Letting Loose, Flying Free

Chapter 2 - Readying for a new year

" You're the one who got in this mess, how many times do you need to be reminded what Arena and Jade can do", Stephen asked as Hunter placed ice wrapped in cloth on his head.

" Too many times apparently", grumbled Hunter as he winced.

" And he will never learn", laughed Arena as she entered the room.

" Well, aren't you a sight for sore eyes, training with the archery team?", Stephen asked as he looked up and down at Arena. She was wearing breaches and her green hood jumper that Stephen got for her when she first arrived at the castle. Over it, she wore leather armour much lighter then chain mail. Arena's hair was wild and messy, pulled up in a messy bun.

Arena smirked and swung her bow onto her back and pushed whisps of hair away from her eyes.

" Of course, my grandfather disapproves but my mother doesn't mind", said Arena. " Either of them", said Arena as an after thought.

" How is Ella doing anyway", Stephen asked.

" She likes her new job, thanks for that by the way", smiled Arena, pulling Stephen in for a quick hug. Stephen felt his cheeks redden slightly as she let him go.

" Don't mention it, I was happy to help Ella, so the store is going well", asked Stephen.

" Hello, I'm still injured over here", grumbled Hunter.

" You wouldn't be if you didn't have such a big mouth", grumbled Arena, rolling her eyes. " And it's going well, everyone loves her sleep remedies and creams for wounds and that", smiled Arena.

" That's good and she doesn't want to continue living here in the castle with us", Stephen asked.

Arena shook her head as she sat on a table. They were currently in the kitchen, Hunter nursing his injury from Arena and Jade. " No, she found the castle too big and wanted something smaller", said Arena.

" This place is massive just like this bump on my head that you gave me", grumbled Hunter as he leant back in his chair.

" Don't be such a baby, you had it coming", laughed Arena.

" Didn't expect you to hit me so hard", grumbled Hunter.

" And I didn't expect you to be such a whiny baby", smirked Arena, poking her tongue out at him.

" I am no baby, I'm very mature, right Stephen", Hunter asked.

" I think you're confusing yourself with me Hunter", Stephen said smirking.

" Ha ha, you are such a jester", grumbled Hunter. Arena and Stephen shared a grin as Hunter grumbled to himself.

" Anyway, now that we have established that our Hunter is a baby, how are the preparations for the News Year party coming along, I can't wait for tomorrow night, I've never really been to a grand party", said Arena, swinging her legs as she helped herself to a red apple.

" I am not a baby, you just took me by surprise, you shouldn't hit people so hard", whined Hunter and Stephen rolled his eyes. He just doesn't know when to stop, Stephen thought.

" I don't hit people, I was hitting you, there is a difference", laughed Arena as she took a bite from the apple. Hunter scrunched up his nose at Arena before picking up another apple and taking a bite.

" The preparations are going well and all the invites have been sent out and we have replies too, your mother's brother and mother are coming, aren't they?", Stephen asked. Everyone who lived in the castle and many of the staff, they all knew who her true heritage was.