To see the stars again

A few days after she was able to be up and about she found herself getting cabin fever. Years of living in the woods had her feeling cooped up after spending just a few days inside. Already she had already repaired every piece of clothing the party owned, or at least everything she could get her hands on, and made several new pieces for herself. She had to get out and see the open sky. Her sanity depended on it.

She waited until evening, when there was still about an hour left of daylight. For tonight she wanted to wear her newest creation; a deep blue dress with white embroidery of stars and swirls. To keep her warm she had on her white fur Capelet. Just in case she found any local wild fruit or herbs she took her small backpack. Her quartstaff was grabbed just in case she had any issues.

While she made no real attempt to hide her evening adventure, she took the side entrance instead of the front. She needed the time outside and she didn't want to worry any of her new companions.

The minute she was outside she took a deep breath. It still wasnt the same. The air still stunk of piss and shit and rotten food. She had to get some real fresh air. With a deep breath of excitement, she set off for the woods at an easy pace

Lost in her own little world she hadn't noticed Salem until he had called out her name. The small squeak of surprise suggested he may have startled her. As soon she realized who it was a warm smile greeted him and she paused to let him catch up

"Good evening Salem " She greeted warmly
" everything is fine with me. I'm feeling much better. I just had to get out of the inn though. I'm not used to spending that much time indoors anymore and I was starting to go a little stir crazy. " She replied with a sheepish smile

" what about you? " She noticed her was fully armored though he didn't really seem like he had been fighting

She felt comforted knowing she was not alone in her feelings. The few times she was in a city for any length of time she was hard pressed to find others who shared her mentality. When he mentioned the peace and quiet she laughed softly. "Thank you! I thought I was the only one who was bothered by the constant noise. And the smell" She wrinkled her nose to accentuate her point

As they continued to talk she began walking slowly, obviously inviting him to join. "hopefully you haven't found any trouble yet"

"I would be happy to have some company. I didn't plan on going to far but I would never turn down good company " She flashed another warm smile, genuinely glad that he seemed to have gotten over whatever SAS bothering him in the bathroom.

" It's funny, or of anything I find that I've missed the stars the most. I didn't realize how much I've grown accustomed to seeing them every night "

To hear him speak so fondly of the stars brought about a warm smile, but the way he spoke about the moon moved her. The passion in those few simple words brought about a shudder that ran deep through her body. As she followed his gaze to the object of his passion she found herself having a new appreciation for the beautiful silver orb.

She couldn't stop herself from letting her gaze slip to Salem. There SAS so much more to him than met the eye and she found herself surprised by him once again. It only made her want to get to know him more.

When he returned his gaze to her she blinked and looked away quickly, not wanting to make it obvious that she had been staring at him. She laughed softly at his comment and nodded in agreement
"It is not something I plan on repeating if I can help it. Nothing about that was enjoyable " She silently congratulated herself on not being all worked up over the fact that he was upset because of her. Of course he was worried, they were in a adventuring group together. Anyone would be upset to see one of their group get hurt.... At least that's what she continued to tell herself

" I'm afraid I'm not exactly the best fighter.... Perhaps you could give me lessons some time? "

Again with the surprise. A tiny needle in those large hands was almost comical. Glancing down at His tattered tunic she joined in his chuckle.

"you really should get a new one soon. I'm not sure how much of it is fabric and how much of it is thread at this point "

When he commented on the size of his hands she had a pang of guilt for thinking the same thing earlier. She stopped and turned back to him staring at his huge callous hands and smiled softly. She held up her own callous hands. The time spent in the woods had not graced her with the tender hands of a lady. Even so she would not have it any other way.

