The Neverland

Archive Two







The last few days had been strenuous to say the least. Aarin, Aveda and Raina had been training ever since they found out what Aarin's sword could do, and ever since Raina had done more research on her tribe's dark past. But more importantly, she had learned what her people could do. Aarin panted, wiping sweat from his brow under his ratted blonde hair, and looked at Aveda. She was helping him sword train, and teaching him different fighting techniques that he quite honestly never would have learned from his father's general. These moves were tricky, underhanded and a bit like cheating. But they would help him win, especially with the help of the sprites' powers in his grandmother's sword. They hadn't tried that yet though... He was scared to. Rafe had told them that the sprites wouldn't get trapped inside the sword, and he had told Aarin how to get them in and out of it, but he was still afraid that he would make a mistake somewhere down the line and never see them again.

"Again?" he asked Aveda breathlessly, glancing over at Raina and tilting his head at her. "Or would you like to give Raina a try? She and Cyan need to practice too."

"I shall have one more round with you then move onto Raina and her dragon." Aveda panted in return from where she stood before him. She had tied a rag around her head to try and keep her hair from her eyes and her sleeves were rolled up to keep her hands free. She rolled her shoulders and neck to try and ease her tired muscles before looking up at Aarin. "But this time, I won't be showing you any new moves. To finish off for now I want you to put all the moves together that I have shown you and attack me." She told him with a smile. "I want you to try your hardest to beat me. If I feel you are going easy on me then I will keep you out here all night and make you train with no breaks. Understood?" Aveda asked as she tightened her grip on her sword and shifted her feet slightly in preparation to fight as Raina watched on with wide eyes.

Aarin sighed and rolled his eyes, but readied himself. "Alright... I sure hope you'd make an exception if my mother went into labor." he said in a mumble, then hunkered his body down, his sword out in front of him. He gave a cocky smile and then rushed at her, pulling his sword back, as if to strike, one arm across his chest protectively as he came at her. But before she could react, he was gone. In a flit of motion, he'd flipped up over her, his sword clanging with hers nonthreateningly before he landed behind her.

Aveda grinned as she felt the whoosh of air as he flew over her then quickly spun round after their swords had clanged together. "Very good.." She commented before suddenly ducking down and swinging her leg round to try and trip him and make him topple over.

Aarin saw it coming, reading her body language with every muscular twitch and flow. He leaped over her leg, letting it sweep under him, landing back down on his feet before bringing his sword around to collide with hers again, trying to pin her down to the ground.

Aveda only just managed to raise her sword to stop the blow from his and tried her hardest to push him away but knew he had the advantage, bearing down on her from above. She could feel herself weakening, already exhausted from all the training and finally her arm began to falter before she raised her free hand in defeat. "You win.." She breathed with a grin. "With your training back home and what i've shown you, you're going to be unstoppable.."

Aarin stepped back and off of her, relenting and offering her a hand up. "Yeah..." he panted, "Now all I have to do is figure out how to get this sword to work the way Rafe intended." He held it up and studied it and the four augment slots in the hilt, then sighed and rubbed his eyes. "I'm going inside to check on my mother. I'll be back." He smiled at Aveda, and leaned in, kissing her cheek lightly. "Thank you for the training." He then nodded at Raina and headed back into Shahane and Jurel's house, sighing and wiping at his brow with his sleeve. "Mom?"

"Take a break for an hour then come straight back out here so we can carry on." Aveda called after Aarin before she turned and wandered over to Raina.

A swift hand grabbed Aarin's arm as he called out and pulled him into the house. Sein scowled slightly at him but it was weaker than usual showing just how tired she was. "Your mother is resting." She mouthed in annoyance once she had pulled him to the kitchen. "Your father and grandmother are with her, they will let us know how she is." She turned and poured a glass of water then moved back to Aarin and offered it to him. "Is your training going well?"

Aarin looked at Sein and frowned deeply. He'd never seen her so stressed and tired before. "I'm sorry..." he whispered, watching her as he took the glass of water. He could hear Shahane and Jurel's voices in the next room, whispering softly. He sipped lightly at his water, then looked at Sein again. "Still no sign from Eon..?" he asked softly, frowning at her. That was the only reason he could think of that she was still acting this way. It had been three days, and there was still no sign of him, other than a few posters had been hung up among the market about "The Public Execution of a Big, Bad Wolf."

Sein had turned back to the sink to fetch herself a glass of water but at hearing Aarin's words of Eon, the glass shattered in her hand and she bowed her head. After a few moments she turned to look at him, shaking her head as she did. "He is here somewhere but no one will tell me where." She replied soundlessly with a frown. "But I find him..I am sure of that and if anyone gets in my way..." Her eyes flared red for a moment before she blinked and it was gone. "I will do whatever it takes to get him back.." She slowly sank into a chair at the table. "I am going to go out again later and carry on my search for him. I will find him." She repeated her words with a tired but determined expression. After a moment or two she faltered slightly with a sigh then gave a small dismissive wave of her hand. "Ignore me. You shouldn't be worrying yourself with things like this. You have many things happening yourself, many new responsibilities dawning for you. Eon will be alright." She stood again and began preparing a small tray with tea which when it was ready she carried over to Aarin. "Take this to your mother, i'm sure she will be happy to see you."

Aarin frowned deeply as he watched Sein move about the kitchen. From the shattered glass, to passing him the tray of tea, he seemed very worried about her. She was on the verge of snapping, he could tell. He wondered how long it would take before she burned the entire city down looking for Eon. He took the tray gently, then nodded at her and looked her in the eyes. "Sein... thank you, for everything you've done for my family. We'll find Eon. Trust me... We'll get him back." With that, he gave her a soft smile, then turned and headed up the stairs to the guest room where his mother and father were staying. He knocked lightly on the door with his foot and then nudged the door open. "Mom? Dad?"

"Come on in, son." Dyllin called with a warm smile from where he was sitting beside the bed, stroking Samiya's hand. "She's awake, just tired."

Aarin peeked inside, then smiled and came in the rest of the way, moving to set the tray on a nearby table. He then moved to his mother's other side and took her hand. "How are you feeling, mom? Is she still not kicking?"

"Hello my little prince." Samiya greeted with a tired smile as she gave his hand a gentle squeeze from where sat in bed, propped up by several pillows. "She's still quiet but that just means that she's going to be arriving soon, you'll be a big brother in no time." She smiled again. "As for me.." She glanced at Dyllin then back at Aarin pouting slightly. "I want to go out but he won't let me. I've been cooped up inside for days, I haven't even got to explore the city yet! You could help break me out! Distract your father and grandmother, we could go for a walk, just a little one!" She whispered the last part with a hopeful glint in her eyes. "Just a little fresh air. I'll be perfectly fine."

Aarin smiled at his mother. She used to say the same things to him when he was a child and one of them was ill and bed-ridden. He glanced at his father, who'd obviously heard what she'd said because he was watching them with a grin and a quirked eyebrow, before giving his mom another small smile and reaching out to take her other hand. "Sorry, mom... but I wouldnt know the first thing to do if she decided to arrive while we were out exploring. Its safest for you both here. Then, after she's born and you've both rested, we'll all go out exploring Neverland together. I promise."

"I should have known you'd say that." Samiya replied as she slumped back into her pillows with an exaggerated sigh. "You're working with your father aren't you? No one wants me to have any fun. I'm the original adventurer and here I am stuck inside." She continued before chuckling suddenly. "I'm only kidding." She patted Aarin's hand gently then released her grip on his and nestled back into her pillows. "Your grandmother thinks the baby will be here soon. Isn't that right?" She glanced over at Anaita with a small smile after asking Dyllin to fetch her some tea from the tray. "Maybe she would like to do something to make it happen a little quicker?" She asked Anaita with a hopeful smile.

Anaita smiled from her spot by the window, watching her knowingly. "I could give you some herbs to help speed things along... But it'll only go so far. Baby will come when she's good and ready, and there's nothing I can do about it." she said as she stood and moved to them. She reached out and put a hand on her belly, closing her eyes with deeply concentrated brows. "Oh yes..." she whispered, rubbing in slow circles. "Very, very soon." She opened her eyes and smiled, looking tired. "We'll be ready for her."

