Chapter 1

Korrath took a deep breath when they set out from the Dwin'arnith house, feeling the crisp chill in his lungs, and exhaled. It was often that Lady Ari'Rhyianna liked to travel, and therefore, he got out quite a bit. But being a ranger was in his blood. It always was, and always would be, and the call of travel could never be resisted for long. He felt sympathetic pangs for the Twilight elf waiting on the horse next to him, nearly one hundred years his junior, who preferred to curl up in front of the fire or on a balcony with a novel, or with a leather-bound book and pen, and to write. Her book never went with her on these travels, but carefully protected scrolls that she could jot things down on. Szarri had a fantastic memory.

He rubbed his horse's neck fondly, waiting patiently for the Lady. He had advised against going too far north or out of Elven lands on this journey, due to the nature of the weather in many parts of the world that was far more harsh than the mild chills of Auro'nahrah. He wore a slightly thicker vest than usual, and the regular long sleeves and pants. The cold did not really bother him, as it wasn't cold enough for much more than a light jacket. But knowing Ari, she would be wrapped in capes and furs and Szarri would be expected to maintain them to the best of the young elf's ability.

Sometimes Ari was very, very frustrating. He'd know, he was a constant in her life, and probably would be for a long time. He didn't much mind the Dwin'arnith house, after all, just so long as he had freedom of movement, and he usually did. The one attack that carried off most of his friends that day...he closed his eyes, and breathed deeply once again. It left scars that would not heal. He would never forget it. And it had curbed, to a small extent, his desires to travel far across the world with nothing but the pack on his back and his horse beneath him. He'd done it before. He did not need to see it again. Ari more or less needed him here.

Whereas she could go through a dozen maids until finally selected Szarri, she hadn't ever managed to get under his skin deep enough to make him leave. And he was steady, after all. He did what he was supposed to do and then some, and as long as Ari was unscathed, she didn't quite care. So long as she got to her parties and from point one to point two, she was satisfied. Of course, it was sometimes the time betwixt the travel that was nerve grating, as she tested what few limits she had again and again with him and Szarri. But the Wood and Twilight elves were made of similar mettle in this case, and both managed fairly well. He did not involve in Szarri and Ari'Rhyianna's problems, what few temporarily surfaced, at least, when Ari would start harping about the least little thing.

Szarri shifted on her little mare, her saddlebags packed and full. As was the packing pony, if one would call it that, alongside her, carrying Lady Ari'Rhyianna's 'light' traveling requirements. Namely, about fifteen elegant dresses other clothes, jewelry, perfumes, hair care products, and other assortments of feminine apparels and goods. More than once Korrath had cautioned against packing like that, and more than once had his bow and arrows come to good use to stop thieves. Or would-be thieves; not one that had gone after them had got off with anything less than a wound. Some arrows had tiny notches in the shaft, old ones. He had an old quiver, too, in his room that he never used. The shaft was completely notched on all of them-markers of the victims of the wood and steel.

Many of the notches told a story, at least, Szarri made a story out of them. That was what she wrote, in her book. Sometimes she would pry Korrath's past from him, though not of the one day that changed his life. He would never speak of it, not even when Lady Ari'Rhyianna demanded it. There he held his ground, one of the things he never backed down. Pressing him never worked, screaming at him most certainly didn't, because he would simply let her scream herself to hoarseness, and let it be as she whispered at some servant or another to get her something soothing for her throat. He could have a private chuckle over it after, of course, but never to her face.

Szarri studied the Wood Elf beside her out of the corner of her eyes, and he glanced at her, knowing that she watched him. Her dusky complexion reddened ever so slightly, and she, too, turned her gaze upon the Dwin'arnith house, and settled down to wait. While she sometimes had a dreamy appearance, she was always well aware of her surroundings. Always. Szarri sighed slightly. Ari'Rhyianna had sent her out after she'd finished lacing her into her riding clothes, and done her hair, and reassured her lady that EVERYTHING was packed, and nothing was forgotten. Late again.

Ari'Rhyianna was looking at herself in the mirror, pleased with what she saw. She wore her riding clothes as a second skin, a tight dark blue bodice over a lighter blue tunic. Her black pants were barely shown underneith her wide dark blue skirt, slit in the sides so that the riding would be more comfortable. Riding in a skirt or a dress was never a good idea, but after all, she WAS a Lady, and she'd rather die before being seen in anything but a dress. So the solution had been a skirt opened in the sides.

And of course, as a Lady, she always wore some kind of jewlery. Ari -LOVED- anything that glittered. Today she wore a silver necklace with small drops, of sapphires, because as much as she loved jewlery, she loved the colour blue. And of course, it matched her blue eyes. Very important, that. Two larger drops hung from her ears, and smaller ones 'climbed' her pointy ears. Her slender pale hands were almost clad in silver and gold rings, the one more grand than the other.

This, much thanks to the rich, very rich merchandiser that was currently courting her. She had no interest in him, at all, after all he was a bit too old with his 250 years. And ugly. But, seeing he traded in jewlery she let him court her for a while. He more or less threw special made necklaces and earrings at her.

A smiled spread on her beautiful face as she realised she had let them wait too long. It was not as if she had planned it, as always, but she mused at the thought of them waiting 'patiently' for her. Without hurrying she made her way down the long stairs and outside. Korrath and Szarri was waiting with their horses and her belongings.

Next to Korrath's mount stood her own, a large stallion, black as the darkest night. He had been a great companion for the last 5 years, still a youngin'. But he was as strongheaded as she was. To everyone's surprise they got along perfectly, the horse and she. Perhaps their minds worked alike, because it almost seemed as if Shade was indeed the shade of the young Lady, his temper matching hers at every time.

