Separate roads lead them to each other, and Darkness drove them both. To one, the Darkness was a black serpent that had hunted him for days unending. To the other, it was a faceless evil of such power and need that even death refused to claim it. Darkness pursued them down their roads till they intersected at the point where light met light. Hunted and haunted they found each other, and neither realized the power of that moment. She had, however. She had planned this moment. This meeting. This random ray of light in a well of darkness. This moment had been her cry for justice against the sins and lies. He had heard the cry and was silenced by it, if only for a moment. She smiled.

***
Coren and Li-eira sat across from each other at the table in The Empty Tankard. This place had become their waypoint in Freehold. It was here they stayed when they arrived at the greatest free city in all of the Sorcerous Isles of Northreach. They took their first job from here as well as their second. Both jobs were as caravan guards to the city of Per, and they always returned to The Empty Tankard.

Their meals were finished, and their coin was holding. They would be able to rest here for at least a week, before they would need to find their next job. For now, however, their lives had been brightened by each other’s company. Friendship and conversation had held back the darkness each felt around them. For one, the darkness had become distant bearable, but not for the other. Her nights would occasionally be shattered by the faceless name of Darkness. When she awoke from one of these haunted nights, she would find herself safe in his presence. Ever vigilant. Ever protective. Ever Coren.

Li-eira shook her head in mock disapproval as Coren downed his third ale of the evening. She used to worry about his enthusiasm for a good brew but after traveling with him throughout the moon's cycle she knew that it didn't dull his senses like she'd feared. If anything it made his spirit a little brighter and his company more enjoyable.

Most of the Inn's regulars were used to the odd sight that they made, the keeper jokingly called them Beauty and the Bear. But for those laying eyes on them for the first time, it took quite a bit of imagination to find the link that bound them. It was obvious that they weren't related, unfathomable that they were romantically involved, and before they could decide a formidable stare from the Bear would send them back to their supper. Not many could guess that their bond and business partnership had developed when Coren rescued Li-eira from a band of Dolfanc outside of Freehold.

Li-eira took a sip of her mulled cider and looked around the tavern, smiling warmly when she caught the gaze of a curious patron, a young maiden ripe with child. "Do you know what Coren?" She paused for a moment before he humored her with a raised brow. It was so often that she would prattle on that it wasn't always necessary to actually respond. "I'm grateful to be alive. I think it takes sitting on death's doorstep to see the beauty that misery tries to cloak."

Coren, flecks of his evening meal still visible in his white beard, lifted his fourth tankard of ale to his lips.

"Aye lass", he replied, taking a healthy gulp from the cup's frothy head. "The beauty of a mug of ale, the loveliness of a good meal and the splendor of a pouch full of coins".

He put his tankard back down on the table and followed Li-eira's gaze to the young woman. He took in the maiden's obvious pregancy and then glanced back at the beautiful, exotic face of his companion. His smile turned into a warm grin as he considered Li-eira with child and the glow of her motherly cheeks.

He sat back in his chair and sighed. Since meeting Li-eira, the darkness that had troubled his thoughts didn't seem as bad as it used to. He still had the same nightmare, the dream of his death, but it's agony seemed to be lessened by the presence of the beauty beside him.

Sadly, not so much for Li-eira. She still felt the darkness reaching for her. Even though no more Dolfanc had come hunting for her recently, there seemed to be a certain urgency to her dark dreams. Coren's smile lessened as he thought about it.

"Ah, yes. It is good to be alive" he added. "And, for now, we do not have to work to pay for our board and lodgings. We are free to do whatever we wish!"

He looked across at Li-eira, his blue-gray eyes twinkling under his bushy eyebrows, and winked.

Li-eira favored Coren with a grin, quite enjoying his good humor. "I'd recommend shaking the debris from your beard before leaving the table. ...then you might wanna take that twinkle in your eye and chat up Sarah Connor, she's been looking for an excuse all evening to visit with you." While Sarah wasn't the most beautiful woman in the tavern she made up for it with her sparkling blue eyes and contagious laughter.

