WinterField

Chapter 1 - The Party

"Sophia, hurry up!" Ash shouted through the closed door.

"Ok! I'm going! Just one more ..... zipper!" Sophia shouted back. "And.....done!"

Sophia walked out of the small room wearing a beautiful red and white lace dress that was shorter in the front and longer in the back. Her hair cascaded down her back in soft curls, and her lips were cherry red to match the dress.

"Your dress is on a chair in the room Ash. Hurry so we can get to the party!" Sophia said.

"Ok. Ok. I'm going!" Ash said.

A few minutes later Ash came out of the room wearing a purple and cream colored dress about knee length. Her hair was curled at the ends and pulled back into a top knot. Ash walked out with her head down, as though she was shy of how beautiful she looked.

"Wow," Sophia said.

Ash turned a bright red.

"We should go," Ash said shyly.

Ash walked downstairs and out the door while Sophia followed in her footsteps. About halfway there Sophia started a conversation with Ash.

"So, Ash, are you excited!" Sophia asked.

"Excited about what? It's just a welcome party for EmberMoon." Ash answered.

"Yeah, but you get to talk with Sage! There are even some rumors that you will have marry him within the month! It's so exciting!" Sophia exclaimed.

"Yeah. I guess it's exciting. But isn't it kind of awkward since Sage and I are just getting to know each other?" Ash said.

"I guess so. It would be nice to get to know the person first, before making any moves. It would be even better if he was allowed to pick the person he liked. Someone like me..." Sophia said dreamily.

"Earth to Sophia," Ash said.

"Oh! Sorry, Ash, he's just so...dreamy" Sophia said.

"Don't worry about it, Sophia. Do you think Quinn will be there? I really need to talk to him. He got so upset when I told him I was engaged, and I just want to make sure he's OK." Ash said.

"I'm sure he's fine. You should spend your time with Sage. It would be better to get to know him if your gonna marry him." Sophia said.

"Your probably right, but I still want to check in with him," Ash said.

When Ash and Sophia arrived at the party, Sage was already there. He wore a navy blue suit with a white tie; he leaned up against a table with a glass in his hand. His dark hair swept over his eyes, and he smiled and waved at the two girls.

"Look, there he is!" Sophia exclaimed.

"Can you keep Sage busy while I go find Quinn to apologize. Just tell him that I will be with him in a moment?" Ash asked.

"Of course! Go find Quinn. And be sure to take your time!" Sophia called after Ash.

Ash walked away from Sophia, and out to the sides of the party to see if she could spot Quinn. She saw Quinn sitting by himself at a table farthest away from the party. Ash walked over to Quinn and stood by the table.

He looked so handsome in the moonlight shining down on him, and a candle lighting up his chiseled jaw. He wore a gray suit with a black tie. His hair, as usual, was unruly and messy, but Quinn always seemed to look handsome.

"Anyone sitting here?" Ash asked Quinn.

"Oh, no Go ahead," Quinn answered quickly.

"Please talk with me, Quinn," Ash said sympathetically.

"About what. It's not like you told me you were going to get married to some stranger." Quinn said angrily.

"I'm sorry Quinn! It's not like I have a choice! How would you feel if your parent said you were to have an arranged marriage!" Ash shot back.

"I'm sorry Ash," Quinn said sheepishly.

"No. It's OK. I came over here to apologize. Not yell at you. I'm sorry I didn't tell you I was engaged. I should have told you sooner." Ash said.

"I shouldn't have gotten so mad at you when you told me. I had no right to storm off like that." Quinn said.

"I should probably get back now. I'll ask Sophia to keep you company. Is that alright?" Ash asked.

"Go ahead. I want you to get to know your husband-to-be. I'm sure Sophia and I will just fine." Quinn answered.

"Thank you for being so understanding Quinn. I'm glad you're my friend." Ash said.

"No problem. Now go have fun!" Quinn said.

Quinn let Ash go get Sophia, and while he waited he played around with the little magic he had left. It swirled around his fingers as a light purple mist.

A few years ago when Quinn was 16 he was a very powerful magic wielder. He was hunting in the woods with Ash and Sophia, and he had his eye on a deer waiting for the perfect moment to shoot the arrow when another arrow came out of nowhere and hit him in his chest. The arrow had blue mist coming from the feathers at the end, and Quinn's chest. Quinn fell from his perch on a small tree, onto his back. His mouth dribbled out some blood, and his breathing was staggered. The arrow had pierced his lung.

"Quinn!" Ash had yelled. "Sophia, find the person who did this! I want them killed!"

Sophia ran into the forest looking for any clue that led to the person who had tried to kill Quinn.

"Oh, Quinn. We're going to get you help. Don't worry!" Ash said.

Word Count//939