Here we are. Freya's soft voice echoed as she led Hallie and Heaven into the clearing of the Lady's house. Welcome to the Woodland Farm, khenemset, where those of us who hide from our troubles come to rest at night. Wounded animals, wounded souls come here. You'll find you're among good company when Aralyn and Conan get back.

She nodded as she lead heaven with her.Just stoodt here and looked aroun.

heaven snorted.

She stood for several moments, silent, watching Hallie react, before she spoke again. Come along around back, then. We'll give your girl the far paddock. And she began to lead the way to the back paddock where she'd only recently put Freckles. As the horse came into view, she waved a hand in indication. Meet Cinnamon Stick, or Freckles, as I call her. The paddock was not large: it encompassed only about an acre and a half. But it was airy and plenty large enough to hold both mares. There was a feeding and water trough set up on one end, both always full of good things to eat, and there was a small lean-to in the back to give the horses some protection from the weather. She can stay here, if you like.

She nodded and followed her. She then untacked Heaven fully and let her mare into the pasture.She nodded.

heaven snorted and nickeed.

Freya had been quietly watching Hallie, and Hallie had been quietly watching back. As the girl let Heaven into the paddock, she leaned against the fence, watching Heaven as she spoke softly. Alright, what is it you want to say? I've seen that glitter in your eyes. You want badly to say something. Say it. I promise I won't be offended.

She looked up at the girl and then looked away.I'm putting you and anyone else that lives here in mortal danger by being here...she said.

Freya's chocolate eyes studied her, and for a moment there was something so soft there, something that spoke of wanting to protect Hallie.

But she sighed, and when she spoke, she wasn't looking at Hallie anymore. And I... if my people ever discover that I have once again entered society? What is my life worth? I used to be a T'shasw, what you might call a trader, or a merchant. My whole family where T'shasw, on the ship Clarion, blue traders. Then, when I was thirteen, on a night when we were fifty knots out from Jaset... there was a storm. The Clarion sank. Her voice was lifeless by now, almost cold in its infamiliarity. I was the only survivor, and thus, binheset. In your terms, that means that because I survived the great misfortune of my ship, I carry bad luck with me wherever I go, and it sticks to people. According to the laws of my people, I am sentenced to carry out the rest of my life alone, speaking to no one, being near no one. I lived four years in a cave, khenemset, before the lonliness found me. I had to come back and be with other people. And now, if my people ever discover that I have re-entered society, they will kill me, and all those who have come into contact with me, in order to purge the world of the bad luck. And she breathed deeply, for it was the first time she had ever spoken it aloud. No, khenemset, you cannot bring here more misfortune than there already is.

she listened adn then bit her lip.Iwas abused, My father is in this city and probably just found out that i'm missing he will kill anyone that gets in his way to retrieve me..She bit her lip.

Freckles nickered to the new horse, tossing her head and swishing her tail. "Hei! Mieluinen!" She said politely. "I'm Freckles. Who are you?"