NCDreamworld

The Journey: Part 1

The year is 1551. Kings were of higher power. Wars were lessening, and love was hard to find, and easy in the streets. This story is unlike any other. This story has eight different points of views from eight different people. Prince Nickolas: the bored prince. Christine: the Wiccan in training. Christallina: the Latina Cinderella. Deanna: the love searcher. Kevin: the Womanizer. Brian: the unrespected priest. Alexander: the court jester, and Lord Dorough, the lovelorn prince of Spain. These are their stories, and their journey to find their ultimate dream.

PRINCE NICKOLAS
This story takes place in England, and its spring. There was a mighty kingdom that settled in the very heart of England, called the Saldonshire Castle. Within the castle ruled a prince named Nickolas. He sits on his royal throne with his fist against his cheek. He sighs heavily, staring into space. “Um…Milord?” began one of his servants. “Milord. What is your will? Milord?” I wish that they would stop calling me that. For once, can they just call me Nick? I hate the name Nickolas. I’m oh so sick of the thee’s and thou’s and these frilly shirts that I have to wear every single day! It’s driving my ass crazy! God, I want something different. I want to live a different life. I don’t want to be a prince, or a king. For God’s sake, I’m only 21. I don’t want to rule. I never wanted to. I just wanted to be normal, ya know, a normal person. This isn’t what I want. This is not what I want to do. I just wish I could live out MY dream. MY life’s wonders… But I guess it’ll never happen….

CHRISTINE
Cambiance`, Saliea, Drandi!” “Christine! That’s not right! It’s like this… Why am I even here? I don’t want to become a Wiccan. It’s so boring. Here I am, 22, casting spells that have no meaning at all. I don’t want to do this for the rest of my life. I just want to live out my dream, and heighten my expectations in life. I would love to travel the world, ya know, to sightsee, and become a world-famous painter. All of this can be possible, if I wasn’t held down by my old-fashioned, Godforsaken parents.

CHRISTALLINA
I wish I was a princess. All my life, I dreamed of walking down the royal staircase, wearing a beautiful white and pink gown, holding the hand of my prince. As I sit atop my tower, I stare out of my window with my fist upon my cheek. I’ve been here since I was 12, and my life has been nothing but the same ever since: being a slave for my bitchy step-sisters, and staying up in my tower looking out the window. Some life, huh? It was very cold, and I have nothing to keep me warm. All I have for ‘warmth’ were some old blankets, and worn out shoes. These are the same shoes that I had since I was 14. I’m 18 now. What am I to do? Would I be forever a slave to people who aren’t my blood? Would I have to stay in this cold and lonely tower for the rest of my life? Will I have no royal refuge? Only time will tell for me.

DEANNA
It’s been 21 years since I’ve ever been in the Saldonshire castle. I was given up by my own when I was a baby. I was sold to a family that didn’t love me. I was forced into a marriage that didn’t last long. Lucky for me, I kept my virtue intact. For years, I tried to find the right person for me. Someone who is willing to take care of me. Anyone. I didn’t care whether it was a pauper, or a prince. The only thing that I desire from my one and only, is love and truthfulness. The husband that I was with never cared for me. “Clean the tower! Make the bed! Cook my dinner! Sweep faster, wench!” I hated that! Does THAT sound like love? Ha! I doubt it to the fullest. Now, I am still on a quest for my true love, and once I find him, I’ll be the happiest woman on this earth.

KEVIN
I’m a womanizer, and I love it. Making love with different women every night? What’s not to like about that life? It’s great! Of course, there’s no love there, but what I need is quick, and so satisfying. Many women just throw themselves at me, and I whip out my big----well, you know… They say that I have the looks of a Greek God…I agree. After all, I am beautiful. Everyday, I look at myself in the mirror, fascinated by my rugged, yet perfect beauty.

But alas…I am indeed missing something in my life. The main reason why I chose this life was because I had lost my one true love: Milandra. She is the most beautiful woman in all of England. Ever since I sailed the icy seas from America, to this country, she was right by my side. I lost her to a man that I never want to see again, nor see his face, or hear his voice. Ever since he took her, or wooed her away from me, my life spiraled, and I turned to womanization. Yes, I know that this isn’t a real word, but it is in fact what I do. I womanize. I please the women of my choosing, and I leave them afterwards. In order for me to cease my ways, is to win Milandra back…but it’s not going to be an easy task to follow.

