na mar' (Welcome back, my Champion, welcome home), her melodic voice greeted him upon crossing the bridge leading to the pavilion. As she smiled upon him, his heart skipped a beat and his mind was stripped of all woes.
Feeling lightheaded, he carefully placed his pack at his feet and bowed low before Elbereth, his tone soft, but steady as he returned her greeting, 'Le suilon, Poikaer, glass nín le achened (I greet you, Pure One, I exult to see you again). A shy smile curved his lips, 'I trust that all is well since our parting?'

Galdor Reports to Elbereth

She smiled and her eyes shone like the brightest of stars, 'All is well, Galdor. Lothloriel blossoms with the sanction of Iluvatar. Did you accomplish your errand to your satisfaction?'

Galdor was watching her intently, but dropped his gaze rapidly at her query and there was a pause. He was uncertain how to impart the reaction of the Woodland Elves and their King to his sudden reappearance and that which he had to report.

The Keeper of Lothloriel motioned with a hand for him to take a seat, her foresight enabling her to read the turmoil stirring within his heart, binding his thoughts and tongue.
'Galdor', her sweet voice washed over him like a soothing breeze, 'do not fear to relay the words of the Elven King to me. I have discerned Thranduil's lack of faith and his purpose of releasing you from your allegiance to himself in order to return here.'
Elbereth rose gracefully, her inflection mild, though no smile lit her face as she continued, 'The Elven King has grown complacent during the strife free ages. He believes his mansions beneath the mountains to be impregnable to enemies and he himself impervious to harm.' Her eyes pierced her companion and she regarded him thoughtfully as her speech shook his conscience.
'Thranduil has allowed your return due to his disbelief of all you had to report. Your tales of Lothloriel Awakened, nor even the sight of the golden Mallorn leaf could sway his vainglorious position!'

Galdor began to rise, the anger he felt at King Thranduil's rejection of his proclamation of the change in Lothloriel and more so, the demeaning way he had discounted any truth to his description of the origin of Elbereth, returning with such force, roaring through his veins, that his hands began to shake and he opened his mouth to deny the accuracy of her deductions.

Elbereth moved towards Galdor, her hand light as a feather on his shoulder, as she pressed his return to his seat, stopping his protestations. Her touch instantaneously released his pent-up frustration and a wave of reconciliation pacified him.
Her voice but a whisper, her face radiating benevolence, she answered his questioning glance with a knowing smile, 'My Defender, the mighty King of Mirkwood requests an audience, yes?' her eyes twinkled with mischief. 'The noble Elven Lord of the treasures within the famed Halls of Thranduil would have you lead him here in order to dispel his scepticism, yes?'.
Galdor watched in amazement as Elbereth glowed brightly, her inscrutable happiness resonating throughout the pavilion, touching him and bestowing a lighthearted boldness upon him. He grinned as she concluded her reflections with the following statement,
'Thranduil, Son of Oropher and King of Greenwood, shall have his wish granted, though he will not enter Lothloriel until I am satisfied that his heart is once again pure and untainted. When the time is fitting, you shall guide me to his throne room.'
Her mirth evident in her musical delivery, she mused, ' For I have existed many moons longer than the Leader of the Taur'quessirea (silvan elves) and have learned that in dealing with doubt and rejection, humour and impudence are seldom amiss!'

Galdor stared at Elbereth in wonder, as the tinkling sound of her lighthearted laughter washed over Lothloriel, and each creature that heard it was filled with a sense of bliss.

Kat’s Interrogation Part 2

Rob returns from the tavern carrying two tankards of ale. Gabe turns his attention to his partner. Seeing the ale, he grins. “Well at least you’re good for something’,” she says with a wide smile on his face. Rob chuckles. “Aye, but only sometimes!” He hands Gabe the ale and takes a look at Kathena, bloody and looking terrified huddled on the floor.

“Looks like you’ve been having all the fun without me, Gabe.” Rob grins at Kathena then gets up close to the bars. “How are ye liking me friend? Do ye prefer his fists or mine?” Rob chuckles and sits down, continuing to drink his ale. Kathena sees an opportunity. “I think I prefer your boss over you.” Her eyes study them both to gage their reaction. Rob stands up with such force and speed that the chair falls over. He rushes to the cage and bangs it with his fists. “He ain’t no boss of me, ye filthy gypsy whore!” Gabe chuckles for a moment then talks loudly at Kathena. “I know I’m more in charge than me partner here, but I don’t claim to be no boss.”

