Ethereal

chapter three

Note: I have a glossary at the bottom

"Absolutely not! If I'm going to go on some kind of journey it's not going to be with her. She's not right in the head and I don't want her death in my hands," Kasen said angrily, gesturing harshly to Airlea with his thumb.

"Excuse me? That's incredibly rude Kasen, I did not raise you like that! Airlea is a beautiful, wonderful girl. She is smart and kind and you would be lucky to be friends with her! You will never disrespect one of my friends ever again under my roof." His father said angrily before sighing, "This is why I'm sending you with them, maybe they'll teach you some manners, or at least how to be kinder. Lea, I'll sharpen your daggers now, did you bring them with you?" 

Airlea nodded before reaching into the scabbard attached to her boot and then reached into the pouch attached to her belt and pulled out two daggers about the size of her hand. She handed them over to the  blacksmith who had calmed down considerably. He took them and quickly made his way out of the house, muttering something about ungrateful children. Marjorie looked up at Airlea, innocently. 

"Laylay is daddy mad at Kasey?" Her big blue eyes looked saddened by this thought. Airlea smiled at the four year old, not ever wanting to see the dear girl saddened by anything. 

"Of course not, there's no reason to be mad at someone who only tells the truth," Airlea was too busy watching the girl go back to playing with her doll to see the glare Kyna sent to Kasen. Airlea looked up at Kyna after a few moments of watching Marjorie. 

"We should go. We have to tell our parents. Marjorie, I have to go now," She told the little girl, setting her on the ground so she could stand up from the kitchen stool. Marjorie wrapped her arms around her legs, tightly. 

"I love you Laylay," She murmured into her thighs. Airlea bent over to hug Marjorie. She squeezed tightly. 

"I love you, too, little girl, stay beautiful," She said, standing up and petting her head. Marjorie let go of Airlea and ran over to her brother. 

"Kasey, I know that you said something mean to Laylay, that's a nasty thing to do! You should be nice to her because she's pretty and nice." Marjorie told him sternly, shaking her finger at him. Kasen looked at his young sister, stunned by her lecture. Kyna giggled and the two girls made their way out of the door, leaving the siblings alone. Drina was waiting for them outside, resting in the shade, under a tree. She got up when she saw the girls come out and made her way over to them. 

Has he agreed?

"Yes, he gave us these," She said revealing the beautiful bow and sword. Drina stopped in her tracks. "Is something wrong?" Airlea asked her. Drina shook her head.

No, but those weapons are seeping with magical power. Give the sword to Kyna. It calls to her as the bow calls to you.

"Okay, hey Kyna, Drina said that the sword is yours. Here," She said holding the sword out for her. Kyna came over grinning. 

"Oh," She gasped, grasping the sword in her hand, "It's beautiful," she murmured. They both started to walk. 

Wait, Airlea. Drina started before Airlea could walk away.

The girl stopped midstride and turned around, cocking her head to the side. The tiger moved closer to her.

There is a message from the ones who are sending you on your journey. They think because you have agreed to go on this journey blindly that you should know what you are throwing yourself into. Know that it is far too late to change your mind. Airlea nodded as Drina continued.