Chatper 6

Meridia smiled and laughed. "What's it like being a mother? Well...I've barely been one for a year. I have an adopted daughter named Kerrin...She is such a sweet little girl. My babies are only a month old. I guess....being a mother fulfills me. I am very happy with my life the way it is. To tell the truth, I've been somewhat of a mother my entire life...I've always been more of a mother to Rose...She didn't have anybody. I'm quite motherly to all of my freinds and I will usually cook or do whatever it is my friends may need at the time."1

Rayne nodded. "Being a mother sounds like...like how I am with my friends, except maybe more in depth? Would you call me motherly?"2

Meridia smiled. "Maybe a little...and as for cooking for Rose. I can tell you, Rose doesn't need to eat, but she does need to feed on blood to live. However, she will only do that once every one or two weeks. She can and will eat actual food, but she doesn't need to. She has a major sweet tooth. As for me, I think I may stay a little while longer. I think I'll leave in the morning before everyone gets started on their journey again." 3

Rayne smiled weakly. "Then I shall have to make a veritable banquet for you! After all, it's not everyday...well, normally speaking...that we have a demigoddess in our midst!"4

With that, Rayne scampered off a few feet and then took to a low flying float to the saddlebags in search of something to make for dinner. Marin and Eyrion sat against one of the bags chatting merrily. Sighing heavily, she looked about for the cooking instruments.5

Eyrion glanced over at her and picked up Eliane's bow. "I'll go hunt us up some fresh meat, if you want," he offered.6

Rayne frowned as Marin chocked on his rum and started to laugh. "Hoi! Hoo!" he coughed, "That's it, Eyrion! Start flirting, eh!?"7

"Shut your trap, Marin," growled Rayne. She turned to Eyrion with a forced grin, "Do as you please, Eyrion, but I still need to look for other things besides just meat..." 8

"What about a good brandy?" Marin smiled raising his.9

Eyrion stood and turned to walk to the door, "I will look for berrys also" He smiled and walked out.10

"You guys are bad at hidding things" Mairn tipped over in his chair.11

"And you'r a drunk" Rayne smiled. 12

Just as Rayne was about to go and see if the supplies were in one of the tents, Meridia came walking up to her. The woman smiled at her. "Would you like any help? I don't feel comfortable just sitting around doing nothing when I could be helping getting supper ready or anything of the sort. You also don't have to go through the trouble in my honor. I am only a normal person as you are. I don't much like being treated differently for anything I am or say. Much like you don't."13

Rayne looked at her blankly for a moment. So she knew about what she said to Rose that night she fled as well. Her face dropped with even the thought of it.14

Meridia placed her hand on the harpy's shoulder. "Rayne, I apologize for bringing that up, but I would like you to know that Rose doesn't think of you any differently...and neither do I. In any case, will you allow me to help you?"15

Rayne looked up at the woman, not knowing what to make of her at all sometimes. "...Alright. Would you care to help me by trying to find some things that I need?"16

Meridia nodded. "Of course." 17

Rayne smiled as she started to rattle off the ingredients to the dishes she was planning on making, "I'll need my herbs and spices that I keep in a separate bag that Liara always carries for me..." Rayne scurried about looking through bags as she spoke, "Eyrion is off getting killed...oh, not really," Rayne giggled as she glanced up at Meridia before tunneling back into the bags, "So he'll get the meat, so all I really need to find is the bag of potatoes and rice...um...oh yes, and the mushrooms and squash too..."18

Rayne kept scurrying about as the pile of foodstuff grew in a neat pile. Meridia was beginning to wonder if perhaps the young girl was going a little over board in her food preparation. The demigoddess set the last of the things down and turned to see Rayne quickly skipping back over with a large saddle bag that must contain her herbs and spices.19

"Well," sighed Rayne joyfully, "Now all that needs to be done is the fire and then we can get started. Oh, and Eyrion needs to hurry back with whatever he's planning on killing or we shan't be having any fresh meat with this meal."20

"And brandy!" hollered Marin.21

Rayne glared sharply at the drunken dwarf, "Go to sleep, Drunk," answered Rayne as she turned back to stacking the firewood carefully in a triangular shape. 22

Meridia giggled and smiled at the young woman. "You certainly handle yourself very well and seem to keep things pretty organized. For me, it doesn't matter about the meat because I don't eat any meat. I usually eat fruit and vegetable and a few other things. I will eat things with animal products in them occassionally, but other than that, my diet is quite strict."23

Rayne glanced at the other woman. "Oh, I see. Well then, all I have to worry about is the others."24

Meridia and Rayne continued to preapre everything for the others, while waiting for Eyrion to return with whatever it was he had gone for.25

Meanwhile, Vannolyn sat in the same place, his daggers now safely back within their folds of his many assortments of weapons, staring out at the water while Rose slept on the ground beside him. He wondered vaguely how long she might sleep, but he knew he would stay by her side and make sure she was alright until she woke.26

"Hunting far and wide27

Hoping to find some food28

With bow here at my side29

I hop and skip30

And than i find..." Eyrion snag to himself walking through a medow just outside the forest line. "A small dark army" He thoguht to shim self peering far away on a distant hill. "What would they be doing out this way?" He quetioned. 31

He turned quickly stringing his bow as a twig snapped behind him. A deer stood grazing in the grass, "Go be gone, you are a true part of nature" He whispered lowering his bow. "Now you, I don't like you" He aimied his bow at few turkey, he drew another arrow and strung it next to the last one. "Bye" He sent the arrows flying killing the birds. He picked them up quickly and tied their feet togheter with rope. "Now for the berries" Eyrion conituned to walk around, well aware of the small unit of men headed his way.32

He pondered in his head about the many things that would bring the evil lords men to this part of the land, not many people lived here. "Oh here strawberries, and blue berries" He picked many of the two fruits and placed them in a pouch on his side. He took one last look at the hill where the men were and saw what looked to be tents. "Must be making camp" He spoke softly heading into the woods. He reached the home very quickly and with no hesitation plucked the birds of their feathers and sent them on their way with Rayne. 33

"Mighty Hunter returned home," giggled Rayne to herself as she took out her pairing knife, "Let's see if he's ruptured anything with those gigantic arrows."34

Meridia frowned and looked away from the dead animals. Rayne smiled as she calmly prepared the poultry for cooking, "Don't worry," Rayne started to pat herbs and spices into the skin, "They'll look a lot better after I'm finished cooking them. Do you mind watching those apples on the fire? I don't want them to burn before I candy-coat them."35

"Where's the meat?!" grumbled Marin as he turned over in his sleep.36

Rayne glanced at the dwarf for just a moment before getting back t the bird, "If you're not careful," she grumbled to herself, "It'll be in the fire as black as coal."37

Concentrating on the task before her, Rayne didn't notice the shadow that came over her until a voice startled her enough to drop the turkeys right back into the floury batter below, "I see you still haven't lost your touch with food." 38

Rayne turned around to see Vannolyn looking down at her and she huffed, glaning down at the turkey. "Don't scare me like that when I'm trying to get the food ready!"39

Vannolyn's expression showed bemusement. "I didn't mean to startle you, Rayne. I thought I would take a look and see how everything was going...I smelled food."40

Meridia looked over at Vannolyn and smiled while keeping an eye on the apples. "How is Rose?"41

