Better a short but sweet update then none at all. Right, right? Oh and give succorelle a big round of applause, people. She's the reason this chapter is out now. After all, we all need a boot in the arse now and then.

Samanda

Disclaimer: I still do not own or am making a profit from this story.

The Flower Maiden

Chapter Four: Shelter

Written By:

Samanda Hime-sama

"So where are we going?" Ishtar exclaimed.

Vord grinned. "To see an old friend of mine."

"I'm assuming this friend of yours will shelter us." Duzell said coolly.

All three were riding furiously towards a destination with Vord in the lead. Duzell was in human form and calculating the odds they would get away cleanly. It didn't seem to be good odds that the three of them would get to wherever they were going without being captured. Their infrequent conversation was shouted over the noise of the galloping horses.

"She might, if she finds you interesting enough." Vord shrugged. "Then she'll pass you along to someone else if trouble finds you again."

Ishtar was dying to know who she was. "Who is she?"

"An actress." Vord answered, scanning for possible pursuers. "She retired a few years ago at the peak of her career. She's done so much in her lifetime that there is little new to interest her. She might do it simply because it is interesting."

"I guess ennui does have it's uses after all, eh?" Ishtar murmured, shooting Duzie a glance.

Duzell heard her comment over the hoof beats and glared at her. His hearing was better than a human's, after all. "How much farther?"

"Not far." Vord replied. "We need to go through the woods here. She likes her privacy."

Duzell spoke up. "It's out of Falan's control now. If the guards catch us they will send you back, Ishtar."

"We've come too far to be stopped now." Ishtar said to Duzie. "I want to stay free."

Vord grinned. "Then let's hurry!"

Vord pounded on the front door. After a few minutes the door opened quietly and a servant's inquiring face appeared. The woman smiled shyly at Vord. Then she glanced inquiringly at the two standing behind him.

"We'd like to see your mistress." Vord said.

She nodded. "Of course. Come in. I'll show you to the parlor."

"Thank you, Varla." Vord followed her into the house.

She showed them into a small parlor at the front of the house. It was decorated in rose and cream, definitely a room designed for a lady's relaxation. Varla closed the door behind herself as she went to inform the lady of the house that she had guests.

"Who are we meeting?" Ishtar wanted to know, as she seated herself in a delicate looking chair.

"Arcadia Ileene." Vord chose to sit on the settee.

Ishtar's eyes widened. "The actress?"

"The very one." Vord laughed, pleased with her surprise.

Duzell wanted to know. "Will she keep our secret?"

"Yes, depending on what it is." A smooth female voice replied. "And who have you brought to visit me, Vord?"

A tall woman in her late twenties swept into the room and closed the door behind herself. She was strikingly beautiful as she smiled at Vord. Her hair was a dark shade of red and caught up in a complicated arrangement on top of her head. Her body was slim and curvy under her well made but simple gown. Her sharp eyes matched the sapphire color of what she was wearing as she took in her visitors.

"I need you to hide these two." Vord replied.

Arcadia clapped her hands. "Ah, the drama! I will do so for you, my prince."

Ishtar slipped off her hood and tugged off the scarf preserving her identity. "Thank you."

"Princess Ishtar!" Arcadia was stunned.

Ishtar smiled. "So nice to know that I'm so well known."

"She's running away from an unwanted marriage." Duzell spoke for the first time since their prospective hostess arrived. "Can we count on your support?"

"Of course!" Arcadia recovered herself and curtsied. "You are welcome here."

Vord grinned again as he slouched on the settee. "Great. Now what's for dinner?"

"What an oaf." Arcadia smiled slowly. "Who says I'm going to feed you?"