TMM RP Page#1

...April 8, 1254 A.D...(Night)
(I will let members know when the date has been changed)



Alkeron smiled as he spied a waterfall, the small red fox on his shoulder nodded as well, "I told you Loki, there was one here..but no you wanted to go onto the next valley." The small red fox rolled its amber eyes, "Well exscuse me for wanting to avid trouble!" Alkeron rolled his blue eyes and walked over to the pool of water at the bottom of the falls, "Clear water, hear my plea, allow me to drink from you." The pool of water shined brilliantly for a moment and Alkeron smiled before dipping down and drinking water deeply.

Quiet, Moon was sitting on the cliff edge by the waterfall, peering down at a white rose within her hands, which were cupped around it. She seemed rather distant from the world, almost as if in a thought process whose depth was like the ocean. Down below, she could see the massive lake surrounded by great mountains and several other beautiful waterfalls. The water was glistening magnificently beneathe the ever glowing full moon tat had risen high above the mountainous horizon. Far too her left was the the capital city of Siana, which was situated marvelously on the mountainside. Moon's white palace of gorgeous, tall towers stood on a cliff not much father away from the city; all around it were waterfalls that spread its mists over a cave at least two hundred feet down and one hundred feet from the surface of the lake. The Starlight Sorceress was in deep regret over recently having to surrender Purrabed to the Dark Lord Malorn. She wanted to keep the people from further harm, but Moon began to wonder if it had been the right thing to do.

Beneath the moon's bright glow, Valentine struggled on towards Siana, blood staining the long grass as he walked from the wounds that covered his body. He stumbled often as his legs tired and he soon began to realise that he wasn't going to make it. He slowly raised his tired eyes and couldn't believe it when he saw what he had been seeking, Moon, the Queen he used to respect. His breathing became painful as he took a step forward towards her. "Murderer..." he said his voice quiet and cracking. He took one final deep intake of breath and bellowed, "MURDERER!" before falling forward onto his knees in unbelieveable pain.

"Valentine!!" Moon gasped as she raised to her feet. Swiftly, she dshed down towards him, hoping that she could help him. Tears soaked her eyes when she saw the blood and heard his screams against her. Now she knew that surrendering Purrebed was her worst mistake she had ever made. "Valentine..." she cried, choking in her grief as she spoke. Wraping her arms around his neck, she wept on his shoulder. "I'm so sorry..." Her sorrow was not just for him, but for the lives that dwelled within the entire city of Purrabed. She really didn't care if Valentine's blood soaked her fine clothes, for that was never her concern; her main concern was to aid Valentine as much as she could. Pulling back, she helped him up, bringing one of his arms around her shoulders. "I promise to help you," she said, trying to contain her sorrow, "any way I can."

"I don't need your help..." Valentine snapped as he tugged his arm free from her grip but in doing so toppled over and fell onto the ground again, lying flat on his back. "You should have helped Purrabed, but you didn't and now everyone I knew is dead!" He lay there weakened now as tears began to gather in his eyes. "I have no home now because of you..."

"I know your pain!" Moon cried, tears dripping from her face. "I hold regret for that mistake! I understand that for my actions I deserve death! Listen to me, Valentine!" Her heart of melancholy was evident in her hurting blue eyes. She tryed to pick him up from the dirt, knowing that if Valentine was left here he would die. "Please! Let me help you... I'll do anything you ask... and once you're back to health you can leave here and you won't have to deal with me! I'll have the healers tend to your wounds, Valentine... I can't just leave you die here! You need medical attention..." After wiping the liquid from her eyes, Moon only shed more sorrow. She wanted to help him more than anything and it was killing her that he was doing this. She was already dying inside because of her terrible mistake. This moment was tearing ripping her heart to shards.

Valentine was about to give another angry response when pain surged through him once more. "Fine..." he said through gritted teeth as he held out a shaking hand for her to take and help him to his feet.

