Air

Air

This is where it all begins! Each of you may choose a title and we'll vote on the one that works best at the end of the story. Go for it!

( GN) My name is Leo. I am a boy of 17 years and I live in the Southern lands of the great kingdom of Azgar. The goddess that rules over the Southern lands is named Melee. I pray to her every day, because she has power over lowly farmers like me and my mother. Melee also rules over the elderly, celebrations and emotions. I pray that she will help me cope with the trials and tribulations of everyday life. She seems to smile upon me, because strange and wonderful things often happen to me. Just this morning, in fact, I received a small bar of chocolate attached to my front door.

These gifts do not always come in mysterious ways. King Calum is a kind old man who seeks peace for our lands, and he is a gift that has surely been bestowed upon these lands to bring happiness. He often bestows small gifts upon me through his son, Axel. The most recent was a hippogriff, a cross between a horse and an eagle. I named him Aaru. He is still very young, but his powers will increase, I am sure of it. His name (Aaru) means peace. I do not want him to fight or be aggressive. To attack in defense is his nature, but maybe I can train him to be calm and peaceful.

To the West of my kingdom are the Western lands. There are guards all across the border, and to cross without permission is punishable by death. King Calum is not happy about this. He says that we are all part of the same kingdom, so why can't we live together in harmony? The answer to this, I do not know. To the East, I am not sure what lies there. I am positive they want peace, just as we do, but I am not sure why nobody speaks of them. It is like a taboo, a curse to talk of them and their people.

My father left for the Northern lands years ago and never returned. I wonder how he is and what he is doing. No one knows anything of the Northern lands. They do not show up for gatherings or meetings. They live a solitary life. Someday, I hope to learn more about their kingdom. I wish I was more than just a fatherless farmer. Then I could explore. I could learn things.

My mother has taught me all she knows, but it is not much. I know simple arithmetic, reading and writing. I know the history of the Southern lands and our native language. My mother has instructed me to go into the marshes and come back with a nice, fat squirrel. We shall be having roasted squirrel for dinner, I think. I take Aaru into the forest and mount him. I must say, a saddle would be nice. If only they made hippogriff saddles. "Find a nice, juicy squirrel" I whisper to him. He looks around and then rears. I close my eyes and hold on as we gallop into the forest. He flies - well, levitates really - over rivers and streams. He skids to a halt in front of a lake. I look around. I see nothing. But then I look up into a tree just ahead, and I see a big, fat squirrel. My dinner. I take my bow and arrow and shoot it right between the eyes. It falls from the tree. I stare at it for a bit, then pick it up. Aaru tries to eat it, but I make a small disapproving noise and he backs off. I mount him once more and whisper for him to take me back to the farmhouse. He rears, then takes off galloping once more. (GN1)*

(MFS) My name is Mary, commonly known throughout the Western lands as Lady Mary. My brother is Lord Simon, and my mother is Duchess Vivian. My father is Duke Falcon; he is a harsh man with cruel black eyes and a cold heart. He rules over our land, and is greedy for anything gold or bejeweled. I do not know of the other lands of Azgar, although I've heard rumors. I am only sixteen, but my wish for my seventeenth birthday is to journey to the Southern lands, where they live in peace.

Of course, my father would forbid this. The border is covered by father's soldiers they stand guard. Duke Falcon has made it quite clear that if anyone is to cross the border without permission, it is punishable by death. I pray each night to the Goddess of the Western lands, Rebecca, to help father find peace somewhere in his bitter heart.

Rebecca is the goddess of travelers, in particular boys coming of age, marriage, and dreams. She often talks to me at nighttime, using dreams as a communication method. I hope one day she will help me be free of these lands and meet a boy somewhere, where I can get married, and start my own kingdom. Since I am yet to venture out of our castle, I reside most of my time with my pet falcon, Drakart. The castle is full of falcons, all part of fathers evil plots, but Drakart is kind, and loving. Unlike all the other birds, Drakart has blue eyes, while the rest have ruby red. My mother is calling, it is time for dinner. I finish placing the last of the barrettes in my long, red hair. Throwing on my dinner dress, green with gold assets, I walk down the stairs of my tower and into the kitchens. Simon trips me as I walk into the kitchen, giving out a hearty laugh. I place Drakart in front of his plate, and I set down to eat, praying to Rebecca for a miracle. (MFS1)*

(TP) My name is Porta. I am your average 16 year old girl. I have brown hair, blue eyes, and I am 5' 8" tall. I am a merchant in Azgar. To be specific, I live in the city of Cabana. The city looks like a land you might dream about. Only, a little bit different.

There is a Goddess whose name is Skylar. I hear that she is super nice. I live on her land. She is in charge on the Eastern part of Azgar. She is the Goddess of music, dance, and love. I have never been in love before, but I am hoping that she will soon change that. If she is as nice as they all say she is, then she most likely will.

I sometimes want to cross the borders to go to the other parts of Azgar. I couldn't imagine going to any other parts of Azgar though. Not because I don't want to go. I can't go. It is punishable by death. Unless if I go to the Northern part. No one knows anything about them. All anyone knows is that they have a very powerful army. More powerful then any other place in Azgar.

The Southern part is also not punishable by death to cross the borders. I don't know why, but they welcome border crossers. It is still a rule. However, you will not die because of it. Some people know that and take advantage of the rule. Others think it's punishable by death to cross the border to any different part of Azgar other than the Eastern and Southern lands.

I really want to go to the Western or Southern part of Azgar though. I dream about the Western part of Azgar often. Sometimes I hear Rebecca talk to me in my dreams. Well, after all she is the goddess of dreams. I don't tell anyone though. I'm afraid they might think I'm insane. It's probably just my imagination. I do hear quite a lot of voices in my head sometimes.

I hope one day I will be able to live in another land. I want a fresh start. Just for a little while. Just enough time to see if I like it, if its what I need. Maybe, just maybe, the day will come when I finally cross the borders to get my fresh start. (TP1)*

(MFS)

I watch young Mary eagerly as she scrawls in her red-leather journal. She throws her waist-length red hair behind her shoulder and taps her quill into a bottle of purple ink. Vivian calls her, and she quickly shuts her diary under her chair cushion, her secret hiding place. I look away while she undresses, and return my gaze only when I hear her shut her tower door. She scampers down the stairs in a long green dress lined with gold. My favorite dress of hers, making her bright green eyes pop.

I should probably introduce myself. My name is Rebecca, Goddess of boys coming of age, travelers, marriage and dreams. I watch over all of the Western lands, but, of course, I focus on my daughter the most.

It's a tragic story, really. After all, Gods and Goddesses are not allowed to mate with humans. It is against our morals. But, being a young and foolish child, on my first solo journey to Azgar, I met a young man by the name of Cedric. He never learned of who I was, but when I discovered I was with child, I knew I could never see him again. I tried to hide my stomach, but the Goddess of us all spotted me, and made me give the child up.

I originally planned to give my daughter to Cedric, but I could not find him. I set her down in the temple in the middle of Azgar, and she was collected by a man and his wife. It was only when I returned to my home up above that I saw who they really were. They told young Mary, I named her Athena, that she was theirs, their second-born child. I have always wondered how it is that she has never discovered she wasn't their birth child. She is a spitting image of me, while they all have pitch-black hair.

Her seventeenth birthday is approaching; I plan to help her with her birthday wish, to find a way to journey from the Western Kingdom. To do so she'll need a gift, one I will give to her on her birthday.

Mary is getting up from the table, Vivian just yelled at her about her dress. Mary acted as though she didn't care, but as soon as she turned the corner she burst into tears. Her bird, Drakart, followed her out. Drakart was a gift from me. A guardian, to watch out for her. Well, I better let her rest, and sleep a little myself. (MFS 2)*

TP(2)

My name is Skylar. I am the Goddess of love, dance, and music. I look over the Eastern part of Azgar. Out of all four goddess's that rule Azgar, I feel I am by far the nicest. I let my people have freedom. The Western, Southern, and Northern parts of Azgar have freedom too, just not as much. Well, I take that back, I don't really know about the Northerner's land.

No one knows anything about the Northern part of Azgar. All anyone knows is that their land is a desert and they have a very powerful army. In fact, it's the most powerful army in all of Azgar. Soldiers are constantly patrolling the boarders. If you cross the boarders it means certain death.

