Here she was, had it really only been a year ago that she had last stood on this stage? So much had changed since then. Rain looked out over the crowd of people gathered before her, some faces she recognized, many more that she did not. Some stood out more than others, and she smiled at those who had taken part in the tale that she was about to weave. Brushing back the bright red hair that had made her so distinctive, much shorter now than it had been, she held up her hands for silence.<br/><br/>“It was but a year ago that I last stood here,” She announced to the crowd, as she gained their attention. “Some of you may remember that day. I asked for volunteers then, those who were brave, or foolhardy enough to join me in a trek into the Shadow. There were many that answered that call, and as I had promised, I am here to tell their tale. It has been a hard year. Friends have been made, and lost.” Her voice cracked slightly, as she remembered it all.<br/><br/>“In our trek, we have seen things that few have seen, both wondrous and horrifying. Now, I am here to share it with you.” She cast her eyes out over the crowd, noting that she had every eye upon herself. “I tell you now, that this may be hard to believe, may seem the errant aggrandizing imagery of a bardic tongue. But every word I speak, will be true. Our tale, begins on this very stage, one year ago...”<br/><br/><div align="center">***</div><br/>She had come across the tale by chance on one stormy night last winter, and Rain was not going to be turned away. She had lived too long in the shadow of The Duke, and was only just now coming to realize how very much worse Daemion was. She had been so very, very naive, but that was gone now. She knew that she could never save The Duke, would never make him a good person, so she was going get Morrin back, steal back that which He had destroyed if it was the last thing she ever did. Alone, she did not have the power, but if the tales were true, she would have her way. She simply could not do it alone.<br/><br/>The small bard stepped onto the stage, her flame red hair dancing in the breeze where it was not confined beneath the braided net she had made of its top most layer. With its overabundance, she scare needed the burgundy and black velvet clothing that adorned her body in its fitted splendor, marking her as Court Bard to those who knew anything of such things. There were familiar faces in the crowd, some welcome, and others not so, ever the performer, she smiled brightly, and dropped into a most elegant curtsy. She was after all, one of the main events, she would not disappoint those that had come to see her.<br/><br/>"Today," She called out, and waited for the sounds in the crowd to die down. "I bring you a tale, a tale I wish to prove." She paused for dramatic effect, only heightened by sudden, dead silence. "I will tell you my tale, and then, I shall I speak to whomever wishes to help me prove it. Many of you know me, by reputation, if not by name, and I promise you, that if you help me, I will write you a tale the like of which the world has never known, and you will go down in history as a hero."<br/><br/>She felt a flash of triumph as Daemion's face went red, but knew that he would do nothing while she was on this stage. The Duke, for all she hated him, protected her in that way. Daemion did not dare harm her in a fashion that could be reported upon. Later, when they were alone, she could well be in trouble, but she didn't intend to be alone with him ever again. A cool, regale smile curved her lips more sincerely than she had smiled in several weeks. "Now that I've caught your attention, I give to you, The Dreamer, and the Shadows."<br/><br/>At the end of her tale, Rain stood on the stage looking out over her crowd, smiling at the rapt faces that were before her. Throwing her long tresses over her shoulders, and collecting her skirts, she made her way to the stairs, down from the raised stage while they were still caught up. Daemion was waiting for her as she reached the ground, and she sighed, grimacing at him, and arching her brow.<br/><br/>“That was some tale that you had to tell,” He remarked, face impassive, and voice much too pleasant. Oh yes, he was highly upset. “You're a little fool you know. Thinking that I will allow you to wander off in such a manner. Thinking that The Duke will allow you to put yourself in danger in such a way. He is your patron little one, never forget the claim that he has on you.”<br/><br/>“I hadn't thought to tell him,” She replied smoothly. “Nor will you, if you know what is good for you.” She snorted with a shake of her head. “All I would need do is tell him what you have been about, and you would quickly find yourself to be in his dungeons. How would you like that?”<br/><br/>“Neither you, nor His Grace scare me little girl,” Daemion growled softly. “You should know that by now. The fright goes the other way. Do not forget who taught you how to use that blade of yours, who gave you your horse. Do you really think that The Duke has any say in anything that I do not allow him to?” His voice was vicious, cruel, but low enough that few should be able to hear.<br/><br/>“You really should think of who's realm in which you stand before you speak, and you call me the fool,” Rain scoffed, starting to push past the man that had caused her so much pain, so much strife. “I am one of the only ones present who sees his evil. Who knows what he has done. All these people around you, they love him. It would do you well to remember that Daemion the drifter, to remember who took you in and gave you a home. To remember that if no heir is forthcoming, He will be your King soon enough. His uncle is old, Lady bless his soul and bring him health, and he is failing more and more. It will not be over long before His Grace, will be His Highness.”<br/><br/>Daemion grabbed her then, in a punishing grip that made the small woman whimper and tug her arm. “I will not fear him even then.” Daemion whispered into her ear. His breath was warm, and an involuntary shiver traced down her spine. She could not help the effect he had on her, the effect that he had always had. She would not let it be her undoing this time. “All you have to do, is forget about Morrin, and I could show you dreams you never thought possible.” He nuzzled at her neck. “I love you little one, never think otherwise.”<br/><br/>“Let me go,” She demanded. Struggling, but he'd caught her up well and truly now, had his arms wrapped around her, catching her arms to her sides, pinning her quite effectively with his far superior strength. “I said release me!”