(Okay, Psiko and I decided to start an RP...that would be so typical and completely "RP-ish" that nobody could resist joining. So, ahoy, here it is!)

Silence. The sound that pounded on the ears and yet relieved them of all the wordly chatter which enveloped them day after day. It was lonely but golden.

The light of dusk was tapering away on the horizon for the night. Gentle flakes of snow fell from a waning sky, touching everything without a sound and gracing the faces of travellers. But most travellers were in for the night, save for one who did not feel the cold and did not know the words "lonely" or "death". Snow underfoot created an angelic dust - light and feathery, the crunch of it resounding slightly.

Creeping into its sleep, the sun's last rays shrank from the horizon. Dark eyes quickly adjusted to the lack of light, and light feet quickened pace.

A warm glow crept into view gradually, as though it was hesitant to be seen. A creak of wood could be heard now and then. The traveller made not a sound, and approached the door, taking the handle in a fair hand and drawing it open. Another screech of rusty hinges sounded, and those inside the place glanced once at the newcomer, paying little attention to whoever it may have been.

Striding quickly to a quiet corner of things, the hooded and cloaked figure stood in front of a crimson fire, listening to the whispers and talk around the place. It was unusually quiet, this tavern was. These were typically places of brawls and drunken threats. Here there were drinks, yes, and an overabundance of grungy-looking scoundrels, but a low rumble was all that could be heard continuously, save for the encouraging clang of a mug on a table.

Sinking gracefully into a nearby chair, the traveller took one leg across the other and folded fair hands neatly in her lap, the firelight playing across her fair face and radiant eyes - all else that could be seen of her figure. She knew that one of her kind would not be readily accepted in a place such as this without a series of questions, so she chose to remain a shadow and a thought for this time - lingering until the opportune moment. Her weapon hung at her side - ever awaiting use. Long hours passed as she sat, dormant, and listening to everything and nothing around her.

Colorful eyes grew accustomed to the dancing flames before them. Overcome with a trancelike state, she flew from memory and time, only to linger here and wait for whatever opportunities may arise.

A bitter chill encases the northern land of Arell. The sun falls lower in the sky and the Arellians find comfort in their homes for the night. Despite the cold snow falling from the sky, they stay warm inside their houses as they sit down for their evening meal. Sitting atop his horse at the peak of a hill, Garath watches the small town fall asleep.

The wind had been blowing north lately, much to Garath's disappointment. The north is the land of bitter cold this time of year and he had been hoping for better fortune, like some small desert island in the south. But, of course, his destiny chose to lead him to Arell instead.

With a sigh of resignation, Garath urges his horse to move into the small village. Small flakes of snow fall onto his large cloak, giving him natural camoflage as he wanders through the dark, narrow streets of Arell. It is not long at all before he discovers the local inn, and he takes his horse over to the stables.

Garath walks back over to the entrance of the inn, pausing momentarily to read the sign above the door: "Fortune's Fool." How ironic. In the entire world, there are two inns with this identical name. The first one is where my quest began, so perhaps this is where my quest will end... thinks Garath before opening the small, oak door.

The strong scent of spirits nearly knocks Garath off his feet as he steps into the inn. Throughout the entire inn, there is not a silent person. Beligerent drunks heave meaningless challenges at each other. Local bards embellish tales of knights who actually did less than the stories tell us. Behind a large counter is a short, balding man with a slight nervous tic in his left eye. He wipes off an empty spot at the counter and Garath takes a seat nearby.

Nobody notices Garath, of course. Nobody ever does. The people are too busy with their drinks and stories to pay any attention to him. Garath pushes back the hood of his green cloak to reveal short brown hair and piercing green eyes. A small scar on his left cheek stands out above all other features on his face. He calls the bartender over and orders a small glass of High Elven Wine, preferring that drink over any stronger liquor.

Drink in hand, Garath goes to seat himself at a table. He searches the entire room, but sees no empty tables. The only inviting table in the room happens to be a small table near the entrance where a lone woman sits. Sensing the possibilty of learning more about what his quest may be, Garath makes his way over to the table.

"Pardon me, M'Lady, but I was curious if this seat here is taken?"

Somewhat startled by the presence of this stranger, she hastened to meet his eyes with hers. Sensing an absence of danger, she shook her head and murmured simply:
"No, no, it's not taken. Please, sit."

Turning her face back to the fire, she was still very much aware of the man next to her. He was very obviously the only person (besides herself) still with his wits about him in the room. He could prove to be a worthwhile companion. And courteous...perhaps he was not so different from herself?

Her senses alerting her to a familiar scent, she noted the Elven drink he occasionally sipped from. Thoughtfully looking him over with a practised gaze, she did not smile, but gathered bits and pieces of him from sharp glances.

He was a warrior, then. The scar on his cheek proved some sort of hardship had been a part of his past. Deciding an inquisition would shortly begin, she positioned herself so that her face was barely visible to this stranger and then asked in a questioning tone:

"What brings you here, stranger?"

The desolate, quiet dusk settled over the land of Arell, and once again a day had ended. How long would Thomas search for his destroyed past? How long could he go from town to town without any hints or hope of finding his goal? It seems hopeless, and even if he does find what he is looking for what then? Kill a dragon, or the person that sent it? His life had no real propose, and his quest was failing him. As with every night since he started, the doubts began to surface, and every night he almost reconsiders his self appointed task. Just like every night, however, he went on, and got another night of sleep. Tonight was slightly different, however, for he was near a town. For so many days he has slept out in the forest or just off the road. It would be good to get some rest in a real bed.

The town was almost dead as he walked in, most people where in bed or in the taverns by now. The few people that did go by paid Thomas no mind and continued about their Business. It took him a few seconds to find the tavern, and only a small time later he was inside. The place was pretty calm for a tavern, and most of the people completely ignored his entrance. The only inviting thing about the place was the fire. Thomas walked slowly over to it, as not to alarm the two sitting near by. He could tell the two were in a conversation and he did not want to disturb them, but he could not just stand next to the fire without being close to them. As indiscreetly as he could, Thomas pulled a chair up next to the fire and sat down. The drunk whose chair he had stolen was already passed out on the floor, so he didn�t mind. As Thomas warmed himself he listened to the conversations going on around him. Drunken ramblings and tall tale stories of glory were abound, but the most interesting were the pair sitting just opposite the fireplace from him. The two did not seem like regulars, and they were still quite alert. If anyone in this bar could be of assistance to him it would be him or her. But for now he felt content to sit and be warm.

Luna trotted quickly through the snow, her silver fur slowly turning white as the delicate flakes lodged between the fibers. She wasn't of the thick-furred mountain clans, and already her paws felt numb and her bones ached with the chill. She cast her brilliant violet eyes to the darkening sky above, catching a glimpse of a pale hide.

"Blyz, can't you just dispel this storm? Not all of us can deal with the wet and the cold." She growled at the vague form gliding just beneath the belly of the grey clouds.

There would be too many questions, and you know it. He sounded amused more than anything, much to her annoyance.

Sighing, Luna peered down the path as far as her sharp vision would allow, and finally made out the torches of a village gate. Not wanting to be seen by humans, she crept as close as she dared and darted into the darkest alley she could find. The siver aura that surrounded her gave off a bright glow, but anyone who wasn't looking would never know she was there.

Moments later a young woman with wild silver hair and violet eyes emerged from the narrow sidestreet and strode rapidly toward the nearest traveler friendly establishment. She kept her robes, which matched her eye color perfectly, wrapped tightly about her body. A hood concealed most of her face, for anyone who saw her eyes would know at once what she was. Reaching the door, the Shinai glanced at the sky once, and then disappeared into the tavern.

I shall be near, if you need me. Her companion's voice whispered in the back of her mind.

Luna glanced around, noting with dismay that no tables were empty. Indeed, most were occupied with drunks and vagabonds. One table with non-drunken people still had space near the entrance, but Luna thought it best not to bother them. Almost timidly, she took an empty chair and brought it to the darkest, coldest corner. She watched everyone in the tavern, her gaze moving from person to person, but made no motions to move or even order a drink.

So this is what humans are like...

Without having said a word, his eyes betrayed that his purpose was not of idle fancy. Lightening the shield of hostility she had so long kept wrapped around her slim form like a blanket, she turned to him, and they conversed in quiet undertones about their various experiences.

Not long after they had begun reminiscing of old adventures and long-forgotten subjects, someone came to rest not far from them. Seemingly uninterested in the conversation that was taking place, the elf noted his presence. Carrying on once again with a somewhat renewed alertness, her conversation resumed...until another entered the warm room.

