Chapter 8.

"Here, the tree may provide a better target than the air," as Stefan jogged towards the old but robust oak tree, he gestured Robyn to follow him.

Once the two were by the proud oak's trunk, the prince patted the tree and smiled at it like it was an old friend.

"This tree was here long before even my grandfather was born. I can't help but admire how it still manages to thrive despite its old age," Stefan looked up to the tree's branches which reached for the sky, "I hope that you don't mind us using you for practice,"Stefan murmured just loud enough for Robyn to barely make out what the prince said.

The prince kneeled down on the ground and picked up various tree branches that were originally scattered on the dark brown ground surrounding the tree. Robyn watched curiously as the prince discarded some of the branches. Soon, only two straight branches about the length of an average dagger were left in Stefan's hand. The brunette rose gracefully to his feet, staring at the branches with a satisfied smile.

"Catch," the prince gave a mischievous grin and tossed one of the branches at Robyn, who blinked and caught it just before it hit the ground.

"Hey!" Robyn laughed. Stefan gave a deceptively charming smile, but his eyes still glinted impishly.

"First let's focus on the grip. The forward grip should be the first grip you use, especially since it's the most comfortable and traditional," Stefan wrapped his fingers around the stick like it was a dagger. Robyn attentively watched Stefan. The blond carefully placed his fingers on his own stick in the exact position the prince was gripping his dagger. Stefan gave a small smile and nodded approval.

"When I was observing you sparring, I noticed your stance was correct. That is quite impressive for a beginner, I want you to continue keeping that stance while you attack."

Stefan flicked the branch like a knife which spun in a circle before he gripped it in a forward grip. Then the prince started to attack. In a series of graceful and sophisticated movements of his arms and legs, Stefan slashed and stabbed the tree. Robyn watched in awe and his eyes shone with admiration. Stefan tried his best not to smile and focused all his attention on striking the tree trunk with the precision of a lion executing its final claw of death upon its unfortunate prey.

Robyn understood why Stefan chose to use a branch instead of a dagger. If the prince had used his dagger, the tree's bark would have easily been sliced into shreds.

"Why don't you try? Slower though, much slower," the prince stepped out of the way, "Milady," Stefan bowed and looked up at Robyn teasingly.

"I'm not a woman," Robyn protested and tried his best not to laugh, but he was failing miserably.

"Alright then Sir Robyn, why don't you show me what you can do?" the prince crossed his arms and grinned.

Robyn anxiously looked at the tree in front of him. Calm down Robyn, it's just a tree. A tall, burly tree that cannot hurt you. Why on Earth are you nervous? The adolescent hopped on his feet lightly, then he glanced to his side. The prince was observing him like a hawk. Robyn realized it was only natural for him to feel unnerved when someone was staring so intently at him. He shook away the unsettling feeling and started slashing and stabbing the tree with his stick. Every movement felt strangely natural, like he had practiced the dagger before at a young age. Little by little, Robyn increased his tempo. Soon he was attacking almost at the same speed as Stefan was just a few minutes ago. He didn't bother sparing a glance at the prince, the adolescent continued his relentless assault on the tree's trunk. Suddenly, his arms started to feel heavy like some invisible force was pushing in the opposite direction of his movements. Robyn's breathe turned into pants and it became harder and harder to accurately strike his target.

Ding dong ding dong ding dong

The adolescent dropped the branch reflexively to clamp his hands over his ears. The peal of bells resounded throughout the town once again to mark the birth of a new hour. The loudest bell tolled, instead of ten it rang eleven times. After the bell finished its last note, town was quiet except for the remaining ringing of the bell which was drawn out in a long hum.

"Are you alright?" Stefan asked, the prince's eyebrows were furrowed and he directed his concerned gaze towards Robyn.

"I guess," Robyn laughed, which sounded more like a sigh, "How do your ears survive those dreadfully loud sounds?"

"I suppose I got used to them. If you've lived here for sixteen years it's only natural," suddenly, the prince blinked, "Robyn, you don't live in Ethelburg do you?"

Robyn shook his head in response.

"Then... are you from Aethelburh, Wilhelm's kingdom?" the prince emphasized the last two words a little sharply.