Gently, Moon took Valentine's hand and brought his arm around her shoulders again. Carefully, she took Valentine down a path towards the city. Too three of my healers, please meet me outside the infirmary! Valentine of Purrabed needs your aid! He requires immediate medical attention. Wrapping an arm around Valentine's waiste, she outspread her wings and took to the sky. Moon quickly headed down to the infirmary, which was located within the cuty by the gates that led to the path for the palace. She cautiously landed on the infirmary's platform. Three healers instantly emerged from the building, their destination was to reach Valentine. One of the healers was an Elven man who slowly picked Valentine up into his arms, taking him through the doors. From the foyer, the healers came into a hallway, followed by Moon, and into a room where there was a bed they laid Valentine on. Worried, Moon turned to the healers. "Make sure all of his wounds are mended and when he has fully healed, he has the right to leave whenever he pleases. Tend to his every need and give him what he asks." Before leaving, she bowed in respect to both the healers and to Valentine. Then she was gone to make special arrangements in the throneroom; Moon was planning to take back Purrabed.

Aidian Dressil looked over at his bodyguard and closest friend, Atrial Dressil. They were still walking along the path away from Purrabed. After it had been captured, of course Atrial had insisted upon leaving. But they had been walking forever. "Addy, come on. Can't we just stop to rest?" Already knowing the answer, he kept walking. They were close to the next city, Siena. Atrial refused to stop at the last village, as the Moonlight Maiden wasn't there.

Atrial Dressil kept walking, her swords still out and slightly bloody. She simply shook her head at his question and kept walking. She could see the capital city, and was in a hurry to get there. Being out here in the open, while she enjoyed it, she couldn't allow the prince to stay out here for much longer. Quickening her pace, she walked right to the palace, ignoring all around her. Flashing her royal symbol at the guards, they allowed her through, and she had to make sure that Aidian was following. "Go see the ruler," she said quietly.

Nodding at her, Aidian went to the guard. "I would like to see the empress, please. Can you tell her that Prince Aidian Dressil of Litoain is here?" The guard bowed and led Aidian to the throneroom. Bowing again, he waved Aidian in. The prince walked through the door, mildly impressed with the palace as of yet. Atrial had of course followed, his constant shadow.

Within the throneroom, The Starlight Sorceress was there with her adoptive brother Elijah Vane and and her close friend Amathil Zerna. They were in the middle of discussing tactics on retaking Purrabed correctly without going through major casualties. As Aidian and Atrial entered they could see that inside the throneroom, there was no throne, just a line of chairs at each wall in front of a rows of beautiful heron statues of moonstone. Down through the middle was a white carpet that led to the back of the room and was surrounded by snow-colored torches that were as tall as roman pillars. At the rear of the room stood a statue of a crescent moon within a flowing pool of water with a gorgeous woman standing in the liquid pouring pristine water from a vase-looking jar. The entire room was made of marbled stone; its appearance was glassy as it was well polished. Upon hearing the sound of opening doors, Moon turned her head towards the corridors only to find the newcomers. "Welcome," she greeted softly with a smile, "to the Star Palace of Siana. May I inquire your names, travelers?"

Atrial took several steps into the throneroom, her hand at her sword, her eyes scanning the room. Seeing and sensing only the three, she looked back at Aidian, who had already entered. Atrial could have kicked him. "You want me to be your guard, then let me do my job."

"Addy, we're safe here," Aidian told her quietly, as to not offend the people here. "Don't worry so much." He put a hand on her shoulder and walked past her, towards the three. "Greetings. My name is Prince Aidian Dressil of Litoain. This is my guard, Lady Atrial Dressil. We are travelers recently of Purrabed. We are curiers of ill tidings, however I see bad news travels swifter than do we." He bowed low to Moon, looking over at Atrial until she bowed as well.

"Prince Aidian, Lady Atrial," Moon said nodding at them each in turn as she memorized their named. "It is a pleasure to have you here. Purrabed?" She narrowed her eyes in sorrow of hearing that name. "Yes, news does travel fast indeed. We were just recently discussing plans for recapturing Purrabed. One of the few survivers is being cared for in the infirmary. He is grief-stricken and I worry for him." Sighing sadly, Moon folded her white wings. "If you'd like, you may stay here within Siana. You may even have a room within the palace, if you wish, for outside the walls of the whole of Elithial it is dangerous and full of foul magic. Litoain? That is far away from here. How fare it?"

