Adelina

I was trapped in my dream. There was a silver drakim. The drakim looked right at me. It changed into a little human girl.

"Is this who I place my bet on? The one who can change the world?" She asked herself. I looked at her confused. She laughed. "I suppose this is the granddaughter of him. She certainly looks like him. But is she capable of destroying the walls that obstruct her path? I will watch you, little child, with great interest. Please do entertain me. I have high hopes."

I felt the Flif's hands shake me. She was crying. I sat up and turned to her. I placed my finger under her eye gently and wiped away her tears.

"Don't cry. I'm fine. I promise." I attempted to speak slowly so she could at least understand some of it. She hugged me tightly. This girl.... She smells like lavender and pine cones. It reminds me of the stories my mother told me. She began to speak quickly in Flif. I understood some, but not enough to keep her conversation going. She smiled at me. How can she trust me with her life? Is she not afraid of me killing her or selling her off? I won't, but how do I teach her how to protect herself, and the common tongue?

I whistled and Merle came rushing. He was full of life. Relief washed over me. "I'm proud of you. You protected me even though I told you to run. You deserve a feast in your honour. I will see what I can rustle up today for you," I whispered into his ear. Merle gave me a nod eagerly. You understand me better than anyone else in the world, Merle. You are the only one I need. It's been you and I for seventeen years now. I wonder if Mama is looking down on us with pride.

I mounted Merle. His saddle was trashed. I reached my hand out to Cherri. She took it without fear. Her eyes sparkled with my life. What do you see in my eyes? Do you see the death in mine? The despair? The false sense of hope? I nudged Merle. I drew my bow just in case I could find a deer. Merle leapt through the forest. Ekland, you better prepare.