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The stars sparkle faintly, the moon sends a silver shining under a velvet dark sky to the desert near Cadomyr.
In the shadow of a rock she sits staring into nowhere.
Only her black coat and a fur covers her from the cold in the night.

*I hate walls...* she answered, and it was the truth. After all this years she felt uncomfortable and restless if she had to sleep in a room.
*Who is Aly ?* he asked. *Who is Drathe ? * she answered in return .
Surprisingly for her he seems to be honest with his answer. All what she did knew about him he covered, the gambler, the charming rogue - the man who loved to drink a bit too much.
Her answer was pretty vague - he had pushed a button, opened a door a little gap she wanted to have closed forever.
To many bad guys, to many lovers, to many scars ...

Her mind wandered off to the other event she really was concerned about. This *so called* Overlord - he was coming from a side she had always detested, always battled since she was very young.
Her past was very rough and she wasn't up to share it with anyone - yet.
She cursed heavily * By the gods can't you just let leave me in peace ? Why always this god and his followers crossing my path ? My dear Kahramez - I swear if you cross my way you get a taste of what I am capable of. *
She did shake her head, thinking of Uhuru. This woman was so blind, how could she deny open facts ? Sad, very sad - she had thought this woman had more brain.
*Unarmed ...* she chuckled cold * A Overlord of Moshran is never unarmed sweet Uhuru - you are far to naive. And you have no idea how dangerous your meaning is...*

Thinking hard, she rubs her temples.

*damn - now I am in a situation I do not like. How can I protect her - and the big boy ? Even if he has not much of a brain, but his history explains something* she mutters to herself.
After taking another sip from her wine a wicked smile appears on her full lips.
*You shall not succeed so called Overlord, not as long as I breath, this I swear !*

Carefully storing her bottle away, she walks off into the shadows of the night, wrapping her cloak carefully around her shoulders.

*Plans are made, friends informed* she counts over and over again in her head the steps she would probably make, nibbling on her lower lip.
All take a big risk, but if the plan succeed it will safe life's, about that she was sure.

The sun still burned down at the desert, but she didn't mind. Her thoughts wandered off to the past, lost in the memory she rubs her old scar at the lower right arm.
She did knew what it meant to be hunted from the demons, the grip in the brain, the fear to sleep.

*Silas I wish you could be here to give me advice or support - your cold black blood is still running in my veins, even if I feel it less now. The icy grip did safe my life - and it changed me so much. I don't want to tell anyone the whole story, our ritual at the Sirani Islands, my fight against all the darkness. I just hope it is enough left in me to fight it again...*

Staring for a moment in the blazing sun she shakes her head, climbing down from the walls of Cadomyr to take care of her best weapons and armor.

Her mouth was dry as the desert itself as the splitting headaches woke her up.
A confused squinting followed before she finally did straighten up herself. *By the gods - what a night* she moaned quietly.
The last thing she did remember was sending Fiona to look after Uhuru and Falyame's try to medicate the bites from the damn Tarantula, the rest was rather blurred.
Did she write a note for Big Boy ? Or not ?
And did the ignorant Grandmistress, or whatever she called herself, still keep up the ban of Uhuru ??

A dog entered the room, let out a muffled bark to get her attention. A parchment was fixed on his neck. Curious she bend down, grumbling under her breath as the headaches
getting worse for a moment,

A faint grin crossed her lips * Ah good doggie, wait a bit. I will try to send a reply. At least now I am sure it wasn't a dream...* Shaking her head and grab a bottle of water to clear her mind,
she started to write a note.

Her gaze was wandering around, her body tensed. Dark as the midnight itself she didn't move, watching the skeletons around that unholy place.
Like a low breeze a falcon did settle on her reached out arm. Her lips barely move as she whispers something to the proud bird - hiding herself more with a few steps back into a dark corner.
With swift and fluid moves a note is given. Like he did come the falcon spreads its wings and circles up into the cloudy night sky.

She turns away from the place a grim smile on her lips.

She left Sarai with a bitter taste in her mouth and some turmoil inside about the proposal Sarai had made to her.
Her past was still able to get her fast in its claws, which makes her rather angry.

But the trigger of all was the little redhead and her ugly arrogant slave master. If she had would been alone with him she would had just cut out his tongue for calling her toots and other things.
*well...* she chuckles cold * It's a small world in our field. You always meet twice, at least.*

The Overlord was missing, disappeared - he will show up again, of that she was sure. Probably hiding his cowardly, sorry ass behind an army of undead and skeletons.

