I woke up, my legs still stiff and sore from the constant running. Even my arms were slightly sore, from the constant swinging they were doing while I ran!

It seemed to be roughly midday, and I was surprised at that. I would have thought someone would've come to waken me.

I opened my mind, and I could feel Shroud's presence a good many miles away, where he hunted for his lunch. I did not say anything though, since I was sure he felt my presence and he seemed rather focused on a herd of deer. My interrupting him would do him no good, and I doubt he'd appreciate it.

I stood up, and a few my joints popped while I stretched. Going to the closet, I gathered a few articles of clothing before heading for the bathing room. After cleaning up and donning the clean new clothes, I strapped my sheath on.

I left my dark blond hair down to dry, and went to the vanity to check for a ribbon of some sort that I would be able to tie it up with later. After finding one, I tied it in a loose knot around my wrist, like a sort of bracelet, so I would have it when I needed it.

Despite the fact that there were a few pairs of very nice boots in the closet, I pulled my well-worn ones on anyways. I wore them for everything but battles and training, in which I would wear a pair of my more sturdy boots – as these ones were just plain wrapped leather and wouldn't protect my feet from anything in a fight.

As I was about to leave, I noticed a plate of fresh fruit and bread on a table by the door. I sat down to eat the fruit, and sat there for a moment once I had finished, unsure of what to do with the empty bowl. Deciding who ever had brought it would take care of it I grabbed the slice of bread and began down the stairs.

The breads was softer and less chewy then the bread I was used to, and once I finished with the slice, I found myself wishing for more, even though I was no longer hungry.

I headed the way I had watched Blodhgarm leave the day before, one hand on the hilt of my sword while the other swung uselessly at my side.

I did not like being so ignorant of what I would be doing that day. I definitely didn't enjoy not knowing the layout of Ellesmera. It left me feeling like I would be easy to be taken advantage of. I hated that feeling, and I was taught to always know my surroundings and know your situation. Right now, I knew neither, and I felt uncomfortable knowing that.

I got to a part I vaguely recognized from yesterday, and I was slightly soothed this. I head down the path, hoping someone would recognize me and take me where I had to go, ignoring the glares I was getting. I was used to it by now, and I am not saying that in self-pity.

I eventually got to a large building, the only building I had seen thus far besides a few small ones. I decided, after seeing one of the Lord's I recognized from the battle leaving, that I should probably go here.

It was amazing, really. The outside was beautiful, indeed, but the inside even more so. It breathed with the life, from the elves gathered to the gardens that were planted. I'm sure anyone would pay handsomely to have this architect's hand design his or her own home.

I had been looking around idly before a flash of black hair caught my attention. Arya had entered the room, and was speaking with two elves I hadn't seen before. One was a black-haired male, who was handsome and looked younger than most in the building, and the other was a silver-haired female elf that was still beautiful, but not as much in her youth as the male. Instead, her beauty was more elegant then just handsome.

I began walking towards them, and they noticed before I was within ten feet.

"Ah, Jace. We were just speaking of you." Arya said, smiling tightly.

"And I was just looking for you. Hello, I am Jace." I said, turning to the woman and bowing my head, and bowed my head to the man also.

"These two will be your trainers. Vanir," She gestured to the man, "Who will be your sword master and teach you more of the physical aspects you will need to know."

He did not look happy, and did not bother covering it up. Instead, he narrowed his eyes at me, and I hid a frown. I could already sense just how much I would enjoy my lessons with him.

"This is Evin (A/N Eh-Veen), and she will be teaching you more of magic and the non physical aspects of your training." Arya said.

I greeted both of them in the traditional Elvish greeting, and then looking to Arya.

"What about Shroud?" I asked, since we most definitely had not came all this way so Shroud could be left out.

"I am still looking for different teachers, and in the meanwhile, you will begin your training." She said, and I nodded, "Now, I must be going. I suggest you begin training as soon as is possible."

"We will begin training tomorrow, and I will send someone at sunrise to fetch you. Be ready." Vanir said, before turning on his heel and leaving.

Evin watched his back as he left, and began to speak to me.

"He is unhappy with having been forced to train you. Do not worry, though. Soon enough, he will acknowledge that it is his duty." Evin said, and turned to me, "We decided that our lessons will be in the afternoons after your sword practice. You will rise with the sun to practice with Vanir, and once the sun is high in the sky, you will break for an hour before coming to practice with me. At sunset, you will be done." She said, and I nodded.

"I appreciate your kindness, Evin." I said honestly, and I was hit by a wave of emotion as I realized she was one of the first people to be kind to me since the battle, besides Shroud. After a moment, I realized it wasn't only since the battle. It was much longer before that.

It was kind to allow us to live, yes. It was kind to allow us to come to Ellesmera, yes. But neither of those decisions was made out of the goodness of someone's heart. They were purely political decisions, made with the future in mind, neither Shroud nor I. And, before that, everyone outside the palace was too scared to ever do anything but stammer when met by Shroud or I.

The commoners not afraid of us were psychotic, rebellious (which went right along with misjudgment when dealing with someone much stronger than yourself) or suicidal – sometimes all three.

"I see you have much to think about. Tomorrow, I expect you to be done with whatever it is you're thinking about, and to be ready for our class. I will not tolerate teaching a distant mind." She said, before also leaving. I stood there for a minute, surprised at her change in behavior, before also leaving.

I opened my mind, relaying the information to Shroud, who was now finishing his meal of three deer.

I suppose it would be rather difficult to find a two-legs who can teach a dragon such as myself, Shroud said smugly, as if proud of it.

I believe I will be going for a walk about Ellesmera. Care to join me? I asked Shroud, who responded affirmatively. Soon following, he walked besides me, telling me what he'd been doing since he'd woken at sunrise.

A/N

I haven't really been on FF at all for the last month and a half about, and honestly wasn't really thinking about my things on FF either. So… don't kill me? :P

Review please? I'd offer a cookie for a review, but I'm pretty sure you can sue if I don't actually give you one…

So, review and feel the sweet satisfaction of knowing that I love you! :D

-Ash Colored Wings