William pulled at the strap of the saddle on the black stallion. A tall steed with a decorative saddle that had a harness that wrapped around his chest and back. Aria stood not far from them, keeping a short distance as William tended to the horse. Her eyes stared down at her hands, tracing over the small scar across her palm. She lifted her eyes for a moment, letting them fix upon the spot she cut with the rusted chain. A breath of air left her, while for a second she pressed her thumb against the scar.

Her fingers slid up her hand and made their way to her wrist. Aria's fingertips brushed against the scar and then another and another. For a brief moment, she felt nothing. An empty void sucked all of her away, leaving a hollow shell. A surge of heat sprung from her scars, each becoming more riled than the next until she felt her arms and back completely submerged in heat. Her arm clenched around her wrist, squeezing while her breath faded.

Once more, she could smell the moisture in the air. The cold air strung against her skin. Her fingers rubbed against the dirt that caked over her hand. She tilted her head back, and took one deep breath before lowering her head.

"What are you doing?" Aria asked as William lowered the stirrup of the saddle. He shot her a glance as he made his way towards the other horse.

It was a mare who was much thicker and shorter than the black stallion, and had a buckskin coat with a dark mane. Similar to the stallion, she had an elegant saddle with a harness across her chest. Her face was wider compared to the stallion's, and her mane wasn't nearly as long nor braided like his.

"I'm preparing the horses for travel," William said while reaching underneath the mare. "What does it look like I'm doing? We'll be on the road for at least a couple of days maybe longer and that's just getting to where we're heading."

Crossing her arms over her chest, Aria stepped in the sloppy mud as she made her way towards William. Just as she drew near, the mare bobbed her head up and down and began to dig her front hoof into the mud. Aria uncrossed her arms, holding them out before her as she took a few steps back.

William quickly moved himself out from underneath her, and jumped in front of her with his arms raised. In a deep voice, he called out to the mare. After a few attempts, the mare calmed. Aria watched as William placed his hand against her face and rubbed up and down before turning to Aria.

"I want you to ride my horse, Exodus," William demanded as he pointed towards the tall black stallion. Aria cocked her head to the side and held her arms out, causing William to chuckle under his breath. "I know he is tall, but he is calmer than Lady here."

Aria rolled her eyes before walking over to Exodus. Standing at his side, she took in a deep breath while rolling up the sleeves of her baggy red shirt. She gripped the horn and the rear of the saddle, and moved her left foot to be placed into the stirrup. For a couple of seconds, she bounced before jumping and swinging her leg over onto the other side. Both of her hands gripped onto the horn of the saddle tightly, until she had finally taken a few breaths.

William pulled himself up with one jump, and took hold of the reins. With a small press of his heel, Lady walked as he guided her to Aria. Aria looked down at the reins before her, and took them into her hands. She could see her hands shaking as she lifted the reins slightly, causing her to look towards William with beseeching eyes.

"It's been awhile since I rode a horse," she said with a fake laugh.

"Just relax and breathe," William said gently. "They can sense what you're feeling and if you're anxious then he will know and feel it too. Take a deep breath, and have a sense of confidence and control. Show him that you're in charge and he will listen."

Listening to his words, Aria took a deep breath as she held onto the reins. Breathing in through her nose and out through her mouth, she loosened her grip on the reigns. It took a couple of attempts, but she eventually calmed herself down and pressed her heels against Exodus' sides, enticing him to move forward.

The two rode side by side, ensuring that their horses matched in pace--which it was mainly William who matched Aria's pace--as they traveled down the path to the east of Lukosea. Aria often found herself looking towards the fields of farmland spread outside of Lukosea's walls. Many children roamed and tended to many of the different assortments of crops, however, it appeared to Aria that the crops were broken into sections for each different type of crop and held one or two farmhouses per a plot of land.

"You haven't told me what we're doing," Aria said while she turned her head to look at William.

"We're going to one of our outposts," William announced as he pulled a waterskin from his hip. "The King needs proof and reasoning to believe that the Venom situation is true."

