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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 5, 2022 16:29:10 GMT -5
The Princess had a book in her had, she was walking down the hall reading – half paying attention to where she was going – half sucked into the hand written words of the old leather back book. She had to find answers. She had her brows scrunched and her lips pressed together. When suddenly there was a rush of air. She lifted her eyes and spun as she black ashes surrounded her a moment from Vinelle. “Lady Vinelle!” She spoke in nearly a gasp. She’d heard rumors that the woman was missing. She’d also heard that the General was wounded, but her father was tight lipped about everything this morning. She couldn’t get a word out of him about the happenings of the night before.
“Wait!” She could see the tears running down the woman’s cheeks. Jaenyra rushed after the woman, her heels clicked loudly in the hall against the marble flooring. She lifted the front of her dress with one hand, the book tucked beneath her arm. When Vinelle stumbled the Princess slowed her pace, her brows rose as she watched the woman break into sobs. Jaenyra hugged her book to her chest now as she was told to stop, she pressed her lips together as the woman sobbed out that she should have died. “Lady Vinelle...” She breathed. She knelt and set the book down next to her on the cobblestone ground. “Breathe.” She spoke as she reached forward and took the woman’s hands into her own. Her eyes began to glow as she focused on the woman. A calming energy surrounded the princess now – the excited young woman didn’t seem to exist. She was focused and concerned. “Just breathe. You’re going to be alright.” A warmth would surround Vinelle, calming and smooth.
Jaenyra stayed like this, her eyes locked upon the woman’s Violet hues. “You can do this. It is hard, I know.” She whispered. “This is all not so easy.” She gave a gentle squeeze to the hands of the woman. The princess had no idea that she was using her magic in this moment, it was merely out of concern that her magic poured from her into this woman. Perhaps to blot out some of the darkness.
Jaenyra gave a gentle nod. “Come with me.” She spoke and helped her to her feet. She grasped the book. “I’ll show you where I go, when I need peace.” She finally released her gentle hold of the woman’s hand. The crystal blue hues of the princess played over Vinelle for a long moment before she turned. She was silent as she walked her into the castle. The guards did not question it, though their eyes followed after the two. Jaenyra climbed up a spiraling staircase and eventually came to a door. She reached to a bracelet that hung about her wrist and pulled a small key from a locket. She then unlocked the door and pushed it open. The room was the top of the tower. It was dome shaped with beautiful artwork upon the ceiling depicting the ages of old. Dragons were depicted within the painting with riders on their backs. Elves. Humans. It was a glorious scene.
The rest of the room held several bookcases that were neatly organized, a desk that had other books upon it. Some open, some closed, scrolls of notes as well. The princess drew in a deep breath. Her crystal hues turned to Vinelle. “Tell me, what happened?” She asked. “Father won’t speak of anything to me this morning. He seemed troubled...” She pressed her lips together. “Would you like tea?” She asked then as she moved and set the book down upon her desk.
The princess moved about and grasped a kettle. She had a rune engraved on the side of the metal that she simply pressed her fingertip against. The water instantly boiled, a smirk curved up the lips of the princess. She loved to use her magic. Everything felt better with magic to her. Jaenyra nodded to a set of glass doors. “Come.” She spoke as she stepped out onto a balcony with a gorgeous view of the kingdom, the city below. Two plush chairs sat with a table between them. “Sit, please.” She set the tea down but held her mug in her hands as she took a seat in her own chair. “You’ve been handed a lot to wrap your head around. Your magic is...quite powerful...” She spoke and offered a gentle smile. “I’ll help you control it. There are ways to make this feel better, Lady Vinelle.”
**
The General stood before Dr. Stone, her eyes were glued to the bloody scene, her breath quaked in her chest. “I...” She spoke, her ocean hues turned to him. The sparkle was back within her hues. “I am...I am okay.” She spoke slowly and then licked her lips to wet them. Her mouth was dry. Everything felt so different. Brighter even. “Vinelle...she...” She looked around the room as if to find the woman. Her eyes moved to the open door a moment before a sigh escaped her lips. “There were men that came to the castle beneath the name of Ravenclaw. They aimed to steal documents from the King. He is aware of it. I told the guard not to speak of it...” She stepped over and sat down in the chair. Her eyes once again stared to the blood soaked towels and the cot.
“Vinelle told me...she could hear them speaking of it. So I brought her with me. There were three of them and…..Dr. Stone I would have died...” She drew in a breath, keeping her composure. General Baylar closed her eyes for a long moment as she fought her surge of emotions. “She saved me. Her magic...it is frightening but it is incredible. She had full control of it Dr. Stone. I believe this. But then...”
