Shade walked into the Inn's pub section late at night. The night had been warm, breezy, refreshing, and calming while he was walking. He had seen sights he had never experienced, he was a forest man and he only spoke to villagers he encounter while traveling the paths to the next forest. This was his first time in a village and he felt out of place. He had seen an Inn named Kaima Inn, which also housed a pub, and had decided to spend the night in it. He remembered his talk with the Inn owner.

--Flashback Snip--

Shade entered the inn and saw a counter with a man behind it. He approached the man and bowed. The man looked up and smiled at the stranger. "Welcome good sir. This is the Kaima Inn. Would you like a room for the night?" The Innkeeper asked Shade nodded and smiled. "If you can find me an accommodation that would be wonderful." Shade said

The Innkeeper smiled and looked through his book he found a room that was vacant on the second floor and retrieved the key from the wall behind him. "Your room is on the second floor sir. Under what name should I put the room?" The Innkeeper asked Shade took the offered key that followed the question. "Simply Shade will do." Shade said

The Innkeeper stepped from behind the counter and extended his hand toward the stairs. "This way sir. If your interested we have a pub on the second floor down the opposite hallway. It has a fine selection of wines, teas, and ales." The Innkeeper said

--End Flashback Snip--

Shade had left his backpack and scimitar in his room and he had folded his wings in tight as comfortably as he could then he had headed down to the pub. He saw all sorts of people in here. Humans, Elves, Half-Elves, and an assortment of other folks. He spotted an open table, the last in the pub, and took a seat. The waitress arrived shortly after he sat. "What can I get you mister?" The young lady asked kindly Shade smiled at her "A tea would be nice." Shade asked

The young walked away with a stunned expression, Had he really just ask for nothing stronger then a tea?[i] The girl thought about it but brought the tea the man had asked for. [i]"Will that be all?" The lady asked said Shade nodded and smiled, "For now yes."

Shade looked around at the gathered crowd. He saw two drunken humans arguing over about something. From the look of the frighten waitress face that was standing close, he figured it was either over the check or the girl. He hoped it didn't progress into a brawl. He spotted a table of dwarves not far from the humans, they were having an ale drinking contest. Three had passed out and the last two were on their feets, rather woozy drinking down their 5 or 6 ale from what Shade could see. Shade continued to look around and saw three elves discussing a matter not far from him but he didn't wish to intrude upon their conversation or disrespect them so he continued to scan the room. He spotted the bartender who served the drinks to the waitress. He raised his cup of tea in toast to the man and bowed as much as his sitting form would let him.

Shade leaned back in the chair and put his back against the wall. He sipped his tea slowly enjoying the good taste as he watched and absorbed the sounds of the busy pub. He was always absorbing and this was a different opportunity for his mind to work. He wasn't studying plants, animals, or a forest. He was studying actually people in a place he hoped was their norm, because then that would make then all drunkards, which he knew elves weren't.

For Fira Trist, this was her first visit into the village known as Estolad. Yet before she could truly venture about and explore the area, the sorceress felt the need to take a bit of a rest; for it had been quite a long day of journeying. She noticed that there was an inn close by and she pondered for a moment how long it was that she was willing to stay within this place. Certainly, the woman decided, not too long. With light footsteps, the Half-Elf walked over to the entrance of Kaima Inn and before she pushed open the wooden door to head into the shade of the inside, she took a glance up to the blazing sun that reminded her of the time; the heat of the day was finally passing. It would be easier for her to travel in a little bit. The orange eyed woman did not clearly trust the village, especially since she herself had not been within its borders for a long enough time.

In silence, the woman entered the inn and glanced around restlessly. There were many people within the building and, as was usual for her, she could not recognize any of them. She sighed and felt her shoulders slump gracelessly. This was just another place in Arda and nothing more. Today was proving to be quite the dreary day and she could not wait for it to all be over.

Fira both remained weary of her surroundings and in silence as she decided to approach the bar. When the bartender approached her, she carelessly waved her left hand to send him away. She was not in the mood for having anything to drink. With a sigh, she looked about the pub of the inn for a final time. Yes, there was no one really here of interest and it did not help that she did not know anyone. Unless... No, she did not truly want to approach anyone at this time.

Shade spotted a most unusual women approached the bar. Shade hadn't seen a half-elf quite like her, an orange eyed sorceress, most unusual indeed. He noticed that she hadn't order anything. He told the waitress to save his table that be might be having company then went slowly to the bar.

Shade took a path that avoided contact with the drunkards and the path of the serving waitress. He took a sip of his tea as he walked, enjoying the taste. His red eyes shined as they always did, but today they had an unusual twinkle to them. He was excited to speak to someone in this strange place.

