Welcome to Gaia! ::

I knocked on the door even though no one would answer me. I entered and saw the almost angelic look of Scarlet, resting peacefully. I smiled and took a seat beside her.

"Good morning, Scarlet," I began. "Seems like this morning is calm and beautiful. It makes the battle yesterday seems non-existant. Funny, huh?" I looked at the decoration of the room.

"You seem to like wood stuff. Tell you what, I'll carve you an eagle as my thanks later," I said and I realized something. "Heh, you've saved me three times and I haven't even said thanks. That's really bad of me. But I won't say it unless you're awake so you better wake up. I wanna make that carving in front of you. It'll be boring if you don't watch me do it," I trailed off for a moment and I was brought to the voice in my head last night.

"Wanna know something? When I was drifting between wake and sleep, I heard this really deep voice and it asked me if I wanted you to live. I nodded and it told me that it was the spirit of the forest. Funny huh? I don't wanna believe it but I dunno. There seems to be much weird things in the world." Then there was silence.

Worry not child...

The voice of a female in my head. I turned to look for the source. "I'm dreaming," I sighed.

No you're not, silly boy, the voice giggled. I frowned.

She will wake up very soon. Our magic takes time to be active...she will wake up very. very soon...

"Wait! Who are you?" I asked as I stood. The voice giggled again.

The Forest Sprite...bye, and the voice left me but I was distracted by Scarlet showing signs of waking up.

"Good morning," I said with a really, really big smile. "So, what were you doing being asleep so long? Everyone was worried you know," I said softly.

"Did they say anything to you? You were with them for a while," I asked in a soft tone. "How were they?"

"It's okay now. You should come back. You have people who loves you here and they won't be happy if you had died," I said soothingly. The tears won't stop and I decided it was time for me to call her grandfather in.

"I'll get Alec and Suki now. They're dying to see you," I moved to the door to call Alec and Suki.

"Oh, sure," I agreed with surprise that they wanted me to help her. So I went to her bedside and helped her up. Then Kani bounded into the room and nearly tackled me to the ground. I ruffled his fur and went to take Scarlet outside. It was a lovely morning indeed but the elves had taken damage from the fight the day before.

Three lives were lost while a few more were injured. Some houses were burned to dust and ashes spread everywhere. Yet, they all look at us with appraising looks but I felt like I was stabbed to the gut with guilt.

I replied their greetings as neutrally as possible but the sadness in my eyes never left.

"You are right but it was my idea. If I had come up with something better maybe no one would have gotten hurt, or died," I said sorrowful.

"I guess....I feel a bit better. Thanks," I said softly. They walked in silence till we reach the garden where we first met. I smiled at the memory but it seemed to be so long ago.

"It feels so long," I muttered, "but we only first met three days ago." I sat under a tree with Kani snuggling close to my side. "I feel like I'm living a new life now," I chuckled.

"Oh yeah, thanks for saving all those times. I would have not be here if it wasn't for you," I look at her eyes and smiled. "Thank you."

"Hey Scarlet," I broke the peace, "I don't think I can go back to my family without endangering them," I said thoughtlessly. Truthfully, it was the one issue that nagged at my mind ever since I helped Scarlet escape.

Suddenly, I felt tired. "I wish the Forest Spirit could help me like it helped you,." My eyes were unfocused as I stroke Kani's fur absentmindedly.