The red sun rose in the east as the winds swept over the lands from the north whispering softly for all to hear. The sky a blanket of ebony as the sun had barely begun it's ascent into the skies above. Animals of the night finding shelter to sleep during the day, while song birds began chirping merrily from the arms of trees. A mockingbird sat comfortably on a low branch in the forest above the trail leading to the Tavern.

The soft sound of leaves crackling under the weight of a creature would stir wild animals into hiding. Ice occulis darted about the shady forest as muscles grew tense and quickly relaxing as a woman walked through the forest. A mysterious staff in hand which supported a teal coloured gem at it's tip which forever shined with power when in the hand of it's mistress. Ebony roots sprouting from the crania of the human woman who walked through the woods without an escort. Snug fitting, low cut, army green outfit surrounding her body in all the right places. A belt full of herbs and other useful materials for sorcery, hung idly from her hips. A cape fell down to the ground, the outside the same army green as her clothes, yet the inside was decorated in blood red with foreign ebony designs. Selina's fair skin accented by the dark colours surrounding her body as she walked nearly soundlessly through the forest.

The fresh scent of fall fresh upon the morning breeze as she noticed the light brightening only a few metres ahead, her pace quickened, but not once did her stride lose from it's elegance. The muscles in her face tightened slightly around her mouth forming a soft smirk to play across her features and rising into her eyes. The steady rise and fall of the woman's chest indicated that the pace was habitual to her. Nasils flare and dilate hungrily devouring the oxygen to feed her lungs and flood her senses with the scents of the wild with a dash of stale whiskey. Icy orbs dart towards the tavern door as she stops infront of it drawing in yet another deep breath. Drinking the scents of her surroundings with caution she pushed open the door to be greeted by the dimly lit tavern and the heavy odour of nicotine and moonshine. Closing the door behind her slowly, the door creaking in protest as she turned gracefully towards the empty tables.

A soft nod towards the bartender and she began walking towards an empty table in the corner of the room. A fire blazing low in the middle of the southern wall. As she directed her path to the table, the steady tapping sound of her boots pounding upon the hardwood floor drew the attention of any lingering in the tavern. A faint smile displayed upon Selina's features as she kept her staff firmly in her hand, but unnoticibly so. A mask of serenity hiding her emotions of the silent tavern as she pulled the chair from a table the bumpy sound of wood against wood rand in twin peaks. Ice occulis close to the familiar sound as she sat down at the empty table and allowed all her muscles to relax, save for those in the hand grasping the staff. Soundlessly, and idly she sat as if waiting for expected company.

Malaki positioned the warhorse near the other horses but also with a bit of distance, sometime he did not play well with other horses. Settling his large frame with a few stamps of his feet to make sure that the chain shirt hung properly after being mounted for so long. The haft of the greataxe he carried now arranged so it could be easily drawn, made his large body seem even larger. Taking off the helmet let his black hair loose so it hung to his shoulders, the helmet tied to his saddle. His green eyes saw the door to the tavern and his mouth began to water at the thought of a beer and possibly some meat, other than rations. His left hand moved and settles his torc in place the symbol of his liege now properly displayed.

Making no attempt at being subtle pushing open the door and stepping in letting everyone know he was there, scanning the room looking for anyone that might be familiar, there was no one, not that he thought he would see anyone. Everyone he knew was now either dead or on the rack dying. Closing the door with his foot, moving to the bar.

"Beer would be good keep and if you have any breads and meats that would be good as well."

Paying from a small bag produced from his belt he looked for a table, finding one he pointed it out to the keep who nodded in return. Sitting down he drank from the mug slowly sipping enjoying it as if it were his first drink ever. Putting the mug down a slow smile crept upon his face and through the dirt and sweat his eyes smiled as well.

The rising red sun's rays were disturbed from shining in to the tavern from a window by the large silhouette who crept across the grounds. Icy occulis dart towards the silhouette as the wooden door slammed hard against the inside wall of the tavern as he'd enterred. An expressionless face studied the man who had recently entered, taking mental notes of everything she could. The axe, the clothes, a rough estimate of his weight and weight. Anything she could figure out about the brute who'd just entered would help her in the end. A faint smile played across her soft lips from the darkness where she chose to dwell.

