The Kingdom of Layfette

Archive Two







A lone hooded figure sat perched up on the roof of an old shoe shop peering down at the street below. They seemed to be focused on the tailors just up the street who served the richer folk of the village and was even known to make the odd garment for the royal family. After a few more minutes then finally turned and slid down into the alley behind the shoe shop, landing with a soft thud. With a quick glance round to check that no one was watching they raised their hands to lower their hood when they found that they were truly alone.

Aveda shook out her short loose curls from her hood then grabbed a piece of paper from her pocket and read over the short list that had been scrawled onto it. Most of the lines had been scored out and only three remained untouched. These are the last three books known that may hold the information I require.. she thought before pocketing it again and looking up at the distant castle towers that could just be seen above the nearby rooftops. “Typical that they’re all in there.” She muttered before sighing and pulling her hood back up to hide her face and placing her thick scarf over her nose and mouth. Unfortunately there’s only one way in for me.

Stepping out of the alley she moved slowly towards the tailors, glancing round to see how many guards were present on the streets. She couldn't help but smirk lightly under her hood then with a light touch pushed the door of the tailor open and stepped inside, slowly glancing round to check how many other people were in there. With slow steps she pretended to look at the different fabrics on show as she prepared to set her plan in motion.

Aarin was wandering happily through the busiest part of the market. People were bustling about, all the shops open early on this beautiful morning, and they were selling all matter of things. He smiled widely, feeling at peace here among all the people. So many races, ethnicities, languages, and looks. He loved studying people. It's what he did best. He purchased a ripe apple for a few shillings and bit into it gratefully, finding it sweeter than any of the fruit waiting back in the castle. He hummed in appreciation and carried on through the village, laughing at a group of children as they ran by, chasing a rolling ball. He would pause occasionally to admire something that someone was selling, whether it be food, or jewelry that his mom and grandmother might like, or even something his father might like, until he finally came to his intended destination: the village bookstore. It was right across the street from the tailor's shop, and even though he knew it wouldn't have anything that the royal library didn't already have, it wouldn't hurt to stop in and say hello to the shopkeeper. Besides, buying books--even if they were duplicates--helped keep the shop open and maintained, which the shopkeeper was always grateful to Aarin for, especially because he paid well over the price of his books.

Suddenly from across the street a terrified scream filled the air as a woman ran from the tailors. "Its Robin Hood!" She yelped causing people to scramble in all directions, some wanting a closer look at the famous thief and others trying to run from someone they thought should be feared. This was Aveda's plan. She would never would have allowed anyone to leave a place whilst she robbed it and never would have given her name so quickly. By doing these two things she knew she'd quickly grab the guards attention. A moment later she burst from the shop, her hood and scarf still placed firmly over her face to hide her identity. In her hands was a large pouch of coins which she quickly tied to her belt then looked up with a hidden grin when she saw three large guards hurrying towards her. "Catch me if you can." She challenged them as she motioned for them to come closer with a gloved finger. "Just give up boy." One of them growled before rushing forward. Aveda laughed then just as he reached her she jumped and vaulted over him causing a few people in the crowd to cheer lightly. The last two guards ran together now and this time she aimed at herself at the nearby shop wall. She ran full speed and bounced her feet off the wall but instead of grabbing for the roof edge above like she usually did, she flipped backwards and landed on her hands and feet behind the guards. Before she could straighten up she felt herself roughly being pulled to her feet by two hands on her shoulders, the outcome she had hoped for most. "Got you!" The guard exclaimed triumphantly as Aveda pretended to struggle against his grip before her hands were tied firmly behind her back. "We caught Robin Hood!" The guards seemed very pleased with themselves but most of the crowd seemed disappointed now that the thief had been outwitted and hadn't managed to escape like he always did. Everyone watched now he silence as the guards marched the masked Aveda up towards the castle. "Its the dungeons for you boy." They said as they shoved her on, unknowingly leading her to the place she exactly wanted to go. Stage one of my plan complete. She thought happily as she was led into the castle then down into the dungeons where she was roughly pushed into one of the cells after having her hands untied. Now just to figure out how i'm going to get out of here.

Aarin had witnessed the entire incident through the front windows of the bookstore. He was wide-eyed. Robin Hood was real, and he was really in front of Aarin, and he had REALLY watched him evade the guards--however briefly. Though he felt somewhat disappointed when he saw the guards catch him, he also felt a thrill of excitement, because he knew exactly where those guards were taking him: the castle dungeons. He felt giddy! Robin Hood was his hero! He had to talk to him, and now he would get that chance! He paid for his book with more than the generous amount as always, and sprinted from the shop with his new book under his arm. He headed straight home, avoided the sprites and Eon, and his parents, and headed into the dungeons. Even though his father had always told him never to come down here, he just HAD to meet Robin Hood. He slid into the stairwell silently, pausing when he saw the guard keeping watch in front of Robin's cell. He frowned and cleared his throat, straightening up and walking into the dungeon with as much authority as he could muster. "You! My father wants to see you about the new prisoner."

The guard looked flabbergasted, and stuttered a moment. "B-but... We're not allowed to leave prisoners alone." he said, blinking at the young prince. "Especially not this one, he's tricky, sire."

"Don't say I didn't warn you." Aarin shrugged with a displeased look, folding his arms aloofly. The guard shifted, twitched a little with indecision, then nodded and quickly left the dungeon. Once they were alone, Aarin smiled coyly and moved to the bars of the cell that Robin Hood was being caged within. "Oh my gods, it really is you!" he said excitedly, watching in awe of the hooded figure. "You are a legend in this kingdom! Do you have any idea what good you have done for the people?"

Aveda had looked up at the sound of someone approaching then listened intently as they spoke to the guard. Placing her hands on her hips she tilted her head curiously when Aarin appeared in front of her cell. "Well thank you. Its always nice to have admirers.." She chuckled from below her scarf. "I do what I feel is right I guess and helping the poor is one of those things." A thought suddenly struck her and a small grin broke across her face. "So you think i'm a legend then do you? Well..I don't really ask this often if even at all but how would you like to join me in my current quest?" She asked as she stepped over to the bars, closer to Aarin. "What do you say? We could be Robin Hood and his Merry Man.." She finished saying the first name that came into her mind for the prince and had to stop herself chuckling at it.

Aarin seemed truly excited and honored for a moment, but it rapidly drained from his face when he remembered his father. "My father would never let me... I'm the prince. He wouldn't let me risk my life or my reputation by helping you." He visibly deflated, and glowered down at the bars. He then paused, and looked back up at Robin Hood. "So... Why did you let yourself get caught? You're Robin Hood... You've been doing this for over eighteen years, and you've never once been caught. So why now?"

Aveda's grin quickly slipped from her face when she listened to Aarin speak. This isn't going to be as easy as I thought. she thought then looked back at the prince surprised by his question. "You're a smart kid. I did voluntarily allow myself to be caught because the reward for my current quest actually lies in here." She said holding her arms up and motioning around her. "The castle I mean of course..in the library to be specific. Unfortunately I cannot just simply walk into the castle so I decided the simplest way to get in was to allow myself to be captured. Then all I would need to do is break out and find the library. Would have been so much easier with your help..but I understand that you're royal title has to be your top priority..I should have known it was too much to ask of a young prince." Her tone was sad and even somewhat disappointed. She turned her back to him then began rumaging in her deep cloak pockets in search of her lock picking kit.

Aarin tilted his head, letting his words sink in. He realized he was being selfish, arrogant royalty, the kind of person that Robin Hood would steal from to teach a lesson in humility. He looked back over his shoulder to make sure the guard wasn't coming yet, then looked back at Robin Hood through the bars. "I'll take you to the library. It's one of my most favorite places in the whole world. I know which hidden tunnels lead there, too." he explained in a hushed voice. "If anyone can find the book you're looking for, it's me." He smiled at her confidently, then slid his hand into his sleeve and produced a single key. "You're not the only thief."

Grinning triumphantly under her hood, Aveda turned back to Aarin and clapped her hands together eagerly, happy that her words had triggered the desired response. "Good work I have to say..swiping a key from one if your own guards. Are you sure you're really a prince?" She chuckled before moving to the door of the cell. "Alright then open it up and let's get going. These books aren't going to retrieve themselves now after all.."

