They traveled all that day, rarely stopping for more than a minute. Ralith kept a slow pace, one that he thought would be comfortable for Mendra, not wanting her to grow weary under the heat. Rather than flying, which many of their kind would have done, they went by foot. His instructor had taught him long ago, that he was safer traveling long distances were better off traveled on foot rather, than in air. He would be less of a target.

For hours they passed nothing but trees that seemed to grow thinner as they continued along, their over head shield from the sun fading away quickly. He worried for Mendra more than ever now. Every few minutes, Ralith would look over his shoulder to make sure Mendra hadn’t slowed in pace and offered her water from his canteen. Knowing that they were heading toward a river didn’t bother him much on their supply.

A few steps behind him, Mendra followed silently, her head bowed as she stared at the passing ground at Ralith’s feet. Since leaving their village to travel through Celibia near the Ilsc forest, they had hardly exchanged more than a few words with each other. She knew something was bothering Ralith, but when she would ask what was troubling him, he would only shake his head and offer her more water. It was already past midday and the heat didn’t concern her overly much. Her thoughts were too deep to really care. She wanted to go back home to her small, enclosed study, to see Molaya and speak with her as she has done so many times in the past. She wanted this to end.

Mendra’s eyes began to travel up; staring at a spot on Ralith’s clothed back. He seemed to be moving closer, but before it could register that he had stopped, she bumped into him. Instantly, Ralith turned, his hands upon her shoulders to steady her.

"Are you all right, Mendra?" a slight frown rested upon his thin lips as his dark brows knitted together with worry.

Mendra gave herself a mental shake as she looked up into his beautiful face, one that still held those child-like characteristics. "I’m fine, Ralith."

"Are you sure? Are you becoming dehydrated?"

"No, no!" Mendra suddenly giggled. "If you give me anymore water, I will be too bloated to move another step."

This brought chuckle from Ralith as he released her. He found that he was being overly protective, and foolishly so. Mendra was of age where she knew what she needed. She wasn’t a child anymore, she was a woman. She knew how to take care of herself. Ralith turned about to continue their journey.

Mendra followed close behind, her eyes gazing about. Beauty that she could not describe surrounded her. The trees sung to her in their own language. She could hear them as loud as she could hear Ralith. She knew he could not hear them, hardly any could. But she was one of those few, like her mother and Amuril, who did. Mendra enjoyed their music; their soft melody seemed to wrap around her.

They continued on till nightfall. Ralith had chosen a spot surrounded by trees to make camp, keeping away from the open grounds. The temperature had changed drastically after the sun set. A cool wind blew, sending chills up across Mendra’s flesh. She sat huddled alone upon the ground, her raven wings wrapped around her small form to block the cold wind. Ralith had gone off to scout the area near their camp, but Mendra was already asleep by the time he returned.

His steps were silent upon the ground as he worked around the camp, piling the sticks he had gathered and starting a fire near where Mendra lay. He sat back, resting his shoulder against a tree trunk. Soon, his eyes fell on Mendra, studying her features in sleep as the light danced upon them. He knew soon he would reveal to his feelings to her, but he didn’t know when. Everything was so hectic and she had too much on her mind for him to burden her with something else. With a sigh, Ralith closed his eyes. Perhaps when they brought the book back to the village he would tell her.

*****

Mendra jumped awake as she felt herself being shaken. Immediately, her startled eyes fell upon Ralith. "Is there something wrong?"

Ralith smirked and rose to his feet. "No. I was calling your name to wake you up, but you were sleeping so deeply I had no choice but to shake you."

"Oh," was all Mendra could say as she watched Ralith turn and gather their things. The fire which had kept her warm during the night was already extinguished and the sun was up. She rubbed her eyes and pushed herself to her feet, dusting the dried crumbled leaves and dirt off her clothing. Mendra looked about, taking in the beauty of the early morning as the sun shone through open spaces of the branches above. She smiled and joined Ralith.

"We will be heading toward the market. Amuril had it marked on the map. I suppose he thought it would do us good to buy some more supplies." Ralith turned to look at Mendra. She looked more refreshed than ever. " Is their anything you need, Mendra?"

Shrugging her shoulders, she felt her stomach growl. "I suppose a good meal. I’m starving!"

Ralith searched a small bag at his side and pulled out a small folded cloth. Peeling away the material, he held out the slice of bread and cheese. "Take this. I’ve already had my share this morning. We won’t be reaching Dyfil until sundown at the earliest, so this should tie you over for now."

Mendra smiled gratefully and accepted the provided meal. Ralith returned the smile then began the day’s journey. After finishing the last morsels of food, Mendra stuffed away the square cloth and opened her canteen, relishing the cool liquid flowing down her throat.

All day they traveled, stopping only occasionally for personal purposes and when they needed a few moments rest. As Ralith had guessed, they reached the bridge that led to the entrance of the Dyfil market. They passed many stands with merchants yelling out to the crowd. Mendra looked around in awe, studying the various races around her. Never had she seen so many different people in one place at the same time.

