Carefully, delicate fingers plucked the sprig of herb from the earth and shook the clinging dirt from the fragile roots. Not all plants could be harvested in Spring some required the death of winter to make them viable for use and thus Kaely was collecting some, even as a bitter cold wind blew down over the Dawnpass mountains.

A glance to the basket and she moved deeper into the woodlands surrounding Gharnholme. Some areas were off limits, but this side was clear of the Ghouls that wandered. It was here that her sister and she hunted those rare ingredients they could not grow themselves within the confines of their own gardens.

Normally she would be in the company of her sister while hunting down the various elements, but Myrialla was currently in Cisroe, overseeing the arrangements for the coming ball. Another woody goldarbark was located and again the same process of harvesting was made. Her head lifted for a moment, face shielded by the biting breeze and looked to the gloomy sky with a frown.

In the distance she could sense her guard, Maison, keeping watch and just smiled to her self. Normally she had two, but with the chilling temperatures, he had drawn the short straw and was stuck wandering behind her and keeping watch. Kaely knew he wasn't being as vigilant as normal, but it was a good bet few would be snooping about in such unsavory weather.

Earlier she had noticed the darkening sky. A storm was slowly creeping closer and it had been that understanding that had spurred her to harvesting now. Once the snow had settled, freezing the ground the herbs she now sought would be useless.

The heavy, deep blue velvet cloak brushed the rocky ground as she knelt again to pluck another free of its hiding place between the thick roots of a tree. Deft fingers working without pause even with the cold, only to glance up a moment later. Unsure if she had heard something. The wind was picking up so perhaps it was only that.

Dark blue eyes wandered, looking over the sparse foliage but nothing seemed to be disturbed, but the feeling persisted, even as she moved to the next brittle looking bunch under another circle of trees.

Just as she placed the herb into the basket, a strong sense she was being watched moved over her and she rose upwards instantly, with one cold hand moving towards the sword she carried at her side. But again her searching gaze found nothing. Just the moan of wind and the stillness of winter remained.

As she wasn't prone to paranoia or nerves without cause, the feeling was unsettling, and she scooped up her basket and turned, intending to return to the keep. Kaely had more then enough now to carry them through the long winter sure to come, but was ill prepared as she found herself coming face to face with a strange man.

A sharp gasp at the unexpected appearance and she stepped back with her fingers moving down swiftly towards her blade where it paused. The man's hand rose in the universal sign of non-aggression. "Beg your pardon Miss, I have gotten myself lost. Can you direct me towards Briarstone?"

It took her a moment to calm her racing heart as she stared at the man. He was golden. There was no other word but that to describe him. Cat eyes she would say, with the shimmering of bronze over glowing ingots and hair that could be likened to that of a lion. Even the long scar down one side of his face and along the neck didn't detract from that first impression. Forcing a faint smile to her lips, she let her hand remain near her weapon as her head gave a nod under the deep folds of her hood. "Indeed Sir. Ye are nae to far from the road that will lead ye there."

A motion then toward the direction he needed to travel was made, even as tension seemed to grow within her. Something wasn't quite right about this man. He might appear harmless, for she could perceive no threat from him, but her inner senses were curling tighter within.

"I thank you miss. I wanted to find safety before the coming storm broke." Offering a lifting of those feline eyes to the darkening skies above and then he bowed with elegant grace and bestowed a charming smile toward her. Yet, she saw the merest flicker of something other then grace within his eyes. Something that made her concerns flutter, so the sound of twigs crunching under the heavy boots of her guard was a welcomed sound.

"Aye sir. Looks to be a nasty blow heading this way. Stay along the path there and ye will find the road easily." She replied with a polite tone then turned to look towards Maison, her sharp ears picking up the fact he was moving closer.

"I shall Miss. I thank you again." With that he turned and strode off, the black cloak billowing about his tall form. Even the way he moved resembled that of a stalking cat and she shivered for the first time but not from the cold, but from a deeper feeling of perceived danger.

Moments later she was sending beside the tall bulky Northa. "Did ye see him Maison?"

"See who?" He answered with a frown darkening his brow and eyes darting about with sudden caution.

"The golden man." Kaely commented as she pulled gloves back upon her now numb fingers and then pointed off down the path the fellow had taken. "He said he was lost and I sent him down that path there towards the road."

"Lost in this weather" Not likely." Maison's frown seemed to grow deeper. "Lord DeAuster will not like this news."

"Aye. I nae know how he managed to get past the boundary wards without alerting the keep." Pulling her eyes from the distance she glanced back to her protector for the moment and sighed. "I think now be a good time to return."

"Good. I shall speak with my commander about this as well Milady. Lets get you back to safety." This time he didn't let her out of his sight, keeping close to her while his black eyes still darting about.

Farriss lifted his steel gray head slowly, regarding the young man before him with a dark frown drawing upon his brow. Maison stood silently, letting the words sink in. "Repeat that again Lad?"

