***

***

Conner rolled over out of bed, hitting his head on a table corner on the way down. What had happened last night? He felt like he had the worst hangover in the history of mankind, and it wasn’t just because of his now bleeding forehead. Unconsciously creating a temporary tourniquet with his sleeve, Conner stumbled onto his feet and made his way to the mirror.

Surveying himself and the wound (which certainly wasn’t fatal), the young man tried to remember the previous night’s events. He could remember that he was thinking about... Something...Someone...? Did it matter? Yes, yes it mattered.

What -or who- had he thought of? Was it something pointless and passing? Or something that was life-changing and powerful? A man? A woman? A chair? A sword, a battle? What? He knew it wasn’t something beautiful or fair, but something promising still. Something or someone he’d perceived quite well, without actually seeing it (him? her?). Conner certainly had a gift with that.

He often surprised people with his perceptive nature, a quality he’d had since he was a child. It seemed most people only thought of him as either a brave knight or a selfish and self-centered man, both of which were true. Conner knew he had very few layers and he liked it that way. But, why had this seemed to change?

Conner suddenly realized what was wrong: his usual lust for money, power, fame... It was all gone. It felt like a huge weight had been lifted from his soul. But with that weight, Conner had felt alive and slightly devious. Now he felt weak, helpless, and maybe even a little afraid.

"Afraid of what?" He asked himself, looking up into the mirror, into his own doe brown eyes. The eyes pleaded with him, for what, he did not know. But he ignored them and looked at his forehead. Carefully, he wrapped it in a bandage that covered his entire skull. Pulling on his white peasant shirt, black pants, and red cloak, Conner went over the day’s plans in his mind, trying to ignore the emptiness within his spirit. He left the inn a few moments later, stopped at a stand to buy some fruit and dried meat for the road, and started down the path to his fate. What that fate was, he didn’t know.

The path quickly grew difficult His horse had problems dodging the low-hanging limbs. This was one time that Conner was appreciative of his small stature: many men would have had to turn back by now. He smiled at this thought. Suddenly, flash of gold caught his eye. And although his lust for money had left him, his natural curiosity hadn’t. The gold moved quickly toward him and he slowed the horse to a stop. Was he imagining this? Was the pure golden glow moving by itself? Conner’s eyebrows raised by themselves when he saw a fair face accompanied by what now seemed to be hair. He’d been raised in a part of the land where all the natives had dark hair and had never seen a blonde before. The face, although beautiful, was twisted angrily.

"Argh, why is it impossible for men to forget about women for one solitary second? Why can’t people just be curtious to each other?" Her voice was not the purest voice he’d ever heard, for it was coated heavily in a strange accent. It was nice to hear a woman’s voice, though.

"Um, excuse me, madam?" He spoke softly, but loud enough for her to hear. Her neck spun to him so quickly that he jumped a little.

"What?"

"I- erm, I was just wondering-- Are you lost?"

She glared at him, "No, I’m going to Mount Gilder."

"You’re going in the wrong direction, madam. The lovely mountain is over there." He pointed it out through the trees. "I’m going there myself. Would you mind if I assisted you?"

"I have no idea who you are. And I’ve already had my share of brainless males for the day, thank you."

"My name is Conner. I’m from Newberry. And I swear I’m not brainless."

"Why are you going to Gilder?"

"...I don’t know."

"Oh, no, you certainly are a sharp one!" She rolled her eyes. "Going somewhere without knowing why... A sign of pure genius, that is."

Conner shifted a bit uneasily. "I think I have a slight case of amnesia. It’s really not fun, you know... Knowing what your name is, but not knowing who you are and going somewhere, but not knowing why. I think a bit of my soul escaped me last night."

The lady’s eyebrows were now raised. "I- I’m sorry..."

"It’s okay. You didn’t know. What is your name, m’lady? Just to satisfy my curiosity."

"My name?" She paused. "Gabrielle."

"Oh. Well, Gabrielle... Hopefully we’ll meet again." He tipped his hat to her and motioned his horse. She held up her hand to him.

"Wait, sir... Is that offer still available? There’s really no point in us travelling alone."

Conner smiled at her. "Yes, madam, I agree. Here, you should not have to walk." He jumped down and her eyes grew wide. Conner stood a mere inch above her, less than any man she’d ever met. She found this nice, however, because she could look directly into his eyes and read them. He assisted her up and led the horse down the path.

