Sleeping Handsome
Kingdom of Layfette
Reise spent the entire night in his mother's room, at her bedside, along with his father as the healers worked to find out what was wrong with her. It wasn't until the sun had come up that they found out why she had collapsed, and that she would need to be bed-ridden for a few days until she'd regained her strength. Anaita lay in bed, sleeping peacefully after the healers soothed her to sleep, and Reise had his hands clasped firmly in front of his mouth, watching her worriedly. He hadn't slept or ate, and hadn't left his mother's side. Now he felt sick... He was pale, his eyes darkened by the lack of nourishment, and from crying. She was the only one he had ever--and WOULD ever--cry over. He felt the weight of his father's hand on his shoulder after a few minutes, and he looked up at him briefly before returning his gaze to his mother's sleeping face.
"You should go get some rest, Reise... exhausting yourself now won't help her. She's no longer in pain, she's resting... You can come back in a few hours and we'll all have breakfast together." Xander said softly, giving Reise's shoulder a gentle squeeze. He knew his son didn't like to be touched, but this time it felt necessary. "You look terrible, Reise... Go get some sleep."
Reise shrugged his father's hand off of his shoulder and grit his teeth. "No." He didn't want to leave his mother's side, for fear she would pass without him there. That scared him more than anything, even more than his dabbling in this dark magic. He then had an idea. Maybe there was something he could do to help her... There HAD to be something! He stood up and looked at his father. "I will fix this. I'll make her better." he said determinately, then headed for the door. He stopped when he reached it, however, and turned back to face his father. "You'll fetch me when she wakes up?"
Xander gave him the barest of smiles, and nodded. "I promise." He watched Reise leave in a hurry, then moved to take the seat he'd previously occupied, putting his head in his hands with a heavy, sad sigh. "I'm so sorry, Anaita..." he whined.
Reise moved through the halls quickly, back to his own room, and he moved into it with a loud bang of the door. He started to move through his bottles of ointments, poisons, acids, bases, and other enchanted ingredients. He moved to his books nexts, searching every scroll and tome he'd managed to gather over the last few years, and finally found the one he'd been looking for. He dropped it onto the table and flipped through the pages frantically, until he found the right passage:
Healing Through Dark Magic.
He read over it briefly, gathering everything he would need, and starting to mix everything according to the very specific instructions. He paused when he read the last few lines though.
"In order to save a life, a life must be sacrificed of equal or better value. The stronger the sacrifice, the longer the life given to the needy. To complete the sacrifice, they must each be given this concoction in equal doses. The healthy will wane and the dying will heal."
Reise read the lines over and over again, studying them, trying to interpret them any way he could... And he finally came to the same conclusion: Someone would have to die to save his mom's life. In his mind, this would be easy. No one mattered nearly as much as his mom. She was everything to him, and always had been. She was the only one who understood him, and humored him as a child, and stood up for him when the other children teased him for being so quiet and reserved. She even defended him from his father's choice words when he was growing up... His father had once asked, "Why can't you be more like Dyllin?" and his mother had instantly come to the rescue. She always came to his rescue. Now it was his turn to return the favor. But who? He would have to go about this carefully. As much as he WANTED to sacrifice Samiya, he couldn't risk losing her kingdom's alliance because she turned up dead. The book didn't specify gender, so he could probably sacrifice a male... His father was too old, in his opinion, and wouldn't give his mother any more than a few extra years it seemed. So he would need someone younger... healthier. He grit his teeth. One name emerged in his mind: Dyllin. He was young, healthy, vibrant... Even after the last week of being in a forced coma without food, water or sunlight, he was sure Dyllin's life would be enough to prolong his mom's. He breathed deeply and finished mixing the potion. This would be too easy. He could force the poison down his brother's throat as he slept, and give the same amount to his mother in the form of a tea or medicine. It would be too easy.
Once confident with the potion and that everything was in place, he left his work area to head to his bed. His father had been right about one thing: he needed to rest. He climbed into bed, dreaming heavily of how he would succeed. He would marry Samiya, gaining her kingdom, he would get the crown and title from his father, kill his brother to save his mother's life... Everything would work out perfectly.
Rather differently from the last few nights, Samiya's dreams were empty, devoid of Dyllin or the dreamscape that Jollel and Eon had opened up for them. It was a mysterious thing... empty, but still with a sense of purpose.
Samiya woke not long after the sun had rose and couldn't help but feel disappointed that she and Dyllin had been kept apart in her dreams.
Why could I not see him? she thought with a frown as she slipped from her bed to dress herself for the new day. She chose a simple red gown and finished it off by draping a white shawl around her shoulders and let her blonde curls hang loosely down her back. When she was ready she left her room in search of the king and queen to have their scheduled breakfast. "Can you tell me where the royal king and queen are?"she asked a passing maid.
The maid blinked at Samiya and then her face was quickly downcast. "The queen has become ill.... She had an incident last night and... She's in bed. She's to be bed-ridden for the next few days, miss." she explained sadly in a hushed voice. "They're in their room and will be taking breakfast there this morning when her highness awakens."
Samiya gasped as she listened to the maid speak then a heavy frown spread across her face. "Will you please inform me when the queen wakes." She told the maid then turned and stormed off towards Reises room. When she reached it she pounded loudly refusing to give up until he answered.
Reise groaned from his bed, rolling over and hiding his face under his pillow. He yawned and looked towards his door. "You hideous creature..." he groaned to himself, not knowing immediately who it was. He got up and shuffled to his door, opening it and rubbing his eyes as he looked at Samiya. "Oh... you." he grumbled. "What the hell do you want?"
"What do I want?" Samiya snapped as she pushed her way into his room not caring that he was in his nightwear. "I take it you haven't heard that your mother is lying weakened in her bed. This is all your fault do you know that?"
Reise let out an irritated growl, not just because she shoved passed him rudely into his room, but also at her words. "Of course I know! I was with her when her heart failed! I stayed at her side all night long!" he snapped. "And it's not my fault! It's my damned brother's fault! But I'm going to fix it. You needn't worry about that." he growled, glaring at her.
Samiya let out a yell of exasperation and threw her hands up in the air when Reise said that it was Dyllins fault. "You are impossible!" She cried as she spun round to look at him, her hands in fists by her sides. "None of this is Dyllins fault!
You made Dyllin disappear.
You caused all this trouble. No one else. Stop trying to blame others! If your mother dies it will be all your fault!" She shouted quickly with a glare. "And the only way you can fix it is to allow Dyllin to come home. Don't you get that?"
"MY MOTHER WILL NOT DIE!!" Reise suddenly boomed at her, his voice laced with the heavy baratone of another... a voice that wasn't his. His eyes were black again as he loomed over her, taking a threatening step forward. He glared at her, his eyes swirling with anger, and after a moment, the two voices growled out, "Dyllin will die before Anaita does." He hissed a sigh and his eyes returned to normal as he backed off a little, looking a little sickly. "Mother will be fine." he growled again lowly in his own voice now, panting slightly. "It may be my fault that Dyllin is gone, but it's NOT my fault that so many people loved him and appreciated him more than they did me... and it's not my fault that they're taking his loss so hard. But they'll all get over it when they see what a magnificent king I am instead." he growled.
Samiya took a small step backwards when Reises shouted at her with the mysterious voice echoing through his own. Her eyes widened and she shook her head in disbelief. "I won't let you kill him! You can't. If you do then I will never marry you, you understand? You will never gain my kingdom unless he lives.." she snapped at him. "You will never be king." Her eyes narrowed at him as she spoke. "Just give up."
Reise glared at her through equally narrowed eyes, and he tensed. "You need to learn your place,
princess." he snarled, taking another step towards her. "Perhaps I'll just have to cut that tongue of yours out?" he asked, grabbing her face suddenly, holding it painfully between his fingers.
"I'm..not..sca
red..of..you.." Samiya struggled to say as she grasped onto his hand holding her face. "You're just a silly little boy having a tantrum.." Suddenly with her free hand she swung it round until it connected with his stomach hoping it would stun him enough to let her go.
But something caught her fist before it managed to connect with Reise's body: and it wasn't his hand. There was a sort of smokey form extending from his side, like a tentacle made of blackness, and it had grabbed her fist, and was slowly coiling its way up her arm. "Oh really..?" he asked lowly, shoving her back against the wall firmly. "Because you should be."
Samiya's eyes widened at the sight of the smoke and she tried her best to pull her arm free from its grip. "My mother told me before she died that I should never show my enemies fear.." She said as she looked into Reises eyes. "No matter what smoke tricks you use you will never break me." Her tone was defiant as she tried to ignore the smoke.
"This isn't just plain old smoke, princess." Reise whispered lowly as he pressed his body against hers against the wall, a thigh slipping between hers firmly, his hand still wrapped tightly around her chin. "This is dark magic. This is the magic that can suck your soul straight from your body... or make you experience your worst nightmares. And it seems to like you." he growled with a disturbing smirk, watching her eyes.
"You're such a vile little creature.." Samiya hissed at him as she struggled to free herself from his grip and push his weight off of her. She refused to show him that she was afraid no matter how much fear was rising through her. "I'm going to personally make sure you never sit in that throne or wear or fathers crown. You will never be king. Dyllin will though, I'll make sure of it. But don't worry I'm sure your brother will wish to keep you around as our jester or something, that way you can keep doing your little magic tricks.."
Reise's gaze hardened on her, but his smirk stayed on. He suddenly, in a flash of movements, released her jaw and grabbed her wrists instead, pinning them above her head firmly as his thigh dug into her crotch. "Oh really? You think I'm funny enough for that?" he asked sarcastically, as the shadow hands began to tug and rip at her skirt. "Well don't I feel special."
"Like I said vile.." Samiya growled as her heart rate quickened in fear. "But you're probably right. You're not that funny. I think you would probably scare the children. Maybe best you were put out of the way..maybe the kitchen or stables would suit you best." She glanced down at the shadow hands pulling at her skirt and gulped lightly before looking back at Reise. "I suggest you stop that right now unless you want me to scream for help. Now step back!" She ordered as she tried to pull her wrists free from his grip.
Reise let out a laugh then, shaking his head before moving in closer, his mouth just beside her ear. "My room is sound proof. No one will hear you, you spoiled little girl." He ground against her hard as the shadow hands ripped a large tear in the side of her skirt, and they began to seep under her clothes, their cold fingers running against her legs. "Hmmm... I wonder... will Dyllin still marry a whore princess?" he wondered aloud, leaning in to smell her deeply and giving a small moan of appreciation.
"He will rip your heart out.." Samiya replied then gasped when she felt the shadow hands against her legs. "Stop it! I will tell your father everything if you do not unhand me!" She said quickly in a nervous tone. "GET OFF ME!" She screamed then tried to bring her knee up quickly hoping it would connect with his gut.
The shadow hands were pinning her knees, giving her very little movement, and Reise let out a laugh again. "Forgetting about my spell already, princess?" he asked teasingly, moving to undo his trousers while one hand still kept her wrists pinned. He had to stop though when there was a sudden knocking on his door. He ignored it though, and turned back to Samiya as he got his pants undone, but the knock came again, louder this time. He growled and turned to glare at the door. "WHAT?!" he snapped. "I'm busy!"
There was a meek sound from the other side. "S-sire, your mother has awakened. The King sent me to find you... he said you wanted to know when she awoke." the young maid called through softly, nervously.
Reise's eyes widened a little. His mother was awake. He sighed and hung his head a little as the shadow hands retracted from her legs and disappeared against his body. "You got lucky this time, princess." he growled, letting her go and moving to quickly do up his trousers and fix his hair. "You look a mess. Go change your clothes and meet me in my parents' room for breakfast."
Samiya dropped to the ground once she was released and quickly tried to fix her skirt to cover the rips. She shot a glare at Reise after he spoke then carefully got to her feet, still holding her skirt in place. "You're pathetic.." She spat angrily at him. "Now go..i'll meet you in your parents room after I fix what you have ruined."
"Hmn. Not ruined enough, I'm afraid." Reise grunted with a coy little smirk and then blew her a kiss before turning and heading out of the room. He slammed the door behind himself and nodded to the maid, who showed him off down the hall towards his parents' room.
Samiya waited a few moments after he left before she moved to the door and after peering outside to make sure the hall was clear exited the room and ran to her own, slamming the door behind herself. Quickly she pulled off her dress and tossed it in the fire, not wanting anything that Reise had touched. I never thought he would sink as low as that.. she thought with a shudder as she quickly dressed now in a royal blue dress and wrapped the same white shawl around her shoulders. After tidying her hair she took a deep breath then left her room, moving quickly to the king and queens room. She knocked the door with a shaking hand then waited for an answer.
A maid answered the door and bowed respectfully as she stepped aside to let her in. "Breakfast has arrived, miss. A plate has been prepared for you." she explained softly, motioning to the bed where Anaita was laying, looking weak and tired, and Xander and Reise were sitting beside her. Everyone had a plate of food, but no one was eating yet.
Samiya nodded to the maid then when she saw the queen looking so weakened she rushed forward looking concerned. "Your highness." She said quickly when she reached the bed, choosing to stand closer to Xander than to Reise. "I'm glad your awake. Is there anything I can do for you? Anything you need?"
Anaita looked up at Samiya and she gave her a soft smile, her eyes drooping a little. "Hello, dear... No, no.. I'm alright, thank you." she whispered, looking towards Xander and Reise as they both moved to hold her hands gently. "Please, sit... eat with us." she whispered, taking a deep breath before looking to the maid. The maid nodded and moved to fetch Samiya's plate and drink, setting it all in front of her at a small table and pulling her chair out for her. "You look lovely this morning, Samiya..."
"Yes, doesn't she look radiant?" Reise asked gently, his voice sincere with his mother. "Blue really does suit her." He looked at her and his eyes flashed a little mischeviously, but he was too concerned with his mother to do much more than that. He kissed his mother's hand, then reached for her fork. "Here, mom... you need to eat. Please? Just a few bites?" he asked, offering it to her at her lips.
Anaita gave a small breath and smiled at Reise, wrapping her free hand around his around the fork, and leading it into her mouth carefully. She chewed slowly, panting tiredly as she did, and rested back against her pillows as she tasted her food. She looked... old. Weak. Frail. She didn't look like the usual bright, happy queen. "Thank you, love." she whispered.
Samiya frowned at Reise then sat down when her chair was pulled out for her and pulled her shawl more tightly round herself. As she watched Reise with his mother she couldn't believe this was the same man who had just tried to force himself upon her. He was being kind and gentle. I don't get it. She thought still frowning before looking down at her own plate of food but didn't feel very hungry.
After a few minutes of silence as everyone tried to eat, Anaita coughed lightly, making Xander and Reise both sit upright, ready to spring into action if anything was wrong. She waved them both down with a soft chuckle, shaking her head. "I'm alright, boys... calm down." she breathed with a soft smile. She then waved the maid to take her plate, breathing deeply and looking between her husband and Reise. "May I please have a moment alone with Samiya? It's about wedding plans." she whispered softly. They both nodded, and after giving Anaita a kiss each, they both left the room, closing the door behind themselves. She then looked at Samiya and smiled, holding her hand out to her.
"We can talk about the wedding when you're feeling better your highness.." Samiya said in a weak voice as she placed her shaking hand in the queens. "Unless of course you would like the distraction." She continued as she looked at Anaita.
Anaita waited until they were truly alone before she gripped Samiya's hand and looked at her. "This isn't about the wedding, Samiya." she whispered softly. "This is about Dyllin. I just said it was about the wedding so the boys wouldn't be too interested..." She gave her a soft smile. "I saw Dyllin in my dreams last night... and it was... so real.." she breathed shakily.
"Thats where he was! He came to you instead!" Samiya gasped before she realised what she was saying. "What did he say? Did he speak with you?" She asked quickly gripping the queens hand tightly now as she stared at her with wide eyes.
"He did... We talked about so many things..." Anaita breathed and smiled happily. "So it's true... He's been coming to you in your dreams every night... my sister must have created the connection for you." she sighed in relief and closed her eyes a moment, then opened them again. "He told me where he's being held captive, and that he's asleep... He told me that he's been with you in your dreams every night for the last few nights... and all of the things you two have planned... Oh, sweetie, I'm so happy for you." she sniffed, moving to wipe her eyes weakly. "Reise won't be happy to have to cancel the wedding, I'm sure... but you two don't really seem right together. Dyllin is definitely more for you." she nodded. It seemed she still didn't know that Reise was the cause of all of this trouble.
"You can't say anything to Reise your highness!" Samiya said quickly her eyes suddenly full of fear. "U-until Dyllin is back safe and well it is best we keep all of this to ourselves..I know it is a lot to ask..but for now Reise must believe that he and I are to be married." She paused taking a breath before allowing herself to smile. "There are people working on freeing Dyllin..I told them yesterday where he is."
Anaita had seemed a little startled by Samiya's proclaimation to keep this information to herself, but she gave her a soft smile and nodded. "I understand, darling... It's not my place. You will discuss this with Reise in due time, I know." she said, patting her hand lightly. "I promise I won't say anything." She sighed happily then at the news that there were people working on getting Dyllin back, and she smiled. "That's wonderful, dear.. I'm so happy he's alright... I cannot wait for him to come home."
"Neither can I. I soon realised after he was taken that I actually do love him." Samiya's cheeks reddened as she smiled bashfully at the queen. "I want to marry him and have a family.." She smiled again happy that she had someone to talk to about this. "Reise will surely be upset..he's so looking forward to the wedding."
"Oh, but I'm sure he'll understand. Reise has never been one to interfere with true love." Anaita whispered and smiled, holding her hand. "He may not seem it, but Reise is quite the hopeless romantic." She chuckled breathlessly, and then sighed a little. "I do hope Dyllin comes home soon... Just thinking about it makes me feel so much better."
"I'm glad. I'm sure Dyllin can't wait to get home." Samiya replied then looked at Anaita curiously. "Reise is a hopeless romantic? He always seems so serious..and he hasn't shown me much in the way of romantics. I think he maybe just feels its his duty to marry me..as do I. Everything I said about loving him..I only said that in the hopes of raising your spirits your highness. I hold no feelings towards him."
Anaita gave a small chuckle and shook her head. "I'm sickly, not stupid, Samiya." she whispered. "Anyone with half a brain could see that you were just saying that to make me feel better." she nodded and smiled at her sweetly. "Thank you for it... really. But don't jeopardize your future for my sake, dear. Marry Dyllin and be happy, no matter MY outcome. Promise?"
Samiya smiled and nodded. "I promise." She said then leaned down and hugged the queen lightly. "You'll be alright. I know it. You'll be there when Dyllin and I get married." She sat back down and clasped her hands on her lap. "Everything is finally working out."
Anaita nodded softly in agreement, giving her hand a squeeze as the boys came back into the room. "Are you done with your conversation?" Xander asked softly, looking between them both. It seemed both him and Reise had become antsy and uncomfortable with how long their private talk had been going. Neither of them wanted to be away from Anaita for too long.
"Samiya nodded and smiled at Xander. "Yes, thank you. We were just discussing a few more things to do with the wedding. The planning is going well." She glanced at Reise and smirked lightly before returning her attention to Anaita. "Everything will be simply perfect."
Anaita smiled at Samiya in return and nodded. "Yes, it will be." She looked at Reise and Xander, giving them a tired smile. "I think I'll take a nap now, this morning has drained me. Xander..?"
"No need to ask, my love, I'll let the maids know you need fresh coals and water." Xander said with a loving smile and a nod, moving to kiss her head.
"Oh... well thank you, but I actually was going to ask that you... head into town and speak with the blacksmith about crafting a fine crown for Samiya. Take her with you. It'll be a bonding day for you both. Reise has some classes he needs to attend and I'll rest up... then we can all have a lovely dinner together." Anaita said softly. "Doesn't that sound nice?"
Samiya's eyes widened and her smile brightened. The queen is a genius! she thought then nodded. "That sounds like a splendid idea. If his highness is happy I would love to spend the afternoon with him in town." She said turning to look at Xander. "I would just need a moment to go and make myself more presentable."
Xander looked at Samiya and gave a warm grin. He rarely smiled these days. He nodded and looked down at Anaita. "That sounds wonderful." He then looked to Reise, who'd been stepping forward and trying to say something--most likely AGAINST this idea--but Xander patted him on the shoulder. "Don't worry, son, I'll take good care of her! We'll not be gone long, it's just to get her a crown--and perhaps a few more wedding errands." he said with a wink to Samiya. "We'll be back in due time. You just focus on finishing your kingly tutoring and we'll all be back in here for supper." He then moved to Samiya and shook his head. "No need to go get cleaned up, Samiya, you look divine. Besides, there would be no sense in dirtying another dress by walking through the village. This will do fine." He patted her arm, then turned back to Anaita and moved to kiss her. "I love you." he whispered softly.
Anaita smiled lovingly and nuzzled his face with hers. "I love you too." she whispered sincerely, kissing his lips again before releasing him to relax back onto the pillows again, watching them all.
Samiya had to control herself against jumping up and down with glee. She was getting out of the castle and could surely make some excuse to leave the king for a moment so she could go and inspect the well Dyllin was being kept in. I wonder if theres any way of climbing down into it. she thought. "Go to your lessons Reise. Your father and I will be fine." She said to him with a grin then turned to Xander. "Ready when you are."
"Then let's be off. The carriage is always ready." Xander nodded with a smile. He waved to Anaita one last time and gave Reise a smile as he led Samiya out of the room and down through the halls towards the stables. Reise had been clearly suspicious about this spontaneous outing of theirs... but he wasn't about to question his sickly mother's wishes. She wanted a wedding, she would get a wedding... and everything included. Xander helped Samiya into the carriage and then climbed in beside her, settling himself and adjusting his large fur cape and heavy amulets. "My, it's a warm day." he chuckled.
"Its wonderful." Samiya replied as she slipped off her shawl, no longer feeling the need to wear it. "You should take your cape off your highness. Fur is not advisable in such heat." She joked as she looked at Xander with a smile and settled down into her seat. "What other wedding errands where you speaking of apart from picking my crown?" She asked curiously.
"Well, if you say so." Xander laughed with her, unbuckling and pulling the heavy drape off his shoulders with a relieved sigh, setting it aside on the seat. "Well, we still need to speak with the florist and a tailor about altering Anaita's dress for you... and I need to speak with the cobbler about making Reise's shoes for the day. See, he has particularly large feet... and thus, needs his shoes made special." he said, whispering this to her conspiratorially.
