Okay, okay, I couldn't focus on revision for a full three weeks, spurred on by the promptings of my suffering reviewers I decided to update anyway. I like to think of it as a break from all the stress of exams. I am totally dreading my Latin language paper in TWO WEEKS, so I'm going to update and get reviews to make myself feel better. Be sure to review or I'll get upset!
I am EXTREMLY pleased with the amount of response I got! *Does the happy dance* (involving loud music, a sarong and some weird dance moves) 53 reviews!!!!!! AHHHH SOOO HAPPY!!! Don't need happy pills no more; you guys do the job for me!!! Maybe I should stop writing for long periods of time more often!
My previous goal was 50 reviews, I'm upgrading to 100! Think u guys can help me out?
Okay here are my replies to your wonderful reviews, which really made my session of revision bearable.
Isilwen-Telpefion: Love lord of the rings, 'specially the cool names they have in it! Love shifters too, hopefully when Dahlia gets the hang of her powers she'll be able to shift…
How's yr story goin? I did try to find it on the search function, but nothing came up, maybe I did something wrong. But I would like to read it and see what's it's like! (Oh and don't spread around the spaces thing, shhhh big secret if people knew I didn't write that much really, just had loadsa spaces, some of my reviewers could get violent, No graffiti (aka TJ) that was not a direct poke at you! Thanx for the review, do it again do it again!
Vampsrule: Glad u think the story has potential, makes me happy u think so. But on the note of unimportant things, the characters I have mentioned like Tyler and Faye do have a fairly important role later in the story. Mostly Faye is kinda important, and Tyler is later, but I do have a reason for adding stuff about them. I don't divert the plot away from Dahlia 4 trivial reasons. I'm happy u like description though, some people just skip it all but I like reading it, and I think Dahlia's cool 2, heck I created her! Thanx for the review:)
Janie (the one and only): Well okay, maybe yr not serious about the story, but I gave you my opinion at least, you can try if ya want. Thrilled u are satisfied wit the story so far, let me know if ya want to suggest improvements. Here's another chappie 4 u 2 review! Love ya! Hope u had a happy Easter 2! C'mon keep the reviews comin and I'll try 2 update!
Forest Elfin: Yup she finally admits she loves him! And here's another chapter for you so read and review for me! Please! Thanx 4 the admiration also, u know I love it!!
Nienna: Thanx for the good luck I'm gonna need it coz I have my first exam in music improvisation or as they call I it THE TERMINAL TASK (doesn't that sound depressing?), guess when it is!!! TOMORROW! TUESDAAY the 6th! Okay calming down now, deep breaths! Trig is over, and I've managed to grasp the sine graphs and the sine WAVE!!! I now only have one question to ask…WHAT IS THE POINT???? How is knowing the sine wave gonna help me when I'm a radiologist/ radiographer?? (If u have an answer don't give it to me I just like to complain!) Anyway here is yr update coz even though I am majorly stressed, I feel like I have to update not only for u guys but coz I wanna continue the story!
Yup I know mad 2 take music, I play violin gr5 and I sing upcoming gr8. Latin IS all that bad when u have a teacher like Mrs Casson. If u eva meet her u will know wot I mean. She cannot teach!
Neway here's the new chapter, so enjoy and wish me luck in impro coz I'm gonna need it! Luv ya reviews, more plz ;)
Doughnuts…mmm: Here's yr update, hope u like it! And yeah I'm stressed out but not coz of the story but coz of exams so u may not see me (read me) for a while after this chappie coz I have 5 gruelling weeks of full solid exams, sure they're spread out but in between revision is my middle name! *Screams hysterically*
Yup I still think my brother is the cutest in the world, but if he ever does grow up (please please no..) I will teach him to be v.polite. He's gonna be a good guy! (But I sincerely hope he will not. No, he will not grow up; leave me to my denial!)
