Aeril awoke the next morning when the front door opened. Varlon walked in somewhat unsteadily. "Varlon are you ok?"

"That depends on your definition of being ok. I should have known better than to trust that Ogre! What was I thinking going drinking with an Ogre! Not very strong he says. HA! That was the strongest alcohol I've ever had. Pardon me Aeril, I'm going to sleep right now."

Aeril was extremely confused. Varlon had gone drinking with Boomba? He never even knew his father drank alcohol. He quietly got dressed and left for the west gate, where Boomba would normally be. He was actually quite surprised. Boomba was there, but several guards like Malin weren't there. Seeing Boomba wasn't very busy he went up him to find out what happened. "Hey Boomba!"

"Hello boy! Is Varlon good?"

"I'm not sure, he came in this morning rambling about alcohol or something like that. He said he was with you. What happened?"

"He drink real beer! He, Boomba, Malin and other guard drink real beer last night."

"Why were you drinking? I've never even seen him drink any alcohol before."

"After fight, Varlon come with Boomba. Boomba talk about past. When Boomba had son. We talk long, then we see Malin and he come too. We all talk and we drink. Both no Ogre, so drink too much. Boomba make bed, so no feel bad when wake. Both good drinker for humans! Hahahaha. Boy want drink too?"

"No thanks! I'm going to see if I can find Kryn. I'll bring you some food later Boomba. Bye!"

He ran back to the theater. Seeing her not there he walked around some of the places they walked the day before. After an hour he gave up, and went back to his duties along the trade routes. He walking towards the south gate in East Freeport, when movement fast movement caught his eye. There he saw four figures running quickly towards the outer city walls.

He recognized one of them as a Dark Elf, so he ran there way. He made it to the place where they suddenly disappeared. Looking around he saw no door. He touched the wall in front of him and was shocked when it went through it.

He stepped through the wall, and into a large dark cave. It was hard to see, but he continued. After a few steps his body reacted to the darkness and shifted forms. As a girl she could see much better in the dark. Not far she reached an intersection. She was about to left when she heard a voice from the right.

She followed the right wall figuring that to be the safest way to remember how to get back. Just as she reached another intersection a she made out a figure coming from the right. She was tall, long pointy ears, and was looking at the ground talking to herself. "You shouldn't walk with your head to the ground, you might end up getting hurt."

Her head shot up at her. He recognized her immediately, even if it was a bit dark. It was the Dark Elf she had seen a while back. Aeril took a step toward her, when she hissed at her and stepped back. The Dark Elf quickly began to cast a spell. Aeril didn't have much of a chance to say much more, as she was suddenly starting to choke. "Stop *cough* I *cough*" was all she managed to say.

She felt a tingly feeling run up and down her spine, and on instincts moved out of the way of the path of a sword. She looked at the sword that just swung at her and to her surprise there was no one holding it. The sword and a shield were floating there in midair. She didn't have much more time to examine it as it suddenly swung at her again. She felt a pinching feeling from her lungs. It was getting hard to breath. She looked at the girl, and it appeared like she was casting another spell.

A green light glowed eerily around Aeril, making her feel very weak. She realized that if she didn't defend herself, she would most likely die in the city sewers. The animated sword and shied attempted another strike. She began to dodge, but another fit of coughing cost her as the sword hit grazed her shoulder.

Aeril got angry. The Dark Elf didn't even wait for her to talk and explain, she just attacked. Aeril angrily turned back to her male form, eliciting a started gasp from his attacker. He still felt weakened from the all the spells she cast on him, but in his male form he was stronger. But the gain in strength cost him, as now it was nearly pitch black. He wouldn't have been able to see a thing if the Dark Elf wasn't radiating some kind of light. He looked at the attacking sword and shield but couldn't find a good way to fight something incorporeal. So giving up on the distraction, he focused on the source of it. She started to run away, deeper into the tunnels.

He ran after her. His body turned female so she could see better, but she didn't stay that way for a long time as they soon made it outside. After becoming adjusted to the light, his body became male again. He followed quickly after her, while the animated sword and shield followed after him. He chased her past the walls of Freeport until they were in the Commonlands. He could tell by the direction she was running, that she was trying to make it the Nektulos Forest.

