A/N:New chapter! :) Meh. Idk what to say so enjoy! ^-^

Roselynne

It was about 5 hours past noon (5:oo pm!)and I was helping my mother prepare dinner in the tiny kitchen we had. We were having what we usually had, a small piece of some sort of meat, today was chicken, vegetable stew, and bread. It wasn't much but we were grateful for some were fairing worse then we were, having to eat just a small piece of bread everyday, it wasn't even a meal!

"Roselynne, could you please go buy more cabbage?" My mother asked me. We had a garden out back but with the lack of water lately most of our plants had died including the cabbage. All that was left was half our green beans that we started out with, tomatoes and cucumbers.

"Of course mother," I replied as she handed me five copper pieces.

"And buy something for yourself please, you've been working hard lately and you seem troubled, is there anything wrong?" She said in a lower voice then before, concern clearly in her eyes.

"No, mother there's nothing wrong," I tried reassuring her as I smiled,"I'm fine, really," Of course I wasn't fine, I was more troubled than fine. With the thought of my vision I had just weeks ago and the meeting of both Tristan and Adeline my head was spinning.

"Okay dear," She smiled back at me,"You should get going now before it gets too dark."

"Bye mother," I called back as I walked out the door then closed it, I looked around for my sister, Marinna. She had been following me on and off ever since I had fell on the floor the one day and now she asked me endless questions about how I met Adeline and the 'handsome' son of the Duke. I tried not to lie about it but it hurt me when I did.

I walked over to the gate almost soundlessly when Marinna, I swear, popped out of nowhere as did Thief, my dog.

"Oh, hello there Rose, where are you going? May I come too? I'm sure Brendan won't mind feeding the chickens by himself," I grit my teeth before putting a smile on my face, she was really starting to get annoying now but I knew I wouldn't hear the end of it if I didn't agree to let her come, I had learned the hard way when we were little.

"Of course you can come Marinna."

"Oh perfect! Thank you Rose! Maybe we can even stop at Annabeth's on the way back, can we Rose? I heard that little Justin just past his 1st birthday and he's already starting to talk!" Annabeth was Marinna's best friend who she spent most her time with when she wasn't with me and Justin was the little brother, they lived not far away. They were our closest neighbor.

"Yes, that's all good and great Marinna but we have to get back before dinner, we can't stay long," Her face saddened for a second that we couldn't stay but her face immediately brightened up, she was always the optimist of the family though at times she could be the pessimist.

"So you didn't tell me where we're going, or are we going anywhere? I know you're fond of strolling along aimlessly but sunset is not the time, you know I heard some gossip that a little girl named Mary got kidnapped the other week when she was taking a walk, she hasn't been seen since...Well that's what I heard anyway," Did I tell you that she was also a social butterfly?

"We're going to the market place to buy some vegetables and would you please be quiet,"I said in exasperation.

"The marketplace? Oh, I love the market place with all the kinds of shops and tents, it's also very colorful. I would save up to buy that gold bangle I've been wanting for ever, I know it's foolish to even wish to get one but it's so beautiful! And all the money I have I always seem to spend right away! I can't help myself Rose but you, I've barely seen you spend a single sent that mom hasn't told you to spend. Oh, did you tell me to be quiet then I'll do that sorry Rose," I breathed a sigh of relief, Marinna could be quite the chatterbox sometimes. No, scratch that, all the time.

We walked along the hard packed dirt road, our house was kind of on the edge of the majority of houses, farther toward the Whispering Shadow forest, it stretched through all 3 countries, the Arian kingdom where we are, the Orynian kingdom to the North, our arch-enemies then the Hellinistin Kingdom, to the East of us, who some how stayed neutral between the clash of it's two neighboring kingdoms. Anyone was welcome in Hellinistin, thought not true for us and the Orynians, but most people where fiercely loyal to the country they were born and raised in.

We arrived in the market place as Marinna continued her promise to being quiet but when I looked at her it looked as if it pained her to not speak. Thief just looked around and barked at almost anything that moved that wasn't human.

"Okay Rose! I'm sorry but I had to talk there's just so much to talk about that you can't keep it in! Well me at least but it's just a wonderful world we live in with all it's colors and the textures and everything! I love it! So what are we going to buy?" Marinna suddenly burst out.

"Cabbage...You know what? Here, take this," I handed her 2 copper pieces, it was only 3 for cabbage.

"Really Rose? Thank you! I swear you are my favorite sister ever! I know it's not lady like to swear or anything but seriously, who's listening? Oh! Maybe I should go buy a silver bangle instead! But oh, two copper pieces aren't enough. Maybe I should buy a treat or dessert for us! What do you think Rose?" But by that time I was already walking away toward a familiar tent with my faithful dog by my side. I'd chatted with the woman working there and she was exceptionally nice though firm and strict in some cases but she was a nice lady so I always went to her tent instead of the hairy man that sold a few blocks away and had expensive prices compared to here.