Samiya smiled and nodded. "That we will." She said softly before looking at those gathered around her. "You don't have to stay with me, i'm perfectly fine at the moment. Anaita..you look like you could use some rest and Dyllin..you haven't ate a single thing today, go take your son and get something to eat. Then you.." She paused and turned to Aarin. "..get back to your training. You need to be ready for whatever fights are to come." She leaned forward and kissed him on the forehead before slumping back down. "I'm just going to get a little sleep."

Aarin bit his lip, and opened his mouth to protest, but Dyllin stood and spoke up first. "Alright, love." he said and kissed her lips lightly before releasing her hand. He moved to Aarin and put a hand on his shoulder, smiling as he led him from the room. Anaita stayed behind to close the curtains for her and settle on a makeshift bed on the floor. Aarin followed his father back downstairs and into the kitchen, where Shahane was already cooking dinner.

"Please stop apologising Raina, it was an accident." Aveda's voice floated from the hallway leading to the kitchen. She appeared moments later cradling her arm which was dripping blood from a deep and painful looking wound.

"I-I'm sorry! Are you okay?!" Raina shrieked as she hurried behind her looking terrified.

"I'm fine..I just need to stitch it up." Aveda replied then stopped when she saw Aarin, Dyllin and Shahane in the kitchen. "Just a little accident during training. Turns out the princess is a lot quicker with a blade than I first thought." She said then suddenly looked at Aarin. "This is actually a great opportunity for you. Time to get over your fear of blood, you're going to help me stitch this up."

Aarin was wide-eyed, looking like a frightened foal at the wound on her arm. "I-I what..?" he asked, going pale.

"I dont think that's a good idea." Dyllin said with a shake of his head. "Aarin has a deep fear of it, he could pass out. With a needle in your arm, that could be dangerous. Here, let me help you." he said and pulled a stool out for her. "Shahane, would you happen to have a first aid kit with a curved needle?" Shahane nodded and vanished to find it, whilst Dyllin turned to address Raina next. "Please get a bowl of warm water and a towel." He then set himself in a stool across from Aveda. "Keep it elevated."

"He's going to have to get used to it." Aveda grumbled as she slid into the stool, making sure to keep her arm elevated just as Dyllin had instructed. "People are going to get injured in the approaching fight Aarin, there's going to be blood." She added as she looked at him with a small frown as Raina hurried off for the bowl of water. "No need to worry about helping me your highness, I just wanted to give the prince some extra training. I can manage myself if he is unable." She looked back at Dyllin. "I have been mending my own wounds for many years now, all I need is some alcohol and a needle."

"I'm very aware of that, Aveda," Dyllin said dismissively, holding her arm up for her and dabbing the wound with a dry towel as Shahane returned with the needle and thread, as well as an herb paste for pain. "But sometimes it's nice to have help." He gave her a charming smile and threaded the needle. He then leaned in and kept his voice low as Aarin turned away from the sight of his father making the first break in her skin. "It's very clear that you have never been in a battle or war, Aveda," he whispered as he worked, "or else you would know that in the midst of battle, full of adrenaline and the strive to keep yourself in one piece, that you hardly notice the blood and carnage that may be going on around you. You get tunnel vision... focused on one main goal." he explained. "I have no doubt in my mind that Aarin will step up to his calling when the time comes. Something as futile as blood will not stop him when it counts."

Aveda gritted her teeth as she felt the needle pierce her skin and she focused her eyes on Dyllin's face to try and distract from the pain in her arm. "I have been smart enough to avoid major conflicts in my life Your Highness and if it were not for certain things.." She paused what she was saying and glanced at Aarin who had his back to her and couldn't help but give a faint smile before looking back at the king, a slight blush on her cheeks. "..I would not be allowing myself to get involved in this fight." As she finished speaking Raina reappeared and quickly set the bowl of water down along with a fresh towel before stepping back to stand next to Aarin. "Yes you are right..Aarin will be great in battle, i've taught him well." Aveda smiled weakly then winced at the continuing pain in her arm before taking a breath to continue talking. "And if for whatever reason he were to falter, I will be right by his side to help him get back up again. I will not allow him to fail."

"I'm very happy to hear that," Dyllin whispered, rubbing some of the minty herb paste on her arm to help numb it a little before he continued, working with steady hands, never taking his eyes off of his work. "Tell me, Aveda, have you given any thought to becoming a princess?" he asked and glanced at her briefly with a crooked smirk.

"W-what?" Aveda stuttered before quickly shaking her head, her cheeks blazing even more red than before. "I-it is not something I ever thought possible for myself You Highness..and I think if you really knew me you would not be asking me that question. I-I am far from royalty. I would be of no use as a princess and I would do nothing but disgrace the royal name." She spoke in hurried tone before quickly casting her gaze to the floor in embarrassment. "It is not something one can just do anyway..become a princess..." She mumbled lightly, annoyed at herself for allowing others to see her so flustered.

Dyllin chuckled lowly, finished up stitching her arm and tied a knot in the thread before cutting it with a small knife from the kit. He washed her arm over the bowl of warm water with the towel, then dabbed it dry before adding some more numbing and healing paste to it, then wrapped it securely in some clean bandages, tying them off gently. "You speak like you know what it would be like to be a princess. Aveda, a princess is not a type of person that you would be required to become. It is just a title, not an expectation. All it means is that you would live in the castle with us... and live in luxury. The same courtesy would extend to your family as well." he said with a nod. "I think you should consider it. For Aarin."

Aveda moved her arm slightly, studying the bandages around it so as to give her some time to think. Finally she looked back at Dyllin and gave a small nod. "I would do it for Aarin..if you would promise me one thing your highness." She answered then gulped lightly at what she was about to ask. "I have lived most of my life as a thief sir, but I only stole to give to those who had nothing. You have a great wealth a-and vast quantities of food within your castle..so what I would ask is if you could maybe donate some of this gold and food to those less fortunate every so often, that way I would not feel like I was abandoning my duties. I-if you could agree to that your highness then I would greatly consider your offer." She watched him nervously unsure of what he would make of her bold request.

Dyllin blinked at her, seeming surprised by her offer. He then rubbed his beard, stroking it as he looked at the ground and thought about it seriously. "I've never made much consideration to that issue before... I've tried to be charitable to my people, I swear to that, but if there was a need for you to steal from us regularly despite my efforts, then that must mean I was not doing well enough." he mumbled in thought. He then smiled and sat up straighter, nodding at her. "I'll tell you what, Aveda, if you agree to live in the castle for Aarin--and only for Aarin--then you will be given the honorary title and duties worthy of making sure that enough money and food is distributed to the needy people of my city. Even if you do not join our family, Aveda, I would extend that offer to you. Is that acceptable?"

"So I would become a princess and be allowed to carry on my work without actually having to steal from anyone again?" Aveda spoke with wide unbelieving eyes before suddenly grinning and quickly nodding her head. "That is very acceptable your highness and incredibly kind..thank you." She continued then suddenly threw her arms round his neck and hugged him for a moment before quickly releasing him and looking embarrassed. "Sorry..you just don't know how happy this has made me. I get to carry on my work whilst having a safe place to live, not to mention with a fancy title and I get to stay with Aarin? I feel like I must be dreaming." She chuckled lightly. "We should tell Aarin!"

Dyllin laughed aloud when she hugged him, and he smiled at how excited she was. He chuckled at her and nodded. "I will let you give him the good news. I should take some food up to my wife." He stood up and took the bowl of bloody water to the sink to be rinsed out, smiling at Shahane and nodding in thanks as she dished him some stew.

Aarin was sitting at the other side of the table, stirring his own bowl of stew slowly and rubbing his forehead with his hand over his eyes so as not to be able to see the bloody work his father had done at the other end across from him. When he heard his father talking to Shahane and washing his hands, he looked up, then looked at Aveda, relieved to see her arm bandaged up. He gave her a weak smile. "Would you like some stew?"