Samiya had to quickly cover her mouth with a hand to stifle her laughter. "I've never noticed but now its all I'm going to tho about when I Iook at his feet!" She said through her laughter. Finally after taking a breath she looked back at the king. "Whilst you're taking care of Reise's shoes I will deal with the florist and maybe see about getting a gift for Reise for the big day." She said with a smile.
"Well, you were bound to find out sooner or later!" Xander laughed with her, shaking his head with a deep-bellied chortle. He sighed happily and looked at her, then nodded at her words. "Sounds fine to me. But you'll have to be with me at the blacksmith so he can measure your head for the crown." he nodded and smiled at her. "You will look amazing in it, I'm sure. And you can pick out whichever metal and gems you would like it made of. Silver, gold, I've even heard of some kings making their crowns of steel nowadays... to be indestructable! Isn't that ridiculous?" he laughed.
"Quite unusual indeed." Samiya replied. I do like silver but gold sits so well with my hair colour and I imagine rubies would look lovely as well as the fact that they're my favourite colour." She continued with a chuckle. "I suppose my crown will need to fit well with Dyllins.." her eyes widened slightly at the realisation of what she had just said. "I mean Reise."
Xander looked at her slowly and gave her a small, knowing smile, moving to grab her hand and wrap it around his arm, resting his other hand on top of hers. "I know, Samiya. It's alright." he whispered. "Reise--or Dyllin, whoever gets it first--will get my crown. It will be polished up and reset it new jewels." he explained, his voice soft. "The jewels will match whatever color you choose. It's always the queen's decision. Anaita is the one that chose the yellow Meridian stones in my crown. She said it would look good with my brown locks. Do you still think so?" he asked with a playful toss of his hair and a chuckle.
Samiya smiled softly and nodded. "As handsome as ever your highness. It will be a sad day when you have to hand over the crown, you are a great king. But whoever takes your place, I will make sure they do you proud. I promise. They will have me to deal with if they don't." She joked. "Its well known the queen is ten times more fearsome than the king and I intend to uphold that tradition. Your twins should be very frightened." especially Reise. He'll regret the day he messed with me. she thought with a confident grin.
Xander bellowed another deep-chested laugh, and nodded. "Oh, I can assure you, they are! You were always the one in control when you were all kids!" he smirked. "But they humored you well." he winked. "And I know you'll fill Anaita's shoes very well in that respect." He leaned over to kiss her brow as the carriage came to a stop just within the village streets. He turned and opened the door, pulling himself out and then offering his hand to Samiya.
"Thank you." Samiya said as she took Xanders offered hand and stepped from the carriage. "How would you like to do this your highness?" She asked. "Shall we take care of our individual tasks first and then meet up to take care of the crown or do the crown first?" She secretly hoped she could go to the well first to see if she could get down and see Dyllin.
Xander smiled at her. "Let's take care of individual tasks first. Then we can meet back here at the carriage and head to the blacksmith's... maybe get some sweet rolls?" he asked and smiled, nodding at her. "I'll see you in a bit, Samiya." With that, he turned and headed off to take care of his errands.
Samiya waved farewell to the king then hurried off in the direction of the well trying her best not to run and make herself look suspicious. When she spotted it she slowed to a walk looking around for any signs of enchantments or any other reasons that would stop her getting down to where she hoped Dyllin was being kept.
There was nothing out of the ordinary at the well. There were families and young children around, either gathering water from the well, or tossing wishing coins into it. The children ran off with shrieks and giggles and the people cleared the well when they saw Samiya nearing it. It wasn't every day that the princess from a far off kingdom came to their well.
Glancing round, Samiya waited for the well to clear completely before she moved to its side and peered down into its dark depths. don't worry Dyllin, I'm on my way. she thought after one last look around to make sure she wasn't being watched before she carefully climbed over the wall of the well, clinging to the stones as she did. With a deep breath she began to descend, gasping each time her hand or foot slipped against the wet stone. Slowly it grew darker and darker and she knew she had to be drawing near to the bottom.
The water at the bottom was black and sloshed about gently, pouring in from a hole in the wall, and being drained again through a second hole at the bottom, constantly keeping the water flowing and clean. She stones were well-set, deep and strong, and a sort of ladder of step-stones were in the side Samiya was currently climbing down. There was a gentle glimmer of something as the water shifted and the sun hit it: a shimmering blue. Like that of an enchantment.
Samiya saw the glimmer and with an excited grin jumped the last few stones down, landing with a splash in the water that was up past her knees. Reaching a hand out she hoped that whatever was there would react to her touch.
It radiated outwards from her palm, a shimmering blue that would normally blend with the color of the rippling water. It was lower than her, the top of the orb at around her waist line, and the rest was submerged under the water and within the wall. It meant Dyllin's head was perhaps just above the water level... just barely keeping him from drowning.
Samiya placed her hands against the orb for a few moments before suddenly beating her fist against it. "Come on!" She exclaimed in frustration as she beat it and pushed her weight against it hoping to make it give way to Dyllin beneath. "I found him so stop these tricks!" Finally she collapsed against the orb, her head buried in her arms as she wept. They could only break the enchantment in the forest by using her bow and arrows but she couldn't use a weapon here for fear of injuring Dyllin beneath. "I won't leave you.." she whispered as her teeth began to chatter with the cold of the water that was quickly soaking up through her dress, making her shiver as she clung to the orb. She closed her eyes as the cold made her feel numb and exhausted. Dyllin..
You have to go... echoed a small voice in her head. Please... Samiya... You have to. If Reise catches you... Or you drown, or freeze... please, go... I'll be alright. There was a feeling of warmth that suddenly wrapped around her, hugging her from behind, as if Dyllin was there, but not quite. I love you.
Samiya sniffed then slowly stood up, keeping one hand still resting against the orb. "I love you too.." She whispered then after a few more moments finally stepped back and started the slow climb back up the well. Once at the top she stumbled out onto the ground then sat shivering uncontrollably until finally she moved off into the village heading for the dressmakers deciding it was best she changed. The dressmaker quickly agreed when she seen her sodden and muddy state but didn't ask why she was in such a way, thinking it inappropriate to ask. Samiya was quickly dressed in a beautifully embroidered red silk dress, with flowing skirt and corseted top. They helped pin her hair up and it wasn't long before she was clean and looking like the princess she should be. She thanked them then moved from the shop deciding she should go and order the flowers for the wedding so the king didn't grow suspicious of her whereabouts. Finally she moved towards the blacksmith to meet Xander and pick her future crown.
Xander was already there, talking with the blacksmith about where Samiya might be, or what she might like for her crown and the prices for each. Finally, he turned to look at Samiya as she came walking up, giving a broad smile. "Ah! There she is!" he chimed, then paused. "Did you change? You must have seen the tailor already... did she get your measurements for altering Anaita's dress? Let me guess... she must see the dress first." he sighed, rolling his eyes. "She's so particular."
"Oh I completely forgot about my measurements.." Samiya replied with a weak smile and a shrug. "I accidentally tripped and tore my dress and splattered it with mud. I didn't feel appropriate walking around the village in such a fashion so I went and got a new dress. I shall send a maid to her later with my measurements so she can alter the dress." She said then looked towards the blacksmith. "Shall we get this over with?"
"Yes, m'lady! My son, here, he's twelve and I'm trying to teach him the trade, would you mind terribly if he measured your head for me?" the man asked, his hand set between the shoulders of a young, dirty-looking boy, who held tightly to a set of measuring tongs.
Samiya smiled at the young boy. "Of course." She said then lowered herself to kneel on the ground so he could easily measure her head, smoothing the creases out on her dress as she did. "When you're ready young man." She spoke politely to him, motioning for him to step forward and not be frightened of her.
"Go on then, Ameril. Just as you practiced on mom and me." the blacksmith said, giving his son a little push. Amaril moved forwards shyly, gulping nervously. He had never measured a princess' head before. He carefully opened the measureing tongs and then measured her skull's length from front to back of her crown, and then her width from side to side. Once he got the numbers, he quickly pulled the tongs back and told his father the numbers he needed. "Good job, boy!" his father nodded proudly, scribbling the numbers down in charcoal on a piece of leather. "Alrighty then, your highness and m'lady! What kind of gold and jewels would you like in that? We can get you the finest gems, I assure you." he nodded.
"Any gems?" Samiya asked curiously then glanced at Xander. "Well I have heard of one type of gem which is supposed to be the most beautiful but most rare of its kind. The red tourmaline..it would make the crown that little bit more special for me." And it will take that little bit longer to finish hopefully.. She thought. "And as for what metal, I think gold is most appropriate and will look the most attractive..unless his highness thinks I should go with the steel we discussed earlier?" She said playfully as she smiled at the king.
Xander let out a deep laugh and shook his head. "Gold will be perfect." he nodded in agreement, rubbing her arm lightly. He then looked at the blacksmith, handing him a heavy bag of gold coins. "Half now, half when it is finished, as always." he smiled. "Please try to get it finished as soon as possible, and deliver it when it's ready." The blacksmith nodded in understanding, thanking the king profusely, and Xander motioned to Samiya to head back to the carriage. "Did you get to speak with the florist?"
"Oh yes. I chose red roses and shasta daisies..they compliment each other beautifully and the daisies will attract butterflies which I think will be very magical." Samiya replied as she took the kings arm and began to lead the way back to the carriage. "I think we should have the wedding outside in the castle gardens. The soft sound of the water fountain and birds singing will be so beautiful..could we do that?" She asked looking at Xander with a hopeful smile.
Xander patted her hand and smiled down at her through his bushy blonde eyebrows and thick beard, and he nodded. "Anything you want, Samiya. Absolutely anything. I'm sure... Reise... would love to have the wedding in the garden." he said with a small chuckle. He seemed to be hinting at something...
Samiya smiled, understanding what Xander meant. "Yes.. Reise was exactly who I had in mind for a garden wedding." She said with a small chuckle before looking apologetic. "Is it wrong of me to always be thinking of Dyllin during all the wedding planning when I'm technically meant to be marrying Reise?" She asked but knew she would never marry the younger brother. "I mean, I'm sure so many people who think badly of me if they knew I was doing it.."
Xander stopped their walking and looked at her seriously, shaking his head. "No, Samiya. It's not wrong of you. Nor would anyone think badly of you for it. You love Dyllin... It's plain to see. I'm sure that even Reise knows it... You fell in love with Dyllin long ago, Samiya, even if you didn't know it. Anaita and I could see it. At least, we hoped that was what we saw." he chuckled. "And you are still holding out hope that Dyllin will come home... we all are. There is no shame in still thinking of him as you plan your wedding, because you were thinking that you would be marrying HIM, not Reise. Dyllin is the one you're taking into consideration for your wedding, not Reise. He is.... dark... He would prefer to have his wedding in the dark, candle-lit halls..." he sighed. "Or perhaps in front of the thrones... since he seems to have his eye on the crown more than on you." He frowned deeply at this, then shook his head. "I'm sorry... It's wrong of me to say that of my own son... But sometimes I question his reasons for wanting to marry."
"You and me both.." grumbled Samiya with a frown. "I'm sorry for being so negative about the whole thing. There's really no other choice, the kingdoms have to be united now. I'm not allowed to rule my kingdom alone. Apparently queens aren't sufficient enough to rule alone." Her frown deepened before she sighed. "What would happen if I was to tell Reise no..or try to prolong it a bit in the hopes Dyllin would return? Reise wishes to be married in a matter of days."
Xander frowned a little then, and shook his head seriously. "Honestly... you have no say in the matter. You can make any choice you want about the wedding itself, but when it comes to WHEN it happens... Reise has that control. However... Anaita can say something about prolonging the wedding. Reise will listen to her." he nodded. "Especially with her failing health. He wouldn't do anything to upset her, even if she wasn't sick." he nodded. "You should speak with her."
"I couldn't involve the Queen..she needs to concentrate on getting better and i'm not really sure Reise would take to kindly if he found out I wanted to postpone things." Samiya replied, biting her lip lightly as she thought about how it would be Dyllin that would suffer the consequences of her stupidity. "Nevermind..everything will work out for the best. I know it. The wedding will happen when he wants it."
Xander didn't seem too convinced, then put a hand on her shoulder and gave it a comforting squeeze. "I'll talk to him about postponing the wedding a week or so... for his mother's sake. He won't argue with me." He leaned in and kissed her cheek, then took her hand again and led her the rest of the way to the carriage, opening the door for her and offering to help her up.
"Thank you..for everything your highness." Samiya told him with a soft smile then climbed into the carriage missing the large griffin that had suddenly soared over the village towards the castle. "What is the plans for when we get back?" She asked Xander as she settled into her seat and looked at the king.
Xander made sure she got into the carriage safely and comfortably, giving a small glance over his shoulder. Something seemed to be tugging at his mind... deep in his subconsciousness... something familiar and warm. He looked back over his shoulder towards the village again, just barely spotting the well around the corner of a shop. Something was pulling him there.... but he didn't know what. He frowned, then spotted the griffith in the air, giving a surprised gasp, then climbed into the carriage instantly. "Back to the castle at once!" he told the driver, looking at Samiya. "It looks like we have company coming."
"Company? Who is it?" Samiya asked curiously as she moved to look out the window as the carriage took off towards the castle where the large griffin was landing in the courtyard. "You can get off now.." groaned Noctis once he was safely on the ground. "I am not built for carrying someone for so long let alone whilst getting used to flying.." he continued to grumble.
"I'm working on it!" Ziane hissed as she slid off of his back and stumbled as she touched the ground and let him go. She growled, wincing in pain and holding her side, panting in pain and looking around as guards started to close in on them, their weapons raised. Ziane panted and reached into her shirt, producing her royal emblem, which instantly made them drop their weapons and bow in respect. "Yeah... that's right... Where's the king?" she demanded breathlessly.
Noctis groaned in exhaustion as Ziane slid from his back then shifted back into his human form making the surrounding guards gasp and rush forwards, pointing their spears and swords at him, causing him to roll his eyes. "Shifter! You know its forbidden for you to be in Layfette." One of them growled before stepping forward and restraining his hands behind his back. "I'm sorry your highness..it seems this beast has been misleading you. You're safe now." The guard said to Ziane as Samiya and Xanders carriage rattled into the courtyard and the princess jumped out before it had properly stopped. "Ziane!" She exclaimed then rushed forward hugging the cat woman tightly.
Ziane let out a pained, "Oof!" when Samiya hugged her tightly, wincing and squirming a little in the grip. "W-well hello, little miss..." she grunted, pushing her back to arm's length and then motioning to her side. "Injured." she explained briefly before scowling at the guards as they cuffed Noctis. "Stop! He's with me! I demand you let him go!" she snapped. "He has not been misleading me, I know perfectly well what he is and his intentions!" She limped towards them, shoving through them all and grabbing Noctis' arm protectively. "Uncuff him immediately!"
"I'm sorry miss but he's broken the law and only the king can pardon him now." The guard told Ziane as he tried to pull Noctis free from her grip. "I told you people don't like me.." Noctis grumbled to her before being hit roughly by the guard to be quiet. "No talking.." Samiya watched quietly. She didn't trust Noctis for all he had done but would leave it to Xander to make any decisions.
Xander had been climbing down from the carriage when he'd seen Noctis cuffed and Ziane running to his rescue. He frowned in confusion and moved to the group, watching the guards bow. "What's going on?" he asked, looking between Samiya, an injured Ziane, and the shifter before looking back at the guard.
Ziane turned to Xander, bowed briefly, then spoke. "Highness... This shifter is not what he seems. He fought BESIDE me against a dark drow and a demented axeman, and then protected me during the night in the middle of the cursed Raelm woods! He deserves respect, highness, not to be treated like this." she said firmly. She was never one for pleading.
Xander listened to Ziane's testimony, then looked back at Noctis. He frowned and moved closer, seeming to inspect him. "You seem... Familiar somehow..." he frowned, making the guards fall eerily silent. Xander then laughed and straightened, shrugging. "But then again, I guess all shifters are familiar to everyone somehow! Let him go. If the princess Ziane of the Cha'najiit says he is conmendable, then it is so."
Bowing in understanding the chief guard finally unhanded Noctis, who rubbed his wrists in relief that they had been released from their tight bonds. "Thank youyour highness." Noctis said as he turned to Xanders but didn't bow. He wasn't much for formalities. "Ziane here will be sure to keep me in check. But first I think she may need to go to the infirmary." He said as he placed an arm around her waist causing Samiya to raise an eyebrow as she moved to Xanders side.
"Of course." Xander nodded, waving at a nearby maid to get her attention. "Please escort princess Ziane and her friend to the infirmary. Make sure they're seen by our best healer." he nodded, giving her a smile. The maid bowed to Xander respectfully, then turned and motioned for them to follow her. Xander then looked down at Samiya. "You know the shifter?"
Samiya had been biting her lip nervously as she watched Noctis carefully lead Ziane away. When Xander spoke she looked up at him and gave a small nod. "I encountered him during my search for Dyllin..he wasn't so friendly back then. I'm worried hes tricked her in some way. We all know shifters aren't to be trusted."
Xander gave Samiya a small, knowing smile and he chuckled. "He didn't seem so dangerous to me. With how he looked at Ziane? And how he held onto her? Not to mention how willing he was to be captured..." He looped his arm with hers again to escort her inside, patting the back of her hand. "When you look at the stars in the night sky... they twinkle so brightly and beautifully.. And you think 'how could anything so beautiful be anything but?' But my personal astrologists have told me that those stars are each a very lethal ball of highly flammable gasses and other erodeous chemicals. But they're still so beautiful on the outside." he smiled. "It works both ways, Samiya. A bull that you might instantly assume is so dangerous when enraged, is actually a rather calm creature when unprovoked. Just give him a chance... Perhaps there was a misunderstanding with his involvement? Perhaps he wasn't involved at all?" he asked with a shrug.
Samiya knew she couldn't tell the king everything about Noctis because then she would need to tell him about Reise so she simply nodded with a weak smile. "Perhaps.." Was all she managed. She hoped Noctis had changed his ways but she knew she would always be wary of him and worry that he was going to hurt Ziane. "Are you going to visit the queen now your highness?" She asked trying to change the subject away from the shifter.
Xander looked down at Samiya again and nodded with a small smile. "Yes. I have to check on her. She'll be happy to know that princess Ziane is safe..." he nodded. He sighed and looked ahead as they walked the halls, then paused when they got to her room. "Reise is most likely still in tutoring. You still have a few hours to yourself." he whispered and gave a small wink. "Enjoy them." He kissed her forehead, then stepped away from her before turning and heading off back down the hall towards his own room.
Idre woke up slowly from her hammock of vines, rolling over and wiping her face with a yawn, looking at Jollel. She gasped and sat up, seeing that most of the amber had melted away during the night. Jollel's upper half was almost completely free, and Jollel was asleep on top of the amber that was left. She moved to Iswe and started to shake her awake. "ISWE!"
Iswe sat bolt upright, startled. "What?!" Glancing around the room with fuzzy vision her eyes came to rest on Idre. "Oh... its you. Thank goodness." Rubbing her throat absentmindedly she sighed heavily. She'd been having a bad dream but it had been so real. She was surprised she hadnt cried out in her sleep. Sighing heavily she pushed her blue bangs out of her face and glanced around again. "Oh wow..." she whispered at the sight if their mother. Without thinking about it she made a small tornado of water, the size of the rest of the amber, swirl around Jollel, beating heavily against the amber prison.
Within a matter of minutes, the rest of the amber was melted away, and Idre jumped forward to catch Jollel as she came free of the last of it. She cradled her, slowly moving to lay her on the ground, then looked at Iswe. "Thank you... She's finally free. I just hope we can wake her up." she whispered, biting her lip. "While you both were asleep, the princess came by and told me some wonderful news."
"Here, lets move her to the bed." Scrabbling to get out of the bed, she jumped down, taking Jollel's lower half she looked across at her sister and smiled. "Ready?" Waiting for Idre to lift her up, Iswe cocked on eyebrow in question. "Oh, what was this 'wonderful news'?" The corners of her lips rose higher with a brighter smile.
Idre's smile grew bigger also as she helped lift Jollel's body and place it carefully on the bed, making sure their mother was comfortable before leaning close to Iswe and whispering, "Samiya knows where Dyllin is. She spoke to him in their dreamstate and found out that he's being kept in the old village wishing well! As soon as mom wakes up, we have to go get him!"
Iswe listened and nodded her head at Idre. "Deal. Now that we know where he is... The only thing we really have to worry about are...booby traps." Shrugging her shoulder's as if that were nothing to worry about, she sat down on the floor, leaning her back against the side of the bed. "Things may actually go our way... For once."
Eon was relieved when he finally saw the castle on the horizon, and it only took a couple of hours to reach it. He was panting heavily, his fur heavily matted with sweat as he trotted into the courtyard, where the guards had only just returned to their positions after Ziane and Noctis' arrivals. They now stared in awe at the wolfdog that was the size of a large bear, and he slowed to a stop, looking around at them all as he waited for Ihara and Sein to climb down. He sniffed at the air lightly and whispered, "I smell Samiya and the king... They were out here not too long ago... As were Ziane and the shifter. They must have beat us here."
Samiya smiled and nodded at Xander then watched as he moved off to the Queen's private suite. She made to turn in the direction of Jollel's room to speak with the sprites but paused when she heard movement coming from outside. She stepped back out into the sunlight and gasped when she saw Eon and the others standing there. "Eon!" She cried and ran down the steps as Ihara and Sein clambered down off his back. The princess threw her arms round the large dog's neck and hugged him tightly. "I'm so glad you're here."
Eon allowed Samiya to hug his neck, confusing the surrounding guards all the more as they watched this exchange. Eon panted heavily, his tongue hanging out of his mouth as he did, and he licked at her face before he started to shrink back down to his normal size. He leaned against her tiredly, giving a soft whine. He needed to find Jollel. His mistress was always the first thing on his mind.
"Quickly inside." Samiya whispered to Eon as she allowed him to lean against her. "I know where Jollel, Iswe and Idre are. They'll all be so pleased to see you." She said then looked towards the guards. "Please don't worry. They are my friends. Sein, Eon and of course you'll recognise prince Ihara." She said to them and watched as a few bowed respectfully at the elven prince.
