Sleeping Handsome

Kingdom of Layfette
_{Archive Page Two}







The moon was high over the kingdom now, and everyone in the castle was asleep. Except for one person.

Reise stood at his bedroom window, overlooking the slumbering village below the hill that the castle sat so proudly atop of. He wrinkled his nose. He had been reading up on curses and dark magic all evening, ever since he walked out on dinner. He hated having to lie to his mother to make her feel better, but it was the only way she would leave him alone. He moved away from his window, letting the heavy red velvet curtain fall closed again, and back to his desk, which was covered in spell books and historical tomes about gypsies and curses. He finally found one that looked promising... eternal slumber... just like the gypsy had predicted when they were infants. He gave a small grin. "The bite of steel..." he whispered, running his fingers down the page. "Perfect."

He had known about the large steel storage under the castle dungeons. That exodus of material was historical and not too hard to find. He knew just how to get down there as well. He smiled to himself happily. "Soon, brother... soon, you will be blissfully asleep, and eventually forgotten... and I will take over. I will finally be rid of the shade of your shadow." he hissed, gritting his teeth. He pulled a dagger from his belt and turned, throwing it at a painted portrait of his brother that was nailed to his wall, hitting his brother's likeness square in the chest. 

"You want to be careful your highness..if your family were to witness such hatred they would not be best pleased." Came a voice from the shadows of the doorway. Noctis stepped forward from the darkness in the disguise of Reise's personal guard and he smirked lightly at the young prince. "Destroying his picture is not going to get rid of the problem your highness.."

Reise paused, his hand slowly falling back to his side from where he was preparing to throw a third dagger. He turned to face the owner of the voice and he frowned firmly. "And what would you know about it?" he asked firmly, his voice laced with dangerous warning. He didn't like how his personal guard was speaking to him this way. He gripped his dagger tighter, turning to face this obnoxious man more rightly.

Noctis let out a loud laugh, throwing his head back as he did. When he finally looked back at Reise it was not the man he had seen moments earlier. Noctis had morphed back into his normal form, revealing his true identity. "I know everything about it..." he said finally with a grin. "I know what darkness lies in your heart..what you intend to do to your dear brother and your kingdom so I would like to offer my services."

Reise watched the man morph before his eyes, and hid his surprise well. He moved towards the other man, watching him unwaiveringly, and then slowly grinned. "A shapeshifter." he said with a nod of understanding. He'd read about them. They were yet another creature that neither his father nor his brother believed existed. He loosened his grip on his dagger only slightly, then folded his arms. "You could be very beneficial." he nodded. "Why offer your services to me though? What... darkness... have you seen in me?"

"There is a great darkness within you, like a dragon ready to escape. You must let it free before it destroys you, your highness. It is your brother's fault that you are filled with so much hatred. He tormented you horribly but now is the time to get revenge. You must fulfill the prophecy and then all your wishes will come true." Noctis replied as he watched Reise. "As for why I am here...with you as king, I shall be free to roam through the kingdoms. That is all I desire. I shall no longer have to hide away.." He grinned lightly before continuing. "So what do you say? Will you bring down your brother and be the king you were meant to be?"

Reise was silent as he listened to Noctis speak, then he very slowly broke into a menacing grin. "Yes. I rather like that idea." he nodded and smiled at Noctis. "Very well. I accept your assistance. And I have the perfect idea of how you can help me..." he whispered. "But first, give me your name."

"My name, your highness..is Noctis." He said proudly, watching Reise. "Now do tell me how I can assist you?" he asked curiously as he folded his arms across his chest which was still clad in the armour of the royal guard.

Reise gave a small gruff chuckle in approval of Noctis' name, then turned and moved to stab the final dagger into his brother's portrait, right between his eyes. "Tomorrow night is my and my brother's birthday ball. Everyone in the kingdom will be there... which will keep my mother and father significantly occupied." he nodded. "I need to get my brother alone... but we have sprites in the castle that are charged with his safety. Your job... will be to keep them distracted and oblivious. Since you're a shapeshifter... that should be easy for you." he smirked.

"Disguise myself as your brother and keep the sprites distracted. An easy job if I may say so. You will have a clear path to your brother to do your work." Noctis grinned triumphantly then stood up straight. "Will that be everything your highness? I suggest you get some rest for your big performance.."

"Yes... I agree. That is all, Noctis." Reise said softly, his tone dark. "I'm glad to have your assistance with this." he said softly, turning to look at him with a grin. "If you do this successfully... and I am able to get rid of my blasted brother... I will not only make it able for you to travel the realms freely, but you may also have a place reserved on my council... or perhaps as the head general of my armies." he grinned.

"That is most kind your highness.." Noctis replied then took a step backwards towards the door, his facial features dissolving back into those of the guard. "I shall see you tomorrow at the ball then." He turned and pulled the door open and took a step forwards but paused and looked back with a smirk. "Oh and your highness...happy birthday." he chuckled lightly as he disappeared through the door, pulling it shut behind him.

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The Next Day...

The night had been a long one for the three sprites whose job it was to protect the young prince with any means possible. Sein had spent much of it pacing back and forth in front of his chamber doors, glaring at any passers by who stared a little too long at her and her sisters. For anyone who lingered a little too long she sent a small spark of fire to chase them on and couldn't help but chuckle everytime she sent someone running. When the sun began to rise she turned to Iswe and Idre a small frown on her face. "This is it..the day that could end it all. We are perched upon the fine line between failure and success..I just hope we stay on the right side." she said then sighed. "I cannot bear to think what will happen if we fail.."

"We won't." Idre whispered softly. She had been silent the entire night, and these were really the only two words that she had uttered in hours. She was standing with her back against the wall next to the princes' chamber doors with no expression on her face at all. Although it could have passed off as worry, her eyes were rather large and cautious anyway so she always looked like that, really. Idre's memories would play out constantly within her mind. The day she arrived at the castle, when she first met the princes, laying in bed in her own little cottage but being unable to sleep due to constant worry and caution... Idre had been here for four years, waiting for this day. It felt very unreal to her.

