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Licornah Arrives In Dragon Fen {1-8-351 SKR}

Licornah gave thanks for her exit out of Pandemonium. She was happy to have the moon and sun to wash over her. She forgot in just a few days how important it was to her. But now, she had to determine her course forward. Her primary duty was to the cats and ensuring their safety, happiness, and return to their homes or to remain with the group. The hadn't asked her to stay, so perhaps that wasn't an option.

The group was decidedly undecided about her presence with them, and she unsure of them. They hadn't exactly given her a welcome -- but she knew from her studies that adventurers didn't always eagerly accept strangers. She also had to remind herself to let her guard down and share herself with them to allow them to know her. The Silvermaiden had told her when she left Moonspring that she should stay with the cats, but now, they were going to their destinations -- at least she hoped. Rimal, Chocolate, Brynce, and Nightshade had been good companions in Pandemonium, they hadn't needed words. In many ways, communicating with the cats was easier than non-animals. While the Duergar were loud, messy, and rude, they hadn't bothered them and thankfully they didn't have to stay there long.

She knew she needed to accompany Rimal back to his mistress -- if nothing else, but to confirm that she was the rightful place for him and that he'd be in good care. She needed to find homes for the other cats -- surely, they had homes, even if it meant they lived in the woods and enjoyed mice and birds. It pained her that it was their preferred food, but she had learned to respect nature's rules around food.

She had communed in the sun about what she should do next, divining to hear the words of Lurue and understand her next steps. She reached out and heard a vast of nothing. She sighed deeply and decided to sleep on it. Part of her longed to return to Moonspring and Silvermoon. Walking along the River Rauvin and hearing the laughter of the animals. But, she was enjoying the challenge of venturing out on her own and spreading her proverbial wings as she learned and grew. If not this group, perhaps there was another group seeking a priestess who could assist and show her the area.

She was more than a bit troubled at the prospect of vampires nearby -- it was a throw back to when she had encountered the Wizards of Thay. They thought about the horrid group, dedicating their lives to all that she and her fellow followers of Lurue were not. They sought slavery and undeath as a means to further their cause and gain followers. Their largest saving grace was that they enjoyed fighting one another more than they did fighting outsiders. Their is a rumor that they keep black unicorns -- an insult to all that Lurue represents. She hoped that she wouldn't have to encounter the vampires soon.

Her thoughts returned to the cats and ensuring their safety. That was the focus, that was the priority. And then, what would be... would be. She again gave thanks to Lurue and all that she had provided. She trusted that she'd provide a path forward that would be best. She stood and headed back to the group to join Rimal for the journey to "Maya".

A Home For The Cats {1-8-351 SKR}

Present: N'laea, Bixi, Indigo, Howard, Talwin, Lanek, Inn Occupants.

While Rimal was off to Hiyal with Branwyn, Licornah, Raelynn, and Craigh, the others were left at the Inn with the three other cats they'd found in Pandemonium: the smallish elven cat, a black panther, and a leopard. If the felines were still disoriented from the being brought back from Pandemonium, N'laea couldn't tell. They'd each found the perfect spot in the sun to lay in as they waited, but it was something N'laea could at least fully understand. Still, whether or not it was where they wanted to stay was a different question.

She glanced at the panther and the leopard (which one was Chocolate and which one was Brynce? and what was a "chocolate"?) before turning to the cat she'd spoken to before: the little Elvish cat she'd heard Licornah call Nightshade. Whether or not that was what the cat called itself, she did not know, but there was only one way to find out.

Holding off on her spell, instead resorting first to the language she'd been taught, N'laea sat near Nightshade, the Elven Cat, and asked, "You are done tumbling through that darken world. Where do you wish to go now? Is your partner still alive or do you wish for a new one? That Elven Priestess called you Nightshade, if that is still what you want to be known as, and I know she wishes to find homes for you three. What home do you need?"

The Elven cat twitched her ears at N'laea's words but studiously continued to clean her paws and lounge in the sun.

N'laea smiled, as she said, "Unlike your companions, I know you understand me. I do not need acknowledgement. There is plenty worth in simply listening."

