This is a bit of something i've started writing. xD ---------- She woke up to the rustling and bustling of another weary day of preparation. However, she noticed the tension in the air- the silence looming above their heads, threatening to slit their throats, like a murderer from a bad dream. Cautiously, she opened her eyes and sat up. Owen was at her side in a flash. “What is it?†She barely breathed in his ear. “Somebody’s decided to stumble upon our base. He’s about 30 yards out, but he’s not just exploring. We’re going to see what he wants.†He paused, as if waiting for something. He just looked at her. After moments of him staring at her, she asked irritably, “What?†“I said we’re going to see what he wants. ‘We’re’ as in us. Come on!†He grabbed her hand and pulled her up. She dusted off her armor, pulled her quiver over her shoulder, and grabbed her bow. “Ready,†she said, more brightly than she felt. He smiled gloriously at her. She smiled back. They set off down the hill. “So, what do you think he wants?†Owen shrugged. “Well, I’m not sure. But maybe… just maybe he only wants to see what we are doing. After all, he could be a nomad.†“Could,†she repeated, voice dripping with doubt. Why a nomad would come this close to what was obviously a battle station, she couldn’t imagine. Spies were not uncommon during times of warfare, and you had to be careful. They were within earshot now, so she didn’t put these fears into spoken words. Time seemed to slow down as they approached each other. While their footsteps closed the visible gap between them, tension, wariness, and curiosity closed the mental one. As he got closer, she could see more of his features. Slim, lanky body, with raven black hair that shaded his eyes in the front, but dipped down into a braid that went all the way down his back. His arms were slightly muscled underneath his royal-looking garments. His walk was casual, but he was walking fast now that he saw they were coming to speak with him. They finally reached each other, keeping a one-foot gap between the two groups. “Hello,†the young man said, speaking first. She saw now that his eyes were a golden brown, like warm honey. His voice was not quite deep, but confident, with obvious authority in it. She put him at 17, which was two years older than what she actually was. Owen and Gabriella bowed. “Hello,†they both said. Owen spoke next. “What are you doing around here?†He asked, trying to sound casual. “Oh, just wandering the neighborhood. I see there is a battle brewing,†he observed, nodding his head at them. Gabriella nodded. “Between Avery and Evelyn.†He nodded. “I’m sorry, where are my manners? My name is Alexander, but you may call me Alex.†Owen started immediately in. “I’m Owen, and this is Gabriella.†His eyes went to Gabriella, putting her under a stare that made her heart misbehave. “Gabriella… such a pretty name,†he said, putting her hand up to his lips. A deep red went from her cheeks to her neck, even touching the tips of her ears. He put her hand down, still holding her in his gaze. Owen was glaring at him, nostrils flaring. “I don’t currently belong to either side of this battle, but I would like to join. Seeing as though I found you first…†Alex said, then paused and looked around. Lowering his voice, he added, “Why don’t you take me back to your base, tell me the story behind this war?†Own nodded, and Gabriella was sure she could see the suspicion in his eyes. They turned and walked back to camp. They approached the General quietly, unsure of what his mood was. He was a stocky man, but firm and quite scary when he wanted to be. He was able to keep all the soldiers in line when he needed to. After all, why else would they not be running off at night, to spy on the other side, unauthorized? He was facing the sun, the breeze ruffling his hair a tad. He was gruff as he turned to them and said, “What d’ya want? This army’s not goin’ta assemble itself, doncha know.†They laughed brightly. “I believe Alexander here has something he’d like to ask you,†Owen said, pushing (slightly) Alex in front of him. Alex nearly stuttered as he spoke. “Well, these two came to meet me, and I learned of this battle from them. I was wondering if… if I could join,†he finished, looking boldly into the General’s eyes. Surprising them all, he answered, “Well there, young’in, seein’ as though we could use that sort of enthusiasticism, shore! They’ll outfit ya in some chain mail, give ya some real armor.†He gave Alex a slap on the back as they turned to walk away. “He isn’t that friendly to even us,†Gabriella said, clearly in awe. Alex shrugged. “Must be charisma,†he mused, giving her a sly wink. Gabriella laughed, but she didn’t mis the scowl Owen had on his face behind Alex’s back. He stuck out a foot, which Alex tripped over. “My apologies, Alexander… here, let me help you up…†Gabriella raised an eyebrow, but didn’t comment on it. Best to let boys be boys….
