Flynn and I leaned against the wall watching and waiting while Mariah searched for and handed Theo a couple folded papers. The day came when we would leave for Cathyious. Everything was prepared by ten in the morning, the supplies light. We didn't even carry weapons like last time, all I had was a knife at my side.

"The first note is for entry into the castle doors, the second is for some things you need to pick up in the city from a mechanic named Korren. Give this letter to him, and he'll get you what you need."

"And what is it that we need from this mechanic?" Theo asked.

"It's a surprise, one I think you'll enjoy."

He raised an eyebrow before tucking the notes away in his satchel. "Well, I guess this is where we take our leave." Turning to his wrist, he clicked the button that brought the small hologram. Flynn and I moved in around him as he punched in buttons. "Ready?" Flynn nodded a reply and put a hand on Theo's shoulder. Theo looked down at me, clicking the final button before wrapping a hand around my waist. I looked at Mariah's soft smile before the world swirled.

The world we appeared in was shaded over, the sun hidden away behind steep cliffs. we stood in a wide pass, sheltered by mountains. An old stone road was beneath our feet, it wound around the mountains in both directions, and not a person on sight.

"I thought we were suppose to be in a city." Flynn said, scanning the green cliffs.

"We'll get there, but first there is something I wanted to see." Theo said, a hint of excitement apparent in his voice.

"Of course we'll just go sightseeing, it's not like we're on a mission or anything important like that."

"We don't have a time limit here, so we might as well have a bit of fun."

"Yes, because walking around and staring at things is fun."

Theo gave Flynn an annoyed look, "Just come on, you might actually like what you see." We began walking along the road, I sped up trying to keep pace with Theo.

"What exactly is it you want to see?" I asked.

"Well first on the list is The Gate of Panith, entrance to the city of Panith, the capital of Cathyious."

"Oh good, there's a list." Flynn cut in, coming into line with Theo and I.

Theo ignored Flynn, continuing on. "From what I've read about them, they were kinda like a gift to the city when it was formed. Well I guess you can say when the nation was formed. You see the islands of Cathyious were once their own separate kingdoms, all constantly fighting with each other to try and conquer one another. Each island had great land and resources, but all wanted to extend their reach. This created conflict with one another, making a cycle of war. Well, while they were fighting each other, another nation looked upon the land, wanting to take the land back. Because, a couple hundred years before that, the islands were in control by the-"

"Theo?" I interrupted, his hands stopped mid explanation. "The gate, you were talking about the gate."

"Oh right, sorry. Well another nation was preparing to conquer these islands, and it's said that the Sith Othwan warned the islands of the coming attack from the mainland. They convinced them to join forces with one another to fight against this nation. The islands agreed, and eventually won the war because of it. From there, it was decided they would band together into a new nation, and they built Panith as their capital. The Sith Othwan helped in the building of this nation, and before they left one of them built at the gate four figures representing the four islands. Since the formation of Cathyious, its people have been highly religious, and it is said that the Sith Othwan chose the first king, and that same line has been sustained all these years."

He looked down at me, "I'm just boring you, aren't I?"

"Yes." Flynn said.

"No, no, I like hearing you talk about things you're interested in." Honestly, seeing the passion that glowed in his eyes when he talked about history just made me like him more. He smiled, putting an arm around my shoulder, and completely ignoring Flynn for the second time.

We walked through the shadowed pass, but soon broke into light as we reached the gate. It towered over head in a light gray stone, with fine designs that have been preserved throughout the centuries. At each end tall slim towers that seemed to become one with the mountain as they came down. The massive doors were open as a large group of travelers entered the city.

Theo gaped up as we passed through. Though Flynn pretended to be indifferent, I saw the look of wonder in his eyes as the gate came into view. But when my eyes left my companions, and I actually focused on the gate, I couldn't look away. It was magnificent!

Arriving on the other side, there was four large statues, two male, two female.

