community life ever occurs here. But on this particular evening, something essential to this tale is about to transpire. The night is very chilly and dark. In such a night, the mood bri
able. "Hmm, he's late, " she whispers to herself, frowning a little bit disappointed. Her thoughts start to wonder towards home. What is taking him so long? Has anything gone wrong? This waiting can be worrisome. She sighs deeply. Her attention is drawn towards the huge willow tree. Its leaves move gracefully with the wind. After a while, a faint sound can be heard from the direction where she came from. She pulls her sharp dagger from her belt instinctively, with one swift movement. Her stance reveals a stature of a warrior. "Sorry I'm late Mel!" the newcomer apologizes hurriedly. This new arrival is wearing a hooded cloth similar to hers. He was carrying a green basket, unusually bigger than the ordinary kind, with a swaddle of blanket over it. "Shh, be quiet Aldar. You might wake her up!" replies Mel as she puts away her dagger, upon realizing that there's no danger. She takes a deep breath and frowns at her companion. The man, whose name is Aldar, looks much older than Mel but has a more laid back aura than her. He wears a playful smile on his face as he stares back at Mel. "How was your journey? You took a while to get here. Did you lose your way? Are you sure you were not followed by anyone?" Mel questions, while glancing towards the direction of the trees. Aldar nods, "Take it easy Mel, we're fine, " he responds and hands the green basket carefully to Mel. He readjusts his hood and fixes his bow and quiver pouch on his backside. "You should loosen up a bit sometimes." Aldar teases. "I had a little difficulty leaving the rest of our rangers behind. I wanted to be sure that they will be able to handle the rest of the fanatics out there." Aldar suddenly turns serious with a bit worried look on his face. "Of course I am serious. There is so much to be worried about." She glances around them once more. "However, there is nothing we can do now but fulfill o
uffocating smell. Aldar and Mel looks at each other at the same time with panicked expressions. "What is happening? I thought Marion an
disappear in the forest without a single sound. In the distant hori