ANYONE'S BUSINESS
						by Toni J. Winkler
						“Interviewing A Legend”


		"Ah Chorrol.  My favorite town in all Cyrodiil.  It has several lovely little ponds nearby that are perfect to bathe in without fear of being chewed on by Rumara fish.  The people here live a simple slow-paced life for the most part.  You could almost say it is a quiet and sleepy little town -  except for Arborwatch.
	What it so different about Arborwatch?  Why - the champion of Cyrodiil lives there!  He is also the Grand Champion of the Arena, a Blades Knight, a Knight of the Virtuous Blood, a Knight of the Thorn, and a Knight of the White Stallion... not to mention THE DIVINE CRUSADER and very wealthy I might add.
	He is a Nord named Eli Grayson by birth but everyone that knows him well calls him El.  El first came to our community as a Fighter Guild member under the direction of Vilena Donton.  After that dirty business with the Blackwood Company, she turned her position over to El.  El soon turned over command of the guild to Modryn Oreyn.
	El doesn't stay in Chorrol much as he has many houses across Cyrodiil, but when he is present, our little town has its rooms at the inns sold out.  One of our homeowners bought the big house next to Arborwatch just to rent it out when El is in town.  El has done much good for the merchants businesses but the Chorrol guards are not always happy with the overtime they have to put in to keep the rowdies under control."  (The Chorrol Chattery - First Seed edition)
	Because of Chorrol's illustrious citizen El, a few new shops have opened around town.  I work at the Quick & Thick print shop.  We publish books, journals, and maps, as well as a monthly newsletter called The Chorrol Chattery, similar to the Black Horse Courier in Imperial City.  Alberic Litte and his wife were nice enough to rent us the main floor of their house to open our new business.  My name is Florina and I am the head reporter for Quick & Thick.
	I had been educated in Morrowind but I was Imperial bred.  My father had been assigned to the High Rock project but Mum and I stayed in Vivec.  I was the last child to fly the nest and I was eager to leave Morrowind for Imperial City.
	After I landed the job in Chorrol, I spent the winter researching everything I could find about El.  Mod at the fighter's guild was quite helpful, especially when bribed.  Most of the women I interviewed were ga-ga over El, but all said he was a gentleman and well respected and respectful.
	My main assignment is to report on the latest deeds of El.  It isn't easy keeping up with the man.  He travels like the wind on his beast he calls Shadowmere.  Everyone knows the public side of El, but what most women want to know is what the real man is like in private.
	I had a dickens of a time keeping Casta Scribonia from taking my position, as she wanted the job so badly, she was drooling at the mouth.  She knew I had been assigned to cover El.  Poor old maid.  I decided I wasn't going to end up like her.
	I caught a glimpse of El one day last fall when I first came to work in Chorrol.  All that winter I seen him around town coming or going dressed to the hilt in his Royal Imperial armor but I had yet a chance to speak to the man.
	When spring came, I had gone to the pond up the road past Honditar’s house to take quick dip when the weather turned warm.  I saw El walking up the road in his causal wear and I figured he was headed for the same pond.  I quickly caught up with him and asked if he minded company.
	El is a very quiet spoken man with the perfect Nord physique, brilliant blues and long flowing blonde hair, luscious full lips and perfect white teeth.  El was divine.
	When I could find my proper voice and quit staring at the man, I ventured to ask him some personal questions.  I tried to make it sound like a friendly approach and not the slant of a reporter.  He didn't seem to mind, even when I revealed where I worked, being quite amicable toward me.
	We striped to our undies and dove into the refreshing water.  After a quick and slightly cool swim, we sat on the dock to finish drying in the strong sunshine.  I tried not to be too obvious about admiring his physical presence but I think he enjoyed the view he received as well.
	“Tell me everything about you Eli,” I asked as I dried my waist length coal black hair.
	“El.  You may call me El, little lady,” he replied watching me intently.
	“And you may call me Flo,” I replied in return watching the water glisten across his muscles.
	“Not much to tell, actually, Flo,” he answered using my name softly.
	“Now don’t be shy.  Your adoring public and I want to know about your mysterious background,” I smiled as I began to dry my cleavage.
	El returned a boyish grin as he pick up a cloth and helped to dry my back.
	"I came from a large family that tended a farm in southern Valenwood.  Growing up with the wild elves and hard work tended to make a me fighter as a boy," El reminisced.
	I took a clean cloth from my bag and joyfully and slowly dried El’s back.
	“Did you not get along with the elves?” I asked.
	“For the most part, usually after I showed them who was boss,” he chuckled mischievously.
	“Tell me about your family,” I prompted as I handed him the cloth.
	“I was the oldest of seven children and learned to shoulder responsible at a young age when father died from an accident,” he replied soberly.  “Now my turn.” El said.  “Tell me about yourself.”
	“Oh, I grew up in Morrowind with elves,too, but I had an older brother that was very protective,” I said proudly.
	“You sound like you admire him very much,” El responded as he finished drying his chest and legs.
	“Yes.  He came to Imperial City to join the Legion several years ago.  He became captain of the watch until he joined the Arena,” I stopped with a lump in my throat trying hard not to let tears form in my eyes.
	El was quiet for a moment.  “What happened?” he asked tenderly.
	“He did very well,” I choked back the lump.  “He made it to Hero...” I trailed off.
	“I’m so sorry, Flo,” he said softly as he took me into his arms.
	“I’m sorry, too.”  I said into his comforting shoulder.  “I shall always honor his memory.  He would have been a great man.”  I spoke as I pushed away from El and flicked the tear that had escaped my eye.  I smiled brightly at him and began to dress.
