"Back to U.S.S.R... Err... To Sickbay"

by Lt. Cmdr. Vladimir 'Sonic' Malgin, Chief Medical Officer,
Ensign Kira 'Fruit Loop' Murphy, Crazy Paediatric Doc,
Fluffy, Pet Skunk, High Protector of Big Stupid Thing, Romancer of Cute Female Skunks / Cats / Whatever He can get his paws on

“Caught.”

Junior Member Of Senate Ramir Omar.
Lieutenant Katrina Olegoski. Non-Player Character.
Lieutenant Shelly O’Rourke. Non-Player Character.

The Location: The Quarters Of Junior Member Of Senate Ramir Omar.

Junior Member Of Senate Ramir Omar entered his quarters and then quickly shook his head. Since their last meeting then Warrant Officer Sostik had actually refused to speak to him because Omar had mistaken Sostik for a Vulcan. How could he have of mistaken one of his own people for a Vulcan? He must have of been around of humans for too long.

Speaking of humans then he realised that he was trying to be contacted by his only human friend. He activated the communication screen and looked at the imposing image of Commander Chakotay.

“Hello my friend,” he said “I hear that you are getting married to that Borg drone of yours.”

“Yes,” replied Chakotay “That is correct. Me and Seven Of Nine have not yet set a date four our wedding though.”

“Soon then I shall be sending a shipment of ten bottles of my own Romulan Ale to your apartment that is at Earth,” said Omar “I do hope that you shall find that it is an excellent wedding present.”

“Thank you.”

“Also then I have an aphrodisiac or two that might help with certain matters,” quickly then Omar continued.

At this then Chakotay chuckled. “I shall tell you a secret. Me and my future wife do not need aphrodisiacs.”

Omar laughed loudly. “So then it is true that Borg drone of yours values efficiency when she is off of duty as well. Some of us are not as lucky. Tomorrow then I shall send the Romulan Ale to you. Have fun Commander until we meet again.”

“Goodbye Junior Member Of Senate.”

Omar deactivated the communication screen and stood before gasping with surprise.

Lieutenant Katrina Olegoski had been observing his whole conversation. He must have of been conversing too much to have of noticed her.

“Romulan Ale? I must tell security of this immediately,” she said with amusement.

Omar muttered with annoyance when she had exited his quarters.

Three hours later then all of the Romulan Ale had been confiscated and Omar was arguing with Lieutenant Shelly O’Rourke. “Tomorrow then I must deliver the Romulan Ale!” he insisted. “I apologise Ambassador but this is an illegal alcohol,” she said and left.

Omar muttered with annoyance before he removed another ten bottles of ale from a concealed place that was inside of his quarters and prepared to smuggle it onboard of the departing freighter. Chakotay had better be grateful.

“Tending the Crops”

By: Aileen Sheldon

It had been another long day. Sheldon spent most of her time working out in the fields. She had good sales when she went into the city, the morning before. She had just enough to buy food for herself, and her child. To pay off her taxes, and keep the man away for awhile. Also enough to buy another cow, giving her two. Her farm was small, but it was slowly building, and it was her home.

Wiping the sweat from her brow, she adjusting her small hat. The wind was starting to pick up. Sheldon wanted to finish hoeing, and get the sole nice and soft, and plant her seeds before the rains came. She figured she had about an hour, maybe two, before the rain fall. Her hands sore, and blister, she ignored the pain, and continued on with her work.

Gazing up into the sky, the clouds started to roll in, the sky graying over. There was a slight chill in the air, and her dogs started to bark, and pace. They knew the storm was coming, and they wanted Sheldon in the house, self. Glancing back towards her house, she spotted the sitter taking Jonathan inside, and out of the weather. The miss gave Sheldon a stern look, letting her know that she, to, should be coming inside.

<An hour later >

“There.” Covered in dirt, and sole, Sheldon slowly stood up, from her sitting position. She wiped at her forehead, pleased with her tending. The rain started to fall in small drops, warning Sheldon to go inside. Her back, and arms ached with pain, but she didn’t mind at the moment. Before long the rain would come, and help her corps grow. She would be having tomatoes before long. She knew those would sale big when she went into the city. She wanted to get some fruit next time, for fruit was worth so much more then vegetables.

Her dogs started to bark again, letting Sheldon to go now, before she was drenched. Looking up into the sky, she watched as the sky broke, and the rain came down. Thunder light the sky, sending chills down her spine. Lifting her dress, she started to run towards her home. The storm was worse then what she thought it would be. She prayed it wouldn’t be anything but rain, and thunder. Her home was to old, and fragile, she didn’t know what would happen, if anything happened to her home.

By the time she reached her home, she was completely drenched. Her dress was clinging to be body, along with her hair. Walking inside, she stood in the door away, her breathing slightly heavy. “Jonathan?” She called, walking into the small living area. “Hey.” She smiled, seeing her son boy playing by the fire.

“Miss, you shouldn’t have stay out in the weather so long. You could catch sick, come, sit by the fire.”

Catching her breath, “I should change first.” Looking at her sitter, “I wanted to get my crops taken care of before the rains, but.. I should have thought, I am quite sorry. You can not travel in such weather.”

“Don’t worry about me, ma’am. You should change quickly, and come by the fire.” She smiled sweetly. “Go on, Johnny and I will be alright.”

“Snake in the grass.”

By Dhanishta Eshe
Appearing Chandrakala Lakshmi Eshe (Twin sisters.)

Mrs K’vol awoke at dawn, still fully dressed. She changed into something a little more humble and resolved to clean up her childhood home, one that hadn’t had a humanoid through the thresh hold in over seven years.

Several hours later the house was clean, not a cobweb in sight, apart from in her hair and clothes. After changing back into clean clothes, and brushing out the dust and cobwebs from her hair, K’vol made her way to Church.

The coolness inside the Church was refreshing, she’d built up quite a sweat cleaning. It was like something from a recurring dream, she remembered it well, little had changed, except her. The Church looked smaller but that was only because she was seeing it through adult eyes.

K’vol made her way to a pew at the back of the church, the same one her and her family had sat in religiously for 14 years. She felt lonely sitting there with only a memory but as the familiar service started she focused on worship, it filled her with hope.

The church soon filled with song and K’vol rejoiced. Happy to be here again with people she knew, even if none of them recognised her!

She followed the steady stream of parishioners as they flocked to the altar for communion. As she looked around soaking up the atmosphere her eyes stopped on the priest. This wasn’t the Father she remembered, ‘Nothing stays the same’ she said to herself bitterly. She knelt with the others and waited to be blessed.

She heard his quiet words as he blessed each person, felt the slight breeze as he moved and heard the swish of his robes. He paused over K’vol; she looked up into the priests eyes. The colour drained from his face and he staggered backwards almost knocking into the alter table. An usher rushed to steady him. K’vol looked on with concern, as did everybody else. The priest wasn’t old, he looked in good health. The usher settled him and people began to move away, slowly making their way back to their seats, looking back over their shoulders. The usher looked round to find the reason for the priest’s sudden terror. K’vol bowed her head and joined the others as they made their way back down the isle. The priest recovered and continued to bless the waiting peasants. K’vol returned to her seat with out being blessed.

Year 815

“Snake in the grass, continued”

By Dhanishta Eshe
Appearing Chandrakala Lakshmi Eshe (Twin sisters.)

K’vol walked out of the Church into the brilliant sunshine; squinting slightly as it hurt her eyes. The priest rushed off after the service not stopping to thank anyone or shake hands; as he usually did.

K’vol decided not to let the events of the morning play on her mind, though they did and she couldn’t stop them. She made her way back to the filthy hospital to visit her sister.

Once inside the foul smelling building it was difficult to remember that it was a beautiful day outside. Moans filled K’vol’s ears as she followed the Butcher once more through endless corridors, she tried to ignore them but the screams shook her to the very marrow of her bones. She wished so much that she could take her sister away from this place, she prayed for that miracle every day.

The Butcher unlocked the door and let K’vol inside. The sun streamed in through the window illuminating every part of the foul, tiny room. K’vol realised what a blessing the darkness had been the night before and wished it was dark now, so that she couldn’t see the poverty her sister was made to endure. ‘This place alone is enough to make anyone insane’ she thought.

K’vol walked over to her sister, still strapped to the bed, and perched next to her. She took hold of her clammy, cold hand and just sat staring into her eyes. Those eyes which were once like her own; full of life. K’vol searched those dark, dead eyes searching for a sign of her sister, a spark, something which would tell her that her sister was alive. She sat staring for a minuet, maybe an hour, yet nothing changed, but she wasn’t about to give up. She would stay there all night, all year, if she had to, this time she wasn’t going to give up. Nothing was going to stop her from finding her sister this time.

The day soon turned to evening, lunch had long passed and K’vol hadn’t eaten a thing. ‘Maybe I should go,’ she thought ‘get something to eat. But I don’t want to miss anything, what if the one thing I’m looking for happens when I’m not here? But then you haven’t been here in such a long time that you probably did miss it’ a scathing voice reminded her. Pangs of guilt shot through her and she held back her tears.

It was about an hour later when patient 117, Miss Eshe, showed sings of life, her lips curled into a cruel smile and parted letting out a low hissing noise, like a snake. K’vol sat back, this wasn’t the spark of life she was looking for, this was disturbing. The door opened and the Butcher appeared, or rather his belly did first! “Miss Eshe,” he called, “the Father is here to bless one, one, seven.” he said. He moved aside letting the man of the cloth through into the small room. He stopped abruptly at the sight of her, his hands shaking slightly. “Father.” K’vol said standing and extending her hand in greeting. He took her hand and shook it lightly, he looked extremely uncomfortable, agitated and tense. He moved towards the bed cautiously, opened his book and began mumbling. The sound of hissing grew louder and the priest grew even more uncomfortable, K’vol watched on in silence, she too uncomfortable.

“Father…” K’vol began when he had finished. But he ignored her and hurried out of the room as quickly as he could. K’vol followed him, “Father?” she called out to him again. He turned sharply and looked at her; he looked terrified. “You left so quickly after the service this morning, did I do something wrong?” “Devils child.” he said. “What?” K’vol questioned. “You are the spitting image of the Devil child.” “Who?” She questioned. The priest motioned towards the room he’d just left, the room where her sister lay. It only took her a second to realise what he meant, “She is not the Devil.” She protested. “She may not be the Devil himself but she is the Devils pawn, possessed, he speaks through her. No word of God can save her soul.” With that he turned and left, leaving K’vol bewildered in the hall.

