There was a whirlwind of snow and ice crystals that appeared before him, and Gryffyn ap Llyr emerged from the cloud. 'Who are ye, who asks so impudently to see me?' The Baron's hunter dropped to his knees before the Druid. "The Huntsman, my Lord. I think you've been looking for me. Have mercy, please.' He held up his hand, before the Druid could speak again. 'Hear me out, if you will. When I am done, you may do with me as you see fit. I come here of my own free will and give myself up to you. Just make it quit snowing, before all the crops are ruined and we starve when true winter comes!' 'What makes you think it isn't ruined, Huntsman?' Gryffyn said with a face like stone. If there were any emotions behind those eyes, the Huntsman could not read them. 'You come of your own free will, you say?' 'Yea, my Lord. I think the Baron has done this on purpose. I told him that I didn't wish to go into your forest and do as he asked. He threatened me with my position and losing my home, if I didn't do as he said. I had to. I had no choice, or my family would be out in this horrible storm too. Please, I'll do anything you ask. Anything. Just make it stop...I beg you.' 'Had you refused, there would be no storm.' Gryffyn looked down at the Huntsman, surveying the scars upon his face. 'You have been touched by a bear and lived?' 'Yea, my Lord - three winters past, in my homeland...,' the Huntsman began. 'I don't want to convert. I like the old relgion! This wasn't my idea to kill the Great Stag. I know the Great Stag is sacred, I swear it. I left my home because they had come there! I don't wish to leave another so soon!' 'Yes, I see that in your eyes,' Gryffyn answered him, gazing down into the valley. He recognized the Huntsman's accent. He was from the mountain lands of central Europa. Those people had been very resistant to both the Musselmans and the Christians. They were of the same race of people from which Gryffyn himself had come and had been under just as much duress. 'It seems I was right, then. The priests have come with the bloody Romans. Everything will change now, you know.' 'So it seems, my Lord. Yes, I know this is true. I have seen what happens when they come. Will you...?' The Druid held up a finger. 'Learn what you can of what goes on between the Baron and the priests. I will come in your dreams and you will tell me then what has transpired. Fayidh will be displeased with me. He wants your hide, you know, but since you have come here on your own, said what you have said and I see you speak the truth, I will show you mercy Huntsman. I will speak with Fayidh and Maeve of your plight and your request. I will make it stop snowing tonight, but if you fail or betray our agreement, then it will begin again and it will not stop!' ***** Background in VUE. Poser figures by me (Gryffyn and Vassily). Vassily is dressed in Poser content clothing with additional post-work. Gryffyn's cloak hand painted. Apologies for the length of story this time. Odile, feel free to write in French...what I can't read I'll translate ;) Thank you lovely lady for your support and inspirations! ~ Rayvn