"Oh yes please!" Aveda replied eagerly as she stood up and moved round to where he was sitting, pausing only to politely retrieve her own bowl of stew from Shahane. She slid into the seat next to him and set her bowl down but didn't start eating just yet. Instead she turned to look at him, fixing her mismatched eyes on his as she smiled at him. "So..your father and I were talking about what will become of me once all this silly fighting is done with and we came to an agreement. He offered me a place to stay in your castle as a princess no less! Of course I had to think of my role as Robin Hood but your father has promised me that if I come to live with you he will put me in charge of making sure enough money and food is distributed frequently to those in need. So..I accepted! Isn't that incredible! I can't believe it. Me, Robin Hood..a princess!" She chuckled lightly then waited for Aarin's reaction.

Aarin's cheeks blazed red as he listened to her. She was going to be living in the castle with them? For good? He smiled widely. "That's amazing!" he said and then suddenly grabbed her face, leaning in and kissing her lips. Dyllin caught the kiss, and gave a knowing smile at Shahane before taking the tray of food back upstairs. When the kiss broke, Aarin smiled at Aveda shyly. But then he remembered something and his smile faltered. "What about the DreamCatcher and your brother? You've already been initiated into the ship's crew..." he said and frowned. "You can't do both, can you?"

Aveda blinked looking a little dazed from the kiss before a bashful smile broke across her face. "Don't worry about that. I'll speak with my brother and straighten the whole thing out. I know he'd want me to choose the path that made me happiest. And anyway he won't even notice i'm gone once the little one arrives." She smiled again then leaned in kissed Aarin firmly before turning her attention to her bowl of stew. Wrapping her arm round it she grabbed a spoon with the other hand and made to start shoveling the food into her mouth but stopped suddenly and straightened up looking embarrassed. "I'll have to brush up on my table manners and any other proper etiquette I will need to know for living in a castle." She said then looked back at Aarin. "Can you help me so I don't make a complete fool of myself?"

Aarin laughed softly at her, his smile renewed after her comment about Hook. He reached out and took her hand on the table top and nodded. "I'll help you learn everything you might need to know," he winked, "but for now, there's no one here for you to impress." He then hunched over his bowl like she had done, wrapping his arm around it and taking his hand back from hers so that he could shovel his food into his mouth in the same fashion as she'd been about to, giving her a crooked smirk.

Aveda chuckled at his behaviour then quickly pulled her own bowl back to her and began to greedily spoon the stew into her mouth. "Mmm delicious." She commented before continuing to shovel the food down until finally it was all gone. "Shall we continue your training then or shall we take the afternoon off?" She asked a she pushed the bowl away with a contented sigh.

Aarin thought about it a moment, pushing his emptied bowl away too, then looked at Aveda. "We can continue our training... but with a purpose. Let's scout Neverland and find Eon. Let's bring him back for Sein." he said firmly. "We have to break him out of wherever they're keeping him before they finally execute him."

"Sounds dangerous but fun, count me in." Aveda replied with a smile. "We'll have him out in no time at all and back with the scary fire sprite." She stood up and gathered their bowls and carried them to the sink then turned back to Aarin. "Alright lets go get our stuff together then get going. The sooner we go the sooner we find Mr wolf."

Aarin smiled widely, standing up and nodding at her. "Let's take Raina too. I have a feeling that she and Cyan will be a great addition." he smiled. If anything, a large dragon could be a great distraction for them. "But don't tell Sein... She's so angry and emotional right now... I fear that her decisions might be hasty and not very well thought out." he said seriously.

"Like.. trying to set the entire place on fire?" Aveda remarked with a raised eyebrow as she turned and headed up the stairs to the room she had been staying in. "I'm just going to get changed. We won't take too many weapons as that will make people suspicious. I'll meet you outside once you're ready, I think that's were Raina is as well, so talk to her when you see her." With that said, she slipped into the room and closed the door.

Aarin nodded as he watched her go, then headed into the room he and his parents were staying in. He saw his mother asleep, and grandmother asleep on the floor as well, and nodded at his father as he moved to change out of his sweaty training shirt and into something cleaner, but more plain. He then checked his belt for money and his dagger, before heading back for the door, giving his father a wave. He headed outside and to where Raina was with Cyan, smiling at them both. "Raina! Are you ready to put some of our training to use?" he asked and put his hands on his hips. "We're going to find Eon and break him out."

The large dragon gave a low warning growl at Aarin as he approached but Raina quickly hushed him with a gentle stroke of his nose. "Really? How exciting!" She exclaimed when she heard his words. "What do you need me to do?"

Aveda changed quickly, pulling on a fresh shirt and making sure her hair was tidy before securing her dagger to her belt. She heard the front door click shut behind Aarin and she hurried her movements, pulling on her boots and making a quick grab for her scarf. Throwing her door open she froze when she heard a yelp coming from Samiya and Dyllin's room. Finally she stepped out into the hall and peered nervously through the crack in the door to see Samiya suddenly sat up in bed, clutching her bump whilst Dyllin was hurrying towards her. Maybe the babies coming! She thought and couldn't help but smile before turning and hurrying down the stairs. Best not to tell Aarin though..it would only distract him. Stepping outside she grinned at Aarin and Raina and raised her hand to wave. "Are we ready?"

Aarin looked up at Aveda and nodded with a smile. "We're ready!" he said and smiled at Raina. "You two are going to be a wonderful distraction... It's not every day that the people of Neverland get to see a friendly dragon!" he grinned. "But first, we need to find Eon."

"Its not everyday they get to see a dragon of any sort." Aveda commented with a chuckle. "Well how do you suggest we find him? Start asking and hope someone knows something or just start looking?"

"Surely there must be a public prison or something they keep people they have caught in." Raina added. "He can't have just disappeared."

"If he is caught and awaiting execution, then there's only one place in Neverland that he could be." Aarin blinked and looked up when he heard Odi's voice, seeing her walking towards the house. She was wearing a different outfit than what she'd left in a few days ago, and seemed to be in a significantly better mood. She was actually smiling. "He'll be in the only prison Neverland has, carved out of the very stone it sits on. We call it Triannas' Trench. It's the one and only dark place on Neverland." she explained, her tone growing a bit more serious. "There's only one way in and one way out."

Aarin watched Odi, letting her words and the weight they carried sink in before he nodded firmly, adjusting his sword on his belt. "Right then. That's where we're going." He looked at Raina and Aveda, then back at Odi. "How do we get in?"

Odi smiled at him. "I enjoy your enthusiasm, prince, but it won't be that easy. The only way into Triannas' Trench is to get caught for a crime, and the only way out is without your head. Triannas' Trench is where only the most dangerous of Neverland's offenders go. Other, more petty criminals are normally stored onto the next barge bound to the mainland, where they are exiled." she explained with a shrug. "Eon was witnessed killing a young man-"

"A man possessed by one of our strongest enemies!" Aarin bit in, looking tense and impatient now. "He was not the man those people think he was, he was Scabbar, a cursed axeman who works for my uncle!"

Odi held up her hand to cut him off, shaking her head patiently. "I'm aware of Eon's false imprisonment, prince, but the citizens of Neverland are not. Neverland is a peaceful, idyllic place. They have no reason to think that some truly evil force has invaded their solitude. Neverland has not seen such chaos since even the spawn of its creation."

Aarin frowned deeply, huffing a sigh through his nose and turning to pace a little, rubbing his chin before looking at Odi again, seeming more reserved. "So how do we get Eon out without him actually dying? If we cannot reason with them, or bargain for his life, then what?" He looked to Aveda and Raina, desperate for other ideas.

"Well unless one of us is willing to commit a crime bad enough to get put in there, then the only way is if we could magically shrink down and sneak through the bars, but that's not-" Aveda paused then suddenly smiled. "What about the frog prince? He's small enough to get through unnoticed. Maybe there's some way he can help us? If we could acquire the key then maybe he could carry it through to Eon." She knew this plan might sound absurd but she couldn't think of anything else to help.

Aarin and Odi both looked at Aveda, then at one another. "Will that work?" Aarin asked the wind sprite.

