16The Liefs of the Forest
Chapter 2
A/N: I wasn't going to continue this, but I re-read all you guys' reviews, and wanted to cry. Thank you for reading my crap! It really sucks, but…I thank you!
Lief sighed and stared off his balcony. 'It gets really lonely without her here to liven things up,' he thought miserably. He and Jasmine had parted ways a few years back, yet he could still remember every detail of her in perfect clarity. The sky reminded him of her hair, and he reached out a hand as if to try and touch it.
Suddenly, a movement inside the courtyard shocked him out of his thoughts. A shadowed figure was running towards him. He backed away from the balcony and placed a hand on his sword, ready for fight. "Barda!" he called, knowing the guard would protect him as well.
The figure leapt up onto his balcony, but what stuck out from its appearance, was a crow. It was just sitting on the figure's shoulder, and upon seeing Lief, it squawked.
"J-Jasmine!" Lief asked, in complete disbelief that it was his beloved friend.
Jasmine moved into the light and grinned. "Been a while, huh, King Lief?"
Lief blushed a bit, "Y-Yeah…but don't call me that! We're great friends! You don't have to use formalities…"
Jasmine laughed. "Sorry! How's it going? I've missed you."
Lief smiled at her, "Good. Nothing really exciting. I wish we could go on another adventure…"
Jasmine bit her lip, "Funny you should mention that…"
Lief's eyes lit up, "We're going on another quest!"
Jasmine laughed. "You look like a puppy who just got a treat! Yes, well, actually, it's more like an investigation. There have been rumors flying about a monster in the South, who devours whole villages…I assumed you'd be interested."
Lief pouted. "I do not! And about that, I think Barda mentioned it before…I guess I could check it out~"
Jasmine grinned and hugged him. "I'm so happy! We're going to be a team again!"
Lief turned bright red, and stammered, "Y-Yeah…"
The door flew open. "Lief! Are you okay?" Barda asked, chest heaving.
Jasmine released Lief, and ran over to Barda, hugging him as well. "Barda! Remember me!"
Barda laughed and patted her head. "How could I forget Jasmine of the Forest?"
Jasmine shrugged. "Pretty hard to forget me."
Lief smiled. "Jasmine clarified the rumors. There is indeed a monster in the South. Should we pursue it?"
Barda smiled back, "I don't see why not. It is the king's duty to protect his people, after all."
Lief punched the air, "YES! Let's go!"
Jasmine ran out of the room, yelling, "RACE YOU TO THE STABLES!"
Lief followed close behind, laughing and running.
Barda grinned and followed them. 'He bought it just as easily'.
Jasmine turned away from the window, and noticed Lief staring at her. "Yes?"
Lief turned red and looked away. "Nothing."
Jasmine frowned, then burst out laughing.
"Wh-What's so funny!" Lief asked, embarrassed.
"YOU HAVEN'T CHANGED A BIT!" Jasmine cried, laughing so hard she was almost in tears.
Lief turned redder, "Sh-Shut up!"
Barda smiled at them. "We could say the same about you, Jasmine."
Jasmine frowned. "I got taller! At least THAT changed~!" grins at Lief.
Lief opened his mouth in silent fury, "WHAT! I DID get taller!"
Jasmine grinned, "See? You haven't changed! Your height is still a sesetive spot for you!"
Lief turned away angrily, and looked out the window, determined to ignore her. 'What are these feelings? I don't understand. The things said to annoy me, make me feel…happy. Why? Are these the "complications"?'