Chapter 6- Flirting with Disaster
A few hours passed as Clary trucked through the narrow trees. The forest was calm, peaceful, beautiful, and irritatingly dense. The trees got taller and taller the deeper she ventured into the woods making it difficult to chart where she was going. It also made it difficult to see the position of the sun from under the canopy. As the shadows got larger Clary cursed her rotten luck. She was running out of time! Needing to rest, she finally relented and took a seat on a nearby rock.
The beautiful redhead wasn't sure if she was going the right way anymore. As a matter of fact, given that she had been walking for hours now she was most certain that she was lost. Clary doubted the wolf god would be lenient if she wasn't in the center of the forest by nightfall. He would no doubt be mad and she feared he would come back to the village looking for her. These thoughts began to overwhelm her and she picked up a rock and threw it at a nearby bush. Having eased her anger a bit, she was about to pick up another rock when she saw the bush move and heard a loud angry voice.
"Ow! That hurt!" a voice hissed. Clary jumped up from the rock and reached for an arrow. Loading it quickly into the bow she aimed it at the figure as it emerged.
It wasn't an animal, but a man. Looking at him, Clary gasped. He was perhaps one of the most handsome men she had ever seen. He had long shaggy golden blonde hair, tan rosy skin, high cheekbones, and the most spell casting hazel eyes that were more gold than anything. He was shirtless, his chest littered with drops of sweat, falling over his tight abs. She had not seen many men shirtless but had they looked like the man before, she would have given her entire pin money to have him pose for her just so she could capture the image of him. Something about him looked familiar and she struggled to place where or when she ever would have met him.
"Didn't anyone tell you it is rude to throw rocks at others?" The golden man groaned.
His words brought her back from her reprieve and she quickly closed her mouth, piercing her lips into a firm line. The man eyed her in annoyance while rubbing his head.
"Didn't anyone ever tell YOU it is RUDE to spy on people?' Clary demanded. The man grunted and began to stand upright.
"I was not spying," he growled.
Clary couldn't fathom what other reason this man would be out here hiding in bushes for. Maybe he was hunting like Max said Alec did? Regardless, Clary couldn't help the feeling in her gut that the man was lying. Why else would someone be cowering in the bushes? She hoped he meant her no harm. A woman alone in the forest might seem like good prey for some sick men. He wouldn't find an easy target in her though.
"Then what are you doing out here and who are you?" Clary asked him, letting a bit of venom grace her words.
His golden eyes blazed as they cautiously met hers. The man towered over her and handsome or not, she needed to keep her guard up. Clary watched him appraise her as his lips tilted down in disdain when they fell over the arrow.
"Just a friend of the forest and the creatures that live here." He answered, crossing his arms and dodging her question. "The god of the forest doesn't allow hunting within the inner forest. I should warn you that you wouldn't be the first to lose your life against the guardian of the forest for not obeying the laws of the forest."
"I'm not here to hunt." the redhead answered sharply.
"I know but it would be wise to explain the laws to you regardless. The inner forest is a safe haven for nature and you should know that hunting here is forbidden." the young man continued, moving to take a step towards her. Clary raised her arrow, aiming directly for his heart.
"I brought it for defense, not to hunt." Clary retorted in annoyance.
"Lower your weapon, Clarissa." the man commanded. "I mean you no harm."
It was an odd feeling that passed her as he spoke. It was as if she had no control over her body. The moment the command left the strangers lips she found herself lowering her weapon and returning the arrow back into her quiver. Taking a deep breath, Clary held onto her anger.
"If you mean me no harm then why were you spying on me? Who are you and how do you know my name?" she inquired with annoyance. The blonde just stared at her in disbelief. She sent him one last glare before folding her arms against her chest matching the man's stance.
"Call it spying if you will but this is my home and I like knowing who is tromping around my forest. I don't take kindly to hunters or people wishing to do harm here. Before you move forward, tell me, are you here to challenge the god of the forest or not?" He demanded.