"Hello Ms. Christiana (Chris-tee-on-ah)," I called over the sound of the crowd as soon as I got there.

"Why hello Roselynne, how are you today?" Said Ms. Christiana.

"I'm doing just fine thank you," I smiled graciously.

"And who is this?" I was confused for a moment then I followed her gaze. Oh, Thief.

"Oh, that's Thief, my dog," I kind of half laughed.

"He's a beauty," She said while looking at Thief as if she were lost in memories, then she snapped back,"Well anyway, what can I get you? Potatoes? Tomatoes? Onions? Spinach? Carrots?"

"Cabbage please, I have three copper pieces," I said while holding my hand out with the copper pieces in them.

I saw her move over to where the cabbages were and pick one of the bigger ones.

"Here," She said handing the cabbage, that was now in a bag sort of package, to me while she took the three pieces.

"Thank you Ms. Christiana, I very much app-," I didn't get to finish my sentence as she gave me one of the copper pieces back in my hand.

"Keep it, you'll need it much more than me," She smiled up at me for I was unusually tall for a girl.

"I-I can't take this..."

"Keep it," She said with a firmness that ended all disagreements.

"Thank you," I said again before turning around.

As soon as I looked up I felt my mouth drop and my eyes widen. It was him. And for those of you who haven't caught on yet, it was the person who I thought impossible to see again, 'Tristan'.

"Who are you?" I said suddenly. Of course I knew, how I knew I don't know, I don't even know how he looks like despite his chin.

"R-Tristan? Remember?" I furrowed my brow. How did he find me? Was he even looking for me or was this just all a big coincidence? Why do I ask myself so many questions?

"Okay R-Tristan, what do you want?" I said as cold as ice. You could never be too sure.

"Nothing, I just saw you here so I attempted to say hello but since that isn't working out I guess I'll just leave," He said as he turned around. He actually seemed...genuine.

"No, it's fine," I was surprised at my own words, what was happening to me? "I mean that uhm, I uh, I realize you were just trying to uh help, I apologize for my rudeness last week," I said the last part as if one giant word. Then it suddenly hit me, I apologized. Apologized and he didn't even deserve it! Did he?

"It's fine, I understand your suspicion, I know that the world isn't that great all the time and sometimes it's better to be doubtful," What was that wise guy?

"There you are!" I turned my head as did Tristan to the sound of the voice which was coming from a girl of 15, my sister Marinna,"I was looking all over for you! You were by my side then the next you're go-," Then her eyes slid over to Tristan, "Oh hello, uh, who are you?"

I elbowed her. Hard,"This is Tristan, I met him a few days ago, right Tristan?" I said shooting him a look, I guess I could trust him, after all, he hasn't killed me with all the times that he could.

"Uhm, uh, ya, I'm new here and she was helping me get around, I just managed to see her again today somehow," Fail at improvising Tristan, was that the best you could come up with? I played along anyway.

"Yep, that's exactly right! Now see, I just told him I would take him to Berkley's Bakery so do you mind taking the all the bags back home? No? Thanks," I gave Marinna a sweet smile then stepped forward and grabbed Tristan's forearm. I dragged him out of sight of Marinna, I felt stares. Impolite much.

As we got farther into the crowd Tristan finally pulled free of my grasp on his arm,"Ok, what was that about?" He said obviously confused, I didn't blame him.

"Sorry, I came to a conclusion that I could trust you enough, facing the fact that you kind of saved my life, to be with you without having a suspicion that you want to kill me," It was true,"Plus I just wanted to get away from my sister, she's been hounding me for a week because of the vi- nevermind," That was close, right now the only people that knew of my 'vision' was me and Marinna and I hoped it stayed that way.

"Okay then, but still, how do you know you can trust me?" What was that supposed to mean?

"Are you saying that I shouldn't trust you? Because I have Thief for that,"I smirked. Wait, Thief! Oh no,"Thief! I forgot! Darn," I turned around and sprinted with the confused Tristan following me. I didn't see Thief where we were in front of Ms. Christiana's tent. Then I heard a scream, oh Thief...

I raced to where the scream came from and what I saw almost made me laugh. Thief had his paws on a stricken woman's chest, poor lady, all he wanted was the pie in her hands.

"Lefelé!"I commanded to him, he immediately got off immediately and trotted over to me, tail wagging and all. I gave him a look, some people think dogs are stupid but they are actually highly intelligent. Thief whimpered and put back his ears. I couldn't take it, it was too cute. I crouched down next to him and let him cover me in licks, no matter how gross that seems.