Aarin smiled, sliding the key into the lock and hearing it give a rather satisfying click. He unlatched it and pulled the gate open, standing aside so his idol could get out. "Okay, you have to follow me, and since you're a master of stealth, I trust being quiet won't be difficult for you." he said in a friendly tone, then moved towards the very back of the cell block, where nothing but a massive dirt- and stone-wall waited.

Aveda stepped from the cell adjusting her hood as she did and pulling her gloves more firmly over her hands. "Many thanks lad." She said then nodded in response when he spoke. She watched him with a slightly amused smile as he walked. Not what I expected of a wealthy prince.. she thought then stopped next to him at the back wall and placed a hand on her hip staring at it with a raised eyebrow. "So I'm guessing there is some secret lever to activate the hidden door.." she said quietly.

"You guessed right... But it's complicated." Aarin said and moved to the wall. He grabbed a rock that was roughly the size of his hand, twisted it and pulled it out, then took it to the adjacent wall and dug out a small hole with his free hand. He slid the rock into the hole until he heard it click, then gave it a firm twist to the right about ninety degrees. The wall rumbled beside Robin Hood, then gave a puff of dust and dirt was it swung open, releasing a gust of stale air.

"You were right..that was complicated. So whats with the intricate hidden passages? Is your father trying to hide some great treasure deep within the castle?" Aveda asked jokingly as she stepped over to the passage and peered into it. Finally she looked back at Aarin then gave a low sweeping bow. "Lead on then, my loyal partner."

Aarin felt a wash of both pride and honor at his given title, and he had to subdue his grin. He nodded and moved through the open doorway, pulling the stone from its keyhole and replacing it back in the wall from wence it came, then as he ushered her into the tunnel, he pulled the wall closed again firmly, hearing it latch, and he pulled down the lock tight before turning and grabbing one of the sconces from the wall. He lit it with a small match from his pocket, and smiled at Robin Hood's veiled face. "Stay close. This stairwell is really old. There are bound to be insects and bats in here." He then started up a winding, stone stairway.

"Insects and bats?" Aveda repeated then chuckled lightly. "No problem at all. Only last week I had to sneak past a very large and grumpy bear out in the woods. That was a challenge." She figured the prince hadn't had much if any interactions with real wild and dangerous animals. Insects and bats. Maybe its a good thing that thats the worst he's ever experienced. "So whats the chances of the library being empty when we get there?"

"Very likely. No one goes in there anymore but me and a few maids who keep it clean. But they won't ask questions if I tell them to leave--if there are any in there." Aarin explained as he trekked up the dark stairwell. It began to wind more and more as it headed up, then the stairs leveled out to an even stone floor. He led her through the corridor to a spot where a sliver of light leaked through against the floor, and he looked at Robin Hood. "Ready? This is the library. Stay here until I check to make sure the coast is clear and give you the signal." He then blew out the torch and began to open the latch of the door.

Aveda nodded then stepped back against the stone wall to try and conceal herself as best she could in the remaining shadow. She always tried to prepare her self for the worst scenario and in this case it would be Aarin opening the door to reveal a room full of people that even he wouldn't be expecting. "Once you know the coast is clear I need you to point me in the right direction of the books I seek. Then I need you to go and stand guard by the door..no one can know i'm here." She whispered. This was partially the truth. When she hopefully found the books she was looking for she knew in order to read them she would have to lower her hood and she wasn't prepared to allow Aarin to see her true identity, no matter how helpful he had been. "Plus it wouldn't be good for you if people found out you were associating yourself with criminals."

Aarin rolled his eyes at her. "Oh please. I don't care what any of them think of me. Besides, you're the first truly exciting thing to happen to this castle since I was born." he grinned. He turned and pushed the door open, peering around it into the library. It was empty, save for one maid who was busily dusting away at various decorative knick-knacks. He slipped into the room and strode up to her. "What are you doing in here??" he asked hurriedy, making her jump. "My parents need all of the maids downstairs! The main hall must be ready to receive royal guests for tomorrow night! There's too much to be done for you to be in here!" The maid peeped and nodded, bowing her head before rushing from the room. Aarin then checked to make sure there wasn't another maid or butler hiding amongst the massive bookshelves, then closed and locked the double-door entrance. Once that was done, he moved back to the tunnel in the wall and smiled at Robin Hood. "All clear."

Aveda frowned heavily at the princes refusal to keep watch then stepped from the hidden tunnel and glanced around the library as if checking for herself. When she was finally satisfied that they were alone she pulled the slip of paper from her pocket and held it out to Aarin. "These are the books I need. They're all about myths and legends and they're origins.." She said not wanting to say just yet which myth it was that she was so interested in. For her that was no one's business but her own. "If you can find them for me then place them on that table.." She motioned to a desk by one of the large windows before turning back to Aarin. "..then I must ask that you turn away and do not look at me when I remove my hood to read. My identity must remain unknown, even to you my friend. I would hate that any of my enemies would find out that you knew it..they would not go easy on you." She patted his shoulder then turned and moved to the desk in preparation for reading the books.

Aarin was obviously a little disappointed that he wouldn't be allowed to see Robin Hood's true identity, but he nodded and set off to seek out her books. He would respect his wishes. He knew instantly where the books would be, and returned with them all stacked in his arms. He slid them onto the table, then moved to go keep watch at the door, keeping his back to her as she'd asked.

"Thank you. I will forever be in your debt for your kindness.." Aveda told Aarin with another respectful bow as he brought the books to the desk. She watched as he moved away then when she was happy that he was keeping his back to her she raised her hands to her hood and carefully lowered it from her face. Once it was down she pulled her scarf from around her mouth and nose and draped it over the desk before lastly slipping off her gloves and shaking her short curled hair from around her face. Please be of some use. She thought as she focused her mismatched coloured eyes on the cover of the first book then carefully began flicking through its pages until she reached the chapter she had been searching for. "The mythical flying pirate ship that rules the skies.." She whispered then began running her finger along the words as she read hoping that there would be something of use to help her find the thing she missed most.

"Legend has it that the mystical flying pirate ship was built by a wealthy prince roughly two centuries ago. He built it as a gift for his wife after she grew seriously ill and they were told no healers could save her. He promised her that she would live in the skies until her time ran out, but she died before the ship was completed. Its overall construction took roughly two years, and is powered by both magic and mechanics. After his wife passed, it is said that the prince went insane and used the ship for theft, kidnapping, and murder instead. From the skies, he was able to overtake entire towns and kingdoms without their knowledge. Eventually, he became known as the Dreaded Captain Hook. To this day, people will claim to have seen the pirate ship on a full moon, when the sky is blood red--a phenomenon which occurs when an abundant amount of sand is pushed into the sky during the windy seasons, and reflected off of with the light of the full moon. There is another myth that claims that anyone who willingly agrees to man the ship for the captain can--"

From there, the page was ripped off, the bottom section of the page completely missing. Aarin kept his back to Robin Hood, listening to him as closely as he could, and resisting to turn around, no matter how badly he wanted to.

Aveda's eyes had began to widen with each word she read and and without realising it she took a deep breath and held it. "No!" She growled in frustration when her eyes fell on the missing part of the page and she pounded a fist against the tabletop. Grabbing the torn page she ripped the rest of out then threw the book aside with a loud thud then pulled the second book over and quickly began leafing through it in the hopes that the information in this one would be undamaged. one of these last two books must finish the tale.. she thought hopefully as she once again found the page she sought.

Aarin jumped, hearing the thuds and her shouts. He glanced over his shoulder briefly, only managing to really glimpse a head of curly blonde hair. He gulped and turned back around, waiting patiently. He was no stranger to those books... He had read them many times as a child and even more as he grew older. All his life, those page sections had been missing. In the second and third books even. The same section of the page was always missing. He remembered having asked his grandmother why at one point when he was really young... But she had told him that he was too young to know just then. He wondered what she would tell him if he asked again. "The pages are missing." he called over his shoulder. "It's been like that my whole life... I don't know why, but I know someone who does."