They must be holding something. something they want to keep very protected. If only I could find a way to get inside and find out what they are hiding. There has been tension between the Goddesses for a long time. That's when the border crossing rule started.

A shaved llama means good luck in the Eastern part of Azgar. I am saying this because I just saw one. I think it's a sign that soon I will find out what the Northerners are hiding. Maybe I'm just building myself up for disaster. I really hope not. There is no way I will live the rest of my life wondering about something that I will never find out about.

I have recently been spending a lot of time looking over my people. I found this very interesting girl sitting by the border to the Western side. I wonder what she is thinking. I overheard that her name is Porta. I am very nervous that she will cross the border. Until then, all I can do is hope for the best and put soothing music inside both of our heads. (TP2)*

GN (2)

=
You knew that I was going to tell you a story the moment you started reading this, so you should be adequately prepared to listen. My name is Melee, Goddess of emotions, farmers, the elderly, celebrations and the Southern lands. You see, I have been...//cursed// to rule these lands for thousands of years. I must rule them forever because of a trick I once played on the Great Rulers. I shan't go into detail now because it would take up the precious time that I have to tell you my tale. =====

I like to pay particular attention to a boy named Leo who lives in my lands. He is young, handsome and charming. I'm thoroughly surprised that he has not chosen a maiden with which to start a family. He likes to go to parties and "hang out" with the girls. (Only I know what that means. You shall never know and I forbid you to guess.) It's not that he doesn't have girls lined out the door, it is that he is afraid of commitment. Forever is not a word that is in Leo's vocabulary.

He likes to hunt with his hippogriff, Aaru. (An indirect gift from me) You see, I like to give gifts to Leo in unexpected ways. I leave chocolate on his front door, I kill the squirrels and leave them on the ground. It's not like I can just come out of the sky and say "Here Leo! I brought you some chocolate!" That's not how it works. And no, I'm not going to tell you how it works. That's for me to know and you to never find out.

Leo's father left him when he was young, which only exacerbated the problems that were yet to come. It has been destined for many years that a war would break out between the territories. Leo's father joined the North, killed the king and became a cruel, harsh ruler. It seems that the war will come while he is king, and I pray that my people are safe from his cruelty. That's ironic, isn't it. A Goddess praying. Like I said before, there are certain Great Rulers that hate me. As in, they despise me with all of their heart and soul. But I have already displayed to you too much classified information. I suppose I should stop before I get struck by lightning or anything silly like that. I bid you a bittersweet goodbye for now...I shall return only when times are difficult. And difficult they shall be. (GN2)*

TP(3) Soothing music suddenly popped into my head. I wonder if it was just me remembering a song I previously heard, or if Skylar put it into my head. If it was Skylar, I wonder if she was trying to sooth me into not crossing the border. Oh no! Maybe she is watching me right now. That means that if I do cross I will definitely die. I decided I should immediately head home.

I think of how insane I was to even think about crossing the border. I keep telling myself that I will never do that again. Well, I still really want to go somewhere else. This place gets too boring. I have a lot of freedom and that's great, but I wish I could go somewhere with rules. That way I would know what to do with my life.

I just woke up and I am feeling very lethargic. I have absolutely no motivation to get up. I have absolutely nothing to get done today. After about an hour I finally got the energy to wake up. I have never been so tired before. I wonder if this was someone trying to punish me for trying to cross the border. The weird thing is, there is no Goddess that can control energy.

I have been taking a long walk. I have pretty much walked though my whole town. That's when the castle appeared. The castle is gorgeous. No one ever comes out of it though. It kind of makes me curious what it's like in there. It also makes me quite suspicious. Then again, everything does these days.

I feel that everything is starting to look more fake around here. Everything looks so perfect. It constantly smells like cookies baking. Every house and shop is painted perfectly and in the prettiest color possible. Everything is starting to look surreal. My mind is probably just playing tricks on me again. Well, then again, when doesn't it? (TP3)*

MFS (3) I'm diving. My hair streaming behind me I swim to the end of the shore line, crossing the border into the Southern lands. My head breaks the surface, and I emerge from the water, my long blue dress slicked down on my body, dripping water onto the white sand. I stroll away from the water, leaving a trail of footprints behind me.

Walking through a city I see many people smiling __**amicably**__,guiding me through the town. They point and give directions. They show me the way to the castle of the Southern lands. I follow where they tell me to go. I am now in front of the castle, looking up at the **__altitudinous__** stone building. The sunlight is streaming through a mosaic of a lion in the window.

Walking through the castle doors, no guards are in the way. I wonder why, but then I spy them, sleeping on the floor. It's quite strange. I continue through, a voice telling me to go up the tower. I pause, unsure of what to do, but the voice assures me it will be okay.

At the top of the tower I reach to open the door to a room, but before I can reach the handle, it opens. "Ready to go?" A handsome boy grins at me, holding out his hand.

I wake with a start, looking at the old sundial in my window. 12 o'clock! I'm going to be late! (MS3)*

GN3

My morning has been fairly quiet, but also strange. I awoke to the sound of my mother grilling zucchini for breakfast, a rare treat that I thoroughly enjoyed. I fed Aaru, went for a walk and said hello to quite a few beautiful girls. When I reached the town square, I noticed a large scroll tacked to the outside of a pub. Large black font screamed "A MEETING OF THE KINGDOM! FUN FOR ALL! COME TO THE COMMON AREA ON TUESDAY,MAY 17! SHOPPING! TRADING! DANCING! SINGING! AND MORE!" Squinting to read the fine print, I discovered that it said something along the lines of "Warning- dangerous animals may be on the loose. Come at your own risk. Food will be provided, and water also, but you must bring everything else you desire. (e.g. NadalWhiskey, Ixos, so on and so forth)"

So there would be pretty girls, food, and wild animals. Sounds like my kind of place! I was a little bit apprehensive about this gathering, though. It was not often that everyone came together. In fact, it hadn't been done in so many years that hardly anyone was still alive who remembered the most recent one. I shrugged my shoulders and walked away. Today is Thursday, so I must start my journey on Sunday. I should get Aaru in shape and get permission from my mother. Neither task should be particularly difficult, so I have nothing to worry about.

As I continue to walk, girls wink, wave and do other silly things to get my attention. They have my attention, but my thoughts are not positive. They are silly, annoying and above all gossipy and dramatic. Sure, I may dance with them or buy them a drink, but being flirtatious is not the way to make me love them. I want someone strong, funny, charming and beautiful. Mysterious. Alluring. I decide that there are no girls like that as I walk by a gaggle of them. They giggle and snicker and call my name. I wink at one of them, and she seems ready to faint. I keep walking.

As dusk falls, I walk back to the farm. It only take me 30 minutes or so to get back, but it is already dark. Lunch-time passed and I hadn't even noticed. My mother is furious. "How could you have forgotten to eat? You know there isn't much to eat here! You had money? How could you? And back so late too! What were you doing all day?" That's when I realize that even I didn't know what I had been doing all day. I can't remember, no matter how hard I try. It's abnormal. The apprehensive feelings only increase. What had I been doing? What had I planned on doing next Tuesday? And why can't I remember?(GN3)*

MFS (4)

Still sweating from my dream, I pull my __**cemented**__ hair from off my forehead. I sit up and jump out of my bed, glancing out the window. The castle guards, Antonio and Samuel pace back and forth. Samuel glances up to my window, catching my eye. He grins enthusiastically, his cheeks turning bright red. I roll my eyes and retreat from the window.

Opening up my armorie, I look at my selection of dresses. I pick out a light pink one, but suddenly my door bangs open. Flipping my head around to see who it is, I see my mother grinning. "He's here!" She cackles. She **__propels__** her way into my closet, shoving me aside.

"Mother! What are you doing?" I **__ screech __** .My mother smiled **__coyly__.**

"My love, there's a man we have found for you." She giggled. She turned me around and put a corset on me, pulling it as tight as she could. Angry, I pushed her aside, putting on my pink dress. "Not the pink, Mary, the gold!" She snapped pulling it over my head.