She reached the Hemptie and Borgate did greet her in his usual grumpy style. *argh -Princess- red wine as always ? And close that door!*
Frowning she did kick the door close and grumbled *Dammit you shouldn't call me that you know...One day I hit your dwarfskull with a full mug !* Borgate let out a cackle and reaches her the wine.

She spots the last Dagbladden and starts to read, whilst relaxing and sip on her wine.
Suddenly her face turns in a broad smug grin. *Hoho - sweetie-pie is fiery. Setting the tavern and a lady on fire ..tz tz tz *
Her mood now clearly better she continues to read the news.

*Hair on my legs, a dark red dress ...* she grumbled. Sitting at the shore she let the breeze play with her hair. A sort of annoyed mien crossed her face, and a poor little stone got thrown into the water for that, but it seems not make feel her better.
There was so much about him what was far to similar to the man who had deeply hurt her. Some moves, his boyish grin, the humor and his drinking habits.
But oh well - why not risk a night of passion, it could be fun.

Nibbling on her lower lip she watches the small waves who did break on the shore, again and again.
He was just an easy lover as so many others ...

As she finally reached the quietness of her desert place near Cadomyr she placed her fingers on her lips.

*What the heck did you do foolish woman ..., telling him so much from yourself. You must be insane and blind... he is a MAN * The last word she nearly cried out and a nearby fox jumped in fear away about the cold passion in her voice.
Suddenly she rummages in her bag, taking out the bundle he gave her.
Slowly she opens the package, then she holds her breath - before her unfolds a stunning black dress with red embroideries. The fabric shimmers in the light of her campfire. Her eyes grow like black ice - her body frozen.

*By all means, by all the gods - what the heck...!!!* she jumps up on her feet tries to kick the dress away, stumbling nearly back against the rock. This dress was sort of a copy from the black velvet one she did wear for Edward in Varshikar at her engagement. Sure it had another fabric, but still it was so close...
She curses under her breath * Damn you Drathe - you are Ed's hireling? Do you get payment from him to mock me ? To drive me insane ?* Breathing heavily she just tosses the dress into a chest nearby.
With her teeth she uncorks a bottle and takes a large swig out of it followed by another very fast.

Then she grits her teeth * I guess we will have a nice discussion soon my dear *

This night she didn't stop drinking, alone at her place in the desert, until she passed out.

A little gift has been given. He wondered how it had been received. The rum burned delightfully down his throat, the spices warming his mouth. She had not said much, sitting there with a look upon him cold enough to make the heat of the fire ebb. A dagger caught the fire light, playing with it as she was between fingers, glints of the fire glow catching his eye.

So she wanted words with him and judging from her mood, not friendly, comforting or uplifting. As the rum emptied from the bottle and into his stomach the comforting blanket of alcohol warping its familiar arms around him, he was not in the mood for another knife hole in his boot. Lucky then that Sarai had in passing stopped to take company at the fire and disturbing Aly’s plans to twist his ear.

It was not that he didn’t like or want her company or her talk, both he found a fondness for. It was more that neither of them, proud and defensive would give ground or back down, most easy conversations ending in a challenge of insults or violence. Again he had a liking for women with fire in their belly but what with his arrest and prospects of justice looming, today his mind was busy with more pressing challenges. Who to threaten, bribe or just lean on turned through the workings of his mind.

The tavern, he shook his head at the offer. He was glad she had left for it, she would have lost if she dared to push his buttons today.

She stood at the door from the Tavern backside room, staring to the lake.

*So the coward didn't even come ... I am not sure what a conclusion I should draw about this. Is he busy with his own problems - or is he suspecting me stab him in the back?* she mutters to herself
Her thoughts let pass all the encounters they had - and her first thought that he could be hired to give her troubles, or even kill her, seems to be fade away slowly.
Still, it could be possible - * I bet he is doing a lot for coins as long as it makes sure it provides his daily alcohol. *
The poor door-frame got a hard kick as she curses, rather unsure about the whole matter now.
Fact was - she always did enjoy his company, even if it reminds her always so cruel on her past.
Fact was also she needs answers - urgent.
After kicking again frustrated at some barrels, stored in the room, she takes out a parchment, sit down to the ground and started to write something.

Another night she got drunk - it was the only thing she had for the moment, the beautiful red wine.

