Igni sat back into his seat having said his speal. He grumpily listened to the first half of Erkand’s answer, knowing that while Erkand might be telling the truth about not drafting the notes he was still hiding something, and still responsible for playing with Igni’s fate. No one can pull off an operation so nicely knit together without having touched the needle. After all, he‘s right. No one would notice if I simply vanished. I have no one left to notice. He knows too much about us and we know too little about him, and I don‘t like it. But still. What if his plan can change the situation enough to save the innocent from Mallien‘s corrupt hand? To have such a corrupt hand Mallien isn‘t watching his chosen, much as Hamar doesn‘t watch over his own. Igni glanced at the Krosan with the thought of their mutual god. Well ex-mutual god.

“Did you hear the most recent news?” Erkand’s question brought Igni from his dark brooding. “Mekkalt Barovain has been accused. She fled their home, and vanished before sundown. Nobody has seen her since. But now the temple knights are seeking her with bloody zeal. Be thankful you are not in the same situation. Well...” He nodded towards Anora. “Perhaps not you, Madam Arlessa.” I’m sure ‘Madam Arlessa’ is thankful as well. Smart lady Barovain, I hope she manages to stay hidden. And yet I can’t help but think that its mighty convenient to have such an example just ready for us. Igni watched Erkand closely hoping to obtain some sort of information that might help even the playing field and answer the mystery of who this know it all was. An attempt to hide emotion? Or a love of the dramatic? Igni thought as Erkand exposed his back. Well I know from the dark secret meeting and his entrance that he does indeed love being theatrical. Still that doesn’t mean that he wasn’t hiding emotion.
“You all possess talents that will be of extreme benefit to this cause. Fully halting the Flashfever. Part of it. The others…” He looked back. “You will learn as you go.” So at least part of turning his back was for the theatrics. But what does he mean part of it. And how much does he know of the Flash Fever? How much does he need to know to put a complete stop to it? And more importantly, do I care? Even if he created the Fever and this opportunity to stop it as a means for world domination I can’t turn my back on the possibility of preventing others from suffering what I have suffered. And if he did engineer the Fever then I don’t care how comfortable he is around me; I will kill him!
“Violence is not the way, and it would be preferable for the Temple of Mallien to realize that. That is not the case. I’ve called upon you because there is a certain man who must be removed. You are familiar with the Cardinal-Deacon?” Erkand continued his monologue. “Make no mistake. Attempt now, and any would fail. You all have such potential, however, to do the right thing here. How many are fated to die before justice is truly served? Perhaps yourselves. Perhaps me. But before I’m hung out to die, I want to see the real truth behind this witch hunt. And you…” Erkand indicated the half-dozen assembled. “You will be the best we can make you.” He almost makes it sound like the Cardinal-Deacon had a part in making the Fever. And its beginning to sound like a recruitment speech for some resistance. Is there a power grab that the Cardinal-Deacon is attempting that is so evil there must be a resistance? If so what makes Erkand a qualified leader of such a resistance? So many questions and I don’t think Erkand’s love of theatrics will let him answer any of them, until its perfectly set in the dramatic timing. Igni resisted the urge to sigh.

Erkand reached beneath his veil once more, this time producing a strange stone disk, embedded with a symbol in the form of a spider. “There is a ruin in the forest west of here. Gurit-Marnairan.” He spoke the name is accented Dwarven. “Deep inside is something for you, as well as something for me. To recover these objects will take the abilities of all of you combined. So its either all of you join, or none of you do. The choice is yours.” Finally we get to the real reason we’re here. I wonder if he considered doing this as an adventure hire rather than trying to intimidate us. Gurit-Marnairan…what do I know of this ruin? Igni searched his brain for additional information. Must have too much already on the mind with all of Erkand’s double speak. Ugh he talks like a wizard it would be no wonder if he was marked as an arcanist.
He indicated the strange disk. “This will unlock the gates to the ruin. Inside are a number of challenges to test your worth. What I require is a silver amulet. You will know when you see it. You will also find valuables for yourselves, so don’t think this one-sided. Your efforts will be rewarded, I assure you that.” The strange man laughed once more, flickering candlelight illuminating the slight motions of his jaw. “The door is there, but I am quite confident none of you will be using it. Though, perhaps you will prove me wrong here. All of you have little to lose, but much to gain – including your lives.” What does the amulet do? Will we cause more harm by handing it over to someone so wrapped in mystery and double speak? Those questions I’ll ask again and answer later. For now if that amulet will stop the Fever then I’m in.
“If that amulet will stop the Fever then, whether or not Erkand is playing with our fates, we need to do this quest.” Igni spoke first grabbing the proffered stone.

