Ciara had propped herself up on her side, using a single shaking arm to hold herself there. Looking around, her eyes were still foggy, sore and burned each time she blinked. She felt horrible, like she had gone through some long battle of some sort, but the memories of such an event were gone.

Her eyes searched her surroundings, looking from some clue to cause it all to coming back, but there was nothing there that looked familiar. Nothing there that she had ever seen before.

Her sore eyes made their way to Kiranni's, looking into them as if searching for the truth in them. I do not remember how I have gotten here or what has happened. I feel awful. Her voice was still sounding as if she was groggy, matching how she felt.

Ciara took her free hand up from her side, wiping her forehead, running a hand through her tangled hair. It wasn't like it usually was, something was very different about her. The loss of memory, the numbness, the horrid state she was in, nothing like she had ever been through before.

The lake glistened in the light, the smooth dark surface illuminated. In her mind, she remembered a flash of lightning. The bright flash was blinding of white and purples as thunder rolled. It was a vision, by the lake, that same lake she now looked upon. But what does it mean? What happened?

Shaking her head from the blank stare she was giving to the lake, she turned her head slowly back to Kiranni. Her muscles sore and stiff, cold, her whole body was cold. Forgive me, I did not mean that you would have harmed me. I do not know you at all. But please, put yourself in my position, laying here to awaken to see your face, feeling much worse than I look I assume and remembering nothing of what has happened to me.

She hoped that if Kiranni was truely just passing by that she would not take any more offense to her words. Her thoughts trailed off as she looked down again at the grass, holding her forehead as she tried her hardest to remember.

A mist rose, revealing Ciara's body lay in the middle of The Misted Hills. It seemed lifeless, unmoving, her breath slow and shallow. Her already pale smooth skin seemed to have lost all coloring, leaving it tinted gray in color, cold to the touch. She opened her eyes, which burned, she was so tired. Her eyes shifted, looking down her body which was rolled to one side, her left arm drapped over her torso as she laid upon the other. How did I get here? She felt as though she could not move, so disconnected with the rest of her body. I am so cold. She tried to speak, but she could not open her mouth, no sound was made from her. A strong wind took up her hair, then died just as quickly as it had rose, leaving the strands of hair fallen over her face, covering it and her sight, making it more difficult for her to see her surroundings.

She had the feeling she was dizzy. Her vision, what was left of it began to blur and a bright light flashed in front of her eyes, blinding her. She shut them again, as they filled with tears. She didn't know where she was at, nor did she know why she couldn't move her own body, she feared for the worst as the tears fell down her face into the harsh grass beneath her. Never had she felt such an emotion, her mind racing through the thoughts so quickly that she wasn't really thinking anything at all. Please, someone help me she cried in her thoughts. Her eyes closed tightly, she tried to call out, to make some sound, still there was nothing. She laid there, crying as she appeared to pass out again in the grass of the hills as the Mist settled over her once more.

Kiranni had been galloping through the Misted Hills for some time now upon her steed, Streea. The wind whipped at her face. It felt cool upon it and made her smile. She closed her eyes for a while, when she opened them she looked to her right and saw something, immobile, upon the ground. She passed it in a second and halted her horse, causing her to rear violently, Streea's legs thrashing. Kiranni tugged on the reins turning Streea and started back. She stopped and leapt off to see the fallen body of a female she had never met before. She knelt down to see if she was awake, or even alive. She prodded her lightly to see if she came to. What if she is dead? thought Kiranni. That would not be good, she thought to herself with a frown.

Ciara had opened her eyes, her vision still foggy. Looking up to Kiranni she groaned, trying to push herself back and away from the woman in front of her. What are you doing to me? Her voice was soft and scratchy, as if she had just woken up from a long long slumber. The mist was dark, there was a lake not far from where she lay. Ciara slowly tried to put the pieces together, still not remembering how she was brought to this place and why her body was so numb.

She closed her eyes once more, trying to remember how she had gotten here but everything in her mind was so blank. Who was is this woman? Does she have anything to do with why I am here? Is she going to hurt me? A strong wind rose, it was freezing, the first time Ciara had found it freezing within the lands of Imythess. Her eyes opened slowly, still sore from tears and feeling so tired. What are you going to do to me. She hadn't the strength to move hersel as she lay there, looking up to Kiranni in the grass on the hill.

Kiranni looked slightly taken aback. She truly hadn't expected the woman to stir and took a step away from her.

"What am I going to do to you?! Apparently whatever's been done to you has been carried out already and you look the worse for it. I wouldn't still be here if I had done anything to you anyways,"

She said slightly ruffled. When people accused her of things she would rather they have reason. She thought about it now and wondered why she had even stopped at all if this woman was going to be this ungrateful towards someone who had merely wanted to know if she was alright or even still among the living. She let out a deep breath trying to calm herself.