***

Gavin Duboire stared dismally at the sky it had been two days since Temperance had tied him to a tree and took his dignity along with her. Although, it was a fatal blow to his ego, he knew now more than ever that he had to have Temperance as his bride.

She had this fire about her, she was stubborn and more beautiful than any other maiden he had looked upon. She was skillful with a sword and very opinionated, but that would all change once they were married his alluring betrothed would learn then that a woman’s place was to keep silent in a gentlemen’s presence and to birth handsome young heirs to the throne. He could just picture it now. Ha…A fine future for a king. Gavin called out to his soldiers, "You men, head to Mount Gilder, bring me Princess Temperance with great care, and remember she is your future queen."

"Yes, sir , we will retrieve the princess at once." Gavin bid his men a safe return and called upon his clairvoyant advisor.

"Yes, Sire, you summoned me?"

"Why, yes I did, I have a question for you, How is Princess Temperance doing?"

Gavin’s advisor consulted his crystal bowl. "Sire, she’s riding with a young man."

"What?!" Gavin screamed in outrage.

"Yes, and I foresee that if you do not do something this young man may shatter your hopeful future."

"Not if I have anything to say about it!" Gavin stormed out of the room to join his army.

***

Felicity slumped down on a chair in her chambers. I didn’t give Edric enough , she thought. I didn’t believe that he could do something like this and he did, thank goodness I gave Gavin’s phony advisor a vision, but there must be something more I can do.

"Not from a scoundrel like you!" she shouted angrily.

"You are getting bitter in your old age."

Realizing what Edric was trying to do, Felicity batted her eyelashes and waved her hand Edric’s voice was now muted. "That’s much better….sigh…poor thing must have laryngitis." She said with a cackle. Edric irritably left her chamber to rid himself of her black magic. Felicity slumped again in her chair this time in high spirits.

***

Edric’s lungs filled with sweet, long-missed oxygen. He stared down at the bowl of water as droplets fell from his face, creating tiny ripples. His reflection was distorted, and sometimes he thought it was better like that. It wasn't like he had low self-esteem if the thought of himself as ugly, was it? It is just the truth, he told himself.

"Why am I asking myself this?" Edric had freed himself from Felicity's spell hours ago, but he didn't bother going back to her chambers. No reason to interrupt her short celebration, now was there? Nor to allow himself to torment. Sometimes he wondered if Felicity was the reason he had such a bad outlook on himself. No, no, this was all justified and she had nothing to do with it. He made his way to the cauldron in the center of the room. Careful to not get any water in it, Edric peered into it’s depths.

"Show me Gavin Duboire, please."

The sorcerer wasn't sure why he was more interested today in his rival’s pawn than Conner, but something inside of him had told him that this man needed attending. He’d always had a sixth sense, so his feelings were easily trusted by his higher consciousness. Edric knew Gavin well, even though the soldier knew nothing of him. He despised the man deeply, for he had even less selflessness than Conner. Edric believed that Gavin had very little to no redeeming qualities and Temperance needed someone who could at least learn to love.

Edric was on his knees next to the cauldron to get a better look. I really need to get a stool or something in here, he thought as the images swirled before his eyes. He peered over the black edges and his eyes widened. Just as he’d suspected, Gavin was trying to take Temperance by force.

"Oh, please," Edric sighed and rolled his eyes. "Some of these mortal men are so stupid..." And even if he does catch her, there’s no way she'll agree to marrying him. She's too free-spirited and stubborn to do that.. He'll have two choices: kill her or succumb to humiliation in front of the kingdom. And something tells me he won't go with the latter. Why must everything lead to death, honestly?

Edric waved his hand over the cauldron, ceasing the images. He paced back and forth before going back to the cauldron.

"Show me Temperance," he said quietly. He found it ironic that neither himself nor Felicity had seemed to check in on the princess herself; they'd both been too caught up in their game. Edric, for one, was becoming concerned about Temperance. And he really didn't know why...

