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Silently Aislynne approaches the fire emerging from the erie mist surrounding the line of the trees with her head bowed slightly, enough to only see her eyes piecing through the darkness of night to catch the sparkling reflection of that fire in her eyes from beneath her cloak. She takes down her pouch and sword and places them on the ground near her, then kneels on the cold wet ground to warm her strembling hands by the fire, taking care to watch her long skirt and flowing cape to keep it from the hot flames. She stops he movement only to let out a deep sigh then returns to rubbing her icy hands on the flames.

A few moments later she places her head in her now warmed hands. The event of the past few moons has brought out too many painful memories and stirred that great pain with in her. She knows most of Haven has a similar story, and she knows she is being selfish to only think of herself when the town is in such a state but she wishes to go home, she longs for the feeling of her younger days, the safety of her mothers arms...she stops herself, those days are gone, there is nothing left there for her now, no reason to think about it a moment longer. For now all she can do is enjoy the darkness and solitude that she let the forrest wrap her in to let out her cries. She takes a quick moment to ready her ears and eyes for danger and then looks for a familiar face.

*Audry standing at the front entrance to the inn sees a figure outside, near the fire alone. She slowly approaches the fire. After seeing its Aislynne smiles and finds a spot near the fire, and starts to warm her hands.*

Aislynne, you know it's not safe to be out here alone. Remember when that ogre that came through here trying to take that storm elf as his wife?

It's nice and quiet but cold out here. Do you mind if I keep you company?

How are you this clear night?

deep in thought she has not heard Audry come near. Though she is but inches from her, kneeling by the fire Aislynne can do nothing but stare into the flames. As Audry begins to speak, Aislynne is startled almost losing her balance. She knows the voice familiar and she turns to look at her friend.

"Good Eve, Audry"

She pauses to think the appropriate response. Knowing at times she can be bullheaded, but Audry was right, it was not safe to be out in the woods alone nor was it clever to walk into the darkness without chaparone.

"There are worse things than Orcs that lurk nearby".

Aislynne Pauses briefly and an evil smile comes across her face.

"You, worry about the Storm Elf?!?! Dear Audry, Your point of view has changed, I think" She follows the comment with a sarcastic snicker.

"Yes, the fire is quite nice on a night such as this, and I am glad to have your company". Again Audry sees Aislynnes mind has escaped reality yet again, Aislynne becomes dead still and is now looking quite mesmerized by the flames that dance through the cold and crisp night. Things have become so quiet it strikes the two as quite erie.

After several moments of silence pass as they listen for some wildlife or Villager to speak or walk by yet no noise is heard. The silence is at times worse than hearing the screams of the forrest, for at least she knows she is not alone there are others out there, she looks to Audry. With a frightened and distraught voice that is almost inaudible as she asks with a trembling in her voice:

"Do you think we have the slightest chance?"

*Audry is enjoying the warmth of the fire but stays alert and watches the tree line...she nodds listening to Aislynne*



We must over come, and not give in before we have fought our best fight.
There is always hope.... without it we have nothing.

"I suppose you are correct, however it seems that no matter what we overcome there is something worse just around the corner. I do worry about Robin these days, not much of her around. With her and the Duke being such a target how could any child be safe? She has much trouble of keeping herself out of harms way I pray she is more careful with child. I..."

Watching Audry's attention wander to the tree line then to the fire she knows this conversation can be best saved for another time. She stops mid sentence to look behind her as she hears a rustling in the leaves that have fallen to the ground and now ready to return to the earth.

"I thought I heard something..." Aislynne's voice is quiet and trails off slightly.

*After she finds the rustling she hears is just a chipmunk Audry's thoughts distract her eyes from the tree line. She looks into the fire with a yearning look.*

Robin is in the safest place she can be right now. My thoughts and prayers are with her as she has this child. She let me know that she doesn't need my help or protection at this time. I do trust her in everything. I know that child will be safe. I will protect it when the time comes with every fiber of my being as will Robin.

I look forward to seeing her babe. I believe that there is no fear of evil. The pregnancy went... pretty normal.....well mostly anyway...

*Audry looks back out into the darkness*

Aislynne turns back to the fire, "Damn chipmunks" she thinks to herself. She looks to Audry and notices her friend is now in some far off place. She wonders what could have taken the level headed and grounded Audry so far away. Aislynne returns her focus back to the fire. The warmth has caused her cold fingertips to now tingle. as her knees now are becoming sore she stands up kicks out her legs under her skirt and then finds the stump to sit on near the fire. She moves the stump a little closer and sits down.

Trying to bring her friend back to focus, she whispers...

"Something troubling you, dear Audry?"

*Audry squats down near the fire. Picks up a twig with pine needles from the ground near by, and throws it into the fire to watch it burn. Turns to Aislynne with a sober face.*

Nope....Nothing troubling really, we each do what needs to be done to make Haven a safe place for everyone. Unfortunately we don't all believe that the same things need to be done in order to keep Haven a safe and peacefull place.

*She stands back up and brings her attention back to the tree line and scans the darkness. Then turns back to Aislynne giving her, her full attention.*

My first thought is that Haven is too divided, but we are all different peoples coming together. We have worked together okay so far..... we will see how long it will last...There must be trust among us, but when agreements no longer mean anything this is the begining of a great fall.... if I can not trust some one with a little thing how can I trust them in anything?

In the black night a dark figure hidden by the shadow moves from his place down the gully. His silhouette’s movement is instantly obvious to Audry's keen eyes as he approaches the inn.

As he nears the tree line at the top of the stone steps he lets his black cape part and reached for his belt pouch producing a sliver case and opening it. "Good evening ladies." he said politely as he plucked a black elvin cigarette and placed it between his lips. He channeled magic to his hand before the cigarette igniting it. As the first wisps of perfumed smoke wisped from it the light of the spell illuminated the face of Shale Bazenstoke.

"I heard voices at the fire. Hopefully you won't mind the intrusion."

Aislynne looks up out of the trance of the dancing flames. She sees the tall dark elven figure and smiles.

"Please sit and make yourself comfortable, it was far too quiet for my liking...nor should I want to keep others from warming themselves by the fire".

Shale sits next to the fire and relaxes in the pleasant warmth as his cloak steams slightly as the dew of the brush evaporates. He nods to Aislynne, "Many thanks good lady. It seems many moons since I was honored with such lovely companions. These last few days being back in Haven have been quite sweet. Hopefully my travels will not return too soon."

"Any stories for us ladies about your travels? Seems as if it has been ages since we spoke last."

Shale smiles and chuckles, "My journies have been far, but less than exciting. I have been making rounds to the area villages in preperation for construction of my Academy. There seems to be a favorable response, but the logistics are difficult. Partly because there is not a house in our area that manufactures Written Works to study from and to fill the library I desire to erect for the people's benefit. However, there may still be paths open to us." Taking a long drag on his smoke he groans as his muscles warm. "I agree, it has been far too long. I'm very glad to be home."

Audry smiles as Shale takes a place by the fire

"What kind of Academy are you planing to build? Seems the villagers would like to learn to fight but lack the confidence or the skill...."

Shale chuckles, "Well confidance boosts would be a given, but as of now there are no plans for the academy to be a tactical school." He exhales deeping letting the smoke tun to whisps of breath in the chilled night air. "There will be classes for those desiring training in basic literacy, craftsmanship, mathamatics, arcane and alchemical arts, agriculture, and other specialized classes. That said, I am sure there would be a place for self defense training."