Group role-play: Briana and Ordici

Note: This is compiled from both Briana and Ordici's storyboards to make reading easier

Briana
It had been a month since I had made my way back to Sendar and my family home. I had since taken some of the money I earned working with Uncle Dunrick, and bought myself a small cottage of my own. It wasn't that I didn't love my parents, but I was by now, accustomed to being on my own. I spent a lot of time getting know the woods and trees surrounding my new home, before making my way in to Sendar.
I browsed the shops, getting a few items repaired, and buying supplies for the cottage. It was on one of these forays in to Sendar that I first laid eyes upon him. He was standing in market square with another man, and the two of them were jokingly sparring and insulting each other. I couldn't be sure of his age, but I marked him as being slightly younger than me.
For reasons I cannot explain, I couldn't tear my eyes from him as they continued their joking. Inexplicably, he looked up and his eyes met mine, and he stilled as we both looked at each other, eyes locked. This contact was finally broken as his friend nudged him in the side, saying, "Come on Ordici, we better get moving or Urm will have our heads". He yanked at the one named Ordici's sleeve, pulling him along after him.
I watched the two of them go, fascinated by the one named Ordici. He turned one last time to look back at me before hurrying to catch up with his friend. I stared after them long after they were out of sight. I finally shook myself free of my thoughts and went about my business. But from that moment on, young Ordici was ever at the edge of my mind.

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Ordici
Ordici is seen leaving Camaar through the North gate as we catch up to him. He is on foot and alternates between brusquely walking 100 paces and jogging 100 paces.
As the sun is falling beyond the western horizon Ordici stops to take a look at the scenery. The forest he is walking through looks peaceful and the horizon has turned into the orangish-red that Ordici finds so peaceful.
All of the sudden the face that has been haunting his dreams comes into his mind. The beautiful Sendar girl who couldn't be that much older than him. Ordici mumbles to himself,
"Who is she, and why can't I get her out of my head?" Stopping at a small stream Ordici decides to rest his tired legs. He has been travelling for several hours and he is kind of beat. As he rests his head on his clasped hands and looks into the sky he sees a cloud that reminds him of this young woman that he desperately wants to find again. He shakes his head as he remembers her face. "I didn't even ask her name, I could have approached her. I am an Idiot,” he tells himself.
Finally after about a half an hour he stands back up and resumes his journey to Sendaria. As time passes he finally finds himself in front of the gates to Sendar. Knowing it is in the middle of the night he decides to stop at the tavern in the guild of the rangers.
Out of the corner of his eye he sees the waitress passing his way, and he catches his breath. It's Her. It's the young Sendarian. Not wanting to be rebuffed again he stands up from his stool and walks over to the Serving wench. As she turns to ask him his order, his heart sinks. It isn't her.
He tips his hat as he walks out the door thinking to himself, "I need to get a hold of myself. What is wrong with me?" As he pays for his room at a different inn he heads decides it is time to rest. He takes his key and goes to his assigned room and locks the door behind him. Without removing his clothes he jumps onto the bed and buries his face in his pillow.

The sun is shining brightly in the window as Ordici raises his head from his pillow. He reaches over like he is going to grab somebody and finds nobody next to him. He jumps up and looks around.
"Damn, Just my rented room. But it seamed so real!” As Ordici looks around and rubs his eyes, his face takes in his reflection in the mirror. "Oh! It's hopeless,” he groans. "How could she want somebody like me?" Ordici sighs and takes one final look around wishing his dream would have been reality as he heads out of the room.
As Ordici is heading out into the street he remembers the letter in his shirt pocket. Urmela did want him to take that letter to the priest at the temple of UL. Running his hand through his hair, making it worse than it was, Ordici turns the corner to the temple.
As he sets eyes on the holy temple he thinks about the time that Maochro and him were here last. Two blocks south is where he first spotted his fantasy girl.
"Man, I hope she is there again. But that was two weeks ago. There is no way she would have remembered me. Someone that pretty has to be walking out with some guy," Ordici mumbles to himself as he takes that first step to the temple.
Ordici delivers his letter to the High Preist of UL and then heads back to the market square. When he gets to the Market Square he walks over to the same pub that Mao bought his ale.
"I'll have an ale please," he said, lowering his voice to pass for an adult.
"Ale? Son you can't be more than 8 and ten. How about a hogshead of goat milk? Freshly squeezed today-" The tavern worker replies with a laugh.
Ordici sits on a stool, keeping his eye on the market square. From his vantage point he can see the full square. Ordici sat there until after dark. He paid the tavern keep what he owed and started heading to the west gate of Sendar, hoping to spend some time in Vo Mandor.

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Briana
I walked silently through the forest, stalking my dinner for the night, my bow and quiver of arrows across my back. I glanced up at the sky, and inhaled through my nose. A storm was brewing, and I could smell the rain in the air. I could only hope I made it home before the water fell from the sky. I looked at the ground, looking at the prints of the deer I had been following for the last half hour.
I finally found the small buck eating foliage from an ivy bush. I silently pulled an arrow out of its quiver, grabbed my bow and took aim. The sound of the twang had the buck lifting his head, just as my arrow struck him in the heart. A clean kill, for which I was grateful. I hated to see any animal suffer, so just to make sure, I moved in and slit his throat, his warm blood pooling on the forest floor.
I did the grisly task of gutting, skinning, and cutting off the chunks of raw flesh I planned on taking home. I wrapped the meat up in the skin of the deer, and made my way back home, barely making it before the skies opened and the rain began to fall. I went about the task of cleaning myself up from my rather messy task of dressing the deer. Once that was done, I began making up a large pot of stew and went about curing the rest of the meat while I waiting for dinner to finish simmering.
The rain was coming down hard, pounding the roof, the winds shaking the shutters. I built the fire in the hearth a little higher, trying to heat the drafty room. I looked at the deerskin that still needed scraping, and I knew Uncle Dunrick would be disappointed in me for not taking care of it right away, but I just didn't have it in me to worry about the hide tonight.
The truth of the matter was, I was feeling lonely, and sorry for myself, and I have no shame in admitting it. As I sat in my now cosier cottage, I rocked next to the fire thinking of young Ordici, what he would think of me if I ever dared approach him. Would he think me too old for him? Too ugly? Was he already spoken for? He looked liked a great catch. Of course I was basing this all on fantasy. I saw him a couple of times in the street. For all I know, he was a total idiot. But that just didn't seem to fit what I saw of him. I sighed, feeling hopeless about the whole situation.
I was startled out of my reverie by an insistent knock at the door. I knew no one who would be out this time of night, and grabbing a small dagger I went to open the door. My mouth dropped open in shock, and I was completely speechless.
Did I fall asleep in front of the fire or was it real? for there on my doorstep was Ordici, soaked clear through to the bone and shivering. His eyes widened as he looked at me and we stood there, staring before I finally gathered my wits together and invited him in. With a shy smile, he entered the cottage.

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Ordici
Ordici is nervous as he sits under his canvas shelter. The rain that started as a light drizzle had just become a full-blown storm. Cold and wet, he is cursing the day he thought of camping out. Why couldn't he have just stayed in Sendar? With a sigh he once again looks at the pile of deadwood that just refuses to light. Sighing, he gets out from under his shelter.
'Belar,' he says, 'This isn't turning out the way I thought it would. Sure, save a copper or two, Ordici. You are one with any forest! Geez what I wouldn't give to be dry right now!'
Hoping he can make it back to Sendar and a cheap hostel, Ordici begins to pack up his things. He knows that Maochro would give him hell for packing up his canvas shelter wet. But Ordici isn't about to freeze to death in the cold.
Ordici starts back to Sendar carrying his things, muttering curses all the way. Suddenly lighting strikes a tree not 30 paces from Ordici. Ordici gets thrown by the force into the mud. Cold and suffering he beats his palm against his ears.
Nothing is worth this. I am going to die out here if I can't find some place dry tonight!
Cold and hungry, Ordici starts back in the direction he thinks he was going. After about an hour Ordici realizes that he is lost. Knowing all he would have to do is walk south until he hit the road to Camaar he berates himself for not knowing the direction. He can't get a proper direction until he can check the sun. And the moon's big sister won't be up for a while, if the clouds don't hide her!
From out of nowhere a man appears directly in his path. There is something very eerie about this man. Ordici can barely make out the details, but he can tell the man is gnawing on an old pipe. The man points to the right and Ordici looks off in that direction. There is nothing but forest in that direction!
Looking back at the man for guidance, Ordici finds him missing. Ordici looks closer at the mud the man was standing in, and notices that no footprints have been left. Shaking in fear, Ordici, with no better destination in mind, starts walking the direction the man… no, the spectre pointed out to him.
All of the sudden, in a small clearing Ordici spots a small cottage with smoke rising out of it. It only takes a minute for Ordici to decide. I just hope the people are friendly! Ordici knocks on the door. He hears the most beautiful voice yell 'Give me a minute!' as he hears the locks being drawn.
I must be hallucinating, Ordici thinks. This can't be real!
For standing there, is his dream girl. Her auburn hair is just as he remembered it. Her eyes are a very attractive shade of silver. Eyes that look right into his soul. He is mesmerized by this girl.
After what seemed like hours, but was only a few minutes the girl says,
'Get in here out of the rain. You're soaked through!'
Ordici enters the cabin he realizes as he looks around, dripping mud and water all over a floor that looks freshly scrubbed.
'My name is Orrr... Orrr.. Ordici... The uh.. Ordici the Youthful Ranger.'
She shocks him by saying, 'I know.'

