Long ago, Rakeer the Red was a much more reckless adventure rat than what he is today. If, you could believe such a thing. Often, he would travel to the land of man, keen on exploring their great structures, and marvel at their incredible wonders. many of his comrades (or at least those that still tolerate his behavior) advised strongly against doing so. telling tales of the giants folly, and warning the Red Rat of mans lust for cruelty. Obviously, he payed them little heed. Rakeer was fascinated with the world of man, but more importantly, the promise of magnificent treasure in the form of Cheese and Honey was simply too intoxicating to pass up. Moreover, as a wanted rat, Bounty hunters and the kings guard would certainly hesitate to pursue him there. Put simply, they are cowards, Rakeer thought. And Rakeer fears nothing!

He spent weeks in a little hidey-hole that he constructed within the great walls of a noble duke of the land. Raided their pantries, sipped on their wine, and tickled the toes of all the nobles in the Palacious mansion. It brought Rakeer much glee indeed. Until one day, the duke hath had enough of rats in his dominion. He would hire mercenary "heroes for hire" to take care of his rodent problem.

Rakeer found great amusement in making sport evading the poor fools, not unlike a game of cat and mouse, the Red Rat mused. However just as he was about to make yet another getaway, he saw her. A tall and fair skinned elf woman. Clad in studded armor of boiled leather and wielding a mighty battle blade. Her hair was that of gold, the glow of her perfect face could have been the sun itself. She was beautiful. Rakeer was smitten, he had never seen an elf in person, and so the Red Rat sought a new kind of treasure. The name of that marvelous Battle Maiden.

The next day, Rakeer waited for the mercenarys to finish their watch for the day, so he might have a moment alone with his new muse. they all went to sleep for the night, all except for the elf. For they need not sleep as frequently as man. Now was his chance. Without hesitation, he scurried up to the coffee table to which she was reading, and made himself known.

"Hail! I, am the legendary Rakeer The Red! M'lady, I beseech thee! Will thou join me for an evening of maryment? My heart yearns to merely be in your presence! My whiskers flutter at the sight of such elegance! M'lady, I am completely at your service!"

At first, the elf was shocked. She paused. then she smiled. Then she laughed, she laughed the most joyous and sweet laughter that the Red Rat had ever heard. Her name was Citherel, and she was happy to have Rakeers company, But only if he would agree to cease his meddling in the duke's estate. Rakeer, happily agreed.

Citherel and Rakeer spent the next month as traveling companions. Going on quests, getting into trouble, singing, dancing, talking, teasing, and telling tales of their lives. Citherel was far away from the her home world, as elves of her age tend to travel away for many years, sometimes for their whole lives. meeting Rakeer for some reason, brought back her sense of Elven whimsy, which she had not felt since she was back home. They had grown to adore their time together. They had fallen in love.

But indeed, it could not last. As the fates often do not account for love. Citherel's band of mercs were gearing to go on a deep campaign far to the east, and Rakeer was being pursued by a new group of bounty hunters, and the kings guard caught wind of him. With sadness in their eyes and with heavy hearts, they knew that their time was short, and they must part.

One last song atop the city's walls. Overlooking the world of man.

Rakeer has not been to the world of men since that heart breaking day. When his friends ask him of his travels there, he changes the subject. The pain is too great, and a Red Rat must be jovial, in order to lift up those around him.

Rakeer sits quietly in his favorite chair at his favorite pub. He smiles. "Thank you Citherel, For the most grand treasure in all the land."

~~