The fire dancing soundlessly in the fireplace, which in turn heated the tavern to a suitable temperature for humans. Selina's gaze lingered upon the stranger who'd just entered and she continued to take notes about the way he drank and moved. Slowly crossing powerful pillars, as digits grasped her staff firmly, the gem glowing softly in the dimly lit tavern. Thoughts racing through her mind about what she should do, and she decided to approach the man. The wine she'd ordered remained untouched on the table, yet her free hand surrounded it as she picked it up and directed her path towards the table where the man had taken a seat. The warmth of her features glowing slightly with a smile that lingered on her soft lips and in her eyes. The woman's footsteps would have alerted the man of her approaching presence.

Upon reaching the table the young woman's body seemed to show no sign of scars. Her flawless features standing before the man accepting a hungry gaze were it offered, yet she smiled softly "Good evening Sir. Would you mind if I joined you?" her voice warm and glazed with a french accent. Selina gave a nod of acknowledgement as she stood firmly in place, gravity working in collaboration with her as she kept storing information about the man in her mind. The sorceress bearing a strange aura about her as she stood before the man awaiting his words. Digits on the verge of fidgiting but the brave soul of the woman caused them to remain steady as she listened to the words both spoken and unheard.

The beer hit his stomach and a small bit of warmth spread throughout his limbs and into the core of his body. Fingers flexing and joints popping as his body tensed and relaxed again. The gentle footfalls would not belong to a maid or a keep, turning his head just a bit to see who was coming. Seeing her movements brought to mind the image of a cat or a snake, either being predatory creatures and not prey. His body responded to her movements the way she swayed, beckoning a response, but this was no red light girl looking for coin she was more dangerous.

Stopping at the table and asking to join.

"I never drink with someone I do not know, my name is Malaki."

Standing up as he had been taught in the court of Hadris, to speak to a woman of station. Catching just the bit of skin from her wrist, and ankles which appeared to be small but athletic in build. The calf and forearm would tell more BUT that might be more dangerous than worth the trouble.

"If you would like to sit please, do so, pardon my appearance, it appears that I brought more of the road with me than I thought."

Smiling his green eyes almost glowing in the light of the crystal from the staff.

Selina could feel his eyes drinking up her appearances as she had managed to do for him only moments before approaching him. The smile playing across his lips had drawn her attention rapidly and she allowed the smile upon her lips to be warmer and feel the emotions she felt stirring within her body. Icy eyes locked with those of the man as she set her drink down and extended her hand as she offered a firm handshake. The sorceress smiled to the man as she listened to his words "It's a pleasure to meet you M'Lord Malaki. My name's Selina." she left out the part of her being a sorceress, for she didn't think it wise to reveal such things in the current age.

The smile playing across her lips as a great deal of her body was revealed leaving many areas that could be wounded, one of which many might consider her insane for displaying in the open. Selina bore the appearances of a sex slave, for she allowed very little to be covered, but then sorceresses couldn't wear much armor if they wanted their spells to be potent. Silently reflecting about the man she nodded to his words about sitting, and she allowed herself to do just that. Pillars folding at the knees as ice occulis keep locked upon those of the man known as Malaki. When her middle found support, pillars gave way and crossed beneath the table.

The man's final words allowed a soft laugh to erupt from within her. The woman's heart beating steadily beneath the cage which held her main organs in place and offered a small deal of protection. Selina smiled as she drew in a deep breath and replied "Worry not for appearances, they are only skin deep and they change more often then not" she fought back laughing because she'd just recited a saying that she'd been raised hearing. The woman's eyes shot towards the fire and the flames sprung to life to burn higher and hotter than they'd done since his arrival in the Tavern. Soundlessly she returned her gaze to meet his and the smile lingered upon her lips faintly.

Taking her proffered hand he bends and brushes a kiss across the top of it and then releases it.

"Lord is it, no not I good lady, I am just a humble soldier who now has no cause to fight for." Smiling with eyes that drink up whatever skin is showed.

His hand lingers near his Torc.

"Selina, that is a good name, Greek in origin I believe, something about the moon." Sitting down his right hand brushes casually his belt, as if to return something there.

The mans physical strength is quite evident as his writsts and forearms show the years of wielding such an axe. His nose has been broken and set but it is not unattractive his lips are a bit small but they seem to be always in a bit of a smile. Though his face is not scarred just dirty, the cracks in the dirt and grime around his eyes showing little crows feet. It is indeed his eyes though that are his strongest feature, though when standing he is well over six feet it is always the eyes that seem to beg for attention.

As she sat down it was clear that this was a woman of power and power beyond her body, it crept away from her like smoke surrounding a smoldering fire. The burning embers of this power showed through though if you knew what you were looking for, power similar to that of royalty but this was power used to shape things.