As she approached them Shade bobbed with his head up and down as to greet her, stomping his hooves impatiently on the ground, eager to get going.

"Szarri!" she said, breaking the silence. "My white cape and a thick fur to go underneith it."

One always had to look ones best. And a dark fur would ruin it all. She stroke the black stallion over his neck and breathed in the fresh air. Indeed, it was cold, but a good ride would take the coldness away. Shade, as she did, loved to stretch on the open roads. Which, of course, made it very difficult for Szarri to keep up with the packing pony. Not that it bothered Ari.

"You can take a fur for yourself as well, Szarri," Ari said with a cheerful voice as the maid approach her with hers.

In many ways Ari was still a child. Not in years, but her temper could change rapidly. Sometimes she could be overwelming with "friendlyness", dressing poor Szarri up, giving her some of her old dresses and jewlery, things she had gotten tired off. And sometimes everything Szarri did would be wrong. But her temper didn't just affect Szarri, but her whole surrounding. Her parents were used to it, by now, and they let her be. She was their only child, and needless to say, Ari'Rhyianna had always gotten everything she wanted.

Korrath waited patiently on his horse. He was a patient elf, and one of the stable hands, a young lad who had a deep crush on the Lady Ari'Rhyianna, and hid it well, mainly by looking at his boots as the young elf approached and nudged a stool into an even better position for Ari. The wood elf hid a smile well, knowing it would be the day when the lady ever acknowledged the boy with anything other than a derisive remark. He bit the inside of his lip as the Lady requested a fur. Well, if she wanted to sweat before they reached the colder areas, she could as she wished. He knew as well as Szarri that the Twilight elf had packed a fur of her own to keep her warm. One simply just did not tell that to the Lady.

Szarri brought the white cape and fur over to Ari, helping her into it. "Thank you, m'Lady." She murmured when Ari told her she could bring a fur. "You're very kind and considerate. Thank you." When Ari'Rhyianna was properly layered up and mounted, Korrath fixed her with a firm stare. "You are not, Lady, going to be taking long gallops far out of the city. For one thing, the ground is hardening and therefore is not suitable nor soft enough to sustain a hard gallop. Furthermore, bandits, renegades, thieves and highway robbers lurk in the shadows. And since I have to chase after you when you do take those long gallops, which not only tires our horses before our destination, it also leaves your maid and your belongings without protection. Both of which are likely to be stolen away. And then you would most certainly be in a tight spot, as I daresay you've exhausted the supply of maids the House has to offer. And I am unschooled in the mysteries of weaves and braids amongst a lady's hair."

He always did that before each journey. He laid down the law. She might make her own rules at home and get away with murder, but /he/ was NOT going to allow her to break her fool neck when traveling. He traveled sensibly and always would, and that meant telling the Lady what was what, and what was that. More than once she'd thrown tantrums with him and more than once he'd simply wheeled his, the packing pony, and the maid, now Szarri, around and started back home. She'd follow, eventually, as she did not have much idea as to how to get to the destination, and while she was a stubborn, hardheaded brat she generally did not want to risk her pretty neck more than she had to.

Korrath knew that Szarri told a lot of stories, not only to Ari'Rhyianna, but to the children of the House as well-servants' children, as Ari was the only noble child. Well, she was a young woman, in all honesty, but Szarri considered her a child, despite the miniscule difference in years that they shared, although Korrath was more than twice her age, certainly thought of her as a little girl. A lot of those stories included grisly tales of what happened on lonesome roads when a Lady was without protection. She really only told those tales when she knew Ari was listening, as she preferred not to scare the children.

Finally dressed to be off, with the help of Szarri, Ari'Rhyianna grapped the saddle and was about to jump up on Shade.

"Hold him still!" she snapped at the stable hand as Shade was still trotting around in one place.

Very agile, having ridden since she was a little toddler, Ari finally mounted Shade. She was not riding as a lady should, with the legs on one side, but rode as every man would. It gave her much more freedom, and she didn't even care it wasn't all ladylike. She WAS a Lady, and she'd better d'mn well ride as she wanted to!

Her bright blue eyes darkened, as always when she was annoyed as she looked at Korrath. She tossed her long black hair over her shoulder, reaching her butt and said without looking directly at him, something she knew would annoy him.

"And I doubt anyone would like to steal poor Szarri from me," she said sarcastically and glanced quickly over the Twilight Elf.

And really, she thought, the loss of her belongings weren't her problem, but Korrath's. Or it would be, when or if they were gone.

"And don't lecture me!" she added sharply, dart of ice shooting out from her eyes. "Ever again!"

"I'll do as I bloody like to! Even if it means mom and dad will have to get a fresh supply of maids..."

Suddenly she realized that she was trying to justify herself in front of him. The gall! That bloody incredible annoying....

"Aaarrghh!" she yelled with frustration and kicked Shade in the sides and he instantly obeyed and gallopped out from the main gate to the Dwin'arnith House.

How dared he! She would have him... hanged!! Well not hanged, he was too good to have around, she had to admit. But she would... Arrghghh!!!

The stable hand went red to the tips of his pointy ears and got a tight grip on the horse, all right. A good, hard grip that forced the cursed black horse to stay in place. Nearly the entirety of the stable hated that beast for some reason or another, and him getting yelled at because of the horse's tomfoolery just put the boy into the group with the rest of them!

"Yes, you can do whatever you want when you're at home. I don't care about that. But when we're on the road, you'll mind yourself." He interjected, not a hint of annoyance, anger or whining in his face. It was just patient calmness, which, in fact, was very annoying in itself. And as if he knew what she was thinking, he leaned over in the saddle.

