Only One Wish, PG13

[Arcane Darkness]

Title of your Story: Only One Wish Rating of the Story: PG13 Warnings/Why it is given the rating: Violence, possible scenes of a mild sexual nature (kissing, etc), possible language Sub-Genres: Action/adventure, AU (alternate universe), Romance Author(s): Amy/Arcane Darkness/Yours truly Summary: When things seem to go completely wrong, two friends find that their only salvation is their only wish. Chapter 1 She sat upon the cliff, arms crossed over her knees with her chin upon her hands. It was a nice day, a cool breeze blew in from the ocean below and a small smile creased her lips. The sun was beginning to set as the chariot of Apollo drove west. Gulls cawed and fought over a dead fish that had washed up onto the sands of the beach. The girl smiled, never knowing where the next day would find her. She was always on the run, always hiding out in new places. Not because she was unwanted at her house, but because she lived to travel. She lived to see exotic places. It was her passion, her love. Her friend liked to joke around with her about it. She’d often say, “If we can’t find you… we can always look up in a tree or something.” It was true though, Lia could always be found in the trees if she could not be found on the ground. Lia was around five feet, six inches. Not that short, but not that tall either. She was acceptable, most guys were taller then her anyway, but that wasn’t the case. Lia never had trouble with attracting guys; she was nicely built after all. Nevertheless, she did have trouble keeping them. For some reason, unknown to her, guys just didn’t like being around her once they got to know her. Maybe it was just the fact that she had an obsession with swords, but then who knew? She fenced quite often and many of her teachers and friends told her she was a natural at it. The only thing was that her friends were all guys, with the exception of Amber, her only friend that was a girl. At least she didn’t get too lonely. “Lia!” The girl jerked her head up, her black hair stopping only a moment in the cool breeze. “Huh?” “There you are!” Spoke a beautiful black girl of sixteen, the same age as Lia. She was five feet eight inches with curly black hair. Her warm brown eyes locked with the pretty blue eyes of Lia. The lightly tanned girl smiled and stood up to hug her friend. “How’d you know to find me here?” “If I can’t find you in a tree, then the beach is usually the next option,” Amber replied warmly. The two girls were inseparable for the most part and best friends to the end. They had been through a lot together, through the death of Lia’s grandfather, and the death of Amber’s parents. They had died in a shooting six years back. They had been together through thick and thin, and would always be together through any situation. That’s just how it was. “I didn’t see you at practice today,” Lia said accusingly. Amber chuckled; she too was the only other girl in their fencing class. “Ay me! Relax, Lia. I had to pay my respects…” Lia frowned and looked at the ground, properly ashamed. “I have forgotten. I am sorry.” “Oy, don’t worry about it, Lia.” The girl sighed softly and gave Amber a strong, sisterly hug. With a soft laugh, Lia spoke to keep her friend’s mind off her current sadness, “Have you ever felt as if you lived in the wrong time period?” Amber gave a gentle smile and nodded slowly. “Yeah… I have actually. I find myself dreaming of a time of dragons and knights. Of kings and fiefdoms. Alas, we live in the twenty-first century though.” Lia sighed and nodded. “Yes, quite sad indeed. I find myself dreaming of those times as well. Of a time of knights… yet no women in the army. Haha! If we could travel to those days! We would show them our strengths. We would show them that we are intelligent and can handle the battles! Come! Let us away to the land of dragons!” Amber laughed as her friend acted out a dragon in flight and sighed softly. “Sometimes… I fear your mind is corrupt by your little sister who dreams so much.” “Are dreams truly so bad? If not for dreams, how would life be interesting?” Amber smiled and wrapped her arm around Lia’s shoulders. “Yes… but dreams are meant to be dreamed, but such dreams can never take form.” “Must you always be a killjoy Amber?” The dark woman smiled and sighed wistfully. “If not I, then who could keep you from floating to the stars?” Lia chuckled and leaned against a rock. “So wilt thou stay with thee tonight?” “Pleasure wouldst be thine even though thy mother remains abed. She hast told thee to live and not dwell upon thou’s sickness.” Lia chuckled and said happily, “Then lets away to thine house!” Amber chuckled softly and followed her friend down the cliff and through the small little Maine town that they lived in. “Tonight’s Sabbath.” “How could I forget? I only celebrate it every day and light the candles,” Amber responded. Many found it shocking that she was, in fact, Jewish. More so, even then Lia, who was born a Jew. Amber had converted. “Of course, you’re more of a Jew than I… Just call me Atheist and we’ll call it even.” Amber snorted and said softly, “Atheist my ass.” Lia smirked and stepped into her house. “Mom! Dad!” Her voice echoed through the halls. She looked at Amber and frowned. “It’s not like them to leave the house and not leave a note or call my cell… They’re usually home by now…” Amber frowned as well and nodded. “Yeah, they usually are… This… I sense something very wrong…” Goosebumps raced up Lia’s arms. When Amber felt something wrong, she always heeded her feelings. Amber’s senses were very accurate. “Maybe… Maybe we’re just… Jumping to conclusions…?” Amber shook her head, rushed over to the television, and turned it on to the news channel. Lia’s face went pale as the news reporter spoke. “An off road car crash today landed two people dead. They have been identified as Roy and Sheila Klyne…” That was all she heard. Lia trembled and then fell to the ground on her knees. It was enough. She lost all sense of time and direction in that instant. She didn’t know if she was up or down, standing or sitting. She didn’t know anything. Amber rushed over to her friend and held her close. Tears were falling from the girl’s eyes for Lia’s family was part of hers. Lia cried no tears for shock had gripped her heart. Tears would not fall but her pale face and dull eyes spoke louder then her tears ever could. “Lia… oh Lia…” Amber said, tears still falling from her eyes. She held her friend close but Lia didn’t notice the comfort Amber was trying to give. All she heard was the news report, repeating itself over and over again in her mind like a broken record. She spoke softly, her voice a dead whisper, “Mom… dad…” Her body shuddered and she collapsed, her friend the only thing now keeping her up. Amber said softly, “Come on… let’s just go to bed… maybe this is a bad dream… maybe we’ll wake up from it…” Lia nodded and tried to stand, but her legs trembled weakly. Amber helped her up and Lia said softly, “Yeah… a dream… this is just a dream…” Amber helped Lia to her bedroom where the girl collapsed onto her bed and began to cry. Amber pulled out a sleeping bag from Lia’s closet and then sat beside her friend. “Just sleep… things will… they’ll be alright,” she couldn’t believe the words coming out of her mouth. Her second pair of parents just died, and she was saying things would be all right. Shock had a way of messing with one’s mind to the point of complete denial. After what seemed like a millennia, the two girls finally fell asleep. When they woke up, they found themselves in a forest, one unknown to them. They had never seen it before in their lives. “Where are we?” Lia looked around and shook her head. “I… I don’t know…"

[Bard with a Thousand Faces]

Excellent! And you said you couldn't come up with an idea of your own. Great start, I look forward to reading more of the exploits of these two.

[Arcane Darkness]

Thank you... Let's just see if I can keep it going and if I don't lose interest. And hopefully I won't be touched by writer's block.

[dragon658]

Yes an interesting start. I really like the way you have build an understanding of the characters so early on. Please don't let it all be a dream though. I hate it when they go it was just a dream. Looking forward to more.

Dragon

[Bard with a Thousand Faces]

Some of the best stories are the ones that leave the reader wondering as to whether or not it was a dream.