Before Aidian could answer, Atrial stood straight and approached Moon. "There were survivors? Who? How many? Where is he?" Her questions were fast paced and slightly higher pitch than she normally spoke. With her questions came a slight wave of air pushed outwards, rustling Moon's hair and clothes. Atrial seemed to catch herself, however, and faded back, behind Aidian, who looked back at her with concern. Aidian looked back at Moon, his frown firmly in place. "My apologies, my lady, for my servants odd behavoir. My parents fair well, as does our lands. And yes, a place to stay would be nice for the time being." He glanced again at Atriel. Addy kept her eyes firmly to the side and downward.

It didn't take long before the wounds on Valentines body were mended, the healers being great experts of their powers, though some wounds could not be fully treated and just had to be bandaged. He thanked them greatly then asked for new clothing as his were torn and blood splattered. He changed quickly, yawning as he did, suddenly realising he had not slept in days. I will go to Moon and speak with her...I am not leaving Siana just yet... he thought as he finished changing into a loose green tunic, brown trousers and dark brown leather boots, clothes very different from his usual apprentice robes. Bowing one final time to the healers, Valentine exited the building and made his way to the throne room. "Moon?" he called his voice some what softer than it had been earlier, he was still angry about Purrabed but she had saved his life by bringing him to Siana. He stopped when he heard the some what frantic voice of Atrial asking about the survivor. Curious as to why this was, he stepped from the shadows and into the room. "Is someone looking for me?"

"Oh, it is alright," Moon replied with a smile at Aidian and Atrial. "As soon as things are completed here, I shall prepare a room for the both of you. One or two rooms?" After hearing Valentine's voice, she turned towards him with a smile. "Ah, Valentine. How are you feeling? Is there something you need? Amathil, Elijah, and I were just discussing plans for retaking Purrabed, and we have two new visiters." She she returned her gaze back to the prince of Litoain and the girl. "This is Valentine, a surviver of Purrabed," she continued with worried marking her voice. "Valentine, this is Prince Aidian Dressil of Litoain and his companion Lady Atrial Dressil."

Atrial turned to Valentine, her frown of concern obvious. "There were no others?" She moved a bit closer to him, trying to place his face. "I'm sorry, but of the people of Purrabed we were acquainted with, I don't believe we met." Aidian put a restraining hand on Atrial, who glanced back at him. "Of course we met him, just not formally. He is...or was...on of the training priests." Aidian inclined his head slightly at Valentine. "We were within the city when it was attacked. It was all Atrial could do to get me out alive."

Amathil and Elijah watched the happenings in the throneroom and smiled. "Actually," Elijah said calmly, "I am also a surviver of Purrabed. I was there as well, but I had to flee with my body gaurds when the ambush became too overwhelming. I was visiting there just to make sure everything was well, but sadly, it had all gone to dust. I escaped by slim chance. Amathil was there to accompany me, so that would make him a surviver also."

"I am better physically than I was earlier but my grief still pains me..." Valentine replied as he looked to Moon then turned to look at Atrial and Aidian when they were named. He bowed his head respectfully then listened to them speak. "I still am an apprentice of the temple..." he replied. "...I just have to find a new temple..." His voice was sad when he said this. Valentine felt his anger flare up once more when he heard Elijah speak of how he escaped with his bodyguards. "Good thing you had bodyguards wasn't it..." he snapped suddenly. "Pity you couldn't have spared a few to protect the people of Purrabed." He turned to look at Elijah, his fists clenched tightly. "It's a good thing all you princes and rich folk had your bodyguards...it would be a disaster if any of you were injured..." he spat sarcastically. "The people of Purrabed had no one to protect them and if they tried to fight they were slaughtered...I lost everything that day, I saw the people I cared most about cut down and...and I couldn't help them." His voice broke suddenly as his eyes filled with tears. He strode over to one of the chairs at the side of the room and sat down quickly, staring at the ground. "I couldn't help anyone..." he repeated before the tears began to spill from his eyes. "I failed them..."

