The crowd was slowly moving off in one’s and two’s or standing in small clutches discussing what had been presented to them by the courtly Bard.  Was it just a story or was it perhaps, even a parable?  Was the “Shadow” she spoke of real or just a tool designed to teach them about courage, loyalty between friends and determination of spirit?<br/><br/>Naomi, now captivated by the young Bard, walked nonchalantly in a wide arc around the young woman and her human companion, who seemed to be growing more irritated and protective of her as the minutes passed.  When the Wraith approached and began speaking and the rough looking companion of the Bard half-drew his sword, Naomi stopped.  Even though she was just out of earshot, the dynamics of the group and the body language of the participants spoke louder than any words could shout.  There was a definite air of possession surrounding the Bard’s companion that went beyond mere duty.  If he was her bodyguard or even her minder, he was, from every indication Naomi could observe, also her lover or at the very least,<em>in </em>love with her.  But it was even more apparent that he wanted to control her and equally apparent that she wanted nothing to do with it.<br/><br/>Naomi watched with growing interest as the little Bard stood between the Wraith and her companion trying to reason with him.  As the two men glared at each other the Bard spoke and even though Naomi could not hear what she was saying, the passion on her face should have been enough to persuade him.  But, it seemed, he was thicker than wood when angered.  He started to push past the young Bard, his sword now fully drawn, when, out of the mingling crowd, a flash of white blazed upon the scene.  Without warning, a wolf, white as newly fallen snow and larger than any wolf Naomi had ever seen, leaped upon the girl, knocking her to the ground thus instantly drawing everyone’s attention away from the dangerous confrontation between her minder and the Wraith.<br/><br/>Naomi, whether out of sheer instinct or some newfound desire to also protect the young Bard, found her hand gripping the hilt of her rapier and her body turned sideways, her right shoulder tilted toward the group.  Seeing, however, that the wolf was enthusiastically licking the Bard’s face as opposed to clamping it’s jaws around her neck, and, seeing also that her minder had moved off and was now leaning against a nearby tree, Naomi relaxed and returned to her casual demeanor.  With the confrontation defused and the parties in question now separated, Naomi strolled over to the tree where the Bard’s minder was fuming.  Walking behind him she looked him over to ascertain how he would “measure up” as an opponent.  He was bigger than her and obviously much stronger, but she had faced trolls in the Borderlands who were easily twice his size.  He would be prone to use his strength and size in an effort to overpower his foe and thus end any confrontation quickly.  He would not want a drawn out affair for that would expose his weakness; a lack of strategy.  Naomi smiled to herself as her hand absently rose to her chest and her fingers toyed with the leather cord around her neck.  She wondered how long she could tease this man with her rapier before she got bored.<br/><br/>Leaning against the opposite side of the same tree, Naomi watched the Bard laughing while the wolf expressed its affection.  She could feel the man’s heat as he glowered at the small group.  Here was a man, used to being in control, now forced to watch from the sidelines as the object of his passion defied him.  When he suddenly turned and punched the tree Naomi nearly jumped, but instead, moved a few steps away.  She waited until the man calmed down before returning to her perch.  She needed information and felt that, as this man’s bitterness and anger was somewhat under control, he might be willing to talk.  Turning she rested her left shoulder against the tree.<br/><br/>“That was some tale she wove.  Who is she I wonder?”<br/><br/>Naomi tilted her head and turned her gaze to the man.<br/><br/>“You seem to know her sir.  I am curious.  Who is she?  For her clothes and manners suggest a courtly upbringing.  What can you tell me about her?”<br/><br/>