BRIAN
As I sit on my stool, looking at the cross, I think of the many things. Death. Disease...what I really want to be. I have been a priest to the St. Augustine Catholic church for 15 years. The only thing that I’m used for is to get rid of some evil spirits with my powerful exorcisms. Other than that, I haven’t been respected for many other things. The one thing that I want to become is an Archdiocese, or better yet, a Cardinal. Or the one thing that I want to become more than anything. Yes. I want to become a Pope. Not because I want to be powerful than an Archdiocese, or a Cardinal, but to be respected by many. I love the populace of Northern England, and I would love to spread my love of faith to the world. But in order to fulfill my dream in becoming the Pope of the St. Augustine, I would have to take it one step at a time.

ALEXANDER
Being a court jester is great. I love to make people laugh. But actually, sometimes, I wish people would take me seriously. Sure, I love to make people laugh, but trying to be serious is not easy. When I would become very heartbreakingly serious, people would just stare at me as if I’m crazy, and ask, “Whereat is the humor?” I just jingle my bell, make the seriousness funny, and run away. In order for to be serious, I must become a theatrical actor. They receive respect at the utmost. Doing puppeteer acts, and goofing off will become a thing of my past. Even though people will still remember me as ‘the court jester’, I hope to be newly remembered as ‘the serious actor of all London.’

