The Healing Weaver (Open)

[rpgoddess]

Naria Drabien sat peering intently at the work before her. Legs crossed with her project balanced on her lap, she waved her hands over the collection of herbs smoldering in the small clay pot. She was oblivious to the white blond hair that feathered over her cheek and the dots of perspiration on her ivory brow. Nothing could break her concentration when she was this deep into the healing weave. Well, almost nothing. Like a buzzing insect beating its wings in her ear, Pippa’s shrill excited voice slowly penetrated. No matter how hard she tried to block out her little sister’s chatter, eventually she expelled her breath in a hiss and narrowed her eyes on the little dark beauty.

“Pippa!” She groaned with exasperation and lifted the tray off of her lap, settling it into the soft grass beside her. Naria folded her arms over her chest as she spoke. “Is it too much to ask for a few moments of silence? I have been working on this weave for days now.” She complained.

“Work, work, work. Nari you never do anything fun.” Pippa teased as she shifted her black gaze from the daisy twirling in her fingers to her sister’s rigid form. Pippa loved her older sister, but was sometimes embarrassed about the woman’s state. If she would just take more time to tend to her appearance she would be considered a great beauty among the village, even with her odd coloring.

Naria watched Pippa’s open investigation of her person, she was unmoved by it, it was something she had become used to. Unbrushed hair, loose fitting skin tunic and stained tights. It was her customary look, she was simply unconcerned about it, she was more interested in herbs and weaving the healing magic. Pippa, like other girls, was constantly fussing over her sewing, ensuring her tunics fit in a complimentary way, her hair was sleek and glossy, and her skin was clean and fresh. Naria rolled her blue eyes and sighed.

“I find the things I do fun Pip, this is what I like.” She replied rubbing the dust from the thick fringe of lashes about her eyes. Sometimes she thought she worked so diligently that she forgot to blink. Returning her gaze to her sister, she found Pippa gazing off to the crowd in the center of the village, working merrily with decorations.

“Do you think your new husband will allow you to be so neglectful for your hobbies?” Pippa asked, bringing the reality of her situation crashing back into Naria and robbing her of breath for a moment. At week’s end the Maiden Festival would begin, and men from around the lake and beyond would come to compete for the honor of taking her as a wife. In four days she would be taken to the center of the competition ring, clad in her white tunic and leggings, a handmade veil draped over her face, her family’s honors would be mentioned, and the competition would begin. The festival would last six days, on the third day her veil was to be removed, and the competitors allowed to inspect her. The thought sent a shiver of apprehension through her. “Naria? Well do you?” Pippa interrupted her thoughts, thankfully.

“I suppose not, but he can’t expect me to give it up entirely. It is a useful hobby.” Naria answered quietly. “Come, I have to select threads for my Maiden Veil.” She added as she stood and dusted off her backside. Pippa jumped to her feet excitedly.

“Really? You’ll let me help, wont you Nari? Please?” She rambled.

“Of course.” Naria replied, harboring none of the zealousness that her little sister did about the project. She chuckled when Pippa clapped her hands with delight and let out a girlish squeal.

“Oh thank you Nari! I know just the colors we should pick! Blue, the lightest shade, for your eyes, yellow for your hair, and pink, we just have to use pink!” Pippa chattered, forgetting her sister all together as she made her way lightly toward the merchant stalls. Naria took the moment of silence to take in the activity around her, people had already begun arriving for the festivities, tents were being erected outside of the village by the dozen, visitors in their odd clothing milled about curiously, and spent their welcome gold with the merchants, some food merchants took up opening cook fires, and the scents of the village were complimented by delicious smells of cooking meats and roasted fruits and vegetables. It was always a great event, the Maiden Festival, and had the maiden prize been anyone other than herself, Naria might have found herself eager to partake in the excitement.

