Darius stood at the gates of the Temple of Light, taking in the majestic white stone structure guarded by towering walls, and wondered why did those inside got to live in safety while others suffered. He could see through the bars acres of rich agricultural land- vivid, and bountiful crops. They stood out like a beacon to the white stone walls, making everything seem that much more luscious. He vaguely question if he was walking into Darkness or Light.

He noticed the stables off to the left of the temple. It was well kept, no holes or fixed patches, and made from hard durable wood- the kind only the wealthy could afford. Some horses were galloping and prancing in the gated pasture nearby, while others were lazing about- gazing or simply enjoying being out in the open. But what really caught his eye was the girl.

He watched the slender girl, with a shovel in hand, cleaning out the barn. She looked like she belonged with the horses; wild and spirited. Her long dark burgundy hair waltzed with the wind as her violet robe billowed around her. As the wind itself couldn't get enough of her. Every now and then, glimpses of her leather boots could be seen. They were caked with mud and dust; no doubt due to her working in the barns.

Hated to admit it, but he was surprised to see a little thing, such as her, doing hard labor. Normally that sort of work fell to the boys; young and strong- able to work hard. Especially in a well off place such as this. Though he had to say, the animals did respond to her eagerly.

Hearing voices escalate, Darius turned his attention back to what was before him; a group of weatherworn, battle-weary, thugs. And he was among them, five total including him, who were pleading for sanctuary. Though by the sound of it, things weren't going as planned.

The Sister of Light stood in front of them, holding her ground with her head held high. Her arms were crossed over her stomach as if she herself was strong enough to even command the mountains to move and rivers to stop. At the precise moment Darius was watching her, she was shaking her head no; not about to budge. He listened, again, as Gabel asked for a place to stay in the Temple of Light and was getting no where. A comrade of theirs, Levi, had gotten himself hurt in their attempted rescue of him. Knowing the tales of his people, from long ago, about Sisters of the Light having healing powers the group had hoped they'd receive their help.

His companions and he had traveled long and hard in order to escape the Courts. Their horses could barley stand and the supplies had run short, making them in need of rest and recuperation. To be turned away meant death for Levi, the horses, and quite frankly even themselves. He wasn't about to let that happen.

"I won't have rift-rats dwelling in the sacred Temple of Light. How you men got past the mountains and forest is beyond me," muttered Sister Amila, "But it was a wasted effort. What you ask is too much!"

"Please Sister, this is our last and only hope. Isn't it your duty, in serving the Goddess of Light, to help those in need? To show them the way to the light?" asked Gabel, taking a step forward.

Darius had enough with this old foolish biddy. Who did she think she was, to judge them? She knew nothing about them. Sure their race wasn't human, still though, a life was a life. He was about to come forward, when he saw a man walking towards them. Darius looked at him, recognizing him instantly. Kindred to his own kind, though only partly. Easy to see why nobody picked up on it.

"Amila, what is going on?" asked Brother Joseph, his deep gruff voice carried over the distance as he gave the strangers a warning glance, and made his way to them.

"These men seek our help and aid. If you wish to call them men." she said, looking them up and down with distaste.

Brother Joseph came up behind Sister Amila, placing his hand on her shoulder, and pushed her slightly to the side. He took a moment to take in the new comers and froze. He couldn't believe what he saw. It had been a long time indeed.

"Sorry for Sister Amila. She is overly protective of our temple here," he said, stopping any more protest from the Sister. "We will gladly welcome any who comes asking for help. It is the way of the light. We will offer what aid we can." Before the Sister could say anything further, he turned her away. "Sister, I believe Lea is waiting for your assistance. I will attend to the men." he spoke, leaning over her shoulder.

The group parted ways, leaving an infuriated Sister Amilia behind, as they headed toward the stable.

.............

Alexus, finished with mucking out the stalls, washing them down. She ignored the ache that burned in her arms as she laid out fresh hay. Then she brought the horses back in; none of which fought her. It was approaching dusk; orange glow permeated through the windows, giving the place a warm feeling - one of her favorite times to spend in the barn. It was serene, like a far away magical place that was hers alone. That was in the world, but not part of it.

She grabbed a brush and began to rub down the brown mare. It relaxed her; the simple repetitive motion, soothing and calming, eased her into a meditated trance.

The horses seemed to be noble beings to her; strong- slender muscles, tall frame, and an ability to cross time faster than any human. Hug eyes with endless pools of depth were kind and nonjudgmental, nothing like the majority of the people she knew. She started to sing a lullaby as she brushed.

