Pleasure Kingdoms: Second Attempt

[roleplaylifer]

"Goddess," he breathed. "Ritsuko...I have seen many wonders in my few years, but...but none so striking or as beatiful as this."


The samurai found herself blushing furiously once more as his gaze lingered upon her half-concealed body. Smiling nervously as his jaw went slack with amazement....the realization of what she was implying fully hitting Taren with all of its blunt force.

What does he see in me? What could he be thinking? What...Aaaiii!

She certainly hadn't been prepared for his response. Much tooswiftly for her to react, her legs exploded out from under her as she found herself cradled lovingly in his arms. Though she had been startled for just a moment, the second their eyes met, Taren's soft and longing smile quelled any uneasiness that plagued her. Instead of struggling, she found herself melting slowly.....the stifling heat of her own body mingling with the growing inferno around her.

"Goddess, huh? You've a silvered tongue, Taren....though I'm not so sure I'm as worthy of it's grace as you think."

The strange mischief twinkled deep in her eyes as the two of them rose from the bank of the stream. As he turned towards the trees, her thin yet strong frame struggled just feebly enough to attract his attention.

"A clearing.....find us a clearing...."

She struggled to find words for how she felt. How to tell the proud half-elf that she wanted to share this moment in her life with the two things she loved the most. Taren......yes, this had to be love, right?....if not....how else could it be explained? That left only the light of the moon.....the celestial body that had seemed to resonate through her ever since she was just a tiny elf-child. Compared to the beauty that rose above her.....and the striking image of the man that held her tenderly in his arms even now....while she was dripping wet even.....she must have seemed a pale thing indeed. How could she have affected him so?

And yet she felt herself carried aloft....knowing what would befall should the night continue.....and somehow wishing the night would never end.

 

[Enosch Di'en]

Enosch Shadowfang

Enosch could feel the chill moisture in the air, and knew that what the creature said would probably prove correct. "Aye, and thank you for the hospitality." Turning to Grindarr, Enosch knelt and whispered something softly into his ear. Grindarr bounded away into the night, his softly padded feet making little more than a whisper as he faded into the shadows. "Grindarr will take your place as sentinel. If there is any evil out tonight, we will know about it." Shouldering his bow and dropping his arrow back into his quiver, Enosch stepped forward towards the camp. "I am sorry, but I don't believe that we've met yet. I am Enosch Shadowfang, of the vil-," Enosch caught himself, "of the Eastern Woods. Please forgive me for asking, but what are you? While you appear as a horse, your horn declares you a monster. But you feel somewhat human. I have never met anything of your kind before." Enosch mentally kicked himself. All the hunters of his village knew the creatures that resided in the surrounding area. But, perhaps this creature was not from around here. Enosch hoped that was the case, otherwise his hunter story might seem a bit thin.

 

[Sky Jade]

Evee sat up on the rock as she noticed that Ristuko and Taren were moving a little towards the bank. She made her way over to shore and waited there, standing perfectly still. If they were going to go elsewhere, she was going to follow. She stiffen a little as she got a scent of a creature nearby. It was coming from the direction that Logan at went. However she picked up his voice a little bit and relaxed, feeling he could take care of things there.

 

[NyghtRayne]

"I am Logan.. I am a unicorn shapeshifter." Logan didn't mind who knew his true nature.. or the one he had been raised to believe as true. "I am travelling with my friends to the wizard's college, but we are of course taking a few side quests on the way."

He glanced off towards the stream as he heard the others leaving the water. He felt they were still ok under the watchful eyes of Eeve. "We should get to the camp and the others, they should be settling down by now." He turned towards the camp, looking back towards Enosch, before stepping off once more.

 

[Enosch Di'en]

Enosch Shadowfang

A shapeshifter? Then he was human, or at least part of him was.

That would explain the swirl that marked all intelligent races plainly to him. Most of the time, beings with the power of intelligent thought were filled with many different feelings all at once, which made it effectively impossible for Enosch to determine their motivation, as he could with most animals and monsters. And perhaps their minds were so full of their own thoughts that most intelligent beings did not notice his own empathic expression. Enosch pondered this as he followed the shapeshifter to his camp. Turning back for a moment, he thought of Grindarr, and felt safe. Perhaps these people would make for interesting company. What did he call himself? Logan, I think it was. Enosch headed off towards the inviting warmth and the flickering light of the fire.