Odi smiled and shrugged. "There's only one way to find out."

Aarin smiled widely and nodded, then moved to Aveda, grabbing her head in both hands and kissing her firmly. "You're a genius!" he said and then released her, heading back into the house to find Iswe and Ihara. He knocked firmly on the door to the garden and then trekked over to the pond, looking at them both. "Iswe! We need Ihara's help with something."

Iswe looked up at Aarin from where she was sitting in the grass with Ihara, and she frowned deeply. "Need him..? For what?"

"I can't tell you."

"Then you can't have him."

"But we need him, it's important! He's the only one that can do what we have planned!"

"Until I know what it is, you cannot have him." Iswe said stubbornly, hugging Ihara to her chest a little and watching Aarin with stern eyes.

Aarin held her gaze for a few moments, then sighed in defeat and looked at Ihara. "We're going to find and break Eon out of the prison here on Neverland. But the only way in is by being arrested for a major crime. We cannot risk that, so we need you to sneak in through the dungeons and get Eon the key." He shot Iswe a small glance as she gasped before turning back to Ihara. "Will you help us? Eon is one of your closest friends... He risked his life for you in the fight against Scabbar the first time my uncle attacked the kingdom. Please say you'll return the favor?"

All you had to say was will you help Eon and I would have said yes. The details don't matter. Ihara replied after he had squirmed free of Iswe's grip and landed lightly on her lap. I will finally get to feel like I am of some use, no longer the useless toad. He smiled then glanced up at Iswe, giving a small croaking sound as he looked at her. Please don't worry..i'll be perfectly safe and i'll be back before you know it. No one will get the better of this old toad. He croaked again then looked back at Aarin. Ready when you are.

Iswe frowned deeply. "It's too dangerous! Besides, Ihara, they cannot hear you like I can." she said and stood up too, looking at Aarin. "I'm coming too."

"No, we already have too many people in our group." Aarin said with a shake of his head. "Besides, we need you to stay here and make sure Sein stays here as well. If she finds out what we're doing and tries to join our cause as well, I fear there might be more chaos than salvation." He watched her, unwavering, before she finally sighed and nodded, looking at the ground with a frown. Aarin then looked down at Ihara and smiled, scooping him up and onto his shoulder. "Let's go." With that, he turned and headed back through the house and outside to where everyone else was waiting, and he nodded at them. "We're ready."

"Lets get going then!" Aveda said excitedly as Raina nodded eagerly along in agreement. "So hows this going to work then? One of us distracts the guard whilst the other grabs the key? That shouldn't be too difficult right? Then we give the key to the toad, he sneaks it in and finds Eon then the two make a break for it..sounds simple enough." Aveda said as she moved to Aarin's side.

"What should Cyan and I do?" Raina asked curiously as she hurried along behind them, her hands clasped firmly behind her back.

Odi looked back at Raina and Cyan and said, "We will all work together to distract the guards. Once through those bars, Ihara is on his own."

"I just hope that Eon hasnt changed into his human form and let anyone see him that way... he might have a chance of sneaking out if he's in his human form." Aarin said as they walked hurriedly towards the marketplace.

"We can only hope that Eon has thought of the same thing." Raina replied as she finally caught up to walk with the others. She glanced at Ihara on Aarin's shoulder and smiled. "It's all down to you brother. Just try not to get stood on." She joked caused Ihara to croak a little to show he didn't find it funny.

"Everything will be fine.." Aveda added as she glanced at Raina and Ihara then looked back at the road ahead. "Odi..what can you tell us about the guards of the prison?"

"They're some of the strongest and bravest men on Neverland. Many of the guards in the prison were also crew members on a ship like the DreamCatcher for many years." Odi explained. "They're ruthless. They won't easily be fooled. But then again, no one has tried to trick them to break anyone out of the Trench before, so we may have a chance."

"So how exactly are we going to trick them?" Raina asked curiously. "I mean what could we possibly do to cause enough of a distraction to allow us to get the keys from them?" She continued causing Aveda to simply shrug.

Odi glanced back at Raine and Cyan and gave a small grin. "I don't think it'll be too difficult for a playful dragon to get the attention of a few guards. Does he know any tricks?" she asked teasingly as they walked. "We only need distract them for a few moments, just long enough for Ihara to slip through the bars."

"Oh Cyan knows how to do many things." Raina replied with a nod and a grin. "He's very intelligent so will try to fulfill any command I give him. The guards will be amazed." She glanced up at the dragon who was flying overhead now and her smile brightened.

"how much further Odi?" Aveda asked as she looked at the sprite from Aarin's side after looking between Raina and Cyan. She hoped the guards would be amazed and not frightened, that's how a fight could start.

"The Trench's entrance is just ahead here. Our town courthouse is at the furthest north end of the city, just at the base of the mountain, and the entrance to the Trench is inside." Odi explained, pointing at a distant, white, domed building.

"Do you want me to go on ahead? Try and draw all the guards out and give you a clear shot of getting inside with Ihara unnoticed?" Raina asked looking back down at the others. "I could fly on ahead with Cyan."

Odi nodded. "Yes, Raina, that would be smart. Try to get as much attention as you can outside of the building." she said as they got closer to the building. She stopped walking and waved them to stop as well, hiding behind the wall of another structure. She peered around the corner and nodded at Raina and Cyan. "Go to it. We'll be right behind you."

"Understood. Wish me luck!" Raina replied with a grin then stepped out from the building, whistling loudly as she did. A loud roar echoed through the air in response and out of nowhere Cyan appeared, diving towards Raina on the ground. In the blink of an eye he was soaring upwards again with Raina seated firmly on his back, heading towards the building ahead. Within seconds they had landed and Raina quickly dismounted and moved towards a wide eyed guard. "Excuse me, i'm so sorry to bother you but I think i'm a little lost.." The guard didn't react for a moment only keeping his eyes on Cyan before finally looking at Raina. "W-what is that thing?!" He asked pointing a finger at Cyan. Raina chuckled and patted the dragons neck. "It's Cyan of course. My travelling companion. He's perfectly friendly I promise. Kind of like a giant dog." She smiled brightly as Cyan nudged her affectionately. "He's very intelligent and can do almost any trick you ask him. Watch!" She turned to Cyan. "Stand." The dragon hopped up to stand on his back legs, his wings stretched out. "Loop the loop." With a large beat of his wings he was in the air and flying in a large loop before landing again. The guard looked amazed then quickly turned and hurried to a small table, picking up some scraps of food. "Fetch!" He cried and tossed the food into the air, laughing loudly when Cyan suddenly took off after it, snapping it up before any of it hit the ground. "Hey guys! Get out here! You gotta see this!" Slowly other guards began to filter from the building until a large crowd had gathered round Cyan, shouting requests for things for him to do.

Odi watched the goings on from behind the building, then gave a small smile as she saw more and more guards filing out from the courthouse. She looked back at Aarin and Aveda and nodded. "Alright... Aveda and I will go out next. Aarin, as soon as you're sure all of the guards are thoroughly distracted, head into the courthouse and straight back until you see an iron-bar door. Ihara will go through there the instant he has the key. Aveda will get the key from the guard and make sure you two have it." she explained, looking at Aveda pointedly. "But first, we're going to have a little fight."

Aveda had been nodding along in understanding but stopped when she heard Odi say they were going to have a fight. "A fight?! Why are we going to fight exactly? Raina looks like shes doing okay.." She asked a little unsure why Odi would want to do this.

"Because the dragon is a cute little distraction, but if Raina and Cyan tried to lead the guards away from the building, they'd just let them move on. However, if there was a public disturbance, like a fight, they'd leave the building to contain the commotion." Odi explained. "Raina and Cyan drew the guards out of the building, now we have to get them away from it." She then grabbed Aveda's arm and threw her roughly out from behind the building. "YOU LITTLE RAT!" She looked back at Aarin. "Go when you think it's safe." She then followed Aveda out from the alley and shoved her again. "I knew you were no good for my brother!" she snapped, her face an expression of anger and betrayal. The guards all looked up from where they were cheerfully watching the dragon, listening in on what Odi was shouting.

