The Ranger meets a Dryad

Chêne runs through the woods enjoying the feel of the breeze in her hair and the forest floor beneath her feet. She stops short when she sees a face in the forest and runs for the closest tree to shield beside it.

Ambere believes she heard a noise; she holds very still and looks around. She sees a flash as someone disappears behind a large tree. Then she softly says "vedui."

Chêne peers around the tree and sees a young female elf. She notices the green color of her kirtle first, a color that blends with the trees, and then she sees the brown, like bark of the trees. This is a creature designed to blend into nature. She is suddenly not fearful and walks forward. "Vedui" she says.

Ambere perks up, surprised she approaches so quickly, smiles. She slowly holds out both hands palms up to show they are empty.

Chêne looks at the elf's hands and then at the bow on her back. She says "I have seen other of your kin and they have never done the forest harm. It is just the fairies I need to watch. Why do you come here?"

Ambere’s face shows surprise "I am looking for someone. A man told me there is someone out to harm the wolf pack."

Chêne shrugs "The wolf pack protects their own."

Ambere nods "They do, however it was suggested that the rangers be on the lookout for him. I am a ranger in training. Perhaps if I spot him I will impress our commander."

Chêne laughs "You are a ranger ...of Torgan I hope. And that would explain why you dress as one of the forest: to hide in the woods. Nature protects those who are good to her."

Ambere nods "of Torgan. Rangers need to blend in with the landscape."

Chêne says “I have seen the Sylvan Rangers here and they tend to stick out. It is good to see someone who knows ways of the land."

Ambere touches one of her ears "and I am an elf, not a wood elf as the king suggested, but an elf. We frequently dress in earth colors. I love the land, it gives us life and sustains us. Without it we are dust"

Chêne asks curiously "The Sylvan Rangers are pledged to their Queen. What are you pledged to?"

Ambere: " I have not been asked to pledge to the king of this land. I will take an oath to defend the land, including the forest and the water, and her people when my training is complete."

Chêne is satisfied with her answer. “Nature does more than provide us with life. Let me show you." Ambere perks up and nods. Chêne sits on the ground and invites the elf to join her. Ambere sits, wondering what is coming next. Chêne puts her hand on the ground. "Still your ears and your body. Listen with your hand."

Ambere gives her a quizzical look, places her hand on the ground, and goes into a quiet meditative state feeling at ease with the dryad. Chêne asks quietly, "What can you hear? What do you feel?"

 

Ambere sighs, and breathes deeply "I feel the textures of the grasses, some dry, some soft, a few bits prickling me, the breeze floating gently over my skin." She smiles thinking the answer would be much different if she lifted her hand and tried, but that was not what was requested.

Chêne laughs softly "That is good. But if you can, feel deeper. The great root from Darach Seanathair travels beneath us. You can hear the heartbeat of the land."

Ambere thinks and then says "mmm.....The grasses are cool. I have never tried to feel under the earth."

Chêne says "Close your eyes. Can you hear the wing beats from the hawks high on Mount Vaurk?"

Ambere closes her eyes again "I hear crickets, birds, the movement of small animals through the foliage."

Chêne nods and says "I think the wind is the easiest for one who is not of the forest . You can hear, but you can sense too. It is always here, around us."

Ambere nods "I sense, not as deeply as one whose life is tied to the forest, but I do."

Chêne turns her face to the sky, "It is dark in this forest, but the light and the sun is always here. Can you feel the warmth on your face?"

Ambere lifts her face, moves until a beam hits her "oh yes"

Chêne says "It is good to know the sun is always with us. And so is the water. Is your hearing keen enough to hear it flowing?"

Ambere focuses her attention in the direction of the river and nods

Chêne asks "What does it say to you?"

Ambere looks at her "It doesn't say anything. I am aware of the noise, of its presence in the forest." She decides to share something that has not been asked "If I lift my hands, I can feel the energies around us. I can tell the direction the strongest ones come from. I could feel the energy from the waters, from trees, from the sky.” She smiles "It is one of nature’s gifts to us, that we can freely use those energies to fuel our own."

Chêne returns the smile, "And do you know how to tap those energies yet? It is something I am just beginning to learn. I have always felt nature and it has always been with me, but I have never used any of the offerings the land gives us except as is needed for my sustenance.”

