Bly {Part 6}

The sound of the soldier's feet, and their frequent tripping over the underbrush in the Tawarthion forest was easily recognizable, and Bly rose from her hiding spot before they were close enough to see her, and darted off in the direction of their camp.
It felt nice to run so freely again, to dodge the vines and slimy branches that stretched across her way, her fleet feet jumping over fallen logs, and suspicious sand traps.
She ran into their camp, and the men whirled around to face her, Xander's hand resting on his sword.

That sword.

"They are on their way. And our creating enough noise to raise all of the dead in the land"  She said, and Xander nodded, "They don't think we are so close, probably expecting to come across us closer to Fort Hallows"

She nodded, and Adonis stretched, "Well, positions everyone?" 

They crouched in the underbrush, and Bly gripped the Bow and Arrow Xander had been surprised to see her carrying in the saddle packs, but he had put his surprise aside, and they were all silent, waiting for the men who wished to entrap them to walk into their own trap.

It seemed positively ages before the first man broke into the clearing, and shouted to his companions as he spotted the camp fire which they had purposely left smoking softly.
She felt Xander's hand give her own a gentle squeeze, and she returned the motion.
The rest of Felix's troupe entered the clearing, most of them on foot, which raised questions in Bly's mind...
How had they gotten here from Aragathia so quickly if they were on foot? There were foul doings somewhere in this...
"Now" Xander's whisper was barely audible, but it was enough. Bly rose, quickly firing two arrows into two soldier's before they recognized they were under attack from the ones they sought to capture.
Xander and Adonis entered into the thick of the fight, Adonis' eyes were lit up as if he were enjoying the fight, and though he hadn't turned into a dragon, his fists alone were doing a powerful amount of damage.
She stood, and quickly fired arrows into three more arrows, saying silent prayers for the misled souls as they fell.
And all to quickly, the fight was over, and Xander lowerd his sword, searching the clearing.
"Was that all? What sort of army did you lead anyway, Xander?" Adonis scoffed, cracking his knuckles and stretching.
"Not this type...thats for sure. That was child's play.....that can't be all" Xander said hesitantly, and as if his words were the command it was waiting for, a roar filled the air, and above them, the tree limbs began to give away as if something large was planning on landing right on top of them.
Xander shouted for them to clear the area, but Bly stood petrefied as the large mass cracked through the thick, almost unbreakable, tree cover.
Such a clear vision of wickedness had come over her when she heard the ground shaking roar, as if images of deception, treason, murder, and all evil was sent spinning through her mind.  She felt Xander pick her up, and run from under the creature, and just in time, for it fell through with a mighty crash, sending debris and limbs flying.
Xander set her down, and they faced whatever had came through, and met the eyes of a Giant Red dragon.  It's eyes were all pupil, their large darkness scanning the clearing for them.
Bly heard Adonis mumble something under his breath, and she realized her bow was also gone, crushed under the giant creature's body.
And then a voice, tainted with hatred and dripping with evilness filled her mind, and nearly sent her to her knees.
"Elf. You will come"
She clucthed her head, and swayed on her feet.  she barely noticed as Xander slipped his arm around her waist to steady her. 
Bly gathered her thoughts, and tried to direct them all at the creature, "I will not"
Again the voice echoed in her head, causing a pounding against her skull, "Then we will kill your companions, we will kill them and make you watch.  We will bind you, and we will carry you back half dead, but not all dead, for that would be relief.  And the Mistress wants you alive"
Xander was completely supporting her now, and she heard his voice, asking something, but she blocked his voice out, and focused on replying to the beast before her.
"You Mistress shall never have me alive" she slowly raised her eyes, meeting the dark eyes of the dragon before her and said aloud, "Nor will your mistress have me dead" 
It wasn't surprising the Dragon's reaction was to send another roar that caused even Adonis to cover his ears, and it sent a black flame around them.  But instead of scorching the surronding foliage, the smoke formed into black clad, faceless Shadow Soldiers who clutched swords that looked rather real enough.
"Mind explaining whats going on? I don't think I have that ability"  Adonis nerviously tapped her on her shoulder, and Bly sent him a weary look, "I pray you never will"
The soldiers stepped closer, the ring around the three growing smaller, and Bly heard the dragon laugh smugly, "Where is your courage now, weak hearted Elf?"  
Bly shuddered, and she felt Xander pull her closer, "We'll fight them off, just like we did the others"
"No, we can't.  They aren't alive, so you can't kill them.  Your sword will just slice through them like it would to smoke" Bly's mind raced for a solution as the ring tightened again, the Shadow Soldier's making them cluster closer together to avoid getting killed by their gleaming black swords.
"Well, then shouldn't there swords also be smoke too?" Adonis asked, and Bly shook her head, "No...Don't ask me to explain right now"
She closed her eyes, there had to be a solution, surely there couldn't be a threat so great they had no ground on which to stand to even defend themselves.  Surely they had a power to weild over this darkness...
The answer flashed like bright light through her mental self, shaming her with the simplicity and truth of it.
"Pray, both of you" she gripped one of Adonis' bare hands, and one of Xander's gloved ones, and pulled them to their knees.
"Pray what?" Adonis asked, and Bly shrugged, "I don't know! Pray whatever you desire, but just pray for Yahweh to save us"
She closed her eyes, and sought to find inner peace despite being at sword point by almost invincible enemies.

Almost.

Surprsingly, peace was easier to find then she had thought, and she poured her heart out, chanting the ritual prayers of her Elvish Fathers, and slipping into her own created ones.

"Yahweh, please, I, we, need your assistance.  You are the only grace we have to save us, we cannot escape this peril without your aid.  I do not want to see Xander die, Great One. You know my heart's deepest desire, the love I feel for him I have never felt towards another" she felt a tear fall down her cheek, "Please, let not this love be in vain" 

She heard the Dragon's anger filled shriek, and her eyes flew open, surprised to see the world was suddenly a strange blue tinge, and then realization dawned on her.

"Xander, Adonis, look" she let go of their hands, and peered around them.

They were surronded in a bubble like orb, and as the Shadow Soldier's tried to enter it, they evaporated like nothing more then the smoke they were. The dragon paced back and forth, it's black eyes glaring with hate. 

"What is that?" Adonis reached out to touch it before Bly could warn him, and snatched his hand back as a flash of light burst from where he had touched it. 

"A shield....A shield sent from Yahweh. 'His way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.'*" Bly quoted, and smiled.

Xander smiled, and reached for her hand again, and was about to say something when Adonis interrupted. "So, are we just going to stay here forever? Or...what?" 

As he spoke, the Dragon created more Shadow Soldiers, only to watch them each vaporized by the heavenly shield.

"I don't think The Great Lord would protect us only to let us die in his hand" Xander said softly, smiling down at Bly.

She nodded, and then gasped and pointed at the tree line behind the dragon.  She could nearly swear for a moment that there was a movement, and just as she was ready to discredit it, she saw the stirring again.   

Careful not to attract the Dragon's attention, which was easy as it kept spewing black fire in crazed anger, she motioned to where she saw the movement, and gasped.

"What is that?" Adonis peered through the blue light orb, and Bly covered her mouth, hiding a smile.

"The Greer" 

It was huge, yet moved through the trees like an agile maiden dancing, and rather resembled a tree herself, and she moved silently to behind the Dragon, and reached out to touch it.

As her fingers gently tapped the massive tail, The dragon's eyes turned to agony, and It began shrinking until it was the size of a mere lizard. 

It squeaked, and scurried away, and the Greer sent a pointed glare at the remaining Shadow Soldiers, and they dissolved into smoke automatically. 

She then turned to face Bly, Xander and Adonis, her dark brown eyes softening, and Bly had the mental image of bandages and ointments.

"She is asking...asking whether we are alright...I think"  Bly said, and she nodded, and smiled at the ancient woman.