LORD DOROUGH
Sadly to say, I am the cousin of Prince Nickolas. Though I’m the smartest, well... he’s...well...nevermind. My sister married his older brother, Christian, so at least we’re not cousins by blood. Now, enough about my Catholic family, and my crazy outside family, I want to talk about my excruciating loneliness. I have no one to give love to, nor to receive love by. It hurts deep within my soul. Many women want to become my wife because I’m a prince, but I don’t want someone like that. It’s all the same: riches, riches and MORE riches! My mother says, “This is what you want! This is what you deserve! We do not help the less fortunate. They are a waste of our time, and a waste of our money!” I am so glad that I didn’t inhabit her beliefs. I’m glad that I got my true beliefs from the Dorough bloodline. Surely known, I have everything that I could ever want, but really...I don’t. As I said before, I want love. I want to give love.. I want to receive love. The only way that I could find this love, is by searching for it. I have to search for my needed love, and cherish it for always. But for now, I sit here, wasting my days, sitting on a throne that I don’t want at all.
~*~*~*~*~*~
The sky in all the places of the world became dark. Everyone in their rightful or wrongful places are in a deep sleep. Within the night sky, a flowing force, seemingly like a haze of blue dust came down. As if in an army, each particle wandered throughout the world.
As Brian slept in his cot, rocking as he breathed in and out, the dust went into his mind. Upon doing that, he was given a vision of his dream of being a Pope: onlookers gazing upon him as he read his daily sermon, as they awed him. The second to see their dream was Nickolas. His dream was to become a normal person, and to live his life not being ruled by his royalty. Christallina was next to see her vision. As she ascended the staircase, wearing her gown flowing white, her prince awaited her...though she couldn’t see his face. The haze then traveled to Madrid, Spain, where Lord Dorough slept in his mansion of a bedroom...which he hated. His dream began to unfold. There, in a mighty cathedral, he was to be wed. Right by his side, was his beautiful wife to be. Christine was the next one. She was in Ireland showing everyone her most adorned paintings. She was loved by many onlookers for her work. Then, Alexander. He dreamt that he was center stage performing the most dramatic love story, “Romeo + Juliet.” “Milandra...?” Kevin’s dream was next. He saw his beloved Milandra walking towards him, holding his hand. He loved her with every fiber of his being. As he said before: he wants to kill his old ways, but in order to do that, he has to win back Milandra. And last, but not least: Deanna. She dreamt of the end of her search. She had finally found the love of her life. The only problem was...where was he?
It was as if everyone woke up simultaneously. Kevin woke up, and got out of his bed. Silhouetted by the night, he snuck out of his cabin, and ran to the horse bin, and hop on his prized horse, Trigger. He clicks his tongue, and shouts, “Yaah!” and rode off into the night; his hair flowing freely, the sound of the horse galloping was thunderous in the air. Brian woke up, and got out of his cot, walking to the door of his small home, grabbing a robe walking out. Nickolas woke up, and walked to his window of his tower, looking down. “I have to get out of here...even if it kills me...” Nickolas sought a ladder, let it fall, stopping to the ground, and climbed down. Upon climbing down, he saw the guard, sleeping at his post. “You, infidel!” The bumbling guard woke up, grabbing his hat from falling. “Ye–yes, Milord?” he said in a Cockney British accent. “Get out of here.” “What have I done, Milord?” “Nothing bad, Jules. Here...” He hands him 40 gold coins that would make him a mini millionaire. “Jiminy Crickets...Bless you, Milord!” As the guard ran away, shouting “yahoo!” Nickolas scurried away into the night.
It was midnight, and Kevin arrived at an uncharted place. “Ok...this dream led me here...where’s–“ Suddenly someone came running towards him. “I’m FREE!!!!! FINALLY!!” Kevin gasped, but was not quick to dodge Nick’s charge. They both fell onto the plush green grass, with Nickolas on top. “Um...sorry.” Kevin pushes him off of him. “Get the Hell off of me, you...” “Excuse me? I am the Prince of Saldonshire!” Kevin stands there facing him with his arms crossed, tapping his left foot. “....oh, wow.” He said sarcastically. “I’m scared. Oh, whatever shall I do?” he then drops to his knees, in a prayer position. “Please, don’t cut my head off. Please. You’re too young to be royalty.” “That’s what I told my family. I don’t want to rule.” “You don’t?” “No. I wanna be different. You know? Not royal. Are you royal?” Kevin sits down in the plush grass, looking up at him. “No, I’m rich, but not royal. I’m Sir Kevin of Ellsworth. What is thy name?” “I’m not old-fashioned, so can you say your instead or thy?” “I can’t help the way I talk, young man.” “I’m Nickolas. But please, call me Nick.” “Alright. Nick. So, whe—“Suddenly, someone or something was rustling in the bushes. Nick and Kevin jumped. “Ow! Help...” “It’s a woman...” Kevin rushed over to the bushes, and was met by a woman’s green eyes. “Can thou help me from this crazy bush?” Kevin held out his hand with a smile, as the woman placed her hand upon his. As he pulled her out, she toppled backward a little, only for Kevin to catch her in his arms. “Thank you...” “You’re...very welcome, milady. What is your name?” “My name is Christine Coulter...” Kevin looked into her pools of green again. For someone who has the same colored eyes as his own, she had a unique beauty. The sound of galloping was heard all of a sudden.. It became somewhat faint...then loud...then closer. Kevin, Christine, and Nick stood their ground. Kevin then yielded his sword, ready for a fight. Suddenly, a shadowy figure appeared, then shown by the moonlight. There were two people on a black horse. They both had on black velvet cloaks. One of them shouted ‘whoa!’ the voice seemed female. As they both got off, their identities were revealed.
Standing there were two women: one with long brown hair of Hispanic descent, and the other with long brunette hair with milky white skin. Kevin put his sword away, and walked towards them; as did Nick and Christine. “Hello, fair strangers! I am—“Nick was cut off by Christallina, who pointed a sword towards his chest. “Um...I’m sorry. Heh...heh...” “Who are you?” “I’m...Pr—Prince Ni—Nickolas...Can you please yield down your sword? Pretty please?” said a scared Nick. Christallina put her sword back in its holster. “I’m sorry, your highness!” she bows down to him. Nick rolled his eyes, and helped her up. “Please don’t do that.” “Why? I mean, you’re a prince. You deserve to be bowed before...” “Um...thank you for your respect and kindness, but I really am tired of all of this royalty talk.” “He doesn’t want to rule,” said Kevin, petting Christallina’s horse. “She’s beautiful...what’s her name?” “Her name is Midnight. I had her since I was little.” “Did your parents give you this?” Christallina looked down. “My stepfather gave it to me...my parents died when I was young.” “Sorry to hear that, child,” said Christine. Nick turned around, and noticed the other woman. “My goodness...” he thought. “She’s...beautiful...” Deanna noticed him looking at her. "See anything you like?" "Yes..." Nick said, walking towards her. "Hello, you rare beauty..." Nick took her hand, and kissed it softly, looking at her. She began to blush a crimson red, looking away. Suddenly, a bright blue light ascended from the sky. The five stood there in awe. Kevin once again yielded his sword. "This thing is going back to where it came from..." “Kevin, wait!” Kevin charged at it, and swung his sword at it. Upon doing that, the light grew, and flung Kevin against a tree. "Ahhh!" He slid down against the tree, and groaned. "What is that?" Nick said, hiding behind Christine. Christine took out her wand, and pointed it at the light. "Miraspectum..." Before she could finish the spell, the light turned into a beautiful maiden with wings. She had on a radiant blue dress, and long, flowing blonde hair, and sky blue eyes. "Children...welcome”