"What the blazes has happened to you anyhow?"

Kiranni asked trying to take her mind off of Ciara's unkind accusations. She peered down at her. She looked terrible and near deathly pale.

How far is Kellen from here would you say? She had quickened her pace to keep up with Kiranni upon her horse. She was so sore all over, she didn't quite understand. How could my memories be so easily lost? This has never happened before, it is quite strange. Here usual cheerful skipping was a fast pace walk, staying beside Kiranni. Whatever it is, there is evil surrounding this situation, I don't know what it was but I will find out.

I do not think Kuya rules over Kellen. I believe I was told that he was the guardian, but that could have changed since he has become a God. I do hope that Kuya can offer some light on this, it will drive me mad if I do not remember soon. She wasn't sure of Kiranni just yet, there was something about her that was different, but she couldn't pinpoint what it was. She was kind for stopping though it didn't seem that she did it too often. Her smiles came often, but lacked a certain sincerity about them.

Ciara shrugged off the thoughts, trying not to dwell upon them. She has offered to take me to Kellen, much farther than she could have done. She could have not stopped at all. It had been a long time, there were many ackward pauses in their conversation as they made their way to Kellen. She didn't expect conversation, not on their travel through this darkened place.

Kiranni presently did not respond. She just studied Ciara who looked like she'd been through some sort of terrible ordeal. She watched as her gaze travelled to the lake. She too turned to look at it. It seemed extremely unextrordinary. Ah well, she thought. She turned her attention back to Ciara who still seemed rather distressed.

"I suppose I would have jumped to similar conclusions,"

Kiranni admitted, her face still bereft of expression. She wondered if this amnesia attack was normal. Ciara might have gone into shock, Kiranni thought rifling through possibilities in her mind. Or maybe she had been unconcious, or sleepwalking, or under a spell... The list went on and on. Innumerable possibilities presented themselves. Kiranni's brow furrowed in thought, she almost forgot that Ciara was even there and when she looked back down at her she was slightly surprised although it did not show upon her face.

"Well, anyways... Is there anything you need or perhaps some place you need to be?"

Kiranni asked still looking slightly worriedly at Ciara. Kiranni's recent kind streak slightly disturbed her. She didn't know why she was being so nice to almost everyone. Maybe people just hadn't been getting on her nerves. Surprising. Just then however she began to get a twinge in the back of her mind. That twinge that you know is telling you to do something terrible. She shook her head and managed to ignore it for now. In moments it was forgotten and she remembered the immediate issue at hand.

"Oh, by the way, I'm Kiranni,"

She said realising that Ciara had no idea who she was, extending her hand to Ciara so that she could shake it and Kiranni could pull her to her feet. The corners of her mouth gave a slight inclination of a smile as she looked at the seemingly paralized woman which faded momentarily.

Ciara had reached for Kiranni's hand, but seeing that she did not have her long gloves on, she quickly drew it back. Her eyes were in a shocked look once more, she did not understand, she always wore her gloves while she was away, only taking them off when she was most comfortable or searching for something. Looking around she searched for her gloves but they were no where to be seen.

Forgive me, my name is Ciara. Could you tell me where we are exactly? She had tried her best to be polite to Kiranni, especially after not shaking her hand. She slowly stood, her whole body seemed sore, her joints stiff and aching. I am sorry but I cannot touch you, you may not understand but that is just my way. She walked Kiranni's eyes, watching for any sign of anger or disappointment.

The winds had picked up again, something drawing her attentions back to the lake. The surface was not smooth and dark, but now shimmering as the wind blew over it causing small ripples of waves. Something about it pulled her, the winds did the same, pushing her toward it. Her attentions were redirected from Kiranni as she slowly walked from her to the lake.

"The Misted Hills. Lake of Darkness to be exact. Well, that's the Lake of Darkness,"

Kiranni replied indicating the lake to which she had her back to. She had been rather affronted by Ciara's seeming unkindness, but brushed it aside with ease. There was no point in asking Ciara why she would not touch another with her flesh because if she had wanted Kiranni to know she most likely would have told her already. Besides, it made little difference to her anyhow.

"If I know nothing else, I know my geography,"

Kiranni replied, trying to remain polite. She remained unblinking as Ciara studied her, merely watching the woman, and continuing to do so as she turned and headed for the lake. Streea stomped her hooves restlessly, and Kiranni realised that she still held fast to her reins. She calmed her stroking her snout. Streea's breath felt warm on her hand. Kiranni dropped the reins and watched as her steed trotted away to the left to do as she pleased. Kiranni now remembered that Ciara had headed for the lake and turned to follow her, giving a last look at Streea over her shoulder.

