The small group traveled in silence. The atmosphere was uneasy and Lila felt irritated with the way Lucas and Sam didn't seem to get along. The territory was beautiful and unfamiliar and the companions set up a camp. When they had eaten Lila retired to sleep. She fell into a world of dreams.

Little one... came a voice in Lila's head.

Lila's eyes opened. She looked up at the world. The moon was vanishing from above, and a yellow light was rising into the sky. She heard the faint sound of the sea. She smiled slightly, sitting up and stood up. Being careful not to wake the men. Stepping daintily, out of the camp towards the sound of the sea. She heard a strange voice in her head.

I know you can hear me. I'm by the sea. I need help! Please! Help me, Little one... Lila shook the thought from her head. She had heard the stories of unicorns ability to speak to virgins in their heads. Maybe it was a unicorn, calling to her for help. She walked cautiously towards the sound of the sea. This was not her imagination, Lila's dreams usually seemed to tell the truth. Reaching the end of the tangled forest, she found herself on a high cliff. She stared at the see, catching a glint of silver.

You found me! Can you help me? A particularly nasty group, of Tritons attacked me! What has gotten into the sea-folk these days. I've never been attacked before! Lila gasped and climbed down the jagged rocks, cutting herself on the. Reaching the lower ground, she ran to the unicorn stroking its glossy neck. A shimmering silver liquid leaked through slits on its glossy pearl body. The creature looked at her, studying Lila.

You know its a good thing that you are clean. Clean usually helps our type. Yes, I can feel my strength coming back to me already. Thats better, look my cuts are healing already... The unicorn rolled onto its slender legs, lifting gracefully into the air. The wind danced around the unicorn. The unicorn lifted onto its back legs and gave a bellish laugh.

"Of course she can't see you, silly! Your just a tuner, besides its your invisible day, Blink!" The wind seemed to tease Lila's hair, pulling at it. The unicorns face turned into a slight frown.

"No, you can't have Little ones hair. Your too greedy! Satisfy your self with shiny ribbons, not hair!" The wind went back to teasing the unicorns mane.

"No! You better stop that, you can't have my hair." The unicorn said aloud. The wind stopped blowing.

"Yes, thats right go find a mermaids missing fish scale. Their much more valuable, Blink. Go on, I won't miss you! Just come back when your bored of shiny things. Goodbye, pet!" The unicorn called running after the wind. The unicorn gave a bellish call, that filled Lila's heart with peace.

The unicorn turned around to Lila again, its pearl body shimmering and flawless. The cuts completely healed. Seeing Lila's baffled look she supplied her information. "Tuners, silly little creatures. If you ever loose any hair, blame the tuners! Crazy about shiny things. Oh, Look your bleeding! Poor dear, since you helped me, I will help you!" The unicorn said triumphantly. The mark between the unicorns ears glowed and a spiraled horn appeared. The unicorn bowed down its spiraled horn touching Lila's skin. A warm feeling ran through Lila's body and the cuts faded new skin replacing the injuries. The unicorn stepped back, inspecting its work.

"I think thats one of my best sealing jobs yet! Little one, you have saved my life, and now I owe you service. I won't be refused! We unicorns may be rare, but our service is very exceptional. I, Pearl am in your hands, bonded to you by my own choice." The unicorn said bowing low, her horn fading away. Lila's mouth opened in astonishment.

"You want to serve me?! I'm just a poor kitchen-maid. Escaping some trouble!" Lila exclaimed. The unicorn gave another of its bellish laughs.

"Ah... but destiny is written all over you child. I've always liked a little adventure!" The unicorn said lightly.

"Lila!" Sam's voice came from the distance.

"Princess, where are you?" Came the sound of Lucas's voice. Pearl made an uneasy movement.

"Little one, I hope you can defend yourself. My minds screaming, that something fishy is right behind us!" A distinct rotten fishy odor came to Lila's nose. Lila turned around slowly. She cringed at the creatures before her. Sharp pointed teeth bared, and ugly green skin covered the scaly wrinkled bodies. Sharp pitch-fork like items pointed towards Lila.

Pearls voice came into her head. Ask them what they want? This is the same bunch that attacked me. I'm starting to really hate Tritons! Lila smiled slightly at Pearls statement. She could understand Pearls reasoning. Her eyes cautiously watched the horrendous creatures.

"What do you want?" Lila said cautiously. The Tritons thin bony arms tightened on their weapons, and their black beady eyes glinted wildly. They started to circle the two, surrounding them.