The Greer Woman smiled herself, and moved forward to lay a hand on the barrier.

They all called out for her to stop, and Bly conjured up as many images of danger as she could image, and sent the the Greer's way, but the Ancient one laid a bone white hand on the barrier anyway.

Bly expected to see the age old being be purified, but instead, their shield shimmered, and slowly collapsed, and they were left standing unprotected next to the large Greer. 

She smiled, and sent a sign of two armored men shaking hands with their swords pointed down in an friendly manner.

Bly reached out to Xander and Adonis, who both looked tense, and smiled. "It's fine, she is a friend"

Xander slid his sword into his sheath, and stepped forward, bowing low to the ancient gentle giant, and Adonis copied it.  Bly watched with amusement as the Greer's eyes lit up at their attention, like a young girl getting a compliment from a man she looks up to.

"We thank you for your aid, most honorable Lady Greer" Bly bowed low, and a mirage of letters, or the image of letters cascades into her mind.

It took the Elven girl a moment before she realized the Lady was trying to convey her name, and when she did, she smiled.

"Lady Ou Een?"

The Greer smiled and nodded, and reached her hand down to the group, almost as if-

A boy holding a frog in his palm.

"She wants us to climb into her hand" Bly said, and getting a approving smile and nod from Lady Ou Een.

"I'm afraid of heights" Adonis said, taking a step back, but Xander rolled his eyes, "Thats a lie, come on you baby" he grabbed the young half dragon's arm, and climbed up into the Greer's waiting hand, pulling Bly after them.

"I don't like this" Adonis curled up in a ball, and bly laughed, "You who can turn into a flying dragon?" 

Adonis mumbled about this being different, and Bly ignored him, smiling at Xander, and gasping, and clutching his arm as the Greer lifted them above the tree line.

Adonis moaned, and curled up tighter, and Bly got the image of a brave soldier being merged with the image of a crying child, and she turned to look at the Greer who winked mischievously.

Bly whispered the images to Xander, who barely contained his laughter, "It seems are guardian has a sense of humor"

The sound of loud neighing came from below, and Bly peered cautiously over the side of the Greer's fingers, grateful to see Ciar and Rudy racing along below, keeping pace with Lady Ou Een, and leading the Rebel horse between them.

All her worries currently at ease, she leaned her head on Xander's shoulder, and smiled, just enjoying the high ride, and not caring for the moment where the Greer was bringing them.

**********************

She didn't remember falling asleep, but she was awoken by Xander's gentle proddings, and opening her eyes, she realized her head was in his lap. Bly blushed, and quickly scooted a few inches away, mumbling appologies.
""No worries, but Lady Ou Een has brought us to this most welcome place"
Bly rubbed the sleep from her eyes, and viewed the beautiful expanse of Elfin Lied. She sighed happily, and climbed from the Greer's hand, and stepped upon the ground that was so familiar to her, and so welcome after the eerie darkness of the Tawarthion.
She turned back to face Ou Een, and curtsied, "I offer you my utmost thanks, Lady of the Forest, and I offer it for my companions as well.  Without your aid, we'd still be facing an angered dragon"
Ou Een's pale face broke into a smile that revealed stunning white teeth, and the image of a old woman hugging a young child flashed through Bly's conscience.
The Elf smiled, and returned a similar image, which seemed to delight the giant guardian.
Ciar and Rudy trotted up, the borrowed horse tagging close behind, and the men went to the animals, leaving Bly and the Greer to face each other.
Bly realized what an exceptional honour it was to meet and form a friendship with one of the ageless forest guardians, and she felt humbled that she had been allowed that honor.
"Thank you, Lady Ou Een, your name will be given much praise in Voronwe, and-"
Ou Een shook her head, smiling fondly, and knelt to face Bly, but still towering over her.
The Greer thought momentarily, before sending a flood of images, she had to send it five times before Bly could catch the meaning.
The Greer wanted to remain a mysterious figure, her name was something she wanted to be allowed to speak to people, and she wished to remain the silent figure Elvish children dreamed of someday meeting, not a well known name.
Bly nodded, "I will respect and fulfill your desires, Lady Ou Een"
The Greer stood, and smiled, and sent a final image, one of an Old friendly crone welcoming people visitors into her home, and Bly smiled, "I shall make it a priority to visit you again, Honored One"
Ou Een smiled all the wider, and slowly walked away, her footsteps making no noise, so that Bly had to wonder whether she truly walked, or glided. She disappeared back into the dark refines of the Tawarthion, and Bly felt her heart rise in happiness.  Not only had she met the legendary Greer, been gifted with riding in her hand, but also had been invited to return.
Xander called to her, and Bly turned to join them.
As she led the way through the beautiful Elfin Lied to Voronwe, she glanced behind her for one last look at Tawarthion until they returned, and was surprised to see Ou Een waving silently, another Greer, this one short and round, the boulder like figure so often described in the lore, waving next to her.
Bly smiled, and turned to face the road ahead of them, her heart leaping at the thought of returning home.


*(2 Samuel 22:31)

{{So. There y'all go. Like? no like? Anyway. there are pictures in our 'Inspiration page' of how I pictured both Greer's.  ANYWHO. Oh. 'Ou Een' means 'Old One' in some language...I forget again. :P}}

Felix (part 4)

 Nuvole left the prison covered in ice so thick, it would take days to dig through. It would keep his sister safe inside until he returned.

"Felix!" screamed Nuvole," Felix! Face me you pathetic worm!"

 His fists were covered with ice spikes, ready to rip the king apart, and frightened anyone that he passed causing them to bolt out of his way. His rage caused his power of ice to spread where ever he stepped. Any guards that tried to stop him he easily froze and continued his search.

 He found him in the counsel room, along with Andromeda.

 Felix knew the boy would come looking for him eventually once news of his sister being here had reached him. Though the dramatics were a bit much.

"We had a deal, Felix."

"Oh, did we?"

"You said you would leave Nu'Graten and her people alone if I came with you." The spikes grew larger, making Nuvole's hands look more like maces. Felix didn't flinch.

"You said you'd leave my family alone! But you've broken your promise, and I don't have to hold back anymore."

 Nuvole unleashed the spikes from his hands and directed them all at Felix, something he should have done the first time he met the man.

Andromeda had watched enough of this charade.

 Fire met the ice spikes before they could even get half way across the room, the resulting steam both blinding and shocking Nuvole. Andromeda took the opportunity and thrust him against the wall with her magic as clasps of fire held him there.

 In his anger he had forgotten to be wary of the woman and her magic, and he cursed himself for being so reckless. He tried to fight against his bonds, but found he could not move.

 "Thank you, my dear." Felix stood up from his chair and walked towards Nuvole, a small smile on his face.

"Well, my pet, it seems you have been holding out on me. Your powers, however, are somewhat disappointing in comparison to my Andromeda here." Felix caressed said woman's cheek, and the fire clasps around Nuvole's limbs burned hotter. If it wasn't for his own powers, he was sure that he would have been incinerated.

"You've been a nuisance for far too long, boy, and I find my patience wearing thin with these sudden spurts of heroics." His words held an edge that Nuvole had long before learned to fear, and the fire clasps tightened threateningly.

 Nuvole thought of his sister and of how the wall of ice around her couldn't protect her long, less so if Andromeda were to try to get to her. He inwardly cursed himself for not getting her out first, in case he would not survive. He would have to stall.

"You can't kill me," He reminded them," you need me, without me as a guide you'll never get passed Nu'Graten's walls."

 It was an excuse he had used lightly during his captivity, using it in the most dire situations. And this was most dire.

"My boy, you still don't believe that do you? Tell me, Nuvole, in the time that you've been here, when did I ever ask you about Nu'Graten, besides about your family?"

He didn't answer.

"No, I needed you for something far greater. You were a perfect candidate at the time, but your sister has surpassed your usefulness, as well as her friends."

