The Muse (open)

[Demona]

Demona watched as he took her words in and she did not have to wait long for his reaction. Watching him walk over to the table and mimic her actions tho he was more leaning over the chair rather then simply standing behind it.and as he watched her sliently she wondered about his thoughts. That it prove was a misguided thought for when he put his thoughts to words she wanted nothing more to throw him out quite literalty and with her anger once again sparked she was in no doubt that she could acomplish the task easily.

[Nath]

Nath didn't even have time to react to the sudden force that knocked him off his feet; he could only feel the results. Nath felt the hard concussive blow as his head rebounded off the thick wooden wall and he stammered forward toward the table again. His mind in a daze, he rubbed his head furiously as he hung it down, the pain was sharp and acute, but he could also feel the rushing surge of adrenaline and rage. His memory was blank in that moment, he couldn't figure out what had happened and why he had suddenly flown across the room like some spider web caught in a hurricane, but he didn't care in the insane mood he was now in. Nath turned on the woman, ready to bite back with all his vehement rage, but he was quickly cut down again.

She blabbered on about some incoherent garbage that made as much sense as a barrel filled with squirrels being chucked down hill. He listened though, clutching his head and looking to her as if she had four eyes and a purple antenna. Soon he noticed that he had begun to bleed into his mouth as his head hung to the side. Slowly, he turned his head back and his icy blues burned dangerously into that woman's face as she had the cheek just to ignore his existence. Anger quickly turned to amusement and Nath began to chuckle quite loudly, wiping a trickle of blood from his jaw as it seeped out over his lips.

"You've got balls, I'll give you that... hunny."

He'd begun with a heavy handed smile and a quick crack about her femininity again, but Nath's expressions soon slithered back into indifference and he was still sternly angry; like an angry rock, but not a volcano. He held his 5'10" frame up straight, but not stiff like he had a broom shoved up his arse. His shoulders were slack, but not relaxed, and just sorta hung there. He was not overly muscular, except he had a crazy but not vein popping six pack. It just looked nice. One just had to have one to be able to take blows to the abdomen; it coincided nicely with his thick head too.

Once again he swiped the blood off his lips with a motion of his hand and flung it to the floor with a snap of his wrist. He was still in the mood to fight, even if it was pretty pointless by now. He wanted her to show him some attitude and he got it alright, the swelling pain in his head and the blood dripping from his lips was proof enough of that. Nath just couldn't let it go, but her words hurt him more than his fists could hurt her. Nath could feel that feeling again, the one that made him want to rip his own heart from his chest, that terrible sinking sadness. As much as her words infuriated him, the despair welled up because he knew these games he played were childish and pointless.

And it distracted him good; Nath sighed in bereavement for his discarded ego and he took a seat before her. He hung his head down, letting his hair cascade over his face because he felt sort of ashamed and didn't want to look at her for a while. When he brought his head back up, he cocked it to the side and just looked at her with a no nonsense stare. Nath could feel his heart twinge with that tormenting grief again, but he chose to ignore it and bury it under a mountain of coldness. He was too rattled by the gloom that surrounded her and that he knew felt heavily in his heart, to speak rudely or brazen. It made him feel a little shy and unsure of what to say, but Nath always managed to think up something to flap his lips about...

"So... what's your name?"

It seemed appropriate by now to know it, but he asked her as if he didn't really give a damn. Looking her straight in the eyes, Nath's icy blues swarmed with intensity and his face lit up with excitement, but for him that meant a warm smile and a dull friendly look. He wondered if she would bother to tell him, he couldn't think of a single reason why she would, but Nath remained hopeful. If she wasn't going to break the ice though, Nath sure had other things to say.

[Demona]

Demona was watching all the emotions play across his face. it saddened her that he had hurt his mouth she had not wanted to cause pain just shake a bit of sense into the man she guessed her anger got the best of her. she gave the appearance of Ignoreing him . she let a small smile form just at the corner of her lip at his off handed compliment. She was not so naive that she did not expect some retalliation so she was somewhat shocked to see him wipe his mouth once more then come to the table and sit down.. he held his head down for the longest time and when he lifted it and looked her in the eyes and simply asked her name....