"There," Theo pointed to one of the women, "Is the statue for Prodmere the Ingenious." The clothing carved appeared to be a silk dress, and the woman fair and sharp featured. "Next to Prodmere is Canthom the Able." The other woman was dressed in travelers cloths, a bag hung at her waist. He pointed to the right of the gate next, "And that's Quenton the Persistent, the island we are on now." The male statue was dressed for battle, stern and ready. "And last Earon the Vigilant." The other man dressed to hide himself in the wild.

The statues built up from the mountain side were amazing, but... strange. They were built in such a way, it seemed they were naturally part of the earth. "Theo, how exactly were they built?"

"They weren't carved as others. In the books, they are said to be built from the power of the Sith Othwan, and described by those who saw as 'growing from the ground'. But they never go much into detail when it talking about how the statues were built."

"You actually believe that?" Flynn said.

"You don't?"

Flynn perked an eyebrow, "I believe the stories come from somewhere, but do I think anyone has that amount of power? No, it's not possible."

"Just because you've never seen it doesn't mean it's not real nor ever has been. I mean, the evidence is right in front of you."

"No, I believe the original building of the story was distorted by time, until people, unable to explain the mystery of the past, decided to pin it on some great mystical power. But until I see this power with my own eyes, it remains a myth in my mind."

"Well then, how do you believe they were built?"

Flynn shrugged and turned to leave. "Who knows what really happens in the past. Now let's hurry up, don't want to be stuck sight seeing all day."

Theo huffed a laugh before walking off.

As we followed the road away from the gate we watched as the city sprouted into view over the hill top. A white city spread out in front of and around the bay. It shimmered like the water itself. At it's center, a massive castle with sloping white walls, it appeared to be built as a clutter of pyramids and towers. Behind it, the bay, spotted with ships of design I'd never seen before. They were like massive arrow heads built within the decks of ships.

Coming down the hill and into the city, I noticed an odd sense of the city being both old and new. The streets full of people on foot, but every so often, a high speed bike would zip past.

Walking in a crowed of the those people, I'd never felt so out of place. They all were tan skin, with sharp defining features, and exotic hair that ranged from a deep sea blue to pale lavender. And above all, they were tall. Even the women held several inches above Flynn. Theo on the other hand, seemed to flow perfectly into the crowd, ignoring the difference in fashion.

Flynn's expression seemed to darken with every new questioning glance from pedestrians, and we received many crossing over to the docks.

The docks were bussing with workers hauling crates and bags on and off the massive ships. And not far from the shimmering waters, the marketplace cluttered with shops that ranged from small stands to large buildings that were stuffed with everything from fruits, to fine silk clothing, to mechanical devices of which I'd never seen.

I examined the products some of the shops, and something caught my eye. Necklaces of a some of the purest white I'd ever seen. Their chains woven tight and thin, strung a small pendant. Each pendant different from one another; some simple others with intricate detail, most were small coin sized, but others extravagant. But all were beautiful. Picking up one, I traced my finger along the carving in the pendant.

"Interested in my work?" The shop owner leaned on the table knuckling his stubby white beard.

"Yes, it's very beautiful, I don't think I've seen anything quite like it."

The man smiled, "An artist always appreciates praise for his work. Why don't you try it on, see how it looks on you?" He gestured towards a mirror set up on the stand.

I gave him a smile and began gathering up my hair to clear it from my neck. The last thing I wanted was that fragile chain getting tangled in my hair. Suddenly, my hair was lifted from my hands. I looked up at Theo.

"Need any help?" He smiled down at me.

"Thanks." I said putting the necklace on. Once the necklace was secure, he dropped the over my back. I looked into the mirror, the pendant resting on my chest. Theo was behind me in the reflection, his eyes looking over the table, then to my reflection, his eyes focused on the necklace. He chuckled.

"What?" I asked turning my head over my shoulder, insecurity creeping in.

"You must be the lucky man," the shop keepers voice caught my attention. "It's pair is here if you're interested." He held up an identical necklace to the one I had on. "You know the engraving is a symbol of luck in marriage."

"What? Marriage?"