After the rest of the odd group had accepted Erkand's proposal the man began a long speech covering why they should trust him, why he had chosen to save them, why they were 'lucky' and what he had for them. He had swept away the posters and replaced them with a stone disk with a spider rune on it explaining what it does, this disk was bad enough, if it was magical then being caught with it would seal and fate that might otherwise be avoided. He asked of them to recover a silver amulet for them and promised them items that they desire, apparently they had much to gain including their lives.

Eofara's life was already his, he didn't need to win it from anyone one, and he still resented them man for acting a god, choosing who to save and who should die by who he an use to his own ends. This man had also revealed to the group that he was magical and that there was someone magical within the group so less reason to trust him and the others, but maybe he had to trust them to find what he really desired. A new bow would be nice but a new stead he could find for himself, he truly desires a cure in case his people were struck by the fever or a way to protect them and he very much doubted they lay in some dwarf cave.

"I was sent, by my people, to find a cure or protection in case the fever stuck us. I doubt either can be found in a cave."
He was very hesitant to take the stone disk but Igni had snatched it up already.

"This all seems good but where or how do you benefit?"
He wanted the truth, not some rubbish about seeking knowledge, knowledge is no good on it's own, but neither is power.

Erkand Vale was a curious sort. He walked with the gait of dancer cavorting with shadows, but held an aura of confidence that commanded respect. He was a dangerous adversary Anora knew for certain, but subtle connotations, inflections in his voice, or the slightest curl of the corner of his mouth or the twitch of a brow furled for but a second belied something more important. She became of the opinion that while he may be in the position to pull strings with less informed, less experienced persons such as her and those around her; their host did seem honest in his wishes to not only save his own life, but those also of the falsely condemned by this bloody inquisition. That personal gain, did not seem the driving factor behind his actions meant that despite his unorthodox or shady dealings, the man held some sort of code of honor. Perhaps he was like that character from folk legend, something Hood she recalled.. He fought for those whose voice would not, could not be heard over the clamor of the mighty clergy… She would have to keep an eye on the methods and extents to which he would go to win this fight. A line was drawn somewhere, she would do her best to ensure she nor anyone around her crossed it.

As Erkand tossed a stone disc embedded with an arachnid upon the table, he spoke of its use as a pass or keystone, and Anora watched as the Duskarn snatched it up quickly. She eyed the dwarf curiously, mulling over the emblem on the stone, (Knowledge nobility/royalty/religion to see if the emblem holds any significance)

Turning to Erkand she smiled genuinely at the man as Igni pushed for more answers. Waiting for him to finish she added sweetly. “Let it not be said Anora Arlessa failed any challenge posed before her, I will not dishonor my House, and I do not make failure a habit. Mr. Vale, I’d like to believe despite the circumstances, there is honor in your goal. We have little time before morning, and little choice otherwise, to flee would bring persecution, and to stay would likely only invite the noose… or worse.” Her smile fading to a stoic expression, she added. I will be waiting outside the western gate in two hours time. Long before sunrise. I suggest everyone who will be partaking of this endeavor settle your business, late as it is soon, so that we may put distance between us and this city of condemnation before the proclamations are posted at first light. We can rest under the boughs of the forest while we determine how to proceed if necessary. It has been a long day for us all, and I fear the future holds only longer days still.”