"She insists that she saw someone out there Commander. I didn't, but the lady was insistent. Some lost traveler, but such a thing makes no sense. He was within the boundary wards." The tall well build man stood stiff and tense, waiting for some response to his report.

"That is not possible. Lord DeAuster's wards are unbreakable. Only those with the appropriate permission can cross those lines without alerting the keep to trespass." Rising with the stiff protest of leather and chain, he reached for the heavy gloves laid ready upon the table.

"I am to meet with his Lordship later this day and will obtain council on this matter. If Lady Kaelynn seeks to leave the confines of the Keep, take a few others with you. She is not to be left unguarded. I will leave word with Commander Jerrak, I am sure he will agree precautions will be needed." The low rumble of his voice held a shadow of a growl in the tone as Farriss spoke. Each statement rang with authority and command before he strode off. Boots a sharper tone within the normal silence Commander's quarters.

With the winter storm breaking, the sound of icy rain could be heard as it struck the protective glass of the windows that lined the long hall. Farriss didn't pause just continued on his way into the war chamber. Finding both Jerrak and Tarrak in residence. Both tall, heavily muscled forms leaning upon the table and reviewing the territories and the location of their various warbands and troops.

Thus far the blockade on Torvien was holding, but with the weather taking a turn for the worse, they might lose the foothold. Both were hard, loyal men that took their duties to Lord DeAuster with near fanatic allegiance. A feeling Farriss himself was slowly discovering lay within his own soul.

Without mincing words he filled the two Elder Commanders in on the recent reports. Having no surprise at all, for their mirrored features took on the same concerned frown his own brow still maintained. "The Lady Kaelynn is not prone to seeing things without cause. We shall have to set up scouts to move along the boundary, just in case this man returns. Did she or her guard give any description or details?" Jerrak asked, rising up from the bend over the table and turning to regard the veteran commander.

"Maison didn't mention anything about what the man looked like. I shall speak with the lady before I depart for Cisroe, to see if she can add more to this mystery Commander." Farriss responded to the question without hesitation.

"Aye, one of us shall seek her council as well." Tarrak added as he moved to take up the heavy furs most of the Barbarians favored to ward off the bitter winter chill. "First I shall set the orders for Scouts. Something is not right about this news, not with the storms of the season that usually stall travelers."

Jarrak was soon following the example of his twin, drawing on his own heavy protections with a slow nod of his brown head. "I shall see about sending some men into Briarstone and seeing of this lost traveler is still there. The storm may aid us in discovering who he is and how he crossed our boundary wards as well."

Settling into the seat just across from him, she lightly brushed back some wandering strands of the honey gold hair and nodded. Blue eyes taking a faintly pensive gleam before glancing up towards Betina as she plunked a mug down in front of her. "Tea. What stranger" Where did ye see him Kaely?"

"Betina please, ye know I can't stand ye looming over me like that. Why don't ye get ye self something to drink and join us, as ye be already planning to listen in already." Kaelyn's voice was soft and warm, taking any bite there might have been from her words.

"Alright. I shall then. Speak up so I can hear ye while I make me self some coffee." The large woman turned and walked off again, her lined face looking more like the clouds outside and wearing a mantle of worry as only the elders could.

"He was golden Commander. Tis one word I could use to describe him, it would be that. He was as tall as Daniel if nae a bit more. Well spoken and respectful. He was dressed in tooled leathers that nae seem to fit for any merchant class." Pausing a moment, she closed her dark blue eyes, trying to bring his face back into focus and a faint furrow drew between her brows. "Odd. His image be fading. Such things are nae normal, as I usually have a good eye for faces."

Betina heaved herself down beside her, with her own frown taking on a glowering edge. "Why did ye nae mention this to me girl" Ye will nae be wandering about for a while. Tis obviously unsafe."

"Hush Bet. I am trying to think. It was something about him that was most distinctive but your grumbling will not aid me with this." A short nail tapped lightly against the heavy mug in her hands, ticking with the time of the clock's pendulum as it moved high on the kitchen wall.

"He had a scar Commander. A very nasty looking one but old, for it was long past healing. Ran from his left ear downwards along his neck. I realize now, such a wound would normally be death to most. Jagged it was." Slowly Kaely opened her eyes and offered a weak smile. "I am sorry I can nae tell ye more. Was a very brief meeting."

"That is more then I knew before Milady." Taking a careful drink of his coffee, he slowly nodded. His own gray-blue gaze watchful. "Did ye give you any clue as to where he was going or how he got lost?"

"He said he was looking for Briarstone. As for how he got lost, that I can nae say. He merely mentioned he was." She was unsure if she should mention the feeling she had picked up from the man. Commander Farriss hadn't asked, and she was also starting to wonder if she had actually imagined it. As the memory even though it had happened such a short time before, was cloudy and uncertain.

Clearing her throat, Betina looked over and offered another "Hurumph!" Before adding more. "Did ye pick up anything from this strange gold man Kaely?"