The cauldron showed her in the forest... Was she...Smiling? Edric raised an eyebrow at this. Why is she smiling? Her kingdom is in ruins, a madman is after her desperately trying to her her hand in marriage, and--

The he saw it and his face lit up in a smile similar to that of the princess. She was with Conner! He led her and a horse along a path through the forest, and he was talking animatedly about nonsense. She laughed and he looked down at the ground, smiling. She responded, appearing to ask a question and he replied. Temperance nodded and laughed a little again. Edric shook his head, baffled. Not only had they found each other, but Temperance and Conner seemed to enjoy the company. As smug as Edric had been in Felicity's presence, he hadn't been sure how these two would match up in reality. He was, to say the least, pleasantly surprised.

***

Later, after it was dark and the two had set up camp for the night, Conner somehow managed to build a fire. They shared supper and chatted more, sharing the tiniest details of their former lives. Conner had a suspicion that Gabrielle wouldn't be too interested in stories of war or soldier training, so he dug deeper into his past, back into his childhood. He'd grown up in an upper middle class family with three brothers and two sisters. He was the eldest and always took charge, annoying his siblings. She smiled as he wove the tales of how he'd always have to drag the boys out of trouble. Few people had ever known this side of Conner, the side that wasn't afraid to let down his guard just a little.

Gabrielle applauded as he finished his story and her eyes sparkled. Neither of them showed signs of fatigue, even though the hour was most certainly late. Their conversations continued on and on for hours, and Conner barely noticed that Gabrielle didn't mention her past. During the conversation, both moved around ever so slightly until they were finally in sleeping positions across each other. The fire separated them, but they could still look into each other's faces as they spoke.

"Hey, Conner?"

"Hmm..?"

"This won't be a long journey will it?"

Conner made a couple of calculations in his head, "Maybe three weeks? I'm not sure. I've been at war for the past couple of years... My mind's kind of foggy."

"Oh," she said quietly, looking down. "Conner?" He looked up at her. "Mind if I ask you one favor?"

"What's that, Gabrielle?"

"If we're ever caught in some sort of battle or confrontation, and you can get away and I can't, go for it. I can take care of myself. Don't bother protecting me, okay? Can you promise me that?" She looked up into his eyes again and he was taken off guard by this question and by her pleading pale blue eyes. He'd only known her for a day, yet this look in her face already struck him as odd. She really means this...

"I promise. But you have to do the same for me, agreed?"

She nodded and yawned. "'Well, I guess I'll go ahead and go to sleep... Goodnight, Conner."

"Goodnight, Gabrielle." He watched her turn away from him and doze off.

***

Gavin and his troops moved swiftly into the night. Gavin had grown mad in the past few days; he had not once let his troops lay to rest. He had made a vow to himself and Temperance, he would find her and they would be wed at once. He could not imagine another day without a son.

When Gavin’s advisor asked him "Don’t you mean you can’t imagine another day without her?" He replied " Oh, her too." The man rolled his eyes and obediently left his lord’s side.

They traveled on wearily. The troops morale was becoming very low. That’s when they spotted hoof prints in the trail. "Someone had to have just passed through" one of the soldiers exclaimed. They traveled on not seeing the beautiful woman enclosed in purple smoke.

"Well it’s a good thing I got them going in the right direction. Men they have no sense of direction." With that she disappeared.

***

Temperance woke early and contemplated leaving Conner. She couldn’t let her true identity slip. Gavin had to be on his way searching for her by now. Temperance grimaced. "I have to find Mount Gilder and find out my purpose, I have to find a way to save my kingdom." That’s when Temperance made her decision she took out a piece of paper from her satchel and scribbled Conner a note. She thanked him for his help but she really must leave him, it was urgent. Just as Temperance was about to leave the note…

"Temperance, my future queen."

There stood Gavin and his entire army. There was nowhere to run and nowhere to hide.

Temperance glared up at him, her eyes burning holes into his. Two men suddenly appeared by her side and, quick as she was, she couldn’t escape them. She struggled with all of her might. What’s the use? These are soldiers for Heaven’s sakes.

Temperance was lifted off of the ground by the two men and her feet didn’t touch it until she was standing directly in front of Gavin. He looked her up and down and snatched the note from her hand before she had time to react. He read it slowly, as she’d excepted him to. His eyes finally left the paper and looked into hers.

"Who’s Conner? Is he that man you’ve been travelling with?" Gavin knew the answer and Temperance knew he knew. Gavin looked over his shoulder to the remaining troops. "Find him and kill him. Ask no questions."

