[b]"Hold up, Julius!"[/b] Rhiannon called, out of breath, as she came to a stop at corner, hands on her knees as she tried to recover from her chase. The blond boy had been difficult to follow, always disappearing just as she rounded one corner. Now she had eventually caught up to him and he stared at with his head cocked to one side.

[b]"You're out of breath, Rhian."[/b] He observed in a concerned tone, walking forwards and crouching down so that he was eye level with her bent over form. [b]"This illness is taking its toll on you. Perhaps you should see a healer?"[/b] He suggested but the girl shook her head.

[b]"Doctor Michael is treating me. I've got my medicine if it gets worse, remember?"[/b] She said, finally catching her breath and standing up, somewhat shakily. Julius was still frowning, however, as noticed the paleness of her skin.

[b]"[i]Ellyll[/i] don't get ill, Rhian. You have a human mother but you inherited all of your father's blood; you might as well be a Pureblood for all the difference it would make. You shouldn't be suffering this. You never did before you left home. Nor did you ever see me before."[/b] Rhiannon's head jerked up at these words.

[b]"B-but, Julius! We've been friends for ages!"[/b] A sad look was on Julius' face as he shook his head. Nearby voices made both of them look towards the source. When Rhiannon turned back Julius was gone.