Xander {Part 6}

When he had heard of the purity shield surrounding Voronwë he had assumed it was invisible, or even just a metaphor. But as they stood in front of it, he was rather surprised.
It looked like the blue orb which had protected him against the shadow soldiers and the dragon, but larger, much larger. It hummed softly, like a soft beat of a hummingbird's wings.
"Incredible"
Bly nodded, and slipped her hand into his, and she reached for Adonis' as well. "Can you feel it? Inside? Just being this close to it is peaceful"
Xander closed his eyes, and nodded, "yes...it's comforting"
Adonis sighed, "ok. Yay. Purity shield. Big deal. Can we PLEASE keep going?"
Bly smiled at him, "of course" she stepped forward, and stood inches from the barrier, Xander and Adonis exchanged confused looks, and Bly stepped forward. The shield allowed her through, flowing like water around her.
She turned, and said something, but they couldn't hear any noise, so she beckoned to them. "It's our turn" Xander had barely said the words when Adonis stepped forward, and passed through it.
They were both watching him, Bly smiling and Adonis tapping his foot.
'What if I can't get through, what if I'm held back? Bly will probably cease talking to me. Is anyone truly pure, though? If I fail, I might as well go live in a cave. It's-' his thoughts were interrupted by Bly, she had come back to his side, and she smiled and held his hand.
"Xander, stop doubting yourself" her voice was soft and gentle, "no one is truly pure and good, Xander. We've all done bad things in our life, some more than others. To Yahweh, all wrong is equal, but what you have done doesn't matter. Your heart does" she gently laid her hand on his cheek. "Forget your past for a moment, Xander. Forget all of what you have done. Can you look into your heart, and tell me, and yourself, that there is no malicious thoughts in your soul? Do you plan on harming those inside this barrier? Can you say your heart is deformed by darkness?"
He put his hand against hers, "no, I have none of that"
She smiled and nodded, "you love Yahweh, or Great Lord, or whatever the races call him, his name matters not. Do you not?"
Xander nodded, "yes"
"Than, that is what matters" she quickly kisses his cheek, and took his hand, walking back towards the barrier with him.
'She just....Bly just....'
Despite the excitement of her quick kiss and entering the Purity shield, he couldn't miss seeing Adonis pretend to gag from inside.
As he stepped through it, he felt a peace like no other, it was almost comparable to a Mother's embrace when you are a child. But a thousand times more so.
And then he was through, and Adonis was already running ahead, "ok, come on you two sweet hearts, I can't sit around all day listening to mushy stuff"
Bly blushed and looked down bashfully. "I...I knew you could do it, Xander"
He took her hand, and raised it to his lips, "but not without you"
Which, not surprisingly, did very little to rid her face of the furious blush.
Adonis' frustrated moan brought them back, "Seriously, come on!"
They continued on through the wooded land, and it wasn't long before Xander noticed Bly was getting jumpy. She was constantly glancing behind them, and would halt at every noise she heard or thought she heard.
"Bly? Are you alright?" He fell in step behind her, putting his hand over his sword's sheath just in case.
She nodded, "yes, I'm fine. I'm just waiting to be ambushed"
"Ambushed?!?!" Adonis' shout surely alerted anyone within hearing range, and both Bly and Xander shushed him.
Speaking softly, Xander asked, "ambushed? Aren't we safe in the shield?"
Bly nodded, and glanced over her shoulder "oh yes. We're perfectly safe. It's not an enemy who will ambush us, but the scouts"
"Scouts?"
She nodded, "yes. They guard these woods. I once made a dare, though a very stupid dare, that I could get into Voronwë without them knowing. I haven't yet. To make it worse, Thalion, my brother, is head of the Scouts...it's his personal endeavor to catch me each and every time I come home"
Xander had to keep from gawking. Bly? Making a dare? It seemed rather out of character for her.
At that precise moment, three arrows whizz we through the air, and landed at Bly's feet.
"And you won't, though, I know you'll keep trying" an Elf with close cropped dark hair and dressed in a mottled assortment of greens and browns seemed to materialize on Xander's right, nearly causing him to fall down in surprise.
"Thalion! You missed my feet by two inches!" Bly's words were a reprimand, but she laughed, and practically bowled her brother over in a hug.
Adonis and Xander were left to stand awkwardly as the siblings hugged and exchanged excited jabber in Elvish.
"What did you do with Tenzin, sister?"
Thalion switched to the common language, and looked around at their small group.
Bly's eyes lowered, "that is a tale I only desire to speak of once, so can it wait until I speak to the council, Brother?"
Thalion nodded, "of course, of course. Though, I have another question...."
The elf strode to stand in front of Xander, and he realized just how tall the elf was. He towered above him by a good couple of inches.
