Somewhere within Wyldewood.

Maggie_Heatherwick, within the cottage, sits bold upright as a need slams into her brain.
Nighthawk_Ksheyna sleeps in the middle of Wyldewood curled up next to her horse, sleeping deep because of a head wound.
One_Eyed_Fiona moves stealthily through the forest, sensing the possibility of profit?
Maggie_Heatherwick looks at Hall, “I will be back.” stands and moves to the door into the forest.
Halloran: watches Maggie take off, then continues her stirring.
One_Eyed_Fiona OOC - is a bandit, lol, after all, tho that term brings to mind a pugnacious little white cartoon dog with a patch over one eye.
Nighthawk_Ksheyna stirs restlessly from strange dreams and whisperings
One_Eyed_Fiona peeks through the trees at where the sleeping woman lies, disappointed, it doesn't look as though there's anything here of interest...
Maggie_Heatherwick stops and listens to the trees.  The trees whisper, ((This way))... She heads in that direction.  Moves quickly..
One_Eyed_Fiona. o 0 (She doesn't seem to be sleeping a normal sleep...)
Book of One says, “Stop dallying you old fart. One of them is here.  No make that two.”
Maggie_Heatherwick. o O (Damn me you pile of bark! Don't talk to me like that or I will wood pulp you!!!)
Maggie_Heatherwick. o O (The Book of One’s voice seems a lot stronger tonight.)
One_Eyed_Fiona says to herself, “She looks to be injured… I'm due for a good deed, I suppose....”
Maggie_Heatherwick approaches towards the presence. Two of them? Moves quickly gliding forward and assuming her old woman guise. 
Nighthawk_Ksheyna curls up closer to her horse’s warmth
One_Eyed_Fiona moves forward quietly to get a closer look...the clothes the sleeping woman wears are of fine quality, though dirty and worn...the horse is a fine one...
One_Eyed_Fiona murmurs, “That might fetch a profit....”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna starts stirring, senses something with her "other" senses
Maggie_Heatherwick. o O (oohhh that one! Hmmmm)
Nighthawk_Ksheyna opens one violet cat-slit eye.
One_Eyed_Fiona says softly, “The woman stirs”, Slips quickly back into the trees
Nighthawk_Ksheyna says in a low growl, “I wouldn’t try it if I were you.”
Maggie_Heatherwick recognises a figure creeping up on the girl. Will whap her rear with her staff if she hurts the girl and that’s a fact.. Steps forward.
Nighthawk_Ksheyna slowly sits up and then is on her feet in an instant, hand on her knife hilt.
Maggie_Heatherwick says, “Well that’s enough of that child.  You need your head tended too.”  Stomps forward and looks towards the trees.
Maggie_Heatherwick says, “You too Missy. Come out there.”
One_Eyed_Fiona with a laugh, puts her hands over her head and moves into the clearing...
Maggie_Heatherwick looks at the one in the clearing. “You will need stitches.”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna stares at Maggie unblinkingly, eyes glowing in the dark.
Maggie_Heatherwick steps forward.  “Sensed you I did Girl. So don’t you be trying that with me.”
One_Eyed_Fiona says, “I'm unarmed...that would hardly be sporting, now, would it?”
Maggie_Heatherwick says, “You my lass,”  points at the wounded one, “are coming to my cottage and I shall get Halloran to look at that cut.”
Maggie_Heatherwick looks at Fi and KSheyna
Nighthawk_Ksheyna narrows her eyes
Maggie_Heatherwick says, “Hungry children?  There is some good stew at home. Hall cooks very well.”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna says nothing only watches.
Maggie_Heatherwick shoots a look at K'Shey. “I aren’t your enemy, though you will have a few soon enough, more than yon ones you are running from.”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna whistles to her horse and watches it stands and come over to her
Maggie_Heatherwick looks at the horse a moment.  “Come on then both of you.  Supper is what you need.”
One_Eyed_Fiona says, “Ah, well, now , if it's me you're asking...it's been a while since I had a hot meal...”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna says, “I require nothing from you Old Woman.”
Maggie_Heatherwick looks at Ksheyna and says, “Doesn't matter if you do or not Lass. You will end up where you will.” Grins
One_Eyed_Fiona looks at the wench by the horse, “Saucy little bit, isn't she?”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna picks up the book she dropped up from the ground and goes to put it away in her pack.