Kathena cowers in the corner, but now looks a bit confused. She looks at them both, “But…I….” She pauses for a moment, looking as if trying to work out where she went wrong. “Then you’re not the one to see about a job then?” She looks up at Gabe with a childlike expression of confusion and disappointment. He grins then gets a bit closer, his eyes very intently locked on hers. “Is that why ye wanted to drug me, huh?” She swallows hard and nods softly, afraid to speak. Gabe bursts into laughter. “I just work for the man! Besides, what could YOU do for him?” He goes to sit back down completely amused with himself. Rob is chuckling along with him.

She speaks meekly, her eyes studying them both. “I…don’t know. I guess…I…well. Maybe if you told me what your boss needs, I could do something.” She pauses for a moment. “I just wanted to earn some coin.” The men look at each other, an untold joke told between them speaking. Rob speaks up this time. “He ain’t got no work for no gypsy!” Kathena looks at him as if hurt by his words, but a bit angered. “How do you know? Did you ask him? Who is this boss anyway?” She finally gets to the real question she needs answered. Kathena waits trying her best not to give herself away. She watches them, careful to keep up the appearance of a woman in distress.

Rob is dismissive of her, while Gabe decides to take over the conversation. “The boss is of no concern to ye woman. Ye’ve got to deal with us here. Don’t ye worry about him.” Kathena knows this is her chance to get the information she needs so she doesn’t hesitate. She grins somewhat defiantly at Gabe. “Oh I get it now. Neither of you fine gents know who he is. Do you?” The men’s faces turn to stone and she can see, she pressed the right button. Gabe stands up and walks up to the cage, unlocking it and stepping inside with her. She presses her body up against the back bars as if trying to create more space between he and her. Gabe walks up to her and grabs her by the throat lifting her up so he can look into her eyes. He squeezes her throat tightly. She tries to pry his hand from her throat without success, and is starting to look panicked as her feet slightly dangle, hardly touching the floor.

“Whether or not I know the big boss is no business of yers. I get me orders and I follow them, and don’t need no woman to question my power. Ye understand? Huh?” Her eyes tear up as she gasps for air. She pleads to him. Barely able to speak she whispers, “Please. Yes. OK. Please.” Gabe holds onto her still, as she struggles to breathe. He grins wickedly as he watches her struggle as a fish out of water, fully enjoying the sensation of power. She tries to scratch at his face, but his arms are too long making it impossible for her to reach him. Light begins to fade from the edges, she feels her body tingle from the lack of air, finally losing consciousness and going limp in his grip.

Gabe grins and lets her body drop to the ground with a thud. Rob yells at him. “What happened to keeping her alive?!” Gabe turns to him and smiles. “She still lives idiot! I just wanted some peace and quiet.” He walks out of the cage and locks it behind him. He motions to Rob. “The hour grows late. Let’s get some food. She’ll be out a few hours at least.” He takes one more look at the woman lying on the ground then grins. “She’s going to have a right nasty headache in the morning.” Both men chuckle and make their way to the inn. Kathena lies completely still, her breathing ragged but strong. She will make it through the night.

Kathena's Interrogation Part 1

Kathena lays there, her eyes closed, her body in the same position it has been for over an hour. The only difference now, is that she's awake, but smart enough not to let her captors know. She listens, careful not to change her breathing or make any movements that would give her away.

"I wasn't thinking, Gabe! Relax! What's the big deal anyway? She's just a dirty gypsy," Rob says with a dismissive tone. Gabe is pacing back and forth, looking agitated. "What's the big deal? What's the big DEAL?! Are you crazy?! We need to get answers out of her for the boss and she's passed out on the floor!" Gabe gets in Rob's face and pokes him in the chest with his finger. "I'm not going to take the blame for this. You hear me?!"

Rob shrugs it off, leaning back in the chair, kicking his feet out as if he was lounging by a fire. Kathena knows she won't get more from them unless she plays along, so she moans slightly and opens her eyes as if just now awoken. She gets on her knees then pulls herself up by holding onto the bars. She blinks her eyes trying to get her bearings. "Well, well. Look who's awake." Rob says with a smug grin on his face.

She holds her head, making it look like it hurts more than it does. "No thanks to you, asshole!" Rob jumps up and almost hits her again when Gabe pulls him back. "Rob, go take a walk before I hit YOU," then he pushes him away. Rob looks like he will hit him, but decides better of it and goes to the tavern instead.