Meanwhile, Lord Dorough was on his horse, Silhouette, galloping through the fields, following the light from his dream. "Yaah! Faster!" Alexander was in the crossfire of the horse, for he was crossing through the fields...lost. "Hello?" he shouted, only replied to by his own echo. "Whoa..."commanded Lord Dorough, as he saw Alexander. "Are you lost?" Alexander looked up, and saw a man wearing a dark purple shirt, and black leather pants. He had long, dark brown hair, and hazel eyes, with a beard coming through. "Um...Are you Don Quixote?" "Wrong story." "..............Oh. Who are you?" "I'm Lord Dorough, Prince of Spain. I'm looking for a really big field nearby." "Same here. Whilst thou help me?" "Hop onboard." As Dorough grabbed his hand, placing him on his horse, he shouted his command to his horse for go, and rode off. As they rode off into the night, Dorough's hair flew along the wind. "My...you're hair is silky..." "You're pushing it, amigo." "Sorry..."
“I am Marina. I am a Fairy God princess.” “Yeah, a Fairy God princess that can really pack a punch...ugh...” Said Kevin, getting up, limping toward the rest of the gang. “I am here to lead you all to your dreams. In order to get to your dreams, you must stay together at all times, for there are great dangers may occur before you.” “Oh, great!” Began Nick. “In order to find my dream, I have to die first?” “I didn’t say that. You must be very brave to conquer these dangers, or you’ll be lost.” “Lost in our minds?” “No. Lost for all eternity.” “I wanna go home now.” Whined Nick, crossing his arms.
“You have to go through with this, or else your dream will never be fulfilled. You have to gain bravery in order to get your dream. Is that understood?” “Yes...” they all said in unison, as if in a class. “Now, if you get stuck, call upon me. Promise that you’ll call upon me if you are in danger.” “I know I will...” Said Nick. “Well, where do we begin?” As if in time, someone fell from the sky. The person landed upon the ground with a loud thud. Everyone gathered around. The person turned over, and it revealed to be Brian, the priest. “Are you one of our challenges?” “No...And can one of you kind people do me a favor? WILL YOU HELP ME UP?!” Christine walked towards him, and helped him up. “Thank you, kindly. What is this place?” ““I guess it’s the starting point to find our dream,” said Christallina, standing by a very old tree, touching it softly. “This tree looks as if it had been here for several hundred years.” “How do you know?” asked Deanna. “I can just tell...it’s something about me and nature. I’ll be right back.” Christallina walked away, for she saw something in the distance. As she got closer, she then, all of a sudden, saw a little rag doll in a pile of crinkly, old leaves. As she walked to the doll, she picked it up, only to have the ground buckle and piece away under her. Christallina screamed, as the ground broke away into a hole. “Somebody help me! Please!!” Galloping was heard from a distance. Christallina hung on for dear life. “Oh, god…someone please help me…” “’Ey, Don Pinocchio…” “Lord…Dorough…” “……………..oh. There’s someone hanging from a hole…”
Dorough looked closely, and saw Christallina. “Oh, dear God…YAAH!” When they both got closer, they looked down at the hole, and saw her, crying, hanging on for dear life. Dorough takes out his lasso, and whips it towards her. “Grab it, and hang on tight!” As she grabbed onto the lasso, Dorough pulled her up, holding her by her waist. Christallina grabbed his shoulders, with her eyes closed. He held onto her tight. “Everything’s going to be alright. You’re safe now…” As Christallina looked up, she saw his face. She gasped, and her mouth was slightly open. “Thank you for saving me…” “I’m always there for the people in need…especially beautiful women like you…” Christallina blushed, and looked away smiling. “Tell me…who are you? And where did you come from?” “My name is Lord Dorough, from the city of Madrid.” “Are you a king?” asked Christallina, in exclamation. “No, I’m not a king. I’m a prince, though I don’t want to be…” “Why don’t you want to become a prince? To me, that’s the best thing a person should be. In fact, I would love to be---“Dorough placed two of his fingers on her lips. “Has anyone ever told you that you talk too much?” “I’m sorry. It’s just that I don’t understand why certain people don’t want to rule…” Christallina stated, sitting on plush grass. “Well…” he began. “When I was little, I wanted to be a normal person. I never wanted to rule. I didn’t want to be a prince. So…I got away from my home in Spain, to be free from royalty…and to find something else. Why are you out here?” Christallina got up, and walked to the direction of the field area. “Have I offended you?” “No…I came from Spain as well….though I was a slave all my life.” “What is your age?” “18.” “You’re too young and too beautiful to be a slave. A woman with such delicate hands…” Dorough takes her hands in his, smoothing them. “…shouldn’t be doing anything coarse at all…hands like these should be intertwined with another’s palm…” He entangled his hand with hers, and brought her close to him. “Do you dance?” “Yes.” “Would you like to?” “I’d love to…
