Shepherd saw in Bezmir a stubborn affection and felt a returning affection for the young man. It seemed he merely wanted to prove himself Shepherd regretted the need to take this chance from him.. for now, there was much time for Bezmir and even more for Shepherd. Whether this was merely a brief intersection of paths, they would meet again as roads often wind together to connect kindred spirits. Turning to Zau, Shepherd witnessed a wealth of compassion revealed, she was wise and knew the ways of conflict and of reconciliation.

She was one with the spirit in the same way Shepherd was with multitude of life that spread itself abundantly across the canvas of the world and each would be there to represent their own. Zau and he had a connection... how he had not yet met her was a wonder to him but the twisting of fate and time escaped the mind of even Shepherd. No one but Eternity could see such expanses.

Bezmir was not stupid, naive perhaps but how could one so young understand the ways of the world, he held a wisdom of his own which could not be denied, within its own respects. He could see where he was needed and was willing to sacrifice his own desires for the sake of the lives of others, this was the goodness Shepherd saw in humans, sacrifice, Bezmir was a braver man than even he knew. Shepherd watched him run and blow a new tune through his lungs, one of caution and love. And still Bezmir's final words stayed as treasure within Shepherds mind while Zau ducked into an alley to change her dress. What worry? The connection had been forged between the three of them now and it rung them together within their stories. Shepherd felt the pain of outliving them ringing through his soul and yet some joy, some hope and faith burned as an encouraged flame within him as well. A prayer slipped through him, this moment would be a test of the bonds established and if Eternity would have it so, then Shepherd would serve these two as a companion.

Zau returned and Shepherd looked her in the eye sensing the strange worry that now nested within her. What was this crack within herself that she saw as a fault line in her foundation... and more hidden, what was this hope. Shepherd saw this woman had lifetimes kept within her.

"I know you will come with me, but I ask you, heed Bezmir's pleas, despite his innocence he holds a wisdom both of us can be blessed by." Shepherd was not patronizing, this was not the man he was, it was instead a touch of kindness. "Come now, let us meet these hounds."

"We'll be waiting," she assured. With the last glance Bezmir gave them, Zau put her hand on her hip letting it almost slide back to her thigh. Was it an anxious feeling or curiosity that would cause him to hurry towards the forest? Either way, when he met up with them again, he would have the advantage of receiving information rather than obtaining it. There were many instances that Zau could recall where creatures, sometimes humans, had been killed simply because they rushed into a situation without any previous knowledge. She wouldn't allow that to happen though.

Even though she felt Shepherd’s gaze searching for answers to his questions, she did not falter in her stance. Based upon the words he spoke to her, there was a misunderstanding in actions. She smiled and chuckled quietly, "You don't have to ask; he's going to be our 'trump card'." She wasn't quite sure how yet, but, she was fairly sure it would work out that way. Even if it happened to be the simple act of underestimating each of what they had to offer on behalf of the "wolves". With the town so afraid, it was possible that these wolves believed they were undefeatable and arrogant.

On the other hand, if these wolves were used to fighting, they may be thrown off guard when shown peaceful intentions. It all depended on which hand they were dealt and the actions made by others. She trusted the two men and therefore would trust in their actions. With that, she turned on her heels and walked towards the forest without looking back at the town. "Hopefully this will not be the same kind of encounter as the town's people have had."

Her hair whipped at the air in front her face as she walked. The sand beneath her feet whirled in circles settling over her footprints concealing them from first glances. There was an air about her, not of authority, but of someone who had a purpose and would not give in until that purpose was fulfilled.

Bezmir's feet pounded the ground underneath him, as he bellowed the news of the wolves arrival. A crowd of people ran at him, and they collided, knocking Bexmir onto his back. Much to his dismay, he heard the crack of shattering wood, and felt as the splinters of his lute dug into his back, drawing small amounts of blood. The strings snaped also, which cut small lines along his spine. He realized his luck a second later, when he saw the head had come off before he landed, so the blade landed harmlessly a foot from him. He dusted himself off, winced as some of the wood shards were pulled out, and strode to his blade. He picked it up and began to run again.

He saw a general store where people were gathering, and a rather important looking man was trying to calm them all. As Bezmir strode up, he heard the man saying..."The wolves won't dare enter the town. It's just nature. They are terrified of our steel and flame." Bezmir stopped, looked at the man and spoke above him and the murmor of the crowd. "I don't know which is worse; their irrational fear or your ignorance. Get these people inside, lock up, and stay quiet until I come back for you." The man looked shocked. He rushed through the crowd, standing in front of our bard, and began shouting. "I don't know who think you are strolling through my speech undermining..." Bezmir cut him off. "Now listen. You do as I told you. Get these people under shelter, and yourself. Lock the store, cover the windows. I'll come back when it's safe."

