NaNoWriMo 9

His eyes strayed on them, watching them as they disappeared into the distance on the path. Literally disappeared. He started his steed forward, unsure of if what he was seeing was really there. His entourage of guards followed closely behind, calling out to him as he trotted forward and peered at the ground closely. "Junie, come here. Examine these tracks!" He called his head woodman forward from the ranks. The man did so at his order immediately, so that he could do what his Prince requested. He dismounted and walked through the guards so that he could examine the tracks in front of the Prince more closely. They seemed to veer a little to the side before vanishing into the woods. There was nothing beyond the tree line, no hint that any person or beast had passed by there.

The men behind them were murmuring, wondering what was happening, in hushed voices that held an inherent wariness of the forest around them, knowing that it was dangerous here and that it was far too easy to stray to their deaths. The Prince gazed back. "Fall in and parade order!" The command gave the men direction. They did so, falling into the orderly rows that delegated their order far better than the slightly messy lines that had been in before. The Prince turned his attention back to the woodsman. "And what is your determination?" It was said in a quiet voice, that seemed to be muffled even further by the blanket of solemnity that hovered over the soldiers. At the same time he motioned for the man to come close so that his answer would not be overheard by ears that should not hear it.

He gave a slight sigh. It was barely audible, but tinged with regret. "It seems that these riders have been led off by the greencaps, or perhaps willow sprites. They have been stolen away."

The Prince's shoulder stiffened. "With a Sylph should they not have avoided this?"

"They are not trained in woodslore, except for some of the most minor avoidances. They are too often kept in the cities where they have no need of such things, and are mainly trained as healers. The sprites would not care of her rank, or of whether she was needed. We should take care lest we also fall to a similar fate."

"Is there no hope that they might be saved?"

"They have as much chance as anyone of surviving. We cannot follow where they have been taken. That part of the stories is true."

The Prince grimaced, furrowing his brow. This was not good- they would have to save themselves if they were in trouble. With any luck, his own contingent would not fall, either. His back straightened. "Men, head out!" None of his worry tainted his voice, and it echoed clearly through the trees. They could not worry about this at this point, regardless- there was a war to be fought and a border to be brought into order.

They kept heading along the road. With so many, the likelihood that they would be tricked into evil places was far less, but it was still not a safe thing to be dealing with in this area. His eyes kept towards the road, letting his men take care of guarding the borders of the men. The cavalry spread out at his motion, taking to the sides and herding the men closer together.

Nia sighed deeply as her eyes opened. The gentle rock of the horse beneath her comforted her an unusual amount. This was nice. She lifted her head from Kirn's back. She could feel that the folds of his clothing had made an impression on her face, and so she tried to lift a hand to rub it away. Her hands happened to be tied around his waist, though. "Am I a slave or a captive?" she murmured quietly, trying to get his attention without startling him. From the look of his shoulders. he was tense with something> Worry? Panic? He didn't look good, though, from where she was looking.

He glanced back to ensure that she was awake. "I didn’t' want you to fall off when we were riding. I hope you don't mind. Give me a moment." He stopped the horse and started to unknot the rope. "Are your writs’ chafed?"

"No, they feel fine." She drew her hands back so she could rub them, feeling a slight tingle as blood started running through her hands more freely. "Thank you. Falling off would naught have been an experience I wish to be acquainted with."

"Well, I hope being lost is not one that you're too eager for, either. Unfortunately, it seems I might have taken a wrong turn in the woods. I have no idea where we are at this point."

She glanced around them, taking in the sight of the dark trunks of twisted and warped trees pressing in on them. The sun was still in the sky, and she could feel a warm breeze brushing her hair away from her face. It gave an odd whistling sound as it wended it's way through the woods. Her shoulders shuddered, though, as she realized the implication of his words. "Ach. So the greenies have gotten the best of us? Or one of the woods sprites at the very least. Any idea of how to get us out of this mess?" They weren't really questions to be answered. The answers to all of them were fairly self-evident. If there had been any hope of him knowing how to avoid the traps, they wouldn't be in this situation in the fiorst place. If he knew how to get them out of it, he would have already. All in all, Nia was frustrated with herself, as she had no better idea of what to do at this moment.

"Let me down, ne? I would appreciate a look around us. Perhaps I can get my bearings better on my feet. I've naught been on a horse before, and it's making me motion sick." Kirn let her slide off. She did so slightly awkwardly, but was right on her feet well enough in a few moments. Her eyes looked around, trying to find something useful other than the dirt of the path ahead, for the path behind them... It hardly seemed believable, but the path behind them only extended for a few feet, then disappeared into overgrown thicket and woods. It was as if it was dead-set on eating them whole, the way it was enclosed on them. Her fingers tightened, and she walked over to it, pushing aside some of the branches, hoping for some clue as to what to do.

That turned out to be a bad idea, however, as there was a high-pitched squeak, and her fingers came away with a dozen thin slices that bled like no tomorrow.
It was painful, so much so she jerked her hands back and burried them into her sleeves. The blood seeped through the material, staining it bright crimson. Her gasp of pain didn't go unnioticed. "What is it?" Kirn dismounted quickly and hurried so he could see. It appeared worse for him since her sleeves were now red up to the elbow. "The greenies!" He hissed, looking back at the brush with fear in his eyes. They weren't attacking yet, but... his eyes went back to her wounds as she pulled them out so he could see. It was a relief to know that she wasn't more hurt than she was. He turned towards the horse to see if he could get her pack so she could take care of her hands only too see that the horse had disappeared. "Nia, please tell me I am imagining this." It was a quiet order. Her gaze lifted from her hands, where they had been fixed by the little wounds, and every motino was stilled.

"It's gone."

Her voice was quiet, unbelieving, panic starting to run into her tone. "I can naught help us if I do naught have my pack. Where did it go?" Her hands gripped into fists in front of her. clasped together. "Kirn, we're stuck and lost here. Where did the horse go?!" er tone was rising into the hysterical. Nia's eyes were wide, and he could see the whites clearly. Fear was practically pouring from her pores. His hands went up and grasped her shoulders.

"Listen. We aren't going to find the horse if we sticka round here panicing. Understand? We'll be finw iffin we just keep walking." His eyes bore into hers, trying to give her the confidence that he himself wasn't feeling. A bursh of leaves on his elbow encouraged him to take a move away from the end of the path. It was slightly terrifying, as it meant they were slowly growing. He gazed at them, looking at them, seeing them slowly gorw and encoutageing them to keep moving.

Nia's eues followed his gaze. "Imma sorry!" Her feet started moving, pulling him along after he started her moving. "I shouldna gotten off, and now we're stuck without my pack, and we do naught have the horse-"

"It would have happened at some point. Better the horse and your pack disappear before us, right? There would not be much else to happen first." Your hands will stop bleeding soon enough, we don't need your pakc for that. Just keep them wrapped in your sleeves." She nodded and obeyed his words. She knew that already, felt silly for forgetting, for letting her mind be thrown by what was happening. This was the best she could do, though. Nia wasn't going to lie- she was scared. This was the first time that she had really been out and about in the wilderness. She had always been by the cities, or in populated areas. Very few people lived out in the wilds, and those usually didn't need her skills- they themselves knew the best remedies for their maladies from haing lived out there.

She stuck close to Kirn's side. There was little else to bother her at htis point, other than their being attacked. It made her grateful for Kirn's sword. As a healer, she had to fundamentally be against them, but as someone who needed it's protection, it was something else entirely. With her hands in her sleeves, there was no way for her to grab his arm- something that she would be tempted to do if she were not wounded, something that would be dangerous and a hindrance if he needed to draw his wapon.

Kirn kept his hands on his weapon, not knowing when he would need it. He was just grateful that Nia could not smell the blood that he could- faint, but not hers. It didn't bode well for their ride, but their feet would be enough for them right now. They would carry them far enough, and once they got to the camp, they could find a new one. What else could be done?

----
Liam glanced at the road ahead of him. It didn't look right. Where were they heading? This seemed very odd, indeed. The trees were becoming a pale, ghostly color. He could almost feel the sunlight through them, see the outlines of other trees. He halted the company and motioned his woodsman forward. His woodsman looked pale. What did he know that the rest of them didn't? The men had fallen into light disarray again, bunching together in familiar groups that they used for fighting. "Sire? My Lord, what do you need?"

His eyes leveled at Junio. "Where are we? What direction are we headed, and if you do not know that, what does this place seem to be to you? Woodsman, I assume you know your lore. " He was disturbed by what was around them, in ways he could hardly describe.

The woodsman wasn't in much of a better position. "My Lord, it seems we are still heading in the direction that we should be. However, I feel that... I feel that we may be passing into their realm. The sprites seem to have led us into a dead place, someplace that the life has been sucked out of, by whatever force lives here. See, this seems to be the best explanation for... this." He held out a leaf that he had plucked from a tree, and when h rubbed it between his fingers, it turned to grey and began disintegrating into ash.

The Prince's lips tightened. "And why did you not see fit to notify me of this earlier?"

"My lord, I-" He was cut off as the Prince ordered his men to take him, tying him up and one escoting him to the back of the group. The Prince turned to his men, their murmerings and whisperings of fear reaching his ear and growing louder by the moment as they saw what happened. "Men! Fall in and parade! I know how many men we started out with, i wish to know how many we have now! Know your fighting brother! War groups pair together in line!" His orders were obbeyed. There was a flurry as men lined up together in the groups they would fight in on the battlefield, feling the safety in eachother's presence. However, not all of them were complete. Shouts went up as several soldiers were found to be missing. His eyes scanned the rows of four, picking out which ones were incomplete. One was left with only two men, while four others were missing one. Five men out of eighty-four. It wasn't a bad count, but it wasn't a comforting one, either. Two horsemen had also disappeared into the woods. Those were worse losses, but ones that they could deal with.

The names that were brought back revealed that four of the men had been suspected to run regardless- and Liam suspected they would not be seen again in this world- while the others were good soldiers. Two had been brought from the healing camp, the others had been the soldiers he had brought with to save the camp. His head bowed for a moment, and a quick prayer was sent up to the heavens on their accounts.

