Taelthar watched as the Lady stood, moving gracefully across the floor towards him.
My thanks to you Lady, I would indeed like to sit a while.
Taelthar flinched as Oriana reached out for his elbow, the touch of any who communed with Isonia sent a cold shiver down his spine. Both a blessing and a curse, it had saved him on numerous occasions, and yet it had driven him from the only woman he had ever felt for. Long ago, he realised the only competition to his talents as a Drow lord would be from those with the power to commune at a higher level. Although he had his own priests, he knew that they would never be competition for those with powers like this...Oriana...
Standing by the fire he turned and faced Oriana,
A bowl of soup would suffice my lady, I have no need to dull my senses with drink. I have travelled far these past days, and I fear I may soon be forced to leave and return to my home.
However, if it would not be any trouble, I would first wash my hands and face before speaking to you further. It does not do to talk in such as state as I am in.

Violet eyes drank in the sight of the man before the fire burning in the hearth, a small soft smile graced her face and thoughts of another from a time long passed entered her mind if only briefly.
Perhaps it was due to the mans obvious race that she found herself thinking of her uncle and godfather, the man who held no blood ties to her in anyway had captured her heart long ago and she did indeed love him like a good niece would any uncle.
Shaking her head causing her curls of ebony to bounced slightly she smiled once more and motioned for the man to follow her.
Turning her head slightly she looked back at him while she moved towards the back of the inn.


When you are comfortable in telling me I would like to know your name m'lord... addressing you as "hey you" is not very ladylike. You would be surprised at how many I have sat with and shared a drink or meal with that have been in a far worse state than you but I do appreciate your wish to wash.

Leading him down a hall she stopped before a closed door.

You will find all that you need behind this door. When you return to the main room you will find hot food to warm your belly and as is my own custom for myself and all I meet within these walls, a cup of my specially brewed tea will be waiting for you as well.
However long you are staying m'lord, know that you are welcome and that no harm will come to you for the duration of your stay

Tilting her head in a respectful manner she took her leave moving down the hall to return to the main room of the inn.

Her head felt heavy and her thoughts clouded as she lifted her head hearing Oriana but not truly listening. The mages words seemed far off and muffled but she was able comprehend enough to know that she need not make a further spectacle of herself.
Unclenching a fist she laid an open hand on back from the dead husband , still disbelieving what was happening to her though she felt the rise and fall of his chest.
A soft white light enclosed around Gabriel as she whispered a few simple words and soon the pair faded from the common room and reappeared in the elfs room above.
Taking a deep breath she prayed to the goddess to help her with the task at hand, Gabriel was a mess and needed to be dealt with before she let him anywhere near her or allowed him to remain on her bed.
Rolling up her sleeves she went to work stripping him of all his clothes all the while muttering curses under her breath.
It took longer than she had expected to move the man and get him cleaned up and finally settled into bed.
Once she was through she set about cleaning up the mess made from his cleaning and noticed that his sword was in dire need of polishing.
There was nothing more she could do while he slept. She could not bring herself to leave him and so she found a cloth and the special polish she kept and began the task that she remembered watching her husband do so many times before.

He felt ethereal...weightless...empty. There was just cold, swirling darkness, and a lonely emptiness. Was he dead again? He wasn't sure what happened anymore. Was this some cruel joke of the gods? To have him journey all this time, to have his wife, child, and himself suffer all this pain...to have him make it all this way, just to be robbed when he had found them?

He drifted for what seemed like forever, the cold darkness chilling him to the bone, when he saw a light. The light started out small...barely noticeable in the begining, but it quickly grew till it engulfed him completely. Closing his eyes he shielded himself from the great brightness. When he was finally able to see, he found himself out in the woods outside of Volpone. He remembered this place...this was where he died. But what was he doing here?

From the corner of his eyes there was movement. He spun around quckly on his heel, and looked down to see a masked man standing over a body...he was wrenching something away. With a chilling shink of metal against metal, and saw the looming man pull a long curved blade from the lying body. Quietly Gabe took a step closer while reaching for his blade at his side and felt nothing but air. To his surprise there was nothing there...he was completely unarmed.

