Until I Sleep (Alora Chronicles Book 1)

by Lara Ann

  I quickly showered and dressed in my school uniform. I was too excited to go back to bed. I headed downstairs, Dad wasn’t up yet. I decided to make waffles for breakfast just to have some-thing to keep me busy. Just as I finished cooking the last waffle and had everything laid out on the table, Dad came in.

  “Mmm smells great. What’s the occasion?” he asked, sitting at the table filled with fresh fruit and steaming waffles.

  “Nothing special, I just woke up early and couldn’t sleep,” I said joining him at the table.

  He smiled at me then did a quick double take. “What happened to your head?” He frowned.

  “It’s okay. I just tripped and bumped it. Don’t worry it doesn’t even hurt anymore.”

  “You should have come and got me, you might have had a concussion.”

  “Overreact much?” I teased; secretly pleased he seemed so concerned.

  “Maybe you should stay home today?”

  I had considered that, but dismissed the idea, thinking time would go much faster if I went to school.

  “I’m fine really. I don’t need to miss school – especially in my first week.”

  “I guess, call me if you start to feel unwell.”

  “Okay, if it will make you feel better.”

  “It will.”

  We sat in companionable silence as we finished our breakfast.

  The trip to school was uneventful. School itself had already fallen into a peaceful routine. Xavier met me in the car park. After the inevitable discussion about what I had done to my head, we walked to class together. It was nice having someone to share most of my classes with. I briefly wondered whether he was interested in more than friendship, but quickly dismissed the idea. So far, he had given no indication that he was anything but a friend. It was the school that had set him up as my ‘buddy’ anyway.

  I found it hard to concentrate in History. It wasn’t my favourite subject at the best of times. I started to imagine how much more interesting it would be if I could study Aloran History instead.

  After history finally finished we had double English. That wasn’t too bad as we were still studying Hamlet. The more formal language reminded me of Wyn, although he wasn’t as hard to under-stand as Shakespeare. We had to choose an essay topic; there was a long list of choices on the board. I looked across at Xavier.

  “Which one are you going to choose?” I whispered.

  “I think the one about outward and inward conflict.”

  “I’m thinking about whether Hamlet was really in love with Ophelia.”

  “Yeah? I don’t think any of the guys will be doing that one.”

  “Ha! Guys discussing in-depth emotion, probably not.”

  The teacher turned to glare at me. Oops too loud. I quietly wrote down my chosen topic and started to doodle in the margin of my book while I considered what to write. My mind soon wandered to the song Wyn had sung me to sleep with. Could he really have been singing about me? It did sound like our first meeting, but I couldn’t imagine him thinking of me as ‘his angel’. It was probably just a coincidence. He probably hadn’t even written the song himself.

  The bell rang and I still hadn’t actually written anything. I had spent the whole lesson day-dreaming about Wyn. Maybe I should have stayed at home today; it didn’t look like I was going to accomplish anything productive.

  After recess, we had a double period of Drama. That was much more interesting. I was with a group of dancers. They led me through the dance they had been attempting so woefully the day before. Going through the whole thing slowly was going to help more than just me. I was right, over the next hour and a half it had started to come together.

  Once we had the basics down, we did a run through with the rest of the cast. Mr Davies looked somewhat pleased when we finished.

  “Righty ho, not bad, not bad. I think we might move on to the next song. I need just the singers for now. We are going to do ‘Maybe’,” boomed Mr Davies striding across the stage.

  I quickly went and sat back down; no way did they want me singing. I was happy for the break, the dancing had been full on. Although I liked to run, it had ben ages since I’d done any dancing.

  That started me thinking about what had almost happened my last visit to Alora. I didn’t want to think about what they might have done to me. Maybe I should take up Karate lessons. Well maybe not, I don’t think a few Karate lessons would do much against a group of dark Elves. How-ever, I did need to consider the possible dangers of my journeys to Alora.

  I knew I couldn’t really stay away; it was by far the most exciting thing that had ever happened to me. Then there was Wyn. Even if nothing could ever happen between us, I still loved being around him. No way was I giving that up. It scared me a bit to realise what I would risk just to be near him. I wasn’t normally much of a risk taker. I guess love can do strange things to people. ‘Love?’ where had that thought come from? I couldn’t possibly be in love with someone I had only met a few times. Luckily, the bell rang, and I was able to stop thinking about the whole situation.

  Lunch passed quickly with the usual chatter about school and plans for the weekend. There was a trip to Launceston being planned and just about everyone seemed to be going.

  “Do you want to come Ash?” Tali asked me.

  “Sounds fun, apparently I need some hiking boots. My Dad bought me a hiking pack, but he said I’d need some boots.”

  “I didn’t know you were into hiking,” said Xavier excitedly.

  I laughed. “Actually I’ve never really been before.”

  “You don’t want to go with Xav then,” said Will. “He’s half mountain goat.”

  “Yeah remember that hike to Philosopher Falls?” replied Harry, and everyone laughed. It was awkward being the new kid and not getting any of the ‘in jokes’.

  “Don’t worry,” said Olivia, as thoughtful as ever. “If I can do it, anyone can.”