Demona smiled as she stood reaching over to the bowl before him " My name is Demona and yours would be?" turning from him giving him her back as a show of trust at least for this night alone. walking to the fire she put two ladels of stew into his bowl and sat it by the fire as she knelt down making sure to keep her garments from the flames . she pick up the loaf of remaining bread and turning slowly not wanting to startle the man she walk back to the table and standing just to the left of his chair she placed the bowl and bread down. going back to her seat she pulled the chair out and returned to her own meal. as she picked up her spoon she gave him a small nod and began to eat again listening not only to the silence of the room but the storm that had finally hit against the door and roof of the house it seemed it was fired on by the short battle that went on inside. She wondered how long this lull would last she was tired and her spirit almost broken thinking of what was before her and the thought that at any time she might die and what would those depending on her do then.

The fire crackled as the wind and freezing rain sizzled down on the flames. Demona noticed again the large supply of wood set out beside the hearth and without a word she rose and walked over to the fire place and removed the pot of stew setting it down on the hearth stone that kept the embers from getting onto the wood floor. she added three logs of chopped wood and set the iron screen to prevent sparks from catching the house on fire .she would build up the fire before they slept to keep out the rain and cold but for now it was good enough. Picking up the pot she returned to the table and sat the pot down on the lovely brick in the middle made for just this to keep the food warm if not hot and it would not burn the lovely wood table in the process. as she sat down she looked to the man lifting her spoon to her mouth waiting to hear what his name was and why he acted so defensely when she had not given him reason to expect deceit frpom her.

[Nath]

Nath waited patiently and thought how unlikely it would be that she'd take this distorted olive branch of his and call it truce. He was shocked when she stood and smiled, but his expressions failed to show it. Nath was then a bit startled when she spoke too and looked at her as if a fifth eye had suddenly sprouted between the four from earlier. So she was going to play nice after all. Nath sighed in relief, that sure as hell made things a little easier.

"Nath."

He answered curtly, but with a smile as her back turned. The timing couldn't have been worse really and she probably missed what he had said. He felt kinda sucker-punched really as he’d sat up and played nice in return and now God was just going to screw him over. Nath rolled his eyes but kept a serious demeanour as that was Nath. He was cross, but that didn't matter too much either and he let his mind drift as Demona got busy doing manual tasks and tending to the fire.

As his attention started to wander in the silence, he realised there really wasn't that much silence in this room. The wind was kicking up a real fuss on the other side of the wall, huffing and puffing with all its might to bring the house down, but thankfully it wasn't getting anywhere. The dull pitter-patter of snow and rain pelted the roof with an excitable rhythm and also dripped down through the chimney to aggravate the fire. In return the fire cracked and spat at its opponent who poked and jabbed at it like some kid with a stick against an ant hill. The fire probably would have stuck out its tongue too given the ability, but all it could do was growl fiercely at the unrelenting child and his cruel humour...

It really was a deafeningly quiet place to be up here in the mountains, which was probably why even the smallest sounds like a mouse running across the floor was transformed into the din of a marching band waltzing through the front room. Nath rubbed his head again, that acute pain withering slowly into a dull throbbing ache at each revolution of his fingers. Nath then closed his eyes and felt the pain diminish some more until it was just a nagging twinge and about as troublesome as being lightly slapped across the back of the skull with a dandelion. The relief from the pain was slightly euphoric and Nath didn't want to open his eyes for anything, but sure enough, God pissed down on him again and he forced his big blues back into the world.

The stinging pain returned with a vengeance and Nath felt as if he'd been stomped on by an elephant. He gurgled softly and growled as the sound of motion approached him, but his eyes blacked in so he couldn't really see. Nath reached out with all his other senses for the meantime, making points of where certain sounds were coming from so he could paint a picture in his mind. When he finally came around again though, he quickly realised just how much of an artist he was not. He looked Demona square in the eyes wondering if she had heard him or not, but it was weird just to ask her outright. He also wasn't much for conversation, so this was probably going to be a long and silent dinner, which reminded him, there was still some stew to devour. Nath helped himself when she set a bowl down in front of him, no point leaving it to get cold.

