P2: Chapter Twelve

RotheRed

RotheRed looked up from the map, “Enter!” he barked. ChefBobOne65 pushed the door open allowing MaoMao420, with FreiMarkt riding his shoulder, stepped into his office. “Report,” RotheRed ordered FreiMarkt.

The ninja scampered from his friend's shoulder to sit cross-legged on the desk. “It’s like you thought, those defences are tight. We attacked five times, like you ordered, only once were we able to reach the other side of the river, and that time the bridgehead was wiped out as soon as it was discovered.” He shrugged, “Boss if I can speak frankly.” he paused waiting for the go ahead nod, which came quickly. “We need to find another way across the river. If we are going mount any form of effective attack on those defenses we need to be on the other side of the river.”

“Oh, I agree,” RotheRed said, “and that’s why I need you to keep up the attack.”

“What!? I don’t understand. I mean it’s a grinder, and it’s accomplishing nothing more than making our enemy stronger.” FreiMarkt was obviously excited and his big friend placed a calming muddy hand on his back when he finished speaking.

“You’re right, and it’s a shame that we are helping them level up. Unfortunately, it needs to be done, I need them pinned down in one place.” RotheRed held up one hand to prevent an interruption, “I need them thinking that your attack is a serious threat. It’s like you said we need another way across the river, and I can’t have them interfering, Clear? Good, before you leave town, find David23, let him know he is to be your second in command. Work with him to select a squad to aid in your assault. I’m counting on you.”    

FreiMarkt threw up a sloppy salute then scampered up his friend's arm together the started to exit the room. As MaoMao420 opened the door, RotheRed called out, “Tell Chef Bob to  issue you both a ration of TZ, then to come in here. Thank you.”

He looked at the map while he waited for the portly barkeep. He didn’t wait long, a knock was followed by the door opening and ChefBobOne65 stuck his head in. “You want me Boss?” he asked.

“Yes, come in, I need two scouts. You know our soldier best. Pick two out; send in one, and get the other ready for when the first leaves.”

“I know the best two, the first will be in shortly.” ChefBobOne65 left and soon returned with female principle.

Drac1

Level 3

Wallet-5Au

RotheRed watched her silently as ChefBobOne65 exited the room. She was a lizard, with a short snout and dark golden, almost red, scales. The scales, her only armor or clothing, gleamed metallic from her chest, legs and arms. A frill extended from the back of her head protecting her back.

“Come.” RotheRed motioned Drac1 over to his desk, then pointed her attention to the map. “We are here, in Norca. This main street continues into the woods, it becomes a path and turns here. Not far from the turn it has a bridge to cross the river. I dropped the ball and LeBlu moved faster that I thought he would. He set up a stronghold which controls the crossing. This is especially unfortunate because so far that is the only eastbound road I have discovered so far. The same road that leaves Norca and as far as I have seen runs due south. Red Army scouts have gone as far south as here,” pointing to the map.

“There’s a small outpost called, CampOut. The principles there are fiercely neutral, and I have respected that by not sending any scouts down that way. With the southeast road blocked, I now need to know what is south of us, that’s your mission. A secondary goal is to spend some time at camp out, I’m very curious to know what their set up is, especially because I heard that the Band of the Golden Hand is headquartered there. Please make sure you stop on your return leg, to make sure the information is up to date.

“But understand your primary mission is to find a road that goes east. Your rules of engagement are to only use force if you are attacked. While at Camp Out your ROE is to avoid conflict at all cost. That is one hive I don’t need kicked. Is your mission clear?”

“Yes Boss, crystal.”

“Good. I’m conditionally promoting you to sargent for this mission.”

“What condition?”

“If your mission is a success, you keep the rank and stay on as a scout. If you fail, I’ll send you to the front.”

“Understood, with your permission I would like to get started right away.”

“Very good, you’re dismissed. Good luck, and on you way out tell Chef Bob to issue a ration of TZ and send the next soldier in.”

The door barely closed behind her before it opened and a tall man carrying a helmet under his left arm. His blond hair was almost white, it was short on the back and sides, with bangs hanging across one eye. His red military uniform was immaculately tailored and pressed. Gold epaulets, ribbons and a golden cavalry saber hanging on his left hip completed the look.