[dragon658]

I guess that is true. I apologize just a personal preference on that one. I feel it kind of makes the whole thing seem a little pointless. They go through a whole bunch of adventures and trials when they never were in danger or anything and then they will more than likely forget it in a few weeks. LOL.

[Arcane Darkness]

lol. You'll find out if it is or isn't. Working onthe second chapter so it will take a bit of time.

[Arcane Darkness]

Chapter 2 Her eyes scanned the area and Lia couldn’t help but feel confusion. Where in god’s name were they? Lia sat up and rubbed her eyes. Amber frowned at her surroundings and stood up, placing a hand on one of the tree’s branches to help support her. “This is very odd,” she said softly and looked at Lia who was trying to figure out what was going on. “Come on… Maybe we should just look around or—” Amber jumped out of the way with wide eyes as an arrow embedded itself in the tree where she had just been standing. “Holy shit!” Lia looked up at the arrow with wide eyes; she had heard the thing whistle above her head and heard the hard thud. “I don’t think… we’re in Maine anymore, Amber…” The black girl nodded in agreement. A few seconds later, a tall man wearing a long flowing robe with a bow and arrow came forth. Amber and Lia looked at the man for long moments, unsure if they knew him or not. He was about six feet tall with light brown hair and light blue eyes with a light brown color around the pupil. His robes were black and the hood was down, revealing a rather hansom face. Lia’s jaw almost fell to the ground as she looked at the man; he too looked at her similarly. Amber was extremely confused because she knew the guy too. “This… can’t be…” said Lia in a harsh whisper. “You moved… two years ago… to Washington state!” The man looked at her and smiled. “I did… but then some things happened… My parents were killed and I had no living relatives left… I went to sleep wishing I were somewhere else… And here I am.” “Where the hell are we?!” Cried Amber. Lia looked at her friend and nodded, just as confused as she was. “My parents…” Lia choked back tears but couldn’t finish her sentence. That was all the man needed. He knew right then and there that her parents had been killed, probably the same way his own was. And immediately he saw a pattern. “Come on; let me take you two ladies into town...” “Wait a minute! You almost fricken killed us with an arrow and now you are going to take us into town?! What the hell?” Shouted Lia. “Look, it’s not like I shot at you on purpose. How was I to know that you were here?” he said. “Look… Will… Lia… Just… stop. We’ve all had a rough time; I don’t need you two to start fighting. Not again. Can’t you two ever get along?” “We did… When we were dating,” said Lia in annoyance. Will said nothing and just started walking towards the dirt road way, expecting the two girls to follow him and sure enough, Amber and Lia followed behind him. Lia caught up with his long strides and sighed, “So where are we, Will?” “Not on the planet Earth if that is what you are asking.” Lia narrowed her eyes and said in annoyance, “I’m serious!” “So am I,” he said evenly. Lia looked back at Amber and the girl shrugged. “Do not ask me, girl. I’m as lost as you.” Lia sighed helplessly and looked at Will again, “What do you mean ‘not on Earth’?” “Exactly what it sounds like. We are not on Earth anymore. We’re on a different planet set in a medieval time with mages, priests, dragons, elves, and the like.” “Great… Middle-Earth…” mumbled Amber. “Well, sort of. We kind of are in a setting like that. But this planet has been around longer than Earth.” “How the hell do you know, and why the hell have we not discovered it yet,” inquired Lia angrily. “First question: I know because I’ve been here for two years and have been trained in priesthood. No, Lia, not the type of Holy priest of God, but a healer. A priest of the gods. And second question: Because this planet is on the other end of the universe.” “How big is the universe then, smart ass,” asked Lia. “I am but a humble priest who heals the wounded… It is not my place to know the mind of the gods.” “Gods? Are you kidding me? You’re Atheist,” responded Amber. He stopped walking, turned to his two friends, and smiled. “Was. I was Atheist.” “It seems he has found God, Amber,” said Lia in one of her attempts at a joke. “That was corny… Now hush, I’m confused and I don’t like it!” Will chuckled and continued walking. “We’re four miles outside the nearest town, keep pace and all will be made clear when we get to the temple.” Lia shook her head. Things were going from strange, to truly bizarre. She only wondered what else would happen on this planet. Gods… Priests… Magic… What is going on here? Lia thought. š› The town was quite nice and very organized, something neither of the two girls would have thought possible. It looked as if they were back home, the only difference was that the shops did not have air conditioner or computers, but with magic, those things were not necessary. Lia and Amber exchanged glances and Lia glared at Will as he wore a smug expression on his face. How she hated him! “This way, my ladies, to the Healing Temple. Everything shall be known within a few minutes. Now, come along. We don’t want to keep the high priestess waiting.” The two girls followed him through the town, both uncomfortable as the people stared at their strange attire. Both girls were in jeans, Lia in a t-shirt, and Amber in a tank top. They looked very odd walking with a man in black robes. They soon stepped into the Temple and were greeted by happy hellos and cheery waves. Apparently, Will was well acquainted with these other priests and priestesses and they didn’t even give Lia and Amber the odd look that the rest of the townspeople were, so apparently they were used to seeing people dressed like the two girls as well. Will led the two sixteen year olds through the twisting corridors of the temple. They were designed to confuse anyone who attempted to walk through the Temple without guidance from one who lived there. No one would be able to find anything on his or her own in this place. I had learned that the hard way, Will thought as he remembered his first time in the white temple. After a few more turns they finally came upon a room that had no door but instead a beaded curtain hung from the doorframe. I guess to announce to the priests when someone has entered… thought Amber as she observed the beauty of it. The threesome stepped through the beaded curtain into a room whose walls were sterile white. Cots lay near the walls. Apparently this was an infirmary of some sorts. An old but very wise looking priestess poked her head out of the place that must have been her office when she heard the rattling of the curtains and smiled upon William’s face. “William! You have returned… but with no catch…” the priestess frowned and lowered her hood to reveal long silvery hair. “Very odd of you, Will… and I see you have picked up a couple of strays too.” She fixed the two girls with a hard green-eyed stare. The two girls felt themselves almost wilt beneath that penetrating gaze. They felt as of those green eyes were raking their minds, looking for information. And it seemed as if the old woman had found what she was looking for because she gave the two a knowing smile. “Yes… Come in girls. I have been waiting for quite some time now.” Lia and Amber stopped moving as soon as the last words left the old woman’s mouth. Lia looked at Amber and the other girl shook her head, just as confused and unsure. Will smiled knowingly as well. These Mona Lisa smiles were grating at Lia’s nerves. “Do not keep me waiting. I have done so long enough,” the woman spoke, this time her voice was firm and commanding. Not the gentle voice used with patients in agony. Lia and Amber exchanged looks before Lia took the lead in walking towards the old woman. Amber followed behind, not as readily. When they entered her office, the woman closed the doors. Will glared at the door and knocked. “Excuse me, but what about me?” The woman glared at the door and answered, “Then hurry up, boy. My patience wears thin!” Without further coaxing, Will stepped into the room and closed it behind him. The gray-haired woman looked at the two girls and smiled once more, “It has been a very long time that I have waited. And at last you have come to me. Take a seat and we shall talk.”

[dragon658]

Nice chapter. I enjoyed the unveiling of the new world although I felt it was a little rushed.