Maggie_Heatherwick eyes crinkle at the Bandit. But sees the Book and looks at it sharply. o O (You pile of woodshavings, why didn’t you say you were here physically?)
Book of One snickers slyly.
Maggie_Heatherwick says, “And I suppose you don't hear the voice of that pesky book either huh lass?”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna says, “What voices?”
Maggie_Heatherwick says, “That pile of good for nothing woodchips. The silly thing is an absolute headache. Thought its voice was stronger today.”
One_Eyed_Fiona says to herself, “oh oh”
Book of One. o O (Shut up Maggie you old fool.  She won’t come into this if she thinks she is pushed and its magic.)
Nighthawk_Ksheyna holds up the book, “This old thing?” 
One_Eyed_Fiona says, “A couple of madwomen have we here. Talking books...argh!”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna says, “It’s nothing but superstitious Garbage.”
Maggie_Heatherwick laughs.  “Whatever you wish to believe lass.”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna shrugs
Maggie_Heatherwick says, “Now don't you want that cut tended to and a good hot meal in you before you go your way?”
One_Eyed_Fiona says, addressing Kshey, “Only a fool would refuse a hot meal.”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna says, “I left the Grasslands to get away from this crap and now I think I'll be leaving here.”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna looks to Fiona, “Then I am a fool.”
Maggie_Heatherwick says, “Well?”
One_Eyed_Fiona says, “There's a long way to go through these woods until the next one.”
Maggie_Heatherwick looks at the girl, noting the blood has restarted. “Suit yourself then lass.”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna swings into the horse’s saddle
One_Eyed_Fiona shakes her head.
Maggie_Heatherwick says, “But if you faint from blood loss then on your head be it.  No matter where you travel.. You will be lead right back here.”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna says, “I have survived worse then a few days without food.”
Maggie_Heatherwick grins and turns back looks at the bandit.  “Come on then Fiona. You look hungry.”
One_Eyed_Fiona says to Ksheyna, “Aye, and the towns at the edge of the forest aren't famous for hospitality, girl. I know that full well.”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna says, “No. I will not.”
Maggie_Heatherwick starts to tromp back in the direction of her cottage.  Pauses whilst the two talk.
One_Eyed_Fiona follows the old woman.
Maggie_Heatherwick grins to herself.
Nighthawk_Ksheyna says, “I am taking this book back to the Mages on the Grasslands. They can look at the rubbishy old thing and ooohh and aaaahhh over it.”
One_Eyed_Fiona says, “If you make it to the grasslands, lady...”
Maggie_Heatherwick says, “If the book is as cranky to them as it is to me they will send you straight back here lass.”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna raises an eyebrow
Maggie_Heatherwick says, “No matter. Shaman Gossahawk will send it to me anyway… and probably you along with it.”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna throws the book at Maggie’s feet. “Then if the book is the key here you go ..Take the pile of paper mache.
One_Eyed_Fiona says, “There are others in the wood, less...shall we say...reasonable...than myself...”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna narrows her eyes, “You know my father?”
Maggie_Heatherwick picks it up and grins at the angry mutterings. o O (Serves you right you pile of glue and bindings.)
Maggie_Heatherwick tucks it under her arm carelessly. Looks at Kshey, “Your father is he? well well.  I do know him. But before you were born it seemed. He never told me he had a daughter. But then those grassfolk keep themselves to themselves.
Nighthawk_Ksheyna nods, smiles mysteriously.
Maggie_Heatherwick says, “But you are going on your way so have a nice ride lass.”
Maggie_Heatherwick turns to Fi, “Come on let’s get some hot stew.”
One_Eyed_Fiona is leaning against a tree and watching the two.
Maggie_Heatherwick turns the way she has come and proceeds back towards her cottage without looking back.
One_Eyed_Fiona follows the old woman again.
Nighthawk_Ksheyna whispers to her horse and they move off at a slow pace
Maggie_Heatherwick smiles as the trees seem to whisper to them as they pass. Looks back at Fi.
