James' forehead wrinkled in concern. That meant there was likely to be trouble. He didn't really like the idea of getting caught in other people's drama, but he did go to a lot of work to save the girl. "Well, we better stay off the roads then. Even the back ones. They would be checking those too. There is a small village deep in the woods near here. Several hours hike away. I'm warning you though, it isn't easy to get to. Also, I highly doubt anyone would check there. It is quite a reclusive place." It was actually where he had grown up. The only place on earth where people considered him a good and respected man. He sighed and carefully reached over to pick up Serena. She groaned a little bit, no doubt bruised, then seemed to drop into a peaceful sleep.

Behind him stood Sarah, her eyes watchful. She had cast her sleeping power over Serena the instant she had been picked up. That last thing they needed was Sarah to wake up. She would heal faster if she stayed asleep for the rest of the day. She glanced at Jordan. Keeping her asleep would seem suspicious, but she would talk too much about what she had seen around these strangers. Best to find a way to explain her drowsiness. She walked over to West and held out her arms for the child, her eyes holding warning for him to follow her lead.

Patch nodded as he listened to james, "good, we have been running for a while now and it would be nice to relaxed someplace and let her heal." he said as he watched him pick up Serena. He didn't like him holding her and when Sarah held her arms out for Jordan. Smiling, he gave her to Sarah and looked down at her, "keep her safe, you know she is sick and needs all the sleep she can get." he said as he gently stroked Jordans head. He hoped that the sick thing cleared up why Jordan was sleeping so long. Yet if he could convince James it was true it would be hte best for all of them.

He then walked over to hames and held out his arms, "I would like to Carry her. She is my charge and I would rather have her as close to me as possible while she is healing." he said and even before he coudl answer he took Serena from him. He still didn't trust him and was glad he made just the guard excuse to keep her close. If she was close he could protect her better then he could if James had her.

James looked at West funny and shrugged, "Have it your way, but it would have been easier for both you and her to have her carried on the stretcher. He tossed the stretcher he had made while West was bathing to the side and stalked over to the fire and carefully wrapped up the roasted fish. He was going out of his way to be friendly for once in his life and this guy was treating him like a criminal. His con artist skills were at their finest, so he knew he wasn't giving off any sign that was not who he said he was. What had happened to him in his past to have caused him so much distrust of other human beings?

Sarah knelt next to Serenity bundle and balanced Jordan while picking it up and slinging it over her shoulder. Carefully positioning the girl in her arms, she made a show of checking her temperature before returning to the men. She wanted to slap both of them. To her, they were being childish and she had no problem drinking either of their blood. It was only Serenity and Serenity alone to whom she gave her allegiance. No other human had been there for her and she didn't give a care. However, Serenity had gone and attached her heart to West and to Jordan. If either were harmed, she would blame herself. Sarah didn't want that on Serenity's heart.

West sighed and turned his back to james and looked down at serenity. He knew he was acting horrible to him but he had to make up for failing to protect her before. If she got hurt again he knew that he would never forgive himself. It was all because of his other side, the animal. The side that make every human being hate him and want to kill him. He wasn't what they were and he couldn't be with others of his kind. Glancing at Sarah, he wished he was like her and was able to have someone who was like him. Yet he was alone. Something that he had gotten use to but now that he had serenity he wanted to prove to her that he could be a good friend, a good protector. Yet so far he was just showing he was a monster. Leaning down, he kissed her forehead, "I am so sorry, this is all my fault."

He then looked up and looked at james, sarah, and jordan. "if we are all ready I say we move out." he said and then looked at james, "please lead the way." he said as he tried to be friendlier. He knew that he probably got off the wrong foot but he couldn't help it. He smelled the blood on him and he didn't trust him. After everything that had happened to him, with humans wanting him dead and hating him, he wasn't sure if he could trust anyone other then, Serenity, jordan and even possibly Sarah. Yet he would try to be friendly since he had helped saved serenity where he had failed to.

James shrugged and said, "Come on then." Heading off down a deer trail, he led the way through the forest that were hidden to all but the trained or local eye. It was several hours later when they reached a small village. It was dirt packed with small houses spaced out from each other. There was a church in the center of town and an outpost where things could be bought or traded as well. Other than that, there was little in the way of an actual town. It was truly out of the way and no one would even consider checking it if they did know about it.

He led them to a worn house and knocked on the door. A bubbly woman answered the door with a tall man behind him. James actually blushed at her surprised shout of glee and enveloping hug. "Hi mom. Dad." He greeted them and amid his mother's constant chatter about him needing to stop in more often. Both of them didn't notice Serenity or his dad's sharp gaze on her. He saw the neck was wounded and locked eyes with West. He gave West a nod of the head to slip in and follow him and lead the way to the back bedroom. Sarah shifted Jordan and headed to a couch in the livingroom.