"I do not if you are from this plane or another. There are forests, elves, and sunlight here, though, once you pass through this Mist," said N'laea as she opened her travel pack and rummaged through it. "There is a forest nearby with two of those three things as well, or places farther away with all three. There is this group you have met who travels often. There is this inn, as well, although it is not the best spot long-term. There is no room to roam and too few rats to hunt."

N'laea stood up, snapping a branch off a tree with a small note of thanks, and came back near the Elven cat, still eyeing the other two felines as well. Perhaps they could understand, or perhaps not, but she could potentially get attention from them. She took out the twine she found, tied it securely to the branch she held, and flicked the end near the cats, before gently pulling it back towards her.

"You can try to find a place on your own, of course. I half expect it, but you have ones within this group to easily command, who'll do whatever it is you wish them to do to find you a perfect place to live," continued N'laea, casually moving the toy around, seeing whose attention she'd gathered. "Sunlight and afternoon naps are nice, but think of what else you could gain."

As N'laea twitched the string and brnach in front of the Elven cat it's ears perked up to listen to her talking. Stretching and laying on its side feeling safer and more open. As it reached just subtly towards the end of the string...

WHAM a heavy black body slammed into N'laea with a mouth gripping her fist. As N'laea reacted a deep voice called out STOP and the panther released N'laea from it's grip.

Another Summary {1-8-351 SKR}

Present: Maya, Namsut, Random Guy, Branwyn, Raelynn, Licornah, Craigh, Rimal.

"But there must be more to your story," said Maya, insistent.

"So embellishments," replied Raelynn, nodding. She paused, before she corrected herself, "Well, details?" As Maya looked on, expectantly, Raelynn continued, "Hmm, okay..."

"So first we had to figure out WHERE it was Rimal ran of to, right? So after you two left, we found the pool you spoke of and looked in it. It was grim," said Raelynn, shivering slightly. "Some bodies hanging off a bridge, a ceaseless wind, a river making everything around it wet, some dwarves hauling who knows what! And darkness everywhere! So, um, yes, more than just simply picking out what earrings to wear for the morning."

"Which you picked out quite a beautiful pair this morning!" said Raelynn in compliment, briefly distracted, before she continued, "But anyways, Branwyn knows a few things more than most of us, and clearly we needed a plan. So we made some cards to communicate with each other, and some harnesses so no one would blow away, but we needed to find where Rimal was since that place looked like a big place with lots of hiding spots. Oh, and earplugs! Wind like that would drive anything crazy."

"After we made our preparations, Branwyn brought us back to that spot so she could scry where Rimal was hiding out. These two, BIG snakes tried to sneak up on us by the river bank, but Bixi," Raelynn looked around, remembered the gnome wasn't there, and shrugged. "Well she's not here not, she decided to stay back at the inn, but she charmed them so they'd leave us alone. But it didn't matter because Branwyn brought us back again because, well, it's really hard to communicate when you can't hear, and none of us can read lips or sign hands, and while we did make cards, they were pretty basic."

"Apparently Branwyn saw Rimal tumbling around, and some dark figure, but couldn't tell much else. I DID say it was really dark there, right? And windy? Anyways, it was enough that we feared Rimal was in trouble so, once we knew we were all ready again, Branwyn managed to bring us to that exact spot! Which was apparently a tower? I think?"

"I don't know HOW Rimal got there, or anything, you'll have to ask Licornah, who we've never met before Pandemonium, but they were in that tower, and those evil dwarves were coming after us, so we had to get out of there. I mean, there wasn't a reason to stay and fight. Make love, not war! Although we did have to fight some of them. We decided to leave before more came, so we grabbed Rimal, and convinced Licornah to come, too," Raelynn lowered her voice some, whispering, "Who wants to be left behind in a dark, dank place anyways? It'll ruin your complexion." Back to normal tone, she continued, "And brought her plus the other cats back home, to the Inn that Namsut went to before."

"And then we, um, came here. That's also from Branwyn. Mage magic and such," finished up Raelynn, waving her hand airily above her. "Did I forget anything?"

