Woah! An update!

Despite the fact that this blog is mostly for me, and I'm pretty sure that if anyone ever read this blog before that they've now stopped, I'm going to give you an update!

An update on what I don't know.

Welp, I haven't written anything in ages. Unlike my...friend...Liv who writes a different poem everyday. Dang she's good. Okay, well, I've written a lot of Supernatural fan fiction (yayyyyy) which I won't post on here because this is not a fan fiction blog. However, I have opened up my word doc for the story I was working on, and I think I'm going to continue on with that. This plot line has held my interest for over a year, so that's a good sign. So yeah. Updates on that will be on my other blog I guess. Which I also haven't updated in like 5ever.

Kay, so that's all. Terribly interesting, I know.

                The moonlight shone on her face, creating shadows and making her face look even more pale and angular. The cool night breeze rustled the grass and gently blew her long curls into her face. She didn’t turn around as Colin came up behind her.

                “Why aren’t you in there?” He asked, stopping behind her. She shrugged her shoulders and followed a shooting star’s path across the sky. “You know, you’ll wrinkle your gown sitting on the ground like that.” He said crossly. She shrugged again.

He sighed and crouched down next to her. “Is there anything you’d like to talk about?” A layer of concern hid behind his mask of properness. She shook her head. “Are you going to say anything to me?” She shook her head again. “Are you mad?” She didn’t do anything. He lowered himself to the ground and sat down next to her, legs stretched out, hands supporting him from behind.

                “The stars are beautiful tonight, aren’t they?” He said, craning his head back to look at the luminescent dots in the dark fabric of the sky. When he got no response he sighed again, and fell silent.

                They sat like that for a long time, silently looking up at the sky. It was Alys who finally broke the silence.

                “I can’t do it.” She said so quietly that Colin almost didn’t hear her.         

                “Hm?” He looked at her, but her face was still turned to the sky.

                “Marry him. I can’t.” She hung her head, and her curls fell around her face like a curtain.

                “Your father—“ He started. She turned her head away. “--thinks it’s best.” He finished uncertainly. The silence was back, but it was more icy than comfortable this time. Colin cleared his throat awkwardly. Alys stood up, and brushed the dirt from her soft green gown.

                “Best for whom?” She stared at him with her sharp blue eyes. Then she looked away, and strode back in the direction of the ballroom. Colin watched her go and sighed. For a moment there they had almost been friends.

                 

Holy Tacos Batman! Lots of writing!

The following has nothing to do with tacos or Batman. Just saying.
Also, Faye might seem a little bit weepy and emotional in the following passages. She's really not. I just wrote the 3 or 4 scenes where she is weepy and emotional. She's honestly and annoying, tough girl that basically hates everything. 2nd disclaimer, Travis might seem strange, evil, or like a pointless character. He's not. But you have to understand that this is a joint story with Katie, and Thalia and Travis are her characters. so I don't write from their point of view.
But seriously, Faye doesn't cry. I mean, obviously she does sometimes, as you're about to see, but these are possibly the only times she's ever cried ever. And a couple of the times it's pretty clear why she's crying. We can't blame her. I'll stop talking now. Enjoy.

                “I’m going to go get somefirewood.” Faye sighed, rising up from where Thalia had made her sit down.

                “Faye, no. You need to rest!”Thalia said, rushing over to her. Faye brushed her off.

                “I feel fine Thalia. I’m goingcrazy. I need to get up and walk.” She grabbed her dagger off the rock whereTravis had been using it to gut fish. “I’ll be back soon.”

                “Travis, will you please go withher?” Travis started to rise from his spot on the ground where he had beenwhittling.

                “No problem Thalia.”

                “Don’t bother Travis. I don’tneed a babysitter.” She scowled at Thalia.

                “But what if something happensto you? You’re still not very strong!” Thalia’s worry was evident in her eyes.

                “Look, Thalia, I know how tostay safe. I gathered fire wood enough times. I don’t need a mother.” Fayesnapped. Thalia looked hurt.

