Original characters, places, and storyline are © to Microsoft and BioWare.

Chapter 4: Without the Moon

Hmmm…seems as though they missed one…better keep an eye on her for now…

"mmmnnh…"

Pei Yi slowly stirred and lazily opened her eyes one by one. She saw the ground moving from under her and looked up to see a strange man covered from head to toe in cloth carrying her. It took her a moment to realize what was going on.

Oh that's right…we were kidnapped…

"You are awake now?" a monotone voice sounded from beneath the cloth.

"mmm…I am."

"Are you able to walk?"

"Yes."

The man then carefully lowered her and set her gently on the ground. Disoriented, Pei Yi grabbed onto his sleeve for support until the blood had rushed from her head. Once she regained her balance, she continued on with them. It was a small party. Only three men and a donkey. She then spotted her mother being carried on one of the men's backs.

"Is my mother alright?"

"She's tired."

It was strange that these men had cold-heartedly burned the city to the ground and threatened their lives were now so polite. Pei Yi saw that she could easily escape noticing that these men were not so skilled in speed, but she couldn't run the risk with her mother being in such a vulnerable position.

Jing Liang…I don't know what to do…I wish you were here… I hope you're ok …

"Ow!" Zhong Seng exclaimed as he tumbled to the ground.

"You know, for such amazing agility I saw you display back there, you're pretty clumsy," Jing Liang giggled.

"Hey now, it wasn't my fault. This stupid stick tripped me," Zhong Seng said, nudging the bush. "What a minute…this isn't a stick."

He stooped down and rummaged through the brush and picked up a long golden sword.

"Now who would throw away such a nice sword like this?"

"Wait a minute!"

Jing Liang ran towards him and snatched the sword his hands. She couldn't believe it. The sword revived some hope in her. She could even feel her essence on it.

"I-it's my mom's sword! It's Fortune's Favorite! My mom was here! She left this behind for me!"

She started running off to continue down the pathway. Her mom was there! She might catch up to them! She could find them; rescue them! But before she could run more then 5 paces a hand snatched her hand she was stopped abruptly. She turned and saw the Zhong Seng holding her back.

"What are doing! Let me go! We can catch up to them!"

Zhong Seng looked at her with a stern look.

"All we know is that she was here but we don't know how long ago and where else they've could've gone. They could be anywhere between from 5 to 10 hours ahead of us, and many forks come up along this path. You're wasting your energy to try to pursue them now. Stick to your original plan and get solid information rather then making rash impulsive decisions."

Jing Liang grew angry with Zhong Seng for raining on her hope but she did see reason in what he said. She loosened her resolve and relaxed. Mother would be ashamed if she saw me right now… Jing Liang found herself making many critical errors that would've resulted fatally if Zhong Seng had not been there to snap her back to her senses. In such a serious situation as this, Jing Liang could not afford to take such risks without support. Seeing her disappointment Zhong Seng attempted to get her mind off of it.

"We better set up camp. It's getting late and the woods are dangerous to travel by night."

Jing Liang tightened her grip on Fortune's Favorite and then looked up at Zhong Seng with a smile pasted on.

"You're right."

Zhong Seng had only known the girl for a few hours but he already knew the differences between her smiles. This one was forced. She was desperately trying to get herself together.

She's had a rough day…everything she knew and loved were taken from in one moment. She needs more time…time to settle and adjust to the situation.

"I'll get some fire wood. Find a spot near the trail and we'll set up there."

"Right."

Zhong Seng ran off as Jing Liang wandered a bit off the pathway. She found a small area with enough flat ground for a fire and comfortable distance away from it. She looked backed to the trail and saw that it was still clearly visible from where she was.

Perfect…I'm sure Zhong Seng can find me, so I have time to rest a bit…

She sighed out of exhaustion as she collapsed against a tree. The breeze was cool and the floor dry. All the sounds of the forest where magnified. Cicadas chirped and birds sang. Jing Liang slowly closed her eyes and relaxed a bit.

When she awoke Jing Liang heard the crackling of a fire and warmth on her body. She lazily blinked, slowly regaining her eyesight. A bright orange blur regained the shape of a campfire and she saw Zhong Seng stirring it. He was shirtless. Jing Liang then discovered that his shirt was now a blanket on top of her.

"You're awake? You should rest some more. You had a rough day," he said once he discovered her awake.

"Your shirt…" she began as she started to stir.

"Keep it. The nights get cold in the woods."

"But won't you get cold?"

"Heh, I told you that I was a traveling monk. I've been in places far more colder then this with nothing but under garments on."

Jing Liang couldn't help but giggle at the strange visual. Zhong Seng chuckled along as he stirred the fire, sending sparks up into the night sky.

It was definitely dark and the only light visible was the fire. She looked up to the sky but it was overcast. There were no stars. There was no moon…She looked back to the fire.

It's strange…the thing that took away my life within 1 moment is now what's keeping me from freezing to death…

She tilted her head down hoping her bangs would shield her eyes from view as tears welled up again. Before Jing Liang was known for never cried in front of anyone. Not even Pei Yi. However now she was crying for the 2nd time in front of this total stranger. Zhong Seng looked at Jing Liang, unsure of what to say.

"I'm sorry," she said, trying to keep her voice steady as she wiped away the tears, "don't mind me…I'm being just a fool right now. Heheh…"

Zhong Seng slowly walked towards Jing Liang and sat down next to her. He lifted his hand and placed it on her head with a pat. Jing Liang froze, not knowing what he was doing. He gently tilted her head onto his shoulder.

"You should rest…You had a rough day…"

Jing Liang blinked away the last few tears, surprised by his unorthodox kindness. She gently relaxed against him and smiled gazing at the fire once again before slowly closing her eyes.

Thank you…Zhong Seng…