Kathena giggles mockingly. "Sorry to get between you two love birds."  Gabe reaches through the bars and grabs her hair and pulls her head back. "Don't think I will be gentle with ye, just because I stopped Rob from hittin' ye again." Kathena looks visibly shaken as Gabe reaches in his other hand and squeezes her neck tightly. "Ye and I are going to have a nice conversation. I will ask you questions and you will answer them. You answer me truthfully and ye will get water and food." He smiles his most charming smile. "If you don't," he lets go of her neck and slaps her across the face hard. The sting of the blow making her face burn. She tastes her own blood. Kathena licks her lower lip and feels the cut.

Kathena looks Gabe in the eyes. Her eyes filled with fresh tears. She trembles slightly in his grip and looks terrified. "Good. I think we understand each other now, don't we?" She stares are him a tear sliding down her face. "I asked you a question woman!" He pulls his hand back to strike her again and she flinches instantly. "Yes! Yes! I understand. Please don't hurt me!" She pleads. Gabe chuckles and releases his grip on her and takes a seat in front of the cage.

"See, now that wasn't that hard. I ask, you answer." He grins a crooked smile as he watches her retreat in the cell, pushing herself up against the back of the cage as if trying to put as much distance as she can from him. He stares at her. His little captive, like a rabbit in a cage. She looks weak, tired, scared and broken and he loves it. It makes him feel strong. He licks his lips as he takes in her form.

"Let's get started, shall we? Now, who sent ye ta kill me? Can't be personal. I don't know ye." He crosses his arms in front of him awaiting her answer. Kathena swallows hard and pulls herself together. "I wasn't trying to kill you! It was a love potion, I swear!" He stares at her as she looks horrified in the back of the cage. He grins as he stands and approaches the cage. "Tsk, tsk, tsk. I thought we agreed to be truthful. It's not nice when ye lie. It gets ye new bruises."

Kathena drops to the ground in the corner and hugs her legs to her chest and hides her face. "Please Gabe! Please! I'm not lying!" She cries, her sobs falling on deaf ears. "I just was going to." She stops talking and tries to control her sobs. Gabe's eye narrow. "Ye were going to what? What were ye going to do, gypsy?" She shakes her head and pushes tighter into the corner like a terrified little animal caught in a trap.

"Do you want me to go in there to slap the truth out of that sexy mouth of yers?" He says teasingly to Kathena, fully enjoying her torment. She shakes her head. "No, please. I.....oh gods, I was trying to drug you." She says looking even more horrified this time as if expecting him to go into a full rage and beat her. He grins widely, looking very satisfied with himself. "Now we're gettin' somewhere. Why were ye going to drug me?" She looks into his eyes, tears slowly sliding down her face. Kathena thinks to herself, "Ha! I got you now sucker!" She suppresses her smile, only looking as the scared little rabbit in his cage.

Kathena in a Cage

Kathena awakens before the sun rises. She knows today will be a very dangerous day for her, especially if she doesn’t play her role well. This is not the first time she’s worked a stranger in a conversation in order to gain some information they do not want to share. Thankfully she’s brought with her the truth potion that Fiesty prepared for her. She gets the small vial from her bag and places it in the secret pocket within her skirts. She smirks and mumbles to herself. “Such a little glass bottle, yet such a strong liquid inside, just like my poisons.” She giggles to herself before making her way downstairs at the inn.

The Wretched Raven was quiet in the mornings. There are a couple of drunkards that passed out at a table, while Sophie and her girl Greta were cleaning up the mess from the night before. Sophie was always bright and full of energy in the mornings, much to the dislike of many of her guests, Kathena included. Sophie looks up from her cleaning rag and spots Kathena right away. “Yer up early! I’ll get yer a pot of coffee; strong like you like.” Sophie says loudly, making Kathena wince as she’s not quite ready for loud noises first thing in the morning; especially before coffee. She nods at Sophie and takes a seat at a table in the back.

Sophie returns with a pot of coffee and a mug. “Here ye go! I’ll leave you to it, until yer feel human again,” she says and giggles as she goes back to her work. Kathena pours herself a cup of the rich, dark nectar that allowed her to speak to other humans. She takes a long, slow sip and lets it warm her to the soul. “Thank the gods! Without this my mind won’t be sharp enough to do my work.” She smiles and finishes her cup then pours another as she waits.

