The Winds of Change(Shea)

[Trevor]

Shea liked him, and this was pure proof. She was on her way to becoming his, and he hers. That was a pleasant thought to sleep on. He followed her lead, kicking off his boots and socks as well. She answered his question, and let him know what Darien called her. She obviously felt that Shea was too formal, and seemed partial to her nicknames. He smiled at her.

"You have a beautiful name. Formal yes, as it does sound like the name of a noble." He stroked her hair. "I have no such nicknames. I was called the Swift Dragon by my clan, but that was a clan name, not so much a nickname. Each member had a clan name." He kissed her forehead. "If Darien calls you Shea, then I should call you something else, shouldn't I? Let's use your middle name, as you seem quite fond of it. Besides, it shows us more on a personal level, and I like that."

"Marlise... Marli or Lise.. Well, I like Marli. It is cute, and I think it fits you perfectly." He looked into her eyes again. "Marli, I look forward to our adventure tomorrow. I hope the time will bring us closer together. Get some sleep, for you will need your rest for the trip." He kissed her lips again, but this was a soft and brief kiss. Just one to say goodnight.

"Sleep well. Tomorrow, I show you the world you've missed."

[Shea]

And so he decided to call her Marli. Shea smiled at this, it meant a lot to her that he wanted to call her by something other than the name that everyone else used. He was sweet to her she had to admit, the way that he made her smile and the way that he didn't seem to care what he might have to go through to get her in the end. She loved that feeling, feeling like she was important enough to fight over, to fight for. She sighed softly as he looked down into her eyes, telling her that Marli was a cute name and it suited her. She chuckled softly and nuzzled up into his warm embrace. He kissed her once softly on the lips and she kissed him back as they said their goodnights.

"I am eager to learn of the world, and I am thankful for a guide like yourself. Tomorrow the tables turn and you will be my teacher." she said with a bright smile.

Shea settled into the covers with her head on the pillow and her small eyelids closing heavy with the need to sleep anyway. She yawned once and then settled in completly her head against his chest and cuddled up tightly and warmly.

"Good night, Trev. See you in the morning." she whispered and then she fell asleep. Her breathing was soft and light but regular and she didnt move. Every now and then the thumb on her left hand would twitch just slightly but other than that, she stayed still through the night. Here she felt safe. Odd that she did when she was in a flimsy tent cuddled up with a man that was not her fianc'e. But she was and Shea went to her dreams for the rest of the night.

[Trevor]

::Morning::

It was just before sunrise.Trevor had slept more peacefully than ever. Not that he ever had a troubled sleep before, but last night was just different. he had laid next to a few people, but none had ever given him the comfort that Marli had given him. She was special, and he wanted her to know that.

He wasn't one to sleep in all day, unless he had reason. He was sure Marli could give him reason too, but there was too much excitement for him to remain still. He awoke to her peacefully breathing, and he smiled. She is quite beautiful, even when she sleeps. Well, no sense in me waisting the time. He slid his arm out from under her, careful not to wake her. he found his boots and socks, and slipped them on. Dressed as he was, he felt the cold air hit him. Rather than shiver, he felt refreshed.

he leaned over and kissed her softly. He then ducked out of the tent, his graceful movements hiding any sound. The fire had died down considerably, only a few glowing embers even remained. Well, we'll have to fix that, wont we? He had prepared for this little camp out, though he would have to stock up on supplies before they journeyed today. He produced from the bag a few sticks, laying them on the glowing embers of the camp fire. He retrieved the flint rocks in the same manner, and sparked it anew. With a little wind, courtesy of his magic (no need to fire the sphere, only produce it), the fire was back to it's former glory.

Now we have a fire, we need some food. he placed the frying pan (also a temporary item for tonight) from the bag, and placed it on the grille. The eggs were next, as well as the bread and cheese. It was enough for the two, though it wasn't fancy.In a few minutes, the breakfast was ready. Just in time too. The sun was just about to rise. Now it was time to go and get Marli up.

Leaving the food by the fire to keep warm, he slipped back into the tent. He watched her sleep for a few more moments, thinking about their conversation last night. She had called him Trev. No one had ever given him an actual nickname before. It was special, and it only cause his like for her to grow. He gently nudged her, and leaned down for another kiss. "Marli, time to get up. There is something I want you to see." Once she arose, he would stay close to her for warmth, and guide her out by the fire in time to watch the sunrise during breakfast.