  “Proper hiking boots are a great idea,” said Xavier seriously. “Hiking is great fun, but it can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing.”

  “Do you go hiking a lot,” I asked.

  “Yeah, especially over summer, I did the overland track last year.” Noticing my blank expression he added, “That’s the track that goes from Cradle Mountain through to Lake St Clair. It’s a six day hike, so you need to be pretty well prepared.”

  “Wow,” I said looking at Xavier in a whole new light. “I’m impressed. I think I might stick to something a bit easier though.”

  “You can drive right up to Dove Lake anyway,” added Becky. “That’s where you start the over-land track. It’s really beautiful up there. We’ll have to plan a trip soon.”

  Everyone agreed. I was struck by how different my life was here. My city friends would have died at the thought of going hiking for fun. I did like the idea though, there were certainly some beautiful spots around here. Just the beach near our house was amazing.

  After lunch, I had a free period. I had just received my notes for Legal studies, so I decided I had better try and catch up on what I had missed. Olivia had a free period as well, but she was happy to use it to study too. After about twenty minutes of dull reading, I decided I needed a break.

  “So, how are things going with Will?”

  Olivia looked up from her notes, a big smile lighting up her face. “Good, really good. He asked me to go out to the movies on Friday night. I didn’t even ask what we were seeing before I said I’d go.”

  “That’s so adorable, I’m glad he’s not waiting to ask you out.”

  “He’s really sweet. I’m a bit nervous though, he’s the first guy I’ve really dated.”

  “Just remember, he’s still your friend. It’s not like you don’t already know anything about each other.”

  “Thanks, you sound like you know what you’re talking about,” replied Olivia.

  “Not personally, but my friends in Sydney were always having boyfriend drama’s. They always seemed to go slightly crazy and pu
sh the guys away. I figured if they just acted normally, they would have had more chance at a real relationship.”

  “So, no devastated boyfriends are going to turn up on your doorstep then?”

  “Hardly,” I laughed. “Probably just as well, my Dad would probably have a heart attack.” My thoughts turned to Bentley, my almost boyfriend who had seemed so nice at first. I pushed the thought aside, I was done thinking about him.

  “Yeah, my Mum is freaking out about me going out with a boy. She’s wishing Dad was still around to scare everyone off I think.”

  “At least Will is a pretty likeable choice. No tats or piercings in weird places.”

  “That we know of anyway,” Olivia added as we both laughed loudly.

  “Shhh,” said one of the other students at a nearby table.

  “Maybe we should go,” I said. I didn’t really want to get on the wrong side of anyone here. “The bells about to go anyway.”

  Just as we finished packing up our books, the bell did ring. The rest of the day passed quickly and I hurried straight home. Already looking forward to going to bed early.

  Chapter 6

  I woke up by a small stream. The air was cool and there was dew on the grass. I stood up quickly, not wanting the water to seep into my clothes. I had dressed for bed in leggings and a long-sleeved jersey dress that ended just above my knees. I had my knee-high Ugg boots on again and a pale pink scarf.

  The sunlight was just breaking through the leaves of the trees and I guessed it was early morning. The ground around me was quite steeply sloped. I must be somewhere different than I had been be-fore. There wasn’t much to see though, with the trees so closely spaced.

  Remembering what had happened last time I had been in Alora, I peered through the trees for any sign of movement. All was quiet, with the exception of the water, tumbling down the rocky stream bed. Wyn had told me I should call out for him, but I was afraid that he wouldn’t be the first to reach me. Summoning up my courage, I called out Wyn’s name as loudly as I dared.

  Wyn’s reply came floating up from below. “Follow the stream down the hill Ash.”

  Trusting that his sense of direction was better than mine, I began to move downward. It was trickier than I thought, the slope was quite steep and some of the rocks became dislodged as I de-scended. I was going as carefully as I could when I stepped on a lose rock buried under a thick bed of leaves. I let out a short high-pitched scream as I landed hard on my butt and began to slide down the hill. With my hair in my eyes, I couldn’t see a thing, as I bumped and banged my way down. Suddenly I felt strong arms lift me up, halting my descent.

  “I’m very sorry,” said Wyn easily lifting me and cradling me against his chest. “I forget you are different from us sometimes, can you forgive me?”

  More embarrassed than hurt, I pushed my tangled hair out of my eyes. “Of course I can, it’s not your fault I’m such a klutz.”

  “I am not familiar with that word – ‘klutz’.”

  Of course, the graceful Elven race didn’t have a word for klutz, they were all so nimble and co-ordinated.

  “It just means clumsy or poorly co-ordinated.”

  “Well your footwear does not look particularly suited to climbing mountains. Perhaps you should wear some sturdy boots next time?” Wyn replied, looking curiously at my Ugg boots, as he held me comfortably in his arms.

  “I don’t really own anything like that. I grew up in the city.”

  Wyn was still looking at me uncomprehendingly so I added, “How many people live in your city?”

  “Emmelion is home to some 3000 Elves,” he replied proudly.

  Ah that explained it. “Well Sydney, where I grew up has over four and a half million people.”