 

[NyghtRayne]

Logan lead the elf to the clearing where several of his friends were sitting by the fire. He noticed that Zarl had found a place and was trying or looked like he was trying to rest.

"Shizura, Levastine....I ...um.. I found someone outside the camp.. travelling alone with his panther. I offered him the warmth of our fire for the evening. It seems he is looking for adventure."

 

[Enosch Di'en]

Enosch Shadowfang

As he entered the camp, Enosch noticed two things. First, that the two women he had seen earlier were very attractive, though very different. The younger one seemed very youthful and energetic, with a pure spirit that seemed to emit light to his mind. The second woman seemed harder somehow, and darker, as if she had been through many things in her life. The other thing that struck him immediately was the sleeping man he had noticed earlier. Only, it definitley wasn't a man. His features gave him a human impression, but he could do little, especially sleeping, to hide the large wings that were now folded around him as he slept. This one was different than the other three he had encountered so far. This one had a very dark nature, which made Enosch more than a bit uneasy. He would have to keep an eye on him, or it. But, if they others trusted him, or it, Enosch supposed he could give it, or him, a chance. He wondered then what aura he would give off to others, if they had his ability. Perhaps even he was not as pure as he would have hoped. Pushing these thoughts aside, Enosch stepped into the light of the fire and bowed low, saying in his low, honey-like voice, "Hello. I am Enosch Shadowfang, and I thank you for sharing your fire on a night like this."

 

[Enosch Di'en]

Grindarr

Grindarr padded softly away from the camp. He preferred the dark of the woods to the fire's invasive light. And his night-eyes could see more clearly without the brightness of the flame before them. The soft moonlight filtering through the trees was more than enough for him. He crept softly through the woods, stopping for a moment at a pool to drink. Sniffing the air so close to the pool made it easier for him to determine any scent closeby, as the air moved gently over the cool water. The faint musky aroma of the two humans still hung lightly around this area. Tilting his ears, he heard their movements across the water and into the woods a short distance, followed immediately by another human. Springing easily over the pool to the other side, he padded softly away.

The moonlight seemed snuffed out suddenly, as a cloud moved to cover the glowing orb. The air was already oppressive in his short fur, with the coming rain inevitable. But there was something else. Grindarr laid his ears back tightly against his head and crouched low. Something was not right here...

 

[The GrandMage]

Zarl of the Macrai-Itoche (Flesh-colored)

Zarl was roused from sleep. Grunting, he glanced around, and noticed an unfamiliar voice talking. He sat up, stretching out his wings and arms, and looked directly at the elf. He froze, wings spread, staring at the man, eyes glancing at his position, and any visible weapons.

Why didn't people tell him when this shit was happening? Oh, no, why bother? He's only a monster. It's not like his face wasn't hunted down and killed by nearly every Fae when given the chance. Some stranger would surely accept him as an intelligent being and not go for the first instinct to kill him.

Right. What the fuck was he doing with these people? He was going to get killed if this kept up. His wings folded back quickly, and he got a firm grip on the hilt of his sword, glancing around for any others.

Part of him cried out to kill the elf, no questions asked. Just jump up and cut his head off. But Zarl's will remained firmly in control of his monster instincts, and he watched. "...Who are you?"

 

[katalynn]

Lavastines' mind was wide awake. Thoughts and feelings bogging down on her like never before. Tried to meditate a little to get some decent sleep, but it was no use. Her body ached and it seemed to be sleeping, yet her mind was in no way going to rest.

There was a disturbance in air, its been going on for sometime. That too she was trying to ignore. Knowing that Logan was out and about, keeping an eye on things. It was then Lavastine heard Zarls' voice.

Thats when she sat up and turned toward the newcomer.
After hearing Zarls' question, sat with her knees up in the cloak, making no intention of standting up just yet.

"What brings you in the middle of no where... alone for that matter? Are you lost perhaps?"

Asked, probably a little to softly, though the stress of her mind made her not care at this point.

So what, its another person that might be willing to die with.... I mean... fight with us.. He seems to be looking for adventure... so says Logan... well, he picked a fine time for one...

