I sit cross-legged in the grass, my bow lying beside me. I stare straight ahead at the lights in the house.

I didnt want to go to close; the dogs in the house will sense me. Of course. My unnatural smell. Im inhuman. Im an elf. I narrow my eyes and look up at the sky. The moon was nearing full. I should go to sleep now. Living by myself now was difficult. I had no one to lean on. I had my arm linking through the bow string and sighed; sliding to my hands and knees crawling under the tree. I pull myself into the nest-like bed I had mustered together. I slid my bow and quiver under the nest and pulled my blanket over me, my copper red hair sliding around my shoulders. I linked my fingers around a strand and twirled it. My head snaps up. I hear rustling in the leaves. I sink back into the trees and bushes, pulling my bow with me. I peer over the edge of the bush tops and watch a fellow elf walk towards me, whispering my name, Abnoba. Where are you? Abnoba!? I shrunk back, whimpering. It is Taranis. I fell onto my bum and lie flat on the ground. The leaves around me blow up into the air and rustle, making noise; I hear Taranis gasp. Abnoba.. He sighs, walking towards the bushes. I crawl on my hands and knees quickly away and behind the tree, giggling to myself. He jumps over the bushes and onto my back. I huff and look behind me, smiling. Taranis grins and runs his hand down my hair, Where have you been, Ive . . . Ive missed you. A lot. I try to stand up, but he pins me to the ground, wrapping his arms around my neck from behind. I . . I just wanted to get away. Without anyone there. I wanted to be myself for once. Where I could live in peace, I mutter sadly, knowing the tribe wouldnt take me back. My heart was still beating recklessly and unwavering. I have not seen Taranis in days, weeks even. He climbs off my back as I sit cross-legged again. He sits the same way beside me and wraps his arm around my shoulder, pulling me onto his lap. I curl up against his chest as he holds me. We sit under the tree gazing at the stars. He runs his fingers through my coarse red hair. I rest my head on his shoulder, nibbling on his earlobe. He chuckles and rolls me over, pinning me to the ground. I try to fight against his grip, but his strong embrace is too much for my feminine strength. Taranis rolls off of me, laughing, tickling my sides. My ears twitch, responding to his mesmerizing voice. Oh, how I missed, Taranis. I giggle uncontrollably until he finally stops. My breathing is rough. He reaches over and plants a kiss on my nose, whispering sadly, Abnoba, darling, I missed you so much. How could you leave me? I woke up that morning, and looked over, and you were gone. I couldnt find you. I watch him wipe his eyes and close them tightly. I sit up quickly, wrapping my arms around his neck, very tightly; kissing his upper jaw and promising, Taranis, I am never letting you go again. He mutters a reply quietly, so quiet, I could not hear him. However, I dont care. We were together. He came after me, maybe he cares once more. I look at the sky. The dawn is nearing. I touch Taraniss face softly as he looks at me, We have to go. Where we are . . it isnt safe. Ive scoped out this forest. Its no good. No food. No animals. No berries. We have to leave. I gasp, No! I look under the tree branches, sliding on to my stomach, resting my head on my elbows watching the house in the clearing. Tar, I really like this forest. Its peaceful. Ive found water. I like my little mustered up bed. Ive begun to think it as home. Taranis lays down next to me, sighing, Well explore at dawn. I giggle, I want to see whats inside that house. Maybe there is people we can meet. I am always up for meeting humans. He grumbles, No. We have to get back to the tribe. I pound my fist on the ground, yelling, No Tar. Im sick of this. They treat me like Im a freak, My voice cracks with sadness. Taranis sighs, standing up. I roll onto my back and stare up at his gorgeous dark green eyes. I stand up quickly, only 51; Tar, 54.

I reach down to grasp my handmade bow and quiver. Tar links his arm through mine. I roll my eyes and pull my arms away from his, Its time to be serious, time to hunt. I glance at the sky, the sun is slowly rising. Taranis grunts and jogs ahead of me. I tap his bum with the end of my bow. He trips on a root and snorts. I shh him loudly. Tar stops instantly and listens, I can see his ears twitching. I inch forward and hide behind a tree. I draw my arrow, advancing forward. Taranis pulls his dagger out of the sheath. We watch a doe sprint around in the clearing near the house. I sneak a glance at Tar and smile a devilish smile. He catches my eye and we sprint forward. My arrow slides out of my grip and clashes with the does neck. She makes a painful noise and collapses. We listen to her breathing slowing. Taranis sneaks up behind her and slides his dagger back into her neck. The large doe cries out, and we watch her relax painfully. Her eyes close as she releases her last breath. Taranis comes up to me and wraps his arms around my waist and kisses my lips passionately. . .