Chapter Two

Ethan

So much for my 'vacation.' Typical, my first time back staying in Angel Falls for months and it starts raining! Bloody typical. So now I'm stuck inside. Jimmy being down in Veridian, I've nothing much to do and no one around. Still, it's better than being there.

Turning from the window I look around the room. Its a comfortable place with squishy chairs and a real working fireplace, which at the moment is lit due to the chill lingering in the air. Scattered about the room are photographs and odd trinkets that Jimmy has collected over the years. I can't help but let a smile onto my face as I see a of picture of my mum look quite young.

Standing, I move to the mantelpiece and pick up a photograph in a large silver frame before returning t my place in the window seat.

I look down at the photograph in my hand, which shows a group of nine people, all of whom I know but several I've never met.

The woman in the middle I immediately recognise since she's barely changed at all in the years since this was taken. Her blonde hair shinning in the sun and her brown eye's glittering in happiness. My mum. She's hand in hand with a blue haired, purple eyed man who is also smiling away happily, holding onto her tightly, my parents. A small smile appears on my face. Some thing's will never change.

My eyes shift to the man on the right of my father and my eyes narrow. I've heard a lot about this traitor and anger still rises whenever I think about it. Next to the traitor, looking uncomfortable with the group beside her stands (slightly apart) a young woman with startling green eye.

'Rochelle,' I murmur, putting my face closer to the frame for closer inspection. Over the years I have heard all about her death at the hands of Neriah's father, Marduke. My mum is always telling me that Ethan was never the same after the death of his soul mate (at which point she always clutches my father's hand tightly!)

Ethan...

The mention of him has my eye's zooming across the photograph to the young man standing next to my mum, his arm around her shoulders.

'Looks nothing like me!' I mutter, slightly angry.

Ethan died a month before I was born and therefore I never had a chance to meet him. My mum talks about him often and its who I'm named after. But sometimes, its a ... burden.

Somehow it feels like everything I do is compared to this 'perfect' Ethan, who was always loyal to the guard, always trustful, perfect in his powers and in everything he did. Frustration fills me as I place the frame, glass side down, on the seat beside me.

Sighing I turn to the outside and rest my forehead against the cool glass. That was one of the reasons why I hate being in the palace all the time. Everyone there knew Ethan and I feel like I'm a walking reminder of him, just because our names are the same. It wasn't my fault! Outside, night has fallen and the street lights have been lit, bathing everything in an orange glow. The sound of a door opening and closing announces Jimmy's return.

'Ethan?'

'In here.'

The door opens and Jimmy steps in. Seeing me sat on the window seat his face breaks into a smile to which I can't help but return. Just like Eloise, Jimmy's presence is enough to make anyone feel better. He takes off his jacket, slinging it on the back of the sofa before lowering himself into one of the armchairs by the fire. I move from the window to sit next to him.

'How are the fortifications coming?'

Jimmy nods. 'They're coming along good.' But he doesn't elaborate, not that I expect him to. Having not yet been initiated into the guard I don't have access to such important information.

It can't be long till my initiation though. I've been an active member for the past few years, what could they be waiting for? Mum was initiated at my age! Its things like this that I wish I were like Aelora. Being immortal meant you didn't even need an initiation!

'There is a mission planned for tonight.'

Jimmy's words bring my mind back to the present and I sit a little straighter.

'A mission?'

Jimmy smiles and nods before standing. 'Yeah, so you better get to bed on time!' He rests a hand on my shoulder before exiting the room. I sit where I am for a minute before picking up the picture frame, placing it back on the mantelpiece.

As I turn to leave, two people on the end of the group catch my eye. The look awkward stood next to each over. I grin. Obviously the photo had been taken before Matt and Neriah got together.

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A/N - Okies, Im sorry nothing much interesting has happened in this chapter. This was just really a one in which I introduced Ethan. The next chapter will be more interesting I promise! Please R&R, all your comments are welcome :D

Okies first thanks soooo much for the reviews, its really appreachiated (sp?) hugs, second I know that there has been a lot of confusion as to ages and parentage and things, but i've deliberating kept names out of things so please don't think your missing anything! Everything (sorta) should be clear in this chapter and deffinately in the next chapter, so please bear with me :D