Slowly K’vol turned back, the Butcher was stood by the door, he had watched the whole exchange. “What was that all about?” K’vol asked him. He regarded her for a moment and she could tell that he was debating weather or not to answer her. “Tell me.” She said. He shifted from foot to foot for a moment and then began, “Well last week Father Hotchkins and Father Good came to visit, to bless the sick, as they always did. And….” “And what?” K’vol pressed him to continue. “Well, you see Father Good were in training, as it were, to take over from Father Hotchkins. And last week when they came they blessed one, one, seven. From the moment they entered one, one, sev….., Miss Eshe, well she started….” “Started what?” “Well it’s hard to explain, she were just repeating the same thing over and over again.” “What was she saying?” “Snake in the grass.” “Snake in the grass?” K’vol questioned. “Aye.” “That was all?” He nodded. K’vol thought for a moment, “Well what is so devilish about that?” she asked. He shifted again, slightly uncomfortable, “Well, Tuesday he….. he, died” “How?” K’vol asked. “He were out walking his dog and he was picking up a stick I guess, for his dog, and he were bitten….by a snake……….. which was hiding in the grass.”

"A Song for My Lady"

Jeremy Savoie
Messenger to Count Bhrode

Curtis Geluf
Traveling Minstrel

Frustrated in his efforts to mention his interest in Lady Erin to the Count, Jeremy decided to take in some of the night air to help clear his thoughts. Walking the balustrades of the castle, the messenger stared off into the starlit sky, feeling dejected.

As far as he knew, Lady Erin didn't even know he existed. He'd never really even spoke to her, except for a nervous greeting one evening in the castle gardens. She replied with a slight smile, but was kept moving by her ladies in waiting, leaving no opportunity to express interest or even disdain for the stranger who had greeted her. The smile, like pearls between rose petals; the glistening emerald eyes; the cascading, fiery red hair . . . they haunted his mind night and day since the brief encounter.

Leaning against the low wall, Jeremy lazily gazed down to the path below. As one of the principle approaches to the castle, the path carried a fair amount of pedestrian traffic during the day as people came to and from the castle doing business and exchanging all manner of goods and services with the Count and his court. But at this hour, the parchment-colored ribbon extended off into the distance, clearly visible without the clutter of people, animals and carts . . . save one lone figure, approaching steadily, accompanied by the sound of singing . . . .

His curiosity piqued, Savoie focused his eyes and ears on the figure. It was a man . . . a minstrel. A minstrel! Suddenly, Jeremy had an idea.

"You there! Minstrel!" he called down authoritatively.

The man slowed to a stop as he finished the verse he had been singing. Looking up, the minstrel called out. "A good evening to you sir, can I be of service?"

"Wait where you are -- I wish to speak with you. I offer a business transaction." With that, Jeremy disappeared from the balustrade and made his way down to the path below.

"A business transaction?" Curtis thought to himself, "I haven't even been in town two days yet. This is quite a bit of fortune."

In a few minutes, the messenger re-appeared through a small, gated doorway not far from where the minstrel remained standing. "I am Jeremy Savoie, messenger to the Count and I have need of your services," he stated, looking the minstrel over carefully.

"I am Curtis Geluf, wandering minstrel by trade, and I would be glad to service you," the young musician replied.

"Come, follow me. We must go where none will hear us," the messenger stated, turning back to the castle and motioning for Curtis to follow. Passing through the gated doorway again, Jeremy led the minstrel into the courtyard, keeping to the shadowed perimeter to avoid being seen in the bright moonlight. The two continued stealthily around covered interior walkway until they were almost at the complete opposite end of the courtyard from where they entered. There, Jeremy stopped and gave a cursory glance around to see that no one was within earshot.

Gathering close to Curtis, Jeremy's eyes darted around once more. "Young minstrel, what we shall do you shall keep secret," he began, his voice just above a whisper. "I am prepared to pay you handsomely -- forty silver pieces, to be exact -- for your service, but I must first know that you are trustworthy. Rest assured that I will not hesitate to call the guards and declare that I found you trespassing on the Count's grounds if you do not follow my exact instructions," he warned icily.

The threatening tone was not lost on Curtis, but he thought it best just to brush it aside.

"You have my assurance that your instructions will be followed faithfully sir." the Minstrel replied.

"Very well. Look to yon window," Jeremy instructed, taking the minstrel by the shoulder and gently turning him to the left. About halfway up the side of a turret that projected partway out into the courtyard was a generously-proportioned window. The room inside glowed with candelight and therefore most likely occupied. "That is Lady Erin's chamber; she is the Count's niece and . . . my heart's greatest desire," Jeremy confessed awkwardly. Then he sighed, the sigh of a lovestruck yet hopeless man. "Though we inhabit the same castle, I do not have the pleasure of speaking with or even seeing her often. Tonight, I wish to capture the maiden's attention, and it is with your help that I shall do this."

"Ah, I see." Curtis nodded in understanding. "You wish me to play a song for the lady on your behalf? But tell me, would it not be more fitting for you yourself to sing to the lady?"

"I have not been gifted with a voice such as yours, so you will sing your sweetest love song to my Lady from beneath her window. She shall come to hear you and after she has listened for awhile, you shall tell her that your song is but that of another, a one who would gladly sing to her himself, were he able." Glancing around again to ensure they were still alone and unobserved, Jeremy continued. "When she asks who this one is, you shall tell her that he is near but remains hidden for he cannot bear the thought of her rejection. If she still insists on knowing his identity then I will know her heart is open and I shall step forward and declare my love for her; if she does not, then you shall bid her a fair evening and offer to sing her a lullaby to aid in her slumber." He paused, his eyes cast downward as if the thought were too much for him to bear, "and then we shall leave."

Curtis could see the torment inside the man, it was eating away at his very soul. But it was best not to discuss it.

"Very well sir, I accept your offer. I shall begin at once."

"Excellent," Jeremy replied. "I shall position myself directly beneath her window, close against the tower wall where she will be unable to see me in the shadows. Once I am there, take your place further out from the tower where she will clearly see and hear you and begin your song." With that, Jeremy departed and hid in the shadows beneath Erin's window.

Stepping out from the shadows, Curtis walked several paces until he was in perfect position. Then, recalling all his memorized tunes, picked what he felt was the best, and began to sing.

The Minstrel's voice, normally a powerful tenor, was softer now, and smoother. His skill was such that if one listened closely, he seemed to be able to harmonize with himself, a deut of sorts. He was weaving a spell, one that he had practiced and performed many a time, and it was having the desired effect.

It wasn't long before silhouetted in the candlelight of her window, Erin of Friel appeared, curious as to the source of the song she was hearing. Her long, red hair cascaded freely about her shoulders, released from its daytime bondage of braids and pins. Staring down into the moonlit courtyard below, she spied Curtis. Silently, she listened to his song and a smile came to her ruby lips as she leaned against the broad windowsill. Finally, when the song was finished, she spoke.

"Noble minstrel, your song has pleased me so, but do tell, why have you come to sing for me?" she asked in the most melodious voice a man could imagine.

Curtis stepped forward and replied, "My Lady, my song is but the song of another. One who would sing to you himself were he able. What you have heard in my voice was the affection of one who has suffered long to greet you with a kind word."

A pensive look crossed Erin's face before she spoke again.

"You say you sing for another, yet this other does not show himself to me?" she mused aloud. "Your master is a coward, good minstrel, and I tarry not with those who would skulk in the shadows while others do their work for them," she announced, and with that, lifted a chamber pot to the window's edge and emptied it . . . directly onto Jeremy's head below. "I thank you for your song, kind minstrel," she added, then she turned and disappeared into her room.

Curtis called after her, "Very well my Lady. I bid thee good night then."

The Minstrel then looked toward Jeremy, feeling quite a bit sorry for him.

Standing in shock and utter dejection, Jeremy held his dripping arms from his sides, looking down at himself and wondering how he would ever win the Lady's heart like this.

"'Tis an unexpected turn of events sir, I sympathize." Curtis consoled Jeremy.

"Do you think so?" the humiliated man snapped, shaking the foul wetness from his arms as and head as best he could.

"If I may sir, it would seemed you are not so bad off. After all, Lady Erin does not know *who* sent me to sing for her. It could just as well have been anyone else. She has not rejected you, only my song." Curtis offered. "If I might make a suggestion, perhaps you would like to sing for her yourself?" Curtis asked.

"I have suffered enough humiliation for one night, I shall not subject myself to more," Jeremy protested grumpily.

"It is true that it takes years to sing as I do, but if I am not much mistaken, it is not the song Lady Erin really will hear. Simply the gesture. I could teach you the basics, even allow you the use of my guitar," Curtis said.

Mellowing just a little, Jeremy shook his head as he began to lead Curtis back around the covered walkway that encircled the courtyard. "Your offer is appreciated but no. It was foolish of me to attempt to win the Lady's affections this way; it would be more foolish still for me to attempt to do so with my own singing." Stopping, he reached into his vest pocket and produced a small pouch from which he extracted forty silver pieces. "Here is the agreed payment for your services. I will see you safely out of the castle grounds, at which point I must return to my chambers and procure afresh set of clothes for tomorrow."

Curtis accepted the payment, though he did not feel quite right in taking it. Still, he did not wish to insult the man, so he kept quiet about it.

"Well, for what it's worth, I wish you luck in your future attempts." The song-man said.

The two men continued to the gated passageway through which Jeremy first brought Curtis into the courtyard. "Remember our agreement . . . you are to speak to no one of this," the Count's messenger reminded. Seeing Curtis through the gate, Jeremy closed it behind the minstrel as he exited. Then a very rare and unusual thing happened.

"Curtis," Jeremy said solemnly, using the minstrel's name for the first time since meeting him. "I thank you," he managed. The words weren't much, but it was perhaps the first time in his life that Savoie had so sincerely expressed his gratitude to another human being. The embarrassment and dejection were still clear in his eyes as he looked to the departing man, who smiled, nodded, and continued on his way. At this moment Jeremy needed a friend and ironically, this wandering minstrel was the closest he had.

