Aynsley paced nervously in the forest's clearing.

She was late. Xanthe was never late. Something must have happened. She could have been caught. Her life could be at stake and her me was pacing like an idiot.

He stopped, suddenly considering an alternative situation. What if she chose not to come? Perhaps she chose to be with Armod instead of him.

The snapping of twigs made Aynsley turn around.

And there she stood, in all her beauty. Her silky hair was in a high ponytail that started on the top of her head. Aynsley blushed seeing her in such a revealing dress. It was red and was sleeveless making him wonder how it stayed up. It was made of a velvet of sorts bringing out the richness in her eyes. The dress was tight. It clung to her body making it hard to maneuver in the woody terrain.

"Xanthe." He breathed as he rushed up to her engulfing her in a hug.

Before she could ask the Wolf Man how exactly he knew her name, his lips were pressed against hers. A familiar mad rush of heat and passion flowed through her veins and suddenly she knew. She remembered everything.

"Aynsley!!" She exclaimed pulling away. Her hands flew to her mouth, "I remember!! I remember!!!"

She twirled around, filled with the excitement of a child, but it was short lived. She instantly tripped over her feet tearing her dress as she fell to the ground.

"What in the name of the Goddess am I wearing??!"

Aynsley couldn't help but laugh.

"Sure laugh now. We'll see who's laughing after I get out of this blasted thing."

"I like it."

"You would."

She slowly got up to her feet and straightened out her dress, wiping as much dirt off as it as she could. She tried to regain her dignity.

"I want to go home." She said with a vulnerability that was new to him as it was to her, "I've had enough. Our country is in danger and here I am dressed up as some woman you'd pick up in a tavern. I'm so tired and I'm sick of being lied to. Being tricked. Take me home, Aynsley. Please?"

He nodded happy to comply.

A/N: Not much of a chapter, I know, but at least it is something. I'll update soon, I promise.