The Ties that Bind

Chapter 1

(Evonne's POV)

I was out doing what I did best, completely skipping lessons even though this time Willow was teaching. She was a fantastic teacher and basically my mom but the unexplored forest was calling my name and it was an offer I just couldn't refuse. I was on my merry was per usual when there was a sound that was out of my normal routine. I did my best to silently creep closer to the noise even though I knew I should have gone back to where it was safe. Upon reaching the clearing I hear no other than my lovely sibling Ash smirking at me. 

" It's about time you showed up Ev I was beginning to think you might have actually gone to your lessons for once" said Ash. 

I roll my eyes at them. " I have no idea what you are talking about my dear sibling of mine. What can I not just go for a casual stroll among the branches?" I ask hoping to think of a way out while they were talking. Ash laughed loudly to where it echoed. 

"Oh don't give me that bs we both know that you are skipping your lessons. I just don't understand why you can't just sit there for a bit and listen what Willow has to teach you. You are lucky that she is even still willing to teach you after everyone else quit" says Ash as they twirl a blade of grass. I roll my eyes again at them. 

"Ok ok you caught me once again but you can't blame me that one teacher was rather rude" I huff while Ash chuckles. "While you may be right on that one you still need to learn what you can before its time to fully take over your duties." I sigh softly know that they are right like always. We start to walk back to the part of the tree where Willow was sitting and reading a book waiting for us to return. She looked up giving Ash a knowing look and the classic motherly look.  "Are you ready to start today's lesson my dear?" she asked softly. I nodded and sat down making myself comfortable while Ash went on their way to the scrying bowls. Willow began her lessons while I sat the best I could to listen to her and before I knew it hours had passed by. 

By the time the lessons were over for the day I was exhausted and ready to relax. I went out into my little part of the tree where there was a messy pile of books and drawings along with a hammock. I decided to take what was supposed to be a short nap but ended up sleeping a few hours not that I was complaining. I stood up and stretched while yawning and decided go for a small walk to wake myself up more. I grabbed my bag that had snacks , a journal and sheathed a dagger because you never know what you might run into. Along the way I heard a familiar flapping of large , sturdy wings and smiled big. I looked up to see my dragon Ja, he was a brilliant cobalt blue that shimmered in the sun. He plopped down and spoke in my mind "there is my little rider I have missed you." I smiled again and spoke aloud " I have missed you too, it has been a long few days. He nodded in agreeance and found a spot to curl up comfortably. After he was settled I nestled into my spot and relaxed. Ja was always so warm and felt safe, I felt braver when he was near because I knew he was always watching my back. We sat there enjoying each others company for a bit. Than I decided to sing since we were along and I tend to be shy around others to do it. I continued to sing and play with Ja's paw, lost in the song and thoughts I thought we were alone in the forest but I should have known better. What I didn't notice was the tall fallen angel approaching us with burning curiosity.  He politely cleared his throat which made me stop mid song embarrassed and of course causes Ja to snarl quite menacingly. The stranger quirks up an eyebrow and says "Well it's not everyday you see a girl as a rider now is it." That sentence immediately puts me on guard with the man. 

I stiffen and say "It is not everyday a strange being crosses into these woods making rather rude assumptions now is it." My response makes him chuckle lightly and he says back " Allow us to start over and introduce ourselves shall we? My name is Azazel and might I add you have a lovely voice." I scoff lightly and roll my eyes but oblige. "Well Azazel my name is Evonne Raisa but you can call me Ev if you'd like and thank you. However, what are you doing around here I know this area like the back of hand yet I have never seen you before." He smiles slightly. 

"I am but mainly just passing through however, I do have some business to attend to at the tree" he says casually. I nod and say would you like an escort back? I know a quick way that will get you there in no time." 

He accepts my offer and follows me making sure to keep his distance from Ja but I don't blame him , Ja is one of the biggest dragons there is and not to mention he breathes fire which is pretty cool. As we walk back to the foyer of the tree we continue to make small talk making sure to reveal nothing about who I am. Willow has given me many hour lectures about keeping our identity secret unless someone really needs to know since it can put not only my sibling and I endanger but also many others. Upon reaching the foyer I see Ash and Willow along with some guards waiting for us which seemed to shock Azazel but not me since Ja probably linked with Ash's dragon explaining the situation.

 I smile big and walk over to my sibling and Willow giving them both big hugs and then go back to standing by Ja eating a snack. I get a few eyebrow raises about the guest but I shrug it off and tune out the seemingly important conversation knowing I will get a debrief later from Ash. I leave the foyer and head up to my room to change into some training clothes and head to the arena. I go through my usual warm up routine while Ja watches from his corner lazily. I pause to take a break and take a drink of water and then headed back to training grabbing my sword that was a gift from my father. I continue to train when I hear a low whistle and I whip around seeing Azazel leaning on his sword watching , "Sorry I don't mean interrupt your training please continue." I chuckled and replied " you are more than welcome to join the training if you'd like , let's see what you've got." He nodded and agreed " Alrighty then."