Demeanor

[Deputy Valince Arcadal]

This is something I started a little ago, but I thought I should finish it.

[Deputy Valince Arcadal]

The eighteen year old stepped into the hot mist of the shower until the water poured over her face. The sun had been up for hours already, it shone through the white lace curtains of her bedroom window until it spilled onto her pillow. It was then that she dragged herself out of bed and into a hot shower to wash away the groginess. Sleeping for hours she still felt exhausted like she had just run around the village all morning. She couldn't describe it. Her friends kept asking her what the problem was, but she couldn't tell them, it wasn't what they wanted to hear. Reaching out for a square green bottle, the girl poured out shampoo and worked it into her long light brown hair. It quickly washed out and she stepped from the waterfall of water and wrapped up in a fluffy white towel.

A warm mist clung to the air in the bathroom and when she opened the door to her bedroom, the cool air brushed welcoming across her skin. Taking her time, she made her way over to a tall cherry wardrobe and removed a golden dress. She slid it on and searched around for her pearl handled brush. Finding it behind a pile of clothes on her vanity, she pulled her hair into a high ponytail and fastened it with a yellow ribbon.

"Now where did I put that wand this time?"

"On the little table by your bed, like you always do."

She twirled around, startled that anyone had entered her room. "Kaeli! You scared me half to death! Don't you knock anymore?" She put her hands on her hips and sent her best friend a look before crossing over to the table and collecting her wand.

"I did knock. You just don't hear anything anymore."

"I'm fine." She paced across the wood floor of her room.

"What are you doing?" Kaeli sat down on the edge of the bed, a frown playing across her lips.

"I keep thinking I'm forgetting something."

"Your mind maybe. You've been like this for weeks now. Why don't you just tell us and get it off of your mind? You are starting to worry everyone." She shifted uneasily in her spot, she knew it would put her friend on the edge, but she needed to know what the deal was. They had been best of friends since they were little, and Kaeli had never seen her act so out of place before.

"I can take care of myself. You know that. I can't figure out what it is." She threw her hands in the air and stood impatiently in front of Kaeli. "Are we going or aren't we?"

"You're impatient today. Alright alright we're going." She saw the no nonsense look and figured it wasn't worth arguing over it.

The two girls walked out of the sunlit bedroom and through a shadowed hallway to decend down a curving flight of stairs to the floor below. She grabbed an apple from the large, purple, clay bowl as they made their way through a well furnished kitchen and out a side door.

[Deputy Valince Arcadal]

It was a perfect day outside, though she barely noticed it. The warm summer sun smiled and a soft breeze danced upon the air making the flowers nod their heads at the visitors. In the canopy of leaves above, birds sang melodies of happiness to one another. A rabbit munched on clover at the foot of an old oak tree down the lane, popping its head up every now and then to make sure it didn't miss anything.

"So where are we going again? This isn't going to be something pathetic is it, Kaeli? If it is just tell me now so I can go back to bed." They walked in stride towards the thick foliage of the forest.

"Would you just trust me?" Kaeli lead her friend through a small opening where the branches parted to reveal a small beaten path. Along it, crabapples blossomed, the little white flowers peeking out from the wide green leaves. They walked in silence for the next fifteen minutes until the maons of her best friend had her looking around for somethign heavy to through at her. "Its just around this bend."

"Thats what you said the last nine bends."

"And each time I said it you stopped complaining." Kaeli let out a laugh to ease the frustration that was building up by her temples. "Listen, can't you hear it?" As they rounded a rocky face, the echo of falling water came into range. Before them a tremendous waterfall sliced down the rocks and into a thick pool below before flowing into a calm river.

"Kaeli...its beautiful." She stood there, mesmerized by the awe of the water. She even swore that if you looked at it from the right angle, you could see a rainbow among the mist. Following Kaeli down to a level area near the rippling pool of water, they sat down on the worn rocks and listened.

"Will you tell me now? You know that I'm here for you if..."

"Kaeli, don't try to fix something that isn't broken." Getting suddenly nervous she got up and started pacing across the bank.

Her best stood up and marched to her. "Jenny! What has gotten into you? You are scaring me."

Jenny stopped where she was and looked her friend in the eye. "I'm just worried about...how I did on the O.W.L.S. You know they won't be sent home until next week, and what if I messed them up?"

"Is that all you are worried about? You did fine, don't sweat it." Kaeli let Jenny's hands drop back down to her sides and returned to her rock. "There, now doesn't it feel better to get it off your mind?"

"...Yeah...it does..." Jenny bit her lip. She knew that her friend would believe the lie, it was so much easier than telling the truth was. Feeling tired, she dropped down on the adjacent roack and pulled out the apple she had plucked from the bowl. Taking a bite, she looked out across the water. For some reason she could always think clearer when she was by the water.