"Worry not for appearances, they are only skin deep and they change more often then not" She remarked as the fire surged upwards.

"As do the seasons and the mood of the wind, milady."

Taking another sip of beer.

Selina smiled warmly at the formal introduction that had just been displayed on the man's behalf. The smile grew wide when the man's lips brushed against the soft surface of her skin. Silently and attentively she listened to the words the man offered and calmly she smiled warmly "Very well, Malaki then. It is how you wish." her heavy accent having her pronounce words in a strange way. The smile only grew upon her features as she noticed the man's emerald eyes flashing over her skin. Ice occulis took notice that his hand remained idly upon his weapon which brought her to further respect the man she'd just met.

Politely she listened to the man's words in regards to her name and she tilted her head slightly impressed with his knowledge of the history of her name. The woman's voice warm and spiced only slightly with surprise "Few know the meaning behind my name, my mother named me, she was a seer. Before the cold war." her voice even almost as if she could care less what had happened to her mother.

From the seat across from the man she studied his facial features. The man's green eyes shining brightly on his dirt covered face had been the first feature she'd noticed since he'd entered the tavern. Skilled occulis having taken notice of the man's nose and that it had been broken several times, but that it wasn't disfigured noticeably to the human eye. Next her eyes fell upon his lips, the woman noted that they were rather small in size compared to the rest of the man's body, but then, they always bore a small smile upon them, even when he was indifferent to a subject. The man's body was muscular, she couldn't help having noticed that after her eyes had settled on him when he'd threw open the door. His eyes having been the first thing she noticed, but his body falling in a quick second.

Selina sat her legs crossed and her left hand firmly grasping her staff, but to Malaki, it would appear as if she barely held it. The gem atop the staff always glowing teal in colour and occasionally the woman's eyes would perfectly match that of the gem. Silently listening as he'd countered her wise words, with some of his own. Nodding, an amused look surfaced to her features as she heard his final words "Indeed they do." she smiled warmly to the man. Her right hand finding the base of the cup as she lifted it gracefully towards her face. The womans soft lips parting slightly as she felt the copper of the cup upon her lips and the liquid flowing into her body. Icy occulis close for a moment as she enjoys her taste of the new wine offered at the tavern. After the liquid was devoured and starting it's downfall through her body, she opened her eyes slowly but quickly returning to his.

"If I may milady you are as much out of place here as I am standing with a pitchfork moving hay."

Smiling fully for the first time, his teeth showing care and attention, as well obviously a well diet in the past.

"My father made sure I was educated in the classics, Greek and Latin made me study before he shipped me off for my apprenticeship."

His eyes narrow with the mention of her mother and the cold war. Now this was interesting was she a player in the grand game, and if so does anyone else know about her?

"A seer, well then are you trying to fulfill something that you have been told about?"

"I am curious what wind would have brought you to such a place as this?"

Watching her breath was almost more intoxicating then the cheap beer that he had partaken in. Her chest heaving with each breath seemed to almost match the beat of his heart, slow and steady but strong and with purpose.

Looking casually to see if anyone else is paying attention to this meeting.

The man's first words had drawn her deepest attention. Without knowing that she was a sorceress, he told her how out of place she was in such a place, and he used himself as an example. The smile drew upon her lips "Appearances can be deceiving. I'm more at ome in a tavern, den all other places in the world." her voice steady and determined. The woman's english was wonderful for having only learned last year.

Hungry eyes sought out his well formed smile and she bit her lip slightly as she'd fallen in love with his perfectioned smile. Her thoughts dwelled upon how charming his smile was upon her, and she bit her lip gently her eyes flickered up to meet his gaze. Listening to his words once again she smiled warmly, a full hearted smile towards him. The womans icy eyes shimmered beautifully in the dimly lit tavern "It is very good to remain educated in such a day. You never know when it will be useful to use such manners. I must say that you look very handsome this day." she fell silent as she fought back the heat that was rising in her cheeks to support a blush, but the colour never altered in her features.

The woman had taken notice of the man's eyes having narrowed slightly at the mention of her mother. Listening cautiously to his words she couldnt' help but emit a soft laugh "I have no stand in teh schemes of teh world. I go about my life minding all that's mine, and expecting others to do the same. I live my life for me, and I do not follow my mother's rules. Had I followed her rules, I'd not have ended up being the sorceress I"ve become today" she'd allowed it to slip that she was a sorceress. The woman's stance in the world was indeed as she'd told this stranger, she would fight against what she thoguht to be evil, and from what she'd learned through innocence to experience. Silently Selina smiled towards the man and her icy eyes shimemring with desire but the source of her desier would remain unknown.