"Hey! Wh.." Aveda growled as Odi shoved her but suddenly realised what she was doing. "Why don't you stay out of your brothers business!" She yelled back looking furious. "Its none of your business what we do!" She pushed Odi away, trying her best not to be to rough.

Odi stumbled just a little, then rolled her eyes and sighed audibly. "Oh c'mon, pipsqueak, you can do better than that!" she taunted, then suddenly blew a gust of wind towards her hard enough to make her feet skid back against the cobblestones. The guards saw this, and realizing that she was a little more powerful than an average person, the guards started to make their ways towards the two. Odi nodded at Aveda and mouthed the words, "Get the key," before pointing at the guard that carried it while saying, "YOU SHOULD JUST LEAVE US ALONE!"

Aveda nodded in understanding, trying her hardest to ignore the pipsqueak comment. "No! I'm going nowhere, I can assure you that!" She snapped angrily then suddenly lunged forward grabbing tightly to Odi's arms trying to force her backwards, deciding to wait to grab the key until the guard was a little closer.

Odi let her grab her arms, but with a sudden blast of wind from under Aveda, she went up and over her head, anchored only by her grip on the older woman, until she landed on the other side, and Odi pushed her back against the guard carrying the keys. "Lock her up! She's disturbing my family!" she accused angrily as the guard caught Aveda.

"Look, ladies, you're both causing a huge public disturbance, and you need to keep it inside, okay? Just go home and talk this out civilly, please?" the guard asked, rolling his eyes as he kept his hands on Aveda's shoulders. "I'm sure this is nothing that a little girl talk can't fix."

"I should be locked up! What about you?" Aveda bellowed as she jabbed a finger in Odi's direction before turning slightly to look back at the guard who had his hands placed on her shoulders. "I don't want to talk to her..I want her to go away. Can't you get rid of her?" She said hoping to keep his eyes drawn upwards as she slowly reached for the ring of keys on his belt. As they pulled free she quickly moved her hand back to conceal the keys before shrugging the guards hands off her shoulders. She glanced at Odi and motioned slightly for her to distract the guard so she could throw the keys to Aarin.

Odi growled. "I wont stay away as long as you keep hounding my brother!" She then threw her hands at her, wind following the motion, but she "missed" Aveda and hit all of the guards instead. "Oh my!! Oh goodness, I'm so sorry!" she said as she ran to help them, giving Aveda the perfect chance to throw Aarin the keys.

As soon as the guards were knocked to the ground Aveda took her chance and threw the keys in Aarin's direction, hoping he would catch them. "Now look what you've done!" She said quickly turning back to help the guards up. "I do apologize!" She glanced at Odi and had to stop herself from grinning triumphantly at their work.

Aarin caught the keys swiftly as they flew in his direction when he was walking by the act up. He nodded at Raina and the dragon, walking past them and into the building, hoping they would stand guard while he was in there. He went straight to the back, where the iron bar door was, just like Odi said it would be. He tried all of the keys until he found the one that fit, and he offered it to Ihara after taking it off of the ring. "Here... Find Eon as quickly as you can... Tell him to change into his human form and come out here as quietly as possible."

Ihara gave a small croak in understanding then carefully took the key in his mouth and hopped from Aarin's hands. Climbing through the bars of the door he glanced back at the prince one last time then carried on, staying close to the shadows in the hopes of remaining hidden. He looked this way and that for any sign of where Eon might be kept. Eon? He called out, wondering if they would understand each other because they were both animals.

There was no answer at first, but simply the echoing calls and curses of men locked up, awaiting their turn at the guillotine. There were very few men here, which only further fed the belief that Neverland truly was an idyllic place. All of the other cells were empty until Ihara would hop in front of the last one. Inside, Eon was laying on his side with his back to the gated door, looking eerily still and covered in what seemed to be dried blood.

Ihara gulped lightly at the sight of Eon then slowly clambered through the bars of the door until he stood in Eon's cell. Carefully setting the key down he then turned and hopped over to the wolf. Eon? He said softly as he approached edging round the wolf's head so he could be seen, hoping his friend would answer and show he was alright.

Eon's ears flicked then, and he raised his head, looking down at the frog curiously. He sniffed him, then wagged his tail. Your highness!! Oh, am I glad to see you... he said with a small whine, then tilted his head. What are you doing here?

I'm here to rescue you of course. Ihara replied feeling relieved that Eon was concious. He had been worried that maybe he had been to late. I brought the key for the door. You haven't let the guards see your human form have you? It may be our only chance of getting out of here without a fight. He added then turned and began to hop back to where he had left the key.


Eon stood up with slow and careful movements, his body still rather ragged from his fight with Scabbar. He followed Ihara with a heavy limp and shook his head. No, highness, I did not. I knew someone would help me out of here eventually, I knew my best chances would be as a human. he explained, then frowned. Where did you get the key?

Stop calling me your highness Eon, i'm not exactly looking that regal at the minute am I? Ihara commented with a chuckle as he pushed the key over to the wolf. Well Raina, Odi and Aveda distracted the guards and Aveda grabbed the key giving it to Aarin who then gave it to me. Was quite simple really. He continued then looked up at Eon a little nervously. Sein doesn't know we're here. We couldn't risk her coming with us. She's..not been herself since you were caught, she's a lot more spontaneous and dangerous, not a good combination for a fire sprite. We've all been afraid that she was just going to decide to burn the entire place down to find you. So your rescue isn't just to save your life my friend, its also to potentially save those of everyone on Neverland. He nodded sadly then motioned towards the door. Come on, lets get out of here. I'm sure you could do with a hot meal and a comfortable bed to rest.

I could at that, yes... Eon agreed, though he couldn't help but sound worried about Sein. He took a breath and slowly changed into his human form. He was nude, but it was better than being a wolf. He grabbed up the key, and Ihara, and slid his arm through the bar, unlocking the door on the other side. He slid out into the corridor and looked both ways up and down the passage, then headed towards the direction they'd led him in from, sniffing at the air as he went. "Don't worry, Sein.. I'm coming." he whispered determinedly. He was very careful to stay quiet, sticking close to the walls and watching out for any more guards, and finally, they made it out of the main gate and into the courthouse. He could see the large group of guards gathered around Odi and Aveda, and the dragon and Raine off to the side. He spotted Aarin, who also saw him, and he grinned, waving for him to follow him. They skirted around the commotion, and finally reached Cyan and Raine.

"Raine, you and Cyan take Eon and Ihara back to Odi's house. We'll all meet you there." Aarin said to them quickly.

Raina turned when she heard Aarin address her and gave a nod in understanding then looked at Eon with a smile but quickly averted her eyes back to Aarin when she realised the other man was nude. "Where is his clothes?" She said as her cheeks flushed red from embarrassment. Cyan growled lightly down at Eon then turned and stretched his long neck and took hold of a flag flying above in his teeth and ripped it off for Eon to wrap around himself. Letting go of it he let it flutter down to land on top of Eon then gave him a rough push with his nose with another growl before settling down next to Raina. It was obvious he remembered the wolf from Cuole.

Eon grunted when the heavy flag landed on him, but he took it gratefully and wrapped it around himself. He then moved to climb onto Cyan's back, still clutching Ihara. "I'll explain later, right now there's no time. Go." Aarin said politely to Raine and motioned for her to hurry before turning and rushing back for Odi and Aveda.

Raina watched Aarin leave then glanced up at Eon as he settled onto Cyan's back. She quickly followed after him, settling herself in front then patted Cyan's neck to know she was ready to go. "Make sure to hold on tight." She said over her shoulder to Eon before the great dragon suddenly took off running before launching himself into the air with a large beat of his wings. He flew swiftly in the direction of Odi's parents home and it wasn't long before he was swooping down and skidding to a halt on the ground again. "We're here." She said then motioned to the house they were staying in before leaping from Cyan's back.

Eon slid down off of Cyan carefully so as not to pull his temporary flag clothing up too high, and then carried Ihara in against his chest. He looked around slowly. "Sein?" he called, his heart racing. He had to find her... He had to let her know he was alright. He had to hold her again. "Sein!"

