Ta'Klev flew from his perch as the door was opened and Lux greeted him. He entered the cottage, transforming into his human form behind the doorstep and taking a seat. Stretching his aching limbs he looked about. Nothing had changed in the past years, except for the fact that Lux had obviously stocked up on eagles. There was no way the bird was the same as the one that had brought him the message and continued to others to deliver it's parchment. No mere animal could possibly fly as fast as a phoenix could – only very few being on this earth could do that. The flight had been longer than expected but now that he was here he could relax his tired muscles and enjoy the peace for a while. It was as Lux started speaking to himself that the phoenix lifted its head and looked over with a frown upon his brow. “Is that bird talking to you again? I gather from your response that it is asking you to rest.” with a smirk he crossed his legs at the knees, placing his folded hands upon them in a rather delicate fashion. “I would love to have some of your lavender tee. And do join me for a cup. We have some catching up to do. How have you been since I saw you last?” 

Ta'Klev was enjoying himself. Lux was one of the few being he could really talk to without having the feeling of overestimating their intelligence. The wizard mostly understood him and had a very interesting view of the world. The golden eyes of the phoenix fixated on the wizards, the stare intense, not allowing any argument.

[hr]
Ayluin kept up his pace. He moved swiftly through the trees, weaving in and out of the shadows and bushes. He had made quite some progress when he chose to rest at a stream. The elf sat down on his haunches, cupping some of the clear water in his hands to drink from it. As he drank he heard a soft noise that reminded him of hooves on the forests leaf covered ground. Raising his eyes he froze in awe of the creature stepping out to the stream to quench it's thirst. A deer stood there, head raised high, fur shining in the sunlight, antlers forming a complex crown above it's head. The animal lowered it's head to drink but stopped in mid movement and turned to face the elf. The latter was struck by the lack of fear the animal seemed to have.

With a gentle voice he beckoned the deer to come closer and as it did he persuaded him that he was  a friend. In time he managed to build up trust so that the animal felt compelled to help him. He talked about his journey to the cottage and the pressing matter of time. Finally the animal was persuaded to let the elf ride on it's back. Holding onto it's antlers and gently stroking it's shining fur Ayluin thanked the animal over and over again as it sped through the forest, taking him to his destination in a neck-breaking speed. Natures creatures were so gently and gracious at heart, he would do anything to thank and protect them!

[hr]
Tilla was glad to see how happy Kemage was about the bread. She nodded, looking into the woods. “Two hours is manageable.” Following her friend she kept an eye out. She had never been so far into the forest let alone so far from home. From time to time she would look back down the winding path, imagining the trees closing in on them as they were everywhere. Green leaves rustled in a soft breeze, throwing dancing shadows onto the foliage and making the world around her sing in a way she had never heard before. Tilla stayed close to Kemage. Fallen branches and heather got caught in  the seam of her dress from time to time, making her trip or slow down. Even on the path they followed there were thorn covered bushes everywhere making their walk a hard one. 

When her friend finally let her know that they had almost reached what they were heading for she breathed in relief. She would be more than glad to be out of the woods with the feeling of being followed making her spine tingle and her step uneasy. In surprise she cocked an eyebrow as they started their descent. “That sounds like a ridiculous name! I'm sure it's just a story told by a bored bard that carries no truth in it!” She laughed a little thinking of a horned horse painted with stripes – just as the warriors of their village painted their horses for races or tournaments. “I wonder what Lux wants from us. I mean . . . I don't have any skills that could help in a fight and I am sure he knows a lot of warriors and knights that have been in battle a lot. Why choose us? It just seems like an odd choice to make.” The smile on Tillas lips was clouded by the unease she felt walking through these woods. “I am looking forward to resting my feet. We've never been so far away before . . . “ Her voice trailed off as she looked behind then once again. Somewhere in the distance, far behind those tall trees was their home. When would she see it again?