Note: Heres the next chapter guys! In the last part I wasn't aware that my attached photo attempt would fail so just disregard that. Enjoy! xxx Please review

Chapter 7: Blooming Feelings

"You're being hunted by them?" I asked him, surprised that he even knew about the Ryders. After my conversation with the king and what he had told me about them, I didn't think people actually knew they existed.

"Yes. Although, not because of the same reason they are hunting you."

"Then why?"

"Let's just say they want me for something and I refused, okay?" Okay? Okay! This was certainly not okay. I could not align myself with someone of value to the Ryders, someone they wanted. "After everything I've told you, how can I trust you now? You should have told me that you were involved with them." The tone of my voice was bitter and demanding. I got up to leave the table and him, knowing I was wrong to finally trust someone.

"Wait!" he said, arising from his seat, stopping me. "I'm not giving you a reason not to trust me. You need me, admit it. I can protect you, help you." When he said the last part he put his hand on top of mine. A jolt of sparks was sent through my hand and flowed, like electricity through wire, through my entire body. I didn't want to break his touch, but I had to. "Look, you don't even know what your dong or what your plan is, if you even have one that is. All you know is that your completely blinded by getting revenge." His words stung me, but, they were the truth, no matter how bitter.

I sat back down, whispering to him. "Oh, you! Keep your voice down!" I said, noticing heads turning in our direction. "What's your bright plan then?" I asked him, wanting dearly to be enlightened by his great wisdom.

"We seek out the elves."

Elves?

"What elves? Elves are extinct."

He smiled. "Or are they?"

After spending time mostly arguing with Everest in the inn's eating area, we parted ways and went into our separate rooms (yet another think Everest purchased for me) to get some sleep. He seemed to be well off when it came to money and he managed to get by until the run in with the orcs. But, why would he end up in the orc forest? Why was he running from the Ryders like I was? If he didn't have a weapon or something they wanted, why would he be hunted by them? Yes, he did say because they wanted him for something, but, that was a very vague answer. It did bother me that he kept the reason from me, however, I had no other choice, I needed to stick with him. No matter what the Ryders want from him, we were in the same situation, and he is all I have right now. My mind traveled back to when he rested his hand upon mine and I felt the sparks. It reminded me how I felt when my mother held me in her arm; how safe and reassured I'd feel. I have longed to feel that gain for so long, and when I was with Everest, I did. I imagined his arms embracing me, our bodies pressing together creating the same warm embrace my mother and I shared. The same safe feeling rushed over me as the image in my head played out like a movie.

I rolled over in my bed, groaning, unable to sense sleep. My mind was captivated by thoughts of Everest, utterly restless. I knew he was a terrible idea, and even having these thoughts about him was wrong, but, I couldn't help it. Since the moment I met him, there been something about him that oddly draws me in, like a fish being reeled in. And I was very catchable bait.

"Aldis…Aldis wake up." I knew the voice belonged to Everest even before my eyes greeted the daylight. My stomach felt as if it was over boiling when my eyes met his, my nerves taking over. He was hunched over me, perched on my bed next to me. His eyes looked awake and bright, the blue sparkling with the sunlight that sneaked through the window. He brought his hand to my cheek and gently grazed it, my cheeks flushing a shade or cherry under his pale hand. The warmness washed over me and the stew in my stomach continued to bubble. His hand moved and began to fidget with my white locks, driving me even crazier.

"I really do like your hair." He said softly. My eyes remained glued to his lips, his hands still playing with my hair. We were both caught up in the moment, time passing, but the moment stood still.