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Briana
I ushered the soaked young man in to the cottage, directing him to my large hearth.
'You'll have to get out of those clothes or you'll catch your death,' I told him, as he looked up at me, his cheeks blushing. For the longest time I could only stare at him. I tentatively reached out for a wet strand of hair that had fallen across his brow. It was if I had to touch him to be sure that he was really here.
'How did you know my name?' he whispered, a look of bewilderment on his face.
'I've seen you and your friend in the market square in Sendar. He called you by name. I...I've never forgotten it. Or you,' I said, turning away to hide my now crimson cheeks. 'I'm going to prepare a hot bath for you, get you warm, and see about drying out your clothes. I'm sure I have something here you can wear'.
I could feel his eyes following me around the room as I pumped water in to two great buckets. He jumped to his feet, reaching to take them from me, in the process getting us both wet.
'I..I...I'm sorr..sorry,' he said, blushing again his teeth chattering. I couldn't help myself.
I caressed his cheek, and whispered, 'It's alright, it's only water'.
I went in to the other room and poured the buckets in to the big tub before returning to get steaming hot kettle from the hearth. 'Come along, Ordici' I said, smiling at the shy youngster. I poured the boiling water in to the tub, mixing it around.
'It's not hot, but it's warm. I'll get more water heating while you get undressed and get in. I'll bring more hot water in a bit' I told him, turning to leave the room.
'NO!' he yelled, then flushed again. 'That is to say, this will be fine ma'am, you don't have to come in again' he said, his eyes a little wild and wide with embarrassment.
I smiled. 'Don't worry, I promise not to look. And please, call me Briana' I told him, and with a wink, I left the room to refill the teapot.
As I hung it on the hook over the fire, I heard water moving around and I smiled. My skittish colt had entered the tub. I went back in to the room, my back to him trying to save him any embarrassment. 'I'm just going to hang your things by the fire to dry' I told, gathering his soaked clothes and boots, hanging them on a line by the fire. He stilled, and once again I could feel his eyes boring in to me. I wanted to turn, but willed myself out of the room to dry out his clothing.
The water was soon boiling in the pot, and I called out to Ordici, 'The hot water is ready'.
'Ummm that's ok! I'm finished, if um...does your husband have some clothes I can wear?' he asked.
'I'm not married, but I have something here for you. I'll just set them inside the door' I called. That really was my intention, honestly, but I couldn't help myself. I had gathered some of my Uncles old things together, and was just going to drop them inside the door. Honest to Belar I was. But I admit it - I peeked. What I saw took my breath away. All wet and glistening sinewy muscles. I just stared, awestruck. He must of heard my gasp, because his head flipped around, and seeing me, he dropped back in to the tub. 'I...I'm sorry,' I muttered, dropping the clothes and running to the other room, utterly embarrassed. How in the world could I even face him again?
I bustled around putting a bowl of hot stew on the table, along with a chunk of bread, trying to get myself together. What in the name of Belar was I thinking? I promised him I wouldn't look, yet what do I do? I look! I was feeling like a total fool when I heard a throat clear behind me.
I turned to see Ordici standing in my Uncle's old clothes, obviously far too big for him. He had rolled up the sleeves, and the cuffs of the pants.
'Little big,' he said softly, looking down at himself. I smiled shyly, and nodded.
'Sorry, it was all I had. They belonged to my Uncle and he was rather tall and lanky' I informed him. 'Come, sit, get some hot food in to you' I said, motioning him to the table. He walked to the table, his eyes never leaving mine, and sat before the steaming bowl of stew. I sat down across from him, watching him silently. 'You aren't joining me?' he asked.
'I've already eaten,' I lied. The truth was my stomach was tied up in nervous knots. The man who had been in the core of my mind for weeks was sitting across from me. I wasn't sure what to say, or do, and I knew I was being unbelievable rude, but I couldn't help but stare. He was by far the most handsome man I had ever seen. His face flushed and he finally looked away, first staring down at his bowl, then around the cottage itself. I saw his body stiffen as his eyes landed upon the rough sketch of my Uncle Dunrick.
'What is it?' I asked, a bit alarmed as I saw the colour drain from his face.
'Who is that?' he asked quickly, jumping to his feet to examine the sketch. 'Who is this man?' he demanded, rather forcefully.
'It's just a sketching of my Uncle Dunrick, nothing more. Ordici, what's wrong? You've gone white as a sheet' I cried, rushing to his side. 'Talk to me, Ordici, what is the matter?' I implored.
'He's dead, isn't he' Ordici whispered. I nodded mutely, 'For near on a year now. Why? Why is it so important?' I asked.
He turned to me, his face still pale. 'I saw him,' he said, his voice shaking. I just stared, wide eyed.

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Ordici
Belar! How could I have been so stupid? Ordici thinks to himself as he looks into Briana's beautiful eyes. Her expression turns from one of shock to denial.
'No!' she whispers, 'You have to be wrong. Uncle Dunrick is dead! How could you have seen him?'
Berating himself silently, Ordici attempt to take Briana's hand in his. Briana pulls back as he touches her hand, her expression becomes one of deathly fear. 'How could you have seen him? Ordici he is gone!'
I can't do this to her. How can I tell her what I saw without scaring her more? Ordici thinks as he looks into her silvery eyes. I can't lie to her. It wouldn't feel right. How can I do this?
'Briana,' Ordici says with a broken voice. Please sit down. I will tell you everything. Allowing him to take her hand Ordici leads her back to her chair. He sits back down across the table from her and looks down at the table. He tells her everything that happened to her out in the storm, as he is absently unrolling and rolling his right sleeve. When he is finished he looks back up into Briana's beautiful eyes.
Dreading what he would see there, he is surprised to see tears falling down her cheeks like two small rivers running down her face. Ordici stares for a couple of seconds, not believing his eyes. His dream girl is crying. His Briana! Jumping up from his chair he rushes around the table and kneels in front of her. Belar, how could I ruin this. I have broken her heart all over again with this news I brought. Ordici thinks as he puts his arms around her. Briana clings to him as if her life depends on it. She begins to cry into his chest as Ordici rubs her back thinking Please Belar, Please let me be able to make this up to her.

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Briana
Feeling embarrassed, I pulled away from Ordici and began walking back and forth in front of the fire, feeling suddenly cold. I looked at him and could see the pain in my heart, reflected in his eyes. He stood, and reached for me, but then his hand fell away, his face looking helpless.
I gave a small laugh then. 'Uncle seemed to always have that pipe in his mouth,' I said, wiping away the tears. My Uncle wouldn't want me crying, not over him. And I had done my grieving once already, and had promised not to relive the pain of his loss. 'I'm sorry Ordici, I seemed to have got your shirt wet all over again,' I said, trying to lighten the mood.
He gave me a tender smile. 'It alright, it will dry. I'm so sorry Briana, I didn't mean to upset you like that. I was just so caught off guard by seeing the spirit in the forest in a sketch on your mantle. Can you ever forgive me for the pain I've caused you?' he asked, his face a portrait of torture.
I went to him then, wrapping my arms around him. 'There is nothing to forgive, dear one. It warms me to know he is still with me, and still looking out for me. After all, he brought you to my door,' I said softly, pulling back to look in to his eyes. For a moment I was lost in their depths. He leaned in, kissing me softly, then drawing back, almost in surprise at his actions. I smiled as he blushed. 'How old are you, Ordici?' I asked, suddenly curious.
'Sixteen' he said, rather proudly. 'I'm also a member of the Adventurers'.
'Yes, I know. I talked to your leader about your clan. Unfortunately, I knew either too much, or too little to join you,' I said, laughing.
'How old are you?' he asked.
'Seventeen' I answered. He grinned widely at that.
'So, um, well, would it be alright if I um, kissed you again?' he asked.
I just smiled, kissing him for an answer.
Ordici and I broke our kiss, both of us blushing furiously. 'Go finish your food before it gets cold,' I told him, needing a moment to get my heartbeat under control again. He went and sat at the table and I made a fuss at his clothes drying by the fire before returning to sit across from him.
We started getting to know each other, talking about our childhoods and how we came to be where we were now. When I asked him about his childhood, I saw him tense up immediately. I wasn't sure whether to push him about it or not, but I wanted to know everything about him, so I did. 'I can tell you don't want to talk about it, and I won't ask you to bring it up again' I tried. He let out a long, deep, sigh.
When he spoke, his voice had a definite bitter edge to it. 'When I was 13, my father decided he couldn't afford to keep me under his roof anymore and sent me out to make my own way in the world. I won't speak of some of the hells I went through. When I was 15, I joined the Adventurers and I haven't looked back' he said, drinking deeply from his mug, signalling the conversation was over. 'What about you?' he asked.
'I had a rather happy childhood I suppose. But I was always restless. From the time I was little, my Uncle Dunrick would come by once or twice a year and regale us of stories of being a Ranger. I wanted to be just like him when I grew up. Finally, at 15, my parents consented to let me go with my Uncle and learn the ways of the Ranger. He taught me much in our short year together'. I tried to keep my voice from cracking as I told Ordici of Dunrick giving his life for mine. How he was killed by leeches in Sthiss Tor, and for the last year, I had pretty much been on my own, trying to learn as much as I could. I had looked at different clans, thinking maybe I could find my place somewhere, but so far, had no luck and had pretty much given up on the idea. I was happy here in my cottage out in the forest.
We talked long in to the night, and before we knew it, bright sunlight was coming in through the curtains, chasing away the shadows of night. We looked at each other in surprise. We had talked away the night without any awareness of time passing. Ordici cleared his throat. 'I suppose I should be going. My friends will be wondering where I got off to' he said, but didn't move from the table.
'Yes, I'm sure your things are dry by now as well' I said, staring at him and not moving. The moment seemed to last an eternity before the spell was broken by a sneeze from Ordici. We both laughed. 'I hope you haven't caught a cold,' I said, my voice laced with concern.
'I'm well, don't worry yourself' he said, still not moving from the table. Finally he spoke again. 'Briana, would it...can I...well...c..c..can I see you again, sometime?' he asked his voice stuttering and breaking. He quickly added, 'You can no, I would understand, I don't have much to offer and I know...'
I cut him off. 'I would love to see you again Ordici,' I said smiling. He let out the pent up breath he had been holding and smiled.
'Good, I would like to see you as well' he said, finally standing. 'I'll just go change then' he informed me, getting his clothes and going in to the other room to change. When he returned, there was a kind of awkward silence as he gathered all of his things. 'Well, um...I guess I'll be going then' he said, staring at me.
'I'll walk you out,' I told him, and we walked to the door together. We stood there for a moment, just looking at each other before he leaned in and gave me a chaste peck on the cheek. 'I'll see you soon' he whispered, touching my hand briefly, before walking out the door, back towards the city of Sendar, not knowing he already owned my heart.