Deanna carved circles in the dirt with a stick, with her fist to her cheek. “Where is she? I hope she didn’t get lost…”
“I hope not as well,” said Kevin, petting his horse, feeding her sugar cubes from his pocket.
“I see someone…” said the priest, getting up from the ground. They appeared to be shadowy figures at first, but they turned out to be Christallina, Alexander, and her hero, Lord Dorough.
Deanna quickly stood up, and walked to her. “Christallina! What happened to you?”
“I don’t know…I was picking up a doll, when all of a sudden the ground gave way on me. It all happened so fast.”
“It was a good thing that I was there to save her, or else…I don’t want to imagine what would happen,” said Dorough placing his hand on her shoulder. She looked up at him, and smiled.
Nickolas walked behind Deanna, and whispered: “Looks like we have a couple in the midst…”
Deanna looked at Dorough and Christallina, smiling. “Yeah, I suppose. I just hope that they don’t fall in love too quickly. A heart is easy to break, and hard to put back together…” Deanna turned away from Nickolas, and walked away.
“I agree…” he said to himself, as he walked off to the opposite direction.
“I am very sorry for my rudeness, kind people. I am Lord Dorough from Madrid, Spain. This is…uh…”
“Alexander’s the name, and making you split your sides is my game. Nice to meet yo—” Suddenly, he spotted Deanna and Christine. “Why…helloooo…”
Alexander walked up to Christine with a look of lust in his eyes. “Well, hello there, Irish…”
”You lustful demon!” Christine took out her wand, and zapped him against a nearby tree.
He lifted his head up, groaning, “Whoa…what a woman…”
“Alright, enough playing around,” said Kevin. “It’s still night out, and we need a place to camp out.”
“But where the hell are we gonna find a place to camp 8 people?” asked Nick.
“Over there…” Christallina pointed to a field full of plush, green grass, big enough for all 8 of them. Once they had sought the area, they walked through it, and sat down.
Christallina felt it, and stated, “It’s clean.” As she was about to lie down upon it, Dorough stopped her.
“I don’t want you to lie on the grass bare. Here…lie on my cape…” Christallina smiled at him, as he gentlemanly placed the cape on the ground.
“Yo, Witch, why don’t ya zap us some pillows?” said Alexander, sarcastically.
“Ha ha…” she waved her wand at him, but he cowered in fear.
“Relax…” Christine encircled the area in a silk canopy, to protect everyone.
“Nice…blue…” said Deanna, as she began to lie down, holding herself.
Nickolas kneeled down to her, and placed his hand on her shoulder.
“Are you cold, Maiden?” Deanna turned on her back, and looked into his eyes. His breath was nearly stolen, for her blue-turquoise orbs illuminated in the moonlight.
“No, I’m not…but thank you for asking…”
Nickolas sat by her, and balanced his weight on his hands, looking up at the sky. “Have you ever seen such beautiful stars? It’s like our Savior is shining down on us, even at night…”
Deanna sat up, and looked at the stars with him. “Yeah…I would look up at the sky every night to see those stars…hopefully one of them would send me my true love…”
“You’ve been searching all your life?”
“I just feel that it’s what I need to make me complete. Once I find that person, I’ll be whole. Christallina says that I don’t need a significant other to be merry…but I don’t want to be alone…”
“You don’t have to be…” Nickolas reached out, and grabbed her hand, entangling his fingers within hers. She looked into his vibrant blue eyes, and smiled. Nickolas touched her face with the back of his hand, and began to lean in. “I’m sure that what you’re looking for is right under your nose…” he said to her softly, leaning in even further.
Deanna placed a hand on his chest, and pushed him back a little. “Good night, kind sir,” she said, before turning over, closing her eyes.
Nick got up, and looked down at her. “Good night, my love,” he said to himself before walking away.
The 8 journey seekers fell into a deep sleep. Soon, they must realize that the trials they have to face tomorrow will determine their destiny.