Iswe had spent half her night inside the princes chambers on his balcony. She'd worried that someone would be able to somehow get in that way. Sighing heavily she'd come out of his room just in time to hear Seins words. Leaving the door slightly ajar so that she could keep her eyes on the sleeping prince. Iswe raised her eyebrows slightly at Seins words and a slight smile started to form on her lips as she shook her head. "Keep your hopes up."

Sein nodded to both the sprites before her but did not smile, but smiling was something she wasn't best known for. "We won't fail..we can't." she finally spoke as she ran her fingers through her mane of fiery red curls. "No evil could get past the three of us...its impossible. He will be safe and when the clock chimes midnight tonight the curse will be broken and all danger will disappear. But until then we must stick with him, no matter how much he protests." She peered into the bedroom at the prince's sleeping form and sighed slightly. "What a long day we have ahead of ourselves.." she muttered before moving to sit on the ground.

Later That Night...

Everyone in Layfette was attending this birthday ball. The gardens of the castle's main grounds were decorated with paper lanterns and candlebras, wreaths and garlins of flowers, ribbons and banners and a large table of hot food. There was a large orchestra, already playing music, and people were dancing, laughing, singing and drinking ale and wine. This was already proving to be quite a night, and the princes hadn't even arrived yet. The sun was just starting to go down, washing the party in golden hues, giving everyone a good mood.

The music came to an abrupt halt and trumpets sounded from atop the steps that led from the castle and everyone gathered below turned to see Samiya emerge from the castle, her arm looped round her father's. She was dressed in a stunning silvery white gown that sat off the shoulders and was embroidered so delicately that many wondered how human hands had managed such work. Her hair was curled and pulled back from her face whilst her royal circlet sat proudly upon her head. Her father turned to her and smiled proudly. "You look beautiful, my daughter. Fit to be a Queen." he said to her softly then slowly led the way down the steps whilst all eyes remained on them. Once they had reached the bottom, they took their place on the dance floor and the music restarted, allowing them to begin their customary first dance together. Samiya couldn't help but glance up at the castle every so often in the hopes she would see Dyllin emerge, and she couldn't stop her heart fluttering at the thought of seeing him. Her father smiled knowingly at his daughter's behaviour and once their dance was finished he bowed to her then hugged her gently. "He shall be here soon.." he whispered then turned and wandered to the food table. Samiya smiled weakly, then looked up at a village boy who had plucked up the courage to ask for a dance and she accepted politely, smiling as they began to spin and move around the dance floor.

High above the ball, Noctis sat perched, watching what was going on below. He was dressed in similiar attire to Dyllin, ready to play his part in distracting the sprites. He grinned eagerly, excited at the thought of what was about to happen tonight. All he had to do was wait for the signal from Reise. And then the real party starts..

While Xander and Anaita were distracted by their guests and the success of their party, Reise had finished dressing in his room. He had to look the part. He smiled to himself and moved through the halls to his brother's room, knocking lightly on his chamber door. The sprites weren't nearby... he figured they had left Dyllin in peace to dress and were expecting him down in the grand hall any minute now. Perfect. All according to plan. "Dyllin?" he called lightly through the wood.

There was some shuffling from inside and Dyllin opened the door a moment later, blinking at his brother as he buttoned up his shirt. "Reise?" he asked in confusing, furrowing his brow before coughing slightly and straightening up a little. This was certainly a surprise... Reise never came to his door, actively seeking him out. "What's the matter, brother?"

Reise gave Dyllin as innocent a look as he could muster and shrugged slightly. "I just... I'm nervous about tonight. You know.. the gypsy curse?" he shrugged and bit his lip, frowning. "I'm not sure I want to go to the party. What if she's there?"

Dyllin's brow furrowed, but he gave his twin a crooked smile. "Reise..." he started softly and chuckled before clapping a hand on his shoulder. "It'll be fine. That gypsy curse thing... it's all just superstition." he consoled, then turned and waved Reise into his room. "Come, help me finish dressing. I want to look good for tonight." he smiled broadly. "Samiya is waiting for me... and I will make the announcement of a lifetime. I think you will be very happy after tonight, brother."

"Oh, I'm sure I will be." Reise said in response with a smile of his own. He moved into the room and closed the door out of respect, then assisted his brother in choosing an attractive vest and trousers to wear, along with his favorite pair of brown leather boots. Once that was all done, Reise opened the door again and waved his brother out. "Before we go to the ball, brother... There's something I wanted to show you. Something I found. I just... I want us to share something special. I know I haven't been the best brother to get along with over the last few years. I want to make it up to you." he shrugged bashfully, smiling hopefully at Dyllin. When Dyllin shifted impatiently on his feet with a worried look, he held up his hands. "It will only take a moment, I promise. Then you can get to Samiya and the party. But.... if you don't want to..." he started sadly, frowning down and away at the floor.

"N-no! No, I want to, brother. Of course I do... nothing matters to me more than family, Reise, and you are certainly family." Dyllin said with a warm smile, then moved out of his room.

As he did, Reise quickly slipped back into the room and set one of his lit candles in the window that would face where Noctis was perched, the signal for him to go to the grand hall and find and distract the sprites. Once that was done, he returned to Dyllin's side with an apologetic shrug. "Sorry. You forgot to close your window." he explained and smiled, then waved for Dyllin to follow him as they headed down the halls and staircases towards the first floor of the castle.

