Gathering Information

[cmosier]

Sehron quietly packs what he will need for his trip. He will only be gone a few days, but it will seem like weeks. He hasn't been away from Yashia for any length of time since they have grown closer.

He double checks his pack, kisses Yashia on the cheek and heads out. He was heading to the out laying farms and villages. The refugees have been able to offer some information, but mostly rumors and hear say. There had to be something to find, something that could change the tide of the battle in there favor. Knowledge is a powerful weapon, and it would appear that Sundren was fighting with a dull blade.

He wanders past the Four Lanterns, looking back one more time.

It will not be long, love. I just hope it is worth the seperation.

He walks on, slipping into the shadows as he goes.

[cmosier]

"That is a bit steep for a barn." Sehron looked down at the farmer, rain pouring down in the back ground.

"Ifen yu'ont to rest yer purty blue head in the dry it ain't."

What in Corellon's name is an "ifen". Sounds like a bird.

"This ain't somthin I normally charge fer. I'll set an extra plate fer supper, deal?" The farmer looks to the elf, awating and answer.

"Fair enough." Sehron reaches into his pouch and counts out twenty five gold coins.

"My two boys ain't ever seen an elven before, I reckon. Don't mind them if they star a bit."

Star a bit. These people sound worse than Logan. Sehron grins and shakes his head.

He is led to a table in a small room. If he were human, there would have little to no room for the poor elf. The farmer's wife was a rather plain looking lady, attractive in her own right. The two boys were well built. Their skin was dark, obviously from hours out working in the sun. They were both in their teens, and both taller than Sehron.

One of the boys looks to Sehron, the youngest one he guessed. "Is that yer real hair, mister?"

Sehron chuckles, "Indeed it is. It is not that uncommon amongst moon elves to have blue shades of hair."

"I heard that elvens live forever. Are you really old?"

The mother chimed in, "Jonathan, you had best mind yer manners to our guest."

Sehron waved dismissively, "That is quite alright, miss. I do not mind. Yes, we do live quite a long time. I am one hundred twnety three years of age, still young by elven standards."

Sheron picks up a wooden cup and starts to drink his water.

"Is it true that elvens get all the women?"

Sehron chokes on his water and starts to cough a bit. The old farmer and the older, quieter son just start to chuckle. The farmer's wife quickly gets a towel to Sehron.

She looks to her son. "Jonathan! Ifen yu'ont sum pie, I suggest you mind yer manners!"

Sehron composes himself and smiles thankfully to the farmer's wife. "It is quite alright, I was just caught a bit off guard."

After the meal, the two boys head to bed. The wife cleans up after the meal, refusing Sehron's help several times. The elf sits on the porch with the farmer, watching the storm.

"Crops ain't been the same this year. Weather's been acting the fool, getting colder."

Sehrin nods, " I am actually here to find out more about the raids in the rural farms. I believe they are gathering food and supplies and it is apparent they intend to attack the City."

"Well, I ain't got nothin against the city folk, but ifen all they send us is a sinlge elven fer help..." The farmer shrugs. "Head on to were the roads meet tomorrah. Thars a trade area , you might be finden sumthin thar."

Sehron nods and stands and makes his way to the barn. "You have my thanks again. I will only stay for about four hours, then I will make my way to the Post."

After his Reverie, Sehron leaves a pouch with another twenty five coins on the porch for the farmers, and moves along his way.

[cmosier]

"Excuse me?" Sehron looked at the young woman in the chair. No Answer.

"Miss, are you alright?" A blank stare.

Suddenly his pointed ears twitched. The air was still, he heard the soft sounds of foot steps. The person was trying his best to be quiet, an ambush perhaps. Sehron grabbed the hilts of his weapons, and waited a moment more. He turned quickly, his would be attacker was startled. The boy, who could not have been older than fourteen years, stood there, his "weapon", a wooden pitch fork, pointed in the elf's direction.

"Leave her alone!" The boy stabbed the air in front of him.

"Calm yourself, I do not wish any trouble." Sehron loosened his grip on his weapons.