 

[Enosch Di'en]

Enosch Shadowfang

Enosch noted grimly that the winged creature (was it a monster?) had dropped his hand to his side, where a large sword hung loosely. He nodded to in his direction, a sort of acknowledgment that he was ready should the winged thing decide it disliked him. Feeling the tension hanging thick in the air, he decided it better to respond to the woman who had sat up nearest him. "I am a hunter, looking for a little adventure in his life. I am tire of hunting animals, and would like a little danger in my life for a while. I would like a story that will cause others to stop and listen around a campfire late at night. So, I am come to these woods on the basis of a tale one of the villagers told me, about monsters lurking about. I can feel the darkness surrounding this place, this mountain, and know that it is full of monsters for my arrows to find a home in. So, I would like to offer you my assistance, my bow, and my knowledge. I am very familiar with woodland creatures, as well as some of the local monsters. And I know a little about various herbs. And did I mention that I can make a mean pot of venison stew, as well?" he said, forcing a chuckle.

Enosch felt a bit uneasy about deceiving these people. They had, after all, allowed him to enter their camp, and the unicorn seemed to trust him enough. Maybe he didn't have to keep up this ruse. No, better safe than dead. Just wait until you are sure that they have no reason to keep you from finding the bastard that killed your parents. Perhaps after I find him and kill him, I can tell them why I am really here, and why I am alone.
Plastering the smile back to his face, Enosch sat down beside the fire, looking from the woman, to the creature, and back to Logan, the shapeshifter. "By the way, I never got your names."

 

[NyghtRayne]

Logan wasn't sure if he could mindspeak to the whole group here in the clearing, but he was sure going to try before this escalated in the wrong direction. "Guys... relax.. I didn't know you had all drifted off to sleep or we'd have netered the camp quieter. No one needs to fight and we could use the help in the caves tomorrow."

It was times like these he hated the fact that if he shifted back he would be nude. He knew Lavastine might not mond, but Shizura seemed like she might be too embarrassed if he did.

 

[The GrandMage]

Zarl of teh Macrai-Itoche (Flesh-colored)

Zarl turned his glare on Logan. "Oh yes, that's what I'd want. Just bring a Fae right on top of me in the middle of the night, so quiet I can't tell he's there. That's abso-fucking-lutely brilliant. Hey, here's a thought, instead of that, how about you warn me when you're about to bring a self-proclaimed Monster Hunter into our midsts. Being as I am a monster, you know, it might be good to know you're bringing someone in who might decide I'd be good sport."

He rolled his eyes, amd glared up at the elf. "I am Zarl, or the Macrai-Itoche. You'd probably know us by the name you Fae gave us, 'Macites'. Although, I don't really think we need your help. We're going into a cave tomorrow, and it's not really the best environment for an archer."

His hand gipped at the hilt of his katana. He was not happy. In fact, it'd be best to describe him as in a rage. His dark side spoke words of blood, and letting the rage out, sweetly trying to overcome his will, his layer of fthought that kept the beast within. It found itself in no position to tell sweet lies, at least not yet.

A monster hunting archer. Great. And Logan just brings him over to where Zarl is sleeping. Great. Well, he was only a Fae villager. Probably thought every one as open and trusting as himself. Yeah, that had been proven when they'd met. Trying to kill him, as Zarl recalled.

He'd made promises, though, to help those in this group. And he couldn't go around breaking Oaths simply because they lacked the common sense to realize he was still a natural enemy of every other Fae in the world. He resigned himself to the fact he was probably going to die on his trips, and thanked the Destroyed that at least these people could be trusted to take his crystal to his homelands.

Unless they trusted it to a lying trader, and his very soul was used up for a spell. Oh, there was a happy thought.

 

[Enosch Di'en]