                “Okay, just…be safe.”

                “I’ll be back soon.” Faye saidagain. She picked up the axe and walked away from the campsite into the woods.She pushed through the thick pine branches, looking for a fallen log that shecould chop up, or maybe some nice thick branches that she could gather. After afew minutes of walking, her breathing became labored.

                “Maybe Thalia was right.” Sheadmitted to herself as she sunk to the ground and leaned against the nearest tree.She closed her eyes, struggling to catch her breath. Maybe she should just headback, admit defeat.

Her eyes snapped open as she heard something moving through the woodstowards her. She looked around desperately for the source of the sound. Then shesaw it. A bear. Big and brown, lumbering right towards her. It looked angry.Faye scrambled to her feet, and a wave a nausea washed over her, she placed herhand against the tree, steadying herself. Keeping one hand on the tree, shereached down to her belt and grabbed her dagger. The bear kept coming closer.Faye shouted at it, hoping the noise would scare it away. No such luck. Itstood up on its hind legs, towering above Faye. She pressed herself against thetree. The bear went back down on four legs, and went right up to her. Fayeshook. Fear had frozen her. She couldn’t move a muscle. Letting out animpressive roar, the bear swung a paw at her head. Thankfully her reflexeskicked in and she ducked just as the long sharp claws slashed right by where herhead had been. The bear roared again and slashed at her legs, making her fallto the ground. She scrambled away from it, but it grabbed her leg with itsclaws and dragged her back, ripping her pants, and tearing her flesh. Itreleased her leg and put the gigantic paw on her chest. She struggled tobreath, and the pain of the claws digging into her skin brought tears to hereyes. The bear bent down and roared in her face. Faye closed her eyes, hopingthat it would all be over quickly. Just then she heard a yell.

                “Hey you!” Whatseemed to be a rock hit the bear. It swung its head around to look at theattacker. “Yeah, you! You big ugly brute!” Another rock. The bear took its pawoff of Faye and started lumbering towards its new victim. Faye gasped, feeling faintfrom her near death experience. She struggled to push herself up into a sittingposition, and got her first good look at her rescuer. She gasped.

“Prince Jonathan? What is hedoing here?” She mumbled to herself. Jonathan drew his bejeweled sword out ofhis scabbard as the bear came closer. The bear stood up on its hind legs again,it’s roar seemed to shake the needles on the trees. Jonathan ran forward, slashinghis sword across the bear’s exposed stomach, and dashed out of the way beforethe bear could hit him with one of its paws. His eyes met Faye’s.

                “I’d get out of herewhile you can m’lady.” He yelled to her. Faye snapped out of the daze she hadbeen in, and shook her head.

                “And leave you todie?” She asked.

                “I’ll try my bestnot to if you get out here.” He grinned. Faye scowled.

                “And if I don’t?”

                “I make no guaranteeto what will happen to either of us.” He ducked as the bear slashed its paw athim.

                “Well, I’m notleaving!” She stooped to pick up the axe from the ground, and limped towardshim. Jonathan continued to duck and slash at the bear, which only seemed toanger it more. In one swift motion it knocked the sword out of Jonathan’s hand,and grabbed his sword arm in its teeth. Faye heard a loud crack as the bear’spowerful jaws broke the bone.  It flungJonathan around. He kicked the bear and hit him with his good arm. The beardidn’t give up. Faye desperately moved to help, but her new injuries combinedwith her old ones hindered her speed considerably.