[Elf Prince Tekkarro]

The breeze blew lightly across the trees, the leave and branches rustling in their natural music. James sat high, perched atop a thick branch of a large elm placed curiously beside the lake. From above, James had a splendid view of the clear waters, and more importantly, the people coming and going through the town. The whole place was in some sort of uproar about an upcoming festival. James understood none of it at all, and it was far different from his homeland. Sure they held festivals, but they celebrated in not such a...chaotic way. The merchants were all stocked and edgy, ready to unload merchandise upon many a passerby, and the citizens were just as caught up in the raucous excitement. James lifted the pouch tied around his waist by the thick silver chain, gazing curiously at it. He tossed it high into the air, allowing the coins inside to clink against each other as he caught it once More in his hand. It was another day's pay, surprisingly low for a mercenary. He looked down upon his work, but it was the only way he could make money these days since leaving home.

The elf's ears perked as he heard that familiar voice ring through his ears. "I think you got ripped off kid." it chuckled, but James simply brushed away a strand of shadowy black hair from his piercing marble eyes, and tied the pouch back to his chain. "It is enough to get by on, and that's all that matters now." he said aloud. He would only speak to Gilashi aloud when he was far away from any prying eyes, or ears more importantly. He stood up, regaining his balance, taking a quick inventory of his items. His black leather armor still clung tightly to his body, in perfect shape. No blade had ever managed to pierce it, and for that James was grateful. His sword lay wrapped in thick cloth to mask it's value as a treasure as much as an instrument of death. Everything seemed undamaged form his last mission except of course for his cloak. Sighing, he raised it before his eyes to study the several holes and tears in it. Sure, he was agile under attack, but his cloak would surely enough take the punishment for straying behind him. He looked down at the base of the tree, several yards below him and he closed his eyes. With a leap of faith, he jumped from the branch, descending rather quickly. Despite the great speed he had picked up, he landed quietly and gracefully upon his toes. He smirked and began walking toward the town, as the voice snorted, "Show off..."

After pushing past several rather rude citizens, James had managed to make it to the merchant stalls. The center of town was more packed then usual, and the large amount of people made it harder to concentrate then necessary. James tried to keep to himself, as he slipped past several customers and made it to a particular merchant selling what he claimed to be "rare and exotic fabrics." James began to sort through several reams of cloth and fabric, before coming to a pitch black sheet ideal for his purposes. A fat man with a greedy smile grinned from behind the stall with arms outstretched. "Ah, you see something you like stranger? That is a rare blend of cotton and the hair of Talzyrian horses. Raised in the highest mountains they be, for you, only... five hundred pieces of gold eh?" he offered. James stared at him in disbelief at the price, his eyes obviously questioning him. He looked back down at the cloth and smiled, before returning his gaze to the merchant. "That is quite a tale my friend, for you see, the land from whence I came constructs the very same fabric as well." he explained, picking the cloth up into his arms, reaching into his pouch for payment. "Is that so?" the merchant inquired, rubbing his hands together, waiting for what was assured to be a generous payment. James smiled once more and nodded. "Yes. Though we make it from a rather different animal." he tossed a small handful of gold onto the stall and tilted his head slightly. "Jackasses." HE turned to leave, laughing quietly to himself at how greedy some men could be. "That is all you ill get from me my good sir." he shouted behind him., He was sure the merchant was outraged, but he knew he would not do a single thing about it. For who would dispute the truth?

James stared endlessly around himself, overwhelmed by the number of people. He began to feel a headache approaching, form both he noise and heat of he day. After forcing himself through the enormous crowd, he glimpsed a woman who also seemed to be in the town for fabrics. He assumed she was a local, and approached quietly. He attempted to gain her attention, by clearing his throat, but through the roar of the crowd he was not sure she would have heard him. HE finally approached her face to face with a gentle smile. "Greetings, I am not from around these parts. I was only wondering if you could explain what this festival supposedly is all about, and also if you could shed some light on why this town has become somewhat of a circus." he joked slightly, laughing nervously. He eventually bowed and reprimanded himself. "Oh, I apologize, I did not introduce myself. James Tekkarro, at your service."

[rpgoddess]

Naria was only a few feet from the stall when she was stopped by a dark haired elf with a bolt of fabric under his arm. Her eyes lifted skyward for a moment before she turned and offered him a smile.

"Oh, I apologize, I did not introduce myself. James Tekkarro, at your service." The man greeted after his hasty inquiry about the festivities. She thought his chuckle had sounded a bit unsure, and sensed that he was in a slight bit of discomfort, this seemed to ease her irritation, which should not have been directed at him to start.

