Chapter Two

When they had gotten to the surface, Ashram and Pirotess looked about them in silent wonder. Nothing was as it had been. The tremendous forces that had nearly heralded the awakening of Kardis had shaken down whatever buildings had been standing on the island. Pirotess didn't need to ask what had happened; she already knew. For that, Ashram was grateful that she didn't ask. To their immense relief, however, they found one intact boat in the harbor and took it. Despite his wounds, Ashram had insisted on helping her hoist the sails. Afterwards, the two took turns directing the ship, while one or the other slept. It didn't take long to reach the shore of Lodoss. But there was still the problem of finding a healer that would take care of Ashram's wounds. Luckily, they had landed near a town and, after a few moments of looking for a hiding place, Pirotess settled the former Black Knight in while she went to search for her fellow Dark Elves.

"I will be back as soon as I can, Lord Ashram. This is the only way I know to find a healer and remain unnoticed." Pirotess thought, as she sneaked into town, seeking out her kin. When she'd finally found some, and after nearly scaring the lives out of them by her sudden appearance, she explained what was going on.

"So, Emperor Ashram survived the cataclysm on Marmo, did he? He's a stubborn one, I'll give him that much." One elf said, as he took a long pull on his pipe.

"And you say he needs a healer, Lady Pirotess?" one of the younger Dark Elves asked, respectfully.

"Yes. I used some healing spells and healed part of his injuries, but he still needs a healer's attention." Pirotess said, then grimly thought about the fact that Ashram could not speak.

"All right. Since it appears that you care about him, we'll find a healer. You go and get some new clothes for yourself and Ashram, since you'll be recognized if you kept the ones you have." An elder female said, as she and the others prepared to leave their safe haven.

"Thank you." Pirotess murmured, before leaving the way she'd come. A rather irritated Ashram was waiting for her when she returned to the hiding place. He had built a campfire while she'd been away and sat scowling at it.

"Sorry I took so long." Pirotess apologized. He continued to stare into the fire for a moment, then sighed. She could tell that he wanted to speak, and was becoming more and more agitated with himself when he couldn't.

"Don't push yourself. I'm sure your voice will return in time. Just be patient." Pirotess soothed, as she moved closer to him. Even though he was the bravest man she knew, Pirotess knew that this unnerved him. When he looked at her again, his eyes almost pleaded with her not to leave him. She had never seen that look before, yet she had an inkling of what had brought it on. Her memories of what had happened at Fire Dragon Mountain were hazy at best, but she knew that she hadn't made it out alive. Somehow, some kind being had put her back at the side of her beloved. Gently, Pirotess took one of Ashram's hands in her own, silently reassuring him. He appeared to ease up, and mouthed a 'Thank you', for her silent promise. She only smiled gently, and brushed an errant strand of dark hair out of his face.

"You should get some sleep. Tomorrow, we go shopping for some new clothes." Pirotess said, getting a befuddled 'We do?' look from Ashram. Pirotess laughed softly at the expression and nodded.

"We'll be too easily noticed if we continued to travel in these garments." Pirotess said, getting an unreadable look from Ashram as she said that. Pirotess had to admit, Ashram had been darkly handsome when he'd been a knight of Marmo, but he was even more so now that he allowed himself to show more expression. After a few moments, Ashram lowered his head and put his face in his hands, mouthing something Pirotess couldn't decipher, but she could guess what he was trying to say. After he had gone to sleep, Pirotess kept an eye out for the healer the other Dark Elves had promised. The healer arrived in the company of the elves sometime after midnight. There were no words between them, since the healer had been threatened to within an inch of her life if she spoke or cried out. After she had done all she could, the Dark Elves escorted her back to the town, confident that she would tell no one what she had seen, for fear of bringing the Dark Elves down upon her. When morning had once again come, Pirotess awoke to the sounds of Ashram moving around. When she looked around, she could see that he was practicing some sword drills, trying to get his body back into fighting shape.

"Lord Ashram, don't push yourself. You were only just healed last night, you know." Pirotess chastened, gently, as Ashram reluctantly set aside the tree branch he'd been using. With a little coaxing, she persuaded him to follow her into the town; and they were both aware of the stares they got from the curious townsfolk. Yet, for some reason, no one seemed to recognize Ashram. To the townsfolk, he was just another drifter; another person uprooted by the war. Pirotess grinned when she saw the clothing shop she wanted; a shop that had men's clothing made for both men and women. As they entered, they brushed past a man who was clothed head to toe in cream-colored shamanist robes. Ashram took a moment to give the stranger a peculiar look, before accompanying Pirotess into the store.

"Yes? What can I do for you fine folk today?" the elderly shopkeeper asked, pleasantly. Pirotess and Ashram exchanged a surprised look; neither of them had been expecting this kind of reception.

"Well…….We're here for some new clothes. Especially him." Pirotess said, getting an indignant look from Ashram for a response.

"As I can see. Got caught playing with lightning, didn't you?" the shopkeeper asked. Ashram merely gave him a 'You don't know the half of it' look. Pirotess caught the look and snickered.

"I take it he can't talk?" the shopkeeper asked, when he'd noticed that Ashram had not uttered a word.

"He had an accident not long ago that damaged his throat. The healer said his voice would return in time, but for now, he can't speak." Pirotess lied.

