We all are standing ‘round the bonfire and my feeling of unease increases. I don’t hear Nion talking as I watch. I can feel Sean nearby. My senses are heightened being surrounded by so many battle emoting people, mostly men. Spear and sword points flash and glitter with fire just like the eyes of those holding the weapons. They have been sharpened and polished for presentation into another soul’s heart. There’s also an unbound woman, lying near the fire. Her eyes are dreamily open towards the sky. I wonder if she’s in trance, divining the outcome of the battle to come.

That’s when I see him, my unease…the affront to nature…the abomination. I wrinkle my nose in disgust. Please tell me my lot was not thrown in with one such as that! His robes are a perversion to those that serve Her. He’s richly adored with apprentices at his elbows, like inbred yip dogs waiting for an offered tidbit or pet, blindly bounding along. Abruptly I say my piece and take first watch, disappearing into the shadows given by the moon. No one objects, why would they when there is feasting and drink to be had?

I breathe easier after leaving the tangle of spears, swords and the false druid. I head towards our horses, sticking to the shadows. I catch a footfall some distance behind me. Melting deeper into the shadows, I become one of them shielding my eyes with my hood. Who follows me…Sean? I figured he’d be feasting or drinking. What did he think I’d be doing out here by my lonesome? I think about telling him what I saw back at the fire, but I'd rather just be in his company. Besides I don't know that he'd believe me, especially when we've join with them. Grinning. I think maybe we’ll play a game.

Still as one of the many trees and as silent as the moonbeams, I slip behind Sean watching him. His steps are good, but not as good as mine. I wonder if there is some distant fae blood in his linage. He can be silent and gracefully it seems when he chooses, even with one good eye! Padding behind him, I stop, kneeling down to place Toad in a moon bright clearing. I giggle before disappearing again. Sean whirls around seeing nothing, but understanding the game immediately. The hunter just became the hunted. Toad chirps at him as he carefully scoops him up.

Being in some of the boglands creates a late night fog, which carries voices and noises strangely. I keep my eyes covered as I circle and re-circle him around the perimeter of this new war camp. My giggle will haunt those deep in drink and those near sleep. But for my love, it’s a tease that he’s come a’hunting.

It’s been a stalking lesson for both of us, I’ve let him get nearer and nearer, but then I hear a sob. I freeze to hone in on it. A triumphant Sean has caught his distracted, giggly prey. We land in some soft mosses. Suggestively I ask him, “Now, that you’ve caught me…what are you going to do with me?” He starts with a slow kiss…