Kay good points bout living wit the 'rents a) they provide food and money and other essentials but mainly food and money b) they act like yr personal chauffeur and drive you everywhere u wanna go and c) they're there 4 u if u need unconditional love. Bad points: a) my dad sleep next door to me I don't get enuff sleep wit his snoring, and every time I play my music, every1 tells me to turn it down constantly, b) chores. I end up doing everything, wit mum. My sister, dad or brother (he's only little so he has an excuse) do nothing to chip in. c) rules, like I have to go through my entire day for mum so she knows what I'm up to etc. d) we have to entertain family guests every other week and mom makes me perform the violin and sing like a performing monkey. v.embarrassing. So yeah it would be fun to leave but it's okay to stay. I think I got a leetle carried away, *chuckles awkwardly, clears throat ad moves on*
Bio is in, so read if ya want, and new chapter is up, read and enjoy! Oh and review please Alicia! L Dani!
Baked Beans: make yr mind up guy! Slow or fast? A speed in between? Middling speed? *Sigh* never mind. In reply to your prediction I will only say NO COMMENT: now you could interpret this in three ways,
a) You are not in the least close to the plot of the story and I do not want to publicly deny this so you can rule out that scenario and work on another.
b) You are correct but I can't say that lest you ruin the story for other reviewers.
c) You are only partially correct and I can neither confirm nor deny, as it will lead to complications of having to explain details, which will totally spoil the story.
You may interpret NO COMMENT in another way but these are three possibilities. Thanx for your review and I'm still trying to speed the plot up. I hope you enjoy it so far. I'm trying to come to a balance between detail and plot, not too much detail so the reader can't form their own version, and not too much plot so the reader loses the "picture" of the characters and setting. Anyway, I'll shut up now, boring you with my details, hope you enjoy and as always please review! Thank you!
Rheia: Thanx for the luck, 1st exam on 6th in music 2nd exam on the 17th in Latin translation (help!). yup my bro is so cute, love him 2 bits, 'cept when he feels the need to pull my hair, but other than that he's an angel. *Smile* oh yeah and review!
Graffiti: thanks TJ, but I don't just like reviews coz they praise me (though I admit that is fun) I like them coz they give me helpful suggestions about how the story should move on! And I like lots of suggestions hence lots of reviews! It that so bad? NE way read yr new story and Y haven't u updated? I have an excuse to revise but u so don't need to revise as yr incredibly intelligent anyway! Saw yr DT project it woz amazing, nearly passed out it was so good. Can I buy it? Luv ya! See u later Dani XX oh and review please!
Ferris: Thanx for the compliments, glad u like the story and I'm trying to revise as fast as I can, review this chap, and tell me whatcha think kay? :)
Chocolaterocks: thanx for the praise, I really appreciate it and revision is important coz this a'int mocks so sorry I can't screw it!
Luv Dani!Lyra (aka my sister): Here's yr update lovely, an please stop pestering me okay, I'm not your slave, I'll update when I'm ready. Luv Dani.
Ice Dragon: Thanx Kim and Kirsten, u finally bothered 2 review! Thanx for the compliments and yeah Dain is HOT!
Saffron: ahhhh can't please every1 some reviewers (Baked beans) want it to go faster others want it slower, I can't please every1 so I'm not gonna try. From now on I do this my way! Sorry didn't mean to bite yr head off, glad u like the story review this chapter an tell me what u think! Dani ;)
Doughnuts…mmm: U reviewed twice!!! Thank you!!! I like multiple reviews! Now stop dying and being so melodramatic coz here's the next update. I'm positive my story isn't that good, although I can't say I'm not flattered. Read and review! Twice if ya can!
Okay, phew! Now that's done, you can review this story and tell me what you think!
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Feelings erupted inside Dahlia, contentment, happiness and fulfilment. She felt Dain inside her mind as she entered his. Dain was sifting through Dahlias thoughts and memories, she was fighting the urge not to clear her mind of all thought as she was trained to do. She had never allowed her mind to be so open before, with anyone. He went through her childhood, the death of her mother, her rigorous training and her feelings when she met him.
Why did you hide your feelings for so long?
I was afraid, I didn't understand you and when I don't understand something I fight it. It's a reflex.