Looking back at the two men, he finally realized to his surprise that the man on the ground was...himself. Shocked and confused he looked up with anger at the man standing over him was someone he didn't recognize. The man was slim but powerful, with dark black hair and in clothing of all black. There were no marks on the man except for a very intricate tatoo on left hand. Gabriel couldn't figure out what it was. As quickly as he came, the assassin was gone as he disappeared into the woods.

Going over to his dying self, he knelt down and examined his wounds. Just one wound...a fatal wound to the heart. He reached down to touch the wound, but his hand passed through. So he was still ethereal. He remembered the battle with the assassin. The assassin was fast...incredibly fast, even with Gabriel's skill and strength, this man easily defeated him. Gabriel could feel the magic emnating from the assassin...by why did he kill him?

Sudden pain gripped Gabriel and he gasped in pain, clutching his own chest now as he fell down onto his back...he felt as if his heart was just ripped out of him, and he screamed in pain as he fell back into the darkness.

Once again he was drifting endlessly in the darkness...he could not move this time, the pain was almost more than he could bear. He gasped breathlessly for air, his body shaking with pain. in the distance once again there was a light...but this time it was followed by a voice. The voice was strong, angry, and full of pain...long repressed pain. As the light enguled him again, he was filled with warmth...he was no longer ethereal, and he was no longer in pain...but he was still gasping. He opened his eyes and for the first time in what seemed like forever, he saw his darling wife, the woman that was stolen from him so long ago.

With a barely audible voice he was able to gasp out a few words."Rayne...Raynalia."

He tried to sit up but was still incredibly weak. Struggling with himself for a moment he was finally able to sit up. He hadn't noticed it till now, but he was clean again and he was undressed, covered, undressed. Raynalia was busying herself by cleaning some things. What was he to do? What was he to say? What had happened in the past years that he didn't know about?

Rayne...

Was all he could get out he just didn't have enough strength, and saying what he could was almost more than he could handle...what was he to say to her anyway? How much had time changed?

The way he whispered her name, like someone waking from a nightmare to find it had indeed been only a dream cut her to the core of her being.
There he was sitting up as best he could looking at her in a way that melted away every ounce of anger she had been allowing to fester.
Taking a deep breath she set down the cloth she had been using to polish his sword and she sheathed the blade making sure it put away properly before she went to the side of the bed and sat down next to him.
Silence hung in the air between them, she struggled to find words to speak, her emotions warred within and in the end her soul gave way to what it had always known, what it would always know.
Leaning over she brushed the hair from his eyes, the touch of his flesh against her fingertips sent twinges through her being.
Eyes filled with tears she spoke quietly, her words choked by the sobs building in her throat.


I'm right here Gabriel, whatever it was, its over and cant hurt you anymore. Your safe Gabriel.

The urge to climb into the bed next to him was almost overwhelming but she made herself stay where she sat, she didnt know how he felt, what he thought and she wasnt going to make a fool of herself by assuming too much.
Instead she twisted her hands in her lap not knowing what else to say.

He sat, contemplating the sudden flurry of activity in what had been a warm, peaceful common room. As he sipped his tea, a smile crossed his face as he thought of the welcome Gabriel would recieve at the hands of Rayne.He imagined it would be quite rocky at the start, and perhaps the venom would play for a good while, yet in the end he knew she would allow him to return to him fully.

The Leafblighter placed his mug on the table before him, nodded to the others in the common room and belted on his twin daggers once again.
His brothers and sisters called faintly in the night and he longed for their solace. He longed for the purity...the isolation of the vales in the eastern mountains.

As he exited the Inn, he tossed a stray thought to the shaken Rayne...
Do not be so quick to judge him , Rayne. One who has journeyed where he has journeyed needs all the comfort you can provide. Chastise him, my sister, but not for an eternity for he needs your nurturing as well.

His stride lengthened until he reached a full loping run. As he reached the edge of the pines, he loosed a feral, keening howl into the night sky. Soon several others answered...Hunting would be good in the east.