"I must go to the King and Queen to show my respect." Ihara said looking at Samiya and the others before bowing to them. "I shall come and find you when i'm finished. Be safe." He said with a smile then hurried into the castle to deal with business. "Come on then..lets go!" Sein urged excited to see her sisters and Jollel.
Samiya nodded to her then carefully began to lead the way into the castle. "This way.." She said as she moved to Jollel's room. Once outside the door, she knocked it lightly then waited for an answer.
Eon had followed closely on Samiya's heels down the hall towards Jollel's room. As they grew closer, he could pick up on her smell, and he eagerly followed it to her door, letting Samiya have the honors of knocking.
Idre gasped happily and looked up from where she was making Jollel comfortable, and quickly got up and moved to the door. She unlocked and opened it, then smiled widely when she saw Sein and Eon with the princess. "Sister!" she yelped, moving to hug her tightly as Eon instantly moved into the room to Jollel's side. He climbed up into the bed beside her and laid down, his head resting on her shoulder.
Iswe looked up from where she sat on the ground. Seeing the familiar faces of her friends and sister, she jumped to her feet and joined Sein and Idre in a group hug. "I feel so much better when we're all together." Laying her head against her warm sister, she sighed happily.
"I'm so happy you're both safe. I was so worried about you." Sein said as she hugged Iswe and Idre tightly. She glanced over their shoulders and gasped when she saw Jollel. "Shes here too! This is fantastic!" She said with a grin then grabbed their hands and dragged them over to the bed to be near Jollel with Samiya following close by.
Eon whined a little from where he had his head on Jollel's chest, nuzzling his muzzle under her chin and closing his eyes tiredly. He wanted so badly to sleep... he was exhausted. He also wanted Jollel to wake up. He looked up at Samiya and whined again, and then closed his eyes.
Idre frowned softly at Eon, then looked at her sisters and Samiya. "He's worried about her..." she whispered. She stroked his head behind his ears, then cuddled into her sisters a little more with a frown. "I'm sure she'll wake up, Eon... She has to." she nodded.
Iswe frowned from where she stood, close enough to reach out and touch her. She wondered how much healing Jollel needed or if she was just unconscious. Sighing she reach out and placed her palm on Jollel's forehead and closed her eyes, relaxing physically. She wasn't sure if she was doing any good but she felt it was worth a try.
Eon watched Iswe's hand as she put it on Jollel's forehead, lifting his own head and perking his ears towards her, tilting his head a little in confusion. He then seemed to sense that she was healing her, and he relaxed again, looking at Idre and Sein as well. Maybe they could help too? Maybe...
"What is it?" Sein asked as Eon looked towards her. Samiya watched as the sprites huddled round Jollel then leaned back against the wall patiently. "I went to the well.." She finally said to them. "Dyllin's there but there's some kind of enchantment over him.. I couldn't break it."
Eon and Idre both looked at Samiya as she said this, then exchanged an unsure glance. Eon whined, then leaned down and started to lick at Jollel's face as Idre laid a hand on her mother's shoulder and also sent healing energies into her. "We'll figure it out... don't worry." she nodded and smiled. But something made her stop. She frowned deeply down at Jollel's sleeping face, then looked at Iswe. "Do you.... do you feel that? It doesn't... feel like mama..." she whispered in awe. "She feels different..." She looked down as Eon raised his head with alarmingly perked ears, his eyes wide as he watched Idre and Iswe. "Sein, feel her..."
Sein raised an eyebrow at Idre then slowly placed a hand on Jollel's shoulder. "What do you mean?" She asked the other sprite quietly as Samiya stepped up beside them, watching curiously.
"It just... doesn't feel like mama..." Idre whispered, shaking her head as she kept the connection with Jollel. She then looked at Iswe. "You feel it, don't you? It's not her..."
Eon listened to Idre and Sein, then looked at Iswe expectantly before getting up from Jollel's side. She looked like Jollel... she smelled like Jollel... He frowned mentally and sniffed at her closely, then got a scent of something peculiar. He nuzzled his nose against Jollel's left breast, just above her heart, and felt something hard and cold... glass. The crystal ball! He barked loudly, wagging his tail before pawing at the place on Jollel's chest.
Iswe stepped forward and patted Eon's head. "Let me see." Moving Jollel's shirt aside she looked down at the crystal ball in her chest and smiled softly. "Well look at that..." Scratching Eon's ears for a moment she stood back and crossed her arms over her chest. Chewing on her bottom lip she looked to Eon, seeing if he had some suggestion.
Eon could see the slightly illuminated lump in Jollel's chest... It was far smaller than the crystal ball usually was, about a quarter of, in fact. But it was noticeable. He sniffed at it, then whined and his form shifted and changed. Suddenly, he was human again, naked on the bed beside Jollel and his fingers lightly brushing the ball through Jollel's skin over her heart. "You all have to grab for it... pull it out together. It took a lot of magic to put it there... It'll take as much--if not more--to pull it free." he explained sadly. "She must have really needed to hide it..."
Idre gasped, putting a delicate hand over her mouth and frowning at Eon and her sisters. Absently, she moved to drape a blanket over his nude form, then placed a hand on his shoulder before looking at Samiya, then back at her sisters. "Well... Then let's give it a shot. If it'll wake her up..." She still wasn't convinced it was really Jollel though...
Samiya and Sein both watched with wide eyes at the events that unfolded before them. When asked to step forward and help they both did so, carefully placing their hands on the ball. "Has something changed about her? I feel a difference.." Sein commented quietly as she looked down at Jollel.
"There is a difference." Idre nodded in agreement, frowning down at the woman that looked like their mother. She bit her lip, then looked at Eon. "Alright... what now?" she asked after grabbing Iswe's hand and placing it on top of Samiya's and Sein's.
Eon nodded and lightly rested his hand over their stacked ones, his eyes on Jollel's sleeping face. He then concentrated deeply, closing his eyes and letting his own scarce magic lace through their hands and into Jollel's body. He had to hook it around the crystal ball and lift it out...
Scabbar slid along the back of the castle. He'd tried to remain out of sight as they walked along, taking care to avoid busy areas and main line of sight from the castle itself. "Servants entrance should be around here." he said backwards to Alavara as he lead her along.
"Good..once inside we'll go immediately to Reise and inform him of the current situation. This place is going to be over run with the princess's little friends soon and he needs to be ready." Alavara replied as she tucked a strand of the long brown hair of her human disguise behind her ear. "I suggest you prepare yourself for the princes anger at our failure last night. It was a terrible show and I am ashamed that it went so wrong. Now hurry, lets get inside the castle before its too late."
Scabbar shrugged, as if he found the prince's wrath nothing to fear. He knocked on the servant's door casually as they reached it, waiting for it to open before punching the maid who answered hard in the face. He dragged her limp body through the door, deciding that a bloody axe would draw attention to him, and sat her down beside the door with her bonnet low, as if she was asleep. He slipped through then, trusting Alavara would follow him along.
"Leave this next bit to me.." Alavara replied as they moved through the castle then stepped in front of him as another maid moved past. "Excuse me..can you please tell us where Prince Reise is?" She asked the maid in an overly polite voice. "Oh hes just finishing with his lessons so he'll probably be going to his room to rest a while." The maid replied then hurried on. "Do you know which room belongs to the prince?" Alavara asked Scabbar once they were alone.
"They kicked me out the moment these two were born." Scabbar pointed out, stepping out from the shadow of the door and taking a deep breath. It was good to be back inside "We've got to go track him down." He then looked at Alavara "Haven't you ever been here before? I thought you worked for this guy?"
There was a slow rumbling beneath their feet then. It was a dark feeling that shadowed the walls around them. They were suddenly swept up in a flurry of black sand, and when it cleared, they were in Reise's room, and he was looming over them. He glared down at them with a deep-seated anger, and scowled out, "You failed me. They're ALL here!"
Scabbar groaned, flicking some imaginary sand off of his hands, looking down at himself. He still had blood on his shirt from being stabbed. He looked up when Reise tried to be imposing and began yelling. "They're all here?" he asked slowly, making sure he said the words precisely.
Alavara frowned at being transported like this and folded her arms to show her annoyance. "Well we would have finished them off but my companion here managed to get himself poisoned and couldn't move until this morning." She snapped at Reise as she shot a glaring glance at Scabbar. "I am good at my work but not even I can take down that large a group alone."
Ihara had been wandering through the corridors in search of king Xander when he spotted something that made him stop. The hooded man from the forest standing with a human girl. He quickly moved out of view and watched them for a few seconds before they suddenly disappeared in a flurry of black sand. I need to find them..and I know just where to look. he thought then hurried on through the castle, moving up into the living quarters. He had stayed several times here before so knew which room belonged to who. Creeping up to Reise's room, he pressed an ear to the door then listened to the angry muffled voices within, hoping he could learn what was being planned inside.
Reise let out a growl of pure frustration at them both and another strong pulse of power moved through them, perhaps strong enough to rock them a little off-balance. He turned and began to pace a little, running a pale hand through his blonde hair. "This is not how things were supposed to go! You were supposed to kill them all at any cost! We made a deal!" he snapped at them both. He turned back to Alavara and narrowed his eyes. "I hope you don't expect me to fulfill MY half of the bargain if you can't even follow through with YOURS!" he snapped. He then turned on Scabbar. "And that axe of yours is as good as dust if you don't bring me the heads of those damned sprites!"
"Which rooms?" Scabbar said flatly. He wasn't going to be scared, yes, he had to take a step back from the force of the blast Reise let out, had to balance himself again, but that wasn't the important thing right now. The hood stared at Reise, waiting for an answer.
"We will kill them. I can assure you that." Alavara growled at Reise not happy that he had admitted to not yet fulfilling his part of their deal. She turned to Scabbar and frowned heavily. "Do you really think that whatever room they are in isn't protected by alot of light magic? We won't get into it..we need to wait until they come out into open before we make out move. Patience..both of you."
Reise turned on Alavara as if he was going to explode, getting ready to shout something, but he stopped and took a breath instead. "You're right. We have to be patient. They'll come out eventually... And when they do, they're all dead." he grumbled. "Besides, they don't know where Dyllin is, and even if they did, they'll never get him out of the binding spell I've put on him." He then gave a crooked, evil, snide grin. "Just as well... He'll be dead IF they ever get to him. He'll be dead very soon." he nodded, rubbing his hands together. He looked up at them and his smile then vanished. "Very well, you'll both have to stay here in the castle, but not in my room." He then looked at Alavara, giving her a once over with his eyes. "Well... you're welcome in my room.." he grinned.
Scabbar's axe, which was in his hand, suddenly embedded itself in the door, the blade sticking through inches away from Ihara's face. "I don't think you two heard me." he said flatly "What rooms? What light magic?" The hooded figure stared at the Prince as he spoke, or at least it looked as if he did "Make no mistake, I said I'd kill them because I want to kill them. My axe is the tool for the job, and I've survived a long time without it. Your threats are as empty as your will if the people you wish to kill are in this castle, right now, and you won't lift a finger to get to them. What rooms? That is all you need to tell me."
Ihara jumped backwards when the axes blade suddenly appeared inches from his face and he frowned heavily before looking round at the neighbouring rooms. Deciding it was best to hide away incase Reise and the others suddenly emerged from the room and caught him spying he moved quickly to the room next to Reise's and slipped inside listening and waiting.
"I don't think your future wife would appreciate if you had company.." Alavara replied with a smirk at Reise before rolling her eyes and glancing at Scabbar. "Fine if you wish to go ahead and get yourself caught be my guest." She snapped at him before looking back at the prince. "Just tell him where they are..but I won't be helping."
Reise chuckled at Alavara, then looked at Scabbar and frowned deeply. "No. We have to be more tactical about this. Alavara is right... if you were seen in this castle, killing them, suspicion and the blame would only be put on me. It would set me too far back. We have to wait." He sighed deeply and turned, then paused when he saw the bottle of the potion he'd made. The one that would save his mother by sacrificing his brother. He then grinned. "No, I have a different task for you." he said and grabbed it up. He poured some into a second, smaller bottle, then turned and offered it to Alavara after corking the top. "Take this to the old wishing well in the center of the village. That's where Dyllin's body is now." He then reached to a cord around his neck and pulled it off, and a small blue amulet hung off it. "Use this to dissipate the barrier that's surrounding him, and force the potion down his throat." he ordered. Meanwhile, it would give him time to give it to his mother too.
"Why not disguise me? She can do it." Scabbar pointed a finger at Alavara "No one will recognise me until it's too late. And who will link me with you? I work for myself." Following this prince's order would bore him, if not worse. He accepted this to kill dammit, not pussy foot around politics.
Alavara nodded in understanding to Reise as she took the amulet and the bottle of potion but when Scabbar spoke she sighed and turned towards him with a frown. "I am not going to use my powers to allow you to do something so stupid. Now are you going to help me or am I going to have to make you?" Her voice was low and dangerous now as she narrowed her eyes at him.
"Do I honestly need to go help this woman go put potion into someone's mouth?" Scabbar said, pointing at Alavara "When I could be attempting a murder around now? While they sleep, while they're vulnerable, you want me to head down to a well, away from here? You got me to kill things." He took a step forward towards Reise, ignoring Alavara "I'm not your slave. I'm someone you gave a payment to do a job, and right now you don't seem to want that job actually done."
Reise locked his eyes on Scabbar's hood, and didn't back down even as Scabbar took a step towards him. Instead, he approached him all the same, glaring him down. "I want the job done! But it has to be at the right time! Your brashness could ruin EVERYTHING for me!" he shouted angrily.
"Or it could solve everything." Scabbar said gently "That word, could, means you don't know exactly." He crossed his arms, letting out a soft huff "When's the next time you 'think' they'll be vulnerable?"
Alavara rolled her eyes then stepped towards the door." I can do this myself. I prefer to work alone anyway. He can do what he wants..without my help." She snapped her fingers suddenly removing the magic shield she had put over him. "Are you so eager now to go find the sprites without my help?" She asked with a raised eyebrow before looking at Reise. "Can I go now?"
Reise gave Scabbar a dark glare, holding it a moment before snapping his eyes to Alavara. "Yes, go." he growled. He then looked back at Scabbar and grit his teeth. He was resisting the urge to just kill him then and there, and then worry about the sprites on his own. But he had too much on his hands with his ill mother. He growled lowly, then waved him away. "You're dismissed, but don't you dare try to find those sprites yet! I will call for you when I need you." he snapped. "Stay in one of the nearby rooms, if you must."
Scabbar shook his head and moved away, yanking his axe from the prince's door as he made his way out. He would need this later tonight. The moment he left, he turned on the spot, heading to the room right next door to Reise's. This one, unfortunately, was currently occupied by Ihara, who had been listening in. Scabbar gripped the door handle, strutting inside.
Alavara nodded to Reise then left the room and headed outside to complete the task she had been given. Ihara had been pressing his ear to the wall but had quickly straightened when he had heard approaching footsteps and looked towards the door when it suddenly opened. "This room is occupied." He said loudly before freezing when he saw Scabbar. "Get out..you have no business in here."
"Who the hell are you?" Scabbar said, raising his axe up and staring at the figure. He was between Ihara and the door, and Ihara was acting very suspicious. Now that these two were talking, he wondered if Reise would be able to hear them through the wall.
Ihara stared at Scabbar in disbelief that he didn't recognise him then quickly took a breath to speak. "Excuse me? This happens to be my room." He said in an annoyed tone. "I am visiting my friends here in the castle from a neighbouring kingdom and am staying until the wedding is over. Is that acceptable for you?" He asked sarcastically then moved to the chair by the window and after slipping his cloak off set it on the chair hoping the axeman would leave.
Scabbar tilted his head to one side, taking a step forward towards Ihara "Really? You just... happen to be in here hmmm?" The way the guy was reacting... or not reacting... to the fact Scabbar was carrying an axe made him reluctant to believe him. Everyone knew that no weapons were supposed to be in the castle, what with the risk to the princes.
"Yes..I have kindly been given a room after my long journey. That is usually the custom when a visiting prince comes to the castle, is it not?" Ihara replied as he turned back still frowning at Scabbar. "It has been many years since I was last here, has things changed? Am I not permitted to get some rest? And you..are you a guard? What makes you think you can come in here like this? With that thing.." He motioned towards the axe.
"Cause I'm a guard." Scabbar said gruffly, nodding his head towards the man "And I'm here to take care of the Princes, obviously. You know the tales, and I won't allow someone who isn't known around here to stay right beside the Prince's room without at least checking with him that you are supposed to be here." He nodded towards the door "Come on. He's right next door. Lets check to see if you are who you say you are."
"I am known round here, I am prince of Cuole." Ihara replied with a snap. "I visited this kingdom many times when I was younger and I count the king and his family as friends. But if you wish to confirm my identity I suggest you go speak to King Xandir, the man who is actually in charge..not his son who has no power. Reise has no control in this castle and as a guard you should know that. Now get out. I'm sure theres other places you could be causing trouble."
"Don't think that throwing names around will got you out of trouble. The prince is right next door. We both go there, we see if you are who you say you are. If it's true, I'm sorry, I'll let you do whatever it is you're doing in here. If it's not, I've just stopped someone dangerous from harming the Prince. So how about we walk five feet, hmmm?" Scabbar said in a calm voice, wondering if he should just try to gut the man right here. He took a step forward. closing the gap between him and Ihara a bit more.
Ihara thought for a moment. Maybe Reise wasn't even aware he was in fact helping Samiya and the sprites. Seeing no other option that to play along he finally nodded. "Fine. If it will make you leave me alone then lets go. Lead the way." He said in an irritated tone as he smoothed his tunic down then moved towards the door.
Scabbar stayed close as they moved over towards Reise's room. He knocked on the door, making sure Ihara stayed close as they waited for Reise to respond. What if this man WAS one of the ones he wanted to kill? What then? Drag him into the room and slaughter him on the Prince's carpet?
Reise growled from the other side and the door was flung wide open. He glared at whoever was on the other side, but his demeanor melted when he saw Ihara. "Prince Ihara... What a... pleasant surprise." He tried to be formal, but his words still dripped with a little poison on them. This was the prince Alavara wanted... His people and his forests were about to be destroyed. And he was here in front of him, trapped between Reise and Scabbar. This was too perfect, and Reise couldn't help but smile. "What brings you to our castle? It's not anywhere NEAR the season for the Meeting of Kingdoms..."
Ihara watched as the door to Reises room opened and it took all his strength not to frown hatefully at the other prince. "I received word that there was going to be a wedding very soon and as its custom I travelled here to represent my kingdom as a guest. I was trying to get some rest in my room but then your guard here decided that he should interrogate me as to who I really am." He said in an unhappy tone. "do tell him I am who I say I am and let me be on my way."
Reise listened to Ihara, then gave a theatrical frown and looked at Scabbar. "Shame shame." he said with a click of his tongue and shaking his head. "I'm terribly sorry, dear friend." he nodded, moving to put his hand on his shoulder firmly. "Please, accept my sincerest apologies and return to your room to rest." he said with a smile, though his circle-lined eyes seemed to hold darker intentions.
"Thank you.." Ihara replied as he lightly tried to shrug Reises hand from his shoulder. He couldn't believe his luck. It seemed Reise was unaware of his involvement in the plan to find and rescue Dyllin. He took a step back bumping slightly into Scabbar but moving quickly on before the axeman could respond. "well..goodbye then." He said then gave a very small bow before hurrying back into his room and slamming the door. "that was close." He whispered as he leant his back against the door.
"I'll be back later to check up on you, and apologise." Scabbar called out to Ihara, basically pinning him in that room. If he suddenly turned up using another room as his own, Scabbar had him. He turned to look at Reise through the hood "I found him in that room. You think he was listening in?"
Ihara groaned lightly when he heard Scabbar's words. Great..looks like i'm trapped here. He thought as he moved to the window and looked out over the village. "Hopefully the others are safe." He whispered before turning and removing his weapons and setting them aside then settled down in the chair by the window.
Reise had watched Ihara leave with a sinister, curling grin, then looked at Scabbar and chuckled lowly. "Oh, dear psychopath... I am counting on it." he whispered and grinned widely. He laughed again, shaking his head and moving into his room to grab up the second potion bottle. "Now, if you'll excuse me... I have to go give my mother her medicine." he smiled, tucking the bottle into his vest safely. "Keep an eye on that prince. Don't let him leave. Alavara will be thrilled to see him here." With that, he headed off down the hall to find his mother with a new pep in his step.
Scabbar nodded, going into Reise's room the moment he was out of sight. He grabbed a chair, then searched around for some kind of book. It would either be a book on magic, a book on something interesting, or, if he managed to spot it, possibly Reise' diary. Real, or fake. He fancied some light reading as he waited outside of Ihara's room.
Marching out of the castle, Alavara headed from the courtyard and down into the village square. Pushing past anyway that dared get in her way she hurried to the well that Dyllin was being kept in and without a seconds thought started the long climb down into it. When she finally reached the bottom she pulled the amulet from her pocket then held it up. Slowly the shield that was surrounding the prince began to vanish until finally he was revealed, lying perfectly still looking like he was in a deep sleep. Alavara grinned then stepped forward and slowly lowered herself down to kneel beside him. Pulling the cork from the small bottle she roughly grabbed Dyllin's mouth and forced it open then poured the liquid into his mouth. She quickly shut his mouth again refusing to allow any to escape as he choked slightly whilst he gradually drank it down. When she was satisfied that he had finished it Alavara stood up again, smirking down at Dyllin in triumph. "Goodbye little prince.." she said then turned and began climbing back up the well forgetting to replace the shield as she made her way back to the castle.
Iswe could feel the warmth from Sein on her hand and smiled slightly. Looking at Eon she watched him place his hand on top and watched as he closed his eyes to concentrate. She wasn't sure how much magic he had but it would be interesting to watch what would happen.
Samiya watched unsure of what was happening. She bit her lip unable to stop herself thinking of the danger she knew Dyllin was in from Reise. Finally unable to hold it any longer she looked over at Eon. "Will this take much longer? I have to get back to the well. Reise is planning on killing Dyllin to save his mother but I can't let that happen.." She whispered in an urgent tone.