The piece seemed rush from all the information, which was just thrown at you through the dialouge. Now obviously you know the characters but instead of Will telling the girls about the differences and how he had been living there maybe he could have actually hit one of the girls and cured her with magic or just lead them to town and as they stare bewildered he explains the situation to them clearly. He just seemed to open up to quickly. He seems to me like he is meant to have some mystery by the way he knows what is happening when they get taken into the room and yet he says nothing. The only reason I say this is because imagine you were thrust into the situation and someone said magic dragons etc. You wouldn't just potter along and go oh yes I believe you straight away and ask why is this happening. There would be a stage of denial and then with the realisation perhaps when they reach the town an anger from one of the girls before acceptance.

I am trying not to sound too critical as I am enjoying the tale nonetheless I am just pointing somethings that might make the characters more real (something I always struggle with).

Anything else you would like some feedback on feel free to ask. Any ideas specific sections you were unsure about etc. I am more than happy to help after you kindly spent time reading my fic.

Dragon

[Arcane Darkness]

Hm... No, no... I like you being critical with my writing. It helps me become a better writer. I understand what you mean by Will being more mysterious and how I should have had him do something that confused them even more. But I guess the reason why he opened up so quickly to them is because Will and the girls were childhood friends and grew up together so he was comfortable with telling them everything straight out. If it were someone he didn't know, he probably would have toyed with them a bit... but Will is the type who would toy with his friends like that... Unfortunately, I'm not sure how I can change it without disrupting the flow of what I have already written.

[Arcane Darkness]

