The Kingdom of Layfette

Archive Five







The ride back to the castle had been longer than Aarin had hoped for. He had urged his horse to run as fast as it possibly could the entire way, his teeth grinding and knuckles white as he stood off his saddle to aide the horse in its speed. Finally, he could see the gates of the castle up ahead... and someone running from them. He gasped, his eyes widening as he realized who it was. "ISWE!" he called, then glanced back at Aveda. "She is one of my family guardians!" He slowed his horse to a sharp stop and almost fell out of the saddle in a stumble towards her. "Iswe!" He gasped when he saw how torn up and exhausted she was. "What happened?! Where are the others?!" he pressed, then stopped when he noticed a frog poke its head out of her satchel. "And why are you carrying a toad?"

Aveda had quickly rode after Aarin, hoping they would meet no trouble along the road. When the young prince had leapt from his saddle and exclaimed at the sight of Iswe she abruptly pulled on her horses reins, hoping Aarin would remember to stick to the story she had told him to protect herself. She wanted to try and keep Robin Hood's true identity a secret so she told Aarin that if anyone asked why he was no longer in the company of the famed thief, he was to say they had parted company and on his way back to Layfette he had run into a village girl who had managed to escape the terror within the kingdom. Aveda quickly jumped from her saddle and followed after Aarin stoppoing behind him and watching the sprite with concern. It looks like things are even worse than we thought..

Iswe almost collapsed at the site of the prince. As he got down from his horse--or fell from it--she stumbled forward and pulled him into her arms. Hugging him tightly for a few long moments before setting him away from her to press a hand against either of his cheeks. "Thank the gods you're alright." Wrapping an arm around him she sighed. It was almost as if she were afraid to release him, he may just disappear. Getting to his questions she frowned. "Reise is what happened and... well that toad is King Ihara. I was just coming to find you." Her eyes caught sight of the girl behind his horse. Cocking her head to the side in wonder, "who might this be?" She asked kindly.

Aarin's eyes were wide. Reise, his uncle. So he'd been at the castle after all. And his "uncle" Ihara was a toad?! He gulped hard, but took a moment to introduce Aveda and Iswe. "I ran into her on my way back after Robin Hood and I split up... She helped me after Eon left." he explained, then turned back to Iswe. "Iswe, did my dad and Eon make it back to the castle? You have to tell me what's happened!" he insisted, his hands on her shoulders firmly. "Are my mom and dad okay?!"

"Give her a moment Aarin." Aveda scolded forgetting that she should probably have been acting more respectful to him. "She has obviously been through something terrible so do not bombard her with all these questions so suddenly." She then turned to Iswe. "I'm Aveda." She said then glanced momentarily up at the castle before looking back at the sprite. "One question that we do need answered quickly though is are we safe or should we find somewhere to hide? I mean no offence but you do not look fit to fight again and I do not think I would have the strength to take on someone who has caused such harm to a sprite, so being caught is not something I wish to happen."

Iswe shook her head erratically. "No, no we're not. We need to get out of here." Glancing at the horses she nodded towards them. "Come on. I'll answer all your questions, I promise. But we must get to safety first." Tugging Aarin over to his horse, she climbed on first and waited for him to get on behind her.

Aarin watched Iswe and then grunted when he was tugged around. He scowled and shook his head, glaring up at her. "No! I'm not going back that way!" he insisted stubbornly. He turned to press on towards the castle. "I have to see if my parents are okay! I'm not running away anymore!" he grumbled, stomping onwards. As far as he was concerned, nowhere was safe, so there was no point in running.

Aveda sighed then looked up at Iswe. "Sorry..if you would rather wait here, i'll go with him. You've obviously been through a lot." She nodded then moved swiftly to her horse and pulled a sword from one of her packs then turned and followed after Aarin, gripping the blade tightly. "No heroics alright..first sign of trouble you get out okay? We need to make sure at least one royal remains free. I'll protect you for as long as I am able so please don't make my job any harder than it needs to be." She told him with a sideways glance before carrying on.

Aarin glanced at Aveda as well and nodded at her words, before setting his eyes ahead on the castle. He had to find his parents, or the other sprites. He set his jaw, fists clenched, face determined. But something was up ahead... and it was racing towards them. Very quickly. In leaps and bounds, the dark animal came at them, and it took a moment for Aarin to realize what it was. "WOLF!" he shouted to Aveda and grabbed her arm, pulling her aside just as the dark Eon leapt at them and snapped his jaws at Aveda's arm. He missed her by only mere inches, and he skidded to a stop with his claws in the dirt, his black fur puffed up, tail stiff behind himself in a fighting pose, and ears back as he snarled. His red eyes sought Aarin out, and he let out a threatening growl, making Aarin stumble backwards. "E-Eon..?" he asked in horror, feeling a chill run down his spine. "What happened to you..?" His favorite guardian and best friend... and he was cursed. No doubt by Reise. "Eon, it's me!" he said, standing in front of Aveda. "Eon... Did Reise do this to you?" he sniffed. "Please, don't hurt us... Please!"

Iswe had followed close behind them. She needed to stay with them. He was the only royal left. "Aarin...your parents..." she was unable to finish her sentence as she saw Eon race towards them. Frowning deeply she shook her head at the sight of him. Moving to Aarins side she placed an arm in front of him. "Aarin we need to get you somewhere safe. You're the only royal who isnt frozen." Iswe stared at Eon sadly. If he attacked she'd have no choice but to defend them no matter how much it would pain her to hurt him. She had to keep Aarin safe.