Eon glanced at Samiya with a little bit of a warning glare in his eyes, then looked back down at Jollel as they began to pull the orb from her chest slowly. It phased through her skin and muscle slowly, and not all too easily. The further they pulled the orb from her chest, the more and more she began to not feel like Jollel anymore, which made Idre frown deeply in concern. Finally as the last of the crystal ball came free, something happened. Jollel's form changed... into Dyllin. He was still sleeping peacefully, his skin slightly pale compared to its usual sun-kissed tone, but he was alive. Eon's eyes were wide as he held the crystal ball in his hands. "W-what..?" he asked, obviously confused.
Sein gave a small yelp and quickly pulled her hand from Dyllin's chest, confused as to what had just happened. She looked at Eon then back down at the prince. "Whats going on? Wheres Jollel?" She asked before looking at Samiya. "I thought you said he was down a well?"
Samiya wasn't listening. She was staring down at Dyllin in shock before a bright relieved grin spread across her face and she suddenly grabbed up his hand in hers and gave it a gentle squeeze. "Dyllin! Wake up! We found you. Wake up! Dyllin" Her tone grew frantic and she finally gave his shoulder a small shake to try and wake him up. "Why isn't he waking?" She asked looking up at Eon and the sprites with scared eyes.
Eon's eyes were wide in panic on the prince's sleeping face. His mind was racing. "She must have switched bodies with him when Reise attacked her... She knew where he was and switched their bodies before he moved him from the tower..." he thought aloud, panting a little. But wait... if Dyllin was here, then that meant Jollel was... He gasped and suddenly moved for the window, changing into his wolf form as he ran and he leapt out of the open window in a smooth movement, dropping the five stories and landing hard enough to leave cracks in the earth under his paws before breaking into a sprint for the well.
Idre gasped, running to the window to watch Eon disappear towards the village, and she whimpered, turning back to look at her sisters and the princess. "He's gone! If Dyllin's here, then Jollel must be the one in the well!" she gulped. "And if she's the one in the well and Reise was planning on killing Dyllin to save his mother, then.." She trailed off, her eyes wide in panic. "Oh no... Oh no, mama..." she whined, putting her hands over her mouth as tears sprung to her eyes, looking at Iswe and Sein. Was it too late already?
Alavara walked happily back towards Reise's room, a look of triumph on her face. She paused with a look of confusion when she turned the corner and spotted Scabbar sitting outside the room next to the prince's. "What are you doing?" She asked curiously as she moved to him.
"There's a man in there." Scabbar said, pointing to the door Ihara was in "I'm keeping an eye on him." He turned a page of the book he'd found, gazing down into it passively as he read through his hood "Some neighbouring kingdom's Prince or something."
"Sounds like you've got a fun job.." Alavara replied sarcastically as she leaned against the wall. "Obviously Reise doesn't like him if he feels the need to have you watch him like this. Who is it anyway?" She asked, a part of her not really caring who it was but feeling the need to make conversation with the hooded man before her.
"Why do you care?" Scabbar said with a little shrug "Some stuck up Prince, just like the others." He reached under his hood and scratched his chin, thinking about "Ihana or something. I'm keeping an eye on him to make sure he doesn't do anything dodgy."
Alavara froze for a moment then slowly straightened up and moved to stand in front of Scabbar. "Did you just say Prince Ihara?" She said in a slow and dangerous tone before an evil smirk began to spread across her face. "Let me in. He and I have unfinished business.."
"Whatever. Door's open. Don't make a mess." Scabbar said, waving a hand towards the door that Ihara was through. He didn't know what was going on, but a dead person was easier to handle than a live person.
“I’ll try my best.” Alavara replied still smirking as she passed him then paused when her hand was on the door. “Make sure no one follows me in.” She told Scabbar then continued on, pushing the door open and stepping inside.
Ihara looked up from where he was sitting and gave a tired smile not recognising Alavara in her human disguise. “I do not need anything at the moment thank you. But if you could get a message to Princess Samiya that would be most wonderful.” He said thinking that she was a castle maid coming to check on him.
“And what would you have me say?” Alavara asked as she closed the door and took a slow step towards Ihara.
“I’ll write a note..won’t be a moment.” Ihara jumped to his feet then hurried to the writing desk and began to scrawl out a note not noticing as the drow shifted back to her normal form and stepped up behind him, slowly taking a dagger from her belt and raising it to attack. “Nearly done..” He muttered then happened to glance up into the mirror and caught the reflection of Alavara as she swung the blade down towards him. With only a moment to spare he jumped to the side, causing the dagger to stick into the desk and Alavara to give a scream of annoyance.
“Why can’t I just be done with you?” Alavara yelled angrily as she turned around, abandoning the dagger and instead throwing a fireball at him which knocked him against the wall. “You always seem to survive! But not this time..” She grabbed his collar roughly and dragged him to his feet then threw him again across the room. “You have no weapons and no sprites or dog to protect you..”
Ihara lay breathless for a moment before slowly climbing to his feet, gripping the edge of the writing desk as he did. He hoped Iswe and the others were safe and that they weren’t in trouble because of him. As he turned to face Alavara his eyes widened when he found her right in front of him and before he could react, her hands were wrapping themselves round his neck, a look of triumph on her face. His hand quickly searched for something to use against her as her grip began to tighten then suddenly he found it. The dagger she had abandoned.
“Looks like I finally win.” Alavara said and couldn’t help but throw her head back and give a loud cackle of happiness. Her laughter suddenly stopped though when she felt a stabbing pain in her side and she looked down to see the dagger sticking into her side. She released Ihara with a look of shock which quickly turned to fury. “You’ll have to do better than that if you wish to kill me.” She snarled then made to step back towards him.
“I don’t wish to kill you..and I never have.” Ihara replied then suddenly reached out and grabbed the amulet round her neck, ripping it free and gripping it tightly in his hand. “I know this holds all your power and without it you are no threat..” He said and just as she lunged forward to snatch it back he dropped it on the ground and swiftly brought his foot down upon it, smashing it beyond repair.
Alavara let out an ear splitting scream which caused Ihara to cover his ears and turn away. It suddenly stopped and after a moment the elven prince opened his eyes and looked back, shocked to find himself alone in the room. Where did she go? he thought as he glanced around then quickly moved to the door and locked it to stop anymore unwanted visitors entering. Is she really gone? He stepped back to the smashed amulet and began to pick it up. “Where ever she is, she is powerless now and will cause no more trouble for anyone.” He gave a small smile. Now it seemed they only had Reise and Scabbar to deal with.
Scabbar was standing outside the door, waiting. The scream had been enough of a signal. The first thing that stuck their head out of Ihara's door would get it removed with violent precision. He licked his lips, wondering if it would be the woman, or the man, and which one he preferred to kill anyway.
Reise knocked lightly on his parents' door, smiling as pleasantly as he could with a tray of tea in his hands, and the small potion bottle still tucked into his vest. He smiled at the maid who opened the door, but even a friendly smile of his seemed frightening with how pale and gaunt he was. She stepped back to let him inside and he moved to his mother's bedside, setting the tray down on the table. "Mother..." he said softly, grabbing for her hand as he sat on the edge of her bed. He kissed her knuckles and smiled softly down at her. "How are you feeling?"
Anaita gave a small breath and she smiled up at Reise gently. "Better. Tired... but better." she nodded and rubbed his hand in both of hers lovingly. "Any news of Dyllin? Xander told me that Princess Ziane and a friend of hers have returned..." she breathed.
Reise's smile twitched a little in annoyance, but he kept it on and shook his head sadly. "No, mother... still no word." he whispered. "But I do have some good news. I have found a cure for you, mother. Medicine that will make you better." he nodded, reaching into his vest to pull it out.
Xander, who'd been sitting in a chair beside the bed silently, eyed the small blue bottle suspiciously as Reise pulled it out and presented it to his mother. He leaned forward and frowned. "Where did you get that? Not even our best healers and doctors can help her... What makes you think this little potion can?" he demanded.
Reise turned his eyes on his father angrily, but it was a fleeting glare. "It will work. I've studied the magics a long time, father. I know this will work." He turned to his mother and smiled again gently. "Please, mother... just give it a try. What have you got to lose, if it doesn't work?"
Anaita gulped a little, also feeling a little uneased by where Reise had gotten this potion and exactly what it would do... She had been aware of her son studying magics, and she was also very aware of her son studying dark magics as well. She looked at Xander a moment, then looked back at Reise and she smiled warmly, then nodded. "Alright, Reise... I'll try it." she conceded.
Reise breathed a sigh of relief, and he uncorked the bottle. He kept his hand as steady as possible as he tipped the bottle to her lips and helped her drink every last drop, then set the empty bottle aside so he could help her drink her tea next, knowing the potion probably didn't taste very pleasant. Once that was done, she relaxed back in the bed and he watched her, his hands clasped around hers. "How do you feel?"
"I feel... suddenly very tired." Anaita nodded, giving a small yawn. She smiled at him drunkenly, and snuggled down heavily into her pillows, breathing deeply. Within moments, she was asleep peacefully, her breathing light and comfortable.
Reise watched her, as did Xander, and once she was asleep, Xander looked at Reise and whispered harshly, "What have you done, Reise? What did you give her? What will that concoction do?"
"It'll save her life!" Reise snapped harshly, but quietly, giving his father another hateful stare. "Just trust that much, father! For once in your life, trust that I've done something right!" Xander was taken aback by that statement, and he slowly sat back in his chair again, his jaw tight and his eyes hard on his son. They seemed locked in a battle of wills now, their gazes locked in a war of dominance. Finally, Xander was the first to look away towards Anaita, and Reise gave a triumphant snort. He stood up from the bed and grabbed the empty potion bottle from the tray, then moved to leave the room. Once out in the hall, he recited the practice spell from the book, closing his eyes and concentrating firmly on it.
From within the village at the bottom of the hill, a sad howl suddenly radiated through the air, flowing in through the windows of the castle. It was long... mournful... and angry.
Iswe wrapped her arms around Idre, holding her close as she looked down at Dyllin. Frowning slightly, she laid her head on Idre's shoulder. She was beyond confused. She understood that Jollel had been trying to save Dyllin, but did that mean their mother was going to die in his place?
Idre hugged Iswe tightly in return, hiccuping a small sob as tears began to flow for their mother. She'd heard Eon's forlorn howl from the village, and she understood exactly what it meant. Their mother was dead. She had switched places with Dyllin when she could, to save him, and now she was gone. Her heart ached deeply in her chest as she looked at Sein, and opened her arm towards her to welcome her into their mournful embrace.
Sein stood, frozen in shock as her wide eyes stared out the window. Suddenly her eyes narrowed and she looked at Idre and Iswe. "He killed our mother.." She growled as she balled her hands into tight fists which suddenly erupted in flames. "He's going to pay!" Her fiery temper had reached its peak and she was determined to make Reise pay for the hurt she and her sisters were feeling. Without another word she took off towards the door, intent on finding him.
"N-no! Sister!" Idre yelped, moving after her to stop her. "Please, we're not prepared for battle!" she insisted, grabbing her arm, but pulling back with a sharp hiss of pain at how hot her skin was. She whimpered and put her body weight against the door, looking at Sein with teary eyes. "P-please, I know you're angry! I know, I am too! But we can't lose you too... because we were too emotional to think through our next steps carefully." she sniffled pleadingly, watching her sister. "Please!" She then looked at Samiya. "You have to wake Dyllin!"
"I don't know how!" Samiya cried as she stared down at Dyllin. "This is no time to sleep!" She told him in a frantic tone as she shook his arm in an attempt to wake him up. "What do I do!? He's not getting up!" She looked over at the sprites, confusion and fear in her eyes. "Did Jollel tell you nothing about how the curse would be broken?"
"You could always try kissing him." Iswe said in a sarcastic tone from where she stood by the window. She had been just as shocked and just as upset at the news that their mother was dead, but she didn't show it. She knew she needed to stay strong, and to be honest, staying strong was the only way she knew how to make it through such things. "Of course not. We didn't even know she was going to do this." She responded to Samiya's question as she watched her sister's.
Idre looked up at Iswe with a gasp, blinking at her and how... stoic she was. She was worried about her now. Iswe was so fragile... Like water, she could go from a calm lake to a torrential hurricane within a matter of seconds. She looked at Samiya though and she blushed with a small shake of her head. "It's worth a try..."
"Just do something!" Sein snapped as she paced angrily back and forth in front of the door Idre was blocking. Samiya looked down at Dyllin then back up at the three sprites, blushing lightly at what they had suggested she do. How will that break the curse? She thought then took a breath. "Theres only one way to find out." She whispered then suddenly leaned down and pressed her lips against Dyllins.
There was a tense silence as everyone waited to see what this simple act of love did to the sleeping prince.... and at first, nothing at all seemed to happen. But inside Dyllin's body, this contact reached him. Some place in his brain felt the kiss on his lips, and knew it was Samiya, and he found new strength in fighting off his sleeping curse. There was a rumbling in the floor, then a wave of magic seemed to radiate from him through the floor. His pale skin began to regain its warm sunny glow, and his brunette hair reclaimed the luster it had lost. Slowly, his arms moved at his sides, until his hands moved to cradle Samiya's head gently, his lips moving to return the kiss happily, a small sound escaping him. "Mmm..."
Idre gasped, her eyes wide as the wave of magic energy left his body and disappeared through the walls of the castle, and he slowly started to come back to life. She watched in shock and awe as he moved and returned Samiya's kiss, and her lips turned up in a smile, tears in her eyes. "IT WORKED!" she yelped, moving to Iswe from the door and kissing her cheeks in gratitude for the great idea.
Iswe stared in shock as Dyllin came to life. When Idre kissed her cheek, Iswe about fell over. Choking back the shock, she looked around the room. "I was just being sarcastic..." Smiling happily she shook her head. Grabbing Idre, she hugged her close, immensely happy that Dyllin was alive.
Samiya's eyes widened as she felt Dyllin stir beneath her then as his hands moved to her face. She allowed the kiss to continue for a few moments before she finally broke it, running her own hand across his cheek. "Took you long enough." She joked with a weak smile as a few tears trickled down her cheeks. "Thank goodness we decided to go with the kiss first and not the pain." She laughed lightly then leaned down and kissed him again, unable to believe that she finally had him back.
"Yes!" Sein exclaimed with a relieved grin as she finally moved to Iswe and Idre's side, patting them both on the shoulder. "Now its time to move..once we've gotten rid of Reise you can spend as much time as you want kissing. We have a castle to take back."
Dyllin chuckled against her lips and kissed her again, then broke it so he could pull himself to sit up. He was still in his pajama clothes, and shirtless, and he was weak from all the sleep and no food or water. But at the same time, he was pumping with adrenaline with the thought of what he needed to do now. "Get me some clothes. I need to find Reise." he grunted weakly, throwing his legs off the bed. He then paused and seemed to realize where he was. "Wait... how did I get back in the castle..? Wasn't I in the well?"
"Jollel..she switched places with you." Samiya replied sadly before standing and moving to the many wardrobes in the room to search for something that Dyllin could hopefully wear. When she had found some simple mens clothing she carried it back to him and set it on the bed next to him. "Shes dead Dyllin.." Her voice was soft and sad. "Your mother has been ill since you have been gone and Reise..he planned to kill you to give her your life. It seems he has succeeded..just not with the right person."
Ihara froze from within his room when he heard the sad and mournful howl drift up from down in the village. He ran to the window and looked out but knew he would see nothing. That was Eon. But who..who is hurt or.. He couldn't bear to finish the thought. Turning back towards the door he frowned before moving to it slowly and lying down on the floor, peering underneath it. "You are taking your job very seriously.." He called when he saw Scabbar's feet through the gap then stood up. "Are you sure you're a guard?"
He knew that Scabbar was out there. So that meant that... yes, yes, he was very close to the door. Now, Scabbar COULD answer back. Or he could do this. He let go of his axe handle with one hand, reaching out. He grabbed the door handle, and suddenly shoved it forward while opening the door, putting his bodyweight behind the shove. Scabbar wasn't sure WHERE on the other side of the door Ihara was, but he was certain that Ihara was going to get quite the blunt force trauma from the door opening hard into his head. Kill this man, find out what had just happened, and what was the screaming.
Ihara had been turning back into the room when the door suddenly opened, knocking him forwards and almost sending him tumbling to the ground "Doesn't anyone know how to knock in this castle!" He snapped as he spun round to face Scabbar. "If you're here about your friend, shes gone." He said no longer in the mood to act like he didn't know who Scabbar was because of the sad howl he had heard moments before. "Now I suggest you leave unless you wish to suffer the same fate."
The axe sunk into Ihara's shoulder. Scabbar had just missed his head because of him turning, and the blade slammed into the shoulder. If it had been a two handed swing, that would have broken Ihara's collar bone, but since Scabbar had one hand on the door handle, he couldn't put all his force behind it. But with a sharp tug, Scabbar pulled his axe back. The next swing was going to be a killing blow if Ihara didn't do something quick.
Letting out a cry of pain, Ihara stumbled backwards from Scabbar as he held a hand to his bleeding shoulder. "I am not afraid of you.." He said in a weak voice as he took another slow step back in the hopes of reaching the table where his own weapons sat. "You will not win."
There was the sound of thundering paws running down the hall at full speed. Maids and servants screamed in horror as they jumped out of the way of the charging wolf dog, whose icy blue eyes were locked ahead. He was looking for Reise, but Reise was still in his parents' room, unbeknownst to him. So instead, he found Scabbar and Ihara, especially after the scent of Ihara's blood filled the hall. He skidded to a stop outside the doorway where Scabbar stood and with a loud and angry bark, he tackled Scabbar from behind, his sheer size enough to put Scabbar to the floor, and his jaws instantly seeking out his throat.
"I'm not here to win. I'm here to ki-iugh!" Scabbar yelled as he was barreled over by the dog. Scabbar growled, immediately smashing upwards towards the dog's face with his axe handle. If it was trying to strike down at his neck with his mouth, it would get a mouth full of wood as Scabbar began to try and rock back and forth beneath it. If it was just lying flat, it would get a piece of wood to the neck. If it was looking down at him from above, it would get the handle to the face. Great, couldn't he trust anyone to be of use? Reise was useless, and the woman had gotten herself killed by the look of it. Though there wasn't any blood. Magic death probably.
Eon let out a sudden yelp of pain as Scabbar's axe handle hit him in the eye--the same eye that Noctis had scarred in their fight--making him stumble sideways off of Scabbar's back, and he shook his head to try to get the blurry vision and pain to depart. He growled, baring his fangs at Scabbar again from where he stood protectively in front of Ihara, his claws grinding against the stone floor to brace himself. He was foaming angrily at the mouth, his fangs gleaming brightly as he glared at Scabbar.
"Am I glad to see you" Ihara spoke in a breathless voice from where he stood behind Eon. He had given up on retrieving a weapon as he needed his uninjured arm to stop the flow of blood from the deep wound on his shoulder. "The drow is gone. I defeated her only moments ago The axeman here is all alone."
"Dogs..." Scabbar grunted as he got to his feet, scratches on his back, bleeding, but only for a short while "I... eat... dogs." The hooded head was staring down at Eon as he growled on the floor, readying his axe. Ihara was half crippled, there wasn't going to be any issues from him, so really Scabbar just had to deal with this dog and keep a vague eye on Ihara. Scabbar gripped his axe handle, then made a suddenly violent motion with the blunt wooden end, as if to smack Eon in the fact with it again. He wanted to see if the doggy flinched.
"Find the king and queen! Warn them and get them somewhere safe!" Eon told Ihara mentally. As Scabbar made the sudden and violent blunt attack at Eon's face, instead of flinching back, Eon moved fluidly to the side and his jaws were suddenly locked around Scabbar's wrist. His teeth instantly broke through the cloth of his clothes and into his arm, and he tasted blood. "GO! I'll keep him busy!"
Ihara nodded then quickly dodged round Eon and Scabbar as they remained locked in their fight. He ran from the room, heading straight to where he remembered the King and Queens quarters to be from the last visit. As he hurried along maids jumped out of his way, gasping at the sight of blood that was seeping from the wound. Skidding to a halt he pounded his fist against the door, panting heavily as he did. "Your majesty!"
There was a whud as a one handed swing brought the axe blade into the door frame, just short of Ihara's head again. Scabbar only managed a grumble of disappointment before he let go of the axe handle completely, poking Eon in the eyes as he kept the grip on Scabbar's wrist. The bite hurt like hell, but Scabbar didn't have time to scream. "Piss off doggy," Scabbar said, prodding at the eyes again and again "I'll skin you later."
Eon yelped as his eyes were poked and prodded, but he didn't release Scabbar's arm from his jaws yet. He instead planted his feet firmly on the floor, his claws keeping him anchored, and he tightened his grip, giving his head a firm shake to jolt Scabbar with more intense pain. He had to keep him here until Ihara could get the king and queen to safety.
Scabbar growled, then gripped Eon around the neck. Fine, Scabbar new other ways to kill without resorting to an axe, he just didn't like it. A firm thumb dug in against the wolf's neck, the large hand clamping down, trying to choke the wolf out and keep the head still. He'd already let a yell of pain out from the first couple of shakes, he wasn't going to let a dumb dog get the better of him.
Eon gave another strangled sound as he was lifted off the ground by his throat, kicking his legs angrily and still baring his teeth at Scabbar, even as his head started to pound with the lack of blood. He could see darkness edging in on his vision, but he still glared at Scabbar. "You will not win..." he thought determinately, closing his blue eyes against the pain.
Scabbar was, in all intents and purposes, in the much better position. Eon was grabbing onto one wrist, which was hurting like hell, but he was choking Eon to death. In the over all scheme of things, Scabbar was going to walk away from this with one more dog to skin. "You're going to taste stringy." he grunted, trying to tug his wrist free of Eon's grip as he kept up that one handed squeeze.
Eon's eyes opened again slightly in a wince as he struggled to see Scabbar through his blurry vision, hearing his words. He tightened his jaws' grip on his arm a little more, then let out a low, strangled growl. "We'll see about that." he thought. Very suddenly, his body began to grow, increasing in size until he was the size of a bull, just as when he'd fought Noctis. Even as Scabbar's hand stayed around his throat, he suddenly gave a twisting jerk of his head down and away, which effectively not only broke Scabbar's arm... but disconnected it from his body altogether.