With that, he turned and retreated once again into the shadows behind the castle walls.

“The Tavern”

=/\=Thelan-Bannon=/\=

By Jasmine Thelan-Bannon
Owner of the Tavern

In the center of the town, there was a large tavern. Called the Golden Griffin. It took up half of the east side of the city square. It was three stories and had a large stable around the back for travelers or just the average patrons. Outside the front of this ‘FINE’ Establishment, were a number of long tables and benches on the paved front area. Everything looked peaceful. On the outside. But inside it was a different matter.

The inside was dim, lit only by the large fireplace and the three front windows. The hazy grey light that streamed through the windows, shed light on the wreckage inside. Tables upended, benches thrown helter skelter. And in the center of the mess stood a waif like woman. Her long black hair was platted so it fell down her back though tendrils had escaped and were plastered to her face. Her dress was drab and fitting of her station. A commoner. She held a broom in one hand and sighed again. Every Saturday night it was the same. The brawls. She had sent her stable boy to the wood workers and knew this time he was going to be charging her double.

She groaned and went back to sweeping. “You know that would be easier if you would hire more people Jasmine.” Jasmine glared at the smug man in the corner. “Look Jack, why don’t you go and do something useful. Like leaving me to my work.”

The thief grinned at her. “You know if you would only take my advice, Jasmine you would be wealthy beyond belief.”

“I told you once I have told you a million times. NO.” She said icily. “Now go away.”

He gave a mock sigh. “Very well my dear, its your dreary life.” He stood and gave a bow. “Have fun cleaning.” And he strode out of the tavern.

She glared after him. After he had gone she walked over and bared the door. James would be back later with the wood carvers. She turned back to her sweeping….

**** Later that Evening****

The Benches had been fixed as had the stools and tables. Patrons… well.. the normal customers who frequented the tavern were sprawled out around the room, while barmaids scurried too and fro with platters of meat and mugs of mead. Jack held court in a far corner, the people around him listened agape to his tales of skill and daring Jasmine sighed as she walked past hearing his words, but she knew he never told the REAL Stories, he told only exaggerated tales, of sword fights and chases through alley ways.. throwing in a baddie who was always after the poor hapless Jack for a crime he NEVER committed.

She moved around the room, adeptly dodging pinches on the bottom and groping hands. She made her way through a curtained doorway and down a hall to her chambers…Once there she stepped into the small room that served as the office and from which her bedroom went off. She sat at the desk and began to go over the accounts. Things were not looking good… with all the brawls that had been happening, most of her profits were going into rebuilding. She would struggle to pay her taxes this year…just like she had every year, but this year she would not rely on Jack to help pay.. not if she could help it. She looked up at a knock on her door and sighed. “Come in”

Jack sauntered in. “Hey Pretty. Whatcha doing.” He knew already. He could see it in her face. “That bad huh,”

She shook her head. She did not want him to help this year. She needed to prove that she could make it on her own. ”No not that bad. We will be fine come Tax time.”

He raised an eyebrow. “You know Sweetheart you can not lie to me.”

She looked at the books. “Look Jack. This year I want to do this on my own. No coming to the rescue ok?” She looked up at him. “I want your word Jack.”

”Honey you know my word means nothing.”

“Jack..” she said warningly.

“Okay, okay. Fine you got it. No help from me this year. I promise.” She nodded. The thief was about her age but was a close friend of her father’s, who had passed on the year before leaving her the sole owner of the tavern. He looked at Jasmine as a sister, for he knew she was untouchable. Not that she was not pretty. Cause she was.. just there had always been an air of sadness around Jas… even before her father’s death. Jack had never learned why…

Jasmine closed the ledger and replaced the quill in the ink well. “So… any new adventures going around the tavern Jack?”

He laughed. “No Jasmine. None new.” He held out his hand. “Come you can not stay in here all night… besides if you do not keep the ruffians in line… who will?”

“You?” she teased with a smile.

He gave a look of mock pain and placed his hand on his chest. “Ah.. she wounds me.. I am not that responsible.”

She giggled and took his hand, “Lead on oh un-responsible one.”

He grinned and led her back out into the main tavern.

"Intermission"

Grey, the thief

*off: cant you just hear the lovely elevator music playing? Okay so this post is mostly filler :P

There were many different patches of wildflowers to be found all over the forest but Grey preferred the yellow and white one's that ran along side the river. She sat cross-legged on the bank, contemplating an arrangement for Laura and for the Webwitch. Laura was feeling better and Grey could think of no other way, save money which the witch would not take, to thank her.

Grey had toyed with the notion, briefly, of picking the dark man a bouquet but had decided the ring had been proper payment. Besides, what would he do with them anyway? She found it strange that her thoughts seemed to dwell on him of late. She held the wrist up which he had once grabbed and wondered why the memory seemed to hold such fascination for her. It's been so long since I've been touched, she thought.

My hands are dirty, Grey added to herself with a frown. She wished it were possible to take a long swim and then lay out on the side of the bank for a long nap. But Grey knew that the forest could be deceptive and it was better not to stay in one place for too long. She sighed a bit. The girl had so liked her long heated baths but Grey would have to settle for quick perfunctionary ones when the time was right.

And that was not today.

She grabbed the flowers and stood up, contemplating the river. It was not deep, at least at this point, but she usually preferred the scattered track back to Laura's without the nuisance of soaking clothes. Grey decided to cross by the rocks. She could bathe tomorrow, she told herself. If her collection rate was high enough.

Besides, she would only get dirty again. Sometimes it didn't seem worth the hassle and Laura only really seemed to mind in the winter when Grey would sleep at her place for days at a time.

Grey crossed the river, a dirt smudged young woman in men's clothes, clutching bright flowers of white and yellow as if they were prized possessions.

A strange sight indeed.

[Takes place during the events of 'There's Another Life, Part 1']

"Anything Could Happen"

Primary Cast:

Lt (JG) Victor Krieghoff
Lt (JG) Ella Grey

Secondary Cast:

Flight Leftenant Angelienia

****

USS Galaxy
Deck 10
Ten Forward

~~No.~~ Ella signed as she looked out over the crowd gathered for the Upanishads.

"Who?"

~~No,~~ she repeated with a frown.

"Grey, be reasonable."

Ella leaned back against the window, tried to keep her face as neutral as his. ~~I know what you're trying to do and it won't work. You cant hunt down every man I'm interested in and run a background check.~~

~~Why not?~~ he signed back, appearing willing to do just that and seeing nothing wrong with it.

She gave him a smoldering look, mostly to p*ss off the group of women that were undoubtedly talking about them. Ella saw Angelina occasionally throw glares her way. ~~I'm a grown woman, Tiger. I can take care of myself in that department.~~

~~Did I say that you couldn't?~~ He gave her a penetrating look. ~~Are afraid something will happen?~~

~~You know one, I don't know if you've met the other, and stop trying to get me mad enough to tell you~~

"If I were trying to make you mad, you'd know, Grey." Victor looked at her for a moment. "Why?"

Ella arched a brow. ~~That's right. I can just imagine all the verbal abuse you would pour upon me.~~

"Why won't you tell me who they are?" he continued, ignoring her comment. "You know I'll find out sooner or later."

She fidgeted with her hair. ~~Because.~~

"Because?" Victor asked calmly.

~~Because I don't want to.~~

"Not a good reason, Grey."

~~Oh bother your reasons!~~ Ella signed. ~~You're as bad as Dallas sometimes.~~

"Worse, but that doesn't matter. Everyone can be under the right circumstances."

She glared at him. ~~You better not be implying that I'm in need of therapy, Tiger.~~

"It wouldn't matter if I did. Therapy only works if you admit you need it."

Ella threw up her hands in disgust and slammed herself down into the chair. They sat quietly for awhile before Ella picked her hands back up again. ~~All right, I'll tell you one if you tell me one.~~

"Tell me what?"

~~I'll tell you a name of someone I'm interested if you give me a name of someone you're interested in.~~

"Not a fair trade, Grey. There isn't anyone like that. You'd be giving something for nothing."

She snorted. ~~It doesn't have to be realistic, Victor. Just name some chick you'd bang if you could.~~

~~Bang?~~ he questioned, switching to sign.

~~Have sex with.~~ Ella clarified. ~~Make love to, do the horizontal mambo with, play doctor with, hide the gopher with, tame the....

~~I know what the term means, Grey.~~

~~Then there shouldn't be a problem, Krieghoff.~~

~~I don't have family on board, Grey.~~

Ella appeared puzzled. ~~I don't see what that has to do with anything. You just pick a girl and...~~

~~No.~~ His frown was as immediate as his reply. ~~You only do that with family, with the ones that you...~~~ He paused a moment, searching for the right words. ~~There are two kinds of family, Grey. They both care about you, but one is related to you by blood or marriage and the other... the other is the kind you do that with."

~~Oh honey, that's very sweet but ultimately not very realistic. Sometimes the need overrides the romantic notion. Haven't you ever felt that way about anyone here on Galaxy?~~

Victor looked at her silently for a long moment.

Ella crossed her arms.

~~What I want or need has nothing to do with what is, Grey.~~

Ella tried to think of a way to explain. ~~Victor. Try seeing it from my point of view. Is there anyone you consider sexually attractive? They don't have to be THE ONE, just someone, if you weren't you, you'd consider.~~

~~Yes,~~ he conceded finally. ~~There are people I think about that way. But they aren't family.~~

Ella let out an amused chuckle. ~~You're a prince, a knight in shinning armor whereas love and sex are concerned.~~

~~No. I just won't do that unless it's real, unless it matters.~~

Ella let out an amused chuckle. ~~You're a prince, a knight in shinning armor whereas love and sex are concerned.~~

~~No. I just won't do that unless it's real, unless it matters.~~

~~No wonder your aunts are concerned about you. When was the last time you slept with someone?~~ Ella asked before she thought better of it. It was probably too personal of a question but it was out there now.

Victor didn't hesitate as his fingers flickered out, ~~ New Year's Eve, 2371.~~

She just loved the smart little responses she kept coming up with lately, such as: ~~Oh.~~ Ella did the math in her head as her hands automatically had to start asking more questions. The waiter brought her another syntheholic martini.