Finished her babble, she turned and bowed before Mr Vale. “No matter your motivations beyond the obvious, your disclosure of these posters has given us a chance to change the tide of fate, and I for one do not plan to see if spoiled. If there is nothing else, please let us know how to contact you upon completion of the mission. I have some goodbyes to make, including to this my home, and I suggest those of you attached to Vyrrmas do the same… “

Thealora fingered the silken blue kerchief that ‘E.’ had handed to her nervously, privately wishing that it was a cheese crumpet instead of a kerchief. Her salty tears stained the fine material and even more than she wished it would turn into a crumpet she chided herself for her childish reaction.

What a wonderful first impression you have made on him and everyone else Thea. Breaking down and crying, while the others seems so brave.
Indeed they did. The one dwarf seemed to have already agreed to go on this quest into some cave with a spider disk to lead the way. The follower of Liris, Anora, a fellow red headed female who had already showed Thea compassion, not only seemed ready to accept the task, but was making plans on where to met and when to begin. The elf was questioning E still, which in itself seemed brave to Thea, and he had not yet said he wouldn’t do the task.

The rumble in her stomach was not bravery. She closed her eyes and wished she could just go home. Her mother would bake her a nice apple tart and they would sit up talking and sipping wine until dawn. This would all go away, no one could ever really want to try her for witchcraft. It was a mistake and would all be cleared up soon enough…

Slowly she opened her little green eyes and pulled in a breath preparing to tell the room that she couldn’t join them, that it was a mistake her being there and she could get it cleared up, that she did her best to fight the Flashfever at the temple and doing more was simply beyond her. Her eyes happened upon the charcoal outline of her face as she did though and the breath pulled back into her lungs. The charcoal eyes that looked at her were not her own but instead seemed to belong the farmer who had been slain before her own (closed) eyes that very morn.

Did he get things cleared up with the authorities?
Quickly her eyes snapped back shut and she pressed the corner of the kerchief up to her lips.

My Lady Mirros… I asked you to be with me tonight. I need your guidance. I beg of thee to please guide me in your path. This is beyond me. The path E is suggesting seems a dangerous one… I do not wish for danger or violence. But can I simply pull back now and not get involved? Please Lady Mirros, which way shall I go?
The gentle movement of her lips against the kerchief gave away her silent praying to those who cared to notice. Against her still closed eye lids, though, all she was concerned with was the image of Mirros she envisioned. The stained glass window in the temple she had looked at earlier today after the woman had told her about the rabbitses. Mirros’ open palms lay outstretched toward Thealora dabbled in blood.

Very slowly Thealora nodded her head to the image. Danger and Violence need the grace of your hands to heal them. I shall be your hands my lady, just stay with me for I am very scared.
The green eyes reopened and this time stayed open. A tiny uncertain voice drifted through the silk of the kerchief, “I… I shall go too…”

Before Erkand could answer his own questions two voices spoke out, the woman in the scale like armour pledged her sword to the man. She spoke of making preparations and saying good byes. Surly they must considder this as a group before actuly commmiting themselves, once a word is given it cannot be taken back and he'd only spoken, not given his...

The girl spoke. Her stammering voice agreeing to this mans terms. Life is life but she was only a child, had she been his own daughter she'd still be with the clan elders learning and playing.

“I… I shall go too…”
It was this voice that incited more rage in him against this Erkand then he thought he could ever feel. THIS WAS A CHILD. Her life was hers to pledge but she had no reason to pledge it.

He walked around the table to where she sat and looked into her, he saw her face tear stained and young, she saw his face, that of but a teen but with eyes holding more then his apparent years would seam to allow. He spoke calm and gently but most importantly honestly to her

(In Alcanese) "You shouldn't give your life. No one should ask for it either."
He turned and looked up at the man that had summoned. He spoke to the monster in Mith'ganni with anger in his voice

(In Mith'ganni) "What monster are you!"
Some spittle escaped his mouth, the melody dropped completely from his words.

(In Mith'ganni) "You'd offer death or servitude to a child! Tell me, what gives you this right? Why shouldn't I ride to the plains with her under my cloak?"