Perfect candidate? For what? As your personal slave and dress up doll? But Nuvole dared not to snap at him, least Andromeda snapped his spine.

"What do you want with my sister?"

"Why? So you can run off and tell your little spy about our-," he gestured towards Andromeda,"-plans?"

Nuvole's blood ran cold," You know?" It was barely a whisper, but Felix managed to catch it.

"Not at first, but secrets in my city never stay secret for long. And I should thank you for leading me to one of the biggest spies of the rebel army."

Felix watched the realization of defeat slowly sink into Nuvole, his shoulders slumping, his fight gone. Without a bargaining chip of his own, he was out of the game, and was

"Are you going to kill me?"

"That depends on if your sister cooperates."





Gah! I know, I know. I'm late. I'm late! I'm late for this important date! I hope this longer piece will be an acceptable offering.

Xander (Part 5)

Three days traveling, and Xander was privately wishing Adonis was as silent as Kaymele's dragon. The guy wasn't chattering nonsense in the normal term, but the constant growling and arguing and sniping was growing old. It had grown old early too. But, Bly wasn't any help either, instead of trying to calm Adonis' nerves or settling their heated arguments, she watched, apparently humored by it all.
Adonis had rushed ahead about an hour ago, earlier in their trip, they might've asked him to please keep together with them, but he complained and called them "The children of snails of turtles" and raced ahead anyway where they'd catch up with him about nightfall. And now, they just let him go, what was the point of insisting on your way if it didn't matter? And it was quieter with him miles ahead where only he could hear his own grumblings.
Xander sighed deeply, and threw his head back, lifting his face to tawarathion's canopy, no distinguishable sunlight filtered through, so it didn't matter.
"Ya know, I didn't think I'd miss pure sunlight this bad" Xander commented.
Bly smiled at nodded, "Don't worry, we should be getting into where Elfin Lied merges with Tawarthion soon, it's a much more pretty forest there, and it has sunlight"
She had been cheery and optimistic the whole trip here, and Xander was glad to see her so pleased with herself and the World.
"So, tell me Bly, how many times have you actually left Voronwë?"
She tilted her head, "If I answer your question, will you answer one of mine?"
He laughed, "Is it an Elf custom to demand a Question for a question?"
"No" she grinned, "It's an Elvish custom to not ask personal questions without permission. But I'm forgiving you and punishing you by making you answer one of mine"
Sometimes he forgot she was Elvish, she was nothing like he had heard about them from his Mother. The graceful, dignified people who could have strict laws, and strict emotions. But then she would surprise him and remind him, like now.
He dipped his head, "I submit, I'll answer yours, Lady Ambassador"
She smiled again, and answered, "Three times. All in the past 100 years. It isn't customary to allow younger Elves to leave Voronwë until they reach their 3,000th year, but Tenzin wasn't orthodox, and managed to influence the council in our favor"
Xander nodded, "I see, but, that brings another question, just one more, please?"
She faked reluctance and sighed dramatically, "oh I suppose so. You humans are such a curious lot"
"Oh don't fake it, you like answering them. Anyway, you say you are a young Elf, if you were to put that into human years, how old would you be?"
She pursed her lips in thought, "Lithônien, my eldest brother, would probably say it was "Wrong to constrict an Elf to a human's timeline" but good for you, Me and Lithônien only share blood, not opinions. I would say I'm still a child, I'm learning things about the world still, learning to walk on my own feet, and normally would still hide behind the skirts of my elders. I just decided to fly out of the nest quicker then most".
It was hard to imagine that this woman was older then his Grandparents, bless their souls whoever they were, and still considered herself a small child.
"And now my question" she wiggled on Ciar's saddle, and blurted while pointing, "Your sword".
Xander raised his eyebrows and lifted the scabbard, "Why yes, little girl, it is a sword, and it's in a scab-"
She lifted an apple threateningly, and glared at him and his teasing. "That wasn't funny" she said, all while hiding a grin.
"Then why are you smiling? Hmm?"
Her face went completely blank, and in a trance like voice replied, "There is no smile on my face, Captain Bolivar" but it only lasted for a few seconds before it cracked and she leaned over Ciar's mane, laughing.
He watched her, laughing all the while himself, and felt a bubble of pure joy rising in his heart. To hear her laugh so whole heartedly, without a care in the world, he wanted her to always be so.
She sat up, and regained her composure, "I was going to ask, Xander, the story behind your sword. It's quite interesting".
"Indeed it is; I've yet to find a comparable sword of Ry'zyyk's strength. It's a family heirloom of my Father's, his Mother passed it to him in my grandfather's place. It seemed my Father never knew his Father either, he once said there was a sickness of some sort that had killed him, and it forced my Grandmother to flee with their child to a safer place, and she was left to pass down the family heritage"
He passed it over to Bly, so she may look at it closer, as she had leaned precariously over to look at it in his lap.
She dropped Ciar's reigns, and ran her hand over the red blade, astonishment marking her face.
"You are quite sure it was a family heirloom?"
Xander nodded, of course it was, "why wouldn't it be?"
She shook her head, and pointed to the circle that was etched into the tip, it had a four pointed leaf inside of it, and was made from a clear jewel. "This is the sign of the best Sword's maker in Voronwë, he makes all the Elvish decoration swords for the prominent families. My Father owns one of his masterpieces, but I don't believe he had ever gifted a human with his swords"
Xander blinked, stunned, while Bly continued pointing out various facts of the sword, "you see these words? It's an Elvish incantation against breaking or scratches. Ry'zyyk will never break as long as you have that on there. And this ivy vine down the middle? It's from the house of Beriadan, but they left into the Forest of Unknown Whispers years ago when Queen Riana died. She was of that house and-"
Bly suddenly stopped, looked at Ry'zyyk, then back at Xander, then back at the sword with wide eyes. "Never mind, I actually think it is just a replica" she hastily handed the sword and scabbard back to Xander, and faced the road ahead of her, her face as solid as a stone, and Xander was completely unable to get a word from her.
'Whats wrong with her? What was she going to say? Is she embarrassed that she thought it was a real Elvish sword when it was a replica? A mighty well crafted replica, but a fake all the same'
It was a bitter bite that Ry'zyyk wasn't real, but it made more sense. His father was no lover of Elves, why would he have an Elvish sword? Then again, it wasn't his decision what came in a heritage either.
Xander slid his sword back into the scabbard, and glanced at the canopy above their heads again, a few places he could make out a sunset, they would meet up with Adonis soon.
He rubbed the back of his neck, and hoped for a slight moment that perhaps Adonis would get lost, but then he chided himself, that was terribly brutish of him, and uncalled for.
Besides, The horse Adonis was riding was of good stock, it would be a shame to lose it.

 :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

"How late do you think it is?" Adonis asked as he and Xander tied the horses to nearby brush.

Xander tried looking through the dense tree cover above them, but it was practically impossible to see anything but dark folage.

"Probably near Dark, if I could guess.  It's hard to tell, since The Tawarthion is always dark" 

Adonis nodded, and they walked the short distance where Bly had laid everything out, and she glanced around her as if expecting something to appear from the shadows around them that were growing longer.

"You've been in here for weeks, and you still aren't used to the place?" Adonis asked, for the first time he started to seem good natured again.

About Time.

Bly shook her head, "Listen, both of you"

Xander frowned, and Adonis tilted his head, both of them listening for any odd noise, but they both shook their heads, "What? I don't hear anything" Adonis shrugged.

"Exactly" Bly got up, her eyes wide, but it seemed not with fear.

Xander nodded, "Thats true, the forest is normally making all sorts of noises, but, it's completely silent now"

He saw Adonis shiver, and clutch his own sword a bit tighter, but Bly rested her hand on his shoulder, "No, it's here, you mustn't act fearful of it, or it will think you are a threat to Elfen Lied"

"It? Whats here? Is it some sort of Monster?" Adonis asked quickly, his golden eyes darting around, looking in all the shadows.

