Alex had been afraid Soran would try to climb the cloud ladder. When he chose to stay on the ground Alex was quite glad. He was a bit surprised at how Rowan spoke to Soran after they reached the ground then didn’t say much else to him during their continued journey. Concerned about Soran, Alex kept an eye on him while they travelled. He could tell Soran was still feeling some pain and determined to help him later if Eremis didn’t.
When they were a good distance away from the roc nest and Alexander felt the mother wouldn’t come after them but go straight to her baby instead, he called the net and it’s silver ball to him. By the time the ball reached him and Alex grasped it the net was back inside ready to use again should he need it. He put it back in his pack and glanced back to make sure the female roc wasn’t coming after them. He couldn’t see any sign of her and was very glad they wouldn’t have to hurt her or her baby any more than they already had.
He settled down and began listening to the conversations adding what he wanted here and there. When the eagles spoke to them in their minds he gasped for he hadn’t had anyone mindspeak him for quite awhile and it was rather unexpected. He stopped along with the rest more out of wonder at seeing the birds that had mindspoke them than anything else.
“How very intriguing.” he muttered softly. “Should be interesting meeting this Darlanta.”
When they reached the clearing the tiger was one of the first things Alex saw. He gazed at the beautiful animal in wonder and a certain amount of awe admiring the animal’s elegance and obvious power. Seeing where the tiger’s final gaze lingered caused Alex to glance at Xue and wonder why the tiger had chosen to study her more then the rest of them. He also wondered if that was good or bad for Xue.
Finally he felt a stirring and his attention shifted to the shimmering tree and focused on the lady who appeared before them. He gazed at her with admiration while she spoke to them but started a bit when she said the eagles has picked their names out of their minds. Alex didn’t like that statement and the fact that the eagles had noted his name and relayed it to the woman...druidess... without his giving them permission to do so. Not wanting any more special animals or any person or other type of beings to look inside his mind and note other things about him, Alex erected his mind shield closing off his mind to any who might take a notion to look inside it from now on.
Alex saw her hand Rowan the flower. Since he’d ended up being close to Rowan when they’d stopped and because his hearing was excellent he also heard her quiet comment. A soft gasp escaped him when she referred to Rowan as an otherwoldly elf. So it seems there are two among us from another world. How very fascinating. But is Rowan really from another world? And if he truly is then how did the druidess know that? Could the eagles have picked more out of minds then just our names. I don’t like the possibility that they might have. Alex doublechecked to make sure his mind shield was intact and working properly. It was. He dismounted and looked around him again.
“Anyone up for some skinny-dipping?” Jeremy asked as he ran toward the stream, shedding his weapons and clothing along the way.
Alex looked after him and shook his head slightly. It would appear that Jeremy was inpulsive. Then he heard Soran’s comments. Sighing softly he watched Soran storm off. He was tempted to go after him but decided it would be best not to. He led his horse to a shady spot close to the stream, tied him to a tree limb and began removing the saddle glimpsing Rowan entering the woods.
He had laid out his tent and was in the process of erecting it when he saw Rowan reappear. Pausing he watched the elf head toward the barn. He went back to setting up his tent. A short time later he glimpsed Soran emerge from the forest, look toward Rowan then enter it again. Thinking about things, Alex finished setting up his tent then took everything inside. He led Shadow to the stream and let him drink some water then secured him close to it. He would ask Darlanta later if she could spare some oats, corn and hay for Shadow.
Right now there was something else he felt the need to do. Getting a mug he filled it with water then added a mixture of herbs and some sugar. Using a heat spell he heated the liquid and then stirred the contents to steep and blend them. He withdrew a pouch from his pack then headed into the woods to find Soran. By using his tracking skills he was able to follow the trail Soran had left behind and heard muttering ahead of him as he drew near. When he finally spotted Soran he paused and considered if it would be best to go on or turn back and leave him be. He watched Soran drinking the wine and realized the youth might just get himself drunk if he let him be and wasn’t sure he liked that idea especially since they were in a new area and around a druidess and special animals that none of them knew anything about. Alex made a decision then moved forward purposely making enough noise to let Soran know someone was there. He stopped in front of Soran and looked down at him for a moment then sat down infront of him.
“Soran, Eremis is still romping in the stream so I’ve brought you an herbal drink that should help ease any aching you might still be feeling in your head. I’ve added some sugar which should help it not be so bitter.”
Alex handed the warm mug to Soran, studying him for a few moments, then spoke again. “If you feel like talking...about anything...or...about something in particular I’ll stay and listen. If you just want me to remain quiet and keep you company I will. If you’d like me to look at the back of your head for any injuries and take care of anything I might find I’ll do so. If not then I’ll leave you be and head back to my tent and fix some supper or take the druidess up on her invitation. Oh and if you didn’t bring a tent with you and need a place to sleep tonight you’re welcome to sleep in my tent. However, should you decide to sleep in my tent with me I need to let you know that I prefer women and will not bother you. Later, if you do decide to share my tent, and you really really feel the need for contact then I might consider letting you lie next to me.”
Alex remained where he was hoping he hadn’t offended Soran or upset him anymore than he already was and waited for Soran to either accept his presence or request he leave.
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