Atrial wilted under Valantine's tirade. She had, of course tried to help. She had gotten some of the people out of the city, but where they went from there, she had no idea. Aidian looked over at her and frowned, looking at Valantine. "I would be careful of my words were I you. Do not insult one who not only saved quite a few of your people with unnecessary risk to herself, but also managed to save several who cannot fight, myself included." He inserted the image of Atrial as she escorted several of the females and children outside of the city. She's been through alot, though it doesn't show on the outside. This hurts her much more than you might think. He knew his thoughts would reach the other, and hoped he understood the intentions behind them. Aidian turned to Moon. "I would like to retire to a room, if that is suitable. Also, my guard will require medical attention soon." Atrial looked sharply at him and gave the tiniest shake of her head. "Though she won't admit it, she was injured, stabbed in the side. A flesh wound, but it still needs to be seen to."

Elijah had grown angry, but was also full of grief himself. "It had become too overwhelming as I watched my lover Illaina die in my arms," he growled towards Valentine. "She was shot down by arrows and I had to carry her lifeless body all the way to Siana... I tried to refrain from spreading that information, but your words had driven me to it...."

"Now, now, everyone please. We cannot stoop over our passed sorrows and grievances like this. It will keep us back from the main issue at hand. Do not worry, I plan on avenging Purrabed with a few others and myself. I am leading a good-numbered force into the enemy territory. Elijah and Amathil are coming with me. They are both capable knights," Moon said, trying to keep the calm. "Even though peace does not exist outside the walls of Elithial, does not mean that peace is not to exist in our hearts. Keeping our minds at ease can help us focus on serious tasks. I have but one question though. If you all would be more at peace if you accompany me as well, would you wish to?"

Valentine wiped the tears off his face and nodded. "I want to avenge those who have fallen...and though I am not a capable fighter, my powers will make up for that. My elementals will destroy any enemies that cross their paths..." He stood up and moved to Atrial looking apologetic. "I was not angry at you Miss Atrial...and I thank you for saving those you could. It is more than I did, though I did try, but it is hard to save people when you are badly wounded yourself." He glanced at her blood soaked side then back up at her face. "May I have a look...I could try healing it for you. I am strong enough now to use my powers..."

Atrial looked at Valentine, slightly surprised. She hesitated, looking back at Aidian. He nodded at her and looked at Moon, walking over to her. "We would like to help with whatever you plan." He approached her, giving her a quick once over, then looking away to the others. Atrial, however, stood where she was, staring at Valentine. "Can you heal me?" She had been concentrating her slight powers on keeping the wound from bleeding too much, but as she stood there and let go, blood suddenly rushed from the wound and she grabbed it, putting pressure there.

Moon nodded in thanks. "Wonderful. We can use all of your hands and creative minds here. After Valentine heals Atrial's wounds, we shall proceed with the plans. You may contribute ideas if you'd like, Aidian." At the moment, she had become concerned for Atrial's wellfare. "How long has she been like this? How did it happen?"

Aidian moved over to Atrial and took her shoulders, steering her to a seat. "We were just outside the city after the attack and she stopped to help a child who had stumbled. They had already caught up and while defending those who were running, she got...distracted and was stabbed." He looked over at Moon, still kneeling next to Atrial, whose eyes were becoming slightly unfocused. "It was my fault, I know that. I distracted her. Otherwise it wouldn't have happened."

Apprehension found its place on Moon's fair face. "Do not blame yourself, Aidian. These things happen. At least she is save and alive. You both are in good hands. Darkness never once could step within the walls of Elithial."

Valentine followed after Atrial as Aidian moved her to the chair. He stood beside Aidian as he pushed the sleeves of his tunic up, revealing mysterious tattoo's that covered his arms. "I'll need you to move away from Atrial if I am to heal her..." he said to Aidian. "Of course that is if you want me to heal her..."

Aidian looked at Atrial worriedly, but stepped away, walking over to where Moon was standing. "She would not even allow me to bandage it." He grew quite again, looking back towards Valentine and Atrial. Her eyes closed briefly, then flew open again as she sat upright once more, determined not to pass out from the blood loss. She had held out thus far, she could hold out a little while longer.