Ambere nods, "I do. They help build my energy to start the day, and keep me going throughout the evening, when my energy wanes. Some can tap throughout the day. I am not usually that good."

Chêne says "When I become one with the oak that is my home, I feel his energy keenly. He gives it to me anew daily. Perhaps you and I both receive gifts from the same life source."

Ambere is surprised this dryad she just met would be willing to share the energies of her home tree freely with a stranger. Not understanding what the dryad meant, she says "Yours is a generous offer."

Ambere realizes she has not given her name. "I am called Ambere"

Chêne smiles and replies, "Ambere, I am called Chene in your tongue. I give you the name, but not it’s meaning, which you will have to discover for yourself. I trust you because I have never met an elf that has abused that trust. I know that you will respect not only nature, but also the balance of nature. This I believe."

Ambere says "I thank you for gifting me with your name. Elves are inherently respectful of nature and rangers are pledged to protect it."

Chêne smiles "You are the first ranger I have spoken with and it has been good."

Ambere gives her a warm smile "I am glad."

Chêne sighs "And that is not the truth. I forgot I had spoken with one who was Sylvan, but he would not speak of nature, only of me. Perhaps there is something in this land here that only Torgans can feel the love of it"

Ambere: "Perhaps it draws a different sort of person to it."

Chêne: I have been to the center of one of the elven places claimed by their queen. There is no heart there."

Ambere: "I do not find either land beautiful; bits of both are attractive, but lands so torn in strife cannot be beautiful. And this one is the darker of the two. Perhaps their queen is lighter than the king that rules here."

Chêne says "It is not the way for nature to vie against itself, except when the seasons change, and even that is needed for renewal. But it is man who constantly thinks his way is best and all others must embrace it. Do they not understand that for every storm there is a rainbow and for every dark night there is a glorious morning? The shadow and the light must live together."

Ambere shakes her head "Most are so caught up in their small worlds, they do not lift their faces to the light or feel the sunbeams. They do not see the light. You are wise."


Chêne shakes her head "I am not wise. I only speak what I feel in my heart. It is a feeling deep within me."

Ambere nods "Your heart has absorbed wisdom. We would all do well to remember that light and shadow must both exist and cohabit the world."

Chêne nods "I would be happy to speak of this again with you, Ambere, but I must go." She stands.

Ambere says "I am glad you trusted enough to venture forth from the tree Chene, it was good to meet you.” She stands, “safe paths.”

Chêne smiles "may the winds of the air bring you swiftness."

Ambere walks slowly, focusing again on the small details around her as she looked carefully for signs of others moving along the path or crossing it, hoping to see clues as to the whereabouts of the one who would harm the wolves.

The Masked Stranger

You never know who you will meet at a Masquerade Ball particularly if you are young and wishing for romance. This took place at last Friday's Vampire Masquerade Ball in the Torgan Empire.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sirena Lauria sees a dark masked man alight in front of her and trembles as he snarls upon landing. She takes a step back.

The Masked Stranger: No need to step back lady. May I have this dance? Perhaps you will like my fangs?

Sirena Lauria looks at the stranger. Her eyes travel from the purple mask to the deep brown orbs nearly hidden beneath the fabric and is struck by their clear open honesty. She is at a masked ball and decides it might be fun to dance with him. She says a quick prayer to Belenus and accepts his proffered arm.

The Masked Stranger whispers to his alluring dance partner... I don't know your name. The bard's poem gave me an inspiration. Come with me outside and let me explore your neck with my fangs... just a little.”

Sirena draws her head back from his shoulder and says, "Who are you? Are you one of...Them?"

The Masked Stranger leans towards her and whispers "No, but I will get close to your pretty neck."

Sirena giggles and looks up at him with laughter in her eyes. She says, "I am called Sirena. And I have given you my name. Will you give me your name m'lord?"

The Masked Stranger leans into Sirena's neck and whispers, "My name is not important. Call me what you will." He wonders what his dance partner will think when he has to remove his mask and she sees who he really is.

Sirena says, " You are dark as the evening sky. I will call you Ciel."

The Masked Stranger: Then Ciel it is Sirena. I shall make a poem for you.

Sirena breathes with happiness, "You will make a poem for me?" This is the stuff of romance that she had always dreamed about.

Ciel leans over and whispers to Sirena...
Ciel is one part new
and one part old
A protector to one
A warrior in the fold
A dream in his heart
About one he may hold
But the Gods forbid it
Or so he is told

Sirena is charmed and says, "It is a riddle that I will have to solve! I love riddles!” She smiles disarmingly at him.