NaNoWriMo 8

This is Number 8, and where I proudly announce that I have hit the halfway mark! 25,000 words, Baby! GO ME! ^.^

Though the feeling still lingered in her mind, feeding off the hate that she had towards said policies. Those who were singled out as unfit were sent aside, while those that were remained standing at attention. The soldiers deemed unfit strayed back into the camp, taking down what needed to be and packing supplies. Those that were fit were dismissed to help with what they could as long as they were ready to leave afterwards. Taking down the camp would be more lengthy than packing to leave, so they knew that there would be time enough to move out before noon. The Prince dismissed her at the same time, without a backwards glance. That was alright, in her opinion. The feeling of being near someone so important, someone so connected to her own status in this country made her unbelievably uncomfortable.

She slipped into the camp to help the Sisters with taking care of the wounded that were too wounded to even get to the meeting this morning. She started for the bed nearest her that was unattended, but a glare from the occupant stopped her in her tracks. She bowed her head in mock humility, waiting for him to give his permission for her to approach. Like she did anyone at this point. This was going to be highly disappointing- she was going to miss Kirn. He was somebody that had made life her ever so slightly more tolerable.

Kirn himself was motioned away from the camp by one of the commanders that had been with the Prince. To his surprise he was directed to the Prince's side, to discuss something with him. He stood stiffly at attention, the bowed, unsure of the meaning being this. The green grass swayed beneath his feet, brushing against his boots. The weight of this fell heavily. "You brought me here to be treated, soldier, and I owe you my thanks for bringing me so timely. Between you and the Sylph, I am in much debt. Please, lift your eyes."

He stood up straight, not abruptly but respectfully. His arms were like sticks at his sides. Kirn was silent, waiting for what the Prince wished to speak with him about. "As you are aware, the camp is moving into the country. There is a possibility that rogues and other assassins will follow, thinking that you know where my whereabouts are. Since Nia is both a valuable asset and knows my identity and the nature of my wounds, I feel that she needs a guard, someone to keep her from getting into too much trouble. Do you feel you are up to the task?"

Kirn's mouth was dry, as dry as if he had licked the ashes from the ground the night before. He could hardly believe what was being asked of him, though it was a tearing feeling between honor and disgrace. "I am certainly most capable, Your Honor. I would be honored to accompany her." It was treue, as there was honor in such a task. However... However, he was not returning to the Battlefield. He was not being allowed to fight by the Prince's side on the field of war. Was he being shifted aside? Even if she was a Sylph, she was a halfie, and how could he not dislike her, considering who his father was?

"I know a person of importance, and she is one." The statement echoed the thought in his head. "And even with her heritage, we would be sore pressed if she were lost. Take care of her, and see that she is safe."

Kirn bowed his head. "I shall do so to the best of my ability, Your Honor. Thank you for allowing me this." This what? Duty? It was most certainly that, though an unwelcome one if he was being told that he was not good enough to die for his nation. Even so, he could see the sense in it. Sylph. Why did she have to be a Sylph?

With that, the Prince gave a slight smile. "Then my thanks. You may return to your duties." A clear dismissal. There was nowhere else to go at this point. He want back and began to pack up his own belongings- something that didn't take too long, as they weren't his, they belonged to the army supplies. His own had been left behind in his other camp.

That made him frown. He would have to send for them soon, or risk losing them to other soldiers that needed them. He stood up and strode for the camp's commander, who was giving out orders and overseeing the work of his soldiers. "Sir." he said smartly, raising a hand to salute him. "My supplies are farther West, where I came from with the Prince. Please allow me to go and retrieve them." The commander's hard stare gave the idea that perhaps it would not be allowed. That wouldn't be too surprising- often, supplies were lost on the trails that they took, or were given out among those that needed them. Even so, personal items were precious, and could hold a soldier through many a hard days.

"And what of the Prince's orders to you?"

"To guard the Sylph, sir. I can do such on the roads we are on, away from the ones from this camp. If they believe we are with you, then we will not be bothered by any enemy soldiers, should they come across us. I will be a mere escort to a simple healer, if she changes the knot on her robes." It wasn't meant to sound desperate, but he feared it coming out that way. Kirn's own personal items were so precious... So very important to him. He feared having them lost to scavengers or sold for cash to bear the drinking and whoring of his fighting companions.

There was a hard look in the commander's eye as he gazed over the guard. Kirn wasn't sure whether his current duty was a demotion or a promotion, but to disregard the order from the Prince was a hanging offence- he was a superior officer, and that alone demanded respect.
"Then do so, but you will meet us there on the day we arrive or before that. You will be given no grace if you are late, and will be considered a traitor if you have not arrived by then. Understood?" Kirn bowed his head, inclining it and folding his hands in the way that signaled he understood and respected his commander's orders. This was going to be an interesting time, indeed, he thought as he began to mentally calculate how fast they would have to go to get to the camp and meet the group before the arranged time. It was going to be quite a ride, but he could handle it. Hopefully he would be able to press the Sylph into it, as well.

"Then go and get a horse from the stabled ones. The one you came in on should be well enough to take you back to the camp again." He was dismissed, and Kirn started for the Sister's tent. Nia was not there, so the next place he looked was in the recovery tent. She was taking care of a man with a severe head wound, from the look of the bandages on his head. The bluish blood was seeping through it, though it didn't stop him from glaring at Nia was a baleful look. He started forward, placing a hand on her shoulder. Nia flinched beneath his touch, jerking the patient's head. A shout escaped him, and he began a string of swearing and Nia. The rest of the soldiers and healers either glared at her outwardly or looked at her from the corners of their eyes. She blushed brightly, crimson staining her cheeks, as she excused herself to follow Kirn. The language followed them, getting muffled from the cloth as it fell between them and the patient. Nia's shoulders hunched slightly, ashamed of her nervously she had behaved when touched.

:Do not do that again, Kirn, sir. It is not helping things around here, and making things very difficult for me to work peacefully. Understood?" There was some humility to her words, but the tone was angry, however quiet that anger was. He grimaced. "Yes, I understand. Sorry. However, we're moving out, you and me, since I need to head to my former camp to get a few things. My orders are to guard you, so I need you to come with me." His last words had been to cute her off before she could say anything about it, asking why she also needed to come. "How far away is your camp? How long will it take us to get here?" "Just a day, if we ride hard, but I feel that in order to keep the horse from tiring out, it should take us more like two. This will give us enough time to make it back to the rest of the camp before they reach their destination. We need to leave soon, though. Should I help you pack?"

"You aren't allowed in the Sister's tent, remember?" Her words were wry with a slight bit of laughter. "Thank you, but I can be ready in ten minutes if you can get the horse saddled and prepared by then. I'll see you on the path to the town." She turned without saying anything more, leaving him to prepare for the ride. It was going to be an interesting two days, indeed.

She rushed back to the tent, not even bothering to alert the healers in the tent that she was leaving, leaving the patient to be treated by someone else. He would be grateful for that, she thought with some ruefulness. That had been embarrassing- she should be able to handle patients better than that, but when someone snuck up on her... Thoughts of practical jokes and terrible pranks flitted through her mind, things that had been done to her when she was in the cloisters. Those were why she had been so happy to leave and wander, what had drawn her to the Man from Somewhere Else. She wondered if she would be so lucky as to see him on the road- he found her on occasion, but it was always randomly, never at a predictable rate, never somewhere that she would think that she would see him. Nia strode to the tent where Superior was directing those Sisters left over and not preparing the wounded from travel to pack up everyone's things. Everyone's but hers' of course. She was always left to take care of her own things in addition to the duties to the patients. It was not something that bothered her, since it allowed her things to not be ruined or spiders placed in her pack, or snakes. The few times others had taken care of her own things, she had been disgusted with the things that had been found- the last time, her medical pack had been filled with shit. That was the last time, and while the perpetrators had never been caught, no one had ever been allowed near her things again, not because it had been wrong to do such a thing to her, but her medicines were too valuable and precious to be allowed to be messed with, especially when she could need them at a moment's notice. That bag had been replaced immediately, but Nia never forgot the feel of reaching into it without knowing what had been inside.

A light shudder ran through her body, and she nearly felt sick from it. Her Superior turned to her after she had made a respectful stance for a minute or so, digging into her time to prepare but not angering the Superior. "And what do you need? Why are you not taking care of the patients?" Well, there had gone the hope of not bothering the Superior. "Sister Superior, I am being taken to the camp of my guard so that he can retrieve a few things, and so that I can heal a few of the soldiers there at the same time." "Guard? You have no guard. You aren't worth a guard, even if your skills are that good. I am sure that I would know such a thing if I-"

:She has a guard, assigned her by the Prince himself. And he gave them permission to go to the camp as well, so let her prepare." A voice cut in, the camp commander's. Nia quickly turned to look, face-on, but after a moment of his glare, her eyes went to the ground. The Superior sputtered with disbelief. "You cannot be serious. He ordered it himself? But we need her to tend the wounded in this camp! And why the guard? Does he truly feel..." Her words ended there. There was no complaining against the order itself, but questioning the why's were. "He feels that since she is an asset to the nation and that she is in danger of being attacked again, due to her knowledge, that she should have a guard. Kirn, the one who brought her. They will meet with us at the new camp." There was no arguing with his words.
Superior was not happy with the state of things. She studied Nia with hard eyes, and moved her head to allow her to pass into the tent to get her things. Nia scurried in there. There were few people she was honestly afraid of, but Superior was one of them. She had been Nia's teacher and supervisor at the main cloister, and had always had it in for her. Things that the other girls would never have been allowed to get away with, if they had been done to other students, were allowed to happen to her with no consequence or eyebrows raised. Her punishments for breaking the rules had been dealt out harshly. Nia still had the scars from some of them, embedded in her knees where she had been forced to kneel on hard planks carved with the symbols of obedience and humility, and others on her back where outright disobedience and talking back had been punished with the whip or switch. It had hurt more with her pride, even when her blood had stained the floor blue. Once, it had been spoken out against- when Superior had attempted to punish her with the meting out of strokes that would be given to an adult man. Mother had stepped in at that point, saying that even that was too much for the then ten-year-old to handle. Superior had not been pleased, but had acquiesced to the order. Nia loved Mother for that. She had fainted from the pain of the strokes that had been given her after, but she would have died if Superior had been allowed to commit the punishment she wanted.

Her fingers strayed over the small items that she carried with her. Her pack was separate from her medicines, her medicinal pack holding the most precious of things that could not be messed with. The herbs and ointments that took hours to prepare, days to create. They were her most precious items, but there were a few other things that she treasured as much, such as a small gemstone that had been given when she had traveled to the South Inner Sea. The deep blue of it was marked, it was a cheap stone, but the boy she had treated for rotting of the flesh had been thankful to her for saving his leg. His tears of happiness when he learned that it would not have to come off had given her the ability to go on- that had been at a dark time in her life, where she had stood at the edge of the Sea and contemplated simply walking in and never looking back. She liked healing, though, and that had confirmed that even if she received no thanks, that she would continue to do it.