Shade noticed that she looked rather bored with the place and figured she hadn't spotted anyone she knew and found this place dreadfully slow. Shade smiled and bowed at the barkeep once again then he slid into the seat next to the girl. He asked for a refill of tea and then he turned and smiled at the girl. Red spiked hair free of restraints, red eyes shining, wings carefully tucked behind him, and a warm inviting smile showing.

"Good day madam. Perhaps you'd prefer a table rather then this clustered bar. You're more then welcome to join me at my table. I would rather have someone to talk to then be along and in a bleak state. Perhaps you could explain to me how one would best fit into a world not surrounded by trees and forest animals."[i] Shade said

Shade smiled and gestured toward the lone table that he was sitting at and that the waitress was watching over while walking her rounds. He turned back to the half-elf and smiled, hoping she would say yes. Shade noticed she wasn't having anything to drink for the second time.

[i]"Perhaps we should get you sometime too drink as well. You seem weary from the road, drinking something would be most helpful to your health."[i] Shade said, [i]"I'm sorry if this is weird. It's the first real time I've spoken to anyone outside of the forest you see. I'm a ranger at heart and would prefer a nice peaceful meadow over this place that seems teaming with possible brawls. Most dangerous for anyone to be alone in a place like this."

Shade stood from the bar and gestured once more to the table. He was as honest as he could be and hoped that she wouldn't blow him off. He noticed the waitress was getting rather agitated at tell possible patrons that the talk was reserved for Shade who was at the bar. Who was trying to make a friend, though it could be seen as trying to *pick up* this half-elf whose name he hadn't asked.

[i]"I'm Shade by the way. Ranger and Archangel. Might I be graced by knowing your name?"[i] Shade asked he flashed that smile of his once again. It radiated warmth, kindness, and a pure joyful love for the forest, and tea. He took a sip of his tea once more as he waited for the half-elf to speak.

Fira was quite surprised when she heard someone resting upon the seat next to her. Although she partially wanted to be left alone so that she could leave, she felt a touch of curiosity and so she looked at the person next to her with her fiery colored eyes. He was a rather tall angel with red hair and eyes; this coloring she had not seen in a while. With a light smile, the sorceress remembered how her hair had once been red as well. Yet she waved away these thoughts darkly; for with the memory of her old hair came the memory of the strife. Fira curiously wondered why someone such as he was within Estolad. This did not appear to be the proper place for an Archangel. His mannerisms were even stranger. Why was he constantly smiling? It was slightly suspicious; almost as if he were far too friendly.

Regardless, the orange haired woman gave a warm smile in response to those of his own and she listened to his suggestion of her joining him at his table. Fira was placed within an atmosphere of ease when the red haired man gave her an apology. At least that made it as where she did not view him as a threat. It became an even larger atmosphere when he gave her his name: Shade. The woman had not imagined that he was an Archangel and a ranger. In fact, she mainly viewed rangers as being Elves, or half-Elves at least, or even humans. Not an Archangel.

”My name is Fira Trist and I am a sorceress.” Fira smiled warmly as she introduced herself. With the aura of grace, she rose from her seat at the bar and continued, ”I deeply appreciate your offer for me to join you at your table, Shade, and I also appreciate your liking for forests. The forestry is one of my favorite places to be. Unfortunately, there are times in which one must come into the more urban areas.”

Before Fira left the bar area completely, she motioned for the bartender and politely asked him for a glass of water sheepishly. When he returned with it, the sorceress took a deep drink, realizing just how thirsty she was. Quietly, she told Shade, ”Water is certainly the essence of life. Thank you for the suggestion of getting something to drink.” She noticed with a soft laugh that he was drinking tea. ”I see that you do not drink much alcohol either.”

Shade smiled at her. He kindly asked for more tea then he turned back to the half-elf sorceress. He noted the how she went into herself for a moment before responding. He continued to flash his smile, not sure what other face to show. The bartender returned with the tea and Shade exchanged cups with the man. He thanked the bartender and took a sip of the hot tea. It had a nice not strong flavor too it, just the way he liked his tea. He stood from the bar and gestured with his hand towards the table. Without realizing it Shade offered her his arm, he drew it back a bit when he realized what he had just done. A bit embrassed he blushed for a moment then recompossed himself.

"Well shall we?" Shade offered as he made his slowly made his way back to the table, "I find that alcohol, the mind altering substance it is, doesn't appeal to me for many reasons. First, it's got a foul taste and smell. Elven Wine is the closest thing to an ale I've had. Second, it has a foul effect on the body."