[Demona]

Demona watched as he devoured the stew she sat before him thinking it was worse than she had thought. good thing she had gotten the pot since she was not a big eater and though she knew she needed the food her mind drifted to the day ahead and the problems waiting her. When he didn't mention his name or she had not heard it she decided to ask again " I am sorry I didn't hear your name is what?" thinking it might have been softly spoken she did not want to assume he did not say it. the silence was giving her time to think and that is not what she wanted to do at the time. she needed to relax to rest and recharge her spirit and to do that her mind had to move on to other less worrisome thoughts. and with that she turned her mind to the sounds of the night both in the cabin and outside. she heard the mice and birds in the space between the walls and the roof She heard the wind and the rain fight against the walls and door of the house trying despertly to crush whatever obstacle that dared to stand in their way

The storm it seems has finaly came in I am glad that we are in here it sounds bad out there".... she paused for a moment not knowing what to say to fill in the silence while he ate..." Why was you on the cliff's edge earlier tonight ... knowing that it might have been a bad choice of topics but she did not have the calmness to think of another one. the storm had made even the inside of the house active and thinking again of the small mice scurring to find a hole to hide in away from the danger both inside and outside listening she heard the few birds fluttering in the space between the ceiling and the roof to keep dry and warm .they must have left late for the warmer parts of Maia and now had to find holes to keep alive till the warmer months if they even had any here in the mountains.

she watched as he ate and saw the pain so slightly show in the corner of his eye she worried that this too was her fault she atempted to clear the air again speaking as softly as she could as not to increase his pain.. " your head does it bother you still from you hitting the wall I am sorry again I did not mean to push you that hard I wanted only to shake you up a bit and maybe so you would stop judging me so quickly.I can help if you would let me "

Demona watched him with eyes the color of ice blue a sign of not her anger but her worry for what she might have done to him.. Not knowing how this bit of news would be taken she was a mage after all and her duty to help when she could.she leaned back to rest her back on the chair and waited to hear if her offer would be thrown back she never knew what to expect from this one
so much like the bear she liken him to quick to anger and attack even if merely with words. those hurt just as well and some wounds did not heal completely .

The more she watched him the more she seemed to understand it was not so much against others as it was against himself ... as if whatever pain others felt he too felt but that was a wild guess and she could be so far from the truth but if so.. it was not her attack that pained him but the saddness of her being and that she could not heal

But wanting to be sure she tried to get him to open up to her even alittle " why have you come to this place of cold ? surely the dangers that await me also await you as well.?"

[Nath]

Nath looked up instinctively as he heard a sound then tuned in to what Demona was saying like he’d suddenly picked up Japanese radio. Nath was busy eating and finally quelling the hunger pangs so he wasn't really listening. It wasn't until he finally began to pay attention that the foreign language got translated and Nath caught the tail end of it. She was asking for his name again, but he figured he'd already cleared that matter up. In a dry and stolid tone, Nath just muttered listlessly before returning to his meal.

"Oh. It's Nath."

As he filled his stomach the pain in his head seemed to vanish making him wonder just which organ was the one in charge here. Nath was a big eater and could pack away his own body weight in food some days, but it never really effected him because of his lightning-fast metabolism. That didn't make him a pig though and once he'd finished his first bowl he figured that was enough for now. Nath didn't want to push the envelope too far because the thought of sustaining a further concussion didn't sit too well with him; her words were ringing in his ears enough as it was and as he scoffed down that last mouthful of food, the pain in the back of his skull returned.

[Demona]

Demona watched now in silence running out of things to spark a conversation, As he ate she smiled a little glad to know at least this was one way she could repay a kindness..soon he lifted his head and gruffly told her his name was Nath but seemed out of sorts still she moved her eyes
the table she saw the remainder of the stew. not wanting any more she ask Nath " can you finish the stew I can't but I don't want to offend the people here after making it for us not wanting to bring back bad thoughts of how he was treated she wanted to include him as her guest. even if they did not know she did . that thought did bring a smile to her as she thought of that toad of a boy that showed her here and his lack of respect for another in this weather.it would have groaded him much to see Nath here though she would never cause Nath any problems what she did with the gifts given her was her business she was never one to seek postion by giving up her standards of how others should be treated.. with respect ..

seeing him shake his head to her offer to help his head in a kindly way she smiled at him when his head popped up sharply with a dazed look as if he hadn't heard a word but he answered her just the same. that he was just passing through . wondering where he was headed that this was on the way it seemed unlikely that he could be headed in the same direction as her .. even she knew only a fool such as herself would willing go there .what with all the dangers she was fore warned of what seemed so very long ago though it only seemed that way . Watching him as he kept his eyes to the floor wondering what the attraction was that held his gaze as if senseing her thoughts he brought his head up and looked at her but his gaze was almost listless or vacant as if he was far away from there