This can't be happening.. Aveda thought as she frantically tore through the pages of the second and third book only to find them missing the vital part of the story. When Aarin spoke she groaned before looking over at him swiftly when he mentioned that he knew someone who would know why the pages were ripped. Maybe they know the rest of the story as well. she thought, quickly regaining the hope that she had began losing with each ruined book. Grabbing her scarf and gloves she pulled them both on then quickly pulled her hood up over her face once again masking her true identity from those around her. Turning she hurried over to Aarin and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Take me to them."

Aarin turned to face Robin Hood as he felt the weight of his hand on his shoulder, then nodded. "Alright... But be kind? She is my grandmother.." he warned, knowing she would understand that meant the queen. He then unlocked the library doors and opened them, checking each way down the hall. He was right, that young maid had grabbed every other helping hand in the hall and taken them with her. The coast was clear. He waved Robin Hood to follow him, heading off for his grandmother's room on the third floor.

Aveda glanced cautiously out of the door then quickly followed after Aarin. "Don't worry , i'll treat her with the respect she deserves." She whispered truthfully. She really hoped the previous Queen would be able to fill in the gaps in the myth and give her the information she really wanted to know.

Aarin wasn't so sure how honest those words were, coming from Robin Hood. Considering the entire village--maybe even the entire country--knew about Robin's exploits and his opinion about royalty. Just in case, he continued, "She's very kind and generous... She'll help us as much as she can, I promise you. She's probably the nicest person in this kingdom." He gulped and lead her on through the halls, then stopped outside of his grandmom's room. He took a breath, raised his hand to knock, but before his knuckles could connect with the wood of the door, it opened, making him jump a little.

Anaita didn't look at all surprised. "I've been waiting for you two." she said and smiled warmly. Her eyes found Robin Hood and she beamed at him. "Hello. I've been expecting you." she said softly. She stepped aside and waved them both to enter. "Please come in."

Aveda rolled her eyes. A kind and generous royal? Yeah right... she thought but then stopped when she realised Aarin was a royal and he had been helping her. I guess they can't all be bad. She stopped beside him outside his grandmothers room and for a moment she had considered hiding around the corner until she knew it was safe. But before she could move the door had suddenly swung open and she was faced with the previous Queen smiling at her. "You've been expecting me?" She replied in a shocked tone as she stepped into the room. Wait! Is this some kind of trap? Has he been leading me to this all along? she thought as she shot a suspicious glance at Aarin before stopping inside the room and quickly looking for an escape route if she needed it.

Anaita waited until Aarin had moved into the room as well, and she closed and locked her door. She gave Aarin a full embrace and smiled, nuzzling his blonde hair. "Mmmm, good to see you today, Aarin. You get older every time I see you." she chuckled. She kissed his brow, then lead them to the table where her crystal ball was sitting. "Please, have a seat." she said to Robin Hood, as she slid onto her own seat.

With one last glance at the window, Aveda turned and slowly made her way to the table and lowered herself into her chair, clasping her hands tightly on her lap. "So I take it you must know who I am but how? Why were you expecting me?" She asked in a guarded tone, showing she didn't fully trust Anita or what was going on.

Anaita made herself comfortable in her chair before she answered her. Unlike Aarin, or even anyone else in the royal family, Anaita didn't wear fancy, heavy dresses or clothes anymore. After her husband's death and her son took the throne, she had resorted to wearing clothes more befitting of her gypsy heritage. She crossed one leg over the other and smiled at Robin Hood. "Oh, honey... I know far more than you think." she said with a knowing smile. "I know that you are searching for your brother, and have been for a very long time. And you're resorting to less than realistic claims for answers." She watched Robin Hood, even as Aarin gasped and stared at her in awe. He didn't know his idol had a brother... Or that he was missing. Anaita continued, "Such as... the mystic flying ship?"

Aveda's eyes had widened as she listened to Anaita's words. "How do you know all of this?" She whispered as she stared at the other woman in awe. Unsure of how much the old Queen actually knew she raised a hand to her hood and made sure it was still firmly covering her face. She couldn't really know that she wasn't really a boy...could she? "I have been researching the flying ship but all the records and books are incomplete. I need to find the rest of the information..I just know it has something to do with my brother."

Anaita watched her and then waved a hand over her crystal ball. Inside, images of Robin Hood played back, anywhere from a few years ago, to a couple of days ago, up until now. She let the images fade, then smiled again. "Aveda, you weren't brought here on a whim. How did you know to come to the castle for the information you sought?" she asked, tilting her head sweetly.

"W-wait... Aveda? His name is Robin Hood, grandma..." Aarin insisted, a lump in his throat. "What are you saying?"

Anaita looked at Aarin a little apologetically. His idol was about to be broken down in front of him. "Aveda, if you would... I think honesty would help us all out at this point."

Aveda frowned at Anaita unhappy at what she was being asked to do, but with a small sigh she knew there was really no other way to proceed. "You must tell no one about what you are about to see about Robin Hood.." She said pointing a gloved finger at Aarin before raising it to her face and pulling the scarf free from around her mouth and nose and allowing it to drop to the table top. With a final deep breath she gripped her hood and slowly pulled it down, revealing her young female face. Shaking her hair free she looked at Aarin seriously as she locked her mismatched eyes with his. "Surprise.."

Aarin's eyes looked ready to bulge out of his head. His heart had stopped cold in his chest at the sight of the young girl in front of him. She looked to be his age, and her eyes were so strange... He gulped thickly and his eyes turned down towards the table again in a sort of betrayed pout. Anaita watched him with a sort of sad frown, then sighed and pushed on, "Anyways, Aveda, you felt the compulsion to come to the castle because I called you here. I know the direction you must go in order to find your brother." She looked at Aarin and sighed out, "Aarin, you need to step outside. This information is too dangerous for you."

"Why?!" Aarin suddenly snapped, his head lifting to glare at his grandmom for the first time in his life. "You think I can't handle it because I'm a prince?!" He spat at the floor and stood up, leaving the room angrily and slamming the door behind him.

This time, Anaita did seem shocked, and greatly regretful. She swallowed the lump in her throat and watched the door a moment before turning back to Aveda. "I'm... so sorry about that." she whispered.

When Aarin had turned to pout at the floor Aveda had glared at him in annoyance. This is why I don't tell people. They can't believe that I could be the legendary Robin Hood because I look like a young girl. She listened to the exchange between the prince and his grandmother then watched as he stormed from the room. "Don't worry. You just want to protect him. This isn't an easy life that I live and unfortunately danger is a large part of my what I do. As much as he thinks he would like to live my life, its better he doesn't." She said before looking expectantly at Anaita. "Now what information do you have for me? Do you know where Titus is?"

Anaita smiled at Aveda and nodded. "I know where the pages are. The missing information you seek was stolen by my... son." she whispered. "But not Dyllin. His twin brother, Reise, the one who tried to overtake the kingdom before you and Titus arrived here." she explained. "He did a lot of research into mystical things, dark magic, and such... and I suppose he found what he wanted. He ripped those pages out himself and no one ever saw them again. But I know where they are." She waved another hand over her crystal ball, and there was an image inside of a very dark and ominous cavern. Inside, there was a pulsing purple glow from the chrysalis chamber that Reise was being kept in. "They're buried here... with him." she whispered. "You can go find the pages... but you must be certain not to touch the crystal chamber that he's in. There's no telling what could happen." she said seriously.

Aveda had moved closer to the crystal ball, peering into it eagerly as she listened to Anaita speak. She had heard of the other prince and how he caused such grief and destruction in the kingdom and now it seemed he was back to make her life difficult. "I need to get those pages.." She said finally looking up at the other woman. "I shall not disturb his prison..now tell me where this is?"

Anaita watched Aveda determinately a moment, then whispered, "I locked him away in a cave deep beneath the crest of a dead volcano. It's in the mountains west of here." she explained. "This will not make things easier for you, Aveda. It'll tell you why your brother disappeared, but finding him will be an entirely different journey. Are you prepared for that?"

"I've been searching for my brother for eight years now your highness..so i'm ready for any journey." Aveda replied with a nod. "I should leave immediately..if I take a horse I could be there by morning at the latest." She spoke quickly now as she thought about her task ahead. "Do I need to know a password or anything to get into the cave?"