Sirena ponders the meaning of the riddle as she dances with Ciel. She whirls around the floor in his arms, her skirts flowing around them making them one. Their steps are similar and his movements match hers as if ordained. She feels her body warm as his arms hold her close and she begins to relax. She reaches up and touches Ciel's cheek gently with her gloved hand. "You are very light on your feet for such a tall man."

Ciel bows to Sirena and states, "I must leave. The darkness beckons. But your light shall go with me. Thank you for the dance Sirena"

Sirena says, "Dark skies Ciel, think well of me."

Ciel: And you of me!

Sirena stands on the floor in a puddle of sudden loneliness and wonders if she will ever meet the dark stranger again.

Jordon Meets the Unseelie King

The Unseelie King growls as he sees a figure standing in the middle of the underground passages. “What are you doing here fae!”

Leo444: Hello Jordan
 
King Eecho: Do you know this one Leo?
 
Leo444: No sir
 
King Eecho: How did you know her name?
 
Jordon McGillivary is startled and turns toward the voices. "Greetings. I was searching for stuff for my pouch.”
 
Leo444: Just see her now with you
 
King Eecho: You are trespassing. You will leave now, or I will make you work the mines with the goblins!
 
Jordon: "You know, the ingredients everyone is after for potions and I just got turned around." He straightens "I am not a her."
 
Leo444: ahh, I saw your pouch and wings.
 
King Eecho snorts, "You are lucky, I do not just take you down now!"
 
Jordon: "There are male fae also, how do you think we reproduce?"
 
King Eecho: Have you been granted leave by the High King to steal from his mountain?
 
Jordon shakes his head "I did not realize things that grew wild or branches that had broken off and were lying around were desired property for anyone."
 
King Eecho: Now you know. Nothing in Taure Ru is free.
 
Leo444: heheh, a true Fae
 
Jordon: "my friend Sirena is after them. She is learning how to heal others."
 
King Eecho: “Sirena can get her own things.” He pulls his staff from his back. "Now I will ask you one more time. Will you leave?"
 
Leo444 snorts
 
Jordon says "I will and gladly. However I am turned around and do not know how to vacate the premises."
 
King Eecho: go right behind you through the passageway and to the right. You will find a door after going right a bit.
 
Jordon nods and turns, saying "Good day to you gentlemen."
 
Sirena Lauria rushes in out of breath in response to a feeling that her long-time friend was in trouble. "Good day M'lords"
 
Jordon looks ahead "Greetings my friend. I am being shown the door by these fine men."
 
King Eecho: Sirena...did you send this bug into the dragons lair to steal?!
 
Sirena responds carefully, "No I did not send him to steal. I can find my own herbs. But he is a very dear friend."
 
King Eecho: No seelie should be in these caves. We capture those we find and send them to work the mines. If they do not do well enough...well, the goblins have dinner for a day or two.
 
Sirena swallows and nods, "I will take responsibility for him. He will not enter the Hive again. I will see that he stays on the surface."
 
King Eecho nods. "Thank you."
 
Sirena says "By your leave, your majesty." She whispers to Jordon, "Quickly, let's leave."
 
Jordon bows to the Unseelie King and moves on in the direction the King said the exit lay. He follows Sirena through the twisting passages until they emerge through a heavy door into a grassy meadow where he breathes easier once back in the open air. 

He says, “Let us move further from the door, he may not take well to our loitering.”
 
Sirena says "It is because you are not allied to the Torgan Empire. He is the Unseelie
King of the Winter Court and can be capricious and chaotic. I was happy to see that he took me at my word. And yes, by all means, let's move away."
 
They ford a stream and walk up a long stone staircase on the outer edge of the mountain, arriving near the arena. Sirena remarks, “ I think we are far enough away now.”
 
Jordon nods and says, "we should be out of his territory." He pulls off a boot and shakes it out. "I picked up a pebble under ground. Although the terrain here is no easier."
 
Sirena asks, "Is your foot all right or does it need healing?” She casts Flames of Passion and restores stamina to those nearby.
 
Jordon sighs, "It was sore, large pebble. Feels good now. Thank you." 