It seemed he wanted to tell her something but changed his mind .she had hope they were past the rough parts but when you was used to being alone it was hard to trust .. then hearing his question about a story that she had not heard from either the Great oak or the elders of the village seeing it for what it was a olive branch she was thankful as it would take her mind from her worries at least till the morning came. and the wonder of what damage it would bring with it to this little town.and the passes she would have to take to continue her journey thinking of the lost caverns and the texts she seeks to help to show her the way into the spirtual heart of Maia to seek the knowledge to help those at home . but the dangers the traps and monsters that thrived in both areas she was daunted at the thought . grasping at this story almost as a life line to her sanity she smiled at Nath as she answered him trying to sound as cheery as he did ..


" No Nath I never have will you tell me now please" she asked softly wanting to hear it as she always loved the tales real and made up that was told to her . and it would be nice to have something else to occupy her mind then the force of the storm as it sounded far worse than before .. now she looked down not wanting him to see her frown wondering if it would be over by morning she had to press on even it it had not and this too was another thing to worry over would it never end.. knowing at best even in this storm it would be far easier then the remainder of her journey and her serch if the stories was even true and if not what would she do then letting a small shudder pass through her she looked up with a bright smile wanting to think of other things and this story of Nath's was just what she needed at the moment . to relax her so that maybe just maybe she would get some needed rest tonight. rest she felt Nath could use as well hoping that the story would relax him too so he could find some peace in his slumber as well

[Nath]

Nath gave her a weak smile when she said she hadn't heard the story before he smirked a little. Not many people had heard the tale and it was mainly the people of Duskarn that knew that they even existed. It was only because the caravan of people stopped there for work and rest in the winter time though, otherwise the whole planet would be completely oblivious to them.

Nath shrugged his shoulders before leaning back in the chair, his cool gaze fixed on the ceiling; his head propped up when his hands folded in under it. Nath didn't have any kind of trouble telling this story because he’d done it so many times before. This along with the one about Patris, his God, his pain in the rear end, had become pretty common tales at least to him. Nath had told them so many times that they were practically embedded in his skull. He was a good storyteller too and didn't mind sharing and entertaining others, even if they thought him completely mad like he was making this stuff up.

"Well Demona. It goes like this..."

Nath recounted the tale like a master of the forge would fashion the perfect blade. Meticulously but not so painstaking as to make her eyes water and her ears fall off, Nath kept a steady pace and at the same time packed the story so full of magick that it was ever a wonder that their little shack wasn't glowing. It wasn't all about his skill though, the story itself was pretty special in its own right and Nath was just glad to do it justice while he entertained her like this, lifted her spirits and made her forget about the troubling times that still awaited her.

He told her about the strong winds that always blew across these vast grassy expanses of the forever plains. That how perhaps the area's topography had something to do with it, not that he knew much about what that was exactly, but the direction of the wind remained constant, irrespective of the time or season and he’d always been told that this was just the case.

Nath also mentioned some more intimate details about the land, things he knew more about that didn't need much scientific explanation. It was pretty simple really like how the misshapen trunks and branches of shrubs all inclined toward the west with the unceasing wind. Tall grasses didn't grow here and the grasses that did grow all lay flat on the ground, bent westward with the wind too.

The land is so flat, in fact, that the curve of the planet is actually visible on certain points of the fields. The sight was truly breathtaking and Nath told her that it really put life into perspective, that you couldn't see the big picture unless you stood on those fields and really felt what it was like to be on top of the world. He said that it wasn't exactly a common thing, that average folk didn't just go there everyday, but there were some people who practically lived there.

Caravans and herding folk traverse the single road that crosses the plain, he added. Just as the flow of a river never changes direction, so the footsteps of those who use that road have not changed direction since the distant past, nor are they likely to change far into the future; from east to west with the wind on their backs. Human shapes that appear from the horizon where the sun rises disappear over the horizon where the sun sets.

The people that wander there rarely pass oncoming travellers, or any people at all for that matter, as Nath mentioned just how ignorant the world was of their presence. However when they did come across others they were always eager to share the stories of their people, their culture and their religion.

These people are devoid of worldly desires, he said. They live their lives for no greater purpose than travelling eastward on foot. They are free of doubt. They give birth to children en route, and they continue their journey while raising their children. When they age and their strength gives out, their journey ends, but their family's journey continues. It never ends and Nath said this with a warm and heartening smile because while it might have seemed tragic, it was also an uplifting thought.