Bending down, Ciara looked down at her reflection upon the wavering water surface. Her hair was a mess, tangled and scraggly. Nothing like the beautiful blonde mass that it was. Her eyes were were red, looking puffy. Reaching down, she touched her reflection, sending a soft rippling affect across the lake.

She had heard Kiranni come closer, she did not know what to say. She was an awful sight for anyone, she was thankful that Kiranni had come along, it was good to see another face in the darkness of the hills. You say the Misted Hills? What is near here? A village perhaps?

She watched hre reflection for another moment before standing up again and turning to Kiranni. She did not remember going to the Misted Hills, she did not even know where it was located at. She couldn't even seem to remember the last place she was.

Squeezing her barefeet in the grass, she wiggled them, trying to shake the numbness that she had felt. There must be something here that explains why I have found myself here, the only way I will remember is if I find it.

"Well, we're rather near the Castle of Death if that means anything at all to you. Somehow I doubt that it does judging that you don't even seem to know where the Misted Hills are,"

Kiranni replied. Ciara looked a mess, but Kiranni cared very little about her appearance. In fact she was more interested in why she was out here in a place she knew nothing of. She cocked her head slightly watching Ciara examine her reflection. She tried to be patient with her because she seemed so detatched from reality. It was hard however as patience was not one of Kiranni's strong attributes. Kiranni felt rather compelled to help Ciara for some reason. She just seemed rather interesting. Kiranni looked back to her horse, whom she was extremely protective of. Kiranni wasn't exactly an animal lover, but when it came to Streea it was different. Streea was simply important to her. Almost like a familiar, except that she was not very adept when it came to the magical arts.

Sighing again, she strained herself to remember the events that had led up to finding herself left alone in along the hills near the Lake of Darkness. Closing her eyes, she hoped for another vision of some sort, to show her the way.

There was nothing but darkness when she had closed her eyes, there was not vision. Lowering her head she opened them again slowly, wondering why her memory evaded her. Shaking her head she spoke again softly. I do not know where that is either, nor do I know anything of the Misted Hills. It does not make sense, how could I not remember coming here?

Looking back to Kiranni, she wondered why she had stopped, what had brought her to where she was. Thank you for stopping, I am not sure what I would have done if you hadn't, though I am not sure what I shall do now. Ciara's voice had trailed off, she had no idea what to do now.

Where are you coming from? Where are you going? Perhaps I can go with you as far as you will let me, so long as you lead me to somewhere safe. Her eyes had grown softer, as soft as they could get in their sore state. She did not feel safe in this place, especially not after what had happened to her, whatever that was.

"I was just riding, more than anything else. I could take you where ever you'd like really. I've nothing better to do at present so anywhere's fair game. Besides, I haven't had anything interesting to do in a long while so it'll be good to change my usual routine,"

Kiranni replied, wondering now more than ever at her... selflessness. It irked her. She'd already offered now and wasn't about to renege though so she simply waited for Ciara's response. She wondered where the woman was going, or where she had come from. Now that Kiranni thought about it though some of the things she had said were in fact true. She really did want a change from the everyday boredoms of her life. It was final, she made up her mind, she would take Ciara where ever she so desired, or until Kiranni found something of more intrigue to attend to.

Well, out of this place I do suppose. Perhaps I will find something that will reach my forgotten memories. She had frowned again, sighing heavily as she tried to run her fingers through her hair to smooth it all out. There is no place for me to fix myself up is there? She looked down at her mud stained clothing and her bare hands. This will not do, I cannot wait to get home.

We can continue in whatever direction you were going. I suppose I will be alright to walk, it will help me to stretch some. It feels as though I was laying here for ages. Taking a deep breath, she walked to Kiranni's side, looking in all directions as if to make sure the evils of this place did not jump out at her. She disliked this place, for reasons she could not explain.

The mists had settled around the lake, giving it an eerie look as Ciara walked away from it. She had not noticed this, but did noticed that the hills themselves seemed to mist over, making it slightly harder to see. Turning to Kiranni, she looked eager to go. Shall we then?

"Certainly. I was, more or less, heading in the direction of Kellen. Then if you desire you can stay at the inn there, The Green Gryphon, a very... pleasant place indeed,"

Kiranni said, using the word pleasant with great distaste. She then found herself dismayed slightly. Ciara had no apparent mode of transport and Kellen wasn't exactly close. She looked toward Streea and bit her lip. She didn't even know if her horse would allow another rider. Kiranni could tell thought that Ciara was in no state to walk the entire distance to Kellen.