~ ~ ~ ~ ~

My thanks to Sirena for her submission 

Meeting the King

King Zig of Klavnork (grotch.qarnac): Greetings you lookin fur somethin?
Ambere Anatine turns
King Zig of Klavnork: you speak?
Ambere Anatine says "yeah, I was looking for a nice little something to put in my pouch"
King Zig of Klavnork: ah and what did you have in mind eh? i have something you can put in your pouch
Ambere Anatine looks at him and realizes this is the king "oh sorry Sire. I thought you were just a busy body"
King Zig of Klavnork: I am Zig and this is my keep and if i ask you what you are up to you had better answer and not that you are looking to rob me
Ambere Anatine says "I am Ambere. I am new around here. The ranger Terese has been showing me the ropes"
King Zig of Klavnork: well did she tell you about Klavnork? and the evil Orc/Dragon king that rules here eh??
Ambere Anatine: "hmmmm no nothing"
King Zig of Klavnork: so you are a ranger? because a ranger damn well ought to check out before they walk into a Keep eh?
Ambere Anatine looks at him, thinking evil? mmm nasty orc and a dragon mix "I'll be careful not to tick you off. The only way to know a place is to look around"
King Zig of Klavnork: see this table?? what do you think we do with this table eh? we use it for rangers who dont do to their homework
Ambere Anatine: "that table?" takes a closer look
King Zig of Klavnork: You are Torgan?
Ambere Anatine shudders and tries to hide it "looks like you have fun with your enemies"
King Zig of Klavnork: indeed. i asked you are you Torgan then? as you are with Terese
Ambere Anatine: "me, no, I'm an import. Not a native Torgan"
King Zig of Klavnork: ok ok come inside and have a drink. i will show you The Place
Ambere Anatine takes a breath, wondering if she can find a way to avoid it
King Zig of Klavnork: This is The Place. it is a place to relax, to drink, to smoke some Braksheesh, to watch the dancers, it is for Torgans
Ambere Anatine looks around "nice place you have here, warm and welcoming"
King Zig of Klavnork: yes well for our friends yes. for our enemies, no
Ambere Anatine looks at the sand pit "do you bury them in the pit?"
King Zig of Klavnork pours himself an glass of blood wine and offers one to the new arrival
Ambere Anatine reaches out and accepts the glass, twirls it, sniffs, wets her tongue
King Zig of Klavnork: "this is Bloodwine i import from my territitories in Namibdia. would you like to sample the Braksheesh?" raises an eyebrow playfully
Ambere Anatine thinks she better hadn't drink much if she wants to keep her wits about her "thank you, it has a good flavor"
King Zig of Klavnork: it is the best
King Zig of Klavnorkme downs the entire glass
Ambere Anatine shakes her head "no I would prefer to be excused from it, I do not smoke"
Ambere Anatine realizes she is standing and the king is sitting, hastily sits
King Zig of Klavnork: oh come have a try. it quite unique
Ambere Anatine nods and reaches out for a pipe and holds it to her lips, watches him carefully and pretends to follow his example "very fine"
King Zig of Klavnork inhales deeply enjoying the scent as it passes through his nose, then he waves some of the smoke over his head
King Zig of Klavnork: so, tell me about yourself, ur, what was your name again?
Ambere Anatine says "Ambere. I am from the Isle of Arran"
King Zig of Klavnork: ah yes yes Ambere. where is this isle? i have nought heard of it
Ambere Anatine: "off the coast of Scotland, a far off land"
King Zig of Klavnork: ah, while i've nive heard nor scotland neither
King Zig of Klavnork: ah are yee wood elf?
Ambere Anatine: "I'm just an elf. I found myself in a situation with the best out being to leave. So I gained passage on a ship. they set me off here. well at the bridge between Torgan and Sylvhara
King Zig of Klavnork: "ah and so chance brought you to Torgan and not to sylvhara" he laughs "a lucky twist of fate was that"
Ambere Anatine nods
King Zig of Klavnork drinks more wine feeling quite content now
Ambere Anatine: I hope it will be
King Zig of Klavnork: OF COURSE IT IS. this is Torgan!
Ambere Anatine relaxes some
King Zig of Klavnork: you should be honored to call yoruself Torgan. You are among the finest of the fine
Ambere Anatine smiles at his obvious enthusiasm finding it a good quality "inded, I am fortunate to be here then"
King Zig of Klavnork are yee a fighter? can you hold a sword
Ambere Anatine: I am an archer. I can hold a sword, I have a good one, but I am not proficient with it
King Zig of Klavnork: can you shoot straight?
Ambere Anatine: I can. I am not experienced in battle, I have much to learn
King Zig of Klavnork: well let me tell you a joke my father told me. what do you call an archer who cannot wield a sword?
Ambere Anatine shakes her head "I do not know"
King Zig of Klavnork grins across the table to her "DEAD! hahahaha"
Ambere Anatine: ooh! she nods "I am afraid that is true."
King Zig of Klavnork: point is this; bow is great for distance but what you gonna do if your enemy gets close to you, ask him to step back?
Ambere Anatine: no, run like hell and try to get far enough away to make my bow effective again
King Zig of Klavnork: i dont think so you come by klavnork you need to learn the sword and to switch between the two
Ambere Anatine: I seem to have no apptitude for a sword
King Zig of Klavnork: its training like anything. if you are one on one you will always loose
Ambere Anatine: I am willing, but pathetic at it
King Zig of Klavnork: ok i have a method that i guarantee will work. guarantee
King Zig of Klavnork smokes some more
Ambere Anatine: the man who tried to teach me swordsmanship, told me to stick to what I am comfortable with (bow)
King Zig of Klavnork: "he was an idiot probably a human. you fight 100 sword fights and at the end of the 100th fight you wil coem to Zig and you will say now i can fight wtih a sword" he grins
Ambere Anatine feels more comfortable and takes a puff and nods "hmmmm By the time I made it through a hundred I would surely be able to use a sword"
King Zig of Klavnork: indeed you would