"You can take whatever you want, just leave her alone!"

Lowering his hands in a submissive gesture, Sehron looked at the boy. "I can assure you, I do not want your things and I meant no harm to this young woman. I am from the City and I am seeking information on the recent attacks."

The boy's eyes began to tear up. Sehron's words had struck a nerve. His hands began to tremble and he dropped his make shift weapon to the ground.

"Your too late. A group of men found us. They killed our parents and our older brother. They took my sister and..and.." The boy's words trailed off. It didn't matter, he didn't have to finish. The boy plopped to the ground.

Sehron looked again to the traumatized young woman. His emotions were mixed. Was it pity he felt? Pity that a family was destroyed and this young woman would probably never again know happiness. Disgust perhaps? That a person could do such a thing. They could have easily taken the belongings and left but they wanted to leave a wake of fear.

No. It was guilt he felt. Guilt at his own selfishness. He had always thought that his burden went unnoticed by many. He knew the nature of his work and would often be frustrated that his contributions would never be known. The price he had to pay.

What about her price? I chose my life. I chose to walk the shadows. This woman did nothing except try to live. She was in the wrong place at the wrong time and now suffers for it.

Sehron looks to the woman again. "I hope you have somebody to assist you."

The boy, still on the ground answers. "My..my Uncle will be here within the tenday."

Sehron nods and hands the boy a pouch. "Here, this should help. I will take no more of your time. Safe travels."

[cmosier]

While making his way through the back country, Sehron came upon a group of farmers headed in the direction of the Trade Area. Many people he had met thus far had greeted him with hospitality. That was about change.

"Your kind ain't wanted here! Go back to the City!"

Sehron looked about, more confused than afraid.

"You heard me, you blue haired freak! You ain't helped nobody yet and you ain't going to be helpen anybody by staying!"

What is it with people and my hair? Like I chose the color, and I happen to like it.

"I am not here on the City's behalf. The authorities have been tight lipped about the attacks out here, so I came to see for myself." Sehron looked at each of the men's faces. There were four of them, and all were equally angery.

"They want our crops to feed their citizens! They charge us taxes and tolls, and then leave us and our loved ones in the hands of that man and his shadows! Look at us. We walk around afraid in our own homes, and who comes, a single elf. Tell me elf, are you a great mage? Could you rain fire down upon those who would bring us harm? You look little more than the common adventuring type, out seeking glory and gold. I say to Hells with you and to Hells with your help!"

Sehron nods. He could almost see himself in the angery farmer. The man was right, there was little more he could do out here. All the stories thus far had been similiar and yielded no new information. All he has found was destruction and sadness, it would seem the luckier ones were the ones that died.

He watches as the angery caravan passes. His trip was almost through. Soon he would be home to face the same enemy that has caused so much turmoil.

[cmosier]

Sehron looked into the camp fire. As an elf, it was always easy to find work, all he had to do was watch over the small group of farmers as they slept. In return, he would travel with them to the Gate.

Sehron looked up and watched the sun rise. The sight made him think of Yashia. She awoke every morning to pray at dawn to the Morning Lord. By evening, he should be back with her.

You have always shorted yourself, since the day we met. You have never thought youreself more than a soldier. You and your abilities are far underrated, love.

I had not gathered the information I had hoped for, but the trip was not completely in vain. I had met many people in my brief trip, all seemed to have lost a little of sometihng. This all gave me justifacation for my actions. I understand my part well, and these people are why I play that part. It is not gold or glory I seek. I am not a hero and do not want a parade. Happiness. These people deserve it and there are those who seek to deprive them of it. This cannot be allowed to continue.

The farmers slowly began to wake. The smell of various meats made its way through the camp as they each began to prepare breakfast. Sehron sat down and pulled out an apple. He looked up to a young lady who had a pail in one hand a wooden cup in the other.

"Want some water, mister?"

Sehron nods. "My thanks."

"Are you headed home?"

Home. It has only been a few days, but it feels like a month.

Sehron smiles back to the woman. "Yes, I am returning home."