Something wicked this way comes

[Selphia Dek]

The forest of Balor, teeming with magic energy, seemed to be the likeliest of places for Selphia to come. She was feeling troubled as of late. Unable to concentrate upon her training, which she found to be unsettling. Of course she was under quite a bit of stress these last few days. Under watchful eyes of the castle guards for her late night visit to unauthorized corridors, with no knowledge of how she got there. The images that seemed to come to her a little more freely when she slept. Unlike the day in the woods when she linked to something powerful, she was shaken after that event. But standing before Merlin’s door with a dirk in the palm of her hand was something most unnerving for her.

Coming into the woods was a way to clear her head. Well, for Selphia to clear it as best she could. She had taken the liberty of borrowing a horse from one of the librarians in the guild. They were quick to offer it. She figured it was to get her out of their hair and their library. It made no difference to her, for she was just glad to get away for a bit.

When she entered the forest she noted as she often did, that a strange stillness overcame the woods about her. No birds chirping, no wind dancing through the dense canopy that hung overhead. An eerie silent came upon her. She held her reins firmly before her. Her voice softened as she spoke to the horse. Her right hand stroking against the animals neck to urge him forward. The animal slowly moved along the trail with Selphia’s calm guidance and firm hand.

They continued like this for several minutes. The paths twisted about the forest floor. Through various degrees of vegetation, from soft dirt, a quagmire portion of trail that called for her to leave the trail for a good length, and travel up a bray to where the path joined again. She was luck the horse listened to her. She didn’t wish to get thrown, not here alone like this. At the present the animal was co-operating and she was not alone.

A sudden shudder came over her. She turned about in her saddle and looked in all directions. Her pale orbs narrowed as she tried to figure out if she was indeed alone. The whispers grew into voices, so many all at once. Her eyes slammed shut, both hands released the reins as they gripped her head tightly due to the pain. She quickly started to utter her calming words, in Latin, as always.

It was at this time she felt the shadows start to move within the forest.

[Veryan Lithônion]

After living at Camelot for a long while to come into terms with the land and become aware of the kind of persons found where and the places he should not come in knowledge of but being friends with the gypsies for a sort of common ground he felt there was no need to be cautious about wandering on his horse or afoot about these dark woods. Of course it had taken him a long time to gain the people’s trust and for him to be allowed freely in these woods where most resided.

He was out hunting therefore had his sword hanging on his belt as well as a quiver of arrows on his back despite wearing his cloak for warmth and camouflage. He walked swiftly with his bow in hand. His light blue eyes scanned the woods as he moved like a shadow in the midst. Sometimes meat was too expensive for his household to afford it and ever since he was born he had been encouraged to hunt though very limitedly and eventually old animals with few possibilities left.

That also forced discipline on a hunter for him not to hunt for sport but bear necessity and in order to help the life cycle that the fertility gods placed upon them. Veryan was loyal to his customs and traditions and was therefore quite selective of what he ventured to hunt for. And so he moved swiftly, and this sudden new found ability to be so connected to nature allowed him to quickly find his preys and at the same time moved in balance with nature so that even the grasshoppers could not tell exactly how he moved or where he moved to.

His hands touched a tree from time to time in order to connect with the earth, the woods, to know where the animals moved to and exactly who was nearby and his eyes glittered with a gentle grin on his face and he found what he was looking for. As he slowly approached and placed an arrow on the string of the bow he suddenly felt something. His arrow fell suddenly to the floor and he pressed his hand against the tree as he felt a sudden connection.

There was sorrow, confusion in the air… He leaned his back against the tree and for a moment looked deeply into the woods, was there someone lost? Was it the woods were speaking to him again? The connection with the elements made him realize that perhaps this hunting day would turn into a somewhat different one. He picked his arrow and placed it back at the quiver realizing his prey left alarmed and then he looked to his left, certainly the energy came form that path.

He knew that he could feel that person to possess some kind of magic but it lured him to a stranger, how could he know that person would not harm him? Well he could always contact the gypsies they were his friends anyway.

It was then when he became aware of a certain glow to a rider on a horse. He hid behind a tree and looked at her silver locks of hair falling from the hood. Was this a magical being he was gazing upon? Many in realizing this would have run away now that they had a chance to but something deep within him urged him to bring comfort to this poor girl.

And so he pulled the hood of his cloak to cover his face and then said for her to hear in the common tongue of Angliaterra at that time, “What kind of trouble or grief could bring such a Lady to the darkness of these woods?”

[Selphia Dek]

A shudder came across her petite form as she sat astride her horse. Her hands running her temple as she tried wither words to sooth the ach there. The voices seemed to rush forth with no calming them. She tried to keep to her soothing words, but nothing helped. A soft cry escaped her lips, as it grew stronger. It was then that the voices softened before a single word was uttered. Her head cleared and she looked about the area. Searching the trees and the nearby brier patches. No one.

She shifted in her saddle. Rising herself just slightly to see beyond the trail she was situated on. The soft crash of deer through the thickets drew her attention about quickly. Several deer in fact, with hearts all a mighty flutter as they raced through the woods. Fleeing a hunter perhaps, or whatever it had been that washed over her. She knew just how easily effected animals were to unnatural forces. Herself being an acceptance to the rule, for her horse had yet to throw her.

Her fingers laced about the reins as she turned the horse back to the trail. She was looking for a clearing. Which in these dense woods would be a task in itself. It was at this time she felt a flutter. Her gaze turned about to look at the trail behind her again, then to that ahead of her. A voice came forth, though no form did. She looked toward the trees and furrowed her brow as she strained to look beyond it. She could barely make out anything. “Who’s there?”

Her horse’s ears bent back. He was a tad bit spooked. She soothed a hand against his right side, whispering the same Latin phrases she had done before. She looked to the trees once again.

~ What kind of trouble or grief could bring such a Lady to the darkness of these woods? ~

She had come to the forest to get away from the voices, but it seemed that the silence only made them stronger. Her left hand moved about her shoulder to tuck what strands of her hair were showing, as well as drew her hood down lower over her brow. She felt a ripple of energy in the trees before her. Her heart was starting to beat quickly. “Galeon is that you?”

She had high hopes that her brother would come to her. That he would find her here and take her home. That she would learn that all was safe. That she was safe. She quickly dismounted her horse. Her boots struck the ground with a soft thud. She barely weights enough to make even the slightest of sounds. Rounding the horse’s left flank and tied the reins to a tree branch nearby by. Upon that she moved toward the trees.

“Galeon….” She smiled as she rushed to the trees that the voice came from. It was then that she saw that it was not Galeon, but an entirely different man. “Oh…I…sorry….” Was all she could manage. She turned abruptly to leave the man. A slight panic in her voice as she moved a little to quickly to her horse. That instead of anyone else spooking the animal, she was the one to do so. The animal reared back onto its hind legs and kicked. Selphia stopped in her tracks. Watching the animal break the branch and take off down the trail. ~Now what? ~It wasn’t even her horse.

[Veryan Lithônion]

Veryan was truly intrigued by the sudden presence of another magical being and though it pleased him it also filled his heart with curiosity for this Lady’s origins that she should be so pale and fair yet so sad. She looked unsure and as if she feared someone to be following her; Veryan wasn’t the kind of man to like imposing fear so he did come to think the best thing to do was simply to come out of his hideout trusting the woman was not a trap nor that she would dare cause mischief for some witches liked doing such. Not that he was calling her a witch or anything like that.

He leaned his arms on the handle of the bow as he rested the long and well carved instrument on the cool muddy ground, as she seemed to recover from what looked like an illness, but it really wasn’t. Well it would be a malady in the eyes of a non-magical person but Veryan had experienced the supernatural as of late and it made him consider she could also be trying to master her abilities so perhaps she also knew of Merlin? That intrigued him even more though he was saddened at the thought of what nature transmitted to him, it was as if she was scared of him and at the same time felt hopes of finding someone she used to know.

She trembled lightly and was about to move her horse elsewhere when she stopped stiff on her tracks and even looked for Veryan on either side of the road, perhaps it would have been best to leave the lady and not get her more worried than usual or he should have presented himself in order to assure her he meant no harm; but then again how was she to believe him when she barely knew him? They had never met before, he didn’t think. So that would only make things worse wouldn’t it? –To be honest he barely knew anymore.