"It is preparation for the Maiden Festival." She answered, but then decided she should elaborate considering the fact that he was not local, nor there to compete. " To wed a woman from our village is considered an honor, it is really nothing special now, but long ago it was believed that the women here possessed great healing powers and were on intimate terms with the Goddess of Life, Alura. Men flock from all around the Lake in neighboring villages and beyond to compete for the Maiden's hand. The victor gains a wife and whatever wealth her family put on her bride price. He also carries with him the honors her family earned through the generations." She explained, wondering how it might sound to a stranger to the custom. "Many people only come to take part in the various festivities. Dancing, singing, and mingling. It is a good way to make connections with the great families." She added.

Momentarily she turned her head to gaze into the stall where Pippa was busy chattering away with Torko, the vendor, about some thread she was oogling. A small tender smile touch Naria's lips as she surveyed Pippa's wonder. She turned her attention back to the man and glanced down at the ebony bolt of cloth he held. "You did not let Torko swindle a fortune out of you for that fabric I hope." She commented. "He is shameless this time of the year."

[Elf Prince Tekkarro]

James sensed that the woman he ha interrupted would be slightly irritated with him, perhaps he had caught her in the middle of what was somehow an important conversation. But she appeared kind enough and gave him what was essentially an explanation of the festivities. He raised an eyebrow in confusion. TO him it sounded slightly like putting on an auction for a woman, no better then selling someone. He wanted to get his facts straight thought, so he decided to inquire further. He stood the bolt of fabric up on one end, leaving it rolled. "Pardon me if I may come off as naive or offensive milady," he inquired, "but that sounds to me slightly...strange? I mean to say is that you make it sound as if the woman is being sold in a way. Does the woman or family get a choice in the matter? I mean, is it voluntary or does the family decide for her? And if so, what kind of man would supposedly pay for a woman?" His cheeks reddened slightly, turning away embarrassed. "I know I may come off rude, but I am only curious. I do not mean to offend."

He looked off in the direction that the woman has gazed. He saw a little girl talking to the same man he had just had the pleasure of meeting. He tilted his head, gesturing with a hand in her direction. "I assume she is of relation to you, a sister perhaps? The resemblance is uncanny." he said, forcing another laugh, knowing he sounded like a foreigner, having no business of being there. When asked about his cloth, he genuinely laughed and picked it up, stroking it softly. "Well, he attempted, but let's just say I made an ass out of him." he stated, chuckling at his own poor attempt at a joke. He knew she wouldn't understand, but even Gilashi groaned in his head at the poor pun.

[rpgoddess]

Naria smiled serenely as James the elf spoke. She had met few elves in her time, but he struck her as young, but experienced. She listened to him convey his deepening curiosity or rather confusion about the festivities, and even took hold of his notion that she was essentially being sold off, storing it in the back of her mind to ponder later. The idea bristled and brought an displeasing heat to her veins. Was she no more than cattle? Of course she was, she wasn't being sold, not really, she was a prize, but that meant a possession as well, and that was a hard truth to swallow.

Jame's comments brought her attention back to him and away from the unpleasantness that settled in her chest. She nodded as he queried about Pippa being her relation and smiled with pride when he confessed that he had not been swindled by Torko afterall. With her question answered she allowed the silence to grow for only a moment between them before going into a more detailed explanation of the festival.

"About the Maiden Festival." She began, rounding the conversation back in that direction. "The bride is not really sold, she is won. You see, the first three days of the festival are a kind of qualification round. The fighters are allowed to loose three fights, before being disqualified. The last three days are when the actual competition takes place, one loss will disqualify you, the victor wins the bride, her family's allotted bride price, and the honors of her family's past. On the seventh day they exchange their vows and are married." Naria looked past him for a moment, falling silent as her eyes took in the scene. The sun would set soon, bringing her another day closer to her future as a wife and servant. She didn't really want this, but it wasn't in her to go against the rule of her elders. No, it was custom, all women of the great families went through the festival and they all seemed fine to her. "There is no choice in the matter, the village elders decide when the woman is mature enough to take part, and if her family is respected enough for her to take part. It is our way." She said with a finality that frightened even her.

