Anise felt some relief as the fighting stopped. She had no desire to see anymore of it if she could help it.

[quote]"What is going on?" the pirate whispered to no one in particular. He took a step back and he took a breath, and he faced Anise, the tip of his sword lowered to the deck.[/quote]

She could barely hear his whisper, she waited for him to speak further since his statement was most likely to himself if not no one at all.

[quote]"You're . . . the Lady of Light? With the Lantern of Spirit." His voice was still barely audible as his mind worked to piece together what was happening. The power of the Lantern still lingered, and he knew that everything Anise said must be true. He stared in wonder at the blue glow, and then at Anise's determined face. "I'm Peck. This is Trill. It's our shift to guard the lake." He was confused, wary, and afraid -- he knew what kind of power was in the Lantern, and he knew the Lords and Ladies of the Forest were often quick to judge. The pirates had all learned from a young age to tread lightly around them -- and he had just attacked and taunted her.

"Is there something you need of us, Lady of Light?"
[/quote]

She blinked at him feeling somewhat surprised. This had been the first time since she entered this forest that anyone reacted to her out of fear. Only now was she beginning to understand the weight of the title: Lady of Light. She pulled the mask back over her face and nodded. She had to come up with something quick. "Thank you for your hard work, Peck." She bobbed her head towards the gryphon. "Trill."

She turned her attention to the wreck around them all. The lantern had protected her from direct serious harm, so she could afford to be a bit more demanding now. "I have come for the Lantern here. Will you take me to it?" She wanted to remain polite for now and use any threats as a last resort. She also wanted to remain as vague as she could. She doubted Peck would listen to her saving the Forest tale.