Otto_Korrect

Level 3

Wallet-3Au

“Boss. I await your order.” He said, with a sharp salute.”

“Otto, I need you for a very important mission. I need a protected river crossing, much like the one the Blue Army has constructed, here.” RotheRed pointed to his map. “Your first mission is to scout the river south and find a location. Once you have found a suitable location, return here and we’ll discuss next steps. I’m going to promote you to sargent for this mission, if you find a good location, I’ll promote you to lieutenant and put you in command of the mission of constructing the stronghold. Can I count on you for this all important task?”

A knock on the door prevented Otto_Korrect’s response. “This better be important!” RotheRed bellowed. The door cracked open ChefBobOne65, eyes downcast, stuck his head into the room. “Boss, I’m sorry to interrupt, but BrutAl just returned, you said to send him in right away. Do you still want him sent in?”

RotheRed signed, “You’re right I said that. Please send him in.” Then addressing Otto_Korrect, “I need to deal with this, can I trust you to complete your task?”

“Yes, Boss.” Otto_Korrect opened the door, let BrutAl then closed it behind himself.

“Welcome back,” RotheRed said, “Would you like a glass of TZ before you debrief?”

“Please,” BrutAl seemed worn out and dirty. He had slight circles under his eyes, with a slight yet persistent dusting of sand. Since joining the Red Army BrutAl had added red highlights to his armor and ‘died’ his tri-hawk red, to show his loyalty. The sand covering him was also of a reddish hue, contrasted with his light skin leaving him looking pallid.

Taking a glass from a drawer in his desk, filled it from his personal pitcher then passed the glass to BrutAl who said, “thank you,”  accepted the glass a took a long drink. After taking a breath he finished the glass and placed it on the desk. “Man, being in the desert gives you such a thirst!”         “What desert?” RotheRed asked. “Where did that ape take you?”

“Here,” BrutAl pulled his map out and touched it, still rolled up, to RotheRed’s which lay unrolled across the desk. With a twist of color, BrutAl’s path was revealed. He put his map way then pointed to CampOut. “The came straight here, I didn’t follow them inside, I assume this was a simple delivery because the ape carried two barrels in. The goblin waited outside, didn’t see him talk to anyone. When they left CampOut they went off the road immediately, heading east.

“You can see what I assume is south end of the forest here. Anyway, I followed as they skirted the woods and moved past this lake, here. This area to the south and east of the lake is all desert. It is very flat, with little to no ground cover, so I had to stay pretty far back from the cart to avoid detection. they were almost at the mountain when I lost them.

“I’m sorry Boss. They just disappeared, it looked like they walked into the side of the mountain. I thought I would find a door or something, but nothing. I touched it, nothing! It is solid rock, I followed the mountains to the east, as you can see I found this road that seemed to come from in the mountain, but it went nowhere, literally nowhere, just a little crevasse you can stand in, The path just starts leading away from the mountain.

“I ignored the path and circumvented the whole mountain looking for a way in, I never found one. I found another path, but like the first one, it goes nowhere. Looking at them now on the map it looks like it’s one road running straight through the mountain. That cart must have gone into the mountain and I tried, I really did, but I couldn’t find a way to follow. The mountain is too tall, I couldn’t see the top. So. . . I don’t know, I just don’t know. Do you want me to go back?” BrutAl looked down at the map the whole time he spoke. When he finished speaking his eyes remained downcast.

RotheRed smiled, “Your mission was to find where the TZ came from.You did that, it comes from inside that mountain. As far as I’m concerned your mission was a complete success. I think you performed admirably, I have only one follow-up question, did you see any sign of the Blue Army?”

BrutAl took a few moments to think about the question. “No Boss, I didn’t see any Blue soldiers. If I may speak freely.” RotheRed made a motion of acquiescence. “I don’t think this is the Blue Army. It doesn't make sense, what do they get out of it? More to the point the goblin and the ape, there is something not right about them. They are not principles like you or I. I still think it could be good to look into it, but I don’t think it’s related to our war. Just my opinion.”

“I agree with you. Well, I agree that TZ is not related, that was the true mission you were on. But that also means that you are to return your full attention to our war. We are in a bat-.”

A knock interrupted RotheRed, “Come!” He barked.

