Author: Astrid, Posted: Sun May 28, 2017 6:25 PM, Post Subject: Runaway[P/R]

Astrid had noticed him eyeing her cousin but she couldn’t fault him for it. He was a man with wants after all and while some would have turned away Daulton didn’t seem like the type that would. He noticed her though and he immediately he went to respecting her and she let out a little chuckle.

Together they all ate dinner and shared wild tales. Though it appeared that Daphne had the best as she told stories of the forest around them. At some points it made Astrid jump and it appeared like Daphne knew Astrid’s buttons and pushed them. They all laughed and it was wonderful.

In the morning, they all said goodbye to Daphne who told them she would be making her way back to Sularia for the wedding herself but not with them. Sadly she couldn’t stay as the forest needed her here. Astrid hugged her cousin and set out with Alden and Daulton to go back to the capital of Arri.

Once they got there she was shocked to find out that the wedding was being postponed due to Cyprus’s attacks on the courts of Arri and the trouble she was stirring. It was shocking to her but she knew that everything would be alright eventually. She parted from Daulton and Alden only to go home and scold her grandmother for being so rude to Daulton. Things could possibly never really change, not that she minded. Not now at least.

Author: HellRaiser, Posted: Sun May 21, 2017 10:28 PM, Post Subject: Runaway[P/R]

Daulton’s life hasn’t been one for settling down. Even as a child he would travel with his family. They had a family home but it was never for more than a few months. Arri was the first place he really stayed at, but he still kept leaving. He loved adventure, the thrill of fighting, and sex. Ever since the encounter with Lotus, it was like he couldn't get enough. He would also take her rule as well, no love. He didn’t want to love again after her. She ripped out his heart and stomped on it.

That was until Astrid, he felt warm around her. The aurora that always shined from her kept him happy. It wasn’t the sexual attraction that drew him to her, it was her love for life and family. She loved to smile. He did want to sleep with her, but not as much as he wanted her presence. He was glad just to be standing beside her.

As he walked beside her, he listened to her speak. Their hands would brush against each other every so often. He kept the smirk from appearing on his lips. “Soft,” he would think every time. “I’m glad.” He said to her after she said she would come back to Arri again. That was her home after all, he didn’t know why he was worried for a moment. 

All thoughts vanished when her heard the rustling from the plants before them. He stood ready, he wasn’t sure if it was a wolf ready to attack them, or just a bunny. You couldn’t really know while walking in a forest. When the creature emerged from the bushes, he sighed. He was right about the wolf part, but she didn’t attack. Astrid was quick to speak when the wolf appeared so he knew that the wolf was not a threat.

The wolf before them soon transformed into a human. A naked girl in fact. While the two women conversed, he couldn’t help but let his eyes wander. “Damn.” he thought to himself as his eyes traveled up her body. He didn’t even notice the scar on her chest.

Realizing that Astrid was still there, he cleared his throat and quickly turned around. He didn’t apologize, maybe they didn’t see? He only stared for a quick second before turning around, but that second was a long one.

After he heard the rustling of clothes stop, he took his que to turn back around. He smiled at him when his eyes met hers. Her comment towards him. “No, it didn’t.” He returned her smile then nodded at her words about her children. Thinking back to the children, he never really thought if he wanted kids, but he knew not now. He was lucky enough not to have any after the women he had slept with.

Daulton soon let out a laugh at the excitement of the girl beside him. “She sure is cute when she is excited.” Daulton thought to himself then nodded. “I would like that.” He agreed to her showing him around. Then the marriage hit. He thought back to his father in that moment. Resisting a sigh he pushed his thoughts away. “Let's get back and eat.” He laid his hand over hers that was on his arm and smiled down at her.