You know being a druid is not supposed to cut off entire feeling. You should not show your feelings on your face or in your actions. But when it comes to accepting your feelings to yourself, a druid is allowed and encouraged to do this.
Dahlia didn't reply, she mentally closed her eyes and lay there content.
This is not the time for a lesson Dain, just go to sleep, I need to be up early tomorrow.
You practise that shifting thing every morning! Don't you get tired!
Goodnight Dain.
They drifted off to sleep.
The next morning Dahlia woke up on the floor on top of Dain. She got up and nudged him with her foot. When he didn't get up she moved away and entered his mind,
Dain…get up now. You have to get back to your room and I need to practise.
No I'm dreaming
Dain GET UP!
He sat bolt upright and stayed perfectly still for a moment. Turning to Dahlia he spoke, 'Was that really necessary?'
She nodded and pointed to the door. 'I have to practise alone, it helps my concentration.'
Dain got up, brushed a quick kiss on her lips and walked out of the room. Dahlia moved over to the dresser and began to work on the transforming skill. She was now able to do the change in less than 4 seconds. Her new goal was to shape shift, very few vampires were able to do this, but she felt sure that her father, of the elite assassin variety would have been able to do this. Therefore, so could she.
An hour later, she had managed to enlarge her nose and squeeze her eyes together. Her ears had elongated and her hair had turned a brownish green.
Well I have now discovered that I always need a mirror to shape shift or I'm in trouble. Dahlia reversed the effects easily, then went to have a shower.
In the great hall she sat next to Dain for the first time, and they ate together not speaking to one another out loud. To the casual observer they were two strangers having breakfast. But they were talking mind to mind, something Dain had no experience with.
Dain when you speak to me, you have to only focus on me and put a barrier around your thoughts or others can tune in to what you're thinking.
Well, I'm trying. Can I tell if someone is listening to my thoughts?
Yes you can tell, unless it's a druid in which can you can never tell except when you are a druid yourself. Or at least nearly a druid. But I don't think they will want to probe your mind. By human standards you should not be able to talk mind to mind. You can only do that with me.
Well you're probably the only one I'd want to talk to this way. Dahlia had to restrain a blush creeping up to her face. She was unused to these kind of compliments about her and not her skill. There were always people like Master Nagini and Tyler to want to use her for her abilities, but she rarely received comments about her as a person.
Who's Tyler?
Just this guy who keeps asking me to join the school martial arts club. I lost control once, and they-
I think you should join.
What? Why?
Because I think it would help your skills. I think you need a hobby or something to take your mind off this shifting problem. There are different triggers to the different powers, maybe focus isn't the particular trigger for shape shifting. You need to try other methods if you are going to be ready in a month.
Dahlia considered this for a moment, thinking about it in her head. If she did join she would be above the other members in experience and expertise. She would not have to try hard, it would not be a taxing sport, and …You might enjoy it, Dain concluded.
Just then she noticed someone was talking to her, breaking the connection with Dain she concentrated on the voice, it was Samoya's.
'Dahlia, hey Dahlia snap out of it!' Samoya was looking at Dahlia with slight annoyance.
'Oh I'm sorry Sam, I was thinking, what did you say?'
Samoya sighed in exasperation before replying, 'I said, do you want to schedule a re-match this afternoon, I have some time after ninja training.'
Dahlia thought about it, if she were to join the karate club today she would have to stay behind and get to know the coach and the hall where they practise. She also had to work on the shape shifting, 'sorry Samoya I'm going to be a little busy, I don't think I'll have the time.
'Aww c'mon, I wasn't feeling that well yesterday, I'll be able to give you a good fight now.'
'Sorry, I can't,' she said before finishing her herbal tea; it tasted horrible but it was good for her.
'Fine, suit yourself,' Sam said, a little hurt in her voice as she stalked away. Dahlia sighed; Sam really needed to work on her competitive streak. Not everything was about winning. I've got to go Dain; I'll see you later.
Would you like me to help you this afternoon? I helped last time.
Well, come along and you can try.