Coren harrumphed at this. "That Connor girl has probably visited every man in this tavern", he mumbled. Scrutinising his beard, he carefully began to pick the particles of food from within its midst.

"As for myself I have some studying to do this evening." Li-eira's eyes took on a far away gleam. "I've been studying some offensive spells like you suggested. I'm quite excited...it'll be fascinating to feel them surge through me. ...although I do still have reservations about using them. AND..." She looked at Coren sternly, "...don't go telling people that I'm some kind of War Wizard to get a higher price."

"Ah, but think of the money lass", Coren began, but then stopped shaking his head. It was no use arguing with her. She was a white witch and everyone knew that war wizards tended to be robed in gray.

"Never mind", he added. "I won't tell 'em if you don't want me to. Still, yer best practicing that acidic bolt or whatever you called it. That one's nasty and useful against the Dolfanc".

Coren took a swig of ale. Thoughts of darkness, dolfanc and witches reminded him of something. Something Li-eira had talked about recently. He took another mouthful of ale, steeling himself. Swallowing, he looked at Li-eira.

"Now that our money troubles are settled, and we're comfortable, I'm guessing you'll soon be wanting to see the witch on the mountain about yer... dreams", Coren asked hesistantly. To Coren, the Oracle had brought nothing but trouble.

Li-eira's mood darkened and her body sagged at the mention of the Oracle. She looked up at Coren with remorseful eyes and the slightest hint of a pout. "I would." Her tone was flat and held no enthusiasm. It was obvious that it was a matter of necessity for her and not one driven by desire.

"I promised I'd take you 'though I'm not sure what good it'd do you", Coren added, reservedly.

"How far is it to this Oracle? Will it be a difficult journey?" Coren was familiar with this question coming from her. She wasn't a sound traveler, her body often ached from the rigor of their journey and she would fatigue easily when their path led beyond the comfort of their mounts. Despite her difficulties she rarely complained which made her sluggish pace and frequent stops bearable. If anything Li-eira tended to be a good companion, enjoying what she could of their surroundings and blessing those around her with her random musings. ...or so she thought...

Coren grunted. "Well, it'll take over ten days ride to get within sight of the Oracle's home", he stated. He then looked over to Li-eira, took in her fragile, slim figure, and corrected himself.

"More likely two weeks, given the current conditions" he added, shifting his gaze from his beautiful companion to a nearby window. He pretended to study the darkening light outside for a moment then turned back to Li-eira.
Li-eira listened intently and without interruption. Even as he spoke she was fortifying herself for the challenge that lay before them.

"After we pass through the woods, I know of a village or two on the way where we can stay the night but most of the time we'll be riding across hills and sleeping outdoors" he explained. "And when we get to the Tomiak mountains, things'll get a might tough. It's cold up there and the wind has a bite that is worse than a bear's. Still, if the weather is fair, the views from the mountainside can fair take a man's breath away!". He grinned, then added, "Or a woman's".

A wistful smile settled on Li-eira's face as she imagined just how beautiful it was going to be. She was grateful to Coren for mentioning the view, she knew that was solely for her benefit, he wasn't much of a sight seer. The cold sounded bothersome and certainly wasn't something that she was looking forward to, but it was the idea of sleeping under a starless sky that was almost enough to make her change her mind. The very thought of unbridled darkness sent a shiver up her spine and goosebumps running down her arms.

"It is a harsh journey, Li-eira. We will need provisions, warm clothing, secure tents and the like. Are you sure you wish to see this Oracle?" Coren asked, somewhat concerned for the sheltered woman at his side. He knew that Li-eira could make it - although she was weaker than he in body she was incredibly strong in character and possessed willpower and courage beyond his own - but he didn't want to see his companion suffer at all. No, not at all.

"...and torches. We'll need torches or maybe a lantern if it isn't too unwieldy." She didn't answer his question, she wasn't sure, not at all sure, but she wasn't willing to say that out loud.