From child to grandchild to great-grandchild, their belief is carried on. Human beings, who cannot live forever like some elves he mentioned with a good-humoured smirk, dare to take a journey without end. This might be the ultimate tragedy, but it could just as well be the ultimate comedy, he added once more with an affectionate smile. At least in the end of it all, it’s the show of faith that counts and keeps them going as each generation passes on its wisdom to the next, forever growing and developing their understanding of what their God expects of them.

Nath could have gone into further detail and then went on some more about the lives of the people on the Forever Plains, but felt that for one night, this was enough for her. Nath could see the weariness of her soul and felt the same way; they could both do with getting some rest now. His story had only taken an hour or so to tell, so there was still plenty of time to get some shut-eye before dawn. Not that dawn came, the grey skies just got a slighter light shade and instead of the world being pretty pitch black as it was at night, you could see as far as a dull lamp in the corner of a room would allow.

Even though he was pretty confident and feeling relaxed himself, he still had some doubts about Demona. He wondered if his tale had managed to make any impact at all, or if it had just taken her back to sometime where she had felt as glad as he had sounded while speaking. He couldn't tell right now, but maybe Demona would show him soon enough.

[Demona]

Demona watched as Nath sat back and began his tale of the people of the forever plains. siling as she saw him look up to the ceiling just as her father did to tale a story he said it help him concentrate.and as she did with her father and the Great oak Demona closed her eyes and visualized what they were saying. hearing about the wind that was a constant thing and the people always walking westward almost as in a pilgrimage. imaging the comfort that would come from being with so many that knew and cared about you as much as you care about them .hard to imagine haveing children on this trek though . tinking of the many things that can go wrong with child birth after watching her mother perform the task of mid wife to so many in the forest.

then hearing how they hardly met anyone going eastbound. and wondering how they could have the enegry to want to hear stories the fight against the wind would be exhuasting.she could imagine how long it would take anyone to gain any ground going by the way trees and grasses are effected by the wind.. but it would be so exciting to see yourself in a place where you could see the curve of the planet and know you were at the peak .

Demona longed for a time to know the feeling of purpose they must have felt even knowing that their journey would never end.but to have such faith in a belief and in themselves to know they were right in doing so .a perpetual family never having to fear being alone had to be such a comfort to them as he told his tale Demona felt a calmness settle over her and she suddenly felt so tired

opening her eyes she saw the tiredness in Nath as well and as his story came to an end she smiled brightly at him

" Thank you Nath I loved it and it was just the right medicene for a troubled mind. but I think it is time we both got some sleep now I know you are my guest but you still get that lovely lounge there I think it will be long enough and the pillows are soft I hope you find a peaceful rest there "
Rising from the table Demona strecthed her arms above her head and picking up the remaining dishes took them to the kitchen and wash them out settng them to dry. after that she check the fire to see it was burning well moving the shield so she could put a couple of more logs on the fire as the wind was still blowing fiercely. she did not want to wake to a cold house. making sure to replace the sheild she turned to say good-night to Nath ..

[Nath]

Her gentle smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, but the more she spoke, the further his joy sunk back into his cold dead heart. Nath reclined into the back of his seat and watched with a veil of indifference as she got up and stretched, arcing her back a little in a typical sleepy fashion. Waves of empathy struck off his wall of contempt like copper-jackets pinging off a superhero's chest; he was knackered too, but too proud to show it.

"Yeah that's fine."

Nath said simply as he listlessly watched Demona tidy up the place. Now a good guest would have helped her clear up a little, but Nath didn't really see the point in that, in any of it really. She wasn't going to be here much longer, same as him, so he couldn't get how she'd want to tidy up for these pigs. From the look of these idyllic little mountain homes, these people were used to a bit of squalor. At least he got up to give back the plate she bothered setting out for him though...

Demona was checking on the fire by the time Nath dragged himself up from his chair. Out of the corner of his eye he noticed her pilling a few more logs onto that greedy fire, but then made a direct bee-line for the sink. Instead of helping her right away, Nath sorted out his empty bowl first and by the time he'd wandered over to give her a hand, she was already in the process of getting up and walking back to the room. She almost walked right into him and bumped noses, but Nath was like a rock and didn't budge. Nath just took stock of her, realising how very tall but plain she was before growing a bit weary upon seeing how close they were to one another.