Destiny
The Journey: Part 2
The day began to break, and the sun rose over the light powder blue canopy tent. The first person that got up was Lord Dorough. He stretched, and walked out the tent, looking up at the sky, admiring the clouds, and the bright sun from up above. He took a deep breath, and inhaled the sweet scent of the spring air. He turned around, and saw Christallina on his velvet cape, her hands on her cheeks, smiling as she slept. He walked to the tent, and looked down at her, admiring her beauty. He had never seen anything or anyone so beautiful in his life. He hoped that she was what he was looking for. Christallina stirred in her sleep, and turned over facing Dorough.
“Good morrow to thee,” she said sleepily.
He kneeled down to her, and brushed the excess bluegrass from her hair. She placed her hand on his, and looked into his hazel brown eyes. For a moment, she was completely lost. If she could, she would look into those pools of hazel forever.
“Did you sleep well, fair maiden?”
“Yes indeed…” Dorough caressed her cheek with the back of his hand. Christallina got up, and picked up his cape. She brushed the grass off, and handed it to him. “Here you are, my Lord. It felt as if I was in a comfortable bed…most luxurious.”
“Thank you…and you don’t have to call me Lord. Just Dorough would suffice.”
“Are you sure? Because people like you deserve respect, and pure honor.”
Dorough walked up to her, and stated, “I don’t need to be called Lord just so I can gain respect, milady. As a matter of fact, I don’t like the name ‘Lord Dorough’ at all.”
Christallina bowed to him. “Forgive me…”
He sighed, and kneeled her back up to face him. “Have you been taught to do that?”
“I’ve been raised to respect others, Lords, Kings, Dukes or otherwise.”
“I see…”
Eventually, everyone had woken up from their slumber. Deanna walked out of the canopy, and looked up at the sky. Nickolas followed.
“My, the sky is wondrous,” said Deanna.
Nick walked up to her, and nodded his head in agreement. “Deanna, may I have a word with you?” She turned to him, nodded, and walked with him to a nearby pond filled with Lilly pads and baby chicks. Nick and Deanna both sat by the pond looking into it.
“My maiden…have I made you uncomfortable last night?” Deanna turned to him, shaking her head. “Why are you saying nothing to me?”
Deanna got up, and stood against a tree, picking the willows off. “You didn’t make me uncomfortable, Nickolas…you never did. It’s just that…”
“What?” “It’s just that I don’t want my heart broken again…that’s all…”
“I know…I would never break your heart, fair maiden…Though you say that you need love…and that you crave love…I could hopefully be the right person for you.”
Deanna turned to him, and gave him a look. “How could you say that? How do you know that YOU could hold my heart on a pedestal?! How could you possibly know that you’re the one that I desire? The one that I crave?!”
“I just do…and—“
“You don’t know anything! You’re selfish!” Deanna ran off crying, disappearing into the fields. Nick ran after her, going through every orchard and every rose bush to get to her. To him, she was worth the painful scratches of the thorns. When he finally caught up to her, he saw her sitting on a rock, looking away.
“Stay away from me, you selfish pig…” Nick walked to her, and tried to place his hand on her arm, but she quickly batted his hand away. “Don’t touch me…”
“Maiden, I’m sorry for being rash. I never meant to speak on your behalf without a consult. I deeply apologize…” Nick bends down on one knee, and looks into her eyes. “If you can find it in your heart to forgive me…then—“just before he finished his speech, Deanna ran off, and jumped in a river sized pool of freshwater.
Nick was stunned, and ran towards it, jumping in after her. “Deanna!” he shouted, while searching for her in the cool water. She was nowhere to be seen. Nick dove underwater to find her, and all he could find were fishes and kelp. Nick gave up, and rose to the surface. “Where could she be? Deanna! Where are you!?” His voice echoed through the stoned creek; he gave up. Suddenly, someone rose from behind him, and tapped his shoulder. He turned around, and to his surprise, it was Deanna. Nick grabbed her by the arms, and shook her a little.
“Are you out of your mind?! Why did you do that?”
“To see if you would save me…and you proved it…”
“But…I thought I lost you…” Deanna’s back was against a boulder.
“You didn’t…I’m truly sorry for chastising you…I get too emotional at times…”
Nick placed two fingers atop her lips. “All is forgiven, maiden…” He began to lean in. “All…is forgiven…” Nick lightly kissed her lips, his hands against the boulder, blocking her to escape. He thought that she would resist, but she didn’t: she responded by deepening the kiss, wrapping her arms around him. Deanna reached down, and took off the drenched ‘frilly’ shirt that he wore, and threw it to the other side of the river. Her hands glided over his chest, his hands now around her waist. Temptation started to build. Love started to build.
“Nick…I…” Nick silenced her again, and picked her up, taking her out of the river. He had laid her on the grass bed, and lay beside her, holding her hand. Deanna turned to him, and smiled.
“I…never knew you felt that way about me, Nickolas…”
“Well…” he thumbs he chin, staring into her eyes. “Now, you do…”
“So, what now?” said Christine, looking up at Kevin from a book. “Where do we go from here?”
Kevin sits on a rock, sharpening his sword. “I don’t know…I don’t even know where to go…do you, Priest?”
Brian sat afar by himself, saying a rosary. “I don’t know as well…maybe we shouldest wait until the first trial comes to us.”