At this Clary's anger faded. Perhaps she had misunderstood and the lad really was just looking out for the good of the animals. While Alec did come to the forest to hunt it was more to fish. He had already warned her that certain parts of the forest were sacred. That the wolf provided life to the forest and she already knew he protected its inhabitants.
"I have no desire to hunt beast nor god. I have already pissed off the forest god and would rather not continue on his bad side." she spoke, yet the look on the man's face didn't change. Taking another sigh, Clary relented.
"Truthfully, I have no desire to harm anyone, especially a creature who would mean the death of this place." Clary smiled sweetly, looking around. "It is beautiful here and if my presence has disturbed you I apologize. I am merely trying to make my way to the center of the forest before nightfall as I have been instructed to do so."
"Then why did you come into this forest with a weapon? Why would someone not wishing to hurt the god come armed?" the blonde inquired. Clary couldn't help but give him a look that said, "look who you are talking to."
"In case you haven't noticed I'm all alone in the middle of the woods. While I have no desire to hurt anyone, it would be idiotic to go into the wilderness without a way to defend oneself from something or SOMEONE…" She spoke, locking her eyes with him.
The man smiled a dazzling smile. Clary felt her heart leap in her chest and had to mentally calm herself down.
"I mean you no harm-"
"And yet you have been following me, hiding in bushes to spy on me, and have yet to give me YOUR name….although you seem to know mine." Clary insisted. "For all I know, you could be the big bad wolf and will strike the moment my back is turned."
"Does that make you Little Red Riding Hood?" the man quipped, smiling once again.
Clary wasn't naive to being flirted with surely. Yet, she had never been so affected by a man before. A bird flew ahead singing its good night song signally the fast approach of dusk. She needed to get moving. She didn't wish to make the god angrier.
"Forgive me, Mr. Stalker, but I am a bit in a hurry and I don't have time for this." Clary announced with exasperation. "Whatever this is?" she added gesturing to the air with her hand.
She had a deadline and this man was wasting her time. He obviously was going to be of no help and as long as he didn't intend to harm her there was little reason to waste time glaring at each other. Taking a deep breath, Clary turned and began walking away from the stranger.
"You really shouldn't be wandering through the forest alone." The man called out after her.
Clary rolled her eyes knowing full well he couldn't see her with her back to him.
"I'm not alone, remember? I have you ." She replied, increasing her walking pace. After a few moments she stopped to catch her bearings before looking up at the canopy. The center was to the North however with all the trees in the way it was almost impossible to see the sky. She was attempting to judge the direction that the sun was setting when she felt a hot breath against her neck.
"Are you lost?" A familiar voice whispered into her ear. Clary jumped into the air obviously startled which caused her to lose her footing and fell. Just as she was about to hit the ground a pair of strong arms wrapped around her.
Catching her breath Clary looked up and was met with a familiar pair of golden eyes. Normally, this would cause her to blush at the very least but all she felt was a rush of anger. Pushing the man's arms away she went to stand but his grip was firm.
"What is wrong with you? Why would you sneak up on someone like that?" she yelled. At this the blonde grinned.
Ignoring her comment he replied, "It is getting dark. You shouldn't be out here alone. As I've told you before, the forest can be very dangerous." Clary wanted nothing more than to slap that grin right off of his face.
"I can handle myself perfectly well, thank you. If you recall, I do have a bow and arrows so I suggest you try your charms on some other damsel, perhaps one actually in distress." She stormed.
"You are feisty."
"And you are troublesome. Why do you insist on continuing to follow me?" She huffed. If the young man was offended he didn't show it. If anything her anger seemed to amuse him all the more.
"I was going to offer you my help since you are obviously very lost." He replied, leaning his face into hers. Clary intrinsically leaned back, causing her to shift all of her weight onto his arms. She felt suddenly like she was a prey looking into the gaze of a wonton mate. Her cheeks blazed.
