Chapter 1

Life was suppose to be easy but as I walked through the woods my heart was growing heavy, the loss off my parents was unbearable and I could not grasp the reality that they passed too quickly. I could see our house in the distance and I had to remind myself that its my house now, I would never have the pleasure to see my father work the fields or hear my mothers voice again. A single tear rolled down my cheek at the memories of my family, they had always protected me and taken care of me.

I felt tears falling from my cheeks of the loneliness that was surrounding me. My family had always been my protectors, my saviors and the very thought of living my life without them made my heart clench. I've always known that I was different but my parents would always scold me for bringing it up. My suspicions started when I was young, my body didn't grow as fast as my mind and I could hear my parents talk about the concern of my slow growing body for my age. When I was older I would ask them but they would always avoid it at any cost, but my own concern was growing when my mind was developing faster than my body.

We lived far away from civilization and I rarely got to see other humans, but at rare occasions my father would bring me to the market in town. He always kept me close but I could see people look at me with wide eyes as we passed them. I remembered one time in particular because I met a boy that seemed to be in the same age as me, I watched him with great interest and he felt my gaze upon him and approached me. He tried to engage me in to his play and I was confused by his immature nature as I looked up at my father. Before my father could see what was about to happen the boy quickly pinched my ear and laughed and screamed out that I was a monster. When he pinched my ears I screamed out in pain and my father was by my side in seconds scolding the boy as he picked me up. He never brought me to the market again after that incident and I always wondered why the boy called me a monster, my parents always told me I was precious and special, but people would not understand so they shielded me from the world.

I could see my parents grow older, their skin was quickly starting to create wrinkles and their once strong bodies was growing weaker. I was confused because my own body wasn't changing much and I knew they were sick. Often I would ask them why they grow weaker and they tried to explain that they grew older and would one day pass away. I feared the day they would pass, but they always tried to calm me down telling me that I should not be afraid. I learned that dying was a part of life and that one day they would embrace the eternal sleep willingly when their body won't carry them any further.

The years passed and the pain of their loss was not fading and my life went on slowly and I took care of their farm and their life-hood because it was all I had left of them. As time flew by I started to dwell in my loneliness, I missed the company of my family and I longed for something more in my life. One day it was like the gods had listened to my prays and offered me a gift.

It was a warm day and I was out on a peaceful walk through the woods when a sound disturbed my thoughts. I turned around to be met by two warm brown eyes looking back at me. I instantly take a few steps back from the stranger before me, but he smiles at me I can not see anything threatening about him so I smile shyly back at him.

"Greetings fair lady, such a lovely day for a walk. But may I say it is such a waste without company, my name is Dion."

I felt a blush forming on my cheeks when I hear his strong and masculine voice and I see him bow before me. I study him curiously, he was tall with broad shoulders and his face was hard but with fine lines and his head was covered with long dark hair that reached his shoulders. He surely was an attractive man and I suddenly felt insecure in his presence. It was like I could hear my fathers voice inside my head warning me and I took a step back, feeling that my ears was covered by my hair.

"I should go." Was all I could say before I turned around and ran home quickly.

When I was secure inside my own home I let out a small breath of relief, I was still was curious of who that man was but I needed to be careful now when I didn't have my parents protection. I tried to push the thoughts of him away as I walked inside the living room lifting one of my books up and started to read. I always found peace in reading it was how I spent my days, I either read my books or went for long walks in the forest. In the books I could form my own world, I felt free and I could live away in their adventures. My parents taught me all they knew, so I wasn't dumb but in my long years it was through books that I learned the history of men.

As weeks flew by I had seen Dion a few times walking in the forest and every time I've been wondering if he was looking for me or what his business was in the forest. I had always been fond of climbing trees to my parents despair so I lurked in the trees often to see if I could get glimpse of him. I felt a desire to know him, but the fear was holding me back so for now I was enjoying lurking in the trees watching him.

Today I could not stop myself as I watched him finding a wounded fawn from the tree I was hiding in. He walked up to the fawn and I found myself moving towards him, I feared for the tiny baby so I sneaked up behind him.

"Don't hurt it." I spoke quietly behind him and as he turned around and I walked up to the fawn and bent down. I tried to sooth the small baby by talking quietly, I could feel his eyes on me were I sat.