"No. You will only need this," Anaita said as she produced a clear vial of rather clean water. It was so clear that it almost looked empty. "This water is very special. It's from the healing springs in the Giant's Bay. It was very difficult to get, and it's very fragile. Sprinkle only a little of it onto the ground once you get to the volcano peak. You must stand in the middle of the cap to do it. The ground will open up for you then." she explained, passing it to her. "Also... you might hear Reise trying to speak to you from within his prison. He will try to convince you to let him free, and you must not heed him. At any costs." she said forbodingly. "Take my mare. She's the fastest in the stocks."

Aveda took the vial of liquid then carefully placed it in her pocket before standing. "Thank you..you have no idea how much this actually means to me." She said softly as she smiled thankfully at Anaita before replacing her scarf and pulling her hood back over her face. With a final sweeping bow she moved to the door and opened it, peering out into the hallway for signs of anyone outside.

Anaita nodded and watched her go, giving her a mental prayer for encouragement and luck. Once Aveda opened the door, Aarin was within sight. "What did she tell you? Where are we going?" he asked firmly, watching her.

"We?" Aveda repeated as she paused beside him before shaking her head and moving off down the hall. "I'm sorry but you cannot come your highness. I would not be able to guarantee your safety and your family would hunt me down themselves if something happened to you." She said to him knowing he wasn't going to like that answer. "You are better here prince..."

"And you know as well as I do that I'm not just going to sit back and miss out on an adventure like this! I don't care about how dangerous it'll be, I need to come with you!" Aarin insisted, frowning at her. "And you know I'm not going to give up! I'll follow you." he said firmly, watching her as he followed on her heels down the halls.

Aveda paused and let out a loud sigh. She knew he was right, he seemed like the stubborn type. Turning to him she suddenly pushing him roughly against the wall, holding a hand against his shoulder to keep him in place. "Fine..if you are determined to come along then there a few rules that you need to know. I am in charge..that means you do everything I tell you. No running off by yourself and don't try to be brave and start any fights. You are not trained to fight and I am in no mood to have to rescue you. You got all that?" She said before letting go of him. "You better go get ready..we're leaving immediately. I'll wait here."

Aarin held her gaze, blushing at the fact that he was being pinned to the wall by a girl his age, and shook his head. "I had everything prepared for us while you were still speaking with my grandmother. Do you think I'm stupid?" he said and grinned a little, pushing past her. He knew that if he had left her to go get things ready and left her waiting, that she would have most likely run off while he was busy. He hadn't wanted to risk that. So while she'd been in discussion with Anaita, he had demanded a maid go to the stables to prepare their horses, another to make sure a satchel of food and clothes were taken there, and he'd run to his room to leave a note for his parents, explaining why he was gone. Now he just hoped he could get out of the castle before Eon or any of the sprites noticed.

"Clothes? This isn't a vacation prince." Aveda replied with a chuckle. "And you won't be gone long enough to need to change your clothes. We'll be back by nightfall tomorrow as i'm sure you know your mother and father are throwing quite an important party and it wouldn't be proper for you to be missing now would it?" She quickly moved after him, dodging round him so she was leading. This is going to be tiring. She thought as she hurried towards the stables. "We ride through the night..we only stop when we reach our destination..and once there you will wait outside. It would not be wise for you to see what is inside." She wasn't sure how the young prince would react to coming face to face with his evil uncle and she wasn't prepared to find out. "Now lets get going."

---

---

Eon sighed happily as he lounged back on the window seat of his and Sein's room, stroking her red curls as she relaxed in his lap. He smiled, his eyes studying the world outside the window, and he looked down at her lovingly. "You are a wonderful woman, Sein... I'm so lucky to have you." he whispered, stroking her hair, lips, cheeks, chin... Anywhere he could touch. "Have I told you lately how much I love you?"

"About three times this morning.." Sein replied jokingly as she smiled up at him. "But its always nice to hear it again." She chuckled lightly. "And don't worry I love you too.." She reached up and poked his nose gently before relaxing back with a happy sigh. "Its not very often we get to relax like this..I like it. And the big celebration is tomorrow which will be fun..I might even wear a dress for it." She grinned up at him before laughing at her joke.

"You? In a dress? Now THAT is something I would very much like to see." Eon joked back with a laugh, blushing down at her. He smiled and ran his hands up and down her arms and sighed again contently. After a few moments of silence and just thinking to himself, Eon whispered, "Sein..? Have you ever thought about trying to have babies?"

Sein's eyes widened at his words and she shifted to sit up and face him. But her movements were to quick and clumsy and she ended up toppling from the window seat and landing in a heap on the floor. She pushed herself up to sit on her knees brushing her hair from her face as she did then looked at Eon with a flustered expression. "Babies?" She finally repeated breathlessly as her cheeks flushed red. "I've never really thought..I mean I never imagined I would be any good..Do you want.." Her words were quick and she never seemed to finish any of the sentences she began.

Eon jumped when Sein somehow ended up on the floor, and he watched her to make sure she was okay before giving her a weak smile. She seemed so flustered. "Well, I... I just thought..." he started, shaking his head and rubbing the back of his neck bashfully. "I'm getting old, Sein. I know my human form doesn't look it... but I've already been alive much longer than most normal dogs do. You and I have been together for 18 wonderful years and I just thought.... maybe it was time to take our relationship to the next level..? I would love to have a family with you. But... if you're not ready, or not sure, then I won't push it. I just thought it could be something to think about and discuss." he said softly, watching her. He offered her a hand to help her off the floor, giving her a somewhat apologetic smile.

Taking his hand, Sein slowly stood up feeling embarrassed at her sudden clumsiness. "Has it really been eighteen years?" She replied softly as she sat back down. "You would make a wonderful father Eon..its just children don't normally like me. I'm just the scary fire lady to the kids down in the village.." She said with a small sad shrug. "What if our children thought the same?"

Eon shook his head, holding her hands in his and leaning in to kiss her cheeks. "Our child would not think that of their own mother, Sein! Children don't work that way... Our children would love you more than life itself. I think you would be a fantastic mother." he whispered and smiled lovingly. "But I think we'd have to ask Anaita if you're even capable of becoming pregnant... I'm not entirely sure. Jollel never mentioned it when she created the three of you."

Sein had smiled at Eon as he spoke and couldn't help but feel a sudden surge of excitment at the thought of starting a family. But this quickly faltered when he mentioned his uncertainty about her capability of becoming pregnant. "What if I can't have children?" She said suddenly looking horrified. She had never thought about if she could get pregnant or not.

"It's alright, don't panic." Eon said, rubbing her arms and pulling her into a hug. "Even if you can't get pregnant, we can always adopt... or Anaita can make us a baby, I'm sure." he nodded and smiled, pulling back to look at her. "Don't lose hope, alright? We'll figure it out." He leaned in and kissed her lips, then smiled and hugged her. "Let's go find Aarin..."

Sein had clung to Eon when he hugged her and couldn't feel a little hopeless. How could a creature of fire safely carry a child.. she thought before nodding sadly in agreement. "If we cannot have a child then we will look into adoption..and just hope the child isn't frightened of me." She said with a weak smile before nodding again when Eon mentioned Aarin. "Alright..let's go get back to work."

Iswe walked along the hallway, she still wore the dress she'd had on this morning. Jumping up on a window sill, she leaned against it and closed her eyes, the sun beating down on her face. Sighing softly she kicked off her slippers and smiled. She hadn't felt this relaxed in ages. It was nice. Maybe she should take Dyllin up on his offer of a break.

Eon nodded and tried to give her a reassuring smile, stroking her cheeks before cradling her face in his hands and pulling her in to kiss her lovingly. "I love you." he whispered, then grabbed her hand and pulled her out of their room and into the hall. On the way to find Aarin, he noticed Iswe in the window sill and smiled. "Hello, Iswe!" he smiled. "Where's Ihara? Are you two sick of each other already?" he asked jokingly.

Picking up one of her slippers, she threw it at Eon and smiled. "No, quite the opposite. He had duties to attend to so I went for a walk. I'm surprised Sein hasn't gotten sick of you yet, though... jeeze... 18 years..." She rolled her eyes but smiled down at the two of them fondly, clearly joking.

