Disclaimer: I do not own.

Sonea moved through the trees silently, not wanting to attract any unwanted attention. Suddenly a snap of a twig broke the silence. Sonea knew who it was and hid behind a tree. The sound of voices reached her ears and she shied away.

"Who are you hiding from?"

The voice shocked Sonea and made her jump. She bit back a scream and turned to see who it was. The person was crouching next to her, his emerald eyes glittered in the moonlight. He was more beautiful than handsome and his short, blond hair waved in the wind. Sonea backed away from the stranger when she heard a shout from one of Regins minions.

"Here she is!"

Regin appeared form the in between the trees, followed by his faithful minions.

"Where have you been hiding? My darling."

A smirk crossed his face and mask of evil twisted his friends faces.

"Silence is your best feature. I heard that some of your teachers have been neglecting your studies."

He turned to look at his friends.

"Well we will have to sort that out won't we."

Abruptly his friends placed their hands on his shoulders, eyes closed in deep concentration. Regin raised his hands towards Sonea.

"This is what Lord Balkan taught me."

Sonea hastily created a strong shield around herself and looked to see where the stranger had gone. He had disappeared and she was left standing alone. She braced herself. Suddenly out of nowhere came a blinding light.

"WHAT IS GOING ON?"

The strangers voice boomed, with an unnatural loudness, in the silence. Sonea looked up to see the stranger in all his glory. He towered over Regin, while Regins minions started to scuttle away. A stream of light surrounded Regins friends and then transformed into a shield, trapping them. His eyes bore into Regins when suddenly Regin started shaking violently, then dropped silently onto the grass. Gasps and sobs came from his friends. The stranger glided over the lifeless body and walked towards Sonea. Her globe light revealed a wise face with a youthful glint in the eyes. She looked at him straight in the eyes. To her surprise she was near the same height as he was. She was about to speak when he placed a slim finger on his lips. She turned to leave when he spoke.

"You will assist me in taking these to the healers quarters."

His voice held confidence and wisdom. She thought she'd heard it before. As she added her magic to the shield containing the novices she felt a sudden control come to her. She gestured to the path and the shield forced them to move. A smile pulled at the edges of her lips. She reached the path and looked back to see the stranger walking towards her, Regin floating in front of him aided by magic. He walked along the path, his strides long. As she dropped behind him she noticed he was wearing novice robes. She ran to catch up with him, despite the protests coming from behind. Just as she was about to reach him she heard his voice. He wasn't talking, she noticed. Instantly she realized that she was listening to him talk mentally. She abruptly remembered that it was rude to listen in on other peoples mental conversations. The rapid response caused the stranger to turn and look at her. A look of amusement crossed his face. He beckoned her forward and whispered.

"We will talk without the audience."

Sonea looked behind to find Regins minions still following. A grin leapt onto her face.

'Maybe i could make a friend here'

Sonea didn't think he was much older than her. Maybe he was younger. As they approached the healers quarters she saw a familiar figure standing in the entrance. Lady Vinara's stare was legendary. Her height gave her a prominent position, and she knew how to get her way. Sonea didn't dislike her but got the feeling was not reciprocal. Lady Vinara scanned the people then nodded to the stranger.

"These bullies seemed to want to hurt this girl."

The stranger bowed and waved towards Sonea. Remembering who she was in front of she hastily bowed. Regins friends followed suit.

"The situation was dealt with... violently?"

Vinaras eyes looked at Regin in question.

"No."

The strangers voice seemed to be comfortable speaking to someone who held such a high place in the guild.

"He fainted, and they tried to run."

A sound of disgust came from Lady Vinaras mouth.

"OK release them. I will take it from here."

The stranger signaled to Sonea to let down the shield. He waited for Lady Vinara to take Regan and turned away.

As Sonea walked with the stranger a thousand questions flooded her mind. The stranger, without warning, sat down on one of the stone benches on the path. Sonea sat beside him and blurted out her questions.

"Who are you?"

"My name is Wynn Balint. But you can call me Wynn, Sonea.

Sonea stared at the Wynn. His voice had gained a softness to it that seamed to come naturally.

"Why did you save me? NO, why did you hide?!"

Sonea realized her volume had increased.

"I'm sorry but i didn't feel like a fight today. I wasn't going to let them hurt you."

An apologetic tone over powered his voice.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have shouted. I don't what i would have done if you hadn't turned up. Again."

A laugh erupted from Wynn. A natural, song-like laugh. Sonea decided she liked him. He maybe her first friend who could stand up to Regin.

"It's time you went to bed. Come on, i'll escort you to make sure no-one else gives you rub."

Sonea was surprised at his use of slum slang. Wynn stood and made his way towards the novice quarters.

"Come on."

He was fast but Sonea could keep up.