"I could build a house right here where we're sitting. Can you imagine waking to this every morning?" She smiled at Kaeli as she dreamed of being away from everything in her life.

"Are you kidding? I would help you build it if you let me sleep over every once in a while." They laughed, the tension that stuck in the air previously faded now that Kaeli's nerves were loosened. They spent the next hour joking about the past and the silly notions of summer plans they always imagined they would do. It seemed like everything was back to normal...

"Its getting late, we should head back now." They splashed through the bank and back onto the little dirt path. Making a mental note to visit the next day, Jenny didn't argue and followed Kaeli back towards the village.

[Deputy Valince Arcadal]

The next day was very much like the last. The sun and the breeze were alive as usual, as were the creatures. But only this time, Jenny had jumped out of bed before dawn so that she could meet the day break over the waterfall.

It was still dark when she tip toed through the silent rooms and out onto the dew covered grass in the back of the house. Her feet flew back along the path, branches brushing against open skin. She raced against the coming sun until her feet touched the cool greeting of the pool. Above her the red and orange rays of the sun slipped gently into view and the air warmed in response. Pulling the hem of her pale green dress above her knees she sat on the edge of a flat rock and splashed her legs in the water. The droplets caught on the air before falling back on themselves.

Reaching into her pocket she pulled out the long, maple wood wand and twirled it around in her fingers. Pointing it at the water she flicked her wrist, sending sparks out of the tip. In front of her the water rippled until a small ball of water rose above the pool. It spun around before breaking and splashing back into the the water. Relaxed, Jenny leaned back on her elbows and watched the sun rise. She couldn't remember a time she had spent time for herself anymore. Everything she had strived for suddenly seemed useless.

She could still hear their raised voices. No matter how hard she tried they kept pushing themselves into whatever she was thinking about. They would scream and accuse each other all night, at an occasional passing in the living room, it never stopped. And she was always being put in the middle. An escape was always just out of reach so she would baracade herself in her room where the echoes just barely touched the walls. It was easy enough to block them out if she could lose herself in a book or practice a few new spells. She just needed to get out. Another useless cause she supposed.

Her eyes shifted towards the water. Three little balls of wanter danced up and down before dropping into puddles on the rock. She thought she was dreaming until a shadow caught her attention. Turning around only in time to catch the end of a cloak disappearing through a small opening in the rock, she pulled her legs from the pool and stood. Not having anything to lose Jenny stepped into the narrow passage way. Not taking the time to let her eyes adjust to the dark she whispered lumos and followed the light from her wand.

The curving tunnel led deep into the the rock cliff and dipped down at the end. It emptied out into a large dome where a second pool of water lapped at the edges. The reflections off the surface played silly patterns on the walls and her face. Thinking that she had missed an opening somewhere she turned to find the mysterious man.

Just as she did she bumped against something hard. Before she knew it she was staring up into the face of a boy. Blue eyes like her own stared back at her. Her breath caught in her chest and she froze. His hands took her arms genly but she pulled away. The few steps she took backward didn't seem to ease the tension. Why couldn't she move? This was stupid of her...

He smiled in amusement at her shocked expression. Stepping closer he brushed a loose strand of hair from her cheek before letting his hand drop back against his side.

She felt the wamth of his touch and didn't realize he was so close until after he pulled away. Suddenly afraid, she started to leave the dome, the pool, and the boy. Before she could his hand took her elbow. "Don't go yet." Even though he whispered it, it seemed to bounce along the walls.

Her eyes shot back to his. "You don't even know me."

"Thats no reason not to trust someone."

[Deputy Valince Arcadal]

Jenny's eyes traced along his body. He wore black boots and a pair of black pants. A white shirt stuck out from a heavy black cloak. She had already noticed his blue eyes, but now she focused on the auburn hair that spilled behind his ears. She didn't even notice when his hand let go of her elbow. "Yeah, well, when you open yourself to others you tend to get hurt."

"Not everyone is out to hurt someone." He stepped to the bank of the water and turned back around to face her. "Thought you were leaving."

She smiled, for some reason she felt suddenly at ease with this stranger. She walked up to him, stopped inches from his face. "Don't tell me what to do. It isn't a pretty sight." Smiling pretty she backed up and watched a pair of small yellow fish play in the small pool.

He angled his head and watched her expression fade. "I could be some dark wizard trying to suck the life from an innocent girl for all you know."

"I have nothing going for me right now, go ahead." She kneeled down by the pool and reached her fingers in towards the fish which swam off before inching their way back.

