It was a slow and quiet morning except for the sounds of the wind whipping through the trees and on occasion, causing the shutters of unoccupied rooms to fly open and slam against the taverns outside. Many of the common folk and drunkards still lay asleep in bed or on the floor in their rooms, cursing their hangovers from too much drink the night before and wondering where their whores ran off to with their purses of gold.

Dark forbidding clouds blanketed the sky, a promise of a brutal storm. The wind still blew harshly from the night before as Mordock exited the tavern, the doors slamming behind him with a loud clatter before it latched shut. The wind threw back his dark hood, silver tresses whipping every which way behind him, twisting and winding around each other. His eyes roamed over the forest lining before they sought out Jerec. He approached him silently, squinting against the gusts of cool morning air. Jerec, trying to keep his horse calm, continued to strap on supplies, securing them down tightly. He didn’t hear any sounds of Mordock’s approach.

"So where’s this Deimos friend of yours?"

Jerec just about jumped out of his skin hearing the low rumbling voice behind him. He turned to his brother with a dark scowl resting upon on his thin lips, "Damnit man, don’t do that!"

Mordock simply smirked, "Well?"

With a shrug, Jerec turned his back to Mordock and returned his attention back to his task, readying for the long journey ahead of them. "He’ll show."

"Will he?"

"I’m sure of it."

Mordock examined his brother’s back for a moment before stepping to his side. "Need any help?"

"No, I have it under control for the most part. You might want to check the strapping and bags on Nightstalker though. That damned horse of yours doesn’t let anyone near him but you."

"I trained him well."

Jerec turned his head to glance at Mordock only to find a cocky smile upon his upturned lips. He smirked, gently patting the dark brown horses check, "Should have you train ole Thunder here for me."

Mordock shook his head with a grin before he left Jerec so he could finish up what his brother started, casually making his way to the stables around the tavern, his cape flowing behind him.

You’re in a better mood this morning, the voice said matter-of-factly.

"So I am," Mordock agreed.

Have you suddenly forgotten about that woman who paid you a visit? What’s her name? Ah yes, Aislinn.

Mordock scowled. He had forgotten about her up until now. His continued dreams helped him forget, they always did. "So I did there for a moment. Now thank you for bringing her back up and ruining my morning."

The voice simply chuckled.

Mordock grit his teeth. How he tired he was of hearing that damned voice in his mind day in and day out, constantly butting into his business. It knew his feelings, his thoughts, everything! How could it not? It was in his head for Delenia’s sake.

Finally coming upon the stables, he stepped inside, the smell of manure and leather drifted into his nostrils. He made his way directly to the last stall in back and lifted the metal latch beside the door, stepping in. Inside stood a large black stallion; it’s eyes two onyx orbs flashing red for a moment before focusing on the one entering. It huffed and tapped its hooves in greeting, nuzzling its slightly moist snout against the open palm of Mordock’s dark gray hand.

Mordock spoke softly in elven to the dark beast, his voice gentle and soothing. He slipped around Nightstalker, running his hand along its side, the hair beneath his hand smooth to the touch. He began to adjust the straps and buckles holding his bedroll and supplies which were quite loose, making sure they were secure.

When he finished, he rejoined Jerec in front of the tavern leading Nightstalker by his bridal. Jerec, already mounted on his horse, lifted his gaze to Mordock as he drew near and snorted.

"I swear that horse of yours hates me."

Mordock mounted his own horse and smirked. "Of course he does."

Jerec rolled his eyes at the retort and leaned forward, his face a few inches from Thunders perked ear, whispering something unheard as he patted the side of her neck gently.

"But does he hate me?"

Both of their heads turned to find the cloaked figure from the night before step from the forest front. He approached them slowly; those glowing eyes of his a bright yellow beneath his hood. The wind didn’t seem to affect him at all, like it wasn’t even touching him. His robes were as still as if there were no wind at all. He walked directly to Nightstalker, speaking in drow softly. The horse remained still as if listening to the drow then allowed the elf to pat his neck.

Both Jerec and Mordock watched in shock, Mordock’s jaw hung open as he gapped at him but soon, his eyes narrowed. No one was able to get near Nightstalker without getting hurt until now. But why would he let Deimos near? The elf was a stranger. Nightstalker knew Jerec more than he did Deimos, but he hardly let Jerec close enough.

Glancing up at Mordock, Deimos drew back, the corner of his lip raised in a little half smile, "Don’t look so displeased. I have a way with animals."

"I can see that," Mordock grumbled, silently brooding before he reared his horse around by the reins and made his way toward the forest. "Let us be off!" he said over his shoulder.

Jerec laughed wholeheartedly, "Him and that temper of his, and for what? He’s jealous over that beast he calls a horse."

Deimos chuckled, "A horse can be more."

Patting the neck of Thunder, Jerec nodded, "Aye, they can be." Directing his attention to Deimos and cocked his head, "Where’s your horse?"

"I have some things to do before I ride with you. I will catch up to you shortly. You had better get a move on before you lose track of your brother."

Jerec smirked and nodded, "All right then. You can track?"

Deimos nodded, "Very well. I am a drow you know."

With a nod, Jerec clicked his tongue and steered Thunder toward the lining of trees, following after Mordock, "We’ll see you soon."

Deimos watched the two disappear into the forest, being enveloped with the dark blanket it provided. He tapped his dark chin thoughtfully before flicking a glance toward the tavern then around him. He felt something, or someone, watching him but he couldn’t quite place it. Softly, he muttered a few arcane words in drow before his body began to change into a dark smoky mist, lifting into the air and fading away into nothing.