Crossroads The city of Khal seemed to have a life of its own as people traveled its streets and shops providing its very life blood. The sun was high and it warmed Cindron's skin. Looking about Cindron couldn't even say how he ended up here or exactly when he arrived. It didn't matter though, it was the first time in years he had allowed himself time away from all things. To just be and he suspected that in itself was how he ended up here. Cindron watched as a large galleon carefully maneuvered about the harbor while a not-so-skilled helmsman in a smaller sloop nearly struck it bow to stern. Cin grinned as he walked to a vender selling food; there was little doubt in his mind who would have lost that encounter. He handed a silver and a few copper over and walked towards and then through the bank, absentmindedly chewing on the chunk of meat on a stick and carrying a small caraf of water. People were everywhere and all in a hurry, making purchases with the broker, placing/withdrawing items and money from the bank. Others stood in groups talking and planning their next adventure. Some spoke of past travels and those they had lost. Happiness, sorrow - life in all things swirled around him. Lost in the ebb and flow, Cindron was nearly ran over by a Paladin, Thestran male like him who was moving with ease despite being in full plate armor. Quickly stepping sideways and noting there was no intent of harm from him, Cindron followed the Paladins movements and realized he was following a rather unnaturally fast elf that seemed to move like the wind. Wondering what their future was Cin turned back and stepped right into the path of two elven women and a male dark elf. Trying to avoid impact, Cindron spun sideways again as the woman dressed in black raised her hand to lightly brace herself, to avoid running into him as well. Her hand on his chest was light and brief as they avoided colliding, yet Cin stumbled back a step as bright lights shot by, blinding him. In seconds scenes, images, hundreds, thousands, shot by in his mind. Emotions, every imaginable one, tore through him. Everything swirled, as a storm about him; except for the woman. In his mind she stood inches in front of him, her deep red hair, pale skin, soft lips and eyes as deep and blue and endless as the sky; Cindron began to fall into them. As her hand left his chest, he was ripped suddenly back into reality. Cindron blinked several times bringing the world back into focus just in time to see the Dark Elf pushing her forward and laughing: "Move, move, Bosslady! We are losing ground on them, and Kist only knows two speeds: fast and faster!" While continuing forward, she glanced sideways at him, observing his slightly unsteady look, but turning to catch up with the others when it was clear to her he was unharmed. Just as quickly as they had all appeared, they were gone. Minutes passed, people coming and going all around Cindron, some looking slightly annoyed at the Cleric standing like a statue, unmoving, in the bustle of humanity all around him. Slowly raising his left hand to his chest, he closed his eyes; the image of her burned in his mind and her name... Cindron's eyes snapped open in shock...was Siela. By the gods how did he know that? Unable to comprehend its meaning Cindron knew only one thing, his life had just changed forever. Not by act of violence or force. Not by the casting of a spell or the crushing blow of his hammer. But by the gentle, fleeting touch of a woman.