The Kingdom of Layfette

Archive Three







Idre had watched Dyllin take off on his stallion, Halo, and she bit her lip as she turned to her sisters. "Alright, here we go! Eon went on way ahead, right, Sein? That's what you said? Should one of us stay here to watch over Samiya?" she wondered aloud, rubbing her arms a little. "What if she went into labor?"

Sein nodded at Idre's question about Eon then listened as she carried on speaking. She really liked the idea of getting out of the castle and going on an adventure but at the same time she agreed that maybe someone should stay with the Queen. "Well then if I must, I will stay with her. I might just distract Eon anyway." She said jokingly as she look at both her sisters.

"If your okay with that. If not, one of us can stay behind. I admit that we're stronger together but its true, someone needs to be with Samiya." Frowning softly, she tugged her sisters into a hug. She didn't like being away from them, it made her anxious and nervous.

"I don't think any more than just one of us is necessary." Idre nodded at her sisters as she hugged them both and kissed them each on the foreheads. "Sein will stay here with her. And you'll call us if something happens here and we need to rush back." she nodded at her and smiled. She then looked at Iswe and grabbed her hand. "Let's go then!"

Iswe kissed Sein's cheek, gave her one last look at nodded at Idre. Clutching her hand tightly, she led the way to the stables. She'd ride bareback for this. A blanket over it's back and maybe some saddlebags. Just in case they needed to store anything in them.

Idre smiled and hummed softly as they walked, then paused when she got the feeling that someone was watching them. She frowned and looked up, catching the figure of Ihara in his window. She then looked at Iswe. "You told Ihara where we were going, right? That we had to go look for Aarin? We wouldn't want him to worry." she grinned teasingly.

"Ah... no... actually. I haven't talked to Ihara since this morning." Iswe blushed gently as she followed Idre's gaze upwards. Seeing the handsome elf looking down at them, she smiled and gave him a soft wave. She'd be back soon, no need for him to worry.

Idre gave a coy grin at her sister, then shrugged and nodded. "Alright. Well, he's your boyfriend." she teased and giggled, leading her sister to the stables. Once there, she opened the gates and let her in, waving to the younger stable boy sweetly and moving to grab a couple mares. They were fast girls, and would no doubt help them catch up to the king and Aarin in no time.

"He isn't my boyfriend..." Iswe shook her head at her sister's words--and choice of horse. "Uh-uh... I've got mine all picked out already." Going over to a stall, she gave a soft whistle, and seconds later a large chestnut head poked itself out at her and whinnied. Iswe smiled and hugged the stallion's head, kissing it gently. "Hey there, gorgeous." Grabbing a blanket and saddlebags, Iswe placed them both on the stallion's back and then put his bridle on. Looking over her shoulder at Idre, she smiled softly. "All ready."

Idre shrugged a little at her sister's insistence on riding the stallion, and adjusted her own saddle on the mare's back, brushing down her mane before sliding up into the saddle seat, grabbing her reigns and clicking her tongue, pulling the mare towards the door. She headed outside and started off towards the trail, knowing Iswe would be right behind her.

Iswe mounted the horse with grace and ease. Situating herself more comfortably on its back, she smiled and squeezed her thighs together, urging him forward at the same time. She loved riding bareback. She felt more free and relaxed without a saddle. Catching up easily to her sister, she sighed contently. "So... you think I should have told him?"

"I think Ihara would have appreciated being kept in the loop. What if he wanted to spend time with you tonight and cannot find you? He'll feel like you've run off and are probably not very serious about your relationship with him." Idre advised, glancing at her and tilting her head with a slight smile. "But I'm sure he'll forgive you all the same."

"It's not as if I were given time. Sein said we had to leave. I changed out of that... dress, and was right back to you. You saw me go in and out in a few short minutes." Iswe shrugged her shoulders. "I hope he's a smarter man than that though." Smiling softly, she reached forward and stroked the horse's neck gently.

Idre watched Iswe for a moment, her green eyes studying her, and then she sighed and nodded. She felt like there would have been time for Iswe to talk to Ihara had she requested it, it would have only taken a few minutes. But it was in the past now, and she didn't want to make Iswe feel any worse about it.

Iswe caught her sister looking at her out of the corner of her eye and shook her head. "Quit worrying about it. I'm fine. I've gone 18 years without him, and if he sees this as a reason to not further our relationship then we weren't meant to be together." Iswe shook her head as she reached over and patted her sister's knee. "It'll be okay."

Idre gave a small nod and a slight huff out of her nose. "Alright." she whispered. "I just cannot stand to see you unhappy, Iswe... and Ihara makes you happy. He's obviously important to you, and you should cherish these days." she whispered. "Make him feel involved..."

"Yes, he is important to me...but I didn't mean to just leave. I hadn't even thought about it. It's hard... after being alone for so long." Sighing, Iswe ran a hand through her loose hair and frowned. "I hope he understands." Iswe chewed on her bottom lip for a moment in thought and then shrugged her shoulders. "But there's nothing we can do about it now, so...let's cheer up!"

---

Aarin breathed deeply as they rode along, back on the trail towards the dead volcano, his eyes turned up towards the sky. The sun was going down, and stars were staring to appear as the sun lowered behind the horizon. He looked towards Eon, who trotted alongside them in his wolf form again, occasionally sniffing the air or the ground for any dangers, and then he looked at Aveda, who now had the freedom of not wearing her hood. He blushed a little at how prettily she glowed in the sunset light, and then looked back down at the ground, frowning a little. "You said we would get there by tonight, right? We have to be able to get home before the ball tomorrow night."

Aveda looked over at Aarin and gave a small nod. "Yes, we should get there by tonight if we use the shortcuts I know. Are you alright with wandering off the track?" She asked him. "It's a little more dangerous, but we'll surely shorten our journey and have you back in time for your family's ball tomorrow." She glanced at Eon knowing he probably wouldn't like the idea of wandering from the road, but if Aarin wished to take that route then she would lead the way.

Aarin also looked down at the wolf dog beside him, and Eon looked back up at him. Even though Eon couldn't currently be understood verbally, Aarin could see the expression in his eyes. He didn't like the idea of going off the trail, that was for sure, but he also worried more about the time constraints. Aarin had promised to be back before the ball... and he would ensure he did. Aarin looked at Aveda and nodded his head. "We'll take the shortcuts. Besides, it'll also give us a little more time ahead of my dad..." he said and smiled. "Lead the way."

Nodding in understanding, Aveda looked back towards the road, and after pausing briefly to regain her bearings, she pointed in the direction they should take before urging her horse to move and take the lead. "Now once we reach the volcano, you will wait outside with your wolf friend, okay, prince? It seemed very important to your grandmother that you do not witness what is inside, and for her help I will make sure her wishes are respected." She told Aarin with a side glance. "You can be in charge of keeping watch."

Aarin gaped at Aveda a little, then scoffed through his nose. "Like hell I'm waiting outside! That's not fair! What could POSSIBLY be in there that I wouldn't want to see?" he said with a roll of his eyes. "I'm going in with you! Eon can keep watch." He heard Eon snort through his nose in disagreement, his ears back a little, but he otherwise didn't protest.

Aveda frowned then pulled on her reins to make her horse stop before turning it swiftly to face Aarin. "That's not fair?" She repeated his words with an expression of disgust. "What a childish and stubborn thing to say. You need to grow up out here prince and learn to accept orders from those who are more skilled than you..which makes everyone at the minute. But fine don't say I didn't warn you. If you wish to enter the volcano with me then so be it. If you witness something in there that scars you for the rest of your life then you will have no one to blame but yourself." She shook her head in an almost disappointed way. "There was me thinking you were different but seems I was wrong." She turned back towards the road and moved off again.

Aarin watched her for a few minutes, his face a portrayal of pure offense, but he couldn't say anything. She had just called him immature and stubborn. He wasn't sure how to retort to that, and Eon was waiting for him to with his ears perked in interested. Unable to say anything else, Aarin simply said, "I'm going inside." That was final. This was his adventure. He wanted it all. But the way he'd said it was far more gentle and reserved. He pouted down at the ground a little, feeling a heavy, guilty, and insulted lump in his throat. He wasn't sure why HE felt guilty... She was the one that just blatantly insulted him. 

The rest of the journey was silent as Aveda concentrated on the road they had to take. She couldn't help but feel disappointed with Aarin. Paying no attention to his grandmothers wishes and complaining like a child when he doesn't get his way. I guess all royals are the same. Not caring for anyone but themselves She frowned lightly as she glanced at him before carrying on. Finally she pulled her horse to a stop. "We're here." She said quietly as she jumped from her horse. "Eon..you stay watch out here please. If the King arrives try to distract him. I can't be disrupted." She said politely as she looked at him before turning to the volcano and starting to move inside. "Come on your highness."

Aarin pulled his horse to a stop and slid down off of him, then looked at Eon. "I'll be fast, I promise."

Eon was already in his human form again, hugging the cloak around his body and he watched Aarin seriously. "You have to follow every instruction she gives you, Aarin. Don't fight her because of your pride. And don't touch anything." he said firmly, frowning at him. "Do you understand?"

Aarin gulped a little, but he nodded and then turned to follow Aveda into the volcano. He felt nervous. This was the end point of their journey. This was what it was all about, and after this, there would be no more adventures for him. He felt incredibly depressed at that thought. He followed close behind Aveda into the volcano entrance. It was astounding... carved into the side of the volcano's rocky surface was a perfectly polished gateway. He looked around at it nervously and then looked straight ahead into the darkness of the tunnel. "Now what?"

"We use this." Aveda replied quietly as she produced the small vial of liquid that Anaita had given her. Taking a small breath she slowly unstopped the bottle then carefully sprinkled some of the water onto the ground at the gateway like she had been instructed. She wasn't sure how Aarin would react to coming face to face with his uncle but she silently swore to herself that she wouldn't allow the evil man to have any effect on the young prince. "Whatever you might hear within this cave..you must ignore it." She said glancing at Aarin knowing this would probably sound odd.

Aarin had watched her sprinkle the liquid onto the ground, then looked at her. Her words worried him a little, but he nodded. He opened his mouth to ask what he might hear, but he stopped when he suddenly felt the ground rumble. He yelped and caught himself on a wall, and looked around. The blue liquid lit up like neon fire, and it led a trail through the tunnel, lighting up the path for them. Aarin blinked in awe, and then the ground rumbled again. Thirty yards ahead of them, the ground crumbled and fell away to form a set of wide stairs, heading deeper into the volcano. "W-what the..."

"I suppose I should tell you before we enter what is being held within this cave." Aveda spoke softly as she stared down the steps trying to see if she could see any movement. "This is where one of the most evil men of our time was locked away after he had failed to destroy Layfette. Your uncle, prince... this is why your grandmother did not wish for you to venture inside. You will surely become a target for he will know instantly that you are family." She glanced at him with concern then suddenly took a gentle grip on his wrist. "But you're here now so we must go on. Remember, ignore every word he has for you and touch nothing.." Once this was said she began to descend the steps pulling him along behind her until finally she released her grip on him allowing him to move freely.