Farriss looked startled at Betina's question, but those sharp blue eyes of his fell upon her with sudden intensity, making Kaely feel like squirming like a chastised child. "Aye. But that too be confusing. It be like he wasn't all that he seemed. I could read very little from him, but I am nae sure if he was lying or seeking to hide. It be hard now to recall."

A pale hand pressed to her brow, as suddenly her head began to pound. "Such things are nae natural. I can nae think more on this, as the pain grows with the effort." Features having paled dramatically since she sat down, Kaelyn sighed and glanced over at Bet. "Nae ask me to even attempt to explain this. I nae have any clues to such things. It be like that single memory be slipping away though a sieve."

It was evident to her that had Commander Farriss waited one more day, she would have been unable to recall anything and that brought an expression of worry and even fear. She wasn't ill, she was sure of that, but neither was she prepared for such an effect either.

"Tarrak and Jarrak will be needing this information." Farriss stated with the gray head turning to regard the storm stirring up outside.

"Nae ye have any fear Commander. I shall fill then in. Ye go and speak with Lucius. He will be needing to know about this post haste." Betina rose and was instantly fussing over Kaelyn who was looking suddenly exhausted. "Tis time ye lay down a bit Poppet. Come along. I will take ye to ye room and get ye some of those herbs to ease ye head."

Kaelyn didn't argue as she was feeling suddenly very light headed and tired and slowly rose up, only to stumble and almost slip to her knees. It was Betina's hand that kept her standing. "Perhaps ye caught a chill while roaming about in that cold. It was a bitter morning after all Kaely."

In no time at all, she was tucked into bed, blankets piled atop and plied with teas and elixirs that sent her into a restful, energizing sleep.

Johan's arrival was a timely interruption, as he and Fiona probably needed a break from going over the bills and plans for the upcoming ball. As the grizzled veteran bowed Lucius motioned for him to take a seat across from the couple, his other arm slipping around Fiona's waist where she perched on the arm of his own chair. "What's going on, commander?"

"Milord, Lady Kaelyn ran into someone earlier this afternoon in the hills overlooking Gharnholme." He paused for a second, to let that sink in, and then continued. "By her word, and that of the guard with her, she was well within the boundary of the wards."

"What?" Lucius sat up straight, and would have come to his feet had it not been for Fiona's hand coming to his shoulder. "That's impossible!" Fiona squeezed his shoulder tightly, to help calm him, as she looked across to Farriss.

"Commander, are ye certain of the location?"

"Aye, milady. I know the area the guard described well enough." Farriss returned her gaze calmly, and nodded once. Lucius, meanwhile, leaned back in his chair, seething as Farriss spoke. "The story she related was a merchant was lost, and trying to find the road to Briarstone. I suppose it's possible he wandered away from the town and became lost."

"Fething unlikely." Lucius growled softly, and again Fiona squeezed his shoulder, drawing a look from the angry chaos lord. "Commander, I want new patrols set around the gates to the town. No one is to leave the road until they pass through the wards." After that, he said to himself, they can deal with the ghouls.

"And mayhap some should be sent to Briarstone, to see if this man can be found." Fiona added, stroking a manicured fingernail along Lucius's neck, a move designed to help calm him. As her husband canted his head toward her hand her gaze moved from Lucius back to Johan. "Kaely did give ye a description of this stranger?"

"Aye, milady. She said he was "golden", and bore a scar from ear to neck." He used a finger to trace the path, had he born such a scar. "It was the best she could give at the time, the poor girl. Betina sent her to bed right after talking to me, as she appears to have become ill."

Silently he sighed, hugging her again as his lips pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. "If he is as you say, then he'll be expecting you to do just that." Fiona looked up, and it was easy to see the red ribbons running through the ice-green pupils, a very visible sign of her lurking anger.

"Mayhap, love, but ye of all people know I've learned a wee bit more since I last ran against Faenall." He voice was soft, but carried a steely edge that he had heard only a few times in the past. She was on edge, her mood swinging wildly enough it stirred his own beast, a sympathetic growl building deep in his chest. Slowly he nodded in reply, and then turned to Farriss, who had stood up again.

"Captain, please see to Kaelyn's move here. And notify Terrak of what has happened. I believe he is currently camped near Briarstone."

"Yes, milord. And I'll see to Lady Kaelyn's move myself." the veteran nodded, and then turned smartly on a heel to move to the door and leave the study. As the door closed behind him Fiona let out a soft breath she may not even have known she was holding.

"Terrak will nae find him." Fiona said softly, resting a cheek against Lucius's chest. The chaos lord canted his head to brush a cheek to her ebony mane, and slowly nodded in agreement.

"Perhaps, love, but it will put him on notice that we know he is lurking." Questions remained in his mind, the foremost being why Kaelyn was not taken or harmed, even though he had ample opportunity. He would speak to her about it later, should she feel up to a visitor after her move. "I don't think he'll risk a confrontation here."

"Nae, love." She agreed quietly, and Lucius pulled back slightly, so he could look again into her eyes. And, he could guess her thoughts.

