The Moons Rejected I

[Angel]

Chapter I

She was shot from her home, her birth, her world. As fast as it could happen she flew from the glowing, radiance of the moon. 'What did I do?--Mother?' Came a soft innocent plea. No response.

Pitch black space filled her mind and eyes. Soon white fluff broke her decent towards what she watched over, or had.

The helpless feeling of her rejection held her limp as the decent thrashed about. Pressure of the rejected decent threw her into unconsciousness.

Soft brown eyes opened to view a beach or lakes edge. She lay half-absorbed by the waters grasp.

No noise, no movement, nothing of human movements, was she dead? Was this her kinds hell? Slowly birds returned to song and forest noises came back to their correct positions taking up for their duty.

Slowly and silently the ragged rejected walked down the well-used road. Her ears picked up the muffled voice, of, beings.

The rejected lightly clasped her left arm near the shoulder. Her white gown rode tattered on her thin, perfect frame. Destroyed in her decent, swelling with water and dusted in dirt. She moved on dreading their bustling, yet desiring their aid.

Apon reaching the village entrance and crossing its threshold she eyed the busy village, so vibrant and alive--she had only seen praise, danceand worship from them.

White hair snaked over her eyes in heavy clumps. She walked as a banished peasant in their eyes.

A wagon in haste sped past her rutting its wheel in a pothole of muddy water. It doused her in a deep coating of muddied water. The driver didn't even notice her....she continued on down the path of the loving village.

On a passing of small shops, sweet beckonings of aid sprung up, though she declined shly.

Though, the women that snagged sight on her pleaded and bade her rest with her. Another decline, then ushered herself off from the show of kindness.

"Amara, go bring her back please, she needs our help." the women beckoned to her child. Amara nodded. The six year old trotted off behind the pale woman.

"Miss, miss." came the sweet little voice.

Her chant of her beckoning her back halted her steps. Turing around she stopped to eye the child.

"Please..." she huffed lightly. "return, mother wishes you return to us for aid." the little one beckoned in soft pleas.

[Angel]

Her heart melted at the child. "I-I-I can't."

"Please, I've seen you at the festival!" she shrieked softly.

The rejected eyes shot up, then relaxed. 'Of course, its a children's festival for the moon and its beings.' "Aye." she nodded.

"I have been." Amara smiled. "Was the other beautiful women your friend?"

"N-no, shes--my, mother." the rejected said faintly.
"Come." she beckoned with open arms.

The rejected smiled softly. "Alright." gently in one motion she scooped the child up in her arms then seated her on her hip.

"Hehe, you a mother too?" Amara chanted softly.

"N-No." she said shly.

"Oh. You carry me like mother does." Amara said gently as the carrying of her rocked her into a peaceful slumber.

The mother stood watching the pair return. A gasp escaped her mouth, it was heard. Fear spilled out over her eyes. The rejected saw. 'She knows what I am, who I might be, my purpose.' The mothers eyes captured the soft, humming light glow that lightly surround her daughter and the you maiden. 'Though her assumptions are wrong.'

Once she reached the mother she beckoned her into their home and to lay the child at rest on her bed.

As the mother led the young maiden down the small hallway she paused when her son trotted in. A tall young man of eighteen winters, flowing indigo hair sicled over his eyes but let the gentle violet blue watch her and his mother. She felt the maiden's eyes on her son. Slowly she started to tremble at her gaze on him. "P-Please, my son--go ready the small bath house for her." she paused watching his eyes absorb the maiden behind her. Her son nodded absentmindedly. The mother caught his beginning blush and his charmed smile that barely showed its presence on his lips.

Directly after her was out of ear shot the mother turned around in light anger. The young maiden's expression never flinched or changed. "You care for me, yet there is a lit anger that I have caused you."

The woman flinched at the true statement. "Yes, my lady. You're a goddess and I am a lowborn being. You're born job and nature is to take my children. Why would I be thrilled to house you? I pay respects to your mother so that she might spare me the pain of loosing such treasures!"

She stood there looking at the lightly distressed mother. The cold brown eyes rested on the woman. "You don't understand." she said softly.

[Angel]

Eyes shown and flashed a little anger. "Come, your bath is probably ready." The mother said in clinched words.

On her way to the bathhouse a sweet little dog trotted along side the rejected. 'You accept me. Why? Their mother rejected me. Why?' The little dog only barked up at her. She made a light grim smile. 'I'm afraid I don't know what you said little one.' It barked again and left it at that.

A soft hum came from the mother. 'Such soothing must have calmed anyone.' The rejected thought. 'I stress her so, I don't wish to. But my mother's reputation interferes with a possible understanding of my situation!' "We're here." She announced lightly. The rejected nodded. "My-son will aid you if need be." Her eyes cast elsewhere then the maiden's face.