I stared into my mirror after my mother finished with me. The figure in the mirror looked like me, but she was too beautiful to be me. I waved, she waved back. I twirled around in a circle, she copied. I moved closer, sitting on my vanity stool. My red hair was pulled into a loose bun, curls dangling from both side. My lips were ruby red, my cheeks bright pink. My waist was pencil thin from the corset, the gold dress flattering me, the colors glimmering in the mirror. "I better go down." I smiled. (MS4)*

MFS (5)

I walked into the throne room, and took my seat next to my mother in my chair. My mother patted her hand on mine, and a man walked into the room. He was tall, with a scruffy goatee, and dark brown hair. Well, if you count a little tuft on the back of his bald head as hair.

"Mademoiselle." He whispered leaning down to kiss my hand, dribbling his spit on my hand.. I smiled politely, but wiped my hand gingerly on my dress anyways. "Well, shall we go to town?" He asked holding out his arm. I stood up, curtsying, my mother nodded her head in approval. He showed me the way to his carriage, a red cart, pulled by three great black stallions.

The ride to town was excruciatingly long, Stefan, as it turns out was his name, told me all about his life. He grew up far away in the lands of Sheemar, and was a very rich prince. He fought dragons, lions, and tigers. He even killed a wicked witch before, or so he claims. The wrinkles in his face expanded then shrunk as he spoke, I zoned out, staring at the mountains. The border guards looked at his passing form and let us to the square.(MFS5)*

(TP 4)
==== I am curious what people are thinking of my land. I believe some people may find it boring after a while. If only I could change it somehow. Spice things up. Then the people might be less prone to cross the borders. They would be less curious about what is going on outside of my land and be more curious about the new changes that I have made. ====

==== I am looking over different places to see what the people are doing. I look over to the borders to see if anyone is thinking about crossing again. After all, that girl, I think Porta was her name, wanted to cross the border the other day. There is no one at the boarder to the Western part of Azgar, like Porta was the other day. That is a good sign. Maybe, the soothing music calmed her into realizing that my land isn't that bad. ====

==== Time to look at the northern border. I realize that the town of Kotor is like a mile away from the border, but there shouldn't be anyone within about 100 feet of the border. I can't see anyone, but I do see a person walking towards it; he is being a real bumblesnark. People that go to the borders and consider crossing the borders are called bumblesnarks. No one wants to be caught being a bumblesnark. ====

==== Now, to the Western border. No one is there and I am so thankful for that. I don't want anyone to die, or be a bumblesnark. It brings me to tears when people do things like cross the borders. Well, at least the ones that are punishable by death when they are crossed. ==== ==== Southern border here I come. I don't see anyone yet, but I keep looking. I look for about five minutes when I see a bumblesnark. It's a girl that I think I have seen before. Oh my gosh, it's Porta. (TP 4)* ====

G N 4 I watch Leo as he wanders back to the farmhouse. Such a pity that I had to erase his memory, but I had no choice. It would be too dangerous. He screwed up his destiny today. I hope that I can protect him for just a little bit longer. His recklessness is a threat to us all. First, he drank so much Ixos that he was delirious for hours. Then he tried to kidnap a beautiful girl. Then he got into a fight with the bartender, who happens to be a friend of the Duke of the Western Lands. He learned of Lady Mary, the most beautiful girl in all of the Western Lands. He wanted to meet her, which of course I cannot allow. So I sent him home and erased his memory. Now there is no chance of meeting either Lady Mary or his father.

As he walks back to the farm, I follow. I step on a branch once, and he almost spots me. Before you ask, I don’t really have a body. I am like a ghost. I don’t have a real body, or solid weight but I can walk and touch things…sometimes. It is just one of those things that the human brain can’t grasp. It is too complex, too recondite. This is why I cannot tell you of the Great Rulers, or our kingdom. It is why I cannot say too much. If you tried to understand everything at once, you would explode. So, for now I tell you this. You may never understand, but I hope for your sake you at least try. Dangerous things are coming, so prepare yourself. Sharpen your weapons. Train for battle. Live like it was your last day.

On that negative note, we continue with our story. Leo comes home and doesn't remember a thing. It's wonderful. He won't go to the gathering and therefore he will stay safe. My memory powers are weak, so I hope his brain shall be as well. If he doesn't think too hard, he won't remember anything. But Leo isn't known for his brain power, so I'm sure everything will be just fine. As I fade away from the scene, I wonder what his fate shall be now that I have interfered. We aren't really supposed to get involved with the lives of the mortals and I hope that I won't be punished too badly. Again, the Great Rulers (Imagine that there was a clap of thunder. I can't really force you to hear sound effects) watch me very closely. I'm hoping that I don't get blasted to the depths of. That's right, your mortal brain can't process the name. That's alright. You understand. Again, I bid you goodbye. Until we meet again, young warrior. (GN4)*

(TP 5) I am just sitting by the Southern border, picking __**flowers**__. It is pretty empty. I am all alone with my thoughts. Sometimes, that is a scary thing for me. My thoughts sometimes race when I am alone. That's when I tend to start to make unreasonable choices.

I'm not quite sure if this is one of those choices. I think it might be, unless if what I heard is true. I overheard that it is against the rules to cross the border to the Southern side, but it isn't punishable by death. I don't want to risk it, though. At least, not until I find out if that is factual or not.

I start to walk towards the border. With every step become closer and closer. My heart is racing. "Should I do it, should I cross?" I ask myself. It's just one of these hard decisions I have to make almost everyday.

I play back the conversation I overheard in my head. It's bothering me and making me **__sentimental.__** "Did you know you can cross the border to the Southern side and not get killed afterwards?" Thomas, a boy in my class, said. "Are you serious?" His friend Jason asked. "Yes, just don't tell anyone though. Okay?" Thomas said. That was how the conversation went. The only reason I can't trust what I heard is because Thomas lies all the time.

I am just going to go for it. What could possibly go wrong? Well, I suppose a lot could go wrong. That's when I take a step across the border. I am now in the Southerner's land. (TP5)*

( GN5) I finally remembered what I was doing next Tuesday! I was going to a gathering in the town square. I ask my mother for permission, and she grants it. Now I must pack my bags. I gather some clothes, my razor, my toothbrush and toothpaste and a few other necessities. Today is Saturday, so I must leave tomorrow. I take Aaru hunting for some meat to take with me. I need vegetables and water. I need money and blankets. As I start to pack, I think about how fun this is going to be. Girls! Dancing! Food! Some of my favorite things. It's so inconvenient to live such a great distance from the coastline and the town square. Maybe we should move.

As I drift off to sleep, I see a beautiful girl with long, red hair. I don't know who she is, but I know at once it was predetermined that we are to meet someday. She is in my dreams all night, swimming, dancing, smiling, holding my hand. Who is this girl? Is she real? Is she a figment of my imagination? I think I love her, after dreaming of her for so many hours.

When I wake, the sun has barely risen. I mount Aaru and we leave for the town square. I should arrive late tomorrow night and the festivities will begin the next morning. As we rest, I can't help but think of the red haired girl again. I must meet her! I hope she comes to the gathering. I will ask her to dance and I'll buy her a drink and we can talk all night.‍‍ As soon as I think these things I know that they are unusual. I don't talk to girls.I just hang out with them. I don't ask them to dance, they just...do. What is wrong with me? Why am I so‍‍ enamored ‍‍with this girl?

Sometimes I get the odd feeling that I am being watched or even followed. I wonder if I am going crazy. I suppose I will just have to wonder, but still I am uneasy. Leaves crackle behind me. I snap my head around, and decide that it is best if we carry on with our journey.(GN5)*

(MFS 6)

As we pull up into the town square I feel a __**gut-wrenching**__ pull in my stomach. I sit up, alert now. Something feels odd, misplaced. The carriage pulls to an abrupt stop, lurching Stefan and I forward. Before he can do it for me, I wrench open the carriage door and bound out. The square is beautiful, full of food and dancing and games. It's everything I ever dreamed it would be. I inhale the __**pheromone**__ of the food. I smell turkey and honey baked ham, muffins and tarts.

"Shall we, my love?" Stephan asks. I nod, ‍engulfing‍ my small hand into his paw like grip. His hairy knuckles squeezed mine, I grimaced. We walked up and showed our invitation to the bouncer. "Good morning, Lady Mary and His Highness." He grinned, allowing us to enter. I stood, searching the square. Finally, I found what I was looking for. The boulder throwing contest.

