Urominiel Family/Thalathafn Locket

Thalathafn's Locket

Realms:League of Anacan, Light of Fountain, Avamar Selective, Grand Lodge of Lunaria, Lemundia, Cathay, Arcaea, Papania.
Positions:General, Banker.

To Chase a Wisp

Part I

Thalathafn gently road along the country side. Fields of golden wheat flanked his path. It was high time in the harvest season and while the peasantry were busy, they were grateful for the bounty of the fields. This was evident by the festivities that night in the town square. Corn roasting on an open fire beside a bubbling communal stew. Fresh baked breads burdened baskets and simplistic but uplifting music sounded into the night. Thalathafn watched somewhat envious as the young couples danced in the moonlight. The commoners lived hard and mundane lives, but yet they enjoyed what he could not.

The harvest moon hung aloft in clear autumn sky but its overbearing presence seemed within arms reach. The scattered moonbeams casting soft shadows and waltzing silhouettes. As Thalathafn eyed the pirouetting partners, he caught a glimpse of her harvest gold hair. He had thought she was gone since the tournament. He remained, watching her from a far, but this was different she didn't vanish as she had before. Finally he dismounted and pushed his way through the dancers. He grabbed her on the shoulder pulling the startled young girl around to face him. Using his sword arm, he pushed away the lad that had tried to confront him. "I apologize, I had mistaken you for someone else." While the girls features were similar, she was clearly not who had been appearing to him. A piercing glance over his shoulder kept the other peasants back. "I am sorry to disturb everyone's night." He turned to the girl and bowed. As he did so, he noticed a glint hanging from her neck; a locket. "May I?" he asked the speechless girl, still in shock of everything going on around her. He lifted the locket with the hilt of its sword, the symbol engraved on the front matched that of his scabbard. Whatever the locket held was worn beyond recognition, but engraved within was a note of some sort. It read:

   Miss me not, my faithful fairest.
   Let darkness creep and shadows caress.
   For nightly in our sweet slumber,
   Drifting endlessly together,
   Forget me not, my darling dearest.

"Where did you get this" Thalathafn questioned the now trembling girl.

"..M..my aunt, sir" the girl mumbled. The excitement in Thalathafn grew, this was what he had been searching for; The link, his dear mother.

"Where is she now?!" Thalathafn asked unaware of the growing number of pitchforks and torches accumulating behind him.

"Gone.."

"Gone?! gone where?"

"Missing.." the girl stuttered, now in tears "Since before my birth," she sniffed. "I have worn this since a baby"

Thalathafn awoke to sudden realization, he had driven a young women to tears chasing something long lost in the sands of time. Not more than a fortnight earlier he had killed another over a few insults. He also noticed the gathering crowd armed with farm tools. Well this was certainly a predicament.

Part II

It didn't look like there was any help to be had. Thalathafn calmly clipped his scabbard back onto his belt. Looks like he would need to fight his own way out of the enclosing crowd. In one swift motion, Thalathafn had swung around to behind the girl his dagger drawn to her neck and the Legendary Hammer of Bloodletting brandish in his other hand. The mere sight of the weapon struck awe into some, but others held their resolve. Thalathafn spun around with the girl looking for the thinnest section of the commoner wall. He kicked up a cloud of dust and pebbles to all those behind him and With a whistle his horse had come galloping around. Seeing freedom in sight, he forged forward towards the thinnest part of the group. Even with a hostage in hand, the peasants didn't budge from blocking his path. As he had no intention of harming the girl, he pushed her forward causing a dent in the commoner wall. He sacrificed his cloak to obscure the view of the peasants on one side of his path. All was going well, as he met the wall at full charge. Giving another little push to the peasants already off balance from catching the girl, he tumbled a few backwards as if pins being knocked over by some type of ball. In the mad fury of activity he had enough sense to swing the shaft of his hammer at the shins of one poor fellow causing him to fall to his knees. Using the mans back as a raised step, he pushed off in one faithful leap, landing with an 'oomph' on the back of his mount. He clung on as the horse galloped to a safe distance before rightening himself in the saddle and slinging the hammer back over his back. Thalathafn continued down the country path under the watchful eye of the harvest moon, now cut, bruised, less a cloak but much more on his mind.