"Time to get this show on the road.." Noctis muttered with a smirk then dropped from the ledge, landing in the shadows. When he stepped forwards to the top of the stairs he now appeared as Dyllin, right down to the expensive outfit he wore. Once again the trumpets sounded and the music stopped to announce his arrival. "His highness Prince Dyllin." He stepped proudly down towards the party, smiling happily though his eyes searched the crowds for the sprites. Show yourselves.. he thought and took no notice of Samiya who had stepped forwards, smiling brightly at his arrival.

Idre, who was lingering in the corner of the huge room, suddenly felt a sense of unease when Dyllin appeared on the top of the stairs. Something wasn't right... She looked up at Dyllin, gazing at him carefully with her amber eyes. There was something different about the younger prince. Sein... Iswe.. There is something.. odd about Prince Dyllin.. Idre told them softly. She wasn't quite sure how she knew that there was something going on, but... the sudden change in the atmosphere had told her so.

Sein had been standing by the food table and as soon as she heard Idre's voice she looked up and over at Dyllin. Yes..I feel it too.. she replied. But it has to be him..who else could it be? Maybe we are just tired. It has been a long day. She stood now her eyes trained on the prince, a strange sense of unease filling her. Lets just keep an eye on him..

Noctis paused still glancing round the room in search of the three sprites. First he caught sight of Idre and then Sein and a small grin crept across his face. Thats two..now where's number three? he thought but stopped looking when he felt a small tap on his shoulder. He turned slightly and had to stop himself from frowning.

"We're supposed to dance..or did you forget?" Samiya whispered with a smile before taking his hand and pulling him to the center of the floor. "Remember we have to keep with the customs.."

"Of course I did not forget. How could one forget about something as beautiful as you?" Noctis replied as he pulled her close for the dance. Hopefully the sprites will fall for this and keep their eyes on me. he thought deciding it was best he stayed in clear view for them as he began to dance around the floor.

Samiya looked up at Noctis in confusion as they moved. Dyllin has never once called me beautiful in such a casual manner.. she bit her lip as she studied his face. Something wasn't right. His eyes..they're not sparkling like before. Suddenly she felt uneasy and had to stop herself pulling away from Noctis. "Thank you.." was all she simply whispered.

Iswe was at the other end of the food table, directly next to the familiar guard who had shown her into the castle, just hours ago. She twirled her finger in the air above the punch bowl, causing the liquid inside to swirl around and around. That is until someone walked up and gave her a funny look. Blushing slightly she moved away from the table, eyes never leaving the prince. She'd heard the others but had nothing to say because in truth, she agreed with them. Even with only knowing the prince a few hours, she knew something was off.

Knowing that the sprites, their parents, and Samiya would all be thoroughly distracted by the faux prince, Reise led Dyllin through the castle and into a dark hall. He had to grab for a candle or two, handing one off to Dyllin and giving him a smile. "Don't be afraid..." he smiled.

"Who said I was afraid?" Dyllin asked defiantly with a snort and a small grin. "This is amazing, brother! It's like our own adventure to share!" he smiled excitedly. "Let's go!"

"I'm glad you're so enthusiastic, brother. I know you'll like what's at the end. It'll be our own secret treasure." Reise nodded with a confident smile. "Hurry, before everyone starts to wonder where you are." He said this loosely, knowing that everyone above was busy watching Noctis at the moment. He led Dyllin to the end of the hall to where a dark oak door stood... It was covered in cobwebs and dust, and the hinges and lock were all rusted. He reached into his pocket and produced a key, showing it to Dyllin. "I found this in father's study. He let me have it." he whispered. "I don't think he remembered that it goes to this door." He turned and twisted it into the lock with a firm and loud click, before pushing the door open with an echoing groan. It opened up into a spiralling stone staircase, which was infested with spiders, roaches and rats, all of them scurrying away at the shimmering light from their candles. The boys both hesitated a moment--though Reise's hesitation was anything but authentic unease. He motioned for Dyllin to follow him and they both moved down the stairs cautiously, feeling along the wall for support as they went. There were quite a few steps... "We're almost there." Reise told his brother, who seemed to be getting more and more uneasy the further down they went.

The air was thick and musky, full of dust and what smelled like rot. There was no light down here, only the glow of their candles as they moved, before the path they traveled was quickly swallowed up by shadows yet again. Dyllin stuck close to his brother, and kept his lips pressed shut so as not to choke on the air around them. "Where are we going, brother?"

"You'll see... we're close, I promise." Reise insisted, then smiled as his foot touched the last step at the bottom of the stairs. He looked back and up at his twin, giving him a spooky smile in the candle light. "Prepare yourself to see our treasure, Dyllin..." he whispered, then turned and touched the flame of his candle to the wall.

With a hiss of igniting gasoline, the flames traveled around the room quickly, lighting it within a matter of minutes in a crevice in the wall, a sort of pool filled with gasoline. Dyllin stared in awe as the line filled the room with light, his mouth lightly agape, and he carefully set his candle down on a nearby table, finding the purpose of it moot now. "Brother... this is... What is this?" he asked, motioning to the cells of the dungeons. There were roughly a dozen large cells, all constructed from the earth and iron bars, and inside each cell was a rack of shelves against every wall, and each shelf was piled high with swords, daggers, knives, and cutlery.

"Do you remember the history lessons, brother? The ones that said all the steel was hidden away because of the gypsy curse?" Reise asked, smiling at his brother. "This is where they hid it all."

"Gypsy curse? Really, brother, of all my lessons from our tutors, you think I would remember one such as that? Mere superstition?" Dyllin chuckled. "Father told me they chose a different metal to craft with. One that was in more supply." he shrugged.

"I think father lied." Reise grumbled, frowning at Dyllin. He shifted on his feet awkwardly after this comment, then coughed and motioned towards one of the cells. "There's one in particular that I wanted to show you." he said quickly, moving to the cell. He opened it with the same key and pulled the door open widely. Against the back wall of the first cell, instead of a shelf, was a special pedestal, and resting upon it, wrapped in a lovely red velvet pillow, tied closed with golden threads of rope. "I think this belonged to father."

