It was several hours before Carmen finally reached the cabin. She had stopped off first at the storage facility she was renting and switched her SUV for the off-road Jeep that she owned. She had taken every precaution that mattered over the years to hide her identity from any and all vampires who desired her blood so she had put several cars and houses in anonymous names for just such an emergency.

After getting some groceries and supplies (paying cash each time, no sense leaving a paper trail), she got to the cabin near late afternoon.

Parking the Jeep in the windowless garage, she covered it with the tarp to hide it, then padlocked the door closed.

She got the spare key from a hidden stone in the foundation and let herself in. Once she was inside, did she truly feel safe for the first time since her run from Hawaii.

She set the groceries on the table and took a deep, cleansing breath.

“Safe.” she whispered into the quiet. She put away her things before heading out to get wood for the fireplace. Once she had a fire going, warming up the cabin, she went out to make sure the generator had fuel to last for some time.

She went around the house, checking all the doors and windows, making sure the extra locks and alarms she had installed were in working order. No sense tempting Fate when there wasn’t a need to. Shane was resourceful, as well as dangerous, and that wasn’t a risk she was willing to take.

She stopped to eat a quick lunch before she checked the basement. It was here she kept extra supplies just in case. She checked over the food items, making sure none had spoiled, checking the fuel tanks to make sure there were no leaks and the guns she had to make sure they were in perfect condition. Everything was as she left it and there was minimal food loss to her stores.

She breathed a sigh of relief.

This would do…for now…

The black Jeep rolled into town and parked in front of the convenience store. There had been a bad storm the night before, knocking out power to the town and her cabin for almost 6 hours and some of the food she had in the kitchen refrigerator had spoiled. She had spent the morning cleaning out and disinfecting the appliance before heading into town to replenish her supplies.

The door slid open with a whoosh and she walked inside, grabbing a shopping cart. The counter clerk, a nice elderly fellow, looked up at her and smiled.

“Afternoon, Ms Freemont.” he greeted. Ever since she’d come here weeks before, she had been going by the name “Abby Freemont”, a journalist from New York City.

“Afternoon, George. How’s that pretty wife of yours?” she asked.

“Doing well as can be.” he stated.

“Oh?” she wondered as she grabbed a box of cereal and put it in her cart.

“Just getting over a late season cold. It was touch and go there for a fair bit, but she’s on the mend.”

“That’s good to hear. Tell her I was thinking about her.”

“I certainly will.” George smiled, letting “Abby” get back to her shopping. She grabbed the things she needed in due course and turned to go back to the front to check out.

Paid and bagged, she wheeled her things to the Jeep and packed them in securely before hopping in and heading back to the cabin.

She was completely oblivious to the fact that there was someone new in town…and that he or she had been watching her…

A cell phone was pulled out, and a number dialed. When the call was picked up, only three words were spoken.

“I found her…”

He had found her. Johnathon knew the woods and the small town like the back of his hand, and his mission was far from just spotting the runaway fugitive. Driving a few cars behind her in a similar Jeep, Johnathon then detoured from her path and went down to park near the lake, that was visible from Carmen’s kitchen window. When Johnathon pulled up, he took out his binoculars and made notes on what he saw, her lisence plate number and the cottage itself. Taking up his camera with telescopic lens, he took a series of photographs, then taking out the USB, he plugged it into a laptop, and emailed off the pictures to his boss, David.

Easing back in his leather seat, he thought about this woman for a moment, with the array of photographs of her, flooding his lap top screen. She may have evaded the law and those hunting her, but now…they had a lock on. He closed the lap top and put away his camera, instead reaching for his fishing hat, and then plonking it on his head. He had a license to hunt and fish in these parts, so that was as good as proof he was there innocently, and not tracking Carmen.

Getting out of the jeep, he moved around the back to get his fishing gear and rod, then strolled down to the bank.

<3>

Nightfall…

Carmen sat before the fireplace, curled up under a blanket on the couch and reading a book. She had been reading the same sentence for the past hour, unable to concentrate.

Ever since she’d come back from town, she had this feeling like she was being watched. Which was clearly impossible since no one knew who she really was.

She had looked out the kitchen window at one point during the day and saw a guy out on the lake fishing and making a camp. Not unusual for this time of year so she thought nothing of it.

Slamming the book closed, unable to concentrate, she got up and started pacing back and forth.

She had ignored her instincts once before, and an innocent woman was killed.

Something was telling her, she may have been compromised, but it was too late in the day to try and leave. There were too many hiding places in the woods and she wanted to be prepared to fight.

She turned out the lights in the cabin and cut the fire down so it burned low. She was as prepared as she was ever going to be, having spent the last few weeks fine-tuning her powers and abilities.

She’d put up one hell of a fight if anyone attacked her now.

In the darkness of the night, the cabin started to creak and moan, as the timbers of the walls expanded and contracted from the changing temperatures, caused by the dulling of the fire, and the bitter cold outside. Down by the lake, there was a fire burning bright, a camp fire, and seated on a log was Johnathon, smoking a pipe, and enjoying the sounds of the night.

Up at the cabin, the generator, that had been powering much of Carmen’s appliances suddenly made a loud bang sound, and wound down, as the entire cabin was completely in darkness. Her radio, everything that required power shut down. A large owl landed on the balcony railing, and let out a loud HOOT sound, while opening up its wings, and from the shadow it cast, it may wake a sleeping Carmen.

A dull scratching sound was heard in the ceiling, then the padded footfalls of a possum, running along the beam in the attic. All these noises would be amplified in the middle of the night, while the full moon glowed through the frosted windows of her bedroom.

<3>

It was the bang that woke her. She sat up, startled, heart racing. There was nothing but absolute silence.

“Shit.” she grumbled, realizing the generator must have gone down. She tossed off her blankets and pulled on her jeans, tshirt and boots before bundling up in her coat.

Grabbing the flashlight from beside the door, she had to struggle with the door as the winds were blowing hard up in the mountains. Somewhere an owl hooted as she went around the side of the house to check the generator. A tree branch had broken from a tree and smashed into the generator, making it inoperable.

“Shit.” she repeated. She’d have to make a trip into town in the morning for a new generator. She headed back into the house, slamming and locking the door against the winds raging outside.

She hung up her coat and went into the living room, restoking the fire so it blazed brightly once more, casting flickering shadows in the room behind her. She could feel the cold seeping into her bones and decided to bunk down in the living room for the rest of the night. She went into the bedroom and found the air mattress she kept in the back of the closet and brought it downstairs. Placing it a safe distance from the fire, she inflated the bed and covered it with the sheets and blankets she’d brought with her.

Crawling beneath the blanket, she stared into the fire, allowing the flickering flames to lull her back to sleep.

A dark shadow moved along the veranadah of the sprawling cabin. The foot falls made the decking creep, and as the shadow approached the doorway to the lounge room, the being could be seen trying to look inside the frosted glass where just by the fire, the sleeping Carmen lay, on a blow up mattress by the fire. Slowly the lock started to turn with a dull click, and the door slid open, causing a heavy breeze to swirl in and this made the fire erupt, crackling and spitting, before the door suddenly SLAMMED shut. The figure moved with the speed of a supernatural, leaving the curtain to fall back in its place. The room went silent, aside from the crackle of the fire.

<3>

She looked around groggily for the source of the sound but saw nothing out of the ordinary.

But her senses were on high alert. There was something different. She could feel it. Grabbing the flashlight from beside her, she turned it on and shone it around the room, lighting the shadows in its bright glow. There was nothing. She shone it on the landing of the second floor, and again saw nothing.

“Jumping at shadows, Carmen my girl. Ugh. I must be more tired than I thought.” she muttered, curling back under the blankets. She had spoken out loud because she had caught a glimpse…of something…she wasn’t sure what. But she was sure, now more than ever, that someone had been in town that she hadn’t noticed and had reported her whereabouts, and they were now in her home. She pretended to be asleep, prepared for anything.

If she was going to die this night, she was going down fighting with all that she was.

“I can’t save you from him this time.”

The voice traveled, as the shadows lengthened and then the television came on. It was showing the news report and flashing up a picture of Carmen, marked as a fugitive. Shane in his fury, had managed to get the police department to believe his story that Carmen had killed Louisa. Now, she was wanted in fifty two states. The reporter shot to an interview with Shane, where he was standing in his office, with the picture of Louisa on his desk. He was really putting it on, telling the world that Carmen had murdered Louisa and then went into hiding rather than face her accuser.

“We will find her and bring her to justice, or my name is not Shane Williamson.”

The television then flickered and turned off, as the shadows continued to move around, before an aura appeared by Carmen.

“But your not alone.”

A very strong presence graced Carmen’s cheek.

<3>

“You’re dead. I got the letter. You can’t be alive. No…Wait…does that mean, I’m dead? I SHOULD NEVER HAVE DRUNK THE TEA!”

-Shadow shook his head as he said to her in a tone she would remember when they would talk in private.- “I am dead Charlotte. You however are only visiting me, I have been watching you since I passed.” -he stepped towards her again getting only a step away within arms length from her as he moved his hand forward towards her face. Shadow’s hand would attempt to touch her cheek to caress it as he did before when she was sad. He tell her heart might be filled with sadness of his death. He closed his eyes as he said.- “Charlotte I am sorry I could not have been there when you needed me. I took necessary steps that were needed, I thought I would have time to say goodbye before it happened. Instead I only sped up my death. I have only one regret for the things I have done. That is that I was not able to able to see you and my daughter one last time.” -he looked into her eyes as smile only to show his emotions to someone who knew him better than most. He saw that she was in fact wearing his pendant he left for her as he placed his finger on it the pendant.- “You have faced greater loss than anyone I have ever known Charlotte. Even so I know you have limited time here with me. I will answer any questions you have within the two hours. I wish we would have had more time.” -Shadow was happy to see her but in the end he was dead. He had a rest that most men would have wanted over five hundred billion years ago. He was old yet he was happy to see his best friend.-

-mean while Arren listened to the woman praying to him as he heard the words he would never thought to hear.-

“MiLord, I am facing two Knights of Salvation and they are planning on doing something with a little girl named Sarah Daybreaker. I want to save her but the only way I could do such thing is to defeat these two. My mind is clear and open for you to help me with this event. I am in debt for such help since I have never prayed to you before in my existence,”

-Arren’s eyes shot open as he thought. “Sarah Daybreaker this is something that I can’t ignore” -his spirit would lift from his body becoming one with Gabriel as he spoke.- “You must keep her alive at all cost…” -when he became one with Gabriel his spirit would detect something as this girl was of his creation she was a Volfen of the Sound Clan as he said.- “You must listen to me. You are a Volfen of the Sound clan, you are of my creation you need to focus. I will guide however you will need to use sound through your sword. You are one of the last of your kind.” -he started to gather sound through her being assisting her to use sound.-

-Coraline was some how throw in Relic’s direction the small little girl would land on her feet just nicely as she looked to Relic as she questioned.- “Well what should we do?” -she did notice this would be hand full for both of them. This woman’s speed was incredible something that they normally don’t see everyday. Relic chuckled as he said.- “Go on Coraline have some fun with her. She seems a little on the slower side for me.” -Coraline gave a insane giggle only to reach into her dress pocket digging for something as she pulled out a small pill. She placed the pill between lips pulling it into her mouth with her tongue you could hear her bit down on the pill as it cracked. Nothing had seemed to change about her eating the pill as she giggled even more. Coraline spoke to the woman as she said to her.- “Well if you want to go fast I don’t mind. It always makes it fun to move faster.” -she gave a devilish smile as she moved forward at a blazing accelerated speed that even would seem to match Gabriel’s own. Coraline cocked back her blade as she swung it widely attempting to come across to the Priestesses right side in an attempt to cut her in half.-

“You must listen to me. You are a Volfen of the Sound clan, you are of my creation you need to focus. I will guide however you will need to use sound through your sword. You are one of the last of your kind.”

“What is a Volfen? How am I your creation? Why am I one of the last of my kind? I have so many questions that concern to myself and where I came from but that will come later, I suppose. And I will do my best to listen to your guidence, MiLord,” she thought then turned her gaze to the duo, her eyes seemed to pierce their souls through both of their eyes.

As soon as Arren began to gather sound within her being, she gripped her sword tighter for she was unaware how much potential she has and has not discovered. Gabriel tilted her head as she used her hearing to listen to the short conversation between Coraline and Relic and she did not like how Relic said she was slow. It enraged her but she kept her calm stature like she was taught as a child prodigy and kept her chi in balance. She drew a breath into her lungs, savoring the scent of the air though it had a musty scent and exhaled silently. She moved her gaze over to the little girl who gave an insane giggle which was at a frequency that was a bit high for her. Her eyes followed Coraline’s hand, watching her rumage around in her pocket for something though Gabriel did not know what it was. She watched her place a pill of some sort between her lips and witness her grab it with her tongue. ~Crunch~ Gabriel heard Coraline bite down on the pill, listening to her chew on the now broken pill. She stepped back a foot or two to only swing her sword in a downward diagnol direction as a visible soundwave was rapidly shot from her Wakizashi since the wave was aiming for Coraline.

“I needed you, Shadow. More than I even realized. Look what I have become.”

-Shadow took his hand from her cheek as it grasped her shoulder firmly only to have him smile as he said.- “You Charlotte have turned into a fine woman and mother. However remember the words I told you the last time we spoke.” -he took his hand from her shoulder as he smiled only to place his finger on her chest directly over her heart. His eyes would gaze into her eyes deeply as if he was seeing straight through her.- “I will never leave you. I will always been in your heart when you need me in your darkest hours of life. Whether I am dead or living.”

-He was speaking nothing but the truth as he could feel his finger slightly touching the pendant he left for her in his will. He could only smile at her next words for a the brief moment as he heard them loud and clear from her.-

“Does your daughter have any idea how much you loved her? She is with my children right this minute, and there is someone after her, and I don’t know who.”

-Shadow’s facial expression went from the large smile he had to serious at the question to him as he sighed. He knew who she talked about and knew it was time to give Charlotte the full truth of who Anya and Sarah really were. They were much like his children but so much more they were apart of him. He too a deep breath as he looked into Charlotte’s eyes as he spoke.- “You speak of Anya I do love her with all my heart, She knows this better than anyone. However She is not entirely my child, She was not born through a woman. I created her and her sister from the essence of my own being. Long ago when I was but a boy, I was told that my heart was a gate way to the layers of Limbo where all evil is expelled.” -Shadow’s eyes did not waver from her as he was keeping his serious expression as his hand left Charlotte’s body while he continued.- “After being told such a thing, in case anything would ever happen to me, I created two keys that could keep that gateway from being used. Those keys were my weapons that were created from my very being, Anya and Sarah are in my eyes my daughters by they are not my blood daughter’s. Emiko is the daughter I spoke about Charlotte. However the person you speak about that is after Anya. Is the one who killed me.” -he knew this would a lot to take in yet he knew this was needing to be said to her. He heard words from Charlotte’s lips that one would make him think of what he had doen for her and family.-

“Help me, help her please?”

-He felt her hand touch his face as he closed his eyes as he looked at the pendant she wore as he smiled yet again as he placed his hand on her chest as he got closer to her feling her heart beat.- “Charlotte, I have helped you. I fore saw things that would happen and things that could happen. I saw my fate as I saw what would have happened if I stayed to fight this person. I could not bear to see my friends, my family, and your future be destroyed. I gave parts of my very soul to push the hand of a God. So that you and my Legacy may live on. I gave away selflessly to provide a hope for everyone. Charlotte I lived a long life it’s time that you live yours out just as I did but on a different path. I knew that if I did what I did to help prepare you and everyone for the fight ahead that it would mean my own death. I accepted this with honor as a Goryan.” -Shadow smiled as he felt the beat of her heart as he could only chuckled as he closed his eyes.- “You have the Heart and will of my family.” -he slowly leaned his head forward as he attempted to peck her on the cheek as he would bring himself back as he waited for anymore questions he could bring forth to her.-

-Arren heard the young female Volfen’s strong words and even her questions as he could only get frustrated as he listened.-

“It will be my honour to protect her with all of my strength and will, MiLord,”

“What is a Volfen? How am I your creation? Why am I one of the last of my kind? I have so many questions that concern to myself and where I came from but that will come later, I suppose. And I will do my best to listen to your guidance, MiLord,”

-Arren could tell she had many questions about her own race as he growled for where she could hear it within her mind. As he said.- “In due time young Wolf. Now you must be careful you are facing someone using enhancement pills. IT seems she uses them to allow her body to rapidly grow in the muscle and speed part of her being. Use sound to it’s full capability now become with nature become one with your strikes.”

-Coraline smiled and giggled insanely as Gabriel swung in diagonal strike as She blocked with her giant sword only to try and disable to the magic she was using as she held her ground giggling looking into the priestess’s eyes as she spoke in such a polite tone.- “You know my sword disables magic. Your sound magic wont touch me.” -she attempted to use her now gained strength and push her giant blade on top of her giggling in all respects only to try and keep her from moving any further. That sound wave that was directed towards Coraline was immediately disrupted by the big blade in hopes that she could not use sound. This was hopefully possible that the sound wave did not touch her. -

-Arren smirked as he chuckled only to tell Gabriel in her mind.- “Let loose the sound barrage”

Charlotte coughed up a laugh, when Shadow said what a woman and mother she had become, turning her head away so he couldn’t see her cry. She opened her mouth and held her head back, as she tried to compose herself, cause this was really too much to believe, till he placed his hands on her shoulders, and she felt the force of his touch….so real. Her head snapped back around, but her chest was rising and falling fast, and her hands were now lowered and balled into fists. Nails digging into her palms so she could feel…..make this real.

Saying that he was in her heart, and watched over her and the children. It was not what she expected, not at all. Those lonely nights in the caverns in the tunnels of Emerald Mountains, laying against the wall and wondering if they would ever get out of it alive, or even finish what they had started. He was there. The pendent around her neck, was partly a link between the two worlds, from Shadow to Charlotte. Only now did she realize its significance.

Charlotte reached up to wipe her nose with the back of her hand, not ladylike, but she was a mess, emotionally. Thoughts turned to his children, or at least what she thought were his children. Turns out…she was wrong.

“You speak of Anya I do love her with all my heart, She knows this better than anyone. However She is not entirely my child, She was not born through a woman. I created her and her sister from the essence of my own being. Long ago when I was but a boy, I was told that my heart was a gate way to the layers of Limbo where all evil is expelled.” 

The spider demoness fell back. Wait, she always thought Anya was his flesh and blood, but hearing this had her recoil in shock. “She is with my children, and has that key you speak of…its what the bad people are after.” Charlotte’s face turned to one of shock and then she looked back up at Shadow and said. “My children are in real danger if that key is what you say it is. And if this man had the power to kill you, how on earth are my babies going to stand up to someone like that?” Her green eyes widened in shock, as her maternal instinct kicked in. Shadow was still talking, but it was like she couldn’t hear him as she tried to get a telekinetic link with her children, whispering in her mind in rhefugi, trying to hear something back, as she walked in a small circle with her fists up to her temple. But it was no use. From the afterlife, her children could never hear her. Slowly she dropped her hands to her sides, and looked back Shadow, her face darkening.

Shadow placed his hand on her heart, which was now beating rapidly. He spoke of his sacrifice to push forward the legacy for both himself, and his, as well as Charlotte. Though she was having trouble understanding any of this.

“You have the Heart and will of my family.” He said, pecking her cheek. Being so affectionate and accepting of his fate long before this time. She felt his heart, his love and this was cherished. But she was sent back for a reason, besides this heart warming reunion.. Only with his answers, could she hope to change what is destined to occur.

“But how do I find my own path…when I must fight to protect my children from this man, and not just mine…Anya and her sister?” She looked away a moment, then back up at Shadow. “Or…was this planned all along?”

Imay asked..
” So Jalal tell me aside from me have you ever heard of the Goryas before, maybe my father Kilik or my brother Shadow, The Gorya as many know him? “ 

Jalal replied ” The Dragons I knew were named Siksta Svant Ith and Thurkear Welun Jaxo. I had never met them though as a child my father spoke to them and I did see them from a distance. They were revered. It was they who warned my father of the doom and allowed us to close the rift and spare the rest of the world. Though Atlantis itself was lost and my father perished in the fight along with many other brave warriors they completed the final design which closed the great rift. It opened nearly three continents wide as a result of the power we had been able to draw. The power we learned to control was vast with technique and design, the dragons always called us the little scientists. Then later the proud warriors when they made us what the darkness feared. Though I have never heard of the Goryan’s I was quite young. 

Imay: “Or would you rather meet a dragon for yourself?” 
When Imay asked boldly if he would like to meet a dragon for himself he was shocked by the question but also honored..-

” If there will would be to meet me I would like to meet one at that Imay, it would be an honor to meet any dragon’s of this land. “

Dathon had gathered the armies of his Queen and led the charge to the current battle. Although the armies of Laegess were vast, Dathon was wise to leave 20,000 legions behind to defend his homeland. When others of their land heard of Dathon’s mission, they offered their services as well. Who knew if these dark creatures, having satisfied their dark lusts upon the angels, would then turn to the Fae and wreak their havoc?

And so…Fae Men, both young and old, powerful in their own right, marched with the Queen’s Armies into war.

They arrived upon the hill overlooking a grisly scene. Demons were slaughtering Angels left and right and those pure souls looked gravely outnumbered. Dathon’s keen eyes spotted Sirus as he hacked his way through a wall of Orc fighters.

He withdrew his sword and took up his shield.

“PROTECT THE PRINCE! FOR THE HONOR OF LAEGESS!” he shouted.

“FOR HONOR!” came the dozens of shouts behind him. With a roar, the armies of Laegess entered the fray.

Brandon watched without moving as the warlocks where slaughtered by the lone avenging angel before the angel fell back to the angelic camp. Once the angel had gotten back to the camp the king would chuckle softly as his aura drove the trolls and Orc’s deeper into a bloodlust spurring them to fight on no matter how many of them fell to the angel’s blades. With a uttered warcry the King would steer his steed wrath towards the thickest fighting between his horde of denizens of the dark and the forces of house casterly. Brandon would then dismount his horse before slowly striding towards the fighting after riding to its edge. Almost at once he would be mobbed by the angels seeking to end this war once and for all as he grinned beneath the helmet of his armor. With his trusty broadsword in hand he would parry a trio of angelic blades before cutting the three angels in half with one clean stroke. Then Brandon would proceed deeper into the fighting slaughtering any angel he came across before roaring a triumphant and dark warcry before turning and making his way back to his steed wrath. Brandon would then proceed to mount wrath before thundering off to the left flank where the angels where about to break through. Once he had arrived at the left flank he would steer wrath directly towards the angels while raising his broadsword high into the air with a second warcry. As he thundered through the angelic forces he would reap a heavy toll of death and destruction. With each pass through the angelic forces the sorely pressed demons would grow emboldened by their leader’s fearlessness and charge the now retreat angels and completely slaughtering what remained of them. With the threat dealt with Brandon would ride off to a ridge to surveil the battlefield before grunting softly as he took a reprieve from the fighting for the moment. It might have seemed Brandon was staying out of the fight for the moment but in fact he was looking for an opening to fully break the angelic forces spirit and he was sure that it would present itself soon enough. True Brandon was a warmonger but nothing gave him more satisfaction then to watch the forces of casterly freeze in terror when he seized the opening they had given him. “Ah the sounds of war are music to my ears…” Brandon whispered to himself before turning as the Laegess forces entered the fray. “Well well well seems we have more to slaughter seeing as another house has come to Casterly’s aide…but alas they will all be slaughtered none the less…” He then sighed gently while mounting his horse before bellowing out for all to hear within his massive horde. “DEATH TO HOUSE CASTERLY AND ITS ALLIES!!!” With that being said Brandon would steer wrath directly towards the unknown force seemingly coming to casterly’s aide before raising his broadsword high into the air. As he did this a flying wedge of demonic horsemen formed behind their king as they all charged head long towards the unknown force.Then with a loud resounding crash the flying wedge slammed into the forces lines reaping a heavy toll of death and destruction in one fell swoop before they wheeled around and came back through the lines with a second resounding crash of metal on metal reaping yet another toll of death and destruction at the cost of two horsemen. Though on their second pass they did not loop around but instead galloped away as the king bellowed. “ARCHER’S READY YOUR BOWS!!!” As one the demonic archers readied their bows and loosed a total of four volleys of poisoned arrows. Each arrow was poisoned with a potent coagulant meant to make the blood of the victim clot and slow until they died of an induced heart attack. Though the other two volleys where of flaming arrows dipped in pitch and light with a brazier. The arrows while in flight would blot out the sun so great was their volume.

Was the leopard really so much scarier than the wolf, all she had wanted to do was crush their skulls in her jaws, just once, was that so bad. The cage had stopped, the goblin had informed her earlier that she was going to get a special treat today, and it appeared she was about to get that treat. She heard him talking, to a man most likely. She could hear the sounds of battle all around and off in the distance resonating with her beast. She wished she had remained higher in the mountains far out of reach just like her mother had instructed her the day she made her first kill.

She heard voices, the goblin was speaking to someone again, she leaned closer towards the bars listening going as still as she could. “You want prize yes? Only two hundred gold yes?” spoke the goblin. She chuffed, was that really all she was worth. The man responded his voice was low to her ears, rough so to speak. She stepped back, knowing that the goblin would reveal her soon, she decided, that it was best to remain in her feline form, make her scarier looking, yes that was the idea. She puffed up arched her back and struck a pose.

“Show me what’s covered first then I might be persuaded to pay up…”

The curtain fell away landing beside the cage in a pool of fabric, a gentle breeze blew by and she turned her nose to the scents carried with it. She stared at the man that seemed without much thought tossed the pouch of gold towards the goblin. Who accepted it with the same greedy light he stared at her with all the time.

“Where did you find this feline??” the man asked…he was an angel, she could see that now. What sort of mess might she have gotten herself into she wondered. “Mountains yes? She likes cold.” The goblin responded as he wondered away. Ha! Damn goblins stuck her in a sauna to make her more compliant! At least he left her with that much of a kind parting gift.

The man pulled a feather from his wings and it shaped itself into a collar. He entered her little cage that never felt big enough for all of her size in were form. She remained still, allowing this angel to brand her with the collar around her neck; she knew it wouldn’t last long. He stepped away leaving the cage open for her.

“Let’s get you washed up and dressed you look terrible from the way the trader has been treating you..” he commanded…hmm did he perhaps already know…she didn’t think so…not many knew she…or what she was existed. But he wasn’t finished talking “Don’t worry I won’t hurt you at all.”

She tilted the feline head and watched his retreating back, no; he might not now, but maybe later. She snarled baring her large fangs and leaped from the cage sending it reeling back by the force of her departure. She didn’t follow him though, she remained still watching.