The elf had come around the table. Through her tears she caught a good look of his face as he looked into hers. Pale skin overlaid the smooth yet delicate facial structure of his people. He looked young, but the eyes that held the light of the stars in them betrayed him. She found herself feeling very young as he looked at her.

"You shouldn't give your life. No one should ask for it either."

The words were like sweet gentle caresses, teasing the fears and the doubts that had yanked the tears from her. It was a tempting escape from her last words. While it tried to seduce her the elf had turned back to E and was speaking in a tongue that she could not understand.

Briefly her gaze turned to Anora, behind the other girl’s eyes she was certain she still saw the strength of Liris burning there. She drew from that strength and offered yet another slight prayer to her own God before she opened her little pink lips to speak once again. Her voice was still tiny and trembled at the end of each word.

“If we believe what he says… and I think I do… he is not asking for my life. In a way he is offering me my life. But not just me… all of us… and hopefully many more in the process.” She paused, took a deep breath and went on. “My life is already given. I made a vow to my Goddess to help those in need. To offer mercy and healing upon the sick and wounded. That poster foretells the end of my life, I have not yet been able to serve my Goddess as I would desire.

“If you are right and he is asking for my life… he is only asking me to live up to the vows that I have already made to Mirros. Besides if any of you go on this venture you shall need a vessel of Mirros along the way.” She lowered her head then. “I cannot promise that I am the best vessel in all the land or even within my own temple, but I believe that Mirros has guided me here tonight. To have done that she have her reasons.”

Volla 27th, 1021
Vyrrmas, Alcana
Warehouse District
Tensions rose as the differences between people became more evident within the ramshackle house, as some sided with the mysterious Erkand Vale, while others rightly opposed him. Some simply held their silence. Anora, Thea, and a very reluctant Igni agreed to partake in this assignment, while Éofara expressed a more than open contempt for the situation.

While the Duskarn snatched up the medallion key, Erkand was about to continue with his statements when the Mith’Ganni showed a rather curious support for Thea, which struck everybody as most uncharacteristic of the Twilight Elves of folklore. The protective nature of the strange elf towards the young woman could be felt strongly in the air, and it wasn’t the strange man at the head of the table, but the priestess of Mirros who spoke in reply. And though Éofara’s anger was heavy, Thea’s words were the soothing ointment on a burn. Her meek voice, carrying carefully chosen words of absolute dedication and commitment, settled tensions most effectively.

Silence held for a few moments, even from Erkand. Finally, the sound of the man licking his lips from beneath his hood drifted softly through the candlelight, and he turned his hidden gaze straight on Éofara.

“Monster? Were I a monster, I’d merely allow the hunters to take her, rather than offer her this chance to not only escape the city, but to fulfill her duties as a servant of Mirros. The Angel of Peace has sent aid to all corners of the realm, and I am merely drawing a map that shows where more help can be lent.” He spoke in solid tones in accentuated Alcanese. “If you would deprive those in need of blessed assistance, then it is you, not I, who is the monstrosity.”

Folding his hands in his sleeves, Erkand leaned back on his heels. “It would seem that the lady Anora has the right idea here. Assemble as you wish, and take time to prepare, though come morning, the Ministry will be releasing your posters. Take great cautions from here on. And do not concern yourselves with locating me when you succeed in this task; focus on hiding. I shall contact you upon your return, and disclose a new place of meeting. For safety reasons, we will not meet here again.”

Almost as an afterthought, Erkand reached into a pocket and produced a small pouch, which he tossed to the table with the barest ghost of a thud. “That tea helps clear my mind sometimes. Maybe it will do the same for you…”

Turning and moving away slowly, silently, Erkand vanished into the back room once more, his presence disappearing like a shadow devoid of light to cast it. Almost as if he were not real to begin with, Erkand Vale left the six alone at the table, the decisions and road ahead now in their hands.

