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* Dragonsblood, Chapter 17      *
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     Zeph and Elana had met Eldarion at the stables where he
relayed quickly his instructions to Elana, then was off on
some errand to the castle.  Taking their horses (with pack
horses following) the two made it to the courtyard where
they met with Garrison, 'bush' and Walks.
     As they awaited Eldarion's return, Zeph turned to her
old friends and relayed her happiness of their well being. 
Unfortunately there had been little time before for such
things, and Therion's demise had not aided the matter. 
"Garrison," she said with a full smile that barely held back
her tears of joy. "I was so worried. I thought-"
     "Now, now my child," Garrison spoke with a voice that
soothed the young girl.  "All is well. We are together once
more."  He had spoken, neglecting to reflect any of the
concerns that haunted him.  The voyage north, the inevitable
confrontation with the Dark One and the possibility of their
failure.  For now, it was time to rejoice in the company of
a young and free spirit as that which he found in his young
friend.  "It is good to be with you again child.  I am glad
to find you well; as I had expected."
     Soon after the reunion, Eldarion rejoined their ranks
and gracefully mounted his steed as was his custom.
     "Are we ready to go?" asked Zeph expectantly.
---ds
     Eldarion pointed down the street, away from the
stables.  "We're going to meet 'bush' just outside the west
gate an hour after sunset.  For now, we go to see the
assemblage of the Chadwickian Expeditionary Forces." 
Eldarion turned his mare and led the others towards the
parade grounds just outside the wall, where Sir Richard had
asked the forces to assemble.
     In the market, several soldiers grumbled as they
followed a green-tinged halfling around the market.  "I
don't understand why they have to get their own supplies.  I
guess the elf and his companions are just too good for human
army rations."  The halfling turned.  "What were you
saying?"  The soldier muttered something, and shifted his
eyes to an apple vender's stand at the side of the road. 
Several people jostled past them, as the halfling stood
staring at his entourage.  "The barony is reimbursing you
for these supplies, and a soldier's work is not all
fighting.  But we will have no complaints about 'the elf' or
any of our friends.  If there are further problems, we will
have to get other people to carry our supplies."  The
Warden's threat carried well, and there were no more
complaints.  After a few more items, they went back to the
barracks, and 'bush' got a pack-horse.  As for the horse, it
was glad to get of the chance to get out of the city.  The
guards were happy to give the Warden directions to the
parade ground.  'bush' was happy to change direction and
head for the south gate.
---jen

     Vengar was talking with Major Addison in his quarters
when a loud knock interrupted the organizational
discussions.  The two men looked up at each other, wondering
who would be disturbing them so late.  With only a brief
delay, Addison answered the knock.  "Enter!"
     A Home Guard soldier entered.  Once inside the door, he
stepped aside and, standing at attention, reported, "My
apologies for the intrusion, major.  However, I thought you
would want to know that the Elessidel party is preparing to
leave."
     Again, Addison and Vengar exchanged glances.  This
time, Vengar spoke.  "Eldarion certainly doesn't waste time,
does he?"
     Addison smiled back, and turned to the guard and asked,
"Where are they now?"
     "At last report, they were at the stables near the west
gate."
     "Very good, corporal," answered Vengar.  Now, go and
alert Lord Lorendil and Marshal Niari.  I'm sure they would
like to express their farewells."
     "Yes, sir," and the guard turned and left.
     Vengar and Addison left the papers and discussions
concerning the organization of the Home Guard, and quickly
made their way to the stables the soldier had told them
about.  Indeed, the scene of a major build-up of supplies
and equipment surrounded the barracks, but Vengar was
quickly able to make out the fine, Legentor uniform that
distinguished Captain Eldarion Elessidel from the others. 
Around him were the rest of his entourage...Elana and Zeph,
the other two Elessidels, and their companions, 'bush',
Garrison, and
Walks.
---m

     It had only been after he entered the stables that
Eldarion's feelings of being watched disappeared.  He turned
back and watched the Lady Niari walk back towards her
chambers.  When she had safely re-entered the castle main,
he turned back, and continued into the stables, his fingers
lingering on Niari's gift to him.
     His companions awaited him within, along with many
soldiers of the home guard of Chadwick, and stable hands
tightening cinches on their horses.  Garrison, Elana, Zeph
and he would each draw along a pack horse behind them. 
There would not be much to hunt in the frozen wastelands
where they were headed, and =91bush=92 had done a fine job of
acquiring the supplies they would need to get them to
through to Shadowkeep.
     Eldarion turned to a voice he recognized as General Sir
Richard Nadeene's, Steward of Chadwick.  "Well, Captain...I
see that all is ready for your journey."
     Eldarion nodded.  "Indeed sir, but not without greatly
appreciated assistance from your people.  It is good to know
in these dark times that there are folk beyond our elven
kingdom who see the dangers facing Ifreann and are willing
to face them with us."
     The stables were indeed a busy place, as not only were
Eldarion and his companions preparing to leave, but so too
were the soldiery of the Chadickan Expeditiary Force making
preparations to go to war on the other side of the world.
     While he was conversing with Sir Richard, Eldarion
looked as some soldiers of Chadwick parted and saw the
warrior Vengar approaching.
---je
     Walking up to Eldarion, Vengar extended his hand in
greeting.  "Good night to you, sir!  And a fair night it is! 
Will you be traveling under the cover of the darkness, as
appears to be, and not awaiting the light of dawn?"
---m
     Eldarion took Vengar's hand and shook it warmly. 
"Indeed sir!  We shall travel by night as much as possible. 
Though some of the Dark One's minions are stronger by night,
they will have a much more difficult time finding us in the
cloak of night."
As Eldarion spoke, he couldn't help but notice his cousin
Zeph shuffling her feet beyond Vengar.  She didn't even
acknowledge his questioning gaze, her stare intent only on
Vengar.  He could not help but grin at his cousin's first
amorous endeavors.
---je
     Zeph watched as her cousin shook hands with the object
of her most recent obsession and felt her throat thicken
with the anticipation of their departure.  She would miss
this man.  How strange she felt inside.  Warm and fluttering
the sensation was and she shivered despite herself.  She did
not want to say good-bye, but understood it had to be so.
---ds

     Lorendil saw the man approach even before he was before
his door.  He had been keeping a magical eye on the hallway
ever since Eldarion had arrived.  When they had left, he
waited for their return.  And when Niari returned alone, not
more than an hour ago, he watched to make sure no one
disturbed her slumber.  It would be a long day tomorrow, and
she would need all the rest she could get.
     He was dressed in the garb on the Home Guard, and
Lorendil surmised correctly that he had been sent by Sir
Vengar.  As he approached Niari's door and was about to
knock, he thrust an image of himself standing in an open
door over the closed door of his room.  Talking through the
illusion, he addressed the man.
     "Good sir, what news have you that you must disturb the
marshal's sleep?"
     The man jumped, startled at the sudden noise that came
from a man that he knew had not been there a moment before. 
Briefly his mind flashed back to the days when Baron Therion
would pull such tricks, all in good humor.  Lord Lorendil
was like him in certain ways.
     "My apologies, sir, but the Elessidel party is
assembling to depart.  Vengar thought that you and the
marshall would want to know.  They are at the..."
     "Thank you, my good man, I know where they are.  I will
let Marshal Niari know of their departure."
     "Yes, sir," said the soldier, slightly confused since
he hadn't told Lorendil where the assembly was, but he left
anyway.  As soon as he was out of sight, Lorendil dropped
the projection.  Now awake, he quickly dressed and entered
the hall.  He suspected already that Niari knew of
Eldarion's imminent departure, and thought it would be
better that she get the well-deserved and much-needed rest
she was now receiving.  Still, if she was awake...
     He looked carefully through the door, and, slowly at
first, Niari's room came into focus.  He could see that she
was laying with her back to the door, and as a result, he
couldn't immediately tell if she was awake or asleep. 