I started to pull Stefan over ‍ to the arena when he yanked me back. "These games aren't for women." He ‍‍‍guffawed‍‍‍. "Oh really? Just watch me." I snapped, pulling free of his grasp and walking over anyway, that's when I saw him. The boy from my dreams.(MFS6)*

(TP6) As I enter the Southern part of Azgar, I become unaware of what I had just done‍. I'm hoping that maybe if I take a nap I might be more aware...and less confused. I need my mind to be clear and my thoughts sharp for what lies ahead. As I drift off into a deep sleep. I start to become quite delirious. I start to mumble strange things. Finally I slowly drift off into a quiet, peaceful sleep. My dreams were calm and soothing. They made me feel as if I don’t have a worry in the world,

When I woke up I was very confused about where I was. Almost like I forgot that I crossed in the first place. That’s when it hit me. I finally understood where I was. I then realized that I had‍ to keep walking father away from the border if I don’t want to be caught.

‍ As I walk through the Southerners land I see many farms. A lot of them have poor irrigation systems. I’ve never seen a ‍‍‍farm before I went outside of my land. I quite like it though. I like the animals and the crops that grow. I slowly walk up to the fence to pet one of the pigs when I ‍‍‍realized that I should of walked away. So, I kept walking.

I walk into this town. I’m not quite sure of the name. The the town is kind of poor. I found the most surprising thing in the town though. Everyone in the town is very happy. The children ‍‍‍are playing hop scotch and running around chasing each other. I have never seen anything like it before. A smile slowly spread across my face.

I walk even deeper through the town. Everyone is‍ laughing and talking. I have never seen a happier town in my life. They truly appreciated what they had in life. I then knew that this is the right place for me. (TP 6)*

GN6

I am beyond furious. Leo evaded my trickery and went to the gathering anyway! This is Rebecca’s doing, without a doubt. She probably sent him a dream of Lady Mary. Curse her and her beautiful looks! I get stuck with the Southern lands, this insolent, ignorant boy and the disgust of the Great Rulers. I get all the bad luck. She gets a beautiful, mortal daughter, the Western lands, and power over dreams and boys coming of age. What do I get? Farmers! Old Geezers! Limited powers of emotion! I swear, someday I’ll get her for this. Endangering Leo is the worst thing that she can do for this kingdom! I’ll have her metaphorical head someday! Anyway, ‍‍I’m sure you’re absolutely bored to death with my feud with Rebecca‍‍. We now turn our attention back to Leo.

He’s almost to the town square! There’s nothing I can do at this point. I’ve toyed with his emotions, I’ve erased his memory, and I’ve even let him know that I’m following him! He just doesn’t get it. He’s an atomic bomb, ticking down the time until he shatters his own world. I can’t imagine what I’ll do when he’s gone. His time is coming. Rebecca might be able to save him, seeing as she has power over his age group. But I don’t need her help. He’s become almost like a son to me. I can do this on my own.

I suppose that now is the time to tell you of my past. I decided to play a prank on the Great Rulers and pretend that I was pregnant with a mortal boy. But, I soon learned that I really was. The Great Rulers found out, and cursed me to rule this land. The baby came early…too early. He was not fully developed. I tried to save him, but he was dead upon arrival. I sobbed for years. 200 years I mourned the death of my baby…my own son. To think of him pains me so much that I can hardly stand to tell you this story. His name was to be Leo. To torture me, when Southern farmer Leo was born, I was cursed to love him. I’m not sure how it works, but it hurts so badly. My own Leo could have been this great. He could have been wonderful. He would have been handsome. But my dreams are forever dead now. I shall never have a son.

I have nothing more to say. Leo is about to get himself into more trouble. And it won’t be on my head when he does. (GN6)*

(MFS 7)

I watch Mary with pure admiration as she scampers away from Stefan to where I had cast the illusion of Stefan to her. She was __**enamored**__ with the thought of seeing him, I could almost feel the butterflies dancing around in her little stomach. As quickly as it came, I make the illusion of Leo fade.

It has always been my intention to find someone who would be a real love for Mary. Of course, I searched far and wide, but one boy stood out to me. He had the same __**genial**__ aura as Mary. Warm, kind. Not dark like others. He treated people with respect. And when I sent a message to Leo's goddess, she shut me out, saying they can't be together. ‍‍‍That's when I knew they were meant to be‍‍‍.

Melee, the Goddess of the Southern Lands, has always been angry at the rest of us Gods. Which I find ironic, considering the fact that the land she rules over is "the most peaceful land there is". We used to be so close, I don't know what happened.

Back to Mary. Her birthday is tomorrow, and I will be sending her a gift. Not something plain like a cheap, ragged dress, but a magic gift. The gift to speak to animals. With this gift she will be able to communicate far and wide, she will be able to carry messages long ways. She will discover secrets that she will not be able to comprehend. But of course, with great power comes great responsibility.I have alerted Drakart, and he assured me he will show her the way.‍‍‍ (MFS7)*‍‍‍

(MFS 8)

I run to where I saw dream boy, but he has vanished. Dumbfounded, I search around. But he's not there. I go ballistic, ‍‍throwing tables out of the way and kicking over flower pots‍‍. Where did he go?

Through the corner of my eye I spot him, farther away this time. I run to him, but he vanishes again. Angry, I begin to run again when two hands yank me back by the shoulder. They flip me to face ‍‍them‍‍. It's Stefan. He glares at me.

"What do you think your doing?" He hissed, spit flying in my face. He pulls me so close I can feel the prickle of his beard on my chin. "Don 't pull something that stupid again." He holds on to my arms and yanks me to a bench. He sits me down and comes back with a bucket of turkey wings and a large brandy. "Eat." He demands. I nod, and take one.

‍‍After demolishing the rest of the bucket, and after he drank his brandy.</range id="440560526_3">‍‍ He picked me up and carried me to the dance floor over where a young couple were playing a fiddle and guitar together. He swung me around, not very coordinated, and stepped on me multiple times. A group of men came over with their wives.

"Hey, Stefan! Who's this little lady?" One of them asked, grinning at me with black teeth. "Lady Mary of the Western Lands. She's gonna be my wifey." He said, slurring his words, trying to kiss my cheek. I pulled away, disgusted. "<range type="comment" id="440560526_4">‍‍Common</range id="440560526_4">‍‍, one kiss Marrrry. We gonna haf-ta when we Marrrry." He slapped his knee, laughing. I pushed him away and ran as fast as I could, I only stopped once I hit the ladies room. (MS 8)*

GN7

She is smothering me, strangling me, making me crazy! As soon as I sat next to this girl I knew it was a bad decision. She is all over me, but I don't feel her touch. I don't hear a word she says. All I can think about is the beautiful girl with the long red hair that haunts my dreams. I think I love her and I've never even met the girl. I don't even think she's real.

I pull away from the girl, disgusted. I run out of the tavern, out into the street. I mount Aaru and he begins to<range type="comment" id="440560526_5">‍‍ fly</range id="440560526_5">‍‍. Shocked, I look at the ground getting farther and farther away. Then I get a glimpse of <range type="comment" id="440560526_6">‍‍long red hair</range id="440560526_6">‍‍. I turn my hippogriff around and touch down. She's nowhere to be seen.

Sobbing, I run to the men's room I sit on the primitive, disgusting toilet and cry my heart out. Where is she? I must find my beautiful maiden! I tear out of the men's room, looking only for the long red hair of the girl I love. Suddenly I feel the force of a great impact. I fall to the ground, disgusted at the idiot who couldn't watch where he was going. I look up and see the face of an angel, pained but still beautiful. The girl with the long red hair<range type="comment" id="440560526_7">‍‍. (GN 7)*</range id="440560526_7">‍‍

(MFS 9)

"Oi! What do you think your doing?" I yelp, the world around me still spinning from the impact. Brushing the dirt off my dress I stand up abruptly, turning around to tell off the __**cretin**__ who had ran into me only moments before. "You ninny! Don't you watch where your going-", I pause mid sentence. There In front of me is the boy from my dreams.