Anora listened as Erkand Vale rebutted Eafora's outburst. While the paladin too felt a protective duty towards those cast under the same fate as she, she could not deny their host's truthful words. Here was an opportunity to carve out an existence beyond what happenstance and the cruel hand of power had dealt them, for surely to stay would mean death.

Anora peered long and hard at the man who offered them freedom, albeit conditional and took a step towards him as he withdrew, pausing only long enough to toss a pouch upon the table.. tea leaves perhaps, she thought as she gently reached out to acquire the pouch, lifting the small satchel to her nose and inhaling the aroma within...

(Pending she doesn't pass out)

"There is much to be done, and little time to do so.. I realize there is little reason to place your lot in with each other before you, but we are united by a commonality we cannot deny... survival. There are more questions than answers, and Mr. Vale may be the only one to shed light upon the veil cast over our lives. I cannot prophecize about what your mind's are telling you, nor will I be so bold as to openly proclaim what lies in yonder hearts. However, it lies within my gut that our answers lie in Erkand Vale, and the start of the path to claim those answers lies in the ruins he mentioned. s such, I will be at the previously stated rendevous outside the gates in two hours time. I beg you all to consider what's at risk, and join me then and there.. We come from different worlds at first glance, different races, religions, and lifestyles, but perhaps it is our differences that will unite us, perhaps it is our uniqueness that will strengthen us. They say the Syln line their bows with many layers of different woods to maximize flexibility and strength, and good Dwarve's I know your kind are the masters of metallurgy and the combining of ore and mineral into unrivaled goods. I beg you all to look within, and let us be as one on this journey the fates have placed us on, stronger together than apart."

Wih that Anora flashed a smile, as sincere as she could muster given the grievance of the situation, turned, and left... She had another letter to leave for her parents before leaving in the morning... and perhaps time for a cup of tea...

(Anora will make her way back to the Vinyard- conveniently aready outside the city walls, and write out a goodbye letter to her parents detailing the meeting, Erkand Vale, the Ruins where she will be headed, while sipping a cup of tea from the pouch Erkand left before hopefully making it to the rendevous point as discussed.)

Thealora Justinia
Outside of Vyrrmas’ Gates
Near Dawn
The rain was still drizzling down upon the city. Under a tree near the gates a figured attempted to take some shelter. The distance it stood from the main road seemed to imply that it was also hiding somewhat from the eyes of any who might travel past. However, the figure was draped in a stark white cloak and any thoughts it might have had at hiding were destroyed.

Inside the cloak Thea shuddered and nibbled nervously on a biscuit. Slung over her shoulder was a small bag that held the items she had deigned to bring with her. She was certain that they were not what she actually needed, but she was really unsure what she needed so she supposed it would have to do. One thing she was certain of, she would not go hungry, the front pocket of the bag was stuffed with food. There were biscuits and bits of jerky, fruit and nuts, and the jar of honey from the temple.

What weighed most heavily on her though was the object that was stashed in the front pocket of her cloak. A bright blue gem that was rounded on one side and perfectly flat on the other. On the flat side someone had painstakingly carved the outlines of two hands, palm up. When one placed it on a surface the hands were magnified through the curvature of the stone and seemed to reach upwards toward the one looking down at it.

.~.~.~.

“There you are child…” Widam said with a bit of relief in his voice as he came into her room.

Thealora pulled her head out from under her bed and drug the bag she had been collecting, and through her tears had looked up at him.

“Oh! Father!” she sobbed terribly.

“Thea… my dear child, what is it? Is everything alright? Why are you packing? Is it your parents?” He had closed the distance between them and crouched down on the floor beside her, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.

“No… no… Father… it’s so terrible. I… I have to go.” Those huge blue eyes looked into his. “They will say terrible things about me…” Her hands clutched at his. “Don’t believe them! Not a word of it is true! I swear to it, and tell my parents. You must tell them! Please promise me you’ll tell them, that I love them and that it isn’t true… and that I’m doing everything I can to stay safe…”

Widam looked down upon the blathering child in his arms and blinked. “Thealora I haven’t the slightest clue what you are talking about. Who is going to say terrible things about you? What terrible things?” Gently he brushed aside a strand of her shocking red hair from her forehead.