[Elf Prince Tekkarro]

James studied the features of this woman's face, as she seemed distant, lost in thought. He tilted his head slightly, feeling confused, so he closed his eyes slightly, reaching out with his spiritual self. He felt...sadness, anxiety, anger? He did not understand any of this coming from her, but he hoped he had not upset her with his foolish questioning. "I did not mean to upset you, I swear it. Forgive me." he implored, bowing again. He realized she had nodded, and he assumed it was to his inquiry of the small child, not his forgiveness. He pondered as she turned her attention back to describing the festival. James's eyes widened, feeling a strange, detached anger flood over him. How could a town be so...unjust? They were treating people like merchandise simply to be displayed and sold to the nearest buyer. He clenched his jaw, trying to hide his frustration, his knuckles turning white from the sheer force with which he clutched the fabric in his hands. He finally could not hold it anymore.

"How can they do such a thing?" he exploded, venting his frustration. "Excuse me milady but this is bestial! You cannot simply pawn off another person, a human being for that matter like they were some sort of trivial object! This festival is understandable for he old days,but I believe we should have grown beyond this idiotic tradition of what is nothing but glorified slave trading! And excuse me for saying so, but shame on he family that would allow their daughter to be given away like she was no more then...then cattle!" he finished exclaiming. With embarrassment, he looked around to see a small number of people glaring at him angrily. He knew he had over reacted, and he hid his face as he attempted to calm down. "WHO is the poor soul who has to face this fate?" he asked her, already thinking of any way he could help the poor girl who was destined to this demise.

[rpgoddess]

Offered James a kind smile. Patience and understanding flowed from her freely as she listened to the elf rant about the unfamiliar customs. Perhaps from an outsider's point of view it was difficult to grip. His passionate response to it took her by slight surprise. Being a man it was uncommon for him to recognize an injustice toward women so acutely. Perhaps elven men were different than humans. She could not say.

"Nari I have the perfect threads, can I go walk about with Asa and Kie, I won't be long, I promise to be home before you light the cook fire." Pippa chimed as she came skipping up to Naria's side. She stopped abruptly and sent a curious look to James then blushed and looked away. Naria nodded to her sister.

"Do not mingle too much, and keep your wits about you." She warned as she took four spools of colored thread from the younger girl, pink, blue, yellow, and silver, and tucked them into the pack at her hip.

"I will. Thanks!" Pippa replied and skipped off waving at James as she past him. Naria chuckled and shook her head.

"You will have to forgive my sister, she is young and does not stay in one place long." She explained. Naria gestured to the center of the village where the platform she would sit in to observe the games was being pieced together. "I know the concept of winning a bride is hard to swallow, all I can say is that it is done in the spirit of tradition. People in the large cities arrange marriages for their daughters with men who possess great wealth, here a man is considered worthy by demonstrating his strength, skill, and honor." She explained.

Her eyes scanned the area, he had wanted to know who the girl was, yet she swallowed her name down, unable to confess that she was the prize. She loved her people, and before now she loved the Maiden Festival, but not having a choice, frightened her. "The maiden is well loved, she is an orphan who has been cared for by the village as a whole. She is a dedicated student of the healing arts and a...a willing participant." She said finally. "Her family is descended from some of the last true Weavers, therefore to win her hand is considered a great honor." She added, feeling that much information was safe.

Naria schooled her features then turned her pale eyes to James. She watched the expressions flit over his face, trying to gauge his reaction.

[Elf Prince Tekkarro]

James felt he was upsetting the woman and making the situation all he worse for himself as a strange traveler. He was about to interrupt her, when the small child skipped up to her sister. He smiled kindly to her as she looked curiously at him. Before he could utter a single word, she was gone again. HE laughed slightly. "Tis fine, I completely understand how children are at that age. Where I hail from they are already treading the forests alone, so having her walk with a few other children seems quite tame to me." he explained, smiling kindly, investigating the purchase the girl had made, "I suppose you are a seamstress of sorts. Then again,w ith how you explain this 'ceremony' most of the village holds women who can use that skill in high regard." he had added a hint of sarcasm accidentally while saying ceremony, but he hoped she would simply ignore it.

