History Of Blood

Travel

"Why do you have to go?" Haya was helpless faced with her younger sister's teary blue eyes. Serena clung to Haya's arm like she was drowning and it was the only thing keeping her from going under. "Rena, I have to go, if I don't, thousands will die. I have to go to the capital." Haya gripped her hand that still clutched her sleeve, gently prying it off.

After waiting ten days, forming a plan with Tarron and Alvana, Haya was finally prepared to journey to the elven palace; they made a plan for her to get inside. Haya tightened her grip on the leather strap of her bag, making a mental checklist in her head. She had enough food for a month, water, a map, coins for lodging on her journey, the pendant Tarron had given her, and a map of the royal palace.

She double checked everything, making sure she hadn't forgotten anything important, she didn't know how long she would be gone. She pulled her cloak tighter around herself, not wanting the winter air any closer than necessary.

Haya had traveled long distances many times, that seemed like all she had done for years, but since living with Tarron and his wife she felt less prepared then she once had been. Now, at least, she wouldn't have to worry for her siblings safety while she was gone.

"Are you sure about this?" Haya looked up from her checking, meeting Llyr's grey-green eyes, he also had a thick winter mantle. She hadn't realized he'd come outside, she had planned to have Serena go get him before she left.

She stared at him for a long moment, looking over his features before she paused, remembering he had asked a question. She thought a moment before answering, "yes, I am, this is my responsibility." Haya smiled, looking at him with eye's only a sister could have, knowing how hard it was for him to see her go.

"But why!" Serena shoved herself between them, still looking hurt and scared, clearly panicking at the thought of her older sister leaving. Haya knew she was afraid of what might happen while she was gone, she had been the reason they hadn't died when their mother had; she was Serena's only parental figure, she had been for nine years, that was until they had found Tarron.

"Rena," Haya bent down slightly, using her nickname. Serena was much shorter than either of her older siblings, "please understand, I have a responsibility to do whatever I can to stop this war before it begins, I'm the only one who can convince the King this country is in danger." Serena looked down, she may have been fourteen, but she acted only half her age so often it made Haya forget how old she really was.

"But won't you be in danger? What if 'they' find you? 'They' could kill you!" Serena grabbed Haya's arms, gripping them so tightly she winced. She knew who Serena was talking about, and she had brought it up to Tarron and his wife Alvana, that was the main reason Haya had decided to leave Llyr and Serena. If she was attacked while traveling, she could better protect herself if she wasn't worrying about them, and if she was attacked at the palace, she would be the only one blamed.

"Serena, I'll be fine, they have no idea where we are, and it's been nearly a year since the last attack. Whatever happens I just want to make sure you two are okay." Haya pulled her arms out of Serena's hold, placing her own arms around her and drawing her into an embrace. "Promise me you'll take care of Llyr, okay?" Haya whispered into Serena's ear, though it clearly hadn't been quiet enough as Llyr snorted next to them, "yeah right," he muttered.

Haya let go and turned to Llyr, "look after her," she smiled and hugged him as well, pulling him down. Llyr was seventeen, and had already far surpassed her in height; he must have gotten it from their father, as Haya remembered him being so tall he had trouble walking through the house; though that could have simply been the thoughts of a little girl much smaller than a grown man.

Turning to look at Tarron and Alvana, Haya remembered how kind they had been to let three dirty orphans live with them, and they had been nothing but wonderful since then. Her heart warmed with the memory, and she felt her eyes sting. Only them, they were the only ones she could trust with her brother and sister, the only Fea to lend a hand, no strings attached. "Thank you, so much," she said, bowing low.