Well this is my first attempt at and Inheritence Cycle story without having read the books. Please note that I am getting tons of help from JessieLightyear and NationalWonder. Also, if you like their stories, check them out and this one frequently. You never know if Raina or Gala might show up...
So please read/review/enjoy! All belongs to CP. But Jaiden, Logan, Colbey, Evrrell, Disera, Vione and anyone else you dont recognize are mine.
I have always enjoyed being an elf. It had its perks, and its downfalls, but I love it anyway. Even if my little family was banished to the woods in fear of the war, friends are not far away. Our little home is snug in the forests on the outskirts of Du Weldenvarden in a small town. Since our kind is more eager to join the Varden in the conquests against the Empire, we chose to seclude ourselves.
My parents were all for the 'freedom of the people' whether they be elves, humans, or whatever. Neither one is a fan of oppression—Father constantly tells me this. "I don't want you to be in a land of hatred and suffering Jaiden. My little girl should not have to be told what to do, where she can do things, and what government she must follow. I work too hard to bring your generation happiness and peace to let you down."
As he rambles, I'm usually helping Mother with her roots and supplies. We run a good stock from our home, and I have heard rumors that we are one of the best when it comes to ingredients for potions and elixirs.
Besides helping her, I'm navigating through the woods, trying to find the best source for my own bow and arrows. Father made his himself, and it has always proven worthy to him. I've always wanted to have him teach me how to make one, but since he often goes away for the war, I'm carving my bow in the back while mother watches from the window. I feel that it would be more special to make one myself and have it for my use only. It's more sentimental.
Today, I was going into town with Mother for several deliveries. We had seven stops to make that day, and all were closer to town. We left early in hopes that we could possibly get new customers.
As we arrived, the usuals were out and about. We saw many people there we knew, including Mother's old friend Vione and her son, Colbey. I hated Colbey with a great passion. Ever since we met as young children he was picking a fight with me. I tried to ignore him and move on from his taunting, but it was so annoying that I couldn't help but rebuttal him.
"Hello, Diséra! What are we up to today?"
"The usual business Vione—errands, new customers, replacing tools. It's a never ending job, and I love it."
As they gossiped, I was dropping off bundles to various people and rounded up a new customer. I jotted down his order when someone tapped my shoulder from behind. My blonde waves whizzed around my head to only see Colbey, and I groaned in disappointment. This guy was nothing but trouble, and I seemed to be the one who he loved to bother most.
"Fancy seeing you here," he said.
"I'm in town every few days, stupid. This is nothing out of the ordinary for me. What, have you been stuck in your cave for so long and decided to venture into the world today?" I was being snarky to him, sure. But this was the usual conversation we had.
"I'm running errands with my mother." Well so was I. I'll bet Vione had to all but drag him out of the house. If she even mentioned the possibility of getting to see me…
"Jay-Jay," Mother called, "Come on! If you keep getting more orders, we won't have time to finish our runs for the day. And you won't be able to work on your bow if there's no daylight."
"A bow, huh? Never knew you were one for archery Jay-Jay." Colbey was purposely playing dumb. I had always shown an interest in archery, ever since I can remember. While the other girls I knew played house, I helped my dad with shooting practice.
I went to the saving grace of my Mother, and we went on our way. She was, and always will be, the gossiping woman you see on the street corner surrounded by friends. Today, she was discussing with Vione about I-don't-know-who when she brought up Colbey.
"He's always around you, ya know. I saw him over with you while you were taking orders."
"Mom, I hate that kid. He's always bothering me and pushing me around. I have no idea how you can stand him."
"Oh, honey, I didn't mean it like that. You know I'm kidding. He's never been right for you anyway." She caught up to me on the trail and put her arm around my shoulder. Her waves clashed with mine and we looked like a vanilla/chocolate swirl. I got the waves from her, the blonde from Dad. Our matching sapphire eyes met and all was forgiven.
"But there is one boy who I find quite charming. And I think you would agree."