West headed out after him and hoped that things would start to look up for them. After walking for what felt like forever they came to what looked to be a small village. It was nice, only a few houses here and there, some shops and things like that. Much more smaller then any village he had ever been to so far. Following him to a house, he was surprised to find a warm welcome. He didn't remember the last time he had a warm welcome anywhere. Yet when he heard that these nice people were James parents he couldn't help but feel like he should give the guy a little slack.

When the man locked eyes with him he gave a nod back before following him into the house. He headed down the hall to the back bedroom and smiled as he saw the bed. "thank you." he said softly before he carried her over to the bed and gently layer her down. Pulling the blankets up and over her, he checked her bandages and then to see if she had caught a fever. So far she looked fine and he let out a sign of relief. Looking over to the man he gave a slight bow, "thank you for housing us." he said as he looked at him and then looked back over at Serenity.

The man shrugged and got out his medicine supplies. "Son barely visits enough as it is. Not going to complain if one of the rare times he does, he brings company. Besides, I'm the doctor in these parts. I'll have her doing good in no time." He started carefully undoing the bandage, cleaning, restitching, and placing soft gauze over the wound.

Out in the livingroom, Sarah shifted Jordan so she was asleep on the couch. The wife, talking constantly, got the girl a cool clothe. Sarah just nodded her thanks and focused on not attacking and draining the life out of everyone in the room. This was really hard. Where the heck was her father?

West nodded as he listened to him and stepped aside so that he could take a look at her. He didn't like him touching her but then again he was just being over protective. So he forced him to calm down and head out to check on sarah and JOrdan. As he got to the living room he saw how sarah was and walked over. Placing a hand on her shoulder he whispered, "go, you look like you have to get out of here. I will keep a eye on Serenity and Jordan for a while. I can handle jordan and get her to calm down. Remember, she sees things that we don't." he said as he looked at her then moved away.

Heading over to Jordan, he sat down next to her and gently stroked her head. He hoped that when she woke up she didn't' get to crazy but knew he could blame it on the sickness that she was suppose to have. He then looked towards Serenitys room and hoped that she was okay.

Sarah nodded her thanks, mumbled something about fresh air to the mother and con artist, then headed outside. As soon as she cleared the village, she took off at a fast run. Humans weren't an option at the moment, would raise questions. So that really only left one other option. Catching up to a deer, she tackled it with her jaws on its throat.

The doctor soon had Serenity fixed up better. Before applying the final bandage, he added a special ointment that would close up the skin faster. She would have a light scar there, but it wouldn't be noticeable unless you were really close. He figured by morning she would be awake, and though stiff and sore, she would be fine. Just as long as she took it easy for a day or two, he saw no reason why she couldn't travel.

The con artist resigned himself to playing the dutiful son. He helped his mother out by setting the table for her. He hoped that the girl healed quickly and left. Then he could leave too. Being around this simple life was enough to be his undoing. It wasn't something he was sure he wanted to go back to. Nothing happened here. No excitement.

West watched Sarah go and looked down at jordan. She looked so peaceful and he knew that she would wake up soon now that Sarah was gone. He had figured that Sarah had a influence on how Jordan slept since the girl never slept that long. Exactly as he was thinking it, he felt her move and quickly picked her up into her arms when she moved. "pretend your sick, I am guarding both you and Serena." he whispered to her softly but even before he was done she was already nodding. He then chuckled as he felt her wiggle out of his arms and to the ground. He then followed her, pretending to be the guard he was suppose to be, into the dinning room where the women and james was. He smiled when he heard her and pretend to be very concern when he heard her caught and picked her up and checked her forehead, stoping himself from laughing when she pushed his hand away.

Jordan slowly opened her eyes and was glad to be able to see now. She had been having flashes of things and knew that it was things that had been important. She remembered the fight that had happened yet was already over it. Seeing things in the future made it easier for her to dismiss things. When West pulled her close she already knew what was going on and nodded before she wiggled out of his arms. Heading over to the dinning room she smiled over at the women and James, "excuse me, I just wanted to thank you for everything that you have done for us." she said as she bowed to them a little bit and then coughed slightly. She then felt West pick her up and check her forehead. Frowning, she pushed his hand away, "I am fine." she said to him before looking at the family.

James knelt on one knee in front of her and offered his hand, "Nice to see you up and moving around. You had us worried there for awhile." His mother came up front behind him and beamed at Jordan, "We are very happy to have you here with us. Don't you worry about a thing. I have everything under control." The doctor came in from the back bedroom and smiled at Jordan, "Glad your up and walking around. How do you feel?"

Jordan smiled as she looked at james and took his hand, "I am sorry to have worried you." she said and then looked at james mother and smiled as his father came in. She then sighed, "I feel as well as I can." she said and coughed slightly. When West moved to pick her up she held out a hand to stop him. "I am fine." she said and then looked at the family, "may I ask what are all of your names.. and." she then walked over to James and took his hand, "we are in your debt for helping our Serena, we weren't sure what would of happened if we hadn't found you." she said and west nodded and had to hide a smile. Jordan had taken to the role of being someone of import ants rather quickly, which was good. If she kept it up like this then this family would know nothing about them which was how it should be. They would only think of them as a guard and three girls, not as a shapeshifter traveling with a vampire, a girl and a little girl who could see in the future.