"Are you saying that I was lying?" Aria said with a sharp tongue. William merely looked at her from the corner of his eye as he drank from the waterskin. A small trail of water dripped down the side of his face and fell towards his jaw. Once he pulled the waterskin from his lips, he used the sleeve of his tunic to wipe the water away.

"While I may believe that you're not lying, I cannot say the same to the King's council members. In fact, from what I've heard many of them just believe you to be a spy." Aria's hands clutched the reins as he spoke with truth. Pursing her lips, she sealed her mouth shut from any words that may accidentally fall from her lips. "How does that make you feel?"

They were a sharp blade laced with poison. Or so, that was how she perceived the situation. Her mind raced with a million thoughts and words that she could potentially say. They scrambled around her head, some forming sentences and others formed questions.

Is there even a way to prove myself innocent?

William watched her out the corner of his eye. She knew he was, for she did the same. While she had grown to slightly enjoy his company, he was much different from her. There were times where she pondered his thoughts. What does he view me as? Once more her mind pondered, questioning trust in herself and those around her. She looked away, turning her gaze away from the problems and buried them deep within herself.

"I think they're all full of themselves," she mumbled out.

A fake and pitiful laugh left William while he adjusted himself in his saddle. Aria's eyes rolled back as she turned her head away from him. For a brief moment, she heard him click his tongue in agitation. Yet, like she was fighting a battle, she refused to look at him as if it meant defeat.

"That would make you the naive one." The next words that came out of his mouth stopped her breath for a moment. "Did you really think no one would expect the girl with the tattoo of Venom to be a spy just pretending to be wounded and scared?"

She bit her lower lip, swallowing her pride. A split second, she felt the back of her neck and wrist burn with remembrance. Her fingers crept towards her wrist. She took a deep breath and raised her head towards the sky to see a bird flying overhead.

"I didn't, mainly because at the time I had no moments to spare thinking about what others viewed me as. I was constantly trying to run and hide."

William stopped in his tracks the moment the words left her. She looked over at William, seeing as he was no longer at her side, but instead had pulled his horse to a halt. Pulling on the reins, she looked back at him. His eyes drifted to the side.

"Do you think I'm a spy?" she asked with a faint voice. Aria tilted her head back. William's eyes followed hers, looking up at the bird that flew overhead.

"In all honesty, no." William voiced with sincerity, causing her to look back at him. With the kick of his legs, he guided the horse towards Aria's side. "That day I first met you in that cell, I saw true fear in your eyes like a wild animal trying to protect itself from hunters. I then saw that same fear again when you used yourself as bait at that camp."

Aria averted her eyes, gritting her teeth. Images flashed through her mind, memories of the time in the cage. The very sounds of shackles and chains sent her body with chills. As she held her hand to her wrist, she took a deep breath. A means to calm her nerves. While she breathed, William spoke once more.

"You're also a woman who's willing to sacrifice herself for a child you barely knew. I don't know your past and I will not pry until you're ready to talk, but know that I won't view you any differently. The action's you've shown me unveiled that you're a woman who cares about others."

I've killed.

Aria took a deep breath, looking down at her hands. Just barely, she could still see the lines of the red paint smeared on her hands. No amount of water could ever truly wash away the stains. If she were to stand before a mirror with her flesh exposed, she could see the stories of herself. She could make out the marks and outlines of the past. She's been molded. Hands have touched her clay, sculpting her to their image only to chip off a piece of the work.

Aria looked towards William. While she was red clay, he was like porcelain through her eyes. A material delicately crafted towards perfection. She could see the shine on his skin and the diaphanous patterns that were carved into. He had to be beautiful, and polished for the eyes of the public. He was. The manner of how he dressed, stood, and even talked appeared with exquishion.

"You can call it a hunch. I guess that I have a gut feeling that you're being honest." The sound of his voice snapped into her. A beautiful balance of deep and smooth, which also made him appear like an excellent craft. She bit back her lip. A small smile etched onto the corner of his lips. Yet, his eyes told a different story compared to his lips. Aria could see the lace of worry in them, for she saw it many times on slaves who bore masks of smiles.