"Or there's the option of getting them custom made." The man went on without answering me. I looked up at Theo, but he held a calm smile on the man.

"I'm sorry, but we have to get going. Thank you for letting us look." Theo said before moving my hair, and undoing the clasp on the necklace. He leaned down, while taking it off, and whispered in my ear. "These are wedding necklaces."

While Theo gave the man back the necklace, I stood there dumbly, only letting out a small "Oh". Embarrassment churned in my stomach. Of course they couldn't just be regular necklaces.

"Before we leave, would you happen to know where I can find Korren the mechanic?"

The man thought it over for a second, then a light sparked. "Korren, yes, his shop is just two roads down that way." He pointed down a narrow street. "Shop has a red door, if I remember correctly."

"Thank you for the directions." Theo moved his hand at the small of my back, leading me away.

"Hope to see you back at my shop soon!" The man said as we were taking our leave.

"Maybe," Theo called back.

Heat shot up in my face, "Wh-what?"

He looked down with a soft smile, "Well, Sky, there are some things I've been meaning to talk to you about."

I would have stopped if it wasn't for Theo's gentle push, I certainly stopped breathing, and I don't think that my cheeks have ever been this red. "Theo, I... I... What!?" The words came out a little short of a whisper.

His smile widened and he broke into a laugh. Now this time I stopped, and he with me. "Skyler, calm down, I'm joking."

"Joking?" I repeated back.

"Yes."

There was a pause before I lashed out, hitting his side. "Don't...joke... like...that...again!" I said between punches. He, on the other hand, just continued laugh, moving me along through the market square.

"Yeah, I admit, that was kind of rude, but your reaction was worth it."

"Well, haha." I elbowed him in the side.

"Plus, you're pretty cute when you're angry."

I cast him an annoyed glance before speeding my walk to the stand Flynn was at. Though it was a useless attempt to get away from Theo and his long strides.

We met Flynn who was focused completely on the small technological devices at the stand. Out of everything in the city, the technology seemed to catch his attention the most.

"Flynn, we've got a location on Korren. Let's go." Theo said.

Flynn set down a metal ball, leaned against the table, and tilted a head up at Theo. "Oh, so you can waste time wandering through the city for hours, but I can't indulge in my interests?"

"We're going to a mechanics shop, they're be plenty of things for you to fiddle with there." Theo replied dully.

After shoving his hands in his pockets and an eye roll, Flynn was compliant. Following the shop keepers instructions, we traveled two roads down, and found a wall of buildings, all difference colors and sizes, crammed together along one long street. Although, all the buildings had the common factor of implanting white into their design.

I looked along the line spotting a bold red door. "Over here," I tugged Theo in the direction. The sign over the door reading Sandman's Mechanics. It was a strange name, that was for sure.

***

I trailed behind Skyler and Theo as they entered through the red door, and invited the shade when it hit me. It was far too hot for spring. When I entered the building, the cool air felt good against my burned skin. With the combination of an unclouded sun and how white everything was, it seemed almost impossible to see anything but light in this city!

On entertaining the building, the first thing my eyes focused on was not the strange metal devices clothing the shelves, but a girl polishing the counter. A very short girl none the less, couldn't be much more than five feet. Her features soft, not at all striking, and her hair a caramel, seemingly plain in comparison to the exotic ones I've seen today. She was different from everyone else in the city, it was kind of refreshing.

Leaning against the door frame, I examined the display at the window, while Theo approached the counter.

"How can I help you?" The girls voice chimed out. I glanced at her in the to see her eyes sliding away from me.

"We're looking for a man named Korren, this is his shop, yes?"

The girls eyebrows creased. "Yes, might I ask what you need him for?"

"I was hoping he could tell us that." Theo pulled out the note with Korren's name written across the front.

"Just a moment," she disappeared behind the back door, and came a minute later followed by a man. His build was sturdy making him appear taller than he really was, and his black hair and beard were nearly completely overrun by gray. The wrinkles in his forehead seemed more from constant frustration than old age, for his eyebrows were permanently knitted together.