Vannolyn looked over at the demigoddess and nodded. "She is still asleep. I carried her into our tent...she woke up a moment and I assured her that she was not needed for anything, so she went back to sleep."42

Meridia nodded. "Good. You've been keeping an eye on her I see. Thank you. I would, but I offered Rayne my help. Take good care of her in my absent, OK?"43

Vannolyn nodded and was soon out of Rayne's hair, since she was grumbling about him ruining her chicken and she seemed a little irritated by it, so he was soon gone. Of course, it might've been a bit of Marin as well. Vannolyn decided to head back to the tent to check on his beloved. 44

"You should be more kind to the poor elf," smiled Meridia as she listened to the constant random banter in Rayne's mind, "He's not to blame for anything, really."45

Rayne sighed as she glanced over at the demi-goddess, "I know, but that's beside the point. It's not nice to startle someone when they're cooking. Those apples look done, can you move them out of the way? I'm going to start the turkeys."46

Meridia quickly pulled the apples aside as Rayne gently wrapped the meat in thick leaves and spices before setting them into the coals. "Okay...now that that's finished, all we have to do is wait. It's at least an hour before the turkey's will be done, but the apples need to cool before I can candy them. Maybe you ought to go and chat with Eyrion or one of the others? I've taken so much of your time all ready."47

"Too late for that," grumbled Eyrion as he tossed the bow and arrows over to Eliane as everyone started returning to the shore. "There's a small army of some sort just ahead of us." 48

Meridia looked over at Eyrion. "An army? This isn't good...How is everyone supposed to hold of an entire army? And Rose isn't even awake yet!"49

As Meridia started to panic, Rayn, Eyrion and Eliane started to find it vry cold and their breath came out in puffs of smoke.50

"How did it just get so cold in here?" Rayne asked as she shivered.51

Meridia looked over and her eyes widened. She closed her eyes and relazed herself, chanting ancient words to help her gain her calm once more. Soon enough, the cold went a way and Raye looked at her curiously.52

Meridia shook her head. "I'm sorry...Some of my magic is based on emotions and sometimes it is hard to control...I'm OK now...I think I'll have to get and get Vannolyn now, but we can't risk waking Rose...She's still wake from the psychic exercises we went through this morning." 53

"We can handle it, Meridia," assured Rayne with a helpful grin, "You just watch over the food and Rose, will you? I'm quite certain that between us all we'll be just fine..."54

Meridia smiled at the young girl's confidence. It was merely for show because she could feel the quaking fear inside of the young lass. "I'll make sure the food doesn't burn."55

"Come on," Rayne's voice stuttered slightly, but she forced herself to remain as certain and calm as possible. We'd better get ready."56

Without another word, everyone quickly pulled out their weapons of choice and sharpened the edges. At least this time, they would be ready for a fight. Rayne strapped the quil of arrows to her back and tested the balance to her spear once more before turning to look at her friends. It could be the last time they ever saw each other... 57

Meridia examined Rayne curiously. "Hold your spear outwards a bit, dear. You need to be able to protect yourself."58

Rayne, a little startled, did as the woman bid her.59

Meridia smiled. "I'm no expert, but I don't think the point is supposed to be over your shoulder. I'll send a message to Vannolyn..."60

Meridia connected with Vannolyn's mind, breaking the barriers rather easily. 'I'm sorry, Vannolyn, but there is an army headed our way and everyone could use your help. Do me a favor and bring Rose over to me so I can keep an eye on her.'61

Vannolyn was startled to say the least of Meridia's intrusion, though he knew that his mind would be nothing against one so powerful. 'I'll be there soon.'62

He picked up Rose gently and carried her as fast as he could to where Meridia was and laid her on some flour bags for comfort. He looked up at the woman a moment. "Take care of her."63

Meridia smiled and nodded. "Just concentrate on coming back to her. I wish I could help, but I can't."64

Vannolyn nodded and readied his legendary sword for battle. 65

All was quiet for a what seemed eternity as everyone squared off. They created a semi-circle about Meridia and Rose. Anxiety and battle rage soared through their veins as the first strains of feet could be heard. So it begins...66

Eliane pulled the arrow back as far as she could as she concentrated on where the sound was coming from. The sun glared into her eyes as she strained to see their first signs of movement. Rayne glanced over at her half sister for just a moment before turning to notch an arrow in her own bow. She wasn't a good shot with a bow, but she'd been known to hit one ever so often.67

"Let's hope it's only a small war party," grumbled Eyrion as he tossed his sword from hand to hand in pent-up worry. "There's a lot of beast out there..."68

Rayne smiled, "Don't worry so much."69

The elf glanced over at Rayne in surprise. She took her eyes away from the forest line to look at him, "What comes to pass will be as it must."70

Nodding quietly, they turned once again as the first ugly face materialized out of the foresty wall. Behind it came bodies of countless monsters. Arrows flew almost immediately from every bow that they had. A dagger slipped easily into the midst of the army as Vannolyn quickly set about dicing each enemy with the poisonous daggers of his trade. Rayne absently thought it was a good thing he was on her side before the first warrior came too close for an arrow.71

Rayne ducked a blow as she looked about for her spear. In her haste, she had forgotten that she had left it at her feet to string her bow just moments before. The monster swung at her again and Rayne hissed as its claws raked through her hair, just barely missing her scalp.72

"Rayne!" Eliane's voice hit her hard enough for her to glance over to see her dear sister pressed hard by two of the same beasts...Tolips.73

Grabbing her spear as she kicked it up to her hands, Rayne dodged another death-seeking blow and flung her spear into the large, boney back of one of Eliane's attackers. There was a chilling cry behind her, but Rayne didn't turn to look as she pulled out the spear from the dieing carcass and spun back to her own attacker. Eliane would most likely survive now that she wasn't out-numbered.74

Sounds of crashing metal and cries from those wounded or slain rang in her ears so much that Rayne could hardly concentrate enough to keep out of the way of the vicious yellow claws. Tolips were venomous creatures which made them ever the more dangerous. Their claws and teeth carried such a deliciously evil toxin that not even a dragon's resistence would be of much good.75

Something knocked her to the ground and Rayne rolled away. She turned to look behind her and her face whipped across her face, stinging ever so slightly. Vannolyn was on the ground with his legendary sword held tightly between the sharp teeth of a Tolip and his own hands.76

As she turned to help the dark elf, the hair prickled on the back of her neck. There was a hiss from behind and Rayne turned only for a moment to see Eyrion pulling his sword out of the dark green body of her would-be attacker. She didn't bother looking back again as she ran head-long into the enemy inches away from Vannolyn.77

As her bloodied blade sank into the flesh of the beast over Vannolyn...everything shifted. It was almost as if some sort of holographic scene just faded out of existence. Turning about, Rayne could see only her friends...not a single enemy was left...not even the dead bodies were left behind. 78

"I'm not the one to brag, but i killed 5 my self" Marin smiled. "Jsut look for your self" He pointed at the ground.79

"My friend nothign is there" Eyrion smiled in fear.80

"That is a little odd, we come here, we are attacked by the dark lords patrols, and now they disapeer. A bit scary if you ask me" Marin continued to talk kicking up dirt.81

"Look" Eyrion bent over and brushed away dirt reveling a sword.82

"That looks old, rather rusty for jsut being used" Marin examined the blade.83

"The alchemist will know. Let us get Rayne and go check" Eyrion stood up brushing his knees off. He started to walk to where Rayne was standing.84