Aarin gaped at her, watching her move ahead, and he looked around uneasily before he followed her slowly. He kept close behind her, being careful going down the steps. He was trying really hard to brace himself for whatever he might hear or see, whatever she was trying to keep him safe from. His uncle was down here...? He had been told all his life that his uncle Reise was dead. He felt sick suddenly. Had his entire family lied to him?

Aveda slowly led the way on down the steps as her heart beat quickly in her chest. She didn't know why she felt so uneasy, she had been in plenty of other places that were just as dangerous but for some reason this place frightened her. "Stay close.." she whispered, trying to keep her voice steady so Aarin wouldn't be aware of her fear. Secretly now she was happy he was here but didn't want to admit this. Finally she reached the bottom and she couldn't help but let a small gasp escape her lips when she saw what lay before them. They had stepped foot into a large room and right in the center was the crystal prison that held prince Reise. "You stay here.." she said once she had finally managed to tear her eyes from the sight before her. She stepped cautiously forward moving to pick up the first of the many pages scattered about the floor.

Aarin was close behind her when they touched the bottom of the steps. He was wide-eyed on the sight of the deep purple chrysalis in front of him. It was massive, reaching to the ceiling and lodged deep within the volcanic floor. It shimmered purple, and there was a dark figure trapped inside. He gaped at it, taking a slow step forwards. Whispers started to fill the chamber then, first soft in Aarin's ears, then gradually getting louder. He couldn't quite understand what they were saying, but he felt a tugging sensation towards the crystal. "N-no..." he said with clenched teeth. "No."

As she stooped to pick up another page, Aveda froze when she heard the distant whispers. She looked back at Aarin and gave a reassuring smile. "Just ignore them..you're strong, I know it." She told him then looked over at Reise's prison. "Forget about any of your games.." she hissed then turned back to her work gathering up the pages, trying to ignore the strange words that seemed to be growing in strength around them.

Aarin almost didn't hear Aveda. He was staring at the crystal, glaring at it, listening to it and trying his hardest to resist it. He was strong. He had to be.

"Aarin... You're so big now. You've grown so fast."

"Shut up."

"Aarin, please. I'm your uncle. I was trapped in here by mistake. Please let me out... please... I can help you. I can give you the adventure you've always wanted." Reise's voice hissed.

Aarin gulped thickly and shook his head. "No. I'm not going to..." he said in a determined tone, glaring at the crystal. He instead turned and decided to help Aveda pick up the pieces of paper on the floor, stacking them in his arms. There were dozens of them... all from different books, but all with the same passages on them.

"I hope these prove to be of some use." Aveda muttered as she continued to gather the pages. She glanced back at Aarin and smiled brightly. "See I told you you were strong. You've really proved yourself in here prince. If I ever need help in the future I know who to come to." She said trying to distract him and keep him positive. "You grab those ones over there then we're just about done.." She pointed to some on the other side of the room before turning back to her work.

Aarin nodded at Aveda, but the whispers were getting louder in his ears. It was almost to the point where all he heard was buzzing. He covered his ears and gritted his teeth, moving to pick up the pages she had told him to get. He stacked them with the others, then took them back to her, holding them out and still struggling to ignore Reise's words. "Here... What do the pages say?"

Aveda had watched Aarin move off and frowned slightly when she saw him covering his ears. Keep it together She thought before taking a breath and picking up the last of her pages. When he returned to her she gave a small relieved sigh then took the pages he offered. "Okay..lets see." She replied in answer to his question as her eyes began to scan the pages.

Most of the pages were torn off at the exact same place, in the exact same passage, and almost every page said the exact same thing. There were dozens of pages, which meant that Reise had taken them from dozens of books.

... those who work aboard the magical flying ship are allowed one wish, and that wish stays in affect for as long as the one who made it continues to work aboard it. Once he or she abandons the ship, or dies, the wish dies with them.

Aveda read the words aloud then looked at Aarin in confusion. If this ship existed and my brother somehow came to be upon it then what would his wish be? To never be found? This thought hurt her slightly but she wouldn't allow herself to believe that he would never want to see her again. "I'm not sure yet how this information is going to help but I have to stay positive that at least it brings me one step closer to my goal." She said trying to sound as positive as she was trying to make herself feel. "Maybe if I take these pages back to the castle and study them with the books they were taken from then some new information might come to light." She spoke almost like the words were only for herself as she turned towards the steps that would lead back out of the cave.

Aarin was gaping at her after he had--just barely--listened to her words. He shook his head. He felt like they'd been led to a dead end. He sighed and moved to follow her, trying to skirt around the crystal prison of his uncle as best as possible, and trying his hardest not to look at it. But as he was following Aveda towards the stairs, something caught his foot and he found himself stumbling. He yelped, and before he knew it, his hands were against the purplish crystal where he'd caught himself. He blinked, looking up at the crystal, and he could just barely make out the shape of Reise's face inside. His eyes got wide as the whispers were almost like screams in his ears now, and he felt himself glued to the spot.

Turning to see why Aarin had yelped, Aveda's eyes widened when she saw him holding onto the crystal prison. "NO!" She cried and quickly stepped forwards, dropping all the pages they had gathered. She did her best to ignore the strange whispers and screams filling the air now as she grabbed a hold of Aarin's arm and tried to pull him back. "We need to get out of here! We weren't meant to touch anything!" She said in a hurried tone. This is bad..really bad.

Aarin's hands felt glued to the crystal. He felt energy ripping through him, being drawn out from within. The crystal began to glow hot beneath his palms, and he gasped, suddenly flying backwards with Aveda against the opposite wall when the crystal shattered into pieces. He grunted with the impact and winced, then opened his eyes through a wince of pain to see that the crystal was gone... and in its place stood a very dark man. He grinned at them both, his eyes glowing even though they were black as night, and raggedy hair hanging in limp curls around his face. He gave a menacing sneer, then suddenly disappeared from sight.

Aveda had yelped when she was thrown backwards against the wall and it took her a few moments for her to catch her breath and sit up. She gasped at the sight of the shattered crystal then it took all of her courage not to scurry away from the man that stood before them. When he disappeared she sat for a moment in shock before finally looking at Aarin. "We need to move..straight back to Layfette and warn everyone. Your uncle should never have been released. He'll be wanting his revenge." She said in a shaking voice no longer caring about appearing confident.

Aarin was pale as snow. He had been frozen to the spot in fear at the sight of his uncle. He gulped and slowly looked at Aveda with wide eyes, his body shaking a little in fear. Her words didn't seem to register until a few moments after she'd said them, and he nodded quickly. He struggled to pull himself to his feet with help from the wall, and his movements were slow and cautious as he headed back towards the stairs. This was his fault... all his fault.

"It was an accident.." Aveda said as if hearing his thoughts. She took a hold of his arm to help support him up the stairs. "You didn't mean to do it. And don't worry..he was imprisoned once so it can be done again." She hoped this was true or they would all be in trouble. "Eon?" She called as they reached the top. If there was anyone could reach the capital quickly it would be the dog.

Eon perked his head in their direction and ran to them as they emerged, watching them. "What happened?! I heard something and the ground rumbled and then..." He looked up at the sky, pointing to it, and Aarin gasped. The sky was black with clouds. It had gone from a beautifully sunny day to something akin to the monsoon at night. "What happened?" he demanded again, his eyes turning hard on Aarin. Aarin stammered a moment, seeming to shrink under Eon's gaze, shaking his head and unsure what to say.

"We were just about done collecting the pages but Aarin stumbled..and accidentally touched Reise's crystal prison. So now he's out." Aveda explained as she watched Eon. "But before you start getting angry..this isn't the time. Too many peoples lives are at risk now. You're probably the fastest so if you can get back to Layfette before Reise does and warn everyone, that would be great." She said then looked at Aarin thoughtfully. "Maybe you shouldn't go back just yet..if your uncle has returned there then you're probably safer away from it, hidden from him."

Aarin glanced between Eon and Aveda, still gaping in horror. He felt so helpless. So useless. He had set his evil uncle free--even if it had been an accident, he had been the one to insist going inside for his adventure. He had set everything off in the wrong direction. Eon nodded at Aveda's words though, agreeing with her. He was the fastest. He changed into his wolf form and instantly turned, running back towards Layfette.

On the way, he saw Dyllin approaching on Halo's back at top speed, and they both skidded to a stop. Eon changed into his human form just long enough to explain to Dyllin what was happening, and Dyllin's eyes grew wide. He gasped and turned on the spot, heading back towards the castle with Eon at his side, both of them sprinting as fast as they possibly could.

---

Meanwhile...

The dark clouds outside boomed with thunder and cracked with lightning around the castle. The guards were all in place around Samiya's room, as ordered by Anaita. Her windows and doors were locked, but Anaita knew that if Reise really had escaped, that these things would be no match for him. She stayed close beside Samiya and Sein, her teeth set and her eyes firm as she looked around, seeming very on edge.

Samiya lay sleeping peacefully now after the young maid had finally calmed her and reassured her that Dyllin would return with Aarin. She was unaware of Anaita and Sein being in her room as well as several extra guards. Sein stood by the fire, happy that she was close to her source of power. She watched the sleeping Queen before finally turning to look at Anaita. "So our worst nightmare is coming true. He's free then. What are we to do now? Wait for him to show his face?" She asked in a serious tone.

Anaita turned to Sein and watched her seriously for a moment, giving a small glance at the sleeping Samiya and then giving a nod to the sprite. "We protect Samiya as best as we can... no matter what. We hold out until Dyllin returns with Aarin, and we prepare for what may be the biggest battle of our lives." She frowned down at the ground solemnly. She felt like this was her fault. She shouldn't have let Aarin listen in. She had known he was there outside her door, and yet she did nothing. She had let him go. And now Reise was free. The dark clouds gave another boom of thunder, waking her from her daze and she looked up towards the locked balcony doors. "He's almost here."

"At least he's not going to make us wait.. seems he wants this over with as much as we do." Sein replied through gritted teeth as she straightened up and turned her attention to the balcony as several of the guards shifted nervously on their feet, scared of what was approaching. "Okay boys, you heard what she said: Queen Samiya is to be protected no matter what." Samiya stirred lightly in her sleep from the noise of the thunder outside.

Anaita watched the balcony doors with hard eyes, the hairs on her arms and neck starting to stand up with fear. The energy around the castle was buzzing, and not in a good way. She had ordered all maids and servants to take shelter in the basement kitchens, and not to come out no matter what they heard. Guards were stationed all around the main doors of the castle, any gateways, and around Samiya's room. But the balcony was unguarded. She knew that's where Reise would enter. The room suddenly became deathly silent. The wind had stopped howling outside, and the thunder had ceased its rumbling in the skies. Anaita clenched her fists. Very abruptly, there was a pounding at the balcony doors, a heavy knock that echoed into the room loud and sudden enough to make Anaita and several guards jolt in surprise. There were only three knocks, then silence. Anaita glared hard at the door. She knew he was waiting for a reaction. When there was none, there were three more knocks, slower and more spaced out. One of the guards twitched, and Anaita instantly snapped her eyes to glare at him. "Don't move!" she demanded.

