<strong>Eshalu - passing the afternoon away</strong><br/><br/>It was pleasingly warm and the river ran with streaks of gold from the reflected light of the afternoon sun. Eshalu's mind, though, remained preoccupied with the half-pieced together visions whispered to her mind by the apparition. She'd never thought she would be so curious of the life of a human woman who had lived in ages past. Stories were wonderful when clear and well-told, but the idea of piecing them together had never appealed to her. She had neither the mind nor the patience for it - which was why she was a ranger and not a loreweaver. But this was different. It was uniquely intriguing. And it had the added advantage of distracting her from the dull, throbbing pain in her calf.<br/><br/>Eshalu sat up and quickly scanned her surroundings. There was no imminent danger, but she was wary by nature. Again, another reason why she'd been destined to take up the Way of the ranger. Satisfied that her position was safe, she leaned forward, hugging her knees, to contemplate the current. Soon the sun would begin to set and Eshalu would build a fire - one in a rocky pit she would dig so that they could roast some tubers. Perhaps some squirrel and, if she was lucky to spot one, a ptarmigan - a fat, indolent one gorged on seeds and berries. Now<em>that</em>would be something to which she look forward.<br/><br/>