Enosch tried to remain calm, as the creature glared at him.
By the gods, a Macite! But what was such a beast doing travelling with these people, expecially the young women. Macites are not generally known for their tastes in cottage furniture, that was for sure. And this one didn't seem the least bit interested in any stew either.
Stupid idea, venison stew. Enosch, you had better keep your eyes on this one, as he doesn't look too happy to have people he doesn't know on this trip. Not that I can blame him. Macites are generally the stuff legends are made of, but in the sense that the legends speak of elven warrios killing them off. I guess he has reason to not be quite so trusting as the others.
"Perhaps you aren't so familiar with elven eyes, Macite," Enosch spoke, returning the others gaze with intensity. Really, he was searching the creature for any hint that might let him know how to proceed. "But from here, I have no trouble seeing your friend keeping watch over the two others close by the stream. And it would appear that they have moved further from the camp, as she is now on the other side of the pool from where she was," he continued, his soft, honey voice low in the night's oppressive air. The moon moved behind a cloud suddenly, causing the small comfort offered by the shining orb to vanish as well. Enosch cursed his bad luck. Though he was afraid to admit it, Enosch could no longer see the young woman in the woods, without the moon's pale light. Even elven eyes had their limits. Looking back to the Macite, however, he felt it prudent not to mention this detail, as the creature's hand still wrapped tightly around his sword.
"You have no reason to trust me, Macite, nor I you. But I would enjoy a bit of company on my travels. And as your friend here implied, it is not a smart thing to go traipsing around the woods alone. And if it makes you feel any better, I will walk in front of you, rather than at your back. I would hate for you to get a stiff neck from looking over your shoulder all the time." Enosch sighed inwardly, glad that his turn to speak was over. He was not really as bold as he was projecting himself, but was too afraid to let down his act now. A Macite was not a thing to cross, but decieving one was sure to find him hanging from the end of that sword. Settling in, he hoped that one of the others would come to his rescue and settle down the creature, before it attacked him. Enosch was sure he could run fast, but doubted he could match the speed of those wings. Lowering his gaze to the campfire, he scowled into the flames, letting the light burn at his eyes a bit, before he closed them and let the night air cool them again.
Your move, Sir Macite

 

[NyghtRayne]

Logan looked to Zarl, ears flattened against his head. He was sure the Macrai-Itoche would know the signs of anger there as well. "Zarl.. I sometimes seem to push aside the fact that most consider you a monster. I myself do not and you know that as well."

Logan had no idea if the others were hearing his mindspeak or not and for that matter at this moment he didn't care or hoped they were. "And as for sneaking up on you while asleep, I didn't realize that anyone had been able to settle for the night as of yet with others of our group still out and about. I apologize for waking you in such a way, but there is no need to fight here for anyone."

He didn't know if he could stop a fight between the elf and the Macrai-Itoche, but he sure hoped if he couldn't that one of the others could.

Logan turned his amber gaze upon the Elf once more. "Just so you know he prefers to be called by his proper race name if not by his name. So next time please...it is either Macrai-Itoche or Zarl."

 

[Enosch Di'en]

So, the creature does have a name. Zarl. I don't really care what to call him, but he apparently is not in the mood for introductions. Enosch glanced up to see Logan was clearly gettin uptight. He locked eyes with the unicorn and opened his mind enough to let one thought through.

Understanding

He would not purposefully rile the Macite, or Macrai-Itoche, or Zarl. Having no real reason to fight the powerful creature, and many reasons not to, Enosch turned his gaze back to the fire.
"I apologize, Macrai-Itoche," Enosch said, still not sure they were friendly enough yet for him to use the other's actual name. "I meant no offense. I have not had much experience dealing with your ... kind." Enosch grimaced as he said the words, knowing that it must sting Zarl what others considered he and his people. He would have to be more careful in choosing his words. "I am sorry," he added, more in reference to the last comment he had made than to his initial ones. Feeling that it was probably best that he remain silent, Enosch turned his scowl back to the fire.

 

[katalynn]

With this Lavastine stood, lifting the hood of the cloak off her head fully, pushing back a strand of hair from her dark face.

"Zarl, I can understand your anger. In more ways than one. But, don't you trust Logan enough by now?"
"At least enough that he wouldn't bring a killer among us? After all, the fae have thier reasons to kill me just as much as you."

Placing a delicate hand on Zarls' shoulder, careful to not startle him anymore than what he already was.
Looking up just as the clouds covered the moon, just for a split moment she relized why she couldn't gain control of her thoughts.

Stupid full moons... why couldn't it be a new moon?

Looking back towards the stranger. He wants a name? My name as well as the others. Lavastine sighed, always hated giving out her name, least of all to fae and those humans.

"It is late, and he is alone. It would take some work for him to kill you now m'love. After all, we know about him now, he has to get through us if that was his intention."

A feeling crept up her spine, there was something out there. Felt the presence of something watching her. Took a cautious glance around the woods, seeing nothing as of yet. For a moment she thought there was movement within the trees, but wasn't enough to alarm the others yet.

Perhaps its those stupid shadow creatures again... they wouldn't strike now.. would they? They have no chance in this moment.

Figured they were just following her now, waiting for that right moment. Without the poison, it was hard to tell if it was them or not, reguardless, she knew they would follow her no doubt. Waiting.