The Meeting

Part I

The biting breeze of the cool autumn morning flirted the fickle flame of the oil lamp. It stood on the lonely table along with a few old letters from years past. Thalathafn paced about the barren room. It was unused saved for occasions such as these. Soon he found himself looking through the opened window, curtains fluttering in a beckoning wave. Rumours were this was the perfered entrance over the door, so he had left it open despite the cold.

Morning dew gathered on the grass of his manor house. The moisture from his breath hung for a few seconds before parting its ways. Thalathafn watched the city spring to life as the sun arched over the horizon. A knock came at the door, "Breakfast is ready, sire".

"Good, bring it in" Thalathafn called, "Leave it on the table boy. I will be eating here this morning. I am expecting a guest." The boy placed the tray on the table before exiting. Moments after the boy had shut the door, a delivery arrived on the window sill. Thalathafn pulled the note from the bird. After reading it, Thalathafn dipped the note into the open flame and let the breeze carry away the ashes. Satisfied, he sat down for a warm breakfast to bring him some comfort from the cold.

Part II

The infiltrator stood before the gates of the High Marshal's imposing estate. She was smiling at the guards barring her entrance. "The High Marshal requested my presence specially," she said with a coquettish wink. "I have a very special job to do and you wouldn't want me to be late for it, would you?" They considered her for a moment, then let her through. One went with her as an escort up into the main house where they waited while a servant went to announce her presence.

The page boy hurried to the door. He was the only one who knew that this must be the women his lord was expecting. "Good day, mi'lady. My lord is expecting you, right this way please." he politely said before running up the spiralling stone stairs. On the second floor, he lead Adine through a narrow corridor pass the guest rooms. The boy knocked on the wooden door.

"What is it?" came the response from within. The boy didn't bother to answer, he opened the door and lead Adine into the chilled room.

"Your guest is here m'lord."

Thalathafn glanced quizzically at the open window, curtains still beckoning in the autumn breeze. Turning his attention back to Adine he thought to himself: At least she was courteous enough to use the proper entrance and quite pleasing to the eyes too. Thalathafn gathered the worn letters back into their leather binder and blew out the flame of the oil lamp before rising from his bench. "It is nice to finally meet, lady Adine" offering his hand before bowing low to meet her hand with a kiss. " Thank you for coming. How about we go somewhere a little warmer before discussing the details of your task?"

"...and boy close that damned window."

Part III

Giving Thalathafn a smile as he greeted her so cordially, Adine shivered slightly at the drafty room. "Sir, the pleasure is all mine. I regret that this is our first meeting. Somewhere warmer would be agreeable." She took his arm as he led her to another room, a more private cozy study. The infiltrator found him a handsome man, reserved and dignified. If only she knew how to pronounce his bloody name...

Thalathafn lead Adine to his private study, "Please, sit." he gestured to one of the two chairs on one side of the desk. The study was small cozy and decorated fittingly for a High Marshal. "Now if you will excuse me a moment." Thalathafn said as he ventured to the adjacent library. A servant enters to add a few longs to the embers emanating heat from the fireplace beside Adine. Thalathafn returns laying out a map on the desk.

"Here is the city of Remton," Thalathafn draws a circle over the dense network of streets with his finger, then extents to outline a path to the outlying townsland. "This it the path I was taking a few days ago, the village should lie about here," He said tapping on the map. "That was where I saw it, that locket is very important to me, it may be the only link to my birth mother. From the brief moments I had with it, I could sense there was something more to it. I need you to obtain it for me, for a few hours so I may study it, then return it to the girl." The boy scurries into the room carrying his masters sword, slight short of breath from all the running he had done that day.

"Now I realize you have never seen the locket, or the girl so I will travel with you to the village. Of course will we have to travel under cloak and cover. Once I have pointed out the girl to you, you will follow her to her residence. Under the cover of darkness you will enter and procure the locket. That will give me a few hours to examine it before you need to return it by daybreak."

Thalathafn takes the sword from his page and points out the ornate 'U' and eight point star. "This is my family crest, it is the same symbol on the front of the locket. Also I do not wish for anyone to be harmed." Thalathafn reaches into the desk and pulls out a coin purse, "This is the first half of your payment, if you choose to take it we should head out to the stables and prepare for the journey. So will you help me Adine?"

