Fabled Dreams || Book 1: Truth

Chapter 3

"My name is Phobos Trivinan, knight of the Phoenix and of the nineteenth troop of the Trianth Army." The knight said quietly, he sat up in bed weakly laying against the headboard to stabilize himself.

"Arianna?" Shadow's voice called. I looked towards the door as he entered.

"What is it?" I asked blinking shyly, hoping he hadn't received my letter just yet.

Shadow stopped short, "Who's that?"

"Shadow, this is Phobos, Phobos this is Shadow." I introduced the two resisting the urge to add, 'and play nice, boys.'

"Ah. Hi." Shadow awkwardly waved and I chuckled getting up from Phobos's bedside.

"We should let the knight get some sleep." I ushered him out with me and grinned at Shadow, "You know... you are adorable sometimes."

He huffed in slightly amused annoyance and we walked, side by side, through the passageway and back up to the lawn which smelt of Jasmine, Chai, and Roses. Flowers blossomed everywhere in the dugout gardens and it was beautiful. I smiled softly and turned to face Shadow, "Thanks..."

"For what?" He asked, giving me one of his signature half-smirks.

I giggle and punch his arm playfully and he hugs me. He nuzzled his face in my hair and murmurs into it, "Don't ever leave me..."

My face turned bright red with embarrassment, "Uh... uhm... Sha...Shadow...." I stammer, gulping shyly.

He pulled only slightly away so our faces were super close and he tilted my face up so our lips were inches apart from each other. It was kissing distance close.

"SHADOW!!" Roared a voice behind us. I squeaked slightly as Damien stormed up to us. "I saw what you were going to do!" Damion was furious. He pulled me away from Shadow.

I bit my bottom lip, my face crimson with embarrassment and confusion. Shadow glared at Damion angrily, "Hey, Arianna. Why don't you vacate the premises so we can settle this like men."

"A duel?" Smirked Damien, "Oh, you are so on!"

I sighed slightly annoyed and rolled my eyes as I walk away shaking my head in exasperation. "Boys..." I murmur to myself.

I walked into the house and went to check on Phobos. As I entered the room he began to stir weakly. I sat on the side of his bed and quickly busied myself by taking care of him. I placed a damp cool washcloth on his forehead and his eyes flutter open weakly. He tried to sit up gingerly but I stop him and gently push him back down. I gave him a small smile, "You shouldn't sit up again. You still need to rest."

Phobos grunted in answer. "Are you hungry or thirsty? Even if you aren't you still need to consume something to regain some strength." I asked him and he slowly nodded his head. "Alright. I'll be back with some food and water." I stood up from his bed, it creaked a little and I left the room making my way to the kitchens.

Once I had reached the kitchens I looked around wondering what people food the cabinets held and what I could use to cook a decent meal. I walked over to an icebox and opened it looking thoughtfully at its meager contents. 'Hmm... well, let's see... there are eggs.... ah! There is some cream cheese too... hmmm... I wonder if... ah, yes here it is! Some green onions.' I quickly grabbed all three ingredients and scrambled them together in a small cast iron pan. My father had made this a few times for me before he had gone on that trip with mother. It had been delicious. I piled some on a plate and took it to him. I carefully set him up, "Can you eat it on your own or should I help?" I asked softly.

"I can eat on my own." He smiled weakly reassuring me.

I smiled softly and got up as Phobos took a bite, "This is delicious! You are quite the cook."

I blushed softly and laughed gently, "Heh, thanks." I left the room and head towards the forest.

~*~

I wandered through the trees thinking, grateful for the solitude and silence of the forest. Yet again, however, my peace was short-lived and all of a sudden I felt a prickle on my neck like someone was watching me. I glanced around uneasily, checking my surroundings. I didn't see a young male elf perched in a tree nearby observing everything I did. A raven landed on his shoulder and cawed rather loudly.

"Quiet Diavaul!" Hissed the elven boy. The raven bowed his head meekly.

At the sound of Diavaul's cry, my head snapped up to look for the source. I took an involuntary step back as I looked up in a tree to see him and his raven out of nervous surprise. The elven boy jumped down landing cat-like on the leaf-strewn ground. The raven on his shoulder squawked in protest but he ignored him.