"You really don't care at the moment do you?"

"Didn't I just tell you that?" She stood up now and sent him a sneer. He was a lot closer than she wanted him to be.

"So where does this leave us?"

She narrowed her eyes at the stranger. "I don't believe we had anything."

He laughed warmly and looked back into her eyes. "Scott."

"Jenny."

"So, now we have something." He tried to hide back a smile but let it shine as she laughed.

"Mmmm...I don't know about you. The energy or something...I dunno, I can't place it." She couldn't help but look at his eyes. They were so blue, like the pool at their feet.

He held out his hands, palm up. "I have nothing to hide."

"Everyone has something to hide. And the ones that think they don't usually hide more." Her temper was starting to get to her, something she didn't let happen very often. Why didn't she just walk out of there? Its not like she couldn't more her legs... Her legs maybe but she couldn't move her heart. "Do I know you from somewhere?"

He crossed behind her to stand on her other side before bending down to pick up a smooth stone. "Doubt it." He flicked the rock across the mirror surface until it dropped below the surface.

"You answered that fast. Are you sure you aren't hiding anything?" Jenny crossed her arms over her chest and sent him a sideways glance.

"I didn't grow up around here. Chances are we never saw each other." He became suddenly uneasy. How could he let a little girl bother him like this? No one else did...

"Oh." Jenny felt the mood in the dome change. She could see the pain in his eyes, the way he stood, so stiff..."So...what are you doing around here then? Get lost?"

[Deputy Valince Arcadal]

He didn't laugh with her but turned around and headed for the back of the dome where a pile of rocks lay. Choosing one close to the wall he sat down, back against the cave. "Not exactly. What about you? Why follow some stranger into a cave? I bet you go looking for trouble."

She opened her mouth to protest but quickly closed it. Thats probably what he wanted; just someone to argue with. Well she definetly wasn't in the mood to argue at the moment, she had had enough of that lately. "I thought you were someone else I suppose. I bet its great to live somewhere other than here. Everything is always the same." Letting out a sigh she sat on a second rock.

"Watch the pool."

Jenny looked towards the center of the water where he pointed with his finger. When he lifted his right hand the water started to ripple and it splashed against the bank. He flipped his hand so his palm faced the ground and little bubbles floated above the pool.

"How can you do that without a wand? What kind of magic do you have?" A thousand questions were running in her head. This isn't right...Something is wrong here... She jumped up and headed towards the tunnel. Before she knew it she was running along until the rays of the sum hit her face. She met them welcomingly but had to squint in the bright light. Her father had often talked of powerful wizards that would learn to harness the power around them without a wand. He had told her stories where they would torture wizards with that power. Out of breath she moved away from the opening of the cave.

"Jenny..."

She didn't face him. Didn't want to. She didn't need to get herself into anymore trouble than she was... When she felt his breath against her back she turned on her heels. Bumping into him she lost her balance and fell back into the water. Realizing her day couldn't get much worse, she made no effort to stand. The water lapped against her legs and the green algae brushed agaisnt her bare feet. Scott bent down and offered his hand but she brushed it off. "I can take care of myself, thanks." Pushing herself against the bottom she climbed to her feet as water tumbled off her body.

"What is your problem? Did I say something..."

"The only thing thats out of place here is you. You are the whole reason I'm soaked and frustrated." She was right in his face now, her heart pounded in her chest.

"Then I guess I should be the one to fix it." She didn't like the way he smiled when he said that, or the way his hand grabbed her arm.

In a flash of blue light the world melted and in place of the waterfall were four walls. They were in a house...

She broke away from him, shoved his grasp from her arm. She looked around terrified. "Where the hell is this? What did you do...is this your idea of getting me a towel? Kidnapping me to the middle of nowhere?" She paced from one window to another. Outside was a forest thick with trees..trees she had never seen before. They weren't green like in Heryoles, but reds and yellows, purples and blues...

"This is my home. Told you I didn't grow up there. Would you stop moving, nothing is going to hurt you." He tried to cross to her but she walked around him and into a connecting room. It was smaller than the last and held a small table and three chairs. Against the wall were elaborate paintings, colors so vivid she had never seen anything like them before. Walking up to one he stood behind her. "My mother's accomplishments."

"They're goregous. They seem so alive, for muggle artwork."

"Ah...my mother preferred art that didn't visit each other." He laughed, remembering how upset she would get when she tried to show them off only to find the people in each other's paintings.

[Deputy Valince Arcadal]

She turned around to face him. "Where did you bring me?"

