- Authors Notes: -

Disclaimer/Copyrights: Dungeons and Dragons is the property of Hasbro Inc., obviously I do not own it. Settings and characters however, are the creation and property of this author. All rights reserved.

Background: This story is actually one chapter in a much larger novel. Just for fun, I decided to work it into a one shot and see what you all think. It covers the background stories of two characters who haven't seen each other in several decades. Any more world building would probably bloat things too much, and I feel the central theme stands on its own. However, if it helps, let me know and I'll be happy to provide some more background info.

Please let me know what you think...

Ronnel Yuan raised himself to the window of the shared bedchamber, "Looks like it's going to rain. Just as well, get it out of the way so we can have good weather to shove off."

Opposite of Ronnel, his identical brother Valis absentmindedly hefted a chiseled block of granite good for some eight stones. It served fine enough as a dumbbell. The rest of his body and mind focused intently upon a bit of parchment. "Uh humm.."

Ronnel didn't need so much as a glance."Oh not that one again. Val, conjuration spells just aren't your forte." It might have been the greatest understatement Ronnel ever made, especially given his sardonic reputation. Yet, there it was. To be fair Valis was a magical prodigy by almost any metric. He was especially gifted with Evocation – the magical science of producing and manipulating energy. Gouts of flame, wind, electricity, and pure mystic force were all second nature to Valis. But Conjuration? To call forth preexisting objects or creatures? For reasons unknown to all, Valis was lucky to pull rabbits from a hat without explosions involved.

Valis scoffed and continued his vain attempts to decipher the runic script. "I know, but it's supposed to be an easy one, and besides, it's been a year since that minor mishap in the common room."

"Minor mishap?! Really? We had to call three headmasters to put out the fire…." Ronnel's teasing words died on his lips as all the details of that night's events came flooding into his mind. Through the mysteries of communication between twins, especially identical twins, Ronnel knew his brother was drawing the same epiphany.

"Valis, do you recall why we were in the common room?"

"Of course, we were there to celebrate…."

The twins moaned simultaneously at their blunder. "We've missed Chandra's nameday! By a week! Damn it!"

It was true - while they had celebrated it earlier in the evening the Yuan brothers' and younger sister Celeste's true name dates were well over a month ahead. Chandra's however was almost a week before. With all the recent hustle over their latest trade voyage the whole family had uncharacteristically forgotten. It was still early enough in the evening to pay an apologetic visit though. Ronnel had already started toward his wardrobe to dress when a mischievous thought occurred to him. "Brother, you know we have to go over there right?"

Valis had also wasted no time, already strapping on a pristine red and gray dappled scholar tunic over his suit of polished chain armor. "Of course. Chandra is our friend. At the very least we must apologize for the oversight."

"And you know what will happen if mother and father find out we disobeyed and left without permission."

Valis examined his primary weapon, a fearsome double edged arming sword. Freshly polished, razor sharp, and shimmering at every glint of light. Satisfied, he deftly slipped it into the scabbard on his left thigh with a twirl.

"Yes, but I will accept my punishment for it. Chandra has many friends, but it is still unacceptable we did not offer sacraments. She certainly remembered our own early celebration."

Stocking his boots with a paired set of daggers, Valis turned to Ronnel, only to notice his brother was making no efforts other than some writing. "Ronnel, why are you not preparing for the visit?"

Ronnel smiled inwardly as he quickly finished his note. This would be too easy. "How right you are. But I think it's best you go alone. I'm not feeling well and should like to rest it off before we leave tomorrow. Besides, someone should stay and keep the appearance of us being here."

Valis continued unheeded, donning a loaded backpack and shaved yew longbow. "But Ronnel…"

"No worries, I won't be unrepresented. Take this note, and have her unseal it. It's my apology and well wishes. Now get going before father and mother become suspicious."

By this time Ronnel had already pushed Valis outside into the hall, making verbal arguments impossible. It was hard enough to be quiet in his armor, and almost impossible to sneak about in the Yuan house under the best of conditions. Ever vigilant, the Yaun family had installed random slats in the floor that creaked under the slightest pressure to announce customers and thwart cat burglars. But aided by memory Valis managed to avoid them and stay reasonably quiet while letting himself out the back door.