Chapter 3 By this point in time, Lia was very wary of the old woman and Amber showed just as much discomfort. “We prefer to stand,” replied Amber casually. “But we thank you for your kindness.” “I believe the girl has a voice of her own, lass. What would she like to do?” As she said this, the priestess turned her green eyes onto Lia. The girl met that green-eyed stare with her own steady gaze. “Amber has known me our whole lives. She has every right to speak for me if she desires. And as it is, she is right in the fact that I do not wish to sit but stand.” “Oh no, no, my dears, I insist,” she said and with a wave of her hand the two girls found themselves falling backward onto two chairs. She smiled at their looks of terror before speaking in a kinder more gentle tone, “Now that we are all quite comfortable, I’m sure there are questions you wish to ask.” It wasn’t a question but a statement, and this unnerved the two girls even further. Lia licked her dry lips and felt somewhat reassured when she felt Will’s presence behind her. “Yes… Now that you mention it… I am curious as to know where we are.” “You are on a completely different planet, dear.” “And what planet is that,” piped Amber. “Vardenia. I know, quite an odd name for a planet, but it matters not. You earthlings still have not gotten very far with your technologies.” “What is that supposed to mean? We’re more technologically advanced then this planet is!” cried Lia in annoyance. “Oh? Then why is it that powerful priests and mages on this planet can scope out other planets, when you earth people have not even been able to see other planets outside your solar system.” This silenced Lia and she had no more questions to ask. Amber looked at the old woman warily and asked softly, “Why are we here?” “Ah! Finally a question worthy of an answer,” replied the old woman happily. “You are here because I summoned you. I have been watching you two girls and William since your births.” This frightened both Amber and Lia. Lia was the first to speak, “So you’re saying that you have been stalking us since we were born?!” “Stalking is such a terrible term. I much prefer watching you two grow and develop into young women.” “This is absurd…” muttered Amber before saying something else. “But why us?” “Let us just say that your energies called to me the strongest from the time you were born. Yes, girls, I monitor life on Earth. The gods have requested I do it since I am the most powerful priestess.” “Gods…?” asked Lia softly. “Yes, gods,” answered William who had been silent all this time. “We have gods.” He looked at the priestess and locked eyes with her, asking with his gaze if he should continue speaking. The old woman nodded and Will continued, “The gods are the creators of the universe and the galaxies, stars, and planets in the universe. They seeded each planet with life as well. Venus, Mars, and all the other planets in the solar system in the Milky Way galaxy that seem to have no life is because the planets failed to sustain the life that the gods seeded them with. Actually, the Earth solar system is one of the newest ones to be created.” Lia and Amber sat there in complete shock at what they were hearing. “So you’re saying that everything science has taught us… is wrong?” “Science is only a way of trying to comprehend the universe and how things are designed. Actually, it’s a way of understanding the mind of the gods… This is why Earth probably won’t be around much longer.” “What?!” both Lia and Amber shouted in amazement. “Are you telling me that Earth is going to be destroyed?!” cried Lia. “It is not the business of man to understand the gods. Any who attempt to will be killed. Once humans figure out how to genetically engineer dinosaurs, they will be playing god. And if man can play god, then it is only a matter of time before man destroys god, or in this case gods.” “So you’re telling me that Greek and Roman mythology were actually correct,” asked Lia in amazement. “Yes, actually. It is not mythology, it is fact. However, the gods have different names on each of their planets. Which they can deal with. Like, Krynn, for example.” “Wait… Krynn actually exists,” Amber asked. “Yes,” Will replied casually. “Krynn is a real planet.” Lia smirked slightly and muttered, “So then my dreams can come true…” Amber looked at her friend and smacked her in the back of the head. “Are you insane?” “Hey, I can meet Raistlin… and Dalamar… and— OW!” cried Lia as she felt Amber smack her again. “Please, don’t make me beat you up.” “Yes mother,” Lia grumbled and leaned back in her chair. “So… Does that mean that every book written in the ‘fantasy’ realm was actually real?” “Yes, Lia,” said the old priestess. “All of them are real.” “What about video games?” “You mean like Devil May Cry and Soul Calibur,” asked Amber. “Yes,” said Will. “And even Pirates of the Caribbean and Harry Potter.” Amber’s eyes widened and she looked at him. “So you mean to tell me that everything we watch, play, and read are all from real worlds?!” Will smiled gently at her and nodded. “Yes. Video games, movies, and books are all factual in this sense. Everything you have ever played, ever read, ever watched, and ever written are all things that exist elsewhere in the universe.” Lia shook her head, not believing what she was hearing. How could this be? she thought and continued to shake her head. “But then how do people on Earth know about these things?” “I’m sure you’ve heard of the word ‘muse’ before,” said Will patiently. “Yes…” “Well… A muse is no more than a thought of a god.” “Ha! No more than a god’s thought… Wow…” Lia shook her head in disbelief as her voice went to a higher octave. “Okay, great… But that still doesn’t tell us why we are here in the first place,” said Amber angrily. “Well, that I think I will let Carmen tell you,” he nodded his head to the older woman. The old woman smiled graciously and said, “Why, thank you for finally letting me speak.” She turned her eyes onto the two girls and spoke to them, “You are here on the same reason that Will is here. Like I said, I’ve been watching you three since you were born. I have noticed that each of you contain special skills that are better suited for a place like Vardenia. You, Lia, possess excellent skill in all types of swordplay—” “But ma’am… There are sword masters who could beat me easily!” “Yes, but their skills were not necessary at the time of their births. I have watched you, and I believe with some training, you will be an excellent sword fighter. Now, for you Amber. Do not think for a second that I have not watched you dabble in the art of ‘witchcraft’ as you earthlings call it?” Amber’s eyes widened as she gasped. “No one knows about that,” she whispered. “Lia’s the only one who does…” The old woman smiled again and she said softly, “You’re skill in ‘witchcraft’ is very advanced to say the least for someone who dabbles in the art. If you can manipulate the small amount of magic on Earth and do powerful spells, just think how powerful you can be on a planet that is drenched in magic with a never-ending supply of it.” Amber’s eyes took on a far away look as the thought of having so much power consumed her. “All that power… I could do so much with it,” her voice was soft and distant as she spoke. The old lady smiled and said softly, “Yes, my child. You will be an asset when the time comes. Now, back to you, Lia,” her gaze went back to the other girl and she spoke to her only, “I do recall that shortly before I brought you here, you were talking about wanting to live in a medieval world where you could be a knight and show the men that women are just as strong…” Lia nodded slowly. “Yes, I was talking to Amber about that.” “And that is when I decided now was the time to arrange that for you.” Just then, Lia lost her calm and she bolted into a sitting position and looked at the old woman with fury in her eyes. “Are you telling me that you killed my parents?!” The old woman looked at her with a steady gaze and said softly, “I did not kill them. I simply adjusted the course of their fate.” “You can’t sugar coat it! You murdered my parents! It’s because of you that they’re dead!” Will looked at Lia and swallowed hard before looking at the old woman. He remembered feeling the same way, but when he realized that his parents had never really done anything except neglect and abuse him, he got over it quickly. However, his was a different relationship with his parents. Lia had a strong bond with them, they had never purposely hurt her as his parents had hurt him. He sighed and rested a hand on her shoulder. She felt the warmth of his hand and the tears began to flow. “I can’t believe you… you killed them…” she wailed and then fell forward onto the woman’s desk and cried. Amber looked at her friend and felt the same pain well up inside her. Not only had Carmen killed Lia’s parents, but she had killed Amber’s as well. The girl turned her brown eyes onto the woman and narrowed them in disgust. “And you took away the rest of my family too. Don’t tell me you had managed to kill my birth parents as well!” “That was not my doing, dear. That was simply fate. Nevertheless, Lia’s I had done, and yes, I knew I had taken away the only family you had left. I am sorry for this, and I do feel terrible for having done such a thing… but I cannot revive them. The gods told me to do it. Trust me, I tried to get them to think differently but a mortal cannot really persuade the gods to do anything.” Lia heard genuine regret in her words and she met the soft eyes of the woman. She was sympathetic and she knew she had done wrong to kill Lia’s parents like that. Lia shook her head and wiped her eyes. She looked at the old women with a steady gaze and her voice was strong even as tears continued to flow, “What’s done is done… I may as well make the best of my situation here, seeing as I will never be able to do anything else. So my destiny now lies in joining the armies of this world as the first female knight?” Carmen nodded gravely to the girl and said softly, “Yes, Lia. You will be a knight, and Amber a mage. She can choose her alignment if she so wishes.” Amber looked up at her and said softly, “I will never forgive you for this!” “I do not expect you too, lass. Now, you will both take a different path. Amber, you will stay with me, and Lia, you will be with Will. He will be your personal healer and manservant.” Will made a face at being called a servant but nodded nevertheless. “It must be for if another within the castle walls tends to you, they may find out your true identity. Women are not yet seen as warriors, so you must not give yourself away as one. You must act masculine which is quite easy for you.” Lia glared at him and punched him in the arm. He winced as he felt his arm go numb and rubbed it to see if he could get the feeling back a little faster. “I actually like the idea of you being my slave. It sounds like great fun.” “Be quiet, Lia. You’re starting to annoy me.” “I’m touched. Really I am.” “Enough the both of you. There is no more time for you two to argue like a bunch of children. I realize that is what you two are, but time is running out. Lia, the name you will take when you go into training will be Liam.” “How corny. The masculine version of my name. Lovely, really.” “It means unwavering protector. Do you not like it?” She sighed and looked at the old woman. “It is fine. When do I set off for my task. And how are we going to hide the obvious parts of my femininity?” “Magic can be very powerful,” replied Will. “Yes, Will, but magic only works so long. She would have to drink a potion daily to keep her breasts from protruding and to keep her voice a little deeper. I believe you know the potion, Will?” He bowed to her and nodded, “Yes, ma’am, I know it very well.” The old woman nodded. “Good, because you will be making it daily for her.” “Wait a minute… Will this potion do anything else to me besides change my voice?” “You won’t be able to bathe with the boys or swim with them, so it does nothing more than hide your breasts and deepen your voice. Do not worry, though, your voice will still retain some womanliness though few of the guys will take notice.” Lia sighed and nodded. “When do I head out to the training grounds?” “Soon, lass. But first, you must be properly equipped with a sword at your hip and the attire for the time period. William shall take you shopping around the town. You will find everything you need. William will also tell you what you must say in order to be accepted into training. And Amber shall stay with me and learn from me the basic skills of being a mage. Yes, child, I do know the language of magic. Priests and mages are very similar, the only difference is that mages can use every aspect of magic, priests can only use the healing and spiritual aspect. Once I have taught you the basic information, like how to read the spells and such, I will pass you into the care of a mage. Once you have trained with the mage, you may decide your alignment. Silver is pure of heart and good, gold is neutral, and black is obviously evil. Those of the silver robe must use their magic only for good and must abide by the laws. Those of gold can choose their own path be it good or evil, or some other path. And those of black use their magic for evil, though they do not have to. A mage will be able to explain it to you better than I can. Now, with that having been said, off with you Sir Liam and his manservant.” She waved her hand in dismissal to the two friends and Will led Lia out of the infirmary. “That woman is mad, Will, mad!” He chuckled warmly and stopped walking. “Let me get a look at you, Lia. It has been a very long time since I have seen you last. You have definitely matured physically, though mentally you’re still a child.” “Oh shut up, flattery will get you nowhere with me,” she said nonchalantly. He sighed and said helplessly, “Nothing ever pleases you!” Lia snorted and stood there, waiting for him to lead the way around the town and to the shops that would ultimately transform her into a child of the medieval ages. She was not at all sure she liked the idea, but then that other part of her, the part that often made her feel out of sorts in her modern world, called to this medieval realm. And for the first time, she knew that she was meant to live in this period, it was fate and destiny that drove her here and she knew she would have to follow the path chosen for her by the gods, if such beings actually did exist.

[dragon658]

I did like this chapter it was throughably enjoyable to read. Points below:

The characters seemed a little flimsy with their personalities. It felt as though you weren't 100% sure on how you wanted them to act and think. The best example is the speed with which the death of parents is accepted. Should there not be more anger and a longer lasting resentment before it all seems hunky dory again.

The flood of information was interesting although perhaps a little unnecessary i.e. the bit about alignment and how she was a priest and teaching mage etc. Surely this could have been cut down and fleshed out when the teaching begins to allow the reader to absorb it in a nicer fashion.

Last point that I can remember is the sweeping from one person's speech to another. Although it is not always good to flood the reader with he said this and she said that but in some instances within this chapter I found myself having to re-read a section to understand who was saying what to who. Maybe this was just me being dim, however maybe if there was a little bit extra information such as a name within in the speech it would help.

Although overall I did really enjoy this and look forward to reading more. Post soon please.

Dragon

[Arcane Darkness]

Hm... As far as the speech of the characters are concerned, I see what you mean. The flood of information will be critical as the story unfolds, so there is a method to my madness And now to talk about the speed at which the death of the parents was over so quickly... I didn't elaborate on it that much, but the characters still do not trust Carmen and they also have not gotten over it. They're just putting it behind them at the moment since everything for them is so overwhelming. Don't worry about it, these things will most likely be cleared up in the chapters ahead.