~ ~ ~ ~
Ambere is a first time submitter here. We are glad to have our friends send us Role Play to post.

Encounter With the Nightmare

Sirena Lauria is delighted to see that the kava tree is still there. She removes her knife from her pocket and cuts off just enough for the potion she must brew today. When she stands up she feels something surrounding her. She shivers. It is not her God. She stands still, listening, feeling, seeking to know. She turns to the dark tower and enters it. She hears a chant, dark and thick and demanding. She follows the hum as it leads her up. The song becomes stronger and more insistent as she spirals toward the top. Mesmerized, she no longer wishes to turn around. She rises through each loop of the path, the dark power becoming stronger and darker. Frightened, she no longer has a will of her own. The urgency to know , to follow, to do, becomes too strong for her to resist. She finally arrives at the top to find the same dark, brooding figure she has seen before. She stands , swaying with the effort to break the enchantment.

Nightmare looks to the globe and with unpleasant look on his face "What is this feeling?" He looks over to her with anger "What have you done to me?!"

Sirena sees the dark figure who has haunted her dreams and her waking "why have you called me here?" she asks

Nightmare: "This feeling that runs in the veins and in my stomach... it hunts me when I am awake, and when I am asleep! What have you done?!"

Sirena feels the dark music draw her again and she realizes that it emanates from this figure. Drawn against her will, she moves toward him. "I? I have done nothing. It is you who have drawn me here. I do not want to be here. I want to be freed"

Nightmare lowers his head "So do I..... but this feeling.... what I feel... it hunts me..."

Sirena is repulsed by the figure in front of her, but she prays to Belenus for strength and she stops swaying "tell me of these feelings. I am a healer, perhaps I can help"

Nightmare shakes his head "Emotions? Feelings.... I don't know anymore.... my being is not this...."

Sirena closes her eyes and concentrates on the figure in front of her. She tries to see with her third eye, the one she is supposed to receive impressions with and senses a confusion that is dark and angry. She opens her eyes and takes a breath. "tell me who you are and perhaps I can help. Tell me how you got here." She shivers as she sees his piercing red eyes stare at her over his black mask. She is very frightened, but is determined not to let him know that. The power of the dark aura still surrounds her, but it seems to have abated a little. She thanks Belenus and hopes He will continue to protect her.

Nightmare sighs and shakes his head "Love?" he sighs as he walks to the edge and looks down "No...." He takes a deep breath "Why Love?" shakes his head "No, it cant be...."

Sirena moves closer to try to read his emotions again and says "tell me, why did you call me here, if not to help you?" She concentrates and looks for his aura, seeing only black at first, but then noticing a faint tinge of red.

Nightmare closes his eyes and trys to hide the emotion if it was love. "I never called you, it must have been my aura. I attend to give us strong aura when I'm.... concentrating...."

