"Insert Title Here" (Taj X Eldarwen)

Lena stopped dead in her tracks when Atleon told her who they were meeting. "You except a bunch of elaet people to accept a nobody?" She hissed to herself really, because well they were already this far and Atleon showed no signs of stopping. She followed him past the guards and into the room and she literally felt her stomach drop to the floor. Oh god, these people were dragon riders. It hit her that very second she was among people she thought she'd never meet. "Atleon..." She groaned, fully realizing what she was getting into.

And then it happened, there was a voice in her head. Lena stood perfectly still as the color drained from her face. The voice sounded harmless enough, but you always hear things about soothing voices in your head before they kill you.

In attempted to calm herself, she decided to at least talk to the thing before they decided to kill her. Lean knew full well that the overly wound elf woman was on stand-by ready to cut open her throat if she even sneezed the wrong way. "I am a humble traveler, is all, good dragon. I've not heard anything about a quest." Lena shot Atleon a glare, but continued, "Though, I would have no objections to assist if I am able to contribute." Lena couldn't believe how elegant she was sounding, even in her own mind. She was usually quick mouthed, and brash...but she supposed speaking to a dragon might straighten one out a bit. She smirked at her own thoughts.

Gaelina snorted indelicately when the dragons words were directed towards her indirectly. She had good reason not to trust this woman. She didn't exactly seem like the money grubbing type, her clothing being worn and had several patches or holes...but a spy is always plausible. It didn't matter what the dragons said, she had been given no reason to trust Lena and wouldn't.

Lena nodded as the Dragon accepted her unusually kind words and she sighed in relief. She did take notice though that Gaelina was still keeping a harsh eye on her and she shrugged it off. It was more that obvious that even if Lena proved she had nothing to hide that the elf woman would always distrust her. So why try?

At the mention of the war Lena knotted her brow in confusion. Never before had she heard of goblins and trolls at war with one another. Perhaps their territories were getting to close? Or the goblins wanted something? Who knows, she thought to herself. She looked up to see Atleon waiting for her response if she were to join.

"I too will assist." Lena said, making her way back to Atleon's side. The guy seemed dependable enough to cover her in battle if the need should arise and there was no doubt he was an seasoned fighter. A traveling companion didn't seem like too bad of an idea either.

Gaelina scowled in disapproval but did not say anything, knowing one of the dragons would chastise her for not accepting aid where it could be necessary. She didn't want Lena's help and she certainly didn't want to be around Atleon. One of the most intolerable men in the world. Gaelina crossed her arms over her chest, and awaited to see what the dragons would say.

Lena looked at Atleon once they were finally allowed to leave the large room and she too gave a sigh of relief. She didn't feel...right being in that room, like she wasn't worthy. But she quickly shrugged off the feeling, deciding not to dwell on it. She rested her arms behind her head as he began to apologize to her. "You've no reason to be sorry. If I didn't want to, I would have declined. I'm not the type of person to get myself involved if I don't feel the need or want. Now, as for not informing me about all of this..." She gave him a stiff punch of the arm. "Next time inform me, you've obviously no reason to distrust me. I could have up and been done with you long ago. That elf might be happier with me if I did." She grinned back at him and chuckled, enjoying the moment. A though popped into her head. "So, when..do we leave? Or, more so how long are we staying here?" She asked breathing in the clean air.

Lena considered Atleon's statement. It wasn't as if she was in a particular rush to leave or anything but it wouldn't be much use to stay here for more than a day....It would be nice if she could get a shower, or some dry clothes. Not like she could afford a new set, but if she could let them sit out and dry from the rain and trip in the river it would keep her from getting sick. She was sure Atleon had to be at least a little uncomfortable in the wet clothing, even more so than her due to the fact his clothing had to be heavier than hers. In fact this was the first time she took in his clothing. They were nice, made of fabric she couldn't hope to afford and he was well outfitted. A dry look flashed on her face for a moment, was there something else he wasn't telling her?

"I agree with some rest...but I don't think we should stay here long." She looked around as people seemed to be going about their business rather quickly and then back to him."You seem nervous about thing." She stated bluntly. "Is something wrong?" She tilted her head slightly. She was going to ask him where they could bathe but the look on his face was starting to worry her.

Lena nodded, looking down at her worn bow and sighed gently. It was time she got a new one but with her budget, or lack there of, she never really could afford it if she wanted to eat a meal or restock on arrows. She would never complain though, Lena choice this life style for herself and she was comfortable with it. New clothing too? He didn't have to go this far..but...who was she to deny such wonderful gifts in exchange for her services.

Lena narrowed her eyes when Atleon dismissed her question. "Don't think I can not see you hide something from me...but I shall not push it." Lena pushed her ponytail behind her back as it was once sitting on her shoulder and looked in the direction of the bath house. "Excuse me then." She said, unfolding her wings and not waisting time getting to the bath house.