”Who’s there?”

This had gone far enough, she was terrified! He felt somewhat guilty and hoped that he would be able to mend that and perhaps make her smile? Surely it was a lovely sight to see her smile and be happy for she seemed to grieve so, was such a lady alone in the world? He wondered. He struggled with the exact words to answer to her without making her hesitate and though he worked hard the feeling of connection with the elements of nature seemed to have taken over his mind, it was all related to the lady for the more feelings she developed the more the woods passed on to him. It was hard to explain but he was beginning to guess it all had to do with him possessing magical elemental abilities.

She was trying to calm her horse down and perhaps that was the key moment to introduce himself and reassure her there was nothing to fear form his presence though perhaps it was the magical traits what scared her the most? But then things got way out of hand for she seemed to take him for someone else. Just as he feared she would her feelings turned form fear to hope and joy, in fact he could do little when she jumped off her horse and ran forth in hopes of embracing that person she was thinking of.

”Galeon is that you? Galeon! Oh sorry!”

She was rather embarrassed for taking him for another person though to be honest he was far more ashamed of having propitiated this foolish act in order to confuse her. Though he had not planned that, it did happen. Though this allowed him time to look more deeply into her crystal eyes and get a better glance at her paleness and long silver hair. But then he had to do something or else she would go mad with the shame.

He smiled at her and said, “I assure you, milady, you have nothing to fear from someone like me. I am the one who regrets frightening you so, is there any way to amend things?” He then bowed his head for a moment and added, “My name is Veryan Lithônion, blacksmith apprentice. I know these woods for I have come to traveling among them for a while ever since I came here, is there anywhere you would like me to escort you to? I am sure the horse went back to it’s master’s stables.”

[Selphia Dek]

She turned at the man’s words, her horse, the librarian’s horse. She scolded herself for having lost it. Even though the horse would return hopefully to the stables at the castle. She turned about abruptly causing her robes to flare about her. She looked at the man and noted that he was not her brother. “ I beg your pardon sir. I thought you were…well your not who I thought. As to who you are, I know.”

Oh why did she say such things? It was hard to explain the way she was as it was. For to speak so unclear and eerie to folk. She could feel the very air about him. He was destined for she could feel greet energies about him. She felt everything about her stirring. She had to admit that she rather have his energies about then those she felt just moments ago. She stood looking at him. “I came to the forest to clear my head. I have no wishes to head back to the castle.”

She tucked her chin into her chest. Her left hand rose to her brow to ward of a tiny headache that rose. “Veryan…you are a new guild member then?” She knew the answer before he would speak it. “Merlin is a good teacher.”

Upon that note she stepped to the edge of the trail and looked in both directions. It would be a long trek back to the castle. That she knew for certain. She was not built for climbing or such long walks. But it looked as if she would have to learn quickly. “So you were the hunter?” she said turning to him. “Deer traveled this way moments ago. I only assumed there was something after them.”

She would give a soft smile. Pressing her thoughts back as she was able to do when she focused on doing so. Her right hand rose to the edge of her hood and drew it back. Why? She had never done so before. Was he kindred? There was something about him…she could not help but sniff the air. He had the scent of earth upon him. Perhaps because he had been lurking about the woods. She chuckled a little at the thought; perhaps he was just a mage to be. But that wasn’t it. Her hand rose sharply to her chest. A finger traced the raised marking beneath her clothing. She had at first thought he was hunting her. “I’m Selphia, Selphia Dek.”

She bowed as gracefully as she could to Veryan.

[Veryan Lithônion]

He looked at the horse as the last bits of his dark mane were visible and though he could try and get him back for her he trusted she would be fine without him. Though perhaps it would be a good way to train his newly found abilities, especially those connected with the elements of nature. Would she mistake his intentions if he were to leave running after the horse then? It was a possibility he was thinking to undertake whatever the consequences, for she looked as if she really wanted the horse to come back to her. And due to his normal eagerness to engage in adventures he truly did not mind trying to get him for her.

"I beg your pardon sir. I thought you were…well your not who I thought. As to who you are, I know.”

He smiled when she stated she thought he had been someone else, he did not have to be a mind reader to know, he smiled and nodded saying, “I know, do not worry lady.” He then laughed silently when she sated she knew who he was and though at that moment he thought little of it he then said, “please don’t move I will try and bring your horse back.” He then placed his bow and quiver behind the tree and asked Selphia to look after his hunting weapons while he ran after the black mare.

He closed his eyes at first devising the presence of the troubled horse and since he ran away scared he could immediately be transferred into the knowledge of the woods for they transmitted the whereabouts of the stallion. He then began to run, skipping logs and branches artfully while his feelings told him to move even faster. It seemed the lady had not gone too far deep into the forest though he was glad he found her for she looked troubled.

The moment he reached a small stream he climbed unto the great branch of a weeping willow and then awaited the approach of the horse, he took deep breaths for he had run quite a lot in order to catch up with the horse. He then slowly stretched his hand beckoning the wind to make the horse’s speed decrease by making it harder for the horse to run forth. His eyes focused on the horse and the moment he was inches form where Veryan hid he quickly jumped on the chair and took the reins of the frightened creature and as he closed his hand he closed his eyes and mentally set his peace of mind into the horse, my tranquility is your tranquility… fear not my friend he thought as he pulled on the reins and caressed the horse assuredly while he spoke to him in Gaelic Celtic, his mother tongue.

The horse slowly steadied and easily moved as Veryan guided him back to the lady. He smiled and would talk to the horse and sing to him and caress his mane in order to gain his trust for it had been in ways his fault the horse had been startled. It was then when he was given some minutes to think on what had just happened and as Selphia’s words concerning her knowing whom he was came back to his mind he suddenly stopped the horse stiff and somewhat amazed he exclaimed to himself, “She is a mentalist!”

He looked ahead of the path he was to follow to go back to her and though he had known she was a magical being he had not expected that for his father had yet to earn the hearts of the Britons of these lands, so how else would she know who he was anyway? Well he would have enough time to find out but, by the time he reached her and jumped off form the horse’s back his boots hit the mud and then he lead the horse back to her assuring him in Gaelic she would take good care of him. The horse approached him as he walked toward Selphia with no need for him to pull the reins and then she spoke again.

“Veryan, you are a new guild member then? Merlin is a good teacher.”

He was at that time picking his quiver and placing it on his back and at the sound of her words he stopped again to look at her, “You are a mentalist, aren’t you? You know what I think… and who I am… Though I confess I am unsure as to why suddenly I feel so strange.” He picked his bow and then said as he leaned his back against the nearest birch tree, “Aye, you know this too, I am one of the Guild and as far as Merlin goes I would have to agree, he is a good Master of sorcery but at the same time a loyal friend I take.”

He looked inside his small pouch for a moment and in finding two apples he cleaned them with his cloak before he handed her one and began to chew on the other. He smiled for he loved the taste of crunchy fresh apples though they were scarce in Cornwall there seemed to be plenty in Camelot, the Summer Country. She then moved toward a tree as if looking for directions, he smiled he was glad he had spent a long time wandering on these woods for it rendered him knowledge of their present whereabouts and at the same time it would be a great weapon against any foe.

“So you were the hunter? Deer traveled this way moments ago. I only assumed there was something after them.”

He chuckled and then said, “Aye, though I know my hunting only scared my prey for I only look for the old and sick you see? It was the energy you granted the woods what scared most of them and at the same time what told me you were here… in pain and confusion…” He then climbed on the branch of the tree and once he found one strong enough he sat on it with one leg hanging and his back resting on the trunk of the great tree.

He then smiled and thought as if wishing to transmit that thought to her, the only disadvantage of you being a mentalist is I cannot know what you think or what you would communicate through telekinesis for I do not have the same gifts as you do. He smiled at her and then for a moment he felt in contact with the elements once again and at peace, checking upon her horse he could see his ear twitching getting in touch with the voices of both Selphia and Veryan. He was glad it had worked in the end though it had been a long trip and rather tiring it was then when he realized how glad he was for having gone to Merlin, truly his powers could do great things if used for noble ends but in he did not even want to think what they could do in the wrong hands.