Juliana’s breath quaked. She nodded slowly as if someone told her to go on. “I had enough strength to come here...I was bleeding...I remember the sound...Vinelle helped me through the pain somehow...otherwise I wouldn’t have made it even this far...” She sipped upon the tea. “I...she….she ripped the blade out, Dr. Stone….” She bit her lip slightly. “I cannot be sure...but I believe she had a taste of my blood...” Her voice shook then. She knew how dangerous Fae blood was and with that being within her veins mixed with another blood...she knew what it could do to those with magic. “I….I’m sorry….” She apologized as she fought to keep tears at bay. The pain. She remembered the pain as the woman twisted the blade from her wound in a frenzy.
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Post by Raven on Oct 5, 2022 23:42:53 GMT -5
Vinelle huffed in long breaths, so much it made her lip quiver slightly as she fought her body, which shook slightly, quiet tears streaming slightly as she focused to control her cries. She held her breath for a second before forcing herself to take deep breaths, one after another. She felt herself slowly calm down, her flood slowing now, only the slight sting of her eyes really lingered. She peered to the woman as she felt a warmth climb across her skin. It covered her whole and then slowly sunk into her muscles, and then her bones. She was completely calm by the time the Princess asked her to come with her.
Vinelle was unable to say a thing, she slowly stood and wiped her cheeks away, smears of thin black across her cheeks. She followed behind the Princess, lowering her gaze away from the guards as they walked. Her bare feet tapped on the tiles as they walked, and soon came to a long winding stairs. A single hand lifted her skirt as they climbed upward.
Soon they entered this secret room of hers, she wondered how many knew of it. How many other little rooms were hidden around? She moved over and sat down on the plus chair that sat near the rails of the balcony. Her puffy eyes looked out to the city, it was so far down from way up here. She wondered if this was the tallest peak of the castle, it surely felt that way. The wind whistled by and Vinelle turned her head to the Princess. She didn't even realized she brewed tea, her mind was lost and she was hardly paying attention.
"Thank you" she finally spoke, her voice was soft. She cupped the mug with two hands and let the steam of the tea brush over her face as she took in the scent. She took a sip and then leaned back. "I've always been a fan of tea" she whispered as she idly rolled a finger over the rim of the mug. She glanced to her and smiled "You can help me?" she questioned, eyes a little brighter with the idea. "I need it…" she hummed softly.
She cleared her throat and crossed her legs, turning to view the Princess now. She took the moment to admire the soft aura of her skin, and how her hair fell perfectly about her shoulders. She looked every bit a Princess, but she held a comforting smile, and her voice was just as soothing. It was a different person she looked at in this moment - than the bountifully energetic woman back in the library.
"I suppose I should start with the dinner…" she pressed her lips together. "With my powers - I can hear… everything. I can hear your heart beat from here, and just when I said that - you got excited, your heart is beating a little faster…" she cracked a slight chuckle, despite her will to not want to. "At dinner I heard a few men… they had a Raven crest on their cloak, sitting roughly 6 tables away" she was extremely precise in her memory. "They spoke of the routes of the guards, and that his men should be entering the council room 'any minute'" she pressed her lips together and let it sink in for her.
"So I told the General, and she guided me out of the room, though I suppose… It looked like I was unwell or something… but it was a cover, so that she would not be questioned…" she shrugged slightly. "We caught the men - and she engaged in melee. She was stabbed, and…." she bit her lip slightly. "She told me to attack, so I did… It came to me like catching a ball. One man…" she sucked in a breath. "Dead. When I used my magic, when I reacted - I felt that surge of power. And … it just… feels so good. I lost myself a little. The other man was bound" she did not mention how she tortured him… she didn't want to admit that some dark nature of her emerged, and she liked it.
"I was able to get the General to the apothecary, but Dr Stone was no where to be found… I heard his heart - I can… recognize rhythms, and teleported him" she failed to mention where he was either… but in that moment she knew she didn't really care either. "Whatever happened then… I just lost control, completely. Magic flowed like I had unleashed a dam. I… became this…" she leaned back. "Dragon of smoke, and that dragon - it wasn't me" she shook her head. "I traveled so high in the sky, and I moved so fast… I think I… either was dreaming, or I entered some other realm" she pressed her lips together again in thought.
"The world was molten, of volcano and rock. And there were giant chunks of earth in the sky…" she went on to tell her what happened. How she faced a man - she described the way he looked, the feeling she felt when around him. A dark coldness that made her want to crawl out of her own body, she was so uncomfortable. How she didn't bleed, or feel pain - like he couldn't hurt her, but yet he bested her and then some in combat. He was powerful… and then.. He threw her out.