The bath was....amazing. Lena couldn't even put words into how much she enjoyed the hot water and it put her in a refreshed mood. As Atleon had said, Lena found clothes waiting in the dressing room with a card with her name on it. Removing the card, Lena touched the new fabric with a hint of guilt in her heart. She would need to thank him. Dressing Lena was impressed with the dark brown light leather pants, and a darker top which she put on. Lena suddenly grinned, had Atleon noticed her mostly see through shirt and decided to give her a darker one? Grinning she made her way out of the bath house and looked around to see if she could find her way to the dining hall...or where ever she was supposed to meet Atleon for supper.

After a few frustrating directions and rather noncommittal responses from people saying they’d help her get to where she was going, Lena finally stomped her way into the dining hall. She didn’t understand why people around here couldn’t give her proper directions. Perhaps they were new the place as she was, or just too busy to deal with her for the time being. Letting out one more annoyed sigh, Lena entered the dining hall. To her surprise the place itself wasn’t that filled. Random people made their way here and there but otherwise it was quiet save for a few mummers.

Lena spotted Atleon rather fast and made her way over to him. “Sorry about taking so long, some rather frustrating people kept telling me to go different ways.” Lena sat herself down and played with a piece of something or rather sitting on the table. “Thank you, Atleon…for everything, these clothes are…” She looked up at grinned brightly at him, “They are worth more than almost all of my belongings. “ She wasn’t used to having to thank people, so it came out a bit awkward but she tried to convey how thankful she actually was.

(So short. T-T )

Lena yawned as she looked at the small morning light spilling into her room. It had been rather odd to be treated so differently by the young girl who had escorted her to the room she was currently staying in. Today was the day the two of them were supposed to be heading out. Lena still could not really believe how fast this was all going, but if she was used to anything it was riding the wind and letting it carry her to new adventures.

One thing tugged at Lena as she dressed though. She didn’t know much about her traveling companion. While the same might be true about her for him, Lena thought there really wasn’t much to tell about her. She left home to travel and did so…but this man seemed different. It was confirmed already there /was/ something he was keeping from her but he looked so…sad when she brought it up that she didn’t want to pursue it.

Walking out and going through the very annoying process of trying to find the black smith Lena was more then happy that she had woken up a little early to get there just as the sun was making it self known in the sky. “Morning.” She said, grinning at Atleon as she pushed her long black hair from her face. She wasn’t much of a morning person herself but whatever it took to get the job done she wasn’t really going to complain. Looking over what the smith had out a particular long bow has caught her attention. It was beautifully made.

Lena looked to Atleon for a short moment as he gave her permission to pick whatever she had wanted. Her bow that she currently owned had been worn and it might have never let her down…but the possibilities of it breaking in the middle of their ‘mission’ sounded rather bad. Currently Lena’s sword fighting abilities were weak but she could hold her own. She much preferred the precision of a steady bow with a deadly aim.

What had caught this avians eye was a long bow. It was made of what looked like a yew wood dyed with the deep redish brown color. The bow shaft was a traditional ‘D’ shape with a curved handle and the string attached to it looked of high quality. “May I?” Lena asked, looking to the blacksmith and then back down to the bow when he nodded in approval. Gently picking up the weapon, Lena’s eye glittered with apperception of the work that had gone into making this piece.

“This is a beautiful bow.” Lena stated, looking back up the blacksmith. “If I may, I’d like to take this with me. If there is anything I know how to do it’s to care for a good bow.” She knew that her own looked a little shabby at the moment but that was only due to the fact that she had owned it for so long.

Lena took the bow with some hesitance but it was brief as she grasped the weapon and handed over her own. “I’ll use it well.” She said with a grin as she looked over the bow once more and then to Atleon, ready to go. He lead the way to the packs he had prepared and she took hers looking it over. Wow, this guy was really prepared. Not only did he had money, but brains too. Lena couldn’t help but grin at her own thoughts.

“Hm, No I think I am ready to go, lead the way.” Lena said, unfolding and refolding her wings, itching to get a move on. Lena was rather bad at staying one place for any amount of time. She just could not sit still and do nothing; never could, never will.

As they began out on their trail had began to piece things together and thought it high time for some answers. “Atleon, you are from some rich or empowered family, aren’t you?” She asked bluntly. There was no way people would pay him such respect and he have all these resources without there being some sort of reason behind it. If he had worked his way into money, Lena still wasn’t sure that such respect from the dragon riders would come with it, no she was sure he was someone important and thought to have enough evidence in her mind to back it if he tried to deny.

Lena was more then pleased that she took the man off guard, but in all honesty if they were planning on going to war together then at least that much had to be known about something. Without trust there was no way they could work as a team, and in this case it was going to be necessary despite her history for being a loner. She nodded when he asked if she had been thinking about it. Well, she couldn’t very well bring the topic up without feeling like she had some evidence to support her claim. Lena would admit she wasn’t a social person and didn’t exactly know how to act around people properly but this is how she did things; Direct and usually to the point. She didn’t like going the prissy round about ways to answers or stepping on egg shells on topics.