Bezmir then took off, looking towards the forest, hoping to see his friends. Bezmir saw a few stragglers, calling out for wives or children, and he told all he saw to go to the general store. He hoped they would have safety in numbers. The streets were then deserted. He took a series of deep breaths to calm his nerves, and then he sped off towards the treeline, where they all planned to meet.

Zau heard the echoing crack of wood and turned her head in a fluid motion. Neither her footsteps or her concentration had faltered as her mind comprehended the situation. Despite the obvious splinters and cuts, Bezmir had gotten up and continued running. She looked ahead without a second glance knowing that he would be fine. She had a few leaves left and they were plentiful in the forest if she didn't. He certainly was one of a kind. Just like Shepherd. It never seemed possible to meet two good men in one night let alone one place. The thought put a sly smile on her lips.

A few yards passed the town's border was the beginning of a field. There was no rush to reach the forest edge as they walked so she took the time to separate the scents whirling around the air; flowers, earth, a few stray scents of animals, and something sweet like honey. Her eyes closed though she still walked with precision. The air held a heavier feel to it and she wondered if it had to do with the thick brush ahead or if it was due to the so called wolves. Either way, the change in atmosphere was interesting enough.

Opening her eyes again, she looked over to the man at her side. He had a look of determination as if nothing else was on his mind but the task at hand. Zau, on the other hand, was enjoying the walk and not thinking too much as to why they were walking this way. To live in the future is the same as never living at all she thought. The present was what was in hand, not the past or future. After all, the future was never but a breath away.

[Sorry it's short. I'm visiting my family for a couple weeks so I won't be on that much.]

Bezmir saw the outlines of his friends in the plain, and he started running in that direction. His heels felt as if they were bruised, and he winced every time they slammed into the hard ground.

He had stuck the short blade into his boot, and was running with the hand crossbow in his right hand. he had a pouch which improvised a quiver for the short bolts on his right side also, so he could easily reach his left hand over to reload.

When he got close, he called out to his friends, hoping they would hear him. He also hoped nothing else would.

Shepherd watched the bard diminish into the streets of the town and turned towards the forest. He took a breath, barely audible and closed his eyes, silently he felt the anxiety, the worry, the terror of the people. The drunkenness, the sleep, the sex and the depression that permeated the souls of the people under the roofs of Balding Bear. There was sin within these citizens but no evil. So it was beyond them something deeper and bigger lurking, haunting them. He felt a darkness, a shadow cast itself over the edges of the town. Wolves were coming. Perhaps Bezmir would get a taste of his own proverbial wolves. Shepherd looked to Zau, they would travel together. She could be an asset but Shepherd couldn't help but worry as a father, as a Shepherd, she had spent many years facing trouble but experience wouldn't always overpower evil.

He began to walk and looked over at her. Carefree even joyful, he sensed a certain disapproval within her. He could not find peace at times like these, a stoicism perhaps but never happiness. This was not existing in the future, this was the present conflict and this was pressing danger. It existed now whether they were there or not, it filled his soul. Shepherd rested a hand on Zau's shoulder for a moment and as she turned her head he looked deep into her eyes. He said nothing but he allowed himself to connect for a moment. That was all, he would not risk others lives by entering their crisis in disconnect. He travelled across the plains the grass about his feet whispered to him of the pounding paws that approached and he looked into the wood. Through the trees, the two could see the forms of the wolves fast approaching. Shepherd watched them and again breathed.

Fur flew and teeth gnashed. Paws trampled the grass bed beneath the forms of the approaching wolves. Blood pumped through the organisms. Shepherd pressed through their physical forms and into their souls. He found a hollow there, though. A blackness. As he entered him they touched, he and the evil.

Who are you?

I am Shepherd.

Shepherd... Shepherd... Has my toying drawn you here? Was it you in the tavern? There was something unnatural about your presence. And what of those with you? Also unnatural...

You know that I am more natural than all else. It is you who are unnatural. You have fouled the bodies of these beautiful creatures and torn their souls from their flesh.

I have filled these dogs again. Made them stronger. They are better, than they were. They have a purpose.

I was their purpose. They were mine, my children and I will have them again.