ChefBobOne65 stuck his head in and looking scared said, “Boss you gotta get out here! There is some freaky stuff happening.”

“Give me one moment! Look Brut I need you in this war and I need you strong. Your next mission is to go to the front, I want you to join Lieutenant FreiMarkt’s unit, go and report to him. Now let’s go see what ridiculousness I have to deal with.”  

P2: Chapter Eleven

Ragnar

Ragnar paused at the crown of the hill, before heading down to the entrance of Camp Out. It looked as it had in the past, a door propped on a rocky hillside. As he walked toward that door he basked in the satisfaction of having completed both his bounties. He was a few steps from his destination when the door open,and aSTARTe came out. “Ragnar!” She cried when she saw him.

“Hi aSTARTe, how goes it?” Ragnar returned her greeting.

She smiled broadly, “It’s good to see you.”

She walked up to him and hugged him tightly. He hugged her back. Her hair moved, twisting, over her body reminded him that it was the only thing between him and her body. He stepped back before things could become awkward. “It’s good to see you too.” Then remembering that she was exting Camp Out when he had walked up he added, “Are you leaving?”

“Yes,” she looked down sadly. Suddenly she stepped in and hugged him again. Ragnar closed his arms around her. After a long moment she reached up and touched his cheek with a perfectly manicured fingernail, eyes flashing she said. “I have a bounty to go track down. Don’t worry, I don’t think it will take long.” Using her finger, she pulled his face down to hers. She kissed him. After she slipped out of his arms, tossed her head then walked away.

Ragnar stood still as if stunned. aSTARTe turned and yelled over her shoulder. “Word to the wise, careful in there, it’s getting tense.”

This shocked Ragnar out of his revery, “Wait, what do you mean?” But she was gone, he looked at the spot where she had disappeared for a long time. When it was clear that there would be no answers coming, he thought there was only one way to find out.

“I don’t need your protection! In fact, fine, have the whole place, I don’t want this!” Ragnar heard clearly through the closed door. Thinking that he should get in there to break up a fight, he almost collided with LizZard in the doorway. LizZard, looking as angry as a gecko can, firmly grabbed Ragnar’s arm. “You seem nice, but those two are snakes. Be careful, They are evil. Get out while you can.” Then turning his head, he shouted back into the room, “if we meet again it will be as enemies!” With that parting shot he patted Ragnar on the shoulder, licked his eye, pulled his hood up and turned to walk off.

“Where are you going to go?” Ragnar called after him.

LizZard turned and looked back over his shoulder, “I’m going to find a clan.” He said sadly then walked off sticking to the valley instead of going to the road.

Ragnar watched for a moment then walked through the open doorway into Camp Out not sure what he would find. The room was silent, and still. MoProbs, the only possible target for LizZard’s anger, sat at a table looking at Ragnar. “What was that all about?” Ragnar asked as he moved to a chair at MoProb’s table. Shocked because LizZard has always seemed so relaxed, chill.

MoProbs rubbed his forehead then sighed, “a difference of opinion, that’s all really.”

Ragnar sat down, “That didn’t sound like just a simple differing of opinions.”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right.” MoProbs laughed then shrugged. “I wanted to expand our office space. I offered to pay for it. But I guess I insulted his delicate sensibilities, I don’t know.”

“What was that about protection?” Ragnar asked.

“Nothing!” MoProbs’ voice went high, he took a breath and continued in a more normal voice. “I only said that with a greater presence, The Band of the Golden Hand would be in a good position to protect Camp Out, that set him off. Never mind, I’ll talk with him, I’m sure we can work it out. Let’s move on, how did you do?”

Ragnar knew that there was more to this story. The kiss, the fight, and the warning all added up to something. But what? This was not the time to try and figure it out. “It went well, I got them both.”

“Nicely done! You’re building up quite a name for yourself aren’t you?”

“Wait, what do you mean?”

“You don’t know? No, you really don’t. Your name is ringing out, you are becoming the symbol against Tokening. That’s what we, LizZard and I, were talking about before he blew his stack.”

“You were talking about me?”

“Sort of, more about you reputation, or how we could profit from it. LizZard was very against that idea.”

“I guess so. I’m not so sure I like it either.”

“You don’t have a choice, my friend.”

“What do you mean? What did you do?”