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Ordici
Ordici takes one final look back into the woods from which he has come. As he begins the journey to Camaar he let's out a groan and begins mumbling to himself,
' How am I going to do this? She doesn't even know that I have been dreaming of her since I have seen her in Sendar. How am I going to get
her to fall in love with me?'
As he continues on his way he looks at the scenery. The rains from last night have made walking the road unpleasent, but the flower still have beads of water on their petals. As Ordici sees a pretty yellow flower, he plucks it from its stem and inhales its sweet frangrance. As he continues to study the flower, he remembers a game that he saw his little sister Oriana and her best friend Dalchar used to play.
Ordici resumes walking up the trial smiling at this memory. Just to see what would happen he begins to play the game. Ordici removes petal number one and says, 'She loves me' and then he removes the second petal. 'She loves me not.'
As he sees Camaar in the distance, he gets to the last of the ten petals. 'BELAR!!! he screams, scaring some birds into flight from some nearby bushes, 'HOW COULD SHE LOVE ME NOT!!!'
With a tear falling down his cheek and catching in the scar on his chin, he resumes his desolate walk back to Camaar. He begins thinking. That was only a child's game. I just need to learn what women like in a man. He silently wipes the tear out of his scar as he begins to think about the problem. As he enters the gates to Camaar, he suddenly snaps the fingers on the his right hand.
' I got it! I will ask Reidia! She's a woman! If she can't help me out, then nobody can! I'll show that flower who loves me not when I finally have Briana declare her love for me!'
Suddenly feeling his old self since he left Briana, he runs through the city of Camaar, not stopping at the Old Man for a chat he just waves as he runs into the Adventurer's Hall on his way to track down Reidia.

A freshly bathed Ordici is closing his bedroom door. He checks over his clothing meticulously and then begins to walk down the hall in the direction of Reidia's and Wylset's room.
As he is walking through the halls of the keep he begins to remember the past, as he always does. He remembers a time when Maochro and he were sitting by that window over there with Maochro embellishing a story about some lass who gave him a kiss.
'You, Ordici, when you get older, you will need to know how to catch and hold a girl,' Machro was explaining, 'It's all in how you act. You can't be afraid to tell a woman how it is going to be. Women respect a man who orders them around.'
'They do?' a younger Ordici asks in awe, 'But what would I say to her?'
'You just walk up to the filly,' Maochro tells him, 'And you tell her 'You are looking good today. We are going to go dancing tonight. I will pick you up three hours after sundown!' That always works fella me lad.'
With a groan at the memory Ordici mumbles, 'I did it all wrong again. I wasn't supposed to ask her if I could see her again. I was supposed to tell her that I would see her. And give her the time. I am never going to get my Briana to love me.'
As Ordici knocks on the door to Reidia's and Wylset's room he begins to fidget. Opening the door wide Reidia looks out and with a smile invites him in.
'Ordici, what a pleasant surprise! Come on in and have a seat.'
Ordici catches his breath as he looks at Reidia. Belar she's beautiful! Ordici thinks as he takes his seat. Ordici doesn't hear Reidia's question, he is only thinking about the turmoil in his heart. Is Reidia going to laugh at me? Will she help me? Belar what am I to do?
After several minutes of just staring at Reidia and only seeing Briana's face Ordici swallows and says, 'Reidia, I have a problem.'
Reidia laughs and with her rich voice says, 'I knew something had to be going on in that head of yours, Tiger. You haven't heard a word I said in the last five minutes.'
Ordici blushes a deep red at Reidia's laugh. What a fool she must think I am. Aww, how did I get myself into this? he thinks. As Ordici tries to speak, his heart is in his throat. He attempts 3 times to ask the question he has came here for as Reidia smiles and watches him suffer. Finally he can speak.
'Reidia, I met a girl and I can't get her out of my mind. I think I love her, but all I managed to do is make her cry!'
'You think you are in love with her?' she asks him, as he blushes harder, and finds it harder to swallow.
'It's more than that Reidia. I love her, but I am at a loss on how to get her to love me! What am I going to do? How am I supposed to act? I really love this girl Rei!' Ordici finally says in a rush.

By Reidia
I began to giggle as I stood there looking at Ordici.
'Come in, have a seat and I'll see what I can do to help ya.' Ordici shuffled his way in, looking bashful. He sat on one of the overstuffed chairs near the fireplace, never taking his eyes off of the floor. 'Would you like a cup of tea? I just made some.'
He just shook his head. 'I have always thought of the day you would welcome me into your bedroom, but it was under entirely different circumstances, ' he chuckled shyly.
'We all grow up at some time Ordi, and move on.' Sitting down opposite to him, I looked at him pointedly. 'OK, you are head over heels in love with this girl, and you don't know how to win her heart, right? ' He nodded. ' It's very simple, just be yourself. Don't listen to ANYTHING Maochro tells you, and seduce her.'
Ordici just about fell out his chair. 'Seduction? Me? Umm.... Rei, I never have.... Umm... Well…'
I giggled at the blushing boy. 'Ord, you have met her and fumbled all over yourself. In a seduction, you are in control, you hold all the cards. It's not just about sex. It's about winning her over, making her feel special. That's is the way to a woman's heart.' Ordici nodded, blushing furiously. 'Every time you see her, talk to her. Don't try to impress her but tell her how amazing she is. Don't over-flatter her. Show her that she's on your mind. Once you have her attention, do something nice for her. Pour her a glass of her favourite drink, hold open a door for her. Then when you are alone, sit close to her. Hold her hand, touch her hair.' I begin to giggle. 'Hair touching is a DEFINITE turn on. Light candles, make a mood. Listen to what she has to say, and don't talk too much unless she asks you to. But most of all: be yourself!'
Ordici nodded and stood up. 'Thanks sooo much, Rei! I will try and remember everything you have told me. ' I stood watching as he walked down the hall towards his room, looking much more confident. With a tear in my eye, I sighed, thinking that was one lucky young lady. I smiled as I felt the loving arms of my Wylset embrace me from behind. Turning around, I smiled.
'Howdy hun!'

'I could lose myself in your eyes for hours. Your hair is the loveliest I have ever seen. How about you let me take you out tonight?' Ordici says to his reflection in a mirror.
Nervously he reaches out and tenderly kisses the mirror. He can't stand it any longer and begins to laugh. As he laughs he hears another laugh behind him. Turning around quickly he stares straight into the face of an amused Qethia.
'Ordici, What in the world are you doing?' Qethia asks as Ordici turns a deeper shade of red. Seeing his blush Qethia begins to laugh in earnest.
Oh Belar! Ordici thinks to himself, I will never be able to live this one down. Soon everyone is going to know. Why was I so stupid? Didn't I lock my door? Out loud Ordici gasps, 'Qethia what are you doing here?'
Qethia sticks her head out the door and looks both ways, noticing that the hallway is empty. As she gently shuts the door, she whispers, 'Shhh... I think Maochro might be coming.' Qethia silently walks to Ordici's bed and takes a seat, then pats the bed next to her as she invites Ordici to join her. 'What were you doing Ordi? I didn't mean to intrude, but your door was wide open!'
'Ahh, Qethia. I... I... I didn't mean for anybody to see me. They are all going to laugh at me now!' Ordici groans as a tear falls down his cheek.
Qethia gently wipes the tear off of Ordici's cheek and tells him, 'Not from me they wont, but what were you doing?'
So Ordici tells her all. About how he first saw Briana and how they met, but he leaves out the ghost's part. No reason to make her think I am going loony, he thinks to himself. As he tells her what Reidia told him to do, he begins blushing harder and can't meet Qethia's eyes. He finishes by saying, 'Qethia, I have never felt this way, and I have never known a woman in that way. I... I just needed to practice! I can't BELIEVE I didn't shut my door. But how am I to approach her?'
'Ordici,' Qethia says gently, 'It doesn't matter if you fumble or stutter. All that matters is that you show her how you feel. Reidia was right, be yourself. If she feels the same, then it will not matter if you get flustered.'
Ordici calms down a little as he realizes that Qethia isn't going to tell everyone about this. As he gets calmer he actually can meet Qethia's eyes. He smiles a little smile and says, 'I hope you are right Qeth, because Briana takes my breath away at the sight of her. And I just lose all perspective. I've got it bad don't I?'
'That is what you should tell her Ordi, just be truthful,' she tells him, 'Don't lie, and DO NOT listen to Maochro!! He is full of really bad advice.'
As Qethia rises to leave she kisses Ordici on the cheek and Ordici blushes harder. As she reaches the door she turns around and says in so low a voice that Ordici has to strain to hear, 'And don't worry, I won't tell anybody!' She giggles as she opens the door and walks back into the hall. And as she shuts the door softly behind her Ordici breathes a sigh of relief.