	On our walk back to Chorrol, we chitchatted about things in general.  El asked if I cared to have dinner with him at the Oak & Croiser.  Of course I said yes.  I found El charming but a little on the serious side, even melancholy at times.  I was curious to find out if he was suffering from a broken heart.
	I dressed in a nice dress, trying not to overdo it as I sensed that El seemed to lean toward the low maintenance type gal.  I tried not to appear too eager as we found our table in a corner of the inn.  To say we had a quiet little dinner would be wrong.  Everyone that passed through the inn had to have a conversation with El.  It did make the dinner last longer but it was frustrating trying to talk without being interrupted.
	“So, El, do you have your eye on anyone?  Most men of your status would be married by now,” I asked while waiting for our food to arrive.
	“Nooo, but Countess Carvain and I have had dinner a few times when I was in Bruma,” he replied nonchalantly.
	“I’ve never met the Countess but I hear she has a good head on her shoulders,” I replied watching him curiously.
	“Yes.  She is a great asset to Bruma and the Nords,” El remarked honestly, “I hold her in high esteem.”
	That was about the best I got during dinner.  My mind was racing.  I would have to think of an excuse to meet this Countess Carvain. I was hoping he would invite me back to his house but he politely walked me home and said his farewell.
	I knew he would be leaving soon for a trip into Elsweyr as an emissary for Lord High Chancellor Ocato.  Before he could leave, I asked him if he would mind if I tagged along to cover the story.  The question popped out of my mouth before I had a chance to think about how it sounded.  Surprisingly, El said he thought it an excellent idea.
	I had packed as lightly as I could and even consulted Mod about what type of weapon would be best for me to carry.  He gave me a nice little elven dagger that had been enchanted with shock damage.  I only wished I had had more time to practice using it.  I did know some rudimental moves I learned from my brother but I wasn’t a fighter.  Perhaps El could help me with some training on our trip.
	It was a beautiful day when El, myself, Areldur, an Altmer Knight of the Nine, and “Puppie” as El called him, left Chorrol.  Puppie was the Bosmer youth El had taken in when he became the Imperial Arena Grand Champion.  El figured the child was an orphan or a runaway and had compassion for him, as El had seen many children like Puppie in Valenwood.
	I had trusted Puppie to pick out my rental horse from the North Country Stables, as I didn’t care to deal with Bongond.  Puppie was an accomplished speaker and knew how to wheel and deal.  I liked Puppie as he would step in to help without being asked.
	Areldur was polite but elusive as most high elves were accustomed to acting toward Imperials.  He and El took lead positions and spoke about the battle of defeating Umaril during most of the trip to Leyawiin via the Green Road.  Puppie and I were left to our own chitchat.  This gave me the chance to quiz Puppie about El as tactfully as I could manage on horseback.
	“How do you like living in Chorrol, Puppie?” I asked.
	“Chorrol is a wonderful place.  I just love the old oak tree, don’t you?” he asked.
	“Yes.  It is unique just like El.  You seem to enjoy your position at Arborwatch,” I remarked.
	“Arborwatch is a wonderful house.  I have my own room and everything,” he replied enthusiastically.
	“It must be very exciting to travel with El,” I said.
	“Oh, I don’t get to go very often. Did I tell you about the time El took me vampire hunting?” he shrilled gleefully.
	Puppie spent most of the trip telling me of how he was almost killed by a summoned skeleton on the vampire excursion.  He went on at length how El had saved him several times from bandits that chased him for over a mile.
	We made good time to Leyawiin with just the occasional encounter with a bear or spriggan. El and Areldur easily dispatched of any threats on our journey.  We arrived late and stayed the night at the Three Sisters Inn.  The following morning we picked up last minute supplies before heading west into the heart of Elsweyr.
	El took a slow and watchful pace through the thickening forests.  When I asked El about the nature of the visit, he was rather elusive, saying it was political.  The forest was quiet with the only sounds being the muffled hoofs of our horses and a solo hawk screeching overhead from time to time.
	We found a small clearing before dusk and made camp.  No one had spoken much on the trek through the woods, so it was a relief to actually make a little noise.  Areldur and Puppie retired early to their tents, leaving me free to talk with El.
	“How are you holding up, Flo?” El asked gently.
	“I’m excited.  I’ve heard many stories about Ayleid tribes that haven’t been seen for years that hide in these forest.  Do you think we could run into any of them?” I asked in a rush.
	“Anything is possible but I’ve never seen any of the old tribes.  Perhaps you’ve been reading too many books?“ he winked at me while trying to hold back a laugh.
	“I’m serious about researching the Ayleid culture,” I replied in mock offence.  “It was one of the reasons I wanted to come to Cyrodiil.” 
	“You might not love them so much if you were to visit one of their ruins.” He snorted.  “The traps can be murderous.”
	“I don’t think I’d have to worry if you were by my side,” I said in an enticing voice.
	El had been polishing his armor during our conversation.  He stopped in mid stroke, and stared at me hard.  I couldn’t guess what he was thinking. Then he began putting his things away and hurriedly stood up.
	“We best retire,” he spoke quietly.  “It will be a long day tomorrow.”  He gave me a quick smile while closing the flap of his tent.
	In my tent it felt good to be out of the leather armor I had worn.  It was still stiff since I had not used it much since buying it at The Best Defense in Imperial City the year before.  Sleep came quickly as did the morning.  We were packed and on our horses before the light broke dawn.
	The entire day was spent traveling what seemed to me in a large circle.  We set camp earlier then usual and I took advantage of the time.  I ventured to ask El if he could show me some pointers with my dagger.  Puppie and Areldur had gone to gather firewood as it would be a long night for us.