"Love, promise me you will not go to Briarstone yet." He could see the protest building, and quickly leaned in to softly kiss her, giving her pause. "Not until you calm down. You rush in right now you'll put yourself into danger.? There was a long pause, and then she nodded slowly. Though, he could feel the unspoken words, as clear as if she had yelled them from the rooftops.

Only until I calm down. Then, I go hunting.

"I will nae seek to explain how I sought to get close to him. It was more a matter of following him. Learning of a large number of missing women around the area also as I investigated him. Often those he took a fancy to." Pausing she turned as Luc moved up behind her, wrapping arms around her and leaned her pale cheek against him. "He was considered a very charming, affable type. Ladies seemed to enjoy his company, and nae all vanished, but just as many did. Yet, there was something about him, that nae felt right. I nae ever actually got close enough to examine that, although I did try."

"I think he suspected another assassin to show up, with so many having tried before. He is nae a stupid man, nor is that brother of his. Both are dangerous with powers I nae can figure."

"The night I confronted him, there was such a storm blowing. Trees were bending at the force with the wind holding a biting chill, the kind that cuts the flesh with the very touch. It was as if he had called that down to aid him in his dark deeds. A place on a high cliff over looking an angry sea below, the waves so loud it sought to compete with the growling thunder of the storm rushing in."

"A mere farm girl was his victim. Few question their disappearances as often just run away from a life of hard labor and drudgery. I was angry at the time, and perhaps I should have waited to act, but the pain. . . " She slowly wrapped her arms around Lucius, the touch holding only and echo of the memory but it was still powerful. "He was draining her of her life, but nae like a Vampire might, but as a mage would. Energy drawn from the very soul and electrical pulses that makes one alive."

"The girl nae screamed it was if her voice was stolen. Perhaps it was, for her anguish was easily felt. He seemed to glory in that, as it that also fueled him along with the dark magic." It was something Fiona still found disturbing and unsettling. "I surprised him, slipping from the shadows and striking out at him. I could hear Garith screaming in my head, but it was as if he blurred before my very eyes, with the dagger's edge sliding through the howling wind."

She took a deep breath, seeking calm even as the memory stirred up something else inside of her, a turbulence of anger struggling to rise once more. "I pursued him. Running over uneven ground laden with rocks and grass, with the lashing of icy rain. I cornered him on an edge. He had nowhere to go and struck at me. Powers I have nae ever encountered then or since. It was as if my very soul was being splintered. The energy he used felt like knife cutting into me but I refused to back down. I believe it was Garith that kept me on my feet, as he shrieked in fury and I swung. The blade cut him. From the left ear and downwards and I remember seeing the spray of blood in the flashing of lightening."

"I stumbled and dropped to the soaked earth, nearly drained and watched as Faenall clutched as his bleeding neck and stumbled backwards, falling over the edge, but I nae did see the body below." Her words faltered for a moment, growing quiet. "I fell unconscious instead. Father said the Duibh failsafe activated and I was brought home seconds later. I nearly died that night. He had stolen much and it was months before I even woke." Her head lifted from Lucius's chest and she gazed at him somberly. "His magic is dark, acidic and still unknown to me. What ever Gods he now converses with, are still a mystery to even those below."

"It is a agony I shall nae ever forget, or the weakness and vulnerability it caused. The touch alone spoke of death." Even after all the years had past, she remembered it keenly and allowed just a little of that to filter into her husband.

Daniel sat quietly, his back propped on the headboard of the bed, cradling Kaelyn's head in his lap as she slept. In sleep, her features were ethereally peaceful, her honey-blonde hair haloing out around her. He smiled as he gently drew back an errant bang from her forehead, his hand coming to rest on her shoulder where it lay under the covers. Around them, the manor settled into a quiet if watchful evening. And though she rested peacefully, his thoughts were in turmoil regarding the events of the afternoon.

He had just arrived home at Gharnholme from a quick trip to inspect the garrison at Torrence for his father when he met Commander Farriss. Having just returned from Cisroe and the meeting with his father, the older warrior had immediately stopped Daniel to fill him in on what had happened with Kaelyn, as well as the bulk of the conversation with Lucius and Fiona. "Your father wants Kaelyn moved to Shadow Falls, for her protection."

The immediate flash of anger flowed into worry for Kaelyn, and he nodded in agreement. "Of course!" He had replied, falling in step with Farriss, the two heading toward the kitchens, the last place Farriss had seen the young woman.

Betina was, as usual; fussing at the cutting board, busy making the evening meal for the family when Daniel and Farriss entered. A quick glance revealed no sign of Kaelyn, and the door to the workshop she shared with Myrialla was closed. "Bet, do you know where Kaely might be?" The silver-haired woman scowled slightly, casting a fishy look toward Farriss before replying.

"She still be in bed, Danny. The young lass wasn't feeling well." He cut a look over to Farriss, who nodded slowly in confirmation. Spinning on a heel Daniel now led, heading to the stairs and down to the second level of The Underhalls, where the family's rooms and personal areas was located. When they arrived at the doorway to the chambers the couple shared Daniel held up a hand for Farriss to wait, and slipped quietly into the room.