Now came the hard part. La-Quein's hewed stone streets were well lit, and sharp eyed guards ran random crossing patrols. They wouldn't stop or question Valis, but most were friends of the family. Sooner or later someone would casually mention an encounter to his father who would instantly make the time connection and then Valis would be in serious trouble. A moment to think would be good. Stepping over to the wharf near his coastal home, Valis then sidled himself out of view by a neck high barrel of fresh fish to ponder. Should he make an attempt to sneak across the city? Or just boldly march right to his destination?

In reality there wasn't much choice. La-quien straddled the mighty River Blackpool, and his destination was on the far side. What was he going to do, swim twenty furlongs just to show up soaking wet? And it wasn't like he could hide himself taking the city ferry service, especially at night. Besides, the Elite Ranger Corps themselves would have trouble sneaking into or out of the well watched city, and NOBODY got into the world's most advanced magical study guild without notice. There was simply no point trying to be covert. All Valis could do was saunter through town and hope the gossip chain would fade away in the coming months at sea. His mind made up, Valis stood stern to start toward the ferry. Unfortunately, the same bow he'd only just donned, a till now graceful instrument that often saved his life, now decided to turn traitor. One quick snag and Valis's own hurried pace was all it took to upend the barrel he'd hid behind. Valis would have sworn that its contents virtually exploded, covering both he and the street with oily, salted fish.

"Damn it!" Valis cursed, but nothing could be done. This mess was someone's livelihood and would spoil in short order - he couldn't leave it lying in the street. Using some of his own family's salt supply Valis carefully repacked the fish into their container, cursing again when the job was through. It had cost him almost an hour, not to mention arousing the curiosity of several guards. They had offered to help of course, and of course he'd politely turned them down. So much for being a non-event. Worse, both Valis and his uniform were now covered in fish innards, and no doubt smelled like catch of the day. To call on a lady in such disarray? The very idea was inconceivable!. Problem was, he couldn't return to his house to change and bathe, and he wasn't about to do so in the middle of the city. That only left Daniel's Glen, the bucolic hot springs north of town. It also meant passing through the city gate checkpoint and attracting even more attention, but at this point he was good as busted anyway.

Just as he strode off dejectedly toward the gates, Valis noticed a pair of white roses growing right at the water's edge. Odd to find such a thing here and odd how the petals reminded him of Chandra's ivory skin and soft features.

"Gracious overseers… where are my thoughts going?" Valis chided himself, fully aware of how cliche it was to voice his self-disgust. What, did he really need to ask? Or was it some fantasy that speaking the transgression aloud somehow purged him of it? "Still, this is perfect. I'll take one as an apology and leave the other to grow."

His mood brightened a bit by this small stroke of luck, Valis plucked one bloom and hurried on toward the swimming pond.

"Now to make myself at least somewhat presentable."

By this time the sky was clouding up ever quicker leaving only scant starlight. Fortunately, elf blood from the matron half of his heritage allowed Valis to see just fine as he hurried out of the city gates and to the warm spring fed lake known as Daniel's Glen. It seemed little else was going right though, for when he arrived, there was company waiting.

Goblins. Always Goblins. The woods here were filled with them – run off five interlopers and ten more show up tomorrow. Waist high, green skinned, repugnant, and this time about eight strong. Wouldn't be so bad… that is, if they didn't steal anything not bolted down, and made sure to bring a wrench for whatever was. That and the filth! One goblin could make muddy soup out of the pristine water for weeks, and these guys had set up camp! "Argh! I don't have time for this! Get lost little miscreants!"

The goblins replied with a hasty volley of thrown curses and rocks as they ran for their weapons. In a flash Valis had his own sword in hand, but sheathed it just as quickly. Normally, though he might not admit it, Valis thoroughly enjoyed any opportunity to pit his physical skill against real opponents. After all, that's exactly what he and Ronnel did with any time not spent in class, researching, or training. But tonight he just didn't have the time to spend brawling with nuisance creatures, and though he hated relying on spells, his patience was long since used up.

It starts small enough – a tiny puff you'd only notice tickling bare skin. This wafted about his body as Valis cleared all surface thoughts, forcing his consciousness around nothing more than a single bastion of power waiting in memory. Standing stiff, he then extended each arm to his sides as if to grasp the very air itself. Obliging his mental and tactile command, the infantile breeze swirled itself ever faster until Valis himself was the eye of a personal cyclone. All of this in scant seconds. Ready. Aimed. With a shoving forward gesture and booming vocalization, fired.