The leopard body contorted, and she made a sharp mewling sound. Muscle rippled and the fur seemed to melt away. Bone snapped and popped and looked like it was moving underneath her skin. Her form was reshaping right before their eyes becoming smaller more compact until all that remained was a small woman on the ground curled into fetal position.

As the pain eased she stood on shaking legs, nude with a dark olive skin tone, her black hair fell around her shoulders like black satin and circled her body ending just below her hips in ragged edges. She stared forward with the same pale grey eyes of the snow leopard, glittering and just as deadly. His collar hung loose around her neck it meant for a much larger beast.
She smiled softly, and spoke forcing the words out of her dry throat. “not beast, Nimha, Name Nimha, I am Changeling Breed,” -

He sighed and approached her. His arms reaching out to grab her she tittered backwards a bit, ready to run. But his hands already circled her form and were lifting her frail body into his arms. She let out a very feline snarl baring her currently human teeth at him.

Mortified that he was even trying to be kind she gave him a few closed fisted swats against his chest and whatever else was in her path even kicking. Then he had the audacity do the one thing that would make a cat hate you for generations to come, he dropped her into a basin of water! Well she exaggerated a little bit on her anger, because after a while wading through rivers only cleaned away so much dirt, and she would have to live in the river to clean away the spunk of the trader’s camp.

She didn’t make it easy though, she would snap her teeth at fingers that got too close to…areas…even a slap or two to the facial region. He was foolish enough to try it, he better have been prepared! He had even been so kind to scrub her satin black hair with sweet smelling oil that made her nose itch. Course by that point she had given up fighting him and resorted to blowing bubbles in the water with a I’m-going-to-kill-you-in-your-sleep look on her face.

He seemed satisfied with his task of trying to clean her, and pulled her from the basin water and approached her with a towel, about to dry the water from her body. She stopped that and took the towel from him finished the task herself, but allowed him the privilege of drying her hair. That was a chore all its own.

Ha! Wouldn’t her ‘masters’ be ‘proud’ she didn’t learn a lick of respect as a slave, and she never was, or ever will be one. The angel, who still had not given her a name, which according to ‘lessons’ shouldn’t matter to her anyways, passed her a tunic and leather pants and then turn and left the tent. She arched a brow, the man had just washed her body without her consent…oh but watching her dress would have been disrespectful. A snarl on her lips she shoved her legs into the leather and tugged them up and over her hips fastening them tightly. They were loose on her frame, it would take some time to get her body back to the way it used to. She tugged on the tunic just as she heard his voice and the tent flap opening.

“I’m coming back in now Nimha…” he said.

Like she cared. He smiled at her, it was tender but his eyes told differently what he thought about her, even nodding to himself! “You look wonderful Lady Nimha.”

“No. not. Nimha, only Nimha. Not slave, Not lady, Not none,” she muttered feeling she needed to remind him that her name was just Nimha.

He stared at her, and she stared back. Her gaze wasn’t of awe or interest, but searching, flickering every once in a while as if looking for an opening to dart out of her cage. She could tell what he was doing, he wanted her to trust him, but that would never happen. He be kind now, they always were at first, but then she do something wrong, and they turn cruel.

He came close again and tapped the collar around her neck and it shrank, she squeaked feeling the band snapped to her neck snuggly and she clawed at it. Hissing, she found it was impossible the band wouldn’t even allow her to slip a nail underneath it.

Then he grabbed her hand and yanked her out into the open into the camp of men. She could hear the battle’s had die down for now. The knights gathered at a table where he joined them, patting a seat beside him. People glanced and she wondered how many saw her shift before and what they thought might happen with her. Nothing if she had any say in the matter.

The food though, looked enticing and she timidly approached taking careful steps towards the table as if she was hunting. Her eyes always shifted back and forth from every movement someone made. When It seemed like no one would make a grab or jump for her she approached the table and took handfuls of whatever food was with in her reach but not on someone else’s plate and stuffed her face with it.

She sat there a long time, simply eating and not paying anyone else much interest but for the food in front of her. Not even the ‘master’. But her ears perked then and she looked up, at first it seemed she was looking at the angel, but she wasn’t, she was staring beyond him. Instinct told her something was coming, something dangerous, as of what, she didn’t know.
Then she heard the shouts. She glance at the Angel, she wasn’t stupid, he would find her, but, she wasn’t sticking around for this. She leaped away from the table, almost turning it over from the force of her flight. At a safe distance she looked at the Angel man, and smiled, but it wasn’t a kind smile, it was a challenge so to speak.

“I bend to no one, Nimha is Freedom,” she said over the growing roar of war around them.

Then she turned away slipping past tents and knights while shifting in one fluid motion, muscle and bone snapping and crunching as they slide into new potions in her body. Fur grew along her flesh, like a ripple across water, long white and spotted to end with the large tail of the snow leopard. Then she was gone running from the camp site as fast as her exhausted body could carry her. She was betting on the unannounced chaos of attack would keep him from chasing after her. Not heeding the rough sensation around her neck from the collar that still remained in tack and snuggly in place. -

Wintervine – The House of Laegess

Found in the Forgotten Lands, deep in the Willow is the Wintervine Castle. Home to the Royal Faes of Laegess, they have ruled these lands for thousands of years. With many tales to come.

It was one thing to travel to the Night lands to rescue Princess Tempest from the evil witches, but a whole nother thing to get her back safely to the lands of Fae. The journey took many months, having to cross through uncharted lands, and they came across all manner of vagabonds, thieves, scoundrels and the like. Many testing Sirus and Dathon’s ability with the sword. Finding good shelter each night was also a battle, besides having little money on them, they often traded services and the odd royal trinket to get them enough food and drink to get by. Also the care of the horses, who were really the White witches of Vaas. Not once did the horses complain, and they remained in their forms, so as not to cause a ruckus in the inns and villages they stayed at. Klaus actually lost a fair bit of weight along the way, much to the delight of his clysdale horse. Gertie had complained about his size, when they were in Medusa’s lair, and with the low rations on the return journey, he virtually shed about thirty kilograms.

The day had started like many others. Sleeping under a tree, with the horses tied not far away, Sirus was the first to rise, going down to the stream to wash, before taking up water in his small flagon, to have for the day’s ride. There was no food left, and the remains of the rabbit caught the night before were now just scattered in the ash of the fire pit. Seeing his beloved Tempest still sleeping, curled up under a small rug, Sirus smiled to himself, before going to give Klaus a good kick to wake him up.

“If we start now, we should make a good day’s ride.”

Klaus looked up, his hair all messy from his night’s sleep. He groaned and sat up rubbing his back.

“Oh how I miss my bed. I hate roughing it like this.” Always grumpy in the mornings, it was really no surprise to Sirus. He gave him another light kick, to which Klaus reacted sourly. “Alright alright. I’m up already.”

Little did they know how close they really were.

<3>

Many months had gone by since her rescue at the hands of Sirus, Dathon, Klaus and the White Witches and yet, Tempest had never felt such contentment. As they traveled, she briefly spared her parents and brother a thought, wondering if they were all right or if they even knew she was still alive, but quickly squashed the sentiment. She hadn’t heard from any of them once in all the time she’d been gone and she felt by their inactions, they wanted nothing to do with her anymore.

The journey back to Wintervine Castle had not gone smoothly. Bandits, thieves and wild creatures threatened their lives during the day, and they had to do small things just to get food and rest for the nights. And yet, it was a time for Sirus and Tempest to get to know one another better as the love between them bloomed and flourished.

Despite the horrors that plagued them, Tempest felt settled.

Sunlight streamed over the horizon, interrupting her sleep as she lay beneath the rug that had been provided for her use. With a soft moan, she buried her head beneath the warmth and wished for another few moments of rest. She could hear movement around her, and made out the slight mutterings of Klaus as he was woken.

“Oh how I miss my bed. I hate roughing it like this.”

Tempest had to agree with him there. She herself longed for a long soak in scented oils and a comb for her hair she was sure was a tangled, stringy mess. But she didn’t once complain about their conditions.

With a sigh, knowing that another few moments of rest were long past gone, she sat up, covering her mouth with her hand to hide her yawn.

“Good morrow, fellow travelers.” she murmured, her voice husky from sleep.

“And Good morning Princess.”

Sirus did a sweeping bow before Tempest, before rising to stand tall and true. The day had begun, and he wanted to get everyone up and ready for the day’s ride, so as not to waste any more time. He could feel the energy that surrounded him in this land, and had a feeling they were closer than imagined. Watching Tempest yawn, caused him to do the same, and he shook his head as he tried to kill off the notion of laying down and having another forty winks.

“Yawning is contagious.” Sirus stated matter of factly. He pulled up Tempest’s rug and started to fold and roll it so it would be packed on the back of the white horse. “I would offer breakfast, but sadly we have gone through our rations. I can’t promise much, but hopefully there will be a farm down the road, where we can do a bit of work for a meal.”

The Prince was optimistic, and Klaus shared that sentiment. “So long as any trip to a farm does not involve me being traded for a meal to marry some farmer’s daughter that is so ugly, that she needs a bag over her head.”

Sirus laughed, and offered his hand to Tempest to help her up. “Wouldn’t dream of it, Klaus.” Sirus said in answer to the queries of how to deal cultural differences.

Just then the sound of royal trumpets are heard, from the east. Sirus picks up on it immediately and then slaps Klaus’s arm.

“Hear that???” We’re home!” He yelled excitedly.

<3>

Your Highness, Lord Dathon, we welcome you home.”

Klaus whooped and did a jig as he saw the gathering of fae emerge from the forest. He had never been so happy to hear such words in his life. ~Home~ After all the war and the rescue of Princess Tempest, to the long road to return to the Willow, it was enough to make a tough man weep. In fact, he did shed a few happy tears.

Sirus was a bit surprised to see the group, and then glanced back at Dathon and said with a chuckle;

“I’d forgotten how formal our people are.” It was true, and he replied to the one in front.

“It’s good to be home. Care to lead us back to the castle. Our horses need seeing too, and I have brought with me a guest to see the Queen, at her leisure of course.”

He meant Princess Tempest, but he wasn’t about to say that he was bringing home a new bride. They hadn’t gotten that far yet. Walking over to Tempest, he reached for her hand, and smiled, saying;

“Would you like to ride back up to the castle, or walk with me?’

He wondered what her answer would be.

<3>

Tempest watched on, off to the side a ways as the Faes of Laegess welcomed home their long-lost prince and the Queen’s Captain of the Guards, as well as the surviving members of the war party.

“My Lord, your mother, the Queen, has gotten word of your return and wishes to see you after you’ve rested.” he spoke. Sirus turned and saw Tempest standing off to the side. He moved toward her and took her hand upon reaching her.

“Would you like to ride back up to the castle, or walk with me?”

“I would enjoy the walk, Your Highness.” she nodded, unsure how to address him in the face of so many other faes. “The ride was long and tiring and my backside is feeling kind of raw. A walk would do some good. And I’m sure our equine companions could use a rest.” she whispered to him so the others couldn’t hear. She wasn’t sure if the witches wanted their true forms known.

Hearing that the horses were no longer required to be ridden, the white horse nodded its head repeatedly. Pawing the ground three times, its body started to shimmer, and soon the lady in white was standing in the horse’s place. The large Clydesdale was to follow the lead of the white horse, and when she changed, she shook herself all over, and then reached her hands round to her back, cracking it and giving Klaus a stern look.

“You are still fat.” Gertie stated indignantly, while Willow was positively dancing, to no longer have to be in her horse form. With a long flowing gown, she pinched the edges of her skirt and swung her skirt from side to side.

“La la la la la la….la la la la la la.” Willow sang as she winked at Tempest. “The walk will do you good, Your highness.” Obviously just as keen to no longer having to carry her on her back. She skipped up behind the Prince and Dathon, and whispered.

“We don’t want to keep the Queen waiting, do we?” Willow beamed, almost nudging them to get a move on.

Klaus packed up the camp, and then realized that the horses were no longer going to carry their packs. He groaned, as he picked up the many scattered packs, much to Gertie’s delight. Now you know how I feel, fatty.” The germanic looking woman was more than keen to remind him of his size.

With all the carry on behind them, the Prince offered his arm to the Princess Tempest, and together they would stroll along the final path, that led them to the Castle of Wintervine.

Wintervine Castle

The line up of guards that led the way for the small band to return through the gates, was surprising. In fact, many people had turned out to see the return of the Prince and the Queen’s Captain of the Guards. There was much cheering and fanfare, and the Prince was quite shocked by it.

“I think we should head for the throne room. Hopefully, Mother is there and we can fill her in…on everything.” Sirus said, to Tempest, hoping she was not too put off by the idea.

“We owe her that much.”

<3>

The line up of guards that led the way for the small band to return through the gates, was surprising. In fact, many people had turned out to see the return of the Prince and the Queen’s Captain of the Guards. There was much cheering and fanfare, and the Prince was quite shocked by it.

“I think we should head for the throne room. Hopefully, Mother is there and we can fill her in…on everything.” Sirus said, to Tempest, hoping she was not too put off by the idea.

“We owe her that much.” 

Wintervine Castle – Throne Room

It had been a very long year for Queen Arianna. With the news that the White Walkers were once again on the move, and her son still missing, the stress of it all was draining her health quickly. She only hoped Sirus returned to her before she went on to be with her husband. She didn’t even care if he took the throne or not. She just wanted her child safe and home with her.

Despite her edict that she was to remain in the castle, Arianna had discovered that Eve had snuck out one night to go in search of her brother. And now she was missing as well. She had sent out searching parties to look for her strong-willed daughter but there had been no word. It was as if she had vanished.

She sat upon her throne, staring at nothing. Her frail form betrayed the strength behind her eyes. Many had tried to end her life, knowing she was weak, but she was still strong enough to hold off even the smartest of assassins.

A page ran into the throne room and kneeled at her feet, awaiting acknowledgment. She turned her head, pushing herself into sitting up straighter.

“What is it?” she asked.

“Your Majesty…your son, Prince Sirus…has returned.”

Arianna’s heart, something she thought dead, suddenly beat with new hope. She got to her feet, joy etched in every line of her body.

“Is he alive? Is he well?”

“He is well, My Lady and in the company of a young lady if word is to be believed. And…Lord Dathon is with him.”

“Please have them brought to me as soon as they arrive.” Arianna stated. The page nodded and quickly left.

Arianna clapped her hands together and looked skyward, thanking her husband for watching over their son.

The small party entered through the gates, and now stood in the familiar cobble stoned courtyard that Prince Sirus knew all too well. He looked up at the towering collumns and the turrets that reached high into the clouds giving a sigh of relief. As much as he had enjoyed the thrill of adventure that had come from him leaving his ancestral home, to be back within the grand stone walls of Wintervine gave him a feeling of contentment. This was where he was meant to be. Now he had brought back Tempest, who hopefully would be accepted by the Queen after all that had happened. He knew he had a great deal of explaining to do, since he joined the cause of the war of Demons and Angels and his family’s kingdom did the same. There would have been great losses to the Fae, which he felt partly responsible for. That in mind, he took Tempest’s hand, and then said to his fellow travellers.

“And now, to see the Queen.”

He escorted Tempest into the large oak doors that led to the main hall, where at the end was the Throne room. Guarded by the Queen’s own guards, they stood to attention, as the dishevelled and small group approached.

“I am Prince Sirus Laegess, Son of Arianna. I have returned from my travels with my companions, and seek audience with her Majesty.” He said in a clear and concise voice.

When the doors were opened, he looked at Tempest and said in a whisper.

“Let’s see the welcome we get. Hopefully it’s a good one.”

Spying the Queen on the throne at the very end of the room, he walked with Tempest down the crimson carpet till reaching the foot of the Throne dias. He released his hand from Tempest, then went down on one knee, to show respect for the Queen.

“My Queen.”

<3>

Arianna had the servants working as quickly as possible to make the throne room and surrounding areas as clean and spotless as possible. Sirus was home and would be coming to see her at any moment and she was just as excited to see him as the day he was born. She only wished Eve was here as well. Her family would be complete once again.

Suddenly, Sirus was announced to all and Arianna held her breath as the doors were opened. Sirus strode into the room, his hand clasped with that of a young woman who looked familiar to her, but that she couldn’t place at the moment as she only had eyes for her son.

Happiness shone in her eyes, but there was a bit of sadness to it as well as she could see the changes the war had brought to her oldest child. He was standing straight and proud, confidence oozing from every pore of his body. And yet, the eyes looking back at her had seen much pain and suffering in such a short time. Her little boy had finally become a man. And she was proud of him.

He strode forward, stopping at the steps leading to the throne, releasing the hand of the woman with him before he went to a knee in respect, something he would have refused to do a year ago.

“My Queen.”

A lump formed in her throat as she resisted strongly the urge to cry. As the full court watched, Arianna gained her feet, waving away her ladies-in-waiting as they surged forward to assist her. This was something she was going to do on her own, no matter how frail her health was. Arianna was a woman of great strength and she showed everyone watching why she was their Queen.

On steady legs, she made her way down the steps until she was standing before Sirus. To the surprise of all, she knelt as well and wrapped Sirus in her arms, pressing her face into his shoulder, silent tears coursing down her cheeks.

“Welcome home, my son.” she whispered into his ear as she hugged him.

Tempest watched mother and son reunite and felt a sharp pang in her chest as she thought of her father. She wouldn’t admit it, even to herself, but she missed him and hoped he was okay.

The Prince kept his head bowed, as he remained kneeled in respect of his mother, the Queen. He said but two words, showing allegiance, respect and maturity. At last the boy Prince had become a man. His return home marked the dawning of a new era, though he was blind to that fact as of yet. Little did he realize his mother was of poor health, and that she had hung on with ever fibre of her being that he would return and take his rightful place.

At last he raised his head, only to see his Mother rise from the throne, and start her walk down to her son. He noticed how she waved away her ladies in waiting, and he waited with baited breath for her to say something…do something. When she knelt down to him and then enveloped him sobbing silently, he placed his arms around her, whispering to her ear.

“I am home.” Words of reassurance that he would not be leaving again. This was where he was meant to be, and he now knew his follies as a young man, seen the deaths and sacrifices of many in the name of Justice. This left him changed forever more. He had proved himself in battle, and then led his travelers to save the Princess, that he had come to fall in love with. The very same girl who showed the same rebellious spirit he did. So alike, and yet both affected by this war, and the evil actions of others. Fate had played its hand, and found favor with them both. Only through sacrifice and courage, did they emerge victorious. The Prince helped his mother to stand, and then turned to gesture towards his companions, in particular, Tempest.

“I could not have returned to you in one piece, had it not been for those you see before you. Dathon, Klaus, the White Witches of Vaas….and…my love. Tempest of Brax.” He smiled broadly at Tempest, proud to tell the world, that he loved her.

<3>

“I am home.” Three small words that soothed her tired soul like nothing ever could. Arianna drew back and looked her son over, so much like his father in their youth and it made her heart glad to see.

“Sirus…” Arianna whispered, pressing her hands to his cheeks, unable to voice her happy thoughts completely. Sirus got to his feet, helping his mother as well before turning to his companions. He spoke of how the helped him on his journey from boy to man and nearly fell over in shock when he claimed to love the young woman he’d brought with him.

When Sirus spoke the young woman’s name, drawing her forward by the hand, Arianna recognized her. The Princess of Brax, Tempest. At first Arianna hadn’t wanted to believe that her son said he was in love with this woman. But as she eyed Tempest over, she could see that the young woman had undergone a drastic change. She was much more reserved and there was a maturity behind the reddish-brown hues that Arianna hadn’t seen the last time the young woman was in her presence.

Something awful must have happened to the young woman to put such a look in her eyes.

Instead of being angry, Arianna walked forward and embraced the younger woman.

“Thank you for bringing my son back to me.” Arianna whispered.

- – -

Tempest was unsure of the reception she would receive from the Queen. The last time she was in her vicinity, the Prince and his mother had been in a heated argument that had caused him to reveal her true nature and to leave the lands as an angry young man. So much had happened since that day…so much had changed…good and bad.

When Arianna stepped up to her and embraced her in her arms, Tempest looked at Sirus in shock.

“Thank you for bringing my son back to me.” the Queen whispered in her ear.

“He saved me as much as I saved him, Your Majesty.” Tempest replied. Arianna stepped back and took their hands in her own.

“As much as I wish to hear of your travels, I know you must be tired and hungry. You will eat and then you will rest.” she looked at her son. “I trust you remember where your room is? I will have the Princess placed in the room across the hall from yours, as I feel that to move her any further may cause you to become quite angry.” There was a small smile upon her face as she spoke, reassuring her son that she was okay with his choice in companions.

Arianna clapped her hands to summon servants to lead the younger people to their rooms. Once they were gone, she called a meeting of her advisors to arrange proper ceremonies for her son, his squire, the captain of her guards and the families of those who risked and/or lost their lives in the name of their Prince. They deserved to be acknowledged for their bravery and fortitude in the face of overwhelming odds.

Prince Sirus stood back, to allow the Queen to personally welcome Tempest back to the Willow. The look on her face however, was simply priceless. More shock if anything to be embraced so warmly by the Monarch. Sirus showed a slight smirk as the two women exchanged words, though it was done in a whisper so he had to guess what was being said. Hopefully it was nothing bad, but it didn’t appear to be.

“As much as I wish to hear of your travels, I know you must be tired and hungry. You will eat and then you will rest.” The Queen said, much to the delight of Klaus, who had missed the chef’s cooking terribly over the last few months. In fact, he had dreamt on many a night that he was dining back at Wintervine and this often had him wake up with a dull ache in his belly. He didn’t need to be told twice that they were to go eat, and he bowed in a manner that was a flurry of arm movement, before skidaddling out of the Throne room and to the dining hall…pronto.

Sirus chuckled as Gertie made a hmmph sound, before being too tempted herself, and she waddled off after him. Willow was too busy chatting to a good looking elf guard and flirting, to be worried about what was first up on the agenda after getting back.

“Do…you like to ride?’ She said, batting her eyelashes and making goose lips at the guard.

Sirus offered his arm to Tempest and asked. “Care to join me for a meal, and then we can get you settled back in your room. I happen to know it was across from mine, so I am never going to be too far away.”

That said, he led her out towards the dining hall, for a good hot meal.

<3>

The feast provided in their honor was massive indeed. The tables were weighed down so heavily, they creaked dangerously with every dish placed upon it. Sirus and Tempest had been lead to places at the head of the massive table, next to his mother. She stood in her place and waited for everyone to settle before she made her announcement.

“It is with great honor and pride that I welcome my son, Prince Sirus, back to his rightful place. It has been a very long year, and along with Lord Dathon and Squire Klaus, he has returned to us, safe and whole.” She looked at Sirus. “I understand why you felt you had to leave. And I hope you can accept my sincere apologies for placing so much on your shoulders. You weren’t ready then as I’ve come to realize. You, Lord Dathon, Squire Klaus and all those who gave their lives to take up your cause deserve our thanks and commemoration.” she announced, raising her glass. Everyone else followed suit and Tempest clasped her hands in her lap, giving Sirus a soft smile. She felt so uncomfortable and out of place here. What business did she have being here in his family’s home?

The food was served and everyone settled in to eat and talk. A few of the more “loose” women strolled by Sirus, giving him looks they thought were coy and seductive, but only made them look like smelly fish. Tempest did her best not to look at them. She was tired and upset and didn’t want to cause a scene.

All through dinner, Arianna kept a keen eye on the young princess, noticing each passing moment how fatigued and sad Tempest was becoming. She beckoned to one of her ladies-in-waiting and whispered something into her ear. Nodding, the young woman rounded the table and bent to speak to Tempest so that others couldn’t hear.

“The Queen senses you are tired and wishes me to escort you to your room so that you may rest if you would like.” the woman stated. Tempest nodded, wanting to be away from the festivities. She excused herself from the table without a word to anyone and followed the lady from the hall.

The Queen’s lady lead Tempest to the opposite side of the castle and up two flights of stairs into an elaborately decorated corridor. “These are the Prince’s personal quarters. My Queen thought you’d be most comfortable here.” She opened a door and lead Tempest inside the most exquisitely decorated room she’d ever seen.

Tempest walked around in awe, the Queen’s maid standing by to see if the room met with her liking.

“This is beautiful. Please send the Queen my thanks.”

“I will leave you to your rest. Please pull the bell cord if you have need of anything.” Tempest nodded her head in understanding and the maid left the room. Once alone, Tempest sighed, moving to the little alcove in the window to sit and stare out onto the castle grounds.

Watching his Mother serve up a toast to the return of her son and his fellow travelers, his cheeked formed a pinkish blush. He never really liked being the center of attention, but he understood that the Queen wished to convey how happy she was that her son had returned home finally to take his rightful place. As all raised their glasses and drank to good health, Sirus rose from his chair, and then coughed as he decided he should return the gesture.

“Mother, I know that these past few months must have been taxing on you, especially with the weight of knowing all that was going on with the Great war. Many good and noble fae died, fighting for the banner of Casterly and Laegess. May we show a minute’s silence for those that laid down their lives for freedom.

The room hushed, as many heads bowed, to pay reverence toward the ones that would not be coming home. When the minute was over, Prince Sirus smiled at Tempest and said to all that listened.

“I welcome Princess Tempest into our home, but this time on different terms. Not as a servant, but as a representative of her people, and her family.” He toasted her with his glass. “To Princess Tempest.” Many offered their words and smiles to the Princess, as Sirus returned to his seat, and then started a light conversation with a cousin, not noticing Tempest slip out of the dining room. Perhaps she was unwell, but he did not know this. After a time, the Prince asked of the Queen.

“I have a matter I wish to discuss with you later, if you don’t mind. Somewhere a little more private than here.” If she obliged him, he would of course follow. But then he noticed Tempest’s seat was empty, and looked around and asked a staffer“Have you seen where the Princess went too?” The girl holding the pitcher of wine whispered to his ear.

“Your room, M’lord.”

“Hmm…thank you.

The Prince excused himself, and went up to his room to check on her. The door was open a crack, and he peered in, seeing her sitting by the window sill, looking out to the lands below.

“I wondered if you were alright, Princess. You’re missing quite a feast.”

<3>

“I have a matter I wish to discuss with you later, if you don’t mind. Somewhere a little more private than here.” Arianna heard Sirus speak to her. She set down her goblet of wine and looked at him.

“Tomorrow morning. We will break our fast in the gazeebo. That will be a perfect time for a chat.” she nodded in agreement. She returned to her conversation with Dathon, smiling slightly when she heard her son inquire about Tempest and her whereabouts, before excusing himself to search for her. Arianna had a feeling she knew what her son wished to discuss with her, and she couldn’t wait for daybreak.

Wintervine Castle – Sirus’s Wing of the Castle

“I wondered if you were alright, Princess. You’re missing quite a feast.”

Tempest had been so deep in her thoughts, she hadn’t heard Sirus enter the room. She turned to look at him, her eyes sad and haunted.