Moon smiled warmly in Aidian's direction. "She is in good hands now," she said softly. "No one is a better healer than Valentine himself. I trust that the process shall go perfectly." Somehow, Moon seemed to grow a fondness for Prince Aidian and Lady Atrial. She knew that they would become excellent companions in the near future. At the moment, Moon was concerned for Atrial and the plans for Purrabed. Within her heart, she wondered if everything would go smoothly for each one of the persons residing within the throneroom.

Valentine knelt in front of Atrial and smiled to her in a friendly way. "This shouldn't take long..." he said reassuringly then placed his hands over the area of Atrials side that was soaked in blood. The strange tattoo's began to glow under the edges of his rolled up sleeves then the glow began to spread down his arms through the tattoos until it reached his hands. "How are you feeling?" he asked looking up at her as his powers began to heal her wound.

Aidian simply stood near Moon, watching Valentine. "I certainly hope so," he said quietly, so only Moon could hear. "She's saved my life too many times to be perminently injured by something like this." Atrial's eyes never left Valentine's, though they did widen slightly as she felt the wound begin to heal. Because the fine focusing of her powers in such a small area left the residual effects, she wasn't sure how this would go. But Valentine seemed to know what he was doing.

"How are you feeling?" Valentine asked Atrial quietly as he continued healing her. "Is this the only injury you have?"

Moon gave Aidian a gentle, reassuring nod. "Then she deserves excellent treatment, as it were. You all will be given such treatment. As is my duty as the Moonlight Maiden to her guests." Still, smiling she came over to Atrial like a loving mother would and kneeled down beside her. "How do you feel, Atrial? Any better that what you were? Thankfully, you won't have to worry about fatal injuries now that Valentine and my healers are around. I myself can heal, but it depends on the type of injury. After the discussion, you may rest in whatever available room you'd like."

Atrial's eyes went to Aidian, and his head inclined ever so slightly. She sighed and looked at Valentine first. "Just lost too much blood." She shivered slightly, feeling cold. "No more injuries." Atrial closed her eyes, sighing and leaning forward, loosing the strength now that she wasn't on full alert. Aidian almost ran forward and skidded to Atrial's other side, seeing her guard fall and her eyes close. "No offense, my lady, but I think that my guard here needs a bed now. However I will stay to discuss whatever plans you wish to make."

Moon nodded in understanding. "Please, give her to me. I shall find a room for her and i'll make sure she's rested. My brother Elijah and my friend Amathil will keep you and Valentine company until I return." The Starlight Sorceress wanted to help as much as she could. "It's the least I can do for her."

Lifting Atrial into Moon's arms, Aidian quickly checked her breathing. "I want her room to be next to mine. If that's possible." More than anything, Aidian just wanted to get away from the rest. He was eager to be alone, away from the troubles of the world, to just relax. With Atrial's injury being taken care of, he could finally relax.

After nodding once, the Moonlight Maiden turned and walked gracefully out of the throneroom. Now it was her duty to ensure that Aidian's bodygaurd was given a placid place to regain much needed strength. She knew of several unoccupied bedrooms on the third floor of the palace and so that became her destination. Without stopping for rest, Moon gently carried Lady Atrial up two sets of spiraling stairs, which could be found at the far right of the palace. As soon as the third floor was reached she came to a bedroom where a sweet servant girl in a glistening white gown opened the door so her sovereign would be able to bring the elf inside. The room itself was as pure as winter's first snow with soft beds, silk drapes, and a desk. The room was large enough to contain a family of people and also came with a balcony that provided a gorgeous view of the clear lake, the sparkling waterfalls of Siana, and the elegant mountains. In this room, all of Atrial's needs would be provided for. Softly, the Starlight Sorceress layed Atrial on the bed and slipped a comfy pillow under her head. She turned to the servant girl, smiling warmly. "Please make sure that this room bears Lady Atrial's name on the door and ensure that the room next to this one on the left has Prince Aidian's name engraven on the door. Also bring a glass of water and set it on the table beside this young one's bed. She shall need it once she awakens." The servant girl left to fulfill her task and Moon exited for the throneroom. It took a matter of minutes for the angel to return to the others. She bowed to them and smiled. "Since it is getting rather late, it would be best for all of us to rest and sooth ourselves. We will continue with the plans for the retake of Purrabed tomorrow, for I wish Atrial to be with us during that time. This is now your time to enjoy yourselves. There shall be a wondrous feast for the morning meal and I hope that you all will attend. I wish a good night to those who are hoping to go off to sleep." she bowed one last time before leaving for her own room.