One_Eyed_Fiona says, “Foolish girl that. All full of her own importance.”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna grits her teeth at the horse as he starts limping
Maggie_Heatherwick says, “I have seen you around lass. Even though you haven't seen me.”
Maggie_Heatherwick shrugs, “She is young.  She will grow. When she gets to 400 then she might learn some wisdom.”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna dismounts and runs her hands over the horses legs
One_Eyed_Fiona winks at the old woman.. “Are you sure I haven't?”
Maggie_Heatherwick looks surprised a moment. Then grins, “If you don't mind me saying.. You don't seem the sort to be working around here.”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna. o O (And I can still hear you Old Woman) Glares at the Old Hag......
One_Eyed_Fiona says, “What sort works around here?”
Maggie_Heatherwick says, well a lot of the ones in the forest here.. outlaws.. they aren't the nicest sort.  The trees tolerate them.  But they don’t mind you at all.
Nighthawk_Ksheyna has a silent argument with her horse.  It wins
Maggie_Heatherwick says, “Some of the lads and lasses are escaping justice for crimes they did commit.  Other are animalised by the mistreatment of them by their lords and circumstance.”
One_Eyed_Fiona says, “ah, well, I do what I have to survive.  There's some that deserve to have their pockets lightened and there's those that don't.”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna says, “Arrghhh I’ll just send you to the Knackery you old bag of bones.”
Maggie_Heatherwick throws a smile over her shoulder at Fi, flicks a glance back at Ksheyna and grins to herself.
Nighthawk_Ksheyna sighs and follows pulling at the pretending horse’s reins
One_Eyed_Fiona says, “With that lame horse of hers, and she's injured, that's obvious, I doubt she'll last long enough in the forest to gather that wisdom you spoke of.”
Maggie_Heatherwick smirks. “I have some people watching over her.”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna rolls eyes at the ignorance of Outlanders
One_Eyed_Fiona says, “ah...”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna grabs a few berries as she is walking and munches on them. 
One_Eyed_Fiona says, “She'll need watching over, whatever she thinks of herself.”
Maggie_Heatherwick says, “Besides the horsefolk pride themselves on their prowess and magic.. often their pride leads to their fall though.”
One_Eyed_Fiona says, “Exactly!”
Maggie_Heatherwick says, “For instance those berries she just picked are not that nice. If she is trying to avoid magic, they hallucinations and are a bit like an aphrodisiac.”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna catches up saying nothing, but heard the whole thing
One_Eyed_Fiona laughs
Maggie_Heatherwick grins at the lass.
Nighthawk_Ksheyna says softly in almost a whisper, “Not nice but they have healing properties to my kind.”
One_Eyed_Fiona says, “There's no scratch for that itch anywhere nearby
Maggie_Heatherwick says, “They are very good in freeing the mind and yes that is a side effect. Especially eaten in that quantity even for those with elven blood.”
One_Eyed_Fiona says, “At least none an honest woman would claim.”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna is eating them in quantity.
One_Eyed_Fiona says, “Elven?”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna says, “Hmm Old woman I am surprised.  You know my Father..you give away too much about us to have been allowed to leave the Grasslands.”
Maggie_Heatherwick says, “Who is going to stop me lass?” Continues her lecture. “But in actual fact, the herders are more prone to the higher senses of the mind.. and more in tune with the earth.. it heightens their awareness to magic and dare I say the prophecies and movements of the universe?”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna says, “That bull! But yes apparently it does but I have never felt it.”
Maggie_Heatherwick laughs and nods. “Don’t worry about it lass.  Besides, (to Fi) Horseherders’ descent is mentioned in the old texts for anyone who cares to read them.”
One_Eyed_Fiona says quietly, to herself, “Well, you wouldn't see much past that wall you've put up around yourself, now would you?”
Maggie_Heatherwick shoots a sharp look at the bandit
Maggie_Heatherwick. o O (Now that was perceptive.)
Book of One gives a jump against Maggie’s arm.
Nighthawk_Ksheyna narrows her eyes starts looking around hurriedly
One_Eyed_Fiona shakes her head...
Book of One. o O (They are both needed Mags!)
Nighthawk_Ksheyna spins and throws a dagger.. Hears it’s sharp thwack and then a loud groan.
Maggie_Heatherwick. o O (oii! who you calling Mags?)