"No-no, I lived in the woods," Robyn nervously debated whether he had made the right choice to tell Stefan where he lived, but he knew it was better than telling the prince he lived in... Aethl... ber... or whatever that kingdom was called. Stefan seemed to hold great resentment towards Wilhelm, who Robyn assumed was the king.

"The woods?!" Stefan seemed to have forgotten his princely manners yet again because his voice grew considerably louder, causing Robyn to flinch. The prince noticed and coughed softly. He gave Robyn an apologetic look.

"Sorry, I was just er-startled. Not many people go into the woods, much less live there. Aren't there dangerous beasts lurking in the woods?" Stefan was staring at Robyn like he was a mage that had materialized out of thin air.

"The place I live in is heavily shielded," Robyn tried to be as vague as possible. Stefan was about to asked another question, but the he was interrupted by a slightly annoyed voice from above. Robyn silently thanked whoever stopped Stefan from asking him more questions.

"Stefan! I have been searching for you everywhere! Father wishes to talk to you," a female pulled down her hood, revealing a delicate and flawless face that slightly resembled Stefan's. She gaze wandered over to Robyn, and her face lit up as if she was pleasantly surprised.

"Oh! You must be Stefan's friend he was talking about last week. I'm sorry, but I must take my brother," the princess gave an apologetic smile. Robyn realized he was in the presence of another royal and bowed.

"Your highness."

"Oh no! Please, that won't be necessary! Any friend of Stefan's is a friend of mine. Ailith is fine, just Ailith," the princess hastily gestured Robyn to rise with a grin.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Ailith," Robyn smiled softly.

"No need to be so formal, she's just my sister," Stefan nudged his sister playfully, who shoved her brother in return with a laugh.

"I'll see you next week then?" Stefan looked at Robyn expectantly. The blond nodded and offered the prince a smile.

"Stefan, we really must hurry. Father will be very cross if we take too long," Ailith tugged her brother's arm.

"Farewell Robyn," the twins chanted simultaneously before they disappeared over the hill.

Robyn waved and shook his head once the twins were out of sight with a small grin.

Later that evening, Stefan gazed out at the woods which embroidered the outskirts of the Ethelburg. It was the only thing that separated the two feuding kingdoms.

Is Robyn a spy? Stefan wondered, a frown settled on the prince's face. He doesn't look like a he could be a spy for Wilhelm.

He saved my sister... small voice from the back of his head reasoned. Yes he did, but maybe that was to gain my trust a louder voice argued defensively.

The prince sighed and jumped off the window-sill. He landed gracefully on the castle's stone floor. Either way, he was still going to meet Robyn next week, spy or innocent civilian. If Robyn was a spy, he was an awfully terrible one. Who would say that they lived in the woods? Nobody went into the woods unless it was absolutely necessary. Even if Robyn did live in the woods, was it even possible for there to be a "haven" that protected its people from the vicious beasts? Robyn said the place he lived in was "heavily shielded"... Despite how ridiculous Robyn's answer was, Stefan believed him. The prince shook his head and strode purposefully to the library.

Author's Note-February 22, 2015

Stefan and Robyn are going to be a couple... eventually. I'm not really into the scenario where two of the characters fall in love and decide they're in love either the day they meet or the day after. I like it better when the two characters are friends and then start to develop feelings for each other :). And... um... no, there will not be any inappropriate "things" *cough* happening in this fanfiction. I'm honestly too embarrassed to write about that kind of stuff and um... I feel awkward talking about this right now *laughs uncomfortably*. Sorry again if you guys are disappointed by this pairing X). I've realized that for the past two chapters I've been wandering astray from the plot. I'll try to get back on track and hopefully I'll manage to keep you guys interested.

All the best,

-Haelan

( P.S. here are the characters' ages and birthdays:

-Robyn

age: fifteen

birthday: March 2

-Ailith and Stefan

age(s): sixteen

birthday(s): September 15

-Tommy

age: ten

birthday: February 13

-Katrina, Melody, and Lorena

age(s): seven

birthday(s): June 19

-Lucio

age: sixteen

birthday: August 21

)