[Kyp]

The Dark Draith Hunt
Rated mature for gore and violence


Snow was always on the ground even during the summer, although it was much thinner then.
it was mid fall and the winter storms had just begun to roll into the mountains.
The people, used to such weather, found their ways to their homes, stopping on the road at one particular spot where there was a rather warm fire.
Laughter and greetings were passed back and forth as well as goods.
A pair of brothers were bartering wood and furs for food. Although they shared a name they looked nothing alike.
Michael and Michale. One was long and slender with pale skin and hair an ash brown. He was the softer spoken of the two and was always careful in his actions and very attentive to his brother.
The other was even taller than the first, but his shoulders were broad and his hair was raven black and rich in it's strength as were his eyes.
His eyes shone with life, but no one could pinpoint their exact color for they often changed.
Some assumed he was Michale the elder, for he was bold and straightforward and spoke the truth to those he saw. He never left his brother's side and no one ever got them confused together despite their identical names.


The light began to dim and the snowfall thicker as the brothers finally packed away their traded and non-traded goods and began heading into the wood. They ignored their burdens and their voices rang with humor.
The dark haired one shook his head and playfully shoved the thinner brother. "She was indeed! Looking at you the whole time! Did you not see how rosy her cheeks turned when you looked at her?"
"It is cold out. Of course her cheeks would be rosy." The slimmer brother countered, he himself blushing at the comment. "It doesn't mean anything... you're seeing things!"
"Perhaps it's because I have eyes and that's why I can see what's right in front of my face." The dark-haired brother laughed. He glanced up ahead for they were somewhat near the house and a distant look came into his eyes.
The lean brother was quick to speak. "Well perhaps I should ask her... um... to come to the dance!" He stated, his eyes flashing in worry.
"Huh... uh huh..." The dark-haired Michale said, turning and glancing up through the trees.
"Michale?" The lean brother said, stepping near him. "Come on Michale. Let's race to the house."
"The.. house..." The dark-haired brother repeated, his eyes growing even more distant.
"MICHALE" his brother shouted, snapping him out of it.
"What?" He said, slightly dazed.
The soft eyes of his leaner brother twinkled as he dashed off. "Race ya!"
"HEY!" Was the response of the taller Michale and he dashed after him. They both entered the house almost simultaneously and dropped their heavy burdens, gasping for breath as the snow began to swirl in great abundance behind them as they closed the door.
"I'll say I've won." The dark haired brother stated with a smirk at his twin-in-name. "And you can put this stuff away for cheating."
Michael groaned and rolled his eyes. "Come on! You're twice as strong as me! You could at least help!" He said, moving the food into their warm-gold colored kitchen.
"Take off your coat and boots and I will hang them by the fire." The bigger brother instructed, swatting Michael over the head lightly for dragging snow in.

As the brothers went about their work, the leaner brother began to hum... and not very well.
The raven-haired Michale chuckled and shook his head as he hung the last stocking by the fireplace. His eyes wandered into the flames and he felt his attention being drawn once again. He felt... something... like a call.
The fire soon was all Michale could see and his thoughts faded into the flames.

Michale opened his eyes, blinking in confusion. He had just been looking at the fire and now he was laying in his own bed.
He sat up and looked over at the bed of his brother who seemed to be fast asleep.
*I blacked out again...* He thought to himself, putting his face in his hands. He glanced down at his pendant.
It was supposed to be for good luck. The tiny clearish-white roughly-cut gemstone hanging on an old chain. He had promised Michael never to take it off and in times when he found himself lost in heart or mind, Michale found all he had to do was hold onto it and he found peace.
Slowly, Michael wrapped his large hand around the tiny crystal and as always, peace entered his soul.
He looked over at his brother once more to make sure he was sleeping peacefully before he himself lay down and closed his eyes, letting sleep come.

Yet even as the larger brother drifted away into peaceful slumber, the smaller one lay on his side, back to him, his own eyes filled with pain.
He could never let him know.
Not now.
Not ever.

It was said once that the world was once nearly destroyed by fire, but that in the end all would be overwhelmed in ice.
Two, so strongly opposing forces that seemed to exist to wipe the other out.
And yet, in the dark of night, they danced together in a terrifying display of destruction.
In the once grassy plain, covered in snow, fire danced about like snakes in the water. Screams were heard as the people fled, held back by the heavy weight of the snow grabbing at their boots.
It seemed so white, so pure, so cold. A force that should have been on their side.
A force that was deceptive in it's loveliness.
Women wept as they ran, not daring to glance back at the village they abandoned as fire reigned down from the sky.
In the darkest of night the sky was black, calm and glittering with starlight.
This dark cloak, adorning the sky in beauty, also hid a dark figure who could not be seen, heard, or even sensed until it was too late.
Another burst of flame came forth from it's mouth, revealing it's hideous form. Like a gargoyle, black from horn-tip to clawed toe, and yet like a man. It's dragon-like wings beat in a silent drum-roll to the deaths of all those in the town and field.
It's eyes were empty, as if all life and light were sucked from their sockets. No expression. No compassion.
No chance for hope.

A child tripped and fell into the snow. it lay there whimpering as it heard the screams continue all about her. She clutched her small doll to her heart, shielding it from the devastation, from the echoes of lives being snuffed out.
The young girl cried but dared not make a sound even as her tears fell into the snow...
The snow of white and fire.
Snow mixed with earth and blood.
Cry after cry the bodies fell in almost poetic rhythm to the earth.
The girl remained still, frozen like her tears to the snow. The beat of terror began to fade and then all so slowly the silence grew. It grew even as the firelight in the snow faded.
Not a breath. Not a sound.
And then... the first rays of the sun began to appear.
The little girl stirred, wondering if the night was over, lifting her eyes in hope to see the light of the sun.
She stood, her doll held to her heart.
But it was there.
In a tree older than the land itself, the Dark Draithe crouched. It's lifeless eyes saw her clearly.
The girl's eyes lifted and the doll fell into the snow.
The fire came.

Michale sat up with a start, his heart pounding. He blinked and realized it was already mid-morning.
*What was I dreaming about?* He wondered to himself, but shrugged it off.
Little did he understand, his dreams were not his alone.
And waking was the darkest nightmare of them all.

Michale yawned as he began to button his outer shirt, strolling into the main living area.
Michael was humming gleefully as ever as he cooked over the fireplace.
"What do we have for breakfast?" The dark haired Michale asked as he plopped down into a large wooden chair covered in many furs.
"We have some fresh venison in broth." Michael said, lifting his soft eyes smiling. "How did you sleep last night?"
"Horribly." Michale said with a fake pout. "What about you?"
Michael shook his head. "The wind kept beating against the windows... it was giving me nightmares."
Michale nodded, wondering if that was the cause of his own. His eyes shifted to his slender brother and he grinned. "You were going to ask Hannah to the dance."
Michael's head came up, his eyes widening. "Me?"
"You said so yesterday." Michale pointed out. "And I think you should go."
Michael shook his head. "I don't want to go."
The larger brother laughed outloud and walked over to him.
"If I find a date and go, will you go?"
Michael grinned and nodded, handing him a plate. "Yeah. You and I together sounds just about right. It shouldn't be hard to find a girl for you."
"I will ask the first one I see... unless the first one I see is Hannah, then you ask her." Michale chuckled, taking he food back to his chair where they ate and talked about the upcoming dance.

In a village at the bottom of the mountains, people were still talking about the appearance of the Draithe nearby. It was rare for the Draithe to attack so near the mountains, which were said to be magically protected from the demon.
The mountains were well known for their power, and many who dared face the draithe often went to the mountains to search for that item or charm that could help protect them from the invincible beasts' attacks.
This was also the reason many swindlers set up shop at the town at the base of the mountain. Selling leaves, or stones, or even bones from the animals of the mountains as charms to ward off the darkness.
One such shop-keeper saw a young woman walking through the town, armed very well with the look of revenge in her eye. He grinned and called out to her, "My lady! Do you seek to kill the great demon that haunts us all? No warrior great or powerful can do so without a little luck on his side! Come! Look at these charms I have! Straight from the blessed mountains! They are a bargain!"


The woman in a deep dark blue cape with her hood up came walking over and said
"Thank you kind sir for your offer but I already have my own charm that will keep myself safe Could you please direct me to the last place the draithe was last seen. I would really appreciate your aid I could compensate you." She leaned in closer to the older man and smiles innocently.

"Well it hasn't been seen in several months... although they say that there was a town burned south of here down the winding river... I could tell you which town." The man leered at her, wiggling his eyebrows as he also leaned closer to her. "Perhaps you could give me that compensation tonight after some dinner?"

The woman irritatedly straightened and put her hand on her hip and said, "I'm sorry but why can't I give it to you now? I really don't have the time to have dinner with you..."
The double meaning in his words did not dawn on her as she continued,
"So if you could kindly give me the town i'll be on my way. Or I could find someone who is more interested in my compensation."

"Well if you want to give it to me right away-" The man said, practically licking his lips as his eyes roved around her figure.
"Leave her alone, Wallace." Michael said as his taller brother stepped up to the booth and leaned into the man's face.
"Give the lady what she wants and don't bother her anymore."
The man shrank back and then with a muttering growl turned back to her.
"It's in Presanbur. Presenbur is the town you want."
The tall and well build man smiled and clapped the shopkeeper on the back.
"Now that's a good man." He turned and grinned at her, extending his hand to her.
"Hello, my name is Michale. Would you come to the dance with me in two days? Presanbur is a long hike from here so you might as well stick around a bit and catch your breath. Besides... It would be an honor to go with someone as lovely as yourself!"
Michael meanwhile stood in the background shaking his head. Despite Michale's good looks, everyone he had asked that day had already made a date for the dance.
*It looks like I'm not going...* He thought to himself with some disappointment.

She turned to the dark haired man, affronted by the way he treated the old merchant but also surprised by the way the merchant acted. She cocked her head to the side and looked confused toward the man then she spoke softly,
"Um I'm afraid I can not. I do not wish to wait another moment away from my mission. not when I'm so close." She turned to the merchant and took out a small pouch and handed a few silver coins.
"Thank you for the information” and turned to leave.

Michale was surprised, not that he was rejected but in the manner of which he was rejected.
He took two steps after her, ignoring the man who took the gold with a pouting face as Michale tapped her lightly on the shoulder.
"Excuse me... but what mission? What is it exactly that you do?"

She turned around to the man. "I'm sorry but I can't say. Also you don't know me so it really none of your business. I hope you find someone to take."
She stood on her tippy toes and brushed a gentle touch of her lips to his cheek lightly. Then nodded to the merchant who looked stunned and turned away.
"Good day gentlemen." She said as her boots clicked softly on the pavement.

Michale blushed from his toes to the tip of his head. He followed after her and ran in front of her path.
"A name, cruel beautiful snow-maiden. Please. That I may remember you till these mountains fade from memory."

Michael slapped his forehead. His brother was acting like a total fool. What made this girl so different?
Than Michael smiled, looking up and following after them. Did Michale have his first crush?
Michael's smile dimmed as the thought struck home.
Was there any future for Michale if he did find someone? And what of himself?
He sighed, lowering his head and continuing to follow them, now hoping that Michael would not succeed.

She stopped and looked at the man in front of her a annoyed expression showed on her face as her eyes met his her expression softened at the sincerity she saw in his eyes. She sighed
"Adel is the name I will leave you with. If you ever see me again you may call me Adel,but I doubt you ever will."
She quickly side stepped Michale and continued to walk away. As she walked away she thought of what awaited her in Presenbur.

Michale watched her go, wondering why he had such a sinking feeling as she disappeared into the crowd.
Michael walked over and put his hand on his taller brother's shoulder. "It's alright. Don't worry about it. The dance isn't that big a deal anyways."
Michale looked over and smiled sadly at his brother. "Maybe next year."
"Yeah... next year." Michael said, forcing a smile as they turned and walked home.

As she made her way to the edge of town the snow started to come down harder she couldn't see the path any longer *It looks like I'm going to have to stay.* She sighed pulling her hood closer as a sharp crisp wind blew a cross her face looks like I'll be staying a night or two. She turned around and started back towards town. After making her way threw the blinding snow. She saw lights up ahead and push her way through the icy wind and snow. She knocked on the Pine Wood Inn door.Rustling was heard inside and the door opened.

A large and jolly man opened the door, his double chin jiggling as he bobbed his head in welcome and his little mouth grinned pearly white. His vest-coat looked like it could not take much more strain.
"Welcome to the pine in young lady! Please come in!"

She forced a smile on her face "I was in... in..."
But she never finished what she was going to say as she stepped forward to enter the inn. Her vision went blurry, then nothing.
Everything went black.
Her legs gave out from under her and she fell forward not caring what she fell on.

The large man tried to catch her before she hit the floor but his arms were not swift enough.
However a young lad with bright head managed to dash from behind the welcoming desk and catch her.
He looked up at the chubby one and then down at the girl.
"What happened to her, dad?"
The chubby man shook his head. "I don't know. Better put her in one of the rooms and call eh doctor. And fetch your mother. It's not proper that a man should tend to a maid."
The boy, perhaps 14 at most, lifted the young woman with some trouble and did as his father instructed, leaving her with his mother. A shapely and slightly plump woman with sparkling eyes.
The woman put her into dry new clothes and into bed near a lit fireplace. She stayed by her side, awaiting her awakening.

Adel felt warmth seeping into her skin. Except when she opened up eyes it was dark she started to shiver she quietly got out of a hole in the floor. She silently went to the front door and pushed it opened the door she saw blood. Blood was everywhere she saw bodies lying a foot away. she was frightened she look down at herself and saw blood cover her hands and clothing.
Her eyes snapped opened. Her eye sight was blurry as she saw a figure coming near were she laid.Adel lashed out and rolled of the bed and crawled into a corner in the room like she use to do when she was a child. As she sat there blinking her vision started to clear she look up to see a round older women her eyes widened. She quickly stood up "I'm very sorry". She bowed her head .

"It's alright, dearie." The old woman said, kneeling next to her. "Fever's cause us to see strange things in our sleep. And it's a wonder that you don't have pneumonia considering how frozen you where when you came to our door."
She helped her back to the bed and sat Adel down on it.
"There you go sweetie. Now, can I get you some soup? Some hot cider perchance?"

