A New Path, A New Day

[Phelan]

Phelan rode in silence all the way into Freeport, he loved her so much, but he couldnt' stand to think what might happen to her if she stayed near him. He couldnt imagine life without her though.

Finally after they had handed the horses back to the coachman, Phelan decided to talk to her, as much as he didnt want to.

" Kal..." He said softly

" Yes love? " she answered.

" you really want to know what is bugging me? "

" of course I do, I feel how much it is paining you, or did you forget?" she said tapping her chest where the mark was

" lets get a room and then we can go to the common room and grab a table and you can listen. " he said dejectedly.

She slid her arms around his as they walked for the inn. Phelan felt comforted by her touch. The walked in to the inn and purchased a room for two nights. The walked down stairs to table and sat across from each other.

[Phelan]

Phelan felt better since they had talked. He hadn't expected her to understand what he was feeling, but she had.

Kal had went upstairs just a few minutes before, but Phelan needed to have some time to sort through his feelings. Phelan was way relieved and knew that it would take time for him to get over the unconsious tendency to watch Kal when in a fight. She assured him that she could watch out for herself and that she would, for him, always watch out for herself first.

He drank up his last mug of Ale and headed toward the stairs. He glanced at the message board as he walked by and froze as he saw something he knew that he hadn't hung there. A note signed house of Seladria. A cold chill ran up his spine, he was the only survivor of house Seladria.

He quickly ran to his room to check on Kaly.

He burst through the door to find her waiting for him. The smile fell from her face as she saw the fear in his eyes and felt the undeniable fear in his heart. She rushed to him.

" are you ok? " He asked taking her in his arms. Her warm uncoverd body felt comforting.

" I am fine, are you ok? what is wrong? " she looked up into his eyes.

" someone is using my house name, a house that hasnt' existed in almost two decades....there is a note hanging on the message board.... I am worried someone is looking to catch my attention. "

" Well we will stay here tonight and we will get to the bottom of it in the morning, unless you wish it otherwise. " She said as she took him by the hand and pulled him toward the bed.

He slowly undressed and reluctantly blew out the candle before finding Kaly amongst the blankets. Tomorrow would reveal who it was that was looking for him.

[Wilkens]

it is the middle of the night when wilkens walks into freeport, just as she has planned. it is better to sneak in while the world is asleep. she just hopes the room hasnt been rented. she comes up to the inn and looks up to the window and sees that it is completely dark.

"oh good it looks like its empty, now to just get in there before im spotted "

she climbs up and through the window. and as she gets inside she sees that the room has indeed been rented. but thankfully in her silence she hasnt woken the occupants.

" dam, i will have to get downstairs and talk to the inn keeper before i can finally get some rest. " wilkens thinks to herself.

as she turns to go out of the room she trips over a chair that was moved to the middle of the room.

::BANG CRASH ::

" dang it anyways"

" my name is wilkens, i am not here to harm you. i thought this room was empty "

[Phelan]

Phelan instantly rolled on top of Kalysta and was reaching for his sword, when he heard the comotion. Kalysta was awake too trying to move, Phelan heard the intruder say something about not wanting to hurt them and her name was wilkens. Wilkens....Wilkens...Wilkens.... he ran the name through his head as he stood swords out sneaking toward the noise, the name didn't register in his head.

Just as he was about to spring a light flickered to life, the human woman in front of him flinched in suprise. She held no weapon and Phelan made no moves.

" Wilkens? " Kalysta said suprised sitting in the bed covering herself with the blanket.

" Kal? " Wilkens said

"Um..do we know each other? " Phelan said to Kal while gesturing with his swords toward Wilkens

" Yes, now put your swords away and get some clothes on. " She said to Phelan.

Phelan blushed suddenly realizing his lack of clothing, he calmly put his pants on and put his swords away.

[Wilkens]

:: wilkens walks over and rights the chair then sits down on it ignoring the state of undress of the male in the room ::

" do not worry about such things. "

" i am glad i found you kal. what has been going on? and may i ask who this male is?

and what of my mother, why are you here instead of at my home, you know that you are welcome there. "

" please, tell me what you know "

[Phelan]

Kalysta sighs and looks down at the blanket.

"There were people inside the house, we went inside to help, but they were to strong for the two of us. We didn't see your mother inside so we assumed that she made it out ok. I let Slyfoot know, that is who these men are looking for..." She spoke softly and trailed off at the end.

Phelan now at least half dressed stood in the corner listening quietly.

" If you feel like going back and going in again, I am willing to try it " Phelan said

Kal looked up at him and smiled. Phelan grabbed his shirt and pulled it over his head. No one said anything.

" well? " Phelan prompted wanting to know if he was going back to bed tonight or going on the prowl.

