Lore: A Forgotten Path

[Emora Deen]

Airen:

As Airen is out doing his morning chores he notices a young woman walking towards the shop. He notices her beautiful flowing gold hair as she makes her way closer. He had seen a few young girls before but none caught his attention like her. For some reason he couldn't take his eyes off of her.

Emora Deen:

Elena wondered through the town all day with her basket in her arms. She carried the basket full of the things that she had bought that day and it was filled, heavy with the weight.

She walked towards the blacksmith shop to admire the things she couldn't afford. Like a sword... or daggers. Things she would love to own. Though... what was the use of a sword if she never knew how to use it?

Oh, how she wanted to learn. She wanted to truly be good at defending herself, but sadly she was only a servant girl.

Elena stopped at the front of the shop, looking over the sword and many other metal objects that a blacksmith would forge. Her bright violet eyes sparkling with interest. She was to shy to speak at the moment.

Airen:

The boy sat starring for a moment but then snapped out of it and said, " May I help you miss." "Is there anything I can do for you?"

Emora Deen:

Elena looked up quickly, her small blush touching her cheeks and turning them a light rose color. She smiled softly and shook her head to his question. "I'm... I'm just looking..."

Her hand absentmindedly ran over the hilt of a sword. "You do fine work," she said softly and glanced up at him for a moment.

The sword looked much to large for her, though Elena couldn't tell. "Might I ask how long you have been in this business?"

Airen:

" About a year," he replied in a nice comforting voice. He knew the girl was shy and nervous, so he tried to keep the conversation as relaxed as possible "Can you use a sword?" he asked in a friendly voice.

Emora Deen:

Elena looked up again and smiled. "No... I'm afriad not," she said softly, then took a moment to admire the the swords again. "I've never had time to learn... I work in the Lord's castle... I'm a servant... and I guess they don't care much for us common servants..."

Elena closed her mouth quickly, realizing to herself that she was talking to much, but she felt strangely comfortable around this boy. "My name is Elena..." She offered her hand for him to shake with a soft smile on her face...

Airen:

The boy reached out and took the girls hand and said in an honnorable voice," I'm Airen. It's nice to meet you, Elena."

Airen withdrew his hand and picked up one of the smaller swords and handed it to the girl

"Here, you can have this," he said, "Maybe you can stop by some day, and I'll give you some lessons on how to use it."

Emora Deen:

Elena looked at the sword and then back at him in almost amazement as her hand reached slowly out for the sword. She grasped the hilt and pulled it too her.

"Wow..." she whispered and looked up at him with her beautiful bright smile. "That would be wonderful!"

She looked at the sword. "Thank you..." It was so nice of him that she really didn't know what to say.

Airen:

"You are quite welcome," he replied as he raised his head and stared into her bright violet eyes.
"It was a pleasure meeting you and I really hope to see you again soon," he said," I have to get back to work now, so...."

Emora Deen:

Elena looked at him, her eyes sparkling. "Oh, yes... I don't want to get in your way..." she interrupted by accident, a blush rising to her cheeks. She backed up slightly. "Thank you again... I'll be sure to come back to visit you..."

Elena left with a bright smile on her face, carrying the heavy basket with one arm and the sword in the other. Many of the townspeople looked at her oddly since it seemed as if she would attack anyone since her sword was not in a sheath of any sort. It was a bit heavy, but just her size.

She returned to the castle to finish up her chores for that day. At night she took her shower quickly and returned to her quarters in the servants end of the castle. It was a small single bed bedroom with a small stone window and a small mirror and a small nightstand and dresser. Everything was small if you were a servant.

She let her long flowing hair cascade down her back and she brushed it as she stared into the mirror. She would stop every once and a while and look at her sword as her mind wondered back and forth from the boy she had met, to the possibility of learning how to defend herself.

Finally she laid down that night, pulling the covers over her and leaning over. She blew out her candle and listened to the sounds of the creatures of the night... Tomorrow she would visit him again....

Airen:

Airen watched the beautiful girl until she was completely out of sight.
He was already missing her company. As he was finishing up, he began thinking about the girl with her beautiful smile and long gold hair. It brought a smile to his face.

Airen's thoughts were interrupted by Halmar telling him to come in and eat dinner.

At dinner Airen and the old man discussed their day. It seemed that the only thing Airen could remember was Elena.

After dinner Airen and the man went off to their rooms for the night. However, Airen could not sleep because all he could do was think about the girl, hoping she would show up tomorrow.

Finally, he did drift off into peaceful dreams.

Emora Deen:

Elena woke early the next morning and braided her long hair quickly, then wrapped her sword in a sheet to hide it and carry it better. She left her small servant quarters and ran down the stone steps, almost tripping and running into a smug noble.

"Excuse me," she said quickly and bowed her head before turning and jogging down a hall. Her skirts billowed behind her.

She left the Lord's Castle quickly and wondered into town, the morning sun causing the dew to fog in the air. She slowly slowed to a walk when the shop came into view. She didn't want to disturb him from his work... but she truly wanted to meet him again.

Elena walked towards the shop and in no time stood in the door way.

Airen:

Airen wakes before dawn with Halmar and eats his breakfast. He is redy to work at daylight.

AS he is hammering on a smoltering hot sword blade he notices the girl strolling down the street with something wrapped in a sheet. She was more beautiful than yesterday.

He acts as if he doesn't notice her coming to see if she'll stop by. She does, and he said," Good Morning. Your here a little earlier today, but it doesn't matter. I'm glad you're here. Is that your sword?"

Emora Deen:

Elena blushed and smiled when he said he was glad she had come. She looked up at him. "Yes... this is my sword. I was afraid someone in the castle might take it from me... and I didn't want to lose it so quickly..."

Elena leaned forward to see what he was doing or watch him work in a way. She glanced at him and smiled softly... "Um... is this a bad time? Should I come back later?" she asked gently, her voice soft and meak

Airen:

"No!"he replied hastily,"Now is as good of time as any. I'll be through in a second.

Airen finished the blade he was working on and put it away.
He turned his eyes back towards the soft face of the girl," So are you ready to learn how to use that thing." he said in a cheerful tone.

Emora Deen:

Elena nodded quickly. "Oh yes!" she said with excitment and unwrapped her sword. "I would very much like that." She was almost glowing with excitment.

She tried the see behind his mask, to see his face and get a glimps of what he looked like, but she couldn't and finally gave up. "Where should we go? It is far to cluttered in here isn't it?"

She blushed, thinking that maybe calling his work shop cluttered would offend him. Her head bowed lightly and a soft smile came to her lips. She was used to doing this, being around nobles all day. Anything could offend them...

Airen:

"What is wrong, ' he said in a laughing manner," Why are you blushing.Did I do something?"

Emora Deen:

Elena looked up quickly with a smile on her lips and her blush fading from her cheeks. He hadn't noticed what she said? Or did he care? Either one Elena didn't care about. "Oh... nothing," she said, her smile turning from soft to sweet. "No... you didn't do anything..."