"I'm not lost!" she lied. "and even if I was, which I'm not, I wouldn't waste my time asking a stalker for help!" She replied holding onto her anger. The young man smiled showing his full white teeth. Then he chuckled.
"You're a terrible liar Clarissa but you've got guts. I usually admire that in a woman but this isn't your grandma's forest."
"I don't know, both seem to have big bad wolves." She whispered. The young man wasn't amused.
"You said it yourself that the forest god protects this forest." she spoke.
"He does." the blonde agreed.
"And he lives in the center of the forest?" she continued.
"He lives all around us." he supplied.
"Oh…well that is a relief. I should be more than safe then." Clary smiled, batting her eyelashes and turning around on her heel.
"You are not going to make it to the center of the forest by nightfall going the wrong way, carrot. You need a guide." The blonde spoke.
Clary paled, her body going tense. "How do you know where I'm going and...my name? I'll ask you one last time, who are you?" Clarissa demanded. His golden eyes sparkled, sucking her in. She watched, her body practically frozen.
"Someone who is trying to help you." He replied, pulling her up to stand on her own two feet. His eyes never leaving hers.
"And your name …"
Frowning he cast his gaze upwards before turning back to look at her.
"If you stop calling me that then I will tell you. My name is Johnathan but my friends call me Jace." he relented.
Clary stood in front of him in silence.
"So you are the Jace that Alec and Magnus told me about."
"The very same."
"From what they told me I thought you would be more pleasant. They told me you work for the god of the forest…."
Jace looked less than amused.
"I do…now, sunset is in an hour. I can lead you to the center of the forest, if you accept my proposition?" he asked, giving her an exasperated look.
The redhead shook her head reluctantly, taking a step backwards from the handsome stranger. The young man didn't look pleased to have his advances throated. Given his good looks Clary doubted he was turned down too often.
"I am not going to compromise my virtue for a stranger's directions." Clary defended.
Jace's eyes grew wide with surprise. Clearly, she had misunderstood his intentions.
"I desire nothing of the sort. I only meant to offer a trade. Your bow and arrows for safe passage to the center of the forest." Jace explained.
Clary took another tentative step backward. Looking down at the beautiful present that Alec had gifted her in her hands.
"That is….I can't. I'm sorry." the redhead replied. The young man's face turned down in a frown.
"I already explained that hunting isn't allowed where you are going." Warned the handsome stranger.
"It has nothing to do with hunting. These were a present from Alec….I… I would rather roam the forest than part with them." The redhead explained. He looked at her curiously before shaking his head. She could see the pity in his eyes.
"Then let's compromise, shall we? You can keep the bow and just give me the quiver of arrows. Arrows can be made easily, not that you should have any need for them in the center of the forest. What do you say, Little Red?" He stated. Clary eyed him suspiciously.
"Fine," She grunted, removing the quiver of arrows and handing it to him. "But don't think that I need arrows to best you if you plan on tricking me, Goldilocks."
"My name isn't Goldilocks." He grunted, though his eyes sparkled with mischief. Clary smiled coldly in return.
"And mine isn't Little Red." she demanded. The stranger smiled, threw the quiver over his shoulder and took her hand.
"Then, please follow me Lady Clarissa." Jace purred.
"Clary."
"What?" he asked.
"I prefer Clary. Unless you would rather I call you Johnathan?"
Jace's golden eyes appraised her.
"Lady Clary then….We must be on our way if we wish to reach our destination by nightfall." Jace supplied.
The redhead laughed.
"Just Clary is fine." she smiled weakly, following after him.
She followed him in silence for the first half an hour before fear began to ratch her gut. Unease grew with each step as she made her way closer towards the center. Not knowing what awaited her she opened her mouth to ask Jace, but decided against it.
"Hurry up, Clary. The forest god is not the forgiving sort." Jace commanded, having taken a large lead while she struggled with her thoughts.
"What can you tell me about the forest god?" the redhead asked.
"He is a powerful, merclist beast, who will kill any who threaten the safety of the forest." Jace began.
"Merclist?" Clary asked.