Looking back to him she gave him a soft look

"I think those 'meat hammers' are capable of much more than that. You are truely full of surprises Salem. " realizing she may have gotten a bit to serious she lightened the mood with a little jesting

"I do agree that we may need to find a slightly larger needle however"

The warmth of his hanTafel good and she found herself taking a step closer to him just to get more of that smile. One day, she vowed, she would get the entire smile, without him holding back. Her Indigo eyes met his and she found her voice had chosen this moment to abandon her. It managed to come out as no more than a whisper

"You're easy to be kind to. "

Another half step closed more of the gap between them. It was over all to soon though and he dropped her hand. As much as she missed his touch, all good things come to an end, but she would always have the memory of tonight.

As they returned to their walk she found herself stealing glances at Salem. This wasn't how she had expected to spend her evening but she was pleasantly surprised at its outcome. She found that she wanted to know more about Salem, but the only thing she knew about him was that he was once a slave. She didn't want to spoil the night by bringing that up though.

"who taught you how to fight? "

The way their arms grazed each other every so often felt oddly natural to her and she savored the sensations. She couldn't help stealing glanced at the tall warrior at her side. Salem made her feel delicate and feminine yet powerful at the same time. The feeling was downright addictive.

When he started talking about his past she found herself smiling along with him. The fond way he spoke about his parents spoke wonders about his character. She thanked the gods that such wonderful people took Salem in and made him the man he was today. In the wrong hands Salem could have become a frightening man.

Though she was curious about what happened to his birth parents she let him continue his story without interruption.

When he brought up his parents death her heart ached for him. A comforting hand rested on his arm "I'm so sorry Salem" She said softly "they sounded like they amazing people". She let a few minutes of silence fall out of respect.

"I know how hard it is to lose a parent. Even though it's the natural order of the world for children to outlive their parents it's never easy and it never feels fair "

She smiled along with him,  enjoying the warmth of his large hand covering hers.   She kept wandering into the woods,  not really a concerned about the destination because the journey was so enjoyable.  

"My mother is the one who fostered my affinity for nature.   My mother was absolutely amazing seamstress.  Even the wealthy women would seek out her skills.  She had countless offers to move in to the city,  live a life of luxury,  and never have to worry about money ever again.   But my mother loved her cottage in the woods,  and no amount of money was enough to convince her to move .  It was just the two of us and it was just the right size for us.  

Hundreds of flowers and herbs surrounded the cottage,  trailing up sides of the walls and on to the roof,  and my Mother knew the use for every one of them.  The gardens grew all of our food,  with enough to share with the wildlife that we lived in harmony with.  

My friends growing up were the animals that lived near us.  It took a lot of time and patience to really befriend them because we never domesticated any of them,  but I wouldn't want it any other way.

My mother recognized my love for nature and taught me everything she could,  but she was not a druid herself.   She knew that I had the ability to learn so much more,  so she arranged for me to study with Riven Oakenstaff.  

Riven was kind of the boogeyman of the town.   He lived all alone deep in the woods and was rarely ever seen.   So if course the children would make up stories about him.   But my mother knew better than to believe such rumors.  Since we shared the same woods,  she and Riven were friends good friends and she knew the truth about him.   Riven was a powerful druid. Even though I didn't see him often,  he was the closest thing I had to a father figure.   When she told me I was going to live and study with Riven I was excited but also nervous.   I had never even spent a night away from home,  and now she wanted me to move away.  

I almost didn't go.   " She admitted sheepishly

" but my mother convinced me to go.   She assured me it would only be a few years and I could always come visit.

So I packed my bags and after a tearful goodbye I went to go live with Riven.   My time with him flew by.   There was so much to learn and everything was so interesting that those years flew by.   Within a few short years I officially was initiated as a druid.   My mother was so proud.  " She said with a fond smile and a tear in her eye.

The companions continue on, chatting amiably for a time. Their venture into the woods was uneventful, and as darkness fell, they came across several guards that advised they return to town. If asked, they explain they work for Garyld, and that they've started patrols to keep an eye out for orcs.

One of the men escorts them back to the edge of the wood (for the lady's safety and well-being, of course), ensuring they make it back into Milbourne.

From there, the companions head back towards the inn, and part ways for the evening.

-=-End Scene-=-