A/N: Alright. It has been forever since I have written anything and as I have finally captured the plot of this story, I'm attempting to get my mind and my fingers in gear. This is a preview of chapter one of Darkness Rising, formerly Pace Per Sempre. Hopefully I'll have the whole thing finished in the next few days.

Crystal blue eyes widened as their owner slid clumsily across the terrain. Stray thoughts crawled through her mind- When had the river frozen over? Had it really been that long since she had last been here?- but one thought stood out amongst them, one of highest importance: she had to get home. She had to get to safety.

She listened intently for any sign that she was being followed. Silence. Rather than comforting her, this notion disturbed her. Surely there should be some sort of noise in the forest- birds chirping, squirrels chattering, anything. The crack of a twig sounded to her left and, in the split second her attention was diverted, she was tackled to the ground from behind. Curses flowed from her mouth as she fought viciously for her freedom. A well-placed kick dislodged her attacker and the chase began anew.

She let out a quick breath of relief as the edge of the woods appeared. She was almost there. From here she could easily see her home through the trees. Just outside of the gate hung a nondescript flag. A triumphant grin spread across her face as she approached her target. Victory. Her hand stretched out before her, reaching, grasping. Her fingers brushed the fabric of her prize and...

The world was suddenly turned upside down, her feet anchored firmly midair. Her eyes fluttered closed and she heaved a sigh of defeat as laughter echoed through the clearing in which her home stood. She looked down- up?- to see a man striding toward her. She glowered at him, crossing her arms over her chest. She did not have to wait long for the taunting remarks.

"Ah Aeralyn, Aeralyn," he chuckled, "when will you learn, hm?"

Silence.

"What's this? Has defeat stolen your voice? I really don't blame you. It can't feel too wonderful to be bested again and again." She refused to give him the satisfaction of being able to rile her up; she would not speak to him. He leaned toward her, scrutinizing her. "Are you positive that you are the king's daughter? He is so strong, so powerful, and you- well you are no more than a weak f-"

"Roxime, that is more than enough." Aeralyn was relieved to hear her mentor's voice and felt vindicated at the dreadful blush that overtook Roxime's face at the older man's appearance.

"Yes Master Lucius," he said. He avoided their eyes and stepped back out of the way.