"No, no. It's the Guardian to Elfen Lied, the Greer. It makes sure none of the evils of Tawarthion enter the Elven forest, we can sleep safe tonight, as long as it is nearby, none of the creatures of this dark place will harm us"  Bly smiled at the both of them, and Xander had to ask, "So, it's silent right now because it is keeping the creatures at bay? Does it know we are here? What does it look like? Can it speak?"

Bly laughed lightly, "The beasts of Tawarthion choose not to be around it, for it will suppress their vileness.  It speaks Telepathically, through thoughts and urgings instead of words, I've never seen one, though it has been said that it is huge, like a magnificent boulder, but has the face of an old man, for old it is indeed.  It's been here for as long as Elfen Lied and Tawarthion have touched each others tree lines, where it came from, who knows. There are many things about these two forests, one good and one vile, that even we do not know.  It is our forest, but it's mysteries aren't easily given, even to us. Oh, and it probably knows you are here, for all your talk and chatter" she smiled, and tossed a pack at him, "So, you both need to sleep. If I'm correct, we have two rivers to cross and a Fort to avoid in the morning"

They all settled down to rest, and, amazingly, sleep came much easier then it had the previous nights in the forest. Almost as if the Guardian, Bly called it a Greer, was laying a thick blanket of peace over the whole area.

He didn't know how long he slept, but Xander was suddenly forced awake with the sudden feeling that danger was near.

Bly and Adonis also seemed to be affected, and they all looked at each other, "Did you hear it too?" Bly asked, wringing her blanket's corner into a tiny knot.

"I didn't hear anything, but I felt...I felt...as if, something bad is coming"  Xander stood, quickly fastening his Sword belt, and Adonis doing the same.

"Yes, I felt the same" Adonis looked around, and then turned to Bly, "Was it...?"

She nodded, "The Greer, but, I heard it...." she paled, "Xander, Felix is sending soldiers after us. Seven of them" she closed her eyes, and grimaced, as if she were thinking too hard, "They are....5....5 minutes away.  Greven isn't one of them...he..." she turned ash white, and Xander stepped forward, "Bly, stop it, now. You are hurting yourself" 

She nodded, and nearly collapsed, but Xander caught her, and she opened her eyes, looking terribly tired.

"I, I could see them, Xander. For one moment, I was aware, but..." she shivered, "It's terrible being so aware of things" 

Xander held her for a moment, before Adonis coughed, "Uh, hate to break up this endearing crucial moment in your relationship, but, there are King's soldiers mere minutes away!!" 

Bly blushed, and Xander stood to his feet sheepishly, "Oh, of course, what would we do without Adonis here?"

Adonis mumbled something about a rotten mess, and began hurriedly packing everything up, 

"Are we going to fight or flee?" Bly asked, her eyes big, and she gripped Xander's arm with a strength that always surprised him. How did some one so small and dainty have such a painful grip?

"Fight" Adonis answered, "I can't stand all this inaction. They are just going to follow us, or get new reinforcements if we let them get away"

Xander nodded, agreeing with this, but there was another matter, "It will make getting around Fort Hallows all the more difficult"  He looked down at Bly, her blue eyes were wide, but her mouth set in a firm line, "I want to help"
He couldn't very well deny her offer, but neither would he be able to fight well if he was worried about her wellbeing.
"Bly.."
"No. I'm adamint about this. I'm normally a dead weight, I'm going to do something this time to help"
He opened his mouth to protest, but she laid a finger across his lips, and raised her eyebrows, "It was not a request, Captain, but a statement"
Xander gently held her hand, and raised it to his lips in a gentlemanly kiss, and Adonis heaved two packs their direction, "Let the Elf Girl fight, Xander, we'll need all the help we can get"
Bly, blushing under Xander's attention quickly stood to her feet, "I didn't say I was going to fight, Adonis.  But if need be, I have been trained with archery"
Adonis shrugged, "Whatever you like, though, playing Ambassador won't help you much this time"
She frowned at him, and Xander stifled a laugh at how fiery she looked when she frowned.  Like a tiny mouse shaking it's head at a dragon.
"Ambassador isn't a role in a game, Dragon"
Xander sensed the growing tension, and quickly decided to intervene, "Lets not get our feathers ruffled at each other.  Adonis, you and I will pack the horses' saddles, and leave them a short distance from here, and Bly, since you have the most acute hearing, and can run faster through Tawarthion then we, do you think you can keep a guard out on the way they will approach from?"
She nodded, and took off in the direction she had sensed their arrival, her fast elven feet carrying her quickly through the twisted forest, and Xander sent up a silent prayer to God that no harm would befall her, and went to assist Adonis. 

Prid (Part 3)

   

   I gathered my things up in my mane-fur bag.   I promised I wouldn't cry, but still the tears ran down my cheeks.   Linki told me that tomorrow was the day they were to bury my uncle.   I had to go.   My only relative was that day to be put under the ground.   Forever.   The dust turns to dust.   How could Jumal do this to me?   He let my friends and my relative die.   Is that any way to treat his follower and a servant of his army?   I put my bag on my back and began to leave, but when I turned, Anakis was standing there.
   "What are you doing?" she asked.   I looked at her, then I looked at my bag, and I felt so ashamed.   How could I be disloyal to the party here when Nairi was in this state and when I was needed to catch food?
   "I knew where you where going," said Anakis.   "Linki told me.   I just came to stop you."
   "My lady, I assure you I will not leave the camp at this dire time."
   "Then what were you doing?"
   "Doing what you said I was going to do.   But then I thought of the others here so I stopped.   I cannot leave.   It would be against Jumal's will for me to leave."
   "Then do tell...who is Jumal?"
   "He is the one true God of the universe.   I believe you call him Deus."
   "Ah, yes.   You believe in Deus, er, Jumal?
   "Yes, indeed!   Do you?"
   "Yes.   I do.   Even though the other Fairies said they believed and shun me, I still believe in Him."
   "Why?"
   She stood.   "Look around you!   Look at Nairi!   She should have lost her arm, and maybe her life, but she is alive.   Look at you!   If you had not come with us, you would have died in that fire with your uncle, but you are here, alive and untouched by any flame.   Look at me!   The Fairies wanted to stone and kill me, but by the grace in Deus's heart, he told the Fairy Leaders to let me go.   And all those things wouldn't have happened if it were not for Deus's divine providence."
   I stood.   "But what of King Felix?   What is good about him?"
   She stared me in the eye.   "If Deus did not exist, neither would we.   King Felix is trying to kill us all, Prid. All of the rebels.   If Deus's hand were not over us, we would be in the ground with your uncle."

