Prologue (Zarcon)

I wasn't really sure what I was doing that night. I knew Reidindra and I were running away, but I didn't know where to, or what we would do once we got there. I had my doubts, seeing as she was the princess, and I know I could easily be charged for kidnap, though she was coming willingly.1

I stopped in front of the tavern she had instructed me to meet her at. It stunk of humans and alcohol, rather disgusting if I might say. About the equivalent of a pig-sty filled with cow manuer to my delicate elven nose, but I stood and waited patiently. It seemed to take her a lot longer then I thought it would to get there from the castle.2

After what seemed like several hours, I saw her walking in, cloaked so as not to be recognized. She saw me and walked over quickly, smiling. 3

"We should go, love. They will notice my absence." she told me, her voice as sweet and thick as honey. Of course I agreed quickly and took her hand in my own as we began to walk through the village.4

"I've never been to a human village before." she said softly, "Do they always smell so horrid?"5

I nodded as I led her into the forest on the outskirts of town. The huge trees had large, full branches, which not only provided shade, but cover enough so that my beautiful Reidindra could uncloak herself. It seemed forever since I had seen her long, black hair cascade over her bare shoulders, and her grey eyes looking at me , piercing my heart as if it were only the first time. 6

"Where are we going, Zarcon?" she asked me softly.7

Her voice, paired with her eyes and the entirity of her beauty sent chills down my spine.8

"Anywhere but back there. Anywhere that we can be together." I told her, meeting her grey eyes with my own green eyes. I felt her soft hands on my arms, which made me shiver slightly, having not felt her touch for what seemed like an eternity. She turned me to face her, making me stop walking. 9

"Are you sure you want to do this,Zarcon?" she asked me, her eyes searching mine for some hint of discouragement.10

"Reidindra, I've never been so sure of anything in my life." I told her, with all the sincerity and emotion that could have possibly shown in my voice. I had never felt this way about anyone before and didn't intend to let her father, or my own, interfere with our already fragile relationship.11

"Where we will be wed, then?" she asked me. I had never thought she would want to marry me so quickly, so the words rang in my head for quite some time before I answered.12

"The first place we come to." I told her, turning to continue walking. She took my hand in her own, smiling softly at me as we continued walking in silence. I knew this was a whole new adventure unfolding before us. How it would effect us I had no idea.13