Dyllin blinked at this comment, moving after his brother into the cell and stepping up to the pedestal. "Well... it certainly looks special." he chuckled and leaned closer. He slowly began to unwrap the golden ropes, curious to see what was under the velvet. Reise merely stepped back and out of the way, watching with feigned curiousity. He knew all too well what was under that blanket. Slowly, the golden ropes were pulled free from their knots and the dusty and moth-eaten red velvet was pulled aside as well. Inside, clean, shining, and sharp as the day it was crafted, laid a beautiful sword. It was long in blade, and wide in hilt, the handle wrapped in the finest leather and the metal of the hilt scribed with ancient symbols. "Wow..." Dyllin whispered, looking the sword over, leaning close to it to better read the markings. "En Manus Regalis..." he whispered, narrowing his eyes a little. "It's Latin... It means 'In the Hands of a King'." He glanced at Reise with a bewildered smile, and caught the glimpse of a smile and an approving nod from Reise.

"Touch it..."

"What? Why?"

"Because it might be yours. Maybe father wanted to bestow it on you?" Reise shrugged. He smiled and moved closer to his brother, looking down at the blade. He raised a hand to it and lightly brushed his fingers over the hilt, then down the smooth top of the blade, steering clear of the sharpened edges. "It's so smooth... Like it's brand new." he whispered.

Dyllin watched his brother's hand with an almost hypnotised interest, then he slowly raised a hand of his own once Reise had removed his and stepped back again. "Do you really think it's mine..?" he asked softly, blushing with the thought. He lightly touched it, pulled his hand back a little, then touched it again. "The blade is humming..." he whispered, his brow knitting together in confusion. He ran his fingertips down the length of the silvery blade, then gasped sharply. He snapped his hand back. He'd gone too far down the blade... and felt the bite at the tip when his fingertips met it. Sure enough, studying his hand, he had been cut and was bleeding from the tips of his two forefingers. But before he could do anything to stop the bleeding, or even to tell Reise... he started to feel dizzy. His head felt heavy... like the time when he was a boy and had accidentally drank too much of his father's wine behind his back. "R-Reise..." he breathed, moving to grab a shelf for stability, putting his bloody hand to his head and smearing it a little. "I.. I feel... funny..."

"I know, brother. It will all be over soon." Reise whispered and when Dyllin looked at him with blurry and confused eyes, he could see the dark grin plastered there. "Sleep, brother. For all eternity."

Dyllin gulped and opened his mouth to say something, but his knees gave out on him, wobbling and unstable, and he fell to the ground, amongst a clatter of weapons as he rocked the shelf. "R-Reise..." he groaned from the ground, feeling darkness enveloping him as his fingers pulsed numbly. "Rei.." He couldn't even finish his plea, his eyes closing over slowly against his will. He was gone, trapped in slumber.

Reise had watched all this from where he'd pressed his back against the wall. "I... I did it... I did it! My blasted brother is gone!" he yelped happily, then laughed at the empty room, throwing his arms up. "Sleep sweet, brother! And good riddance!" he snapped, giving the limp body of his brother's a harsh kick in the side. "Now then... what to do with you? Noctis cannot keep up his guise forever..." he grumbled, stroking his chin. He smirked then. "I know just where to hide you."

Back outside Samiya carried on dancing with Noctis, still unsure of the man before her. She bit her lip slightly then looked up into his face and smiled fakely. "That ride yesterday was lovely wasn't it? I mean that little stream you found with the dragonflys and hummingbirds was breathtaking..Wouldn't you agree?" she lied convincingly.

Noctis couldn't help but frown slightly. This wasn't part of my job description..babysitting a princess. he thought in annoyance before finally replacing his frown with a smile. "Ah yes..the stream. It was quite magnificent." He replied not realising what he was doing.

Samiya narrowed her eyes and leaned closer to Noctis. "I don't know who you are..but you are most definately not Prince Dyllin." She whispered in a growl then suddenly with all the power she could manage drew her fist back and punched it forward straight into Noctis's ribs causing him to gasp and fall to his knees. Many people stepped back from them shocked by the princess's actions and a few hurried forward to help him but Samiya didn't care, she spun on the spot and began running back towards the castle, heart racing with fear. Dyllin where are you? she thought as she dashed up the steps towards the entrance.

As she raced up them, a flock of butterflies appeared before Samiya at the top of the steps to the castle. A large, silver butterfly hovered in front of her face gracefully before it slowly disappeared, revealing Idre in its place. "Please, your highness. You must be careful." Idre said softly, her amber eyes full of worry as they watched Samiya. She bowed her head slightly but raised it again very quickly. There was no time. "Allow me to enter the castle first. Prince Dyllin is in grave danger."

Samiya had skid to a halt when the girl had appeared before her and she instantly recognised her from the evening before at the stables. She shook her head looking frantic. "I cannot stand back and wait to see if he is safe. I am not afraid so please do not think you have to protect me..I have to find him."

Sein remained by the food table, eyes narrowing on Noctis. She glanced up at Idre as she spoke with the princess then turned her attention to Iswe. I grow fearful..something isn't right. she said to the other sprites as she folded her arms across her chest.

Idre shook her head and she raised her hands. "I must protect the prince and anyone who is close to him." she said softly, although her tone was firm. "Whatever is going on in there will be no match for a princess. Please, for your own safety, go back to King Auguste and stay with him." she watched Samiya closely as he eyes became a little more hard. "Please."

Iswe moved to Sein's side but remained quiet, not wanting anyone to see their unease. We need to find the real prince. Turning her eyes to Sein she nodded her head and headed in the direction of the doors to the castle and slipped through them quietly. Chewing on her bottom lip, she wondered where would be the first place to look.

