In need of a friend

[Northen Light36]

Ann sighes as she looks around 'her' hut. Even though she and Shadow cleaned out all of Damien's things, the hut still doesn't feel like it's truely hers. Shaking her head, Ann looks out of the window.

Maybe some fresh air will help. With that thought in mind, Ann heads out into the moonlight, leaving her weapons behind her. She's not likely to need them in the clan grounds, she thinks.

[hisdivineshadow]

She didn't get far before voices started calling for her. Most fell silent after the first greeting, but one was a bit more insistent. "Honored Leader, might I have the privilege of a moment of your time?" The face that went with the voice was not a familiar one, but at least seemed friendly at first.

"Bendon, son of Wyr," the man introduced himself, approaching to a distance comfortable for conversation, but not so close that he would have to tilt his head to look down on her, given their height difference. "I'm from Clan Pyren, I'm not sure if you've heard of us, but I'd love to take you for a visit." The smile he flashed at her was not quite dazzling, but certainly handsome. Yet, there was something distinctly and visibly false about it.

[Northen Light36]

Inwardly groaning, but keeping a polite, and false, smile on her face, Ann replies, "A pleasure to meet you, Bendon, but I'm afraid I must decline your invitation. I have a lot of work to here, as I'm sure you understand."

As she talks, Ann starts to walk back towards the clan. Something about this guy makes the hair on the back of her neck stand up and suddenly she's not comfortable about being this far from the communal gathering.

[hisdivineshadow]

Bendon didn't follow immediately, a touch of frustration flickering across his face. But then he stepped forward resolutely to follow her. "I think I might be able to help you with some of that work," he offered, sounding sincere. "Why don't we talk about it?"

[Northen Light36]

Ann smiles, slightly more genuinely now, but shakes her head firmly. "That's a kind offer, but I assure you, I can manage alone. Or with the help of Elder Tres."

[hisdivineshadow]

"We have resources," he offered up in one final attempt. "My father was a wealthy merchant. He spent several years traveling the world, making his fortune. I could put all that money at your disposal."

[Northen Light36]

Ann frowns now, rapidly becoming irritated. "Bendan, I thank you for your concern, but, I assure you, I can manage. Now if you'll excuse me, I think I need to get some sleep." Turning sharply on her heel, Ann starts walking back to her hut.

[hisdivineshadow]

"Right, of course. Forgive me." Bendon bowed slightly and turned away, looking oddly relieved. "Can't say I didn't try," he sighed to himself.

[Northen Light36]

Ann heads back to her bed, tumbling into it and firmly pulling the covers over her head to shut out the rest of the demanding world.

She's not thrilled therefore, to be worken up by Ashra the next morning, given an appolgectic smile and told, "You have a visitor."

"Male?" Ann asks with a sigh. Ashra nods. "Spear him," Ann says flatly. Ashra just chuckles and walks out, assuring the unwelcome guest that Ann will see him in a few minutes. Ann sighes again, gets dressed and heads outside to see who today's problem will be.

[hisdivineshadow]

A substantially obese man waited outside, one hand resting across the top of his belly, the other stroking a long beard. "Ah, our new young Leader," he commented as Ann walked out, and began eyeing her up as if examining a piece of merchandise. "I'd like to welcome you to your post. It must surely be quite a great burden for such a young girl to carry."

[Northen Light36]

Frowning at being eyed like a piece of meat, Ann replies, "Thank you for the welcome. And don't worry, I've been trained for this position since I could talk. I assure you I'll manage just fine."

[hisdivineshadow]

"Oh, it's all right, I understand." The man gave her an oily smile. "But it's okay, you don't have to act tough for me." He made the slightest intimation of a bow, simply nodding his head in her direction. "Yasu, son of Jama. I've recently come from Clan Char to help you. I think it's plain to see that you will be lost on your own." He drew himself up to his full height, looking down his nose at her with what he probably thought was a caring, sympathetic look, but was simply patronizing and insulting. "You need the firm hand of a man to show you the way. Become my wife, and I will make sure you are properly taken care of, while I lift the burden of leadership from your little shoulders."

[Northen Light36]

Ann's eyes blaze and she stands as tall as she can manage. "Consider yourself lucky I respect your Elders, since otherwise I'd send you back to them in pieces," she hisses. "As it is, I'm ordering you to go home and not waste my time again."

[hisdivineshadow]

Yasu sighed and shook his head, gently clicking his tongue. "Such a pity. I thought perhaps we could work something out. It wouldn't have to be unpleasant, you know. But, seeing as you are the Leader . . ." The look in his eyes made it plain how little he thought of that fact, but Yasu obediently turned to leave.