Shaoman 2020 - Until next time...

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Author: Sailea Nerid
Published: November 12 2020 - Tar Valon Times Blog Link

The icy wind was howling above the empty streets of the little town, ruffling the magnificent brown carpet of fallen leaves and lashing at the massive oak door of the Evening Star Inn. The bright golden light coming through the windows was dancing on the cold pavement accompanied by occasional gush of human laughter and well-known tavern songs.

In one of the inn’s corners The Little Red Riding Hood smashed the heavy mug of ale and looked at Alenya in disbelief. ‘’You know from all the weird things you people from the White Tower said and did, this must have been the weirdest!’’ Alenya slowly put down her book and stared through the window. ‘’I understand how it might be difficult to comprehend but if we learnt one thing during the last week it is that the Pattern is much bigger and complicated than we could possibly imagine’’ The Little Red Riding Hood put on her thick gloves lined with grey wolf fur and strengthened her cloak. ‘’I know, I know, still it is mind blowing that such a pest like wolves could fight the evil and be considered noble magical creatures in your world.’’ Alenya finished her spiced mead and took her own cloak. ‘’Not only that but our wolves taught humanity great secrets such as reading and using the World of Dreams, they are fascinating creatures indeed.’’ The Little Red Riding Hood growled something incomprehensible and stood up. ‘’Well, at least all is fixed now, right? No more Cryptic Challenges, no more puzzles or word games. It shall all just stay written in the books. I know you took care of that.’’ A smile spread across Alenya’s ageless face. ‘’It’s one of the greatest joys in life, isn’t it, to capture the moment and preserve it in a story for ages to come.’’ The Little Red Riding Hood shrugged her shoulders and headed towards the inn’s door. “I don’t know, I don’t have much time to read but I will take your word for it, after all you proved to be a Supreme Hunter.’’

Alenya followed the young girl into the thick darkness outside. They stopped next to the town gates under the light of a torch left probably by one of the guards. ‘’So, you are going back now?’’ asked The Little Red Riding Hood. Alenya nodded slightly ‘’I have the ter’angreal with me and I have orders to return to the White Tower as soon as I sort out the mess in your world.’’ The Little Red Riding Hood chuckled merrily. ‘’It was quite a mess indeed. I will miss you though, you should consider paying me a visit.’’ ‘’The Wheel weaves as the Wheel wills’’ answered Alenya and slowly walked away melting into the dark. The Little Red Riding Hood left the little town and headed to the forest. The moon was yet to rise behind the heavy clouds covering the sky. She didn’t need light to see in the dark, but the cold was still piercing. A wolf howl tore through the silence. A devilish grin appeared on the Little Red Riding Hood’s face. Her blood started to boil, and she no longer felt the cold, just her burning hatred towards the creature deep in the woods. A lonely ice crystal landed on the girl’s nose. She looked up in wonder gazing at the myriad of snowflakes falling from the dark sky. ‘’Good!’’ she thought, ‘’The blood always looks better on fresh snow.’’ The howling once again echoed through the forest.

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