Later on that day, the men of the group searched for food. Christallina, Christine and Deanna stood watch, because Dorough and Nickolas didn’t want them to ruin their ‘dainty hands’. They surrendered to their pleas. Instead, they talked to each other.
“So, Deanna…” Christallina began. “Is he the one for thy heart and mind, or no?”
Deanna smiled looking back at Nickolas, gathering sweet oranges that he found. “Yes…he is. It’s like...he was the one that I waited for all my life…he’s perfect; most of all, he cares for my well-being.”
“How so?” asked Christine.
“Well…I tested him. I jumped in a lake, and I held my breath underwater. He searched frantically for me, and he could not find me…That was proof enough that he cares for me…and that he loves me.”
Christine sighs, fiddling with her wand. “You’re very lucky, Christallina…I wish I could find someone…I’ve tried spells…traps, capture attempts…”
Deanna placed a hand on her knee. “Christine, you don’t need witchery to find love…use your aura. That way, you’ll be bewitching to your significant other.” Christine smiled, looking down at the ground, making circles in the dirt.
“You’re right…” Christine looked at Kevin, cutting through bushes with his sword. “Do you think I can snag Kevin? I mean, he does look like a great provider for me…and children…”
“Don’t get ahead of yourself just yet,” Christallina stated. “You should also let him come to you. Rushing into it might just get your heart broken. Christine realized that she was right. She decided to wait it out, and see what he’ll say to her, before she made a fool of herself.
“Now, onto you, Christallina…” Deanna began. “You and Lord Dorough seem to be getting along…Is this true?”
Christallina gets up, looking at Dorough. He saw her looking at him, and smiles back. In acknowledgement, she blushed.
“I think the answer is quite obvious…” Deanna stated.
Dorough filled his cape full of berries and many other fruits. He took a strawberry, and walked to Christallina, feeding it to her. As she bit into it, she closed her eyes…
“It’s sweet…and perfect…“ ”Like you…” She looked up at him, and smiled, placing a hand on his face. “Thank you…so are you, kind sir…”
“Well, why are we still standin’ here?!” exclaimed Alexander. “Let’s eat!” Alexander snatched the cape from Dorough’s hand, and ran off with it. Before he got far, Dorough tripped him, and yielded his sword, placing it to his neck. He looked down upon him. “If you have a decent bone in thy body, you will turn…the…food loose. Ahora!”
Alexander shakily gave him the fruit. “He..here man, take it, take it all!” Dorough smiled, and grabbed the cape, and passed the fruit to everyone.
“Now, that’s what we needed…a show…” said Nick, eating an apple. Deanna walked over and sat next to him.
“So, what are we going to do now?” asked Christine.
“There’s no telling what we’re going to do…all we have to do is wait.” Kevin looked at Christine with his dark green eyes. Her breath was caught in her throat, and nervously, turned away.
Suddenly, without warning, a loud boom was heard. Everyone stood guard, and filled with fear, as they saw a gigantic shadow approaching them.

Piczo