They ran for quite some time, before Aeril caught her just outside Nektulos Forest. He grabbed her tightly. He winced as his hand was burned, but held on. "Why did you attack me."

"What was I supposed to do, stand there and let you kill me."

"Why would I have killed you?"

"You were an elf and you chased the others into the tunnels. Then you sneak up on me making a comment that I should have watched where I was going so I wouldn't get hurt."

"What does that have to do with anything? I was simply giving you some advice."

"You must be stupid! If someone sneaks up to you in a dark tunnel what do you think they're intentions are?"

"Ok I guess I wasn't thinking. Look I'm sorry. I just saw you and I was curious. I wanted to talk to you the first time we met, but you ran away. Now when I try again, you attack me and run away again. Must I burn my hand every time I wish to speak with you?"

"Let go of me and you won't have to burn your hand."

"But if I do that you might run away again."

"What do you intend to do with me?"

"I just want to talk. Is there something so wrong about that?"

"Let go of me then!" She snapped in at him before quickly calming herself down. In much calmer voice she said. "Let go, and then perhaps we'll talk."

Having taken enough pain, he let go of her. His arm felt like it he had just placed his hand in an oven. "Now will you talk?"

"Fine, if you are so insistent on talking talk." she said exasperated.

"Well, uhm well why where you in Freeport?"

"That's none of your business!" She said angrily.

"Well, umm how about we start of simple. My name is Aeril. What's yours?" He said smiling at her and extending his hand to her.

"Again none of your business." She said ignoring his hands.

"What's wrong with you? I'm just trying to nice and talk a little. If it talking to me bothers you so much fine just go. Forget I even bothered trying. Maybe I shoulda just listen to what everyone else said. Good bye."

She watched as he angrily turned away and started walking back to Freeport. She started to walk into the forest but stopped. She stood there for a moment before turning around yet again. Sighing deeply she said. "Stop! I'll tell you my name. Its Maji."

He was quite shocked. He hadn't expected her to do that. Smiling he turned around to talk to her, but she was in the midst of casting a spell. He didn't have much time to say anything, because she suddenly disappeared.

Staring at his blistered hand he sadly walked back to Freeport lost in his thoughts. It was late when he returned. The pain in his hand had gone away a long time ago, but to him it still felt fresh. It did no real physical damage other than a few blisters, still it stung with a pain he had never felt before. Is she like everyone says about Dark Elves? She did attack me without even waiting for an explanation. But it might have seemed to her like I had wanted to attack her. Still she still acted so cold to me, even after I apologized. And she never apologized about attacking me. But she did tell me her name. Why am I letting this get to me?

His musing were interrupted by a loud shout. "Boy! Is you!"

Hearing the familiar sound of the Ogre, he remembered his promise of bringing him food. He must be famished he thought. "I'm over here Boomba! Sorry for not bringing you lunch. I got majorly distracted.

Boomba looked at him before asking in what sound like a worried voice. "Boy ok? Boomba see boy chase Dark Elf. Boomba try to help, but Boomba see flying sword and shield case boy. Boomba stop flying sword, but boy far. Boomba no can catch."

"Ya I'm ok. That stupid sword nicked my shoulder, and my hand stings but I'm ok."

"let me see shoulder."

Aeril ripped the already torn cloth around his left shoulder. The cut wasn't deep, and was mostly healed already. But Boomba put his hand on his shoulder. He said a few words magical words and his hand turned blue.

It was only after his shoulder was healed, that he realized how much it actually hurt. "Thank you Boomba. That feels sooooo much better."

"Varlon looking for boy. No tell about fight with Elf, but Varlon still worried."

"Oh no! Thanks Boomba. I'll bring you dinner tonight promise!"

It didn't take Aeril long to make it to his house. Varlon was pacing nervously about. He turned to the door when he heard it open. "Aeril!" He cried out. Running to the door and embracing his son. "I've been so worried. Are you ok? I heard there was some commotion by the gates today."

"Ya I'm ok. I found a bunch of Dark Elves sneaking into the city and ran after them."

