Author's Notes: Hey everyone! Still reading? I'm so glad! Can you believe how long Arelle is getting? And the thing is, it's not even half finished! So yeah...I guess Arelle will be more of my own novel. Kinda neat, huh? I added it all up, and I estimated that Arelle will end at something like 150 pages. Increbile, huh? So yeah, it's gonna be a long read. I hope you decide to stick with it! Whenever I make it as a famous author, you can say, "I was one of the very few people who read her very first novel,"! Haha! Yeah...that'll happen ^^ But, I do hope that stick with Arelle to the end. Aren't you DYING to know when and Arelle and Moren are going to finally get married? Goodness knows, I am! Haha!

So, I've decided to seperate Arelle into three different parts. Each part will supposedly be around something like 17 chapters long, each chap. something about 3 pages long. They'll be called something like, Arelle: Saga I, Arelle: Saga II, and Arelle: Saga III. Man, I'm so orignal with all these title names! Hehe. Yeah, so since we're on chap. 14, we'll be ending Saga 1 pretty soon now. Lots of new ideas for the next Saga.

Oh, and while I'm making a long rant: Thank you again to all you reviewers! I really never thought Arelle would come this far, and let me tell you this: If it wasn't for all the nice reviews, Arelle NEVER would have made it this far. You all are truly an encouragment! I love you guys! *sniff sniff* ^^ Oh, and read the notes at the bottom of this chap. for a special note to my reviwers ^.~

The freezing cold early-morning air bit into Arelle as she walked through the forest. In her arm was a bucket made of clay, which Lilliah had worked long and hard to create for carrying water in. Arelle was wrapped to her nose in furs, but she still felt the cold. Her long ponytail of golden hair was tucked into her clothing, so barely any of her showed from beneath the furs except for her eyes. Right now she was on her way to the nearby stream to fill her jug with water.

Suddenly, she stopped. She felt someone watching her. She jerked back, looking behind her. No one was there.

"Who is there?" Arelle asked as she drew out her sword, but the furs covering her mouth muffled her voice. Out of the corner of her eye she caught something moving in the bushes. She turned quickly, and suddenly saw a man charging at her. She drew her sword up, preparing to block the man's attack. The man moved with great speed, and within a few seconds he was already upon Arelle. Arelle caught sight of his huge, gleaming sword as it hit her sword with great force. Arelle's sword flew from her hands, unable to stand up to the man's great strength.

Arelle jumped back with great speed and drew her bow quickly, drawing an arrow from her quiver, but stopped as she felt cold steel pushing the furs into her neck. He had his blade to her neck. Her heart was beating fast and her breath was sharp and rigid. He did not move, and neither did she. Arelle studied his rough features and was very surprised to discover that he was a High-Elf!

"What do you want?" Arelle said, at last. He was taken aback by her voice, and looked at her in confusion. He reached out his hand to her face, but Arelle jerked back. He reached his hand out further and pulled down the furs covering her face. His sword fell to the ground with and loud clank as he stepped back, shock on his face. Arelle looked at him, confused.

"Have I been so disgraceful in my acts that now a ghost is come to take me?" the man said, still staring at Arelle in astonishment.

Arelle looked at him, entirely confused. "What do you mean? What are you talking about?" Arelle asked. Suddenly, he stepped up to Arelle again, putting his hands on her face. She jerked back as she felt his rough, freezing cold hands on her face, and she looked up at him in confusion as he looked down at her, now fondness mixed with his astonishment.

"Linnira, is it by some illusion that you now stand before me? Yet, you feel of flesh and blood. You feel not how I imagined a ghost to feel."

Arelle was surprised--he thought she was a ghost!

"I am certainly not a ghost," Arelle said, stepping back, away from him. He stared at her. "I am Arelle Mah'Alimah, daughter of Aekash Mah'Alimah," Arelle said firmly.

They paused, looking at each other. Suddenly, realization dawned on his face, and before his expression switched to a cold, calm, reserved face, Arelle caught both great disappointment and sadness in his face.