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Briana
I walked the streets of Sendar, stopping in various shops to restock my supplies. I knew that Ordici was on his way back to Camaar, that he had to report back to his leader. Yet I found myself looking for him despite myself. I even stopped a man on the street, thinking it was him, but when he turned, I realized my mistake. The city was crowded with people, and I was beginning to feel on edge.
I stopped at a fountain to refill my canteen before heading back to my cottage when I saw two small children playing in the streets. I led my horse to the shade of a nearby building and watched them. I wondered about their parents. Was theirs a marriage of love? We're they thrown together by two families for monetary or property reasons? Did these kids have some unknown destiny they were bound to fulfil? Or were they going to grow up and be simple farmers, blacksmiths and ferriers? Were their bloodlines important in the eyes of Belar? So many questions came to mind as I watched them play their simple game in the dirt.
I nudged my horse and pointed her towards home, letting my mind wander. What could be so important that my bloodline had to join with Ordici's? I tried to think back in to my family's history, but could think of nothing of any significance. Maybe it was time to pay a visit to the home of my parents. Perhaps they had some books, or old stories that might be of use to me. I decided that would be the next logical step, especially since I had no idea when I would be seeing Ordici again. Maybe he had something in his line that he was aware of. Then again, he was tossed out at 13, and considering his circumstances, I couldn't see him going home to ask.
Time to prepare for another journey. I was going home.

I spent two days on the road, making my way to my parent's farmhouse. I had spent a lot of time thinking, and decided that no matter what I found out in the family histories, I wasn't going to tell Ordici of my talk with my fallen Uncle. If he and I were to be together, it would have to be because he loved me, not because of some bizarre request from a dead man. He would probably think I was insane if I told him anyway.
My parents were shocked to find me standing on their doorstep late that night.
'Briana, what in the name of Belar are you doing here?' my mother exclaimed, throwing her arms around me. I held her tight, suddenly happy to be within my mother's embrace.
'We'll talk about that tomorrow,' I said, as father came from the kitchen carrying a lamp, wearing his nightshirt. 'Tonight I just want to enjoy being home again,' I said, leaving my mother's arms and going to my father and hugging him tightly. I could see mother looking at my father strangely, and knew they both must be wondering at my odd behaviour. But I just didn't care. Just for tonight, I didn't want to be strong, and independent. I wanted to be home.
I told my parents of Ordici, and my feelings for him. My father asked many questions about him, and reminded me, that he was still my father, and if the young man was serious about me, he had better come to him and get his approval. I laughed, thinking of Ordici standing before my father, asking his approval to court me, or to marry me. He would be a nervous wreck. I almost giggled, but managed to control myself.
We spent the next few hours talking, my parents catching me up on the goings on of my old friends. Elyian and Doran had gotten married, which wasn't surprising. She had been chasing him since childhood. I was happy to hear she had finally caught him. We talked of father's crops, and generalities for a while, when father announced it was time to retire, for he had to be up with the dawn to tend to the animals.
'Father, before you go, do you have any writings on the history of the family? Any old records I could look through?' I asked as he rose to his feet.
He thought for a moment before nodding. 'If I recall, in that bottom drawer over there is a bunch of scrolls and parchments full of writings from our family line. It's not in any sort of order though. Why do you want to look at that old stuff?' he asked.
'I'm just curious about my heritage father, that's all,' I answered innocently, 'I'll see you both in the morning' told them, and watched them head off towards bed. I was suddenly wide awake, and couldn't wait to get my hands on those parchments.
I read long in to the night, not sure exactly what I was looking for or hoping to find. I just knew that I would know it when I saw it. I had been shuffling parchments and scrolls all around me on the floor, trying to make some kind of order of the chaos. My eyes were feeling gritty and tired when something caught my eye. It was a mention of the name Torak that had my blood run cold. I found it on an old, faded, scroll that I almost overlooked. There was a short passage that I had to read many times before it began to sink in.

'And there shall come a time, when the two houses
shall be joined by blood, for it is only by this
joining that destiny shall be fulfilled. Though
it shall be a small act the fruit of this joining
needs be perfrom, it is critical in the fight
against Torak One Eye. If the bloodlines are not
joined, many shall needlessly die at the hand of
the evil one's minions.'

I read the passage one last time, then sat staring out the window as the first light of dawn broke the horizon. I could hear father and mother stirring, ready to get about their days labour. I was too tired to think, or make sense of why this had to be. I carefully rolled up the scroll, and tucked it in to one of my packs, then hastily cleaned up the papers scattered all around me.
I joined mother in the kitchen and helped her prepare breakfast, then went and spent some time in the fields helping father, keeping busy so I didn't have to think of the scroll in my pack. By nightfall, I was exhausted, and fell in to bed, and in to deep, dreamless, sleep.

I spent a week with my parents, before returning home to my little cottage in the outskirts of Sendar. After I got myself settled, I pulled the scroll from my pack for the first time since I had found it. Reading it again, I felt a shiver run down my spine. Did this prophecy really pertain to me and to Ordici? How do you tell someone that if you do not join houses, and blood, people will die? He would think I was crazy, or trying to trap him in to marriage. So did I take the risk of not telling him, with the hope that he falls in love with me on his own? Or did I tell him, and risk he felt I was trying to trap him in to something, and he runs scared like a hunted rabbit. Belar, what was I to do?

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Ordici
(About a week has passed since the meeting of Briana and Ordici.)
As Ordici makes his way over the next rise he is amazed at how beautiful this forest actually is. He is holding a document pouch in his hand as he turns down the small, unmarked path that leads to Briana's cottage.
Ordici notices the smoke coming out of the chimney and grins. Yes she is home! I think this just might work. Briana's going to love me for this, I am sure! He mumbles to himself as he walks in the opposite direction of the cottage. Ordici goes to his first destination, a deadfall tree, as he looks around for a good spot to put his letter. He takes the letter out and reads it over one last time.
First stop brings you closer, but you didn't think it would be that easy! Now you got to go south. Look for the hill of relatives. That is where you will find your next clue.
As Ordici heads for his next destination he can't help but to giggle. I hope this works. Belar, She's a Ranger, like me, she HAS to approve!
Finally spotting his target he pulls out his next letter and reads it.
'This small gift is beautiful, but compared to you it's beauty means nothing. Next and last stop. Find a woodcutter's trail to the east, and follow it to the old deadfall. Turn east and walk through the clearing. Just over the rise you will find what you have been searching for.'
Ordici smiles to himself as he lays a single red rose on the letter away from the enormous anthill, on a tree stump that is clearly visible 20 paces beyond the hill.
As Ordici makes his way back to Briana's cottage he begins to have self-doubts. Briana is looking for a man, and here you are playing games! Ahhh... This is never going to work. But it has to! She is a ranger! She has to like it!
As Ordici gets near the cottage he stalks quietly around the clearing and comes from the east, hoping that the trees on that side would hide him better. As he nears the cottage he attempts to sneak to her door. He re-reads his letter, hiding behind the well, hoping he won't be seen he pulls out his first letter and reads it through.
'Briana, I can't seem to get you off of my mind. If you would find it in your heart to give me a chance then I ask you to follow these simple instructions and you will see a sight that is almost as beautiful as you. To the west you will find an old deadfall. It is here you must make your first commitment.'
Ordici smiles to himself as he takes his letter and places it on the porch. As Ordici goes back to make sure he has everything in his hidey-hole he returns to the door and knocks. After knocking he runs as fast as his legs can take him back into the bushes as he hears the sweetest voice in the world sing out,
'Who is it?' As the door opens Ordici ducks deeper into the bush. He watches Briana bend over to get the letter and smiles as she begins to read it. When she closes the door, he heads back to the final destination to wait for his beloved.

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Briana
'Who is it?' I called out, putting down the leather pair of pants I was mending. I went to answer the knock on the door, my heart pounding in my chest with the sudden thought of Ordici. I opened the door, and my heart dropped, then I looked around in confusion. There was nobody there. Then I noticed the piece of parchment lying on my porch. I picked it up, and as I read it, a smile broke out on my face. It was from Ordici! And it appeared I was going on a bit of a scavenger hunt.
I ran inside the cottage, pulled on my boots and ran a brush through my hair before setting out to find my next clue. I walked south, trying to figure out what in the world a hill of relatives meant. I kept my eyes moving, looking for a clue as to what it meant. Finally I saw it. There was a giant anthill. Of course, ants! Relatives! I went to the large mound and looked all around me. About 20 paces off I saw a tree stump with a rose lying atop it. I beamed and ran over to it, grabbing the paper there and reading it.
I picked up the rose, inhaling deeply before turning east and searching out the old woodcutters trail I knew so well. I followed it for a time, until I came to the old deadfall, then looked to the east, grinning. I was near my final destination and was suddenly nervous. I stood rooted to the spot now, willing myself to take that next step. My heart was pounding like an anvil in my chest, and I took a moment to compose myself.
Finally, I was able to get my feet to move and I headed in to the clearing. I walked slowly now, making my way up the hill. As I topped the rise I could see a blanket, spread out on the ground, and large basket sitting in the middle of it. I walked down the rise, looking around, hoping to see Ordici, but there was no sign of him. Maybe there was another clue in the basket. I walked down the rise to the blanket and bent down to look inside the basket.
Suddenly, I heard a voice clear behind me, and a pair of arms wrapped around me from behind.
'Hello Briana' a voice whispered, causing me to shiver in pleasure. He was here, my heart, my Ordici.