He shuddered weakly but then turned his attention back to Selphia, what was it that made her so familiar to him? Surely there was no person in the world who looked as fair and at the same time different than her though it wasn’t a bad thing in itself for he never mind anyone being different for persons were still persons no matter where they came from, could it be she felt lost? In a past she could not recall? He smiled and then said, “Though you can guess what I think you must tell me what you think or else I will never know, milady.”

It was then when he was assured she trusted him. She removed the hood from her face and then smiled at him softly, why was it then that such a gorgeous girl could be so alone and misunderstood? No idea but he still smiled and to the sound of her name he then said, “I am honored to have come across you mi lady Selphia Dek”. Feeling somewhat in debt for her trusting him he thought he should as well trust her though she could read his thoughts and he would have to work in ways to conceal them from her or else it would be annoying being unable to tell her anything for she would know before he spoke. He grinned and then removed his hood as well, revealing his short golden hair and the silver glint of his blue eyes.

[Selphia Dek]

Selphia had not thought that the way she moved or stood gave way to the emotions that surged within her. She had not thought that her distress had been so painted upon her features. Her first reaction was the same as always, to tug her hood forward. To ward off any gaze that one might try to pry. She often wondered why others placed so much emphasis on how someone looked. Of course Veryan could never understand for he was a man, in a man’s world. She was nothing but born the weaker sex. One could not deny it or argue it. For it was the view of most in these dark times. Selphia never fully understood the reasons, for she had seen many things. Women were capable of forging armor under the tutoring of a caring father, to hunt by a widowed mother. To care for siblings when parents were taken by sickness or wars. There was one task beyond all that amazed her, a woman’s ability to create life, to have to grow within, to nurture it and then birth it. It was truly a gift.

Her gaze turned to Veryan. There was an ever-noble look to him. She did not want to appear as if she wished him to undertake any perilous trek to gain her horse for her. Though she feared that the animal would not make it back to the stable. Though she would hear of it from those she borrowed the horse from. The heartache that would come should something happen to the animal, seemed to out weigh the other.

It was at this time she felt the flush of heat rush into her cheeks. Perhaps revealing a little color to them as she bowed her head away from Veryan. Embarrassed by her actions. She was always forgetting herself at these times. She felt that Veryan understood her need to get the animal back.


~ Please don’t move I will try and bring your horse back. ~

She watched as he placed his things next to the tree had had been so neatly tucked behind. Then take off after the beast. She stood looking after him as he disappeared as quickly as the horse had. For a long moment she stood in silence. Veryan surprised her, for no one she had encountered thus for had shown compassion for a lesser creature, such as a horse.

There was little for her to do for Veryan had told her not to move. She would slowly start to mill about the small portion of the wood she was in. Her gaze constantly traveled to the canopy over head then to the undergrowth that covered the forest floor. She could not help by look to his bow. Quickly glancing over her shoulder to see that Veryan was truly out her line of sight, she approached it. Her pale gaze appraised the weapon, for it was simply just that. Her brow furrowed as she crouched her petite form before it. She noted the wood it was made from. Though she could not tell just what type of tree, yew, ash, perhaps oak…all strong trees. It had to be a gift or handmade. She slowly raised her hand to the shaft. Her fingers reached out to touch it, but fell short. A shudder of energy came across her as she felt strong vibes coming off it.

She would close her eyes quickly. The ripples of energy seem to flow directly from the shaft, in one spot in particular, the center where his hand rests. Soft whispering voices slowly came forth as she remained crouching upon the ground before Veryan’s bow. Many seemed to focus themselves upon her. Faces came without thought, pressing into her mind. Those long gone, perhaps still part of this world, or from another. She could not tell for she did not know them.

It was at the moment her fingers brushed against the shaft of the bow that she felt an even stronger presence. It was at this time that her hand curled toward her chest. Her hand slipped through the folds of her robe to the exposed flesh beneath. There she felt the raised flesh with a single digit. She felt her energy increase, her heart pounding hard against her ribs, or so it felt as it were. The headache returned ten fold, and she crumbled to her knees. A flash of flame erupted in the image and gave way to darkness. In that moment her hand shot off the bow.

She knelt upon the ground breathless, with heart pounding as she looked at the ground beneath her. She had half a mind to think it would crumble below her and swallow her up. Her body shivers at the rush of heat then the cooling of the forest air as she came around to the reality. She stared at the ground for what must have been sometime before she regained her composure and she was able to stand. Unsettled she had been, and she still remained. Should Veryan return at that time he would have seen that she was rightly troubled by what she felt and saw.

~It was nothing, Selphia. You saw nothing that needs asking, nor explaining. ~

She began to pace the small space of the wood she laid claim to. Ringing her hands before her as she paced. Her left hand rose to her brow. Her fingers moved across her lips, slipping down to her chin as she gave deep thought what was happening. The soft whispering returning, though this time it circled about her. It did not come from the bow. Her pale eyes narrowed as she listened. Veryan’s name was called, bellowed and uttered over and over. Why?

She closed her eyes tightly as both hands curled under and her palms pressed into her temples. A muddle of confusion was her thoughts. For they never seemed to belong to her. There was little of her life retained, for the world about her seemed to press down on her, wanting to be recalled and stored within her. She had little memory of her parents. Galeon was her keeper of memories. He was her only tie to this world.

She turned her gaze slowly about to find Veryan and her horse had returned. She bowed her head so that her hood hid the distraught look upon her face. She cleared her throat, presented herself to be cheery at the sight of her horse. She would approach the animal with calmness, or she hoped that she appeared calm. She smiled and spoke in a assuring and calming manner. Her hands move to the animal’s nostrils. So that he might take in her scent and recall her as being friendly. She was good at pressing her emotions down, and masking what she felt. She smiled and remained cheery when greeting the horse, glad for its return.

She would greet Veryan with a nod when he returned. She would take note that the reins hung loosely about the horse’s neck. Veryan had worked his charm upon the creature in order to get him to return. She would note the energy that seemed to swim about the pair. She smiled, and quickly apologized to the horse. Nuzzling her brow to its forehead. She turned her pale gaze to see Veryan collect his bow and quiver. When he brought his gaze back to her, she turned to look at the horse scratching his snout.

~ You are a mentalist, ~

She pretended to busy herself with fixing the bridle upon the animal’s snout. Untwisting the leather that lay across the bright of the horse’s brow. One hand moved to cup an ear and rub it. She knew what he asked. The true of the matter was she was a telepath. She was not at all comfortable with the term itself. She stared at the long lashes belonging to the horse. Her gaze turned sharply when Veryan continued. What was she to say? It had pretty much explained the reasons to why she did not tell anyone what she was. She did not like to make anyone feel strange. Perhaps he figured with her around his thoughts would be left open to her. She would have raced to correct him. She did not read without asking. Sometimes it was mere feelings and such, but what she got beyond herself. Meaning the world surrounding her, she could not help but tap into it.

Her head bowed and she thought that perhaps he was not keen on becoming her friend knowing what she is and what she was capable of doing. His statement about Merlin followed along much the same lines as she had stated. He found Merlin a great sorcerer, and loyal friend. She sighed and turned her attention to the horse once again. Taking up the reins and nudging the horse along. “I would not know…”

The true was that she had only spoken to Merlin on a number of occasions, namely during her training sessions. His skills were indeed vast, and his intellect was second to none. But as far as calling him friend that was something that she never thought possible. She took a moment to tie the reins securely to a low branch, a much thicker and heavier branch. When she turned she found Veryan had placed an apple in her hands. Looking at it, then to him, as he bit into his.

Cupping it with two hands the apple looked larger then it was due to her small hands. Her brother often teased her that she had a small hands belonging a child. She drew the apple to her lips, baring her teeth as she cut into it. The sweet juices flowed over her lips and across her tongue as she chewed. Slowly she turned to the trees looking about for answers. Veryan might take it as she was trying to figure were she was in proportion to the rest of the land, the castle to be more exact.

He told her it was in fact he that had driven the deer along the trail earlier. That much she figured. Part of her was glad to hear that he was a true hunter. Taken down only those whom’s time had come. No sport of the young duck with antlers to adorn his walls. She swallowed another piece of apple. Listening to him while he climbed the tree. His words seemed foreign to her. She had not realized that he could sense anything within her. Her pale gaze turned to him, “ I am sorry that I spoiled your hunt.” She stated as she looked to the apple in her hands. As to his remark about her being in pain and confused, what was she to say to that?

