Zaphyre magically appeared at the center of the Antonican druid ring. The portal spell she had learned was serving her well in her hour of need. Her mind was deeply troubled by all that had happened in the past few weeks. She saw the ring’s guardian druids watching her as she stepped quietly past them to a large hollowed-out tree laying on its side close by. Checking the area to make sure it was safe, the young dark elf fury stepped inside the tree’s remains and sat down then opened her pack, full of clothing, personal effects and food for the journey.

She waited patiently, trusting no one. The only person she could truly trust and depend on at this moment was Eohric, a young shadow knight assigned to her as a partner. She hardly considered herself and Eohric as spies, more like informants for the ruler of Neriak, Queen Cristanos. She and Eohric were to watch and study the Moonlighters guild’s members, acting as if they were converting to the ways of the Qeysonians. This turned out to be very easy as the guild already accepted dark elves who converted. Zaphyre was to find Eohric and another contact in the wood elf village of Willow Wood, located just outside the main fortressed city of Qeynos.

A human ranger was coming to meet with her, and help her in her travels. The masked ranger arrived after a short time from seemingly nowhere and circled the hollowed tree, calling out her name softly. He smiled as he bent down and crawled inside the hollowed tree to sit with her.
“Oh, thank thee for coming, Lonan,” Zaphyre looked visibly shaken and worried.
“Of course. Not a problem. Are you cold or worried about something near at hand?”
“Nay… sigh.. I am fine.… I can’t tell thee how much I appreciate you coming.”
“This place is heavily traveled, m’lady,” warned the ranger. “Come, follow me.”
The pair stepped out of the hollow tree and raced past creatures through the hills and cliffs along the Antonican beach. Lonan seemed very familiar with this area. Zaphyre wondered where they were headed. Eventually, the ranger stopped and pointed to a cave, remote and unnoticeable from a distance. The cave was dark and Lonan had to light a torch so they could see. Once inside, he started a small fire with expert skill. He sat down and gestured Zaphyre to join him.
She looked at the ranger, wondering if this was all a big mistake… Zaphyre looked puzzled.
“Oh! Sorry.. heheh.. All Hallows Eve and all,” Lonan explained, removing his mask.
Suddenly, the young fury began to cry freely, pulling out a handkerchief from her sleeve. Tears flowed as she wailed with deep emotion. Lonan was stunned. He had never seen a Tier’Dal cry. He touched her shoulder, trying to offer some comfort to the distraught lady dark elf.
“Please… m’lady.. if ye wish, I will put it back on,” said the ranger, grabbed the black mask out of his pack. Zaphyre stopped crying, surprised by Lonan’s comment. She suddenly started to giggle and shook her head.