"I dislike giving my name out to complete strangers, I guess seeing how you'll be with us this night at least.... I am Lavastine."

Without much thought, she began caressing Zarls' back, trying to keep him calm on some level. Hopeing the feel of her touch would relax him enough to somewhat accept this stranger for the night. Then we'll decide from there.

Glanced out into the woods, hopeing that the other three will return soon. If it was the shadows, they wouldn't harm them for they are after her. But if it was something else......

Then again, this whole area gave off that bad, sick feeling. Lavastine will hold up extra caution in case something is out there.

 

[The GrandMage]

Zarl of the Macrai-Itoche (Flesh-colored)

Zarl sighed, and glared at everyone in turn. He moved his hand away from his katana, trying very hard not to kill the man for his repeated insult of that Fae-given term. "You all don't get it, do you? What if I'd gotten up to go relieve myself? I walk away from the fire, and return as Logan is bringing this new person to us. He sees me entering from the woods, percieves me a threat. Next thing you know, I'm lying dead with an arrow in my chest because Hunter here doesn't know I'm not just some wandering monster, and Logan didn't bother to warn either of us about the other one."

He stood up, and looked over the scene. "It's a matter of looking out for one another, don't you see that? If Logan's in trouble in a battle, and I can get to him, I will. And I'll try to help him, to ensure he doesn't die. But am I not to expect that he, in turn, will try to save my life, keep me safe? I don't distrust Logan. I trust him fine. However, I do want to stay alive. And that's going to be very hard if Logan doesn't realize I'm under threat from everyone, and not just monsters."

He sat down, and glared over at the elf. The elf you had called him 'Mactie'. He gritted his teeth. "I accept your apology. But I did introduce myself by name. Zarl. I introduced myself as such because that's what I'm called."

He glanced around, and fidgetted. "What's venison?"

 

[katalynn]

Lavastine understood all to well of what Zarl was saying. For it was true. The same thing could have happened to her in the same example. Perhaps not to the extent of Zarl, for she was a female, but her kind was just as hated.

It was then a new thought ran into her. The thing that she was sensing out there within the trees.


Perhaps it followed this stranger. Been following him, with him finding us, perhaps he lead it straight to us....

Straight to me...

Lavastine kept silent, she wasn't one to express how she felt. Which is one thing she liked about Zarl, he told it how it is. In the long run, she felt that most fae and humans didn't care to know how it is. Therefore the words would have been wasted, which in return kept her silenced most the time.

Moved around and sat in front of Zarl, down on the ground. Unable to keep her eyes and ears off the trees, that feeling was just nagging at her senses.

 

[Enosch Di'en]

Lavastine. Beautiful name. Seems to fit I guess. You are really not doing a good job at winning these people's trust. Of course, why should you be the one to just throw yourself on their whim?

The truth was, Enosch had really enjoyed his somewhat limited encounter with this group so far. He hadn't realized until tonight how much he had been missing, being alone for so long.

Maybe I should just leave. Bah, stupid idea. They will let you stay. I don't know, they seem well off enough without me here. perhaps I would just slow them down. *sigh* I need to take a piss.

The elf stood and pulled his hooded cowl further over his face. "Excuse me a moment," he said, stepping between Logan and Lavastine. Noticing Zarl glaring at him, he stopped for a moment. "Well, I could stay here, but then you'd have a bit of a mess on your hands, now wouldn't you?" He wandered over towards the stream to relieve himself.

 

[NyghtRayne]

To Logan it seemed as if things would settle down some. He felt bad for getting the others riled up this way. He looked to Lavastine, "I am going to slip into the woods to change since his cat is watching around the woods."

He moved towards the woods where he had left his pack earlier and then once out of sight of the campfire, he changed back to his human form, donned his clothing, picked up his pack and headed back to the others at the campfire.

Logan took a seat near the fire to sit in it's warmth, the night seemed to have taken on a slight chill that was not connected with the tenseness of the group.

 

[Enosch Di'en]

Enosch readjusted his cloak, turning away from the pool towards the camp. Looking through the trees to the two figures sitting close beside the flames, he suddenly realized that he felt a twinge of envy towards the couple. They were apparently very close, and seemed to enjoy each other's company, though he still wasn't sure what their exact relationship was. Enosch felt of wave of self-pity wash over him, as he wondered what it must be like to be wanted, even needed.