Theo handed him the letter. Korren looked at his name on the paper, then examined the three of us with thoughtful eyes that seemed tear through any wall. His pale gold irises seemed more vast than any dessert. I shifted from the door frame moving along the shelves.

"Hmm..." Was all that he said before unfolding the paper. Korren scanned down the words of the paper silently, then folded the paper back up with a dark chuckle. "As I thought," he tucked the note away in his shirt pocket, "You're their children," With this knowledge his face seemed lighter. "And you come to take my weapons from me."

"What?" Theo said.

"The letter," he patted his pocket, "Says you're here for your parents old weapons, and by all means you can have 'em. Sithyous knows I'm not gonna do anything with 'em!"

Sithyous, God of Light. It had been years since I'd heard that name. My father used to tell me stories of Sithyous and his brother, Melkyous. People everywhere could tell you tales of the Sith Othwan, but not many knew of the God Brothers. It was strange to hear that name from a foreigner's tongue.

"Now, don't stand there so quiet, and tell me who I have the honor of serving."

"Theairin Obron," Theo extended his hand.

Korren took it, "Griffin's son," he changed his attention to Skyler. "And you are Claira's girl, I presume?"

She responded with a small nod, "I'm Skyler."

Korren took her hand placing a kiss on its back. "Just as beautiful as your mother, I see." In letting go of her hand, he laid his eyes on me. "And you are... Willow's?" I shook his hand.

"So I'm told, I'm Flynn."

"This is my daughter," Korren gestured to the girl leaning against the counter. The girl that had been giving me a look since the moment I walked in. "Rae." Korren finished.

When my eyes rested on her, she skipped hers way from me, presenting a smile and a greeting to the room.

"Well, with introductions out of the way, why don't we get to business? Rae would lock up for the day, and you three, follow me." Korren went through the back door. We followed him into a room with boxes and chests lining the wall. The tables held tools I'd never seen before, and metal objects with a string that didn't seem to be made of thread. There were panels and chips of intricate design. I picked up a thin coin like piece and rolled it between my fingers.

Korren moved through dusty boxes, searching the shelves.

"I have a question," Theo said, "You said we're here for weapons, but exactly what kind of weapons?" Korren threw a questioning look over his shoulder, and Theo clarified. "Mariah never told us anything when she sent us here. We didn't even know what we came to get till you told us."

"Well," Korren pulled a chest coated with dust and cobwebs from the shelf. It was surprising how he carried it with such ease considering the size of the bulky chest. "They're certainly weapons unlike any other." He went to the desk and pulled a ring of keys from a drawer. "I made them for your parents years ago, and when they were taken, the weapons were returned to me." He tested a few keys in the lock. "I never resold them, so they've been sitting in this chest ever since. It makes me glad they'll be useful again." There was a click and the chest was opened.

All of us looked over in interest, but all we saw was cloth. Rae joined us in the room, the large chest sparking interest in her as well. Korren pulled out the cloth covered weapons, and placed them on a table.

The first he uncovered was something strange. A handle held two wide thick blades hinged down on either end. Looking at them, the blades reminded me of a rounded leaf that came to a pointed end. Peeping out of the of the blades were more blades hiding inside.

"This one belonged to Claira, and in turn, will be yours, Skyler." Korren extended it, holding the handle horizontally in front of him. "Now you all may want to take a step back." Once we cleared the space, Korren flipped one of three small switches on the handle. The blades instantly shot up on both sides of the handle, and the blades trapped inside extended out, reaching for the walls, like steps retracting out. In all, it was about a length of five feet of deadly metal.

There was a moment of silence after the rushed metal clanking stopped, and I was the one to break that silence. "Damn..."

Korren had a satisfied grin, obviously pleased with his work both with the weapon and our astonishment. He gave it a twirl, the weapon comfortable in his hand. "The other two switches shoot the two blades from the hilt, connected by an extracting cord with the length of fifteen feet on either side... but it's probably best I don't demonstrate that in doors."