"Yes. I have seen him snap a man in two with one bite and obliterate a group of demons in seconds." Jace chuckled. "I warn you to watch yourself around him for he will always be watching you."
"But, Alec and Magnus said that he loved his people and that he would never hurt anyone under his protection." she replied meekly.
"You are NOT under his protection, Clary. You are an OUTSIDER and he will KILL you if he so desires."
The redhead stopped in her tracks. Fear lacing through her body at his words. Jace turned to face her, caught off guard by her panic stricken expression.
"You're…you're not trying to help me." Clary spoke, tears escaping down her cheeks.
"You're delivering me to my death."
Jace opened up his mouth to reply but she didn't hear what he said. The fear was so gripling and her fight or flight instincts so strong that she took off running in the opposite direction. She wasn't thinking about the consequences or her promise. All she could think about was the nightmare she had the other night, the giant pair of gold eyes that chased her through the forest, and her overwhelming desire to stay alive. She couldn't die. Not before saying goodbye to Lady Imogen, Isabelle, or her friend Simon. She had so much life to live and so many things she wanted to do. Fear overwhelmed her as a warm familiar light flowed through her body. Her gift always seemed to come to her the best when she was in danger. Her mind fogged over and the next thing she knew, everything went blank.
When she opened her eyes once again, she was on the ground somewhere different. While it still looked to be in the forest, it was vastly different from the dense brush that Jace had been leading her though. Jace! Where was he? Clary got to her feet and frantically began looking around but he was nowhere to be seen.
He was gone and once again she was lost. This time, she was really a goner. The canopy was so thick she couldn't see the sun at all. Much of the ground was covered in shadow. The sun was setting and she was probably nowhere near the center of the forest. To make matters worse, she ran from Jace. He would no doubt tell the guardian that she had bolted. Tears filled her eyes, racing down her cheeks. She broke their agreement. She didn't mean to run, she was just scared. Now, the village and her new friends would suffer.
For the first time in a long time Clary sunk to the ground in despair. Curling into a ball she brought her knees to her chest and began to cry. She cried for being a coward and running away, and she cried because she missed her friends. No doubt that Imogine would be at home worried sick about her and Clary would most likely never see her again. Her life forfeit in the All turmoil of events that occurred these last few days. Tears came pouring out soaking her dress as she lost all hope. As night approached, she knew it would only be a matter of time until the guardian of the forest found her and ended her life.
Clary didn't know how long she had been there, only that it was dark when she finally heard a sound that caught her attention. Looking up she heard another twig snap and turned to see a beautiful pair of deer. The doe looked at her curiously, taking a few steps forward to sniff her while the male stood completely still, appraising her. They were both majestic and beautiful. Smiling sadly, and with tears still streaming down her cheeks, she reached her hand out.
The buck turned and ran but the sweet doe came closer and allowed her to touch its snout. Clary's delicate fingers brushed its soft coat before scratching it behind the ear. The animal wasn't afraid and nestled down into the gap the redhead had planted herself in between the tree roots.
"You're a sweet girl." Clary whispered. Running her hand through the thick turf of fur on the doe's side as the animal rested its head on her lap. They lay like that for a while. The redhead lovingly petted the creature as tears continued to litter her cheeks. It was dark now and growing colder by the hour. Clary didn't know what she was going to do when the wolf came but she knew that he would come. It was only a matter of time and she needed to accept her fate.
Another snap in the distance caught her attention causing the doe to jump up. The skittish creature ran and left Clary feeling lonely once again. Bringing her knees once again to her chest, she curled up into a ball once more and began to cry.
"Clary." a voice called out softly.
Looking up, Clary saw Jace standing in front of her. He now had on a thick coat and a shirt was buttoned up to his neck. Flanked on both sides of him were the doe and buck she had seen earlier.
"Jace?" She asked, her voice hoarse from crying.
"Are you hurt?" he asked, leaning down to examine her face. It was obvious to see that she had been crying.