"I feel a bit hurt that you think so little of me. I may say I'm pleased to gaze up on you again fair lady. But I would never have hurt a innocent fawn. I only meant to help it."

I could hear that I've hurt him by my accusation but I ignored him as I kept soothing the wounded fawn by my knees.

"I don't know you, or what you're capable off but in my woods you won't kill any animals. So I better warn you."

I look up at him and I can see that he is angered and hurt by my words but he keep his mouth closed and I drift my attention back to the fawn. I carefully pick it up and hold it against my chest as I stand up.

"Let me help you."

"I can carry it on my own, but I thank you for your offer."

He looks down on his feet and he moves uncomfortably away from my path as I walk boldly away from him. I can feel him fallowing me because his steps are loud and his breathing is getting louder as I quicken the pace. I reach my house and turn around to be met by his flustered face and I frown at him feeling a bit annoyed.

"What do you want?" I know that I lost my temper as my voice dripped with irritation. I knew I was acting unfair and I was surprised by my own protecting behavior.

"I want to help."

His words are kind and as I study his face I can't seem to see any deceives displayed so I relax and quickly nods my head and open the door. I feel tense by letting him in to my home but his adorable and innocent look made me weak and I let my guard down.

"Please get me some cloths from the cabin in the kitchen, and some hot water."

I can hear him disappear and I'm soon reminded that he has no idea how to find the things. But my attention is soon directed to the fawn before me when it let out a cry of pain and fear. My heart clench at the sight of the innocent creature before me and I try to reach out to it's fragile soul.

I'm distracted when I can hear Dions steps behind me and open my eyes and see him put down a bowl with hot water and some clean cloths. I offer him a smile as thanks and start to carefully clean the wound on the fawns leg. I lower my voice to a whisper as I talk to it soothingly. After a while I can feel Dions intense stare on me and I shift my eyes and look at him with frown.

"Didn't your mother taught you not to stare?" I say with a annoyed tone.

"She did, but I never seem to listen to her anyway. I apologize for my improper manners, but to be honest I've never seen such a beautiful sight before."

He chuckle quietly and smiles to me, I stare at him and I feel my face heat up as I look down embarrassed. I let out a proud huff to hide my blushing face, to turn my attention back too the fawn once again. I still feel his intense stare on me and I feel uncomfortable and glared up to him.

"Will you please stop starring, your distracting me. Or do I have to ask you to leave?"

"You're different." He simply says and his words leaves his mouth carefree and easily.

"And what is that suppose to mean?" I hastily turn around and glare at him.

"I did not mean to offend you. But I noticed that you're ears have a shape I have not seen before. And you're eyes seems older than you really are." He says with ease and shrugs his shoulders.

I looked at him and felt myself go stiff when he talked, I had to think how to talk myself out of this. My mother and father told me I was special and unique as a child, and because of this I have to learn how to shield myself from prying people. I looked away from him and frowned as I looked down on the fawn. I wonder the same thing as him but I have never read or seen anyone that looks like me, maybe I was born disfigured.

"Its none of your business but I was born with this disfiguration." I said with a hard voice to hide away my hurt feelings.

I walked out of the room not wanting to talk to him anymore, but I could hear him following me and I let out a sigh of irritation. But before I had a chance to hit him with my vicious words he surprised me by speaking.

"Is there anything I can bring from my home to help the fawn?"

I could hear the sincere concern in his voice and I could feel my muscles relax and I smiled with my back against him. I could hear his strong heart beats and I reached out my mind to his as I turned around meeting his eyes. I could feel his soul and I searched for any hint of evil, but I needed to take a step back when I felt his bright light. His soul was radiant and I had never felt any soul like this before, I have only played with the ability to animals.

I figured out my ability when I was walking in the forest many years before and I could feel pain and panic invade my chest. I walked quickly to find a distressed bird that was caught in a trap. When I released the bird I could feel my chest get lighter and the pain was changed to relief and gratitude. I never told my parents of the incident and I felt my ability grow by the years and it helped me keeping the animals safe in my forest. But I have never felt a humans soul before and I was stunned.

"Some healing herbs would help me greatly."

I had to concentrate to not stutter as I spoke and I felt shame fill me for my earlier behavior. I don't know why I didn't reach out to his soul before, then I would have known his true spirit.

