Misunderstood Destinies (2)

Jargos stood as he strapped the sword across his back. He turned to face Airen

"Firstly, to Jargos. I'm sorry for not believing you. I was forced to attack on orders and of some jealousy for the fact that you quickly gained the trust of Layliana. I let emotion blind me and let Elder Ramona practically control me like a puppet. If she had it her way, I might have killed either one of you or even caused the removal of Layliana's powers. I'm eternally sorry to you. My mistakes brought great consequences I know I will be forced to bear to pay for.

And now to Layliana, I was angry with you for quickly trusting Jargos despite little known about him. I was selfish. And with that, I was also angry at the fact you left Zeiza. You were right all along, and I didn't want to believe that. This time apart, I have missed you greatly. Especially since I found the necklace I gave you hidden within the tree just south of the gate. I understand why you released me, and I won't ask for it any other way being that I no longer have right."

Jargos spoke, unsure if Airen could understand the language of the beasts

"You shall pay nothing by my hand. I cannot blame you for not trusting me, the whole village save these two did not trust me"

He saw the look of confusion on Airen's face, then looked to Layla to translate for him

Layla nodded to Jargos. "He says he asks no repayment and he doesn't blame you for not trusting him. He says that no villager trusted him except for Mother and I."

"I am still terribly sorry. For everything. If there's anything I can do while you all are here, I'll gladly do it. It was my mistake."

Layla began to wonder about Airen's statement to her.

Jargos nodded to Layla

"Airen," she started. "You know I care about you. But, right now, I think fate has us on different paths. I want to be with you, but there's a few things you need to learn that I did while with Jargos. Maybe then, you'll understand why I chose for us to wait. Jargos and I still have a long journey to make, and I'm counting on you to keep Zeiza safe in my absence."

Airen nodded.

Jargos did not move

Layla looked at Jargos. "Any idea as to where we should go next?"

"Darkwoods" he growled

"That's what I was thinking. To Darkwoods, then."

"If there's anything you need for your journey before you leave, just ask and I'll try to supply it," Theresa stated.

"Nah, we'll be fine"
Jargos thanked Theresa and exited the hut. Once outside, he looked to the south. It was almost a straight shot from the village to Darkwoods

Layla smiled. "Then let us go. Onward to the Darkwoods."

Jargos nodded, then started walking. It would take three days to reach Darkwoods

Layla followed behind. She waved goodbye to her mother. Airen could only sigh and smile.

"So, you gonna marry him or what?" Jargos chuckled to her

Layla blushed a bit. "After everything we just went through, I really don't know if it's meant to be."

"Hm . . . Yeah, you're right, maybe not, but it's still worth a try, I say" He winked to her as he made his way down the mountain. Balthozar was still tied up, and Jargos freed him, but told the king to look for a bear when they needed help

Layla laughed at the fact that the knight was still tied up. "I suppose he's in a sticky situation."

Jargos smiled and nodded, then kept walking

Continuing on, Layla was glad that the whole mishap with Zeiza was over. "I'm glad that everything is back to the way it should be."

"Yeah, but we still got a long ways to go. Who knows how many more Dark mages there are. We'll be at this for a while"

"And we don't even know what their full motive is. That's the bad thing, however."

"That's what's even more disturbing" Jargos sighed a bit "All we know is that Ramona was one of them, and they like controlling dead things. Hm . . ."

"Heck. They love controlling people in general."

"Yeah, but to accomplish what?"

"Dost thou ever listen, Jargos?" A familiar voice called to them in the language of the beasts. It was the aged wolf coming to walk with them