"Alright, I suppose I'll be walking. You can ride Streea, I'll have to introduce the two of you first. I'm not quite sure how well she'll react.. But I'm pretty sure that if I allow it she'll be fine,"

Kiranni said with little trace of resentment in her voice and an attampted smile. She walked over to her steed and motioned for Ciara to follow. Streea nuzzled Kiranni's shoulder in greeting. Kiranni began to whisper to her horse seeing if she would be persuaded to carry Ciara. Streea snorted slightly, but eventually seemed to accept her fate.

"All right, she should be fine now,"

Kiranni said shooting Streea a look that said, 'you better behave yourself.'

Ciara had been amazed by the kindness of the stranger that she had only just met moments ago. Oh no, I could not possibly. She smiled warmly, nodding her head in a silent thank you to Kiranni. She is your horse, I cannot take that from you, please ride her, I will walk alongside you, perhaps it will lessen the stiffness in my legs. She stepped aside, allowing Kiranni to take mount upon her horse. Her mind had slipped away from you and the thought of Huthi faded. She could have so easily remembered, but it seems that her memory of this night wasn't the othering eluding her.

Ciara paced for a few more moments, allowing Kiranni to settle herself upon her horse if she so wished. This place was so dark, everything around them seemed so cold and harsh. There was silence in every direction, unlike any other place she had been in Imythess. Most places were warm and cheerful, this felt like death and age. Unwelcoming. Turning back to Kiranni a short time later she wondered about The Green Gryphon, remembering it for some reason, though she was unsure why. The Green Gryphon you say, in Kellen? An eyebrow had raised, the color in her skin had slowly started to fade in as she had been pacing, stirring the blood within her.

Isn't Kellen the city in which Kuya, God of Day guards over? She was sure this was what she remembered hearing, though she could have been wrong. If indeed Kuya was the guardian of the city, he might be able to help her in finding out what had happened to her in the time before Kiranni was so kind to stop for her. She was sure the old friend would see to it, finding whomever or whatever it was that had brought her out to the lake. Forgive me, I am only trying to piece things together. Kellen would be wonderful, I do not believe I have travelled there yet. She smiled to Kiranni, a warm and friendly smile through the thick darkness that surrounded them.

"I wasn't aware of his rule over the village, no. Perhaps I am mistaken, it has been a while since I have ventured there,"

Kiranni said mounting her horse at Ciara's refusal to do so. Kiranni pondered why momentarily, but allowed it to trouble her no further at why someone would refuse an offer such as that. She wasn't here to consider the inner workings of the mind. Seeing Ciara smile Kiranni returned it.

"It really is no trouble,"

Kiranni replied to Ciara's last statement. She thought about it and knew she'd be in the same untalkative boat.

"I suppose we'd best be getting along ere sunset, which I fear is only hours away,"

Kiranni finished with a frown because she had seen the uncertain looks Ciara had given the place as she surveyed it. The place didn't exactly make Kiranni shiver in fear, it seemed fairly harmless. She supposed it depended upon the soul looking about their surroundings. Ciara had seemed more a creature of good in Kiranni's first impression on meeting her. In the past quite a few of these 'impressions' had been more or less correct. She gave Ciara a nod to commence their journey to Kellen and set Streea off at a slow pace so that Ciara could keep pace.

Kiranni continued at a steady pace. She didn't feel right riding her horse while Ciara walked. It seemed impolite, and impoliteness was one of the few things Kiranni would not tolerate. It took her a great amount of self control not to hop off her horse and force Ciara to ride in her place.

"It's around a three day journey with one of us on foot, one on horseback. If we hurried we could probably get there in two, but now the light already fades as we idly speak. We should probably continue on for another few hours, then perhaps make camp if you desire. I could keep journeying a good part of the night. if you were up to it that is. If we do that though I insist that we should ride Streea in shifts,"

Kiranni finished. She usually wasn't that social around people she had just met. There was a first time for everything though. There was a slightly awkward silence as Kiranni waited for Ciara's opinion on her route plan. The silence wasn't that bad though. She probably would have found it more annoying if Ciara had been constantly chattering. That really got Kiranni ticked off. So she kept riding and waited with patience for Ciara's response.

Ciara only nodded, taking Kiranni's words in. She did have a good point, but she had felt so rude if she were to take her only ride. Sighing heavily, she looked away from Kiranni, her eyes searching in front of them through the darkness. She had a very well made point, we may travel faster if we were to take shifts upon the horse. Reaching up, she pulled her hair down, which had been flung up into the air by a sudden gust of chilling air. And she has offered, twice now. If she was not ready to allow me to ride, she would have forgotten about it completely. Her eyes fell to the ground in front of her, carefully stepping across a well beaten path. She was amazed that anything out here would be as worn as the path was. It wasn't a very welcoming place, but of course, at one time or another, it might have been.