"Wait, look at this, it's a trail of weapons, shields and armor" Mairn dusted off some more junk. "How are we jsut noticing this?" Marin quetioned.85

"Some one was trying to hide it" Eyrion walked back to Marin.86

"We have a hunt on our hands" Mairn smiled with pleasure. "But by the looks of the rust on the wepaons these have been here a long time" He grabbed the sword from Eyrion.87

"No this here is newer" Eyrion bent over and picked up a gauntlet lying on the ground. "And it has rotting flesh on it" He dropped it quickly and wipped his hands on his shirt. "Come let us follow it" He ran into the forest.88

"But this doesn't explain the month old arm you jsut picked up" Marin shouted running after him.89

"Maybe at the end of the trail it will" Eyrion slowed down as tehy came into the thicker darker of the forest. It was so dark that even Eyrion could hardly see.90

"Yes but if it doesn't, we could be going into a trap" Marin explained grabbing onto the back of Eyrions shirt. "Here ties this onto your arm" Marin handed Eyrion a rope.91

Eyrion tied the rope as tight as he could to his arm without harming anything and continued into the forest. "Maybe we should wait till light" Marin shivered in fear.92

"What do we do for shelter?" Eyrion asked getting smacked with a tree branch.93

Meridia watched as Eyrion and Marin wandered off. She has a bad feeling about that. She walked over to Rayne and touched her shoulder. "Are you alright?"94

Rayne turned and nodded. "I'm fine, thanks...Where has Eyrion and Marin gone?"95

Meridia looked down the path of weapons and armor. "I have a bad feeling about that path. I bet they sensed Rose's psychic energy and came after her...That's not good. You should expect a battle everytime she does the exercises." 96

Rayne nodded, "I'll keep that in mind, but that doesn't explain what's going on here."97

"It doesn't make any sense," agreed Liara as she prowled up to them.98

"Perhaps the trail will explain it?" Rayne looked down at it once more before looking to Meridia for suggestions. "I know nothing of this strangeness. I've never heard of enemies just disappearing into nothing. Let alone thousands of weapons hidden under layers of soft dirt. It's just so...weird.99

Meridia shook her head. "Please don't go down there. It might be a trap and Eyrion and Marin have already went to check it out. If you all get trapped, what am I supposed to do? I won't be able to help you."100

Rayne looked at her. "You know, I don't understand why, exactly, you can't 'interfere'."101

Meridia shook her head. "Because I am forbidden to. Why do you think my mate didn't come to find me already? He knows I am here and he has already told me that I've interfered too much already. You see, he is a God. He made me a demigoddess. He is forbidden to come here at all, let alone interfere. Pheonix forbids interferance...She is the Goddess who created the other twelve Gods and who created this world. Every God made a contribution to the people, though."102

Rayne nodded quietly for a moment and then turned to her remaining friends, "I suppose that all we can do then is wait for them to either return or to be captured."103

Of course, for Rayne, that's easier said than done. Within moments of saying so, she found herself pacing back and forth over the debris and mumbling to herself that she ought to follow them. Forcin herself to stop what she was doing, Rayne turned to look at the others. They had settled down by the fire and were quietly munching on the apples she had roasted earlier.104

No one seemed to be paying her much heed. Perhaps she could slip off without anyone noticing? Rayne was willing to give it a try, anway. She scurried down the trail after Eyrion and Marin. She wasn't the type to sit about waiting, anyway105

While Liara had gone off to take a sip from the lake, Meridia stood up slowly as Vannolyn tried to make conversation with Eliane. "Excuse me a moment." With that said, Meridia located Rayne in her mind and disappeared, leaving Vannolyn and Eliane in a stupor.106

To say the least, Rayne was quite surprised to run into Meridia as she walked. She looked up at her, startled.107

Meridia sighed and looked at the girl disapprovingly. "You know...you could've just said you were going to follow them instead of forcing me to confront you about it. Did you really think I wouldn't notice, knowing how powerful my psychic energy is?"108

Rayne looked at the ground, frowning. "I can't just sit around and do nothing."109

Meridia shook her head. "I could feel your anxiety, but going off blindly following them isn't going to help them and it isn't going to help you. How do you know that you won't get captured separately? That would do no one any good and it would leave four people to try to save you. You're not thinking logically, my dear, and that could cost you your life. I know you don't want to sit around and wait, but can you please at least think of the consequences and reconsider? If you still have your mind set on doing something so rash, then I will not stop you. I'm just worried about you and about them."110

Rayne smiled at the demi-goddess, "I know you're trying to help and you are ever so kind and everything," she sighed as she glanced longingly down the trail after the others, "But I am quite the stubborn gal when things like this come up and I just have to see it through. They aren't after me...they're after Rose."111

The bitterness in Rayne's laugh could make even the most staltworthy soul shiver, "Heh, they're after those that are all ready theirs."112

Rayne glanced at Meridia once more before turning and heading down the trail after Eyrion and Marin, "I know you mean well," called Rayne over her shoulder, "But I can't sit around waiting for that happy-go-merry elf and his dopish, drunk dwarven friend to come lolli-gagging back to us. I'm going to go find them, no matter what it takes."113

"You sound like a mother," mused Meridia with a slight smile covering her face.114

Rayne paused for a moment to glance back at the demi-godess once more, "I know. They are all I have now..."115

Turning without another word, Rayne trotted off after them, leaving Meridia with much a puzzle as before.116

Meridia shook her head and sighed with a smile. "Sounds so much like me...Except I have a lot more than that now."117

After a moment of looking on until Rayne disappeared, she walked back and saw that Rose was stirring. Meridia ran up to her, as did Vannolyn, for his mind had been concentrated on her awakening. Meridia smiled at him. "Good, keep exercising your psychic energies. You'll need to be strong to endure her intense exercises."118

Vannolyn looked over at her a moment and nodded. "Thank you and I will try my best."119

When Rose opened her eyes, the first thing that registered in her mind was the smell of her father...She sat up quickly, regretting it instantly as a large throb began in her head. Someone coaxed her back to lying down. Her eyes were still closed, so she did not know who, but though it might be Meridia or Vannolyn. "...What's going on? Was my father here?"120

Meridia smiled worriedly. "No, dearest, but an army was. They came for you but the group fended them off. No worries though. No one was seriously hurt, so don't worry about healing anyone."121

Rose let her body relax. "How long have I been asleep?"122

"Ever since this morning after the exercises," Vannolyn whispered to her.123

Rose's senses sharpened when she heard her sweet elf's voice. She loved his voice and how he whispered sensually. It made her heart flutter like nothing else. She longed to be in his arms, but she held herself back, though she willingly let that thought linger in his mind, since she felt him there. She breathed a sigh. "...I smell food."124

Meridia smiled and went to retrieve one of the apples that was left over. She gave held it near Rose and she reached for it. "It's a cooked apple. Eat to your heart's content, though you don't really need to. It's nice to have a treat every now and then though."125

This time, Vannolyn helped Rose sit up, holding her loosely in his arms, remembering her thoughts of longing for it. He sat with her as well and made sure she remained steady.126