"Dark Elves! Aeril you said you would be careful. Chasing after a bunch of Dark Elves is not being careful."

"I know, I'm sorry." He said apologetically.

"Well that ok. I'm sorry too. About yesterday that is. Its just there's so many questions. I never knew how strongly you felt. I had so many questions, I thought you would too."

"Its ok. I shouldn't of run off like that. It was rude and disrespectful. I do have lots of questions. but after talking with Kryn, I realized I was scared too. Scared that if you found my birth parents, that you would leave me with them."

"That's the last thing I'd ever want to do. It might be a good idea for to spend some time with them, but only as long as your comfortable. You've only been my son seven years, but if feels like I've raised you your entire life."

"I remember when I first found you, I could hardly get you to talk. Now your all grown up and I can hardly get you to be quiet! Haha! You've grown so much, but who's this Kryn you spoke of?"

"Oh I met her yesterday, after I ran off. She's really nice, she just moved here from Kithicor."

Varlon's eyes widened. "Wow, what a place to live. It's a wonder she's alive."

"Ya, that's what I thought so too. But she's nice. Tall for a Half Elf. She's almost as tall as me as a guy. I gave her a small tour of the city."

"A tour? Was there any other reason for touring her around Freeport other than to show her around?" He laughed seeing his son's confused look. "Never mind, you'll understand when your older."

"What do you mean older? I'm not a kid anymore!"

"Yes, I know that. Its just that in some things you seem to different than most kids your age. I think it might be due to your Elven side. Half Elves are known to mature a bit slower than most humans, and while your not exactly a 'Half Elf' your still technically at least half Elf."

"So you think my Elf side is causing me to be different?"

"No no. You make it sound like a disease. Being Elven is part of who and what you are. Just like being human is part of what both you and I are. If you take away your Elven traits, you wouldn't be the same person."

"What are these Elven traits in me?"

"Well for example, the way you broke your fall yesterday, or your extreme dedication to your beliefs and your duties. Most humans your age, are not nearly as dedicated and focused as you. And other things like your seeming carefree attitude. You jump on the backs of Ogre's and chase Dark Elves all day. Not to mention your skill. Every one knows that Elves live longer than humans, perhaps you had already learned that before. While I imagine you to be 14, you could be 140, which for an Elf would still make you a child."

"140!!! a child?!?"

"Yes Elves lives hundreds of years. A thousand year old Elf isn't that grand a thing. Didn't you know that?"

Aeril shook his head. "I just thought Elves were short, pointy eared, more agile and with red vision."

"Red vision?"

"Ya, its weird. Things start becoming red, when it gets dark. It easier to see things that way though. I never thought much about it until today. When I was in the tunnels. My body just kinda switched for me so I could see better."

"Oh I see. I've heard of that before. Elves and some of the other races have much better vision that we do. Aeril, may I make a suggestion of you?"

"Sure! What is it?"

"Well, how would you like to take a vacation?"

"A vacation? Wow really? That would be great."

"I was thinking that perhaps we could make a trip to Faydwer. I think you might benefit from having an Elven teacher. Someone who can teach you the basics of being an Elf, or at least a part Elf."

"Faydwer!!! That's a long trip! What about my training? Braka said he wants to train with me day and night until I'm ready to take the test for the yellow sash."

"Really! I'm impressed. He hadn't wanted to rush you, what brought about this sudden change?"

"The gate thing I guess. We were practicing till late last night. He gave me today off, though I think it was more for him to recover than me."

"Well I see, hmm that does put a damper in my plans. Well you've gone this long, I'm sure you can go a bit longer with out knowing. What do you say about leaving after you've completed the test for the yellow sash? That gives us some time still to prepare for such a long journey. Besides don't forget I too am a trainer. You can bet your training will not suffer while we go on this trip."

"Well, alright since you think, its for the best. I mean I guess there are some things I should probably know. 1000 years! I can't even begin to imagine living a 1000 years!!! Anyway how about I make dinner? I promised Boomba I'd bring him lunch and I forgot so, why not make both of you food. Is there anything special you want to eat?"

"No not really."