Scott walked over to the window and opened it to let the sounds of song birds and smells of exotic blossoms linger in the dining room. "Welcome to Galyna. Its not exactly...part of your world. You can't get to it by footpath or broom but only through magic. Very few even know of this world which allows us to live in peace...for the most part. If you want to change into something dry I'd be more than happy to show you around."

How did I get here again? I woke up...maybe I didn't. This has got to be a dream. As long as I'm dreaming I might as well go with it. Jenny looked from the painting, to the window, back to the boy. "What the hell."

"I'll...take that as a yes." He led her out of the dining room, back through the living room, and then into a wide bedroom. A hand carved canopy bed stood along the right wall, white fabric blowing in the breeze. A desk was against the corner on the left and had a mess of scattered papers dappling the top. In front of her were tall glass doors, open to welcome the warmth of summer. Crossing to a bureau on her right, he pulled out a stack of clothes and handed them to her. "The bathroom is on the left. See that door over there? Take your time." He nodded his head at the bathroom and she left him standing in the bedroom.

The walls were a robin egg blue where matching tiles lined the shower. A white pedestal sink sat below a silver lined mirror. Peeling out of the soaking dress, she hung it on a peg near the shower and dried off with a towel she located in the cabinet. Wrapping the towel around her she decided to take a look at the clothes she would be wearing. Probably ten sizes too big, holes everywhere...

Unfolding whatever was laid on top, she was shocked to find that it was a pair of black pants. "Well...no holes so far..." She slipped into them. They fell slightly below her ankles and fit perfectly along her hips. Pulling on a short crimson shirt, it left an inch of skin exposed between shirt and pants. Not too bad...I wonder if I should ask why he has women's clothes in his bureau? She laughed quietly to herself and decided it would be better to just leave it. This stranger probably had a lot of secrets she didn't want to know about...

She found him holding a small red and gold bird in the palm of his hand as he stood silently near the balcony. It twittered about and chirped to itself while the holder watched in peace. When it caught a glimpse of Jenny it froze before flying off into the morning air. Scott didn't move at first and she thought that he had forgotten about her...like everyone else...

"Did the clothes fit?"

Her head shot up when he started to speak. She was still looking at him when he turned to face her. "Um...yeah. They're fine. Thanks." Why is he looking at me like that? She turned from him and looked at the set of crystal orbs that floated above a table. Anything rather than him looking at her.

"Are you ready?" He walked up behind her slowly, hands clasped behind his back. Maybe if I give her time she would open up to me...

"Yeah, whatever." She wondered if it was still a dream; she had no desire to rush back to reality. When she turned to follow him her shoulder brushed against him and she quickly backed away.

He felt her knock into him and thought nothing of it until he saw the look of terror on her face. He went to grab her arm to pull her close but she backed up against the table shaking the orbs. "Hey!" He held his hands up in defense and took a few steps back. "I'm not going to hurt you."

She suddenly felt stupid standing there in front of him. She smirked, praying he didn't see the fear, and walked towards the door. "Don't take it personally." She crossed her arms over her chest and looked at him, standing there so...fearless.

"People just don't shy away from a touch. You got somethi..."

"Drop it would ya?" She was starting to lose her temper, it boiled just below her temples. "Lets go, okay?"

Scott didn't say a word but walked past her, a cold breeze smacking against her arms as he did. She sighed before following after him through the house. "I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me." She dropped her eyes to the floor, she knew he wouldn't look at her now...

He stopped suddenly and turned to meet her. When she tilted her head up to see him she almost let her mouth hang open from surprise: he was smiling. "I know the perfect place to go, follow me."

[Deputy Valince Arcadal]

He led her out a door that appeared to be more of a tall window than anything else. Suddenly a thousand shades of colors hit her from the tree tops to the flowers, ending in a streak of blue ocean in the distance. She held up her hand to shield the light from her eyes. "The colors here are blinding," she laughed. Peeking through her fingers she tried to take it all in. The tree tops hung lazily above her in reds, oranges, and yellows. Blue and purple flowers tickled her ankles as she walked across the lawn.

"You get used to them after awhile."

"You plan on keeping me here?" She stretched an eyebrow at him.

"And have this pure sarcasm everyday?" He smiled. "Here, hold my hand, this is a little rough if you haven't done it before." He held out his right hand and waited for her to take it, to take a step closer to him.

She glanced at her feet before turning towards him. Jenny looked at his outstretched hand a moment, but crossed her arms in response. “I’ll be fine.” She gave him a half smile and walked past him towards a path that led deep into the foliage.

Scott stood there with his mouth open as she ignored his offer. Maybe this is all a mistake. I try and help someone, and they throw it in my face. He clenched his fist and sighed. Spinning on his heels it was only a few short steps until he was standing next to her again. He watched her play with a curious butterfly…saw the pure happiness in her eyes…and he smiled…the anger melting away… “You find happiness in the littlest things.”