"And if your pretty dresses get stolen, you're going to be stuck in your riding clothes for your fancy dinners and balls." He had to add that last bit, he knew the horror of that. "And I wouldn't surprised if someone stole your pretty maid away, everyone loves a good Twilight." Szarri, too, went crimson to the tips of her ears and remounted her horse, quietly thanking the stable hand that moved to assist her.

He flicked the reins and whispered to his horse, sending the bony brown mare into a canter after Ari'Rhyianna, and Szarri touched her own horse with her heels, gently, to get him going. A light touch on the leading rein brought the packhorse with her, and they set off after the wood elf, who was close to Ari's heels. Try as that girl might on her black horse, Korrath knew ways to keep up with her, and he'd worked his mare daily to keep her in good condition and good shape. Her stamina was something else, and he was proud of the beast. Szarri settled down on the saddle, a small pillow beneath her bottom. She really did not like riding, but she didn't have much of a choice in the matter.

By the time they were outside Auro'nahrah Korrath caught up with Ari and without acknowledge his presence she let out the reins and let Shade slow down to a simple trot. She would imagine that it would take a while before Szarri caught up with them.

It still annoyed her that Korrath might be right. She -would- hate to loose her dresses on a journey like this one. She couldn't really walk around in riding clothes for days! The horror of it! And all her jewlery! Even the thought of it, the hand made necklaces made especially for her. They could never be replaced!

"Do not ever speak to me like that in front of anyone else," she suddenly spoke, calmly this time.

"You may speak to me however you want when we are alone, but if you'll ever speak to me like that in public ever again... I'll... have your head for it!" she snapped.

She raised her chin towards the air and made a short 'hmpf'ing sound, and the stallion followed suit, holding his head up high, snorting loudly.

In secret Ari'Rhyianna smiled to herself, having had time to calm down. Korrath would always be around, she knew, silent and strong. He would always get her out from the trouble she got into. And, from time to time, she didn't even bother with the way he talked back to her. No one else did, and sometimes it grew boring hearing all the 'yes-sayers' speaking to her. So dull!

At least Korrath said what he wanted, which of course, could be highly annoying from time to time, if not even all the time. But she held a certain respect for

When Szarri later on finally caught up with the two she snapped, rolling her eyes at the other girl:

Szarri cursed silently under her breath. She could gallop these horses but she would not do it. She never went faster than a trot when she was leading a packinghorse. "M'Lady," Korrath said with aggravating calmness, "it will be the day when you have my head for anything such as not handling you with the silk gloves you expect and demand. Of course, so Szarri can keep up, you can start leading the pack horse. How's that?" his hazel eyes grinned, although he looked and sounded completely --the horror-- serious.

When Szarri finally caught up, and was scolded and admonished, she bore it with fortitude. "Yes, m'Lady." she said simply, having donned a light coat. However, as she was only a servant, she wore trousers for the ride. Which, she had to admit, were a big relief, as she had far more problems riding sidesaddle than regular. Although when she stood, the legs of the trousers behind her apron were so big they might well have been a skirt, they had a purpose, they kept her legs warm.

She would never do such a thing! Not when she had people like Szarri around, and why would she ever be without? How utterly silly! And she didn't demand everyone to handle her with silk gloves! What a total lie! She only demanded respect of those that worked for her! Was that too much to ask for? She doubted it.

She decided she was, again, angry with Korrath, but instead of taking out the anger at him she projected it upon poor Szarri. As usual, since Szarri didn't speak backt o her as Korrath did. She was too well trained for that. She had manners! Something the Wood Elf lacked in.

"Oh for the love of god, Szarri! Quit hurting that horse! She isn't enjoying your feet flying all over! If anything, she'll get confused as to what you want."

"Can you never learn? Oh yes, read that you can. Read your boring books. But after all our journeys you still can't ride a horse! I'd have to walk instead! Would that be to prefer before riding? At least you won't misuse the poor mare!"

She smiled viciously at the thought of having the poor maid walk all the way. A sight that would be!

Korrath rolled his eyes. "Stuff it where, m'Lady? In the already overstuffed bags attached to your packing horse?" He chuckled, and guided his horse over to Szarri. She was having stirrup troubles, and stared down at the horse's neck as she bit the inside of her lip. One of these days... One of these days she had a mind to clobber that girl with one of her big books, or the one she was writing in. Hmph. Now then Ari'Rhyianna would have her head.

Korrath adjusted the length of the stirrups, and wedged Szarri's feet in them. "These pants aren't doing you any favours." he tapped her knee, and Szarri nodded silently. "If you didn't insist she wears a dress full time, or that she worse something close to a dress, her feet wouldn't be flying all over the horse. Can't be helped. Not everyone has the position to put themselves on display with skintight cloth."

Szarri murmured her thanks to the wood elf for the stirrup help, and straightened, looking Ari'Rhyianna in the eye. "Yes ma'am. I will do my utmost to improve my riding skills, as you so wish it." there was just a quiet digging in in her voice, not outright irritation, anger or annoyance, she could never do that. Her eyes were hard and slightly angry, although it did not show in her features, nothing more than her usual servitle attitude; and besides, it was impossible to tell her emotions from her eyes, as the irises matched the pupils. In fact, there was very little white at all, her eyes were almost solid black, leading to the rumours that she was blind. Which, of course was obviously not true, but rumours surfaced where the truth was not known.

"Anyway, enough." Korrath said finally. "Let's get going. And if we can by some chance go the rest of the time without bickering, we'll be quite well off. /If/." he emphasized, doubting that it would not be long before Ari found some other fault to pick at.