Calling softly, and careful not to alarm her with the
intrusion, he said, "M'lady, are you awake?  Niari?"
     There was no answer.  After a couple more unsuccessful
attempts, Lorendil was convinced that she was quite deeply
asleep, undoubtedly exhausted by the previous day's hectic
activities.  He left the hall and made his way to the
stables.
     He could see that Vengar and Major Addison had already
arrived and were talking with Eldarion.  As Lorendil
approached, they turned.  "Good evening, friends," he
greeted, "Marshal Niari sends her regrets, and wishes you
well on your journey!"
---m
     Eldarion smiled at Lorendil "My thanks, sir...but the
Lady Niari has already bid me...farewell."
---je
     Lorendil glowered.  He didn't come here to be reminded
about how these two had spent so much time together that
evening.  Still, this was supposed to be a happy parting of
friends, so he made no outward sign of the sour taste that
Eldarion's comment had left in his mouth.
---m
     His smile faded and he arched an eyebrow when Lorendil
seemed to darken and almost glare at him.  But his sister
intervened before he could inquire as to what offense he had
given.  "My apologies, good sirs, but I have some private
words for Lord Lorendil's ears alone."
     Elana put her arm around Lorendil's and drew him away
from the gathering, towards the stable door.  Upon reaching
the darker eve of the doorway, she released Lorendil's arm
and turned towards him.  She looked up at him, and whispered 
"I wanted to personally give you my thanks for all that you
have done for us."
     With those words, Elana Elessidel, known to many
potential suitors as the =93ice princess=94, reached up and
placed her hands about Lorendil's neck, and drew him into a
kiss.  It was a long, and some would consider, passionate
kiss.  When she broke the kiss, she gave Lorendil a quick
smile, and returned to the light to her friends and family. 
Lorendil noticed that Eldarion, Vengar and Major Addison had
witnessed the kiss, and were smiling at him.
---je
     Lorendil was shocked!!  The kiss had caught him
completely unprepared!  Not only did he not expect it, but
he had hardly expected it to come from Elana Elessidel!  He
had no idea that she felt...
     His thought was interrupted when he noticed most of the
others in the room gazing at him, broad smiles on their
faces.  Then he realized that he was blushing.  He hadn't
blushed in probably over several hundred years, having
trained himself to maintain complete control over his
emotional displays.  Despite this, he was blushing, and
heavily, too!  He was absolutely glowing!  Once he realized
this, it was only a matter of self-control before he had
returned to his normally calm composure.
     Before Elana left his side, he said softly, "My thanks,
Lady Elessidel.  And may fortune shine brightly on your
path."  He then bowed in courtesy.
---m
     Eldarion smiled as his sister returned, and then turned
to Vengar and Sir Richard.  There were still matters
regarding the C.E.F. and their operations in elven land that
would need to be addressed.  He hoped to tie up the loose
ends quickly and get an early start on the journey
northwards.
---je&med
     Joreen walked slowly into the stables, her eyes intent
on Eldarion.  Her love was standing in a group of the
C.E.F.'s officers, speaking with an authority and presence
she knew too well.  She stood there for a moment and just
watched.  How the Elessidel blood seemed to fill Eldarion's
being.  Her love came from a House reknown for living life
to the extreme, and her fondest wish was to someday be one
with that House, at Eldarion's side.
     Eldarion was listening to Sir Richard and Vengar going
over the final preparations of the Chadwickan Expeditiary
Force, commenting where knowledge of operations in an elven
theater of war was neccessary.  He glanced up briefly, and
spied Joreen standing in the shadows.  He excused himself,
and walked over to her. 
     As he came to her, she held out her hands, and he took
them and clasped them to his chest.  They just stood there
for several moments, not saying a word.  They drank deeply
of each other's eyes, their love not needing spoken words to
be felt.  Then some whispered words passed between them, in
the elven tongue.  Though most could not understand the
tongue, the evidence shown in the welling of Elana's eyes
gave testament to what was passing between Eldarion and
Joreen.
     Finally, with a great sigh, Eldarion released Joreen's
hands, and the two came out of the shadowy alcove, and
walked back to address Sir Richard, Vengar, and Lorendil. 
"Well....I think it is time.  Commander Acton left word that
he will have everything ready for the C.E.F. upon its
arrival in Tynntangial.  I have every confidence that
Lanceleader Sandor here will give you good service in her
role as your liaison." 
     Vengar nodded.  "I believe your assessment of
Lanceleader Sandor's capabilities to be worthy of note, my
friend.  Trust that she will be well looked-after amidst the
C.E.F."
     Eldarion nodded, with what would best be described as a
look of gratitude for Vengar's words.  He turned, and led
his horse from the stables, followed by Zeph, Garrison,
Elana, =91bush=92 and Walks.  They stopped near one of
Chadwick's smaller gates, and those who would ride, readied
their horses.
     A small force of cavalry had assembled, and would
escort the party out of Chadwick, and would then slowly
seperate into two flanking forces, covering the party until
they reached the borders of the barony. 
     Sir Richard walked over to Eldarion, and shook the
Legentor's hand.  "Good journeys to you sir.  May you be
successful in your endeavors."  Sir Richard than shook the
hand (or paw) of each member of the party in turn.  Vengar
and Lorendil followed suit.  Eldarion was a bit startled at
the strength of Lorendil's farewell handshake, but knew the
elven mage was in earnest when he wished him success.
     Joreen stood there, her eyes welling with tears, which
she would quickly brush away.  She was an officer in the
Legentors, and would act accordingly.  She said farewell to
each of her companions, going so far as to give both Elana
and Zeph a hug before they mounted their horses.  When she
came to Eldarion, she stopped, and breathed in deeply.  She
then saluted the Legentor captain, which he returned
properly.  Joreen turned and stood next to Vengar, as
Eldarion mounted his horse.  Eldarion was raising his hand,
about to give the signal to ride, when, with a cry, Joreen
vaulted herself up to Eldarion and drew him into a kiss. 
Eldarion's arm whipped about her, supporting her and drawing
her towards him.  The two Legentor officers kissed for what
seemed like several moments, before, reluctantly, the kiss
was broken, and Joreen slid from the horses side.  "Elen
sila' lumenn....omentielvo!"  She said to Eldarion. 
Eldarion nodded, returning "Te anu levrimmen, govannin...". 
The Legentor captain's eyes were quite red as well.
     Joreen looked down and straightened her uniform, and
whisked away the tears which had come to her face.  She then
turned and rejoined her new comrades of the Chadwickan
Expeditiary Force.
     With a final wave, Eldarion led the company out the
gate.  They turned north, and rode to that which fate had in
store for them.
---je
     Vengar watched as Eldarion led his crew away.  Joreen
lar Sandor was standing beside him.  She seemed fairly well
composed for having just said good-bye to her love, but he
knew there was no way to fathom what she was feeling deep
inside...at least, not without employing the skills taught
him by his late friend.  However, Vengar would not do that
without Joreen's permission, and he didn't feel it
appropriate to ask at the moment.
     No, instead it was time to get down to business.  He
had learned in his years in combat that timing was one of
the most crucial elements in combat, often times playing as
important a role as strength, morale, and leadership. 
Sometimes even a greater role. As Eldarion was leading his
force north against the Dark One's icy keep, so must he get
the assembled Chadwickian Expeditionary Force moving towards
the portal that would take them to the elven nation of
Tynntangial.  Turning to Sir Richard, he said, "I understand
you have the CEF assembled, is that correct?  If all is in
order, I would like to head out now."
     Sir Richard led him to the parade grounds where the
full force of the CEF were assembled.  A single voice rang
out over the grounds, "Ten-SHUN!" calling the troops to
attention.  In a single, unified motion, the entire
assemblage snapped into perfect, military order within their
ranks.  Vengar smiled inwardly at this display of the high
degree of discipline and professionalism of these soldiers. 
