[Animayhem]

He had finished his meal and rekindled the fire when Mashoed returned. In the past when they spent days like this, the big wolf would sleep a little distance away. Tonight the wolf sensed his companion's distress and padded over, sat next to Marister and laid his head in his lap. Marister looked down and smiled and started to scratch the wolf behind his ears.

As he was petting the wolf, his mind focused on Alyisse.

He had met her in Tyraturos, at the crossroads. She was a bit more nervous then some, not unusual for an Elf who suddenly finds themselves in a human's world.
He smiled warmly and approached her and whispered her a greeting in Elven and also explained publically they were to speak common. He introduced her to the beggar and explained what was expected. He had assisted her only when she asked. When she was done with the beggar he had taken her to Bezantur to see the woman. She thanked him and said she would stay as she was interested in the Temples.

He did think about her occasionally but was not overly concerned as he was used to those he helped finding their way. One day, by accident, they ran into each other again in Tyraturos. She seemed to be making good progress and had even wanted to know about housing. He took her to the deed master but he said she could not buy a house. She said she was working with Max who was now with the Amruthar guard and he was helping to protect her from slavers. That thought had brought him comfort for awhile as there were already enough Elves in collars.

Her freedom was not to last as she was collared and bought by Max. However Max had allowed her freedom to move about as her task was to acquire gold for him.
Marister again assisted as best he could. Things were going decently enough until Amalia came into the picture. She was frustrated that she could not command Alyisse but eventually Max allowed her to command her as if she was hers.

One day he had returned to his house and Alyisse was a crumpled heap at his door, half dead. He brought her inside his home, tended to her injuries and listened to her story that she and others had fought a terrible battle but before that she was beat as she refused to respond when Amalia had called her Alice instead of Alyisse as Max changed her name to please Amalia. He was full of rage but his hands were tied. He vowed to her he would do his best to keep her safe when she was in Tyraturos. He had to tread lightly she was not his slave nor was she a free woman.

The dying fire distracted his thoughts and he added more wood.

He then thought of them both. Alyisse was a slave not by choice whereas Amalia chose her own slavery. He remembered her reaction when he said she would be no more than a Knight's consort for even if they were married ,Tyrael's life would be to the Red he served. Tyrael's reaction to not allowing himself and Amalia to be alone he was not sure if it was just because he was him or that would be his reaction to any man who approached her.

He had done his best for both. For now he would not worry about Amalia she made her bed and had to deal with it. Daeris at least offered to assist Alyisse by letting her stay at her home until the auction, this fact gave him some comfort.

He looked down at Mashoed who was fast asleep. He chuckled to himself and closed his eyes and tried to get some sleep, petting the wolf as he did.

---

When he awoke, it was early morning of the third day. He had grown concerned that his friend would not arrive. He went to the stream and washed his face.
He then stood for a moment taking in the surroundings. He noticed Mashoed had alerted. He turned around and smiled, his friend had arrived. They clasped each other's arms in greeting. The fire had died out but that was of no consequence as the friends sat down.

The conversation started out genial enough, but then turned more serious. Marister frowned as his friend relayed his news,it was grave indeed. He then related his own news which his friend informed him that although distressing, was timely and the threat could possibly be averted. Both of them knew they had not much time as they were exposed in the open. Before they parted, his friend gave Marister something he had lost. Marister was reluctant to take it but did so for the sake of friendship. No sooner had the exchange been made then they were attacked.

They dispatched the attacker quickly and said their farewells.

There was one final meeting to be done before the auction, that was with Daeris.