Gabriel's head swam as he fought to keep himself conscious, all the while his brain was perpetually numb. He still couldn't believe that he was really where he was. The fact that this was no dream and that she was here and he was really alive is what made him numb.

Antonidas....that was the man that had brought him back. Who he was and why he brought Gabriel back was still a mystery to him. When Antonidas Grimoire told him that he could go back home, Gabriel didn't think twice about it. He'll admit, he was a little skeptic at first...but when Antonidas proved it to him, he didn't think twice about the circumstances. He was sure that the Archmage would come back some day to reclaim the debt, but Gabriel would deal with that when the time came. Right now all he cared about was Raynalia, and his child.

He watched her, anger swept away as suddenly as he noticed it, and was relieved when she sat down beside him. His eyes scanned her completely, taking in every curve and feature, noticing how subtly she had changed since they last met. She was beautiful, possibly even more than he remembered.

He felt her fingers on his face, brushing his hair aside. Her touch was so gentle, her hands so soft. It hurt him inside knowing that he had left her and their son Griffon so abruptly and for so long. He wished so much he could go back and change things.

I'm right here Gabriel, whatever it was, its over and cant hurt you anymore. You're safe Gabriel.

Her words made him think of the murder again, anger and grief filled him as he lowered his head and looked down at his hands. Seeing the gloves still on, he slid them off. His hand wasn't glowing anymore, but he could see the rune drawn on it. It's dark print showed plain and bold. It was the mark of his journey and proof of the Archmages deal. He looked back up at Rayne again.

Rayne...someone murdered me...no. Assassinated me, and I couldn't even hurt him. I don't even know why they did it...I am lucky just to be here if it hadn't been for....

He paused a moment and looked away, pain filled him completely now. He knew should the assassin want to come for him, or even his family again, he would not be able to stop him. He was not as skilled as he used to be, he could feel that he was weaker both physically and magically.

How am I going to protect you Ranye? How am I going to protect our son Griffon?

He remembered his son. He was to be born soon before he died. What had become of his son? He wondered where that little guy was...probably off causing some terror in some part of the neighborhood...how long had he been gone? Far too long he knew.

This mark...this is what led me to you. I only wonder if it could have been some sort of trick...what am I talking about? I am just paranoid now. I should just be happy to be here, and alive, with the woman I treasure most...the woman I thought I had lost forever.

He looked back down at the mark on his hand...wondering, perhaps, this was all just as set up...

Her hand jerked away from him as if she were touching a searing hot flame and she couldnt help the automatic way she jumped from the bed, she guessed it was part of her bodies defense. The further she could get the less she would feel at the mention of the babe lost to her mere hours after veiwing the cold lifeless body that had been brought to her that day.
Storms brewed in the pools of blue that were her eyes and she fought against the tides of anger swelling within.
How could she be angry at him? He had no idea what would happen that day and his question concerning his son was normal for any man who had last seen his wife healthy and very pregnant.
Biting down on her bottom lip she tasted the copper that was associated with blood and she looked to him trying not to let her anger show in her eyes.
All was silent in the room while she lifted her tunic to just below her belly button and revealed a long scar. A scar made when there was no other way to remove the babe from her womb. And she carried with her the eternal scar of not being able to bring her little one into the world in the normal way.

This is the only thing I have left or our son Gabriel. I was but six months along when I lost you, the healer says the shock was too much for me in my conditon. He was born a few short hours after I learned what happened to you. He cried but once and died in my arms during the night.


Like an animal caught in a trap knowing that it was dying she could only stand there numb to the core, words now failed her but the tears flowed in silence down her cheeks.

Taelthar stepped into the washroom, pouring water from a jug into a small hand basin attached to the wall. He grinned wryly, Oriana's words playing over in his ears,

When you are comfortable in telling me I would like to know your name m'lord... addressing you as "hey you" is not very ladylike.

Shaking his head in disbelief, he began to wipe the grime and dirt from his hands, cleansing himself of the journey. Oriana's beauty had struck a chord within him, and instead of a proper introduction, he had ordered a soup.