"I will bring them to you in the morning, my lady."

I met his eyes and he smiled radiant to me and I frowned when I knew I didn't deserve his gentle gesture.

"Néala." I said as I turned around offering him a small smile.

"I will see you in the morning then, Lady Néala." He almost sang out as he walked out of the door with light steps.

I chuckled at his light spirit, I was amazed by his how he could brush off my rude manners and it was strange but I felt lonely when he left. I wondered how he could affect me in such short time. I walked in to the living room to check on the little fawn to distract my thoughts. And by the morning I found him at my doorstep with the herbs smiling.

Dion became frequent visitor over the years and he became a dear friend of mine, I never grew tired of his ideas and adventures spirit. This particular day he helped me with the usual spring cleaning and he had a tried to disturb me every chance he got by attacking me with tickles. I scold him every time for acting like a irresponsible child but I never seemed to hold my face before I was on the floor in a fit of laughter at his attempt to redeem himself. He chased me around the house but soon gave up when he noticed I was by far quicker than him. I knew his growing interest in me and a part of me liked the attention he gave me. I could see him looking at me and I smiled at him and blushed as I could see the intensity in his eyes. He came closer to me and I felt my heart starting to beat faster in my chest, he was close to me now and he carefully brushed my cheek and smiled. I let out a breath of relief and left him walking in to the kitchen starting to clean the table a little to fiercely but my mind was racing and I needed a distraction.

"Your floor needs repair, it sounds like it is about to crash down anytime now." I hear him call from the living room.

"Feel free to look it over if you dare too." I called out mocking him and the feelings from before was quickly forgotten.

"Very funny Néala! My father is wrong about my handiwork you know."

I could hear that he had a frown on his face by the sound of his voice and I laughed louder to mock him further, but stopped after awhile when I didn't get a response. I liked cleaning and felt at peace walking around with a cloth making everything shine and it reminded me of my mother. She always scold me for being an dirty child when I was younger and I believe she would be proud of me if she had seen me now.

"I think you want to see this." I heard Dion call out to me and I turned my head towards the living room.

I saw Dion hunched down by the floor behind the couch and I walked quietly over to him to get a glimpse of his interest.

"Is it something wrong? Should I ask your father to help me with the floor?" I joked as I looked over his shoulder.

"Funny again! No I found these, I don't know who it belongs to but I don't think its any of my business."

"Let me see. Letters? Why are there letters and drawings under the floor?" I asked with surprise as Dion moved away.

I went down on my knees as I picked up the items before me and I felt curious and excited by the sight before me.

"I should give you some privacy, I will be outside."

I did not answer Dion and I could hear him leave but all my focus was on the drawing before me. It was a drawing of my mother holding me in her arms, I could not be more than one year old and she was smiling and crying at the same time. The drawing was filled with emotions and I felt tears falling from my eyes as my chest was filled with warmth. I let my fingers grace the paper and it felt soft under my touch, my heart clenched at the memory of her. I don't know how long I sat there with the drawing in my hands. The sunlight was gone and the room was dark when I was awaken from my thoughts by a knock on the side of the opening and I met Dions eyes as I turned around.

"Is everything alright?"

"It will be, I apologize for forgetting you." I answered as I turned my face away from him to wipe the tears away from my eyes. I know he had seen them but still I don't need his questions at the moment.

"I don't know what it is that you have seen, but know I'm here for you. I will check on you tomorrow." He answered and I could hear his sincere concern and I smile at him gratefully before he leaves.

I lifted up the items and dropped them down at the table as I walked over to the kitchen and made myself something to eat. I hadn't eaten for days which isn't weird for me even if my parents was concerned for me for not needing food in the same way as they did. But they never made me eat food when I wasn't hungry after I became sick as a child for eating when they order me too.

I sat down by the table and looked down at the letters and I suddenly felt insecure of opening them. I had no idea what they withholds and I don't want to deprive someone of their deepest secrets. I sat for a long time debating with myself if I should open them or not. My curiosity took over and I carefully opened the first letter and I knew directly who had written them by the delicate cursive handwriting.