“It’s all right, My Lord. I find myself not very hungry at the moment.” She turned away from him, returning her gaze out the window. What had been mistaken for fatigue, was actually a deep-seated sadness. Seeing Sirus with his mother…it brought up feelings in Tempest long thought dead. Her brother, her mother…and her father.

Her head drooped and tears gathered in her eyes. She pressed a fist to her mouth to keep from sobbing. She didn’t want Sirus to see her a sad, blubbering mess. She took some deep steady breaths, trying to gain control of her turbulent emotions before she did something stupid, like set the room on fire.

“I’m pretty tired. I think I will turn in…if My Lord does not mind.” she murmured, her voice tight with tears, hoping Sirus wouldn’t pick up on her emotions.

Sirus did mind. He wasn’t a fool, and could see by the way she was acting that she was anything but fine. The days leading to arriving back at Wintervine, she had been in such high spirits. Now, she was acting like someone died. The Prince’s brow knitted as he shook his head and blocked her path if she tried to just go to bed.

“Your Lord does mind, Princess.” He said firmly, not trying to be overbearing but more to the point he knew she was lying about how she was feeling. “Doesn’t take much to see that you are unhappy here. We have so much to offer you. A home, staff to wait on your every whim. My mother is quite taken with you.” The Prince said, sitting opposite her, and placing a finger under her chin to tilt it up so she was looking straight at him and could no longer hide.

“Your voice says one thing…your eyes another.” The Prince didn’t like having to push it, but they didn’t come all this way for her to be unhappy. “Your place is here now. Were you happy in the Vaas lands? Or the Night lands? You left both how many times? In the end, no one was there for you.” He kept going, as he curled his finger under her chin.

“I’m here for you.”

<3>

How does one heal the heart of a girl who virtually had left behind any family that may have cared? Sirus didn’t know her family hardly at all. Just snippets here and there of legends and rumors, but he did know that the Casterly and Brax were families that hated each other so, it was impossible to ever see them finding some sort of truce. Little did Sirus know that the King and Queen of Casterly were dead; that there was a care taker King, and the true heir was yet to be found. All this was yet to be relayed to the Princess. As both sat on the sill, the Prince holding the Princess of Brax in a gentle embrace, he rubbed her back gently. He said the words he meant, that he was here for her, but was that enough?

In the days and weeks to come, she was sure to suffer greater heartache.

Sirus didn’t want to bombard her with words of romance and love, for she wouldn’t want that, not now. She needed someone that was going to be there when she awoke, and be there when she laid her head to rest. A confidant, and a friend. He had feelings for her, yes – but till she could get through this depression, he would not ask the question that he had in the back of his mind. That was going to have to wait.

Slowly, he pulled back from her and pulled out a hankerchief though soiled from the long journey. He offered it to her to wipe her eyes with in a kind gesture. There was little more he could say, and he could only come up with.

If you truly wish to rest, then I shall let you, Princess.”

<3>

The Devil’s Mystery continued to make its way to Port Royale. And this did not go unnoticed as the ship appeared over the horizon….Up at the manor on the hill, someone knocked on the door. “Enter” came the muffled voice. The guard entered the room and bowed respectfully to the man standing at the window. “My Lord…The Devil’s Mystery has been spotted sailing into port.” The man at the window turned, running a finger down the scar along his cheek. “Then we must make sure they have a nice…welcoming party.” the man smirked. “As you wish, Lord Thorne.” The guard nodded, turning to leave the room. Beckett Thorne turned back to the window, looking down upon the grave of his wife in the back gardens. “She will be mine, or she shall be joining you sooner than you think.” he murmured to himself….”Land Ho!” came the shout from the crow’s nest as the coast of Port Royale came into view. Rachael gripped the hilt of her sword, resisting the urge to just jump off the bow and swim for port. Her goal was in sight and she would avenge the death of her mother and the cruelties heaped upon her father if it was the last thing she ever did. James, Billy, Doc and Tim were still trying to figure out what to do with the woman who’d gotten aboard the ship somehow. Rachael wanted nothing to do with it. She had bigger fish to fry and was determined to carry out her plans to the finish.

Boat Dock

The Devil’s Mystery sailed into port, Rachael at the helm. Her gaze was on the mansion she could see in the distance and the man who resided there, unaware of his plans for her. Some of the crew jumped down to the dock to secure the lines as the gangplank was lowered. Securing the wheel, Rachael was the first one off as she began to supervise the offloading of the old supplies so they could replenish with new. As they worked, there came the sound of dozens of rifles being cocked.

Everyone froze in place and Rachael slowly turned, hand on the hilt of her sword. The captain of Thorne’s guards stood behind them, a smirk on his ugly face as he eyed each pirate.

“Welcome back to Port Royale. I wish to inform all of you that you are hereby under arrest.”

“What’s the charge?” Rachael demanded.

“The charges are high treason and pirating. The punishment? Death by hanging. Surrender your weapons or taste the full might of His Lordships forces.” He waved a hand to a point over his shoulder and all turned their heads to see several fleets of ships with their cannons aloft, waiting to be fired if anyone so much twitched a finger. Growling with rage, but cautious of both the ships behind them and the guns in front of them, Rachael withdrew her hand from her sword and unbuckled her weapons from her hip, dropping them slowly to the dock.

“What do we do now, Miss Rachael?” Tim asked, sliding up to her side.

“We do nothing, Tim. We’ll get out of this somehow.” Tim glanced around as the guards collected the weapons and clapped everyone in irons before marching them off to the prisons. He frowned when he noticed there was one missing from their party.

“I haven’t seen the Captain anywhere…think he’s still on the ship?”

“I hope not. Lord I hope not.” Rachael whispered as they were marched along.

Port Royale Prison

The men of the crew were tossed into their cells one by one before the Gaoler turned the locks and sealed them in. Only Rachael remained outside the cells, to her confusion. The guard captain turned to look at her. “And now that your “friends” are taken care of, you have an audience with Lord Thorne.” he smirked, grabbing her arm. She struggled in his grip, trying to break free of his hold, causing him to backhand her across her face, slicing her cheek with the thick ring on his finger. She pressed a hand to her wound, pulling away to look at the blood upon her fingers. She looked up at the captain and if looks could kill, he would have been dead.

“I can walk under me own steam.” she stated in a deadly voice, shoving past him and up the steps.

Thorne Mansion

Beckett was standing at the window when Rachael was brought to him. He turned to her with a grin and she was pleased to see that the wound she had given him with her knife still hadn’t healed fully. She smirked with satisfaction, which he was witness to. He touched the wound on his face.

“Proud of yourself, are you?” he asked as he sat at his desk.

“Would’ve been more proud of meself if I’d manage to impale your eye like I planned.” she snarked back. He arched an eyebrow before reaching for the quill on his desk. He began to write on a stack of parchment beneath his hand and the silence between them was thick with tension.

“Do you know what these are?” he finally asked, setting the quill aside.

“No, but I’m sure you’ll tell me.” she snorted.

“These, my dear Rachael, are stays of execution for every single one of those pirates currently rotting in prison.”

“What does that mean ta me?” she wondered, wary of his intentions

“It means…that I will let every last stinking, smelly pirate go free, no questions asked. All you have to do is…” He looked up from his desk, a nasty gleam in his eye, “…marry me.”

Rachael exploded.

“Are you off your bleedin trolley? I would no more marry you then I would a puffer fish, and that’s insulting the fish!” she yelled. He gave no sign that her reaction effected him. He simply leaned back in his seat.

“I thought that might be your first response…so I took out a little insurance policy.” He rang the bell beside his desk and the doors slammed open, the guards throwing three bodies into the room. She recognized both Tim and her father immediately. The third man looked up and Rachael gasped. It was James. His face was bloody and bruised and one eye was swollen shut.

“You son-of-a-bitch!” Rachael screeched, turning back to Beckett.

“Ah-ah-ah.” he grinned, waving a finger. “Now as I was saying…you will marry me, Rachael, or I will not only hang your filthy pirate lover and your father…but your brother as well.” he smirked, pointing at Tim.

That piece of news got both Rachael and Billy’s attentions as effectively as a cannonball blasting through a wall.

“What?” Billy gaped, looking at Tim.

“Oh yes…the young boy who you thought was dead? I took him from you…after I ran my sword…both of them actually…through your Irish bitch.” Beckett smirked. “Sweet revenge for all the grief you’ve given me over the years, Billy. And your sweet Lillian…now she was a prize truly to behold…and she was mine…before I killed her too.”

As Rachael listened to his words, she wanted to be sick. He ruined their lives and got some sort of sick satisfaction out of it. And now he wanted her for no other reason then to keep her beholden to him for “saving” the lives of the ones she loved.

“You bastard!” Billy yelled, lunging forward. He was brought low by the butt of a pistol to the back of his head.

“So…what’s your answer, Rachael? Marriage to me and they all go free, or do you wish to see them dangling from the hangman’s noose?” Beckett grinned, happily conjuring up images of having her bent over a barrel and at his mercy.

Rachael looked from her long-lost brother, to her unconscious father…and finally to the man who’d captured her heart. His one good eye was staring at her, almost begging her not to do it. She shook her head, tears in her eyes as she faced Beckett.

“I marry you, and they go free?”

“My word is my bond.” Beckett smirked, doing a victory dance in his head. Brushing her hand across her tear-streaked face, she didn’t look at anyone as she nodded her agreement. Beckett clapped his hands in delight and ordered the three men back to the prisons.

“Rachael, no!” Tim cried out as he was dragged from the room. She looked at Beckett.

“You said you would set them free!”

“I did…you have my word on that…I just never said “when” I would set them free. You really should learn to ask better questions, my dear.” Realizing her folly, Rachael launched herself at Beckett, determined to claw his eyes out. But it wasn’t to be as the guards captured her swiftly and hauled her struggling body from the room.

“Game…set…match.” Beckett grinned.

~Hours earlier~

Captain Moon and his trusted Doctor were both sharing a bottle of Brandy, since Rachael had decided she wanted to be the one to sail the ship into port. Course, she had her reasons, and the Captain obliged her, much to the Doctor’s surprise. It was quite a thing to see a woman take command of the Devil’s Mystery, especially with a woman hating man like the Captain allowing her to do so.

Tipping more brandy into his crystal glass, the Doctor mused for a moment, seeing the Captain easing back, and staring at a gilded frame that had a portrait of Rachael inside it. The Captain’s face softened as his thumb stroked over her face. He seemed lost in his own world a moment, and that would be shattered by the Doctor’s nasally voice.

“Never thought I would see this day, Captain.”

“What day is that? And quit with the silly word games.” The Captain said gruffly, placing down the picture frame with care. He snatched up his brandy glass and took a swig, before releasing a loud gasp of “Ahhhh”. The Ship’s doctor found the Captain’s tone to be amusing. Always in denial of what is really going on.

“Well, the day you let a woman behind the wheel, Captain.” The Doctor replied with a cheeky smirk. ~Ah yes, let him talk his way around this one.~ he thought to himself. The Captain sneered at the doctor, whose smarmy antics were often grating on his nerves. “Rachael is not A woman, Doc…She is THE woman in my life…and if she wants to sail us into Port Royale, then…so be it.” Easing back in his chair, the Doctor chuckled. “So…marry the girl, if she IS the woman in your life as you so claim.” This was going to be one of those days, the Captain knew it by the way the Doctor kept at him and at him. “Make an honest woman of her.” That last part was the straw that broke the camel’s back. “SHE’S A BLEEDING PIRATE, YA DAFT GIT!” The Captain roared, clearly not at all ready to discuss…weddings. “She don’t want no wedding. Rachael is perfectly happy…with being the Captain’s woman. End of story. Now..shut the fuck up before I toss you in the bay.” James slammed down his glass, and rose to his feet, about to reach for his hat when suddenly he could feel the ship thud against the side of the dock. His eyes narrowed as he listened to the usual sounds of the crew going about off loading, when suddenly he heard a familiar voice.

“Welcome back to Port Royale. I wish to inform all of you that you are hereby under arrest.” 

The Captain froze, and the ship’s doctor was about to say something when the Captain growled at him to shut up and they both continued to listen.

“What’s the charge?” It was Rachael.

The Doctor gasped as the Captain of Thorne’s guards read her a list of charges, much to his shock. There was no doubt, they were going to arrest the entire crew, and leaping up onto the deck to do some daring rescue at this moment in time was fool hardy. “Come on..” The Pirate whispered, leading the Doctor out a secret door and down to a sly compartment, that he used for smuggling. “Never thought I would be smuggling myself…and you.” The Captain growled, before silencing as the guards searched the ship, for the Captain and his Doctor. Luck would have it, they came up empty.

The Captain sat on a cargo box and started to hit his head against the side of the boat, now regretting this whole return trip to Port Royale. He closed his eyes, trying to think of his Rachael, now in the hands of the Port Royale authorities, and no doubt Thorne would be right there – that slimy lily livered puss. The Doctor was pacing back and forth, knowing that they had to come up with a plan, to free the crew and Rachael from imprisonment. James watched the Doctor pace and then reached down to take up a bottle of rum that happened to have been stashed with the cargo. He chewed at the cork then popped the top, spitting the cork across the small room. The Doctor stopped his pacing, and placed his hands on his hips. “You’re not going to drink now, surely. We have to come up with a cunning plan.”

The Captain sneered and took a swig, not caring what the Doctor was muttering about. He tipped the bottle towards his long time friend and slurred. “I do my best thinkin’ when pissed.” The Doctor thought for a moment, then swiped the bottle, taking a good mouthful himself. It was rare to see the Doctor drink rum like that. The Captain chuckled and then said.

“They got the ship.”

“Aye.”

“They got Rachael…and the crew.”

“Aye.”

“Half the royal fleet is probably in the harbor, guns on us.”

The Doctor peeked out the portal and then sighed.

“…Aye.”

“Going to need more rum for this one.”

“….Aye..” The Doctor slowly lowered down onto a crate, and placed his head in his hands. It seemed like an impossible situation, and without back up, they were screwed.

Getting on a ship is one thing, especially when it was under heavy guard. Getting off the ship, that was much harder than it looked. There were patrols of guards, in pairs, that were doing routine inspections of the ship and in the holds, to make sure nothing was missed. The tell tale sound of their boots, as they came down the interior corridors was being listened to by the Captain. Luckily, the door to the secret compartment was well hidden, and as the guards were making another walk past, muskets at the ready, the door creaked ever slightly, before the Captain and the Doctor emerged. Both armed with simple pieces of rope, they wrapped each around the unsuspecting guards, and drew them both back into the hold, where they finished off the job of dispatching them, before stealing their uniforms.

The Captain hated wearing the horrid outfits, but a man has to do what he can if they were to make a rescue bid for Rachael and the rest of the crew. The Doctor tied the two unconscious guards together, before picking up his musket.

“Right…now we just finish checking the ship, and then we simply walk down the gang plank…and…hope to God we don’t get caught.’ The Doctor was hopeful, while the Captain took one last swig of his rum, like he was probably never going to taste it again. “God’s not going to like what I do to the guards that get in me way.” He said with a belch, before lumbering out and waiting for the Doctor to follow. Together, they carried on as the guards, checking the boats hull, before coming up the stairs and then onto the top deck. It was only then, did they see the gravity of the situation.

The bay was simply full of the Royal navy’s ships, and this brought an audible groan from the Doctor, who got a quick nudge in the sides, to get him to shut up. Last thing they needed was attention. Together they walked down the gang plank and saluted the commanding officer who was at a small desk and taking notes on the stock seized from the Devil’s Mystery. He glanced up at our pirate heros, and set down his quill.

“Well, find anything?”

“No Sir, nothing. Absolutely nothing.” The Doctor said, as James scowled at the Commander, for stealing his cargo.

“Right o. Carry on and back to the gaol. We need the square ready for the multiple hanging tomorrow. Going to send this lot of pirates right back to hell where they belong.” It took every ounce of strength that the Captain could muster, not to attack the CO. He instead tightened the grip of his hand on his musket, and turned to march up the dock, with a worried Doctor beside him. “This is worse than I thought.” He whispered as they passed another pair of guards, going to take their place on the ship. “We need to hurry, or they will soon be on to us.”

Port Royale Prison

Marching through the gates of Port Royale Prison, the Captain with his doctor in disguise could hear the sounds of sawing and hammering, as a large standing platform was being constructed along with support beams over the top to be used to hang the Pirates with. The Doctor was shocked when he saw this first hand, almost stumbling as he walked alongside the Captain. The Captain slyly looked about and then he turned to the Doctor and said.

“Right, here is the part of the plan, where we split up. You…you go to the officer’s quarters, get some day clothes, and then you make your way down to the Inn. Right? When there if you see a chap named One Eyed Willy, you are to give him this medallion.” The Captain quickly broke the chain around his neck and tried to pass it to the hapless Doctor.“He’ll know what to do with it. It’s our only hope if I can’t get the crew free.” The Captain stood back and saluted, before making his way to the lower goal prisons, on a mission to save his crew.

Trying to be discrete, the Doctor walked off to find the officer’s quarters, and search for a change of clothes, so he could go out to the town proper and hunt down One eyed willy.

The Pit

The crew of the Devil’s mystery were being kept in a holding pen, known simply as the Pit. It was basically a big hole in the ground, covered with iron grates, that took winches to open and close, being as they were too heavy for a single man to lift. The Captain was trying to act nonchalant as he entered the Pit enclosure area, and saw down into the Pit. There was his crew, and he had to place a finger to his lips, in case any recognized him. Glancing about, he saw the operating lever for the winch, and headed over there setting down his musket, as he placed his hands on the lever. He started turning when suddenly there was a tremendous thud, and the Captain collapsed to the ground. Knocked out cold. Behind him, the guards who had their clothes stolen on the ship, and the Commander.

“Nice try, Moon!” He laughed, and this was then the rest of the guards started to beat and kick the unconscious pirate, whose body jerked and spasmed, blood pooling on the ground.

The only hope now…lay with the Doctor. But had he managed to make it to the Town inn?

Thorne Mansion

The next time the Captain would be awake, he found himself in irons, and his face felt like it had swollen up like a football. His right eye was sealed shut from being beaten, and his body ached in places, he never knew he had. Dragged before Lord Thorne and his guest, he would be shocked to see, that it was Rachael.

“Love…” he cried out hoarsely, only to get a rifle butt to the stomach, causing him to double over, coughing up blood.

It was hard to understand what was happening, as the words of those that were talking sounded like they were creating an echo.

“So…what’s your answer, Rachael? Marriage to me and they all go free, or do you wish to see them dangling from the hangman’s noose?” Beckett grinned, happily conjuring up images of having her bent over a barrel and at his mercy.

Rachael looked from her long-lost brother, to her unconscious father…and finally to the man who’d captured her heart. His one good eye was staring at her, almost begging her not to do it. She shook her head, tears in her eyes as she faced Beckett.

“I marry you, and they go free?” 

The Captain’s one good eye implored her, begging her not to agree, but she agreed. The Captain knew Thorne would never keep his end of the bargain. The crew were dragged away, the Captain’s face bleeding and bruised, as he hung his head. Death would come soon….

<3>

<3>

Within Tagor’s tent, Master and Slave joined as one. The grip at her hips tightened minutely as he jerked her down hard upon him a final three times. The third time, he groaned, pinning her in place, suckling at her breast once again. She felt him swell within her a moment before there was a pulsating warmth. Her head fell back and she cried to the heavens as she reached her peak.

“Usstan tlun elggor! Xal l’Quar’valsharess dormagyn uns’aa!” (“I am dying! May the Goddess save me!”)

Something quite unexpected happened as she reached her own orgasm…there was an itchy, spiky feeling that suffused her entire body that grew steadily worse the longer he pumped his seed into her.

She clenched around him tightly, as she experienced another gut-wrenching sensation and she cried out as a light glow, her magic, lit her skin like a candle. There was a snapping sound and the bracelets around her wrists snapped in two, falling to the ground with a light thud.

At the same time the glow was lighting Ilyra’s body, the Shaman woman’s cries of completion ended her spell, allowing for the bracelets that Ilyra had been wearing for 10 years to fall free. The Shaman collapsed beneath the Njada male behind her, breathing heavily, pleased that her spell had worked.

Free for the first time in over 10 years, Ilyra’s magic exploded within her, causing her to cry out in shock. The magical backlash she experienced, as her magical pathways regenerated and healed her body, mind and soul caused the poor slave girl to collapse in the arms of her Master, unconscious.

As she succumbed to the darkness…she sensed a second aura aside from her own. A tear slipped from her eye, as cool and bright as a snowflake. For the first time…she was to produce an issue from a union with a Master.

And that it was to be born of the man who freed her made her happier then she ever thought possible.

She could not return to her homeland. Tagor and his people…they were her people now.

Outside his tent Jamai was pacing back and forth, too scared to enter. This was so unlike Tagor. A few other men had not gotten up either to tend to their horses, and this was most uncommon. Jamai decided that the servants would have to put in the extra work load…at least for today. That in mind, he headed off to the stables, leaving the two guards stationed outside the Leader’s tent.

Back inside, Tagor was starting to stir. His eyelids opened, and then he felt the warmth of Ilyra’s body upon his. A smile creased his features, and he placed a kiss upon her head. This would be the first day of the rest of their lives together.

<3>

“Good Morrow, Master.” she whispered to him, unware of the fact that with her magic now free, they could understand one another. “Last night…was simply wonderful. I’ve never experienced such sensations before.” She then noticed her bracelets were missing and her eyes lit up with delight.

“I am free.” she stated in awe. Feeling brave, she pressed a light kiss to his chest in thanks for her newfound freedom. There were still some lingering aches from her magic being returned to her but for the most part, she was feeling grand. She gave herself a once over before something made her pause. She doublechecked…and discovered a second aura overlapping her own. Examining it more closely, her eyes went wide and the memories of what occured just before she collapsed flashed through her mind and she gasped, sitting up quickly beside him, a hand splayed over the still-flat planes of her stomach. She could feel the aura of the new life within her against her hand. She turned her head to look at him, eyes filled with wonder. “I’m to have a baby…”

She would be surprised to know that he understood every word she said.

Two young servants of the Njada came in, one carrying pitchers of water, the other with a bag of clothing and then they descended on their knees before Ilyra.

“Togar wants you clean and dressed, Ilyra of Njada.”

What would her reaction be?

<3>

Inside the tent, he had rolled her over, moving down her body until his lips and tongue feasted hungrily between her legs. She cried out in shock, a whole new set of feelings crashing against her as he lapped at her inner folds. Her fingers slid into his hair of their own volition, gripping tightly as she rode the wave of passion. Limp and sated, she could barely function as he turned her over and rode her hard to his own climax, filling her to the brim with his virile seed, roaring with completion.

They were both breathless, shivering and trembling against each other, his forehead pressed against her back, an arm around her waist as they came down from their clouds of desire. He pulled away from her after some time and began to dress. She watched him, her naked body covered in the furs of his bedroll. He looked at her one final time, a grin on his lips, before releasing the ties on tent flap and stepping out into the light of day. She could hear his deep voice ordering Jamai to have servants come and help her clean and dress.

A short while later, as she was finishing her breakfast, two young servants entered, one carrying a ewer of water, the other a bag of clothing as they knelt at her side with a short bow. She frowned at this. She was as much a slave as they were. Why would they show her such respect?

By claiming her as his, Tagor had effectively announced her changed status as his mate and mother of his future children. She was unaware of this fact however, something the servants that had come to her were sure to inform her of.

“Tagor wants you clean and dressed, Ilyra of Njada.” the one on the left spoke. Ilyra’s eyes widened.

“Why do you call me such?” she wondered, genuinely curious. The two servants looked at one another in surprise.

“You do not know?”

“No.” Ilyra shook her head.

“You are first woman, slave or not, who has captured our Master’s interest since previous woman died trying to give birth to his child.” Ilyra’s mouth dropped open in shock.

“How long ago was this?” she wondered.

“Many moons now. Woman long gone to dust beneath the earth.”

“And the child?”

“Died shortly afterward.” the servant on the right stated. Ilyra pressed a hand to her lips, saddened for her Master.

“Do not shed tears for Master, Ilyra of Njada. You are Tagor’s woman now. Bear him fine sons and daughters. Make Tagor happy again. We wash and dress you as befitting a mate of Njada.” Stunned with these revelations, she was subjected to their tender care. They washed her body with the finest of cloths, paying careful attention to her sex. He had been rough with her, but not too rough to cause injury but there was a lingering soreness. She would get used to that over time until it would no longer matter.

Once she was clean and dry, they dressed her in a free flowing gown of midnight blue that went beautifully with her skin and hair. It had no sleeves and draped in such a way as to show off her markings as a Winter Elf. Next they combed and treated her hair to scented oils until it glowed with a natural light, making her eyes stand out within her face.

One of the girls carried a small box, which she presented to Ilyra with a small bow. “As you are of Njada, you must wear this.” She opened the box to reveal a claw-shaped pendant. Etched along the side were protection runes.

“It’s lovely.” Ilyra nodded. The pendant was removed from the box and clasped around her neck and she was suffused with a sudden, familiar warmth. She touched a hand to it. “This is Tagor’s.” she stated with conviction. The servants shared another look.

“Yes. You will do, Ilyra of Njada, Elf of the Winter.” the young servant nodded. “Come. Master waits, for we begin our journey home. One day, one night we travel.” The girls waited for Ilyra to leave the tent before following behind her. It was something she wasn’t used to but she supposed she would have to, now that she knew what was expected.

CharlotteCarrendar

As Illyra emerged from her tent, she was in full view of Tagor, who snapped his fingers and spoke in a dark tone.

“Bring her gift.”

A boy brought out the white horse and it was then paraded around in a circle as Tagor got up from his seat and walked across to the boy, who stopped and handed Tagor the leather reigns. Tagor then gestured to Illyra.

“Yours.”

One word…that meant so much. To give her a steed that she would be riding home on. Riding along side the leader of the Njada. It was more than an honor…more than privilege. It elevated her status to that which would be like a Queen amongst the Njada.

Many of the Njada whispered. The woman now looked stunning in her blue gown and claw tooth necklace. No longer wearing the binds of slavery. The slaves themselves were in awe. How had she managed to attain this and with the leader of the Njada no doubt. It was sure to be the talk of the people as they prepared to head home later in the day.

<3>

“She’s beautiful.” Ilyra whispered, brushing a hand across the mare’s neck.

“Yours.” Tagor simply said. There were murmurs and gasps of surprise around them as the full meaning of what he stated hit home. A simple slave had gone from warming their leader’s furs and slaking his lusts, to having a horse of her own and riding at his side. There had to be some kind of magic involved with this. A few of the Njada women were glaring at Ilyra with outright hostility. She ignored all of this in favor of gracing Tagor with a bright smile.

