Naveen

Rina:

The girls were set up in a fairly nice tent across camp, more secluded. The soldiers mostly didn't want to be around a witch. “Don't say anything about this to them okay?” I asked before we entered.


Maleen:

We had been reading when Rina and Talon entered the room. Wren had come a long way with her reading, and could now read story books with little help. It was wonderful to be able to sit with her and do my spell book studying. Dorian was often with us as well.

I set the book aside the minute the two came in though, and rushed to greet them. “Rina! Talon!” I exclaimed in joy. I fist went to Rina and through my arms around her.

Wren:

I scrambled up after Maleen a grin brightening my face. "You're back!" I rushed over and threw my arms around the woman as well, squishing her between Maleen and myself.

Rina:

Talon was right in suggesting this. I hugged the two girls, both shorter than I, giving the impression that they were much younger. “I'm glad you're here, and safe.” I told with a smile.

Maleen:

I let her go after a minute to throw my arms around Talon's neck. “I was so worried when I heard about the Vampires..”

I gave a one armed hug to them both as they embraced me together. "We made it okay. Glad to see you both." I murmured as I squeezed them.

Maleen:

I had missed the two of them terribly and felt like our little family was whole again. I loved Wren and Dorian, but things had been different between the three of us since Dorian had gone into a catatonic state then Wren asked him to always stay with us. He seemed to always watch her, even more taken with her now that he knew she was an angel. It made me feel odd. I couldn't explain my feelings, for I certainly had no ill-will toward Dorian, but I did not like how close he had gotten to Wren.

Now that Rina was back, I felt like Dorian would be more guarded. He was always more formal with her. And I had a special admiration for Talon. My mood was as bright as it could be upon their return. I hurried them over to the table where I had been practicing cooking magic and had a plate of scones.

Wren:

I beamed at them both as I practically bounce with happiness. It was nice to have our little family of friends back together. And as I looked over them both I could see the weariness in Talon's shoulders and a shadow in Rina's face. But I brushed aside such thoughts and quickly ushered them into the tent and to the waiting seats.

Rina:

I sat between the girls rather than next to Talon and took the offered refreshments. They filled us in on the past week, and then asked questions about our trip. It was hard to tell them much without giving away the many things I wished to keep private.

Talon:

I sat across from the three, giving a brief glance around for Dorian, though it was obvious he wasn't in the tent. I answered the questions as they came and asked a few of my own, most notably how the trip down the mountain was.

Rina:

The evening was nice, and Dorian joined us later on. He greeted both Talon ad I with formal respect. The five of us had dinner together around our own campfire. Later I lit a lantern from the fire and told them I would go wash up. Before I went I turned to Talon. “Could I have word with you?” I asked casually.

I enjoyed the company, letting it distract me from other worries that had been plaguing me since I'd started the journey with Rina to the vampires. As the meal drew to a close and we sat chatting away the rest of the evening I looked up to Rina's casual question. I made a slight face, drawing unwelcome beliefs about what she wished to talk to me about. "Of course." I replied as I stood to follow.

Rina:

I walked into the woods trying to find a distance that he couldn't be over heard. There was a babble of a creek and I followed the sound to the source, setting the lamp down on a stone before looking to Talon. The anxiety I had been hiding from the others was now clear in my eyes. “I have to tell Brian tomorrow.” I said.

I let out a slow breath before nodding. "What can I do to help Rina?" I asked softly as I moved closer to search her face. The lantern was more than enough light for me to see her clearly and I searched her face and the anxiety it held.

Rina:

I ran both hand through my hair. “I don't know. I think he somehow suspects something… The way he was looking at me. He knows I am keeping information from him. And then what he said to you… He intends to use me. I won't be used… But I don't know what to say to him..” I said it all helplessly.

"Rina..." I began before letting her finish. After she was done I pulled her into my arms, hugging her tightly to me as I murmured softly in elvish in her ear. 'Peace. The moon is full, your companions are around you, and your people are safe. Let the troubles fade, and the worries stop. Let no more dark clouds hide you from the light.' I repeated the chant again in her tongue.

Rina:

I heaved a heavy sigh against him, trying to calm my anxious heart. Being in his arms did calm me, but my mind was still so full.

"Things will be okay Rina. If it makes it easier on you. Perhaps try telling our friends first. Small steps don't cover much ground but they get you moving when you would rather stop." I said while gently rubbing her back.

Rina:

I was breathing heavily in my distress. “I think I would rather return to the vampires than admit to who I am.” I mumbled. “It was hard enough to tell you.” I said then frowned at him. “And you laughed.”

"Truth be told...I expected to come out here and have you scold me over something...but I wouldn't dream of laughing at you for this again. I think one scowl is enough for a subject." I teased gently, working to coax a smile out of her.

Rina:

I sighed deeply again and looked down at the dark water. Once again he was right in thinking to tell the others before approaching Brian with it. But I did not like it.

"Maleen and Wren won't judge you Rina. I've never seen two more accepting individuals." I told her softly. "Take small steps. I'll be here to support you."

Rina:

I nodded, but I was still tense. “Thank you Talon.” I said softly and a moment later I pulled away from him. I looked down to the dark water then walked to the edge and began undressing.

I stood where I was, turning my back to offer her a measure of privacy. I'd done more than just see her naked, but I still wanted to offer her respect and privacy when she needed it most.

Rina:

I slid into the icy water with a soft gasp and quickly scrubbed dirt from my body and face. I hopped out a moment later and wrapped in only my cloak. Seeing Talon with his back to me caused a small, amused smile to form on my lips. I walked up behind him, barefooted. “Has being back in a larger world changed your mind about me?” I asked playfully.

I did peek briefly after hearing her gasp. I got a good eyeful before I turned around again with a faint smile. "Larger world? I doubt anything could change my mind about you, except you. But I figured you'd want some measure of privacy." I responded with my own playful tone.

Rina:

“If I required privacy I would have told you to leave.” I answered, circling around to stand in front of him, with my cloak wrapped loosely around my damp body.