Considering the fact that I laid unconscious for quite some time I failed to realize just how much things had changed within that time. A few things however were very clear. Monsters had apparently not only attacked here but as well a few other places that lay at the edge right before the forests. Here although there were those that were missing and a few injured, the barrier had been brought up before many could get inside. The others, although protected by walls all around and guarded all day and night, failed to notice the creatures’ approach. By the time they did there was barely enough time to respond and as such there we many who were injured and quite a few who were now gone and all that were not accounted for were now just considered lost. The barrier protected the people from too many entering and causing havoc however the few that were able to get inside had to be dealt with by the more skilled guards. The rest of the guards with the ability to manipulate the stones residing were sent to take care of these creatures. Atop the walls there was only so much those guarding could do since there were to many and only few who were talented enough to control the stones within the barrier. All these attacks however occurred on not only different days but also at different times. The only thing that seemed consistent was that the attacks all occurred when the sky was all but covered . . when not even the moon shines. However, it was agreed that when they did appear and as well as when they left a sort of mist guided them.  Although there were many questions Vox had clarified that whatever these creatures were, they were not of the forest. For when the sun arose and overlooked all the creatures well that of which was left of what they were once . vanished or rather “was set a flame” and then gone no memory other than the destruction they caused around them. Somehow, in true disbelief, we were led to believe that the forest creatures were not abominations like these creatures and that they were considered less dangerous. That did not however mean that this was not something less important. It did however lead to questions about the forest and so Vox took it upon himself to find the cause of these attacks. He left to venture within the forest and though for a while the attacks continued, they have now stopped and he has yet to return. Most now believe the danger to be gone. It has been some time since any have been aware of where exactly Vox was. Within all this commotion apparently, I had been unconscious and was being taken care of by the mages. During this time, I was also moved to a different place, one much smaller, less extravagant and far more chaotic. Although I did miss a few of the days that had already been scheduled previously by my parents. Changes were made by the attendants of my parents since I was “unavailable” and I suppose the attacks were used as an excuse to avoid any form of large celebration from taking place within our lands.  While I did miss these few days, it had apparently already been a few months since the attack. The monsters that had attacked the day I fell unconscious had apparently managed to get too me only because one of the guards failed to keep their composure and so became unoriented or rather simply put he might have at the time believed his position was of better use elsewhere. Although Valix managed to keep things under some level of control he used the stones and because he had not been in full control a rouge one that had come from behind basically used their own stones and in doing so injured me. Right now, the only real memory . . of being there . is one that holds within sight its eyes .  that and the fact that there now is a scar across the side of my face. While the mages were able to heal my wounds . almost . completely. It was Valix who had first sealed the wound and in doing so left scars. Considering the size of this apparent wound had he not done so I highly doubt I would have woken up at all. Though the scar left is most undesirable the one thing that I believe more important than that is the occasional ringing that comes and goes every now and then. At times it is loud and unbearable most of the time however it is simply constant and annoying. I feel myself only without it when asleep . . sometimes. It is the dullness of everything that now meets me and in so doing remains a reminder to eyes that no longer see color. Had I simply not cared none of this would have occurred. I wonder truly was any of this needed.

| . _

Today I find myself resting again in my room. Much time has passed since Valix has tried to get the approval for my return home from my parents. Considering things have been hectic . to say the least. With more people entering and leaving this place it is my belief that I will more than likely be less of a hindrance if I simply return home to finish my studies. The reason for this being actually the only conclusion I was able to derive from the idea of my parents not once visiting me while I was or rather have been recuperating. I have yet to ask about them too though. I would have asked for them had Valix spent a little less time informing me of all the necessary things that I have missed and those that I still need to know. Right now, the assignments I must complete seem to only pile up and as such the only thing I must do is make sure that all tasks are completed before even these papers become useless enough for no one to care anymore. Not to mention the stack of books and articles that I have yet to read as a result of my absence. Well I suppose one thing at a time until . . it is all complete. 

