This was it, it was time. It had to be, she couldn't stand being there a minute more. She hated it. It was almost as if her race had given up, they were slowly being taken in by the shadows. The balance of the earth was off. Something strange had taken hold of the life in the forest, something evil. It was poisoning their water and their food. Their familiars were starting to die out as well, causing many to become lost. There was only thirty Fey left, the war had taken a tole on her people.

Make haste, Andromeda. Before it is too late.

She hissed at herself, moving her arm, her pale porcelain skin catching the moon, revealing the soft pastel purple glow of her runes. Groaning, she turned swiftly in her heel and grabbed her long, black velvet cloak. How could she have almost forgotten? She had to keep certain...assets... Hidden from the world until her people were ready to reveal themselves. Valor knows if the Witches had gotten wind of their existence what they would do.

She turned around, about to exit the safety of her family's home, her hand rested on the door. She was about to open it when she heard the shuffle of feet behind her.

"Andromeda..?" A small, sweet and innocent girls voice softly called out. It sounded shaky, almost broken. Andromeda dared to look back, catching her sisters small form in the shadows, only partially lit by the eternal moon.

"Go back to sleep, Alleara." She spoke softly, turning softly so she could face her kin.

"There is trouble tonight, please I beg you do not go,"

"Child I must! You need a future, please do not worry." Her voice was harsher than she intended, Alleara began to sob quietly. Without hesitation Andromeda dropped down to one knee her arm outstretching until her palm cupped her sisters cheek, her thumb wiping away the tears. Their eyes met, Andromeda felt her heart call out. Her sisters misery pained her. "I will be back. I promise."

Her sister only nodded in return, and that was all it took for her to make the first step in her voyage.

~)()(~

Where was this Castle, anyway?

Andromeda growled lowly, walking through the forest. She had never been to a Goblin's village before, all she knew was forest and mountains. She was accustomed to wild brush and wondrous mountain areas, not shimmering bland buildings and rough her, this area was new, and very annoying. She wanted to be out of it as soon as she could.

The traveler sauntered through, caught up in her own mind. Not particularly enjoying the night until she caught the frame of someone walking a few feet ahead of her. She paused, watching the person walk. There was a slight limp in the strangers stride; she also noted the lack of height. Maybe he or she knew the way to the Goblin City? Andromeda quickened her pace.

"Wait!" She called out. The figure looked back and for a moment he saw her. Her face was slender, her eyes a piercing green. The stranger let out a surprised cry; trying his very hardest to sprint away. She let out a grunt and immediately bolted into a run after him. He was around the height of a small night stand, but still even with a limp he was quick; though not quick enough. She chased after him; her footsteps falling silent on the ground. His were clumsily heavy.

Quickly catching up to him, she threw herself forward, catching him off guard and tripping him. She cried out, her body falling forward. Her head smacked against the ground, catching a rock which smacked against her temple with a hard thwack!

The stranger cursed and turned her around, examining her. Blood dropped down the side of her face, she groaned, her brows drawing together. The moon caught her pale skin, making The stranger catch his breath. The sight was peculiar, her skin had glowing amber runes. Beautiful yet odd. Who is she?

"What is your problem, Dwarf?!" She pushed him off, her green eyes glaring daggers at him.

"I could ask you the same thing! Sneaking up on poor Hoggle and attacking him! What he ever do to you? And I'm a Goblin, not a Dwarf!"

The woman stared at him with a bewildered glance. He was a Goblin? She should have known due to his height and his...appearance. She was told that they were nice folk, for the most part. She sighed and nodded apologetically to the Goblin. "What are you doing here anyway?" The Goblin pried.

"Why should I tell you my business?"

"Because you are close to the Goblin City, that's why. Jareth doesn't like visitors."

"Jareth?"

"The Goblin King!" He exclaimed; his eye brows rising in aggravation. It dawned on her then; he knew how to get to the city which held the castle. She looked into his eyes and stood up, brushing the dust off.

"I'm sorry for knocking you over. I'm just in a hurry; I have to talk to the King." She explained her situation, eyes pleading. He didn't like it; hesitant at first, it took several moments to convince him to take her.

~)()(~

They walked in silence for the majority of their travel. Andromeda's stomach was turning with nervous anxiety. Had he seen her runes? She had hoped not. Thank Valor she was able to map out the land before she left. Gods her head hurt, though. She pulled out her map, surveying it so she could check if they were on the right path. Her spine went poker straight when she heard him scoff. She shot him a glare.

"What is it?" She growled.

"A map won't do no good in here."

She scoffed in return, turning to him. He stopped and turned to face her. She eyed him up and down before turning to leave. She smirked, trailing along lightly, her footsteps barely making a sound while his thudded loudly behind her. It annoyed her greatly and she'd be glad to be rid of him. How far is this Castle, again?

The nerve of him, honestly. Who does he think he is?

The Fey woman thought in her head, fusing silently. This was going to be a long trip.