Author: Astrid, Posted: Wed May 10, 2017 10:40 PM, Post Subject: Runaway[P/R]

Astrid looked at Daulton and tilted her head. “Grandma didn’t tell you? She sent me here to stay with Daphne so I could have a vacation away from Arri. Apparently, Grandma went and seen Aunt Angela and had it worked out… She never does that. Aunt Angela and her get into fights all the time so… It was weird that my grandma cared enough to talk to her… She wouldn’t tell me what she had to do for this favor though.” She frowned a bit and soon she was cheerful again.

She laughed a bit and shook her head. “Oh no, while it’s true Rosenites mostly eat vegetables and fruits we still do like meat. Depending on the person cooking the meat is really good.” She smiled at him. “I will come back to Arri. I was just here because I was upset at you and thought I would see you… So Grandma asked me to take a break and come here. Learn the wilds through Daphne.” She got his meaning and gave him a smile. “I’ll be back home soon.”

There was rustling in front of them and she stopped for a minute. “Keira? Is that you?” A large golden dire wolf came out. It had green eyes and it was staring at Daulton. Before long its form began to shift and it was a tall nude blonde girl with green eyes.

“Yeah, it’s me. I’ve been here in the forest watching to make sure you didn’t trip and fall. Oh, and that Daulton didn’t get overly lost from Mother’s quest.” She moved over to a little hideaway and pulled out some clothes. “Thanks to Daphne I had clothes stashed here already.” She pulled her shirt and pants on before tying up her blonde hair.

“Oh… Grandma was that worried?” Astrid tilted her head.

“Not particularly. She said that Daulton was the type that could protect himself and Alden had been told beforehand where to find you if Daulton got lost. I was here just to make sure that nothing overly bad happened out of the blue. In case that you didn’t know that Daulton, my mother told Alden where Astrid was this whole time.” Keira smiled at him. “I hope my yelling at the manor didn’t startle you too much. It’s just she does that to everyone she perceives as a threat.” Keira rubbed the back of her neck.

“Didn’t she do that to Torn?”

“Yeah… but we were pregnant and she didn’t know him… The dragonfire whiskey she was going to give you knocked him on his ass.” Keira came over to them and smiled at Daulton. “She’s a hard ass because she is a warrior. It’s all she knows and I know it’s hard to look past that but when Torn found out how she actually was she was like his mother. He idolized her and loved her as his mother. She’s gotten over you now so she shouldn’t be such a pain in the ass to you anymore. Can’t say the same for Daddy though. He is still going on about his baby girls bringing boys into the house. Mom has been telling him to get the hell over it… It’s quite the thing to listen to. I think he is thinking about locking Tempest up.” Astrid chuckled a bit.

“The children you saw in the manor are mine and Torn’s. He’s gone now but they are still here at least.” Keira gave a smile. “I’ll be heading back now… Daphne should be able to get you all home from here.” Keira waved and walked off in the opposite direction she came.

“See? Everything will be alright!” Astrid was so happy that she clung to Daulton’s arm and smiled up at him. “I’ll have to show you everything in Sularia when we get back. Besides, I have to go back… My cousin is getting married!”

Author: HellRaiser, Posted: Mon May 8, 2017 11:39 PM, Post Subject: Runaway[P/R]

As she spoke of her parents, Daulton listened. He regretted what he had done to her. She had a strong heart, but sometimes the strongest of hearts could be broken. He resisted a sigh and decided to not think about the past any longer. He needed to make up what he had done to her. The half demon didn’t want to be the one who broke her heart.

While he helped her to the ladder, his thought about what she had said about her grandmother. He didn’t know how he would ever like someone like her, but he was opened to the idea. He would give her another chance to change his mind. Deep down, the half demon didn’t think she could. She was old enough that she wouldn’t change, what he saw was who she was. Maybe even just a bit of who she was. With a mental shrug, he pushed his thoughts away.

Climbing down the ladder after Astrid, Daulton jumped down just like her. When he saw his brother he waved a bit. Alden waved back but continued to help Daphne. The half demon turned his attention back to Astrid as she started to speak. He nodded. “They are grumpy old men.” He said with a laugh, thinking about the time he met a few with his uncle.