"Tashmi leet magal!" One said, its unearthly eyes glinting dangerously. The sound was unearthly and sent shivers down Lila's back. Pearl gave an upset sound beside her, translating their words for Lila. They say, 'We want girl!' Thats just despicable! Lila's face wrinkled into disgust.

"Why?" She asked proudly. A strange loud unearthly sound came from all the creatures. It sounded a little like a laugh, and made the hair on Lila's skin stand up.

"Ish sa Ethera's fwik! Sacre nod ce qui! Tashmi nod ce het!" The same one said. Lila guessed it was the leader of this group of tritons.

"What did it say, Pearl?" She said feeling completely disgusted and icky, creeped out by the ugly creatures. The tritons advanced. Pearls voice entered Lila's mind again. It said 'You are Ethera's child. Someone will be pleased. We will be honored.' I think that means your wanted in the sea. Of course! How could I have not noticed?! Your the child of prophecy that has been spoken of for the last 20 years! Its been a serious matter in the water world lately. I knew destiny was written all over you! Come, we must get out of here.

The unicorns horn reappeared and she started to attack the tritons. The creatures gave a high shrill and there pitch forks slashed out at Pearl. Lila felt a slimy bony hand grab her ankle and pull her down to the ground. She screamed in pain, and a mass of tritons jumped onto her dragging her towards the sea.

Lila's world was fading, the sounds echoed in her head. The tritons long nails dug into her skin, trying to get a good grip on her skin. A red light roared towards the mass of tritons. The tritons gave shrill shrieks of agony and the crowd of tritons let go of her, vanishing into the waves, cowering from the fire that had been flung towards them. A warm hand took her shoulders dragging her away from the water.

"Magboy! You fool! Are you trying to burn her to a crisp!" Lila heard Lucas's angry voice in the distance.

"Well! It worked I got rid of those things! But I'm not sure about the cuts on her body they look gruesome. Why did they attack her? What would the sea-folk want with Lila?" Sam's voice echoed far away.

Lucas's voice sounded like a whisper. "I don't know, but I don't think its a good thing at all. Those creatures even attacked a unicorn..." A womans voice interrupted Lucas's.

"Tritons are desperate creatures. Something in the sea has happened, their pride has been threatened. They will do anything to get it back. When their pride is honored they will become peaceful and will leave others alone. I've never seen a group that ugly before. They must have been really desperate to attack a unicorn, the purest of all creatures." The familiar voice said gently.

Lila heard the sound of a sword draw beside her. The womans voice remained calm. "Careful friend, I'm here to help. If you do try to attack me, my friends here, will be forced to attack you. I won't harm her. If the tritons were after her she must be really important. I am no fool." She felt her body start to shake. A gentle hand carressed her face, making Lila shudder.

"She looks oddly familiar, but I can not tell because of the cuts. Troop, lets take our 'guests' home. We must get the girl and the unicorn healed!" The woman said. The sound of footsteps shook the ground. Lila felt something unknown stinging her skin, like it was eating away her flesh. She felt the solid ground beneath her, vanish as she was lifted and her world blacked out...

Lila was torn from her strange dreams. Lila slowly became aware of her dim surroundings. She was on a bed, and she felt strangely vunerable. She groaned and sat up, looking around wildly. As soon as she sat up her body screamed in pain. She gasped and held where it had hurt, slowly lifting herself.

Her eyes sparked wildly, suddenly awake and aware. The warmth ran through her veins. Something whispered in her mind, that there was no real danger. That strange wild feeling, enveloped her again and her lips angled into a grin.

Lila's swirling eyes, caught a flash of gold. To the right of her was the slumped figure of Lucas. He lifted his golden head, his cerulean blue eyes connecting with hers. His eyes were bright, and some what stubborn. He gave her a reassuring grin.

"So your finally awake, Princess. Now maybe we can get out of this place." He said humorously, his bright eyes glancing around the room.

Lila gave a thin smile. "Where are we, and why?" She asked quietly.

Sam scowled. "I'm not sure but I think we are in Blidia. They found us, captured us and threw us in here. Ever so often, giving us food. But you were taken to a healer, Lila. Recently they put you in here too. I guess they think that your well enough on your own." He said angrily.

Sam stood tall, his body outlined in a red light. His eyes burned with a fire. He looked very angry. So Sam did know magic, maybe that is why Lucas called him Magboy.

"What exactly happened, Blossom?" Lucas said wonderingly slightly teasing.

