Song of Sorrow (Part Two): Comfort for the Lost

War Marshal Magdar, his men and two other ships under the command of the finest sailing women he had ever known had been on the water for two days travelling to the mainland of Ansalon from Taladas. News of Kalas`s death had struck Magdar a great blow. He had known Kalas and his brother since they were young and counted them among his most trusted and dear friends. Once the shock had subsided and the grief had set in his chief thought had been to gather his men and his ships and sail to bid his friend a final farewell and also to seek others whom he knew would wish to join him. At last, near the ending of the second day, Port O Call came into view. He called for all hands to make ready to pull into port and dock, he could hear similar orders being shouted upon the other ships. As they neared Magdar could make out the forms of armoured men assembling near the docks, port guards no doubt, startled at the sight of three Minotaurian ships approaching.

"Our welcoming comity Marshal, how nice of them" said his first mate with a grin.

"Indeed, this shall be interesting" Magdar grinned also and made his way down to the main deck with his first mate following. Magdars ship was the first to make anchor and secure to the dock and when the gang plank was lowered Magdar and his first mate were the first to disembark. They were met by the Magistrate and two armed port guards. The Magistrate was what Magdar had come to expect in humans given minor authority, balding and with a slight belly protruding over an expensive looking belt (a sign that he had not had the job for very long) and a nervous sort of look about the eyes badly covered up by false confidence. The fellow looked Magdar and his first mate up and down quickly then flicked his eyes to the other two ships that had also just docked.

"Just what is going on here?" he asked, without even an attempt at introduction which Magdar found not only rude but arrogant.

"I am Magdar, War Marshal, and nothing is going on. My men and I are simply here to attend a burial service for a dearly departed friend not far from here in Solace, we are not looking for trouble"

"All of you? For one man? I find that rather hard to believe"

"It is the truth"

"I will be the judge of that, and no one is to come off of these ships until I get to the bottom of all this" now Magdar was growing angry and though he knew it would be less than productive to knock the Magistrates head off his shoulders he was strongly tempted to.

"Having trouble sir Magdar?" as the sound of this new voice speaking his name Magdar turned his head to see what he could have sworn was a young Kalas riding toward him, but that could not be. After a few moments he noticed two more riders, an elf lad and,

"Khurn!" the white Minotaur grinned and dismounted to meet Magdar who shared a warriors handshake with him before turning back to the younger Minotaur who had spoken. "Lance?"

"The same Marshal and you will remember Luca of course"

"Of course" Magdar nodded and Lance smiled at him before walking over to stand near the Magistrate.

"What seems to be the problem here?" the Magistrate seemed momentarily stunned as he attempted to find the right words, fumbling with his belt as he did so. At last he managed to fix a weak smile upon his face and said,

"Oh uh, no I mean no problem really we were, I mean I was only concerned that so many were disembarking and I had to be sure that it was not an attack or something of that nature. They say they are here for a burial service"

"Yes my fathers"

"I see. Well my condolences then and that seems to all be in order so I shall allow you all to carry on with your business"

"Very kind of you sir, good day" the Magistrate bowed and hurried off with his guards. The others soon moved off also back to their duties. Lance turned back to Magdar who was just then eyeing the Magistrate as he waddled off.

"Thank you my young friend. If that hobgoblin spawn had persisted with is racist nonsense I was going to put a fist in his face and toss him into the sea" Lance laughed,

"No thanks needed and I am glad that you didn't otherwise you would have been faced with a very serious delay" still smiling Lance looked Magdar over once and said, "It is good to see you Magdar. It has been a long time" Magdar nodded and placed both of his hands upon Lances shoulders.

"By the gods you have grown into a striking man Little Warrior" Lance chuckled softly at this, it was the War Marshals pet name for him and it sounded an awful lot like the one Marz had used for Gremalkin.

"Thank you Magdar. Father would have been happy that you're here"

"He would have done the same for me" Lance nodded his agreement. Khurn placed a hand upon Magdars shoulder then.

"It is good to see you old friend. I only wish that it was for a different occasion" Magdar nodded,

"As do I"

"The three of us have come to escort you and the others to Solace Magdar. We are ready to leave when you are"

"Are you not at least going to say Hi to me Lance?" Lance jumped at the female voice and looked around Magdar to see Ogwen standing with her hands upon her hips. Lance laughed nervously.