He flipped the switch back, and the blades pulled into their original form. Korren handed it to Skyler who took it cautiously, her face a little pale. She was probably afraid the blades would suddenly spring out, accidentally impaling someone. "Umm... thank you," was all she could get out.

"Next," Korren flipped open another cloth, "Is Griffin's weapon." A long cord, with small metal pieces connected on it, was coiled around a pair of fingerless gloves. "This one, I especially enjoyed making." Korren said while slipping the gloves on. "You see the weapon reacts to the gloves, making the pieces connected as you please." He gingerly held one end and as he touched it, the pieces connected into a stiff metal hilt. Letting the rest of the cord slide to the floor, he tightened his grip on the end, and flicked the weapon into the air. As they rose, the pieces connected together, leaving a long staff in Korren's hand.

Korren smoothed a hand over it. "Theairin," he tossed it over to Theo. Plucking off the gloves, he continued, "It takes some practice, but you get use to it." He handed off the gloves, and set his attention on the next cloth.

"Now this one was Willow's," he revealed six long knives, two larger and different from the rest. "It's a bit tricky, but all it will take is some practice." Korren hooked a small circle at his temple, and picked up the two larger knives. "The large knives work as leaders for the others, but in truth, you have to tell them what to do." The four knives that were left on the table slowly rose in the air, nothing to hold them but air.

"What the hell..." I swiped a hand around one of the blades expecting to find some thin string, but nothing. As I retracted my hand, the blades swung in circles, slicing through the air in unison. I noticed Korren was doing just that with the knives in his hands, the four smaller were just mimicking.

"It took me awhile to make these, but eventually I figured it out." Korren put the two blades in my hand, then plucked the metal piece from his temple. "Be careful with them. You'll find it real easy to accidentally stab someone." When Korren tuned away, I couldn't help but catch Theo's eyes and wiggled my eyebrows. His straight face spoke words as clear as any tongue. Don't you even think about it!

"It seems you're missing your fourth member," Korren ran a finger down the last weapon still veiled with cloth. "But if it is possible, I would appreciate it if you three could deliver the final one to the Princess. I think I'm done holding onto it."

"We can deliver it, and thank you for the weapons." Theo said.

Korren waved a hand, "No, I should be thanking you for getting them out of my storage space."

"Why didn't you just resell them?" Skyler asked, brushing a finger over the smooth metal of her weapon. I watched Korren as something changed in his eyes, some alert realization. For a moment he wore something near to a smile as he looked at Skyler. I felt a chill run along my spine. Glancing at Theo, I noticed that he had been staring at his new weapon, and hadn't seen Korren just now. Something's not right, here.

"You know what, I'll tell you, but how about you stay for some food?"

Skyler looked to Theo, who replied, "Thank you, we'd be glad to have some food, if you're offering."

"Right this way then," Korren pointed a hand towards a wood staircase climbing the back wall. The others followed Korren up, but I pulled Theo aside before ascending the stairs.

"What?" Theo asked after I grabbed his arm.

"Somethings not right here."

He furrowed his eyebrows, "What do you mean?"

"Well..." After thinking about it for a moment, it was possible I could be blowing this out of proportion. I was tired from walking around all day, makes so little things go to my head. But better alert than not. "Just stay on guard."

"Alright..." Theo gave me one last questioning look before heading upstairs with the others. I followed, leading up into a room with a kitchen to one side and a mat with a low table not tall enough for any chairs.

"Please have a seat and I will answer your question. Rea would you prepare dinner?"

"Of course," she replied.

An idea came to mind, "Let me help you." I gave her a polite smile. While Theo's with Korren, I'll keep an eye on her and the food. Don't want her sneaking in something that doesn't belong.

"Oh, it's really okay. I can handle it."

"I insist, it's not in my nature to lay back while someone does work I can do for myself."

Rae looked behind me, probably to Korren, then returned to my gaze with a tight lipped smile. She didn't want me helping her, but she wasn't going to refuse the polite gesture of a guest. "Alright then, follow me."