Part IV

The horses were ready and waiting for them when Thalathafn arrived at the stable with Adine. A rucksack of provisions and supplies were already prepared. Thalathafn smiled to the boy, "Take good care of the estate while I'm away". With that he and Adine road towards the western gate. The two followed the main road to Lantzas for sometime before taking a fork to a less traveled path.

The fields were not what they were only a few weeks ago. Barren fields stretched on either side, covered with a light snow. Only isolated patches of woodland and thickets marred the endless plains. Soon they were upon the village, what once seemed lively and festive now subdued by the coming of winter. Finding the girl may prove harder than he first expected with many electing to stay indoors. The pair nudged their horses forward between the farms and cottages. When their chances seemed as bleak as the landscape, there she was in the distance. Like the ghostly flower which blooms in winter she stood out against the backdrop of skeletal branches. "There in the distance, that girl in the pair carrying the firewood," Thalathafn pointed out to Adine.

"Remember the crest, find the locket and harm no one. Ideally no one will know we were even here. I will wait in woods nearest her abode. If you get into trouble signal, otherwise bring the locket to me there. Oh, I almost forgot the signal" Thalathafn pulls out a sack. At the top was a pigeon head protruding from a knotted hole. "If you get into trouble let the bird out of the bag and I will come for you."

The Locket

Part I

Let the bird out of the bag?? Adine thought as she accepted the unique signal gingerly. "As long as it doesn't make a sound otherwise." Thalathafn nodded his assurance. The pair waited until nightfall and the village grew silent. Adine crept towards the girl's dwelling, "signal" in one hand, knife in the other, the hood of her cloak pulled up over her head. Once again she blessed whatever deity had made her able to walk silently.

The house was dark and silent; no dog announced her presence. As she moved closer to the door, she noted a rain barrel and a large stack of logs near the entrance. She examined the latch as best she could in the darkness. It was simple and she easily lifted it with the use of her knife. Adine crept in and closed the door behind her. So far, so good. Now came the hard part.

Thankfully there was only one daughter in this house. She quickly ruled out one bedroom when she heard the loud snoring emanating from within. That left the one on the other side of the communal room.

Moving to the side of the bed, she peered down at the sleeping girl. Now, where is the shiny, little one? she wondered, looking around the room as best she could in the dark. The moon was shining just enough through the window where metal would glint, as evidenced by her knife. She sheathed the knife, not wanting to by chance harm the girl.

Oh. Oh, hell. Where else would a peasant girl keep her one valuable possession? It was safely around her neck, one hand grasping it as she slept. She could cut the chain. No, don't want it damaged, and in this darkness I could easily nick the girl. She could drug the girl, she had a little rag that would do just the trick, then she could remove it. Only problem was, this was a new herb for her and pretty much untested. The girl rolled over, releasing her grip on the locket. She could see the crest almost clearly now in the moonlight. Now or never.

With a flick of the wrist, she removed the rag from a little pocket and placed it over the nose and mouth of the girl. As soon as she heard the girl's breathing deepen and start to slow, she tucked it back away. Unclasping the necklace, the infiltrator put it into a pocket and made for the door. She closed it behind her, grinning madly, and returned to Thalathafn, head held high.

Part II

Thalathafn watched as the silhouette of Adine moved with stealth and grace. It hadn't taken long before she disappeared into the house. During the time while Adine was away he had fashioned a simple lean-to and started a small fire. He knew the risk of the fire being spotted, but had hoped the trees and the lean-to would shield most of the light from the village. The night was slightly too cold to go without and the fire light would help guide Adine in the right direction.

Thalathafn grasped at the hilt of his sword as Adine emerged from the woods in front of him. "You are good. Nearly caught me off guard, without trying even." Thalathafn jested. Now onto more serious matters as Adine presented the locket. Thalathafn passed his thumb over the beveled crest. Kneeling down beside the fire Thalathafn pulled out one of the worn notes from his leather binder. Sure enough the lettering matched that on the inner face of the locket. "The girl said this belonged to her aunt" Thalathafn mumbled to no one in particular. He tinkered with the locket for awhile longer while Adine looked on. The original contents were well worn and faded beyond recognition. Thalathafn closed the locket and turned his attention to the torn letters. It had been a few years since he read those letters, no clues or anything out of the ordinary. Except for one little detail, none were signed, only stamped with the family crest.

