Author's Note: This is just something that popped into my head mid-chapter seven of Iron Daughter, and it's my first attempt at fanfiction Ash and Meghan have just fled Tir Na Nog and escaped from Rowan's Thornguards.
"Now only a black thorny bush marked the place where he had died, and Ash glared at it as if it might come back to life..."
"Hello again, Ash!" said a voice from the shadows. Ash stepped in front of me and drew his sword once more.
"Please not more people trying to kill us," I muttered.
" Psh. No need to go into protection mode, prince. I just thought I'd see how Winter Court's newest traitor and the Nevernever's most famous whelp were faring. Rough start I see."
"Nephele?" Ash questioned cautiously. Did he know her? More importantly, did he trust her?
"Yep! The one and only," she said as she stepped into view. Ash seemed calmer, but kept his protective stance. "Oh, come on. You're not my mission today. I don't actually have a mission today." At this, Ash finally put away his sword and smiled.
"Who are you, how do you know Ash, and how did you know where we were?" I asked, somewhat confused. She giggled, which made her look so innocent that it was hard to believe she might've been a threat.
"I know everything that goes on in our dear Nevernever. I have to. You see, I'm Nephele, doer of odd jobs and occasionally assassin." That would explain Ash shielding me I suppose. "As for how I know Ash...we go waaaay back." Even though I knew Ariella was the only one Ash ever loved, well aside from me hopefully, I couldn't help feeling a bit jealous. She and Ash had some sort of history...and now he was looking at her fondly while they were both clearly reminiscing about some event that surely happened before my birth.
"We do," said Ash, "and it seems that we've both seen a lot since then."
"Yeah, and we've got work to do now," said Nephele looking determined now. "I assume you two are going after the scepter of seasons?"
"But how'd-," I started.
"It's best just to assume I know everything," she cut in.
"No kidding," said Ash, "and yeah. I'm guessing that you're here to tag along?"
"Of course! So what was your plan?" I sighed and Ash looked towards me with an eyebrow slightly raised. I just shook my head and started walking. I'm sure that one of them will come up with something.