Soon after, Rose opened her eyes and ate the apple in her hand. She looked at Meridia, smiling a little. "Thank you." She glanced at Vannolyn, feeling a blush to her cheeks. Liara and Eliane were watching the show. She wondered if either of them would say anything about it, though she hoped they would not. She was far too weak and definitely not in the mood.127

A thought struck the Dragoness as she munched thoughtfully. "Where is Rayne, Eyrion and Marin?"128

Far down the trail...at the very edge of the forest was where Rayne found Eyrion and Marin. They stood staring up at the mountain as if in a brainless trance. Seeing them unharmed and such, Rayne smacked first Eyrion and then Marin on the back of their heads, "Do you two have any idea what you could have been doing!?"129

Both of her friends immediately covered their wounded heads with their hands and turned to look at Rayne with sour faces, "Don't give me any of that!" scolded Rayne. Her left hand was resting on her hip and the other was flailing a finger at them in a nostalgic image of the housewife-mother.130

Marin found this funny for some reason and he giggled. Rayne, not being in the most accomodating mood after having that little "fencing" workout with Meridia, did not take it kindly and slapped the dwarf across the face, "I may only be just barely an adult," she seethed, "But, by all that's good, don't you ever laugh at me!"131

The two men looked down bashfully. They must have tossed Rayne too far this time in their sport. Every once in a while, Rayne would snap, but only when they worried her too much. This, obviously, was such a time. "Don't let me ever...EVER, catch you two wandering off again!"132

With that, Rayne turned to lead the way back to the campground. Instead, she ran right into someone standing right behind her. She gasped in surprise as she fell to the ground. She stared up at the dark, shadowy character as he spoke, "Congradulations, my dear. Perhaps there is some use to you after all."133

Rayne turned slowly and saw the same man that she had seen in her blurry state of mind after she was captured. She was sure this was Rose's father.134

The darl lord smiled mailiciously. "I had no idea you would be of such use to me! Perhaps now I shall finally gain control over my rebellious daughter!"135

"I'll never be of use to you," answered Rayne as she pulled herself back onto her feet. She didn't take her eyes off of the monster before her, "I am not your daughter."136

He smiled and Rayne was certain that her skin was melting away in fear to reveal all her deep anxieties and fears, but she was better prepared than that. "You took my mother's soul, not her daughter!"137

With that, Rayne flung herself at the dark shadow before her. As her body met the shadowy creature, it vanished as if it had never been there in the first place. Rayne landed a short distance away. She glanced at both Eyrion and Marin who stood where they had been ever since she had found them.138

Now, their faces were pale and sickly. They looked liable to either faint or scream some such bloody murder. Rayne walked past them and then shoved them in the direction of the camp, "Move it," she said without glancing around, "We'd better get back before he really comes after us."139

Rose's eyes widened after the story was told, but not from the story itself, but because she had felt a weak presnce of one of her father's shadows. She willed herself to rise from where she sat, but Meridia and Vannolyn kept her down. "Stop! I have to go and see if they are OK! I felt my father here!"140

Everyone was shocked to hear that, but Vannolyn and Meridia persisted in keeping her down.141

"Rose, it'll be OK. I promise. I'll go and see if they are OK, alright?" Meridia said in a calming voice.142

Rose shook her head. "No! I won't let you get involved with this! He could kill you! Please just let me do it!"143

Meridia shook her head. "You are too weak. Don't worry, I'll be fine."144

Meridia walked out of the camp and down the path warily until she met up with the three. She quickened her pace over to them and looked them over hastily. "Are you all OK? Rose has woken up and she started to panick when she felt her father's presence near. She was about ready to get up and run after you, so I decided to take a look for myself. What happened?" 145

Both the elf and dwarf were as mute as stones. Their faces were pale and strangely drawn. Meridia looked at one and then the other before looking behind them at Rayne who was trying to push them along on their stiff, unmoving legs. "Apparently," huffed Rayne without looking up, "some people are easily turned to stone by shadows. Could I get a little help here?"146

Meridia quickly lifted the two and pushed them back to the camp. It was still many minutes later before they finally came to. Their stuttering babble drew all the others attention around Rose where they sat and Rayne was left tending to the turkeys that were almost done.147

Meridia sat next to Rose and Vannolyn as Eyrion and Marin let their stories rattle out like pent-up waterfalls. No one even noticed that Rayne was not there with them. 148

Eyrion and Marin went on to babble about the path, the mountain and then the shadow of Rose's father that they saw. They told her how they both froze and went cold without any control over themselves and they could feel the fear quaking in their bones.149

Rose had gone a tad paler than she already was and truly looked dead when they were finish. She started to shake her head and shut her eyes tightly. Then, before Vannolyn or anyone else even blinked, Rose was up and running out of the campsite.150

Meridia watch her go, still worried about her younger friend, but then she looked around and saw that Rayne was busy, working away on the food. She could feel a change in the girl's emotions and since she knew there was nothing she could do for Rose, she walked over to Rayne. "...Did I do something to anger you, Rayne? If so, I apologize because I really was not my intention." 151

Rayne glanced up at Meridia quietly. She turned back to her duties before answering her, "You did nothing of the sort, actually," sighed Rayne as she checked the turkey for doneness.152

"Then what is it?" Meridia pressed.153

Giving the demigoddess a rather peeved look, Rayne finally finished the dinner and went to go clean her hands in the water. Meridia followed her. When they were well out of earshot of the others, Rayne whispered from her seat on the bank, "I am not all I seem, and for that, I must appologize. Evidently, things that I have no control over are also at work here...and Eyrion and Marin are leading the charge."154

"This is about that shadowy figure, isn't it?" smiled Meridia as she settled down next to Rayne, "It's affected you somehow, hasn't it?"155

Rayne glanced at Meridia before bending over to rinse her hands clean, "When my mother was pregnant with me, He made her into what she is: a creature of darkness...I haven't the slightest clue what happened, but her heart turned cold to all except Him." Rayne sighed as she hurried through the tale, "I am not his daughter, and yet I carry the same darkness that Rose and all His underlings have."156

Drying her hands on her tunic, Rayne sat for a moment in silence, "He has never shown interest in me, and I thought he never would. Perhaps he just mistook me for Rose...."157

Meridia shook her head. "You seem annoyed with me. I'm sorry if I am intruding...I don't think he mistook you for Rose though...Maybe he wants to do the same to you as he did your mother, but I don't know about that. I don't even know half of the story and frankly, it really isn't any of my business...However, I think you owe to everyone that is traveling with you to tell them what is going on...That is just my opinion though. I hope you don't feel as if I am trying to tell you what to do, I'm just concerned for everyone's safety. All I am saying is that things need to be out in the open with everyone so there are no surprises...but do whatever you think is best, Rayne. It's all you really can do these days."158

Rayne looked out at the water, her eyes somewhat sad and bitter. "I can't stand the thought of what happened...I thought he had been vanquished, but apparantly not..."159

Meridia looked at Rayne. "You can't help what happened in the past, though sometimes everyone wishes that they could...I don't know the entire reason behind it, but perhaps it happened for an important reason, though I know that would hardly present any comfort. I just wish that there was something I could do...Believe me, I think no differently of you at all and I don't pity you because I can feel that is what you are thinking. I want to assure you that I don't feel any differently about you and I doubt anybody who turly cares about you would either..." Meridia looked towards the end of the bank and saw Rose far beyond them, sitting alone.160