Adel smiled softly "some cider would be lovely thank you. I am very sorry."
Adel averted her gaze to the floor. Adel went to speak but hesitated then lightly shook her head then look up "How long have I been a sleep for? Were are my things?" she spoke softly.

"You've been here since yesterday evening." The woman said kindly as she put a kettle of cider over the fire in the fireplace. "Your things are at the foot of the bed but your cloths are being washed and are in the basement." The woman informed her with a kind old smile, asking no questions of the poor girl.

"Thank you so much for your hospitality" Adel smiled. "I hope you don't find my question rude,but why be so gracious to someone you don't even know. I mean I could be a horrible criminal aren't you afraid that I could hurt you." As she said this her beautiful emerald green eyes glittered in the sunlight that was shining through the window.

"It's not likely a horrible criminal is a half-frozen young lady stopping by an inn for the night." The old woman said, pouring the now hot cider into a mug and handing it to her.
"Besides... we could have taken your money or done as we wished with your things, but we didn't."
The woman gave her a kind wrinkled smile. "Humanity isn't as bad as all that. I like to believe in my fellow man... or woman in this case."

Adel smiled gratefully as she took the hot cup of cider. She gently blew on it then took a sip. She sighed softly as she felt the warm liquid spreading through her body. "You are right sometimes I forget that there are still some decent people out there." I ... *Adel shook her head she should'nt reveal to much to these nice people.* "Anyway thank you again. By the way how bad was the storm last night?"Adel asked curiously.

"You mean yesterday. After all you were asleep for over a day." The old woman reminded her. "All the ways off the mountain are completely snowed over. You may have to stay for a week... Now if you will excuse me."
The woman stood and walked to the door. "We are having our annual dance here at the hotel. Everyone is coming... perhaps you can find yourself a date before then?"
The woman grinned as she added. "A pretty girl like you should have no trouble at all catching a handsome man."

Adel's face grows warm and her cheeks start to turn rosy at the in keepers wife last comment.
" Umm thank you but I don't think i will be going."
"Oh by the way Mrs. what is your name?"
" You can call me Adel." Adel smiled kindly hoping the change of subject wasn't to obvious to the inn keepers wife.

"My name is Mary." The old woman said with a wrinkly grin. "And Adel is such a sweet name. A pity you won't come to the dance. There's not much else one can do around these parts. Now if you excuse me." She nodded to her and slipped from the room to go back about her duties.

Adel went to the bed and wrapped her cloak around herself. She looked to the fireplace and saw the fire dieing out. She quickly walked over to the fireplace and started to throw wood into the fire to keep the room from growing cold. As she put the wood into the fire she wondered if she should go to the dance. Satisfied with the fire burning brightly and feeling the warmth slowly filling the roomshe steped back and made her decision to go to the dance.Hopefully she could meet that man again Now what was his name she shook her head dosen't matter first she needed to go shopping but first I'll need my clothes.Adel wrapped her cloak tighly around her and left her room to find Mary and ask about when her clothes might be done. She gently shuts the door behind her as she leaves.

Adel went to the bed and wrapped her cloak around herself. She looked to the fireplace and saw the fire dieing out so she quickly walked over to the fireplace and started to throw wood into the fire to keep the room from growing cold.
As she put the wood into the fire she wondered if she should go to the dance.
Satisfied with the fire burning brightly and feeling the warmth slowly filling the room Adel stepped back and made her decision to go to the dance.Hopefully she could meet that man again.
*Now what was his name?*
She shook her head as she realized it didn't matter. First she needed to go shopping
*I'll need my clothes* She thought. Adel wrapped her cloak tightly around her and left her room to find Mary and ask about when her clothes might be done. She gently shut the door behind her as she left.


Michale sat outside on a large stone he had brushed off. The snow was very very deep but the brother's had moved around worse before...
He didn't feel cold, in fact he was not even thinking of the snow. Michale's mind wandered as did his gaze as he looked out over the trees down the mountain and the little village there. He wondered about the world beyond and what people were doing in other cities.
He saw smoke rising from chimneys and smiled. They were preparing for the dance...
But the smoke also triggered something in his mind... something-
"Michale! Can you give me a hand?" Michael called, hauling a bunch of wood. Far more than he could carry.
Michale laughed and bounded into the snow. "You didn't have to cut that much!" Michale said as he took some off the top and helped his brother revive their dying fire.
"We're going to the dance." Michale said to the more slender brother.
"But you didn't find anyone." Michael pointed out.
"Doesn't matter. I'm going anyways. And you might as well come along."
Michael smiled and nodded. "Then I better find my clean shirt!"
"Find me one while you're at it." Michale called after his quickly retreating brother.

Adel wrapped her cloak aroud her and made her way to the staircase.
Adel saw a girl coming up thestaircase. *Well might as well ask if she knows were Mrs.Mary is. "Umm excuse me do you know were the inn keeper's wife is."Adel asked. The child held three fingers and motioned to the mouth. "Are you hungry?"Adel asked. The girl shook her head no,and held three fingers and motioned to her mouth then pointed down stairs then pointed at Adel. Adel sighed "Could you please show me were she is. The girl looked at Adel for a momentthen nodded then started back down the staircase. Adel followed the little girl to a pair of doubled doors.The girl took Adel's hand and push opened the door.Ther were cheifs cooks and servers everwere.The girl weaved herself and Adelthrough the kitchen. In a small corner Adel saw Mrs. Mary talking to one of the cheifs. Adel turned to the girl and smiled thankyou. The litle girl nodded to Adel and left with a small smile on her face. Adel turned and walked over to Mrs.Mary.

"Ah! There you are sweety!" The woman said with a grin. "Oh my! I forgot your things were still near where they were drying in the basement by the big stone fireplace! Come with me!"
The old woman led her to the room and handed her the clothes which were folded and sitting near the fireplace.
"There you are. I completely forgot to bring them to you."

"There is no need to worry Mrs.Mary"
"I appreciate all that you have done for me."
"You have been so kind and I feel indebted to you.
"I would like to ask you, If I could help out for as long as I'm staying here."
Adel saw Mrs.mary about to object her offer.
"Please accept my request I feel helpless sitting and ,doing nothing as, I see people scrabbling around setting up for the dance. Adel waited patiently for Mrs.Mary's answer.

"Why aren't you a sweet thing?" The woman said with a warm smile. "Well get changed and I will have you put up the fur and holly wreaths. After that there will be plenty for busy hands to do."
The woman patted Adel on the arm. "A pity you won't be able to stay. We're having quite a feast and the people around here rarely get to see anyone from beyond the mountain except for this night."

Adel smiled.
"Well I was wondering if it would be a inconvenience if I stayed for the dance,because if it will be I will be on my way."
"Not to be disrespectful" when she saw Mrs.Mary about to say something,"but I'm sure it is difficult to add another guest on such short notice."
"I mean I know you invited me but"...Adel was interrupted by the inn keeper as he came up to his wife.

"Don't be silly m-dear!" The innkeeper said with a jolly jiggly laugh. "This isn't a 'only come if invited' dance! The whole mountain is invited! Anyone on the mountain is invited! And you're here anyways! So why not dance!"

"Thank you."
"Although I'm afraid I don't have a dress or the money to buy one."
I'm afraid I gave most of it for information.
If I thought I would been staying longer I would have kept more for things I would need.
Adel gasped;I don't mean I don't have the money for my room.
Please wait here while go and get it.
A couple minutes later Adel came back down and gave a pouch half full of coins.
I do hope this will cover everything.
Adel waited for the inn keepers reply.

When she handed them the money the innkeeper's wife placed a dress in her hands.
"This should be about the right size! Come come come! Let's go try it on and fix up your hair!"
The woman allowed
for no argument as she guided her into a changing room and chatted merrily about the upcoming dance.
"There! See! Don't you look lovely deary?" She said as she gestured toward a full length mirror."

Adel breath caught in her throat the dress was breath taking.
"Oh Mary it's beautiful" as she looked into the mirror.
It was a beautiful satin dress that clung to her figure nicely.It had long sleeves to keep her arms warm shall she decided to get some fresh air later on.It was a simple dress but, to Adel it was the best dress she seen. Adel turned to her "thank you it's the most amazing dress I've seen."
Adel hugged Mary and then excused herself

The people began arriving for the dance. Some bringing food, others bringing instruments, others bringing their children. There was just over 100 in the large hotel's main floor when they had all arrived.
Michael and Michale came later than most as they lived furthest up the mountain. Both were dressed in fair clothes with fur-coats they had made from their own game.
The one nudged the other and the smaller of the two walked over to the girl they had spoken to the night before, a blush in his cheeks as he began to chat abut the weather and the dance which was about to start.
Michale brushed his black locks back as he strode out into the crowd. He caught his breath as he saw her... the girl from earlier.
She was stunning in her dance gown. Simple though it was, the elegance of the design fitted her perfectly.
He walked up to her and smiled as he said boldly, "So you changed your mind?"

Adel started.
"Oh it's you from the market."
"Yes I did change my mind."
"If you will excuse me" Adel turned and walked away.
*Now to go find out I can help out with,Adel made her way to the kitchen in search of Mary.

"Hey! Wait a minute!" Michale said, catching her arm and accidentally pulling her to him.
He took a step back out of politeness and opened his mouth to speak as the music started.
Michale grinned and took her other hand. "You can't leave just as the dance has started! That would be rude. Please let me have this first dance!" He said as he pulled her onto the dance floor with him.

She cocked her head and stared into his eyes.
His eyes reminded her of the Northern lights.
She felt like as if she was being drawn into the depths of his eyes.
She found her self nodding her consent.
He led her out on the dance floor and she curtsied.

Michale bowed- t was nothing elegant but every movement he made was completely honest. He was a man with no secrets in every action he displayed this.
He took her in his arms and began dancing. Michale was not graceful, nor smooth... but he was there supporting her and being there for her the whole time.
And he never took his eyes off hers as he smiled with such warmth that it would melt the snow outside.
"You look pretty in a dress. I wouldn't look half as pretty- as I am a guy." Michale said openly.

Adel laughed softly at Michale "Thank you" she said softly.
Well he isn't the most elegant in dancing or his words being smooth,but she like that.
He was down to earth much better then others she met.

"So... you like my suit? I washed it especially for the dance." He said with a grin.

Adel laughed into Michale's shoulder.
After a moment she composed herself.
Yes I like it very much.
It suits you very well.
After she said this she saw other stop and start to clap.
Adel pulled away "Thank you for the dance ,but I must go now."

"Go?" Michale said like a puppy who had just been beaten. "But that was only one dance! You... didn't come with someone else did you?" He asked, his tone turning fearful.

"Oh no it isn't that Adel exclaimed."
"I have offered to help out tonight."
Adel smiled softly and curtsied and quickly made her way to the kitchens,before he could stop her again.

Michale frowned, then slowly smile as he followed her and stopped just outside the big kitchen. Leaning in the door watching the hustle and the bustle...
And the one pretty girl that caught his eye.

Adel went to Mary.
Adel apologized to Mary for being a bit late.
Mary smiled at Adel and gave her a list of things to do.
Adel noticed Michale and gave him a small smile and waved then went to accomplish her tasks.

Michale smiled as he watched her work, and suddenly found a hand on his shoulder as his brother walked up beside him.
"So... she came. But stalking her is hardly the way to get her attention." Michael stated with a chuckle. "Come on. The foods been served. Eat a little bit and wait for her to return."
Michale rolled his eyes and shook his head. "Fine... but if she leaves before I can talk to her I blame you." He laughed, walking out to the food tables with his brother.

Adel breathed a sigh of relief as she finished up her last task on her list.
*Now to go find Mary.*
Adel set out to the kitchen.
Once she got there she scanned all the faces until she found the one she was looking for.
Adel made her way to Mary "Um I've finished all the tasks."
"IS there anything else you need done?"

"Oh aren't you a sweet thing!" The old woman said with a jiggle in her cheeks. "I can handle it from here, deary! It looks like the mysterious mister Michale has his eye on you." The woman said, leaning closer. "While he and his brother's names are so very much alike... he is definitely
the more handsome of the two! You two would make a fine pair!"
She gave her a nudge out into the main party area, but Michale wasn't right there were he was-
But he was in site.
"Go get your man, deary!" The inn-keeprs wife said with a giggle.

Adel face went beat red "Mary what are you talking about?
"He is only looking for a date tonight."
"Besides I wont be staying very long in town."
"I".. Adel glanced at Michale then quickly looked away "think it would be wise to stay away."
"Right?" Adel looked at Mary.

"Dearie, don't you know you won't get anywhere in life if you don't take chances? Go and have a good time!" She said, shoving her further out. "You're only young once!"

Adel laughed at Mary
leaned down and kissed her cheek Thank you.
Adel made her way to the refreshment table.

Michael glanced at his brother and smiled.
"It looks like she's coming to you now." He told his taller handsomer brother.
She was right behind Michale when he turned around... a large roll and some cheese sticking out of his mouth.
He quickly chewed off a big bite and swallowed it, hiding the rest behind his back.
"Yioyuf chrm bhhk-" He began, then swallowed the rest. "Um... hi!"

Adel covered her mouth with her hand and snickered at Michale.
Adel composed herself "Hello" Adel smiled sweetly.

"Hi." He said again only to receive an elbow from his brother.
"Dance with her you idiot." he chuckled.
"Oh yeah! Let's dance!" He said holding his hands out to her... covered in bread and cheese.
"Um..." He wiped his hands on the table cloth and then held them out to her again. "Shall we dance?"

"Yes, I would be honored."
Adel put her hand in Michale's
Then he escorted her out on the dance floor.

He smiled as they glided out onto the dance floor. He was surprisingly more graceful than before... but there was something different in his eyes as they moved together.
"You know... You were my first kiss." He told her, his heart moving with the now much more flowing music.

Adel cheeks turned pink.
"Oh " Adel said as her eyes widened.
Adel couldn't think of what to say ,so she laid her head against Michale's shoulder.

He grinned at her as they danced, then after a moment of silence he dared to ask.
"So, I suppose you've kissed other guys, right?"

"Yes I have kissed others,but it's my code to only kiss on the cheek."
"You probably think I'm silly?"
Adel looked up at Michale.