Aveda wished Aarin would listen to Iswe but she knew that the prince would most likely want to see his parents fate for himself. "You take him up to the castle sprite, show him what he wishes to see." She said as she pushed through them, still clutching her sword. She stood in front of Aarin and Iswe, her eyes locked on Eon. "I'll keep this one at bay..and don't worry I won't kill him." She added the last part with a small glance back towards Aarin, understanding that this wolf was someone dear to him. "Once i've chased him off i'll come find you..unless you find me first. Now go! We do not have time to delay." She ordered Aarin and Iswe then looked back at Eon. "Good wolf..no one needs to get hurt today.."

Aarin gaped, his eyes darting wildly between Iswe and Aveda then back to Eon. He shook his head, whimpering at her. "It's not Eon getting hurt that i'm worried about! Come with us, Aveda! He won't hurt us!" he said, grabbing her arm. "As long as you stay with me, he won't attack us!" He wasn't sure how he knew this... He just did.

"I can take care of myself Aarin.. I've killed bigger rats than him." Aveda remarked with a grin then shrugged and motioned towards the castle. "But okay then..I'll come with you. So lets get going. The quicker we check this place out the quicker we can get out of here." She looked at Eon momentarily, swinging her blade in her hand as if warning him not to move then looked towards the castle. "So can we go now?"

Iswe sighed and tugged Aarin along. Glancing over at Eon her bottom lip trembling slightly. Shaking her head she turned and headed towards the castle. She went directly to where she'd left them. Just outside of the room she paused and turned towards Aarin. "Brace yourself..." Stepping into the room she moved to the side so that Aarin and Aveda could make their way into the room.

Aarin had followed Iswe and Aveda back towards the castle, Eon loping along behind them closely, watching them with those red eyes and his hackles raised. The entire time he tailed them, he was growling lowly in his throat. Finally they reached the top tower bedroom, his parents' room, and Aarin swallowed thickly at Iswe's warning. He stepped into the room when she opened the door and instantly reeled back. It smelled like burning flesh in this room and he quickly understood why: Scabbar's body was burned on the floor, the clothes singed away and the skin melted off of muscle and bone alike. But his axe was gone, and there was no sign of Reise or even Sein. Covering his nose, his eyes searched the room until he saw it: the giant crystal mass that glimmered purple in the dimness of the room. Inside were his parents and his grandmother, frozen with their last expressions of anger and horror on their faces. He gasped and ran to them, tears instantly brimming his eyes as he put his hands on the crystal. "Mom! Dad! Grandmother!" he cried, banging his hands on the crystal. Why wasn't it working?! He had released his uncle by touching the case he'd been trapped in, so why wasn't it working now?! He growled angrily and pounded his fists against it, hardly even making a thumping sound with how thick it was. "NO! Mom... dad..." he whined, falling limp against it and putting his forehead against the cool chrysalis.

Aveda scrunched her nose up in disgust at the horrid smell that filled her nose when she followed Aarin into the room then watched with a sad sinking heart when he saw his parents and moved to their crystallized form. She moved and unraveled her robin hood scarf from her neck then moved slowly up behind him and carefully placed a hand on his shoulder. "Here use this to cover your mouth and nose from the smell." She told him softly as she offered him the scarf. "I'm going to check things out a little." She gave his shoulder a comforting squeeze then turned and moved to the smoldering form on the ground. "I take it this was the handiwork of your sister.." she said glancing at Iswe with a small smile before looking back down. "Seems like there was a struggle.." she said as she inspected the scene.

Iswe looked down at the burned body and frowned deeply. "I'm sure it was. But she isn't here now... I don't know what could have happened to her." Sighing she gave Aveda a small smile before crossing the room. Sitting on the floor she pulled Aarin into her arms and rocked him back and forth cooing into his ear. "We'll fix this. I swear. Whatever happens, I promise we will fix this."

Aarin had taken Aveda's proffered scarf to cover his mouth and nose from the stench of rotting and cooked flesh, and when Iswe wrapped her arms around him, he fell into her, trembling and crying softly as she rocked him. He wasn't crying out of fear or sadness though... he was crying out of anger. He hated his uncle for this. No, he despised him. He loathed him. He wanted him dead. He looked up at the frozen faces of his mother, father and grandmother, and gulped. "There has to be a way to get them out of there." he said firmly through his tears and beneath the scarf. Off to the side, he heard the clacking of Eon's claws on the floor as he entered the room. His fur was still pitch-black, and eyes blood-red, glaring at all in the room, but no longer snarling. He was merely watching them, his ears perked forward and tail low. Aarin glanced at him only briefly, then turned his attention back to the crystal prison in front of him. "We have to figure out a way to fix everything my uncle has done... Including changing Eon and prince Ihara back." he said firmly. He really wished they knew where Sein and Idre had gone...

Aveda stood up and after glancing at Eon with stern eyes moved back to the crystalised royal family and studied it closely before frowning slightly. Magic wasn't something she was familiar with and the only person that could have been any use was encased with King and Queen. "We'll figure this out Aarin and whatever you need, i'm here to help." She said peering at the prince with a reassuring smile. My brother will just have to wait. She thought sadly. "Now do either of you know anyone who could be of assistance and help us find out how to break this spell?"

Iswe shook her head gently. "Not really. They're all right in front of us." Sighing heavily she looked at the ground and noticed Ihara sticking his head out of her satchel. "Oh my goodness. How did I not think of that... We could travel to Ihara's kingdom and try and get help." Though his kingdom was far away. Shaking her head gently she frowned. "I'm not sure that would work. They'd probably think we were crazy. But we need to get help..."