There was a tiny ring of silver, also cheap, but still more precious than gold. It had been the wedding ring of a woman whose husband died before she could reach him, and who was dying of the same disease. The woman had thanked her for saving her own life, and that of her grandchild, but the ring that had graced her husband's finger had come off. He was free to travel to the next world with no attachments at that point. The ring had been payment, though she could see the sorrow that the woman herself had survived. Nia didn't know what became of the woman, but the granddaughter had promised she would care for her. The ring was something that Nia knew she could pawn off for funds if she ever decided to leave this country, when she could do so without risk to her own life. That was the plan, at least. Her hands clenched over the silver circle and she tucked it into her robes. It might come in handy on this journey, and she was determined to not lose it.

Then there was the light blue belt that marked her as a beginning healer. Her fingers graced the cloth with some trepidation. She had worked so hard to get this, to be allowed to interact with others and have some respect. If the Order had its way, she would have been tucked away in a cloister, where no one could see her, doing the cooking and cleaning for the children that were there. It was not a life that she could have handled. This was her saving grace. The blood that stained it was red and blue. It didn't wash out, no matter how hard she tried. They were made that way, to soak it up, so that the ones who wore them would not forget that lives depended on them, that they could be the difference between life and death for those whose veins the liquid ran through. Her fingers rubbed the stains, knowing that the her own veins had mixed blood, though in color it was no different from a human's. THis was tucked into the small back that held a blanket as well as a change of robes.

With that she was ready to leave. It had not taken long to organize and arrange everything. Her medicinal pack fit into the one with her personal items, so that there would not be an overturned or awkwardness to it. And it would go well over the horse's saddle, she mused, knowing that it had been made for such a purpose but never having done such a travel. Before this it had only been on foot, and the pack had been made to accommodate that as well. She stepped out, where the commander was still waiting. She was surprised when he motioned for her to halt. "Because of your status, you need to change that belt. You have your minor healer's belt? Most do, so exchange it. You will only draw unnecessary attention and danger if you do not." Nia nodded, then stepped back into the tent to change. The Sisters were busy taking down the sheets that acted as walls between the sleeping areas, and as she untied her own, her robes falling open briefly to reveal even more of her pale skin, they glanced over at her as discreetly as possible, both with disgust and envy at her blue belt. Temptation to take it had happened to other Sisters, and a few times it had gone missing in her sleep, but it was often returned, or replaced when it could be (though that gave her far more trouble than it was probably worth). After all, her rank was not dependent on the belt she wore, and that was made clear. It did make things easier when she could prove what she was saying about being a healer, though.
THe old belt came out and wrapped around her waist, much to the shock of the other healers. They wanted to know if she was being demoted to a lower rank- not possible, due to her skills. Nia didn't answer the questioning looks. It was none of their business. They could reveal that she had changed her belt to others, but it wasn't going to affect what she was doing. And it was unlikely that the enemy would hear of this, right? Ah, well. Didn't matter in the long run. She tightened the belt around her waist- the baby fat she had when she first recieved it had eventually melted away, leaving her a little thinner and more shapely. Not that anyone would notice beneath the cloth layers that covered her body. when it was adjusted and the one that marked her true status was tucked away, she left, passing the commander with a small bow (Superior was nowhere to be seen), and walked up the path to the town.

He was waiting halfway for her, the horse looking lively and ready to start moving. The earth was clumping underneath the pawing of his hooves. Kirn smiled slightly, holding his hand out for her pack. She gave it over, and he roughly attatched ut, like an overly large saddlebad, bt it was balanced out on the other side by a pack of supplies that he had rustled up from the commotion in the camp. He motioned her to get on. Nia hesitated a moment, unsure of whether she would be able to make it on. Her hand grasped the saddle horn, and her foot went into the holster. She lifted herself over with a little difficulty, since the horse insisted on shifting beneath her as she did so. Kirn lifted himself up in front of her so that he would protect her from wind and the immediate sight of any possible asailants. Even a beginning healer could be subject to kidnapping within the realm, if the people were hurt and needed one enough. She rested her hands around his waist and held on as he started the horst into a jog, then a canter, and finally into a gosting gallop as the headed around the camp and into the countryside. The forest closed behind them, cutting them off from the camp and the noise of the packing. A last glimpse before it did gave her the sight of the army on their horses in the field, preparing to move out.

THey would be following behind them for a few leagues, but after that, she and Kirn would be on their own. Her face burried into Kirn's back, wondering what would be ahead for them. Would the camp even be there still? It was possible that by now they had moved- one of the time-honored strategies in the kingdom was to keep moving. If they were still there, she hoped that he would be able to have his things.

The ride was quiet, the whistle of the wind past them the only sound to accompany he pounding of the hooves of the horse. She adjusted to the rhythm of the movement in a few minutes, after awkwardly banging into Kirn a few times. She could tell that it irritated him, but he didn't make a sound. He was either far nicer than he let on, or he just wished to keep moving. Yelling at her would do no good, so Nia suspected the latter. The path they were taking was an older logging path. She could tell where the trees were regrowing. There was grass growing in thin patches and lines excpet in the most worn of the tracks. Her eyes scanned the trees, looking for the michevious sprites that were likely to cross their paths in this type of place. Greencaps were not uncommon in woods like these, the protectors of the forsest, the ones that would take revenge for the trees that had been cut down. They had to watch for those at the camp because of the forestry that occured there. Here, though, they were sure to be far more plentiful and angrier, since people had long left and the sprites were left to their own devices.

She had no desire to neet them. Kirn had managed to get here without coming across any, though, so that eased her nerves. It was possible that they had just decided that it wasn't worth it to take revenge against simple travelers. It wasn't unheard of, at the very least.

And there were other, more dangerious sprites to worry about. If the encroaching soldiers got to the woods, then they would have far more to worry about than greencaps. The ones that lived in the mountains seemed to be taking care of them fairly well, but there were always things that were more dangerous. Even the people that lived in the country knew that there were places that were still untamed. Wasn't that the case in those other coutries? It was said that they didn't take the proper precautions against the mountain spirits and creatures, which made her think that they were just strange to them, or that they had killed them off. While Nia was frightened of the deadly ones that haunted in the wilds, she would be saddened if their mystery was forever ended and left to the dust of time.

Her hands tightened around Kirn's waist even more. The ride and shade of the forest was getting to be too much for her after the complete lack of rest from the night before. It was not going to harm anyone if she rested, right? Her eyes slipped closed once she was sure she had a firm grip, and her body slumped against his back. The sunlight made patterns against her eyelids, ones that hypnotized her and drew her into her own dreamland, where the world was mysterious and dangerous, exciting, and loving to her, where she could escape to the safety of the mysterious man's arms.

Kirn felt her go limp, and one of his hands moved to make sure hers were secure. Soldiers could do this without a problem, but she was not a soldier, and there was a real danger of her falling off. His grip on the reins slackened, and the gallop slowed to a canter, a different three-beat that was more leisurely and kinder to the sleeping woman. Some roped from the side of the saddle- necessary for a soldier who laid traps- was unwrapped, and he wrapped the reins around the saddle horn so that he could tie her wrists so that she was secured around him. It was safer for them both that way. As his other hand went to get the reins, one of his hands lingered over hers. Quite a healer, indeed. He decided against pushing the trip too much, because they would need the horse to get to the town in time. In the meanwhile, though would follow the... the path?

He pulled the horse to a stop as he contemplated what was in front of him. It split off into two branches, both going in the same general direction and both appearing to be quite safe in th sunlight. However, if they took the wrong one it would be real trouble. A trick of the greencaps? Or some other menace? He was sure this hadn't been here before, though he had been coming the opposite way before. His eyes lingered over the trees and ground, but was unable to discern anything that would tell him which way to go. He could not even see the evidence of his previous passing. Greencaps were surely at work with that. Kirn took a breath, and took the path to the right. It seemed to be in more the general direction of where they should be heading, and that was definitely the signal of something otherworldly at work. He felt his shoulders tighten with the stress of not knowing if he was taking Nia into danger. The soldiers following them would have their own test to pass through. The one thing he knew was that he could not turn back- that was the one thing that would ensure their death if he did. Greencaps were known for illusions and traps, and if he did at this point, he would only see a mirror image of the crossroads. Beign entirely turned around was as bad as just facing the two paths and choices.

His chin lifted. He was Kirn! He was more than a footsoldier- he was guard to a Sylph, and a second Tithen to the commander! He had some authority and could take on these things. Nia probably had some herbs that would come in handy in protecting them from these spirits. She had to- no healer was unprepared for an emergency, right? He glanced at the posistion of the sun. It was hard to believe that this kind of emergency had occured three hours after leaving the camp. Somehow, he had thought that it would be longer before they came across any trouble. He and Nia would have to escape on their own from this, though- the army would be no help, what with the greencaps and their ways. He slowed the horse down to a walk, his hand slipping to touch Nia's, reassuring himself that she was still there, not wanting to wake her quite yet. THere was still the possibility that he had chosen the right path and that they were well on their way to the camp.

Liam and the rest were on the path in the woods. He could see where the tracks from the Sylph and her guard had rushed along. A gallop, to try and get to the camp on time. He smiled slightly, wishing them luck on their journey.n They would need it with the timeline they were given. It was a comfort to see that they were well on their way. At the head of the army, he would know when their paths split. If he were father back the tracks of his own men, both horsed and not, would have destroyed the marks made by the other travelers.

NaNoWriMo 7

Yes, it's Write or Die again, and it means rough draft, rough writing, rough everything. I cannot guarantee I put this through Spell check before posting, so too bad, so sad.

embarassing that he had come for her, but what was she to do> Ah, well. She stood, held his hand for a moment longer and stepped away. This wasn't someplace that she should be staying around in, and there was no reason for her tostick atround the prince, for sure.

Liam watched her go for a moment, thinking about the young Prietsess. She was something of a mystery, and enigma, within the Order. After all, there were next to no half-breeds anywhere visible within the socail casts. To add to that, a Sylph? So important in these times of war! What had she been doing out there, theough?> It wasn't a place for anyone to be if they wnted to be safe. He rested his own hand against the tree she had been resting against. It was solid, the rough bark digging into his hand. At least she appeared to be safe, and woulnd't come to harm from his own soldiers. That was one thing he prided himself on having trained them in- mannes and chivalry.