Eon caught the slipper with lightning-fast reflexes and laughed at her. "Yeah, well.. what can I say? I'm fuzzy and adorable." he winked at her, then grinned at Sein with a blush, moving to kiss her cheek. "If things go well, Iswe, you might find yourself an aunt pretty soon."

"Eon.." Sein said in an exasperated tone before smiling at Iswe. "Yes..we've decided that the time is finally right for us to start a family. Of course we must speak with Anaita and see if it is actually possible for a sprite to have a child, but even if I can't we're considering other options. Looks like I'm finally going to have to grow up, sister." She joked with a chuckle as she slipped her hand into Eon's and squeezed it lightly.

"It's about time you grew up." Giggling softly, Iswe jumped down from the window and hugged them both. Snatching the slipper from Eon she hit him with it before retrieving her other one from the window sill. "So where were you two headed?" She asked curiously.

"To find Aarin." Eon said as he rubbed the sore spot on his head from where her slipper had connected, giving her a small smile. "We haven't seen him in the last couple of hours, so we wanted to check in with him and make sure he was staying out of trouble." he explained. "You're free to come if you'd like."

"Yes come along Iswe..unless you have actually agreed to take time off and don't wish to see to Aarin as that would technically be working.." Sein said with a joking smile. "I'll definately have to persuade Ihara to come here more often if that is the case..you do seem more happy and relaxed now that he is present. So what will it be? Are you going to join us or not?"

Iswe quirked an eyebrow at them and shook her head. "I think ill enjoy my time off... maybe go find Idre." Smiling she hugged each of them. "Have fun, lemme know if you need me." Winking slightly she let her slippers dangle from her fingers, she turned and walked off barefoot, singing softly to herself.

Sein watched Iswe go with a raised eyebrow then turned to Eon and gave a small shrug. "I guess its just you and me." She said then turned to move on. "So where should we check first? Library or his room?" She asked casually as she looped her arm round his and walked close to him.

"We'll check his room first, even though he's more than likely in the library." Eon chuckled after shaking his head at Iswe's antics. She was definitely in a good mood if she was beating on him. He held Sein close to his side as they walked, smiling pleasantly at every maid and butler they passed. Once they got to Aarin's room, he knocked loudly a few times. "Aarin? Prince, are you in there?" he called playfully, waiting to hear some snarky retort. He gave Sein a small smile and shrugged, then tried the door handle. It was unlocked. Now THAT was strange. Aarin always locked his door--whether he was inside or not. He frowned and stepped into the room, looking around a little. Everything was clean and as it should be... which meant the maids had been in here recently and cleaned it--another thing out of the ordinary for Aarin. He sniffed at the air. Nothing smelled out of place. He moved into the room and looked around slowly. "Hmm... You think his mom forced him to let the maids clean in here in time for the party tomorrow?" he asked playfully. But despite his toying tone, something still felt... off.

Sein stepped into the room after Eon then looked around with a small frown. "Something isn't right..we've known that boy his whole life, we know exactly how he works and we know one thing he prefers more than anything is his privacy. He would never willingly leave his room open for people to walk in and out of like this or want the maids cleaning up for fear of them throwing something valuable away.." She said before moving slowly round as if looking for a clue. "I hope i'm just being silly.." She whispered before looking up at Eon. "Should we check the library? Maybe he just forgot to lock the door.."

Eon shook his head. "He wouldn't forget." he said softly, his face a stern expression as his eyes roamed the room gradually, taking everything in. He then stopped when he spotted a white piece of folded parchment on the bedside table. He moved to it, opened it and scanned it quickly, then gasped, his eyes going wide. He snapped it shut again and turned to Sein. "We have to find the queen!"

"She'll be taking her afternoon tea on the terrace." Sein replied quickly looking worried about what Eon had found and wasn't telling her. She grabbed his hand and pulled him firmly from the room, hurrying up to the King and Queen's personal rooms where she pounded loudly on the door. A few moments passed before it opened and a surprised looking maid peered out. "I'm sorry but the Queen has asked for no visitors.." She said quietly but Sein quickly shook her head and pushed her way into the room, ignoring the maids protests as she pulled Eon with her.

Samiya sat out on the terrace of her room, tired from the mornings tasks. She sipped lightly at her tea and gave a small contented sigh before jumping suddenly at the loud bangs and shouts coming from inside. "Dyllin?" She called, straightening up as she watched the doors expectantly before smiling when Sein emerged dragging Eon with her. "Is everything alright?" She asked curiously as the fire sprite pushed Eon forwards.

Eon's steps stumbled only a little as Sein shoved him in front of her. He gulped and panted, looking up at Samiya and Dyllin--who'd stood up protectively when he too had heard the bangings on the door. "What's the meaning of this?" he asked seriously, watching them both. Eon swallowed hard, then offered Samiya the paper. It was addressed to her, after all. He looked nervous, scared, confused. Panicked. And it was all making Dyllin rather unnerved. "What does it say, love?"

Dear mother;
Do not worry for me when you find this note. I've gone off on my own adventure, like you and I spoke about this morning. I'm going with Robin Hood to find the missing book pages. Grandmother showed us the way. We'll be back before the ball tomorrow night, I promise.
Everything for you, mom.
~Aarin

Samiya took the note with a curious expression before suddenly frowning when she saw Aarins handwriting. What would he be writing to me for? She carefully unfolded the note then read it slowly, her eyes widening with each word she read. "Dyllin!" She gasped then quickly got to her feet wincing when the sudden movement caused her pain. Placing a hand on her bump she turned to look at Dyllin with frightened eyes. "Aarin is with Robin Hood. Something about book pages..and your mother!" She handed the note to him then began to pace frantically. "This is all my fault.."

Dyllin's eyes widened and he took the note, scanning over it quickly as well before he growled. "Dammit, Aarin!" he snapped, crumpling the note in his hands and then looking at Sein and Eon. "Find him! Bring him back!" If there was one thing that Dyllin and Samiya knew well about adventures given by gypsies, is that they didn't always end well. Sacrifices were made, promises broken, and lives in danger. Aarin was too young for that. "I'll go see my mother about this. Samiya, you stay here, you have to calm down and rest. Too much excitement could put you into premature labor." he said firmly. "Just go lay down."

Samiya whimpered and looked ready to protest but a maid who had been listening over quickly hurried over and gently took her arm and guided her inside with soothing words. "We should go speak with your mother immediately..she will hopefully know in which direction he has went." Sein said quickly as she watched Dyllin. She wasn't sure if she should alert her sisters or leave immediately with Eon.

"I will go speak with my mother alone. You two find Idre and Iswe, and all of you head out and find my son! He couldn't have gotten far!" Dyllin said determinately, pushing past them into the room and then out into the hall. He had to find his mom and find out what this was all about.

Eon watched Dyllin go, then gulped and shook his head. "I'll get a headstart and see if I can't sniff him out." he whispered to Sein. "You find your sisters and follow me." He gave her a quick kiss, then turned and ran at the terrace balcony ledge. He leapt over it, and during his fall his body changed into that of his wolf form, and he landed on all four paws in a graceful running sprint. He broke off towards the main gates of the castle land, sniffing at the air as he ran.

Sein hurried back inside, glancing towards the king and queens bed chamber where she could spy Samiya lying on the bed whilst the maid pressed a cool cloth to her forehead. That boy has a lot of explaining to do.. She thought angrily feeling worried about Samiya's health. She moved out into the hall then rushed towards her sisters rooms. "Idre..Iswe!" She shouted loudly.

Idre instantly emerged from her room, covered in dirt up to her elbows and a lot of it smudged down her apron and on her face. She looked both ways up and down the hall until she saw Sein and she blinked. "What's going on?" she asked, watching her. "Iswe's in here with me." she explained, glancing back and in at her sister. "Sein is calling for us."

Iswe came out of Idre's room, brushing dirt off of her dress, and hands. Looking the direction Idre was facing, Iswe frowned gently, eyebrows furrowed in worried. "What's wrong, sister?" Placing her hands on her hips she waited for Sein to plunge into an explanation like she knew she would.

