Emma stands at the entrance of the great hall, preparing herself for the inevitable battle. A hand touches her shoulder. She jumps, and for the first time her eyes register the shape of a figure standing in the shadows beside her. Derek the guard stands with his finger to his lips, speaking only when satisfied she won't shout or attack him. "Hey sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. I have to say, I'm very glad to see you back. Where's April?" Emma: "Derek?" "Yes." He nods. "April told me about you. She's not well. But she's being looked after - we ran into Katerina, who I believe you know." "Katerina's still alive?!" Derek exclaims, a little too loudly. He pulls Emma into the shadows, out of sight of the guards in the grand hall. He stands for a few moments' in awed silence. "Don't tell me where she is," he warns. "Sinistra can be very...persuasive. But April...well, at least she's in the best of hands." "Yes, April's going to be okay. She's been sleeping for a few weeks now, but when she wakes up she will be fine, just like I was." She touches her leg absent-mindedly. Derek: "So what happened to her? Was she injured?" "There was a fight. Listen, when we first arrived at Katerina's hideout, orcs were there. I've been told you know what that means." "Orcs?" A dark cloud crosses Derek's face. "Oh no...oh my God. He's found her?" Emma looks grave. "We're not sure yet. But it sure looks that way." Credits: Michael's Changing Fantasy Suit from DAZ Sassy Hair 2 from DAZ Outlander from DAZ Arizona's Sword by Dark_Whisper Corridor Texture by Danie Corridor model by me