His fingers kept moving, overriding her attempt to ask more than her initial question. ~~I told you about her already. Transporter Chief Melinda Travers. The one like Leftenant Angelienia.~~

~~Was that really the last time you were with someone?~~ She asked, before taking a sip of her drink.

~~That wasn't just the last time - it was the only time.~~

Ella found that martini's were not meant to be inhaled. She choked a bit, coughed even louder, drawing the attention of Curtis' finely tuned hearing. He started to step forward but she waved him away, managed to sign she was okay even as she coughed more.

Victor took the drink from her hand and held it for her as she coughed; watching her closely to make certain she didn't need more assistance than that.

She managed to get herself under control and then, with what she felt was an extreme measure of self control, merely signed ~~Oh?~

Victor set her drink down next to her. ~~'Oh?'~~ he signed back questioningly.

~~I don't know what to say.~~ Ella said through slow gestures. ~~It's just....I've never met someone so...so...~~

Victor patiently waited for her to find the right word, his face never changing expression.

~~Inexperienced.~~ She signed bluntly. ~~Not that it's a bad thing, just unexpected.~~

~~Why?~~

~~You've admitted that there are some that find you normal enough to sleep with. I just figured....~~ Ella shook her head. The concept was just too hard for her to grasp for the moment.

~~No, I haven't.~~ He shrugged, the gesture terrible for the lack of emotion in it. ~~Better to wait for the One or for family.~~

~~Promise me you'll be nice.~~ Ella said abruptly. She couldn't not say anything after hearing him reveal that to her.

Victor blinked at the change of topic. ~~Regarding?~~

~~Cass Henderson.~~

~~Because?~~ His eyes changed from their normal calm look after he'd asked the question, telling Ella he'd made the connection.

~~I like him. We get along well. If I were to have an ongoing relationship, he'd be one that I'd consider. Not that I'm looking for one, mind you.~~

~~Ah.~~ Victor looked at her for a few heartbeats. ~~Does he know?~~

~~He seems interested in me but I told him I wasn't looking for that kind of relationship. I've hinted... well, I guess I don't hint, do I? I think I've made it clear that I'm open for a more physical relationship. Don't frown at me, Victor.~~

~~What does he think?~~

Ella shook her head. ~~Most of the guys on this ship seem to be looking for more it seems. We're becoming good friends I think. We talk, people watch, etc.~~

~~As long as he's not hiding something terrible, I'll be nice. I promise.~~

She couldn't quite manage to make the scowl look genuine. ~~A full financial background check wont be necessary.~~

Victor nodded. ~~Gunny Goldstein.~~

~~What?~~

~~You tell me one, I tell you one. That was the deal.~~

~~Technically, we never made a deal.~~ Ella reminded him. She sat back, mulling it over. There were worse people he could have chosen, she supposed. Angelina certainly topped that list. ~~Mind if I ask why?~~

Victor thought a moment. ~~She's strong. Not pick up a shuttlecraft strong, but strong inside. She's attractive and knows it, but doesn't use it to get her way. She doesn't give when she's right, and won't let you hide when you're wrong." He thought a little more. "She's a good wolf."

Ella couldn't help but compare herself to the Gunny. The woman had qualities that she supposed she could admire and qualities that she certainly would never have. In the end, Goldstein was a strong, non-manipulative woman. Maybe that's what Victor needed. ~~She doesn't seem to be afraid of you.~~ Ella commented, glossing over the fact that the woman didn't seem to be afraid of anyone.

~~But she's not family.~~

Well, if the love beacons don't shine, you won't talk to her, and you won't sleep with her without one of the former requisites, I really don't know what to say, Ella thought. Instead she commented on all relationships seeming to have difficulties and then took a careful sip of her martini.

~~I wouldn't know.~~

Ella shrugged. Neither would she, really.

~~Why haven't you found someone? Not because they wouldn't like you - the real reason.~~

She shrugged again. ~~Maybe I'm not ready. I was in a relationship with my fiancée for a long time and at a very young age. And I really didn't like him very much upon reflection. I felt very... free once I broke it off. Besides, I was busy learning sign, trying to get into the Academy, trying to get through the Academy... who has the time?~~

~~There's always time if it's for the right person, Grey. Even if they aren't the One.~~

~~We'll just have to agree to disagree.~~ Ella signed, looking briefly at him. ~~But if I ever fall in love, I'll let you know.~~ And then she looked back out at the crowd.

Victor regarded her for a moment. "Will you know, Grey?" he asked quietly.

She looked back at him ~~Know?~~

~~Will you know when it happens?~~ He explained, switching back to sign now that she was looking at him.

~~I suppose so.~~ Ella signed without much enthusiasm. ~~Will you?~~

~~I don't know. I like to think I will, anyway.~~

~~Well, that's something at any rate.~~ Ella suddenly smiled, needing to deflect the conversation from is seriousness. ~~I see brownies at the dessert table. Want one?~~

~~No, but thanks.~~

Ella winked at him, and then pushed herself out of the chair to move towards the table. She'd get him one anyway.

Victor watched her go, and then looked around the room, noting who was standing where and how far they were from other people in case of trouble. ~ Doubt there'll be trouble, but with this many people in a small area... ~

His eyes swept the room once, but snapped back when he sensed someone approaching from his blind side. ~ I know that scent. ~ "Leftenant," he said politely, turning before she could close any further.

Angelienia's eyes flashed at him with something besides anger and she smiled. "Victor... I was beginning to think you were ignoring me."

"We both know that's impossible."

"Well," she smiled, "it's nice of you to say so." She moved closer, laying a hand on his arm. "This can't be comfortable for you here with all these people. Can I take you somewhere else? Someplace more private?" Her fingers stroked his forearm. "You'd be much happier there... I promise...."

Retrieving a plate of brownies, Ella turned and then stopped as she saw Angelina hanging all over Victor. She scowled, left the plate, and made her way back to them. ~~Can't leave you alone for two seconds, can I?~~ She signed to him.

~~It was thirty,~~ he signed back, Angelienia's fingers never leaving his arm.

Angelina looked at her with a sneer. Ella hadn't brought her computer PADD but she really didn't need it. Besides, she'd probably end up trying to clobber the woman with it. Ella moved between the two, nearly leaning her back against Victor. She gave the woman a look of barely contained disdain. You may want him, sweetheart, but I've got him, Ella thought, knowing the Ktarian would understand the gesture. Ella smirked.

Behind her, Victor was still, the nearness of Ella's body trapping him against the wall, his breath stirring the hair behind her ear.

"Silly mouse," the Ktarian smiled. "You know you'll lose. I know what he needs and how to give it to him. She reached past Ella to rest her fingertips on Victor's shoulder and stroke it once. "He knows it too."

Unphased, Ella reached back and brushed her hands upward along the side of his face to tangle briefly in his hair. She heard Victor make some kind of noise behind her and Ella's smile widened. I know what he needs just as well as you do, she thought.

Victor's hands instinctively caught her at the waist to support her as she leaned back. As her back pressed against his chest for a moment, she felt his body language change, his uncertainty of what to do now plain to her.

Ella waved her hand at the woman in dismissal. Angelina looked furious but retreated, probably because the Marine Log had entered the room. Ella watched her go and then turned back to Victor.

~~Why?~~ he signed after a moment of looking at her.

~~To piss her off, I suppose.~~

~~It will just make things worse with her.~~

~~Made me feel better at least.~~ Ella replied before sighing. ~~That was wrong of me to use you like that, I'm sorry.~~

Victor didn't answer for a moment. ~~It's all right, Grey. I just didn't expect you'd use me to do something like that. Wolves aren't like that.~~

She didn't answer him directly. ~~Its all that I know how to do. I'm tired, Tiger. I'm going to go get some sleep.~~

~~Not alone.~~

~~I didn't think ahead to ask anyone over.~~ Ella signed without amusement.

~~You're not going anywhere alone, Grey. She might not have before, but tonight she'd hurt you.~~

Victor's hair was slightly ruffled from where she had run her fingers through it. She found she wanted to smooth it or perhaps run them through again. ~~Let her try.~~ Ella signed darkly.

~~She won't with me there.~~

~~Victor, I don't think its....~~ She stopped and shrugged. What could she really tell him? She didn't think it was such a great idea because she had a crush on him? ~~All right, you can walk me home then.~~

Victor looked at her for a moment. ~~You need to be with someone tonight. The madder you make her the more likely she'll do something stupid if she can catch you alone.~~

Ella closed her eyes. Stop tempting me, she wanted to tell him. Her quarters would be empty, Indigo had already told her that she'd be away for a few days, and she could have Victor all to herself. And, being friends, she couldn't do a damn thing about it.

Karmic retribution is such a bitch, Ella thought. She felt a tap on her shoulder and opened her eyes.

~~I'll stay.~~

Ella sighed and nodded. ~~If that's what you want.~~

~~You'll be safer that way.~~

She smiled faintly. ~~With you around, I have no doubt I will.~~

~~There are no guarantees, Grey. Anything could happen.~~ He nodded towards the door and shifted position, waiting for her. "Ready?"

Anything could happen, she repeated to herself with amusement. ~~Ready~~ Ella signed.

"Demon In The House"

Principal Characters:

Victor Demonsson
Laura Harper
Grey the Thief

****

Barony of Galaxia
The Dark Forest

The girl's trail led to a part of the forest that Victor rarely traveled in. She'd hidden it well, well enough that he doubted anyone that knew the forest less well than he could have followed her - and there were none that knew it that well. The Webwitch, perhaps, knew her part of the forest so well, but she never strayed from her small corner, and that was nowhere near here. For another to find the girl's home would take blind chance and bad luck.

He shifted the package over his shoulder, settling it on the leather pad he'd slipped under the ropes holding it to keep it from cutting into his shoulder more than was necessary. He still wasn't certain why he was here. Curiosity certainly. The girl hadn't run from him as soon as she'd seen him the way the drunkards he'd watched over the night he'd first met her had when they awoke. She'd even spied on him some time later, the night that he'd offered her the rabbits - and the night she'd given him the ring.