"This man, human, I see...his aurora colors...Bly, tell me you see this"
Xander looked between the two, and Bly moved to stand beside her brother. "Yes...interesting. Very interesting..." Her eyes traveled back to the sword he carried, and she suddenly smiled. "Oh, it's nothing, I'm sure. If something was wrong I'm sure I would have sensed it before now" but he saw something behind her smile, and his suspicions didn't die away.
Bly's brother turned toward Adonis, "Dragon, I see, though....you have a human mother"
Adonis' scowled and crossed his arms, "how would you know I have a human mother? Maybe my father is the human"
Thalion shook his head, smiling, "You haven't spent much time at Drago Montagna either, Or you would understand why a female dragon mating with a human male is unlikely"
Adonis' scowl grew, "Awfully interesting. You speak as if you know more about my race than I do"
Thalion shrugged, "I spent 200 years with them, learning their customs, often the hard way. Dragons are nothing like elves, but are a intriguing race all the same. Their bravery and loyalty is rivaled only by our dwarfish friends" the tall elf frowned slightly, "but I lost what I was trying to say. Allow me to return to it. She Dragons are just as strong and powerful as their male counterparts. In comparison, humans are weak. It's natural for a woman to desire protection by her spouse. However, should a dragoness fall in love and be coupled with a man, she would be his protection. And she would easily out strength him. Does my point come across clear, Adonis Magnus Born?"
It all made sense to Xander, and he had to refrain from laughing at Adonis' expression.
"M-my name? How did you...?"
Bly stepped forward now. "Oh, that's simple. I told him your name"
Adonis nodded, "but I didn't tell anyone who my Father was"
Thalion laughed, "I spent 200 years among your kind. I might have become good friends with a particular dragon Ruler who you greatly resemble"
Adonis was speechless for what seemed was truly the first time, and Xander didn't know whether that was a good thing, or bad.
"Come" Thalion put one arm around Xander and Adonis' shoulder as if they had been friends all their lives, and gestured down the path they had been walking. "Ahead of you, oh honoured guests, is, in our opinion, the greatest and most beautiful city to dwell upon this land we call home"

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Thalion was not speaking in jest when he said Voronwë was a beautiful city. It was built around a waterfall that led to the calm Väneesë (Vahn-nee-say) bay. The city's main buildings were located near the waterfall, while homes and shops spread out a bit more. It made Aragathia look like a child's toy set in size.
As he stared in wonder at it all, Xander had no words for the shear size and beauty the city beheld. But while it was a huge city, nature seemed to spring up everywhere. As if the Elvish people built their legendary city amongst the trees and land, not tearing anything down to build their homes and buildings. In fact, a few old, ancient trees had been, what appeared to be carved (though, Bly instructed him that they had not been carved, but sung to. The tree was very much alive) for homes.
"It's beautiful" he had lost count over how many times he had said it, and he really didn't care. He could repeat it for years, and still not get his point across.
Bly giggled, "are you stunned by my hometown, Captain Bolivar?"
"Stunned, Bly, is an acceptable word. As well as "awed" and many others"
Adonis and Thalion had hurried off to gather the needed medicines, and The two, talking animatedly, came back while Bly was still giving Xander a tour of her home.
The elf and dragon's chatter stopped as they approached and Adonis crossed his arms. "I'm heading back" he had a messenger back slung over his shoulder, and the smell of herbs followed him.
Xander nodded, understanding and Bly hugged the half dragon. "Stay safe, and give our best to Nairi. I truly would like to come back immediately for her, but I have so much work to do here"
Adonis nodded, and pulled away from her hug, "yeah, sure" he nodded at Xander, "keep from getting too mushy, ok?"
Both of them didn't exactly how to respond to that, which seemed to be the response Adonis wanted.
He left them standing baffled and bashful.
While they stood there, Xander speechless and Bly a brilliant shade of pink, Thalion spoke.
"That Adonis, he reminds me of Magnus" the Tall Elf watched as Adonis disappeared into the tree cover.
"Though, perhaps a bit more hot tempered. But when one has been through what he has been through, a hot temper is very easily cultured"
Xander tore his eyes from the city to look at Bly's brother. Amazing how little resemblance they bore. Thalion was dark haired and tan, tall, and well built. While his sister Bly was colored like cream and honey. Her blue eyes, petite frame and silky golden hair gave her an almost pixie look.
Thalion coughed, regaining Xander's attention, and put a hand on Xander's shoulder, "You are a decent man, Xander. I'm glad my sister met you" Bly looked as if she might faint from embarrassment, but her brother quickly hugged her. "I'll be heading off with Adonis. I'd like to see for myself the matters of Incantevole, and its not safe to go through Tawarthion alone" he tugged a strand of hair over her shoulder and smiled, "remember, don't let this fellow slip out of your grasp, Bly. I'd like a brother in law like him"
Thalion seemed on the verge of laughter, while Bly had her head ducked, her hair being like a curtain to her blushing face.