Although her sharp eyes did not focus immediately on the figure, a certain sense overwhelmed her - there was something, or someone here. Eyes searching the shadows, her words stopped flowing from her mouth, concentrating solely on discovering the hiding place of this one. There was something strange about the presence that had entered just now...but there, in a dim corner of the room, a hooded figure could be seen, glimmers of silver hair barely visible in the waning light.

Turning to her companion, she shifted her eyes toward the corner, murmuring beneath her breath, she leaned towards him, saying -

"Something is there...something I have not encountered before...be alert."

Sinking into as normal a position as possible, she contemplated her situation. Deciding it would be best to take things as they came, fair hands folded in the shrouds of her green cloak, her dark elven eyes peering into the shadows of the tavern.

Luna was silently observing her surroundings when she noticed that someone else was observing her. Fear struck through her like lightning, her sudden reaction mostly hidden by her robes. Should she fight, flee, or remain indifferent? She honestly had no idea, and finally decided not to let on that she knew she was being watched.

From under the safety of her hood, she settled her gaze on the female elf. Luna has seen elves before, of course, even met a few, but that forest was so secluded that she doubted one of them had drifted this far north. A different elf, then. She thought them to be wiser and not as quick to judge as humans, but she coud never be sure. There had been that other elf...She shook her head slightly to dispel the memory.

Luna was so absorbed in her own thoughts she failed to notice one of the drunks staring at her. When the torchlight flared just the right way, he had caught sight of her silver hair and delicate features. Now he approached, alcohol heavy on his breath and the Shinai on his mind. He didn't know, of course. Hopefully he never would, either. Luna couldn't afford to betray her true self.

"Heeey, ya look cold ova' thar." He said, staring down at her. "I ca' make yer feel wam." He made a show of licking his lips and smiling at her.

Luna was disgusted with the man, but what options did she have? She doubted anyone would help her out, and she had to remain hidden, so fighting was out of the question. Desparately, her gaze flew back to the elf, her hair shimmering with the frantic motion. Maybe the elf, or the man sitting beside her, would see her situation. Luna didn't expect help, but she had nowhere to go, and she trusted elves, at least.

Even without a clear view of her eyes, the message was clear enough.

Help...

It was not long until another person entered the tavern. Something was wrong, however, the female near him had tensed. This newcomer was not all she seemed. Thomas did not look at the newcomer, instead he checked out the area she was going and waited for her to moving into his vision. Her outside appearance was of a normal human woman, but something about her was wrong. Thomas listened as the couple began to talk about the newcomer, and he kept thinking back to all the things the old sage had told him. Something about this woman was familiar, and he was straining hard remember. A drunk who had stood up and was advancing on the young woman interrupted his thoughts. Her discomfort was obvious and she seemed to be asking the other lady next to him for help. Thomas was never really chivalrous or overly sensitive to others, but this young woman interested him. Thomas stood up and quickly made his way to the staggering drunk, and put his hand on the man�s shoulder.

�Excuse me, but do I know you from somewhere.� Thomas said while turning the man slightly.

�I do�t thank so, an� if ya do�t mind�,� the drunk tried to get out, but he was over come by the sleeping powder, that Thomas had just blown secretly in his face when he first addressed the man. Thomas caught him and sent a calm nod to the young woman. He turned and started to laugh.

�Ya guys should watch ya friend here more closely, looks like he had too much.�

Thomas dropped the man back down in his chair and moved off before the others could question him. Then he turned back around and made his way to the young woman again. He was not sure why, but he wanted to know what it was he felt was strange about her. He avoided too much direct eye contact and he leaned against the wall next to her. He didn�t know what to say, but he didn�t want to seem threatening.

�I hope I am not being too forward by coming over here, but I thought you looked like you wanted some help.�

Helmholtz Gloenheim looked up at the sign on the outside of the tavern with slight interest. �Fortune�s Fool, eh?� He started laughing hilariously, the joke known only to himself. �Fortune never comes to fools, and the ones who have it fall into their laps always lose it somehow. Fortune is attained, not got.�

Having finished his conversation with himself, Helmholtz strutted into the tavern largely unnoticed, a jingling of gold in his pocket adding emphasis to his beliefs about fortune. He looked around cautiously. �Ah, here we go,� he thought to himself. �The perfect table.� Strutting forward, he yelled, �Hey, friends, mind if I join?�

�No,� came the blunt response from one of the men playing.

�Aaah, come on, buddy. Having me in there won�t hurt nobody.�

Helmholtz began to affect the drunken stupor he found most profitable while gambling.

�Cuummmmon. How�s abouts a round of drinks for e�rybody here? Can we get some drinks here please?�

Helmholtz clumsily reached for his wallet, making sure to show the contents to everyone at the table before paying for the round. All eyes turned to the glittering metal inside�gold.

�Ya know, paarrrdner, I don�t think we have no objections to ya comin over an� joinin� us.�

Helmholtz smiled.

�Whhhy, gee, thanks buddy.�

Everybody gave a drunken laugh and then went straight to his ale�everybody, that is, besides Helmholtz. He quietly contemplated it for a second, before taking a drink, but he did not swallow. Instead, Helmholtz held it in his mouth for a second as he went to take another drink, and cautiously spit the ale back out. After the first few drinks, the card playing commenced. Helmholtz lost for the first hour or so of playing, but soon the alcohol began to take its desired effect.

Helmholtz looked around the table at what used to be his wealth, scowling slightly.

�Well, freeeyends,� he said, �I think it may be time for me to stop for the night.�

The men all began to protest, unable to allow their newest source of money to leave.

�Oh, cmon, won�t you just play a few more games?� One of the men coughed violently.

�Oh, gee, I guess ya�ll do be right,� replied Helmholtz, who never once had the intention of leaving, �mebe I�ll play for a few more games.�

Helmholtz saw that they were all now too drunk to notice anything that wasn�t gold or a wench, and decided it was time to make his move. He carefully considered his next hand, before slipping a hand into the sleeve of his shirt and pulling out a slightly better hand of the same make. Raising the pot, he saw the grins of the eager men eying the gold he pushed in front of them. None of them could resist the allure, so all called the raise. The betting continued until everybody had put all of his money into the pot. �As I said before,� thought Helmholtz, �fortune always leaves the fools for the vigilant.� Showing the hands, Helmholtz pretended to not notice his victory until the cursing grew. He then began a jubilant celebration.

�Well now, pardners, that sure was a good hand. I�m glad I staaayed.�

He slowly stood up, gathering his winnings, and sauntered away. As soon as he left the tavern, all of the men at the table stood up. They caught up to him outside. A snowflake landed on Helmholtz�s arm just as a man came up to him and grabbed it.

�Now, buddy, that�s not haw thing work �round here. Now, give back the money you have done stole.�

�Pal, I ain�t stolen nothing from you. I�s done and won it all fair an� square.�

�No you ain�t, you stole it. Now if you want to get out of here all nice like that, I reckon you better give us it.�

�Let me think about that paardner. You know�.� Helmholtz coughed and eyed the nine men around him. All of them were drunk. He could take down at least three of them before any of them realized something had happened. �I think not!� With a quick flip of the left wrist, Helmholtz shook the man�s grip, before following up with an open-hand strike to the top of the neck, breaking the man�s jaw. The man quickly went down in immense pain. Moving on to the next target, Helmholtz kicked him in the groin, which he followed up by jabbing the next man several time in the solar plexus. All three targets collapsed as Helmholtz started to run. A bunch of angry yells followed behind him. Helmholtz ducked into an alley, only to find that there was no other exit.

�Damnit, I guess I�ll have to fight after all.�

He removed a small dagger from the sheath of his boot. All five of the men ran at him, so, seeing an opening, he somersaulted under the legs of one of the men and slashed the back of both knees quickly. The man crumbled to the ground like a sack. One man drunkenly aimed a punch at him, missing him by at least ten feet. Helmholtz caught him with a kick to his scapula. All three of them charged at once. Helmoltz easily dodged the punches, stabbing the man in the gut with his dagger, before quickly pulling the weapon out of the man�s body. Kicking one more of them in the small of the back, who folded outward before crumbling to the ground, he looked around for the last drunk He didn�t have to look long. He felt a pain in his head as the man�s fist connected in the back of the skull. Cursing loudly, Helmholtz grabbed the dagger and slit the man�s jugular. He died, spraying blood, but leaving Helmholtz very upset.

Regardless, Helmholtz walked away and headed back to the Fortune�s Fool. He always hated killing men, but sometimes his temper raged out of his control. He sighed and entered the bar, before quickly ordering a glass of water and finding a solitary seat.

Luna was surprised when someone she hadn't expected to be paying attention to her corner suddenly stood and strode over. He dispatched the man with a harmless trick, then brought the man back to his table. She sighed in relief, but it was short lived as he drifted back over to her, leaning against the wall.