Cloak Chat {1-8-351 SKR}

"It did not feel right leaving them at the Inn."

They stood at the edge of the Valoris Wood. The elven cat wrapped around N'laea, mischief in her eyes while the panther stared intently into the wood. He behaved this time, reluctantly, after N'laea finally showed the panther her ring and how, if she wanted, she could make him do exactly as she wanted. It didn't feel right, and it was not the path she wanted to take, but at least it was now known. Whether or not it would work on him, if he even was a normal panther, was a different question she hoped he didn't also consider.

"I prefer the woods to that boarding house, but I did not want to bring them in as well without your permission," said N'laea, finishing up, glancing at the panther in particular.

"I should visit that inn," murmured Shi'Nynze, mostly to herself, before bending down. She gave a quick scratch to the Elven cat before looking at the panther who looked back, slow blinked once, to the surprise of N'laea, before returning his attention back to the forest. "Solonor is brother of wolves and lord of the great cats. They would certainly be welcomed."

"Thank you," said N'laea with a simple nod.

"Just don't let them pick any fights with the wolves. Or Yellen. Or Thistle," said Shi'Nynze, standing up, holding in a sigh. "I have enough drama with them. I do not wish for more."

"They will behave," replied N'laea with a hard look at the panther whose ear barely twitched in her direction. "Maybe they will get along."

"Solonor would will it, and if they do, they may find a home here," said Shi, nodding. "But you mentioned a third?"

"A leopard," replied N'laea in confirmation. "Branwyn wishes to see how it behaves with her children. I think it will go well."

"I will stop by later, offer my assistance if it is needed," said Shi'Nynze in acknowledgement. "What do you know about the cats?"

"Nothing. They were in Pandemonim with an Elven Priestess."

"Elven Priestess?"

"Licornah. Grey Elf. Priestess of Lurue? She mentioned unicorns, but I am not as involved with the church to know the name," said N'laea, frowning.

"Lurue? I do not recognize the name. Lurue must not be part of the Seldarine," replied Shi'Nynze, thinking. She shrugged, as she continued, "But if she's a priestess of unicorns, Licornah should meet Jilly. She met a unicorn once, or so she told me."

"I'll mention it when I stop by the boarding house again," said N'laea with a briefest glance behind her. There was a pause before she continued, "There was another reason I wanted to meet with you. Now that it seems possible, you may have ideas on how to... return this."

N'laea opened the small handmade bag she carried for Shi'Nynze to look inside. There was but a single item laying there at the bottom, a bundle of fabric like gossamer moonbeams, shimmering and flowing almost like liquid. A reflection of moonlight hit Shi's widening eyes at the folded up gown. She stepped back and said a small prayer as N'laea carefully closed the bag, tucking it gently back under her arm.

"I thought I had heard... but to see it...," murmured Shi'Nynze, still in a bit of shock.

"We thought to give it to her church, but if it is truly what we think," said N'laea, trailing off a bit and shaking her head. "We have a way to get it directly to her now. It may be a risk, but at least we can keep it safe, know it will not get lost again. But... we know how to go now, but not quite where to go. Rillifane has roots everywhere, but Sehanine..."

"Of course," said Shi'Nynze, quietly. She closed her eyes for a moment, hearing those echoing voices again, before she whispered, "Arvanaith."

There was a long, painful pause before Shi took in a slight, shuddering breath. With caution, N'laea, said, "You are welcome to..."

"No," said Shi'Nynze, quickly, abruptly. There was a haunting light in her eyes, as she continued, with attempts to be calmer, "If I go, I will not return. Not again."

"Okay," said N'laea, simply, curiously, but knowing it was not her place to ask. Still careful, she asked, "But as to where...?"

"It may overwhelm, like feywine," replied Shi'Nynze, quietly, almost wistfully, looking off into the distance. She sighed again, forcing herself back into the present. "I know Branwyn will want to be as direct as possible, but that is not wise there. You will want space between you and the palace, time to adjust, to... to understand. It is essential you get that back to the Goddess of Moonlight, but it will be difficult to do if you lose yourselves in the process. She may seek you out herself, instead."

