Aris Lynin walked through the streets of the city of lanterns looking for a place to rest. She had her dark brown cloke on, and hood up, hiding her Elf ears. Her crystal blue eyes were easily seen, and could easily draw a man into them. She was very beautiful, but also very tired. Seeing that there was only one Tavern, she made her way towards the Purple Lantern Tavern.

She thought she would hear loud music, but it was quite the opposite. There weren't alot of people inside, which was a relief to her. She walked in and sat down at an empty table, and slipped off her hood, reveling her elf ears. To her surprise, no one really payed much attention to her being an elf, which was a relief.

"Can I get you anything?" A woman's voice was heard next to Aris. Aris looked at the older woman and smiled softly "Just water" she spoke softly. The woman nodded and walked off to get her water. Aris let out a deep sigh, finally glad to be off of her feet and resting. It has been years that she has been wondering around, trying to find anyone that she knew before the battle, especially her husband.

She sighed and rubbed her head gently, as the woman came back with her drunk "Here you go" the woman said and gave a half smile. Aris nodded and smiled back. She took a sip of her water before going back into deep thought.

She thought about that battle, and how she barely survived. The scar from where she was stabbed was still fresh. At least she was able to wash and have on different clothing. But she could still hear the screams of her fallen comrads. She rememberd seeing her husband, their eyes locking together before she was cut down. She heard his voice call out for her, but she couldn't move or say anything to him.

"Oh Kyrus" she said softly, tears slowly rolling down her face as she thought about her husband and the times they were shared together. Was he alive? She was not sure, but hope that he is somewhere, and hope that he is safe.

Erolam smiled as he watched the elf enter and order a water. As hard as you may try, you cannot hide elven nature, particularly the sylvan frame of this woman. For Erolam, this tavern was a regular spot, somewhere for him to cool off and bask in the darkness and soft violet lights. It was a dangerous place for the unwitting traveller.

He grabbed the arm of the passing barmaid and placed an order of his own. "I'll have an ale, if you would be so kind." His deep, gravelly voice said after several hours of total silence. He turned and watched the elf as she drank her water.

She seemed to reflect on something, her expression slowly changing, untill she began crying. Taken by surprise, Erolam felt pity for the woman. He stood up and walked over to her table tentatively. He extended his hand to a chair. "May I?" He asked.

He did not wait for a reply before sitting. The barmaid walked over to him and placed a mug of foaming ale in front of him. "Thank you." He said routinely, the response almost an automatic reaction. Observing the glass of water, he spoke to the woman with a gentle voice. As gentle as he could make it, anyway. "Perhaps you would prefer something a bit stronger?" he asked, gesturing the glass in front of him. "I'll pay."

Aris blinked in surprise at the man asking to sit, then sitting down without her say so. She wiped her tears away and smiled lightly at the man "No, water is fine, but thank you" she replied back in her own gentle voice."I am not one for a strong drink" She was slightly surprised that anyone would come up to her, especially in a place like this.

An aray of questions swam through her head, wondering why this man approached her, out of the other few women here. She couldn't help but study him, as an instinct. His appearance was indeed interesting, but something about his eyes made her want to stare into them.

She shook her head lightly and took another sip of water "So, what brought you to my table?" she asked curiously, but still in her gentle voice, as her blue eyes roamed over his form. Indeed his apperance was intriging.

Erolam smiled. "You drew my attention for a very good reason. The other female patrons of this fine tavern are hard women, and never alone. Yet here you walk in, a single pretty face in a place like this. Tell me, why did you select this tavern among others?" He asked, a sincere tone of interest in his gravelly voice.

The woman seemed quite fragile, a gentle voice and innocent eyes. Yet there was more to this elf. A hidden strength behind her light frame. The perfect soul to feast upon. The thoughts danced about his head roguishly.

He shook the thoughts from his mind, trying to keep her under the impression that he was a gentle soul. Stamping his mug once, he ordered another ale. Taking a swig, he wiped the bottom of the mug with a worn corner of his cloak before setting it in his lap.

Aris smiled softly back at him "I was just looking for a place of rest" She replied simply. She didn't finish her water, and nearly pushed it away from her slightly. "What is so bad about this tavern than the rest?" she asked. "Do they not all contain the same things?"