It would be a valuable asset in the battles that undoubtedly
lay before them.
     Sir Richard led Vengar to the where the regimental
commanders had assembled.  He could immediately recognize
Major Addison, and also remembered Colonel Brande from the
only time he had met him on the Little Dragon's Horn.  The
third commander, obvious from his uniform of the Kingsarme,
would have to await Sir Richard's introduction.
     The informal introductions over, Sir Richard nodded to
his adjutant, who took several steps away from the group
and, at full military attention, shouted, "Posts!"
     The three commanders made an about face, and marched to
a position at the head of each of their regiments.  There
they turned again to face back to Sir Richard and Sir
Vengar.
     Sir Richard turned to the assembled forces.  Bellowing
the words, he announced, "As Steward of Chadwick, I hereby
appoint Sir Vengar and Marshal Niari as commanders of the
Chadwickian Expeditionary Forces!"  He then turned and
saluted Sir Vengar, at which his adjutant marched to a
position behind and to the right of Sir Vengar in a symbolic
gesture of the change of command.
     Vengar now returned the salute, the formal exchange of
power having been completed, and turned to face his new
command.  Shouting in as loud and clear a voice as his
predecessor, he addressed the soldiers. 
     "Men, today marks the beginning of your journey into
history!  There is a war being fought, not here, but whose
outcome will most certainly be felt here.  It is a classic
battle between Good and Evil, between Right and Wrong,
between Light and Dark.  And we are most definitely going to
get into it on the side of Good!  We will travel far, to a
great and distant land, where others are bravely holding the
line.  But they cannot hold forever, and that is where the
C.E.F. will step in.  Where the line against the Dark
falters, we will support.  Where it breaks, we will fill. 
Where it advances, we will pursue.  Where it penetrates, we
will exploit.  The C.E.F. is being sent to insure that the
war there is won, thus insuring that the enemy does not grow
stronger and threaten Chadwick and the rest of Claremont. 
It will be a difficult road and a hard- fought war, but it
will be a climactic battle!  It will be a glorious fight! 
Tonight, my friends, we march for Tynntangial!!
     "Regimental commanders!  Take charge of your regiments
and prepare them to march!"  Vengar then returned the
salutes of each commander in turn, and then turned to face
Sir Richard.  Even before he could speak to the steward, the
skies began filling with the sounds of officers and nco's
barking commands to their respective units.  The C.E.F. was
alive, moving like a giant serpent over the parade grounds,
slowly forming its constituent units into columns for the
overland journey.
     Sir Richard was the first to speak.  "Godspeed,
commander, and good luck."  He extended his hand to shake.
     Vengar took it, and replied, "Thank you, steward."  He
wanted to say more, but the words eluded him.
     Next was Lorendil, who had watched the entire change of
command from behind Vengar and Sir Richard.  "Lady Niari and
I shall catch up to you as quickly as we can.  I assure you
that we will not delay."
     "Thank you, Lord Lorendil..."  Upon seeing the elven
mage flinch, he corrected himself.  "*Lorendil!* I shall be
sure to save the festivities with the enemy for your
return!"  He smiled.
     "Don't sacrifice anything on our account!  Besides, I
think it is Lady Niari who enjoys the sting of battle more,
not myself."
     "Then you should do good to get her into the thick of
it at your earliest opportunity, lest she call you an agent
of the Dark One and feed her bloodlust from you!"
     The three men laughed at the comment, though inside
Lorendil found considerably less humor in it.
     An aide approached the group.  "Sir Vengar, your
horse."
     Vengar looked at the man, and at the steed he had
brought.  He had always preferred to go on foot.  It gave
him a greater sense of the land, a better feel of the area. 
But there was an image for the soldiers he'd have to
maintain, and it would make getting to the unit commanders
much quicker.
     "Thank you, soldier."  Turning back to the others, he
added, "Well, gentlemen, I must be off.  There's a war to be
fought, you know."  He smiled at Sir Richard and Lorendil,
who each returned the smile.  Then, he was off, trotting
towards the assembling columns that were nearly ready for
the trip.
     It had been an awkward moment.  None of the three
really knew whether they'd see the others again.  Would the
C.E.F. be successful and return home?  Was the Dark One
planning a surprise strike into Claremont?  There were too
many unknowns.  Such was the nature of war.
---m

     Niari awoke in the same position in which she'd gone to
sleep; propped up against the wall beside the Baron's much-
too-comfortable bed, her arms crossed in front of her, head
rolled forward onto her chest, lower back cushioned by her
rolled up cloak .  Those four hours had been the best sleep
she'd gotten in the past few days despite the dull pain that
was radiating from her left hip.  She sat up, reached back
and sought out the source of her discomfort.  Her fingers
found the hard edge of Eldarion's brooch and she grimaced as
she pulled the cloak from behind her and looked closely at
the regimental insignia.  A precious gift indeed.  She
called up an image of the Legentor captain and savored it
for a moment.  Right on cue, her stomach rumbled loudly and
she chuckled at the irony.
     Light from the rising star had reached the window a few
moments earlier and streamed in through the colored glass, a
rainbow of warmth.  Niari stood and stretched.  By the Gods,
that felt good.  She busied herself in gathering her
belongings and stuffing them into her backpack and saddle
bags, dressing herself in road hearty leathers and partial
armor along the way.  Once everything was in order, Niari
marched out the door and headed for the kitchen thinking
herself hungry enough to consume a small herd of livestock. 
Lorendil must have heard her belligerent stomach.  As she
passed his door, it swung open, neatly framing the form of
the elf-dragon in a stony casement.
     She paused and forced a smile. "Good morning, Lord
Lorendil.  I was just coming to remind you of our
appointment," she lied, having nearly forgotten all about
the elf-dragon's offer of assistance.  "Shall we have our
discussion over breakfast or..." Niari's stomach punctuated
her offer with a forceful moan.
     Lorendil found it hard to keep a straight face. 
"Indeed, m'lady I think that would be for the best."  Noting
the tinge of red on the tips of her ears, he nobly refrained
from uttering any of the witty comments that pleaded with
him to be voiced.  Instead, he changed the subject as they
walked towards the Great hall.
     "You'll be pleased to know that the C.E.F. has already
departed under the command of Sir Vengar," Lorendil offered. 
Niari stopped, her eyes darkening as she glared at the elf-
dragon.
     "He what?"  Her words were steel-edged.
     "Departed.  He left..." repeated Lorendil, wondering
what he had done wrong.  "He followed Captain Eldarion's
lead and had the forces move out just before dawn this
morning."  The elven lord's voice echoed after Niari who had
abandoned her place at his side and accelerated into a
furious pace.
     Lorendil arched an eyebrow and followed the Kioshu
warrior, wondering where on Ifreann she was headed.  He
followed her out of the castle prime, across the courtyard
and out of the main gate, where she stood, staring
southwards at the empty road as the sky lightened under
Bellatrix' steady hand.
     "Ne-NEsheh rul!"  Niari spun around and shot a blazing
stare at Lorendil.  "Why was I not awakened?  Sir Vengar and
I had business this morning with our commanding officers,
regarding the future of the C.E.F.  Do you know anything
about this, Lord Lorendil?"  She advanced upon the elf,
seemingly twice her real size and bristling with anger. 
Lorendil was about to retort when a castle servant hailed
them and ran over to Niari, handing her a bone scoll case.
     "Sir Vengar gave instructions that you should receive
this upon your waking, Lady Marshal," he panted.  The man
was rather overweight and his uniform fit him not well at
all.
     Niari unscrewed the cap and removed the scroll, handing
it's case to the servant.  She unfurled the missive and
read, her features vacillating between shades of rage and
something else which was not readable to the elven mage. 
When she finished, her hands, still clasping the scroll fell
to her sides and she spoke in a flat, tight voice, her eyes
fixated upon the ground.