***

"What are you dreaming about, Sleeping Beauty?" Felicity’s taunting presence filled Edric’s senses.

"Winning," was all he said. He didn’t know if this was true; he couldn’t remember his dream, which was odd in itself. He raised his head slowly, knowing from his position that he’d likely have a pain in his neck. He’d fallen asleep on his desk, using both his right arm and a spell book as pillows.

Felicity’s form came into focus as he opened his eyes. The morning suited her and she was standing a few feet past his door. Her outfit was fiery red, contrasting his dark blue robes that he still wore from the previous night perfectly. She wore a smug grin on her face, never taking victory for granted.

"I’m sorry to hear that your dream won’t come true."

Edric’s eyes suddenly became bright and his face cleared of all grogginess, "What do you mean?"

"Gavin has found Temperance and captured her."

Edric stood now and strode over to Felicity. He still kept a few yards between them, but they could see each other perfectly now. Felicity noted that his dark hair was even messier than usual, and that a few strands fell into his now stormy eyes. She’d always marveled at how his blue eyes seemed to change with his mood.

Felicity continued with her announcement moments later as if silence hadn’t interrupted it at all, "They’ll be married within the week, and she has no say in the matter."

His eyes looked up into hers and she was taken aback for a moment at how angry they really appeared. The two of them had carried on this relationship for decades now, and she’d never seen him this way.

"Felicity... You may consider that a victory, but I wouldn’t."

Felicity raised an eyebrow at him, "Oh?"

"Temperance may be marrying Gavin, but she doesn’t love him. He doesn’t love her. They hate each other in fact, and have an even worse relationship than the two of us, which is saying something." His look seemed to intensify at these words; neither of them knew if he meant it or not. "She’s too independent to live a life like that, so she won’t even try it. She’ll lose the will to live. Her marriage vows will be a death sentence, Felicity. I can see that, she can see that, and even Gavin can probably see that, although he’s too thick to realize it. The only one in this whole affair who can’t is you, Felicity. You’re too blinded by your infatuation for Gavin." Edric’s voice had changed rapidly during this speech, growing with anger and jealousy. He was nearly shouting with the last sentence. It was certainly the most he’d ever said at once to the sorceress standing before him.

Felicity’s smile had disappeared minutes ago, and her mouth had been plain, unemotional. But these words caused the corners of her lips to fall slightly. She finally tore her eyes from Edric’s and they fell down his form until the only thing filling them was the stone floor.

"Oh... Well, I guess you’re right," she said in barely a whisper.

Edric’s eyebrows lifted and suddenly he was filled with several more emotions, pity and shock being two of them.

"Felicity, I... That was out of line... I’m sorry."

She shook her head and he saw that her eyes were filling up with tears. She’d tried to hide them, but he could still see. "Don’t be. You have a right to be angry. And you’re right. I- it isn’t a victory... Oh, what have I done?"

He moved closer to her, holding out his hand. He wanted to hug her, hold her... Something. He couldn’t stand seeing her like this. There’s something about seeing someone you love, someone who is so strong and stubborn, break down in front of you. They bring you with them, although not on purpose. It’s even worse when you know you’ve cause them to become that way.

Felicity turned from him and quickly disappeared in her usual puff of smoke.

Edric looked down at the floor and quickly withdrew his hand, "No, the real question is ‘What have I done?"

***

Conner awoke quickly sensing something wasn’t quite right.

"Gabrielle." He called wondering where she had gone.

She hadn’t left a note or anything. Conner tried to shrug off his worry about her, but he couldn’t.

She was very brave and independent but he still couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong.

Conner sighed. "She could have told me something, I mean she could be kidnapped or worse." He said angrily.

He knew this was getting him nowhere, besides he had to get to Mount Gilder to claim his prize the beautiful Jocelyn. Somehow, though that didn’t really seem important and the only beautiful woman on his mind was Gabrielle. He had to find her.

***

Felicity normally the one to pout, stared into her cauldron. She always felt better when she was working. She felt needed.

"I would like to see Temperance." Felicity gasped at the sight. Temperance was locked in the dungeon of Gavin’s castle. "How could he do this to her?!" She said aloud.

She mentally scolded herself. I can’t get emotionally attached to these people, "But haven’t I already?" she whispered. I have to do something to make things better for them.