"Alright I'll just whip something up." He ran to the Brownloe bakery which was just a few houses down from his own. Joshua was helping his mother bake when he arrived. "Hi Mrs. Brownloe."

"Why hello Aeril, would you like some muffins? We just finished baking them?"

"Thank you Mrs. Brownloe, but I was just about to prepare dinner for me and Varlon. I just came to pick up some spices and some bread."

"Why sure. Let me get them for you I have them in the back. I'll be just a minute."

Joshua Brownloe finished with the oven and came to the counter. "Hey Aeril what are you doing?"

"Oh hey Joshua. Not much I'm just making dinner for me, Varlon , and Boomba."

"The Ogre? Why are you gonna waste good food on an ogre?"

"Because he's my friend.

"I still don't get why you want to be friends with an Ogre. No offense, but I know your not normal due to the way change, but can't you at least try to act like a normal human being. Its just strange, humans don't go making friends with Ogres."

He was about to respond to his supposed friend when Mrs Brownloe came from the back with the supplies he needed. "Here you go Aeril. Do you want to pay for it now, or later?"

"I'll have to do it later, I forgot to ask Varlon for some money before I left."

"Alright, I'll just add it to your debt. Have a nice day! And tell Varlon hello for me."

"I will Mrs. Brownloe." Taking his supplies, he started to walk back, angry and hurt. He knew Joshua since he first started to live with Varlon. They were the same age and would often play together when they were younger. But like so many of the people he met, he had a predetermined concept of what everything is supposed to be like. He like many others had a hard time accepting things that seemed not to fit in there little bubble.

This more than anything really hurt him. When he was younger the way people treated him made him feel strange and unwelcome. Because of that, he was often felt lonely, and he began to hate his dual nature. It wasn't until Varlon started teaching him the art that he began to truly feel good about himself again.

The sorrow he had felt left. Instead of thinking of himself strange when he changed, he considered others strange for not being able to change. The more he studied the art, the more he realized what a blessing being able to change was for him. When he needed strength and stamina his body would provide it by becoming male, if he needed speed and agility his body would become female and Elf.

Even now people still only mostly accepted him. Sure they were nice and to the casual observer, they would detect no difference between the way they treated him and any other person in Freeport. That is until he wasn't a him anymore. That's when those who before treated him so warmly and kindly, began to show there apprehensiveness to him. It seemed to him they were almost afraid that if they talked to him for a long time they too would start changing shapes. Only a handful of people in Freeport readily accepted him as both male and female. Those were Varlon his father, his trainers in the monk guild, his friend Kai, and Boomba.

He wasn't actually fully sure if Boomba accepted him as both boy and girl, or just didn't really understand, since Boomba almost always called him 'boy'. But at the least it didn't seem to bother him or make him treat him any different, and that was all Aeril cared about.

He had learned his lesson long ago about prejudging others. Treating others because they were different was wrong. Why should it matter if a person half male, half Elf, or full Ogre? All that matters is the person themselves. Sure he's fought and killed Orcs many times, but if the Orcs suddenly decided to stop the war and make peace, he wouldn't have the slightest objection. Isn't that what love, peace, and justice were all about? Yet how did could the people of Freeport so easily forget the three main religious ideals their city was based on?"

He sighed. Taking a quick glance at the theater as he was about to walk home, when he noticed someone on top of the theater. He looked at the figure and sure enough the figure was dressed in a brown traveler's robe. He smiled to himself realizing it was Kryn. He ran to the theater and up the stairs.

The girl hearing the running steps turned to the steps in alarm. Aeril saw the scared look on her face. "Oops sorry Kryn didn't mean to scare you its just me."

Taking a breath to keep regain her composure she said. "You nearly scared me half to death! I thought I had done something to make the guards upset with me. Is it alright for me to be here?"

"Ya sure no problem. Its only off limits if there's a play or something going on. But other than that, its ok. They won't even say anything if your up here while rehersal going on, as long as you don't get in the way or make a nuisance of yourself. So whatcha doin up here?"

"Nothing I guess. I just wanted to get away and think. I made a big mess of things today. So I came here to think, its really the only place I know in Freeport."

