Never Ever

11

The elves resided within the great forest, near the bed of the mountain

The journey was delightful. Maya was smiling the whole time and Romeo had a goofy smile on his face. Axel and Ever were being vigilant

Even though their majesties had agreed on the necissity of providing a higher ranking guard with more magical power for Maya's safety, the board wouldn't allow more than one

Ever was constantly anxious, what made her more so, that she didn't know this guard. His name was Noire, he was huge, his face was scarred, he had long copper hair and very pale blue eyes, they looked like ice

She shivered whenever he glanced at her. Axel seemed to share her wariness about him, but Romeo and Maya took no notice of their companions' feelings

They reached the edge of the forest without incident

They were met with a small group of elves

Ever: Elder Lokin!

He smiled warmly: Welcome to our land your highness

His smile widened: It's been a while, Ever..

She nodded and the others regarded her curiously

Romeo: Your Lordship, this is Lady Maya Devin, the Mages' chosen ambassador for the alliance, and her friend and guard, Mr. Axel Merrins

Ever watched the elder as he nodded at Axel, he seemed to look at him as he was somewhat familiar, but how could that be..

Elder: It's a pleasure to meet you

He gave a slight bow, Maya curtsied and Axel bowed

Elder: I'm Lokin, this here is Sorin

He pointed to a tall lean elf, with blue green eyes and blonde hair

Elder: Ariana

He pointed to a girl that looked a bit like Ever, she had long dark hair and big brown eyes, but her ears were pointy

They continued introducing everyone, then they were asked to get into the village to rest

The elven elders were nice and hospitable

They agreed to join the alliance

Axel observed that Ever felt much more at ease with the elves, than with her own people

He asked her about that

Ever: The elves are understanding, and while they too have pride, theirs is just right, not over the top, mostly they are honest and undeceitful. Inspite of my condition, I was never looked down upon here. I've trained with them a lot. Physically, the elves are stronger than the fae

They kept sitting next to eachother and talking

Sorin was watching, he didn't like what was going on

When Axel went away, he caught Ever

Sorin: What are you doing with him?

Ever: Who? Axel? We were just talking, we are both guards to Lady Devin you know

Sorin: Yes, but..

Ever: Sorin?

Sorin raked a hand through his long hair, Ever had never seen him nervous before

Sorin: He's unworthy of you.. You can do much better

Ever: What do you mean, there's nothing going on.. It's not what you think

He shook his head and left

Elder Lokin: Sorin is not good with words. Go easy on him

Ever: What did just happen?

Elder: He fancies himself in love with you

Ever: What?! It cannot be

Elder: Oh and why so?

Ever: He doesn't act like it, for one..

He smiled

Ever: I'll go talk to him

Then she murmured: No wonder Arians hates me..

She found Sorin sitting on a tree trunk, she flopped next to him

Ever: Sorin, do you love me?

He was a bit flustered: Yes..

Ever: What do you love about me?

Sorin: When we fight, you can hold your own, you almost match me, even though you are fae

Ever: That's not love Sorin, but admiration

He was going to protest

Ever: Answer me this, who's more beautiful, Ariana or me?

Sorin: I think you are both beautiful to the same degree, you do look alike..

She smiled: See, if you truly loved me, you would have thought I was the most beautiful thing you've ever seen. Have you ever seen how someone in love looks at his beloved?

Sorin: No

Ever: You should see how Ariana looks at you

Sorin: Really?

Ever nodded: And might I remind you that she matches you in combat as well, she's even stronger than I am

Sorin: That's very true..

Ever was happy, she could see the possibility there, Ariana had always been in love with Sorin, but he was just too dence to notice

Ever: Another example for loving looks is our dear prince too, he fell hard for Lady Devin

Sorin: If that's the case, then there is something between you and that Axel, regardless of you denying it. He looks at you the same..