     "Lord Vengar sends his regrets that I was unable to be
present at the send-off.  He informs me that my wishes were
carried out despite my absence.  He also says that a man was
sent to find me and was turned away at my very door by you,
Lord Lorendil and that you were kind enough to send my
regards..."  at this, Niari's head lifted and her grey eyes
shot a look as black as a demon's heart towards the elf-
dragon.  "What is Sir Vengar talking about, Lord Lorendil?"
she asked softly.
---k
     Lorendil was unsure how to respond to the question.  He
hoped Niari would be appreciative that he had had her best
interests at heart when turning away the messenger, but he
also remembered the fight they had had only the night before
in her chambers.  She had wanted to kill him then, and he
didn't want to face her wrath again.
     "M'lady, please forgive my actions."  He paused, not
wanting to reveal that he had watched the hall during her
"meeting" with Captain Elessidel.  This would surely
infuriate the Kioshu warrior.  Skipping to the real reason,
he said, "I knew that you had a lengthy journey before you,

and had had a busy day yesterday.  Under the circumstances,
I thought that you would do much better to have a good
night's rest rather than sacrificing that for a morning's
pomp and circumstance.  Besides, I called softly to you from
the hall.  From your lack of response, I gathered that you
were blissfully asleep, and I did not want to disturb you
from that."  He smiled disarmingly.  Then, remembering that
he had not even asked, he inquired, "Did you sleep well last
night?"
---m
     Niari stood there, staring at the elf-dragon, and
performing a very lifelike impersonation of a time-bomb. 
Her skin went from a tanned pink to a deathly white as her
pupils dilated to mere pinpoints within irises of silver
flame.  Even Lorendil could feel the prickling of energy in
the air around her.  She opened her mouth and a voice which
Lorendil barely recognized spoke the words, "My Lord, we
must talk."  With that, the warrior spun on one heel and
began walking along the hall.  Lorendil, not knowing what
else to do, followed.  Niari led him up the stone steps to
the parapet where they had spoken the day before.  Closing
the door behind him, Niari walked over to the window and
assumed a pose of surveying the landscape below; their roles
reversed from the previous day.
     After a few seconds she turned to him, her back to the
sky. "I did indeed sleep well," she said, smiling curtly,
"So well that I have now dishonored my co-commander, my
newfound rank, and my army, not to mention the Baron's
memory.  I do not know how I can ever alter what has
happened.  My presence at this morning=92s 'pomp and
circumstance' as you put it, should have been a crucial
moment in the assuming of command.  It would have allowed my
army to view their commander and know that even though I
would not be with them on their journey to Tynntangial, I
was still with them in spirit.  It was necessary for me to
be present this morning in order to secure their loyalty in
the coming battle.  Now, when I appear in the elven kingdom,
I will still be the outsider, the =91other=92 commander.  I will
not have their respect.  I will not have their spirit in
battle.  I will be lucky if they listen to me at all."  She
sighed and turned away from Lorendil, unsure how to make him
understand.  Gesturing with empty hands, she said, "These
are soldiers, my Lord.  They require strength and
leadership.  They will not give their hearts to an unknown
commander.  They have had no time to get to know me and
believe in me.  They will not trust me...the Marshal who
couldn't be bothered to show up for their send-off."
     Lorendil remained silent.  He had only meant to make
her life easier.  It seemed that everything he tried to do
for her just backfired in his face.  Why could he do nothing
right around her?  "M'lady, I meant no harm.  I thought only
of your well-being when I..."
     Niari faced him.  "My Lord Lorendil, I would appreciate
it if you thought of my well-being less often and were more
concerned with your own role in this crisis.  I may be a
woman, but whatever else you think I am, I know I am capable
of caring for my own welfare.  I mean no insult to Your
Lordship, however, I believe these unprofessional emotions
of yours need a leash.  I am no courtesan to be toyed with
and I own no tenderness for love.  It is a weakness I do not
crave."  She hesitated, knowing she'd gone too far. 
Lorendil's exquisite elven features were flecked with red
and his eyes were moist.  She had angered him again, it
seemed.  She had to admit to herself that she took a little
pleasure in his pain.  He had caused a major setback this
morning which would be hard to overcome.  A small chip off
his ego was a small price to pay for reconciliation.  No
doubt, he'd turn his affections to Joreen or some other
unsuspecting female before the week was up...perhaps one of
the n'Sete women would catch his fancy.  Her stomach twisted
at the very idea of him caressing, kissing...she pushed the
image out of her mind.
     "Enough.  What has been done, is done.  I will deal
with it in my own way when I can.  I suggest that we get
underway to the n'Sete homeland as soon as possible and try
to forget about all this unpleasantness."  Niari was still
bristling inside but was wise enough to see that Lorendil
had had enough of the conversation.  She forced a
conciliatory smile.  "I suggest we prepare for departure.  I
will meet you in the courtyard in half an hour."
     He moved to her side as if to leave but stopped within
inches of her.  Niari looked up and prepared to fire off
another round of fierce words but something in his eyes
silenced her.  Lorendil spoke, so quietly the words seemed
to come from his mind rather than his lips, "I wish you knew
how deeply your unhappiness wounds me, m'lady.  I cannot
apologize enough, it seems, to satisfy you, so I will
attempt to..." he swallowed, "...contain my 'unprofessional
emotions' if that will bring you peace."  He looked so sad,
Niari almost forgot her anger but before she could respond,
he had left her alone in the room.
     For a moment, Niari stayed there, reflecting.  He had
seemed so sincere; so very alone.  She ran a hand through
her dark hair and breathed deeply.  Then, she went in search
of the n'Sete.
     She didn't have to look far.  She had barely cleared
the castle=92s outer wall when a low whistle emanated from her
left side just as she felt Essaut's presence.  Without
turning she called over her shoulder, "Ready the tribesmen. 
We leave in 20 minutes," and continued walking towards the
forest to the east of the path as Essaut's footsteps
scuffled quickly away behind her.  Once at the forest edge,
Niari threw back her head and let loose an eagle's cry that
pierced the quiet of the morning.  She turned back to the
castle, noticed two guards searching the skies for the eagle
that wasn't there, and smirked.
     Back inside the castle, Niari readied her gear and
carried it down to the stables where Kiha was being tacked
up by a young groom.  The stallion's coat shone and he
nickered anxiously at her.  Niari passed what was left of
the apple she'd been munching on to her steed and patted his
neck as the stallion greedily chomped on the juicy fruit. 
Adjusting the saddle bags gave the horse just enough time to
finish his treat before he was bridled and led out of the
luxurious stable into the sunlight.  He stamped his feet
happily and flisked his tail from side to side, nudging his
owner with his huge head.  Niari chuckled and scratched his
ears.
     The n'Sete had gathered in the courtyard and were
waiting for the signal to move out.  Niari swung into the
saddle and rode over to Essaut, who sat proudly on a large
buckskin mare, a gift that she had rearranged
with the Baron before his passing.  She noted that each of
the survivors carried a sack containing the gold their
efforts had earned them.  Still, it seemed to have been
dearly bought.  They were less than half of their
original number.  Niari smiled and nodded at each of them.
     As they waited for Lorendil to arrive, Niari shifted in
the saddle, checking that the Legentor brooch still perched
proudly on her lapel and the official chains of Marshal and
Knight of the Silver Star hung about her neck over the
armor.  Any local people that they came across would know
that the Baron's influence was still strong in Chadwick. 
She had tied an extra pouch of copper and silver coins at
her waist and she intended to empty it's contents during her
ride into the plains by bestowing upon the locals a few
tokens of the Baron's affection for his people.  She hoped
it would hint that their good Lord had returned and still
cared for them.  It certainly couldn't hurt.
---k

     Chadwick seemed so much emptier now, with the departure
of the C.E.F.  It was peaceful, serene...a very relaxing
change of pace from the hustle and bustle of the building of
an army.  And yet, Lorendil desperately wished he could
bring them back and start the day over again.