"You are right I suppose. When you are ready, we will switch, giving your horse a few moments to rest. I am sure this journey will not be an easy one for her." Ciara's eyes fell upon the steed, who seemed not to be affected by their surroundings as much as she was herself. She chuckled softly inside at the strength of such a creature. It must be nice to have someone you can depend upon, such as a steed, perhaps I shall buy one, though I would feel terrible. I do not think I could keep one for myself. They would have to be free to come and go when they pleased. Sighing again, she kicked at a stone on the ground, stubbing her toe slightly, wincing at the pain it shot up through her leg. Silly me, why do I have to do that? Limping for a moment, she balanced out her walk, looking up to Kiranni again, as a forced smile crossed her face. "As for riding through the night, I do not see that as a problem. But is it safe is my question." Feeling at her sides, she did not feel her daggers and she had known that her bow and quiver were not with her. "I myself am weaponless here, it seems that more than my memory has been taken from me."

Something inside Ciara growled, her eyes for a moment a soft shade of pink as her frustration to remember grew. I will find out why I am out here and when I do, there better be a very good explaination for it, for whomever did this to me, will wish they hadn't even crossed my way. It was not like Ciara at all to get so heated, but the thoughts of someone kidnapping her and stealing her items infuriated her. The winds seemed to change, blowing hard to the east. They seemed to grow the more and more as Ciara became more and more frustrated, almost angry at the fact that someone would leave her out in this place, to die for all they knew. Realizing she had not been controlling her emotions, she looked around, calming the winds, hoping that her company had not noticed a thing.

((sorry Ciara, I didn't reply for a while, I didn't feel like typing out a long post, Happy Birthday by the way))

"Perchance a robbery is at the heart of this, and yet I think it is most likely more than that,"

Kiranni replied to Ciara's words. She was heartened that Ciara had agreed to ride Streea in shifts. It would have made her uncomfortable to not share her horse with her travelling companion. The winds picked up momentarily which caused Kiranni to immediately sneak a sideways glance at Ciara who seemed to be slightly frusterated. When Ciara's face cleared the wind all but disappeared. Perhaps there was more to Ciara than met the eye. Kiranni thought on this for a moment before the silence became slightly uncomfortable.

"It's better that you have agreed to ride Streea and ride through the night. If we are swift we may be able to cut off half of a day or a little more,"

Kiranni said glancing at Ciara before turning her eyes foreward once more. She stifled a yawn giving her face an odd expression. She blinked in wonder at her sleepiness. Wanting to distract herself slightly she stroked Streea's muzzle. The horse in turn gave a soft whinnying. Kiranni wasn't good with animals, but Streea was different. If it had been any other steed but Streea Kiranni didn't think they'd have meshed as well as Streea and her had. Another yawn came upon her and she started out of her reverie, reaching up a hand to cover her gaping mouth.

((No worries, I understand, take your time if you need to.))

Ciara's eyes narrowed. She hadn't wanted to dwell on the situation anymore than they had but she couldn't help herself. "Well what would you think if you had been found lost in a place much like this?" She waved her arm, motioning to the area just beyond the lake. "With little memory of how you came to be here and your items missing?" Her eyes still searching for answers, hoping that something would trigger a memory. "Forgive me if I sound rude. I just wish I could remember, it would make this all alot easier to take in." Her eyes ceased to wander, now watching the path in front of her. Kicking up at the occassional rock that laid in her way.

"I do thank you for your horse, it will prove to be useful and you are right. It will save us time I am sure. I will repay you for all of this somehow, I promise you." She shifted her attentions back to Kiranni upon the steed. "Is there anything you will be needing that I could aid you with once we arrive in Kellen?" Ciara was sincere, it was good thing that Kiranni had come along. For she didn't even want to imagine what her fate would have been if she hadn't of come along at that moment.

Ciara realized that she had been talking alot and that her companion hadn't seemed that talkative. She stopped herself from going on until Kiranni had spoken. I do not wish to scare her away, I need her to lead me to Kellen. Atleast that far. I will have to do my best to keep her pleased until then. Ciara continued to walk silently alongside Streea and Kiranni. The winds dying down, making thier travels easier and more effortless than before.

Kiranni smiled genuinely in empathy. She would have the same lost, distracted and slightly rude air that Ciara had. It truly wasn't a problem though. Kiranni got the impression that Ciara wasn't saying all that she wanted to say. Kiranni was a rather straightforeward person and this bothered her. It also seemed that Ciara felt she had to hold back around Kiranni which annoyed her even more so. She kept her face blank.

"I would feel quite affronted if I found myself in a position such as your own, It really is no trouble at all to share my steed and I don't expect any form of repayment. I believe I shall be quite fine once we reach Kellen and I don't think you sound any more rude than you need to be,"

Kiranni said with great sincerity looking over at Ciara who was now kicking the odd stone out of her path. Kiranni continued on momentarily in their silence before she looked to the sky and realised how dark it had become. Beautiful.