"Before I leave, I've been instructed to tell you, Xander Bolivar, the council has set aside time tomorrow to speak with both you and my sister. Until then, though, I suggest you visit the stables on the east side. Two creatures of great interest came into the city, bearing luggage that seems to be yours and Bly's"
"Ah!" Xander had been worried about how long it would take their horses to get here, but he had trusted Ciar and Rudy exclusively. "That must be Ciar and Rudy, our horses. There should be a third horse, Adonis'. Did she make it as well?"
Thalion looked humored but remained silent.
"What?" Xander looked towards Bly as her face lit up. She grabbed his hand and started off at a run towards the stables Thalion had told them of.
"Hurry Xander! I had forgotten all about the effects of the purity shield!" She pulled him along after bidding Thalion farewell, and watching her brother follow after Adonis swiftly. In short time they reached an elaborate building that smelled of fresh straw and horses.
She swung the door open, and light flooded out.
Thirty pairs of equine heads peered out of their stalls at them. For the most part, Xander saw White horses. It must be a Elvish preference. They all seemed to be of extremely good stock. Finally curved necks, glossy hides, bright eyes, and no biting on the stall doors. Unlike Aragathia's horses, where all their Calvary animals had their forelocks cut, the manes and tails of the Elvish horses hung long but free from tangles.
They found the Revelin Mare in her own stall, between a huge black stallion and white mare. It looked small, and tired compared to the Elvish horses, but neighed happily when it saw Xander and Bly.
"Rest easy girl. You've earned it" he patted her nose, and looked back over the rows of horses they had passed.
"I don't see Ciar or Rudy. Where are they? Did we get the wrong directions? Did they move them?"
Bly only smiled wider. "If my hunch is correct, than Rudy wouldn't have fit in a normal stall"
"Fit? What do you mean?"
Bly only tugged on his arm, and pulled him through another door.
"We keep the pregnant mares, or newly born goals with their Mother's in here"
The room was lined with five larger stalls, easily fitting two or three full grown horses.
He recognized Rudy's happy neigh, along with Ciar's, but he didn't believe his eyes.
Rudy had two powerful wings tucked at his side, brown and tipped with black feathers that matched his dark mane and tail.
"R-Rudy! My boy!" He was speechless as the Pegasus nosed his jacket, looking for treats.
Bly called his name, and he glanced behind him, where she had slipped into Ciar's stall. A black, pointed horn rose from the Unicorn Mare's forehead, parting her forelock.
He stared in shock between the two horses, or, the Unicorn and Pegasus.
"H-how?" He realized he sounded like a simpleton, and Rudy neighed as if to laugh at him.
Bly smiled wider, and patted Ciar's neck. "Remember, I had told you the Purity shield heals any wound, bodily or emotionally. I had forgotten about Ciar and Rudy, until Thalion spoke of them. Than I remembered. It has returned their horn and wings to our valiant steeds. And, I dare say, they understand every word we speak. Who knows, once Dragons were thought to be just beasts, until they unlocked their human forms" Ciar tossed her head in what seemed a nod, and Xander stroked Rudy's nose. "So, my laddie. You have your wings back" he had no words other than that. He heard Bly unlatching Ciar's door, and the unicorn mare clip clopped behind Xander, where she nudged his shoulder. "And you, your horn..." It rose from her crown like a majestic crown, and all the stories of the magical properties of the Unicorn's horn came back to his mind.
"I suppose, they'll want to stay here, wouldn't they?"
Rudy took that moment to gently bite Xander's shoulder as Ciar pushed him with her nose. And Bly fell into peals of laughter. "I don't think they will hear a word of them staying in Voronwë. Missing all the fun and danger"
Xander rubbed his shoulder and stepped aside as Ciar lifted Rudy's door latch and entered his stall.
"Huh. You could've made your point through without injuring my shoulder, Rudy"
Both of the beasts tossed their heads and neighed.
Intelligence indeed.

Anakis (Part 4)

      "Another one for you, Anakis," called Kaymele from the door of the hut.   She stumbled in, holding the legs of the cook's assistant with Beleg not far behind.
      "I'll do my best.   I'll see if Prid can watch Nairi."   I walked over to the pallet where the assistant lay.   His eyes were closed, and he was moaning in pain.   I took one look at his shoulder and grimaced.
      "Don't tell me.   I can guess well enough."   Kaymele smiled as she walked out.
      I went to fetch all of the dressing for the poor soul's arm.   As I did, Natia walked to his bedside, as Nairi slept.
      "Hush," she told him, "hush.   Soon Anakis will come with the supplies to make you feel all well again, and you can get back to the cooking you so love."
      "Fair maiden," he whispered, as if it pained him to speak, "it is not cooking I love.   I am to be a soldier.   As you can see I am to be a very poor one, since a small cut to the arm pains me so."   He looked straight into her eyes as he said this, but as soon as he finished, he plopped down again in agony.