“Thank you, Master.” she stated. More whispers surrounded him, those within hearing range surprised that she still called him “Master”. And yet she did not wear the binds of slavery. What was going on? Had she truly bewitched him? Or was there something more deeper going on between their leader and the Winter Elf?

As he was easily taller than her, she had to tug his beard in order to bring his head down to hers so she could give him a light kiss upon his lips.

Riding alongside Tagor, Ilyra was at the height of Njada society. Only his brother had ever held such an honor, and never a woman. What Tagor had not considered however, was one of the usual rites that happened on the return home of the caravans of trade. When Tagor had in the past brought home a slave, his brother was one of the first men, to share the woman around. This was a time honored tradition, and one that Tagor had not even considered, when he found himself falling for the Winter elf. Surely when they returned….Marmut would want his turn at Ilyra. The question was…would Tagor allow his mate to be sexed by another man, even if it was his brother?

The great train of horses and caravan were underway for the two day journey home. Tagor rode with his eyes looking straight ahead, only ever now and then stealing a glance at Ilyra as she rode. When he did watch her, seeing the movement of her hips upon the saddle, it made his groin heat significantly. No doubt when they camped for the night, Tagor was going to want to have his woman ride him….as hard as she could.

<3>

The day was pleasant and the ride was smooth and Ilyra had not been blind to the looks she was receiving from Tagor every once in a while. She could feel him undressing her with his eyes and her face was in a constant state of flushed under his heavy gaze. She had a feeling she would not be getting much sleep when they made camp for the night. If she had been privy to his thoughts as he looked at her, the saddle rubbing against her netheregions would most likely have been an issue.

What she was unaware of…was the practice he had with his brother upon their return of sharing their slaves…

What would happen when they reached home?

The two day trek back from the market lands had finally brought the caravans home to a rousing welcome from the Njada people. As the procession passed under the battling stallions, you could hear the cheers and cries of the people, as they ran out of their huts and tents. Scores of wives and children, servants and the like, all happy to see the brave Njada men return home, with what was sure to be a plentiful bounty in their days of trade.

Togar rode on proudly, with IIyra at his side, as they were the first to enter the village proper.

One that was pleased to welcome them home was Togar’s brother; Marmut who emerged from his elaborate tent, wearing a simple flap of leather, since he had just mated with one of his slaves. He beamed as he saw his brother, and then when his eyes fell upon the white haired elf that was riding the white mare, his grin only increased. Tagor had done well in this year’s trade. Such a fine slave, but he was quizical as to why the girl was riding a horse at all. Normally they had to walk behind the caravans. What had brought about this change? Either way, he could feel the stirring in his loins just looking at IIyra. He could only imagine how she would feel, when he had her on the furs.

Marmut continued to watch, as Tagor pulled up and then dismounted his horse, only instead of greeting his brother, he went to help IIyra off her horse. From here, he simply walked her to his own tent. No doubt he wished to have some time alone with her. This only made Marmut frown.

What was going on?

<3>

Ilyra’s eyes were wide as she looked upon the multitudes of men, women, children and servants who rushed from their huts and tents to welcome the Njada men home. If these people ever went to battle, they would surely outnumber the raiding armies by at least 20 to 1.

They pulled to a stop outside what she assumed was Tagor’s living quarters. He dismounted his horse and went about helping her down from hers. She thanked her mare for the safe journey before Tagor whisked her away to his tent.

She was unaware of the eyes…of Tagor’s brother, Marmut, that followed them.

Inside Tagor’s tent, it was much bigger then the one they’d spent the night in and much more lived in. She could see his armaments of battle stacked in the corner, almost hidden by a thick fur that served as a curtain of sorts. Curious, she walked around, looking at his things, but not touching them as she wasn’t sure it would be allowed. Though her heart knew she was no longer a slave, her mind told her a different story and it was difficult to blend the two. It would take some time, she knew.

She turned to face him, her hair gleaming in the firelight, her eyes as dark as shadows. For some reason, she was inexplicable nervous, now that they were in his homelands.

“It’s lovely.” she whispered, clutching her hands nervously.

Jamai was not far along in the procession, but he could see up ahead, that Tagor had helped IIyra from her horse and then taken her into his tent. He knew what this meant, and was swift to act, so that the Chief would not be kept waiting. As the large carts were pulling in, and many families were being reunited, Jamai made his way to one of the slave women’s tents and called out for Sharma, who was once one of Togar’s slaves but very long ago. She ended up being given to another man, who had lost his wife in child birth, and kept the man happy to the end of his days. Now she helped with everything from child birth, to the preparing of women for feasts. She was regarded as one of the more fortunate of the slaves, though not free…she was treated with much respect.

Sharma appeared out of the tent and bowed to Jamai, curious for this summons.

“Tagor has returned from the trade lands,and brought with him a woman.” Now, at first Sharma suspected it was just another slave, but there was something in Jamai’s expression that said otherwise. She didn’t want to push it, but her look was one of confusion.

“She is a Winter Elf. A special woman, and I suspect that Tagor…has planted his seed.” Jamai said firmly.

Sharma nodded, but inwardly she was shocked. Tagor never did this sort of thing normally. There had to be something special about this woman, something very special indeed.

“What you have me do, Jamai?’ Sharma asked, now wanting to know what was expected of her.

“Go to Tagor’s tent. I know him well, he will want her to have a maiden to help her prepare for life here in the Njada. You are best suited for this. Tagor also trusts you above many. Go now.”

Sharma didn’t wait to be asked again. She bowed and quickly hurried across the settlement to Tagor’s tent.

Inside Tagor’s tent

Tagor watched Ilyra silently as she nervously made her way around his tent. He smiled somewhat, knowing that she would be out of place here, not sure of what to touch, or what to do. He crossed the floor and then reached for her head, planting a kiss on her forehead.

“Happy…you will be. Tagor make sure of this. Later a feast is held for our return. You will see all of the people.” He pulled back and caressed her cheek with his large hand. There was much that he had to do, now he was back, but he knew she would not be alone. Right on cue there was a cough from outside the tent, and Tagor growled the word enter.

Sharma appeared, and kept her eyes down as she came in and got on her knees.

“I have been sent to care for Tagor’s woman.” Sharma said softly, hoping that she was not speaking out of turn.

“Good.” Just one word, and Tagor was pleased. He took one last look at IIyra, and you could see that he wanted more than anything to stay, but he had his people to lead, and so he left the tent, leaving the two women alone.

Sharma remained kneeling, her head down. IIyra would need to instruct her to move.

<3>

“Enter” he commanded. A young woman entered and knelt before them both, not looking at either of them. Ilyra wondered what she was here for. Was he already tired of her and was seeking his nights elsewhere?

The woman spoke then. “I have been sent to care for Tagor’s woman.” she stated.

Tagor nodded, pleased. He looked at Ilyra once more before he left the tent. Ilya watched him go, unsure of what she was to do now. She looked at the woman kneeling at her feet.

“Please…you do not need to kneel before me. Stand, if you will.” Ilyra stated, waiting as the woman did so. “What is your name?”

“I am Sharma, mate of Tagor. It is an honor to serve you.”

“Oh! You’re a slave?”

“No slave. Honored servant to house of Tagor. I help you.” Sharma stated.

“Oh, thank you.” Ilyra nodded, a small smile flitting about her face. “I am unsure what to do here. I would hate to disappoint Tagor with my inexperience.”

Sharma noticed the mark of the snow upon Ilyra’s neck and now understood so much more.

“You have mark of Winter People. You will be fine. Come. I show you where you may bathe and refresh.” Nodding, Ilyra rooted through the things Tagor had purchased for her and took out a fresh shift and soft boots. She and Sharma left the tent and headed off together, unaware they were being followed.

Not far from the main encampment of the Njada, was a place known as Basalt falls. It was used primarily by the women of the Njada, and traditionally a place where men did not go. When women were experiencing their monthly cycle, it was here, that they often came to bathe. Also, it was a place where the free and slaves were able to speak openly. It was only fair in a male dominated society, that the women did have a place to their own.

As Sharma led IIyra into the tranquil setting, she let out a sigh of relief coming through the canopy and hearing the delightful gurgling sound of the waters spilling over large pebbles and stones. Around the outer perimeter of the lagoon, was a moss covered bank, that had many places to lay and catch the filtered rays of the sun, that streamed down through the boughs filled with leaves. Setting down her basket of clothes, soaps, and cleaning rock, she looked back over her shoulder as IIyra came on after her.

“You are safe here, IIyra of Njada. No men can enter.”

Words said in the spirit of what the elders had declared, but…someone did not care for rules or rituals, and followed along silently, hiding in the brush.

Sharma approached IIyra and reached to undo her dress ties, to strip her for bathing. She looked upon the girl with kind brown eyes, much like you would imagine a leopard. She smelt strongly of exotic oils, and her body was covered in tattoos and markings of being owned by many masters. She even bore Tagor’s mark.

“Master Tagor likes you. I can see why.”

She started to stroke her hands down the woman’s body and then took her hand, to lead her into the cool blue waters.

<3>

Basalt Falls – Njada Lands

Sharma lead Ilyra to the common area the women use for their bathing needs. It was a lovely spot, not far from the village, but isolated enough that they could not be seen.

Ilyra looked around in wonder. It was a very tranquil setting.

“This is lovely.” she stated, setting her things besides Sharma’s. “And we won’t be bothered here?”

“You are safe here, Ilyra of Njada. No men can enter.” Sharma reassured her. Ilyra nodded, feeling relieved she wouldn’t have to fight off other men vying for her attentions.

Or so she thought…

Sharma stepped up to Ilyra and helped her remove her dress, stripping her so they could bathe. Her eyes were kind and she understood some of Ilyra’s nervousness, being thrust into a new situation, with a man who seemed to think the world of her. Sharma looked over Ilyra’s body without censure and liked what she saw. Jamai was correct in stating the elven woman was special. She seemed to be made for Tagor personally.

“Master Tagor likes you. I can see why.” Sharma smiled kindly, running her hands down Ilyra’s hair and body, undoing the braids of her hair so it could be washed. They talked in low voices, and with the rushing waters around their legs, anyone who was trying to listen would only hear mumbling.

“I don’t see it to be honest.” Ilyra sighed as the two women waded into the water. “I’m just a simple slave.”

“No, Ilyra of Njada, Elf of Winterlands. You are not a ‘simple slave’ as you put it. You are mate to Tagor. You carry his child. No slave before you has ever held such an honor.” Sharma stated in a soft but commanding tone. It startled Ilyra for a moment.

“How did you know?”

“I bring all Njada into these lands. I always know. It is way you carry self, proud, yet delicate. There is light in your eye.”

“Oh.” Ilyra smiled, looking down. Sharma swam up behind her and began rubbing soap into Ilyra’s hair. Ilyra remained still under the woman’s ministrations. She pressed a hand to Ilyra’s shoulder so that she could duck low and wash the soap from her hair.

Once she was clean, they moved to a cropping of rocks where Sharma rubbed some oil into Ilyra’s hair to keep it shiny and healthy before she re-braided it. As she worked, Sharma explained to Ilyra what would be expected of her as Tagor’s mate.

“You must always be ready. Most important.”

“Ready? For what?” Ilyra wondered. Sharma gave her a very distinct look and Ilyra blushed fiercely. “Oh…that.”

“Yes. Njada men are sexual creatures, always wanting their women at any given time. It proves to the others that they have vitality.”

“Hmm.” Ilyra hummed.

“You have right to say no. Njada warriors tend to bend to their women’s wills on certain matters. Mates are equals. Not one-sided.”

“I understand.”

“Njada males may not claim mated women for their own. It is considered an act of treason. Njada male come to you, not Tagor, you tell immediately. No hiding. No running. Tagor not like mate to be sniffed after like dog.”

Ilyra had wondered about that. When they had first arrived, she had caught one of the men looking at her appraisingly from her peripheral and it made her feel very uncomfortable. She had put it out of her mind for a time, but Sharma’s words brought it back. She nodded in understanding.

Sharma finished braiding Ilyra’s hair before she helped the elf dry the rest of her body. Then they moved toward their dirty clothing to wash them before the dressed, chatting more about Ilyra’s new life with Tagor and the Njada.

As Sharma and IIyra washed their clothes and chatted about life in the Njada lands, there was someone watching and had been the entire time. Marmut; Tagor’s blood brother who had seen the beautiful Winter elf arrive found himself captivated and definitely wanted what he believed to be owed. He licked his lips in anticipation, and when he saw the women hunched down and scrubbing on the rocks, he thought it was the perfect time to make his move. Rising up to full height, he broke the code, and ventured into the sacred women’s bathing spot. His footsteps did not go unnoticed, as the leaf litter below his naked feet crunched loudly. Sharma turned around, half shocked to see Marmut there, walking towards them

“You are forbidden, Marmut. This is women’s falls.” Sharma pushed herself up and then saw the lustful gleam in his eyes, directed at IIyra. The split second she knew exactly what his intent was, and she was not about to stand for it. Bravely, she stood in front of IIyra to shield her as Marmut spoke gruffly.

“Tagor bring back woman. Marmut has rights.” this is what Marmut believed according to the past trips to the slave markets. He had no idea that things had changed. Sharma gasped and shook her head, holding up her hands in protest.

“Master Tagor…mated Illyra. She is Njada, you cannot touch.” Sharma was truly putting herself in danger now, as the Njada tribesman grew fierce, his face like thunder as his hands balled into fists.

“Slave no talk to Marmut like Njada!” He then drew back his right arm, and smashed Sharma in the face, knocking her off her feet and sending her flying back, tripping on a rock and then landing with a splash in the waters. Sneering at the fallen slave, he then turned his attentions to IIyra and commanded;

“ALL FOURS…NOW!”

<3>

Jamai was coming back from tending to the horses, when he saw one of Marmut’s slaves appear out from his tent. She was beaten and bleeding, and as the air hit her she collapsed on the ground. Jamai and a few of the nearby slaves raced to her aid, and on reaching her, Jamai pulled the girl’s head onto his lap, as he sang out for the Njada medicine woman for aid. The woman was hiccuping up blood, from internal injuries, and Jamai asked…begged..

“Who did this, Kaleaf?’

With a trembling body, her head jerked as another spasm gripped her.“Mar…Marmut…he…no…want…Kaleaf. Want…Togar..slave.” As the last word came out, the medicine woman arrived, only to see the slave girl stare into space, her body finally succumbing to death. The women surrounding Kaleaf and Jamai started wailing, as the Medicine woman started to speak rapidly in tongues. Marmut had killed his slave, so he could replace her with IIyra. Jamai laid Kalaef on the ground, as he used his fingers to close her eyes for the last time. If Marmut was prepared to do this, to get IIyra, what chance did a woman who was with IIyra stand. Immediately he realized that Sharma and IIyra were both in danger. He jumped to his feet and raced for Tagor’s tent, leaving behind the sobbing group of women around Kaleaf.

Reaching the tent, he didn’t bother to stop and call out, running in only to see it was empty. He did a mad search around the tent for clues to where the women would be and saw that the wash basket was gone.

“The falls!” His voice rang out and as he left the tent, Tagor was heading towards him. Tagor looked at him sternly, as Jamai appeared panic stricken. Would Marmut break the very rites of the women’s bathe spot? Looking over at the howling slaves, he knew the answer. He stared up at the hulking Njada and told him what he thought.

“Marmut kill his slave. He has gone after IIyra.”

“WHAT?!” Tagor thundered, enraged at the very notion another man, let alone his brother would dare so much as look at her. He then remembered the tradition and realized that Marmut thought he had the right. The large Njada looked about, then asked.

“Where is IIyra?”

Jamai already knew. “The falls. Washing.”

Without a moment to spare, the two men both dashed into the forest and raced to get to IIyra and Sharma, before it was too late.

Basalt Falls – Njada Lands

Sharma was unconscious in the waters, only being kept alive by IIyra holding her head up. the angered Njada; Marmut was being kept back by the ice barrier, but he had started to smash at it with his fists, determined to have what he wanted. As he pounded away at the ice slab, he didn’t hear the sound of Tagor and Jamai racing up behind him.

“MARMUT…BROTHER YOU GET AWAY FROM MY WOMAN!”

Marmut spun around and there he saw the two men, and one of which was a seething Tagor, whose very veins were sticking out on his neck. Marmut spat at him. “Marmut has rights!” Jamai then bellowed. “Marmut killed own slave…to have IIyra. Marmut has NO rights to mate of Tagor.” Marmut withdrew a large dagger from his sheath, crazed by his need to rut with the Winter elf. He slashed at Tagor in defiance, but Tagor was faster, seizing Marmut’s wrist as the slash missed, and then broke Marmut’s arm in a fit of rage that was explosive. The very bone broke free through his flesh, and this sent Marmut crashing to his knees. Marmut screamed in agony, as Tagor took up the dagger, and then in one fitting blow, he slashed his own brother’s throat. Blood poured out of the wound, as Marmut gasped, and then collapsed on the grassy moss rocks, dead.

Jamai who was partially in shock, could see Sharma floating in the waters, and raced into the water to drag her out, as Tagor dropped the dagger, and walked to his woman, stepping over the broken pieces of ice. He went into the water, and then….he knelt down and placed his forehead to her belly, wrapping his powerful arms around her.

“Tagor…. kill for you.”

And he had.

<3>

With Kahue handing out the bundles of gear that they were to wear and take with them on the next part of the testing series, Kyoko knew this was going to make for an awkward moment. Already she had come to accept the fact that Kahue for whatever reason simply didn’t like her. Holding her bundle tight to her chest, she followed along behind Kahue to the girl’s change area. It was not as large as she had imagined, but had everything that was needed as far as amenities go. Watching Kahue close the door behind her and then just starting to strip off her clothes, left Kyoko feeling a little intimidated. Not so much by her manner, but by the fact she didn’t appear to have any modesty.

Setting down her bundle, Kyoko kept her back to Kahue, rather than being caught staring at the girl, or worse; having to strike up a conversation. It was a very frosty moment, where neither girl spoke at all. Kyoko folded all her clothes neatly and set them into a pile, while finishing to put on her outfit, before sitting down on a bench to put on her socks and shoes. Glancing up through her bangs, she could see that Kahue had the body of an athlete. She must train at least every day to keep herself looking that good. Kyoko often wondered if it was the fact that Kahue had been part of a male group for so long, that she had more or less become one of the boys, or she did this, purely to keep up appearances. Kyoko now had something of a silent respect for Kahue, but she was not about to let her know that.

Finally dressed, and her drink bottle fixed to her belt, she rose to standing and then adjusted her pony tail, ready for the next part of the testing.

“Ready when you are, Kahue.” Kyoko said, showing an air of confidence as she kept her chin high.

Rise Arsenal – Men’s Locker room

Toshiro was again acting casually, as he took his bundle of clothes and followed Lucas and Kazu into the Men’s changing rooms. Tossing down his uniform for the day, he started to peel off his shirt, when Kazu tried to engage in some more casual conversation

“How do you think you fared on the written exam, Toshiro?” 

Striking something of a model like pose, where he looked to be deep in thought, but wasn’t really, he cocked his head and said with a crooked smile.

“50/50.” He really didn’t place much emphasis on the written part of the test, and this may start to have alarm bells go off for Kazu. “I’m more of a Jock, to be honest. I do my thing up in the air. There…there you will see just what kind of a man I am.” He then winked, and went right back to getting dressed….at his leisure.

One thing was for sure, this was getting to be very interesting.

<3>

The room was deathly silent making the situation even more uncomfortable. Kyoko’s positive and confident attitude reminded Kahue of Casimiro. “I honestly have nothing against you Kyoko. I simply have a high mistrust of woman. Blame my mother,” she said without looking Kyoko in the eye. She tried to make a show of not caring, but it hurt that her mother was never there for her growing up. She didn’t exactly apologize to Kyoko, but she hoped that she would understand the gist of what she was trying to say. Before the situation got too awkward she opened the door and led the way back out to the common area. ‘How is it that we finished dressing before them? What primodonas’, Kahue thought to herself.

Men’s Changing Room

Kazuhiko was surprised by Toshiro’s response. It was true that you didn’t have to be a master of every subject to gain entry to the Arsenal, but your best subject had to be just that, the best. He would have to beat either Kahue or Kazuhiko in order to secure his spot. In that moment, Kazu came to the sudden realization that Toshiro had planned that all along. He cursed himself for not seeing it sooner when Tosh asked to spar with him first. The man also certainly wasn’t a coward since he didn’t want to let Kyoko wear him down before taking him on. He wanted to prove, without a doubt, that he was superior. “We will see,” was Kazu’s simple response.

He finished changing into his running gear and met Kahue and Kyoko back in the common area. Once everyone was assembled, he opened the door and made a right toward the glider bay. There were five identical standard models set aside for them. They wouldn’t have the luxury of using the newer, more sleek versions, having to prove their true skill with gliding. Kazu picked one up and slung it over his back. They would take the less scenic route around the perimeter to the gates. Distractions from the nosy citizens of Albisas were they last thing they needed. “We will walk the perimeter of the wall to the nearest gate. Once we leave the city limits, we can warm up and prepare for our run and hike.”

Hearing Kahue make a speech about how it was nothing personal of her attitude towards Kyoko, but more an overall distrust of women in general actually had the future Princess stop in her tracks a moment. Kahue didn’t even look at her as she spoke. More over her shoulder and putting it out there. The strangest part though, was that Kahue said “Blame my mother.’ Now, why would Kyoko ever even want to consider such a notion. As the tension continued, it was clear that whatever it was that had happened in her childhood with her Mother, had created the person that stood before her. Kyoko actually felt that this in a way was looking for sympathy for her actions. A weakness in fact. When we grow up, the path we chose to live is our own. To blame others for our short comings is a cop out. If Kahue continued to live her life in the shadow of the failings of her mother, she would be blind to all the good that is out there. Kyoko stopped before Kahue and said simply.

“Only we can chose the right path in this life. Don’t let the mistakes of others lead you to punish all others for their failings.”

That said, she simply walked out of the dressing room, and waited for Kazu and the others.

Men’s Changing Room

Toshiro really took his time getting ready. You would think he was going to take part in some fashion show with the length of time he spent on his hair alone. Why was he doing this, you might ask? Again, it was a tactic to be disarming. Giving off the idea that he felt so confident about how he would fare in the testing, that he may well do better than even Kazu had expected. Finally dressed and pleased with himself, he clapped his hands together, and headed for the door. With Lucas and Kazu, they met up with Kahue and Kyoko, who both looked stunning in their running gear. While Kyoko looked determined and pumped to get this next stage going, Kahue seemed, bothered. Toshiro made sure he grabbed the glider next to Kahue’s and tried his best to keep up with her on the way up to the nearest gate. It was clear, that he was wanting to race her….when the time came. Kyoko followed Kazu silently, but all the while mentally working out how she was going to fare once they started the run and hike.

<3>

Kazuhiko and Lucas took up the lead. Even going the long way around the perimeter of the city, they arrived at the gates quickly. Two sergeants who were on guard saw them and their eyes bulged a little. It had been a while since anyone from the air brigade tried to join the Rise Arsenal. By the time they came back, there would probably be a crowd of soldiers waiting to watch the sparring matches. Toshiro would probably nut in his shorts when he saw all the people congregated. A public victory seemed right up his alley, but Kazu would make sure to take the win. ‘I have to,’ he thought to himself.

Once they made it a good distance away, the group began to warm up for the run. Kazuhiko made sure that they were all ready before preparing to take off. “This circuit is about endurance. There is no need to wear yourself out on the run. Pace yourselves.” With those final words, they were off. Kazuhiko took up the lead once more and set a steady and comfortable pace. The mountains were to the west through the forest. There was a foot beaten path carved out to lead them there. The journey took a little over an hour and the spring sun beat down on them in areas where the trees were sparse. By the time they reached the base of the mountain, everyone had worked up a sweat.

“This is where it gets a little tricky. For the first half of the hike, the conditions will be favorable, but as we progress, the hills only get steeper. Proceed with caution,” Kazu said between small sips of water. He resumed the course making sure to check on the group every so often. He couldn’t help but stare at Kyoko the most. He knew it was unprofessional, but she looked incredibly sexy when she was in her element.

Eventually the hills broke into steep, jagged slopes. In some places it was necessary to find footholds, to continue up the ridge. A normal human would have been gasping for air at this point, but the nephilim were resilient and could handle the physical stress. Finally after an hour and a half of hiking they made it to a flat area that looked as though it had been carved out of the mountain. Kazu stood close to the edge and looked out over a beautiful view of the forest and the city that waited for their return behind it. “Kahue, Kyoko and Toshiro, you will head out first, taking off on my mark. Ready yourselves.”

Kyoko was so glad she had done her morning warm ups and exercises before heading down to the Arsenal barracks. With the gliders on their backs, and prepped to go, Kyoko was keen to pace herself along the first half, as well as doing her best to keep up with the others. Bursts of speed were simply a fools game, if she wanted to have the energy to tackle the more dangerous parts of the course, which were coming as they ascended into the mountains. Toshiro who was naturally athletic was taking this all in his stride. A keen athlete he was used to this type of training back in their homeland, and so he held his own as the group made their way up the hillside. Every so often he would try to capture Kahue’s attention with a stolen glance, again trying to get under her skin all the more. He had no idea she had partially confided in Kazuhiko, but that would probably come to light later in the day, or down during the spars; or after.

The hour long trek through the foot worn path had brought all their heart rates up, and some showed the sweat from their exertion as they came to the next stop point, where Kyoko took out her flask and had a drink, before capping it again and attaching it back to her belt. For this part at least, Toshiro kept to himself, rather than try to big note himself at this stage of the run up. He was clearly saving himself for what was coming.

“This is where it gets a little tricky. For the first half of the hike, the conditions will be favorable, but as we progress, the hills only get steeper. Proceed with caution,”

Kyoko looked up and went to nod so that Kazu knew she understood what he was saying, when she noticed how he was looking at her. Not just a sweeping glanced, but…actually looking at her with a certain smile. She couldn’t help but smile back shyly, before getting her composure again, and preparing for the final climb.

This was where it got treacherous. With the winding bends, the climbing got higher as did the altitude that would have made it nearly impossible for a mortal human to cope without oxygen supplies. Nephilim however were well adapted to high climates, and so this was not a huge issue, but they definitely felt the change.

Straining muscles and minds, the climb came to an end as they reached a flat top surface at the top of the mountain. The mist swirling around and the greenery of the forest trees lay in a haze of white. With all the team now assembled, Kazu gave the call for Kyoko, Toshiro and Kahue to be ready to start off. With her glider to be adjusted on her back, Kyoko gave herself a wide birth, so as not to have her glider’s wings hit the others. Toshiro on the other hand was not being as cautious, and was getting as close to Kahue as he could possibly dare. Now with all three ready….they awaited the call from Kazu to go.