Lila scowled at Lucas. "If you don't stop calling me pet names Lucas, I'm going to strangle you!" She said frustratedly.

Lucas chuckled. "I don't think your in the position to attack me. Princess, you still have some rather gruesome cuts." He said teasingly.

Lila felt her temper rise. "Oh you, no good rotten..." She started, struggling to get out of the bed, but then gasped, as another sharp pain shot through her body. Sam glared, stalking towards Lucas his fist raised.

"Will you just quit it, Princeling! You really have no mercy." Sam roared impatiently. Lucas turned, his eyes flashing wildly.

"You are not in the position to boss me around, Magboy!" He sneered. "You don't think I know but I've seen it. You've been goggling your eyes at the enemy! Of all people, the woman that captured us!" Lucas said angrily his fist clenched too.

Sams eyes sparked and a bigger red light enveloped him. "Take it back you pompous..." He hissed stalking towards Lucas. Lila glared coldly at the pair of them.

"Will you two, just stop it! Both of you, I can't believe that I ever agreed to this! Your acting like animals!" Lila exclaimed angrily.

Lucas and Sam looked over at her, their faces ashamed. Obviously they had foregotten that she was present.

Sam looked down at the ground turning around and going back to his corner snapping his fingers, igniting a magical flame. His body glowing with a flaring, brighter red light. A sound outside, attracted the three's attention. A line of hooded figures entered the building.

"File outside. Now that all of you are in good condition, we need some answers. This will help us decide, what to do with you." The very familiar feminine voice said, authoritively.

Lila had some difficulty getting out of the bed. Three of the figures offered her assistance, but she pushed them away.

"I can take care of myself!" She exclaimed, limping and wincing slightly as the company were escorted out of the building. She didn't like to look weak. Each step caused her body to rattle in pain. Reaching a campfire, the same tall figure approached the three. The figure turned towards Lucas, who raised his head proudly.

"I like your spirit. But... lets get down to why you are in this predicament. You have invaded our forest, and we take our 'guest' seriously." The female voice said easily, the tone in her voice bored. The figure took a step closer to Lucas. The hood hiding the woman's face.

Lila's eyes widened, there was something about that voice. She knew the person, but she couldn't put a name to the person without seeing the face.

"Who are you?" The womans voice asked in a curious tone, the tone Lila had grown to recognize, as she had heard the same tone from her best friend; Iris, often in her child hood.

Iris tapped her foot. "Won't you be a dear, honey?" She said in a gentle voice. Lila smiled. She could remember, numerous times when Iris had used that same phrase. It was her famous phrase, not many people could resist that tone, or the sweet, innocent smile. Lila thought that it was Iris's expression that did the work. But Lucas couldn't see her face, so it didn't have the same effect as it should of had.

Lucas remained quiet. He didn't trust any of these people. They had captured him and trapped in a building. He raised his head proudly. His handsome chiseled jaw, placed in a stubborn line. He stared straight ahead of him, looking but not really seeing.

The woman sighed. "That's a pity." She said disappointedly. She moved towards Lila, and stood there.

Lila's grin widened. "My dear dear friend Iris, is this the way you welcome your best friend?" She said sweetly. Her words, caused the desired effect. Iris gave a gasp. Taking a step towards her, peering at Lila closer.

"Lila, you sly devil! I hardly recognized you, you have changed so much!" Iris exclaimed. Iris pulled back her hood, revealing her face. Iris's sharp oval face grinned, matching Lila's wide grin. Her lustrious grey green eyes sparking brightly. Her silky, wild ebony hair pulled into a tame braid, that reached the middle of her back. The people around her shifted slightly, and Lila noticed that Lucas and Sam had been freed. The bright red light that had surrounded Sam had disappeared. Sam was now, in the shadows playing with Ashes. Obviously Iris was well respected by the Blidians.

Iris frowned a little. "The unicorn says that you are a child of prophecy. She doesn't know the words of the prophecy, but just that the sea is in a state of unrest because of it. Tritons have become really desperate, I'm worried for you. I mean look at those wounds, I couldn't recognize you! The unicorn wishes to see you." Iris said a look of concern on her face.

Lila winced. "Where is she? I'll get there on my own." She said taking a step and gasped as the pain shot through her body again. A bellish laugh echoed in her head. Little one, you really don't know what is for your own good. You have too much pride. Lila smiled, relaxing a little. Pearl had come to her, saving her from a painful walk.

