[Maikadilwen]

Feeling a soft grip around his arm, Vlad looked down to see Jaheira winding her arm around his and his expression softened a little. He could see she was about to say something and he leaned down his head to listen.

"Vlad, he is an Elf. He will regain his strength quickly. He will rebel when someone like Khalad is on watch and they will flee here after killing us all."

Slowly Vlad pulled his arm away from Jaheira's grip and then placed it around her shoulders instead, pulling her close with a shadow of a smile playing on his lips. He kissed her on top of the head, then tightened his grip on her arm as he leaned his face close to her ear.

"You don't trust anyone, Jaheira, not even me, I know that. But no one trusts you either, so don't give me counsel on how to deal with this situation. I risk a whole lot more than you if we're caught and if this Elf is telling the truth and there are indeed armies moving around in this area, t'would be wisest to get as much information on their movements from him as possible. After that....we'll see!"

As he let go of her, Jaheira pulled away from him, rubbing her arm, her eyes flashing, but Vlad only sent her a sly smile. He had always found her even more attractive when she was angry.
Turning back toward Melost and Khalad, he looked at both of them for some time, thinking over what the Elf had said.
Vlad had been roaming the lands through most of his life and he had seen many places and heard many a strange tale. Fully aware that a lot was at risk here, he looked sharply at Khalad, then at Melost.
"Khalad!"
The younger man's head flew up at the mentioning of his name and as Vlad motioned for him to come closer, he did so slowly, the knot in his stomach tightening. He could feel Vlad's sharp gaze upon his face and he knew that whatever he said right now, Vlad would know if he lied.

"What do you know about this, Khalad? Is he telling the truth or has he lost his mind?"

"From what I know, he speaks the truth, Vlad."

It took some time before Vlad moved his gaze from Khalad to Melost but as he did so, it was obvious to Khalad that he had made a decision.

"Everyone, get some rest! I'll take this watch since we'll all end up dead if Snyd's sleeping. This Elf...Melost, may hold information which can be important for us, so if anyone as much as touches him, I'll personally make sure it'll be the last thing you do! Now go!"

He turned to go, but then cast a glance at Khalad, thinking for a moment.
"Keep an eye on him and make sure he gets some rest. He'll need it!"
He then looked at Melost, noticing that he seemed less tense than before and he nodded slowly, then walked away to take up his watch. He needed to be alone so he could think.

[ July 25, 2003: Message edited by: Maikadilwen ]