Scabbar let out a blood renting scream, stumbling back, twitching and yelling out obscenities as he had his arm effectively ripped free. As he stumbled back, his axe handle came into view, and he grabbed it, tearing the blade from the door. He began to slashed towards Eon, fueled by pain and madness, no more restraint, just trying to hit the creature again and again with the blade of the axe.
Eon tried to dodge the blows as best he could, but the lack of blood to his brain and then the sudden rush of blood after Scabbar had released his neck had caused him to become clumsy and off-balance. Not to mention, his increase in size only increased the chances of Scabbar hitting a wider surface area. Eon snarled, yelped and howled in pain as the blade connected with him, slicing through fur, skin, muscle and bone in various places until he was a bloody heap on the floor, barely breathing now.
Scabbar grunted, panting, swinging again and again, until finally, he bowed down, letting go of the axe and grabbing for his arm. He was trying to pull it free of Eon's mouth, trembling, his movements slow and weak with the amount of bloodloss he was experiencing right now. He wasn't magic, he couldn't heal or stop the blood, but he could get his arm back.
Eon held his jaws' grip on Scabbar's arm. Even if he died here, now, he would die with Scabbar's arm in pieces. He would die with a piece of one of his enemies, in Jollel's honor, so that her death was not in vain. He winced through his one good eye, the color in it dulled slightly, and he tightened his bite on the arm to keep Scabbar from having it, until the bones crunched inside the dead limb. If he could just get Scabbar close enough... or off-guard, he could bite his head clean off....
When the bones crunched however, Scabbar gave up the ghost of getting his arm back. He moved away, grabbing up a letter opener from the desk with difficulty and staring at the thin metal. He flopped down beside the fire, embedding the axe head in the floor near his feet. He stuck the letter opener in the fire grate, then began to pack his sleeve around the stump he had left. This was going to hurt.
Eon watched Scabbar move away, plant his axe in the floor, and begin to heat up the letter opener. He guessed he was going to seal the wound... sear it closed. He even winced mentally at the idea. But from here, Scabbar's back was turned. He finally let the arm go, letting it drop limply from between his teeth, and he struggled to pull himself to his feet as quietly as he could. The more he moved, the more blood he lost that stained his brown and white fur, and the dizzier he became, but he had to press on. He had to kill this monster... this scourge. He limped across the floor towards Scabbar, his heart thudding in his ears, and every inch of his body screaming in agony for him not to continue. But Scabbar was so close... if he could just gather the energy to jump and bite off that damned hood, and the head inside it...
"If you stop moving..." Scabbar said, pulling the hot blade from the fire and examining how it glowed. It wasn't as searing hot as it should be to kill the nerves quickly, but it was hot enough to seal. It just might hurt. "Then you might survive. Your fur will mat the blood and keep the bloodloss to a minimal. If you-ARGGH!" he screamed as he pressed the hot metal against his ripped flesh, a hissing noise filling the air before he pulled it back "stop... stop moving..." He turned the blade, letting out another yell as the other side burnt his flesh to keep him alive. He dropped the letter opener then. It wasn't fully done, but his hand had stopped working. The pain was enough to get him on his feet to face Eon however. "If you want to die. Keep trying. Better than you have failed."
Eon shifted on his feet weakly, his one eye staring at Scabbar with a rather frightful intensity. "I will NOT give up... I will not fail..." he thought determinately, panting through his pain and his lip curled back in a snarl at Scabbar, his maw dripping blood. "I will not stop until you and Reise, and whoever else is working for him are dead." He swayed on his paws, his tail stiff in the air in a fighting pose, and he growled loudly, obviously trying to prepare himself for a final battle.
"You fall down now, you might survive," Scabbar said, his stump trembling from the hissing flesh, the smell of burnt blood filling the air "You try to fight, and I'll stick your head in the fire until you stop yelping." Was it a bluff? Maybe. Scabbar didn't have the strength to wrestle Eon into the fire and hold him there, but if he managed to roll the animal's head into the coals and sit on his back, would Eon be able to buck Scabbar off?
Eon just continued to snarl, glaring at Scabbar, bracing himself. "Then I'll pull you into the flames with me!" he barked loudly, then ran at Scabbar with all of his strength, tackling into him with his full body weight, the impact alone splattering the walls and floor with his blood as they collided, knocking them both into the fireplace. As they were swallowed up by the flames, all Eon could think of was Sein... Beautiful, strong and yet fragile Sein. His heart thudded for her for some reason... and he only regretted not backing down because of her.
Xander and Reise both looked up from where they were sitting on Anaita's bed, watching her sleep, and Xander quickly stood to answer the door before the maid could reach it. That had sounded like Ihara... and he sounded terrified. He opened the door and nearly reeled back from the sight of the blood. "Prince Ihara!" he gasped, grabbing him and pulling him inside. "What has happened to you?!"
Reise stood off the bed from his mother's side, narrowing his eyes on the sight of Ihara. He'd thought for sure that Alavara would have taken care of him by now... and if not her, then Scabbar for sure. But no... Here he was. With a mere flesh wound! He grinded his teeth impatiently. "Yes, prince, what has happened to you?" he asked angrily, moving around the bed to them, glaring at him hard.
"I was attacked by an axeman." Ihara replied then turned to look at Reise, narrowing his eyes as he did. "King Xander..I think it wise you take the Queen somewhere safe. Things are not what they seem..and Reise here has been spinning you lies. He is not to be trusted." He took a threatening step towards Reise in the hopes of making him back up away from the door so the king and Queen could escape. "Your little drow friend is finished and Eon is taking care of the axeman. You need to surrender now."
Reise's body didn't move. He didn't even flinch. Instead, his lips turned up into a snake-like smile, and his eyes sparkled darkly. "Oh really?" he asked in a low, dangerous voice.
Xander's eyes shot back and forth between his son and the prince, then without another thought, he turned to move to grab his sword--the same sword that had put Dyllin into slumber and he'd recovered from the dungeons. He had kept it safe since that day, and now he felt it was needed. But as he opened the case to pull it out, it flew past him, and into Reise's hand instead.
Reise laughed, clicking his tongue at his father. "Oh... father... you always were so brave..." he taunted, gripping the sword and spinning it slowly in his hand, shaking his head. His pale head was dotted with sweat... He laughed again darkly. "So naive." He then pointed the sword at Ihara, the point mere inches from his throat. "And you... purely unnecessary. And far too meddlesome for your own good. Time to get rid of you once and for all!" he growled, pulling the sword back in preparation to strike.
But before Reise could bring the sword down on Ihara, the elf prince was suddenly shoved aside. Xander cried out in pain as the blade was plunged into his chest, and his eyes were wide, his breath caught in his broken lungs. Reise seemed just as shocked at this as his father was, and he shook a little, his eyes wide on his father's pained face. "Oh, father..." he crooned, pulling the blade back out painfully slowly. Once it was jerked free, Xander grunted and fell to the floor in a heap, his hands cupped over the injury, and Reise studied him critically. "Father, why did you do that? Something so stupid? Oh father, mom is not going to like this... but don't worry... She'll live. Oh yes, she'll live on... I've saved her." He reached down and pulled the crown off of Xander's head, lifting it and examining it in his hands before carefully placing it on his own head with a deep laugh. "I've saved her, and she will be happy with me in my new kingdom... A kingdom far more grande than you or Dyllin could have EVER ruled." he sighed, dragging the tip of the blade against the stone floor as he walked circles around his father's writhing body. "Oh father... I think you knew. Deep down, you knew all along... but you were just too proud to admit that one of your sons could be so... evil." He laughed again, as if this was truly comical. "Oh, it's such a downright SHAME!" he boomed, shaking his head.
Xander grunted in pain from the floor, and he winced as he looked at Ihara from the floor. "G-get... Anaita.... S-save her..." he begged through pained grunts and strains. He was dying... he could feel it. His vision was blurring and his head was spinning. He was having a hard time breathing... but if it was the last thing he did, he would make sure his wife was safe.
Ihara glared at Reise as he swung the sword playfully in his hand then raised his head defiantly, standing straight and proud as the blade was aimed at his throat before the other prince swung it for the death blow, refusing to show any fear in this moment. His thoughts wondered to Iswe and he felt saddened that he would never get to tell her how he had truely felt. I would have asked her to marry me. He thought then took a deep breath before suddenly being knocked to the side where he fell to the ground, landing painfully on his injured shoulder with a hiss of agony. He turned his head quickly to see what had happened and his eyes widened in shock as he saw King Xander standing in his place, the sword sticking from his chest. "NO!" He shouted in disbelief then watched as the King fell the to the floor, only metres away from him. "You monster!" He bellowed at Reise and scrambled to his feet ready to try and fight him but stopped when he heard the kings request. He knew Xander was fading and that if this was his last request he would do all in his power to do it. Shooting one last look of fury at Reise, Ihara stumbled over to the bed where the Queen was sleeping. "My deepest apologies your highness for what I am about to do." He said to her then quickly scooped her up and placed her over his uninjured shoulder, seeing no other way of carrying her with his wound. Turning towards the door he knew he'd have to make a run for it and with a few deep breaths he took off, hoping he could reach it before Reise could react.
Reise had seen Ihara grab up his mother, but rather than attack the elf prince, he let him go. Mostly, it was because he had Anaita on his shoulder, and Reise would never risk hurting his mother. He watched him go with a wild and insane look in his wide orbs, then looked down at his father's fading face. "I remember how you always told us to include the people as much as possible in everything we did, father... Every decision, every action... I think it's time we included the citizens now." he grinned, showing pointed teeth as darkness began to seep from him, and from the walls. Soon, dark clouds were swirling over the castle, and earth-rumbling thunder boomed with sharp lightning that sparked across the skies. Shadows covered the castle... And then moved towards the village, and soon screams of horror could be heard from below. Reise tilted his head back in reverence of the screams of terror, and he sighed happily with a smile, still gripping the bloodied sword.
Dyllin was wide-eyed at Samiya as he listened to her. He looked around slowly at the three sprites for confirmation, seeing their tortured faces and solemn demeanors and he knew it was true. He grit his teeth, looking very enraged now, and he stood up, grabbing his clothes. He began to pull them on hurriedly, grinding his teeth all the while. "He's gone too far." he growled with a pant of adrenaline. He then moved to the door and pulled it open, but looked back at Samiya. "Find my parents and stay with them. Get them to the underground dungeons, it'll be safest there."
Ihara ran on through the castle, stumbling every so often from his growing weakness because of the heavy wound inflicted by Scabbar. He could hear the screams from inside and outside the castle and knew things were going from bad to worse. Searching for the sprites he finally felt their presence in a room up ahead and he hurried on raising his hand to knock loudly. The door suddenly opened before he could knock and he came face to face with Dyllin. "Thank goodness." He muttered as his compexion paled and he struggled to stay on his feet.
Samiya had been about to argue with Dyllin about letting him go to Reise alone when he opened the door and they were brought face to face with a weak looking Ihara, holding the Queen. "Ihara!" She gasped noticing the deep wound on his shoulder that was soaked with blood. "Iswe he's hurt!"
Iswe had been staring out the window, looking up at the sky, thinking about their mother when she heard her name being shouted. Snapping out of it she crossed the room, quickly to Ihara's side and frowned at his wound. "You shouldn't be playing with dangerous objects like that." Forcing a smile to her face she placed her palm over his wound, healing him quickly, when she pulled her hand away it was red with his blood.
Dyllin gaped at the sight of Ihara's mutilated shoulder and the sight of his mother hanging off his good shoulder. He helped ease Anaita off of Ihara before Iswe healed him, carrying his mother to the bed he'd been laying on moments before. He checked her over, but she was still peacefully sleeping, thanks to the potion Reise had given her. He sighed in relief, then tensed again when he heard the thunder and cracks of lightning outside, the screams from the village, and saw the looming dark clouds outside the window. Turning back to Ihara, he frightfully demanded, "Where is my dad? Where's Reise?"
"Thank you." Ihara said to Iswe with a tired smile when she removed her hand from him and the intense stinging pain of the wound suddenly stopped. He glanced down at his shoulder through his torn shirt and saw it was completely healed and in the wounds place was a long wide scar. Looking back at her he noticed the blood on her hand and quickly tore a clean strip from his tunic before gently taking her hand in his and carefully started wiping it clean. He noticed the sadness in her eyes and took a breath to ask her what was wrong but stopped when Dyllin spoke up. Standing silent for a few moments Ihara didn't know how to answer. He gripped Iswe's hand tightly then finally looked up at his friend, frowning deeply. "Dyllin..your father..he saved my life. But as a result Reise..stabbed him. King Xander is dying. He told me to take your mother to safety and I knew I could not protest." He straightened up as he addressed Dyllin. "If you are going to face your brother I will go with you. He must be stopped."
Iswe had smiled softly at Ihara's thanks and nodded her head. She had just been about to wipe his blood from her hand when he ripped a strip from his tunic and wiped her hand clean. "Thank you..." Turning her eyes up to look at his handsome face she was overwhelmed with relief that he was still alive.
Samiya's eyes widened as she listened to Ihara and she quickly reached out and placed a hand on Dyllin's arm knowing he was going to be heartbroken at the news that his father was dying. "Go to him..show your brother you're not going to be so easily removed." She said quietly.
Ihara nodded in agreement then turned to look at Iswe. "I'm glad you're safe. I was so worried...I wish to speak with you but i'm sure you'll agree this is not the best time." He smiled lightly then slipped his hand from hers and after a moment placed an object in her palm. It was a ring with the royal crest of his family on it. He closed her hand over then raised it to his lips and kissed it gently. "We'll talk later." He told her then finally stepped back from her and moved to Dyllin.
Iswe opened her hand after he'd stepped away. In it was a beautiful ring, with a crest on it. Furrowing her eyebrows slightly she looked up at Ihara in awe. At his words she nodded her head. "Of course. Later." Smiling she slipped the ring onto her middle finger, to her the safest place to keep it at the moment. It fit snugly so she was confident it wouldn't slide off.
Dyllin looked sick. Ihara's words had shook him to his core. He didn't even hear Samiya's words, and he didn't hesitate. He pushed past Ihara and the sprites with a shout of, "GET MOM AND SAMIYA SOMEWHERE SAFE!" before disappearing into the hall. He still felt weak, but the adrenaline in his body forced his body to react. He had to find his dad. He skidded and slid through the halls as the walls and floor rumbled ominously. He found his parents' room and burst through the door, panting heavily. There, on the ground was his father, barely clinging to life with his bloodied sword abandoned beside him. Dyllin whimpered and ran in, kneeling beside his father and taking his hand, gaping at the bleeding wound in his chest. "D-dad! Dad, no..." he begged, sniffling back tears. "Dad... c'mon, dad, don't go..."
Xander grunted in pain as he lay on his back, feeling dizzy and weak, his vision blurry as he looked up at his son. "Dyllin.... Y-you're alive... I knew it..." he breathed deeply, his voice just barely at a whisper as a weakened smile broke across his lips. He gasped a pained breath, gripping to Dyllin's hand. "D-don't worry about me, Dyllin... It was about time I retired anyways..." He grinded his teeth as he reached for his sword, grabbing it from where Reise had left it, and dragging it towards Dyllin. He helped close Dyllin's hands around the hilt and looked up at him. "Take it. I-it's yours now... Protect your mother... and Samiya..." he coughed. "Stop... Reise...." He tried to blink back the encroaching darkness, wincing at the pain in his chest, and he took another rattling breath before whispering, "I'm... so proud of you..." He gave him another small smile, then his grip weakened before he fell completely limp on the floor at Dyllin's side.
Dyllin was in agonizing tears as he watched his father die, his hands still gripping the sword his father had bestowed on him. He spluttered a sob, then neatly folded his father's hands over his torso out of respect, leaning down and kissing his father's temple. "I love you, dad." he whimpered breathlessly. He gulped thickly, then clenched his jaw, lifting his head to glare at the dark clouds outside. He stood up, hefting the sword in his hands until it was comfortable in his grip, then he shouted, "REISE! SHOW YOURSELF, YOU COWARD!!!" He turned in a slow circle, looking for his brother among the shadows of the room, then paused when he heard a dark laugh cackling from the hall. He growled and turned, running determinately into the hallway, just in time to hear the laugh fading to his right. He turned and sprinted after it without second thought, gripping the sword tightly. He would end this.
Idre was in absolute awe of the prince's exit, and she looked at Ihara, Samiya and her sisters. "We have to heed him!" she said, letting out a yelp as the walls and floor of the castle rumbled and quaked threateningly with another horrifying cackle from Reise. She grit her teeth and looked at them all. "We have to get the queen to the underground dungeons! Where's Eon?!" she asked, looking at Sein.
"DYLLIN!" Samiya shouted then made to run after him but Ihara quickly grabbed her and pulled her back. "I can't lose him again!" She snapped angrily at him but he wouldn't let her past.
"And he would say the same thing about you! Reise is powerful and he would just use you to weaken Dyllin. It is best for you to stay with the Queen. I will escort both of you to the dungeons then go and help him." Ihara told her then looked at Idre when she asked where Eon was and noticed Sein gave a small shrug. "He was fighting the axeman the last I saw.." Ihara spoke up as he moved back to the bed and scooped the Queen up in his arms.
"WHAT?!" Sein exclaimed when she heard Ihara's words. "He's fighting alone?" She looked between Idre and Iswe then suddenly gave both of them a tight hug. "I have to help him. You two take care of each other and protect the princess and Queen.." With those words she suddenly took off, disappearing from the room, her eyes full of anger.
"Idre lead the way. Iswe please keep close to the princess." Ihara said after Sein had left. "We need to move quickly." He said looking at both the sprites as Samiya stared at the door still wanting to follow after Dyllin.
Idre nodded quickly at Ihara's orders, and she turned and moved into the hallway, keeping at least one hand on the walls as the stone floors quaked beneath their feet, causing some stones from the ceiling to crumble and fall. She screamed and jumped back, then opened her hands towards the ceiling, thick vines suddenly sprouting to hold the ceiling in place. She whimpered and looked back at Ihara with the Queen, Iswe and Samiya. "Let's go!" she yelped, breaking into a run towards the stairwell that would lead down to the first level. She could hear screaming from the servants and maids as they ran for their lives from the castle, only to be greeted outside by ugly and murderous shadow beasts.
Not taking any chances, Iswe grabbed ahold of the princess's hand and tugged her along. "Stay close." Holding tightly to her hand she ran along just behind Ihara and the Queen. Looking at her sister of Ihara's shoulder she frowned deeply. She wished they were closer so she could give her sister strength but for now she'd have to do it with words. "Idre, you're alright. Keep going, we're right behind you."
"Is this really the kind of kingdom Reise wishes to rule over?" Ihara whispered as he caught sight of something large and black soaring past the window followed by many terrified screams. He followed Idre quickly, dodging any falling debris until they were moving down the steep steps to the dungeons. Once down he moved to one of the many cells and carefully laid the Queen on the bed making sure she was comfortable before turning to the others and looking at them. "Are you all okay?" He asked and Samiya merely nodded, her expression full of worry.
Idre nodded at Ihara, and she slammed the dungeon doors shut, locking them firmly from the inside and then manipulating plants to grow around and further barricade the doors. She panted and looked at her sister, Ihara and Samiya, and then gulped, hearing all the screams outside. "Those poor people..." she whined, shaking. She just wanted this all to be over.
Releasing Samiya, Iswe tugged Idre into her arms and held her close. Kissing her temple she whispered softly. "Shh..." Running her hands up and down her sister's back she sighed softly. "We're going to be okay... I'll make sure of it." Looking over Idre's shoulder at Ihara she smiled softly, almost as if she was trying to bring them all a little hope.
Ihara nodded back at Iswe, smiling at her as he did. "It will all be over soon. We just have to wait it out then we can start to rebuild." He said as he moved to sit down with his back against the wall. "Now how about to pass some time Samiya tells us about the wonderful wedding she has planned to Dyllin." He continued trying to find a way to distract them all from the noises above.
Samiya turned to look at him a little surprised but quickly understood what he was trying to do. "W-well..I want it out in the gardens, with all the flowers blooming. You could help with that Idre and Iswe." She said then listed off other things she wanted trying to ignore the nervous knot in her stomach that was growing every minute Dyllin was gone.
Idre gripped to Iswe fearfully, sniffling and whimpering as she curled into her, hiding her face and covering her ears in an attempt to drown out the screams outside and the sounds of the castle starting to crumble. "P-please, Dyllin... please make it... stop him.." she pleaded. "Please, gods... mama, help him.."
Sein ran through the corridors, her heart hammering as she searched for Eon. Skidding to a halt at the door of the room he and Scabbar where in, her eyes widened as she watched them both tumble into the flames. "NO!" She screamed then held her hands out as her eyes suddenly blazed red and the floor began to tremble beneath her feet. The flames suddenly flowed from the fireplace as if it were water and engulfed Sein until she stood as a fiery being glaring down at Scabbar in the now unlit fire. "Eon..are you alright?"
Scabbar was breathing, barely. His clothes, thank god, saturated with water and sick and sweat and blood, had protected him... Mostly. He was still pretty burnt up, but his head had been safe, wrapped in that hood of his. For now he remained still, barely breathing. His arm was fully cauterised, at least there was that. And the pain was keeping him from passing out from the bloodloss.
Eon was panting heavily and whining from the pain, his fur badly singed all over, and certain parts of his body were badly burned. He looked out of his one good eye at Sein and he gave a small relieved pant from where he was laying beside Scabbar in the fireplace. He was covered in blood... with axe wounds all over his body. His white fur was no longer recognizable on his underside because of how much blood had been spilt into it. He whined at Sein, and slowly, painfully, his body began to change to his human form. He lay naked, burned in the fireplace, and still covered in wounds and blood, but he smiled at her. "S-Sein..." he called hoarsely.
Sein watched Eon then slowly turned her head to look at Scabbar, her eyes narrowing as she did. "Don't move. I'll deal with you soon." She growled as the fire engulfing her suddenly seemed to sink into her skin until she stood as normal again apart from her burning red eyes. With a steadying breath she grabbed Iharas discarded cloak then moved to Eon's side and knelt down, draping the cloak over him. "Why did you come here alone? You should have fetched me." She said her tone softer towards him than it had been to Scabbar.
Scabbar's middle finger saluted Sein, as he didn't have the air to speak right now. He was breathing deeper as time passed though, letting out the occasional cough. Luckily he hadn't breathed in too much soot and ash, as it would have destroyed his lungs.
