The deed was done. Exhausted Shroud stood in the downpour scanning the carnage for any signs of life or any kind of movement. The vicious storm he had called with the depths of his rage was beginning to lessen. His fury still electrifing the air. "Are you satisfied with this outcome?" Asked a feminine voice on the wind. Shroud whirled around with his bloodied sword raised ready to attack. To his surprise in the shadows of a gnarled and scorched tree stood the silhouette of a petite woman some distance away. Far beyond his normal range of hearing. "They will come again in time they always do." sullenly he replied stepping slowly toward her preparing for one last fight if he had to. " These useless things are nothing compared to what you'll soon face hunter. The world, your world is lost unless you accept my help." She slowly danced seductively in and out of the shadows as if to torment him. ''How long has it been since you've held your woman or seen the faces of your children you protect." Sweet Images of Nori and his five children exploded into his memory and almost dropped him to his knees. Too long his heart screamed too long.How long had he been in this valley of blood."You know nothing of my struggles or what I've been forced to endure.They are my sole reason for being. I will gladly accept any sacrifice to secure their lives and happiness, I have no time nor the energy to burden myself with trusting someone else. So your help is unwelcomed Good day!" Shroud said bowing deeply then turned to leave satisfied.He hadn't even walked a dozen paces when without warning she suddenly appeared before him. Normally his body would have taken her actions as a threat and he would have killed her instantly but the moment he met her gaze he was paralyzed by the fierce beauty that stood before him. Her skin and hair were actually smoke colored and her eyes as pale as moonlight."I was not asking you to trust me hunter nor was I offering you my service for free." she replied coldly while she softly traced his face. Seeing his arrogant defiance burning as he gripped the handle of his sword tighter she lowered her hand and began to walk past him. "Hmm, you will see the value of my service." Before he could turn she had vanished instantly. Shroud knew his resolve and wasn't worried but realized a small uneasy pit began to stir in his belly it was time to go home.