Her gaze lifted from the apple to Veryan as he sat upon a branch. Leaning rather casually within the tree. He looked to be deep in thought. Watching him she would note that he pretty well had himself hidden as she had. She was curious about what he looked like under his hood. She studied him for a time. Not at any point invading his thoughts to gain information that he had not offered freely, for she would not take without asking. She watched as recognition came over him. He was gifted as she was, just with different charms and abilities. A simple flicker of emotion stirred within him and was gone.

She had been looking at him that she noticed the shudder. She would turn as if she never saw it. Looking at her apple again, she drew another bite from it. She stepped to the horse and fed the remaining bits of her apple. She smiled and to Veryan. A soft look to her face as she drew her hood back. Revealing her strange paleness to him.

When he drew back his own hood, her gaze was locked upon his face. His eyes drew her in. She felt compelled to extend her hand toward his face. Stopping short she bowed her head and apologized. “I…did not mean…I have never seen such eyes.”

Of course her own eyes were pale and held little to no color. His held the strangest of blues, lined with silver. Was it possible that he was much like her after all? She turned her head to the side and quickly stepped back to her horse. Feeling silly for having been so forward in acting. She felt the heat rise to her cheeks as she hide behind her horse scolding herself.

[Veryan Lithônion]

All the time he had been absent looking for her horse had allowed him time to think but surely time for her as well and tough he knew little of her there seemed to be a certain connection could it be through magic? Could it be that the strong force could bind all those who possessed the gift? There were many things unsettling in this world but it somehow intrigued Veryan the more and made him realize that when a person ignored things it did not mean there was danger but simply thirst to know. Perhaps Selphia felt likewise abut him, curious and mystified but he could not simply trust his past could he? Perhaps he could… at least just this once. Selphia looked sweet and kind and perhaps though he had been warned not to give in to the charms of magic folk, he could trust her or try to.

He sighed, so much was to be said and yet time was of the essence, he wondered if she trusted him more by now and could find herself strong enough to talk to him as he was opening to her. He obviously did not mind helping her ease the horse’s unsteady nerves for it was what men were taught to do, help others and undergo hard work every day in order to subside but Veryan was not English and his family traditions were further than that for men and women were recognized to be as valuable in a society as their children for both ensured education and sustenance reached the household. In fact, in Lithaldoren women could work as well as men and if they wished not to marry then their decisions were respected for women could also contribute in politics, philosophy and the lore of arts and surely having no family allowed them to focus more in their love for such sciences.

Though, the time he spent in Camelot he got to know there were countries where society established stereotypes and forced them upon its people, which was a shame for surely those who had much to give would be neglected for their social class, status, gender or race. He sighed and then turned to look at Selphia for a moment as she tended to her horse trying to make friends with him again and this time perhaps reassure him she would not startle him anymore.

She seemed silent and as if she wished to avoid talking about her abilities, he was truly bewildered, why was it if she knew he was a mage as well? Did she think he would not like being amongst her company anymore since she could mind read? He frowned slightly at that thought which seemed to be the most probable thing for she did look grateful he brought her horse back to her. So she did like his company… Surely if his mind was not available she could not get in contact with it so it would be no problem for him to work on blocking her powers whenever he did not wish her to read his thoughts so there really was no reason for her to fear him knowing of her powers, “It seems you are a most lonely soul, milady. Yet you dare not talk about your abilities, how so? For you could do such wonderful things with them and, mind me, it could never be a reason for me sot avoid such noble company.” He smiled at her.

He smiled and looking at the tree he took another bite of his apple as he added, “Where I come from horses are cherished as a man’s friend, they are so noble creatures, brave, foolish and intelligent. They would risk it all for their riders, hence me understanding why you were in ways worried for his safety though surely a gypsy would have found him and taken him for his own.” He chuckled lightly and then said, “but that will not happen now.”

He noticed the look she gave his bow and then thought that perhaps she had been looking at it intently or was intrigued as for its origins for surely the wood of the craft was seldom found in moorlands such as these in Camelot, well in the whole of the island as he was told. He smiled and said, “I carved this beauty myself…” he softly ran a finger across the string as he added, “it was a way to show my talents and then finally be taken with my father to the blacksmith to begin my apprenticeship. I dare say some people do not like learning what their parents do for a living but surely blacksmith is something I do enjoy… I love the sense of creating things with our hands and then making them beautiful or noble; depending on the person you work for. But it always has your own stile and marksmanship, just like I enjoy hunting to set food on the table these days.”

He could not deny his bow had seen so much of his young life but he could still remember himself, a five year-old, working on a bow and finishing the last touches when he reached six years. Of course he could not deny he did not keep on modifying it as he grew older till he reached the age of eighteen springs and decided he would leave it as it now was for now. Silver edged by the handle and with Celtic letters on the wooden craft though lately, they seemed to glitter light whenever he shot an arrow, he had yet to understand why but no one could tell. As far as he could remember it all began with a dream, a dream he had come to feel as if it was the one thing to believe to have really happened that night.

Struggling, unable to sleep that night he woke up covered in sweat and decided to go for a walk, he got dressed and looked out in the window, it was a misty night in Cornwall and it was but days before he left his home, once again, and head to Camelot when a noise made him look to the stairs that separated his room form the others in the house. He leaned to the edge of the stairs and could see a flick of light in the living room.

His parents were up talking though there was company among them, a hooded figure who looked old and wise, yet nothing else was revealed form the man and as he looked at them he could not hear what they were saying and frustration reached him, why was it they were talking so carefully of anyone hearing them?

It was then when the words became more audible but only estranged him the more…

“In time he will find him, but it must be deeper in this country for the dark Lords know of this, and won’t stop till they find him…”

Find whom? Veryan? He felt his heart sink and by the moment he realized the old man had his bow in hands and seemed to be talking about it in a strange way he was slowly taken far from the realm of dreams to his disadvantage for he was eager to hear the whole conversation… He wanted to… But he could not, even his dreams dissuaded him form knowing the whole truth of his conditions…

By the time he woke up the next day he found they were to travel to Camelot in search of a better professional career, according to his father Thalion, though he suspected it could have had something to do with his dream and what stressed it was that before leaving he found his bow with a note attached to it which said:

Veryan,

Use it well for you will discover things you never experienced before but I leave this your bow with the marksmanship of the deities of woodland hunting and warn you… you should let few touch it or you might endanger being recognized. Remember Harbinger?


The moment he picked his bow he recognized the Celtic words and yet they looked different, as if a light green light overcame them and made them shine even more the moment he held the bow. Unsure of what it could be he kept the note hidden and secret, in fact he did not speak of this to his parents nor did he mention the sword either somehow he felt that… they knew of this far better than himself and he wished not to burden them.

And so his life resumed with the memory of the supernatural events that kept on producing before his eyes like his finding of his inner abilities to connect and control the elements, as strange as it sounded he never expected to be chosen to lead such a life and yet the fact that he was a simple blacksmith apprentice made things even stranger. But he did not mind until one night he dreamed with beams of light, dark beams of light… He had been having promontory dreams as of late but that one intrigued him for he woke up with a certain scar to him and though the dream was truly shocking he dared not speak of it… not that he had anyone to talk to concerning that anyway.

The next morning he woke up with a strange scare on the back of his hand, it had a small capital letter “T” and the small symbol of the house of Lithaldoren which consisted of two dragon heads bended to each others as if they had snake bodies. It looked thrilling and at the same time impressive but in a ay he remembered the letter he received before he left Cornwall and decided to take no chance of anyone recognizing the guild of his homeland and so he fabricated a pair of black leather gloves which had holes where the fingers could be exposed and yet his hands were safe from anyone’s view, certainly it granted him a more mysterious air for they said only knights, warriors or rangers dared wear those kind of gloves.

He did not mind though, it kept his hands warm and safe from a curious man’s glance and at the same time allowed his fingers to be freely exposed to the weather so he still had his finger’s sensitivity for the gloves were fingerless in order to still allow him to wield his sword or ride or work with them if needed though he did not wear them when he worked at the forge for they would surely suffer such extremely hot conditions.

”I would not know,”

It was then when Selphia’s words made him come back from the depths of his mind and the realm of memories and back to the present as he smiled and then said remembering what they were talking about, “Think about it, milady…” he said cheerfully as he stood up to give the horse the remains of his apple just as she had done but minutes before as he added, “I believe he sacrifices himself to support Prince Arthur and does everything at hand to ensure his safety and the secrecy of the guild from the King of Camelot, I am sure that friendship is surely shown there though I myself have not known the young mage myself but the time I went to enroll.”

