Dragons and Magic II: The Hunt for DreamWeaver

[Mantra]

Garik

Garik had moved into a good position to observe his allies when he suddenly turned at the sound of a snapping twig behind him. Whirling about he was suprised to see the face of a rather young...and pretty, woman about ten feet away in the foliage, watching him. She smiled a warm and suggestive smile as she let a dry branch, snapped in two, fall from her hands. Still keeping eye contact, she raised one hand and beckoined to him with one finger.

"Come." she whispered, sliding back into the brush away from his companions and the soldiers. "Hurry."

 

[Angelus]

As he stood there and looked at the young woman disappearing into the brush his first thought was to follow her but he wondered if he should stay and watch his companions more. He thought of the woman some more and knew that there was only one thing that he could do at that point. She might have been in trouble so he had to follow after her. And besides; she was beautiful. He never knew, but he might get lucky.

With a smile he walked away from his companions and disappeared into the brush, following the woman. His first thought was to call out to her but he knew that if he did so he would alert the soldiers and that was the last thing that he wanted. He knew that he had to keep her in sight though and keep following her as she darted in and out of the bushes. He stopped for a second though and looked back at the group but knew that they would be able to handle the soldiers if it came to that.

He then turned and saw that the woman had stopped, as if she was waiting for him and as he moved forward she turned and started to walk away from him again. He knew that he had to find out what was going on but he was too enthralled in the chase that the question flew from him. All he knew was that he had to get to where ever she wanted him to go.

He suddenly stopped when he figured out they were far enough away and called out to her, "Where exactly are we going?"

 

[AmenRa]

O'Bonn, who's countenance had been pleasant and soft-spoken so far, suddenly turned serious. His face took on a serious, almost angry look, and his voice seemed to boom when he spoke.

"For those of you that offerred us food and drink, there are those that would slit our throats," he said. "To that, I say this. Any one here who believes they can hide themselves from the evil that comes is a fool! We stand here before you to fight this evil because we believe we fight a good and just fight, and we have purpose about ourselves to stop the Blasphemers and the Dreaming God.

"But we did not bring either to you! And how long will it be before some other comes this way in search of The Path? Will it be centaur next time? Or Orc? Or even Dragon? You speak that we should not have come here, and that others should not come here, but what have you done for it? What have you done, Tsazz?

"Dost thou stand for all?" O'Bonn unwittingly lapsed into Elfspeak, talking the Old Tongue so well-heard among the High Warriors, "Thou dost speak thou art ready to fight? Art thou ready to die? Art thou ready to lay thine own life upon the altar of freedom? If thou dost speaketh yes, then stand with us against these unholy creatures and fight not us, but fight with us!"


O'Bonn's amber gaze held the lizardling's eyes. The High Warrior's words were true and well-spoken, and those that were wise would know this.

 

[rengadeirishman]

Cormac did not understand the Elf-tongue, but there wasn some strange power in the poetry of the words O'Bonn spoke that he felt as is he understood him perfectly. Cormac rose from his position and without even meaning tom spoke out in Riada.

"Tà mè Cormac Rua Braig na Faolchu clann Claoimh na Amhràn! Tèim a Cogadh! An tù?" he roared.

 

[LittleSprite2]

Idraial reolized that the situation was soon becoming out of hand and if they didnt calm tempers nothing would be discovered save there deaths. She too stood only this time facing her party praying she wasnt making a mistake and said. Enough nothing is going to be accomplished this way.. anger will not help.. Sit down.

She then turned to Siswa bowing in apology. I understand your position Siswa and ask your forgiveness for the out burst tho i may agree with some of what was said we mean your people no harm and ask if not for your aid in battle then perhaps some information, will be enough to aid us. If you are willing to awncer please tell us who came before to ask about the dreaming god and raise the undead ones?

 

[Wolfsister]

Tiana gasped, her tiny hands going to cover her mouth, as if trying to cover her wide eyed amazement as the Drow appeared suddenly a few feet away from her. Though she didn't really understand such things, she knew the had had used magic.

"Are you a magician?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

"You must step through it at the same moment that I do."

The little girl, no more than 19 years of age really, hesitated for the barest of seconds. The Voices clamoured inside her head, but for once, one particular one clamoured louder than the others.

"Go! GO!" it screamed and she could not help but obey. After all, the voices had taken her away from that horrible place she had never been able to call home.

Nodding bravely, she stepped up beside him and stepped into the humming vortex when he did.

 

[Bladesman]

"Magican? No, magicians are tricksters. I am a Warlock."

He stepped forward when she did, though he was beginning to breath harder from the strain of holding open the massive portal. A second after they entered the portal, they exited it into a massive room filled with drow guards, courtiers and two wizards. A moment later everyone in the room fell to their knees except for one wizard who bowed from the hip.

"My lord Draken, welcome back. Are you here for long or are you required else where?"

"No Jezz, my time here is brief. Send for the master at arms and also the captain of the guard. Also I have a requirement from you as well. You are to open a portal to a location I will show you. "

The wizard nodded and dispatched two guards then moved closer. He removed a small necklace from his pocket and handed it to Draken who slipped around his neck. Then Draken closed his hand around the pendant and close his eyes for a second and concentrated so that the wizard could see the town. After a few moment the wizard nodded. "That is enough. I have seen what I need for the portal."

Draken took off the necklace and handed it back to the wizard. As he did the Master at arms and the Captain both strode through the door. They both bowed quickly. "Ah there you two are. I need two things. Master at arms I need you to equip her with her choice of weaponary." He paused for a moment then using the sign language of drow continued. "Just not the strongest magical weapons."

"Captain, find a strong set of mail for the girl beside me. Make sure it fits her well."

 

[Wolfsister]

Tiana felt a strange sensation when she stepped through alongside the tall drow. It was almost as if she were floating. And then her stomach was ripped out. She opened her mouth and found that she was on the other side, still screaming.

There were several odd looks given her way, but seeing who her companion was soon kept those odd looks turned away. She conciously tugged at a torn sleeve and went bright red. Oddly enough, the Voices seemed to have stopped for the moment. She was used to it, but the sudden silence in her head made her ten times more nervous.

Another drow came towards them and Draken exchanged pleasantaries. Tiana wasn't listening. She simply stared, wide eyed and open mouthed at her new surroundings. Her young brain found it hard to comprehend that she was in another place, just a few minutes from leaving the last.

Sure, she was old enough for her to be rather a bit more smart. However, she had led a sheltered, indeed an enslaved, life where normal skills such as cooking, cleaning, husbandry and even needlework had been denied her. She had been taught the basest level of every skill she had been told to do. She had been cuffed and beaten too many times in her life to attempt to try anything the normal women of the house were supposed to do.

She was already of childbearing age and though she knew of the way to get with child, she had never known the joy of housing one. She had been given a bitter yellow tea daily to prevent such an occurance. Anything she would beget would have been an abomination in her family, though it seemed that doing such base deeds to her herself had not been off limits to her family's morale.

She swallowed as she was led away towards a small building. The captain went off to find clothing and armor that would suit her as well as anything else his lordship would need on a journey. Mean while, without commenting on her ragged clothing, she was led towards a large armory.

Her eyes went wide once she was asked to choose what she wanted, with a few strict limitations, of course. She blinked as she looked at the array of steel and sharp edges and blunt weapons, ranged weapons, staves, all assortments for the art of war.

She was good with a dirk, she knew from experience. She had learned fast how to handle it appropriately in the dark alleyways and backstreets of the city. So when her eyes alighted on a pair of matching curved daggers with inlaid silver in the hilts, she wrapped her grubby little paws around them and refused to let go.

She was led towards a rack of unstrung bows. Her eyes were immediately drawn towards a white painted yew bow. Her eyes went wide as she walked towards it and stroked her fingertips along the grain. She looked at the Master at Arms and gave him a questioning look.

"Can you use it?"

She shook her head a silent 'no', "But I want it."

"Lord Draken did say to give you what you wanted..." he trailed off, not really understanding the reasons behind it, but who was he to question the great lord. No-one, certainly.

He handed her a small quiver of the same painted white arrows, looping the drawstring into a small protective pocket in the side of the quiver and then handed her the yew bow. It was easily half her height, but she seemed to talk to it straight away, hanging above her right shoulder.

Next, she found a small short sword, almost blue in colour, but it was only a trick of the light. She hesitated, and the Master at arms handed her both baldric and sword.

She trotted around after him as he led her further into the armory but nothing else seemed to catch her eye. Besides, she was already handling more weapons than it seemed that she could carry. With a final questioning glance, the Master turned her out back to Draken with an extra set of four throwing knives, engraved in each hilt with the letter 'V'.

After showing off her new aquisitions to the drow that had become her companion, she was ushered off to a private place in order to be outfitted with new clothes and armor. When she was returned, she wore a plain pale green tunic over a light mail shirt. It was slightly oversized, but it was reasoned that she would grow into it.

Underneath, she wore leggings under mail trousers covered in another set of tight leggings. Though she was a girl, the pants seemed to suit her and she wasn't that unseemly in shape to be distracting. She bore sturdy boots as well, something she wasn't too used to and had trouble walking around in. But she would learn.

With all the weapons and armor, she was suddenly eager to learn everything she could about her new equipment. Her ealier, fear induced, assessment of the drow dropped to respect and a keen urge to follow in his footsteps. He made her feel like she was worth something, even if he was a little offhand about it.

She grinned up at him as she showed off her new gear once again. Then she bit her lip... "Umm... I can't ride a horse..."

Of course she couldn't. She was a commoner, and a woman. But she felt she needed to say it. Suddenly his estimates of her seemed insurmountable.

 

[wolfknight20]

Silverfang found his self drifting toward a pub that had a large crowd out side it from the sounds there had been a disturbance and three people had just disappeared

silver decided he'd get his drink else where and moved to another pub

 

[Mantra]

Khan

“If there are none among your people that can help me, your majesty,” said Khan. “Then allow me to help you and your people. I feel that by helping you and your people, I may find a way to redeem myself and rid myself of this curse.”

“Queen Doon,” said Khan, raising. “I swear to you and those present that I shall aid you and your people in any way I can or die trying. This curse that lies upon me has kept me alive many hundreds of years longer than the oldest of men to have ever lived. Until this curse is lifted or death finds me through another’s hand, I shall help you and your people in your efforts to reclaim what was yours.”

Loorna seemed surprised by Khan's sudden offer. "You.. wish to help us? You hardly know us..."
She recovered her composure quickly however, drawing herself up to her full height and letting the mask of nobility fall over her features.
"If such is your wish, then so be it. Kneel before me Khan of the Mori." She drew her saber and placed the flat of the slender blade on Khan's shoulder.
"Khan of the Mori, do you choose to serve the Sovereign crown of the Moon Elves loyally, faithfully and truly until death takes you or until the Sovereign release you? Do you swear to obey the commands given you to the best of your ability? To protect the citizens and territory placed under your care? To uphold the position of the Sovereign crown from this day forth?"

"If you agree then speak your acceptance and rise again as Khan Mori, vassal to the crown."

 

[Mantra]

Garik

"Where exactly are we going?" Garik asked.

The woman only cask a seductive smile over her shoulder in reply as she led the warrior farther away. As they traveled, Garik had a better opportunity to 'study' his guide. She was indeed attractive and also lithe and delicate looking. She was no more than a bit over five foot tall and her skin was darkly tanned, which seemed to accent her hair, which seemed almost dark green in color and twined with strands of broad leafed ivy.

"We are here." she said as she stepped into a small circular clearing.

As Garik followed, the woman regarded him with deep eyes from across the clearing, half shielded by one of many great trees.

"There are many men in the forest lately. Most men are trouble and bad spirits follow them about in these troubled times."

"What of you man? What troubles do you bring? What spirits follow you?"

 

[wolfknight20]

silverfang

Silver fang got his drink and thought he'd have him self a look at the criers board to see what bounties and news there was to decide his next move he hoped there would be at least two for him to choose from

 

[Angelus]

As soon as he entered the clearing Garik was taken aback by how peaceful he felt just by being here. All that he had known in his life was war, death and mayhem but yet as he stood there he felt as though it were being drained away from him. It was then that he heard the woman's voice and when he looked at her he was once more take by her beauty. He had never seen anyone like her in his life and knew that if had of stayed with his tribe that he would not have.

"I bring no troubles with me my fair lady, I wish no harm upon you."

He once again looked at her and was once again taken by her beauty. He wished nothing more than to take her somewhere that they could be alone but he knew that it would be nothing more than a mere wish. This woman was something different from anyone he had seen before. She was truly beautiful although something about the way she looked made him think.

"I am sorry to ask this question of you my lady but are you a human or are you something different? I do not mean to sound rude but you are by far the most beautiful woman I have set my eyes on yet."

All he wanted at that point was to stay with her but then her earlier words came back to him.

"What men do you speak of? What trouble and bad spirits do they bring with them?"

 

[Screech]

"That is close enough. Who are you and what do you want here?"

Milaashi stopped in her tracks and bowed before the men. "Please, do not be alarmed. We are simply travellers, passing through here on our way to Trennai. Is it near here?" As she raised from her bow, Milaash tried to put on the sweetest smile she could in an attempt to calm the spirits of these humanoids

 

[LittleSprite2]

Unsure if they would get the awncers they sought or not, Idrial decided it would be best for them to leave sooner rather than later. Bowing once more to Siswa she asked. If it be your will Lord Siswa, then i ask that our wepons be returned to us, at the edge of your camp, as we leave so that we may continue upon our quest to put the Dreaming god to rest.

 

[Bladesman]

While Tiana was off with the Master at Arms and the captain of the guards, Draken moved to his throne and took his place upon it. He sighed for a moment, then snapped his fingers. "Someone fetch me a chalice of bloodwine and bring in the book. Everything went quiet in the throne room as the courtiers looked at each other, then the second wizard left the room as did one servant.

Jezz looked at him for a moment. "Milord, are you sure it is wise to open the book? Remember what happened the last time. "

Draken nodded slowly. "I know Jezz, it was the reason I took the throne." He pondered a moment as the book was brought in as well as his bloodwine. He set his hand on the book, then shook his head. "No," he said with dejected sigh. "This is not the time for it, I can not endanger the kingdom. Take it back."

The wizard nodded as Draken took the chalice of bloodwine and downed it in a single tip of the cup. Several moment later Tiana came bounding back into the throne room with her armor and weapons and proceeded to show them off to him.

["Umm... I can't ride a horse..." Draken chuckled at her words and nodded.

"I can help you with that." Then he looked to the wizard and smiled. "Now is the time, Jezz. " The wizard nodded back and began to cast a teleportation spell. A moment later they disappeared from the throne room to appear atop the roof they had been on the previous day.

 

[Mantra]

Idrial and Co.

Tsazz, Bass and Kriss were all on their feet as soon as O'Bonn and Cormac were, each hurling accusations and threats at one another, more often than not in a language that the other could not comprehend, but their intent was clear enough. Many of the watching Lizardlings also seemed to grow agitated at the growing exchange. It was also apparent, that while Idrial and her friends had been disarmed, the Lizard WarBoss and his associates suffered no such handicap.

Leshare also looked around at the group, although he was at least still seated. Siswa however simply finished nibbling at his food and started picking at his teeth with the skewer.

It was a few moments before anyone realized that the Chieftan was speaking. Leshare finally waved his own hand and the din finally began to subside.

"... when the firssst of the Blasphemerssess came. There were noos Dead Oneses then and they gave to usss giftsesss and asksss usss if we would hearses their wordsss."

The other Lizardlings began to settle, although Tsazz still stared death at O'Bonn, he too sat back down in respect to his Chief.

"They were few and thossse that came were hoomunsss. They told uss that there would bees a great war and that they wantedsss the Peopleses ssshould join with them. If we dids, then we coulds destroy the hoomunsses villagesss and claim all the ssswamp for the Peopleses and the Peopleses would be rich beyonds all our dreamsss. "
"Wees considered their wordses. Hoomunses are greedy and sssteals our land. Points Ears only care about Points Ears and all have warred with the Peopleses before. But wees says to them; 'How would a few hoomunses would helpsss the Peopleses defeat the Hoomunses and Points Ears? There are many many Hoomuns and the Points Ears hide in the leaves and shoot sticks at the Peopleses.' They says that they haveses a great army, that all the Beast Tribeses meet at the Stone Table to joinses together to make war and that the hoomunses have great magic. They says that the Peopleses should join with the Beasts Tribeses too."

"But the Elders are ssmarts, we knowsss that hoomuns lie, so wees say that we demands proof. They returnses after three nights. More Hoomunses with gifts and this timesss they comes with another. A Beast Manss with a cat head, one that none of the Peopleses have ever seen before, named Doorna."

"Doorna sayses that he isss a great Chief of the Beasts Mens and that the Tribses have joined at the Stone Table to fight. The Peoples doos not know abouts thisss. The Peoples doos not goes to the Table for many many years., The Beasts doos not want what the Peoples want. Soos wees do not agree at first and ask about magic."

Siswa's face darkened, his lizardlike face scowling. " That was when theys showses usss the Dead Oneses."

"They were hoomunses like the other hoomunses once, but now they were Dead Ones. Doorna says that theys can makeses Dead Ones after each fight and that the hoomuns and points ears will make for more to fightsss in the next fight."

"Hoomuns makesss Dead Onesss," Chimed in Leshare. "Beast Men makesss Dead Ones, but the People do not makesss the Dead Onesss we say. The Dreaming God tells ussss that the Dead Onesss are wrong, that they are vile and peversssse. Never will we make them, never will we fight along side them."

Siswa nodded and resumed the story.
"The Dreaming God also tellses usss that the Beast Tribesss are not to be trusssted, that they fight to fight or fight for gold. The Peopleses fights because we must, we fights to live, we fight to keep whats isss ourses from the Hoomunses, the Points Ears, and even other Beasts Mens. We says that wees will not joins with them and to go. Doorna is not pleased with the Peopleses but leaves."

Leshare again took up the tale. "Two nightsss passssed until the Mother moon was in the sssky. That was when we with the Gift sssensed the risssing of the Dreaming God and we knew that it was wrong. The Dreaming God does not wake. There was a great ssstorm when there ssshould not be ssstorms."

Again Siswa nodded and spoke up once more. "Our cropsss began to fail and foods isss becoming harder to hunts for, but worse, the hoomunses came back again. They said that the Dreaming God had risen and sserveses them now and commandsesss the Peopleses follow the Dreaming God to war. If we failed, that wees would become Dead Oneses forever."

There were several hisses and low growls from the crowd at this.

"This makeses the Peoples angry. We says that the Hoomunses have defiled the Dreaming God's sleep and that our God would never commandsss us to makeses Dead Ones nor ever rise to follow hoomunses. We says that the Dreaming God cries out in anger, demanding to return to sleep and that the hoomunses MUST obey. Stoopid hoomunses laugh and says that the God is theirs now..."

Siswa paused. his eyes were lit with anger but his lips twitched in a mirthless smirk. "..so wees eatses them and sets their headses on our spearsss."

"Stoopid Hoomunses."

Tzass growled deep in his chest. " We declaressses wars on the Blasphemereses. We fightsss the Dead Onesess everywhere wees can."

"That was two Mother Moons ago." Siswa said. "Many of the Peoples walks with the Dead Oneses now, but still wees fight to free the Dreaming God."

 

[LittleSprite2]

Idrial had sat also sat back down and listened to Siswa's tale, quietly without interuption. They were up against an army of undead, and Dreaweaver what could they few do, against such odds... nothing but die in the trying, but she would not give up.

I am sorry for the loss of your people, and can only offer what we have and say that we will do our best to put the Dreaming God back to rest. Is there a scout among your people who might be willing if not to show us where they camp but take us part way?, and these humans you ate did any of them mention names? She asked once Siswa had finnished his tale.

Looking at her companions she knew they also had questions, and she nodded to them letting them know they could ask if they liked but hoped they kept there tempers in check this time.

 

[Mantra]

Silverfang

Silverfang roamed the city of Trennau, basically seeing the sights and experiences the human city had to offer. Apparently Trennau brewed its own stout beer which seemed to be a local favorite. There had been a troupe of street performer about as well, gypsies, fortune tellers, bards and entertainers mingled on corners and in taverns seeking the odd silver or copper coin. Of course, it also meant that the town guard was out in full force as well.

The performers were a pleasant distraction, who also made to lighten the atmosphere. That too, was a welcome change because the mood of the city was gloomy indeed. The guard had been rotating their patrols out into the forest boundaries, trying to protect or intercept the beastly monsters lurking within. Silverwing himself had done a bit to thin the goblins out there, but the guard seemed to be having a harder time of it. Many had been injured or even killed, and they did not bring back much positive news.

Worse than that was the attitude of some of the people. Doomsayers had begun to appear, bemoaning disaster or impending doom. Guardsmen criticized their leaders in pubs and everywhere there were rumors of the demons of Red Mountain marshaling an army of monsters to destroy the city and all the lands around them.

Silverwing tried to ignore the worst of it and sipped at his latest drink.

"And whadda 'bout you!" Came a rough voice behind him. He felt some one shove him from behind.

"I think you're one of those weird, demon-things come to spy on us!" Silver turned to see an older human man with a balding head and common looking clothing waving a half-full mug of stout toward him.

 

[wolfknight20]

Think what ya like sir but i just brought in 2 wargs pelts today plus ruffly 6 or 7 goblins

This said silver started to ease over to the wall so as to have it at his back should trouble start and there he waited to see the old timers next move

 

[AmenRa]

O'Bonn nodded his head as he sat down again. He had listened to the chief speak, and he knew the truth of what he had told.