"I didn't want.... to put you in danger." Eon whispered, wincing in pain as the cloak's fabric rubbed his burned and chopped skin. He was still bleeding heavily, but his good eye was focused on Sein's face. "Beautiful Sein... I'm sorry..." he whispered, moving to hold her hand. "About Jollel... I tried to get there as quickly as I could... I swear.." he whined, tears filling his eyes.
"Shhh..Eon, it wasn't your fault. Mother had made her choice..she would have knew the dangers." Sein whispered as she gripped his hand and let her eyes travel over his many wounds. I should have brought Iswe.. She thought nervously. "You need aid.." She continued unsure what she was going to do. Suddenly a thought came to her but she knew it would be dangerous. She could transfer some of her sprite energy to Eon but this could weaken her considerably. Only Iswe could do this safely as she was a healer. "I want to try something.."
Eon groaned in pain and panted a little, trying to keep his eye open and on her face. "M-me too..." he whispered. He suddenly reached up, looped his hand behind her neck and pulled her down, kissing her firmly on the lips with his eyes closed. It had been the first time he'd ever kissed a girl before... he blushed and broke it with a hiss of pain, a little bit of blood on his lips as he relaxed back again and his breathing slowed dangerously.
Sein's eyes widened and for a few seconds she remained frozen in shock before finally she relaxed and leaned down to meet his kiss. Once he had broken it she smiled down at him as she blushed heavily. "You're very lucky..any other man who has ever tried to do that has usually ended up leaving with a very sore jaw." She chuckled then noticed his breathing starting to slow. "Eon!" Her voice was frantic and without another seconds thought she placed her hands on either side of his face and began to quickly chant words from a mysterious language. A fiery heat began to pass through her fingers, seeping into Eon as she passed on her sprite energy to him hoping it would help him heal. Her skin began to pale and the redness in her eyes began to dull to a deep brown as she passed on more and more of her power. "Come on.." She whispered weakly.
Eon lay there, still and unmoving except for strained breathing as she healed him. As she started to dull and pale, he began to warm and he could feel the fire burning in his veins. He gasped and coughed a thick breath, opening his eyes--the other now healed--and he could feel his injuries shrinking and disappearing. He looked at Sein and gasped, reaching up and grabbing her arms, stopping her suddenly. "No!" he said firmly, pulling her hands from his face. "No, that's enough!" He gripped her hands and gave her a grateful smile, then struggled to sit up, feeling the ache of bruised ribs, which were the product of healing broken ones. He pulled her against him, running a hand over her hair. "Thank you... Now let's go!" he said, seeing and hearing pieces of the room starting to fall apart. The entire castle was shaking as if in a massive earth quake, and stones, decorations and support beams were cracking, breaking and falling. He pulled himself up with help from the fireplace, pulling Sein up beside himself and holding her close as he limped with her through the room.
"It worked.." Sein whispered in an exhausted voice after Eon had pulled her hands from his face. When she was pulled to her feet she stood gripping onto Eons arm as her legs shook and threatened to send her to the ground. Grabbing up iharas cloak she offered it to eon as they took off from the room as quickly as they could manage. "You might need this. You're still naked and might frighten the already panicked castle maids." She teased him with a smile. "Now where are we going? To teach Reise a lesson?"
Eon shook his head as he leaned against Sein a little, but not too much since she was significantly weakened now too. "No. We're going to find the others and protect the princess. You're too weak to do anymore fighting. As am i." He grunted.
As Eon and Sein had been distracted with their 'moment', Scabbar vanished from sight. He was transported as he'd been before, in a tornado of black sand and smoke, and when he reappeared, he was on the rooftop of the castle's tallest tower, and Reise was standing there, grinning down at him. He seemed... different. Deformed almost. He had greasy, sweat-covered skin that was so pale it almost looked blue. His hair stuck up in every which way and his eyes were pure black from pupils to the where the whites SHOULD have been. He grinned, showing razor-sharp teeth, and his knuckles cracked as he unrolled his fists, exposing claw-like nails. "Scabbar." he greeted and chuckled lowly. He held up a hand, and with another flurry of black sand, his enchanted axe was in his palm. "You've failed me... thus, I believe I'll be taking my payment back from you." he growled, glaring at him. Overhead, the clouds were black, with the occasional flash of lightning and boom of thunder, and they were swirling in a slow circle as if a tornado might touch down directly on them.
"Oh, I failed you is it?" Scabbar said, lying still on the floor and coughing slightly, wincing at the burns rippling over his body "Not you failed to do fuck all until it was too late? I was all for killing people, you said wait. I was all for smashing people's face in, you said to watch them. How about fuck you, hmmm? You want a job done, let the people who know how to do it do it their way." Scabbar probably wouldn't be mouthing off as much if he had both arms and wasn't covered in burns, but the pain made him angry "I did more than that woman you teamed me up with. She didn't even gravely wound anyone before she got killed."
Reise let out a loud laugh just as a crack of lightning lit up the sky, throwing his head back and his laughs echoed off the castle tower as people screamed below. His laughter finally died and he shook his head. "Oh, Scabbar... You always did crack me up." he said and twirled the axe in his hand nonchalantly, eyeing him with his black orbs. "But you didn't let me finish! You have failed me here, but you did far more than either Noctis or Alavara did. Thus, you have earned a favor." He grinned and opened his empty hand towards Scabbar then, which lifted Scabbar from the ground and pulled him towards Reise. Once they were at eye level, Reise grinned. He pricked Scabbar's neck with one of his clawed fingernails, then dripped it onto the blade of the axe, watching it suddenly glow bright red. "There we are..." he nodded in a sort of fatherly tone before looking back at Scabbar. "Insurance." he chuckled lowly. He then whispered some words in a chant, and Scabbar's arm started to painfully grow back from the cauterized stump. "You're not finished yet."
It was painful to sear off nerves, it was even more painful to have those nerves forcefully grow back. Scabbar let out a pained scream, holding his arm as flesh split and formed and grew and twisted. Finally, the hand he'd had covered in blood, his let out a deep hiss as the pain faded. "You're a bastard sometimes you know that?" Scabbar growled, looking over towards his axe. He still really wanted to kill Reise.
Reise gave a dark grin at Scabbar and chuckled lowly. "Why thank you." He then offered the axe back to Scabbar. "It's tasted your blood, Scabbar. So... I would try very hard not to fail again. Find them. Kill them. All of them. But my brother is mine." he growled sharply with the hint of a forked tongue.
Just Scabbar against some of the most powerful magic users around it seemed, wonderful, just wonderful. He wasn't sure how Reise expected him to be a one man army, but he'd try. He took his axe back, apraising Reise's neck as he held it firmly "Oh, well, if that's all."
Reise nodded at Scabbar with a grin, then waved his hand and Scabbar was gone. As if Reise had simply known where they would be--which he had--Scabbar would reappear inside one of the cells in the dungeons where the sprites, Eon, the princess and Ihara were all hiding. They were locked in there with him now. And with his enchanted axe, and Eon and Sein weakened, Scabbar surely had the advantage. He grinned to himself darkly just as Dyllin burst through the storm doors that opened from the highest stairwell onto the roof. "AH! Brother! Finally, you've come to join me!"
Dyllin panted heavily, having exhausted himself from his sprint up all of those flights of stairs. He glared at his brother, hoisting the sword up. He had endured worse stamina drains during training sessions. He could handle this. "No, brother... I've come to destroy you." he said sharply. "How could you kill father like that?! He loved you!"
Reise threw his head back and laughed from where he stood on the edge wall of the tower, even wrapping his arms around his middle, as if what Dyllin had said was simply too much. "Father didn't love me!" he hissed once his laughter had subsided. "Father hardly even humored my existence! It's you whom he loved! You're the only one he adored, doted on, or thought about! All our lives! And if you didn't see that, then you really are not as smart as he gave you credit for!" he scoffed. "The only one who loved me was mother. And I've saved her... She'll be happy with me here... Especially without you or father around."
"You can't honestly believe that, Reise!" Dyllin scowled, shaking his head as he took a step closer. The structures of the castle were trembling, quaking, and cracking... They wouldn't hold for long if this kept up. "Do you really believe that mother--a being so beautiful and full of sunlight and song--would be happy in a kingdom so dark and full of murder and hatred?" he growled. "You have to stop this, Reise! There's been enough bloodshed!"
"Oh, quite the contrary, older brother! I do believe there hasn't been ENOUGH!" Reise bellowed, throwing his hands to the sky as another loud thunder barreled across the sky and made the castle shake beneath Dyllin's feet, stones starting to drop from under him. Dyllin screamed a little in surprise, then started to jump away from crumbling spots of the floor, moving to hold onto the wall nearest him. "HA! Dance, brother, dance!" Reise taunted, making more stones fall away. This was too much fun!
"They're in the dungeons. Its the safest place at the minute." Sein replied after thinking about protesting about fighting but decided against it, feeling just to exhausted. She slowly began to lead the way down towards the dungeons. "So you're weak, i'm weak and Ihara's weak..that just leaves Samiya, Idre and Iswe capable of fighting. But I guess we could gather the energy if we really needed to. You could give me another one of those kisses.." She raised an eyebrow as she smiled at him. "What was that for anyway? Did the bloodloss make you see things? Did you think I was one of my sisters? I'm afraid you'll have to fight Ihara if it was Iswe you were wanting. It seems she has his heart, though I do not know if she feels the same. But could you imagine..little Iswe future Queen of Cuole. Idre is unspoken for though..so if it was her you wanted, you're in luck." She said feeling that Eon must have made a mistake. No man had ever shown interest in her. She was stubborn and bad tempered so they always preferred to pursue her sweet good natured sisters. She figured Eon was the same and she couldn't help but feel a small twinge of jealousy for the first time ever. "No matter, you can speak with them when you see them." She said then carried on down the steps to the dungeon. When she reached the bottom she knocked lightly on the door and waited for an answer.
Eon shook his head with a small laugh at all of the utter nonsense that Sein was spewing at him. Once they finally reached the bottom of the steps to the dungeons, he knocked loudly on the door, hearing Idre squeak inside at the startle. He then looked at Sein and smiled gently. "I don't want your sisters. I want you. I wasn't seeing anyone else." he whispered, before gently kissing her again as Idre worked on opening the door for them.
"You want me?" Sein repeated slowly before turning away from him to hide her reddening cheeks and small happy smile. Finally she looked back at him as she moved to drape Ihara's cloak round his shoulders and cover him before the door was opened to the dungeons. "I must warn you i'm not an easy person to put up with. I'm bad tempered and stubborn. I hate losing any fights or arguments and when i'm angry I sometimes have a habit of setting things on fire." She listed slowly as if trying to make him change his mind. She watched him for a few moments then suddenly couldn't hold it any longer and smiled brightly before launching herself towards him and wrapping her arms round his neck and hugging him tightly.
Eon let out a laugh as he caught her, hugging her back tightly and burying his face in her neck, feeling less bashful now that he was covered with Ihara's cloak. He smiled at her gratefully just as the doors were opened and Idre hurriedly waved them inside. He pulled Sein in with him, listening to her and all the things she said, feeling as if she was trying to deter him. "You sound exactly like Jollel." he laughed a little bittersweetly. He smiled at her and stroked her cheek, making Idre watch them curiously after the doors were latched again. "I'm willing to try, if you are." he nodded.
Scabbar grunted as he landed in the open at the back of the block. He cursed under his breath, swaying slightly and slumping down against the wall. He was listening out for... anything in the area. He was pretty exhausted right now, and wasn't sure if there were people in the area or not. He was kinda starting to regret working for Reise and not killing him straight away.
Sein followed Eon into the dungeon then listened as he spoke. She didn't respond for a few moments until finally she looked at him and with a quick movement leaned up and kissed him, an intense heat passing from her lips to his. She broke it after only a few moments, feeling weak from the attempt to use her powers. "I shouldn't have done that." She whispered in a tired voice as she gripped his arm for support. Turning her head to look at the others she smiled a little bashfully at Idre and Iswe. "Are you both alright?" She asked as Samiya and Ihara watched over them, both looking amused.
Scabbar slowly stood up, being careful not to scrape the blade of his axe against the floor. People. People being happy. People laughing. He gripped his axe and stood there, taking a slow, deep breath, and turning slightly on the spot. He would finish this, he would finish more than just this. A slow thumb ran up the handle of the axe. A new thumb. That woman, probably that wolf thing, someone had said 'both', so there was at least one other person there...
Iswe sat down next to Ihara, leaning against him ever so slightly. Holding her hand up, she showed him his ring on her finger and smiled softly. At her sister's voice she turned her head in Sein's direction, smiling softly and nodded her head. "We're fine."
Idre nodded happily at them both, smiling widely with her hands clutched over her heart in admiration. She had pinked cheeks, and tears in her eyes. It was so good to see so much love around her, even with all of the destruction and pain outside. She sniffled and wiped her eyes, then turned back to the queen, who seemed to slowly be coming out of her magic-induced slumber. "Your grace...?" she crooned, stroking her hair. "Samiya! She's waking!"
Samiya gasped then hurried over to where the Queen was lying. "Your highness?" She said in a concerned voice as she knelt down beside her and watched her. The Queen would know nothing about what was happening and Samiya worried that she would have to explain everything about what Reise had done including how he had killed Xander.
Ihara smiled lightly up at Iswe as she joined him. When she showed him the ring his smile brightened. "It suits you. Does this mean you're accepting me?" He asked as he watched her, his heart racing as he waited for her answer.
"I'm glad. I guess we just have to wait this out now. Hopefully Dyllin will take care of Reise quickly." Sein said then patted Eon's arm. "Go sit down. You need your rest." She smiled at him then turned and began to limp slowly through the dungeons curious as to what was being stored here and moving closer and closer to where Scabbar was hiding. "Some of these weapons are so old!" She muttered as she paused to pick up an ornate scimitar from the ground not realising how close she was to the axeman.
Iswe smiled softly and reached down, sliding her hand into his and laced their fingers together and nodded her head. "Yes, that means I'm accepting you, excitedly so." Blushing deeply she looked up at him through her eyelashes. "I was kind of surprised by this whole thing."
Anaita groaned groggily from the cot, rubbing her head a little and looking up at Samiya and Idre blearily. She could hear other voices as well... "W-where am I? Where's Xander? And Reise?" She then seemed to notice everyone's injured and disheveled appearances, and the fact that they were in the dungeons. She looked up at Samiya quickly as another threatening quake of the walls and ceiling sprayed them with more dust and threatened to bring the castle down. "What's going on??" she demanded.
Scabbar took a step out, into the light, or what little light there was around here. He stood there, a dark figure just on the edge of their vision, just on the edge of their lives, but present. He raised his axe slowly, resting it in his hands, his new hand gripping the handle tight. There was something... strange about him now. Something that seemed to darken the world around him, stealing the light away. "You... burnt... me..." he hissed hotly through his hood, his clothes still stinking of ash, coals and fire. Pretty sure all attention was on him again, he swung his axe violently towards Sein, who was closest. It was a one handed swing, violent, but not really aimed. He was putting the fear into them.
Sein froze when she heard the hissing voice behind her and slowly she turned to face Scabbar. When he swung the axe she stumbled backwards and felt the whoosh of air as the weapon flew past her just missing her body. "I should have killed you when I had the chance.." She growled back then quickly raised her hands to launch a fireball at him. But as she tried to summon the power, her head exploded with pain as she used the last of her sprite energy and she collapsed to the ground with a painful yelp in front of Scabbar. She needed time and rest to regain her powers but she knew it was unlikely she would get either here. Shifting weakly to look up at Scabbar, she narrowed her eyes at him. "Go on then..finish it." She said, her voice strained and exhausted as she hoped that the others would escape whilst she kept Scabbar distracted.
"I'm sorry that I surprised you its just with everything that has been happening I didn't want to leave it and then regret not saying something if things do not go that way we want." Ihara replied with a smile then raised a hand to brush a strand of Iswe's hair away from her face but froze when he heard the hissing voice from the bottom of the dungeon. He slowly looked up just in time to see Sein collapse as Scabbar held the axe aloft and his eyes widened with a gasp, thinking that the fire sprite had been struck by the axeman. He quickly stood, still grasping Iswe's hand and pulling her to her feet as well. "Go" Get into that cell with the Queen, Idre and Samiya! Lock it and do not open it no matter what!" He told her quickly then pushed her in the direction he had spoke of. "I will take care of him. Just protect the Queen and the Princess, do not compromise their safety for mine." He said to her before turning and stepping towards Scabbar, stooping to grab a sword as he did and giving a brief glance towards Eon to see if he was in any state to help.
Samiya bit her lip nervously as the Queen questioned her unsure of how to answer. "The kingdom has fallen into darkness your highness..but Dyllin he is alive and is fighting to regain the light." Was all she said unable to bring herself to tell Anaita that it was in fact Reise causing the trouble and that he had killed Xander. "We're in the dungeons. We should be sa..." Her words stopped when she heard Iharas sudden hurried orders to Iswe and looked up to see what was happening. She gasped when she spotted Scabbar standing over Sein and she quickly looked at Idre, her eyes full of fear. "How did he get down here?" She asked but didn't wait for an answer as she looked back at Iswe. "Hurry! Get in here!"
"RUN!" Scabbar screamed up at the sound of frenzied screams and cries "And I'll find you later!" He saw Ihara approaching, so decided to act fast. One boot, half melted, slammed down onto Sein's chest as Scabbar swung down hard. This was an attack right to the head, aiming to split sein's head like a ripe melon. He would get his kill.
"NO!" came a bark loud enough to make the bars of the dungeons tremble. Everything seemed to move in slow motion for Eon. From the moment he heard and saw Sein collapse from lack of magic, to the current moment when Scabbar was bringing his axe down on her. Eon moved quickly within the slow motion. His form changed rapidly to his massive wolf form, and he lunged straight at Scabbar. Just before the axe would have hit Sein, Eon's body collided with his, and he was struck away from her and against another set of bars. With a snapping sound, everything sped back up again. "GET SEIN IN THAT CAGE!" he roared back at Ihara, struggling to keep Scabbar pinned again. He didn't have as much energy as when he'd first fought Scabbar, but he wasn't injured anymore thanks to Sein. It was like a fresh new battle.
The queen gasped at Samiya's words and she was wide-eyed. At the screams and fighting at the back of the dungeons, she covered her mouth with both hands, and grabbed for Idre as she ran into the cell with Iswe intow. Idre hugged the queen to calm her, but the Queen couldn't sit still. Before the cage was closed, she got up and slipped out with agility that was rather unlike her recently. "I have to find Xander!" she called, running from the dungeons and back up towards the castle's interior.
"Your highness!" Samiya screamed as she watched the queen run out of the dungeons. With a quick glance at Idre, she took off running as well before anyone could stop her slipping out of the door and running up the steps that led to the castle above. "Anaita?" She called, using the queen's real name for the first time. "Please come back..." She hurried on, stumbling occasionally as her foot got caught on the hem of her dress but she didn't stop, knowing she had to find the queen before something else did.
Ihara did as Eon ordered, and quickly moved to Sein, and scooped her now limp body up into his arms and carried her to the cell as Samiya suddenly took off after the queen. "Princess!" He growled then turned to Idre and Iswe. "Stay with Sein. Lock the door. I must go help Eon..the princess has made her choice." He said before setting Sein down on the bed and moving quickly back out towards Scabbar.
"You took my arm!" Scabbar said, smashing the handle of the axe into Eon's face with the vigor of a man driven by pain and revenge "Now I'll take your head!" Another smack, pulled back quick so Eon couldn't snatch scabbar's wrist back up into his jaws. Next came a swing of the axe. Scabbar was a lone man against beasts and sprites and magic users... no sane man would try to win this. Luckily, Scabbar wasn't sane.
"Be careful..." Iswe whispered as she locked the door behind him. "Idre... if you have the strength, go ahead and put up some vines." Coming back over to the bed, she crawled into it at Sein's feet and pressed her hand to her sister's ankle, soothing Sein with her calm mood and trying to heal her. Iswe hadn't used much magic earlier so she was still fairly strong. She just didn't want to use all her energy in case she was needed.
Eon let out a pained yelp at the smacks to his face by the axe handle, unable to get a hit in due to how fast the hits were coming. He stumbled back from Scabbar as the axe blade swung, and he cried out in agony as it struck his ribs and shoulder, hooking there painfully. He whined and screamed in pain, but growling between yelps and baring his teeth, snapping his jaws at Scabbar's ankles, even as he felt the blade biting deeper into his side.
Ihara quickly ran to Eon, gripping a sword now in his hand ready to fight Scabbar. "Eon get back!" He called as he reached the axeman, then quickened his pace and suddenly raised his foot, kicking out to knock him backwards away from the obviously wounded Eon before swinging the sword round with elvish skill and grace in the hopes of injuring the hooded man before him.
Scabbar grunted as he was kicked away from Eon, having been a little easily pushed around because of keeping his feet away from Eon's teeth. Then in came Ihara, doing his ridiculous dance of a blade. He got a few hits in, light, stinging hits, which scratched at his flesh through the clothes. Then Scabbar said his chance. As he raised his axe, opening his chest to more blows, his hand came down to catch the blade in his broad hand. If Ihara's blade dancing, he'd be dead meat. It might tear up Scabbar's hand, but it was worth it.
Ihara couldn't help but look triumphant as each blow met its target on Scabbar and he grew more and more confident that he could defeat him. "Eon if you're injured Iswe can help!" He called back before continuing to fight. But as he swung the sword round again, his eyes widened in surprise when Scabbar suddenly caught the blade in his hand. He gave it a sharp tug trying to free it until finally he swung his leg round again in an attempt to kick Scabbar in the stomach and stun him into letting go.
Eon stumbled back as Scabbar was kicked away, limping a little from the fresh gash in his side, and already bleeding heavily. But there was no time for him to run to Iswe for healing when he saw Scabbar grab the downward swing of Ihara's sword. He clenched his teeth and moved as quickly as his heavily injured body could, jumping towards Scabbar before he would get the chance to swing his axe again. With Ihara throwing a kick at him again, and Eon coming from the other side, Scabbar would have to choose which side to defend, and it would leave his other side completely open.