"I hope I am not being too forward by coming over here, but I thought you looked like you wanted some help." He remarked idly, not even attempting to make eye contact.

"Yes, thank you. That's never happened to me before..." Luna murmured, pulling the hood tighter to obscure her eyes even more.

Uncertain of what else to say, she let her gaze wander, and spotted a newcomer enter the tavern to join a card game. She thought nothing of it, until a commotion started at the same table he had joined. A brawl between the players began, but soon ended brutally with one man slain and the rest chasing the killer out the door. The violence astonished Luna, and feeling the tension of the remaining patrons, decided it best to leave.

"I'm sorry, but I must leave..." As inconspiciously as possible, she stood and crept toward the exit, but she was stopped by the tavern owner.

"Hold up there, young lady." He said, grabbing her shoulder. "You look suspicious to me. Why are you here?" His narrowed eyes glared at her, making her nervous. She attempted to stammer out a reply, but not fast enough for the agitated man. He tore her hood back with his free hand, and abruptly stopped. Fear replaced rage.

"You're one of them!" He said shakily, catching everyone's attention. He let go in shock, and she started backing away, then turned and fled into the street as he started shouting.

"A shifter! There's a shifter among us! Kill her!"

The elf stood quickly, pushing her long cloak free of her legs, which were now sprinting - nearly flying across the floor of the tavern. A shifter. That was the odd presence she had felt. Taking the shifter firmly by the arm, she moved towards the door, a mob of people closing in around them. Looking toward the fireplace, an idea struck her.

Speaking clearly, her voice growing and echoing around the room, her language rang out in the room, the fire next to her new companion growing rapidly.

"Galad ned i amar, lasto beth nin. Tol o nin, beria nin!"
(Light of the earth, hear my voice. Come to me, protect me!)

Fire shot from the hearth, and the elf held out her hand, catching it deftly, the heat obeying her - it was quite warm, but pleasantly so. The men in the tavern obviously did not appreciate the presence of the elf either. But of course, the ball of fire in her hand was not an appealing thought.

One man lunged in her direction as she moved toward the door - she opened her hand, and a long stream of fire shot from her hand, lighting his clothing on fire. As he ran screaming out into the snow, she called for her companion to come with her. Still holding the fire in her grasp, she hurried out the door, the shifter still within the grasp of her free hand.

Running as far away as possible from the tavern, the elf did not rest until she was sure they were safe. Snow falling overhead still quieted the earth around them. Gathering some sticks, she used the last of the fire she possessed to get a small blaze going. Sitting beneath a tree, she consulted the figure she had just saved. She felt no fear, but was still wary - she had never met a shifter before.

"What's your name? What brings you here?" She asked quietly of the silver-haired woman, ever alert of the sounds around her.

This woman...she reminds me of someone I once knew. I...can't remember. Why can't I remember? Where have I seen this woman, and why are our paths crossing here, of all places?

Garath's thoughts are cut off by yet another question. His companion seems to have a very curious nature, but Garath supposes that all elves are like that. Not wanting to seem rude, Garath tries to recall what it is she asked him. He blinks a few times, and then it comes to him.

My name? I am known as Garath. What name are you known by?

Why does this all seem so familiar? It is almost as if I am reliving a dream...

Suddenly there is a commotion as a group of drunks realize they have been cheated, and try to force the winner into giving their money back. The man runs out the door with the group of drunks trying their best to keep up with him.

Odd...it is as if I already knew that would happen...

The action does not slow down long enough for Garath to follow that line of thought any further. Before he knows it, a young woman is approached by a large, burly man. A look of panic and terror crosses onto the stange woman's face as the man pulls her hood back.

A shifter! I haven't seen one of those since my adventure with Liana. But where did this all happen at? What is going to happen next? I can't remember...

Without any hesitation, Garath's elven companion leaps from her chair and goes to help the shifter. Suddenly everything comes back to him.

Wait! This all happened back at Fortune's Fool almost seven years ago! This is where my adventure began! The shifter IS like Liana...and that man who was playing cards is almost similar to Marth. And that man by the fire does resemble Hettar...

Before he even realizes it, Garath is on his feet and is sprinting toward the door, finally realizing who it is that the elven woman reminded him of.

It can't be...she's...dead.

Wasting no time, Garath bursts out of Fortune's Fool and calls out the name of his deceased loved one:

Racheal! Wait! Come back! RAAAAAAAAAAACHEAL! I love you! Don't leave me!

Unable to fight back the strong memories he had supressed for so long, Garath falls onto his knees, weeping.

Still every shocked from all the commotion, Thomas didn�t know what to think. A shifter, he was expecting something of the like, but defiantly not a shifter. Fear is a man first defense, and sure enough Thomas felt it like all the others. Fear, however, gives way to understanding and knowledge, and right now that girl, or whatever, needs some more help. Before Thomas could really even finish deciding to help, a female elf lunged forth and grabbed the woman. After the small shock of seeing someone else, and an elf at that, come to the aid of the shifter, Thomas began to move forward to stop the others advance. The elf again surprised him by using some of her magics to call fire to her hand and hold off the drunken men. With the power of fire behind her the elf made her way to the door and received little resistance. The elf�s male companion was quick to follow, and Thomas was too interested now to be left behind. This is what he needed, something that could give him a break from his search, even for a little while.

By the time Thomas was out the door, the two were quite a ways off, but man must have tripped, for he laid very strangely on the ground. Thomas ran up to see if the elf had perhaps hurt the man. As he got closer he could hear the man�s softer sobs, and knew his pain was deeper than the physical. He did not have time for him now, the other two were almost invisible in the falling snow. Luckily not many people were out and their tracks were as obvious as an elephant stamped. A short time later Thomas caught sight of the fire the elf still carried, and he approached as unthreateningly as he could. He heard the beginnings of a conversation, and he didn�t want to be rude, but he couldn�t just stand out stalking in the snow. He had to think of something that would let them know him as a friend and not as an enemy. Thinking back to the elf�s sobbing companion, Thomas stepped out from the darkness to allow himself to be seen.

�Excuse me, but I did not know what else to do. You see your friend from the tavern, has collapsed in the snow not too far back, and I think he was calling for you.�

Footsteps crunching roughly in the snow were picked up by the elf's ears, at least 100 yards away. Listening for the owner's approach, she was confronted by the man from the tavern.

"Excuse me, but I did not know what else to do. You see your friend from the tavern, has collapsed in the snow not too far back, and I think he was calling for you."

Frowning somewhat, the snow clinging to her dark eyelashes, she responded with:

"But how can that be? He doesn't even know my name..." trailing off admist her thoughts, she motioned to the shifter. "Can you make sure she's all right? I'm going back to check on him and bring him back here. Stay with her, and try to keep warm. I shouldn't be gone long."

Moving away from the flickering light, she headed back in the direction she had come not too long before. In the distance, her elven eyes caught sight of red - his clothing. Moving hastily towards it, she was silent on the snow. Elven feet were light - tracks were rarely ever made.

Approaching the man, she laid a hand on his shoulder, and another on his side, bringing him to his feet. Face to face with him, she noted the rivers of tears streaking down his cheeks. Indigo eyes flashing to green ones, she spoke softly -

"I know not of your grief, but you can't stay out here in the snow. Come on. We have to get you warm."

He still shuddered with a combination of sorrow and cold. Wrapping one arm around his hunched shoulders, she led him in the direction of the campsite - her movements slowed now to appropriate his tears.

"I never told you my name back there either...but seeing as how we're going to be spending quite a bit of time together...my name is...well...you may call me Lenith."

His sorrow hit him harder than he ever could imagine. The burden he had once learned to control now overwhelmed his every thought, rendering him incapable of doing even the most simple of tasks. The only thing he could manage to do is to weep, as if only through his tears could his past be swept away from his mind. Whether it would solve anything or not, Garath wept his heart out right in front of Fortune's Fool as the bitter cold filled the air around him, freezing his tears as they hit the snow-covered ground.

Time seems to lose all significance as his memories flash into his mind. The next thing he remembers is a gentle hand helping him to his feet and he finds himself gazing into deep indigo eyes. Garath manages to stifle back a cry of grief as he fights an internal battle, knowing that he must control his emotions once more if he wishes to live.

Then she speaks in a voice as smooth as silk and as warm as a summer day, comforting him.

"I know not of your grief, but you can't stay out here in the snow. Come on. We have to get you warm."

The reality of the situation comes crashing down upon him, and he is suddenly more aware of his surroundings. He now feels the wrath of the icy wind as it blows through his cloak, which at some point in time became unfastened. Garath wearily attempts to refasten it, but his hands are too numb from the exposure to the cold. Seeing this, his elven companion fastens it for him, helping to pull the cloak around him.