She must think me a fool!

Wiping the last of the dirt from his hands, he splashed his face, and loosed his dark hair, allowing it to fall free over his face. Wiping his hands and face dry on a linen towel, he left the washcloset, returning to the fire by the hearth, a bowl of soup and a steaming cup of tea. As he sat down, he noted a ruggedly handsome man stand from his place in the corner of the room. His demeanor seemed quite placid in nature, but as soon as he stood, Taelthar knew there was more to the man than met the eye. Standing up he moved to the window, watching the man leave the Inn. Taelthar was just about to turn back to return to his chair, when he saw the man begin to run, almost on all fours. A howl pierced the night sky and Taelthar knew it to be him. He shuddered, returning to his seat.

My Lady, Oriana. I apologise for my lapse in etiquette. It was most unbecoming of me and I hope you would forgive me this breach. Those who know me best call me Taelthar, and I would be thus honored if you would do so also.

Pray tell, who was that man who left just moments past? I know little of this place and its inhabitants, however I believe he deserves more attention than one would first assume.

With a sly smile and a small chuckle the mage brought her own cup of tea to her lips while watching the newcomer and his reactions to Leaf. Once he was seated she listened to him speak then set the cup back upon its saucer.
Violet eyes sparked with mild amusement and leaning forward she eyed the man as though taking his measure before setting her gaze on his own eyes.

I have only returned to this world on this very night m'lord and know very little of the man of which you speak. I know his name is LeafBlighter, other than that he is as much a mystery to me as he is to you.
I wouldnt worry too much about him, believe me when I tell you were there something out of place, I would know.
Now as for your apology Lord Taelthar there is nothing to forgive, so lets considered the matter settled shall we?

Settling back in the chair she occupied with her elbow raised on the arm she rested her head on her hand, her head tilted she spoke in her quite manner while thinking she was greatful to have someone to talk to her and keep her mind off of more personal matters.

I may have been away for some time but I more than enough of this place, or rather the people that occupy it, ask me anything you wish to know and I will do my best to answer. But first you must tell me Taelthar what brings you to these lands?

As he neared the Inn, the one known only as Agramon slung his cloak over his shoulders and checked his daggers-not that he needed them.He rarely needs to resort to physicality because his pale skin and the way he seemed to glide instead of walk made most people uneasy.

The first thing that he noticed was that two people were talking at one of the tables...He did not want to interrupt just yet, so he stepped to the side of the door.

If anyone had been watching, they would have seen something that was very strange...It seemed that the very shadows had been drawn to him and made him appear to almost vanish...a normal person would be hard pressed to even notice he was there.

As he listened to them, it seemed that Taelthar had also just arrived.Perhaps they could be of assistance to each other in some way in this land...He started to step forward, then thought better of it.

Hmmm, I'll just wait awhile before introducing myself...

He leaned against the wall and allowed the shadows to pull closer around him as he watched the pair speak.

Gabriel was nearly knocked aback by the way Rayne drew away from him. Gabriel had no idea what he had said wrong, or what he did, but she drew back from him with such ferocity that it took him of guard. There wasn't much in this world that scared Gabriel, or any Shadowbain in existence, but if there was anything that could make Gabriel second guess himself, it would be his wife Rayne.

The anger and grief in her eyes was so intense that he couldn't imagine it. He watched her bite hard on her lip, drawing blood when she did so, and as she drew up her shirt to show him the scar, he couldn't believe his eyes. Down along her belly button was a long apparently deep scar.

This is the only thing I have left or our son Gabriel. I was but six months along when I lost you, the healer says the shock was too much for me in my conditon. He was born a few short hours after I learned what happened to you. He cried but once and died in my arms during the night.


And as she stood there, tears slowly flowing down her face, Gabriel did the only thing he knew he could do right now. Rising slowly to his feet, he made his way to Rayne and wrapped his arms around her. He still felt weak, but he drew what little strength he had into this.