“If you find joy in the small pleasures, you won’t be disappointed when something big doesn’t always happen.”

“But you’ll have more appreciation for something big because it doesn’t happen very often.”

“And you also spend the rest of the time in-between feeling alone.” She raised her hand high above her head so the colorful butterfly could fly off her fingertips. It fluttered its wings before joining his friends in the canopy. "I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be arguing with you." She grimaced.

"Please do. Not many people will." He smiled at her, at her honesty. "You intrigue me."

She raised an eyebrow. "I do, do I?"

"You aren’t like most people around here."

“Well, I guess priorities change things.” She stood there awkwardly before him, trying to figure out what he was thinking.

He snapped out of his thoughts and smiled gently. “Its down this way.” He walked before her down the narrow path that was so accustomed to having only one traveler on it. They commented on the basics, weather, health…but they couldn’t seem to get past the first step, gaining trust.

[Deputy Valince Arcadal]

“What do you have against me?” He tilted his chin so that cool, blue eyes looked down at her. He didn’t care about manners or formalities, didn’t feel that he needed to.

His boldness didn’t surprise her, reminded Jenny of herself more than anything and somehow that was a comfort deep down. Against you? I…its not against you, but I just can’t…just can’t get close to anyone. Yeah, that’ll sound terrific. ‘It’s not you, it’s me.’ I can’t even sort out my own thoughts anymore, what’s the point…. “Nothing.” She lied, and knew it. Could feel it settle like a rock in the pit of her stomach.

Why does she keep doing this to me? What could she possibly have to hide that’s so important? He sighed and decided that it wasn’t worth his effort, it was her loss, not his. Ahead of them was a small stream at the bottom of a steep decline. He slid down it with ease as he had done so many times. Didn’t even think about his follower until he heard her feet slip. Instinctively he turned and caught her right before she fell. Scott could have laughed at the wide-eyed expression and her chin practically dropping to the ground.

Her breath caught in her throat as visions of falling into yet another creek washed over her. Before she knew it he was holding her tightly against him. She struggled to form words as her mind raced as fast as her heart. The only thought that she could hear running along her mind was that she had fallen on to him. She could only imagine what he was going to do to her.

Scott waited until she started breathing again before he helped her to her feet. She was so frazzled you'd think she was about to be lynched on the nearest tree or something. "You alright? Didn't break anything, right? Hate to carry you all the way back to the house." He teased her with a gleam in his eyes.

"Sure, just go ahead and say it." She brushed herself off.

"Now where would that get us? You are already mad at me."

"I told you already that I wasn't upset with you so why are you..."

"If I'm not 'upsetting' you then why are you snapping at me, Duchess?"

"I'm not snapping at you I'm...just frustrated. And don't call me Duchess."

"I just caught you from falling into a creek and you..."

She didn't hear anything he said after that. Hecaught me? But I thought that...why would he do that? He should have just let me fall.. "Thank you."

He stopped mid sentence in his rant and turned to her. Innocent eyes peered from long, black lashes and he couldn't help but smile. She looked so shameful. "Don't worry about it, Duchess. Call it an act from a friend." He chuckled to try and loosen the cold grasp that seemed to hold her.

An act from a friend... The words tumbled in her head. She had a bunch of friends. Why should this stranger be any different? Lately it just seemed she couldn't turn to anyone...not even Kaeli. And she felt it pang in her chest everytime she closed off around the ones that cared for her. It was her problem and she would deal with it. The last thing she wanted to do was drag others into it...

[Deputy Valince Arcadal]

"Hey, Duchess, you alright?"

"Hmm? Yeah, thanks again. I mean it."

"What is it with you and falling to pieces over the little things?" He reached out to take her arm and make sure that she was still in one piece but she whipped it away before he had a chance. "I was just holding you in my arms and now you are shying away? You have a funny way of being touched, Duchess."

"Don't call me that. And I don't want to be 'handled' like some animal."

"Is that what you think I'm doing?" His eyebrows narrowed as he considered if she was bluffing or not.

Jenny thought about all the times Kaeli and her friends had tugged at each other...thats the past. Things change. "Look, I can't give you an explaination, okay? Just..leave me be." She was close to tears and knew that if hee kept it up they would spill over. She couldn't seem to hold them back anymore.

"Alright, no problem Duch-, Jenny. Are you sure you aren't hurt then? No cuts or bru..."

"I'm fine. Don't worry about me. So we gonna finish crossing this creek or what? The bank isn't that wide."

All the more reason to worry about you. "We'll get there. There's no rush. Take my hand this time though?"