      "This is not a small cut!" said Natia, raising her voice a little.   "It is an injury, and you could pass for a gladiator the way that you are enduring it!"
      The assistant smiled weakly.   "Thank you, maiden.   I wish that the others may see it so."   Just then, Nairi awoke, Natia left, and I went to apply the dressing.
      "Talk to me through this, sir, so it may not hurt so badly," I instructed, remembering that my old teacher, Principes Sanatore, told us that talking took the mind of the pain.
      "The damsel is very fair, kind lady," he said to me.   "I have never noticed her before.   Pray tell, what is her name?"
      "Her name is Natia.   What is yours, sir?"
      "Percival."    He winced, telling me that the bandage was tight enough.
      "Percival.   I'll be sure to tell her."

Kaymele (part 9)

    It's been two weeks since Bly, Adonis, and Xander left.  The days have been long, hard, and strange.  Nairi is not allowed to walk around much after she fell out of bed defending herself.  I've been dreaming lately of the past, of Eleniel, of Rinion.  Especially Rinion,  I have many good memories of him, like all the nights we used to walk through the woods under the light of the moon and the ever constant stars, but also memories of terrible things like the day he died.
    The knock on my door causes me to jump and stop writing.  I put the parchment away and place the feather back in the ink well.  Taking a quick survey of the room making sure nothing is out of place, I answer the door.  It's Anakis with a fresh round of ointment to put on Nairi's arm.  She figured out a paste that calms the bumps and slows the goop.
    'I'm just here to apply the next round of Choh,' she says, 'I won't be but a moment.'
    'Ok, she seems to have calmed down since you started using that,' I say.
    She proceeds to apply the white paste onto the wound.  I watch as it dissolves into her skin and the bumps fade, they no sooner leave than reappear gushing with fresh goop.  The cheery spirit and smile on Anakis's face vanishes and her eyebrows knit into a furrow.
    'I just don't understand, it worked last time,' she says frustrated.
    'Do you think it could have formed an immunity to it so quickly?' I ask.
    'Possibly, but I highly doubt it.  She's so small, if the medicine doesn't get here soon it may be too late for her,' she says frowning.
    I sigh and brush the hair off Nairi's brow.  'So young, and yet so brave,' I think, 'what did she do to deserve this?'
    'Don't worry Nairi, the medicine is on it's way,' I say.
    'I'll let you get back to your work while I go see what to do about a new remedy,' she mutters walking towards the door, 'oh, by the way, Nithron wants you to meet him after lunch at the well.'
    I stand motionless as she quietly slips out the door.  It's really odd how Anakis is so quiet around others and is quiet open around myself, Bly, Prid, and Natia.  Then the last message she said replays in my mind "meet Nithron at the well".  I've avoided the well ever since I was pushed in and sealed off.  The very thought makes me shutter.
    I wish Nairi would wake up so I'ld have someone to talk to.  Ever since she fought those men who tried to take her away she's mostly been sleeping, only waking to eat, drink, or relieve herself.  I wish the medicine would hurry and get back here, but of course it'll take at least three more days before they even reach the Elves.  All I can do is pray, be hopeful, and keep her comfortable.
    Returning to my desk I get out my parchment and pulling the feather out of the ink well I prepare to write.  As I read over what I had written the memories return fresh in my mind and I start writing them down.
    'Rinion, when are you going to stop fooling around? I asked giggling, 'we're going to be late.'
    Swinging in the tree top faster than the squirrels, that live along the river, is Rinion, his hands and feet found all the invisible footholds, and grabbing limbs that so many others could never find even if they searched the trees for months.
    'In a minute love, I've almost got your hat,' He said and climbed higher.
    'Forget the hat, we've got to go.  I don't want to be late!' I shouted up to him.
    He descends the tree, but not before he snatched my hat off the top branch and triumphantly brought it down the tree.  He bowed and placed the hat gently atop my head.
    'I crown you Queen Kaymele Ireth Greystone the first, and Lady of the Moon,' he said, 'am I allowed to escort your highness to your palace?'
    I laughed as I took his arm and waved to the invisible audience walking to the horses along the forest road.  Though we were engaged for nearly fifty years, it seemed as if a few months had passed since he preposed.  The wedding itself wasn't for another forty years but we were still very happy in that time.  Walking in the forest and swimming in the river were the things we loved to do together.  
    But then we were very late for dinner with my family.  All day we had been at the port helping the fishermen and the villagers with their daily doings.  Being royal doesn't mean that we couldn't help those who are middle and lower class.  After we untied, and mounted our horses, we rode on.  I know Florentide and her new hatchling Camellia have been missing us since we left, and Eleniel.  Oh, how I missed her dearly while we were gone.
    'Hurry Rinion, we are late and I'm longing to see my family again,' I said galloping ahead.
    'Ok, I'm hurrying,' he said, though I saw him slow down several times and look behind us, as if someone or something were following us.