Although he feels much warmer already, a chill still runs through his body, forcing an involuntary shudder. His legs feel as though they are about to collapse, but his companion helps him to regain his composure once more. Garath leans up against her for another minute, trying to catch his breath as he wipes away another stray tear from his eye. With a deep sigh of resolve, Garath begins to move forward in silence, leaning heavily on this new-found friend. After a few steps, she initiates conversation, finally telling Garath her name.

"I never told you my name back there either...but seeing as how we're going to be spending quite a bit of time together...my name is...well...you may call me Lenith."

Unable to form any words to respond, Garath nods silently as they continue to walk toward the place where Lenith left the other two.

I was wrong...it isn't her. But...she looks so much like Racheal, it can't be a coincidence. Too many things are happening, and all of them are just like last time. This Lenith even acts just like Racheal used to. So much compassion...

Garath finally manages to speak, pausing to look into Lenith's eyes.

I...I am sorry, for what happened back there. You...remind me of someone I once knew.

Lenith comforts him with that soothing voice, but does not press for answers. After another moment of silence, Garath gazes deep into her eyes and asks her a question that has been on his mind ever since she came to his aid.

Why did you come back for me? I am nothing more than a traveler that you just met recently, yet you came to my aid. Why?

Garath prepared himself for the answer he knew he would recieve, since Racheal had rescued him outside of Fortune's Fool seven years ago and said those same words to him...

Attempting to be understanding through his sorrow and weariness, she was thankful of her resistance to the cold - his movements were slow. Feeling compassion for him, the elf understood that his past was currently overwhelming him. The weight of him leaning on her was an ever-present reminder of this. His voice brought her from her thoughts...

"Why did you come back for me? I am nothing more than a traveler that you just met recently, yet you came to my aid. Why?"

For a moment, the only sound was that of his feet crunching on the snow - hers danced above it. She knew subconciously why she had returned, but could not put it into words. As best as she could, she attempted to explain the reason for her return.

"I came back because I had to - someone in need is something I can't brush off, especially if they're a friend - recently made or not. Nobody is going to survive in this cold for long, either. Who knows what would have happened to you?"

Trailing off, she caught the flickers of her fire off in the distance, a shadow moving around it. Gesturing to him, she pointed in the direction of the light - he nodding against her. He was shivering in the intense cold of the night. Wrapping a portion of her cloak over him, she pulled him in the direction of the firelight, calling a portion of it to her, holding it close to him, to warm him up before they reached the clearing.

Murmuring words in her language, she turned from the trees, and the branches began to move, closing the gaps between them. The wind ceased almost completely - the only chill coming from the snow. Making sure he was next to the fire, she sat down as well, gazing at the three of them now with her.

"Hopefully everyone will stay warm tonight - I'm not sure who all of you are, where you're going, or why you're here...but you're safe for the night."

Finishing her short statement, she glanced at her rescuee. His tears were drying gradually, although he quivered occasionally from the "aftershocks" of the cold he had endured. Averting her gaze into the fire, she looked down into it and went into a trancelike state, admiring the dance of the flames in the wisps of snow.

Getting both stronger and warmer with each step he takes, Garath follows Lenith to the makeshift camp. Although he is now only half-aware of his surroundings, Garath manages to notice that they are to camp outside of some trees. The memory that follows is stronger than any of the others that surfaced outside of Fortune's Fool but he braces himself against the pain, not letting this memory get the best of him like the others did. Although he does not show any physical signs of this torment, his mind is torn apart, bringing back a fresh stream of tears.

He hopes he is wrong, that Lenith won't do what he knows will come next. Racheal used to use that trick all the time during their adventures together, and the two of them spent many cold winter nights together within those makeshift enclosures. But, like everything else that has happened tonight, the past repeats itself as Lenith gathers the trees around them, binding their branches close together to keep out the bitter wind. That, above all other things that have happened tonight, wrenches Garath's heart.

Why does Fate do this to me? Why must I suffer through the pain a second time? Wasn't once enough? Don't they realize that the first time nearly killed me?

His thoughts and emotions scramble together, merging into one clear memory. The memory that drove him to the brink of madness. The memory that will haunt him forever. The memory of his final moments with Racheal...

"Garath, dear, I have good news for you!" whispers Racheal as she leans in to kiss Garath for the hundredth time that morning. He responds by returning the favor as his eyes gaze into her pure indigo eyes, a smile creeping onto his face.

"And what kind of good news, my dearest Racheal?"

She squeals with delight as he runs a line of kisses down her neck before resting his head on her shoulder, gazing up at her.

"Why, the best news we could ever recieve! I'm with child! Our child, Garath!"

A million joyous thoughts and emotions race through Garath's mind as his smile becomes a grin. He rises to his feet, pausing to help her get up. They lock in a warm embrace that seems to last forever, tears of joy streaming down his face.

"Are you sure, Racheal? This isn't just another false alarm like last time?"

"Yes, Garath dear, I am positive this time."

"Oh, I love you, Racheal!"

"I love you too, Garath! We will be together forever, until the end of time. After what we have been through, we have earned a break from all the fighting going on in the world. Now you just stay right here for a minute, because I have another surprise for you, my love."

Racheal kisses Garath once more before heading off into the woods, disappearing into the distance. Half an hour passes by, but there is still no sign of Racheal. An overwhelming sense of fear creeps into Garath's mind as he walks in the direction that Racheal had gone. He weaves his way through an endless sea of trees and finally comes to a clearing in the center of the forest and hears a familiar cry.

"Garaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaath!"

Losing all rational thought, Garath sprints out from the forest and calls Racheal's name several times. Two men ambush him, one coming at him from each side. One of the men hits him over the head with a cudgel, and Garath is bound and dragged across the clearing. When he finally regains consiousness, he finds himself face to face with his sworn rival, Zakath.

"Well Garath, it would seem that once again I am just one step ahead of you, only this time I have something you value, as well."

Zakath steps aside and Garath sees Racheal tied to the trunk of a tree with one eye swollen shut and several other bruises on her face. Although she is still breathing, she is unconcious, and an intense rage fills Garath as he struggles to free himself while uttering some wild curses. Zakath steps in front of Garath once more, meeting his gaze.

"She isn't dead, Garath. Not yet, at least. Give me the stone, and I shall set her free and she will live. Refuse, and I will kill her right now. Which would you prefer to save? The world you live in, or the woman you love?"

Garath's body goes limp as he realizes that he has no choice. His mind screams at him, telling him not to give up the stone, but his heart can not bear to imagine a world without Racheal. He gives in, telling Zakath where the stone is. Zakath then walks over behind the tree where Racheal is bound, still unconcious, and slowly slits her throat.

Tears flow down Garath's face as he struggles once more to free himself. An evil grin creeps onto Zakath's face as he walks back over to Garath, holding the dripping knife in front of Garath's face.

"This, Garath, is the price of resistance. You sentenced her to death by refusing to aid the Royal Crown, and by letting her go into the woods alone, you killed her. Her death is on your conscience, because it was your ignorance that allowed her to be captured. You, Garath, have just murdered your loved one and betrayed your little rebellion, both in the same day. And now it is time for you to die."

Some might consider what happened next to be luck, but to Garath it was a sentence far worse than death. When Zakath went to strike the final blow to Garath, he missed and slashed Garath's left cheeck instead. Blood drips to the ground as Garath falls onto his face, laying motionless on the forest floor. His last thoughts before he passes out are of Racheal's death, and how he failed her.

Sitting next to Lenith in front of the fire, Garath breaks down once more and cries uncontrollably. He buries his head into her shoulder as he weeps and soon falls into a fitful sleep, jerking violently as his mind is overwhelmed by nightmares from his past. The only words that manage to escape his mouth are "Racheal, don't go into the forest! No! Wait! Racheal! Don't go!"

Helmholtz sighed. There was never a moment�s peace in the world, so any time there was even the remotest solitude, one must enjoy it.

"A shifter! There's a shifter among us! Kill her!"

Helmholtz sighed as the scream came across the tavern.

�Why are people so afraid of what�s different?� he wondered. �It�s not like the emotions are any different. We all hate, cherish, and�love.�

He took one last gulp from his glass and put it down, leaving a gold piece as a tip for the waitress. Closing his eyes to avoid watching the carnage that he knew would inevitably ensue, Helmholtz tried to picture what was happening. But it did not stop as soon as he thought it would. In fact, the shifter was being protected by some Elven woman. He opened his eyes just in time to see the fighting begin. He quietly slipped out the door. He stood outside for a while, quietly tossing his dagger up into the air and catching it. Suddenly, a burning man burst out of the tavern and fell to the ground.