“I saw it! I saw the poster, they are accusing me of magic!” The sobs became muffled against his chest.

“Shhh… there there Thea dear. Surely you have misunderstood something. Come, sleep and we will talk this over in the morning.” He patted her head.

“But I have to go. I have to go now!” she cried emphatically.

It took nearly half an hour but eventually he coaxed the girl to explain what it was that she was blabbering about and why she was leaving. When he had a vague idea of what was going on he had nodded and held her tightly while he tried to calm her. Once she had been calmed down he had helped her finish packing and had laid not further arguments at her feet. Instead he pressed something into her palm just before he watched her leave.

“Keep the Lady with you always dear child.” He whispered.

She opened her palm and stared down at the blue gem “Father Widam… I cannot take this…”

“Take it child. You need her with you more than I in the days to come. Follow her…” He curled her fingers back around the gem and hugged the girl one last time.

.~.~.~.

The biscuit was tasteless she found while she waited, unsure of what it was she truly was waiting for.

Igni stared at the stone tablet in his hands. I knew that one day I would have to run. After all hiding isn’t going to accomplish any goals for long. But I had wanted to finish reading those books in the library. If only I could get to them without raising suspicion. Ah well not that it matters now suspicions already been raised. Igni watched as his would be compatriots struggled with the inevitability of leaving behind the life they most likely worked hard to build. Such a variety here. It’s like whoever chooses the victims of Mallien just blindly points into the crowd. Still they didn’t seem to know that they would have to run, I wonder what brought them here. I wonder what good they are and what they’ll do if they should learn that I am the spell weaver.
“…They say the Syln line their bows with many layers of different woods to maximize flexibility and strength, and good Dwarve's I know your kind are the masters of metallurgy and the combining of ore and mineral into unrivaled goods. I beg you all to look within, and let us be as one on this journey the fates have placed us on, stronger together than apart." The female warrior priest Anora? That was her name? exclaimed seeming to settle the matter of her own inner struggle and perhaps granting to any that would receive a bit of courage for their choices.

“I too will wait where the girl says she will be.” Igni said rising to take his leave. “There are many misunderstandings this night that may clear up if only we should choose to seek out the Truth as my letter had originally promised we were to gather here this night.” Igni strode from the room not caring what any of the others did. If anything whatever is in this dungeon has power and I for one want power. As Igni approached the door he slowed and cautiously peeked out looking for any guards or uninvited spectators that may have been lurking. ( assuming he sees none) Seeing no one Igni walked to the other side of the street and huddled into his cloak. Walking as though he were mearly on some late night errand Igni hurried on his way to the meeting place. Being one of the hunted he’d already packed and set himself up to skip town before coming to the ill begotten meeting. There hadn’t been guards waiting for him at this meeting but the result had been the same. Igni needed to move beyond this city. As he approached the designated location he mentally tapped his familiar letting it know where he was.

“We going?” Blackfeather chirped as he landed on Igni’s shoulder. Igni looked nervously at the parapets on the city’s wall and crossed into the shadow.

“Yes we’re going.” Igni said. “Hop off me someone might be watching.” Blackfeather hopped off and began pecking at the ground. “I’m going on a journey and I might have people join me.”

“Friends?” Blackfeather looked up quizzically.

“No not friends.” Igni replied, “traveling companions. They are not to see you unless I say and they are not to hear you speak if they do see you. Understand?”

“Got it bought it.” The bird replied hopping over to Igni. “Scratch bill…itches.” Igni smiled as he reached down and gently scratched the raven’s bill.

“Good now they can be here at any moment so scram.” Blackfeather spred his wings and soared into the night. Igni leaned against the wall and mentally counted to ten. It seems I won’t get any sleep tonight, which means I will not be at my best in the beginning of this. I hope nothing goes to wrong.