"That's what I do too. I especially like to come here when I'm having a bad day, like today. I guess where both having bad days. So why are you having a bad day?"

"Amongst other things I had a fight with my father, about some personal things. It was mostly my fault, she was mostly right. But I was just so mad at the time. My mother is going to be really upset when she finds out."

"I'm sorry. My bad day started this morning when I saw a few Dark Elves trying to sneak into the city. I decided to follow them and see how they got in. They apparently go in through a pair of underground tunnels. It was actually kinda cool, but it was it was super dark. You can't go very far into those tunnels without being able to even see the hand in front of your face. Luckily I changed and I was able to see better."

"Changed? How were you able to see better."

Aeril got a little nervous. He wasn't sure how'd she react it. It was only the second time he'd met her, but he had begun to like her quite a lot. He didn't want to his friendship with her diminished because he changed forms. But he wasn't going to lie to her, if she couldn't accept him for who he was, then so be it. "I changed forms. I became an Elf." He said looking directly into her green eyes.

He couldn't read the look on her face at all. "How? Are you an enchanter or do you have some kinda of magical item."

He looked at her curiously. "You believe me?"

"Of course. Why wouldn't I? I could turn into a human, a Dark Elf, an Ogre, or even an Iksar if I were so inclined and had the correct magical ways of doing it. Its just a matter of how. If you're an enchanter you could easily cast a spell to change your form. Though I doubt that, since you neither wear its insignia nor do you seem the type based on yesterday's observation. So I imagine you used some kind of magical item to do it. Although I must admit I'm not aware of any item that can change its user into an Elf. But with all the magic and magic users in this world, I imagine anything that can be cast, can most likely be made into an item for later use."

Aeril nodded. "Ya I suppose your right, but no I didn't use any magical item, and you were right about me not being an enchanter. I did it naturally. Its part of who I am."

Now she sounded extremely skeptical. "Naturally? Now that, I find a bit hard to believe. Would you mind giving me a small demonstration for me?"

"Sure I don't mind, but I'm sorry I can't."

"Can't? You said you can do it naturally, why can't you?"

"Because it just kinda happens. One minute Ima guy next minute ima Elf girl. I don't know how it happens, it just does. Master Tolan of the Enchanters School of Arcane Magic, thinks the trigger is based on my emotions. Which is seems to be true, but I think its more to that. Its almost like my body adapts to each situation as needed."

"What do you mean adapts?"

"Well like when I got to far in the tunnels that I couldn't see anymore I change and I could see better. Or if I'm fighting and I need more strength I'll become a guy. I can swim longer as a guy but faster as a girl. It just depends on what I need to do."

Kryn frowned. "So you can turn into both a male, female, human and Elf?"

"Not really I can only turn into a guy human and a girl Elf."

"I still find it hard to believe, but for some reason I find it hard not to believe you."

"You do?"

"I suppose I do. I would feel more confident in my belief if I had visual proof, but yes for some reason I do believe you."

"Wow! No ones ever believed me the first time I told them!" His rising enthusiasm triggered his transformation, changing him directly in view of the girl.

An array of emotions flooded the girl. Shock, disbelief, anger, excitement, sadness, and most of all curiousness.

"Seeing the girls expression, Aeril asked "What's wrong Kryn?"

"You..... changed."

Aeril looked down at herself and confirmed that she really had changed. "Oh hey, I did! Wouldn't you know it!"

"You mean you didn't even realize it happened."

Aeril shook her head. "Nope not anymore."

"How can you not? You nearly a foot shorter! Just perspective alone should make you realize something different."

"Well ya, but of course I was sitting this time. But I get what you mean. How do I explain. Its not so much as that I can't tell I've changed, its more of I'm used to the sudden change in perspective that I react automatically without thinking about doing it. Like if we were standing up, I would normally be looking slightly down, then if I suddenly changed, I would without realizing it anymore look up. It just usually takes me a bit to realize."

Kryn started laughing. Aeril narrowed her eyes at her. "What's so funny?"

"You are! You change both size, race AND sex, yet you don't notice. I mean everything about you changes from size, body composition, voice, hair. I'm sure I would notice. I know several enchanters who would be green with envy right now. You are indeed an intriguing person Aeril. I'm glad I decided to follow you."