"There were only two members of our house in Arcaea at that time, one is my retired uncle and he didn't write these, the lettering is different. That must mean..." Thalathafn paused. "You see Adine I was raised by foster parents in Anacan, these letters were are all I have that link me to my birth parents." Thalathafn spoke, but never looked up to see if she was listen. "This locket would seem more valuable then a few letters, it doesn't make sense for it to ever leave the recipients side. Speaking of which, I think it best be returned." Thalathafn passed the locket back to Adine. "We still have a few hours before dawn, why don't we make use of this fire for warmth before it fades."

Part III

Adine looked up at the sky, estimating how much time was left. "I'd better set back out, then," she said, "though I do hate to leave this nice fire." Standing, she brushed herself off and took back the locket...and the pigeon. "If I'm not back before dawn, you may have to send in that army after all," she joked. With that smile still on her face, she sauntered off into the remaining night. She walked faster than before. She wasn't sure what the girl's father did for a living but she knew he could easily wake before dawn.

As she feared, she saw a candle alight in the small room the parents shared. The front door was no longer an option. She sneaked around to the back of the house, near the girl's window. Not big enough to crawl through but...she pulled out the locket and unclasped it. As she looked in the window, she saw the girl begin to stir a bit. The herbs she had inhaled earlier were wearing off. Adine took a chance and tossed in the necklace. It landed on the bed and, as fate would have it, the girl rolled over on top of it.

Not wanting to stick around any longer, Adine hurried back to Thalathafn. "Done and I barely even went near the house. No one is harmed, not even the pigeon, which you may kindly have back."

Thalathafn kindly accepted the bird with a smile. "I am very impressed with your skill." His tone changed and his thoughts seem to turn inward. "I don't know if you will fully understand service you have done for me tonight. You see, I left Anacan and my foster parents in search of my true father and mother. When I had returned, they were gone the city was changed, the realm was different from that which I loved and I was no closer to the identity of my birth parents. To tell you the truth, I had given up my quest when I returned to Anacan. But when I found my home no longer there, I guess that's what I am looking searching for." Thalathafn looked up from the remaining embers he had smothered with his foot. "Perhaps I have said too much," He said light-heartedly, "I don't mean to bore you with my life's story."

Adine rolled her eyes and grinned. "You're not boring me, I've been dying to know more ever since I first got your letter! I love a good mystery." The sky began to get a bit lighter. "Tell you what, how about we go back to my estate for some breakfast and you can tell me the rest? It's nothing as grand as yours but it's cozy and, if I'm not mistaken, a bit closer to the gate than yours." She looked at Thalathafn expectantly, hoping she did not overstep some boundary.

"Breakfast will be most welcomed. We haven't had a proper meal for near a day" Thalathafn tipped his head in a nod. The lean-to had be disassembled and the traces of the fire dispersed. Thalathafn untied the horses from the branch and lead them to Adine. A light tap behind the forelegs caused the horses to kneel for the riders to mount. Thalathafn reached into his cloak to pay Adine the rest of her fee before mounting his horse and following Adine's lead to her estate. As the pair started out to Remton, Thalathafn glanced at Adine and wondered what it was about her that made her so easy to talk to. Perhaps she was the only one who would listen. Nevertheless not even the boy, his closest attendant, had known this much about his childhood.

The Past and Present

Part I

Once Thalathafn and Adine reached Remton, Adine took the lead, bringing them to her small estate. They stabled the horses themselves and Adine led her guest inside to the kitchen. It was a bit cramped and smoky but the cook was pleasant and glad to see Adine. It didn't take long before they had a hot breakfast in front of them.

"Now then, sir," Adine said between mouthfuls once the cook had left. "Why don't you tell me what was so incredibly important about that girl? I understand the locket, family heirloom and all that, but why does she have it now?"