	El was so natural with a weapon and a good teacher.  When the lesson was over, he grabbed me and kissed me longingly.  It was unexpected and interrupted when Areldur returned with a big armful of branches.  El jumped to help him as I stood there dumbfounded.  I know Areldur had to see us but he acted as though nothing had happened.
	I slipped into my tent and tried to slow the pounding of my heart.  I felt like a young girl with her first love.  Actually, El was my first love.  I had been too occupied with school and learning at Vivec to pay attention to the boys.  That’s what they were - boys.  I wanted a man.
	Around the campfire that night, we each took a hand in cooking mutton on the spit and broke out the bread and fruit for a meal.  El kept slipping me glances but we didn’t speak personally.  As everyone began to yawn, I was the first to retire.
	I wanted to be alone with El and yet I was afraid.  Afraid of what might happen if I let myself go.  I was a reporter and I had to remind myself not to get too involved too soon, at least not until this assignment was finished.  Yet, I kept telling myself to go for it as I might not get another chance.




						ANYONE'S BUSINESS
						“Meeting the Princess”

	We hadn't traveled far after breaking camp the following morning, when we heard a group of horses coming our way.  El signaled us to stop and wait.  Soon eight elven warriors broke through the forest and came to a halt before El and Areldur.  They greeted El and asked us to follow them.  Two of the warriors fell in behind us as we filed into single formation.
	Their armor was exquisite.  I could see the elves eyeing us closely.  I wanted to talk to them but the dense forest prevented any conversation.  I couldn’t make out any trail and the dense foliage darken the day considerably.  It took effort to guide my horse as it didn’t want to plow through the underbrush.
	It seemed like hours before we cleared the oppressive forest but the noon sun had not yet reached its zenith.  The road we found ourselves on was paved and well traveled.  I was able to pull up beside Puppie with an elf warrior on either of our sides.  Puppie fell into an easy conversation with his companion.
	I was a little hesitate to speak to the elf at my elbow as he didn’t look none friendly.  I tried a quick smile to test the water but he only nodded a greeting and reigned his horse to pull behind me.  I guess they didn’t like Imperial women here either.
	I listened in on Puppie asking the name of the city that was our destination.  He called it Shimora, city of harmony.  I could see the shining white towers of the city peeking through the trees as the road widened upon approach.
	I gasped when the city came into full view.  El looked back to see what was wrong.  I could see he was concerned about my wellbeing.  I couldn’t take my eyes off the beauty of the architecture.  The buildings and domes and spires filled the panorama with such perfection and detail that I could barely take it all in at once.
	Beyond the massive gate, I noticed that the streets were wide and clean.  Every house was neatly joined one to another in long blocks like pearls strung on a necklace.  Flowers were planted beneath each window and exotic trees lined the street at even intervals.
	At the stables, there was an ornate coach waiting for us, driven by four white horses.  We were all looking around in awe.  I don’t think any of us were expecting such splendor.  The trip was short as we drove up to the palatial manor where we would be housed during our stay.
	As we departed the coach, I dared not speak for fear of breaking the enchantment, for I was sure I was dreaming.  I barely heard the exchanges between El and the elf representive named, Vormil, who greeted us at the entry hall.  We were expected to dine with the High King and his family later that evening.  My mind flew into a panic.  I hadn’t packed for a royal encounter.
	Vormil must have read my face for he came to my side and quietly spoke that apparel would shortly arrive for our benefit.  I could have kissed the elf right on the mouth I was so relieved.  El looked at me strangely but made no comment.  We each went to our spacious rooms to clean up after our days of riding in the woods.  Servants fluttered around us to fulfill our every need.
	All the dresses that Vormil had sent to my room were beyond beautiful.  I tried them all on and couldn’t decide which to wear.  The red velvet looked good against my long black hair but I decided it was too flamboyant.  The dark blue was lovely but too sparkly, it seemed more a party dress than formal.  I settled on the white lace that was intricately woven with tiny pearls here and there.
	I must have taken a little longer then expected to dress and I had to fiddle with my hair when I heard a persistent knock at my door.  Vormil entered bearing a small case which he opened revealing a lovely choker with tiny rubies embedded in the intricate metalwork.
	“It’s beautiful, Vormil, but you’ve done so much for me already.  I couldn’t accept more.” I replied overwhelmed.
	“You must, my lady, I insist,” he spoke as he took the delicate jewelry from its box and began to place it around my neck.
	“It is a present from the royal family that you are expected to wear while here, my lady,” Vormil said a little tersely.  His hands almost shook as he lifted my hair to fasten the catch.
	“You are too kind, Vormil. I shall never forget this,” I said sincerly.
	“Please don’t forget, madam,” Vormil ordered.
	I looked at him strangely.  He stared at me darkly which made me uncomfortable.
	“We will expect you shortly, my lady,” Vormil said in a more relaxed voice as he turned to leave.
	When I exited my room, El, Areldur, Puppie, and Vormil were waiting.  As I looked over the balcony, El was pacing in a nervous gait, Areldur was looking out the window, Puppie was talking to Vormil who was politely listening until he spotted me.
	“Ah, our lady has arrived,” Vormil announced.
	Puppie smiled widely and rocked on the balls of his feet as I delicately descended the winding staircase.  Areldur and El both stared with mouths agape.  Everything seemed frozen in time.  I wanted the moment to last forever.  I felt like a princess.
	I waited for an escort at the landing, but no one moved.  Puppie just stood there with a stupid smile on his face.  Areldur stood still as a statue, making me wonder if he were even alive.  I made a little coughing noise and El jumped as if he’d been shot with an arrow.  He quickly came to my side and offered his arm.