Rayne looked at Meridia and saw Rose as well. She then looked back at Meridia. "...Thank you. I don't like to be thought of differently and especially not pitied..."161

Meridia smiled. "Neither does Rose...Could go and talk to her?"162

Rayne looked at her in confusion. "Why?"163

Meridia looked at Rayne again. "I just feel that you could help her through the painful memories with her mother and father...She wanted to talk to you anyway and this would be a perfect time to approach her...I think she might want you to because she knws that we are sitting here. It's up to you, but I just thought I'd ask." 164

Eyrion and Marin laughed and joked about their journey with one antoher. For hours they sat together joking, eating, and of course Marin drinking.165

"I hear the best brandy is made in a small town a few miles form here" Marin gulped down his brandy from his pouch.166

"What way is it to?" Eyrion asked.167

"To the east." Marin answered hapily.168

"What is the town?" Eyrion asked intreigued.169

"Gelberton, they have the finest brewed beer in the world. For years now, I have never traveled there, you might ask why. I don't know i jsut never got the time i guess. But tomorrow me you, and Rayne leave for the town" Marin layed back.170

"You, me and Rayne?" Eyrion laughed. "You know she ahtes you, what make syou think she would travele with you" He giggled.171

"Well you are going with me" Marin asked wisely.172

"Am I?" Eyrion asked pushing his friend.173

"Well you weren't but you are now. We will only be gone a few hours at least. What could happen in a few hours?" Marin asked laying his head down.174

"All right, we leave tomrow" Eyrion cheered and fell back asleep.175

"Yes tomorow" Marin cheered along.176

"What is going on tomrow?" Rayne asked walking over. 177

"Um...uh,er..." stammered Marin as he suddened grew tense and looked at Eyrion for assistance.178

Eyrion merely grinned and looke innocently at the dwarf, letting him take it all himself. "...Coward..." grumbled Marin before trying to answer Rayne.179

"We'll be setting off..." said Marin with a vague shrug.180

Rayne didn't have time to bother with the two of them. She rolled her eyes and waved her hand as if dismissing them entirely. "Don't be disappearing again. I'm going to go talk to Rose, so you'd better behave."181

Passing Meridia as she left her companions at the camp, Rayne glanced back at the two knaves before speaking just loud enough for them to hear, "Meridia, could you watch those hooligans for me? I'm afraid they think they can just up and sneak off in the middle of a journey for a drink or two. Surely that's not acceptable..."182

The wink Rayne sent Meridia made the demigoddess grin with understanding. "Yes, we can't have that happening, can we?"183

Rayne could just pick out Marin's loud gulp as she hurried over to Rose. 184

Rose had heard the hollering of the two girls and wondered vaguely what the old dwarf was up to with Eyrion now. Of course, that was definitely the last thing on her mind. She both heard and felt Rayne approaching her and wondered if Meridia had talked her into it or not. Whatever the reason, she supposed it was as good a time as any.185

Rayne sat down beside Rose and looked tensely out at the lake. "...So...you wanted to...talk to me?"186

Rose brought her head up from between her arms and closed her eyes. She didn't feel like speaking out loud, so she just decided to use the telepathy. 'Yes. I did tell you that I wanted to talk to you, but I didn't think you would approach me after what happened the night before.'187

"Oh, nothing", Marin replied. Rayne could tell he was hiding something.188

"Really, nothing?" Rayne pressed Marin for answers. She knew he would have to give in eventually. After a moment of silence, she turned to Eyrion.189

"Are you participating in tomorrow's adventure as well?"190

"Same as you," Eyrion teased Rayne, slipping a slight piece of information, "It's going to be quite exciting."191

"More along the lines of troublesome, I'm sure; however, I cannot accompany the two of you if I do not know where we are going," Rayne stated, her attitude becoming more negative as her annoyance grew.192

"We're going to town to go drinking, alright? It's not a big deal, and since you worry so much, we thought we'd invite you along." Marin's explanation begged for Rayne's forgiveness, remembering how long his head ached after the last time he tried her patience.193

"We'll see, but your only chance is if you go to bed NOW," Rayne raised her voice sternly, "I'll be with Rose tonight, and she'll know if you're up to any mischief."194

Rayne looked puzzled for a moment. "Night before...?"195

She spoke out loud though Rose continued to use telepathy. 'Yes, in the marsh.'196

Still, Rayne looked at Rose in confusiong, "Why, in all the lands, would I act any differently towards you, Rose? You're in a completely different battle than anything I've ever seen...I mean, I've heard of it, but I've never been there to witness it with my own eyes..."197

Rayne sighed as she looked out over the waters for a moment before turning to look directly at Rose, "I know you wanted to say something, so spit it out. Whatever it is you want to tell, do so. I'm not some flaky girly-girl that's going to run off and spread rumors about you or anything." 198

Rose gave a half laugh at that. 'I couldn't care less what you do with what I tell you. You just seem afraid of me and after last night, when you seemed quite freaked out, I didn't think you'd ever come around me again. But anyway...'199

She looked at the girl beside her. 'It never was my intention to lash out at you and make things bad between us, but when you kept bantering me to answer your question, you brought back some memories that I would rather not think about. I know you feel the same way concerning your mother...I don't know the entire story around what happened with her, but I'm sure it was painful for you as watching my mother be torn to piece in my mind was for me at the age of five.'200

Rayne looked over at the Dragoness, a bit startled with that information. "In your mind?"201

Rose nodded. 'She had sent me away before her death occurred, but because of my gift of seeing the future, I had witnessed it anyway...' 202

Rayne shuddered, "I don't even want to think about that! That's terrible!"203

Rose didn't answer, "I don't have a problem with telling people about anything of my past..." Rose gave her a glance to told her she thought otherwise. Rayne laughed lightly, "I don't, honestly! I just don't tell unless I'm asked."204

'Don't ask, don't say?' Rose smiled now at the rather childish way of approaching it.205

Rayne shrugged, "Truth is important to me. Almost as much as Jeremy was..."206

'Jeremy?' Rose glanced at Rayne to see her eyes filled with tender love. 'A boyfriend?'207

Eyes wide with with shock at the absurdity, "My goodness, NO!" gasped Rayne as she covered her heart with her hand, "He was my brother."208

Silence came again and Rayne could hear the sounds of crickets and howls as they slowly awoke from the daily slumber. "He died because my mother lied...she stole some gold from a man and hid it in Jeremy's pack. I'll never forgive her for it...ever." 209

Rose looked out over the water again. "...I don't know any of my siblings well enough to really care for them. You seem to have a complicated past, somewhat like me."210

There was a silence as Rayne listened intently before beginning her own story again.211

Rose continued on with her speech. "I wanted to tell you one thing, though, at least. I'm sorry for lashing out at you. The first time was because of the memories...The second time was because you came up and brought them back again when I had managed to push them down...The third time was not even all of my doing. The demons in my soul and blood poured anger through me and I was fighting them whilst walking and listening to you and then having images the demons gave me of tearing you apart wasn't pleasant and your lack of understanding angered me further."212

Rayne's eyes widened and she shuddered again. She definitely did not want to think about that.213

Before Rayne had a chance to respond, Rose started once more. "But anyway...if you wish to continue on with your past, you can do so. I'd like you to know that I don't gossip and I don't think differently of people just because of learning something I didn't know. You are still the same person inside..." 214