"Ogwen! I did not see you. I am sorry. Of course I am glad to see you also" She smiled and held out her arms for him,

"Well come on! I'm not getting any younger standing her waiting for you to hug me" Khurn and Magdar laughed as Dokha, Ogwens husband, stepped forward.

"You had best do it lad or it will mean her hand across the back of your head" Lance laughed also and embraced Ogwen.

"Thank you for being here"

"My husband and I as well as some of the crew would like to attend the memorial Lance. If we may"

"Of course you can. I would not have it any other way. By tomorrow my uncle Marz and his family will be in Solace and the service will be the next day" while saying this Lance stepped out of the female captains embrace. Ogwen and Dokha shared a glance then, as if they were worried about something, before Ogwen spoke again.

"There is another here with us Lance that would also like to go but was not sure if you would welcome her" Lance did not need to be told who this person was.

"You mean Kurii?"

"Yes my sister Kurii" Lance was silent for a long time, withdrawn inside himself, thinking. Kurii had at one time been his fathers lover but their relationship had not been able to last. This was of course years before his mother had even been born, before his father had known the name Rosemarta Dasrenvair. As a child Lance had feared that the pain of his mothers death would drive his father back into the arms of his former love and he had dreaded having to call another woman mother, had hated the idea. It had never come to pass however and he felt ashamed that he had ever thought such a thing. He had nothing against Kurii personally.

"She is here?"

"She is" Ogwen turned and pointed to the third ship that had come with Magdar and which was docked near her own. "That is her ship and she helped to bring a few more of Magdars men with her"

"That she did Little, Lance" put in Magdar.

"She chose to wait to hear what you would say. If you say she is not welcome she will understand and leave" Lance was silent for a long time again lost in his thoughts. His eyes wandered from Ogwen and Dokha to the others before settling again upon Kurii`s ship. It would have been cruel to tell her that she could not come to the service and really he had nothing against her personally. He had barely met her that day so long ago when he was a boy on Taladas with his father for the first time. It was time he was reintroduced.

"Tell her to come ashore" Lance felt a hand upon his shoulder and turned his head to see Khurn standing next to him.

"Today my boy you just took another step closer to manhood" Ogwen smiled.

"I will tell her so Lance and thank you from the both of us" Ogwen then went alone onto the third ship to fetch her sister. Lance watched her for a moment before turning back to his uncle.

"Thank you uncle and Magdar, about my old nickname, you may still use it if you wish"

"Mayhap I will from time to time Lance. Someday I shall be honoured to salute you and call you Sir Lance" he placed his hand upon Lances other shoulder. Lance smiled and felt pride swelling in his heart.

"Now there is a day to look forward to" he looked to Luca then, "You are very quiet brother. Have you nothing to say?"

"Enjoying the moment my brother" Luca replied with a smile. Lance nodded slowly and turned his gaze back to the ships. He caught himself wondering what Kurii would look like and what he would say to her.

"Something on your mind brother?"

"Only thinking Luca. I do not know what to say to her. When I was a child the thought of her replacing my mother mad me ill. I was wrong to think that would ever happen. Do you remember that uncle?"

"I do. It took you a day or so to realize that your father would have never done that to the memory of your mother" Lance nodded.

"We, father and I, never spoke of it again after that, nor of Kurii. So what do I say to her now?"

"Only that you are glad that she came, you need say no more"

"My thanks uncle, I think I can do that" all of their attention turned to Kurii`s ship where they saw Ogwen depart followed by another female Minotaur. Lance took a breath to steady himself. He had seen her once before of course but that memory was hazy, taken over by others that involved his father. Kurii was slimmer than her sister and also slightly taller. She was also a shade lighter than her sister, almost a hazel brown. Though she was many years his senior even Lance had to admit that she was rather attractive. He could see now what his father had once seen.

"Allow me to introduce my sister Captain Kurii Llynn. This is Lance, Kalas and Rosemartas son" Kurii smiled and offered her hand to Lance. Slowly he reached up and took her offered hand.