"That seems wise. Thank you. I will pass it along," said N'laea. She hesitated for only a moment, before she added, "And I am sorry for..."

Shi'Nynze shook her head, both telling her an apology was not needed, but also that she did not want to speak of it. There was a pause, before she said, once again in that quiet, slightly haunted voice, "Just... if you... if you meet a Ruavain, an Ellidor... a Zaurahel, an Uladi... tell them... thank you, that I am okay, that I love them, and that I will return next time."

"You have my word," replied N'laea with a formal bow. She cleared her throat lightly, as she straightened back up, as she continued, "I will return to the boarding house for a few things and be back later."

"Thank you," said Shi'Nynze, lightly, a little lost still. She turned away as she continued, "I think I will go... pray."

At The Boarding House {2-8-351 SKR}

There was slightly less bustle about the boarding house than when N'laea stepped foot inside, very briefly, the night before. It was still all the more reason to find lodging elsewhere. The cats had reluctantly followed her back, wanting to stay at the forest, but she did not trust them yet to be without supervision. Promises of picking up some more cheese and meat to bring back were likely the only reasons they followed. They could not hunt cheese.

She found Raelynn and Bixi mixing up some morning tea, bitterness wafting towards her. Without pause, Bixi grabbed a glass once it was poured and hurried as fast as her legs could carry her towards the room where Craigh was sleeping. If N'laea listened close enough, she could hear the still faint wheezing in his breathing. At least he was still breathing.

"I thought you were staying at the forest," said Raelynn, looking up, confused. She poured two glasses of tea from a different pot, a sweeter smell to it, and set them carefully on a tray.

"I have a visit to make and supplies needed," replied N'laea, holding up the small bag. The cats stared at it from the window outside. "You wanted me to keep hold on this, too?"

Raelynn glanced over at the handcrafted bag, made with love and her limited protective spells, before turning her attention back to the tea. She nodded, saying, "You're harder to find right now."

N'laea nodded in agreement, tucking it back carefully into her pack. She watched Raelynn carefully, the conversation from not too long ago still on her mind. Where exactly did half-elves go? In the past, it was less a question and simply a statement of fact that Arvanaith was for full elves as far as anyone knew. But perhaps she was finally softening a little to the half-elf in front of her, earlier irritations turning to concerns.

With slight hesitation, hard to detect when the other was preoccupied, N'laea asked, "Raelynn, have you ever had... feywine?"

Raelynn paused, looking at N'laea with that same confusion, and perhaps a bit of annoyance, at the seemingly random question, before she replied, hesitation much more clear, "Um, well... I... don't remember. I mean, I'm sure I did. It was very dreamlike, but... the temple is really careful about it since... since not all of us might... handle it well."

"I had wondered," said N'laea, more to herself.

"I can handle it better than most," replied Raelynn, frowning.

"I did not suggest otherwise. I am simply thinking," said N'laea, carefully, to mollify her.

There was a slight pause before Raelynn picked up the tray, saying, "Sometimes you think too much."

N'laea simply shrugged. Supplies in hand, she turned towards the door. "You know where to find me, but I will check on you in a day or two. Tell your new admirer I am interested in potentially swapping languages if and when he is up for it, and let Licornah know if Jilly claims she's seen a unicorn, apparently that is true. Perhaps she'll stop by today."

Raelynn's eyes lit up with that knowledge, nodding to N'laea as she left, before she took the tray of tea over to where Bixi and the Mist sick occupants waited.

Pondering a non-Moonspring existence {2-8-351 SKR}

takes place in the days after recovering from the Mistickness (Mist sickness??
:smirk::)whilst the training and other activities are happening with the others::

Licornah was grateful that the Mistickness (her term for whatever it was) was finally subsiding. It had not been a good feeling. She had to wonder what research or preventative measures she could take to avoid that -- she didn't want to lose her abilities again in the future. She actively spent time seeking out anyone identified ill (regardless of her abilities), to help them mend as well as could be expected. She was grateful that many of those she encountered were in good health and required little intervention -- she took it to mean that they were well cared for by their fellow settlers. Licornah also was seeking to befriend and meet the local fauna, which proved to be an interesting experience. It seems that the settlers of this area don't speak to them often and as a result, they were more skittish and shy than she experienced back home. She is hoping that with each attempt, they will start to come around and she can make peace with the creatures.