Agrin sat silently as the rabble protested or accepted these new developments in turn. He had barely found reason to listen to the ensuing conversation, his thoughts unable to banish the bastardised pronunciation of the ruin from his mind.

I am to bring these mongrels into the halls of my ancestors to do the bidding of a foul-bred human.
The thought did not rest easy with him. He believed in his heart that the earth had plans for him, and surely would not wish of him dead, but would such guidance lead him to devalue the lands his people had long abandoned with the footprints of lesser races? His reverie was broken however, by the utterance of yet another abhorrent word from the endlessly gaping mouth of another ape.

…and good Dwarve's I know your kind are the masters of metallurgy and the combining of ore and mineral into unrivaled goods. I beg you all to look within, and let us be as one on this journey the fates have placed us on, stronger together than apart."
To speak to one such as he and his higher dwelling kin in the common tongue, using the surfacer term for their race, and from a female no less, this one needed to learn their place.

”Ye speak as though you have been shown of the Duskarn from one of your whore-child’s stories, harlot. We are not as your humans believe to be our purpose”, He spoke harshly in his native tongue.

He paused a moment, savouring the confused looks of those unfit to speak the Krosan dialect, learning it was beyond their capabilities no doubt. Satisfied their elusive host was not returning, he made his way from the building, the key tucked into his robes. He would see them in the morning, and move with haste to put this ordeal behind him, should the stone prove willing.

"Ye speak as though you have been shown of the Duskarn from one of your whore-child’s stories, harlot. We are not as your humans believe to be our purpose”, He spoke harshly in his native tongue.

Anora smiled at the gruff man's words. Funny he would use those words given her mother's profession and the training she had undergone before the plague had turned her attention to more religious affairs, Anora thought to herself, before turning to respond to Agrin in the Duskarn tongue, connotations, and accents thick with mimicry and practice.

"Good sir in standing, if not in nature or social platitudes, one might seek to read the book before judging it by its cover, for some 'whore-children' might just surprise you. just be thankful this one's surprise is educational and not a knife to your back out in these open streets, far away from your preferred, and presumably missed underground home"
Anora smiled again finishing her words, before moving along into her parting speach, then tking her leave. (as stated earlier)

The man had answered him in his own tongue, he wasn't surprised to hear it as he'd always thought that he'd be able to speak Mith'ganni. It wasn't the man's place to put such offers before them, it was an abomination that this man was also trying to justify this. Unfortunately he had no choice but to do what he must.

The man threw a bad of tea on the table, something he hadn't come across before but Anora knew what to do with it.

(In Mith'ganni) "I think those leaves are meant for me.
He spoke in his own tongue and in his normal voice.

"There is much to be done, and little time to do so.. I realize there is little reason to place your lot in with each other before you, but we are united by a commonality we cannot deny... survival. There are more questions than answers, and Mr. Vale may be the only one to shed light upon the veil cast over our lives. I cannot prophecize about what your mind's are telling you, nor will I be so bold as to openly proclaim what lies in yonder hearts. However, it lies within my gut that our answers lie in Erkand Vale, and the start of the path to claim those answers lies in the ruins he mentioned. s such, I will be at the previously stated rendezvous outside the gates in two hours time. I beg you all to consider what's at risk, and join me then and there.. We come from different worlds at first glance, different races, religions, and lifestyles, but perhaps it is our differences that will unite us, perhaps it is our uniqueness that will strengthen us. They say the Syln line their bows with many layers of different woods to maximize flexibility and strength, and good Dwarve's I know your kind are the masters of metallurgy and the combining of ore and mineral into unrivaled goods. I beg you all to look within, and let us be as one on this journey the fates have placed us on, stronger together than apart."
He already knew what he had to do, he stood silently apart from the rest of the group, detatched and thinking. He knew his duty, not a duty to some god or order, a duty to his family, his race and his kind. He was perhaps the only one of the group who would honor the dead, not smite them or kick their bodies aside.