"Oh." Michale said with some disappointment before he said with a shrug. "Well eventually you have to go further than kissing on the cheek. Maybe we could-"

Adel laughed this time she didn't try to hide it.
"I do like you but lets not jump into anything until we get to know one another."
"Until I'm done with what I need to do,can we just enjoy the time we have?"

"Right... of course." Michale said and then waited through another moment of odd silence.
"Um.... nice... weather we're having? Lots of snow... which is nice... and white."

Adel laughed "Very original."
"You are so weird."
"Did you know that?"

Michale chuckled as he brushed his free hand through his hair.
"Well... there really isn't much to talk about out here. Nothing but nature in every direction. Most stories come from outside the mountain."

"Oh I see"
"What I mean is"..
Adel trailed off “Could we go get some air?"
Adel looked up into his eyes.
" Please" she whispered.

"Sure... just keep your cloak closed tightly. The snow is pretty thick." He said as he led her off of the dance floor and to an upper hallway that had a few balcony windows.
"Here you go! Snow and cold just for you." He said with a wink, opening one just enough for her if she wanted them to go outside.

As they left the upper hallway.
Adel reached for her cloak and ,wrapped it around her shoulders.
"Thank you you are very kind." Adel turned away to look up at the sky.
"Isn't it beautiful?" Adel asked Michale

He looked up and smiled as some clouds parted and he could see snow falling and stars twinkling at the same time.
"Yeah... It seems like this place is always beautiful." His eyes drifted down to her and rested on her beautiful face.
"On nights like this... it's almost like the whole world is at peace."

"Yes I have to agree."
"I bet you always, feel that way though."
"I wonder don't you ever want to leave and experience new things ."
Adel look over at Michale then back to the winterly sky.

"Sometimes... Especially at the thought of an adventure." Michale said with a grin. "But Michael can't really live without me. He wouldn't even come tonight if I didn't." He pointed out.

"Oh"
"Is your brother shy ?"
"How come?"
"I mean you are like the complete opposite."
Adel's eyes widened.
"I meant no offense."
"I'm sorry." Adel cast her eyes away from Michale's.

"Yeah he's a bit shy." Michale laughed out loud. "But he has a little bit of separation anxiety... He's the only family I have and I am the only family he has in the whole world. Our parents died when we were little." He explained to her seriously. "I don't remember it, but ever since then Michael's been very protective."

Adel's eyes grew sad her heart started to hurt.
" I know how you feel she sighed.""
I lost my parents when I was young as well."
Adel gave her fake smile." I think we should go back in side."
Adel quickly turned to go inside,she didn't want to think about this right now.

Michale took her hand and walked back inside, smiling at her. "
The innkeepers wife came up to them. "Michale- we need you to fix the stove again."
He chuckled and took off his shawl-cape. "Hold onto this for me, duty calls." he said with a smile.

"Umm.. alright "Adel said.
She saw him start to turn away.
"Wait you are going to come back?"
Adel's cheeks started to turn pink and averted her eyes past his shoulder.

He tossed his head, his midnight black feathery hair flowing through the air as he shot her a grin.
"Of course! I have to get my cape after all!" He said, waving to her as he disappeared around the corner.

Adel just laughed "off with you now."
" So you can return quickly back to me."
Adel quickly swept past him to the ladies room.
Why did I say that?"
Adel smiled" Oh well" and left the ladies room.

Michael looked around for his brother as his own 'date' had left. He found him working in the kitchen... or should have been working.
"Michale?" Michael said, kneeling beside the man.
Michale had finished working on the furnace and his eyes were lost in the fire... They were much darker than before.
"Michale... Michale snap out of it!" Michael hissed, but got no response.
He glance around and once he was sure they were alone he grabbed his brother and left out the back door.
Michael was going to get his brother home before anything happened!

Adel stood like a statue. *I'm a fool.*
*How could I be so oblivious he was just being a gentleman.*
Adel felt something wet running down her face.
She raised her hand up to touch her face she was crying.
Adel quickly ran through the crowd of people as she reached the staircase she paused looked back towards the crowd hoping to see Michale's face but all she saw were couples leaving the inn.
She saw Mary and quickly ran up to her room.
She shut and locked her door and cried her self to sleep something she hadn't done since that night.
She fell into a deep sleep. Dreams full of nothing but darkness

Fire... screams.... people and homes burning.
Michale sat up, opening his eyes and breathing hard.
He was... back in bed?
Michale glanced around and noticed it was already late in the morning and he was dressed in casual clothes. He still felt a little... a little off.
Slowly he stood and walked to the kitchen where his brother was working on breakfast.
"What... what happened last night?" He asked.
"You fell asleep by the fire in the kitchen." Michael said, turning and giving him a grin. "Come on now and eat your breakfast."
Michale nodded, knowing he had forgotten something important but it refused to come to mind as he sat down and ate without another word.
Michael looked at Michale with motherly worry. It wasn't like him to be so quiet.

Adel eyes snapped open remembering the past.
*Why now?*
Suddenly Adel heard a knock on the door.
Adel took a deep breath and forced her body to move.
Adel walked shakily to her door to find Mary on the other side.
Adel gave her a tired smile. "How can I help you Mrs.Mary?"

"I bropught you some breakfast deary." The woman said, walking into the room and setting the tray down. "That was quite a party last night... too bad poor Michale took ill so suddenly." She said with a sigh. "I saw you two dancing, you make quite a pair oh ho!"

"I don't think so", Adel said and went to the bed and, grabbed her stuff and quickly went to bathroom to change. When Adel came out Mrs.Mary was gone. Adel felt bad for being rude she sighed" I'll have to apologize before I leave" Adel looked in the mirror and saw Michale's jacket laying on the bed. She turned and glared at it,then turned away . *why didn't he just tell me that he wasn't feeling well?* *I would of understand* Adel sighed. Then she thought of something *What if his brother was just covering for him* Adel growled Then a plan formed and grinned eerily. "Well living up oh were was it?" "Never mind I'll just ask." Adel grabbed the jacket and walked out her door to find Mrs.Mary.

Marry turned as Adel asked her where Michale lived.
"Well it's not a place that can be found easily." The woman replied. "Follow the path up the mountain and when you get to three fur-trees entwined in each other take the path to the left. It goes along a rather winding way through the woods and the trees are thick. The path is very hard to see. But within the woods in the shadow of a grand cliff their log cabin is. Be very careful dear, they are hunters so there will be traps up there." She pointed out. "And they always keep a fire going in their chimney, not that you can see the chimney smoke through the trees."

"After Adel got her things together she came down to find Mary. Adel finally found her in the kitchen.
"Mrs. Mary I'm glade I caught you I wanted to give this to you personally ,and to thank you for everything you have done for me." Adel handed a small pouch, then Adel made a quick decision and hugged Mary.
Then she quickly left to continue her with her plan a smirk appeared on her lips,as she thought *this should be fun.*
As Adel started up the mountain it was fine. After awhile later agreed with Mary it was a treacherous path, but she managed without to much difficulty. Soon the cabin came into view. Adel took a deep breath and shook what little doubt she had left away and walk up to the door. Her hands trembled as she knocked but quickly, stopped and schooled her features as the door started to open.

Michael walked up to the door and opened it. "Oh, you!" He said. "You were with my brother at the dance last night!"
Inside at the kitchen table, Michale slapped himself hard in the head.
He knew he forgot something important!

Adel gave him a cold smiled.
Is your brother here?
Adel asked in a sweet voice but her eyes were cold as ice.
She waited patiently for him to answer.
Michael was surprised at her coldness and opened his mouth to tel her he wasn't feeling well when Michale stepped up behind him and peeked shyly over his shoulder.
"Hi.... I'm really really sorry." He told her with big puppy-dog eyes. "I was a jerk, I should have kept my word."
"What do you mean???" Michael asked, looking at Michale. "You were sick- I practically had to carry you home."

Adel froze he really was ill Adel kept her expression blank.
"Oh well I just came to return this before I leave and tossed the jacket to Michael's brother then turned to leave.
She was upset with her self *I feel like an idiot and maybe I am. I should have asked and then cast my judgment not the other way around. *
*Well a lesson learn thats what you always told me.*

"Adel!" Michale said, moving to go after her when his brother stopped him.
"Michale," Michael whispered softly. "She's just passing through. Don't get too attached-"
To his younger brother's surprise the older brother stepped back, put on the cape and hurried after Adel who had already disappeared into the wood.

Adel thought she heard her name but kept going. *This was for the best right."
Adel wasn't so sure anymore.
"I should just forget him but his clumsy yet honest actions were just to unforgettable.*
Adel laughed just thinking about it.
Adel stopped and turned around *I have to go back.*
Adel started her way back when she heard a sound and stopped.
Adel eyes widened at what she saw.

Michale charged out into the snow, not wanting to loose her.
The first one he had ever kissed... and there was more. He knew in his heart there was something about this girl that drew him to her. But he didn't know what.
Along the way he began to slow, his hand going to his head as the world began to darken.
"No... not... now." He whispered, collapsing into the snow.

In the forest Adel saw it through the trees.
A shadow... but a shadow that had haunted her her entire life.
And the shadow was coming closer. A pair of eyes looked toward her.
Eyes of darkness and death.
Then the creature saw her and it came at her!

Adel whisked out her sword to stop the attack but the gust from the draithes wings pushed her back.
Adel was forced back and wiped beads of sweat from her head
She noticed the monster getting ready to charge again.
*This things stronger then I thought but, I have to destroy it I won't let it ruin any more peoples lives.*
*This must end today no matter what happens*
As she charged her necklace came untucked from her cloak, but she didn't notice for she saw Micheal's brother.

As she drew her sword, Michael called out to her, "Don't hurt him!" He cried as the draithe dive-bombed right for her.

Adel's sword moved when she turned to Michal's but then she felt a heaviness hit into her Adel was shocked as she looked down and saw Michale.
She just layed there unsure what to do. What going on? So many questions but she couldn't get her mouth to work.

The transformation was so quick that Michael was left in shock.
One minute Michale was mostly a draithe... the next fully human and out cold.
"How...???" He asked, hurrying over and kneeling next to his brother who was collapsed ontop of Adel. He pulled out a little stone made of the same material as Adel's necklace and put it around Michale's neck.
"It's alright now.. everything is alright." he said to calm her and himself down as he lifted his unconscious brother off of her and cradled him in his arms. He glanced at her and softly asked, "Will you help me carry him back to the house?"

"Alright" Adel said with no emotion.
Adel moved like a robot stumbling once in a while
When the cabin came in sight she didn't even notice.
Once they entered the cabin she collapsed to the floor unsure of what to do.

Michael moved to help her but had his arms full with his larger 'brother'
He walked over to the next room and lay Michale down on the bed before he returned to her side.
"Please... please don't tell anyone. They would try to kill him if they knew-"

Adel didn't say anything nor did she acknowledge a word Michale's brother had said.
She just continued to star at the wall.

Michael sighed and then slowly walked into the kitchen to get some hot tea prepared.
He had hoped this day would never come. The fay when his brother was discovered for what he truly was.

Adel slowly made her way yo the bed and stared at Michale.
*I've been such a foul he probably was setting me up from the begging I'm such a fool.*
Slowly she took out a dagger hidden in a belt and raises it over Michaels heart her eyes were like ice.
Adel looked at his features her hand started to tremble and she fell to her knees.
*No I can't I'll wait and bid my time He could have this place surrounded. *
She stood up shakily and put the dagger back in her belt and walked to the far corner so she could keep an eye on the door and the monster in question.

Slowly Michale began to stir from sleep. He blinked a few times and then sat up, blinking a few times as his hand went to his head with a sigh.
"Not again." He muttered under his breath. He looked up and saw her and jumped in surprise.
"Oh! Um... hi! When did you get back?" He said, somewhat embarrassed to see her in his room with him in bed.

Adel said nothing and continued to look at him to see if he was going to attack her.
She heard the door being pushed opened,and sighed in relief as the attention was now no longer focused on her.

Michale glanced up as Michael walked in with the hot tea on trays.
"You blacked out again." Michael said to his brother. "How are you feeling?"
"Dazed still... I didn't know you invited-" He began but Michael's laughter interrupted him.
"That's a funny story. You see I was out in the wood and I kinda ran into her and well she had to carry me back here."
Michale sat up concerned. "Are you alright?" He asked with worry in his eyes and voice.
"I'm fine. Just needed to thaw out, isn't that right Adel?" Michael asked, giving her a hint to play along.

Adel froze for a moment *Oh no think of something oh I got it.*
"Yes all of it's true but every things alright now." Adel laugh came out a little shakily.
Although it worked because it took the attention off her.
Adel ^sighed in relief.^
Although now there's only silence.
She kept her gaze on the two figures not letting her guard down.

"Well you're not going to do anything now but sit here and rest." Michale said, sitting his brother on the bed he was in as he stood. "And I will make you both a hot meal."
After Michale left the room, Michael glanced shyly at Adel.
"I suppose you want an explanation." he said sheepishly

Adel eyes hardened.
"Yes that would be very helpful."
"Why are you protecting a monster like him?"

Michael glanced at he door and began to speak softly.
"Well... I'll tell you our story but you're not going to like it." He said nervously. "Almost ten years ago that monster came and attacked my entire family. He nearly killed me as well- but when he came close the the crystal I had- the crystal Michale even now wears around his neck, the monster transformed into a man and passed out. I moved to kill him, but he seemed so helpless and I was barely 13. "
He stood and began pacing.
"I made him wear that crystal, taught him how to speak and act normal. He... he doesn't remember a thing of being a monster. He's not a monster. I gave him my own name and called him brother. And when he speaks to you he speaks to you as a man. He has lived a good life and been kind to everyone. He takes care of me and I of him. But when the darkness calls him he blacks out and that monster within tries to take over. But I won't let it. I won't loose my brother."
He stopped right in front of where Adel was sitting and kneeled before her.
"He has a kind heart and a good soul! He remembers nothing of that monster! He is a man, not a beast. Please... please don't ever let him find out what he's been turning into. It would kill him if he thought he was hurting me."

Adel stood up and moved towards the bed.
"What do you ask this of me ?"
"People died by his hand and you just want me to let him live"
"Even if what you say is true,what happens if gets away?"
"All the innocent blood he spills we be on your continuance."
"How long do you think until someone finds out? or until he finds out.
"What will you do then?"
Adel looked him in the eye awaiting his answer.