We walked over to the kitchen area of the room where Rea quickly set me up with vegetables and a knife. She worked quick and only said what was need for meal preparation, leaving silence to encase the soft conversation at the other end of the room, and the sharp thud of my knife. But when she left a pot of water on a strange and smooth counter top, I decided to spark conversation.

"What are you doing with the water?"

She passed me a glance before returning her eyes to her hands at work. "I'm boiling it."

"Boiling it?" I whispered. There's no fire to heat it, how's it going to boil? For a moment, I examined the counter the pot was on top of. My hand neared it.

Rae gave me a glance, then took a double take. "Don't touch that." Now I had to touch it. My finger tips rested on the surface, and heat stung them back.

"Son of a--" I let my curse fade when the conversation behind us stopped. After passing a glance over my shoulder, I focused on my cutting, but Rae's soft laughter pulled me away. She was looking at me with eyebrows raised.

"I told you not to touch it!" She said quietly.

"Yes, and that's exactly why I touched it."

She laughed harder then handed me a small bowl of water, "Here."

I dipped my fingers into the cool water, "Thanks." There was once again silence between us as I let my fingers soak for a moment, and that's when I caught from her another glance. The same look I'd been getting since I'd arrived. I was too curious to resist.

"What?" I asked, "Why do keep looking at me like that?"

Rae stopped in the middle of shaking salt into the water, then resumed with her eyes glued on the pot. "I don't know what you mean."

"Incase you're not already aware of this, you should know that you are a horrible liar."

Her expression dropped, her voice stale, "Oh, thank you for that knowledge."

I shrugged, "Glad to be of service. Now, you ready to be honest with me?"

She had a moment of hesitation, before the words came out blunt as a hammer. "Well you're just really strange."

"What?" I don't know what I was expecting, but this wasn't it.

"I mean first off, you're super short-"

"Hey, I'm not short, everyone else is just insanely tall."

Rae smiled, "Well, even looking at it that way, it doesn't stop people for mistaking you for a thirteen-year-old boy."

"Oh, now that stung."

"Honestly you fooled me for a second, but your features convinced me otherwise."

"And you're one to speak, barely scraping past five feet."

"Hey, I didn't say I wasn't in the same boat."

"So you find me strange because I'm short?"

"Oh, no, I wasn't finished. You also just seem very lost and confused. Also, I still can't figure out why you would touch a hot surface. I can't tell if you genuinely didn't know what it was or you're just an idiot."

"Hmph, you know for some who hasn't said one word about themselves, you sure have a lot to say about me." I smirked.

"Maybe it's cause the lives of strangers are more interesting than mine."

"Now, now, I'm sure your life's great."

When she went silent, I nudged her in the shoulder to prod her on. She laughed when she caught my hint.

"You wanna know about me? Well, I grew up in this shop, work in this shop, live in this shop, and will probably not be leaving this shop any time soon. Sure is something great."

"By the look of the place, I'd say you've got a steady income and a father that cares for you. Yes... I think you have a great life."

My mind took a dangerous rout, the last memory of my father played in my head, a memory so sharp and distinct in my mind, there's little I remember clearer. Father's words telling me it would be alright, my confusion, my fear, and the jingle of those damn coins, all my worth tied up in a bag. But above all, I remember watching him take the money, realization dropping like a stone in my stomach. He taught me the meaning of betrayal, and I would never forget it.

The knife I held was enclosed in white knuckles. I rapidly cut, pushing back the memory. With a deep breath I cleared my mind, calming myself.

"You alright? You seemed a little lost for a second." Rae asked.

"I'm fine." I gave her a soft smile.

She lowered her eyebrows in suspicion. "I see, don't feel like sharing your deep dark thoughts with a stranger." Rae bit down on her lip right after, as if regretting her words.

"Mmm," I chuckled, "My deep dark thoughts, eh?"

Her cheeks flushed a little.

"I'm not sure it's the stranger that I'm wary of, rather the time and place." I leaned closer to her and lowered my voice. "But if you're still curious later, I think a private room at night would fit perfectly."