Maggie_Heatherwick looks at the knife-throwing lass.
Nighthawk_Ksheyna stalks into the bushes
One_Eyed_Fiona stands alert, staring at the place the groan came from.
Maggie_Heatherwick waits and leans against a tree watching calmly.
Nighthawk_Ksheyna drags up the Bandit that was waiting for them and throws him at Fi’s feet. “Friend of yours?”
Maggie_Heatherwick looks around at the surrounding forest.
One_Eyed_Fiona looks down at the man at her feet and laughs.  “Not this one.”
Maggie_Heatherwick whispers and wind rustles through the leaves.  The soft sound of voices upon the edge of hearing.
Nighthawk_Ksheyna says, “Good.”
Maggie_Heatherwick there is a sudden crashing of leaves and twigs and sharp grunts of pains... a faint hint of giggles in the wind.
Nighthawk_Ksheyna reaches down and twists the neck of the unconscious bandit.
Maggie_Heatherwick hears the crashing run of several people and laughs.
One_Eyed_Fiona says, “There won't be many.”
Maggie_Heatherwick says, “Hmmm” looks at Kshey and shakes her head.
One_Eyed_Fiona says, “He's a ruffian, very few follow him.”
Maggie_Heatherwick says, No need to prove yourself to us child.
Nighthawk_Ksheyna shrugs at Maggie
Maggie_Heatherwick says, “Nighthawk_KSheyna you are rash.”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna says, “I don’t trust Outlanders.. Especially not ones lurking in the bushes. He deserved his death.”
One_Eyed_Fiona pokes the body at her feet with the toe of her boot. “Aye, that he did.”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna says, “You sound like my Father way too much Old Woman.”
Maggie_Heatherwick smiles at the air around her as her skirts move, clutched by tiny fingers.  “Thank you friends on your way now.” A rush of wind and the forest stills once more.
Maggie_Heatherwick grins at Ksheyna. “I like your father. We have had some long talks on magical matters.  He is most knowledgeable.”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna stands there face impassive. “Of course that’s all he ever talks about.”
Maggie_Heatherwick raises an eyebrow. “And why not? His daughter carries much of that inheritance if she would but consent to utilise it fully.”
One_Eyed_Fiona says, “Shall we address more simple matters? That stew you spoke of, for instance... talk is better over hot food...”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna says, “I carry all of that ability ..Stronger then he.”
Maggie_Heatherwick says, “of course.”
Maggie_Heatherwick says, dang phone - Mum
One_Eyed_Fiona says, lmao
Nighthawk_Ksheyna says, “it was his argument to keep me home.”
One_Eyed_Fiona says, “Maggie has a phone?”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna says, Maggie has a mobile? She is in a forest talking on a phone? Ohh I know she has one end of the tin on a wire
One_Eyed_Fiona says, pictures the old woman stirring a nice hot stew in a cauldron over the fire, whilst talking on a mobile phone
One_Eyed_Fiona says, bubble bubble, toil and trouble...could you hold on just a moment, I've got a phone call...
Maggie_Heatherwick says, he he
Nighthawk_Ksheyna says, answering machine message. Sorry I have Eye of newt stewing I can’t come to the phone right now
One_Eyed_Fiona says, k...lol...now...again...about that stew...
Nighthawk_Ksheyna hides her wistfulness behind her impassive mask
One_Eyed_Fiona says, “We just going to leave this body here? I doubt any of his cronies will come back for it.”
Maggie_Heatherwick looks at the body. “It will get taken care of.” Smiles but says nothing further.
One_Eyed_Fiona says, “ah...” Raises an eyebrow
Maggie_Heatherwick says, “The trees will cover him and bring him beneath the soil.”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna stands as far away from Maggie as she can
One_Eyed_Fiona says, “Then again... There's a bounty on him...”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna leans against a tree faintly, surreptitiously wiping the fresh blood from her forehead.
Maggie_Heatherwick says, “You know the way back dear, you can always take an identifying mark.”
One_Eyed_Fiona says, “I'd turn him in meself...but there's one on me head as well.”
Maggie_Heatherwick says, “Ahh well no matter. You might find you will be with us for some time.”