    Finally we reached the palace, the squires took our horses to the stables and we walked to the dining room.  All the family was there.  Uncle Arthion and Aunt Anira were the first to meet us and took us to our seats.  Uncle Rimedur and Aunt Vanya were seated across from us, and Aunt Santiel sat between them.  My mother, Fauna, and my father, Gremm sat just opposite of her.  Ada and Naneth sat at either end of the table.  Eleniel and Locien were seated beside us.
    A knock on the door forces me to stop writing again, but before I could answer Nithron rushes into the room.  His shirt is torn, food and blood paint his entire body, he has the finest black eye you could imagine, and a gaping cut above his eyebrow.
    'Kaymele I...' he starts.
    'What happened to you?' I interrupt sitting him down.
    'While I was passing by the kitchens I noticed a fight starting, an unstoppable fight.  The cook claims that there's nothing wrong with the meals but the helpers have all seen him put any number of foul and rotting things into the soups and stews.  The argument got heated and the cook being the best knife thrower in our army started throwing them left and right, and Beleg is nowhere to be found.  So I stepped in to try and stop the fight and got a fist in my eye and chest.  Then it all started back up again food and cutlery flying everywhere.  There's really nothing that can be done to calm them,' he says wincing as I sew the cut above his eyebrow closed.
    'Well as soon as you're cleaned up we are going back to the kitchen to sort this matter out,' I say taking his shirt.
    'Alright, but I'm bringing my sword,' he says.
    After he left, I filled Nairi's water cup and put another blanket at the foot of the bed.  I grabbed my shawl and hurried out the door.  The air is getting cooler and more fires are being lit all around camp, but the nearer we come to the kitchens the more we smell burning food, hear all twelve different curses of the dwarfs, the sound of dishes being broken, and the thump of knives sticking into the wooden walls.  We carefully poke our heads around the corner, and I couldn't believe my eyes.  The entire room, floor to ceiling, was covered with rotten vegetables, and knives.
    'There's nothin' wrong with my food!' says the cook.
    He swears as we enter the room.  Armed with four knives, and a pot on his head he looked quite comical if it weren't for the crazed look in his eyes.
    'W-we said we wouldn't tell, honest, but he just won't listen to anything any of us say,' says the assistant cook, 'we just wanted him to stop putting bad meat in at the very least.'
    'I understand,' I say ducking under the overturned table, 'it seems to me that the cook is being unreasonable.  I'll try reasoning with him,' I poke my head up over the table and calmly talk to the cook, 'Cook?  Now calm down, I know you're angry but it's not going to be any better for you if someone gets hurt.'
    The cook grunts and swaggers all around his half of the kitchen.  
    'You tryin' to trick me?' he walks forward, nearly falling into the floor, 'cause if you are, you'll be in trubibble.  Oh, away we go whayyy out yonder.' 
    I could smell the liquor on his breath, he must have been drinking with the Stable Master again.  Nithron places a firm hand on my shoulder and steps up beside me.  His hand resting on the hilt of his sword.
    'This is no trick. You simply have been questioned, and you certainly wouldn't throw another knife knowing there's a lady present.  That's just not the man you are,' he says as calmly as possible.
    'Tell them to take back what they said!' shouts the cook.
    'What on earth did you say to him?!' I ask the assistant cook.
    'I watched him throw a rotten piece of meat into the stew.  It must have been nearly four weeks old.  I asked him to remove it at once before we added any more ingredients.  Why, he flew into a rage, lunged at me and would have choked me to death, if your friend Nithron here hadn't pulled him off me.  That's when we first realized that the cook was drunk.  And the next moment he's grabbed himself a handful of knives and started throwing like a madman,' says the assistant cook.
    'Where's Beleg?' I ask.
    'He went past the well into the forest, but nobody has seen him since,' says Nithron.
    'I think I know where he is.  Don't worry I'll be back with him before you know it.  Just keep the cook busy and don't let him go anywhere,' I say hurrying to the door.
    As soon as I left the room there was the thud of a knife hitting the wall beside the door.  I try not to think of where it might have hit, I needed to focus on finding Beleg so he can put a stop to the cook.  Past the camps, the stables, and the ruins I finally reach the well.  I stop, mesmerized by the gaping hole.  I start thinking about Rinion again and what happened that evening.

    'Naneth that has to be the best brunkle pie I've tasted,' I said trying not to indulge myself anymore.
    'I'm glad you enjoyed it so much.  Fauna, could you please pass the edanomel,' said Naneth pouring until her goblet was full.
    Dinner was nearly over, the servants had cleared away nearly all the dishes.  Rinion hadn't let go of my hand since we had arrived.  I wanted so badly to go see Florentide, but I needed his permission before I could leave.
    'Rinion, I would like to go see Florentide and Camellia.  I know they've been missing me and I them,' I said laying my head on his shoulder.
    'Oh, Kaymele of course you can, just let me escort you out,' he said.