"Nice to know that you care." She said, sarcastically to Pearl, who was prancing towards her excitedly. The others watched the unicorn in awe. Unicorns were rarely seen, but only a select few people could see them. They preferred the company of clean beings. Although mostly, unicorns preferred to live a life alone, being very rare and mysterious.

Pearls glossy body lowered stopping in front of Lila. Get on, we need to talk. I can't go too far away from you, because of the bond. But this will be a very interesting bondage. I've been bonded to people before, but never to a child of prophecy. I'm very excited about that fact. The unicorns voice said enthusiastically.

Lila winced and did her best to climb gracefully onto Pearls back. She failed but the pain was not as strong as before. Unicorns magic often soothed a person's aching body on contact. Lila looked down at Iris. "When I get back, I'll introduce you to my companions." She said hurredily, as the unicorn had already started, gliding away.

The unicorns movement was not as bone-jarring as a regular horses. It was smooth and quick, graceful and gentle. Pearl was agile and swift her feet light and almost silent. Lila felt the wind welcome the two of them. She could hear a little tune and wind gently pulling at her hair again. Pearl laughed, finally stopping in a wild meadow.

"Hello, Blink. So you've returned at last. Your still not over your obsession of shiny objects yet. But I suppose, thats impossible to ask of a tuner." Lila was astonished to find that this time, she could both hear and see the little tuner. It was a little like a sprite with thin insect wings, and a dainty human shaped body. Its clothing consisted of woven various colored shimmering threads. This tuner was female, it had silky raven tresses, and glowing green eyes.

"For your information, I did find a lost mermaid scale. I got a bargain for it... 40 honi bits! Now is that not a bargain, Pearl?" The tiny bossy voice demanded proudly.

Pearl gave another bellish laugh. "I wouldn't know, we unicorns don't spend our time collecting silly little trifles. Now Blink, do you remember Little One?" Pearl asked Blink. The little tuner turned towards Lila her glowing eyes glinting mischievously.

"I wouldn't exactly call her Little One. She is about as big as you, Pearl!" Blink said rather impishyly. Pearl gave another laugh like a bell.

"In that, you are correct my friend, but she is younger then you or me. She is only eighteen, while you Blink, are one..." Pearl said.

"No! Don't you dare tell her my age! I am embarrassed about how old I am. I wish I was as young as her! Or... better yet, as beautiful!" The tuner exclaimed, folding her arms and frowning.

"You tuners are way to vain, for your own good." Pearl said impatiently. Blink scowled and fluttered to Lila's shoulder.

"We are not vain! Its the way we are raised. We don't get prophecies and adventures! Our goal in life is to collect the biggest variety of shimmering threads and create the uniquest accesories for ourselves. We tuners are seriously misunderstood! Hey! At least we bring some beauty to the world! What is your name Little One?" Blink said looking towards Lila.

Lila smiled. "I am called Lila. I think your very pretty, Blink." She said sincerely.

The little tuners beautiful face beamed, showing rosy dimples. "Do you really?! I think your pretty too. I wish I was a fairy like you!" The tuner stamped her feet, tiny tears shining in her eyes.

"But, I'm not a fairy!" Lila exclaimed truthfully.

The tears stopped. Blink turned to Pearl. "I think she looks like a fairy. I don't see anything human about her! The light that surrounds her, those beautiful eyes, the rare color of her hair, her voice. I remember listening to the fairies by the sea. They have such pretty voices. The only problem with fairies is that they don't live to be very old, like humans. I think she has some of the royal fairies blood in her, I've heard other tuners talking about Princess Ethera's eyes. Don't you agree Pearl?" Blink said studying Lila.

Pearls voice was less at ease. "The tritons believed, that she was Ethera's daughter. I don't think they would be wrong. But Blink, this is a secret that remains between the three of us. If certain people were to hear that Ethera had a daughter then that would be the end of Little One." Pearl said carefully.

Blink gave a childish giggle. "Oh I won't tell, not at all. Are you going to heal Lila or are you going to have me get my very special Triton antidote?" She demanded sharply.

Pearl gave a embarrassed sound. "Oh yes, I was going to heal her. Climb off my back little one." Pearl said bending low, letting Lila slip gently onto the ground. The star like mark between Pearls ears glowed and the ivory spiraled horn appeared again. Pearl bent down the horn contacting Lila's skin.

Lila felt a soothing feeling run through her veins. The ugly dark green cuts started to fade away very slowly. The stinging tingling pain started to go away. But then the dark green cuts started to return this time hurting more then ever before. Blink gave a satisfied sound.