When she offered him a fruit, he took it into his hands. Turning it this way and that, he inspected it. He was taken back by the smell but didn’t let that stop him. He peeled back the spiky skin and then bit into it. She was right. After he swallowed he nodded to her. “Very good. The smell though… Wooo. “ He made a face then started to walk alongside Astrid. He just then noticed her wings were missing. “She looks beautiful either way…” He thought to himself as a smile appeared on his face while she spoke. “It is really nice of Daphne to take you in.” He commented as they walked.

“Veggies are good and all, but sometimes you just need a good steak.” He smiled a bit at his words. “Hopefully you're not vegetarian.” He said to her then took another bite of the fruit in his hands. His eyes roamed the area as they walked side by side. His eyes occasionally looking at her. “So what are you going to do? Stay here? Or will you return to Arri?” He asked her, he hoped that she would return sometime soon. Alden and himself would have to leave soon. They really weren’t even supposed to be gone.

“It would be nice to see you in Arri sometime.” Daulton commented, hoping she would get his meaning. He really didn’t want to say it. They were “friends” after all.

Author: Astrid, Posted: Thu May 4, 2017 10:35 PM, Post Subject: Runaway[P/R]

“One day yes. I believe they fear losing me like they did my parents. I remind them a lot of my mother. She died so easily of a broken heart that it scares them.” It was true that an angel’s heart was easily broken and that was why Rem and her grandma were so cautious with her.

Astrid tilted her head and smiled. “You will. It might take a bit before she opens up but… she isn’t always such a hard ass. She is a sweet person to especially to Kite and Tempest.” She chuckled a bit and smiled. “Well she let you come here and that is a start. She just is rude with her words.”

She let out a squeal as he pulled her up and laughed. “I can, its more of a little tribe though. They don’t have buildings and Daphne doesn’t know why they started to center around her tree house. Though she suspects they think she is the forest guardian who will protect them from a great evil.” She followed him and he helped her climb down the ladder. She dropped herself after she felt safe enough to.

There were plenty of tribesmen that were checking out the small group. Daphne was showing Alden how to cook using the natural resources of the rainforest. Astrid beckoned him just a bit. “There are ents here too. I like them but sometimes they can get moody and Daphne gets into arguments with them.” She laughed as she reached into a basket and gave him a durian fruit. “It smells really bad but it tastes really good… Trust me?”

“Don’t ruin your lunch too much,” Daphne yelled over to them. Astrid blushed a bit and laughed waving back over to them.

“Daphne is one of Aunt Angela’s daughters.” She informed him as they walked. She munched on pieces of the durian as they walked through the small tribal area. “There is a small vegetable garden that Daphne has for herself in the back too.”

Author: HellRaiser, Posted: Thu May 4, 2017 10:23 PM, Post Subject: Runaway[P/R]

After her words about her grandmother, Daulton laughed a bit. He wouldn’t put it passed Toya. She would do anything if it pleased her. With a nod, he let the conversation about her grandmother go. He just got Astrid back into his life and didn’t want to ruin it.

Astrid next words made him think for a moment. “One day they will have to let go and let you fight your own battles.” He turned away to look out the window. His family had always been their for him. When the demon took control when he came of age, they were their, but not as much. He needed to face it on his own, they could only give him the tools to help him. After he gained his control that was when his whole life changed. The once sweet loving child was gone. Now he was an outspoken, womanizer who didn’t really say anything nice. Maybe it was partly because his father left.

Astrid’s soft voice broke him out of his tance, making him turn to look at her with a small smile. “Maybe.” He teased her at first then grew serious. “If I see the other side maybe. But if all I see is the side from the other day, I can’t.” He wanted to be honest with her. “Actions speak louder than words.” He finished with a quote he had heard a million times before from his father.

