“Well in that case las’, we’d like to be joinin’ ye fer a while.” Duade interjected as Angelic turned to the unknown path that lay ahead; she paused, but did not turn around immediately.

“WE!?!? Who ever said WE wanted to group up in the fir-!?” was Flitz’ screech cut short as Duade gently nudged her down into his pouch, the rest was muffled, but a little more unpleasant sounding then usual.

“After all, I think yer the closest I’ll be get’n te Helm anytime soon, and so I ‘umbly request that we be aloud to accompany ye on yer journey.” Duade continued, having muffled out the screeching almost to an annoying buzz, however every once in a while a loud wail escaped Duade's pouch.

Angelic turned, and taking a low bow said, “I cannot accept you’re compliment, however I see no reason to reject your company.” there was a brief pause as Duade sighed in relief, “Follow as you wish. Stay close and no harm shall befall you.”

Duade opened the pouch around his neck both he and Angelic cringing in expectation. However there was only silence for the moment, and as all grew quite all that could be detected was a muffled sniffle.

As Duade began to make a feeble effort to comfort Flitz suddenly from the forest brush to his right sprang a woman who stumbled as she ran into him, after the shock had worn off realizing that the woman that lay sprawled out upon him was the very elf that had almost taken his life a few days before he sprung to his feet.

“I’ll not fall so easily this time, las’!” Duade shouted ready for battle.

The elf cringed and as she stared into Duade’s eyes, “those eyes…” she shuddered then turned away, “ I think… I remember them”, she gasped as she wrent upon her hair. Duade’s expression changed to one of confusion.

“No… it can’t be. I killed him.” She said in a low manic voice as she stood up, “I, Antirne, apologize greatly for the manner of our meeting.” She said her eyes never rising, “If it is not to much to ask I wish to continue in exile.” She turned and began to make her way into the brush on the other side of the path.

“Wait!” Duade shouted just before she disappeared, Antirne halted, “why… did’je attack me before?”

Antirne turned and looked into Duades eyes again puzzled. “You are alive?” she gasped.

Duade having relaxed a little checked his pulse, “Wait… ye, still a tickin'.”

Antirne gasped in relief and rushed forward embracing Duade, as he stood again thoroughly confused. Falling to her knees Antirne sobbed at his feet. “I cannot believe you live.”

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