Kaymele (part 8)

     'Anakis and Natia are keeping busy with all the wounded, and Linki was put in charge of preparations for the food distribution; much to our disappointment, she's not very good at directing.  Just very good at shouting and demanding, not to mention trying to sell off several unwanted items.    Myself and Nithron are busy with any task that is given to us, and we are given so many that it's nearly impossible to keep up with everything.
    'I think Beleg hates that Bly and I were able to escape from Bly's room with such ease.  He hasn't talked to me in four days and has avoided eye contact whenever we're in the same room.  If anything I think he's the one who keeps Nithron and I busy all the time, and now neither of us have slept in two days because of all the mending, washing, cooking, working with the horses, and about a thousand other things that anyone can come up with.  The work load that Bly did was passed down to me plus I have to take care of Nairi.  I'm not complaining, but it is truly dreadful to have so much to do and not enough time.
    'Bly, Xander, and Adonis left three days ago and we haven't heard from them yet.  I expect they're waiting until they cross the river before they send a message.'
    I look up from my piece of parchment paper that I found behind the desk in my new room.  I've decided that I should keep a small journal of our stay for future references.  
    'I have to share this room with Nairi because of my promise to Adonis to take care of her.  She looks terrible even after I brushed her hair and Bly washed her face and arms before they left.  Her entire arm is purple/blue even her finger nails, and worse of all horrible bumps grow along her forearm, and ooze green puss.   When they're touched, or wiped carelessly they explode the putrid goop onto whomever touched it.  Bly found that out the hard way.  Though Nairi is under round the clock surveillance she is getting weaker everyday.  Adonis visited her any chance he got before he left.  Now that he's gone she just lies there whimpering and shivering; though she's covered with three blankets.  At night I hear her crying out for Nuvole, her older brother who died at the merciless hand of Felix.  In a small way this is how we are alike each of us has had a loved one taken away.'  I continue writing.
   A new load of clothes in desperate need of mending and washing arrives into our room.  I do the work here so if Nairi needs anything I'll be available.  As soon as I sat down to begin, Anakis knocks at the door and enters.
    'How is she?' she asks.
    'Cold, weak nothing has changed.  She fades in and out of consciousness,' I answer.
    'It looks worse, I wish there was something we could do to make her feel better.  But being a Ceridwen she's prone to infection more than you or I.  That's what the bumps are, deep infection,' she says inspecting Nairi's arm.
    'I see, but can anything worse happen if medicine isn't given to her soon?' I ask timidly.
    'Well I don't know, this is the first time I've never worked with a Ceridwen.  How far it'll spread I can't say.  It could take her entire body, her mind, or worse it could deteriorate her arm,' whispers Anakis.
    'Kaymele...' Nairi hoarsely moans, '...water?'
    'Of course Nairi, here,' I say reaching for the ladle.
    But when I pull it out, the water in the bucket is nearly empty.  I pour the last of it into the ladle and give it to Nairi.  I put the bucket by the door.
    'Anakis can you watch Nairi while I fetch some water?  I won't be long it'll only be to the well and back,' I ask.
    'It's no trouble really I'll stay here,' she answers.
    'Remember don't touch the bumps.  They'll explode, and make more,' I say grabbing the bucket.
    'Thanks for the reminder!' she calls after me.
    Walking to the well isn't easy though.  Some of the Dwarves brought their wives and children with them.  The wives aren't the trouble when walking, it's the children running under foot, and playing anywhere and everywhere.  I dodge a group of younger children playing with a pig's bladder that someone has blown up into a ball.  Some of the older boys have a lizard and are scaring the girls with it causing them to scream and run all around.
    A little girl, whom I take to be about four or five, runs behind my skirt from a boy with a lizard.  He shows me the lizard; trying to scare me, and instead of screaming like he expected I stooped, took the lizard from his hands, and kissed it.  He stared at me open mouthed until I gave him his lizard back.  Then he scrambled away to tell his friends about the stranger who kissed the lizard.
    The little girl, who was still behind me, peeked out from her hiding spot.  She looked up at my with big blue eyes and smiled.  For the first time since Eleniel died I laughed, and a good hardy laugh.  I take the little girl by the hand and get on my knees so I could be eye level with her.
    'Now, if he ever does that again tell him I'm watching,' I say.
    'I surely will m'lady!' she giggles and hugs my neck, 'Thank you.'
    I hug her back 'No, thank you,' I say.
    Once I let go, she runs off with a squeal of delight.  With that I pick up the bucket and set off again.  The children I pass watch me with a careful eye, and I see many of them whispering to one another.
    I hurridly round the corner of the stables, nearly running straight into Nithron.  He drops the saddle that he was carrying.  We both bend to pick it up, but knock our heads together before either of us touch it.
    'Ow!' we both exclaim rubbing our bruised heads.
    'Sorry Nithron but I really must be on my way,' I say shifting the bucket in my hand.
    'Might I escort you?' he asks.
    'No, you best finish your work or the stable master will have you whipped.  I'm in a bit of a hurry too,' I say walking past him.
    'He doesn't scare me,' he says, 'and I'm surprised that you don't want me to come with you everywhere considering all the extreme things you've said and done when I was unable to take you anywhere but into Revelin.  Please let me escort you to your destination,' he extends his arm for me to take.
    'Oh, alright,' I sigh taking his arm, 'I suppose since you insist.  Have you slept any?'
    'No, I'm lucky to get a brake,' he chuckles, 'and you.  Have you slept?'
    'Heavens no, I've been over run with mending, healing, washing, and Nairi.  Especially Nairi, she's not getting better like Anakis said.  She cries out for Nuvole and Adonis.  At night she's burning up with fever and during the day she's colder than ice.  I just don't understand what she's going through, it's a sickness I've never encountered before, and even Anakis says that she has never worked with a Ceridwen,' I say.
    'I see, hopefully Xander, Bly, and Adonis will have the herbs from the Elves soon.  Then we can focus on a plan to end Felix's rein,' he says.
    We walk on past tents that most of the rebels stay in, and after we weaved our way through the cluster of people until we are on the other side of the camp.  The well itself is impossible to miss, it's placed right outside the camp on the edge of the Tawarthion, and is five feet wide all the way around.  There are blocks of smooth stone in a perfect circle around the outside edge.  A thin, circular, slab of marble covers the mouth of the well as a lid.  It takes both of us to move the lid far enough that the bucket can fit.
    'Goodness I could fit through that,' I think to myself.
    But just before Nithron could throw the roped bucket into the well, we both hear a whip slice through the air just above our heads.  We both turn and face the last person we expected to see.  The Stable Master; a grand title for not such a grand man.  His clothes are torn and ragged because he never wants them mended, his skin is dark tan from long hours in the sun, he's quite a large man but much more muscle than fat, his face is pudgy, with a nose like a potato, a high forehead, and a stern look always on his face.  From the smell I can tell he's been drinking heavily, and his clothes are drenched in liquor and sweat.
    'Get back to work Elf or I'll teach you how we treat slackers!' he says in his thick, gravely, voice.
    The whip cracks in the air again, and a chill runs down my spine.  I clutch the bucket until my knuckles turn white, the Stable Master scares me worse than the Otrovs and Nithron knows it.  He grabs my free hand and faces me.
    'I'm sorry I can't help you get water today,' he says.
    'But you could stay.  He's only human,' I protest.
    'I know, but if I stand up to him it will only prove that I'm no better than him.  I'm brave not stupid he's much bigger and stronger than I.  I'll try to come visit you later,' he says and kisses my hand.
    Slowly he releases my hand and walks to the stable master; who cracks his whip and curses.  That puts me over the edge, I loose my temper and extend my hand and use my powers to lift the Stable Master 6 feet off the ground.  He drops his whip and screams as I spin him in circles and drop him in the horses' water trough.  Nithron spins around and stares at me.
    'What?' I ask.
    'Nothing,' his serious face twitches with a smile, 'but right after I gave a speech of being better than him you go and...' he stops and bursts out laughing.
    We both stand there laughing at the poor stable master.  The good thing about dropping him into the trough is he finally got a bath.  Nithron helped him to his feet and walked him to the stables.  Thankfully there are no cuts or broken bones, just a few memorable bruises.
    After all the commotion I finally start to pull water from the well.  A task I regret to say I'm not very good at, and I can't touch the bucket or last three feet of rope because it's wet.  After about five attempts I have filled half my bucket.  I throw the roped bucket aside and sit on the grass, that isn't wet, in frustration.  As I listened to the birds singing there was another song coming from within the forest.  Quietly I walk to the tree line and listen, now no birds are singing just the deep notes.  Walking, and listening I follow the melody to a clearing in the forest, in the center is a large stone slab.  I can see writing on it, but I'm too far away too see clearly.  The stone is light grey, and the dwarfish symbol above the writing.  It's then I see Beleg, in his hands are a bouquet of flowers of all shades of yellow and pink.  He's the one singing, and every note he sang made the very ground beneath my feet quake.
    I inch closer to see the writing on the stone.  I'm quite certain that it's a grave but I don't know who's grave it is.  I work my way closer and now I'm in plain view of the gravestone, it says

 "In loving memory of Miverlous Gwaith.