"Daniel?" The soft voice was barely heard, and had the young man moving over to the bed and sitting beside Kaelyn, her head and one hand the only thing visible over the edge of the blankets.

"Yeah, it's me." He replied in the same soft tone, reaching out to take her hand. "I heard you had a busy day." The young half-elf closed her eyes, and nodded slowly. Daniel gave her hand a gentle squeeze, his thumb lightly rubbing a knuckle as he leaned closer. "Kaely, Commander Farriss is outside, to take you to Shadow Falls." As soon as the words left his lips Daniel knew Kaelyn was about to argue, as she made to rise to a sitting position.

"Nay Danny. There be no need?" Words trailed off as she fell back again with a soft groan, the tea from earlier still holding her in its grip. "Nay need to be bothering with such?" She was obviously agitated by the thought of moving, and Daniel brushed a soft kiss to her pale cheek.

"Dad wants you with Aunt Myri, for your own safety." He braced for another attempt at an argument, but Kaelyn just nodded slowly, her reply lost in a mumble of words. Daniel smiled slowly, again gently kissing her before rising to gather some of her clothes into a travel bag. That he gave to Farriss, still waiting patiently in the hallway, and he would carry the sleepy girl in his arms to the portal for the trip back to Shadow Falls.

Now, having put her to bed again, he sat with her, a protective shadow in the darkened room. In the quiet of the room he reflected on what Farriss had told him, and the rage slowly grew within him. Other questions, the how and why of what had happened, was slowly pushed aside by the mounting anger.

"I promise you, love, you won't have it happen again. And whoever did this will pay." For a brief instant the ocean-blue eyes flared crimson in the near-dark, as the young man's fist clenched in contained fury. He didn't care who in his family felt the emotions rolling off the elder child, as he was furious. "They won't do it again." His voice sounded loud in the room, a growled tone that would have been more fitting coming from Lucius than himself.

Movement caught his attention and distracted the roiling thoughts as a large black form hopped up on the bed, brilliant green eyes almost glowing in the darkness as they locked onto Daniel. Zarra sat there for a moment, gazing unblinking at the young man, before moving next to Kaelyn's chest and turning a circle, a precursor to lying down. For all the world a queen on her divan, the cat again looked to Daniel with that expressive gaze for a moment before the green eyes closed. But, in that look, he had read a message, almost as clear as if the cat had said it aloud"

Beware what you declare"

"Welcome, Duke Torvien." An arm sweeping out in an appropriate display, the rich red silk flowing around the arm with a soft hiss, Audric fell in step beside the older duke as they crossed the entry, leading him deeper into the manorhouse he kept as a temporary residence outside the city of Redding. Deep within Torvien's holdings, it was the perfect spot for this little meeting between the two allies. Behind the pair two bodyguards in the livery of House Torvien fell into step, with Tristian following last, his mace bouncing lightly on his shoulder. The rest of Torvien's retinue waited at the front of the mansion, and for Faenall only the younger brother was any indication of guard or protection. "A pleasure you could come, on such short notice."

"Aye, and to what do I owe this little visit?" Argus Torvien, current head of House Torvien and liege-lord of its holdings, looked over to Audric with barely-concealed impatience. "Your letter came at an inopportune time, saying we have urgent business." Irritation was clearly evident in his voice, the missive from Audric having come in the middle of planning a new stratagem in the current stalemate against the army of Gharnholme now pushing on his borders. "And I was taken to believe you wished to be a silent partner in our current endeavors."

"Ah, but even a silent partner contributes to the game." Turning a corner, Faenall approached the doors leading to the gardens of the manor, a servant silently opening the door for the group as they approached. "Even now, I have begun to put plans into motion that will further divide our enemy's attention, making them vulnerable." Stepping onto the small rock path winding along neatly-trimmed hedgerows, he looked back to his guest, a smile hinting at mystery tugging at his features. "And I think you will find this contribution perfect for your current t"te-"-t"te with DeAuster." Torvien snorted darkly at the mention of that name, drawing a soft laugh from Faenall.

"How a barbarian like that has come to rule over civilized men'dark days, indeed." The elder duke looked around as Audric led him down the garden path, and the hawkish gaze moved back to the blonde nobleman, suspicion tingeing his tone when he spoke again. "And where are you taking me, Lord Faenall" I was taken to believe this was a matter of utmost importance."

Coming to a stop, Audric looked over to Torvien, the smile now humorless, almost brittle. "And I have not misled you, Argus. What I have to give to you today may well change the very plans you currently plot with the Terranthi." Letting that little tidbit settle, he turned back to the path, walking toward a small shed, and around its corner. "Though why you still treat with the northerners I cannot fathom. It's not as though their aid helped Urevan any."

"Urevan was a fool, underestimating the barbarian and the threat. Something I will not do." Coming up beside Audric, Torvien looked up at a large figure towering over the men, covered by a cloth drape. The top of the covered figure brushed the limbs of the white oaks surrounding it, a good fifteen feet above the ground. As Torvien came to a halt, puzzlement a clearly enough read emotion, Faenall continued forward to stand beside the form, a hand coming up to grip the cloth draping.

