Misunderstood Destinies

"Very well," she said. It was obvious she was weak. Her power had significantly dropped for reasons she didn't know. She was sure that she'd be better by the time they left Zeiza, but that was still another day away. "Listen, for all we know this could be a result of my stress over Elder Ramona. We'll figure out what's going on."

Jargos nodded, but stood guard anyway

Layla didn't like concerning Jargos with issues such as this, but she decided he would've rather been aware than not. She went back to sleep, though she felt uneasy now with her mixed thoughts about what could have done such a thing to her powers.

Jargos felt no need for sleep. His body could function without it for extended periods of time

As time passed, Airen was soon dismissed from duty and decided to stop by Layla's home. He brought a couple of potions to be delivered to them from Layla's mother to take with them when they prepared to leave.

"Layliana, are you home?" he asked. "I've got a delivery from your Mom and my shift is over. Can I come in?"

"Enter" Jargos stated in a soft voice "But quiet thine voice"

Airen came inside. He took note to Layla's slightly pale face. Immediately, he knew something had happened. "Did something happen? Is she injured?" he asked quietly. He dropped the basket down next to him.

"Hush!" Jargos stated in a raised whisper "She a nightmare during a nap, she is resting now though"

Airen knew something was odd. He decided to wait until he could hear the details from Layla later. He spoke in a hushed voice. "Her mother, Theresa, sends potions for you all to take with you upon your next leave. She said the effects were for you to figure out as a surprise. She also included some bread and water."

"I thank thee and her, send my gratitude, will thou?" He asked

"Of course." He stood by the fire a moment to warm up. "It's a bit chilly outside. I'm surely ready for the Seasonal Festival."

"The what?" he asked, still hushed

"Some common folk of Garlan call it Christmas. We do not exactly follow their tradition. Thus, we call it the Seasonal Festival. The holiday is nearing as the days grow colder. Can you feel it? It's in the air."

"The frost? I can feel it, but what is special about it?"

"This is the time of the year when families and friends come together to celebrate a new year. For every month, there is one full moon. A cycle. Every twelve moons we know that there is a new year."

"A year? What is a year?"

"The way the seasons change, the way the times change. Every three moon cycles, the warmth of the air changes. For us, the air stays a bit cold because of how high up we live. But, we are used to this. The temperatures at the beginning of a year are very calming and warm. They get hotter in the next cycle of months. Then, it gets a little colder until the time of frost and snow comes. Then the cycle starts over. A year, we call, is the change of four seasons. Twelve moons."

"Strange indeed"

Airen laughed a bit. "Well, these are our customs handed down from the ancients. Or, at least, so we were told as children." Airen looked at Layla. "She's always questioned the stories of our people. Never having firm sources to go to. Even I can't answer some of the questions we all have every now and again. As of late, I've often been feeling something... odd in the balance of things. Something shifting. I wanted to ask her if she has felt it too. Should any danger come in her path during travels, I'd hate myself for not protecting her."

"I am indebted to her. So long as I breath, I shall do everything in my power to keep her safe. Thou has my promise"

Airen smiled. "I care about her greatly. We've been together for some time now. Friends as children, and as of some time ago we became closer. I often wonder when I'll gain the courage to ask her hand for marriage. Then again, perhaps she doesn't feel as close as I do. When she started training for the Warriors Guild, I had a time period when we lost touch completely. The Warriors take on tests for skill, strength, and all kinds of things. Even learning how to survive when completely isolated."

Jargos simply nodded, not really having a way to respond, nor really wanting to. He thought it would be rude to say anything more

Airen sighed. "I'm sure this is an uncomfortable topic for you. My apologies. This has just had me on edge for some time. I don't normally speak about it. May I ask a favor, however? I know she's planning to leave with you soon, and I do not know if I will have a chance to talk to you both again prior to that."

"Nay, I know no discomfort. Pray tell, what is it thou wishes?"

He pulled a very small, leather bag from his pocket. "It has something I needed to give her before she left. There's also a note inside."