Sein had been standing stirring a large pot of soup she had been making for supper when she heard the voice call her name. She frowned heavily and chose to ignore it, not caring that someone was needing her attention. When they called her name again her expression turned to anger and she spun round, marching to the kitchen door, throwing it open when she reached it. "WHAT?!" She snapped soundlessly before her eyes found Eon and they widened in surprise, the spoon slipping from her hand and hitting the floor with a thud. "E-Eon?" She stuttered then shook her head in disbelief as tears began to pool in her eyes. This isn't real..i'm dreaming. How could he be here? She thought as she continued to stare at him in shock. 

Eon spun to face her instantly, and he gave a sigh of relief. He moved to her, carefully, stopping along the way to set Ihara on a nearby table. He then smiled at her softly and reached for her. "That's right, it's me, I'm here..." he cooed at her, opening his arms for her to come into. His icy blue eyes pleaded her to. "I'm so sorry, Sein... I wont go away like that again. I swear."

The tears were spilling from Sein's eyes freely now as she listened to Eon speak and for a moment it seemed she wasn't going to move. But suddenly she launched herself forwards into his arms, hugging herself to him tightly. She allowed herself to stay there for several minutes before finally she leaned back to look up into his face. "How did you get out?" She asked as she continued to weep tears of joy.

Eon beamed down at her, his arms tight around her warm body. He had missed this... just holding her. "Ihara, Aarin, Raine, Odi and Aveda teamed up and broke me out. Ihara brought the key right to my cell." he chuckled, then smiled at her. "After that, all I had to do was be human and walk out." He tightened his hold on her and kissed her lips firmly, giving a soft moan of relief against them.

"Why didn't they tell me?" Sein sniffed lightly but really didn't care. She had Eon back and that was all that mattered. "Did they hurt you?" She asked and her eyes suddenly narrowed at the thought.

Eon tilted his head at her, seeming confused, then looked down and realized he was still covered in a bit of blood and dirt. "No. This is all Scabbar's blood." he explained reassuringly. "I'm alright. None of it matters now." He smiled at her and stroked her cheek lovingly. "C'mon... I want to take a bath and get all this grime off." He kissed her again and then took her hand, leading her upstairs in ssearch of the wash room.

Sein relaxed when he confirmed he hadn't been hurt and nodded when he spoke of having a bath. "This way.." She said taking the lead as they moved up the stairs. Pushing the door open to the bathroom, she couldn't help but pause and lean up and kiss Eon again, smiling properly for the first time in many days. Once the kiss broke she released her grip on his hand and moved to the large bath tub and began to fill it with hot water and bubbles. When it was ready she stepped back, motioning for him to get in before moving to grab him some soap and a towel.

---

Aarin sighed happily with a laugh as he, Aveda and Odi landed outside of the house. After he'd given Odi and Aveda the signal that Eon had gotten away, their escape had been rather effortless. Aveda and Odi pretended to apologize to one another--rather abruptly--and with a wave of Odi's arms, they were all three sky-bound. Aarin had never flown without something to suspend him before. Then again, the first night he had ridden in the DreamCatcher had been the first night he'd ever flown at all. He looked at Aveda breathlessly, his blonde hair windswept, and his cheeks a rosy pink from the flight. Odi left them alone, heading into the house to find her parents and Anaita. He moved to hold Aveda's hand, watching her. "You look so beautiful when you smile like that."

Aveda's smile grew even brighter. "Thank you..for everything. If it wasn't for you I probably would never have found my brother, never have learned how to trust people again and know that I can actually allow others to help me." She squeezed his hand lightly then kissed him gently on the lips. "I've made a decision, a surprise for you. I'm going to ask my brother to remove the wish he put upon me so then I will start to grow up normally, just like you. What do you think?" She asked as she watched him with a smile.

Aarin blinked at her, looking surprised. "R-really..? You wanna grow old with me?" he asked and winked playfully, moving to rub her arms lightly and kiss her again. "I think I like that idea. But... You should wait until after this war with my uncle has passed. If we fail... If I fail... I want someone to be able to stick around and help fight the good fight. Lead the cavalry, ya know?" he asked with a small smile.

"You won't fail. I won't let you." Aveda replied seriously. "So stop talking like that. But if you wish me to wait to ask my brother then I will." She smiled again and raised an eyebrow. "And just because i'm doing this doesn't mean i'm going soft. I could still take you in a fight." She chuckled lightly then looked at Aarin. "So what do you feel like doing now?"

Aarin smiled at her a bit more sincerely, and he shrugged. "I think I'm gonna go tell my parents about our daring rescue. My mom will be so proud of us!" he laughed, then took her hand and pulled her inside. He could hear Eon in the bath with Sein a few rooms down, and he chuckled with a small blush. He opened the door to his parents' room, and paused when he heard screaming. "Mom!" he yelped, moving inside.

Dyllin was beside her, holding her hands and keeping one of her knees up and back. Odi was helping pin the other, and Anaita was seated on a stool at the end of the bed with towels and a bowl of water beside her. "Just breathe, Samiya, you're doing great." she cooed. There was a lot of blood. She looked over her shoulder at Aarin and Aveda and shook her head. "You two should not be in here. This is not for young eyes."

"She's my mom! I'm staying!" Aarin said defiantly, moving to stand beside his father and grabbing a rag to dab at Samiya's forehead. "Mom..?" he whimpered, watching her face.

"Aarin.." Samiya panted as she turned her head slightly to look at him with a tired smile. "You shouldn't be here. Go..I bet there's still a lot of exploring to be done." She gulped lightly then tightened her grip on Dyllin's hand. "Please Aarin..just go." She asked and Aveda stepped forward and placed a hand on Aarin's shoulder. "Come on..lets get something to eat. I'm sure your father will let you know any news.." She spoke softly.

"I'm not going anywhere!" Aarin snapped at Aveda with a frown. There was no way he could eat right now anyway. He turned back to his mom and whimpered. "Mom, you're gonneh be okay, right? And baby sister is gonneh be okay?" She had told him he could name her... He would have that moment. "It's alright, mom, I can stay. I can help!" he insisted, looking at his father and Anaita.

"If you really want to help, Aarin, then please go into the market and buy some of this herbal tea." Anaita said, offering a piece of paper with something scrawled on it. "It will help her with her contractions. Hurry back."

Aarin jumped at the opportunity. He grabbed the piece of paper and looked at Aveda again. "Alright, let's go." he said and clutched her hand, pulling her back out of the room and down the stairs with fast steps.

"Aarin you need to calm down!" Aveda told him as he hurried on. "Your mother is a strong woman, she'll be fine and so will the baby. Now lets go and get the tea your grandmother spoke of and maybe some of that nice fruit that your mother likes. Okay?"

Aarin breathed deeply and nodded, but he still looked terrified and pale. He walked quickly, just short of running towards the market. She was right: his mom was a strong woman. She could do this. She had Anaita and Odi in there, and his father too. She would be okay. He still felt sick though. He pulled Aveda along until they got to the chemist's stall, showing him the paper and paying for the herbs quickly. He then moved to one of the many fruit stalls and bought a few pieces of the strange fruit that his mother had loved when he brought it home. He then looked at Aveda, feeling a little better after their small shopping excursion. "Alright... let's head back."

"Alright.." Aveda replied as she took hold of his hand again and turned back in the direction of the house. "And maybe after we give your grandmother the tea then we can go out into the garden, get some fresh air. I don't think there is much else we can do to help Aarin."

"I-I know, but..." Aarin gulped, gripping her hand tightly. "I just want to be there for her. I feel like I have to be. It's my fault that we're all here in this place... running for our lives. It's probably my fault she went into labor so early." He sighed and sniffed, feeling his eyes burning, but he refused to cry. He subtly wiped at his eyes with his sleeve and pouted at the ground. "I want to be in there. Even if I can't help, I want to be there for her."

