It's about noon when Riecar and Pheronitus arrive near western edge of Fae Valley. Because some of the area that they had to travel through was not exactly the safest, Pheronitus was reunited with his sword, shield and helmet, just in case, you know! As they approach, there is the fluttering of wings and Zlata appears above the duo. Zlata: hey Riecar! I see you found him! What do you think? Will he help us? He looks strong enough! I can see that there are going to be some scuffles amongst some of the women. Pheronitus (incredulously): You are the leader? You are so little, so fragile looking. And... you appear to be made of cloth. How is this so? and you fly? Truly Miridani was correct! This is a strange and wonderful place I've been drawn to. Riecar: Zlata I'd like you to meet Pheronitus, a commander in the Spartan army. He knows strategy and tactics of warfare and he's agreed to help us with our problems. Pheronitus, this lady is known as Zlata. She is one of the elders of Fae Valley and is the leader. Zlata: Hi, Pheronitus! welcome to Fae Valley! Yes, I do fly and this form you see is made to make people think I'm more fragile than I really am. A way of getting people off-guard, especially the enemy. Wait until you meet some of the others that live with us. Pheronitus (standing tall): Well met, m'lady! I am honored to meet you. I will do what I can to serve you and the others of this land. Know now that I do not believe in retreat nor surrender. This is the code of Sparta. Zlata: Riecar, in your travels, did you sense any magic ability with him? Riecar: No, Zlata. Just a strong mind and will. Easily matching his strong body and sharp sword. Zlata: excellent! What with Telmah and Corinda learning magic and Norika learning human tech, plus we've still have to test Melian to see whatshe knows or can do... We've got our hands full. (turning to Pheronitus) Well, just a little more walking and we'll have a place for you to stay and rest, as well as an area to train our people in classic warfare. We're going to need every advantage we can get. Pheronitus: I will do what I can to help you, Lady Zlata. Zlata: Good! then let us be on our way, Riecar, will you be joining us or will you go to the glen of testing? Riecar: I think I'll go with you for now, Melian can wait a little bit longer. Then we'll test her. Who knows? Maybe she'll be of some use to use, her and that floating eye, what did she call it? Charlotte? plus we need to know if there has been any word from Norika. Zlata: that's true, I wonder how she's doing right now? Thank you all for the look see and comments. I really appreciate them all. For those who are wondering why I posted the redeux of GIRL4 Rose, the original posting had concentric circles or shadows on her legs and face. My only thought as to how that may have happened was that I set the shadow softness at 25% and with the spotlight up high, it created those shadow rings. I reduce the height and set the shadow softness to 0% and re-rendered. I also changed the camera angle a bit as well.