[Wilkens]

:: wilkens sits there staring at the floor. it seems that she didnt hear anything after the fact that there were strangers in her house and that her mother wasnt seen. she knew well enough that everything wasnt right.

she looks as kal and her friend and wonders if the three of them can take care of this or will they need more help. the question was how far away was help. ::

" my first response would be to go running to the rescue. my mother would not leave our house full of strangers. that is not her way. but i will need to go and see how many strangers and to see if i know any of them.

i am also being hunted by someone. that is why i snuck in tonite.

this is what we will do, you two stay here and try to get some sleep. and i will go and check out the house. if i dont come back by sunrise, leave here and find sly. she will know what to do.

do not come looking for me, if all else fails find a place to hide, i will send a messanger when i can. "

:: wilkens looks at the stranger standing there. ::

" will you take care of her, watch over her and defend her with your life ? and if her life comes to an end in your hands, are you willing to forfeit your life for hers? "

:: phelan stands up straighter and looks wilkens in the face and doesnt flinch from the scars that are clear in the candle light ::

" yes i will "

:: wilkens looks at the blak elf and wonders if she can trust him, even though she doesnt have much choice in the matter. also it seems to her that kal trusts him. ::

" ok. you two go back to bed, and remember what i have said. if i am not back by sunrise, get out of here and find sly or find a safe place. i will find you. "

:: with that wilkens walks out the door and heads out of the inn.

kal and phelan head back to bed and kal blows out the candle. ::

" kal, who was that and why did she ask me those questions? "

" i will tell you later, let us get some sleep in case we are needed in the morning. let me just say she is a friend. "

:: kal and phelan slip off to sleep ::

:: wilkens walks towards her home on silent feet. she hopes that her mother is alright. and she is curious as to who this blak elf is that kal is with. well there will be more time later to find out that kind of information.

when she gets to her home, she can smell the distinct odor of trolls. this isnt good she thinks to herself.

wilkens goes to the back of the house where she and her sister used to climb down at night and climbs up to her room. hoping that her luck holds out for her this time and it will be empty. ::

[Phelan]

Phelan drifts off to sleep with his arms around Kal, comforted by her slow and steady breathing.

Phelan opens his eyes and finds himself standing again before that ever familar elvish glade he spent most of his life living in. What am I doing here? he thought to himself.

After that intial thought he was racked with an uncontrollable sob and a few tears.

"Aramis...I am sorry " He whispered.

"Why? You have nothing to be sorry about my friend. I have been happy to see that you have learned to love my friend, she is very pretty don't lose her." Aramis said with a wink as he jumped down from a tree.

" Aramis?! " Phelan asked puzzled.

" you were expecting Innorukk, maybe? " Aramis said with a laugh.

" what are you doing here? you are dead. "

" You know I am really tired of people stating the obivious, just because I am "dead" doesnt' mean I am dead. I came to talk with you my friend. " Aramis said still as mirthful as when he was alive.

" about what? " Phelan asked

" First of all, how are you?....in here" he said tapping Phelan on the heart.

" I am wonderful " Phelan smiled thinking about Kal

" not just with her though my friend, do you understand now that it wasnt' your fault, that things had to be as they have been? " Aramis asked becoming deadly serious.

" I do...but I dont have to be happy about it " Phelan spoke in a barely audible volume.

" good, it is important, you have to remember that. Just remember I am with you always. " Aramis smiled and put his arm around Phelan's shoulder and they began to walk.

"Aramis what is this all about?" Phelan said giving him a sidelong glance.

"well, you don't know it yet but you are about face the most difficult battle you have ever had to fight in your life soon... I am more than a bit fond of you my boy. I want to make sure that you win and remain yourself at the same time. " Aramis said.

" I still don't understand. I have fought many battles and have never worried, what will be so different about this one? "

" that I can't tell you my friend, that you will have to learn for yourself. " Aramis said growing serious again.

" I am not afraid " Phelan said after a few moments of silence

" You will be... You will be " Aramis said his voice becoming dark and sinister.

That put Phelan on his heels for a moment, he had never once hear Aramis sound that way. Nor had Aramis ever been so serious with him, but his recent encounters had taught him his friend told him the truth from beyond his grave.

They walked through the woods for a long while then Phelan spoke.

" for old time sake? " he said with a smile as he drew out his swords.

Aramis smiled and drew his blades in a flourish.

" No holding back this time " Phelan said pointing at Aramis " I am no longer a student " Phelan smiled.

" I never once held back I always treated you as I would any threat, ecspecially with a sword in those clumsy hands " Aramis said laughing.

They battled for quite awhile with no winner, just losing themselves in the deadly dance that had forged thier friendship. Slowly things faded to blackness

[Phelan]

Phelan opened his eyes and felt the sting as the sun shone into them. Morning... he thought to himself. Then suddenly realizing the sun had come up he sat bolt up right. It was morning and Kal's friend hadn't returned. Phelan turned to Kal only to see her in the window staring out over the city.