“So!” He quickly stood up, grabbed her hand, pulled her up with him. “How about you show be around this little village?” He wanted to lighten the mood and get his mind of his father. Taking the way out his brother went, he let go of her hand when he reached the later. “After you, my’ lady.” He held her hand for a moment while she got her footing, her hand slipped out of his. He was ready to follow her wherever she wanted to go.

Author: Astrid, Posted: Thu May 4, 2017 10:01 PM, Post Subject: Runaway[P/R]

Astrid looked at him for a moment a bit dumbfounded. “She baited you…” The words left her mouth a bit before she started to laugh. “She isn’t really that bad nor would she do anything like that… unless she really doesn’t like you. At least she wouldn’t do it to family… I don’t think.”

She smiled at him as he sat down next to her. She thought about his words and shook her head. “To be honest I am strong because my grandma encourages me. I know my family isn’t weak but I am just very bad at expressing myself… and I probably wouldn’t have told you not to come back if you continued to hurt me. I guess that’s why Grandma and sis were so protective of me.”

Instead of getting upset she started to laugh. “She comes off like that to everyone who doesn’t get to know the real her. She has a tough outer shell but she is a good person. Papa takes real good care of her though. Sometimes she gets really sick and we have to leave her in a hospital for a little bit. If you knew the real her you would like her… She wouldn’t have told you where I was if she didn’t like you. She just has an odd way of showing it.” She smiled at Daulton. “Almost all of my aunts and uncles are like me… It’s really just Aunt Aurora and Remedy that are like grandma and it makes Papa groan.” She chuckled a bit. “Can you forgive Gram and give her a chance to grow on you?”

Author: HellRaiser, Posted: Thu May 4, 2017 9:47 PM, Post Subject: Runaway[P/R]

Looking at Astrid at she spoke, Daulton’s lips pulled into a smirk. “Vacation, you say?” He ran his hand through his hair and laughed. “Your Grandma Toya said she dropped you out here in the middle of nowhere to fend for yourself. I was worried.” He admitted while remembering the other day. He still couldn’t get over how she could live with the woman like that. He didn’t like her at all and he would never hide the fact. He didn’t want to keep anything from Astrid, he didn’t want to be that hurt broken boy anymore. It was time to grow up and forgive the past. It was his fault anyways for falling for the first woman to open her legs to him. Deciding to push the thoughts away, he concentrated on Astrid.

Daulton turned to face her once more when she began to speak. Her words made the half elemental nod. “Well then. I am glad i can be amongst them.” With a small bow, he smiled at her. His blue eyes staring into her multi colored ones. They were always so nice to stare into. Blinking He straightened and moved to sit next to her. He liked her the way she was, he didn’t want her to change.

“You shouldn’t change for anyone but yourself.” He paused in his words and turned to face her. “You are amazing, Astrid. It takes a strong heart to forgive. I am not calling your family weak, but you are strong. Even if you don’t see it.” He said with a smile.

Her grandmother came back to his thoughts and he sighed, she was a liar as well as everything else. “Astrid, please tell me how you can be around someone like…Your Grandmother Toya? She isn’t exactly nice.” He wondered and needed to ask. “Its pretty amazing how you turned out the way you did.” He decided to tell her what he had been thinking this whole time. Hopefully, she didn’t take offence to any of it.

Author: Astrid, Posted: Thu May 4, 2017 8:23 PM, Post Subject: Runaway[P/R]

Daphne looked at him and tilted her head. “It is a skill that nymphs learn. You will have to see if there is a magic that nonnymphs can learn. The skill comes from our bonds with the trees around us. The living beings of this forest are what give us our powers.” Astrid had big eyes as she listened to Daphne talk about bonds before the half nypmh went to make dinner.

Astrid’s face went red for a moment as she shyly looked away from Daulton when he began to speak. She pulled her legs up and put her chin atop her knees. His words struck her hard and pulled herself up and looked at him a bit. “I’m glad that you are apologizing. Grandma brought me here to get away from Arri for a while in case you came back. It was a vacation to feel better.”