Suddenly he stepped back from Arelle. "I see," he said, his voice deeper and rougher now. "Well then. I am sorry to have troubled you," he said.

Arelle looked at him now, completely different from the man she saw a few moments ago. "Uhh, yes, that's all right," she said.

"Very well," he replied. He now stood tall and proud, and now Arelle realized how tall he actually was.

"By the way..." he continued. "What are you doing out here?" he asked.

"I...Wait, what are you doing here?" Arelle asked.

He blinked, "I'm in search of something," he responded. "Now, what is a little High-Elf girl doing in the middle of this dangerous forest?"

Arelle sighed. The most commonly asked question addressed to her.

"I live here," Arelle said.

He raised an eyebrow at her. "Really?" he said, both disbelief and wonder in his voice.

"Yes. Really," Arelle replied sternly.

He paused. "Alone?" he asked.

She looked up at him. "Perhaps," she replied.

He raised an eyebrow.

"What it is that you're searching for?" Arelle changed the subject. She didn't trust strangers.

"First I would like to know about you," he said.

"Why should I tell you about me, when you haven't even told me your name?" Arelle asked.

"Why, yes, I forgot. Yes, my name is Drahkin. Drahkin Mah'Cahlk," Drahkin said. "And you are... Arelle, right? Arelle Mah'Alimah? That's what you said?"

Arelle nodded, . "right."

"Well met, Arelle," Drahkin said, reaching out his hand to shake Arelle's. Arelle looked down at it, and shook it cautiously.

"Well met," Arelle said.

"Sorry about earlier...I didn't realize you were a young girl, or I would've attacked you," Drahkin said.

"Not to be rude, but shouldn't you check to see who the person is before you try to kill them?" Arelle said, slightly annoyed. "If I wasn't a young girl, if I was just a typical guy walking through this forest, would you have murdered me? Just a random person?"

"Maiden, no 'typical guy' would be walking through these woods. But still, no, I would not have killed an innocent human for no reason," Drahkin said, "but you must see that in my years, I have found that you must act first and get the upper-hand quickly. Then, if it turns out to be an innocent person, you may let them go. It's important to act first. Besides, why would any sane person live here in this forest, except to run from the law?" he finished.

"I see," Arelle said, ignoring his latter remark. "So, like before, what was it you were searching for?"

"And, like before, I would like to know why you're out here, first," Drahkin said.

"Like I told you before, I live here!" Arelle exclaimed.

"How could a young maiden live out in the middle of this dangerous forest?" Drahkin asked.

"I can take care of myself," Arelle said.

"Why not live in the High-Elf city like all the rest of the High-Elves do?" Drahkin asked.

"Perhaps I like it out here better," Arelle replied.

He raised an eyebrow. "Oh yes, because this is such a lovely place to live, I'm sure."

"Perhaps you should mind your own business, Sir Drahkin," Arelle said, sternly. He was taken aback.

Drahkin paused. "Perhaps so, young maiden. Usually people are intimidated by me, but apparently not you. Let me just say that you're the most headstrong young High-Elf your age I've ever met."

"I'm working on that, Sir Drahkin. Now, I am afraid I must go, for I must fill this pitcher with water at the stream. It was nice to know you, Drahkin," Arelle said, to Drahkin's surprise, and she turned to leave.

Arelle didn't trust him. He had too many secrets, and if he wasn't willing to share some of them, there was no reason she should trust him.

Drahkin watched as she walked off in silence. He watched until she was hidden by the underbrush, and then stood there, thinking.

"I can't believe she looked so much like Linnira!" he thought to himself. He stood there, silently thinking. Then he turned and walked away.

*******************

Moren whistled cheerfully as he and Akinen walked up to the warm fire.

"Hey Lilliah!" he said, smiling at Lilliah as she stood over a pot on the fire.

"Akinen! Moren! I see you're back," Lilliah said, taking the meat they had just come back from cleaning and putting it in the pot over the fire.

"Yes indeed," Moren said. He glanced around the camp. "Where's Arelle?" he asked.