"GO!" – and it did, the little whirlwind now a fierce local gale skipping across the lake.

While it didn't have an exciting name or do much direct harm, "Gust of Wind" was his favorite and most powerful spell in sheer scale, and did its job well. What goblins weren't knocked flat found themselves blinded with sand or spray, to say nothing of the camp – most of which went sailing out of sight. Valis had made his point. Faced with an opponent that had them clearly overmatched, the goblins cursed and threatened, but all in the midst of a hasty retreat. They'd come back sooner or later – they always did, but for now Valis was free to do what he came for.

It took almost a half hour to scrub his vestments clean and string them up to dry, but at least he had the means to do so. "Yet another reason to never leave unless fully equipped"Valis mused to himself. "I'd have been hard pressed without my travel pack."

Ordering each by size and item type, Valis placed his weapons and equipment into a straight row at lakeside. After making one last check for any interlopers, he then performed a flat footed somersault dive into the sparkling lake. It was warm as always, a perfect contrast to the cool night air. Valis loved water in any case. If he wasn't here for a purpose he might have stayed for hours. Sadly, he had no such luxury, so after a bit of childish frolicking, he set to the task of washing the smell from himself.

What Valis didn't know was at that very moment another of La-Quein's young magi was making her way out of the city gates. Chandra Dayshine had found herself unable to sleep or concentrate that evening. Valis and Ronnel had been quite wrong in thinking they were the only individuals to forget Chandra's name day. Certainly she was one of, if not the most liked and sought after individuals in the academy. But a by-product of not wanting sympathy for her poor background was that most of Chandra's friends and admirers simply didn't know her name day in the first place. The ones that did know must have forgotten from the stress of their own studies, for not a soul gave well wishes beyond the day to day courtesy.

Chandra didn't hold this against her friends, for she understood the pressure of studying at La-Quein's prestigious but demanding academy more than anyone. Besides, it was a week ago – have to get over it sooner or later. Still, it hurt just a little. Even the single and simple wish of seeing her family simply couldn't be granted. Her parents had been unable to make the journey from Locke City to visit, and she certainly didn't have the means to make the trip herself, especially not with studies to consider. Her scholarship did not provide for such things, and though she knew her sponsor would have sent her without question, she couldn't have asked for a favor like that.

Then there was Valis. It was ironic to Chandra that it was Shannon Yuan who sponsored her education, the elder Yuan having faith she was a fount of untapped potential. Chandra had proven his instincts correct with a combination of hard work and talent. The kind of combination that would transform her from sub literate daughter of a chimney sweep to darling of the academy in only a year, earning full scholarship privileges from the Archmage Council. She was very proud to have lived up to his expectations, but then again he likely didn't count on Chandra becoming enamored with one of his twin sons. She shuddered to imagine what the mighty patriarch would think or say if he figured it out. Would he welcome her as always or would he use the same influence that got her into the academy to cast her out and back to Locke City? She was friends with all of the Yuan family, especially Celeste, but lately she just wanted to be close to Valis. They had shared several adventures together and a few moments one might call romantic. There was even a dance at the last ball, but nothing had come of it. And then he, like the rest, had forgotten her nameday.

"No, it couldn't be…" she thought. "The only thing they keep sharper than their blades are their brains. There's just no way they forgot… maybe they didn't feel like making time?"

"But that's to be expected right? I mean, he's the son of a hero. Is already close to one himself, and I'm just me. But, he danced with me right? And we talk a lot right? But, they're all so mannered. He could be too polite to say anything if I bothered him, just like today at the docks."

Chandra knew well as anyone the Yuan family could spare no thoughts beyond preparing for tomorrow's shove off. How she wished she could go, and not just to be near Valis or the others. Seeing new lands and people on the far side of the world? She almost ached with curiosity. What would they be like? The sight, Smells, Language, Culture… oh, and what magic they might know?!

Still, being aware how baseless and frankley self pitying her thoughts were didn't make them go away. They swelled and swirled unbidden, showing no signs of abating without a bit of help. Perhaps a few moments at the Glen would help clear things up. She was brought out of her reverie by first one, then two, and then a torrent of raindrops as the clouds overhead made good on a promise of a downpour. Chandra didn't mind one bit. She liked the rain, and it was liberating to walk in it without care for a little while.

