Naveen

Talon:

It only took a few times to notice that Rina was going towards me then purposely moving away. And so I snuck around and moved up behind her to ask softly, "Were you looking for me?"

Rina:

I drew in a sharp breath of surprise. My cheeks heated a little as I turned around but before I could come up with a retort I heard a scream in the distance. My head napped around in the direction it came from. “What was-“ I started then heard my name shrieked. I broke into a run in the direction, Aero and Iris flying ahead of me.

I took off with her, keeping pace with Rina. A sword flashed into my hand, drawn from one of the ones strapped across my back.

Rina:

I found Maleen in a little clearing on the ground with a man standing over her. I drew my short sword as Iris flew straight into his calf. He let out a gasp of pain and staggered back. “Rina!” Maleen cried. I strode over to the man fully prepared to slice his throat. “Stop! Don’t kill him!” She cried.

Talon:

I kept my sword loose in my hand, while my other one flashed out to grab Wren by the back of her top bringing her up short. "Calm down now, stay here with me okay? Let Rina handle this."

Rina:

I turned to look at her while the man clutched his leg and groaned. “What happened?” I demanded, holding my sword at the man but looking at Maleen. The side of her skirt had a splotch of blood on it. “She’s a witch!” The man yelled before she had a chance to say anything. “Shut up.” I kicked his leg right where the wound was.

Talon:

"My friend, you have about ten seconds before she just accepts our girl there being sad that you died. Or you could play nice, accept that your in a very bad place and perhaps this can all blow over before you die." I said conversationally still holding Wren from running into it.

Rina:

“What’s your name and what are you doing here?” I demanded coldly. “I was hunting the witch. I have been for a time now. I’ve been following you since you took her away. From a distance.” He said quickly. “I didn’t mean you any harm, I just need to put her down… My name is Dorian.” My stomach twisted a little. “Is that what you do? Hunt people who have powers like her?” I asked in disgust. “I hunt decedents of the sorceress Naricia.” He admitted. “I should kill you, you know.” I spat. “Don’t, Rina, please.” Maleen begged.

The name Naricia sent off warning bells in my head. There was information that only the Lord of my people was supposed to read. I had read that book. Naricia was an important person in that story. But even with alarms going on in my head I kept my face passive.

Rina:

I debated just stabbing him, despite Maleen’s protests. With a deep sigh, I took my belt and used it to secure his hands behind his back. He didn’t struggle, which I grudgingly appreciated. Then I lifted my hand and Aero flew into it. I sled the blade into the ridged, icy wound in his leg. He gave a strangled cry bit then relaxed as I removed Aero. I couldn’t heal the wound, but I could reverse the effects of Iris. “Don’t try to get away or my dagger will go into your back this time.” I said darkly before moving over to Maleen. “Let her go.” I told Talon nodding to Wren. “What’s the matter?” I asked Maleen. “I think it was some kind of arrow laced with poison. He shot me in the leg and it paralyzed it, and I can’t use magic…” She said, tearfully.

Talon:

I let go of Wren and she rushed over to Maleen immediately, her eyes wide with worry. I however kept my eyes on the man, wanting to speak with him alone but I knew better than to bring it up with Rina. She was not the easiest to get to see any sort of reason when she was mad like this.

Rina:

I pulled up her skirt so I could see the injury, it was shallow. “What was on the arrow?” I demanded. “A kind of berry juice that temporarily stuns the affected area and cuts off magic.” He said, sounding resigned. “It’ll be okay.” I told Maleen, helping her up, but her leg was useless. “Can you carry her? I’ll take care of him.” I asked Talon.

I strode over, wishing I wasn't wearing the plate if I was going to pick up Maleen, but I did it anyway, holding her as gently as I could with her injury out away from me. "Wren, go find Calan please." I told her softly and motioning with my head towards the camp.

Maleen:

“I’m sorry.” I said quietly. “I shouldn’t have gone off on my own. It was stupid.” I looked down at my lap, ashamed.

Talon:

"Why shouldn't you have? You aren't a prisoner Maleen. You can go and do what you please." I told her with a gentle smile. "If you so wished, you could go and kiss Wren or Rina. Toss a bucket of water over Calan. Go sprinting through camp like a tiger. As far as I am concerned, you are free Maleen. No one will ever put behind bars so long as I can help it."

Maleen:

I glanced at him then down at my lap. “I have my freedom thanks to you.” I said softly. “How can I ever repay you?” I looked up into his face.

"Live your life to the fullest. Follow your heart and your dreams. Someday I hope to be able to come to you and ask about your life. And I had better hear a wonderful story. It doesn't have to be full of adventure, or horribly exciting. So long as you are happy with the life choices you made, I will feel repaid." I told her softly.

Maleen:

I smiled softly. “But I’m a witch. Once I learn more magic, I could do anything. All you would have to do was wish for something.” I said quietly avoiding looking at him. “Once I learned how to do it of course.

"You can't bring me what I want most in the world, though I appreciate the effort." I said my smile growing sad.

Maleen:

I tilted my head with a little frown. “What is it you want most?” I asked curiously.

"Its personal Maleen. I'm sorry, but...I am not going to tell you. Maybe some day, but what I want can't happen." I said quietly, my eyes unfocused.

Maleen:

“That’s okay. It’s your life.” I said softly, touching his shoulder gently.

Rina:

I dragged the guy back to camp slowly, with him limping the entire way. I was silently fuming and he didn’t say a word.

Talon:

"Its more than just my life, I have to live my life for two people. But I know what you meant." I told her softly, a gentle smile coming to my lips.

Maleen:

I smiled back at him, wondering what it was that he was thinking about. I felt that maybe it was someone he couldn’t be with, someone he loved, a woman. I couldn’t help but feel admiration for her, to have his heart.
From the moment he had set me free from Rina’s cage, I had wanted to know him. He fascinated me, and I wished to stay close to him for as long as I could. He made me feel safe.

I shook my head and asked "So I must admit I am curious, and my brother would kill me if I didn't..." I trailed off for a moment, hesitant about asking. I knew I had also just given her a hint about the living my life for two. "...is there anyone your interested in romantically?"