"Both truths, my dear Duke. And nary a fool would turn down a weapon that could change his fortunes." With a movement akin to a street magician pulling back the curtain to reveal his smiling, unsawed assistant Faenall gave the draping a hard yank, sending it sliding to the ground in the soft rustling of cotton fabric. It was all he could do not to laugh at the reaction of the two guards, for each took a step back, eyes widening in surprise, mirroring their master as the three looked up at Audric's "gift".

It took a moment for the Duke to find his voice, and another to actually move closer. "This??" Audric couldn't help it now, and his laughter filled the small clearing, echoed by Tristian, still standing at ease behind the group.

"Designed by a witchhunter, driven mad by one too many atrocities he had witnessed." The mage looked up at what he had uncovered, and then back to Torvien with a smirk, enjoying the moment and the reactions produced, nearly as sweet as young life itself. "I came into possession of the rough sketches the poor madman had made, and from there my people refined and built his masterpiece." The rich blonde mane flowed over his shoulder as he looked up again, his hand moving to brush the unyielding iron. "A marvel, and designed for the sole purpose of destroying the infernal."

Torvien, who had been looking up at the silent figure, finally turned his attention back to Faenall. Those last words especially registered, and the smirk of the magus was met with a wry smile, the elder nobleman soon laughing along with his compatriot, each considering the possibilities that now lay before them.

She could smell the coming storm in the air as her piercing sea blue eyes looked down the pass. The smoke noticed along with the faintest of light flickering below. The darkening sky heralding the coming of night was hastened by the incoming thunderhead. It was effectively swallowing up the last of the feeble sunlight. A glacial glance to her charge she gave a nod to his suggestion. Little more could be done here at the present.

The stand off had everyone on edge. Soon enough that tension would snap like a dried twig under foot. Such was the way of war Sorcha was discovering and found she didn't care for this waiting. It was a careful dance of tactics. A living chessboard and finding oneself, as a pawn was hardly an uplifting experience for one used to playing the role of silent killer.

Reining her horse about with an expert hand, she shoved back the drift of chocolate brown hair from her brow and looked stone faced at Daniel. "Ye going to stand there all night then" Thought ye wanted to get some rest' Ye be about to drop anyway." Only to aware the young man was treading that fine line between fatigue and collapse. The dark shadows on his features hard for anyone to miss.

"Yes, ye be right Sorcha. Rest is about all we can do until all hell breaks loose." His own mount turned and he moved up beside her. "You feel it don't you?"

"Aye, I feel it alright. Stretched tight like a wire it is." Sorcha muttered darkly, words carrying their own fine edge of irritation. "Checkmate aye?"

"Aye." He gave a tired sigh and started for the camp. "Don't even know why Dad sent me here."

Sorcha suspected she knew and just looked at his back, head shaking in a drifting of breeze mussed hair. The heavy disheveled waves tangled from the steadily growing wind. She was going to have to restrain the mob or cut it apparently. The mild frown rested upon her face for a moment, but was cast off with a snort. "Likely hoping ye be able to use this tension."

The harsh look cast back towards her from him, those blue-green eyes kissed with just a hint of crimson was a surprise. It gave her a moment of pause but only that before she glowered right back, her own gaze just as belligerent. "Don't ye be scowling at me Daniel DeAuster. I just be speaking my thoughts as be my right nae be a cause to be getting surly with me."

Muttering he twisted back in the saddle just as the camp came into view. "Then nae be thinking about what is going on with me. It be none of ye business."

"Fine then." Snapping right back, Sorcha quickly controlled the beast under her as it started to get jumping, likely picking up on her mood. If she didn't know better she might suspect the lad was seeking to pick a fight, and she was far to quick to follow that. However once she was able she dismounted, letting one of the stable hands take the reins and she stalked off. Growling faintly at the hostility Daniel had been radiating. Something was surely up with him, but other then guarding him, she had no reason to speculate what was causing his mood.

Glancing back she saw the object of her annoyance already caught by the various commanders about and just ground her teeth in muted disgust. If they would find a place to sleep she best start asking about, else it might be a fitful rest under the stars and considering how bloody cold this foul land got once the sun fell in full, a very unpleasant night as well. Sorcha had little interest in trying to sleep in the open with that storm rolling ever closer.

"One bloody tent." Muttered through teeth as she stalked into it. Bare bones at best, but one of the warriors had provided one of the small potbelly stoves for heat. Stuffing wood into it, she set it alight and just claimed one of the two cots it held. Sorcha mumbled a few words in Elven, calling forth shadows to keep watch on the heat source. Couldn't leave that unattended as she set off to find her charge and perhaps some food before bedding down. Suspecting this wasn't going to be a very comfortable night either. Not with the way Daniel was radiating foul temper. He would be lucky if she didn't lose her own temper and smother him in his sleep.

"How do ye control the anger, Sorcha?"