With that she got up from the bench and walked away to pick up her bag and out the door.
School was dull as ever, all things she knew. As the final class ended, she picked up her bag and walked into the hall. She could see around a dozen students stretching on the mats, as well as a few younger children and some adults. They all had coloured belts around their waists on to symbolise their level of ability. Dahlia had a few black and brown belts in her closet from when she achieved them a few years ago. They were all wearing white loose trousers and tops. In the corner she saw a man who must be their teacher in a black uniform putting on some rap music. Looking at one group of boys and their techniques, Dahlia knew she would not find any new moves or teachings here.
Maybe I should just go. I'm far more experienced than these people; I would just be wasting my time doing nothing constructive. Then again, perhaps it will help me relax. One lesson, and if I don't like it I'll quit.
She strode forward to the young man in black, and introduced herself.
'Excuse me, my name is Dahlia Lomax and I was wondering if–'
The young man looked at her eagerly and grasped her hand shaking it firmly saying,
'Yeah I've heard of you. You're the one who took Maggie down a notch.'
'Maggie?'
'Mrs Rafferty, Tyler's been telling me you weren't interested in becoming a member.'
'Well he's very persuasive, Mr…?'
'The name's Tom Blake, do you want to warm up? Then we can see what you've got to offer.' He marched to the front of the class. There was a mirror behind him so the students can see their movements. The music was turned up and people took their shoes off and stood in a position on the mats in the centre of the room.
Dahlia followed suit and waited, her eyes on Mr Blake. The first half hour was spent in a similar style to aerobics. All the kids and the instructor shouted yells of encouragement. Dahlia kept her face impassive as there were shouts of, 'Keep going, you can do it, almost there, one more then rest, and her personal favourite, Doesn't this feel good?' She felt very silly. Several of the people next to her were sweating and tiring, but Dahlia hadn't even increased her breathing by much.
Finally it was over, now she could get into some real fighting. Tom introduced her to the guy she would be fighting, a tall tanned boy with curly hair.
'This is Malek, he's one of our top competition winners, I would like to get an idea of your level of skill so could you spar over there, I'll come see how you are getting on in a moment. Just get to know each other.' With that Mr Blake moved over to a younger group.
Dahlia looked at her opponent bowed then took her position. Malek looked slightly thrown, but quickly returned her bow and put his hands up to guard, knees in a bent ready stance.
When Malek didn't move forward to start the fight, Dahlia attacked. She went for the solar plexus expecting Malek to block, and grabbing his arm as he did. She moved her position so she was in front of Malek with her hands holding both his upper arms, finally she lifted him off his feet, threw him over her head so he landed head at her feet. He recovered quickly jumping up, and Dahlia allowed him to take another position. She now would demonstrate her kick box action. High kicking the air in front of Malek's face, she forced him to block, then hooked her knee under his so he was standing on one foot, unbalanced, proceeding to fall over again.
Standing up again she waited for him to rise and saw that many of the students had stopped their own practise to watch the fight. Dahlia lost her focus momentarily to be caught off guard with a straight punch to her left shoulder, using her momentum from the blow, she leaned back, and brought her legs up to give Malek two swift punches to the lower abdomen. Getting up quickly she waited while he recovered, then as he straightened she sent him flying with a flat kick to the chest. He landed unceremoniously on his rear, and Dahlia pulled her leg down. She walked forward to help him get up. He grasped her hand gratefully and they bowed in turn with her the obvious winner.
Almost at once she was enveloped in a crowd of kids, being patted on the back with shouts of approval. Dahlia had to fight the urge to panic, she was used to admiration, after all she was one of the most respected members of the brotherhood, though she was not used to it being expressed so…colourfully. Already people were laughing at Malek and teasing him about being knocked down by a girl.
Dahlia knew she shouldn't enjoy this kind of attention, but she couldn't help it. Against her more composed self she grinned and came close to laughing, as Malek's friends congratulated her on popping his inflated ego for them,
'He was so cocky when he fought in the Nationals and came joint first when the rest of us came third or below, glad to see he's not unbeatable,' a read headed freckled boy punched her shoulder playfully. Dahlia was then pulled aside by Tom, whose face was a picture of respect and surprise.