Her eyes were locked with him and she nodded softly. “Please don’t…” She didn’t want to be hurt as she took the bouquet of flowers from him. “Friends would be nice… I don’t have a lot of friends in Sularia… Thank you, Daulton.” Her voice was soft as she finally pulled herself up and watched him. “I won’t forgive you again if you decide to go against your word… I can’t let myself.” She gave him a smile.

“I need to be strong like Grandma and Rem… I shouldn’t let people walk all over me. But, this one time I’ll forgive you and we can be friends.” She smiled back at him.

Author: HellRaiser, Posted: Mon May 1, 2017 11:35 PM, Post Subject: Runaway[P/R]

Hearing Astrid talk of ents, he shook his head. “Nope. I am not getting on one of those.” He said before the other girl spoke. He didn’t know who she was, but she bore resemblance of Astrid and her family. “Beautiful women always ran in that family of hers.” He thought to himself then quickly pushed it away. He wasn’t here for that, he was here for Astrid. The lady soon began to speak once more, talking about a tree walk. He was about to ask, but decided just to go along for the ride. It couldn’t hurt.

The lady told them to grab hands, and Daulton didn’t hesitate to grab Astrid’s. He resisted the urge to smile. He was able to touch her without being punched or threatened by someone. He was sure glad Rem wasn’t there to see this. Now, grabbing his brother’s hand was a bit more difficult, but they did it anyways. Daulton couldn’t really remember the last time they held hands. Maybe when they were children?

They soon started the tree walk. Alden and Daulton couldn’t stop looking around at the tree’s that quickly passed by. They had never seen anything like it before. Finally, they were inside a house and on their feet. “That was pretty cool. I have to learn that someday.” Daulton said with a smile. His eyes moved to Astrid who was on the bed. He wanted to speak to her, but he didn’t know what to say. He knew he should say sorry, but was that enough? He needed to get his words straight before speaking to her.

The three of them were soon left alone. It was Alden to finally push Daulton to speak. “Going to help her with dinner. See ya.” He said with a smirk as he nudged his brother’s arm then descended down the latter.

Their was silence between the two for a moment. Daulton didn’t know what he should say, so he made his way over to a nearby window. His eyes looked out at the forest around them. When a small bird flew up and landed on the window, that was when he decided to speak. “Astrid. I am sorry for acting like a fool.” He turned around then and looked at her. “The only semi - real relationship I have ever had was with your cousin,” he sighed at this. “That wasn’t even real to begin with, but it was real to me and I fell in love with her. Then I learned it was nothing more than physical with her.” He looked down to avoid her eyes. “I am not ready for a relationship and I knew that the moment I kissed you.” He pulled his eyes from the ground and locked eyes with her. “I do like you, Astrid. You have such a kind heart. I don’t want to play with your emotions ever. I am sorry for running away like I did. I don’t plan on doing it again.” He paused walking over to her slowly and bringing up his hand. Nothing was there for a moment, but then suddenly wines started to appear. At the ends of the vines were different colored flowers. “I would like to be your friend. If you will have me.” He ended by handing her the bouquet of flowers he had conjured up.

Author: Astrid, Posted: Sun Apr 30, 2017 4:38 PM, Post Subject: Runaway[P/R]

Astrid’s eyes got huge as she saw Daulton. Daphne was besides her running and barked at the half angel, “DO NOT STOP.” It had scared Astrid but she understood that it was dangerous to ask questions right now. They got near Alden and stopped. Astrid had her hands on her knees and she was out of breath. Daphne had her hands on her hips. “I said not to do that Astrid. Your head was in the cloud’s.” She booped Astrid’s forehead and Astrid just laughed softly. Daphne was about to yell at Daulton but he made the situation better. “You’ve distressed the trees but no damage was done otherwise.” Daphne waved her hand at them.

Astrid stared at Daulton for a moment. “Questions later Astrid,” Daphne mused at the two boys.