	As we were coached to the palace, El kept staring at me when he didn’t think I noticed.  Vormil had given each of us finery to wear.  El looked very handsome in a green longcoat with white cuffs and collar.  He smelled good, too, as I was sitting next to him.
	At the palace, we were shown to the reception hall as the King and his Queen came to greet us.  King Demerius and his wife, Loudima were gracious but typical for Altmer.  All protocol and ritual.  El was well received by King Demerius and excited to finally meet the hero of legend.
	They were anxious for El to meet their only daughter, Princess Layda.  When she arrived, all the men bowed to her as she extended her slender hand for obeisance.  She was delicately beautiful and graceful as she glided across the floor.  Her face gleamed like an opal encompassed by shiny blonde hair that fell like water over her shoulders.  But it was her eyes that shocked me - they were a deep violet.
	When she and El met, she locked her magical eyes on him, and he was captivated from that moment.  The rest of us might as well not have existed.  I tried not to let my annoyance show but I was irritated with El’s response to Layda.  She was exotically beautiful, but El was acting like he’d been swept off his feet.  Puppie, Areldur, Vormil, and the King and Queen seemed pleased that El was so enchanted.
	Thankfully I was seated next to Vormil during the meal and on the other end of the twenty chair table from El and his ridiculous fascination with Layda.  I could barely eat as I was sick to the pit of my stomach watching El and Layda talking face to face.  I could see that El wanted to kiss her badly.  I wanted to scream.
	Puppie was sitting on my left, and as usual, talking the ear off of the unfortunate elf sitting next to him about his favorite subject of vampire hunting.  Areldur was seated next to King Demerius, being engaged about Elven history.  Vormil was the only one that notice my disturbance.
	“What is the matter, my dear?” Vormil asked kindly.
	“I really don’t think I can talk about it civily,” I replied while trying to choke down a piece of fruit.
	“Are you in distress, my lady?” Vormil inquired.
	“Distress?  No, but I wish someone else was distressed.” I replied strongly.
	“Oh my!” Vormil replied.  “You’ve got it bad, don’t you child?”
	I merely looked at the kind elf with tears welling up in my eyes.
	“Let’s get you out of here.  I’ll make the necessary excuses, never fear,” Vormil whispered in my ear.
	Vormil was as good as his words and he soon escorted me from the dining hall after a quiet word with the King.  Conversation had been so engrossing for everyone that none seemed to notice that I had left.
	Small tears escaped my eyes during the coach ride back to the manor.  I hadn’t realized how attached I had allowed myself to become to El.  Vormil walked with me to the front door, and as I started to climb the staircase, he grabbed my arm.
	“You must keep the necklace on at all times, madam,” Vormil said sternly.
	“What are you talking about, Vormil?  Explain yourself!” I ordered.
	“We can’t talk now.  Just promise me you won’t take the necklace off.” he pleaded.
	I reassured him I would keep my promise but that he needed to tell me what was going on soon.  I raced to the security of my room. Things were happening too fast to make any sense.  The sudden change in El and Vormil’s mysterious request were confusing.  I lost myself in thought until I heard the others returning several hours later.
	Someone knocked on my door but I pretended to be asleep.  I peeked out later to see who was around.  Puppie was sitting alone in the main hall reading a book.  I hadn’t bothered to change and when Puppie saw me, he asked if everything was alright.
	“I think I ate something that didn’t agree with me at dinner,” I lied.
	“Oh, I’ve done that plenty of times,” he responded.  “Wasn‘t the Princess lovely?” he asked with a wide-eyed look.
	“Oh yes, fantastic.  I guess that’s why El couldn’t take his eyes off her,” I said sarcastically.
	“Well, he is a single unattached male,” Puppie replied in his adulation for El.
	Before I could respond, El walked through the front door with a smile of satisfaction across his face.
	“Are you two still up?” El asked as he started up the staircase.
	“Yes, we were discussing your meeting with Princess Layda, as a matter of fact,” I replied tartly.
	“Yes, she is the most beautiful elf I’ve ever laid eyes on,” responded Puppie.
	“I agree Puppie.  Well, I’m going to bed.  I’ve got business with the King tomorrow morning.  Good night all,” El said as he almost skipped up the final stairs unfastening his coat as he went.  The shadows hid the expression on his face but I could see him looking down at us.
	I know my face was hot and ugly from anger and jealousy but I didn’t care.  El hadn’t even commented about my early absence. Puppie yawned and said good night.  I was fuming inside and decided to take a walk in the garden behind the manor.  It was almost dawn before I could relax enough to return to my room.
	I heard everyone stirring at morning’s light but I didn’t feel like company.  I ate a small breakfast alone in my room.  I heard the coach come for El and knew I’d not see him for most of the day.  I dressed in a casual dress that Vormil had sent up for me, being sure I still had the necklace on and went downstairs.
	Vormil seemed satisfied when he saw me and informed me that Areldur and Puppie had left to do some sightseeing.  He asked me to meet him later that night after dinner.  He said he would send a messenger for me to arrange the meeting.  He would answer none of my questions until then.
	I ventured outside in the gardens behind the manor.  I had taken a journal to write my impressions of Shimora for my job.  I even attempted a few rough sketches but tired of the effort.  I had missed the beauty of the garden last night but it was abundant with flowers I didn’t even know the names of but smelled wonderful.  I found a nice soft spot on the grass and laid down.  I was soon asleep from my lack during the night.
	I awoke to the sound of voices nearby.  It was late afternoon and the sun was gentle on my face.  I was groggy from my nap.  Just as I was about to get up from my grassy bed, I heard a male and female voice whispering.  I recognized El’s quick laugh as I turned in their direction.