Oh no, not another match-making session. "Who is it this time?"
"Logan Evrrellson." Nearly tripping, I could hear the smile in her voice as she said his name. I could also feel the tingle in my feet and the blush on my face. "And don't deny it, dear. I've seen you play with him since you were kids. He's always the one you want to be with. Do you even have a friend besides him?"
I knew where she was going with this one. It was true that Logan and I were inseparable friends. I never remembered playing with any of the girls as a kid. It was like we were made for each other.
"Mom, please don't make plans without me hearing about them. I don't need to make my friendship with Logan an awkward one."
"Awkward? Ha! You've passed that stage honey. Remember the time you sprained your ankle and he helped you get home? Or during the summer when his family came over and you would play in your pjs in that tree you planted? What about that time when he made you a birthday card?"
"Mom, stop. We're almost to his house. Please don't bring up anything. I really need to get to my bow." The last thing I wanted was for Evrrell to bring up any embarrassing memories Mom forgot about.
I heard Evrrell's voice before I saw him. He was a strong man who stood at a marvelous 6 feet, and Logan was about to pass him. He was chopping wood behind his house, and while he did so, he sang. It was a funny spectacle to witness, and I was laughing at the image. Evrrell lowered his axe and wiped his forehead from the sweat. He saw us and was delighted.
"Hello ladies," he said, booming voice ringing in my ears. He came up and gave me a hug, his scratchy beard tickling my face. "Are my herbs prepared?"
"Of course. Why else would we dare to interrupt your singing?" Mother was always one to crack good jokes.
"Oh I can think of one reason." He said this while they gazed at me. Turning to look at his house he cupped his mouth. "Logan! We have visitors."
Logan came scrambling out of the house, but not without nearly tripping on his feet. He was gangly, but not too lean. He brushed his jet black hair out of his green eyes and said a "Hello" while trying to catch his breath.
"Diséra and Jaiden have come by with supplies. Please take them where necessary." Logan hauled the larger bundle over his shoulder and I had the other one in tow. He led me to the shed where his father liked to keep his herbs and remedial things. Logan set the bag down and started unloading its contents.
"So, how's the bow coming along?" He asked with great awareness. Growing up around my Father had given him some interest in archery; it was one of those things we had always discussed.
"I found the perfect branch, and the curve is coming along. It's the handle that's giving me trouble. I don't know how to shape it."
"I could help you, if you want."
"I think you are the one who needs helping. You're putting things in the wrong place. The clarvel root goes over there, not next to the parsnip." I grabbed the jar and placed it in the correct spot. How could he be so careless? Logan looked into the sacks sheepishly and headed out. We headed back to our parents and said a farewell.
"I think there is something in here that does not belong to our order," Logan stated to my mother. She looked into the bag quickly, and took it into her hands with a flourish.
"Well then I think I'll have to see what it is when we get home. Good bye." We left by way of a trail that went through the woods directly to our house. I couldn't wait to see that the 'extra item' was.
"Oh Mom you shouldn't have." I was holding the surprise—new arrows for me. I held them to the light and admired their long shapes. They were light as a feather, and very narrow. The tips were sharp and I pricked my finger on one by accident.
"I know you've been working very hard on your bow Jaiden and I want you to be able to use it as soon as possible." I gave her a hug and she ran her fingers through my waves. I could tell that she was proud of me for wanting to do this on my own.
I took the arrows and placed them in my own quiver. Father had given me his old one and I felt honored to have it. The wear and tear, the places it had been, the battles it had seen all made it even more wonderful to me. I was glad that it would serve its purpose once again.
Climbing out of my window, I wiggled onto the tree outside. There was a branch that had grown to be the perfect height and angle in case I needed a quick escape. I shimmied down the tree with my bow and went to work on it. Like I said, the handle was coming along but it was giving me difficulty. I worked into the night until I was satisfied.
