"I am unsure where the name Erisel originates from," Ariadne replied as they walked. "I tried asking my father but he said it was called that as far back as Elvish memories go. As for the human name...at night this place can seem a little...intimidating," she said with a wry laugh. "There used to be a tale that the very shadows in this forest would come to life at night, but I've never seen it myself." Eventually they found themselves in a clearing far larger than Ariadne's camp, dominated by a one-storey hut. Although there was no immediate sign of horses a whinnying noise could be heard from somewhere close. "He is blind," Ariadne said. "Just be aware that his hearing is incredible, so be careful what you say around him." She stopped in the centre of the clearing. "Mika, are you there?" she called out, but no response was forthcoming. "Is this anyway to treat your favourite elf?"<br/><br/>"Hold on," came a voice from inside as a scraping noise sounded. Eventually the door opened, a tall man with wiry white hair and two milky white eyes, dressed in a long brown apron and dirty blue clothing, stepped out. "Princess Cath'ayal, is that really you?"<br/><br/>"I told you before," Ariadne said, stepping forward to hug the old man. "I left that name behind...a long time ago." She led him over to Ebony. "Mika, this is Ebony, Ebony, Mika here is one of the few people brave...or you might say crazy...enough to make a living in this forest."<br/><br/>"I wouldn't last a winter without the help of you rangers," Mika said with a laugh, bowing in the direction of Ebony. "I take it you want my horses?" he asked. "They're in the usual place." He lead them over to a small paddock where three horses were stood. While two were beautiful, if unremarkable, examples of their species the third stood out. It was a mountain of a horse, whose tail flicks seemed ominous. "Take one of the smaller horses," Mika said to Ebony as the black horse walked slowly towards Ariadne. "There is only one rider that beauty will allow to ride her, that horse is special."<br/><br/>"Silver old friend," Ariadne said, touching the horse's nose gently. "It has been too long since I sought you out."