Aidian could have kissed Moon for taking care of Atrial. He merely nodded and smiled at her as she left. Aidian looked at Valentine. "Thank you for what you've done." He bowed to the other man, then turned towards the door, walking out. Following his senses, he soon found the garden. He needed a moment to relax and collect himself before he retired. Taking the small travel flute from his pocket, he started playing a slow melody to himself as he strolled through the garden. The music floated away into the night. Aidian found a stone bench and sat upon it, still trilling away at the flute.

After being in her room for a short time, Moon decided that it would be best for her usual soothing time in the garden. Humming beautifully to herself, she took gorgeous flute made of fine crystal and headed for her garden. Setting the flute to her lips, she began making soft, tranquil sounds that blended well with the scenery that was highlighted by the light of the full moon. Outside in the garden, the place was surrounded by mountains and waterfalls. The garden itself was surrounded by flowing water. She crossed the white bridge and came under an arch that was the garden's entrance. The music the Moonlight Maiden created flowed in the radiant atmosphere. Her gown glittered like dancing stars as she made a fluid twirl, playing the flute with all her heart. There was a nother flute she had heard in harmony with hers, not realizing that it was Aidian's. She thought it to be divine so she continued, closing her eyes. Moon embraced the music as if it was her own child and she wanted it to rise up to please the moon itself. Because her soul was connected with the moon, her very body shimmered magnificently. She folded her wings and delicately sat herself down on a rock where she could play her music and gaze out at the moonkissed lake.

Aidian paused in his playing, listening to the music coming from near the lake. He stood and slowly walked towards it, recognizing the tune as the one he had been playing, picked up by another. His lips moved, the elven words springing to them and flowing outward. It was a song of love lost and regained, one which Aidian enjoyed singing. He made it to a small tree and looked outward, towards Moon. She was beautiful. He kept singing, coming up next to her and kneeling down, his words melding perfectly with the music coming from her flute.

Moon became filled with joy, knowing exactly what song was being sung beside her. She still didn't know who it was, but she didn't want to ruin the glorious music here. She continued with her flute, blending it in with the melodious voice. Yes, she understood the elven tongue very much. It was her most cherished language of all because of its elegancy. When the song was over, she repeated the melody with her lips for a short while, playing the song over and over in her head. She absolutely loved what was going on arund her. It was as if nature was singing their joy with crickets and the flow of the air through swaying trees. Even the lake joined in with the tender crashes of the tides like an ocean. She looked over at her side to find a familiar, kind face. Smiling, she said to Aidian. "The beauty of music is that the atmosphere around you listens and creates its own melody to match yours in perfect harmony." Moon gazed back at the lake with eyes glittering with happiness. "Aidian, do your people savor the sounds of nature as well? What is it they look for the most in music?"

Aidian did not answer with words. He instead put his flute back to his lips, sitting back on his foot, and played an echo of a nightbird's song. The haunting tune played, then changed subtly with the sounds of the wind, a happier chord to the still slow music. He let the tune fade away and the flute tilted into his lap. "I missed music. Atrial does not...can not play." He looked away from Moon, almost ashamed that he had revealed his bodyguard's only flaw. "Hearing your music, though...It's enchanting."

"Thank you, Prince Aidian," Moon replied calmly. "I appreciate your words. You also have a beautiful gift with music. You sing amazingly and your breath flows so wonderfully through your intrument. I can tell that you have had plenty of practice." She stood up only to gently sit down next to him. "It's so gorgeous tonight. I've never seen the moon shine on the lake like this. Something very special must be happening out there somewhere. The moon shines her brightest when destiny is being fulfilled."