MoProbs laughed, “It’s all you, my friend, I haven’t needed to do anything. They say that the statue of your fight against gNun45 has gotten so many likes it’s over twenty feet tall! Twenty feet! You’re a household name, do you get that. So yeah, I don’t see why we, you, shouldn’t take advantage of it. You shouldn't even think about like that. It’s not taking advantage, it’s just using the tools that are presented.”

“To make money.”

MoProbs shrugged, “Why not?”

“I have to think about all of this.” Ragnar’s head was spinning. “Are there any bounties that need hunting? Ideally one in the area of Ral’ya, I have to work a shift in the bank over there.”

MoProbs broke into a large grin. “It just so happens we do. It’s a special one, the principle who commissioned the bounty said he would pay double gold if you are the hunter who collects the bounty.”

“Why me?”

“I have no idea. He is willing to pay us more, I didn’t question it.”   

“Okay. I guess I’ll take it. You’re sure it’s near Ral’ya?”

“Yes, I’m sure. There is another in Rifka, if you want to swing through either on your way there or coming back.”

“Sure, that’s would be fine. I haven’t been there yet, do you have it on your map?”

“That’s fantastic. Yes I do, It’s here, between Sorka  and Ral’ya. Go ahead and load my map on to yours. I’ll add the information on your two bounties.” MoProbs unrolled his map worked quickly to highlight the two bounties.

Ragnar pulled hut and touched it to MoProbs’. “Thanks. I should actually be on my way,I have to go to the bank, and I think I need to find an alternate route around Sorka.”

“Why? Traffic?”

Ragnar laughed, “No, that place is like the wild west, I don’t have time to fight my way through the town.”

“Well I guess you better get a move on then. Do you have time for a quick glass of TZ?” MoProbs asked already filling two glasses from a pitcher on his table.

“Sure, should make the walk more interesting,” Ragnar accepted the offered glass.

“More cerebral for sure.” MoProbs mused.

“Cheers!” They touched glasses, and drank.

Returning his glass to the table Ragnar left the tavern. Outside he was quickly past the tense anger of CampOut. The air was fresh and sweet, warmed by the sun. He breathed deep into his stomach, let it out slowly feeling his legs working like pistons. In one slice of his mind was completely in those legs, moving with each bone, tendon, and muscle. The rest of his mind had moved on, a passenger in this machine. While another slice of mind contemplated these dueling consciousnesses, or is is it consiousi?

The rest of his mind was caught up in analyzing what had just happened. Trying to understand what it all meant. What was the fight really about? Was MoProbs telling the truth? Why would he lie? What about LizZard’s warning? If MoProbs lied, maybe he was a snake. What about aSTARTe? What about the kiss?

What about the kiss? As much as he tried to keep his mind focused on the fight and the warning, Ragnar couldn’t help returning to the kiss. What did it mean? Why did she do it? What was her relationship with MoProbs? What did that matter?

“Ragnar!”

Hearing his name pulled him from his revery. Looking around he found he had stumbled into the outskirts of Sorka. Ragnar cursed himself under his breath, he had wanted to find a way around the town.That wasn’t going to happen now, now he would have to fight.

“Ragnar’s here!”   

Hearing his name for the second time stopped his hand from going to his weapon. Sorka differed from the Norka and Orup, both socially and in layout. While the other towns were built around large social halls resulting in many principles in small areas. Sorka in contrast seemed to have a tiny lean-to for every principle. There was no discernible street, no pattern or method that Ragnar could see. As he took in the mass of people coming towards, it represented an unknown number of principles from and unknown expanse of land. At this moment it looked as if every lean-to had emptied and all the principles were walking towards him calling his name. The crowd drew closer.

Ragnar took a breath to calm his nerves. The TZ had set him on edge, maybe even clouded his vision. After a second deep breath he could see it was not a horde that approached merely a large handful. What he saw when he looked past the principles, caused him to take a third deep breath.

P2: Chapter Ten

KnightShade

KnightShade followed the principle more with his ear then his eyes. It was making no effort to hide as it ran through the woods. As had been his custom since entering AntruA, KnightShade was hiding in the upper branches of a tree. The sound of the running principle had sparked his curiosity.