     Niari's words had cut to his heart with the ease of a
sharpened dagger.  As his body wandered the streets and
walls of Chadwick, so too did his mind wander amongst the
personages this war had brought together, the focal point
being this Kioshu warrior who was now a very angry Marshal
of Chadwick.  What was going on?  Every time he tried to do
something for her, he ended up making things worse.  It was
so frustrating, not only that he was failing, but also that
he was so angering the woman he loved.
     And what of that love?  Why should he fall for her? 
Niari was a mercenary, a woman devoting her life to warfare
and combat.  And, she was a leader, a born commander of
armed forces.  Lorendil had always hated the military,
serving only when he had to and resigning at the first
opportunity.  He didn't like the military life...it was far
too rigid, far too barbaric for his tastes.  He didn't
*think* like the military.  He was always much more
individualistic, much more...dare he say it?...much more
*noble* than the likes of the military.  Much more like,
Elana Elessidel.  And what of this elven beauty?  What did
she mean with her departing kiss?  Why hadn't he developed
emotions for her?  She was considerably more his type than
this warrior-woman Niari.  None of this was making any
sense!
     As he strolled, he was occasionally greeted by the few
of Chadwick's residents and soldiery who were about at this
early hour.  He made no response, too deeply immersed in his
own thoughts and emotions.  It was a strange departure from
the norm, for usually the elven mage courteously greeted all
that he encountered.
     Lorendil finally came to a stop at a point on the city
wall that overlooked the West Gate.  Beyond him stretched
the parade grounds where the C.E.F. had formed not but a few
hours ago.  He looked in the direction they had left, and
thought he could see a cloud of dust on the distant horizon,
but wasn't sure.  He would *have* to start thinking more
like a military person if he wanted to understand Niari and
get to know her.  There appeared no other way.  Suddenly, he
remembered that he hadn't even had the chance to tell her of
his plan to get her to Tynntangial!  For a moment, he
dreaded the moment he'd have to tell her, fearing that she
would use it as another occasion to attack him.  But he
stopped, and pondered a bit, and took another look from his
new perspective.  He would present his idea as the only
logical method from a militaristic point of view.  As long
as he talked to her in her language, and corralled his
emotions, perhaps...
     He didn't allow himself the luxury.  Checking
Bellatrix, he confirmed that he still had several minutes
before he had to meet Niari in the courtyard.  He spent the
time on the wall, unmoving, gazing across the parade grounds
and off in the direction of the C.E.F., desperately trying
to fathom the military mind.
     Soon, however,  it was time for Lorendil to rejoin
Niari.  He left his perch above the streets of Montfort and
made his way to the courtyard.  He still had a few minutes
before their scheduled meeting, but he didn't want to be too
early.  One thing he had decided was important to the
military mind was punctuality...not too early and not at all
late.
     Rounding the last corner, he saw that the n'Sete were
already assembled in ranks and ready for the journey home. 
Niari was upon her steed, and appeared to be making the
final arrangements for their departure.  He strode up to the
side of her horse and waited patiently for her to notice
him.
     It was a very brief wait.  Almost as soon as he was
aside her she turned.  Lorendil greeted her flatly with,
"Marshal Niari, I am ready."  He made every effort to
prevent any emotion, either the love or the pain, from
reflecting in his voice.
---m
     "Are you planning on riding with me, my Lord?  I do not
see a steed to carry your Lordship..."  Niari queried, her
voice flat and devoid of sarcasm though he knew the intent
was there.  Her eyes flicked back to the assembled n'Sete
who were regarding the mage with native curiosity; black
eyes betraying the mirth that Niari kept well-hidden.
---k
     Lorendil returned the looks of the n'Sete, and then
looked back to Niari.  Assessing the situation, and briefly
considering walking before rejecting it in favor of the
image he would present riding horseback, he answered Niari. 
"Quite right, Marshal.  If you would spare me a moment..."
     She made no motion, and Lorendil briefly closed his
eyes.  For a moment, his face clearly showed intense
concentration, and then he opened his eyes.  Then, turning
towards the gate, he whistled loudly.  A magnificent
stallion came into view, his coat a gleaming silvery-gray. 
He was truly an incredible steed, with rippling muscles
revealing a tremendous strength built around an impressive
frame.
     Oddly, there was no saddle, nor was there tackle of any
kind.  When the horse was beside Lorendil, the elven mage
easily lept unto his high back.  He looked positively regal
upon his steed, the colors of his coat and mane matching
perfectly with the elven lord's attire.  It was as if the
beast had been made for him.  "Marshal Niari, I am ready for
our journey.  Please lead the way."
     She still had a questioning look on her face, clearly
puzzled at the lack of any reigns or other means of
controlling or directing his mount.  Seeing this, Lorendil
offered, "Dracos is a fine, fine horse, Marshal.  The envy
of many a rider I have encountered.  You see, he needs no
reigns.  He...senses where the rider wants to go, and goes
there, and at whatever speed is necessary.  He is really a
very intelligent animal, and always there when I need him." 
He considered winking as a sign to tell her that Dracos was
nothing more than an incarnation of Lorendil's magic, but
chose not to.  "Shall we proceed, Marshal?"
---m
     Niari gave a brief nod and kicked Kiha into a trot. 
They left the sanctuary of Chadwick, well fed if not well-
rested, and were on their way.  Heading through the hills to
the southeast of the Baron's demesne, Niari found plenty of
opportunity to distribute her cache of goodwill to the
peasants and was handsomely rewarded with broad smiles and
cheers for the Baron's good health.  Niari flinched at the
first hail to Therion's generosity, reminded that the man
was no longer with them but in spirit.  Such a loss it had
been.  But a wave and a smile had set things right as she
and the riders made their way through the Baron's land.
     They rode hard, stopping only to rest and feed their
horses, not camping until well after the setting of
Bellatrix in the western sky.
---k
     Niari rode amongst the n'Sete, and conversed with many
of them, but Lorendil maintained his distance.  At times, it
appeared that the elven mage was deep in meditation, with
eyes closed and arms extended with his palms flat on the
back of his horse.  Other times, he was quietly minding his
business while observing the surrounding countryside,
greeting locals whenever they were encountered.  It was
remarkable how the man was able to stay mounted during his
periods of meditation, but he had said earlier that Dracos
was a remarkable animal.  It was becoming apparent.
     When the day's journey came to an end, the riders
quickly dismounted and prepared the camp.  Some were tasked
with clearing the chosen site, while others were assigned to
hunting parties, and still others were ordered to prepare
fires to cook what the hunting parties caught.  Lorendil
tended his horse, and mostly attempted to stay out of the
way of the busy n'Sete, and their Kioshu leader.
---m
     As the cookfires burned, Niari made her way over to the
elf-dragon, who had distanced himself from the group to eat,
and sat down beside him.  He looked a bit surprised and it

made her grin.
     "I saw you sitting alone and I couldn't help myself,"
she shrugged, handing him a trencher with a breast portion
of juicy quail, which had been brought down by an n'Sete
bow.  It was clearly the best food available and she meant
it as a peace offering.  "This is better than that other
trail food," she gestured to the jerky and dried fruit which
they'd all been given.  She took a bite of the succulent
meat that rested on her own trencher.
---k
     Lorendil took the trencher and, after looking it over
carefully, brought it close and sniffed.  It was prepared
well, with herbs and seasonings that the n'Sete undoubtedly
found in the local flora.  It smelled wonderful, and at the
first bite, the aroma was confirmed!  Lorendil ate slowly as
Niari continued.
---m
     "I know you could have conjured up a whole grand feast
if you'd wanted to but I thank you for resisting the
temptation.  The n'Sete prefer to catch their food as it
makes them feel more worthy of eating it.  They devote whole
weeks to hunting several times every year.." she noted the
disinterested gaze in Lorendil's eyes and broke off her
friendly rambling.  She was even starting to bore herself. 