Perhaps you're not as perfect as I believe.

There was a silence, and the two rode deeper into the small patch of woods. Although the two would have small banter, most of the ride was silent. Soon, the sun fell into its slumber, and the moon rose to take its shift. Using a simple torch for light, William insisted that they kept riding for a little longer. Aria peered into the darkness that had swallowed around them, almost anticipating for something to jump out of the shadows. Fake hands within the darkness would reach out for her, causing her voice to catch in her throat.

The only noise that filled her ears was the insects and wildlife. However, Aria heard it. The sounds of breaking twigs, growing louder the longer they walked. Her arms jerked back the reins, pulling Exodus to a stop. Something pulled her view, as if a mist had passed through her body. Soon the only sounds was the blood rushing through her ears and the pounding of her heart.

"Listen."

Blood drained from Aria's face the moment she heard a whisper. She whipped her body to the side, her breath catching in her throat as panic festered. Her eyes darted through the darkness, searching for something that she did not know. Yet, she could hear a breath. It was faint. As if it came from afar, but was also close. Unfilled words and sounds cut through her hears, and only moments did she hear full words.

Just then, looking down at her side did she saw as her shadow began to move on its own. Slowly, it rose from the ground. A shape that was not hers formed. It rose it's hand. Aria spotted the glowing symbol etched into the palm of the figure as it reached towards her arm.

She slipped on her words, and her heart jumped the moment it's hand rested on her arm. Just as she pulled back, the figure yanked her down from her horse. A yelp came from Aria as her body collided with the hard ground. Pounding filled her, a drum beat that made her lose her mind. Aria reached for her dagger, looking up at the figure. Her blood froze as she watched the shadows slowly fall from the figure.

A woman stood in the place of the shadow. Her deep brown hair flowed down her back, tied into multiple clumps. Turning to Aria, her violet eyes glowed for a brief moment as her dark fingers reached for the staff with antlers behind her back. Aria noticed the two horns on her head with tips that glowed before dimming. The woman was dressed unusually
She had a cloak the color of the forest draped around her back. Her shirt appeared more like beige fabric wrapping around her waist than a tunic that was traditionally worn. While she wore light colors, her dark skin complimented them.

Lightning shot towards her. She swung her staff, molding the shadows into a wall in front of her and Aria. Spinning the woman slid the tips of the horns onto the staff against the ground, which sent the shadow wall against her mark.

Aria's eyes widened as the bolt shot from the shadows and up into the sky. Jerking her head, she looked at William. His eyes glowed brightly as small amounts of electricity came from them. The woman stomped her feet, holding out her hand and tilting her head.

"Why are you attacking me?" the woman shouted in a thick accent. The horses grew rowdy and reared as they moved away. Drawing his blade, William jumped down from his horse. The woman lifted her staff and held out one of her palms out towards him. "Listen to me, I'm helping not attacking you."

Aria pulled herself up. A rough grip went around her throat, tugging her back. Thrown against a tree, her ears rang. Every nerve screamed for a moment as the hand pressed against the back of her neck. Pain consumed her. Prickling needles that constantly stabbed her as she attempted to gain her bearings. She tasted iron.

Feeling a grip against her clothes, Aria was lifted from the ground. Gravity pulled her down as if trying to save her. Quickly she reached for her dagger, pulling it from its sheath. The man pulled her closer and then slammed her against the tree. The force threw her head back against the trunk, making lights dance across her vision.

Pulling out her dagger, she rammed the blade into the side of the man's arm. He dropped her, screaming as he yanked the blade from his flesh. Crimson splattered over Aria's face like thick red paint upon an artist's canvas. The dagger was the brush that he sought to tore through canvas with.

Even though her vision was dizzy at the moment, she could still make out the mad smile the man flashed her. Gripping the dirt, she pushed herself back. When he drew closer, she noticed the familiar gold snake tattooed into his chest. It almost appeared as if the snake moved along his skin waiting for a moment to thrash.