Michael looked nervous and then spoke.
"We're safe here on the mountain. The stone here- like the crystal you are wearing there, remove the dark power. He's as much a victim to that monster as anyone the monster has killed." Michael insisted.
"And... Well I was hoping by staying up here on the mountain I could keep it secret."

Adel didn't reply she kept quiet.
*What am I to do ?*
*I can't let my families injustice go can I?*
*NO!*
*I will however bid my time*
*Hmm how to go about it?*
finally Adel spoke "For now I will let him leave,but I'm going to keep an eye on him."

Michael looked relieved.
"You will see I'm telling the truth." He said with a smile.
"The truth about what?" Michale said, coming in with their hot tea ready.
"Um... about... the dance.... last night." Michael said, trying to cover up the conversation

"Well why don't you talk about the dance ,and I'll just go cook up some breakfast."

Michale looked up in confusion as she slipped out and into the kitchen.
"She's making breakfast?" He asked.
Michael looked a little worried. "Yeah... about that.... she might be staying."
"What?!" Michale said in shock. "A woman... staying here? What wou-"
"Michale... you've been blacking out a lot more of late." Michael said. "I thought we could use the extra help. And besides I think you two kinda hit it off-"
"All the more reason!" Michale hissed. "What would they say if they found out I brought my date home with me and we were living together!"

Adel paused outside the door as she listened Adel smirked. *Oh honestly!* Adel continued on her way to the kitchen.
When she got there it was a mess.
Adel rolled up her sleeves and got started.
Forty-five minutes later breakfast was almost ready so she decided to go get the two man to come and eat.
Adel knocked on the door.
"Breakfast is ready come down before it gets cold."
Then turned and went back to get the table and food set up while she waited for them.

Michael clapped his brother on the shoulder. "Try to act like a gentleman." He practically pleaded.
Both stepped from the room and stopped in the entryway with shock on their faces.
"It's.... clean!" They both said, Michael with genuine surprise and gratefulness... Michale was a bit more disturbed by the sight.
"You can't seriously expect me to live like-"
"Michale.... like a 'gentleman." Michael interrupted his brother as he walked over to the table and pulled back a chair for her.
"Thank you for preparing this meal, it looks delicious."
Michale walked over and took a seat, picking up one of the food dishes and smelling it suspiciously.

Adel smiled and sat down and waited till the other two man sat down.
She watched Michale's reaction closely.
Adel's eye twitched for a moment then cleared her throat "Is there something wrong with the food?"
Adel asked Michale trying to keep the irritation out of her voice.

Michale glanced at his brother, then back at her.
"No... I'm just not used to it being on a clean plate." he said, moving to eat when Michael cleared his throat.
His brother indicated toward the fork and biting back a grumble, Michale took a small bite.
His face instantly lit up with pleasant surprise as Michael turned to speak with Adel.
"So you are staying on the mountain for the winter? For the paths to clear?" He said, giving her an excuse.

"If it wouldn't be to much of a bother."
" I would gladly accept the offer and I can cook and clean as payment if it's alright."
Adel looked at the two man awaiting there answer.

"Why don't you stick to cooking and leave-" Michale began when his brother shot him a look. "What?"
"It would be nice to have a clean cabin now and then." Michael argued.
"What's so nice about it? It's a cabin in the woods, not some palace." Michale insisted. "I can't walk around in my own home with my own boots during the muddy thawing season?"
Michael sighed and shook his head. "Please do forgive my brother, but he is far too comfortable with the bachelor way of living."
"And you have your eye set on a pretty girl and want to conform." Michale countered with a grin.
"Like you don't?" Michael shot back.
The larger man was suddenly very interested in eating his food.

Adel's eye brow rose* these two are very err interesting I think they forgot I'm even here.*
Adel cleared her throat waiting for them to put there attention on her.

Michael was grateful that his brother was at least using some of the table manners he taught him before he turned and smiled at Adel.
"So... you like hunting?" He asked, for both he and Michale were hunters and he was looking for some common ground.

Adel smiled "I'm alright at hunting."
"One must learn to survive right?" she asked.

"That's good... cause we're trappers ourselves." Michale said, picking up his food with his hand and shoving it in his mouth.
Michael sighed. He never did manage to make a gentleman out of his brother.

Adel clinch her teeth at Michale's manners.
*I think I going to be sick.*
Adel quickly stood up and took her things to the kitchen.
She came back in after quickly calming down her stomach.
" Would you like any more before I put up the food?"
Adel asked trying to keep her voice normal.

"Yeah, go get me some more meat and some desert while you are at it-" Michale began when his brother cleared his throat pointedly.
"Whaaaat?" Michale asked with his mouth full.

Adel didn't say a word just quickly took his plate and went back into the kitchen *Well of all the" Arg I'll show him he'll start acting like a gentleman when I get through with him Adel thought as a evil smile spread across her face as a wicked idea came to her. Adel dumped some more food on his plate and placed a light smile upon her face and walk back into the room.
She slowly brought it over then squashed on top of his head. "Oh" Adel fake gasped "Oops I'm sorry it must of slipped let me just go get you some more." Adel reached for the plate then stopped.
"What am I thinking I'm sure you would like to get cleaned up."
Then Adel quickly went over to Micheal "Could you show me were I'll be staying while your brother gets himself cleaned up?" Adel smiled sweetly and waited for the brothers reply.

MIchale frowned, then licked his face with a smile.
"That dame can sure cook-ow!!!" He said as his brother thwaped him in the back of the head.
Michael stood and offered Adel his arm. "There is... one room we have here that is unused. But please leave everything in it untouched. It was my parents room." He said softly, leading her down the hall.
Michale watched them go and then with his hand wiped his face and stuck the food in his mouth with a smile.

"Oh are you sure?"
"I could sleep on the couch? Adel offered
"It really don't matter I have slept on worse"
Adel chewed on her lip nervously awaiting Michaels answer.

"No. I insist." Michael said, slowly opening the door to the master bedroom. "If you are to live with us you must live in a proper room. And I trust you with that which is inside."

Adel smiled softly and hugged Micheal then kissed his cheek gently
"Thank you very much."
Then went into the room and closed it softly behind her.
Adel lite a candle and looked at the room.
It was beautiful not in a fancy way,but it made you feel warm and welcomed.
Adel took her cloak off and her weapons off and made her way towards the bed.
It certainly was big she gently pulled the wool blankets down and crawled on the bed and snuggled under the blankets and fell asleep.

Michael came out and saw Michale happily eating the mess and hit him again over the head.
"This is my own house can't I eat in peace-" Michale began when Michael pointed his finger in his face.
"Now that there is a lady living here I am going to teach you proper manners!"
"BUT-"
"NO BUTS!" Michael insisted. "And we are going to practice all night if needs be!"

So that night Michael drilled and drilled his larger brother until they both fell asleep at the table.

Adel awoke she could tell it was barley after dawn,
She quietly went towards the kitchen and saw both brothers sleeping at the table.
Adel just shook her head and mumbled "men" softly and quietly went back up to the room grabbed her cloak and weapons then quietly left the cabin for a morning walk.
A few hours later she quietly entered the house and saw the two men still sleeping.
*Well I guess I'll get started on breakfast.*
Then quietly as she could she started to make breakfast.
She heard soft groans coming from the two men, but did not turn around just continued with her cooking.


The moans began to shift to something akin to growls. She heard a gasp and then Michael's soft voice.
"Michale... Michale calm down... snap out of it Michale... no don't get up. Michale."
She could hear the worry in Michael's voice but he kept his tones soft and soothing.
The growls sounded less and less human.

Adel's eyes widened and quickly went to check on the two brothers to see what was going on.
As Adel entered she gasped at what she saw.
Then immediately started over toward the brothers a hand on the hilt of her sword Adel shouted
"STOP!"

At her loud and harsh word, Michale lifted his head, his eyes had lost all white and were pitch black and his skin was turning ashen. Her words sparked a fire in his gaze.
"NO!" Michael said but Michale moved swiftly from his brother's side as though to attack her, but barely 3 yards away Michale suddenly and violently reverted back to human form and passed out on the floor.
"Strange... he did that yesterday as well when he came near you. What power do you have over him?" Michael asked in wonder as he looked at the unconscious form of his brother on the floor.

Adel looked shocked as she looked from Micheal to Michale
She just shook her head and turned around and ran into the room she was staying in and locked the door.
*Whats wrong with me?*
*why did I react that way?*
* Why did I yell instead of just attacking that monster.*
She heard a little nagging voice inside her head" you know why" it whispered softly, but she shook it away. Then Adel crawled back underneath the blankets and curled into a ball to try and think.

Michael sighed and then, as usual, hefted his much larger brother and carried him into their bedroom. He lay him in his own bed and tucked him in before closing the door behind him.
Then Michael walked over to Adel's door and knocked lightly.
"Miss Adel? Are you alright?" He asked with genuine concern.

Adel didn't answer her throat felt dry she just stayed silent.
She just couldn't come up with answers to her questions.
Slowly her eyelids started to get heavy and she drifted off to sleep.
*I really should of stayed in bed* was her last thought.

Knowing that she wasn't hurt physically, Michale decided to give her space and went out to the kitchen to finish making the breakfast she started.
Soon the whole house was smelling good.
Michale awoke and stretched, completely unaware of the earlier event although he did not remember going to bed.
He got up and sauntered into the living room/dining room without a care and flopped down. "It smells good Michael!"
"It- It will be done soon Michale!" Michael said, caught off guard by his brother's voice. He had half expected Adel.


[/COLOR]

[Kyp]

Adel started to toss and turn in her sleep.
<dream>
Adel awoke to darkness and very much alone.
Adel shivered but made herself walk forwards.
Hello!" Adel shouted.
No answer came,Adel shivered and kept walking then all of a sudden she her a horrible growling before something jumped out at her.
<End of dream>
Adel flew up into a sitting position on the bed heavily panting after a great deal of effort she calmed her breathing down and slowly got out of bed and walked to the window.
It was around noon she guessed from the looks of outside the window Adel ^sighed^ and slowly and quietly walked to the door resting her ear against it but didn't hear a sound .
Adel quietly opened the door and made her way to the kitchen to look for something to eat.
As she went through the dinning room she saw the leftovers and there dishes. Adel rolled her eyes and started to clean up the mess, Once she was finished she took some leftovers and placed it on her plate then started to eat with her back to the kitchen door. As Adel ate she thought back to the dream she had.
*Where in the world did that dream come from?*Adel asked her self.
Adel finished her food and rinced off her plate and fork then went back to the room.
Once the door shut she went over and opened the window.
The air was crisp and cool but she didn't care she just breathed in the air and sat on the window ledge.
Her thoughts seemed to rift away and she felt her mind and body relaxed.
It was very peacful as she closed her eyes a small smile displayed on her face.
She thought she heard a noise but ignored it thinking it was probably just the wind.

"That went unusually well." Michael said with a smile as he carried several fox pelts on his back.
Michale carried the heavier load of pelts and meat as he grinned back at his brother. "We best tan the hides and cure the meat quickly! I sense spring is coming... well look there! Sleeping beauty has awoken!" He stated, pointing toward the house.
Michael looked and saw Adel in the window and then glanced at Michale. "You really have it bad don't you?"
Michale sighed and grinned. "Yeah... I think she likes me too."
Michael glanced back at the house and then kicked some snow at his brother. "Come on, we have a lot of work to do!"

Adel ^sighed^ softly then opened her eyes as she heard the door open.
Adel panicked for a moment then pushed it away she was going to forget the incident for now, but was going to stay more aware then before.
With her decision made she got up and closed the window and walked out her door and closed it gently behind her.

The boys had their pelts hung up on hooks in the nearby garage and were skinning the animals, seperating the meat from the hides.
Michael worked on tanning the pelts while Michale removed the innards and bones and packed the meat in salt and ice. Both were unaware of her as she came in.

Adel saw them working she was going to to leave them alone but got an idea.
"Good afternoon gentleman!" she said from out of nowhere "It looks like your hunting went well?" as she leaned against the door.

"Better than usual!" Michael said with a smile. "And how are you doi-"
"Yep!" Michale said with a grin. "All the rabbits and foxes are starting to come out for the spring! Which should be here in a few days. But it will take a lot longer for the passes to clear."

Adel raised and eyebrow.
" Well I'm going for a walk I shall be back in an hour or two to start dinner."
Adel turned then left.

Michale grinned at Michael. "See? She likes me!"
"How in the world did you get that she likes you from that?" Michael asked, astonished.
"She looked at me!" Michale replied.
Once again, Michale slapped his own forehead.

Adel noticed the sky getting dark.
So she quickly started back to the cabin so she could get there dinner started.
Adel slowed her pace once the cabin was in view.
Adel gentle opened the door no one was there so she made her way to the kitchen.
If they didn't come in by the time she finished dinner she would go find them.

Michale washed his hands and left Michael to finish tanning the hides as he walked into the cabin. Seeing her hard at work in the kitchen, he snuck up behind Adel and then gently put his arms around her.
"You know having a woman in the house isn't so bad when it's you." He said smiling warmly.

Adel squeaked in surprise then turned in Michale's arms.
You Mr. should no better then to sneak up on people she said in mock anger.
Then she quickly turned around and said "thank you" she said softly.

Michale laughed and let her go, moving to stand beside her.
"Who could you be afraid of? It's just the three of us up here." He said, giving her a dashing grin.

Adel smile disappeared remembering the mornings incident.
Adel quickly shook it away and turned her face and smiled at Michale.
"Nothing just instinct."
"I'm used to being by myself."

Michale put his hand gently on her shoulder and smiled softly, hoping to comfort her. "Don't worry. My brother and I will look after you here on the mountain." He assured here

Adel's eyes soften.
" That I have no doubt."
Adel smirked then added.
"At least the best of your capability,that is."
Adel said in a teasing voice.

"I am a very capable man!" Michale insisted. "Capability is my for-tay! I am very capable of being capable!" He continued to insist, smiling at her.

Adel rolled her eyes and continued to finish up dinner, though a smile adorned on her face.
After a few more minutes Adel turned to Michale.
"Dinner is ready."
"Could you go get your brother while I set the table?" Adel asked.

"But of course." Michale said and just before he disappeared out the door he added. "But surely one Michale is good enough for you!"
He closed the door and hurried out to find his brother.