"I suggest at sunrise we should trade places and you may ride Streea,"

Kiranni said finally, judging that it was near well midnight. She looked to Ciara once more for confirmation of her proposal.

Ciara nodded, her eyes searching for something, but what she didn't know. It was like there was a slight pull inside of her, she wasn't sure what it was all about. Pushing it aside, she concentrated her thoughts on the path and how much her foot ached. Why must you be so playful all the time. Serious, you must be more serious. Shaking her head, she looked away from Kiranni, in the direction of the darkness. Her eyes not really looking upon anything in particular, just adverted from her company.

It was unsettling how she could remember who she was, where she was from, what she was and what she could do, but she couldn't remember the events that led up to the moment when Kiranni had found her laying in a mess on the cold ground near the lake. There was lightning. Ciara's eyes narrowed as she continued to walk but kept her eyes adverted. I do remember there was lightning, but other than that it is a blank. Her eyes went from the darkness to the gnalred trees. Her legs stopped as something flashed in from of her eyes. Things faded away as through her eyes it seemed as though she were running, fast and paniced, away from something.

What is it? Am I really running? Why do I feel so afraid? Ciara quickly twirled herself around hoping to catch a glimpse of whatever it was that she was running from but still it seemed as though she was running, faster and harder than she had been before until she saw the splash of water and she collapsed on the ground. Her sight slowly came back to her as she was now sitting on the ground. Kiranni up ahead of her now, still on her steed. Was that all a dream? It looked so real. It felt real. Could it be the memories coming back to me? She remained on the ground for quite some time, her thoughts scattered as she tried to figure out what just happened to her.

Kiranni realised now that Ciara had fallen behind. Kiranni turned Streea about to try and locate Ciara. She found her seated upon the ground. A rather odd place to find someone who had been walking at your side moments before. She hopped off her steed and walked back to where Ciara now sat. Kiranni wore a queer expression but hid it when she reached Ciara.

"That was, quite... odd. What just happened anyhow, one moment you were there and the next you were back here?"

Kiranni questioned kindly wondering now if Ciara was alright even. She watched Ciara with a look of concern upon her face. There had been something about Ciara ever since Kiranni had met her, but know it seemed even more so. She waited anxiously with baited breath to hear what Ciara's response would be. Kiranni really wanted to know. She heard Streea pawing at the ground a few feet away and stayed her with a look. She turned back to Ciara and now, thinking about it, extended her hand so that Ciara could stand up. She waited to see if Ciara would accept her hand or even say what had just occured.

Shaking her head she tried to get the memories back. I am sure that that is what they are, memories of some sort. Is it from the lake? She didn't look up, didn't see the offered hand. She was more concerned with what was going on. Her eyes now darted from the gnarled trees to the darkness and back again, no looking up at Kiranni once. "It was like I was running. I was running really fast and hard. I was running away from something or someone. I was terrified."

She sat there, upon her legs just the way she had fallen. Her eyes searching for another familiar place. "And then there was a splash of water." Ciara didn't know how it all fit together. She didn't know if the lightning had had anything to do with the moment either. For the first time since Kiranni had come back, she looked up. Her eyes were paniced, she didn't know what to think but she wanted the answers. "You didn't see anything? I just stopped walking?" She rose on her own, her arms and legs feeling a bit shaken.

I must have been chased here. But by whom or what? "We should keep going, but could you keep and eye out please, I don't want to wander off on my own, not with the visions coming back as they are." Ciara realized that Kiranni looked concerned too. She didn't know how to explain what she was feeling or what she had seen. She couldn't quite piece together all of the scenes and didn't know if they were real or not.

"I feel that we are getting closer to something. Perhaps we are getting closer to the truth of my I was laying in the middle of no where practically." With that, she took off in the direction that Kiranni had come, ahead of her so that she could be seen and waited for Kiranni to follow.

Kiranni dropped her hand back to her side. She let all of Ciara's rather panicked words register. She seemed truly frightened. Kiranni opened her mouth a few times before actually speaking.