                “Hey!” She yelled,desperately trying to get the bears attention. “Stop that!” She screamed asloud as she could. Jonathan dropped to the ground, groaning in pain. Fayegasped as she realized that while Jonathan was on the ground, his arm was stillin the bear’s mouth. She fought down the nausea rising up in her stomach. Thebear dropped the arm and stalked toward Jonathan, angry and bloody. Faye bitthe inside of her cheek, trying to ignore the pain in her leg as she rushedtowards the bear. With a mighty battle cry, she raised the axe, wincing at thepain in her ribs. She brought the axe down, burying it in the hindquarters ofthe bear. The bear roared, and Faye wrenched the axe out of its flesh. The bearswung its head to look at her, and Faye once again brought the axe down, thistime on its head. The bear roared at Faye, and turned to attack her. Fayebacked away, but tripped and fell. She continued to scramble backwards as thebear made its way up to her slowly. Then it collapsed. It fell forward with agroan, and didn’t move. Cautiously Faye stood up, always keeping her eye on it.It stayed still. She rushed over to Jonathan who was still on the ground,grasping his injured arm and gasping in pain.

“Jonathan?” He looked up at her. She limped over to him and knelt downnext to him, ripping the hem of her shirt off and wrapping it around his arm,forming a tourniquet. “The camp’s not very far away. I’ll help you there andThalia can help patch you up.” He nodded. “You know, you didn’t have to comesave me.” She said, slightly annoyed that someone had found her in a weakenedstate. “I was about to kill that bear.” He laughed, a short, strained sound. “Youdon’t believe me, but I was.” She said defiantly. “I don’t need anyone’s he—“Her words were stopped short as Jonathan reached up with his remaining arm andkissed her. Faye resisted at first, but soon found herself kissing him back.Then she pulled away abruptly, cheeks reds, her heart beating in her chest likea drum. She looked away.  “We should getyou back to camp.”

“I’m sorry.” Jonathan said.

“For kissing me?” She asked, looking back at him.

“No, for saving you.” He smiled. Faye’s blush deepened.

“Camp’s not far.” She mumbled, grabbing him under his good arm andhelping him up. They limped back together in silence, leaning heavily on eachother for support. Just a few feet from camp, Jonathan went limp against Faye.She almost fell over, but caught her balance and gently lowered him to theground. Panicking, she checked for a heartbeat. It was faint, but it was there.She then realized that they were both absolutely soaked in blood. Both theirown and each other’s. Thalia would notbe happy. Thalia! They were close enough to camp that Travis and Thalia wouldbe able to hear her.

 “Thalia! Travis!” She yelled asloud as she could. “Help! Please! Thalia!” She looked down at Jonathan. Hereally was sort of ruggedly handsome. She leaned down, listening for breathing.She breathed a sigh of relief. He was still alive. “Thalia!” Why didn’t shehear her? “Travis!” Her throat was becoming raw and hoarse. A small sob escapedher chest. She didn’t think she had the strength to stand again. If only shedid, she could go bring them back here. She was so close, yet so far. Just thenTravis broke through the trees, sword in hand, scanning the clearing for Faye.Then he found her. His eyes widened.

“Faye?” He gasped. He turned around. “Thalia, it is her! Come quick!” Thalia appeared right behind him.

“Faye? Heavens, what happened?” She rushed over to her, unfastening hercloak. She knelt down next to her, draping the cloak around her shoulders. Fayerealized that she was shivering, what from, she couldn’t tell anymore. Tearsstreamed down Faye’s face.

“Thalia.” She sobbed. “I’m so glad you heard me.”

“What happened?” Thalia asked, hugging Faye tightly, not seeming to mindthe fact that she was covered in blood.

“A bear.” Faye said. Then she remembered Jonathan. She had been sorelieved to see Thalia she had almost forgotten about him. “Thalia, Jonathan.He’s hurt. We have to get him back to camp, stop the bleeding. I’m—I’m afraidhe’s going to die. He’s lost so much blood Thalia, and, and—“ She was startingto hyperventilate. Thalia seemed to notice him for the first time, lying nextto Faye.

“Wait, Prince Jonathan?” Thaliaasked. Faye nodded. “Why--?”

“Answers later.” Faye tried to stand up, but she was too weak.

“Travis, can you pick up Jonathan?” Be careful, his injuries look prettyserious. I’ll get Faye back to camp. I’ll need help to bandage their wounds.”Travis nodded, and, rushing over, gently scooped Jonathan into his arms. Thaliadid the same with Faye.