" Why didnt' you wake me? " he asked gently

" Because I was going to leave without you..." she trailed off.

" But why? " Phelan asked as he came up behind her and hugged her resting his ching on her shoulder.

" Wilkens never came back.... I have to help them, but you dont', you're not obligated to this. " She said.

" We are in this together, if anything happened to you I couldn't go on living. " He said softly.

They stood there staring out the window together for quite some time.

[Wilkens]

:: the door crashes open as wilkens comes flying into the room ::

" whew, i made it here without being seen. sorry im so late, i almost got caught in my room.

ok, heres the deal. my mother is still in the house. she isnt doing too well.

we wont be able to deal with these guys by ourselves, we are going to need some big help. and i know just the people who can help us.

we just have to find them.

we need to get out of freeport, its no longer safe for us here. "

:: wilkens turns to kal's friend and looks him up and down ::

" hmmm, you look better dressed. i need you to take kal to a safe place.

and dont tell me where you are taking her, just in case i am caught. i am going to find a place to hide as well after i send a message out "

:: with that wilkens leaves the room and dissapears ::

[Wilkens]

:: wilkens runs down the stairs of the inn and heads to the inn keeper ::

" i need some parchment an writing equipment "

:: the inn keeper hands the stuff she requested without a word, he is used to her antics. she then heads to the closest table and starts writing ::

:::: this is cassie. i am sending this in desparate despair.

my mother R is in grave danger.

i am not able to help her by myself.

i have no clue where S is.

please if anyone can help i would muchly appreciate it.

i will keep in touch with the inn keeper in freeport.

i can not stay here for it is not safe. :::

::wilkens stands up and heads back to the inn keeper.

" i need this sent to the songweavers tavern right away. here is some tunar to speed its delivery "

:: wilkens throws a small pouch on the counter beside the note ::

" right away, i know a person heading that way that is leaving right away. "

" thank you, and by the way, you never saw me "

:: wilkens heads out the back door and dissappears ::

[Phelan]

" Well there you go kitten, she is ok. " Phel said smiling at Kal.

" How can you joke at a time like this? " Kal said give him a glare.

" How? because it relieves the stress. Now where should we be going? "

" I dont' know, we should decide while we are moving. If Wilkens says it isn't safe then we need to leave now. "

" on the off chance we get seperated, you get as far away from here as possible and find your friends. Promise me that. "

" I promise, now we need to go "

Phelan grabbed what little stuff they had between them and followed Kal out the door and down the stairs.

Phelan happened to notice a female Tier dal sitting at a table as they walk by. Phelan glanced back to make sure and he saw her eyes were locked to him. Why? Why? Why? today? He thought to himself. Well don't have much time, he said silently in his head.

"kaly, you need to run....right now, go to a safe place I can find you. If I haven't found you by nightfall leave without me. "

"But...What..." Kal started to reply. She felt his fear and his intense determination. He knew something she didn't. She kissed him goodbye and left.

Phelan tried to find an unpopulated area, he had a feeling that a fight was coming in just a few minutes. That female Tier dal, she looked familiar, very familiar. He thought to himself. The look in her eye told Phelan of the intent in her heart. He spun around and drew his swords, this would have to do, just outside the west gate.

The woman can darting around the corner sword drawn and a wicked smile on her face. She was wearing armor Phelan could now see, it was under the dark red clothing she wore over it. Aramis, be with me, he thought silently.

" Where is your wench, oh dear Phelan? " Adaun said her voice dripping with scorn.

" I would very much like ripping her apart in front of your eyes. " She said smiling that typical Tier dal smile without joy, it was a smile of murderous rage.

"Oh, you don't remember your own little sister?! Well that is alright because your little sister remembers you." She said it as if her words could kill him.

"Adaun?!! " Phelan exclaimed stunned.

"YOU LEFT ME FOR DEAD!!" She screamed drawing her single slender straight blade.

" Adaun I was six years old, all of you looked dead...How did you survive?" He asked, he felt his heart sink, he knew that this would be the battle Aramis spoke of.

" Oh, survive I did; through the countless rapes and beatings, I found my place in Neriak, dear brother. While you were bedding your tavern wench. " Her words dripped from her mouth like acid.

" I wasnt' "bedding a tavern wench" little one. I wasn't even in Neriak. " He said as his anger began to slide through his calm exterior.

" YOU LEFT ME FOR DEAD, YOU ABANDON ME!!! You dishonored your family by leaving me. I will help you find honor in death for you have had none in life. Have no doubt you will die... You ...and your wench. " She screamed at him as she sprung into an attack.

[Phelan]

Phelan was hoping that there maybe a way to talk to her. To keep this from leading to a fight. All those thoughts fled him as he saw her spring at him.