The woman once more explained that the man who won the bride would show wealth, strength, skill, and honor. James gaped slightly, but this time tried to keep his wits while expressing his opinion. "I suppose the strength, skill, and wealth would be quite easy to distinguish. But honor? I beg your forgiveness once more, but I believe any man who would be able to sleep peacefully knowing that he was buying another human being to serve as his maiden has no honor in my book." he shook his head at the woman's reply to his other question. "I did not mean her attributes, I mean a specific name, or even face. I do not care if they are portrayed as willing, nobody can be fine with the fact they are being treated as a prize, no, even less, a toy! I simply wanted to know, for if what yous say is true, there is nothing I could do. But if this woman felt the way about it as I do, I would try every ounce of my being to help." he shook his head and sighed. "But you are probably right. I am being simply being a foolish foreigner, who am I to judge the traditions of ones village?" HE sighed, and looked up into her face only to catch her gray eyes with his own cold marble glance. He smiled slightly. "They say eyes are the mirrors to the soul, I see many things about you in yours. One is you are hiding something very personal." he muttered. He decided not to pester her about it further, and instead simply stated "You never did tell me your name."

[rpgoddess]

Naria watched James a moment, her face blank as she did. Name, he wanted names, the name of the Maiden and hers, how would he react if he discovered they were one in the same. He had said he would do everything he could to help, if the Maiden were an unwilling participant, but was she unwilling? It was far too late now for her to examine such things, the preparations were underway, people were anticipating the festivities, visitors had traveled from all over the country to take part. Who was she to lead so many people into disappointment? She could not. Unconsciously she shook her head at the small glimmer of hope that she could escape her fate, but realized quickly that there was nothing to escape to.

Naria forced a kind smile onto her lips. "I am Naria," she answered honestly. "And this holiday is in honor of the eldest heir of the Drabien family." Another honest answer. If he stayed on to watch the games he would find out soon enough that she and the maiden were one in the same, but for now she wanted nothing more than to just be Naria the villager. Her smile brightened. "And no, I am not a seamstress, I cannot sew a straight line to save my life, my sister on the other hand is quite gifted." She said with an easier tone.

[Elf Prince Tekkarro]

James's eyes sparkled at her name, looking deep into her eyes once more. "Naria..." he repeated, tasting the name on his lips. He read her face and emotions for a moment, and smirked slightly whilst she talked about the Drabien family. He tilted his head, smiling kindly at her and nodded listening. "I am sure you are a fine seamstress. As well as your younger sibling. Well, I better be off. I do not own a house nearby, but I have set up a small camp by the lake, if you were to ever need to find me." he informed her, smiling still, lifting the cloth up onto his shoulder which he had almost completely forgotten about. HE turned to leave when he suddenly turned around and looked over his shoulder at her. "Oh, I almost forgot. I already have a plan on how to get the girl away. If you what yous say is true, she being an orphan, a family would be no problem. The plan involves her being able to live her life with the money and luxury she may deserve, but the independence she also craves. And if she were to have any siblings, they too would Be taken care of. Just thought you should know. Farewell, Naria Drabien." he said to her knowingly, smiling that he knew her true identity. HE may be naive, but he was not stupid. You walked away, waving behind him. "You know where to find me, my offer still stands."

As he disappeared into the crowd, a voice chuckled lightly inside his head. "For the goody-goody you are, you sure let her get away easily." GIlashi purred. James simply shook his head and smiled. "I have done my part, it is up to her how she plays hers, she is the only one who can control her destiny."

[rpgoddess]

It had been an hour, or perhaps two since James departed. His words still rang in her mind, his offer, the temptation. Naria sat, fidgeting, as she waited. She was tired of waiting. She felt such turmoil inside of her that she wanted to scream, weep, and laugh hysterically all at once. With a deep sigh she tugged at her messy hair for the hundreth time, why had she never paid any mind to it, she was sure the colorless tresses could glisten and sparkle just as Pippa's did, if she only took the time.

"Naria?" The deep baritone of Elder Hansid's voice caused Naria to start. She had grown so used to the silence in the longhouse she had all but forgotten who it was she was waiting for.

"Elder Hansid." She replied nervously and began to rise. Hansid waved a hand, motioning for her to stay seated as he approached from the entrance. It was nearly dark, Naria noted, as the flap fell shut behind his hulking form.