“How will we get back? Ents take forever,” Astrid groaned a bit and Daphne sighed.

“Well… yes in this situation it would take forever. I was just showing you the forest… We’re going to Tree Walk now.”

“Tree Walk?” Astrid tilted her head. “What is that?”

Daphne smiled, “Everyone hold each other’s hands. We’re gonna make a quick escape.” After everyone linked together Daphne pulled them through the tree as if it were a gate spell. It felt odd being part of the trees but Astrid could see the forest in glimpses. The many different parts of it. It took her a while to realize she was seeing the forest through the eyes of something and it made her uncomfortable.

Before long they were up in Daphne’s tree house at the top. Astrid flopped down on a pile of pillows and groaned a bit. “That was trippy…”

Daphne smiled and looked at the boys. “You have to talk to them now Astrid. I’ll make us dinner and tell the tribe that we have guests of the male sort so they don’t get weird on us.” Astrid blushed and nodded as the red head walked away and began to climb down the rope later. Her bicolored eyes looked up at Alden and Daulton.

“Why are you here anyways?” She looked hurt as she chose to address Alden instead of Daulton. “Grandma sent me here for vacation. Said spending time with cousin Daphne could do me well.” It must have been weird not seeing Astrid in frilly dresses, without her wings, and covered with dirt. It was cute in a way. “She’s the guardian of this part of the forest. The trees and other creatures here listen to her but we were going for honey in a part she isn’t known in so… things got out of hand.”

Author: HellRaiser, Posted: Sun Apr 30, 2017 4:23 PM, Post Subject: Runaway[P/R]

Daulton slept peacefully that night. He hadn’t had much sleep at all since becoming human again. Being turned into a rat could turn someone’s world upside down. The sunlight shining through the trees awoke the young half demon. His eyes blinking open to the blue sky that was visible through the tree branches. With a yawn he sat up and stretched. The fire beside them was only a soft stream of smoke; it had gone out in the night. Jumping up, he stretched his arms once more up towards the trees. “Man, haven’t slept like that in awhile.” He said mostly to himself.

A soft moan was heard beside him forcing him to look. His brother sat up and stretched. “I slept on a damn rock.” Alden said while tossing the stone into the trees. His words made Daulton laugh. “Been sleeping in a bed for far too long, brother.” Daulton said while walking towards the small stream they slept by. They brothers both rinsed their face and mouth before they left the camp. They were on a mission and didn’t bother to eat. Alden just wanted to get back to Nymph, he was tired of camping outdoors.

As they moved through the forest, it wasn’t long until they heard the screams of a woman. “That’s Astrid!!” Daulton said now more worried than ever. Both of the men bolted towards the scream. Daulton didn’t want to waste anymore time, he had to save her.

Jumping out of some trees, the two were running towards them. Large bees following close behind. “Holy shit!” Daulton said then quickly got serious. “Alden. Make sure this doesn’t get out of control.” Daulton said as the girls grew closer. “What the hell are you—” Alden started to say then saw his brothers hands hit on fire. “Got it.” He said looking towards the stream then back at his brother.

As soon as the girls past them, Daulton through his hands down to the ground. A wall of fire came up between them and the bees. They instantly flew back when one of the bees touched the fire. With a small stream of smoke trailing behind them, they flew back off the way they came. When Alden saw that the bees had left, he waved his hand towards the stream and put out the fire that his brother made. The ground beneath them was chard in a line.

Taking a deep breath, Daulton stood from where he was at and with a wave of his hand the chard grass was now a beautiful green like before. “Are you both okay?” He asked while turning around to look at the women behind him. His eyes locking with Astrid. “Hey Astrid. Its uh…been awhile.” He said while bring his hand up to scratch the back of his head. Bringing his hand down, he glanced behind him, “We should get out of here before they come back. "

Author: Astrid, Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2017 8:54 PM, Post Subject: Runaway[P/R]

“We’re going to do what?” Astrid asked with surprise as she was tying up her skirt so it didn’t get caught.