"Er... Sorry..."

Nath grumbled uncomfortably in his usual cold tone before he stepped back and to the side, giving the woman some breathing space at last. Suddenly the air in here felt a little tense and Nath rolled his shoulders as if to tap off some of that pressure; he didn't want to end up exploding like a fat guy at a pie eating competition after all. Nath's head hung low, but he still kept a cautious eye on Demona. He'd decided that this was a good time to disappear and was going to make a straight run for the couch the minute he got that chance.

[Demona]

Demona smiled at his comment knowing he had to be as tired if not more so then her .hearing him moved to the sink the smile remained thinking to herself that there was hope for him yet. though she knew he had little empathy for the people of this town and she could understand that with how he had been treated here. But she could not forsake what she had been taught from her parents and the great oak that all should be treated as one would others treat you. So she did what she could to show her appreciation for the kindness shown her.

having finished with the fire she stood watching her feet rather than her progress she bumped into Nath as he was coming over to offer her help with the fire. Blushing he was solid as a rock that belied the look of him gave her a new understanding of how he withstood the coldof the this place.

she stepped back as quickly as he did and standing straight keeping her head down as the ceiling was not suitable for one of her height. even at 6'5" she was taller then most races making her feel the freak even among her friends such as Angele,Socku,and Ciaus. and she would be closer to 7 feet when she has gained her full height.

she was still young only in her 100th year of life. hearing his gumbled sorry though it was not his fault she blushed even more wanting to set things right . Sorry Nath I was not watching where I went uncomfortable trying to keep my head up. as this house is not built for an elf I think . ... Laughing softly mostly to herself she cleared her throat at how close they still were.... Well we will not wake to a cold house so I think it is a good tme to find some much needed sleep you have a pleasent rest Nath ... quickly turning away so he would not see her embassament she headed quickly to the bed. not needing a candle the fire giving more then enough light to see her way. she slipped into the bed fully clothed as she did not want to make more uncomfortable for either of them and settled down trying to calm down and fall to sleep... she tuned her mind to the river that led to the waterfall as she did in her unlocking .seeing it again and letting her mind hear the music it sung to her. It was always so peaceful there and as she listened to the song of ages she felt the tension leave her allowing her mind to float and sleep come to her. the last thought was that she hoped that Nath found the same...

[Nath]

"Sure... Sleep well..."

Nath said coldly, the same serious expression still on his face. He didn't look at her, his head hung down and to the side and he looked at the old grey dusty floor. He couldn't look at her, not after that kind of awkwardness, but mostly because she was blushing as brightly as a stop sign and he didn't want her to notice him noticing her. It made his heart feel heavy and terrible and his neck was starting to get sore from holding the position so tensely. Frankly, Nath was happy to see the back of her when she left at last, he couldn't hold up much longer.

"Phew."

He breathed a sigh of relief and straightened up again. Nath then got to work on rolling the rocks right out of his shoulders that kinda felt like huge boulders had been strapped to his back by some sneaky punk when he wasn't looking. He could hold them up, sure, but felt almost like a 5ft turtle as he made his way back into the front room; at least turtles had the benefit of an empty, light-weight shell though.

Nath crash landed on the couch, the mass of that giant rock weighing him down but crumbling into rubble the minute he settled down. One less stress to worry about, or so he figured. Eventually Nath spread himself out along the block of a settee, but he was far from comfortable. Clearly the people were into the hard stuff here, fashioning all the furniture in the room into big rough slabs with impossible angles. He scoffed at his own inner joke then, figuring maybe this was why those people were so obtuse.

No matter what though, Nath just couldn't get completely comfortable in this room. He couldn't prop up his head on the arm of the couch because the acute angle just didn't agree with his spine. So he slid down the long solid track of cushions and flung his legs over the opposite edge. This wasn't exactly the best option either and he knew that he'd wake up with pins and needles in the morning if he could ever actually manage to sleep that is. Still, it was sort of better than nothing and Nath forced himself to close his eyes.

Nath was determined not to let them beat him, there was no way he was going to let these cranky old goats run him out of town. Nath was going to leave at his own accord. When he felt like it. If he felt like it actually. The thought of staying here just to annoy them into early graves soon put a smile on his face and just seconds later, Nath drifted off into dreamland...

