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SUMMARY: The basis for a novel I hope to write in the near future (the setting and characters are, anyway).

Deep in the Sein'yad Kibur, the immense and ancient forest known more commonly as the Sea of Green, two figures stood watch over a furrow of freshly turned earth. For hours they had guarded this spot, and their constant vigilance was rewarded when a slender white fist burst through the soil at their feet. Both were quick to take hold of it and haul the third of their party forth from the ground's embrace.

Her slender body was nearly weightless in the warriors' arms of her companions and she was on her feet in but an instant, brushing dirt from her waist-length alabaster hair and the folds of her equally white spider silk gowns. Her magical ties to the earth had not yet diminished and the power of such a union still coursed through her body, inciting tremors in her limbs. The visions she had received while one with nature burned hotly in her mind's eye.

"I have found her."

G'an scoffed at the announcement, "There was never any doubt."

The comment was exactly what Dre'ah had expected from her sullen friend and she laughed musically. "Of course not. I would strike you down were you to question my abilities."

G'an chose not to respond, though the glint of mirth in his dark eyes belied his stern exterior. Instead he turned and gathered the oak shovel from its resting place against a nearby tree and dropped it in the hole Dre'ah had vacated, covering it with dirt and returning wood to earth.

S'tori could not help but laugh as well. G'an's normally unshakable demeanor always fell to dust in this woman's presence, causing him much discomfort. And much good, the elf knew. The severity of his friend's attitude was often cause for concern and S'tori sometimes worried about the extremes to which he would take his actions. Any rest from that pattern was much welcomed, no matter how short.

The druidess spoke once more, "She is far to the south and east of here, in the human realm of Horath. She has been pressed to serve in the camp of a nobleman's army, that of the man Gedhart, and they are to set out within days to engage in combat with the forces of a rival neighbor over a foolish border dispute. You must arrive in time to whisk her away from the fighting."

"She is human then, and no warrior."

Dre'ah nodded.

The scowl G'an wore so well returned in the blink of an eye. "No humans are."

S'tori ignored his friend's racism. "How will we identify her."

"She is a southerner, probably the only one with the entourage. Her name is Ibhm Rshdat and she has not seen more than fifteen winters. I know little else as she is warded from my scryings by another's magic. Whoever they are, they know of her and are undoubtedly working to secure her for themselves. Head to the great oak Gyddsrl, it will be able to guide you through the local forest. You have less than three weeks and you will need all of it."

S'tori nodded, "Then we leave at once, Hin. Arrive safely at Do'sad Mot and we shall meet you there within two months, assuming nothing much impedes our travels."

Dre'ah smiled, "I will hold you both to that promise."

G'an appeared at S'tori's shoulder, supplies in hand.