As the trio started again, Korrath leaned in and whispered in Szarri's ear, correcting her posture, which she did as best as she could, and then he guided his horse up to Ari'Rhyianna's, if not just a little in front, which was usually inexcusable. But he knew where he was going, and he was the bodyguard of this spoiled rotten little pest of a high elf. He knew what Szarri was thinking beneath her soft manners, and wouldn't be surprised if Ari's tyrannical ways stopped on this journey by hook or by crook.

"Hmpff!" was Ari's reply to Korrath's comment before he fell back to Szarri. He could stuff it where the hell he wanted to! As far as he stayed out of her face!

"Well last time I checked Szarri was able to speak. If she doesn't like the clothes I give her... she can say so. And you are right Korrath. You know nothing of the mysteries of women, so butt out!," she hissed at him.

She just gave Szarri an annoyed wave of ignorance after the Twilight had told her she would try and do better.

"As long as you don't fall behind..." she added shortly trotting ahead, this time in a much more comfortable speed for them all.

She continued on for a while in silence, ignoring them both. She felt like being alone for a while, even if that couldn't quite happened on the road. But after getting bored of the silence, after only a couple of minutes Ari'Rhyianna steered Shade right next to Korrath.

"So how long before we settle in for tonight? Are there any towns soon?" she asked, this time in a much more pleasant voice. It seemed as if her lousy mood had been brushed away with the wind.

Kylendil watched as the scene unfolded, waiting for the best time to make his appearance. Ari would chaffe at Korrath's rules of the road and attempt to exert her supremacy sooner or later. As it happened to be sooner, he was content to let the wood elf deal with her.

As she settled down and started questioning Korrath about the itenirary, Kylendil made his move, emerging from a side trail. "You would ride off to your adventures without me, Little Lady?" he asked, using the diminuitive he had called her by since she was a child.

He'd been about to reply back to Ari'Rhyianna in Szarri's defense and at the last second clamped his mouth shut, catching Szarri's very slight shake of her head. Mannerless or not, Korrath knew when and where to toe the line, and he toed it now. With the Lady it was give and take, he could dish out the words and back them up, but one had to know when to balance her tantrums with silence and ignore it. Which was what he did now. He winced when he saw the pillow beneath Szarri's rump and felt sorry for her, but he had to agree with Ari. She should've been used to riding by now. Oh well. She could ride to his satisfaction and that was enough.

Relaxed in his saddle, he kept his eyes and ears out on the roads and what lurked around them, his bow always across his lap and an arrow waiting with it lest something jump from the shadows and attack. Or in the event that one of the Wild Elves came running. He'd had to deal with that before--while he and the other Wood Elves respected their beliefs, they were far too extreme for him. He, for one, was quite happy with horses, and more than once some Wild Elf had come running at them, screaming for them to get off the horses, and when that didn't work, they'd often attempt to encourage the horses to buck.

That was a short-lived tactic that never worked. His and Ari's horses were too close to their riders, the packhorse to heavily laden down to really buck, and Szarri's mellow mare was attached to the packhorse. Korrath's general policy was to ignore them until they got violent. And when they got violent things did not get pretty. His job, after all, was to protect Ari'Rhyianna and moves against her could warrant death. The wood elf did not hestitate to act, and that's probably what kept him as Ari'Rhyianna's bodyguard over the past century and a quarter. He was good at what he did.

He nodded to Ari as she fell back to her servants, and stared up the road a moment before answering, he had a feeling, just a feeling, that they were being watched. As Kylendil emerged, he nearly shot the arrow. A moment later would've been too late to retract it.

Korrath nodded to Kylendil in greeting. Time more or less encouraged confidence and fostered trust, though sometimes the other made the bodyguard a little suspicious. But he never probed, as he did not need to be challenged about his own history. He knew Szarri was deeply interested in the Sylvan, and was more likely than not the one who made the stories, which became rumours, which became legend. "When you weren't in the yard, we figured you weren't coming, since last time I asked when we were planning this out, you didn't give me a definite answer."

That being said, he addressed the Lady. "Yes, we'll be stopping in a little while. We're approaching Halen Keep. If we make good time we'll be there within the hour. Assuming, of course, there's no mishaps along the way. Shouldn't be. This road is generally too well traversed." he nodded pointedly to the width of the road, which was broad, most of the foliage had been beaten quite a ways back. Which was good, trees couldn't reach enough to whack them should a wild elf ask them too.

"So we'll stable the horses and such in the keep, and set out about mid-morning, after, of course, you've had your beauty sleep." Korrath kept a straight face the entire time and the humour out of his voice, which made it funnier. "And head for Illiara." He always carefully planned out a route, and had times set for it. Times, which allotted plenty of space for the Lady to enjoy herself. If she didn't get that time, of course, she would be very put out, and her mood spoiled until the next leg of the trip. But travelling with a sulky High Elf was never a pleasant experience, and needless to say it was not one that Korrath enjoyed. So while he didn't show it, he was relieved --and he knew Szarri was as well-- that she'd come out of her sulk.

Feet stuck in the stirrups now it was a little easier going for the Twilight. She kept her eyes on Ari and Korrath, although her mind swam with stories. She could put the bodyguard into the position of a warrior king, of a soldier, in the position of renegade, so well did he know their ways. She knew there was more to him than met the eye, and Szarri loved to imagine. One day it would all go in her book, that is, what wasn't already there. Her gaze shifted to Ari'Rhyianna, and Szarri smiled slightly at the corner of her mouth. The High Lady, a princess. So many roles, so many stories, so many characters could she spin out just from her Lady. For all of her harshness and unstable moods she was inspiration itself, and there were, after all, times when Lady Ari'Rhyianna was wonderful to her, although those moods and times were few and far between. A child with a doll, the way Ari dressed her up and experimented on her.

