<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>The ancient one knew exactly when his prodigy crossed the divide; an intuition that was inherent in the old magic found in his being.  As always, he could pinpoint her exact location, and used those creatures around her to watch, survey, and anticipate her next move.  He did not shield himself from her, as he was eager to present his gift, instead creating a beacon to which she’d be drawn.  Something was different about her arrival, however.  He sensed it immediately, as did she.  Something else -<em>someone</em>else entered into his domain, and this new presence did not carry with him an invitation from either.  Conri watched over Liadian as he simultaneously studied the man, drawing closer so she wouldn’t have to travel far before she reached the safety he provided.  Not that she would ever be in danger while in his realm.<br/><br/><em>Asthore…</em>Came the disembodied voice, floating around her like a butterfly on tender wings.<em>You do not come alone this time…</em>He sounded more curious than heated, all which could change within an instant.  The wind stirred around her, drawing her deeper into the forest where she would be shielded among shadows.  And, once tucked away, out of the man’s sight, all attention was turned toward the intruder.<br/><br/>There was a shift in the air that would make any mortal shiver as incorporeal eyes settled on the man, compelling fear.  The wind stopped as the forest quieted; animals scattered in the opposite direction, and unnamed creatures abandoned the man to his fate, leaving an eerie calm in their place.  Something slithered through the fallen leaves around the man’s boots, punctuating just how silent everything else around him had become.  The tip of a vine as thick as a thumb peeked from the dense layer and began to weave around his ankle.  Another from the other side mirrored the action on the other ankle, and yet another slithered down the tree nearest him, its origins undetectable, as it went to curl about the waist.  They sought to chain him to the rough bark so that he was incapable of defending himself… or causing injury to that which the ancient one treasured most.  Liadian.<em>His</em>Liadian.<br/><br/>The man could choose to run, or fight; there were other<em>things</em>lurking about that would aid in stopping him.  Once entering, there was no escape until the fae willed it.<br/><br/><em>Intruder</em>, the word was accusatory, and echoed all around the man from an unknown source.<em>Tender morsel,</em>he growled the last bit, the word as tangible as nails scratching down his back.  He was playing with him, entertaining himself.  It'd been so long since someone new had come into his home.<br/><br/>As he waited, Conri looked over the man and into him, searching for the things that drove him.  His passions; his dreams; his heart.  Everything that would make a man buckle to his knees, and everything that would make him surrender.  He reached into the deepest part of him, touching his soul, and instantly knew he could be of value.<br/><br/><em>Let us make a bargain…</em>