	“You are the only protection I will need on the trip, El” Layda whispered.
	“I am glad that you find me so sufficient, my lady,” El replied in a husky voice.
	“Yes, very sufficient,” she giggled melodically.
	They had been sitting on a bench near where I lay.  They arose together and I could see them through the profusion of flowers.  Layda put her hand on El’s arm and looked at him expectantly.  El smiled, placed his hand over hers and led her through the garden and back to the manor.
	I turned as green as the grass I was laying on.  There was no getting over this man.  I wanted to wait until I was sure they had left but I had to relief myself and I was hungry since I’d missed lunch.  I’d not had a good meal since coming to Shimora.
	When I entered the main hall, El and Layda were just leaving.  El was so caught up with Layda, he didn’t even acknowledge I was present.  Layda slipped me a cloy look and I wanted to kill her on the spot.  She knew she was playing El.  That’s when I realized that El wasn’t aware of the hold she had on him. She was a sly one and I had to find a way to free El from her grasp.






						ANYONE’S BUSINESS
					“The Necklace, the Sword, and the Lady”

	El was absent from our dinner at the manor later that night.  I wasn’t surprised and no one inquired about El’s whereabouts.  Areldur and Puppie were discussing the marvelous things they had seen on their sightseeing tour through the city.  I had just finished my plate when a messenger dressed like a coachman arrived and handed me a note.
	I dismissed myself, saying that I’d been invited to a private viewing at the palace.  It wasn’t true but that’s what the note told me to say.  I was pensive on the coach ride.  We left the city and traveled a short distance off the road into the dark forest.  Vormil was waiting with several other elves, all carrying torches.
	“Welcome, my lady,” Vormil greeted me.  “I’m glad you made it safely.”
	“What’s this all about, Vormil?”  I eagerly asked.
	Each elf revealed to me that they were all wearing a necklace similar to mine as Vormil explained.
	“It’s Layda.  She is an imposter that has taken over the beloved princess of our kingdom.” Vormil offered.
	“How did that happened?” I asked in amazement.
	“She is an evil Ayleid sorceress that has used her ancient magic to captivate almost every citizen of Shimora.” Vormil continued.
	“So that’s why you insisted I wear the necklace so I wouldn’t be taken by her too.” I surmised.
	“Yes, and I’m afraid her scheme has designs on Imperial City as well.  She will use whatever means necessary in order to further her agenda.” Vormil explained shaking his head negatively.  “That’s why she has arranged this meeting with Chancellor Ocato.”
	“But why does she want Imperial City?  Why not be happy with her beautiful city here?”  I asked confused.
	“Because Imperial City was the White Tower capitol of the Ayleids and it holds a hidden power she needs.” another elf offered.
	“Then why doesn’t she just pack up and work her charm at Imperial City?”  I asked puzzled.
	“She needs the conveyance of power from Shimora in order to work her magic.”  Vormil informed me as he swiped his head as in pain.
	“But what does all this have to do with me?” I asked.
	“You are the only one that will be able to get close to her during the trip.” Vormil stated flatly.  “Before you ask your next question, here are three more enchanted necklaces, one for each of your friends.  You must get them to wear these in order to break her hold over them.” Vormil instructed.
	“But won’t Layda notice that I’ve taken her play pretties from her?”  I asked.
	“Yes, and that’s wherein the danger lies for you, my dear.”  Vormil stated staring hard at me.  “If you want your man back and to save Imperial City, this is the first step.”
	“Okay, say I can pull it off, what do I do when the angry sorceress sets her sights on me?”  I demanded.  “I’m not a fighter and there isn’t a magic bone in my body.  How can I save everyone if I can’t save myself?”
	“You will need to free El from her grasp first and he will know how to handle the situation.  He has an item that will be able to defeat her but he doesn’t know it yet.” Vormil said.  “It is the sword of Umbra, the sword of black soul catching.  It is the only weapon that is powerful enough to bring her down.”
	“But I don’t think El has that sword with him on this trip.”  I said in a panic.
	“That will present a problem.  You will have to send someone to fetch it, no doubt.”  Vormil offered.
	“If you don’t succeed, Layda will eventually raise her Alyeid warriors at White Tower and become a scourge to the all lands.” Vormil warned as I left in the coach.
	My mind was reeling from what I had learned.  My hands were shaking making the necklaces I held tighly in my hands rattle in time with the coach.  The closer we got to Shimora and the manor, the more I began to doubt Vormil’s plan.
	It was late evening when I arrived at the manor and everyone was present, preparing for the trip the following evening.  I had an inspiration and told El, Areldur, and Puppie I had a short presentation and I needed their attention.  We all gathered in the main lounge as I gathered my nerve.
	“I’ve just come from the palace.” I lied as innocently as I could muster, hoping that no one knew the difference.  “I’ve been presented with these lovely necklaces that are a gift from the palace for our service on the coming trip.  I have been told to ask each of you to wear these during the escort and I would like you to put them on now so you won’t forget.” I ended my speech as I handed each person their trinket.
	Puppie was ecstatic as he immediately put his necklace on.  Areldur looked his necklace over, admiring the workmanship before he placed it around his neck.  El glanced at his necklace and tried to fasten it around his neck, but it was too tight.
	“I’ll have it enlarged,” I jumped up grabbing the chain before El could react and tried to walk naturally from the room.  Vormil was nowhere to be found and I panicked.  What to do now?  The longer I waited without Vormil showing, the more I felt pressured to do something.  Everyone was beginning to prepare for bed but I was too nervous to sleep.