A soft sigh escaped her lips and she grinned warmly. "So... where will we go for you to teach me?"

Airen:

"There is a nice garden out back. How about we take a strole and get to know each other first? I mean we just met yesterday." he said not really knowing how to act around the girl.

Airen really didn't have a clue how he was going to teach this girl. He had never taught anyone anything. He just wanted to spend time with her, really.If this is what it took to spend time with her though, he would do his best to teach her.

With that Airen reached out his hand and said in a kind voice," Come on I'll show it to you."

Emora Deen:

Elena smiled and looked at him for a second. “Oh, that would be lovely,” she said softly, her innocence of her eyes entrapping. She gathered her sword in the sheets again and held it in her arms almost as if it were a child. “I haven’t got many friends it would be so nice to consider you one!”<br>
She blushed once more, bowing her head and trying to hide it as she took his hand.

Airen:

Airen held the girls hand and walked side by side with her through the beautiful garden full of flowers and tall trees.

Watching the birds in the treetops, Airen said, " Of coarse I'm your friend. Would I have offered to give you lessons with that sword, if I wasn't a friend."

"So, why don't you tell me something about yourself?" he said," I would love to know about you."

Emora Deen:

Elena smiled and looked at him. “Um… well, there isn’t too much to say. I was raised in the castle and I’ve grown up in servitude…” she said and ran her free hand over a lovely pink rose. “I used to work for Lord Melic, but his term ran out so I am currently waiting until a new lord has been elected.”<br>
She lifted her skirt up with one hand as it was caught in a thorn from the rose bushes. “I did leave for a while to go to Ongoreth in hopes of learning how to wield a sword… but I had to come back.”<br>
“Have you been living here long?” she asked after a moment.

Airen:

Airen waited a moment then replied, "No! I've been here about a year and I was lucky enough to have someone take me in."

" I arrived here when I was 16. i was wandering the streets and I came across a blacksmith. I noticed he was an older man and he was trouble with one of his blades so I offered to help him, and wound up with a job and a place to stay. Halmar has been like a father to me."he said.

With that Airen said no more. He began to walk quietly as if he were in deep thought.

Emora Deen:

Elena looked at him and tilted her head. She looked towards a flower and sighed. "My parents died from a strange disease when I was little," she said with a sigh. "I have known no other home than the one I have now. My small little servants quaters, but at least its someplace."

"What about your parents?" she asked, the interest returning in her voice.

Airen:

Airen kept walking as if he didn't hear what Elena had said. He was thinking of how Halmar had been so good to him, and how he never knew his real father.

With this thought, Airen became very angry. He snatched his hand away from the girl and let out a terrible yell. It was full of anger. The stone path around him began to smoke, and the flowers next to him caught ablaze.

Airen blamed his father for everything that happened to him and his mother.

Emora Deen:

Elena gasped, at his sudden jerking motion, tearing his hand from hers and letting out a yell. She yelped in fright, taking a quickly step back and stumbling. The stone smoked and Elena took another fearful step back, catching herself on a bush as she stumbled yet again over her skirts. The bush caught fire and Elena screamed pulling her hand back and holding it in her palm, a slight burn mark on her finger tips and palm.

She looked up at him in fear, unsure of what would happen next. Elena felt that it seemed her luck. She met a nice guy... and he had some strange mental problem....

"Excuse me..." she said and turned to run away...

Airen:

Airen, hearing the girl's scream, snapped out of it and grabbed her arm before she could run.

"Wait!" he said in a calmed voice. And with that the boy fainted.

Emora Deen:

Elena was about to jerk away out of his grasp, pulling on her arm to try and get away. "Wait!" he said and then she heard a loud thud. When he fell he had his hand still wrapped tightly around her arm so she fell as well, landing on top of him.

She pushed upwards and got on her knees, a confused and frightened look coming to her face. Elena looked down at him in worry, but still very frightful of him. "Sir..." she said softly and put her hands on his shoulders. "Please... wake up..."

Elena was reaching slowly towards his veil the thing that covered his face. Maybe she could slap him awake or something....

Airen:

Airen wakes up rubbing his head. "Where am I?" he said to himself, "What happened?"

Airen sat up and looked around. He noticed he was still in the garden where he had fell, except now it was dark. Over by one of the willow trees he saw the girl. She looked as if she were sleeping.

He stood up rubbing his again and made his way towards the girl. He stopped in front of her and stared at her in her natural beauty. He tried tho remember what had happened, hoping that he didn't hurt her in his act of fury.

He walked up and touched the girls face. "Are you alright?" he said in a soft concerned voice.

Emora Deen:

Elena’s eyes came open quickly and she pushed back against the tree, hiding her burned hand under her dress. She looked at him with still a good amount of fear in her eyes. “I-I’m fine…” she said softly and swallowed hard. “Really…”

A strand of her curly hair fell in front of her eyes and she glanced warily at his hand, wondering if that’s where his power came from. She swallowed hard again… “Um… how are you?”

Airen:

Noticing Elena's fear of him, Airen pulled his hand back. He said," I'm fine. Please tell me that I didn't hurt you."

"This has never happened to me but once, and no one was around when it did. I'm sorry if I scared you." He said still concerned that he had hurt her.

Emora Deen:

Elena looked at him for a moment and if it hadn't been for the sheer concern in his eyes she didn't know what she would have thought. "Oh..." she said and pulled her hand from its hiding spot and held it out for him to look at. It was slightly burned, but more of a blister now... and sore, but it would heal. "It's alright... not that bad..." she said and looked into his eyes.

Her eyes glanced from her hand to his again and she shifted uncomfortably. "Um... its getting late..."

She paused for a moment. "What... what made you... made you do it?"

Airen:

Airen reached out for the girls hand. "Let me see that, please?" he said in a gentle voice.

He covers the girl's hand with his own and concentrates for a moment. When he releases her hand the burn is gone.

" I'm not sure exactly why that happens," he said as if confused. "The only time it happens is when I get extremely mad. It has only happened once before, and that was when my mother died in my arms. This time I was thinking about my father and how he had betrayed me and my mother. I never even knew the man. It has never bothered me until now though. Now I have a keen desire to find out everyhting about him, but i don't know where to begin. "

"I'm sorry that you had to witness this horror. if you never want to see me again I will understand. I am a dangerous person." he said in a sullen tone.

Emora Deen:

Elena tilted her head as he held her hand and when he released it her burn was gone. She looked down at her legs. “Hmm… if you never knew him… how do you know he betrayed you? Surely there was some reason he left you…” she said softly, a tad bit afraid to bring up the subject.