She did not jump, but was slightly startled by his actions with the mug. She shook her head slightly when he ordered another ale "My, you drink alot" she chuckled lightly.

The more she studied the man, the more she let her guard down slightly, but not completely. She placed her hands in her lap, and wondered what exactly his true intentions were. Maybe she was reading into him too much, but she couldn't be sure. Then again, ever since the war ended she has been awfully paranoid for no reason. With that she let out a deep sigh.

Erolam laughed when she commented on his drinking. "Aye, it's a bad habit of mine. Seems to help, though. I'm not usually the friendliest of men. He chuckled again and began to sip his ale. He revelled in the buttery taste of the drink. with a relaxed sigh, he set the mug down on the table, long spidery fingers floating away from the handle.

He pondered her first question. "Aye, they have much in common, but this particular tavern is most dangerous for the patrons it holds. Rogues the lot of them, and mostly dark elves at that. Not too friendly themselves, you know. In their nature to stab each other in the back. Their very government is based upon treachery. As cruel as it may seem to many, i find it...intriguing." He found himself drifting off--as usual.

He watched her relax and felt himself loosing up a bit, though it may just be the ale. Erolam realized that they had not met formally as of yet. Leaning over the table, he extended a deceptively fragile hand. "I don't believe we've formally met. My name is Erolam. May I ask yours?"

Aris chuckled lightly at what he said. She glanced down at his hand absentmindedly, not startled by his spidery fingers. She reached out and took another sip of water before pushing it away slightly again.

"Hmm, well no one has bothered me as of yet" she replied, but took what he said into consideration. She would definately be more careful now, and keep her guard up. But what he said caught her attention.

She went to ask her question but stopped when he introduced himself and asked her for her name. Smiling slightly, she reached out her elegant hand and placed gently into his fragile hand "Nice to meet you Erolam. I am Aris" she replied shaking his hand gently.

"Now why do you find it intriuging?" she went on to ask her question. His touch was slightly cold, and did send a shiver down her spine, but didn't show it to him.

Erolam found himself trying to explain his reasons for liking the drow community without mentioning his hereditory saveageness or battle-lust. "I find them fine warriors, and intelligible killers. Constantly, they fight to raise their own power within their city, only to be struck down by a lesser power." He smiled as he thought of their treachery. "In fact, many drow attend this tavern." He looked around as he said this.

"They are both an asset and a danger as allies, always looking for a way to improve their status." He smiled. He had noticed she had been gentle in their handshake. perhaps it was only because she was an elf, ut there was also the fact of how thin Erolam was. He looked like a lower than average asset in any fight, but many enemies had died under the same impression. He preferred to look fragile, as it made things easier. His tiefling blood was always a curse, and always a blessing.

Aris glanced around as well at his last statement. "Well you are just in your reasons" she said simply. "But I must agree with your last statement, they are an asset and danger" she knew that from experience, but still didn't mind being around the drow. She never felt more in danger yet so protected as she did within the community

She pulled her hand back and placed both in her lap. She glanced around, and started to feel slight stares at them both "Well it does not matter to me much, as I said, I just needed a place to rest before continuing on my travels"

Erolam sipped his ale and nodded. "So where do you plan to go when you are finished here?" He asked curiously. The question was asked as nonchelantly as possible, yet he couldn't help how it came out.

He took a short swig and darined the rest of the ale, setting the mug down. He gave a small hiccup and laughed. That's enough for me, i think." He said, giving the empty mug to the waitress, who asked, "Would you like another glass?" Erolam sighed and shook his head and flipped her a couple of coins. "I'm done drinking for tonight."

Of course, he would continue had the tavern offered bloodwine or the various other drinks based on the preferences of those with demonic ancestry. He returned his gaze back to his elven companion. Somewhere deep inside his cold demeanor, he felt genuinelly concerned for her well-being in this area.

Aris couldn't help but giggle at his hiccup "Yes that is definately enough for you" she smiled, somewhat glad he stopped drinking, then again that is how she has always been about people and drinking.

"Well I am not sure. To be honest, I do not remember my way around these parts" she said honestly. The last thing she remembered was waking up in a dark cave somewhere. She wasn't sure where she was but she felt a bad vibe and immediately ran out.

"I woke up somewhere and I didn't feel safe there so I ran, until I got here" she explained. Sighing she brought her hands up to her head, rubbing it gently "My head still hurts" she said softly.