'Hello Briana' the voice whispered from behind me, causing a shiver to run down my spine. I turned around and came face to face with Ordici, and my breath caught in my throat.
'Ordici' I whispered, my eyes locked with his. His face flushed, and he finally looked away in embarrassment.
'I got you something?' he said.
'You did?' I asked, getting excited.
'Err...can I give them to you?' he asked shyly.
'Sure' I answered, smiling encouragingly. From behind his back, he pulled a dozen white roses. I gasped in surprise. 'Awwwww Thank you, Ordici, they're beautiful!' I exclaimed, inhaling their scent before giving him a peck on the cheek.
He blushed a deep crimson as he said, 'They can never be as beautiful as you are, Briana'.
I blushed. 'You have the tongue of a poet you know'.
'N..nnn...nno I..d..dont. Www..when I see y..yyou I.. I .. it takes my breath away!' he stammered. 'I... II lose my power of speach'.
'I know how to fix that,' I told him.
'I jj.jjust www..wish I cc..could tell you...wait, how?' he asked.
I put a finger to his lips, whispering 'shhhhhh' and kissing him softly. I leaned back to see his blushing cheeks, and as he was about to speak again, I kissed him again, a little longer this time, making both our knees go weak.
I pulled back, smiling. 'You see love, you don't always have to talk to express yourself' I told him.
'I think I love you. .. I .. I mean if that is ok with you' he whispered.
I wrapped my arms around him in a loving embrace. 'I know I love you, so it is definitely ok' I whispered.
'I have been wanting to do that for a long time now' he told me
'I'm glad you finally got the courage to do so, for I have been waiting for a long time. Just for you'
'For me? So you have no other, someone as breath taking as you?'
'My heart was yours the day I first saw you' I told him. 'I have given thought to no other since then'.
'But why me? I... I mean I can't get you out of my head. I love your hair, the way it looks and smells, and I love your eyes, I can lose myself in your eyes.'
'And I love your boyish grin, and that adorable scar on your chin that crinkles when you smile like that'.
Ordici continued, 'And I love the feel of your lips, on mine. I love the taste of them'. He flushed, looking at the ground. 'I.. I went too far, I am ss..sorry'.
I put my finger under his chin, lifting his face. 'Look at me love' I whispered.
'I...I can't. To look at you is to lose my soul. I have never felt this way before' he said, still unable to meet my eyes. 'Would you... I... I mean could you love someone like me?' he asked.
'Have you not been listening? I already do,' I told him gently, smiling.
'You...you do?' he asked, an amazed look on his face.
'Of course I do!'
He kissed me then, long, and much more sure of himself. Then, with a rushed voice he asked, 'Will you walk out with me?' I beamed at him.
'I would love nothing more' I answered. He pulled me too him, unsure at first, then pulled me close, whispering,
'I am the luckiest man in the world. I just hope I can make you the luckiest woman'
'You already have, I answered' my heart soaring within my chest. He loved me! But what happens if I tell him about what my Uncle told me. And what I found in the old scroll? Will he believe I truly love him, or just think I'm using him to fulfil that which is required of us? Feeling a sudden sense of fear, I held him tightly, suddenly unsure of what to do.
After eating the lunch Ordici had prepared (or rather his friend Xanya had prepared for him), we took a walk, hand in hand along the stream, talking and getting to know each other. We were both rather nervous, but for different reasons I think. His was boyish nerves; mine were of a deeper nature. If he were ever to know of the prophecy, would he believe that I loved him for him, not for some old, worn scrap of paper?
We finally made our way back to my cottage, our bodies in constant contact, rubbing shoulders, and holding hands. Already he was like a part of me. A part I knew I would be utterly lost without. But how could I tell him that? We hardly knew each other after all, yet for knowing him such a short time, I knew he was for me. We were fated to be together, even before Uncle told me it must be so.
We finally reached my cottage, and he shuffled his feet nervously on my doorstep unsure of what he should do next. I smiled at and leaned in to kiss him on the cheek.
'Will you do me a favour, Ordici? Go wait inside my cottage for a moment? I have a surprise for you, but...I need to go get it from it's hiding place'.
His eyes opened wide in surprise. 'For me? You don't ever have to get me anything Briana, just being with you is enough' he replied. I smiled.
'Even so, will you wait for me inside?' I asked.
'Of course' he said, going inside, not before looking over his shoulder to smile at me.
As the door closed, I hurried off to my secret hiding place. There was an old, dead tree not far from my home, and I had the habit of storing my most valuable things deep within its trunk. I pulled out a small box, wrapped in brown paper, and smiled nervously. I had noticed that the golden stud in his ear was getting rather tarnished, and I had gone to my friend, a jeweller, and she made one exactly like the one he wore now. Except this was shiny and new. I hope he liked it, and wasn't insulted by it or anything. Maybe he would think I was foolish. Oh well, either he would like it or he wouldn't.
I was walking past the window towards the front door when I stopped dead in my tracks. 'Oh no' I whispered, 'no, not now, not like this,' I prayed. For there, standing in my living room stood Ordici, reading the scroll I had brought home from my parents. The one that talked of the joining of bloodlines and houses. My stomach dropped and my heart was in my throat. I wanted to cry. He would never want me now. How could he?

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Ordici
I can't believe it. She loves me! Belar, what did I do to have the woman I love return that love to me? And now, how am I going to keep her? As we were finishing up our meal by the small pond she told me,
'Thank you Ordici, The food was great.'
Xanya fixed the lunch for me, but how could I tell her without losing her? I swore to myself that I would never lie to my Briana, so I swallowed my bite and looking down at the blanket, a blush creeping up my cheeks, I just told her. 'Umm. I didn't put the food together,' I said softly. Then in a rush I said, 'Xanya, My clan mate did.'
Fearing to look up into her eyes I continued to stare at the blanket. I couldn't meet her eyes, I was so ashamed. Then she did something that melted my heart and made me fall in love with her more. She lifted my chin made me look directly into her silvery eyes. I couldn't speak. She just kissed me. Belar, she kissed me! Then she softly said,
'That's alright, my love. I loved it. And I love you.'
She loved me in spite of my failing. What in this world or any other did I do to deserve this beautiful Sendar? For the rest of the day we were in constant contact. I just had to touch her to know this was real. We kissed a little, held hands a lot, and I enjoyed being with the girl of my dreams.
It had to be the best day of my life.
As we were walking back to her Cottage I just couldn't let go of her hand. She had my rose resting on her ear, and her hair just looked so beautiful. As we finally reached the door, I didn't want the day to end. I stood there looking at her, trying to remember her like this. Then she kissed me again! She asked me to wait for her, she had something for me.
With reluctance I let her go. I entered her cottage and I decided it was time to take some of Reidia's advice. I just hope I know what I am doing!
Ok Ordici, time to get a grip on yourself. She will be coming back any minute, you got to do this quick. I told myself as Briana left me in her cottage. I went into my backpack and I started to set things up. Candles over here on this table, candles on that table. I pull out my lute and I test its strings. Yes, perfect!
I went to the well to get some water. I filled the tub half way with the cold water, then I went to the hearth and I began to boil water. I couldn't help being nervous. At any time my Briana could be back. I could only hope that it would take a while longer.
Finally the water on the hearth was just right. I added to the water in the tub. Belar! The steam almost knocked me back. I went back into the main room and got a couple more candles. I set them up in the room with the bath and then I started lighting all the candles I had laid out. As I get to the candles in the front room I accidentally knocked a parchment off the table.
I mumbled to myself, 'Need to move this, I don't want it getting burned!'
I took a glance at it, but the light wasn't good enough to see what was written, so I opened the drawer and stuck it in there.
All of the sudden the front door slams open.
'Ordici, I can explain!' My Briana stood in the doorway looking as if all the Gods were going to strike her down where she stood.
'What happened?' I said, with fear in my voice, as I started moving towards her.

