.:: A Long Lost Friend ::.

Taliya woke in a daze. She looked around the tent that she was in, trying to remember exactly how it was that she had gotten there, but nothing came to her. She sat up quickly but instantly regretted it. Her head hurt her and when she gingerly touched the back of it, she winced. What had happened to her last night? Still perplexed, she looked for her boots and weapons. She found them in a corner along with her cloak, which was folded neatly beside her boots. She was about to reach for them when suddenly the flap of the tent was pulled back and a boy who looked slightly older than her entered.

"Ah, you're awake… finally." he said with a smile. "How are you feeling?"

Taliya looked up at him. He looked strangely familiar. He had messy black hair and emerald green eyes, and a nice smile as well. He dressed in all black, with the exception of his dark brown boots and belt. He carried a rather large and heavy looking sword on his back and assumed him to be a rather skilled swordsman if he could wield a sword of that sort.

"I'm fine, but I'm afraid I'm very confused…" Taliya answered.

"Well, that's no surprise… you hit your head rather hard last night." the stranger said, his voice filled with concern.

Taliya was about to inquire what he meant when suddenly the events of the night before suddenly filled her mind.

"Daron! Where is he?! And where's that blasted soldier?!"

Taliya rose to her feet but the stranger was still a head taller than her. He placed a firm hand on her shoulder and sat her down again. "Taliya, you're in no condition to - "

"I told you that I'm FINE! Now answer me! Where is Daron?!" Taliya yelled with frustration. She needed to see her brother. He had to be alright… he just HAD to be.

The stranger's expression had turned into a serious one. Taliya looked away, filled with renewed sorrow.

"I'm sorry" was all the stranger said. He gently place the necklace Daron had given him into Taliya's hands. "He wanted you to have this." he finished quietly.

Taliya looked at the necklace and began to cry. The stranger sat down beside her and looked down at his boots. He let her cry while he too grieved the loss of his friend. After a while, Taliya managed to regain control of herself and became quiet.

"Feeling better?" the stranger asked.

Taliya threw him an incredulous look. "Of course not! I'll never feel better! First I lost my parents… now my brother! I have no family left!" Taliya had never felt so alone. She looked at the boy sitting next to her. "Wait a minute, how did you know my brother? How do you know my name? Just who exactly are you?!" she asked.

The boy forced a smile. "You really don't remember? Maybe this will bring a bell." He stood up suddenly and in a child like voice said " Nooooooo! Tally can't come! She's a girl!" He finished by sticking out his tongue.

For a moment Taliya was shocked but she soon let out a laugh and the boy laughed with her.

"Oh wow. Of course! Why didn't I see it before?!" Taliya said in an amazed tone. "Where have you been these past six years Rowyn??" she asked.

Rowyn smiled. "Oh good, you haven't forgotten me."

"It's kind of hard to forget the one who kept me from having fun." she said jokingly but turned serious once more. "Why'd you leave us?"

Rowyn let out a sigh. "I was sick of our village constantly getting ambused by the king's scum. I had heard that there were rebels who were trying to overthrow the king and set out to look for them. I came across this rebel group and I've been gathering those who oppose him and his evil ways since. We even found out that he has a son and found him as well! He's nothing like his father though. He's a good man and I'm sure he can rule over Cylix far better than his father. I came back for Daron because he said he'd join me once you could take care of yourself... unfortunately, things did not go according to plan."

Taliya was overwhelmed. "Wait, so you're one of those famous rebels?" Taliya asked.

Rowyn scoffed. "Well, I wouldn't say famous, but yes I'm definitely a rebel."

"And my brother was supposed to join you? But then, where would that have left me? she asked, suddenly filled with anger. "Was he just going to leave me in the village while he went off on some grand quest to fight the king with his so called 'best friend' who left without a word?!"

Rowyn glared at her and for a moment Taliya was afraid of those beautiful, yet fierce, eyes.

"You brother was only trying to protect you! 'Grand adventure'? You think constantly killing to stay alive, fighting hunger, as well as the elements is fun?! And I left without a word because being the confused 11 year old i was, I didn't want to change my mind. I knew I'd want to stay if I saw you two before I left!" He turned towards the opening of the tent.

"Maybe your still not mature enough and I should take back to the village." he said.

Taliya opened her mouth to argue but shut it again. She turned from him. "FINE, do as you please. I don't need anyone, especially you." she answered coldly.

Rowyn left and Taliya was left in silence.

Wow that was one loooooooooooooooooooong chapter... haha

Anywho... if you have any suggestions to improve my story or would like to see something later on, feel free to let me know.

Once again, thank you suekay for always reviewing! I always look foward to what you have to say xD

And of course, thank YOU toonfan for giving me the confidence to put this up... and for getting me addicted to fanfiction... although I don't know if that's such a good thing... x.x