Szarri was always thinking, her mind always on the move. Sharp in wit and reason, she was sometimes rather shy and could be described as timid, but mostly that was written off as being job training, of her position, of quiet, modest and humble disposition. And it was unlikely she'd be a maid all of her life, she reminded herself. One day she'd become a historian, a writer, and write libraries of volumes. That was her dream, a dream she kept hidden, even from those in her closest confidence. Someday, after all, was far away.

"Kyl!" she yelled and jumped off the horse and ran up to him. She hadn't seen Kylendil in a while and he was greatly missed, and his stories.

"Where have you been?" she asked, waiting for him to get off his horse to give her a hug.

"And Korrath is right. You weren't there, so how should we know you were coming?" she said, pouting her lips. "You are coming, right?"

"I'd like to check around at the local Market before we head out tomorrow, as well," she added over her shoulder to Korrath still with a pleasent voice.

If it was something Ari loved, it was shopping. And luckily, for the others, it always brought her into one of her good moods.

Starr "Yes, I had planned to join you on your journey. The northern lands can be trecherous indeed...though there is also beauty to be found." he said, handing her a silver rose.

Ari reached up and gave Kylendil a long hug. She let him go after a while and took a step back, as to look at him. Satisfied with what she saw she smiled, which made her look even more beautiful in her riding outfit.

"Oh, belive me Korrath has already informed me of that. Plenty! But we are still going, and I'm glad you are joining us," she continued, adding a glance at Korrath.

Oh he had told her alot, but she was determined to go, and once she had made her mind up there was no one that could make her change it.

"You shouldn't have... " she said with a tone that suggested 'oh yes you definetely should have'.

"It is beautiful," Ari'Rhyianna said, smiling even more now, looking at the rose from every angle.

Korrath paused his horse when Ari'Rhyianna dismounted, snatching the reins of the black stallion before the troublemaker went anywhere. Szarri stopped as well, eying Kylendil with a smile, her imagination running free again, wondering just where he'd been. She planned to be with her Lady, too, if Kylendil told her about it. This was one tale she didn't want to miss, and the pieces and gaps he always left could be filled with her vibrant imagination without a qualm.

When Ari wasn't looking and was busy griping about Korrath's warnings about the northern lands, Korrath grimaced openly at her back, mouthing 'She won't listen,' to the Sylvan, and groaned silently when he mentioned beauty. The wood elf had been half-hoping to persuade her not to go any further than Illiara, but now that Kylendil mentioned beauty, there would be no going around it.

Szarri almost smiled at Korrath's face, but kept her face still, showing disproval instead. Korrath's expression changed sharply as Ari looked over her shoulder at him and spoke of the Market. "Of course, M'Lady. I knew you'd want to, so naturally we will. Pick up some more supplies there and then continue up towards the Northwest." He knew well enough that any Market would attract Ari'Rhyianna's attention and hold it. And probably leave her coffers lighter, too. But by the Goddess, her parents were rich as it was. It wouldn't matter. But he had to watch their finances, the last thing they needed was for money to run out. Else they'd be telling the merchants to send the bill to the Dwin'arnith house. And often many did not like that.

"Yes, my lady. It is beautiful. Finely crafted." Szarri answered immediately on cue, and meant every word of it. The rose was indeed a work of art, and immediately set off her imagination again. A world of silver roses, golden orchids and violets and bluebells...she sighed softly, her mind wandering far, thinking of more for her book. It would be an amazing tale. And she would record it, already her words flew through her mind, her fingers twitching as if she was writing with a pen, immediately sifting through the packhorse with her mind and remembering where she'd placed her light traveling writing board, scrolls and pens.

"Now." Korrath's voice brought Szarri back to earth. "Compliments exchanged, may we continue? I do plan on reaching that Keep."

"Ah yes...we should be moving on. Tales can be enjoyed just as well on the trail." Kylendil said as he was reminded that they were holding up progress. He helped Ari in mounting up before returning to his own horse.

re I have been...perhaps you could tell me what you have done, and what has caught your fancy that you travel to the northlands?"

Ari'Rhyianna merely nodded at Korrath as he told her he had already suspected as much. She couldn't help but to feel a tad annoyed by the fact that he seemed to anticipate her "moves". Not that it came as a surprise though. Korrath had always known her well, the many years had taught him as much.

With the help of the Sylvan she mounted Shade again, not that she really needed the help, but she gladly took it anyway.

"Well, I'd rather hear about your doings, but... I suppose there is no harm in telling you," she said smiling to Kylendil as the trio, now increased to four, continued their way to the Halen Keep.

She kicked Shade in the sides and told him to take up some speed, but this time not in a gallopp. She didn't want to leave Szarri too far behind.

"Well... you know about the jewel right? The one my father gave to me on my 100 birthday?" she asked.

"Well... I'm going north to find... a person, that might now more about it," she finally said. Not really sure on how much she ought to say about it. The surrounding could have ears, after all, and she wasn't -that- stupid. At least sometimes.

"Ah yes...the gem. A beautiful thing that. Heard stories about it..." Kylendil commented. "But perhaps another time. You wanted to know where I've been."

He then launched into the story of his travels in the northern lands, in which he found a cave in one of the higher peaks guarded by a colddrake, a lesser realtive of the fabled dragons. After a number of other trials, he reached the summerlands, a island of flowers in the heart of winter. Though there was many wonders to be seen there, he had taken but a single token of his travels...the rose he had presented to Ari.

Ari'Rhyianna turned now and then to look at Kylendil as he spoke. He was very handsome, she noted. And that he had always been, in her eyes. Not as 'rough' as Korrath, even though her guard might turn a few heads here and there during their journeys. Had he been ugly, she'd never would have allowed him to stay this long. Ari was a sucker for good looks and therefore she wouldn't stand to be around "less fortunate" men.

Szarri, was another thing though. Yes, the maid was cute. Pretty even, sometimes. But there was one important thing with her. She seldom, if ever, tried to improve the way she looked. Which was perfect for Ari. It was one thing to be surrounded by handsome and beautiful men. Being surrounded by beautiful women on the other hand. Ari'Rhyianna knew she looked good. Better than most elven women. But all good looks comes with an ego, and Ari's was big. She hated to be around other beauties, competing with the attention of men.

Ari laughed. Some men could be so stupid sometimes. Not all, granted, but most. Looks could get you a long way, surrounded by foolish men.

Turning her attention back to Kylendil she continued to eagerly hear what he had to say. He had seen so many things. Much more than she ever would.

"I shall travel there sometimes," she announced, probably to the dismay of Korrath. "To the summerlands. I would like to see this island of summer and flowers of the coldest winter. It sounds wonderful!"

Korrath rolled his eyes that time and clearly didn't care if Ari'Rhyianna saw it. The way he saw the world, there were two types of people, Doers and Joiners. He happened to be a Doer. He was a free spirit, even though he worked for the Dwin'arnith house. Even Ari'Rhyianna knew he would stand for so much, and once he had had enough, he would be gone. That limit seemed yet beyond, else he would've already gone.

As they kept going, Korrath listened absently to Kylendil. "Sounds like quite a journey" he interjected, sighing silently as he saw Szarri writing furiously, her mare and the packhorse just following along after the others, as horses were herd animals. Every so often the Twilight elf would study Kylendil, and would return to writing, the tip of her tongue peeking out of her mouth as she wrote furiously. Korrath whistled, and suddenly Szarri's mare and packhorse bolted towards the Wood elf. He caught their reins, as Szarri's feet were firmly stuck in the stirrups, which was likely the only thing that kept her from falling.

"Put that away. Ride right, and pay attention to the road." Korrath told the maid in his usual voice, devoid of much emotion besides an underlying tone of faint goodwill. Her dusky cheeks scarlet, Szarri did as she was told, murmuring apologies. She took her reins back, and soon fell back again, staring glumly into the trees, reins woven through her fingers. If there was anything she disliked intensely about her Lady, it was that she loved traveling so much, and cursed horses. Ugh.

"Summerlands, eh?" Korrath eyed both Ari and Kylendil, and made a mental note to remind the Sylvan about getting Ari's head in knots about visiting far off places. Yes, Korrath loved to travel, but knowing Ari'Rhyianna, it WOULD be in the middle of winter, and it WOULD be a not-so-easy journey. That was the lady's way. "Doable. However, not right now; Halen Keep, first thing...Maybe on the way back." he threw in at the last moment, just to keep her ladyship happy.

"I would indeed love to take you to see the beauty of it...but I fear that mountain climbing has not been in your training as a Lady. And that crag would be a challenge even if it wasn't icy and subject to blizzards at the drop of a hat. Besides...there's no telling what will come of the mystery of your gem..."

"I wasn't talking about right away you know," she told both the Sylvan and the Wood elf.

"But perhaps, sometime, in the future," she continued, urging her horse forward in a quicker pace.

All of the sudden she was eager to get off the road, to find a nice quarted and to just.. relax.

Korrath sighed deeply, rolling his eyes, and stared out into the forest that surrounded them, and went quiet once again, his arrow still notched on his bow on his lap, truthfully enjoying the ride. He loved riding, it was in his blood as a ranger, and sometimes he wondered why he quit. Until he remembered that day, when his world had gone awry.

By the time the sun was settling down behind the horizon the small group arrived at Halen Keep, the large Tree City that loomed in the sky before them. Ari'Rhyianna spurred Shade in the sides and quickly headed towards the large gates.

On her way to the entrance she passed both one and two groups of Rangers on patrol. She waved and smiled as she rode past them and some even dared to wave back. Although most ignored her.

She pouted with her lips, unsatisfied with the 'greetings' she was given, or rather not given.

"Are you coming?" she snarled over her shoulder at the others that were coming right behind her.

Once they had gotten inside the gates she rode a bit further before she stopped and jumped off her black stallion.

"Korrath! See to the horses will you? I don't want any other commoner touching Shade. He doesn't like that. You are the only one he tolerates except me," she said and almost dropped the reins before he got close enough to take them.

She began to walk up the large stairs that remained before she reached the 'real' heart of the city.

"Of course, my lady." Kylendil said, dismounting. "Now go with Korrath and don't give him or the stablehands a hard time, you hear?" he told his horse. As he headed towards Ari, the horse tried to follow him in what approached for stealth from a horse. Turning to find the horse still following, he said "I mean it, Rochshee. You need to go with Korrath." Rochshee sulked back over to the other horses. "Good boy." Then turning to Ari, "So shall we?"

Heading on, he escorted Ari through the city in a round-about route, that would take them past a spot that was perfect for watching the glorious sunset. While they paused to enjoy the spectacle, he had the feeling that they were being watched. Turning, he saw several armed men.

"Seems they're letting anyone into town these days." he sniped, his hand resting lightly near his rapier, moving to stay between Ari and the men.

