Later -My arm! A baby dragon scratched me! I think the gypsies were a little surprised that a lady such as myself could swear like I did. But, it is at my own fault, they did tell me not to touch it, and the mother was right by the nest, but I had never touched nor seen a dragon before! So, you cannot blame me. Have you seen a dragon? Just my luck, after your gone, that's when I think of so many questions to ask you. But I think our friendship was a silent understanding. Thankfully, it was not my writing arm, but it hurts and I think a tiny bit of poison got into my wound. Stop fretting Ran I am all right, for the moment. Please insert evil laughter here Ran. Denver laughed all the way back to the carts. I to laughed a bit but the pain was talking most of my attention. I feel lightheaded, but I will tell no one, I do not wish them to think me soft. But ohhhh! It hurts! I think I will tell Denver, maybe not. Do not fear Ran, I will get to your land, wherever it may be.

December 7, Feast of Saint Sora who overcome impossible odds when she jumped off a high cliff to escape a man and lived. -I do think that my cut is getting worse. It was turned a green color, so I had to tell some one. We had to stop in town anyway, luckily, this small village hasn't been given word that I am not running away, so I was safe, we went to the medical doctor who gave me some herbs and a foul tasting liquid. I did not ask what it was for fear of the answer. Now, as we move along the road more slowly, I am bed ridden. I must sit all day in the back of the wagon and just sit. I can't take it anymore, but they say, with the herbs and the liquid, I should get better with in a few days. I do not know what I had. Remember I said I was teaching myself French? Would you like to hear some? Denver and I are learning together. I still don't know how to spell it right out, so when I see you, you will have to endure long conversations of me babbling on in French. I must stop; it is starting to rain. WHY DOES LIFE ALWAYS INTERFERE WITH MY WRITING?! I must stop; the ink is starting to blur.

December 8, Feast of Saint Arwen who learned to use a sword and to use a bow and arrow despite her being a woman. -Today is sunny and my wound has healed. Well, it still hurts and it almost becoming a scar. But, I am still happy because of this. I have asked one of the boys traveling with us to teach me how to use a sword like Arwen, who this day has a saint feast after. I will then ask to be taught the way to use a bow and arrow to my own will. As we rest in a flower meadow, I ask Jacob, for that's his name, many questions about his family and others and who they travel. His answer was simple. "We travel because we can, we wish to cover as much land as we can, our main purpose is to help travelers such as yourself and to just see the world." I was touched greatly by our conversations. People like Denver and Jacob live such a blessed life, despite what they say, and how much they tell me I deserve the life I had. Now, I appreciate life more, and I'm not as selfish around others as I was, can you believe it? Now, Denver and Jacob and I sit away from the others, laughing and crying and just talking. I think Denver fancy's Jacob, by the way. She always looks him right in the eye, and always laughs her most sweetest laugh when she is with him. More about my training, we had stopped this afternoon and went up to a hill away from the rest. Denver watched on. Jacob gave me a long sword. It looks like one of the Crusade swords my cousin uses. When I held it, I had to strain because it was so heavy. I will describe how it looks. It looks to have a very sharp edge, and the blade is long and flat to go along with its deadly slash. It has tiny writing on it. Jacob says its Elfish runes. Can you believe it?! I, holding an Elfish blade! The handle is long and can be griped with both hands and is wrapped with leather. He gave it to me. Presented it to me and said it was mine and that we would start lessons in three days, so I need to practice holding it. I burst into tears and ran back to camp. I cried and wailed with joy. Then he called back out to me. "You forgot your leather sheath!" I stopped and turned around. Denver took it out of his hands and ran to give it to me. We jumped up and down for several minutes, in the firelight the whole camp looked upon us and clapped and sang. I was so happy.

