: But a name billowed through the winding stairwell of the Weary Wyvern as hurried feet forced the runner further and further. The oaken door of his study flew open with undue haste, which spurred the assassin to attention. The minotaur stomped within, a grievous palor adorned his brow as he stood forth.:
"Why indeed Bellowban come in old friend..."
:What humor laided upon his lips dried with the drips of saliva which beeded there.. His eyes sank and heart faultered at the words which fell from the minotaurs lips.. Twas like a tragic play one was forced to watch, he could not turn away nor drown the words away with the water of a hundred seas.. :
"Ataylia?"
"Word says she be fine, as well many others in her company carry wounds... and.... one was lost..."
: The assassins hand cupped his mouth as he turned within his chair. The mightly vallenwood which supported his frame creeked and groaned as in discomfort as he looked abroad.. His eyes, lost as was his thought for the moment at such news..:
"I shall tell her.. Fetch Feldwick I care not if he wants his rest... "
"Ghaleon..... Ghal?"
: His head turned slowly, like an old man whom missed the question at hand:
"Yes? What.. what is it.."
"Will yae be alright? For the moment.."
: Dabbing the corner of his left eye with a finger he rose, what wabble within his knees faltered his demeanor of a constant stoic resolve was not enough to show what lurked within his heart...:
" I shall be fine Bellowban... Now fetch our horses..."
:Shimmering locks of a golden hue appeared silver within the light the moon bathed the world within. Tiny fingers sat propped beneath a stout chin as a childs eyes gazed towards the stars.. :
"Come in father..."
:As silent as he wished, he could never be silent enough for the keen ears of an elf. :
"Its past yae bed time M'dear.."
"Oh father, please dinna scowl me. Something merely made me stir, and, and I saw the stars this evening. In all their brilliance. I could not look away.. Forgive me.."
"There is no need for forgiveness child, nae an offense was done.. "
:She kept her back towards him as the young elf continued to stare in admiration at the endless canopy of lights above her. He could not leave the shelter the shadows wove for him so tenderly, such a shelter hide the tears streaking down his cheeks.:
"Come join me father? Please.."
"I canna.. Shiana.. Shiana...I've.."
"Yes father?"
:Turning her head notched to the side in an inquisitive nature as she looked towards him..:
"Why do yae hide.. Be something wrong..."
"Shiana... we must leave this eve.. Get ready... We must leave within the hour.. "
:With that he turned cold towards her, his feet were already prancing towards the door as her tiny fingers snatched the cloak at his back:
"Father, wait.. Wait....."
:With a twist on the spurs of his feet he snatched her within his hands and nelt aside her.. The coarse feel of his fingers covered her eyes as he placed a kiss upon her forehead..:
"Shhhhhh.. Do not question darling.. Please.. Just prepare.. I will be waiting downstairs..."
: They had cut halfway through the countryside within the shade of night, however, now dawn was cresting over the looming Vallenwood. The Vallenwood, whos arms once so strong and raised now sank in defeat to the changing of the seasons. Submissively the massive arms bent down towards the earth, bare of leaf and life, they stood there like empty columns. The trio spoke little that day, little other then small words from the assassin which sounded more like commands. The silence was broken that evening when they stopped to camp.:
" Something is amiss.. I can tell it. Neither of you will speak. However you wear that long face, and the minotaur still canna stop slobbering from his nostrils. Though you wish to keep me locked up I'm no more the child you wish father. I've grown and in doing so deserve to know where we travel and for what reason. I will not be treated as a lesser or as luggage."
:She stood over them waving a large soup spoon and holding a tiny cauldron of bubbling broth as she gave lecture. The minotaur wiped his nose at the comment and kept the bowl held out within one paw, hopefully this would end and they would eat. The assassin lowered his head as he placed the bowl with his lap.:
"Shiana... your mother.. She died... she's dead Shiana.. She fell in battle, and I wished to take you to her grave.."
:Rage filled the child as she motioned the spoon towards him and spit condescending words in vile retort:
"And you would not tell me last night? You merely drag me out here. When did you wish to tell me father? When I stood over her remains? When father...when? I ask you a question and you do not answer.. She was my mother, and I was not there for her... "
:throwing the tiny pot and spoon down she darted off. The assassin wished to give chase however the contents of the pot spilled unto his lap.... :
"Guh.. shia.. Shiana..."
:She darted about the trees, dodging left and right, fleeing the darkness that shrouded her step. Tears coursed down her cheek, staining perfect cheeks with sadness.. Catching her foot upon a stone she toppled and fell..Arms consumed her as he held her tight..:
"Nnnnno.. no no no.. no..."
:words mingled and choked between tears.. Her hands outstretched, pleading toward the Gods who seemed not to care..:
"Shh... shhh.. child..."
: Aside the creek, arm in arm is where the minotaur found them. Huffing white hot air from his snout he picked up the maiden and gave the assassin a shove..:
"Well.. done are we both? M'lady?"
"Yes Bellowban.. I'm sorry.."
"Good... and you?"
"Ummm..yeah... "
"Good.. We've still a quarter a days ride... and I still haven't had dinner.. much less breakfeast... so if you both would get moving.."
: The trio rode the ten or so miles left within their trek, stopping at a tiny hamlet named Hommel. There they would rest. The assassin would take his daughter to meet her mother, for her first and last time...:
