Recruiting of the Centaurs(Anya and Faelan's trip)  
Faelan stood and strapped his boots on. He hooked his belt around his waist and tied his long sword's sheath to the belt.
He grabbed the other blade, his sheathed scimitar and threw it over his back, doing up the three-way strap.

Anya packed a small bag and got ready to go. She tied her bow and arrows to her back and stuck her her dagger into her boot. She turned and looked at the sword Dehearik gave her. She picked it up and tied it to her belt. She walked over to Faelan quietly and smiled "Are you ready?" She asked softly.

He chained the pauldrons over his shoulders and nodded. "As ready as ever" he said quietly, looking at the hilt of the sword hanging at Anya's waist. "That's Dahaerik's sword, he gave it to you?"q

Anya smiled and nodded. "He was teaching me how to use it. I was hoping it would come in handy if anything was to happen." Anya let her long hair down. "Well I guess we should get going. Its best to get there before dark"

"Indeed" The elf said in agreement. He opened the door and exited, holding the door for her to walk through. "I have a question for you" he said quietly.

Anya walked through the door and stood on the steps facing the woods "And that is?" She asked still staring at the woods.

"I've noticed you and blake are together, and I've noticed you seem very tense around him, and he so attatched...the question is, do you love him?" He asked quietly, lowering his voice so that only she could hear.

Anya shook her head quietly "I just don't feel the love he feels for me. Maybe it will just take time. But I am unsure." Anya sighed and walked down the stairs waiting for Faelan to follow.

He started down the stairs, following her. "Love takes many ill turns...you hope to love one person, you end up loving another. In time perhaps you'll love Blake, who knows, perhaps some day you'll love Dahaerik, or Dianass" He said, chuckling to himself, "I never truely understood the pattern of love. Perhaps its best I never do" he stopped, thinking about Nieriel.

Anya gave Faelan a small smile and kept walking. Faelan was the closest thing to father figure other then her brother so she always took what he said to heart. Thoughts of Dahaerik filled her head. It was him she truely loved or so she thought. She had never been inlove but she what she felt for him must be love.

Faelan smiled as he took the lead, "Open the gate, warden, we have buissiness to attend" he said as they reached the fort's entrance. "Aye sir" the dwarf said loudly, "where ye be headin', elf?"
"Faelan Careen, we have matter to disguss with the centuar lords" Faela replied.
"I see, well ye' two best keep together, strange things have been happening out there" The dwarf said.
"This lad will look after ye', lass, ye can be sure of that" He said to Anya.

Anya nodded to the dwarf quietly and followed Falean out of the gates. "How long do you think it will take us to get there?" She asked. "I haven't been there in awhile." she added.

"It depends, if we don't stop to rest, should take us three or four days, if we do, eight to ten" He said quietly. "Those still at the fort should be ok"

"We will see how much energy we have." She said following Faelan.

"Indeed we shall" the elf said in reply. "Tis a long way to travel on foot, though, I do not tire easily." He raised his head, looking up into the sky before pulling the hood of his dark-green cloak over his head. He then looked back at Anya. "I hope you've got your cloak, its gonig to be a very wet trip."

Anya nodded and pulled her long black cloak out of her bag,making it much longer. She tied it around her and pulled up the hood. She felt much warmer. The earth around her smelt much better then in the fort. She loved the smell of the woods and missed how nice it was to be in them. "Is there a faster way to get there?" she asked Faelan and she ran to catch up.

"There is, but its much too risky" he pointed north towards Faelan Arimathyas, "The path leads right through my birth-place, and as you know, Lathias is in control of it, the longer way is safer" he took in a deep breath through his nose, smelling the cool, fresh air. "The rains will be upon us soon. Might be wise for us to stop tonight and set up camp."

Anya thought for a moment "But if we keep our cloaks on and our faces covered no one will see it is you." Anya felt the chill of rain hit her hard. She nodded "I guess you are right. It will be much harder to walk in the dark..even more with rain" Anya rubbed her hands together,bringing some heat back to them.

"My brother often notices suspicious behaviour, more to the point my eyes glow, he'd know it was me immediately" he stopped for a moment, listening. "Plus there are others that would know it was us as soon as we walked throguh the gates" he stopped again, hearing a russling sound in the bushes.

Anya nodded. She kept walking only to notice Faelan wasn't moving. She stared at Faelan feeling abit puzzled until she to heard the russling in the bushes. She quickly grabed ahold of her bow and an arrow, pulled the arrow and back and pointed it at the bushes. She held it there.

The elf grabbed at the hilts of his swords, not releasing them from their sheathes just yet, he clenched his fists tightly around both handles before spinning to the sound of more russling. Much more, from the sides and behind them. "We're surrounded" he said quietly, "you may wish to draw the sword" he suggested.

Anya gulped. She had no idea how to use her sword yet. She put her arrow and bow back. She felt weaker without them but they were clearly no use without them. She nodded at Faelan and pulled out Dahaerik's sword. She tried to rememeber what he had taught her. She tried to imagaion Dahaerik was there showing her what to do next.

Faelan shifted his stance, and heard the unmistakeable sound of an archer drawing his bow, the sound of creaking wood fillef his ears. He turned quickly, "quick, get down!" he said as quietly as possible. As the arrow was released, the elf's hand snapped up, catching the arrow perfectly in the center of the wood.

Anya stood there in shock for a few moments then quickly moved towards Faelan. She looked around listening to what was around her and tried to remember her training. "Who do you think is are trying to kill us?" She said feeling nervous. She had a feeling it could be Lathias's men..she only hoped she was wrong.

Faelan looked up, "Whoever you are, show yourself immediately" he yelled to the bushes, hearing more arrows being placed at their bow strings. "I'm serious, if you cowards want a fight, come out iof the trees and fight face to face, lest you wish for me to come up there and run you through"

Anya was growing tired of waiting so she quickly drew out her bow and arrow again "Come out or I shot..and I don't miss" she said warningly.

"Neither do I!" a voice called back. Within seconds another arrow was released, coliding with the arrow attatched to Anya's string knocking it out of her hand and off the bow. "You would do well to turn back, Lathias doesn't take kindly to strangers or outcasts wandering in his woods" The voice warned.
"These woods do not belong to Lathias, nor am I a stranger" Faelan called back.
"I did say, "Strangers or outcasts," I would suggest you leave immediately, lest you wish to start a fight"
"If you wish to start a fight, then by all means, I'm right here, what are you waiting for?" The elf shouted back, punching the tips of his blades into the ground, releasing their hilts and holding his arms out to the sides.

Anya watched her arrow drop to the ground. She could feel her anger building up. She now knew the only thing that will defend her is Dahaerik's sword. She pulled Dahaerik's sword out of her sheath and held it the say Dahaerik taught her, getting ready to fight.

From the tree in front of her another elf landed, barely making a sound as his light feet touched the ground. "Children shouldn't play with sharp objects" he said, trying to intimidate her.
He eyed her off from a distance then made his way to her, looking her top to toe. "And here I was thinking you were through with teaching rookies, Faelan." He was tall, long blonde hair protruding from his scalp, and dark gree eyes shining brightly to match his hair.
"Your veiw does not give you right to judge others, Fathmik, what is it you want?" Faelan scowled.
"Only to talk, it would seem Lathias desires to see you"
"I'll not speak with Lathias, and you who so blindly serve him can tell him I said it personally to you" The elkves now stood, holding their gaze upon one another.
"I'm afraid you cannot refuse, I am to confiscate your weapons and take you directly to Lathias, you know that if I am to disobey him, he'll have my head" The other said his green eyes twinkling with trickery.

Anya snorted "Its funny. I much rather be a rookie then someone who bows down to others. Who are just to scared to stand up on there own" Anya smirked at Fathmik. She didn't like the idea of going to Lathias..even more so without weapons. Anya had no idea what Faelan and she knew her fate was somewhat in his hands. They will only listen to him. If he said they would go she would have no choice but go.

Fathmik looked at her for a moment. "A well trained lap dog you have here, Faelan, tell me, have you toguht it any tricks?" He snickered, before taking a fist to the face.
"You leave her out of this, you're the lap-dog here, not her" Faelan said as he plucked his blades from the ground.
"It would appear your mood hasn't improved over the years, half-breed. You would do well to watch that"
"The very air you breath polutes the atmosphere, Fathmik. Walk away or I'll cut you down!" Faelan said, placing the edge of his scimitar firmly agaisnt the other elf's neck.
Fathmik laughed and scruffed Faelan, puilling himself closer to the dark haired elf, slicing his skin. "Feel free, if Lathias can't have my head for my failure, the next best thing is you or one of your friends. Just remember that I have the upper hand here, not you" The look in Fathmik's eyes was menacing, full of hatred towards Faelan.

Anya's stomache tensed up abit. She knew they were out numbered and she was much more weak then some of the men. She watched each one of them closely ready to attack if they tried to attack them.The only thing she could do right now is follow Faelan's lead and try to keep her mouth shut. She could be the one to screw them over and get them killed. She had no idea how Fathmik worked but she had a feeling Faelan knew.

Faelan retracted his blade, pushing Fathmik off of him before turning adn stepping himself into position, drawing his blades and widening his stance. "You will not live passed today, of that you can be sure, on your guard, Phaehvmie!"(elven insult.)
"we'll see" Fathmik said simply, doing the same.

Anya really wished they could just get out of there. But she knew they had to stay and fight. She watched the other men standing around. She had a feeling they may try and step in if Fathmik begins to weaken. She only wished she had Dahaerik there with her. She still had no idea how to fight with a sword and Faelan could not help her now. She was weak towards these guys,but she couldn't let it show. She had to play strong.

For a time the two eyed eachother off, before Fathmik made the first move, striking hard at Faelan's side. Faelan's arm whipped around to parry the attack, sending the blade of his opponents sword away.
As Fathmik took another swing, Faelan had already counter-attacked, kicking hard at the other elf's chest to knock him off balance.
Again he moved in, swinging low and wide, trying to cut Faelan's hamstring. Barely shifting, the darker haired elf parried the attack.
"Your teacher mustn't have tought you well, Fathmik, you're tiring" Faelan said, obviously not ammused by Fathmik's attempts to disarm him.

---

Back at the fort
Dahaerik sat quietly on the roof-top, his silver-grey hair flowing gently in the breeze, the moonlight making his eyes shine brightly.
He looked up, and decided to climb down. AS he did he jumped from the roof-top, grabbing the banner hanging from the tower to slide down slowly. Silently he sprinted to the gates, his mind set on finding Anya and Faelan.

---

Anya pushed her blade against one of the other mens kneck. "You are best to avoid joining in." Anya's heart was beating fast. She was willing this all to end,for the men to run away and give up. She could hear Faelan and Fathmik fighing behind her, but she knew if she watched her stomache would tense up. She didn't want to lose Faelan again.

As Fathmik took another swing, Faelan swung too, striking hard at the other elf's blade, the vibration hurting the blonde's hand.
Foolishly, Fathmik dropped his blade. Faelan sheathed his and grabbed his enemy, scruffing him hard against a tree behind him.
From that very tree, one of Fathmik's men readied himself to jump at Faelan.

From behind him Dahaerik came, leaping over Faelan's head, his feet hitting the tree, giving him enough force to rebound himself upwards. As he did he caught the amn by the throat, plucking him from his perch and throwing him out towards teh ground. As the drow backflipped the other man tried to swing at him, only to take a dagger to the side.
"Therik'fathmer dorum" the drow spat as the man collapsed in a motionless heap.

Anya watch Dehaerik fight. She was relived that he had turned up but she could not thank him now. Quickly one of the other elves ran at her swinging his sword, quickly she moved her sword up to defended herself. He stomache clenched at the sound of the swords smashing together,but more relif came to her when she realised that she was alive. The elf struck again but Anya blocked his sword knocking it out of his hands. She walked forward and picked up his sword causing the elf to run. She smiled then turned to see if Faelan and Dehaerik were ok.

Two other elves dropped from the trees, swords drawn, each of them caught sight of the drow, and fear shone deep in their eyes. Dahaerik simply smiled wickedly at them, baring his shining white teeth. The elves drew closer together, muttering soemthing to one another, the two of them split, circling in opposite directions around the drow. Dahaerik stood still, clutching his one blade, (the other he had given to anya), as he widened his stance the two men jumped a bit. The drow stood perfectly still, keeping his eyes on his opponents. As one of them swung at him so did the other, one from the front, the other behind. Ina clever move the drow shifted his stance, lifting himself off the ground and leading back over the one behind. Both of them tried to pull back, realising they were liable to strike one another, but by the time they'd realised, both were impaled on eachother's swords.

Faelan gripped Fathmik's leather jerkin, before turning and throwing him back to the forest floor. Fathmik got to his feet and sheathed his sword. "RETREAT!" the blonde elf yelled, the other elves leaping from their perches and running away.
"This isn't over, Faelan, you, your apprentice and your drow friend will be seeing me again soon, you can count on that." He scowled.
"Leave while I give you the chance, lest you want your blood to stain the forest floor" Faelan said in reply.
Fathmik narrowed his eyes before turning and running.

Anya stood there with Dahaerik's sword in hand. She had no idea what to say or do. She watched the elves run in fear,she chuckled alittle as she triped one as he ran by. He quickly scrambled up and ran off. She looked over to Dahaerik and smiled, then she looked over to Faelan "So Faelan what were you saying about camp? I think it would be nice if we camped near some water,I would like to clean up, but if you much rather somewhere else then that is alright. But don't get mad when I get angry about having ratty hair." Anya smiled and picked up her things. She slowly started down the path again.

Dahaerik smiled, watching Anya walk along the path.
"I know a place even better than a river, Anya" Faelan said quietly, before following her, the drow coming up slowly behind them.
Dahaerik came up beside Anya and nudged her gently. "You remembered everything I've taught you I trust" he said quietly, "I hope the hilt isn't too heavy"
Faelan just watched him, trailinng up behind before taking the lead.

Anya smiled and nodded. "Of course I do. I am still nervous with the sword but I am sure I can learn more from you." Anya shook her head "Oh no the hilt is fine." It was abit heavy but she knew she could handle it.Anya noticed how much darker it had gotten. She watched Faelan walk ahead of her wondering what he was thinking. He seemed so quiet. "I am thankful you came Dahaerik." She said softly.

The drow simply smiled at her. "I'm you're thankful for my pressence, Anya" He said in return. "It appears I frightened a few people" he continued softly, looking towards Faelan, noticing he was in fact very quiet.
The elf felt Dahaerik's gaze upon him and smiled, still walking.

Anya stayed quiet. She could hear the small voices of the faeries. She heard there songs that they sang to attract the human children. Anya shivered again. She missed her home, here she didn't really fit in. When she was home she never thought of war,the air was so clean, the songs were so soothing. She looked around and could faintly see the lights from the pixes wings fluttering around. Anya sighed quietly and tried to keep up.

Dahaerik looked at her, still walking. "Are you ok?" he asked quietly. "I can carry you if you like"
Faelan stopped, letting his head fgall back as he smelled the air. He pulled the bushes in front of him apart, revealing a clearing of grass, various warm springs scattered through the clearing. "We're here." he said quietly, stepping onto the grass to unroll his bedroll.

Anya nodded and set up her bedroll near a large old tree. She layed down queitly and stared up through the tree's thinning branches and stared at the stars. Staring at the stars always helped her sleep. She shivered slightly. The air was cool and it felt weird as it swept down her lungs. She counted the stars quietly.

Dahaerik simply watched her, sitting himslef back down on the grass. He smiled before falling back, laying his head on the grass to watch the stars flickering like torch-lights, his violet eyes catching their reflections.
Faelan removed his armor, and his silk shirt slipping into one of the springs to fall asleep, laying his head back on the grass.

Anya turned her head and stared at Dehaerik.She wondered what he was thinking. "If you want you can sit by me." Anya said blushing alittle. She smiled slightly and waited for Dehaerik to reply.

"The stars are far easier to see when a great oak branch isn't blocking the sky" Dahaerik said in response, chuckling lightly to himslef. "Of course if you'd like some company, I'll move if you like" he continued, smiling.

Anya picked up her things and moved next to Dahaerik. "You are right" She said smiling. She felt much more safe and comfortable with Dahaerik next to her. Anya untied her long hair and relaxed abit. She looked back at Dahaerik and smiled shyly.

He looked back at her momentarily, his eyes shining a silvery/grey colour in the star-light, his silky-white hair tied back and held secure by a black ribbon.
He smiled warmly, before turning his head to look back at the stars, moving his hand from his stomach to his side, finding Anya's hand, gently he grasped it and began stroking the skin of her thumb.

Anya blushed slightly, and grasped Dahaerik's hand also. This was the first time in awhile she felt totally relaxed and completely safe. Biting her lip slightly she stared up at the stars."It really is beautiful." she said quietly.

Dahaerik nodded his head in agreement. "Agreed, do you ever just lay, watching them in their magnificence, wondering what they are or where they came from?" He said, turning his head to look at her.

Anya turned to Dahaerik and nodded. "The truely are amazing. They are such a mystery not even the strongest magic can figure them out. I think that's why I love them so much." Anya smiled slightly.

"Amazing how there is some mystery left in our world and beyond..." the drow said, turning his head back to them again.

Anya thought about what he said. She shivered slightly as a cool breeze swept past them. The night held so many mysteries. She frowned alittle as she thought about more of Lathias' men coming back.

He chuckled lightly to himself and smiled, turning his ehad back towards her, bringing his face closer to hers, planting a light kiss on her cheek.

Anya turned her face to his and lightly kissed him on the lips. She smiled then looked over to where Falean hoping he didn't see.She felt alittle nervous wondering if Dahaerik was now mad at her.

Dahaerik simply smiled, brushing a gentle hand through her hair.
Faelan too smiled, though he didn't see he sensed, but said nothing, allowing them time to get used to one-another.

Anya felt her whole body relax.She smiled and Dahaerik as he brushed his hand through her hair. He had suck beautiful eyes that she found hard not to look at. She had forgotten that they were in the woods,she had forgotten that she was freezing, and her stomache was still in knots.

The drow just smiled at her, his eyes shinning like sparks as they reflected teh star-light. Gently he placed his palm on the side of her face, stroking her temple light.

Anya melted under Dahaerik's touch. Her once free spirited, untamable self, had become tammed. She didn't mind it at all. Anya rested her head on Dahaerik's shoulder sighing happily. Soon the morning would come and they would again be on the road, but for now the sweet smells of the night filled her, and the worries she felt seemed to washed away. She looked over to the sword Dahaerik had given her and she smiled.

Dahaerik gave her one final kiss before falling asleep, his arms around her, his hair-though tied back- spread over the grass, and his gray skin catching the moonlight. His final words in the night were spoken. "La'halae theree Anyaka." He whispered quietly. (the words drow for "I love you Anyaka")

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Morning comes