"Aarin has run off with Robin Hood, sisters. It is up to us to bring him back before he gets injured, or worse." Sein replied quickly looking between Idre and Iswe. "And we must go immediately, the Queen is frantic with worry. Eon has gone on ahead to see if he can track them. It seems they're on the hunt for some mysterious missing pages from some book." she spoke quickly. "I know you were supposed to be resting Iswe, but we really need you with us.. if we move quickly we should be back before tomorrow's celebration and Ihara need never know you were gone."

Iswe waved her hand gently. "Dont worry about Ihara. Let me change into some pants and we can get going." Iswe hurried to her room a few feet away and quickly changed into pants and a tunic. Slipping her boots on she came back out in the middle of braiding her long hair. "Ok, lets go."

Idre nodded and grabbed Iswe's hand only when she was finished braiding her hair, then moved to Sein. "Let's go find him!" she smiled. It had been a while since they went on an adventure of their own. "He couldn't have gotten far." she nodded.

Sein nodded looking determined. "We need to move quickly. The prince is in great danger out there without us especially if he is out there with Robin Hood." She would personally drag Robin Hood back to the dungeons herself if anything happened to Aarin.

---

"Mother? Mother!" Dyllin called as he knocked on her door and then boldly opened it, stepping into the room. "Mom! Aarin is gone."

Anaita looked up from where she was stitching a blanket, and she shook her head. "Gone? What do you mean? Having trouble finding him again and you need me to locate him?" she asked playfully. "He is very good at Hide-and-Seek isn't he?"

"This isn't a game, mother, he's really gone!" Dyllin said urgently, moving towards her. "He left a note for Samiya, telling her he'd gone off on an adventure with Robin Hood!"

Anaita gasped, her eyes wide, and she shook her head. "No! No, I told him not to!" she growled. She stood up and moved to her crystal ball, putting a hand on it and peering down into it. "There! I see them! They are on horseback, and they're on the main road headed towards the Western volcano. Dyllin, Reise is buried there. If Aarin comes too close to that crystal, Reise could be set free." she explained gravely. "You have to intercept him at any cost!"

Dyllin gasped, his eyes wide and he shook his head. "Eon is already after them. Can you tell him where to go? Tell him everything! Maybe he can catch them!" he said and turned. "I'll take my horse and the sprites!" Hopefully they could catch Aarin before they hit that dead volcano.

---

Eon got the message from Anaita rather easily, and he clenched his teeth, picking up his pace and sprinting down the main road. He figured he was about five miles from the fork that would lead off towards the volcano, and if Aarin and Robin Hood got the headstart, they would only be about three miles from it. He needed to pick up the pace. He increased his sprint, and his form grew, increasing in size until he was the size of a bull, able to cover twice as much ground in a single bound. He had Aarin's scent on the air, and he could smell their horses too. He wasn't far behind them.

Aarin kept his body hunkered low on his horse, but was standing in his saddle to create less friction between him and his horse's movements as it galloped at full speed. He gripped the reigns, feeling breathless as he ran alongside Robin Hood--Aveda. He glanced at her as they broke free from the village, running down the main road with broad fields of corn and hay on either side. He then sat up straight suddenly, throwing his arms into the air and letting out a loud whoop. He felt so free all of a sudden! He'd never been this far from the castle before! He did it! He couldn't believe he'd actually done it!

"Be quiet! Do you wish to draw unnecessary attention to us?" Aveda hissed as she galloped along beside him, her hood being ripped off from around her face. "Don't make me regret the decision not to restrain you back in the castle and stop you coming with me.." She shook her head lightly then carried on urging her horse onwards.

"Oh, c'mon! We're outside of the city now, no one can hear us!" Aarin said and grinned at Aveda. "You should be just as happy as I am! You have the first major lead in finding your brother! You got what you wanted, can't you be happy about that?" He let out another whoop, throwing his arms in the air and standing above his saddle happily, stretched towards the sky. "Just try it!"

Aveda turned her head to watch him for a moment again then couldn't help but smile at his words. Finally she gave in and released the reins and threw her arms up into the arm, giving a loud whoop of happiness. "There are you happy." She said once she had settled herself back in the saddle and taken control of the horse again. "Now make sure you tell no one I did that..don't want to ruin my repuatation.." She smiled jokingly at him before laughing.

Aarin laughed again and shook his head. "I won't tell anyone!" he smiled, taking his reigns again and watching her with a grin. She was very pretty... He blushed and coughed, looking ahead again, feeling all the more excited. "We're close!" His heart was racing. Then a sound caught his ears. He gasped and looked behind them, and saw a large wolf loping after them at a crazy speed. He widened his eyes. "Dammit! Eon!" he growled. He looked at Aveda. "Cover yourself!"

Following his gaze, Aveda's eyes widened at the sight of the large wolf running up behind them. She snatched up her hood and did her best to hold it over her face. "You know that thing?" She asked after hearing Aarin mutter Eon's name. "I knew it was a mistake allowing you to come! This will ruin everything!"

"Oh stop it! This won't ruin anything!" Aarin snapped at Aveda, then glanced back over his shoulder. He gasped. Eon was gone. He couldn't see him anymore. He looked around quickly, but he couldn't see him still. "Where did he go?" he growled, then let out a yelp. Eon was suddenly on the trail in front of them, and it made their horses skid to a stop and kick with wild whinnies and neighs. He jerked on the reigns to calm his horse down, and growled at Eon. "Dammit, Eon!" he snapped. "What are you trying to do, kill us?!"

"I'm trying to STOP you!" Eon barked back after his form shrunk and shifted into his human form. He didn't care that he was naked right now. He snatched Aarin's cloak from off the back of his horse and wrapped it around himself, glaring up at him. "You cannot do this, prince! Do you have any idea the stress and fear you've put into your parents?! You could have thrown your mother into labor with this stupid act!"

Aveda pulled hard on the reins of her horse when Eon appeared on the road ahead causing it to rear back up onto its hind legs and give a loud neigh of protest. She hung on tightly and managed to quickly calm it then turned to look at Eon with a frown, her hood still firmly up and covering her face. "I did not mean to cause distress to anyone..you have got what you came for and you can take him back. But you need to move from the road so I may continue." She said to him in an urgent tone.

Aarin shook his head. "I'm not going anywhere! I'm sorry that my absence is putting my mother through stress, but I told her in my note that we would be back before the ball tomorrow night! I'm not going forever!" he said to Eon firmly, glaring down at him. "I'm not turning back, Eon, I need this!"

"You don't need this! You WANT this! There's a difference between want and need!" Eon growled.

Aarin glared down at him hard and shook his head again. "No, I NEED this, Eon! I need to get out of that castle and have an adventure before I go crazy! Before I get locked into those halls with a betrothal and the responsibilities of being my father's heir!" he yelled. "Just let me do this! Please!"

Eon frowned up at him hard, their gazes locked, before he looked at Robin Hood and wrinkled his nose. He seemed to think hard about it, then sighed and grumbled out a, "Dammit..." He turned away, rubbed the back of his neck, then sighed heavily. "Fine! But I'm coming with you. You're too much like your mother, and there's no telling what that could mean." he grumbled.

Aarin relaxed visibly and smiled, then nodded. "Alright, you can come with us." He then looked at Aveda. "He's my guardian, and he'll be good to have in case we come across anything dangerous. Trust me." He smiled, then looked back at Eon again. "You'll have to keep up!" He then snapped the reigns again, kicking his horse into another fast gallop, and Eon growled, but changed back into his wolf form and running after him. He was already cursing himself for letting this happen.

Aveda sighed. Oh great..now I have to try and stay concealed because this beast has decided to come along.. She kicked the horse and snapped the reins, hanging on as it suddenly took off after Aarin. "If you invite one more person to accompany us I will personally drag you off that horse and tie you to a tree myself to stop you from following me. You are prolonging this trip and potentially risking what I have worked so hard to get to and I will not allow that." She growled angrily at Aarin, unhappy that he was seeing this as just one big adventure. Her heart was racing and all she could think of was that with every second wasted the longer it was going to take to find her brother. She shook her head in dismay then snapped the reins again so she could take the lead, one hand gripping the reins whilst the other had to stay clamped on her hood to stop it slipping down.

