the darkness is equal to death... (Oh hold)

2 ~ GOING TO

"I mean, its annoying as hell. She should know that I hate anything to do with men! And this guy, Ziko, what is his problem? I mean, he cant be part of the tribe! He seems more like a predator-- wolf, more like it-- than Forsaken. What should I do?" I was so frustrated. and I knew that Lina-Ki would listen to my ramblings. She too had hated the fact that we women were forced into marriage, she had become a bride herself. However, her husband died right after the actual wedding due to a chandelier falling. He had pushed her out of the way.  It was so sad, especially since he proved his love for her then.

"I don't know, Tina. He sounds like a wolf to me, but honestly. He probably is on edge because he has never talked to you before. You know that some guys are embarrassed to talk to a pretty girl." She started braiding my long, unusual white hair.

"IT just makes me so mad! Its as if he wants to break me, make me like a faithful woman who kisses her husband's feet. I won't do it! I refuse! People stay away from me anyway, since I am the village drunk's daughter. Why is he coming after me?" I groaned.

"Oh please. Guys come after you because you're pretty. If you are pretty, then most likely your kids will be beautiful too. That's what men really want, a pretty woman and good-looking kids. The male population is just stupid."

I laughed. "True. As soon as I'm able, I'm leaving this place, for good. I mean, what happens in the really world? Are there vampires and werewolves? Other Elven tribes that we aren't in contact with? I mean, I have to know!"

" And you will! But if you leave the village, then I will loose my best friend... and I don't want to have to go through that. You know what happened to that girl, a few years ago. She was considered dead, and we aren't even allowed to even say her name anymore. I don't want that to happen to you."

" And nothing will! I will climb over the walls if I have to, in order to see you. Heck, why don't you come with me? It would be an adventure! No one would be in charge of us, and we'll live on the road. Doesn't that would like fun?" I turned to look at her. "Lina? You okay?"

She looked like she was on the verge of tears. I've never seen her like this, and it broke my heart. Did my naïve words actually hurt her? oh no! This is bad, this is very bad!

"Tina-Ani, I'm... I'm sorry. I cant do it. I need to be here, for my family. I know you hate your life here, but I cant leave my life. You know that I am being noticed by some men our age, my father actually has had someone come in and ask if they could court me. I'm sorry. I cant leave."

"Oh..." I truly don't know what to say now. Why didn't she tell me this sooner? I mean, I am her best friend afterall. I was there for her when no one else cared, and now she has left me after I have asked so little of her. Was my best friend who I thought she was? No, of course not. Things are never what they seem. Everything has layers, like an onion. So this is it, it has come down to this. I guess I will have to go on my own now.

"Annie... I'm sorry. If I leave, then there will be no future for me. There will always be something for you, anywhere. its time for you to fly, Annie. Go spread your wings, be the first to leave the nest. I will be fine..." She gave me a weak smile. "Go. I knew that you would try to ask me to leave, so instead of me coming with you, I will send along a travel pack that I made several years ago when Maxi-Pa (her husband-to-be) started courting me. Its already waiting at the hole in the wall. Go! Now is your chance!"

SO that is how I left my village, left my home. And now, I must face the music of the foreign world.

Wish me luck.

I am going to need it.