Name : Kana
Title : Feeling
Story : Shadows in the Distance
Characters : Ala, Frey, Caithlynn, Taigiri
Colors : Harvest Gold 3 Crisp Breeze
Supplies & Styles : Brush (worldly-wise)
Word Count : 456
Rating : PG-13
Summary : Caithlynn gets distracted in the middle of a fight.
Notes : Constructive criticism is, as always, welcome.

The black creatures of the forest growl when they feel the danger. As one they move towards the village. There is a silent understanding between them and the Wielder of Wind. Twice has she saved them – spared them. They own it to her.

They start running when they see the servants of the Shadow walking the streets of the town. Their eyes as black as their fur. Predatory. No holding back. They will kill anyone who tries to harm the villagers.

A gush of wind blows out the candle on the windowsill of Sarah’s house. And at the same time, Caithlynn- at the other end of the country - in the middle of a battle, stands still and looks up to the sky, listening to the wind. Stands still and whispers 'mum'.

She doesn’t react when her adversary charges forward. Doesn’t react when the sword comes down – aimed for her neck.

“CAITHLYNN!!”

It’s Frey’s desperate voice that brings her back. Out of survival instinct she raises her hands, calling for the Wind. Bracing herself – knowing she might be too late.

Her eyes widen when she sees the man fall backwards, an dagger planted in his chest.

Surprised she looks behind. Seeing Alan – still in a throwing stance – before he turns around again and swings his sword at his next opponent.

The battle ends soon after. Their combined powers too strong for a handful of normal assassins.

“What has gotten into you? Why did you suddenly stand still like that? Did you want to die?”

Alan’s hands on her shoulders. Roughly shaking her. She doesn’t try to stop him.

“They attacked the village.”

The shaking stops and Alan let’s his hands fall to his sides. At loss for words.

Caithlynn closes her eyes for a second. Not knowing what happened. Not knowing if they are save. Not knowing anything… It scares the hell out of her. It makes her want to run back home. It makes her long for her mother’s arms.

There is a tear rolling down her cheek when she looks at him again. Trying to stay strong in front of them.

“I’m sorry. It will not happen again.”

She can easily read the look in Alan’s eyes. But she doesn’t need comfort or pity or help.

“Caithlynn…”

Frey takes a hold of her hand.

“Your mother, Sarah, is she alright?”

It’s at that moment their Dragons land. She turns to Taigiri. Desperate.

“Don’t worry. She is save. They are all save. The black creatures protected them.”

A relieved laugh escapes her and she bends down to hug Frey. “Save. They are save.”

She can hear Alan take a deep breath and when their eyes lock, he smiles and nods. Grateful for the good news.