Aarin looked between Aveda, Iswe and Ihara, and sniffled. He wiped his nose with his sleeve stubbornly and stifled a sob as he stood back up and put a hand on his parents' cage. "It's a start." he said with a gulp. "We have to try something. B-but... where is the Elf kingdom of Cuole? I know they're in the woods... but how far in? I hear they're incredibly camouflaged. It'll take forever to find them." he sniffed, his blue eyes glancing between the two women. He then looked down at Ihara. "Could he lead us there?"

Iswe frowned slightly and shrugged. Closing her eyes she took a calming breath. It hadn't worked earlier but it was worth another try. "Ihara, please hear me... please please please. We need you. I need you." Her last comment brought a lump to her throat but she tried to ignore it. Clearing it she looked back at Aarin. "I've tried speaking into his mind. Seeing as how toads are creatures of water I pray it works."

Ihara looked between Aarin and Iswe, giving eager ribbiting sounds when he heard them speak of going to his home. He focused on Iswe and his eyes widened slightly when he suddenly heard her voice inside his head. I can hear you! He replied excitedly hoping she could hear him back. I can take you to my home. Aarin will be safe there. Reise does not know where my people dwell. He pulled himself free from Iswe's satchel and dropped to the ground then looked up at Dyllin in the crystal. Don't worry friend, I will protect your son..as best a frog can. Finally he turned and hopped towards the door then stopped and looked back at the group.

"I think the frog..I mean King wants us to follow him." Aveda commented with a look of slight disbelief at what she had just said. She glanced between Iswe and Aarin then back at Ihara. "So are we going to the elves home?"

Tears brimmed Iswe's eyes as Ihara's voice invaded her head. Clearing her throat she stood and nodded her head at Aveda. "We are. Ihara says that Reise doesn't know where they dwell. Hopefully there'll be someone there that can help us." "Ihara, we'll have to pack a few things before we leave. Is it a long journey?"

Aarin looked down at the frog as he started to hop towards the door, then at Aveda and Iswe. He nodded firmly then. "Yes. We're going." he said sternly. "We should pack though... prepare for the journey." He looked at Iswe and watched her closely. "Let's meet back in here when we're done packing." he said and looked at Aveda next. "You can help me... C'mon." With that, he turned and headed towards the door, giving one last, sad glimpse at his parents and grandmother, feeling his heart grow even heavier. It was his fault they were trapped here like this, and now suddenly he was leaving them behind so he could seek help elsewhere. He felt like he was abandoning them. What if Reise came back and killed them? He grew sick at just the thought.

Ihara watched as Aveda and Aarin left then hopped back over to Iswe and waited for her to pick him up. If we ride through the night and take no breaks we should be there within a day. He replied then suddenly thought of something. You will need to retrieve my crown from my room and bring it with you. It will help convince my parents that what ever you tell them is true. He continued then suddenly smiled to himself. You're going to meet my parents. He told her wondering how she would feel about that.

Aveda quickly followed after Aarin, glancing from side to side to make sure Reise hadn't left any traps for them around the castle. "I can't believe we're going to meet the elves. That's something I haven't even accomplished." She said in an excited tone as she followed him. "We should be safe there and maybe the elves will be able to help us with your mother and father."

---

Iswe let out a laugh as she scooped Ihara into her arms. Even in these terrible times he could still make her feel good. "To be honest, I would have rather had them in better circumstances." Sighing gently she reached leaned down and nuzzled him gently. Even as a toad, he was still her Ihara. "I'm so sorry this happened to you." Shaking her head she looked around the room. Sein had promised to watch them, whatever could have happened to her? Turning her eyes to Dylinn she frowned deeply. "I'll fix this... I promise." With that she turned on her heal and hurried from the room. She had packed enough to get her along, she didn't need much. So instead of going to her room she went straight for Ihara's, doing as he said. It was a good thing she could hear him because she wasn't sure she'd have though to grab his crown. Placing her hand on the knob she turned it quietly and poked her head inside. She hoped she wouldn't run into any threats, she was still weak from earlier. "Now... where is it?"

It'll be in a special box on the table. I was meant to wear it to the babie's celebration. I have a feeling it might not fit anymore. Ihara replied and mentally chuckled. I must warn you that at first the elves might not be welcoming Iswe. But I will teach you some of my language so they will learn quickly that you are a friend. It'll all be alright.

Iswe spotted the box easily but just to make sure she opened it and sure enough, inside was one of the most beautiful crowns she'd ever seen. Closing the lid once more, she slipped the box into her satchel as Ihara spoke to her. Sighing gently she nodded her head. "I understand... I mean... I'm only a sprite, nothing special." It was part of the reason she hadn't gone with him all those years ago. She felt she wasn't good enough for a king, which is why she tried her hardest to protect the one she'd sworn her life to.

You are special Iswe. Its just many of the elves in Cuole have never ventured from the wood and so do not trust outsiders, no matter what race they are. But with my word they will trust you.Ihara replied looking up at her. I just hope we can get the help we seek there..and maybe one of the elders will know how to break my curse. I don't much like the idea of being a frog for the rest of my life. Its not very king like..

Leaving the safety of Ihara's room she smiled softly. "No not very king like at all. Maybe if you'd been turned into something more fierce." Heading towards Aarin's room she mulled over his first comment. "Thank you, that was a very kind thing to say." Sighing gently she shook her head. To him she was special, to herself she was just a water sprite, though very brave for her kind. She had always seen herself as nothing much.