Silently she walked up to her and laid a gentle cold hand on her shoulder. The gesture seemed to command the mother involuntarily. Her gaze traveled up to the rejected. A soft face looked at her now, the mother relaxed some. "I never ment harm, to anyone. If that is what I am, I shall take your aid and be gone." The maiden assured.

Quickly she shook her head. "Please, no, I-we need to talk before any such hastily done thoughts appear." The rejected nodded.

"As you wish mistress." The maiden dipped a respectful curtsey and followed the small dog into the baths domain. The mot her watched partly in awe, the rest of her lost in her even appearing to her.

Walking steadily towards the small doorway the rejected looked at the small room that gave way to a simple boxed room with a large bath filled with steaming water. Planks of wood made from strong timber shone radiantly in their deep brown color. Nothing hung on the walls, all that stood forward was a small table with bathing needs and a white shift for her to dress into. The tub sat inlaid with warming stones all around and in its bottom.

Footsteps threw her from thoughts of the lovely bathhouse. The rejected whirled around to find a young man watching her. He smiled softly at her. "I've come for your service if you might have need of any." His mid deep, gentle voice offered. She nodded shly. His shoulder blade length black hair framed his lovely brown eyes as well as pulled out handsome features among his face. Slowly he turned and left her alone to bath. She colored lightly to herself then slipped off her tattered dress and slid into the warm and attracting waters.

Soon she emerged from the water toweled off then pulled the shift on. The footsteps returned. The maiden stood still and waited. The same young man returned. She watched him approach her. A small jerk of his stride stopped him. His eyes searched her and blinked once as if he was mistaken for who he laid eyes upon. A small frown started at her brow. He noticed and soon started to beg it to receed. "Miss, you came with a soft silver hair, now it's a mid dark brown. I don't understand" She nodded and turned her gaze down from his eyes.

[Angel]

"My father was not a god." She replied softly.

He stared at her dumbfounded. "Was not a god?" he blinked. "Are you saying your mother is a goddess?" he choked in disbelief. Quickly he shook his head and snatched her wrist gently. She followed the beckoning pull of his soft warm hand.

In the haste he led her down a path towards a pasture full of drafts. He halted their fleeing and dropped her hand gently then leaned on the fence and quietly watched the heavy drafts frolic.

Silently she stood there awaiting his voice to sound again. The warmth from his hand had soon disappeared from her small pale hand.

"Who are you?" he finally asked in a soft voice of wonder.

"You want my heritage, don't you?" the rejected inquired. He nodded.

"My mother is the Moon Goddess." She replied causally.

He looked at her, unable to conceive what had been said. "Then, why are, your hair, why are you even here?" Came another question she had waited for.

"As I said. My father must not have been a god. I never knew this. I think she noticed others watching me and whispering." She looked down. A single tear of the clearest liquid he had ever seen slid down her cheek. "I'm a bastard daughter."

His heart slowed and missed a beat. Slowly he neared her. "I'm," he paused and looked at her. She made attempts to push back tears and an upset expression. "sorry. Please, if you must cry. Do so." He beckoned. She shook her head. He frowned a little and gently pulled her close to him. Soon her tears spilled onto his chest, making his light brown tunic damp.

"Thank you." She whispered.

"Your welcome." He whispered back to her ear.

"Will you promise me you won't tell anyone about my heritage?' she requested softly.

"Of course." He replied. "Though your hair will bring up question." He murmured to her. Her relaxed body against his relaxed him in return.

"I don't know." She murmured.

"We shall just say I dyed it." He suggested as she caught her tears and made them cease. The rejected nodded. "Come, I would wager your hungry." He coaxed gently.

She nodded and pulled away from his embrace. He led the way up the small beaten path. The smell of hay and horses delighted her as they slipped back into the view of the rest of the stable yard.

[Angel]

Stable hands raised an eye to her new presence. The rejected kept her eyes cast down as she followed her escort. 'How unwelcome they made her feel! Did they know who she was?'

After a lengthy walk to the main house for their long awaited lunch she entered the house and was led to the kitchen.

She breathed easy. The mother wasn't around the eye her into hate. The kind young man dipped the soupspoon into the pot and ladled some into a bowl, then handed it to her. She nodded thanks to him and sat down on the bench. He sat down across from her with his soup and drinks for two.

The rejected kept her eyes set in the soup, waiting for it to suck her into nothingness and away from the alien world she was trapped in.

"Miss, something bothering you?" he inquired lightly as he spooned the warm soup into his mouth.