Lilliah looked up from her cooking. "Oh, Arelle? Well, I sent her to fetch some water, but she hasn't returned yet," Lilliah said. Moren sat on the ground next to the fire, Akinen doing likewise.

"Oh, I see," Moren said. He sighed. "When will she be back? We were supposed to start training this morning as soon as Akinen and I finished cleaning those rabbits," he said.

"I don't know, Moren...I hadn't really noticed her absence, but now that you mention it, it does seem like she's been gone rather long," Lilliah said.

"What time did she leave?" Moren asked.

Lilliah squinted her eyes, thinking. "Hmm...I think...about the time you guys left to clean the rabbits..."

Moren sprung up from his seat, and Akinen followed. "Lilliah, we left over an hour ago!" Moren exclaimed, "And the river is only a ten-minute walk away!"

Lilliah looked up, alarmed. "You don't think something happened to her, do you?" Lilliah asked.

"I don't know..." Moren said. "Probably not... She would have yelled if she was in danger... don't you think? But anyway, I think I should follow her, to make sure she's ok," said Moren.

"I'll come with ye, lad," Akinen said.

"I really don't think it's necessary," Lilliah said. "I mean, I think Arelle would have yelled if she was in any danger. Besides, there's not all that much in this forest now that Arelle couldn't take out."

"I agree. I'll go alone," said Moren. Akinen nodded reluctantly, as he watched Moren trod off into the forest.

*****************

Notes: Ok, this has nothing to do with the fic, it's just in response to some of my reiewers ^^ Enjoy!

Starting from the very beginning...

MSMoon: Wow the story's really great. I can't wait till you put up the rest of it...cause you are gonna put up the rest of it *glare* right? ~MM~
Amai's reply: My first comment! And it was made by made beloved sister, MM-Ane-san! Thanks for your encouragement, Ane-san ^^

some_nancing_elf (LegolasFantasy09@aol.com): not bad ) i suggest spacing out the paragraphs so its a bit easier to read! Lzaria Stormleaf 20 mage of Zebuxoruk
Amai's reply: Thank you for your suggestion! You probably aren't still reading this fanfic, but I did take your advice! See all the pretty spacing? And how it's so nice a readable? All thanks to you! Thankies!

Karinada: I really enjoy this story, I am glad you are going to continue it *wink wink* hehe keep up the great work :)
Amai's reply: Aww, thanks! Simple, but encouraging. I'm glad I decided to continue it, too, heh ^^

rsd: it is one of bast fanfic i hive sen
Amai's reply: Aww, thanks! I'm honored you think so *blush*

ow my brain : lovely story. wanna hear more! MORE!!!!111one
Amai's reply: Thanks for the compliment, and have no fear, there will be much, MUCH more. ^^

digitaru : hullo!! I;ve been readin this for a while now.. and you should have billions more reviews!! it's the best everquest fanfic i've ever read (I know theres not many... but it's stil the best!) Soooo I've decided to review every chapter *mwahahaha!!* whether you want me to or not. well, if not then i _guess_ i wont... but i really really love this storeeey!! and i cant wait to see what happens next! I'll be back... next wednesdaay. yup! buh biaz! ~~digitaru
Amai's reply: I think I should have billions more reviews too, Digitaru! Hehe ^.~ I'm honored you think Arelle's the best EverQuest fanfic you've ever read! I'm so happy ^^ And you don't know how much I LOVE it that you've now decided to review every chapter!

digitaru: hullo! Happy Christmas!!! new chapter's like a late x-mas present... only thing I hvata say about it is, It was kinda scary in the middle there, I thought Lilliah was startin to take over as main character.... *dun dun dun*... ooh and I'd like to see more romance with Arelle and Moren, of course ^__^ er, gotta go, see ya whenever new chapter comes! ~digitaru
Amai's reply: Hehe, don't we all want to see more romance between Arelle and Moren? But, the story must go on... more difficulties await our adventurers, new characters shall arrive, and EVENTUALLY, Moren and Arelle's relationship will grow...

