Misunderstood Destinies

"We just drink water and the blood of the animals we eat" He replied, in a hushed tone

"That's understandable." She listened outside. "I can see now why mother left father." She laughed a bit. "These people are idiots."

"Hm?" He asked, not understanding what she meant

"My father gained a bit of an addiction to the wine we used. Mother didn't approve of this being that it wasn't allowed. After Elder Ramona found out, she grew strict on him. After the whole fuss, he left Zeiza. Mother says he was killed by ambush due to a bad omen, thus making her a widow, but we'll probably never know."

"That brings me sorrow, my friend" He said. He looked around. He didn't want to go out with a bunch of disoriented knight running around, but they couldn't exactly just stay here

"If he wanted to be the idiot to break a strict rule in our village, then fine. We refuse to let ourselves be consumed by misjudgment. Our mind is a crucial part of our magic. Without a straight mental functionality, we could easily set someone on fire without even thinking about it. Well, I couldn't necessarily do it but it is possible."

She realized that Jargos seemed eager to leave early. She had to come up with a plan to get by the knights. "Either we run for it or we try to sneak and hope they don't see us. They're like the age before humans. The large beasts couldn't catch what they couldn't see."

"Hm, thou has a valid point. We shall move with great speed-" He moved faster then her eyes could track to only a few feet from her and back again to his place by the window"-And shall not be able to follow"

"In the case they attempt pursuit, they will be lost by the protection of Zeiza." Layla walked toward the door and held it open. "Shall we?" She picked up her staff beside the door.

Jargos nodded and his runes began to glow blue, He speed out the door in a mere moment, was all the way outside. He halted for a moment to let Layla catch up

Layla quickly caught up. "We must move now. They won't be able to catch us." She starting running upward. "You better hurry or you won't be able to find your way!"

Jargos kept pace without a problem, dodging poor footing while ease. In truth, he had never been this far north before.

Layla soon slowed her pace to a walk. "We should be clear. Now, as long as you'll stay by me then the mist won't let you get lost. This mountain is full of barriers to prevent outsiders. People who want to come must come with escorts. It's the only secure way."

Jargos slowed down as well, and his runes ceased to glow. He looked around, breathing heavily. The mountain air felt good in his lungs. He noticed not many animals were up this high.

"You'd often think we have little food here. Much of our food comes from crops, though it takes longer to grow at this altitude. Some of the warriors bring back a small number of animals alive and let them breed here. It's the only way to truly gain food without killing off all the animals that do live up in the Northern Mountains. Of course, we always have a set we do release back into the wild. It's only fair. If Gaia was willing to give us animals to eat for the long periods of time before the harvest, it's only fair we give back new blood to the wild. We believe in neutrality. What we take we should equally give as best as possible."

"Ah, I see. It makes sense. My people live by the law of the forest. We are human, but we live like beasts, and embrace the primal side of humanity with our runes." Jargos explained

"And that is our main difference. You're closer to the animal instinct whereas I am not. I know how to live off of the land, but not the way you are accustomed to."

"I can admire to more composed and calm side of things thou can see. It is quiet beautiful to me, the calm here. The forest never sleeps" He noted as they continued. He was having a good time

Layla smiled. They reached the outside wall of the village. It only looked like rock, however. She started pacing.

Jargos got low to the ground and began to sniff. He could separate over 100 individuals and dozens of of other scents. He could smell the rocks were enchanted and the wall was far more than it appeared. He got close to the wall and sniffed it.

Layla felt around the wall for something. A small indention, she found

Jarvis couldn't see the indentation, but decided to stand back

Layla knew the indentation in the wall meant that she had found the door. It was hard to find, but she had about an idea of where it was within the stone. A white sphere formed in her hand and she forced her hand against the wall. It lit up with white light and then stopped. Her hand began to go into the wall. "Take my hand. You'll have to be holding it for the barrier to let you pass. Once I go through, the magic will seal the barrier once more. This is the gate that leads into Zeiza."

Jargos drew back a bit in shock, then gulped and took Layla's hand. He closed his eyes and let her lead

The two easily passed through the barrier. It was then sealed when they were through. In the distance, Layla spotted Airen. He was running to the gate.

"Layliana, you have returned!" He hugged her tightly. "Who is this? An outsider hasn't been here for ages."

"This is a friend I met in Garlan. We ran into some trouble and I believe its worth concerning Elder Ramona."

"Darling, please try to keep yourself safe. You know that I can't leave the village now like you can. I'm in the Guard. Not the Warriors."

"I know, Airen. Jargos has been helping me out. Tell me, is Elder Ramona available?"

"Yes, but you know the proper way we ask entry."

"Of course."

Jargos was perplexed an in awe of the place they were in. He analyzed everything he saw. He noticed the people were slender elves, who looked regal and elegant, yet he knew tangling with them would be fools errand, he knew he would be safe here. He was so enchanted, he didn't even notice Airen talk, he just looked him over. He was indeed strong looking. His eyes moved to look at other things. Jargos forgot his manners