Impotent anger was nagging on her about the Queen, who did treat her like a piece of shit. *LAMAR * she nearly spits it out - *at least Miss or Lady, I do not address her as Edwards, too - why the heck I still stay in this town with such a leader who not shows any respect for his own citizens ? And chancellors which licking her boots, afraid to say the truth ? I did see you nod Annabeth ... and I will not forget it. Slowly it adds up what you do or not do. I shouldn't even help defend this damn town. But there are people which always acted correct - and friends.*

Slowly shaking her head she moved the bottle to her lips, but the bottle was empty. Reaching her bag she found only a full bottle of rum. *Well then you...* she muttered and took a large sip.
Suddenly a tear was trailing down her cheek, but her face is showing only defiance and deep anger. The encounter with Drathe ended more then unpleasant. But there was a moment she felt some closeness, similar minds.
She did curse loudly, to show some honest interest about his problems was a fault, a clear damn fault. He was not even worth her little finger. If he had trouble about this fire incident why making such a fuzz out of it ?
And to top it all he accused her to be a spy or even payed from Cadomyr to hunt him down.
Another tear followed the first, tears of anger, helplessness and frustration - and maybe loneliness, but that she wouldn't admit. No one could see it under the desert night sky, beside her falcon who did watch her from a nearby rock.

(( all who know what happened feel free to post if you like ))

As the Eye of Darkness and the mythical Skeleton hit at her she was aware that she will go to Cherga. Her head exploded in pain, like 100 dwarfs mining there. With her last breath she did see Drathe running away, badly wounded, but he would make it. Then she passed out.
Wild and dark dreams haunt her as Cherga did send her back once more, a whisper in her mind " Its not your time yet child "
Losing time and awareness of the surroundings she had the feeling there was no part in her body left unharmed, and the head wound did bleed again. Stumbling shaky and very slow in the empty town she made it step after painful step to the inn. *Water...* she did mumble hoarse * Katharine ? *
Her mind got blurred, she got knocked out finally, drifting into more dark dreams filled with screams and pain. Zaras, Lafadiel, Vern ... Drathe a cruel mixed horror. Deep inside her she was sure she had done her best even if it was maybe the last time.

When Katharina woke up it was like just another day in Cadomyr. Even the weather was nice. But she knew better. It was the time of the year people got hurt and died. She didn't hate many things but she hated Mas and all those undeads running around. She took on her armour which still was not even scratched - thanks to her work as a medico - and went to her "daily Mas-business".

She was awake for something around 2 hours when she saw Aly stumbling to the Inn. She went to meet her halfway but Aly collapsed before she reached her. She looked at her worried, before she carefully draged her to the inn, letting her feet grinding at the ground. When she finished her way, she layed Aly down on one of the beds, lifting her feet onto it as well.

"oh dear, why didn't you just waited for your power to return?", she mumbled as she cleaned her wounds and cared for them. After that she went to get her some fresh water, and placed it on the table next to her bed. Then she sat on the foot of the bed and waited, either for somebody else who needed her help or for Aly to wake up from her unconsciousness.

Katharina has done her job well and she had said it several times to her. She did know she was pretty close that time to give up, to embrace the darkness in Cherga's arms.
But it seems there was something still unfinished, couldn't be left behind.

After this Mas she was very thoughtfully, sitting sometimes for hours in her favorite desert place and ponders.
Should she let her walls down ? Was he even worth to do it ?
Every time she was thinking about, mixed feelings did race through her minds.
On one hand she did enjoy his company - on the other hand how far should it go ?
He was damn right when he said to her she would be afraid about what could happen, he was already far to close, dangerous close.

Wasn't in him not to much *Edward* ?
Was this the fact she felt good to be with him and the reason to push him back always ?

Both were survivors, both had already a share of life, a lot of bad and good experience - maybe far to much to change now.

Before the sun did rise she was awoke. Quiet as possible, with fluid moves, she sit up to look down at the sleeping man.
She was glad both were sober, no alcohol was in this game involved. It finally happened - it was inevitable - they shared a night if passion.
They did match each other perfect, both with experience, both knowing how to give and take pleasure - more then once.
Realizing her hair was a sandy mass she did reach for her bag and get her cloth together.

Wondering herself if this would change something between both. She had told him a little lie about Laemaros, though, not sure if he seek her out for money or title.
She still didn't trust him. A soundless chuckle and evil little smirk curled her full lips as she filled his right boot with sand, using it as a placeholder for a note.

" Don't forget to share the story I told you and gather some people. I wait for your note or met you there "

Naked- the cloth in her bag she did walk slowly away, to the lake shore nearby, to get a bath and do a swim.

A torrent of foul language escaped him as he sat in the sunshine on the stone street of Gal, boot in hand and being shaken. Third time today he had pulled off a boot and rubbed the annoying sand out from between his toes, its persistence infuriating. Added to this his growing desperation for a drink his temper flared, the boot being thrown with force against a tree.