Éofara waited for the last of the group to leave and then left himself, he returned to the inn. He donned his armour and quiver, bow and belt and axe and sword, pulled on his backpack and placed a couple of gold coins in the bowl. He crept from his room and out the inn, he walked across the square and out to the rendezvous point. Once he got there he looked for somewhere to set up camp, somewhere out the way where he couldn't be spotted from the town. He slept in his tent, four hours of sleep under the stars.

After he woke up, not in the morning as it was still night, he packed up his tent and camp under the light of the moon and the stars before walking to the exact meeting point. Laying down his backpack he moved a boulder or log so he could sit at the meetings point. He waited of the others to arrive and fletched some more arrows, hunting arrows, arrows to kill.

Thea still nibbled on the biscuit, when she heard motion to her left. Immediatly she tensed and turned her head toward it. A small breath as she realized it was the elven man whom she had met only a few hours ago.

The biscuit dissapeared into a pocket and her hood came down slowly, letting her bright red hair spill out. Quietly she stepped toward him.

"I... I didn't think you would come after all that you said." Her voice was a bit shakey but quiet and soothing. A tiny smile played on her lips though as she spoke to him, tumbling a crumb down her chin.

"I'm not complaining though. You are a Twilight elf... right? I cannot say I've really ever met one of your people before, seen a handful perhaps but I don't think I've ever spoken to one. I know... you don't think I should be here. But..." she sighs a little, "but I am following what my heart says, and I pray that the Goddess guides that. Of course my stomach... thinks that I am insane." She laughs, but it hollow through the tears that threaten to overwhelm her blue eyes again.

"I listen to my heart though, and that's why I'm glad you decided to come. It says I can trust you. Oh..." another laugh and the tears are held at bay, for now.

"I'm Thealora Justinia." She smiles a little and holds out her hand to him. "I would offer you some elven greeting, but I'm afraid I know none, so I am forced to offer you this human greeting."

The small cloaked figure started when he approached her and a biscuit she had been eating soon disappeared.

"I... I didn't think you would come after all that you said." Her voice was a bit shaky but quiet and soothing. A tiny smile played on her lips though as she spoke to him, tumbling a crumb down her chin.

"I'm not complaining though. You are a Twilight elf... right? I cannot say I've really ever met one of your people before, seen a handful perhaps but I don't think I've ever spoken to one. I know... you don't think I should be here. But..." she sighs a little, "but I am following what my heart says, and I pray that the Goddess guides that. Of course my stomach... thinks that I am insane." She laughs, but it hollow through the tears that threaten to overwhelm her blue eyes again.

"I listen to my heart though, and that's why I'm glad you decided to come. It says I can trust you. Oh..." another laugh and the tears are held at bay, for now.

"I'm Thealora Justinia." She smiles a little and holds out her hand to him. "I would offer you some elven greeting, but I'm afraid I know none, so I am forced to offer you this human greeting."
Éofara took Thealora's hand, just held it lightly without shaking it, and bowed his head to her.

(Mith'ganni) "Oel ngati kameie"
He straightens up.

(In Alcanese) "It means 'I see you', but it's a crude translation."
He said kindly before pausing, wondering about what he's going to say next.

(In Alcanese) "I'm called Éofara, it means Horse Traveller. And you shouldn't have come, you should have run away from here."
His last sentence was markably sadder then the previous one, he was no more than half a foot taller than the girl and his silver hair caught the light in contrast to her bright red hair. He was glad he could be trusted, even if she would grow to dislike what he would need to do to keep her safe end the group fed.

Perhaps she wasn't so young though, so young by elven years but near adulthood for a human maybe, and she just had a youthful appearance. Not unlike himself, over a century old but timeless in all but his eyes.

(In Alcanese) "I am one of the Mith'ganni, a Twilight elf as you call us, and I'm not surprised you haven't met one before. We stay away from your world and our numbers dwindle. We're people of the horse and bow, your stomach won't think your insane for long."
(OOC: Anyone feel free to interject at any time, I don't keep to a posting schedule at all so just jump in when you feel its suitable. Of cause, I don't need to tell you this, it just makes me feel I'm not paying all attraction to one PC)