The ring. That still mystified him. The rabbits had just been rabbits. Nothing special, nothing the girl couldn't have gotten for herself. But the ring... that was something else. It had been years since he'd seen anything so fine - before he'd come home to the forest, before he'd given up on fitting in the world outside and come to live here, where the rules were the same ones that were written across his soul. Where he fit in.

It must be the ring that had brought him here. Or maybe the idea that someone else lived in his forest and he hadn't known it. Or maybe... he didn't know what. Just that there was a connection there, that there was something between them. She'd given him a ring, not her curses or her fear. That meant something in the world outside the forest didn't it? Or was he remembering it wrong somehow?

He shrugged and shouldered the deer again as he started to approach the girl's home - only to stop and sniff the air. Someone else was home. Another woman. Older than the girl. That might be a problem.

The place was small and in need of repair. Its wood looked rotten and its only window was lined with dirt. But there were beautiful rose bushes planted alongside the path and through the window he could see several hand carved wooden boats.

"Come in," a voice said suddenly from inside.

~ She has good ears. Not many people would hear me walking up, even with the deer. ~

"I won't bite." the voice chuckled.

~ Always good to know. ~ Victor moved through the open doorway and into the hut slowly.

The old woman sat in a chair beside a slowly dying fire and near her lay the woman he had shared a rabbit with a few nights back. The thief slept soundly, a thin blanket barely covering her body. But she seemed content enough, probably the closest to serene he would ever see her.

~ She looks different. ~ Victor tried to decide how, but gave it up and looked at the old woman instead.

"By your silence, I understand that you have met my darling girl." The older woman said dryly.

"Yes." His voice was still surprising to him. He hadn't spoken in years before the few words he'd given the girl that night at the fire.

"Not a talker, eh?" The woman said from her chair and then laughed. "I'm quite used to that. Sit down, Sir. Sit down. Or if I have named you Sir in error, I do apologize. I've been blind for quite some time, you see." And she turned towards him so that he could see the blindness of her eyes.

Victor nodded, despite knowing the woman couldn't see, and set the deer down quietly so as not to wake the girl. "I'm... no knight," he said rustily. "Too dangerous... to be a... knight."

"You may be a danger but, as you now know, the sight of you will not offend me."

It took a moment to understand that what the woman had said was that she wouldn't be offended by him. That was surprising enough that Victor crouched by the deer, curious to see what else she'd say. Or what the girl would do if she awoke and found him here. "Who... are you?"

"My name is Laura Harper." The woman replied. "I come from a family of minstrels but, sadly, I had no musical talent." Laura sighed as she looked to where she knew the girl to rest. "She is Ella Grey, a proper Lady in another life, although I doubt she thinks of herself as such anymore. I usually call her Poppet. She's seems to prefer it to her Christian name."

Poppet, Victor decided, was a good name. It sounded nothing like the ones most people called him. "Why live here?"

Laura sighed. "She's lived in these woods for nearly seven years now, three of them alone before I found her. I was her nurse when she was younger, you see."

She was good, Victor reflected. To live seven years in the forests and not be seen by him was an accomplishment to be proud of.

"Her father was Lord Grey and became involved in a terrible war with another Lord, by the name of Flitt. Their lands border each others. It didn't help matters that Lord Flitt had loved the girl since she was able to be wed, probably before. By treachery, he found his way into the castle, killed her father and mother. Right in front of her, I'm told. He told the girl she had no choice now but to be his."

"She ran." It wasn't a question. The girl was fast on her feet, and skittish as a doe - she would have run, not fought. He watched her sleep for a moment then looked away again.

Laura smiled. "Ella's always been a willful child. She used to play in these woods when she was younger. It is here that she fled to and here that she stayed."

"The woods are safe. Safer than Outside." He capitalized the word without realizing it.

"To some, I agree. Ella found sanctuary here when she needed it. And the few that find their way here confuse me with the Webwitch and usually take off running." Laura smiled, amused by the remembrances of their curses and the scattering sound of their feet. They were silent for awhile before the man spoke up.

"I brought a deer. By the door."

"Oh?" Laura replied. "And why is that, young man?"

Victor shrugged. "I don't know. Because."

The old woman nodded as if she understood. "Ella is quite beautiful, even when she hides it with dirt."

"She didn't run."

Laura's eyebrows raised. "Then you have indeed been blessed. What is your name?"

Victor paused, uncertain if he should tell her. "Victor..."

"And you live here in the forest, Victor?"

"Yes." Victor suddenly realized that he didn't want the old woman to be afraid of him. He wasn't sure why, just that he was. Maybe because if the old woman was, the girl would be?

The woman frowned, looking beyond him as if trying to remember. Abruptly her mouth dropped open. Then she laughed. "You are the Demon of the Forest?"

"Yes," he replied again. Laughter was new. He decided he liked it better than the curses and screaming.

Laura continued to laugh. "My Poppet always had a strange taste in friends. Come here, young man. Let me have a look at you."

~ See me? How can... oh. ~ Victor stood, leaning his crossbow against the wall by the door and stepping soundlessly across the girl - across Poppet - to take the old woman's hand and lift it to his face.

The woman gently patted a wrinkled hand along his cheek, felt the tightness of his jaw, and swept a hand quickly over his head. "Stern features but no horns." Laura said sitting back. "Are you truly a demon as they say?"

"I don't know, maybe." He frowned. "I'm not... like them."

Grey stirred in her sleep. In her dream she could hear Laura laughing and a strange man's voice. They were louder than the rest of the dream, which was welcome indeed because she dreamed of tapestries sprayed with blood and the echo of her shoes upon stone steps as she ran.

Then she opened her eyes and blinked. Laura was laughing and there was another voice in the hut.

She leapt up, quickly leaping at the man, placing her body between Laura and him, and her dagger at his throat before Laura even had time to realize what was happening and shout a fearful "Poppet!"

Victor looked at her for a moment, unafraid, as if the possibility of his own death held no more concern to him than the passing of a cloud.

"He meant me no harm, sweet one." Laura continued. "Look, he even brought us a meal."

Grey looked about her, trying to shake off the disorientation of sleep. There was indeed a large deer there and Laura appeared to be unmolested. Slowly, she removed the small blade from his throat, watching him carefully as she stepped back to give him room. If the dark man was angry, he showed no sign of it. Grey looked at Laura as she made a small circle on her chest with her fist.

"She said she's sorry." Laura told Victor. "I don't hear that very often."

"No need." Victor considered smiling, but decided against it. The last person he'd smiled at had fainted. Better not to take the chance. "I'll go."

Grey found she didn't want the dark man to leave but couldn't have explained why. She shook her head at him and pointed at him and then the chair.

"Better to go. Less trouble."

Grey frowned.

Victor paused. "Lower," he said to Grey. He tapped the inside of his leg above the big artery. "Cut here. Easier to reach." He stepped to the door, and stopped again, pointing to the deer. "Cleaned it. Just smoke it... last longer that way."

Grey moved forward, making the sign for thanks again. The deer would be more then Laura had had in a long time. Grey sometimes got lucky and caught deer but not very often. She bit her lip and then suddenly reached out and grabbed his wrist, much as he had when they had first met.

Victor froze, the slim fingers wrapped around his wrist inexplicably anchoring him in place more securely than an iron chain.

She watched her hand, frowning down slightly at it, as she tightened her grip. She rarely made contact with others, even Laura, yet she found herself wanting to feel the texture and warmth of the dark man's skin. Grey looked back at him with some confusion and then pointed with her free hand back inside.

Victor looked up from where she had captured his wrist and met her eyes. "Better if I go," he repeated, though not as firmly as before.

"Better come in, lad." Laura advised. "She usually gets what she wants."'

Victor looked back down at his wrist, and at Poppet's fingers circling it. He didn't want to move, because then she'd let go, and he realized that he didn't want that to happen. They weren't strong enough to trap him, and he couldn't decide why he liked the feeling of her skin on his- but he did.

She tugged lightly towards the house, seeing that he was unsure. Responding to her gentle pressure, he let her pull him back over the threshold. She gave him a brief smile and then brought him back to the chair. Once there, Grey released his wrist and couldn't help the small sigh that followed. She turned back to Laura and made sure the other woman had enough blankets before sitting on the floor between them.

Laura smiled. "You're welcome anytime, Victor. I've not seen El... Poppet this friendly in some time."

Grey scowled but looked back at the dark man. Victor? She supposed the name suited him.

"Why?" The question came out suddenly, surprising Victor as much as anyone as he sat in the chair, rubbing his wrist where the girl's fingers had held him.

Both women tilted their heads.

"You know... who... what... I am. Why?" He looked down at the girl and suppressed a sudden urge to scrub a smudge off her cheek. "Why aren't you... afraid?"

"I suppose its cause we've seen worse than the likes of you." Laura shrugged. Grey said nothing, only looked back at him. He had not hurt her that first night when he could have. Why should she fear him now?

"I've heard the stories of course." Laura said. "But I trust Poppet's judgment and you know what she's been through." Grey looked a bit startled at that and broke the eye contact with Victor to look at her hands. "So if she chooses you for a friend, then I will as well." Laura finished.

~ Friend? ~ Victor turned the word over in his mind. He'd never had a friend before, not even as a child, before his parents had died. The Webwitch was the only other person he saw that he wasn't fighting, stalking, or running out of the forest, and she wasn't a friend. At least he didn't think she was. He just left her food sometimes and she healed injuries that he couldn't on his own. He looked at the deer by the door. But he was leaving food here, too.

Grey stole a sideways glance at Victor. It had been a long time since she had had another friend, if that's what they were becoming. She found she liked the idea. Laura yawned and Grey pushed herself off the ground to help the old woman out of her chair. Laura protested slightly that she was not tired and Grey snorted and pulled her up gently anyway. It was their nightly routine.

"Goodnight Victor." Laura said warmly before letting Grey help her to her cot and make sure the blankets were wrapped tightly around her. She then got a few things together that Laura would need in the morning and set them beside her bed. The woman had begun to snore by the time Grey had sat back down in Laura's chair.

Victor watched in silence until Poppet was seated, looking at him. No, he finally decided, she wasn't like the Webwitch. She hadn't healed him or done anything else for him. She'd just given him the ring. Maybe that was the difference? He looked at her for a moment more, and decided that that was part of it. The rest... he didn't understand the rest.