"Ah ha! I thought so, you see! Unicorns can't heal everything! Its a good thing, I brought my Tritons antidote!" Blink said snapping her fingers and a tiny bottle appeared in her small hands. She held it out to Lila.

"One sip should do it." Blink said firmly, holding the bottle to Lila's mouth. Letting Lila take a sip. Pulling the bottle back after a few seconds and snapping her fingers causing the bottle to vanish again.

The results were almost instant. The cuts vanished and the pain and burning feeling vanished. Leaving Lila with her original flawless ivory skin. It looked like nothing had happened to her, no scars left behind. Lila felt as good as new. The warmth in her veins, increasing, which made a sense of happiness enfold her.

"I think I should warn you, there are some side effects. Over-confidence often comes along with the antidote. Please don't do anything too bold!" Blink said a little hesitant. "Although I would love to see some trouble! Pearl do you mind if I come along with you for a little bit? I do so love, to be in your company!" The little tuner pleaded.

Pearl gave another pearlish laugh. "Just as long as you don't speak out loud. People would think that Lila's crazy if she was to talk to you. Many people can't see us you know unless we use extra magic. Lila I have considered the matter seriously and... I don't think I should go around in my real form, I can become something less noticeable, like a human, or a bird." Pearl said seriously her body glittering slightly. The glittering stopped and Lila was staring at a beautiful ivory skinned, silver blond haired woman with wide intelligent blue eyes, clothed in a silky lilac colored flowing dress.

"What do you think?" Came the bellish musical voice. Blink scowled.

"I wish I could do that! Your lucky Pearl! I do so want to be beautiful!" The little tuner exclaimed, tears shining in her eyes yet again.

The human Pearl laughed. "Your the prettiest and sweetest tuner I've ever met, Blink. Yes, I will admit, that no matter how strange tuners habits are, they can often be useful." Pearl said gently in that beautiful voice.

"Yay! You like tuner's and you know it Pearl! I am eternally pleased!" Blink said excitedly, with triumph in her voice.

Pearl smiled. "Well, now that we have our business tooken care of, we should be getting back to Lila's companions. You can sit in my hand if you want. People can think that I'm crazy, but I'm not going to leave you to boredom Blink." She said gently. The tuner gave a delighted squeal and flew to Pearls open hand sitting comfortably in it.

Lila felt light hearted and eager. She gave a light laugh.

"This will be a very interesting night." Lila mused quietly, to herself. Walking back towards the fire light in the distance.

I think this will be a good place to stop it. This chapter was rather strange. But I had a blast making it. For those who want to know, the tuner is a close cousin to a sprite, but they are much more common. They collect lustrious (shiny!) items and trade them for special made threads to make different special/ individual accessories. Blame them if you loose shiny trifles! (In other words I made these creatures up.) I've heard of tritons before. I decided to get a little bit more creative with them.

This chapter is very different from others that I have written. It reminds me a little of The Doni's Child. Strange adventures and creatures. I brought in the fantasy part to my story! Notice I didn't mention unicorns or tuners in my summary. I just got a little creative with the creatures. I really like Blink she is an awesome character! Tell me what you think of my interpretations of these fantasy creatures. I had a blast making it, and I hope you had a blast reading the chapter!

The prophecy is very important. Ha! I tricked you! You thought my story was going to be one about a prince and a kitchen maid falling in love...but...nooooo! I added in prophecies and fantasy creatures, and a whole lot of other strange things. I'm so excited! I've had such an awesome week! I'm understanding chemistry! That is a big miracle for me! Hey, just as a side request I would like to be communicated with, whether PMing me or sending a review. I think I might start answering the reviews I was given.

Let me see... hints... I think I put one in here. I've created another match for Draik(Theo as some of you know him, been changed to Sam) Can anyone guess whom? Oh yeah, what happened to Farvan. He was asleep while Lucas and Draik looked for Lila. He's not an important character. He's going to return to the castle and report to Lucas's mother that her son is missing. Yes, sad I know, but hey what can I say, he's not important!

Ok, I can't resist it any more, Jon the"supposed" villain, is actually a nice person. Its just that... No!!!!!!! I can't tell you...sorry! My conscience has won over my hyper side. If I told you this, it would take away some of the mysteriousness of my story! I know...( o ) I'm evil.

Anyways... It's time I stop typing for today. You rock socks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

-Lightzing ; )