They no longer want to be yours. They belong to me now. They are my monsters.

It is only you who are the monster. Yield. This will not end well for you cruel spirit.

Do not be foolish Shepherd, I will watch you kill your babies and then see you bring me do. I will crush the greatest spirit of this world.

...and there was only cackling laughter...
Shepherd draw out from the bodies and opened his eyes. The wolves were coming and Shepherd had little time.

"These are natural wolves, filled with an unnatural evil. The form that occupied the alley was much more than a man, Zau. He has taken these wolves from us. I do not know if any of their souls are left but I refuse to watch them die. There is more at work here and no lives can be collateral damage. You are a friend of the woods. Plead your case, get the forests help in ceasing this cancer from taking more life. I need time Zau but I can bring new life to these wolves. There is something... important about Bezmir watch him there is more than wolves to come." Shepherd looked at her for a few moments before bending down and spreading his fingers through the grass. The blades wrapped themselves about his hand clutching him drawing him close to the earth. Slowly as his knees buried themselves into the dirt the grass drew itself to him. He became further and further drawn into the grass. Pulled deeper and deeper until he was lying legs stretched out together and arms pulled out at either side the blades of grass kissing his skin. He let his mind drift into the grass, the plain, the environment, the nature... he could do in the physical world now, until the time was right. It was up to Zau and Bezmir.

At the edges of the plains a wandering farmer looked down and gaped as he watched the grass turn itself towards Balding Bear, the centre of the field and wither and die succeeding to the next rows of grass and to the next and to the next, burrowing its way to the man lying at Balding Bear, sacrificing their life and their energy for Shepherd to in turn sacrifice. Giving themselves to goodness.

Bexmir watched the grass turn, whither, and he watched his friend sink into the earth.

This couldn't be happening!

He sprinted hard, determined to make those evil wolves pay for this. He had one bolt loaded in his crossbow, and he screamed as he got nearer.

Despite his build, Zau noticed how Shepherd's hand was light on her shoulder. At that point in time, it became clear just how deep bonds could be formed in such a short time. I will not let these men down, she thought as his hand dropped. It was odd to her how the weight of his hand still lingered on her shoulder. It had been so long since she allowed herself to be in close company, she forgot how many thoughts and feelings could be conveyed in a simple touch. She offered him a smile as light as a summer breeze shaped her lips and they entered the tall grassy field silently.

Instantly there was a slicing edge to an unmoving wind. She stopped, poised and alert. In the forest, she too could easily spot the forms racing towards them. A subtle change in the immediate air around them led her eyes to settle upon Shepherd and then back towards the approaching wolves. Some form of magic was being wielded, she was sure of it although she had not encountered a feeling quite like it. Her eyes followed his movements while he explained more about the wolves. At the mention of the man back in the ally, her brow arched and she recalled the sleeping figure whom she had thrown her coins. She paid him little attention more intent on catching up with her two companions.

Upon her first steps into the town she knew that there was something unusual going on. It hadn’t surprised her that the heavy feeling was more concentrated in areas with close contact such as the inn she had originally planned to spend the night staying at. Had she known that she would be ridding the town of the unnatural thing that plagued it though, she would have paid more attention to it to begin with. The one thing she hoped for now was that the sprite she was seeking, and the other mystic creatures that lived within the comfort of the forest, were safely hidden away from any danger. The sprite had known of the fears and dangers associated with the town and the forest but, if the three of them had stirred the “wolves” anger, then there was no telling if there would be any threat to otherwise unthreatened creatures and sprites. She would be damned if she allowed any harm to come upon any innocent souls while she had even the slightest chance to prevent it. Based upon his words, Shepherd felt the same.

"I do not know what comes but I will ask the forest and creatures for their aid," she said. "And you have my word that I will keep a close eye on Bezmir."

Zau turned as the earth lay claim to Shepherd's body in a protective embrace. To say she was surprised would be an understatement. It was true they each had their own abilities but Shepherd obviously knew the most about what they were about to face. Wondering and worrying was not going to help her in this situation so she forced the questions from her mind. Following the energy given off from where Shepherd lay with the earth, she caught a glimpse of a man at the edge of the field but paid him no more attention as she turned back to the woods. Bezmir was close, as were the wolves. She could hear his pleas and their paws pounding into the moist earth and grass. Time did not seem to be on anyone's side this night. Gritting her teeth, she closed her eyes and outstretched her hands . She took a deep cleansing breath to relax herself and a faint blue glow spread from her feet and entered into the forest spreading beyond the distant horizon.