She grinned again and sighed.  "Sorry.  I guess I thought I
could come over here and smooth things out between us with
some good food and light conversation.  I know I haven't
really given you much of my good side...Lord Lorendil, may I
speak frankly?"
     "As always, m'lady," answered Lorendil, amazed by this
new side of the Kioshu woman.  He'd never seen her in such a
jovial mood and wondered how long it would last.  If he
didn't know better, he'd guess she was actually trying to be
pleasant.  Niari put down her trencher and shifted so that
her back was to the n'Sete.  Lorendil noticed the plainsman
Essaut's glittering eyes by the light of the fire, watching
them intently from under his dark hair.
     "I want to apologize to you for my behavior the past
several days."  Her speech seemed to come slowly as if
difficult to produce but she took a deep breath and plunged
in, her words gathering momentum as the desire to explain
her actions took hold.  "I have never been terribly
comfortable around royalty.  Where I come from, members of
the royal houses distance themselves from even their own
staff.  Other lives are meaningless to them.  Even the armed
forces that protected their gilded collars from the axe were
looked down upon as dogs...so as you can see, I really
didn't expect much of a difference in you, not to mention
the fact that you were the liaison to my employer; a purely
business relationship."  Niari searched Lorendil's eyes for
emotion but found nothing less than cool, gray mist mirrored
back upon her.  "And then, to find out your true nature in
such a sudden and suspicious manner...it was just too much
for me.  I battled a dragon of overwhelming evil and nearly
lost my life.  How could I know that another of it's species
would be so different?  And then, there is..." Niari bit her
lip, just short of admitting her distaste for Lorendil's
seeming appetite for the conquering of women's hearts.
     "There is *what?*" prodded Lorendil, curious despite
the knowledge that it couldn't be something good and he
probably didn't want to know.
     "Nothing, my Lord.  I apologize.  I have overstepped
myself in a casual moment.  I should see to the horses..." 
Her walls had returned in force and she was standing as if
to leave.  Lorendil couldn't bear it.  He reached out and
took her arm.
     "Please sit down and finish what you started to say,
Niari.  I want to hear your thoughts, your *real* thoughts,
not those which you've prepared for a regal Lord of Kioshu,
which you've already admitted I am not."  He smiled kindly
at her and, slowly, she did sit, rather impressed by his
open demeanor.
     "I do not mean to insult you, my Lord.  I would rather
not fight with you anymore."
     "Speak freely, m'lady.  I promise I won't bite," teased
Lorendil and grinned, hoping to use humor to draw this
creature out of her shell.
     Niari closed her eyes and said very carefully, "I
cannot believe the words of love you spoke so freely
yesterday when I've seen with my own eyes the forlorn look
of the Lady Elana Elessidel, eyes cast to the floor when you
were near.  I could only assume that you had used her and
tired of her, like a..."
     "...like a Kioshu noble would have done?" finished the
elf.
     "Yes," answered Niari, now uncomfortably shifting her
gaze between the earth and Lorendil's gray eyes.
---k
     There was a moment while Lorendil considered the weight
of Niari's words.  It was an awkward moment, and he could
tell that she was very uncomfortable at the silence.  But
then he---m threw back his head and a deep laughter sounded
from within.  Niari smiled nervously, wondering what was so
terribly funny, and heard whispers of curiosity coming from
the n'Sete.
     "M'lady Niari, I think you have it backwards," laughed
Lorendil upon whom the light was beginning to dawn...
---k
     It all made sense now!  Niari had an inaccurate
predisposition towards what she perceived to be nobility,
and his actions and those around him had been viewed through
that filter!  What could be interpreted one way as the
actions of a noble man could unfortunately also be
interpreted as those of a shameless lech.
     Still chuckling, Lorendil added, "I *assure* you, Lady
Niari, that it was not *I* who sought the affections of Lady
Elana Elessidel, but perhaps the other way around.  While I
find her to be a very attractive and..."  Briefly his mind
recalled the kiss she had given him that had caught him
completely off-guard.  "...intriguing woman, I would find it
completely distasteful and abhorrent to toy with the lady's
affections or favors.  I am but a gentleman."  He humbly
bowed his head.
---m
     Niari rolled her eyes, glad to be able to display an
honest reaction for a change, but quickly composed her
features into a more serious masque before Lorendil's head
lifted.  Would she ever get used to the elf-dragon's
displays of false humility?  It was all so...archaicly done. 
Then again, he had to be several hundred years old, so she
guessed he was entitled.  Perhaps it was just his way. 
Perhaps his humility was not so false after all.
     She was beginning to see this creature in a new light. 
They really were not as different as she had thought.  Niari
cocked her head and looked more closely at his clothing; the
way he sat; his face.  He had always seemed very direct and
honest...for a mage.  As far as she knew, he had only hidden
his true nature from her as he had said; to avoid trouble. 
Besides, she was doing the same thing.  If anyone found out
what she was, she would have to kill them.  Lorendil had
been merciful with her and incredibly trusting considering
what he stood to lose.
     And she really didn't care if Lorendil had feelings for
Elana or not.  His affairs were not of her business, but it
was nice to have all the cards on the table and...no, that
wasn't completely true.  She did care.  Niari had no desire
to see Elana hurt nor did she imagine that the elven beauty
knew Lorendil's secret, so why shouldn't he and Elana find
happiness?
     Because he had admitted he hadn't sought the affections
of Elana.  He had instead confessed his love for Niari...who
had been too busy admiring Elana's brother to even consider
Lorendil.  Of course, the Legentor Captain was taken.  Niari
began to chuckle to herself and the sound grew into a full
belly laugh.  Lorendil looked up with a smile on his face. 
She laughed even harder.
     "What an ugly mess!" she managed to cough out, shaking
her head.  "Now if Joreen would develop a passion for Elana
we could really have quite a row!" Niari said, bursting into
a gale of laughter that threatened to carry her away and
never return.
---k
     Lorendil was confused.  "What had Joreen to do with
Elana?" he thought.  He made the connection to Eldarion, and
then the realization dawned that Niari was referring to a
tangled web of affections.  She was still laughing, as ---m
tears streamed down her dusty cheeks.  She couldn't even
open her eyes to see if Lorendil was laughing too but she
couldn't hear anything coming from his direction.  That
sobered her a bit.
     Niari wiped her eyes and looked at the elf-dragon.  He
was smiling politely, and laughed a little once her
attention was focused on him, but clearly he didn't find it
as funny as she did.  Her implied attraction to Eldarion
must have hurt him and she hurried to suture the wound.
     "I'm sorry, my Lord...my jest was not entirely to your
liking.  A soldier's sense of humor is not always understood
by all."
---k
     Smiling, Lorendil said, "To be quite honest, neither is
a mage's."  He chuckled.
---m
     She sighed and blinked, noting for the first time that
the mage could be pleasant company when he wasn't being
defensive and viewed through a prejudice-stained glass.  She
was enjoying herself.
     Suddenly, Niari grinned and leaned forward, extending a
hand, "What say you and I start over again?  I'm Niari of
Kioshu.  And you are?"
---k
     Lorendil was startled at Niari's sudden change in the
direction of the conversation, although her directness was a
trait he had noticed early.  Unsure whether the wiping of
the slate included his revelation to her (and whether she
expected him to wipe those emotions as well), he decided to
play along and see what she had in mind.
     Taking her hand in his, and raising it gently to his
lips, he kissed it.  He was careful to make sure that it was
a quick peck, appropriate for social engagements, and
nothing more.  Lowering her hand, he answered, "My name is
Lorendil, m'lady.  It is purely a pleasure to meet someone
of your exquisite beauty!"