	It was close to midnight before I heard a light knock at my bedroom door.  I jumped to the door to see Vormil and he looked upset.  His voice was shaking and he was slightly out of breath.
	“We’ve been betrayed, my lady.”  He stated excitely.  “The necklaces you gave your friends were fakes.”
	“What?  What do we do now?”  I asked taken aback.
	“Do you know where El keeps Umbra?”  Vormil ventured.
	“I think its in Skingrad.  Why?”  I quickly responded.
	“You will need to go and get it.”  Vormil stated flatly.
	“What?  How am I to get there and back in time?  How will I get into Rosethorn?”  I said thinking out loud.
	“I can get you to the stables.  You will have to take Shadowmere.”  Vormil speculated.
	“Shadowmere?  You want me to steal El’s horse?  Don’t answer that because I know you are serious,”  I replied.
	“It’s our only chance now, my lady.  Our hopes ride on you.  You best get going.”  Vormil urged.  “I’ll be waiting out back in the gardens.  Hurry.”
	I quickly changed into my riding gear and leather armor.  It was all happening so quickly I didn’t have time to think about it.  The events seemed like a blur.  At the stables, Vormil helped me saddle Shadowmere and led us to the city gate.  I knew my directions from the stars and thankfully it was a clear night.  The gods were on our side.
	Shadowmere galloped straight as an arrow as if he knew exactly where he was going.  I had to trust him as I could barely see anything in the dark.  I prayed that nothing would attack us on the way.  I doubted my little dagger would keep me alive against a bear.  I tried to keep my thoughts off of danger and concentrated on urging Shadowmere to go faster.
	The wind whistled in my ears and leaves smacked my face until it stung but I still urged Shadowmere faster and faster.  We ate up the miles and arrived at the west gate of Skingrad well before dawn.  The horse was blowing hard as I left him at the stables and ran for Rosethorn.  I pounded on the door until the maid answered in her sleeping cap.
	I didn’t give her a chance to ask questions but told her I was with the emissary party and that El needed a sword for a present to the elven King in the morning and I had been sent to retrieve it.  She bought the story and let me in.  She did manage to ask if I knew where to look.
	“Umbra.  I need Umbra’s sword.”  I spoke affirmately.
	The maid took me to the adjoining room that was a small office with a large display case.  There lay Umbra’s armor and the black sword.  She unlocked it with her keys and I dove for the sword.  I hadn’t expected it to be so heavy and nearly dropped it before I managed a thank you.
	I ran as fast as I could with my precious burden, past the guard that looked at me intently but merely said, “Oh, Hello.”  I was back on Shadowmere, who was sweating profusely, and we were off the way we came.  Shadowmere was tiring and I slackened the pace as I felt more at ease now that I had Umbra.  I was thinking that all would be okay if I could just get back before anyone realized I had left.
	That’s when we met the bear.  I think I said a prayer to each of the nine gods in one breath.  Shadowmere reared and struck the bear in the head as I slid to the ground, half falling, half rolling.  I had Umbra in my hands and even though I’d never handled a longsword much, the sword hummed to life.  I raised it over my head and swung as hard as I could.  Umbra did the rest.  The bear lay on its side in its death throws as Umbra sucked out its life.
	Shadowmere was quivering as much as I was shaking with weakness.  I guess the horse didn’t like bears either.  I remounted and we continued on into the night.  I was sure we were lost until I saw torchlight ahead.  It was Vormil with two other elves, who had followed halfway, trying to ensure we made it back to Shimora quickly.
	Vormil had brought an extra mount figuring Shadowmere would be spent after the speedy trip to Skingrad.  I arrived back at the manor just as everyone was finishing breakfast.  I made the excuse that I had been restless and took an early morning ride.  No one seemed to question my frazzled looks and my stiff legged slow climb up the staircase with Umbra hidden under a saddle blanket.  I thought I had made the great escape until Puppie came up behind me.
	“Whatcha got there?”  he asked.  “Is it another present?”
	“Oh yeah.  It’s a big surprise for when we get to Imperial City.”  I told Puppie.
	“Need some help carrying it?”  Puppie offered while trying to pry Umbra and blanket from my grasp.
	“No!  I can manage, thanks!”  I said tartly as I wrenched the sword out of his reach and ran to my room.
	I was exhausted from the trip and fell on the bed almost laying on top of Umbra.  I didn’t want to let the sword out of my grasp and I was too tired to think of a place to hide it.  The evening had come when I was awaken by Vormil who informed me that everyone was getting ready to leave and that I should prepare myself.  
	Days of preparing would not have been enough time for me to make myself look presentable.  I had nicks and cuts all over my face and my hair was in tangles.  My hair was hopeless and my leather armor was riddled with tears.  I bound up my hair and stuffed my gear in my bag haphazardly, all the while trying to think of how to explain a 45 pound sword in a saddle blanket under my arm during the trip.
	I had secured Umbra in the saddle blanket with rope ties, ensuring it wouldn’t been seen.  If only I couldn’t be seen but I had to face the future for better or worse no matter how I looked.  I was hungry and tired and drug out.  It seemed the weight of the world was on my shoulders.
	As I dragged my sorry looking self downstairs, the others were waiting impatiently.  They all looked at me as if I’d lost my mind.
	“Are you ready to leave, Flo?”  El asked as he picked up his light gear and headed for the door.
	“As ready as I’ll ever be, hero,”  I mummbled.
	El looked at me long and hard but said nothing.  Puppie offered to help carry something for me but El motioned for him to come along.  I was too beside myself to get angry.  I just wanted to get this over with.  Areldur approached me and asked if I was okay.  I looked at him as if to say ‘what do you care?’  He gently took my bag, leaving me with Umbra, while patting me on the back.