The woman obviously thought differently about our reunion,"The despicable, evil wretch! Get that thing away from me and it's owner, witch!" Nobody calls my dog a thing.

"Excuse me? My dog is certainly not despicably or evil and he most positively is not an it," I yelled at her from across the shop. I'm pretty sure everyone in that shop thought I was crazy but they didn't understand, no one really did for that matter. Me and Thief go a long way back.

"Devil's work! Get out of my store!" She retorted back, loud but not yelling anymore.

I was about to yell something not so nice right back at her but Tristan decided to intervene,"I'm sorry my lady, my friend here is just very, very over reactive and protective, please forgive us because we are most sorry," Who did he think he was? A prince? (A/N:The irony...) He then grabbed my shoulders firmly and practically pushed me out of there.

"What are you doing? I was just about to give that woman what she deserves! She has no right to call me or Thief that!" I hissed at him, still fuming. Obviously he didn't hear or he was just ignoring me.

"Let me go!" I said louder as we pushed through the crowd outside the shop that had gathered. He did thankfully, but just as I turned around I saw him pull his hood back up, catching a glimmer of blue. But most people had blue eyes anyway so that didn't add up to much.

I narrowed my eyes at him,"Why do you always where a hood?" It's not like I appreciated not seeing the face of my companion.

"Because," Came his curt response.

"Because why?"

"Because I choose to," So descriptive...

"Why do you choose to?"

"Because I want to," This could go on forever.

"Why do you want to?"

"Why do you ask so many questions?"

"Why don't you answer them?"

After that he didn't answer, we just stared into each others eyes, well at least where I thought his eyes were I could see but a shaded outline. His blue against my hazel, I couldn't decipher anything from what I thought I saw of his eyes and I doubt he could from mine. We were two masters playing but the same game but the humor of the situation caught up to us and we both simultaneously burst into smiles. Them he started to laugh.

"What?" I asked in confusion, still smiling.

"You have dimples," He said. I stared at him for a second then I finally realized the absurdity of it and started laughing also.

I came to a conclusion,"You know, you're not half bad," He wasn't, he reminded me of a friend I used to have, best friend actually.

"I like you too,"He said, I smiled, just another memory. Then Thief started barking, totally ruining the moment whatever that moment was supposed to mean.

"Csendes. Hazamegyünk hamarosan. Well I think I have to get going anyway...See you round and if you ever need anything ask any shop owner where the house on Alcinous Lane is. They'll tell you where,"I said cautiously, I had no idea what I was doing giving out where I live but it seemed okay, "Bye...Tristan," I finished as I turned around with Thief next to me.

I walked through the crowd again, making my way back to Ms. Christiana's tent. It was closed now but it was easier to make my way back from here especially now that the sun was almost set. I was about to set my foot down when Thief started to snarl behind me, that could only mean one thing. I swirled around but nothing and no one was there, only a fleeting shadow. Something wasn't right, Thief just didn't snarl for no reason, he was basically a happy go lucky dog but when it came to protecting me he was a menace.

I turned back around around silently,"Let's go Thief, no one's there," I said aloud, it was a lie and I (and Thief I believe so too) knew it. I started walking again, but more aware to my surroundings. There were still a some shops open but most were closed, usually they did at sunset. I eventually got to the dirt road that would lead to my house, it was still a way though. Me and Thief were silent, keen on hearing or seeing anything.

My heart was thumping at the thought of some one following us. I was a girl and could easily be held down, that plus the almost non-present sun didn't equal out something delightful. This was different than when Tristan chased after us, I atleast knew who he was but now I had no idea who was following us or even if anyone was following us at all.

We were walking around a bend now, nearing my house when Thief's ears pricked up and swung his head around. I did also, they always say curiosity killed the cat well this time it gave me a heart attack.

"Rose? Why aren't you inside?" Said my brother as he placed his hand on my shoulder, I started.

"Curses Brendan! You scared me! I thought some one was following me," The thought that it was Brendan all along relieved my fear to an extent but in the distance I could just make out the sound of fleeing footsteps.

"Don't be such a girl Rose, you're tougher than that," He said giving me a nudge with a smile,"And no one would want to follow you, you're as ugly as a hag," Me and Brendan have always teased each other, we were never serious of course, we were as close...as close as two peas in a pod to be simple.

"Oh, be quiet, it's not like girls follow you around either," We looked at each other with a knowing glance and laughed. Marinna's best friend Annabeth was obsessed with Brendan and actually did follow him around.

