Nightclans Read Free

her head on his shoulder and Wollfen put an arm around her.
    “Am I wrong for feeling this way? Now and again I feel like jumping on my horse, taking Elith with me and riding away from it all, but then, what would I do? Where would I go? I'm too old to start anew somewhere else. This is my lot now.”
    She took another swig from her mug then looked into it. Without waiting for an answer she stood up hitting Wollfen in the upper arm with her fist.
    “I'm off to get a refill.”
    Wollfen watched her walk off as he rubbed his shoulder, that would have to be the first time he had heard any Nightclan person talk like that. It was a surprise. He sat there feeling rather solitary, he didn't mind, it was his thing anyway.
    It was always interesting to study those around him, being sober was certainly a different experience to what all the others were enjoying. Looking across to Ironside he noticed the man appeared to be passed out face down on his table. Well that was one way to enjoy a party he supposed. Would the man even remember anything of tonight? Probably not and he would be proud of the fact too.
    The next morning found Wollfen asleep in the guest tent and alone, no others had managed to drag themselves back to their respective beds. In the clearing there were still a few men and women sitting at the tables arm in arm idly sipping ale, the wild partying had died down to a quiet time of staying drunk and mellow . As for the others, some were fast asleep on tables or under them. A sentry would pass through checking up on them but for the most part the place was quiet and strangely serene. Dawn had not yet broken but it would soon, the sky was light and the air had that cool crispness to it. Birds were stirring and starting to chirp.
    Wollfen roused in his cot and looked about, damn he had a headache, where did that come from? He hadn't had much to drink at all. Must have been out of sympathy for the others he thought to himself. He didn't waste any time laying awake, pulling himself up and over the edge of the cot. It didn't take him long to pull on his boots and slip the new shirt on that he was given by Raven the evening before. It was a replacement for his damaged tunic. Outside Wollfen looked about at the scene before him, yes it was a typical after party mess, Raven stood nearby also observing the area. He closed in beside her and caught her eye,
    “You survived my dear?” Raven smiled as she looked him up and down.
    “Yes and you know what?” Wollfen shook his head, “You cut a dashing figure in all black, it suits you.” He chuckled.
    “Black is an easy color to wear I am told.”
    They both turned back to the scene before them. Then all of a sudden Raven took hold of Wollfen's hand and led him through the grove of trees, he wondered what she was up to? Finally after a few minutes she stopped and turned at a large boulder, it was at the base of a hill. Looking into his eyes, she spoke quietly so no one could hear,
    “I want to leave and I want you to take me with you.” Wollfen was taken aback,
    “I'm not sure I understand? Take you to another clan? What is it you need of me?” Raven stared unsure of her words but she tried to explain herself,
    “No that's not it, I mean away from all Nightclans, to the west. I am tired of this life Wolfy, all the death and constant vigilance just to eke out a living, it has become too much for me.” Wollfen looked deep into her eyes and realized all of a sudden there was a fear there, but of what? This wasn't like Raven at all.
    “What is it you fear Raven? Too many close calls with orcs?” She shook her head, that wasn't it.
    “It's hard to explain,” She sighed and paused, but then she went on still a little scared to speak what she felt, “Wollfen, I feel I can be open with you but what I speak of is hard to tell.”
    He placed his hands around her waist speaking quietly and delicately to her,
    “Whatever it may be Raven, you know I will not take it lightly nor