He reaches out his hand to help me up, his beautiful face full of shock. "I'm so sorry," I stutter. He shakes his head, speechless. I take his hand and pull myself up, my face only inches from his. <range type="comment" id="440633516_1">‍‍Was</range id="440633516_1">‍‍ he real? I move my shaking hand toward his face and place it on his cheek, gazing into his eyes. We both shiver<range type="comment" id="440633516_2">‍‍, he reaches up to my hand, bringing it close to his heart.</range id="440633516_2">‍‍

"What is your name?" He whispers. "Mary-Mary Falcon." I squeak, feeling my cheeks grow warm. "I'm Leo." He says softly, bring his other hand up and running it down my long, red hair. We stand there for a few moments in silence, not even daring to breathe. I suddenly feel a __**<range type="comment" id="440633516_3">‍‍honed</range id="440633516_3">‍‍**__ tug on the back of my dress.

"Mary! What in the name of the Lord do you think <range type="comment" id="440633516_4">‍‍you'r</range id="440633516_4">‍e doing?" I turn around and see Stefan, brown stains running down his shirt from drinking too much brandy. "And you! If I wasn't in my right mind I would tear you limb from limb you dirty peasant." He spat at Leo. "What did you just call him?" I hiss. Angry, I turn around and slap him hard in the face. My freshly polished nails scathe his cheek, leaving a trail of blood. He raises up a hand to strike me back, when suddenly I'm lifted off the ground by a giant bird. The world around me spins once more<range type="comment" id="440633516_5">‍‍, then everything goes black.</range id="440633516_5">‍‍ (MS 9)*

(TP7) Where did she go? I think nervously as I recheck the Southern border. Ok, this is bad, this is very bad. Porta can’t possibly have crossed the border. Could she? I certainly hope not.

I need to find her before something bad happens. Melee is rude to everyone. Therefore, I bet her land is a bad place for Porta. It might seem good in the beginning,<range type="comment" id="440633516_6">‍‍ but then again, the grass is always greener on the other side. Until you go there, that is</range id="440633516_6">‍‍.

I must cross. If I do then my land will have no leader besides the king, and I have never trusted the king. It all <range type="comment" id="440633516_7">‍‍started when he started</range id="440633516_7">‍‍ to get hot headed. In fact, one time he tried to punish a girl for accidentally bumping into him. So, I could never cross the border to find her. She will have to come out herself.

For now, I must relax. It is incredibly hard to relax when one of my people is in danger, though. If she doesn’t come out soon, then I will have to send someone to find her. Although, I know that won’t end well either. I could never put another person at risk. So, for now I have a dilemma.

I will decide after a long nap. I play soothing music in my head, but it soon turns into sad music. That’s how I know something is going wrong. I tell myself not to worry, but it never works.<range type="comment" id="440633516_8">‍‍ I’m hoping that if I send her my love, and best wishes, then she will be okay.</range id="440633516_8">‍‍

(TP8) Whoa! People are allowed to do anything in this town! Some people are playing while some people are sleeping. There are no assignments<range type="comment" id="440633516_9">‍‍ that you have to do during the day.</range id="440633516_9">‍‍ The town's people just make there own assignments.

I start to get really thirsty. So, I walk up to a brown house with a light purple, almost lavender, door. I debate whether or not to knock on the door. I close my eyes and move my hand towards the door. I am not very assertive, and <range type="comment" id="440633516_10">‍‍I often think of the things that could go wrong rather than the things that could go right.</range id="440633516_10">‍‍ I<range type="comment" id="440633516_11">‍‍ pretend I'm in a dream a slowly bang my hand against the door</range id="440633516_11">‍‍.

A woman answers the door, she has blue eyes and blondish/brownish hair. "We're not interested." she says. "Um... Well... I..." I say, too nervous to say what I actually want. "Just spit it out already!" She said impatiently. "You know what? Why don't you come inside and gather your thoughts together and then tell me what you want." " Ok..." I say, scared of what she might think of me.

The inside of her house is pretty. Half of her walls are lavender and half are light blue. The only strange part of the house is the fact that there are no windows. It makes the place feel kind of shady. "My name is Mandy. Are you ready to tell me what you want?" She said. "I'm Portia... Can I have a drink of water please. I'm not for around here... So I don't have much with me." I said. She got up and quickly came back with a <range type="comment" id="440633516_12">‍‍bottle</range id="440633516_12">‍‍ of water. She seemed really nice.

The water tasted different. It tasted fresher and more clean. She didn't bother me much. We just sat in awkward silence for a while, then she finally spoke. "Listen... I don't know where you are from, but if you want to stay here for the night..." " Thanks... I would really appreciate that" I said. <range type="comment" id="440633516_13">‍‍(TP 8)*</range id="440633516_13">‍‍

(MFS 10)

The <range type="comment" id="440633516_14">‍‍phone</range id="440633516_14">‍‍ in the castle is ringing again. This is the fourth time! That good for nothing daughter of mine has been causing trouble all over the town. I'm ashamed to call her my own. I can only dream of the day that she will marry and I will be rid of her. I am Duchess Vivian, ruler over the Western Lands. My husband is Duke Falcon, and my children are Lord Simon and Lady Mary. Simon is a great man, he will have many admirers once he sets off to find himself a wife. He takes after his father and I, with his short black hair and dark black eyes.

It's amazing to me how young Mary is so stupid not to realize her true identity. She has bright, atrocious red hair and green eyes while the rest of us have the same dark <range type="comment" id="440633516_15">‍‍black</range id="440633516_15">‍‍. I always knew from the day that we took her home that it would be a mistake. She is ruining the reputation of our family. The phone rings again. I slam down my knitting and pick up the phone.

"Duchess Vivian, Mary just ran off with a boy. The boy of the Southern Lands, Leo." A <range type="comment" id="440633516_16">‍‍boy's</range id="440633516_16">‍‍ voice screamed. "Don't scream! Where did they go? Who is this?" I yelled back, my heart beginning to race. Mary may be stupid, but she can't be stupid enough to go with one of //them//, can she? "It's Stefan, ma'am. I don't know where they went, some giant, god forsaken bird took her. But let me tell you, it's over, I can find someone way better then that lunatic." He slammed down the phone and hung up. Stunned, I felt my body twitch. I knew what I had to do. Tilting my head up towards the ceiling I let out a screech of pain as black feathers sprouted from my arms and back, and wings expanded from my arms. My beak began to grow, at first __**droopy**__ <range type="comment" id="440633516_17">‍‍but then growing strong and sharp.</range id="440633516_17">‍‍ Once again my __**dauntless**__ excuse of a daughter has caused trouble. I spread my wings, the transformation complete. I fly up to the ceiling window, <range type="comment" id="440633516_18">‍‍see my reflection and smile. I'll get her back, after all, we truly are falcons. (MS10)*

GN8

Mary looked faint almost immediately after she slapped <range type="comment" id="441031888_1">this</range id="441031888_1"> creep that called me a dirty peasant. I whistled for Aaru, <range type="comment" id="441031888_2">who took off almost as soon as we were situated</range id="441031888_2">. As soon as she realized she was flying on a hippogriff, she was out cold. I didn't know where Aaru was taking us, but at that moment I didn't care. All I wanted was Mary, after dreaming of her for so long. I<range type="comment" id="441031888_3"> stare at her beautiful face until Aaru begins to descend. I hold on to her tightly</range id="441031888_3">, hoping the landing won't be too rocky. He touches down pretty smoothly, and I gently lift her off the hippogriff. Aaru growls, angry that he had to carry two passengers for such a long journey. I lay Mary down on the forest floor and she lets out a small sound. <range type="comment" id="441031888_4">Although</range id="441031888_4"> unconscious for now, she will wake up soon.

Now that Aaru has left and Mary is senseless, I haven't a clue what to do with myself. I wander around, picking berries and looking for stray animals. I don't find any. Mary is still out cold when I return.

I don't think it will be a problem if I fall asleep, but I stay awake all night just in case. As the sun rises, I drift away into a deep sleep. When I awake Mary is nowhere to be found! I sit up abruptly, awake and alert. Is this a dream? Alas, it is not. I distinctly feel myself sitting on the ground. I slap myself. The sting lasts long after my palm is again at my side. I then see her playing with Aaru, petting him as you would pet a horse. I smile and clear my throat. She turns around and grins. She comes over and sits on the ground. She pats the earth next to her. I lower myself to the ground and bring my face closer to hers. She whispers, "Do you dream of me as I dream of you?" I nod, starstruck.