Back at the swimming pond, Valis Yuan had a slightly different opinion of the weather situation.

"Damn it! Damn it! DAMNIT! How could I have been so foolish?"

Valis frantically dove into his pack to assemble a tent and try to keep his clothes out of the downpour. In his haste, and with the pounding rain, Valis failed to notice footsteps or an approaching figure, but he certainly took heed of the voice.

"V... Valis?"

"Huh? Lady Dayshine?! Uhmm…"

Chandra was indeed standing not ten paces away, having hurried herself at the sound of voices at the pond. More to the point for Valis, she was soaked. Her wet hair cascaded in around that softly sculpted face of hers, while droplets of water guided themselves tantalizingly elsewhere… Chandra's lovely figure was exposed to a profound degree by her gown - now little more than a diaphanous sheer coating in the rain. Valis's mind raced between surprise, concern, and shock before landing flatly on scandal. Any other time he'd have turned his eyes and squelched the primal urges. Perhaps it was the surprise, or his already adelled state of mind, but ultimately he failed on all counts, caught transfixed. Some detached part of him was smugly proud that through it all, her eyes… gracious those sparkling chestnut eyes… those were what he really couldn't get enough of. Regardless, he might have stayed like that for quite a while if yet another internal voice, faint though it was, reminded him that his own wardrobe was a loincloth, and nothing else.

"GAH!"

For her part Chandra was caught in her own thoughts, at first believing something was wrong, but then finding she too was a victim to youthful hormones in the sight of Valis's superbly honed physique. But even as base instincts did their work, the less carnal part of her mind regarded him with a renewed curiosity. Elf mother – his ears gave that away, being human sized but gently pointed. He'd probably be twiggy, but the genetics of his father ensured otherwise. That and the training. A LOT of training. And the training after that. As it was, he had to be on the far side of thirteen stones, all of it hard as steel. Too much actually – there was a cold, mechanical quality to it all that she didn't like. But then, Chandra knew the Valis behind the viscera. Also from his father came coal hued hair and eyes to match, both features Chandra found appealing. She noted his scarred skin – no doubt the remnants of he and Ronnel's personal crusades. Numerous battles that could have ended them both, far too many for a tender twenty years. That was as far as she got when her object of study suddenly yelped and hurled himself unceremoniously into the lake.

"Val, are you ok?"

Valis refused to look directly at Chandra. He'd shamed them both enough already. Her affectionate shortening of his name, something she only took up after years of knowing each other, only served to amplify the guilt.

"Well enough Lady Chandra, but uhm, perhaps I could ask you to cast my vestments into the lake, sans my cape for yourself. Then we may speak further."

Chandra was not so surprised Valis would want his clothes, he was quite modest, but until glancing down at herself she couldn't imagine why he wanted her to take his cape. But one look at herself made his motive quite so to speak, transparent. For reasons she couldn't fathom now, Chandra had not bothered to equip herself and had worn a simple white gown on her little outing. She had not intended to swim, but had not really counted on rain, and certainly not on company. Why Valis had stood open mouthed for so long while she did the same came to her in a sudden fit of indignity, anger, and flattery all at once.

"Oh my gods!"

Chandra moved quickly, wrapping herself in Valis's cape and throwing his tunic into the water. Valis swiftly dressed himself and stepped ashore. He was still soaked, but at least decent, though still refusing to look Chandra's direction.

"It's okay Valis, I'm dressed now. Kind of anyway."

Calling Chandra dressed would be a literal stretch. The split cape that Valis wore was designed to display La-Quein's coat of arms, not preserve the modesty of young women.

"Here then, I shall dress in my armor, and you can have my tunic, yes?"

Chandra giggled at Valis's resurgent sense of propriety. It was too late now, he had shown that he was indeed flesh and blood, not something any of the Yuan family men did often, if at all. Chandra was quite upset with the idea of anyone staring at her effectively naked body for half a minute, especially Valis. Yet she still found herself strangely flattered and at least now had something to work with. Never mind the fact she was doing the same back toward him.

"Have it your way. It's not like we have much left to see at this point."