My dearest Néala,

I could never have asked for a greater gift than you and when you were brought in to my life it has been filled with love and joy. You were everything I ever dreamed of and your father adored you beyond words. Do never forget that you were the most precious gift we ever received. But you deserve to know the truth and I dearly hope that you will remember that we loved you more than anything in this world.

It was a cold day in the end of summer, your father was taking me for a walk to ease my mind. We had been praying for a child for a year now but it seems I was incapable of conceiving a child and it was breaking my heart. The ocean was crashing against the sand and it was mimicking the storm I felt in my heart. I wished for nothing more than to have a little bundle of love in my arms and the thought of never be able to have that was breaking my heart.

We walked for a long time and by the cliffs we could see a boat that had crashed right in to it. Your father went over to see what had happened, and I saw him picking up a woman and he called me over as he put her down on the beach. She was beautiful beyond words with long blond hair and a graceful face. Your father sat down beside me and we both knew she was gone. Sometimes life isn't fair Néala and a part of me wished she wouldn't had to face that fate, but then I would never had you.

In your fathers arms was the most beautiful bundle of joy I've ever seen in my young life. You held your small hands out and I could see that you had been crying and by instinct picked you up and held you closely to my body. I loved you from the first sight.

I may never have given birth to you and I'm deeply sorry for never telling you the truth before now. But the thought of you knowing was heartbreaking, you have always been my child and I have never seen you as any less. But you need to know the truth, you had many questions as a child and I apologize for lying to you all these years. I do not know were you're birthmother came from or what happened but I know she had loved you greatly. In the chest you will find the blanket we found you in and we saved her dress and cloak for you.

I hope you one day can forgive us and remember that we have always been there for you.

With all my love

Mom

Suddenly it felt like I forgot how to breathe, I felt nauseas and dizzy. This could not be true, I could not believe this to be true. I started to panic as I stood up and paced around the room trying to collect my thoughts. How could this possibly be happening.

After been pacing around the living room for a long time I finally took a deep breath and closed my eyes as I sat down on the couch, I was exhausted. I could hear the forest wake up and a brim of light burst through the window. I felt my mind come at peace and I finally knew why I had always known that I was different. But the thought of having another family somewhere was making my heart clench, maybe I didn't have to be alone.

I still felt hurt by been kept in the dark for my whole life but I've loved my parents and they have given me a good life. They could have left me there to die but they took me in as their own and my hurt heart was calming down and was filled with love and ease once again. I walked over to the whole in the floor and looked down seeing a chest further in and I picked it up and I suddenly felt nervous to open it. My hands were shaking as I struggle with the lock, and as I opened it I gasped at the beautiful garment before me. I picked up a light blue blanket that was covered with silver patterns I've never seen before. I folded it and put it in my lap as I picked up a simple grey coat and looked down on the dress in the bottom. It was white with crystal blue with the same silver patterns as the blanket and the fabric felt so soft under my touch. I stood up and started to change, I needed to see if it fitted me. When I finally got it on I looked in to the mirror and I was stunned of how beautiful the dress was, the long sleeves made my moves look fluid like water. The dress had a hood and when I pulled it over my head and looked back in to the mirror my eyes turn in to a intenser blue color.

I was interrupted in my admiring of the dress when I could hear Dion walking over the field, as I looked over the other letters and simply put them carefully down in my bag and walked over to the door. I opened the door before he had a chance to knock and smiled at him.

"I beat you too it every time." I winked at him as I chuckled.

"Haven't your mother taught you to not lie." He bit back but his playful smile falter as he looks at me stunned.

"How dare you think I'm a liar." I dramatically gasped as I clutched my hand over my chest.

"I've known since the day I met you. You said that you didn't fancy me but I can see your linger eyes on me. Well I can't blame you, I'm handsome." He huffed proudly when he is awaken from his daze. I started to laugh uncontrollably and he frowned at my reaction.

He pushed himself inside and glared at me before he sat down in the kitchen, I followed him after I calmed down from my attack. I was still a bit emotional after reading my mothers letter and was happy that Dion made me forget all about it, he always had a way to make me laugh. He was the only friend I had and I really had no interest in having more friends, he was all I wanted and needed.