    I wondered why he had wanted to escort me.  He knew very well I wasn't going to run off, but I didn't want to seem uncompliant.
    We excused ourselves and went out to find Florentide and Camellia.  Almost as soon as I came out Florentide found me and called Camellia.  Her white body flew swiftly above our heads, the trees swayed under the rushing wind under her wings.  Camellia wasn't far behind as her white and red streaked body flew through the air and landed.  I rushed forward and hugged Florentide her smooth white scales shimmered in the fading light making her twice as radient.  Rinion went back into the house after saying a friendly hello.
    'My, my look at you.  And Camellia you're simply dazzling,' I said to them sitting on my swing.
    'You don't look worse for wear yourself.  You're quite lucky to have such a wonderful mate as Rinion you know,' said Florentide, 'but enough about that, there's a matter I wanted to inform you of before we speak much more.'
    'Yes, we both saw large men, about a hundred or so, tailing you here.  They looked like trouble and were carrying dangerous weapons,' said Camellia.
    'I wonder if they are the same men from the fisherman's village.  I thought Rinion had taken care of those ruffians, they must be after him for closing their port.  They weren't just trading fish and fishing supplies.  They were trading weapons and such to Cave Trolls, and Mountain Goblins,' I said to them.
    I had no sooner said this than crashing and banging started inside the house.  The clanging of swords, and the sounds of my family's powers coming together as one.  Ice, water, and boiling hot water were heard flying everywhere.  People started running outside as I started running inside.  The enemy followed.  The battle continued as I climbed atop Florentide, Rinion climbed aboard Camellia.  We swooped and dove fighting for our lives and our family's lives.  The guards were still coming through the door.
    Until the leader of the pack came and stood out on the terris.  His one eye was a patched, and his beard, which was quite short, was blood splattered.  He jumped down and rushed forward slashing at whatever his sword could hit.  But before anyone could stop him, his sword had gone straight through Aunt Santiel.  I was paralyzed, flying above the sight I saw my mother, far away from her, was also in a state of shock.  Santiel's body fell to the ground with what seemed to be a thunderous crash.  
    Rinion, who had awakened from his shock, half mad, flew Camellia down at the leader so fast and angrily that he didn't see the sword of which the leader had killed Santiel with was raised high.  
    Because Camilla hadn't grown her tough outer scales it sliced right through to her heart, and she fell from the sky and smashed into the trees.  Rinion was pinned under her when they crashed, his back was almost completely torn off.  Florentide and I landed beside them.  
    The last of the savages were either dead or running for their lives.  The leader was lying dead with my Father's sword sticking out of his back.  Florentide tried to move Camilla's body, but for just one dragon she was too heavy.  I held Rinion's head close, his body was now surrounded by a pool of blood.  Everyone was over with Santiel, but at the moment none of that mattered.  
    'Kaymele,' he coughs, 'do you remember what I told you when we were first engaged?'
    'Of course I do, you said there's nothing that could separate us.  And you promised that you would always love me no matter the trile or tribulation,'
    'Yes,' he winces, 'and I don't think I can keep that promise much longer.'
    'Don't talk like that.  Here now you're... you're going to be fine,' I said as my voice choked.
    His breathing became more shallow with every breath.  He lifted his hand and touched my face holding it for as long as he could.  
    'I love you Kaymele,' he said.
    'And I love you,  I will always love you,' I said.
    I bent down and kissed his lips ever so softly, and when I came up again he was dead.  Florentide was over all of us, her daughter died only moments before.  Her head was bowed deeply, but not for long.  She raised up her voice and roared, while I screamed out in anger.  At the leader, at the world, at everything.  
    Still standing at the well I forgot what I had ventured out there for.  Then Beleg comes walking out of the forest.  Suddenly remembering what I needed him for I raced over to him.
    'Beleg!' I shout, he stops and waits for me, 'the cook, he's drunk and furious.  Everyone's hungry and terrified of him.  We need you to stop him, he's throwing knifes everywhere!' 
    'Alright, quickly take me to him,' he says.
    We sprint back to the kitchen, just in time to see the cook throw his last knife into the assistant cook's shoulder.  He cried out in pain, and fell on his knees.  Beleg rushed forward at the cook and pinned him to the floor.  
    'Cook, I'm taking you to the prison cells until we can give you proper punishment,' he says.
    'No, you can't take me!' shouts the cook as he's dragged out.
    'Come, Nithron help me get the assistant to Anakis,' I say grabbing one arm, 'by the way what did you want me at the well for?'
    'Oh, never mind that now I'll talk to you later about it,' he says, 'lets just get this man to Anakis.'

Adonis (Part 3)

"Well, that was an adventure." I said as Bly led the way to the elfin city.
Xander laughed, "Yes an adventure. Did you even see anything curled up in your little ball?"
I glared at him but didn't say anything else. We walked in silence for some time. Xander and Bly would talk to each other but I decided to hang back.