She did as he asked of her. He smiled and wrapped his fingers around hers pulling her closer. "Ready?"

"Its too wide. We can't jump across it."

"I never said we'd jump across it. Put your arms across my neck." He did the actions as he said them and in one swift movement he was holding her in his arms. Figuring she would struggle against him he whispered words in a language she had never heard and they hovered above the ground before passing silently over the creek. Landing gently on the opposite bank, he let her down and started walking along the path.

She looked back at the other side and then at Scott. What kind of magic did he learn? She caught up with him and she laughed.

"Did I miss something?"

"No. Only that my best would have a heart attack if she knew some guy swept me off my feet."

"Well then. Glad to be of service." He gave he a dramatic bow and they laughed.

[Deputy Valince Arcadal]

The next few ten minutes or so were spent with Scott explaining the odd creatures around them that came out from hiding to get a glimpse at the pair. She laughed without thinking about the shields she should have held between them. For once in a long time she was able to just breathe...

They pushed through arm length leaves in stunning green until the sight of a cascading waterfall loomed in front of them. The white bubbles collected at the bottom as they netted to form clouds on the water. As water poured over the edge it sprayed the leaves and branches that hung over the bank and into the cool pool. The noon sun hid a rainbow in the midst that was as bright as the canopy of leaves.

"Its like the waterfall back home...but there are so many more colors here." She twirled in a circle and laughed out loud.

"Ha ha. Simple pleasures." He sat against a few broad rocks near the bank.

Jenny turned away from the sights. She heard the laughter in his voice but she couldn't get past the saddness in his eyes. She walked over to the rocks and sat down beside him, using her hands as balance. "Whats wrong?" She narrowed her eyes in concern while her fingers played with a flower at her feet.

"I've never seen anyone so happy with a butterfly...or a flower." He nodded his head at the flower she played with.

She picked it from its stem and handed it to him. "I've just learned to find the 'simple pleasures' as you call them." She saw him focus on something across the water as a few purple and green birds flew into the trees. "Tell me about this place."

"Its called Galyna. One can only get here by aparatting. We've been here for thousands of years but few come and go. I shouldn't have left to tell you the truth."

"I don't know why you would, it's perfect."

"Everyone needs a change once in a while."

"Yeah, isn't that the truth. So...what do you do around here?"

"Hang out here mostly. I run a few things in town but most of its just repeatitous."

She raised an eyebrow. "Friends don't have a big part in your schedule?"

"They are there too. What about you? You were hanging out by yourself."

"I had to get out. Actually, my best, Kaeli, brought me there yesterday. So I guess I'll have to thank her. If I ever get home that is." Her voice trailed off and she played with the orange petals of the flower.

"What about your parents? Aren't they missing you about now?"

Jenny sighed and set the flower on the soft, round pepples. "Probably not."

"Everyone should have someone to go home to."

She shrugged. I do. But I'm afraid they're scattered about. Two live across the ocean so its a little hard to walk up to their doorstep."

"Well, you'll always have one here." The shy smile on his face had her blushing, something she hadn't let herself do in a such a long time. "Why don't we head back now?"

[Deputy Valince Arcadal]

The afternoon was spent walking the woods and chuckling at the curious creatures that were always poking their heads out. Laughing as if they had known each other for years the two headed back towards Scott's house as the sun set over the cooling ocean.

"Everything is so peaceful, Scott. The town and its stark white buildings. I could spend hours in those shops just milling around with the little trinkets."

"I don't remember when they've been so excited to see someone before. You'd think you had owned the shops themselves." They stopped walking as they met the path that reached the house.

"I wish I could live here forever. Kaeli would kill me for it though." She sighed.

"Stay here...for tonight at least." He acted on impulse, and she saw it with the hopeful expression he wore.

Fearing it was still all a dream she felt her heart fall in her chest. "I can't. I wish I could." It was all a dream and she would rather say goodbye to him then wake up without thanking him for everything he had done for her.

"Then I won't argue with you." He dropped his eyes to the horizon and watched it cast an orange glow on her skin.

"Thank you for everything, Scott. You don't know how much its meant to me." Smiling sweetly she hugged him. Before she knew it she was standing on the bank at her own waterfall. The sun had set and the moon lit the path back through the woods for her, stars sparkling in the pitch black sky.

When her feet hit the round cobblestones that led to the side door, she stopped and glanced back towards the waterfall. She couldn't see it, she couldn't hear it either. But she knew it was there and her heart went out to the stranger that showed her laughter. She opened the door and crept through the darkened hallways until the staircase stood before her. She took out her wand and cast a spell so they wouldn't creak as she crept up them. She past by her parent's room as they snored into the night, unaware of where she was.