Shade pointed toward the table with the two drunken humans who had began to throw fists at one another. The conseqeunce was that it had awaken some of the drawves that had fallen asleep from all the ale they had consumed. That in turn made them drink more then after a few mugs the two who had stayed awaken and rinking began arguing with the reawakened challengers. The drawf that had been winning smashed a mug over his opponents head and that caused the other drawves to launch into action. Soon that half of the tavern was part of the commotion. The other half either watched with delight of jumped into the fray.

"Lastly, it doesn't sit well with me. The taste and the smell causes me to lose focus, and sometimes it even causes me to forget my train of thought. I do hate to lose my train of thought, makes me have to start all over. Such a waste of time that thing called ale." Shade said with an appologic smile

Shade continued to watch the fray while he waited for Fira to respond. He wished he hadn't taken off his scimitar, preferring the comfort of having it close by then having to rely on his hand-to-hand skills. He didn't mind being in the middle of a fist fight, but only when it was absolutely necessary. He didn't consider a tavern brawl to be a necessary enough reason but he figured if one of the patrons tried to attack him he'd swat them aside and continue along his way. Shade winced when he felt an ache crawl up his back and settle where his wing muscles where. Shade had kept them tightly packed against his back since he had entered the city early this day. He had entered to resupply on food, mutton, tea, and other supplies. He had decided to stay the night while he waited for his supply bag to be refilled. He had meet someone in the process, at least something good had come out of the pain he had expected. He decided that when he returned to his room later he'd flex out the stiffness. He looked at Fira waiting for hear her answer.

As Fira listened to Shade explain the first few reasons for his dislike of alchohol, she could not help but to gaze over to the table that the brawl was occurring at. Certainly the table full of drunken beings served as the quintessence of what effects the drink could have upon someone.

After she cast her fiery colored eyes away from the table with a look of disgust, the sorceress lifted up her glass of water and gently made her way over to the table of her newly found friend. The young woman sat down in silence and then, after placing her water upon the table, she folded her hands in her lap. For some reason, she had suddenly began to feel at unease; for although she truly did appreciate the approach of the red eyed man, Fira felt as though there was something odd about him. Or perhaps her feelings were caused by his formal mannerisms. When was the last time that she had been around someone who had acted within the same manner as Shade? She smiled lightly at a memory and then brushed it away to return her thoughts to the present.

Once Shade had finished speaking, Fira looked up and noticed that he was gazing over to the table concerning the fray. She herself could not help but to glance over and, as she did so, she rested her left hand cautiously upon the hilt of her sword while hoping that the brawl would not spread across Kaima Inn.

Still within a slight amount of unease, the orange haired woman placed her hands clasped together upon the table and said to Shade, "You are right about the effects that alcohol has upon people. It is a shame that people still chose to drink that vile stuff when the consequences of doing so are rather harsh."

She smiled brightly and decided to change the atmosphere around them by switching the subject. "So, you said that you were an Archangel and a ranger. What has brought you into here? You already know of my reasoning for being within this place."

Shade walked quitely with Fira too the table. He didn't like the brawl but he would watch it to make sure it didn't spread to this side of the tavern. He had lost track of the drawves who had started the brawl and didn't much mind that he had. The brawl was continuing to expand and that was what had concerned him. Shade sat down at the table with Fira and smiled at her, keeping one eye on her and the other on the fighters.

Shade took a sip of his tea. The hot tea trinkled down his throat refreshing his weary body. Some of it touched his aching wing muscles, causing his muscles to *sigh* in relief. Shade studied Fira as she spoke. Her hands were on her lap, probably folded. When she turned to regard the brawl one hand shifted less then the other, probably resting on her sword. When she turned back her hands rested on the table. Shade listened to her speak, a small edge of discomfort perpetrated her voice. Shade mental shrugged it off, perhaps she was concerned about having her back to the brawl.

Shade looked at her and smiled a bit bright then he had before, in an effort to cheer her up. "I came to town to resupply, I've been running low on some supplies for the last few days and decided it was about time to restock. The man told me it would only take a few hours but I told him to take a day." Shade said he looked around them to see how the others were reacting to the commotion. A few were taking off their weapons getting ready to jump into the fight if it got to close to their tables. Shade was willing to fight if it got to close but more for Fira's safety then his, she was a sorcress which made him believe she was better at a long range fight then one up close.