Rayne...I am so sorry...I know there isn't much I can say or do to make amends for all of this. So much has been taken away from us Raynalia and I know I can't go back to make things right...all I can do is try to make up for it now. I love you Rayne...I came back for you...fought my way across half the world to return to you...I will do whatever you want to make amends for this Rayne.

He held her close, thinking of the son that would not be...Griffon, another life stolen by the assassin...Soon, Gabriel would have his revenge, even if he had to return the abyss.

What could she say? What could she possibly do? Anger that had no place in her world was trying to direct itself towards the one person that could not be blamed for all that had happened. If she didnt get it under control quick words that could never be taken back would be spoken and she could not hurt him in that way.
She felt small in his arms, like his embrace swallowed her whole.
Part of her wanted to scream, to lash out and drive him far from her, the part of her that had fallen in love with him and loved him still surfaced forcing back all the hostile emotions and feelings of pain and she wilted like a flower under a summer suns hot rays.

Nay Shadowbain, not one bit o it can be undone, too much has 'appened round here, with me and ye jus dunno...

She started out speaking with the broken speech most had grown accustomed to but fell back into the speech spoken before her world had been torn apart. Without realizing what was going on she was slowly slipping back to her old self.

I tried hating you, I tried blaming you, and yet I could never doubt you or your love for me Gabriel. Even with the death of our son, I could not find fault with you.
I'm so tired Gabriel, I have been for near 2 years now and this, tonight, I just dont know what to make of any of it. The only thing I know, the one constant thing in my life is and always will be that I love you.

Tilting her head back to look up into his eyes all masks and shields gone she asked the question that would change the rest of her life possibly forever.

Where do we go from here?

Sometime during the night something full of darkness and shadow invaded the dreams of the firey haired woman who had up until the point she woke up in a cold sweat and a scream lodged in her throat had been sleeping peacefully and undisturbed.
Bolting upright she looked around frantic trying to find that which struck such panic in her being. Finding nothing within her room she slipped from the bed glancing at her husband quickly making sure he was still asleep and dressed quickly.
If nothing was out of place at home then she would go to inn, something just wasnt right and she would need to find out what that was before she would be able to rest again.


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

Stepping inside the warm welcoming Inn helped to settle the womans nerves a little but not enough to keep her from reaching out to those closest to her. And what she felt, what she found was enough to make her blood run cold.
Without speaking a word or uttering a sound she ran up the stairs as fast as her round shape would allow.
She didnt bother to knock when she reached the closed door, the sound of the door banging against the wall echoed through the Inn and what she saw was enough to make her blood run cold.
Rubbing her eyes to make sure she was not seeing things she looked again, her legs nearly buckled beneath her.
How could it be that Gabriel Shadowbain was standing there with his wife in his arms?
Before she could speak he looked up at her and smiled. There was no hint of malice on his face, and seeing his warm smile helped to ease her fears.
She turned her head when the warrior bent his head low to kiss his elven maid and when she looked back again Raynalia was laying on the bed in peaceful sleep, the warrior was gone.
Whatever was going on, it left the woman baffled and in need of answers.
Had Gabriel truly returned?
Going over to the side of the bed she checked on her friend and then left the room closing the door quietly behind her.
She needed to talk to Oriana, maybe the mage had more of an idea as to what she had seen.

Profit swaggered into the common room. He wore a black robe draped over his body. The robe could not concel the buldge of a sword at Profits hip. He was not a tall man nor was he short. His brown hair and brown eyes could place him from any villiage on the side of the Guild Mountains. The only thing marking him from a common man was the way presented himself. Once glance at him and you knew he was different. He oozed confidence and that made him stand about most men and women too.

Feeling tired and dirty Profit ordered a room and bath. He had traveled many days to reach this Inn. Glancing around the common room Profit quickly made a mental account of the patrons. He saw a very atrractive young woman who attracted his eye. Maybe he would return later to persue her. Taking a last look around the room, Profit definitly would return.