<3>

“One, two, three, mark,” Kazu said and the three racers were off. Kahue loved everything about gliding and there was nothing like the feeling of takeoff. For the quickest instant it felt like you were free falling and the warm bursts of air surrounded you and took your breath away. She hadn’t been able to glide this high in a very long time and excitement set her eyes ablaze. She wanted to win against Toshiro more than anything else in the world. He was a sneaky, smug bastard who needed to be taught a lesson.

Whereas her table manner was unrefined, Kahue was nothing but graceful lines and flexibility in flight. She rode a thermal, letting herself soar over the cold breeze that would have hindered a mediocre glider. Flying felt natural to her and it was the only time should could forget her past. She banked hard to the right and let the momentum continue to spin her around until she had completed a full 360° spin. The motion propelled her forward, giving her a good lead.

Lucas and Kazuhiko took off a short while after the others. They would serve as referees for the race. Kazu smiled as he noted that Kahue was in the lead. He was proud that she was his SMS and hoped that she would be able to maintain her velocity. Something about Toshiro didn’t sit well with him at all. He seemed to be sticking by Kahue’s side during the whole journey and Kazu couldn’t tell if it was because he liked her or was trying to mess with her head. How would Toshiro perform on the team if he were to pass the test? Would he continue to try to undermine his comrades? These questions were in the back of Kazu’s mind as they edged closer toward Albisas.

With Kahue going first out to the three of them, Kyoko hung back, crouching on one knee as she adjusted the glider upon her back. Rolling her shoulders she got it on properly, before rising up to standing as Kahue took off first into the air. At first she thought Toshiro would go after her, but he smirked and motioned for Kyoko to go next.

Head straight forward, she took a deep breath with a set look of concentration and started her run off, as the upward warm air drafts captured the wings, and soon Kyoko was air born. At first the glider went into a sharp descent, but with skill and luck, she got the upward draft and then soared upward at a speed that was astonishing. Kyoko’s body in perfect alignment with that of the glider, and she soon had reached a height that was pushing her upwards to the clouds. The feeling could hardly be described, outside hearing the roar of the wind, nature’s true power force, as it continued to push the glider upwards till she leveled out, then went on a sharp right turn maneuver, with all the grace and precision of a falcon.

With Kahue in her sights, the glider tipped again hard right and she went into a power dive in a bid to overtake Kahue for the lead. She may not have been as showy as Kahue, but she had pure guts to perform acrobatic like dog fighting with the gliders. Dangerous perhaps, but exhilarating to be competing.

Now it was Toshiro’s turn, and while the girls were fast and light on their feet, Tosh seemed a bit more bulky in his movements, but his powered take off was something else, and he immediately went into a dive, before a sharp left turn and then capturing the hot air drafts and rising up again. He didn’t do fancy spins, but he was trying to get between Kahue and Kyoko as they glided through the air. What he was doing was incredibly dangerous to both the girls…and at one point, Kyoko had to pull up and hard left to get out of his way. Was he trying to take them out of the competition? From the ground, it was sure to look like Toshiro’s glider might clip Kahue’s.

<3>

The glider design made it impossible to check behind yourself, so Kahue performed a half spin to gauge the situation. Kyoko was right on her tail and it impressed her that she could keep up so well. If Kahue didn’t up the ante, Kyoko would pass her. She righted herself and took a steep plunge. The air closer to the ground was easier to navigate. She soared on the thermals, letting them carry her forward. She thought she was in the clear until she felt another glider’s gravitational pull somewhere next to her. Toshiro was riding dangerously close to her wing. Was he trying to kill her? She set procedure aside and spoke to Ishara through thought speech.

To Toshiro

What the fuck are you doing? We can die out here.

She didn’t wait for his response before she dipped out of the way to keep her wing from getting clipped. Losing too much altitude at the speed they were going would set her behind. There would be no way to win the race if she flew into the trees.

To Toshiro

You may beat me with your dirty tactics, but you won’t be able to snake your way past Kazu. As a matter of fact, you are making things worse for yourself. The more you endanger my life, the more he will want to take you down.

She was right. Kazuhiko was seething as he watched the race from his vantage point. If a wing were to get damaged while in the air, the pilot would plummet to the earth. The nephilim were a strong race, but they were by no means invincible. If Kahue were to fall out of the sky at this altitude, she would die and he would do everything in his power to keep another of his teammates from getting killed. Toshiro had unleashed a raging inferno inside Kazuhiko who would stop at nothing to take him down.

To Kahue

Fall back. Let him win. I will take care of this when we get back to the base.

To Kazuhiko

Understood. 

Kazuhiko rode the thermals to speed up his return to the base. He landed with the others not far behind. Toshiro had no idea what his was in for as Kazuhiko’s area of expertise was combat. As predicted there was a crowd gathered around the combat training grounds. Cadets and highly decorated soldiers alike stood in unison, making quite a ruckus. There was a sort of chant in the air and the spectators stomped their feet. It was almost like being in a gladiator stadium, but Kazu tried his best to maintain his focus. He felt like he could take down an ogre with his bare hands.

A Major stood in the center of the makeshift ring. He was the man that Kazu reported to and he would be the referee for the fight and ultimately determined the victor. He raised his brow at Kazu as if to ask what was going on, but Kazu only gave him a pointed look in Toshiro’s direction. The Major nodded his understanding and turned so that he faced to two challengers. “This fight will test the three main areas of traditional nephilim combat. The first round will be a boxing match. The second will be a spar using the Muay Thai Martial Arts Style. The final round will allow the challengers to choose a weapon of their choice from the weapons rack,” the major said as he pointed out a good selection of various nephilim combat instruments off to the side of the ring.

Two sergeants approached the two adversaries. Kazu took of his shirt and hung it on the weapons rack. He held his hands out and the sergeant began wrapping them with the standard white boxing tape. After his hands were completely covered save for his knuckles and fingers, he donned his royal blue gloves and stood in his corner. He danced around a bit, getting his heart rate up. Rolling his neck back and forth he looked over at Toshiro. His eyes spoke for what he felt in his heart; he would not lose this fight. The major came and stood between them and instructed them to shake. “This round will last 10 minutes. A knockout wins the round. If there is not a knockout, the opponent who brought their contender to the mat the most times wins the round. I want a good clean fight. No elbows or punches below the waist.”

The Ranger did not fight him. Even if she had the physical strength to, she would not have. She simply continued to clutch the bag in her hands until a few of her knuckles split, crying into the chest of an angel she once plot against. A white winged angel that saved her despite of all she was and all she’d done. Sir Wayne was of a few people that were willing to do so. The number was smaller now with the death of Winona. Calypso couldn’t find words to speak, but fortunately for her, the voice of Celandiam, a rare thing to experience, found them for her.

“Guide her, Sir Wayne Ahorld of Casterly. Protect her. Winona had volunteered as my vessel to gaze upon the mirror in my stead, but I selfishly chose our beloved Ranger in her stead. There is much danger in its pool. It cannot hurt her if she remembers. Help her remember that it is not real. She will have need of you, and the Lands of Old and Gravida will have need of Casterly. Only the Gods can defeat the Angels, but we face a power that even the great Valar bowed to – we face Death herself. But the only task I ask of you – specifically you – is that you stay with Calypso. Even if she tells you to leave her, or if she tries to return to the mountains on her own, follow her. She bears the Mirror. It is our only hope.”

All during Celandiam’s words, the said Ranger continued to cry into the great angel’s chest, cursing anything and everything that contributed to Winona’s passing, including herself.

The Donkey’s Dick

Mithrildanne watched the whole scene unfold, her gaze frozen on the Prince and Captain before her. Giselle had been taken outside by a few of his crew, her screams reaching the deaf ears of the Watcher not. “It is time.” She whispered, unknowingly reaching for Derek’s hand. None noticed, as most of the men around were either too drunk to see or intent on Giselle’s angelic presence outside. She was a young one, not yet into her full power, not to mention beautiful. But Mithrildanne was too focused on finding what she needed – the Gates. She needed to see for herself. In her reverie, she betrayed her purpose for coming to the lands of Casterly. “Your people have need of you. Become who you were born to be, my Prince.” They were not her words, not truly. They were the words of the Watcher, slipped onto the voice of Mithrildanne while she looked elsewhere in the world. Hard as she tried, she still could not find them. The Black Gates were simply… gone.

The Green Dragon

While the Donkey’s Dick was one of the more popular hang outs for the manly men, the Green Dragon remained ever the family place. June bustled about as fast as her little Hobbit body could, taking orders and greeting friends. Heranne was busy at work making the food and passing out the drinks, and June couldn’t help but smile at her Dwarvish diligence. It was a shame that June knew the poor girl was stuck here. She’d not be hired anywhere else – no angel knew of the skill of Dwarfs until they witnessed it, and angels weren’t always patient, especially those with meager “men” jobs. She’d never be married – no man would want strangely mixed children, no elf would marry a girl part Dwarf, and no Dwarf would marry a girl part Elf. June thought fondly of her time with Elves for a moment, then cursed herself for the typical Hobbit simplexes that had seeped into her mind now that her days of travelling the world were over. She wasn’t that old, as it was. Only around fifty. She had a friend that had an adventure at fifty. Then again, he was part Took…

“Miss Harlowe, I don’t reckon that’s safe there, it’s not.” June laughed out loud when she realized she’d almost handed Mister Barliman’s five year old a pint of ale. The little girl giggled as well, and her father let out a hearty laugh despite his worried face moments before. She’d need to pay more attention, but her damned delivery of the very thing she was giving to the man now. Where was that damned boy that usually brought the cart of barrels? It was going to worry her sick. And then she’d be even sicker when she realized she’d once again lapsed into her Hobbit worrying.

It is not everyday that you hear voices in your head other than your own. So it was with some surprise that Sir Wayne suddenly started to hear the voice of Celandiam speaking to him about the woman he now held in his arms. He went completely still to concentrate on just what Celandiam was saying, and the more he listened, the more he understood why Winona had brought Calypso back to them. The sheer importance that Celandiam had placed on Calypso staying in his care was paramount, and he had to wonder just how he was going to achieve that.

Calypso, regardless of her form, was stubborn and willful. He was unsure if Calypso was aware that Celandiam was speaking directly to him, and then he did something totally unexpected. Using both hands, he clasped the sides of her face, and then kissed her….He kissed her for a good solid minute. One, it would stop her tears, or she would slap him. It might be enough to make her question him, and everything about her return.

<3>

Everything froze. The squires training stopped dead. One of them had raised a club above his head, and dropped it on the boy behind him’s foot. Noise ceased in the camp, or so it seemed. Time itself stopped. But perhaps it was meant to, because Calypso felt nothing but rising anger at the knight’s actions. But then the anger subsided and despite whatever Sir Wayne had expected to happen, the tears kept flowing from the Ranger’s wide eyes. She was not worth this. She was not worth going this far to comfort. She raised her hands from the bag (ignoring the searing pain in her knuckles as the blood ran from them underneath her gloves) and pushed gently on his chest, not enough to truly move him, but as a gesture of nonconsent. If he broke away, she would lower her head and remove her shaking hands. She would stay this time. Repay her debt, rekindle her friendships. But she would not allow herself to fall in love with this man who was so kind to her, so gentle. It would do her no good, and probably end that kindness in its wake.

Celeste, fair maiden as she was had traveled long distances and many a night to get to the land she’d gotten to, only to not know of its name. Her golden brown hues laid rest upon a sign above her as her long dress gathered dirt in the air from laying amongst the ground for so long as she walked the busy streets this night. T’was a night such as this that gave her fair skin such a faint but lovely glow. Her lips parted to speak, but in doing so she was brushed rudely by a man leaving a nearby building.

“Dear sir, what place is this that you’ve parted with such haste?” She’d asked as she twirled around, her hair locking in cascading waves over her right shoulder, the moon’s fair graces shining along each strand so neatly that her hair had given a strong shine. So much so that it looked to be made from the softest of manes when in reality all locks attached were purely locked in place to her head.

The man looked at her in complete shock at her beauty despite the clothes she wore, ones which seemed to be those of a worn out servant girl, which indeed she wasn’t. His lips moved in a rambling motion and he laughed a bellyful laugh and coughed up a cough much like that of a smoker and responded with a crooked smile upon his face, finger extended wearily towards the sign.

“Donkey’s Dick, ma’am” He smirked wildly and laughed again before then proceeding to look at her beautiful features and responding in kind once more.

“You’d be wise to part ways from this place, lest you want to come in contact with a ruffian or two. Give or take a dozen inside.” He turned his back from her just as she was to respond to him. But to no avail her outstretched hand failed to reach the man’s shoulder. She stood lone this night and pondered the thought for an instant before a strong wind rushed by and ran through the course of her ragged dress. For although rich and smart she dressed in secret to act as a normal woman would, for normality was all that seemed to be left in the world she’d known thus far.

As quickly as the man left, no sooner did she waste her time to enter the building. “Donkey’s Dick” The man had said. What a strange name for the place. As she pushed her way through the room her eyes darted cross the place instantly she was shoved to the side, her breath suddenly locking in her chest as a gasp begged to be freed from her inner cage. She’d known the prior man who’d exited was drunk, but if this was how all of the men were she’d rather be left for fodder for the birds come morrow. But she braved through the rough crowd and made her way to the bar as soon as a wench was brushed to the side, no doubt from her mate having had enough of her constant whining of wanting to leave. He’d brushed her off and shoved her to the direction of the bar, but she’d lost her footing and fallen upon Celeste. Instantly as the contact brushed her, Celeste reached for the bar stool but missed and fell near close by booth. Just catching the end of a lost man clouded in his thoughts, more than likely a dashing man of his time, if such time was of the present. She’d sighed and let the caged gasp escape her lips and immediately fell before the man landing with a hard thump, her already weary eyes failing to comprehend the fact to stay open. And as the energy from her body left her she smiled a beautiful smile even the gods revered and fell faint before the man, completely unconscious.

“Your people have need of you. Become who you were born to be, my Prince.”

The Prince’s hand was taken by Mithrildanne and these words spoken. Prince Derek looked at the woman oddly, and yanked back his hand, almost knocking over his mug of ale.“What on earth are you talking about, Woman?’ Clearly he was not ready to be receiving messages today. Especially when he had been weighing up in his mind what he was to do. “The people certainly have no need from the likes of me.” Spoken like a true pirate.

Just then a fair maiden looked like she was trying to fight her way through the crowd. Many a man was after service from the bar wenches, or were so full of ale that they were a danger unto themselves. She was jostled back and forth, till she was knocked by another woman, and after trying to catch a bar stool failed and fell near close to his booth. Honestly, this was starting to become ridiculous. The inn was obviously overcrowded, and the likes of people were completely mad, or inevitably lost souls.

The woman collapsed by the booth, passing out on the floor at the Pirate’s feet. Prince Derek groaned, and then looking at Mithrildanne, he said.

“Great, now I have to save this woman on the floor, before she gets trodden on, or taken advantage of by the next fall down drunk.”

Pushing himself up and sliding out from the booth, he crouched down and gave the girl’s face a light tap.

“Miss?…Hello?”

Sadly, she was out for the count, and the Pirate/Prince thought it best to at least get her off the floor. He scooped her up with an audible grunt, and then threw her over his shoulder. He reached for his hat and plonked it on his head. The crew that were still in the inn all cheered, thinking the Pirate Prince had made a fine catch. He rolled his eyes, and forced his way out of the inn, to the street outside. Looking around, there was really nowhere to put the girl down, not anywhere safe, anyways. So, he decided to take her back to the ship, where at least she would be safe for the time being. Leaving Mithrildanne behind, was probably for the best. He could save at least one soul today, and not the entire nation.

The Lady Bass

Going up the gang plank, the night watch crew all cheered to see the Captain carrying the young damsel over his shoulder.

“Sweep her off her feet, Cap’n?” there was much laughter and the Captain simply replied “She was knocked out by my wit and charm.” the cabin boy giggled and said. “Probably his breath that did it. All the crew again were holding their sides and guffawing, as the night watchman ruffled the boy’s hair playfully. For pirates, they weren’t a bad bunch really.

Down the stairs, and the long corridor, the Captain pushed open his chambers door, and then strode in and lay the unconscious woman on his cot. She was quite a pretty thing really, and he drew a blanket over her, before going over to his chart desk, and studying the maps of the next port to go to. In his mind, now that he had discovered the deaths of his parents, and the full weight of responsibility that awaited him if he returned to Haven, he was now no longer sure he wanted to do his royal duty. At least, no at this moment in time. Derek glanced over at the sleeping girl and muttered. “I hope she doesn’t scream when she wakes up.”

<3>

“Parlay? Are you serious invoking that?’ The Pirate Prince said as he looked up from his charts, and took out the wooden pipe that was clenched between his teeth. What was it with women and the word Parlay? Sadly, she looked serious and wanted answers as to why she was on board his ship, which she was rather filthy about in her description.

“You, my dear fell unconscious right at my feet at the Donkey’s dick, and me being the hero that I am, gathered you up and rescued you from what would have been a night you would not have wanted to remember.”

He meant that if no one picked her up, she would have been assaulted where she lay.

“That Inn is no place for sleeping beauties….Miss.” The Captain finished, as he set down his pipe in its holder on the charts table. The Captain showed a cheeky smile and then looked around his quarters, that weren’t lavish, but they weren’t too shabby either. And this…ship is the Lady Bass, once a proud member of her Majesty’s service….and funnily enough is now mine. God didn’t forsake it….the King did.”

The Pirate prince wandered around his chart table and spun an atlas of the world, before staring at the woman’s ample breasts. They were of good size and her face wasn’t too bad looking either. “Would Miss care for a tour of the ship?” I’m sure my men would just love to meet someone as fine….and proper as you, dear.”

<3>

Sadly, the kiss did nothing to stop the well of tears from flowing. Calypso in her darkest times could never see herself being worthy of love from another, especially the Knight of Casterly; Sir Arhold. With her hands she placed them to his chest and pushed away, showing in her eyes that she did not want this, not from him. The Knight stood silently, and then looked down at her hand that held the bag, her fingers bleeding. He pursed his lips and then frowned. How was he going to keep her from leaving, if that was her want? Regardless of what Celandiam had said. Wayne brought his hand up and raked back his loose curls, before he gave Estelle a sideways glance. Estelle stood with her mouth agape. He kissed Calyso and she rejected him. The young Angel could barely believe her eyes. With a gentle voice, Sir Wayne said to Estelle.

“Make sure she has sufficient bedding in your tent, and I would like you to tend to her hands.”

That said, he then nodded to each of the ladies, and headed back to the training area, to pick up where he left off, with Sir Reginald, who was speechless at what he saw.

Estelle was dumbfounded for a moment, and then she stepped in closer to Calypso and said in a low voice.

“Are you mad? He is only the most eligible knight in all Vaas. And you reject him? Why on earth did you come back again?” She said, then walking back towards the medical tent, leaving Calypso standing on her own.

<3>

~Whack~

The girl clearly had some balls, smacking the face of the startled Captain with her hand, as she took offense to him staring at her rounded breasts.

“Excuse me, my face is up here.” She cried with some authority. Now, it was pretty safe to say, that invoking parlay, and then abusing the Captain AFTER he had been kind enough to offer her hospitality….was a very bad move indeed. His face moved in the flow of the smack, only to round on her. He had a lopsided grin, and faster than a whip, he crossed the distance to her and seized her by the waist, throwing her up and over his shoulder.

“Now…about that tour.” He said jovially, as he marched out of his quarters having her most likely screaming as he decided to take her up onto the top deck. This was going to be one hell of a sight, when the crew got a gander at it. And sure enough they all roared with laughter as the Captain carried her up on deck.

“Here we have the top deck of the fabulous Lady Bass. This…mighty mob of scoundrels and villains to ever stain the sea with the blood of the lily livered men, is my crew.” Another cheer rose up from the crew as the Captain spun her around and the wind picked up her skirts.

“HUZZAH!”

“See? What a great bunch of lads. Now…off we go to the plank.”

He boldly strutted over to the plank and set the young damsel down right on the edge of it. The Captain stepped back and then made a mock bow, before withdrawing his sword and pointing the sharp end at her.

“Care to go swimming, dear?” he said, his face beaming, while the crew all roared with laughter.

“She must have rejected the Captain.” First mate Joel said, with another pointing at the red welt on the Captain’s face.

“I think you’re right, Joel. He’s got a shiner.”

The Captain glanced back at the crew and said.

“Shut up.”

They all laughed again, as the Captain went back to taunting the young lady.

“Do say hello to Davy Jones for me.”

<3>

Calypso opened her mouth to speak her mind to Sir Wayne, but it ended up being Estelle who would hear her words. “I didn’t mean- I just thought- I didn’t realize…” She couldn’t seem to properly phrase her apology. She shot Sir Reginald a pleading look, an expression neither he nor Wayne probably ever saw on Winona’s face when she had this form. She then turned away, whispering in Elvish to avoid any passerby asking questions. “I am a fool. I thought he was just trying to comfort me. I didn’t realize that he actually wanted to kiss me.” With an angry growl at herself, she turned sharply to follow Estelle, catching up with the maiden easily. “Estelle, wait. I know I must have offended him, but I swear to you on my- on… on something I can give you should you not believe me that I don’t already owe Sir Wayne, I did not mean to push him away. He was welcome to kiss me again should he have wished, but that was exactly why I seemignly ‘rejected’ him… I didn’t realized that he was kissing me because he wanted to. Unless I am a fool and he didn’t want to and now I’m making an even bigger mess of the only true friendships I’ve had in a long time?” Her eyes were pleading as she stood at the opening of the tent, unaware of anyone else that might be there. “Oh, I am just fortune’s fool!” Had she not still been clutching the bag for dear life, the Ranger would have burried her head in her hands.

*Smack*

The blow had struck. She was shocked at the fact she’d just slapped the man who by the looks of it, owned the ship. “Oh great, I’ve gone and slapped the Captain and invoked parley.” She thought to herself while staring at the ground.

As quick as a swatter to fly the Captain had rounded on her before then grinning oddly and pulling her from her waist over his broad shoulders. A yelp left her lips as she took in the actions he’d done. “Wait a minute… You can’t do this to me…” She yelled and screamed while pounding against his back with all the strength she could muster. “Now…about that tour.” She’d completely forgotten about it and his hospitality in the moment he’d stared at her breasts. Wait, was he really talking about a tour of the ship whilst carrying her the way he was. And no sooner had her thoughts come, they’d left as the open air swept across her face almost making her regurgitate that instant.

The Lady Bass/Main Deck

The men of his crew laughed with such pride and enjoyment at the sight of her. And not long after the Captain himself spoke out in a somewhat laughing manner, kindly introducing his crew and the top deck. “Here we have the top deck of the fabulous Lady Bass. This…mighty mob of scoundrels and villains to ever stain the sea with the blood of the lily livered men, is my crew.”

He’d spin her around and the crew cheered in excitement probably their willies going bonkers at the sight of the wind picking up her skirts. The cold air whizzed all through her body and instantly she cringed and grasped the back of the Captain’s clothes and clung tighter to him, almost as if he was her lifeline, but more so to stay warm from the chilly night air. “Please, stop… I insist.” Her voice broke out in the millisecond of silence.

The Lady Bass/ The Plank

“See? What a great bunch of lads. Now…off we go to the plank.” Her cry had been ignored. Celeste sighed and instantly her eyes widened as she then registered what the Captain had said. “Wait… the what?” She couldn’t go out on the deck’s plank. It wasn’t safe. The sea, the oncoming storm forming over head. Was this man mad?

Her eyes looked towards the Captain as he set her down on the plank, his voice becoming stern, yet playful as he spoke again.“Care to go swimming, dear?”

“She must have rejected the Captain.” The first mate Joel had said, while pointing at the red welt on the Captain’s face. Celeste cringed, she’d only struck the dazzling Captain for looking at her knockers. Which she thought she was in the right when it happened but as she began to make way away from the front connection of plank to ship her voice caught in her throat and her head whirled to the right, her hair falling over her shoulder in a now damp cascade of waves. The sword he’d pulled on her was sharp and pointed directly in between her chest, not far from her heart. Which by now was beating 5x’s the normal rate as her anxiety built up. His words sounding slow as he spoke the last of them.“Do say hello to Davy Jones for me.” She’d lost it then but knew from her own self teachings to not show fear in these situations, so she gulped hard and instantly caught herself from crying then before turning from looking down below which seemed like a mighty drop, to turning to looking at the Captain. God he was a gorgeous sight, and if he’d weren’t such a prick she’d fallen for him right then and there. But instead she swallowed what courage she had left and stared at him a small fake but subtle smile crossing her pouted lips.

“With pleasure.”

The men of the ship made a noise before then staring to their Captain as if to ask what he was to do with her. But before the Captain could respond Celeste held tight to her gown as all through the night the only thing heard was a massive scream and the sound of thunder in the distance. Everything else in the night stood still, as if t’was a movie on pause. Nothing was heard thereafter but the sound of a small yet audible splash coming from down below.

The crew all gasped, and ran to the edge of the ship. Looking down all they could see was the ripple of where the girl must have fallen in. There were no bubbles, no sign of her beneath the sea of blue. Even the Captain was a bit flabbergasted that she actually jumped. All the crew took their hats off and placed them to their chests in a mark of respect. She was such a brave soul, to walk the plank, and even promise to say hello to Davy Jones. The Captain was leaning over the sides, and looking left and right, all around to see a sign of her…something.

“She jumped?”

“Aye…she did, Captain.” The first mate said, coming up along side him and taking a peek over board. “Gone to a watery grave. Bless her.” The Captain face palmed hard. He was only kidding. In all honesty, if she had begged for her life, he would have let her back on deck. The crew said a silent prayer, and then one by one began to place their hats back on, and go back to their work. The Captain grimaced, and sighed, pulling his hat on tighter with a tug, and headed back towards his cabin.

Beneath the Lady Bass

Little did the crew know that the Lady Bass was moored not far from Rock Island, where it is said the mermaids of the deep are known to frolic…and kill. As Celeste slowly sank well below the ship, dozens of dark shapes were swimming towards the vessel at speed. Some were swimming around the body of Celeste, as she went deeper into the blue.

Other sea creatures were also approaching, but the mermaids kept the sharks at bay. One fair mermaid took the hand of the sinking girl, and with the powerful movement of her tail, she spirtied the girl up towards the surface, not far from where she had fallen.

Breaching the surface, another mermaid helped bring the girl’s head above waters, while the fair blonde one, began to sing as her sisters all started to bring their heads above water. The siren like songs of the mermaid could be heard by the crew. One by one, they walked as though hypnotized to the edge of the ship, only to see the bevy of aquatic beauties staring up at them. The lead…continued to sing, and her voice finally reached that of the Captain. He stopped dead in his tracks, having heard the chorus before.

“No…it can’t be.” he thought to himself, as he ran back to the side of the boat, where he saw …HER.