Chandra gasped inwardly at her own boldness while Valis could give nothing beyond his shocked and guilty expression as a reply, but she still waited patiently for him to step into the nearby tree line, don his armor and leave her his remaining clothing before she too hid among the woods and dressed. So clad, the two sat down at the lakeside.

"Lady Chandra, I... I... I don't even know how to apologize. I didn't mean to, you know…"

"Stare?"

"Yes. Stare, gawk, however one wishes to appellate it. I admit it. I would never wish to disrespect anyone, especially you, but… Well, you are painfully attractive. I was too weak to make myself look away." He then lowered his head shamefully "It's not the first time… I have often found myself looking upon you beyond what is appropriate. Can you forgive me?"

On any normal day, Chandra might have accepted the apology and moved on, her own shy nature holding her back. But Valis was leaving out to sea in the morning. He would be gone for months, and tonight he had left an opening. She just had to keep her courage! Slowly she stood up and waded out to her waist before turning. Valis was amazed at how eye-catching and graceful she was, despite being weighed down by his wet and for her severely oversized clothing. He then chided himself again. She was his friend, and he was being quite rude not seconds after apologizing for it.

"Val, it's okay. I'm a little upset, yes. I mean, it's not every day you all but model yourself nude! Let alone to a friend! But, honestly, I'm flattered by your reaction. I trust you. I know you'd never do me any wrong. Besides, a girl likes to find out someone thinks she's pretty, right?"

"Ahem… thank you? May I ask what brought you out here?"

"Well, nothing all that important. You know how I come out here sometimes to think. What about you? Out here without your brother or Kain? And this late at night before a trip? That's really not like you."

"Oh my, I almost forgot! Again!"

Valis dashed for his pack and retrieved the note and flower, both still thankfully dry and intact, and hurried out to Chandra with his prizes in hand.

"We missed your nameday and I was to make an apology. I soiled myself with a combination of cargo stores and clumsy futility. Obviously I could not visit you in such a state…"

"Obviously…" remarked Chandra demurely, thinking with a bit of frustration and amusement how Valis found it necessary to dress in full uniform and arm himself for a minor war just to make cross-town visits. Valis continued unheeded by the sarcasm.

"…and wished to clean myself before paying a call. Ronnel was to come as well, but he is ailing a bit and sent this note in his stead while he rests for tomorrow. You should read it before it soaks in the rain."

Chandra shook her head silently and opened the parchment to find the writing inside was of utterly perfect penmanship. Did these people let anything go?

"Chandra Sarah Dayshine,

Accept my deepest apologies for neglecting your nameday, doubly so considering that we have had so many adventures together. I won't write a grueling epitaph. I just think it best you know we care very much for you.

You should also know that I am feeling quite well and that Valis is alone with you because I arranged it. I doubt you will get many more chances, if any. Make this one count. Happy Nameday!

Your Friend,

Ronnel Que Yuan"

Chandra smiled and quickly folded the note away. Things probably didn't go how Ronnel planned, but they were working out just as well, she hoped. Valis waited patiently while she read, and only when she finished did he present his own gift.

"And, this is from me. I saw it in town and it just made me think of you."

Chandra took the flower and placed it delicately in her hair. The white rose set off her light skin and russet locks even more, sending a small shiver down Valis's spine.

"Val, are you ok?"

"Of course, just a chill."

Chandra shivered herself, partially out of mischievousness, but then, it really was a cold rain. Valis moved immediately, wrapping his arms tightly around her and pulling her close to him, though the way he held her spoke far more of logical concern then romantic interest.

"Come Lady Chandra, we best get back to town. I will keep you warm as I can."

Chandra had to laugh inwardly. He wasn't exactly holding her in the most comfortable embrace, and was practically carrying her out of the lake. Still, it was a good start. And gods he was strong.

"Val, wait. Can we stay for just a little while?"

"Well, if you wish, but you will be sick if we don't get you inside and dry."

"I'll be fine. I want to talk for a few moments, if that's okay. And uhm, could you maybe put me down? I'm having a bit of trouble breathing."

Valis turned several colors of red and quickly set Chandra back down, who then led him by the hand back into waist deep water amidst a halfhearted and futile protest.

"There now, it's warm out here."