Sirena begs "then release me and tell me of this..concentrating...you have been doing"

Nightmare sighs "Stupid girl, I have never even taken you in my grip.... you were curious... maybe something drag you... besides the aura."

Sirena says "I do not wish to be here, but I cannot leave. Your dark power drew me here, and as I neared you, I was unable to leave. We must resolve this. I cannot be here" She is terrified that he will not release her.

Nightmare sighs and walks back down inside the tower.

Sirena feels the dark energy pulling her, and she follows him against her will. She says "please, I beg you, release me. I cannot continue like this"

Nightmare sighs and shakes his head "it's not me girl...."

Sirena says "I cannot leave you. Your power keeps me here"

Nightmare looks to her "Hm, it may seem that way.... though I am confuse how and why...."

Sirena draws herself up and tries to explain "Your feelings have bound me and called to me. You are very strong and I cannot fight you. Indeed, I am unarmed by the wish of my God"

Nightmare shakes his head "Feelings? Now you say such nonsense...."

Sirena says "You are tired. I can heal that" She casts Flames of Passion and restores his stamina. She says "Do you not acknowledge that you have feelings? When I reach to sense you, they are there"

Nightmare closes his eyes and tries to feel his most inner emotions.

Sirena says "Each of us have emotions, a mix of good and evil.. I have sensed that you are a demon. You are black as the night to me, so that is how I will call you...Night"

Nightmare walks to her and puts his hand on her cheek.

Sirena startles but she cannot move away. "I pray you, please... Do not do this thing"

Nightmare sighs "I see... so it is..."

Sirena, terrified, begins to sway again, enthralled by a darker power than any she has ever encountered before.

Nightmare shakes his head "Such a shame....."

Sirena whispers "what is a shame?"

Nightmare: "love..."

Sirena's eyes widen "love? you ...love me? then this is not a way to show it." She is sure now that she must find a way to leave.

Nightmare sighs "I need to release the inner demon, until this never happens again...." He motions his hand "leave... You wont see me again...."

Sirena feels the power lessen and suddenly she is free. She runs, terrified, down the spiral path and out to the freedom of the world.

Sirena's Nightmare

Sirena wakes in the middle of the night to find the door to her house open. Shivering in the cold, she rises and closes it. Slipping back into bed, her mind wanders over a list of possible offenders. A dark figure comes to mind and she shudders at the thought. She had noticed him watching her at the Beltane Festival and he had been several times to The Place, each time exhibiting odd behavior. She recalls one such meeting:

Sirena says to the stranger "Welcome to The Place. I am Sirena, Manager and First Dancer." She does not ask his name, knowing that most guests prefer to remain unnamed.

Nightmare smirks "Your the girl from the kissing both".

Sirena grimaces "oh, how I wish I hadn't done that. I must have been mad. But then, I am not used to drinking such wine"

Nightmare shakes his head "Agreed, to kiss one I believe in the emotions that should be shared between the two..." Smirks at himself for even thinking of such things

Sirena says "It was my first Beltane and it was so wonderful" she stops and thinks of her God "except for the foolishness of the kiss"

Sirena says "may I offer you refreshment?"

Nightmare begins laughing "I think I will refuse... on that."

Sirena says "then why did you seek The Place? Most come here for a quiet meeting or a smoke"

Nightmare goes silent for a moment "I was looking for you..."

Sirena looks at the man "Many come here to see me dance. I am easy to find"

Nightmare shakes his head and goes into silence

Sirena says "It is early yet for me to dance to entertain the guests.” She looks around the empty room. “Are you sure you do not want some wine?"

Nightmare takes a breath "You wished to talk to me... but it seems the memory of that has come to a lose."

Sirena shrugs "I am unaccustomed to drinking and I took too much yesterday. I do not remember what we were speaking of. Perhaps you could refresh my memory?"

Nightmare sighs and begins to walk away

Sirena watches him walk away and shrugs

She burrows deeper under her sleeping furs as she thinks of how he stood on the bridge last night , watching her, and she thinks how fortunate it was that Damian was there to convince him to leave.

The dark figure had appeared at The Place last night while she was dancing and once again he was silent and brooding. She thinks he followed her to the Healing Ceremony but she is not sure. Suddenly afraid of the dark, she lights the candle and tries to sleep.