A/N - Yep, another fic that I probably will never finish. . .well enjoy
everyone! Remember, Golden Sun does NOT belong to me! This is an A/U,
obviously, and a Garet/Jenna. ^_^ My fave couple! Yeah!
~~~~
CRASH!
The girl swiftly jumped out of the way as another tree came toppling down. She brought up her staff above her head as various leafy branches knocked loose came tumbling down. Hazarding a quick look behind her as she ran, brown eyes widened in shock as she saw the people behind her being struck down.
Gasping, she skidded to a stop and turned. Her guards were one by one being struck down by the black-cloaked men, as they cut down the men, trees, or anything in their way. She watched, horrified, there was soon only one left. He was locked in a struggle with swords when he turned his face to her. "Princess! What are you doing, run!!"
Gritting her teeth angrily, she started forward. "I'm not leaving you when I can still--"
"Princess!" He was knocked back by a sudden blow and blood trickled out of a cut on the side of his face, leaving him gasping in pain before continuing. "Leave!! If you don't get the Rod to Kalay, no one will!!"
She bit her lip, hesitating.
"Princess!" He cried desperately, vainly trying to block a swipe to his side. "GO!!" With the last cry, the cloaked man finally managed to stab him through, and with a thud, the last of her guards fell to the ground, lifeless. The man straightened, and behind him, 4 more of the cloaked men started forward towards.
Clenching her fists, she stood alone on the crest of the wooded hill as the men stalked towards her. Then abruptly, she raised her staff towards them and with her eyes sparking angrily yelled, "Flare Wall!"
The flames burst out with her call and rose high towards the stars. The men, hindered by the wall of fire and its heat, fell back as they tried to unsuccessfully get through. On the other side of the raging inferno, sparks flew through the air as the girl's cinnamon hair became sooty as the ashes were stirred up by the wind. Tears of frustration squeezed out of her eyes as she whispered a quick prayer. Then she turned, and ran.
~~~~
"I don't believe this. . ."
Jenna rolled her eyes as her brother inspected the various scrapes and burns she had gotten from the forest. Worried as usual, when it came to his younger sister, Crown Prince Felix of Vale frowned slightly as he gently probed at the cut on the side of her cheek. Jenna winced, then relaxed as the golden light of Cure glowed softly from underneath her brother's fingertips. When the cut was fully healed, Felix fixed a stern scowl on his sister's face.
"Explain."
Letting out a long breath, Jenna sighed. "Felix, I TOLD you, we were ambushed--"
"There were nearly 20 guards escorting you Jenna! How is it that every single one of them were defeated?"
"I don't know! One minute we were going along and then the next these men in black cloaks were attacking. . ." Jenna passed a hand over her eyes wearily. "The only reason I got away was because they pushed me off the horse..." Felix grew quiet, seeming to sense her tiredness and gently ran his fingers through his sister's cinnamon-colored hair.
In the brief silence that followed, the door opened quietly and closed, admitting a man who knelt formally, showing only the top of his dishwater- blonde head. A murmured "My liege, Your Highness," was spoken in his soft, but firm voice, then he raised his head, revealing his striking blue eyes. He nodded at Jenna. "I am glad that Your Highness is safe and well."
Jenna brightened then immediately felt downcast again. 'If anything, he should be angry at me. . .I just caused half of his own guard to be killed! Yeah, smooth move Jenna, cause the deaths of half of his beloved guards, that's a GREAT way to get him to like you. . .' From beside her, Felix stood up and eased into the chair next to the bed. "Rise Captain Isaac. What news do you have for me?"
"We have reason to believe that Princess Jenna's attackers were from the Fire Clan of the North. I sent a party out to the site of the attack and from the ashes, we found this." He held out some rags, which could have been a cloak once, and extracted a single piece of fabric.
Felix took the cloth gingerly and inspecting it in the light, his eyes widened, then quickly narrowed. "Those bastards. . ." he growled. "What do they want now?"
"What--?" Jenna leaned forward and her eyes too widened. On the cloth was the all too familiar insignia composed of 5 red streaks, symbolizing flames. "Why..." she whispered brokenly. "Why must they torture us so? They've already taken Mother and Father away. . ."