“No… you just frightened me… its alright… I understand about anger,” she said and looked downwards. “Anger can make a person lose there head rather quickly… even a good person like yourself…”

She looked at the sky. It was night. She gasped and looked at him quickly. “Oh, dear! It’s so late! I should have been back hours ago!”<br>
The Servant Master would not be pleased with her at all… She hadn’t returned to do her chores…

Airen:

" How about you don't go back. You can stay here there is plenty of room. It will be a lot better than being a servant girl..." with that he stopped hoping he didn't offend the poor girl.

He was stuck speechless. He didn't know what to say

Emora Deen:

Elena looked at him, confused by what he was asking. It was rather confusing. Was she hearing him right? It was almost as if he had asked if she would live with him. A servant girl was all she knew. “Are… are you asking me to live with you?” she asked in confusion.

Why would he ask such a thing? Elena told herself not to be so stupid… it wasn’t as if he had proposed marriage after only knowing her little more than two days.

“They’ll come looking for me…” she whispered softly.

Airen:

Airen heard her whisper and said in a stern voice," If they come for you I'll protect you with my life. If you want freedom I'll help you get it. I just don't like seeing people unhappy."

He turned his back to the girl and said, " The choice is yours."

He began walking towards the shop.

Emora Deen:

Elena looked up at him, a blush coming to her cheeks and a smile to her lips. She pushed herself to stand, dusting the dirt and leaves off her servants dress. She stood up straight and watched him walk off. “I would very much like to not go back…” she said softly and took several steps forward.

“I hope that it will not be too much trouble… staying with you. I can cook and I’ll clean… I promise not to be too much trouble….” Her head was bowed in respect.

Airen:

Airen looked at th girl in shock." Do not bow to me, for I am no greater than you." he said as he put his hand under her chin and raised the her head.

" You should bow to no one because you are as great as anyone can be." he said now looking deep into the girls eyes.

Emora Deen:

Elena looked at him and flushed a deep crimson, and she turned her face away slightly. "Um... one problem though... I have no clothes..." she pointed out and smiled softly. "Except for the ones I'm wearing..."

"Its very kind of you to take me in," she said and smiled at him. "I thank you."

Airen:

Airen looked at the girl blankly. he was not expecting a reply like that.
Finally, he said," Clothes will not be a problem. We will go shopping tomorrowand you can buy anything you like.Then, we will begin your sword lessons, if you still want to learn."

Emora Deen:

Elena looked at him and smiled. "Oh, yes! I would still like to learn," she said quickly and smiled. She yawned slightly, used to turning in early to begin chores early in the morning.

Airen:

Airen once again took the girl by the hand and showed her to her room. After leaving her, he went to his own room and turned in for the night.

Emora Deen:

Elena bathed herself quickly with a bowl of water and a cloth and brushed her hair. She crawled into the bed and pulled the covers over herself. She was so unsure of what she was doing, but she felt it was right. It was a strange feeling…<br>
She closed her eyes and smiled as she fell a sleep.

When dawn came the sun came through her window and filled her room with bright light. Her hair glowed in its light. She didn’t wake though, like she usually did. She slept in for once in her life…<br>

Airen:

As usual Airen was up before dawn. He walked to the room where Elena slept to seeshe if she was up. He seen that she was still sleeping, so he walked away without disturbing her.


After eating his breakfast, Airen went ouside the shop and began his work. The sun was risen by this time and there was not a cloud in sight.

Airen was waiting all morning for someone to come looking gor the girl. It surprised him when no one showed up.

" This is easier than I had expected," he thought to himself.

Emora Deen:

A tall man dressed in armor rode up to the blacksmith shop on a large black warhorse. He dismounted and walked inside towards Airen. “Blacksmith,” he said in a deep voice, taking his helmet off. “It was said that a servant by the name of Elena Baldor was last seen here the other day. Do you have any information on her? We have reason to believe she has run away or has been captured.”<br>
The man looked very imposing.

Elena woke up and brushed her hair. She was still wearing the same clothes as yesterday. She walked into the kitchen searching from Airen. She found the kitchen quaint and nice. Maybe she could thank him by making him lunch? Elena smiled and walked to the pantry.

Airen:

Airen looked up boldly at the man and said in a mocking tone," May I help you?"

Emora Deen:

“Did you not hear me boy?” the captain of the guard asked with a tone of annoyance. “I asked you about a woman that was seen heading here by a number of peasants. Have you seen her?!” The guard shook his head. “I should have expected such insolence from a mere commoner such as yourself. I bet you don’t even know how to read! Just answer the question boy.”<br>
Elena made sandwiches with ham and cheese and fixed some herbal tea that he had in the pantry. She set them on a tray and lifted it up, balancing it on her hand as she walked to the shop. She was good at balancing trays and such.

She walked into Airen’s shop with a bright smile, but it soon faded. She looked back and forth between the two.

Airen:

Airen noticied the girl walking out and tried to point her back in before she was spotted. The girl eases back inside before she is sighted.

" Did you hear me boy?" said the guard sternly, now more annoyed than ever.

Airen answered cockyly," Sir, I don't keep up with the people that come through hear. all I do is make things with metal. Now, if you don't mind, I have work to do. Maybe you should do the same, and quit bothering us 'commoners.'"

Emora Deen:

Elena backed into the room leaving the tray of food so she wouldn't drop it and make noise. She closed the door quietly and made a deep sigh.

"Its not you who I care about, its the woman. Its my job to bring her back to the castle safe. I have a strange feeling you know where she is. Tell me? Did you murder her? Probably burned her in your fire there. That is worth a beheading you know that. I could claim it even if you had nothing to do with her just to have you beheaded... but if you cooperate I'll let it go. Now where did you last see her?"

Airen:

Airen ignored the guard for a moment and continued his work, but before the guard could remark Airen said walked up to the guard and said,"Do you think you can scare me into talking to you? You're badly mistaken. Now, like I said before I have work to do.'

The guard rared back and tried to punch Airen for walking up to him so mockingly, but Airen caught his fist in mid swing. Airen's hand began to burn the guard and the guard fell of of his horse screaming.

"Never show your face around here again or I will kill you myself and there will be a reason to behead me." Airen said in a stern solid voice.


Airen through the guard out into the street and said,"Now leave."
The guard stood up and jumped on his horse."You haven't seen the last of me blacksmith," the guard said as he rode off.

Halmar walked outside to see what the comotion was. " what's going on?'he asked Airen.
"Nothing," Airen replied,"just an unsatisfied customer."

At that the two walked inside to check on Elena. He sees her in a corner and walks up to her.

"Are you alright he said?" he said," That was close."

Emora Deen:

Elena looked up at him and smiled. "Yes... it was close... too close!" she said and sighed. "I made you lunch..." she walked out of the room and grabbed the tray and came back. "It was the least I could do..." she said with a soft smile, brushing a curly strand of hair from her eyes.

"Will.. Do you think he'll be back?" she asked softly and set the tray on a table for Airen to eat at.

She untied the apron around her waist and laid it over a chair. "I made some for you too Halmar! There is herbal tea if your thirsty."

