Fantasy

Sand burried her face in her pillow. Three days had passed since that night. Her mother punished her severely. The welts on her legs still stung. Her father hadn't yet returned home.

She thought of Taar's words. Why hasn't he come? Was it just a dream? Such thoughts distracted her from her house duties and Fallon scolded her frequently.

A new hunger gnawed at her heart. She wanted a new, wild, and dangerous life. A life shared with a man who would protect and take care of her. Thus she wanted to see Taar.

The rest of the day dragged on. When dusk finally settled San's mind had grown more restless. She got up from her bed and stood by her window. She sighed and closed her eyes, replaying the night she first saw Taar.

"Lady Sand." Said a man's voice. Her heart raced. Taar had finally come! She opened her eyes and froze. Instead of Taar, Krestor before her. Human and dressed more properly than their first encounter he seemed more shy than the arrogant beast she had known.

"H-How do you know my name?" She breathed.

Krestor rubbed the back of his neck and looked at the ground.

"I read your mind... that day." He whispered. "Listen... umm... I came here to apologize for my behavior. I didn't mean to... I mean... It was a full moon and..." He sighed and stepped closer to her window. Sand stepped back, searching with her hand for a weapon, but found none.

"I know you don't trust me and you have every right not to..." He looked deeply into her eyes. "But I'd like to make it up to you... if you'd come with me." Sand gulped. "I... Uh... you see..." Krestor's expression saddened and his broken heart shone through his eyes. "I understand... he is... charming." He turned to leave. Guilt pierced her heart. She tried to form the words to speak, but none came to mind. Frantically she tried to figure this situation out. "Wait: She cleared her throat. Krestor turned around. "I... can't be out for to long." He smiled widely.

"I promise you'll love it!" Sand climbed out of her window with the help of Krestor and they slipped silently into the forest.

Birds sang, with no regard for how late it was. Led by the had, Sand and Krestor ventured deep into the forest.

"Please lady Sand" Begged Krestor, knowing her thoughts. "I know this is a long walk, but bear with me. It is worth it in the end."

Cold sweat beaded on Sand's face. Her mind was no longer safe. She nodded and the two of them continued trekking through bushes and low-lying branches.

Krestor came to an abrupt halt. He put a finger to his lips and pointed through the trees. Sand followed his finger and gasped at what she saw. Beyond the trees sat a furry woman. She was covered in fur and her tail swayed two and fro. She sat licking in between her fingers.

"They are the cat people of Mellekar. Very ornery at times, but you'd rather have them as an ally than your enemy." He whispered. Sand gazed in wonder.

"Does she know we're here?" Krestor shrugged. "Most likely." They looked back at the feline female, but she was gone. Sand whispered her thanks and they started for home, smiling and holding hands.

When the town was in view Krestor stopped her and held both of their hands, looking deep into her eyes. Sand's heart hammered. Krestor looked nervous himself.

"Don't trust Taar. They're losing the battle and are desperate for a source of soldiers. In this case..." He swallowed. "You."

Sand couldn't breathe. All of that... chivalry... and kissing... an act? She shook her head and held herself. "Not Taar... he... he wouldn't do that! You're lying!"

His expression saddened.. "I wish I was." Krestor looked at the ground for a second, but returned their gaze. "Please," He gave her something wooden, but she didn't look at it, just clung to it tightly, trying to hold back the tears.

"If he comes to you call me."

Sand closed her eyes and let the tears fall. A rustling in the bushes caught her attention. She opened her eyes. Krestor was no were in sight. The rustling continued to her left. She looked with her eyes, afraid to move in the slightest bit.

"You've met Krestor." Said a female voice. The accent was very thick. It sounded like, whoever she was, it had a difficult time using her tongue to form the words.

Sand turned. A feline woman of Mellekar stood tall before her.

"He's... quite an interesting character."

Sand said nothing. What could she say?

The Mellekarian held out her hand and Sand cautiously shook it.

"My name... I-Is Sand."

"I am going to tell you my name. No one else, but you may know it. Why I tell you is my business... Haiset."

I bowed, feeling honored from knowing her name. Haiset looked pleased and left as quietly as she came.

Chapter 2 complete

I admit, not as good as the first, but whatever. Suggestions n' what not are ABSOLUTLY welcome