"I'm glad you're here Dion, my heart feels heavy to bring you the news of my departure. I have grown restless over the years and I feel a urge to see the world. I received important information from the letters that leaves me no choice than to seek out answers." I said after a long silence between us. I feel uneasy to drop this subject up on him but I see no other way. I feel heavy when I see his usually smile falter to sadness. I take his hand and caress it slightly and reach out this soul, I feel his sadness and love. His feelings make me feel warm inside, it's so true and pure.

I decided this morning that I have nothing left on this Island and nothing is holding me back except Dion. To be honest I have no idea how to be apart from him, but I could not ignoring that my heart longed to know if I had family out there looking for me.

I watched his facial expression change every time his body twitched in his seat. I could see a storm behind his eyes and I felt my heart beat increase every second he wasn't speaking.

"I would never let you go alone, when do we leave?"

"You want to come with me?" I stutter as I try to grasp what he had said. My heart beats harder in my chest and I feel gratitude for his decision as I see him nod his head.

I ramble so fast that I miss Dions conflicted face, but he simply sits quiet as I ramble out my plans for him and the reason of my longing to leave. He simply nodded to everything I said and I beamed at him for being so understanding. He left when the sun went down but before he walked out of my door he closed in and kissed my cheek. I was surprised by his bold move and simply stood still in my spot as he smiled shyly before walking out in the night. I don't know how to feel about his display of emotions to me, so I simply smile back and close the door. I went to bed that night with a storm of emotions, I felt exhausted by all the feelings the days have brought upon me.

A week went past before the day came for our departure, I felt excited as I packed my bag with the letters from my mother, the blanket from my birthmother and the dress. I stuffed some more clothes in the bag before I opened the door feeling ready to leave. My heart suddenly felt heavy when I looked back to the house and I wondered silently if I would ever see my home again. I looked up to the sky and promised my parents that I would be back one day, before I turned around and walked towards the forest.

I met Dion by the square market and I was wearing a cloak over my simple dress. I had the hood up to hide away from prying eyes as we walked down to the harbor and I used my savings to buy a boat. I have no idea were we would go but I knew from my mothers letter that they had found me in a boat. So I know she came somewhere beyond the sea.

"Where is the nearest land?" Dion ask like he was reading my mind and I felt gratitude for having him with me.

The man explained the route to a land called Middle Earth and I looked confused to Dion and he laughed at my expression which made me frown. I didn't like when he would make fun of me in front of strangers pinched his arm in disapproval and smirked when he jerked his arm away and laughed.

"So you have never heard of Middle Earth before?" He asked as we walked over to the boat.

"No I have not, my parents have never mentioned it before."

"I guess we have time for the stories of Middle Earth on the way there."

I smiled at his idea and we sat down in the boat and Dion started to row away from my precious Island that has been my home for my whole life. Well not my whole life I had to remind myself, one time I had a different home and I wonder what it was like. But I had no time to think about it because Dion started to tell me the graphic stories about battles and the old kings of Middle Earth.

We took turns in sleeping and the journey took longer than I expected. We have been out on the sea for days now and I was starting to get concerned if our food and water supply would be enough. But on the 12th day of our journey Dion woke me up with a big smile on his face and his expression made me sit up quickly to see what made him so happy. I shrieked excited when I could see land in the distance and I turned around to Dion crashing in to him embracing him in a hug, I felt every cell in my body tingle with excitement.

I could barely constrain myself when the boat hit land and when I felt solid ground under my feet I started to jumped in my spot and I could hear Dion laugh at me. I turned around to see him bent over laughing by the sight of me and I quickly went over to punch his arm, but he knew me to well and catches my hand before I have the chance.

"Don't hit the only friend you have." He smirked at me and I smiled endearing. He was right and I was truly grateful he followed me here and nodded my head smiling.

"I can't wait to see everything, let me see the map." I said and ripped it from his grip with excitement and I could hear him protesting as I walked away from him.

"Néala stop! You have never been here before, you won't understand anything."

"Who are you to talk Dion? Have you been here before?" I snarled at him, I didn't like when he talked to me like I was a child. I was far older than him but of course I never told him how old I really was.

"No I have not. But my father have been here before so I have more knowledge than you."

I turned around and glared at him defeated, I had to confess that the map confused me and I had no idea of were we are so I swallowed my pride and handed Dion the map.