She sa down at the table and looked up at Airen with a smile.

Airen:

Airen eats his sandwich in silence while he thought of what to do about the girl. They could leave but they would be followed. He had to make a statement that he wasn't to be messed with.

He finshed his sandwich and turned towards Elena. She seemed to be worried about the whole thing. Finally, Airen grabbed the girl's hand and said confidently," Don't worry Elena, everything is going to be fine. I'll take care of it."

Emora Deen:

Elena looked at him and squeezed his hand lightly. She smiled warmly and stood up to collect the dishes to wash. "You are so kind..." she said softly and walked towards the kitchen with a blush rising to her cheeks. She placed the dishes in the sink and pumped the water into it so she could wash the dishes.

Elena looked out the window and she could see the guard conversing with two other ones. Elena thought Ighten was supposed to be a good place, yet there were so many bad people. "Airen..." she said as the man came towards the door with the two other guards.

Airen:

"Yes Ele..."Airen started saying before he was interrupted by a knock on the door.
"Coming,"he said as he stood up from the table.

He opened the door and there stood two guards. "That's him," one of the guards said and Airen was seized before he knew what to do.

Airen, held firmly by a guard, looked up and noticed the guard from earlier. "I told you I would be back," said the guard.

"And I told you that I was going to kill you if you showed your face around here again," Airen replied with a glint of fire in his eyes.

The guard took a step back and drew his sword. After a moment of silence the guard said," Bring him to the Queen. She will decide how his death will be."

Airen allowed the guards to take him. "I'll be back," said Airen to Halmar and Elena, who had been standing in the doorway. The guard didn't even notice the girl.

Emora Deen:

Elena ran forward and grabbed the guards arm. "No don't!" she said and tugged on his arm to let Airen free, but the guard was much stronger than she. The guard glared at her. "Please, let him go!"

The Captain of the Guard grabbed her am to pull her away from his guard. "So your the servant whose gone missing? Well I'll have to take you back as well."

Elena pulled at her arm to try and get away. "I was coming back!" she lied and looked at him. "I just wanted to visit with my friends..."

The dragged them from the house and down the streets where many people watched them as they passed. Elena didn't fight, she found it useless and surely the Queen, so good and kind, wouldn't allow Airen to be killed!

The arrived at the Lord's Castle soon enough and were taken to the thrown room, where the Lord in Waiting was stationed until the new lord was chosen.

The guards explained the troubles and looked to him for guidance. "I want the Queen to decide his punishmetn!" "Yes call the Queen!"

And so the lord did and they waited for her arrival

Eslin:

Queen Sinead stepped through her magical portal and onto the streets of Hepian. She came to Hepian every now and then to make sure that the city was being well protected and everything was in order.

The street that she had landed in was right outside the local lords mansion. She always started here and worked her way down the line of power. She would even talk to a few of the soldiers that were stationed here at Hepian.

Queen Sinead had just finished talking with the treasure, a tall lanky man with slightly graying hair and green eyes, when a servant with the lords coat of arms rushed up to her. He bowed quickly and stood. "My Queen, the Lord Drail has sent me to ask you if you would be willing to judge an important case."

When Queen Sinead heard what was being ask of her she sighed. Things like this always came up when she came to survey her lands. She couldn't figure out why the Lords couldn't think straight when she was here. Maybe they were feeling guilty when she was here. She made a note to pay close attention to Lord Drail's recent activities.

She smiled at the servant and said, “Of course I wouldn’t mind. Where will the hearing take place?”<br>
“Oh, in the throne room, my Lady.”

“Thank you,” Sinead said to the servant, so that he would be dismissed. She didn’t like to be shadowed by servants. Even thought she tried very hard to be kind to them, she found they all had a streak of noisiness.

When Sinead reached the doors, the guards at the doors bowed. Sinead looked to the one with the more decorations. “Go in there an announce that I’m here. It would be bad manners if I just walked in.”<br>
“Yes it would, my Queen. I’ll see to it,” he said as he walked into the room.

Sinead gave the man a few moments, and then she strode into the room, acting every inch the Queen that she was. She glided to the middle of the room and stopped. The setting sun peaked through a window and shone on her hair and crown making her look like a heavenly being. Her face was kind but stern. After all she was here to make a judgment.

The Queen took in every detail of the room while she was walking in. She had made a note of everything down to the expressions on Elena’s and Airen’s faces.

“My Lord Drial, why is it you have asked my presences here today?” Her bright blue eyes locked with his making it clear that he’d better have a good reason. She also wanted to see if he would squirm from any guilty thoughts.

Airen:

Lord Drial looked nervously up at the beautiful queen." My lady," he said in a cracking voice. I wouldn't have called you except this guard," he pointed toward the guard master guard." claimed that this was a matter to great for a lord to decide the fate of these to peasants. He requested you, and I knew that you were in town so I sent for you.I didn't mean for it to be problem."

Emora Deen:

"I- I!" The guard said and stepped forward, holding Elena by the arm, he let her go, however. "My lady, it is this blacksmith who needs the punishing! He hardboard this woman in his house and wouldn't allow me to know where she was. He threatened me! And! AND! He hit me! He surely disserves death."

"No!" Elena protested and stepped forward. She bowed her head quickly to the Queen. "My lady he doesn't disserve death. He helped me! Yes... I did not come back to the castle when I was told to, but he offered me a home where I wouldn't have to be a slave. He offered me kindness where all I was offered here was coldness. He doesn't disserve death!"

Eslin:

"Silence," Sinead said in a commanding voice. So the guard wanted the Queen to judge this case did he. He probably thought that it would be easier to convince the nicest Queen in the world rather than suffer the judgment of a local lord like Lord Drail, or maybe he thought the Queen would be more lenient since she is a woman.

Queen Sinead continued standing in the middle of the room. "I will hear both sides of the case before I make my judgment. What is your name?" she asked while looking dead at the guard so that he would know it was he she was addressing.

Emora Deen:

“Quixler,” the guard said and looked to the Queen. “And this man threatened and attacked me! I was simply doing my job. I was looking for the girl, to bring her back to the safety of the palace, when his man kept her from me! He threatened me and hit me! So, of course he must be punished for kidnapping the girl, not to mention attacking me!”<br>
“He didn’t kidnap me!” Elena said and stepped forward, but a guard held her by the arm so she wouldn’t be able to get her hands around the thick neck of guard speaking so foully of her friend. “Airen was only helping me! He let me spend the night when it was too late to come home.”<br>
“Its never to late to come back to the castle!” Lord Drail interrupted.

“It is if you know Madam Belvoe,” Elena muttered and glanced to Airen. “Your highness, I beg of you, do not take Airen’s life because of me. Please!”<br>
Surely now would be a good time for Airen to tell his side!

Airen:

Airen looked up at the queen with a blaze of anger in his eyes. Now being released by the guard, he took a step towards her and Lord Drail said firmly," That's close enough. It's bad enough that you haven't bowed to the lady."