Her attention jerked up to his worried eyes. "Why do you care so much?" she randomly asked.

He blushed a little. "I, just wish for your well being." He trailed off as she kept her eyes on his facial expressions.

"Why? I am nothing worth caring for and I am more of a death mark among your home!" she wailed softly.

He flinched at her points, then looked at her directly. "I wish you wouldn't say that miss." She frowned. He couldn't help the laugh that emerged, then smiled.

"Now what?" she grumbled.

"I'm not sure. But your frown is funny to me." She returned his comment with a raised brow, he only smiled. "I'll help you figure this all out somehow. I'm just as lost and confused as you miss."

The rejected sighed. He was right. She didn't understand, he didn't. There was nothing either of them could do.

More people started to file into the kitchen spooning soup, snagging bread and drink. Her new friend ushered them to eat elsewhere, she was thankful at that. By the time they had all come and gone she had happily finished her soup. He had already drained two servings worth.

The little child trotted back in and gazed up at her. "You're hair miss, something's changed it." The rejected bent lower towards the child. She fingered her hair. Oddly the tips began to pale into the soft white and gray that the little girl had seen her have.

In awe he watched. He didn't understand. How come her hair changed? First to brown, she claimed to be a bastard's daughter, was her inherited abilities fighting on what image she would be on his world? He blinked as her hair shot back to its tinted gray. His sister had small abilities to manipulate others inherited magic, but to a half goddess?

[Angel]

"I like you best with the color of my brothers mount.: she said smiling. He caught the comment and flushed lightly.

The maiden looked from Amara to her brother. By then he had his blush gone. "I have a mount whose coat is the beautiful tent of your hair." He explained.

She smiled a little. "I see."

"Brother, you should show her." She giggled lightly then hurried off with a heel of bread.

"Well, I don't have any orders for now. Would you like to see him?" he offered, she nodded.

They made it out to the pastures. He whistled and a tall, elegant stallion trotted up. His long gray mane bounced then settled on his muscular neck. A long tail swished happily to see his companion arrive. He came up to her and pressed his muzzle to her chest then snorted on her. She smiled. Curiously he watched how she handled his mount. He never greeted strangers so willingly. Though, the goddess's animal is the horse. He recalled. A spirit with in the beast. She must have inherited the trait that easily drew horses to her.

He smiled, she seemed to relax under the company of the mount. "What's his foundation?" she asked softly.

"He's a full blood Trebuchet draft." Came a proud reply.

They both turned around and watched another young man walk down to her new friend and embraced him in a hug. "Dom! My goodness, its been a while!" he smiled at his friend.

"So it has been. Where have you been? Last I heard you and your father had escorted your sister to one of the kings nobles to wed." he summed to his friends nods.

The rejected climbed the fence and slung herself ontop of the draft. "You're sturdy." She whispered to him. The draft nickered in agreement.

The pair of men turned and found her on his horse. His friend's mouth gaped. "Dom! She's on your horse!" he shrieked.

Dom smiled at the sight of her upon the draft. "Yes, so she is."

His friend looked at Dom perplexed. "Dominick, explain! I've never seen her in my life and you've never written to me about her of your Trebuchet letting pure strangers on him!" he choked.

Dominick sighed. "She just got here today. Uhh-." He blinked.

"His mother hired me." She broke in. Dom thanked her sweet voice and her quick thoughts.

[Angel]

His friend smiled. "Ahh, just showing her around then?" Dom nodded absentmindedly. "So what's your name lovely?" he asked smiling.

Her heart skipped a beat to the question and reference. Dom eyed her then his friend. "Arora." She replied calmly.

"Why'd you tell him? And now me?" Dominick squeaked.

"You never asked." She retorted smirking. Dominicks friend enveloped into a laughing sideshow. Dominick quickly flushed red. "And you?" she asked with an authority to her tone.

"Leontis." He offered with a slight bow. A small smile played to her lips. His shoulder length blonde hair swept back to their rightful positions above his shoulders. Bangs curved around his brow, framing his blue eyes perfectly.

"Arora." Dominick ventured, liking how it sounded. She looked at him, her spirit had somehow shot from a scared meager body and mind. 'The spirit.' "Would you like to see to getting somewhere for sleeping?" he offered.

"Maybe in a while, catch up with your friend. I wish to ride Vladimir." She replied coolly. He blinked, she knew Vlads name? He never told her! 'One spirit.' He nodded and pulled himself onto the rail, Leontis joined him. Arora turned her mount and galloped off down the small pasture grounds.

"Where did you find such a beauty?" Leontis nudged. "Eh?"

