Subject Harp and Ran-Ell

A brief twinge of emotion crosses Ran's face before he catches it and restores his expression to a mask of unconcern.

"I don't know if I will be able to return with you." Ran says.

At this his grandfather speaks for the first time since Ran and Harp began conversing.

"Ran, have you forgotten entirely the studies you have been doing in the last months? Even if you do not love your father you must know that there was a time that your mother did. He is your family whether you choose to accept it or not. Aside from that, you know that there are things of this world that are beyond our petty concerns. I too have felt that there are disturbances. I don't know their nature but I do know that if you have an opportunity to help then you must do so."

Ran looks shocked at the words from his grandfather.

"I am not ready to abandon my studies here. I need to learn more from you grandfather. I can't believe you would say that my mother loved my father. He is the reason she killed herself."

"No, she always had the choice to take her own life or not. It is because she loved your father that she didn't just flee the city and return here. You may not be ready to accept that but it is true. Read her journals more thouroughly and you will see it for yourself. As for studies here with me, there are complete for the time being. I will not allow you to study here if it means keeping you from an opportunity to make amends with your father and to help your friend Heronin."

With that, Gar-Ell stands and walks out of the room into his private chambers. Ran, still looking shocked, turns to face Harp once again.

"Well, I don't know what to say. I, I suppose that I don't have much choice in the matter now. I will gather my things and be prepared to leave by morning."

Ran, his expression filled with sorrow, begins clearing the table. As he is doing so, he drops his cup and wine spills onto the floor. Ran lets out a cry of equal parts rage and grief as he falls to the ground and begins to weep. After about a minute he regains his composure and politely asks Harp to meet him in the morning outside of Gar-Ell's home. It is clear to Harp that Ran does not want any further company.

Subject Harp and Ran-Ell

Harp sits in silence, trying to digest the conversation he had just heard. His new companion seemed to have a family life nearly as interesting as Harp's.

Harp, realizing that he has not been offered the courtesy of staying the night in the elves home, climbs down the rope ladder and prepares his small camp site. He says his prayers to his diety and retires for the night, hopefull that he will be able to complete his task. He very much wants to prove to Knight/Captain Angelwing that he will make a good member of the Order.

The night proves instructive to Harp, as he had not slept in the wilderness (much less and Elven forest) in quite a while. The night sounds, while familiar, had a much less threatening tone to them. Every thing seemed peaceful and benign, so different than Harp's youth.

After a while, Harp drifts off to sleep, wondering what tomorrow will bring.