---m
     Niari allowed her features to harden.  She realized it
would take time for this perennial nobleman to recognize the
effect that his courtly manners had upon her, but she
figured a not-so-subtle display of mild revulsion might
speed up the process.  Niari withdrew her hand from his
grasp and noted the reaction in his face.  He had gotten the
message, it seemed.  He still smiled his dazzling courtier
smile but the luster in his eyes dulled.  Niari couldn't
help but be reminded of the first pantar she had tamed. 
Proud, strong, intelligent,...stubborn beasts; they were the
most noble of mounts but it took a firm and patient hand to
teach them to mind to their human masters.  Not that she
would think to tame Lorendil.  She quickly voided the
comparison and returned to the present.
---k
     Internally, Lorendil cringed.  That was *not* the
approach he should have taken.  He *had* to remember to
treat this Kioshu woman as a soldier, not as one of the
damsels he was used to in the high courts he had frequented
most of his life.
     Endeavoring to quickly change the subject to one more
suited to a warrior, he added, "And what brings you and your
companions," nodding towards the n'Sete, "to this region. 
Is there a war on?"
---m
     Niari chuckled and shook her head, pleased by the elf-
dragon's fast recovery.  Of course, he would be too stubborn
to admit his error but at least had the grace and the wit to
cover his tracks.  Well, she'd let him get away with it this
time.  At least he was learning.
     She looked around as if coming out of a daydream.  "Oh,
you mean them?" she asked, jerking her thumb over her
shoulder.  "Nah.  Nothing so glamorous.  Me and the boys
were just out for a midnight stroll and figured we'd have a
little picnic under the stars..."  She looked up at the sky,
littered with sparkling points of light.  "Yup.  Might even
stay out here all night."
     Looking back at Lorendil, she observed the relieved
smile and returned it with a crooked grin of her own.  Niari
took a deep breath and slapped her hands down on her knees,
using the leverage to stand.  She clapped Lorendil on the
shoulder and said, "Let's be friends, okay?  And do me a
favor...call me either 'Marshall Niari' or just 'Niari'. 
The term 'Lady' just doesn't fit, as sweet as it sounds." 
She cocked her head, "Deal?"
---k
     "Of course, m'l...Marshal."  He had barely caught
himself.  He would have to develop the habit of calling her
by her title.  Apparently, that was the military way.
---m
     "I'm going to see to the mounts and turn in."  She
walked away, feeling the mage's eyes on her still.
---k
     As Lorendil watched her leave, his mind was trying to
assess what had just transpired.  What had been her
motivation to "start anew"?  Was she, perhaps, actually
beginning to develop an interest in him?  No, that would be
too much to hope for.  Besides, she had requested that he
use a more formal tone when addressing her...a far cry from
the normal polite courtesy extended in more "civilized"
settings.  He would have to play it by ear, cautious in
everything he did and said to her.
---m
     Her steps took her past the cookfires and to the two
small trees where the horses were loosely tethered.  Niari
patted Kiha and the stallion gave her a tired heave of
breath as if to say, "Can't you see I'm trying to sleep?" 
Niari laughed softly and gave his mane a shake.  The other
horses were fine.  No wounds, hooves clean.  One final look
over and she turned to find a good hollow in which to lie
down.
     Essaut stood and came towards her.  An inaudible groan
escaped her lips.  What now?
     "Ne, s'Ora," called the plainsman.  "Is all right?"
     "Just fine," returned the Kioshu woman, finding a soft
patch of grass and reclining into it, but Essaut came over
and knelt beside her anyway.  She looked up and waited for
the inevitable.  It came.
     "What is happening, s'Ora?  You act strange with this
elf man.  We have worry..." She had been so distant.  At
least, today she had eaten with them, joked with them, been
more of her usual self.  Essaut understood the need for
diplomacy but he didn't know why the elf Lord was with them
and frankly, he didn't like it.  A stranger at the kuuza
would bring mistrust from the other tribes.  Surely she knew
that.  And what of their private talk earlier?  Essaut was
dying to know what had been said and why this Lorendil
distanced himself from the group.  The plainsman was not
blind or stupid.  He could see the emotion burning in the
elf for Niari and he *really* didn't like that.  He hoped
Lorendil would be leaving before the kuuza began. 
Otherwise, things would get ugly.  Essaut felt the anger and
jealousy boil inside and wished the elf would be struck by
lightning.
     "Essaut, Lord Lorendil will be accompanying me to the
Northern lands, further than you can imagine.  The Baron
understood the need for me to be present at the kuuza but as
soon as I can leave, I must do so.  War in the North is
imminent.  There is no time to lose.  Lorendil will use his
magic to bring us to the battle faster than any horse.  It
is necessary."  She smiled and whispered, "I'm not
particularly fond of him  either but you understand the
need, I think..."  It bothered her to tell the plainsman an
untruth but he seemed mollified by the comment so she let it
be.
     Essaut grunted and changed the subject, willing to wait
until the kuuza to see if her words were from the heart or
just a way to silence his fears.  "A watch is set, s'Ora.  I
wake you before dawn?"  Niari nodded.  He stood and walked
back to the fire, suspicion gnawing at him.  He knew she
wasn't telling him the whole truth and it bothered him
tremendously.  Essaut glanced in Lorendil's direction and
saw the elf still staring into his fire.  The plainsman
hissed a curse and shot it at the mage with a quick wave of
his fingers.  Lorendil didn't look like much thought Essaut,
sizing up the thin bones and delicate features of the elf,

but looks could be deceiving.  The mage had used powerful
magic to save Niari's life and Essaut was grateful to him
for that.  Confused and angry, Essaut threw himself on the
ground and scowled at the stars until it was time to wake
the next tribesman for watch duty...
---k
     As Essaut lay on the ground, contemplating what was
*really* going on with his trusted friend and this outsider,
his eyes continually found their way to Lorendil.  The night
was growing longer and longer, and yet this strange man
didn't sleep!  Every so often the eld would stir, and move
about his fire, keeping it lit and burning brightly, so he
knew he wasn't merely sleeping while sitting.  This was a
strange person indeed!
     Lorendil was, in fact, quite awake.  In between tending
his fire, he was in contemplation.  Foremost among his
thoughts was Niari, and how he should treat her.  He was
also going into great depths to try and understand what
motivated the military mind...what was important and what
were the values.  He thought back to his own military past,
and also to the others he had just met:  Vengar, Eldarion,
and Joreen.  And with his thoughts on the Elessidels, it was
inevitable that they should return to Elana.  Something
about her bothered him.  Had he somehow inadvertantly given
her the wrong impression?  Oh, had he had the time and
opportunity to correct this grievous situation!
     Perhaps a visit was in order?  Niari and the others
were pretty much camped for the night.  They would probably
not be ready to move until, at the earliest, a few hours
before dawn.  A quick trip to Eldarion's party would give
him the opportunity to talk to the Legentor captain and gain
some insight into his thought
processes, while at the same time giving a chance to try and
assess the situation with Elana, and hopefully clear the
air. Briefly, he considered the possibility that they would
be asleep, resting for the next day's journey.  But, he
dismissed this, on the grounds that Eldarion would likely
*not* be sleeping on this mission (at least, not much), and
that Elana would be delighted to see him again, no matter
how misguided the feeling would be.  All the more reason to
go.
     He stood to leave, not wanting to teleport from within
the n'Sete camp.  He didn't know anything about these
plainsmen, and wasn't sure how they'd react to his sudden
disappearance.  Besides, he was loathe to make such overt
displays of his abilities in front of others.  Let the cloak
of night and some distance hide his departure.
---m
     Essaut watched the robed figure move away from his fire
and merge with the shadows beyond.  His curiosity aroused,
the plainsman slowly rolled onto his knees and stood, moving
away from the light of the fire on the opposite side of
camp.  He circled around, concealed by darkness and careful
steps, and found the elf's path clumsily left behind. 