“Amber…never thought I would see you again.” The Captain recognized Lady Amber Rinks. A mermaid that fell in love with the Prince when he was but a teen. Now a grown man, he had sailed the seas, and Amber had searched for him….the whole time. She had a grip on Celeste as she looked at the unconscious girl, then back up at the Captain.

“Got tired of this one too, Captain?” She hissed, knowing the Captain’s record with women.

“She walked the plank, I didn’t force her.” Derek protested, much to Amber’s amusement.

“Very well. Then I guess she can drown.” Amber went to let the girl go and Derek yelled out.

“Wait…don’t”

The mermaids all started to giggle and laugh as the Captain now seemed to want to save the girl. Amber narrowed her eyes and then said.

“It’s going to cost you.”

What on earth would a mermaid like Amber want, you may dare ask. The Captain ordered a small boat be lowered and some of the crew go down and retrieve Celeste as the mermaids all giggled and started to sing. Amber held onto Celeste…and waited.

<3>

The small boat was being lowered as fast at the pirates were able. Captain Derek leaned over as Amber made her rash statement that if they wanted the damsel, that it was going to cost him. One thing you never do, is make such a deal. Mermaids were not just pretty faces or sirens that can lull you to sleep. They were predators, more dangerous than man eating sharks….if you got too close.

Amber found humor in the Pirate’s antics, cursing and flailing as they lowered the boat. Many other mermaids had now arrived on the scene, with their heads breaching the surface, while Amber cooed at the Captain.

“Oh I see how it is. You would care for a woman now that has such pretty little feet, but nay to the girl with fins.” Amber had been rejected by Derek before, when long ago, she fell in love with him and he went off with some Lady from the North. Amber was heart broken, and made it her mission to be a constant reminder of love gone wrong. Her laughter bubbled up as the sodden girl was rousing from unconsciousness. Amber took a stronger hold on the girl, and then realized this girl was worth more than she first thought.

The small boat pushed away from the Lady Bass, oars in the water as it tried to reach the mermaid and her hostage.

“Just let the girl go…Amber.” The Captain called out from the deck of the ship. Amber mocked a pout. “Letting your men do your dirty work, Captain? I am not amused. I think I might…keep this girl, yes.” With that she dived, and pulled the hapless Celeste with her at speed, while her sister mermaids encircled the small boat filled with Pirates. All suddenly became very afraid, as they bared their razor sharp teeth, their large fins slapping the underside of the boat, as Amber made her escape. The mermaid headed for Rock Island, that was filled with underwater caverns; a virtual mermaid palace. A place where men dare not tread.

<3>

“Oh I see how it is. You would care for a woman now that has such pretty little feet, but nay to the girl with fins.” Amber had been rejected by Derek before, when long ago, she fell in love with him and he went off with some Lady from the North. Amber was heartbroken, and made it her mission to be a constant reminder of love gone wrong. Her laughter bubbled up as the sodden girl was rousing from unconsciousness. Amber took a stronger hold on the girl, and then realized this girl was worth more than she first thought.

As the constricting of the mermaids arms tightened around her Celeste awakened and yelped in pain, although courageous and brave she could feel the might of the feisty woman. Instantly her eyes turned to look into the eyes of her captor.“You…” Celeste’s eyes widened as the mermaid looked back into her eyes and smirked mischievously, playfully even. Enjoying the moment of having her in her arms ever more sacred, holding Celeste in her arms as if she was a treasure lost at sea.
“Just let the girl go…Amber.”The Captain called out from the deck of the ship. Amber mocked a pout. “Letting your men do your dirty work, Captain? I am not amused. I think I might…keep this girl, yes.” With that she dived, and pulled the hapless Celeste with her at speed, while her sister mermaids encircled the small boat filled with Pirates. Celeste had listened to the conversation as the storm brewed overhead and averted her gaze from the mermaid she’d recognized, to the Captain; the Captain who’d just now suddenly shown a slight form of affection and care for her. Her eyes glimmered as they’d looked into his, and instantly she felt it. Even at the most dangerous of times and unlucky of situations, there was a spark between them, his face softened as he eyed her and then turned to Amber who now dove off into the distance.

Everything became clear to her as they’d swim farther from The Lady Bass. This woman; had at one point fallen in love with the Captain. Celeste swam with the mermaid instead of rather fighting her, for she knew if she were to beat this mystical beauty, she’d need her alone, and deep in the trenches of the water nearing the mouth of Rock Island was where it’d happen. The distance closed in proximity as she, Amber and the rest of the mermaid coven she’d had behind her followed near the landing, a place of land where they’d taken their prisoners and those who fell to the charms, wit and cunning smart moves of the Siren and her motley, clever crew of beautiful maidens.

“Why do you care so much about him?” Celeste asked Amber as she adjusted herself in the woman’s grip. “You have to come to terms, you and him, will never work.” She sighed and closed her eyes as thunder roared in the distance. “It’s inevitable to fight it… You have fins, and he doesn’t.”

Amber turned to glare at Celeste before dunking her head deep within the trenches of the water, dragging her under so as to teach her a lesson. But thinking better after a small passing half minute she brought her to the surface, possibly to plot something much bigger. What it was? Celeste had no idea, but she was sure she was going to find out, sooner or later.

All these thoughts and the only one to kick in was; why? Why had the Captain cared so much to save her life just then? These were questions that plagued her mind, but now wouldn’t be answered due to her being far from him. And now surrounded by mermaids who looked like they wanted to skin Celeste alive, all she could do now was take a deep breath and wait for what’d happen next.

Amber dragged Celeste’s heavy fabric clad form through the entrance of the Rock island caves and into an underground lagoon, that was a haven for mermen and mermaids. Many laughed to see what Amber was dragging through the water and finally the mermaid released the girl near a rocky outcrop, before lazily swimming back to the middle of the lagoon. If Celeste was to clamour up the rocks she would be in full view of all the mermaids.

Amber tipped her head back and forth as she watched the girl rise to standing. Her dress would by now be a shredded ruin, that would cling to her shapely form. It interested Amber to see the girl’s bare feet upon the rocks. Only at certain times, could a mermaid walk on land….thankfully this was not one of them. Celeste had tried to make Amber understand that she and Derek could simply never be.

It’s inevitable to fight it… You have fins, and he doesn’t.” 

This had Amber laugh, and she smirked viciously. Now coming to realize that Celeste felt something for the Captain, the wayward Prince. And now Amber was about to capitalize on it.

“You…do realize that he is the Prince of Casterly. An..angel no less, parading as a Pirate. Funny, huh? Such a good and kind man that made you walk the plank.”

Amber swam towards Celeste’s rock and leaned on it with her elbows, arms folded as she asked.

“You are probably wondering how I know this? Well, I was not always confined to the sea. I walked on land, and that is when I found the Prince. So lonely in his garden. He knew me simply as Lady Rinks. And one night, we shared a kiss.” This had her smile at the memory, before a look of darkness came over her face.

“His…Mother. Metia. A witch among women, saw us kiss, and being as she is a right bitch….brought out a bucket of sea water and tipped it all over me. I grew my fins…my tail…and Derek was so shocked, he fled. The Queen’s guards carried me to the nearest water source, which was a river that led to the sea, and that was when I knew…if I ever was to capture his heart it would be on the ocean blue.”

Amber then grinned showing all her terrible shark like teeth.

“I just never counted on you.”

The Lady Bass

The Captain flew into a rage and ordered the small boat be brought back up, so the ship could raise anchor and go after the wicked mermaids. The crew flew into action, with winches being wound, the anchor rising from the deep. Derek was beside himself. He felt the connection as he looked at the roused Celeste, and he wanted to have that feeling again. The Captain was going to have to deal with Amber once and for all. Only question was would they make it in time?

<3>

It had been a long and trying night, the storm that raged on was near a close and all Celeste’s thoughts ran rampant around her head. Amber had released her and pushed her towards a rocky outcrop, where instantly Celeste clambered up onto. With doing this she swiftly turned and her hair followed, smacking her instantly across the face as she finally was able to catch sight of the beauties of the night and sea everyone called mermaids.

Celeste stood up on the rocky ground and caught the eye of Amber staring at her feet, examining her in her full form. Celeste sighed and gathered her breath before then listening to the random laugh from Amber’s lips.

“What’s so funny?”

And not a moment later she responded with ease.

“You…do realize that he is the Prince of Casterly. An..angel no less, parading as a Pirate. Funny, huh? Such a good and kind man that made you walk the plank.” A prince, posing as a prince while all being a mystical and by far more amazing being than that of a mermaid. He was an angel, and she’d been blind to it all. But of course she would have, not many would be able to spot that of an angel so quickly, it was usually if there was another present or if they’d want to be seen as such in the first place. It was already beyond the time for Celeste to have caught some sleep, and just recently her thoughts ran rampant, now her mind began to settle as different things slowly pieced together.

Amber swam towards the rock Celeste stood on and leaned on it with her elbows, arms folded as she asked.

“You are probably wondering how I know this? Well, I was not always confined to the sea. I walked on land, and that is when I found the Prince. So lonely in his garden. He knew me simply as Lady Rinks. And one night, we shared a kiss.” Again, another secret she’d not known. But then again, why would Celeste have known of such secrets and stories, she’d only just met the pirate Captain—No, the prince, just this eve. It wasn’t until Amber continued did Celeste finally sit and perch her knees to her chest to stay warm.

“His…Mother. Metia. A witch among women, saw us kiss, and being as she is a right bitch….brought out a bucket of sea water and tipped it all over me. I grew my fins…my tail…and Derek was so shocked, he fled. The Queen’s guards carried me to the nearest water source, which was a river that led to the sea, and that was when I knew…if I ever was to capture his heart it would be on the ocean blue.” She’d told her. Celeste brought her hand to her mouth before then standing once more, and moving about the small space of land she was given.

Amber then grinned showing all her terrible shark like teeth.

“I just never counted on you.”

“And that’s it then.” She laughed a bit. “You know, I am sure you knew this, you know, being a mermaid and all. But… Mermaids can spend their entire lives exploring the wonders of the Seas and love being free in the ocean. When a Mermaid gets lonely, their heart will warm up and then they become curious about the world ashore. Kind of like a vice-versa situation with you and the Prince.” Celeste sighed before carrying on with her story.

“But, then when a mermaid/merman is heartbroken their heart will turn cold again if they let it, as they if their feeling betrayed and disappointed so they will naturally feel drawn back to the sea.” She smiled with no emotion behind her features and then crouched down to eye level with Amber and giggled once more. “It’s what happened tonight, didn’t it?” Her eyes narrowed and she sat down. “You sought him out this evening, not caring about the human who’d drown; for you, as most mermaids and mermen do… were only looking out for yourself. You looked upon the prince as your icy heart began to thaw and instantly held me captive then and even now, hoping, almost wanting and pleadingly wishing that he’d look onto you and be drawn back to the moment. And I do say moment, listen closely. “Celeste was getting to Amber, and she knew it. This time the ball was in Celeste’s court, even having been captured she’d figured it out piece by piece. “I mean honestly, whether or not I care for the prince, tis’ no business of yours.” She waved her hands in the mermaids face just then as her courage began building more and more. “But that was just it… it was a moment in time, as I’m sure I’ll be.” Amber grinned wickedly before then moving back from the ledge of the outpost. “But if you think for one moment, you’re right for him…” And by this time, it was Celeste’s turn to feel the pool of fury. Her anger built in the belly of her core as she then glared at the mermaids and zoned in on Amber. “You’re dead wrong.” Celeste arm swung forward and towards the right of her, as a mystical energy of pure invisibility shot out in an attempt to toss the Mermaid towards the nearest wall of the cave with brute force.

“You’re far from being right for him…”

Celeste was more fiesty than the mermaid had imagined. Using her knowledge of mermaids against her, Amber’s fury raged as the waters around her started to bubble. She screeched a high pitch sound, that was designed to attract more merpeople from the deep. Oh if this girl was going to be a handful, she wanted to have an audience for what was to be the girl’s fate.

“You’re dead wrong.” Celeste screamed, hurling a bolt of mystical energy of pure invisibility at the mermaid, which sent Amber flying up and out of the water, and smashing into a rock wall, then tumbling down into the blue waters without so much as a sound. Celeste may have defeated Amber for the moment, but Celeste was not alone.

The waters rippled as there were dark shadows coming in from the deep. It was clear that the danger was ever present, and while she had manged to expel a great deal of energy at Amber, would she be able to fend off the rest of the mermaid coven. Two large mermen appeared, breaking the surface and throwing back their heads as they did so. Foam of white water built as more and more appeared. Menacing hisses and in human growls filled the cavern. It was not a place for the faint hearted.

Finally Amber re emerged from the deep, a large gash to her forehead with a green coloured blood oozing from the wound. You could see the sheer hatred in her eyes, her face contorted from its usual beauty into something truly evil. She started to speak in a high pitch like squeaking, that would have shattered glass, as the very rocks that Celeste stood on looked like they were moving. They weren’t actually moving, but something in a large number was crawling across them towards Celeste.

Things were about to get nippy, for the young Celeste.

Outside the cavern, the long boat from the Lady Bass was being rowed towards the mermaid lagoon, with Captain Derek at the front of the boat holding a lantern. He hoped and prayed he made it there in time.

<3>

“You’re dead wrong.” Celeste screamed, hurling a bolt of mystical energy of pure invisibility at the mermaid, which sent Amber flying up and out of the water, and smashing into a rock wall, then tumbling down into the blue waters without so much as a sound. Celeste may have defeated Amber for the moment, but Celeste was not alone.

And right on cue.

The waters below her rippled as there were dark shadows coming in from the deep. It was clear that the danger was ever present, and while Celeste had managed to expel a great deal of energy at Amber, would she be able to fend off the rest of the mermaid coven? Two large mermen appeared, breaking the surface and throwing back their heads as they did so. Foam of white water built as more and more appeared. Menacing hisses and in human growls filled the cavern. It was not a place for the faint hearted.

“Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me.” She cried silently. “Celeste Dubois, what have you gotten yourself into?” She thought to herself silently as she slowly began trying to plan her next move.

It was then that Amber re-emerged from the watery depths more vicious than before, this instantly sent a slight shiver down Celeste’s spine. Although tired and weary from not having any sleep she closed her eyes and began to think. The mermaids and mermen were coming closer, and at full throttle, nearly close to a dozen if not more. How would she be able to fend them all off?

And just like a light to a small cavern, she’d gotten an idea, just as the angry Amber released a shockwave like scream, Celeste covered her ears. Her body formed into that of a cradle position as the oncoming waves of crab like creature’s neared her.

And as the final resort finally thinking of the worst and holding onto the last bit of courage she’d had left Celeste spoke. “Fine” She sighed and rose while watching as the crabs came closer and closer. “You can have him. I’ll leave him alone; find my own way in this land, wherever I am. And figure it out.” Celeste eyed the oncoming crabs and fended them off with waves of her hand here and there, sending them spiraling back into the water after slamming into the walls.

Celeste stood idly by, her hands readied to defend herself as she breathed heavily from exhausting herself from using too much energy. “You let me go, and I will never see the prince again.” She sighed and felt her heart push against her chest as she prepared for the worst.

“Just promise me… you’ll do what you can to take care of him, and keep him from harm.”

It was turning into a nightmare for Celeste, with the onset of crabs towards her and the menacing mermaids and men that were encircling the rock on which she stood, but litte did they all realize the long boat had just entered the lagoon, the pirates having silently lifted their oars as the Captain hung over the side of the boat, making a bee line for Amber. In his teeth was a curved dagger, that glistened in the moon light. Before she knew what had happened, an arm drapped around her neck, and then the blade was held to her throat. He was a Pirate after all, and knew how to fight.

“Listen up, you tentacle covered sea lizards. You are to let the girl go….or I cut this mermaid’s head right from her neck.”

The Captain made good on his threat, while Amber thrashed and tried to bring her hands up to tear his arm away. It was safe to say, that the Captain was far stronger than the mermaid, and he kept the other mer people in his sights.

“Derek!” The mermaid squeaked, as she felt the metal of the blade to her throat. Her eyes practically bulging, and pupils dilated. All the other mermaids and men swam back as they watched on in horror. The Captain had never looked more serious than he had in his life and then the blade pierced her skin, causing her to shriek.

“Let her go.” The mermaid cried, obviously defeated and feeling her blood trickle out from the knife wound, that would soon be attracting sharks. The moment the mermaid made the order, the crabs backed away, and this gave the girl the chance to clamber around the rocks and leap into the pirate long boat. Once she got on board, and only then, would Derek release Amber, and then make the order to sail back to the Lady Bass.

<3>

There was much excitement about the castle with the news Rashna was returning to the Vaas with Princess Clarice, the youngest of the Casterly children. Having kept her in a safe haven whilst the search for Prince Derek had gone on, now that he was nowhere to be found, the desision was made that Clarice was to ascend to the throne as Queen of the Casterly, so that the Kingdom could move forward, from its years of mourning.

Both Rashna and Clarice flew high on the wing, and were seen to be spiriting down by Ira, the current head of the family. King Henry’s own brother, he had done a mighty fine job in holding the realm together, but now it was time for the new generation to lead the people of Vaas into the future.

With fluttering wings, Rashna and Clarice landed, their feet barely touching the ground, as Ira walked towards them and then swooped up Clarice in his arms.

“Welcome home, your Highness.” He said with a joyful air, as Rashna beamed in behind the pair, setting down their bags. Clarice hugged Ira’s neck tight, before pulling back to show off her turtle, that she had brought home in her pocket.

“Aunty said it was time to come home, Uncle. Where is my Brother? Is he here? I want to show him Tog, the turtle.”
Her voice was almost like a melody, as her eyes sparkled at the idea of seeing Derek again. Rashna suddenly looked worried, when she saw the look on Ira’s face. Gently he set the girl down and then crouched, so they were at eye level.

“Princess….your brother could not be found. We did try so hard to find him, but we fear he has gone to a land where he is simply not able to return from.”

This news was somewhat shocking to the young girl, who held her turtle tight in her hands.

“So…he will not be King?”

Ira shook his head and then tilted it as he said what had to be said. “No, child. He won’t. That is why you are home now. The people and the Kingdom need a leader, and that…is to be you.”

Clarice looked shocked and almost dropped Tog.

“But…I am just a kid.” She said, looking bewildered and then glanced back at Rashna, who stepped forward and placed her hands on the girl’s shoulders.

“You are the daughter of King Henry and Queen Metia…you are next in line as heir. It is your duty to become Queen.”

Clarice shook her head and sighed. “But I am just a kid.”

<3>

Amber was swiftly released from the Captain’s choke hold as soon as Celeste was settled in the long boat. Sheathing his dagger, he then gave the order for the boat to make its way back to the Lady Bass, now that Celeste had been rescued. The Mermaids and mermen gathered in the waters around Amber who was now bleeding on her forehead and neck. The evil look she gave Derek as the boat sailed away showed that though he won this round, there would be another. This was far from over.

Lady Bass

As the crew hoisted the long boat back on board the side of the Lady Bass, Celeste was assisted onto the top deck, by the first mate as the Captain supervised the tying off of the boat to the ship. Leaping up onto the rail, he then listened to Celeste speak her mind about Amber, or at least her interpretation of the relationship that the Captain must have had with the aquatic maiden some time before. He raised a brow, as she cast her judgement, and then swanned through a sea of pirates and crew before descending down towards what he imagined was his cabin. Blinking, he rubbed his right temple, and frowned, as he jumped down onto the main deck, and followed the chatty young lady down to his quarters.

Captain’s quarters

Opening the door, the Captain spied the young lady looking about his desk. He closed the door behind him with a loud bang, that was certain to startle her. Walking on, with his hands behind his back, tapping the back of his palm to the inner palm of his left hand, he lowered his head as he tried to gather his thoughts on exactly what to say.

“You are by far, one of the most…bizarre women I have ever encountered.” Well, that was a first for the Captain, who was usually more reserved in casting judgement on others. He started to pace back and forth, every now and then pointing at her, as he spoke.

“You had the nerve to parade yourself in front of my crew about what you believed me to be, and I can assure you, that your assumptions are FAR from accurate. I DO not appreciate my identity being so easily flounced around with aplomb.”

Oh he was just getting warmed up.

“The fact that you decided to jump off the plank, was…YOUR choice, and then you put yourself in danger with the likes of Amber and her underwater goonies. Yes, I did come to your aid, and yes, I am sure you are grateful, my dear.” At this point he rounded the desk and stood right in front of her so she could get a good whiff of his scent.“Never…EVER..speak in front of my crew like that again…SAVVY?”

<3>

Celeste easily drifted to sleep in the time the Captain was gone. Her mind had wandered a she slowly fell into a day dream, fields of flowers and meadows, the sight of her in a gown envied by many and a man, who this man was, she’d no clue… but she was sure to find out as she slowly inched closer to him, though he be not far off from the meadow she strolled and frolicked through.

*Slam*

The door to the cabin of the Captain’s Quarters had shut with force. Celeste opened her eyes, calmly, yet in a startled like fashion.

“So you’ve come and let her off.” Celeste spoke tiredly.

The Captain looked at her and narrowed his eyes. “You are by far, one of the most…bizarre women I have ever encountered.” Celeste laughed slightly if silently at best, at this. Her eyes rose and she lifted her head to look at him as he continued.

“You had the nerve to parade yourself in front of my crew about what you believed me to be, and I can assure you, that your assumptions are FAR from accurate. I DO not appreciate my identity being so easily flounced around with aplomb.” By now the Captain was throwing his arms up in every which way to emphasize how serious he was when he spoke to her, his anger only beginning to build. A light whimper escaped Celeste’s lips as she brushed her hair from the right side of her face to fall behind her back, just no later having the left side of her hair cascade right down her opposing shoulder, half covering her face, beautiful; though tired.

“If you think that was a parade, then you’re wrong Captain. That was far from a parade. Far be it for me to speak on my own beliefs of what I’ve seen, but also from what I’ve heard from that wretched mermaid beauty, who by now far off in the distance is plotting her revenge schemes as we speak.” Celeste was feeling it, the warming up of the Captain’s speech and it was then she placed her hands to her arms and rubbed them as she continued to feel the cold chill down her spine.

“The fact that you decided to jump off the plank, was…YOUR choice.” Celeste sighed heavily before speaking in turn. “If you’d paid attention to the call of the waves, as rough as they’d been last eve; as a Captain should might I add. You’d known I’d fallen and not jumped.” She’d had enough, and just as she rounded to stand he continued.

“And then you put yourself in danger with the likes of Amber and her underwater goonies.” This was becoming too much for her, and she felt it. But with each passing moment she also felt another. Her courage; rising from the depths within her core. “You’d think I’d willingly place myself in danger? Just like that?” She coughed then and continued before then beginning to move to stand. At this point Derek had rounded the desk and stood right in front of her so she could get a good whiff of his scent.“Never…EVER..speak in front of my crew like that again…SAVVY?” By this time, she stood. Celeste was near eye level if not a foot or two shorter than he. His eyes, doe brown as they were looked into hers and she instantly felt it again. The same pool of energy she’d felt when she was first captured by the wicked mermaid, Amber. His scent drifted in the morning, dawn air. She’d not know what the smell was exactly, but it’d made her knees weak. And she’d had enough of the arguing they’d done. Celeste inched closer to the Captain, as dangerous as he was at this time, and as tired as she was, she didn’t care. The pull was real. As her head lifted to look towards the sunrise, the rays danced along her fair skin and allowed the light to surround her, her body slowly glowing in an angelic rarity of white light; her lips parting from her cold, now pale and pouty lips as she spoke slowly and precisely to the Captain, to Derek.

“Why?” She spoke. “Why save me?” Her eyes glowed in the glistening light, as her skin did. Awaiting a response, hopefully now having had the courage to withstand whatever amount of rage he’d unloaded on her. Her tired body collapsed forward and she placed a hand amongst his semi-bare chest; purely on accident and from having collapsed from her weary and exhausted night. Still, her head now downward moved to look unto his chest, small hairs protruding from the open space as she awaited his response.

“Why? Why save me?” Now that was indeed a good question. The Captain somewhat surprised when the girl more or less collapsed against his chest, fatigued from the arduous night. At first all he could do, was stare into her doe like eyes, and feel the caress of her slender digits upon his skin. So cool on his warm chest, it sent a tingle through him which was totally unexpected.

“I err. I…well, it’s what you do, isn’t it? You did invoke parlay, and then you got into strife. I was obliged…I..”

The Captain’s voice died away the longer that he stared at her. The morning’s light had shone through the small portholes, and not only illuminated her skin, by brought out the beauty of her eyes. His brow creased as his anger seeped away like the tidal currents. Derek placed his hands over hers, then pushed her back so she was standing freely. She was still wearing the wet and ragged dress that she wore in the ocean, and not only that she was shivering from cold. This simply wouldn’t do.

“You need to get out of those clothes, and to be warm.” He said, with some authority. He then called over her shoulder.

“Thomas!”

Behind the door, you could hear the shuffle of footsteps, and then the door opened, a light creaking sound of rusted hinges.

“Aye Sir?” The young cabin boy asked, looking at the couple with a slightly raised brow, like he had walked in on something he shouldn’t. The Captain then ordered:

“Get this lady a clean set of clothes from the trunks in the hold, and get the guest cabin ready.”

“Yes Sir.” Thomas said, tipping his red hat before closing the door again, leaving the Captain alone with Celeste.

“Regardless of what you may or not know of me, I don’t take advantage of a lady in…such a state as you are in. I suggest that you go to the third cabin on the right before the stairs, then take the fresh clothes that Thomas brings you and then have a sleep. It will do both you…and me some good, I think,”

It wasn’t totally unreasonable, and this would give the Captain time to think, of what to do with the girl.

<3>

The Captain’s expression changed, he’d been surprised by the collapse of her, his chest felt cold at the touch of her as all he did was stare into her eyes, feeling the ever soft touch of her cold fingers against his chest. Celeste breathed heavily for a moment, as she’d felt it for the third time in less than 24 hours. This man, this Prince; or Pirate as everyone so knew him by. He’d captivated her.

“I err. I…well, it’s what you do, isn’t it? You did invoke parlay, and then you got into strife. I was obliged…I..” Celeste’s lips parted and she slowly bit her lip at this bit as he spoke, a small blush rising to the surface of her pale cold cheeks. But as they stood idly by, the warm rays of the sun caressed them. She’d listened to him and smiled tiredly.

The Captain’s voice died away the longer he’d stared at her. The light of the morning sun shone through the portholes and illuminated her skin, but more so brought out the beauty in her eyes. Derek’s brows creased and Celeste then furrowed her own in a way as to wonder what was wrong. And by that his face softened, his anger seeping away like the calm after a storm. His hands moved about hers and he distanced them both from each other. She was standing freely and the Captain looked about her garments and noticed she’d been wet, ragged and completely worn out from. It was true as Celeste followed his gaze and noticed the very thing, a slight gasp escaping her lips as she tried to slowly rub the dirt marks from her tattered old dress. A light wind picked up through the morning air and instantly she shivered.