"You mean- you mean you don't think its weird or nothing?"

"Well of course its weird. Normal people don't spontaneously change body's at the whims of their emotions. But then again weird is good. It makes you the most special person I know. Everyone has something that sets them apart from everyone else. Mine is maturity, while your's is being dual natured."

"Maturity?"

"Yes I'm very mature for my age. How old would you take me for?"

"About 14 or 15."

"Ok that's a pretty good guess. But now remember, I'm part Elven. We mature slower than humans. Most full elves don't mature to adulthood till they are in their early hundreds. Now Half Elves are different. They have human blood which makes them age much quicker than normal elves. So while a human reaches maturity about there teens most Half Elves won't reach the same maturity level till about their 20's or so. Me being about 15 am way to young to be fully considered an adult. Yet I am, both physically and mentally."

Aeril was amazed. He never realized there were that many differences between Humans and Elves. "Are Elves really still kids until they're over hundred?"

"Why yes of course. You mean you didn't know?"

"Well sorta, Varlon mentioned it earlier, but it just seems so long!"

"Yes Elves live long lives. Full Elves can naturally live anywhere between 900-1200 years old. Now that's not including magical life extension or death due to illness, accidental causes or assisted death such as murder or warfare."

Aeril mouth the number 1200 several times. "Wow, will I live that long?"

"I'm not sure. It all depends really."

"Depends on what?"

"Well answer me this. what are you really a male Human or a female Elf?"

She answered in his traditional way. He shrugged his shoulders and with a laughing voice said. "Both I guess. Why do you ask? Does it matter?"

"Of course it matters silly. Humans obviously live a lot shorter lives than Elves. While women live a tad bit longer than men do. For a human that difference might me about 7-10 years. For an Elf that could be anywhere between 80 - 100 years longer."

"So what does that mean for me."

"To tell you the truth I haven't the foggiest idea. There are too many unknown factors to calculate. It could be anywhere from 70 - 1200 for all I can tell. Anyway enough of all this boring talk, continue with your story."

Aeril look confused. "What story."

"You dolt!" She said laughing "The story about chasing the Dark Elves into the tunnels."

"OH ya! Ok so I chased them into the tunnels, but they were far ahead of me so I lost them. But I was curious so I just started walking around, when I found this Dark Elf girl. Now this wasn't just any Dark Elf girl, I had met her before."

"You knew this Dark Elf girl?"

"Well I saw her twice. We didn't see her long the first time, but the second time I had a pretty good look. Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to talk to her cuz we were interrupted and she ran away. So anyway, there she is walking towards me. But she wasn't paying attention where she was going so I was like 'You should watch where your going, else you may get hurt.' Well she gets all made at me and starts attacking me."

"Well I'm not surprised!"

"But I was just trying to be nice. Why would she attack me?" Aeril asked with a confused look on her face.

"First she's a Dark Elf. Sec-"

Aeril quickly interrupted her. "So what if she's a Dark Elf. Why should she attack me just because she's a Dark Elf?"

"Ok quick tutorial on Dark Elf society. Dark Elves primary god is Innoruuk, the god of hate. That means most dark Elves aren't going to be the most kind or loving people you meet. Their very god puts them up against each other. Dark Elves are not given the luxury of trust. To do so could result in a well place dagger in the back. Even those who do not follow Innoruuk are forced to a degree to live as he would want them. Then again I'm sure you are somewhat familiar with this considering there is a temple to Innoruuk here in Freeport."

"There is?!"

Kryn sighed. "Yes, unfortunately there is. My mother teleports many people places. Some of which are humans eager to worship in the underground temple of Innoruuk. Well as I was saying, this cultural upbringing make Dark Elves edgy and suspicious."

"Given what you said," she continued. "She probably thought you were going to try to kill her. Especially since you were an Elf at the time. You see all the other kind of Elves hate Dark Elves. To them Dark Elves are an abomination, the black sheep of the Elf family. My mother tells me that a band of Elves have recently teleported into Nektulos Forest. This would no doubt make the Dark Elves very edgy."