According to her calendar, on the evenings of the twin moons, she instead saw only sky and some stars. It was disheartening, but a reality she would need to manage. She followed the normal ritual and gave her thanks to Lurue for all she provided. She was thankful for the opportunity meet new creatures and journey beyond Moonspring. She was hoping the future would bring her and where it would take her, but she hoped the moons would be there. She continued her nightly rituals as if the moons where beaming down on her.

She ensured she took time daily to chat with the group and get to know Gerry and Youtargim as well. Their initial encounters were fraught with controversy and mistrust and she wanted to work to earn and demonstrate trust. They all seemed to like one another and their everyday lives were "normal". Licornah put aside her concerns about Vampires (but made note to try and find local journals / annals / storytellers that might have information to help her learn more about them and the area and reduce her internal fears but increase her local knowledge.) Gerry seemed amenable and willing to share a few tales that he could. She in turn shared stories from home of her lands and people. She also offered to cook -- given her upbringing on a farm, it was second nature. Perhaps he was nervous about her ability as he seemed to decline her offer more than not.

She also wanted to use these daily encounters to try and understand why they needed to journey to the Nine Hells of Baator. She sincerely hoped it would be the first or second layer and not one of the deeper ones. This would definitely be a tale to record in her journal for her family to read (and maybe herself) later. She'd heard from others in Moonspring about those who had gone and never returned or if they returned, were not the same as prior to their visit. She hadn't gleaned more than they initially shared that they were on a "returning spree" to give items back. She'd just have to play it by ear. Given some of the weight constraints they had mentioned perhaps they wouldn't have need of her abilities for the journey. She'd not have to be too eager to do anything and wait for an invitation. She had much to learn about their world and what they did.

Finally, she took time each day to record her experiences and interactions in her journal to later share with her family back home. It was their simple request when she left. Some days, the recordings were mundane tasks or recounting a simple walk. Other days, it was more involved. She shared the story of the silly squirrel, Fio was the name she gave her. Fio got just "so" close and the retreated to her tree perch. Licornah left her some nuts and dried fruit and sat to wait. The squirrel approached to retrieve the goods only to be startled when she realized the elven priestess was there and scurried away. Licornah retreated and tried to hide herself from the squirrel, only to have Fio fall on top of her head when she came back again. They haven't seen each other since. She laughed to herself as she wrote about the encounter.

(insert six years worth of stories here) - Dragon Fen Conversations

Memories Bring Back

While being conscious was preferred, N'laea did not feel any better. Moreso than ever previously, her lungs ached for fresh air not found, for Arvandor to fill them again. Gods, she did not expect it to be as difficult as it was to come back, and yet she'd barely stepped foot in actual Arvanaith. She honestly wasn't convince she had.

Rather than dwell on it, N'laea slipped out the minute she could escape the little gnome's watch, so much sharper than her master. It was not that she was ungrateful to Bixi or Craigh for checking on them, and helping them recover, but the boarding house just made everything feel stuffier and unhealthy. She needed forest, conversation, and distraction.

"I admit I am surprised you returned," said Shi'Nynze with a lightness too heavy to be natural.

They sat in the little patch of forest N'laea was slowly sculpting as her own near the unofficial shrine for Rillifane. Even as she'd been told six years had passed, very little had changed. A few more saplings, a few new inhabitants, but nothing drastic. It had only been six years, not six decades, although apparently the humans had thought that excessive. N'laea wasn't quite sure how Raelynn would take it once she found out.