"I bow to no one," Airen said in response. He did stop however and began telling his side of the story.

Airen began,"It all started the other day when Elena stopped by my shop. We talked a little while and found out we had a lot in common. Well, I invited her back over so we could talk some more. While we were talking the next day,"he said hesitantly."I...I fainted. Elena stayed 'til I woke to make sure I was alright. When I awoke I saw her sleeping against a tree. Instead of sending her home, I offered a place to stay for the night. This afternoon, this guard"he pointed toward the guard,"shows up at my shop. I kindly asked him if I could help with anything, and he asked if I had seen a peasant girl around. I told him that I didn't keep up with the peole that came through my shop. He pressed the matter and I asked him to leave the shop. He threatened to have me beheaded so I walked up to him,"Airen walked towards the guard and got in his face," your threats don't scare me. He then swung at me and I caught his hand and snatched him off his horse. I told him to leave once again and this time he did...and later he showed back up and brought me here."


Feeling confident that nothing was going to happen to him, Airen turned his back on all of them and began walking away.

Eslin:

Sinead didn't even flinch when the blacksmith took a step towards her, anger blazing in his eyes. She raised a questing eyebrow to him. Sometime mortals amused her. She listened to his side of the story just as closely as she had listened to that guards.

When the blacksmith turned and walked away Sinead tsked. She wrapped him in a spell that would hold him tightly to the spot he was in for as long as she wanted.

"I don't care if you bow to me or not. That's your business, but you will show respect where respect is due, especially if respect is shown to you. Arrogance is a vain pride, and I suggest you get rid of it if you want to make it anywhere in this life,” Sinead said in voice that a mother would use for a child who need to learn a hard lesson: calm, cool, and guiding.

Sinead left him wrapped in her binding spell. He wouldn't be moving anytime soon. Sinead was the center of attention, and she was sure all eyes were fastened on her.

“Does anyone else have anything to add to this case?” She scanned the room with her eyes willing someone to speak up if they had something

Emora Deen:

Elena shook her head quietly. She had nothing else to say. She had explained everything and she just had to have faith in the kindess of her good Queen.

Please, your highness...

The guard said nothing either. They all just waited for her to make her decision. Elena really didn't want Airen to die. She had just gotten to know him and she really liked him.

Airen:

The queens enrapture brought an evil smile to Airen's face. He knew there was nothing he could do, but he figured she didn't have it in her to kill him.

"You may have me now,Queen," he said mockingly," And you may have the power to kill me, but I promise you it will not be the end of me." Airen let out an evil laugh of mockery. "Do what you will and do it now."

Eslin:

Queen Sinead walked up to Airen. She walked around him so that she could face him. Even though she was slightly shorter than he was, it was clear that she dominated the situation. Sinead removed the mask that he was wearing and memorizef his features down to every last scar.

"I sense an evil in you. One that I do not wish to have in my kingdom." Sinead's crystal blue eyes bore into his head. Sinead reached down and put her finger tips to his right forearm. Under her finger tips a symbol began to form.

First to appear was a black X. It was not just black it seem to swallow all the light. The diameter of Sinead's eye turned a bright blue(the color of electricity)

The another symbol appeared. It seemed to appear under the X. It was red figure eight with many bars making it up. It appeared horizontally under the mid-night colored X.

One word slipped form Sinead mouth “Voldacemance.” It was uttered in only a whisper, a whisper that seen to slip from her mouth like silk. It slipped and hung in the air from only a moment. Then it shattered the silence with a great boom and the word rang out through the room.

The word was the magical word of bidding.
The mark become solid under Sinead’s finger tips and she removed her hand. Her eyes become their natural color once again, and she looked at Airen. Her hand came up and she slapped him.

“You are hear by exiled from the kingdom of Ighten. You are no longer welcome here, and if you ever return you shall be hunted till death. You have received the mark of exile there on your arm. It cannot be removed, with it’s remove comes your death, and it will go away when you die. If you ever enter the land of Ighten again it will burn like fire, and I will be aware you are here.” Then Sinead turned her back to him and walked around him to the face the others in the room.

“Guard, he will remained wrapped in this spell until you get him to the boarder. There you will leave him. Here, take this with you and make sure he gets it," she said refering to his mask. Sinead turned to Elena and smiled. “You, girl, will return to you duties as if nothing has happened. I have no punishment for you. I see no wrong done by you.”<br>
Queen Sinead looked at everyone in the room. “This case stands jugded.”<br>

Emora Deen:

Elena stared at Sinead in utter horror and shock. Her eyes were watery. It was unfair. So unfair. Airen had never done anything wrong! He was only trying to help her! To make her life happier! He was a blacksmith, and he was kind to her. The only person who showed her kindness. He had opened his home and life to her. It wasn't fair.

"No!" Elena said and stepped towards her queen. Her cheeks were flushed, but not from embarrassment, but anger. "Its not fair. He never did anything wrong! He was only helping me!"

She stood up straight and looked at Sinead, the Queen she had once thought to be kind and pure, like everyone said. One just and one who fought for the little people.

"You're lie," she spat and shook her head. "You are no kind and honorable Queen. You do not see what’s in front of you own nose! I had faith in you, my Queen. I had faith that you would prove to be the noble lady they speak of. But, it seems you are nothing but a lie and what they say of you is a lie as well. You don't punish justly." She pointed to Airen. "You punish him for giving me a bed in the night? You punish him for standing up for himself when others wish him dead! And now you have cursed him to that land of horrors. A good and just man! You are a lie, Queen Sinead! A lie! And I do not wish to serve a lie."

Her eyes were pained, for she had great faith in Sinead at one time. Strands of her golden hair hung in her face. Never in her life had she felt so horrible. She was the cause of Airen's banishment.

But, what was done was done. She couldn't take it back now. Sinead had said it herself. If the symbol was removed Airen would die

Airen:

Before anyone could speak Airen said in his stubborness," Do not defend me dear girl. You will only make it worse for yourself. We know the truth and this queen we'll regret this day."he looked over at the queen with fire in his eyes." And I may be banned from this kingdom and have this mark on my arm, but I will be back. If you want to help me go to Halmar and tell him what has happened. He'll know what to do."

Airen lifted his head with pride and never let it fall.

Eslin:

Sinead smiled at Elena. "This, girl, is the reason that I've exiled him. I do believe that could be considered a threat on my life, but go with him if you wish. Maybe you can bring out the good that he insist on hiding from me. He needs to learn a lesson though, and I'm sure his punishment will teach him all he needs to know." Sinead didn't bother even state the ways that she could have been all that Elena called her. It would have been a waste of breath.

Sinead turned to go, then stopped. “Since you seemed so convinced that there is good in him somewhere then I’ll give you a way to overcome my spell. It’s quite simple. When he as learned his lesson, and fully understands it, then he can come to me and ask for it’s removal. If there is not reason to continue his punishment then I’ll remove it, but until then.....he will suffer his fate.” Sinead staied in the room to see the impact of her words.