Are you alright? Ihara asked when she sighed and shook her head. You seem sad..

Iswe gave a small smile and shrugged. "I'll be fine when this is all done and over with. When my sisters are back with me in one piece and safe. When the king and queen aren't frozen." She figured he probably got the picture so she didnt need to keep going. Coming to Aarin's room she noticed they weren't in there. "Hmmm, maybe they went on ahead to the kitchen..." She was checking things off in her mind as they walked along. "Weapons...we'll probably want some form or actual weaponry. My water can only do so much, what if I become to weak to use it at some point. A backup would be nice."

Yeah you need something to protect yourself when you feel your water power is insufficient. Ihara replied as he sat upon Iswe's shoulder, looking around them as she walked. And maybe it would be best to pick up something for Aarin and that young girl as well. Who is she by the way? I don't recognise her from the castle..

Iswe shook her head and shrugged her shoulders. "Aarin must have met her along the way on his adventure. So far she seems harmless but I'm going to need to get to know her better before I decide fully. I could use your insight on her." She hurried along the hallways towards the armories. When she stepped inside she glanced around and frowned deeply. So many different weapons. She grabbed a short sword and attached it to her belt and then also grabbed a bow and arrows. She knew how to use them both. Over the years she'd trained and practice just in case she was ever without her water and wasnt able to use it.

I'll help you figure out who that girl really is. Ihara replied as they moved. He did find it strange that the prince had always been too shy to even speak to girls and now all of a sudden he was best friends with one? I suppose the current situation might explain his sudden change in social behavior but there's still something strange about it all. She's obviously not from the village or Iswe would recognize her. he thought then watched as Iswe gathered her weapons. ready?

---

Aarin was very quiet as he moved around his room, packing things into a medium-sized satchel. He packed spare clothes, a few toiletries, and a couple of his favorite books. He doubted he would have time to read them, but for some reason it gave him comfort to have them with him. He treasured books. They were a big part of his life here in the castle, and somehow he felt that having them with him would help remind him of his parents and that he was fighting for their freedom. He looked at Aveda as he packed, and cleared his throat a little awkwardly. "We'll need some extra money... Could you please go into my closet where there is a chest," he said as he peeled a key from around his neck, offering it to her, "and pull out as much as you think we'll need for our travels."

Aveda had wondered round Aarin's room, amazed that one person would need this much space. This bed looks like it could nearly fit an entire family! She thought in disbelief as she paused at the foot of the large four poster bed then turned to look at Aarin when he spoke to her. Nodding in understanding she took the key from him then moved to his closet and knelt down in front of the chest. Carefully unlocking it her eyes widened at the sight of the money inside. "I know who i'm stealing from next when this all goes back to normal.." She commented over her shoulder then began to load some of the money into a bag. "Okay that should be enough to do us.." She closed the bag then stood up and turned to Aarin.

Aarin nodded and smiled at her as he took the bag, holding it between them for a moment. "Trust me, if we all get out of this alive, I'll donate everything. My clothes, my furniture, my money, everything." he nodded and then tucked the bag of coins into his satchel. "Let's go down to the kitchen and pack some food." He headed for the door, but before he opened it again, he paused and turned to look back at her. "Aveda... Thank you. For all of your help. But... if you don't want to come with us anymore... if you want to go back to finding your brother... I'd understand."

"Who says I don't want to come with you?" Aveda asked with a raised eyebrow. "I mean I want to find my brother, really I do..but i'd rather it be a happy reunion in a world that isn't trying to be taken over by your crazy uncle." She smiled. "Unless.. this is your way of politely dismissing me? I'll understand if you just want close friends help.. we did only meet yesterday, we know nothing about each other. Just tell me if you want me to go."

Aarin shook his head quickly. "I'm not dismissing you!" he blurted, then coughed and reigned himself in. "I just... I know that finding your brother is very important to you. I don't want to take you from a very important previous engagement." he said and pouted at the ground a little with a blush. "I really do want you with us. I know that we've only known one another for a couple of days... but I already consider you a friend."

Aveda tilted her head and smiled lightly. Not many people had ever called her a friend. "Thank you. I..feel the same about you." She replied then gave a small embarrassed chuckle. "I must be getting soft..becoming friends with a royal and all. Next thing you know i'll be wearing dresses and singing sweet songs." She joked still looking embarrassed. "So..shall we go to the kitchen?"

Aarin coughed too, and nodded, opening the door and stepping aside to let her out first. He then followed her out and led her down the halls, down a couple flights of stairs, and into the kitchens. There wasn't a single maid or butler in sight. He wondered where they had all gone... He hoped that his uncle hadn't killed them, or turned them into things like he'd turned Ihara into a frog. He gulped, inching his way through the kitchen with soft steps, keeping his eyes peeled for any bugs on the ground that he might step on, that could be his maids transformed.

"Where do you suppose everyone went?" Aveda whispered as she followed after Aarin. "I hope they all got out okay.." It made her feel sick to think that Reise had destroyed everyone in the castle. Surely he couldn't be that cruel?

Aarin shook his head, frowning as he moved through the kitchen. He paused though, when he heard something clatter to the floor across the kitchen. He froze in mid-stride, his eyes on the location of the sound, and his heart racing fast in his chest. He looked at Aveda, then started to inch towards the place it came from, seeing a basket of apples had fallen over. He looked around slowly, then gasped when he saw a cabinet doorway standing slightly ajar. "Aveda... Over here." he said as he opened the door a little wider. Inside was the pantry, but the back wall of the pantry was also standing open--a secret doorway. "I think they went out this way!"