Erolam frowned. Something bigger was about here. People didn't just wake up somewhere they didn't know about without a ood reason. He cleared his face and smiled at her, taking a glass of water from a waitress. Trying to clear his head, he gave Aris an offer.

"Well, I can escort you to the inn, or wherever you like, if you wish. I truly have no life." He laughed and surpressed a hiccup. He had been wandering about town aimlessly for the last month, looking for some sort of ally or adventure.

Erolam laid back and let the water cleanse his mind. Feeling his head clear, he sighed and leaned over the table, mace clunking against the table leg. "My offer stands." He said in a friendly tone.

Aris had her eyes closed, so she couldn't see his expression but felt something was wrong. Hearing his offer she thought about it for a moment. It would be nice to be escorted to an inn instead of being by herself. The atmosphere slowly started to change and it did worry her.

She chuckled lightly at his comment "Well, it would be nice" she replied but still thought about it. "I would like to go to an inn. I would like to rest" she said now moving her hands away from her head and looking at him.

Erolam returned her gaze with a pleased look on his face. He would be happy to escort her to the nearby inn. He dropped a few gold coins, the waitress' tip, and stood. With one hand, he gestured for her to follow. Erolam smiled warmly. Under normal circumstances, he would have shunned the weary traveller away. But tonight he felt different.

Erolam opened the door for Aris, still watching the gazes of the other patrons. Several drow that were here quite often, nearly every time Erolam visited the tavern, they saw him as cold as a block of ice. Of course, they weren't only looking at him, their gazes were drawn to Aris as well. Keeping the bulk of his body between Aris and his mace, he let one hand run over the leather-clad handle, a clear message to all. She was with him, and nobody tried anything funny.

Aris noticed the pleased look in his face and smiled alittle. When he gestured her she stood up and followed him. She was impressed at the fact that he opened the door for her. The feeling of unease however grew when they got up to leave. She did feel the stares of the other upon both, but mainly on her.

She saw him keep the bulk of his body between her and something else, but wasn't sure what. When he did that, she felt at ease until she was completely outside. She looked back and waited for him to come out as well.

Erolam followed her soon after, taking his hand off the mace before he did so. He walked to her side, beginning off in the direction of the inn. "So have you even been to this town before?" He asked curiously. He wanted to probe further into this mystery that was Aris' reason for going to the tavern. Erolam sighed and looked around them.

The inn was nearby, almost in sight already. He lamented having to end the evening soon, but perhaps they would meet again. Smiling at the thought, he felt a bit better. The ale ws beginning to wear off, and he grew quieter.
(sorry it's so short.)

(its ok)

Aris shook her head "No. This place is new to me" she replied softly. "It seems like a small town though" she added. "Do you live here?" she asked curiously. Like him, she too wanted to know more about Erolam. He seemed very nice and helpful.

She saw the inn nearby as well, and sighed softly. She noticed he was getting quieter which wasn't like him "Your so quiet" she said looking over at him. "I'm not use to you being quiet" she chuckled lightly. For some reason she didn't want to walk so quickly to get towards the inn. It has been a long time since she has had a conversation, and she did want it to last.

"I do not truly have a home. I spend my days either camping in the wilds or in the inn." He replied solemnly. He slowed his pace, and enjoyed the company. Aris was kind, a welcome change from his usual 'friends'.

Erolam stared at the stars as he strolled, enjoying their light. Perhaps he would spend the night outside town after this. He smiled at the thought of the quiet, and possibly the chance for a fight with some animal. A bandit if he was lucky. his eyes clouded slightly at the thought. He had not tasted blood in too long. Had not even had the chance. Realizing where his thoughts lay, he snapped back to reality in time to hear her question.

"I'm not usually as talkative, but there was you walking into a tavern full of not-so-nice patrons with a somewhat dazed look. Of course, ale can loosen one's tongue." He laughed and glanced at the inn.

"Oh I see" Aris replied and noticed he slowed down in his pace. She folded her hands infront of her as her pace slowed as well. Slowly the thoughts she was stressing over about making their way back to her mind.

She wasn't sure of where to go after this. She didn't know if there were other towns near by, but she wouldn't stress over it until the morning. Then a shot of fear crept into her, she wasn't so sure now she wanted to be alone in an inn she knew nothing about. Perhaps she would just leave and travel throughout the night. It was a possibility.

