Storyboards: Briana

Briana's beginning | Homecoming | Into Sendar | Promising beginnings | The Meeting | Going home | The next meeting | The preparations | Tables turning | Night chills | Partings | On the road again | Camping out | Pain and suffering | Ambush

Links: Briana's profile

Briana's beginning
I stirred the fire before leaning back against the log serving as my chair for the evening. I stretched out my legs, crossing them, warming my feet by the fire. It had been a damp, misty, day and I felt like I would never be dry again.
"Ahh the life of a Ranger," I thought to myself with a laugh. I let my mind wander back to the years before, when I left home to start on this 'career' path.

My uncle Dunrick had been visiting us in our little farmhouse in Sendar, regaling us with stories of his adventures as a Ranger. Every night, we'd gather by the hearth while he told us stories of Trolls, demons, wolves, and all manner of creatures that he had come across in his travels. I was completely enthralled as I listened to his smooth cadence. If he ever tired of Rangering, he could make quite a living as a bard.
I was fifteen and itching to get out of our sleepy little village. I wanted to see the world, the world uncle Dunrick saw. With much begging, pleading, and otherwise grovelling, my parents agreed to let me accompany uncle Dunrick on his travels and learn the way of the Rangers. I don't think I slept a wink the night before we were to leave.
Uncle came and got me before dawn, and we said our goodbyes to my family, my mother wiping away tears on her apron. My father telling my uncle not to get me killed, and to train me well. My uncle handed me a pack, a bedroll, and a stout stick, and we were on our way. I didn't look back, because I knew if I did, I would see my mother crying, and it would be my undoing.
I wasn't quite ready for the life I so happily jumped into. For one thing, the ground was terribly hard to sleep on, and the nights got awfully cold. After the first week, I was cold, tired, miserable and wanted to go home. I would often cry in my bedroll at night when I knew uncle couldn't hear me.
After about the fifteenth day, we made camp in a shady little glen, with a small stream loaded with fish. It was there at that stream as I listlessly cast my line in to the water that my uncle came and sat down next to me.
"So, are you giving up, Bri? Ready to go home?" he asked matter of factly.
I looked at him in surprise. I thought I had hid how miserable I was, but apparently 15-year-old girls are pretty transparent. I had hung my head a bit as I answered him. "This isn't quite what I expected I guess, Uncle".
"It hasn't been all bad has it?" he asked, his head cocked, his expression curious.
I smiled. "No, it hasn't been all bad. I know what leaves are safe to eat, or brew for tea. I know what plants can be used to make healing poultices. It's been fun learning about all of that I suppose. I think I can figure out what animal makes most any given track now, and what animal makes what kind of spore." I said, shrugging. "I just thought there would be more excitement, like in the stories you tell" I said looking up him.
He ruffled my hair and laughed. "You're not quite ready for that kind of adventure little one. But, it's time to start your real training. The training that will keep you alive out in the wild. It's all well and good to know what you can eat to keep alive, but that doesn't do much good when you've got a warg trying to bite your neck, or a thief waiting to gut you for your coin purse".
Uncle Dunrick got up and went to his pack, pulling out something wrapped in leather. "Come here, Bri" he called.
I put my pole down and went to where uncle Dunrick was standing in the middle of a clearing. He unwrapped the object wrapped in leather and I gasped. I could see the hilt of a sword sticking out of a scabbard. He handed it to me.
"Alright young lady, strap that on to your belt and see how it feels". With wide eyes I undid my belt and slid the scabbard on to it, and cinched it up again. I looked up at my uncle, asking unspoken permission. He nodded, I pulled the shining, steel, sword from the scabbard and held it in my hand. Its size was perfect for me, and the balance of the blade was amazing. I'd never felt anything like it in my life. "It's a Rivan short sword," uncle Dunrick had told me. "A fine blade, one that it's time you learn to use. I've kept us in relatively safe places up until now, teaching you about the plants and animals, but beyond this place are animals, as well as humans, who will want to kill you. If you thought things were hard the last couple of weeks, they are about to get harder. We are going to camp here for awhile, and you are going to learn how to fight using a sword and a dagger. I'm going to push you to the limits, and by the time you go to bed at night, you're going to be sore and exhausted. So I need to hear you say it Briana. Is this really the life you want to lead? Is it truly the path you want to take? If not, I'll take you home, and you can go back to your easy life on the farm" he said, looking at me intently.
I stood there for a moment, staring at the sword in my hand. Slashing it through the air experimentally a few times. Was this what I wanted? Spending my nights sleeping on the ground, always on guard for who might be trying to sneak up on me? I smiled. By the Gods, this is what I wanted, more than anything else, and I would let nothing stand in my way. Not even myself.
"This is what I want Uncle Dunrick. I want to be a Ranger. A real Ranger, just like you" I said, putting as much steel in to my voice as a 15-year-old girl can manage.
Uncle grinned, slapped me on the back and nodded. "That's my girl! All right then" he said, pulling his sword out of its scabbard, "let the real training begin".