Maggie_Heatherwick smiles at her
One_Eyed_Fiona grimaces
Maggie_Heatherwick moves onto a more travelled track..
One_Eyed_Fiona. o O (This bad tempered girl and this old woman with her mysterious talk)
Maggie_Heatherwick sees the trees widen further leading onto a clearing with a few goats penned and some chickens scratching in the yard. The smell of stew floating across the air wafting towards them.
Halloran:  Milton:  She’s bringing back more mouths to feed!
Halloran:  Yes dear, I know.  I told Kraheera to make sure they ALL came.  Now be good and let me place more bowls out.. and quit preening over the bread, you pile of feathers!
Nighthawk_Ksheyna closes her eyes and wipes the blood that had dripped in their way.
One_Eyed_Fiona sniffs the air...”Now THAT is more like it!”
Maggie_Heatherwick looks backward without seeming to at the girl lagging behind them.
Nighthawk_Ksheyna smiles faintly at the bandit’s reaction then drops the impassive mask once more.
One_Eyed_Fiona quickens her pace, suddenly acutely aware of the emptiness in her stomach
Nighthawk_Ksheyna glares at her horse after seeing it walking normally
Maggie_Heatherwick moves into the clearing and smiles.
Nighthawk_Ksheyna looks around warily
Maggie_Heatherwick grins at the horse as it whickers at her. o O (Good Lad)
Nighthawk_Ksheyna. o O (Traitor)
Maggie_Heatherwick says, “This is it. Come inside. Trust me, the stew is marvellous.  Halloran is the best cook.  But her tongue is sharper than mine.”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna. o O (Fine Kraheera. Go to her if that’s how you feel. Stupid horse)
Maggie_Heatherwick glances at Ksheyna and notes the fresh blood.
One_Eyed_Fiona follows Maggie inside, lured by the irresistible aroma of the stew.
Maggie_Heatherwick grins at her as Hall turns around and stares at the newcomers placing her hands on her hips.
Halloran:  washbasin’s that way… nods head in the proper direction.
Nighthawk_Ksheyna stares back at Halloran.  Large Cat slit eyes unblinking.
Nighthawk_Ksheyna warily follows the others and enters the cottage staying next to the door.  Notes her surroundings in a quick glance
Maggie_Heatherwick grins as she ladles two bowls of stew and hands them to Ksheyna and the Bandit.  Also some fresh baked bread.
Maggie_Heatherwick. Milton the Parrot: Looks down at the newcomers and squawks rudely
Maggie_Heatherwick. Milton: Blows a raspberry.
Nighthawk_Ksheyna. o O (and to you too bird) Ignores the bird
Maggie_Heatherwick Milton: blinks in surprise. o O (It speaks! Maggie it speaks!)
Halloran: oO( then may I suggest you consider being a tad more polite, Milton?)
Nighthawk_Ksheyna sniffs the stew and cautiously tastes it.
Maggie_Heatherwick. o O (Ssshhh I know dear. Leave her be.)
Maggie_Heatherwick rummages around and gets the needle and thread looks at Hall. “Would you mind taking our other guest for a quick tour please Hall?”  Shoots her a look.
Halloran of Wyldewood raises an eyebrow but nods. For once keeping her thoughts unspoken. Guides Fi out after refilling her empty bowl with stew.
Halloran:  C’mon then, you can help me tend Kraheera.  Poor thing only had to fake the limp a little bit.  Leads the would be bandit out into the yard.
Nighthawk_Ksheyna looks the bird and grins cat-like
Maggie_Heatherwick. Milton: Hides his head under a wing but peeks back out with one black eye.
Nighthawk_Ksheyna smiles wider
Maggie_Heatherwick Milton: Squawks again and glares.
Nighthawk_Ksheyna. o O (I know a good recipe for parrot)
Nighthawk_Ksheyna quickly eats the stew, places the bowl on the table and moves back to the door.
Maggie_Heatherwick looks over at the lass. “Not so fast lass.” Approaches her with the needle, thread and a bottle of liquid. “You need that cut attended to.”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna settles with her back against the wall. Legs crossed
Nighthawk_Ksheyna only nods
Maggie_Heatherwick pours some of the astringent on a lint and applies it to the large cut. 