Beloved wife, Mother, and Dwarf."

    I remember Beleg's wife being killed by the Otrov but I never knew where they buried her.  I take a step nearer and a twig snaps.  Beleg jumps and draws his sword.

    'Alright, I know you're there come on out where I can see you,' he growls.

    'It's only me general,' I say.
    He lowers his sword and turns away.  I notice the tears on his cheeks as he gently places the bouquet on the grave.  I walk closer to him, he stayed kneeling with his head bowed.
    'The pain and the sorrow he must endure every day of his life must be quite unbearable at times,' I think.
    'Beleg,' I say timidly, 'how long has she been gone?'
    'Nearly three years,' he answers, 'and every second of those days I remember my promise to her.  I will never stop trying to kill Felix until I succeed.'
    'A mighty big promise to keep,' I say, 'you were singing the dwarfish song "Brimming", the one about all the different gems weren't you.'
    'Yes, it was her favorite,' he whispers.
    There's a long silence between us, even the trees that surround us are in silent reverence.  Beleg begins singing again his song, and on the breeze that's been blowing leisurely by, a beautiful voice is carried with clear, sweet notes.  Their singing together was so beautiful that it was impossible not to shed tears over their perfect harmony.  All too soon the song ended and their singing stopped.  He rose, and bowed to the grave.
    'Anitar must be watching out for him,' I think.
    Beleg walks me back to the well, to help me finish my task.  When we arrive the roped bucket has been cut from the well and nowhere to be seen.  I search the edge of the forest and around the well, and Beleg searches the tents.
    I start my search around the well but finding nothing I start towards the forest again, but a thought crosses my mind to look into the well.  Getting on my hands and knees I peer into the dark hole, the water is not very far down, but even so it's quite dark.  Coming back up to find a light to see I feel a push from behind and down I plunge into the darkness.  Cold water rushes over me, and I can here a group above laughing and cursing.  I feel the scales of my tail and groan.  I don't know anyone in the camp who would do this.  I thought things couldn't be any worse until I hear them sliding the lid back over the well.
    'HELP!' I scream over and over again.
    But it's too late they closed the lid.  Utter darkness, not a sound accept my breathing.  Without feet I can't climb up to stone sides it's all I can do to just hold on.  The bucket is floating on the surface so I grab it.  There is a thick dark liquid in the bucket I stick my fingers in it and still can't figure out what it is.  I'll have to wait until I'm rescued before I can figure it out.
    'Nithron will notice I'm gone and start a search party, and Beleg will start searching too.' I think.
    After what I guess to be twenty minutes, I start to hum to myself without thinking about it, and it hits me that if I sing the marble might crack, and if I get it wet with my tail then I can try to move it aside.  I splashed the marble with my tail and resurface.  I sing as long and loud as I can, then a thin crack of light.  My hope rises as I lift my hand to the lid and make a pushing motion.  The marble is heavy even with my powers but it still slides slightly.  I try calling for help again, and the sound of running feet come closer.  Half of the lid is moved, and the sudden rays of light make me blink.
    'Kaymele?!' Beleg shouts, 'When I came back the lid was over the well, and I couldn't find you.  I thought of Nithron but he said he hadn't seen you either, he's here with me.'
    'Are you alright?' Nithron shouts.
    'Yes, no broken bones just a tail.  I have the bucket down here,' I say.
    'Bring the bucket up with you.  I brought Florentide to help pull you out,' he says and lowers a rope.
    'Tie the rope around your waist and tail,' says Beleg, he waits until I pull on the rope before pulling up, 'Alright, now Florentide pull slowly.'
    I'm slowly lifted out of the water and the sky is getting closer.  Once my head is visible, Nithron grabs the bucket and sets it aside, then my hands and pulls me out.  I lie on my back breathing heavily.
    'How long was I in the well?' I ask panting.
    'You've been in the well for at least an hour I guess,' answers Beleg, 'it took me a while to find Nithron.'
    I sit up and satisfy my curiosity of what was in the bucket.  No one had bothered to look inside yet, but before I could even see fully into it I recognized the deep red substance.  Blood, a bucket of blood.  I slap my hand over my mouth so as not to scream.  Nithron stands beside the bucket and moves it away.
    'Who's blood could that possibly be?' I whisper.
    'I don't know, but n any case there's been a murder and I'm going to find the culprit of culprits,' says Beleg.
    'Are you well?' asks Florentide.
    'Yes, where have you been for the past hour?' I ask.
    'Flying above the forest and hunting.  I will be gone until later tonight hunting for the last of the boar herd,' says Florentide.
    'Alright see you after a while then,' I say, and she takes off.
    'I believe that was an attempt on your life Kaymele,' says Nithron.
    'Well I don't...' I start, but Linki comes stumbling up.
    'Beleg!' she cries.
    Her head is bleeding and she practically stumbles into him.  He grabs hold of her and sits her beside me.  She's babbling hysterically about strangers that attacked her.  I dry myself and try to calm her down.
    'Linki, calm down.  Tell us what happened,' says Nithron.
    'Nairi... they took Nairi!' she says.
    Without further questions we all hurry back to my room.  Linki is left with Natia who knows where Anakis is.  Now we're all running, and we reach my door and nearly break it down trying to get in.  But we enter to see Nairi on the floor.  Quickly lifting her back onto the bed and stopping the bumps from exploding I give her a little of the water that Anakis had left.
    'Nairi, what happened?' I ask.
    'I woke up and Anakis left to find Moon Lilies for me.  After she left three men came and tried to take me but I threw anything I could reach at them, and they left when I hit one with the sharp end of the arrow that you left,' she answers weakly.
    'No worries now you're safe,' I say.
    'I'm going in search of these men,' says Beleg and leaves hastily.
    'We'll leave to let you rest, and finish with getting the water, so you just rest,' I say pulling Nithron out the door.
    She lays back and closes her eyes.  I quietly close the door and head for the end of the corridor.  At the end I face Nithron.
    'Why did you say you were going to the well again you got the water right outside the door there?' asks Nithron.
    'Did you notice anything strange about Nairi?' I ask ignoring his question.
    'No why?' he says.
    'Because she didn't have any colors,' I say.

Nairi (Part 4)

My arm felt heavy. I was vaguely aware of someone dabbing me with a wet rag. My throat felt dry. I didn't know who was tending to me but I really needed some water. "W-water," I managed to say in a hoarse whisper.
What is wrong with me? Why do I feel so heavy and tired? I had no idea when these questions would be answered, but right now all I wanted was something to drink. Then I felt something touch my lips and relief washed over me, my throat no longer dry.
Now that my throat was wet and I could think straight, I remembered what happened. All of it. Being attacked by the dragon men, Adonis coming to rescue me, and the sight of him filled with so much rage.
Was it because they attacked me? I wondered It couldn't have been. He wouldn't have been that mad just because I was hurt. That reminded me of the wound in my shoulder. My eyes opened as my body shot up, sending a jolt of pain through my shoulder. It was purplish blue and swollen with big bumps all over it. "Ew, Gross!" I yelled. Which made Anakis, who was on the other side of the room, yelp in fright and drop the bowl of herbs she had been mixing.
"Oh, I am sorry Anakis I didn't mean to scare you it's just," I looked at my arm "Eww." I said gesturing towards it.
Anakis stared at me looking surprised and relieved. "You're awake!" She yelled.
She didn't even bother to pick up the herbs she had dropped and came over to me and started looking me over. She just stared at me for the longest time, but then she sighed and hugged me,being careful to avoid my arm."I am so glad you are okay. You have been asleep for the longest time. I cannot even remember how long it has been...maybe a week. Well it doesn’t matter. What matters is you are awake." She smiled at me. "Are you in a lot of pain if so I can make something that will sooth the pain?"
I shifted only a little bit of weight onto it and felt a prick of pain go through my Body, but it wasn't enough that I should worry Anakis. As long as I didn’t move to much "No I am fine." I gave her an encouraging smile.
"Okay, as long as you are alright." She smiled and walked back over to her herbs. "Oh no." She looked slightly worried.
"What is it?"
"This mixture I was making had the last of my Moon Lilies.”
"Are they rare?"
"Oh, no." She laughed a little.
"Oh, then why is it a problem?"
"Well you see, they look very similar to another type of herb that is poisonous."
"Oh, I'm sorry I caused you to drop it."
She smiled "It is okay Nairi. I should be able to easily tell them apart. I have been handling herbs for a long time."
"Oh, okay." I smiled at her.
"Now," She said grabbing a basket."I will be back soon. You should try to rest." And with that she left.