December 9, Feast of Saint Bout from Ireland, who read a 6000, paged holy book in a day. -My pre-training training starts today. Sense there will be no stopping this day Denver thought of a way to build my stamina and help me carry my sword. I must run along side the wagon carrying my sword with me out in fighting stance. In the first half-hour I fainted from lack of rest. I have never done such a task before. But I am eager to try again. For another two hours we tried this. I would stay out longer and longer. My longest was at least 45 minutes. We did stop for lunch and a rest. Jacob came and sat with us, we talked about things, which we wish to do. I told them my list and we plotted out what I have done and what I need to do. Jacob pointed out that I have already completed one of my missions. I have seen a dragon. Jacob is such a nice and pretty person; he is tall with golden hair, bright green eyes, and strangely pointed ears. He loves nature and often plays the flute. He's kind and gives women the respect they deserve; he frequently reminds me of you. He is the only one in the group that looks and acts like this. Everyone else had brown, black or red hair. And, no one has this amount of appreciation for nature, except Denver. But no one, not even Denver had his ears. I often ponder where he got them. Denver had a splendid idea. "Because you have an Elfish sword, why not make a goal to meet the Elves? I would love to see them with you." I was thrilled by the idea! So now I must meet an Elf with Denver, we were so gitty that we almost forgot Jacob. Denver turned to him and asked, "Wouldn't seeing the Elves thrill you? The men and boys are most handsome!" For the first time we found Jacob speechless. He said nothing, just sat there with his mouth open like a Venus FlyTrap. Denver swore afterwards that she could see a small hint of red flush his cheeks before he got up mumbling about polishing his sword and flute and strode off toward camp. "What's up with him?" I asked her. "I have no idea." Denver suddenly showed an evil grin. "...Did you see his face?!" She and I almost couldn't stop snickering. After dinner, we sat in the wagon, in our beds and talked for a long while. I did not mention to Denver, but I think I saw a small pair of green eyes looking her way. I asked her, her age remembering that I had not "15, just like him." She pointed to Jacob who was playing his flute, missing every other note because of the bumpy ride. I hopped down from the wagon and started to run with my sword. Almost over a few minutes I had gotten stronger. Only one more day and I can go for at least an hour now. Exciting, isn't it? My arm still hurts, but I can take it. I am running out of paper and we won't see any sign of a town for at least five days. I'm sorry, till then.

December 14, Feast of Saint Saint who didn't breathe air, ever, but lived to be 197 -We did nothing over the days I had no paper. We just traveled, and trained, it is HARD. The hardest thing I have ever done my hands bleed and I am winded but I will keep it up. After we came back from town, we decided to follow Jacob, for he had been acting all deep and flowery, such a little fluff these last few days. We were nearing the forest, so maybe that's it. But , so we followed him into the forest. He almost blends in! We almost couldn't follow him. He led up right to a clearing with all these stone carvings; he looked different, like he changed cloths. He was wearing a blue tunic. It looked good on him, according to Denver. But, he was speaking in a different language. something like: "Nae saian luume'. Sut naa lle umien. Intya mani. Mela en'. Amin yassen coiamin!" We both gasped to hear him speak in such a language. He turned around, "WHO IS THERE?" We solemnly came out of the shadows. He was frantic. "What do you know!? What did you hear?!" Denver went to him. "We know nothing." She looked into his eyes. "What are you?" As soon as those words left her mouth, she regretted it. He started to weep. I have never seen a man nor boy cry. He sobbed and sputtered to hear himself be talked to as though he was a wild animal. " one of your small journeys has been fulfilled." He continued to sob but he did it more silently. "I an Elf." I turned silently and ran away from them, for it was Denver he was talking to, and it is best not to pry into others business. I sat there, looking up into the beautiful sun, thinking of the lovely soon-to-be couple. For, I was not as stupid as my brother, he couldn't see love if it bit him. I went to sleep before she came back.

December 20, Feast of Saint Rohan who saved his country by slicing a piece of cheese. - I have not been able to write because all my training is taking place. I have given it my all. Now that Denver and Jacob are together and smitten with each other, they both seem to have a new spark in their life. So, naturally, this gives me a whole heck of a harder time sparing with Jacob. But, it's good practice. We are now crossing the forest landscape and both of my friends often leave during the night and return in the morning. I do not wish to think what they are up to. But, this gives me a lot more time to help the women with small children in the camp. All the young men help me because of my looks and not my personality. It troubled me greatly. But, all the little ones call me 'sister' and 'aunty' so I am happy still. It will take us until the 29th to board the boat and then I will get to you. GREAT NEWS! I just learned Denver will be wed to Jacob! I have seen an elf, a dragon, and have gotten away from my parents. Now I need my own Saint day, I must cross the sea, and get to you. It's getting more dangerous though, I had to pierce my ears because 20 different guards searched, looking for me. It's best to not be as I once was. Because of my training, I don't look anything like I did physically. Except for my hair, still long, brown and beautiful. I must not be vain. Pray for me.