"Well we should get in, it's getting dark and I wouldn't want you to be scared by imaginary people that you think is following us," I just rolled my eyes and followed him as he lead the way up the remaining distance to my house.

~*xXx*~

I was in my bedroom now, picking a book from my 3 unit library. Girls learning to read and write was practically forbidden in these times but my father still taught me to read, thinking it was best for my growing brain. My mother didn't approve but she didn't stop him.

I grabbed my favorite book out of the three. Romeo and Juliet (A/N: I couldn't help but laugh when I typed it xP I didn't even realize), I read it the most, though I read the other two also, the Odyssey and a book on herbs. I clutched it to my chest wondering if a romance like that of Romeo and Juliet's would ever happen to me. It was foolish of me to think so, absurd. Of course it wouldn't happen, I was a 'stupid' country girl to most people with red hair and hazel eyes like our enemies, the Orynians.

Then, I thought, if I didn't get a romance I would want an adventure, like the Odyssey here. I used to make believe with my siblings when I was little that Brendan was Odysseus, I were the monsters and Marinna was always the faithful wife Penelope. I smiled at the thought and looked out the window.

The next thing I know I'm crouching on the floor with my book still held to my chest, breathing heavily and my vision going fuzzy and unfocused. It was happening again I was having a 'vision' for the lack of a name. I anticipated the blackness that would come and it did finally after a few long seconds.

It felt as I did before, but this time it felt like I was floating, floating into a dark abyss. But this time I didn't see anything. It's what I heard. A lullaby I thought vaguely, it didn't even feel like I was thinking my own thoughts.

Sleep my precious

Hold on tight

I'll keep my promise

It'll be alright

Came the singing voice, it was a woman's voice but there in the background was a man's, it was deep but it had a warmth to it.

I wanted to hold on to the 'vision' it was almost like a dream. Maybe it was a dream, maybe I was just sleeping...falling.

"Rose? Rose? Are you okay?" My father's voice awakened me, startling me also with his loud voice. I quickly stood up with my book that I realized I had clutched to my chest the whole time. I walking swiftly to my door and swung it open.

"Rose? What were doing? Are you okay?" He repeated.

"Huh? Oh yeah, uhm, I just dropped my book. Thanks for asking though," I said quickly, I hoped it wasn't that see-through.

"Oh okay," He replied though he had this look,"Well I was going to come talk to you anyway, mind if I come in?" He continued.

"Of course Father," I said simply and let him in my room. He was a rather tall man for an Arian so he was a few inches taller than me though I was already tall, also making my room look smaller than it already was.

He sat in the old rocking chair I had in the corner, I remember he used to read me stories but we stopped once the war excelled in violence and he had to work all day since he was a blacksmith, making weapons for the army.

"Come sit," He said, motioning to the chair at the desk I had, I closed the door then pulled it over and sat,"Don't look so scared, I only wanted to talk to you," Continuing, he chuckled.

"About what?" I asked.

"Well, first of all I wanted to ask if anything's bothering you, you seem a little...edgy the past month."

"No Father, everything's great," I said with a smile. Well half-smile. All he did was nod.

"Okay, I trust you. If you need anything you know you can just ask me right?" I just nodded, how badly I wanted to tell him everything but it seemed better just to keep quiet,"Next I wanted to tell you that I want you to be careful okay?"

I nodded again but my brain was churning. Did he know about today? "Of course Father I always am."

"I know Rose but just be...extra careful alright? Things are changing. I know you're getting older but there are people out there, people who want to hurt you." Who wanted to hurt me? Why would they want to hurt me?

"I know it's all confusing but, Rose, the truth will unravel in the end," He said with a smile,"Well I have to get going now, I haven't eaten dinner yet and I'm starving. Good night Rose."

"Good night Father, "I saw hurt in his eyes, I think he knew I wasn't telling him something, was I that transparent?

He got up slowly from the chair as I did also, I followed him to the door that he opened.

"And Rose?"

"Yes?"

"Here, keep it safe," He took my hand and handed me something metallic. I looked into my hand and was about to ask him what it was for but he was already walking away.

"Father? Wha-" I tried to call out to him but he had already walked out of the house for I heard the door close. My brow furrowed.

I looked at the object in my hand once more, closing the door I went to go sit on my bed to examine it.

It had a gemstone of amethyst, surrounded by diamonds. It was beautiful. It was majestic.

It was a gold ring on a chain.

A/N:New chapter! Whoop! Whoop! ^_^ This one was 4,ooo words! :) But I do need to ask if you like the longer chapters or do you thing 3,ooo is a good amount? Well anyway, RnR! :) Tell what you think :D And since no one answers my questions I'll keep throwing them at you until you do answer them xP Who's doing NaNoWriMo? I am!

-Jess