Felicity began thumbing through her spell books. When Edric appeared. Felicity continued to look through her books.

"Felicity." He whispered.

"Can’t you see I’m busy?" she snapped.

"I’m sorry I’ll just leave these here." He said and with that he disappeared. Felicity turned to see a bouquet of her favorite flowers, violets, and a note.

Felicity,

I want to apologize to you for the way I treated you the other day. I was just angry at the situation. I hope that you can some day see that Temperance needs to truly make her own decision. We both are guilty of fooling with these young mortals emotions. So now I feel that I must confess something. Felicity, I have greatly enjoyed working with you these past few centuries. You have always been fun to work with and argue with. You have always been brutally honest with me and that’s why now I must get this off my chest. Despite my harsh words from the other night, I do respect you and what you believe…. even more than that I’ve always loved you. Please don’t laugh, I am being serious. I love you Felicity, and until all this foolishness with Gavin, Temperance, and Conner started I wanted to confess before. If you want me to I’ll say the thousands of clichés we have heard from mortal’s tongues over the years, it could take awhile, but I will do it for you. I want to spend all of my future lives with you. IF you don’t feel the same way I completely understand. I hope that me telling you this doesn’t hurt our awkward friendship.

With love,

Edric

Felicity’s eyes filled with tears she couldn’t believe he had written this. She reread the note at least a million times, giggling at the way Edric chose his words so carefully. It’s funny, she thought. I loved Edric the moment I looked into his blue nerdy eyes and felt that I could never be worthy of him. She sighed. "We’ve wasted so much time, but no more I must find Edric and tell him how I feel. No more worrying about everybody else.

"So where could he be?" she whispered. "I’m right here." He whispered and before he could say another word she kissed him passionately. "Yes, Edric, you’ve always been here it just took me awhile to realize that. I do now."

***

Temperance sighed, already bored with her surroundings. She’d already panicked and decided that would do no good. Gavin wasn't here anyway, and it was pointless to complain to the guard. It wasn't like he could do anything.

"Oh, when will Gavin just give up?" she said, acting as if she were talking to herself. She added a mirthless laugh. The guard slowly looked at her and it was as if she could read his thoughts: Why does he want a lunatic to mother his children?

"I’m talking to you, sir," Temperance looked down from the ceiling and into the guard's wide dark blue eyes, which were still surveying her for more signs of madness. "I’m not crazy, if that’s what you’re thinking."

"Oh, erm," the guard cleared his throat. "I- I wasn't..."

"Don’t deny it, I saw that look on your face."

He looked at the ground and didn't respond. She raised an eyebrow at him, something seemed vaguely familiar about the man, but she couldn't put her finger on it...

***

"Gabrielle!"

Conner was shaking a bit now with fear and cold. Night had fallen and the stars brought with them frigid temperatures. "Where are you?" He barely whispered, not even really talking to anyone anymore. The young man pulled his cloak around him tighter. She isn't coming back... a voice told him in the back of his mind. You know she isn't the sort who would just leave you. Something must have happened.But somehow, she was different...

How am I supposed to know that? I only knew her for a few hours... And women are creatures of deceit. 

Conner shook his head, trying to clear his mind. Suddenly he felt something heavy fall into his back and he fell to the ground, crushed under its weight. Pain melted into his ribcage and back at the same time. A sharp chill met with the back of his neck, followed by warm, thick liquid.

He was quickly gagged and blindfolded. The captors didn't care how much pain he went through: they just wanted their job done. Conner felt and heard leaves and twigs crumble under his weight: he was being dragged through the forest. The crumbling stopped and he felt grass underneath his body. He was lifted off the ground and swung: "One, two three..." An icy prison slowly encased him as he felt his body sink lower into the depths of the lake...

***

Gavin smiled with the way things were going he could be married to Temperance by sunset. He had disposed of that thorn in his side Conner. He knew that he was just a distraction for Temperance. She could never possibly see anything in someone as weak minded as Conner. He and Temperance thought the same way; they had an understanding, he just knew it! Gavin had the greatest cooks and party planners from far away lands come to prepare for the festivities. He hated leaving Temperance in the dungeon but he sighed and with a smug smile whispered to himself. "It's best this way she can save all her energy for tonight, what a spirit she has?! "I think I'll go see how the little filly is doing right now..."