"Little babe, don't you cry.

Little child, It will be alright.

Little girl, don't you fear.

Little boy, close your eyes.

Look up to the sky.

Look for the Goddess of light.

Look for her to appear.

Look for her up high.

Little babe, your eyes she will dry.

Little child, she will hold you tight.

Little girl, she will hold you near.

Little boy, she will make you wise.

This be the promise she implies:

She will stay with your through the night.

She will watch over you dear.

Through the looking glass, she scries.

Little babe, go to sleep.

Little child, dream of peace.

Little girl, no need to weep.

Little boy, pray to me."

The horse nuzzled her head against the palm of Alexus' hand, seeking connection and affection after Alexus had set down the brush. She'd complied without complaint, wishing for the same thing. However, she heard the approach of men and stopped singing. Nothing peaceful in this place ever lasted, not for her.The clatter and stomping of horses' hooves hitting the ground vibrated through the wooden planks. Looking over her shoulder, she saw Brother Joseph entering the stables. Her lips turned upwards, as she began to smile. The smile was short lived, though, when she saw the company that followed. She looked at him with questioning eyes before taking in the strangers.

They were a mess. Their riding gear, matching forest green tunics and black trousers, were torn and stained beyond repair. Their black clad boots were covered in mud. Not only did their gear match, but they'd resembled one another as well. The ears were slightly more pointed rather than rounded with high cheek bones. It was their eyes though that frightened her the most. They reminded her of wolves; alert, wild, and lethal. She shivered, thinking by just one penetrating glance into her eyes, they'd see the depths of her soul.

"Alexus, see to their horses. They are our guests, who will be staying with us for the time being. I am going to show them around and take them to their rooms," Brother Joseph spoke as he took the leads from the men, handing them over.

Alexus was thankful for the distraction, a chance to get away from them, as she hastily grabbed the reins. Something about the men set her on edge. They'd seemed predatory and lethal; not the sort who'd be afraid of death.

She took the horses, noticing how badly they've been used, and felt her anger rise. Who were they to ride the horses to the brink? They're innocent creatures, who should be looked after! She wondered what type of business brought them here - what was so urgent, that they'd push their horses so hard?

Putting the horses in the spare stalls, she watched as the men left from the corner of her eye. She'd just placed the last horse in the stall, shutting the door behind her, when she saw that the men were far out of sight. The door closed with a thunk as the latch slid into place. She took off the saddle and started to give him a good rub down.

She was at awe with how magnificent the horse was; he was at least twice the size of the horses kept here. She slid her hand along the sleek jet-black skin, feeling the hard muscles that rested beneath ripple at her touch.

The horse bickered at her. Sweat still glistened on his fur, gleaming in the last rays of light. They stared into each others eyes, and she'd found herself getting lost in the depths of the charcoal grey. There was a sense of intelligence hidden in them.

"Sorry, big boy," she whispered,"You truly are a beauty. You should be free to roam the lands. You're too grand and noble, too wild and spirited, to be owned; locked away in some stall. Hidden from the world." Alexus' voice came out soothingly as she brushed him down.

She'd finished and was about to get him fresh water, but instead, had stopped short. There was someone else there. One of the men had stayed behind and was taking care of a horse in another stall. Feeling a little outraged that he didn't trust her ability to take care of the horses, she was going to inform him that she, quite frankly, didn't need his help. That he should catch up to the others.

She moved towards him, her pace brisk and her stance long, only to come up short again when she heard his smooth, deep melodic voice. She could see him petting the horse as he talked soothingly to it. Maybe he could be caring, but that didn't make up for the abuse and neglect of the horses. She didn't trust him. He was a stranger, and something about him unsettled her. He had stopped what he was doing and looked over at her.

First thing she noticed were his eyes. They were the color of sea-green and seemed to glow slightly; odd, yet beautiful - ethereal. Then, she'd let her gaze take in the rest; his black hair reaching his eyes, his frame; tall and toned with muscles. She'd admit to herself that he was handsome. Remembering he was still staring at her, she blushed.

Not understanding why she was blushing like a little school girl from the city, she looked away. It was not like she liked him. She was acting like the foolish girls who gossip about which men they fancy; she didn't like it. She knew better- had been taught how to control her emotions. She'd seen other attractive men before. Those who had came to the Temple asking for help. Still, there was something about him that pulled to her.