'Well Tyler told me you were good, but I didn't know you were that good. I'm not sure there is much I can teach you. Those last few kicks were expertly carried out. You obviously know what you're doing, and so I'm not sure there is much we can do for you. Then again you could become a student teacher.'
Dahlia had recovered, her face again a picture of calm. She replied, 'What would that involve?'
'Well you would teach some of the less experienced green belt, I teach the black and browns, but you could take a group of about 12, I think you could handle it. You'd get paid,' he said persuasively.
'I'm not interested in money, but I think the experience could be beneficial. I'll consider it. I have to go right now but I'll come next week, if that's ok.'
Tom could hardly contain his excitement, 'Hell yeah it's ok. You've got a lot of skill, and I'm sure you'll encourage the younger kids to get more motivated.'
Dahlia took her bag and left, leaving Tom puzzling about his new student. She seems very old for a girl of fourteen, but damn, those moves. I've never seen anyone so young perform so well.
Dahlia felt quite satisfied. She had always known she had an aptitude for martial arts, and she was almost flawless in that area, but she had never been as appreciated with the master as she had with the kids in that club. Master Nagini's idea of praise was, 'well done' and most of the other ninja trainees were in awe of her, but too respectful to say anything. It was a silly thought, but it felt good to be appreciated. Dahlia smiled quietly to herself as she walked underneath the tall chestnut trees towards the centre.
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Dain was practising with a sword in an empty room, when Dahlia attempted to sneak up on him. He was going through exercise sequences, his brow furrowed in concentration but just as she was about to surprise him,
'You're developing a playful streak,' he commented without even breaking a stride, he kept his arm moving in the sword drill.
Dahlia stopped in he tracks behind him. 'You know this soul mate thing has its drawbacks, I'll never be able to surprise you again.'
'I doubt that', Dain said lowering the blade, 'you continue to surprise me all the time. Did you join that club? How'd it go?' he wiped his forehead on a towel by his bag and sat down on the floor.
Dahlia moved over to sit beside him. 'It went surprisingly well actually. But I'm not going to pretend to be a student and pretend to learn, I'm thinking about teaching,' she paused at the look of shock in Dain's face, reading it easily, she continued, 'Don't worry I'm not going to teach ninja arts. They couldn't learn that anyway, you have to start young. No I'm just going to teach the general common art of Taekwondo, Ju jitsu, Han mudo. Some kick boxing, stuff that they teach there all the time.'
Dain remained silent. Dahlia asked, 'What?'
He turned to look at her, 'I was just wondering what Master Nagini would say. You haven't told him.' Dahlia hadn't thought about that. I can't believe I forgot to tell him; I talk to him about everything.
Dahlia felt Dain take her hand so he could talk to her telepathically,
Listen, I think something weird is going on I overheard Master Nagini and Sensei Yuri talking in the study today, I don't think they knew I was there.
Are you sure? Master Nagini knew I was there when I tried to eavesdrop on their ritual a few years ago. He usually can sense another presence.
I think his mind was on something else. He was talking about a guy called Salix, is he the guy that killed your parents?
Yeah, what were they saying about him?
I think that they are planning to attack him after the regeneration ceremony that's why they have moved it forward a couple of months. Something about being lucky that it is the year of the Karonis? Mean anything to you? And also that, they can choose the time of re-birth.
Karonis is a word in the ancient lore of druids, I can't quite remember what it means but we can find out on Saturday when Master Takeno coaches us in translation. Was there anything else?
Yeah there was something about you, which is why I listened in the first place but I didn't hear what it was. I think they're worried about you. Dahlia broke the connection
Dain opened his eyes and stood up. Dahlia followed suit saying, 'I'm gonna see what I can find out tomorrow, and work out what it means; but today I think I need to concentrate on shifting.