Nighthawk_Ksheyna stiffens as Maggie touches her. Holds her shields up
Maggie_Heatherwick says, “Relax child it is just numbing lotion with some antiseptic.” Continues to apply it.. at the same time cleaning the blood away.  “You are a mess.” Shakes her head and mutters as she waits for the soporific to take effect.
Nighthawk_Ksheyna says, “Glass will do that.”
Maggie_Heatherwick says, “And what are you doing battling with glass?”  Applies the lotion to other various cuts on her face and arms.
Nighthawk_Ksheyna says, “I jumped through it so I wouldn’t have to fight two Master Mages.”
Maggie_Heatherwick says, “Well that is one of the wisest decisions I have seen you make yet child.”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna says, “Didn’t want to alert the Ashantis either so I couldn’t use magic....not that I would have.”
Maggie_Heatherwick says, “A roomful of those overbearing, insufferable mages would make anyone battle glass to get out.” Sniffs in disdain.
Maggie_Heatherwick stops a moment, “Ashanti is it? Knew his father when he was a child. Unfortunately his son didn’t inherit his wisdom or kindness.”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna grins then quickly hides the expression
Nighthawk_Ksheyna says, “He and his order had the book. He named his order after himself...”
Maggie_Heatherwick says, “He is a fool.”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna shrugs,  “He wanted the book.”
Maggie_Heatherwick says, “The book doesn't work for the likes of him. They have their own. They just wanted to keep it to prevent others getting to it.”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna says, “I stole it off the Ashanti order to get it. No way was I going to alert them to my presence.
Maggie_Heatherwick says, “Guess they don't know that the Book is only a visible essence of the prophecy. It is all up here.” Taps her head.  “That was a wise decision you made lass.”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna says, “They were planning on destroying it Old Woman.  They had the spells all laid out when I took it.”
Maggie_Heatherwick says, “It isn’t that easy to destroy child. It wouldn’t have worked.”
Maggie_Heatherwick suddenly smiles with a sly glint. “So you already work to serve even without knowing it.”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna says, “I was getting paid Lady. I do that sort of thing.”
Maggie_Heatherwick raises an eyebrow and takes the needle beginning to thread it through the edges of the cut and sewing it closed.
Maggie_Heatherwick says, “Of course you do, but it was quite provincial that you were hired to do it wasn't it?  But then you don’t want to know about all that prophecy nonsense.  So I will hold my words.”
Maggie_Heatherwick wonders whether to do a cross-stitch or long stitch or crochet?
Nighthawk_Ksheyna sighs. “I heard enough of that controlling crap from my clan.”
Maggie_Heatherwick says “control?”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna says, “I came here to get away from it.”
Maggie_Heatherwick smiles but says nothing. “Of course dear.”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna says, “And in this society, I’ve learned they hate anyone different and anyone with magic.”
Maggie_Heatherwick ties a neat knot and cuts the catgut. Adds some more antiseptic to the wound.
Nighthawk_Ksheyna smiles bitterly and says a harsh word in the ClansSpeak
Maggie_Heatherwick says, “Yes.. in a way that is a fault with your clans dear.  They are so insular they lose touch with the rest of the world.  And that is not always to their benefit.”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna says, “They have their reasons.”
Maggie_Heatherwick says, “Perhaps.”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna smiles and says, “It was ordered according to our histories to protect both races.”
Maggie_Heatherwick says, “I don’t entirely agree of course. But then your father and I have had many spirited debates about that.”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna shrugs. “The Gods have their will, according to the Shamans.”
Maggie_Heatherwick says, “The future changes, one must be flexible in order to advance.  The clans have an innocence and honesty that has been protected but on the other hand.. it makes them more vulnerable to outlanders. Especially when one travels such as yourself.  It can make them bitter. Looks at her pointedly.
Nighthawk_Ksheyna says, “Outlanders deserve contempt.”
Maggie_Heatherwick says, “Not all Ksheyna, you will be surprised. In your job.. how can you have met any one else?”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna stares back at Maggie.
Maggie_Heatherwick says, “Many people make up this world. You will see.  And some of them are as upstanding as your clans.  But they would be the ones whom would not require your services.”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna says, “My first day in the Outland, two seemingly innocent boys attempted rape because they thought I was innocent and weak, because I was female.”