***

Conner gasped for air before him stood a dark and imposing figure. "Who are you?" He choked out.

"I am a friend and that's all you need to know, I'm here because the girl you know as Gabrielle, Temperance is in trouble." Edric said already impatient with the situation.

"What? I just met this girl and I've nearly been killed why must I help her?"

"Look here buddy, I realize you are a little shaken up, but you are the only one she has. Conner, you love her, I can tell the concern in your eyes for her."

"Okay, you are losing me....Who said anything about love?"

"It's okay to be afraid at first, but once you see her you will know it's love."

"Okay, Dr. Love...so can you tell me where exactly Gab-Temperance is being held against her will?! Before Conner could say another word he was at the gate of Gavin's palace.

***

Felicity was truly being tested today. What could she do? Adriana, her advisor and the sole person that could see to it that she could get a real assignment after this, had visited her. So now she had a big decision to make help Gavin keep Temperance and lose the love of her life or lose her powers and do the right thing. Sigh...this wouldn't be easy.

***

"My betrothed!"

Temperance groaned and rolled her eyes at the sound of Gavin’s voice. The cheerful ring in it could NOT be a good sign.

"What do you want?" she asked, already impatient with him.

"Just to see my bride before the wedding," he smiled at her, and she could see the lust in his eyes already.

"I think that’s considered bad luck in some cultures, my GROOM."

"Well, I’m willing to chance it." He looked her over. "You know, we aren’t so different..."

"How’s that?"

"We have a mutual understanding of life, we both realize that the needs of the world as a whole are more important than the wishes of individuals. We both know that sacrifices are necessary, don’t we?" His eyes stared into hers, with a strange look in them.

She glared directly into his stare, "This isn’t a necessary sacrifice, it’s just a game to you. Your servants and soldiers and pointless wars aren’t enough for you. You’re bored, bitter, alone, angry... And you take it out on me, your future bride, the woman you expect to be bound to for all of eternity! Well, I refuse to play along. I’ll die before I marry you." She turned away, leaving him to stare at her profile. And with that something incredibly deep inside Gavin’s soul shattered into a thousand pieces...

***

Conner made his way to the drawbridge of the castle, pure determination in his eyes. He took another step and as he did he was shocked to learn that there was some sort of dark force field around the entrance.

"What sorcery is this?" he demanded

Of course no one would answer. He scowled. How am I to help Temperance now? He quickly armed himself with his sword. He struck the field and was shocked with such powerful force to the ground. He glared at his own stupidity. "Hmmm….I wonder why that didn’t work?" he questioned, sarcastically with an angry sigh. So now how do I get in? he thought.

***

Felicity struggled to hold back tears. She had made her choice and that was that she kept reminding herself. She was in her own chambers draped in several dark shawls over a scarlet colored robe. The fact was the room was not cold, but no one could convince Felicity otherwise. She had done something terrible. "I could lose the love of my life" she chided herself.

She poured herself a glass of sherry to ease her nerves. "I’ve also ruined Temperance’s life and Conner’s."

"How could I be so selfish?"

"I was wondering that myself."

At that Felicity turned knowing the voice behind her was Edric. Before Felicity could utter a word, Edric held up his hand. "You didn’t believe in my love enough to risk your own powers?! You were selfish as you so willingly called yourself and cruel, you know that Temperance will wither away and die if she’s with Gavin," Edric’s voice was rising with every word he spoke. So maybe I haven’t seen him angry

"It’s over Felicity, you HAVE made your choice, and I hope you can live with yourself." With that said, Edric stalked off angrily.

Felicity let the tears fall she could hold them back no longer. She slowly got into her bed pulling the covers over her head. "I don’t care what you say Edric, I will win you back and figure out how to keep my powers…somehow," she whispered as she drifted off into a listless sleep.

***

Gavin was overwhelmed with the feelings he was having. He couldn’t put his finger on it. What was going on?

"She’s just a spoiled princess, sir don’t let her get to you." Gavin’s advisor chided.

Gavin started to scold him and then stopped himself. "I can’t, I think I love her."

Gavin’s advisor rolled his eyes and left the prince to think for himself. Gavin’s eyes lit up as the door shut behind him. "I have an idea."