	“Come along little warrior,” Areldur winked.
	I didn’t replied but the question on my face was enough to elicit an answer.
	“Vormil,”  Areldur said quietly as he showed me Vormil’s necklace under his chainmail tunic.



						ANYONE’S BUSINESS
						“To Rescue a Knight”

	Layda’s entourage was mostly serving ladies and a few guards to help with mounts.  I stayed in the rear as much as possible so not to attract attention to myself and Umbra.  Areldur stayed close by.  El was as attentive to Layda as he had been at their first meeting.
	Puppie was excited by all the excitement around him and was roaming around everyone like a little bee.  As Puppie rode up beside me, curiosity got the best of him and he had to ask what I had under the saddle blanket - again.
	“It’s a present Puppie, nothing more,” I answered a little irritated.
	“Can I see?  Pleease?” Puppie begged.
	“No, Puppie, I’m not going to unwrap it here,” I said evenly.
	“Oh Okay, but you promise to show it to me?” he pleaded.
	“I promise you’ll get to see it before the trip is over,”  I replied and turned to Areldur to strike up a conversation.  Areldur rolled his eyes when Puppie found one of the guards to talk with about vampire hunting.
	We made camp near the halfway point to Skingrad, almost following the identical path I had made the night before.  I was almost glad El was so wrapped up with Layda not to notice the recent trail and that Shadowmere was laid back today.
	I was able to speak quietly to Areldur before dinner about the bear that lay on the trail about a mile ahead.  He decided he would slip out of camp later and hide the carcass.  Meanwhile El offered to help me put up my tent when he saw me struggling with it.  He was polite but quiet.  As soon as he had the tent up, he was back to hovering over Layda.
	But it spawned an idea.  When Areldur returned from burying the bear, I told him of my plan.
	“I need you to guard Umbra tonight as I need to talk with El alone,” I informed him.
	“What are you going to do?” Areldur asked.
	“I’m going to do what Vormil did for you,” I stated.
	“Be careful.  Layda is watchful and El’s tent is awfully close to hers,” Areldur warned.
	“Yes but it’s a risk I have to take.  If things go badly, you will be the only one that could finish this deed,” I told him with concern.
	“I have already foreseen such and you can count on me, my lady,” Areldur said with a slight bow of chivalry.
	“Wake me when everyone has retired,” I requested.  “Let’s get this demon defeated.
	Areldur smiled and nodded his agreement as he left.  I kept my distance from Layda as much as a small camp allowed, mostly in my tent resting.  The wait wasn’t long when Areldur came inside my tent.  He stayed with Umbra as I walked quietly to El’s tent.  I listened at the flap to make sure he was alone.  It seemed as if Layda and her maids also were resting quietly for the night.
	Before I could peek inside El’s tent, he threw open the flap to reveal my surprise.
	“El, I need to talk to you now,” I said before he could respond.
	“Can’t it wait until tomorrow?” he asked wearily.
	“May I come in please?” I persisted with a nod of my head.
	“Sure,” he replied as he backed up and sat on his bedroll.
	I sat down beside him.
	“I got the necklace enlarged for you,” I told him as I fastened my necklace I had added twine to, hoping it would hold up long enough to shield its wearer.  I tied it securely and prayed the gods do the rest.
	“Thank you,” he said as he rubbed his eyes.  “But why couldn’t this have waited until the morning?”
	“You wouldn’t want to disappoint the Princess if she noticed you weren’t wearing her father’s gift,” I glibly told him.
	He looked at me stupefied.
	“Why would I care if Layda is disappointed over a necklace?” El asked as he ran his hand through his hair.
	“I don’t know.  Anyway, I won’t take up any more of your time.  Good night, El,” I said as I turned to leave.
	“Why have you been avoiding me, Flo?” El asked suddenly.
	“Me?  Avoiding you?” I said as I turned around to face him.
	“I’ve not seen much of you the past few days and how did you get all those scrapes on your face?” he asked as he pulled me into his arms.
	“Uhm, I was sightseeing while you conducted business at the palace,”  I whispered in his ear.
	“And the scrapes?” he asked as he traced one across my cheek with the tip of his finger.
	“Fell off a horse at the stables,” I lied as he looked me in the eye.
	His lips met mine in a passion I’d never felt before.  I pulled away while I still had the fortitude to do so.
	“It’s getting late, El, and we are both tired.  See you in the morning,” I stated as I ran from his tent.
	I didn’t care if anyone saw me or not.  When I ran into Areldur in my tent, he could see my face was flushed and immediately asked what happened.
	“I think El is going to be okay but we will not know until we see how he acts around Layda tomorrow,” I said almost breathlessly.  “Be ready for anything, Areldur.”
	When Areldur left, I pondered if the necklace had done its job.  Was El’s kiss a sign that he had been released from Layda’s enchantment?  It didn’t seem as if he even remembered what had transpired in the past two days with her.
	The morning dawned dark and rainy.  It was an unpleasant affair eating a cold meal in ones tent and preparing the horses in a downpour.  The ground was becoming muddy and slick.  Layda had her entourage holding a tent piece over her to shelter her from the rain.  She motioned for El to join her.  Areldur and I watched intently from behind for any sign of change.
	We noticed that El would glance back over the train following him and Layda from time to time but nothing seemed amiss.  We approached the border of Cyrodiil around noon.  The road from Skingrad to Imperial City was just over the next two mountains.  I was growing more anxious the closer we got.  I couldn’t let her reach the White Tower but I also couldn’t look her in the eye without my necklace.