Maggie_Heatherwick says, “Welcome to the real world.”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna says, “Then I came across a burnt out farm......The bodies were still on fire.”
Maggie_Heatherwick says, and there are no instances of such behaviour in the grasslands?  Bandits? Raiders?”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna says, “Never would any amongst the Clans do this to each other.”
Maggie_Heatherwick looks at her.
Nighthawk_Ksheyna says, “Our duty binds us even to the clans we do not like. On Kalendal’s orders”
Maggie_Heatherwick puts the thread down and sits opposite her.
Maggie_Heatherwick says, “Your two mingled races were once at war before Kalendral”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna says, “And if we came back to the world, they would be again. You know this. We are different. We would never be accepted.”
Maggie_Heatherwick says, “And never will be as long as you keep hiding yourselves. But you have only seen instances. Take this forest.. those that guard it within..”
Maggie_Heatherwick waves to where Halloran would be outside. “A Healer who works for others and only takes life if need be in defence of her patients and what is right.”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna looks out the door at Halloran and Fiona.
Maggie_Heatherwick says, “Yet is so accurate with the arrow her father an arrow maker of Wyldewood gave her her own bow at age three. She is honourable, forthright and decent. Her family and village made her so. There will be others that you will come across.”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna shakes head. “I will be leaving in the morning.”
Maggie_Heatherwick smiles “If that is what you wish.  I am not your keeper.”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna says, “It is.  And no human is.”
Maggie_Heatherwick says, “You are half human Ksheyna. And, like it or not.. your people and you do live in the world with the rest of us.  So live with it.” Grins and stands up.  “You can take that pallet over in the corner.” Hands her a steaming mug of broth laced with restorative
Nighthawk_Ksheyna says, I live with it that is why I am here. I like it?  No but it is better then the confines and restrictions of home.”
Maggie_Heatherwick says, “Why are you here Ksheyna? You seek knowledge?”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna says, “Because I wanted to be..I left because I wanted to see the world.”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna shrugs and falls silent.
Maggie_Heatherwick says, “Yet you already have seen the world haven't you? It is rotten. All outlanders are untrustworthy. The whole world is like this.  Is it not?  “Now you can go on and back and confirm the prejudices of your people.”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna shrugs, “I have seen enough rottenness in the humans I have met not to want to meet more.”
Maggie_Heatherwick gestures to a wall and suddenly it is revealed as a shelf, crammed with books.
Nighthawk_Ksheyna eyes light up. Fights with herself and pulls her gaze away
Maggie_Heatherwick says, “Knowledge aplenty, who knows it might even restore your faith in human kind.. but of course...you are leaving tomorrow morning, so you won’t have time.
Nighthawk_Ksheyna says, “Yes I am leaving.” through gritted teeth.
Maggie_Heatherwick says, “Best get some sleep then Ksheyna. You have a long journey if you wish to see the world.”
Nighthawk_Ksheyna nods and leans back against the wall, closes her eyes pretending to sleep.
Halloran:  casually observes the newcomer as she shows her around.  Leads her way into the barn where Kraheera has found a nice bale of hay.  “ come, now, horse, you should know better.”  Throws a light blanket over the horse as she deftly removes the pack. 
Fiona:  Is startled by the sudden flurry of wings.
Halloran:  Oh, don’t mind Mousebane.  He’s just our resident exterminator.  Much less finicky than a cat.  Mousebane descends to Halloran’s arm and settles, peering solemnly at Fiona.  Sets fresh water out for Kraheera.  “ Now no guzzling it.  I have no desire to nurse you through a bout of colic…Fresh bran mash in the morning.  Promise.  Just don’t leave until it’s okay to do so.  No matter WHAT the Clanswoman says to you.”
Halloran:  I assume that Maggie has finished her speechifying.  Shall we return, and you can regale us with tales of adventure and daring-do?
The two make their way back into the warm cabin, where fresh berries and cream are set out.  And only a feather or two….

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Onward to further adventures...
The Beginning:
Maggie and the Prophecy Summon - The Chosen set Out..

Or you may return to the library..
THE FIRST MEETING...
A Gathering of few, Awaiting the Prophecy's Pawns
A Roleplay..