As it came into view, KnightShade saw that it was female and she seemed to be fleeing as opposed to just out for a run in the woods. Her hair, flying out behind her as she ran caught on her face as she turned her head to look behind. She reached up to pull the hair from her face still running full speed. These few moments of distraction were enough and she clipped a tree trunk with her shoulder. The blow sent her spinning to the ground with a cry of pain.

She struggled to her feet, her armor clattering, as the reason for her flight walked into KnightShade's view. A man and a woman stepped out of the woods. The woman was dressed in tight black body suit, the man was a thin gold skinned elf holding a sword. As they drew closer to the fallen woman, the elf’s sword began to burn.

The women struggled to turn over and face her pursuers. She was blond and curvy, with legs so long she struggled to get them under herself to rise. KnightShade almost scoffed out loud when he saw her name.

Barbie

Level 3

Wallet-5Au

Using a tree to reach her feet she spoke tremulously, “What do you want? Why are you chasing me. I don’t even know you!”

“You’re right you don’t know us.” The golden skinned elf spoke, “My associate,” he gestured to the woman standing next to him, “and I were hired to hunt you down..and kill you.” He shrugged as his sword flared up, “We’ve accomplished the first part.”

KnightShade in the tree above could see Barbie shaking in how she held her sword before her. “Wait! Hired? Someone hired you to kill Me? Who? Nobody knows me, I don’t know anyone. Who wants me dead?” There was a bit of hysteria in her voice as she finished speaking.

“We’re hunters with The Band of the Golden hand, we are executing a bounty taken out by one KnotKen.” As he spoke the elf, who KnightShade saw was called MoProbs, raised his hand and the woman, whose name was aSTARTe, dropped into a fighting stance. Barbie’s face drained of blood.

“Ken? No way. I mean, I guess…” From the way her sword now pointed limply to the ground KnightShade knew Barbie was defeated. Without her help he didn’t think he could take both bounty hunters. But maybe there was still a chance she would rise up if he attacked.

As soon as MoProbs’ arm dropped, this stopped being a possibility. As the arm came down aSTARTe’s arm snapped forward whipping a black lash around Barbie’s neck. Barbie dropped her sword bringing her hands up to her throat. Then aSTARTe’s arm whipped back pulling Barbie to her knees and elbows who hands were still frantically trying to free her neck from the cruel lash.

“I’ll make this quick.” KnightShade heard aSTARTe say as she stepped forward and drove her short sword though Barbie’s neck. As soon a the body was still aSTARTe started looting it. In a few short moments the light show that indicated a tokening began. KnightShade felt a slight spark of fear thinking that the bright lights would show his shadow and reveal his presence. Apparently he had nothing to fear as the two bounty hunters put their heads together, and walked off whispering. KnightShade gave one last thought on dropping out of the tree and attacking them, but he felt that the chance they would win was way too high. Annoying.

He waited till he was sure they were gone, the moment before he dropped from the tree a new principle walked into sight. Knightshade froze,the principle looked directly at him, it smiled then waved. Not one muscle moved as KnightShade examined the principle, when he saw her name he recognized her. DreamCatCher86 cocked her hip holding her bow with one hand, she glared at him. She lifted her free hand to her mouth whistling sharply. “I know you’re there. Come down here, we need to speak. Don’t make me shoot you, I just want to talk.” She said loudly.      

KnightShade, thinking that if it came down to it he could take her, dropped from his perch and stood up straight looking at her silently. Waiting to see if she would recognize him, waiting to see what the next move was. While she examined him, he note a small tattooed tear below her right eye. The moment didn’t last long, recognition reflected in her eyes as they took in his mask. “You! Why am I not surprised. You were mute in the bank, is that still your thing?”

KnightShade nodded affirmative.

“Oh that’s good, you answer yes or no questions?”

Again he nodded.

She smiled, “I can work with that,” She paused as if thinking then said, “if you don’t speak, have you spent any time with, uh I guess, anyone?”

Shakes his head no.

“So you don’t know anything about what’s going on, in AnturA I mean.”

No.

“It seems you found out about Tokening just fine.”

Nod, yes.