"No." Samiya replied stubbornly as she watched Idre. "I shall not stand back, I have to help. So we shall all go together." She stepped round the sprite then hurried into the castle nearly bumping into Iswe. "DYLLIN!" She screamed not caring who she startled.

Sein sighed and moved to Idre's side. "The princess is determined i'll give her that.." she said with a frown. "Come on, we must keep her safe as it seems we have failed the prince." She stepped inside the castle and flinched at the sound of Samiya's shout. "Do you wish to draw everyone to us?" she asked with a shake of her head.

Idre didn't say anything for the time being. She was too worried and anxious about the whole current ordeal. She knew that this day would finally come, but having the princess become so deeply involved in it as well, well... Idre wasn't expecting it. She sighed gently and ran a hand through her hair nervously. "I am afraid." Idre whispered as she walked closely behind Samiya and with her shoulder touching Sein's. "There is so much darkness in here. It makes me feel... sick.."

Just then, as the three sprites and Samiya were rushing through the castle to find Dyllin, Reise emerged from the hallway they had traveled through. He was panting, and looked pale and clearly forlorn. "SOMEONE! Please, come help! Quickly! Someone come help my brother! Where's my father?! Fetch a healer! Hurry!" he shouted at everyone he passed, then looked ahead and spotted the three sprites and the princess. He had to fight to hide his grin. "Oh thank gods! Someone please!" he begged, running to them.

Samiya turned at the sound of Reise's frantic calls and her heart almost stopped when she heard his words. She moved to him as he approached the group then stopped before him, trembling with fear. "Whats wrong? Where's Dyllin...Reise please tell me he's alright." she almost pleaded as she grabbed his arm.

Sein nodded to Idre in agreement about the darkness but before she could respond Reise came bounding towards them. She glanced between Idre and Iswe and frowned heavily as a sinking feeling came to her stomach. "Have we failed?" she whispered in a worried tone. Something didn't feel right. She had observed the two brothers for many a year and this was the first time Reise had ever shown concern for Dyllin.

"I-I don't know!" Reise gulped, frowning at Samiya and holding her arms as well, shaking his head. "I-I saw him going into the underground dungeons... H-he had a key! He must have taken it from father's study! I followed him, hoping I could stop him, concerned about his appearance at our birthday ball... but by the time I followed him to the bottom of the stairs he..." He paused and looked at all of the sprites. "His fingers were cut... on the blade of a steel sword... He's not moving." he gulped. "Come, let me show you!" he said quickly.

Just as Reise had been explaining the story, Xander--who had heard and seen the incident with Samiya and the imposter Dyllin at the party--ran into the grand hall. His face fell into a horrified gasp and he nodded. "Show us, Reise! Hurry!" he said firmly, already moving towards the door Reise had mentioned.

"No." Idre spoke up, her voice loud and very firm. It wasn't a tone she used often. If at all, really. It would have been quite peculiar to the King to hear her speak in such a way, at least. She placed her hand on King Xander's arm and she shook her head. "There is darkness in there. I feel it." Idre said softly and she moved forward, stepping in front of the King so she could study Reise more closely. "I feel it on this boy, as well."

Iswe stepped back, away from everyone, chewing on her bottom lip. They'd all been together for years, she was just a new comer and she felt very out of place at the moment. Her eyes darted towards Reise at Idre's words, causing her to frown. Crossing her arms over he chest she watched the others in silence.

"Have heart.." Sein whispered gently to Iswe as she noticed her stepping back and moved to her side for reassurance. She looked up and narrowed her eyes at Reise when Idre spoke of his darkness, instantly feeling it radiating from him as well. I'm not sure we should trust him.. she spoke silently into Idre and Isme's minds.

Samiya had been about to ask Reise to lead the way to were Dyllin was when Idre spoke and her eyes widened in shock. She pulled her arms free of his grip and frowned. "This is wasting time!" she said then turned to the three sprites, a determined look on her face. "You three watch Prince Reise, don't let him go anywhere. I'll go look in the dungeons..if I need help i'll call." She said then turned back to Reise. "I'm sure you don't mind staying here..you are innocent after all." She pushed past him then plucked a flaming torch from the wall and disappeared through the door Reise had mentioned and slowly began to descend down the stairs towards the dungeon. "Dyllin?" she called softly her hands clutching the torch tightly.

Reise frowned defiantly when Samiya insisted he stay where he was with the sprites' supervision, but he conceded, standing there still in the hallway, frowning after Samiya's and his father's backs as they disappeared down the hallway towards the dungeons. He was still fighting too hard not to smile. Everything was going so perfectly... Though he had to be careful about these sprites... His eyes flashed to Idre, then to Sein. Particularly those two... They've been with the family so long, have seen Dyllin and myself grow up. It would be too big of a risk to overplay anything. He then looked at Iswe. She's new, however... She wouldn't know any better. He simply gave them all unsure glances, shifting on his feet bashfully as he stood in silence with them, waiting for the princess' and Xander's return.

Xander raced down the hallway with Samiya at his side, using the torch's beams to show the way as he ran to the door leading into the dungeon. "Reise said he saw Dyllin with the key to this door... That's impossible, I keep the key locked in my office, there's no way either of them could find it, I was sure!" he growled, pushing it open roughly, opening the spiralling stairwell into the dungeons. "DYLLIN!" his voice boomed off of the walls, echoing away from them. He grit his teeth and moved Samiya behind him, taking the torch. "Hang onto my shirt, princess." he said sternly, then started down the stairs with the torch in front of himself. If there was still a dark creature or person down here... he wanted to be ready to fight it off.

Samiya did as Xander instructed and carefully took a hold of his shirt, staying close to him. "Your highness..what is this place?" she whispered slowly. She had always been told this area was off limits when she came to visit and she had never once seen it open. Could Dyllin really have come down here? She glanced over Xander's shoulder and strained her eyes to try and see what was ahead of them.

