It was one week later, and Amber had lost all hope. She was going to her village.

.: Amber's POV :.

My eyes flutter open. I immediately run outside, looking for my Father. Nope. That's it. I've been hunting for food for a week, and I cannot wait anymore. What has become of my father? My village? 

Yep. I'm definitely going back. I'm sure that they're all okay. I bet they are.. Heh, they probably tried to send mail using a wyvren or something. Telling me to come back. Yeah, I'll go.

I head out on my journey home, making sure not to put pressure on my bandaged foot. The cloth from the end of my cloak was soaked in red, but it will have to do. I must get home.

~- Hours Later -~

I recognize the part of the forest I'm in. My village should be... yeah, around this tree and-

Ruins.

That's the first thing that came to mind. Ruins. There were bodies, motionless on the ground. Fire. The houses? destroyed. My home? destroyed. Everything? destroyed. I gasped as I saw the body of Marinna. I ran over. She must be breathing! She has to be alive! Marinna!

Nothing. She's dead. I continued inspecting. I cried a tear for all of the bodies that were littered motionless, surrounding me. But I must've cried a million when I saw my worst nightmare.

My father. With an arrow piercing the middle of his chest.

"FATHER! Father! P-please! No! T-this.. this can't be happening. No... Not now... please father...

I sobbed for hours. And hours. And hours. But when I heard voices, I quickly ran and hid. As I suspected. They were O'khasis guards. "Heh, that sure was an easy place to take down." One said. "Haha, yeah. Puny little place. The lord was unworthy to be anything, Jeremy." I clenched my hands into fists. "Yeah, that tiny bug was less than worthless." Jeremy replied. That's it. I pulled out my bow. 

"Hey airheads! You forgot one!" I shouted popping up from the bush. I had my arrow pointed at 'Jeremy '. Airheads? Really? They pulled out their  bows. "Not a smart move." I said. I moved my aim over and shot. It skinned Jeremy's ear, and it drew a bit of blood. "Aim it at me and I'll do much worse." I warned. They were terrified. "Surrender? Oh, and yes. I am that tiny bug's daughter!" I yelled. They were panic stricken know, and slowly put their hands up. "Okay, well, get going then! Don't just stand there!" They immediately ran into the forest. Wow, I'm scary.

I knew I couldn't just stand their mourning my father, more guards will be coming soon. I guess I should just find the nearest village... I can't live in that rusty old cabin forever. I started walking in a different direction. 

Yeah. A new start. I'll have a new identity, and I won't be the Lord's daughter, just a normal girl... yes.. sounds nice..

.: Garroth's POV  :.

It was almost the end of my guard shift at the gates. I was getting ready to wrap up, when I saw a cloaked figure in the distance. They approached me. "Hi. I'm.. Jasper." She said. She didn't lower her cloak. "Please lower your cloak. We can't be too careful these days." She looked hesitant to do it. "I understand..." She said. She pulled off her cloak. Underneath was a young girl, around my age. She had dark hair with dark blue ends and streaks. One of her eyes was green, and the other blue. Odd. "Okay. You may put it back up if you like." I said smiling, even though she couldn't see it.

"Welcome to Phoenix Drop." Laurence said. "What he said." I added. She laughed. "May I speak with your lord?" She asked, putting her cloak back on. "Of course, I will take you to her. Follow me." I said. I began to walk up the hill to Lady Aphmau's house. "Wow.. bright colors.." Jasper said, looking at Aphmau's purple house. "Yeah, she's... into purple." I reply. "I see that!" She joked. I knocked on Aphmau's door. 

"Oh, Garroth! Ah, and.." She looked at Jasper. "You've brought a guest?" She asked. "Yes. This is Jasper. Don't worry, I had her take down her hood before she came in. She isn't some evil demon." I joked. "She wishes to speak with you." Aphmau nodded. "Okay, well, I'm Aphmau, but if you want, you can call me Aph. Come on in!" 

Hey! Sorry this was so .. well.. meh, I just wanted to get a second chapter out and.. yeah. So, Amber (Jasper) has turned out to be pretty badass, eh? Hope you like it! ^-^ Bye!

-J