"So we meet once more. Thank you for coming"

"I am glad that I could come, I thank you Lance. I owe him so much and he was a good friend. It is the least I can do in honour of his memory Lance. You are, if I may say, a strikingly good looking man. It would aphere that you got the best of the both of them" she shook his hand firmly and placed her other hand on top of their joined one.

"You are most welcome and thank you. You honour me by saying so" Lance in turn placed his other hand over hers.

"The honour is mine" she smiled again and then looked up at Khurn who returned her smile.

"It is good to see you again Kurii. It has been a long time"

"Yes it has. Pardon me Lance" Kurii let go of Lances hand to hug Khurn who returned her embrace. Lance stood silently and watched the reunion take place. Now having met her he could see why his father had been fond of her. His mother he thought might have been slightly jealous. Khurn turned to introduce Luca but before he could do so the two shook hands and greeted one another as if they had met before. This surprised Lance who said,

"You two have met? When did this happen brother?"

"Oh quite some time ago now Lance. Do you not remember when my parents and I took that two week journey? Well we came across her then in one of the port towns"

"I see, yes I think I do recall that now" Magdar came up to them then, he had it seemed stepped away to check on all the ships while they were all distracted,

"Pardon me my friends but my men and I are read to set off when you are" Lance nodded.

"Alright and thank you Magdar. Lets mount up and be on our way" while saying this Lance began walking toward his own horse not noticing that he was alone until Ogwen spoke,

"He seems to be taking the initiative of being in charge Khurn"

"A chip off the old block he is Captain" Khurn chuckled and Lance stopped short. He had not meant to sound as if he were trying to take charge. He waited for a reprimand that never came. As he waited next to his horse Khurn came up next to him and smiled before pulling himself up into the saddle. Lance returned his uncles smile and mounted up himself. The respective Captains rode with their crew men, some of Magdars had stayed behind to make sure the ships would be well taken care of, they would catch up once their task was finished. Lance was quiet on the ride back to Solace, thinking about and dreading the day after tomorrow. All of these people had come to pay tribute to his fathers memory and there would be more. Had his father known the impact that his death would have upon so many? Yes Lance had a feeling that he probably did know and yet...Upon returning to Solace Lance reined in his horse and turned to look as his uncle and brother.

"Would the two of you mind very much if I went off on my own for a time? I...well I need to think"

"Not at all my brother. I need to show Magdar and the other Captains and their crew men to the tented area they shall be sharing anyway. The Inn does not have the capacity for them"

"Alright and thank you. I shall see you later on, at the Inn I suppose" Lance bid farewell to his uncle as well as to Magdar and the others before turning about and riding off into the trees. As he rode Lance shook his head. No, not the Inn, not tonight. The sudden urge to run overcame him and he nudged his horse into a hard gallop which soon saw them bursting out of the tree cover and into the open land beyond. The wind rushing in his hears and the power of the beast between his legs willed him to move even faster. An image of leaving the ground filled his mind and he wished that it could be so, he did not want to be here anymore. "Faster!" over the crest of a hill the familiar form of a Paladin appeared which warped into that of an old man in grey robes and wearing an oversized and misshapen hat, he was directly in the path of the charging horse. Lance pulled hard on the reins which caused his horse to rear. His hands slipped and fell from the saddle, landing hard on his back. The horse cantered away a few feet then stopped to pick at some near by tall grass. Lance remained where he fell and the old man was soon standing over him, the end of his long white beard hanging in his face.

"And where might you be running to?"

"No where" he sighed, "No where I just...I wanted to...I don't know" he sighed again and stared up at the sky. The old man moved off to settle somewhere, the rustling of his robes betrayed his location.

"Frustrated? Angry?"

"If only it were something that simple. I wanted to feel something that would remind me that I am still living. Time is moving faster than I would like it to. One more day and this will be over and I will be expected to move on. But to where? To what? What is it I am supposed to do?" a breeze kicked up and he closed his eyes to listen to it. Tears were cold upon his face.

"To live, the best that you can. That is all anyone can expect. You know your father and your uncle where not so different from you right now when faced with what would become of them when they were young. A path will reveal itself to you in time"

"Why is it that you always show up at times like this? Just the way father always said you did"

"I feel most needed at these times I suppose"

"Who asked for your help? Why cant you Gods just, oh I forgot you aren't one anymore are you" silence then for a time, the old man shifted and blew smoke rings from a newly lit pipe.