The stairwell was dark and enclosed, winding downwards gradually. The further they went down the steps, the darker it seemed to get, and they were surrounded by the sounds of their own breathing, footsteps, and the scurrying paws of rats and cockroaches. "These are the underground dungeons... A long time ago, when my great-great grandfather ruled this kingdom... They used this place to keep captured enemies and traitors. They tortured them, executed them, or just let them whither away and die on their own in here." he explained and shook his head solemnly. "When my father took the throne, all the wars were done. There were no more traitors or enemies to keep in here. So they were closed off and locked away. When I took the throne, and Dyllin and Reise were born... These massive dungeons were used as a store-room... to hide all the steel that that gypsy Jollel claimed would cause Dyllin to fall into eternal sleep. Those steel weapons and other artifacts are still down here to this day." As he finished his story, his sandaled food touched the last step and he breathed out in horror at the sight of the lit up room. The gasoline-fueled aquafer that lined the walls of the room had been ignited and made the room glow eerily. He moved into the room quickly, seeing the first cell was open. "Dyllin?!" he said firmly. But he couldn't see him. He was nowhere to be found... He frowned heavily, seeing his precious sword--the one he'd locked away on behalf of his son's safety eighteen years ago--was revealed from its velvet blanket and golden ropes, and he gulped. "Look for Dyllin!" he said to Samiya quickly.

Samiya had to resist the urge to turn and run back up the stairs. This room felt cold and forboding but the thought of finding Dyllin keep her moving forwards. She nodded in understanding when Xander spoke of her going to find his son and she let go of his shirt and quickly moved through the room, peering into all of the old cells of the dungeon. "Dyllin?" she called softly over and over again hoping with all her might that she would hear his voice calling to her in reply. Where is he?

"Samiya!" Xander suddenly gasped, moving to the shelf in the first cell where all of the silver and other things had clearly been knocked down. It seemed there had been a struggle... He narrowed his eyes and knelt to look at a small pool of blood on the cobblestone floors. "That isn't good." he said softly, stooping and using a silver spoon to scoop the blood and then wrapped it in his handkerchief carefully. "Samiya, there is something important that you must do for me."

"Your highness are you alright?" Samiya called as she ran to where he stood, concern on her face. "What is it you need me to do?" She asked after watching him kneel on the ground unsure of what he was doing.

When Xander turned around to face her again, she would be able to clearly see the head of the spoon, bloody and wrapped up in his handkerchief, tied in place like a lollipop. He offered it to her with a serious frown. "I need you to take this to the gypsy outside of Layfette... Quickly. Don't let anyone touch it or see it. Absolutely no one." he said firmly. "I need you to ask her if this is Dyllin's blood... and if he's fallen into slumber." he gulped, his voice quivering at the end. "Once you have your answer... come back and tell me. Take the three sprites with you and hurry."

Samiya's eyes had widened at the sight of the blood and she looked up into Xander's eyes nervously. With a shaking hand she took the handkerchief covered spoon from him then carefully hid it up the sleeve of her dress. "Go and speak with the gypsy? Okay..i'll be as quick as I can. Please be careful your highness." She smiled weakly at him then turned and hurried up the steps from the dungeon and only slowed her pace when she had reached the top. She stepped out and tried to relax and act casual. "Sprites can I ask that you accompany me on a walk?" she asked her eyes moving from Idre to Iswe to Sein but never straying to Reise.

Idre watched Samiya carefully. Something isn't right.. she told the other sprites cautiously, her eyes still studying the princess. She waited for a moment however and nodded at her. "Yes." Idre said softly, stepping aside and allowing Samiya to step forward so she could lead the way.

Sein nodded then stepped forward but paused and turned round to look at Iswe. "Come along sister, we need you with us on this walk." she said matter of factly. It is obvious the princess has a need for us, so we must stay with her.

As Sein waited for Iswe's response Samiya finally turned to Reise and planted a false smile on her face. "Do not worry Reise.." she said as she took a step towards him. "If the eternal slumber that was prophesised in the gypsy's curse has befallen Dyllin, it is not the end. He can be saved." She reached a hand up and unpinned her hair, letting her soft blonde curls fall loosely round her shoulders as she pulled her royal circlet from her head then pulled his hand out and placed it gently in his palm. "You'll see your brother again, I promise you that. Doesn't that make you happy?" She smiled again then then turned back but paused momentarily and glanced back at Reise. "You should get some rest, you look a little pale.." She turned back to the sprites looking triumphant. "Are we ready?"

Reise had watched Samiya as he listened to her, his face staying blank and passive. He had flinched when she grabbed for his hand and placed her circlet in his palm, and he gulped down at it. "Y-yes. That makes me happy." he said with a firm nod and a fake smile. If you ever find him, that is. That thought made his smile go from fake to very real. "Please hurry... and be safe. Who knows what kind of traps or monsters are out there..."

Iswe looked at Sein, as if in a daze and nodded her head. The comfort she had received from the other sprite had been much appreciated, and needed. She hadn't expected to be thrust into something quite this epic so soon into her joining the kingdom, but obviously they needed her, so she would of course help.

"Traps don't worry me and the monsters..they should be scared of me." Samiya replied over her shoulder to Reise before moving quickly from the castle, motioning for the sprites to follow her. She slipped through the party and out into the gardens until she reached the familiar field that she had Dyllin had been in only a day before. She raced over to the caravan then knocked loudly on the door, hoping the gypsy was inside.

Sein followed after the princess quickly, glancing every so often and Iswe and Idre. She stopped behind Samiya when she knocked the caravan door and waited to see if anyone would answer.

Idre stayed close to the princess, but kept her distance from the caravan. She could sense a canine within the caravan however, and she tried to reach its mind with her own. She wanted to soothe it before it barked so they wouldn't draw attention to themselves. Princess Samiya, especially. It's alright.. We are friends. Idre said to Eon gently.

