Godfrey woke up much earlier then he usually does. The sun had not even reached out its glittering hands toward the sky when the middle-aged man, clad in his usual plated armour walked the halls of the royal residence.

He had been entrusted by the queen herself to send a letter to his brother in the greatest of secrecy. Well, secrecy it was, but curiosity got the best of him as he walked quickly to the western wing of the castle.

---

Night has fallen like a dark curtain, stars etched onto the abyss.

Somehow he knew she would write, knew that she would ask of him to watch over her beloved Argorian. He had heard that the king of England had come for the tourney, he was one of the few who was well enough connected to be aware of his arrival. So it was no surprise when the letter arrived, tied to the leg of his brother's odd brown bird.

QUOTE:
Dear Doran,

I know we have not spoken in what seem to be...ages and I do miss your friendship, though I respect your decision of remaining in your kingdom, your land of birth - Leinster. You and I are both from two different blood lines and I mayhaps understand how it feels like.

Oh God, look at me, babbling like a maid caught playing with the lady's things! You know what I'll ask of you - only to keep my heart together, watch over him, protect him, be his shadow for the time he's in Ireland...at least for an old bond we once had.

You will always have a special place in my heart, dearest friend.

Lilith

He read the letter with clouded eyes. How could she invoke their old friendship to torment him so? Still, Doran and her both knew that he would do her bidding and it wouldn't be the last time.

Strapping his silver daggers underneath his cloak and hoisting a black bow across his back, Doran rode as a shadow...the shadow of a man she would always love more.