“I am sorry that I spoiled your hunt.”

He smiled and said, “Milady, please, don’t be. Destiny has a way of her own, I can hunt any day but meeting people such as you is a once in a lifetime opportunity. So don’t torture yourself with it any longer.” He looked at the horse as he eagerly accepted the treat he offered him and then smiled and caressed the horse’s nose before he turned back to look at the woods as there seemed to be approaching spring and yet winter seemed to fight his way still. Snow would fall form the tree branches from time to time.

“I… did not mean to… I have never seen such eyes.”

The moment he revealed his face before her he had expected her to simply smile or even laugh, who could tell for he had a bit of cheerfulness to him though he was brave and determined most of the time he knew he was still young in many ways. But he did not expect feeling that strange sensation of her hand close to touching his face, it emanated with certain tenderness admiration and energy at the same time but he tried to ignore it and simply smile, “They say they are even rare back in my homeland. Some like them and others fear them.” She was so innocent always feeling shy and modest about what she did and said, he smiled.

[Selphia Dek]

Selphia was indeed a lonely soul. She had few friends, and was not good at making them. So proven by the mere fact that those in the library think she is a nightmare. It was not her fault that her thoughts drifted. It was not her fault that many filled her mind with chatter, and knowledge beyond her knowing and understanding. Her frost white gaze drifted through the trees at his mention of gypsies. “Perhaps they would treat him better then having to remain in a stuffy stall all day with no one to ride him.” She said soothing her hand about the tips of the horse’s ears. She would then turn to the horse and speak as if it were a person. ~You’d like a meadow to race within, sun to glance off your back, a warm breeze to caress your nose? Wouldn’t you.~

She would take the moment to smile at the horse before stepping aside to let Veryan eat him another apple. She looked to him and smiled briefly. He seemed kind, but according to Galeon that was a front to most folk that wished ill upon another. Veryan did not seem like most people. His energies were clean, health so to speak. She could feel them each time he came closer. It was unsettling, but she did not wish for him to concern himself with her. There were tiny things she noted about him. The way he spoke for one. He was not from here. She would have asked just where he helmed from by that introduction had passed for the moment. She would bring it around later perhaps. His tones were soothing, almost musical as he spoke. Was he from the Islands to the west of here? She was curious. When she was curious her mind drifted, and thoughts entered.

The whispering returned. Veryan’s name was strongly uttered upon them. She winced as she turned her head to ward off the thoughts. Clear her head and pay attention. Blocking was getting harder and harder to do when around other magic users. She often wondered why that was? She took a few quick cleansing breaths before she returned her attention to Veryan.

“Umm….my abilities are troublesome.” She told him, her gaze would drop for a moment, only to come back to him. “Galeon. My brother sent me here to be protected. For reasons that you could not understand and I…fear to say.” Her voice was soft as she spoke, emotion taking its hold as she recalled the countless hunts for her brother and herself as they trekked the land on their own. She looked at her hands, as she rubbed what little juice from the apple remained upon them. “I have great trust that Merlin is skilled in his abilities and will aid this kingdom. I just fear that I might have brought danger with me. If you knew….” Her eyes widened, as she had revealed a little too much to him. “I don’t know what I am saying.” She placed her hand to her brow. The headaches returning as she turned.

[Veryan Lithônion]

He looked at her as she seemed to consider a better future for the horse, she looked so simple, humble and innocent he wondered why she was in these wood or these lands all by herself. Surely the person she was looking for was family to her for she did not seem to feel comfortable in Veryan’s company so he deemed it was hard for her to open up to others. He did not mind, he respected that and certainly not everyone trusted the first person they encountered. She seemed to know few persons as well, was it no one dared to talk to her? He wondered how people could be so stereotypical and judging when surely this lady has feelings like the rest of the world. If only she was given a chance, in ways he felt the same way, for who liked foreigners in their shores?

“Perhaps they would treat him better then having to remain in a stuffy stall all day with no one to ride him… You’d like a meadow to race within, sun to glance off your back, a warm breeze to caress your nose? Wouldn’t you.”

He smiled and then said, “I dare say gypsies are not what they seem nor what people say of them, at least not the ones I know whom live here and still follow the Old Faith; some druids still grace this land, milady, and is what keeps it alive for I deem there will be a time when forests will be burned to the ground and people will forget what they owe Anu, for she will then run out of patience with us mortals.” He then said, “If you would not have to pay for the horse I am sure you could keep him here and whenever you need him he will come to you, for druids have marvelous ways to train horses to enjoy errant lives and yet still answer to the call.”

He could tell she was as curious about him as he was about her for how often did you find such mystifying lady in the middle of the woods? Especially since he became in contact with nature he could feel her strength and yet there was something supernatural about her but what could it be? Well if she needed help he would gladly aid her for he seldom feared anything in the world he could come to encounter and perhaps this friendship would help both of them; it would certainly be beneficial but at the same time genuine of course she would have to trust him first.

But so would he….

He would have to trust a person everything he kept locked within and that would take great effort form him. For one he had never told anyone where he came form and the strange happenings that encompassed him in the past were locked in his memories, would he be strong enough to share them with someone and trust that person would not run away form him when finding such a dangerous path and destiny befell upon him? He sighed; perhaps he was dismissing the fact that he was a stranger in a strange land. What would make her trust they could be closer friends when he surely was as strange as he or perhaps stranger?

It was then when Veryan noticed how as they stood close to each other Selphia’s eyes closed suddenly and she moved backwards as if she was about to fall placing both hands on her forehead. He quickly acted in instinct for he was rather of an impulsive nature and quickly placed his hand son her shoulders to hold her and prevent her from falling as he quickly said, “Selphia? What is happening?” His eyes looked at her with true concern as if she was already a friend to him and he was worried that perhaps he had such effect upon her. But then again she also seemed to have a strong effect for he then felt the elements even stronger, the wind blew strongly against them and he seemed to hear voices, but what could this be? His hand then began to hurt terribly, the one with the guild from his country, and the pain extended to his whole arm, he quickly let go of her once she was steady and stood on her feet reassuring him she would not fall, and then placed his hand on his arm as it hurt for a bit longer and he could not understand this.

He was so estranged at all the things that had been happening to him lately especially ever since he arrived to Camelot he could barely keep his thoughts in mind and the feeling did nothing to calm him down, quite the contrary it was as if something that Selphia could posses was connected to his scar but what could it truly be? It seemed to block her mind as well and though he did not look to pry it seemed to him as if her heart glowed the moment she had visions or heard voices. Why was that? Could it be she was much more than a Lady in the woods?

”Umm, my abilities are troublesome… Galeon My brother sent me here to be protected. For reasons that you could not understand and I fear to say.”

He looked into her eyes worried for a moment as the pain in his arm left ever so slowly, “If only you knew, milady, of the troubles that befall upon me though young, you would not assume so much.” He looked at the woods and yet added, “But I do not believe in coincidence, we were placed here to know each other and I want to know why…” He looked at her once again and said standing in front of her, but inches away, “why is it that you look so pale, that your eyes are silver light and your heart irradiates magic.”
He had to admit he was somewhat impressed though a bit scared, not much though. And he wanted to know if this lady was indeed who he thought her to be, someone young and naïve and innocent thrown into a world she could not fight on her own. But if she was a witch who was trying to lure him into revealing his persona for the doom of his homeland then he had to evade her and make sure he could reach safe ground before anyone ended up hurt because of him.

In ways the only thing he feared was not accomplishing that for which many lives were sacrificed. He wanted to find these visions and grow as a person; he wanted to revenge on the cruel kings that threatened his people and triumph over those who persecuted him. It was strange being persecuted, it really was, especially when you did not know whom it was, how strong that person was and why on earth they would be after a simple apprentice of blacksmith.

“I have great trust that Merlin is skilled in his abilities and will aid this kingdom. I just fear that I might have brought danger with me. If you knew… I don’t know what I am saying.”

