Forgetting about the horse and wagon that had given her so much trouble on her journey, she broke into a run heading for the hill. The grass whipped at her lower legs, the morning sun warmed her and the gentle breeze carried the smell of the lands she had missed so. Only the voice from behind her brought her to a stop as it called out, "M'lady! M'lady wait! I know not the way and cannot travel as quickly with the wagon!" Chuckling to herself at her own oblivion, she turned and waited for the wagon and driver to reach her. "I am sorry, truly. I would not have left you here to wander, tis just that I have been away from him for so long and we are so close now....", her voice trailed off into a mere whisper when she realized the greatness of her own excitement. A smile replaced her explanation and she stated clearly and softly, "Come, let us go home."

As she topped the hill her heart raced. The gate was standing open. This meant he was already here and was awaiting her arrival. Turning to the young man she had hired to drive the supply wagon, she exclaimed excitedly, "He is here! Come, quickly!" His response surprised her a bit as he stated amidst his pleased laugh, "M'lady, if I am ever so fortunate as to find such a love, tis your smile this day I shall recall as the most pure showing of love I can remember seeing."

Bounding down the hill towards the gate her thoughts wandered to the lands. What has been done? What will remain of what we had already done? Will there be others as the wagon driver, willing to come to a land needing assistance in gaining back its own legendary reputation? Will we be able to oversee this Kingdom in a proper regard until tis ready to again be the greatest?" She knew he had told her many times that she was the one to stand at his side to bring the lands back to the light and away from the clutches of darkness. She knew her own calling in her heart to both her God and to him, still she questioned her own ability to lead so many. Twas his confidence in her and in them that kept her going and believing that together, they could do this.

Her hands trembled and her eyes tears as she passed through the gates of the Kingdom they would now call "home". She stood silent for a moment recalling the times they had spent here together previously. She found herself awed they had come so far through demons of both of their pasts. Dropping to her knees on her home lands, she offered a prayer of sincere thanks for the safe journey, for his love and for the opportunity to do God's work in these lands. Her prayer asked only for God's strength and wisdom in the coming times ahead for the both of them. A calming peace befell her and she knew that although there were many trials and much work to be faced, they were indeed where they were meant to be.

She checked herself briefly, brushed away some of the dust from travel and motioned for the wagon driver to wait near a small building inside of the gate. "I shall return shortly. I must find him." Closing the gate behind them, she walked confidently and sure footedly through the lands she would now call home until she reached the stream. She recalled so well the times they had spent there together that they both thought were the last times they would ever have together. She washed herself up a bit and looked down the stream, admiring the raw beauty God had created. Once she was at least somewhat presentable, she stood and made her way downstream, her gaze scanning the landscape, her mind ever working on projects that need be done, both new and old.

She neared the bridge and dropped her gaze to ensure her footing. A sharp intake of breath took ahold of her as she saw him lying in the tall grasses there. Silently she approached him, checking first for his breathing. Once satisfied he was alright, her smile returned and she stood there for a long moment admiring him as he slept and wondering what his dreams were. Softly kneeling in the grass next to him, knowing she must wake him gently or risk the blade of his sword, she whispered, "Your sleep is as the peace of an angel M'Lord, yet tis time to awaken. I have missed you so!"

Posted by: Lady Deyanna

Shifting back and forth, obviously nervous, the child speaks of a Tall handsome man, well dressed, fitting the description of Lord Andrew leaving the city with instructions for a beautiful woman in a wagon to follow after him. "Shortly after the man left, the woman arrived. She stayed just long enough to purchase supplies and quickly left and resting the night."

"Interesting, you say that Lord Andrew left here two days ago, and his wench soon followed. Hmmm, that information is worth the price I'm paying. Thank you nobel lady, here is the rest of your payment as promised."

The dagger quickly and effortlessly found it's mark, silencing the child.

"No one will miss the street urchin and besides, I want my copper back."

"I wager that Andrew and his woman plan on going to Norvandahl. Damn, they will ruin everything. I have plans for that kingdom. Time to ride."

After several days of hard traveling, tired, covered in dust, I have spotted the wagon that Andrews woman was traveling upon.

Hiding in the tall grass, I watch intently at the stopped wagon near the building just inside the gate.

"Hmmm, a rider remains on the wagon, and where is she! Ahhh, there she is, and what luck, she has found the pompous fool as well. If you only knew what I have planned for your dreamy life Andrew, I will soon become a nightmare for your beautiful land. This is where it all begins my friends."

Posted by: Githsarrin

He lept to his feet, tipped his head and bent in a slight bow. "Greetings M'Lady, tis wonderful to see you have arrived safely!" Moving forward, he pulled his love into his arms holding her close as his lips found hers. His kiss was filled with the love, passion and desire he holds for her. Keeping his mind about him, he pulled gently from their kiss, looking into her eyes, "Welcome home M'Lady", he spoke in a near whisper. "I have missed you!" Holding her eyes, he watched as she processed through her thoughts. She smiled and spoke softly, "I have missed you as well Andrew. Tis good to be home." Andrew picked up his pack and held out his arm for his love. Smiling, they started down the path towards home together.