To the untrained eye, Octavio looked like a common serf drinking at the local inn after a hard days work. He a dusty brown pancho over a dirty white working vest and pants, with laced sandles on his worn feet. He was hunched pver his drink so his face was hidden from view. Octavio was getting a feel for the common room. He had already been to five diffeerent inns and had found little to go by. But deep down his gut feeling said that this inn was the one. It had the right atmosphere and patrons. His target had to be here.

Now Octavio could have easily walked over to the barkeep and asked If she had seen anyone fitting his description, but that was not his style. The less people he spoke with or saw, the less they could tell. Octavio was happy just sitting here drinking and waiting for his target to show.

Waddling more than walking Kiara made her way to the common room of the inn taking in each guest weighing them in her head and finding some of them left her with an uneasy feeling.
She was in no mood for trouble but she knew that with the violet eyed mage sitting right there in the room none would dare raise a hand or any weapon for that matter.
If there was one thing she knew of Oriana it was that the woman despised the peace that the inn was suppose to bring being disturbed.
There were other matters that weighed heavy with her and questions she needed answers to but would the mage know anything more than her?
Another thing that made her hesitate was the fact that her friend was immersed in conversation with someone Kiara had never seen before. This was indeed a first, Oriana was prone to keeping company with only those she had known most her life save for Guidion and with his apparent and not quite unexpected absence it warmed her to see the mage spreading her wings so to speak.
Deciding to give the woman a few more minutes Kiara found a chair at a table near the bar and plopped down heavily. Her belly extended outward she rested a hand across the bulge smiling at the feel of the babe moving within. A cold drink, she realized, would do her wonders and so she placed an order for ice cold orange juice and while she waited mulled matters over in her mind.

Profit felt refreshed after his shower, so he properly got dressed to go downstairs and enjoy a drink and maybe to find someone to help him warm his bed this night. He dress a an Kezarie Lord. The the soft bellowing dark blue silk shirt and black silk pants with knee high leather boots. He also wore a small fortune in gold on his fingers and around his neck. Profit skipped his sword, for he was here to enjoy himself and wait for his Captains.

Walking down the stairs Profit quickly noticed an old friend sitting in back corner of the room. But he could wait, he had other matter to attend to. Walking to the bar, Profit noticed a stunning redhead women sitting at the bar. Calmly Profit made his way over next to her and slipped into the chair next to her. Smiling he gazed her over she was stunning and those legs, and the abs............wait Profit did a double take this woman was with child.

Blushing Profit brushed off his shame and proceded to talk his way out of this one.

"Parton me madam, but I am new to the inn, and would appreciate an introduction, If you would be so kind to join me in some cider. The kiddie kind of course.?"

ooc: sry for delay guys.

Taelthar pondered his next move. Oriana's violet eyes were captivating beyond belief, and it almost seemed as if she were looking into his very self, his body.

Oriana, what I tell you is great secret, one that I will take to the grave, and, I believe, so should you. I am usually not one to trust those I meet so early, however there is something within me that tells me I am able to trust you. I sincerely hope this trust is not misplaced.

Taelthar leant back in his chair, sipping on the tea that the lady had so kindly provided for him. Swallowing the beverage, he made note to ask what the tea's purpose was. Most certainly it had a taste so distinct and defined that it didn't seem it could simply be tea.

Leaning forward, he lowered his voice so that only Orian could hear his voice.

My name truly is Taelthar, for this is the name I am known as across the lands I have traveled, however my origins are those from a small land known as Purtahr. It is a small kingdom, not as great as these lands here by far.

I was the bastard son of a woman, whose trade was that of lesser repute. Every year we made sacrifices in Isonia's name in the temple in Purtahr city. When I was ten, we made our sacrifice as usual, however this year, something strange happened. A prophecy was revealed to me. I am sworn not to speak the lines of the prophecy, though I can say this. I am the true ruler of Purtahr, however I can never claim my rightful place without the help of three. I was never told who they would be, only that I would know when I found them.

Not long after the phrophecy was revealed, I was forced to leave Purtahr. I have not returned, and shall not till I find those whom I am searching for.

Taelthar took a drink of his tea. Clenching and unclening his fists, he leaned forward once more.

Oriana, I believe you are one of the three.

