“Would you like me to rewrap it for you?” Maxen asks as he steps forward.

         “Oh please, why don’t you just take her to a bedroom already. Save everyone from the embarrassing show Maxen?” Zena says with an irritated tone and crossing her arms.

         “Here allow me to help.”

Everyone turns to the unexpected voice at the doorway.

         “Who are you?” Zena asks.

         “My name is Rexen.” He walks over to were Spanx sit’s.

         “Um… this really isn’t necessary; after all it’s only a scratch.” Spanx tires to protest but Rexen still steps forward.

         “Well, it looks pretty bad from where I stand.” Syi who sits at a nearby table adds.

Rexen kneels. He places his hand over the wound lightly. He looks up at her; she’s already looking at him. He calmly uses fire to seal the injury. Then he gets to his feet.

         “You will need to rinse that with some water, but it shouldn’t bleed anymore.” Rexen says then makes his exit from the tavern.

         “Thank you” Spanx says questioningly.

         “No need to thank me.” Rexen says without turning around the door closing behind him.

         “What was up with that? You have never acted like that before; are you feeling ok?” Zora asks as she follows after him.

         “I feel fine… they were just being obnoxiously loud.” Rexen lets out a sigh as he continues walking.

         “Sure, that’s why the two of you were gazing at each other, but to keep things peaceful let’s just agree that I believe you.” Zora says giving a quick glance back at the tavern.

Everything settles down after everyone goes home. The village sleeps, the peaceful sounds of the running rivers and streams within the town reach throughout the village.

Spanx sits up in her bed and she looks out the window. Unable to fall asleep she heads towards the door.

         “Spanx, I know I cannot make you stay, but while you’re at the castle and even on the journey to the castle please be careful. Keep yourself protected.” Mila steps out of the darkness.

         “I will be ok. I promise to be as careful as I can.” Spanx says as she looks at Mila.

Mila gives a sad smile.

         “I promise to write to you every chance I get. I will even do my best to visit you if I have the chance.” Spanx smiles back.

         “I’m so proud of you; you have grown into a wonderful young lady.” Mila says as a tear rolls down her cheek.

Spanx hugs Mila then she walks out the door closing with a loud click. She leans against it once it’s latched closed. With a sigh, she makes on her way to her secret place for one last practice. Making sure she’s alone she makes her stance to start. She goes to use air first but instead she somehow uses fire. Confused by what she just did she puts out the fire as quickly as she can. She takes a seat along with a deep breath as she calm’s herself down.

         “It’s just like the time I was a child the incident with the air village visitor. Why does this keep happening to me?”

She wakes up to the echoing of the guard’s horn.

         “I fell asleep out here again?” she runs back as fast as she can.

         “Spanx; I’m over here.” Mila calls out to her.

Spanx makes her way over to her.

         “Here take this with you; it shall bring you courage and luck. She places it into the palm of her hand.

         “This is my name.” she looks up at Mila.

         “It was with you when I found you in the barn. It took this form after I called you Spanx for the first time.” Mila says.

         “Thank you.”

They share one last hug.

         “Ok it is time to move out we have a long trip ahead of us.” Captain says with a loud voice.

 Spanx joins the others. All together they start towards the castle. Spanx looks back one last time to see Mila waving. With a smile, she waves back.