Chapter 4 Amber remained sitting in the small room and looked at the woman coldly. She didn’t like being separated from her friend like this. The old woman looked at her in silence before a smile began to cross her lips. Amber’s anger rose and she glared at the old women and spoke angrily, “Why must me and Lia be separated?” “Because, child, she will train as a knight and you a mage. Trust me; once your training is complete, you’ll both be a force to reckon with. Very few things can match the amount of power generated when magic is combined with steel. Now stop complaining. Your training must begin now. Already you are far behind training usually starts at around ten years of age, and you are already sixteen. Ah, but I have faith that you can catch up within the year.” Amber said nothing and remained sitting in the windowless room. She was beginning to grow claustrophobic and felt the walls pressing in on her. She closed her eyes and began to take deep breaths to calm her unsettled nerves. When at last she opened her eyes, the old woman was looking at her with a studying gaze. “What? Why do you stare at me like that?” She smiled again and said softly, “Perhaps… I will just give you into the care of a mage. Yes, I think it will work out better that way.” Amber eyed her warily and said suspiciously, “Why? So that Lia can no longer see me? So that she won't even know where I am?” “Relax dear, relax. You won't see each other until your training is complete. That goes for you and Lia. Now stop complaining. Tell me what path you wish to take as a mage.” “What do you mean?” “I mean alignment, dear. What will your alignment be?” Amber didn’t answer her right away as she thought of what path she would take. If I take the path of good, my powers will only be limited to goodness… If I take the path of neutrality, my magic can sore and I won’t have to be held back by the laws of goodness. And dark robes… the sure way to power, she thought. At last she looked up from her musings and locked eyes with the old woman and said, “I choose the path of neutrality.” “I figured you would. A mage of neutrality can swing either way and is not tethered to what society needs. A neutral mage can choose her own battles where as one of good or evil can only choose those alignments. Very well, wait here whilst I call your teacher.” The old woman left the little room and went to the room which she slept in. Her room was not very large, but it was big enough. It contained a bed near the left wall, a dresser near the right, and neatly between the bed and dresser was her work desk. To the left of her dresser was a bookcase which she cherished. The only books within that bookcase were medical books and a few spell books. She sighed softly and rummaged through the draws of her desk until she finally pulled out a small device. She looked at it and smiled. The device looked very much like a ring to which she used to contact Amber’s new teacher. Yes, what do you want now, Carmen? I’m busy… Oh, tsk, tsk… Cry me a river, dear. There was a sigh of annoyance on the other end of the spell and at last the voice spoke again, What do you want? Such a kind boy, you are… I don’t have time for this! Now tell me what you want or else I’m closing the connection. Alright, alright… I have a student for you. She’s a human and sixteen years of age. Indeed? Very well, I’ll be there in a second. Just let me put away my books and scrolls. The mind connection ended and the old lady chuckled to herself. She hobbled back to the little room in which she had left Amber and said to her, “Come on, dear. Your teacher shall be here shortly.” Amber looked at the woman before standing up and leaving the room, thankful to be out of the place. She sighed and sat on the bed, waiting for the teacher to arrive. The old woman, meanwhile, was bustling around the infirmary and straightening a few things out here and there. Amber sat there boredly, for how long she didn’t know. After a while she felt someone’s eyes staring at her and she growled and looked up, “What are you staring at you old—” Her sentence caught in her throat as she looked up to see perhaps the most stunning man she had ever seen looking down at her with a smirk on his lips. “How long have you been staring at me,” she managed to ask. The smirk didn’t leave his lips as he spoke, “Not too long. A few minutes, perhaps.” Amber couldn’t help but stare at his beauty. He was six feet, four inches tall with shoulder-length black hair that was held back in a horsetail and deep brown eyes. His face was perfectly formed, almost as if a sculpture had spent years chiseling out his fine features. He wore black robes of silk that rested loosely on his body, leaving much to the imagination which frustrated her. She wanted to see if his body was as perfectly sculptured as his face. The wry smirk on his face only seemed to add to his beauty. As she remained silent and mesmerized by his appearance, the smirk on his lips widened as he enjoyed the attention at last he spoke once more, his voice rich and velvety sounding like bells, “Didn’t your parents ever teach you that staring is impolite though very flattering as it may be…” Amber’s cheeks took on a red tint beneath her brown skin and she said softly, her eyes staring up into his, “Forgive me, but I have never seen someone as…” She stopped talking, trying to think of the right word to use. “Hansom? Charming? Are those words you are looking for, dear,” asked Carmen. “Um… Yes, though I was looking for more subtle words…” She lifted her head as she heard the man chuckle. Even his laugh seemed like silver bells. “Um…” she bit her lower lip as she tried to get her thoughts in order. Being in the presence of this beautiful creature was enough to make her feel self-conscious. Oh, she knew she was beautiful, many people had told her that, but to stand beside this piece of perfection made her wonder if she had been lied to all those years. “You.. I… Um…” she cleared her throat and he looked down at her with that smirk. “My name is, Amber.” When he heard her name he frowned slightly. She cocked an eyebrow, now annoyed at herself for making herself look like such a fool. “Amber? Hm, now that isn’t really a proper name for a mage, is it?” “Are you talking down to me,” asked Amber matter-of-factly though it was obvious she was highly annoyed at this. He smirked at her and said casually, “If I am, there really isn’t much you can do about it. We need to think of a new name for you, that is all I am saying. Think of a name, Amber, you’ll need a new one as a mage.” “Fine, Elysia. Does that satisfy you, my lord?” At her calling him ‘lord’ he chuckled and said, “I am surprised you know my title.” She sneered at him and he only smirked. That smirk was now beginning to annoy her as the after affects of meeting such a fine creature wore off. He was still splendid to look at, but she wondered how human he could possibly be when he looked so hansom. “Great, so my name is Elysia, joy. Now why don’t you tell me yours?” He responded casually to her annoyance which only furthered to annoy her, “Raiden. And now I think it’s time for us to leave this place. I’m in a great amount of pain standing here.” Elysia cocked an eyebrow and was about to ask him why when she suddenly felt his hand on her shoulder and felt the bed lift away from her. It was a strange sensation that made her sick, they seemed to be whirling around and then suddenly it stopped and she found herself falling to the ground and gasping. She saw his boots under her eyes and beneath his boots was a beautifully polished white marble floor. When she caught her breath she stood up and looked around warily. “Where are we,” she asked cautiously. “We are in your new home, Elysia. You will be living here with me, learning and growing in power.” At the mention of living with him she asked another question, “Are there any others here?” “No, just you and me. Why?” She stared at him for a long while and panic began to rise within her but she fought hard to keep it down. All her life, she had been told never to go anywhere with strangers and never to go home with anyone, especially men. Yet, here she found herself, in a place she didn’t even know, on a world she wasn’t even born on, with a man who had simply taken her by the shoulder and poofed her here. And there was nowhere for her to go. Elysia remembered girls in her neighborhood being abducted and then taken to some remote area where they were