"If Rillifane asked me to stay, I would have, but as he did not, I must believe there is more to be done here before it is my time," replied N'laea, watching Shi carefully examine the quiver and arrows she was given - she wanted the opinion of the priestess on the gift. There was a brief pause, before she added, a bit softer, "I am sorry. I did not see them. We did not explore nor spend much time there, but none I saw had your resemblance or spoke the names you gave me."

Shi'Nynze shook her head, solemnly, as she said, "It was a small hope, perhaps too much of one to have held, but I will see them again when it is my time. Perhaps I'll finally have my answer then."

N'laea nodded, waiting patiently until Shi'Nynze handed back the quiver, before asking, "What do you think?"

"I find it odd that you are questioning it," replied Shi, guardedly and delicately. "A gift directly from a deity... so very few hold such an honor. Are you not grateful for it?"

"I am not ungrateful for it. I am... cautious," said N'laea, carefully. "She spoke of what the other gifts did, but this, and two others, she did not. The other two hold clear secrets, that much is certain, but I cannot tell with this one."

"You will have to ask Branwyn to take a look, but I would be mindful of how Sehanine Moonbow may interpret your feelings if you let them be known," replied Shi, still as cautious as before, and perhaps with a hint of anxiety.

"I know the dance well," said N'laea, quietly sighing, as she put the quiver away with care. There was a brief pause, before she continued, just as softly as before, "My parents often do this."

"Your parents?" asked Shi'Nynze, instantly curious at the mention from the secretive wood elf.

N'laea gave a simple nod, saying, "They would give my younger sister something clearly useful, wonderful, memorable while they would give me... something to simply say they did. There is a festival where children are given flowers by their loved ones. My sister received an orchid, and I, a dandelion. One is grown with care, love, and purpose while the other, in such context, is a common flower, but a flower, nonetheless, and so fulfilled the purpose of the gift."

"But why would your parents do that?" asked Shi'Nynze, clearly confused. Her mind briefly flashed back to her own childhood, but while it was always obvious her own mother had been more protective of her than her brother, there hadn't been any favoritism between them.

It took N'laea a moment to wrestle with indecision before deciding it may be worth explaining. Shi'Nynze had proven herself so far, and, for better or worse, would understand far better than someone like Raelynn. Besides, she didn't want the priestess to misinterpret the reasons for her caution.

"I am the oldest in my family," replied N'laea, slowly, matter-of-factly. "When my mother was pregnant, the shaman told her she was carrying two, but when she gave birth, there was only one. I do not know if I had a twin that did not survive, or if the shaman was wrong, but my parents have never forgiven me for it."

"Forgiven you?" repeated Shi, incredulous. "For what? Being born?"

There was only the briefest pause, as N'laea gave her an indiscernible look, before she turned her attention to the trees, and continued, "As a child, I had to learn to be dutiful, to blend in. So many thought I was a bad omen, I could not give them reason to seal those beliefs. I had the protection of any Elven child, few as we had, but only enough. Our clan hasn't faired any worse, so some now believe the shaman was simply wrong, but not my parents. I may not be a bad omen, but I took away a good one. So they cared for me, as I am still their child, but only just. They would assist, but only as much as they could without being judged by the clan. And if I fail, the clan will say my parents at least tried, but my parents will not be too upset by it."

"N'laea, that's horrible," whispered Shi'Nynze, shocked.

N'laea simply shrugged at a part of her past, as she continued, "I believe Rillifane sends me on these journeys as a compromise. With distance, we get along better, and I am still willing to answer the call of my clan if they ever wish for my assistance. If I had stayed, I would have grown bitter and full of hatred, but from here, I can understand the reasons for their actions and offer them pity, instead."

There were many things Shi'Nynze wanted to say or do, but none of them sit quite right. She wanted to offer a hug, but the wood elf next to her did not seem like the kind that'd want it. The more Shi'Nynze thought on it, the more certain she was that, for now, N'laea wanted her to just accept what she offered as fact without any need for emotional return.

"So you do not trust the gift from the mother diety of Elves because you do not trust your own mother to look out for you," commented Shi'Nynze, quietly, after some time passed.