After a moment of silence he realized that she wasn't going to speak, and that he needed to say something. "You're not afraid?"

Grey slowly shook her head. She supposed she was starring but it had been a long time since she had been in a place longer than a few minutes with anyone beside Laura. She tilted her head as if to ask why he was asking.

It seemed obvious to him. "I'm the Forest Demon." It didn't even bother him to hear it from his own voice any more.

Grey shrugged. She really knew very little of the gossip of people, other than where they kept their hidden purses. She held up her hand, tapped at one of her fingers, and then pointed at him. Grey was curious to see if he still had the ring.

It took Victor only a moment to realize that she was asking if he'd kept the ring. He nodded and reached up to draw from his clothing on the braided leather cord he'd strung it on.

She smiled, pleased he had kept it.

Victor looked down at the ring in his hand and back up. "Why?"

Grey frowned slightly as she tried to think of a way to pantomime her answer. She could think of none. Her eyes searched the tiny room, finally resting on a piece of coal beside the fire. She made a gesture with her hands, indicating a person writing and then pointed at him with her eyebrows raised in question.

"Yes." It had been years since he'd tried to read anything, but he still remembered how - or hoped he did.

She left the chair to retrieve the coal and then gestured for him to come over. Grey gripped the coal awkwardly in her hand, it was different from the quills she used to write with as a child. She wrote on the hearth, keeping her hand steady as she had been taught, but writing large. -I thank you. Kindness rare to me-

Victor worked his way through the words slowly, tracing a line under them with one finger as he read. When he finished, he sat back on his heels and frowned. "It was... only a rabbit."

-You could have eaten- Grey wrote.

He shrugged. "You were hungry."

Grey frowned, rubbed at her face absently while she tried to explain and in doing so put more dirt on it. -The rule of man is to take, not to give, even in forest. I follow what I am; I take from man and forest. I try to take from you, yet you give me food. It am grateful and I give in return.-

It took a little longer to make his way through that, but when Victor leaned back he'd puzzled it out. "You did not... kill them. You could have. You are quiet... skillful. They would not... have known." He shrugged. "That means you... are like me... not them."

-Why kill the foolish? They will do that themselves.- she wrote.

"Men... kill men... for no reason."

She yawned and pantomimed sleep to the man. Grey wondered if he would stay during the night or if, for that matter, he even slept. She lay down near the hearth and gestured to him to do the same.

Victor looked around the small room warily. There were too few ways out, too many ways to be trapped... but the girl wasn't worried... "You sleep first," he told her, settling down watchfully on the hearth, his crossbow shifted to be near at hand. "I'll watch."

Grey looked up at the dark man and his crossbow and nodded. She was used to sitting up at night to watch Laura when she felt the woods didn't sound quite right. No use trying to explain to him that they were fine now if what he wanted was to be sure. She wrapped her blanket around her, supported her head with her arm, and closed her eyes.

He was still and quiet for a long time, listening to the sounds and smelling the scents in the hut and outside, deciding what was normal so that he would know something that was not. Once he'd managed that, he allowed himself a look around the hut. It was small and needed repairs in places, but still basically sound. Too small for him - he could already feel the walls pressing against him like a weight - but big enough for Poppet and her friend.

He listened to the girl's breathing as it slowed and slipped into a steady rhythm indicating sleep. Oddly, it was a comforting sound, and he spent some time trying to decide that was without coming to a real decision. It just was, and that was enough.

Without meaning to, he found himself watching her as she slept. She needed a bath; perhaps he would tell her that it made her easy to smell and that made hunting more difficult. Perhaps he wouldn't, he could always find her this way. The odd feeling that gave him occupied his attentions for a time before he let himself drift into the faint resting state that was all he normally allowed himself at night, nerves alert for something out of the ordinary.

The blood dreams followed like normal and Grey awoke and then yawned. She smiled again, seeing that the dark man was still there, and then scooted closer to him. She let herself drift off to sleep once more.

Victor blinked, something having disturbed him - a sound that he didn't recognize. His eyes flicked around the small hut, then out the door and into the clearing barely lit by dawn light. The rustling came again - from the thatched roof - and he reached for his crossbow silently, hand reaching for a bolt... only to stop as a squirrel peeked its head through a hole in the thatch.

A single glance told him that the animal was far too fat to be foraging for its food, and its fearless manner in glaring at him told him the animal was obviously a regular visitor. Victor relaxed - and only then noticed the warmth at his side from the small figure curled against him there.

The fact that Poppet was there was not as surprising as the fact that he hadn't noticed, as if on some level he thought that she had been *supposed* to be there - and hadn't been alarmed by her presence. Victor looked down at her for a time, wondering, and then realized that he'd reached out a hand to touch her hair gently without a conscious thought. He left it there for a second, then drew it back so as not to awaken her and force her to move - and lost himself in thought wondering why that was important to him.

"All A Matter of Perception"

Corran Rexson,
Village Idiot/Layabout/Fence (On his more lucid days)

YEAR 815

Corran Rexson looked out the windows of his shop, pleased that today had been a good day. He'd not had any blackouts, and business had been remarkably well. Despite his.. condition, many of the town's thieves still brought him their stolen wares, as he had connections to move them easily out of Galaxia and into Kling. It was a handy talent.

It was, however, unfortunate that he was only available about a third of the waking hours.

As his head started to hurt, the rational part of him - indeed, the only part that understood things - knew that soon the change would occur. He begin stripping off his fine merchant's wear, to reveal the threadbare clothes of a beggar underneath. He locked the front and shuffled out the back of his shop. Had anyone seen?

"Seen what?" he asked himself. Corran had no way of knowing now, what - or who he'd been even ten minutes before. He was now poor, a beggar - the village idiot. Exactly as he'd always been. One too many kicks from a mule had left him stupid his whole life. Unable to work, to earn a living, he wandered the streets of Galaxia, fondly looking at the comfortable interior of the shop behind him.

It would be nice to own that, he thought slowly. Rexson then proceeded to pull out his tin cup, begging for alms from anyone who passed by. An elderly woman gave him some, and he blessed her in return. He could now afford some bread tonight.....

Year 815

“We’re off to see the Webwitch the wonderful Webwitch of……hum, what?”

(Set after “The Dark Woods”)

By Ethan Suder
Dhanishta Eshe
Appearing Chandrakala Lakshmi Eshe (Twin sisters)

*** The following morning ***

Ethan returned to his camp. He came to a halt and dismounted the fine black horse he had acquired a long time ago. He looked over at the woman he did not even know her name. He then began packing the few items that he thought he would need.

K’vol stretched awake and rolled over to see Suder packing items into bag. Her eyes settled on the huge black mare that pawed the ground with her hooves. She didn’t recall seeing or even hearing a horse the night before. She wondered where he had acquired such a fine animal. She stood up and became aware of every muscle in her body, she was not used to sleeping on the ground! Picking up the robe Suder had let her borrow the night before she shook it till all the bits of grass and dirt fell to the ground.

Ethan slung the bag over his shoulder and checked that his weapons were secure on the horse. He then mounted the beautiful creature and pottered down to K’vol. “What’s your name lady?”

“Erm,……..Mrs K’v. Eshe will do.” She replied slightly shocked. No one had asked for her name since she returned, so far she had just been called Eshe and she liked it.

Ethan offered her his hand in order to help her up on to the horse.

She took his hand and he hauled her up to sit in front of him. It was most uncomfortable to sit side saddle on a saddle made for a man! Boy her butt was gonna be sore. She was sure that at some point she would slip off and prayed that he would not let that happen. After all he hadn’t been paid yet.

They then rode threw the forest as quickly as they could. Ethan knew what the horse was capable of and was not in the mood for wasting time. He had a job to do now and was going to do his best to get it over and done with.

**************************************

The journey was most unpleasant for K’vol and she hoped that soon they would take a break.

Ethan continued riding the horse for a good few hours, taking the horse to her limits, riding as fast as possible. Every now and then he would grip Eshe tighter to ensure she didn’t fall off. They had made good distance in the short time. Ethan knew the Webwitch wasn’t that far now, but thought they should take a break.

Ethan pulled on the reigns until the horse came to a slow halt. At last, he helped Eshe to the ground and moved the horse over to a tree where fresh grass had sprung out of the ground. He then jumped off the horse and looked around. A quite area with the sun shining through the leaves. It was all quite pleasant. He removed his bag and dropped it to the ground and continued looking around.

K’vol rubbed her aching butt vigorously and darted into the nearest bush for a ‘call of nature’. She returned from the bushes to find Suder still walking around looking at everything. It occurred to her that she didn’t know his name, they had road in silence. “So,” she started, wincing and rubbing arse as discreetly as she could; there was always some nettle to sting your butt even if you had searched thoroughly for a nettle free area! “what’s your name? And why do you live out here in the woods?”

Ethan stood still and slowly turned to look at her. He looked passed her for a while and then down at the ground. “Ethan.” He said at long last. He continued walking around examining the ground. There were several prints, but they were days old. “If you wish to clean yourself up, I suggest you use the lake over there.” He said pointing behind him at the lake that hid quietly behind several large trees.

“You didn’t answer my question. Why do you live in the woods?” she asked again. After a while she came to realise that he wasn’t going to answer her question and he wasn’t going to be much of a talker. She hoisted up her skirt and made her way towards the lake.

She laid her clothes over a branch and removed her head scarf. Her long hair cascaded down to the small of her back in beautiful waves. The sun was warm and she was hot from the ride. The crystal clear water cooled her body as she slipped into it. It shimmered around her reflecting the sky and her. She looked closely at herself in the water. She saw her sister in her own face, not hard to do seeing as they were twins. Identical in every way except Dhanishta had black hair and dark green eyes and Chandrakala had red hair and bright green eyes. She turned away from her reflection and bathed in the refreshing water.

Ethan sat on the ground and rested for a few minutes. He then got up and climbed back up on to his horse. He turned her and began trotting towards the lake. Seeing Eshe’s bare back, he closed his eyes and turned away and began trotting back to the clear area in the forest. He decided he would have to wait until she was finished. Things seemed to take so long at the moment. He climbed off the horse again and sat back on the ground. He would just meditate until Eshe came back and then they could get off to see the Webwitch, she wasn’t too far away.