His eyes looked into hers, “You do not trust me, yet I cannot grant you more proof of my sincerity but you can surely read it from my own thoughts.” He was not amazed of her words nor worried, “Let me… I will protect you…” true, he was not a knight of Camelot but he did have fighting skills and surely someone could teach him on how to be even better. He had come to meeting a man, a warrior unlike any other and surely he would like teaching him whatever it was he could learn. He then added, “I fear no danger though I know I carry my own doom myself.”

[Selphia Dek]

Her mind was swimming with voices. Her palms pressing into her temples as she willed herself to focus. Once she focused she would be fine. But it was hard. Trying to understand what had happened when Veryan touched her. The whispers grew louder, she wondered if he heard them, and if he had did he understand them. Could he feel them like she could? She felt a sudden panic take its hold of her. Her pale gaze locked upon Veryan’s warm blue gaze. He looked sincere on all that he said to her. She knew she could trust him, or she felt that she could trust him. But, her run in with the men of all regions seemed to tell her that trust was the last things she needed to relinquish.

She had come to Camelot namely due to her brother’s biding. ~Go to Camelot, ancestral home of great bloodline. Protection will find you there. ~ His words had always been troubling for Selphia. Leaving her to fend for herself with only these words to carry her onward. They had been chased through the mountains regions to the lowlands, where they were forced to part. Selphia’s heart has been heavy ever since. Not knowing where her brother had gone to, or if she would ever find him. She looked to Veryan and saw kindness there, it was a rarity for her to find. For the few that she had entrusted turned their backs and cast their lots in with the hunters.

Her voice rose softly from her, looking at the horse before returning to Veryan. She wanted to make sure that she safeguarded her emotions well, but when it came to others, such as the horse she could not help but smile at the prospect of him racing through the meadows when he pleased, drinking from the fresh springs that races along the forest floor. It was possibly a dream come true for the animal to have such a life. She turned to Veryan agreeing that the horse should remain here. Not at all mentioning that she would buy the horse in order to do so. She pressed her brow to the snout of the horse. Which unsettled him a little. She stepped back, soothing words came forth, and the horse calmed.

She smiled to Veryan, a soft blush coming to her pale cheeks before fading as she ducked behind the horse. He was unlike most she had come across in these parts. She peered over the saddle of the horse to where Veryan stood. Tall he was, much more then she. She had to raise herself upon her toes in order to fully see him. She wanted to be able to trust as freely, but was he truly trusting as he wished her to be? She could feel that uncertainty, wondering if it was her own, or him. Perhaps he would make a good friend, she could only hope. For she felt that things were only going to get harder for her. They could perhaps trade stories, but where would that take it. One still had to offer up theirs first.

She came out from behind the horse, once he was tied to the branch of a nearby tree. The energy that came from Veryan was strong. Crushing against her even though they stood only mere feet apart. Her pale eyes lifted to his blue eyes. She seemed to fall into them. Unable to breath as his energies surrounded them both. The moment his hands made contact with her, the connection was made. His words turned to whispers, but she heard them. He looked worried. Her chin rested against her chest, just above her heart, her breathing increased as she could feel his had as well. Her pale locks flaring about her and him as an odd wind drew up about them. Voices clearly uttered about them. Veryan looked as if he had heard them as well. The look upon his face looked confused, acknowledging that he had indeed heard them.

Flickers of images came forth. A homestead, a woman’s face, pure and noble in appearance, followed by a man, sweaty and hard working it would appear, brandishing a sword, many swords. Then a man, a strange looking man who’s face she could not bring herself to look at. The images flash to something much more powerful then what passed between them. A dark image appeared…then vanished.

The connection broken, Veryan reared himself back from her. Selphia blinked a few times in order to bring herself about. Holding his arm tightly, pain apparent upon his face. Her expression turned to one of acknowledgement. She had brought pain to him. Panic spread to her eyes. ~Veryan~ she had not fully taken herself out of the connection. It was possible that he heard her say his name without speaking it. She stepped back from him, slowly her hand moving to her lip. She felt her body tremble as she stood there looking at him. Hoping he was all right. She had not realized her other hand had curled against her chest, resting neatly over her heart. She felt the pulse before noticing his gaze.

He looked worried for himself. That much she could tell when he looked at her. His questions were not for her to answer. There were far greater things in Veryan’s world that she did not know. If he told her perhaps she would understand, but that would mean she would have to explain herself. Her gaze watched as he inched away from her. Her heart sickened at the reaction. She gasped silently, bowing her head for a moment. His questions continued. He was thinking she was placed here, in order to harm him. Her hands lowered about her belly as she swayed to the right.

~ Why is it that you look so pale, that your eyes are silver light and your heart irradiates magic. ~

Slowly her hand rose slightly to the side of her. She did not move toward him. She did not wish for him to feel any more threatened then he was. Perhaps he thought that she was some creature set to trick him, to trap him for someone to use. She did not want him to feel that she was capable of such things. Her pale gaze softened, a tear slipped down her left cheek, though she turned to the left so he could not see that she felt hurt should this be his line of thought against her.

“I trust as freely as others. Though these days it seems harder to do so.” She told him, knowing that he might feel the same. “You come from lands far beyond Camelot’s shores. You are just as alone with friends as you are actually alone. We are marked by things greater then our knowledge. And yet together there is a strange eerie comfort.”

She placed her hand along the edge of her robes. She could feel the steady even beat of her heart. The fear subsiding as she turned completely about to face him. She had been speaking to herself for that brief moment. When she heard his words touch her in a way that she felt genuinely humbled by them.

~Let me, I will protect you. ~

She looked at him and was about to explain just what it was that he wished to know. She drew in a deep breath and exhaled. She gave him a reassuring smile. Cupping her hands together as she bowed her head in acceptance of what his offer was. She had wanted to ask him protect her from what? But she knew as well as anyone just what that was. Perhaps she might help protect him in return.

“Then we are to be friends?” she asked, wondering if she should extend her hand to him. More so would he take it.

[Veryan Lithônion]

Veryan stood there, confused about all he was feeling and thinking and about the way nature communicated with him and yet he could not see why it had all happened, perhaps it was the fact that things happened suddenly but maybe this encounter would grant him what his eyes yet could not see, the piece of the puzzle that had gone missing and make him understand without questioning it so much.

Looking at her he could sense all she felt and thought that perhaps if he trusted her a bit she might do the same, he was tired of this obsession of his to conceal everything from every living being. But this conversation was also going nowhere for they did not step forth, they did not reveal that which made them unique and wanted and made them run to Camelot in an attempt to save themselves from the doom which followed them. Unsure as to why his parents made him run away so many times he still thought something good would come out of this.

Perhaps this friendship was one of such things that would render them strength and the ability to fight their individual unknown enemies. At least Veryan still ignored how his enemy was and why. But Selphia seemed to know her enemy, in fact thought everyone would be after her if her secret was discovered but something inside Veryan told him he was noble of heart and would not do such a thing.

Maybe the fact that she was far away from home and alone in Camelot made her so afraid and suspicious as if the whole world was against her. He smiled in mercy and thought that he perhaps did the very same thing for how else was he to survive in a country alien to his own? One who forgot the Old tongue and faith and seemed to embrace a culture that had nothing to do with what ruled these lands? He had to get used to it and be part of it though avoid getting dragged into it… and that was a lot to ask from a young man but eighteen springs, he was yet to become a man.

Veryan…

It was a calling like that of the voice he would only hear in dreams and sometimes when walking the forest though this time it was much closer and though the pain in his hand was decreasing there seemed to be a connection still, could it have been Selphia the one to call out of him all this time? He doubted it though he certainly was aware of the connection between him and Selphia and knew that this time it had been her. Looking into her eyes he then thought of sharing this through his mind, allowing her to enter his thoughts and perhaps try and communicate that way with her, “Do you feel this too? This connection?” After trying to talk to her with his thoughts he felt the pain in his hand and arm be lesser and it allowed him to run a hand through his golden hair revealing the fingerless black leather glove he wore whenever he wasn’t at the forge.

He silently watched her as she looked for comfort in the love and friendship of the horse as she also tied him to the branch once again, Veryan knew that by now so many things had happened Selphia might need some time to recover and readjust to what they had both experienced. So he tried not looking at her and take deep silent breaths to also absorb all which had been revealed ever since their encounter, it was curious how one day you can be one person and the next someone different, changed, for good or ill. In this case Veryan thought it would be a change for good, though there would be a high price to pay for it he compromised to protect her then he would be undertaking a double risk and would be better known in these lands but he somehow did not mind at all.

