Thorns

Chapter 1 (An old friend and a tired heart)

          Heavy footsteps echo in the hallway, alerting me to his presence. A small smile slides across my face, I'd know the sound of those old boots from a mile away. Across the dark room I watch in anticipation as the old wooden door opens, revealing his brown eyes and tall form. I can't help but stare as he walks in, plopping down on a stool sitting in the corner of the room. "Hello, Neldair." I say, sitting up against the wall. "I was wondering if you'd remember." 

          His voice is smooth as silk coating the room in a familiar warmth. "However could I forget my only friends birthday?" He reaches into his coat, pulling out a small ornate box. I take it from him sliding my fingers across the roses carved into the boxes wood, admiring his handy work. A small silver latch keeps the lid closed and I look up at Neldair. 

          Excitement fills his eyes as he motions to the box. "Well go on and open it already." Seeing his impatience I move the latch and lift the fragile lid. My eyes grow wide with wonder as they take in the contents. A single knife rests in a bed of red crushed velvet, looking wickedly sharp. "Thank you so much! It's beautiful....It's what I've always wanted." I grip the knife in my right hand raising it into the light, allowing me to see the red metal woven into the blade. 

          I sigh loudly before setting it carefully back into it's box and latching the lid. Look up at him with a tired expression and a knowing look I ask, "What is it you need help with this time?" Neldair stands up and walks to my bed before sitting on the edge. "What exactly leads you to believe that I need your help, Sara?" 

          "You never come unless there is free food, or you need something. Now out with it. Tell me what it is you came here for." He shifts and lowers his head slightly as if wounded. "There's a young boy, a mage, and he's gone rouge. Killing his family and now the townspeople of Grelford. I need someone with your...abilities to help stop him."

          "Ah." I say. "Well, that teaches me to hope for nothing more than a friendly visit. On my birthday nevertheless." Eyes glowing golden with my magic I lay my hand on his shoulder. My love for Neldair is the only thing keeping me from sending him away. "I spose I'll help you, but this will be the last time." 

          His eyes grow bright as he slides from the bed. "I'll see you in the morning then, Sara. Pack for warm weather and meet me in the tavern." He slowly backs out of my room and shuts the door. Leaving me with a happy expression and a new knife. Wanting to get as much rest as I can before morning I set the box on the wooden nightstand next to my bed and slide beneath the blankets. Thoughts of him racing through my head send me into a restless sleep