Hey all! Sorry for such a long delay in posting. I've gotten really busy because I'm moving across the country next week! Thanks for all the reviews and enjoy the new chapter =)

Caravan Tale

*

The fire was ablaze in front of the crystal. The elders were holding the chalice together in front of the crystal as well. As the village gathered together the drums began to beat. Lora took a deep breath, this was it. With each beat she moved slowly towards the center of the crowd in front of the crystal and chalice. As she stood before the crowd she yelled to them as all caravanners had done years before, "I have seen the world and crossed perils beyond belief. I now bring you myrrh to sustain our life once again. This is my story!" The entire crowd cheered and the fire's flames rose even higher. The drums began to beat more rhythmically and Lora began to rotate on her heel. She started slow dancing like her ancestors used to. She danced towards and praised the fire, causing her shadow to grow over the crystal. Then the beat picked up and Lora twirled to the crowd. She flipped and raised her face to the starry sky. She continued to spin and leap, never missing a beat. The fire reflected off of her necklace throughout the dance. Her bangles tinkled with every step. Eventually the beat quickened even more. It became faster and faster until all at once the drums stopped. Lora stood before her village panting as they cheered. She smiled and realized she was drenched in sweat.

The elder spoke out to the crowd, "Lora Li has done well! We now offer myrrh for our crystal to protect us for another year!"

Everyone cheered and the crystal and chalice began to glow and hum. Little by little droplets of myrrh floated out of the chalice and were absorbed into the crystal. The crystal began glow brighter than before. Everyone cheered and celebrated knowing they would be safe another year. Lora walked up to the crystal and placed her hand upon it. She began to feel tears trying to escape. She had been through so much these past few months. She had brought hope and life back to the village. Her emotions were welling up inside of her. Where was Tobias? He should have been here to see this. It was all Lora could think of.

Trista squeezed out of the crowd to find Lora. She found her standing in front of the crystal. Trista walked over and gave her a hug, "I'm so proud of you. You looked fantastic out there!"

She then noticed the tears in Lora's eyes, "Those tears aren't just about this are they?"

Lora just shook her head. Trista grabbed her hand, "Come on. I know where we can talk." She then led Lora away from the crowd towards the edge of the village.

"Wow.", was all Trista could say a few hours after Lora had told her everything. Lora closed her eyes and smelled the salty sea air. They were sitting on the cliff where Lora had stood so long ago, "I know. Once I talk to the elders tomorrow, I feel they will handle the situation."

Trista shook her head, "Not all the situations."

Lora looked back at Trista, "What do you mean?"

"Tobias. You like him don't you?"

"No, I couldn't…I've been down that road before."

Trista sighed, "Yes, I know, with Jun. Lora you're only twenty! You can't just end things like that."

"Yes but look at Tobias! He just up and left as well."

"Well maybe because you haven't told him how you felt! I'm sorry about Jun, Lora. He betrayed you, he betrayed Cedon, but you need to move on."

Lora crossed her arms, "Easy for you to say, you have De Nam. You don't know what it's like to be betrayed."

Trista sighed, "We have our own problems as well, Lora. None of us are perfect."

Lora looked back at Trista, "Sorry, I think I just need more time."

Trista nudged Lora, "And who knows? Maybe Tobias will return to you at the right time."

Lora chuckled, "Who knows with that boy. He may never return."

"Oh yes he will, especially if he really got to see you naked."

"Trista!" Lora tackled her cousin playfully, with her face bright red from embarrassment.

Trista couldn't control her laughter as she fought off Lora.

For the first couple of weeks home it took Lora some time to adjust back to her normal life. She had talked with their village elders who had also been informed by Alfitaria of the terrible happenings in the world. Since Cedon hadn't been affected yet the elders were slow on taking any protective measures. It frustrated Lora to no end, but arguing with the elders would cause a great deal of trouble for her and her family. So Lora continued to write to Sol Racht for any scrap of news. Trista's family had moved into a cottage near the stream that flowed into the ocean. Her family's trade was fishing so there was always a healthy supply of fish available in Cedon now. Lora also finally met the Lilty family that her parents had written to her about. The Popples were a typical Lilty family and they were very hospitable. They were merchants by trade which was an odd profession for lilties, but they were odd enough to move to a Selkic village as well. Their son Puck was a couple years younger than Lora and his little sister Killy was the same age as Nem. Puck was very gung-ho about joining the caravan it was all he could talk about. Lora was happy to see someone so excited about it, but did he have the skills?

"Alright Puck! Come hit me!" Lora yelled to him. Lora had decided to test his skills in the old farm field near the edge of Cedon. It had been abandoned for years and had become perfect training grounds for caravanners.

"Alright! Don't tell me I didn't warn you though!" Puck smirked and charged Lora with his spear. Lora easily dodged his jab at her, "Don't hold back Puck!"

Puck looked at her, "How did you know?"

Lora smirked, "You paused before you tried to jab me. Lilties never pause."

"You're right. Let's try this again!"

Lora liked his energy. This time she charged him. He had his spear pointed straight at her, but as Lora ran closer she leapt up into the air over him and was about to hit him from above when he swung his spear upwards and tripped her ankle. Lora lost her direction and tumbled to the ground. Puck quickly helped her back to her feet. Lora smiled as she dusted herself off, "That was quick thinking. I'd say you will be ready with some more practice."

Puck tossed his spear to his other hand, "So I'm in?"

Lora nodded, "Yes. Welcome to the Cedon caravan!" They both shook hands and Puck let out a whoop of excitement.

"And what about me?"

Lora turned around to see Trista standing before them with her racket and daggers at her waist, "You're going to need more than two people this year."

Lora nodded, "Alright then cousin, show us your skills."

Trista smiled and pulled out some magicite. Her racket began to shake and she yelled out, "Fira!"

Lora and Puck quickly hit the ground as giant flaming orbs shot out of her racket. Each one hit a fence post. Lora stood up to see the smoldering mess left behind and turned to Trista, "Where did that come from!?"

Trista smiled and twirled her racket, "Let's just say I have some good connections in Leuda."

Lora laughed and then looked at Puck who nodded his head, his eyes still wide from the fire balls.

"Alright Trista, you're in as well."

Trista ran up to Lora and Puck and gave them each a big hug, "We will be the best caravan Cedon has ever seen!"

Lora looked back at the smoking fence posts, "I sure hope so."