Samiya sat up with a start when the loud knock echoed round the room. "Whats going on?" She asked in a surprised and tired voice when she spotted Anaita, Sein and the guards in her room. She moved to stand up, pulling a shawl round her shoulders for warmth but jumped again when she heard the knocking again. "Okay you're scaring me now..whats going on?" She repeated a little more firmly.

"Reise..he's out." Was all Sein said as she concentrated on watching the balcony doors. Samiya's eyes widened and a protective hand went instantly to her bump. "Dyllin and Aarin..are they home?" She asked quietly and felt her legs weaken when Sein shook her head. "Where is everyone else?" She asked.

"Eon and my sisters went after Dyllin..they haven't returned yet."

Samiya gulped. Two of the three sprites were missing along with Eon who was one of their best fighters. "And King Ihara? Is he safe?"

"He refused to hide. He's down with the other guards in the great hall ready to fight if needed." Sein responded then with a glancing look, hushed anymore questions from the Queen.

Samiya bit her lip then slowly took a step towards the balcony doors but stopped when she was a few steps away. She noted the harsh black sky and how eerily quiet it was. Maybe he's just toying with us..maybe he's not there at all. She thought as she peered out searching for any movement as her hand remained placed over her bump.

The knocking stopped. The room went dead silent once again. Anaita eyed the balcony doors, and glanced between them and Samiya. Very slowly, she moved towards her, reaching for her. "Samiya.. back away from the doors very slowly." she whispered. "We have to get you somewhere sa--"

Before Anaita could finish, the doors suddenly burst open, inwards against their hinges, slamming against the hard stone of the walls. A gust of wind rushed into the room, knocking several guards backwards off their feet, and making Anaita put up her arms in an effort to shield her eyes from incoming debris. Leaves, twigs and dirt flew around the room in a tornado, shifting the furniture and scratching the mirrors. Finally, the wind died down, and everyone could see the silhouette of a tall man in the doorway, with shaggy curls covering his face. His bright eyes gleamed at the people in the room, and broad smile of white, sharp teeth glimmered beneath them.

Samiya had stumbled backwards when the balcony doors had burst open, lifting her free arm over her head to protect it from the flying debris. When the room grew quiet again she straightened up to face the ragged man before her as a guard slowly stepping forward to her side, his sword gripped tightly in his hand to protect her. "Get out of my home." She said defiantly as she watched Reise. "You are not welcome here." As she spoke Sein conjured fire into her hands, her eyes narrowed on the enemy before her.

His grin grew wider. "Princess. It's been a long time. My, how you've... grown." His voice was light... cheery, but in a mocking and eerie way. It sent shivers down the spines of the guards in the room. He gave a maniacal laugh and stepped into the room. With a flick of his wrist, every guard was suddenly disarmed, their weapons melting away into several different forms of insects, making the men squirm and cry out in shock. The insects scurried away to hide in the corners of the room as Reise took another step closer. "And mother... as lovely as ever."

Anaita set her jaw, glaring hard at her son, her hand on the hilt of her steel sword at her hip; the sword that had done him in at Dyllin's hand all those years ago. "Reise." she greeted simply. She watched him as he took another slow step, hearing the toe of his boot scratching along the stone floor as he dragged it behind him. The magic had made him so much darker than he'd once been. His skin was oily and black, dirty, and his hair was mangled and unkempt. His clothes were tattered, and he was thin... but strong.

"Queen to you now, not princess." Samiya replied stubbornly as she stood straight and proud, refusing to show any fear to him. She rubbed a hand gently across her stomach as she felt a small kick but she kept her eyes focused on Reise. "Now I won't say it again. Get out of my home. Dyllin is on his way and he will not be pleased to see you."

"You heard her..go. You have no place here anymore." Sein growled at Reise as she raised her fiery hands up ready to strike.

"Ooooh, pardon me!" Reise laughed crazily at Samiya's stubborn insistence, and raising his hands in mock surrender. He took another step in towards them, the guards fumbling for something to defend Samiya and Anaita with. Right now, Sein was the only one who could do any sort of damage. At the bedroom door, the other guards and Ihara were banging to get in, but the door was mysteriously and immovably locked. "I'm so scared! My dear older brother won't be happy to see me?! Boo-hoo!" he howled, rubbing at his cheeks with his fists like a booing child. He then let out a loud, "HA! Oh dearie... I'm counting on that!" His face suddenly became very serious, and he studied each person in the room slowly, finally having stopped walking now that he was in the center. "Oh my... There are just too many people in here for me. I feel... crowded." he commented boredly. He then waved his hands at the guards, and in a flurry of sand, each one was transformed into a flock of bats, which screeched and fluttered about wildly before flying out of the open balcony doors, Reise just throwing his head back and laughing.
 
As he laughed Sein suddenly rushed forward in front of Anaita and Samiya and pointed a fiery hand up into his face. "Get out!" She snarled angrily. She didn't want to start throwing fireballs within the room, frightened that it would set the place ablaze. But she hoped with enough threats she could get him to back off. In the background Ihara's voice could be heard calling through the door as he and several guards continued to try and break in. "Reise, leave them alone, you coward!"

---

As they rode along, Iswe noticed the sky change significantly. "Idre, sister, I believe we are going in the wrong direction." Glancing around she frowned deeply. Something didn't feel right. "I think we should head back..." As lightening struck her horse reared up on it's back legs, crying out with a loud whinny. Iswe clutched her thighs tightly to his back and wrapped her arms around the horses neck, the reins completely forgotten. Once back on all fours, Iswe panted heavily, her heart racing. "It's okay... Shh shhh..." Petting the stallions neck, she cooed to him ever so gently.

Idre's mare had also reacted to the lightning, and she clutched to the horn of her saddle, as well as the reigns to get her back under control. "Whoa!" she yelped, then looked at the skies. "We have to go back to the castle!" she agreed with her sister, turning her mare in that direction. She was about to kick her horse into a gallop, when she heard the approaching hooves of another creature behind them. Dyllin was riding their way at full speed, and Eon was sprinting at his side, both of them looking angry and determined. Instead of waiting to talk, she proceeded to kick her horse, sending her galloping in time to keep up with Dyllin and Eon as they gained on them.

Iswe followed close behind her sister, kicking her stallion into a fast gallop. Glancing over her shoulder she saw Dyllin and Eon catching up to them. Her horse gave a triumphant whiny as they galloped along. He was clearly thrilled by the run. Clucking loudly to him, Iswe eased him into a faster gallop. They had to get there. "This is what happens when I leave the castle!"

---

Reise hadn't even flinched at Sein's abrupt and threatening approach. Her flames were only inches from his face, and yet he still continued to grin at her. He then took in a breath, as if moving to sigh, but what came out was a gust of wind stronger than that which had blown the doors in. He not only extinguished Sein's flames, and the flames in the fireplace, but knocked her clear across the room and into the opposite wall above the bed. Anaita was standing protectively in front of Samiya, trying to guard her from the winds, and hold her ground, but she found her grip on the sword was slipping, and before she could save it, the steel weapon was thrust away from her hand and across the room as well, out of the balcony doors and over the railing. Reise stopped blowing, long enough to manipulate the posts of Samiya's regal bed frame to pin Sein to the wall.

"You're annoying." he said simply and laughed again. He then focused his eyes on Anaita and Samiya. "I do believe we should await my valiant brother's return!" he chortled, and with another flick of his wrist, they were suddenly encased together in crystal, just as he'd been trapped in before.

Sein yelped as she was knocked across the room and before she could regain herself and get back into the fight she felt her arms and legs being pinned to the wall. She growled angrily at Reise and opened her mouth to yell but suddenly a bar from the bed wrapped itself round her mouth so she couldn't speak.

"Samiya whats going on in there?!" Ihara yelled through the door, not happy at the sounds he was hearing from the room. He continued to throw himself against the door until finally he heard a crunch and the door crashed to the ground. He rushed into the room, sword in hand and closely followed by three of his elven guards. Ihara's eyes widened at the sight before him. He stared at the crystalised form of Samiya and Anaita before his eyes travelled to the trapped fire sprite. "Sein!" He gasped then motioned to his guards to help her before suddenly stopping and looking round wildly. "Iswe? Wheres Iswe?" He said as his heart raced fearfully, not aware that she had left with Idre and thinking that something bad had happened to her. He turned to Reise and narrowed his eyes. "I swear if you have hurt her.." He growled as his grip tightened on his sword.

Reise let out a cackle and clapped his hands as Ihara and his elf guards crashed into the room. He watched the Elven guards go try to help Sein, but the bed posts wouldn't budge. "Oooh my, someone is in love with the water sprite!" he taunted with a grin. "How sweet!" He laughed loudly, his head back and hands on his chest as if this was just hilarious to him. He recovered quickly though, and snapped his fingers at the three guards that had entered with Ihara. They turned into dead leaves and twigs on the ground and he snorted a little. "Too easy." He then looked at Ihara. "Hmmm... What to make you into? Oh, help me out here, prince, it's got to be special!"

Ihara's eyes widened at the sight of his three guards being so easily turned into leaves and twigs. They had been been his guards for many years and he had counted them as his closest friends so to see Reise do this to them only angered him further. He glanced at Sein and watched as her eyes darted towards the door as if telling him to run but he simply shook his head and turned back to the evil prince. This man had destroyed his friends and imprisoned others and he still din't know where Iswe was. "Do you really think you can win?" He said ignoring Reise's words as he started to take slow steps around him. "We beat you last time, we can do it again."

Reise let out another cackle and shook his head. "Oh... Yes, those were fun times. But I was weak back then, prince. Very weak. And I still had a heart. But you know what they say: all magic comes at a price!" He let out another shrill laugh of insanity, but stopped short with a gasp, a finger of realization pointed at the sky. "I know just what to make you! What else falls in love with water but a--" He waved his hand and black sand flew from his fingertips, surrounding him in a flurry of smoke amd magic, and he would be able to feel himself shrinking and morphing. In his place, beside his abandoned sword and clothes sat a hefty bullfrog. Reise cackled again, clapping and bouncing around with glee.

"What are you talki.." Ihara had started to say before he was suddenly surrounded by black sand. He swiped at it with both hands trying to stop it engulfing him but there was too much. He dropped his sword suddenly when he felt it grow heavy then gasped as he felt his body begin to change and shrink until suddenly he found himself tangled in his clothes. Climbing free, he was shocked to see everything seemed giant now and his reaction was to gasp, but the noise that escaped was an uncharacteristic croak. What the.. He thought then suddenly caught sight of his reflection in his sword and he let out another alarmed croak as Reise cackled above him. Sein had watched the whole thing with wide eyes then quickly she tried to shout at Reise but it came out as angry mumbles beneath her gag as she struggled against her restraints.

Reise continued to bounce around in a happy little dance as he laughed insanely. He stopped to look down at Ihara and grinned widely. "Now you can be prince of the swamp!" He then gave an elaborate and flourished bow at the waist. "Your highness, Frog Prince, I am humbled!!" he mocked. He laughed again happily, then looked at Sein. "Hmm... But I can't very well have you telling everyone what's become of him, and ruin the surprise! So then..." He outstretched his hand towards her, his yellowed claws on his fingertips curled towards her. She would feel a burning in her throat, and her neck glowed red before a wisp of energy left her and flowed towards him. As it coiled into his palm, it transformed and hardened into a lump of coal, and he wiggled it at her between his fingertips. "Your voice is mine, dearie."