"Well at least now we know they're safe." Aveda whispered in reply once she had followed him and peered over his shoulder into the pantry. "Should we follow them?" She asked glancing at Aarin. "Maybe just to check that they actually got to safety..I could do it if you want to gather the remaining food."

"Yeah... I'll get the food. You go check on them and see how many survived. That escape route doesn't lead anywhere, it's more like a safehouse for raids." Aarin explained with a small smile. "Just follow the tunnel to the room at the end." He then turned and started to move through the kitchen, grabbing breads, cheeses, apples and other fruits, and a couple small packages of preserved meat.

Aveda nodded then made her way into the pantry and through the secret doorway. "Hello? Is anyone down here?" She called as she made her way through the tunnel and towards the room at the end.

There were soft gasps and whispers in response to her shout, and some shuffling noises at the end of the hall. But there was the faint glow of a single oil lamp, and around it huddled dozens of maids, butlers and cooks. They were all hugging each other and whimpering, the male butlers sitting towards the front to protect the females and children behind them. But when they saw Aveda instead of the actual threat, they all seemed to visibly relax.

Aveda gave a small sigh of relief when she saw that the people of the castle were safe. "My name is Aveda, I'm a friend of the princes." She said to show them she meant no harm. "You all need to find somewhere safe to go..Reise has returned and this castle might no longer be a safe place to hide. Do you all have somewhere to go?" She asked looking round at the people around her.

They all exchanged glances and whispers, then one of the older women who worked in the castle nodded and spoke up. "We have our homes in the village. We'll go there, collect our families and belongings and head somewhere safer for a while." she said softly, giving Aveda a grateful smile. "Thank you for coming to find us. Please... is the young prince safe?"

Aveda gave a small nod and a smile. "Don't worry, he's safe and I intend to keep him that way, you can be sure of that." She replied with a nod. "Now you all should go now while the coast is clear. We can't be sure that Reise won't suddenly decide to return and I'd rather have everyone gone before that happens. The prince and I are going to get help and fix this problem for good, so hopefully it won't be long before everything's back to normal. Now go."

The maids and butlers all thanked her, filing out of the safe room carefully and being incredibly quiet as they moved. Aarin watched them shuffle out of the hidden doorway, and he gave them all hugs and whispers of reassurance as they left. When the last one had gone, he looked at Aveda and smiled at her gratefully. "Thank you. I'm so glad they're all okay." he whispered and then patted his pack gently. "I have plenty of food for us. Let's find Iswe and Ihara and get on the road."

Aveda nodded in agreement. "The sooner we get out of here the better. We need to get you to safety and get working on how we're going to put your uncle back where he belongs." She replied then smiled. "Everything will be okay so just think of this as just one big adventure alright?" She patted Aarins shoulder then lifted a stray grape and threw it in the air, catching it in her mouth with ease. "This will be the perfect opportunity for the great Robin Hood to teach you her ways.. almost like an apprentice I guess." she chuckled lightly then motioned for them to move. She hoped her words would create some kind of distraction for Aarin.

Aarin looked at Aveda with arched brows, blinking at her. "Apprentice?" he repeated in surprise. He suddenly felt excited again. He would learn under Robin Hood--his idol. The fact that Robin Hood was female was no longer relevant to him, nor had it been for a while now. She was amazing. He almost skipped as he walked beside her, keeping his eyes peeled for Iswe and Ihara. "Iswe!" he called, letting his voice echo off of the walls. He had a strong feeling that Reise was no longer here. In fact... "Hey, did you see where Eon went to? He was following us before and now he's gone..."

Aveda paused and looked round then suddenly looked horrified. "How could we be so stupid!?" She shouted more angry at herself. "We need to get out of here now. Can you remember if we said anything of importance in front of him?" why didn't I think of this? Letting an enemy just sit and listen in on us then calmly walk out? This is bad.. "did we mention anything? Where we are or where we're going?" She spoke quickly, knowing that any kind of information about themselves was dangerous in Reise's hands.

Aarin looked terrified too. "I... I don't know!" he stammered, suddenly feeling lost and stupid. Had Eon heard their plans to head to the Elves in Cuole? He must have... why else would he have left? He went to report to Reise. He gulped thickly. "W-what if he heard us mention Cuole? What if Reise tries to get there before we do?" he whined, starting to tremble. "Sh-should we still go? Or should we stay away?"

Iswe glanced around at the items she picked up and nodded her head gently. Chewing on her bottom lip as she walked along. She contemplated what Ihara had said and agreed fully. He was right. Aarin didn't speak to girls, let alone befriend them. What was so special about this one? Hearing her name being shouted, her head snapped up. He didn't sound frightened or in danger...but better to be safe then sorry. Drawing an arrow from her back she placed it on her bow and hurried to the sound of Aarin's voice. Seeing no immediate danger she relaxed. "Ready? Got everything?"

Aveda bit her lip nervously unsure of what they should do. "Even if Reise knows that we are going to Cuole it doesn't mean he will be able to get into the elves kingdom right? That place is supposed to be near impossible to get into without an invitation." But Reise is no ordinary man..and if wanted to get into Cuole i'm sure he'd find a way. She thought then shook her head before looking at Aarin. "I'll scout ahead to Cuole see how things are. You stay with Iswe and Ihara, we can't risk you being caught." She grabbed her cloak and quickly secured it round her neck then turned back to prince and pulled her dagger from her belt. "Here you keep this for me okay? I'll be back for it so keep it safe." She smiled at him then looked at Iswe when she appeared. "Circumstances might have changed so I need to go on ahead, check things are safe. Don't let the prince out of your sight.. I'll return when I have news." She nodded at the sprite then looked back at Aarin. "I'll be back as soon as I can.. just find somewhere safe. I'll find you wherever you are."