"No. I'm...ok." the redhead replied brokenly. Jace leaned forward and pulled her into his chest.
"I've been looking all over for you. How did you end here, upon the other side of the forest?" he asked.
Clary should have pushed him away but she couldn't. She was so tired and cold. Jace was warm and he smelled so nice, like sunshine.
"I...I don't know." she replied. "I was running...then I was here and it was dark."
"Why did you run?" Jace demanded, tilting her chin up to meet his gaze.
"I was scared. I knew going into the forest that I was going to die but when you said you said that the god was going to-"
"No, Clary." Jace shook his head, pushing away a stray tear from her cheek. "You misunderstood me. The god of the forest doesn't hurt beautiful maidens. He is a protector. All he desires is for the forest to be safe." Jace whispered reassuringly, pulling her back into his chest. The redhead shook her head, more tears falling down her cheeks and damping his shirt.
"You said I am an outsider and not under his protection." Clary defended.
"That doesn't matter. He wouldn't kill anyone without giving them a chance." Jace retorted. Clary shook her head vigorously.
"If you saw him last night you wouldn't be saying that. He was going to kill me last night when he thought I was a guard…no questions asked. He…He set the village on fire and was going to hurt my friends if I didn't come. He's a monster and for whatever reason he wants me dead." Clarissa cried. Jace's chest released a giant sigh before pulling her chin back up to face him.
"He thought you were a threat. All outsiders are threats here, Red. " The blonde vowed.
"I…I shot an arrow at him." Clary explained. Jace looked at her, trying to read the emotions on her face.
"Just to get his attention but…I doubt that would be forgiven. You…you said he doesn't forgive."
"There is nothing to forgive, Clary. He was wrong to do that. He knows that now." Jace argued, cupping her cheek.
"Please trust me, Clary. I would never have led you to the center of the forest if I thought for a moment you would be slaughtered. The guardian isn't going to trouble you as long as you follow his commands."
"Co-commands?"
"Yes. He wants you to stay in the center of the forest until he determines if you are a threat or not. It won't be forever, I promise. Once he knows you're not a spy for the king or here to hurt anyone, then he will give you his blessing and let you go." Jace explained.
"Oh!" Clary, shivered. "Well, I suppose that deal is off now...I broke our argument. I failed to make it to the center before sunset. He is going to attack the village now, because of me." Clary tearfully explained. Jace's arms tighten around her.
"No, Clary. The guardian knows you got lost and sent out the animals to find you. No harm will come to the village."
"Are you sure?" Clary inquired, taking a deep breath in an attempt to calm down.
"Yes…He, he told me as much when I saw him… while I was searching for you." Jace replied, pulling her up from the ground. It was cold and she couldn't help but shiver as the night air hit her skin. Jace quickly took off his jacket and pulled it over her shoulders.
"Stay here. I am going to make a fire so we don't freeze to death or get eaten by the bugs." Jace explained releasing her.
"I can help." Clary replied, taking a step to follow but Jace quickly put up his hand to stop her.
"No." he commanded sternly, causing her to stop in her tracks. His expression turned apologetic at once. "It is a new moon tonight and the forest is dark. It is dangerous to navigate even by moonlight but even without it…" he huffed.
"Even I have difficulty seeing what is around me. Please, stay here. I will be gone only for a moment." Jace promised.
Clary nodded her head, obediently. She had already caused him trouble and didn't wish to burden him further. Smiling Jace took off and true to his word was back a few minutes later with firefood.
He placed the stack of wood in a makeshift dirt circle and began to make a fire. The guards had done something similar during her imprisonment but clearly they were not as skilled as Jace. He had a small flame going in record time. Then, as she watched him work the flames when suddenly they turned blue.
"How on Earth?" Clary asked.
"The guardian." Jace replied. Clary couldn't help but remember those flames last night. As if reading her mind, Jace continued.
"The flames won't hurt you unless he wants them too. This is just a sign that he knows you're here. So, you can relax babydoll." the blonde smiled, making Clary feel a bit uncomfortable.
