After breaking camp and packing the gear in the wagon, Cailin and Marren approached Petra, both with quizzical looks upon their faces.  "OK Petra," Cailin began first, "where are you taking us?"  "Yeah," Marren chimed in, "what's the big secret that you haven't even told Cailin, yet?"

"Ah, the impatience of youth ," Petra laughed, "very well... we be headed to the Forest of the Moon."  "Oh, I see," Marren interrupted, "land of the High Elves, we're taking Cailin home."  Looking at Marren, Cailin spoke, "that's not my home, Marren.  I was born and raised in the village of Pine Meadow... besides, I'm only half elf... my father was human."  Marren chuckled, "well, that explains the height and hair, I was wondering."  With a sigh, Cailin responded, "let me guess, every elf you've ever seen was tall and blond," then glancing up at Petra, added, "seems I've heard that somewhere before."

"So," Marren continued, "if we're not taking her home, why are we going there, to see the sights?"  "Oh no, now here be the part ye gonna love," Petra said with a mischievous grin, "we be going to the Temple of the Moon to see the High Priestess of Araluna, herself."  "WHAT?," Marren sputtered, "have you gone mad, woman?  You do know that the elves don't exactly welcome outsiders to their lands... you think they're just going to let us walk on in, visit their most sacred site and have a chat with the high priestess.  You got an engraved invitation tucked away you're not letting us in on?"

"In a sense, yes," turning to Cailin, Petra said, "show him the sword, love."  As Cailin looked at her friend with a bewildered glance, Petra said reassuringly, "it be OK, Cailin... he'll find out sooner or later, any way.  Now be a good a time as any."  Withdrawing the sword from its scabbard, Cailin held the blade before Marren for him to see.  "Hmm, moonsteel, very nice," Marren said, "while it may not be that common around these parts, it's hardly rare to the elves.  How is this our ticket to see the high priestess?"  Petra chuckled, "look closer, lad."  As Marren moved a bit closer to the sword, his eyes widened with astonishment.  Looking back to Petra, he blurted, "runes? There are runes on the blade... the legend?  Well, this little excursion just got a bit more interesting."  "Aye," Petra responded, a look of satisfaction now on her face, "told ye, ye were gonna love it.  Now... everybody climb aboard, we still have supplies to pick up in town before we head on out."

With the three of them working together, Cailin and Marren bringing the goods to the wagon and Petra loading, the task went surprisingly quick.  After placing the last crate neatly in place, Petra jumped down and turning to Cailin first, "go get yer horse and hitch her up to the rear," then to Marren, "climb in, lad... made ye a place to sit."  Marren looked at the pair and replied, "appreciate the thought, but this is where I start earning my keep around here."  Continuing Marren spoke, "I'll run ahead and scout out the land.  I used to be a point scout for the King's army... it'll be nice to hone my skills again."  "Then ye be needin' a horse," Petra quipped, "let's check out the stock here and see if we can find ye a good one."  "Again, much appreciated, but not necessary," Marren said, "while I may not run as fast as a horse, I'll be able to maneuver better, be a lot less noisier and if need be, hide much easier.  I can also find us places to camp for the night that'll be safer.  So, which way do we go?"

"I figure we'll head west to Myra's Cove, then north to the forest," Petra replied.  "I see," Marren said, "We're going to skirt the Scarlands... take a might longer, but somewhat safer.  Still though, it means traveling through places like the Darkwoods and Wailing Marshes.  Neither one all that friendly, but then again, I'll be scouting ahead to spot any potential problems."  "The Scarlands," Cailin interrupted, "what is that?"  Petra looked at her friend, a most serious expression on her face,  "it be the old stompin' grounds of The Lingering Dark and his minions.  While he might be gone, bands of orcs and other nasty beasties still be haunting the place.  Like Marren said, the trail we'll be takin' is a bit safer, but it comes close to the borders and we could run into some raiding parties."

A chill went through Cailin as she recalled the event of eight years past that left her without her mother, her reaction was noticed by her companions.  "Are you  OK?", Marren asked.  "I'll be fine," Cailin replied, "well, daylight's burning, let's get going."  Glancing at Marren, she continued, "blaze our trail, sir point scout, we'll catch up with you later.  Oh... and Marren, be careful."  "An excellent plan," Marren responded, "until then."

As he began trotting down the trail heading to Myra's Cove, Marren smiled and whispered to himself, "well I'll be, I think she actually cares.  Things might just be looking up for you Marren, old boy..."

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