"You hate the Gods don't you?"

"I have good reason to. They have taken everything from me now"

"Not quite. You still have your friends don't you? A home"

"For only as long as they leave me alone"

"Your father chose"

"Shut up!" Lance bolted upright to face him, "If it had not been for Sargonnas my father would not have had to die. He didn't have to in the first place. If he had told me. Somehow...somehow I could have" the piercing calm stare of the old man forced Lance back onto the grass barely holding back sobs. The old man shook his head sadly.

"No there was nothing you could have done even if he had told you. The dark god Sargonass once angered is not easily placated. He would have taken a life from your family no matter what you might have tried to prevent it. Do not ask me for an explanation for I have none to give. I will not condemn your anger, you come by it justly and your sorrow, your helplessness is also easy to understand. I ask only that you do not let it consume and blind you to what you still have and what you can have moving forward" the old man tapped out his pipe and stood up. Lance remained looking up at the sky and so did not see him go. After a short time Lance sat up again and looked around. The old man was gone without a trace and his horse was still standing where it had stopped. Slowly, mindful of his now aching back, he would be crippled for the rest of the day but nothing was broken, he got to his feet and walked over to his horse. Looking toward Solace he realized that he had ridden farther than he had originally thought.

"We have a good walk ahead of us boy, take a few hours. I`ll be damnably sore by then but that's my own damn fault" he took hold of the reins then and started walking, groaning with each step. When at last he came upon the town he decided first to return the horse to the temple grounds where his uncle had acquired them earlier that day. At the Temple he came across a Paladin who thanked him for returning the horse but said that he would see it safely to the stable so that he, Lance, could return home, if that was his destination. Lance thanked him and turned his steps homeward again where he hoped that no one would be waiting for him because all he wanted at the moment was to lay down and sleep. Thankfully the shop and the house were both empty. He stumbled inside and practically pulled himself up the stairs to the main house and from there into his bedroom where he fell upon the bed with a groan.

In another part of Solace not far from Lances own home Juspar and Linara sat together in their home, she in his lap with her head resting against his shoulder. Their sons were bedded down for a nap in the other room. It had been an early morning as they had left the house to retrieve the boys from the Temple so that they could breakfast together at the Inn. They had been joined by Kalowen, Linara`s mother, and Kyra, Juspars older half sister. Juspar had always found it difficult sitting with his mother in law as she always gave off this feeling that she was watching his every move, which had not faded entirely over the years as one might have expected or hoped it to. Kyra being there had helped tho as she liked Kalowen and the feeling was returned. After parting company with them at the Inn they had taken a walk through the woods with the boys. They ate lunch at home and the boys had played for a while before nap time. Juspars eyes were closed and his arms tightened slightly around his wife's shoulders as he took in the scent of her hair and thought of how much he enjoyed moments like this. Linara for her part was still and gazing at the wall thinking of the following days and what they would mean.

"What troubles you love?" asked Juspar. He reads me like a book.

"Just life I suppose"

"I see" Juspar gently kissed his wife's cheek and held her close, "It will all be over soon love. The day after tomorrow we can begin healing. I love you and our sons so much, we will be happy again" one of his hands drifted to rest upon her belly, rubbing gently. Linara sighed contentedly and snuggled closer to her husband. Juspar smiled even as tears of joy threatened to overcome him.

"It is your turn to pick names you know" his wife's voice broke him out of the strong emotions he found himself in and he gently shook his head to clear it.

"So it is love. Well..." his voice trailed off as he became lost in thought. After a few moments he said, "If it is another son how doe Lorel sound?"

"I will have to think on that one. And if its a girl?" Juspar was quiet for a few long moments again. He had thought on this privately for some time now, thinking that if they did have another child, a girl, that it would be suitable. How Linara would react he did not know but now was the best time to find out. Quietly then he said,

"Rose" Linara sat up and looked him in the eyes, then she smiled.

"I like it" he smiled back.

"So do I love" gently he pressed his lips to hers. It was decided.