The man's features changed often and she listened to his words anew. The woman spoke warmly "The winds that brought me here are mere curiosity genes that i've inherited. I'm always looking for new places to explore. The tavern scene is my favourite, there's much to be learned in taverns, if one knows where to sit, and how to appear" the woman's words bearing mysterious nature about them. Silently she studied how he 'casually' looked about them, and she leaned back in her chair, still firmly grasping her staff. The fire crackled occasionally in the background as they discussed matters from weather to more personal questions.

Looking at her, she is a woman but one that is made up of sterner stuff, one who understands the power inside of her but is not tamed by it, yet. By the gods if she could be made mine...no not this one, she must remain free, or else the world would become a lesser place. So be it then, a lust that must go unfulfilled for what is best for both of us.

"It is very good to remain educated in such a day. You never know when it will be useful to use such manners. I must say that you look very handsome this day."

The words slide easily out of her mouth attempting to draw him to her.

"I have no stand in teh schemes of teh world. I go about my life minding all that's mine, and expecting others to do the same. I live my life for me, and I do not follow my mother's rules. Had I followed her rules, I'd not have ended up being the sorceress I"ve become today"

Ah she looks older than she is, we are like the rocks by the sea, shaped into who we are by outside forces, even if we do not want to admit it.

"The winds that brought me here are mere curiosity genes that i've inherited. I'm always looking for new places to explore. The tavern scene is my favourite, there's much to be learned in taverns, if one knows where to sit, and how to appear"

She finishes and looks like there is a bird trapped behind those pretty lips, fervently looking to get out, but the cat may or may not win the day.

"Selina, I...find you breathtaking, I need to know, though it does not matter, for you have captured at least part of me. Are you truly as you appear or is this appearance an attempt at a wall to keep others at bay."

"By your admission you have said appearances are decieving and though I look the part of a simple sell sword or soldier, there has been much in my past as well, for now that is what I appear to be."

"I have learned that the gods play a large hand in our fate and even now they set my feet onto another path, one I hope to find us travelling together on."

Why is it becomming easy to want to be with this woman, she is the smell of a spring morning after a dew, refreshing and invigorating.

Selina listened calmly as the man spoke towards her and she couldn't help but keep her eyes locked upon his. However now and then they seemed to drift down to his lips as he spoke, but when she'd noticed she quickly sought back his emerald eyes. The woman smiled warmly as her eyes matched that of the teal gem for a moment as she heard his words and watched as his thoughts must have been running wild.

The man's silence got her thoughts going wildly about what she thought of the man. He was firmly built, and he was a very respectful individual. The woman continued to allow thoughts of her current judgment to pass through his mind until she heard his words. The woman allowed the blush to surface as she replied "Mi Lord, I'm as you see me, I would not change my appearances unless I had to. When I enter taverns i'm always the way I grew up. I don't change my appearances because I'd rather appear weak, than to allow my appearances to put others at bay." the woman smiled warmly as she listened for his next words. Her icy gaze continuing to hold his but occasionally it would fall down to his lips.

Selina bit her lip gently and she blushed softly to his words about travelling a path together. The young sorceress smiled warmly "What path could support a sorceress and soldier, both unsure of what lies ahead for them? What say you to instead of walking a path that's already planted, to instead blaze a new trail. I do not like following what other do, I like making my own destiny. To create my own future, and form it the way I'd like to see it." she fell silent after summing up her thoughts. A smile played across her lips as she took another sip of her wine her eyes playfully catching his and diverting her attention.

"Mi Lord, I'm as you see me, I would not change my appearances unless I had to. When I enter taverns i'm always the way I grew up. I don't change my appearances because I'd rather appear weak, than to allow my appearances to put others at bay."

Settling back in his chair though not settled, oh she is not a sorceress but a temptress a hunter no less. She waits in the taverns for her prey to arrive and then she pounces and plays with her meal....

"What path could support a sorceress and soldier, both unsure of what lies ahead for them? What say you to instead of walking a path that's already planted, to instead blaze a new trail. I do not like following what other do, I like making my own destiny. To create my own future, and form it the way I'd like to see it."

