The Cousin

The first thing Lariel noticed was the unusual beauty of the boy Eric said was his cousin. He was taller than she was, though slimmer, and his shoulder-length hair shone like flames.

His brown eyes sparkled as he smiled, gallantly.

"I heard a party going on and came to join in." He looks around at the fallen bodies. "But apparently the celebration ended early. A shame."

"How did you find me?" Eric asked.

"Are you serious? You're a traveling disaster, you leave traces everywhere. A blind, deaf, olfactionless dog could find you."

The wizard's cheeks turn red. Apparently he is well aware of the lack of discretion.

The man looks at Lariel and raises one of his eyebrows, oozing charm.

"You are one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen."

The girl ignores, totally disaffected and indifferent. Instead, she begins rummaging through the bodies, careful not to be taken by surprise.

"Does the pretty thing have a name?" Eric's cousin insists.

"Lariel."

"Lariel, it's a great pleasure. I am