"I had not expected to see you so soon Naria, what brings you?" Hansid asked as he crossed the room and took a seat on the floor across from her.

"I've changed my mind, I don't want to do this, I don't want to be a wife." Naria blurted, her eyes widened and her lips slammed together in a firm line. To her astonishment Hansid simply laughed.

"I see, do not worry, most girls experience this apprehension just before the festival. I assure you, the victor will be most worthy of your hand." He explained after he gained control of his voice.

Naria frowned and looked down at her hands. "I do not want a husband Hansid. I never have, I simply did as was expected, but I know now I cannot keep up this charade." She tried again.

Hansid made a quiet sound of disappointment. "There is little that can be done about this now. Besides, we have our reasons for electing to go on with this, you need protection Naria, more than you realize. There men come to prove themselves worthy of protecting and providing for a weaver, give them that chance." Naria's eyes snapped up at the Elder's words.

"But there are no Weavers, they died out long ago." She pointed out. Hansid sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose.

"It is true, the healing weavers met a sad fate, but they are not extinct. They exist, but they guard their existence carefully from the common man. You see, powerful men seek out the Weavers to ride with their armies and use their skills to ward of death, but powerful enemies of these men seek out Weavers to destroy them and ensure their victories." Hansid explained.

Naria looked at him with disbelief.

"Your mother was a Weaver, your father meant to claim her." He said then. "We put a stop to it. We could not afford to have her taken from our protection." He explained. "And you dear Naria, you are your mother's daughter. Do you understand what I am saying?"

"But I merely dabble with herbs and chants." Naria argued.

"For now."


The words replayed again and again in her head as she kneeled over the cook fire later that evening. A Weaver? Even so. Was it true? Or was it a tactic used to keep her compliant with the wishes of the Elders?

Pippa wasn't home yet. Naria gazed out into the darkness beyond their longhouse.

"Pippa!" She called, hoping perhaps that her sister was nearby. There was no answer of course. Where could the girl be.


Pippa stumbled through the thick brush, she knew she had seen the firefly moments before and was determined to find it. When her friends called that they were going home she merely shouted her goodbyes over her shoulder and continued on. She pushed her way though the soft tall grass toward the lake, following the blinking beacon of the insect without fear. She was only a little late, and no one ever camped this close to the lake, so she knew she was safe from any harm. Even so, she began forming an excuse for her tardiness in her mind, know how Naria was going to react.

[Elf Prince Tekkarro]

(((OOC: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!)))

James stared at the fire before him, throwing another piece of firewood into the pit as flames licked his fingers. He couldn't stop replaying the events of the day over and over in his mind. This village's custom of what they held as a great celebration disgusted him, and he wanted to help sincerely. But how do you help somebody who would rather give up their own freedom then go against tradition. He frowned slightly as he continued prodding the embers with the tip of his sword. As he did, he glanced up and down the blade. Now that it was nightfall and he was alone, he had no reason to hide his sword, or his royalty.

The sword he held over the fire was magnificent indeed, and one of the very few things he had left from his past. It's blade shone a brilliant silver in the moonlight, and it's wicked edge was adorned with jewels of every color and shape, shining in perfection. As the blade met the hilt, the metal became gold instead. Jewels still laced the thin delicate metal, and a grip was made of a dyed red rope tied tightly across it's middle. The rope had never frayed or been damaged in any of the battles he had fought in. Another enchantment of his father's he supposed it had been. The final touch was a thin line of elven script, very close to the hit but still lingering on the blade. In English, roughly translated it said "To he who fights for the light, yet is trapped amongst shadows."

James lifted the blade from the fire and touched the tip. It had been over the flames for a few minutes, yet the silver was still chilling to the touch. This sword had been his father's, a great spellblade, and there were powers and mysteries hidden in it that he had yet come to even understand. He sheathed the sword once more. He looked across the lake, gazing at the reflection of the beautiful moon in it's waters. Before his very eyes, the moon appeared to him like a single gray eye, staring down at him. He sighed and turned toward the forest, traversing out. "Naria, I do hope you come around..."