It was something thast he felt should be spread to the rest of the kingdom. THat last thing they needed were disgruntled commoners when they were trying to fight a war. Father really bungled this up, he snarled to himself There were times his anger overtook him, and this was one of them. His eyes swept the forest, his ears alert, but his inner monologue really started to take off. That damnbastard, needing to agitate things between elves and himan. They weren't bad peiople, and they did so much important wotk for the naytion. It was like Father didn't nderstant that, and Laim didn't know whyu. It was a shame because there were so many good soldiers amont the himans, and scholars as well, thinkers, though they were more difficult to come actoss. Most had been educated by the Order or had nen taken in by them at some ooint, but they had bever [roved to be inferior to theid more immortal counterpartss. Wht couldn't father accept that? It was a shame indeed.

Besides, this one was proving that the policy was wrong. The finger othat had the ring felt heavier as he thought, his heart filled with thoughts of Lianna. She was the joy he thought he'd lost long ago. Even his younger sister had not brightened his days after a while of war. Being a general did not suit him in the least, but Liam had nonetheless taken up the mantle pof responsiblityt and had taken charge of a small group of troops. His father remained the commander, and had sent liam to repel an indading force from the West. Lianna had been one of the elves rescued, one of hte more minor nobles. But she worked in the fiels alsongside the humans, had sang with them, enjoyed their tales, and the one s that worked under her father had been well-treated and enjoyed fairly comfortable lives. It was surprising and pleasing to see such things happening in his nation. What more could be desired?

With a look of her eyes, Lianna had captured his heart. It was a rather rude shock to his father, but Liam was set to take the nation, and was already making his own deals with the counselors and advisors. There was little his father could get him to take away from everything that his legacy helg. It was something that Liam was proud of. WExcept... now he had to worry about traitors in his own kingdom. That was not good. Who would try to do such a thing and get him killed? He thought he had treated those he came across with respect, but apparently it wasn't enough. His thoughts strayed to the guard, since the Sylph was someone fairly above suspicioun. She had nothing to win by his death. The guard, though... He saw one of his footsoldiers coming towards him, and Liam motioned him near.

"There are no rebels or enemies here, sir. There is every sign that they have left and headed back towards the border."

"Good. Tell the rest to start moiving back towards camp and setting up. We will stay here the evening before following- we have no rush. They only wanted me and are unlikely to attack any villages or villagers along the way. Understood?" With a brisque nod, the elf scurried back into the woods, his quick, darting movements but quiet steps giving the impression of an overlarge mouse. Liam chuckled slightly. He liked comparing people to animals, and enjoyed the similarities that could be found between them.

With that, he turned back towards the camp, knowing that there would be duties to be carried out and announcements to make. Especially since by now the camp knew that he was the Prince, and not just an important general. Their lives would be in danger again, so perhaps it was time to send those in this camp packing and take those who would follow into battle. His troops needed refreshing, anyway, so this would be no ordeal for them. Sylph would get a guard of her own until they were safely in the heart of the capital, he surpmised, with her Superior getting another. Other than that... Thoughts of plans filled his head as he started into camp. Soldeirs were already making their way back and arranging themselves in the green feilds where forest had been cleared many decades ago, but had not been planted over with anything else due to the poor soil that had been there. The trees enjoyed it, but it was good for naught else except burial mounds and flowers.
And burials there were. The pyres were lit by nightfall, and the bodies piled on. Friend and foe, it did not matter, all were sent to the Gods for equal judgement. There was no difference between any ashes when it was over, the scent of raosting flesh both enticing and repellant for the soldiers, many of who knew the feel of it too well and had seen others injured by it. It was something that always shocked Liam a bit, when all was said and done, how the other nations had discovered brutal methods beyond swords and shields. This, though, was simple enough. Death. He had gazed over the charred flesh as the sparks flew high into the sky, until everything had been reduced to cinders. It had taken most of the afternoon to clear a place large enough for this to take place. There were no more than 20 dead, but to do them all at once before the flesh began to rot and disease began to spread, it was necessary. The fields were cleared of grass as quickly as possible, with the help of the townspeople who wanted the dead to pass onto the next world as quickly as possible (the destruction of the bodies that once held them helping to convince the lingering spirits to move on, according to local belief).

That circle of brown earth and loam, turned over for the clearing for the fire, smelled of fat drippings and meals now. He shuddered slightly as he also took part in the scattering of the ashes. They slipped through his fingers slowly, grey and cool, like water or silk, though it left a fine remnant over his own flesh. He trailed it where he went, knowing that it would do the groud good, perhaps allow the land to be tilled one day if it was nourished properly. Up to the treeling, the soldiers that took part -nearly all of them for this was something that was beoming far too common and solemn to ignore- scattered their ashes up to the treeline. Trails of silver that almost shone in the near darkness and rising moonlight showed their individual paths. The soldiers were like constellations, with comet trails or the lines of the galaxy following them in regal manner.

Liam had always held an admiration for those who would do such a thing for their own fellows. Most subscribed to the Order's religion, the religion that they had lived by for generations, since the beginning of teh kingdom. It was said that when a sldier took his fellow in hand, and helped them to the next world, then when their time came, the one they helped would be there with two great steeds, to lead the helper off into the afterlife, the Great Grasslands, the land of the Dead who died in proud battle. It was damnably envious that they could believe so firmly. After losing so many, after scattering so many ashes, Liam didn't know if he could believe in such a hthing. There would be a whole cavalry of soldiers taking him to his lace in the underworld if it were true. And that was not taking into account the ones that he had killed that might block his own apth there, screaming for revenge, possibly sending creatures to take his soul to torture and pain, possible sending them on the wrong path to wander eternally in the Mists of Time.

He shook his head mournfully. That was likely his fate, as he had ultimately been responsible for the deaths of so many. The ring felt cool against his skin as he lifted it to contemplate the fate that awaited him when his time finally came. The ash had left it with a silver sheen, a strange and ugly mix of colors that would not do when he saw her again. Ashes of elves were alwawys difficult to clean off, and some said that there was always a trace of them with you (which was how they found you once you yurself had died). His hands had almost never been truly clean since he began this long campaign, and he could believe that tale. It was likely that his own time would come before he could wash himself clean of these ashes that now lingered on top of the others that he had come here with.

But that was for another time. Right now he needed to address the men. He looked into the darkenss of the forest, feeling the breeze that alighted on the field and started sweeping the remains into the trees, glittering as if light flecks of snow or ice were falling to the ground or tumbling from the grass. It was almost beautiful.

Beauty of death was not something that a soldier about to return to battle should be thinking of, Liam scolded himself. He turned, and became aware that the ones here had surriousnded him, wanting to be with their captain. Laim's soldiers were closest to him, forming a shield and barrier, especially necessary after what had happened earlier with the assasination attempt. But others from the camp- wounded, healers, those who were merely bored guards that were good for nothering else and responsible for taking care of things witin the camp, stood near. This was peaceful, though, a restful calm that had overcome everyone, much to his own surprise.

Perhaps because they knew there would be no attack tonight- the enemy would be tending their own wounded and conducting their own funerals for their dead, even if some of the bodies were not with them. Liam bowed his head. "These were good men, who died protecting those who could not protect themselves. They did their best in the line of duty, fought hard, fought with all the pride they had in their kingdom and in themselves. We owe them our gratitude for protecting us, in their own way, and I know that I shall ever be thankfull that they were willing to put themselves at such risk for something so trivial. I do not wish for their deaths to be in vain. Therefore, I announce to you, that I am Prince Liam, of this dear nation, and I am grateful to all those who drew their swords. Though you were at risk because of my presence, you did your duty, you refused to give me over, though you knew not who I was at that time, and I cannot be more grateful. You all have reason to be proud of yourselves." His eyes lifted, and he met the gaze of the still silent, expecting soldiers.
"We will be following them tomorrow. Tonight, we will rest in rememberance." His former announcement was impressing no one. After all, they had to know something was up if he was making this annoucenment, and after what these rogues had asked, nothing less than his announcement of royalty was expected. Besides, everyone knoew that the Prince helped fight, command the army. What else was there for him to say about it all? He sighed and lowered his head ever so slightly. "Those who wish to come, may come. But you have to have approval from the Sisters to fight. Have the Sylh check you out, give you medicines, treatment, whatever. However, without her approval, none of you will be coming. As for everyone else, who is not approved, then tyou will be heading someplace safer into the interior, while new soldiers set up around here. Understood?"

There needed no response other than the looks upon their faces. Many of them had gained a look of disgust at the thought of having to have the Sylph's approval. However she was the best to determine of they could fight, and tiw as her approval that was needed. "If I find any of you that have not been to her, or are disregarding her orders concerning treatment, then you will be disciplined immediately, sent to the interior for menail punishment and demotion! Understood?" That sould make her job that much easier. He trusted the Sylph, since she had saved him. There was so much he could do to improve her standing like htis, and he felt badly for it. The sweet thing seemed tried of all of this, and going to the interior probably wouldn't hkpe, but at least she would be out of the way of the army, and the might save her life this time.

He gazed out over the men, seeing the acknowledgement in their eyes, the way they held themselves. Many were proud that they were going to be able to come with him, or at least hve the opprotinity. He coudl see the slump of those who knew their journeys were heading back into the country. And still others had sly looks in their faces. Abandoners, deserters, those hw ould need to keep an eye on or make warnings for. Ah, dear. "Then rest ongiht. and I will expect you all at first light. Dismissed." He stepped back and started around the group. They all stood for amoment watching, him, and then little by little the started filing back towards the camp, eventually turning into a large tuimbleweed of a group, some helping their comrdares back due to exhaustion ad injury, others making their ways back hesitantly for nights like these were said to forbode something worse in the early hours of the morning. His eyes strayed towards the sky. The Sykph would have her work cut out for her this evening, and he smiled grimly at the thought of it, making a silent apology to the gods, and wishing her a better luck than she had so far.

Nia was not so amused when awoken in the deep of the night. THe revels and traditions of soldiers had naught to do with her, and she was fine with that- naught hda much to do with her regardless of death or not, and the own favoried got would hold no balance or trade with the War god except on the nights when they danced, healing and war and death all together in one place on the battlefield. She had heard tell that sometimes they did come, in Blessed times, before the Tallwater years, where the Gods did come and walk among those that worshiped them and did conduct themselves twhere they could be seen, epherial creatures that created and shaped nations, while destryong others. It was supposed to be an astounding thing.