	The rain had stopped and the weather was clearing up but it looked like it could rain again before the evening came.  I asked Areldur to ride ahead and ask El when they planned to stop for lunch or not.  Areldur came back shortly and informed me that the Princess wanted to reach Skingrad before nightfall.  When El looked back and saw Areldur and I in an animated conversation, he decided to drop in on us.
	“What am I missing, Areldur?” El asked as he reined Shadowmere along side my horse.
	“We were discussing the procession that the Princess will be receiving upon arrival at Imperial City,” Areldur lied straight faced.
	“How are things with the Princess today?” I asked El before he could respond to Areldur.
	“Fine I guess.  She does complain overmuch,” El remarked.
	“Really, too bad you’re stuck up there with her, huh?” I teased while smiling at him.
	El grinned sheepishly.  I noticed that Layda was watching us out of the corner of my eye.  I leaned over and kissed El as passionately as I could while bobbing up and down on a horse.  El looked at me perplexed and I giggled.  That’s when our progress came to a halt.  Layda had stopped the guards and was calling for El to come to her.
	“Don’t go just yet, El,” Areldur requested.
	“Why?  What’s up?” El asked Areldur while looking around.  “Is there something wrong?”
	“Yes,” Areldur spoke quietly while keeping his focus on Layda.  “We need you to stop for lunch regardless of what the Princess commands.  There is something we need for you to see.”
	El looked at his friend in surprise but merely said okay as he rode up to inform Layda that we would be stopping.  Just as we surmised, Layda went into a rage when El refused to obey her command.  That’s when she realized that El was no longer under her influence.
	Layda wheeled her horse around and charged my way before I could decide what to do.  She was on top of me before I could avoid her, pulling me from my horse by the hair of my head.  El had followed her chase but wasn’t quick enough to prevent her from grabbing me.  Areldur was trying to reach for me across my horse but missed.
	I hit the ground hard which knocked the breath out of me just as I looked up to see Layda’s horses hooves coming toward my head.  Areldur had maneuvered his horse to grab Layda’s horses reins just as El grabbed Layda by the shoulders.  I saw her change right before my eyes.  She instantly transformed into a black dragon and she had company.  We were surrounded by several liches and wraiths.
	I saw Puppie from the corner of my eye jump from his horse and run into the woods to hide.  The only defense I had was my little shock dagger which I found in my hand by intinct.  Areldur had freed Umbra from its binds and was shouting at El.  Confusion was the order, as I struck out at a wraith blocking my path to Puppie, which is where I intended to run as well.
	El was quick with his sword and Areldur was a practiced mage.  I saw wraiths and liches being knocked down by fireballs that flew in many directions one after another.  I felt something sharp glance off the back of my head, spinning me around to face Layda the dragon.  She was trying to dive at me and grab me in her claws.  I ran for cover of the trees like I’d never ran before.
	El was on her before she realized as her attention was focused on me.  Areldur was watching as best he could while dispatching any creatures that tried to attack El’s back.  When El rammed Umbra into Layda’s side, she wheeled around and spit a wall of fire at him.  El was ready and shielded while Areldur cast a lightening spell at her.
	She turned towards Areldur and blew a gust of cold wind at him that knocked him off his feet.  She ran toward him intending to pounce and piece him with her talons.  El advanced and plunged Umbra deep into her heart.  The dragon screamed as it tried to free itself from Umbra but Umbra was having no part in leaving just yet.
	She reach around and grabbed El’s arm in the jaw of her mouth before he could free the sword.  I thought that she had bitten his arm off from all the blood.  I jumped and plunged my little dagger in her eye.  Areldur had regained his feet and cast a shield spell on El.  Layda dropped El as she twisted toward me.  I dodged her fangs but was unprepared for the acid she spit at me.
	The acid ate through my leather armor like parchment on fire and began burning a hole in my forearm.  I screamed more out of anger than pain.  I wasn’t going to let this witch beat me.  El had freed Umbra and with one swing had sliced a large gash in Layda’s neck.  Areldur followed through with a fireball that made the blood flowing from her neck bubble up.  The black dragon stumbled backwards, trying to escape its tormentors.
	The dragon fell in a heap from a spent fireball from Areldur as we heard Umbra take her soul.  Puppie ran up with a skin of water to douse my acid burn.  I picked myself up from the bloodied ground and ran to El.  He was holding his left arm as the blood dripped from under his fingers.  The flesh of his upper arm had been rend to the bone in places.  Areldur administered healing potions to him one after another.  I knew El was in a great deal of pain.
	One of the elven guards had been slain in the havoc and the others were beaten up pretty good as well as having broken limbs.  Most of the serving ladies had been killed.  Even Shadowmere had taken a wound to his chest trying to defend El.
	We patched each other up as best we could until we reached Skingrad.  The walking was slow and painful and it was midnight before we reached the Chapel.  The healers tended us, calling on aide from the Mages Guild.  We met El at Rosethorn the next morning.  The priest had ordered El to stay in bed to keep his arm from bleeding again but El had to greet us.  We shared a glass of mead in victory and praised the gods we were still alive.
	After Areldur and Puppie had left the room, El held my hand with his good arm.
	“I’m glad you came with me, my little warrior,” El said as he stared deeply into my eyes while lying prone on the bed.
	“I would gladly carry your sword anywhere, anytime,” I smiled back as he pulled me down on the bed near him.
	“I’m glad you have green eyes, Flo,” he said as he kissed me gently.
	“Could I have the honor of calling you my wife soon?” El asked while holding my chin in his hand and stoking my lower lip with the tip of his finger.
	“Only if you promise never to escort any more princesses,” I teased.
	We both laughed as he pulled me under the covers with him.