Chap. D

The sun illuminated the snow as Ariwil made her way to the cemetery to place flowers at her children's grave. She looked up as she arranged the flowers and saw Duncan McCleud approaching from a side road. All of the sudden, a man appeared with a black ponytail and almond-shaped eyes wearing a kimono over jeans.

"Where is the Priest, Highlander? I want the Priest." He said as Ariwil knew he was talking about Allistar.

"He's not here, but I am." Duncan said menacingly as he took out a sword just like the other man as they began to fight.

"Isn't this holy ground?" The man asked gazing at the nearby cemetery.

"Shonto, you know we're in the street." Duncan said almost knocking the sword from SHONTO's hand.

Ariwil watched as they parried and danced away. The swords were like music to her as she watched on in awe. Did Allistar have a sword she wondered as she took her eyes away for a moment and a lightning storm ensued.

"It's winter. How can that be?" She asked as she heard screams emit from the road as she rushed to see what was happening.

"Ariwil, isn't it?" Duncan asked looking none the worse for wear.

"Duncan isn't it?"

"I asked you first." He said with a broad smile as she laughed.

"I'm Ariwil and you must be Duncan. What happened to the other man?" She asked rubbing her hands together from cold.

"What other man? You look cold. I know a place we can get hot chocolate. What do you say?"

"Will it have whipped cream?" She asked taking his hand.

"I'm sure that can be arranged." He said as they walked to Joe's and warmed their hands.

"What were you doing at the cemetery?" He asked as she sipped her hot chocolate with a blissful look on her face.

"I was bringing flowers to my children. What were you doing there?" She asked fitting her hands around her mug.

"I was just passing by when I saw you and saw you rubbing your hands for warmth."

"Thank you for the hot chocolate, but I should be getting home." She said emptying the cup before rising to leave.

"Can I take you home? It's dangerous out there." He said taking her hand.

"I suppose Allistar won't mind. Thank you. Thanks for the cocoa, Joe." She said before turning to leave.

"Anytime, Ariwil. We're all friends here." Joe said as they darned their coats and walked out into the winter cold.