Misunderstood Destinies

The bear laughed a bit, then spoke as well

"She means, you need to dig deep down inside you and get emotional. The rune responds to your primal needs, which are triggered by emotions. For example, you need speed, the rune senses your primal need of urgency and the ancients grant you speed." The bear spoke

Jargos remained asleep, his light snore audible and his runes still glowing a soft green in the early light

"Why didn't they trigger earlier when we were fighting outside of Zeiza? I mean, now that I look back at it, my powers grew active because of my rage over the attack. I have an ancient power of my own, but I try not to use it in fear of it consuming me in general."

"You body may not yet be able to handle it, or perhaps you did not feel enough primal need. It is complicated, but the rune shall not fail you" The wolf spoke "Show me your teeth please?" She asked

Layla was a bit confused, but did so.

The wolf looked at her teeth and saw that she only had tiny points on her fang-teeth. The wolf then looked at her hands for any signs of claws, but again, only tiny points. She nodded to Layla to stop showing her teeth.

"How long have you had the rune?" the bear asked

"Only a day or so. Not long, really."

"Oh, then that's probably why. Your body hasn't adjusted yet" The bear chuckled at the simplicity of the explanation

Layla sighed. "I suppose I should have expected that. This just bothers me so. I cannot go home now or the Elders will try to take away my powers and all. All the people I thought I knew were nothing more than cowards."

The bear and the wolf sighed a bit, then another bear and a few more wolves woke up and joined in to try and comfort Layla.


"We'll keep you safe, Layliana. You're kind and Jargos trusts you, so we will to"

"I would like to ask, however, if any of you know about the Mages that have lingered in public lately. It's not like them. At least, the dark magic Mages. They naturally stick to themselves, however as of recent I believe they're coming back to the surface."

One wolf stepped forward. he was a bit larger than the others and seemed to have aged with great dignity.

"I know why. They want the crown of the king of Garlan. It can channel the most powerful magic in the world and they want that power. They have been waiting and now grow restless"


Jargos began to stir to life, his runes beginning to glow blue

"Then it seems the quest to solve the mystery of the Mages is far from over." Layla looked at Jargos who was now awakening. "Thank you again."

"You are most welcome" They said


Jargos yawned and stretched and tried to get up, but his body wouldn't let him just yet. He was dizzy from hunger and fatigue. He could smell Layla and a tear ran down his cheek.

"I had been afraid she had taken you elsewhere," Layla stated. "I'm glad to see that you're all right."

"Nay, I am not alright. I have deceived you" He pulled himself up to a sitting position

"To be honest, I had expected that there was more than you were telling me. You didn't seem like a regular person. And, even if I hadn't, I would've still respected you. You are who you are, and I won't change that nor let anyone else."

Hearing that made him feel better, but he was still mad at himself. He spoke to the animals to get them food and head back to Darkwoods to get them tents to use on their travels. The animals split into two teams and did as asked of them. Jargos rolled over onto his side and began digging a fire pit. jargos could smell something different about Layla, but didn't ask, he didn't have the strength

Layla glanced at the potion at her belt. "I managed to keep it safe. The potion, I mean. Despite a couple of falls while climbing, my shield was able to avoid it shattering."

Jargos nodded, then tried to get up to gather firewood. He was weak, but too proud to admit it

"Whenever you're done, we'll be able to use it. I want to show you something before we do, however." Layla could tell that Jargos was still a bit weak, but she wasn't aware of the extend because he hid it from her. "You really should rest, you know."

"I understand, and yes, I know I should rest, but I must gather firewood if I am to cook food" He stood up and began to gather firewood. He was sad, but glad his friend has helped hm

"I'll light up the fire when you get the wood if you want."

"Please do . . . Layla?" He asked as he found firewood and tinder

Layla lit a fire to her finger then paused. "Yes?" she asked in response. "What is it?"

"You can't go back to your home again, can you?" He set the firewood and tinder up in the pit he had dug, then waited for her answer