Rae caught sight of my smirk, and her blush deepened tremendously. With her eyes averted, she quickly took the vegetables I cut and scraped them into a pan. "Thank you for your help, but I've got it from here." Her tone was dry but there was no anger in her voice, she was just eager to get rid of me, which made it irresistible to stay.

"You sure there's nothing else I can do?"

"It's mostly just waiting now, really, you're good to go sit down."

"Oh, wouldn't want you to wait alone." I took a step closer to her, "I'll keep you company."

She cleared her throat taking a step back. "You must be tired from the day, you should sit."

I shrugged a shoulder, "I've always preferred standing." Moving back, I leaned against the counter, smirking at her annoyed frown. Maybe I should stop, wouldn't want to overwhelm her too much. After a moment of twisting the knife tip into the cutting board, I decided to give in. "I apologize if I made you feel uncomfortable, and I can shut up if you'd like." But I wouldn't sit down.  She looked over at me, barely moving her head. I could be mistaken, but a smile seemed to hint at her lips. 

"You can speak, you're company is better than none, I suppose."

"You suppose? Well, that's at least more tolerance than most have given me." 

"I guess I'm just not like most." Now she was smiling. 

"Yeah... I'd say you're too short to be normal." Rae huffed a dry laugh, but the smile still stayed. 

Though I had an off feeling about Korren, I'll admit I enjoyed talking to Rae. She had an oddly soothing voice, that let me forget my worries and problems for a moment. It was nice...

When the food was finished, we ate. It was a great meal, by my account. I especially liked how the vegetables turned out. I noticed Rae had quieted down completely when we'd moved to the table, but I let my attention move from her, and to her father.

With the conversation droning on, it fell into the background of my attention. I watched Korren as he answered yet another one of Theo's endless questions. Korren leaned back as he explained, eyes looking off at a fond memories when he talked about our parents. Occasionally, his eyes lit with something different as he surveyed us, almost as if he was too intrigued in us, but  was trying not to show it. I don't know any one would have seen it unless they were looking. I noticed that he especially gave Skyler a strange look as she nervously answered a question he had for her. She was rubbing two fingers up and down her neck in a nervous habit. I looked over at Theo to see if he'd noticed, keeping an eye on Korren like I asked him to. But alas, his eyes were glued on Skyler too. I sighed. Of course, why did I ever expect anything less. 

Clearing my throat, I interrupted the conversation. "It's getting late, maybe we should begin to find an inn to stay at."

"I have space for you all here. Why don't you stay the night?"

I opened my mouth to object, but Theo beat me. "We'll be glad to." Theo continued on with thanks while I glared at him. If only he would look at me. In a fight, Theo could catch every movement, but come a social event, all observation is thrown out the window. Skyler was the only one that he was aware of outside of the conversation. At least Skyler seemed to notice, giving me a questioning glance.

"Theo, before you go on accepting, I think we should talk something over first." I tilted my head in the direction of the stairs, then lead Theo and Skyler down them. Moving a appropriate distance from the stairs, I spoke softly. "I don't think we should stay here." 

"Why? What's wrong?" Skyler was the one to speak up, while Theo stood arms crossed.

"Is there a reason we shouldn't stay."

"Yes--well it's more of a hunch really, but something feels off here, with Korren more specifically." 

"A hunch? That's why you don't want to stay? Honestly, I was glad he offered. Just means less money spent on our end."

"I say we stick with that original plan of getting an inn."

"Afraid he'll get us in our sleep?" From an outside eye, Theo may have sounded and looked entirely serious, but I could tell his only intent was to mock. It was the small smile that gave him away.

"Throw sand in our eyes, then steal them." Skyler chuckled to herself, that strange random comment apparently intended as a joke. Though all she got was confused looks from both Theo and I.

"What?" We spoke in unison at the now very embarrassed girl.

"Umm, well the name of the shop--the sandman--" she rubbed her neck while she talked, "Never mind, just ignore me."

"Wait, no, what do you mean by the name of the shop?" Theo asked.  

