Misunderstood Destinies

"Thou could have taken them down single handedly" He splashed some water on his face, then used fire magic to dry off. He stepped forward

"Not with the new found magic that Airen has. He's getting stronger, and that does worry me."

"Thou art stronger still. Thine rune has has given thou newfound powers, and with time, thou will become beyond powerful"

Layla thought back as to how she could've defended herself from injury if she had thought to do it. "Airen is still strong. He's already left his proof." She turned away from his face. "I'm starting to wonder if I should've finished him instead of held back."

"Thou art compassionate, and that is a weapon thou can not yet understand"

"I'm just angry with him still. He just doesn't know how much."

"Can thou connect to him and tell him thine feelings?"

"I already did it once, and he really doesn't care." She glanced up at the sky. "I removed the necklace he gave me. Healing properties or not, I can't wear something that isn't mine to take anymore."

"I see . . . Let us head back and rest. We need it . . . Have you put medicine on that yet?"

"No, not yet." She sighed. "I guess I've just been tired and that's why I haven't done it yet."

Jargos nodded, and held his hand out to her. It was rough footing, and he didn't want her to fall

Layla took his hand and glanced over the horizon. It was still a short few hours until morning.

Once back, he motioned for her to relax against the tree, then went and got an ointment from the medical bag. he waked over and sat down next to her, on her good side, then handed her the medicine

"It will sting, but that is how it works"

She nodded, then a moment later applied the proper medication. She clenched her teeth, then soon relaxed as best she could. "I was lucky to have garment under the blue wrap. The main suit is now torn, meaning come our next trip to Garlan I'll need to pick up a new suit if I have enough money to do so."

"There are fresh garments in that bag over there. There was a dress and a shirt if I remember"

Layla noticed the bag sitting nearby the fire. "I'll take a look in a moment." Her side was still aching. "I just can't believe him. I came close to either him killing me or getting forced home. I wish to see Mother, but Elder Ramona will have me ambushed the moment I go back. Same for you if the guards are strong enough."

"They are not strong enough, but I dare not try"

Layla laughed a bit. "Even with my birth power, that of our ancient people, I fear it's not strong enough to settle Elder Ramona. I know she wanted to use my power as a tool. I refuse to let her. Only possession will force me into it, and even then I will fight it with all I have."

Jargos nodded

"Like your runes, my power lets me call the power of my ancestors. It gives me power that does go beyond my normal limit. The problem is that I've yet to learn to control it fully. When I reach that level, it takes an extreme amount of my personal magic to keep it stable." Layla sighed. "I have some suspicion that Elder Ramona may even be a mage herself."

"I know not. All I know is that we need to leave this place in the morning. We must head for Garlan"

"I agree." She adjusted her position, though cringed slightly from her side. "It's going to be a long trip, probably."

"Aye. I shall let thee change clothes" He got up and left to give her privacy

Layla walked over to the bag and opened it up. Inside, a red dress and a white under-shirt was there. She quickly changed into it. The dress went to right below her knees. A white shirt was under it to avoid exposure she didn't like. A black band wrapped around her waist. She noticed that her belt that she wore originally was on the verge to breaking, and thus she took the money from the belt and kept it in the small sack that Airen gave her originally.

Jargos let the night breeze wash over him