"Well, yes it is, but the contrast in heat with cold rain will..." Chandra silenced him with a finger to his lips.

"Shhh, I'm all right, really. Don't you enjoy it out here?"

"Truthfully, yes."

Chandra swallowed, she was pushing boundaries a bit.

"Valis, I want you to know, there is someone I am interested in."

Valis felt his heart leap somewhere into his throat, but then the logical portion of his brain spoke up. "Of course," came his thoughts, "She said someone, meaning no one in particular."

"Oh? Who, my lady? We are friends, yes? I will be happy to talk with you about it."

If she wasn't so enthralled with him, Chandra could have slapped Valis silly. How could anyone that intelligent be so THICK!

"Valis, don't you understand what I'm telling you? It's you I am interested in... Just you."

There, it was out. Chandra waited, watching Valis intently as a storm of emotions swirled behind his eyes. Her cheeks flushed and her body trembled with nervous anticipation. What could he be thinking? What would he say? She hoped against hope that his answer would be positive…

After a scant few seconds that only seemed like an eternity, Valis gave his monotonous response. "Interested? I don't know exactly what you mean, but I will tell whatever it is you wish to know. You have only but to ask."

Chandra had been shocked a moment ago at Valis' inability to see the obvious, but now she was just plain astounded. Had she not witnessed the brilliant workings of his mind elsewhere, she'd wonder how he put a spoon in his own mouth. What did it take to get through his skull?!

"Wha?! Valis, oh where is the boy who actually acted human a few moments ago!"

"You mean earlier? But that was an inexcusable breach of propriety, friendship, privacy, manors…"

"Val, it was HUMAN!" Chandra interrupted. "I was doing the same thing! I could think of ways I would have preferred getting it done, but tonight I saw you let your guard down and it was really nice to know you can. Don't you see? There is nothing wrong with being human."

"But Chandra, I am not a real human."

Chandra let out an exasperated sigh. This was getting nowhere. Valis was already retreating back into his logic driven persona. Normally it was part of his odd charm to Chandra but was quickly becoming a major obstacle. Did she read him wrong? Was it really a lapse of his defenses, or just a burst of boyish hormones? Chandra was becoming frightened she had made a very serious and very embarrassing mistake. Should she back down? No! She had come this far, there was no giving up now without some form of closure.

"Oh, this is getting nowhere! I happen to like what you are."

While saying so Chandra lightly touched the tip of Valis's pointed ear. This time he shivered outwardly, but didn't back away. Emboldened she stepped forward, her already soft voice drifting to an inviting whisper..., "More importantly, I really like who you are…"

Chandra stepped back, surprised at the sound of her own words. Where had THAT come from?! But did it really matter? Valis stood stiff as a board, his face flushed. She was still nervous, and a little shocked at herself, but she was sure Valis felt the same way now. She just had to get it out of him, somehow.

"Now, let's try this from a different angle. You said I can ask anything I want, right?"

"Ahem.. y.. yes."

"Alright, so what do you think of me, Valis. No secrets tonight."

Valis looked at Chandra as if pondering his answer, but finally spoke, "Very well. You are one of the finest students in the academy, possessing unmatched ability and alacrity. You are welcoming, have a strong heart and... are beautiful beyond description… and... Never mind."

Chandra interrupted quickly, her voice naturally assuming the same seductive tone from moments before. "No Valis. I said NO secrets.You have to finish."

"Well, fine! For a long time, I have longed to, just be around you… I... I don't know how to term it, it's like... It's like…"

Chandra found herself drifting ever closer, arms slowly encircling Valis's neck as her instincts again stepped in where experience lacked, "It's okay sweetie…. Say it… like this..."

Their lips brushed ever so lightly… Valis felt his body leave his willful control. Warmth spread from his lips outward like wine from head to toe as his own arms wrapped gently around Chandra's small waist. He was fluent in seven languages, and not one of them had words to describe it.

The two stepped back, staring into each other's eyes. Then they simply fell onto one another hugging fiercely, the awkwardness lost in a melding of friendship and feelings. It had barely been a kiss, more of a touch really, and lasted a scant few seconds, but both of them felt a mark had been made that would last all their lives.

"That was..."

"So where do we go from here?"

"VALIS QUE YUAN! WHAT are you doing?!"

"F… Father?"

"Master Yuan?!"