We talk for hours. All of a sudden I feel an urgent need to kiss her, to be so close that <range type="comment" id="441031888_7">I feel her warmth</range id="441031888_7">. She must be psychic, because she leans in so close that I can see every pore in her beautiful face. I see her soul inside of her eyes. I close my own eyes, and our lips meet for the first time, but certainly not the last. (GN8)*

(TP9) As I slowly wake up I hear the sound of talking. I walk down the <range type="comment" id="441031888_8">stairs. As I walk</range id="441031888_8"> into the kitchen, I see Mandy drinking coffee and talking on the <range type="comment" id="441031888_9">phone</range id="441031888_9">. She looks at me and then says to her friend, "I will call you later. Porta just woke up." I hear mumbling on the phone. Mandy <range type="comment" id="441031888_10">starts to look</range id="441031888_10"> upset. She quickly clicks the hang up button.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt your call." I say. She stares at me blankly for a while. Then she starts to cry. "It's fine." she says. I finally took a seat on the stool by the counter. We sat in awkward silence for a while. Then she finally spoke.

<range type="comment" id="441031888_11">"Am I mean?' Mandy said. " You gave me a place to stay for the night, I don't think a mean person would do that." I said.  " I suppose you are right. Thanks for giving me company. Not a lot of people want to hang out with me. I suppose my house has something to do with it. It's just, I couldn't afford to put windows in." "It's okay." I say while patting her shoulder.</range id="441031888_11">

I feel her shoulders relax. As she wipes the tears from her eyes, she says, " You could stay here tonight. If you want to. Unless if you have somewhere to go. I would quite like it if you stayed." "I will stay for tonight. Until I find somewhere to go." She nods like she understands what I'm going threw.

I walk towards the door. "Where are you going?" she asks. "Don't worry, I will be back later." She looks down. "Ok." she says. I walk out the door, but before I shut it I look back. She is looking back at me, so I quickly look away. Then I finally shut the door<range type="comment" id="441031888_12">.(TP9)*</range id="441031888_12">

(MFS 11)

As our lips touch I feel my heart leap, his lips are so warm, and it feels like I’m home. We pull away and stare deep into each other’s eyes; I can hardly believe any of this is real. “How long was I asleep?” I ask, hoping it was only a few minutes.

“A day, my love.” He whispers, **__caressing__** my cheek. “A day?” I ask **__frantically__**. “That means…today’s my seventeenth birthday.” I whisper. For so long I had dreamed of turning seventeen, trapped in the castle. But now, now I’m free, with the boy of my dreams. “Well, happy birthday.” He says softly, leaning in to kiss me again. As our lips meet once more, I hear a female voice in my head whispering happy birthday. I pull apart abruptly, did I just imagine that?

“Leo, did you hear that?” I ask. “No, my love. What?” I scamper out of his arms, searching the forest with my eyes. I hear a call from a bird, and Drakart lands on the tree branch next to Leo’s giant bird. “Drakart?” I call. “It’s time.” A voice says. I look expectantly at Leo, but he’s staring at me with an odd look on his face. “What?” I ask. Shaking, he points to Drakart. “You just spoke to that bird.”

GN9

I sit, dumbfounded, as Mary talks to a bird. I'm not quite sure how she's doing it, but it's amazing. The bird is talking to her. In English. I understand it. They're discussing her birthday, which just so happens to be today. It almost makes me wonder...was there H<range type="comment" id="441031888_13">eavenly</range id="441031888_13"> interference? Am I the birthday present?

I stare, mesmerized, at the beautiful, magical girl in front of me. I want to know all of her. Every gentle curve, every perfect imperfection. It is then that I realize I have completely fallen for this girl. I want to be with her for the rest of my life. I want to marry her. I want her to have my kids, two of them. We'll name them Katherine and Seamus. They'll have Mary's red hair and my blue eyes. They'll be perfect, just like my future bride.

She walks away from the bird and sits down next to me again. With her head on my chest, and the sun shining through the trees, I can't dream of any place I'd rather be than right here. She stares up at me and I bend down to kiss her again. I can feel all pain, all sadness, all weakness draining out of me. It's like she takes it all away. I touch her face, bringing her as close to me as is humanly possible. My body buzzes. I am electric. With every touch I grow stronger, and she more beautiful.

As my confidence grows, I hear a strong, female voice. "This was never meant to be, my child. Be wary of Mary." I pull away from Mary. I ask if she heard the voice. She didn't, of course. There is only one answer. It must be Melee, G<range type="comment" id="441031888_14">oddess of farmers, Southerners, emotions and the elderly.</range id="441031888_14"> <range type="comment" id="441031888_15">Apparently she's also the goddess of really bad poetry</range id="441031888_15">. I look up. Mary holds on to my hand, as if I would slip away at any moment. We stand. "Anything you want, my child, and I shall give it to you. Be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it." That darn voice! But who am I to say that Melee isn't trying to help us? I wish for food and water and a clean bed so that I can get fully rested. I close my eyes tightly and think, well, how could this backfire? Food and water and a bed? That's just about the safest wish that you can make, right? False. We get a dingy mattress, yesterday's bread, and gross, unclean water. I wish again. "Umm...Melee? Can I redo that? I want clean water, Ixos, water purifying tablets, a birthday cake, some hamburgers, and a king size hotel bed. Oh, and enough food to keep us going until we go to town. Some money would also be nice." I hear a chuckle. "My child, I shall try, but I don't specialize in wish granting. These may come in indirect ways. For now I can give you a clean mattress, clean water, some food and a cupcake. I bid you goodbye for now." When I open my eyes, I see that she was true to her word. We eat our food hastily and lay down for a good night's sleep.(GN9)8

(TP10) I adventure outside of the town. As I’m walking I see lots of farms. The farms all look the same. At this point I have seen a decent amount of farms, so I’m going to keep walking. Even though the pigs are so cute.

That’s when I see a forest. I have been scared of forests ever since my father went inside of one and never came out. I was shouting through the forest for hours a day. I never found him. I miss him a lot. Whenever I make a wish, I wish for him to come back.

I stare at the forest. Pondering if I should go in. I look back and I can’t remember my way back to the town. Maybe I should go in to find <range type="comment" id="441031888_16">someone</range id="441031888_16">. If there is anyone in there, which I doubt.

<range type="comment" id="441031888_17">I take the risk, and I walk in. I hope I don't get lost. I walk for about an hour. Just as I start to get tired, I see something. I walk closer. Until I see two people sleeping on a mattress.</range id="441031888_17">

That's very strange. "Who are you?" I ask. The boy wakes up abruptly and nudges the girl next to him. She quickly sits up. Then the boy finally speaks. "The real question is, who are you?"(TP10)*

GN10

A girl about our age stares us down. I scramble to get up, and offer Mary a hand once I am steady. She glares at Mary. Mary glares at her. We stare in silence for what seems like seven eternities. "What is your name, if I may ask?" I continued to stare at her. Finally she answered. <range type="comment" id="441031888_18">"My name is Porta" she proclaimed.</range id="441031888_18"> "I come from the Eastern lands." Mary and I exchanged skeptical glances. "Well, Porta, what brings you here?" Mary demanded. Porta glanced at us nervously. "I-I I really should be going. It seems like I interrupted something. I should really be getting back." I rolled my eyes. "Back where? To the Eastern lands? Your king would MURDER you if he saw you crossing the border back in. Because if you're coming in, that must mean that you left at one point. So that wouldn't be advisable." I raised an eyebrow at her. She got that deer in the path of a hunter's arrow look and bolted. "Good riddance" Mary said. "She was kinda weird" I nodded absentmindedly.