Dain nodded, 'I'll help, if you want.' Dahlia didn't reply, but moved forward so she could see herself clearly in the mirror. Carefully she focussed on her bone structure. She visualised a different shape and felt her skin and bone change to suit her mental picture. Her nose shrunk and her whole face became heart shaped. In the mirror her face belonged tot hat of a young child. Dahlia focussed on altering her body to match. This was harder and so she had to mould the shape in a different way. She ran her hands over her body feeling the muscle and bone shift to make her whole mass shrink in proportion. Finally she stopped and tried to hold the shape.
In the mirror was a young girl of around 11 years; she had a short mass of curly black hair tumbling to her shoulders, unfortunately her clothes were not shifted to fit, so she stood in an overgrown top and very loose trousers.
Dain stood spellbound. 'You did it,' he breathed quietly. Dahlia replied in a normal voice,
'Actually I was trying to become an animal, a cat or dog, but I couldn't visualise the shape of a cat's muscle and leg structure, so I opted for something more human. My voice doesn't seem to have changed though,' she smiled looking at Dain with the innocent eyes of a child. Dain moved forward and picked her up.
'Hey put me down I'm not a child!'
'Yeah but you're so cute!' Dain smiled at her face then dropped her onto the floor. 'How long do you think you can hold it for? It's one thing to shift, it's another thing to sustain it.'
Dahlia swallowed, and looked worried, 'even now it's getting hard to hold onto. It's like my body wants to grow back into my normal state and my brain can't control it. It's weird.' Dahlia looked at herself in the mirror. In this state, her thoughts and feeling were clearly visible. She didn't seem to be able to hold an impassive expression on her small face. Finally her body couldn't take it anymore. Her neck suddenly elongated, as did her torso. She shot up to her original size and her face was the last to change.
She stood for a while then swayed slightly, Dain moved forward to hold her steady, 'Are you ok?' his eyes were full of concern. Dahlia took a few deep breaths, 'Yeah I'm fine just got a little light headed after the transformation, but I'm fine now, you can let go of me.'
Dain grinned wickedly,
'What if I don't want to?'
Dahlia smiled inwardly, but then pushed him away, 'I need to try again. Just to see if it drains me or makes me overly tired.'
Dain sighed, then said, 'If you're sure it's okay, go ahead, I'm just going to stay to make sure you don't push yourself too far. Remember this is the first time you've done this completely. Take it easy ok?' Dahlia turned away but said
It's nice to know you care, but I've only got a month, I need to work hard.
Hey I just want you to understand that even you have limits.
Dahlia cleared her mind of all thoughts, and tried to make herself concentrate on the task, not Dain.
She was going to become older this time. She started with her hair, willing it to turn brown; she could see the roots were starting to get lighter, so she turned to her face. The chin and cheeks thinned as lines appeared in her forehead and the corners of her eyes. Her colour grew ashen instead of her usual olive complexion. Finally she grew a few inches taller. Her body however did not follow the face and hair. No matter how much Dahlia focussed and visualised her body growing more mature and older, it just wouldn't obey. She gave up and saw in the mirror an older face of about 25 on the body of a mature 14 or 15 year old.
'Well that one didn't work as well,' Dahlia spoke softly. Dain didn't reply, and Dahlia reversed the effects almost instantaneously.
'It takes no time at all to go back to my body, but it's much harder to get the change. I'm not tired or drained. It's like my body wouldn't obey me, I asked it do change, and it wouldn't.'
Dain came up behind Dahlia and hugged her from behind, 'I think your expecting too much. The first shift went perfectly; maybe you need time to adjust to this new skill. I don't think it's a case of being too tired or less focussed, I think you just need practise. Do this every morning and evening and I'm positive it will get easier.' Dahlia leaned back into Dain's arms gratefully. They stayed that way for a while, then she realised the time.
'Dain I have to go train with Master Nagini now. I'll see you tomorrow. She moved away from Dain but not before he kissed her cheek lightly. She looked in the mirror and was dismayed to find herself blushing. In her embarrassment she said, 'what's the matter with you? Don't you ever train? If you're going to be a druid I would have thought you needed to work a little harder.'