Adrenaline flowed through her veins. Her breath quickened while her thoughts turned to mush. Her fingers dug into the dirt, throwing it towards her attacker's face.

With a the snap of a twig to her right, she jerked her head. Pain swelled through her jaw from a forceful punch. Iron frolicked along her tatebuds and lips, putting on a performance as it trailed down chin. Taking hold of her dagger, she closed her body of openings.

Aria's shadow warped, moving in a way that was unnatural. Shooting from the ground, it punched one of the men. It pushed him away. The shadow flew towards the other man. They collided. Darkness swallowed him, pulling him. Aria watched as his body slammed hard against a tree. Then nothing. He had gone limp and was dropped.

The woman had charged after the other man. Throwing her staff into the air, the man raised his head. Unaware that she had slid between his legs, she hook her body around. The woman kicked the back of his leg. He collapsed. Not long after, she sprung to her feet. Stepping over him, she held out her palms where two symbols glowed. The shadows wrapped around him, pulling him to where only his head was above ground.

"Now, stay there. I would love to have a talk," the woman said while kneeling over him. "The minute I close my hand the shadow will swallow you whole, and unless you're a ombris like me then you won't be able to breathe. So, I suggest you talk."

Aria moved her body, attempting to pull herself from the ground. However, the woman shot her a gaze. Aria's blood went cold. Placing her dagger down, she lifted her arms to her.

"Why did you attack these people?" The woman asked. "I was there when you made whispers about hurting them. What is the reason?"

"Why do you care?" The man spat back.

"Because I'm mutual of course." A smile crossed the woman's face as she brushed a strand of her hair back. "I like to know reasons before I officially choose a side."

The man eyed her down, spitting at her face. The woman used her arm to rub away his spit. With narrowed eyes, she lifted herself up. The bandit smiled as he thrashed his body around. Her fingers curled. For a moment, Aria saw fear in the man's eyes as he sunk deeper to where only his face was visible.

"Why would I submit to a halfling like you," he said with a sly smile. But, there was still fear in his eyes.

The woman clasped her fingers together, and the man went completely under. Aria watched as the woman counted to herself. After two minutes passed, the woman stuck her hand into the shadow. She pulled the man above the ground. Aria flinched the moment his body slammed against the dirt. Her heart pounded against her chest like the drums of war.

The woman turned her head towards Aria, stepping over him as she made her way towards her. Aria pushed herself against the tree. Yanking her head to the side, Aria saw her dagger. Without a second thought, her fingers wrapped around the dagger.

"Your name is Aria, correct?" the woman asked. "The men spoke of you while they were tailing you. The elf that someone called Aldrich wants you alive and back to his side."

Aria stiffened at her words. Her muscles growed taught at the sound of his name. A type of poison that was slowly eating her from the inside. Every bit of her went weak, but she bit back her fear. She put a muzzle on it, holding it back. Aria pulled herself from the ground, holding the dagger close to her stomach.

"He's the bandit hunting me because I was his slave and I escaped him," Aria spoke with honesty.

The woman nodded her head to Aria, placing her hands at her stomach and slightly dipping her head for a moment. Aria then watched as she dropped to the floor. A bolt of electricity tore through the air, digging into one of the trees. The smell of burnt bark filled her nose.

Aria jolted, looking to see William breathing heavily. Sparks licked his fingers which he brought to his sword. With a stroke to his sword, the electricity coiled around the blade. William swung the sword down to the ground. The woman rolled away, kicking herself back to her feet. She held out her hands and William smiled.

"Your magic is thinning," he said with a cocky tone as he touched the edge of his sword. "Your palms have grown dim. When you were fighting me earlier you used a lot of range attacks, but my specialty is close range."

"Wait, Eqos you have the wrong--" the woman protested as William charged with his sword in hand.

Once he was close. He swung his sword. She bent down, swerving her body underneath his arm. She hooked her arms around his. Her foot slid over him. Clutching her hand over her other wrist, she swung her body weight to pull him. Her heel rammed to the back of his knees, throwing his balance.