Sein had let out a muffled scream as she felt the burning in her throat until suddenly the sound stopped. No matter how hard she tried she couldn't create any sound and when she saw the lump of coal in Reise's hand and heard his words her eyes widened in shock. She struggled even further, furious at what he had done. She wanted her voice back. She allowed fired to spread across her body as her eyes narrowed at Reise. She would melt her metal bindings if she had to. As this was happening Ihara began to hop towards the large table by the window. He needed to hide.

Reise laughed at Sein's struggles, and tucked the piece of coal into his pants pocket, patting it lightly. "I think I'll hang onto this for a bit... as insurance." he winked at her, then sighed and looked around. "Now where is that frog prince? I would rather like to roast his legs." he laughed. He looked around for Ihara, but paused and looked towards the open balcony doors when there were echoing hooves below. Several of them. "Ooooh! I do believe my brother has returned!" he cheered. "Oh, won't he be happy to see me?!" he asked his captives, looking between Sein and his crystallized mother and Samiya.

Dyllin didn't waste time once Halo broke through the unguarded gates of the castle. That alone was unnerving. He gritted his teeth and jumped down from the saddle before the stallion had even managed to stop, and instantly headed into the castle, drawing his sword as he went. "Eon, let's go! You two girls stay out here!" he said sharply to Idre and Iswe.

Sein stopped in what she was doing when she heard the sound of the hooves echoing up from the courtyard. Why did he come back? He's crazy! She thought worried what would happen when Dyllin reached Reise. Please don't let Aarin be with him. We'll be ruined if he is. She glanced down at the floor in search of Ihara and frowned lightly when she couldn't see him. She hoped there was a way to undo the magic to him.

Iswe looked over at Idre as they came to a halt at the castle. Dismounting quickly, she cocked her head to the side and frowned. "He's kidding right? He can't actually expect us to stay out here and wait while everyone is inside, possibly in danger... definitely in danger." Looking over at Idre she waited for her sister to agree.

Idre bit her lip and looked at Iswe too, seeming a little unsure about Dyllin's order. They were supposed to follow his orders, but they were also charged with his, Samiya's and their children's protection. She fidgeted, looking between Iswe and the doors that Dyllin and Eon had disappeared into. "I... I don't know!" she frowned, her hands tangled in her brown curls in frustration. "We have to go in, Iswe!" she said finally and grabbed her hand, pulling her along inside at a run.

Iswe followed close behind her sister as they ran along. Iswe had many things running through her head as they went. "Where to? We don't even know where they are..." Glancing around, she hoped for a sign, anything to lead them in the right direction.

Another loud crack of thunder boomed outside the castle. Dyllin and Eon burst into Samiya's room through the busted door, and both looked around frantically. Eon gasped at the sight of Sein pinned to the wall by the metal bed frame, and Dyllin gave an enraged, "NO!" when he saw the crystallized state of his wife and mother. He ran to them, putting his hands on the crystal and looking into Samiya's petrified eyes. "I'm gonna get you out of there! I promise! Hang on!" he growled, then started to bang the hilt of his sword against the crystal, growling in frustration when it didn't even cause a crack. Eon, meanwhile, had leaped up onto the bed to try and get Sein free, locking his jaws around the bars and pulling with all of his might.

Both of their movements stopped however, when they heard a crackling from the doorway through which they had just entered. Black sand slid along the floor like a snake, and then piled up into thick layers in the doorway, before hardening into blocks of black stone, barricading the door off from Iswe and Idre. They both spun to search the room, both on the offensive, Eon with his teeth bared and hackles raised, and Dyllin with his sword up and ready.

"Show yourself, coward!" Dyllin growled, and Eon barked angrily in echo.

There was a gradually building laughter of insanity from the walls then. Reise stepped into view from where he'd been hiding behind a massive leather armchair in front of the fireplace. "Oh brother, there's no need for such dramatics! Mother and the princess cannot even hear you!" he laughed.

Dyllin glared hard at Reise. He was dark... not only in nature, but complexion. He looked greasy and old... his eyes were depthless and black, and his hair hung in dirty curls while his hands were adorned with yellowed claws. "You have no right to address me as brother! Nor do you have any right to call her mother! You are not Reise..."

"Oh, come now!" Reise laughed as she stood up, sauntering towards Dyllin lazily and waving his hands in the air with limp wrists. "I'm still the same ol' Reise! Granted, absorbing dark magic and being trapped in a crystal prison in the bottom of a dormant volcano have not been good to me over the years... But enough about me, look at you! So healthy! Your skin is perfect, your hair has grown in perfectly on your face--I assume you're attempting a grand bear like Xander's? And you look so young and spry! Am I ever jealous." he said sarcastically with a roll of his eyes, putting his hands on his hips. "And obviously you and Samiya have been.. busy, hm? First Aarin, and now this little one on the way!" he laughed, moving to touch a hand to the crystal, making Dyllin growl in warning, holding his sword out in front of him.

"Don't you touch them!" Dyllin warned, his blue eyes hard on Reise's black ones. He wondered where prince Ihara was... and what had happened to all the hundreds of his guards. "I brought you down once, Reise, and I will do it again, Gods help me!" He heard Eon jump down from the bed in front of Sein and pad slowly over towards the two of them, watching Reise with hard eyes.

Reise simply let out a laugh. "If I were you, Dyllin, I wouldn't worry so much about anyone else right now..." he said and his grin broadened. He looked down with a subtle shift of his eyes and, confused, Dyllin followed the lead.

He looked down just in time to see the crystal that was encasing his mother and wife was crawling up around his legs very quickly, keeping him pinned in place, and ever climbing. He would be swallowed up soon. "EON!" he yelped, trying to slash at the crystal with his sword.

Eon took the order obediently, leaping at Reise to attack him, but gave a sudden yelp of surprise when he felt something wrapped around his two back legs, holding him back. While they had both been distracted, two long, thick vines had crawled out from under the bed where Sein was being held captive, and tied around his ankles. Once he was brought down, the vines tied around his front legs as well and flipped him on his back. He tried to bite into them, but no matter how much he struggled, they simply grew back and wrapped around him until he was completely constricted. He growled and snarled as he writhed on the floor, struggling hard as the vines encircled his neck as well, holding his head up at an angle so he was forced to look up at Reise upside down.

Reise laughed gleefully as he watched Eon be brought down, and Dyllin cry out against it. He skipped to Eon, bending over to look down at him, and he grinned widely. "Poor creature... caught between two forms... to be human? To be wolf? Oh, what a quandary. Well... allow me to help you make a decision." he said and then raised a hand. He reached out, expertly avoiding Eon's snapping jaws, and rested his hand over Eon's eyes. After a moment, he removed it, and Eon had a black stain of a hand print across his face. He then suddenly stopped struggling against the vines as the hand print shifted... and seemed to melt and be sucked into Eon's eyes. His icy blue eyes changed then... changed to a darker, beastly shade. He was still for a moment as the curse took effect, staring up at Reise, then something seemed to click inside him and he started to snarl again, but this time more ferociously. He even began to froth at the mouth. He squirmed in the vines with renewed energy and force, his ears back against his head and Reise laughed. "There we are! Good dog!" he bellowed and the vines suddenly broke, releasing Eon from them. He pulled himself to his paws, and shook out his fur, which was completely stained black now. His brown patches and white underbelly were gone, and his eyes were a deep, animalistic amber. He was a true wolf, inside as well as out now.

Sein had tried to yell to Dyllin and Eon to run when they entered the room, but without a voice no sound escaped her mouth. She had tried to reach a hand out to Eon when he came to help her but she was being held too tightly against the wall. When the vines snaked their way towards him, she soundlessly screamed at him to move before helplessly watching as he was pinned to the floor. It seemed no one stood a chance against Reise. Sisters, if you can hear me, run. Get away from the castle as quickly as you can. Reise is too powerful... get to Aarin. Protect him, for he may be our only hope. If I can escape, I will find you. Trust no one else. She thought as tears filled her eyes at the sight of Eon changing before her. She slowly turned her gaze to Reise, her eyes narrowing angrily as a few tears slid down her cheeks.

Eon shook out his black fur again and gave a gruff bark at Reise, who simply patted Eon on the head. "There we are. I wonder how far your little team of light will get without their dog to fight for them?" he asked Dyllin as the crystal was rising over his chest and up his arms.

"You won't get away with this, Reise! You WILL be stopped!" Dyllin growled at him, even as his sword was forced from his hand by the crystal. He gritted his teeth and struggled a little more before he was completely swallowed up, and deadly silent and still.

Reise laughed again at his brother's trapped face, pointing at him and sneering at him through the clear crystal. "HA! We'll see about that!" he jeered, then looked down at Eon. He grinned widely, then looked at Sein. "Well, I would love to stay and kill you and the frog prince, but I have an enchanted axe to find. To do remember Scabbar, I hope? He's going to love seeing you three sprites again, and I just couldn't possibly rob him of that pleasure." he laughed, then turned and headed for the open balcony doors, the dark Eon loping after him automatically. There was a snap of lightning in the sky, and suddenly they were both gone from the castle.

As soon as Reise left, the bars holding Sein suddenly fell and she dropped to the floor with a thud. She stumbled to her feet then ran to the balcony staring wildly around for any signs of Eon. She couldn't imagine not having him around. No... he'll be back, and whatever curse that was Reise put on him, we can break. I won't give up on him. She wiped her eyes quickly then turned back to the room and moved to the crystallized form of Anaita, Dyllin and Samiya. "We will free you.." She mouthed soundlessly as she placed a hand against their prison. She turned quickly at the sound of a small croak from the corner of the room, and hurried over and knelt down beside him, quickly picking the frog up as she did. I'm sorry Ihara... but I'll keep you safe until we can fix this.

There was a loud banging against the blocks of stone in the doorway of the room then, and the stones began to shift and crumble. The wooden door frame around the blocks was buckling and breaking, and was pulled down by an invisible force, then with a simple push, the cinder blocks fell inwards in a heap of dust. Idre coughed, pulling Iswe in with her and looking around wildly. "Sein?! Ihara?! Your majesties?!" she called through the dust as it cleared. It was then that she noticed the crystal casing around Dyllin, Samiya and Anaita, and she gasped, her hands moving to cover her mouth in horrified shock. "O-oh no... Oh my..."

Iswe followed in behind Idre but when they entered the room she threw her arms around her sister, pulling her close. "Sein... What...happened?" Looking around the room she frowned deeply. "Where's Ihara?" Running her hand up and down Idre's back, her eyes darted around the room for any sign of the elf but she found none. What had happened here?

Sein looked up at the doorway with a jump when the loud banging came from it and before she could stop him Ihara had jumped from her hands and disappeared to hide. She stood quickly and moved to her sisters, hugging them both tightly before inspecting them both for injuries. At Iswe's questions she opened her mouth to speak but quickly shut it again looking frustrated when she remembered she couldn't speak. She turned and pointed to the crumpled pile of Ihara's clothes that lay abandoned by his sword then looked quickly around for the frog but he was nowhere to be found. This is going to be hard.. She thought looking back at Iswe with a frown. She pointed at the crystal prison now then at Ihara's clothes then made a motion with her hands of something getting smaller. I probably look crazy. She sighed heavily then turned and moved away, kneeling on the ground in search of Ihara.