As they walked, Andrew had an uneasy feeling. The air about the land changed somehow. He felt a coldness settle in but the temperature had not changed. His mind wandered to the tales he had heard about an orb that held a great power within Norvandahl. He had also heard of many who had paid with their very lives to possess this orb. He did not know what kind of power this orb held, nor what its purpose was in Norvandahl. "Could it be the orb's powers have been unleashed? But why would the orb be coming to life now? What could possibly touch Norvandahl in a great enough manner to cause such an imbalance as he was feeling?" He did not hold the answers to his questions. Shaking himself from his own thoughts, he turned to his love to find an expression on her face that told him she too was feeling the coldness. He spoke aloud, "M'Lady, have you heard tales of an orb holding great power in Norvandahl and if so, what do you know of this orb? I fear there has been a shift somehow, yet I cannot explain what I feel. It leaves me fearing for our home and the people within, this feeling that has surrounded me. Please, M'Lady, tell me of the knowledge you may have gained of this orb in your travels?"

Posted by: Lord Andrew Tormier

"There have been many stories of the orb over the years. The one thing they all hold in common is that the orb was created by a great mage who had vowed his loyalty to the King, to the lands of Norvandahl and the God whom we serve." Pausing a moment, she allows him time to absorb her words thus far, then continues, "It is said that the orb holds the very light of Norvandahl within and that should the orb ever be found and taken from its given resting place, Norvandahl would become a darkened and vulnerable land." Taking his hand, she smiles at him softly and nods reassuring as she speaks further, "This land is protected by the One we serve, by our God, Andrew. I can feel the strength of His presence still very much within the lands as we walk through. I do not believe the orb has been misplaced or even found. Many have tried over the years to find it, yet none have succeeded as it is said that God's very essence is hidden within the orb, thus its resting place was ordained directly by Him. Andrew, I know what you feel my love. I feel it too and both of us knew in taking charge of restoring Norvandahl, that we would indeed face evil forces who wish its fall. Yet there is another presence I feel as well. One that is of light and upholds the will of our God. I know not from whence this feeling comes, but it is stronger by the hour and began a fortnight ago. Can you feel it my love? We are not alone in our efforts to restore this land." Resting her head on his shoulder, she sighs softly, feeling the love and safety held within his arms.

Closing her eyes, she says a silent prayer that God will give them both the strength and courage to do His will and do find this new presence who is so obviously sent by Him.

Posted by: Lady Deyanna

Although being well concealed in the tall grass, the vantage point is not one of pure strageic worth when approached from other travelers. "Hmmm, I have all the time in the world, I think I will spend some days to see what comes this way"

A quick survey showed promising areas to gain perfect hiding places while giving optimal vision. The traveler quickly choose a small ditch with brush in which he could watch fellow travelers without fear of discovery. "Ahhh, how I love this game, if they only knew that they were playing with me. And soon I will control all the peices. And he who controls the peices, controls the game, and he who controls the game always wins. Hehehehe"

Well, I think it time for a short nap, that is until I hear someone approach. The traveler quietly lays down for a nap. *smilling* What sweet, perfect dreams.

Posted by: Githsarrin

Though he had never been to Norvandahl, Bron had long ago heard of it's splendour. People would often tell tales of the great city, ruled by a wise and benevolent king.

Then one day the news had come to his small town. The ruler of the lands was dead and with no heir in his place a chaotic time was likely to follow. Many people had their eyes on the throne and there was no knowledge of any precedent as to how to choose the new king.

Upon the order of the High Priest of God each temple was to send out a cleric or paladin capable of defending the lands against any who would seek to seize the throne and do evil. As the town could not spare any of it's other divine servants Bron was chosen to seek the way to Norvandahl and serve the High Church as they saw fit.

So, it was with a heavy heart that Bron departed from the only lands he had ever known and headed down the road towards the great city. He met little to trouble him on the path and upon occasion passed a travelling merchant or band of warriors on the road.

The journey was indeed a long one and as he neared the city he passed by more and more travellers. Some of them looked like they belonged in a dark alley others who seemed to shine so brightly, Bron mused, that they might be able to see in the pitch of night.

When he crested the final hill, Bron looked down upon the city and was awestruck. It was more beautiful than he had ever imagined. Tall towers seemed to reach up to challenge the sky and the houses glittered as if they were covered in gems. For all it's outward appearance however, this was a troubled land and he was there to help in any way he could.

Bron shouldered his pack and walked down towards the main gate, thoughts of the days to come cluttered his mind.