The two collided with the ground. William had curved his body, ensuring to throw her off. He swung his arm. The woman blocked with her forearm. Taking hold of his wrist, she guided his sword to land between their heads. With his other hand, William went for the opening at her chest. But, she was quick to block.

Still holding his wrist, she kicked from his body. She swung her hips. Bringing her legs near his face, she wrapped tightly around his head while twisting his arm away.

"If you would just listen," the woman strangled to get out as she squeezed around his head.

"How do we know you're not with Venom?" William questioned.

She tilted her head at his response. Aria walked up behind the woman, jolting the moment she released William's hand. Grabbing hold of Aria, she flipped her over her body and onto William. She rolled back, backflipping herself to her feet.

"Who are you?" Aria questioned while lifting her head up from William's chest.

"My name is Suyi," the woman stated with a dip of her head. "I'm glad to see that you are alright, Aqas. As well to see that unlike this sturdas that you choose to speak."

"Aria, she could be..." William began before Aria placed a hand over his mouth.

"You pulled me from the horse to save me," Aria stated. "I saw the arrow." Suyi nodded at Aria's words, while shooting a glance at William.

"I am a traveler. I came to Ralium in search for something and as I was traveling I noticed two men tailing you two that spoke of something called Venom and the desire for you. I do not know much of this land's customs and culture."

Aria felt William tug at her hand, pulling it from his mouth. Aria looked down, seeing his glare and normal eyes once again. Using her hand, she pushed against him and lifted herself up. Taking hold of his arm, she helped him off the ground as well.

"You bare the seal of the fox and roses," Suyi mention while looking at William. "You are with the royal family?"

"I'm a knight," William responded while brushing himself off. "Usually attacking a knight can be seen as an offense."

Suyi tilted her head. She pushed strands of her hair back while looking back at the two men. Aria clentched her jaw, waiting for a response. Questions rattled through her.

Who are you? Can you be trusted or are you working for him?

"If you're a knight, then who are these men? You mentioned Venom before but who exactly is that?" Suyi said while stepping back to the men. She looked at the tattoo etched into one of the men's chest.

"They're a large bandit group in the country. You can usually tell they're part of the group by the tattoo. How do we know you're not part of them," William said while picking up his sword. "Afterall, you didn't kill those men."

Aria didn't realize. Looking down at the man that Suyi stood over, she noticed the small rise and fall of his chest. A cold sweat began to build on her as if embracing her to the truth. Her breath got caught in a snare. Slowly, her green eyes looked towards her dagger and down to the tattoo.

"I said it before," Suyi began. "I am new to these lands. The first time I stepped foot in Ralium was a week ago at the harbor in Valfort. The only reason I didn't kill those men was because I did not know the dispute between you and it is against my ways to kill those who are innocent."

Aria's eyes remained focused on the tattoo. She waited. Something was to happen, for she knew it was never simple. The controller was a schemer, and to him it was not time to move his pawn. The sounds of Suyi's and William's voices drowned into nothing but silence as she watched and waited.

The inked moved. Aria twitched with anticipation. As the snake's head rose from the man's head, Aria bolted. Suyi and William were caught off guard and both reached for their weapons. Aria slid to the body, clasping the snake that had just lunged after Suyi.

With a hiss, the snaked thrashed it's body back towards Aria. She swung her dagger, aiming for the head.

The snake dodged her blade, coiling its body around her arm and sinking deep into her skin. A flash went through her eyes and for a moment she saw Drake's eyes staring back at her.

Raising her dagger, Aria aimed for her arm. A layer of tears glazed over her eyes, preparing herself to rid of it. William took hold of her arm, prying the dagger from her and taking hold of her other arm.

She looked at him, a small tear falling down her cheek. His thumb rubbed over her skin. She heard his breath fell from him. The snake now laid dormant on the skin of her arm.

Hello everyone! Here is the long awaited chapter that I struggled with. I hope you guys like it and I'm very sorry there hasn't been an update in so long.