“Thalia, I can walk, it’s okay.” Faye said, protesting.

“Faye, no you can’t.” Thalia said firmly, following Travis. “You canbarely stand. Just for once let me help you.” Faye realized she was right. Sherelaxed into Thalia, and closed her eyes, quickly losing consciousness.

                “So, Jonathan, you never told uswhy you were here.” Thalia said, turning the stick with the fishes Faye hadcaught skewered on it. Jonathan looked down awkwardly.

                “I came to bring you backThalia.” He said. Thalia looked up, surprised.

                “Come again?” She said,startled.

                “You heard me. I came to bringyou back. Because it’s my fault you’re here. I realized after I sent you what ahorrible mistake I had made. I love you Thalia, and I couldn’t see you gethurt.”

                “But how could you know we werehere? Wait, are you…” Faye trailed off, studying his face.

                “Yes. I’m the cloaked man thatsent you here. I—I made a horrible mistake. I should have never put you indanger.” Jonathan said, looking at Thalia. She looked at him, speechless. Fayecould see Travis bristling. Jonathan was playing a dangerous game here. It wasclear that Thalia’s man friend wasn’t going to take this display of affectionmuch longer.

                “Thalia, please come home withme.” Jonathan said softly.

                “Jonathan, that’s very sweet ofyou, but—“

                “But she loves me.” Travis interrupted.

                “No.” Said Thalia. “Well, yes, Ido love you Travis.” Jonathan looked hurt.  “But, what I was going to say was, we can’tlet Aiden get the stone. There’s so much at stake. We can’t be responsible fordestroying the kingdom!”

                “An I can’t be responsible foryour death.” Jonathan said, pleading. “I love you. I really do.” It was thenthat Travis snapped.

                “Look, Jonathan, don’t do this.”He growled. “She—she’s mine.” He stood up, angry. Jonathan also stood up.

                “I’ve loved her longer.” Hesaid, looking Travis in the eye.

                “I’ve been there for her more.”Travis took a step closer to him. Thalia looked between them, horrified at whatwas happening.

                “Please stop.” She beggedTravis. He brushed her aside.

                “I’m actually enjoying the show.”Faye said, sitting back. Thalia glared at her.

                “I’ve been there for her morethan she knows.” Jonathan said pulling his sword out from his scabbard..

                “It’s on.” Travis said,narrowing his eyes and also pulling out his sword.

                “Travis…” Thalia said, grabbinghis sleeve. He pushed her away.

                “It’s okay Thalia. Let themfight it out. We’ll stop them before someone gets hurt. Hopefully.” Shegrinned. “They just need to let off some steam.”

                “Faye!” Thalia said,exasperated. Jonathan and Travis backed away from the fire, and put theirswords out, ready to duel. Jonathan took the first jab. It was awkward anduncoordinated as he used his right arm for swordplay for the first time. Travislaughed and easily stepped out of the way. He swiped at Jonathan, who quicklybrought up his own sword to parry. Travis swung again, this time easilyknocking the sword out of Jonathan’s hand. He brought his foot up and kickedJonathan squarely in the chest, knocking him backwards.

                “That was easy.” He said. Heknelt down on Jonathan’s chest, and brought his sword up to Jonathan’s neck.

                “Bravo!” said Faye, standing up.“And the great and valiant Travis wins. Well, that was fun, wasn’t it?” Shesaid, looking back at Thalia. Thalia also stood up.

                “Yes, fun. Now boys, let’s bedone with this.” Travis didn’t move. He pushed his knee harder against Jonathan’schest, and pressed his sword against his neck a little more, drawing a thinline of blood. Jonathan gasped for breath, and stared up into Travis’ face. Hiseyes were full of hatred, and he didn’t seem to be getting up anytime soon.

                “Travis, get off.” Jonathangasped. Travis grinned.

                “I don’t think I can do that.”He removed the sword from Jonathan’s neck and placed the tip over his heart. “Idon’t play well with those that try to steal my girl.” Faye and Thalia watchedin horror.