"Now hold on!" Aarin spoke up before Iswe could respond. "Aveda, if you haven't learned by now that I'm not staying here without you, then you're not as smart as I thought you were! You're not going anywhere without me!" he said, frowning at her as his hand rested on her arm firmly. "Stop trying to be a hero on your own. We're all safest in a group--which I think has been established at this point since we cannot find either Sein or Idre." he said sternly, looking at Iswe apologetically. "We need to go to Cuole together."

Aveda frowned lightly then sighed and shook her head. "You're so stubborn, do you know that. Fine.." She replied in a defeated tone before glancing up and down Aarin. "But if you insist on coming with me, it won't be looking like that. Wait here..i'll be right back." With that said she turned and ran from the room past Iswe and Ihara. Not long after her footsteps could be heard returning and finally she reappeared holding a bundle of old patched clothing in her arms. "Change into these.." She said to Aarin and handed him the clothing revealing that she was now dressed in his finest clothing, right down to a shiny pair of boots and expensive looking cloak. "I'll be pretending to be you and you'll be pretending to be me, so hopefully if we get found, their main target will be me. Now go change, we need to move quickly." She placed her own personal belt and cloak on top of the pile of clothes he was holding then turned to Iswe. "What weapons did you bring?"

Since Aarin had settled the argument on his own Iswe ignored it and moved forward. She agreed with him entirely. They needed to stick together. Glancing at Aveda she frowned slightly. "Nothing too big. We need to be able to move quickly. I've got a bow and then some axes, knives, thinge of the sort." The bow was around her body, clearly she had claimed it as hers. "If we need anything else we can go back for it before we leave."

"No I'm sure all of this will be fine." Aveda replied with a nod. It was obvious she was used to being in charge and in control despite her young appearance. She lifted one of the axes and twirled it in her hand before slashing it through the air in a way that showed she knew how to handle the weapon. "I just hope we don't have much use for these.." She said as she tucked the axe into her belt under her cloak before grabbing a few of the knives and storing them in her boot. "Is there any special weapons that are only for you Aarin?" She asked over her shoulder.

This girl gets stranger by the minute.. Ihara said to Iswe as he watched Aveda practice with the axe. You need to check that she can be trusted. How can we be sure that she isn't working for Reise? She seems to already have some kind of hold on Aarin. He glanced over at the prince, remembering his words. I'm not staying here without you... You're not going anywhere without me!

Aarin, who was still holding Aveda's clothes and looking more than a little perplexed, blushed and coughed slightly. "Y-yeah, there are weapons that my grandmother and father gave to me as gifts for my last birthday..." he explained bashfully. "They're down in the training barracks." He glanced back down at the pile of clothes in his arms, and gulped, then turned and headed to find a place to change. He came back a few moments later, adjusting Aveda's clothes uncomfortably. She was a little smaller than him, so her clothes were tight in some places, which made him walk uncomfortably. He adjusted her boots, and pulled her hood up over his blonde hair, just trying it on. "Well... do I look like Robin Hood?" he asked with a crooked smile.

Aveda's eyes widened and she spun round to glare at Aarin. "I wouldn't know because i've never met him." She hissed angrily at him, furious that he had been so foolish as to say that in front of Iswe and Ihara. He was meant to be keeping it a secret. She frowned heavily then moved to fix the scarf around his neck until she was satisfied that he could pass for her double. "Keep your hood up at all times..and don't mention Robin Hood again." She scolded him quietly then turned towards the sprite and the elf turned frog as she pulled her own hood up to cover her face. "Alright..can we be on our way now?"

Aarin flinched at her scoldings, wincing as she tugged and adjusted the hood for him. "I'm sorry..." he whispered sincerely. It had been an honest mistake, having merely slipped his mind. He understood her anger though, and blushed with shame as she turned away. "Yes. Let's go." he mumbled dejectedly, moving around the group to lead the way to the training room where he could find his special weapons.

Iswe looked back and forth between the two of them as they talked. She watched as Aveda took some of the weapons. When Ihara spoke into her mind she frowned deeply. He had a point. The way Aarin had acted, the way he'd said,I'm not staying here without you... You're not going anywhere without me! Sighing softly she shook her head. She wished her sisters were there. She could really use their insight. Iswe walked along behind Aarin, hands shoved into the pockets of her pants.

Aveda watched Aarin move away, a large frown set on her face. Letting out a loud sigh, she pinched her nose in frustration then followed after him and Iswe. "I'm sure whatever this Robin Hood looks like you are a near-perfect match." She finally said as they moved, wanting the prince to know that even though she was annoyed with him, she did actually think he passed pretty well for her hooded counterpart, Robin Hood. "Though that makes no sense as you're meant to be looking like me..." She sighed again. She would be out of a job soon the rate this was going. Everyone would soon know she was Robin hood and then were would she be. "Never mind.. let's just get moving. We need to get to Cuole for safety.. well hopefully if it's still there.."

Ihara frowned at her words. "what does she mean by that Iswe? Why wouldn't Cuole be there? Of course it will be there. It's one of the safest places in all the Kingdoms." there was a hint of panic in his voice. "Please.. ask her what she means Iswe."