"You just seemed like you weren't completely there for a moment and then I turned around and you were there on the ground. It was extremely odd. Maybe you should ride Streea for now so I can keep a bit of a watch on you, but then again, if you have another vision and take off I'll have absolutely no way to catch up to you. Streea is a rather fast horse,"

Kiranni finished. She wanted to say more, comment on Ciara's weird predicament, but she thought it best that she wait for a response, and wait until they were on the move again before they discussed it further. She got the feeling that Ciara didn't particularly want to talk about her vision, but perhaps it was just her. Besides, she wanted to aid Ciara and she'd be absolutely no help to her if Ciara didn't want to comment on her vision. She went over everything Ciara had said once more, running fearfully and a splash of water. She also got the feeling Ciara might have been holding back as well, but didn't want to pry. She turned it all over in her mind and only now remembered that Ciara was walking away. She hurried to catch up and was soon back to where Streea was. Upon reflection, she now thought it best that she ride Streea in case Ciara had a wild vision and ran off and Kiranni needed to give chase. Without waiting for Ciara's response she got back onto her horse and had to trot a bit to catch up to her. She stayed a little behind her so as to watch for any more oddities.

Ciara only imagined what might happen if she had a vision in a town. What the locals might say. She sighed heavily, turning to walk backwards as she spoke to Kiranni. "I must look insane. Out in the middle of no where, not remembering anything that happened that led me to being here." She giggled softly, trying to make light of the conversation. To lift her spirits. Ciara disliked being sad and upset, she always tried to look at the brighter side of things, even if it was in the darkest of places. "I am not like this always, I do assure you." She laughed again, feeling as though it might be safe to walk along side of Kiranni once again.

"So odd, but I suppose I will just have to wait for the visions to come to me. They are not like my other visions. Usually I have them of my mother, of her past, before I was born. If you could call it that." She smiled a happy smile that seemed to light up her eyes for a moment. "Or rather planted." She laughed out loud, the sound of her laugh carrying on the winds for quite some time. "Forgive me, sometimes my humor....well just isn't very funny at all."

She had began to ramble once more, but she hadn't minded. It was better than silence. Part of her was fearful that another vision would come. The feeling she had when she was having the vision, uncomparable to anything she had ever felt before. She was so scared and paniced, like her life was in grave danger. I will just keep the mood light, hopefully if I have another vision it will be less dramatic and it will not affect our journey. "So you say about two days if we keep at it well? And sooner if all things go well?"

Kiranni laughed at Ciara's humour. It wasn't as bad as other peoples that she had heard.

"I don't think you're too insane, not that it matters because I've been known to be myself a little on the eccentric side,"

Kiranni said with a genuine smile and looking down at Ciara who had come to walk beside her once more.

"It should take roughly two days as I said,"

Kiranni replied with a slight nod. Her smile of happiness fleeing as quick as it had come. She thought about how Ciara had said she had visions of her mother. Kiranni opened her mouth to ask about them in genuine interest, but shut it quickly because she didn't want to sound rude or nosy. Then again, Ciara had been the one to bring it up... No, Kiranni thought to herself, Ciara's visions are none of my business unless she wants to share them. She realised that she had been openly watching Ciara this entire time she had been thinking. She opened her eyes wide and turned back to face ahead of her. She blushed slightly as it was extrememly rude to stare. She tried frantically to think of something else to say, but found her mind blank except for the question 'What kind of visions do you have about your mother?' However Kiranni would not ask it unless Ciara wished to elaborate. She fiddled with the reins not meeting Ciara's eyes in her embarrassment and trying to preoccupy herself.

Nodding, the skip returned to her step as she was feeling a little bit better, besides the fact that she was hesitant due to the fact she didn't know what would trigger another vision. "Well you see, these visions I have of my mother, they are of her past. They are of my past because I am really only a small part of her. Not much unlike that of a human child."

She smiled up to Kiranni, going further on about the visions. She will stop me if she doesn't want to hear about it, won't she? Smiling warmly, she looked up to Kiranni, who was fiddling with her reins. Ciara's eyes narrowed slightly as she continued, her eyes fixed on Kiranni's hands. "It is usually of happy things, points throughout her life that had great meaning to her, those times that would help me through my life. It is how I knew of the world tree. If it wasn't for my visions, or really her visions, I would have never found it."

Shaking her head, she realized that she was staring and blushed a shade of red. What was that all about? It is like I was entranced my her hands and the reins. Another clue? Pushing the thoughts aside she continued on with her story, now turning her attention down the the path she walked upon. "My favorite, is of when my mother and my father were married. It was ulitmately their last day but it is my favorite above all else."

Ciara let a smile play over her face secretly. They were so brave, in the end, together, where no one could deny them of what they truely wanted. The smile stayed as she walked along, still concentrating down on the path they were on but didn't say anything else about the visions for the time being as she let her mind wander.

Kiranni listened intently to Ciara's recount of her visions about her mother and smiled warmly. feeling that this had broken down some sort of barrier that had seperated the two of them since they had first met Kiranni felt she could ask Ciara more questions about her visions and her family. Ciara had, after all, initiated the topic. If Ciara asked about Kiranni and her family, she wouldn't exactly have much to say, she thought in sorrow. She figured she should say something about her own parents, not wanting Ciara to assume Kiranni didn't want to talk about them.