"If Rillifane asked me to stay, I would have," repeated N'laea, carefully. "He did not, but there were many there who had hoped for me to stay. If Sehanine Moonbow truly wanted me to remain on this Plane, and help me survive this upcoming journey, then why not be more forthcoming? What if she rather I return to her sooner, and this quiver is simply a quiver? I do not think she wants me to fail in the way my own mother might, but ...I do not know how much she wants me to succeed, as my failure could benefit her, in the end."

"Faernsuor Tira’allara believes they'll intervene if they do not think it is our time. I have never considered the possibility that they may act if they decide it is our time," replied Shi'Nynze, hesitantly, biting her cheek in thought. Carefully, she continued, "But I have a hard time believing she would act as such after what you did for her. Most of the Seldarine are... hard to understand at times, but none of them are evil. I am certain, once Branwyn looks at it, you'll find your gift to be very useful."

N'laea nodded, slowly, as she replied, "Perhaps I am being too conceited, and I am simply coming to terms with these memories the trip stirred up. I am sorry to have pestered you with them."

"You do not have to apologize for your memories or feelings. Not all of us had good childhoods," replied Shi'Nynze, gently. She gave a small smile, as she continued, "My father and uncle are twins. I would not say they bring good fortune to my clan because they are twins, but that they, as individuals, bring good fortune because they are good people. I don't think you need to be a twin to do that."

"Thank you," replied N'laea, quietly.

Shi'Nynze returned that morning to check on N'laea. She knew how bad Mist Sickness could be, and she couldn't help but to worry. When Shi found her, lightly dozing on a lower branch, she wasn't as sick as Shi'Nynze expected, or, more likely, now knowing some of her past, she hid it well.

"I brought you some food, tea, and tinctures," said Shi'Nynze as N'laea woke and cautiously made her way back to the ground. "I've dealt with enough Mist Sickness, for myself and others, that I was certain you may still need something to help it pass."

"Thank you," replied N'laea in the slow, careful manner of someone not used to, or perhaps not comfortable with, someone caring. Again something that now made sense to Shi'Nynze.

After a moment of consideration, Shi'Nynze prompted, gingerly, "I had wondered, if I may ask... back in Loosend, a few years ago, when we first crossed paths... was that your younger sister?"

N'laea had sat down on the ground to eat, tiring as it currently was to stand. She looked up at Shi'Nynze, confused, before understanding reached her. She first gave a nod of understanding before shaking her head, taking a small bite of bread, as she said, "Not my younger blood sister, no."

"Oh," replied Shi, uncertainly.

The wood elf gave her a rare smile, as she continued, "Another blessing from Rillifane, I believe. A chosen family to make up for my own. Your clergy takes in stragglers as well?"

"Yes," replied Shi'Nynze, nodding. "He is not known for it, but some travel to Divaekah specifically for Him. It is easier to house those without homes or family at our shrine there."

"We do the same. I do not know for yours with your cities, but my people... perhaps for how we live or where we live, there are always orphans. Rillifane offers them refuge for service," said N'laea, pausing to sip the tea gratefully. She gave a slight shrug, as she continued, "Over time, I became an older sister to many them as I could not be to my own."

"I thought you were trying to escape notice in Loosend," said Shi, confused.

"I was," replied N'laea, the smile briefly returning. "I could not let her win at Hide and Seek after all, now could I?"

All Work And No Play

Raelynn sat at one of the tables in the common area of the boarding house, tapping her lips with a quill in thought. She hadn't exactly been happy to hear six years had passed, but it wasn't like it had been twelve or twenty, right? Her friends back at the temple would have hardly aged, while she was still young and beautiful, so she couldn't be too upset.

But her mother was human, and while Raelynn was much better about keeping track of time than her father had been, six years was pushing it with no contact. A trip to Dryads Lair wasn't exactly possible at the moment, especially with how she was feeling, but she could at least write her mother a letter. She just wasn't quite sure exactly what to write.

Before Raelynn could decide, a book was slammed down on the table in front of her as Thistle, somehow older yet still the same as Raelynn remembered, plopped down in the seat across, saying, without prompt, "I brought this for what's-his-face to read."