"I didn't find her. Mother did." Dominick replied watching her rid Vladimir and begin simple warming exercises.

"Did she?" Leontis ventured.

"Quite." Dominick mumbled.

"She rides like a man. Did you ask where she learned?" Leontis inquired.

"No I haven't." he replied faintly.

"She's so pale, Vlad seems to be producing her out of the sky it seems." Leontis suggested smiling.

"Or the moon." Dominick muttered.

Leontis nodded. "Things been alright here Dom?"

"Yes, father left weeks ago to bring home a shipment of the kings drum drafts." Dominick replied.

"Really? I saw him at the stables when we left, though I saw no drum." Leontis pointed as he watched Arora move Vlad into a canter.

"How so?" Dominick inquired.

"I saw the king showing him Unicorn Drums." Leontis replied softly.

"Unicorn Drums? But, the king doesn't send those out for breeding unless, did you hear anything?" Dominick choked.

Leontis head shook. "No but father told me when he had gone to visit once, conversation between the breeders and his grandfather turned to the drums."

[Angel]

"Mama just told me that da is coming home soon!" she squealed in shrills of joy.

Dominick smiled. "Did father send her something?" Amara nodded. "Ahh, very good to hear. Have you seen Arora?" Amara looked at him blankly. "The lovely lady mama had you bring." He quickly labeled to her clueless face.

"That's her name?" Dominick nodded. "It's so beautiful!" she wailed.

"Very much so. Return to mother and tell her that fathers return is wonderful, unless you wish to aid me in bringing in the fillies?" she smiled.

"Fillies!" came her answer.

"Very well then. Let's be off." Dominick ushered lightly.

Amara sprinted off from the stables and towards the house. Dominick paused and sighed. Still no find of Arora.

He began asking around, but no one knew. Then the soft hum of nickers came to him. The foals had not done that on their own. That usually was result of Amara sneaking them treats or heir dams affection given. Dominick followed the soft thrills and came upon Arora surrounded by the young foals. Some still played, others had nestled around her body and slept peacefully. Dominicks eyes rested on Arora's sleeping spray. Long sliver hair draped over her shoulders and over her waist. Some framed her eyes and drew out the true features of her soft peachy skin. Lovely lashes lays sleeping, long and graceful limbs lays stretched out in a beckoning to sleep. "Such a lovely sight." He whispered to the foals that began to approach him. They nickered in response to his pets and pushed one another out of the way driving for his attention. He smiled. Such serenity in one place seemed impossible, but it lay right infront of him.

A silver gray foal watched him, then bit at a jet-black foal's ear. He smiled. Arora stirred from her rest and blankly eyed the sleeping foals. She slowly pushed herself up and saw Dominick watching her. Arora sat there looking back t him. 'She blinked, he wore a uniform and a blade stamped with a phoenix. Arora shook her head and rubbed her eyes.' Dominick raised a brow at her then slipped into the pen and offered her his hand. She accepted it and let him pull her up. "You seemed quite content." Dominick said gently as she looked up at him in her sleepy gaze.

"I did have a nice one, the foals are great sleeping companions." She said smiling as he led to the gate of the pen..

Once out Dominick led the way back to the house. Dinner left overs awaited them.

[Angel]

"Mama said to take care of the stables and the house, she left to meet da." Amara chanted.

Dominick sighed. "Alright, then find your other brothers and get them to get you a bath started and one for themselves." Dominick ushered his sister. She nodded and skipped off.

"Hungry Arora?" Dominick asked.

She nodded. Dominick cut some cornbread and ladled more of lunch's soup into a bowl for her. She took it and sat down. He poured some warm tea into a shallow mug for her, she drank refreshingly.

Amara held tight to her brother's hand as he led her to the bath house. She smiled. "Did you see the pretty lady?"

He looked down at his sister. "Pretty lady?" he repeated. "You mean you?" Amara giggled.

"No silly!" Amara grinned.

"No, I've been here training fathers fillies all day." He replied bluntly.

"She's very pretty. Dom spent the day with her. He showed her around. She's very nice and sent me to sleep when she carried me like mama does." She smiled.

Her brother kept a wondering brow raised. "Where did she come from?"

Amara shrugged. " Don't know. She just walked into town." He blinked. "Odd. Why is he here?"

"Mama brought her here, she saw her and had me go get her." Amara replied.

Kanataro sighed. "Amara."

"What?" she asked blankly.

"Mother doesn't just pull-." Kanataro began but Amara cut him off.

"I saw her Kan! Ask Dom. He has been at her side the entire day!" she wailed starting to get frustrated.

Kanataro sighed then ushered her up the bath house stairs. He went out behind the bath and began on a fire to warm Amaras bath.