“You need to get out of those clothes, and to be warm.” Derek had told her. Celeste then nodded in agreement and released a heavy sigh, not speaking a word so as to not upset the Captain or bring forth his former rage.

“Thomas!”

The Captain had shouted over her shoulder. And not long after the sound of shuffling feet could be heard from down the hall, the moving of the creaking door on rusty hinges of the Captain’s very Quarters opened, and out before them came a boy, one who’d looked to be like that of a cabin boy.

Celeste smiled at the young boy and then turned forward to look at Derek.

“Aye Sir?” The boy looked shocked and surprised to see the Captain with such a beauty, and alone at that. His facial expression changed and he’d coughed without thinking so as to ask about moving about his business, and why he’d been summoned.

Get this lady a clean set of clothes from the trunks in the hold, and get the guest cabin ready.” Celeste eyes widened at the thought of sleeping at sea. And when she’d heard him speak about her being a ‘lady’ she laughed a bit before then speaking. “You may call me by my name, Captain. Which, forgive me, I’d never had the chance to properly introduce myself… But, anyway, my name is… Celeste,” She smiled then. “Celeste Marie Helene Dubois… Captain.”

“Regardless of what you may or not know of me, I don’t take advantage of a lady in…such a state as you are in.”Celeste tilted her head and smiled, almost warmly as to understand what the Captain had meant.

”I suggest that you go to the third cabin on the right before the stairs, then take the fresh clothes that Thomas brings you and then have a sleep.” Celeste looked at the boy once more and then to the Captain as he continued to speak. Her lips moved slowly and she spoke in the same manner. Slow and steady. “I agree…” She nodded then and closed her eyes before listening to the last bit he’d said.

It will do both you…and me some good, I think. Celeste gave a final nod and moved round the desk of the Captain, brushing his shoulder in the process, slowly and in strides of small paces did the entire scene play out before continuing on and moving towards the door to follow the boy who’d left.

Third Cabin on the Right aboard the Lady Bass

Celeste, weary and tired as she was could not think straight, for she now thought at a mile a minute. Following the Captain’s directions she’d moved into the third cabin on the right. It was homey looking, for a pirate and his crew. But now looking further she’d noticed a flower in the room on some random mantle. Slowly withering away, it brought a smile to her face. And instantly her thoughts were bothered. The boy from the Captain’s Quarters had come forth, extended his hands out with the clothes and spoke.

“The Captain’s instructed me to let you know to bathe before sleeping, you’d done and dirtied yourself in whatever mess happened last night, and well… Just clean up. Aye?” Celeste nodded to the boy as he then pointed to the clawfoot tub. She’d nodded once more to him and pondered the thought of cleaning herself as she knew that most to all pirates never cleaned themselves while out at sea. And if they did it was only with the use of buckets of saltwater. So as to why she’d be so lucky as to have a claw foot tub to use she’d no idea.

The night was long, it’d turned into morning and having bathed and brushed her teeth, the best she could she moved about the room to the small cot and blanket she’d been given. Never in her life had she looked upon a man with such splendor. T’was a first for her. She closed her eyes as she slowly drifted to sleep. Hopeful so not to have nightmares of her parents violent death at sea, and to dream of pleasant dreams of the Captain himself.

A short while later, there was a knock at the Captain’s cabin door. By this time, the Captain was going over some charts, whilst enjoying a brandy. He set down the small crystal glass, and sang out;

“Enter.”

It was Thomas, the young cabin boy. A good lad, with a mop of blonde curls and the darkest blue eyes you ever did see. Son of a beer wench from one of those lazy stop overs, he was won in a game of cards, as his father couldn’t pay his dues. Thankfully he ended up on the Lady Bass, and the Captain was more of a father to him than his real one. The door creaked open, as the Captain looked up expectantly.

“Aye, what is it, Tom?”

“The fine lady took the clothes, and she was having that bath you suggested. I past her cabin and not a peep. I think she been mighty tired. What with..everything.” the boy said with his unusual high pitch. Some found it annoying, but the Captain knew his voice would break soon enough.

“Ah..good. Nice to see she is finally doing what she is told.”

This had the cabin boy chuckle, though he couldn’t help himself. “Do ya like her, Cap’n?’ Thomas asked, his face riddled with curiosity. It was a good question too. The Captain walked around from his charts table, and took a look out the window at the sea, before answering.

“She’s a challenge, my boy. Do I like her? What man wouldn’t, have you seen her breasts?’

This had the cabin boy flush with embarrassment. “Captain…really. I’m a kid, Sir.” This was true, but it was worth seeing the look on the boy’s face. The Captain roared with laughter and then smacked his hand on the boy’s back.

“I be honest, Lad. I do fancy her. Just don’t be letting that get out. Bad enough all the fuss when I brought her on board. The crew don’t need more ammunition.” He had a point, but the truth was, it was plain as day to see the Captain liked Celeste. The cabin boy had heard enough, and then nodded as he asked to be excused, so that he may go and do his other chores. The Captain waved his hand, and the cabin boy left his cabin, leaving Derek to go stand by a window, as he watched the mountains of the Vaas lands start to fade into the distance.

“Goodbye…my homeland, may God watch over whoever rules you.”

<3>

Background Music for Dream

Kokiri Meadows/ Celeste’s Dream

The morning waves swayed to and fro as Celeste had drifted into a dream. The meadows again, filled with different flowers from daisies to sunflowers. And then, in the burning rays of the sun, a single ray seemed to illuminate the center of the fields. The fields where a girl played through skipped and frolicked. A young girl, with curly blonde hair, flowers in hand giggled. Her hair bounced as she moved from place to place, bewildered by the many flowers she held as well as the ones around her. But it was short lived for the young girl; her mother called out in the distance and she knew it was the end to her fun.
“Celeste, darling, come quickly, it’s time to wash up.” Her mother dashingly beautiful and elegant beyond any other woman looked on as her child turned her head while fiddling with flowers and stalks of the sorts.

“Coming mother…” Celeste had smiled and clenched the flowers she held tight in her hands while running towards her mother. Her smile was that of grace and beauty, and her giggle was the most joyous sound any man or woman had ever heard. Celeste’s arms flailed to and fro as she ran and ran across the fields, her hair bouncing up and down more and more while the rays of the sun cast it’s shining glow upon her fair porcelain skin. “Mother” Celeste exclaimed with British twang to her voice while then moving in a rapid motion to wrap her arms around her mother’s neck.

Lymsleia responded with ease and laughed joyously as her daughter had done so, while all but embracing her daughter in a loving hug. “Ooo,” Lymsleia exclaimed with some surprised excitement in her voice. “Someone’s had a great time in the fields.” Celeste nodded and shoved the flowers, that now half gathered in petals along the floor towards her mother. “Mommy, look what I got for daddy!” Her daughters smile was beautiful, her teeth as white as the snow from coming winter, and her hair as bouncy and voluminous of that of a well-kept horses mane. Lymsleia brushed her fingers through her daughter’s hair, moving it back while placing a kiss on her daughter’s cheek; then grabbing the flowers and placing her daughter on the ground. “Come, let’s go find him.” She’d said with flowers in hand, and daughter in the other.

Night of Storm/Scene Change

Death by Storm

The storm, rough and never ending was raging on in the distance. Celeste sat by the windowsill, her hand placed on the cold, icy window as if calling to her parent’s who’d taken a trip to The Vaas Lands.

A turn of Celeste’s head and off in the cold far off places, down before it sunk beneath the watery rigorous trenches she caught sight of the silhouette of the ship her mother and father had been on; the thunderstorm moving about the lands and the rain falling harder than before.

Everything silenced then, and all that was seen was the face of Celeste as her high pitched scream moved about the many rooms in her parent’s home. Her aunt then rushing into the room and embracing her in her arms, cradling her while she cried for her parents.

“Shh…” Sialeeds brushed the girls hair with her hand. “Dear sweet Celeste, please calm…” But she didn’t Celeste couldn’t having witnessed the tragic death of her parents. “I’m so sorry…” Sialeeds then cried out with her young niece, trying to hide the girl from the scene that unfolded before her. “I’m sorry…”

Third Cabin to the Right aboard The Lady Bass/Scene Change

Celeste woke, a scream moving from her lungs towards her airway and out of her mouth, the rays of the morning sun shining brightly in her face as small drops of sweat covered her chest and dripped down along her breasts.
The small happy scene, the only one that calmed her during times of duress played in her head whenever she’d had the nightmare.

Kokiri Meadows/ Mini- Scene Change

Her parents, both Isaac and Lymsleia had brought out their daughter Celeste for a small picnic. Delicacies of all sorts gathered around them as they ate. And before long they’d finished and Isaac had looked down at his daughter and smiled, placed a kiss upon her fair lips and held her tiny hands in his. “So, what would my princess like to do this afternoon, ey?” He smiled his dark blue eyes and light brown hair glowing in the sun’s rays while he awaited her answer. Not a second sooner she answered with a giggled and a playful kiss on her father’s nose.

“Pillow Fight.” She exclaimed with more excitement than guessed. And instantly it began, Lymsleia moved from her place on the picnic blanket and handed her daughter a pillow, before then giving one to her husband. “Let’s see if you can win this round, love?” She eyed her husband with a wink soon after. Thus ending the happy scene she’d remembered of her family.

Morning Sun Background Music 

Celeste moved from about the cot and ran to the edge of the tub, although filled with grime and dirty salt water she pushed her hands into the water and splashed her face. The water dripped along her face and instantly cooled her off as she began to gather her thoughts of what had just happened. Rising from her kneeling position she brushed the water from her lips, eyes and chest; grabbed the blanket she’d kept on the cot and wrapped herself around image. Her eyes wandered over the morning sun as she looked out onto the sea. It was indeed a beautiful sight, although it wasn’t one of her particular favorites, it was magnificent in its own way.

Her prior scream was sure to reach the Captain, be he at his desk or up top on deck. She’d known it would reach him, he’d be annoyed; if but slightly. And of course he’d come check on her. None of these she’d expected to happen from her scream. At least not to the point of annoying him and forcing him to come check on her. Celeste felt helpless. Much like a child, grounded to stay indoors. Her golden brown hues gazed out into the ocean blue as she wrapped her arms around her, to stay warm, to think straight. Anything to keep herself from having to relive the nightmare she’d just had.

Lost in thought she found herself becoming accustomed to the sea as the waves brushed along each other and the side of the ship. Then, a knocking; no, a rapping at her door was heard.

It was the Captain. But of course, who else could it have be? she thought to herself.

“I say…everything alright in there?” Derek had asked. Celeste blinked and turned her head a good 50 degrees to the right, looking over her shoulder as she spoke softly to the somewhat concerned Captain.

”Yes…” She responded while just now noticing the tears streaming down her face. ”Come in…” She spoke again, not caring to wipe her face then.

The Captain nodded and entered through the Cabin. His gaze kept towards the floor in case she’d played a trick on him and ‘wanted’ him to catch her in the act of changing, or worse; her being naked. But to his surprise and shock, she wasn’t. At least not at this moment, for when he looked up, all he could see was a sight of beauty and wonder. Why he began to feel this way, he’d not known. But he proceeded through the room and moved towards her, careful to keep a small distance between then so as to not trigger anything that’d frighten, or upset her.

I heard a scream, and well… to be frank, It startled my men, and they insisted I check on you. In the moment as his words left his lips he found out, he’d told a half lie to himself. He fancied her, and by looking at her in her distressed state he wondered how he’d let himself get so close to her… to anyone.

”I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to frighten anyone aboard. I gather I’m supposed to keep quiet, and stay silent; correct?” She sighed then as the tears silently flowed down her face. Her hand coming to brush a falling one that’d moved over her lip. ” But if you must know… it was just a nightmare.” She moved from looking out at sea, and then eyed him down. In the light of the morning sun, Derek was truly a sight to behold. His dashing smile made her skin tingle, his tossy hair made her heart warm, and his sudden concern not only shocked her but made her feel somewhat safer around him. He was, the epitome of an angel.

And just like that, to put a damper on things and make the mood more awkward than it was… she spoke one final time as she gazed into his dreamy eyes.

”My parents…” She felt her bottom lip quiver with fear as she gulped and continued to speak, the tear falling down her eye, over her cheek and towards her lips.“They died at sea…”

The Captain had been privy to many a tale, of how ships would set sail only never to return. It was one of the great risks that one undertakes when sailing out into the deep blue, and no matter how well prepared, or how strong a ship’s might; it can succumb to the sea, for its power is far greater than that of the wind alone. As a Pirate, one learns never to take the sea for granted, as many a fishing village does. It’s where the spoils and fortunes are won and lost, from a freak wave, to the swirling whirlpools that suck a ship to the very bottom. Giant squids, whales, and of course more fishy tales like Mermaids are common in folk lore, written and spoken about since the days when man first discovered how to sail.

The Captain sat upon one of the trunks, and watched the fair Celeste as she explained that her nightmare was the result of flashbacks. Her parents…died at sea. The Captain reached up and took off his hat, and placed it upon his chest, to show that his prayers were with the poor departed souls.

“And yet you cannot let go of your dreams and move on. The sea took your loved ones, and you have yet to come to terms with this.” The Captain said simply, before placing the hat back on his head with a light tug.

“Miss…death is part of life. It’s the next big adventure. I’d like to think that if you can remember your parents in the happier times, it makes the dark past fade into insignificance.”

He rose to standing, and then approached the girl, but instead of looking at her, he stared out the window.

“Your parents died together? If so, then that is how I want to go. With my lady love at my side, to travel with me to the other side….and be together for eternity.” Even though he had just lost his own parents, he still had a romantic notion of what relationships and death meant. He turned his head, staring down at the girl.

“My advice. When you are better rested, go to the top deck, right at the moment that the sun is about to slip from the horizon. At that precise moment, take off the necklace you wear, and throw it into the sea. My bet, that the spirits of your loved ones, shall receive this token…an offering, and help them move on, thus freeing you from your nightmares.”

<3>

The Captain had sat down upon one of the trunks in the room and watched her as she explained of her nightmare. The flashback of how her parents had died at sea. Her eyes wandered over him, trying to look for an expression of sorts and before long he reached up, removed his hat and placed it to his chest. A pirate thing, she presumed. He must have been showing that he cared for her enough to let his prayers be with her parent’s departed souls.

And as she watched on, his lips moved on their own accordance to his actions and the situation at hand.“And yet you cannot let go of your dreams and move on. The sea took your loved ones, and you have yet to come to terms with this.” The Captain had spoken simply before then moving to put his hat against his head as it was before.
She moved about the small cabin and tried to speak, but before doing so he continued to speak on.

“Miss…death is part of life. It’s the next big adventure. I’d like to think that if you can remember your parents in the happier times, it makes the dark past fade into insignificance.” Celeste pondered this over before then turning to look out the window, avoiding his gaze in total for not wanting to admit that truth; the one he’d spoken of. She feared if she had she’d just end up spilling a waterfall of tears before him once more. And she needn’t do that in front of the Captain; she’d already caused him enough stress as it was. For she, being the young woman she was; was a handful.

By this time the Captain rose to his full height, standing and then moving towards her. She needn’t look at him to know this, for she heard his footsteps draw near. And before he inched before her he turned his head to look out the window as she’d been doing before he entered.

“Your parents died together? Celeste gave a slight nod.

If so, then that is how I want to go. With my lady love at my side, to travel with me to the other side….and be together for eternity.” Her body stood still just then, no breaths taken, just a gaze. Her eyes to his, never wavering as she thought about what he’d said just then. And then everything resumed as it was. Her own lips quivering and then moving, parting ways and allowing air to pass as she then spoke to him; finally.

”Out of curiosity… what makes you want to—“ She stopped herself before continuing and then brushed the thought aside.

Derek turned his head to look at her and as a parting praise he spoke a final time.

“My advice. When you are better rested, go to the top deck, right at the moment that the sun is about to slip from the horizon. At that precise moment, take off the necklace you wear, and throw it into the sea. My bet, that the spirits of your loved ones, shall receive this token…an offering, and help them move on, thus freeing you from your nightmares.” His words, made sense, but were confusing to her all at once. A lot to take in from everything that’d happened. But she smiled to him and then moved her hand from about her arm to place on his shoulder if he’d let it. If so she’d brush his arm slightly and then ease him out of the cabin with her own final words.

”I will heed your advice, and think it over as I sleep once more… Honestly; thank you, I know I’ve caused you quite some stress and I need not cause you anymore, so please. . . just go. I know the sight of me must be a disgrace to everyone on your ship. It’s bad enough you’ve kept me aboard this long…” She sighed and took a deep breath before moving to the small cot, and laying down once more, her eyes finally trying to catch a night’s rest, one which she was sure she deserved and hope she’d get; this time around.

~Earlier on the hillside of the Pyre~

Nanny had had just about enough of the carry on between the Angel of Justice and the Knight, who seemed more intent on banging chests than actually doing good. They were so preoccupied with their fight, that they didn’t notice Nanny start to back away slowly, before finally turning, and making her way into the wood. She left behind the dead horse and the now empty cart of rotten food, and knew her passage to Haven should only now be a few short miles by foot. With the vial of Orion safely worn around her neck, and tucked within her bosom, she pulled back up the tattered hood, and followed the winding paths, that would lead her to Haven.

Haven Castle – The Throne room

In the Throne room of the Haven Castle, Clarice was still trying to come to terms with the enormity of her situation. A child Queen. Who would ever have thought such a thing? Derek was the true heir, or at least that is what Clarice believed. She knew how hard it had been for her father, for he was serious for many years, right up till his death trying to save her Mother; Metia.

Sighing, she plonked down on the floor and rested her chin on her upturned fists.

“I don’t think I am going to like being Queen.” Clarice said with a pout. Queens were grown ups, and Clarice didn’t want to grow up just yet. Rashna could see that the little one was not ready for the responsibilities, but she made it her duty to help the child cope with the changes. She crouched down on the floor beside her, and placed a slender finger under the girl’s chin.

“You know, Queens do fun things too.”

“Like what?”

“Well….they go to grand parties, and….dress up.” Rashna came up with that one out of the air, thinking that Clarice did love dress up time when she was kept at the safe haven.

“Can I take my turtle to the parties?” Clarice inquired, now starting to brighten up at the prospect of wearing pretty dresses and masks. The young Queen glanced up at Ira, who was smiling down at the child. She reminded him so much of Henry when he was young. Only, his brother lost his turtle in a stream when he let it go for a swim.

“But of course, your Majesty.” Ira said, now feeling more confident about Clarice’s reign over the Vaas lands. Clarice jumped up from where she sat and then pulled out her turtle from her pocket.

“You hear that, Tog. We can go to parties.”

Outside the gates of Haven Castle.

Very few people take notice of a peddler woman, or one that looked to be dressed in rags. In fact the thought that she might have leprosy, had guards and commoners alike giving Nanny a wide birth. Not to mention, she had driven that cart of rotten food all the way from the Brax lands, so it was safe to say she smelt worse than the back end of a donkey.

Passing through the gates, Nanny felt her heart swell, as she saw the grand castle of Angels. Her journey was almost complete, and the vial within her bosom actually vibrated and glowed fiercely. She was finally bringing it home. Passing by rows of guards and traders as she went through the town square, the chatter of those that went about their lives, spoke of a child Queen. In fact, news of the rise of Princess Clarice of Casterly to that of Queen had caused quite a stir. Many had expected Prince Derek to return, but alas, it seemed he would rather have his adventures, than serve his people.

Nanny actually clapped her hands with excitement. A child ruler, one that had not been tainted by the horrors of war and death, like that of her parents. Now more than ever, Nanny wanted to return the vial to its rightful owner. She hurried along the cobble stoned streets, till reaching the gates of the palace. Here, she knocked on the outpost door, and a guard came out, looking at the old woman oddly.

“What you want old Woman?”

From within her tattered cloak, she removed a piece of paper, that had the royal seal of Casterly.

“I come from afar, to return to Ira Casterly, the last writings of the King, Henry of Casterly.”

The Guard looked stunned, as he saw the royal seal, and knew that it could not have been fabricated. The document had blood on it, as though taken from his body, which it had been. He opened the gate, and then escorted Nanny towards the throne room.

The Throne room

As Rashna and Ira spoke with Clarice about her turtle, and what wonderful parties they would attend, there was a light breeze picked up from the balcony, which then became a blazing blue light. Down fluttered a messenger, who was little more like a fairy than a fae. She was wearing a powder blue dress, and the bluest of blue eyes. She bowed and scraped, and then with a tinkling voice, she chimed.

“Greetings, salutations, Hello and hello. I am Pya, the messenger of the Queen Arianna of Laegess. I come with an invitation to the Monarch of the Angels. We are having a ball tonight, to celebrate the return of the future King, Prince Sirus of Laegess, and word has it that he is to be wed, to Tempest of Brax.” She stood there beaming, as she handed over the scroll invitation to Clarice, and then fluttered out the window, only to vanish in thin air.

Clarice became excited. A ball. An invitation. A PARTY!

“Can we go….please?”

Ira and Rashna stared at one another. Tempest was the grand daughter of Henry and Metia, as well as the King of Brax. How was it she was to be married to a Fae Prince? This was all very strange, and the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. There was a knock at the throne room door, and the guard escorted in Nanny, who looked about in awe at the gleaming white and gold room.

“M’lord, this lady said she has some document from the King Henry, asked to see you.”

Ira creased his brow, and crossed the floor, before Nanny bowed politely, and spotted the child Queen Clarice, who looked so much like Tempest at her age. Ira held his hand out for the document, and Nanny graciously handed it over.

“Tis not just the will and last words of the King…but there is something else. Taken from the hands of the Queen, who never used it.” She then extracted the vial of Orion from her bosom. It glowed fiercely and this was when she handed it to the child. “This was once in your hands, I believe that you were told, it could save a life, or take it. But it can do something even more powerful. Child, you will know when to use it. It will sing to you, and you shall see them once more.”

Clarice took the vial, remembering it from the day her mother was taken. She didn’t understand then, why the Brax hated her family so, but she knew Tempest loved them, and with the news of her wedding to the Prince of Fae, the child knew she had to go.

“Uncle, Aunt, may we take this lady with us to the Ball of the Laegess?’

Rashna and Ira thought for a moment, as Nanny looked confused. “Ball of Laegess? They are fae.”

“Yes.” Rashna said. “Tempest Brax is to marry their soon to be King.”

The nanny just stood there, then clutched her hand up to her heart.

“TEMPEST!” she cried, and then fainted onto the floor. Ira rushed to her side, and helped prop her up. The old Nanny was in shock. For all the time she searched, for the child of light and dark, that could bring peace to the realms, she was in the last place that Nanny ever thought to look. Her eyelids fluttered, and she stared up at Ira. “I was her Nanny, and I brought home the bodies of the King and Queen to the pyre, before coming here all the way from Brax. Please…please let me come to the ball. My one and only wish, is to see the child be happy.”

The decision was then made. The four would go to the Ball to represent Casterly and the Angels. What would Tempest say, to this most unusual family reunion?

<3>

(Thread change – Wintervine)

Estelle stopped dead in tracks, listening to Calypso’s words of confusion and apologies. She could not believe the girl simply couldn’t see the Knight for what he was. Spinning on her heel, she closed the gap between them and stood with her hands on hips. Pursing her lips as she fought with what to say without sounding rude, she had to inwardly count to ten, before letting rip.

”From the very moment he saw you, the man has gone out of his way….for you. From getting you out of that stinking gaol, to paying your way and buying you so that the guards would not take you back. I have never known any man to pay a fortune for a woman’s freedom before in my entire life. I think…NO, I know you owe him, but that rejection? Really? I would die if he even gave me any sort of look that he gives you.”

Ah, so Estelle had fancied the Knight from afar also. This was turning into a real triangle. Huffing loudly, Estelle then heard the cries of her patients, and she knew she had to go back to work. Using her index finger, she prodded Calypo’s chest.

”Do me…a huge favour. Sort yourself out. I don’t need idle hands when working on the sick. I want a level headed woman. Either you can help me with the sick, or you would rather go back to the Mountains…at this stage, I don’t care.”

Flipping her hair back, she went back on towards the med tent, while Sir Reginald watched on, fascinated.

<3>

The voyage thus far had been fairly smooth sailing, with the exception of course of the damsel known as Celeste who was suffering from her child hood nightmares. The course plotted by the Captain had included a stop over on a remote island, which had been rumored to be inhabited by a native tribe that welcomed Pirate folk. Whether this was true or not, Captain Derek was always good for an adventure. Not only that, their fresh water supplies were dwindling, along with fresh foods. Within a few days, the island was sighted, and the ship made its way for the bay, where it was a good place to anchor the ship just shy of the reef.

There was much fevered activity on the main deck, as the crew to go to the island was being picked, while the rest would remain on board, till time for a swap or a hasty retreat if the natives became hostile. The first mate approached the Captain, who was staring at the island through his eyeglass.

“Captain…are you going to give that lady a walk on the beach?” He asked, curious to know if he would dare take the woman to shore. “Depends, Smith. She might not be up for a bit of a trek. She’s not exactly dressed for it.” The Captain said, lowering his eyeglass. He thought for a moment, then shrugged.

“Can’t hurt seeing is she wants off the ship.” The Captain decided, before handing his eyeglass to the first mate, and making his way down to her cabin. Strolling along the corridor, he had to wonder if she was still asleep.

The Captain came to her door, and knocked three times.

“Miss….we have reached an island paradise. Care to come join some of the crew?”

<3>

Writers:
CharlotteCarrendar
T1Legend

CharlotteCarrendar: Slivers of steel, glass and light. Littering the skyline with balls of fire emitting from gas pipes that shoot up ever skyward, in a display that is constant throughout the early eve. Flashing neon signs reflect against the dark panes of glass that are streaked by the constant smatter of rain. The moon does not shine, for its rays are blocked by sickening gray clouds that hang over the city; blanketing it as though it was a death shroud. Darting sphere shaped vehicles spirit in a procession past the glittering towers; all following the same set paths, pre-programmed by the manufacturing giant Halesco.

Watching from the tower, that has the orchid symbol upon its tallest peak is the head of the world’s largest conglomerate. In his hand, a glass of whiskey which he holds with just three fingers. The wafting cloud of cigar smoke, curls and dances about his head, while in the back ground, the haunting refrain of Pavarotti’s Nessun dorma is playing through the board room’s speakers. It brings him no solace this night, as two rows of faceless men in grey suits sit and wait for the CEO to have his moment. ~I did all this….so that humanity may go on.~ He thinks to himself, as a light tremor hits his right hand. He dare not let them see, and brings the glass around to be in line with his stomach, as he continues to watch the rain. In the dimly lit conference room, it is hard for one to see tears in the rain. It is good, that he has his back to them.

