Dane

Treasca woke still feeling exhausted, she would have just rolled over and gone back to sleep, but there where raised voices near by. She sat up feeling heavy with fatigue. Men where shouting at each other though she could not make out what they said. They seemed to be approaching the tent. Treasca sat up straining her ears to hear.

"....could be...you barely made...your father would think!" These little bits of conversation seemed to be spoken with open scorn.

"Enough!!" A voice bellowed making Treasca jump up heart racing. Silence followed so complete you could hear the brook nearby.

"As you wish my lord." A gruff older voice said though obviously displeased. Treasca sat back on the bed as the flap opened and a rather disgruntled looking Dane entered. He took a deep breath as he tried to smile at Treasca it came out rather weak.

"I am sorry if you had to hear that. The elders here are very old fashioned, and of course everyone is afraid of the shade. It has made them very suspicious of everything." He said rubbing the back of his neck as if it pained him.

"That is understandable of course. If I had been subject to such tragedy I am sure I would be the same." Treasca said soothingly. Dane gave her a real smile and sat next to her head in his hands.

"I wish I could just find the damned monster and finish it for good." He sighed again glancing over at her. He seemed to soften and she suddenly became aware how very close he was.

"I have had word from your father by the way." He said finally his cheeks slightly red. "They are overcome with joy that you are alive and well. As it happens they where following the rumors of the Shades attack and are only a days ride away. I thought with my clan being so troubled at the moment it may be safer if we met them half way. I am sure if you rejoin with your clan mine will be more willing to believe you are not the shade in disguise. It would be hard to fool those so close to you. I hope that once this business is settled we can talk further about you joining with me." Dane said almost cheerfully. For a moment Treasca could almost see the happy go lucky demeanor of her people behind the pain and cynicism. She thought of the looks his people hade given her, and stared down at her hands not answering.

"Whats wrong? Is there someone else you would rather marry?" He asked voice cool as if trying not to show emotion.

"No, that's not it. I just worry your people will not be willing to accept me as I may remind them of their loss even if I did not cause it directly." Treasca said looking at the ground. Dane was suddenly kneeling before her, and he raised her face gently to look at him.

"Listen to me please, yes you where a victim of that monster as where we, but my people will see past it in time. You are a good, kind, and sweet soul you will win them over despite themselves I just know it." Dane stroked her cheek gently. His eyes became hungry then and he began to lean towards her when a huge crash reverberated through the camp. Women screamed and men yelled for their swords. Dane left to his feet grabbing his sword off the table so fast Treasca barely had time to stand. She followed heart pounding frantically. Was it the Shade? She prayed with all of her might it was not. People raced around in a huge confused mass that was hard to move through. Finally she made it clear and looked up to the source of the chaos. Before her stood the huge white majestic form of Brenton the Dragon.

Brenton sniffed he couldn't believe his nose. He could smell her in that camp. It had to be her! No one smelled as good as she did! He searched for her magically his heart leaping for joy as he felt her in the camp ahead. It was more Traveler's he winced knowing there would be some conflict there, but he had to see her with his own eyes. He had to know she was untainted by that monster's touch. He flew fast and faster until he crashed down just outside the camp. He figured he would startle them, but he just couldn't care. Treasca was alive, his heart was soring. He probably could have tried a different strategy but the guards around the camp had those same small objects Treasca's family had had. A man of very large form barreled at him like an angry bear. Brenton ignored him staring behind the massive man as Treasca followed at a run. He changed into his human form, and ran towards her. The man slashed at him with his sword, but Brenton caught it in his hand crushing it to dust in his hands.

"Treasca! Thank the gods you are alright. I was sick with worry! What happened where is that bastard shade? I will gut that stupid gutless coward." Brenton growled he took her in a tight embrace so happy to hold her. She tried to push him away, but he just couldn't let go just then. Another sword came swooping down at him, but he didn't even bother to let go of Treasca as he snapped that sword as well.

"Who the hell are you?!" The bear man bellowed his fear pungent in his nose.

"The King of the Dragons and you are?" Brenton asked watching the man from the top of Treasca's head. The man froze face becoming very pale.