Dominick walked outside and found Arora staring up at the moon. "Its lovely." He commented softly, wishing not to disturb her view and content being.

"I miss it." She said softly.

He came and sat down next to her and looked up. "I don't understand why they rejected you."

She nodded. "Maybe its ment to be that way."

Dominick shrugged. "Dom!" Kanataro yelled.

Dominick trotted back up and Amara shot into his arms and hugged him. "Night brother."

"Goodnight Amara." Dominick smiled.

[Angel]

Konataro led her into her room and tucked her in. He walked out and looked at Dominick.

Dominick blinked. "What?"

"Amara said that mother brought in some lady." Konataro ventured.

"She's outside watching the moon." Dominick replied to his little brother.

"Is she now. Well, I'll go investigate her while you read mothers note and go tell the rest of our sibling's" Kanataro said handing Dominick the note.

Dominick took the note and sighed being eldest he had to do everything mother wasn't around to do.

Kanataro stepped outside and eyed the little sight of the lady his siblings had spoke of. "Dominick?" came her sweet questionable voice. He stilled himself. Her voice drew him nearer.

"I-no, this isn't Dom." He replied in choked responses.

She turned around and he gazed apon her beauty he could see in the moon lit night. "Then who are you?" came the calm, clear, sweet voice.

Kanataro, second eldest to Dom." The answered as his body tightened up at her gentle gaze.

"I see." She breathed softly.

"And you miss?" he inquired.

"Arora." She replied then turned around and gazed back up at the night's bright moon.

"Beautiful name." He commented blushing and thanking she wasn't looking and it was as dark as it could get.

"Thank you." She replied in a low tone.

The silent night seemed to stand still to Kanataro. "Your welcome. Where are you from?"

"It doesn't matter." Came Dominicks retort.

Kanataro frowned. "Done with mothers bidding?"

"Yes." Dominick spat back annoyed. "Arora, you ready for bed?" the rejected turned around, a small smile spread over her lips.

"I am." She replied soft.

Dominick walked over to her and offered her his hand. She accepted and soon stood. "Well be retiring Kan." He said bluntly.

Kanataro followed them in and settled in a chair in the kitchen.

Arora followed Dominick to an empty room. He lit a few candles in the room and quickly dusted the pillows and sheets, then he threw open the shutters and let the dust carry out. The moon was visible from her window, she smiled and crawled onto the bed and rested her arms on it then her chin. A light hum arose from her lips.

Dominick smiled as he pulled out a bowl and quickly fetched a pitcher of water for her. He laid out a nightgown on her pillow. "If you need anything else please don't hesitate to ask."

She turned around and looked at him. "Thank you." He nodded then slipped out of her room.

Dominick walked to the kitchen where Kanataro waited. "Why are you sore with me Kan?" he asked confused.

"I'm not sure Dom. You just seem protective, or something." Kanataro muttered.

"She's new here and I don't wish you to banter her like you do all the new comers to mothers service." Dominick explained exhausted.

Kanataro sighed. "Shes not a man, why would I?" Dominick frowned. Kanataro furrowed his brows in dislike.

Amara slipped out of her bed and peeked out her door. The light hum of her eldest brothers talking echoed softly down the halls. Quickly and quietly she scuttled down the hallway, peeked into Aroras room then slipped inside. The lovely maiden sat on her bed and watched little Amara approach her. "Lady Arora." She said softly.

"Hmm?" came her reply.

Arora crawled into her bed and laid next to Arora and rested her head on Aroras breast and smiled. "Can I sleep with you tonight?"

"Yes." She replied softly.

Amara smiled and let the Lady Arora stretch out in the bed, then pulled herself close to her and soon fell asleep. Arora smiled, then set her expression to a sad state. This was what she did to children who her mother had sent her to bring to their final days of life. It was a sad job. Though the children went happily because of the charm she had to them. Though, what if she tried to take this child from her home, just because someone was kind to house her? Feeling of all abilities seemed gone. How could she fight back? She couldn't, she had no godly powers to spit back with.

The following morning Dominick woke and kicked his three bothers out of bed and sent them to work for the morning.

Dominick poked his head into Amaras room and found her gone. The sheets where barely slept in. He frowned some then began his own sister hunt.

All searching turned up nothing, he checked into her room once more and still she remained gone. "Check the Lady's room." His youngest siblings suggested.

"Why? She has no business in there." Dominick grumbled.

"Maybe not, but its habit for her to sleep with mother while da remains away." He pointed out.

"Oh, yes she does doesn't she." Dominick said in a sigh.

He trailed down the hall and found her room and quietly opened the door. Dominick stuck his head in the room and slid his gaze over to Aroras bed.

