[h1][u]Cerid Arryl[/u][/h1]

Soft sunlight worked it's way through the thick thatch of a large hut. Windows opened to the elements allowed even more of the betrayal. A soft breeze stirred the handing roots and herbs casting a light perfume to the place. The stone floor was covered with furs and woven rushers, and grass mats. Though none of these were allowed near the fireplace, still glowing slightly with the dying embers, a small cauldron above covered and hung over the once flames. Wood was stacked carefully to one side, enough to last a day. No more, no less. Hanging from a small wooden wheel suspended from the rafters were two rabbits still furry though they would never move again. Rough cabinets stood filled carefully with old books kept meticulously from the elements. Save for one.

As the sun invaded the humble abode to shine upon the pale skin of a young woman. Though, some would question calling her young, she preferred to be called so. Green eyes opened to blink against the sunlight, pushing herself to sitting on the tall stool Cerid smoothed the pages of the book she had been using as a pillow. The pages were slightly bent but the real tragdey was the smear of ink that was no doubt on her cheek. Biting her lip she thought on how to fix the damage, if it was possible even! After several minutes she gave a short shake of her head, a light chuckle at herself and looked upon the book once more. What a little fool she was for forgetting [i]what[/i] she was! "[i]Ascripe.[/i]" She spoke the old word willing it to work. After several minutes, nothing happened. Cerid Arryl closed her eyes giving a frustrated hiss. How weak was she! To be stuck whispering words and spell for nothing to come of it! Giving a disgusted look a the ruined page before standing and reviving the fire. smoothing her skirts she pulled a rabbit to her, the throat of it already cut open. 

Skinning it with practiced motions she mused over the things to do this day. A bathe was necessary, she disliked being uncleaned and a ink stain upon her face dictated that! Plus it would do no bad thing to give her clothes a good scrubbing. Beginning to gut the animal she set the unneeded parts aside. While she would not  eat them, there were others who would. Her herbs would need tending too, and already it was later in the day than she liked for gathering them. Looking to the second rabbit she frowned. Perhaps hunting would be a good idea, it was a tug. A feeling that it would be a good idea. Though- she glanced over at the window as wings beat. A merlin perched on the sill, peering in with a inquisitive look. 

"You are a picky creature, wanting fresh meat every day." The tiny woman laughed, tossing the bird a chunk of meat which it caught deftly. Yes, perhaps hunting wasn't so bad a idea. "Though if we do go hunting, I'm tempted to stalk deer. Too long have we had fish and rabbit. Bird as well." She glanced at the merlin, sliding the rabbit onto a spit to replace the cauldron. "Oh Whisper, I wished I was as powerful as mother. Able to speak but a word and have the magic work her will. Tis a shame she never was good at scrying or they might still live." Standing she walked back to the table,  passing the neglected bed. Bracing her hands she tore the page from the book, her eyes burning with inner fire. How she hated Uther Pendragon! Betrayer and Oath-breaker! Her jaw stiffened as she turned away to tend to her breakfast again. Whisper, the merlin, watched the daily activities. The breakfast, the tending of herbs. It watched the annoyance of a rival for it's mistress's affection in the form of a black masked ferret. Taking flight as her lady left the cottage the bird swooped about their part of the forest, content with knowing all was going as it should.