She was glad that she was not there to witsness it, for the confusion and issues that took place on battlefields like this were almost too much to handle. Especially when Princes (for she could hear the words of theose speaking around her, quietly exchanging gossip and traditional tales of him and his little works in battle and in peacetime) decided to make her work thrice as hard as she had been. Between now and first light, see to every soldier in the camp? The idea made her head hurt. She stepped out of the Sister's tent to a line of soldiers that wanted her to see them at that moment, no questions asked. Her shoulders slumped, and her eyes nearly closed with the weight of sleep on them. Eight hours was not enough for this.

But see them she did, one by one. She lowered her head as expected and put on her most humble voice, asking them if they would indulge her in not interrupting the other's sleep so she could attend them properly. It worked for them, and they made to the physician and general health tent. This was going to be a long night indeed. Her fingers grasped her medical bag tightly, wanting to keep it close and from prying eyes. She held special herbs and medicines, ones that were dangerous to her if she gave them to the wrong people, ones that were dangerous to the wrong people. She was a Sylph, and that meant there was a danger in everything. The light in the tent illuminated the first patient. Nia kneeled in front of him where he sat, and asked him what his name and injuried were. Thus, she treated eveyone who came to her. Some were fit to return, others wer enot, some were fit only to be hanged for rebellion, and those she made note of to ensure that the Prince would get a guard on them or watch them closely. She could see the looks in their eyes as one by one, they let her touch them. Some flinched from her and others held still but were tense all the way through her examination. It was a sorry way to be, having to be kind to them all.

It was humiliating dealing with some of their sideways comments and mutterings. Nia had never felt safe around most who hated her, and this evening none were to be found to help her, though she sent for two of her apprentices (they would not be after this evening, Nia grumbled to herself, after having to deal with yet another patient. He spit at her as he left, but Nia was not allowed to say anything. Rage seethed underneath her skin, her fingers clenching. This was not how she wanted her life to be, at all. But what could she do, a mere halfie? Run, perhaps, but that would endager her family, wherever they were, and the missing Sylph of this nation was not to be missed for long. There would surely be assasins to kill her as a defactor, and other nations would try to enslave her for her skills. Even if she were treated more kindly in those nations... No, because she was from this one. The idea saddened her. If she had run when she had the chance... But it was too late to be sorry about it now. What else was she going to do?
When they were no longer coming to her, she went to them, one by one, waking them from their dreams of home, of family, of lovers that waited for them in their pasts and fitures. She felt saddened, knowing that some of them would not know their faces again 9or ever) but at the same time felt a bitterness that they had such wonderous opportunityies that she never had and never would have. Her own emotions, her love and her faith, went into her healing and nothing else. Except perhaps for the man that she met in the woods.

Her eyes strayed to the darkened, star-studded sky that hung low over the camp. The man that she had met, so long ago, after she had run away but when she had been going out and about in the world for the first time. Healers were required to travel for a while, learning things from the local s about medicines, encouraging what they were doing right but also correcting if they were doing something wrong. Once in a while av aluable new resourcfe was discovered by such methods and the information disseminated through the school that taught them, the coilster where they worked and studied and healed those who came in for free. It was a small price to pay to travel so far when the healers the Order had were truly the best in that land- thou some places claimed otherwise. There was a strong tendency to revere and love the local healers, and while the order did nothing to discourage tose ideas- those ideas were still squashed soon after people started claiming it, usually by the healer falling sick or coming across a paient that only the healer that had just come from the Order could cutre. She herself had been sent to see what was up with a local healer, having istructions to do what she could for the people there, and the man that thehealer couldn't help...

He was human, with some elf blood distant in his lineage. She could tell from a certain tinge of color in his yees, peculiar to the longer-lived race that the elves were, that he had somehow managed to be bred out of a halfie like her. It was astonishing that anoyne would lower themselves to such a thing, but ther he was, with his kindness. The brush of his hand against her cheek made her heart tremble once more. If she had been dishonored by any of his advances the Order would know it, there was the sygil that they carried, the rosen recklace that helped ensure their purity to the Gods, and so the romance that had bloomed in her heart stayed hidden. Even so, it didn't help that she still enjoyed his company mre than she should have. It was something that was dangerous to her situation. The days that he spent under her care, being nothing but kind, not taking any tone that was rough or unkind... She loved it. Those days lingered in her mind, water in a desert of hatred. She could almost feel tears welling up.

At least she saw him these days on a fgoood bases. He had asked her questions of the order, she had answered, Nia knew that she was becoming a pupet for him, but could not bring herself to keep from telling him everything she knew about the nation. Things that he should have known if he were from here.

Nia walked to the last tend full of soldiers, knowing that she needed to study them and see what they needed. The false dawn was quickly approaching, and real down would come soon enough after that. It made her dread the coming day, when they would go after the soldiers that had attacked. Perhaps the man would be among them. She had, after all, given the information that someone imprortant was here. She didn't know it was the Prince... how had he known that? Perhaps it was some other source. nia knew that she wasn't the only traitor in teh nation. It also gave her a gladness that twisted and melded with a sick sort of vengance within her. She was a traitor, spiting the nation that treated her as though she were dirt. Was there nothing that the nation could do to her that would make her regret her actions? No. Nia knew that she would do it time and time again.

Thoughl... This tie, she did feel a twinge of regret. The prince indeed was a kind man, for an elf. Almost as nice as the blue-eyed spy. That was what made it hard for her to imagine that he would be killed or captured, what was going to make her ask if they could treat him kindly and perhaps not kill them if at all possible. But his father... his father was the problem, and perhaps losing his son would make him rethink a few things. There was no way he could know that she was doing it for revenge, for sorrow, of his policy and what he had done to her. But if he fell out of power because of the people, or if there was some way that he could be dethroned... then there was hope that things would improve for her. The bitterness of his anger and sorrow would be nothing to the joy she would feel for a better wituation, one of the things the spy had promised when she had spoken with him so long ago.

It felt so long ago. She had only seen him perhaps once a year since then, their clandestine meetings fell of whispers and talks. And he told her of his own land, where she would be treated queally, where she culd abandon the Order, have her own practice, see patients that would adore her for what she could do for them, and see them heal and happily live their lives. Perhaps even with him. Her heart fluttered gently. That was another avenue that opened to her, not having to let her youth and beauty waste. It was something that she dreamed of, the love that her parents had, the love that she wanted tso desperately. A family to go with it. Happiness. It was something that made her dreafully envious when they came in to see her, pleagin for their lives, for their children's lives.

They didn't know how blessed they were as it was. Nia knew that they had the opportunity to love eachother and have their children. THat alone was a blessing. Why should she let it continue? After all, they were just going to cause her more unhappiness, and any little time was more than she would have. It made her sick with anger.

The last man was examined, and she nearly tripped over her feet in exhaustion. She felt a rough hand against her shoulder, pushing her out of the way of the soldiers wher were exiting the tent in the dawn. Oh, dea, she hadn't written the list up yer. This would have to be given in person. It nearly set off a shudder of fear, exasperated by her tired nerves. It wasn't a good sign if she was reacting so strongly like this. She wanted nothing more than to fall into bed and sleep for hours on end, enjoying the nothingness that came with the deepest of rests. If she didn't get it soon, her nerves would snap. That was the last thing anyone needed- a sylph unable to do her job.

With that, she started towards the Prince's tent, hoping that he would still be there, running a little late.
He wasn't, and that made it a pain for her. The soldiers were amassing by the fields where they had scattered the ashes of their comrades the night before. It was still there, the smell of dust hanging in the air and bits of it coating their shoes and gleaming in the sunlight like tarnished silver. It was a shame that some of them were going back to battle after this, but what could one do? It both irritated and worried her. Nia knew her emotions about it wer eunstable, which was bad for a healer. They had to be calm and unemotional, caring at the very most, because otherwise they could make poor judgements with their patients. Nia wanted to snort- almost did on the ash- but held it as best she could. After all it wasn't exactly something that she was good at. Her emotions had been ruffled long ago, and someone in her situation couldn't help but have some instability. What did they expect from her?

The Prince would expect her report this morning, that was what. She slipped around the soldiers to someplace discreet, off tothe side where she would not be in full view. Her hood hung over her head to protect her eyes from the rays of light that struck into her face as a knife would- almost as painfully. She turned her head slightly watching some of the glittered remains dance in the light where shuffling feet kicked them up, as if they were coming back for a brief moment to stand among the people they knew and loved. She wished them well on their journey to the afterlife, wherever they ended up. The Prince's mail gleamed as liquid water in the sunshine. His bearing and demeanor drew attenion to himself. He walked around to the head of the men, who quickly shuffled themselves unto line and stood as tall as they could in the face of such a great man.

"We have our inspections finished, and those who will be going have been decided." A brief glance over at her, since they had not had a chance to speak before this. Obviously the Prince had taken the opportunity to rest, and the bitterness of how she felt versus how well he looked made her want to spit. Her slight nod confirmed it. "And we will be marching out to the East. Several of our scouts have returned and have a tracking on where these men are. We will be
She would need to get those warnings out about deserters.

"As for the rest of you, you will be heading to Yothina, father in. This town needs no protection, as the only reason it was attacked was because of those assasnins after me. Replacement soldiers and a healing camp will be made just a league over. Closer to the fighting, yes, but not so much so that there should be any true danger to those who go there. After all, we can after them in an hours time, when those of you who are coming have packed up and saddled up. We ride no later, and anyone who is too slow will be left behind."
hld of those invaders, can't we?" He made a bold, brassy assertion that got the men laughing and cheering. Jests were made about the enemy, and with that, he had them dismissed to take care of things. Nia could hardly believe it. That close to the Capital? It was far too shocking! There was an honest hospital there, with good supplies, but really... this was salt in a wound instead of herbs. He didn't care that she had saved his life, he was being spiteful!

Nia almost stormed back to the camp to begin packing herself. However, her training had her motionsless and waiting some signal that said she, too, may go. It wasn't that there wasn't any reason for her to go, but there certainly was no need for her to be rude. And she still had that information. That was what he still needed. He strode over, shoulders back, looking unusually refreshed in the light. The sun was now yellow instead of the blaring white that had covered them earlier, this more like daisies and butter intead of snow. It gave everything s sick gleam. So he planned to move out when this was over, was he? And the light came to the clarity that made everything it's right color.