�Geez,� he thought, �all of that fighting must have burned him out.�

Helmholtz laughed at the bad pun for a second, and then saw the Elven woman and the shifter escaping from the tavern. �Well, at least they escaped,� he thought. �Maybe I should get out of here before that rowdy crowd comes out looking for a target to pick on.� With that thought, Helmholtz crept silently behind the party, far enough behind so that not even the elf could hear him. Following the footprints, even in the dark, Helmholtz slowly crept up to where he could see the group sleeping. He crept off into the woods and found a secluded spot to sleep, where he could continue tracking them in the morning.

Luna sat for awhile, gazing into the fire, letting herself see shapes form and change and clash within it. She fancied seeing a pair of serpents writhing and weaving around each other, only to merge and become a firebird, arrowing swiftly to the sky before consuming itself at the very tip of the highest flame. She sighed, the first sound she had made since leaving the tavern. Watching those flickering flames brought back her own memories, the ones she didn't want.

Luna clambered stiffly to her feet, feeling the cold where it settled in her weary limbs, even with the heat. Restless, she paced the edge of the trees, unable to be still for even a moment. She ignored the other three for the time being, as she had no business with them, and wasn't sure if she wanted to. The elf seemed decent enough, but Luna was inherently distrusting of all humans.

Either way, she decided it didn't matter. She would use the opportunity to rest a bit, and then leave before dawn tomorrow, before they were awake enough to notice her absence.

Helmholtz never could get comfortable with waiting. It took too much for granted. You had to trust that you�d remain safe while you waited, that no one else would try to make any sort of movement, and in life, that never happened.

Helmholtz couldn�t stand the wait; he was impatient, and that was why he was in the situation he was in.

�Hey there, big fella.� Helmholtz was talking to a majestic dragon, at least 60 feet in length, and currently his only care in the world was survival. Helmholtz gave an involuntary shiver and noticed goosebumps all along his arms and legs. �I guess it is natural,� he thought. �I have just had the shit scared out of me.�

The dragon snorted, not giving a response. Helmholtz�s eyes darted around the area, looking for any way out. He tapped his fingers together nervously. �Perhaps,� he wondered, �this is a friendly dragon, and he won�t mind if I left.�

�Well, friend,� began Helmholtz, �it has certainly been a pleasure to enjoy such fine company in the woods, but I think I must go back.�

�Even if it means hiding and waiting for the group of people including that damned shifter,� he muttered under his breath, too loudly. The dragon heard and emitted a loud roar.

�Luna! Where is she?�

Helmholtz�s eyes went wide with shock, and, all senses now lost, he began to run away. The dragon took one stride and caught up with the man, before sinking his jaws into Helmholtz�s leg.

�That was my LEG, you bastard!�

�Where is she?�

�Gee, suddenly I don�t feel very much like telling you, now that your jaws are in my FUCKING LEG!�

The dragon sighed, or at least it seemed to Helmholtz that he did, and pressed his jaws a little harder into Helmholtz�s leg.

�Ow! Shit! Ow! God Damnit! Fine, I�ll tell you! They�re set up in a little tent over there .�

�What happened?�

�They were in a tavern, and a bunch of humans attacked the shifter�did you say Luna was her name?�

�Yes. Go on.�

�Well, anyway, this one elf girl helped save her and get her out of there, and then they went by this path.�

Helmholtz screamed as the dragon bit into his leg a little harder.

�What the fuck was THAT for?�

�I�m sure you weren�t helping in the attack at all, were you?�

�For your information I was NOT. I was sitting at a table in the corner drinking water.�

Helmholtz heard what he thought was the dragon sighing again.

�If you value what�s left of your leg, you�ll lead her to me here.�

�Yes, well, I�d love to do a favor for the�dragon that just bit my leg off, but I kind of CAN�T WALK.�

The dragon roared loudly. �Fine. Lead me to her.�

Even her restlessness did not keep Luna's physical exhaustion at bay. Without even realizing it, she slid to the snow-covered ground with her back against a sturdy tree, and began to doze off. She woke only once, when she thought she heard a familiar roar echoing in the still night, but before any thoughts registered, the Shinai was sound asleep once more, and remained that way until just before dawn.

*****************

The sharp crack of a branch snapping startled Luna awake. She immediately looked at the others, but they all seemed to be asleep. Relieved, she cast her gaze to the sky, searching.

It was still mostly dark, only the easternmost fringes beginning to turn gray with the coming sunrise. Most of the clouds of last night's storm were gone, much to Luna's delight. No flicker of pale wings, nor whispered assurances from Blyzzarain yet. Idly she wondered if he had eaten too much again, and was off snoring somewhere.

Chuckling with the memory of the last time that had happened, Luna stepped from the shelter, intending to make her move before she had time to rethink it. She moved quickly now, to find a good spot to shift without any chance of being seen, but just as she slipped around a particularly massive tree trunk, she came face to face with a very unhappy looking person.

"Can I...help...you?" She asked faintly, recognizing the bite pattern. What had that dragon done now?

�Can you HELP ME?� Helmholtz nearly screamed. �Do you see my leg? My leg is a bloody STICK.�

�Be quiet. We don�t want to wake the others. What did that dragon do to your leg?�

�Oh, gee, well, let�s see. We ran into each other, and he invited me for tea and crumpets, and then I think he was gently caressing my leg when disaster struck.�

�Where is Blyzzarain?�

�Where is Blyzzarain?� he mocked. �Where is Blyzzarain? I don�t care about the fact that your leg DOESN�T WORK, but where is that dragon, since it concerns me more! If you care to find him, WHY DON�T YOU FOLLOW THE TRAIL OF MY BLOOD?�

Luna had no choice but to punch Helmholtz in the gut. He let out a silent gasp before doubling over in pain. She carried him and followed his suggestion�and his blood. A bit away from where the others had camped, Helmholtz regained the ability to talk, and used it to complain loudly about his situation.

�Look,� she said, �I�m sorry I had to do that, and I�m sorry Blyzzarain bit your leg. I�m sure he was only worried about me.�

�I suppose that�s why he told me to bring you back to him as well, riiiiight?� he continued sarcastically.

Luna slapped him.

�Ok, I�m sorry for that,� he said. Luna nodded. �It�s just sometimes, there are days that don�t go your way. And then there are days where you nearly have your leg removed. This is both of those days.� He laughed at his own joke, and Luna laughed just to be polite.

�Anyway, your dragon friend is just over there.� Helmholtz pointed south, and then began limping in that direction.

Luna was irritated with him, but at the same time, she was amused by his bad jokes and blunt comments. She really was sorry that Blyz had bitten him, but oh well.

She followed him south, until they came to an area with substantially more blood than before. Sure enough, a pale sappire and ivory dragon was settled on the ground just beyond, looking very alert and anxious. As soon as he caught sight of her, his silver eyes lit up.

"Luna! Where in Lord Sharae'kyor's name have you been?" The dragon growled, trying to sound angry, and failing miserably. He grinned, all of his large teeth gleaming wickedly, a smile that would give even grown men nightmares and dentists apoplectic seizures.

"Sorry Blyz, something came up...I see that didn't curb your appetite at all though." She remarked dryly, gesturing to the man. "I think you should apologize to..." She turned to him, looking puzzled. "What is your name? Anyways, thank you for helping me find my friend. I would like to repay you if possible, just name your price."

�It�s Helmholtz. Helmholtz Gloenheim. I don�t suppose you could fix my leg. I�d say that�d be a nice reward. Can�t say there�s much I really want.� Helmholtz sighed. The day had been a very long one, and his leg really did hurt. �Man isn�t exactly how I�d describe me, anyway,� thought Helmholtz. �I have enough gold to last me, and life keeps throwing me�interesting curves. Where were you guys going anyway? And how did you get separated?�

�Nowhere in particular.�

Helmholtz gave a slight laugh. �Nowhere in particular, eh? That sounds about where I was going too. It�s such a shame, you get into such a wonderful card game, and once you start winning, you start to feel like everyone wants to kill you or something. What a crazy world this is.� Helmholtz winced slightly as he remembered being punched in the back of the head earlier that day.

�Anyway, I was trying to get inside from the weather, and Blyz can�t go anywhere without causing a stir, obviously.� Helmholtz nodded in agreement. �And then you saw what happened at the tavern. I saw you in the back.�

�A keen observer, you are.�

Helmholtz sighed and wished that there were any sort of wind at all. He loved the wind, how carefree and gentle it always was until angered. Then, not even a giant could resist its will.

