[center][hider=characters mentioned] •[i] Xilas (NPC) • Xander (NPC) • Vadik [@RedDusk] • Kenzie [@Dusksong][/i][/hider][/center] [center][img]http://i.imgur.com/t71yFAd.jpg[/img] [img]http://txt-dynamic.static.1001fonts.net/txt/dHRmLjYwLmU2NjViOC5XR1Z1WVNCdlppQkJZbUZ1Wld0cC4w/queen-of-heaven.regular.png[/img][h3][color=f49ac2]Approaching from the north east [/color]|| [color=f49ac2]Interacting with her brothers[/color] [color=f49ac2]Mood: Eager to see someone[/color][/h3] [color=gray]∴ ∵ ∴ ∵ ∴ ∵ ∴ ∵ ∴ ∵ ∴ ∵ ∴ ∵ ∴ ∵ ∴ ∵ ∴ ∵ ∴ ∵ ∴ ∵ ∴ ∵ ∴ ∵ ∴ ∵ ∴ ∵ ∴ ∵ ∴ ∵ ∴ ∵ ∴ ∵ ∴ ∵ ∴ ∵ ∴ ∵ ∴ ∵ ∴ ∵ ∴ ∵ ∴ ∵ [/color][/center] [indent]The sun slowly began its descent, painting the infinite sky with shades of red and pomegranate pink. Xena's amber eyes were steady on the horizon, face aglow with the last orange rays before nightfall. The cool spring breeze blew across the valley, making her silver hair dance and filling the tangled woods beyond her with foreboding rustles. A shiver ran down her spine. A bad premonition gnawed at her gut but she chose to ignore it. It must have been her nerves. The Abaneki Tribe slowly approached from the north east, all men and women clad in white. They had an air of nobility and regal calm, walking with their backs straight and heads held high. They looked elegant and dignified with each stride they took. White flags and banners fluttered in the air, each bearing their clan symbol with utmost pride. A horn blew, announcing their arrival. The smell of freshly cooked meat greeted their olfactory senses, accompanied by the sound of chatter and laughter among men. Music could be heard from a distance, children ran about in glee, and men gathered to boast about their heroic tales. [i]This [/i]was what the gathering was all about. To unite in peace and celebrate. However, only one thing seemed to matter to Xena at the moment. The only thing she had been looking forward to during their long days of travel. To see [i]him[/i]. To talk to him. To kis- "[color=6ecff6]Xena[/color]," a deep voice boomed, ripping her out of her trance. She flinched in surprise, her thoughts breaking like shattered glass. A flush of embarrassment came to her cheeks as she quickly shook herself out of her daze. "[color=6ecff6]I've been calling your name[/color]," Xilas said. "[color=6ecff6]You seem distracted. Is something weighing heavily on your mind?[/color]" He asked with a hint of concern in his voice. Xena shook her head slightly. "[color=f49ac2]It's nothing, brother. I'm just exhausted from our travel,[/color]" came her reply. Xilas' long silver hair resembled her own and was tied back into a loose ponytail. His eyes were so green, it reminded her of the trees in the forests. He stood at 6'1, his tall frame towering over hers. "[color=6ecff6]Go and get some rest while we prepare supper. I've already had someone set up your tent.[/color]" He said as he pointed to the spot where the tent stood. "[color=f49ac2]Then, I will do that in a moment.[/color]" She replied, but her thoughts seemed to be elsewhere. Her eyes searched the crowd in a subtle manner, looking for her beloved. During their separation, something had happened to Xena's feelings. They had grown painfully intense--like she'd been forced to withdraw from life-saving medication. "[color=7ea7d8]Xilas. Xena,[/color]" Xander called out. He was the oldest among the three, and a worthy successor to the Chief. Unlike both of his siblings', his hair was as black as obsidian. His dark hair tumbled across his shoulders in unkempt waves, and his eyes were the same color as Xena's, only appearing brighter and more vibrant because of his tan skin. He stood two inches taller than Xilas, his body boasting of strong and muscular physique. He walked towards them in long strides. "[color=7ea7d8]It seems our travel has taken its toll on father's health. He is currently resting in his tent.[/color]" He informed. [color=6ecff6] "Brother, how is the situation regarding the rebels?"[/color] Xilas asked, his voice laced thick with concern. [color=7ea7d8]"Unfortunately, I haven't received any further information,[/color]" Xander heaved a sigh and ran his fingers through his messy waves. "[color=7ea7d8]That reminds me,[/color]" he turned to Xena, "[color=7ea7d8]Please don't go anywhere on your own. I have assigned someone to be your personal guard. Kenzie Moraitis. He is an excellent warrior,[/color]" he opined. The name rang a bell. She knew him. "[color=7ea7d8]I will have him introduce himself later. For now, you should rest. Join us later for supper,[/color]" he finished. Xena simply nodded. If memory served her right, Kenzie Moraitis was now the lead candidate for the position of [i]hunt captain;[/i] he was especially known for his speed. She already knew slipping from his watch would not be easy. "[color=7ea7d8]And for the last time, little sister, don't go off on your own,[/color]" he reiterated as if he had just read her thoughts. He knew her too well. "[color=f49ac2]Understood, brother. Please don't worry about me,[/color]" she said with a soft smile. Xander seemed satisfied with her response."[color=7ea7d8]Then, I will be taking my leave. Xilas, come join me."[/color] Xena watched them leave before gliding past the crowd in her white dress, unconcerned with her own radiance. Her eyes continued to search for him in the crowd, but there were no signs of The Craenak. She whispered a soft prayer to the Gods, asking them to bring him to her safely. It had been a painful nine months without him. Day and night, she worried about his safety and longed to see him. Xena knew the future of their relationship wasn't a bright one but she remained hopeful; a love frowned upon, but a love she was willing to fight for. Call it a gut feeling or naive optimism, but she knew everything would turn out exactly the way it was meant to. If they were destined for each other, they would stay together. If not, then fate would not allow it. [center]After all, destiny was something you could not fight.[/center] [/indent]