She climbed out of the water and wrung her hair out. She sat on a rock for a while and let the sun dry her. It felt strange to be sat naked in full view of anyone passing by, ‘but then who would be passing by?’ She thought. She felt more free than she had ever done in her life, just sitting there nude. Once dry she dressed quickly and returned to the clearing. Ethan was sat, quiet and still. He seemed so peaceful that she didn’t want to disturb him. She waited for a few moments before continuing her approach.

Ethan opened his eyes and looked at Eshe. “Ready?” he asked with raised eyebrows. He climbed on to the horse and helped her up once again. “Sorry for any discomfort you may have, but if this is urgent, then best we get there as soon as possible as appose to just riding, taking a break, riding and so on.” He explained.

She nodded. He really had no idea just how urgent this was and was glad that he wasn’t wasting her time. She climbed back on to the horse with his help and adjusted her skirt so that she had a little more padding.

Ethan pulled hard on the reigns one more time and they rode off deeper into the forest. The ride was quick, but didn’t take as long as even Ethan had suspected. He came to a halt once again and let Eshe drop off the horse. He rested his elbows on his horse to speak closer to Eshe. “Just go straight on. You’ll find her. If you need anything, just scream, I’ll be there before you know it.” He said leaning back straight.

“Were can I find you?” she asked slightly confused, “For I haven’t paid you.” she said quietly, reminding him.

“Don’t worry.” He replied quietly as his horse raised her front feet into the air, not liking the atmosphere ahead. “I’ll find you.”

She watched as he road off deep into the forest. Slowly she turned and looked at her path ahead. Chills ran up and down her spine. She was here at last. The path before her she had to take alone. Spiders fell from trees, they littered her path like leaves and she cringed. Slowly and carefully she started walking.

Year 815

Ethan Suder
Dhanishta Eshe
Appearing Chandrakala Lakshmi Eshe (Twin Sisters)

"The Dark Woods"

Ethan moved a little closer to the fire and moved his staff along with him. Never knew who might be about looking for a fight so he always liked being prepared. The fire crackled away and generated a nice warmth that was cosy. Every now and again, smoke would drift into Ethan's eyes. But he tried not to let it bother him so much. The winds were picking up a little, but he still concentrated on the fire. Meditating. His eyes opened and drifted to the right. He couldn't see passed some trees it was so dark, but he was sure as hell he had heard something, could sense something. His instincts were telling him someone was nearby. He hadn't seen anyone in this part of the woods in a very long time. Why would someone show up now?

He gabbed his staff and quickly, like a snake, slid across the grass behind a tree. He climbed the tree with great ease and grace. He moved along a thick branch and jumped on to another branch of another tree. He climbed down the tree a little so he was about three meters from the ground. He could now see everything, but he was now shrouded in leaves.

Mrs K’vol hadn’t really prepared well sure she had changed into old peasant type clothing, put a scarf in her hair and bought a dagger from the local bladesmith but she hadn’t got a clue where exactly she was heading.

No one really knew where the Webwitch lived and she wasn’t going to start asking too many questions. She’d heard all the stories when she was growing up, hell her parents used to tell her that if she and her sister were bad they would send her to the Webwitch to be fed to giant spiders. She was sure that they were teasing but now years later when those rumours were still flying around she wasn’t so sure.

Her dress snagged on a low branch and twigs impaled her loose hair, “Dam it.” She cursed to herself. The day had given way to evening and she was alone in the forest, and hungry.

She came to a small clearing, she had smelled the smoke before she saw the fire, she wasn’t sure if it was safe to proceed but she gulped down her fears.

As she drew closer the warmth of the fire teased her and she longed to stand near it, feeling its heat on her body. Temptation won and seeing as no one was in sight she came closer warming her hands. After a moment she saw some things dotted around one side of the fire.

There was a small pile of cooked meat on leaves. Near them lay a small sword and several old ragged pouches. There was an old wooden chest that looked locked.

She thought for a moment, ‘if a thief were to come along I’d have no chance in stopping him from taking the maker of this fires possessions. And I’m not going to stay to find out who they belong to, so I have to hide them, be the good Samaritan!’

She knelt down and after finding no good hiding place she began to dig, with a stick at first but then with her hands. The earth felt good beneath her hands, she hadn’t ‘played’ with soil in a long, long time. This felt so nice, after all being married to a Barron made you a just a Baroness, you weren’t even allowed to look after your own children! Not that she had any. Her and her husband Barron K’vol had been trying for children ever since they got married, 12 years ago. Ironic that she was a barren Baroness.

Once her hole was dug she set about placing the objects that she had found round the fire into the hole and filling it in with earth. She then placed two sticks across it in the form of an X.

Finished she sat on her haunches and gazed across the blazing fire. The sight before her filled her with horror, dread and above all nausea. A man was hanging from a tree, dead. She stood up and turned to run, to be away from this awful place.

She let out a squeal as a tall figure blocked her path. She stood routed to the spot, fear gripped her.

Suder held the blade of his axe about an inch from her neck. Seeing her freeze with the exception of her heavy breathing that was noticeable under her clothes, he rested the axe against her neck. He looked passed her at the fire and at the ground where she had dug a hole and placed his items in it. He hid the confusion from his face and looked into her eyes for the first time. There was something about her that struck him deep inside. He wasn't normally that struck about women. He'd met a few years ago before he cast himself out and began a life with nature in the woods. He'd come across them every now and again when he forced himself to go to town to brush up his weapons. Wanting to ask her for confirmation that she wasn't a thief, he thought it all too obvious that she wasn't. "What are doing?" he whispered.

Mrs K’vol’s fear was all that kept her from bolting that and the blade at her throat. “I meant no disrespect Sir.” she managed to stammer, “I didn’t take your things. They are safe, in the earth. I’ll move on if only you’d remove that axe from my throat.” She was trembling now.

"Your no thief." he stated obviously. "And your no poor little girl who got lost in the woods." he said still looking in her eyes. "So... What are you doing?"

“If you would only remove your axe….” She said boldly, though she could not hide the fear in her voice, nor stop her shaking hands.

Ethan half smiled and lowered his head slightly still looking deep into his eyes. He lowered his exe slightly but held it tight in case she were to try anything.

She relaxed slightly but the tension in her body only made her shake more, and now she was feeling the cold. “You are wrong.” She said awkwardly. “I am lost.” She mumbled. Summoning up her courage she decided to tell him of her mission, “I am looking for the Webwitch.” She said finally.

Ethan lowered his axe even more and stood up straighter, revealing his true height to her. Her mission was something he had not expected her to tell him. The Webwitch. Why would she want her? "If you're looking for her then you must be lost, she's on the other side of the forest." he said plainly. He moved passed her and sat in front of the fire, warming up again.

She let out a dismayed “Oh.” and covered her mouth with her trembling hands. The last few days had been exceptionally hard on her and she could feel hot tears welling up. She crumpled down to the ground and tried desperately not to cry in front of this stranger.

Ethan picked up a piece of meat and began chewing away at it secretly. After swallowing a large chunk of flesh he paused and sighed. Turning his head, he could see the woman still there but sitting on the ground. He looked at the small bone of meat in his hands and dumped it in the fire. He grabbed a new fresh piece from the pile, the only thing this woman hadn’t buried. Suder then stepped over to this stranger and offered her the food. “The fire will keep you warm.” He said, not wanting to believe what he was doing.

K’vol looked at the meat he offered her. She did not want to take his food from his mouth nor take his heat form his fire, but she was so hungry and cold that she wanted to badly. But first she wanted to make sure that he realised what he was doing. Realise his generosity, so he had a chance to revoke it; she didn’t want him to be kicking himself later. “Are you sure?” she asked looking up at him, “I mean do you have enough? Please don’t go hungry on my account.” She could tell that he was not the sharing type; after all if you lived out here you had to be selfish to survive.

He silently sighed and looked at her for a few seconds. The question still stood even after his hesitation. He gestured around the forest with his eyes, “One will never go hungry here.” He strolled back over to the fire and discarded his robe. It was getting late and wasn’t likely anyone else would show up. Although someone could have said it was cold, Ethan felt comfortable and warm, being right in front of the fire and all. “So what’s a little girl like you looking for the Webwitch for?”

She thought for a moment and then took a small bit of the meat and moved closer to the fire, feeling its warmth fill her body. The meat was good and she ate most of it before answering his question. Sighing she told him, “I seek the Webwitch because my sister is very sick. I am hoping that she can help her plight as no man of the Cloth has been able to. Or dared to.” She mumbled the last line so quiet that it might have been mistaken for the slight breeze which barley fluttered through the lose strands of her hair that poked out from under her head scarf.

Ethan looked over at her silently. It made sense. The Webwitch may be able to help her sister, but how she had ended up over this end of the woods was beyond him. “That’s too bad.” He muttered. “The Webwitch is a good couple of days from here.” He wondered why this woman was travelling on her own if she knew anything of the Webwitch or the forest, then she would know that it wasn’t a journey one would take by herself. What was she hiding?

“Oh.” She murmured, “I didn’t realise it was so far.”

Ethan continued to munch away on the food he had cooked earlier. Every now and again he would glance over at this woman. He wondered if she really thought she would find the Webwitch so soon or if her idea of surviving in a forest was to not take any supplies with her except a dagger and wear only what she had on.

She studied him closely for a moment. It was obvious that he knew his way round the woods better than anyone else. She was afraid to ask for his help, after all he had been generous and this might been seen as taking a liberty, but she needed his help, her sister needed his help. She plucked up her courage and prepared to be denied, in which case she would leave now and continue her journey alone. “May I be so bold as to ask your assistance?” she said, “I need to find the Webwitch, and you are …” ‘Flattery’ she thought suddenly, “Well you probably know these woods better than I know the back of my own hand.” She stopped realising that he could probably see through her façade. She sighed. “Basically I need help. My sister needs help. Your help.” She rose and turned to leave, not wanting to hear the stranger refuse her. “Just point me in the right direction is all I ask.”

"What's in it for me?” he asked reaching for another piece of meat.

Startled she turned back and regarded him, ‘of course there had to be something in it for him, how foolish of her to think he might just help for helpings sake.’ She thought of her husband, he had money but it wasn’t hers to spend. Her sister had land but no doubt the hospital would lay claim to that for their fees. The fees which her husband refused to pay anymore. “What do you want in return.” She finally asked.