The man trudged forward through the thick brush of the damned forest, pressing onward, sprinting though his longs felt as if they would burst at any moment. The rags he wore showed he had escaped from prison only moments before, and he knew the guards were still hot on his trail. But what did that matter now that he was free? HE could do whatever he wanted, he just needed to ditch the clothes and make sure he was not spotted. He continued plowing through the forests, knocking trees and limbs from his face. His matted, gray hair already was blinding him, he did not need any further obstructions of his sight.He finally made it to a somewhat clearer patch and as he turned to make a left, he saw a Small child blocking his path. His eyes widened, and he grew frightened. He knew that either the girl would tell somebody, or that her being in his way would slow him down enough for the guards to catch him again. He walked forward slowly, hands outstretched to throttle the miserable child, as he muttered to himself "I don't have time for this..." But before he could reach the girl, he felt the world go dark, and he collapsed.

James withdrew his hand from the man's back, where he struck the spinal cord just to stop the flow of energy to simulate sleep in the man. "I've been tracking that bugger for a while now, wondering where he would run off to." he muttered,t thinking of the gold he would get for the return of this murderer. He lifted the pile of logs back onto his shoulder, investigating the small child inf front of him. As his eyes adjusted fully to the dark, he felt he recognized her from somewhere. Then it hit him. He crouched to get to her level. "Aren't you NAria's little sister? What are you doing out here late at night? Can you not see it is dangerous?"

[rpgoddess]

Pippa froze, blinking rapidly as her mind tried to process what had just happened, and what had almost happened. She gaped at the elf from earlier as if completely daft. Then, without a moment of warning, her bottom lip began to quiver and her voice came out watery, "I-I was trying to catch a firefly for Nari, it was perfect, I thought, I thought that she wouldn't mind that I was a little late because I was bringing her a gift, its always been safe here, always, that man, he-he..." Her dark eyes darted to the motionless form. "Is he dead?" She asked in a tiny voice.


Meanwhile, Naria was beside herself with worry. She had warned Pippa not to stray after dark, the festivities had brought all sorts of people to the village and she was not too sheltered to realize that not all of them were good people. With a mock oath she jammed her feet back into her leggings and slipped on her soft soled slippers. It took only moments to douse the cook fire and cover the pot of stew before she wrapped a scarlet cloak about her shoulders and set off into the night.

Naria wandered for a bit, unsure of what direction to look in and unwilling to waste to much time in the wrong one. She stopped and closed her eyes, breathing in the chilly night air and lifting her face to the moon. "Pipp, where are you." She whispered softly. She had to think, where would Pippa be most likely to wander too? She opened her eyes and glanced at the village, still illuminated by the fires in the center of the dirt street. Then she cast her gaze to the moon, shinning high above the lake. The lake! She felt her blood quicken and turned to step onto the winding path that would take her to the water's edge. "Please, please be there." She murmured as her foot steps whispered beneath her.

Pippa was too curious and stubborn for her own good. This wasn't the first time she had wandered off and wasn't likely to be the last. Yet tonight Naria felt genuine worry for her little sister. With the combination of Pippa's tardiness and the emotions warring inside of her about the days ahead, Naria was feeling quite run down. She needed to get away, from all of this. She had wanted to find her father, to know him, she wanted more than a life of servitude to a man she did not know. Her mother had wanted those things as well, and the Elders had put a stop to it. Resistance didn't seem like an option. Yet, she had a willing ally, if she would only considered his offer with seriousness. What had he said?

"The plan involves her being able to live her life with the money and luxury she may deserve, but the independence she also craves. And if she were to have any siblings, they too would Be taken care of." His smooth voice rang clear in her mind. What had he meant by such an offer? She desperately wanted to trust him, yet what if he meant only to forgo the competition and claim her hand without proving himself. Was that his motive? Or was he truly offering her a way out of all of this, a way to be her own person for the first time in her life? Temptation had a sweet flavor, if nothing else, James Tekkarro had taught her that. Never had she considered defying the Elders, or anyone, but now...now it felt like she had a choice.