I ask your aid, Spirits, Creatures, and Earth, in defending against black plague of evil and deceit. A whirling wind tugged her clothes and hair as the glow faded. Her eyes opened and her hands fell to her sides as she waited. Tiny speckles of light began to rise from the ground bouncing a few inches above the ground. Zau’s request had been answered and energy was manifesting from all in the forest; creatures, earth, water, trees. Anything that could lend its energy was doing so and she hoped that it would be enough to at least deter the wolves until Shepherd, perhaps with the help of Bezmir, could free the wolves and the town once and for all. She knew she wouldn’t have enough time , or the luxury, to look through her books that were tucked safely in her pack and she didn’t know if she would be able to properly conjure anything that would be of help- she hoped that she wouldn't even be forced to try. The quicker and more peaceful this ended, the faster she could tend to Bezmir’s wounds –which she could smell the blood the closer he became- and see the sprite.

Bezmir's confused anger blinded him. He didn't shoot as he neared the wolves, but instead jumped on top of one, trying to drag it to the ground. He was young, foolish, arrogant, and now he was missing a chunk of his leg. He tried to shove his blade into ones side, but it kept evading him. They were taunting him. But all their focus had been put on Bezmir, so they didn't pay attention to anything else going on around them.

Just as she thought, the wolves left her be... she is but a single, small person, and the wolves had larger prey of which to chase. Marie shakes her head. Did she need to be involved?

Marie smiles as the answer comes to her. Yes. She might as well. In any case, she was perhaps the safest, even if she did join the plight.

Slowly, she makes her way down from the tree, returning to the town. She straps her rapier to the side of her belt, but keeps her wand ready, before walking up along the street, looking ahead. There was the woman, Zau, who had spoken to her before, as well as another, who was fighting the wolves in a rather direct manner, and the wolves indeed are in between her and the two mortals. A couple of them catch her scent, and turn toward her, but she doesn't show fear, instead only raising her wand.

From the tip of the wand is an explosion of light, and a stream of colour shoots from it, impacting the first wolf hard, and knocking it to the side. Marie nods to herself. It wouldn't die, for she did not will the wand to use lethal force; instead it would exhaust the wolf's body.

"With one blow exchanged, now I am tied to this conflict." Marie murmurs, "And I know which side I have chosen."

Shepherd felt his soul grow and expand strengthen and expand giant sized within him, as the fields he had given himself to, gave their lives back. There was a great evil that he was facing. At the beginning of time, at Shepherd's creation he had been cursed with a constant battle. There was no single enemy that embodied evil, as Earth, Wind, Fire and Water had been embodied in their restless elementals that coursed constantly through the world silently and unseen by fast-moving, slow-thinking humans. As time, aging and death had been embodied in the lonely old man, Eternity, who had given birth to Shepherd who had birthed the fathers of all elementals to course through each other, make their love and create the world. Shepherd had travelled through the world beating down the shadows that ate away in the corners of men's minds, that festered and expanding as cobwebs conquering the kingdom's of mens hearts. Consuming and controlling them, leaving nothing but the hollow shells of men, this evil came in the form of pride and envy, ignorance and anger, boredom and depression, fear and greed. There was no embodiment of these merely the ever dominating evil of human ego, the self-centeredness that came with self-consciousness. But Shepherd knew that fighting with him were mercy and compassion, honesty and love and these were born with the soul that lived within all and this was his domain and now someone had robbed living beings of this gift. The gift of spirit. Shepherd finally rose, strangely and as if he used very little force but merely, willed himself to stand. This darkness that had drank the wolves dry of their soul would pay dearly for the sin. He had given this evil the chance to live, to leave peacefully, he would never give it that chance again.

Shepherd sought through the souls coursing across the fields, He was pleased with Zau's work she had indeed hindered the wolves, if not, perhaps Shepherd would now be dead. If he could avoid physical contact he was nearly invincible containing the life of the entire dead field. Their sacrifice would not be in vain Shepherd promised himself, also swearing he would make sure that life was blown black across these plains soon. He held each soul fixed in their spot and searched through the maze of spirit seeking out that evil. He saw it now cowering within the wolves beneath the might of Shepherd.