“Well, I’d say that’s the most pertinent matter for us. There is other stuff, like the color war between the Red and Blue army, and TZ. But it’s the Tokening that bring us together. Those bounty hunter, they are with the Band of the Golden Hand, they have everyone riled up against us. Man they hate us. It happened fast, first I was respected, feared yes, but also respected and left to my own devices. Then one day everyone is talking about this Band of the Golden Hand, I could feel the attention then, I heard people whispering. The next day they attacked, I barely escaped with my life and my Token. I waited a few hours and went back. They attacked again, they wouldn’t let me back into the town at all. I had to quit my job at the bank.”

KnightShade pointed to the tattoo high on her cheek.

“Yeah,” DreamCatCher86 touched the tattoo softly with the tips of the fingers on her right hand. She smiled sadly, “my Token item. By the way I think that your cape, it’s pretty cool.”

He touched it.

“Right, so after Norca was closed to me I started to look for other Tokeners,” she said. “I was trying to talk with Barbie before the hunters came for her. You saw how well that went. Then I saw you hiding. So here we are, what I want is to work together.” She paused and looked at KnightShade, he shrugged. “I can’t offer you anything, just some level of protection. I’m a range fighter so I can support you, also I can see principles’ heat signature that’s how I found you. Here’s the best part Tokeners burn hotter than other principles, I’m the perfect look out, So what do you say?”

KnightShade rubbed his chin with his right hand to indicate he was thinking. It was a lot to consider. On one hand he didn’t like being around other principles, but DreamCatCher86 was cute, even more with the tattoo. Her offer was good. He nodded.

Her face lit up , “great! We stand such a better chance together and I really don’t want to be Tokened.”

He nodded.

“Right,” She smiled, “I Think we need to set up a home base or a safe house, a place to go. I heard rumors that there you can find places that will allow you to sculpt buildings out the landscape. Uh do you want to pick the direction we go in?”                 

KnightShade didn’t think about it for long before pointing to the north east. DreamCatCher86 agreed and they set off in that direction. It wasn’t long before the could hear the river. Before they could see the river they heard another sound, this one was definitely not a natural sound. At first it was just shouting, as they moved closer they could hear the sounds of weapons striking weapons, the conconphiny of battle. KnightShade put his paw on DreamCatCher86’s shoulder, stopping her.

When she turned to him, he pointed his finger to the tree top above them then pointed with two fingers to the eye-holes in his mask. She nodded and he was quickly perched on branch looking down on a three on three battle on the banks of the river. With half the combatants  wearing red and the other half dressed in blue, KnightShade figured this must be that color war that DreamCatCher86 had spoken about.

She was seated, waiting, at the base of the tree when he dropped down. “How many?” she asked.

He held up six claws.

“Was it three against three?”

Yes

“Red versus blue, right?”

Yes.

“I don’t see any reason to get involved, do you?”

No.

Okay, good. Let’s just give them some space, they seem pretty occupied at moment I doubt that they would notice us. Then, I think, we should find a way to ford the river. I have never been across it, have you?”

No.

“Oh! Let’s go! I can’t wait to see what’s on the other shore.” She grabbed his arm and almost pulled him off his feet as the started the hike around the small battle. As she hurried them on, KnightShade was surprised to find that he wasn’t annoyed by DreamCatCher86. If any other principle had grabbed his arm like this, he would have killed them without a second thought. But he found DreamCatCher86’s energy infectious. She was so caught up in her story, her drama; he was finding himself caught up in it, and that didn’t annoy him.

She let go of his arm when they reached shallow banks on the river. She skipped across the river leaping from one exposed stone to the next. KnightShade seeing that the trees on the far bank had big branches high up unlike the pine trees on this side which had it biggest branches low to the ground. He quickly scampered up the tree closest to the river and out to the highest branch that he thought would hold his weight. He should have taken a few more moments to chose his route, because the gap between this branch and the corresponding branch across the river was big. Maybe too big. But he was committed, running full speed along the branch, As the branch got thinner it began to bend under his weight. Waiting till he was sure it was about to drop him unceremoniously into the river, he lept.

Right away he knew he was going to be short. Cursing himself for being a show off, he stretched out and just managed to grab the branch with both paws. Though now he held the branch, he held the very end of it, where it was thinner than the branch he had just left. Miraculously it didn’t break, it bent swinging him like a pendulum, depositing him almost gracefully on the far bank.

DreamCatCher86 walked up to him, laughing. “That was amazing! Don’t tell me you planned that?”

KnightShade shrugged.