[Elf Prince Tekkarro]

James frowned and raises a gloved hand tot he girl's face,w iping the tears away- "Hush now child, do not weep, I was only asking for I am sure your sister is worried about you." he assured her. He looked down at the man she had mentioned and he laughed. "Oh dear no, I would never kill." he lied to her. The last hing he needed was the child to fear him, and a little white lie had never hurt anyone. He poked the man with his hand testing, and looked back up at her with a kind smile. "See, he is a bad man my dear, so I simply made him feel so sleepy, he decided to nap right now. He will awaken eventually, but by then he will safely be int he arms of the law." he explained to her. HE stood back up, lifting the logs onto one shoulder, and after little effort lifted the very bulky man onto his light, thin frame. HE smiled at the girl and gestured with his head back to wards his camp. "Come on dear, I shall escort you back to your sister, I'm sure she's worried by now." he began to walk, hoping she followed, when he had an idea. The girl had been through what was most likely a terrifying experience. SO he reached out with his mind, calling upon what little nature magic he knew, and opened his eyes in time to see a large group of fireflies come cluster around him and the girl both. He managed to make one land on her nose, and he turned around to smile at her.

[rpgoddess]

(Pippa is a supporting Character, you are welcome to control her when you are comfortable with doing so.)

Pippa swatted at the firefly instinctively, but as soon as it took an spiraling dive toward the ground she jumped and cupped her hands beneath it with a look of sheer terror. "Oh no, no, no, I'm sorry little light!" She breathed as she let the insect float into her hands and brought it up to her face. She whispered something to the little flashing bug and smiled at it a moment before turning her attention to James and skipping up to his side, careful to take up on the side opposite of the man dangling from his shoulder. "Nari will like this one." She said in a happy tone, apparently completely recovered from her recent terror. As most young girls do. She looked about a moment then back up at James. "I'm Pippa, but you probably knew that, and Nari said your name was James, so there's no need to tell me." She said. Then without warning, "Do you want to marry her too? I mean, are you going to compete? I think it is just so romantic, warriors from all across the land battling over your hand, only the strongest man will win." Pippa sighed dreamily. "I can't wait until it's my turn. Nari is daft not to be happy about the attention!" She finished.

Naria on the other hand was actually half-mad with worry when she came up to the end of the path and face to face with the inky dark water of the lake. Pippa was no where in sight. With effort she slowed her breathing and willed her heart to slow as well so that she could listen to her surroundings. The hushed sounds of the night were lulling and peaceful, which meant Pippa was no where close by. Then the snap of a twig shattered the silence and sent Naria spinning about to find a sodded man leering at her from behind.

"You aren't supposed to be here." She issued immediately, her voice more steady than she felt. The man chuckled and stepped forward, allowing her a good view of him, he was massive, thick and strong, his arms nearly as big a round as her waist, his hair was dark, perhaps brown and his eyes a lighter shade, set in a cruel sweat-slick face. He smelled horrible, like whiskey and horse, and his clothes were dirty and clung to his solid form.

"Nor are you, I'd wager. Meeting a friend?" The man replied with a sneer.

"No, that is, it is none of your business." Naria countered with a lifted chin.

"Oh but I've made it my business. Now, who is it you had hoped to find? Dare I hope that you have seen me from afar and came in search of my company." He slurred in an heavily accented voice. He sounded well-bred, but his appearance did nothing to credit that.

Naria made a snorting sound and rolled her eyes. "I would never-" She began but her words died abruptly when the man's hand shot out lightening fast and closed around her upper arm like a vice. He licked his lips as he hulled her close and his putrid breath feathered over her face. Terror settled deep in her stomach, cold and hard as she stared up into his flashing eyes. They were green, she could see them now. "No!" She panicked. "I am the Maiden!" She added.

The man frowned and pushed her away. "Pardon." He murmured and wiped his brow. For a moment Naria thought he would leave, but then he turned his too white smile on her again. "Then I will win you." He said grabbing her hand and lifting it to his moist lips. Naria cringed as he planted a kiss on her palm, and yanked her fingers free of his grasp. "One week, love. Until then." He said before turning away and disappearing back into the shadows.

Naria sagged with relief once his footfalls were too distant to follow, she hugged herself tightly and forced her mind to clear. There was no way she was going to be won by a brute of that like, and what if they were all like that? "Pippa, focus on finding Pippa." She told herself out loud.