Befuddled, Raelynn picked up the book, and saw the title "The Polishing" before she opened the cover where a brief summary was written: Home ravaged by war, a farmer and his family attempt to escape. But as winter sets in, they get trapped at an inn before they reach their destination. There, they try to make ends meet, but not before spirits and monsters start twisting their minds. Can the farmer's daughter, the only one who notices these strange events, with her gift of polishing, save them before its too late?

"The Polishing?" asked Raelynn, uncertainly.

"Daniella, the daughter in the story, can see things clearly, kinda of like when you polish silver, you know?" replied Thistle, shrugging. "It was an interesting premise, quite creepy. I liked it."

"And you brought this for who to read?"

"What's-his-face! You know, with the genies or something?"

"Youtargim?"

"Sure."

"He's into things like this?" asked Raelynn, as confused as ever.

"Oh, I have no clue. I don't actually care if he gets it," replied Thistle, shrugging. She suddenly grinned, as she continued, "But it did give me a perfect excuse to get away and come visit."

"Get away from what?" asked Raelynn, feeling like she was still missing something.

Thistle paused, giving her almost a look of pity, as she said, "I thought you'd handle it better. Did being away six years really throw you off?"

"No, I...," Raelynn paused, shook her head, and cleared her thoughts. It hadn't, had it? She set her quill down, saying, "I was trying to think of what to write to my mother."

"You have plenty of time to figure that out," said Thistle, rolling her eyes. "But I need to be gone long enough Nevin stops waiting for me and takes care of the kids himself. I swear, he makes me want to run back to Ghostwood. If I wanted to take care of kids, I'd be having my own by now! I'm not free labor here."

"I'm actually surprised you haven't by now," replied Raelynn, giving up on the letter to focus on the present. "You're.... you were really into romance before I left."

"Yeah, well... things didn't quite go as I thought they would all those years ago. Well, they did, but I wasn't ready for it," said Thistle, frowning. She sighed and rubbed her forehead. "I guess I hadn't really understood how... chaotic it'd get with Branwyn gone so long. I'd been considering going home to see my family, see if grandmother was still around, and just ...see what happened, maybe find someone there, but... they needed me here. The longer Branwyn was gone, the more suspicious I had to be of anyone who showed interest in me. Some of those impersonators and wannabes were... ambitious, using any way in they could find."

"I'm sorry," said Raelynn with a hint of guilt.

Thistle shook her head, saying, "It's given me time to try to figure out what I want to do. I was born a gypsy, raised by an elf, and am... something or another to a Countess. Thankfully, I've had six years to put off an identity crisis."

"Um," replied Raelynn, not sure how to comfort her, but Thistle simply grinned, slapping the table.

"And I can put it off a little longer. Now give me the gossip! Tell me how it went! Indigo kind of told us at dinner, but he's really bad at giving up the good details, you know?"

"Good details?" asked Raelynn, suddenly feeling as if she was the one stuck in the past as Thistle plowed forward without pause.

"Yeah! You know: the romance, the adventure, the gore! And Shi isn't here so you don't have to skip any of the details for fear of making her sad!" exclaimed Thistle, leaning forward.

"Oh, it wasn't so... well, I suppose there was quite a bit of gore," replied Raelynn, tiredly. She paused, fingers briefly and lightly pinching the bridge of her nose, before she continued, "I'm sorry, Thistle. This Mist Sickness is stubborn this time."

"How about...," said Thistle as she stood up. She looked around and spotted a kettle. "...I get you some tea and whatever else you need, and fill you in first on what happened here, and then you fill me in next on what happened there? I have all day."

Raelynn thought for a moment before she smiled and rolled up the empty parchment. She was getting nowhere on her letter, and she wasn't keen to sit alone and bored in her room, recovering. She smiled, nodding at Thistle, as she said, "Deal."

Thistle grinned, grabbed some tea, and sat back down. As she pushed a cup toward Raelynn, she said, "Good, but if you spot Nevin, warn me, will ya? I'll need a headstart to run."