He stood up slowly, turning away from Oriana, when he noticed a figure by the bar. He seemed to be searching for someone, and it seemed he wasn't interested in idle conversation.

Nevertheless, he sidled up next to him, and with a seemingly careless swipe of his arm, knocked the strangers drink into his lap. Taelthar put on his best surprised face.

Good sir! I am more than sorry for the inconveniece. Please, let me buy you another drink.

Pardon me madam, but I am new to the inn, and would appreciate an introduction, If you would be so kind to join me in some cider. The kiddie kind of course


It took all her mothers years of training her on how to behave like a proper lady not to laugh in the mans face. One look at him and she could see how he appreciated the finer things in life. Not that there was anything wrong with such an appreciation, her tastes were just quite different.
If anything his apparel and accessories showed he had great confidence in himself, even the tone of his voice no matter how friendly gave away his arrogance and cockiness.Qualities that could no doubt be charming to some but in her line of work she often found them the quickest way to get ones self killed.
Still she would not be rude, there was no reason for her to behave in such a manner and so she smiled the way she would for any new face that was of no threat to the patrons of the inn. Her green eyes sparkled with delight.


Greetings my lord and welcome to our humble little house of rest and spirits. I am Kiara Jade owner of the Apprentice Folly Inn and one of the chosen few who make up the guild of the Souls of Magics Night and who would you be m'lord?

The smile never left her eyes nor her face though she now found herself filled with curiosity over the sudden and mysterious way that the man speaking with Oriana leaned close to her whispering words she could not hear.
The babe in her belly kicked bringing her attentions back to matters at hand.

You may have your cider any way you wish my lord, I thank you for your offer. I am waiting for some orange juice and while I do perhaps you can tell me more of yourself than just your name?

*he woke to fund her gone and gets up stretching* *he looks around realizing she got dressed and gets dressed into his casual attire and makes his way down to the inn* *he spots her from afar and sees she has company* *most men seeing thier wife sitting with another might get jealous but he knew she was his as much as he was hers*

*with a smile he strides towards the object of his affection and with a grin and a nod he greets the one sitting near his wife* Evening Sir, scuse me for a moment
*he grins and kisses her deeply and hugs her gently* *he smiles and speaks partly laughing* I figured I would find you here darling, so what have we going on here a party that you did not wake me to attend *he winks at her and keeps and arm aorund her playfully tickling along her side*

*He notices a few others in the inn that he is not sure of who they are and he nods in thier direction but his attention is always on her*

So what brings you this way sir

*he looks to Kiara* So you going to be my chair honey *winks at her before taking a seat and bringing it by her and sitting*

She saw him coming from across the room and immeadiately a thousand reasons why he shouldnt kill the man she had been speaking with came to mind. Losa however managed to catch her completely off guard.
She sat there wide eyed sure that if her jaw were not attached to her face someone would surely have had to pick it up.
He kissed her and still she sat stunned unable to believe what was happening.
Her head tilted she looked at him as though someone or something had taken possession of his being, she even went so far as to reach over and pinch him to make sure he was real before she dared open her mouth speak.
Her fingers finding him to indeed be of flesh and blood she looked at him questioningly.

Alright then who are you and what have you done with my hot headed, possesive dont even think of looking at my wife husband?

A slight grin came to her face, it did her good to see him out and about minus the scowl that was usually plastered all over his face when it came to her and other men. She knew he trusted her, it was the rest of the world he had issues with. Seeing him the way he was right then warmed her entire being and leaned over to kiss him soundly.

From the way you kiss I'd say you are definately my angel. I'm sorry I left the way I did I needed to be here to speak to Oriana. I'll explain once we have time alone.
As for the gentlemen, I have yet to learn his name but I am quite certain he is a new member of our fold so be nice angel

The orange juice she had requested arrived just then and she thanked the barmaid Paige giving the woman a few extra coins for her trouble and sat back as best she could sipping from the glass now and then her thoughts still troubled by what she had seen upstairs.

...this is the worst part, she thought. Just go in.