Daphne was doing the same thing. “We’re going to summon an ent and go for a ride across the forest to get honey. It’s dangerous but we should be alright as long as we’re on the ent. Plus I can protect us from any bees we find.”

“They are just bees… I mean right?” Astrid tilted her head and Daphne smirked a bit. The half angel groaned as she knew that there was something more to this than it seemed. Daphne put her fingers together and whistled. The magic of the forest came alive with groans.

It wasn’t long before an ent was summoned by them. “Greetings Friend!” Daphne smiled up at it. “May we be so bold as to ask to ride in your branches to where the closet honey is?” The ent grunted and they nimbly climbed up into his branches. The ent made a few grunts and Daphne laughed. “He likes you most.”

Astrid tilted her head. “Why?” She held onto the branches so she wouldn’t fall as they started to travel.

“Because you are light because of your bones. Compared to you I must weigh a ton.” The redhead smiled at her cousin and Astrid was blushing. It was first daylight by the time they got there, Daphne had told Astrid that it would take a bit to get there so they had started early.

The girls spent most of the trip laughing and giggling at each other. Before long they were at a huge hive. “Careful now Astrid… Do not make the bees aware of us,” Daphne whispered softly as they began to collect the honey into pots they had brought with them. It was easy to get the honey of she grabbed the comb.

However, she grabbed a little bit too much and much of the giant honeycomb fell causing a gushing noise. She let out a scream as some of the large monster sized bees came out after her. Astrid turned and ran leaving her pot behind and Daphne was running right after her as they tried to escape the few bees coming after them. Luckily it appeared that this was a mostly abandoned nest, which was why Daphne had wanted to come here. "I thought you said you could protect!" Astrid yelped as they ran faster.

"I can but we need to get to a more wooded area."

Astrid held out her hands as she ran. "THIS ISN'T WOODED?!" She yelled as they jumped over giant roots.

"Hardly." Daphne was laughing now but it was more nervous.

Author: HellRaiser, Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2017 11:27 PM, Post Subject: Runaway[P/R]

Daulton felt as if he had let something dear go, or at least could be. As they walked away from the white manor, the young demon eyes were determined. He would find Astrid and bring her back to Arri, that was where she belonged, not in the middle of nowhere. 

“You didn’t have to act like a jerk.”Alden finally spoke up as they made their way towards the gates. “You didn’t have to act like a pansy.” Daulton was hash in his words. “You let anyone walk all over you. You need to step up, can’t be a doormat forever.” Daulton stopped in his steps, he was ready for the blow that hit his face. “You don’t have to be a jerk.” Alden said dropping his fist to the side of him. Daulton brought his hand to his face and rubbed his jaw. “Feel better?” He asked with a smirk, only to get a stern face from his brother. “Come on Alden, she was a drunk b*tch. She was getting on my nerves. I am surprised that Astrid came out the way she did. She’s so sweet compared to that evil woman.” Daulton spoke honestly to his brother. This brought a sigh from Alden’s lips. “Yes, but you don’t know her. That is probably the face she puts on when she wants to intimidate someone who hurt her niece.” Alden was neutral in the whole situation and wanted his brother to see this. “I guess you're right.” Daulton nodded.

With their spat finally over, the two brothers made their way into the forest outside of Arri. It wasn’t long until the two were lost within the trees. “Seriously!” Daulton said annoyed, he was scared that she was lost or worst hurt. His day wasn’t getting any better. All he wanted was to find Astrid. He knew his brother would not have him hear the end of it if he didn’t. With the sun down, they couldn’t do anymore traveling. “Let’s make camp. Can’t travel in the dark. And Astrid would like for you to find her in one piece.” Alden said as he started to gather firewood. “We can find her in the morning.” Daulton agreed with his brothers words and started to clear an area for the fire.