Iswe knelt, picking up Ihara's sword and clothes, frowning deeply. "He was shrunk?" Titling her head to the side, she watched her sister crawl around the floor. Sighing softly she shook her head and called out. "Ihara..." Clutching Idre close, she whispered to her sister. "Why isn't she speaking?"

Idre shook her head, watching Sein closely with worry. "I don't know... Maybe it's something Reise did to her?" she asked back in a gentle whisper. Really, they should be relieved... At least he hadn't killed her. She looked around at the mess of dead leaves and twigs on the floor, along with other debris and bit her lip. "Those twigs... They're not like other plants, Iswe... I can't talk to them, but I know they're not dead. It's like they're frozen..."

Sein turned to look at her sisters giving an irritated frown. She pointed to her ear then at them indicating she could still hear them well. Standing up at the mention of the twigs she hurried over to them and began to gather them, carefully cradling them in her hands before carrying them to a table by the side and laying them out. How am I going to explain this.. She thought as she moved back to her sisters. Finally she pointed at Ihara's clothes then at some of the guards weapons abandoned at the side before motioning to the twigs and leaves. That was the best she could manage. She then pointed to her own throat then made a motion of something coming from her mouth before hurrying to the fireplace and lifting a piece of coal from it and showed it to them. She then pretended to place it in her pocket to try and show that Reise had taken it with him. When she was finished she threw the coal back in the fire and looked at Idre and Iswe with a frown. A small croak suddenly came from behind them and the large frog appeared and began hopping quick towards them.

Idre had been staring at Sein in obvious confusion and worry, watching her move the sticks and cradle them so gently. She gulped and looked at Iswe in obvious concern. What was Sein trying to tell them? She didn't understand any of it. "Whatever happened in here, Sein... Reise did it, right? Nod yes or shake your head for no." she said slowly. "And whatever he did... we can fix it, right?"

Sein nodded quickly at Idre's first question about Reise but when asked the second one about fixing it she gave a sad shrug. Right now it seemed helpless. The royals were frozen, Eon had been taken and Ihara had been transformed. That only left the three of them. She gave a silent sigh then looked down as Ihara sat perched now on Iswe's foot, croaking softly. She smiled sadly at him then moved to sit down on one of the last remaining chairs in the room, unable to stop herself staring at the spot on the floor where Eon had been changed.

Iswe watched Sein intently as she moved about. "Hang on... I think she's saying that... Reise took her voice... well that makes sense. But the sticks." Iswe frowned down at Ihara's clothing in her arms and sighed. "Are either... Ihara.... or... his guards?" She looked up at Sein hoping for a nod or something. Hearing the croak of a frog she looked down at her foot and frowned. "That's strange..." Bending down she gently picked up the frog and brought it to her eye level while clutching Ihara's things in her other arm. "Frogs don't normally get this close."

Idre studied the frog a moment. "Let me talk to him... remember, I can communicate with all of Earth's creatures." she said and opened her hands to Iswe to receive the frog. Hopefully he could tell them something about what happened and where Eon and Ihara were.

Ihara let out a happy croak when Iswe lifted him, relieved that she hadn't screamed or tried to shoo him away. When Idre mentioned that she could hopefully communicate with him he quickly hopped into her hands. Idre! I hope you can hear me, I really do. It's Ihara, Reise changed me into this thinking it would be a funny joke for Iswe. I saw everything that happened. He stole Sein's voice and has taken it with him in the shape of a piece of coal. The twigs and leaves are my guards.. He croaked again and it sounded sad. And Eon..Reise did something to him but whatever it was he has changed allegiance and it seems he is unwillingly against us now. He seemed so wild..so unhuman. He glanced over at Sein. She sat with her head bowed causing her flaming red curls to fall over her face. He had never seen this creature with such a fiery spirit look so defeated.

Idre had studied the frog carefully in her hands, then gasped when she could hear Ihara's voice in her head. "I can hear him!" she told Iswe and Sein, then looked down at him again as she listened carefully to him. She gasped in horror and put a hand over her mouth, looking at Sein and then Iswe both sadly. "Oh dear..." She glanced at the twigs and leaves on the table, then back down at Ihara. "What... do we do?" she asked, seeming very sad now. It seemed hopeless. Anaita was their only tie to any sort of helpful magic, and Aarin was too young and inexperienced. "Reise has changed Eon... made him dark, it seems, and taken him with him. He took Sein's voice... and this frog is prince Ihara." she said, slowly offering the frog back to Iswe with an apologetic frown.

Iswe took Ihara back frowning deeply. "I'm so sorry... I should have been here... I should never have left the castle." Closing her eyes, Iswe gritted her teeth in anger and frustration. Placing Ihara on her shoulder she took a few deep breaths. "We will fix this."

Sein looked up with a snap then stood up, frowning at Iswe as Ihara sat comfortably on her shoulder. "I'm glad you weren't here!" She shouted soundlessly. "I'm the most battle worthy out of the three of us and look what happened to me!" She gave a noiseless growl in frustration that they couldn't hear her words and suddenly launched a large fireball into the fireplace, reigniting the flames there. She couldn't stand the thought of what would have happened to her two gentle sisters if Reise had caught them. Giving a small sigh she ran her fingers through her hair then moved to Idre and Iswe's side. "Where's Aarin?" She mouthed the words slowly in the hopes they would understand.

Idre watched Sein as she screamed silently, unable to read her lips because of how fast they were moving, but she was obviously upset. She whimpered and hugged herself slightly, then watched Sein's lips carefully at her last question. "Aarin... Aarin!" she gasped and turned to look at Iswe before shaking her head at Sein. "We never got to him! Eon and Dyllin were running back at us before we found him!" she said quickly. "We have to go find him! He's our only hope now!"

---

Aarin huffed a sigh as he sat in the grass outside of the volcano entrance, looking up at the dark, swirling clouds above. He could see them spinning over his castle far off in the distance, and it made him nervous. His father still hadn't caught up to them, nor the sprites, and Eon hadn't returned yet. He gulped nervously and looked at Aveda. "Something's very wrong..."

Aveda had been standing almost protectively next to Aarin as she gazed out at the unfolding darkness around the castle. When Aarin spoke to her she slowly looked down with a frown. "I agree..but you can't risk going back there." She sighed lightly then finally dropped down to sit next to her the ground. "If that's your uncle then we need to get you somewhere safe. He will be searching for you..will you trust me to protect you?"

Aarin looked up at Aveda from under his bangs and sniffed a little. "I have to go back... I have to know that my parents are okay..." He whimpered and wiped at his eyes, trying to hide the fact that he was crying. "this is all my fault and I have to know..."

"And then what? What happens if your uncle catches you? I think I could make a pretty good guess prince. The ruin of not just Layfette but the world." Aveda replied still frowning before sighing again. She could see that he was fighting back tears. Carefully she placed a gentle hand on his arm for comfort. "Fine if you must know the goings on within the castle I will go. Will that be acceptable?"

Aarin gasped, looking up at her quickly with wide eyes. "A-and leave me here by myself??" he asked in a small fit of panic. He'd never been outside the castle gates before, let alone out in the wilderness by himself! He wouldn't know how to survive! How would he eat? What would he sleep on? He didn't even know how to build a fire. These were things his tutors thought impractical to teach him. He was meant to live in comfort his entire life. "N-no, please don't leave me.." he whimpered, gripping to her arm in return.

"You are impossible." Aveda groaned as she ran a hand through her hair in exasperation. "What do you expect me to do? March you back into a potentially deadly situation? Or go against your wishes and drag you away from the scene?" She glanced down at his hand gripping her arm and frowned again before looking back at him. "Now stop this whimpering..you are future king, prince. You must show courage even in the most frightening of times. Now take a breath and think carefully. What do you think is the most beneficial and safe thing for you to do?"

Aarin watched her with wide eyes and sniffed, his body giving a small tremble. "Stay here...?" he asked in a frightened mumble. He knew it was safest... But he was so stupid when it came to the wilderness, and he was realizing that now.

Aveda's expression softened and she nodded. "As you wish. Now you mustn't allow yourself to believe the worst has happened to your family. If I had done that I would have given up looking for my brother eight years ago. Now I do not believe your uncle will have harmed your parents..I remember his madness the first time around and he always seemed to enjoy having a little fun first." She knew this maybe would not sound to reassuring but it was the best she could offer for the situation. "Now tell me why you seem so worried at the thought of staying out here? You need to remember that this..." She held her arms up motioning around herself as she spoke. "..is my home."

"I don't know how to hunt, or build a fire, or what to sleep on... Or even where to relieve myself or brush my teeth." Aarin confided, rather abashedly, looking down at his lap in shame. "I never learned any of that..." He looked up at her, blushing out of sheer embarrassment at how utterly useless he was out here.

"Well then..I will have to teach you." Aveda replied then suddenly grinned. "I never thought that I, the great Robin Hood, would take on a student. You should count yourself lucky." She said jokingly with a chuckle. "Now you will need to learn how to listen and do as you're told, is that understood?" She raised an eyebrow at him as she tilted her head quizzically at him. Finally she smiled again. "Now I think its best we find somewhere safe and set up camp..the sun will be setting soon."

Aarin nodded at her meekly. He could follow orders. He didn't like to, but he could follow orders. He stood up and moved to grab his horse's reigns, looking at her. "Okay..." He paused then when his stomach gave a loud grumbling. He was hungry. He had only packed a few snacks to last them until they got home. He hadn't planned to need an entire meal. He blushed again and rubbed his stomach. "S-sorry..."

Aveda couldn't help but chuckle as she got to her feet and moved to her horse. "I guess your first lesson should be hunting prince...or maybe I should start calling you Aarin? Not much room for formalities out here." She commented as she began to lead the way down into a wooded area. "I think we will have most luck catching a rabbit..but then that raises the problem of having to light a fire. We don't want to draw attention to ourselves." She looked thoughtful as she secure the horse now to a tree.

Aarin was still blushing, but he nodded and moved to tie his horse to the tree as well, making sure the knot was secured. That was something he had learned well: knots. He had learned those early on as a child. He also had learned how to ride horses and secure reigns. He looked at Aveda and bit his lip. "What about just a small fire? Don't fires also keep animals away?" he asked, tilting his head.

“Some animals yes..but some no.” Aveda replied truthfully. “You must learn quickly than not all creatures out here are afraid of human presence. Some are great hunters that see us as their prey. You must always be on guard.” She patted his shoulder then motioned for him to follow her. “Now how would you suggest is the best way to catch a rabbit?” She questioned him the way a teacher would question a student.

Aarin seemed to think about it a moment, then shrugged and said, "Track one? Set a trap like a cage?" he asked, watching the back of her head. He couldn't really think straight at the moment... his mind kept wandering back to his parents and grandmother... Eon, the sprites.. everything and everyone he'd left behind for the sake of his damned adventure.