"That is what I don't understand, Adine" Thalathafn replied earnestly. "Lets start from the very beginning, a very good place to start. My foster parents heard a cry for help while on a hunting trip in the woodlands of Ansopen. When they arrived, they found a women and an infant. The infant was me, the women we suspected was my birth mother, but that seems more unlikely now. She had these letters on her." Thalathafn pulls out the leather binder and unbinds the torn letters. "The nobility at the tournament had informed me the crest on this letter belonged to the house Urominiel. After some investigation and travel spanning the continents, I have come to determine the late Glorawarthien is most likely my father and from the time line of events he was Arcaean at that time. This locket engraving and the matching lettering to the letter proves this. Unfortunately I was never able to speak with him before his death. However, if my suspicions are correct, the locket belonged to my mother at one time. Now the girl said she receive the locket from her aunt, this seem like a very valuable gift to be passing onto a niece." Thalathafn pushed the food around his plate

"I set out from Anacan with a mind for solving a mystery, a heart for adventure and hope of finding my real family. While I have stumbled across evidence and adventure, I am no closer to having a real family." Thalathafn gazed out the kitchen window "Days like these my brothers and I would share stories of our heroic adventures by the fire in the great hall." Thalathafn smiled a reminiscent smile. "Tell me Adine, did you have these simple pleasures during your childhood?"

Part II

"My childhood," Adine leaned back in her chair and grinned slightly. "Well, it was normal enough, I suppose. I have two older sisters, Taiasin and Ktrien, but they spent most of their time together. I'm not much like them. Those two, especially Taiasin, were the angels who could do no wrong. I amused myself by tricking them, you know, turning everything in their rooms upside down, lifting their things and leaving ransom notes, putting my snake in their closets, the usual. My parents scolded me for a while then gave up since I never hurt anyone. Well, there was that one servant, but he was asking for it. Imagine, the nerve of him stealing our silver and blaming me!" She paused, taking a drink, reminiscing.

"We had a lot of good times together, though, like the time I got them both a little drunk when my parents were away and we repainted the estate all sorts of colors. Oh the scolding we got for that, well, especially me. I got locked in my room for a good two weeks with that one, except I figured out how to escape out my window. Naturally Taiasin and Ktrien got off with just the scolding." She stopped again, staring out the window at a scene so different from the one she grew up in.

"I haven't seen them since I left home oh so many years ago. I get letters from time to time but there's so much I missed, am missing. I keep thinking one of these years I'll sail home for a bit but I never get around to it." She smiled, a bit more melancholy, then shook herself. "But what am I saying? There's just so much fun to be had here! I couldn't go back. And now I've bored you, you probably just expected a simple answer and here I've gone rambling on."

Adine took Thalathafn's hand. "I can't really imagine what it's like to not have a family of your own at all. We'll figure this out, that is, if you still want my help?"

"Adine, I really don't know what I would have done without you." Thalathafn clutched Adine's hand tighter, "who know what would have happened if I had went back alone. I'm glad that you offer your help even though your task is over, it is always welcomed. But we will have to put any plans on hold for the time being. I have another request for you. I can't offer you gold for the sake of our honour and dignity," Thalathafn said jokingly.

"I have thought about this for some time, the Royal Wedding is fast approaching, would you allow me the honour of your company?" Thalathafn watched Adine for any sign or indication, positive or otherwise.

Adine wasted no time in answering with a nod. "I'd like that. It's nice to have some steady company after all this time. So, royal wedding, think it will be stuffy and pretentious the whole time? Not sure you'll want to be seen with me if it is, I get fidgety. Might start making faces at you." She winked and smiled at Thalathafn.

Thalathafn let out the breath he was unknowingly holding as she winked at him. "King Jenred and duchess Edara aren't the type to have a stuffy affair. There should be plenty of entertainment and I am sure you are more than adept at creating your own." Thalathafn laughed. The sound of his own laughter echoed his delight, something he hadn't heard for sometime in this genuine form. "Now what we're we talking about, oh yes. Adine your stories are the opposite of boring. So you have been a lady of the shadows even has a child. I have always wondered why one would take such a path. You know, I am told Glorawarthien, my father was practitioner of your dark arts. It seems that was why he had to leave. Sometimes I wonder if things would be different if he had another profession and I wonder why he had chosen that path. What about you, why have you chosen this path Adine?" Thalathafn asked as he was finishing his meal. "I don't mean to question your motives. Your skills are very much appreciated, it's just to satisfy my curiosity."