                “Travis, stop it!” Thaliabegged. Travis shook his head, one short motion. He raised his sword above hishead, ready to bring it down. Jonathan turned his head, closing his eyes. BeforeFaye knew what was happening she was sprinting towards them.

                “Travis, get away!” she wrenchedthe sword out of his hand, and pushed him backwards. “What do you think you’redoing?” She spat at him. He seemed to snap back to his senses.

                “I’m sorry. Things just got alittle heated I guess. I don’t know what happened.” Travis apologized.
                “Heated? And what were yougoing to do? Kill him I suppose?”

                “I—“ Travis stuttered. Fayefought back the sudden tears that threatened to escape. She turned abruptly andstormed off, embarrassed of her sudden show of emotion.

                “Faye!” Thalia called after her.Faye broke into a jog, and headed over to the tree line. She sat down on a logand put her head in her hands. She wasn’t supposed to care what happened toJonathan. In fact, she was supposed to not care less. She wasn’t supposed tocare about the kiss, or what happened to him when he was injured. She wasn’tsupposed to care that he faced death. Because Faye didn’t care. About anyone oranything. Except Thalia, and earning enough money to survive. That’s what shecared about. And she couldn’t let some impudent, annoying, positively snobbyprince come in and trick her into thinking she cared. About him. Because shedidn’t. She sighed and let a tear trail down her cheek. She didn’t care abouthim. Not one bit. Someone cleared their throat behind her.

                “Go away Thalia.” She snapped. “Please.”She added a little bit more nicely.

                “Sorry, I’m afraid that I’m notThalia.” Jonathan said. Faye rolled her eyes.

                “I don’t want to talk to youright now Jonathan.” She growled.

                “I just wanted to say thank you.”He said.

                “Well don’t say thank you. I don’twant you to.” Faye said.

                “Seriously Faye. Things just gota little bit out of hand, but you probably saved my life.”

                “No I didn’t. Travis can’t killa fly.” She grumbled.

                “Unless that fly is stealing hisgirlfriend.” Jonathan said, chuckling. “Look, it was a mistake for me to comehere, I see that now. But, uh, thanks for saving me. Twice.”

                “We both know I never saved youfrom anything.” She sighed.

                “Well, I may have saved you fromthe bear, but you saved me tonight. So now we’re even?” Faye didn’t sayanything. He cleared his throat awkwardly. “Anyway, I’m leaving tonight. Um, besafe. Don’t—don’t let Thalia get hurt.” Faye squeezed her eyes shut, forcingback the tears. I don’t care. I don’tcare. I don’t care. She repeated to herself. Unable to form words, she justnodded. She heard Jonathan walk away. Then she stood up, walked over to herbed, curled up, and tried to make sleep come.

                “Faye!” Jonathan yelled. He rantowards her, desperate to get to her before the swordsman did. “Faye, watchout!” He shouted desperately. She still didn’t hear him. He pushed through thebattle and got to her just in time. He jumped in front of her, shielding herwith himself, just as the swordsman thrust his sword forward. It drove intoJonathans chest, and the swordsman dragged it downwards, creating a deep gash.As the same time Jonathan thrust his sword forward, stabbing his sword straightthrough the swordsman’s heart. Jonathan stumbled backwards, and felt Faye’shand grab him.

                “Jonathan!” She choked out. “Wehave to get you out of the battle. Please try to help me.” She begged. Jonathanfought down the darkness that threatened to take over him, and tried to walkwith Faye, but she ended up mostly dragging him. She got him out of the heat ofthe battle, and laid him down in the grass, then quickly knelt beside him,tears streaming down her cheeks.

                “Jonathan, stay with me.” Shepressed her hand against his wound. “You’ll be okay.” She said to him, thenturned around, searching for the nearest hint of blue armor. “Medic!” Sheshouted. “Medic, we need help!” No one heard, and she turned back to Jonathan. “It’sgoing to be okay Jonathan. You’re going to live.” She sobbed. He reached upwith his good arm and gently wiped away the tears, before letting his arm dropheavily back to the ground. “Why—why did you do that for me?” Faye asked.