***

Temperance lay in the dungeon of Gavin’s palace, finally lulling into sleep. She saw the hurt in the man’s eyes before her. She couldn’t tell the color of them, she reasoned that they were obviously Conner’s. She wanted to take away his pain. She felt something in the air, she thought were sparks. The man pulls her close and she recognizes the color. Not Conner’s. Gavin’s.

Temperance wakes with a start and realizes she enjoyed that dream a little too much. Temperance reasons with herself. "I did not like that dream, I did not like that dream, I can’t like that dream!" she wants to scream. The harder she tries she can’t seem to get that dream or Gavin out of her mind.

***

Adriana wandered around the corridors of her prison. It technically wasn't a prison, it was the tower of Felicity, the sorceress to whom Adriana was an advisor. But spending all that time with her had taken a toll on Adriana. She tuned out everything around her and never paid attention to anyone....

Someone is crying... It's coming from his room... Is he okay? Has she hurt him...?

Or at least, anyone but him.

She cautiously peered around the entrance to the room, her long and messy red hair swinging over her arm. There he was, his head in his hands, kneeling in the middle of the floor, bent over so low that she wondered for a moment if if he was lying on his stomach.

"Mister Sparks... Edric?" she said in a voice so quiet and light that she doubted he'd heard her. But he looked up, his beautiful eyes red and bright. She cautiously moved herself into the room, taking small and nervous steps to him until they were close enough to touch. She knelt down beside him.

"What happened?"

He began crying again and collapsed onto her, wrapping his arms around her shoulders. Her pale eyes grew wide and she forced a smile away from her expression. My heart is going to melt from this happiness...

Adriana put her arms around him and whispered, "It's okay, it will all be okay, I promise... I won't let her hurt you again..."

"Thank you," he whispered into her shoulder, his voice ragged with sadness. "Whoever you are, thank you so much..."

***

The next thing that Edric remembered was waking in bed. He rubbed his now swollen eyes. That's when he remembered her. A beautiful angel with fiery red hair that seemed to form a messy halo on her head. Did he dream this vision up in his head....no, he remembered how soft spoken and kind she was. He remembered her gentle embrace and the kind words she spoke. Edric realized something he had to find her. He had to repay her for her kindness. 

***

Felicity grumbled something incomprehensible. 

"Wake up....you've been in bed three days." Adriana said beginning to lose her patience.

"How am I to get up when my heart is breaking?" 

"Drama queen" Adriana said softly, but not softly enough. 

"What?!" Felicity shouted sitting up in bed. It wasn't like Adriana to criticize. 

"Nothing." Adriana said she turned and pulled a blue robe out of Felicity's bureau. One look and Felicity was bawling. 

"Th-Th-That's Edrics's" 

Adriana  tucked the robe into her satchel, happy for an excuse to see how Edric was doing. She pulled out a robe this time it was a mixture of purple and red. "Now Felicity....please go wash your face and get cleaned up." Once Felicity was all cleaned up, Adriana felt a pang of jealousy. How could she compete with that? Felicity was the most beautiful woman Adriana had ever seen. She had this bewitching power about her that made any male man or mortal fall for her. Adriana hugged her quickly. "Thank you, Adriana you always know what to do." Felicity said sweetly. 

"That's why I am your advisor." she said with false cheer....and with that she disappeared in a puff of red smoke. 

***

"Well, Well, Well.......Conner of Newberry.....since my men could not destroy you, it seems that I'll have to find use of you." Conner stood in front of Gavin in chains. Conner glared at him angrily. It had not taken Gavin's soldiers long to notice and capture Conner. "So I've decided how you will help me.....wouldn't you like to know?"

"I'm not helping you....you tried to kill me and you are keeping me from my quest."

"And what quest might that be?"

"Returning to Princess Jocelyn, of course." Conner replied.

"Somehow, Conner, I think we both know that you are no longer concerned about her. You are concerned about what is mine."

"What is yours?!" She's a human being Gavin....Don't you realize that? If you don't let her speak and you lock her away in your world of meaningless parties and socials she will die."

"You don't think I know that?! That's why I've decided to give her an early wedding present and you will help me pick out the perfect gift."

"The only thing that you could give Temperance that'll make her smile is her freedom."

"Now we both know that's not going to happen, Conner...So I've decided that you are going to help me pick out a riding mare for Temperance, one that is as beautiful and spirited as she is." Conner scowled, knowing he had no other choice.