Soon with a fire lit, they laid beside it, both staring at the star filled sky above. Silence filled the air between them. The only sounds that were heard was the crickets music, an owl hooting nearby, and the crackling fire. For a long moment, no one said a word. “Why do you think he left? He loved mom so much…” Daulton said softly. Unable to say his name. “I don’t know. That is if he is alive. Nothing on earth could keep them apart. “ Alden spoke in the same tone as his brother. The two fighting back tears. They didn’t want to admit to themselves that he was dead.

“You love Nymph, huh?”
“Yeah…. I really do.”
“Then how can you leave her side?”
“Maybe because my troublemaker of a brother made me..” Alden smirked.
“Well, gotta have spice in your life somehow. Your pretty boring after all. What does that girl see in you?”

The first part of his brother’s words brought a smile to Alden’s lips. He wasn’t quite such why she loved him, but he knew he loved the fire within her.
Soon after they conversation, they were both asleep. 

Author: Astrid, Posted: Wed Apr 19, 2017 8:39 PM, Post Subject: Runaway[P/R]

The night of the ball had her in tears, Daulton had broken her heart to pieces. He spoke such sweet things stole a kiss and ran off… again. She was on her bed crying when her grandmother walked in and sat down by her on the bed. Her bi-colored eyes looked up at Toya and she sobbed even harder. “I feel like an idiot.”

Tsk.

That was the sound that came from Toya as the queen ran her fingers through Astrid’s hair. “I think that you need to explore the world here Love. You’ve been here since we got here all but the ball. I think it’s begun to get to your head again.” Astrid knew what Toya was speaking of and nodded softly.

“But I don’t know anyone and I don’t know where I’m going.” She was sobbing harder now and Toya was restraining herself from actually finding the kid and beating his face in herself. She took a long sigh and tried to put a smile on her face.

“I talked to Angela about that. What if… you went to stay with her daughter in the Rainforest for a bit?” Toya’s voice was confident and Astrid stopped her sobs just so she could look at her seriously for a moment.

“You went to Aunt Angela and didn’t fight?” Astrid laughed a bit. “I’m proud of you.” Toya frowned now and gently smacked her head. “What’s my cousin’s name?” She tilted her head.

“Daphne. She is a wood nymph who lives in a tree house with just a small local tribe around it that seems to think she’s a deity or something.” Toya waved her hand. “I’ll take you there myself. So stop the tears and be happy… It’s just a boy and there will be more boys I promise…”

“The hell there will be,” Toya perked up by the voice of her husband was loud and clear from their bedroom. Astrid laughed a bit and Toya smirked.

“Don’t listen to him. He’s just sour cause all of his babies are going up.” Toya pinched Astrid’s cheek softly and the half angel laughed with her. Toya winked and before long they were packing a few bags for Astrid, not a lot but enough to make her comfortable. “I’ll come back and check on you in a week and make sure you are doing alright. This will be good for you I promise.”

–

The journey there had been fast since they took a gate to the rainforest. The humidity was something else compared to the dry heat of the desert. Astrid had her long hair up and she had actually made her wings disappear so that she wasn’t sweating from her feathers. When she met Daphne her eyes got wide at how much the woman looked like her aunt. She was nice too.

The days went by and Astrid was actually enjoying herself. She sat under the giant tree where the treehouse was and pointed to a plant. “What’s that one, Daphne?”

The redhead perked up from around one of the big roots. Her eyes were glued to the plant that Astrid had pointed out. “It’s an orchid. There are lots of different ones here in Laeto. They are my favorite type of flower because they are all different. You can pick it if you want.”

Astrid nodded and picked a few of the flowers to make a flower circlet before putting it atop her head. “Is it lonely here Daphne?”

Daphne shook her head. “The trees talk if you are willing to listen. I don’t much mind them. People, on the other hand, can be disrespectful and destroy the forest.” There was a smile from Astrid as she got up and came over to help Daphne with her own food garden. It seemed like a lot of Daphne’s life was work but Astrid didn’t mind as she got to help. This was the perfect getaway spot.