"Aye", agreed Coren, "we can get a lantern or two". He winced a little thinking of the amount of money a good lantern would set them back but didn't say anything to Li-eira. He knew the woman did not like the darkness and feared it more than death itself. Coren could not understand it but that didn't mean he didn't sympathize with Li-eira's dread.

"Still, at least it is summertime", Coren said trying to sound cheery. "The nights are not so long nor as cold". He took another swig of ale and let Li-eira continue.

"I will need to study the stars tonight. Perhaps they can guide us. Li-eira's gaze also settled for a moment on the growing darkness outside the window and hoped that the stars would shine through this evening to provide her guidance.

"And in the morning I'll gather up those provisions", said Coren, stroking his beard in thought. He patted his money pouch assessing, merely by the feel and jangle of coins inside, how much money he had. "Perhaps Master Morten'll have some of that fruitloaf and the berry-cheese he makes. We'll also need some salted meat. And a skin of wine or something stronger wouldn't go amiss either".

"Fruitloaf would be divine." Li-eira's tone didn't convey the enthusiasm that she'd intended, but that was because her mind was already wandering into the possibilities of their tomorrow.

Coren drained his fourth ale in one long gulp and looked around the common room of the inn. His glance caught the eye of Sarah Connor and he looked away quickly. Instead he looked back at Li-eira.

"Maybe I'll ask around", Coren muttered. "See if anyone else is heading south and requires a couple of companions. They may even pay us for 'guarding' them". Nodding to himself, he went about ordering another flagon of ale. The drink would hopefully keep his own dark dreams at bay that night.

That comment snapped Li-eira back into the present with an eager nod of her head. "That's a very good idea!" It was the prospect of company and not coin that excited her. "I always enjoy the company...well most of the time I do." Coren could immediately tell what she was referring to, on one occasion an employer had become overly interested in her and had made the trip difficult.

Coren squinted his eyes. "Well, yes", he replied. "I'll be careful with who we choose to travel. Assuming anyone is travelling".

"These are dangerous times, what with the Dragonlord attacks", he explained. "Which, to look at it one way, means that many people do not wish to travel". He looked down at the sturdy pine table and placed a strong but callused finger at the near edge.

"But" he continued "to look at it another, some folk want to leave here and seek solace in the southern lands". He moved his powerful finger away down the table and pointed to its other side.

"Still, from what you and others have told me" he said looking at Li-eira "the southern land of Nordren fairs no better. Yer would think the attacks from the Dolfanc and Faear races would put 'em off. Still, perhaps facing foes with arms, legs and a normal body is better than tackling wyrms and serpents".

A shiver ran down Coren's spine and his shook his body in response. He moved his finger back up the table to the near edge and then to his beard, which he stroked in comfort.

"Then, of course, there's yer witches and wizards, like yerself" he said, nodding to Li-eira. "They've run the opposite way, up from Nordren to here, many of 'em helping us out against the Dragonlords. Not that the Ice Clans needed the help", he added, with a hint of pride in his fellow men.

"So although times are difficult, if Geruatha is kind to us, they're may be one or two making the trip away from the northern coast" he concluded.

"I think I will retire to my room and study. I'll need to rest up for our journey." She was not as eager as she sounded to leave the table, instead she toyed with the mug in front of her. After a moment she looked up at her trustworthy protector. "Would you please check on me before you go to sleep?"

Coren tilted his head.

"Aye, I'll come and check on yer, lass", Coren agreed, a faint look of worry in eyes. "And I'll be in the room right next to yours, as always. You need anything, just call me".

Before the nightmares, Coren had naturally been a light sleeper. His time as a warrior had honed this ability so that he would awaken to any distressing or threatening sound. He would be ready to comfort Li-eira, if needed. Where Li-eira was concerned, Coren was ever vigilant.

GM OOC: I am closing this section of your Prologues and will be starting work on your next one...great job!!!