[Animayhem]

While he preferred riding, in this instance the stone was useful as it cut done on traveling time. Time was more precious now with Alyisse's impending sale.
He had another matter which needed attention and he also needed some time away. He decided to spend some time in the wilderness and hoped to meet a long time friend. It was the time in the month his friend usually frequented an area which had been a favorite to them both.

He arrived at the spot and looked about, disappointed that his friend was not there. He set up camp and had Mashoed stand guard, he took out his fishing pole and sat by the edge of the stream. It was nice just hearing Nature's sounds, the water, the birds. As he sat, his thoughts on Amalia had surfaced.

He remembered when they first met. She had beautiful long black hair, was a bit shy yet determined. Like so many others before and after her he assisted while the beggar put her through her paces. About a month or so later he saw her again, but she had shaved her head, a common Mulan custom. She had explained while at the monastery one's hair length determined ones rank of study. Since she was no longer in the monastery, she figured she would be as a "proper" Mulan woman would be. He was a bit disappointed but understood. She had also met the acquaintances of others which boded well as Thay can be a harsh environment for one alone. That was the time he met Max, Alaric and Tyrael who also were recent arrivals. She was a flirt enjoying the so called "power" she had to get men to assist her. He had good naturedly accepted her hugs and pecks on the cheek.

Over time however she was starting to become more mature. She decided to go into the mercantile business in Amruthar and Alaric would be her partner making potions for her to sell. He remembered the discussion and was pleased she set up shop where he suggested. They had seen less of each other as she was busy getting established. They did however, make a run through the Amruthar sewers look for rats as she had accepted the quest for tails. I was quite impressed on how her skills improved, they were more accurate and deadly.

A few weeks later they had met in Tyraturos, she seemed troubled and they sat down to talk in his home. He answered her questions as best he could and gave his advice. He had talked to her as a brother may to a sister as he viewed her as such and warned her she was playing a dangerous game.

As she had gotten more involved with Tyrael and Max, their relationship became strained, especially when Alyisse had come into the picture. He knew she was ambitious but did not know how cruel and vengeful she was.

His thoughts were interrupted at the tug on his fishing line. He had caught a trout. It had been some time since he had cooked one over an open fire. As he prepared the fish for cooking, he allowed Mashoed to go hunt before the sun set totally.