Kathryn's tale.

The ranger eyeballed Lillian, lifting an exquisite eyebrow as she did so. "For now we're safe here. I've been using this hideout for two mating seasons... never seen a Stalker even close. In the middle-term, we need to get some clothing for you. The Adajas have many patches of pretty dense wood - depending on what you're about, you might want to get something less, uhm, revealing."

At first, Lillian just stared open-mouthed. Then she chuckled. "Yeah, very revealing. Can't help it... that beast had no need for my clothing."

"You're kidding..." The ranger chuckled as well and soon both women were laughing and giggling for the pure occasion to relax and shed some tension. From under a heap of broad, dark green leaves, Kathryn produced a small cloth bag. It contained some food, and together the two woman shared an improvised snack. Eventually, Lillian was the first to break the silence.

"So, what are you doing here, Kathryn? Other than being a ranger of these woods?"

"Well, I grew up as daughter of a woodsman with two elder brothers. When my father had an accident and received an almost crippling leg injury that would keep him from wandering for prolongued stretches, Gynian, the oldest of my brothers took over. Berron, my other brother, never had a knack for the woods or the animals therein, so he volunteered to tend to father. That left me free to pick my own destiny, and I decided to join Gynian. As it turned out, Gynian is a decent woodsman. But he neither hears the song of the woods nor does he understand the breathe of life here. For me it's different. When I tread the grass in a glade, I can sense the fertility of the turf beneath my feet. When I listen to the sing-sang of the birds, I understand he messages they're sharing. And when I put my hand on the bark of a tree, I feel its joy and his sorrow. The elves of the Shimmering Grove say I'm 'Blessed with Life'. That's why they tolerate my presence in these woods. They view me as link to he world outside... even though we don't have a standing communication."

"So, you know where to find the elves?" Lillian asked eagerly.

"Yes, I do." Kathryn looked at Lillian apologizingly. "But I'm oath-sworn never to speak about their whereabouts. To noone." The ranger looked directly at Lillian. The former street-whore half-elf noticed that Kathryn's eyes were of the deepest green she had ever seen.

"Hmm. Not even one of their kin?"

Kathryn shook her head. "No. Not even if you were pure breed, which you don't seem to be." Lillian wanted to object but Kathryn silenced her with a quick wave of her hand. "In fact, if not for your obvious heritage, I wouldn't even have mentioned this. Probably I shouldn't. But... consider it an encouragement to continue seeking."

"Oh, thanks," Lillian replied sarcastically. "Great help."

Kathryn shrugged. "Your affairs are not my business. I just happened to stumble across you, when you were... uhm... somewhat in trouble."

Lillian frowned. "Well, yeah, that's true. As you speak of it... I've probably got to thank you for helping me out... kinda." Lillian looked around. The hideout was secluded as any place. And rather beautiful as well. A small miracle the ranger had discovered it at all. Then, as she thought about it, if the ranger had found this place, others could as well.

"You know, one thing that bothers me..." Lillian started. "You've claimed that you've never seen a Stalker at this place... But what about others?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well... what about those natives, that captured me for sacrifice? Or the ones, that sent that crossbow bolt through that Stalker beast? Couldn't they know about this hideout?"

"They could... But I doubt they do. I would know."

"Hmm." Lillian wasn't satisfied but she had to accept the ranger's judgement for now. "Then you might as well know, who would have been the bolt slinger?"

Kathryn tilted her head. Her eyes narrowed. "In fact I do. Farkas' band. They're a pest around these woods. Bounty hunters. Not for human targets, but wild beasts. Whatever they take down they disembowel to sell the profitable body parts to magicians, alchemists and trophy collectors at Tabriz, Am-Sheer and Calcus." Kathryn's voice was heavy with venom. "Bloody gang. I hate 'em. But they're fierce fighters. Gotta give that. I can't take it up with them all alone. I'm a decent archer. But not a fighter."

Lillian nodded. An alarming thought came into her mind. "These bounty hunters... Are they also hunting after elves?"

Kathryn shrugged. "I don't know. Might be they would, given a chance to get away with it. But as it stands, the Adajas are a domain of the elves - even if they stay hidden and don't mess with human affairs. It's one thing to be tolerated. It's another acting against them."

"I see."

"Why do you ask?" said Kathryn.

"Well, you know, what would happen, if those hunters saw a chance to get a hand on a peregrine elf? One that is not protected by the Adajan elves?"

"Hmm. Good question..."

"And how good are those hunters at tracking?"

Kathryn looked at Lillian. Finally there was some worry on her face. "Pretty good."

Lillian sighed. "Well. Then this place might not be as secure as you think."

"Dear Grivia. You're right." Kathryn stood up. "Hate to admit it... but maybe we shouldn't stick around here too long."

"So, what we gunna do?"

"Hmm." Kathryn pondered. "I propose, you stay here. You've been through a thing, or two. Take a bath, and some. I can give you my cloak, for now. Only garment I have to spare." The ranger dropped her green coat and threw it over towards Lillian, who snatched it gracefully. "I'll also leave you my knife. It's nothing to fight a swordsman. But it's better than nothing." Kathryn pulled a small hunting knife from her belt and handed it to Lillian hilt first."

"Well, thanks. That's more than I started with." Lillian smiled.

Kathryn nodded. "Well. I'll scout out the vicinity. If Farkas' bunch is anywhere close, I'll discover them soon enough." Kathryn smiled. "I'll be back..."

Then the ranger slid into the gorge that led to the basin and vanished.