Destiny of Light

Layla relaxed for a moment, then said, "Once I destroy it, I'll have to absorb what power is in it or it's going to hurt Kreig more than it is now. That power in it is raw power, and it's still dangerous. If worse comes to worst, I'll find a way to dispel it if it starts affecting my own powers. There's one thing that doesn't change from one thing to another. Raw power and energy is dangerous, no matter where you are or what you're managing." Layla started slowly moving her hand into a fist. "Jargos, do what you can to hold Kreig steady. It's going to be a bit painful, but that's to be expected from the beginning."

Jargos used both arms to put Kreig in a lock, then grunted to Layla, signaling he was ready

Layla started moving her hand closer to a fist, wanting to destroy the thorn before it did any further damage to Kreig's body. She was a little worried as to what she was up against. Even Luna could catch the hint of fear in her voice. Luna looked to Jargos as to wondering if he knew.

Within moments, Layla's hand formed a full fist. She stated, "Release!" as the thorn shattered. A black mist formed above Kreig in which she quickly handled. Her marks flashed and the mist was immediately drawn to her. The mist was taken in through the open wound on her arm. That, she didn't expect. Although it burned intensely, she bit her tongue until it subsided. Layla took a step back to catch her breath for as she had been holding it most of the time. "He'll be alright. I got it out of him before it did any serious harm."

Kreig was out like a light, Jargos put him back in his bed, then went to see if Layla was okay

Luna said, "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine." Layla rubbed the wound on her arm gently. "I didn't expect that last bit to happen. I should probably talk to Master Raven about it."

After a few moments, Raiden knocked at the door. "I've readied the ladder and sent some supplies to the island. Join me out on the shore when you're all ready!"

Jargos nodded to her

Layla led the way outside at Raiden's call. "We can let Kreig rest here on the boat or bring him with us. Whatever the case, we need to get settled in before nightfall."

Over the distance, a man was seen sitting on a cliff. Luna could make out his long, jet black hair and white robes. "Someone's out there. I can see him."

"If it's who I'm sure it is, then he's who we need to meet. Everyone, welcome to Nicca. Not only an island, but also my second home." Layla was looking forward to settling in to the home that was given to her by Raven so long ago.

"Tell the captain to stay docked? Kreig needs to rest for now and moving him may not be the best thing" Jargos told Layla

"He'll stay here until we need to leave. Raiden lives here majority of the time now." Layla departed the boat, signalling for the others to follow. "We've got someone to meet before we get settled in."

Jargos went with Layla, Kreig was still unconscious

Luna also followed close behind. Within a couple of minutes, a man was seen on horseback coming their way. "Friends, welcome to the island of Nicca!" The man dismounted his horse and straightened his robes. "My name is Raven. It is a pleasure to meet you all." He bowed in respect. "And to see the return of my student. Welcome back, Layliana."

Layla bowed in response. "A pleasure to be in the presence of the man that taught me how to live once more and to be home once more."

"Who is your company, if I may ask?"

"Friends and family. We've come for some temporary refuge. Danger has struck the coasts of Garlan. What you saw was true, and I am truthfully sorry for not believing in your words."

Jargos nodded his head to Raven

"Well, if what we believe is true, then you were right to come. Layliana, have them settle in at your home here. If there isn't enough room, we can see if any of the buildings are available. You know your way around."

"Yes, of course."

"Then I shall return to my home for business. When you are all settled, meet me there. We can discuss matters today or tomorrow. Whatever is personal preference. I bid you all a good day." Raven smiled. He mounted his silver horse and then dashed off to the north.

Jargos bowed before Raven left, then waited for Layla and Luna

"I'll get you guys settled at my home here. It's hopefully large enough for all of us to stay." She led the way to a large building. A crescent was seen on the front door of this building. "Since we're passing by, I should probably say that this is the Lunar Guild. Few people are able to come here to train, but those that do I hear become stronger warriors than they were. I learned new magic here, and unlocked my strongest powers. Weapons, armor, and such are all available here." A short distance away, a house that looked like a miniature temple came into view. Layla led the way inside.

"Is this your home, Layla?" Luna asked.

"Indeed. A common house for the Guild members. The downstairs serves as a room for meals, meetings, and storage. Such as weapons, books, and other items. The upstairs has, hopefully, enough beds for all of us. Most members live together. Of course, I lived alone. I had a feeling I'd come back here with company."

"Your house should be more than enough, my friend"

Layla led the way inside. "Anything I have left here you can use. I can't read any of the books or scrolls regardless." She laughed a bit. "I still know when things are out of place, however." Layla walked over to a painting that was hanging on the wall and turned it slightly to straighten it.

Luna walked up to the picture and observed it. "Is that the same picture that was in your locket?"

"No, I had this made a long time ago. Shortly after my late husband and I completed our Bonding. We said that we'd keep it wherever we went. Of course, I was the only one that could hang on to it after his passing." Layla turned to Jargos. "One thing is true, however. He always said he wanted to find a way to make up to you for all he did. For the trouble he caused back when you first came."

"I knew he was good at heart. I could understand his distrust of me, I haven't looked human in two centuries" He smiled as he told Layla what was going on in his mind

Layla put a hand to her necklace. "Maybe so. You taught him a lot and it got him out of many situations. Of course, there was always that one that he didn't make it back from." Luna put a hand on her shoulder. Layla smiled gently. "But, at least we were able to finish what he was unable to."

After a moment of looking at the painting, though unable to see it, she said, "If you two want to settle in upstairs, it's fine."

Jargos hugged Layla, then went upstairs

Luna left Layla to herself, knowing she probably needed it. She decided to join Jargos in heading upstairs. "I've kinda yet to understand why Grandmother won't let me fight. I mean, if she had called everyone outside, we could've handled anything incoming."

Jargos shrugged, but he knew that speaking would be useless

Morning started shifting to noon, and Raiden had come by for a moment.

"Layliana, are you home?"

"Of course, Raiden. What is it?" she asked.

"Raven had told me to remind you to stop by his home today or tomorrow. Sounded like something urgent. I don't know."

"I have a feeling I know what this is over. Very well. Thanks."

Jargos heard the conversation, but knew that if Layla wanted him to know, she would tell him. He sat down and let his runes glow a light blue. He began to call upon the Ancient spirits

Before he left, Raiden offered to help cover up the wounds that Layla had received in combat. When he examined them, he said, "Layliana, you do understand that there's a strange presence of energy within you, correct? You know that it could be toxic to your system to have it in your system."

"There's not anything I can do about it right now, Raiden. Someone had to remove it from Kreig."

"But that also puts the magic that holds your immortality in danger. It could just as easily drain that magic keeping you alive."

Layla knew this, but didn't say a word.