She chuckled lightly at what he said "Well I suppose that is true, but was I really in a daze?" she asked, glancing over at him.

Erolam laughed and replied. "Well, not really a daze, but you seemed to have something on your mind." He saw the upcoming inn and his thoughts returned to the camping ahead. He preferred the open night to the closed-quarters of an inn room.

"I guess this is where we part. If you're unsure, seeing as you've never been here before, it's not too late to say so." He said, seeing a brief flash of uncertianty.

The more Aris thought about it the more uncertain she did get and even afraid slightly "I..I am a little unsure" she spoke softly as she looked at the inn. She had a bad feeling about that place, and did not want to be alone.

"I get a bad feeling about this place for some reason" she said as her blue eyes stared down the inn. "I don't know why but I wouldn't feel safe here" she said now looking back at him

Erolam could see the unsettlement in her eyes. "Well, I know of no other place to stay in this town." He thought it over a moment and smiled in an attempt to cheer her up. He stopped and thought it over for a moment, but he could only think of only one other option, save asking to stay overnight with one of the residents.

"Well, if you wanted, you could come with me. My plan was to go camp outside of town, as I have nothing other to do." He smiled reassuringly at Aris.

Aris smiled lightly at his attempt to cheer her up. She thought about his offer for a moment and thought it through carefully. Smiling she turned to face him compeletly "I would not mind it" she replied softly

"Thank you, for everything you are doing. I am in your debt" she smiled, and bowed her head slightly at him. She was truly grateful for everything he has done, and even just talking with her meant alot.

Erolam smiled. "There is no debt. I am merely a helping hand, and a friend." He chuckled to himself. He was pleased to be friends with anyone who did not automatically assume him a cold-blooded heartless killer and shun him. Many seem to have done that, their preferances being with drow rather than the tiefling.

He had not had a friend in several years now, Erolam realized, and none that would willingly carry on a conversation longer than it took to make him leave. He had made a new friend, and as long as she was under his protection, no harm would befall her.

"We should leave, then. We need to set up camp before night falls, so we can see our firewood." He said cheerfully, and waited for her to respond.

Aris smiled at his words and nodded "Well then I am truly grateful for what you have done" She was glad to have made a friend. Now she wasn't alone, and it made her feel safe.

Ever since she survived the battle, she has been alone. It took a toll on her, being alone for years, but now that has changed. It would make things a little easier to find others hopefully.

"Yes I suppose your right. You lead and I will follow" She smiles.

Erolam walked in the direction of the gate, signalling the guard at the post to open them. He nodded and with one chain-mailed hand, pulled the lever to open the gate. It creaked open and the guard motioned them through. Erolam stood in the darkness, searching the area for a suitable spot.

"I usually camp over there," Erolam pointed off towards the grassy circle surrounded by several boulders. A ring of smaller stones lay in the center, a fire pit. The camp was supplied with a small crick not too far away.

Erolam walked into it and raised his arms. "It's not much, but it works." He said. The grass underfoot was indeed soft and his cloak served as a blanket. "So where are you from? You must know people somewhere else."

Aris walked along side of him, but when the gate opened she stood behind him slightly, her eyes not yet adjusting to the darkness there. She looked over to where he pointed and smiled a little

She followed him over and walked into it as well, looking around. "Well There is nothing wrong with it. It is nice" she smiled lightly at him. She sighed at his question and stared into the fire before answering.

"I do not remember where I am from" she replied softly "I only remember one person.....my husband" she spoke even softer, slowly tears started building up in her eyes "But that was before the war. I had hope for sometime now that he was still alive but, I haven't found a trace of him"

"Maybe h...he's....dead" she whispered the last part and started to sob softly "I have no one now. My people might be dead, my husband. I am alone now" she sobbed and fell to her knees, buring her head in her hands as she cried.

Erolam was stunned. As often as he had travelled, he had never had any experience being comforting. At a loss, he felt sorry for the elf. He placed a hand on her shoulder. "I am sorry." He said simply, but truthfully. He had never had any experience in a friendship that did not have benifits, ready to be severed if it became a danger to him or to his gain.

His resolve hardened. "You cannot give up hope so simply. Because you have found no trace means nothing. If you truly love him, you will look until you find him, or a surity of his fate." Erolam told her surely. "This is a big world, and filled with many people." He said sternly.

