The Forbidden Forest

"Tell me at least what he's promised you."

"Again, that's not gonna help me. Assassins are silent, remember?"

"As proven by your talking?"

I chuckle. "Ya got me. But ya get what I mean."

"I don't know why my brother hired an assassin but I assure you it won't work."

"Please, if you think you're going to persuade me otherwise, you're wrong."

-I point my wand at her.- "We both know how this ends. With you defeat."

"Evil never wins." (COUGH COUGH Revenge of the Sith!)

"Funny thing about assassins... they have a habit of disappearing." I sling my bow over my shoulder and take the short step I need to hide behind a tree. I begin to climb it; this'll be easier for me if I'm high up.

-I give close pursuit by climbing the tree.-

I clamber onto a branch and glance over my shoulder. Seeing that he's not far behind, I leap onto another branch, then continue to climb that tree. I can't help but look at the ground quickly to check on Cooro. If I can get him awake again, he can hold of Strayer while I make my escape...

-She's clearly the more experienced climber between us too. I start to fall behind.-

I grin and allow myself to fall a few branches, so I'm below him.

-Dammit, where is she?-

I fall to the ground and rush over to where Artemis was standing to scoop up Cooro's body. Now that I've only got the use of one hand, I have no choice but to draw my wand.

"You really care for that bird don't you?"

"Of course. He has been my friend for a long time."

"Take him and leave, just so you know, I am sorry for stunning him." -My voice was strong, but caring at the same time.-

"You should be. He's just an innocent bird." I walk away, careful not to turn my back on him as I go.

"You don't need to be afraid, I have more honor than to attack a woman with her back turned while helping an innocent animal."

"You know, maybe you could be more."

"I'm happy the way my life is, thanks." I cast a rennervate on Cooro; he stirs feebly, clicking his beak in irritation.

"But you clearly still have some caring left to you."

"Only for Cooro. He's a different matter entirely." I run my hand over his feathers gently, and try to encourage him to perch on my wrist.

-I walk over to the bird and apply a healing spell on him.-

Once strength has returned to his limbs, Cooro sits upright on my wrist, snapping his beak in Artemis's direction. I soothe him with a few gentle pets on the back of his neck. "Thanks," I say, grudgingly.

"You're welcome, I truly don't wish harm on others, I only protect and defend."