"Its not your fault Aarin, none of this is. So you must stop blaming yourself." Aveda said soothingly. "You need to relax. You know the baby was due very soon. And honestly your mother told me a few days ago she hasn't had this much fun in a while, she was so happy to be here." She smiled lightly. "And when the baby is born she says she's going to go explore Neverland. So take a deep breath and be happy! Very soon you're going to be a brother!"

Aarin looked at her, but he couldn't smile. He was too worried, too stressed. There were so many people counting on him to fix everything he'd done. How could he relax? Finally, they reached the house again, and he headed upstairs with the things for his mother. He knocked a couple of times, then headed inside, flinching when he heard his mother scream again. He passed the herbs to Anaita quickly, who passed them off to Odi to go prepare as tea. Aarin then took the fruits to the table under the window and began to slice them open, revealing the blue pulp inside. He took some extra time to peel the rind and pull all of the seeds out as well. He breathed deeply and took a couple of slices to his mom. "Want some, mom?" he asked, smiling at her.

"Oh my favourite, thank you." Samiya breathed then pulled one of her hands free from Dyllin's and took a piece of fruit from Aarin and popped it into her mouth. "Delicious." She commented with a smile before wincing slightly and taking a deep breath. "Tell me what have you done today?" She asked Aarin after a moment then took another piece of fruit and after eating it returned her hand to Dyllin's.

"Not much..." Aarin whispered with a weak smile at his mother, still holding the plate for her. "Just... distracted over two dozen guards, broke into a prison and rescued Eon." he explained, glancing at his father.

Dyllin gasped, then gaped at his son. "You what?" he asked seriously. "You broke Eon out of the prison? How?"

"Well.. I had some help." Aarin shrugged and smiled sheepishly at his father. "Odi helped me... as did Ihara and Raine and Aveda..." He blushed and looked down at his mom. "We couldn't let him be executed. He's my friend... He's your friend. He has to be around for the baby too. Hell knows I won't be very good at keeping her safe." he said with a deep frown.

"Oh hush now, you hear me." Samiya suddenly scolded as she looked at Aarin with a frown. "You will be exceptional at protecting your sister, so stop doubting yourself. You have done fantastically since your uncles return. You helped rescue your father, grandmother and I from the crystal, you stopped Reise taking Raina and her dragon and now you've just rescued Eon from execution. I am incredibly proud of you, you understand that." She continued then leaned up and kissed his forehead. "Now your father told me that when we return home we're going to be having an additional house guest.." She glanced at Aveda in the corner of the room before looking back at Aarin with a smile and a raised eyebrow.

Aarin blushed and gave his mom a smile with a nod. "Y-yeah... She's agreed to come live with us and be in charge of our new charities program. She'll make sure the poor get what they need." he explained, holding his mom's hand now. He stepped aside a little as Odi came back with a cup of the herbal tea now, helping Samiya drink it all down before stepping back again. He watched his mom and gave her hand a small squeeze.

"That tea will work fast, Samiya. Get ready to start pushing." Anaita mentioned as she nodded in thanks to Odi. "Aarin, you and Aveda should step out."

"I'm ready." Samiya replied with a tired smile and a nod before looking back at Aarin and giving his hand a squeeze. "Go on then, out you go." She said as Aveda moved to the door and waited for him to join her.

Aarin gulped, shaking his head and looking between his grandmother and mother quickly. "B-but... no... I want to stay..." he whined, not letting go of his mother's hand.

"Aarin, you really should go," Anaita insisted more firmly, her eyes watching him pointedly. "Go. Odi will come get you when you can come back into the room."

Aarin gave another small whimper, then looked down at his mom. "O-okay... Okay." He sniffed and leaned down, kissing her head and cheeks lightly, glancing at his father, then moving out of the room with Aveda. He didn't go very far though, instead deciding to pace the hall a bit.

Aveda made sure to close the door tightly behind them then turned to watch Aarin begin to pace. She sighed lightly then moved past him and descended the stairs to the kitchen to grab them some water but paused when she heard a small croak from the table Ihara had been left. "What are you doing there?" She asked curiously before lifting the frog and carrying him out to the garden where Iswe still sat. "Just returning him to you." She said with a smile as she placed him down on the ground. "We got Eon. He's with Sein now." She spoke with a nod. "The Queen is also very close to having her baby, I say any moment now. You should find Idre and get ready to come see her." She gave another smile then turned and wandered back inside. Pouring two glasses of water Aveda paused to taste and cover the soup Sein had been working on then began to climb back up the stairs. "Here." She offered one to him then paused, her eyes widening when she suddenly heard the soft cries and whimpers of a baby coming from the Queen's room. "Listen Aarin!" She said with a grin before quickly setting the glasses aside.

Aarin had heard them, and he went deathly still, his breathing short and shallow and his skin pale. He listened hard for a few moments before the door opened. Odi nodded at them and Aarin pushed into the room hurriedly. "M-mom!" he yelped. He stopped at the edge of the bed after Samiya was cleaned up and covered up by Anaita, and he blinked at the newborn baby wrapped in a towel on his mom's chest. "I-is that... really her?" he asked, looking at his dad.

Dyllin snuggled into Samiya and smiled at Aarin, giving a nod. "Yeah, son, it's her. Meet your baby sister." he said and beamed. "C'mere, come look at her!"

Aarin hesitated, glancing at Aveda a moment before moving towards the bed a little more and in against his father, looking down at the squirming newborn. She was still covered in blood and other goo from being born, and she was red in the face, her white-blonde hair sticking up in all directions on her head, and her blue eyes were looking around the room as she whimpered and groped at the air. "S-she's... so small..." he whispered.

Samiya was staring lovingly down at the bundle in her arms but looked up when Aarin approached and smiled at him. "She's meant to be small Aarin." She chuckled then looked back down at her daughter. "See here, this is your big brother. He's going to help take very good care of you and probably help you cause some mischief as you grow." She said softly. "All you need is a name." She looked up at Aarin and Dyllin. "Any thoughts?"

Dyllin smiled at Samiya, then at Aarin and watched him a moment before giving him a small nudge with his elbow. "Well? We said you could name her." he said softly, watching him. "What do you think would be a good name?"

Aarin gulped thickly, shaking his head and stuttering a moment. "I-I don't know... I didn't think about it..." he admitted with a small bite of his lip. He blushed, then looked at Aveda, as if for inspiration. He glanced back down at his baby sister and frowned deeply as he thought about it. "What about Ryse?"

"Hmm..Princess Ryse?" Samiya repeated thoughtfully as she peered down at the baby then suddenly smiled and nodded. "I love it. It's beautiful. Dyllin..don't you think it suits her?" She asked looking up at her husband.

Dyllin nodded and smiled widely, wrapping his arm around Aarin's shoulders and pulling him closer. "It's wonderful." He smiled at Aarin proudly and kissed his head, then looked back down at the baby. "She's perfect. Just like Aarin." He winked at his son, making him blush, then they had to step aside so that Anaita could take the baby to be washed. "You should get some rest, love." Dyllin told Samiya gently.

"That sounds like a wonderful idea." Samiya replied with a tired smile after watching Anaita carry Ryse away. "You should go and see Eon, Dyllin, and introduce Ryse to the sprites if you like. But make sure to bring her back." She joked with a chuckle then nestled down into her pillows and gave a small yawn. "Thank you Anaita and Odi, you were wonderful. You should both go and get some rest, you deserve it." She called to them then looked up at Aarin and Dyllin. "Go on then. Off you both go." She smiled one last time then curled up and closed her eyes to sleep as Aveda watched on from the doorway.

Dyllin watched her fall asleep, then smiled as Anaita washed and dressed Ryse for them before bundling her up in a swaddle and handing her back to him. He cradled her against his chest lovingly and looked at Aarin. "I'm going to show her off to everyone." he beamed. "Want to come?"

Aarin blushed and smiled at his dad, then shook his head. "Nah... I'll let you have that moment. I'm gonna go on a walk with Aveda." he whispered. He turned back to her and smiled widely, moving to hold her hand and lead her out of the room, kissing the back of her knuckles. "Did you see her? She's perfect..." he said softly.

Dyllin chuckled, rocking the snoozing baby a little, and followed them out of the room and downstairs to find the sprites. He found Idre, Odi's parents, Iswe and Ihara, but Eon and Sein were still nowhere to be found.