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Briana
'Ordici, I can explain!' I cried, fear in my voice. Belar! Why did I leave that bloody scroll lying about?
'What happened?' he asked, his face suddenly filled with fear. Was it because of what he read, or because of my reaction?
I suddenly felt very unsure of myself. 'I...did...what were you doing?' I asked, trying to control my voice.
'I didn't want this scroll to catch fire so I put it in the drawer. Briana, what's the matter? You look pale,' he said, walking to me and taking my cold hands in his.
'Fire?' I murmured. 'What...?' It was then that I noticed the room. Candles were lit on every surface, casting a warm glow about the room. 'Ordici, it's beautiful' I whispered, hugging him tightly, the fear in my chest abating. He hadn't read the scroll after all. I continued clinging to him until he pulled me off of him.
'Come on, there's more' he whispered, leading to me to my room which held a tub full of steaming hot water. 'I thought I would return the favour and prepare a bath for you, just as you did for me,' he said, his voice shaking just a little now, his face unsure. I smiled, beaming at him.
'You're so sweet, love, thank you for thinking of me' I told him. He blushed.
'I...I'll leave you alone. T...Take your time, I'll be waiting for you with another surprise' he said, smiling, and gently closing the door behind him. I took off my clothes and slipped in to the perfectly heated bathtub with a sigh. Everything was ok. He didn't know about the scroll and I hoped to Belar he never would. I didn't want him ever doubting my love for him. I leaned back in the water, letting it relax away my tension. I soon found myself drifting off in to a light, comfortable sleep.

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Ordici
I smiled to myself as I closed the bedroom door. Things were going great with Briana. But I couldn't help but wonder why she seamed so terrified when she came back.
As she was taking her bath I left the cottage to scout around the cottage to make sure everything was ok. Not seeing any tracks, or any disturbances on this quiet, star filled night I went back into the cottage.
'She should have been out by now,' I mumbled to myself, 'I guess she must be relaxing.' I went around the cottage lighting more candles. And I picked took my lute out of it's case. I strummed it a few times. 'Have to tune the third cord,' I mumbled.
As I tuned my string I thought back to the picnic earlier. I couldn't believe how big Briana's eyes got as she looked down at the blanket and the basket. Gods I loved the look in her eyes as I started to pass out the food.
Setting my lute by the couch I went and knocked on the bedroom door, calling Briana's name softly. 'Funny,' I told myself, 'She isn't answering.' I knocked a little louder and opened the door a crack.
Briana is everything... I gasped. I couldn't help it. Briana's body was just perfect. I stood their like a fool as she opened her beautiful eyes look right into my eyes. I couldn't help it. I started blushing furiously and I made my move towards the door almost knocking over a candle.
'I'm... I'm... Sorry... I am so sorry Bri,' I said as I was about to close the door.
'Ordici, wait!' Briana's voice stopped me in my tracks. 'Ordici please don't leave. Come here, it's ok,' she said in a quivering voice.
'I... I.. I cccc... Can't. Briana,' I said in a rush, 'How can you ever forgive me? I am so sorry!'
'Ordici,' she said, turning me to face her, 'It's all right, my love. Everything is all right.' Then she kissed me. Standing there in nothing but what the gods gave her. We started kissing tentatively at first. The next thing I knew we were kissing seriously. My knees started to turn to jelly. I reached out for her waist and felt her smooth skin. Belar, what was I doing?!! I pulled away quickly.
'Bri.. Briana.. We got to slow down. I... I want to but...' then she stopped with a finger to my lips.
'Shhhh. It's ok Ordici. Don't apologise. Let me get dressed and I will see you in the main room.'
I quickly went back out to the main room, sitting on the couch next to my forgotten lute.
'Awwww!' I groaned, 'I am going to hate myself in the morning.'

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Briana
I watched as Ordici rushed from the room and took a deep, calming breath. I couldn't believe I had done what I had just done. But I had my reasons, even if no one but me understood them. Ordici was young, and he was an adventurer, which meant he was going to be travelling the world. He'd meet lots of other women, and I wanted to give him something to remember. Something he would come home to. Me. And now I could only hope he wouldn't find me to be some kind of cheap tart.
I got dressed and went out in to the living room to find Ordici sitting by the hearth, his head in his hands, mumbling to himself. I just took a moment to watch him, falling deeper in love with him every second.
'Ordici' I whsipered, and he jumped to his feet.
'Briana! I...I...I'm so so sorry. Can you ever forgive me?' he pleaded. I went to him, a tender smile on my face.
'Oh Ordici, when are you going to stop apologizing to me? I love you. You don't ever have to apologize for showing affection. When will you get that through your skull?' I asked. He just stared at me, with pain in his eyes. I could see he still didn't understand what I was trying to tell him. Maybe he was just too young to cope with those kinds of emotions. 'Ordici, sit down and let me explain something to you,' I told him, taking him to sit by the hearth. 'Do you know what unconditional love is? A love that has no boundaries, or rules. It means that no matter what happens, or what you do, or don't do, I will love you and forgive you. All I ask is your honesty and loyalty. Does that make sense?' I asked, watching him mull it over in his mind.
He finally nodded and smiled. 'I understand. And I swear to you Briana, I will never do anything to purposely hurt you. I...I...I love you' he managed to get out. We kissed again, tenderly and softly. Ordici soon rose to his feet. 'It's late, I really should be going if I'm going to get any kind of camp set up,' he said.
I looked at him, a bit surprised. 'Don't be silly, you'll stay here tonight' I told him.
'Briana!' he cried out in shock. 'A kiss is one thing but that...!'
'Ordici!' I said, shaking my head and pointing to the pallet next to the hearth. 'I meant there, not my bed!' I said, laughing at his now crimson face.
'Oh' he said, and a moment later, we were both laughing together.

The rattling of the shudders awoke me from my light slumber. The wind had picked up and the night had turned cold. I burrowed into my blankets, trying to get warm. Then I thought of Ordici, out on the pallet by the hearth. I climbed out of my warm bed and walked in to the other room. There was Ordici, curled into a little ball next to a burned out hearth. He looked like he was freezing there in the corner.
I walked to his sleeping form, whispering softly, 'Ordici. Ordici, wake up,' I said, gently shaking him.
'Briana?' he asked, his mind sleep fogged. 'What's wrong?' he mumbled, and I saw his body shiver.
'Come with me, hon' I whispered, taking his ice cold hand and pulling him to his feet.
'Briana?' he questioned again, rubbing his eyes.
'Shhh, just come with me' I told him, leading him to my bedroom. 'Get under the covers' I said, leading him to the bed.
He groggily got under the covers, his body shivering, he burrowed himself into their downy warmth, and curled himself into a ball once again, trying to get warm. I crawled in to bed with him, and rubbed his back, and arms, warming him up. His body finally relaxed, and uncurled as he drifted off again into a peaceful slumber. I brushed back a lock of his hair, watching him sleep for a time, then falling in to a deep slumber myself.
When I awoke the next morning it was to find myself wrapped securely in Ordici's arms, my head on his chest. He was staring down at me, a look of wonder on his face.
'I want to wake up this way every day for the rest of my life' he whispered, then shook himself, as if he couldn't believe he had said the words out loud. I giggled. He was so adoreable, this man that I was coming to love more and more each day. I couldn't help myself, I lifted my head, kissing him, slow long and deep. When I pulled away, his face was flushed, and his gaze was locked with mine. Then he smiled, and looked away.
'How did I get here?' he asked.
'The night got cold so I went to check on you. The hearth was out and you were curled up in a shivering ball. I couldn't leave you there to freeze, so I brought you in here. It helped us both stay warm,' I informed him, smiling.
'I love you,' he said, kissing my cheek.
'You know what that means, don't you?' I asked. For a moment his eyes went wild. 'W...w...what?'
'It means you cook breakfast' I said, grinning and burrowing back under my blankets. 'Kitchen is that way' I said, laughing and pointing. He rolled his eyes and groaned, then laughed, climbing out of bed.
'You're right, it's only fair. You gave me a warm bed, I'll give you a warm meal'. I smiled as I watched him walk out of the room.
'I hope we can wake up this way for the rest of our lives too' I whispered.

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Ordici
'Belar what must she think!' I mumbled to myself as I headed for the pantry. 'I hope I didn't scare her away!'
I got out the things I would need as I started the fire in the hearth. But, Belar what a way to wake up! I couldn't believe it. Waking up with Briana in my arms felt so right. But what must she think of me! As I fixed a stew in the kettle upon the hearth I took the bacon that I salvaged from the pantry and I put them on the lid, the sizzling helping me to think my way through this.
Reidia will know what I should do. She knows all about women! Feeling better, I went to the cupboard and pulled out a plate. I went back to the hearth and ladled out the stew, putting the bacon on the side.
Now for the final touch. I took a yellow rose from a vase on the table and put it on the plate to the side of the food. I then took some oranges out of the bag near the cabinet and cut one in half with my dagger. As I was widdlen on the orange, I couldn't help but think back to earlier in the
morning. Belar, I prayed I haven't asked for much in this life, and pa throwing me out was a heavy blow. But please, Belar, please help me to keep my Briana!
With a small sigh I looked at the orange. It was perfect! Then I took the rest of the oranges and I made some orange juice. I gathered all the food and the special orange in the shape of a heart with an arrow going through it and I silently went back to the bedroom door. I creaked the door open and peeked inside. My heart almost burst. Briana was sleeping and she was holding the pillow I used tightly against her. The pillow had my hat on it, and she had her cheek against it.
'Belar,' I mumbled, 'she does love me.'
I couldn't help what I did next. I just put the food on the bed beside her, and then I leaned over her beautiful sleeping face. I kissed her tenderly and as she woke she kissed me back and pulled me close. And what she whispered to me made me smile.
'Thank Belar last night wasn't a dream.' She opened her silvery eyes and kissed my cheek. 'I love you, can I keep you?'