I came on this trip to get Nairi medicine. I reminded myself. I wonder how she is doing. I scolded myself in the beginning for her getting hurt. Even though it was my fault, I decided to stop feeling sorry for myself. Why do I care so much? I ask myself this question frequently. I never have cared much for anyone or anything. I was beginning to get mad at the world for not telling me why I felt this way.
"Adonis, are you okay." Xander said, snapping me out of my thoughts.
"Yeah I'm fine. Why? "
"You had this look on your face like you might catch on fire."
"I might." I mumbled.
"What was that?" He said leaning closer.
"Oh nothing." I said smiling "How far are we, Bly?"
"Um, it is still a ways ahead, but we should reach there before nightfall...I hope."
“You hope?”
"Well, um we are a little ways off maybe as fast as a dragon flies we could reach there by nightfall."
I frowned "Did you have to use a dragon as the example of how far off we are?"
She looked at me "Well, sorry I figured since you are half dragon that would be the best way to describe it in a way you would understand!" She looked kind of mad. I hadn't known her all my life or anything but she wasn't one to get mad that easy. Xander must have noticed to because he suddenly had a worried expression on his face.
"Bly, are you okay?"
She put her hand to her head "Yeah, I'm fine. Just tired is all."
"Maybe, we should rest a while." Xander said still looking concerned.
"But we won’t make it before night if we rest now." She said persistently.
Xander pushed on "And we won’t make it before nightfall if you pass out halfway there."
She glared at him "I'm fine really."
"No you’re not." He said.
I had had enough. "Will you both just shut up already?! Will it settle both your nerves if I agree to turn into a dragon and carry you guys there."
They both looked at me with shocked looks on their faces. "That would give us time to rest." Bly said "But are you sure you will be able to tra-?"
I cut her off "I said I would do it okay so just sit and rest and we will go when you wake up or whatever." I didn't really want to change into a dragon. It was always annoying. But it was really the only way I saw to shut them up and keep them from wasting time that could spend getting to the elf city. This also meant more time Nairi sat in a bed dyeing.
I walked off away from them, leaned against a tree, and closed my eyes to clear my head. Before I knew it, I drifted off to sleep.
"Mommy, look what I made." I said running up to a woman in a long dress, who was sewing in a rocking chair.
"Let me see." The woman said setting down her sewing to pick up the little two year old me.
"See, Mommy." I held up a drawing to my mother’s face. I pointed to a tall figure on the piece of paper. "See, that’s, Daddy." I pointed to a slightly smaller figure on the paper. "And there you are, Mommy." And last I pointed to a small figure in between the other two. "And there's me." I smiled up at her.
"It is beautiful" She said kissing me on the forehead causing a strand of her black hair to fall in my face and make me sneeze. She laughed. You could tell she was a very happy person by how full her laugh was.
I hopped down out of her lap and ran to the other side of the room. "Mommy, look at how fast I can run."
She smiled "I see, now come here, Adonis, and wash your hands dinner is ready and your dad will be home soon."
"Yes Ma'am." I ran outside and pulled some water out of the well and brought it inside, sloshing it everywhere with every step. "Here, Mommy. I brought the water."
Though the bucket was half way full by the time I got it to her, but she still smiled and said "Good job." I washed my hands in the water and just as I finished the door swung open.
My, Moms, green eyes shot to the door as my dad stepped in. "DADDY!" I yelled and ran to the gold eyed man.
He hefted me up onto his shoulders. "Hey, Adonis, did you take care of your mom while I was gone?" I nodded my head. "Good," He walked over to my mom and started to hand me to her but I grabbed onto his red hair with my hand.
"No, I want daddy to hold me."
He laughed. "I guess a little longer won’t hurt." He put me back on his shoulder just as there was a bang on the door.
The expression on my mom’s face went from happy to terrified. "Mommy, what’s wrong?" I said running to her as my dad put me down.
"Nothing, Adonis." She said picking me up quickly. But I knew something was wrong. I could feel her heart beating fast. "Magnus, who is it." My mom whispered shakily. He looked threw a small hole in the door and his eyes went wide.
He walked over to us. "Cura, I need you to take, Adonis, and run. Now."
My mom nodded and headed for a door around back but before she opened it she peeked out and ran back. "I can't."
He looked back. "Why?"
"There are people there."
"No, how could he know?"
“Mommy what's going on" I asked scared.
"Don't worry, sweetie, it will all be okay." She hugged me tightly and kissed my head.
"What are we going to do?" She looked at my dad frightened.
"Hide Adonis in the closet. I’ll open the door and you run. Run as fast as you can."
"But-"
"No buts.” he cut her off and took me out of her arms and kissed her on the cheek." I love you, always remember that, no matter what happens. Now go." She nodded her eyes full of tears and ran out the back as my dad set me down in a closet "Now, Adonis, I need you to be as quiet as possible okay?" I nodded and he shut the door.