Part III

"Lady of the shadows, I like that," Adine said, smiling. "Too bad they couldn't make that my official title." A cold wind blew through the kitchen. "You know, I really must get that window fixed. Let's go to someplace warmer." She led Thalathafn to her sitting room where a fire burned brightly and a fresh pot of coffee was waiting. Before pouring two cups, she bent down to pet the snake curled up on the hearth. Once she and her guest were settled, she began.

"Why did I become an infiltrator? I suppose the simple answer would be boredom. As you said, I did start even when I was a child. My sisters were the model of a perfect lady and I was the bold mischievous one. After my parents realized that I would never marry some nice noble, settle down, and carry on the Evadne name, they rather gave up on me and turned their focus to the other two. So I was left to my own devices until I was eighteen, at which point I ran off to another island and began life as a soldier. That bored me too, but I was fortunate enough to meet an infiltrator there, Alexander, who taught me most of what I know. After getting into all sorts of trouble on several different islands, including one failed, but rather glorious, rebellion on Beluaterra, I found myself deported here. So tell me, does that answer your question? Even if you had been questioning my motives, I wouldn't have minded really, I've had that happen from far less pleasant people."

Thalathafn sipped from his cup, "Well you and I are quite similar in that sense, never one to idly by and let boredom take hold. Model noble women are plain and plentiful, you on the other hand are intriguing. Never the less you are a noble lady, and should be in proper attire to attend the royal wedding. Do you have a proper dress for the occasion? Or do we need to make a last minute trip to the tailor shop?" Thalathafn rose from his seat and offered a hand to help Adine up from hers. "If you have everything you need, then I will return in a few hours and we can be off to the wedding. Or do we really need to make that last minute trip to the tailors." Thalathafn jabbed with a hint of a smile.

The Festival

Part I

Thalathafn and Adine made their way to the inn as the villagers continued setting up for the festival around them. "So, we're just going to show up at their festivities? Wouldn't that make them a bit...uncomfortable, what with you being the former High Marshal and all? My name means nothing to them and I'd like to keep it that way, but you're a bit conspicuous, you know." She sized him up with a glance. "Well, I'm sure you've thought about that. This is your trip and I'm confident you've sorted out all the details." As they approached the entrance to the inn she linked her arm in his. "Now, what's next on the agenda? After we've thoroughly inspected our room, of course," she said to him with a grin.

"I didn't think much about being recognized," Thalathafn responded as the pair made their way up the rickety staircase. "They wouldn't know me as former general without the fancy cap. I thought we would just pass as travelers, I may need another name for the night though." Thalathafn furled his brow as he had never considered this conundrum.

The simple door opened to reveal and equally simple room. There was a bed, table, four chairs and a small wood stove. Thalathafn and Adine left their rucksacks by the door and closed it behind them. The pair spent the remainder of the afternoon "inspecting" the bed...and table, and one or two chairs. As evening dawned the festivities began to pick up outside their window. "So how do I look? Nothing sticking out where it shouldn't be?" Thalathafn asked as he strapped a short blade to his back and concealed it with a jacket. "We should join them pretty soon, so what should I be known as tonight."

Adine dressed as she and Thalathafn prepared to go to the festival. Concealing her usual arsenal of daggers and poisons, she considered another name for her companion. "It should be something you identify with otherwise it's just obvious. Honestly, I'll probably just call you Thal like usual." She shrugged and kissed him on the cheek. "Now come on, let's go dance, get drunk, and forget any notion of a war. Maybe later I can get you to tell me what exactly happened the last time you were here."

The pair descended from their second story perch to the festivities below. The ale was already flowing freely and many did not even notice the additional company. The bonfires roared into the night and on top of one sat a large pot. Over the course of the evening the commoners each brought various crops and seasonings to throw into the pot. The performers played a simple tune and dancing was done by all. Inquiries into their identity were pushed aside with a toast to the harvest. The night finished after the stew had been served and the drink had been drunk.

"So this is how the festival is supposed to end," Thalathafn remarked, he and Adine standing in the middle of the slowly emptying square. The bonfires extinguished leaving the large harvest moon illuminated their way. "I hope you enjoyed tonight, I know I did without the bounds of noble etiquette. But we should get you to bed, I have something for you in the morning." Thalathafn winked.