Her sword raised high behind her head, in a blur of motion he threw his swords up in a high cross block. She hesitated and Phelan took the opportunity to pull her off balance with his lead foot, then dropping his guard he brought his elbow crashing into her face.

He cringed and hoped that he hadnt' killed her, he didn't want to harm his little sister but she was out to kill him and he had to make sure Kaly was alright. If someone had to die today it wouldn't be Phelan, he summoned back the same cornered feelings he had when he fought with Aramis.

He embraced those feelings of its me or them, my hands are tied. He kept his calm though, his rage he kept on a razors edge of barely concious, just enough to give him strength.

Adaun stumbled back, but keeping her wits about her she had her sword flailing in front of her, which would have kept Phelan at bay had he meant to pursue, but he had no wish to follow.

She stumbled around and staggered clutching her face. His heart broke, he never in a thousand years would have ever chose this. He saw her arm draw back and then snap forward in a blur to fast to comprehend.

Phelan felt a hard thump against the right side of his chest and a sharp sickening suction noise accompanied it. Phelan was hit with a severe wave of dissiness and naseua. His stomach churned and his chest was on fire.

Every breath he took cuased him severe pain. Phelan knew enoguh to know he was hurt bad, but he also knew that Adaun was still trying to kill him, he refocused on the battle.

She followed right behind her knife and pressed Phelan with a flurry of attacks, Phelan worked harder than he had ever had to before but he intercepted every single one.

He pressed back, throwing flurry after flurry of combos, he slipped through many times testing her defense and her armor. Phelans heart sank again, there wouldnt be any wounding her to deter her, there were only a few places he could hit her. The neck, the face, armpits, elbow joints and the knee joints, all of wich have major arteries running through them.

She suddenly rushed in headlong at Phelan, Phelan pressed her back hard again spinning one blade out to the right and thrusting with his left, Adaun didnt' see the right blade coming back in at her face untill it was too late.

She fell back again, Phelan knew the wound was deep and she may have lost her eye. She recoverd almost immedieatly and charged Phelan catching him off guard. She is an amazing fighter, he thought to himself as he stumbled backwards from the blow. Phelan saw Adaun drop into what appreared to be a crouch and then he saw the sky, its brilliant blue looking back at him.

Again her sword came down with life crushing force, Phelan reacted quickly and sent both of his swords out in circular arcs hoping one of them would intercept her blade.

His luck held out and her sword was flung wide. He quickly jumped to his feet, no sooner had he landed than he was being pressed by a series of horizontal slashes, Phelan found the rythum easily and went with it. His chest was burning and it was hard to breathe.

Suddenly she changed up her attack with a diagonal slash down and then back up folloed by another over head blow straight down. Phelan was again hit with wave after wave of pain and naseua, he body throbbed and he could hear his heart beating.

He knew these wounds were deep and they probably exposed the bone. He didnt' know how much longer he could go on. He concentrated on Kal and felt comforted by her love, he could feel her feelings as well, she was terrified, probably because of the pain he was feeling. I will be with you always my love and I will come back to you. Phelan staggered backwards.

Phelan was looking at Adaun as she smiled and then her face went queer. Her legs began to shake and she swayed. She brought her sword in a low arc and caught some sand up into the air.

Phelan tried to shield his eyes but he wasn't fast enouhg his eyes were now on fire with the hot sand grinding into them. Phelan couldnt' see more than blurry outlines but her hear a thud that sounded like a body, he knew it wasn't his.

He staggered back toward the gates and collapsed in front of the gate gaurds.

"Quickly go get a healer and a cleric...quickly he doesnt' have much time. " Phelan heard of the gaurds say.

[Nikkii O'seth]

As Nikkii came out of the tavern A guard rushed up to her in a panic.

" My'lady there is a wounded man that could use your healing powers please."

" You better not be joking with me human take me to the injured."

The guard rushed her to the west gate where the other guard is stooped over Phelan. Nikkii smiles at her defeated foe as she sits beside his injured body. she lifts his head noticing that he was awake but barely. As she chanted a strong healing spell that surrounded him in a blue light he started mumbling.

" Kal I will be with you..."

" Lucky for you I do not attack a wounded enemy I do my own work, so you just rest. "

" My'lady there is another over here. "

Nikkii looks over where the guard is and see the girl from the tavern.

" Ahh so this is where you went .. "

[Nikkii O'seth]

Nikkii sits down by Phalen's body and gently places his head on her lap. A slight smile comes across his face as he keeps mumbling Kalysta's name.

" Bring the girl over here and take their weapons from them I wouldn't want fighting again."

The gaurd nods in agreement and places Adaun beside her. Nikkii says another chant and her wounds begin to heal.

" Phelan wasn't it ? You can stand now that is unless you are enjoying being on my lap."