"With as little tact as you show, I seriously doubt your lady sent you herself. She went to alot of trouble to convince me to aid her endeavor. She'd really hate to see you spoil that. When and if I get it, she shall receive it from my own hand."

"So you're defying us? Perhaps you have some connections that need to be severed..." he said, indicating at Ari.

"So much as touch the Lady and I will personally see that your mistress never gets what she desires. Now...if you really intend to 'sort me out', it can wait until after the little lady here is safely in her inn room, and we find somewhere less likely to attract the attention of the watch.

The leader glanced at his men, apparently they weren't too certain of their chances against the elf, and were even less certian of their chances against the guard. "You haven't heard the last of this." he threatened before turning to flee.

She stood with her legs spread wide and her hands stuck on her sides and her bright blue eyes sparkled with anger. Not that the little lady could do much more than to kick and scream. Well, her silver dagger might be as sharp as her tongue, but she wasn't a master with it. Although an angered Ari was not something to easily sweep away.

"I'll see to it that they'll hang the lot of ye! Remember that! The lot! The Dwin'arnith House won't let anyone threaten them and go unpunished! HANG!"

"KORRATH!!!" she yelled, very un-lady like. And the odds weren't that good that Korrath would actually hear her, seeing he was busy taking care of the horses.

She made an 'arrggh' sound when nobody came and stomped her left foot on the ground.

The would-be attackers paused in their flight at the sight of the lady in tantrum. Knowing her shouting would bring the watch, they continued running away, but not before throwing insults in their wake. "Hey pretty boy! We'll get you and your little girl too."

As they left, Kylendil turned to reguard Ari. "I'm sorry you had to see that..." he told her.

"Why on earth did men like that know you? And what about... what was it that they wanted? What is it that you have promised their lady? Huh?"

Kylendil's gaze didn't waver as he reguarded her, measuring just how much he should tell her.

"I wish I could tell you...suffice to say they hold something of mine...something I must get back at any price...But you shouldn't be burdened with my problems. It would be better if you didn't remeber." he said, making an arcane gesture over Ari, releasing a spell of forgetfulness over her.

Korrath took the reins of their mounts and headed inside the stables, Szarri trailing him. "Sorry." she whispered, ashamed of her poor riding, of getting him in trouble, of being caught daydreaming.

"It's fine." The wood elf answered, turning over the reins after lightly slapping the big black stallion Ari rode on the chest. "You behave!" he told the big black horse menacingly, and came running Several arrows slipped through the air towards the retreating party, and the bow was soon focused on Kylendil as Korrath saw his hand and the gesture.

"Hold it. Right there. Right now." the bow was trained squarely, and Korrath was furious, not only with himself, but with Ari, and Kyl. "Back away. Right. Now." his dark eyes blazed as he waited for Kyl to comply.

Ari'Rhyianna was just about to reply to Kylendil when she suddenly felt very light headed. It felt like a haze fell over her eyes for a moment.

"Uhm, what were you saying?" she said looking at Kylendil. "Yeah we probably should..."

"Korrath! What are you doing!" she asked with surprise and annoyance in her voice.

Kylendil was surprised to see Korrath. He had thought they were too far away for the wood elf to have heard Ari's shouts...then again, she had been loud enough to wake the dead. Seeing his expression, Kylendil cautiously complied with his order.

Korrath took his usual course when Ari'Rhyianna yelled at him. He ignored her. "You have one chance, and one chance only. Tell me what is going on, Kylendil. None of your sugary stories. I was the truth and that only." It was true when they said it took years to build trust and only sheer seconds to destroy it---Korrath would likely never trust the Sylvan again.

Szarri came out after a moment and gasped, her hands covering her mouth. "M'Lady, come away from there!" she squeaked, hoping Korrath wasn't going to kill Kylendil.

"Go on ahead." he told Ari, insistant that she be out of range before the conversation continued.

"I had hoped that she would not be involved in this matter...but apparently some minions wish to curry favor in their mistress's eyes." he explained.

"Oh stop fussing Szarri!" Ari'Rhyianna said, channeling her anger at her. Anger, most because of not knowing what was going on. The young Lady could not figure out why in the world Korrath was behaving like this. What had Kyl done?

"I can't believe it!" she said when they were heading, well, she wasn't sure were, but away from the two quarreling males.

"Is Korrath out of his mind?! Attacking Kylendil like that! It wasn't like he had done anything. And I should know, shouldn't I? After all, I was with him! Ridiculous!"

"Oh hurry up! Let's go to the Silver Hawk Inn. I want my bath now..." she said complaining at Szarri.

"What made him do that? Arghh, I ought to head back and set him straight. Kylendil is in my company and he has no right to lecture him! And less right to aim at him like that!"

Korrath routinely ignored Ari again as she ranted at him as Szarri led her away. He didn't lower the bow. "Who's minions?" He demanded. "And why would they be after the child?" He still called Ari a child---and when he was more than twice her age, he rightfully could.

Szarri gripped Ari'Rhyianna's arm and ushered her out of the way and inside. "I'm sure he has his reasons, M'lady." Szarri was sure of it. Korrath had seen or heard something, and he was acting from reason, impulse, or urge. Either way, there was a reason and Szarri didn't know what it was.

The twilight elf calmly kicked the door to the bathroom shut. That was the only way out and Szarri wasn't going to let her. There were times when she put her foot down and this was one of them. Instead she turned Ari'Rhyianna around and began unlacing the various laces and ribbons. Naturally, Ari would not and could not go out half-dressed, henceforth the Twilight Elf's quick reasoning. Garments were hastily untied and rapidly discarded, and the piles of jewelry, ornaments and trinkets were rapidly increasing.

