The sun began to sink in the evening sky as Coran, Kara and Sheera grew close to Tangled Trees, a settlement made in wood elven style, with most of its structures borne high in the giant trees of the Cormanthor forest inter-connected by suspended platforms, walkways and bridges. Follow game trails, their journey had been uneventful, allowing the two humans to enjoy each other’s company in an unusual respite from their normally solitary wanderings; spending much of the time arm in arm, sharing signs of their mutual affection, in no real hurry to arrive at their destination. However, now that they had nearly reached the end of their journey, the cougar had begun to sense something amiss, growling anxiously and sniffing for a scent she just couldn’t quite locate. “It’s alright girl,” Kara stooped to reassure her uneasy feline companion, the druid knew that her senses were more acute than her own, and while the elves and half-elves of the town were wood-wise, even they would have difficulty masking their scent from the forest cat. “I know… We’re being watched. It’s just sentries protecting the town.” While neither expected to see them, both she and Coran knew that every trail and path into the settlement would be covertly monitored, keeping watch for hostile intrusions by the drow who had infested the Elven Court or any of the wide verity of unsavory beasts that roamed the ruins of Myth Drannor. But, so long as they didn’t appear to present a threat, they weren’t likely to be stopped. From her hidden perch high above the trail, Siril’s lips turned in a slyly, appreciative smile. She had watched the strangers approach for several minutes, and already assessed that they did not seem to pose a threat to the town, but their casual acceptance that their progress was being observed confirmed her initial judgement. She knew that those intent on causing harm were typically more concerned about being seen and stopped before they could. There was also the fact that, despite being human, they were both quite attractive; not that she should have allowed that to influence her appraisal… but it certainly didn’t hurt. Watching them continue down the trail until they passed out of sight, she idly thought that the possibilities of finding them after she had been relieved of her post might provide an interesting diversion. They were most likely bound for an inn to find accommodations for the night, and the first one they would come across heading into town on that trail was one she knew quite well. While most of Tangled Trees was suspended far above the ground, built in and around the trunks and branches of ancient trees, the Dancing Dryad was nestled on the ground under the forest giants. Constructed, no doubt, for travelers, merchants and strangers to a wood elven tree-town, it sat near the northern fringe of the settlement, and had a reputation for being a bit bawdy at times. But it was comfortable, if not lavish, with a warm welcoming feel, clean serviceable accommodations and a common room known for good food, hardy ale and, most often, friendly patrons accepting of visitors, which wasn’t always the case else were in town. By the time the travelers had reach the inn, evening had fully settled on the tree-town, which was coming alight with lanterns, drift-globes and other forms of illumination, creating a truly beautiful scene. They were greeted, as expected, by the friendly half-elven innkeeper, who only briefly raised his eyebrow at Sheera’s presence, but made no fuss about her. Arranging for a hot bath, a truly uncommon luxury for them both, to be prepared in their room after they dined, they headed to the common room, leaving their possessions, including Kara’s weapons, behind. Finding a quiet corner, they enjoyed a meal of fresh venison, delightfully roasted for Coran and Kara, and raw for Sheera, while watching the place fill up with other patrons, most of whom gave the cougar a wide berth. However, one seemed unusually interested in them, while attracting more than a little attention herself; a truly alluring, moon elf with long platinum-blond hair and brilliant blue eyes, dressed minimally in knee high boots, a brief skirt and a short corset of soft deerskin, and a leather sheath to protect her arm from the composite bow she kept close at hand. ****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************** Surprisingly I actually got to a "Book Two" in one of my series... I usually get distracted before I get this far. But I have to admit this "chapter" is a little light on substance since it's sole purpose is to give me an excuse to post the next image... a character inspired by an absolutely gorgeous cos-player named Kate Lambert (a.k.a. Kato) whos image I came across while looking for inspiration for an elven archer. I hope you enjoy!