[Angel]

There they both lay sleeping. Arora held Amara close to her. Long sliver hair went in sprays over her shoulders and along the bed. Amara lay curled up in Aroras arms. A soft content face slept. He smiled. 'Goddess or the moon. The Child Enchanter. Is this why you where disowned? Because of your easy ability to charm children into content to die? Did you mother goddess feel threatened? Can or could you out do her?'

'Maybe.' Came the soft reply.

Dominick shook his head. 'Did-.'

A soft laugh came into his thoughts. 'My job didn't stop in physical form. Dreams beckoned them at times. I'm not proud of it all.'

'You don't have the ambition but you never raised skill that even towers her own at your age.' Dominick sighed.

'Maybe.' She replied in a sigh. He looked up to see her looking at him. She slipped out of the bed without rousing the child. She then ushered him out of the room then followed herself.

"You are a godly figure, of the mother." He said as they embarked on a walk outside.

Arora pulled her gown close. "Yes."

"If she disowns you, then why-." He began.
"I don't have the ability to take souls anymore, she made sure of it." Arora cut in.

"Oh." Dominick replied bluntly met. "I have to go to town to get some personalized shoes for a customer, I leave after breakfast. Would you like to see the town?" he offered.

"That would be great." She said softly. "I'll-."

"No, I'll get someone to fix breakfast and you need someone to help dress you." Dominick cut in.

Arora frowned. "I'm not helpless or not able to dress-."

Dominicks look shut her up. "Goddesses dress different to us low creatures." Her expression went blank. "If you're not to stick out, let me help you."

"I'm sorry." She apologized. Her eyes slid down.
"No, do not, ever put your eyes down from anyone. Man or woman" Dominick encouraged.

She looked back up and nodded. "You have a full morning. Tell me who to find for assistance."

"Find Miss Leah." Dominick replied. Arora nodded then watched him finished his walk to the stables for morning work.

Arora walked back to the house and slipped into the busy kitchen. The women quickly pushed her out. Arora left the annoying bustle and returned to her room. Amara began to wake as she can into the room.

The child smiled. "Morning Lady." She replied in a grin. Arora returned the smile.

"You don't need call me lady." She insisted to Amara.
"Why?" came question from her.

"I'm not of high authority." Arora replied softly.

""But, you are." Amara said sadly.

Arora came and sat down on the bed. Her soft brown eyes looked down on the child. Little blue eyes searched her for an explanation. "I'm no longer of that status. I might have been born there. But I no longer live or am that status." She explained, then sighed.

"Oh, your mama not love you?" Amara questioned. Arora nodded. Amara crawled over and hugged Arora tight. "I love you." She said softly. Arora smiled.

"And I you." Came her reply. She held the child close. "Would you go find me Miss Leah?"

"Yes, now?" Amara asked cheerfully. Arora nodded. Amara slipped out of Aroras arms and scuttled out to find Leah for Arora.

Soon the child came back with a tall thin woman. Short hair to her shoulders. "Miss, you called?"

"Dominick said you could help me dress." Arora replied.

"Aye, I can. I will be back with a dress and other needed things." Leah replied.

"Thank you.:" Arora replied. Leah nodded.
Leah returned with a bundle of things. Arora blinked. SO much she hand never seen! Such odd peoples the lowers where to her. The woman had her sit down on a stood while she bickered about. Then she chided her to pull off her gown.

She sat there naked and slightly chilled by the cool morning air. Soon Leah had her p ut on a clean white shift and an over dress of so much more Arora couldn't name.

Soon Arora stood dressed in a light blue dress. Leah stood in admired the dress on her. "Now for some facial work."

Arora frowned. "No thank you." The women frowned back.

"You're so pale miss, you need some life in you." The lady added.

Arora shook her head and snatched up the shawl from her stool then headed out of her room with the frail women, so tall and thing Arora thought her small rebellion would destroy what held her together.

Once in the fresh warm air Arora looked down the busy stable yard. Horsemen rode in, stable hands led mounts to and from every which direction.

[Angel]

Dominick held Vlads reins while Kanataro tacked up the rest of the trebuchet. He squinted and looked through the busy yard. There he found Arora watching it all. He smiled. "You done yet?" he complained.

"Getting there Dom." He muttered.

Dominick mounted and trotted up towards Arora. She watched him, 'Vladimir dressed in the turret cut around his breastplate. Around his quarters the same pattern of black trimmed in indigo blue, then a small thin border of bright red and gold-colors or a phoenix. The metal forehead armor glinted small stains of blood. Dominick rode tired and weary.' Arora blinked then looked at Dominick as he dismounted at led Vlad up to her.