I have come to claim what is mine
There was no reply, merely a quivering a great terror of what was to come next within the shadow that haunted each hollow frame of wolf body. Shepherd drew himself to strike down the evil and cast out the blackness when he saw Bezmir. The bard wounded and struggling atop the wolf, striking out and desperate... protecting Shepherd. A tenderness rose and for a second the striking blow was slowed, Shepherd's soul halted its action, souls were freed from his freezing he had held them within. A second was all the dangerous evil needed, five wolves leapt upon Shepherd. The first pounced upon him, striking his vulnerable body to the ground and scratching from his neck to his chest. Two others lunged at his legs, one biting into his ankle, the other tearing at his thigh. Another bit at his ribs and the final one ripped a deep gash down his arm, clawing him.

Shepherd let out a desperate and violent bellow, with all the energy he had he held all souls captive again. His great spirit grew twice as high, passionate, angry and powerful.

No please!
The shadow screamed but Shepherd crushed it. Destroyed the evil that consumed the wolves. The empty frames, now lifeless hovered for a second, hollow. And within a final burst of energy, Shepherd blew a new life back into the helpless wolves. A goodness and a kindness, one they had not known before.

And with this final exertion Shepherd fell limp the wolves clambering off of him, confused and concerned they let out a mourning howl. Shepherd breathed ragged breaths, he had given much of his soul to return life to the wolves. That evil had been strong and Shepherd was sure it reigned somewhere else. This had been an attempt. A test of Shepherd and perhaps he had failed this, he would have doubtless if not for Bezmir, Zau... and someone else, a strange spirit that had also been a part of this battle.

Weakly Shepherd called out, something had to be done. This evil had to be hunted and conquered, "Zau... Bezmir..." This was his last hope there was something important about them. He needed to make it to Eternity before he could face the evil, if he could make it to his father... did he have the life left in him? Was this the last breath Shepherd drew? He could see Zau and Bezmir still alive, they still had soul, Shepherd couldn't be dead if they were still living, he knew that much was true. But still time was of the essence... could this evil be that legendary evil that Shepherd had heard so much about, rumors, prophecies, myths, scary stories and fairy tales... It was powerful and more evil than anything Shepherd had seen before, it cared for nothing but itself... but what was its origin. Shepherd's thoughts couldn't flow sequential as he lay there bleeding. Again he mumbled, "Bezmir... Zau..." Desperately moaning through his weakness. He cared not for himself but for all life and for their sake he couldn't die. It wasn't the minor wounds that plagued him but the depth of his soul that he had pressed into the wolves in the battle against that evil. Shepherd saw how young he must be compared to this evil... what could this evil be? Where could it have come from to be older than Shepherd was himself.

((ooc: Hey guys, I hope this isn't pushing the story too much, I wrote a lot more than I expected and if you guys don't like some of it I have no problem going back and editing, I made a lot of plot choices already, sorry about that. Loving this RP though, its really fun))

Marie could feel the change, even if it wasn't seen. The Taint vanished from her senses, returning the true Essence back to where it belonged in these wolves. She lowers her wand, and sets it in her pocket, quickly moving forward. They had attacked one person, who seemed to be in a good deal of pain.

"Be still." Marie murmurs, "The wounds may be mortal, but I can tend to them."

She holds her hands just a few inches apart, and they begin to glow with a white light. Without hesitation, she places her hands on Shepherd's body, and the wounds begin to close.

"I am afraid my power is slow, so we will have to wait for a while before you are healed completely in body, and spirit." Marie says gently, maintaining contact with Shepherd's body.

Zau twisted around when she heard running footsteps. Her feet felt frozen to the ground as she realized what Bezmir was about to do. "Bezmir! No!" Normally calm and soft, her now loud and urgent plea was muffled by the snarling and angered wolves. She winced as they cut at his clothes and tore his skin. They were focused on him so it wouldn't be impossible for her to strike maybe one or two down. Could she do it without killing them though? She chewed on her lower lip as she considered her options. This was not the time to be hesitating but she had not expected either side to attack with such rashness. Stealing a glance towards Shepherd did nothing to clearer assess her options. Even though the wolves had been tainted and overcome by an evil presence, they still had their deadly instinct. Still, she made a promise and she intended to keep it. Taking a deep breath she began to raise her hand when all of a sudden, a few of the wolves glanced past her.

At first, Zau wasn't sure if she felt worry or surprise upon seeing Marie. After seeing her take down the wolf with ease, she felt more than surprised. She took a relieved breath and turned back towards the wolves who had given their attention to things other than Bezmir. Soon they would be free and then she could finally ask the questions she had been aching to know for more than a decade. That would have to wait as the battle had not yet ended. She shook her head and her eyes closed as she felt a surge of energy originating and collecting not far from where she stood.