I followed him as he started to walk over the land and soon I forgot all about the map when I was stunned by the land that was displayed before me. It was far different from home, I could see grand mountains in the distance and everything from the trees to the birds was different. Dion kept a steady pace and I walked lightly behind him and he glanced back at me laughing at my free spirit. But I could not suppress my curiosity as I had to stop and study everything and how I ran up to every new plant I could see. And at night when Dion slept soundly I was awake listening to the sound of the night and studied the stars that peeked through the treetops.

We had been walking for days when we finally met other people and I carefully pulled my cloak tighter around me, I glanced at them with curiosity but I kept my guard up. Dion on the other hand talked openly to the strangers and he asked different questions about the road, but I stopped listening when I was met by the sight before me. It was a grand city that looked like it was carved out of the mountain, I could not stop myself from letting out a gasp at the sight. The stranger clearly heard my exclamation and turned his attention to me.

"Never gazed up on the glory of Minas Tirith before?" I was interrupted in my admiration by the old mans question.

"It's my first time and it is the most beautiful city I've ever seen." I almost whispered as I looked back at the city. I felt a tingle of curiosity and I knew a part of me wanted to explore the streets of Minas Tirith, but I let my attention drift over to Dion and I could see concern in his usually calm eyes.

"Then I recommend you to rest behind the safe walls during the night, these lands are not safe, and especially not for foreigner." The old man said but I can see he is talking to Dion now and I look at him too.

Dion walks closer to the old man and whisper something in his ear and they started to walk away from me. I lifted my eyebrow and felt irritated by being excluded from their discussion so I stomp after them but I don't get far before Dion stops me.

"Néala I would like to talk privately, can you wait for me please." Dion says gently and I clench my jaw in irritation, I won't have him both exclude me and now asking me to leave.

"No! I have the right to hear." I say stubbornly as I walk closer to them. He should know his place.

"As a friend I ask you to trust me. Don't you trust me?" He ask calmly and I stop in my steps stunned and I wanted to applaud him sarcastically for pushing the right buttons. I know that I have no reason not to trust him, he have never let me down in anyway before. I suddenly feel ashamed by my behavior but a part of me don't like the feeling of not having him beside me.

I swallow my pride and offer him an apology as I walk further away from them still feeling a bit irritated. I pride the friendship of Dion and I would never disrespect him by prying so I stay put. When I watched them leave I felt panic as I was left all alone and I kept the cloak tight around my body to shield myself from prying eyes. The hood made me feel safer and the people looked at me suspiciously and I nervously started to play with the hem of my cloak. I was relieved when I could see Dion walking back to me with two horses and a smile tug on my lips as he got closer.

"I have bought us two horses which will make our journey more pleasant. I didn't mean to keep you in the dark but I wanted to surprise you."

"They are beautiful." I almost shrieked at the sight of them. My mother always scold me for never really growing up. I was always acting childish and irresponsible, but I could never suppress my playful ways and desire for adventures.

"Hi precious one, aren't you a sight to behold." I walked up to the white horse and graced its muffle carefully, I smiled when I could feel the hot breath on my skin.

"I think she likes you." Dion chuckles lightly as he walks towards me and helps me up in the saddle.

"Why didn't you take the offer to stay safely behind the walls during the night?" I ask with curiosity of Dions hasty behavior.

"I don't think they have the answers you crave there. Also my father told me to be careful around the lands of Gondor because a raising evil is growing by the borders. We should leave these lands." I feel my body shiver at his words and I look around with fear.

"You have no reason to be scared, I will protect you." I meet his eyes and see that he take a hold of a sword that was hidden behind the saddle and I wonder when he bought it.

"Where did you get the sword from?"

"I bought it when I got the horses." He chuckled and stretched up in the saddle proudly. I frown at him because I do not like violence but in some way I felt safer with the knowledge that he had a weapon, but I wished he would never have to use it.

"Stop frowning, one day your face will stay in that way and you might be beautiful but with a frown you're not." He says jokingly as he rides faster.

I grit my teeth at his boldness and take off after him, I try to catch him and I can hear his laughter. I keep chasing him but soon stop as I feel myself starting to laugh at his playful way.