"I thought you said you didn't know anything?" Aveda remarked as she glanced back at Aarin with a smile. "Traps are the most effective way of catching something without drawing too much attention from other animals. A cage is too complicated though..too much time needed to construct something like that. The most simple method is a snare trap." She paused looking up then suddenly pointed to some vines tangled into the upper branches of the trees. "Those will work." She moved to the tree then with great ease pulled herself up and began to climb skywards. When she reached her target she pulled a small dagger from her boot and cut a long length from the vine then quickly clambered back down until she stood next to Aarin again. "Now pay attention. You may have to do this on your own one day.." She then proceeded to prepare a snare trap to hopefully catch them a rabbit. "Okay..now thats done, we have to wait. Whilst we're waiting we can head back to the horses and build that small fire. Sound good?" She asked him. She knew he would still be feeling pain from the days events but she had to encourage him to carry on.

Aarin gave Aveda a subtle smile of pride at having guessed right. It wasn't full-hearted though, and it disappeared quickly. He followed her back to their horses and moved to stroke his horse's side as it grazed on nearby grass and bushes and low-hanging branches of the tree it was tied to. "So how do you build a fire?" he asked conversationally, watching her.

"Its easy..To start I want you to go and gather some wood. Make sure it is completely dry, alright? Well go on then." Aveda replied and playfully shooed him away with her hand before moving to gather some dry grass and leaves as well.

Aarin nodded at her, not wasting a moment to argue or ask questions. He knew he would search for the wood close to their camping site, and he knew that for a small fire, the wood would have to be fairly small, yet sturdy as well. He eventually gathered plenty of thick branches and twigs, and a few pieces of a broken log or two, and carried them all back in his arms to where Aveda was waiting. "Will this do?" he asked, dropping it all into a pile beside her gently.

Aveda gave a nod of her head. "Perfect. Now place them neatly on the pile of leaves I gathered, then you're going to have a go trying to light it with these." She held up two rocks and smiled at Aarin. She held them out to him so he could take them when he was finished with the wood.

Aarin blinked at the two rocks that she presented to him, and he frowned in confusion. "How the hell am I supposed to start a fire with two rocks?" he asked angrily. Usually if he needed a fire started, Sein was around for the job. All she had to do was snap her fingers. He took the rocks though and sighed, tucking them into his pocket to use for when he was done organizing the wood. He piled the wood and twigs he'd gathered neatly on the dried leaves and grass until it was fairly tall, then pulled the rocks out again, and looked at her expectantly.

Aveda frowned disapprovingly at Aarin's words of anger about the rocks. "I do not appreciate being spoken to in such a way." She snapped. "You may get away with talking to your maids and butlers like that down in the castle but out here I am in charge, got it? My patience will only last for so long." She huffed out a loud sigh as she brushed her fingers through her hair again. "You forget I was in the middle of my own work before this all happened..." She grumbled at him, her expression showing her annoyance. Every time I think he's starting to show some respect and willingness to learn he does something like that. Reminds me he's just a little pampered prince. "Now I can assure you that those will start a fire. I have been using that technique since I was a child." She told him after she had calmed herself then stepped forward and swiftly grabbed Aarin's arm and pulled him down to kneel next to the fire they had built. "Like this.." She took a hold of his two hands in hers then moved them to demonstrate how to strike the rocks together. Finally after the third strike a small spark came from the stones, causing Aveda to smile. "Now you carry on doing that. Direct the stones at the wood and leaves. The spark will soon ignite our fire.." She sat back now and watched him closely.

Aarin frowned at her when she snapped at him, but instead of retaliating with more anger like normal, he seemed to shrink and looked at her apologetically. "I'm sorry... I just.. I'm not used to this." he said softly. But when she wrapped her hands around his to show him how to strike the rocks together, he blushed deeply and felt his heart speed up. He watched as she got a spark though, and suddenly his excitement and wonder was focused on something else. He watched her move away, then started to strike the rocks like she'd showed him. It was hard. He had to strike at just the right angle with just the right amount of force. But even when he got Sparks that landed on the kindling, it didn't blaze into a fire like he imagined it would. Instead, it smoldered and died in several tiny wisps of smoke. He frowned in disappointment and looked at Aveda. "What am I doing wrong?"

"Nothing it just takes practice." Aveda reassured him as she watched him. "Try kneeling closer to the fire and striking the rocks right onto the dry leaves and once you see a spark hit the leaves gently blow onto it and cup your hands round it to keep the wind out. Oh and if you get it to ignite and start flaming remove your hands before you get burnt." She smiled jokingly at him then waited for him to do as she instructed.

Aarin listened to her instructions, then nodded and knelt, hunched over the pile of leaves and twigs and striking the rocks again. This time, it didn't take so many tries to get Sparks, and once he had them, he quickly moved closer and cupped his hands around them, blowing gently. The first time he tried, it almost caught, and he felt the adrenaline rush of success... And then it fizzled out. He pouted, but was only more determined, and he tried it all over again. This time, the flames caught and grew into a small blaze, and he smiled proudly, looking at Aveda excitedly. "I did it!!"

Aveda couldn't help but giggle at his enthusiasm. "I knew you would. See you'll make a great adventurer!" She said patting his shoulder before standing up. "Stay here and keep the fire going. I'll go and see if we've caught anything." With that said she turned and wandered back through the trees to where they had set the trap. She smiled thankfully when she saw a plump rabbit caught there. "Sorry little one.." She said softly as she pulled its body free then carried it back to their camp. "So..have you ever skinned a rabbit?"

Aarin did as he was told while she was gone, adding branches to the fire to keep it going, but when she came back and he saw the rabbit, he paled. "U-uh... No... Cook always makes my meals... Or Sein. I have never prepared my own food." he explained with a frown.

"Well thats about to change because you will find no cooks out here to bring you your meals." Aveda told him then sat down next to him and set the rabbit in front of him. She carefully slipped her dagger back out of her boot then offered it to Aarin. "I supposed I should ask if you have a strong enough stomach for this first and would you prefer me to do it?"

Aarin eyed the dagger a little nervously, glancing back and forth between it and the rabbit, his face pale. He swallowed thickly, then shook his head. "N-no.... I want to try it." He reached out and took the knife, then looked down at the rabbit again before looking at her. "You'll tell me how to do it, right..?"

"Of course. I think it would be cruel of me to expect you to do this unguided." Aveda replied then shuffled closer to Aarin. "Okay.. grip the blade firmly, you could risk injuring yourself if your hand slips. Now cut carefully along here.." she motioned to the place on the rabbit. "Once you've done that then you'll want to begin to slice the skin away. If at any time you wish me to take over, just say." she said gently, not wanting to overwhelm him too much so soon.

Aarin gulped and nodded shakily, then put the knife to the rabbit's throat. He gave a small whimper, then took a breath to steady himself. He could do this! He had to. He had to prove to Aveda and to himself that he could do this. He used his free hand to hold the rabbit still, then dragged the blade firmly down the rabbit's middle, slicing from its throat to its groin, and the instant the smell met his nose, he gave a small gag. He turned away for a moment as the blood spilled and leaked out, and he had to take a few deep breaths before he turned back to it and continued, trying to carefully slice the fur off of the rabbit's body, avoiding hard areas like the face and feet. Once the skin was removed, he offered it to Aveda, not sure what to do with it.

"I'll finish it off. You did brilliantly Aarin." Aveda told him with a smile then carefully took the rabbit and blade from him. She stood and moved away from him, feeling his stomach maybe couldn't handle much more. She finished slicing and preparing the meat before finally placing it over the fire to cook. "Congratulations you just helped prepare your first meal. How do you feel?" She asked as she stood and moved to their horses.

Aarin was staring at the ground, his eyes wide and his face still white as a ghost. "Sick." he admitted, holding his stomach with both arms around it, gulping thickly. "I think I need a drink..." He stood up shakily and moved to get his canteen from the saddle, but stopped when he saw all the blood on his hands. That was it. He couldn't take it anymore. He turned away quickly behind the tree the horses were tied to, and lost his stomach, trembling all over.

Aveda sighed softly then grabbed the water canteen and the scarf she usually wore to hide her face. She followed after Aarin then stood beside him, rubbing gently soothing circles on his back to try and help with the sickness. "Don't worry..I was exactly the same when my brother first taught me, and he made me prepare the entire thing myself. It just takes time for your stomach to grow accustomed to this sort of thing." She told him reassuringly. "Now let me see your hands. If you don't want to see the blood again, close your eyes whilst I wash it off."

Aarin turned to her after he was done gagging, and shut his eyes tightly, whimpering and holding his hands out to her so she could clean them off. He sniffed, feeling a few tears on his cheeks, which usually happened when he threw up. He hated how weak he probably seemed right now. He was told by all of his tutors and trainers that he was talented and smart, that he was a strong boy. Now... he had a feeling they were all just liars, telling him what he and his father wanted to hear to continue getting paid.

Aveda carefully poured some of the water over Aarin's hands then began to wipe away the blood with her scarf until finally no traces of it were left. Looking up into his face she was alarmed to see tears on his cheeks. She wasn't used to seeing such emotion in front of her. Finally after thinking about what she should do she raised the scarf up and with a clean part of it began to dry Aarin's cheeks. "There now.. was it really that bad?" She asked softly.

Aarin sniffed stubbornly and shook his head. "N-no... M-my eyes just tear up when I get sick." he lied softly, moving to wipe his own eyes a little and looking away in shame. He stayed silent for a bit, then his frown deepened and more tears welled in his eyes. "I just... Do you think everything I ever learned was a lie? Do you think my tutors and all my teachers... do you think they lied to me? Telling me I was so strong and talented... that I was learning so much... They weren't telling the truth were they? I didn't learn anything of value at all..."

"You did learn things of value..things that would serve you well in your future role as king. No one probably ever assumed that you would need the skills I've been showing you. Now stop doubting yourself, you are strong and talented." Aveda replied then suddenly grabbed his hand and pulled him back to the fire. "Trust me in a few days you will be greatly skilled in the ways of a traveler. Now sit down." She pointed at the ground before moving to the fire to check on the meat. "Trust me.. there's many a time I wish I didn't have any use for these skills. That I could have a comfortable home somewhere with lots of food.." She smiled lightly at the thought.

Aarin listened to her and suddenly felt so bad. All the years he had spent comfortable in his feather-downed bed... with clean sheets and warm food, and plenty of water to drink and shelter from storms and other trials, and she had spent all that time outdoors, fending for herself after her brother disappeared. He gulped and looked at her apologetically. "If we... I mean... when we find your brother... you two should come and live in the castle with my family and I. We have so many spare rooms that are always empty... and I'm sure my father will have jobs for both of you." he said and smiled slightly. "You would never have to spend another day outside for the rest of your lives."

Aveda looked over her shoulder at Aarin and smiled softly. "That's very kind of you but i'm not sure I would be suited for a life in a fancy castle. I suspect it would be all dresses and heels..neither of which i've ever worn." She chuckled lightly as she returned to turning the meat on the fire. "And I know my brother would hate it.." She looked thoughtful then suddenly shook her head as she moved to sit back down next to Aarin. "No..actually he'd probably love it. But you'd soon find a lot of your valuables going missing and he would refuse to work for your father i'm sure.." She couldn't help but frown at the thought before looking back at Aarin looking uncomfortable. "My brothers morals are..a little different than mine."