He noticed how suddenly she raised her hand to her heart as he asked her why she looked so pale or why she seemed to be so different from the rest of people and yet she did not answer. Could this all be related to her heart? Yes it sounded silly and perhaps he was letting his thoughts travel to far but she seemed concerned with it for she placed her hand there too often, could it mean she was ill? Or could it be that was what she wished to conceal from the world?

But then she spoke and looked troubled, had he made her feel bad at all? Had he made her suspect he thought ill of her? So many thoughts bottled within him but then again he had her words yet to listen to know what she wished him to and perchance she would reveal her burdens to him?

He hoped so!

But she did not…

“I trust as freely as others. Though these days it seems harder to do so… You come from lands far beyond Camelot’s shores. You are just as alone with friends as you are actually alone. We are marked by things greater then our knowledge. And yet together there is a strange eerie comfort.”

What could he answer to that? It was so accurate he could not deny it, for one reason or another they were together in this and both their secrets seemed connected with a common ground and though none of them knew so yet perhaps the time would come when they would and then things would clear out for both of them but now, in the similar circumstances they could stand together against any enemy but they had first to trust each other and that was the hard situation they found themselves immerse in at the moment.

He sighed and said, “I cannot deny that to be true Selphia, yet we do not trust each other.” He sighed and added, “I have trusted this to no one, no living being but the spirits of the woods know of my origins, the reasons I abide in Camelot at present and why I must constantly remain hidden form any stranger I might encounter.” He then said as he looked back into her silver moon eyes, “I am no danger to you but by the shadows that follow me from the land I come from.”

“Then we are to be friends?”

He smiled at her and said, “Yes, we are in this together and we must begin by trusting.” He then said to her through his mind thoughts, ”I am running away form an unknown enemy, I left my motherland for I was told I was chosen yet I know not what for, I lived in Cornwall until I was told they were looking for me and Camelot seemed like the safest place, yet it really isn’t.”

[Selphia Dek]

Selphia could not help but feel a kinship with Veryan. One that reminded her of her brother, he was strong, noble of heart and true. So far there was no reason as to why she should hide. Her hand resting against the edge fabric that rests close to her skin, hidden beneath the dark colored robes, slowly stroked the stone set within her chest. Would she trust him with her secret? She thought perhaps she could. But it was in that moment that she felt a rush of emotion that did not belong to her, it was Veryan’s. The connection between them seemed strong. She closed her eyes as she felt her energies surge, consuming her as they mixed with Veryan’s.

She was tired if hiding from everyone. Since coming to Camelot she was learning to trust. Perhaps not with her secrets, but then no one asked her anything. She had yet to meet anyone that she had this connection with. Her secrets would always remain with her. She feared more about releasing them it was just safer. She was sure that Veryan understood this. The pair of them seemed trapped in what to tell the other. To trust one another seemed to be their biggest hurdle.

She head tilted to the side as she looked to Veryan. That silver edging seemed more pronounced as she looked at them. There was something hiding behind them. That much she could feel, that much she was able to understand. As to what it was, the images still remained hidden. If he was to trust her, then he had to allow her to look. Misshapen shadows seemed to guard each one’s mind. Trust being the bearer for both.

Her gaze had dropped for only a moment when something light brushed against her mind. When she looked up she found Veryan’s gaze locked upon her. She did not dare move for fear of breaking the connection once again. The first time he had touched her, not he simply spoke.

~Do you feel this too? This connection? ~

She nodded slowly. The corner of her lips tugging upward into a half smile, as did the corner of her eye. She watched him intently. His hand moved along his brow and through his sun-kissed hair. It was that hand that she was looking at, that hand that she had felt the connection through, the same hand that he seemed effected by. She wanted to ask him questions, but her voice failed in that moment. Was he like her? The connection between them told her that he was. But there was still something not right.

There was something a little different. He allowed her into his thoughts but she could not pry. His secrets were his to tell. She would wait. But in that moment she felt a wave of heat wash over her again. Her gaze lowered for a moment, her hand extended to a branch nearby. Steadying herself, the heat brought a nauseating feeling before it left her. She looked at him and smiled light heartedly. The rush of his energies entering her caused a little disturbance in her that she had not prepared herself for. She would remind herself to tell him to easy into it next time.

Selphia was a very private and guarded person. Just as she figured that Veryan was. She attention returned to him once the nausea feeling left her. She noted his gaze, then looked to where it was that he was looking. Her chest. A rush of heat and color came to her cheeks knowing just why he was looking there. Most women might feel flattered or might have slapped him. But she knew why he was looking at her. Her hand had yet to move from where it rested. Her fingers caressed the raised mark. She lingered in her thoughts. Only when he spoke again did she look up and at him.


~ I have trusted this to no one, no living being but the spirits of the woods know of my origins, the reasons I abide in Camelot at present and why I must constantly remain hidden form any stranger I might encounter. ~ I am no danger to you but by the shadows that follow me from the land I come from. ~

Those words sounded so familiar. It hurt to think upon them. To endear one’s self to secret, to never allow another soul close enough to understand the darkness that surrounds you. She knew of what Veryan spoke, for it stole as much as it gave. But in that small moment she felt that she could step beyond the shadows and have someone accept her, and not run from her, to have someone to trust, and not fear being hurt or betrayed. As he smiled, she returned it with a soft one of her own. Though she seemed to waver a little as his thoughts brushed her thoughts without warning. She staggered a few steps back and settled herself upon a nearby boulder. Her left hand clutching the branch, while the other rose to her brow.

His words were indeed heavy in their intent, to make her understand his plight. Her pale eyes widened at his disclosure. She knew far to well to be chased. To have people plot and betray trusted in order to get what they want. There was little that Selphia could do for Veryan. He was far taller then she, and stronger then she. But she would help him if that were what he wished of her. He had but to ask her.

Trust was such a strange friend. Listening to him, she knew there was more to his story then he spoke. But this was a start. To earn his trust she knew that she had to trust him. A lump forged within her throat as she sat there. Slowly her hand moved across the mark she so carefully hid. Her other hand come to the edge of the robe. Fiddling with the ties for a brief moment then undoing them. Her right hand lingered for a time, not wanting to move after so long guarding her secret. She would close her eyes, and slowly draw the collar of her robe back on both sides with the one hand. The robe fell away, revealing the soft blue gown on her petite frame.

One look at Selphia and one would think she looked ill. Her long pale locks fell straight down her back. Her frost white gaze looked out from under a few stray strands, while her complexion was paler then a fresh fallen snow. With the forest she stood out once out from under her dark robes. Her right hand had curled against her chest, cupping the left where it remained. Her gaze lifted to Veryan, as her hands came away, drawing with them the edge of her gown. She would pull it down so that it was flush with her shoulders. Beneath the fabric a colored stone sat. One might have mistaken it for a gemstone, in fact that was what people thought. Rogues, bandits have often mistaken it for loot. Which on occasion brought Galeon many fights, in order for Selphia and himself not to have to part with their lives.

“This is a soulstone.” She told him, as she spoke the stone glowed a little more brightly. It was a deep crimson stone flush with her flesh. The edges of where the stone touched her flesh were slightly raised; it was bigger then any normal stone, though no bigger then the palm of a baby’s hand. She looked at Veryan, knowing she could read his thoughts, but she did not dare learn the trust so quickly., a look from him would do for now. She felt her emotions surge as she sat before him trusting and exposed.

[Veryan Lithônion]

When Selphia nodded to his question concerning them sharing a strong connection he felt relieved he was not the only one thinking that way and it made him smile even truly pleased with said news. Why was he so pleased? He knew not, well… perhaps for the fact that after so many long years he seemed to have found someone he could trust for their connection was genuine and neither of them had treason in their eyes. He knew now he had done well in trusting her bits of his life though he wondered if she could talk into his mind whenever they were this close, so magically linked to each other.

He noticed how she looked at him, more particularly at his hand, though wearing fingerless black leather gloves he could tell that perhaps as he knew she hid something she also suspected he did. But wasn’t simply that but the fact that it made him think that mayhap his hand and her heart were the very reason why they connected in such a way. He did not know why nor did she, but he would question this no longer, he believed there were things in life that required no explanation nor logic and magic and the supernatural were good examples of this and he strongly believed in them for he had seen them with his very eyes and some things well, they could not be explained at all but through the eyes of faith and benevolence.