"Good morning Arora, you look quite the lovely." He said smiling.

She smiled. "Thank you."

"You're quite welcome, ready?" he asked as he offered her his hand.

"Yes." She replied softly.

Dominick pulled himself onto the trebuchet, then pulled her up behind him. Arora slipped her arms around his waist as the thundered out of the stable yard and own the town road.

"The town has a larger center market. The one you came on is a small road that travelers tend to find first." Dominick explained.

Arora nodded and enjoyed the sights they passed on the way to the center of town.

Apon the arrival into the town Vladimir managed to throw a shoe. Arora listened to Dominick curse the moon goddess for requiring the animals to need shoes. Arora wondered if he remembered she was of the moon. But didn't bother to banter him about it.

Arora let Dominick dismount then helped her off. "We here?" she asked looking at the busy roads.

"Yes. This is one of the roads that have goods sold." He remarked as the commotion reached a high peek to their ears.

She looked at the local merchants then watched Dominick lead Vladimir into the sea of bustling locals. Arora stood there blankly. It was her first time to be among regulars like this. It felt good to her, she didn't feel so isolated or weighted to take scouting of the children she would soon charm to her mother. Arora shook the past memories from her thoughts.

Rushing faster than her bodies response could comprehend, a mad group of horsemen thundered in a death run toward her. Arora looked around but was encased in a pin. She couldn't run. How did they manage to corral h er like this?

Her heart shot up into a fast beat. Dominick was far from her aid and didn't carry a blade on his hip.

The horsemen halted the thundering directly infront of her. The entrance to the town lay empty. 'They know their threat.' She figured.

A soft chuckle cam from the group of men. Aroras eyes lifted from thought and eyed them.

Bandits of the local area, she guessed. They watched her momentary. "You don't seem to care lass." Their presumed leader spoke. Her face remained expressionless. "Should we take her?" he bellowed laughing. His comrades grinned. "Come lass." He beckoned. Arora didn't move. "I said-."

"I know what you said." Arora cut in.

He smiled a yellow and demented smile. "Aye lass feisty one are ye?

She furrowed her brows at him. They all erupted into laughter. "Don't be afraid." One of his men chided.

"More offended." Arora spat.

The men erupted into a set of laughter. "Offended? Lass you ain't born higher then us!" he remarked.

Her expression hardened. 'I might be rejected, but I am!' The leader, strong muscular and tall, short cropped hair to his ears. A dirty blonde and horrid green eyes. He dismounted and with in seconds gripped her shoulders in his hands. Arora hadn't the time to react. His hands tightened on her shoulders, she bit back the pain and shot her gaze directly into his. He grinned. "Lass has some beauty." He laughed. "And fight."

The men uplifted into laughter. His eyes trailed down her attractive face and down the rest of her body. Arora frowned, then slowly let her body chill. She noticed he felt the sudden change. "Witch! Don't you try!" he choked in anger. Her expression held tight and emotionless. The men watched in wonder. He finally couldn't with stand much more of her frozen feel. Quickly he ceased her dresses collar and yanked the lacing free and grinned. She didn't move. Fear held her there, then the sound of her shift being destroyed pulled her to reality. The men cheered him on as he slipped the top part of her dress down her shoulders.

Aroras eyes glinted at him, he ignored her. Her leg came up at a fast pace. Arora smacked his ear with the side of her foot. He howled in pain and dropped her to the ground. Arora lay there coughing for the air she had gotten knocked from her. "Get'er Brutus, get'er!" came the men's chants.

His anger had risen, his ear throbbed where she had kicked him. Arora lay on the ground looking up at him. "You're a patient female dog." He grumbled.

A whistling shot through the air. Then Arora saw its origin. An arrow had drove its fang into Brutu's neck. Blood seeped out from the peirce. He looked down at her then staggered forward, then to the side. Sprinkles of blood sprayed over her faces he tried to breathe, then collapsed and died.

[Angel]

Arora lay there motionless. The men went into silence. Slowly they turned their gazes to see a single man walking down the road, a white horse followed behind him. A bow in his hand and a handful of arrows in his quiver. "Grab the women!" one yelped.

Arora was suddenly pulled forward by one of the men. He froze when he looked into her eyes. The song of another arrow reached Aroras ears. She looked down on his chest. There protruded an arrows tooth. She looked at its shaft, white owl feathers. The man kept advancing. His last kill fell at her feet.

The man continued another shrill shot into another bandit. She stood there watching each one fall. He looked at the still maiden. A slight tremble he could make out in her.

His bow sounded again as he continued towards her. Another bandit fell at his hand.