[Demona]

Demona thought seriously of what she did wrong when she heard his cold reply to her wish for a good rest for him... It was enough to shake her out of her drowsiness she sat up in the bed and considered what and how he said it.. looking over she saw he seem to not be able to get comfortable ..he ended up with his legs over the edge knowing he could rest well like that .. she felt bad as she was in a soft bed and he was not as he was her guest...she looked around and saw the chair they had used at dinner there were a bit higher than the edge of the couch where Nath laid though not by much if she could move one of them to the end so to support his legs without him waking then she could sleep better..

Slipping out of her bed she grabbed the extra pillow theat was on the bed and she silently walked to the table making sure to lift the chair so that it made no sound. Having managed that she smiled a bit then thinking of how to get his legs on the chair and pillow without his knowledge that was going to be tricky.. she bit her lip as she finally got to where his legs hung over the edge . She knew he was attuned enough to feel her hands on his legs so she used the air to gently raise his legs having to concentrate not to create a gale of wind but one just strong enough to raise his legs so that she might slip the chair with the pillow on it beneath them.. once she has the chair in place she concentrated again but in reverse to lower his legs the few inches required to meet the pillow
Seeing that his legs were now almost straight she felt better and smiled as she went again to her bed and fell into it now exhausted from her efforts hoping she did not make this matter worse instead of better .. she let out a sigh of relief snuggling down in her own pillow she let the sleep overtake her knowing he would feel better in the morning even if he was upset with her again she would not regret it.

she slept and as she did her dreams turned to nightmares thinking of what was expected of her she began to toss and turn in terror her nightmares was of her failing and the Great oak suffering for her failure then the nightmare went to her village and she saw it was gone destoyed. the villagers somehow finding out where she went and they all looked at her in hatered for the loss of lives and their homes. she could not find her parents anywhere the forge and house was as if it never was. in her terror she screamed her apology which awaken her from the trouble sleep .. her body bathed in sweat her eyes full of the tears she cried in her sleep.. not wanting to know if she had waken Nath for how could he sleep through what must have been enough to waken a sleeping bear in the middle of his winter sleep blushing she fought to control her fears seeking once again the waterfall in her mind to hear the sounds of the music so it could sing her to sleep once more for without sleep she surely would fail hearing in her mind the Great oak telling her that is was fortold she would not fail so still her fears and though it was most likely her own mind creating it she believe the words and drifted once again to sleep not to stir for many hours later ....

[Nath]

Nath was a sound sleeper, so anything short of cracking him upside the head with an iron wrench wasn't going to get noticed. When the wind blew enough to lift his legs, his body reacted sharply and Nath threw a hard right punch with a sideways fist into his surroundings, but luckily, hit nothing but air. The weight of his fist then dragged his body down, his knuckles grating against the cold dusty floor as he twisted round. Nath's face plummeted into the deck of the sofa and he let out a long withheld sigh but continued sleeping as if nothing had happened. It was pure luck that he didn't just fly right off the couch there and then and end up butting heads with the floor, so maybe there was a God up there after all...

Soon enough he started to snore soundly in his sleep, undisturbed by phantom gusts, strange women, odd dreams and startling nightmares. Even her screams of terror did little more than make him twitch for a second. For once he was just getting a good night's sleep and he would need that energy for what he had planned in the morning.

Nath wasn't just going to sit around enjoying the views anymore, much of his strength had returned to him already so this was going to be his last night up on this rock of doom. Somehow he sensed Demona was facing the same kind of plans, but he couldn't be apart of that right now. Nath was on his way to Enoret, so unless she was heading his way, she'd only serve as an unnecessary distraction and he had faced enough delays already.

When dawn finally broke, a shrill chirping stirred Nath from his sleep. At first all his ears could pick up was this weird repeating sound that steadily drilled into his conscience, but when he started to come around more that sound clarified into a bird's song. Nath yawned and pushed the tweeting aside as he sat up and stretched. He brought a hand to his forehead and kicked his legs over the side of the couch until they met the wooden floor with a thump, billowing up some dust that had settled during the night. He hadn't even noticed the chair yet...

"At least it's nice out..."

Nath muttered to himself as he drew in a big heaping breath of clean, crisp air. Indeed it was, the sky wasn't an open ocean of pure blue, it was just an ashy stretch of endless clouds. Still, the sunlight basked the aphotic, dull slum here in its radiant silver glow. Most of the street lights had long burnt out over the night, so there was only this odd, dim light that shone in from the sky now.