| . _

The scar left has been bothering me and as a result I basically began to keep to myself more and more often. I find it strange that when roaming around eyes fallow me everywhere. Now I cannot help but believe that it is the scar across my face that to which they turn to look at. I suppose I just got tired of them as such I find staying in my room or the study far more entertaining. Home would be the best place to stay since everyone here seem to actually be more alive and a bit reckless. Valix had been interestingly making more and more suggestions about taking walks to the gardens. The last time . rather said . the only time I went to look around, not only where the gardens small but they were also filled with others who unlike those at home cannot control themselves. I often found them wandering and roaming leisurely. Soon I’ll return home so I have decided not to care much about what occurs around here since even parents seem to not care for my stay here. 

| . _

Recently Valix mentioned that the preparations for my return were almost complete and so it is a matter of time before I leave. This is the one recurring thought that I have every time I see Valix . . even now as I see him enter my room and stand beside the rest keeping himself silent. Today I find myself in my room and the only thing I can do now is stare at the emptiness the widow above can offer me. Sitting in this chair of sorts I realize the amount of work left was actually not that much since I have already caught up although it did take a few days. Now I almost hoped there had been more, but I will say that I am not tired. A few days ago, when I was wondering if I was able to use the stones I realized that I could. Since then, a great way to avoid speaking to him has been to keep practicing and simply ignore him. However, I believe he is concerned with the idea that I could even use them. Somehow, I think that his greatest concern is that I may hurt myself due to the fact that just before my parents traveled, I was unable to even recognize the stones. To him I suppose the only thing that could have allowed me to use the stones could have only possibly been a miracle . except it was actually a tragedy.

“Valix, when will I be leaving?”

“I was notified earlier . your parent will be visiting you today. Preparations are being made so they will be coming to see you today. At that time . I was also told . Xisha will be assisting you and will serve as your guard.”

“She is of a lower rank. Why are they assigning Xisha?”

“Xisha is of a rank that barely meets the criteria to guard you. However, she is talented and excels at both manipulating the stones. Unlike me, she is able to use the stones more efficiently and has been trained to give aid if it is ever necessary.”

“How exactly . . never mind . . Why did they not just send a letter and gifts like they should have?”

“Although they are away from home they made an exception when allowing you to be moved here temporarily. This is home . at least until you return back.”

“I see.” I simply respond sighing. 

Home . this is home?  I truly wonder what exactly about this place is home. Home has gardens beautifully placed and protected. Open and vast with a structure magnificent at its center. Many or rather none actually now of its existence for the people that reside within its reach can only see a forest in its direction. Enchantingly there it lies beyond that which they imagine truly safe and yet it is . . it was . so long as you stay within its boundaries. 

“Valix, when will they arrive?”

“I believe it will be in the afternoon. Xy was also making preparations for . ”

“Xy . is here?”

“Yes.”

“Why is Xy here?”

“After the incident, you were actually taken here by Xy. Your father order he take care of you considering at the time you were unconscious he overlooked everything that had anything to do with you. He has been doing so ever since.”

“What about his other tasks? He is supposed to be taking care of the lands to the south near the border.”

“His other attendants are taking care of things there. More importantly I believe you may be going since he was preparing for an excursion outside.”

“Am I expected to go outside . today?”

“Well your wound has healed. Your parents are more concerned . with you . your stay here, as it is not like you to simply stay in your room and they believe this is for the best.”

“Have you even asked them my request?”

“I am . ”

“Valix.”

“No. Currently I am not able to personally report to your parents. Xy is the overlooking you’re stay here. It is he who has been reporting to your father. Your mother is to return soon. She was away for a while to take care of things with Marcy and her son.”

“Who is Marcy and why .? No . actually . . you gave the request to Xy.”

“Yes.”

“Great . . then he never gave the requests to my parents.”

“He did not. He believed that it was not time for you to return yet. Although you will be meeting you parents later today.”

“Very well . send them out. I will be getting ready now.”

Everyone in the room now heads out. Valix being the last to leave. At last . it will soon be quite. My eyes cannot help but close . my breathing as calm as can be . my body still. But my mind is in a rage . . my face feels pain but I know there is not a thing there . . tears now fall as I can almost hear myself break . 

“It is alright, silly boy. You are loved. If not by them . then we. We do care. Always or at least till you don’t want us to be there . well . maybe we will still care for a while longer after that.” so say a voice I have forgotten . but . . it is a voice I have never heard.

Why . ?  Why? But I clear my mind and get ready.