Ihara felt the bite of an axe in the arm that had been slashing that sword of his, a deep bite... The blade was sunk deep into the flesh, maybe the bone itself. Scabbar hadn't braced against either of the attacks, he wasn't an expert swordsman or a trained fighter, he was an executioner. A mad one. He'd been kicked in the chest, swayed, and missed the head with his axe blow. But it was still an axe, still vicious, and it slid into Ihara's flesh like a burning blade through butter. Overbalanced by the kick, Eon's pounce took him off his feet, letting go of Ihara's sword but keeping a hold of the axe handle, so the blade in Ihara's arm was twisted as Scabbar was thrown over.
Ihara's foot had been connecting with Scabbar then same time as the axe began to slice into his arm. His eyes widened at the intense pain then he couldn't help but cry out as the blade went deeper still, causing him to release the grip on his sword and drop it to the ground. When Eon collided with Scabbar and sent him toppling Ihara was forced to move with him, yelping as he was nearly dragged to the ground with the axeman. He looked down at the axe in his arm and Scabbars hand that was intent on not letting it go before glancing over his shoulder at Eon with wide eyes with no idea what he should do.
Eon had tackled Scabbar. He'd decided to put his axe in Ihara's arm, which Eon was incredibly sorry for, but it had allowed Scabbar's side to remain open and Eon to tackle and pin him to the floor, his massive jaws closing around Scabbar's hooded head. He crunched down as hard as he could, and gave his head a violent shake, as if he was trying to rip Scabbar's head off in much the same way he'd previouls ripped his arm off. Mostly, he was just trying to get Scabbar to either release his axe, or pull it from Ihara to prevent further injury to the elf prince.
The hood, which Eon bit down on, was like biting down on a greased cloth. Sweat, blood, dust, ash, water, vomit, spit, all kinds of vile bodily fluids had soaked that hood, and it was stuffed into Eon's mouth like it was a gag more than a target. Specially, as he shook it around, and with Scabbar tugging back, fighting off, the hood began to slip. "Get... off!" he screamed around the dog breath, slamming his leg up into Eon's chest repeatedly, aiming between the dog's legs. Thing about not wearing pants, you didn't get protection.
Ihara screamed as Scabbar was shook violently by Eon and had to resort to dropping down onto his knees to try and keep his trapped arm level with Scabbar and reduce the pain. "Please stop moving!" He growled through gritted teeth then suddenly grabbed the handle of the axe above Scabbers hand and tried to pull it from his grip.
Eon stopped shaking his head, for Ihara's sake, but he kept his teeth wrapped around the axeman's head, despite the foul smell and even more foul taste. He grunted and growled as Scabbar kicked his chest, ribs, hips and legs, keeping himself up as best he could so that Ihara would have time to get the axe free, but when Scabbar's knee collided with his injured ribs, he yelped in deep pain and fell to the side.
When Eon rolled away, so did Scabbar. It wasn't hard to yank his axe handle free from Ihara's grip, considering the pain the man was in. Ihara was free of the blade now, but still with a deep cut. Thing is though, as Eon rolled, the bag that covered Scabbar's head rolled with it. He stood there, not exactly ugly... just... broken features, sunken face, pale bald head, scars and cuts from the bites. He was certainly human. And just a human. Just a human with an axe. He rolled his shoulder, then straightened suddenly, letting out a yell as his shoulder popped back into place. Eon had dislocated the one he'd hit, but now it was back in. "You two had enough playing around?" he growled, clenching his jaw nad gripping his axe again, his off hand bleeding rather badly from catching the sword.
"Who said we were playing?" Ihara replied as he held his heavily bleeding arm to his chest and scrambled to grab his sword in his uninjured hand then stumbled to his feet, feeling faint but refusing to give in. He would not let this man reach the sprites. "Eon..are you still able to fight with me?"
Eon pulled himself up onto shaky legs, huffing hard through his mouth as he looked at Scabbar. He nodded at Ihara though, and to his mind said, "Always. You go high, I go low?" Surely, if they both attacked him at once, he wouldn't be able to fight them both off. This was the final moment. It was time for this to end.
Ihara nodded then gritted his teeth as he suddenly launched himself forwards. He let out a loud yell of determination as he jumped into the air, swinging his sword down towards Scabbar, hoping that Eon wouldn't be too far behind him.
Sein slowly began to stir until finally she opened her eyes and looked down at Idre and Iswe with a weak smile. Hearing the yells and shouts from the dungeon she slowly pushed herself up to sit, gripping the edge of the bed tightly for support. "They need our help. I think its time we showed them exactly what a these sisters are capable of." She looked at Idre and Iswe then held her hands out for them to take and show they were willing to fight.
Eon leapt at the same time Ihara did, rushing forwards as fast as his injured side could let him, and opening his jaws towards Scabbar's legs. Please just die... he pleaded in his head, growling angrily.
The problem with Eon attacking is that he had to put his whole body into it. He attacked with his face, which was a tactical disadvantage against people with weapons anyway. And the problem of attacking one above and one below, is that if one failed, the other was... well... in a different alignment and couldn't help very much. Which is why Eon drew the short straw and wound up meeting the flat of Scabbar's blade to the nose as the man physically threw himself at Eon. Thing is, with everyone moving in the directions that they were, it would be hard for Ihara to land a good strike on Scabbar as he smacked Eon into the floor and dove between the two of them. Scabbar knew how to fight wolves and dogs. Magic, now magic he didn't know, but it seemed as if you could run out of magic.
Iswe placed her hand over Sein's and nodded gently, glancing over her shoulder at Ihara and Eon. "Let's do this..." Looking at Idre, she waited for her sister to join them. Together she knew they would be strong and most likely, able to stop this ridiculous fight.
Ihara growled as his blow missed and he stumbled over Scabbar as he threw himself on Eon. Spinning round to face them once more he prepared himself to attack again. "Won't you just surrender already? It would be so much easier on all of us.." He said before jumping forward, aiming for Scabbars back as he continued to hold his bleeding arm to his chest.
Sein smiled at Iswe then turned to Idre. "Are you with us sister? You know we cannot do this without you." She said before slowly getting to her feet, hand still outstretched to Idre as her other one continued to grip Iswe's. "Come on. Lets show these silly boys what a real fight looks like." She said as a grin spread across her face.
Idre gave a determined grin, and she nodded firmly once as she slapped her hand into Sein's. "Let's do this!" she echoed Iswe, and then ran to unlock the cell doors, sprinting out into the main hall of the dungeon. From here, they could see Scabbar as he tackled Eon, who had yelped when the flat of the axe blade connected with his nose. She held out her hands then, growling determinately as vines started to crawl up from the floor and in through the holes in the ceiling, all of them reaching for Scabbar.
Iswe smiled mischievously as ice began surrounding Scabbar, causing him to freeze to the floor. "Good luck getting away now." Ice also froze his arms so that he couldn't swing his axe. Crossing her arms over her chest, Iswe giggled softly and shook her head. "Silly man. Thinking he could beat us."
Sein limped out to join her sisters as they faced the three fighting men. At the sight of Eon being attacked, her eyes suddenly blazed red again and she clenched her hands into tight fists as she growled loudly. "You picked the wrong opponent." She said as her eyes locked on Scabbar before she suddenly clapped her hands together causing a large fiery creature to erupt from them and hurtle towards Scabbar.
Ihara skid to a halt before his attack connected with Scabbar, grinning at the sight of the three sprites using their powers. "Seems you've upset them. Good luck getting past them now.." He said to the axeman then finally allowed himself to collapse backwards against the wall, weak and tired from his deep wound.
Ice, vines, fire... fire? Fire! The creature seared through the ice that had been making Scabbar's body heavy and slow. He hissed as he wrenched himself free of the ice around his body, smacking and breaking it as it was momentarily weak from the blast of fire. He felt half cooked, but he'd been fully cooked earlier. He let out a laugh, slicing at the vines that were scouring for his feet before starting to make his way towards Iswe. She was the icy problem after all, though he was attempting to move quickly, trying to avoid more ice. "For some reason you lot don't think I enjoy this!" he shouted, laughing loudly as he raced towards Iswe.
Eon acted quickly though. As Scabbar got up from attacking the wolf dog to attack the sprites instead, he rolled and grabbed at Scabbar's leg with his teeth, holding him back. Idre saw this, and she regrew her vines quickly, until dozens of them were coiling around Scabbar's arms, legs and torso, holding him in place off of the floor. "Iswe! The oil in the walls! Dowse him with it! Sein, light him up!" she insisted. They would burn him alive.
Iswe did as she was told, drawing the liquid from the oil, it moved from the walls to Scabbar's body. She didn't relish the thought of burning him alive, but he had done so much harm to others, she just wanted it to be over. Looking over at Sein, she nodded her head.
"This is a terrible little web you've got yourself caught in.." Sein commented as she watched Iswe cover Scabbar in the oil before suddenly smirking. "Goodbye then.." She waved her hand at him in farewell and with the last flick of her wrist she send a spark of fire towards him, hoping Idre was right about her plan.
"You burnt me before..." Scabbar said with a soft growl, unable to be really seen among the vines and oil. Even without his hood, he was practically a shadow. "What makes you think it'll stop me this time?" Then the oil caught, and they saw the vines shake. Not from anger, but pain, a jolt of it as the fire lit his clothes. It wouldn't be long before the screaming started.
Eon stepped back from the flaming human torch wrapped in vines and oil, and limped to Ihara's side. He could see the axe gleaming on the ground beside where Scabbar's body was being burned, and it was glowing an ethereal red. As Scabbar's body was burned alive, something was flowing from it.... a whispy form pulling from his form and moving into the axe. He growled lowly. Dark Magic. It was containing his soul. Even though his body was dying, the he would never really die. But at least... this fight was over.
The screaming was loud, chest bursting, Scabbar was being burnt alive here after all. He was struggling, fighting, pulling at the vines as he burnt. Even then he wouldn't be able to do anything really. He's survived the last attack they threw at him because he'd been covered in ice and it had extinguished the fire a little. Right now though... the fire was entirely encompassing him. As something else began to leave, his body grew more violent, tugging, pulling at the vines, trying to rip them free as he struggled in pain.
"is it over?" Sein asked with a quick glanced between Idre and Iswe before returning her attention to the burning form that was Scabbar. "Its got very quiet upstairs..maybe Dyllin has won.." Her tone was hopeful as she reached out her hands and took hold of her sisters hands tightly. "We actually did it."
"It's over..." Idre nodded as she gripped to Sein's hand, her other hand covering her mouth and nose from the stench of Scabbar's burning clothes and body. She grimaced and quickly looked to where Ihara and Eon were sitting beside each other against the wall, injured and bleeding. "Iswe, you and I should take care of those two... Sein, you should go up and see if everyone else is alright."
Anaita ran from the sound of Samiya's voice, avoiding rockfall and piles of debris in the castle that had once been her beautiful home. She whimpered and cried, looking around frantically for her husband and sons. "XANDER! REISE! DYLLIN!" she screamed, her heart racing. She had to find someone! Anyone! She panted and let out a shriek when a piece of the ceiling caved in ahead of her, kicking up a fog of dust and sand, and making her cough for air. "XANDER!" she cried again, tears filling her eyes in panic. She looked around frantically as she carried on, stopping just outside of hers and Xander's bedroom. She paused, turned her head, and gasped thickly, her hands covering her mouth. She could see Xander's body... resting on the floor peacefully, his hands folded neatly over his abdomen. She shakily walked into the room, reaching his side and kneeling down, inspecting him and seeing the stab wound and all of the blood. She felt sick... She couldn't breathe... She couldn't see. "N-no... no, Xander, no..." she begged, stroking his bearded face fondly, feeling how cold his skin was. "No..."
Samiya hurried on dodging any falling debris that had loosened itself from the ceiling. "Your highness?" She called again as she moved, having a feeling that she knew where the Queen would go. As a large piece of rock suddenly rumbled and fell from above she threw herself to the side with a shriek, narrowly avoiding being flattened by it. Coughing and gasping as dust eveloped her she scrambled to get to her feet then hurry on after the Queen. She stopped suddenly when she spotted an abandoned bow and quiver of arrows lying strewn across the floor. She moved to gather them then placed them across her back knowing it was better to be armed now incase anything dark suddenly appeared. Gripping the bow Samiya ran now until she reached the desired location and found Anaita kneeling beside the body of the king. Biting her lip she stepped into the room until she stood behind the Queen then gently rested a hand on her shoulder. "I'm sorry.." She whispered.
Anaita gave a pathetic sound, crumpled under Samiya's hand as she leaned over her husband, putting her forehead to his, her eyes closed as her tears rained down on his face. She sniffled and trembled, shaking all over as she struggled to breathe. She finally sat back up, running her hand over his face again and whispering, "Everything for you, my love. Everything." She sniffed and gulped, then looked at Samiya with a renewed vigor in her eyes. She looked angry. "Who did this? Who is causing this destruction?"
"R-Reise, your highness.." Samiya stuttered nervously as she looked at the Queen. "He has gone mad with power and has already killed to many. King Xander lost his life defending Prince Ihara and Jollel..she lost her's saving Dyllin." She frowned with sadness, wishing she did not have to deliver such sad news to Anaita.
Anaita's eyes widened, her cheeks flushed. "J-Jollel is dead?" she asked quiveringly, her hands gripping to her husband's clothes. She gulped sickly, then braced herself as another shockwave moved through the castle, sprinkling them with dust from the ceiling. She looked up as the dust rained, then frowned deeply. "They're on the roof, aren't they?" she asked, standing up. "We have to find them." She looked at Samiya, then turned and ran to her bed, falling to her knees and reaching beneath it. She pulled out a long box of fine, polished wood, and unlocked it with a key that was hanging on a silver chain around her neck, hidden deep against her bosom. She opened it and peeled back purple silk to reveal an ornate, steel sword. "Jollel gave me this on my wedding day." she said quickly, pulling it out of the box and then moving back to Samiya with the sword in her hands. "Let's go." She grabbed her arm then, not waiting for an answer as she ran from the room and headed for the stairs to get to the tower that Dyllin and Reise were currently fighting on.
Dyllin cried out as he leapt, avoiding another falling piece of flooring, but he was getting closer to Reise. Reise was laughing manically, just toying with his brother as he shook pieces of the floor from beneath him. But now that he was drawing closer, Reise only grinned, his nose wrinkled in a snarl as his body began to change.
"Oh brother... Such a futile fight, and still you persist!" he bellowed, his voice getting deeper.
Dyllin watched in horror, gripping to a spire as he watched his brother's form manipulate and change, growing larger and larger. His neck elongated, his arms and legs stretched, and wings sprouted from his back at the same time his teeth became jagged and dripped with venom. His brother had changed himself into a dragon. A fiersome, black dragon with glowing red eyes. He let out a roar at Dyllin, making him cringe away from the foul stench of his breath and the smell of sulfur. He gripped to his father's sword, and set his jaw, looking back at his brother determinately. He had to finish this. The clouds were still swirling overhead, booming with thunder and lightning, and the floor was still falling away, though not at the pace it had been when Reise had been forcing it to. He stood up straighter, braced himself, and took the handle of his sword in both hands tightly, before letting out a war cry and dashing at his now draconic brother.
Samiya had watched in wonder as the Queen pulled the ornate box from below the bed then as it was opened to reveal the sword. When she returned to her side the princess nodded willingly at the order to go then quickly followed when the Queen took off running. As they climbed the stairs her eyes widened when she heard the frightful roar of some unknown creature but she willed herself to keep moving until finally they reached the top of the crumbling stairs. "Ready?" She asked Anaita as she pulled an arrow free of the quiver and placed it against her bow. Not waiting for an answer she threw the door open and gasped when her eyes fell on the large dragon before her. "Dyllin!"
Dyllin didn't hear or see Samiya and his mother as they appeared on the rooftop. The floor was a checkerboard of holes and cracks with missing stones, that separated them from Dyllin as he raced at his brother, sword aloft and ready to strike. He cried out again as he drew near Reise's gigantic body, and he sliced at him, but Reise pulled back too quickly and thrusted his head at him to snap at him. Dyllin dodged the snap of the poisonous teeth, and growled as he swung the sword at his head. Their fight was a flurry of strikes and dodges, like a dance, until one of Reise's swipes of his claws managed to knock Dyllin back and onto the floor on his back.
Dyllin cried out as he landed hard on the stone floor, wincing and moving to get up, but Reise's foot landed on him, pinning him down by the arm that held his father's sword. He leaned his head down and with his teeth, pulled the sword from his hand, and tossed it over the edge of the roof, before giving a growling laugh. "Give up, Dyllin!" he growled, glaring down at him with his red eyes and rattling black scales.
Dyllin grunted in pain, wriggling under the grip of his brother's foot. He glared up at him and shook his head. "NO! Stop this, Reise! You're killing everyone! There won't be anyone left for you to rule if you keep this up!"
Reise merely laughed, throwing his head back at the same time thunder raged above. "Do you think I really care about those puny, pathetic beings?!" he snarled. "There are dozens of kingdoms surrounding Layfette, brother! And it'll be all too easy to overtake them!"
"REISE!" Anaita suddenly shrieked, making Reise stop. He looked up, and even Dyllin struggled to turn his head to see her, and they both gaped. She was standing there, gripping her sword, and glaring at them both. "Reise, that's enough!" she scolded, moving across the crumbling floors fearlessly, her face set in a determined scowl.
Reise stuttered a moment, then slowly stepped off his brother and away from his quickly approaching mother. His form rippled, then shrunk, until he was back to his human self, though his eyes were still pitch black and his skin was still clammy and pale, his hair messy on his head. He shrunk back from her sheepishly. "M-mom..." he whined.
Anaita moved to Dyllin and looked down at him, giving him an apologetic gaze before looking up at Reise again. She stepped away from Dyllin, planting her sword firmly in a crack in the floor, then held her hands up towards Reise, showing him she was unarmed. "Reise... My baby... Why are you doing this?" she asked, tears filling her eyes. "Your father... the castle... Dyllin... Why are you doing this to us?" she sniffled as she drew near to him. She knew Samiya would go to help Dyllin, so she needed to keep Reise distracted.
Samiya had been about to scream at Reise but the Queen beat her to it. She watched as Anaita stepped forward and the younger prince seemed to shrink back to his former self to face her. Taking a deep breath the princess turned to Dyllin and ran to him, skidding and stumbling as she dodged around the many holes and cracks that covered the ground. Finally she slid to a halt and dropped to her knees beside him, setting her bow aside as she did. "Are you hurt?" She asked quickly looking down at Dyllin.
"No... No, I'm alright." Dyllin grunted, even as he put a tender hand to his ribs, pulling himself up off the ground and watching his mother and Reise from this spot on the ground. His eyes flashed to the sword his mother had left planted just a few feet from him, and he knew he would have to grab it soon...
"W-why..?" Reise repeated his mother, his eyes wide and somewhat terrified. "For you... For us, mother..." Reise cooed, his hands fidgeting in front of himself impishly. "I just... I was tired of being in Dyllin's shadow, of always being compared to him! No matter how hard I tried growing up, Dyllin always outshone me! And I was tired of it. But you... you always showed me such kindness... compassion and love... Far more than father ever did! I just want to be happy with you, mom... without these weak beings around to bring us down!"
Anaita frowned deeply at Reise as she listened to him, still taking cautioned steps towards him, her hands up. Gently, she shifted her arms to open them towards him, an invitation, and she eyed him. "Reise... my baby... my poor, misunderstood baby." she crooned affectionately. "It's okay... We can fix this."
Reise whimpered, shifting on his feet, a little unsure, but he loved his mother. He let her come closer, and finally fell into her arms when she was close enough, falling to his knees in front of her and nuzzling her thighs, his arms wrapped around her knees as he hid his face in her skirt. "I-I'm so sorry, mom!" he gulped, shaking. "I'm so sorry! We can rebuild! This castle will be bigger than ever before, and I will be so strong for you, mommy, so strong! No one will ever challenge this kingdom again! We will be happy, I promise!" he said quickly, looking up at her.
Anaita closed her arms around him, looking down at him with soft eyes, tears falling down her cheeks as she stroked his matted hair and cheeks. "Shhh.. It's alright, Reise. It's alright..." She gulped and bit her lip, giving him a smile. "I love you." Before he could react or respond, a small knife slid from her sleeve at her wrist and she plunged it into his back.
Reise cried out in pain and shock, his eyes wide on his mother a moment. The black faded from his eyes and they returned to their original blue sheen, but it was fleeting, and soon the darkness drowned his orbs again and he growled. He stood up, bringing his hand against her face in a hard slap, knocking her back and away hard enough to knock her out briefly. "HOW COULD YOU?! I DID THIS ALL FOR YOU!" he shouted, glaring at her. She had implanted the knife in a spot on his back that he couldn't reach, so he left it, and turned his attention back to Dyllin and Samiya. "YOU DID THIS! YOU POISONED HER MIND! YOU'VE STOLEN MY MOTHER FROM ME!" His body was changing again, faster than before, and before them he was a dragon again, hissing and roaring at them furiously.
Dyllin moved quickly. "Get to mom!" he told Samiya before he leapt for his mother's sword, grabbing it from the stones and holding it up towards Reise defensively. "COME AT ME, BROTHER! Let's end this!" he screamed back.
"You lost her the moment you turned to darkness!" Samiya shouted back at Reise as she looked up at his fearsome dragon form, refusing to show him fear. At Dyllins orders she gave a small nod and just before he ran she grabbed him and kissed him hard on the lips. "End this." She whispered before turning and running to the Queen. "Your highness?" She said in a concerned voice as she dropped to her knees next to Anaita and checked her over for injuries.
Anaita sat up with a groan and a hand to her head, wincing in obvious pain as her head throbbed. "I'm fine, dear..." she said softly, looking up at where Dyllin and Reise were staring at each other in a stand off, obviously preparing themselves for the final battle. "We need to hide." she said softly, pushing Samiya gently. "Behind that wall, there.. Do you still have the enchanted arrows that my sister gave you?"
Dyllin eyed his brother, and Reise growled lowly as he sized him up in return. After a long, anxious moment of stillness and silence, with only the screams of the village people below and the sounds of thunder around them, they moved. Reise slithered towards Dyllin with lightning fast movements, and Dyllin sprinted at him with his sword ready, letting out a battle cry. They clashed, Dyllin batting off Reise's teeth with the sword and managing to cut his face, dodging his bites and swipes of his claws. With his mother's sword, he sliced, jabbed and blocked his brother.