Ah now the lioness needs, nay would like a lion for company, this indeed might be my lucky day. Take note Morrigan I feel that I have found one of your shadows, perhaps I will be able to make her my queen at some point. Then my brothers and sisters will know me, and my Lioness Queen.

The maid brings over my meats and cheeses disturbing the flow of the conversation.

"Selina, would you care for some or anything?"

Smiling

"I would like to blaze my trail, though I have been put on my own path sometime ago, I know that I control the tempo and the ease of how I travel it."

Pausing

"OR whom I travel it with."

Looking up at the crystal.

"Pretty stone."

Selina had been sitting quite relaxed in her chair as she watched the man undoubtibly making judgement of her every answer, as she was doing for his. The man's movements spoke much louder than the words she heard him speak. Her eyes keeping upon his, until she heard the footsteps of the maid. Icy occulis dart towards the man and she shook her head "I'm fine thank you" her eyes having directed towards the maid who'd glanced towards her. A smile upon her lips she nodded her dismissal from the maid to leave them alone. Her eyes seductively returning to his as she smirked some in a playful manner. Selina was always gifted in seduction, even when she wasn't intending to draw attention. The woman smiled warmly as thoughts raced through her mind at the offers she'd encountered in her past. Heartbreaker Selina was a known nickname which accompanied her title as Sorceress.

Silently she listened to his words and she spoke anew "What path has been lain before you feet? If you don't mind answering that is." she fell silent and she placed her hand idly upon the table, almost as an invitation to seek his. Selina smiled softly as she heard the man speak in regards to her staff. The woman smiled prouldy "Tis a family emblem I received it when my mother passed away. It contains much of my knowlege. I've walked many worlds, and I know much more than my appearances would reveal. The teal gem is of great value to me. Without it, I would go insane." she fell silent after such a confession.

"What path has been lain before you feet? If you don't mind answering that is."

"My family decided that I was no longer welcome in our kingdom after the passing of our father. They strongly encouraged me to leave and when I would not they found in getting rid of me a purpose that bound them all together."

Taking a bite of the sharp cheese.

"I will return and when I do, it will not matter to me who stands against me, I will sit upon the throne of our kingdom, for that is my destiny."

The green eyes sparkle a bit more as he says the last.

"Tis a family emblem I received it when my mother passed away. It contains much of my knowlege. I've walked many worlds, and I know much more than my appearances would reveal. The teal gem is of great value to me. Without it, I would go insane."

"Traveller of worlds are you, then we seem to have been brought together for a reason, I have travelled along the various ribbons of roads that connect the worlds and realities."

"Crazed you would be, well then let us make sure that you do not lose that stone."

The last bit he actually chuckles a bit.

"Seems that a sunset actually leads me to a new sunrise."

The woman thought for a moment as she listened to the words of the man and she listened to all he had to say, considering his words carefully. A serious look having lingered upon her lips as he mentionned about his family. Nodding almost knowingly she replied "So your family has cast you to the four winds, in which you've seemed to develop into the perfect image for a king. I noticed such a thing when you walked through the doors, but that is not why I came to speak with you. I sought nothing along the lines of riches, nor even a partner, but perhaps with some convincing that would change."

Silently she studied the man's actions and watched as he ate the cheese. When his words reached her ears she couldn't help but smile warmly hearing the determination in his voice. The smile widdened from ear to ear as she spoke anew "Confident are you to reclaim the throne which is rightfully yours. Few have the determination I see present in your spirit, and in your eyes. I believe that should anyone set their heart upon achieving something, that it's always within reach." the woman's eyes glistening slightly as she spoke with a certain wisdom known to a select few.

Selina smiled warmly to the man's words about destiny. Nodding anew she smirked "Indeed, the God is good to us. He never delivers us anything we can't handle. The majority of humanity do not understand that he won't place before us a path that we can not surpass. Everything he places before us, is to help us grow in all aspects. He leads us to things that he knows we can benefit from, and to grow as people of his kingdom." the woman laughed softly as she believed the words, but she didn't consider how much she believed them until this moment.

His final words caused her to smile warmly "With every closed door, a new window of opportunity is opened. We cannot decide what we're given, but only what we can do with the time that is appointed to us. We may not always agree with it, but we've only put our heart in the right place, and every obstacle can be overcomed. As it can also be that were you to reach for the stars, the entire night sky would be in grasp as well." her words jumping slightly from many wide words she'd heard and considered herself. The words she'd spoken were as much for him, as to convince herself that the choices before her were simple to conclude, should she allow herself to be bold enough to blaze them.