The Cleric and the Ranger

by Panolryn Netherelf

Turning back the hood of the cloak that conceals his features, a young Prydaen Ranger smiles at Baresh, a twinkling of mischief in his silver eyes.

"Pan!" Baresh greets the new arrival, then grows wary as a frown takes over the lines of his mouth. "None of your mischief, now - I'm surprised the Town Guard let you anywhere near this part of town."

Soft laughter escapes the black-furred Prydaen as he settles himself at the bar. "Will that keep you from lining up Windhaze for a poor kit, the likes of me?"

Baresh snorts and sizes the Ranger up before asking, "How poor?"

Panolryn rubs the bar with one hand and when he lifts it a small red jasper appears. Panolryn sighs and says in a weary voice, "I've really no heart for mischief today, friend. Something very strange and frightening has happened and…"

"Tell me about it?" Baresh says as he places a mug of Windhaze before the Ranger.

"Well…" Panolryn begins after taking a long swig of the potent brew and leaning slightly back to gaze off into the distance. "I was up in Theren, minding my own business - and the stories about my going up there to escape the clutches of a beautiful elf maiden are…" Panolryn clears his throat, then winks at Baresh as he confesses, "probably true."

Baresh chortles, shaking his head as he absently rubs the bar with his cloth.

"Anyway, like I said - I was minding my own business, playing with bloodwolves and working my skills, when a wondrous human woman entered the area. Now I'd met her before - and joined her and a Priest into Maruader country to help them raise a few deaders - she's a Cleric, too, see?" Pan takes another swig, his glowing eyes having nothing to do with the drink. His voice softens, "Her name is Mayina…"

Panolryn purrs deeply, his eyes drooping partially shut. He continues his tale, "I liked her from the start, but something happened when we were hunting bloodwolves… she gazed at me and told me I didn't have enough favors…" Pan chortles, "Something my friend Sister Jasmira usually tells me. This time, however, I thought about the lapse and decided I had to do something about it. We ran up to Theren to cash in on my bundles, then ended up in the Pavilion… just talking…"

Panolryn looks confused for a second, then remedies his state by taking another swig. Nevertheless, his voice takes on a dreamy tone as he says, "Her eyes are like emeralds and her hair the color of honey. She laughs and I'm warmed through. She smells of exotic fruits. I see her when I close my eyes and feel a peace that is only shattered if I open them and she is not there." Panolryn looks at Baresh and blinks, a smile creeping upon his lips. "I never thought I'd feel this way about anyone… she makes me think of the gods and want to gain favor in their eyes." Softly, he adds, "But I think I already have, else she would never have entered my life."

"So where is this wondrous Cleric now?" Baresh inquires.

"She's up at her guild, circling." Panolryn replies, draining his mug with one last guzzle and wiping his lips with the back of his hand. "In fact, gonna go meet her so we can go get those favors for me. I'm a changed man, Baresh."

Panorlyn winks, then rises from the stool. With a flick of the wrist, he replaces the hood on his head, once again concealing his features. Another blast of wind opens the door and Panolryn bows, then exits quickly. Baresh mumbles something about being born in a barn and walks from behind the bar to go close the door. As he reaches the door, looking out, he cannot detect the slightest breeze.

Baresh chortles, closes the door and returns to the bar saying: "Good on you, lad."