Her room was dark except for the patch of floor that was lit by the ever present moon. She hummed an old Irish song her uncle had taught her as she pulled on a nightgown and brushed her hair. The rain patted softly on the roof and comforted her thoughts. Silly to go to bed if you are still sleeping. She laughed to herself and climbed into bed, still unmade from the morning. The thunder rolled miles away and she drifted off to sleep as she waited for the first flashes of lightening.

[Deputy Valince Arcadal]

The day ahead was more routine than anything. The only thing that surprised her were the clothes she borrowed were still in a pile on the chair.

"You don't think it really happened, do you Jenny?" Kaeli asked as she laid out tableclothes.

"I don't know. I thought it was a dream, but everything felt so real." She finished sweeping and left to go wash her hands so she could help Kaeli.

"Are you two done yet? The crowd will start coming in any time now." Her grandmother, who owned the restaurant with her grandfather, looked at her over her shoulder as she stirred a large copper pot.

"We're almost done, don't worry." She washed her hands and gave her a kiss on the cheek. Walking back into the dinning room she placed silverware on the tables.

"So what are ya gonna do about it?" Kaeli asked as she came up towards her best.

"I...dunno. Can't exactly send him an owl. I don't think." She narrowed her brows and finished setting forks and knives on the two top.

The crowd came and went more smoothly then Jenny hoped, bellies full of home cooked food. It kept her mind occupied for a few hours at least which was thankful in itself. She still couldn't decide whether Galyna and all it had to offer was a dream or not so she simply decided to leave it as a happy memory. She cleaned up with Kaeli, putting away empty glasses and wiping down tables.


Shoulders aching she walked quielty home, the only sound being the soft padding of feet on gravel. All she wanted to do was slip into bed and fall into a dreamless sleep. The moon cast a pale glow on her skin as she slid through the side door letting it click closed behind her. It didn't occur that the light shing under the living room door shouldn't be on. That she should have heard the voices coming down the stairwell.

The living room candles were still lit and wax was now sliding onto the polished tables. As she opened the door a flood of voices rang through her ears as her parents stood in the middle screaming at each other.

"...it's your fault that..."

"...don't you dare blame that on me. I'm the one working at the Ministry..."

"...my work is needed here now..."

"...can't you see I'm..."

Her mind froze as she watched them throwing their hands in the air and trying to overcome the other. It was too much for her, she had to get by, get alone. Her room...now if she could only get by them...

They were taking up most of the room as it was, pacing around one another. But if she could just squeeze by the table and where they were standing she would surely go by unnoticed. As her father stepped towards the center of the room Jenny made her move. Being sureto keep her eyes on the carpet, she crept past and was almost there until her father backed up, knocking her right into it. She caught herself just barely but the dinner plate crashed to the floor scattering white china everywhere. She froze, her breath coming out in short rasps against her chest as the room fell instantly silent and her parents turned towards her.

"Jennifer..."

"I'm...I'm sorry...I didn't mean..."

The back of his hand slammed hard agaisnt her back and sent her sprawling on her knees. Grabbing her arm he picked her up roughly and shoved her towards the door. She didn't bother to wait and see what else would happen if she stayed. She bolted.

The night air bit her cheeks as she raced down the path, tears streaming against her cheeks. Branches slapped her legs but she ignored them, she had only one thought in mind. It loomed ahead, the noise already echoing along the forest. She couldn't think anymore, the empty feeling inside of her was too much for her to bear. Already feeling the bruises on her back and arm she ran faster in case of the minuscule chance that they followed. She had to run...she had to get away.

She halted, gasping for breath when her feet met the smooth pebbles being lapped up by the water. It looked black...the water...like it would devour someone without a trace. Tears still streamed down her cheeks, burning them. Even though the air was still warm, she shivered against it.

I...I can't go back. They'll kill me. I'll stay here, build my home, they won't find me. They can't... Another tear slid down her cheek and droped into the pool. "Scott..." It was a barely a whisper, more comparable to the wind blowing through a field. Jenny closed her eyes and lost hope in her world.

Then he was standing behind her with a comforting hand on her shoulder. She turned to face him, eyes gleaming in the moonlight with tears. He didn't say anything but pulled her closer. She cried in pain as his arm pressed against her back and he quickly let go, not sure what he did. "Jenny..."

"Please, lets go..."

"You're safe now, tell me..."

"Please, Scott." She could hear the pleading in her voice and she hated herself for it. But right now she didn't care...

[Deputy Valince Arcadal]

They were sitting on the blue stripped sofa as she told him what happened. She was still crying but the tears fell less often. Still looking at her hands she apolegized, "I'm so sorry, Scott. I didn't know where else to go."

