1. Lessons & Mysteries [1]

'Under the bed? No, that's simple. How about I climb a tree? No, I've already done that before.. Well what if I hide in their room? Yeah that might work.' These were the thoughts running through Cyrus' mind as the time for his afternoon lesson approached.

It's not that he hated learning about the patron Goddess of their lands, it's just that it was far too boring for his tastes. Why memorize stories about Athane and her exploits when you could go make a name for yourself instead. Cyrus was certain that he was destined to go down in history as a legendary figure. Therefore he needed to be improving his swordsmanship, archery and riding.

"Cyrus! If you aren't ready and down here soon your father will come get you!" A sharp feminine voice yelled from down the hall.

'Oh no, I have to hurry' Cyrus thought as he rushed towards his newest hiding location.

Yes, yes he's heard it many times that his parents knew what was best but he should be allowed to make his own decisions. He was 10 years old now, he was practically a grown man dammit! Walking as quickly and silently as he could Cyrus rounded the next corner of the long hallways leading from the main body of the home towards his parents room. Just a little longer then he would be able to avoid discussions about the meaning of each fragment and what stories they related to. Not again they would not trap him again. Today marks the day that he established his great cunning and ability to shape his own destiny!

A few more steps, that's all that's left. He was going to make it! Step…Step…Step…

'Finally!' Cyrus thought as he approached double doors made of a dark wood with knobs made from a dark blue stone that contained thin strands of white swirling within.

He had made it! Cyrus the swift! Cyrus the silent! These were just the first of the many great titles he was certain to gain on his long and glorious path! With a smug self satisfied grin Cyrus reached for the doorknob while nodding his head.

Creak.. That was when disaster struck. The very knob Cyrus had reached for moved further away from him as the door opened revealing a tall man with a muscular build. Staring down at Cyrus with a tired and frustrated look the man ran one of his hands through his short brown beard.

"For the love of Athane…Son stop trying to hide before every lesson."

— — —

"Did you hear about Homer?" A middle aged man with no particularly remarkable features said to the man across from him.

"No I didn't. What happened?" The other man replied with a dull yet vaguely interested look on his face.

"The Midnight Trader took one of his axes, a long knife and one of his cloaks!" The first man said in an excited manner.

Overhearing this Korrina quickly scribbled down some notes before silently approaching the two men. She had come to this tavern located in a small village within the Athane territory for one reason. To learn more about the Midnight Trader. As she approached she put on her most charming smile after coughing to get the men's attention.

"Euum, euum. Hello there, do you mind if I sit with you?" She said while intentionally using her hand to pull some of her long red hair behind her ear.

Flustered, the two men looked at each other before the first man gained his composure and said "Help yourself to a chair. My name's Alexander and my less attractive friend is Lou." While saying this Alexander had a wry smile on his face and Lou rolled his eyes.

"It's nice to meet the two of you. My name is Korrina and I was curious about this Midnight Trader you were talking about." She said while sitting down at the table.

Korrina had found that it was best to be charming yet direct when speaking with people at a tavern. More than once she had hesitated to bring up what she was interested in. After hesitating for too long either the person she was speaking to could no longer put together enough sentences for her to get the information she was looking for or she would no longer be in a state to properly record it. She had discovered that she was not well suited for drinking.

"Ah, that. Well our friend Homer run's a weapons and armor shop and a few nights ago the Midnight Trader took some of his items. He also left some Crocpanther skin.." Alexander said awkwardly while scratching the back of his head.

"Crocpanther skin?! You never mentioned that. Holy Athane he's lucky! Why didn't you say that earlier?!" Lou excitedly yelled immediately hearing what Alexander said.

"First of all you spit on me, calm down. Second of all I was getting to it." Alexander said as he wiped spit off the side of his face.

Korrina found Lous reaction to be fairly understandable given how difficult it was to obtain Crocpanther skin. Crocpanthers were an extremely territorial yet elusive predator that traveled alone. Being a large hairless cat with a thick scaly skin that was very hard to penetrate. They were far stronger and faster than any man, making them truly difficult to kill. While watching Alexander and Lou start throwing barbs towards each other Korrina leaned forward.

"I would love to hear more about the Midnight trader if you two know anything. I may not look like it but I'm an aspiring scribe."