"I told you she would be. All that worrying for nothing." Aveda replied with a smile. "So where are we going? I thought you would have been inseparable from her once she was born.." She joked as she wrapped her arm around his.

"I'll get my time with her later. Right now, I think my dad needs her more." Aarin shrugged with a small smile. He looked at Aveda and pulled her in, kissing her lightly on her lips. "Let's find those blue fields, hm?"

Aveda nodded in reply, her cheeks tinged pink from the kiss. "Alright then. That sounds like fun." She said as she reached up and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. She glanced at Aarin as they walked and her smile brightened. "Tell me, why were you so fascinated with Robin Hood?" She asked curiously.

Aarin looked at Aveda a little and smiled, giving a bashful shrug. "I was just so enthralled and proud of everything he--you--stood for. Stealing the funds from the rich and greedy and giving them to the less fortunate who needed it most... people with hungry children, or struggling to make ends meet because their crops wouldn't grow... Stories of your heroism spread from all over the corners of my kingdom, and it was like a wonderful tale. I wanted so badly to be a part of it, to do the good that you do."

"Well now you can. You can help me with the charities program when we return home to Layfette." Aveda replied then suddenly stopped walking, her arm nearly slipping from Aarin's as her eyes widened in surprise. "Home.." She repeated quietly as the realization of her words suddenly hit her. "I'm going to have a home." She stood for a few more moments in shock before gulping lightly and swiftly wiping her eyes. "Lets get to the blue fields." She spoke up with a bright smile then took off quickly, pulling Aarin along.

Aarin had noticed her quiet moment of realization, and he felt his heart swell. She would have a home. A real home. With him. He followed after her with a laugh, keeping a snug grip on her hand. Odi had been right, the hike to the Blue Fields was a long one. When they finally got there, it was empty of other people, and blue as far and wide as they could see at the base of the mountain. It was just after sundown, so the fields looked deep in color, almost purple, and a breeze pushed the stalks to sway and wave towards them. Aarin felt breathless by the beauty. "Wow..."

"Its so beautiful.." Aveda whispered as she marvelled at their surroundings. She took a small step away from Aarin, allowing her hands to lightly run over the tops of the blue stalks. "I don't think I've ever seen anything like this." She turned back to look at Aarin and gave a small smile. "I think this may be my favourite place on neverland."

"It is beautiful," Aarin agreed, watching her with a transfixed expression. He smiled at her dazedly, admiring how she glowed in the twilight as well, and found himself blushing and just wanting to kiss her. He moved closer to her and grabbed her hand, lacing their fingers within the stalks of the flowering grass. "Aveda... when this is all over... and my kingdom is restored..." he started, trailing off a little nervously.

Aveda glanced down as Aarin suddenly grabbed her hand then looked up into his face with a curious expression. She listened as he nervously began to talk and couldn't help but smile. "You're not going to propose are you?" She asked jokingly as she tilted her head slightly to look at him.

Aarin coughed a little, looking away quickly and blushing deeply. "N-no, not exactly..." he mumbled, glancing at her. "I just thought maybe... you could consider it..? I mean... getting married and stuff... to me." he muttered, his free hand fidgeting with the hem of his shirt. "I cant get married until I'm eighteen anyways... so it's not like it would happen right away."

Aveda's joking smile quickly slipped and was replaced with an expression of shock. She watched Aarin closely for a few moments to check for signs that he was kidding, but his nervous bashful behaviour confirmed that he was not. "Y-you mean kinda..kinda like a betrothal?" She replied, her throat suddenly dry. "Are you asking me to marry you when we're of age?" She watched him still in complete shock.

"Y-yeah, I think that's what it's called..." Aarin said shyly. He looked at her, his cheeks blazing red and his palm sweating as he gripped her hand. The look on her face was making him nervous as hell. She looked like she was about to say no. He shifted on his feet as he waited for her answer. "S-so..? W-will you think about it?"

"Well...I..um.." Aveda stuttered nervously unable to think of what to say. Marriage had never been something she had really considered but now here she was being asked by the future king of Layfette. But as she looked up at Aarin as he acted so shyly something seemed to change in her and her nervousness slowly melted away. Do I want to marry Aarin someday? Could I really do that? She thought then suddenly smiled and nodded. "Yes." She finally said then couldn't help but laugh happily.

Aarin was honestly surprised by her answer. He blinked at her, then his nerves seemed to melt away and he smiled widely with relief. "Good." He said, then suddenly leaned in and kissed her firmly, before picking her up and spinning her around in a wide circle. When he set her down again, he kissed her again and again, his heart pounding with excitement. "Wait until I tell my mom and dad! They NEVER thought I'd get married!"

Aveda laughed as he spun her round then stumbled slightly as she tried to find her feet. "I never thought I'd get married. I always hated the idea!" She chuckled, still looking like she was in disbelief at her decision. "Wait until I tell my brother..There's so much I have to tell him now. He's going to be in shock!" She laughed again. "You must come with me when I go to see him, just like I will be there when you tell your parents."

"Of course I will be. No need to ask." Aarin smiled and nodded, taking her hands and kissing her knuckles. "But dont be surprised if he tries to punch my lights out." he laughed. He smiled at her and reached up, stroking her cheek lightly and admiring her face in the dim glow of the moonlight. "You're an amazing person, Aveda."

"I know." Aveda replied jokingly before laughing. "I have you to thank for a lot of who I am now Aarin." She continued. "I have always been generous yes, but I never trusted anyone. I thought life was so much easier alone. You've shown me its not." She leaned forward and kissed him lightly before smiling again. "Thank you."

Aarin blushed, but smiled, keeping his lips against hers and sliding his arms around her waist and pulling her closer. "Thank you for helping me get out of my shell more. Before I met you, I was miserable, and I thought I'd always be that way. You proved otherwise." he smiled.

"I guess we bring out the best in each other." Aveda smiled as she rested her head on Aarin's shoulder. "Who would have thought huh? A prince and a thief. Its like something you read in a storybook." She chuckled lightly before giving a small sigh. "Do you think when all of this is through with your uncle and we return to Layfette that we will ever get to come back here? Maybe we could get an airship of our own. Wouldn't that be great!"

"That would be amazing," Aarin smiled at her, swaying with her slowly as the wind rustled the blue ocean of grass around them. He nuzzled her and kissed her hair. "I'll talk to my parents and see what we can work out." he whispered. "Anything for you."

Aveda listened to him talk then smiled lightly and looked at him. "This has been quite an eventful day hasn't it? Freeing Eon and the birth of your baby sister. Then having your father asking me to live with you and of course not forgetting your little proposal." She chuckled and kissed him. "We should go back and tell everyone. And then we can have a large party to celebrate everything that has happened today! We can fetch my brother on the way..What do you think?"

Aarin chuckled and nodded. "I think that's a wonderful idea, but... let's stay here and watch the sunset a little bit longer." he whispered, stroking her cheek before kissing her again and hugging her, turning to face the setting sun. It was turning the sky purples, pinks, oranges and yellows, and the deep purple sea of grass around them swayed in the breeze. It was a breathless sight.

"I don't think i've seen anything so spectacular." Aveda breathed as she stood next to Aarin, her hand wrapped tightly around his as she watched the sunset. "Its hard to believe that we're so close to a fight with your uncle. I mean everything is so perfect and peaceful. It makes me wonder if he has decided to give up..but that would be impossible. He wouldn't do anything like that. I wonder if someone should go back..see exactly it is he is doing down there." She said knowing this probably sounded crazy but she couldn't help but worry about what was happening down on the ground and what Reise was getting up to.

"My grandmother has been keeping an eye on things below through her crystal ball... she won't tell me what Reise is doing... but she always looks so grim when she's done. She just keeps telling me to prepare myself." Aarin said, pouting at the sky a little. He sighed and looked down at Aveda, then grabbed her hand. "C'mon. Let's head back before it gets too dark to see where we're stepping." With that, he turned and pulled her back through the grass, heading back the way they'd come around the mountain.



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