�I don�t suppose�� Helmholtz went on, �you would mind if I went with you? I�m not really going anywhere in particular, and I don�t think any of the people you were with would be too appreciative of me going back after stealing you away, and I don�t think anyone will be welcome in that tavern for a while.�

Helmholtz wondered why he was asking it. They were decent people all right. Besides the dragon, who was, in fact, a dragon. Maybe he was just lonely after all of those years on the road.

Thomas has been alone for many years, and he soon learned that the only way to get a good nights sleep was to stay alive. To sleep at all in the woods you had to be in a group, or alert all the time. After years of practice Thomas was able to sleep but still be fully alert to everything around him, and when he heard a creature roar off in the distance he was as alert as the sun was bright. Though he seemed to make no movements, to the contrary, he was preparing for a fight. When Luna began to sneak out, he almost sat up and told her to stay put, but the way she moved gave away her intent. Either she knows something about that beast in the woods, or she just wished to leave. Whichever case it may have been, Thomas slowly got up to follow her. He really didn�t care if she wanted to leave, that was her choice, but he was curious why.

After a few minutes he could hear voices through the trees, and he slowly crept up to where he could see their shapes moving through the darkness. After a few seconds of idle chat and what appeared to be first aid, they got up and moved off again. Thomas was unsure, but he thought he had heard something about his leg being chewed on. It seemed he was right about a beast out here, maybe they were going after it, or maybe they were just finding someplace safe, either way his curiosity was not quenched yet.

Then a short time later the stopped and began talking to something. It was not human, that much Thomas could tell, but he could not see it. Slowly he crept around the group until he was downwind and had a clear view. At first he didn�t see the creature, it was much bigger than he thought, and when he finally did get a full glimpse of the great beast his blood froze. It couldn�t be, but it seemed so, a dragon. Flashbacks assaulted him. Burning, red, dead, ruin, heat. He almost fell back into the snow, but caught himself on a tree. The beast was the right size and shape; he could have found the very thing that his heart dreamed of. Anger raged inside him and murderous thoughts were on the verge of taking over. The only thing that steadied his hand was the lessons the old sage had taught him. Never go into battle without a plan. As the plan was forming, something stuck him as odd. The things color, it was wrong. Even though it caused him great grief and sanity, he thought back to that day. The village and villagers burning, the great red swooping beast coming back for another pass, and the well only inches way had haunted his dreams too often, and now they had finally come to good use. This was not his dragon, and throwing himself at it would solve nothing. This was the second dragon he had ever seen and now that he had a look at one that was not trying to kill him, he could see what the old man was talking about. They are impressive creatures indeed.

Thomas began to calm himself and forced the pure hatred he felt for the creature to die down. This may not be his dragon, but it doesn�t mean it won�t hurt him. Thomas was not sure what to do, on one hand he might be able to get valuable information from the creature, and on the other he valued his life. Maybe if the opportunity arose he might be able to talk to the dragon safely, but until he was sure Thomas was comfortable just stalking in the shadows observing.

�I don�t suppose�� Helmholtz went on, �you would mind if I went with you? I�m not really going anywhere in particular, and I don�t think any of the people you were with would be too appreciative of me going back after stealing you away, and I don�t think anyone will be welcome in that tavern for a while.�

"Oh, well of course I can Heal your leg, that goes without saying!" Luna assured him hastily. She held her hands above his wounded limb and closed her eyes, focusing. Silver mist formed about her, flowing from her to the bloody gash, mending the torn flesh. In a few moments, his leg was restored.

Blyzzarain snorted, but kept his comments limited to thoughts only. He occupied himself with staring into the dark woods beyond. A prickling sensation tickled his neck scales, and the dragon knew they had been followed. He clambered to his feet without much grace, tapping Luna's shoulder with one giant talon.

We're not alone. He spoke in her mind so Helmholtz wouldn't hear. We must move now. Luna nodded slightly with a frown, not even hearing what her new ally was saying.

�I don�t suppose�� Helmholtz went on, �you would mind if I went with you? I�m not really going anywhere in particular, and I don�t think any of the people you were with would be too appreciative of me going back after stealing you away, and I don�t think anyone will be welcome in that tavern for a while.�

Luna only caught half of his suggestion, but she knew what he asked anyways.

"Well, I suppose there's no harm in it." She replied, glaring at Blyz, who wisely kept his mouth shut. "I think we should move on for now though, and once we find a decent field Blyz can give us a ride, if neither of you has any problems with that." She was daring either of them to say something, and the dragon knew the look in her eye too well.

"I've naught against it, if we are all in agreement." The dragon stated, giving Helmholtz a glance that hopefully hinted to accept the invitation. Blyzzarain feared only one thing, and that was his companion's wrath.

Letting Garath cry on her shoulder for a time, her sharp elven eyes captured the disappearing figure of another of her comrades. Glancing to where the shifter had been, she noted the absence. Pushing up the teary-eyed form of Garath, she spoke in hushed tones.

"Everyone is leaving...following something. Come now, no soul can be left out in this cold...alone."

She motioned for him to follow her, and walked stealthily to the edge of the windproof clearing she had created. Catching sight of the man in front of her, she followed somewhat hastily, footsteps treading lightly in the ever-growing snow.

She hastened to the left of the figure she had been following, bringing her cloak down over her eyes and blending in beautifully with the slightly frosted foliage. Creeping around a vast amount of trees, she came upon the shifter, another man, and what else, but a dragon.

Interesting...not the first one I've seen...but definitely the most controlled. Odd. I wonder if it has any connection with the shifter...that's what it looks like...

Crouching down in the underbrush, her indigo eyes darted back and forth, encompassing the entire scene. Apparently, the man in front of her had had a rather nasty encounter with the dragon. Too bad for him. Hoping she hadn't left Garath somewhere in the snow where he had taken to sobbing again, curiosity began to get the best of her, and she almost stepped forward into the clearing after standing up silently.

Holding herself back, she waited again for more of the conversation before moving again, glancing back over her shoulder to see if Garath had rejoined her.

Caught amidst his stream of nightmares, Garath barely heard Lenith's whispered words. He took no notice of them, for at that moment Zakath was once again slitting Racheal's throat in front of his eyes, holding up that knife that is coated with her fresh blood. The steady stream of tears increases once more as a stifled sob escapes Garath's throat.

And then he notices that Lenith and the others are gone. Panic and fear passes into his mind as he looks around, searching for any sign of his companions. He sees Lenith disappearing into the woods, and immediately jumps to his feet, running after her.

Racheal! Wait! Don't go into the woods! Its a trap, Racheal! Wait for me! I'll protect you this time, I swear! I won't fail you again!

His face dirty and tear-stained, his eyes red and blood-shot, Garath darts through the jumble of trees in order to catch up with Lenith. In his haste, he trips over an upraised root, crashing face-first into the cold, wet snow. A sense of hopelessness creeps into the corners of his mind, but the piercing roar of a monstrous creature soon has him back on his feet again. As he runs toward Lenith, he calls out to her some more, but the words are lost, silenced by another tremendous roar.

Lenith stops suddenly, crouching behind some bushes as she watches the shifter and the gambler interact together with the dragon. Garath draws his sword, ready to halt any ambushes from his rival, Zakath, but the sword falls from his grasp as he sees the dragon.

A...dragon? Liana never told me she was aquainted with any dragons. I always thought she could only speak with falcons. Unless...this dragon must be a threat! I must get Racheal away from here at once!

He gently places a hand on Lenith's shoulder, whispering to her:

"M'Lady, please, this place is too dangerous. It is my duty as your sworn protector to see you to safety. Now please, come with me and let us be away from the hazard for the night."

Turning suddenly to face Garath, a frown spread hastily across her face, and she lowered her mouth to his ear.

"My sworn protector? I must have either disregarded or completely missed that statement. I'm fine. You have nothing to worry about."

Shrugging his arm from her shoulder, she turned back to the scene unfolding before her elvish eyes. The elf began to wonder where the man she had followed was. Peering through the frost and the dark, she found the outline of him also crouching in the shadows. She would let him move first.

�Well, actually,� Helmholtz began, and then he caught the look the dragon was giving him. It said something like (using his rough knowledge of facial expressions to Common translations), �Mess with her, you idiot human, and you�ll probably end up losing your head.� �I have no problem with leaving! Let�s get out of here!�

Both Luna and Helmholtz had turned and were about to mount the dragon when Helmholtz heard a sound, and he looked in the direction of the sound. All he could see were a pair of crimson eyes, and they soon turned to him and narrowed in what seemed to be an intense hatred, but Helmholtz could not figure out why that would be. The dragon and the woman continued to murmur in a low voice, before the woman snuck away.

Blyzzarain turned to them and murmured in a low voice, �We�ve been followed. I�d assume it was some of your companions from before. Kylista is going to�create a distraction for us. We�re going to meet her at the nearest tavern, just a bit northwest of us.�

�Why was she looking at me like that?� queried Helmholtz.

