Monday, 6 June 2005 - 9:56 PM EDT

Heartsong yawned as she whittled what seemed like her millionth wooden satyr, thinking that she should write a song about cramping hands and piles of sawdust. She heard footsteps and looked up into the face of someone she'd never seen before.

Although Heartsong couldn't place her finger on it, there was something that just wasn't right about this stranger. He was dressed like a warrior with a greatsword sheathed on his back. His eyes were dark, revealing nothing about himself and his hair was black and tied back with a leather thong.

"Hello, I don't think I've met you before?" Heartsong smiled as she attempted to get a feel for this man.

He just ignored her, his eyes rapidly scanning the area around the gate.

"I'm Heartsong. And you are...?" Heartsong ventured to get the man to speak yet again.

Still no response.

Tuesday, 7 June 2005 - 12:26 AM EDT

Windel let out a sigh of relief as he stepped under the shadows of the Peiraic Gate. The trip had been the same as always but this time the miles took their toll and his muscles were sore and he was tired.

His once wild life in Athens had been mostly squelched by age and family and his thriving farm now stole most of his attention. There, however, was the times when he could muster up an excuse to allow himself the pleasures of the city that he missed and one was that he needed to replenish some supplies.

He moved through the gate with a sure-footed, slow pace and spotted the famous Hero's Welcome. The buzz of Athens was something he missed often and it was nice to be greeted by the sounds of busy merchants, citizens, and adventurers.

Through dozens of unfamiliar faces he managed to spot an old friend. It was as if his senses became sharper in the busy environment of the city and he took in his surroundings, using his old skills without coinsously realizing it.

"Hello Heartsong!", Windel exclaimed with a quick flash of teeth.

Tuesday, 7 June 2005 - 7:07 AM EDT

"Windel!" Heartsong fairly squealed with delight as she gave her old friend a big hug.

"How are you? How's your family? How's the farm?" Heartsong bombarded her friend with questions.

Heartsong's whittling went ignored as she delighted in the company of her old friend and hunting buddy.