The setting sun set the sky ablaze and the wind set to swirling through the ruins scattered mysteriously throughout this strange new land. Four days and nights had past since the holy paladin, Evinn Kyutei, had sent word from the northern lands beyond the outpost. Joined in battle there with his comrades, his appointment he would be unable to keep. Undaunted I pushed on, gathering supplies at the elven stronghold for my long journey.

Such that it was that I came upon the paladin, setting apart from his battle ready companions, knelt in silent pray. As he rose, the fiery sky set his glistening armor aglow with a life of its own. Quickly, I bid him hold as I pulled my paints and brushes from my pack. Tossing up my small easel, I set to work as inspiration grasped me close in her arms.

A soft cough drew my attention to the handsome half elf fully once more and we laughed together at the length of time that had passed. Supper had been missed long since but I fixed a quick stew from my rations as the holy man's eyes ran over the portrait. A solemn nod of approval was all that passed between us. The night was broken only by the change of patrol guards and he was gone when I awoke the next morn. His captain pointed me to the patrolled path back to the outpost and bid me travel quickly.

The rough path stretched out far before me, overhung by trees and dense forest. My journey would be long but my mind's eye still held the fiery vision of the holy man that night under the burning sky.