He looked over at her and then back at the fire. "Make an offer." he replied. He wasn't in the mood for bartering talk. When he had contact with people, that was all it was. Bartering for weapons or food. But it was late and here was a woman asking for his help. But what would she offer to him?

“I have nothing that is mine to give you.” she said feeling defeated.

Ethan paused for a few seconds. He’d be going out of his way for her. People didn’t go out of their way for him. When he needed help from people, the time he needed help the most, people didn’t bother. Why should he do anything to help anyone now? He shook his head. A long time ago, he would have helped her out of the kindness of his heart, but the kindness had long since faded. People had turned their back on him and he had turned his back on them. “Just head South.” He said pointing down a dark empty area of the forest. Keep going for two days. The river near by should always be on your right. Just follow that if you need to, you’ll know when you get there.” he said reaching for another bone.

She sighed again and began to leave. The twigs snapped under her feet, the direction in which he pointed her was dark and she wished she had prepared better. She thought of her sister and the promises she had made; that she would stop at nothing to make her well again. ‘Me’ she thought suddenly. She turned at the edge of the clearing, “All I have to offer you is myself.” She said from the darkness.

Ethan thought for a moment and shook his head. He finished the bite size meat on the bone and threw the bone into the fire. “What’s wrong with your sister?” he asked.

“She is possessed.” She answered plainly.

Ethan rubbed his hands in front of the fire and looked at this woman again. “She must mean a lot to you if you’d do anything for her.” He said not remembering how it felt to want to do anything to help someone.

“She does. She is not only my sister but my twin.” She said, “My missing half.” She whispered from the darkness.

“All right. I’ll help you.” he said at last giving in to his deeper feelings. This was a woman in need of help. Who was he to turn her down? He appreciated her morals and respected what she was doing, and that was what made him agree to help her.

She took a deep breath, “Thank you.” The realisation of what she had just agreed to began to sink in. She gave in to her tears, silently they rolled down her cheeks, not wanting him to see her like this she stayed surrounded by the shadows a while longer before drying her eyes and returning to sit by the fire, gazing into it, silently.

“We should wait until morning before we go, you should get some rest.” He said gazing into the fire. He then picked up his robe and threw towards her to use as a blanket.

“Thank you.” she said wrapping it round her. She lay down with her back to the fire and Suder and cried herself to sleep.

"Someday"

Ryn
Grace Wife
Galaxia

***

She loved to hear the crying... For most people, and indeed most times in life, crying was a sign of sorrow, of grief. But for Ryn of Galaxia, there was no sweeter sound than the wail of a newborn babe suddenly liberated from her mother's womb. It was a sound full of life and promise, a sound of hope.

Ryn clung to these moments as tightly as she clung to her shawl whipping in the breeze, all the while thanking heaven that God saw fit to grace her with His presence for one more miracle today. While she could have just as easily continued to curse the Creator for allowing some children to live and letting others die, Ryn had attempted to move beyond such agonizing questions. For one thing was certain: If she was not in control, that meant neither was Count Brhode, or any mere mortal... and that made Ryn of Galaxia content.

As she made her way into town this evening, Ryn took particular pleasure in greeting the passersby. It had been a long day, but the population of Galaxia had grown by one today, and that was always cause for joy. Clutching the worn medical bag that had once belonged to her father, the faint sound of chiming could heard as medicines and instruments struck each other. The Apothecary had always been good about keeping her stocked in herbs. Unlike most men, he was one of the few who was not afraid to count her as an equal amongst the medical community.

Of course, deep down she knew she had the respect of most everyone in town, but for appearances sake she also knew that no man in town was going to admit it. Quite simply, delivering babies was woman's work, or more accurately, common woman's work, and while there was something sacred about it, especially amongst women, any man worth his salt knew that to admit a woman was superior to a man in anything was like admitting a woman could become superior to a man in everything else.

Approaching the home she shared with Madelyne, her ailing elderly mentor that had raised her since she was seven, Ryn could see the elderly woman was sitting on the porch waiting for her. Instantly, Ryn quickened her pace, suddenly feeling the chill of the afternoon air.

"Madee?" asked Ryn when she reached the top step.

The elderly woman opened her piercing blue eyes and stared at her as if for the first time. "Sit, my child."

Ryn did as she was told, but grew instantly worried. Before she could ask a thing, however, Madee answered. "Savoie was over today, and I daresay he was none too pleased. Seems you saw fit to deliver a prostitute's child and made no efforts to hide it." The wise woman waited for the inevitable backlash.

Ryn did not disappoint. "I suppose it was the least he thought I could do seeing as how it was one of the Count's men who was responsible..." she replied sarcastically.

Madelyne spoke with the weariness of a woman who'd had this argument before. "Child, you'd do well to remember your station. Just because your father saved the Count's life when he was young and foolish, does not mean you can afford to be so defiant... Your father asked me to keep you safe, my child, and I fear I am too weak to battle with you anymore."

Auburn strands had torn loose from the bun she wore. "I can't just pretend all as well, Madee. Not as long as God grants me breath. There is suffering, much of it brought on by men who would have us treated worse than their animals simply because the Creator saw fit to make us different. Besides that, there is grief, and pain, and who but a healer can understand that?"

Madee smiled. "As a healer I understand, my little one, but I fear your tongue will cost you your life. All that pain cannot be good for a young woman your age. You should be planning your wedding, not leading protests and enraging the church."

Ryn snorted at the thought. "The church laws are arbitrary, they're not God's laws. Surely they don't think He created creatures simply to be ignored?"

Madee looked away, seeing their was no getting through to her. "I simply don't want to leave this life doubting I will see you in the hereafter, my dear. You're too young to lead a crusade for the women of this land and too young to readily accept the suffering of those around you."

Ryn simply hugged her, perishing the thought that Madee would leave her. "I shall marry Madee, someday."

"Random Encounters"

Major Sir Cassius Henderson, Paladin Of The Crimson Banner
Erin Thorne, Page to Sir Cassius
and the Scarlet Company...

and... Grey, Thief

-The Count's Road, Galaxia Forest-

Cassius rode along the Count's Road, smiling to himself. It had been a few hard days march, but they would be arriving in the capitol city of Galaxia fairly soon.  As they rode through the last parts of the woodlands outside of the town, reflecting on their encounters with the Hessians and the mysterious webwitch, Henderson soon became aware that they were not alone.

Grey watched the party moving through the forest from the saftey of her tree. She had been following them for a few days now but she dared not approach, even at night. It was safer to pick the pockets of the few than the many.

Besides, their arrival had given her much amusement. Some members of the party were most peculiar.  She had almost laughed a few times at their clumsiness. And she liked the color of the banners and the way they wipped around smartly when there was a wind.

She remebered bits and pieces of that world...

Suddenly Grey's eyes locked on a man in the party who was looking right at her! Her mouth dropped open slightly and then she was jumping down from the tree, and running as fast as her legs could carry her.

Under normal circumstances, Major Henderson would have perfered to have his page chase the young woman, but he had been the only one who noticed her. And evidently she too had noticed him.  Gently he gave his warhorse a tap with his heels, effectingly spurring it to a gallop.  As he rode after the escaping woman, he held up his hand to his knights, holding them back while he went on alone.

She could hear the thundering of the beast behind her. Grey ran harder, looking frantically for a place to hide, but the forest was unhelpful. True, she could climb a tree but men often brought their axes with them. She was about to risk it anyway when the horse shot past her and rounded, cutting off her access to the tree.

Grey drew her dagger and prepared to fight.

Cassius reigned in his horse next to her and drew his rapier, the thin bladed sword that he used in encounters that required more finesse than the longer, heavier bastard sword that hung at his side.  Looking down at the young woman and her knife, he sighed, "Oh please, like that's going to do any good... Now who are you and why were you watching us?"

Grey glared at the man on his horse. She knew it wouldnt do any good but what was a poor theif to do?

He gestured again with the blade of his rapier, raising it up and pointing at the dagger, then at the ground.

She spit in his general direction. There's my answer, Grey thought with venom.

Sir Cassius was not a man quick to anger, but he was a man quick to action. Swinging his blade carefully through the air, he leaned in and knocked the blade from her wrist, watching it twirl off into the trunk of a tree, then, before the thief could catch her balance, knocked her legs from under her with a well placed swat with the flat of his sword.

She went down with a sound of exclaimation. Grey found the rapier pointed directly at her throat. She swallowed but only glared up at him.

"Sorry to have to do that," he said, "Now then, mind telling me why you were watching us?" He sighed.  So many young angry people out there.  This girl looked younger than most of the ones he'd fought in his day.  Probably a thief, working for god knows who...

She shrugged, tricky feat when lying on ones back, propped up by their elbows. Grey couldn't tell him that she was considering robbing them blind, if such a thing were possible. Besides, she hadn't spoken to a single soul in years, why did he think he was so special as to hear her voice on this day?

"Listen, if you won't talk, I'll take you into town and have you jailed in our chapterhouse," he said, "Looking at it from your perspective, I'd start coming up with answers."

Her eyes widened. She would not go into the town, better to move quickly upon the rapier and end it right then and there. Grey moved her hand, tapped at her throat, and shook her head slowly.

"You can't speak?" the knight said skeptically, then sighed, "Very well, you can go."

She sat up as he drew the blade back. Grey pointed at her eye and then pointed at his horse. I was watching the horses, she wanted him to think. It was a partial truth but half truths were always better than whole lies.

He leaned down from astride the great beast to offer her a gauntletted hand, to help her up, "I don't mind 'curiosity' girl, but mind whom you watch.  These are dangerous times we live in."

Grey moved quickly backwards. She shook her head furiously.

A contemplative frown crossed Sir Cassius's face, "Have it your way," he said, "Uhm... If you ever want help, come into town," he indicated the general direction of Galaxia.  We're setting up a chapterhouse and, as I'm uh... sure you know...  We are charged to serve the populace of the Kingdom."  He shrugged, "Well then, off with you."

She stood up slowly, her eyes never leaving his, and took a few steps back. Seeing that he did not follow, Grey turned and ran. She would take the long route back home, just in case he changed his mind.

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