Turning quickly away, she hurriedly grabbed the wooded bucket by the stall and walked out of the barn. She headed down the winding trail, that ran along the apple orchid, to the stream behind the stable.

Looking up at the trees as she passed by, she saw the lush plump golden apples hanging from branches of silver-green leaves. They were sweeter than the richest nectar and were her favorite fruit. Gala was famous for their apples.

Reaching the stream's bank, she knelt down on the muddy ground, dunking the wooden pail into the water. She watched the icy water washed over hands, rushing into the bucket; clear as glass. The frigid water instantly numbing her fingers as she tightened her grasp on the bucket.

After the wooden pail was filled, she set it aside as she stood, trying to wipe her dampened robes clean of mud with little success and only managing to rub more dirt on it. Grimacing, she knew what the Sisters would make of her appearance, however, she shrugged it off. She never did care what they thought of her, so why should she start now? Leaning over, she picked the pail back up with both hands. Setting it against her hips, she began to walk, resigned to the fact their was no hope of getting her robe cleaned.

The weight of the bucket caused her to sway back and forth as she headed back. She moved slowly, the water sloshing around in the vessel every now and then when she'd stumbled on a rock in her path, causing the icy water to splash up at her and leaving water droplets on her face and her robe wet.

To her disappointment, the man was still there, leaning against the door. Ignoring him, she passed by, groaning inwardly. Why was he still here?

She walked over to the horse, giving him some water. Finished with her task, she went to strip the gear off another horse. Upon Reaching the horse, she was surprised. The gear had already been stripped off. She looked around seeing that all the horses had been taken care of.

Realizing what he'd done, she snatched her bucket back up, splashing more water on her in her haste. She could of done that by herself; she didn't need his help, nor did she asked for it. And by him implying she was weak, not being able to handle it herself, pissed her off. Sure it'd taken her longer, and sure she'd been here late into the night, but that was besides the point. She bet he was feeling smug with himself, thinking of how helpful he was; that she'd even be happy having his help. The insolence!

Irritated, she began watering rest of the horses, spilling more on the ground than in watering trough. After the second horse, she'd gone to refill the bucket few more times to finish the rest, walking back and forth from stables to the stream. Her fingers were blue and her clothes soaked from all the splashing. From the waist down, her robes were caked in mud.

After all had been watered, she walked back over to the first horse she'd talked to, taking in the beauty. She was fascinated by him. The horse watched her just as intently as she did the horse. When she moved the horse's eyes followed, and as she stepped up to the wooden door, the horse came closer, lowering his head.

She reached her hand up to touch him.

"He likes you, you know?"

His voice came much closer than she expected him to be, startling her. She jumped, bumping into him. Somehow he'd walked up behind her without her knowing.

"How would you know? Can you read the horse's mind?" she asked, a bit peeved, as she was already frustrated with him.

"It is easy enough to tell by his actions that I don't need to," he responded with a smirk. "All the horses watch your movements. They follow you around, hoping to get closer to you," he whispered the last part in her ear. His deep baritone voice, along with his breath brushing her neck, made her stomach flutter.

She was uncomfortable with him so close and turned around to face him with a hand on her hips, hoping to put some distance between them. But her actions had the opposite desired effect. she'd only managed to put her back up against the gate to the stall and him still closer than she'd prefer. Aggravated, she wiped away the water from her face. She shouldn't be letting this man affect her so.

"It's late. Should I show you to your room, or to the kitchens?" She'd let her voice dropped at the end, hinting that she'd rather just take him to his room and be done with him.

The corner of his lip lifted up in a smirk at her aggravation and abruptness. There was no mistaking he made her nervous.

"It's Darius by the way, and I would like it, if you would be as kind as to show me to my room," he said, gesturing to the temple.

He wanted to see how Levi was and was curious to find out about Joseph. It was not everyday he comes across somebody kin to them. He hoped they were getting along with these people. Levi needed a healer if he was to survive. He saw no need to unsettle the girl any further.

They walked, in silence, up the trail towards the temple. She wasn't used to outsiders. She didn't know what sort of things normal people conversed about. Being raised in the temple, it was always things pertaining to the Goddess of Light. Did they talk about the weather, crops, or gossip? She never was one for idle chitchat, and it wasn't helping that she was nervous being left alone with him. She guided him to the entry of the guest wing, thinking how, once upon a time, it use to be filled with guest before Darkness had taken over.