Nico's Story Pilot

Pilot Story 2

Nicolas and Yasmina walked in silence through the progressively darkening path further into the cave. If it were not for the sporadic lanterns providing the dimmest of light, the pair would be walking in pitch black. For Yasmina however it was not the darkness that caused unease. It was complete silence. More specifically Nicolas' absolute commitment to not speaking with her under any circumstances.

She stared at the dark haired young man, hoping and pleading that he would eventually talk and start one conversation with her but he would simply not cooperate. She started pouting as the dead silence started to wear on her. She looked down as her face started the scrunch up before she finally spoke up:

"Are you just going to stay silent for the entire pilgrimage?"

Nicolas did not answer, he only kept walking forward.

Yasmina expected this response but it was still no less stinging. She fell back behind him, pouting once again. What really irritated her was how Nicolas would refuse to react, let alone answer her. She narrowed her eyes and pouted again.

"Traveling together would be a lot better if you would simply speak for once!"

Still no answer. She was growing angry once again at Nicolas' non responsive nature. She grew so angry that she poked him with her staff. True to his earlier responses he ignored her aside from what seemed to be a slight grunt. Puffing in frustration she continued poking at him, each poke being rougher than the last.

Nicolas found himself getting progressively more irritated but he refused to give in to Yasmina's antics and continued ignoring her.

"Would ya just say something already!!" Yasmina yelled. Nicolas stopped and swatted her staff away then glared at her for a brief few seconds and then turned back around and continued walking forward. Yasmina glared at the back of Nicolas' head and then stomped after him.

"You're still angry about being here? I told you, you'll be re...."

"Just because you promised I would be returned to my home does not mean that I have to be happy about being forced into this predicament!" Nicolas interjected, not letting her finish. The pair glared at each other, Yasmina also walking up to Nicolas and staring him down until they were inches apart. "I still do not even believe you or the High Priest can even send me back."

"Of course the High Priest can! And if you don't even believe that it's possible why even help me?" Yasmina asked. After staring into her eyes for a few quiet Nicolas finally answered:

"While it may appear to be nothing more hearsay. It is also the only method that I know of as of now. What choice but to follow do I have."

Yasmina's eyes softened slightly but she still felt a tinge of frustration. She sighed and stepped back. She bashfully looked away from Nicolas'. She took a short breath.

"I promise you, I will make sure you return home. I just need the High Priest or his power to do so." Her voice was a whisper as she reiterated her intent to him. Nicolas looked away to the dim lantern to the side of their position. He was about to turn to walk further into the cave in order to finish the Trail but stopped when Yasmina softly grabbed his arm. "But regardless of that, you could at least try to have a better temperament. As my Guardian, you are to travel with me until we complete the Pilgrimage. If we can't even communicate..."

"I understand...."

"No you don't. If you won't even speak with me, how can I have faith that you will fight by my side in the Trails to come. Especially after what happened to the other Candidate."

Nicolas sighed and looked away. He peaked at Yasmina out of the corner of his eyes. The glow of her olive skin against the orange light from the lantern was almost breathtaking. And familiar thoughts started flooding his mind. The softness of her face, the firm curvature of her physique... Nicolas shook his head swiftly and turned to face the red haired woman.