                “You’re devilish, snobby, meanand downright annoying Faye.” Faye laughed, flabbergasted.

                “What?” She said, tears stillstreaming down her face.

                “You heard me.” He gasped,clearly losing strength.  “But I did itbecause, gosh darn it Faye, I love you.” She smiled through her tears, staringinto his eyes. “I love you Faye.” He repeated, then he closed his eyes.

                “No, Jonathan, stay with me!Jonathan!” She begged, pushing against his chest. “Jonathan! Don’t leave me!”She screamed at him. “Jonathan, I love you.” She whispered. She placed a kisson his lips, then laid her head down on his chest. “Jonathan.” She sobbed. Shebreathed in his scent, and let her tears soak his blood stained shirt.

                “Faye.” Thalia gently shook hershoulder. “Faye, you have to get up.” Faye groggily opened her eyes, andrealized that she had fallen asleep. She didn’t lift her head off Jonathan’schest. “Faye, please. There’s a medic here to take away the body.” Faye shookher head, tears spilling down her cheeks. Thalia grabbed her by the shoulders,and gently pried her away. Faye tried to push away, but Thalia held tight.

                “Please Thalia. Just one moresecond.” She begged. Thalia let go, and Faye leaned over Jonathan again, hisface pale and void of life. She leaned down and kissed him for the last time,then let a finger trace the scar the bear had left on his cheek when they firstmet. “We’re not even anymore.” She silently whispered. “I owe you one.” Thenshe shakily stood up, and leaned into Thalia’s waiting arms.               

                “Come on Faye. Let’s get youcleaned up.” Faye numbly let Thalia lead her away. She looked back and saw thata gray blanket had been placed over his body. Two medics were lifting it up andcarrying it away. She looked away quickly.

                “I never told him I loved him.”She sobbed. Thalia stroked her hair.

                “He knew. There’s no way hecouldn’t know.” She said softly. Faye just cried harder.

~

                Faye leaned against the railingof the ship. She felt numb, void of emotion. Thalia and Travis walked up, handslinked together.

                “Faye, come play cards with us!It’ll help get your mind off of things.” Faye shook her head. “Please Faye? Forme?” Faye looked away. The hollowness gnawed away inside her.

                “Come on Thalia. She needs to bealone I think.” Travis said, gently pulling her away. Thalia resisted for aminute, throwing a worried look Faye’s way, but eventually followed. Her visionstarted spinning, and Faye slouched down on the floor of the ship. She leanedher head backwards and closed her eyes. The pain was still raw. It had onlybeen a few days, and she could still see his face in her mind. His laugh. Hissmile. The awkward way he’d wield his sword in his right hand. How long untilthose images faded? Until she forgot the color of his hair? The curve of hissmile. She squeezed her eyes shut harder, trying to imprint his image in hermind forever. Eventually she stood up and stumbled to her room, and her bed. Shecrawled under the covers and hoped the nightmares wouldn’t come again. She’dsee him die, over and over again in her sleep. It was awful, and she couldn’t escapeit. But tonight God must have felt merciful, for she slept peacefully.

~

                “Faye, come dance!” Thalialaughed as Travis twirled her around. Faye smiled, and shook her head.

                “I don’t dance!” She calledback. At least, not anymore. Thalia rolled her eyes.

                “Well, try and enjoy yourself.This is our day!” Faye nodded, tried to look happy. It had been a month. Sheand Thalia were living well, in the small stone house on castle grounds. Oncewell known thieves they were now decorated war heroes. Thalia and Travis wereas happy as could be, and their wedding date was set to be two months fromtonight. But for Faye, things still hurt. She saw his face everywhere.Sometimes she’d be haunted with his laugh, sounding as if it was just aroundthe next corner. The nightmares hadn’t stopped. The pain hadn’t lessened. Butfor Thalia’s sake, she pretended that she was getting better. But the onlything she was getting better at was pretending. She pushed out of the grandhall, suddenly claustrophobic. She wandered around the halls, until she finallyfound a bench where she sat down and let out a weary sigh.