There was a noticeable silence as she carefully cleared away the remnants of her meal and returned to the basket. Sorcha took her time before she finally replied. Her stormy aquamarine eyes lifting to clash with Daniel's, in what could be called a penetrating sort of look. "I have always heard it be different for each individual. For me tis about channeling the rage and using it for other things such as killing, nae only that, but I also nae seek to hold some thoughts inside. If I see one playing the fool, I will state as such. Call a spade a spade if ye will."

"Others, like ye mother, took to controlling it. Locking it up where if what I have heard, it can still break free. However those controls be rather impressive nae the less." Brushing off her hands, the black talons gleaming as if wet in the faint glow of the lanterns. Outside she could hear the slow fall of the first of that coming storm and paused, collecting her thoughts. "Mine found a foot hold when I was very young. It nearly consumed me to ensure our survival. Took a great while for a sort of merging to be achieved. So tis hard to offer a suggestion for the situations be far different." Settling back down on the cot she had claimed for the night she regarded him through the drifting of chocolate brown bangs. "This be about ye deciding what would suite ye best Daniel. Tis sure ye be in conflict with that which ye carry."

A distant, rather somber expression moved over her features for a moment, thoughts tangling and turning within her head before she gave a faint shaking, sending the heavy waves of dark brown hair drifting about. "There was a time when I was far younger then ye, when I would rather nae have had such a dueling of consciousness. It was confusing then and there be times now when it still can be. I will nae deny that. However, I have come to a sort of understanding with that darkness. It be a part of me. It is what I am and I can nae change it. Perhaps starting with that realization might aid ye to how ye might learn to control or contain."

"Tis the emotions it can create I nae like. Those I do seek to ignore, for it tis often those that can lead to perils I would rather nae face. I feed the hunger by what I do. I avoid the more physical contact with others, knowing the dangers it would pose. Thus far it has served me well, but I would nae say it be the answer for everyone else with our more unique bloodlines." Bending now, she released him from her sharp intense gaze and started to unlace her boots.

"What dangers so you mean Sorcha?" Curious, Daniel had to ask as he watched her prepare to find rest.

Fingers fumbled only for a moment with her pale features well masked by the sliding curtain of chocolate brown, while she took another obvious moment to answer. "That which I carry takes delight in dealing death Daniel." Sorcha replied quietly, as if those words explained it all.

Sorcha considered the question for a moment while she placed her boots down beside the bed. The patter of rain upon the canvas outside was steadily growing heavier with ever moment she pondered. "There were nae many options for me. Ye see, unlike ye and ye sister I was naught raised being made aware of the darker side that I carry. The Order was the first place I had ever gone where I was nae made to feel ashamed of that side of me self."

Brilliant stormy ocean eyes lifted, reflecting and shimmering with prismatic light cast from the lamps within the enclosed tent, and regarded Daniel somberly. "I was to have grown up, married well and spawned a half dozen or so brats if ye be asking my mother what goals she had in mind for me. Such a fate was nae a welcome consideration for me." Full, carmine lips twisted into a mockery of a smile. "Even before I was aware of the half my father gifted me with, I nae cared for that future, nor was I ever a very domesticated creature. As a child I was wild and willful and drove my mother to distraction."

Oddly enough she didn't seem at all ashamed of her behavior, for there was a certain tone that implied that she found her mother to be insipid and supercilious. "My mother be a social paragon so felt I was far more a curse then a blessing due to my own personality. I was nae the perfect little princess in frills and lace as so many others of her societal circle had managed to breed."

"Thus by the time I was sent to ye Grandfather, I was more then willing to accept the training offered. Found I had an aptitude for the skills presented and have remained since. For me it be a matter of choice. One that my mother to this day takes delight in blaming upon my father, who is the target for all her ills and has been for as long as I can recall." Her voice had become bland, even monotone as she spoke.

"The work with the order be far more satisfying to me then the other path. For I nae can stomach children for one thing, nor have I ever found polite society to be of any value with the exception of the obvious exchanging of alliances, property and money." A cold little smirk moved fleetingly over her shadow cast visage. "As it was, by the time I was 16 I had already ruined my good name and reputation by childish folly. Making those wistful plans of my mother's even less likely. However, if given the choice to do it all over again, I would likely still select that same path as long as it brought me back to the Order." Laying her dense black leather vest down over the top of her boots she swung her legs up and just slipped them under the heavy covering of the blanket and then paused for another moment. A turn of her head and she regarded Daniel through a curtain of thick bangs. "I enjoy the work I do. It has a purpose and reason to each and every contract given. It be also an outlet for me as well as a salvation."

Ice green eyes narrowed as she peered down from a ledge along the edge of a cliff. A small band of men camped within the shadows of the mountain that she now spied upon. A feeble and weak campfire sent shadows dancing along the sheered wall where they rested, the flickering light casting macabre forms against that desolate backdrop.

A slow steady rain continued to fall as it had for the past two days while she had tracked them. Watching and waiting for the right moment to strike. They sought those of her family. They hoped to find wealth at the suffering of those she cared for and this she wouldn't, nae couldn't allow.

