Young elven woman opens the door, letting the shadow in.

'Greetings. Yes, A-s-t-a-r-o-t-h, Astaroth Clairmont. Excuse me, what did you say your name was? Ahh, I am really sorry, I keep forgetting names, that is.'

'Yes, of course, sit down, please. Make yourself comfortable. Would you like a drink? A cup of tea? Of course, here you are. The finest tea in these realms.'

'What was that you wanted to ask me? Oh, of course, they are fresh. I brought them from the woods earlier today. Yes, my favorite, black berries.'

'Yes, yes. You are right, I am learning the ways of a ranger. Why? Well, considering where I came from, that is more than obvious, isn't it? Yes, he was a shepherd, you are right. I spent most of my childhood in the woods, trying to take care of his animals. Emlyn, old Emlyn Clarimont. He died, yes, couple of years ago... let the Godess save that drunkard's soul. Ahh, you are right again, rumors are well spread, aren't they? He used to drink. Alot. I never liked him, that is correct. Why? Who would like a drunk ass, anyway?

'My mother? Ahh, that is true, she was the only one who loved him. Yes. She did. She is probably the only one who misses him, though. Oh, finally, somethinh you don't know. Astarea is her name. She is. Well, at least, I hope so. She should be there, probably alone.'

'No, I have not visited her... yet. I am trying to. And I hope I will somehow forgive her. No, I am not ready yet. Really not. I need to find my sister first.'

'Really? You didn't know I had a sister? I had a brother, too. Asren was his name. Unfortunately, he died. At the age of seven, as much as I remember. No, I do not remember him, I have never even met him. Yes, my parents had me after that... accident. Yes, my father was with him. Somewhere in the mountains, far away from home. He used to take Asren with him whenever he was going there. Yes, I would say so, mountains could be pretty dangerous for a child. Especially when a drunkard like Emlyn happens to be around. I am not sure what happened that night. Unfortunately not. And, yes, I would like to find out. My mother used to say there was no one to blame. I would not say so. Emlyn could have rescued him... A wolf? I am not sure... I don't think so.'

'My sister? Her name is Ararita... the oldest child. Yes, older than Asren. She left when I was five. Where? I don't know. I have been trying to find her ever since... yes, I do believe she is alive. She has to be... and I need to find her.'

'Yes, I think she is. Well, at least she was planning to get married. No, she didn't say anything. I... lets just say I overheard something. No, I have never met him. My father didn't like that him. Why? That really doesn't matter, he couldn't stand anyone. I did see him, though. The night she ran away. No, I could see a tall shadow standing under the tree. He was too tall for an elf... but I'm not sure. He might be one of us.'

'What did I do? Nothing at all. I was standing there, by the window, crying. What else could I do? I was just a kid! She kissed me... and walked slowly into the night.'

'My mother? She didn't say a word. Yes, she did notice my sister was missing and she wasn't upset at all. Emlyn? He was somewhere in the mountains... The morning he came back home... I was the one to pay for Ararita's elopement. Here, take a look at my back...'

'Where? I really don't know. She might be around, you are right. No, I think I cannot. My memories of her are fading away, you know. It's been a while since I last saw her. Fifteen years have passed, yes. I have changed... I'm not that little girl I used to be, so... I fear she can't. Yes, I agree, it is possible. She had enough reasons to change her name, I guess.'

'Her children? I don't know if she had any. Yes, that could be the reason... but... I'm not sure that the child was even born. Emlyn used to beat her up alot, you know.'

'Yes, I want that more than anything... just to see her again.'

'I was five when I decided to run away... I had to wait for couple of years, though. When? Seven years later, on my 13th birthday. I stood up in the middle of our dinner, grabbed up my bag and ran as fast as I could. Yes, I was scared but I knew I had to do it. It was the only way to... to keep my sanity. I have always wanted to become someone, anyone... and in my parents' eyes I was nothing, nothing at all.'

'So... here I am now. This is my home. I like these woods even though I hate being alone most of the time...'

'Yes, you can find me here, or... you can leave me a note. Of course, feel free to visit me whenever you want. Excuse me, what did you say your name was? Ahh, I am really sorry, I keep forgetting names, you know. Good bye now. And fare well.'

Young elven woman opens the door... and there was no one to step outside