When he finally confessed as to whom he really was Lena wanted to laugh. To say that it wasn’t possible that he was the rumored prince that was in these parts, but the look on his face told her otherwise. She continued to walk and let herself go into a contemplative state. It all made sense really, the money, respect, order even the dragon riders asking favors of him. “So, you are really the prince then…Don’t go expecting special treatment from me.” She grinned at him as she walked down the path, adjusting her wings slightly. Lena was defiantly not the type to feel awkward around those in a high position but she was more then glad to know Atleon had not been treating her like someone beneath him either. She fully doubted that she would have accompanied him if that had been the case anyway.

“So…Prince Atleon,” She teased looking over her shoulder to him, “how long do you think it will be until we reach the war zone?” Her tone grew more serious towards the end of her question. War was no joke, no matter what race was fighting against one another. She fingered the bow on her shoulder, feeling the smooth weapon with much pleasure. She knew if she were flying the time would be cut in half or more but she might as well take her time on the ground.

Lean listened as he spoke, amused by his annoyed yet playful glace. This fellow really was interesting to her, which she could not deny. Following the point of his finger, Lena squinted at the snow-covered caps of the mountains. A frown suddenly came to her face. “Atleon, how long do you think it will take to cross said mountains? I know we will have to be cautious but…” She thought of the biting effects of the cold, and the blind snow. She had no idea how rough the mountains were, but thinking ahead had never been a bad thing before.

At the mention of testing her new bow Lena stopped walking and looked at him with surprise. “You mean for me to draw my bow against you?!” The thought just seemed absolutely absurd to her in everyway. The possibility of the chain mail not working and it stabbing him would not only be a problem for him but for her as well. She could see it now: Prince brought down by crazed avian woman in the middle of nowhere! Screw that.

After much convincing from Atleon that he knew what he was doing Lena sighed as she set herself up 50 feet from where Atleon was now standing, looking prepared to take her on. “This is insane…” She mumbled to herself as she withdrew an arrow from her quiver and she gradually notched the arrow on her bow. Pulling the string of the bow back she tested the weight it could pull and seemed pleased. It was a bit heavier of a pull then she was used to but it would be good for her to move on anyway. “Ready?!” She shouted over to him as she aimed her bow for his sword. She just prayed that he didn’t actually sustain injury. With that as her last thought she released the arrow.

Lena couldn’t help the sigh of relief as the arrow went harmlessly over Atleon’s shoulder and she found she was slumping her own. Giving him a narrowed glace as his comment she waited as he walked over to her. “I had good reason to fear, prince.” She teased back, pleased with her own banter towards the man and watched him put the thing away.

“It’s rather useful, isn’t it?” Lena asked, nodding down quickly to the amour that seemed impossibly light for it to actually work. Though she just shrugged it off and eyed Atleon again. He was surprising her left and right. With a smile on her face she walked over to the arrow that had bounced off his sword and inspected it to see if it would be worth putting back in the quiver.

“I’d have to say, it pulls rather nicely and seemed like it can handle the strain….I will have to thank that man if I ever see him again.” She said the last part more as a comment to herself as she tossed the broken arrow head and stood once more to face Atleon. “Any more surprises I should know about?” She placed a hand on her hip and a grin on her face. She wouldn’t be surprised if there were.

Lena smirked at his this time, “I can’t say for sure, but you’ll find out eventually, right?” She couldn’t help the playful tone that spilled back into her voice as she spoke and literally sashayed her way past him and looked over her shoulder to toss him one more playful glance. The atmosphere around Atleon was an interesting thing indeed, Lena felt like she could be good friends with the man despite his royal history.

As she was about to jest with him some more a sudden whizzing noise caught her attention and she stepped back just in time for an arrow to skim across her shoulder. With a surprised look Lena drew her bow immediately and darted her head in several directions to see where the location of the projectile came from.

Without warning a man leaped from a near by tree, sword drawn and began to battle against Lena. She brought her bow shaft up just in time to black the blade from making a clean cut on her throat and sent a silent thank you up to the heavens that whatever this bow was made from didn’t break under the pressure of the weapon.

A second man, dressed in black robes jumped from the trees, completely ignoring Lena and what seemed to be his companion. “Why, Atleon, I thought we would never meet. What an honor.” The man’s voice dripped with sarcasm and contempt. “Never had I suspected you to travel with an avian, let alone a female.” The man gave Atleon a toothy grin. “Oh, forgive my manners, dear prince, my name is Sothen, I am here to assassinate you.” He said with a calm, and even tone drawing a duel pair of swords that sat on his hip. “Shall we?”