"Please, don't call me babydoll."
"Okay, Clary then. Relax, and try to get some sleep." he instructed.
"Sleep? Out here?" she asked. Looking around for a place not covered with moss or plants. She supposed she could climb up a tree and sleep in the branches. It would be a long way to climb up though.
"Come here." Jace spoke, releasing a sigh. Clary looked back to see him sitting nestled amongst the tree roots.
"What on Earth for?" she begged.
"You are shivering. Even with the fire and my jacket, you will get sick. If you come here, I can warm you."
Clary blushed.
"Oh yes, I am sure I would be nice and warm underneath you." she retorted sarcastically. Jace rolled his eyes and smiled.
"Well, I am not going to deny that you certainly would be warm in that … position but my reasons are strictly gentlemanly."
Clary eyed him cautiously.
"Relax, Red. The guardian would tear me limb from limb if I tried to force myself on you. I misspoke before, while you may not yet have his blessing…you are after all under his protection." he explained. "Not that I would ever do that, mind you. I prefer my ladies willing."
Another shiver rocked her body before she nodded her head reluctantly. When she was in front of him Jace grabbed her and carefully pulled her down and laying her against his chest.
"Clary had to admit, he was warm. Draping his coat over them like a blanket, they both sat in silence looking at the fire.
"I'm sorry." Jace spoke, finally breaking the silence.
"For what?" she asked.
"For scaring you." he answered. "I was going to explain that the guardian wanted you to remain in the forest center when we got there. There is a cave with a warm bed and some furniture from when I used to live there. I didn't mean to scare you and cause you to run away."
"It wasn't entirely your fault…I was already having second thoughts the closer we got."
"Yes, second thoughts are strong enough to run through half the forest. I didn't realize you were so fast." Jace probbed.
Clary frowned. She didn't want to tell him about her gift. The man had already seen her cry and now she was forced to spend the night in his company. She felt like she had already exposed a part of herself that she normally kept hidden. She didn't feel like revealing more tonight.
"You said you work for the guardian? What is it that you do exactly?" she felt him shift uncomfortably.
"I help him by keeping patrol and making sure the animals are safe."
"Is that all?" she pried.
"That is all I am willing to say. Remember, you are still on probation. We have to make sure you're not working for King Valentine." Jace remarked playfully.
"Ugh! That man is ruining my life! I hope someone kills him and the kingdom can finally have peace!" Clary spat.
"The guardian told me that you said you were from Ignis? Will you tell me about it?" Jace asked, draping his arms around her.
"Not much to tell. A small city with smoky skies and fires that blaze all night from the King's demonic workforce." she answered, suppressing another shiver.
"What is he working on?" Jace asked curiously.
Sighing, Clary leaned back against his chest.
"Weapons mostly. The King plans to attack the Lovelace and Wayland Kingdoms. I suppose he is finally tired of them plotting against him. No one knows when he will actually do it though. He has been talking about it for years."
A few moments passed in silence before Clary decided to break it.
"Jace?"
"Yes," he replied.
"Magnus said that you, Alec, and Max came from the capital." she began. "How long have you been here, over the wall?"
"A long time, Clary. A long time." he whispered.
"I'm sorry."
"Why?" he asked.
"Well, surely you must miss your family. Perhaps if I knew more about you I could tell you about what happened to them." she replied sweetly.
Jace's arms tightened around her, curling her body deeper into his embrace.
"My family is dead. It is of little consequence now." he replied sadly.
Clary looked up and met his gaze, her heart began to beat frantically in her chest. If it weren't for the pity she might get lost in his smoldering eyes. Cheeks burning she leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek.
"Thank you for finding me." she whispered against his skin before laying her head back down.
Resting her cheek upon his chest she had hoped to hide the bright blush on her face. If she had seen his smile, she would have known that she failed.
"You're welcome, Clary." he whispered before they both drifted off to sleep listening to the crackle of the blue flames.