[Shea]

Shea was a girl that was used to sleeping in. And so when Trevor moved her to get up and even through the kiss she merely stirred and huddled up under the warm blankets and went back to sleep. She was of course totally unaware that he was cooking breakfast for her or that he had planned them to watch the sunrise together. Instead she searched for his missing warmth under the quilt and not finding it settled into a half sleep.

It wasn't long before Trev came in and woke her gently. Kneeling over her and calling out her name. Her pale green eyes opened sleepily as her breathing took a steep incline as she woke from her dreams and looked up at him. A smile crossed her face as he told her there was something he wanted her to see. Wrapping the quilt tightly around her thin body she was led outside and into the darkness. It must have been really early because there was just a slight grey haze over the horizon turning towards a more orange side. The sun would be rising soon and Shea was excited to see it. Especially since she couldn't remember ever actually watching the sun rise. The fire crackled as she sat down close by wrapped up tight like a little eskimo in her quilt.

"It's beautiful." she whispered as she leaned against Trevor. Breakfast was ready and a small pale hand came out of the quilt and grabbed the slice of bread with the cheese and eggs on top and bit into it. She smiled still leaning against him in the morning light.

"Thanks for breakfast and a great night, Trev." she said softly kissing his cheek. "Today our adventure begins, and I"m very excited." she admitted to him.

"I can't wait to get out there on the way, and to have some fun. It'll be something I've never experienced before and I'm eager and nervous at the same time. But I know we'll be allright. Especially since you'll be with me." she smiled softly and nudged him gently.

[Trevor]

He took up his own plate and began to eat, enjoying having her lean against him. She thanked him for breakfast, and he smiled. "Nothing fancy, but your welcome." He smiled, hearing her excitement about their trip together. She told him she knew they'd be alright, especially since he'd be with her. He put his arm around the pale girl. "Marli, I'll be with you for as long as you wish." He kissed her cheek, just as the sun broke over the horizon. "There... that is what I wanted to share with you.

He wanted her to see the sun rise, as it was something everyone should watch at least once during their life. It was something so majestic and beautiful, and something that you should share with someone special. Even if they weren't together (at least not yet), Marli was that someone to Trevor. He said not a word until the sun had completed it's ascent, and by that time, he had finished eating.

"Well, we are both up and fed. Time now to prepare for the trip ahead. Marli, let's take down the camp and pack up. You can go and pack up, tell whoever you need to that you'll be going, and meet me just outside the school. I'll go and get some supplies and take care of the horses."

He helped her clean the area, removing the tent and the trash. Once the camp was clear, he gave her a hug. "I'll see you in a bit. Meet me at the spot around noon. I'll be waiting." With that, he was off. His parents lived a bit away from the school, but Trevor knew how to shorten the time. He would arrange for transportation to his parents house. By horseback, they were only a half hour away. On foot, it would take a while. By taxi from the city, it took little time.

He called for transport, and the taxi picked him up.

::Trevor's Parent's Ranch::

There was a knock on the door, and a short woman opened it. Her eyes lit up at the sight on the other side. "Trevor! Oh how are you! Honey, Trevor is home!"

A man who was a little older than the woman made his way to the entrance. "Well, don't just stand there, let the boy in!"

"Mom, Dad... good to see you both." He embraced them. "I wish I could say I would be here for a while, but I am afraid that is not the case. I am to take a trip, and need to gather a few things. But, I can spare an hour or two."

There was obvious sadness in his mother's eyes, but she was happy to see her son. "Well then come and sit. Tell us all about your school, and where you may be going off to."

Trevor told them all he had been through since he last aw them, right up about everything with Marli. They were surprised at him for making an advance on a woman who was all set to be married, but understood. They agreed to give him one of their horses and help him to pack. He produced the bag, and his mother placed all sorts of food. Nothing that would spoil, but enough to feed them well for a few weeks. His father took him out back to the stable. There, among all the horses, was his white mare. Trevor had named him Blizzard, and often called him Blitz for short. The horse was fast, and reliable. Blitz was the closest thing to a familiar that Trevor had.

"Blitz, good to see you!"The horse came to him, and liked his outstretched hand. He gave the horse an apple, as was a little tradition he had with his stead and friend. "Are you ready for another adventure?" The horse neighed in response, and Trevor laughed. "I'll take it you were getting restless. Well, come on. We have a long trip ahead of us." His father had gone to retrieve another horse, selecting a black mare.

"These two have been inseparable since you left Blizzard here. We call her Raven. I hope your lady friend likes her."

"I'm sure she will."

After a meal and a long goodbye, Trevor was off to meet Marli. His parents waved to him until he was out of sight, hoping he would come back and visit soon. After about a half an hour, he had arrived at the spot. He was early, by about five minutes.