Eon raised his head and perked his ears forward from inside the caravan, tilting his head at Idre's voice in his mind. He stood up and gave a huffing pant, a small bark in his throat, but not too loud, and he stepped towards the door at the knock. Jollel looked up from where she was concentrating on her tarot cards and she stood up, moving to the door and pushing it open. She blinked, then gave a solemn frown at Samiya. "You're back. That doesn't bode well." she whispered softly. She looked around quickly, taking in the sight of the three sprites following her, then looked around again to make sure they hadn't been followed before waving them inside. "Quickly."

Samiya quickly stepped into the caravan then turned round to watch the three sprites enter as well. "Dyllin..he's gone. We found blood..The king, he wished me to bring this to you to see if the blood was his sons." She said quietly as she withdrew the spoon from her sleeve, still wrapped in a handkerchief.

Jollel blinked at the cloth-wrapped spoon, and even through the cloth, the blood seeped. She gently took the spoon and frowned, carrying it to her small table where the glass ball sat, and she sat down in her chair. "Please... sit if you must." she said to the four of them as she carefully began to unwrap the spoon from the handkerchief. Eon was busy sniffing all of the new people in the caravan, his icy blue eyes studying them all closely. Jollel lifted the spoon and tilted it, letting the last few drops fall onto the crystal ball in front of her. She watched as the crystal ball changed from its serene clarity, to a deep blue glow, the blood disappearing into the glass crystal. "Yes... it's Dyllin's." she explained solemnly. "He's been cut by steel, as I predicted... and he's been taken."

Idre gasped softly from her place in the corner of the caravan where she had been sitting on a huge cushion, petting Eon with much affection. She rose slowly and bowed her head with her eyes closed. The Earth sprite shook her head, her hands down by her sides, balled into small fists. "We have failed..." Idre said softly, her voice shaky and almost a whisper. "I have been here for so long... Waiting for this moment and I have no excuse for failing. I am such a disappointment.."

Sein frowned heavily as Jollel confirmed that the blood was Dyllin's and her eyes fleeted towards Samiya for a few moments as she sunk into a chair looking shocked before turning her attention back to the gypsy. "Is there nothing we can do? This surely cannot be the end." The sprite said trying to stay positive.

Jollel looked up at the sprites and Samiya and she frowned a little bit, shaking her head. "Do not be discouraged, you have not failed me or anyone else." she said firmly, particularly to Idre. "We all knew this day was coming and there wasn't a thing we could do to stop it. You are certainly not disappointments to me, Samiya, or Dyllin, I promise you that." She said this with a reassuring smile at Idre, and Eon lightly licked her hand to try and make her feel better. "What we must do now... is take the next stepping stone. Dyllin is missing, and I might not know where he is now... but Eon might." she said, nodding at the dog with bright blue eyes. "He's a special beast, to be sure. He can track Dyllin for you... and I will try my hardest from here to eliminate any spells or castings that might be hiding him from our eyes and ears." She stood up and moved to a shelf against the back wall of her caravan, grabbing a few things before moving back to the sprites. She offered something to Iswe first. "A special canteen for the sprite of water... it will never go empty so long as you never lose hope." She then moved on towards Sein and offered her a shining black and gray rock. "Volcanic flint. One strike and you can set anything aflame. And Idre..." She moved to the earth sprite, kneeling in front of her and sliding a pouch into her palm. "Special seeds... these plants need only water and love to bloom... and they will give you anything you need--be it food for a long journey, shade from the sun, or cotton for new clothes. Simply whisper what it is you need and it shall provide it." She then stood up and bent to wrap a thin, silvery bandana around Eon's scruff, ruffling his ears before turning and moving to something else in the corner. She came back to Samiya with a handmade longbow and a quiver of arrows, all with their stone arrowheads painted a deep red. "Princess... for you." she said and offered it to her. "These arrows will never miss their targets. But you must be sparing with them... only use them in dire emergencies... For they are few and hard to find." she warned.

Idre looked down at the special seeds in the pouch that Jollel had given to her, and she then cast her gaze to Eon. She smiled at the wolfdog and sighed a little, absently tilting her head and resting it on top of his, instantly feeling a million times better than she did before. That bandana looks very lovely on you, Eon. Idre complimented him softly, having to stifle back a giggle however by putting a hand to her mouth. "Thank you for the seeds, Jollel." the earth sprite said to the gypsy with a nod. "I will be sure to take good care of Eon as well, as though he were my very own."

Iswe looked over the canteen she'd been gifted, wrinkling her nose a little in confusion as she did. "Hm. Never-ending water, huh?" she asked and opened it, turning it over and frowning when only a small droplette of water fell out. "I thought you said it would never be empty?"

"I said it would never be empty so long as you never lose hope. That is evidence that you don't have very much hope for your journey ahead, dear Iswe." Jollel said with a knowing smile before turning back to Samiya. "Are you prepared for this adventure, princess?" she asked seriously, watching her.

Sein had taken the volcanic flint and nodded her appreciation but did not speak. She looked down at the rock in her hand and turned it over and over, inspecting it carefully before finally dropping it into her pouch that hung from her belt.

Samiya took the bow and quiver of arrows and stared down at them for a few moments before looking up at Jollel. "Thank you..I guess I am as prepared as anyone would be if they had such a thing threw upon them." She glanced down at her delicately embroidered dress then bit her lip before looking back at the gypsy. "I could do with more suitable clothing though.." she added and smiled weakly.

Jollel gave her a small smile and nodded, turning and moving to a wardrobe chest of sorts, digging through it before pulling out a pair of loose-fitting pants of a dark blue colour, a white shirt and a brown vest, as well as a pair of riding boots. "Will this do?" she asked and offered them to the princess.