The end results were marvelous. All my hard work was paid off and I invited Logan over to have some practice. He brought along his equipment and we went to work right away setting up Father's targets. After a few drills (and beating Logan in every one) we made up some new games and were having fun. Mother watched us as we ran around like children again with a devilish look in her eye. It was the most fun I had had in a very long time.
After Logan headed down the trail for home, I went inside, washed up, and sat with Mother in my room.
"So," she said. "How was it? Having fun with someone besides myself?"
"Oh don't be like that," I reproached.
"I take no offense, believe me. If Logan had as much time with his mother as you do with me, I'm positive he would say the same." I couldn't believe she brought up Logan's mom so casually. After the accident six years ago, it still brought me shivers.
"Besides, Jaiden, you two are growing up and there are going to be changes—"
"Save it Mom. I already know."
"So you have felt something, hmm?" I could see that scheming grin again spread across her face. She caught me red-handed, or rather red-faced.
"I don't know," I sighed, squishing my pillow to my torso. "I've never felt like this at all about anyone, anything. It's so new and different and exciting…But there's something wrong about it, and I don't know what it is."
"I do. You've grown up together and until now have only seen the other as a friend. But this changes everything. And you have no clue what to do." Mom always knew what to say. She could put into words what I couldn't. And she was spot on every time. I walked over to my window sill and gazed out into the night.
"Do you think he feels the same? Cuz if he does, he's great at hiding it. Gosh I'm so confused."
"Listen, as your mother, I say that you both need to talk it over and see if he's interested as you are to him. There's no doubt he is. Did you see the faces he was making at you today? The look in his eyes?"
"Um…no?" It came out as a question. All I was doing was running around with him practicing our skills. Was he making eyes that I didn't see?
"Well don't worry about it too much. You'll be fine. Except when he goes off to war with his father."
I cringed at the thought. Logan had always been just up the path. If he went away with his father, what was I going to do? He'd always been there…
"You don't think Evrrell would make him do that, do you? Sign up for the army together the moment they got the chance? Logan is his only son. Would Evrrell be so selfish?"
"Of course he would. They are the only family they have. One isn't going anywhere without the other. I can only hope that when the time comes, you are able to sacrifice your feelings and be strong."
She left the room and I continued to gaze at the moon. A warm breeze enveloped me from the trees, and I was comforted for a moment. I tried to imagine going off to war. I knew that it took preparation, and lots of it. But the actual task was frightening to me. I've never been in a fight with weapons before. If I was handed anything besides a bow and arrow, who knows what would happen? I'd be dead in seconds, that's what.
And what if Father, or Logan, or Evrrell died? What would happen to their bodies? Would mother sink into depression? Would Logan move in with us? How was I going to hold up? Would I fall apart too?
All these thoughts of war made me tired and I slunk into bed, dreaming of happier days.
The next day, Mother had me run even more supplies to Logan's home. She said she "forgot" to put them in their previous order and said that it would be best for me just to run them up right away. My response was "Do I have to?" and she answered with a "Just get it over with. Maybe you'll get to see Logan." I left with higher hopes.
My blonde waves bounced to the rhythm of my footsteps as I traveled down the pathway. It was a nice day; the sun made fun splotches of gold on the path where leaves were absent. I was thinking about the war again and started to consider the possibility of going. I was the eligible age, but my experience was another thing entirely. I had never had any training with any kind of combat; I had never had the need. If I was going to fight, I needed someone to help me.
As I thought about this, an arrow whizzed past my head. I ducked just in time to let it miss and hit a tree trunk nearby. I checked the sack for holes, stood, and looked about for my attacker. That's when I heard an all-too-familiar chuckle, and the sound was close.
"Where are you, Colbey," I nearly screeched to the forest. "I know it was you. Now come out and face me." He slid down the tree with ease, classic smirk in tow. He was about 30 yards away and sauntered towards me. How could I have missed him? Colbey stopped right in front of me and folded his arms across his chest.
"Good morning. Where are we headed, today?" I hated his easy-going attitude. It only infuriated me even more.