Two men come into the parlor, quietly shuffling their feet, move to the fireplace and take a seat, warming their hands. The morning chill in this area, is damp and feels like it gets into your bones. Kathena keeps her eyes on them, carefully hiding them beneath strands of her long, thick locks. Her eyes cut to Sophie, wondering if these be the men she’d been wanting to talk to. Sophie nods softly to her, and makes her way to the gentlemen by the fire. “What can I get yer fine gents this morning?” she asks in her cheerful way. The truth of the matter is they are neither fine, nor gentlemen, but she’s always charming to her customers. The men look up at her and ask for coffee with a bit of the “good” cream. Sophie smiles knowing full well, they want some liquor in their coffee. “Aye, that’ll be right up!” She leans over to one of them and whispers in his ear, something Kathena can’t make out. The man turns his head and looks at Kathena briefly, which makes her nervous, but she keeps her calm demeanor.

Sophie heads back to the kitchen to fetch their drinks, and the man whispers to his partner, then stands and makes his way towards Kathena. He’s a bit taller than her, heavy around the middle, but looks strong. She notices the dagger on his belt and the scars on his knuckles. She can see, this man can handle himself in a fight. She’ll have to be very careful. She keeps her eyes on him, as she slowly places her mug on the table and smiles as he reaches her table. “Good morning Sir,” she says in her most charming voice. Her eyes sparkle as she bats her eyelashes seductively at him. “Care to join me?” She motions to the chair across from her. He nods and sits without a sign of a smile anywhere on his face. He stares at her for a moment. His dark eyes narrowed in inspection of her, as he is undoubtedly trying to determine how much of a danger she poses. He finally leans in a bit and says, “I hear yer been askin’ ‘bout my business.” He looks intently into her eyes as if waiting to gage her reaction. Kathena keeps her eyes on his and acts coquettish and friendly, before she responds. “Aye sir. a girl like me needs to find work where she can get it. As I hear it, you’re the man to see about the biggest scores in town.”

She leans on the table and takes up her mug, drinking coffee as if she didn’t have a care in the world. He watches her carefully, but can’t get a read on her. He sits back in his chair and finally responds. “That be true. I am the man to see, but why should I share my good fortune with you?” She realizes she’s not even introduced herself properly, but at the same time, she knows the man will most likely not give her his real name. “Where are my manners? I’m Kathena. I pass through these parts once a quarter to do business with other smu….merchants, such as yourself.”

Sophie comes to her table with a mug of “special” coffee for the gent. He nods and gives her a coin. Kathena eyes the mug, trying to figure out the right time to drop in her potion. She smiles at him, “Mmmm, yer coffee smells different from mine. What do you put in yours?” He softens as her question veers off the job conversation and relaxes him a bit. He grins finally, and leans in. “I have Sophie put in some cream and spiced rum. It gives it a kick!” She giggles and softly touches his hand. “May I try it? If I like it, I might have to get the same.” She plays her flirtation well and he concedes to pass her the mug. Kathena pulls the vial from her skirt and palms it as she takes his mug in her hands, giving it a good sniff. “Oh that smells heavenly!” Just then she does her best to open and pour her potion into the mug without realizing his friend was walking up behind her. The man stumbles and bumps her making her drop the mug and the vial which breaks as it hits the stone floor.

Kathena gasps as she hears the glass shatter in front of them both and tries to cover for it immediately. “Good gods man! What is the matter with you? See what you made me do?” She looks at the man sitting across for her, and tries her best to look like a very apologetic damsel. “Please forgive me, sir. I’ll get you another right away.” His eyes focus on the broken glass right beside his cup and his face turns dark. He looks up at his friend, “Grab her! This devil tried to poison me!” She looks horrified. “Sir, I did no such thing! That’s my perfume. I was just about to put some on when he bumped into me.” Kathena tries her best to make it believable, but the other man already has his hands tightly wrapped on her arms and lifts her out of her seat in one smooth yank.

Sophie rushes over after hearing the commotion. “What’s happenin’ here? Why yer grabbin’ Kathena?” Kathena tries to look as demure as she can. “Tiss a misunderstanding is all. Right boys?” She forces a smile. The one grabbing her looks to his friend, “What ye want to do with her, Gabe?” At last she knows the man’s name; Gabe. He gives the other guy a look and motions to the door. Gabe turns to Sophie, “Oh we are going to take a walk to get better acquainted. Isn’t that right Kathena?” He stares at her with a look that she is all too familiar with.  His face strong and rugged, a scowl furrowing his brow. She knows it is not for a walk, yet she smiles and nods along, for she knows to not do so could mean Sophie gets hurt. “Aye, they are helping me around the mess I made. I think a bit of fresh air will do me good.”