Aidian paused at her words, looking at the beautiful maiden before him. "My lady, if I may be so bold, but you do look lovely in the moonlight. And if the moon shines greatest when destiny is being fulfilled, it is a shame that it does not happen more often. For the world is in dire need of beauty such as yours when the darkness is so overwhelming." He froze, his eyes flying to the lake. Inwardly cursing himself for letting his tongue get the better of him again. "My apologies, my lady. I meant no offense."

"Offense?" Moon laughed sweetly. "There was none made! I am not offended, rather I thank you immensely, dear Aidian. You are too kind and I admire your boldness." Gently, she kissed Aidian's cheek, smiling tenderly. "There is no need for an apology." Standing up, Moon gazed at the source of the moonlight, hoping that one day the darkness would come to its end. "Yet, you are right in a way. Aidian... the more the moon glows her brilliance, the more power I have to overthrow the enemy so I can rescue my people from the sinister hands of evil. The night that the moon does not gleam..." Sadly, Moon turned towards Aidian as her smile faded into the night, "...will be the day that my energy runs dry... a night I know my adversaries will attack the city... I shall need the strengths of you and Atrial that day... Am I able to trust you and your dear bodygaurd, Aidian? With all my heart I want to..."

Aidian stood, his eyes locked on hers. He sensed something here, his mental abilities told him that much. Taking her hand, he kissed the back, then flipped it over, kissing the base of her palm near her wrist. My lady, he said in her mind, unable to voice the words he wanted to say. You need but to ask, and my loyalty is yours. He smiled at her, knowing when kindred spirits met, something stronger than either of them was born. And he sensed a kindred spirit in Moon. Mayhap that event, destined to happen, is happening now. Mayhap we were meant to meet out here. Aidian lowered her hand again, looking at her.

Moon's smile returned as her bliss was becoming revived in the moment. Aidian.... once more you are right. A destiny has been revealed... love... I am growing a deep love for you, Aidian. There is something I need to tell you... From the beginning, the gods would only grant me the feeling of love when I would come to meet the person I was destined to be with... adn I beleive that that one person... is you. Lightly, Moon took his hand in hers to show how much faith she had in Aidian.

Being in her mind, Aidian knew the truth of her statement. He pulled her in, hugging the angel close, tucking her head under his chin. I am so glad we met. I have spent too much time searching for one such as yourself. To have my light reflected in another. "I have traveled far to find you, and now that I have, I am not going to leave you."

Closing her eyes, Moon cherished the love and gentleness Aidian was showing her. There was nothing she could have ever wanted more than this. I won't leave you either, Aidian. All my life, I thought that I would never find true love, but now that I'm with you, I realize that I was proven wrong. I love you, Aidian. You mean so much to me and I'll do whatever it takes to make certain this love lasts forever. The Dark Lord can't even take this away. The gods chose well, she thought to him softly. No matter where you go, my heart shall always follow. I knew at first glance that you were the one, but I wasn't sure how to tell you... until now. To her, the moment was romantic. She had dreamed of this day since she was a young girl and now it was real and more beautiful than she had imagined.

Aidian almost could not believe how lucky he was to have finally found the woman who had been invading his dreams for years now. When he saw her, he was unsure of what to do, but being here with her now, he knew. "The strange part is that I know your heart as well as I do my own." It is almost as if I have known you this entire time. I am yours, utterly. He hugged her tighter, putting his head on hers and staring at the moon above. He thanked whatever god sent him here. And Atrial, for leading the way.

Smiling gently, Moon looked up at Aidian with her blue eyes. "And for the first time in my life, I feel the same. It is rather strange, but it is for a good reason. If we didn't know each other's hearts, it would be difficult to trust, but I would still trust you either way." She layed a soft hand on the side of her lover's face, gazing into his wonderful eyes. "Just remember not to worry about me during the battle tomorrow evening. Please fight by my side with my brother Elijah and my good friend Amathil. Together our love and our passion for a peace for the people will make for a beautiful victory." She reached up and placed a comforting kiss on Aidian's lips. "I have to go prepare the soldiers. They are awaiting me in the training grounds. Farewell, my Prince Aidian. I love you dearly." Her body began to softly glow with the light of the stars before she vanished for her destination.