Emora Deen:

Elena stared at her Queen for a moment. Her eyes drifted to Airen, she would do what he asked. "You are dismissed servant," Lord Drail spat and sat on his thrown. "Returned to your Servant Master and get your punishment from her."

Elena's head came up towards Drail and lowered. She curtsied and with one last glance at Airen she left them.

But, she didn't go to the Servant Master. Instead she ran through the town back to Airen's home. She ran through the front door.

"She exiled him! Our Queen exiled him! He can never come back!" she said and took a deep breath. "Oh, its all my fault. If I would have never met him!" Elena sat down and was quite for a moment. "I will go with him... he should not have to bare this alone..."

Airen:

"My Queen," Airen said, finally in a respectable voice,"May I least gather things from my home and say my goodbyes?"

Eslin:

Sinead smiled at him. He was already learning. Sinead unwrapped him from his prison and set him free. "Guards, leave him be. You may do whatever you need to, but take no longer than a week. Here's your mask," Sinead siad handing it back to him.

Airen:

Airen walked from the room without looking at anyone. He made his way down the street with his head held high. When he got home, he explained how the queen had set him free for a week and he began saying his goodbyes.

Airen spoke softly to Halmar, who had his sword ready when he arrived."I thank you for everything you have done for me. You have been more than kind. You showed me that there is still some good in the world.I'm going to miss you." Airen walked towards the man and gave him a hug.


Airen looked over at Elena and smiled," I thank you also for standing up for me, and if you don't want to go wih me I'll understand.the choice is yours, but I doubt I'll be coming back anytime soon."

With that said, Airen stood up and walked outback to the garden and began practicing with his blade. Every stroke flowed gracefully into the other. He looked like a master swordsman.

Emora Deen:

Elena walked outside and sat down to watch him practice. She was silent for a long moment. A soft breeze blew her golden hair in the wind as she rested her head on her knees.

Elena looked up at him, trying to recall his face. She hadn't payed much attention to it.... she had been to angry at Sinead to pay attention to his face. She wished he wouldn't wear the mask all the time.

"I... I want to go with you," she said, breaking the long silence that had existed.

The thought of crossing the Border and going into Arken, a place filled with horrible demons and darkness. Where the light only shined for three hours a day... it was frightening to her. But, she didn't want to leave Airen alone. It wasn't right.

Airen:

Post is missing.

Emora Deen:

Elena blushed when he kissed her cheek and she lowed her head to try and hide it. Then she looked up and into his eyes. For some strange reason she felt she had made the right decision. She stood up and looked at him. “I think I’ll wash up…”

It was best if they left soon. She wasn’t going back to the castle and she would surely get into worst trouble than what she would have if they stayed any longer.

Elena walked into her room and pulled the curtains closed and slipped her clothes off to bathe. She spent a long time in the tub of steaming hot water. She finished up and dressed in her dirty clothes, but it was all she had. Elena decided to turn in early since they would be leaving early….

[Emora Deen]

Airen:

Airen knew that he and Elena never went to buy her new clothes, so he went and got some of his mother's old dresses and outfits to give to her. He walked to her room and laid them on the bed, so she would find them when she got done with her bath.


For himself he took only what he had on and gathered them some food for a little while. He knew that he would have to start hunting and fishing again

Emora Deen:

Elena woke the next morning and found the dresses lying on her bed. She smiled to herself and gathered them in a bag, placing a brush and her hair ribbon in with it.

She dressed in a clean dress and told herself the next time they stopped she would wash them.

She left her room and walked through the house to find Airen. He said they would leave early in the morning, she wondered if he was ready this early...

Airen:

When Elena got to the Kitchen, she found Airen sitting there eating his breakfast with Halmar. Airen noticed her walk in, so he stood up and pulled her a chair out from under the table so she could eat some breakfast.

After breakfast they said there last goodbyes to Halmar and they were on there way. They were already close to the border of the kingdom so they didn't have far to go before they were out of Ighten. when they reached the border, Airen asked Elena one more time," Are you sure you want to do this?"

Emora Deen:

Elena looked at him and smiled softly, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I am... Its better than surving in a kingdom where the Queen everyone follows is a lie. I truly thought she was the good and pure Queen that would save us all from Shea... but now I see my belief was a lie as well... I will try and keep up with you," she said with an innocent look in her eyes.

"I'm ready when you are..."

Airen:

Airen saw that Elena had full trust in him and that he could not let anything happen to her. He would actually really enjoy having her along even if it would slow him down. Besides, where was he in a hurry to get to.

Airen turned and gave the Kingdom one final look and they were off.

By the first they had travelled 2 1/2 miles. Finally, Airen decided to call it a day and found a nice level spot to pitch the tent.

"Will you gather some firewoood, please?" He asked Elena as he began struggling with the tent.

Emora Deen:

Elena smiled at Airen and gave a gentle nodd as she turened and stepped through the brush off into the woods to try and find some dry wood to build a fire with. She gathered them into her arms, dirtying the sleeves of her dress, but she could dust it off. She stacked as much as she could carry in her arms and walked towards the clearing again, walking in the middle and dropping the wood gently to the ground...

"I'm going to gather some more so we don't have to look for any in the night..." She turned once more and walked back into the forest. It was quite, with the sounds of strange animals making noises. This was the Ashgrown Forest.... It was supposed to be haunted... Elena didn't care for ghosts that much... She didn't like demonds either. And since she had little to no fighting exprience she hated any form of attackers.

It was damp in the forest and the sky was beginning to darken with clouds. She could hear distant thunder . She bent and began to stack more wood in her arms.

Airen:

Airen was hammering the last stake in the ground to hold the tarp over the tent, when he noticed a dark cloud coming in from the east. "It's a good thing I decided to put this over the tent." he muttered to himself.

When he finished that, he walked over to where Elena had put the firewwod. About this time, he saw Elena walking back with another load of wood. " This should be enough." he said as he helped her with it. " I don't think the fires gonna last long no matter how much wood you put on it from the looks of those clouds. I put the tarp over the tent to keep the rain off. Lets hope the wind's not to bad."

Emora Deen:

Elena smiled as she knelt down and helped with the wood. "The trees should protect us from the wind," she said softly, brushing strands of blond hair from her face. She dusted off the sleeves of her dress to keep herself from getting to dirty. She noticed there was only one tent and guessed they would be sleeping together in it. Which... she trusted Airen not to try anything. He was a nice guy.

"So, what will we have for dinner?" she asked with a grin.

Airen:

"WellI brought roast and chicken from the house house." Airen said with a grin on his face." Which would you prefer.....and for drink I have raspberry rum and some ale? Oh yeah... I hope you don't mind sharing a tent. Its plenty big enough. I assure you."