Adel shrugged not understanding what he meant.
She quickly placed food on the plates and placed two on the table.
Then went to get her own as well.
Adel sat down waiting for the brothers to come back inside.

The two of them returned and Michael and his brother helped to set the table.
This time Michale was behaving with..... semi decent manners.

Adel noticed Michale's manners all through dinner He wasn't perfect,but she new he was trying.
"So why were you two asleep at the table ?" Adel asked curiously.

"Just... brushing up on a few lessons." Michael said with a soft smile.
Michale rolled his eyes and used his spoon to eat his soup. Slowly he stopped, his eyes unfocusing.
Michael glanced at his brother, then at her. That was the same look Michale got when turning into the beast, only he wasn't changing.
"Michale?" Michael said softly, but got no response.

Adel looked at Michale when his brother called for him,and didn't answer.
Adel grew worried.
She reached for her hilt of her sword,but didn't draw it.
After all he hadn't changed yet.
She would wait and see how things played out.

Seeing no change Michael got an idea.
"Adel, back away slowly and see if there is any change."

Adel didn't move,she didn't want him to change.
She looked at Micheal but Adel trailed off.
She was unsure of what to do.

Michael saw that she would not move so he moved closer and tried to shake Michale awake.
"Michale... Michale?" He said softly.
Michale opened his mouth and a strange sound came out but nothing more.
Then they both heard it... a roar from outside the house. A roar that sounded like Michale.

Adel face drained of color.
*What was that it couldn't be another, could it?*
Adel looked from one brother to the other.
Adel came to a decision then turned around and started heading towards the door.

"Adel, wait-!" Michael shouted but it was too late, she reached the door and Michale suddenly and instantly changed into the beast. Michael moved to try and take hold of his brother but a massive wing shot out, knocking him right into a shelf, breaking it as Michale let out a roar and flew straight up, destroying the ceiling as he flew out into the air.
Michael was cringing in pain as he lifted his hand to where his brother had gone, "Mi...chale." He whispered before passing out from the pain of his broken ribs.

Adel turned around and ran over to Micheal.
She check to see if he was still breathing thankfully he was.
Then she check for blood there was a little but it wasn't life threating.
She stood up and dragged Micheal over to the couch.
Then she made it back over to the door.
Adel gasped as she saw two monsters fighting each other.
She quickly drew her sword but realized she didn't know witch one was Michale.

The Draithes fought tooth and claw and one threw the other to the ground.
Then the one in the air spied her and the house and opened his mouth to burn them all to ashes.
Yet the one on the ground got between the house and Adel and the oncoming fire and took the brunt of the attack before lunging at the creature. Bu the beast in the air knocked the draithe protecting her with it's claws raking across the scaly skin. The draithe was thrown to the ground right next to Adel and he instantly transformed back to Michale....
A very badly wounded Michale.
Yet... he started to get back to his feet and placed his body between her and the creature as he growled out in a voice that was barely half human and muddled with pain. "You... will not... hurt... Gloria!"
The creature in the air did not seem to understand as he lifted it's head back to fire another burst of flame.

Adel couldn't breath Michale was protecting her she new it was him.
When he landed beside her and changed back she was frightened.
He was hurt badly and when he got back up.
Then he yelled out her mothers name Adel face became deathly pale.
*Whats going on?*
She quickly pushed the question away as she saw the monster going to attack again.
She quickly moved out of the line of fire hoping Michale did the same.

Michale did not... in fact he did just the opposite. He charged toward the creature, returning to his Draithe form and stuffing his clawed had into the fiery mouth of the other one, bringing it down with a crash into the side of the mountain.
Both Draithes were severely weakened once they hit the stone of the mountain... but only Michale had the scars across his chest.

Adel recognized Michale because of the scares on his chest.
Adel quickly ran over to the two draithes she brought her sword up and cut the monsters head off.
She saw his body still move so she continued to chop off his body parts.
*I probably should burn the body as well just in case it can regenerate body parts or something.
Adel quickly gathered large logs and branches in a pile she quickly started the fire.
Once she got it going she went back over to the monster and started to burn its body parts.
The smell was awful but she pushed on just the same.
finally she threw the head in the fire she quickly turned to Michale.

Michael stood across from the fire out of range of her necklace, his eyes lost in the flame as he shifted slowly from the Draithe form back to human. She saw the scars on his chest slowly vanish into perfectly healed skin.
"Gloria.... I... I didn't... I couldn't save you... from him." He said, tears forming in his eyes as they closed and he collapsed in the snow, unconscious.

The door to the cabin opened and Michael limped out, holding his in cured side and gasped as he saw his brother's torn and bleeding clothes.
"Michale!" He said, ignoring his own hurts and rushing to his brother's side. He breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that his brother was healing.

Adel ^sighed^.
"Lets get him inside."
"Then I check over your injuries."
She made her way over to Michale lifted his arm around her neck and started to slowly and carefully drag him towards the cabin.
She stop for a moment "Are you coming?" then continued to the cabin.

Despite his badly injured side, Michael helped her bring Michale into their livingroom/diningroom. Some snow was falling lightly through the hole in the roof.
"I'll go and fix tha-" He began to say then doubled over in pain from the broken bones in his side.

Adel gave him a stern look
"You Mr are doing no such thing.
She went over to him and helped him to the kitchen chair.
"Now take off your shirt while I go get some badges. "
"You probably damaged your ribs"
"Oh by the way where are your bandages?"

He let himself be led to the chair in the kitchen and pointed to the cupboard which held the medical supplies.
"I need... to get everything fixed up before Michale awakes. I want him to think all of that was just a dream. We can go on living like nothing happa-ah!" He said with a wince of pain as he managed to tug his shirt off.
She saw bruises and cuts and scars on his body. All of which he had gotten from Michale long ago although the bruises were clearly more recent.

Adel went and got the bandages.
You can't keep lying to him he needs to know the truth.
What if something happens when you hurt and he has blood all over how do you think he'll react.
Adel started to wrap Micheal's torso and continued in a softer voice
"You need to tell him"
"Yes he might get angry but you also have each other to heal those wounds."
"Nothing emotionally will change you'll still love each other you just won't have to keep lying and hiding the truth from him."
"I can tell you feel guilty thinking up excuses."
"All you need to do is talk to him tell him why you hid it from him."
"just explain it to him he will understand."
"You need to give him more credit."

Michael grit his teeth against the pain as she bound him up.
"He... he's so gentle and caring. If I told him he hurts me he will blame himself. It's not his fault... Just like it wasn't his fault when he killed my parents ten years ago. He was just defending himself just as my parents were trying to protect me."
Michael's eyes cast down to the floor. "It's better he not know. There seems to be nothing that can cure this... except for you."

"True, but I still stand by my decision."
What happens if another of those monsters came back?
Maybe we should find about more about these monsters.
Adel finished wrapping Micheal's torso.
"Up until today, I only thought there was one now I'm afraid at how many there could be."
If Michale knows, maybe you could control it better or something?

Michael hung his head and then slowly shook it 'no'
"I just can't tell him. It would crush him... I can't do it."

Adel looked at Micheal and ^sighed^
"Well it's your call you after all his brother."
Adel picked up the left over medical supplies and put them away.
"Perhaps I should start dinner."
A plan already forming in her head.

Michael slowly got up and slipped into the other room. He returned with fresh work clothes and quickly and expertly began repairing the shelf. Within minutes it was almost as good as new.
She then saw him getting tools to fix the roof, yet he walked stiffly as all the work was agitating his injuries.

"Oh no you don't.
I specifically told you are not getting up on the roof."
Adel put her hands on her hips for good measure.
*Sheesh I feel like a mother.*

"But if he sees this he will ask questions- I mean if we leave a hole in the roof we will all freeze." Michael stated, trying to step past her.

Adel placed her hand in front of Micheal's chest to stop him.
"I will take care of it you are in no condition to .
So let me cook then I get started on the roof."
With that Adel turned to the kitchen to start dinner.

Michael waited until she had gone into the kitchen before he went outside.
He would not have a guest mending his house, no matter how battered he was.
He set the ladder against the house and began to gather his tools to ascend onto the roof.

Adel started cooking dinner After about five minutes into cooking she heard tapping coming from the roof.
Adel ^sighed^ to her self
*I should of known men never listen
Well I can't do nothing at the moment.*
So forty-five minutes later she put the food on three separate plates and then quickly added a little extra something to Micheal's plate.
She hated to be sneaky but she had to find out more about Michale and how he knew her mother.
As she finished she no longer heard the tapping.
*Well better go get them and get this show started.*
Adel exits the kitchen and walks out side.

Michael was looking a little pale and haggard from all the pain and work in the cold as he began to put away his tools. He looked up as she came out.
"I know I know... I shouldn't have. But things will be better this way." He said, more to himself than to her.

Adel shrugged and smiled at him.
"I just wanted to let you know dinners ready."
Then she turns around to go wake Michale up for dinner.
She finds Michale still on the bed.
She steps up beside the bed.
"Michale dinners ready."
knowing that will be enough if not his brother will get him when he comes in.
Adel walks back into the kitchen and grabs the plates and sets them on the table and waits for the brothers to wash up and enter for dinner.

Michael comes in to sit as he puts his coat over the top of his chair.
Michale slowly wakes up, smelling the good food. He blinks a few times, wondering if he blacked out and not sure what he remembered last... But it didn't matter because there was food to be eaten!
The man got up and ran a comb through his tangled and unruly hair before striding into the kitchen.
"Ah! Makin us more grub? Thanks!" He stated, plopping down in a chair as though nothing had happened.

Adel rolled her eyes at Michale.
Adel smiled anyway *At least he said thank you with out his brother having to elbow him*
Now all she had to do was wait until the powder took affect to get some answers.

"Did you have a good nap?" Michael asked his brother softly.
"Yeah... sorry. I must be very heavy to carry." He apologized to his brother.
Michael smiled and shook his head good-naturedly. "I need the exercise... besides what are families for?"
"Hawlling you like a sack of meat?" Michale joked, digging in.

Adel ate a little slower.
* Just a few more minutes and then hopefully I'll get some answers.
I just hope this stuff works if that merchant sold me a imitation I'm going to be very upset.
That powder cost me a lot.*

Michael ate politely, and in far less amounts than his brother who wolfed down his food and then sat back contentedly. He then rested his hands behind his head and and smiled at Adel... she looked so pretty.
"You know you don't have to wear all those clothes, it's warm in here-"
"MICHALE!" His brother said horrified.
"What?" Michale said, not realizing he had said it out loud.

Adel was getting impatient and grabbed her goblet and too a long sip then spit it back out.
"What?" Adel stared at Michale like he was insane.
Then she realized * My plan worked.* she thought gleefully.

Michale glanced at Adel, wondering what she was reacting to when his brother reached over and twacked him lightly on the head. "I taught you better manners than that!"
"What did I do?" Michale asked, glancing between the two of them. "It's not like I said I wanted to kis-"
At that, Michael thwacked Michale even harder.

This was her chance but how to initiate it* hmm blunt would be the best way I suppose.*
Then Adel got an idea and smirked but quickly schooled her features.
"Michale there was something you said earlier before you fell asleep?
I was wondering who this Gloria was?"

Michael shot her a glance but Michale just chuckled and leaned back.
"Did I mention Gloria? Gloria is.... Gloria... I..." Michale's face became a picture of confusion as deeply buried memories came to mind.
"Must have been the name of one of the mountain horses." Michael quickly suggested, seeing a look of pain entering his brother's eyes.
"No... not some horse." Michale said softly to himself. "Much more important.. much much more."
"We'll it 'was probably nothing." Michale said, trying to draw his brother's thoughts away.
Michale looked up right at Adel and then said firmly, "She saved me... she had flowing golden hair and a spitfire will... she saved me from the fires of hell."
Michael paused and looked at Michale. "She did? When?"
Michale opened his mouth but nothing came, pain filled his expression and he shook his head. "I... don't remember. I don't remember any more."

Adel gasped.
"Is that why you said that no one would hurt her?"
"Although I don't understand, why did you say it outside while we were fighting the monster?"Adel
asked curiously.
"Wait how did you meet her?"

"Wait... what monster? Wasn't.. wasn't that just a nightmare?" Michale said, his eyes going wide.
His brother stood and walked over to him. "Just be calm, Michale. She doesn't know what she's talking about-"
Michale was clearly becoming frantic with worry and confusion. "But no... the monsters are only in my dreams! They aren't real... they can't be real!"
"They aren't real." Michael said, trying to calm his brother down before he transformed.

"Both of you CALM DOWN! Adel shouted seething with anger.
Answer my questions now!
The monster situation can be dealt with later."

Both brothers froze and looked at her in shock, wondering what had come over her and what questions she would ask.

"Well" Adel said a little embarrassed at her outburst.
"How did Gloria save you?"
Adel asked focusing her complete attention on Michale.

Michael put his hands on his brother's shoulders to comfort him. "You don't have to answe-"
"I... lived... in fire, and rage... chained to do what I do not remember." Michale said, his eyes growing dark as the memories resurfaced. "I was... in a vast town. A woman... wearing a pendant came at me protecting her infant... and suddenly I was free. I didn't... I didn't know what to do. I didn't understand what was happening to me. I was so afraid, so confused that I tried to strike out... but the woman with the flowing gold hair saw me for all that I was. She took me into her home. Taught me to speak and to behave."

Michael watched his brother in awe, realizing he was not the first to tend to this creature nor the first to have pity on him.
Yet the memories were clearly very painful for Michale. Like a dagger being thrust through him, even though the memories seemed happy.
"She... taught me so much, but I was too dangerous. She sent her little child away till I knew better. She and her mate- her husband... they taught me how to be human. How to feel as I should feel. Together with a pendant crystal I soon left forever the darkness and fire... but something... something happened."
Michale doubled over, putting his head in his hands, not wanting to remember anymore as his brother turned and pleaded with Adel. "Please, can't you see this is hurting him? Stop! Whatever you are doing to him just stop it."

Adel knew she had tears in her eyes all she could do is nod.
Then she quickly got up before her tears fell and left to the room where she sleeps.
As soon as she closed the door she let the tears fall that she held in these last ten years.
Adel tried to make it to her bed but her legs couldn't hold her shaken sobbing body and fell in the middle of the floor where she curled in a ball and cried herself until she fell asleep.

