Other information about Kayla:
Kayla is a half elf who had been cursed the day she was born. The creature who had cast the life draining curse on her is called Shadow Beast by her mother's clan, who are all elves.
Kayla went straight to her room, closing the door behind her. She let out a long, exasperated sigh. She took out some pieces of parchment paper and pen, then started drawing. She drew Par'il with his sword, and Gnareen with her wooden spoon, fighting in the arena. The second picture was of Peman, the new warrior with his weapons, a kind smile on his face. The last one was of a strange creature, its mouth dripping with blood, eyes glowing yellow, looking as if it were laughing evilly. Kayla signed the three pictures, leaving them with the others. She left the pen and ink on the table next to the pictures. Letting out a yawn, she went to her bed, removed her shoes, and decided to sleep. It had been a long day, for she felt quite exhausted.
Kayla kept tossing and turning, her face soaked with sweat. She could hear a creature's voice ringing through her mind.
"Days turn to nights, nights turn to days, slowly yet silently, her life withers away. She who bears the mark of death, shall one day breathe thy last breath!" The creature gave a cynical laugh, smiling evilly. She was breathing heavily, her heart beating rapidly. Her neck began burning painfully, tears spilling from her eyes.
'NOOOOO!!' her mind screamed desperately.
The burning pain kept getting worse, as if it were choking her.
'Please stop! It hurts!' her mind pleaded, hoping the creature would hear her. Kayla laid there, trying to withstand the burning sensation, but couldn't.
Mira woke up, sensing Kayla's distress.
"Oh no, it's getting worse than I thought!" Mira said, turning bright red. She flew to Kayla's bed, fearing the worst.
"Please Kayla, wake up!" Mira called, hoping she would hear her.
"Ah ha ha ha ha ha! Pathetic child, you can NEVER escape your fate!" the creature said maliciously.
'Please, no more!' her mind cried, unable to withstand the searing pain.
The creature simply laughed at Kayla's feeble pleas. The pain became so intense, spreading to her throat constrictingly.
'Why are you doing this to me?' her mind had asked.
'Please...no more!' her mind begged, scared more than ever. Kayla could feel the burning sensation spread to her throat.
Kayla was walking through the forest near her village. The further she went, the darker it became. She stopped in her tracks, unable to see ahead.
"You will never escape your fate..." the words of Shadow Beast kept echoing all around. She could hear him laughing maliciously.
"Why...why did you do this to me?" Kayla asked, shaking nervously.
((Again, this scene takes place in Kayla's dream.))
"Heh heh heh....you poor, pitiful child. Years ago, I had lived in this forest as a healer. Many would come to me for treatment. One day, an elf had came to me with very grave injuries. I worked quickly, doing what I could. While I tried to help him, he stabbed me with his dark knife, turning me into what I am now. He laughed at me, and said I deserved to suffer the same fate as he had. From then on, I was corrupted by power. I hated elves, especially those from your clan. That very same elf was as corrupted as I. This is why I am like this, and also why I gave you that curse. Once it reaches its full strength, it will eventually kill you!" Shadow Beast told her.
"Now I understand." Kayla said.
"Leave this place, and NEVER come back! LEAVE NOW!" Shadow Beast said angrily. Kayla left the way she came, not daring to look back.
Kayla ran from the dark part of the forest, hearing Shadow Beast's last words echoing behind her. She stopped to rest under one of the ancient trees, breathing heavily.
Thump, thump, thump, thump..... She could feel her heart beating fast as she tried to catch her breath. After what seemed like eternity, she fell asleep.
Kayla slowly opened her eyes. She looked up and saw the Great Forest Guardian approach her.
"I see you went to the Forbidden Grounds." he said.
"I'm sorry Great Forest Guardian, please forgive me." Kayla said.
"It's alright child, there's no need for an apology." the Guardian replied.
"I had to go, because I wanted to know why I had this curse." she told him. The Forest Guardian nodded in understanding.
"Shadow Beast told you of his fate, but he never said why you bear the mark." His voice took on a more serious tone.
"That mark is the cause of all the pain. It slowly drains your energy, feeding on your life. As it does, the pieces slowly begin to form a black heart. Once it's fully complete, it will reach its full strength, and could instantly kill you." the Guardian explained.
"Is there any way to cure this curse?" Kayla asked hopefully. The Forest Guardian shook his head sadly.
"I'm afraid there isn't one dear child." he told her. Kayla let out a weary sigh.
"I guess there's nothing that can be done." she said sadly. The Forest Guardian's expression softened to that of concern.
"You seem upset. What's troubling you child?" he asked gently.
Kayla let out a heavy sigh.
"I've been thinking about what you told me before. I just don't know if I can do it!" she said shakily.
"It's alright dear child. When you feel you are ready, don't be afraid to face it as if it were a challenge worth trying." the Forest Guardian said simply, giving her a gentle hug.
"Thank you Great Forest Guardian. You're right, I know what I must do now." Kayla said, giving him a small smile.
"You've grown up so much since the last several turns of the seasons. I'm proud of you Kayla, for you have your mother's courage, and your father's wisdom." he said with a kind smile.
