Chapter 2
Behavior Changes

Abeke looked over the railing of the moving craft. Her hair dripped, and her clothes were soaked. She had dared Tarik to jump in with her, and they just ran off the dock and jumped-after asking the boat to stop, of course.

She watched the waves as Rollan walked out of the west wing and stood at the railing.
Abeke looked at him, and smiled.

Rollan didn't smile, and just looked back at the water.
Abeke sighed, and walked away. Clearly, Rollan needed alone time.

In the dining hall, Meilin and Conor were enjoying some rice.
"How are you guys?" She asked.
"Good." They both said at the same time.
"How's Rollan?" Meilin asked as Abeke got a bowl of rice for herself.
"Not to good, at the looks of it." Abeke said, sitting down next to Conor.
"He must be pretty sad about losing the Talisman." Conor said.
"Or embarrassed that Tarik comforted him."Meilin said, straightening her spine even more.
"Which was sweet!" Abeke said. "Would you comfort a friend?"
Meilin frowned, and rolled her eyes.

Suddenly, the doors burst open. Tarik stormed in, now in dry clothes. He had a scroll in his hand.
Abeke didn't think he looked angry, but he didn't look really happy either. More of a... Frustrated, look was on his face.

"What's going on Tarik?" Conor asked.
"No time to talk-quest-message-where's my cloak? Was Briggan playing with it again? Er-where's my map-ugh- GAH!"

Abeke rushed up to Tarik.
"Calm down, calm down..."
Meilin pulled out a chair for Tarik to sit in.
Tarik sat down, and placed a hand on his forehead.
"You okay? You were perfectly calm 30 minutes ago," Conor said.
"Ugh, it's just this quest..." Tarik said. "It's giving me a headache and making me go CRAZY."

"What quest?" Abeke asked.
Tarik held out the scroll. "This quest. Just sent in from Olvan."
Conor began,"How did that get-"
"Messenger Seagull! They are real, Conor!" Tarik said.
"I didn't-"
"THEY'RE REAL!" Tarik said.

"Hush, Hush," Abeke said. "You are in a lot of stress. Why don't you..." She paused. "Uh, Go to your room, and when you're calmed down, you can come back and tell us?"

Tarik nodded, and stood. He walked out of the dining hall and into the hallway, a hand on his forehead.

"Well, THAT happened," Meilin said.
"What did just happen?" Conor asked.
"Tarik was just under a bunch of stress! He was up all last night, making plans with the Captain. Maybe he just needs some rest, and he'll be better by sundown."

"Well I hope so," Meilin said. "Cause I don't think I can deal with a silent Rollan or a sleep-deprived Tarik."