"My parents are a vague part of my past. I can't even remeber the details of their faces anymore. They're just approximate images in my head. I hated my family. They made me into a terrible sort of person, as well as my own decisions obviously. Is it nice to remember your parents in such detail? I think I would find it rather burdensome because they are the two things in my life I've tried to erase entirely, perhaps that's my weakness,"

Kiranni finished with a smile. She wondered how she had opened up to Ciara more than she had to anyone in a while. It made her feel so vulnerable, so readable, so empty. Kiranni quickly cleared the notions that she was easy to predict. She waited eagerly for Ciara's response glancing at her every once in a while merely in inquisition.

Nodding, Ciara took in all that Kiranni had said. Toiling with the thoughts in her mind, she was silent for a few moments. But how can she say that she had tried to erase her memories from her past? Doesn't she know that whatever part they played, whether it be good or bad, they have shaped her into what she is today? As I sit here and look at her, I see a strong woman, one that is sure of herself. Both very good traits for a woman, especially someone of her status. I wonder what her views are of herself.

Another moment passed as Ciara carefully thought of what to say. She hadn't wanted to offend Kiranni. At first she hadn't wanted to offend her so that she could get out of this place, but Ciara couldn't just use her like that now. She was beginning to find out things about her now, partly knowing her better. "I am sure your parents played a role in your life. Whether it is something you are proud of or not, they have made you who you are today." She smiled again. As she had thought, the smiled had passed away as she concentrated on her thoughts. But now she seemed to be brighter, as she usually was.

"As for my parents, it is good to remember them at all. As if I was not who I am, I wouldn't have known them at all." She snickered as she turned her eyes from Kiranni, again following the path with them, searching in the darkness, but some how feeling safer, more comfortable with their setting. Nodding she assure herself that it was nice to remember them and seem them through her mother's eyes. "I only wish that I could have met them. There is so much that I would want to talk with them about, so much I could still learn from them if they were still alive."

As she spoke, part of her sighed, the other put on a happy face as to not show Kiranni the sadness she felt inside. Knowing that every day of your life you were truely alone. Never knowing what is right or wrong, what is normal and abnormal. "Growing up, I am sure I could have used my mother's guidance. As I watch families today, I see what a large part the mother plays in the development of a child." She again turned her eyes to Kiranni, something inside them delighted about what she was speaking on."It is not that she is essential, but she aids and nurtions her childs growth. It is a beautiful thing really."

Laughing out loud for a moment, she shook her head. "Please excuse me. I may seem extreme, but it is somethign I have noticed, as I have never been in their place." There was a fork up ahead, Ciara had slowed her walk, it was much darker now, as the night had fallen. The moon shown through the leaves, giving patterns of the light onto the path they crossed. Nodding up to the fork, she ask Kiranni "which way now?"

Kiranni listened to Ciara's words with interest. Ciara held her own parents in such high regard and it pained Kiranni to think of the people who had been her parents. They were just so, unnecessary in her mind. Ciara made some good points. They did nurture and what not, but in the end you had to take care of yourself anyway. Ciara's parents had seeminly played a large part in her life, but Kiranni's had had such a small impact in her own. She barely restrained herself from frowning about it. However, she regained her composure.

"My parents did play a role obviously, but it wasn't very important in my mind. Of course without my parents I wouldn't have been brought into this world. Still, I feel like they let me down somehow, in a way I cannot even explain or understand. I'm not making any sense am I?"

Kiranni questioned with a laugh. She felt like a moron for going off like that. She wasn't really making sense, but what she said still seemed to make sense in her mind. She would have to stop herself from going off like that, people would begin to believe her even more crazy than she was. She then recalled Ciara's other question and very much wanted to find some way to change the subject all of a sudden.

"Which way? It's..."

Kiranni trailed off losing her train of thought. She looked up to the road in front of her still caught up in the discussions of the past few minutes and trying, rather poorly, to get her mind back on where they were headed. She halted Streea and shook her head to clear it. Suddenly she forgot the directions she so plainly knew. She let out a deep exasperated breath and hopped off of her horse. She looked first to the roads which both wound off in different directions then down at herself apparently trying to think of something. Suddenly remembering Kiranni reached into her pants pocket and pulled out a small corner of parchment. She had written down a few brief directions to Kellen in case she had ended up heading there which she had. The left path is what she had written down. She was angry at her forgetfulness. She put the paper back into her pocket and remounted Streea.

"Sorry about that. I'm somewhat scatterbrained at times. It's the left path,"

Kiranni replied smiling in spite of herself. She clucked her tongue slightly and jerked her reins sending Streea forward and to the left path.