raped. She shook her head but said nothing. He knew what was on her mind and chuckled, “Relax, the only thing I am going to do to you is teach you how to read and write magic spells. I don’t particularly enjoy humans, but as a mage I had to get used to them.” “I beg your pardon? You don’t like humans… If you aren’t human then what are you?” He looked at her in amusement and said quite simply, “Elf.” She stared at him in silence and then muttered, “You’ve got to be kidding me…” “Have you ever seen a human that looks as good as I do?” “No,” she admitted before letting her eyes wonder around the room. She saw a fireplace to her right against the wall and she smirked slightly. Beside the fireplace was a beautifully woven rug that caught her breath with its many colors interwoven together. She then lifted her eyes to the walls which were either covered in tapestries depicting breath-taking images of the elven forests or pictures depicting wars and dragons. There was also a couch and a few chairs around the fireplace and in the center of the neatly scattered chairs there was a nice little coffee table. The legs looked as if they were made of pure gold. As she looked around the room in amazement, Raiden smiled and had left briefly to gather some tea which he set on the table as he sat on the couch. She hadn’t even heard him move and she turned around looking for him. “Over here,” he said from his position on the couch. His eyes held amusement within their brown depths. She narrowed her eyes and walked over to the couch where she took a seat a little way away from him. He cocked an eyebrow at her and handed her a beautiful and fragile looking cup. “It’s tea,” he said as he noticed her eyeing it warily. Elysia took the cup in her hands and expected it to shatter as soon as she held it but instead it held fast and very strong. She eyed the tea carefully, looking for any hints that it had been drugged, but of course she found nothing and took a sip from it. When the liquid touched her lips she closed her eyes in ecstasy. “What kind of tea is this,” she asked. “Only the best on Vardenia. Let us just say, that we elves have very expensive tastes.” She snorted and said sarcastically, “Prissy creatures, aren’t you?” Raiden cocked an eyebrow and placed his tea on the table and leaned forward. He spoke but his voice held a mock-dangerous tone, “You aren’t in any position to call elves prissy. I can easily over power you in more ways than one.” Elysia raised her chin in defiance and her eyes glittered boldly, “Are you threatening me?” “Yes,” he said softly and waved his hand. As he waved his hand, she felt herself go flying and pinned against the wall. She struggled against the invisible bonds but could do nothing. As hard as she tried to fight, she only felt herself grow weary with fatigue. Raiden remained sitting on the couch with his legs crossed and casually sipping his tea. “You know, if you stop fighting and relax, you’ll be free.” Her brown eyes glittered fiercely as she looked at him. He was beginning to annoy her once more as he sat there casually, as if this was normal for him to have a girl chained to a wall by invisible bonds! “Let me go you stupid bastard!” He didn’t look up at her and continued to sip at his tea before saying, “Now that’s not very nice… You know, I could leave you there if I felt like it.” She glared at him and said bitterly through gritted teeth, “Let me go.” He cocked an eyebrow at her and shrugged, “No, I think I’ll let you stay there for the night.” And with that he walked away from her with a satisfied smirk on his lips. How he loved doing this. Elysia growled and glared daggers at him. “I see what you’re doing! Fine. Let me go and I’ll be good. I promise.” It pained her to speak these words but she did. He kept walking, his smirk even broader. “Not good enough…” he said as he kept walking. “Grr.. Fine, I’ll do anything! Just let me go!” He chuckled and looked at her. “Anything,” he asked with a mischievous glint in his eyes. He walked up to her casually and even the way he walked seemed perfect, walk was perhaps not the right word. Glide. Glide was a more appropriate word for the way he moved. For a moment fear registered in her eyes as he came up to her and stopped right in front of her. He stood close to her, too close for her own comfort. “Yes, anything, within reason.” “Define ‘within reason.’” She growled and said softly, “You can figure it out. Now free me… please.” He chuckled softly and snapped his fingers. She would have fallen to the ground but since he was standing so close to her, he caught her and helped her regain balance before leaving her alone. “You’re so damn annoying! And I’m supposed to live with you?!” she asked incredulously. “It could be worse, you know. You could be with someone who actually would mean you harm. Trust me, Elysia, there are plenty of men who would find you quite appetizing. Consider the fact that as long as you are with me, you are under my protection and no one can touch you.” As he spoke she moved closer to him, mesmerized and amazed by his words. “Are you that powerful?” “Yes. I am that powerful, and that feared,” his voice was soft and matter of fact, and it sent shivers down her spine. She stared at him for a long time, not believing what she was hearing. She wondered if this was a blessing or a curse to be with someone like him. It was true, she could be with someone who meant her harm. Yet how was she to know that he didn’t mean her any harm at all? She couldn’t, not until she lived with him for several months and even then she wasn’t sure if she could fully trust him. “Follow me, and I’ll show you to where you will be sleeping,” he said softly and she followed him down the corridors. As the walls passed by, she saw that they too were decorated with tapestries or paintings and she sighed softly at the beauty of it. The floor was marble and she wondered how the people of this world could build such wondrous things with their limited technology. But then she realized that it could all be done by magic. “So magic is at the base of society,” she whispered softly. Raiden looked at her and nodded. “Yes, magic is what makes this world go round,” he said casually. Elysia didn’t respond as she followed him through the corridors. At last they came to a room set off to the left side of the hallway and stopped. He looked at her and smiled before opening the door. “This is your room. I’ll come tomorrow to wake you up for your first lesson.” Elysia nodded and thanked him before stepping into the room. She looked around and the room was just as ornately decorated as the rest of the place. She turned around to find him still there, staring at her. It annoyed her greatly and she scowled at him. “What?” “You have questions to ask. So ask them.” “Where are we,” she asked without hesitation. “In one of the mage towers that are scattered throughout the world. This one I came by from my own master, who was a human, and who died several years ago.” “You don’t seem disappointed…” she muttered. “He was my teacher, that’s all that I cared about him for.” “Aren’t you just sweet?” “Thank you.” Elysia closed her eyes in annoyance at his sarcasm. How it irked her! “Could you give me a name of this tower?” “The Marble Tower of Veneficus.” “Oh,” she said and turned her back to him as she looked around the room. To the right of her was a bed which seemed rather expensive but seemed very comfortable. The bed’s headboard rested against the wall. To the right of the bed was a desk already set with ink, quill, and paper. About five feet from the left side of her bed was a bookcase. She gasped at the amount of books within and stepped towards it. She traced one of the spines with her finger tips though couldn’t read what the spine said for it was in the language of magic. In front of her bed there was a dresser which she assumed would hold her clothes. Atop the dresser was a brush and a large mirror. Elysia turned around and looked at Raiden. He was leaning on the doorframe smirking at her. “You like,” he asked boredly. She nodded and sighed softly. He nodded his head and spoke, “Well, if you’re settled in, then I advise you to sleep. World hopping can easily drain someone of their energy, and you will need quite a bit of it when I start teaching you.” With that he closed the door and left Elysia to gaze in wonder at her lovely room. She sighed and walked over to her bed where she collapsed onto it and fell asleep.