Szarri had already drawn the bath, and now it steamed, bubbly and fragrant. "Your bath, M'lady."

"They follow one known as Shreva...as to why they might harm Ari...it seems they are not pleased with the progress I am making towards retrieving the item I was sent for." he answered.

"And what item might that be? You pop out of nowhere on our trip here, and now you're drawing trouble for the lady. For the love of the Mother Earth." Korrath shook his head slightly. "I take it, then, that you serve other powers than the Dwin'Arnith house." The wood elf looked scornful.

"I can't say. I wish I could be clearer...but indeed, there are greater powers at play. As to what I cast, it was a spell of forgetfulness... I did not wish her burdened with my problems."

Korrath was far from convinced. He didn't trust easy, and he believed maybe five percent of what he heard before verifying facts. "And what item is it you're supposed to be retrieving?" He was half-willing to stake something big on the odds that it was something of Ari'Rhyianna's.

Well...here he was stuck. He could try to lie... and get turned into a pincushion. Or he could continue to release more bits of truth, and hope he didn't dig himself into a deeper hole. "A certain gem...no, I don't know it's properties. But hopefully this time it will be enough to buy back that which was taken..." Kylendil answered.

"And this gem belongs to my lady, doesn't it?" Uh oh. When Korrath used the term "my lady", and he wasn't being sarcastic, it was time to look out.

"What was taken?" the bow hadn't slackened, the wood elf's features were freezing rapidly in his face by now.

Great...here he was, confessing his sins, and praying that he lived to commit more. "Unfortunatly so...which is apparently why they view me as the one for the job. As to what was taken, I truely can not tell you...it is bad enough that She knows." he answered.

The thought of a hot long bath was tempting enough for Ari to forget whatever it was she was upset about. But of course she would bring it up at a later time, probably nagging poor Szarri to death about it, since Korrath often seemed to ignore her at times like that. Well, so did Szarri perhaps but she knew that Szarri had a weaker heart than Korrath. Or that was at least what she thought.

So, in silence, she allowed the Twilight to unlace her. She closed her eyes while Szarri took off everything, down to the smallest earring. Ari'Rhyianna twirled around, without caring how unconvenient it would be for the maid who was still working. She didn't care. Without everything, she felt so light and free.

Once fully naked she stepped into the tub and played around with the foam with her right hand, she closed her eyes and leaned back, feeling the warmth spread out through her body.

"Stay will you?" she asked, not really commanding at the moment. It just felt like she didn't want to be alone. And relaxed, warm and content she was in the best of moods.

"I would kill for a glass of elven red wine...." she said with an eager smile playing on her lips.

"Say... why don't you go down and order up some wine and some food. For you and me, and we'll eat it once I've taken my bath. Take whatever you want."

Of course she didn't even ponder over the fact that perhaps Szarri would enjoy a bath of her own.

Korrath exhaled sharply, and was silent for a long while before he finally shook his head and lowered the bow. "If you harm that child, or bring any towards her, just one hair on her head... consider yourself skewered." he warned, and unnotched the arrow.

Szarri neatly folded the clothes and looked up as Ari requested her presence. "Of course, Milady. I'll do that, right away. Will you be alright?" The twilight elf knew better than to expect to be able to bath, herself. It was highly unlikely and that was proven true again.

"If harm comes to her, you'll need to wait in line while I track down the one who did it, and make them pay." Kylendil said, surprised to find Korrath letting him off. Frankly, he wouldn't have blamed the wood elf for killing him. "As I've mentioned...I'm not keen on this assignment...I just want back what is mine...and apparently this is the only way to get it. Anyways...if we're on nonhostile speaking terms again, guess we should catch up with the others before we worry them further."

Korrath tucked the arrows back in the quiver. "I wouldn't be concerned. Go get yourself something to eat. Szarri will be looking after Ari; I highly doubt she's worried. If anything, that I've lost my mind." he smiled slightly, and headed into the stables to check on the horses and pick a few things up.

"Of course I will be alright," Ari couldn't help herself but to snap at the Twilight. It didn't take long before she regretted it though. Szarri had only tried to be nice. Of course, being nice to her was her job. That was part of what the Dwin'Arnith was paying her for.

"Of course, M'lady." Szarri answered politely, which was the standard and expected response. Carefully she closed the door behind her, and mopped her brow before locking the door, both to the bathroom and Ari'Rhyianna's rooms, and tucked the keys in the many pockets of her apron, going down to order for Ari'Rhyianna and herself. She was sure Korrath would get something, and she wasn't entirely sure if Kylendil would be alive to eat anything. Surely he would be, but who knew with Korrath?

"Elven red wine, please, fruits, buns and meats." Szarri requested at the counter, and received nothing less than a grudging nod. The wench went to get it. Hmph. Nobles. She had to do scullery and maid work as well, and since some were worse than others, she had a grudging attitude towards those who even served nobles for a living. At least they could clean up after their masters and mistresses, couldn't they? Of course not, they left that to the servants of the inn...

Ari'Rhyianna was humming to herself while letting the hot water warm her body. If only Szarri could return soon! That lazy oaf! How long could it take to fetch something to eat!

"Hello? Anyone there? Szarri?" she asked out as she thought she heard something outside in the main room.

Hearing nothing in return she shrugged. Hopefully it hadn't been a rat. She -hated- rats. But what else could it had been. She was sure she had heard something. Or was she just imagining things, longing for Szarri to return with that hot meal?

Seasons of Time (All Links will open into new windows.)

Created by huntess
The Omnipotent.
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