                “I miss him too.” Faye started,then looking up realized that Rose, Jonathan’s sister, had sat down next toher. “You know, it takes a special kind of person to love Jonathan.” She said,tracing the intricate stitches in her dress. “And I think the only reason I lovedhim sometimes was because he was my brother, and I had to.” She laughed. “Hewas a real pest, but I’m sure you knew that.” Faye smiled, and let out a smalllaugh, nodding. “But I know without a doubt that he loved you. More than heever loved anyone.”

                “How could you know that?” Fayeasked, looking up at her.

                “Because he gave his life foryou, without a second thought. Daddy told me that he saw the terror in Jon’seyes when he thought you were going to die.” Rose sighed. “Jon didn’t loveeasily. He really didn’t. You must be something special to have captured hisheart.” Faye smiled, tears beginning to stream down her cheeks. “And Faye, ifyou ever need someone to talk to, I’m always hear. I’m really good atlistening.” Rose said, standing up. Faye nodded.

                “Thank you Rose. For everything.”She said. Rose just smiled and walked back to the grand hall. Faye took a deepbreath, wiped her eyes, and followed her, determined to make the best of theevening.

~

                Thalia practically glowed as sheaccepted the many congratulations from her guests. She hadn’t left Travis’ sidesince the ceremony that morning. Faye smiled. She was happy for them. Butseeing them together couldn’t help but remind her of Jonathan. But today shedesperately pushed that to the back of her mind. She was learning to live withthe grief. It was always there, but she had learned to push it to the back ofher mind. And besides, today was Thalia’s day. She wouldn’t be selfish. Shesmiled as she greeted yet another person she didn’t know. Probably anothermember of Travis’ large family. Just then she felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned.It was a footsman.

                “Um, Miss Faye?” Faye nodded.

                “Yes. Can I help you withsomething?”  

                “There is someone who wishes tospeak with you. In the entrance hall. He says it is urgent.”

                “Who is it?” She asked, puzzled.

                “I know not my lady, for hewears a large hat.” She nodded.

                “Thank you.” She rushed out ofthe ballroom and down the hall to the entrance. Sure enough, there was a youngman there, his back faced towards her, studying the portrait of Jonathan thatnow hung on the wall.

                “May I help you sir?” She asked.He turned around, sweeping his hat off of his head. Faye felt a wave of dizziness,and gripped the banister to keep her balance.

                “Faye?” He said, steppingtowards her. Faye blinked, not believing her eyes. The young man rushed towardsher, and swept her up into his arms, the stub of his left arm pressing againsther back.

                “Am I dreaming?” She laughed. “Imust be dreaming.” She hugged him back, not wanting to wake up if she was.

                “No, I don’t believe you are.”He said. He released her from the hug “You don’t know how long I’ve waited tosee your beautiful face again.” He said, tears running down his face. Shehugged him again tightly, breathing in his familiar scent.

                “I think I do Jonathan.” Shesaid into his chest. He squeezed her tight.

                “I’m so sorry Faye. I’m sorry Iworried you. I’m sorry I didn’t come sooner. Truth is, I came as soon as I could,but it wasn’t soon enough. I missed your beautiful face, your beautiful smile,and your grumpy wake up calls in the morning.” Faye laughed.

                “But, where were you? Why didn’tyou die?” She asked, pulling away from their embrace.

                “I don’t know why I lived. Butluckily an observant medic realized I wasn’t dead before loading me onto thewagon with the rest of the bodies. I was sent to an army hospital in Oraka. Iwas unconscious for weeks. They feared I wouldn’t live, nor could they identifyme. After I awoke it was touch and go for a long time. I guess I had a constantfever, and nurses were by my bedside every minute of every day. But finally thefever broke. I was unable to speak for quite a while, the doctors thinkprobably from shock. They nursed me back to health. When I was finally able tospeak, and I told them who I was, they tried to contact my father immediately.But they never got a reply back. I suppose the letter got lost in the mail. Theyfinally released me, and I borrowed some money from a priest to pay my voyageover here. The only thing that kept me going through those long hard hospitalnights was your face. I didn’t even know if you had survived the battle, but Ihad to hope. I’m so glad you’re here Faye.”