"I see. Well, I hope you regain your voice too, lad. Now, to get you your clothing." The shopkeeper said, as he left the counter and started looking for some clothes that would fit the both of them. Had Ashram not been mute, he would have been shocked into silence; he'd never expected sympathy from anyone! After a few moments, the shopkeeper returned with two bundles of clothing. He handed one to Pirotess and the other to Ashram. Ashram made a face when he saw what color one outfit was; sapphire blue. Yet he seemed relieved when he saw that he had two or three black outfits as well, to replace the one he wore. As he held the clothes against him, it appeared that they would be a perfect fit; the shopkeeper had chosen the right sizes of clothes just by looking at him!

"Now, how much do we owe you?" Pirotess asked, as she opened her money bag. The weathered old hands of the shopkeeper prevented her from pulling any money out.

"Don't worry about it. These clothes are on me. You and your friend need that money for food and shelter, am I not correct?" the shopkeeper asked.

"Y-yes. Yes we do." Pirotess replied, stunned at the old man's generosity.

"Then go ahead and take the clothes. Good luck to both of you." The shopkeeper said, as he gently ushered them out.

"Thank you." Pirotess said.

"No problem. Come and visit anytime." The shopkeeper said, with a smile. After they had taken their leave of the old man, Ashram located and pointed out an inn.

"Good thinking, Ashram." Pirotess said, smiling when she saw a look of smug satisfaction on his pale face. Upon reaching the room where they would be staying, Pirotess took a moment to look over her new clothes. Among the outfits she had gotten, there was a new traveling cloak added in as well. Ashram had found the same thing and more, when he unrolled his cloak and a bag filled with gold tumbled out of it. Once again they shared a look of shock; neither of them had been expecting that, either.

"It seems that someday we'll have to repay him for his kindness." Pirotess murmured, as Ashram carefully tucked the gold into a pocket that was in the lining of the cloak. After that was said and done, Pirotess went about getting a washbasin so she could get cleaned up. Ashram was made to wait outside until Pirotess was finished, then he took his turn. When Ashram again opened the door, he was toweling off his long raven hair, scowling when he ran a hand through the tangles.

"Here, let me. Sit down in front of me and I will see if I can get it untangled." Pirotess said, getting a noncommittal shrug from Ashram for a response. As gently as she could, Pirotess started brushing the long hair into orderliness again. As she worked, she realized how much her fellow Dark Elves would have jeered if they had been there to see her doing this. Strangely enough, though, the task was relaxing. Ashram's shoulders, she noticed, also looked relaxed, as though a heavy burden was being lifted from them. She kept at it for almost an hour, till the long hair was again straight and shining. Pirotess smiled when she saw a slight smile adorning Ashram's usually dour features, catching the gratitude coming from him, even though he would have been too proud to admit it, when he could still talk. As she stood up, Ashram watched her. Everything that he had missed about her was there except the elfin circlet she had worn, and that was still at the bottom of Fire Dragon Mountain. With a sudden decision rising in his mind, Ashram went out, mouthing the fact to her as he went. Even though she voiced her misgivings, Ashram would not be talked out of it. He had on one of his new outfits and the cloak, and he made certain how much money he had and if it would be enough to buy a new pair of boots, a sword and something for Pirotess. When he had gotten the first two (after some difficulty in communication with the shop owners) he came across a jewelry vendor. With keen eyes, he looked over the jewelry, trying to decide on what Pirotess might like.

"Do you see something you fancy, young man?" a woman asked, as she appeared at the counter. Ashram didn't answer, but then found what he was looking for; it was a circlet similar to the one Pirotess had worn, but this one was made from a darker type of gold. He silently pointed it out.

"That one? Ah, now that is a popular item, especially among the elves! Is there a particular lady you are thinking about?" the woman asked, smiling when a slight blush colored Ashram's pale cheeks for just a moment.

"She must be very special to you, then. I'll sell it to you for fifty gold pieces, how does that sound?" the woman asked. Ashram arched an eyebrow and mouthed 'Forty'. The woman stared at him for a moment, but took the bait.

"Fifty." She argued. Again Ashram mouthed 'Forty', this time with some irritation on his face.

"Okay, forty-five!" the woman said, looking a little angry when Ashram stubbornly shook his head.

"Forty-five is my final offer!" the woman shouted, getting the attention of some curious onlookers, who were quite amused by the one-sided argument. Ashram drew himself up to full height, leaned across the counter till his face was just inches from the woman's and mouthed 'Forty' once again. Cowed by this, the woman nodded and handed the circlet to him. Ashram smiled, victoriously, as he paid the forty gold pieces and went on his way. He could hear the people behind him applauding, almost as though they had watched a play and enjoyed it. Resisting the urge to bow to his audience, Ashram returned to the inn to find Pirotess waiting.

"Well, don't you look like the cat who swallowed the canary? What happened?" Pirotess asked. Instead of a mouthed answer, Ashram handed her what he'd bought for her. Pirotess gasped, as she beheld the new circlet. Without thinking, she touched her forehead, finding that her old circlet was indeed gone. Ashram had gone and gotten her a replacement circlet! When she looked at him again, he mouthed a 'Do you like it?' and all she could do was embrace him.

"Yes. I love it. Thank you." Pirotess said, as she put the new circlet on and checked out her appearance in the mirror that stood in one corner. Unbeknownst to her, Ashram celebrated that small victory in silence. He was pleased that she liked the gift. He only hoped that he could continue to repay her for saving his life. He was honor bound to do that much. That much and more.