She took a deep breath and kept her eyes on his feet. There was no reason to acknowledge him first after this insanity. He knew she would be shunned. He knew... And it made her furious. It made her face as still as one of the paper masks that were sold during festivals and holidays. Her eyes perhaps couldn't hide it as well, but she was damned well going to try. His boots stopped directly in front of her- a perfect place to aim at if she were so inclined to spit, as she had desired earlier. But that would truly get her in trouble with Superior, and she had no mind to face demotion from her postition. There were certain benefits to it that she was not yet willing to give up, and that was woth keeping her temper. "So are you prepared to walk me through. I would appreciate if you came and pointed who wan trouble and who was not. I'm sure some of the wounded will be trying to sneak awayt as well, and we don't ned to be kept at a slow pace by them, or need soldiers dying on us."

She nodded, keeping her eyes down. Calm, cool, collected. He started off towards the camp, a few attendents in tow- other soldiers, his at-hand men. Those who would actually remember who was whe and needed to be watched. She started off behind them at a respectful pace and place. "Up here! So you can point them out and we will see who you are talking about." The pRince called back to her.

She moved forward, eyes on the ground, almost tripping over her robe. The heat fo some of the elve's looks nearly burned her. She made a slight curtsy as she reached his side. Mindful of her manners, indeed- Suerior would find no fault with her today. Possibly because she was nowhere to be seen, packing for the trip ahead. It was going to be a pain. Regardless...

They came to a place where they could see some of the camp. A cleared throat alerted her to her duty. Her hand raised, and finger pointed, and she rattled off information. At first she did it slowly, but one of the men deemed to complain that it was too slow, that they would be leaving beofre she had gotten it all out.
Her speed picked up, and her words quickened. She rattled them off like a seasoned parole officer that had been doing drills for far too long (and perhaps with the same soldiers for too long, as well). They seemed to absorb what she was saying with astonishing ease. And they wer elistening. Nia felt powerful in that moment. She could tell them who was fit or not- their careers at this point were in her hands. It was tempting to do something to them, ruin their plans in some way, but... How could she? These men worked honestly even if she did not care for them. Soldiers would be soldiers. And they were not responsible for the hate that was seeped into their minds by the King's policies, or his advisor's.

NaNoWriMo 6

It wasn’t her fault, however, so he went ahead and nodded, watching her smile and walk away happily. Back towards the camp where she would be hidden away from sight, either by the other Sisters or by her own violation, not that he could blame her because of what had just happened. His eyes strayed towards the area where the kids had disappeared as he continued towards the village. It wasn’t difficult to find the main shops clustered in the center around an open green, where the local law would be carried out, and got what Nia had wanted. He had debated back and forth on what toys would be easier for her to carry around and wouldn’t take too much room, but he decided to go off her other paper toys and a small mechanical doll that pirouetted in place.
The small objects fit neatly into the money pouch, which was noticeably lighter after that visit. He frowned slightly, but then again, Priestesses weren’t paid much. Even so… The sweet shop took most of the rest of it, and he left with the small paper package tucked protectively into his arms. The villagers were friendly, and he made a plan to come back during the evening. A night here relaxing was just what he needed.
The dust between the roads had settled down, the carts no longer traveling over the short path. The day’s trade had ended. He heard a clamor arising from the camp, and his pace quickened from a stroll to a light jog, wondering what was happening ahead.
It soon became clear from the shouting and commotion that it was something important. Dangerous, actually, as a soldier stumbled away from the collection of tents and rough fences with a wound in his side. Kirn dropped everything and rushed towards him, knowing that it was safe to approach due to the sigil on his uniform that stood out starkly against the black of his uniform. It was a sad, sight indeed, as he grasped the gasping elf’s shoulders. “They’re a platoon for assassination! I don’t know who for… perhaps the Sylph…”
The Sylph? But the Prince had only left just a few… Oh, dear. He laid the soldier down to rest on the grass. They didn’t know it was the Prince. They couldn’t know. So it was only natural to assume that they had come for the next important thing that the Kingdom had- there were only 25 of them within the Kingdom, each the most highly skilled healer that the Kingdom had. In this war, that meant they were valuable, and would cripple the war efforts if taken.
His sword rested heavily on his hip. The differences between the uniforms made clear who was friendly and who was not. That was going to make all the difference, here. The Sisters had gathered near the fence, climbing over, their robes as stark against the green grass as flags of surrender. There was no way to tell which one was which as they all had their hoods drawn up around their faces. They were being guarded by a few who were fighting desperately. He saw one go down, as well as one of the sisters that failed to move aside from the too-strong swing of the blade. Cries erupted from the group. He rushed towards them, unsure if he would be able to help. His uselessness, after all, had been what had gotten him assigned to take the Prince here.
His approach brought him near the scent of blood that was making the ground muddy and difficult to balance in. Behind him, he could hear the town bell clanging. They were in no danger, most likely, unless the group decided that the Prince was in town for something. But how had they gotten this far inland? How did they KNOW?
It was all too much for him to think about at the moment, as his sword met another weakly. He was pushed back by the brown-clad human. The idea that this had been a terrible set-up, the beginnings of a revolt, crossed his mind, but as his feet moved to bring him to a different angle, he could see the symbol of the kingdom that was attacking on his shoulder. He feinted, then struck, sending the man to an early grave. The slice of his blade into flesh nearly made him sick, and the feeling of having skewered something was strong. He let the body slump to the ground, sliding off the metal blade. One of the Sisters was being carried off, but it wasn’t Nia. The tie around this one’s waist was orange and in a simple knot, denoting her inferior status. He made a move to come after her, regardless, but was stopped by a hit to his back. It threw him off-balance and nearly got him killed.
His guard was thrown off enough that in the next moment he had a sword to his own neck. “Where is the Prince?” was whispered dangerously in
Gone! Kirn snarled at him. The sword was pushed up even more against his throat. Lies! His attacked said. He can't be gone. We know that he's wounded, so where is he being held!
A call went out, a bugle, a melodious golden note that brought the pressure of the crowd against his throat away. He could feel a warm trickle of liquid running down as he breathed a sigh of relief. The other hadn't brought his attention away from him, but the look was furious and confused instead of outright murderous. "The soldier paused as if to say something, but nothing came of it.

Kirn slumped to the ground as they fled, all the attackers. He could hardly believe what had happened. The Sisters went to attend those who had been injured, scattering through the mess of fallen tents and scattered belongings. It was an ugly sigh indeed, but what was he going to do about it? One kneeled by his side as he nearly choked on the fear that build up in his throat, threatening to make him sick after all this. It hadn't even been a real battle, but that didn't matter.

Her fingers reached for him, but he recoiled. "Don’t' touch me!" he snarled. Her voice got cross in turn/ "Then stop bleeding!" IF you can't then sit still and let me bandage it! He shrugged her off and kept walking, looking for Nia, knowing that this one wasn't her because she held the cerulean sash but the knot was as simple as any. She followed after. "If you're looking the mixed blood, she wasn't with us! She hadn't returned to camp yet! IF she's lucky, then she'll be far away in the woods, watching us clean up and not bothering her own head with all this, and if she's not she'll have been taken or killed. You'll find out soon enough, so sit for me! Her fingers latched around his arm, stopping him in his tracks, in the folds of a tent that had been knocked down in the scuffle. He couldn't bring himself to physically force her off of him, though he longed to. It was intensely dismaying to have himself like this, at the mercy of a Sister, one of the no-violent orders in the Kingdom.

Even so, he felt the smooth cloth of her robe wrapping around his throat, snugly but not so that it would cut of his breathing. Thank goodness, because he felt stifled as it was. She was surprisingly gentle. "Why are you so worried about the half-breed anyway? She's no good for small things like, this and will be tending those who got stabbed. You barely got a cut." The elf's face was flushed. "Besides, she's a damn half breed why should she be a sylph anyway? She hasn't got the skills-" That get her knocked off her feet, shoved away in a fit of anger. Kirn narrowed his eyes at the girl. "She has skills enough, I bet, for this camp. She's a half-breed. Think you that they let anyone get to this level and take car of soldiers unless they have the ability to do so? Sylphs are not made lightly! Think, you brainless halfwit! As bad as a halfie, perhaps worse, I think."

She glared up at him, tears in the corners of her eyes. A sharp voice from behind him defended the girl, though, much to his surprise. "And think you that she has not reason to distrust me? I would if I were the girl. Hilra, please see what herbs you can salvage from the medical tent. It's in a mess, but I need them. Please." The tone turned softer, but it didn't stop Hilra from nearly saying no. She wasn't happy with the order, but if there were wounded... the Superior would be furious with her if she didn’t obey at this point. Kirn couldn't hide his surprise that Nia had appeared. seemingly out of nowhere, to be kind to someone who was clearly not being a friend to her.

"The girl is no different from the others, and I can't blame you. Halfies, indeed. I'm surely one of them, and the King surely hates them, and why should his subjects not, too?" She spat. Her eyes threw daggers into his heart. He felt badly for how he had spoken to the girl, since he had only been that kind to her a few days ago. "And you be not one to say anything." Her words echoed his thoughts eerily, and he thought back to some of the stories he had been told about them when he was younger. Those stories had been around for ages, and with few halfies around as there were, it wasn't exactly something that was unheard of for anyone to think.

He thought of the haunted barn that had been told about in his childhood. It wasn't exactly the same thing, since this concerned people, but Nirn could recall when it had finally caught fire and the villagers had been ever so relieved. It was saddening, but he knew that she was being treated in a similar way. How else was he supposed to feel about it? If she were burned, at this point he felt that only he would be the one to be sad about.

"I'll be given over to hell if I let you bully others for how they see me. Either they'll come out of their own ignorance or they won't but you can't force hate out of them. Soleave her be!" She glared at him before turning to the soldier she had been attending before her defense of the younger Sister. He felt ashamed for behaving in such a way, but at the same time... What else was he going to to? Her honor had been at stake, and for what she had done, she had a lot of it. "Ar you safe? Are you alright? I was worried when I saw the attack. Is there any way I can help you?
His voice trembled a little with concern. "Just get yourself to the tents and help clean up. Please." HEr voice was still rough and condecending, but there was a tiredness in it, a sadness that he could tell where it had come from. It wasn't that he didn't understand why she was upset, it was that he felt bad for his own impulsiveness. "Yes, mam. My apologies. He moved to go help the soldiers that had come out unwounded and begna to clean up what had happened.