Aarin rolled his eyes a little. "Oh stop it! Those pages aren't going anywhere, and Eon will help us more than hinder us! Just relax and trust us, alright?" He insisted, scowling at her a little. This girl had some serious trust issues, apparently.

"Relax?! How dare you! Do you think that this is just a recent thing, my search for my brother? Well its not. I've been hunting for him for over eight years now. Eight years with no clues..nothing. This is the first hint i've got of him so excuse me if I am a little impatient." Aveda snapped back having to control the urge to pull on the reins so she could speak face to face with Aarin. "You have no idea what its like to be alone..to have your only family just vanish. You..living in that fancy castle with your family and maids and butlers answering to your every whim. You think the life you live is so bad..you have no idea how lucky you are." She shook her head as if trying to rid herself of the sudden overwhelming emotions she was feeling. Feelings Robin Hood should not be experiencing. Finally she sighed softly and bowed her head feeling suddenly ashamed of her words. "I apologise for my outburst. This journey has just been a long and painful one and I guess..i've just kind of forgotten what its like to work in a team, to trust anyone but myself. You'll have to be patient with me." She slowed her horse slightly until they were side by side. "I'm still in charge though..you got that Mr Wolf?" She called down to Eon in an authoritative voice before smiling lightly and carrying on. After a little while of riding she turned her head slightly to look at Aarin. "We should stop for a short while to allow the horses to get a drink. They will not last if we do not let them rest. one hour and then we get back on the road. Agreed?"

"Agreed." Aarin grumbled, then pulled his horse to a gradual stop. He glowered at Aveda now, watching her with a sort of pout. He hated being scolded like a child, but she'd had a point: he had no idea how long she'd been searching, or how far she'd come for this quest. Eight years was a long time to be looking for someone. He climbed down off of his horse and patted his flank, then turned to Eon, who was panting heavily. "We're resting for an hour. We should find water. There's a creek that runs off about half a mile from the road."

"How do you know that?" Eon asked after he changed to his human form and once again wrapped Aarin's cloak around himself.

"It's my job to know this land, isn't it? Part of my training to become king is studying the maps of the area." Aarin shrugged and tugged on his horse's reigns, starting to lead them in the direction he knew the creek would be. "This way."

"Well you're not doing a very good job at your training are you?" Aveda commented as she suddenly grabbed his arm and pulled him to a stop. "This land here is bear territory." She told him as she motioned her arms around her, glancing briefly at Eon before looking back at Aarin. "And where there are bears..there are traps." She suddenly stooped down and picked up a long thin log and with a quick movement prodded the ground where the prince had just been about to walk on. With a loud snap a large bear trap sprang shut on the log, breaking it in half. "That would have been your leg your highness. Now step carefully but don't worry I will keep you right. I will teach you lessons out here no book or tutor ever could." She smiled lightly under her hood then began to lead the way on to the creek she knew Aarin was speaking of. "Keep up prince..and you too Mr Wolf.."

Aarin was staring in awe at the bear trap that was still snapped through the log, his eyes wide. He'd never seen a bear trap before, and no one had ever told him the dangers of one. What use was there for it? The castle had personal hunters that dealt with these things, he didn't need to know anything other than how to delegate orders to those hunters. That was it. He gulped, and slowly edged around the bear trap, keeping his eyes peeled for any others around, pulling his horse along behind him.

Eon scoffed through his nose at the hooded boy and shook his head. "My name is Eon. Not 'Mr Wolf'." he grumbled, tugging the cloak closed around his waist to hide his nudity. He eyed Robin Hood for a moment, sniffing the air in his direction and watching him closely. He didn't trust him.

Aveda glanced back at Eon and grinned under her hood. "Whatever you say..Mr Wolf." She chuckled lightly then carried on walking until finally she halted next to the creek. "Okay..your highness secure the horses and make sure they have some food and water. Now you said you packed some fresh clothes..we might as well not let them go to waste so if if you don't mind I would appreciate some of them so I can go and freshen up. Its been a few days since I last had the chance." She spoke directly to Aarin as she turned to face him.

Aarin blinked at Aveda and then looked back at Eon with a small stutter. "Y-you mean, you want to borrow my clothes?" he asked and then blushed. And she would be naked. He blushed a deep red, but nodded and coughed, turning and rummaging through his pack and producing a fresh shirt and pants, then offering them to her, along with a clean pair of socks. "Here." Eon was watching Aarin suspiciously, wondering why he was acting this way. Was it simply out of extreme humility that the infamous Robin Hood was borrowing his clothes? Or was there something else there?

Tilting her head slightly as she watched Aarin's odd behaviour, Aveda couldn't help but wonder why he was getting so flustered. "Thanks.." She said after taking the bundle of clothes from him then glanced momentarily at Eon before looking back at Aarin. "Stay here..both of you. I will not tolerate either of you following me. If you need my assistance for anything give a loud whistle, i'll hear you." She turned and wandered a few steps then paused and looked back. "And don't worry..I will come back. You've got my horse remember?" She joked before chuckling and walking off through the trees. She followed the creek until Eon and Aarin where out of sight then finally pulled her hood down and gave a loud sigh. Sitting down she unclasped her cloak and threw it to the side then removed her gloves and rolled up her sleeves before cupping some water in her hands and splashing it round her face. Her mind began to wonder to thoughts of what the lost pages of those books would finally reveal to her.

Aarin and Eon both watched her wander off, and then they looked at one another. After a few minutes of tense silence, Aarin mumbled, "So are the sprites following you?"

"And your father."

Aarin groaned heavily, slapping his face into his hands in frustration. "Great." he grumbled into his palms. "Just great." He sighed and rubbed his eyes. "Then I hope Aveda hurries up. If my dad catches up to me, I'll never get to go on my adventure." he pouted, crossing his arms over his chest.

Eon made a little bit of a face, but he couldn't help but feel bad. Aarin was so much like his mother when she was younger. She wanted nothing more than to explore the world and go on adventures. She didn't want to get married to Dyllin either. It wasn't until after their adventure to find Dyllin's slumbering body, and the defeat of Reise that she finally realized the adventuring might have been too much for her alone. He sighed and rubbed his head, then moved to put a hand on Aarin's shoulder. "Don't worry... You'll get your adventure someday, Aarin. Even if it's not today... you'll have an adventure. I promise."

Aveda continued to wash herself in the fresh water of the creek before peeling off her old clothes and pulling on the clean ones. "Thats better." She whispered happily as she smoothed the front of her clothes down and admired the fine fabrics they were made from. Finally she pulled her boots back on then scooped her cloak and scarf up into her arms. If that silly wolf wasn't here I wouldn't have to wear these.. She thought moodily, not happy that she would have to cover up so much when the days temperature seemed to be climbing. She sighed lightly then took off back towards the camp, deciding that she would only put her cloak back on just before she got there.

Aarin and Eon both sighed, waiting beside the horses. Eon had his feet dipped into the cool water of the stream, and was drinking handfuls of it, while Aarin stood beside his horse and leaned against him a little, petting his mane absently. He was watching the sky through the treetops, as the clouds floated overhead, and the breeze rustled the trees. He sighed a little and closed his eyes, just feeling the wind as it blew through his hair, clothes, and over his sweaty face. It was warm today, and it was making his skin glow. He always looked momentarily at peace when the wind blew.

"Enjoying the sun?" Aveda commented as she stepped back into the clearing, her cloak pinned back in place with her hood pulled back up over her face. "Lucky you." She stepped over to horse and patted its neck then turned to look at Eon and Aarin. "I don't suppose either of you brought anything to eat?" She asked hopefully.

Aarin moved to his pack and quickly produced some fruit and bread. Eon, however, shook his head. "I could hunt for us... but it would take too much time for me to drag a body back, have it skinned, deboned and cooked. Especially not with the timeline you two want to keep up." he grumbled.