Samiya nodded in agreement with the Queen then hurriedly grabbed her hand and pulled her along until they were hidden behind the wall. In response to her question she sadly shook her head. "I lost them in the woods when Reise brought me back here. These are just ordinary arrows." She whispered as she held up her bow and arrows.
Anaita blinked at Samiya, but she shook her head and waved it off. "That's fine. We only need one." she said and pulled an arrow from Samiya's quiver. She held it with the arrowhead cupped in both of her hands, and she concentrated deeply, closing her eyes. Her brow crimped in determination. The insides of her hands glowed red, and when she was finished and pulled her hands away, the arrow tip was red, just like the enchanted ones Jollel had given her. But Anaita seemed exhausted now. "H-here..." she breathed, handing Samiya the arrow. "Aim for his chest."
Samiya watched as the Queen took the arrow then suddenly placed the enchantment over it. Carefully she took it back then placed it against her bow. "Please meet your target." She whispered before taking a deep breath and slowly aiming it at Reise's chest. Finally she let it fly and watched as it soared through the air towards the great dragon.
Dyllin had been pushing his attacks against Reise, more and more he was gaining the advantage over the beast that was his brother. He heard the whistle of the arrow as it sliced through the air, and just as he cornered his younger brother against the edge of the castle wall. He fell to his knees, the arrow flying over him, and everything seemed to move in slow motion after that. Reise had been lifting his paw to bring it down on Dyllin when he saw him fall to his knees, and he let out a roar. But that roar was cut short when the arrow hit its mark, planting itself in his chest. He screeched in pain as the magic in the arrowhead rushed through his body like the lightning crackling overhead, and it paralyzed him on the precipice of the wall. He fumbled, his footing slipping beneath him, and Dyllin clenched his teeth as he stood up again, running at his brother, and leaping with all of his power, boosting himself off of a rocky outcrop and slicing the tip of his mother's sword across Reise's chest just above the arrow. He then collided bodily with his brother, and they both tumbled over the edge of the tower, plummeting the thirty stories to the ground below, where they landed with a heavy crash.
Anaita gasped, wide eyed, and she stood up, running to the edge of the building and leaning over, peering down at her sons. They were both down there, Reise still in his dragon form, but he was slowly changing back, and Dyllin passed out on top of him from the impact. "Go! Go!" she said to Samiya as she turned and ran back for the stairs, heading inside and going down.
Samiya screamed at the sight of Dyllin tumbling over the wall with Reise and tears quickly filled her eyes as she ran to look at what she expected would be his crumpled body lying on the ground beneath. When she saw he was still alive she nodded at Anaita's words then took off running down the steps, eager to get to his side. "Dyllin!" She cried as she stumbled down the steps to where he was lying, dropping her bow and arrows as she did. Dropping to her knees at his side she placed her head against his chest listening for a heartbeat, ignoring the fact she was so close to Reise.
By the time they got to the bottom of the stairs, Reise was no longer a dragon, but was back to his human form, pinned beneath Dyllin's unconscious body, the arrow still sticking out of his chest and bleeding from the slice Dyllin had dealt him with the sword. Off in the distance, the screams from the village ceased as the shadow monsters dissipated, and the eery, swirling storm clouds overhead began to separate and clear away, revealing a peacefully starry night.
Dyllin groaned lowly at Samiya's touch, and he picked himself up off of his brother, rolling to the side, still clutching his mom's sword. He breathed deeply and looked up at her, smiling and reaching up to caress her cheek. "Am I dreaming again...?" he asked tiredly, his face bruised and scratched from the fall.
Anaita moved to Reise's side, kneeling beside him and checking him over. He was not too badly injured. Luckily, he'd remained in his dragon form as he'd impacted the ground, which reduced the chance of dying or getting too badly hurt. Now he was a puny human again, laying still in the center of a massive indent in the ground, with an arrow in his chest. He wheezed up at his mom, tears in his eyes. "M-mom... It hurts..." he pleaded.
Anaita frowned down at him, shaking her head. "You're not dying, love." she soothed, stroking his hair. "I'm sorry I stabbed you." Even though it had been necessary in attempt to bring her son back from the edge of insanity, she still felt guilty about it. Now, thanks to the enchanted arrow in his chest, his magic was being kept in check and he was completely paralyzed. "Just breathe, baby."
"No." Samiya replied with a happy smile as she wiped a few tears away from her eyes. "This is the real thing and it looks like we won." She placed a hand over his on her cheek then brought it round so she could kiss it affectionately. "No more jumping off the sides of towers, I don't think my heart could take another shock like that." She chuckled lightly then glanced over at Reise her expression turning suddenly serious. "What do we do with him now?"
Dyllin stood up slowly, grunting with the effort and pain in his body, and he looked down at his brother. He frowned deeply, then pointed the sword at his throat. "We end him." he said sternly.
"NO!" Anaita suddenly snapped, pushing the blade away and shaking her head. She looked up at Dyllin and her eyes were pleading with him. "He might have done all of this death and destruction, but he is still your brother, Dyllin. From the moment you both were in my arms, until now, he has always been your brother."
"He tried to kill me! He killed dad and Jollel!" Dyllin growled back at his mother. "He's not my brother anymore!"
Anaita sniffled as tears flowed down her face and she shook her head. "Look at him! Dyllin, look at him! He's your brother! There is darkness inside of him, yes, but that's what's making him do all of this. He's not in control of himself, Dyllin! He's a slave..."
Dyllin shook his head. "He's gone, mom! He's not Reise anymore!" He paused though, and looked down at Reise as he grunted and coughed with the pain of the arrow in his chest, tears in his eyes as well. He breathed deeply, frustrated, and turned away, starting to pace, trying to think of what to do. As much as he knew it needed to be done, he couldn't bring himself to kill his brother. His mom was right: he was still his brother. Somewhere in there, Reise still was. He gulped and sighed, turning back to them. "Fine. He'll be locked away then... Somewhere no one will ever find him. He'll live out the rest of his natural days in solitude, so that he may think about what he's done to us--to our family, and our friends, and to our kingdom." he said sternly.
He stared at Anaita, their gazes held for a moment, before Anaita conceded and slowly nodded, looking down at Reise and moving to stroke his hair endearingly. Reise, however, didn't like this idea. "Please, don't, mom... Please..." he begged. "I'm sorry... I'm sorry for everything... don't let me be alone..."
"I'm sorry, baby..." Anaita sniffled, leaning down and kissing his forehead, then stood up and back from him as Reise began to cry out and tried his hardest to fight the force of the arrow in his chest. She turned away from him, and wiped at her face quickly. "Give me the sword, Dyllin." she said softly.
Dyllin hesitated, watching his mother, but he finally nodded and handed over her embelished sword, letting her grab it and then stepping back to pull Samiya into his arms, nuzzling her hair. He was just so glad she was okay and that this would all finally end.
Samiya had glanced between Dyllin and Anaita as they spoke. She couldn't help but agree with Dyllin, Reise shouldn't be trusted because of everything he had done. When the decision was finally made to lock him away she bit her lip, feeling strangely uneasy about this choice. But she knew Dyllin would not complete the task lightly and all manner of ways would be used to make sure the younger brother could never escape. As Dyllin hugged her to him she glanced down at Reise and suddenly noticed he was still wearing Xander's crown. She frowned before carefully pulling away from Dyllin and stepping towards his brother and kneeling down next to him. "I'm sorry Reise..but i'm going to have to respectfully decline your wedding proposal." She said to him then placed her hands on the crown and swiftly removed it from his head. "We'll be needing this." She stood up and moved back to Dyllin then slowly leant up and placed the crown upon his head. "Perfect." She whispered with a smile then wrapped her arms round him and hugged him tight.
Dyllin blushed, feeling the weight of his father's crown on his head, and he hugged her with one arm as his other hand moved up to feel the chill gold and sapphire headgear. It fit him perfectly, but it felt heavy. He looked back at Reise as he heard him starting to laugh insanely.
"You think you've won?! Do you really and truly believe you've won?! You've beaten me today, brother, but I will be back! I will be back, and I'll be coming for the both of you! I'll kill you both, and make your child watch!" Reise laughed raucously, his eyes wide on them both even as Anaita---who decided she'd heard enough--pointed the sword's tip at his head. With a burst of magic, Reise was instantly covered from head to toe in a pitch black crystal box, and he was silenced. The only piece that stuck out was half of the arrow shaft, and the feathers. Anaita panted with the toil of using so much untapped magic, and she looked at Dyllin and Samiya.
Samiya smiled up at Dyllin as she admired him in the crown. She took a breath to speak to him but froze when she heard the manic laughter coming from Reise. She turned to look at him and couldn't help but narrow her eyes at his threat towards her, Dyllin and their future child. She made a move to slap him but stopped when Anaita stepped in and encased him in crystal. She took a small step towards him and glared through the box in at him. "You will never hurt my family again." She growled before turning back to Dyllin. "Get rid of him.."
"Leave that to me." Anaita breathed as she straightened up and frowned down at the crystal box. "You two need to get to the village and make sure everyone there is okay." she said, swiping a hand over her brow.
"There's no need for that!" Came a family voice from down the trail in front of the castle gates. Ziane was walking up, battered and bruised, out of breath but only minimally injured, tucking her daggers away. She glanced back to make sure Noctis was still following her, and then nodded at her three fellow royals in front of her. "We were down there fighting with them. We ran for the village the instant we heard the screams. Those shadow monsters were no easy fight... But we made it with very few fatalities." she explained, standing beside Dyllin and Samiya with her hands on her hips. "Glad to see you, princess," but,before Samiya could respond with the misunderstanding that Ziane was speaking to her, she continued with, "How was your nap?"
Dyllin stuttered a minute, then blushed and laughed at her. "Very funny." he mumbled, rubbing the back of his neck. He looked at Noctis then, and his brows furrowed. "Who are you?"
Noctis limped up behind Ziane, panting heavily but not seriously wounded. He stopped beside her and couldn't help but glance at Reise wondering what would have been his own fate if he had continued on working for the prince. When Dyllin addressed him he looked towards him and gave a small bow of his head, the most he could manage in show of respect. "Noctis," was all he replied. Here we go. He thought with a small eye roll as he noticed the way Samiya turned her gaze upon him and frowned.
"He's a shape shifter..and worked for Reise not too long ago.." Samiya whispered to Dyllin still not fully trusting Noctis. It didn't matter that he had helped fight for she couldn't help but wonder if this had but some plot of Reises to have one of his workers win their trust before attacking from within the group.
Dyllin seemed to size Noctis up with his eyes, taking him in studiously, then said to him firmly, "You and I will have a talk later." Since he had come running up with Ziane from the village, and she was vouching for him, he supposed he wasn't any immediate threat. He looked at his mother, at Samiya, then up at his castle. The home that he had cherished his entire life was crumbling and in ruin. Reise had done so much damage... It would take years to rebuild. "Mom... You take Reise..." he nodded. "Take him somewhere no one will ever find him, and make sure there are so many enchantments and bindings on him that it would make a warlock's head spin. We... will head inside and find the others." he nodded. There was one person in particular that he had to find. He moved into the castle, Samiya still clutched to his side, and Ziane pulling Noctis along to follow, leaving Anaita with the crystalized Reise. Once inside and faced with the stairs that led both up and down towards the dungeons, Dyllin turned to Samiya, Ziane and Noctis. "You three go find the others. I have something I need to do." he nodded solemnly.
Samiya watched Dyllin with sad eyes before giving a small nod. "Just be careful. I've had enough of playing hero for one day, thank you." She told him as she brushed his cheek lightly with her hand before leaning up and kissing the same spot gently. Finally, she turned to Ziane and Noctis and motioned for them to follow her. "Everyone should still be down in the dungeons." She said then led the way down the steps after casting one last untrusting glance at the Noctis who rolled his eyes in annoyance but followed after her anyway.
Ziane followed close behind Samiya, staying between Samiya and Ziane to help give them distance from one another, and she kept her eyes and ears open, surveying the rooms as they walked down the stairs to the dungeons. "Be cautious, princess." she said, moving in front of her now and moving with stealthy steps into the cell block. She gasped and stopped when Idre turned and aimed her hands at her, vines instantly having reached for Ziane, but she stopped with a gasp and dropped her hands, calling off the vines.
"Princess!" Idre smiled, running to her and hugging her gently, looking back at Iswe and Sein. "It's just the princess!" She then looked back at her. "Is everything alright? Is Dyllin alright? Did we win?" she asked quickly, searching her face. "Eon and Ihara are hurt, but we won against the axeman..."
Iswe had come out and sat between Eon and Ihara. Placing a hand on each of them she sat back and closed her eyes. It would take all of her energy to heal them both and even then they wouldn't be entirely healed, but she would do what she could. Sighing softly she felt the energy flowing through her, calming her, healing them. It was a truly wonderful feeling.
Ihara opened a bleary eye and gave a tired smile at Iswe when he felt her hand rest gently on him. "You always show up just at the right time." He said in an exhausted voice as he continued to hold his heavily bleeding arm to his chest. He gave a light sigh as he felt her healing powers slowly course through him and he closed his eyes as the pain began to leave him. "Thank you.." He said then seemed to drift off to sleep as Noctis stepped up beside them. "Looks like you could use some help carrying this one out.." He said looking down at Iswe.
Samiya hugged Idre back then nodded with a happy grin. "Dyllin won! Its all over. Queen Anaita encased Reise in crystal and is hiding him as we speak. Dyllin decided not to kill him but he'll never be a problem for us." Her smile brightened. "I can't believe its over. I'm so happy."
Iswe opened her eyes and looked up at Noctis, frowning gently. In a breathless voice she whispered, "Please..." Licking her cracked lips she winced slightly at the burning pain. She didnt have anymore strength. Letting her hands fall from the two men beside her she sighed softly. "I've done as much as I can." She sounded upset, disappointed in herself for not being able to continue healing them.
"You've done enough." Noctis replied to her. "They're alive and thats all that counts." He stooped down and grabbed Ihara before standing up and slinging the unconcious elf over his shoulder. He glanced at Eon and couldn't help but give a small smirk. "Good dog.." He said then looked back at Iswe, offering her his free arm to lean on for support whilst he held onto Ihara with the other.
Iswe gladly took the offered arm, leaning her head against his shoulder. Sighing heavily she clung to his arm and smiled gently. "Thank you... so much." Looking up at Ihara's unconcious form she smiled softly, glad he was alive and she didn't have to say goodbye so soon.
Eon peeked out of his eyes at Noctis' words, and he gave a whine, leaning heavily against both the wall and Sein now, nuzzling his head into her neck and licking his tongue against her shoulder with his ears back and tail wagging. He was still bleeding from his side wound, but thanks to Iswe, it wasn't gushing nearly as much as before, and it didn't hurt like before either. He was just happy everyone was okay. Well... most everyone. His heart then grew heavy as he remembered Jollel... and he let out a sad whine.
Idre smiled at Samiya and nodded. "That's wonderful news!" she yelped, looking at Ziane and Noctis as they moved to help everyone. "Let's get out of this drab dungeon then! And get away from..." The carnage that was Scabbar's burnt body. She winced and gulped thickly, then turned to loop her elbow through Samiya's leading her back up the stairs and out of the dungeons.
Sein gently stroked Eon's neck as he leaned against her and whined. "Shh.." She whispered soothingly to him. "Can you move okay? We need to get out of here." She asked him as Noctis carefully led Iswe out of the dungeon, trying not to drop Ihara as he did.
Samiya nodded in agreement with Idre then followed after her as she led the way from the dungeon. "Dyllin went to take care of some business. I hope he won't be too long. I hate not being with him, it makes me worry that something bad is happening again." She said with a worried frown.
"Let me help." Ziane said gently as she came up to Eon and Sein. She stooped to help, but Eon shook his head. He could still walk.
"No... I'm alright. I can walk. Princess... I need you to grab that axe there... Do not touch the blade, whatever you do." he panted, pulling himself to his feet painfully. He then turned and began to limp after Samiya and Idre, knowing Sein wouldn't be far behind. Ziane trailed them, clutching the glowing, enchanted axe by the handle in both hands, avoiding the illuminated blade which contained Scabbar's soul.
Samiya stepped out from the dungeons and sighed lightly as she looked round at the ruined state of the castle. "This is all going to have to be rebuilt." She said in a sad tone before turning her eyes on the stairs Dyllin had disappeared up. "Do you think I should go find him?" She asked over her shoulder to Idre as Noctis appeared still leading Iswe and Ihara.
A sudden flash of rage ripped through Ziane, an urge to kill, the sever head and slice limbs, to stab and cut and cleave and murder. It was a flood, an anger, an ache that would only be sated by killing everything and anything he got his hands on. It was human, dreadfully human, humanity twisted, humanity on its head, or rather on someone else's. Every neck had a dotted line on it and the blade shone in the light. Even the handle of this thing was dangerous, it still had Eon's blood on it after all.
Ziane swung the axe. She'd been unable to fight off the insatiable urge that was ripping through her, the burning soul as it bled from the axe and into her body. She growled out a, "C'mere, dog!!" as she brought the axe down, but it suddenly stopped short just before it hit him. Anaita was there, her hand outstretched towards Ziane, holding the axe aloft by magic. "Take it from her!" she demanded. "Don't touch it with your bare hands!"
Noctis turned his head to see what was happening and his eyes widened at the sight of Ziane. Quickly he set Ihara down on the ground then gently pulled his arm free of Iswe before hurrying to Ziane, stooping to grab a Layfette flag as he did. Wrapping it round his hands he quickly grabbed the axe handle and began to try and prize it from Ziane's grip. "Let go." He said to her a stern voice.
Ziane's hands stayed glued around the handle and her eyes--which didn't really seem to be hers anymore--glared at him. She hissed, but a shock from Anaita caused Ziane to yowl in pain and release it. The instant it left her grip, her eyes rolled into her head and her knees buckled, collapsing hard to the floor.
"Ziane?!" Noctis exclaimed before throwing the axe to the ground and dropping to his knees next to her. "Whats wrong with her? Why did she do that?" He questioned frantically as he cradled her in his arms, hoping she would awaken soon. "Is she going to be alright?"
"She'll be alright." Anaita panted as she moved into the room and stood beside Noctis and Ziane, looking down at them. "The force of the axeman's soul leaving her body was a large shock to her system, that's all. She'll wake up soon enough. For now, we have to get everyone out of these dungeons. I'll take care of the axeman's body and the axe. Go." she told everyone sternly.
Noctis nodded then knelt down next to Ziane and carefully scooped her up into his arms before standing up again and moving slowly up from the dungeon. When he reached the top he looked around at the group gathered there. "so what now? Are we going to have a large party now or something to celebrate our victory." He asked jokingly. "or maybe you all want me to go.."
Idre bit her lip, staying silent as she watched Noctis carry Ziane, having built a small hammock from the ceiling out of vines to hold Ihara's unconscious form and hanging onto Iswe to help keep her up. She looked around to Samiya, and then up when she heard Dyllin's voice from the stairs.
"Noctis... I think it's time you and I had that talk." he said solemnly. He was no longer wearing his father's crown, and his face was red like he'd been crying. He came down the stairs, his cheeks flushed, and he moved to put a light hand on Noctis' shoulder. "I know you had some involvement in my brother's plot to get rid of me... At least at the beginning. But... The courage and care you've exhibited today for the citizens of Layfette, and the princess Ziane have more than made up for it. You have my forgiveness, and you are welcome in this kingdom anytime." he nodded, giving him a small smile.
Noctis listened, waiting for the order for him to go and never return but was surprised when Dyllin welcomed him to the kingdom. "Okay..uh thanks." He said then for the first time in what seemed like years a bright and real smile broke across his face. "I guess I got what I wanted..just not from the brother I agreed it with." He chuckled lightly then glanced down Ziane, his smile growing soft as he knew that his freedom was all her work.
Samiya listened to Dyllin and sighed lightly at his decision for Noctis but knew in the end the choice was his. Stepping up beside him she lightly placed her hand on his arm and smiled at him. "So does this mean I can officially say this adventure is over? Please say yes.." She asked with a laugh.
When Noctis has set Ihara down, Iswe knelt beside him, propping him up against her body. Running a hand through his hair she looked down at him, hoping he would be okay. Sighing softly she glanced up when Noctis came back into view. Hearing what Dyllin said to him brought a smile to her face. It was kind of him to do that after all Noctis had done.
Dyllin gave a soft laugh at Samiya, and turned to her, pulling her into his arms and kissing her head affectionately, then nuzzling into her blonde hair with a relieved sigh. "Yes, Samiya... This adventure is finally over." He then looked down at her, giving a sort of cocky smile, raising an eyebrow. "But marriage... That's a whole new adventure completely. Are you prepared for it?" he teased, blushing a little and resting his hands on her hips.
"Marriage? It can't be that hard." Samiya replied with a smile as she looked up at him. "I think we'll manage just fine...I mean we did just take down a dragon." She chuckled lightly as she rested her hands against his chest. "I can't believe we're actually going to get married, I always thought i'd never want to. But i'm actually happy about it and all it took was for you to take an extended nap." She teased with a smirk.
Dyllin laughed softly, pulling her a little closer against his body and smiling down into her eyes before he leaned down. He stroked her cheek as he pressed his lips to hers, just holding her close as everyone watched. He felt at peace now. He sighed happily against her lips, relaxing visually in his shoulders, and when it broke, he just hugged her tightly. "I love you."
Samiya rested her head against his chest, smiling lightly as she clung to him tightly as if she never wanted to let him go. "And I love you." She whispered as Sein smiled at the pair then glanced at Iswe and Idre and gave a small nod to show that they had fulfilled their mission. Good work sisters. She thought proudly as she looked back at Samiya and Dyllin. "So what now? How is our adventure to begin?" The princess asked as she leaned back slightly to look up at Dyllin.
"With a proper ending..." Eon spoke up before Dyllin could, grunting in pain from beside Sein, watching them all solemnly. "We bury the dead and heal the injured. Then we rebuild."
Dyllin looked at Eon and nodded firmly in agreement, casting his eyes towards the stairs that he'd come from, where he'd left his father's body in his bedroom. "We rebuild," he echoed sadly, "and start over."
The sun was just coming up.
The End.
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