Ria led Rokil past the sparse trees and through the dense underbrush. The moon guided her way, leafy greens parting for her. She listened to his feet softly stepping on the forest floor. He kept his eyes trained on her back, watching her gracefully glide towards the end of the forest-at least, what he thought would be the end. He noted how her hair blew back as if the wind was tugging it ever so slightly.

  She let her mind wander and her feet carry her to where she wished to go. She knew her forest would take her to the right place; it was like an extension of her mind. She wondered how anyone else could travel through a forest like hers and not explore it all-the greens and pinks and purples and reds and yellows all blended together to create the masterpiece that always captured her attention.

  She breathed in the sweet scent of the spring nighttime and focused on her surroundings. She felt betrayed by the very place she was supposed to trust. Why would her forest lead her here? She did not wish to come here. She wanted the unique stranger gone. Out. And this was most certainly a major detour.

  She glanced behind her. Rokil noticed she stopped and looked from her back to her now turned face, then at the beautiful plant in front of them. He had never seen anything like it. It's pink petals adorned the flower in what seemed to be the shape of a crown. The moon shone down and the flower seemed to glow. He looked at the rest of his surroundings and felt a sense of déjà vu. If he wasn't mistaken, this was the place he first saw the creature in front of him. She must have been blocking the gorgeous flower when he stepped out of the foliage. He could never forget such a plant. He lifted his eyes to the sky. The sun would rise soon. He needed to leave. He felt a stab of annoyance at this Ria for bringing him here. He was walking in circles.

  Rokil opened his mouth to voice his frustration, but he faltered at the look she flashed him. He didn't understand why he allowed this thing so much control over him. He was born of power and influence and no one defied his wishes, even ones not yet voiced. He thought back to when he attempted to compel her to allow his passage through the forest. He couldn't understand why it failed him. He shook his head and once again started to speak.

  "I do not appreciate the circles you are taking us in. I must be on my way-my business can not wait a moment longer. I will leave you to your wandering. I can find my way."

  He tipped his head downwards, silently thanking her-for what, he did not know.

Ria's mind whirred. She must not allow him to leave. But she can't just tell him she won't allow it-he'll merely run away from her.

  Just as he was about to turn to take his leave, Ria spoke up, ever so calm.

  "I am sorry." She most certainly was not sorry. "I do not know why I came here." She truly did not know. "Will you follow me? You don't want to run into an unpleasant creature-especially at night." She eyed his muscular arms. She knew he wouldn't have trouble with any creature that crossed his path.

He contemplated her hopeful tone and fidgety body. He did not know if he could trust her. 

  He heard the rustling leaves first, turning towards the dense thickets. Ria's eyes followed his gaze and she straightened her spine, planted her feet. Her fists tightened. They watched a worn shoe come into view, battered and dirty.

  She remembered the mysterious pink flower and willed the trees to shade it. Rokil noted the sudden darkness. He moved to stand in front of Ria. The leaves blocked the moon from view, the flower now unnoticeable in the dark. The creature stepped out, black eyes glinting, lips turned up in an all-knowing smirk. Ria's skin crawled at the sight of this thing. She held back a shiver. Show no fear.

  "What is your name?" She offers the creature a small smile. She wanted to hurl. His malicious smile grew wider. He looked at Rokil, recognition evident in his face. She moved to block the flower from his view, an unknown protective need taking root in her entire being, taking advantage of the distracted creature.

  "Ilbo, to your little high and mighty over there. But a pretty thing like you can call me Bo." His sniveling voice grated on my nerves. I saw Rokil's fist clench.

  She didn't let her distaste show.
"Ilbo-"

Rokil cut her off.

"What is a sneaky ugly Goblin like yourself doing so far from home, Ilbo?" He practically spits out the Goblin's name, his distaste clear.

  "Wouldn't you love to know." Ilbo squeals at the murderous expression on Rokil's handsome face.

  "Actually," I cut in, " I would like to know."

  They watched as the smile dropped from Ilbo's discolored face.