I wasn't there for more than a few minutes when a man came in. "Ugh, I thought they would never leave,” A lanky blond man, which in my opinion looked like the stupidest man on earth, flounced in.
"Oh quit your whining, Unum. At least we are in." Another tall man this time with black hair, yelled, as he made his way into my room.
"Oh you are one to talk Due. You were at there fuming about how no one ever left the room."
"Fuming is different then whining."
"I have to agree with Due. Fuming is different then whining." Another man strolled into the room, he had shaggy brown hair and had a small scar on his cheek.
"Oh you stay out of it ,Trois, this is between me and Due," said Unum.
"I think you should just quit all your arguing and just get to work. Unless you want to make the boss mad." A man, taller then the others, strode into the room. He had unruly red hair, and the way he walked gave off the impression that he defiantly thought he was better then everyone else.
"Yes sir." They all said at once.
"I'm terribly sorry, Ciphra."
"You better be, Trois."
"Um, excuse me." I said, I wanted to know who in Incantevole these people were. "Who are you people and why are you in my room?"
I suddenly found four surprised eyes staring at me. "Oh yeah, you." Unum said.
"Unum, you idiot,"Due said hitting him in the back of the head.
"Sorry." He said, looking dejected.
"Well, Missy," Ciphra started walking towards me. "We are are working for the king and are here to kidnap you."  At this words a million and one thoughts were running through my mind.
"Ciphra, why did you tell her? Now she is going to kill us or something." Due said looking at Ciphra accusingly.
"Idiot, do you think I would tell her if I did not think it wise. If you were closer you could see she is suffering from a terrible injury and probably isn't strong enough to do anything." He said looking like he was the smartest man in the world, which made me really hate him. But he was right I couldn't attack them, I was too weak.
"Oh, sorry."
"You better be." Ciphra said smugly. "So now to business." He said gagging me then throwing me over his shoulder. I winced because my arm felt like it was being ripped off the way he was letting it dangle.
"Alright, to the castle." was the last thing I heard before I blacked out from pain.

                               ***********************************************
I woke in a damp dark place that smelled of mold and sweat.  I moved and the pain was so great I let out a whimper. "H-help." I managed to say.
"Sorry ,Girly,” A deep male voice said through the darkness “'fraid you ain't gonna get much hep round 'ere. Da king don't really treat his prisoners kindly.  If ya know wat I mean."
"Cohortis! Stop being mean to the prisoners, I am sure they probably did nothing wrong. It is really barbaric to do this to these people."
"Hahaha, don't you be lettin da king 'ear you say dat."
"And if he does I could care in the least." The man who had come in sighed.
Why does he sound familiar?
"Anyway, I was told there was a new prisoner that needed food."
"Oh yea she be in dis cell. careful she don't bite ya." Cohortis  laughed.
"That is not funny in the slightest." I heard the cell door open."Blast, Cohortis I cannot see a thing in this dark place get me a lamp so I can give the poor girl her food without spilling the hot mess on her."
"Oh, fine, here." It was suddenly so bright I couldn't see a thing. But my ears were just fine. I heard the man gasp.
"Cohortis," The man demanded. "Were did you find this girl."
"Well, I assumed she was kidnapped seein as da crew da King usually sends to kidnap people dropped her off."
"I will kill him! He broke his promise! He lied to me! He promised he would harm none of them! The lying fool! He will pay for this!" By now my vision had started to clear, and I really wondered why this man was so mad. But my question was answered before I regained my sight.
"Nuvole, what is wrong. What has gotten into you." At his name I let at a little gasp. I had now regained my sight and could see that it was my brother. Older, but still him.
"N-no, you can't be." I put the one hand I could move on my head and curled into a ball. "You died." I started to cry.
"Nairi, I-I'm sorry. I had to." I looked up at him. His face was a mixture of rage, happiness, and sorrow. I saw tears streaming down his face.
"W-why?"
"He said he would kill you, and everyone. I had to do what he said. I am so, so sorry." I stared at his face for a long time then hugged him tight.
"I forgive you." I said.
"Um, sorry to interrupt whateva dis is but um, uh."
"Cohortis, I am afraid I cannot let you go tell the king because I am going to take that joy for myself." With that Nuvole froze the prison guard. "Don't worry," He smiled at me "He won't die, he is just frozen. And I have to leave now." He let go of me." I have some busness I need to attend to with King Felix.  Listen, if I do not come back to get you, rest assured I will do everything in my power to get some help and come back, okay." He kissed me on the forehead. "Don't worry.  No matter what I won't let him separate us that long again." And with that he left.
I found him. He is alive! Nuvole is alive! But he left, what if he doesn't come back? Shut up he will come back. He said he would, and I believe him.
I sat there and fell asleep with memories of Nuvole and my parents, and unlike most prisoners fell asleep with a smile.

Felix (part 3)

 Maps and charts littered the table before him, the dark form of the unknown woodland of Revelin taunting him on every page. Felix's forces that went into the twisted forest hardly ever came out again, and when they did, they were found naked and mad, screaming about the horrors within.

 Not even Andromeda's magic could see into the dark forest, and she was relunctant to send another creature after the carriers after the last had almost killed them. She had locked herself in her chambers claiming she needed to consentrate on finding a new plan. This was why he was surprised to see her barge into the room.

"They are on the move." His advisors didn't bother to object against her being in their secret meetings, knowing that Felix valued her opinions above all else.

"What? Where?"

Andromeda seemed to be in a trance, her eyes glazed and looking past Felix. The Advisors let her have ample room to get to the table and watched in facination as her hand hovered over the maps.

"There." Her hand rested on an area outside of the Revelin.

"There? Why would they trying going there?" Boldly asked an advisor.

 Felix studied the map. There was a post near there, too risky for them to cross. What were they doing? The only thing that way was...

"There trying to get re-enforcements, from the Elves."

"They would dare to travel that far? It's suicide!" said another.

"Then it'll make it all the more easier to catch them won't it? Get word out to our men in that area to look out for the refugees." Felix watched his advisors bow before leaving with their task.

 Andromeda was still standing with her hand over the map, eyes half closed. She began to sway with weariness and Felix caught her before she smacked her face on the table. Though she was light, Felix's aging muscles strained to carry her back to her chambers.

 How hard it must be for an elemental to live as a mortal, he pondered. To be limited, to be fragile, and for what? Him? A mere human?

 He looked down at the beautiful face that she had choosen for herself, worn from the sleepless nights of trying to help him.

"I don't deserve you."