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Briana
I was awoken by a gentle kiss and opened my eyes to see Ordici, standing there. I smiled whispering, 'Thank Belar last night wasn't a dream,' I whispered, kissing his cheek. I grinned at him. 'I love you, can I keep you?' I asked.
He blushed slightly and answered, 'I'd love nothing more' he said, kissing me softly. Then he smiled. 'Look! Breakfast! Scoot over woman!' he said, laughing.
We sat there in bed, eating a leisurely breakfast, talking about some of our more interesting adventurers. Apparently he and his friend Maochro got themselves in to quite a few scrapes and close calls, but always managed to either fight, lie, or sneak their way out. I was laughing so hard, I had a hard time even eating. It was nice seeing him so relaxed and at ease. He didn't stutter at all, and as he held my hand, stroking it with his thumb, it was totally unconscious on his part.
We spent an hour that way, just talking, and getting to know more about each other. It was all too soon when Ordici said he had better get back to Camaar. They didn't expect him to be gone so long, and he didn't want any of his clan mates to worry about him. And he didn't want to get into trouble with Urmela.
I helped him gather his things, and gave him some food for his long walk home. I tried not to let him see how my heart was breaking at his leaving. I walked him to the door and I could see he didn't want to leave either.
I hugged him, holding him tightly, wishing he could stay just a little longer. Finally I let him go, and we kissed, tenderly at first, and then with more passion He finally pulled away, a look of regret on his face.
'I better leave, before I can't,' he said, caressing my face and backing away. 'I love you, and I'll be back soon, alright' he said, and I was surprised to see a tear roll down one cheek.
'I love you too, Ordici. Stay safe and come back to me soon' I said, my voice cracking with emotion. With that, he turned and walked away, and I hurried inside, so that if he looked back, he wouldn't see me crying.

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Ordici
I can't believe it, I thought to myself as I was sitting in my room back at the Clan Hall. She actually loves me. I just couldn't believe it. I was shocked to the core.
I got up and looked in the mirror, felling my scar with a finger. I couldn't get her out of my head. I went down to the dining room grinning when I got back from reporting to Urmela. Sure she was worried, but I am at the stage in my training where she knows I will be coming back alive, and she has bigger things to worry about.
Suddenly there was a knock on my door. I came out of my daydream and opened the door. Xanya was standing there, she looked at me and said Ordici,
'There is a young girl waiting for you in the lounge. She says it is important she sees you. I don't remember her name.'
As I made my way down to the lounge I couldn't help but remember my last moments with Briana. She just turned my knees to jelly as she kissed me goodbye. 'Please come back soon,' she told me as she said goodbye, then she ran back into her cottage. I started walking back to Camaar, back to my duties, and I felt as if I was leaving a piece of myself behind.
I came back upon that small hill and saw the same kind of flower that I played She loves me, she loves me not with and I picked one. I inhaled it's lovely fragrance and then I gently held it as I walked back to Camaar. As I looked again at that flower as I saw Camaar in the distance I just chuckled. Well, She loves me. No matter what that stupid flower said!
I enter the clan hall and my jaw just drops. Sitting there by the fountain is one of the prettiest girls in all the lands. She turns and smiles at me as I just stare. She rushes over to me and gives me a big hug, followed by a peck on the cheek.
'Ordici,' she breathes at me, 'I thought I would never see you again!'
I just stood there with my mouth wide open. This was the last thing I expected. She rushed over to me and gave me a really big hug. And then this pretty young woman kisses me on the lips. I begin to sweat as I hug her and kiss her back.
'Ordiana, You've grown up beautifully,' I say dumbfounded as her dimples light up the room as she smiles. 'What are you doing here little sister?'
'Pa sent me. He... He told me you needed to see this!' She winces as she sees the rage in my eyes.
'Torak take our...' I almost screamed as she put her fingers to my lips to stop me.
'Pa said the world may hang on this Ordici. For me, will you read it?'
I could never tell my sister now when she threw her puppy dog eyes in my direction. But should I read it? I thought as I was handed the parchment.

I stood there looking at the fear in Ordiana's eyes as I held the sealed note in my hand. Should I read it? I couldn't help but think. It would serve the old man right if I just threw this in the Fire. After throwing me out of the house at 13 to fend for myself I owed Pa nothing! Nothing! I could keep telling myself that, but looking into my little sisters eyes and Thinking about her words The fate of the world rides on this! I couldn't not read what that bastard sent me!
I looked once more at my little sister and she put her hand to her mouth. She could always tell what I was feeling, and the pain must have been showing in my eyes. How could that bastard put her into this position? And how could he use the one thing he knew I loved above all others against me? All others that is until I found my Briana.
With a tear rolling down my cheek and catching in my scar I broke the wax seal to the letter that damned my life forever.
'Ordici
I know I have never been much of a father to you, I threw you out of the house at such a young age because I couldn't bear to watch you grow up, knowing that I would be the one to crush you in the end.
My son I know you will never believe me when I say that I loved you before all others, and know that I have had to share the pain that you will undoubtedly go through.
I don't know how to tell you, so I will just show you the prophecy, and hope you will abide by it. Please my son, The fate of the world depends on this.
Dad.'
After reading my pa's letter I couldn't believe what I read.... He loved me! That is a lie, you do not push away those you love. And what Prophecy was the old man talking about? I look at the next parchment, old and faded and this is where my world truly ended. And I realized I must lose my Briana.
'Rhellan men Beware! You are to form no attachments for your path has already been chosen. You must not marry for love, for upon you falls a duty, and a sacrifice.
Your house is very old, and your blood will need to be merged with the blood of another house. Equally as old and equally as important.
Know that when your house has a third son, that the time of this boon shall be soon. For unto the third son will be born one that will shake the world, and shall have a small part to play before the Final Meeting can take place.
For this third son shall have to find another who's own prophecy shall be revealed. And unto her shall fall this greatest of burdens to be shared by thee. Hasten therefore to my design for when thou sire's knoweth that thou hast taken a part in my design.'
I dropped the parchment and pulled my sister to me.
'Ordiana, say it isn't so. For I have found the woman I love beyond all others! Please little sister. Tell me that there is another way!' I cried onto her shoulder as she gently held me, her tears falling with mine.

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Briana
I was getting restless again. It was like Uncle used to say, 'Rangers aren't meant to sit in one place for too long'. My heart was torn between taking to the road, and waiting at home in the hopes that Ordici would come back soon.
But he had his life and I had mine, and I couldn't put mine on hold to wait for him. As much as I wanted to. That thought alone scared me. I loved him with all of my heart, but I was starting to wonder what married life would me. If we were to get married that was. Was I going to turn in to some fat, old, housewife, having kids, and tending to the garden while my husband was off adventuring. No, that was definitely not going to be my future. If anything, we would be doing our adventuring together. I did want children though. I think it was necessary according to that bloody prophecy about bloodlines.
I tried to imagine myself with a child. Would it be a boy or a girl? A boy would be nice. Ordici would like that. But myself, I think I'd like a little girl. I could just imagine how protective Ordici would be of a little girl. I smiled. I couldn't imagine Ordici as a father quite yet. He was still so young himself. But someday. Maybe after we had been married a few years. If we got married. Argh, sitting in the cottage with my mind going in circles was driving me mad. I had to get out. I got out my pack, and gathered up my traveling gear and shut up the cottage. I penned a note to Ord, telling him which direction I was heading, and letting him know I'd leave markings for him if he wanted to follow. I signed it with love, and nailed it to my front door.
I thought maybe I'd head for Darine, just for a change of scenery. I hadn't been there in a long time, and thought it might be nice to see some old friends I had there. I wasn't taking the roads though. I was going through the forests and hills. Why go the easy, boring way, when there was a world of forest to make your way through? I smiled, happy to be out on the road once again.

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Ordici
I held my sister for seemed liked hours as she rocked my back and forth slowly, whispering in my ear everything will be ok. But how could it? I was just told by the man I hate most in this world that my heart doesn't matter.
Some moth eaten' old prophecy that needs my Sacrifice so the world will turn out it's way. How would anything ever be alright again. And Briana! What of Briana's heart. She finally said she loves me, and it can come to naught.
I pulled away from Ordiana and looked at the tears flowing down her face. My little sister, now three and ten, and Pa sent her here alone looking for me. How could she! I wanted to hate her, but it wasn't her fault. Damn the old man for this anyhow!
'Ordiana,' I asked with my heart in my throat, 'I have to ask you do something that you probrably won't thank me for. I can not face Briana alone. Would you, I mean could you please come with me?'
'Yes Ordici, I will go with you. You need me more than Pa does right now, ' she answered as she caressed my cheek. I can't tell you how much I love that girl. She is the best part of me.
So we headed to the stables and I saddled my horse, and picked a nice roan for my sister and we headed off to the forest around Sendar, there to break more than just my heart, but my entire life.
So there we were, Ordiana and I, leaving through the North Gate of Camaar on the road to Sendar. We didn't really talk too much, except for me telling her about Briana. I just couldn't let go of the fact that the one thing I wanted in all this world would forever be denied to me. She tried to tell me about my Older Brothers and about Ma and Pa, and I yelled at her it didn't matter. I have never yelled at my sister, so it took a while for her to talk to me again.
I immediately apologized of course. But what does a family that had no need for me really matter. But Ordiana, she was different. She was my sister. The one woman I could count on to always be there for me, when I needed her.
As we reached the rise in front of her cottage I just dismounted and fell to my knees. Oriana didn't say a word. She climbed down off her horse and sat down next to me. Just looking at the scenery. God how I love her. She gave me the time I needed to pull myself together. Then, walking our horses we made our way down to the cottage. We tied the reins up to a birch tree and the horses started Grazing. Then we made our way to the door.
Nailed to the door was a note. It was addressed to me.
'Ordici,
I had to get out in the open air again, to feel the stars overhead. If you come back and find this here know that I am on My way to Darine, and I am going through the forest.
I will mark my trail by marking every maple I come to with an X. Just go the way the X's are on the tree. If you are facing the tree the X will show you I went Straight ahead from that direction.
Know that I love you and I can't wait to see you. Please hurry and find me.
I love you,
Briana.'
I conferred with my sister, and we decided to walk to Darine. We put the horses out in the penned in field, got some supplies from the cottage. Ok so I picked the lock, but Briana would understand. And then we started through the forest, following all the marks we could find.