�Kylista doesn�t�like humans.�

�Ah, I see.�

�Doesn�t like humans, eh?� thought Helmholtz. �Interesting.�

Helmholtz paused for a second, realizing that his hair was moving. �Wait, there isn�t any breeze,� he thought. �That�s�odd.�

Helmholtz resolved to think about it later and mounted the dragon.

�Oh, and one thing,� he said. �My name doesn�t exactly have the best connotations around the world, so I�d like you to call me Gale.�

"If that's what you'd prefer...Gale." Luna replied. She never did quite understand why people would want to use a different name, but she did understand why one might need a separate identity. She would try to remember to use his new alias. Idly, it occured to her that maybe Helmholtz was the alias and Gale was his real name...honestly, she couldn't quite tell. She shrugged it off and easily hopped onto Blyz's back, settling between his shoulder blades.

Why is Kylista here? Luna asked the dragon mentally as he prepared to take flight.

I'm not sure, but she claims she heard about the incident at the tavern. He angled his head slightly, seeking a break in the trees. Finding one, he moved toward it, checking over his shoulder. She's not quite herself these days...

Blyzzarain stepped into the clearing he had originally landed in and spread his wings. The massive sails moved slowly, arcing up, rowing forward, then sweeping down as he flexed his flight muscles. His swung his head back, tasting the wind.

"Make sure you hang on tight, I'm not coming back if you fall off." He advised. He pumped his wings faster, creating a minor windstorm. Coiling his hind legs, he crouched low, then leaped to the heavens, leaving the earth behind. Powerful, steady strokes got them clear of the forest. Blyzzarain angled his wings, tilting to the right, as agile as any bird. He circled once, then shifted to the northwest His silver eyes glowed, and the dragon, passengers and all, vanished in midair as the spell took effect, cloaking them from curious eyes.

**********

Kylista perched on a low branch, her crimson eyes seeing passed the dragon's spell without effort. She wasn't sure why the dragon would want a distraction when he had such spells, but she didn't particularly care if he had a reason or not. Humans stalked the dragon and his Shinai companion, and Kylista was more than willing to draw blood if it came to that.

Once they were a sufficient distant away, she stood up, balancing easily on the thick wooden limb. A giant warhorse trotted from the forest as if she had signaled him. She dropped to his bare back.

"Ghalli, we have hunting to do this dawn." She murmured, stroking his neck. The stallion's golden eyes glittered with excitement, and he pranced under her, huge hooves stamping life out of anything caught beneath them.

"I know, my friend. It has been a long time." A grim smile spread across her features momentarily. Reaching into the black cloak that concealed her armor, she drew a four foot katana that emitted a visible aura the hue of blood. Holding the sword in her left hand and gripping the stallion's mane with her right, she guided him back to those she sensed hiding among the trees. He didn't make a sound as he walked, as though he was but a shadow.

As soon as they got within range, the silence was broken. Ghalli screamed a challenge to the three sneaking about and charged, shaking the ground with his thundering hooves. Kylista struck with the katana she had dubbed Crimson, slicing apart shrubs and small trees and anything that moved. They went for the human who was separated from the other two in attempt to draw them out. Fierce, powerful, and deadly, the Crimson Shadow had choosen the three as her targets.

Thomas could see that the dragon was about to leave, and he was really glad to see it go, but he didn�t want to have the shifter go until he had asked a few questions. He was about to leave his spot and stop them from leaving when the gamblers gaze got his attention. He followed it to a tree some distance away, and made out an outline of something. The sudden rush of air told him he had missed his chance to ask Luna his question. Frustration built up inside him, and he slammed his fist into the tree next to him. The force of the punch cut his knuckles slightly and caused snow to fall all around him. He didn�t care about blowing his cover now; it was obvious that the figure in the trees was meant to stop him from following the dragon. Whether by propose or accident he was in for a fight. He was defiantly ready for one, and it would help him vent his anger and sorrow. He turned to the figure in the tree to find that it had jumped down and was now on a horse.

It was obvious now that this person was with Luna, and not some random encounter, and that he meant to stop him from following. Well if it is a distraction they want they will get one, and though he was unsure of his opponent he did know that it would be fun to go all out on him. The horse suddenly charged forward and his opponent gave out a challenge to him. Strangely enough his opponent was not a him, but a her. No matter he had fought female opponents before, though he never liked to, the old man had always taught him to be polite. It did go against what he normally felt as manners, but in a fight you normally can�t stop and be polite.

Thomas thought quickly and drew his blade with his left hand, and with his right he grabbed a small vile. Of all the things the old sage had taught him, potion making was one of his least liked lectures. Though once he was on his own, Thomas found the skill more than useful on several occasions, and this was no different. The horse was close enough now for him to throw the vile, and while still in his crouched poster the rider would not see the vile coming until it was too late. Thomas stood up quickly and threw the vile as hard as he could and dived out of the way. The potion was a simple one, but none the less useful, and the small potion shattered on the horses thick hide and caused no problems for it at first. Then with a sudden ferociousness that you usually only see in animals, roots exploded out of the earth and wrapped around the horses front legs stopping it instantly. The ride whom did not stop flew from her mount and landed in a tree, but to Thomas�s surprise did some fancy twists and turns and landed safely on the ground.

Now they were both on level ground and the horse, not hurt but incapacitated, watched as they both moved into fighting stances. This did not bode well for Thomas, he never really had to fight someone so strong, and hopefully this distraction did not want to go all the way and stop him from ever following Luna again. As the old man always said never go into battle without knowing your opponent, and he did not plan to make the first move here. He would have to let his exceptional swordsmanship speak for itself, but just in case he could stop this battle before it got started.

�I don�t know who you are or why you feel you must stop me from following Luna, but I don�t wish you or her any harm. I am just interested in asking her and possibly her dragon friend some questions. I am sorry if I hurt your horse, it was just defense, so maybe we can just end this now before you end up hurting me or something.� Thomas said, and hoped that the last comment would bring some humor to the tense surroundings. Still with is sword at the ready, he waited for her response.

Kylista and Ghalli didn't move nor make any noise. The vines writhing and twisting about the stallion's legs seemed to be grasping something insubstantial, upon closer examination. In fact, they weren't holding anything, but passing through the horse. After a few moments, he shimmered and dissolved into black mist. Kylista's image followed a spilt second later. The black mist, nearly invisible in the deep shadow of the forest, flowing along the ground menacingly before fading.

"Falling for so transparent a spell? Typical humans." Kylista's arrogant taunt rang out in the silence. "Can't even recognize a simple Shade Mirror...hmph." She snorted in dsgust.

Kylista was actually above the human who was seperated from the others, in a different tree from the one her mirror had occupied. Her crimson eyes still glowed from using her potent Shadow magic. The Shade Mirror she found to be very useful, and quite amusing in times like these.

Ghalli's golden eyes glittered as he withdrew from the spell. He pawed at the ground a bit, waiting for Kylista's signal. He didn't wait long.

Crimson emitted a red flare as Kylista dropped from her tree, the katana aimed for the spot between the man's shoulder blades. This time, it was no illusion. She fully intended to kill this human if she got the chance.

At the same time, Ghalli charged from his own hiding place toward the other two, circling in from their right. He vented an eerie shriek as he bore down on them, hooves flattening everything and anything in his way. If they didn't react fast, both would be trampled by the warhorse.

Flying was�incredible. Helmholtz couldn�t think of any other word to describe it. The mere freedom that it gave was such an overwhelming rush. But, sadly, just as soon as it had began, it ended as they landed outside the town.

�Well, I�ll be back in a bit. I need to go do some, err�. Borrowing.�

Luna turned to the dragon. �He means gambling,� the Shinai said. �He got into a fight back in the last town because he won so much.�

Helmholtz was already out of sight before she could finish her sentences. He reached the town fairly quickly and went around looking for the nearest pub. He stopped outside one, The Wayward Wench. �Well, now isn�t that an unfortunate name,� he thought to himself. He was about to step inside, but he overheard a bit of a conversation he found amusing.

�Fire-raiser is he?� said one of the men. The man was looking at a companion of the man he was speaking with, who had passed out on the ground next to him.

�No,� said the other man. �Not precisely. Let�s just say that if complete and utter chaos were lightning, then he�d be the sort to stand on a hilltop in a thunderstorm wearing wet copper armor and shouting, �All gods are bastards.��

Helmholtz gave a slight chuckle. He pictured someone doing that, and the resulting image left him quite giddy. Feeling emboldened, he took a step into the tavern and began to look for the card players, and sure enough, they were there. Two men turned and saw him, and both stood up.