Michael tried to comfort his brother but Michale was an emotional wreck by that time.
"They aren't dreams, are they? I've been turning into that thing... just like back then! I... I hurt you so many times... Michael-"
"It's alright, Michale." His brother whispered, holding his brother close. "You're my brother and I love you. No matter what sickness or problems you have."
Michale sobbed, leaning against Michael, "But... I killed them, your parents, your brother-"
"No. That wasn't you. This thing that you turn into... this demon that tries to take control. That is not you." Michael insisted. "You are my family. You will always be my family."
Then the two of them remained like that, kneeling there on the floor with Michale sobbing and Michael's arms surrounding and comforting his brother at heart.

where am I.She saw a little girl come out and walk to the first body on the floor.
Adel tried to call out as she ran forward but her voice wouldn't work.
So she just kept running,but it was to late the girl fell to her knees and was crying
Adel gasped in horror realizing it was her Adel slowly turned and saw her father lying a few feet away
No No Adel chanted and closed her eyes she didn't want to see any more then she heard a noise and looked and saw to monsters fly away.
Adel shouted and sat up quickly her body in a mence pain for her laying position on the floor .
Adel looked out the window it was not yet morning.
Adel forced her body to move through her aches and sluggishly made her way to the bed.
Soon Adel fell back to sleep dreaming of nothing.

The two brothers did not get any sleep that night. Michael told his adopted brother everything, filling in the gaps and comforting him when he could. But the more Michale knew, the more he felt both secure in his knowledge and insecure in what he was.
"I've hurt you our whole life long. I've taken everything from you... and still you- Michael." Michale said, looking completely ashamed and in awe. "You are just too good."
"My father was hunting you, actually." Michael told him. "He thought he had killed you but you awoke and attacked. He ran here... and you followed him." Michael explained. "Father was an idiot to lead you here. You were just protecting yourself. The stone you wear around your neck helps keep you human. But it doesn't always work."
Michale nodded. "I know... there is a call in the air. It is strong all the time but sometimes it is too powerful. This stone I wear... and this very mountain, it wards off the darkness. If I were elsewhere this small stone would not be enough. I would be lost to you."
"The crystal! Adel was wearing a crystal!" Michael said, recalling the moment. "It seems much more powerful than this stone. Maybe if you wore it you would stay human-"
"I wouldn't take it from her." Michale said softly but he looked troubled. Adel's crystal was familiar... he recognized it from somewhere.

When Adel woke up it was early she layed there thinking about what happened last night.
Adel felt a little guilty but brushed it away.
She still needed more answers and hopefully she'll get some.
Adel made her way quietly out of her room and quietly as possibly made her way to the kitchen.
*Well at least no ones out here*Adel ^sighed^
She made a quick breakfast then put the left overs away if the brothers wanted it.
Adel grabbed her food and went back to her room to think of what to do next.

Michale and his brother sat outside together as they remained in silence. A lot had been discussed the previous night and now Michale was trying to absorb it all.

After Adel finished eating she just layed there trying to gather her thoughts on how to what she needed.
I have to go after the one that killed...
Her thought trailed away from finishing that thought.
She heard movement and then deciding to go down.
She knew she would have to leave it didn't matter to her at least she tried to convince herself that.
She wrapped her emotions and proceeded out the door.
*Here's wishing myself luck!*

Both of them stood up and there was an uncomfortable silence as the snow fell around the group. Slowly Michale stepped forward, his head hanging low.
"I... I'm... sorry... for everything.... to you both." He whispered, his heart breaking.

Adel stared at Michale for a moment.
"I need you to remember about that night."
"The creature that attacked this Gloria, was there any kind of markings? "

Michael glanced at Michale who's face grew dark and his eyes narrowed in a scowl.
"That night... to end all days in darkness. They came for me, but she and her husband stood against it.... she was without her gem that protected her and fell before he could save her. I was so enraged I chased after it.... found it and ripped it to pieces, burning it with my fire. The creature is dead... and I lost my mind and will to remain human that day."

Adel face was drained of color.
*No it can't be, am I responsible for her death?*
Adel softly touched the pendant were it touched her collar bone.
Adel shook her head when she heard Michale say he killed the creature.
"Are you sure you killed the creature?" Adel asked.

Michale nodded solomnly. "The one that attacked us just now was not that creature... there are many Draithes scattered far over the world. Very very rarely do any two meet."
"And yet you've met two." Michael pointed out.
"That's different." Michale said softly. "They are controlled, I am not. Controlled creatures do not stray off their designated path-"
"Designated??? Controlled?" Michael said in horror. "Who would send such creatures."
Michale closed his eyes and slowly shook his head. "I... am not sure. It's not clear in my mind."

"So there are many of those creatures out there?"
"Are they sent to kill people and there families often?"

"I do not know the exact number... save that in the darkness of my mind I hear the voices of scores of them." Michale said softly. "In my dreams I see them, searching out towns and burning them... some walk amongst men in disguise and kill silently in the night one or two people only. Still others spread words of lies and death. All at the command of the voice within."
Michael put his hand on his brother's shoulder and asked with pain and pity in his voice, "And you hear this voice as well?"
Michale slowly nodded as he added, "It... is less clear here in the mountains. The nightmares are less vivid too. I feel safe here in these mountains."

"I see thank you."
Adel smiled at the brothers.
Then turned around and went back into the house.
Then she walked in the room she had been staying in grabbed her stuff then walked back out.
Adel went to find the two brothers.

The two of them glanced at each other as she left them to go into the house and when she came back out Michale looked concerned.
"You've packed your things? Are you going somewhere?"

Adel nodded her head.
"Thank you for your kindness.
I hope you both stay safe."
"Goodbye"

"Wait! You're just going to leave?" Michale said, his eyes filling with fear and a desire to beg her to stay. Michael put a gentle hand on Michale's arm and shook his head, telling him to let her go.
Yet the former draithe shook his head and reached out, wrapping her in an embrace.
"I don't want you to go!" He said, speaking his heart boldly like always.

Adel eyes widened for a moment then softened.
She gently slid out of his embrace
"I have to go,I have to help all those other people and there families."

"How will you do that?" He asked her, beginning to panic. "How will you find them? And then how will you fight them?"

"I'm not as helpless as I look.
I'm far stronger then you think."
"I will be fine.
Besides I need to help, so children won't become parent less."
"I've been tracking these creatures and I've seen the devastation they leave behind.
So I'm going to track and kill these creatures until there are no more left or until I can no longer fight."

Michale opened his mouth to protest but his brother stopped him softly and shook his head. Then Michael looked at her with a soft sad smile, "It won't be the same without you here, Adel."
"Yeah... who'd cook for us?-ooph!" Michale said in all seriousness as his brother elbowed him.

Adel smiled at the brothers antics.
Adel went over to Micheal and embraced him "Thank you for everything."
Then Adel turned to Michale and embraced him as well "Thank you for all your help."
Adel then moved away and turned and started her way down the mountain.

Michale watched her go, his eyes following her every movement until she was well out of sight. The snow shimmered white and her footsteps were clearly seen.
Michale hung his head and fell to his knees, Michael went softly to his side and put a gentle hand on his shoulder.
"Michael... just let her go-"
"It's not that." The brother said, his voice strained, "There is another... monster. And it's coming closer."

The draithe beat it's wings as it walked to make the fire spewing from it's mouth roar with great strength at the single hunter that was following it. They had fought for days and still this human would not die!
The creature turned and once again tried to fly up above the trees and escape this immortal human hunter.

The hunter just smirked*your not going to escape.
I will catch you and kill you.*
As the hunter saw it take flight.
He threw daggers at the creatures wings but, he couldn't tell if the daggers hit there mark.

One of the crystal tipped blades cut it's wing, sending the Draithe crashing down.
It turned on the hunter, grabbing him with his claws and then flew high up into the air, flying higher and higher.

He pulled out two small daggers while he kept the claws from ripping him to pieces.
He jammed the first dagger into the monster chest.
The second dagger he sawa couple of trees to land in.
As they reached the trees he sliced the monsters wrist and fell into the trees.
As he fell he grabbed on to as many branches to stop his fall but his fingers slipped each time.
A second later his world went black.
He hit his head on the branch then fell and hit the ground.

The monster reeled and crashed hard. It struggled but managed to remove the dagger. With a screech it began reforming into a draithe as it charged at the unconscious man...
Only for it to have it's head ripped off from behind by a pair of clawed hands belonging to yet another Draithe.
Michale ripped the beast to shreds and when there was nothing left he began to move toward the human... before he passed out in the snow.
Michael hurried, but was not yet close to the place so see what had happened.

A groan came from the hunters lips.
*Well that was a nasty fall*
The hunter looked around him and saw a young man facing away from him.
He slowly made his way towards him.
The hunter keeled beside him a turned him over,
He gasped in surprise*Gabriel!*
*He's alive,was he the one I was trying to kill?
Then something caught the corner of his.
The hunter stood add moved over to it.
*A draithe* ...
The hunter heard a noise before he could finish his thought and moved back towards Gabriel.

Michael hurried as fast as he could go, but Michale had moved far too fast for him. He glanced up and gasped as he saw a man approaching his unconscious brother.
"Wait! No! Don't hurt him!" He gasped for breath in the cold air as he ran all the harder. "That's my brother!"
In the snow, Michale began to stir slightly, his hand moving groggily toward his head as consciousness returned to him.

Brother! the hunter said in a surprised tone.
I wasn't aware Gabriel had any family.

"Yes... brother!" Michael gasped.
Michale let out a bit of a moan before he slowly sat up and shook his head. "I don't think I will ever get used to-" He froze as he looked at the man, his eyes filled with confusion.
"I... know you, don't I?"
Michael walked over, looking at the man differently. Was this someone from Michale's past?

*He doesn't remember.*
HE smiled and held out his hand to Michale.
"I'm Samuel David's ,it's great to see you again Gabriel. "

Both Michael and Michale looked at at each other and then back at Samuel.
"Gabriel??" They both said at the exact same time in the exact same way. They did not look like twins, but the certainly acted like them.
Michale took Samuel's hand and stood somewhat unsteadily to his feet as his brother joined them where they stood.
"Did you kill that... draithe?" Michael asked Samuel as he nodded to the carcass.

"No I black out from the fall I took earlier."
"I don't suppose you have a place it's more comfortable?"
"I'm not as young as I used to be."

"Certainly sir." Michael said, coming over and giving the man an arm to lean on. "I will lead you back to our house- Michale stop staring!"
As they walked, Michale had been walking along with Samuel, staring into the man's face only inches away.
He continued staring for a moment longer until Michael caught his eye. Then he straightened, put his hands behind his head and whistled like nothing had happened as he walked with them.

when Samuel saw there home he sighed.
When they went inside he heavily sat on the couch.
"Thank you Micheal and you too Gabriel."
"So were should we begin."

"First things first... um..." Michale began, then a thousand questions entered his mind so he could not pick, but his brother spoke for him,
"How did you get here?" Michael asked, heating up the pot of water to make tea.

"Well of all the questions to ask that's a really easy to answer.
I'm a draithe hunter.
Next question."

"So you were after that Monster-" Michael began when suddenly Michale interrupted.
"So you're like Adel. She's also a draithe hunter. She came here for me but found out I wasn't the one she was after and left." Michale stated matter o factly.

Samuel was shocked.
You let a young lady leave alone!
To go after draithes.
Are you insane we taught you better then that Gabriel.
A lady should never wonder alone.

They both were shocked at his outburst and Michale spoke up, "She's a draithe hunter. She will be fine.... I hope." He added in worry.
"We had no right to interfere with her life." Michael added.

Samuel snorted.
" No right!"
Samuel got up.
"It was wonderful to see you again Gabriel.
Gabriella would be have been happy for you."

"Where are you going?" Michale asked, concern entering his voice.
Michael put his hand on Michael's arm. "Michale, we've been over this. He can chose to go where he wills. We have no right to interfere."

"Gabriel I am a draithe hunter now.
Although If I just so happen to bump into this female hunter.
Well maybe we'll team up for awhile."
Samuel walked over to Gabriel and hugged him.
"It was great seeing you again Gabriel" Samuel whispered.
Then he took Micheal into a hug.
"Take care of your self's. "Samuel said after he step away Micheal.
Samuel gave one last wave turned and started down the mountain.

The door closed and both of them stood there for a moment.
Then both began to argue at the same time.


"I know what you're going to say-"
"You better know! We can't just-"

"But it's his life and his choice"
"-he doesn't know this mountain! And what if-"

"We can't worry about every single person we ever-"
"draithe come and attack? I'm the only one who-"

"They are professional hunters-"
"Who couldn't defeat the 2 draithe-"

"Now you're just assuming-"
Michale stomped his foot down. "No Michale. I am going after them. Whether you come or go is up to you." He said, walking into the kitchen to pack.
Michael bit his lip. He didn't want to run off on some adventure... but if Michale left he would be all alone on the mountain... and maybe he could marry the girl of his dreams?
he sighed and walked over to help pack. "I'm coming too. We're family and family sticks together."
Michale grinned and soon the two of them were packed for four along with traps for their food, they locked up and boarded up their house and soon they headed down through the snow to leave their home.

*Hmm so it looks like she wears a size six.
A small hill easy to run in if needed.
It looks like she has good traction on the bottom of her souls.
Well at least she is well prepared* Samuel thought.
Samuel got up from his crouched position and started on his way again.

The two brothers reached the bottom of the mountain just as the man tracked Adelle to the exit. The way had been cleared and Michale walked up to Samual with a big goofy grin on his face.
"We thought if we were going Draithe hunter hunting we might want to pack for a long haul, see?" He said, hefting his pack/

Samuel laughed at Michale's antics.
"Well I guess I got some company then."
Samuel grinned "Welcome a board."
Then he turned and started to walk in the direction where he tracked the girls foot prints.

Adel couldn't help but feel that someone was speaking about her.
She quickly shook the feeling off.
After some time she had this strange feeling that someone was following her.
She doubled back and saw a man crouched down by her foot prints.
Adel had some mix feelings about this.
*I'll just have to quicken my pace a little.*
Adel quickly took off.