Felix was clenching the cloth in his hands. "For this Rod, Saturos is willing to kill so much. . ." he said softly. "Captain, give me a status on--"
Jenna opted not to listen, her mind taking her back nearly 3 years ago, when she and Felix had been out on an outing in the forest, only to return to find the palace in shambles and the king and queen gone. Prox in the North, who had long desired the sacred Rod, entrusted to kingdom of Vale by Kalay, used their parents as a ransom. Back then, Jenna had pleaded with her brother to give in to King Saturos' wishes and give up the Rod. It was when the guards were about to leave with the Rod to journey to Prox that news leaked out amongst the villages around the country that their mother and father had killed themselves, sensing what their children were about to do.
Shaking her head, Jenna opened her ears again just in time to hear Felix say in an unsually tight voice, "Wait for me outside, Captain."
Isaac nodded and walked through the bedroom doors, his boots clicking in the hallway as they touched the marble. Felix heaved a sigh and massaged his temple with his fingers, resting his elbow of the chair arm. Softly, Jenna touched the Prince's arm. "What is it?"
Felix sighed, realizing that Jenna had not heard the previous conversation. He stayed silent for a while then said quietly, "We need to get the Shaman's Rod back to Kalay. It is no longer safe here. But it seems. . .that Prox will prove a great obstacle." He turned to look at her, his brown eyes serious. "It is not possible for me to go to Kalay and properly explain to them--"
"Well obviously," snorted Jenna. "That's why I went last time, didn't I? What's the problem, I can go."
"Which is precisely the problem," Felix said dryly. "If you didn't have your Psyenergy, it is unlikely that you would have escaped. If I had known that Saturos had targeted you, I wouldn't have sent you in the first place."
"Targeted?" Jenna asked in shock. "Me?"
He nodded grimly. "Isaac believes this to be so. It's obvious that I cannot leave Vale, but since you can, you're the obvious target of the Royal Family." He sighed. "Saturos must be trying to make an example of us."
"I don't care about that arrogant blue idiot!" she snapped. "Felix, we gave up our parents' lives for that Rod, it would be meaningless if we lose it now! Prox may attack at any time, they have more military power! If we get it out of Vale, we'll be safe, and Kalay can deal with its own problems!"
Felix smiled gently down at his sister, glaring back at him defiantly and ruffled her hair. Standing up, he began to walk out. "All right, little spitfire. Get some rest."
Jenna glared after him as he shut the door. With a loud sigh, she sank back into her bed and turned her attention to the window. 'I seem to be sighing so much lately. . .why is life so difficult? And why can't Kalay take care of their own stupid Rod? Why can't that stupid Saturos just leave us alone. . .' And without even thinking, tears came unbidden to her eyes and slowly dripped down to the blankets. Jenna did not normally cry, in fact, growing up, her father had always called her 'Sunshine.' She had cried so little that when she did, everyone would be worried and Felix would threaten to beat up whoever made her cry.
She smiled through her tears and quickly wiped them away. Jenna loved her brother with all her heart, after all, he was the only family she had now. He was always thoughtful, caring, and was always there to listen to her. . .but yet. . .he could be so distant, so aloof. Even if he was there to talk to, Jenna hated to bother him with her own petty thoughts and problems when he had taken on the burden of ruling the kingdom on his shoulders. And certain things she couldn't tell him, even if she wanted too. Jenna grimaced. Imagine trying to tell him about Isaac...he'd probably stare at her, then exclaim that she shouldn't be thinking about the Captain like THAT! Then he would probably try to arrange a marriage.
Smiling slightly, Jenna started back out the window. Longingly, she gazed down at the courtyard where several of the servants' children were running about, absolutely filthy, but laughing happily. What she would give to be like that, carefree and happy! Once, she and Felix were like that, but he had grown into the serious prince he was now, leaving her alone and weary of palace life. Often, she would go to the streets of Vale in disguise, just so people would talk to her normally and not be bowing every second. She brightened. 'That's a great idea! I'll go down now! I'm bored anyway.'