Shade continued to speak. "I do call the forest my home but their are some things I would rather not take from the forest. I'll just watch over the animals in the forest that I'm in." Shade said showing a glimmer in his eyes of when he spoke of the forest, "It's far more pleseant that way I think."[i]

Shade looked at Fira and he waited to hear what she had to say. What he had said would probably raise a question or two from the orange haired half elf sorcress, he still found that to be a curious mix but he was finding it more fitting for Fira as they continued to talk. Shade took another sip of the tea and his wing muscles relaxed more, giving him more time to keep them pulled in tight without causing discomfort. Shade called the waitress over. [i]"Might I have some more tea please?" Shade asked he looked at Fira to see if she would ask for a refill on her water as well

While Shade was explaining his reasons for being here, Fira heard the soft rustles as the brawl seemed to grow in strength behind her. She frowned slightly, but chose not to place her focus upon the actions of the drunk dwarves.

When the red haired man spoke of the forest, the sorceress felt her interest begin to grow and she thought about what he had told her. It sounded to Fira as though Shade was some sort of guardian over the animals, which was an interesting aspect for her to think about. After all, it seemed as though many of the Archangels and such chose to guard someone or something upon Arda. Just as it made sense for him to watch over the animals of a forest, it also made sense for him to be a ranger. Being the wielder of a bow and arrow surely was the path that many took whenever they chose to remain within the forestry of Arda rather than within the civilized portions.

"What sort of forest do you do your protecting in?" Fira questioned, noting that there were many questions that she could ask of him from his small statements. She wondered for a brief moment why it was that Shade gave so little of information about himself, yet she did not dwell upon this thought long; for the topic of forests had easied her and allowed for the atmosphere around her to hold less and less tension.

She remembered with a smile the various forests that she had visited and then told her friend, "I consider the forests to be a sanctuary of sorts; a place to find balance in since it is certainly easier to do so when one is away from other Ardians. Therefore, I thank you for protecting the creatures within a forest. By making it easier for them to live, it makes it easier for others to visit that particular area."

Shade summoned the waitress over to the table after finished speaking and then quietly asked the woman if she might have her water refilled as well; for Fira now noticed that she had indeed drank quite a bit of it. The half-elf smiled wearily and was pleased that she had selected water to be her beverage rather than something else; such as the alcoholic one that the participants of the fray seemed to be rather enjoying at the moment.

Shade listened as Fira spoke. She apparently liked the forest as much as him. Shade thought about what that meant. He could consider Fira a liked mind individual as well as a friend. That wouldn't have been a bad thing he figured. He hadn't spoken to someone in a while and he was more then happy to make a new friend. That was, as long as that person wasn't the type to go and do something that would get a person killed. Fira didn't appear to be one of those kinds of people so he would indeed name her his friend. He took a sip of his coffee and began thinking of all the friends he had. Only one of them had died, his horse. A nasty rabid creature had ravished it one night while he was tending to an injured rabbit. He hadn't heard the commotion until his horse screamed out in pain and anguish. Shade had sent the rabbit back on its way then ran to his horse. The poor horse hand been torn into several large pieces. Shade had done the only decent thing, bury the poor animal.

Shade returned to the present. Fira wanted to know what forest he watched over. He truly didn't watch over just one, he wandered from forest to forest, sometimes revisiting, watching over which ever he choose to stay in. He had been in this forest for several days now. He liked it much more the the harsher forest he had been in some months ago. Shade took a sip of his tea and put those thoughts aside, he had lost more then his horse in that forest.

"I don't reside over any forest. I just wanderer from forest to forest and preserve as much of it as I can while I'm there. There's no rhyme to what forests I pick. I just choose one and learn what I can from it and preserve it for others to enjoy."[i] Shade said smiling at Fira, [i]"What about yourself? What do you do Fira?"

Shade leaned back in his chair, which brought his wings to rest against the wall. Shade used the physical barrier that the walls possessed to keep his wings compact. He relaxed his muscles a bit and watched the ongoing brawl. It was getting dangerously close. Shade rests his hands on the table, away from his scimitar. Even if it got close enough to endanger him and Fira he'd deal with them with his fists. Drawing his scimitar here and fighting them with it would spill blood unnecessarily. Shade looked at Fira and smiled. He waited patiently for her response to what he had said. She was sure to have more questions for him after she answered her questions. He almost felt as if he were being interviewed but in order to get to know someone new you'd have to ask more then a few questions. Even after you knew that person quite well you'd continue to ask questions, though they'd become exceedingly more in depth. Shade didn't mind that too much, it would make him think.

Fira smiled brightly when Shade asked her what it was that she did; for she was proud of the honorable duties that she performed. Though there were other areas to the life of the young woman, it was within telling this particular part that she held the most degree of confidence. Yet before she decided to start telling about herself, she commented upon the lifestyle that the red eyed man held.