The tremble in his sword hand was back, it always came back when he stopped drinking, always on the third day and by a week he was back to the drink. He watched it shake as his breathing calmed his thoughts returning to last night. It had been a good night, a great night. She had been all that he had needed and wanted in the moment. For such a petite woman, easy to lift and dominate physically to his want, she was a real danger, always quick rise to challenges or to temper or draw blade with intent and this dancing with danger pulled at the gambler, risk taker, rogue. She was like rolling the dice, her mood to him ever likely to be just as random.

Standing he walked over to the boot, pulled aside the sword scabbard at hip and sat down back against the tree. Was she more than just excitement? He pulled on his worn leather boot. There was an uneasiness in him this morning about her, a battle of voices, write and wrong. His cheek scrunched up as he sucked in the air through his teeth. To think it all started over a job to get information about her.
‘Drathe, you really must stick to Rich Bitches’. He spoke softly for grin to rise.’ Ah, but she is a Queen, who could be richer than that.’

His voice still lingers in the air **But, come find me again soon. I don't want talk next time, I want all of you.**

After he left her, she took off her cloth again for another swim in the fresh sea.
Later she did just lay on her cloak, let the sun drying the wet skin and hair.

" If you play a game you play it well - Mr. Blue. I would like to see behind that blank gambler face of yours.
What did you do at the wall in Cadomyr ? Did you spy on someone?"

Then she shakes her head at the thought. She wouldn't allow someone to get to close to her, so why she was so eager to see behind his mask ?
That wasn't healthy for her, for sure. It has always started like this and ended in pain, loss and the vow never to feel anything again for a man.
His honey covered words sound still in her ear, though and she had to admit her body did play his own game - as he touched her a fire was starting inside her, she couldn't barely control.
**We both have needs? Both do not want to get close to others and do not trust people. Even we need something warm to sleep against or share a moment to just talk now and then no? **
He had whispered in her ear.

"What do you want from me ? What ? Really only my body sometimes ? a talk ? Sounds not like Drathe Blue"
or maybe she just tried to convince herself as she raised on her feet to do a little sword dance down at the grave.

I want YOU !!!

She heard his shout in her back but didn't hesitate to walk deeper into the desert, just away from him.
The nightmares did haunt her again since a while and the only thing which did help was to drink, and drink, and drink ...
Her mood was terrible, her temper swinging between volcanic explosive and ice cold.

She had could let steam off on Teptoc, who did threw a stinky mess of a sheep corpse on her.
In the last second she regained her senses, knowing if she causes a fight in the tavern she will probably lose the bit of refuge she needs, in the only town it has a warm climate.
She still needed this hot, dry air as a counterpoint to her icy blood.

*Will it be ever normal again ? Years ago it did save my life, now it is a curse. And so much of that is haunting me still * she thought, sipping on the bottle of wine.
Arriving the hidden spot in the desert she took off the dress, staring on it blankly.
The face, bond to this dress, was the same who had shout out as she left.

It was good to be cruel, but also it was a mystery to herself why she just left him, instead of using him until she was to exhausted to think on anything. Maybe it had put her mind at ease, maybe it had caused more complications.
She wasn't sure Thought we are friends, or at least trust each other a bit He had said.

And there was the point which troubles her, did she really start to care for him ? Trust him, being his friend ?
She found it hard to believe for herself - so she opened a new bottle, drinking slowly further, lost in a troublesome past.

Vern left her to met the dirty dwarf who was now Chancellor.
The fragments of his last saying was something like - a warrior is only a warrior with a war - made it pretty clear for her he was out for bloodshed.
It seems a war was ineluctable between the houses.

*What an idiotic move* she thought. House Stonescale was weak as a little puppy, but Vern and Brawndara wouldn't back down 'til the blades decide.
She shrugs and chuckled. Will be interesting to see if they ban each other out of towns afterwards.
Men are the example of stupidity, not thinking further then the own nose !
It will not do any good both sides, making friends to foes, even possible to torn apart lovers and family's.
*I wonder where Drathe will stand in this* she mutters to herself. A rather sulky face followed the thought - but only for a short moment - before her thoughts wander to another person.

Ah this Keva Girl, she had met her once at Mas, was another stupid thing. Even if she stirred up the upcoming war between both sides she was now branded as a criminal.
*At my time in Gobaith no one had knew who delivered the poison, nor they would have caught me with * A broad grin appears as she thought back.
But this times were gone - she just wanted to live in peace, fighting her inner devils and nightmares was enough of a task for the rest of her life.