Chapter 1 –

A gentle breeze slightly lifted my hair, before gently setting it down against my shoulder again. Nothing but my own breathing and the rustling of the leaves sounded as I waited. Everywhere I looked my eyes met a wall of green and brown. The sound of a twig snapping reached my ears, and I whirled around, raising my sword hand to lash out at the creature I had been asked to banish. The black beast landed some distance away from me, baring its long canines and sharp incisors in an angry snarl. Blood began to trickle down from its hide, staining the emerald green grass scarlet. I smirked, and the feline's golden eyes blazed with fury.
Suddenly a force slammed into me, knocking me down to the forest ground, and I could feel how sharp claws scratched my skin as I tried to free myself.
'Damn you, Aeran, for neglecting to tell me of this second beast!' I silently cursed the young leader, kicking the great cat away from me.
In a flash, we were standing on our feet, intently staring at each other as we waited for the other to make a move.
The two then ran for me, one slower than the other, and I backed away until my back met the bark of a tree.
"Cursed be this day." I scowled, stabbing my blade into the scabbard and jumping at a great overhanging branch and pulling myself up, the feline's attacks missing me by an inch.
The scratching of bark sounded beneath me, and I could see how the angry felines sprang, claws latching onto the wood.
I jumped down, easing the landing with a quick roll over my shoulders, and then, flung several knives at the beasts, opening skin.
Again, we paused, studying our opponents.
More scarlet now stained the once green carpet of grass, and lumps of dirt, uprooted grass and footprints now marred the once perfect surroundings.
Our breathing was heavy and racked with exertion, and I quickly glanced at the injuries I had received and caused.
Admitting defeat, the beasts bared their fangs in a silent snarl, and with a swish of their long tails, they disappeared into the thick foliage.

A light gust of wind played with my hair and the long, silky manes of the black mare beneath me as she willingly carried me deep into the forest. Strong muscles tensed and relaxed beneath me and the gentle rocking of the canter eased my body. The only sounds to be heard were heavy hoof beats and our breathing.
My wounds ached annoyingly, reminding me that I would have to treat them or ask our healer to take care of them.
The first familiar structures already became visible to my eyes as the black mare beneath me carried me to my home..

"Shadow.." A deep voice sounded, and I turned, eyes meeting the deep brown eyes of my leader and guardian.
Like me, he wore dark, sturdy, yet comfortable clothing. A black cloak billowed behind him as he moved towards me with an almost otherworldly grace, and a sword had been strapped to his side.
"Aeran.." I breathed, willingly moving into the embrace of his strong, toned arms. He slightly shifted, arms brushing against the cuts I had received, and before I could bite it back, a hiss of pain escaped my mouth. Almost instantly, he released me, pulling back to observe me. His deep brown eyes only briefly observed me, before he spoke again.
"You were hurt.. Come, we'll get you to Legurin."
I nodded, following him to a large and richly decorated garden. White and pale colored flowers still bloomed, and then, my eyes fell on a familiar teenager, sleeping on the edge of a beautifully carved fountain, decorated with various animals spewing water from their jaws, sitting amidst a ring of trees.
Light golden brown hair covered part of his face as he slept, and glancing at Aeran, I could see him grin, eyes lighting up with mischief. He would never grow old..
With a battle cry, the older man launched himself at the sleeping teenager, who awoke with the sudden commotion and disappeared into the water with a cry.
I bit my lip, trying to hold my laughter, and a chuckle came from Aeran's mouth as we waited for the healer to resurface. He resurfaced, sending a glare at Aeran, green eyes shining with liquid fire.
Pink flower petals clung to his water-ridden body, and I couldn't help but laugh.
The green eyes now focused on me, accusing me of laughing, and quickly, the teenager climbed out of the fountain to move towards me, leaving a trail of water behind him.
"Why you little pest, I'll throw you into the fountain as well!"
"I'll take you with me." I challenged him, and we grinned.
"Legurin, the girl's hurt." Aeran's voice suddenly sounded as he called us to a halt, and immediately, we cast our playfulness aside.
"I trust you'll be able to take care of this." The elder man continued, and the healer came to stand beside me, nodding.
"Good. I'll leave you then." And with that, he turned, disappearing into the forest with a chuckle.
Green eyes found mine, and then, the teenager spoke.
"You do need to be thrown into the fountain. You're a mess."
I knew he was referring to the dirt and blood staining my body and clothes, and shrugged.
"Let's get you cleaned."