Rayne smiled at Rose, "It's nice to have someone that understands me so much better...it's like you're a sister to me in a way...but you and I aren't even related..."215

Rolling her eyes at that thought, Rayne fell back and stared up into the sky. "He met my mother in the Siren Gullies. He was looking for...'it'...and he was following one of his creatures that was searching for this thing. Well, he could sense the fates of darkness in her...at least, I think that's what they are called, and he took her away..."216

Tears poured down her face, but Rayne wiped them away quickly, "He turned her spirit to darkness, but she was all ready pregnant...with me. I am what you might call a mutant...or something." Rayne sighed as she turned onto her stomach to start plucking the grass, "The daemon bound to me was not dark as you might have thought...she was good..." Rayne grew silent.217

'If you don't wish to tell me anymore, I'll understand,' Rose watched Rayne as she shrugged.218

"It's not a matter or if I wish to tell anyone, really. It's whether they believe me. You see, Rathsar, the daemon I told you about? She and I have been as one for so long now I hardly notice betwinxt. It's odd that I don't even remember any of this for real...my grandfather told me, you see..." Rayne sighed as she shifted again to sit up and stare out over the ebony waters. "The first thing I can remember is my brother Jeremy...he was a wonderful older brother...caring, loving...I still miss him..." 219

Rose smiled a little. "I only know my parents and siblings...Probably not even half of them, but a few. They have all given in to their evil blood...I am the last rebellion, I think." She looked at Rayne. "I don't find it hard to believe that your demon is good. I had friends that were demons...One was in love with me, but anyway, tell me more if you wish to. I am a good listener, though it may seem that I am disinterested in almost everything when I'm around everyone at once. It is my wall..."220

Rayne nodded. "Meridia sort of told me about that...but I wish you wouldn't hide yourself."221

Rose closed her eyes. "It's instinctive. I can't help it. Those who gain my trust, respect and confidence will know who I am inside."222

Rayne nodded in understanding and decided to go on with her tale.223

Rayne thought for a long time about all the things that had come to pass. "I don't know exactly what to say...there's so much I have done and I am still considered a child in my kind."224

'Your kind...' repeated Rose. She could feel a strange sort of longing there, but she wasn't too certain of what it was.225

"My family...tribe. I am still but a young, inexperienced child, though I have learned so much since I was borne. As it is now...I am the last of the true Youwarkees...perhaps the last forever..." 226

Rose looked out into the lake quietly for a while. 'I've enver heard of that tribe before, but you don't really seem like a child sometimes. You actually do seem grown up at times, in some way or another."227

Rayne smiled. "Maybe, but I don't really think about it. Meridia says I have motherly attributes...I guess I mother my freinds. They're all I have after all."228

Rose nodded. "Meridia is motherly because It's in her nature to be. Dark Fairies are naturally in tune with their nuturing capabilities. Though, Meridia is part Blue Fairy as well, she still is a lot like a Dark Fairy in a lot of ways." 229

"She's a wonder," sighed Rayne as she picked up a stick to trace aimlessly in the water with. "You're so very lucky to have someone like her."230

'I know,' smiled Rose.231

"I've never had someone like her..." sighed Rayne as ripples lapped at her toes, "Perhaps you are more lucky and such than you think, Rose."232

Rose couldn't help the bitter laugh, 'I am not lucky.'233

Giving Rose a sharp glance, Rayne slapped the water with her stick a few times before speaking again, "You are luckier than you'd ever believe, Rose. You've survive thousands of terrible things and you're a wonderful person. You have an elf that's so in love with you he'd lay down his life just for your smile. I mean, you even have a very loving friend that would travel half the world over just to help you out...even when she's not supposed to."234

Rayne tossed the stick out into the water and wrapped her arms about her knees. Her chin setted nicely on top of them. "I have an oafish dwarf and a happy-go-merry elf...I can't even trust them to tie their own boots without being asked."235

Rose chuckled at Rayne's statement. It was quite true, in a way. She was feeling strangely comfortable around Rayne again, just as she had when they had first met. 'It's strange how you and I seem to end up like this,' mused Rose.236

Rayne nodded, "Yes, it's almost like you are more relaxed around me at times like this...like you're letting that 'wall,' as you called it, down." 237

In the morning when the sun was rising the sky turned a beautiful pink, Eyrion and Marin arose quietly. Eyrion silently walked to Rayne and quietly woke her.238

"What are you doing?" She asked angered.239

"You will see" Marin smilied. THey left teh camp quietly and left every one asleep adn smoke from the fire rising high into the sky. They were far out of sight from the camp befor any other of their friends woke up.240

"So where are we going?" Rayne asked once again this time a little more awake.241

"A drinking city!" Marin shouted excited.242

"How did we dragged into this?" Rayned turned to Eyrion.243

"Don't ask" Eyrion asked smilied.244

"Oh god" Ryaned let out a big gasp.245

"It could be worse" Eyrion smilied.246

"How could it be worse?" Rayne asked as dark clouds started to cover the sky.247

"This is how" Eyrion laughed as snow and rain started to fall.248

"How far is this city?" Rayne asked peterebed. 249

Rose awoke lazily, not even remembering how she had gotten to bed. All she knew was that she was quite warm and comfortable. When she finally opened her eyes, she was a little startled to see Vannolyn so close to her. She even blushed.250

Vannolyn opened his eyes from his quiet ponderings when he felt Rose move. He stared into her beautiful crimson eyes with affection and he smiled. "I was worried about you. It seems that you were still weak and you fainted while you were talking to Rayne. She called out for help and I came to see you laying on the ground beside her. She was quite startled and seemed concerned."251

Rose gulped down the lump in her throat. She didn't remember any of that. "...How long have I been asleep?"252

Vannolyn moved and Rose was then aware that he had his arms wwrapped securely around her waist and there was no sleeping bag between them. "Ever since the time you fainted, which had to be at least eight to ten hours ago..." He pulled her closer to his body, wishing ihe could do more to help her than just lay there beside her. "Are you aure you're alright?" he whispered. He would never usually do such things, but he felt a need to be close to his love.253

Rose had almost gasped as she was pulled tighter against the dark elf and almost melted when she heard that silky whisper. She loved the feeling, bu she was still so afraid and unsure of everything about their relationship. She let her hands rest on his chest as she closed her eyes, tears almost forming there. She wanted so much to let go...She had never felt such a need, but she was too afraid of what the future held. Of if she would be abandoned after he knew all there was to know. Her amrs slid around his waist soon after and she held him tightly.254

Vannolyn did not complain about this close contact at all and actually found it to be comforting. However, she had not answered his question and she seemed to be upset. He raised her chin so she was looking at him and saw the tears in her eyes. "What is it?"255

Rose buried her face in his chest again and used telepathy to communicate with him. 'I still...I'm still...afraid. I'm still not sure about this...I don't know what the future holds and I don't know if...'256

Vannolyn stroked her face as she looked up at him slowly again. "I didn't mean to upset you, Rose. That was not my intention."257

'But you aren't upsetting me...I want so much and I want to let go, but I'm too afraid to do so. Love ahs always ended so badly for me...That's another reason. You have no idea how much I have to fear.'258

