[Animayhem]

The recent days, had been busy and yielded almost as many questions as answers. Having finished his practice and feeling he needed some quiet time, he decided that a trip to the Druidess's Shrine would work. Sheathing his blades, he began the walk to north Tyraturos. It was a beautiful morning and the sun felt good on his face.

He arrived, opened the gate, filled his flask with the pure water, took a long drink refilled it and put it back. He stopped and knelt at the pillar offering up prayers to the Father, Mother and Daughter. He then sat down on the one the benches taking deep breaths. Normally he would call Mashoed to stand guard but he did not wish to alarm the other people around so he summoned Mikka, the small wolf who looked enough like a small dog for people not to notice. Mikka came to him wagging her tail. Marister bent down and scratched her behind the ears and asked her to lie by him and keep alert.

He listened to the soft sound of the rustling leaves as he looked at the great oak before him. It reminded him of Kallien Black, a ranger of Silvanus. They instantly became friends as they had similar skills and in a sense similar gods as he worshiped the Father and the Mother and Daughter. Daeris was the one who introduced us as she and Kallien where quite close. *A ghost of a frown plays upon his features before he continues his thoughts*

For awhile the three of them would go on adventures though sometimes it would only be himself and Kallien or himself and Daeris. One day he and Kallien took some time to have a discussion and to learn more about each other.

*Marister chuckled quietly to himself as the next memories surfaced.*

He had asked Kallien if he could call him Kal and Kallien said he did not mind. Marister had then told Kal that he looked up to him as a father figure as he felt that father's usually teach their sons their craft. His comment caught Kal of guard and rather then being angry Kal was reflective for a moment. He chuckled and thanked me for the compliment as indeed was old enough to be. He agreed to instruct me as a friend. Kal was good on his word and when it seemed he could teach Marister any more, Kal decided to take him to the sacred grove of Silvanus.

Marister was in awe when they arrived as it looked like a larger version of the Druidess's shrine. After a brief introduction to the arch druid, they went inside the sanctuary. Again Marister was impressed especially by the four statues which surrounded the garden fountain. They were Silvanus, Chauntea, Mielikki and Eldath. After some time, Marister returned to Tyraturos as Kal had wanted to stay for a bit.

His memory then returned to the last time he and Kal spoke which was prior to the Druidess leaving for a sabbatical at the Grove. Kal had mentioned he really was not a devout follower not even of Mask whom he honored, however it seemed to Marister something had changed. Kal had mentioned that the Druidess asked him to be a steward to the Shrine when she left and that the Druidess wanted Marister to also watch the grounds. Marister felt honored and had noticed a sense of peace around Kal as he left.

Feeling a bit stiff having sat on the stone bench for sometime, Marister got up and walked about the grounds. In returning to the bench he took a moment to look at the mushrooms and for what ever reason they reminded him of Daeris.

---

Having finished his meal, Marister looking at the mushrooms, started to think about Daeris.

He had met Daeris almost as soon as he soon as he arrived. She seemed apprehensive of him at first, but learned later that she was that way to everyone. He was not surprised she worked for the Temple. He was glad she was not collared as so many Elves were and that eventually a trust was built between them. Outwardly, as she explained to him, she need to seem neutral and indifferent to her surroundings.In truth she is a caring soul, especially in regards to her fellow elves and she would often "look" after them.

For the most part they got along well and adventured with each other and other groups as Daeris was in demand for her scouting skills and knowledge of how to travel around Dilomat's tower. For awhile it seemed she was constantly on the move. Eventually it died down and she was able to fade into the shadows for awhile.

Their friendship however, almost did not survive when Sila entered the picture. It was a strain to all involved. Eventually it straightened itself out. Before her leaving to join the gnoll, Sila had given him things to give to her and which he did.

Daeris personal life however was in turmoil and he was honored that he trusted her to talk about. He offered what advice he could and said he would be there if he could to help her.

*His thoughts were momentarily interrupted as a legionnaire on horseback rode by*

He had actually just come form speaking to her in regards to the Hierarch's announcement and about Alyisse. He was satisfied overall in the outcome of the auction, but was gravely concerned that she and Alyisse would be forced to go. He told her he would have no ill will to her or Alyisse and would pray that they both be spared.

Dusk was approaching and the wind shifted slightly, as it did the fragrance of the flowers around the tree assailed his nostrils. As he inhaled the scent his mind went to Alyisse and hoped he could see her once more before that dreaded raid. Daeris had mentioned it would be all right. He would rest and head out to Amruthar the next morning.