I smiled to myself thinking back to those early days. Uncle was right. He had pushed me hard every single day. I went to bed, sore, bruised, and wanting to give up, but every morning, Uncle Dunrick was there, getting me up, and teaching me all that he knew.
That was two years ago, and thinking of my beloved Uncle Dunrick made me want to cry. About a year ago he had given his life to save me from some fearsome leeches I foolishly stumbled in to. He fought bravely, but alas, it wasn't enough to save him. I had been on my own for a year now. It was time to head back to Sendar to my family and with luck, a new teacher to complete my training.

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Homecoming
I took my time in making my way home to Sendar, staying off the main roads, and the Tolnedren highway. I preferred walking through the forest, as it had become my home away from home the last two years. I felt much more comfortable surrounded by the trees and animals, than I did with people. I had been alone for too long I suppose. I found that when I entered large cities, there always seemed to be an itch between my shoulder blades, like I was about to take a bolt from a crossbow at any second. Call it paranoia on my part, but I learned the hard way that in the big cities, it was best to be on guard at all times.
I circled around the city of Tol Rane and took the long way to Sendar, reacquainting myself with my old home stomping grounds. It took about a week to reach my parents farm outside of Sendar. I stood outside for a time, looking at our little home.
It had seemed so big to me when I had left two years ago. But now, it was no more than a squat little cottage. I felt a pain in my heart as a piece of my childhood fell away, never to be recaptured again.
I saw a man come around the side of the house, his arms loaded up with a pile of firewood, piled so high that he didn't even notice me. Father. I wanted to call out to him, but I didn't. I stood there instead watching him as he stacked the wood on the porch outside the door. He hadn't changed much. Maybe a few more grey hairs, and his stomach was a little rounder, but by and large, he looked like the man I had left behind. I finally stepped forward from behind the tree I had been leaning on, and called out a soft greeting.
"Hello Father, still keeping that wood pile well stocked I see" I said, grinning.
He turned, looking at me, his eyes going wide. "Briana? My little Bri? Is that really you?" he asked, happiness finally overcoming his shock. He held out his arms and I ran to him like I had done as a child. Old habits die hard, I thought as I buried my face in his neck, inhaling his familiar scent of wood smoke, horses, and leather. He pushed me back, looking me up and down. "Let me look at ye girl. If I hadn't a raised you meself, I'd swear you weren't my little girl. You're all grown up now, aren't you Bri?" he asked, his voice a little sad.
"I will always be Daddy's little girl, father. That will never change" I reminded him with a smile, kissing him softly on the cheek. His eyes began to well up, and not wanting me to see he turned away from me towards the house.
"Mother! Mother get yerself out here woman!" he called, his voice a bit choked and hoarse. The front door opened, and mother stepped out, wiping her floured hands on her apron.
"What do you want ya big..." her voice trailed off as her eyes landed upon me.
She burst in to tears almost immediately as she ran down the step the three steps that lead up to the house, straight to me, wrapping her arms around me, her body wracked with sobs. "My baby, oh thanks be Belar, my baby has come home" she cried, looking me up and down, taking note of all of the new scars I had acquired on my travels with Uncle Dunrick...and without him.
Where's that knob of a brother of mine?" Father asked. "Did he stopped at an inn in Sendar to quench his thrist?" he asked heartily. I took a deep breath, and explained how Uncle Dunrick had lost his life to save mine. Father grew silent, and drew away from mother and me for a time, letting the news sink in. Mother took my hand, pulling me towards the house.
"Give him some time, love. Come inside and lets get some food in to you, and you can tell me all about your adventures". With one last glance at my father, I followed mother in to the house, happy to be home, even if it was just for a little while.

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Into Sendar
Story written between Briana and Ordici (compiled version here)
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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Promising beginnings
Story written between Briana and Ordici (compiled version here)
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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The Meeting
Story written between Briana and Ordici (compiled version here)
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.
Continued here.
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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Going home
Story written between Briana and Ordici (compiled version here)
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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The next meeting
Story written between Briana and Ordici (compiled version here)
"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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The preparations
"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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Tables turning
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.

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Night chills
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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Partings
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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On the road again
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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Camping out
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.

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Pain and suffering
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, his teeth clenched.

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Ambush
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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