<a class="postlink" href="http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc465/saphiraah1/Decorated%20images/Park-Tavern2.jpg">[ img ]</a><br/><br/>Mordankell leaned back in the hard wooden chair, flexing his neck to the side in an attempt to stretch out a kink he'd been feeling all day. Lifting his hands to his face, he rubbed at his bloodshot eyes. With a sigh, he picked up the tankard that sat on the table before him. The amber liquid ran down his throat, cooling as it went. A grateful sigh escaped his lips and he returned the tankard to its post on the table.<br/><br/>His fingers drummed against the table in a gentle rhythm as he cast his gaze around the room. He was in the main hall of a clean, comfortable tavern. A stone hearth took up a large portion of the east wall, the fire inside flickering as if it were as groggy as he himself felt, though the warmth it exuded was still noticable. Tables were scattered around the room, neatly arranged to provide maximum possible occupancy, while avoiding the over-crowded appearance so common in other taverns he'd seen. It was a comfortable, homey place, and he dreaded the idea of leaving it behind for the cold, damp wilderness.<br/><br/>...but his pack sat beside him on the floor, just visible in his peripheral vision, and seemed to be screaming at him to get moving. It was getting late. Sunset was surely just around the corner. He felt sure that if he tarried any longer, he would be too late. The others were sure to rise soon, and they would not allow his departure if he was not long gone before they rose. Feeling a growing pit in his stomach which was most likely born of dread, he thought of their possible reactions when they learned of his deceit. They would surely feel either offense or anger at his choice to leave them behind.<br/><br/>Dropping his chin into the palm of his hand, he sighed. "But its dangerous..." he spoke aloud to the empty room, "I... I just can't."<br/><br/>He just couldn't allow it. Not while there was breath left within him. Of course, there was no one around to either agree or disagree with him. He was alone for the first time in a long while, and had recognized the occurrence as an opportunity to make a decision. Either he would allow his new friends to accompany him on this, the most dangerous endeavor of his life, or he would leave now... flee to the wilderness, where he hoped they would be unable to track him, and be on his way. He had convinced himself that it would be for their own good to remain behind. It was safer for them here. And this foe was not for them to face. They could live out the rest of their lives without ever attracting the attention of Naggara the demon. Yes, this was best. He should never have allowed the matter to become known. If he'd only kept his loose mouth shut, they would never have insisted upon accompanying him.<br/><br/>His chin still resting in his hand, he picked up the letter he'd scribed only minutes ago, and read through it one last time.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">My Dearest Friends...<br/><br/>I do hope that this letter finds you well and happy. However, I imagine you shall be sorely cross with me when you rise in a few hours time, only to find that I have departed without you. Please understand. I am deeply moved be the showing of comradery and acceptance that I have experienced in your company. This bond is one i have never before enjoyed, and I shall treasure it to the end of my days, whether that be soon or no. <br/><br/>This being the case, I could never live with myself were I to endanger any of you. This problem is now, and has always been of my own making. I myself created the danger, however indirectly, and it falls to me to put it right. I cannot ask such kind and accepting people as yourselves to take up the mantle that should rightly fall to me. It would be truly evil. Despite my training and nature, evil has never been within me. I cannot bring myself to allow you to accompany me. <br/><br/>I hope you can find it in your hearts to forgive my deceit. I beg you not to follow. Allow me to do what I must to face this demon on my own. Whatever happens, it will be the end that is justly mine, and I shall welcome it. <br/><br/>I remain as always, yours in faith and friendship,<br/>Mordankell of the Swift Shadows</span><br/><br/>Mordankell nodded to himself as he finished reading. It was done. All was prepared. The time to act had arrived too swiftly. Careful not to crease it, he rolled the letter into a tight scroll, then plucked the nearly spent candle from its base. With a practiced movement, he tipped a bit of wax onto the rolled letter over the edge of the paper, sealing it shut, then dipped his ring into the wax, sealing it with his own personal crest. That done, he stood from his chair, hoisted his pack onto his shoulders, and stood for one long hesitant moment. Gazing around the room, he took in the scene in great detail, committing it to memory.<br/><br/>Finally shaking himself, he crossed to the door and walked through it into the dew-laden courtyard. The horizon was just now beginning to lighten, the inky blackness fleeing from a pale light at the far eastern edge. He was late...<br/><br/>His feet carried him swiftly through the small town and dumped him onto the road heading west. All ahead of him was still bathed in darkness. He hefted the pack, shifting it into a more comfortable position. Deliberately, he ignored the feeling of nervous anticipation, which grew within him to the point where it very closely resembled fear. The vision of the pitch black forest ahead chilled him. It seemed as if a great beast waited in shadow to swallow him. The walking stick in his hand felt comfortable, almost eager under his palm.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">Its about time we got this show on the road...</span>the walking stick seemed to say to him.<br/><br/><a class="postlink" href="http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc465/saphiraah1/Decorated%20images/SillamaeForest.jpg">[ img ]</a>