The sky was already beginning to darken and some stands were already closing. As Mendra passed a peticular one, something caught her eye. She halted before stepping closer. In the center of the table lay a silver hair comb, one with the same design as her mother’s ring.

"Ah see ye eyein’ dat dere comb, lady. Does it catch yer fancy?"

Mendra jumped at the voice and looked at the merchant behind the stand that she had not noticed. His long greasy brown hair hung in his round lumpy face. He gave her a toothy grin, revealing the yellowed teeth and spaces where he was missing others.

"I-it’s lovely," Mendra stuttered softly over the noise.

"Aye, fer a lovely lady like yerself." He lifted the silver cold into his large hand and held it out to her. "Ah will take ten copper from ye fer it."

"But I don’t-"

Ralith appeared beside Mendra before she could finish. He had begun to worry when he had seen Mendra no where behind him, but was relieved to see her speaking with a merchant rather than taken by some stranger. He overheard the merchant giving the piece a price and pulled out a few copper pieces, placing them upon the table. "We’ll take it."

The merchant thrust the comb at Ralith and greedily gathered the copper, stuffing them in a bag on his belt.

Ralith took Mendra by her hand and led her from the table before holding the comb out to her. Mendra blinked, "You didn’t have to do that, Ralith."

He shook his head and placed the comb in her hair at her temple. "But you wanted it."

"I could have done without it," she continued to protest as the comb was placed in her hair."

"But you deserve pretty things." He stepped back, "And next time, tell me you want to stop to look at something before you just run off. It would be hard to find you in this crowd." He knew it wouldn’t be hard at all. He would be able to spot a jewel like her anywhere. She outshone them all. He turned to go, but Mendra’s hand upon his shoulder stopped him.

"Thank you, Ralith, for the comb."

He smiled and gave a nod. "You are welcome. Now let’s find an inn so we can get something in our bellies."

She let him go this time, smiling as she followed, her hand touching the silver comb in her dark hair.

They passed through the crowd, occasionally feeling others bump into them. Mendra, fearful or having something stolen, checked to make sure she had everything, especially the comb, every few moments. Ralith kept his hand upon his purse, weary of thieves. Finally, in the center of the market, they found the inn. It stood tall, windows lining the upper floor. Taking Mendra’s hand, Ralith pulled her close so he could whisper in her ear. "Be careful of who it is you talk to, I warn you now before you enter. Some things may be of shock to you, but this is not just a place for sleeping, but also for drinking and for other…things that men do."

Mendra nodded, though slightly confused by that last part.

Ralith ushered her forward, letting her enter first so he could keep an eye on her. Immediately, the smells of alcohol and sweat filled their senses. Voices drummed through their ears and the occasional shatter of broken bottles and glasses. Tables covered the floor, chairs placed around them. Many were taken. On the far end, a long counter ran parallel to the wall with a man behind it. They made their way around the tables, pushing in empty chairs every now and then to pass. Ralith pulled out a couple stools and instructed Mendra to take one beside him as he sat.

The man behind the bar finished serving a patron and made his way to them. The sight of him unnerved Mendra as she stared at the long scar, which puckered out on his cheek and forehead, his left eye covered by a black patch.

"What can I get ye?" he studied the two of them, his lips cracking in a grin as his eye rested upon Mendra.

Ralith didn’t let this bother him overly much. "Get the lady a glass of milk and I’ll take an ale."

The man nodded to take the order. After a moment, he returned with a mug of ale, placing it in front of Ralith. "The milk will be a moment."

"What do you have to eat here?"

"We are serving venison tonight. A group of hunters came in earlier this morning, so the meat is fresh."

"We’ll each take some then and a room for the night."

A knowing grin crossed his lips. "All right then. I will be back soon with the key for your room. Ye are in luck that it is not a busy night else ye would have to sleep out in the cold." He turned to the look over the crowd. "Celia!"

Sitting on a lap of a large human man was a young woman, her head raising upon hearing her name. She gave the man beneath her a wink then hopped off, making her way to the bar with her hips swaying seductively. As she drew near, Ralith felt his stomach churn smelling the cheap scents on her body mingled with sweat.

"Yes, Boss?"

"Get yer pretty arse in the kitchen and get these two some venison. The cook should have some ready."

The woman turned her attention to Ralith, grinning widely, but the grin faded slightly seeing Mendra. She turned and walked around the bar, stepping into the kitchen. The bartender stepped away to get a clean glass, or what seemed to look clean, and poured some milk into it from a large tin gallon.

Mendra watched the glass being placed in front of her, her mouth going a little dry. She hadn’t been in her for very long and already the placed disgusted her.

"That will be two silvers with the room included. It will only be one night?"