[dragon658]

This is, in my opinion the best chapter so far. The characters seem to hold their essence and things are revealed at a more relevant pace.

The only thing that popped out at me through the chapter was the occasionly slip of tense. It felt like the story was being told by someone who suddenly decided to speak to the reader.

Once again I want to repeat my favourite chapter so far. I look forward to reading more.

Dragon

[Arcane Darkness]

lol I'm glad this was your favorite chapter, the next one I thought was kind of boring and blah... but I think it'll be necessary for future chapters plus I needed a filler chapter anyway >>

Chapter 5 As they left the Temple, Lia observed her surroundings once more and sighed. This was beginning to be a terrible day for her, and yet a very good one she hoped. But how good can it be when Amber isn’t by my side…? She thought sadly and even looked downcast. Will looked at her and frowned. He rested a comforting hand on her should which she shrugged off quickly. With a sigh, Will said softly, “Stop looking so depressed. Things will definitely be better and you said that you would make the best of this situation.” “I know… But I can’t help but feel sad when Amber and I are separated. We are closer than sisters and I feel even more lost without her by my side.” They bother fell silent and Will led her through the town. He would have to find a way to make her happier before he took her to the King’s castle. As they walked, people still stared at Lia as if she was an alien, and the irony of it all is that she was. I don’t belong here, she thought gloomily. When she looked up, she saw that Will was leading her to some shop in the town. It looked like the shop sold clothes. Lia looked up at him and he smiled down at her with a warm smile, “You can’t walk around town looking like you do. The people will get scared.” Lia nodded and replied, “Of course not. And the sooner I’m in men’s clothes, the less the people will stare.” “It’s actually not uncommon to see girls walking around in men’s clothes, especially if the girls work or ride horses.” “And carrying a sword? I suppose that’s normal too.” “Um, well…” Will was stumped for a moment. That was true. Few women carried swords, maybe knives or a small dagger but never something as large as a star. “Good point. It doesn’t matter though. I’ll keep the sword until we check you into an inn for the night.” Lia nodded and smirked for the first time in an hour, “I can’t wait to beat the crap out of those guys at the castle! I’ll so beat their asses!” Will chuckled, happy to have the Lia he knew back and ready to live out her life’s dream. Will walked into the store and Lia followed behind him. When the tailor looked at the strange pair over the counter, Lia smiled slightly. The man was middle-aged with graying hair and brown eyes that seemed to size up those he saw. He was wearing glasses and peering over the rims at the girl and the cleric. The cleric stepped forth and spoke kindly to the man, “My friend here is rather young and she has a hand with horses. Obviously, she’s not from around here and needs the proper attire.” After scrutinizing the young woman for a moment, he nodded his head and replied, “I see. What are her measurements?” At this, the girl blushed slightly and cleared her throat, “Oh, I can wear anything really. I can wear a men’s small…” The man looked at her oddly and then at Will. Will did all he could to keep from laughing. He drew Lia aside and said softly, “This isn’t Earth. There is no such thing as ‘men’s small’.” “Oh,” she said and looks properly embarrassed. She looked at the man but said nothing. “Tell him your measurements, Lia,” Will said gently. “They haven’t changed have they?” She looked at him and said casually, “Just the bust, is all.” Will stared at her and then looked away and said nothing else. Lia smirked and looked at the man and said at last, “My measurements are…” She frowned and sighed helplessly, “I can’t even remember!” The man chuckled and said warmly, “Come to the back, and the mistress shall measure you.” Lia nodded her head in thanks and followed the man to the back of the little shop where a woman was sitting in a peasant’s dress and sowing a tear in what seemed to be a pair of pants. When she looked up and met Lia’s eyes, she smiled warmly at her and said pleasantly, “What can I do for you?” “She needs her measurements taken, dear,” the tailor replied. “Ah yes, of course.” She looked at Lia once more and smiled. “Come, come, dear. No reason to be frightened.” Lia stepped up to the woman cautiously and waited for her to slip the cord around her hips, waist, and chest. Once those measurements were taken, she went about measuring her arm’s, leg’s, and shoulder length, and finally took her height. “Done! Thank you for standing so still, dear. It makes the process so much easier.” Lia nodded gratefully and turned around to leave the small room only to bump into Will’s muscular chest. She glared at him and he looked down at her with a smile upon his face before looking up at the seamstress and saying kindly, “Do you have anything in stock for her, ma’am?” The woman looked to her husband questioningly and he nodded saying, “Yes, sir, we do have something in stock for her.” “Excellent!” exclaimed Will and looked at Lia with a smile. “Can she try it on?” “Oh, of course she can,” said the tailor before padding off to get the girl the pants. When he returned he was holding them for her and then handed them to her. The tailor then left and took Will with him so that Lia could try on the pants in peace. She pulled them on when the door was closed and the seamstress took a look at them, tugging here and there to make sure it was laying properly. She beamed up at the girl with a kindly smile, “A perfect fit, dear. Now for the tunic and everything else!” The woman opened the door and the tailor was holding the tunic. “Thank you, my love.” She closed the door again and had Lia put the tunic on. After eyeing it carefully, she nodded. “You were in great luck today, dear, that we had your size in stock! It seems the gods smile upon you.” The woman’s kindly eyes twinkled before she opened the door and Lia stepped out in full clothing. Will cocked an eyebrow and as she passed, he muttered softly to her, “At last you wear something a bit more to your personality, butch.” Lia’s eyes narrowed and she glared at him. It was all she could do to resist the urge to hit him. Will smiled and turned to the tailor and gave him the money. “Thank you for your time, sir.” “It was my pleasure. Good luck to you, girl,” he said and waved to them as they left. “Now we need to get you boots and a sword,” said Will and he led the way to the boots. He stepped in and she went through the whole ritual of getting her foot sized and then finding the right size for her feet. At last, Will took her to the town’s weaponry. He led her right up to the counter and said into her ear, “Pick your sword.” She gazed down at the blades and almost gasped in awe as she saw the beauty of each weapon. All were made of steel, this she knew, but some had jewels encrusted in the handles, others had gold filigree laid into the handle. Some were just as simple as leather wrapped around it. She knew all were strong swords, but she wanted to know which sword was the best, and so she inquired, “What is your best make, good sir?” The man eyed her oddly with his piercing brown eyes. “What would a lass want with something as dangerous and heavy as a sword?” At this Lia drew herself up and stared him in the eye with her own and said angrily, “Is there a problem with a woman inquiring about a sword, sir?” “Aye, it is. Wouldn’t ye want something less bulky, perhaps a dagger? They are small and light enough.” “No, sir, I wish for a sword.” “Well ye can wish all ye want, lass, but that doesn’t mean ye’ll be havin’ anything.” “Forgive me, sir,” said Will quickly, interjecting before Lia had the chance to get too feisty with her tongue. The man eyed Will and nodded his head for him to go on. “She wishes to buy a sword for her father. As a gift. She has a good mind with swords and knows well how to spot a good one from a bad one, since her brothers and father are all soldiers. They have taught her much, and so she wishes for something fine and lovely to give to her father.” “Aye, then why didn’t she say so in the first place?” “She is easily offended when people question her, sir. Forgive me. I am but the only brother she has that decided to turn to healing.” The shopkeeper nodded and said, “There ain’t nothing to be ashamed of as a healer. There are plenty of battle wounds and I’m sure yer brothers and father are grateful for yer skills.” “Yes, sir, they are very grateful. Now, please, let her pick out a sword.” He nodded and looked at the girl with his piercing blue eyes and said, “What be your pick lass?” “Do you sell weapons of dwarven of elven make? I should like to see them.” “Aye, we do. But first, tell me what kind of sword ye are looking