Vannolyn ended this by kissing her. He knew that maybe it was not the best decision, but it would help Rose lose that fear fora while. He did not want her to fear being close to him. He wanted her to open up to him and he wanted them to be close. How close, he was not quite sure about just yet, but he knew that he wanted to have her at his side, their love blossoming into a marvelous flower.259

As Vannolyn had thought, Rose did lose herself into that kiss. So much, that instincts almost took her over and her claws started to tear at his clothing. When she heard familiar fabric tearing, she opened her eyes and pulled away. She stood up and turned towards the exit of their tent.260

Vannolyn noticed the tears on his garments and wondered why that had happened. He walked over to Rose and took her in his arms again. "Please don't run away from me. I would love for you to open up to me...but if you need more time, I understand, but please don't run away from what you feel."261

Rose had her eyes closed. "You don't understand something...My blood is boiling in a way that it shouldn't right now. Now is not the time for it."262

Vannolyn took her hand in his. "The demons?"263

Rose shook her head. "Mating season. For both demons and dragons, which makes it even worse."264

Vannolyn had no idea what to make of it. In any case he and Rose stepped out of the tent to get a bit of morning fresh air. He looked about and saw the shadows of Eliane and Liara still asleep in their tent and then turned to look at Rayne's tent. The three who should have been in there were gone.265

The Dark Elf hit himself on the forhead knowing what had happend, feeling stupid all of a sudden. Rose was a bit confused at this.266

"What's wrong?" Rose looked puzzled.267

"The three of them aren't here and I heard Eyrion and Marin bantering on about going to some town for superior ale. I guess they took off and dragged Rayne with them. If someone doesn't stop those two. We'll never get anywhere today." Vannolyn replied witha heavy sigh.268

Vannolyn seemed a bit annoyed by the elf and dwarf acting so immature and stupid. His ears perked all of a sudden. He heard Meridia singing by the water. With Rose by his side, they approached the demigoddess. Vannolyn wasted no time and started asking questions.269

"Meridia, I know you must have overheard something last night. Do you know anything of where those two idiots might have gone off dragging Rayne?" Vannolyn asked flatly.270

"Well let's see, I think I remember something about the finest brandy in all the land and ... oh yes! The name of the town was Gelberton." Meridia replied sweetly.271

"Oh know ..." he moaned and roled his eyes.272

"What's wrong now?" Rose asked somewhat curious.273

"Malaika, that's what's wrong." The two glanced at each other and then back at the dark elf, puzzled by his answer.274

"She's an old rogue Halfling I knew from way back when. It's a long story and I don't have much time, I'll explain more later. If I know her at all, she still preys on all the outsiders passing through, cheating and swindling them at every turn. And she won't pass up an opportunity like Eyrion and Marin." He said, trying to she a little light.275

The two still looked greatly confused. Vannolyn was at a loss now. "Look, I have to stop those two idiots. I'm going to track them down and drag them back. Meridia could you look after everyone for a while. I won't be long."276

"You need not ask, just hurry back soon." The demigoddess answered. Vannolyn nodded and then turned to his love.277

"Spend what little time you have left with Meridia, this shouldn't take long and I'll back before you know it." With that, he gave a kiss on the lips and dashed back into the tent before Rose could say anything different. 278

A moment later, he was strapping on his vest and his array of weapons. Pulling on his cloak, he took the road east and disappeared into the rising sun. Soon after Rose took a seat by Meridia by the water, just as Liara and Eliane were just stirring awake.279

Rayne grumbled as they pulled her along, unwillingly, "Will you two stop it!" she growled. "We need to get back to the others right NOW!"280

Marin's grasp on her wrist broke suddenly and the dwarf turned to look at her, "We're almost there!" he whined.281

"I don't care if we're half way to Sansata!" retorted Rayne, "We are turning around right here and now and that's final! Now, MOVE!"282

With that, Rayne pushed Marin back the way they came. Eyrion leaned against a tree and watched them. "You'll never get anywhere like that," smiled Eyrion.283

Rayne glared at the elf and shoved the stubborn dwarf once more. "We need to get back to the camp."284

She glanced back at Eyrion, hoping he'd be of help. Something caught her eye and she let Marin drop. He tumbled back and started grumbling a few curses before picking himself up. Both dwarf and elf were watching Rayne...she seemed distracted.285

"What is it, Rayne?" asked Eyrion from his relaxed stance against the tree.286

Rayne seemed to move very slowly towards him, "Rayne?"287

She pounced. The sudden movement started Eyrion as he slipped away from the trunk and fell to the ground. But Rayne hadn't been aiming at Eyrion. She disappeared into the thick foilage just to the right of where Eyrion had been.288

The two companions could hear the sounds of a tussle, but they didn't dare go near it. The scuffle finally ended and something was tossed out of the brush. Rayne followed afterwards, fixing her wrinkled tunic as she came, "Nice try, Thief."289

A slight halfling tumbled out of the underbrush, somersaulting upon the dirt to her feet. She brushed herself off and glared at her opponent. Malaika was not used to being overcome so easily, nor was she ready to give up.290

"What's the big idea?!" Malaika had one hand on her hip and the other twirled her dagger in vicious circles.291

"I will not be made a fool of by a petty thief." Rayne was angry, but Malaika was still not worried. She had a few tricks left up her sleeve.292

"You have money, whereas I have none. If those two idiots lose their gold, it will be their own fault." Eyrion and Marin were surprised to suddenly be brought into the fight.293

"Idiots or not, they're my friends, and you'll have to go through me if you intend on taking anything from them." Rayne stood her guard.294

"No problem." Malaika walked past Rayne, shoving her violently as she passed. Passing between the elf and dwarf, she slipped her hands into each pocket, grabbing a few pieces of silver discreetly as she escaped. Hoping none of the companions noticed, Malaika slipped off between the trees in search of some less troublesome victims. 295

Meanwhile, Vannolyn was not far from where Eyrion, Marin, and Raine were on the road. He decided to travel amongst the branches, something he was a little more accustomed to and found to be enjoyable. All the while he kept his senses sharp. Just off in the distance, not far from the road, he saw a small little form dashing through the underbrush.296

With a stealthy leap, Vannolyn dropped to the ground right in its path, startling the little being. It was a Halfling.297

"Shades! What the hell do you think you are doing?! You could have ... Vannolyn, is that you?" She trailed off in a confused recognition.298

Vannolyn knew her instantly, it was Malaika. "So...stole anything good of late Malaika? Or are you just preying on the week and less fortunate?"299

"The little weaklings for now. But how are you old friend, I haven't seen you in 15 years. What brings you through these parts?" Malaika answered, still a bit shocked at seeing the Dark Elf again.300

"A quest, new friends ... and someone special" his mind traveling back to Rose, but he shook it off returned to the present.301

"Falling for the ladies, never thought you would. Is she a fine lass?" she gave a slight wink. Vannolyn blushed, he didn't know what to make of it.302

"Yes, she means the world to me. But I have a question for you; have you seen my friends about, they're not the brightest, except for the girl, and they were heading for Gelberton. I figured you find them before I did." Vannolyn got the point.303

"Can't say, outsiders have been the usuals. Nothing of any real value these days. But I did come across this dopey pair, an elf and dwarf, and a stubborn harpy or something of the sort. They had a few pieces of gold and silver on them, but nothing really more than that. That harpy can sure put up quite a haggle." Malaika mused, recalling the fight with Rayne.304