"Brother, what business do you have here?"
"You know my business ,brother." He sneered.
"What are you talking abo-"
"I know you had a son by a human woman. Where is he!" The man’s voice was full of rage.
"I don't understand. Who told you this?"
"Well, it was a hunch until my men caught this."
I heard the sound of my mom being dragged in
"No!" My father yelled, "Please don't hurt her"
I couldn't contain my fear I had to do something. I jumped out of the closet and ran to my mother who was tied up on the floor. "Mommy." I ran over to her crying.
"Adonis no!" My father shouted. Someone grabbed me and held me tight.
"So this is my half breed nephew." A man who looked like my father said with disgust. "I bet he has no dragon in him...I tell you what, I will spare the boy if he proves he can do something." The smiled evilly.
"He's only two! How can he show power at that age?!"
"Maybe motivation." The man said with a terrible smile. He nodded his head towards my mother, and a man drew a knife to her throat.
"No!" My father screamed.
"Her fate is in your hands boy. Can you save your mother?" The man whispered in my ear.
"I'm trying!" I screamed. And I was. I tried with all my might, but I didn't know what to do.
“Well too bad boy." He nodded his head again and the man holding my mother plunged a dagger into her heart.
"NOOO!" My father screamed and ran to her. "What have you done?!" He yelled rage filling him. But all I saw was my mother, dead on the floor, a pool of blood surrounding her. "Mommy." I mumbled, when the situation finally sank into my brain. I screamed and fire erupted in every direction. The man holding me gasped. "How!"
The fire raged for as long as my scream held. But when I finally stopped so did the fire.
My father looked at me stunned tears in his eyes. "There you have it brother. You gave your word you would spare him if he showed any power. So, how's that for power...you can do what you want with me. But a dragon always keeps his word."
I suddenly bolted upright in a cold sweat. I looked around and realized it was a dream, no not a dream...a memory. I suddenly felt a strong hate towards my uncle, the man I had been trying to please my whole life, had taken my mothers. Not only that, he lied to me. He told me she got away that she was alive somewhere.
Heat filled my body, and I was filled with such rage that I stood up in one swift movement and hit the tree I had been leaning against with all my might, picturing my uncle’s face in its place. This of course got the attention of my companions who came running over.
Xander ran up sword drawn ready to fend off whatever was attacking. "What's going on, what happened?
I allowed the anger to mostly leave me before I talked.
I shrugged, "I got mad and hit the tree."
Bly looked behind me at the tree with wide eyes. "How mad were you? You punched the tree in half."
I looked at the tree that lay splintered on the ground in front of me. "Huh, guess I did. So now that we are all up, let’s get this over with and get to the land of pointy-eared people."
Bly glared at me "We are called Elves. Please don't call us ‘pointy-eared people.’ It is very insulting."
I saw Xander out of the corner of my eye, holding in a laugh. "So, are you going to show us your grand display of turning into a dragon?"
I could tell by the look in his eyes he really wanted to see me do it. I sighed "Alright," I closed my eyes and concentrated. My body started to feel hot and I suddenly felt heavier. I felt my bone structure changing and my skin turning into scales. It isn't the most pleasant experience one can have.
My body finally stopped shifting and I opened my eyes and looked at my companions, they looked shocked. "What," I whispered into their minds seeing as they wouldn't understand the grunts and roars I would make if I tried talking normally "Never seen a dragon transform from human form to dragon form?"
Xander looked at me and said, "Well of course not, but also, I thought you were a red dragon."
Bly nodded in agreement.
I sighed “Oh, that...well you see I’m part human and I guess as a side effect of that I kind of change color with emotion." I hated telling people that, cause then they can pretty much read me like an open book.
"Oh, really?" Xander said mischievously.
"Interesting." Bly said, looking like she was deep in thought.
"Okay, enough wasting time, get on and tell me the way."
"Right." Bly said coming out of her thoughtful look and climbing onto my back.
"So," Xander said as he followed, Bly, onto my back "I'm guessing red is mad cause of the situations we have been in when you were a dragon. So," He flashed a smile "What is pink." He laughed
"Oh, shut up, Xander, if you must know it’s embarrassed. I don't like turning into a dragon at will, because you can see what I'm feeling so therefore I get embarrassed, especially since the color is pink, I mean why couldn't it be grey or something."
Xander laughed at my discomfort.
"Okay, that's it." I took off spiraling straight up into the sky causing, Xander, to nearly fall off “So, which way, Bly?"
"Straight." She pointed straight ahead of us. I flew straight for a minute or two till Bly said "Alright, now left." I turned left and flew on. A few more minutes flying till she said "Okay, now turn right and fly about one hundred meters, then land "
I did what she said and, as soon as they were off my back I transformed back into a human.
I looked at Bly just as the last bit of sunshine faded, "We're here."

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.