the dark part of Selkia Forest }{ this is wher...

[HoudiniDerek]

"Dangerous undertaking, Princess," Kerodi said. He shook his head and his eyes glazed over for a minute as he thought about the Orbidar Flower. It was not easy to find and the season was almost over to find it. "I still don't see why you went out though. I am sure there were other volunteers."


Kerodi looked down at the small figure as her wings fluttered. Even though she was flustered and flighty, there was a regal bearing to her nature. "Princess, how have you been going about getting people to believe in fairies? The fairies have not interacted with humans and other races for years. Did you expect them to survive that isolation?"

[orchid]

"no, for i alone had to go into the human world, and risk my life for my people as many before me. I knew that if i got people to at least get a small glimpse, speially children, then they would beleive and our kind would live for a few decades. children slowly have not been beliving in us and the only thing that's able to keep us alive is the Orbidar Flower. if you can at least get me to the volcanoes, then i may be able to finish my mission. that is all i ask in terms of my people. bt for now, i want you to get some rest. for we have a long journey ahead of us, and right now sleep is the immportant thing." orchid said.

she flew over to the table beside the bed and layed in a small part of it.

[HoudiniDerek]

Kerodi watched her fly over to the table and drift off to sleep. He sat for a while thinking about the flower and the fairy people. There still seemed to be something missing. Why would the fairies allow the princess to go out into the world when there were other fairies? Surely, she was not expected to do it all.

Kerodi went to sleep and awoke early. Princess Orchid was still on the table. Kerodi rose and washed his face on the basin in the corner. The sleep had refreshed his body, but his mind was still troubled. They were weeks away from Blaze Mountain and the fairy kingdom was probably another couple of weeks away. It would be a long journey.

Kerodi gathered up his stuff and went over to the table. "Princess," Kerodi whispered. "It's time to get started."

[orchid]

orchid had awoke with a big yawn, floating up at the same time.
orchid" yes i do beielev that it is time. do i have to hide until we get outside?"

[HoudiniDerek]

Kerodi nodded. "It's probably best that you stay out of sight for a while. During the morning hours, the gnomes travel more and they might spot you. We will stay off the beaten path after we get further along and then you can come out and enjoy the day." Kerodi held out his hand and waited for the Princess.

[orchid]

orchid flew gently over to kerodi's hand, then walked up his arm into his hood she sat there waiting patently
orchid" i promise that when you help me, i will alwyas be of service to you."

[HoudiniDerek]

Kerodi pulled up his hood, checked to make sure the room was empty, and left. He shut the door behind him and headed down to the counter to checkout. Minutes later, he was out of the inn and on his way back through the Selkia. For the first few hours, Kerodi figured they were safer on the trail with the Princess hidden away for now. She could come out once they got off the beaten trail.

Kerodi's stride was quick and long, helping to cover the distance west at a much faster pace. Kerodi thought back to the Princess offering to be at his service. Ironically, Kerodi could probably use her help. He had studied the fairies for years, but had very little in the way of practical knowledge about them. She might be able to help him study the fairies that were living. That would be a boon to him and might help them too: It would be at least one more person who would ferverently believe in them. It was something to consider.

Kerodi whistled happily as he walked, enjoying the day, but making sure that he did not invite conversation from the few people that were trekking the road too. About three hours after he started, he stopped on the path. Looking around , he made sure he was not being followed and headed north through the forest. About ten minutes later, he stopped by a small stream. "You can come out now, Princess," he whispered, holding out his hand for her.

[orchid]

orchid walked out sqinting. her eyes were not immune to the light yet, she floated to kerodi's hand but almost missed. making a big fuss about the landing she walked to the middle of his hands. "so where do we start our adventure"

[HoudiniDerek]

"Well, it's going to start here in the forest. We have a long journey ahead of us. We are going to stop here and I am going to fill up a couple of canteens for us. There are not many rivers farther into the Selkia. We have to travel through some of the denser parts of it and it is not always safe."

Kerodi carefully set Princess Orchid down and pulled out two canteens from his pack. "You should get some to drink while we are here." Kerodi started filling the canteens. When he was done, he put them back in his pack and drank some himself.

"We have several hours of daylight left. Why don't you fill me in on your people while we walk? It's nicer than hearing my own thoughts sometimes." Kerodi smiled and held out his hand so he could put her on his shoulder.

[orchid]

orchid had drank a few sips more of the water and then walked on kerodi's hand. he put her on his shuolder. "my people? well most of my people are kind, they will say nice things to and about you, but you really have to watch out of pixies, some say we as fairies ae alike, but pixies are vile little thieves."

[orchid]

Orchid shuttered at the thought of the pixies. She thought a little longer. "When I was little, My dad was taken from me. The pixies began a refuge on the outskirt of the village and needed new recruits. My dad was chosen. Mom always told me that he died long ago, I found out a while ago that she was lying to me, but not to wound me, to protect me."
Orchid wiped one tear that lingered on her face.