Vannolyn rolled his eyes, that had to be Eyrion and Marin. Who else could be so stupid as to be pick-pocketed by Malaika and be bossed around by a harpy? Without hesitation, he grabbed Malaika and started off towards the street.305

"Hey! What are you doing?!" Malaika yelled at the ranger.306

"Come on ... lets go find my stupid friends you ripped-off. By the way, you must have put up a real fight to handle Rayne like that." Vannolyn answered somewhat disinterested.307

For a few minutes the Halfling struggled against the Dark Elf's grip, but in the end gave up. She knew Vannolyn well enough to know when his mind was made up, there was no changing it. He made his way through the underbrush and emerged of the street, only to find Eyrion and Marin, trying to hold back Rayne as she simmered in anger at seeing the Halfling once more. This wasn't going to be pretty.308

Vannolyn cleared his throat, and said somewhat cheefully. "Eyrion, Marin, Rayne, I'd like you to meet an old friend of mine, Malaika. Malaika, meet the two idiots and Rayne". Tension was rising between Malaika and Rayne, and somehow the other three knew this was not a very good way to start off things.309

Rose sat quietly beside Meridia for a while after Vannolyn had left. She was still blushing from the kiss he had given her. She was no accustomed to things like that. It had been close to a year since she had been with anyone. Her dilemma with Vannolyn was still holding her back from truly being able to let go and give into what she felt for him. She was afraid of so many things.310

Meridia sat with Rose in quiet companionship, feeling and knowing everything that was going through her younger friend's mind. Rose didn't really care. They were best friends and they knew everything about the other, so Rose did not nother to try to hide anything. "Vannolyn is deeply in love with you...I can feel it whenever I am near him."311

Rose said nothing. When it came to this topic, she did not know what to say and she found that a lump in her throat kept her from being able to speak. Even just the thought about how much he cared scared her. It intimidated her and she felt so timid when it came to him in any way. From just a thought, to someone bringing him up in this way, to being near him, especially if they were alone. It wasn't that she meant to have it that way. She couldn't help it. She still felt so insecure about this love they held for each other. She did not want to be hurt and she did not want him to get hurt.312

Meridia smiled. "He will not give up on you, you know. He loves you too much to let you go."313

Rose rested her chin on her arms. "...I know that."314

Meridia rested her hand on Rose's shoulder. "I know it is a scary thing, but it is so beautiful. I'm sure you know that too. He truly cares for you, Rose. Have you ever thought of spending more time with him so you can rid yourself of this tensity when you are with him?"315

Rose closed her eyes. "It's not that simple. I don't know what's going to happen in the future...One of us might die. This love may not last. We'll probably go our separate ways if we survive the end of this journey...I can't afford to show him and give him everything before I know what's going to happen. I don't want to go through this again..."316

Just as Meridia was about to speak, Rose's eyes widened and Meridia knew she was having a vision. She gently opened herself up to it and saw hordes of monsters coming their way. People were dying. Rose was being captured. The image was stripped away and Rose stood without haste. Meridia followed her.317

Rose ran into the camp where Liar and Eliane were chatting. "Get the camp taken down and packed away NOW!"318

The two were startled to say the least. "Why?" they inquired.319

Rose shook her head. "There's no time! Just do as I say and we'll follow the path Vannolyn took up the road. Meridia will find them for us and we'll head their way so we can get away from here as soon as possible."320

Liara and Eliane wasted no time and everyone helped with taking the camp down and packing it away. Everyone carried a load bigger than what they usally did, and Meridia even carried quite a pile, while concentrating on Vannolyn's aura, since she knew him better than anyone else in Rose's group of friends-to-be.321

Rose kept up a very fast pace. She did not want this to happen. There were not enough people to fight and she was still too weak to help much, though she hated to admit it. She quickly focussed on Vannolyn's mind. 'Vannolyn, I had a vision. We are heading your way due to there not being enough people with us to fight. Get everyone moving and pick a place to meet us.'322

Vannolyn tensed and released the halfling's arm. At that same moment, Rayne broke loose and sailed into the startled halfling. They tumbled through the forest floor cursing, growling and finally stopping with Rayne pinning Malaika by the hands. "If I EVER see you taking something from one of my friends ever again...!" growled Rayne to the half-frightened halfling.323

"No time," Vannolyn interupted. The pushed Marin and Eyrion back in the direction of the camp. "We have to get back to the camp. There's a battle coming on and they need our help."324

"But..." whined Marin as he turned back to look in the direction of the village, "Ale..."325

"Can wait for later," snapped Rayne as she dragged the halfling after them. "As can my temper."326

With that, Rayne simply lifted Malaika up and carried the halfling after the rest of them. Eyrion had quickly turned to hurry back to the others, but Marin was putting up quite a fight. Rayne could have kicked herself for being brought into this blasted trip so easily.327

When Marin managed to slip Vannolyn's grip for a moment, Rayne grabbed the dwarf by his grimy beard and pulled him up to her nose. The foul odor made her nose wrinkle, but Rayne didn't care. She was much too tempermental at the moment to notice it much. Her eyes turned coppery-red as she stared into the started dwarf as he kicked his legs about, trying to find solid ground.328

"If I don't see you headed straight for the camp at this very moment," she growled between barred teeth, "I'm going to make you sorry you were ever born. Do you get me?"329

Even Vannolyn was a little frightened of Rayne as she tossed the rather petrified dwarf up ahead of them. "MOVE!"330

Everyone turned to hurry back to the camp. Vannolyn took up the back and watched Rayne with growing worry. She had never acted so violently...well, not recently. "Rayne," Vannolyn tried to reason with her.331

"Save it, Vannolyn," growled Rayne as she kept dragging the whimpering Malaika towards the others. "We have a battle on our hands..."332

"You're voice..." Vannolyn was amazed at how much his dear friend was changing. "What happened to your voice? And your eyes..."333

Rayne stopped so suddenly that Vannolyn ran right into her and they tumbled to the ground. Malaika yelped as she was sqashed between Rayne and Vannolyn before the dark elf quickly got up off of them. Rayne pulled herself up and shook her head, "I'm sorry," she said sheepishly, "I just lost my temper is all."334

Vannolyn nodded, now was not the time for talking, "Let's go."335

They hurried to a clearing just as the others came through the other end. Everyone stared at each other in disbelief. They had made it back without anything going wrong. Vannolyn went to Rose's side and hugged her with relief, much to the embarassment of the dragoness.336

Liara and Eliane raced over to Rayne, but she stopped them with a dangling halfling and a dismissing hand. "A war is coming."337

The words startled the wolfic the most as she raised her muzzle up to sniff for signs. There wasn't even the slightest wiff. "I don't sense anything," mused the large wolf-like creature.338

"They're coming," said Rose, she seemed to be a little winded still.339

Rayne tossed the halfling in Eliane's arms after giving the small creature a rather deadly glare and hurried over to Rose. "Rose," Rayne took the dragoness' other arm and quickly helped her to sit down. "You need rest. Stay here. Meridia, I'm sorry, we've made you stay over long with us, I'm sure that we'll be all right...well, I hope we will, anyway. If you must get back to your children, please, don't let us stop you. I'll protect Rose with my life if I have to."340

Meridia smiled. There was much fire and heart in the young girl. Still, the demigoddess didn't get a chance to answer as the sounds of thundering feet rumbled from the forest.341