Essaut followed like the wolf, eyes and ears alert for an
ambush.  He wasn't at all sure what to expect from the elf
mage but this smacked of a trap.  Surely, the elf's magic
had told him of the plainsman's pursuit.  Essaut's mind was
probably being read at this very minute.  He savagely let
his animosity flare and hoped it burned Lorendil's tender
elven skin.
---k
     Up ahead was a small grouping of trees with low
branches, surrounded by tall grass and bushes.  That would
be perfect!  Lorendil moved towards it, and almost
simultaneously, his ears picked up the faintest crack from
behind.  It was far too quiet to have been audible by normal
elven or human ears, his draconian hearing being much more
sensitive.  He was being followed!  By whom?  For the
moment, Lorendil ignored the pursuer, instead intent on
playing along and letting the other person make the first
move.  Still, he would be ready in case of trouble; his
hands began to tingle as he summoned magical power to the
ready.
---m
     Then, Essaut saw the elf a few meters away, apparently
making for a copse of tall brush and trees.  The plainsman
slowed and hesitated allowing the mage to gain ground but
something seemed to alert him to Essaut's presence, for he
turned and Essaut could see his face clearly in the dark. 
The elf wore an expression of mild surprise and interest.
---k
     Essaut!  His pursuer had been the leader of the n'Sete
and trusted friend of Niari!  What could the plainsman want? 
Lorendil called, "Friend Essaut, come forward!"
---m
     Essaut stood his ground, throwing his shoulders back
and raising his head.  If he was going to be caught in the
act of following this odd mage, he'd not be cowardly about
it.  It was not the n'Sete way.  He walked forward, stopping
just a few steps from the mage.  Essaut gave the elf a
challenging once over and then, when he received no
response, whipped the knife from his belt and buried it hilt
deep into the earth at Lorendil's feet, daring Lorendil to
fight him.
---k
     This was not at all what Lorendil had expected!  The
man had moved so quickly in employing his knife that
Lorendil didn't even have time to react.  His reflexes must
have been getting slow, or this man was very fast.  He would
have to be careful.
---m
     "She thinks you have value to us and so she does not
send you away but I do not think her eyes are open," growled
the plainsman, intense in his anger at Lorendil's intrusion
on their journey.  "You think to take her at the kuuza!  She
is not for you!" the n'Sete warrior said fiercely.  "You
make her unhappy.  You make her angry.  You make *me* angry! 
I will not let you hurt the Captain anymore, elf man!"  As
Essaut finished, he tossed his head and crossed his arms
over his chest, defying Lorendil to pick up the knife and
attack him.
---k
     The man's words were full of riddles, but his actions
were quite clear.  Looking down at the knife, and then back
to Essaut, Lorendil said, "I would no sooner attack you with
a blade then you would attack me with magic.  I would be
foolish to enter an arena where you were the skilled artisan
and I the bumbling amateur."  Essaut scowled at him, and he
scowled back.
     "But let me answer your attack of words.  I assure you,
plainsman, that I have *not* hurt your Captain."  Essaut
*must* have been meaning Niari when he said this.  He had
never heard her called that before.  "Further, let me add
that I think to take no one at any kuuza, nor have I even
heard of such an event!  And, I have full faith that Marshal
Niari's eyes are fully open!  Is your faith in her not so
strong?"
---m
     Essaut worked to understand the quickly spoken common
tongue, becoming more angry at the elf's seeming insult of
his belief in Niari.  What did he mean by saying that his
own faith in her was stronger than Essaut's?  Was that some
sort of challenge?  Did the mage think himself closer to
Niari than Essaut?  The plainsman didn't like the
implications.
     "Toh Magus," Essaut spat, "My faith is strong in her. 
This is why I fight for her.  She is like one with my tribe. 
I see her when you make her crazy and it makes me angry. 
She cannot say what I can or she will lose honor.  So I say
that you will not hurt her anymore!  Take the knife, Magus!"
insisted the warrior, but the elf spurned the n'Sete
challenge with a demand of his own.
---k
     "Go back to the camp and leave me, and perhaps I will
not relay this act of insolence to the marshal!" Lorendil
said, filling his voice with anger.  It was a false emotion. 
He knew that Essaut was merely looking out for his trusted
friend, and for that, he admired the man.  He was truly
fearless, willing to risk his own life in a battle with an
enemy that he surely knew could kill him with barely an
effort.  And yet, here he was, ready to put his mettle up
against anyone that he perceived was injuring his friend. 
Perhaps Niari was more than just a friend?  He pondered on
that thought momentarily.
---m
     Essaut growled in disgust.  This mighty mage, who's
powers he could not even comprehend, refused to fight him. 
A part of him was relieved, for he knew the mage would
probably kill him instantly, but that part was overwhelmed
by anger and revulsion.  Essaut had bared his soul for the
taking, thrown his life to the winds of fate, and been
rejected.  Well, perhaps there was a reason.  The elf surely
knew now that Essaut considered himself Niari's protector
and Lorendil would also know that when he picked a fight
with Niari, Essaut would be there too, ready to give his
life if needed.
     Frustrated, Essaut jerked the knife out of the ground,
keeping a wary eye on Lorendil.  He gave the elf one more
dark-eyed gaze and said, "I will find you a woman for the
kuuza.  Leave the Captain alone," holding the knife point
tilted towards Lorendil's chin.  Then, he took a few steps
backwards and headed back to the camp, disappearing into the
darkness.
---k
     Again, Essaut's words confused the elven mage.  What
was this strange "kuuza", and why would he need a woman for
it?  Perhaps it was some ritualistic dance.  He would have
to ask Niari about it when she awoke.
     And, again, he referred to Niari as "the Captain".  He
was beginning to accept that this was the military way, to
refer to a person by their rank, not by their name.  As
Niari had requested.  Replaying the conversation in his
mind, Lorendil heard again the words she had used.  "And do
me a favor...call me either 'Marshal Niari' or just
'Niari'."  "Call me either 'Marshal Niari' or just 'Niari'."
     Wait.  There was something odd about her request. 
There was an option, and option that he would not have
expected had she demanded a purely military structure to
their communication.  While she *had* asked that he address
her as "Marshal", she had also given a more informal option
of using only her name.  Was there something to this?  After
all, she *had* gone to the effort to start their friendship
off a second time in an effort to compensate for the rocky
initial beginning.  His heart fluttered momentarily before
he regained his composure.  This was too early to tell, to
little evidence to get excited over.  But there seemed to be
at least a small crack in Niari's hard, outer shell. 
Perhaps, just perhaps, if she allowed him to get closer, he
might be able to fit inside that crack.  He would have to be
sure to treat her as she expected.  This way, he could earn
her respect, and from there, perhaps her admiration.
     He began to reconsider his trip to the Elessidels.  He
remembered Niari's first impression of him.  While he had
(hopefully!) explained his true motivations, such a trip
could easily be seen as validating her initial conclusions. 
It would undermine what he was working towards.  Besides,
there was the chance that she was not as rigidly
militaristic as he had at first assumed.  He might do as
well, or better, to take his cues from Niari herself.  Or
possibly even the plainsman Essaut, of all people!
     There were still a number of questions in his mind. 
Namely, the kuuza and what was going to be involved (and was
*he* going to be involved), and Essaut's status with Niari. 
If these two were already...involved...than Lorendil was not
going to interfere!
     As he returned to the camp, he was halted by the n'Sete
watch.  After giving the password and allowing the warrior
to identify him visually, he was allowed to pass.  Niari was
asleep, as were most of the n'Sete.  He would have to wait
until morning when they awoke.  He sat down by his fire, and
stoked the coals back to a flame.  His eyes drifting into
the dancing lights of the burning wood, he slipped into a
mage's trance and meditated, resting his mind, collecting
his magicks, and strengthening his powers.  He was still
fatigued from the attack on the Dark Army he had made after
the fall of Baron Therion, and he knew he was going to be
taxing his powers greatly in the days to come.  It couldn't
hurt to be more prepared.
---m