Mrixie’s cheerful laugh could be heard throughout the stable, “Of course pastries help. Why do you think I brought them? I know a few things about wayward, but determined and good natured, young adults. I’ve raised wayward, but determined and good natured, young adults of my own. They are always in the mood for good food.” His tone was too jovial for be seen as anything other than simple fact, “I’m glad we can be in agreement in some things.” He called out to Darin, “Come along young Mr. Lively. We are headed to the Archives. I think we will spend at least the morning there.”

Darin came over with a hop in her step. She wasn’t a fool, well, not a complete fool at least. Ridahne had to be chafing at the thought of a government overseeing her every move. The human knew that if the Council of Seven Winds trying to actually police the warrior she would react badly. That actually worried Darin. She had a job to do; a job for all of the Children of Astra. Could she afford to have favorites? Though the answer to that question hardly matter. She did have favorites: Ridahne, Talbot, Taja, Mitaja, Tsura, Thomas, Milla, and her mother were just a few examples. A better question would be should she allow her feelings for her favorites influence her actions? She was letting her emotions influence her actions a lot lately. Darin wasn’t sure, but she was pretty positive that wasn’t necessary a good thing. She needed to learn to be rational even when she was upset. Astra reacted to her emotions. She needed control or she might accidently rip the continent apart.

Still, she was in a good mood right now, so she nodded cheerfully, “Sure!” Lead the way.”

Her good mood swiftly vanished as Mrixie lead them though the city. It was nothing that Mrixie or Ridahne had done. It was the atmosphere of Lihaelin. Yesterday it had been noisy and bright and friendly. Today it was subdued and sober and closed off. Vendors and buyers alike whispered quietly to themselves; gossip was surely spreading like a wildfire already. People eyed the traveling company with wary eyes, though Darin noted that other outsiders were receiving similar looks. What the trees had done last night had set everyone on edge. There were a few people laugh and hanging signs or banners welcoming The Seed-Bearer. Some hawkers were calling our “Arrival of The Seed-Bearer” sales. Most people were quiet and wary though, and they hurried about their business, eager to be home.

Suddenly Darin felt a hand on her shoulder as a person spoke in a loud exuberant voice, “REJOICE! For soon Astra will be at rest and her Children will be abroad! REJOICE!”

Darin turned to see an Elf woman so old her hair had gone silver and her face was covered in wrinkles. How old must she be for even a long-lived Elf to show signs of age? Her eyes were milky white. Had age or something else called her to lose her sight? The woman had no idea who she was looking at or even where she might be. On her face was one of the biggest grins Darin had ever seen. She let go of Darin’s shoulder and bowed the bow of a lesser to better. Then she ambled off without waiting for a response. It happened so often that Darin’s heart was still racing.

Mrixie seemed panicked as well, “I’m sorry Mr. Lively. That’s Ms. Rochelle Pines. She used to be on of the best seers in all of Eluri lands. Then the visions got worse or stopped coming, it depends on what gossip you believe, so she resorted to drugs. Finally, she was helped free from her addictions but the damage to her mind was already done. She’s harmless for the most part.”

Darin spoke quietly but with a certainty that couldn’t be questioned as she watched the old woman walk away, “They got worse.” She then shook her head and turned to smile at her guide, “Are we almost to the Archives?”

Mrixe nodded and held out his hands to point, “Yes. Just a little bit further.”