James straightened up proudly and introduced his parents. "This is the village doctor who is also my father, James Senior. This is my mother Janice, and the best cook in this area." He gave her a friendly wink and she responded with a flutter of hands, "pish posh." You could tell she was pleased though.

Jordan smiled at both of his parents, "it is really nice to met you, I am jordan, this is West and the girl in the other room is serena." she said as she looked at the two. They looked like really nice people and she wished that she had a family like them but knew it was rare to find such nice people.

Janice offered, "You all go sit down in the living room while I get supper on the table. It is getting late and I'm sure your all starved." James Senior apologized, "Janice likes to make guests comfortable. I suggest we do as she says."

Jordan smiled and nodded as she headed into the living. West helped her up onto the couch before smiling at james senior, "thank you again for letting us stay here." he said and bowed slightly before sitting down next to Jordan.

Jame Senior nodded, "Glad to have you. It reminds me of this one time..." He went into a story about a group of lost travelers back many years ago. He enjoyed telling stories and didn't notice Sarah return. Sarah looked a little less pale now. Taking a seat, she sat composed and proper. In the kitchen Janice called out, interrupting the story, "Come on to supper. Table is set."

West listened to the mans tale yet his mind drifted when he saw sarah come back. She looked better then she ahd before and he calmed down just a bit. Focusing on the story again he smiled and laughed as the man told it. Though soon he heard the words that supper was ready. Nodding he looked down at Jordan and she licked her lips. Jumping up, she ran over to the kitchen and west ran after her, his eyes on her like a guards were suppose to be. He helped her up onto a chair before looking over at Janice, "do you need any help?" he asked.

Janice beamed at his offer. "That would be a mite kind of you dear. Will you fill the cups with cider while I heap some of this stew into the bowls." She bustled around the table making sure that everyone had enough. Once they were settled, her husband continued his story energetically despite Janice's pointed look.

West smiled and nodded, "that is no problem." he said as he went over and grabbed the cider. Filling up the cups, he watched as everyone came in. Jordan couldn't stay still and was jumping up and down in her chair as she waited for the food. He had a feeling that she was really hungry after everything that has happened to her. Sitting down after he filled all the glasses, he continued to listen and found himself wondering if this was what a family felt like, a normal family.

Through the meal, the doctor kept boisterously telling stories while his wife kept pulling the tales down to more reasonable portions. As it came to a close, Janice suggested, "While I clean up here, you can all set up beds in the living room." The con artist suggested, "The two girls can have my room."

West and jordan listened to the story and relaxed with everyone. Yet in the back of West's head was some worry, he worried about Serena and hoped that she would be okay. ONce the story was done west nodded as he listened to Janice then turned to the con artist, "that is fine with me." he then stood up and looked over at jordan who was yawning. He then looked up at Janice, "but do you need any help cleaning up?" he asked

Janice got that flustered look and shooed him with her hands. "Oh go on, I got this." You could tell though that she was pleased with his offer. They got everyone settled in for the night and soon the house became quiet. A night bird could be heard with it's pleasant lullaby. The moon slowly raise and crossed the sky. In the back room, as the pre gray dawn approached, Serena stirred and slowly opened her eyes. She stared blankly at the ceiling above her and tried to remember how she got to this strange place. Wasn't she traveling through the forest? How then was she now inside? Starting to move, a stiff sensation at her throat caused her pause. Slowly reaching up, she felt the bandages. Hot tears rolled down her cheeks at the memory of the fight. It returned in a blurry way. Being in a removed setting from the actual event made it not seem as recent.

West frowned when she pushed him out the door but guessed she didn't need him. Getting a place for himself in the living room, he made sure it was close to Serena's room. If she woke up and made her way out here, he wanted to be the forest one to hear her. As he layer down to sleep, he found he couldn't. After year of sleeping in a place where wind and rain could easily get in and sleeping on the forest floor. He found he couldn't get comfortable. Laying there, he just watched the ceiling till he heard something. he thought he heard movement or sound coming from Serena's room. Getting worried, he slowly changed himself into a mouse. Running under the door and into her room. He saw her on the bed with tears on her cheeks. Slowly turning into a small dog, he crawled his way over to her. Whining softly to her, he rested his head near her and looked at her worried. He still felt horrible for making this happen to her, it was all his fault after all.

Serena was startled for only a moment. She would know those caring eyes anywhere. Smiling with relief to see him, she slowly reached over to scratch his head. The fight had been horrible. But at least she still had her friends. An image of West covered in blood rose before her for a moment, but the fur beneath her hand was real. She relaxed and felt herself slipping back into sleep.