He pulled her closer again but he made sure his hands skimmed her back carefully. She rested against him and closed her eyes to block the night from her vision.

Scott looked down at her arm where five long patches showed themselves against her pale skin. I wish I could have been there. I shouldn't have let her leave.

She fell asleep in his arms and Scott laid her down on the sofa as he tucked a pale yellow blanket around her. She looked so peaceful...now that sleep came to her.

Standing over her he still felt the anger running through his veins for her father. Walking into his room and out to the balcony he tried to think of something he could do for her. She would be staying with him, thats for sure.

The birds sang in the trees as if nothing had happened. Shaking his head Scott changed his clothes and pushed back the covers of his bed. Suddenly having an idea he ran to his desk and scribbled some notes onto a sheet of parchment. Returning to bed he fell asleep, feeling slightly better then he had before.

She awoke to the singing of birds and it wasn't until she realized she was lying on a couch that her eyes flew open and she sat upright.

Suddenly remembering where she was in Scott's house she pushed herself off the couch to go and find him.Her back ached from the night before and she dreaded the mark that had formed overnight.

Crossing through the rooms she found him dilegently writing on a parchment that was already hanging an inch above the floor. "Am I interrupting something?"

He jumped slightly at the sound of her voice. She looked a heck of a lot better than the previous night and he couldn't help but answer her smile with one of his own. "Not at all. But I thought that since you would be staying with me for awhile that you should get to know everyone. A little...gathering, we'll say."

"Satying with you? But I can't...I mean...I have to go..."

"Where? Back to your parents? I won't see you hurt again." He crossed over to her and she could see the saddness in his face. She started to protest but he simply held a finger to her lips. "Please, think about it. Stay a few days, then you can decide."

Jenny hushed and tried to look at the parchment over his shoulder. "That looks like a little much for a get together. Are you sure thats all neccesary?"

"Anything for you. Are you hungry?"

"Not really. I would rather just go back to bed, my back is killing me." She streatched out her arms in effort to allieve the pain.

Scott didn't say anything for a moment and it made her nervous. "Come eat something." He walked out of the room and headed towards the kitchen.

"I told you I wasn't hungry."

"Thats nice. Now get your butt in here and eat."

Jenny folded her arms. "And if I don't?"

"You want me to make that list longer?"

Sighing, she glanced at the three foot long parchment and followed his voice. The last thing she wanted was to make this 'welcoming' any bigger than it was. Personally she would rather just let them meet her on their own.

[Deputy Valince Arcadal]

He stood against the counter while cutting up something round and purple. Pieces of blue fruit fell into a white bowl and it filled the room with its fragrance. She stepped up beside him and eyed the fruit, well, what she assumed was fruit. It didn't look like it was alive...

"Go ahead and take a piece."

"I'm not.."

"Jenny. Just eat, would you? For me?" He had stopped cutting and was looking at her again. In the same way he did moments before.

She took a piece and stepped back just to get away from his glance. "So what exactly are you feeding me again?" She turned it over in her fingers as if it were a rare object that might attack her at any unsuspecting moment.

He laughed at her narrowed eyes and ate a piece from the bowl. "Uyler. Its a fruit from those yellowish trees out there. Quite popular." He continued to watch her examine it. "Would you just eat it already?"

She sneered before slipping it into her mouth. At first she didn't taste anything. Jenny stood there, eyes locked with Scott when a sweet juice filled her body as if it were silk. "Mmm." She reached out for another piece but he pushed the bowl out of reach.

"Thought you weren't hungry?" Smirking he quickly took another piece from the bowl and plopped it in his mouth.

"Scott...fine, I won't eat then." She crossed her arms and left him as she moved into the living room. She sat back down on the couch and pulled the yellow blanket up around her.

Scott came in after her, bowl in one hand. Sitting next to her he set it down on the coffee table next to them. "Jenny, I'm sorry. Tell me whats wrong."

She looked away as tears filled her eyes and threatened to spill over. "I don't know. I just want to forget everything." She faced him and threw her arms around his neck and let the tears fall on his shoulder.

Scott wrapped his arms around her and just held her. Not trying to stop the tears he let her pour them out. I'm here for you. I always will be. Merlin knows I would take it all away if I had the chance. He ran a hand up and down her back to soothe her thoughts.

All she needed right now was him. The smell of the forest clung to his skin and she took it in with her, clinging to him. She felt like a little girl again and opened her heart...something that hadn't happened in years. Soon everything flooded out of her...all the pain over the years...the loneliness...false hopes and promises...she needed him more than anything...and she would give her life to be with him for just a moment longer.