Turien had first frightened me by her bold appearance at the tavern but I was drawn by her offer to camp with her and felt assured I would be safe and she was much wiser to the ways of this world than I.

Now we sat near a trickling stream sharing Elfin bread and a flask of the delicious honeysuckle wine which had been cooled in the sparkling stream.

Arriving at the camp site, I had not seen the mount she had spoke of and worriedly remarked, “It looks like your mount has wandered off. Should we search for it?”

With laughter the sound of gently blown wind chimes, Turien replied. “Not to worry dear one. Lyth is closer than you think. I am certain he needed rest after our journey here.” Then smiling at me she asked, “Now tell me fileg, what brings you to these lands?”

I looked at my feet for a moment. I truly needed to tell someone what was troubling me. Turien had shown interest in me that I had not experienced since..NO! I did not wish to think of the ‘since’. I drew a deep breath and answered.

“I hope you won’t think me mad, Turien.” I said uncertainly.

“That is not likely, lothdithen nin. Please continue.”

Unable to stifle an uncomfortable giggle, I said. “Well, I’m not sure, but I think I may have come here through a .. dream.”