for.” “A sword that is heavy but still light enough to wield with great ease and is very strong and will not break under slight pressure like so many swords seem to do.” “Aye, a good choice would be this here beauty,” he said and pulled out a rather lovely sword of elven make. The hilt was silver plated with gold filigree decorating it. Though leather gaze a stronger grip, she knew that the grip on this blade would be strong. The pommel was gold with an emerald set in its base, and the guard as well. She admired its beauty and took the blade into her hands. It seemed natural the way it fitted to her. She smiled at the weight of the blade. It was well balanced and not too heavy or light. It was perfect and she wielded it with great ease. Lia made a few test jabs with it and then worked her way into basic pattern dances. As she continued to move into more intricate dances, the shopkeeper watched in awe and astonishment. Never had he seen a young woman wield a sword with such beauty and grace. He had seen girls try to hold a sword, and he knew many had attempted to hold the blade that seemed so perfect for Lia and found it too difficult to hold. When Lia had finished she laid the blade onto the counter. “Are you pleased with it, lass?” Lia looked up into his eyes and said casually, “Aye. My father shall be pleased.” There was a moment of silence before the shopkeeper spoke, “Ye, may want to save that one for yourself, lass. I wouldn’t normally say this to a lass, but that sword fits you as if you are its rightful owner.” She looked at him silently and then said softly, “I know, but it is for my father. I cannot keep his gift.” The man nodded and said a bit regretfully, “Aye, so it be true. Ye shall need a scabbard for that sword, no?” She nodded and went to the wall to pick out a scabbard. The one she chose was black leather, encrusted with small gems around the top. The sword would fit nicely into the scabbard. She then chose a belt which was basic leather with nothing special about it, except for a red rose delicately painted onto the center of the belt horizontally. Lia placed the items on the counter and Will pulled out a velvet bag to which he emptied its contents, knowing quite well that all the items would cost a great amount. The shopkeeper counted the money and nodded. He gave his customers a nod, and the two left the shop. “My brother,” she said sarcastically. Will smiled helplessly, “It was the only way. You’ll learn within time. Alright, so let’s get on the road. In about two hours of walking, we will find an inn and we will stay there for the night.” “Shouldn’t we, oh I don’t know, get horses? The trip would be faster that way.” “Well, yes, but… Oh very well. If we have horses then we can go much faster. The castle is almost a month’s journey on foot.” Lia looked at him incredulously. “I’ll be damned if I have to walk that far!” “There will be times when we will have to camp out on the road…,” he said, his voice trailing off. “Fine, whatever. I do not care. Let’s just get the horses and be on our way.” “I already have a horse, he’s stabled where we are going to go. And let me tell you, this guy has fine horses.” “Fabulous. Now let’s go, Will,” she whined. Will sighed and began walking towards the stable, all the while Lia was placing the sword at her hip and smirked as it fitted her perfectly. “Is it possible that a sword chooses you?” “Yes, it is. Especially swords of elven make.” “This is elven,” she asked softly and began to twirl her finger around the pommel of her blade. Will didn’t answer, knowing that the question was rhetorical. When Lia looked up she was in the stable and blinking. “Oh, we’re here…” she giggled slightly. “Greetings, Stan! How are ya today?” cried Will happily as a lanky youth came down from the hayloft. “Oh, pretty good,” he said happily. Will nodded and said casually, “This is my friend, Lia. She is looking for a horse.” Lia looked at the boy and nodded her head. “Hello.” Stan smiled at her and said happily, “Well, you’ve come to the right place. There are no finer horses here!” Stan first Will to his horse, and Will happily stroked his chestnut mare’s muzzle and spoke softly to her. Lia snorted and Stan led her to the other side of the stable where the new horses had been brought in. “We just got these guys in last week. Now, this little white mare is very sweet. This roan gelding is a nice horse too.” Lia frowned slightly and said as politely as she could, “They are fine horses, to be sure, but I’m looking for something more like…” Her voice trailed off as she scanned the stalls and finally her eyes fell upon a wild looking buckskin. “That one. I’m looking for a horse like that one over there.” Stan walked up to her and frowned. “He’s a wild one. I think he was actually captured from a wild herd. He’s a gelding, of course, but he hasn’t lost that mean streak.” “Nonsense,” Lia said and slowly walked up to the horse that gave her a warning look and snorted angrily. “Shh,” she said softly and slowly stretched her hand to him. He sniffed her hand and backed into the stall. He snorted angrily at her presence but Lia refused to quit. She opened the stall and walked in, the horse reared on his hind legs and dropped down, tossing his head angrily. Lia didn’t stop, she kept walking and she could hear Stan calling for her. “Come out of there, girl! Before you get killed!” Stan cried, fearing for the girl’s life. Will rested a hand on his shoulder and shook his head to indicate he was to be silent. Lia placed her hand on the horse’s muzzle and the animal almost snapped at her hand. Lia pulled her hand back and stared the beast in his eyes. They locked and the animal pawed at the ground. “Hm,” she said softly before moving around the animal and stroking him gently, refusing to give in to his hostility. “I am boss, and you are nothing but a foal,” she said casually and it seemed the horse was even more irritated. Lia climbed onto the animal’s back and as soon as the beast felt her weight he reared up and whinnied angrily. Lia grabbed a hold of his mane and pulled on him forcefully. The animal tossed his head and eyed her dangerously. She smirked and looked at Stan, “Give me the reigns to this beast.” Stan did as he was told, still fearing for her life. She attached the reigns to the animal and he lurched forward. Stan and Will jumped out of the way as the animal did his best to toss Lia off him, but no matter how hard he tried she stayed on him, and the sensation reminded him of a tick. With a very hard yank on the reigns the animal fell back to the ground, breathing heavily. She knew he would give her hell on her journey, but that was fine. If she could tame him, their bond would be that much stronger. Will shook his head and saddled his mare and readied her for the road. “Alright, Lia, let’s get moving. Thanks Stan.” Stan nodded and said softly, “Are you sure you want him, girl?” Lia looked down at the youth and nodded. “Yes, I am sure. Will, would you pay him please?” Will tossed the money to Stan and led his horse out of the stable, Lia followed behind still in the saddle. As soon as the gelding set foot on the dirt path outside the stable, he reared and whinnied angrily and began to buck, doing his very best to throw her off so that he could be free. She kept tight hold of the reigns and the beast finally gave in when she wouldn’t budge. “That’s right my little hellion, you cannot overthrow me.” The beast snorted and trotted obediently. Will looked at her and shook his head. She smiled and said, “What? Those riding lessons were quite useful. Especially since the owner of that stable hated me and always gave me the wild ones.” “You amaze me, Lia. That is all I am saying. So what are you going to name him?” “Hellfire,” was her simple response. “Lovely name. Oh yes, my mare’s name is Rose. She’s such a sweet one.” “And you are a fruit, my friend. A damn fruit.” She clicked to Hellfire and the beast picked up his pace, Will followed and came even with Hellfire’s trot. The beast eyed the mare dangerously, and she shied away from the gelding. Will narrowed his eyes and soothed his mare and soon she was trotting even with him again and once more he eyed Rose dangerously. This time the mare tossed her head and continued on at her pace. Hellfire snorted in agitation but did nothing more after that. “We’ll travel about two hours on horse, I’m pretty sure there’s another inn after the one we’ll pass. We’ll stop there for the night.” “And if there isn’t? We have no bedrolls.” “Oh yeah. Give me one second…” Will turned his horse back to town and returned a few minutes later with two bedrolls. “There, satisfied? When we stop at the inn, we’ll fill our bags with travel supplies. And if we run out of food, I’m a pretty good shot with an arrow so we won’t starve.” “Yes, but you have to find the food first before you can kill it.” “I can track very well too. The boy scouts weren’t a total waste, you know.” Lia chuckled and followed Will to the inn. Their journey had finally begun.