Emora Deen:

Elena smiled and looked at him for a moment. She sat back cross legged. "Chicken, and rum will be fine... And I don't mind sleeping in the same tent," her cheeks flushed slightly and she looked away. Elena was easily emberasssed because she was so shy and innocent. "Where are we going?" she asked and returned her attention to him, the flush having faded from her cheeks. They were crossing the Boarder and now she was going to be in Arken... The most dangerous place in the world....

Airen:

After they ate supper they got ready for bed. As they were lying in the tent Airen asked, " Why do you trust me so much? What have I done to gain your trust?"

Emora Deen:

Elena rolled over on her side facing Airen. She brushed her hair from her eyes so she could see and pulled her blanket over her shoulders, resting her head on her hands. She looked at him as a soft smile came to her lips. She could barely see him, but the light from the fire outside there tent helped a good bit.

"You were kind to me," she said softly. "You protected me and gave me a place to sleep... And I think that if you meant to bring me harm you would have done it long before now... Besides, there's something in your eyes... I don't know what, but its something that makes me think your... good. Yet... there's a hint of darkness, but I think your goodness can overcome that..." She smiled. "I'm sorry... I ramble"

"Why... Why did you ask?"

Airen:

" I was curious," he replied as he gazed off into the darkness." We should be coming to old village in a day or so. There is where I will begin my search." He rolled over and went to sleep without saying another word.

Emora Deen:

Elena looked at him as he rolled over away from her and went to sleep. Was it something she had said? She stared at the back of his head and finally rolled over onto her back staring at the top of the tent. How strange he was acting since that evil woman who dared to call herself a noble and kind Queen had thrown him out.

She sighed heavily and closed her eyes, after a long moment she finally fell a sleep.

Early that morning she woke and left the tent walking into the woods towards a brook. She knelt down beside it, having brought her change of clothes and a cloth. She dipped the cloth in the water and washed her face and began to wipe down her arms and such. She didn't like being dirty for too long.

Airen:

Elena's movement as she was leaving roused Airen in his sleep and he got up. Airen, not noticing Elena's clothes missing made his way to the stream to wash up a little bit. As he neared the creek he saw the most beautiful thing he had ever seen in his life. He stood there enchanted by the girls beauty. He tried to stop looking, but he could not pull his eyes from her. She gazed up at him and he tripped over a log trying to get out out of her sight. He laid there on the ground hoping she didn't spot him. "Stupid, stupid. Why did you have to stare?" He cursed at himself.

Emora Deen:

Elena looked up and saw Airen standing there staring at her. Her face went red and her eyes wide and she screamed, grabbing her dirty clothes and pulling them in front of her and ducking down into the water so nothing else would be showing. She swallowed and when she saw Airen fall over a long she grabbed her things and run behind a large tree.

Quickly she dressed herself, her hair soaking wet. She peeked around from behind the tree, her cheeks still very red. "Are you alright?" she asked, still hiding behind the tree from emberassment

Airen:

Airen jumped up embarassed by his actions. He couldn't even look at her now. "I'm f..fine," he studard as he was looking at the ground."And you?" he asked. "I'm truly sorry. I didn't know that you were down here. Honest! I was just coming to wash up and I noticed you down there. I tried to look away but I couldn't. I'm really sorry i frightened you. I think I'll leave now." He turned and began walking back to the camp.

Emora Deen:

Elena coughed and stepped out from behind the tree, holding her dirty cloths in one hand. "Erm... no... if you need to use the creek go a head... I'll go back to camp. Its alright... I-I understand..." she said rather quickly, her cheeks still flushed. She turned and hurried up the small hill and back towards the camp, leaving him alone in the woods.

Airen:

Airen stopped and turned around as he seen her go scampering off up the hill. "Well that went well." he thought, "It could have been worse. I can't let it happen again though."

So he made his way down to the steam and washed up. When he returned to the camp he could not even look at Elena. there was no way he could talk to her. So they walked around each other in silence.

Emora Deen:

Elena couldn't take the silence any more. She didn't want Airen to think she hated him. She knew he didn't mean to see her... She didn't know what was stopping him from looking away... but that was a guy thing that she probably wouldn't understand just for that fact.

"Airen..." Elena said and gathered her things into a bag. She stood up, and the blush had finally faded from her cheeks. "I know you didn't mean to and I forgive you..." She placed her hand on his shoulder. "Its alright..."

Airen:

Airen not knowing how to really react to her, stood up slowly, and finally looked at her again. " I just want you to know that I'm truly sorry. It won't happen again. I don't know why I kept looking. I was just enchanted by your beauty." He said in a soft, innocent reply. He walked over and grabbed the rest of their things. " We'll be coming to m home soon." he said, and with that they were off again.

Emora Deen:

Elena stopped. He was enchanted by my beauty? She stared at him as if utterly amazed and then she turned as he grabbed up everything, hiding her blush and the grin she had. That was possibly the sweetest thing she had ever heard anyone say to her. She couldn't stop smiling and she felt like she was a fool for smiling like she was.

A soft gentle breeze tossed Elena's golden hair around as she turned her head around and looked back at Airen, that same surprised and emberassed and charmed smile on her face. "Well, just think, if I see you the odds are even." She was joking of course. She would be utterly emerassed if she walked in on him bathing.

Airen:

With that comment Airen turned red himself and walked a head of her for a little ways. After a while everything was back to normal. The day was beautiful, and there was not a cloud in sight. " So maybe we should start telling one another when we're going to bathe so that we don't have anymore...ugh... mishaps." he said jokingly.

Emora Deen:

Elena laughed lightly and came to walk by his side. "Agreed, I would have told you this morning but I didn't want to wake you," Elena said sweetly and pulled her cloak tighter around her. It would be getting colder now that they were heading further up the mountain. "We need to keep going don't we... If we stop the way we're dressed we'll freeze to death in the night once we reach the tip of the mountain. Well... the tent might keep us warm and we have our body warmth... With the two us in there we might be alright. Erm... your home town... Is it friendly?"

Airen:

Airen shook his head at the statement and said, " I don't know. I don't even know if it is still there. The last time that I saw it it was in ruin. Me and my mother are the only two to escape as far as I know. I just thought it would be a good place to begin looking for answers. I just hope I can find him."

Emora Deen:

Elena looked at Airen and tilted her head. "Him?" she asked with wonder in her voice. "Who is this him you speak of? Your father? You haven't mentioned anything about him so I figured it was him... but I could be wrong."

The wind tossed Elena's golden hair around her and she had to hold it back out of her face with her small elegant hand. Her bright eyes sparkled in the raise of sunlight that filtered in through the trees.

Airen:

"Yes! My father!" he said upsettingly," He abandoned my mother and me when I was born. It was hard growing up without him seeing all the other boys in the village helping there fathers out. I helped the men a little but none of them were a father to me. I hate him for what he did. I just want to find him and have him answer my questions."