"This will suffice." Aveda replied motioning to the bread and fruit. "But if I ever require a hunter in the future you'll be the first person I call on Mr Wolf." She grinned under her hood at him then took the bread from Aarin and tore a chunk from it before giving it back to him and taking an apple. "Thank you prince. Good thinking on bringing this." She patted his shoulder then moved to sit down next to the creek, popping bits of bread into her mouth as she did. She looked over at Eon and smiled lightly. "I bet you don't like me very much. Most people don't..but I can assure you'll probably get more trouble out of him than me." She said pointing at Aarin for a moment.

Eon looked at Robin Hood and eyed her for a moment, sniffing subtly in her direction. "I can promise you that as well." he grumbled. "Aarin has been giving me and the sprites grief since he was a child." He looked at him and gave a small smirk, and Aarin blushed as he munched on another apple as well. "He's always trying to go off on some grand adventure. Just like his mother."

"He'll soon learn that these grand adventures don't always work out to be as exciting or great as first thought to be." Aveda replied glancing over at Aarin as she spoke. "Because trust me when you've been doing this for as many years as I have..your dreams turn to that of comfortable beds in warm houses with large open fires and a good supply of food. Now that would be grand." She took a large bite of her apple and stayed silent for a few moments thinking of what she just said. Finally she gave a small shrug and a chuckle. "But if I were to accept a life like that then who would help the poor?"

"My father?" Aarin suggested with a shrug and a somewhat stern tone. "You could let my father do his job for once... He is the king. He's supposed to help the poor." he grumbled, taking another bite of his apple. He hated being talked about like he wasn't there. He shook his head and sighed, tossing his apple into the creek, suddenly not feeling hungry anymore. He wandered off a few feet, just admiring the air and scenery. Perhaps he should turn back? It wasn't too late, they weren't too far from the castle. His father or the sprites would be here soon anyways. And they would take him back. Maybe he wasn't cut out for this after all? Maybe all his dreams of adventure were just that--dreams. He then gulped and clentched his teeth, shaking his head. No. He couldn't give up just because Robin Hood happened to be female! She was still an idol, and his hero. She was a pessimist, and a little rough around the edges, but she was still Robin Hood. This was HIS adventure. He sighed and slumped to the ground, running his hands through his hair in frustration.

Aveda watched him go then sighed. Maybe she was being too harsh on him. Finally she stood and moved after him then sank down to the ground next to him. "I don't mean to discourage you your highness." She said as she flicked a rock into the water. "I just want you to understand that adventures aren't always like the tales in all those books you read. But if you are truely intent on going on an adventure then I will not stand in your way and if there is anything I can tell or teach you then I will do just that. I have learnt a fair few things in the many years I have spent on the road."

Aarin stayed silent for a few moments, not looking at her, then he sighed and shook his head. "No. Don't tell me anything. I want to learn it all for myself." he said firmly. "I'm doing this with you, Aveda. Whether you like it or not." He looked at her then, his blue eyes hardened. "Besides, you've been looking for your brother for eight years by yourself... with no luck. Perhaps a partner is something you need?" He then gave her a crooked smile and tilted his head. He looked a lot like his father in that moment; a rather charming, witty verison of himself.

Aveda raised an eyebrow and smirked under her hood. "And I suppose you think that partner is you?" She said as she grasped a hand under his chin, squeezing it lightly before letting go and chuckling. "But you might be right. Maybe its time I had someone with fresh ideas and new thinking. Not to mention the power that comes with being a prince." She chuckled again then smiled at Aarin. "You look very much like your father when he was your age you know."

"I know..." Aarin mumbled with a blush and rubbed the back of his neck bashfully. "My mom never lets me hear the end of it." He gave her a crooked smile and watched her a moment. "Why don't you take your hood off? It's hot out here... And you know Eon won't tell anyone. He's a mean old mutt, but he's loyal to me." he whispered.

Aveda glanced over at Eon unsure if she should trust him but if the prince said he was loyal then she would take his word for it. "Alright..but if he dares mention to anyone my true identity it'll be you who will have to pay." She said then raised her hands to her hood and slowly lowered it down. "Thats better." She said with a sigh as she she brushed her fingers through her hair then fixed her mismatched eyes on Aarin and grinned. "So truthfully how mad were you when you found out I wasn't the man in the legends?"

Aarin blushed as he watched her, and then shrugged. "I wasn't mad... Shocked and confused and a little betrayed, sure, but not mad." he said jokingly and smiled at her. He then leaned closer to her, looking into her eyes. "Your eyes are... amazing. How are they two different colors?" he whispered, their faces close.

"I-I don't know.." Aveda stuttered, a little taken aback by his sudden closeness to her and interest in her eyes. "They've been this way since I can remember." She continued quickly and couldn't help as a small tinge of pink rose on her cheeks. "Its not that amazing..I mean you have a man who can turn into a dog and three sprites to call your guardians. Thats pretty amazing." She smiled a little looking embarassed.

Aarin then seemed to realize just how close he was to her and he quickly sat back again, clearing his throat and shrugging. "Yeah, well... It's not amazing when you grow up around it your whole life." he mumbled, rubbing his neck awkwardly. "I've seen magic, I've seen the sprites do their thing, I've seen Eon transform a million times... but I've never seen eyes like yours." he said and smiled at her a little shyly.

"Well thanks.." Aveda replied a little bashfully then suddenly realised how she was acting and cleared her throat ready to change the subject. "How about we have a little fun. Lets see what happens when Mr Wolf sees me for the first time, shall we?" She smiled mischievously then unclasped her cloak and slipped off her gloves, leaving them both with Aarin before standing and moving swiftly back to her spot next to Eon. "I suppose we better get ready to leave soon." She said in a conversational tone as she sat down next to the creek.

Eon looked up at Aveda and he was only momentarily stunned. "I have excellent hearing, you know." he said and then gave a small smile. "And smell. I could smell that you were female, I just couldn't quite put my finger on it." He sighed and shook his head. "We should get going, yes." He stood up and shook out the cloak a little bit, then looked at Aarin as he walked over. "Let's go. Before Dyllin catches up."

"That was not as entertaining as I imagined it to be." Aveda replied with a small pout then stood up and followed after him, grabbing up her cloak and gloves as she did. "Yes as much as I have enjoyed meeting you your highness I do not wish to meet your father. Who knows what he would do if he caught Robin Hood." She said as she started fixing the saddle of her horse. "Though I suppose he doesn't know that I am in fact a woman and would most likely suspect that the real Robin Hood has left and you just happened to have been joined by a simple village girl." She grinned at Eon and Aarin before finally pulling herself up onto the horses back.

Aarin nodded in agreement and pulled himself up into his saddle as well, looking at Aveda. "Though, honestly, I think my dad would leave me alone if he knew I was riding around with a girl." he laughed. "My parents have been pushing me to get a girlfriend for so long..." He then blushed and coughed. "N-not that I'm saying... He would think that of you! I-I just..." He clamped his mouth shut and Eon let out a laugh.

Aveda laughed as well as she watched Aarin. "He may think that but honestly he would probably want you to be with a girl your own age prince." She replied as she continued to chuckle. "Which I am sure there are many of in Layfette village that would just love to have you show them interest."

At this comment, both Eon and Aarin had to stop and look at Aveda. They exchanged a confused glance and Aarin stammered out, "You ARE my age... aren't you? You look my age..."

"You smell his age." Eon commented with another small sniff towards her. "You can't be any older than sixteen." he said seriously as he walked alongside their horses, still in his human form.

"Well kind of.." Aveda replied with a small shrug as she watched the road ahead as they moved. "I look sixteen..but have done so for many years. I stopped aging for some reason and i'm not sure it'll ever start again. So I guess thats another point why I wouldn't be a suitable girlfriend your highness. What if 20 years down the line you're thirty six and i'm still sixteen?" She said jokingly but knew that neither Eon or Aarin would laugh.

Aarin and Eon were gaping in confusion, and they exchanged another unsure glance. "So... You've been sixteen for eight years?" Aarin asked, tilting his head. "I mean... that's when you said your brother disappeared, right? Eight years ago?"

"Uh..more like eighteen years." Aveda said as she cast an embarrassed smile in Aarin's direction. "Thats why I know you look so much like your father when he was your age..because i've seen him at your age." She chuckled lightly. "Another surprise you didn't know about the great Robin Hood."



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