Aarin gave Aveda a hopeful and grateful smile for her compliment, despite that he had messed up his wording. He nodded at her and led them the rest of the way to the training barracks. He ushered them inside, then moved to a tall, wooden case, unlocking it quickly and opening the doors widely. He reached inside and pulled out a pair of gauntlets that fit snugly over his hands and wrists, reaching up his forearms to his elbows with steel plates over leather gloves, and a set of five throwing knives. "I'm not very good with these... but it's better to have them and not need them." he said conversationally as he slid them into the holsters on his belt. He then grabbed a longsword, a gift his grandmother had bestowed on him when he was a child. She had told him that it held mystical properties that he would understand when he was older. He wondered if it was near that time yet. He laced the sheath to his belt, then turned to face them with a smile. "Alright, I'm ready."

"If it's still there? Why wouldn't it still be there? Its one of the safest kingdoms, not to mention the hardest to find." Iswe frowned deeply, feeling Ihara beginning to panic. "Calm down... I'm sure she didn't mean anything by it. Just a comment." Iswe shook her head gently. "You really shouldn't say things like that. Unless you already know it to be true. I have a toad panicking in my head now." Glancing over at Aarin she frowned almost apologetically. She didn't mean to doubt his friend but she was trusting her less and less with everything that came out of her mouth.

"I am not one to lie or say meaningless things for no reason. There's a good chance Reise knows we're going to Cuole, that's why I am uncertain of its fate." Aveda replied simply from the side of the barracks, making no move to look at Iswe. She had moved to inspect a few weapon racks and after selecting a few and testing them with a simple swing and lunge, settled for a elaborate looking scimitar. She attached it to her belt then finally turned to look at the two before her. "If the elf defences are as good as what we all hope it is then we have nothing to worry about, right? Don't worry little toad king, i'm sure your people are perfectly safe." She finished then smiled down at Ihara perched on Iswe's shoulder before turning and leading the way out to where their horses waited.

Reise..in Cuole? Mother..Father.. Ihara repeated slowly then suddenly gave a small panicked ribbiting noise and looked up at Iswe as he suddenly realised something. We need to get there as soon as possible. He knew it was near impossible to get into Cuole uninvited. But this was Reise they were talking about and if anyone was capable of doing the impossible it was him. There's a weapon in Cuole and if he finds her and knows what she is, then we are in much more trouble than at the start. He spoke quickly glancing quickly at Iswe to Aarin to Aveda who was now climbing up into the saddle of Aarin's horse to further try and fool Reise and his followers that she was the prince and vice versa. But if we get there first.. A thought suddenly struck Ihara. In the wrong hands, she would be incredibly dangerous but if we brought her to fight with us..then things would definately be in our favour. Iswe we must get to Cuole before Reise..we must get Raina.

Iswe listened intently to Ihara as she climbed up onto Aveda's horse. Since she was the only one who could hear Ihara she thought it better that she take the reigns. Holding her hand out to Aarin, ready to haul him up behind her. Sighing heavily through her nose, she pinched the bridge of her nose and closed her eyes. She didn't trust this girl and she was worried about Cuole, and Ihara's people. She hated seeing... well hearing him so upset. "Come on up, Aarin." 

Aarin looked confusingly between Iswe and Ihara, blinking as he seemed panicked, and she seemed annoyed. His moment of happy relief at Aveda's comment about his costume had quickly dissipated at the sound of them seeming to talk to one another. He looked up at Iswe and gulped, then shook his head. "I think... I wanna walk for a bit." he said and turned, leading his horse gently by the reigns towards the front gates of the castle. He glanced back at his home, his eyes finding the top tower window, where his family remained frozen, and gulped. He was going off on a real adventure... an adventure to save them. He walked alongside them for a long time, just staring at the ground and kicking at rocks as he moved, feeling warm under Aveda's scarf and hood. The sun was starting to go down. They were going to travel at night, which was dangerous... but they didn't have a choice. He sighed and looked up slowly at the rising moon, his blue eyes taking it in. He paused for a moment. "Aveda... Didn't those book pages say something about a red moon?" he asked, remembering some of the passages.

Aveda had frowned down at Aarin when he spoke of wanting to walk, knowing that they needed to get moving as quickly as possible but when she noticed him glancing back at the castle she sighed. I guess we can walk a little while.. Knowing that it must be hard for him leaving his family behind. When he spoke of the books and the red moon, he glanced down at him curiously. "Yes I believe they did..let me think." She replied then looked thoughtful for a moment. "I think it was something like...To this day, people will claim to have seen the pirate ship when the moon is blood red—-a phenomenon which occurs when an abundant amount of sand is pushed into the sky during the windy seasons, and reflected off of with the light of the full moon. Why do you ask?"

Aarin nodded at Aveda's words, then pointed up towards the overcast sky that had resulted from Reise's release from his tomb, and the blood-red moon as it shifted between the clouds. "Look..." he whispered in awe. His eyes were completely drawn to it, and his feet felt paralyzed. He'd seen orange moons before during the windy seasons before, but never a moon so red. It gave him chills.

Iswe frowned up at the sky and shook her head. She wasn't excited about just walking along. They weren't very small at the moment, two people riding horses. It was better to move along but she kept quiet, wanting to give the little prince time. Chewing on her bottom lip she glanced down at Ihara. "How long do you think I should let him walk? We can't just walk forever, we need to hurry."