When Lance woke he could tell by the light that it was nearing the dinner hour. His uncle would be worried, as would Luca. Both were either at the Inn or on their way to it. He rolled onto his back to stare at the ceiling. He was sore and did not know if he felt like going to the Inn. The memories that would be lying in wait for him there would be bad enough but inevitably the conversation would steer toward...but of course that would all have to be talked about eventually. He sighed not knowing what to do. After a few more moments he decided that he would have an ale and think about it. He groaned as he sat up and got slowly to his feet. In the kitchen he poured himself an ale from a half empty keg and sat in his mothers chair next to the fire place.

Lance drank his ale slowly, wondering how long this pain would last. When his mother had died it had not hurt nearly this much but he supposed that had been because he had had his father with him then. Or perhaps it had been as bad as this but so long ago that he did not remember it properly. He had been so much younger then and had had a better outlook on life. If only he could will time to move faster...or turn it back. He sighed and shook his head, placing a hand to his eyes.

"Forgive me brother" he would not go to the Inn tonight, he could not. Earlier the thought of the Inn and its warmth had been a comfort but now it was only another source of grief. Solana, she might be there, waiting for him. But then she might not be. She had never visited the Inn very often. More likely she was at her parents house. He was not all together sure that he wished to see her anyway. It seemed he would feel the same no matter where he was. As he took another drink a knock came to the door downstairs. Startled Lance set his ale down and got up to answer it. Seeing Solana he managed a faint smile.

"Good evening Solana. This is a surprise. I thought you would be at home at this hour" She smiled back but then looked sad.

"I came to see that you were alright Lance. After all we are old friends and I did fight by your side. If you would rather be alone though I will understand" Lance thought for a few moments,

"Well I don't know how pleasant of company I`ll be but you may come in for a while if you wish. I'm alright just sore. My horse threw me"

"I have some herbs with me that I could make into a salve for bruises that my mother showed me to make. I could make it for you if you want"

"Well I haven't checked to see if I have any yet, bruises that is, but I am sure that I do. If you think it will help I would appreciate it"

"Let us go inside then. Have a seat and I will apply the salve where it hurts"

"Alright" Lance moved aside to let her in then closed the door behind her before leading the way back upstairs. Solana took one of the seats at the main table and Lance settled himself next to her. With a groan he removed his shirt.

"See anything?" Solana held her breath as she beheld Lances bare chest and muscular torso. She had never seen him like this before, at least not so close. The sight rendered her speechless. Slowly Lance turned so that his back was turned toward her. "How about now?" his back was equally impressive but yes there were some bruises there.

"Yes, um, there are a few. Give me a few moments to prepare the salve" while saying this she pulled the herbs from her pouch along with a small wooden bowl. Lance sat quietly and listened as she mixed the herbs together in the bowl. "This will be somewhat cold when I apply it" Lance smiled,

"I can take it but thank you for the warning" Solana nodded though he could not see it and slowly applied the salve with both hands to his bruises. Though she was doing this to help him she found herself enjoying the chance, her first, to have her hands upon him. How she felt about him was clear only to herself she knew. If only...

Her hands were so soft. He had never imagined. He closed his eyes and allowed himself to enjoy the feeling. But they were just friends...weren't they?

"Solana I" he stopped himself and began again, "I..want to thank you. You stopped me from making a terrible mistake.

"And what mistake might that have been?"

"You convinced me to stay with Luca instead of going home. If I had done the opposite, what I had intended, my father would have died and I would not have been there with him. I could not have forgiven myself if that had happened"

"I think you would have made the decision to stay without my help. You should not demean yourself Lance. Not a one of us can control what will happen or might happen"

"I offer my thanks all the same"

"You are more than welcome Lance, what are good friends for?" there was a note of sadness in her voice that Lance did not catch. He nodded slightly,

"What indeed" she had finished applying the salve but did not remove her hands. She did not want to, not just yet, just a few more moments, "Are you finished?"

"Oh, yes just finished" slowly she removed her hands and Lance stood up to pull on his shirt.

"Thank you, I do feel better"

"I'm glad and you are welcome Lance" he was silent for a few moments as his eyes travelled around the room, not knowing what more to say or rather knowing what to say but not how to say it. Eventually he gave up and decided to say something else.