It had just gotten dark as Ordiana and I noticed the smoke, and the small beacon in the distance that could only be a campfire.
'Ordiana, sister...' I said as she took my hand, 'I am not sure that I could do this.'
Ordiana knew everything about Briana and I. I had to keep talking, one of the major rules of mine I have never broken on the trail. But I couldn't help it. Prophecy demanded that I give up the only thing I have ever wanted in my life. And I just kept imagining the hole I would feel in myself when I was forced to walk away from the girl of my dreams. That isn't to say that Briana was the only thing my sister and I talked about on the trail. Apparently my brothers were pleasing my father, where I could not. How in the hell could that Bastard say that he loved me above all others! He had pushed me out of his life, to fend for myself!
I stopped in my tracks as I gasp in astonishment. My sister looked at me with her eyebrow raised. What's wrong? my sister asked me. I couldn't move, I couldn't respond! I was going to have to push Briana out of my life... And she would feel about me, the way that I feel about my father!
Finally, after what seamed like an eternity, but was probably more than a few minutes I wiped my eyes and started towards that campfire, both hoping that that was Briana down there... And praying to Belar that it wasn't.

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Briana
I set up my camp for the night, and sat by the !fire, staring up at the stars, enjoying the soft breeze on my face. It felt so good to be out among nature and the stars. The sound of the leaves in the trees, crickets, frogs. The sounds I had grown so used to and missed when I was cooped up in my cottage.
I watched the smoke trail up through the leaves of the trees. There was something about the smell of a campfire that brought me a great sense of comfort. I reached in to my pack and pulled out the faded parchment, reading it once again.

'And there shall come a time, when the two houses
shall be joined by blood, for it is only by this
joining that destiny shall be fulfilled. Though
it shall be a small act the fruit of this joining
needs be perform, it is critical in the fight
against Torak One Eye. If the bloodlines are not
joined, many shall needlessly die at the hand of
the evil one's minions.'

I sighed, folding the parchment up and putting it back in my pack. Please, Belar, don't let this interfere with things with Ordici. I turned the pheasant over the fire, then stared in to the flames for awhile, thinking about what my future would be like without Ordici in it, and I couldn't bare the thought. I leaned back against the log, staring up at the stars and began sending up prayers to Belar.
I heard the sounds of footfalls walking in the direction of my camp. I swiftly got to my feet, slowly unsheathing my sword, and walking around so my back was to the campfire. I stepped off to the side into some trees, and waited as the footsteps grew closer. My first thought was it was only Ordici, following me as I had hoped, but the sound of a second set of feet had me on alert. I watched as the two figures walked into my camp. A man and girl, holding hands, glancing around. I squinted into the darkness, and as they stepped in to the light of my campfire I realized who it was.
'Ordici!' I cried, stepping out from my concealed spot. Then halted, as I saw him holding hands with the girl, who couldn't be more than three and ten. The second thing I noticed was his face. The look of anguish in his face tore at my heart.
'Ordici' I whispered hoarsely, 'what is it? What's happened?' I asked.
He looked at the girl next to him, unable to speak as tears began to stream down his face. I looked to the girl, hoping she could explain what was going on.
'Hello Briana, my name is Ordiana, I'm Ordici's little sister' she said, curtseying slightly. 'He...he really needs to talk with you' she said, letting go of his hand and pushing him forward, as though he was unable to walk on his own.
I reached for his hand pulling him to me. 'Ordici, please, talk to me. You're scaring me' I said, holding him tightly. He began to sob uncontrollably on my shoulder, and I looked at his sister, who was quietly crying as she watched the two of us. I didn't know what to do, or say, so I just held him as he cried. Finally, he got control of himself and spoke haltingly. 'Briana...I...I love you...you know I love you. But...but...' he began to cry once more. 'Oh Belar, help me' he cried. 'Briana, you and I can never be together' he said, falling to his knees, crying in to his hands. I stared at him, my heart breaking in two. 'I'm promised to another' he said, he teeth clenched.

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Ordici
I looked up at Briana and I said through clenched teeth, 'I can not marry you, I belong to another!' Those words left my mouth and put a hole in my heart.
'What do you mean you are promised to another?' Briana looked at me and put her hand to her mouth as tears filled her eyes. I couldn't help it. I looked away and told her my tale. Oriana was beside me the whole time, with her hand upon my back, her tears flowing as well.
I told Briana about how My father threw me out at three and ten. I told her how I had to survive until Reidia and Wylset found me that day near the cliffs. I told her how Mortiris invited me to join the Adventurers.
Things she already knew. She let me speak, she didn't interrupt. She sat back on the log she was using as a chair and just listened. I am sure her heart was breaking seeing me like this. To tell the truth, my heart had already broken.
Then I finally got to the point. The stars were winking overhead and the fire was running low. I told her about that damned Prophecy that the old man had sent me.
I showed her the letter, and she read it and gasped! Here it comes, I thought as she read it over. Here is where my life is to end. And I will go on forever without my Briana.
Briana dropped the parchment on the ground and gasped. I saw the fear in her eyes as she looked back at me. And knelt there, waiting for the hammer to fall.

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Briana
I stared at Ordici, his words finally penetrating my numb mind.
'But Ordici, wait!' I ran over to my pack, pulling out the parchment I had stowed there. I was running back to his side when a piercing pain hit me in the back, and I fell forward, clutching the prophecy in my hand. 'Ordic....' I moaned as I hit the forest floor. A voice rang out from the forest.
'In the name of Kal' Torak, that prophecy shall not come to pass!' Suddenly my camp was surrounded by men. I looked down at the arrow shaft sticking out of my chest, the blood pooling all around me. I could feel the life flowing out of me, just as I heard the sound of Ordici's sword, and his yelling at Ordiana to run.
I watched as he fought bravely, his whole heart in the fight. Four men went down as the fifth turned to run. Ordici began to give chase when I moaned his name.
'Ordici....' He stopped, turning back to me, gasping my name.
'Briana!' he cried, running to my side. 'Ordiana, help me, she's hurt!' he cried, cradling my head, staring at the arrow sticking out of my chest. 'I've got to pull this out Briana, it's going to hurt' he said, tears rolling down his cheeks. I stayed his hand, shaking my head.
'It's too late my love. This is a wound I cannot survive' I gasped out, my hand reaching for his face one last time...'My love...my heart...I love you. Goodbye my Ordici,' I whispered, tears of pain and sorrow rolling down my face....

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Ordici
'Briana! Nooooooooooo!!!!' I shouted out in pain and grief, crying my eyes out like never before. Oriana was safe. My little sister who just witnessed my loss.
I can't tell you how long I held my Briana. Lost to our memories of the few short months I had with her. Her smile and how it lit up my world. Her beautiful eyes and how I could lose my soul for hours.
I continued to rock her body and to speak incoherently, Oriana by my side. She reached down and picked up the parchment that Briana so recklessly got out of her bag. I couldn't read it, the tears and smoke from the fire were in burning my eyes.
But somehow I dried up my tears, and my still bloody hands left fingerprints all over the parchment.
After reading the words I fell into a stupor. All this worrying and all this running around was for nothing. Briana was the woman named in my prophecy.
I couldn't believe it. I showed it to Oriana and she just gasped. I saw the fear in her eyes as we both came to realize just what those words for Kal Torak meant. The dark prophecy had won this round. And beyond that.
I have lost the one thing most dear in my life...
I had lost my Briana.

I guess that you could ask me how long I held Briana's lifeless body their by that fire. I guess you could ask me what I did. To tell you the truth, I just don't remember.
Let me rephrase that. I just don't remember it all. I remember bits and pieces of that night after my world came crashing down upon me. I can remember walking back to Briana's cottage with her lifeless corpse resting on my shoulders, carrying her as if she was a freshly killed deer.
I can remember setting her down on her porch while I picked the lock and went inside.
But I just can't remember how Oriana and I got Briana back to her cottage. I know I must have been crying, cuz I had mud streaks on my face as I gently laid Briana down on her bedroom floor next to the empty tub.
After heating some water on the hearth I poured out the kettle and got a damp cloth. I sponged around the hole in her stomached and the hole in her back. And then I removed the rest of her clothing and washed the corpse down.
Those silvery eyes that have haunted my dreams, that I could lose my soul in for hours were unresponsive. As I cleaned up her corpse I went to get my pack where I got some catgut string and a curved needle and I began to stitch my poor Briana.
After all this I couldn't help it. I just began to cry again. I don't know what came over me but I picked up her lifeless hand in mine and I leaned over her for one final kiss. As i kissed her lifeless lips I felt her hand clinch. I looked back into her lifeless eyes and realized it was a muscle spasm.
You can tell me what you like. But until my dying day I will remember that spasm for what I felt it was meant to be. One final I love you from the woman I loved.

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