Posted by: Meborp

Upon his approach, he speaks softly but with a confidence that she recognizes well to be the peace found in following the path of God's will for one. She listens to him intently as he identifies him self as one called "Bron" and tells the story of how he was sent to them by the church in his home lands to be of any assistance he could in Norvandahl.

"Welcome to Norvandahl, Bron. I assure you that any assistance you can offer will be greatly accepted and appreciated. I am Celestria, High Priestess and servant to God. This is Andrew, my love and intended. Together we strive to bring these lands back to God's light and to restore the greatness within."

As they walked and talked, they made notes of things in the lands that need caring for and gave them priorites. Among the first in priority is the rebuilding of God's Temple as was agreed by all. This came underway immediately and the work began to restore God's house so the people would again have a place to serve and worship.

At the end of the day, as always, she and her love sat and talked of future plans, the day's work and of the gentleman God had sent to help them. Amidst her happiness crept in a strong feeling that something was still not right. "Andrew, something is amiss and I cannot place what it is. There is a sense of darkness nearby, I have felt it on several occasions, yet tis stronger now. We must find the source Andrew." He took her hand and his nod was all the verification she needed to tell her he, too, felt it and agreed. As he walked her to her home that eve, there was a solemn air and silence between them, yet both of them knew well that the path ahead would be filled with turmoil and tribulation.

In her sleep, God spoke to her as he oft did. His words were of strength and comfort to her as they told her what she and Andrew must do. She knew the path He wished now and upon waking, she hurredly prepared herself to speak with Andrew about what His wishes held for them and their new home.

Posted by: Lady Deyanna

There was the presence of God here, without a doubt, but even more so there was the presence of some great darkness. One which lurks in the shadows, watching everything, waiting for it's time...

Bron had come to a decision, he had regrettably said goodbye to the Lord and Lady and had gone off in search of the source of the uneasiness in his mind. He knew he would most likely not find anything out of the ordinary but the time alone would give him a chance to think, to sort out what he would do now that he was here.

As he walked, Bron passed by a man in a brown cloak, huddled up against the side of an old wrecked looking house. At first the man seemed not to notice him. Suddenly though, the man's head snapped upwards and Bron could see the look in his eyes. It was as if those eyes had stared into the deepest pits of hell, it was a look of utter madness.

Bron was about to speak when the man jumped to his feet and cried out. The shout seemed to rip through the night air. Then the man ran off around the back of the house. Bron gave chase but when he rounded the corner all he found was the man's tattered cloak and a piece of parchment laying on the ground.

Picking up the paper Bron found it was written in a strange language he'd never seen before.<{> He stood and puzzled over this mysterious encounter for quite some time.

"I must ask the Lord and Lady tomorrow if they have seen writing like this before. The hour grows late however and I should return to the inn to rest. Not that I should think I'll sleep much tonight..."

Posted by: Meborp

It was not until he and his love met Bron that he felt the darkness subside, however his mind told him the darkness was not weaker, only that the light had gotten stronger. Bron seemed a loyal man of God, yet his mannerisms and way of the word he spoke told Andrew he was down to earth as well. Andrew knew they would become friends; it was something he was able to know within minutes of meeting someone.

As the night approached, Andrew talked with his love about the things to come. Their hearts captured by the love for each other and the love they held for the lands and God, would see them through whatever battles were ahead of them. As he left his love�s home that eve, he traveled across the forest to his own. He looked forward to the day when he would not have to be apart from her and hopefully that would be soon.

As Andrew entered his home, he felt eyes upon him as he stepped from the forest. He knew he was being watched, yet he did not know by whom. He closed the door behind him and changed from his travel clothes to something more comfortable. He sat down at his desk, and pulled his plans from the drawer. He studied them, wondering just how far into the evil lands he could go before finding trouble. His intent in traveling there was not to find evil, but rather to figure out a way to fight the evil and win the war.

On his map he circled the word Belatorre, which was the heart of the evil territory. He wondered what the territory held, and he knew one day he would find out. His travels that day had taken him to the edge of the Talendana territory and when there, the presence of darkness was strong. He knew that Belatorre was not far. He also knew God would keep him safe.

Andrew�s mind shifted to the tasks for the next day. The Temple was of the utmost importance. He pulled another plan from the drawer and began to make notes. The plans for tomorrow were again filled with hard work but he knew in the end it would be worth it. Seeing the amount of work to be done, he decided it was time to sleep. He put the plans away and readied himself for bed.

As Andrew settled into bed, he thought of his love and the lands that were coming to life. The arrival of Bron began the incoming flow of people into the lands. The gates were unlocked and the word of Norvandahl had begun to travel once again. He knew others would be arriving soon and there was still much work to be done. Their plans for the lands were in motion and beginning to move swiftly.

Posted by: Lord Andrew Tormier