"Would you...um...would you like to stay and have dinner with me or do you have to go home?" Solana smiled,

"I would love to stay and have dinner with you Lance"

"You would? Very well then. Would you mind if we ate here instead of going to the Inn?"

"Here would be just fine"

"Make yourself at home then and I will see what we have in the kitchen"

"Could I set the table Lance?"

"Yes of course, just follow me and I will show you where everything is" Lance led the way to the kitchen where he showed Solana where all of the plates and other things were kept. In the few moments it took Solana to set the table Lance looked around the cold storage. "How does beef and vegetable stew with rice sound?"

"That sounds very good Lance and to drink?"

"Well I think I still have a bottle of wine around here some place"

"Where is it?"

"On one of the high shelves probably, don't worry I'll get it" Lance rose from where he had been crouching to reach up into one of the high cupboards. The bottle lay upon its side in an otherwise empty rack, "Seems I will have to purchase more soon when I have the time" he handed the bottle to Solana who took it out to the table. They prepared everything together but Lance did most of the cooking, he insisted, after all she was the guest. They talked mostly of the adventures he had been on with Luca and his cousins and she in turn told him of things that had happened here in Solace while he had been away and of things that she had learned while working with her father in the Temple Gardens. Lance served tea while they waited for the rice to be ready and he felt the urge to open up more about something he had thought to keep to himself.

"Solana I...well I think I should tell you that, that is I think you should know that while I was adventuring with Luca and the others I never found myself in the company of women" she smiled sweetly at this.

"I feel honoured Lance"

"I also often thought of you"

"And I of you"

"Usually in the quiet hours of the night or when Luca and I sat to play cards, which would explain why I lost so much. Whenever we did find ourselves in certain establishments Luca, Will and I remained downstairs always and we were only there because we could not leave Jarrin and Aldemere to their own devices" they both shared a laugh and as he looked into her eyes the urge to kiss her suddenly rose up inside him but the words of his father over all those years as well as those of others filled his mind and suddenly the urge faded. He lifted a hand to take hold of hers, gently removing it from his cheek where it had wandered almost unnoticed. "I should check to see if everything is ready" he rose slowly from his chair and went to the kitchen. When he returned he noticed her wiping her eyes but pretended that he had not. "Everything is almost ready. A few more moments I should think. Would you like some more tea?"

"Yes thank you Lance" he filled her cup before his own and added some sugar before retaking his seat. She drank, her eyes carefully averted. He shifted in his seat and drank also. The silence between them became palpable and he tried to think of something to say. Just as he had given up and was about to head for the kitchen again Solana spoke,

"Can I ask you a question Lance?"

"Of course"

"Its in regards to you and I, are you sure?" Lance looked into his tea cup, took a sip then slowly set the cup down before nodding,

"Yes I am sure"

"Before I begin I just want you to know that I know how you feel about this subject. It is only that you do not like being told things by the others that you are reluctant to say or to do anything. I understand Lance and no matter how long it may take for you to get this under control I will wait for you" Under control? She makes me sound like a madman. But then perhaps that was not too far off. He waited for her to continue. She reached out and took his hands in hers and kissed them. "I think you know how I feel about you. I have never kept it a secret. Also I think I know how you feel but you are as I said reluctant to do or to say anything. I just want you to know that I will wait for you to decide one way or another" Dont Solana, not for me. Is what he wanted to say but couldn't. He looked at her hands which still held his, they were so small.

"What if I never decide? What if I cant?"

"I will still be here for you, either way"

"You shouldn't. Solana you cannot waste your life like that"

"Why should it be a waste if I were to fight by your side whenever you have need of me?" a slight smile played about her lips and he understood.

"Oh I see. I thought you meant...it doesn't matter. Was that your question Solana?" she shook her head and so he waited again.

"Do you find me...Do you think that I'm pretty?" no need to even hesitate with this one.

"I do. More than that. I think you are beautiful Solana"

"Thank you kind sir" she blushed.

"No need to thank me for telling the truth and none of that sir business. You make me feel old" she chuckled.

"It was a sign of respect, silly"

"Silly? Well I guess I cannot argue with that one"

"But very handsome and attractive too"

"Thank you" he kissed her hands then.

