4 Chapter 4

Dario-

Aria stood staring off into the tree line, I followed her gaze. There wasn't anything there, she must be lost in thought. I watched her for a few moments more, when I saw a tear escape her eye.

"Lady Aria? Are you alright?" I stepped toward her when she smiled and looked up at me. "I am fine my warrior, just thinking of easier times. Before-" Aria was cut off, a finch flew in her face Aria put her hand out and the small brown bird landed on her finger. The finch chirped at her and flew off again. Aria giggled, "Well, that little guy didn't want to stick around long."

Aria turned gracefully and started walking to leave the garden. I followed her, the path straight out of the garden, to the stairs leading into the palace. Aria paused in the main hall, I could see her contemplating. I started to worry that she was going to go for the throne room again, but she walked on going toward the library.

The Oak doors were heavy, so I moved ahead of Aria to open them. However, as I did someone was leaving the library. Amell walked out holding a book reading intently, he stopped and looked up at us. "Afternoon, Lady Aria and-" "My warrior, this is Dario." Aria introduced me. I smiled a little bit as Amell continued to speak, "Very nice to meet you sir. Lady Aria, the library is fantastic. I could spend days in there."

Aria smiled and nodded, "Yes, I enjoy spending time in there myself." Amell chuckled lightly, "It's nothing compared to mine, I may have to make some changes when I get back. So Lady Aria, would you mind if I joined you in there for a few moments? I would like to get to know you a bit more." Aria gestured to enter the library, Amell held the door for her and funny enough for me too.

In the center of the library, there was a small table with chairs around it. Amell went and pulled a chair out for Aria, then sat across from her. Aria started the conversation, "Would you like to tell me about yourself?" Amell was almost blushing, "Oh! Well, I am the God of Avians, so I can communicate with birds. Both from our realm and on the mortal plane."

Aria smiled at Amell, "Really? No battle or war?" Amell almost looked ashamed, "Well, yeah. I know I'm not that impressive, but I like it." Almost on cue, the little brown bird from the garden landed on Amells shoulder, chirping in his ear. Amell smiled at the small bird, "Well, go enjoy yourself then!" The bird flew off out a window, Amell let out a nervous laugh, and ran his hand through his short hair. "Sorry, she was telling me the fruits in your garden are better than in our realm." Aria smiled, "I'm glad she's enjoying it!"

I was comfortable around Gods, and could tell which ones it was okay to speak directly to. Amell seemed like that type, so I asked, "Excuse me sir, were you in a recent war or battle?" Amell looked up at me, "I unfortunately had to fight in the last battle, our war was quick. Before then, it had been several years since the last battle." He ran his had through his short hair longingly. Aria seemed to register why I was asking, "So you usually don't like fighting?"

Amell nodded, "I know it's not normal for a God to not want to fight, but I have never been the type to want to battle. I can and know how to fight, doesn't mean I want to. As a God though, sometimes it's unavoidable. You know?" Aria nodded, "I see what you are saying. You'd rather have long hair and be a God known for something other than fighting. Since long hair symbolizes how long you have been peaceful." Amell smiled widely, "That's exactly it! I'd rather focus on peace, rather than fighting over everything."

Aria-

Amell was sweet, he preferred to be a pacifist rather than fight. I see that as honorable. So far if I have to marry one, it would be Amell. At least we could maybe read together…

We sat and talked together for a while, we were really getting to know each other, Amell was a well put together God. He was intelligent, strong, handsome and awkward if a fun-loving way. I was enjoying my time with Amell, when Dario pulled out his sword.

"Dario? What is wrong?" He didn't speak, he was listening. He walked over to my side, with his sword still drawn. "Lady Aria, I think we need to get you to a safe room." I didn't need to ask what was going on, if my warrior said I needed to get to a safe room, that's what I was going to do. "Apologies Amell, I have to go. Thank you for the lovely afternoon."

I stood and followed Dario to the back of the library, there was a secret passage through one of the shelves. Dario scanned the room, once he deemed it safe, he grabbed one of the book shelves and pulled it out. He ushered me inside and followed after, closing the bookcase behind us.

"Can you tell me what is going on now Dario?" He was silent in the dark space we were in. "Lady Aria, I'm sorry. Your father sent a message. He just said I needed to get you somewhere safe." "No other information?" "No-" As Dario spoke, there was an explosion. The power shook me, it had to be in the library. I fell into Dario and he pulled me in close and whispered, "Something is in the library, it's going to be hard, but we have to move out of this area. Hold my hand and follow me, do not let go no matter what."

Dario was moving down corridors, taking what felt like random twists and turns, but knowing how warriors are trained, I figured Dario knew exactly what he was doing. We had been moving for a while, when he stopped. He was pulling his hand away from mine, I gripped harder, he laughed, "I need to open a door, sorry." I let his hand go, the room suddenly lit up.

It took my eyes a minute to adjust, but I realized where we were. That path lead to the back of the palace, back here there is a view spot to the mortal world. Why did Dario bring me here?

"Dario, why are we here?" Dario looked around, he seemed confused. "Your brother was supposed to meet us here. He must have gotten held up somewhere." Jedrek? How bad is this? "Wait here for just a second, don't worry, I won't be going far." Dario smiled at me before taking off toward the forest.

I stood waiting, I could hear the distant sound of swords clashing and battle cries let out. This was serious, a battle has never taken place at the palace. I'm sure father and Jedrek were in the front lines ready to go.

Dario-

I kept stealing glances back at Aria, not wanting to risk anything in this time. I wasn't sure what was going on, but it was serious. Lord Cyril rarely contacts me telepathically. It's not like I can respond, he just gives me the order. I looked around, I wasn't seeing Jedrek anywhere. I was worried, but there was nothing I could do. I looked back, I couldn't see Aria well anymore, but we are in the back of the largest palace, it would take hours for the battle to make it's way back there.

I pushed forward, "Jedrek? Are you here?" There was no answer, I started to get a bad feeling. I decided I would go back to Aria, we could wait it out for now. Lord Cyril will send me more orders if things change. I turned to run back to Aria, when I came back around and saw her, my heart sank. Aria was backing away from Zale.