"Yes its perfect. Thank you." Samiya replied then took the clothes from Jollel and moved behind the small partition curtain so she could change. Finally she stepped out dressed in the clothes she had been given, her dress lying abandoned on the floor. After loosely braiding her hair she buckled the quiver over her back then turned to the people before her, clutching the bow tightly in her hands. "Ready."

Idre stood up and popped her pouch of seeds into the pocket of her long skirt. She walked to Samiya and placed a gentle, but protective hand on her shoulder. "I have been ready for a long time, princess. We will always be with you." Idre told her softly, tilting her head down slightly as a sign of respect.

"Excellent!" Jollel exclaimed happily. She turned to Eon and knelt in front of him, pulling him into a loose hug and letting him lick her cheek before she presented the bloodied spoon to him. "You know what to do." she whispered. He looked at the spoon and sniffed it deeply, taking the scent to memory before giving a gruff bark. She tucked the spoon away again and ruffled his ears. "Be safe, all of you." she said to them. "I will do all I can for you from here... and I will send your regards to your father, Samiya." she nodded. "Go. Hurry. Use the cloak of the night to help you get a headstart on your enemies." Eon didn't waste a moment. He barked at the women and ran from the caravan quickly, out into the night.

"Goodbye..I hope when we next see each other it will be for happier reasons." Samiya said to Jollel then looked at the three sprites. "And so our adventure begins.." She nodded then took off after the dog so as not to lose sight of him and was quickly followed by Sein into the darkness.

---

---

Noctis moved slowly from the ball, glaring at Samiya as he saw her hurry off. He climbed the steps into the castle and stopped when he saw Reise. "Well..did you do it?" he asked as he changed from Dyllin into his own appearance.

Reise had watched Samiya and the sprites leave quickly, then he'd heard his own father come out of the dungeon, seeing he had the sword in his hands, wrapped up tightly in the red velvet. Once his father had disappeared upstairs and Noctis had appeared before him, his smile grew into a wide and dark grin. "I did it. He's gone. Hidden far away where no one will find him."

"Congratulations." Noctis replied and couldn't help but give a nasty grin. "Where did you hide him? Or is it a secret even from me?" He asked raising an eyebrow slightly.

"I suppose I will have to tell you, won't I? So that you may help me set traps and be sure the location is never found." Reise whispered, stroking his chin in thought. He then frowned and looked around quickly. "Come, Noctis... even the walls have ears here." he whispered, motioning for the other man to follow him as he moved up the stairs and into his chambers.

Noctis glanced around him then quickly followed after Reise. He pushed the door shut behind him then moved to a chair and sat down, lounging casually back in it. "So where is he then?"

Reise moved to lock his door firmly, then moved to his balcony doors and shut them, doing the same. After checking all of his windows to make sure they were closed and locked as well, he turned to Noctis and gave a confident grin. "I've locked him away... in a tower far from here. There is only a window and a door to it. The door is locked and the window is barred, the tower is masked from sight by spells... and surrounded by deadly traps amongst the trees of the woods of Cuole." he nodded firmly. "No one will ever find him."

You hope. Noctis thought but decided it was best not to voice this. "Well what now your highness? Are you going to throw your father from the throne and take your rightful place? Or wait patiently until he finally passes it to you, whenever that may be.."

"No... I'll wait for now. If I ask my father about it too soon, it will seem suspicious. I already have too many eyes on me right now, thanks to the gypsy's curse's success. The gypsy seemed to imply that this event would be my fault from the beginning, so I know people are already blaming me. I need to be cautious and lay low for a while..." Reise explained with a deep frown, crossing his arms over his chest as she moved to stand beside Noctis, his eyes on the floor sternly. "So for now... I'll wait."

Noctis nodded. "Well as you lay low what would you like me to do?" he asked. "Am I to stay here with you or is there something else you want me to do?" He didn't find the thought of playing pretend guard very interesting and he had to stop himself rolling his eyes.

Reise studied Noctis for a moment longer, watching him and just stroking his beard. "No... I can handle myself here." he said softly. "I want you to follow the princess Samiya and the three sprites in her wake... Tail them, and try to veer them from any ideas of trying to find my brother. Don't fight them forthright... but just try to hint them away from the path of righteousness." he said with a soft grin. "Set traps... discourage them in their dreams, whatever you can do."

"Why can't I just kill them?" Noctis replied in a bored tone, frowning slightly at the memory of Samiya punching him painfully in the stomach. He wanted his revenge for that. "Do you not think it a better idea to get rid of them..or do you have some other plans for them? Are you planning on hurting your brother even further by taking his betrothed for yourself?"

Reise scoffed sharply. "Please. Like I have a need for that hot-headed, vain little tripe. No... I just don't think it would be wise to kill them just yet. We don't want to leave too many clues or draw too much attention to ourselves. For now... we'll let them have their little adventure. They won't get very far... and as soon as they step too close to the tower, they'll have themselves a little accident." he grinned. "Nothing too serious, just a decapitation or two." he chuckled darkly, moving to a shelf and brushing his fingers over several spines of books.

Noctis grinned as he straightened himself up in his chair. "That sounds painful.." he said in a happy tone. "So you just want me to tail them? Try and keep them off the track as long as possible? Can I have a little fun with them too? Make them wish they'd never set out on their little adventure?" He asked finally standing up from his seat.

Reise gave a deep laugh and nodded. "I think that would be a wonderful idea, Noctis. Have some fun. But not too much fun, aye?" he asked as he pulled down a book of dark spells and carried it to the table, setting it down and out, reading through it. "I'll start setting traps right now. Now go. Don't lose sight of the princess, Noctis." he warned sternly.

"As you wish..I shall not fail you your highness." Noctis replied then with a sweeping bow he turned and left the room, making sure to close the door behind him before moving off to track and follow the princess.



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