"If you wish it, I will help you find him." Erolam said in a much friendlier tone. "After all, I have been alone for all my life, with nobody to turn to but myself. I would not wish that fate upon a friend."

Aris heard his words but the songs she had heard spoke differently "I've heard songs about a fallen high elf" she said softly. "Th...they spoke of his name" she whispered softly. "Oh Erolam I wish I had your strength again" she sighed and laid her weary body onto the grass.

"I am so tired. My dreams haunt me, but yet I can barely stay awake" she said softly, her blue eyes slowly closing.

(sorry its short my creativity is shot heh)

Erolam sighed softly. She began to fall asleep. Erolam stood and struck a fire, the heat enveloping the grassy area. He sat by the fire, Cloak draped over himself, pack under his head. He felt tired, but his thoughts kept him awake.

Their conversation that night had begun with a curiosity on Erolam's behalf. Now he had a new friend, and a goal to achieve. Erolam's last thoughts before he fell asleep were directed towards Aris, but not spoken. 'He is not dead. do not believe the songs.'

Aris was fast asleep not hearing what Erolam said. Her dreams were filled with horror and bloodshed. The battle reoccured in her head consistantly and small whimpers started to form about her lips.

She heard screaming in her ears, and let out a scream of her own. Her piercing scream could wake up even the smalles of creatures. She panted and rolled around in her sleep "No stop please!!! No Kyrus!!!" she screamed out and sobbed.

Erolam woke quickly, weapon at the ready. He could well hear her scream, and such a cry of terror woke him immediately. He took only seconds to collect his wits and scouted the area, fully awake. He saw no enemies, and looked to Aris to check on her. He saw her sobbing, shoulder heaving. He felt pity, and looked around. it was near dawn, the sun was about to break. The fire looked like it had gone out sometime during the night.

Strapping his mace back to his belt, he walked over to Aris, sweeping the cloak about her. Mornings in this region were quite cold, and she was in his charge. With a reassuring smile, Erolam spoke. "It's alright. Nobody has killed anybody." He said it as softly as he could, given his gravelly voice, one of many properties of his demonic heritage.

Looking about, he watched the sun break the horizon, shining through the region. It was a somewhat cloudy morning, but the grass was moist with dew and animals would be about soon enough. The thought hungered him. "Perhaps we can fetch a quick breakfast and some provisions before setting off for our first destination." He said thoughtfully.

Aris woke up to the sound of Erolam's voice. His gentle voice did sooth her slightly, and she opened her eyes to look up at him. "I..I know. It was just a dream" she whispered as she sat up slowly, noticing the cloke around her, making a small smile appear on her face.

She glanced over and saw the sun rise. She started to feel calm once again as she got lost in the rising sun. She snapped out of it when he spoke about breakfast "Yes I am quite hungry" she said softly, as she wiped her tears away with the cloke.

Erolam stood with a smile, his dark skin contrasting with the sunrise. He spread the last of the ashes wit one hand to kill the last of any smoldering flames. The remains of the fire were hot, but his dark skin and demonic heritage protected him from that. Looking at his filthy hands, covored with dirt and soot, he bent down and retrieved a handfull of ashes.

He walked over to the stream, running crystal clear, and filled up his half-full flask, then pouring it over his hands, soaking the ashes. He began to rub the alkali solution around his hands, the soapy substance doing it's work well. Placing his hands in the stream to wash off, he refilled his flask. He had discovored this natural soap by accident, when trying to wash ashes off his hands.

He splashed the cold water on his face to clear the sweat, then walked back to camp. "I am ready to leave when you are." He said, already prepared.

While he was gone Aris had slowly gotten up, wrapping the cloke tightly around her form. She stared as the sun came up, her body finally ceased its trembling from her nightmare. Sighing softly she closed her eyes and let the sun beam over her face.

Once she heard his voice she opened her eyes, her blue eyes shinning slightly as she looked over at him and smiled "I am ready" she said softly.

OOC: Sorry to intrude but I just thought I'd let you two know that the thread for Aris and Erolam searching for and finding Kyrus is now open. It is called 'The Hunt For Kyrus' and is located here in the City Of Lanterns. So if you two could please continue this there it would be most appreciated.