"You are welcome Lance"

"Everything should be ready now. If you would like to have a seat at the table I will bring everything out" Solana nodded and moved to the table. Lance returned from the kitchen with two plates full of stew and rice upon a tray with bread and butter and two wine glasses. He set a plate in front of Solana before opening the wine and filling her glass half full. He did the same for himself before taking his seat.

"It smells wonderful Lance"

"Thank you, I hope that it tastes the same" while saying this Lance reached for a slice of bread and then took up another, buttered it and handed it to Solana who took it with a smile,

"Thank you"

"You're welcome" he returned her smile before starting on his meal. They ate together in comfortable silence. The stew recipe was one that he had gotten from the book his mother and grandfather Morgen had compiled of travel food. His father had also contributed as had many friends of his parents and other relatives. Once finished eating Lance sat back in his chair with his glass of wine, waiting patiently for Solana to finish.

"This is very good Lance. May I ask where you learnt it?"

"It was my Grandfather Morgens recipe first. Luca found a copy of my parents book and we took it with us on our travels"

"I would love to have it, that is if you don't mind"

"Not at all of course you may have it. I'll write it down for you" saying this Lance got up to fetch parchment and a quill to write with. Returning to the table he set to copying the recipe.

"Thank you. I will look forward to making this for you someday at my parents home" Lance smiled,

"I too will look forward to that day"

"Are you sure you will not tire of it before then?"

"I could never tire of it. It is one of my favourites" having finished he passed the recipe over to her. She looked it over once before folding the parchment and placing it in a pouch at her waist.

"I will let you know a day and time as soon as I can then shall I?"

"That will be fine" Solana finished her meal and then helped Lance with the plates. Upon returning to the main room Lance refilled his wine glass and Solanas before retaking his seat at the table. Solana sipped her wine before looking up at him.

"Lance do you remember a few years ago when I asked a dryad to dance with me for you?"

"How could I ever forget that?"

"Would you...like to see that again?"

"I would. I am sure it would be just as much a wonder now as it was then" Solana smiled and rose from her chair to place her hands upon the exposed side of the living tree in which the shop and house had been built. From the wood emerged the tiny figure of a woman, green skinned with hair like moss. Lance sat transfixed, he had not expected her to do so now, here this evening in the house. The two conversed to one another and then she introduced herself to Lance as Neela. She spoke to Solana again then bowed, ready to preform. Music began to play, the sound of a flute and pan pipe whistling through the trees and the house. Neela danced on her own for a while moving as one with the swaying of the trees outside and the music which were one and the same. Solana joined her when the music changed ever so slightly, adding a stronger older note to the softer ones. Lance found himself awed by Solanas ability to move to gracefully, he had known that she could of course but dancing and fighting, though they shared similarities, were in the end not the same, both requiring different muscle control and focus. Lance swallowed hard as he continued to watch as Solana now moved to better match the movements of her small partner almost flawlessly. Solanas movements became gradually more seductive and she ventured closer to him. Lance found himself struggling to keep his eyes above her shoulders, perhaps this had not been such a good idea. Noting his discomfort she moved off again and she and Neela finished their dance with a graceful one kneed bow. Lance began to clap,

"That was wonderful, thank you both" Solana smiled and stood up before turning and clapping also.

"Thank you Neela, it was a pleasure to dance with you again" the little figure smiled, bowed and then vanished back into the tree.

"Your powers have grown strong. Lady Moon and sir Boamin must be proud"

"Thank you Lance. They are, I have advanced further than either of them had hoped and far sooner" she became more serious, "I am sorry for making you uncomfortable earlier. When I start dancing like that it just takes hold of me. I am sorry" Lance shook his head,

"There is no need to apologies. I think that I can understand the feeling. We all have things that we love so much that they become part of our souls"

"As music was to your mother Lance, dancing is to me. I have spent a lot of time with Neela and others learning how to dance their way"

"It is in your blood then. That I understand well"

"What did you think of it?"

"You are very talented. You should dance at the Inn for everyone to see" she blushed then,

"Thank you but oh no I do not think I could do it at the Inn unless it was for a special occasion"

"I understand. Mother was the same way. Just know that if that day comes I shall be there. I promise" she smiled again and placed a hand to Lances left cheek.