Aidian watched her go, a sense of sadness overwhelming him. He sat down again and was about to touch his flute to his lips when a wave of melevolent thoughts came to his mind. He stood, looked around, then practically ran towards the castle, getting to Atrial's room as quickly as he could. If this melevolent entity came near to his guard or his newfound love, he would of course fight it. But Atrial was completely defenseless at the moment. He opened her door, hurrying in and closing it again. Sometimes he hated his powers because they told him too much.


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While, the Moonlight Maiden was plotting an attack to retrieve Purrabed, the Dark Lord Malorn was conducting business with a few shadow creatures within the throneroom. The room itself was black and the only light available were torches, half of Malorn's height, that stood in two rows down the center, leading from the back to the open corridors. Through the middle were bones embedded in the stone to form a path to a great, jetstone basin that rose as high as Malorn's waist. On each side of it were statues of obsidian wolves who appeared as gaurdians of the black pool. More statues of sitting wolves sat in lines along the left and right walls. In front of the statues were great black, throne-like chairs where his council members would sit. Between the wolves were ebony wolf heads mounted up on the stone walls whose eyes glowed with a fire that was kindled within a carved out cavity where a real wolf's mind would have been. The two shadow creatures nodded their heads and left the throneroom immediately. Malorn was planning to hold a meeting with the Malign Council this day and he was wondering what was on their minds.

Roughly half the the torches suddenly blew out and a cold, ageless voice rang out from the darkness,"Hail, Lord Malorn."It said as a man in a black cloak and missing his left arm walked down the remaining lit pathway till he stoped at the base of the throne and bowed slightly."I give thee greetings and respect due from one whom has entered your realm uninvited, I am Kale." The man said as he rose from the bow and awaited an answer.

Malorn became rather interested in the uninvited newcomer. Folding his arms, the Dark Lord turned to see the face of the arrival and let out a malevolent chuckle. "Ahh... Kale. What brings you here to my empire?" He made a gesture that signaled Kale to rise to his feet. The way Malorn moved was graceful, unlike other dark lords, as he spun himself around so he could make his way towards the basin. Black eagle's wings sprouted from his back, folding them at his sides.

Kale rose and blinked once as a pause then said smoothly,"Mutual allaince perhaps, Lord."He said as he shook out his right sleeve and a long rool of paper rolled out, covered in names."It seems that a great many people who might be opposed to you are on my list here."He said then added,"A list of souls to collect, lord."He said, letting a little deference slip into his voice he added,"I am a reaper."

Malorn halted immediately and turned after Kale mentioned "reaper". He looked at being before him, grinning malevolently. "Prove yourself, Kale the Reaper. Show me what you can do." Narrowing his eyes, Malorn let out a chuckle behind his lip. "Muster twenty of those souls written upon your list and bring them to me. Then you will prove yourself to me by harvesting those souls in the way reapers do best. You may use soldiers to aid your quest in capturing them. Bring the twenty vile creatures before me, understood?"

Kale thought for a moment then a slow smile spread across his face,"Any particualrs?"He asked putting a check near a few names. He relished the thought of collecting souls again and fairly vibrated in delight.

"No..." Malorn said, shaking his head. "Just don't touch the Moonlight Maiden. She's mine to dispose of! Understood, Reaper?" He tightened a fist in front of his face with a grin as a sign of his love for killing. "Go, Kale, and accomplished what was assigned to you! Gather these twenty heads and reap their souls before my eyes! You have until tomorrow night!"

Kale chuckled softly, the sound echoing loudly despite,"Very well...I shall return...Lord Malorn."He said and vanished with a whipser of tourtured screams.


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Kale appeared a short distance away from the building that Moon and Aidian were currently in and looked towards it for a long moment,"She is nukber one...but not for now."He said as he glanced around spying a simple guard walking his general direction,"Hail, Guard...I am in need of your soul, Please die quietly."Kale said as with a swift move he leapt forward and broke the poor mans neck and sliced the artery for life-blood, claiming the soul. Kale grinned and check a name of his list,"And so it begins..."He said as he vanished as more guards rounded the corner.

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