Nora stood outside Theraldon Manor, slightly stunned that she had a friend who would live in such a place as this. It felt safer than the areas where most galdori lived to her because the seventen weren't spread so thickly here. She felt she had stuck around a little too long in this town, and after the news of Dorhaven she felt it was time to leave. Although she felt rushed to leave, she couldn't do so without saying goodbye to her dearest friend. She knocked and hoped Khymarah was home.

Khymarah looked up from the grimoire she was reading. She was seated in front of the fireplace in the sitting room downstairs. The knock resounded through the empty house, bringing Shartruth and Tickler from their hiding places. The galdor stood and walked to the door, pulling it open. Suddenly both osta's started chirruping, ears perked up and tails swooshing. Khymarah looked at the visitor.

"Oh Nora! Hello! Come inside, please." She moved aside to let the wick in. It felt strange having a house guest, but she was extremely pleased Nora had come.

The manor was decorated in hues of gold and red, filled with beautiful heavy wood furniture and big comfy seats. There was a chandelier hanging from the roof in the entrance hall, and off to the right was a sitting room with a large fireplace, floor to roof bookshelf and a scattering of big red velvet chairs. Khymarah indicated Nora should follow her over.

Nora followed, gawking again at the grandeur. The interior of the manor was even more spectacular than the exterior. She was impressed with Khymarah's collection of books.

"I came by because I'm heading out of town. I've had my stay, and what with all this Dorhaven business I'm not too keen to stick around where the seventen are," she explained, "But I didn't want to leave without seeing you again."

Khymarah frowned and sat down, motioning Nora to do the same.

"I understand Nora, but I will admit I will be sad to see you go. I've hung the windchime you gave me upstairs in the artroom. It makes the most beautiful noises when the wind blows." She smiled.

"Will you come back soon?"

Nora smiled to know that she had already put up her gift.

"I don't know," Nora replied, "It's usually several months before I come back around to a town. I try to take my time in whatever city or town I'm in, even the villages, as they need a little wick excitement, too." She smiled. Her high-end trinkets didn't sell as well there, but the cheaper talismans and pendants went like hotcakes, making up for the difference. But she was also hoping to understand what was going on. She was headed to Brunnhold and planned a stop at Dorhaven to see if there was anything she could do, or at least to understand what had happened. Though she wasn't too keen on meeting the authorities there to clean up the mess.

"But, since I have a reason to come back here now, it'll probably be sooner. I really have to go, but I can't wait to see ya again." She smiled then took Khymarah's hands, "Now, listen. I want ya to be careful while I'm gone. I know you're a galdor and all, but there's been a lot of strange things happening lately, and times are changing. I don't want you getting hurt."

The redhead smiled slightly. Nora's words made her think about what she would be meeting Fion for tomorrow evening. She hoped it wasn't an omen. Squeezing Nora's hands, she put on a big brave smile.

"I know Nora, I've seen it. I've heard about it. Why today, its downright terrifying to go outside my house. I'm worried people will start trying to take their grief out on the galdor they see in the streets. I don't blame them, but I'd rather not be their target. I'll be alright. I promise." She paused.

"Are you going to Dorhaven Nora?" It was direct and to the point, but Khymarah didn't feel this was the sort of topic you messed around with.

Nora bit her lip in thought a moment, "Yes, but only for a bit. I plan on passing through quickly. I really want to understand what's happened there," she suddenly felt rather emotional and felt a burning sensation in her throat,"And perhaps lend a hand. They'll likely have the mess cleared away, but people need..." what did they need? A shoulder to cry on? Someone to help rebuild their shattered lives? Nora really didn't know what she would be able to do there, but she wanted to help someone in their hour of need. She felt it was important to pass along what kindness she had been shown. It was the only thing that made sense. "I need to see if there's anything I can do there."

Khymarah nodded. She wished she could go with Nora, but her commitment to Fion meant she had to stay, plus she didn't think a galdor there would go well right now. Pursing her lips, she stood and walked to the fireplace. There was a painting of men on moa's chasing deer. She pushed it aside and revealed hole in the wall. A small chest was placed inside. The redhead pulled it out and sat back down. Taking a key from her purse, she unlocked it and opened the lid. Inside were a few dark brown pouches. Taking one, she closed the box and put it aside. Looking at Nora, she grabbed her hand and placed the pouch in it. There was a muted chinking noise.

"Take this Nora. There is about three condors worth of Kings and Queens, and two Heads. Please, I can't help physically, but can I ask you to use this to help when you can? Including yourself. Don't be afraid to use it if you need to help yourself." She didn't believe Nora would just take the money for herself, she trusted the woman.

Nora felt the emotional burning intensify. That was a good sum of money, and it was just being given to her. There was so much she could do with that kind of coin. Nora took the pouch and placed it in her leather hip pouch, fastening it tightly. "I find myself unable to find words to thank you, yet again," she said through teary eyes. She extended her arms to hug Khymarah, "I'll miss you so much."

((Khy, just for the record it's concords, not condors.. ))

((i was so busy thinking about kings, queens and heads i completely stuffed that up. sorry!))



The ruby haired galdor reached out to hug the young wick in return. She patted the woman on the back.

"There, there Nora. Don't be like that. I am sure we will see each other again soon. And when you return, remember you have a place here. Even if I am out of town, there is a side door, right near Narrell's stable, hidden by a hedge of brambles. It's not locked and gives you access to the manor." She held her back and smiled.

"I will miss you too Nora. Please don't be a stranger here." Her eye's were getting teary and she took a breath to compose herself. Smiling, she brushed Nora's hair behind her ears.

"Chin up!"

Nora sniffed and dried her eyes, smiling at Khymarah. She didn't know when they would see one another, but she hoped it would be soon, "See ya around, huh?"

Khymarah nodded silently, not wanting to risk speaking. She didn't want Nora to leave, she worried about her. But it was the wick's way of life and she couldn't interfere. She just hoped the money could help both Nora and Dorhaven.

"Good bye Nora, and good luck. Please let me know as soon as you return."

"Thanks," Nora smiled,"I will. And if you're traveling around you can always ask about. I'm likely the only glassblowing wick you'll find out there." She gave Khymarah one final squeeze then turned to leave.