Bly {part 5}

"Have a safe journey, ambassador!" The small, wrinkled old dwarven woman waved as Bly left with the small food pack that had been set aside for their journey. Bly waved back, and smiled at the food keeper.
She continued to where Adonis and Xander were discussing which route to take, or, arguing, rather.
"We should go straight, as a bird flies" Adonis pounded his fist unto his open palm for emphasis "it's the fastest route"
"Perhaps, but it will carry us through Fort Hallows, and risking that isn't worth the speed" Xander was trying to keep his calm, but it was clear he was losing it.
"If we go through it at night-"
"Adonis! Are you an idiot?! Night or day, they will have sentries posted, and I'm not exactly a forgettable face"
Adonis crossed his arms, "Wear a mask"
Xander sighed dramatically, "ah yes. That solves simply everything. Thank you, Oh wise Dragon one. The sentries will just let a two men, one mysteriously masked, and an Elven woman pass into and through their city with no suspicions"
Bly stifled a smile, "Adonis, I understand you want to get there in a hurry, I do too. Nairi's health hangs in the balance, Xander realizes that, but passing through Hallows isn't a wise idea. Skirting it will only add a few hours, nothing serious, please understand" she rested her hand on his shoulder, "We are going to do our best to get there quickly".
Adonis sighed, "A few hours may make the difference for Nairi" he shrugged Bly's hand off, and walked away, kicking at stones as he went.
As soon as he was out of earshot, Xander gasped and ran his fingers through his dark hair, "I've never met one as stubborn as he, I'm used to being obeyed, not argued with".
Bly chuckled, and set her food basket down, "Then I suggest you learn to argue; Dragons aren't know for their great submission. Even Felix can't control them all, you know that. Though, I wonder how he controls them at all..."
Xander peeped into the basket, "He doesn't, Andromeda does".
Confusion settled across Bly's face, "Andromeda?"
Xander looked up, "yes, surely you sw her when you and Tenzin held conference with Felix. Dark hair, Violet eyes, milky skin, smells like Dying roses-"
"How would you know that?"
Now Xander was the confused one, "know what?"
"The dying rose part"
"Oh" he smiled, and his eyes teased, though he didn't say the word, she knew he was thinking It. "Well, I've walked past Andromeda enough times to get an idea of how she smells"
Bly nodded, "I just wondered"
Again, the teasing in his eyes, and she looked away, suddenly needing to rearrange all the food.
"I think I did see her, Behind Felix. But she just sat in a dark corner, watching us, I ignored her, as she made me uncomfortable"
Xander chuckled, "She has the uncanny habit of doing that"
Bly frowned, "But something is wrong with her"
"Something? I dare say a great many things are" Xander shouldered a pack,"She is great many years younger then Felix, yet loves him" then he reddened, "not that, that's wrong...but them both being human, I mean, between races it's to be, you know, uh, expected, b-but, in the same race..."
Bly refrained from laughing as he stumbled over his words, "of course, between races it's to be expected".
Xander nodded quickly, and picked up the second pack, "I think I'll just, uh, put these away" he hurried away.
Bly smiled as he strode off, still crimson from his remark.
But her smile was slowly eaten away by a frown, Xander believed Andromeda was a human, and yet, she clearly wasn't. But that was where Bly was lost. She had no idea what the woman was. She bit her lip, she needed to find Kaymele, and talk it over with her.... 

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Kaymele was stitching up a torn britches when Bly found her. "Have they put you to work?" Bly asked, sitting beside her. Kaymele frowned, and dumped another garment on Bly's lap, "mind helping? This isn't at all to my liking" 

Bly nodded, and quickly threaded a needle, "I learned to do this quite well, my brother Thalion was always ripping his clothes whenever he went 'exploring'. I had to mend them before Mother, or worse yet, Lithônien, found out" 

"You have two brothers?" Kaymele asked, stabbing herself with a needle and wincing. 

Bly nodded, "Thalion and Lithônien, both older then I"

Kaymele smiled sadly, "siblings, are..." She sighed and trailed off, her eyes saddened, and for a moment, her confident exterior cracked, showing a very grieved heart. and then she looked up quickly, "I'm sorry, did you come for a reason?" Her normal brisk self back. 

"Oh yes, it's probably nothing, but, you being older, and perhaps more experienced, I thought to come to you" 

Kaymele nodded, "and?"

"Have you heard of Andromeda, the King's...." Bly couldn't find a word, Xander had made her sound important, and she loved Felix apparently, but just where Andromeda fit, Bly didn't know. 

"The King's assistant, helper, lover, friend?" Kaymele asked. 

"Y-yes, you have heard of her?"

"Nithron had told me of her"

Bly nodded, "has he seen her?"

Kaymele stuck herself again and made an aggravated noise, "No, but he has heard about her from the spies inside Aragathia. She is apparently Felix's right hand. Why do you ask?" 

Bly sighed, "I was hoping I could learn what she was". 

Kaymele raised an eyebrow, "can't you do that? Her aurora colors, I know you can see them" 

Bly shook her head, "no, I mean, yes. I can. But hers were...confusing" 

Kaymele set the garment down, and leaned closer, "Explain". 

Bly cleared her throat, "It was black. But occasionally I'd see flickers in it, like flames. But, it was also white" 

Kaymele shook her head, "impossible" 

"But it was! She had two colors, both very different. And, she was ancient" 

Kaymele frowned, "how could you tell?" 

Bly looked down, "I don't know. I just knew. But, her body wasn't" 

Kaymele's eyes grew round, "that adds an interesting twist" 

Bly looked confused, "it does?" 

Kaymele nodded slowly, "the black with flames, the ancient soul, new body, the two colors, yes. It reminds me of something I heard a long time ago..."

Kaymele was silent for a long while, before she apparently remembered Bly's presence. "Go, it's getting later in the day, and you must surely have a lot of work, don't let it worry you"

Bly smiled, "I hope you unpuzzle what she is, and, if you fashion a finger cap from leather, you won't prick your finger so" she winked, and waltzed out. Leaving Kaymele to her sewing

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 

The sun was barely rubbing its eyes on the horizon when they set off. Bly on Ciar, Xander on Rudy, Adonis on a borrowed steed, and a pack mule tethered to Rudy's saddle.
Adonis was still disgruntled by having to go around Fort Hallows, and wasn't speaking to either of his traveling companions. Instead, urging his horse forward at an unfair speed.
The first part of the day passed silently as not much conversation was warranted as they hurried along.
Finally, they stopped to rest their animals.
"What can we expect when we get to Voronwë?" Xander caught the apple Bly tossed him, and polished against his tunic. At Nithron's suggestion, he had changed from his Aragathian uniform before they left, opting instead for a garb of browns and greens.
"We can except more pointy eared people" Adonis called from where he was sitting. Not facing either of them, but clearly listening to their conversation.
"That, and one of the most beautiful cities you've ever seen" Bly replied, politely handing him an apple too, instead of tossing it at his red head as she desired to do.
"I'm sorry, but my knowledge of cities is rather limited to Aragathia, Revelin, Voronwë, and Drago Montagna" Adonis took a rather large bite from the apple and scooted to the opposite side of the tree.
"Anyway, pointy ears and beautiful cities aside, what can we expect?" Xander leaned against another tree.
Bly sat down on a log, after carefully dusting away the collection of leaves and dirt on it. "I imagine my people don't even know of my capture, so there won't be a great throng of attention. And I'll have to inform them of Tenzin's death"
"Will that cause great grief?"
Bly met his eyes, "we live for great expanses of time, but that doesn't numb the pain of when one of us does. Those closest to Tenzin will go into a very long mourning period, but everyone else will extend their sympathies, and speak kind words to the mourning"
Xander nodded, "and what about you?" She noticed his aurora colors wavering, 'he is worried, why?'.
"I may not have the luxury of a extended mourning period" as soon as she said it, his colors returned to normal. Causing her even more confusion.
Adonis reappeared from behind his tree, "so, how long does it take horses to rest anyway?"

Its short, but I think I got enough done in it to keep us going for awhile. ;) Sarah, your turn! Kathrine, I hope you don't mind how I portrayed Adonis. And...we need to involve Anna's peeps more.