"I'm running supplies to Evrrell's house," I said in a monotone, inches away from unleashing my fury. "You're going to go home and leave me alone." I lifted the sack over my shoulder and began my way once more. Colbey followed.
"Don't act like that Jay-Jay." I cut him off as I whipped around and slapped his face. A red mark in the shape of my handprint was etched across his face.
"Don't call me that. That name is reserved for family and close friends only. And you are neither." He started to back me into a tree, and I regretted that I had no weapon besides my fists and feet. I made a mental note to never leave the house without protection again.
"Someone has quite the temper. Why do we have to act like this," he questioned. My back touched the tree and fear flashed in my eyes for a second. Colbey had seen it and he knew that whatever he had planned was going to work. I was mentally preparing for anything, running through sensitive spots in my head.
"We both know that we have feelings for each other. But I'm afraid they are different ones." He grabbed my biceps and pinned me to the tree. I knew that I should've made my move before this. His grip was too strong; I couldn't move.
"The only mutual feeling I think we have is hatred," I uttered. He inched closer and stared me in the eye. I was shaking with fear and I'm sure Colbey felt me vibrating.
"Let's change that," he whispered. If he thought he was going to get away with anything he had another thing coming. I instantly thought of a plan.
I looked off to the side and screamed. Colbey loosened his grip and turned to see what was 'there' as my fist winded up like a cobra. It shot forward at an alarming rate and smacked his eye. His body flew down in a slow motion. I quickly grabbed the sack, and turned to Colbey. "Not today sir, not ever." Then my feet flew up the path.
The past two minutes kept replaying in my head and they urged my legs to go faster. I had no clue what I got myself into, or how I was gonna get out of it.
The next thing I knew, I heard footsteps falling behind me. I knew that Colbey was a faster runner than me, but I had to keep going. Logan's house wasn't that much farther up the trail. If I got there in time and Logan or Evrrell saw me, they'd stop Colbey for sure.
I was beginning to lose hope as I heard footsteps coming up on my side. Colbey had caught up to me, and I was really in for it now. I turned my head to see who it was.
My fear melted when I saw the friendly and reassuring face of Logan. His grin told me not to worry, but his eyes questioned as to why this was happening. Of course, I had to ruin everything by tripping over a tree root. The ground flew to my face and I saw Logan step protectively in front of me. Colbey had stopped running immediately and I moved into the foliage to watch the brawl that was about to unfold.
"Get out of my way Logan. I have unfinished business to take care of." Colbey's face became rock solid and I waited for Logan's reproach.
"Well it looks like Jaiden was the victim, here. I think you should leave her alone." Logan looked back at me to signal that I should go, but I planted myself where I was. How could I possibly miss this?
"You don't even know the whole story," Colbey spat. "And don't give me that arrogant look. I know that you aren't as tough as you try to be."
"As I see it, Jaiden was running an errand for her mother and you interrupted her, thus causing anger and an injury. That's no way to treat a lady…" Colbey crouched, ready to spring. Logan tensed and brought out a defensive stance. I clutched the sack and thought that this was going to be the best fight I had ever seen.
Colbey charged forward and Logan ducked. They started swinging at each other and I almost began to cheer for Logan, being that he wasn't much of a fighter. As the feud went on, I started to back my way up the trail and ran the rest of the way to Logan's house. But not before I saw Colbey fall to the ground defeated.
Logan eventually caught up with me as we went through his back door. "What's in the bag," he asked nonchalantly as blood dripped from his eyebrow and nose.
"You'll see once I finish bandaging you up." I went to fetch some rags and hot water. Evrrell came in and saw his son, instantly begging to hear the whole tale of Logan's chivalrous acts (which were his favorite kind). I took care of my savior as Evrrell listened with both of his pointy ears hanging on to every word. The two of them chuckled when I noted that Logan seemed to show up out of nowhere just when I needed him. When done, I gave them their package and headed home quickly so I couldn't run into the monster that no doubtedly was waiting for me.
So did you like it? Please tell me what you think. I have a lot more to tell for this story and I can't wait to share it with you.