And she was suddenly tackled from behind.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADEEEEEEEEEEEEEELL! We found you!" Michale said, rubbing her head like a puppy with snow everywhere. "We were looking for you-"
"MICHALE!" Michael said, reaching where Samuel was and looking at Michale in shock. "That is NOT how you treat a lady!"
Michale stood up and dropped Adel into the snow. "Oh! oops!... Sorry."

"Michale!" Adel said in surprise.
Then she glared "Well are you going to help me up, or just stare?"

"Can't you get up? are you hurt or somethi-" Michale began when Michael walked over and thwapped him in the head. "Be a gentleman and help the lady up."
"OOOOOOOOOOOoh ok." Michale said, helping her to her feet and brushed some snow off of her.

As Michale helped Adel a wicked grin cross her face.
Adel carefully scoop a pile of snow in her hand.
As soon as she was on her own feet she step closer to Michale then was necessary.
Then she dumped snow down Michale's shirt.

Michale let go of her and hopped around, reaching around to try and touch his back.
"Ah ooo ah cold!" he said, getting away from her when suddenly his wings shot out and ripped his shirt to shreds.
"OOps.... that's weird." He said, noting the rest of him remained human.
He didn't even realize he made himself shirtless.

Samuel saw what Adel was going to do.
So he waited to see what Gabriel reaction.
When Gabriel started to jump around Samuel chuckled.
Samuel chuckle stopped abruptly when Gabriels wings sprouted out.
"Well Gabriel your going to have to work on control."
Samuel said as he handed his cloak to Gabriel.

Michale took a few deep breaths and recalled his wings, then put on the cloak.
"Thanks Samuel... I don't think I will get used to being 'Gabriel'." He said, although it felt very familiar.

Adel didn't know who this man was.
Though she was confused she didn't show it.
She walked calmly over to them crossed her arms and stared at Michale.

Michale glanced at her, then blinked a few times. "What?"
Michael walked over to him and gave him a firm smack over the head. He then turned to Adara. "Sorry about that. This is Samuel... he apparently was acquainted with Michale before I was."
"And I was called Gabriel." Michael pointed out.
Michael then looked at Samuel. "Samuel, this is Adel. The huntress we told you about."

Adel raised an eyebrow and stared.
The hunter laughed "so your the young hunter, hun I thought you would be older."
Adel eye twitched a little at the hunters comment "It was nice to meet you Mr. "
"The name is Samuel no need for the Mr part makes me feel old."
"Well it was very nice to meet you Mr. Samuel,but I have to be on my way."
With that being said Adel turned and started to walk away.

Michale strode up, keeping in pace with her.
"So where are we headed?" He asked her, his eyes sparkling with eagerness for adventure.

Michael grinned, following them with Samual by his side.

Adel raised an eyebrow curiously, but kept up her quick pace.
"What makes you think that we are traveling together."
Adel asked still moving quickly.

"Well." Michale said with a grin. "I'm walking here, you're walking there, and we're both walking the same way and we're standing side by side. Are you saying we aren't traveling together?"

Adel giggled softly.
"Well when you put it that way I'm headed South then follow the winding river."
"As long as that merchant was telling the truth what was his name again."
" Ah yes that Wallace he said it will take me to Presanbur."
" There was a draith in that area."
" Are you sure want to come?" Adel asked looking at Michale worriedly.

"Well don't you think it would be better to have me along? It would make it easier for you to catch them." Michale said, but a hint of doubt entered his eye.
He was helping her catch his own- they were ruthless beasts, but could they be like him?
He did not know.

Adel eyes softened as she looked a Michale.
"I think it would be safer if you went back home,you are conflicted and that could get you hurt."
"After all I can't keep you out of trouble all the time."
"Right" Adel giggled and winked at Michale.
"Anyway the chose is yours." Adel smiled and pick up her pace a little faster.

He hesitated for a moment and then shook his head, hurrying to catch up.
"I'm coming along. I want to know why I am this way and why I'm different from the others." he said. "And I don';t want anyone killed by creatures like me."

"Hey you two what are you doing up here."
Samuel said loudly and wrapped a friendly arm around Michale's neck.
"If I didn't know any better I'd say you have forgotten about us back here."

"We were just talking." Michale said with a grin. "If we were kissing you would have seen it."

Adel elbowed Michale in the stomach
"Dream on lover boy."
Adel giggled at Michale's face and raced on ahead.
Knowing she left two confused man behind.

Michale tore after her and his brother tried to catch up.
"We don't have to run the whole way!" he shouted, but they were already racing out of sight.

A fierce desire to pounce Adel hit Michale and he rushed faster and faster until he did just that. He tackled her and pinned her into the snow.
"Gotcha!" he said, breathing hard with a smile on his face.

Adel flipped Michale so she was now on top.
Adel giggled at Michale.
Adel heard water and looked ahead and jumped up.
"Look the river." Adel said.
Adel held a hand down to Michale "Come on."

Michale coughed from the impact but then was on his feet and hurrying after her yet again.
"Be careful! Running water is dangerous near the mountains!" He said like a worried mother hen.

Michael slowed to a stop, doubling over in order to catch his breath.
"I'm... pretty... bad shape." He gasped to Samuel who was clearly in better shape.

Samuel laughed Don't worry you'll get use to it.
Well lets get moven there out of sight again.

Adel rolled her eyes when she heard Michale's shout.
She waited away by the river for Michale.

They all finally caught up and Michale moved to continue on when his brother grabbed his arm.
"What are you doing? Don't walk on that- you'll freeze your legs off!"
Michale pouted. "There's no bridge, what do you suggest we do?" He said, then turned to Samuel. "What do you suggest?"

Samuel ^sighed^ and took off his pack.
Then he pulled out a rope.
He threw it up to a high branch the other end following.
Samuel tied it then pulled it

Michael looked on in curiosity as Michale walked over to him.
"What are ya doing?" He asked, looking up at the rope.

I'm making a way to get across the stream so we can keep moving.
Samuel turned to the group.
"We are going to swing across."
"So who wants to go first?"

Michale almost jumped for joy. "Ooh ooh! Pick me!"
Michael slapped his own head. "Michale... have some dignity." He pleaded.

"Well alright Michale go right ahead."
Samuel smirked "Adel you can go after Michale."
Adel nodded.

Michael gave a woot and jumped, grabbing the rope to swing over the stream.
"WHOOOOOOOOOO-OOPH! Michale said as he faceplanted into a tree, causing Michael to flinch. "That had t hurt.

The rope swung back towards the others.
Samuel caught it .
"All right Adel your next."
Adel took a deep breath and swung over the stream.
Adel jump off but notice Michale right were she would land.
Adel's eyes widened as she crashed into Michale.
Adel slowly raised her head and met Michale's eyes.
Adel blushed slightly and quickly got off Michale.
"Sorry" Adel mumbled.
Adel could hear faint chuckling from across the stream.
Adel moved further away so it wouldn't happen again.

Michale laughed and jumped to his feet. "It's alright." He said with a smile. "Actually I kinda liked it."
Michael let out a groan. That was NOT something his brother should have said. Michael turned to Samuel. "I'll go next... and keep them out of trouble."He said, taking the rope and swinging over, landing with only a few tripped up steps on the snow on the other side before throwing the rope back to Samuel."

Samuel swung over and landed gracefully.
Samuel walked to the others.
"Thank you for testing the rope Gabriel."

"Ok, let's go- Hey!" Michale said as he finally caught on. "Y-... the rope... HEY!"
Michael burst into laughter, doubling over.

Adel rolled her eyes but there was a hint of a smile on her lips.
Adel turned to Samuel
"Shall we continue."
Samuel bowed to Adel
"After you Milady." Samuel held a arm out for her.
Adel giggled.
"Thank you kind sir."
Adel said as she passed Samuel.

Michale's cheeks turned bright red. "Hey! Why do you get to walk with her!"
"You aren't jealous.. .are you Michale?" Michael asked giving his brother a slight elbow to the side.
Michale hmphed and folded his arms. following the rest of them with a glance now and then at Gabriel.

Adel glanced back at Michale and saw him pouting.
*i wonder what's wrong with Michale .*
Samuel looked at Adel and saw her with a confused look on her face.
"Is there something on your mind milady?"
Adel looked at Samuel "umm it's nothing.'
Samuel saw her look at Gabriel.
"Don't worry Gabriel is just pouting."
"Why is he pouting?"
Samuel smiled at her innocents.
"You understand in time."
"I'm going to look ahead" leaving behind the group.
Adel stayed at her pace and was left to walk alone

Michale saw Samuel go on ahead and he hurried to fill his spot. "So you wanna take my arm? I give you permission to." He said, attempting to be gallant.
Michael stifled a chuckle at this and watched with some amusement.

Adel stared at him then shook her head.
"I'm ok,but thank you for the offer Adel said.
"What was wrong earlier?"
"You seemed unlike your self."
"Why?"

"Samuel was just showing off." Michale said with a shrug. "He's trying to look all many in that mannish manly way- but I could beat him where it counts." Michale said, flashing her a grin.

"Umm ok."
Adel looked at Michale and said.
"Is Samuel the reason why you were pouting then."

"I wasn't 'pouting' !" Michale insisted, trying to think of a good excuse. "I was.... pondering- thinking... scowling maybe." He said, nodding to himself at the witty words.

"Sure you were" Adel said sarcastically.
"Anyway lets catch up to Samuel."
Adel grabbed Michale's hand and started running.

*Well no draithes anywhere.*
Turns around ^sighs^ And sits on a rock waiting on the others.

Michale laughed and ran, trying to pull her along.
Michael only groaned at this *why do we always have to run?* He wondered, jogging behind them.

Michale let go of her hand and ran ahead... only to hit some ice and fall on his face, sledding at full speed with a hollar as he landed into a snow mound beside Samuel.
"Fhhhrst!" His muffled voice said from within the snow

Samuel laughed .
"Hello Gabriel have a nice trip."
Samuel laughed again at his own joke.

Adel caught up quickly,and saw Michale.
He was on the ground,and she started to giggle.

Michael also caught up and fell to the ground, trying to catch his breath.
"At... least we... made it to... the river." He said, nodding to the frozen over water ahead.

Samuel looked at the group.
" We should get moving."
"We'll have to camp before dark."
Samuel turned and started walking.
Adel quickly followed.

"What is it with you people and boundless energy?" Michael gasped, then moved forward.
Michale walked out onto the ice and smiled, beginning to ice-skate with his boots over the surface of the river.
His brother sighed and walked out onto the frozen ice as well, quite nervous and wondered if it was as solid as it looked.

Samuel walked calmly but carefully across the ice.
Also kept an eye on everyone.

Adel was the last to go on the ice.
Adel loved ice skating,but memories started to surf us.
Adel squashed it and glided on the ice.

Michale hurried off across the ice, not noticing how some of it cracked under his weight. Michael didn't see it either as he walked ever closer to the cracking ice.

Samuel heard a unique noise over were Gabriel was.
Samuel looked over towards Gabriel and his brother, and saw the crack and yelled" Gabriel!"

Adel quickly whipped her head towards Samuel.
Adel saw Samuel looking over at Michale and his brother.
She turned and saw the ice Michale Adel shouted.

Michale stopped and looked back at Michael who quickly lay down.
"What are you doing?" Michale asked, moving a step back.
"Nononono... don't move, Michale." Michael said as he lay on the ice. "I'm spreading out my weight.... just keep moving and don't fall in the ice."
Michale glanced down at his feet and saw the cracking ice and it freaked him out, so he turned and tried to run, but was slipping all over the place.
"Michale! Michale don't fall!" Michael shouted, his eyes wide in worry. If Michale fell he would fall right through the ice.

Samuel saw Gabriel start to freak out.
"Gabriel stop moving!" Samuel shouted but to no avail as Gabriel wasn't listening.

Adel saw the ice crack more and more.
Adel lied down on her stomach and quickly yet carefully as possible made her way over to Michale.
Once she was about two feet away she called to Michale in a soothing voice.
*Please let him here my voice* Adel thought as she called out to Michale.

Michale slipped and twisted and almost fell, but then he heard a soft sound. He struggled to stand still although his feet were having a hard time finding a place to stand. He turned his head, still very wobbly and looked at Adelle.
"The ice! It's cracking!" He said, still in a panic but not flailing about.

"Michale you mustn't panic.
Michale you need to slowly move a few steps back.
Then lie down and slowly move towards me."

Michale nodded, holding his breath as he tried to shift his weight....
A massive crack formed under his foot and grew with a loud rending noise. His eyes opened wide as he was about to panic yet again.

Michael watched, holding his breath in terror.

"Michale don't panic.
Stay with me look at me Michale.
Adel started to make her way to Michale.
Michale give me your hand."

Michale's eyes were wide as he twisted, reaching out for her. His feet slid out from under him and he landed hard on the ice, the crack grew and one boot slipped into it. Michale hissed from the cold but held tight to her hand as he lay on the ice.

Adel held Michale's hand tightly.
"It's okay don't let go." Adel said soothingly.
As she every so slowly pulled Michale away from the cracking ice.
Adel pulled Michale to the other side.
When she had them safely across she rolled on her back and took deep breaths.
Never realizing she didn't let Michale's hand go.

Soon the others made it to the other side as well, and Michael rushed to his brother's side.
"Quick, take your boot off!" He said.
But Michale wasn't listening, He had his eyes closed and a smile on his face as he enjoyed the warm hand of someone... holding his.

Adel heard Micheal and quickly took her hand away from Michale's grasp.
Then she quickly got to her feet and took a few steps away from the brothers.

Samuel walked over took off his bag and handed Micheal a wrap for Gabriel foot.
"Wrapped that up quickly so we can get moving again. "
Then Samuel walked away from them.

Michael nodded in thanks as his brother slowly sat up and then pulled the soaking wet half frozen boot off. Already his foot was turning blue. after drying it the brother's quickly wrapped it up very warm before putting the semi-dry boot back on.
Michale stood and tested it... it felt awkward but it was better than a frozen foot.
"Alright... let's go!" He said, turning and walking ahead of the group."

Adel followed quietly.
*What was I thinking? Why did I do that?
I shouldn't have done that he's a draithe but.
Arg I think about this later.*
As Adel looked ahead she saw Samuel looking over at the darking horizon.