For a moment he pondered if she would know what the mark in his hand meant but surely she did not know his country’s icon though it did show in his hand there was also the other symbol, that of a dragon, he did not know what that meant but perhaps it could be connected to her in a way? Why as it so hard for him to trust her? Maybe if she also opened up then perhaps he could reveal his burdens to her and feel much relieved for all these years he had live din silence and reflection. His head was filled with questions and yet he knew so was hers, he could tell for the spirits of the woods could feel it all for all beings were connected to nature one way or another.

He noticed that as he allowed her into his thoughts it seemed to consume her energy and send her rather great fits of energy which he did not intend to of course and decided that he would only speak through his mind to her and avid showing her his thoughts and perhaps that would make things easier for her and would not bring her pain for he obviously did not wish to hurt a newly found friend. In fact he felt truly guilty by now for the pain he caused her though of course he did not know he had such effect on her whenever guiding her through his thoughts so perhaps talking to her through his mind would be best for her… and him.

Only after looking at the light she hid so fervently with her hand said did he notice her eyes upon her, did she think him rude for staring? He could not help it though for he knew that in a way that was one of the elements that bonded them. Of course morally it was rude of a man to look at a woman that way and so he quickly withdrew his eyes and felt someone ashamed for having done so, would she now slap him and walk away? He prayed the gods she would not for then the one opportunity to make a friend would be gone for he doubted he would come across another person he could relate as much as he did with Selphia.

He could see the look in her eyes, in a way she was sad for knowing he suffered that much but well friends were sensitive to the troubles of the other and he knew that once he knew of Selphia’s perils he would warm up to her and in ways feel impotent being unable to spare her the pain. It felt right though, to trust her bits of his past and perhaps encourage her to trust him back, eventually they would end up revealing it all though he was glad they were I the woods, protected by his friends instead of a busy City or else they would not be able to even blink on each other’s direction.

The moment he trusted his past to her delicate pale hands he knew that, in a way, she could understand his feelings because maybe she experienced them herself, she did not look like the kind of person who would willingly be alone or even travel that way, he knew that at the beginning of their encounter she had called upon someone else and in finding it was not Veryan she looked in such pain that he wished it had been that person, her beloved brother the one to have come instead of him but he could not undo what destiny threw at them but they could try and make things better, couldn’t they?

She looked concealed within herself sitting there and reading the thoughts he had wished to transmit to her and in ways he feared she might now leave him there thinking there was much risk by befriending someone like him. But at least he would be glad that for one he did try to trust a person and this would make his burden lighter for he had spoke of his pains and hardships and now his body felt relaxed and his mind at ease but if she stayed and wished him to reveal it all he knew now he would, as silly as it sounded.

It was then when she stood up slowly still lost in thought and untied her robe, Veryan stared unsure if to run away or stay there for he did not wish to shame this young fair maiden, for if someone saw them surely they would take her a fallen woman and remove her form the respect and position she earned with sweat and misery, he did not want to bring her any more trouble. But then again perhaps she was to reveal her secret to him? That thought felt stronger and though he wished not to look or perhaps be more of a gentleman he stood there stiff, ready to behold her secret and then take it with him to his grave for he would surely reveal this to no one, he was a loyal friend and he had told her but minutes ago they were surely friends.

The moment she disclosed her robe to reveal her light gown he could see the snowflake paleness to her skin and yet he knew he was not afraid. Most people would, but somehow the elements of the earth soothed him and made him stand there, patiently waiting to understand her burdens better and in many ways prove himself deserving of her friendship.

It was then when he saw something he never expected in all eternity and immortality. There was a precious emerald stone, which looked like a gem glowing from her chest. His eyes stared in awe and then moved back to her silver eyes that shone now with much more grace and then she spoke, she called it a soulstone. He had never seen such a thing but now, as their eyes met it was as if the motif for her pains and enemies to look for her was simply the fact that most men would take it for a gem of great value with which to amount a wealthy life. He took a deep breath feeling his heart beating bitterly and then slowly he raised his right hand in order to touch the stone, of course it was mere curiosity for he did not wish to harm his new friend, but then it was as if he could see her running away form enemies and her brother fighting to preserve her life, this was so out of place, he had never known of a person with such beautiful stone carved in the heart.

Suddenly his hand stopped before touching her stone for then the pain began once again but of another kind. He quickly removed his hand and placed his other hand on top of it in order to try and relieve the pain, his eyes glowed even more silver light and for a moment he looked at the ground. This would only happen to him before in dreams, but never in real life, could this befall on him. This friendship would surely be much more special.

The moment he looked at his hand he noticed a sort of bluish light emanating form it and perhaps, as the pain lessened, he had to trust her the very same way she trusted him. He looked into her eyes and for a moment said, “I believe your soulstone to be the most beautiful thing I have ever seen, but I do not desire it nor wish to remove it from its owner. I promise you, before the spirits of the woods and the Old faith I will protect you form any enemy who could with to claim it.” He then added as he looked at his gloved hands, ”and from now on your friends will be my friends and your enemies my enemies.”

Without another thought he removed the glove from his right hand and it could be seen the ash tree of his hometown in its guild with the shape of a dragon which glowed blue light still. He revealed her the very reason of his troubles and though he knew not entirely why, he knew now he could trust her this. He exposed his hand before her and knew he had done the right thing.

[Selphia Dek]

Friends they were to be, and friends they would be. She looked at his face, studied it as best she could and committed it to memory, as best she could. There were so many things within her thoughts that fear gripped her tightly as she stood looking at him. Would she remember him, recall his name, and know his face by first glance. Galeon was not here to help her. He was her memory to her past. But who was to be her memory for the future. Here in Camelot she would get lost in the crowds and then lost to the world. Sure she was working on training to become a mage and she would protect herself. But with such random thoughts and focus she might fall under some unruly characters that would use her, perhaps even kill her.

There was so much that Veryan did not know about her heart. There were tiny shards of truth in what he thought. But the truth was even lost to her. Sure she had images, thoughts even about her past. It was long and filled with voices. Where they from her past or those that had come before her. She had a connection much like Veryan’s to the world about her.

She was afraid to look at his face. She could feel the uncertainty in him. A flicker of thoughts to flee overwhelmed by the urge to stay and learn more. The lump remained in her throat as she waited for a reaction from Veryan. He stood there staring at her. Exposed as she was, she felt as if she were naked before him. Compelled to draw her robe about her and hide. To clasp her hands across her heart, but she didn’t. She closed her eyes tightly, a tear squeezed out the side and down her cheek as she felt his emotions becoming overwhelmed with the knowledge she revealed of herself to him.

Her life was always going to be in peril. For reasons that he would never understand, and for reasons that she was trying to figure out herself. The connection between them was indeed strong. She felt the tug as he raised his hand toward the soulstone. Her eyes opened, looking at him as his hand drew near. When it stopped she felt as he did the pain that enveloped his arm and hand again. She gasped, a slight twinge of pain rippled through her as it did him. Her pale eyes locked upon his eyes, noting the beauty they held. They seemed to glow in reaction to his hand reacting to the pain. Was it her? She did not wish to cause anyone pain. She drew back a step but stopped when he looked to the ground.

~Have I done….~ She did not think before her thoughts projected into his mind. She stopped knowing that this might cause him more discomfort. But his words soothed her. Made her believe that he held no interest in harming her, or ending her life by taking it or revealing it to anyone else. She felt a great burden released. She smiled gently and bowed her head to his words of devotion to her protection.

It was in that moment that he trusted her with his own secret. She looked down as he brandished his hand free of the glove. Glowing brilliantly. Her attention went directly to the marking. Of course she would have to think upon it’s meaning, as for the ash tree, but the dragon. She had heard whispers, flickers of images as to what this was. She did not wish to alert Veryan to something that might not be.

“Veryan…do you know what this mark is?” She said, not at all stopping herself as she stepped toward him. “I mean the tree I do not know…but the dragons….How did you get this.”

This was indeed rarity for her. She spoke directly to him. Her eyes darting to his eyes, then his hand. Both glowing a brilliant hue of silver and blue. He was marked, but why? She would have to search her thoughts and learn what this meant.