We travel for weeks and stops only to rest and eat, Dion is a great hunter but I keep refusing to eat meat of any kind. I can't bare the thought of eating an animal and even the thought of killing another creature makes my stomach turn. My parents tried to teach me to hunt as a child but I always started to cry when my father killed an animal. It made my heart break when I could hear their breaths grow slower and how their small hearts stopped beating. My father never made me come with him to hunt again and they accepted that I would never become a hunter.

One day I felt Dions mood change and he became more guarded and I felt myself go tense by his behavior.

"Dion is everything alright?" I whisper as I ride closer to him.

"I have a bad feelings about these lands. We should take anot…" His words were interrupted by an arrow hitting him right in to his chest. I can hear my own screams but they feel distant as I watch in terror how a group of gruesome creatures burst through the woods before us. I jump down from my horse as I see Dion fall off his, I take a hold of his sword before his horse take off in panic. I feel my chest clench in panic and concern as my eyes drift from the creatures running towards us and down to Dion bleeding on the ground. I feel my knees hit the ground as I bend over him in trying to see if he is alive, my heart aches at the sight of him and I feel tears falling from my cheeks. I call for him to wake up but quickly stand up when I see the creatures coming closer. I shake as I hold the heavy swords in my hands, I can feel my tears running down my cheeks uncontrollably.

"Néala run. Please…RUN!" I hear Dion call out but I cringe at the sound of blood gurgling up his throat when he screamed out the last part. My thoughts was a mess and my head told me to run but my heart didn't let me. I could not leave him and I felt it break as I sat down again.

"I can't leave you. How can I live a life without you in it. Don't you dare leave me here alone." I cry against his chest, I forgot all about the creatures coming closer. I knew I stood no chance against them, I had never held a sword in my life and the thought of killing someone els made me tremble. I suddenly got angry at myself for being a coward, they had hurt the only person that meant anything in my life. If Dion died I would have nothing so I took a hold of the sword again and stood up.

"Néala you're close, you have to run. They will save you, and they might have the answers you seek." I could hear how he struggled to speak. His words made me stumble as I took a step to the side.

"Who are you talking of Dion?" I ask with a concern as I lowered down again.

"Elves." He breathes out in one hollow breath. I'm confused who these so called elves were but I had no chance in asking because I panic when he stopped breathing.

I'm interrupted when I hear the growls coming closer, I stood up and pulled the cloak tighter around me as I held the sword ready. I let my anger take over me and pushed my fear away. Before the creatures reached me I could see two of the closest one fall to the ground and I gasped at the surprise. I scanned the forest quickly to see who my savior was but I could not see anyone.

I felt a sharp pain to my side as one of the creatures reached me and he held me so close I could smell his horrible breath smelling like death. He smirked at me and I looked down to the dagger that pierced my abdomen, I could not feel any pain but the sight of my own blood made me tremble. I tried to break lose from his grip but he forcefully jabbed the dagger further in to my body and I screamed out in pain. I could hear voices in the distance but all that I could focus on was the evil red eyes staring in to mine. Suddenly his grip around me loosen as he fell down on the ground and as he let go I felt myself falling down.

As i laid on the ground I tried to get a grasp of my surrounding but I had a hard time focusing on anything but the dead creature before me. I finally came to my senses and looked around for Dion. I tried to stand up but I screamed out in pain and fell to the ground. I whimpered as I tried to reach Dion and I used my last powers to get too him. I reached his hand and softly graced it as I pushed myself up on my knees by his side. My tears was falling freely and my heart clenched at the sight of him. I pushed my pain away as I reached my mind out to him, but I was met by darkness. I was not met by his bright spirit I simply looked down to his empty shell.

"Dion answer me, please open your eyes. Come on darling. You promised me to never leave me." I pleaded as I felt my heart breaking. My hands was trembling as I caressed his chest trying to make him wake up. "Dion please come back to me." I cry out in pain as rested my head on his shoulder and I could feel his cold body under my chin.

I sobbed against him as I felt life drain from me. But as I thought I drew my last breath I felt strong hands lift me up and I look up on the most beautiful man I've ever seen. I was stunned and scared at the same time but I had no energy left to try and escape. I try to gasp for air and my eyes stir as I see his blonde hair and soon my eyes are locked with his piercing blue eyes. He talked to me in a language I've never heard before but I felt myself grow weaker and his voice became like a whisper as everything went dark.