And happily humming, she set about grabbing a plain wool cloak to cover herself and slipped out the door, intending to don it when she left the palace.
~~~~
On the other side of the palace, the Prince and the Captain of the guards were quietly conferring.
"If we must send Jenna, then how many guards do you think would be sufficient? More than 20, obviously. I don't want something like that happening again..."
Isaac looked at the Prince gravely. "If I may say so my liege, I don't believe in this case that there will be strength in numbers. These assassins of Prox are quite skilled and if a small number of them were able to dispatch 20 of our guards, they could just send more and kill more."
Perplexed, Felix turned to the young captain. "Then what do you suggest?"
"It would be better if we were able to get the Princess to Kalay and back in complete secrecy. To do that, we should send only 1 or 2 others with her."
Felix stared at him in disbelief. "One or two?? Are you out of your mind? If 20 of our guards couldn't handle those assasins, how can you expect such two of them to? That would require someone of your skill and caliber Captain. And you are needed here."
Isaac nodded. "I know of someone who would be willing to do it. He is very strong and as long as we pay him the money, he will protect the Princess."
The Prince frowned. "A mercenary? I don't trust them. He's more likely to slit her throat or do something worse."
"Not a mercenary my liege. More like a bodyguard for hire" Isaac shook his head. "He is a good friend of mine from far back. I will vouch for his strength and his character."
Felix gazed thoughtfully out the nearby windows. "Very well. Bring him."
~~~~
"Uuungh. . . ."
"Garet, stop moaning! It's your own fault for stuffing your face last night with those pies, THEN drinking what, 3 bottles of ale?"
In the streets, the tall red-haired youth walked slowly, his eyes blinking blearily. Beside him, a shorter and slimmer teen with blonde hair and now exasperated purple eyes, sighed and supported his companion's elbow. The crowds easily parted for the red spiked head and passerbys stopped and stared. The two young men stood out from everyone else; with their good looks and the obvious fact that they weren't from Vale, girls immediately swarmed around them, whispering and giggling.
"Hey Ivan, are they talking to us? Wow, that girl right there is pretty cute. . ." He flashed a grin as the girl in question blushed prettily and withdrew from the crowd.
"Garet!" Ivan hissed. "Shut UP! We have to get to the pub. . .yes, excuse us. . .no thank you, we don't need directions...yes, I'm sure..."
The mob of girls slowly parted and as the two emerged, they found themselves right near the local pub.
"So," said Ivan, making his way towards the entrance, "What sort of guy is this Isaac?"
Garet shook his head to try to get rid of his headache, failing, and making it worse. "He's an old friend of mine. . .he's the Captain of the Guards up at the Palace."
"The Palace?" Ivan turned, his purple eys widening. "You mean, for the Royal Family of Vale?"
"Who else?" Garet grinned. "Anyway, he's a good guy, a little stiff you know, but a good guy. I wonder how he found out I was back so quick? I'll introduce you to him Ivan."
"Sounds good." When he disappeared into the pub, Garet blinked several times and shook his head again.
"Good Mars, they REALLY need to make a cure for hangovers...that's the last time I eat pies with alcohol in them..." He was just opening his eyes and walking again when something literally crashed into his side. "Ow!"
The 'something' fell to the ground with a startled yelp. Turning quickly, Garet saw that it was a girl, wearing a long cloak. "Oh, I'm sorry Miss, are you all right?"
She glared up at him, the hood of her cloak falling back to reveal cinnamon hair and brown eyes sparking with anger. She was quite beautiful, that is, until she snapped, "Of course I'm not all right you big oaf, why don't watch where you're going??"
Completely taken by surprise, Garet retorted without thinking, "Me? You're the one who slammed into me! YOU should watch where you're going!"
Dusting herself off, the girl glared at him. "Well, then why were you standing in the middle of the road like an idiot? Anyone could have ran into you! Idiot!" Then, flipping her hair behind her shoulder, she gave him a final glare, pulled the hood back over her head and ran off.
Garet stared after her, in utter shock. Then, slowly, his fists clenched. "Why that little . .."