"War," he said, "is war, no matter what form it takes. Those that would beguile you with gifts and half-truths are as guilty as those who would attack you with spear and bow." The High Warrior's eyes closed for a second, as if he was remembering some battle from long past. He then gave Tzass, Siswa, and Leshare a seated bow.

Looking to Idrial, he said, "Perhaps they do not wish to show us the way. This fighting has taken toll on these people, and I feel it is through strength of spirit alone now that they continue. If they will not provide us with a guide, then perhaps they can draw upon a scroll or hide a map for us to follow?"

 

[LittleSprite2]

Idrail agreed with O'Bonn's words recognizing the wisdom in them as it would keep Siswa's people safe in the process, or at least not involve them further in there own groups quest than necessary.

She smiled at him and rested her hand on his knee for a moment before taking her hand back, and speaking once more to Siswa. I agree with O'Bonn's words, if your people have no wish to guide us then perhaps there is one who may draw us a map..

 

[Mantra]

Tiana

The many voices in her head had slowly become silent as if they too were watching with wonder at the sudden changes and their newfound surroundings.
As she was led from place to place, yiana reflected on her past home and the depravity she had been forced to endure. There was a swell of loathing, disgust and even a bit of fear, but a soothing calm flowed through her soon after.
"They can't hurt you anymore, I won't let anyone hurt you ever again..."

She was finally handed off to another Drow, this one called 'Captain' or 'Master at Arms' but however he was addressed or fawned over Draken, his eyes could not contain the disgust he felt when the dark elf looked at Tiana.

"Feh! Do not concern yourself with the thoughts of slaves. They have no feelings and no purpose but to serve their betters, no matter what the slave thinks...."

Tiana was finally led back to Draken where Tiana practically strutted, now looking and feeling very different than she had since this morning. Yet even as she felt the exhilleration of her new station, the little voice came again, nagging at the back of her mind.

"Pride? Admiration? Respect? Oh my sweet, my love, my darling. Do you think he was born a prince that he inherited that throne he sits on? If you can have anything you want, ask him for one of his swords. No, my dear, do not trust him, for he does not trust you."

The voice faded away back into her subcontious, leaving Tiana to wonder if she had actually ever heard it or just imagined the whole thing.

 

[Wolfsister]

Tiana waited rather patiently at Draken's side as he conversed with his 'underlings'. She sat down at his feet while he was on the throne and dangled her legs idly off the raised dias. She took out one of her newly acquired daggers and began fiddling with the blade, hissing in embarrassment when the edge bit deeply into her finger.

Sucking her thumb of the blood, she followed Draken into the newly made portal. The sounds and sights still leaving her a little light headed, though she had been through one before.

They were back. Back on top of the Tavern roof. For a moment, a mere moment, Tiana debated about whether or not to look for Tyler, but the thought soon vanished after a few soothing words of wisdom from the ever present voices in her head. She looked up at the drow at her side and bit her lip, puzzlement on her features.

"Umm.. what now?" her tiny voice a mere whisper against the usual clamouring of a thousand voices.

 

[Mantra]

Garik

"I bring no troubles with me my fair lady, I wish no harm upon you."

The woman only offered a seductive, knowing smile back towards Garik, even as she moved soundlessly through the glade. Her eyes glittered at him for a moment before she lazilly stepped from view behind a great pine tree.

"I am sorry to ask this question of you my lady but are you a human or are you something different? I do not mean to sound rude but you are by far the most beautiful woman I have set my eyes on yet."

"Am I so different than those you have seen before me, Man?" her voice chimed back towards his ears. She reappeared, gliding out from behind another tree, nearly eight feet from where she had been a moment before.

"I am a maiden alone in the forest, a damsel in distress. Is that not what you wish me to be?"
She glided closer to him and the scent of pine and lilac crept into his senses, making him feel...good.

"What men do you speak of? What trouble and bad spirits do they bring with them?"

"There are many creatures in the forests and all seem hostile lately." She cooed, still coming closer. "The wind and the earth whisper warnings and forboding. The spirits of nature are afraid of the other spirits, the ones that touch the many and drive them to violent things."
She finally came close enough to circle his waist with her slender arms.

"It is enough that a damsel, a maiden, might want a protector to stay in her grove...."

The smell of lilac was intoxicating, overpowering and almost mind-numbing to Garak's senses. He was bending down towards the woman even before he realized it.

"Will you stay with me, Man?" she whispered, leaning her head up so that her lips would meet his.