Blue the Echidna: Awesome! =) This is such a wonderful story, can't wait 'til the next chappie is uploaded )
Amai's Reply: Aww, thankies! I'm happy you like it ^^

digitaru: two new chapters! when did that happen?? I missed one :( *sniffle* but.... now I get ta read the next one, 'cause I wanna know what happens! *run*
Amai's Reply: I don't remember what the deal with this was, but I think I updated Arelle with a new chappie a day early, and that's when Digitaru checked it. So there was some confusion there. Oh well ^^ So long ago, anyway.

digitaru: *dun dun dun*.... very dramatic chapter ^_^ (sorta :P) I liked Lilliah's little slip-up, now I wanna know what happened after she woke up... and I'd also like ta know *why* exactly Lilliah was wandering around in the first place... ...now I have to wait for #12... well, today is wednesday I think, so maybe you'll post next chapter early today, say, about 6:30 AM? *hint hint wink wink* I'll give ya a cookie if it's out before school! *I know it probably won't happen..*
Amai's Reply: It was a kinda dramatic chapter, wasn't it? I swear, sometimes I really can't decide what genre this fic is! Sometimes it's so full of drama. Oh, so you wanna know why Lilliah was wandering around the forest in the first place, huh? Well, hehe, that is a secret that will come out later ^.~! There are SO many secrets that will be coming out in Arelle.

Blue the Echidna: OH I love this ficcy! Its so cute! I can't wait for more chapters to come out. *ponders* More people should read this! I shall get more people to read this! *Begins to search for people to prod with chopsticks to get them to read Arelle* =) Keep up the good work!
Amai's Reply: LOL! Prod people with chopsticks to get them to Arelle...Why didn't I think of that? Hehe ^^ Thanks BtE! You really made my day with that comment ^.~

digitaru (digital_goldfishy@attbi.com): Awwww..... lookit the little chibi-Moren!!! he's so cyuute! *poke poke*........ er.. *ahem*...yeah... what's today... saturday! ;__; I gotta know what's gonna happen to chibi-moren! It's gonna be bad isn't it?? *sniffle* poor poor Moren....
Amai's Reply: Poor Chibi-Moren, ne? It did turn out bad, didn't it? Poor, poor little Chibi-Moren...

Blue the Echidna: Awww poor Moren! Mean ole high elves. =( Next chapter pls!
Amai's Reply: I feel the same way! What mean ole High-Elves they were! I can't belive they hurt lil Moren so much! The meany heads!

Rose Red: Keep up the good work.
Amai's Reply: Hey, thankies! Short, but encouraging, none the less ^^

digitaru: Awwww.... Chibi-Moren ish so sweet *hugs*.... *blushes* Ahem....He's very mature for his little age, I think ^__^ And the end was so.... fluffily. Yup. One 'o those "warm-and-fuzzy-feelings" :D
Amai's Reply: I think Chibi-Moren ish shweet, too! ^.~ He is kinda mature for his age, huh? He's a complicated character. But then again, everyone in Arelle is a complicated character...

digitaru: Durnit, they needsta just admit their love!!!! It's quite frustrating how fanficcy people can be so dense.... But it *is* entertaining! *grins evily* *banging noises in background* Ah, er, sorries for the one-sentence ish review, but I gotta go mail a pretty little letter bafore bad things happen..... cheerios!
Amai's Reply: D'oh! I know EXACTLY what you mean! Can you believe everyone draaawwwwssss out the most important relationship so much? They ALWAYS do that, and goodness, it's so FRUSTRATING! Haha, I never thought I'd be the one who was annoyingly drawing out the realtionship ^^ But you realize, as soon as they admit their love and all, then that's the end of the story. Unless you want to continue it with their kids. Which I don't.

Lady Aniviel: WOW this is a brilliant story i have just read it all the way through please update soon!
Amai's Reply: Hey, thankies! I'm glad you like it ^^ And I update every Wednesday, for cryin' out loud!