~~~~
"The NERVE!" he fumed. "Calling ME an oaf AND an idiot when SHE was the one who ran into me!"
Ivan and Isaac laughed as they slowly sipped their ale, watching Garet's antics.
"And then she flips her hair like *this*" He demonstrated, "then runs off! Can you believe that?"
"Well," said Isaac good-naturedly, "There are some spitfires out there Garet. You can't expect all of them to be docile."
"True, true," Ivan agreed smiling.
"Yeah, guess you're right," Garet said resignedly. "Now that I think of it, she WAS really pretty. Until she started calling me an idiot. But anyways Isaac, what'd you call me here for? It's good to see you, but why-- "
"Business matters Garet," Isaac said seriously. "I have a proposition to make. Prince Felix may have use of your skills."
"The Prince needs a bodyguard?" Garet asked incredulously. "What for? And what happened to the old king and queen?"
"They were killed, remember?" Isaac said in exasperation. "But listen! It's not him that needs a guard, it's his sister, the Princess Jenna. Money is not a problem."
Garet grinned, and leaned forward. "I'm all ears. Up for a job Ivan, while you're with me?"
Ivan merely smiled, but he also leaned forward.
"The Princess needs to be escorted to Kalay and back. She has an object of great importance with her that must be taken there. The Prince cares for her very much so she needs to be protected at all costs." Isaac leaned back. "Any questions?"
Garet rested his head on his chin thoughtfully. "Any hazards?"
"Yes. The last time she attempted the journey, 20 guards accompanied her. In the end, all of them were killed by assassins from another country and she alone escaped."
Garet whistled between his teeth. "Hmm...well then, considering all this. . .saftey's an issue, Kalay and back, crazed assasins after us..."
Isaac looked at him eagerly. "Will you take the job? Name the price, I'm sure we can pay."
The red haired 'bodyguard' grinned. "40, 000. Not a coin less."
The Captain sucked in a breath. Garet leaned forward, still grinning. "One last question Isaac."
"Yes?"
"This Princess Jenna. . .how's she in the looks department?"
~~~~
A/N - Wow, that was actually . .fun!! Please review everyone! I think I'd actually enjoy this fic!
~~~~
CRASH!
The girl swiftly jumped out of the way as another tree came toppling down. She brought up her staff above her head as various leafy branches knocked loose came tumbling down. Hazarding a quick look behind her as she ran, brown eyes widened in shock as she saw the people behind her being struck down.
Gasping, she skidded to a stop and turned. Her guards were one by one being struck down by the black-cloaked men, as they cut down the men, trees, or anything in their way. She watched, horrified, there was soon only one left. He was locked in a struggle with swords when he turned his face to her. "Princess! What are you doing, run!!"
Gritting her teeth angrily, she started forward. "I'm not leaving you when I can still--"
"Princess!" He was knocked back by a sudden blow and blood trickled out of a cut on the side of his face, leaving him gasping in pain before continuing. "Leave!! If you don't get the Rod to Kalay, no one will!!"
She bit her lip, hesitating.
"Princess!" He cried desperately, vainly trying to block a swipe to his side. "GO!!" With the last cry, the cloaked man finally managed to stab him through, and with a thud, the last of her guards fell to the ground, lifeless. The man straightened, and behind him, 4 more of the cloaked men started forward towards.
Clenching her fists, she stood alone on the crest of the wooded hill as the men stalked towards her. Then abruptly, she raised her staff towards them and with her eyes sparking angrily yelled, "Flare Wall!"
The flames burst out with her call and rose high towards the stars. The men, hindered by the wall of fire and its heat, fell back as they tried to unsuccessfully get through. On the other side of the raging inferno, sparks flew through the air as the girl's cinnamon hair became sooty as the ashes were stirred up by the wind. Tears of frustration squeezed out of her eyes as she whispered a quick prayer. Then she turned, and ran.
~~~~
"I don't believe this. . ."
