<div class="floatleft">(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/d7/fa/4d/d7fa4db7d7ea74deb4ef3b410de57d0a.jpg)<br/><div align="center"><span class="bbc_font" style="font-family: georgia;"><strong>Conri</strong><br/><strong><em>The Forgotten One</em></strong></span></div></div>With Liadian’s hand in his, and his other upon the man’s shoulder, he guided the three of them to the castle in which he dwelled.  He manipulated the layout of his woods to shorten the journey, making it less than a half hour walk when it would have otherwise been half a day.  The changes were done discreetly, taking place beyond their line of visibility, and gradually, so as not to disturb the wildlife.  Paths were redesigned to fit his needs all the time, and he was prudent to keep them ever-changing so none of his enemies could map his territory.  If a trespasser ever slipped by undetected, they would find the way to his lair difficult and daunting, if they found it at all.  He allowed the mortal man to live, but he was not always so merciful.  The information at his disposal was, perhaps, the only thing that interested the fae enough to still his judgment.<br/><br/>Ahead, a break in the trees hinted at a stony bridge stretching across a moat to the castle awaiting them.  The large structure was surrounded on all sides by towering mountains, the tallest of which appeared to have no cap as it disappeared into the clouds.  The exterior walls were covered in climbing ivy, and in time the fortress would be consumed by it.  “Careful,” he murmured before Gregor could step out onto the bridge, “any misstep or attempt at escape in my moat would certainly be a fate most unfortunate.”  A glance down to the still waters could tempt a desperate soul, but the same fool would suffer at the whim of the beasts lurking in those depths.<br/><br/><div class="floatright">(http://i.imgur.com/ZfjE6pv.jpg)</div>Releasing her hand, Liadian was allowed to get a decent head start while Conri brought up the rear, helping steady Gregor’s balance when needed.  Would be a shame to let his newest guest succumb to the hungers of lesser beings, especially when he caught the way his Liadian had looked at him.  There was interest in her eye, and curiosity, as she noticed the man’s beauty.  He made note of it, revealing nothing of his thoughts, and continued on.<br/><br/>The doors opened of their own accord as the trio approached, giving a feeling of warm welcome.  Just like the inviting arms of a lover, Conri thought, as the castle beckoned her Master home.<br/><br/>The ivy had penetrated the smallest cracks in the stones, spreading along the walls of the foyer and across the ceiling.  Parts had started to crumble without compromising the structure itself, giving the impression that perhaps it was all intentional.  Some might consider the look dilapidated and in desperate need for repair, but Conri enjoyed the aesthetic.  The flora was just as much a part of him as he was of his realm, and he welcomed the reminder.  The only part that the vines didn’t grow was the stone floor, out of respect.<br/><br/>They were taken to the dining room with its long table covered in an impressive spread of food.  Conri reached for Gregor’s wrists and, being careful not to disturb the wounds in his flesh, cut through the vines with his sharp nails.  “Behave, and you will enjoy more freedoms.”  Turning, his robe billowing, he went to the head of the table and sat.  A glass of deep burgundy liquid already waited for him, and he took it in hand, raising it to gesture toward the feast.  “Help yourselves.”  He then tipped the glass and drained half the contents in a few long swallows.