I had just leaned in to kiss Mary once more when I heard that stupid voice in my head. "Leo, your father has started a great war. He is charging into the Western lands as I speak. You must go. It may be the only way to stop him." I looked up, completely forgetting Mary. "My father? Started a war? You're kidding. Not possible." Nothing happened, besides getting a strange look from Mary. I explained to her that I was talking to the G<range type="comment" id="441031888_19">oddess of the Southern lands</range id="441031888_19">, who had said that my father had killed the K<range type="comment" id="441031888_20">ing of the Northern lands</range id="441031888_20"> and had trained an army of thousands to kill all of us. I had no choice. "I'm sorry my love, but I must go and stop my father. You must stay here. Melee will provide you with all that you need until I return." With that I kissed her as if it was my last kiss and headed off into the forest.(GN10)*

(TP11) <range type="comment" id="441031888_21">After I had a brief discussion with them I got really scared and ran off. I look around and I am surrounded by trees</range id="441031888_21">. I see no exit, no way out. This is exactly what happened to my father. I start to go into panic. I walk around nervously trying to find my way out.

I start to breathe hard. My mind is racing. What if I die in here? Ok, I am going to think logically. I will just look for the light. I wander through the forest. At this point I am officially sleep deprived and famished. My throat is the driest it has ever been. I am thoroughly parched. I don't think I can walk any longer. I stumble upon a clearing. It has a large lake. The water is so fresh. I fall to my knees, eternally grateful. <range type="comment" id="441031888_22">I inhale the water, feeling the coldness rush down my throat.</range id="441031888_22">

Suddenly my father walks across the forest, happy to see me. I reach out to hug him, but I feel nothing. I start to feel really dizzy. I start to fall to the ground. As my body falls to the forest floor, I blank out<range type="comment" id="441031888_23">.(TP11)*</range id="441031888_23">

(GN11) I march ahead through the forest that has been darkened by trees. Aaru follows me with his head drooped in submission.The foliage is so thick that I can hardly see daylight. It seems as though these trees have been toyed with...but wait! I am headed towards the western lands! They are calm and peaceful and gentle. They have never done me any wrong! Something feels awry, but I cannot put my finger on it. Onward!

My thoughts get more and more muddled as I walk closer to the western lands. What is wrong with me? Is it the water that I <range type="comment" id="441704522_1">drank</range id="441704522_1">? Is it the absence of Mary by my side?

I feel a sudden, gut-wrenching pull in the small of my back and feel that something is wrong. I look ahead and see no guards at the border of the western lands. I hear the call of a falcon and glance up. Then there is a muffled scream. I panic, but then I smell fresh paint and...blood? Now I //know// that something is wrong. Something is very, __very__ wrong. I forget the scream, and the falcon, and the guards. I take a step across the border. I'm safe. I take another step. Still, I am safe from harm. I look around, wondering what on earth could have caused this. Suddenly, a hand reaches out from behind me and clamps over my mouth. I scream, but the sound is distant and unfamiliar. I step on my attacker's foot, elbow him below the ribs and kick his leg. I whirl around and punch him square in the nose.

He sits, wounded on the ground. He turns and I get a good look at his face for the first time. He is older, past middle-aged, and has a beard. A flood of memories comes rushing back.<range type="comment" id="441704522_2"> I know this man! Then I realize</range id="441704522_2">: he is my father.

"Dad!" I shout. I run to him, arms wide open for a hug. He gets a pained look on his face, pulls out a knife, and stabs me in the side. Aaru whimpers as I cry out in pain, blood rushing from the open wound. Then a girl stumbles out of the forest. Wait! I know her too! This is the girl that walked up to me and Mary in the forest!

"Porta?" I ask. "**Dad?"** she shrieks. She looks from the knife sticking out of the wound to my father. "What are you talking about? He's my dad" I say. She shakes her head in disbelief. I see her attack our father as everything fades to black (GN 11)*

( SD 2-12) It has been so long since I have seen Leo. I feel my stomach drop. something must be wrong. He told me that he was going to stop his father. That must mean that he was headed to the Western lands. I abruptly jump up off of the mattress, neglecting all of my belongings and head off in a dizzy sort of panic to find Leo.

I had been running through the dense forest for what seemed like hours. There was such a<range type="comment" id="442146490_1"> vast amount of plants that there was almost no sunlight shining through</range id="442146490_1">. Tired and panting I decided it was time to take a rest. I crawled under a weeping willow and rested against its trunk. I was so out of it that I almost didn't hear the light call of a falcon in the distance. Drakart's crystal blue eyes shot me such a look that it made my stomach drop. A voice in my head told me to keep going. I dusted myself off and began to charge through the woods, heading for the Western lands.

I eventually came to a clearing I look up just in time to see an abnormally large falcon swooping down, I gave out a shocked shriek as its talons grasped my dress and carried me up into the sky. The falcon gave a human like laugh. That laugh sounded familiar. It was my mother. <range type="comment" id="442146490_2">( SD 2-12)*</range id="442146490_2">

(GN12) I s it, gasping for air on the hard ground. Porta stands above me, looking relieved that I'm alive. I look around us and my father- our father – is nowhere to be seen. I glance around uncomfortably, wondering what in the heck just happened. I breathe in and feel a sharp pain in my side. I look down and see it bandaged with tan cloth. “Sorry, all I had was my tunic. I couldn’t think of any other way to stop the bleeding. You were just sitting there, moaning in pain and I knew I had to do something.” “It’s ok” I tell her. “You were clever to even think of this.” We then sit in silence. There is so much I want to ask her! I cannot believe that we have the same father. My father is dishonest, unkind, and has way too much power for his own good. I let out a small moan, but then see a giant falcon swooping overhead. Something is dangling from its talons. I take a closer look, only to see that it’s Mary! “Come on!” I yell to Porta. “Grab your stuff! We’re leaving!” She stares at me and then gasps in recognition of Mary. We take off running, me clutching my side. I have to get her back. There is no way she’s getting away from me. “Hey Leo, where’s your giant bird?” Porta asks. “I didn’t even think of him!” I exclaim. I whistle and Aaru glides over to us. “Get on!” I yell at her. She jumps, but can’t reach him. I grasp her hand and jump on to Aaru, swinging her onto his back with me. She screams as he takes off into the sky, <range type="comment" id="442151744_2">gradually getting closer to the giant falcon- and my beautiful Mary.</range id="442151744_2"> (GN 12)*

(SD-13)

“Mother what do you think you’re doing?" I exclaimed. My mother glared down at me, her eyes have never been gentle, but they have never looked so cold and sinister. “Oh my dearest Mary, how could you ever think that I would let you be with that scum from the Southern lands?” My mother snarled. I went ballistic <range type="comment" id="443176194_1">I shrieked and tried my hardest to squirm out of the death grip her long talons had on me</range id="443176194_1">. No matter how hard I tried to unhinge myself, it was useless. After I calmed down a bit, due to my defeat, I heard a <range type="comment" id="443176194_2">boys voice</range id="443176194_2">, it was very faint. The words “Hold on my love, I won’t let her take you from me, I won’t let anyone ever take you from me!” echoed through the wind. That boy, it was Leo. Just the sound of his voice sent a flood of safety and hope through my body. Despite the seriousness of the situation I felt my cheeks go warm and I was sure <range type="comment" id="443176194_3">that</range id="443176194_3"> I was blushing. I called out to <range type="comment" id="443176194_4">Leo but</range id="443176194_4"> he couldn’t hear me. <range type="comment" id="443176194_5">The direction of the wind was not in my favor</range id="443176194_5">. I turned my head just enough to see my precious Leo and... wait, what…? **__PORTA!__** They were flying quickly through the air on Aaru. Although I was unhappy to see Leo with another woman, especially a weird one like her, I was glad to see him at all. My mother saw them too and began to fly even faster. She was mumbling unthinkable things under her breath. Aaru was gaining on us, <range type="comment" id="443176194_6">you</range id="443176194_6"> could hear the thump of his massive wings beating against the air. I began to cheer for Aaru, thinking that maybe my enthusiasm would encourage him to go faster, I was right. Aaru began to shoot through the air toward my mother and I. My mother dug her talons into my shoulders as my punishment for cheering on her enemies. I could feel blood trickling down my shoulder. It probably would have hurt if it wasn’t for the immense amount of adrenaline rushing through my body. I looked at Leo. He caught my stare and held it for a few minutes. Then he abruptly turned <range type="comment" id="443176194_7">away but</range id="443176194_7"> only after giving me a wink. I knew it would be okay. Leo had a plan. <range type="comment" id="443176194_8">(SD 3-13)*</range id="443176194_8">

(TP12) Oh my gosh! My dad is actually not dead! I can not believe he made me believe <range type="comment" id="443176194_9">that</range id="443176194_9"> he was dead! I am utterly outraged. Oh, and don't even get me started on how he is Leo's father, too.