Dread filled Aeslynn's spirits as she tried to coerce herself into the tavern. How she hated the formalities of mingling. Hell, she hated people in general. She was uncomfortable with others. Creeping past the edge of towns suited her best. Leaning against the damp tree, bark scratching against her cheek was most comforting, but a tinge of thirst beckoned her closer.

...maybe there's none about this night and the tables are empty.

Just as she persuaded her foot to eek out past the trunk, the heavy creek of iron persuaded it to hold fast. Aeslynn watched as the tavern door revealed a queer fellow emerging. She waited and keened her ears, as she thought she heard growling. She turned her head slightly, but the hound was not in the woods behind her. She looked again, in time to glimpse the figure bound into the woods. Not seconds later the growling gave way to more peircing howls.

...maybe tis a good night to take a drink indoors after all.

Aeslynn took yet another peek, before standing erect and slipped quietly over to the door. One last glance back at the woods and she pulled open the tavern door just enough to slip in.

Trying to make her eyes accomodate the dim lighting quickly, she spied out an empty table. She breifly entertained the thought of taking a place at the bar, but decided against it. As she passed the other patrons, she gave a quick nod of respect, and realized most had business of their own to tend to.

Aeslynn requested the tallest draught, smiling reverently to the woman with child, and took her seat quietly. She felt the eyes of a few of the gentlemen patrons follow, only to return their glances with a quick perusal and a cocked brow. She took a long drink.

..ahhhh. heaven.

*he smiles and kisses her back* Now I am still the same man that would rip out a mans eyes for looking at you but can't I give someone a chance? I mean it is not like you are a single lady who's attention I have to readily win over and seek. I know that my spitfire would never betray me and that no man could make your head turn. I know men will try but will not succeed with you
*he grins and holds her hand and kisses it* I know you spitfire as well as I know myself we will talk of what is wrong later but is it wrong i wanted time out with my darling and beautiful wife whom I adore and cherish? Now if you would like Spitfire I can turn back nd come back in all hotheaded and deal with it that way if that is what would make you feel more comfortable *he grins knowing she would rather see him like this than like that any day*

[color=cyan} Are you still sure that i can qualify as an angel mi love? I mean even after all that you have seen and heard about me. Oh and time alone is always a good thing just remind me that there is something that you want to talk to me bout. You know that sometimes I forget about matters. Especially when I got red head to distract me and that she is very beautiful[/color]

*his hands move to her shoulders and he starts to massage them gently moving his hands down her back to whatever he can massage*

Gods no!

She nearly shouted her response and slapped a hand over her mouth trying not to let her embarrasment show.
If there was one thing she did not need at that moment was a ranting and raving loon of a husband.
Smiling at him she brushed a hand across his cheek.

I would be most pleased if you would kindly stay the way you are thank you very much. I can appreciate your need to spend time with your wife, most wives would move heaven and earth to have a husband as attentive as you are just behave yourself will angel?

Throwing him a wink she sipped her juice ignoring the dull pains traveling up her back and around her huge middle.
Looking around her she took notice of all those at the inn. Some faces were familiar others were not and her thoughts began to wander.
Was it possible that one of them had created the image of Gabriel? Could one of them be responsible for bringing what she was sure to be more pain and heartache to the elven woman that was more like a sister to her than a friend?
Sighing once more she leaned over not wanting to wait another moment and whispered to her husband.

Something is off here husband, and it reeks. I woke from a nightmare to tell you the truth and the need to come here was overwhelming. When I arrived I knew I had to go to the rooms upstairs and I tell you Losa what I saw made my blood run cold.
I saw Gabriel Shadowbain holding Raynalia, I saw him lean to kiss her and of course turned my head but when I looked back he was gone and she was laid out on the bed sleeping as if it had been nothing more than a dream.
I do not know what is happening here Losa and I must talk to Oriana, maybe she knows what its all about. All I know is I dont like it.
It may be none of my business but this is my Inn and everyone who sits within these walls is my responsability until they leave. I just dont like it.

With nothing more to tell him she rested her head against his shoulder and waited for him to share his thoughts.