Jenna rolled her eyes as her brother inspected the various scrapes and burns she had gotten from the forest. Worried as usual, when it came to his younger sister, Crown Prince Felix of Vale frowned slightly as he gently probed at the cut on the side of her cheek. Jenna winced, then relaxed as the golden light of Cure glowed softly from underneath her brother's fingertips. When the cut was fully healed, Felix fixed a stern scowl on his sister's face.
"Explain."
Letting out a long breath, Jenna sighed. "Felix, I TOLD you, we were ambushed--"
"There were nearly 20 guards escorting you Jenna! How is it that every single one of them were defeated?"
"I don't know! One minute we were going along and then the next these men in black cloaks were attacking. . ." Jenna passed a hand over her eyes wearily. "The only reason I got away was because they pushed me off the horse..." Felix grew quiet, seeming to sense her tiredness and gently ran his fingers through his sister's cinnamon-colored hair.
In the brief silence that followed, the door opened quietly and closed, admitting a man who knelt formally, showing only the top of his dishwater- blonde head. A murmured "My liege, Your Highness," was spoken in his soft, but firm voice, then he raised his head, revealing his striking blue eyes. He nodded at Jenna. "I am glad that Your Highness is safe and well."
Jenna brightened then immediately felt downcast again. 'If anything, he should be angry at me. . .I just caused half of his own guard to be killed! Yeah, smooth move Jenna, cause the deaths of half of his beloved guards, that's a GREAT way to get him to like you. . .' From beside her, Felix stood up and eased into the chair next to the bed. "Rise Captain Isaac. What news do you have for me?"
"We have reason to believe that Princess Jenna's attackers were from the Fire Clan of the North. I sent a party out to the site of the attack and from the ashes, we found this." He held out some rags, which could have been a cloak once, and extracted a single piece of fabric.
Felix took the cloth gingerly and inspecting it in the light, his eyes widened, then quickly narrowed. "Those bastards. . ." he growled. "What do they want now?"
"What--?" Jenna leaned forward and her eyes too widened. On the cloth was the all too familiar insignia composed of 5 red streaks, symbolizing flames. "Why..." she whispered brokenly. "Why must they torture us so? They've already taken Mother and Father away. . ."
Felix was clenching the cloth in his hands. "For this Rod, Saturos is willing to kill so much. . ." he said softly. "Captain, give me a status on--"
Jenna opted not to listen, her mind taking her back nearly 3 years ago, when she and Felix had been out on an outing in the forest, only to return to find the palace in shambles and the king and queen gone. Prox in the North, who had long desired the sacred Rod, entrusted to kingdom of Vale by Kalay, used their parents as a ransom. Back then, Jenna had pleaded with her brother to give in to King Saturos' wishes and give up the Rod. It was when the guards were about to leave with the Rod to journey to Prox that news leaked out amongst the villages around the country that their mother and father had killed themselves, sensing what their children were about to do.
Shaking her head, Jenna opened her ears again just in time to hear Felix say in an unsually tight voice, "Wait for me outside, Captain."
Isaac nodded and walked through the bedroom doors, his boots clicking in the hallway as they touched the marble. Felix heaved a sigh and massaged his temple with his fingers, resting his elbow of the chair arm. Softly, Jenna touched the Prince's arm. "What is it?"
Felix sighed, realizing that Jenna had not heard the previous conversation. He stayed silent for a while then said quietly, "We need to get the Shaman's Rod back to Kalay. It is no longer safe here. But it seems. . .that Prox will prove a great obstacle." He turned to look at her, his brown eyes serious. "It is not possible for me to go to Kalay and properly explain to them--"
"Well obviously," snorted Jenna. "That's why I went last time, didn't I? What's the problem, I can go."
"Which is precisely the problem," Felix said dryly. "If you didn't have your Psyenergy, it is unlikely that you would have escaped. If I had known that Saturos had targeted you, I wouldn't have sent you in the first place."
"Targeted?" Jenna asked in shock. "Me?"
He nodded grimly. "Isaac believes this to be so. It's obvious that I cannot leave Vale, but since you can, you're the obvious target of the Royal Family." He sighed. "Saturos must be trying to make an example of us."