Chandra had never seen Shannon Yuan angry, and made a point she'd NEVER do it again. She'd heard the stories. The epic crusades. Vanquished villains. Conquered strongholds… but none of that really meant much compared to standing in the man's presence. All of seven feet high, and she would swear just as wide, clad in layers upon layers of mirror polished steel. She sometimes wondered if seeing your own frightened face reflected in the breastplate was intentional - just to remind you who the boss is. Then those weapons. Across his back rested a pair of prodigious double edged swords, each of them her own size and then some. Polished and reflective, of course. Any normal person would be hard pressed to swing either. Without her magic Chandra doubted she could lift one at all - and he wielded them in tandem at will! What did the man weigh? Forty stones? More? If those weren't enough, just his voice... Chandra knew there was a psychology behind her feelings and wished to study the concept – obviously he'd never harm her. In truth, standing before him made Chandra feel safer than any place she could think of. And yet, she'd felt far less fear on occasions when her life was in actual danger.

"Valis, come to me. Now. Lady Dayshine, that goes for you as well, young lass."

The two did as was told, expecting the worst. Shannon glowered at them both, but still politely took Chandra's hand and led her gently ashore.

"Valis Yuan, I want to know just what malaise pressed you to disobey my orders and leave the house. The sea is a dangerous place, and you'll need all your wits. Sneaking out at night is NOT how you keep them. And for Torm's sake, explain what was going on out here!"

Shaken as he was, Valis managed to explain the whole ordeal, from Ronnel's sickness to his bout with fish, goblins, and rain before running into Chandra. Naturally a few convenient details were omitted, not that it mattered with his father's deductive experience.

Shannon stood over them, pondering the story, and then turned to Chandra, studying her carefully.

"So then, I am to gather you came to the Glen alone, unarmed, none of your defensive spells prepared, and no one aware of your intentions?"

"Y.., Yes Master Yuan… I just wanted to get away for a few moments, and then I ran into Master Valis."

Shannon sighed outwardly, causing a minor echo.

"Lady Dayshine, I owe you a grave apology for neglecting a very important date to a young girl and I understand the desire to take occasional refuge from your stresses. Nevertheless, I am extremely disappointed in you. Valis could have easily been an ogre, a troll, or even that pack of goblins and you with no defenses. Your parents made a lot of sacrifices to get you here, and would make more if they had to. You do NOT honor them with personal carelessness, and I do not wish to inform them you disappeared one night last seen by the gatekeepers. Do you understand me?"

"Yes Master Yuan."

"Now then. I cannot say I approve of the totality of this evening's events, but then nor were any boundaries of propriety broken. So then, let me be the first to say that it's about time the both of you came around. I was beginning to wonder."

Valis and Chandra, both beet red, could only smile at each other bashfully.

"Valis, you realize however this transgression will require special exercises and a report, the topic of which I shall decide on first light. For you Lady Dayshine, I shall be speaking to the Archmage Council regarding your careless behavior."

"Yes father".

"Yes Master Yuan."

"Now then, I am retiring. It should be noted that if I were assured Lady Dayshine was escorted directly into her quarters to remain and my son returned home immediately thereafter, perhaps I shall have such slumber this night morning will find me with a failing memory."

"Yes sir!"

"And Lady Dayshine?"

"Yes?"

"Happy nameday to you. We shall have a celebratory dinner in your honor upon our return."

Chandra smiled back. She knew Shannon Yuan always kept his word. Not that she cared. Acknowledgement was enough for her. The mighty paladin wasted no more words, turned, and marched away. The two watched him until he was gone, and with the rain letting up slightly, Valis set upon breaking his hasty camp.

"So, as I was saying Val, where should we go from here?" She was almost giddy from the night's events, and it was time to have a little fun.

"As father said, I shall escort you back to the a…."

Chandra silenced Valis with a deep and sudden kiss, unleashing all the passion and joy she could muster, even while pressing him hard into a dancer's dip. No less suddenly, she let him go with a coy smile. Already off balance and head swimming, Valis hit the ground with an awkward thud.

"When you get back, we have a lot to talk about. Good night Val!"

"Wha…humm? Huh? Hey! Wait!"

Valis jumped up and took off after her as fast as his muddled balance would allow. Just what had he gotten himself into?