She laughed again. “Right that’s what I thought.” He looked around them thinking that the deciduous trees opened up the forest. Then suddenly DreamCatCher86 moved and she was off running through the woods, her laughter floating back to him like the sound of small bells.  He took off after her, as he caught up she started running even faster, he kept pace and soon they were both running at full sprints, dodging trees, ducking branches, leaping fallen trunks and rocks. As he ran he could hear her laughter tinkling in the crisp forest air, he thought it was beautiful.  

When she stopped suddenly it took all of his control to not run her over. He needed to stop short to avoid knocking them both into a small pond. As it was he managed to halt his momentum just shy of bumping her, ending his run pressed up against her back. She didn’t move. She stood still looking out at the pond as it sparked merrily in the sun.

In the stillness of the woods KnightShade could hear the sound of falling water. The pond DeamCatCher86 stopped at was in a small clearing, roots of the trees growing into the water, barely big enough that the forest canopy didn’t meet above, it letting the sun stream in. At the north end of the clearing a wall of stone rose almost vertically from the relatively flat the forest floor. Way up the cliff face a waterfall fell in a flashing curtin, upsetting the surface of the pond reflecting the sun in a million bright flashes,

“How beautiful,” DreamCatCher86 breathed.

KnightShade nodded. She couldn’t see it, she still stood with her back pressed against him. They stood like this for a little while, the beauty all encompassing, leaving no room for awkward silence. Reluctantly he stepped back and without a word she took his hand and led him along the shore to the waterfall. Upon reaching it she slipped behind it, disappearing. A tug on his arm pulled him through.

If the clearing had been beautiful, than the cavern he found himself in was transcendent. What on the other side if the falls had been bright flashes came through the water as dancing rainbows. The small rainbows moved on all the surfaces making it difficult to tell the actual dimensions of the cavern. He got the feeling it was plenty big. It was empty and devoid of anything, just three stone walls, a ceiling and floor also stone. They took the first step further in together, then separated as DreamCatCher86 walked to the back wall. He turned and watched the waterfall, it was hypnotic, like fire, and his mind wondered. his thoughts examining how a waterfall could be like a flame. “‘Shade!” DreamCatCher86 suddenly called, and he spun thinking she was being attacked. Her face glowing she waved him over, “Come over here, quick!”

It only took a few steps to reach her, when he did he immediately saw what has gotten her so excited. Being that the light was all filtered through the waterfall, the pedestal had no shadow and with it being formed from the same material as the walls was invisible from entrance of the cavern. Up close KnightShade could see it clearly, a rectangular block of stone. It was almost as tall as his belt buckle, the surface was smooth, wider than it was long. Spread across the pedestal’s surface, as if it was a desk, was an unrolled scroll.

DreamCatCher86 was engrossed in the scroll and ignored him when he stepped behind her. Peeking over her shoulder, KnightShade saw what looked to be a blueprint. Specifically the floor print of the cavern, that is to say a horseshoe shape the waterfall entrance labeled at the open end. Really it was just two lines, one curved like a U the other a ~. The border of the scroll was made up of icons which were slightly moving, dancing in place. The majority of the icons we symbols for furniture, tables and chairs of various designs. The rest were hammers with a secondary emblem; a hammer with a sword, a hammer and a shield, there were a few more that took more than a single glance to recognize.

DreamCatCher86 leaned back, resting her body against his. She wasn’t heavy, but the physical contact almost staggered him. She twisted slightly to find a more comfortable position, “This is it! We found our hideout! Look, are for crafting don’t you think?” she said.

He nodded.

“Okay! So, what do you think we should first?”

He shrugged.

“No, that’s not going to work for me. I can deal with the silent thing. But I’m going to need you to participate. Okay?” She reached her hand up and placed it behind his head.

He nodded.

“Good.” she scratched him behind his ear,

He almost purred, instead he reached over her and touched the scroll a few times. Behind them there was the grinding of stone. As DreamCatCher86 sunk into the couch her laughter echoed off the walls, KnightShade thought it was beautiful. KnightShade sat down on the couch next to her, a grin on his face behind the mask. She signed then casually reached over and scratched him behind the ear again. He didn’t pull away.

“This,” she said gesturing to the couch in which they sat, “this was brilliant,”