By the time the silent archer reached Arora, all the men had fallen. She stood there trembling some. He stood there looking at her. Concerned blue eyes watched her, lovely long indigo blue hair draped around his shoulders and down his back. Bangs curled around his eyes and face, framing his features. He looked at her. "You alright?" he questioned.

Arora didn't say anything or move. Her arms slid up to her bare breast and covered them. He walked towards her, Arora backed away some. He pressed forward faster and held onto her. She tried to pull away but her fight had been stolen. He scooped her up in his arms and looked down into her face. Tears seeped from the corners of her eyes. "You're ok." He murmured.

She closed her eyes and wept silently. "Where's Dominick?" she whispered, then collapsed into sleep once she held his eyes in hers.

Noises began to grow in sound to her ears. Voices became clearer to her ears. She opened her eyes and gazed out her window that had been opened allowing the soft rays of autumn sun to slip in. The room felt fresh and welcoming. The neighs of happy mounts echoed into her room.

Arora turned her gaze towards a table and a figure in it. It sat there silently, then stood up and neared her.

The figure of a man became clear. Arora watched him near, then when she saw his features hit the light she quickly shot up and buried her head in Dominicks chest.

He held her close and sighed thankfully. "You alright?" he asked softly.

"I don't know." She murmured.

"Did he hurt you in any way?" Dominick asked as he drew her into his lap on the bed.

"I don't know." She whispered. "What happened?"

"Some man, who I am grateful to, came and killed the bandits. He said you would sleep for a while and not to worry. I'm sorry I wasn't there! I didn't think I'd be long! I'm a horrible friend for thinking that you could not be endangered on a first visit." Dominick bantered himself.

Arora pulled herself away from him some and looked at him. "Please don't. You didn't know." She murmured.

His face looked eat and worn. Pure evidence he had felt responsible and worried greatly on her behalf.

Arora closed her eyes then place her forehead to his chest. "Did he leave a name?"

"No." Dominick sighed.

"Why?" Arora asked in a wine.

"He just gave you to me, then left." Dominick replied bluntly.

'He's not any regular mortal-or immortal.' She mumbled in thoughts. "Thank you." She said in a sigh.

"You're more than welcome. Come, I'll help you to the kitchen to eat. Unless you rather me bring your food here?" Dominick replied softly.

"I want to go near the pastures." Arora replied looking up into his relaxed face.

"Alright, I'll send for Leah to." Arora looked at him and he sighed. "Ok, mothers home-with father. I explained to them what you and I have discussed. Is it ok that she comes to help?" Dominick offered. Arora nodded. He got up and headed to the door slowly.

"Dom." Arora called softly. Dominick turned around and looked back at her summoning. "I called, rather asked that man for you. Did he tell you I did?" she asked curiously.

He smiled softly. "Yes, he mentioned that you asked for me. That's why I made sure to be the one that watched over you while you recovered."

She returned his smile. "Thank you." He nodded a welcome in return then disappeared through the door.

Arora moved slowly out of her room with Dominicks help. Slowly they made it out of the halls and house. Then reached Vlad who stood untethered and waiting.

"Down." Dominick ordered. Vlad knelt down on his knees and lay down. Arora smiled to what Dom had taught him. He walked her over and sat down on his back. "Up." Vlad slowly stood up with his occupants on board.

Dominick set Vladimir into a soft trot down the path towards the outer pastures. Arora watched all the grazing horses of so many different breeds act in unison to grazing or play.

After passing pastures full Dominick turned of onto a smaller trail between two pastures. Once they had traveled the length of the tow pastures he halted Vladimir at a large tree that's branches reached out and down like a willow, but thick leaves and branches adorned it.

Vlad halted then Dominick slid off and scooped Arora into his arms. "I hate being so weak." She grumbled.

Dominick laughed softly as he walked up to the tree and bent down to lay her against it. "Well, I'm not sure how all that took so much from you. But it shall return soon." He coaxed lightly.

Arora sat up and watched Dominick slip the bridle off and put a leather halter on Vlad. He then pulled the saddle packs off and came and sat down with her.
Vlad happily began to graze as his companions sat and pulled out his food and Aroras.

"He had a horse Vlads color." Arora murmured.

"Huh?" Dominick said lost.

"Didn't he have a horse?" Arora asked lost.

"Oh. I'm not sure, he didn't when I saw him." Dominick replied.

"Oh." Arora said in a sigh.

Dominick looked at her. "Why?"

Arora shook her head. "Never mind.

[~*Hieislove*~]

Long a*s story but its really good , ;D Took me forever to read it...

[Angel]

lol ty, but thats only the 1st chapter lol