Emora Deen:

Elena looked at Airen and smiled. "I totally understand and I don't blame you for being angry with him. My parents didn't run out on me, but I still didn't get to help them do anything.... My parents died when I was little, but I think I've told you that already," she said with a gentle smile.

It wasn't long before they reached the snow and cold air. Elena was shivering and hugging her cloak to her, having pulled the hood over her head. Her looked at Airen and smiled. "Getting cold?"

Airen:

It was getting late, and the sun was sinking into the west. As they were walking Airen spotted a cave in the mountain side."Look there!" He said as he pointed toward the cave." We can take shelter there for the night"

They made thier way into the cave and Airen found a few sticks laying around. With a wave of his hand, the sticks set ablaze. He saw Elena shivering in the cold, and said in a comforting voice," Come over here with me and get warm. I am always warm."

Emora Deen:

Elena nodded and moved close to the small fire, sitting down next to him close to it. She was still shivering with her arms acorss her chest, holding her cloak close to her. She pushed the hood off, snow falling off the top. She turned her head to him and smiled softly.

"That snow storm is pretty bad... I didn't expect it to get like this so quick... Its like we landed in a different country all of the sudden..." she said, her teeth chattering slightly. She woundered what he meant by he was always warm... She guessed it had something to do with his control over fire.

Airen:

Airen reached out and pulled her close to him. "The storm is pretty bad," he said softly, "Luckily for us this cave was here." He held her close trying to warm her up and said, " Maybe this will help."
Emora Deen:

Elena looked up at him as he pulled her close and her cheeks turned a rose color. She wasn't used to such treatment. At least when a man pulled her close he didn't have gentleman intentions. She smiled softly, understanding. He was quite warm... unatural almost in the cold weather. Her shivering slowed down and her teeth chattering stopped.

"Erm... thank you..." she said rather quietly.

Airen:

"It's no problem" he said. They sat there in silence and finally laid back on the ground and they fell into peaceful dreams.

The next morning it was still cold. The storm had ceased, but there was still a chill in the air. Airen rekindled the fire that had went out in the night and laid Elena next to it while he left to go and answer the call of nature.(If you know wht I mean).

Emora Deen:

Elena yawned and her eyes fluttered open. She didn't feel the strange warmth close to her body anymore so she guessed Airen had left or moved to sleep somewhere else. She sat up and ran her hand through her long hair. It was tangled and she really could use a brush, but sadly she had forgotten it. She would just buy one when they reached the town.

She sat close to the fire with her knees pulled close to her chest and her head lying on her arms. She wondered where Airen had gone and if he would be back soon... She didn't like being alone in a dark cave...

Airen:

After a few minutes Airen returned, he saw Elena sitting up next to the fire. he walked over to her and asked, "How did you sleep?"

Emora Deen:

Elena smiled at him when he came into the cave. "Oh fine... thank you," she said softly. She walked to the edge of the cave, crossing her arms over her chest and looking outside. "Do you think it would be safe for us to travel? I hope another freak storm doesn't come out from no where again... Though, we're on a mountain so we will probably find another cave. I don't think I would have gotten very warm with out you, thanks again."

Her back was turned to him so she didn't have to look away or anything. Elena had always been accused of being far to innocent and shy for someone her age. She had managed to shelter herself from many things so to hold onto her innocences.

Airen:

Airen walked up behind her and put his hand on her shoulder."You are quite welcome." he said,"I would very much like to kiss you right now?" he asked in a loving tone

Emora Deen:

Elena turned her head towards him quickly, not expecting that at all. She looked at him for a very long moment. It wasn't the fact that he had asked her the question. Its just the fact she didn't know how to react to such a question. She felt very nervous all of the sudden and emberassed beyond anything. Her cheeks turned crimson and she smiled as she turned her head away and downwards.

"I..." she turned around and kissed his cheek. She was sure thats not what he meant. He probably wanted a real kiss... But, she had never given one and she was afraid she would be quite bad at it.

Airen:

As she was turning away, he put his hand on her soft face and turned her back around and slowly bent down and kissed her softly on the lips hoping that she wouldn't pull away.

Emora Deen:

Elena's heart stopped beating for a moment and her eyes grew wide. But, when she felt his soft lips against her own she closed her eyes and enjoyed the kiss. It was her first kiss and she enjoyed it. When it was over though she tried her best to hide her face, which turned four different shades of red.

"Erm..." was all she could say and she couldn't stop smiling. She turned around and grabbed her things, trying to hide herself. She was really being foolish...

Airen:

Airen stood there looking at the girl and noticing her embarrasment."Was it bad?" he asked her as she walked back and forth getting her things.

Emora Deen:

Elena looked at him with her bright sparkling eyes and she was full out red now. "No!" she said quickly and stumbling over the word. "Its... its just that... well.. I... I... I've never... um... kissed anyone... erm before..." She decided to stare at the ground after saying that, moving the pack she carried over her shoulder.

Elena was so emberassed at the moment. She felt like covering her head up so he couldn't see her. "I'm sorry, I'm being foolish..." she said softly, looking up and at him.
Airen:

"Well I'm sorry if it bothered you and it won't happen again unless you want it to." he said.
They grabbed a bite to eat and they were on there way. "We should be able to make it to my village today."

Emora Deen:

Elena looked at him quickly and she wondered if he was disappointed with her. She felt rather bad now, but kept that to herself. She walked towards the edge of the cave. "Thats good," she said and looked at him with a soft smile on her lips. "I really hope we don't run into any trouble... I'm scared about going into Arken... All I ever hear is how evil the place is. Its hard to believe someone as nice as you came from Arken... Then again a lot of good people were trapped there when the Queens created these mountains."

Airen:

"I am not from Arken, nor am I from Ighten." he replied sternly. " I am from this mountain. Let's get going before time slips away."

They made thier way up the mountain and after walking for about three hours they came to the village of Obsidian, his home. To his surprise the place was the same as he remembered it as a child, except the houses were not in thier right spots. He walked around the town and found a boy with his mother and with no father around. He slowly made his way towards the woman and her son."Excuse me!" he said, " May I have a word with you ma'am?"
"Sure," the woman replied in a soft, sweet voice." What can I help you with?"
"I would like to ask you about the boy's father"
"What would you like to know?"
"Do you know who he is?"
"Sure I do. He is a fire bender up in Darkwood. I thought that I had found my one true love, but as soon as I go pregnant with Arlian over there he up and left me. That miserable scumbag!"
" Thank you so much ma'am. Here take this." Airen put three silver pieces in the womans hand, and he and Elena left Obsidian heading for Darkwood

Emora Deen:

Elena listened and felt very sorry for the woman. She didn't want anything like that to happen to her... She didn't want someone to break her heart like that to and leave her with a child. "How cruel..." she whispered to herself and lifted the hood back onto her head.

She wondered around as Airen talked with the woman. Finally they left for Darkwood... heading deeper into the place she feared and heading for trouble surely...

OOC: Thread has moved to Darkwood....