"The story of the sandman, he'd come at night, and throw sand in the eyes of children who were awake to get them to sleep. Then there's the version where he'd steal the eyes of kids who were awake." She gave a soft laugh, "It's strange to know something you two don't, for once."

Theo hummed in thought. "And this is a story from Earth, correct?" Skyler gave him a nod. "Well, I know there are stories that transcend worlds. We are far from the first to travel through the worlds. I wonder if the sandman was one of those stories, and that there is a similar tale here in Cathyious. Or it all be a coincidence." My impatience was creeping on more and more. "Hmm... maybe I'll look into it when we're--"

"You know I always love hearing you ramble on about random things, but can we get back on topic, please."

Judging by his expression, it was obvious Theo didn't appreciate my sarcasm. "Alright, I think we should stay.  Korren has helped us so far, and is willing to help us further. He seems fairly knowledgeable, maybe it will be useful to let someone who lives here in the city give their thoughts about our plan. Plus, Mariah and our parents trusted him, so wouldn't we be able to as well?"

"So you are going trust someone just because your parents trust them?" 

"What's wrong with putting value in their opinion?"

I rolled my eyes, and muttered, "Never mind ." 

He creased his eyebrows, but just continued on.  "Anyways, it would be rude to decline his hospitable offer because of a hunch." Theo turned his attention to Skyler. "What do think, Sky?"

She glanced between our expectant expressions wordlessly, then landed on me an apologetic look on her face. "Sorry Flynn, but Theo has a point."

"There, two to one, sounds like we're staying."

It took much restraint not to smack that smug look off Theo's face. "Great, out numbered by the power couple." I sighed, "Fine, we stay." Maybe I was over reacting, it wouldn't be a first. Then again, my caution has saved me more than once. I guess we'll see...

We went back upstairs, and Korren, still sitting, glanced at us without moving his head. "Is everything okay?"

"Yes," Theo said, "And we'd be glad to accept your offer." Theo and Skyler went and sat back at the table with Korren and Rae, while I sat further off against the wall. They continued their conversation, but I was more interested in the people than the words they were speaking. There was nothing too out of the ordinary, but I did catch Rae giving me quick glances, which made me smile. I was willing myself to stay awake as they talked, but try as I might, I failed.

After a dreamless sleep that seemed to pass in seconds, I woke up from someone nudging their foot into my thigh. "You don't have to sleep sitting up anymore, you can lay down now." It was Theo's voice.

My eyes quickly adapted to the dark room. It was only Theo, Skyler and I in the room, three beds were made out on the floor. Theo was standing beside me, but Skyler was already tucked away, probably asleep. I stretched into a yawn, while Theo went and laid down in the middle bed, placing his arm around Skyler's waist. Instead of going straight to my bed, stretched my legs, and repositioned myself against the wall.

The world was still. No flicker of a flame, so scurrying mice, no soft howling of the wind, no rustling of leave, no sound of crickets. Instead, the air felt empty, with nothing but a soft mysterious hum to fill it. Somehow, it felt eerie, like something was waiting, and the rest of the world paused in suspense. I eyed the dark room suspiciously, but nothing jumped out. Shaking away my nerves, I quietly slipped from the wall to my bed. With my back to Theo, I stared at the wall, listening to the bland hum of the sleeping room.

I hadn't even realized I was asleep till a light footstep woke me. Almost instantly after my eyes shot open in the dark room, I could feel them closing again. A deep tiredness overcame me, but someone was there, I knew it. I tried blinking away the tiredness, but it didn't work, my eyelids were just getting heavier and heavier. My body wouldn't move, I was too tired. It's fine, go to sleep . No one's there. I found my mind telling me comforting thoughts, even though my heart was in complete panic. It got to the point where I couldn't open my eyes again, but I could feel someone or something there. My heart beating in my ears, I tried with all my ability to stay awake, but as something warm touched my forehead, I was out.

Instead of waking, I fell into a dream. A girl was there; one I often saw, but have never met.