Garadaine slowly walked down the steps of Greylen’s tower after having just emerged from the portal at the base.  His head hung low as he walked, lost in his thoughts.  Could it be true?  Could he really be turning into his father?  King Garalt was such a different man during his son’s youth.  He was a kind and gentle man, incredibly slow to anger.  But after that time, a time Garadaine always hated to remember, his father changed.  He became more and more aggressive and paranoid.  Garadaine’s thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a voice.

    “My Lord?” the voice questioned softly.  Garadaine looked up surprised that he wasn’t alone, seeing a young woman standing before him.  She was no older than twenty, and rather beautiful, though her hair and face were a bit unkempt.  It looked as if she had just been working hard in the fields.
    “Yes, what is it?” Garadaine blinked.
    “I just wanted to give you this, if you would indulge me,” the woman smiled, lowering her face a bit, smiling.  Garadaine looked down and saw a flower clasped in her hand, outstretched to him.  He slowly reached out and took it from her, staring at it.  The woman’s smile began to fade, as if she had come to the realization she had done something wrong.