"You have a very honorable way of living, Shade. There are not many Ardians left that choose to preserve rather than destroy; and, if there are any ones who think within a similar way, they are quickly overrun by the others that seek war and bloodshed." The smile on her face was sharply replaced by a solemn look. She shook her head lightly to rid herself of these morbid thoughts and then continued on speaking, "Forgive me, I did not mean to ramble on without answering your question.

"I am mostly a wanderer who helps those that are in need. I enjoy aiding those that have been harmed by the malicious; however, when I am not doing that, I am a performer."

After telling that little bit about herself, for there was always more that one could add onto an answer, the Half-Elf felt her tension disappear completely and then smiled as she examined the tavern of Kaima Inn once more. Naturally, the fight between the drunkards was still continuing; Fira could not have expected for that to go away quickly.

With a sheepish smile, she returned her focus back onto the table where she was sitting and then stated, "I am afraid that I do not have any more questions to ask of you."

It was strange to her that she had only just met Shade and did not have anything more to ask about him. This feeling was also a bit of a relief. Her recent experiences in meeting new people had resulted with a variety of secrets and dark pasts that had been waiting for her exploration through questions. Yet this did not seem to be the case with the ranger sitting before her. Perhaps that was why she felt the tavern was slightly more tranquil than it was typically.

Shade listened to Fira. So she was a healer of the body and spirit, fitting for the orange haired young lady. Shade thought about his own red hair and how unusual it was and it was unusual for Archangels to be guarding forests as well. He hadn't considered it unusual until now, he had been sent and so he watched over forests. He figured that those he didn't fit the normal appearance of their races found the jobs their races normally didn't do most pleasing. He had two examples of it at this table. Shade saw a guy get picked up by two men and thrown across the room, thankfully he got thrown to the other side.

"I find your line of work fitting for you." Shade said with a smile, "Perhaps one day when I'm in need of healing I'll call upon you."

Shade took another sip of his tea before he continued. It had been a nice conversation so far, he wasn't going to let it end. If she didn't have anything to ask he'd ask her questions. Shade looked over at the brawl before speaking. It had expanded yet again, this time most of the patrons on this side of the tavern had gotten fed up and had leap into the fray either for fun or to end it. Either way most of the folks in the bar where a part of the fight. The bartender had left the empty bar to try and break up the fight while the waitresses stayed clear of the brawl, as the bartender had told them too. Shade had considered helping the bartender but when Shade had made the motion to stand the bartender had waved him down. Shade figured the man didn't want the rest of the patrons getting involved, he already had enough to deal with. Shade returned his attention back to Fira, he had spaced for what seemed like several minutes but it had only been a few seconds, maybe a minute. Shade sipped some more tea then cleared his throat briefly before posing his first question.

"So tell me what brings you to this place. It doesn't seem fitting for you." Shade said, "In the middle of a town square performing seems far more fitting for you. Just as the forest is more fitting for me."

Shade leaned even more against the wall. His back was starting to ache and his wings wouldn't let him rest. He noticed that he had a far bit of space on each side of him so he opened his wings some. The muscles in his back crept with joy and relaxed. Shade sighed with relief as his back ached less and he sipped some more of the tea he had, before he realized it he was running low Shade called the waitress over who came with a cu of tea and took his. The waitress also placed another cup of water in front of Fira and left without a word. Shade looks over at Fira and waits for her to respond.

"I thank you for your compliment concerning the work that I perform. In truth, I have only recently decided to take this path through life. I do not mean to say that I would not help others, but that I mainly remained within my childhood home and, well, there are only so many people that one can aide there." Fira gave a smile and then added in tone that rang clear with confidence, "If you are ever within the need of some healing, I would be happy to help. After all, I do know of some spells of both healing and helping with the spirits of my allies."

The sorceress continued to smile, though the smile was mainly directed at her own words. It was clear for her to see that she had come a long way from the time when she was a child and barely confident in her ability. Fira was pleased to see that she had come a long way; however, she understood that she still had a long way to go until she truly became powerful. The Half-Elf did not yearn for power just so that she could receive it and then abuse with it; people that held power and knowledge had the ability to help and that was what she intended to do.

Fira continued to hold her gaze upon Shade, even when the Archangel looked over to the brawl. With a frown, the orange eyed woman noted that it had probably strengthened. It was odd to know that fighting could break out so quickly and continue onwards without end. Her thoughts fell away from the drunken Ardians when her friend questioned why it was that she was within the inn and not within a town somewhere.

"I find that I have been needing to take more resting periods as of late." She smiled sheepishly as she continued, "Too much adventure, I guess one might say. I do thank you, once again this fair evening, for noting that this place does not appear to be the proper place. In truth, you have noted rightly."