December 22, No feast, will this be my day? -They were wed this morning! And Jacob swore not to have child till they are at least 20. For, he gave up his immortality for her, he will age now. I feel happy and sad for him. No longer one of his people, but he weds the one he loves. That is good I suppose. I would do it. But! He still has his ears. Because of this I am glad. It gives him his Elfish pride. I was so happy for them. I hope you do not mind I gave our horse as a wedding present. I did not have anything else to give! Please do not be mad. Please? I want to see you badly, so don't banish me. My training is much better! I almost beat Jacob at his own game! 's the . I pinned him down and was bout to check mate him, but he rolled out and I therefore I lost. Ah, well, if I am good enough, the bow will become my second weapon I will be taught. I am so getting depressed from the wedding. Have you a wife? I will not write more of this, it makes me sick and I can't see what I am writing. Please do not wed.

December 25, CHRISTMAS! -We ate, danced, ate, sung, ate, and ate more. We exchanged hugs and kisses to one another instead of gifts! I must go, I can't write on this day, for we have too much to pack. We leave on the boat on the 29th.

December 28, Feast of the Archangels -We camp outside the boat. Only some are coming with me. Denver, Jacob and a few others. We dance and play more than ever! I have perfected the sword and am starting on the arrows. I am as happy as a cricket! We are loading all out things, playing all the while. In the last rays of sunlight we pushed each other overboard and cooled off with a dip. Splashing and playing and dunking each other. We are still surprised that we got anything at all done! I got three arrow feathers stuck in my hand and I pulled them out. Luckily, I will learn the right was to hold it and this will not happen anymore. I have yet to do that.

December 29, Feast of Saint Jacob, suprizing enough, who wed a merchant's daughter. This is very interesting. -We woke to red sky. Loaded the rest of our kits into the ship and have cut the anchor. We sailed out for an hour and I was sick already so I can't write much in these times. I will tell the weather and my mood, but I can't say much else.

January 1, Feast of Saint Decoramity who supposedly was the first man to hunt and kill a dear. Jacob is not pleased with this saint day. -Today is stormy, like it was the last few days, this has blown us off course and we will not arrive when we had planned. Denver and I are a little frightened but we are okay. I am happy for other reasons; I will be with you shortly. I got to help the cook yesterday! It was such fun I now hold the title as Cooks Helper! When I stay with you, may I also cook? I must try to get some sleep, goodnight Ran.

January 3, Feast of Saint Mary who helped a poor blind boy. -WE HAVE LANDED! Thank the lord! I thought my face was to be green for the rest of my life! I have crossed the sea. All I need now is my own day and to get to you! I will be with you in three days time! I am no longer green or sick. For this, I am happy. Only three days time and I will be at your town. Will you send a messenger to escort me? I have learned of you whereabouts from whispers in the street. They say you reside in a town, which is a two days journey from port. They also say that you're tall, hansom, and a very good night's apprentice. I also hear that your abilities surpass your trainer. Is that so? Jacob and Denver act as always. We talk and gossip, which Jacob does not like. He says his race is a proud one, and will not sink so low as to gossip like heathens. Denver just laughed and pushed him in a mud pile. Now his beautiful blond hair is streaked with brown mud. He stomped off and furiously washed it. But not before Denver called after him, "Only soft and pansy Elves need to wash their hair in such a rush. He stomped off and we both laughed. Poor Denver, marrying a pansy Elf. We had enough money to 'camp' at an inn this night. I am so glad to have a soft bed to sleep in. I wonder what other adventures others are having. Are they so great as mine? I need not be vain.

January 4, Feast of Saint Ila? The girl who braved the wild to be with the man she loved. Befriending a gypsy and an Elf. Learning sword and bow, crossing the sea and land. All of this, from a girl not yet 14. -This is what people are saying in the streets. I know that you could not right to me because you did not know where I was. But reading my letters have you schemed against me? For the better of me? Have you? This is my day then. Because of it Denver and Jacob made a special celebration. He decorated the room with his Elven talent. Vines, plants, and sparkling light. Denver made food. As soon as I woke, we danced and sang. It was one of the best days of my life. Just being with friends and knowing I will be with you, dear Ran. We stayed up late in to the night. I will dream of you. January 5, The day I will be with you. -I am outside the castle, watching you walk down the stairs of the tower. You look as handsome as ever. I dropped my book into Denver's arms and I ran to you. I wrapped my arms around you and gave you a kiss hello. Then you stopped. Looking into my eyes, a small smile crossing your face, looking at mine which was had shock, happiness and a sick sort of love expression. Cupping my chin in your hand you brought me up and kissed me with more passion. I will never leave you. ~ Your love, Ila