Aarin frowned at her words, watching her sadly. "He's a thief..? I mean, I know you are, but at least you do it with good intentions. But he's an actual... Thief?" he asked sadly, shaking his head. He fell silent for a while, just watching the meat cook over the fire, before he said, "Well.. What if my family bought you guys property to live on? A house.. Some livestock..."

Aveda swiftly shook her head. "I would rather your family donated the money to the poor." She replied honestly. "Plus I wouldn't feel right accepting it. I wouldn't feel like i've deserved it." She shrugged then wrapped her arms round her knees. "Anyway I don't think Robin Hood is ready to retire just yet." She joked with a weak smile.

Aarin gave her a sad smile, but in truth he was rather relieved at the idea that his childhood hero would be around to continue his--her--work. He smiled and nodded, then sighed and looked at the fire again, resting his chin in his palm. "Well... Then I guess we can enjoy this wonderful meal and a night under the..." he looked up really quick, but unable to see stars made him change his sentence, ".. Clouds." He looked at her with a shrug.

"Its actually not that bad sleeping outside." Aveda replied then smiled as she looked at Aarin. "And because you're technically a guest out here you can have first pick of where you sleep. So go ahead pick a nice comfy spot of earth round the fire and get comfortable. If you would like a pillow, use the pack from your horse and for a blanket...you're wearing it." She said with a playful grin as she motioned to his cloak. She chuckled lightly then stood up again and moved to the fire and removed the meat from it. "I hope you're hungry.." she sat back down and set the meat between them before tearing off a chunk. "Dig in.." she said then hungrily began to eat the meat in her hand.

Aarin grimaced a little at the sight of the cooked rabbit meat and how Aveda just messily dug into it with her fingers. He was so used to having table manners and using cutlery--things he'd been taught since he was a toddler--that the way she ate was almost abrasive. He swallowed hard and looked back down at the rabbit again. His stomach was still lurching from vomiting earlier, but he was hungry too. He reached down and peeled off a small scrap of meat, just enough to be an experimental bite. He popped it into his mouth and chewed slowly, criticizing the flavor as he did. It was blander than the elaborate meals he'd been served all his life. It lacked even the basic seasonings like salt and pepper, and it was gamey and greasy. But it wasn't entirely bad, and he found himself peeling more meat from bone and eating hungrily.

"This is delicious! I haven't had fresh cooked rabbit in weeks!" Aveda said through a mouthful of food, a happy grin on her face. "I've been spending the past few weeks within Layfette so the best I could manage was the scraps of food people threw away." She took another hungry bite. "All we need now is a nice mug of ale to wash it all down. That would be perfect." She smiled at Aarin then motioned to the rabbit. "Do you like it?"

Aarin looked at Aveda, admiring how she looked when she smiled and was truly happy. He then blushed slightly and nodded at the rabbit. "S'good." he mumbled around his own mouthful, modestly hiding the fact that he was talking around food behind his hand. He then looked at her and asked, "What does ale taste like?" He had only ever tasted wine before, and it was only when his mother or father felt generous enough to let him taste theirs. He'd never had a full glass to himself.

"Well it all depends on which one you choose..there are many different varieties." Aveda replied as she stretched her legs out in front of her kicking her boots off as she did. "Some have quite a sweet taste like caramel where as others can be quite bitter and strong. Its not really something royalty would really be seen drinking. She glanced at Aarin. "So why were you so eager to go on an adventure? I mean most people would love to live the life you do."

Aarin's curious expression from listening to her talk about ale quickly melted away when she asked about his adventure. He looked down shamefully, painfully reminded that it was his unfaltering wish for an adventure like this one that got everyone in so much danger. He shrugged and mumbled half-heartedly, "Because I often hear tales about when my parents were around my age... How they defeated an evil man bent on destroying the kingdom, and then they got married and lived happily ever after, exploring the world together... At least until I came along. Then they settled down and it all became so boring. For all of us." he sighed. "Growing up, my father and I would always play battle... He was always the bad guy and I was the good guy, and I would protect my mother in a valiant fight against him... And he'd always let me win. Then I turned ten... And the tutors came. The scholars, philosophers, astronomers and such... Even Greek mathematicians. They all told me it was time to grow up. So I did... And day in and day out from that point on, it's been nothing but studying maps, stars, war techniques, math, science and alchemy, fencing... All that boring stuff. It became too much for me... By the time I was fifteen, I started to avoid my lessons regularly by hiding in my grandfather's tomb. Only Eon could ever find me." he explained sadly and his throat felt tight, his eyes welling with fresh tears.

Aveda listened silently and couldn't help feel guilty when she saw his eyes brimming with tears again. Why did you have to ask that? She thought, not sure what was the best way to comfort him. She wasn't used to people being emotional around her. She gulped lightly then an idea suddenly came to her when she thought over what Aarin had said. She jumped to her feet and grabbed a long stick from the ground then pointed it at him like a sword. "Defend yourself!" She declared dramatically.

Aarin looked up with a blink at her, eyeing the faux sword she had pointed at him. He sniffed and wiped his eyes, then stood up and brushed himself down. He looked around, finding another stick that was shorter, but thicker, and he held it aloft at her. "En gaurde?"

Sighing, Aveda lowered her stick slightly and placed her other hand on her hip. "Come on Aarin! Put some energy into it! I've stolen all your families gold and.." She glanced round quickly then suddenly grinned. "..and kidnapped your parents!" She pointed to the two horses then laughed loudly. "Never tell them I said that, they'll have my head for sure!" With that said she raised her fake sword and suddenly cracked it against his. "You'll never defeat me for I am the great Robin Hood!"

Aarin watched her a moment, then gave a small smile. He realized what she was trying to do now. He then spread his feet and put his free hand behind his back, the way he was taught in fencing. He smiled at her a little cockily. This was something he knew. "You'll never succeed!" he said playfully and perried his stick against hers.

"Thats what you think!" Aveda exclaimed with a grin then suddenly backflipped, bouncing off her free hand whilst she continued to grip her play sword in the other. "You have never faced a foe as fearsome as I!" She said once she had landed then motioned with a finger for him to come to her as she smirked. "Try and keep up."

Aarin had been pleasantly surprised by her agility, but it didn't discourage him. He chuckled and shook his head. "You forget that I was raised on useless information." he said playfully before doing a handless cartwheel towards her, spinning on his toes and cracking his stick against hers, then dropping to the ground and sweeping his legs under hers.

Aveda yelped as she suddenly toppled over but she quickly regained her composure and rolled out of the way before he could strike. "You're a good fighter..better than I thought you'd be. All the training wasn't as useless as you thought it would be." She said a little breathlessly but she was still grinning at him. She pulled herself to her feet then suddenly rushed forward slashing and swinging her faux sword at him.

Aarin straightened from the ground and smiled as she came at him. The way she was swinging her sword at him--while it would have landed minor blows--was sloppy and clumsy. He didn't back down from her approach, but instead advanced into it, merely holding his "sword" up in front of himself. As soon as their sticks connected and her blows were briefly paused, he sent his shoulder, with all of his body weight behind it, into her chest.

Aveda gasped and doubled over in pain, releasing her grip on her sword as she did. He hasn't won just yet.. She thought before starting to gasp loudly, clutching a hand to her chest to show she could hardly breath. Finally she dropped down to one knee, her head bowed as she continued to gasp for air. Take the bait..

Aarin gasped, going wide-eyed at her obvious pain. He hadn't thought he'd hit her that hard. He hadn't meant to actually hurt her. He gulped. One of his fencing instructor's lessons had actually been to never approach your enemy with your guard down, just in case they were faking it, and his father's army general--who taught him all of his hand-to-hand combat techniques thus far, had said something similar. But he felt so guilty! He dropped his stick and moved to kneel in front of her, putting his hand on her shoulder. "Aveda? Are you alright? I'm so sorry.."

As soon as she felt the weight of his hand on her shoulder Aveda tensed up then suddenly grabbed his arm and threw her whole weight against him, snatching up her stick sword as she did. Once she had him pinned to the ground, she held it to his throat, grinning down at him as she did. "Checkmate..."

Aarin gaped up at her from his back, having to take a moment to gather what just happened. He blushed in shame, but smiled up at her. "I should have listened to my instructors." he said and chuckled a little breathlessly. "Even a pretty face can be dangerous." He looked up at her, admiring just how beautiful she was in the dim and cloudy sunset, and he blushed deeply before coughing awkwardly. "C-can I get up now?"

"You should never trust your opponent, no matter how.. what was the word you used.. pretty, was it?" Aveda grinned playfully down at Aarin before finally shifting so he could move and stand up. She stretched as she got to her feet then turned to look at him with a smile. "I haven't had that much fun in a long time, thank you!" She beamed at him then placed her hands on her hips. "So what now? It's really your turn now to teach me something seen as I've shown you how to hunt and prepare a rabbit.."

Aarin smiled as he got up, brushing himself down and laughing at her words a little. "Oh? Hmm... alright then..." he said and rubbed his chin, one hand on his hip as he thought about it. "I'm not sure there IS anything I could teach you... With your lifestyle, you know far more than I do about probably everything." he said with a shrug. "What don't you know how to do?"

"Dance." Aveda replied with a shrug. "Never had a need for it." She suddenly looked embarrassed and quickly moved back to the fire, sitting down quickly and wrapping her arms around her knees. She wasn't used to speaking so freely about herself, always having thought it was best that people knew as little about her as possible. "Doesn't matter..just sit down."

Aarin blinked. Dance? He blushed a little, but he had to smile at how she acted after divulging this information. He chuckled and moved to stand beside her, and shook his head. "No. Come here... I'll teach you how to dance." he said and offered his hand to her. "It's a lot like fighting, I promise."

Aveda slowly looked up ready to tell him no but when she saw his hand outstretched she sighed lightly then took his hand and stood up. She waited, watching him as her arms hung limply by her sides. She had no idea what she was meant to do. "I don't think i'm going to be very good at this.."

Aarin chuckled and shook his head. "Don't be silly. I learned how to dance when I was six years old, and have been dancing every year since. If I can learn at such a young age, then you can learn now." he said, then moved closer. "Just don't hit me. I'm not trying anything funny." He then grabbed her hand and pulled her closer until their bodies were in very close proximity, and he led her hand to rest on one of his shoulders, then placed the same hand on her hip and slightly the small of her back, then held her other hand up delicately. "Alright. Now just watch my feet." he said and smiled. "I'm going to count for us, okay? This is the Waltz." He then started to move her, pulling her back and forth in slow and careful steps, all while whispering, "One, two, three, one, two, three..."

It was a good thing Aarin had warned her, for Aveda was sure he would be waking up with an incredibly sore jaw in the morning if he had grabbed her hand and pulled her to him the way he had without saying anything. Her eyes slowly moved from her hand on his shoulder down to his placed on her waist and she couldn't help but gulp slightly. She never allowed anyone this close. When he began counting she turned her gaze downwards, watching his feet closely as they moved.

Aarin smiled as he watched her. He didn't have to watch their feet. He had done this dance so many times, it was almost ingrained in his bones. "Very good." he complimented with a nod, watching her. "Step back... forward, side... There you go.." he whispered, then continued counting. "See? You're doing wonderfully!"

