- Early Morning

A light breeze rustles the leaves within the forest. It is early morning and the sun just begins to rise. Alora closes her eyes and allows her other senses to take over as she stands barefoot on the forest floor. She lets her eyes close. She makes her ears strain and listen to all the birds chirping in the treetops, twigs crack from small animals running over them. Then she slowly releases her arcane power, her energy magic. A small blue light passes from her hands to her toes, then it transforms into an out spreading dome scanning the forest floor. At first it picks up Lydus, a close companion she grew up with. The arcana relays back to her that he is strong, that makes her smile. She knows all too well how strong he is. Alora continues to move the magic further into the forest. At last, her energy captures it, it senses it before her ears even hear it. She makes a quick turn and begins to run while drawing her short bow. Without needing to see the target clearly, she releases her shot sending some arcana with it to guide. Once the arrow meets her prey, her magic tells her it is no longer alive. She looks to Lydus who is unfazed and mindlessly whittling a stick.

"Lydus, shall we go collect lunch?" Alora walks to Lydus who looks up at her with his deep brown eyes.

"Done already are we? What is on the menu?" He smiles back to her and rises.

Now that it is light out Alora takes notice of Lydus's emerald green shirt, it is rare to see him in normal clothing in recent days. The shirt makes his brown eyes stand out. His brown hair has a curly edge to it from the moist morning air. Her arcana was right when it said he is strong. His body was built from the constant training he does with swords. Her cheeks flush slightly from looking at him for so long without replying.

"If I felt it right, I believe we will be having venison." She decided.

He nods and they continue to walk silently in the direction her arrow was set loose.

"Are you nervous about the banquet tonight?" Lydus inquires.

Alora ponders for a moment before replying. She was a bit nervous. She has never been to the castle before, and since her father was promoted to a general, the banquet and her attendance was mandatory. On top of that being in large crowds, especially in a location where she must act like a noble woman is tough. To conceal her true power, true nature, that was hard for her. But she mustn't let it show. Magic is rare. Only the royals are gifted with magic, and even they are no exception. Most people who possess magic are either hunted or used to produce children then killed. "You have been to the palace. Your father is part of the parliament there. Is what they say about the royals there true?"

"The Shade family has ruled for hundred of years Alora, they are feared by all the surrounding lands. It is true that an heir possesses the black blood of the high dragons. I have seen the king's powers, he has magic stronger than yours." as Lydus talks Alora fiddles with a black choker that is on her neck. A magical item that tames the powers Lydus is referring to. Without the choker, she would be dead, as well as many other innocent people. He continues, "and he has the ability to command the dragons. Which hasn't been done for many years. He is not a kind man, ruthless, but keeps us and our lands protected"

Alora's eyes drift to the forest floor. Still fingering the choker on her neck, and thinking of that day in Tunstin.

Lydus stops walking and ever so gently grabs Alora's wrists, a touch that sends her heart rate up. He looks deep into her blue eyes and says, "You will do fine, I will be there as well."

Alora looks into his brown eyes, wishing life could remain as simple as this. She lightly brings her arm back to her side. "Yes, you will be there. I hear you will be escorting Miss Ethel."

"You heard correctly. It is my fathers wish. She is a daughter of close family friends. He hopes for us to get to know each other better." Lydus confirms.

Alora can't hide her disappointment and returns to walking in the direction of her kill. "Yes. Well there will be dancing, food, and strong waters. I am most positive I will not stir up trouble. I have gained great control over my abilities. It has been many years since that day in the Tunstin Village…" she trails off as she spots the downed deer.

"You have truly gotten better at reading your surroundings." Lydus comments. He bends over and begins to work on the deer. Putting the edible bits in a sack. As he does that Alora cleans herself up at a nearby river and places her shoes back on. Making sure to hide any trace of their early adventure. When he finishes they head back into town.

"My father has word that the knights will be headed to another land for sometime. Will you be in that unit?" Alora asked.

"I was just told yesterday. We head out in 3 days' time." Lydus pauses for a moment but continues, " There is talk of some unrest in the neighboring villages. Where will you stay now that your father has been promoted?"

"I hope to stay here, in Lestia, but with the promotion, my father has been given a new house in the city. I am uncertain when we will transfer there. My prayers are for after you all come back from the villages." Alora hoped.

Alora hides the quiver and bow between a bush and the home. Then she and Lydus step into the home and are greeted by her younger sister and mother, Lydus hands some meat to Alora's mother.

"Lydus, you always come bearing such kind gifts, your hunts are most fruitful." Mrs. Tavelin raved. "and thank you for escorting Alora to the fields, she finds the pond and ducks to be very soothing at sunrise."

"It tis no problem Mrs. Tavelin, a lady must promenade if she hopes to find a suitor." Lydus smirks at Alora.

"Ah what a thought, she would need to do that when suitors are awake." her mom chastised, "Alora what are you wearing? Why is there mud on the hem of your dress? You and your sister need to wash up so we may begin our preparations for this evening. It is a bit of a ride out to the castle. We will need to leave by afternoon to reach the lands by eve."

"I best get going as well. My father will be wanting to speak with me. See you at the banquet." he says as he gives Ayla, Alora's younger sister, a pat on the head.

As soon as he leaves, Alora's mother turns to her and eyes her daughter. She takes in Alora's dark black hair, that is flowing freely to her mid back. She examines her daughters features - her bright blue eyes, porcelain skin, rose cheeks, pink lips and petite body. Alora is a stark difference from the rest of the family, who have golden brown hair and brown eyes. Her daughter is beautiful. She has had many suitors, sadly none of them have piqued the girls or her husbands interests. They have been hesitant, watching Alora to make sure they see no sign of her magic, her curse. "You must look your best this evening Alora, you are well past the season to be dawdling around this house. It is time you find a husband. I have been lenient since your father has not taken a liking to any in the past. But we will be in the palace this evening, you will be surrounded by lords and knights. It is time. You must make an example for your younger sister Ayla." Mrs. Tavelin turns to point to her young daughter.

Alora, in an attempt not to argue, nods and heads to her room to begin preparations for this evening.