• CHAPTER 1

    As the cold wind swept through the trees and messed up my slightly curly hair i couldn't help but be deprressed. Even though the full moon was shining through the the thick clouds it still felt dark to me. I sat a little ways away from our tent, just next to the six foot high waterfall.
    The love of my life was leaving tommorrow and so as a sign of parting i had taken himcout to the river to camp. The original purpose of this trip was for me to tell him that I love him, but the second we got here all my courage vanished and was replaced with sadness and fear.
    We had been friends since kidnergarten, but now that high school was over connor had plans to go travel through Europe while i was to stay here in Oregon.
    "Lucine where are you," Connor's question pierced the chilly night.
    "Coming," my reply was hoarse like I'd been crying wich unfortunately I had.
    I slowly approached the tent hoping he wouldn't notice my red puffy eyes and splotchy cheeks. Of course I'm not that lucky and when i finaly come into view he rushes over taking me up in his arms.
    "Aww Luce what's wrong," he whispers in my ear stroking my hair.
    "Nothing," I replyed hopeful he'll fall for my facade, but my voice cracks on the last sylable giving me away.
    "Luce, hun, you're gonna have to tell me," he says leading me towards the fire.
    "No I'm not."
    "Well then I'll make you tell me."
    "And how are you going to do that," I asked doubtfuly.
    "By doing this!"
    He starts grabbing my sides tickling me until I colapse laughing so hard I can't breathe. When I cant take anymore I shout ,"Fine I'll tell you!"
    "Good that was'nt so bad. Now what's the problem?"
    "Well I'm gonna miss you a whole bunch."
    Once again he gathers me in his arms and whispers so seetly,"I'm going to miss you more than you think."
    And out of nowhere I feel courage and bravery bubble up inside me. I take a deep breath and whisper in his ear so quietly that I can barely hear myself over the wind,"I love you Connor."
    He stares deep into my eyes then says,"I love you too." Then he leans in and places a gentle kiss upon my lips. He holds me for a few more seconds then releases me taking my hand and sits in a chair pulling me on to his lap.
    "See how harder you're making it for me," he says but in just the right tone so I don't feel guilty.
    "I'm sorry."
    "I know it's just ugh I'm leaving tommorrow and we won't see each other for awhile."
    "Don't worry we'll find a way to deal with this."
    Iturn my head and stare into his deep green eyes then slowly move my head towards his and kiss him. He kisses back then pulls away and sighs,"It's late let's get some sleep, ok?"
    "Sure."
    So we each take our turns putting on our pj's in the tent. When we finished we both crawl into a single sleeping bag to keep warm.
    Connor wraps his arms around me and kisses me on my forehead.
    "Good night Luce," he yawns.
    Soon after Connor drifts off to sleep, but I stay awake replaying the night's events in my head. I'm still shocked this happened, but even more worried about tommorrow. This is just so unfair for me to find my love then have him yanked away from me.
    When Connor shifts and sighs next to me I figure it was time to sleep so i shut my eyes and let peaceful unconciousness take me away.
    ***********************
    I wake startled to hear the sounds of hooves pawing the ground and clanking armor.
    "Connor, Connor wake up," I said quietly shaking Connor awake.
    "What, what's happening?"
    "There's someone put there!"
    "What!? Who!?"
    "Idon't know!"
    "Well let's see," he said unzipping the sleeping bag and crawling out towards the tent door. I followed him out the tent door and froze when I saw what was waiting.
    Five big black horses clad in black and silver armor stood in a cricle around the burnt out fir. Atop the horses were people garbed in the same armor as the horses with big thick black cloaks over it. Four of the people carried black staffs with intricate silver desingns on them.
    Then one at the head of the circle, the only one witout a staff, stepped forward.
    "Hello Lucine. Hello Connor," said a feminine voice that sounded like silk. When she lowered the hood and shook out her black wazy hair she stared me dead in the eyes and I knew that I had met her before.