It took most of the day, yt by the end of it he felt accomplished. These were things he could do- helping out others, getting them organized and doing things. Though his own sueriours had delegated the tasks to him, and he had taken the punishment when theings weren't going well, it felt good. That was the important hting. He went back to the spot where he had dropped Nia's things, her money and her toys. Te arrival of the villagers to help drive off the intruders had been far too late, but that hadn't stopped them from heping how they could/ didn'yt maytter much since they had ended up destroying what he had bought. Kirn felt guilty for this, and left hte soggy package where he left it, only taking the bag of money back. The paper that spun was relatively unharmed, but the little fdanging fall was done for.

Ah, well. He could see the tents more clearly from here, more dirty and ragged than before. It was funny that he could see some backup from a town father away int the distance, armor gleaming, though it was a small contingent. A dark chuckle escaped him. Too later indeed. They would be burnign the dead soon.

All they had wanted was the Prince. It was sad and sick. but how ha they known that he was here? That was dangrous information. It looked that there was a spy in the camp, but who? Propabbyl a soldier. THe King would be furious when he dicovered this, as he had heard as he was helping others talking about how they had been interrogated for the informatrion. Everyone was astunded, They knew that a gnereal had been brough in but a Prince? THE prince? It was beyond belief. The ccommanders of the camp rode out to gmeet the other soldiers as Kirn watched starting back towards the camp because of exhaustion and the adrenaline of the entire affair wearing off. He was glad Nia was alrigght, and he could smell the scnent of food cooking from this distance. The soldiers and townpspeople that had come to back them up were getting along grandly, laughing and commiserating over what wounds had been had,

Nia was nowhere to be seen among them, which wasn't a surprise. With carious Sisters up and about, doing what they could, he slipped into their tent, calling her name out softly. A rustle from one of the sections alerted him to a presence there, and while he made to retreat, she poked her head out from a torn canvas. "Hello to you." Her eyes seemed saddened by his appearance. "If you've naught to say to me other than wha yo said earlier, then leave. I've not the time for this. I must rest for the morning rounds." "You have the evening ones tonight, es? Then let me stay. We can talk."]
]
"Naught to talk about."

"Where weer you?> Did They take you while you were on the road? How were you safe?"

"I saw them and ran to the woods. Came out when I saw it was safe. I'm just glad they did not see me, for all the robes I wear make me seen far and wide." Her tone was wry, aware of how much of a target she was. Doubly so for her heritage. "Mayhap I should have let them take me. It would not have been a trouble."

"For the kngdom it would have been! Don't be so foolish!" He swayed with sudden tiredness. "You've been a halp to..."

Another round of trumpeting rent the air. It was the announcement of some persons of importance arriving, not just the commanders of the camp. He peered out, but wasn't able to see who it was from here. A small hand brushed his shoulder, steadying him though he hadn't known that he had been swaying. "Sleep. You need it, so come and rest on my cot. It'll be much trouble to move you elsewgere. Understand?"

He nodded, his eyes falling closed as she pushed him into her own section, falling onto the mats on the ground that provided comfort and warmth. It was merely seconds before he fell asleep.
Nia had crept in with him to get some rest befor ethe next morning. There was no where else for her to sleep if she wanted to get any, and it would be suspicious if she went out to the woods at this point. As it was, it seemed Kirn had some suspiciouns about her story of running to the woods. She would, too, but what was she going to tell him? The truth? As she had stepped out after he had fallen asleep, she noted the flag that had accompanied the soliders. It was a bright horse galloping, bird's wings extending from it's sides. A Pegasus, a creature that had been on this land once upon a time but had fled to warner countries long ago. It symbloized the freedom that those who were in this nation had.

She had to scooff. That was something that had been lost long ago. There never really had been any, really. She knew that other nations had moved forward, finding peace between humans and elves, and even half bloods finding their place in the scheme of things. She had seen it so long ago, when she had lost herself across the border to the North. Her feet paused where they were, the night beginning to fill her eyes and bring back the memories that she had kepttucked away.

The mountains were easy to get lost in, and she herself had done it, running away from the Sisters that had taken her from her father. It wasn't that she disliked them... she did, but that wasn't the point. They had teased her, how she would never be blessed by any of the gods. Some was mere teasing, but most was in dead earnest, and even those who had been older than her had never been so cruel when she was with her father. Being away from him broke her heart. She longed to hear the cheerful laughter of her brother. It was impossible, though, for either thing to be heard, and in her despair Nia had run from it all, as fast and as far as possible, after being forved to do penance for her parents once more. It sickened her that they thought she was shamed of them- she loved them, though her feelings were growing more bitter by the day.

That day she found herself lost among the peaks and valleys. Her mountain had truly ben the border of the country, and that was why their accepnt more closely mirrored Dremine's, but that was unknown her her at that age. She knew her family had fled, there, though, and she was determined to follow, it. Nia's eyes flooded with tears, remembering the treck, and turned to scurry away from the camp she was in. It was getting to be too uch to remember, and this was not the place to do, it, in front of the hardened uncaring eyes.

Her feet slipped on the grass like they had on that day. It was harder to keep her balance then, and she had come away with blood across her knees. They had stung and feeling unable to go any farther in her dirty things and tired body, she wept. Crying until she went to sleep, the stars alighting the sky above her.

When she awoke, it had been in an unfamiliar place, a home in a style that was unfamiliar to her. She nearly started crying again as the door opened and a large man stepped in, a smile on his face. A woodsman, having saved her when she was out there, from exposure. She would certainly have died in this weather, as it was nearing the chill of winter and she was wounded. He didn't quite speak the same tongue, nor was it the city tongue that she had come to know from visitors that came through occasionally.

That was fine, though, since he fed her and wrapped her knees, and made sure that she was in no pain. Nia thanked him with hugs and smiles, and that seemed enough for the man. He lived alone, and in a hut that was far away from a village. He wasn't stupid or ignorant, though, because he knew what her robes symbolized, and the moment she was healed up, he placed her on a wagon that was bound for the mountains again. The guards that checked travellers could speak her language and theirs, and got the story out of her, however reluctant she was to give it. It might have only been for a few days, but the man had showed her kindness that the Sisters had not, and she had never forgotten it.

The cool bark of the tree she rested against, breathing hard from the memories that wwere broght up, felt good against her skin. The imprint of it was digging into her skin. She didn't mind, was glad for the feeling to bring her back to reality. It was important to not get too lost in the past. Otherwise she'd always regret not running away and staying in that country.
She couldn't stop the tears from falling down her cheeks. It wasn't fun to remember the kindness that she had been treated with for those days, being allowed to run and frolick to her heart's content. But it had ended, and she had been tossed back to the people that had hated her and wished her dead. She slumped to her knees, feeling exhaused from the day's events, from the memories that were overwheliming her. It was unexpected to feel a touch on her shoulder and someone ask quietly whether she was okay.

The words didn't register in her mind, though. All she could do was shriek at the touch, falling away as best she could as she turned back to see who it was and what they wanted. THe general she had treated was reaching for her, concern in his eyes. Hush! Please! You'll bring the others running! I won't be accused of assault by my own troops. A light smile belied his words. He didn't seem to be too concerned by her actions, but there was a harshness to his tone that demanded obedience. Nia slipped onto her knees and bowed her head. "My apologies. I idn't mean to do something so starling. PLease forgive me."

He kneeled and brushed her hair away from her face. It was unexpected, and she flinched from it. It was not every day that such a kind touch was given, and it didn't ease her worries that he would become violent with her. Plenty of soldiers were grateful when she treated them and not so afterwards. She knew that from far too much experience. He , however, was surprising her by it.

"I would appreciate if you did not move to touch me in the future" she mumbled. It was quiet, but Nia attempted to make her tone firm. It came out more as angry or tearful, though. "I apologise for startling you, and meant hno harm. Forgive me, and I will leave back to the camp and let you do what you need to."

She could see her reflection in the metal that encased his body. It was no more than the chain mail that was traditionally worn by the cavalry, but it shone with the brightness that marked it as some of the most high-quality material they had in the kingdom. She ducked her head, unwilling to meet his eyes. "I'm sur that you need to scout for enemy troops without my bothering you."

:They were after the Prince, were they not? I"m sure that they are long gone by now, thinking that he is away from the Camp on on his way to the next town."

Her eyes glanced upward and she noticed his face. A gasp excaped, and she could hardly believe who she wa beholding. "Sire! You're back from the journey? But I was sure that your wound..." "My wound was bad, but mostly healed, and when the tranqulizer wore off and we heard about what wa s happening here I could hardly say no to coming back. It would be a terrible loss to let you fall into the enemy's hadns, after all." She lowered her eys to the ground. It was strange, but for a moment, she had hoped that he would be saying that he could hardly let her get captured because she was nice, and that she was undeserving of the treatment that was befalling her. It was a sily hope, though. He didn'ty know her personally, and as the Prince he would value her skills over her as a person.

He held his hand out to her. "I will escort you back then?"
"Don't. I'm just a healer and a halfie. I would be in trouble with the others if I took such actions with you, though I appreciate the thought behind them, sire." Her brogh deepened as she spoke. Her memories were back inside the backs of her mind, but the emotions they stirred were not. She was almost ashamed to admit that she was feelinging like bursting into tears, wanting nothing more than to be help like she had been held by that man that day.

Ach, how she missed her father.

Regardless, she stood up and brushed herself off. This was no time to be getting lst and weeping, and she knew that. Anger at herself welled up, fueling her desire to get back and start working again. "Thank yees for your kindness, but please don't offer it again. Your father would not be pleased."

:He isn't pleased with much I do these days. You have not heard of my engagement to a young lady of no means? I could do no worse, and this is something that he would frown upon anyway. Even so, if you wish me to let you be, then I will respect your wishes. Thank you for going back, it will be a halp to us that are still looking here. You might accidently get mistaken for an enemy with most soldiers, and that would leave us one less Sylph. That would be a shame indeed, since I have not yet repaid you for your service."

She tightenedn her fists at that, then shrugged. It was dreadfully

NaNoWriMo 5

* NOTE TO ALL READERS- this was written with the Write or Die app, and that means I have spewed out a lot of misspelled, wrongly punctuated, and perhaps in some places insensible crap. I apologize.

It was no suprise that the Priestess found it to be no less than shocking, either. THe Prince let his hand fall quickly to his side, intending for the hold to last no longer than that. It was something that had not really been done before in living history- a touch between a Royal and one of mixed blood. It was something that truly made everyone in the room worry a bit. THe King would not care for this if he found out.

