[Schmendrick]

The pale stranger was still deep in thoughts, the shadows of the past darkening his face, when he saw a young woman approaching him.

The stranger knew at once, who's kin she was, the red hair and bright green eyes making it obvious that she was in some way related to Almarien.

He knew Almarien and his sons, knew them as anyone living in the wilds would. But they did not know him.

A bitter smile spread over his face, making him look suddenly older. No doubt Almarien had heard speak of his father.

He got up, took his cloak and smiled apologetically to the woman as he rushed past her and into the night. He couldn't risk being recognized.

For a while he stayed there, outside the Inn, leaning to its wooden door and watching the stars high above. He could still hear the distant voices and laughter from inside.

"This is how it's always going to be," he said to himself. "Always."

[ December 28, 2002: Message edited by: Schmendrick ]