Many spirits and different energies loomed in the air concentrating on the wolves and she felt Shepherd's presence rise close to where she was standing. It seemed all too quick that the wolves attacked him, though she watched not using her senses and not her eyes. It only seemed a few counts of a heart beat before the energy spinning around them retreated back to its original hosts. It was no more than four counts of a heart beat though much damage had been done. Silently Zau thanked the forest and all the creatures and opened her eyes to see the wolves staggering. They were confused, and not used to human contact, though they remained docile, watching her and each one of her companions. No, her friends. Bezmir sat in front of a few wolves while a few others sat in a circle off to her side.

When she looked over to see Shepherd, she realized she had taken a few steps towards the battle and was now a few paces from where she had originally stood. She heard but a mere whisper of their names as she saw Marie rush toward his side where he lay obviously weakened from the immense strain. A deep gash in his arm flowed endlessly staining the ground. Though still worrisome, the other wounds looked non-threatening. Guilt welled up inside her knowing that she should have seen the wolves coming to attack. Another whisper of her and Bezmir's name snapped her from dwelling too much on the few minute long battle. "Everything will be just fine," she said offering a small smile to her wounded friend. Despite the heavy guilt, something else weighed in her heart. Something that she would reassess after she was sure all wounds were healed.

Rushing to Bezmir's side, she shrugged her backpack off her shoulders and it landed with a thud next to his side. Plopping on her knees, she turned the bag upside down spilling its containments; a few ragged books, some pouches of leaves or herbs, a few strands of thick string, a piece of jewelry, and her dress. Moving the torn material off the wound for a better look, Zau winced seeing the extent of the damage. A few wolves held a concern look in their eyes but she ignored them and snatched a pouch from the pile of items. The pouch tour open easy enough spilling powdered leaves into her palm. She pressed her palms together over his leg and a liquid dripped rapidly onto the wound.

"I hope this doesn't hurt too terribly," she said and ripped the bottom of her dress into strips. Carefully she wrapped his thigh and tied it tightly above the wound hoping to stop the rest of the bleeding. It didn't appear to have hit any major blood vessels or nerves and for that she felt a tinge of relief. Half a dress worth of material strips had been tied around the wound to Zau's approval. Most bleeding had stopped and though there would probably be a scar, she was certain that it would heal alright. Tossing the small pouch aside, she picked up another and crushed a few leaves in her hand dripping the liquid onto the more minor wounds. It was the same liquid she had made upon first meeting the man of which she had plenty. She would need to make a point to find more of the herb that she had used on his leg though.

Figuring that it would take a few more minutes before he would even be able to try to walk, she took a breath and quickly collected her things back into her pack. One of the nearby wolves walked up to her and nuzzled her neck. Despite her smile, the weight on her heart remained demanding her attention. The wolf rest its head in her lap enjoying being scratched behind the ears and another one came to nuzzle Bezmir and then Shepherd. Zau knew it was their way of apologizing and asking for forgiveness. How could anyone resist even their pleading stares though?

"Are you able to walk?" she asked glancing at the other wounds making sure there weren't any more that needed immediate tending. A hot bath and a few drinks and tea would do them all good; for some reason, she could not bring herself to want to go back into the town. It was as if the town took on a life of its own and was daring them to come back and see what it could muster against them. Odd, she thought glancing back towards the edges of the road that entered the town.

[...About the writing more than expected...yeah...
The whole plot going thing, feel free! :] I'm having a total ball here!!!]

Bezmir used a nearby fallen limb to help him stand. "Yeah...I hope so. Thanks Zau." He made his way slowly to where Shepherd was laying, and he watched as Marie worked her skill. Bezmir's bardic talents were not lost with his lute. He let his voice carry out a soft tune, that felt relaxing enough to ease the party, and their nerves calmed down. There were no words, it was more of humming, but the notes held magic in them. Bezmir traveled far looking for ancient tunes, for they were often magical.

He kept trying to sit down, but one of the wolves made it hard for him to move without hitting it. Judging by the blood around it's mouth, he assumed this was the one that took our a chunk of his leg. As he looked up at his party, all busying themselves, he asked a simple, childlike question.

"What's for dinner?"

"Dinner?" Marie asks, the word somewhat foreign to her.

Marie shakes her head, continuing to heal Shepherd, and maintaining the contact between her hands and his body.

Quite simply, Marie replies, "I don't really have to eat."