"Wow! How do you know so much?"

Kryn smiled. "My mother is a member of the League of Norrathian Teleporters, also known as the LNT. She spends all day teleporting people from one place to the other. So she picks up a lot of gossip which in turn pick up from her. Also in case you've forgotten Kithicor Forest is almost directly connected to Nektulos Forest. Both Halflings and Dark Elves consider it to be one forest and are in hot dispute over who has control over it. As such Halflings have invaded Nektulos and Dark Elves have invaded Kithicor. So I've met a few Dark Elves, and like I said they're very hard to win over. But I guess some people have an easier time than others."

"Do you mind if I ask you a question?"

"Sure go ahead. I'm feeling talkative today for some strange reason." Kryn said smiling.

"What's that pin on your collar?"

Kryn's hand reflexively went to her collar. Her hand stumbled about trying to find the pin she spoke of, before finally resting on it. "Oh this. It's the hand of power. The pin worn by all wizards on Norrath."

"Your a wizard?" Aeril asked eyes wide in amazement.

"No, this is my mothers pin. She gave it to me, as a memento of her. It was her first pin, so its very special to me."

"What's it for? Is it supposed to help you cast better or something?"

"Oh no, its actually an old tradition dating back to the combine empire. During those days, all the major classes had an insignia so that others could tell from a distance what they practiced. So for example. I'm a wizard, and you're a monk. Now if we're traveling in town and we're hungry all we'd do is search for the house with the bakers insignia on it. Or if we needed healing, all you'd have to do is find the person wearing a censor insignia. Its an old tradition, but in fact many still practice it."

Aeril was about to ask her a question when she heard Varlon's voice calling her "Oh my its getting late, that's my father. I almost forgot I was suppose to cook." she said dangling the supplies he bought from the Brownloe bakery for her to see. "Please come eat with us. I can easily cook for one more."

Kryn looked unsure. "I'd love to, but I really must go. My throat is sore, from all that talking."

"That's more reason to come, please. Come have a meal drink some water and relax before leaving. Besides Varlon want to meet you, we can all have supper together. It'll be fun! come on."

"I'm sorry Aeril I really can't I must meet my mother tonight. I may need my voice in case we get into a disagreement. Perhpas some other time?"

Hearing Varlon calling for her again she frowned. "I'm over here, at the theater. I'll be down in a minute." She shouted towards Varlon waving so he could see her. Aeril then turned to Kryn again. "Well at least come down and meet Varlon, please!"

"Ok, I'll meet him. But I can't stay long."

Aeril smiled widely. "Good! Now hold on tight and don't get scared." She said as she grabbed the taller girl in one quick swoop and jumped from the top of the theater. After landing she calmly placed her down.

Both Varlon and Kryn stared at him disbelievingly. While the top of the theater wasn't nearly as tall as the top of the outer city wall, for someone who wasn't expecting it, was quite a shock. Yet she strangely she didn't feel as afraid as she would have thought she would have felt. And as much as she wanted to she couldn't force herself to be even slightly annoyed at the girl who even now was smiling blissfully at her. All she could do was shake her head at the grinning girl and try to fight the growing smile on her own face.

Seeing the taller girl wasn't going to say anything, she turned to Varlon and said proudly. "Varlon, Kryn I'd like you to meet each other. This is my father Varlon, and this is my newest friend Kryn."

"Now I see why you were late coming back with the food supplies. I'm happy to meet you Kryn. My son was told me much about you today."

"Thank you sir, it's a pleasure meeting you also. Aeril has told me much about you these last few days. I can tell you both care for each other very much."

"Yes I do. Aeril means more to me than life itself. Anyway I just came to remind you that its getting late. So I'll leave you to alone now. Once again it was nice meeting you Kryn. I'll see you around hopefully." He said with a large smile on his face.

Kryn shook her head. "I swear some people have no tact."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

He was... never mind. Anyway I want to thank you for cheering me up. I can't remember the last time I felt this happy in a long time. Bye. Hopefully we'll get to see each other more often."

After waving good bye Aeril ran back to prepare dinner. Kryn stayed for a few more minutes starring at the theater, before walking home with a smile on her face.