"I don't care about that arrogant blue idiot!" she snapped. "Felix, we gave up our parents' lives for that Rod, it would be meaningless if we lose it now! Prox may attack at any time, they have more military power! If we get it out of Vale, we'll be safe, and Kalay can deal with its own problems!"
Felix smiled gently down at his sister, glaring back at him defiantly and ruffled her hair. Standing up, he began to walk out. "All right, little spitfire. Get some rest."
Jenna glared after him as he shut the door. With a loud sigh, she sank back into her bed and turned her attention to the window. 'I seem to be sighing so much lately. . .why is life so difficult? And why can't Kalay take care of their own stupid Rod? Why can't that stupid Saturos just leave us alone. . .' And without even thinking, tears came unbidden to her eyes and slowly dripped down to the blankets. Jenna did not normally cry, in fact, growing up, her father had always called her 'Sunshine.' She had cried so little that when she did, everyone would be worried and Felix would threaten to beat up whoever made her cry.
She smiled through her tears and quickly wiped them away. Jenna loved her brother with all her heart, after all, he was the only family she had now. He was always thoughtful, caring, and was always there to listen to her. . .but yet. . .he could be so distant, so aloof. Even if he was there to talk to, Jenna hated to bother him with her own petty thoughts and problems when he had taken on the burden of ruling the kingdom on his shoulders. And certain things she couldn't tell him, even if she wanted too. Jenna grimaced. Imagine trying to tell him about Isaac...he'd probably stare at her, then exclaim that she shouldn't be thinking about the Captain like THAT! Then he would probably try to arrange a marriage.
Smiling slightly, Jenna started back out the window. Longingly, she gazed down at the courtyard where several of the servants' children were running about, absolutely filthy, but laughing happily. What she would give to be like that, carefree and happy! Once, she and Felix were like that, but he had grown into the serious prince he was now, leaving her alone and weary of palace life. Often, she would go to the streets of Vale in disguise, just so people would talk to her normally and not be bowing every second. She brightened. 'That's a great idea! I'll go down now! I'm bored anyway.'
And happily humming, she set about grabbing a plain wool cloak to cover herself and slipped out the door, intending to don it when she left the palace.
~~~~
On the other side of the palace, the Prince and the Captain of the guards were quietly conferring.
"If we must send Jenna, then how many guards do you think would be sufficient? More than 20, obviously. I don't want something like that happening again..."
Isaac looked at the Prince gravely. "If I may say so my liege, I don't believe in this case that there will be strength in numbers. These assassins of Prox are quite skilled and if a small number of them were able to dispatch 20 of our guards, they could just send more and kill more."
Perplexed, Felix turned to the young captain. "Then what do you suggest?"
"It would be better if we were able to get the Princess to Kalay and back in complete secrecy. To do that, we should send only 1 or 2 others with her."
Felix stared at him in disbelief. "One or two?? Are you out of your mind? If 20 of our guards couldn't handle those assasins, how can you expect such two of them to? That would require someone of your skill and caliber Captain. And you are needed here."
Isaac nodded. "I know of someone who would be willing to do it. He is very strong and as long as we pay him the money, he will protect the Princess."
The Prince frowned. "A mercenary? I don't trust them. He's more likely to slit her throat or do something worse."
"Not a mercenary my liege. More like a bodyguard for hire" Isaac shook his head. "He is a good friend of mine from far back. I will vouch for his strength and his character."
Felix gazed thoughtfully out the nearby windows. "Very well. Bring him."
~~~~
"Uuungh. . . ."
"Garet, stop moaning! It's your own fault for stuffing your face last night with those pies, THEN drinking what, 3 bottles of ale?"
In the streets, the tall red-haired youth walked slowly, his eyes blinking blearily. Beside him, a shorter and slimmer teen with blonde hair and now exasperated purple eyes, sighed and supported his companion's elbow. The crowds easily parted for the red spiked head and passerbys stopped and stared. The two young men stood out from everyone else; with their good looks and the obvious fact that they weren't from Vale, girls immediately swarmed around them, whispering and giggling.
"Hey Ivan, are they talking to us? Wow, that girl right there is pretty cute. . ." He flashed a grin as the girl in question blushed prettily and withdrew from the crowd.