  “I had forgotten your people were so numerous. I should really pay more attention in my les-sons.” Wyn began to move gracefully down the hill. He didn’t seem at all affected by carrying my extra weight.

  “Where I live now is a lot smaller. You can barely see any neighbouring houses, and Emery, the small town my school is in, only has around 3000 people.” I couldn’t help but compare the fact that my tiny hometown had as many people as the Elves major city.

  “How come there aren’t more Elves?”

  “We don’t have many children. A child is considered a rare blessing among my people.”

  “So you don’t have any siblings?” I asked.

  “No, it is quite rare for Elves to have more than one or two children, although it does happen.”

  We had arrived at the new hillside camp. Wyn gently set me back on my feet. Finnan was deep in conversation with Argus, Callum and another Elf I hadn’t met, whom I guessed must be Halmer. As they noticed our arrival, the group turned to greet us.

  Halmer stepped forward. “I am Halmer. I have been eagerly awaiting our introduction.”

  Halmer spoke in a very melodic way. His speaking voice almost sounded like he was singing. I hoped I would get the chance to hear him sing.

  “Hi Halmer, I’m happy to meet you too. You have a beautiful voice.”

  “Okay, enough mutual admiration,” Argus spoke roughly. “Let’s get down to business.”

  “Are you sure he’s an Elf?” I asked teasingly, he was so much ruder than the others.

  “Argus has spent time among the dark Elves,” Finnan said gravely. “However he should not re-vert to their ways when he is among better company.” He sent Argus a warning look.

  I looked at Wyn, who for some reason was intently studying the ground at his feet. He looked somewhat uncomfortable, or unsure. Wondering what that could be about, I turned back to Finnan, who had begun speaking again.

  “We’ve been traveling swiftly towards Emmelion since your last visit Ashlee. We last saw you two days ago,” he said answering my unasked question. “We are within a day of the city now, so your timing in returning could not have been better.”

  I smiled, realising I had no way of controlling when I appeared.

  “Why are we going to Emmelion?” I enquired. “I thought it was too dangerous for Wyn to re-turn.”

  Wyn quickly jumped in. “Not you too, I thought you would understand how important it is that we rescue my Mother.”

  “Well yes of course...but didn’t she tell you to stay away until you turned 18?”

  “You see, even the human girl gets it,” Argus replied angrily. “It is ridiculous to risk you now.”

  “I cannot just sit here while you risk your lives to rescue her,” Wyn said, voice raised.

  “You know what I’ve done for you,” Argus was yelling now too. “You will not let my sacrifice be for nothing!”

  I looked worriedly between the two men, not sure what they were talking about. Finnan spoke calmly, quietening the storm around him with his unspoken authority over the others.

  “It has already been decided. We just need Ashlee’s consent and we can put the plan in motion.”

  “Consent?” I questioned. “What do you need my consent for?”

  “We have decided the best way to keep Wyndelleu safe, is for him to return to Earth with you.”

  “What!” I gasped looking at Wyn. “Is that even possible.”

  “Yes, it has been done before,” Finnan replied.

  Wyn still said nothing.

  “Do you want to come with me?” I asked looking at his anguished expression.

  “It is not that simple,” he responded. “Of course I want to see Earth, but I cannot leave others to risk their lives, while I do nothing!”

  “Well,” Finnan asked me. “Do you consent?”

  “Of course I do, but I don’t want to cause conflict between you.”

  “Don’t worry about that,” answered Argus. “Either way, he is not coming to Emmelion with us, no matter what you decide.”

  Wyn turned suddenly and stalked off into the dense forest. He was out of sight in seconds.

  “Is he alright?” I queried. “Should someone go after him?”

  “He’ll be fine,�
� replied Finnan. “He just needs time alone to accept it. It is difficult to feel like you are taking the easy way out.”

  “I think fitting in on Earth, will not be so easy,” said Callum joining the conversation.

  “How long will he be with me for? Where will he live? Will he go to school? What about his ears?” I babbled, questions just pouring out.

  “Halmer, Callum – do a perimeter check. Argus, check on the prisoners.” Finnan ordered quickly.

  “Sit down Ashlee, and we will discuss your concerns.”

  We both sat on the spongy grass, and I waited for Finnan to answer my questions.

  “Firstly, yes I think Wyndelleu should attend school with you. It will help him to learn more about humans, and fill in some missing gaps in his education. I am hoping that you will help him to make any necessary adjustments?”

  I nodded my acquiescence, and he continued.

  “We already have documents to help him in your world. I think if we say he is your cousin that should explain why you would be present at any school enrolment interviews.”

  I wondered if it would also make Finnan feel more comfortable about us keeping our feelings towards each other in check. Well my feelings towards Wyn anyway.

  “We will say Wyndelleu is an orphan, and that he has been in the foster care system for years. That should answer any queries as to why he has no guardian accompanying him. If all goes well, I would like him to stay with you there until his 18th birthday. At which time I would like you both to return. Now the tricky part, and I know it’s a lot to ask, but do you think your father would con-sider allowing Wyndelleu to stay at your house?”

  My head was spinning. It was too much to consider all at once. Wyn spending six months with me, living in my house! Going to my school, meeting my friends...