Aeryn broke from her sleep at the sound of chirping birds, finding herself in the hazy state of consciousness before one was truly awake. She usually hated this stage, for she always had a hard time distinguishing between dreams and reality. Today, however, Aeryn felt so peaceful that she allowed herself a moment of serenity to indulge in.

Before even opening her eyes, Aeryn's mind began to slowly embrace the world around her. She could feel an unfamiliar force surrounding her body, but she didn't pay much attention to it. Being in such a tranquil state, Aeryn only cared that it was warm and protective. Instead, she focused on the comforting scents of the forest: pine trees and decomposing leaves, laced with the smell of elfroot and other herbs. Feeling the moist ground and sensing the humidity in the air, Aeryn concluded that there had been rainfall throughout the night. She remembered something about a storm the day before... but she couldn't recall what specifically... Aeryn heard a bird chirp again. Then a rustle of leaves, followed by a soft clopping sound. Halla, she thought. There had also been something about a Halla in that story... she searched her brain, but could not find an answer. Why could she not remember?

Aeryn felt the force surrounding her body begin to move in slow, rhythmic motions. Startled, she allowed her mind to focus on the stirring object. She recognized that it was moving, but her mind could not fathom why. Slowly, she came to the realization that if it was moving, it was alive... and if it was alive, then it was not a something... but a someone... Aeryn jerked awake. Turning, she found herself staring into the face of her best friend. Panicking, she looked around and discovered that her small body was curled up inside of Tamlen's sleeping frame. His half- naked, sleeping frame.

Dread started creeping through Aeryn's veins. No, she thought. No, no, no, no, this wasn't supposed to happen. She disentangled herself from Tamlen's embrace without waking him, then snatched her armor and shuffled out of the tent as quickly as possible. Grabbing her bow, which was thankfully resting against a tree where she had left it the night before, she sprinted into the trees. Wishing to distance herself from the tent as much as possible, Aeryn didn't stop until she came to a stream overflowing from the recent storm. Realizing she could go no further, Aeryn collapsed onto the ground and threw her face into her hands.'

What have I done? she thought. I've ruined everything. The Dalish forbid any kind of physical affection until marriage; kissing wasn't even allowed until official bonding had begun. But honestly, she didn't really care about that. She had broken plenty of rules with Tamlen, and it wasn't like every other young Dalish wasn't doing the same thing. Every other Dalish was doing the same thing. Yes, that was what was really bothering her.

Aeryn and Tamlen had been friends for as long as either of them could remember. Their story was almost identical to every other couple's in the clan: boy, girl, childhood friends... and then what? Hunting partners, love, marriage. That was the way it always worked. And honestly, she expected nothing different for them. In fact, Aeryn couldn't imagine herself with anyone but Tamlen. And yet, there was still a gnawing feeling inside of her that she didn't want to follow the same path... that she wanted them to be different...

Yes, Aeryn loved Tamlen; she knew that. But in what way, she couldn't be certain. If she was sure of one thing, however, it was that they were not so desperately in love that they had to disobey the clan's rules and sneak out to share forbidden love. Was that Tamlen's intention all along? Was this even serious for him? Or would he shrug it off as soon as he awoke? Tears started falling before Aeryn could stop them. She wasn't one to get emotional, but the influx of conflicting feelings overwhelmed her. In desperation, she grabbed her bow and shot an arrow into the forest.

"Not aiming that at me, were you?" a voice called from the trees. Tamlen's voice.

Aeryn gasped and threw herself behind a tree. Tamlen emerged, laughing at her.

"I can still see you, you know," he chuckled.

Stupid. Aeryn thought. What a stupid thing to do. Hiding behind a tree? Harel Elgarn'nan, what has gotten into me...?

But what else was I to do? I can't let Tamlen see me... not in this state...

"Aeryn?" Tamlen called. "Are we playing hide and seek now? I would protest, seeing as it is a bit childish, but who knows what will happen with you."

Are you kidding me? Aeryn thought furiously. Was he joking? Knowing Tamlen, the answer was probably yes... and still anger arose in Aeryn for no apparent reason. Deep down, she knew that his words were casual flirting, if that. And that Tamlen couldn't possibly know how she was feeling at the moment. Yet her anger uprooted her from her hidden position, and she marched towards Tamlen. Insults of every nature were waiting on the tip of her tongue... but as soon as she saw his face, her fight deteriorated completely.

"Aeryn? Is everything alright?" Tamlen asked, his voice shaking.

She simply stared at him. His hair still ruffled from sleep, his armor loosely hanging on his body, his eyebrows knitted, his mouth left slightly open... concern was etched onto every inch of his face. It was undeniable. And yet, Aeryn refused to believe it.

"Just... just... leave me alone" she muttered, trying not to break down.

"Aeryn," Tamlen said, attempting to put his arm around her. "Please, just tell me what's bothering you..."

But she shoved him away. "I said leave me alone!" she shouted, then sprinted back into the forest.

Tamlen heard a small sob as Aeryn's frame disappeared into the trees. He was left standing there, rooted to the spot. His arm remained in the air, in the spot where her shoulders should have been.