A few of the faceless men cough, as the song comes to its climactic end, and he knows he must turn to face them. A deal with the devil, and done with such good intent. He releases a light laugh, though almost strangled as it departs his lips. Head bowed, the moment had come. Slowly he pivots, and takes his place at the head of the table, sitting down with two large enforcers standing in behind him. The orchid illuminates the wall under which he sits. Face rising, the sea of suits stare with eyes black…have they no souls?

Setting down his glass, and resting his cigar in the crystal ashtray, he clears his throat, and then speaks; loud enough for all to hear.

“The latest reports are in. Testing on batch 549 – CDK have concluded that the new strain is effective. Doctor Seincroft’s findings after working in our labs has made history. The new era…is about to begin.” At this he holds up what looks to be a microchip, one that is usually put in animals or people. “We commence dispersion at first light.”

Around the table, the faceless men all applauded. It was what they wanted to hear. Of course it was, for they were the ones that commissioned it. The CEO leaned back in his leather high back chair, and simply smiled, but little could they see, the tear that had fallen.

Intro : The Stranger.

<3>

T1Legend: - How the hell did a guy like me end up getting involved in an outfit like this, you ask? I guess that’s a fair question. It sure as hell wasn’t a case of bleeding-heart idealism, I can tell you that. Truth be told, I’m not exactly what you’d call the hero type. I spent my entire life avoiding noble causes. No, my code was pretty simple—look out for numero uno. So how did a guy like me get involved? The answer to that is pretty simple, too.

It all started with a girl. Stories like mine always do.

Long legs and tight black pants, golden hair and gun-metal eyes. She wore a leather jacket, and you could tell by looking at her that she was the sort of girl that drank whiskey. A real firecracker that girl—you know the type. I knew she was trouble from the moment I laid eyes on her. And if there’s one thing I never could say no to, well, it’s blue-eyed trouble with an hour glass waist.

And let’s just be clear on one thing. I’m no hero—I ain’t no nice guy.
—————————————————————————————–
The bar was crowded but Sam found a place at the counter by his lonesome all the same. There is a crumpled package of Bazun cigarettes next to his glass of whiskey. The cardboard is wet from the rain and the fishing rod emblem has begun to peel. A crooked cancer-stick juts out of the corner of his mouth, lit and glowering angrily in a room that is dimly lit by smoke-clouded neon.

Outside, the dull roar of traffic noise is loud enough to challenge the collective sound of simultaneous conversation—the clink of glass, crude laughs, the whisper that the cocktail waitress’ skirt makes, and the crack of a billiards game. There’s a card game in the center of the room—a man in a baseball cap leans against a jukebox that won’t play and men in suits converse amongst themselves in the corner.

Sam’s cheeks are rough with the prickle of five o’clock shadow; he is hunched over his whiskey and ashtray with his jacket draped the back of his chair. There isn’t a band, but there is a piano in the corner—its notes are light and lilting, like the blue haze that wafts throughout the room. Sam’s tie is undone and his white-button up has lipstick stain on the collar. There is a leather holster beneath his right shoulder, but his .45 doesn’t draw concern in a place like this.

CharlotteCarrendar: - Running. Always running. The statuesque blonde runs out between the bustling city crowds, her arms pumping and pushing people aside as she darts up a back alley. Two foot patrol men; hot on her heel. An over shoulder glance as she rounds the bend. Few venture to this end of town unless desperate to score, or down on their luck. You’d think she would be out of breath by now, but not this girl. She had outrun them before and would do it again. Leaping over piled garbage, and then comes to a dead end. Running up to the steel gates that are pad locked, with two guard dogs on the other side, barking ferociously as the blonde pivots around and faces her enemy. Both have orchid symbols on their lapels. The one on the right sneers, his face barely visible from the dull light of a street lamp. He withdraws a baton and snaps it open, warily starting to approach her, as he utters; “Now we can do this the hard way…or the easy way. Boss doesn’t like to lose his property.” The man on the left reaches for his walkie talkie and then presses the button to communicate with base. “This is Rogue Seven. Yeah, we got her, just bringing her in.” So sure they were that she would simply just give herself up. Steel silver blue hues lock on the guard coming forward, his right hand holding the baton, which he is using as a defensive tactic, as he tries to beckon her with his left. “Come on, just get on your knees, hands behind your back.”

Pink lips slightly parted as she releases a breath, she simply goes. “Fock youz,” The armed guard lunges with his right arm swinging out so as to strike her mid section, but as he does so she goes for a left hand grab of his wrist, spinning so he is caught behind her and she flips him up and over her body so he lands down at her feet awkwardly in front of her. Right hand comes out and rips back the man’s scalp as she takes out a pocket knife, engaging the blade and then slicing it across his throat, blood spilling out on the sidewalk, as he starts to drown in his own blood. Releasing the first guard, she spins back to the second, and grins. Gesturing with her blooded hand she says. “I do youz to, Comrade.” Seeing his partner murdered right before his eyes, he drops the walkie talkie and goes to pull out his service revolver. As he fumbles, the blonde charges at him, lunging as he tries to raises his right arm to fire, but is only knocked off his feet, his gun falling from his grip and discharging. Winded on his back, the blonde leaps onto his chest, and then with a forceful heel stomp, drives her boot heel into his throat, as he flails on the ground, screaming. Damage done, she then jumps off, and makes a run for it, back out of the alley.

Flicking her knife back, though covered in blood, she pockets it. She’s late. The blonde hadn’t expected company, but that was the risk she took. Finally making it to the club, she goes down the dimly lit stairs, and into the underground bar. Stale smoke, urine and booze meets her as she pushes open the frosted glass door. Wiping a streak of blood off her face, she makes her way to the bar, straddling the bar stool as though about to ride off into the sunset. The blonde taps the bar and the bartender wanders over. “Vodka…” She says simply, before glancing sideways at the disheveled stranger. She notices the packet of cigarettes and pulls out a collector zippo lighter, dropping it on the bar. She is still dripping, from running in the rain, and she flicks her hair, which causes a spray of water droplets to fall on our hapless gent beside her.

<3>

On the far side of the road, there was a black van parked, that had dark tinted window, and a satellite dish on the roof. Standing out as plain as dog balls, it was either a government investigation unit van, or…something more sinister. The man who sat in behind the wheel peered through the windscreen, as his chubby offsider, Frank Termon came tottering across the road, after just leaving the club himself. He huffed and puffed as he reached the sliding door on the far side of the van, jumping in after closing the door behind him. 

“Well…..is she there?” The shaded man asked, as he looked back over his shoulder at his assistant. Frank was trying to regain his breath, and exhaled loudly before replying.“According to Dmitri, she has been in the VIP room a few hours. Dancers go in…no one comes out.” The shaded man looked back across the road at the entrance to the club, slowly taking off his shades and tossing them on the dashboard of the van. He began to sneer as he reached across and picked up a cross bow, that already had a spiked wooden stake set in its holder. 

“Very good. I think it is time that the night was rid of that blood sucking bitch…once and for all.” 

The Vampire hunter opened his car door, and slid out as the assistant reached for his hot pocket and took a bite hungrily. Hiding in behind a parked car, the hunter prepped the bow, and pointed it at the entrance, waiting for Isabella to appear. 

<3>

Jason was right of course, the club was due to be closing it’s doors soon and not only that they had made a fairly big mess of the place. Isabella took her dress off Jason, after he nuzzled the crook of her neck. Teasing her of what pleasures he would bestow on her during the latter part of the night. A sly smile and Isabella put her dress back on, and placed her stockings inside her clutch, not bothering to put them on again. Her hair looked tusselled and she had clearly had her fill of blood, thanks to the blonde dancer from earlier. She didn’t seem too fussed with the blood dolls he was bringing home, so long as she didn’t have to sit near or next to them. 

Ready to head out, she opened the door only to see the owner there, with a cleaning crew. 

“I take it that our services were to your…taste, my Queen?’ Stan said with a large smile, as she handed over a wad of cash. Isabella toyed with his tie and then brushed her lips to his cheek. “You never fail to please me. I shall return again.” 

Taking up the wad of bills, he tucked them in his jacket, while snapping his fingers for his crew to move in and clean up the suite before anyone was none the wiser. That problem out of the way, Isabella sauntered through the remaining patrons, and made her way towards the door, that was opened for her by one of the bouncers. Other people were leaving as well, so when the door opened, there was at least six or more coming out the door, with Jason and his dolls not far behind. 

<3>

Unbeknownst to Isabella and Jason the Vampire hunter had been waiting patiently crouched behind a red corvette. The hunter watched the crowd slowly disperse before he caught a fleeting glimpse of his intended target Isabella. Slowly and silently the male raised the crossbow before settling a sharpened stake upon the stock while taking careful aim at the Vampire Queen’s chest. With a pulled trigger and a soft click the stake shot off the crossbow before flying straight into the right shoulder of Isabella whom screamed in surprise and agony. As this happened two things would happen the crowd would disperse like a flock of birds after a gunshot while the Vampire Hunter ducked down beneath the red corvette to load another stake. However the plight of his Queen turned the calm and sedate Jason Cox into a rage driven vampire lord. His wings would tear from his back before he bowed his legs and leaped straight upwards and beating the majestic wings. As he floated there aloft his two blood dolls silently whisked the Queen towards the Charger they had come in. It was then the vampire hunter revealed himself to Jason’s eye completely unaware that the vampire lord was above watching. As he took aim for a second shot as the retreating trio Jason would utter a keening hiss that drew the hunters attention. With a paled face the vampire hunter hastily readjusted his aim for the now diving vampire lord who was coming down like a bolt from the heavens. Oh shit had surely hit the fan as a second and third stake whizzed by Jason’s face narrowly missing him. Then with a second keening hiss he would swoop down and envelope the Vampire hunter in a death grip before flying off into the woods with him. Once in the woods Jason would drop the hunter before fading into the shadows and speaking with a venomous hiss. “You dare to strike against the Queen of the night? You shall pay for your transgression with your life…” After speaking his peace complete silence would ensue as the vampire lord watched his victim silently from the shadows. Oh yes he was going to enjoy toying with the vampire hunter briefly before putting him out of his misery.

The suddenness and daring of the attack upon Isabella, left her screaming in agony and rage. The patrons of the club, many of who were her vampire followers hissed and then darted off in all directions, while Jason urged his blood dolls to assist the Vampire Queen to the nearest vehicle, while he went after the Vampire hunter himself. With the piece of splintered stake sticking out either side of her shoulder, she growled and limped away to her car, that was parked not too far from the entrance of the club. There waiting for her, was Luther who was stricken and angered to see his Mistress being attacked. 

“Get me home!” Isabella snarled, while the two blood dolls fussed about, only making the Vampire Queen all the more annoyed. “And get these two pin heads out of my sight!”She made it clear, she didn’t want to be touched, as she got into the back of the car, and Luther got the girls to sit in the front with him. It was safer…far safer than being with Isabella at this time. 

The charger tore away from the curb and into the flow of traffic. Isabella in the back, started to pull the stake out of her body, using both hands, and gritting her teeth so fiercely that she drew blood from her own lips. There was a gaping hole where the stake had gone through, and it took a lot of energy to seal the hole shut again. Isabella made inhuman cries and howls as the car raced along the night road, the two blood dolls to scared to look back and watch the Vampire Queen suffer in her agonized state. That Vampire hunter was going to pay for this. She had no doubt about it. The tinted window to the back of the car rolled down, and she hurled the splintered and blood soaked stake from the car, where it landed in the gutter with a dull whack. The window then closed up again tight blocking out the street lights. In the darkness of the back of the Charger, Isabella actually shed a single tear….a rarity. 

The Woods

The Vampire hunter had been dropped from a dizzying height by the incensed Jason who now was ready to play a very deadly game of cat and mouse with the hunter. 

“You dare to strike against the Queen of the night? You shall pay for your transgression with your life…” 

His voice echoed from the shadows, while the Vampire hunter struggled to get to his feet. Spinning around, his eyes searched for sign of the young vampire, and instead of begging for his life, he went on the attack. 

“You new? Did she get her filthy claws into you as well? You fool! There is none more evil in all of hell than that skanky blood bride of SATAN. She will use you…and then you will be nothing more than a mindless servant to her whims. I know her far better than you!” 

The Vampire hunter screamed out at Jason, still not able to see him in the shadows, which were hiding Jason very well. He took out a cross that he wore on a large chain around his neck, and held it up in defense. Though visibly shaking, the hunter believed this would keep Jason at bay….or would it? 

“You cannot…harm me! I am protected by God!” 

<3>

Jason chuckled softly while shaking his head from the within the shadows. Slowly he circled the vampire hunter without a sound before intentionally breaking a twig to create a loud snap. “Bullshit…..your trying to worm your way into my mind……and you reek of fear….Its only time before the alarm on your life goes off ending in your demise….What shall it be…..dismemberment or something else…and that cross? It will ward off demons…..but not a vampire” Jason would muse aloud not for his benefit but for the terror of the vampire hunter. Oh Jason knew what he was going to do as he continued to circle the vampire hunter. Then with a subtle rustling of wings gave the barest of warning before Jason surged into motion and sped from the shadows with rending claws extended and ready. As he blazed past the vampire hunter he would flash his claws through his chest leaving shallow cuts in his clothing from the left claw before he wheeled around and doing the same with his right only this time he was aiming for a hamstring to cripple the hunter. Nobody got away without repercussions for insulting his beloved Isabella. “There is no god…..There is only death in your future and i will be the one to deliver you the most painful death possible…first I’m going to collapse your left lung with a kick to the chest…” Jason was doubtlessly explaining this to the vampire hunter as a mind game before surging from the shadows once again to leap into the air and deliver a crushing kick to the left side of the vampire hunter’s chest collapsing his left lung as Jason had explained. It was quite clear Jason was going to slowly dismantle the vampire hunter organ by organ which he did with near surgical precision in his blows to the vampire hunter’s body. Then after what seemed ten minutes but was nearly an hour Jason came to a stop in front of the bloodied and beaten vampire hunter. The name is Jason Cox…..and next time we meet it won’t be so pleasurable…..but far more painful….oh wait that’s right….there won’t be a next time you’ll be dead! Then turning on his heel he leaped into the air and flew off towards Isabella’s mansion soaked in both his own blood and the blood of the vampire hunter as dawn grew ever closer. However as he flew home to rejoin with Isabella he made a quick stop at his apartment and picked up a small black box that held within it his mother’s ring. It seemed something dark had taken a hold of the once pure and kind Jason Cox but how would he handle it? Would it eventually consume him and lead him to a dark place he had no hopes of leaving? Or would Isabella be the one to help him find balance in his new life as a vampire? But what was the ring for and for whom?

The Vampire hunter continued to hold up the small cross, shivering with fear for he now was not so sure the tiny holy item would be able to stop the onslaught of the angered vampire. Around and around, the vampire swooped and dived with its large wings blocking out the moon’s rays. This only made the night all the more darker. It was getting hard to see, and the rustle of the wings flapping, along with Jason projecting his voice, had the Vampire hunter clueless as to the exact location. 

“STAY BACK!” The Vampire hunter screamed, now terrified, as Jason made his final speel, that included just how and where he would strike. 

There is no god…..There is only death in your future and i will be the one to deliver you the most painful death possible…first I’m going to collapse your left lung with a kick to the chest…” 

“Death would be better than to end up like you!” The Vampire hunter roared back, his hand dropping the cross in the dirt at his feet. This moment, as the Vampire hunter looked down for his holy relic, he received a full force kick to the left side of his chest, causing massive internal damage to his left lung. The Vampire hunter was coughing up blood, as the attacks blazed on for nearly an hour. The man remaining after this was little more than a shell. Blooded and beaten, with missing teeth, blooded nose, broken bones….and a shattered mind, he could barely hold himself up 

The vampire known as Jason stood in front of the quaking hunter, who thought that death was about to be blessed upon him, when instead….Jason made a promise. 

“The name is Jason Cox…..and next time we meet it won’t be so pleasurable…..but far more painful….oh wait that’s right….there won’t be a next time you’ll be dead!” With that the Vampire took off into the air, flying off back towards the city, leaving the Vampire hunter sobbing uncontrollably, as he fell into a heap…..his life slowly draining from him 

Suddenly, a large paw was seen pressing upon the Vampire hunter’s back, while the large head of a were stared up at the departing Vampire…it let out a long and sorrowful howl, before dragging the body of the unconscious Vampire hunter away. 

Isabella’s Manor

Luther carried the Vampire Queen into the house, leaving the blood dolls to follow along nervously behind. They were unaware of their surrounds, and their Sire had yet to return. Luther motioned for them to follow, as Isabella was now starting to drift off as dawn was fast approaching. The man servant needed to get her inside and hurried those last few steps. The doors opening automatically, and he took his Queen inside. Crossing the foyer, the security system started to go into its countdown, as the sunlight shutters were rolling down over every window, to stop the day light from getting inside. 
Reaching Isabella’s room, Luther carefully carried her to her bed, and lay her down gently, as she murmured softly. He could see that the attack had had an affect on her and brushed his hand over her cheek as she rolled over and dozed off. Safe…at last. 

<3>

Jason came streaking up the path in a blur with the sunlight hot on his heels. Oh he was cutting it awefully close with this. Then in a burst of speed Jason dropped to his knee’s and slid under the closing shutters with only minutes to spare before they came closing down sealing the house from the sunlight. Jason then stood up after sliding under the closing shutters before slipping out of the bloodied jacket and leaving it in a pile on the floor so that he stood in a blood stained black linen shirt and pants. He then kicked off his boots before walking off to the showers to clean himself up. After cleaning himself of the blood of the hunter he would look to Luther before the man servant turned and prowled away. Jason clad in his black sweats and tank top would settle down into bed with Isabella before dozing off for the day. When he woke that night he would slip silently from the bed before stalking off to retrieve the small black box from his jacket and set it on her nightstand and wrote a small note with a heart containing the words. “Would you Marry me Isabella my Queen? I’ll be waiting for you in the living room.” Then Jason stalked from the bed room and dressed himself in a pair of grey jeans and a white tank top after making his way to his room. Once dressed and groomed Jason would make his way to the living room to pick up a magazine to read as his two blood dolls settled down on either side of him vying for his attention. Though he smiled his mind was on Isabella and her welfare over his own. Silently he would reach the magazine which happened to be about Auto Mechanics as he waited for his beloved Queen to stir and read the note.

The whir of the shutter systems being activated signaled that night had once again come. Isabella stretched and yawned, only to find that she had been put to bed in the same dress she wore the night before. Groaning audibly, she sat up and blinked as she got her bearings. For starters, Jason was not there. Could he have missed the the security system and been left outside to turn to dust? She was about to scream out for Luther, when she spotted a small black box on her nightstand. Isabella didn’t remember having something like that left there. All her jewelry was in the safe. Reaching over to pick it up with her right hand, her fingers touched on a small note, that had a heart on it. Curious, she set the box on her lap and then opened the note up to read it. 

“Would you Marry me Isabella my Queen? I’ll be waiting for you in the living room.” 

A marriage proposal????? 

Isabella couldn’t even remember the last time she got one of those. With a shaking hand she then reached for the box, opening it and seeing a beautiful ring inside, one that appeared to be an antique. Snapping the box shut, she climbed out of bed and started to strip off her cocktail dress, racing in the shower to clean herself before even daring to go downstairs. She was muttering and mumbling incoherently, totally out of sorts with this. Did he truly want to marry her? Confusion sunk in, and she hurried to get dressed in a simple black sleeveless dress. Her hair brushed to perfection, she put on her heels, and picked up the note and the ring box, and headed down to the lounge room 

Sure enough, there was Jason, with a blood doll either side of him. Both of the women were pawing at him shamelessly, both giving Isabella a filthy look as she entered holding up the note. 

“Jason…and…ladies, do you think you could give us a moment please?” She waited for them to leave, before she would round on Jason and hold up the note. 

“You want to marry me?” 

It might not have been the reaction he had hoped for, but she had never been asked for her hand….with a note before. 

<3>

Jason nodded slowly as he stood up before moving to wrap Isabella in his arms. “and to make you my queen of the night my lovely Isabella…” The vampire lord then pulled away before looking out into the night sky as he spoke once again. “Isabella you are my heart….my soul….the very reason I reacted the way I did when that vampire hunter took a shot at you…but he won’t get another chance…He’s dead now” Slowly Jason would turn back to face her before reaching for the note to crumple it up. Then he would take the box from Isabella before falling to bended knee and repeating the question that would hopefully unite them through the unlife they lived. “Isabella I know i didn’t do it right the first time but let this be the second and hopefully the right way this time. Would you be my Queen and wife?” Jason spoke with a calm and even tone as he looked up into his beloved’s eyes silently while waiting for the Queen of the night to respond with hopefully a yes. Though the vampire lord was nervous as the day he was quizzed and accepted into the force all those years ago. It was his dream that she would say yes and that they would rule the night together. However he was also ready for a rejection as he hadn’t done it right the first time but instead had taken the cowards way out and left an impersonal note for her.

Now it was just the two of them, with the new blood dolls out of the way. Luther had made himself scarce, and Isabella stood there with the ring box and of course the note that Jason had left on her bedside table. The reason why the Vampire Queen was not impressed by the gesture, was the simple fact that it seemed like a business transaction, and not a trace of love at all. To top it off she came down the stairs to find that he was in the arms of his dolls. Oh..yeah, that made it look all the more real. 

Jason got to his feet, and moved to place his arms around Isabella, trying to put forth his reason for the proposal. 

“and to make you my queen of the night my lovely Isabella…” 

That..didn’t wash. She had been Queen of the Night for centuries, and the sentiment fell flat. Jason pulled away, and Isabella remained rooted in her place, her eyes the only part of her that moved. He became lyrical in his profession of love, how she was his heart and soul, and that he acted out against the vampire hunter, because of his loyalty and love. He also assured her that the Vampire hunter was dead. But was he? 

Now Jason decided to go with the old fashioned approach, taking the note from her slender digits and crumpling it up. That was a start at least. he then got down on bended knee and asked her if she would be his Queen and wife. 

Isabella thought for a moment, the wheels in her mind turning, and then slowly a smile emerged upon her full lips. 

“Yes…yes I will.” Her voice tinged with a delicious purr, as she extended her hand so he might slip the ring on her finger. 

She accepted. 

<3>

-He gave a sigh of relief and stood up, he quickly left the station avoiding the cameras and headed back to the roof tops, he could not shake the feeling that something was there before him, he could feel the evil and wickedness and the hate, and he knew it would not be long before what ever it was ran into him, and he would be waiting for it-

Manhattan – Where the rich and powerful of the world live and play. The streets are alive day and night, though many enjoy the city more by night. A sparkling spectacle, that harbors a deadly secret. How the humans would be shocked at just what and who walks among them. The living dead.

A U-Haul van pulls up outside a ritzy fifth avenue apartment building. It’s well over sixty stories high, and home to some of the most wealthy in the city. The door man sees the truck take up what should be the parking place for limos and dignataries- Presidents and stars, and comes down the velvet carpet and stands with hands on hips as he stares into the driver’s side window.

“You can’t park here.” He says with a nasally New York accent. He starts to gesture that they park up the road further, but the door on the other side of the truck opens, and Emilia hops out, dressed in her black leather trench coat. Almost stopping traffic she walks around the front of the truck, as another man gets out and goes to open the roller door at the back. Emilia shows a cocky smile at the Door man, and takes out a fist full of notes, and hands it to him.

“Special deliver for the Penthouse suite. This was pre-arranged by our employer. Either his prized collection comes in this door, or we sue for breach of contract.’ You could tell by the way she stared at the Doorman, that she meant business. When his eyes went from the roll of greenback to her eyes, he suddenly could not look away. It was almost like her eyes were hypnotic. Well, truth was they were.

“Oh…sure, yes, by all means. Here, let me get the door and alert the Concierge that you are making the delivery.”The Doorman was now under her spell, and she patted his coat before going back to see her assistant was now bringing down the large Romanian marked box on the hydrolic platform. Emilia was keeping a close eye out, to see if they had been followed from the Train station, and thankfully it appeared that they had managed to make it this far undetected.

At the door, there was now a bustle of activity as they opened the doors up wide enough to allow for the box to be brought through. As far as they were concerned, they thought it was a piece of art or furniture that was being delivered. Little did they know what was inside.

The box was now on the trolley safely and being wheeled up to the door, with Rheksas following behind. He sneered at the Door man, who tipped his hat at the large dark fellow. Emilia shook her head and followed the men inside, leaving the truck parked at the entrance. That would be driven away later, but first thing’s first was getting the box safely up to the penthouse.

Wheeling it into the service lift, they all got in, and Emilia pressed the P button, then folded her arms as the doors slid to a close. Rheksas glanced at the hired help. He was another that had been put under Emilia’s spell and would come in handy again later, but for now he was in charge of bringing the box into the Penthouse. Neither spoke, as they reached the top floor, and the doors opened to the most extravagant apartment in all of Manhattan. It was enough to make your jaw drop, but of course, Emilia has seen this sort of abode time and time again in the old country.

The U-Haul driver rolled the box into the center of the room, and started to undo the trolley, as Rheksas went to check all the rooms, and the security system. Emilia however stood guard and watched the driver, till he had the box off the trolley and was ready to leave. As he passed her, she said.

“When you have taken the trolley back to the van, you are to get in and drive to the harbour. There, you are to drive the van off the wharf and drown yourself.”

“Yes Miss.”

“Good boy.” She patted his shoulder as he continued on his way, leaving the way he came as Rheksas came out of the master bedroom.

“You sure he will do as you asked, General?” He was concerned, but he could see when the doors were closing that the driver had a punch drunk expression. Emilia, didn’t even have to look.

“They always do. Now, help me open this crate.”

<3>

Eyes as red as blood peered into the darkness, seeing everything as if it were the light of day. No breath was drawn but yet there was an awareness. Muffled sounds reached his ears as the snaps of the locks on the crate were undone. The lid was lifted and the red gave way to hazel eyes that held a deep intelligence. He smiled as his eyes landed on his generals. Emilia who’d been with him since the beginning and Rheksas, who had come to him later and proving his worth as a member of his clan.

He moved for the first time in well over 36 hours, slipping from his coffin with a smooth sort of animalistic grace. As he stood upon solid ground, his most trusted bowed low in his presence.

“Rise, my Trusted. There is no need to bow before me.” His deep voice rumbled across their skin. He left their side to move about the apartment, checking to see if things were as he requested. Room darkening curtains were across every window and he nodded with satisfaction. He turned to face them, imposing in his dark finery.

“Victor is dead.” he announced, having felt the man’s death across the miles that seperated them. “We must find where he has hidden my treasures and retrieve them posthaste. Any who defy my will shall suffer most greviously. I, Vladimir Dracul, will see to it personally.” He snarled, showing his fangs for the first time.

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