"Garet!" Ivan hissed. "Shut UP! We have to get to the pub. . .yes, excuse us. . .no thank you, we don't need directions...yes, I'm sure..."
The mob of girls slowly parted and as the two emerged, they found themselves right near the local pub.
"So," said Ivan, making his way towards the entrance, "What sort of guy is this Isaac?"
Garet shook his head to try to get rid of his headache, failing, and making it worse. "He's an old friend of mine. . .he's the Captain of the Guards up at the Palace."
"The Palace?" Ivan turned, his purple eys widening. "You mean, for the Royal Family of Vale?"
"Who else?" Garet grinned. "Anyway, he's a good guy, a little stiff you know, but a good guy. I wonder how he found out I was back so quick? I'll introduce you to him Ivan."
"Sounds good." When he disappeared into the pub, Garet blinked several times and shook his head again.
"Good Mars, they REALLY need to make a cure for hangovers...that's the last time I eat pies with alcohol in them..." He was just opening his eyes and walking again when something literally crashed into his side. "Ow!"
The 'something' fell to the ground with a startled yelp. Turning quickly, Garet saw that it was a girl, wearing a long cloak. "Oh, I'm sorry Miss, are you all right?"
She glared up at him, the hood of her cloak falling back to reveal cinnamon hair and brown eyes sparking with anger. She was quite beautiful, that is, until she snapped, "Of course I'm not all right you big oaf, why don't watch where you're going??"
Completely taken by surprise, Garet retorted without thinking, "Me? You're the one who slammed into me! YOU should watch where you're going!"
Dusting herself off, the girl glared at him. "Well, then why were you standing in the middle of the road like an idiot? Anyone could have ran into you! Idiot!" Then, flipping her hair behind her shoulder, she gave him a final glare, pulled the hood back over her head and ran off.
Garet stared after her, in utter shock. Then, slowly, his fists clenched. "Why that little . .."
~~~~
"The NERVE!" he fumed. "Calling ME an oaf AND an idiot when SHE was the one who ran into me!"
Ivan and Isaac laughed as they slowly sipped their ale, watching Garet's antics.
"And then she flips her hair like *this*" He demonstrated, "then runs off! Can you believe that?"
"Well," said Isaac good-naturedly, "There are some spitfires out there Garet. You can't expect all of them to be docile."
"True, true," Ivan agreed smiling.
"Yeah, guess you're right," Garet said resignedly. "Now that I think of it, she WAS really pretty. Until she started calling me an idiot. But anyways Isaac, what'd you call me here for? It's good to see you, but why-- "
"Business matters Garet," Isaac said seriously. "I have a proposition to make. Prince Felix may have use of your skills."
"The Prince needs a bodyguard?" Garet asked incredulously. "What for? And what happened to the old king and queen?"
"They were killed, remember?" Isaac said in exasperation. "But listen! It's not him that needs a guard, it's his sister, the Princess Jenna. Money is not a problem."
Garet grinned, and leaned forward. "I'm all ears. Up for a job Ivan, while you're with me?"
Ivan merely smiled, but he also leaned forward.
"The Princess needs to be escorted to Kalay and back. She has an object of great importance with her that must be taken there. The Prince cares for her very much so she needs to be protected at all costs." Isaac leaned back. "Any questions?"
Garet rested his head on his chin thoughtfully. "Any hazards?"
"Yes. The last time she attempted the journey, 20 guards accompanied her. In the end, all of them were killed by assassins from another country and she alone escaped."
Garet whistled between his teeth. "Hmm...well then, considering all this. . .saftey's an issue, Kalay and back, crazed assasins after us..."
Isaac looked at him eagerly. "Will you take the job? Name the price, I'm sure we can pay."
The red haired 'bodyguard' grinned. "40, 000. Not a coin less."
The Captain sucked in a breath. Garet leaned forward, still grinning. "One last question Isaac."
"Yes?"
"This Princess Jenna. . .how's she in the looks department?"
~~~~
A/N - Wow, that was actually . .fun!! Please review everyone! I think I'd actually enjoy this fic!