A/N: Hey there! Madonna Teodora here. Madonna or Teo for short, I suppose. This here is my first fan fiction so I apologize in advance for the crappy grammar, spelling e.c.t. The Other takes place about 4 years after The Key and follows the life of Ethan who is struggling to live in a world with the knowledge Rochelle is never to return. The story will mostly be taking place from Ethan's point of view and may alternate as the story progresses. I understand it can get a little confusing when a story has new characters giving their input every chapter or so, and I'll do my best to stick to two POVs.

I also haven't read GoT in a while now so my information is solely based off Wikipedia. If I accidentally bring Lorian back or some major mistake like that, bear with me. Hopefully my knowledge on the series isn't that rusty...

And last but not least, I do not own Guardians of Time. If I did, Rochelle wouldn't have died! (Yes, I ship Ethan and Rochelle, even if I am writing a EthanxOC fic)

The Other

Chapter 1: A rude awakening

Ethan's POV:

I don't think I could ever get used to living here. It still amazes me how these people could go about their lives this way. Despite the never fading beauty of the Citadel, I can feel its power on me waning. Or perhaps it is I who is turning old.

As I turn over in my bed, I stare at the pale blue ceiling above me. With the light, easy-on-the-eyes colour and the thick satin curtains drawn shut, the only reason behind my awakening could only be but one. The doors, made of a rich oak did an excellent job of drowning out any commotion outside, so I had no one to blame for disrupting my sleep.. No, there was only one reason for my lack of sleep, but knowing what awaits me within the darkness of my subconscious, I am in no hurry to rest.

4 years. It's been 4 years and I still can't get over her. The way her hair sat neatly upon her shoulders and not a single strand fell out of place. The way the colours of her irises changed ever so slightly when there was a shift in the lighting. But most of all, what stuck with me through all these years, was her voice.

The ghost of her laughter echoed rang throughout my ears, but the once warm memories are all too soon ripped away and placed out of reach. Even as I knew there was no true danger after having defeated the Order, I instantly sat up; old habits die hard after all. I looked over to see a boy – probably no more than 11 – trying to salvage what I suppose was my breakfast up off the floor.

"I-I'm sorry, my Lord." The boy hastily began to pick everything up, keeping his head down all the while and avoiding eye contact.

"Leave it." I quickly ordered him and he stopped his ministrations at once. Picking up the dark blue robe which was hung upon the bed post, I forced myself to get out of bed and leave the past behind. For now at least…

The feel of the cool silk against my bare back has me wanting to head back under the covers. The boy still hasn't moved. He stood still, trembling slightly and with his fingers clasped tightly before him, there was no doubt in my mind he was scared, of me.

I don't know what the others say of me. I had a feeling they see me as they do Lord Penbarin, but I could care less. There was a time when I would have cared for such things but not any more. Still, I do not want the kid to be so afraid he doesn't dare move. Tying the sash around my waist, I kneel down so I no longer have to look down upon the lad. Memories of the first time I was in the presence of Lord Penbarin flash back to mind and leave a faint smile playing on my lips.

"What happened, Daniel?" I asked calmly and watched as the boy's head snapped up. I decided to speak in the boy's mind before he was bombarded me with his questions. 'I can hear your thoughts Daniel. Now calm down and tell me what happened. Your mind is buzzing far too much for so early in the morning.' I explained slowly and tried my best to be as reassuring as possible. I gave him a few moments to gather his thoughts straight but the next thing out of his mouth was not what I had been expecting.

"Its 12pm." He stated.

"I beg your pardon?"

"12…" He repeated and pointed towards the grand father clock that stood in the far right corner of the room near the window. I realized that it was indeed 12 and frowned slightly. Had I really slept in that late? Why hadn't anyone woke me? It oddly hurt to think no one cared enough to try but I reminded myself that this was my own doing. I had chased them the day she died and have been struggling to return to them ever since. But that was one of the clear difference between me and the other Tribunal members. They had already found peace with all that had happened where as I…

"I…I think I tripped on the rug m'Lord." The boy mumbled sheepishly, now that he wasn't trying to hide inside himself. The fear hadn't felt him entirely but he had relaxed a great deal. Deciding not to trouble him any further, I dismissed him with orders to bring someone to clean up the mess, and turned to take a warm shower. I had a feeling it was going to be a long day.

A/N: Comments? Critiques? Reviews?