Pushing the thoughts out of his mind, he sat down at the between the gnarled roots of a tall cypress at the bank of the small stream that fed the pool. Closing his eyes, he tried to remember his village. So long ago... Enosch reached into his pack and pulled out one of his most prized possessions, though nowadays it seemed to also be his least used: his windharp. He let his fingers wander over the grooves that marked the opening notes to the old song, and let his mind wander too, to things he had not recalled in a long time...

~~~~~

"Can you really play that thing?" she had asked.

"What do you mean, of course I can play it. It's mine, isn't it?" Enosch held the windharp up proudly in front of him, as if it was a trophy for one of the greatest achievements of his entire life. Lowering his hands, he smirked to the young elven girl beside him in bravado only an eighteen year olf elf in the prescence of a beautiful young girl could possibly get away with. "I can play it right now, if you want." Her long golden hair seemed to absorb the pale moonlight and then illuminate the air around her, causing her to appear otherwordly to the young Enosch. He gazed into her eyes and felt her adoration for him.

"Oh, could you? Play me a song, just for me." The girl's jade coloured eyes danced with anticipation, as would any young girl about to hear a song made just for them by a cute boy.

~~~~~

Enosch leaned back against the tree, and raised the slender wooden pipes to his pursed lips, holding his breath and waiting for the song to come.

~~~~~

Enosch leaned back against the tree, shutting all thoughts from his mind and just let himself feel. Setting the slender wooden pipes to his pursed lips, he slowly let the song leave him like the breath from his body. The slow, mournful notes rose and fell as his nimble fingers danced over the windharp. It was a simple melody, not complicated by harmony or any cadence. A mournful expression of the painful bliss of the emotion he felt now.

~~~~~

Enosch dropped his hands to his lap, fingers still poised in waiting for the next note to come. That was a long time ago. And you were just a boy, not old enough to feel such things. Besides, she is long gone now. Enosch sighed as he held the windharp in his slender hands. His fingers, though roughened by years of his twanging bowstring, still knew the old songs. I guess some things are never really gone, he thought. Closing his eyes, he rested his head against the smooth bark of the cypress, wondering if any of the others had heard him.

 

[NyghtRayne]

Logan looked up from the flames of the campfire as he heard the eerie, yet soothing sounds of the windharp. He had alsways liked music, just never took up an instrument. He had been working too hard in his family's fields to have the time to follow such pursuits.

He sighed softly as he listened to the music and thought of home. He hoped his mother wasn't worrying too much, but he knew she would be. He knew when they got to the next town he would have to send a message home to let her know he was ok.

He stood and stretched, then wandered over towards where Enosch had sat and played. He stopped several paces away, not wanting to interrupt.

 

[Enosch Di'en]

Hearing someone approaching, Enosch opened his eyes and turned toward the sound. A man, seeing him rise, began coming his way. Standing, he leaned against the tree and fidgeted with his windharp, running his fingers along the notes engraved in the top. Glancing up at the man, he realized that he had not met this one before. However, one look at his eyes told Enosch otherwise. Enosch stretched out his mind towards the approaching man and tried to take in what little he could gather.

People are so hard to understand, he thought. Though I guess it would be an unfair advantage if I could understand them. Most still do not understand themselves.

This one, though, seemed to emit a pure light to Enosch's mind. It seemed dampened somehow, but still an unmistakable light. Glancing back to the camp and seeing only two, Enosch quickly put two and two together. "Logan, I presume?" he said softly. The glow was unmistakable. "Sorry about before. I was not prepared for such a, surprise. Perhaps I could have handled it better."

 

[NyghtRayne]

Logan smiled slightly as Enosch recognized him. He didn't know of Enosch's ability to reach out to him, but when he did he still seemed to get the impressions of the unicorn, just like before when he reached out and really never got the full impression of the man.

"You presume right." For his hair color was that of the unicorn's coat of brown and his eyes the same amber color. "Nothing to be sorry for I should have remembered that Zarl may have a hard time with it. Most we have encountered have immediately taken the offensive against him." His voice was the same tone as he had heard in his mind earlier.

"I didn't mean to interrrupt your playing. It sounded nice." He glanced back towatds Zarl and Lavastine, "Don't worry they are nice once they get to know you. I guess sometimes I just forget how others look at them since I don't feel the same way and neither do any of the others in the party as we all have our secrets I guess."