�Well, well, well. You sure have a lot of nerve showing up around here again, don�t you, Helmholtz?�

Helmholtz would have slapped himself if he weren�t in another situation that could determine life or death. Of course the name seemed unfortunate and somewhat familiar: he had gambled here before.

�I�m sorry, sir.� Helmholtz affected an accent completely different from his usual dialect. �But I can�t say I�ve ever been here before. My name is Gale. Gale Gloenheim.�

�Funny thing, see. This Helmholtz gave his last name as Gloenheim too, and that ain�t too common of a last name around here.�

Helmholtz sighed and cursed under his breath. The man wasn't drunk. Why had he been stupid enough to give the man his last name?

�Now, give us back the money you stole.�

�I didn�t steal anything! I�m no thief! I�m an..uh�.erm�purloiner.�

Helmholtz now saw two alternatives from where he was. One way was safe and effective. The other way�

Helmholtz slipped a dagger into his left hand and cut the rope that was holding the man�s bag of gold onto his waist, silently catching it in that hand as well.

�By the way,� he asked, �is that the man you�re looking for over there?� Helmholtz pointed in the opposite direction. The man turned around saying, �I ain�t looking for nobo��

He was cut off by Helmholtz�s first smacking him in the face. The man caved. �Anybody else want some?� Helmholtz asked.

Apparently everybody else wanted some, because everybody in the bar stood up and began assaulting various people. The scene grew more chaotic as Helmholtz dodged more and more blows. Finally, he found himself pressed up against a wall, and so he did the only thing he could�reached up and grabbed the torch that was hanging above him. Pulling it from the wall, he began to wave it around as the mass of people began to subside, deciding maybe they liked their hands too much to have them burnt to a crisp. Either way, Helmholtz had almost made it outside to the door without incident when he tripped. The torch flew from his hand and landed on a table, which immediately caught fire, and the fire soon spread to the rest of the tavern. People had fled, and Helmholtz had no trouble with following them and running back to the girl and her dragon.

He sighed. Somehow, trouble always seemed to follow him. Then, he looked into his left hand, where he was still holding the money he had stolen from the man who had challenged him. �I wonder where that man is, anyway. Probably burning to death in the tavern. Oh well. At least his gold didn�t burn with him.� And then Helmholtz started feeling bad again. He kept walking along the streets until he got near the outskirts of the town. There he saw two children, hungry, starving, abandoned, and probably orphaned. He took another look at the gold in his hand and took another look at the kids.

�Crap,� he said as he stormed off. �This damn sympathy is going to get me bankrupt.� He had given away the coins he had taken from the man, and some more coins in addition, which put him in a rather lousy mood. He wasn�t used to losing more money in a day than he won. He stalked off sulkily back toward where he had said he would meet Luna and the dragon.

At first Thomas was confused, and rightfully so, the woman he was about to fight just vanished and so did her horse. What kind of magic was this, it had seemed real enough, too real for any illusion spells he knew of. Either the magics were more powerful then even the old man knew of, or it was something else that he never encountered. Considering the life the sage had lived, Thomas knew it had to be the latter. Now was not the time, however, since something had just leapt from a tree behind him. He spun fast on his heal and his sword just barely connected with metal in time. Even though the sword was safely deflected away from him the momentum of his assailant would surely overwhelm him. So he let her weight push him back, and fell with her. As he fell, he quickly put his foot on her breastplate and when he hit the ground he rolled and kicked up with his leg.

The woman was sent flying away and Thomas rolled up to his feet and spun to continue his attack on a grounded opponent. The woman, however, had landed smoothly on her feet and slid to a stop. It was the same woman as the illusion, and given her two attempts on his life already he was sure that talking would not solve this problem easily if at all. There was no time to waste, the more time she had to recover the less chance he had to end the duel in his favor. Even though he was charging the whole time he was thinking, it still felt as if it took forever to reach his opponent. Thomas knew she was good, even though he had never seen her fight, but he still had to try. He came at her with an overhead swing, with her disadvantage of height it would be the best opening, and it was simple enough to get a feel for her style of swordsmanship.

The blade sliced the air so smoothly that had you not seen it you would not know it was there. The sudden clang, however, sent shockwaves of sound reverberating throughout the forest. The unnatural sound caused a few birds in near by trees to take flight, and caused Thomas�s heart to sink. What happened next was a flurry of swings, chops, thrusts, parries, ripostes, and spins. The action was fast and brutal, and most of it was with Thomas being driven back. Just as Thomas had thought, she was good, and so much so that he had trouble keeping up, and her stamina did not seem to be giving up anytime soon. He had to change the pace.

He felt the tree branch brush against his arm and it gave him an idea. After that last parry he spun away from her and withdrew another potion, however, he had no time to use it before she was on him. Now with only one hand his defense was very weak and her attacks intensified. He was going to lose, and she knew it. Suddenly she jumped back and lifted her sword over her head, and leaped up at him. The attack would certainly cause his wrist to break if he blocked it and allow her blade to come down on him. And now was the time he was waiting for. He dropped the vile, and time seemed to slow as it approached the ground and she approached him. It was too late to try and block now, it was all up to his potion, and it didn�t look good. The sweet sound of glass breaking did little to comfort him, and he closed his eyes only hoping that it worked.

After a few seconds he opened his eyes to glaze at the point of a sword. Quickly he backed off only to run into the other side of the shield. And he knew he had done it, he had stopped her from killing him, for now. Like the roots vile this potion called the trees to assist Thomas, but instead of roots it used the branches of the near by trees. The sudden formation of the shield had quickly entangled the woman and now held her arm and sword. Thomas victory was short lived as she easily freed herself from the weak branches. Now with a little time before she attacked again, Thomas had time to do something else. Uttering a few words he learned his blade glowed with a soft energy, and then the energy intensified until it was blinding. In the 3 seconds from start to finish he had hoped that the woman did not move, and he lifted his blade up and brought it down. As the blade cut the air an energy wave formed in its wake and shot forward. It would cut anything that got in its way, and with three fast strokes later he finished the spell. The four energy waves launched out just moments behind each other and cut through the weakening branch shield. Hopefully they cut more than that, as Thomas ran after the waves to get out of the now worthless shield.

Kylista grew tired of dealing with the human, and she was no longer amused by his attempts to block her. She had been holding back, but he had pissed her off to the point of rage, a dangerous state for her to be in. She sensed mage energies rippling like waves, and her free hand went to the tie that fastened her cloack about her neck. In the binding flash that followed, she made her move.

Four waves of energy tore through the surrounding foliage, but missed the intended target. The only part of her that recieved injury was the now worthless cloak, the remaining shreds drifting forlornly to the earth.

Kylista was furious that she had to reveal herself so early, but she hadn't the time to deal with petty nuisances. She hovered comfortably above the treeline, her ancient black wings stroking strongly. In the time it took him to cast a spell, she had discarded her cloak and took to the air, competely avoiding his attack. No human could match a Draekonykyn in pure speed; at least, no human she had met in her over 5,000 years of existance.

She sent a mental command to Ghalli, and the horse broke off his attack and melted back into the trees. He would find her later, once this task was done. She didn't want to catch her old friend in her spell, after all.

Crimson was no longer useful for the battle; she sheathed the blade, regretting that it would not taste blood this day. She needed a different sword for this work, one whose power augmented her own. She held out her left hand, palm up, and cast her call on the winds, carried to the Abyss itself as she summoned a legendary power.

Black mist formed in the air above her outstretched hand, taking the shape of a strange sword. It was easily five feet long, curved like a katana and thick like a broadsword. In the blink of an eye, it solidified. A crystalline blade, blacker than obsidian, framed by serrated gold edging that stopped at the draconic hilt. This was a sword with unknown origins, and unimaginable abilities. Said to be born from blood and forged in shadow, it had a soul of its own, or so the legend went. This was Shadow Wind.

The sword remained suspended in the air until Kylista reached out and gripped it with both hands. Keeping a steady flight, she aimed the tip at the ground, a few feet to the human's side. Muttering rapidly in an unrecognizable language, she drew a circle around the human, but only him; she could afford to spare the other two. Where Shadow Wind pointed, a thin stream of energy formed, creating a flowing figure. She spoke the final word with a sharp command, and the circle she had drawn burst into black flames, leaping high and burning toward the center, where the human stood. These flames were a very powerful magic; without Shadow Wind acting as a catalyst, it was impossible to cast. They could not be extinguished by water, buried with earth, or suffocated from lack of air. Few, if any, had ever escaped alive.

Kylista decided that would keep him amused more than long enough. A single ray of sunlight broke through the night, and by time it got to where she had been, Kylista was gone.