Nath nearly gagged on the air he drew in on his next breath. The metallic miasma was so strong it felt like someone was trying to forcefully insert a handful of pennies up his nose. He looked around, but couldn't figure out where that smell was coming from. Nath dragged himself to his feet again, his exhaustion from having just woken up battled against his insistence to get up making him look like a sluggish zombie pacing up and down the room. It only took him a couple of steps to realise that he wasn't making out with the wall, stopping him dead in his tracks.

"Oh yeah, that's right. I'm in that girl's house. Damn... Just what was her name again?"

Shaking his head and closing his eyes, he barely heard the murmur that escaped his own lips as he sunk deeply into thought. The events of the previous night crept slowly into his mind like a velvet assassin and he stared up at the ceiling as if to engage it in a staring competition, like that would help. He found himself drawn from his thoughts when a little streak of black darted towards him and drew his eye. He watched it carefully and tensed up for a possible threat, but soon relaxed when he saw it was just a little kitten that had perched and was now sunning itself on the window sill.

"Yo."

Nath responded coolly as he made his way around to the cat. His face turned to curiosity and confusion as he tried to picture why this animal had suddenly decided to do a break and entry job in broad daylight, or why it didn't even budge when he came over to rub its chin. The cat just purred lightly and let its head go limp in Nath's hand. After a moment of regaining his senses, he relaxed and smiled warmly down at her. Nath rubbed the small parting between her ears, dishevelling the tortoiseshell coat and laughed a little when it shook after each stroke like he was screwing up this fantastic cat hair-do or something. It felt good to finally relax after all this time and since the day had started so well, who knows, maybe Nath was actually going to remain in a good mood.

[Demona]

Demona woke again this time not from nightmares but the sounds of movement in the house. she opened her eyes slowly knowing the light if any would be dim as it was still early and the sun did not shine as it would if there was no clouds. She listened for a moment getting her bearings. Thinking again of the nightmares. using what logic she could manage in the early morn to bolster her courage and determination to succeed in her quest.Demona slowly slipped out of the bed knowing she had to ready herself for what remained of her trip. strecthing her arms above and to her back her muscles protested the movement. Her back and arms popping as the bones realigned themselves.she rubbed her eys to remove the sleep that formed at the edges and looking towards Nath.. Good Morning Nath ..

smiling brightly to him as she took her bag to the bewd and found a change of chothes choosing a warm long sleeve shirt and sweater of the same light blue color. then picking through her slacks she found another pair of the woolen pants she so recently bought at the used clothing stall and thenkful she did decide it was worth the extra coin to get all that was her size.. she excuse herself to Nath pulling the privacy curtain so she could change clothes keeping the underwear and tunic hidden from view as she was a modest Elf, after changing her clothes and putting the soiled ones in a seperate place in her bag she entered the main room again walking towads the kitchen area looking for something to fix for their morning meal .. not seeing much she turned to let Nath know there would be no meal .

When she looked to the window keeping her head down so she would not hit the roof she saw a bowl of fruit and other items sitting just inside the door. Thinging she now knew how the kitten had gotten in she smiled as she walked to the bowl... That was nice of them and here I was thinking we was on our own for the morning meal I will just wash these up and set the table Nath then we can eat before we head out ... reaching down she picked the bowl up seeing there was more than enough for both the nmorning meal and for them to split the rest for the day to come shaking her head at the thoughtfulness of the townsfolks giving her the fire she needed to do this .If so many who knew little of her believed in her then she could do no less in herself.

As she got to the kitchen she set the bowl on the couter there the roof at it highest point she stood straight and prepared not only the meal but finding two large cloths she made a bundle for each of them not waiting to hear any complaints for Nath. For with the amout of food left she was sure it was also intended for him as well. after making the bundles Demona took what she had prepared to the table. making two large plates of cheese bread and different kinds of fruit. laying on each plate a fork and knife so she did not have to make another trip . setting to plates on the table she looked behind her and found the pitcher filled it with water and picked up the two glasses they had used the night before returning to the table setting itr all down the pitcher between the plate so both could reach she drew a deep breath to still her nerves still wondering how he felt about what she had done .knoeing he would have to bring the chair to the table when he came over .

Nath... The food is ready if you can bring the chair and join me please? Wanting to get whatever his reaction would be over as soon as possible. she pulled her chair out and sat down reaching for the pitcher her hands steady for the moment she poured her water and began to eat ....