Ugh! He is the worst father on planet earth! My mind is in shock. I start to feel dizzy just thinking about it. What kind of dad does something like that?!?! Also, what kind of dad stabs their own son?

That's when it finally hits me. Leo is my brother. I have to stick with him so we can protect each other. After this incident happened, I<range type="comment" id="443176194_10"> need to help him with his wound and he needs to help me calm down.</range id="443176194_10">

I am starting to get even more protective over my brother, especially since he <range type="comment" id="443176194_11">got stabbed. So, If I ever see that man again, I will... you don't even want to know what I would do. Just think, if I attacked him this time, I will go way over the top next time. So, he better stay away from me. Forever.

My vision is starting to become blurry just thinking about it. I have never felt more angry, concerned, dishonored, dizzy, and confused in my life. My vision is blurring. The trees around me start to look like blobs. That's when my vision blanks out. Soon after, my body hits the ground.(TP12)*

(GN)

This girl certainly does have a tendency to faint. Porta fell from the sky and her body hit the ground. <range type="comment" id="443365942_1">It seemed like she would be okay</range id="443365942_1">, but I couldn’t be sure. However, I couldn't rescue her at the moment. <range type="comment" id="443365942_2">Mary was in the clutches of death-quite literally, may I add</range id="443365942_2">. Aaru <range type="comment" id="443365942_3">swoops</range id="443365942_3"> closer until I can touch her fingertips, and then I pull out my sword and slash the bird. Mary screeches as she plummets toward the Earth. Aaru glides down and flies underneath her until she hits his back with a thud. We fly to the ground, pick up <range type="comment" id="443365942_4">Porta's body</range id="443365942_4">, and gallop off. The bird that once held Mary tries to flap its wings, but to no avail. It hits the ground with a satisfying thud and bleeds violently. Mary starts vomiting so hard I think she may start up-chucking blood. We fly over the border to the Western lands and see my father, dead on the ground. I guess Porta got him better than she thought. We fly over the Southern lands, and Mary finally takes a breath. She smiles at me, then goes in for a kiss. "Eeeewww!" I screech, but kiss her anyway and laugh. We glide down to my mother's cottage, where I haven't been in ages. I introduce Mary to my mother, and then take off with Porta. I take her to the Eastern lands, where she will talk some sense into her king. Then she will rule the Northern lands. Meanwhile, I have sent a message to Mary's brother to overthrow the king, get rid of Stefan, and become king himself. Mary and I will live in my cottage in the Southern lands. Sounds like a pretty happy ending to me. As Porta waves from the ground, I smile and nudge Aaru to go just a little bit faster. As I soar high above the country I love, I fall into a deep sleep. When I land, Mary <range type="comment" id="443365942_5">lifts me</range id="443365942_5"> off of Aaru and sits me in a bed. I drink some water, and then I sleep in a clean bed for the first time in days. As I fall to sleep once again, I let out a deep sigh. "You can say that again!" Mary said with a smile.<range type="comment" id="443365942_6">(GN 13)*</range id="443365942_6">

(TP13) “LEO!” I shriek as we are soaring through the air on Aaru. “Oh, stop being such a baby.” He added while I was screaming my head off. I would have never agreed to go on Aaru if I knew that it would be this scary. Then again, we are saving Mary. So, I suppose I’m doing it for a good reason though. I<range type="comment" id="444439320_1"> start to feel very dizzy. I tell myself not to faint. If I do, I will fall off of Aaru. I think we all know how that’s going to end. Not well.</range id="444439320_1">

I start to kind of enjoy myself. Even though it as scary as ever. I try to calm down and close my eyes. Doing that really helps me relax. I peak one eye open slowly and I can’t believe what I see.

I see that we are flying higher and higher into the sky. I feel like Leo is commanding Aaru to take us to outer space! “STOP IT! STOP GOING UP!” I scream. “I’m not trying to! Aaru is out of control!” Leo says. Once I hear that I know <range type="comment" id="444439320_2">that this will not end well.</range id="444439320_2">

I close my eyes because I am nervous and I feel dizzy. Just as I close my eyes Aaru starts to bob up and down. I open my eyes, but my vision is still gone. “Oh no, not again” I think to myself. I start to fall. Before I am completely unconscious I hear Leo scream, “NO!!!!” Suddenly, my body hits the ground. (TP13)*

(GN14) (hey guys please type before this entry so my entries aren't 2 in a row. Thanks! delete this once you have both read it.)

I wake up in the farmhouse, check the sundial, and discover that it is only six o' clock! I roll over to go back to sleep, but there is someone else in my bed. I shriek and fall off the edge. The figure slowly rolls over. It is then that I see that it is Mary. Memories of the last few days come rushing back and I start to get a headache. I moan. Mary sits up and smiles at me.

"Let me get you some tea" she offers. I nod and almost fall back to sleep, but cannot. I walk outside to get the newspaper, only to find that there isn't one. I realize that the King of the Northern lands is dead, and so are the rulers of the Western kingdom. I send a message to Porta in hopes that it will find her happy and healthy. I hope that Mary's brother is successful in transforming the western lands. I wish nothing but the best for him.

Aaru has grown so much in the past few weeks, just as I have. I don't have time to hunt because I'm planning a wedding, so Aaru goes into the woods to find us a deer. Can you imagine? A deer for dinner tonight! I am so excited I have a hard time containing myself.

Let me recap- my name is Leo. I am a boy of seventeen years old and I live in the Southern lands. My mother and I are farmers, but my bride comes from a wealthy family. She is willing to share her riches with us.<range type="comment" id="443365942_7"> I hope to have a child soon</range id="443365942_7">. I have a mature hippogriff and a goddess watching over me. I am smart, cunning, stealthy, loyal and brave.

Aaru comes sweeping down with a deer in his mouth. I take it from him, pat him on the back, and go back into the farmhouse with the people I love.

(TP14) As I wake up, I decide this adventure is too much for me. I can’t take it anymore. <range type="comment" id="444439320_3">So, I try to find the boarder to my home land</range id="444439320_3">. I walk for a long time. Then I take a glance and the boarder is there. I am almost home.

I could never image not having those adventures. However, my adventures have been fun, but it has been very hectic. A little bit too hectic. Crossing was probably the best thing I have ever done. It was quite the thrill ride, but I have not fulfilled my <range type="comment" id="444439320_4">life</range id="444439320_4">.

I have done so much. I have done everything from flying on Aaru to meeting my father again. It has been scary. I have loved and I’ve cried, but I know that I will never be the same. Never.

I have done so much more then I had expected to do in my life. I am very scared as to how my adventure will affect me in the future. However, at the same time I am quite excited. I am finally home and it’s time to take a long nap. I can’t though. There is too much on my mind.

To my reader, I have been looking at you. You have been very surprised most of the time. I can see why. It is because this is the adventure of my life. So, it’s now up to you to decide… What will happen next?<range type="comment" id="444439320_5"> (TP 14)*</range id="444439320_5">

<range type="comment" id="443365942_8">(GN15)*</range id="443365942_8"> (please do the same thing with this one...thanks)

I haven't seen you around in a while. That's actually a false statement, I take that back. I've been watching you, dear reader. Before we discuss you, I'm going to tell you what's been going on behind the scenes. First off, I solved my feud with Rebecca, on account of the fact that our children are in love. The Great Rulers forgave me, but I still choose to rule the Southern Lands.

So. We have arrived at the end of our tale. What do you think of our Leo? Do you like him yet? I hope so, because I do. Someday I'd like to meet him-really meet him. You have been lucky, dear reader, to hear of this courageous boy,his valiant sister, and his beautiful lover. I shall bless them with all of my powers, in hopes that they become all that they are meant to be.

This is a tale not to be forgotten, because it speaks the truth of real life. Yes, my dear reader, I am part of a story. I tell this tale to different people every day. This does not mean that anything gets less difficult for me. I don't expect you to understand. But then again, I never do. I am part of a story, this is true. But it does not mean that I am not real. Until we meet again, dear reader.<range type="comment" id="444439320_6"> (GN 15)* </range id="444439320_6">