Dain smiled slowly, 'what can I say? I like being with you, more than I would like being with Sensei Vadim,' Dahlia laughed outright at that. She knew how eccentric Vadim could be, once her even made her act out a passage from the ancient legend texts so she would understand it better; she had been the aged priest and he had been the inexperienced girl in the story.
'Now I call that a triumph, you have made me happy,' Dain announced in a self-satisfied way.
'What?' Dahlia asked confused.
'I have made the emotionless Dahlia laugh, that is something to be proud of,' he leaned forward to touch her lips with his own once more before saying, 'Master Nagini is waiting, go on.'
Dahlia grumbled inwardly, now he's the one telling me to remember my training, great!
She hurried to the usual place for training with her Master Nagini, opening the door to find him meditating on the mats covering the entire floor of the room.
'Come in,' Nagini said serenely without opening his eyes. Dahlia obeyed and came to seat herself beside her master. She waited.
After a pause Nagini spoke again, 'you have been wondering why I have changed the time of the Rejuvenation ceremony. You had thought it could not be changed.'
Dahlia bowed her head though he could not see her saying, 'I had thought I had 5 months to ready myself for testing but in the space of two days you have reduced it by four months. I do not understand.'
'Not everything you do not understand is worth understanding. I have my reasons young druid.' When Dahlia did not speak Nagini searched her and answered, 'you believe I do not trust you to understand this reason.'
Dahlia remained silent, not trusting herself to speak.
Master Nagini opened his eyes and turned to look at his prodigy. 'You wish me to tell you what I am hiding, but the question is do you really want to know? You already suspect what the situation is, which is why you hesitate to ask me the question. After all you now have your secrets also.' Nagini turned his head to face forward again and shut his eyes waiting for her reply. Dahlia offered none; for once she did not know what to say to her mentor. Dahlia had always trusted him with all her doubts and fears, but she believed that this particular problem he was dealing with involved her so whatever he told her would not be the entire truth.
'Tell me Master, what happens to druids during Regeneration?'
Nagini sighed carefully before saying, 'young druid you know you have not become a true Sensei or Master yet. Why do you ask questions I cannot give the answer to? Why do you block your mind from me? It is forbidden to reveal what happens to a druid every year during rejuvenation, you will find out if you are worthy.'#
'Do you believe me to be worthy Master?' Dahlia could not keep the sound of hope from her voice as she said this. Nagini was silent for a long time before replying, Dahlia fought inside to keep patient.
After what seemed like a lifetime Nagini spoke very quietly, 'what I believe is not important to either you or me. It is what you, and you alone think that matters. If I told you that I thought you worthy what would you feel? Be honest.'
'I am never less than honest with you Master. If you told me I was worthy, I would be confident and certain of success.' Dahlia spoke composed.
'And if I told you that you were not?'
'Then I would be more determined to succeed Master but less confident of success.'
'So what I say in answer to your question will determine how you will act? I do not find this acceptable. I should not be the one to guide you to your self; you are more than capable of answering your own questions about yourself. After all, who knows your mind better than you?' Dahlia bowed her head again in acknowledgment, then Master Nagini rose and bowed, holding his position head bent down, hands clasped.
Dahlia stood up to return the bow. They took their positions, and stood completely still for a moment. Nagini spoke softly forgetting or ignoring the 'no speech during combat' rule, 'Dahlia I want you to do your best. There is no-one in this centre who deserves this more than you.' Dahlia was incredulous but had scarcely time to analyse his words before Nagini attacked with two high kicks. All thoughts of their conversation flowed out of Dahlia's mind as she concentrated on the fight.
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Whoa, that was a long chapter. Then again I haven't updated for a fortnight so I guess you guys deserve a long chapter. Did ya like it??? Please review, I'm told if I promise things like hot chocolate with marshmallows in 'em I get more reviews, although I don't see how seeing as how I can never actually give you the hot chocolate. But hey if it gets me more reviews and comments, I'll try it. Try to think f the hot chocolate in spirit, IF you review that is. Please do! Thank you all so much!! Love ya Dani!