It didn't have to leave the room, of course. That was the thing- there was no reason to let anyone know, and Superior was not likely to say anyhting. Neither was Kirn, and the Priestess... she knew her place. She always had known her place, Kirn recalled. The Prince gave her a slight smile regardless, not worried about what was happening in the thoughts of htose around them. It was a sad thing indeed, Kirn thought, that she could not be properly recognized by the Kingdom for her skills and her help in keeping it from losing it's heir. That was the prince she paid for her parent's sins. Kirn could hardle believe it, htough.

Regardless, it was to be ignored at this point. The matter was between the Prince and the Priestess. The Prince turned to look at the Superior. "Please, she will be taking me back to the palace and ensuring my health further?" There was no question in his voice, but why that was escaped Kirn.

"No, Your Highness. She is the only sylph within miles of here. We could never spare her for all these men, now that you are on your way to health. We must beg your forgiveness, but please understand our situation..." The Prince cut her off with another raised hand.

"I understand the situation. I am glad that you made th right decision in allowing her to treat me. THere is little doubt she saved my life, and I am grateful for it. I am sure that my father is grateful to the Order for having their best do so, too."

It was political at this point. The PRince was doing what he could for his savior by showing that he had her under his protection. At least, that she had his respect, and that was as good as anything. Kirn was impressed. It perhaps would not help the girl much, but for the next few days she would perhaps be left alone from censure and cruelty, until the Prince was well away. His lip was bitten between his teeth. There had to be something he could do to help her situation as the Prince had, couldn't he?

Perhaps not. It was silly of him to think so. Kirn had no power here. He saw the Superior bow her head in acceptance of the Prince's words. It was astounding what the Prince could do, but that was why they were the True Rulers. Only the Order would obey them without question due to the pact between those of Royal Blood.

Nia kneeled by the Prince's side. "I thank you, Majesty." It was whispered in such a quiet tone that Kirn didn't hear it- he watched her lips move in the motion that indicated that she had said something. Of course, there was no guarantee that she had at this point. The Prince smiled at her rather gently. "Please help the rest of the soldiers as best you can. I'm sure that you are doing an excelent job, Sylph." THe deep blue sash around her waist trembled as she did, the object that marked her out from the rest of the Priestesses.

"If that is all, I am tired. Please, leave me to rest until we are ready to leave." The address left no room for argument, and no healer would have objected to his request. Nia disappeared as quietly as she could, as quickly as she could, and Kirn was left with the Superior and the Prince. Superior narrowed her eyes at Kirn, perhaps knowing that he had been kind to the half-blood, but unable to say anything about it at this point. She followed Nia out after a few more moments. The Prince gazed over at him, observing him in his own right.

Kirn had not moved from his position. "I shall leave, too, if you so desire."

"No, that is not necessary. You have been guarding me for these past few days, yes? Then I thank you, too, though I doubt the job was terribly exciting." There was a smile on his face once more. "And I am sure that you will desire to ge back to your post as quickly as possible, I am sure. I apologisre for taking you out of your region and away from your fellows. I'm sure that the burden was not easy to bear, either, what with the warning about not letting me die. I'm sure that you would have been executed if you had failed




This was a miserable day for irn. He felt badly for Nia as she would be forced to stay her and not with the Prince, who was showing an uncommon kindness and acceptance of her being. That wa something she would not- was not- finding amoung the soldiers and other Priestesses. It had shocked him when he had discovered that she was teared as badly inside the camp as she was outside of it. She had obviously saved many of these men's lives, and it wasn't exactly every day that a Syploh healed you. It meant that any other ailments that they had were going to be cured as well. Elves didn't have overly supernatural physilogy, nor did they have superhuman stregnth. It was astounding the diseases that could run rampant throught their poulation, different from Human diseases but no less dievastating.

And for those to be helped was no laughing matter, for though Elves could be more resistant, their diseases were, too, and that made them harder to find cures for, and the cures were often more expensive and troublesome than the ones the Humans had. It was something that had often been spoken of in snatches among healers, but no one really said it out loud. After all, humans were humans, and they were... cattle. No real importance other than keeping people fed and clothed.

He slipped out of the tent at the Prince's dismissal. It would be safe for him, indeed, and he had felt the need to go looking for Nia. Certailny she was in some state of shock, or perhaps some odd sort of happiness- elatedness that she had ben acknowleged. She would happily live with that sort of thing for the rest of her life, as it was rare enough in the kingdom.

That wasn't the case, though he didn't discover it until he found her. She was not in the Order's tents, and apparently knew a way through camp that involved seeing or being seen by as many people as possible.l That wasn't a bad thing in and of itself, but damn... Itw asn't easy for him to come to terms with. Kirn rather liked the Priestess. Something about her positing, helpless and powerless, made him think of a child that needed to be protected. With her half-blood, it was likely that in elf years she was still a mere child, though not by the human count. It wasn't exactly something that made it easy to determine her rights, as some that came as adulthood were determined at a certain age. Half-breeds could not really be determined to be adults at any age, as they grew and matured at whatever rate their heritage determined. Those with more elf blood grew more slownly, those with more human blood aged faster, and those of both... those of both could be adults at any time. The officials raarely bothered with it since it was such a pain, and so many just declared their adulthood whenever they loked and their physical appearance could support the claim.

Nia was obviously an adult, though, and one that was in a good deal of trouble if she was going to be dealing with townspeople. After searching the camp, that was the only place he could think that she would go to. Certainly, she would not go outside the camp and into the wilderness! There were creatures and even though this was decently inside the borders, there were always the dangers of rogue scouts or troops, and they didn't treat the women with respect. At least, that was what he had heard. It made him shudder to think of some of the stories that had been told about some of the things that had been done.

Anycase, he started on the path to the town. It wasn't a far distance, and it was one that was decently populated with some carts carrying things back and forth, and even a few guards and soldiers that had healed up wiell enough that they decided to visit. There were modest fortifications to the town as well, with a low stone wall keeping out both animals and providing a decent place to hide behind should someone attack. Flying arrows would have a harder time hitting their targets, for sure. Nowadays it was mostly for cows, though, to keep them and the sheep in. And beyond he could see the modest homes that filled the area. It was certainly nice enough, with few places that looked worn-down or from families that were poor. It was a rural place, with woodcutters and hunters, and self-sufficient enough that most would not hgave to worry about such things,. But where in it would Nia run off to? Wouldn't the cillagers be as cruel as everyone else?

A call came out from behind him, and he turned to see Nia running from the woods. She was waving a hand that held some plants. Kirn could hardle believe his eues. She had been to the woods! He stopped until she was close enough to reach, a few more moments because she slowed down on approach. Then his hands went up and started shaking her vigorously. "That place is dangrerous! If you needed herbs or medicinal plants, then I should be accompanying you! What is wrong with you?"

Nia wastaken aback by his actions, jerking away from him with wide eyes and a scared look on her face. She looked like she was about to be hit, and with that shine to them, Kirn could assume why her reaction had been so violent. He ran his fingers through his hair. "I'm sorry, it's just that it really is dangerous, and I truly don't know whay you wwere possessed to leave like that. I know that the things said by the Prince wwere wonderful, and I'm sure lifted your spritis a great deal, but still, that si reckless and I don't feel-"

:He said what? Oh, Kirn, I am fine after hearing all that. It was just the thanks of a patient. In the long run, it means nothing. After all, I am just a Priestess, and just a half-breed. Mixed bloods aren't thanked by anyone important." There was an odd,s trained smile on her face that confused Kirn almost as much as her words had. Was there a problem in how the Prince had thanked her? Or had her wits been rattled by it and she would realize it later.

It seemed to be neither. There was a sharp jerk of her head, a twist of her face to the side, and Kirn could stt blood welling from a cut on her forehead. The stone that caused it fell to the ground in front of him. He wwas speechless for a moment, but after that moment was moving. His hand lifted to her face as he turned his, looking for the perpetrator. He soon found the person he sought, a little human boy that was glaring resentfully from where there was a bend in the fence. "Hey! You! Come here and explain yourself!" His words were sharp and harsh, and his hands almost twitched on her skin as he brought her closer so he could see the wound.

"Son wanna, don haveta!" the boy shouted back at him. There were some giggles from the same area, and a few heads popped up from behind the curve. "She's a halfie! She's a dirty blood, gettin' higher than her station! That's what me momma said!" He turned and ran, the others following him, almost unable to because they were laughing too hard at Nia's misfortune.

"Damn brat." He moved so that his shadow wasn't in the way of his sight. "This doesn't look too bad. Stop twisting. You'll hurt yourself if you try to get away like that, you know."

Her little struggles to get away weren't that bad, honestly, but he had no desire to let go. If she were closer to him, then she would be a little more protected. As protected as she would have been if he had been with her in the first place, he thought darkly. Or perhaps had kept her hood over her head. Why had she been running around with it down? This was obviously goingt to be the result! "Agitating people isn't going to do you any good." His hand reached back to draw it over her head, hiding her face from view. "I don't have anything to wrap that with, and it's bleeding a bit badly. I think that there's something that's been cut. Other than the skin, I mean."

Her hadn had reached up to put pressure on it. "No, that is just the way the face cuts bleed. Always worse than anything else, unless ya get an artery or vein." She shrugged. "Apologies. But I was running low on these, and then saw you coming to the town. I figured you might be... since you aren't watching the Prince, I thought you'd be coming to enjoy the town. I haven't been in, but I heard that there is a nice bakery and toy store in. I was hoping you would grace me and allow me to ask you to buy something from both places. The toys I use to keep children quiet. And I like the sour breads." She held out a hand, in which a small pouch was laying. "Please."

Her large eyes compelled him to say yes. It was something that he could do for her, since she was fool enough to risk her life outside the camp. He wondered where she had gotten the money, though, since Sisters were not paid for their work, and they were not given any through the Order itself. A lover, perhaps? The thought made him smile. The woman before him would be untouched if she were in the Order, no doubt about that. He couldn't be the only kind soul to take to her, Kirn suspected, and nodded his head to indicate that she would be recieving everyhting she asked for. He had to admit, it wasn't much or difficult to get. Practical, actually, and it impressed him a bit.

Then again, she didn't seem the impractical sort. The Order didn't breed those, and somehow he suspected that others wouldn't indulge that side of her if she had it. It had probably been stamped out long ago