"I will look forward to it" slowly he placed his own hand over hers, removing it from his cheek to place it to his lips.

"As will I" he felt a longing in her then, through her hand and in her eyes. The same longing stirred in him but...slowly, with some reluctance, he let go of her hand and took note of the time. "Its getting late. Do you have to go?"

"No and I would like to stay longer. If you have other things to do I understand and I will go"

"No I don't have anything to do. Before you came I was just going to spend the night here by myself. I am glad that you came as the idea did not appeal to me us much as you might think"

"In that case" she picked up her empty wine glass, "I could use a refill good sir" Lance chuckled.

"As the lady wishes. Why don't we sit by the fire for a while? I will get us another bottle" while saying this Lance got up and went to the kitchen for more wine. Solana moved to the chair opposite the one Lance usually sat in to wait. Lance returned with a bottle of white Qualinesti wine and filled Solanas glass before taking a seat and filling his own.

"What shall we toast to Lance?" this question caught him off guard and for a moment he was unsure what to say. There was nothing really he could think of worth toasting. However eventually he settled upon something simple, a small light in the darkness. He raised his glass.

"To the things, moments and people that make life worth living" she seconded him and they both drank. Lance watched the fire for a while in quiet contemplation, picking the right words to say next. "Solana...the day after the morrow, at my fathers funeral, I was wondering if you would stand with me when I say a few words"

"I would be happy and honoured to Lance"

"Thank you. I know that Luca will stand with me but I will need more than his strength to get me through it" he took anther drink.

"No thanks needed"

"I still don't quite know what I am going to say but I am sure it will come to me"

"As am I Lance. I know that it will be hard for you but if you speak from your heart I think you will do well" Lance nodded then smiled at her.

"Your confidence is already a greater help than you could possibly know" she returned his smile and sipped her wine.

"My father wants to know if you would allow him to plant a tree at the site, next to your mothers"

"Of course I would, in fact I asked sir Lucius just today about it. Its what he would have wanted. I'm sure of it"

"That will make father happy, he really liked the both of them. As I did"

"As did many. I had thought that another tree growing so close to the Inn might cause a problem but sir Lucius assured me that Boamin will be able to coax the tree into growing so that there shouldn't be any"

"I shall help with that too Lance. You've nothing to worry about"

"Sorry, I do seem to keep forgetting about your powers don't I?" Lance chuckled.

"That is ok Lance"

"I remember the day that you first came here, you were so enchanted with the place. Do you remember?"

"Oh yes, quite well"

"Did it surprise you when the Lady Moon and Boamin asked you to be their daughter?"

"Yes it did, very much so"

"Knowing them I am sure they did not hit at it before hand. Were you happy that this would be your home from then on?"

"As happy as any orphan child could be" Lance nodded and drank the last of his wine. He did not notice any time passing until, "Why so silent suddenly Lance?"

"Sorry, just thinking" he looked around the house and sighed, "Already the place seems too quiet"

"Well it is just the two of us here now"

"Thats not...what I mean is that even if I were alone here before it was different. It felt different because I knew this was home and that they would be...and now" Lance let his voice die and left his thoughts to linger between them. Slowly she placed her hands over his as they rested on the table. She looked at him but said nothing. "I don't know if I will ever feel the same way about this house or Solace ever again. The world keeps crumbling around me and home begins to seem more and more like a thing of the past" a single tear found a path down Solanas right cheek. Lance lifted a hand to brush it away, "I'm sorry"

"It is alright" he took his hand away and reached for the wine bottle when a yawn overcame him.

"I'm getting tired. Would you mind if we spoke more tomorrow?"

"Not at all" Solana stood up and Lance followed her to the door. He held it for her then stood in the doorway to say goodnight.

"I really am glad that you came to see me. Thank you"

"Any time Lance. Good night" Lance watched her go for a few moments then heaved a heavy sigh and stepped back inside, closing the door but not locking it, knowing that his uncle would be returning home at some point that same night. He walked slowly upstairs and went to his old room, out of respect for his parents he would not take the Master bedroom just yet. He undressed and settled under the covers allowing sleep to cover him like a shroud.