Ralith nodded and dug into his pocket, pulling out the right amount and pushing it forward on the bar. "Yes."

The one eyed man gathered the silver and went off to serve another. Soon after, Celia returned with two platters of venison. Placing the trays in front of them, letting Mendra’s clattered noisily as she dismissed the young woman, giving her attention to Ralith and brushing herself against him. "You know if you ever tire of her, I will be awaiting you any time during the night to satisfy anything you maybe want."

Ralith shrugged her off. "That won’t be necessary." He turned his attention to his food and began to eat, leaving Celia fuming in rage as she glared at Mendra.

Mendra turned from the woman, not liking the look she had just received. She looked down at the food in front of her and wrinkled her nose, but her stomach growling made up any protest she had and began to eat. After the first few bites, she decided it wasn’t really that bad. After eating as much as she could, she lifted the glass of milk and sipped it, her gaze moving around the room.

In the shadows sat a shrouded form. He had arrived early that night for a rest from his travels. But when the winged angel entered the room, he could barely tear his eyes from her. She moved with the grace of a mountain lion. She held her chin high as she made her way through the room, and already he was beginning to admire her. She had a stubbornness about her that intrigued him. As he watched her now, unnoticed in the dark corner of the inn, he studied her features. They were delicate and soft with dark brows curving in a slight arch. Her eyes were slanted and wide with a curious nature about them as she examined her new surroundings. He could not tell the color of her eyes, but he vowed he would before he left this place.

Her lips are what caught his attention the longest. He watched as her tongue darted out to lick the milk in the corners of her lips and suck on her upper lip.

Then he noticed the man next to her for the first time since they entered. He didn’t look like her brother, though they were of the same race. He had rarely seen avian elves, but they really were beautiful creatures, and sometimes hunted for their wings as souvenirs.

He leaned back in his seat, silently watching the two winged ones, undisturbed. His arms crossed over his chest, the tips of his fingers touching the cool metal of the dagger hidden beneath his cloak. It was an automatic thing for him. He had to have a weapon close by. He was trained to always be ready for an attack.

His head tilted to the side as the two conversed, his eyes straying, stopping on the woman once again. She was a beauty, though one he hoped would not become a trophy for some hunter.

Mendra felt a little uneasy. She had a feeling that she was being watched. The she noticed many were watching both her and Ralith. But it wasn’t their gazes that put her in such a disposition.

Her eyes passed over the darkest side of the room, letting them travel slowly. But for a second, she thought she had seen a flash of red within the shadows. Directing her attention in that direction, she squinted slightly, trying to see through the dark blanket. And it was still there, looking at her. She felt the hairs on the back of her neck rise as those crimson eyes stared into her own, as if looking into her soul. For the longest of time, she could not tear her eyes away. They captivated her. But what intrigued her most was the mystery behind them. When she was finally able to look away, she turned to Ralith who continued to eat his meal in silence, seemingly deep in thought. Mendra bit the inside of her cheek as her gaze roamed, falling on the bartender.

"Sir?" she voiced, but the noise in the inn drowned out of words. "Sir!" she spoke louder.

He turned his eye toward her, a bushy eyebrow raising as he finished with his customer. Rubbing his hands with a rag, he made his way toward her. "What else can I get ye, miss?"

Mendra bit her lower lip, her head tilting. "That person in the corner, hidden in the shadows. Who is it?"

The man almost choked with laughter, his eye twinkling with amusement. "Ye have never heard of the drow? He is a living legend in these parts."

"A living legend?"

"Aye. Not only is he one of the best trackers, but he is also a man not to tamper with."

Mendra was curious. "How so?"

He grinned, "It’s not my place to say. Why don’t ye go and introduce yerself, miss." He turned and walked away.

She turned her head to try and catch a glimpse of him, but all she could see were those red eyes still staring at her. Mendra looked to Ralith, seeing his disapproval.

"Oh come now, Ralith. What harm could it do to talk to the man? Why, we could even hire him to take us to the book."

"Didn’t you hear the owner of this inn, Mendra? He’s a drow! The very race that is after the book. He would sooner take it from us and kill us than let us take it back"

Mendra frowned. Perhaps Ralith was right, but she would not give up. Usually those who become trackers tend to be outcasts from their own race, but that was not always the case. "Let’s just talk to him, Ralith. Please?"

"No. I will not let you place yourself nor our mission in danger. It is not safe, Mendra. You must understand that."

"I do, but I have to find out who he is. And if he is truly as great a tracker as the owner had said, then he should hire him. We need his help, Ralith!"

Ralith brooded silently, knowing he would not win this. Whatever Mendra wanted, she would fight at getting it. He nodded sharply. "Fine, but I will not trust him."

"That will be fine. We only need him to get us to our destination. We don’t need to tell him why we are going there."

"I suppose, but we better be careful. Drow are not easily trusted."

Mendra smiled, "I know, Ralith."