Aveda looked up and smiled at Aarin but her lapse in concentration caused her to overstep and tread on his toes. She frowned in frustration then looked back down at their feet. "I don't know why I wish to learn this..I will never have a use for it." She muttered moodily.

"I disagree." Aarin whispered and smiled at her. "After this is all over... I want you to come to my mother's ball for the baby. I want you to dance with us, and have a good time, a night of luxury for everything you've done for me thus far, and anything you might do for me in the future." he smiled. "And I want you to save a dance for me."

Aveda listened to his words and her eyes widened in surprise before she swiftly shook her and pulled herself free from him. "I don't think that would be wise.." She said quietly then moved back to the fire and sat down. "You should finish eating.." She told him in a quiet voice then suddenly stood up again. "I shall return.." Her tone was suddenly business like and serious and without looking at him took off into the trees. After a few minutes of movement she stopped and leaned against a tree. What is wrong with you?

Aarin stuttered a moment, watching her leave with a small frown of distress. She was leaving him alone... Again. He gulped as she disappeared from sight and he looked at the horses. He sighed and moved to sit down by the fire then, starting to munch on the rabbit again absently as he stared at the warm flames. What did I do? What did I say?

He was only being polite... Aveda thought to herself. But i'm not used to it..balls and dancing aren't my thing. I would only be laughed at. Not to mention I wouldn't deserve it. I steal from the likes of him! She sighed before stooping to pick up some wood to make it look like she hadn't just disappeared for nothing. Slowly she made her way back to camp then threw the wood beside the fire. "Tomorrow we'll get you to a friend or an ally of your family. They'll be able to help you."

Aarin looked up at her and frowned deeply. He then shook his head. "No. I'm not going to put any more friends or family in danger. If my uncle might be looking for me... I don't want to put anyone else in the way. It's too risky. Why can't you just stay with me?" he asked, tilting his head. Why was she trying to get rid of him already?

"Because trust me..you're no safer with me than you are with them." Aveda replied in a low voice as she retook her seat but didn't look at him. "Isn't there anyone you know that you could go to?"

Aarin watched her. His brows furrowed and he gulped. He felt a sinking in his chest. She was already pushing him away. He felt... betrayed. He felt alone. "No." he said firmly. "My entire family is either trapped or dead, and the nearest ally would have been Prince Ihara, who was back at the castle as well!" he said firmly. "But I get it. I'm not your responsibility. The great and righteous Robin Hood has better things to do than help me. In fact, my best bet would be to just give myself up to my insane uncle." he snapped. He stood up and growled, brushing himself down and moving towards the horses. "I'm going home."

Aveda's eyes shot up to look at him. She was feeling a mixture of anger and guilt. She stood up and followed quickly after him before grabbing his shoulder and spinning him around to look at her. "If I do have anything better to do it is trying to find my own family! Why must yours take priority over mine?! But you're right..you're not my responsibility..you're no ones! Take responsibility for yourself! Do you think someone must always be present to protect you?" She shook her head at him then turned back to the fire. "Just sit down.." She sighed as her shoulders slumped.

Aarin glared at her, breathing deeply at her words. Tears were in his eyes again. He was no one's responsibility. Not anymore. He gulped hard, then growled and pulled himself up into his saddle after untying his horse. Fine. She was right. She didn't need to be there for him. He could learn to take care of himself. He kicked his horse into a fast gallop, heading away from the fire and back towards the trail that would lead him to the castle. He was tired of sitting around waiting to die anyways.

"You stupid boy!" Aveda thundered after him then ran quickly and grabbed her boots and slipped them on. They had been having such fun and now everything was a disaster. This is your faulty because you don't like people getting close to you.. She thought and couldn't help but scowl as she pulled herself up into the saddle of her own horse and took off after him, forgetting to be quiet and cautious. "Aarin!" She yelled ahead as she steered her horse through the trees hoping she was on the right trail. Finally she pulled hard on the reins and the horse skid to a halt, rearing up in protest. She huffed slightly, glancing round wildly for any signs of where he had went. "Aarin!" She called again then made to move but stopped when she heard the cracking of twigs and leaves behind her. She spun the horse around but before she could see who it was she was suddenly struck painfully in the side by a thick branch which sent her toppling to the ground, leaving her dazed.

She had been right behind him. He had heard her. But then she was gone. Her voice, her horse's footsteps... It was all gone. He felt something tug at the back of his mind to go back. He frowned and pulled his horse to a stop, let it stamp impatiently, then sighed and growled in frustration before turning it back the way they'd come. But he knew to be cautious... So he didn't gallop. They walked, trotting through the trees, and he kept his eyes peeled. "Aveda?" he called gently.

"Is jus' a girl.." An irritated voice could be heard from above Aveda. She opened one eye slowly, her head still spinning and found a group of three men stood over her. Bandits..great. She thought in irritation hoping her senses would return quickly. "She were callin' someone..maybe they'll come back for her and bring some money with them when they do.." The men continued to mutter back and forth before finally one of them turned and swatted the horses leg causing it to take off running through the trees. "Hopefully that'll get their attention.." He cackled before moving to hide himself from view with the others, waiting to see if anyone would return. Aveda groaned then slowly pushed herself up to sit, rubbing her head with her hand. Thankfully Aarin shouldn't be coming back.. She thought then glanced around. Now how do I get away? She began trying to work out an escape plan, knowing her best plan was just to run.

Aarin gasped, his horse rearing a little when Aveda's suddenly came bursting through the trees, seeming obviously spooked. He let it run past, knowing better than to grab for it. It would stop eventually. He looked in the direction it had come from instead, and he frowned. Something REALLY didn't feel right now. He reached to his belt, pulling a small dagger out. It was a knife his parents didn't know he had. He stayed low to his horse. It would tell him if anything was wrong. It slowed significantly, and its ears started to perk this way and that, eyes alert and body tense. "Shhh..." he crooned to it, patting its flank. He slowly pulled himself from the saddle and let it stay where it was. A freaked out horse was harder to deal with than anything else he was probably going to find. "Aveda?" he called again, his eyes peeled for anything suspicious. He pushed aside a branch and spotted Aveda on the ground, and he frowned, looking around again.

Aveda looked up with wide eyes when she thought she heard her name faintly being called then with a gasp she saw Aarin's face peering through the branches. He came back! She thought in surprise then had to stop herself shouting at him to run for his own safety. She shook her head slightly then with barely noticeable movements motioned with her head to where the three bandits were hiding. She stood slowly, stretching her arms in preparation for what she knew was going to be a fight. "What she doin'?" She could hear one of the bandits whispering in a puzzled voice. She turned in their direction and a small smile was suddenly on her face. "You boys better get out here..I really don't feel like dragging you out." The bandits could be heard laughing but moments later they were doing as she said and were emerging from the trees. "What makes you think you could drag us out?" Aveda raised an eyebrow and her smile widened. "Don't you know who I am? You have the pleasure of sharing the company with the greatest thief of all time. Robin Hood." The laughter that exploded was loud and seemed to echo throughout the trees. "You? Robin Hood...thats the funniest thing I ever heard!" The leader cackled before looking back towards her but she wasn't there. His eyes widened. As they had been laughing she had quickly and silently ran and with ease back flipped over them, landing with skill and grace behind them. "Where'd she go?" They stared round wildly then froze when they heard her clearing her throat lightly behind them. Suddenly she shoved one of them roughly knocking him into one of the others and sending them staggering forwards. The third turned but was quickly knocked off his feet when she swung round and kicked him. "Do you wish to carry on?"

Aarin gaped at her as she toyed with the bandits. He frowned and sighed, standing up straighter and tucking his knife into the holster on his belt, then frowned at her. She didn't need his help. He should have known that. He turned and started to head off through the trees again to find his horse. He would need to head home.

The bandits eyed Aveda wearily then quickly took off, deciding she wasn't worth the trouble. "Did you see that Aarin!" She exclaimed happily as she turned to where he had been hiding. When he made no answer she frowned lightly then quickly walked over to where he had been. "Where are you going?" She called when she spotted him ahead. "Please tell me you're not really thinking of going home? Thats pretty selfish of you.." She knew this would most likely cause a reaction but that was what she wanted. That way she could try and stop him going back.

Aarin glanced back at her over his shoulder as he neared his horse and he sighed, shaking his head. "Yes. I am." he said and moved to pull himself into the saddle. "I have to go back... I have to make sure my family is alive... I have to see if there is anyone in the castle still alive... If my uncle has been there..." He gulped and frowned down at the ground. "I just have to. And you said it yourself... I'm not your responsibility. I'm no one's responsibility." he muttered, grabbing the reigns. "It's not like you want me around anyways. I'll only get in the way."

Aveda frowned at him. "I do want you around!" She shouted suddenly even catching herself off guard. "I have been on my own now for over eight years so its been incredible having someone to talk to and laugh with but i'm also very frightened of it!" She continued then turned away unable to look at him as she spoke. "I'm scared that one day you will leave..and I will be alone again. So its just better to not allow myself to get used to your company..because you will go eventually. Your a prince and your rightful place is back in the castle and mine is out here. That's why i'm pushing you away." She sighed and folded her arms as she stared angrily at the ground. She hated admitting things like that. It made her feel weak.

Aarin frowned deeply as he listened to her, and when she finished, he shook his head and sighed. "I offered to give you a place to stay in the castle, Aveda. And you think i'm just going to leave you? To be honest... You're my only real friend..." he admitted and frowned. "I'm not gonna leave you."

"What am I meant to do? Go with you to the castle and forget about my brother?" Aveda asked in a weak voice. Maybe that was the right thing to do. She had been searching for so long and there still hadn't been any sign of him. Aveda gulped lightly, keeping all tears at bay as she finally looked back at Aarin. "Tell me what I should do?"

Aarin seemed to think about it and he took a deep breath before he gave her a renewed smile. "Come back to my castle with me so we can check on the situation there... and then we'll go from there." he whispered. "But I have to know who's okay and who isn't." he said and then offered his arm to help her up onto the back of his saddle. "But first thing's first... let's find your horse."

Aveda looked thoughtful for a moment, biting her lip nervously as she did before finally giving a small nod. "Alright." She said then took his arm and pulled herself up behind. "I'm sorry that i've been so horrible.." She told him then carefully wrapped her arms round his waist. "Lets go before those bandits decide to return."

Aarin nodded and smiled at her a little. He rather liked the way her arms felt around his waist. He snapped the reigns gently and the horse turned and headed back towards the trail. He sighed and looked around as the trees began to clear, and off in the distance, he could see her horse grazing happily with a flick of his tail. He smiled and kicked his horse into a trot up to hers, slowly approaching it and grabbing for the reigns to hold the horse still so she could climb on.

Climbing across into her own saddle Aveda took hold of the reins that Aarin was gripping. "Thanks. Now shall we go back to the castle and hope your dear uncle isn't there?" She knew she didn't have the strength or power to fight him and she hoped she would never have to.

Aarin smiled at her and nodded, turning his horse back onto the trail towards the castle and giving it a kick to help it go faster. He had to hurry... who knew what damage his uncle had already done.



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