Their low muttered questions to those found in the small hamlets and villages as they trekked had garnered them little to none in regards to information.

Fiona didn't know if it was fear of Lucius and his army or curiously enough a certain mystique given her children but none had spoken a word about them. Instead the men were treated to looks of suspicion and distrust.

It had been only by happenstance she had discovered these headhunters. A brief stop while on her way to meet Lucius at the frontline of the war and an innkeeper made mention to her. The man had no way of knowing who she was, only that she wore the symbol of the house upon her cloak. The clasp bearing the heraldry of a crossed axe and sword resting atop a clenched gauntlet fist was a frequent sight upon a number of Gharnholm's Officers these days.

Fiona had sought the lady spoken of. Not that she believed the crone to be a seer, but because she had seen these men. It was enlightening to say the least. The lady was indeed as believed.

"O"aye, I" saw them M'lady." The lady was indeed old. With hair as white as snow but a posture that was straight and stern. "Sit a spell and we shall have some tea and I shall speak with ye about those foul, greedy vermin."

Settling down at an elegantly carved table, Fiona drew the hood back from pale features and releasing the braid hidden within with the action. A faint hiss caught her attention and ice green eyes swung about to regard the Elder with an arching of an ebon brow.

"I thought it was ye, but tis unsure I was. My gifts are nae as refined as they once were." Placing a bone white china cup and saucer down before her guest, Lady Warron gave a sigh before settling in to join her guest.

"Tis alright Lady Elder. I do understand. My husband has used seers on rare occasions. Often they speak in riddles and tis my belief that is because of how one sees what may come to pass." Fiona's tone was quiet and neutral as gloved fingers took up the delicate stem of the cup and a sip of the scented brew followed.

"Aye. Tis often hard to speak o' visions in anything but riddles for things that may happen are often shrouded in mist." Settling her weary bones down Lady Warron offered a faint smile. "Even now I see things but as it nae makes sense tis little reason to speak o"them."

"I am nae seeking ye talents this eve Lady Elder, merely that which ye have already seen. I wish to know what of those men that drew concern." Fiona stated somberly while slowly lowering the cup once more to its seat within the saucer.

"They be seeking any of ye blood M'lady." Words falling without hesitation before she continued. "Any that be of ye kin are their targets. T"was nine in all and the number be with reason. One traveling with them be skilled in dark ways. He nae casts light but sends forth a glow of dark about his person. That one carries a scent of death. I sensed that and unleashed my pets to defend me home."

Lady Warron's dark brown eyes clouded, fading in color and hue as she spoke, with a tone that took a rather distant mien as she continued. "I saw clouds of black above and below the stark lands o' Pyrehail. Cliffs o' Memory dancing with shadows and then the sudden bright washing o' blood. Strings o' color upon a canvas o' gray and black and in the air death hung heavy with the iron strains."

Fiona listened with a pensive furrow touching her smooth brow. Sitting back slightly in her seat she regarded the Elder in silence. Instinctively she knew this wasn't done yet and in a moment the lady she watched shivered yet remained otherwise unmoving.

Again Fiona's brow rose in question before her gaze moved to the small elegantly crafted pendant the lady now held forth. "Be that ye way of saying there is one such of ye kind in our midst?"

"Indeed it is possible. Or one ye may find within ye lifetime." Laying the jewelry into the palm of one glove encased palm with a hint of a smile upon the stern visage. "When you do find one o' our children, I bid ye give them this. Tis their truth locked within. None but our own can use it o' course but if the blood is there they will learn who they are."

The silver crescent moon held a powerful energy that Fiona could sense as she gazed down at it. It was a curious request to be certain but she saw little reason to refuse. Not once in the history of the The S"orruidh had they taken part in deliberate deception. Stories of old spoke of them as fair minded and wise along with being fierce warriors and sages as well as great healers. "Keepers of Memory' was but one of the many titles the race had carried in history.

"I know ye be wishin" to depart soon. I can sense the need rising within ye Milady, but I do hope ye have listened. An old God rises, so tis likely more will follow if times of past memory are to be recalled. I nae can say if this is to the good or the ill o' our lands now, as only time will tell and the path is ever changin". Thus the actual result can nae yet be foretold, even with those with the gift o' sight." So grave and somber those words from the Elder.

Nodding, Fiona slipped the pendant away into a hidden pocket of her leathers. What energy it had held having faded to silence now. She could only suspect it had been from the brief contact with Lady Warron that had awakened it, but now it was Fiona's possession and it's energy had once more fallen dormant. It was just another mystery she would eventually discover in time, she suspected, else the lady wouldn't have made such an unusual request, but for now, she had some shelgeyr kione to track down and dispatch.

Thus she now gazed forth, peering down from shadows at those very headhunters. She had alerted Lucius to her activities and most of what she had learned. She had no way of knowing if he would join her or not, having sensed he was also dealing with matters of war and seemed troubled by those.