Part II

Adine's gray eyes lit up at Thalathafn's last remark. "A present? I love presents. Never get enough of them." Clinging to his arm to avoid stumbling, Adine almost began to regret that last drink. "Can I have a hint? Even just a little hint? Please?" She snuggled in close to him, gazing up at him imploringly.

"I'm afraid I've already said too much," He kissed the top of her head as she clung to his arm. As they made their way up to their room, Thalathafn remained steadfast on his tight lipped position. "Morning will come soon enough, and I've already ruined the surprise." Thalathafn had kept himself sober enough to carry out his arrangement, the one which he couldn't speak about and resulted in the falling off of his horse. He would only rest for a short while that night after lulling Adine to sleep.

It was early morning when Thalathafn rolled out of bed satisfied that Adine was still asleep in it, although one can never be sure with the type which tread that path. Keeping as quiet as he could he made his way to where his horse was stabled. The engagement would be quick and he would be back before she woke, or so he hoped.

His footsteps crunched the morning frost laden path. The path itself was longer than he remembered but he took each brisk step forward boldly facing the biting wind. The village was quiet that solemn winter morning, a contrast to the festivities the night before. He hoped she had not awoke during the time he stepped away as he pushed the open the door to enter the inn. The porridge and coffee he requested was waiting on the counter but no inn keeper was in sight. Thalathafn made his way up the stairs with breakfast in one hand and locket in the other. He entered their simple room and left the breakfast on the table. Thalathafn sat on the bed next to Adine, leaning over her he kissed her cheek and gave her a nudge to wake her. "Good morning, are you ready for your surprise."

Part III

She woke with a bit of a start at Thalathafn's nudge. There was a bit of a dull throbbing at the back of her head that the smell of coffee and the excitement of the surprise pushed away. She sat up in bed, pulling the blankets close to her to fight off the cold winter morning. Returning his kiss, she smiled and nodded. "Go ahead, surprise me!"

Thalathafn slowly opened his right hand and let the golden locket fall. "Surprise?" He asked no one in particular, holding the locket suspended by its chain, "Here's what I promised for you last night, I want you to have this." "Those farmers drove a hard bargain, but I think I got the better deal." Thalathafn smiled.

Adine laughed a little as she saw the locket. "Thal, I can't believe it! Help me put it on?" As he fastened it around her neck, she looked down at her hands. "You know, no one's ever given me something like this before. Sure, I would get presents from my family when I was younger, but ever since I left home no one has given that much consideration." She raised her head to look Thalathafn in the eyes. "And then you go and give me the thing that brought us together in the first place." She gave a small grin and looked around. "That damned pigeon isn't around here anywhere, right?"

Thalathafn thought for a moment, "No, no, the pigeon was in the saddlebag, which was attached to the horse, which I used to trade for the locket,But I suppose when they let it out of the bag it might return." "I am glad you liked the surprise." He said before turning to put new logs in the wood stove. Warmth filled the small simple room. "Breakfast is ready, and afterward we can spend the day on anything you'd like, but keep in mind we only have a single horse."

"While I still can't believe you actually traded your horse for this necklace, I'm grateful," Adine said, taking Thalathafn's hand. "As to what we shall do today, I'm thinking we should ride out to that little spot we camped during our first time together in this village and have a picnic lunch. I'll leave the plans for after that up to you."

She sent word to the kitchens to have a lunch made up for them. They rode out to the spot and began their lunch.

The frost from the night before was forgotten as the early mid day sun of late autumn warmed them. Their spot amongst the tree line spotted with trees, decorated with short intricate shadows cast on the fallen leaves of fall. The concealed nook was well enough off the beaten path to offer some seclusion. Thalathafn's eyes wandered over to Adine as they sat on the floor of dessicated leaves.

"This was an excellent idea, this spot where we spent our first night together." "What would I do without you?" He asked, but continued without waiting for an answer.

"I've been thinking about your craft. I know this art flows in your blood and I would never ask you to change that. After all that's what brought me to you. But we won't have many chances like this to spend with each other. I just want you to promise me one thing, never let that locket away from you. Knowing its there will bring me the same solace as if I were at your side."