Michale and his brother caught up, Michale going right up to Adelle and with a smile took her hand, walking and swinging it slightly.
"Thanks for saving my life." He said with a smile as bright as the sun

Adel cheek tinted a soft pink.
Adel new she should take her hand away.
She just couldn't because he's hand felt warm holding hers.

Suddenly Samuel called for her and she quickly dropped Michale's hand.
Your most welcome then turn and ran to catch up to Samuel.

Michale watched her run ahead and smiled. He glanced back and up at the sky... somehow the stars looked a little less friendly than they had been up on the mountain.
Michael walked up to him and put his hand on his brother's shoulder and they walked together in silence.

Samuel said nothing for a while as Adel walked beside him.
*Why does this girl remind me of someone,and Who?

Adel felt confused * I thought he wanted something.
Oh well at least it;s not uncomfortable.
That gives me more time to think about what happened back there.*

Michael walked along side his brother and finally spoke. "The sun has long begun to set... we should pitch camp soon. If we keep walking it will be after midnight by the time we reach the road and dawn by the time we reach the next village outside the mountain."

Samuel new it was getting late.
He saw a small rock formation that looked to be good shelter.
"Alright will set up camp over there he told Adel.
I go tell Gabriel and Micheal."


Adel nodded,and walked over to the spot Samuel pointed out.

Samuel walked back to Gabriel and Micheal.
"Hey we're going to set up camp over there."

"Right... Michale. Why don't you lend her a hand?" Michael suggested.
"To do what? We're going to be laying on some rocks- fine... moving." He said as he received a glare from his shorter brother.

Michale walked over to her and then shuffled his feet in the snow.
"Um... I could... gather wood?" He suggested.

Michael waited till Michale was out of sight before he spoke to Samuel. "I'm worried about my brother. He has very little control and the mountain is the only thing that keeps him... human... is the stone of this mountain and this." He held out the small stone pendant he had and Samuel saw that the crystal was from the mountain, but clearly not pure as it could be.
"What happens when we leave this mountain? What can we do?" He asked the older man.

"I will handle that.
Don't worry enjoy the journey."

Adel just nodded and continued on doing what she was doing.

Michale shrugged and wandered off alone into the woods to search for wood.

"Don't worry?" Michael repeated in surprise. "You might as well tell me not to breathe."

Samuel chuckled at Micheal "What ever works for you.
Although you should ease up a little.
Enjoy your self a little."
Samuel smiled then walked over to Adel.

Michael could not help but smile and shake his head. Sometimes the thing one should listen to was the hardest to hear.

Michale wandered deep, finding dry wood ad carrying it in the crook of his arm as he hummed to himself.

"Hey Adel where's Gabriel?" Samuel asked.

"He went to get some fire wood.
He should be back any minute."Adel answer.

*Hmm wonder if I should be worried,I'll give him another five minutes.
Before I go looking for him.*

An elderly old man was walking in the forest.
When by chance he saw a young man.
"Hello young man!"the elderly man called.

"Hello o- I mean good sir." Michale said, walking over. "Fine evening for a walk in the snow is it not?" He said with a grin.

Michael sat down on one of the stones and glanced around. "Do we have anything to cook?" He asked outloud

Samuel frowned I go see if I can go and find something.
*While I'm at it I'll find out were in the world Gabriel is.* he added to himself.

"It is beautiful night although it's a little on the cold side at night.
I was wondering if maybe I could join you for the night?"

"I don't see why not. The more the merrier." Michale said with a grin. "We're just about to get a fire going. Come on I will show you where the others are waiting." He said, offering the old man his arm.

Michael watched Samuel go... trying not to worry.

Samuel threw two knifes in the bushes.
He calmly went over and found to dead rabbits.
*It will have to do.*
Suddenly Samuel heard noises and quickly got into a crouch position.
Ready to attack if necessary.

Adel sat on her stone wondering what to say.
*Well maybe Micheal rather not talk unlike his brother.*

Michale came through the bushes, crashing about more like an elephant than a trained woodsman.
"No no I'm sure they won't mind." He reassured the old man, practically running into Samuel.

Michael glanced over at her and then cleared his throat slightly. "So... it seems my brother has feelings for you. You'll let him down easy- won't you?" He asked in concern for Michale.

Samuel stood up quickly "Gabriel!"
Samuel growled not liking the fact that Michale nearly ran right into him.
Samuel noticed the elderly man.
Who is this? Samuel asked.


Adel stared at Micheal for a moment.
*Umm what are you talking about?"

"Since he met you Michale's been head over heels for you... he does an awful job of hiding that fact too." Michael pointed out. "I mean earlier when you collapsed on him you two were both blushi-"

"Oh... This is-" Michale began and then paused, realizing something. He turned and looked at the old man. "I'm sorry, sir, I didn't get your name."

I have no idea what you are talking about.
Adel interrupted Micheal.
All I was trying to do was help Adel said defensively.
A light blush tinted her cheeks.

Oh my name is Stephen.
It's nice to meet you both he bowed a little at them.

Samuel smiled and bowed back wonderful to meet you too.
Well we should get back to camp.
Samuel walked over and grabbed both rabbits.
Turned and started to walk towards camp.

"Oh?" Michael said, raising and eyebrow and smiled at her. "Is that so?"
"Is what so?" Michale said as the group returned.

Nothing you need to know about.
Adel said looking towards Michale.
Adel noticed the elderly man.
Oh who is this? Adel asked.

"Everyone, this is Stephan! He's going to be staying with us tonight." Michale said with a smile.
Michael tried not to sigh. "My brother... you just met this man. You shouldn't so blindly trust everyone-"
"What's not to trust? There's nothing wring with sharing a campfire and I got plenty of wood!" He said as he set it down for them to begin making a fire.

Well hello Mr. Stephen." Adel holds out her hand ."

Stephen smiles and shakes her hand.
"It's very nice to meet you young miss."

Adel giggled "Oh please call me Adel."

Stephen smiled and nodded at Adel.

"Here let me help you sit down." Adel offered with a smile.

Stephen smiled at Adel as she helped him over to sit on a large rock.

Samuel kept his eye on the whole interaction.
He would keep an eye on this stranger just in case.

Michale put the wood down a ways from them and began trying to start a fire. He tried again and again but the somewhat wet wood was refusing to light. He huffed in annoyance and gasped as flames lept from his lips and caught the wood on fire.
He was a bit disturbed by this, and a bit relieved.
"Heh... that's... one way to bake a log." He added nervously.

Michael glanced at the old man, wondering if he had seen this or missed it while talking to Adel.

Stephen was talking to Adel when from the corner of his eye, he saw Michal have fire come out of his mouth.
Stephen pretended he didn't see it and kept talking to Adel.

Adel saw Michale breath fire but ignored it .
Adel kept on talking even though she was shocked.
She didn't want to draw attention to it right.

Samuel rolled his eyes.
He really has no control at all.
Samuel ^sighed^ *I'm going to start from scratch again.*

Soon Michael had the rabbits skinned and placed over the fire on a slow roast. Michale avoided the fire now, as it made him nervous and he walked over around the border of their camp, just pacing and feeling uneasy.

"After we get done eating we should all get to bed.
We going to have an early start." Samuel said.

Michael nodded but Michale wandered off a ways. He kept the fire in sight but found a place where he could be alone so he could think.

Adel saw Michale walk away and sighed softly.
*I hope he is alright?
What am I doing I shouldn't be worried about him.
I just need to distract myself*
"Well is everyone done ?"
She saw everyone's nod
"Well then I just go wash these up."
Adel headed towards the stream in the opposite direction of Michale.


Samuel got up after Adel left.
"I'll be back in a while."
He left in the direction were Michale went.

Michale looked up as Samuel came over and gave him a smile.
"It's pretty dark out tonight.. isn't it?" He asked, feeling uneasy. Being at the bottom of the mountain meant there was not much crystal in the lower part of the mountain.

Samuel nodded.
"Gabriel what is wrong?" Samuel asked

"I... started the fire. I made fire." He said, his face full of worry. "What... what happens if I turn into that thing again and can't turn back? She... isn't here to stop me anymore." He said, his head lowering in grief.

"Well I guess I'll have to retrain you.
It's going to be brutal.
Do you think you can handle that?" Samuel asked.

"But... what if I kill you?" Michale asked and then hesitated, "Wait... last... last time I saw you- you were dead. How did you survive?"

"You saved me.
You probably don't remember you were in your other form."
Samuel lifted up he's shirt and there was a dark patch of skin.

Hesitantly, Michale reached out and brushed the dark skin patch with his fingers.
"The... the memories... They are so... jumbled... vague... but I think... I think I remember giving you that." He said, glancing up at him with relief in his eyes. "I'm glad it worked."

Samuel smiled sadly.
"Well we should get back ,to camp and get some sleep."
Samuel turned and headed towards camp.

"Yeah... alright." Michale said with a smile, feeling better about the night as he walked back with Samuel to camp. Michael came over and brought Michale aside so they could sleep side by side to keep warm...
and safe.

Adel was already laying on her leather fur inline with a thick fur covering her around the waist.
Adel evened out her breath and was turned away from everybody.
She heard Samuel and Michale enter the camp .
Adel ^sighed^ in relief knowing they came back safely.


Samuel noticed Adel sigh he smiled softly.
He quietly walked over to her a lifted the fur up around her shoulders.
"Goodnight young one."
As Samuel walk over to where he's spot he heard a soft" goodnight", and he smiled and went to sleep.

Michale slept deeply... and then something sniffed.
He paused, wondering if he was still asleep... shuffling noises... more sniffing.
He opened one eye and glanced around, and saw everyone else asleep... Clearly he was the only one who heard this.
Slowly Michale sat up, looking into the pitch black woods.
"Everyone... I think you should get up- we have to go." he said, every sense alert.
Just then, deep in the woods, something howled a lone powerful howl.

Samuel immediately jump up from were he was laying
Samuel quickly went to Stephen to help him.
"Come on" Samuel said to everyone else.


Adel knew they wouldn't get very far,with a elderly man with them.
Adel,took a deep breath grabbed her things and took off towards the wolfs.
*I have to give them some time* she thought as she ran.

They rushed together through the dark wood, getting further and further from the cries of the wolved.
Michale glanced back and then stopped, letting the others run on ahead.
Where was Adel???

The wolves entered the camp site, snarling as they slowly approached Adel.

Samuel saw Gabriel stop all of a sudden.
He also noticed that Adel was nowhere near them.
Samuel said nothing and continued getting the other two to safety.

Adel saw three grey wolfs coming at her.
Adel held her sword to the approaching wolves.
Then Adel used her other hand to whistle.

Adels Whistle echoed through the trees.
Then the wolf on Adels right attacked.
Adel slashed the wolfs leg and it fell in the snow.
Suddenly The other two wolfs sprang at Adel.
Adel fought them off but just barely.

Adel heard growls from behind her she saw two more wolves come fromm behind her.
In A flash A big black wolf and a slightly smaller white wolf came and stood growling in front of Adel.
Kale Satasha Adel said quierly.
Go Adel shouted and they attacked the five wolfs.

Some time later Adel was breathing hard and her sword covered in blood
Kale and Satasha mouths and fur were covered in blood.
Adel went to the two wolfs and dropped to her knees.
"Thank you " and hugged them both .
Kale heard a noise coming closer and stood in front and started to growl.
Adel shakily got to her feet Kale Satasha go I'll be fine.
The two wolves left and Adel held her sword in the direction the noise came from.

Michale came out of the trees like a lumbering bear, but what he saw caught him off guard.
"Wow... what a chick!" He said, too stunned to realize what he said until it was too late. Then it registered that there was blood all over her and he stepped forward. "Are you alright Adel?"

[Rin]

Adel gave a tired smile when she saw Michale.
"I'm fine nothing a little rest won't solve."
As she walked up to Michale.
"We should go catch up with the others."

[Kyp]

Michale glanced around, still amazed she had done this on her own.
"Yeah... remind me never to get on your bad side." He said as he offered her his arm.

[Rin]

Adel gave a small smile, and took Micheal's offered arm.

"Where are Gabriel and Adel" Samuel asked Michal?

[Kyp]

"They are just ahead... waiting for us to catch up." Michael said as he motioned the torn up snow where he had run at full speed to reach her. "Come on. The world awaits!"

[Rin]

Samuel saw Gabriel and Adel come through the trees.
"Well I'm glad to see you both alright." Samuel said relieved.

Adel just nodded her head.

[Kyp]

"Hey Michael." Michale called to his brother. "If we get back to trapping we should keep her around. She can take down a pack of wolves single-handedly!"
Michael glanced at his brother, not believing him for a second.

[Rin]

Adel shot Michael a cold glare at his comment.

Samuel saw Adel soot a glare at Michael.
Samuel coughed "I don't know about that, Adel seems to be quite able to take care of herself."

[Kyp]

"Yeah you should see her in action! She's quite well built!" Michale laughed. Michael looked at him in alarm but Michale had no idea what he was insinuating.

[Rin]

Adel, gave Michale a horrified look, then it turned to anger, and punched him on the side of his cheek. Then walked, on past everyone.

Samuel laughed, and turned, and walked after Adel.

[Kyp]

Michale was punched hard enough to make him spin, his face landing in a snow drift.
Michael shook his head and folded his arms. "That snow should cool you off loverboy."
Michale's head shot up, a mound of snow still on his head and nose. "WHAT?!?!?!"
Michael only smiled, turned and followed the others, leaving Michale to scramble to try and keep up.

[Rin]

"You know I'm sure Gabriel didn't mean for it to come out that way." Samuel said.

Adel ignored Samuel, and kept walking.

Samuel ^sigh^.

[Kyp]

The brothers caught up and soon they reached the bottom of the mountain. The day had come and now the sun was slowly sinking to the horizon. Yet now below them well within sight was a little village.
Michael glanced at the older man who had come with them. "It looks like we've all made it to the village. You should be able to get to wherever you are going here.

[Rin]

"Thank you you all are very kind.
To show my gratitude, let me bye you a meal, before we part ways." Stephen asked.

"That's really, not necessary. "Adel said smiling at the older gentleman.

"I insist please."Stephen insisted.

"Very well,but we are leaving immediatly after" Samuel said in a firm tone.

[Kyp]

"Free food is always a good th-oof!" Michale said just as his brother elbowed him in the stomach.
"We insist on helping you with the bill." Michael said, giving Michale a look to tell him to shut his mouth.