Aveda had continued looking down at Aarin but as he pointed upwards she allowed her eyes to travel up until she saw the red moon. "Wow.." She gasped as her eyes widened at the sight and she couldn't help but glance round as if hoping to suddenly catch sight of the flying ship. Finally she looked back down at Aarin and spoke. "Wouldn't it be great if that myth were true.." She whispered with a sad smile.

Give him a moment more to say his farewells to his home, then we should urge him on. The longer it takes us to get to Cuole the more chances there is that Reise will get there first. Ihara replied as he nestled down into the saddle in front of Iswe, hoping he would be safe enough and not fall off.

Aarin was about to agree with Aveda, about to pull his eyes from the red moon glaring down at him, but something in the clouds caught him instead. "Look!" he urged everyone again, pointing up at the source of his amazement. Something massive was flying towards them. It had sails that were as white as the clouds themselves, but also seemed to reflect the light from the moon. It had a bow, the nose pointed down towards the group, flying fast in its descent, and giant oars sticking out of the sides, a total of twelve, rowing them on. Just above the oars were what looked like wings which flapped hard against the air to keep it aloft. The entire body of the ship seemed to be glowing, lit up by the blood moon. Aarin was transfixed, unable to move, even as the ship was heading straight for their group.

"What..." Aveda began to question as she turned her eyes back up towards the sky but her words suddenly caught in her throat and she leapt from the saddle of her horse. The ship..its real! She thought as she moved to Aarin's side and continued to stare up into the sky. "I can't believe this..after all this time of searching.." She whispered and couldn't stop an excited grin spreading across her face even though her stomach was twisting and turning nervously.

Iswe raised her eyes at the sound of Aarin's enthusiasm. "Oh my..." Running a hand across her eyes to be sure she was seeing properly. Iswe shook her head. "The legends are true... Ihara... this is, unbelievable." Picking Ihara up she placed him on her shoulder so he wouldn't have to bend his head so much. The horse she was on side stepped slightly, feeling uneasy with the sudden atmosphere of everyone's emotions. Iswe reached down and rub the horses neck, cooing softly. 

Aarin watched the ship as it drew closer, losing altitude, but not slowing down. He began to feel nervous, and shifted on his feet. "Uh... guys? I think we should move now." he said, grabbing the horses' reigns and starting to pull the nervous beasts out of the path of the incoming ship. But just before it would have hit them, it suddenly slowed to a stop above them instead. It hovered, the oars having ceased their movements, and the wings giving a few flaps now and again to keep it afloat. Aarin gaped. It was incredible!

Iswe adjusted herself in her saddle a little uneasily as she stared up at the gigantic, flying ship. The sails glittered upon further inspection. She tightened her grip on Ihara a little protectively, then gasped when a ladder was suddenly thrown over the side to unravel towards them. She glanced at it along with Aarin, and then turned her eyes back towards the deck of the ship as someone started to descend the rope ladder. Once the figure reached the bottom, Iswe instantly knew who it was. "Idre!" she yelped, scrambling down from her horse to run and hug her.

Idre let out a giggle. She was dressed differently, and had bandages on her arms from her run-in with Scabbar. "Well arent you lot a sight for sore eyes?" she asked as she hugged her sister.

Aveda stared up at the large ship in amazement then reached her hand up as if trying to touch its underside. She quickly pulled back when the ladder was suddenly threw over the ships side and looked up expectantly, excited to see who was going to emerge. Her heart sank slightly when she saw Idre but she knew it was a good thing that the sprites were getting back together. "Well i'll give it to you, you certainly do travel in style.." She said with a smile as she remained by Aarin's side.

Idre smiled at Aveda and nodded, then paused and tilted her head. "Who are you?" she asked innocently. "And why are you dressed in the prince's clothes?"

Aarin stuttered a little bit. "S-she's a friend. An ally. She's dressed like me to draw attention from me... Just in case we run into Reise or one of his cronies." he explained from beneath the scarf.

Idre looked at Aarin as he spoke, instantly recognizing his bright blue eyes, and smiled widely in relief. "Prince! You're safe!" she said and hugged him tightly. She also noted Ihara on Iswe's shoulder. "Good to see you again too, Ihara." she smiled, offering her hand for him to jump into.

Ihara had watched the events unfold in amazement and had given a happy ribbeting noise when Idre appeared from the ship. When she offered her hand for him to jump into he glanced at Iswe with a smile then leaped from her shoulder into Idre's hand. How did you get to be on that thing? He asked her curiously. He suddenly remembered about their rush to get to Cuole and he looked quickly at Iswe. I wish we could stand and talk but we were on our way to Cuole.. We were going there to hide but I fear now Reise is aware of this and may try to gain entry to the wood. I cannot allow that..for many reasons. Will you come with us?

Idre blinked worriedly as she listened to Ihara, then let out a small giggle. "I'll do you one better! I'll give you all a lift! If that's alright with the captain. Let's climb on up and ask him, shall we?" she asked with a big smile, cradling Ihara in both hands gently.

Aarin and Iswe exchanged glances, and both nodded before turning back to their horses, unstrapping their luggage from the saddles and hoisting them onto their backs. Iswe started to climb up first, and Aarin passed Aveda a pack to carry on her shoulders, then patted her arm. "This is it," he said with a nervous breath through pursed lips. "We're gonna ride in a living legend..."

Aveda slung the bag over just one shoulder then turned to look at Aarin with a grin. "Well what are we waiting for? Lets go!" She exclaimed then shoved him lightly in the direction of the ladder so he could climb up first.



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