Sophie knows something is wrong, but she knows better than get involved so she walks away. The men escort her out of the inn and take her out back to an old cell they have there for when someone gets out of line. She stumbles a bit as they shove her inside and lock the door behind her. She looks about the cell’s tall walls made of iron and knows she could not climb them without being noticed, so she looks at her captors. “Gabe, I swear I meant you no harm.” She tries her best to look weak and scared.

Gabe watches her careful, then turns to his friend. “Rob, yer better keep a good eye on her. Make sure she don’t escape or nothing.’ I’m gonna get us a couple of chairs. I think it’s best if I have a nice long talk with her, before I decide what to do with her.” Gabe goes off to find chairs, as she now looks at Rob. She puts her arms through the bars, leaning on them as she looks very delicately at him. “Rob. Is that your name? You know full well I’m not trying to hurt a strong man like your boss. That would just be plain silly.” Rob walks over to her, a small smirk on his face. “it ain’t him yer gotta worry ‘bout Miss.” He sticks his arm through the bars, grabs a handful of her hair, pulls her head back then bangs it against the bars, releasing his grip and chuckling. Kathena falls on the ground with a cut on her forehead that bleeds down her face. She wipes the blood off her face as her head pounds with pain. “This is going to be a long day,” she mumbles to herself before losing consciousness.

Jaekob Ponders his Actions

Jaekob squared his shoulders as he gazed out upon his home, his refuge; Calenhad, the home of the elves. His slender and graceful figure glanced at the lady who balanced Sun and Moon in her hands. His sorrows were many; none of them were trivial, some of them so dire, in fact, that the worries in his mind held sway over his facial features which were drawn and tight giving way to a single thought, "I am no more than you Lady. I am a statue to mine own purpose. For surely, my reasoning is questioned by the eldars and day by day they seem more trite toward me and the way I would rule."

He chewed on his lips as his hands dug into the railing of the marbled pavilion that was connected to his home. His eyes, dark with loneliness, scanned the full measure of the city. The sunset lay gently upon the white marbled buildings that made up Calenhad. The sight of it gave way to the smallest of smiles.

"It had been months, " he thought to himself. "It had been months since he had held his mate close to his chest," he mumbled, his words broken and sad. She was his life, his all and she was gone and he knew neither where or why.

The incidents with the Drow had almost damned him to hell. He had been raised by a Drow, a Drow who raised him as a son, a Drow who broke all the rules to give to him a sense of belonging, a sense of fairness. The Druid was far more forgiving than other elves. Surely he was more the Druid and less the elf. He had learned balance from his teachers and held the concept of fairness in his very being.
At least, the Drow attacks seemed to have quieted; less and less was seen of them as one day passed after the other."That is good," he thought. "It is good that the good folk of these lands do not pay as much heed to that particular threat. Of course, he would advise no one to let down their guard," he thought. "Now there were marauders to deal with."

"And now this," he mumbled under his breath. Now the very city he loved and protected had been breached by marauders, human marauders.And the one person he trusted more than any other, Kathena, had put her own life in jeopardy to aid his people. Yet, he was chastised for his actions, chastised by the Eldars. And even his good friend, Ettrian, made a mockery of the thoughts and actions she had offered to protect the home of the elves.

He looked again as the sun moved downward, the city framed in  shades of shadow and light. He chuckled to himself. "Balances lies in the simplest things," he thought.

He sighed heavily as he returned to his living quarters, his shoulders slumped somewhat. He was weary, but there was no time for reverie. He forwent his weariness and quickly filled his rucksack with a blanket for warmth, a good portion of lembas bread and a couple of apples. "I will need no more," he thought to himself. "I need to travel light and make my way to the Shire as quickly as possible. They are counting on me.... " He knew the Shire was in good hands. Arch Druid Fiesty was amenable and friendly enough to most. But, he knew her powers were great and that she would use them if danger presented itself in the Shire.

As he moved outward of his dwelling, he stopped, pausing to look out toward in the direction Kathena had traveled, toward Falcon's Edge. "Be safe my dear. I will be gone a day and a half, no more. If you are not returned, I will come for you, my dearest of friends."