                “You are a horrible person.” Shesaid, suddenly, stepping away from him, and unexpected change in emotionscoming over her. “I thought you were dead! It’s been MONTHS! I couldn’t sleepat night, I couldn’t think of anything but you when awake. Every day was aliving nightmare! How could you do this to me?” She sobbed. She knew she wasbeing ridiculous, but she couldn’t help it. Her heart had just begun toheal,  and suddenly it was ripped openagain. Tears streamed down her face. He stepped in a wrapped his arms aroundher.

                “I’m sorry.” He said.

                “For what? Saving me?” Sheasked. He laughed.

                “No.” He leaned down and kissedher, pulling her into him. Then he pulled away. “For not doing that sooner.” Fayesmiled.

                “Prince Jonathan, I do believe Ilove you.” She said, smiling up at him. He laughed, and simply kissed her onceagain.

Yeah, another one...

So, I bet that you guys are probably a little bit sick of excerpts from my newest book. But, here's another one... :) Soorrrryyy...

                “May I have this dance?” Tobin grinned down at her and held out his hand. Lark laughed a little, then gently took his hand and stood up.

                “It would be my pleasure sir.” She said, still smiling. Tobin bowed and led her away from the campfire slightly.

                “Henri, played something slow for us.”  Tobin said. Henri winked and nodded, then lifted his flute back up to his lips and played a song Lark had never heard before. Tobin placed his hand on her waist. “Have you danced before?” He asked. Lark was suddenly very grateful she had not declined the dancing lessons Lord Billingham had offered her. She nodded.

                “Many times.”

                “Good.” He said, still smiling. The melody was haunting, and beautiful, and it didn’t take Lark long to forget about everything else and just focus on the dancing.

                “May I intervene?” the Cap tapped Tobin on the shoulder.

                “Well, I suppose that’s up to the lady.” Tobin said. Lark smiled.

                “Of course you may.” Tobin humphed dramatically, then stepped aside to let the Captain in. Tobin winked at Lark.

                “Thank you for the dance m’lady.” Lark just laughed at him and rolled her eyes. The Cap laughed as well, then stepped up to her. She placed her hand on his shoulder, and they continued the dance. Lark was immediately aware of how differently Cap held her and danced with her than Tobin, or anyone else for that matter. The feel of his hand on her waist sent tingles up her spine, and his steps were surprisingly light.

                “Cap, I never knew you were such a good dancer!” She said, obviously surprised. Cap winked.

                “I’ve had some practice in my day.” Lark shot him a questioning look, but he just chuckled and twirled her. Lark laughed.

                “And what practice is that?” She asked once she was back in his arms.

                “You probably don’t want to know.” He said, smiling secretly.

                “And what if I do?” She asked.

                “Let’s just say my sister felt like she needed lots of practice dancing before the town socials.” He winked.

                “Surely you didn’t get that good just dancing with your sister!” Lark said. He spun her out and back in again so that her back was to him.

                “Perhaps.” He said. She laughed, and he twirled her around so they were facing each other again. The music slowed, nearing its end, and the Cap dipped her down. As Henri played the last note, he leaned in closer. The clearing became silent, and Lark was increasingly aware of how close his face was to hers. His eyes studied her. His lips were just inches from hers. Lark closed her eyes.

                “Well done!” Seth suddenly said, clapping. Both the Cap and Lark started a bit, and the Cap stood up, gently bringing Lark with him.

                “Thank you for the dance.” He said, bowing slightly. His eyes never left hers. He smiled, then turned to walk back to the fire. Lark just stood there, and allowed a hand to touch her lips. He had almost kissed her. And she had almost kissed him back.