"I… just woke, and.. " she shook her head. "It was terrified - I had lost control of myself, the power within me… it scared me" she whispered and took another sip. "That man I fought… he was terrifying… and I had no choice. Will I have to… face him again?" she sucked in a breath. "This life - its not mine. I thought at first it was a beautiful gift, a second chance to be this… Lady, to be some kind of Mage.. I'm not this person. I'm… just a baker, and I… I died" she shook her head and took another sip.
"And now look at me" she chuckled. "Im sitting on the tallest peak of the castle I stared to my entire life, with the Princess?" she chuckled slightly. "If I told a single person I knew this story… they'd never believe me." she smirked slightly…
"So… how can you help me? Dr Stone just said… I need more practice, to get comfortable with it…" she shook her head…
***
Dr Stone stood and listened to her, his eyes watched the General's peer to the cot. He waved a single hand and the cot appeared to be completely cleaned. In truth it was just an illusion, a handy magic that he was capable of.
He sat back down and crossed his legs, his eyes studying her. "It is… truthfully, incredible, but yes. Frightful…" he sucked in a breath. When she told him how Vinelle removed it. "She… pulled it from you?" he pulled his brows together. He knew Vinelle was incredibly smart, too smart to do that. It explained why there was no weapon… Dr Stone's brow pulled even tighter, he knew that the blade had been twisted out, not a clean removal - one that was intentful, or … rushed. Why would Vinelle be so ravage?
"Juliana…" he crossed his legs the other way and set his own tea mug down. He glanced to the door and stood up - he walked over to the door and closed it, he locked the latch and walked back to her. "The Island in which you come from is inhabited by Fae, no?" he sat back down and held his hands in his laps, studying her briefly. "There would be only one reason for Vinelle to act in such a way…." he leaned back.
"My cure that fixed her has… unintentionally cursed her. The way of her nature is… " he sighed. "In the serum - there is the essence of Fae… it has…" he lowered his gaze. "Fae blood…" he let out his breath. "I knew that the nature of Fae - was the only way to have something powerful enough to bring someone back from the edges of death… You must… forgive me for exercising such extreme measures" he cleared his throat and then continued.
"I believe she has immortality due to this Fae blood, but… she must consume more Fae blood in order to remain stable. Without the blood - she will become extremely weak, and eventually to a point where she will be completely paralyzed… and there is an instinctual want for this blood. When she receives a dose - she surges with power, she heals completely, she experiences… God like powers" he leaned back.
"She has yet to learn how to control that urge, and with the urge… I believe she experiences a sort of psychological break, her blood experiences all of this. When I expose… Fae blood to her blood cells - they vibrate and shake, and force themselves to search out that urge, until it actually… physically moves to the sample" he shook his head - though he was impressed with it. Blood that could react and move, with no assistance.
"So… you must be some kind of Fae, for her to have such a reaction… to exhibit such behaviors… She has been able to show restraint and control but…" he suddenly had an ah-ha moment. "Not long after I was teleported - there was a crazy storm that rolled in, completely unpredicted. Blue lighting shot across the sky….." he gasped. "It was must have been her after she…" he could barely bring himself to say it to her.
"Are you…aware that you are? Fae?" he questioned. "This… will stay between us, but it is important you know the truth. You will be in threat of her, until she learns how to control it…" he crossed his arms, studying her. He was ready for her to retaliate on her, that he created this - and it was his taboo magic that he shouldn't be practicing… and it was all very true. The more he learned of Vinelle - the more intrigued he felt, but the more guilty too.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 6, 2022 0:52:34 GMT -5
Jaenyra pulled out a book from a drawer that was in the table that sat between the chairs. She opened the book, blank pages stared back at her as she gave a gentle smile to Vinelle. “I’ve always been fond of tea as well. My mother introduced me to it. She used to make a tea for me each evening before bed.” Her hands rest in her lap now upon the open book. Her tea steamed upon the table next to her. “We all have to have an outlet. A guide.” She nodded, her expression was soft. Her tasseled chocolate locks fluttered in the gentle breeze of the crisp morning air. “I can help you.” She smiled back to the bright smile that came to Vinelle then.
As the woman began to detail the events the playful smile of the princess came forth again. She sat up slightly at the mentioning of her heart rate. “Really?” She asked, her expression awe struck. Her fingertips curled over the edge of the book as she solely focused upon Vinelle. Few captivated the princess in this way. As she detailed the events her smile fell slightly. “The plans for the ship.” She pressed her lips together and looked away slightly. “Father was so excited to speak on it. Magical sails.” She gazed over the city as it bustled beneath the castle.
But as Vinelle went on, her crystal hues found the woman again. She sipped from her mug of tea. Her eyes stayed upon the woman. “You saved her.” She spoke. “The General looked just fine this morning….I had no idea she was hurt…” Her brows furrowed slightly and she looked away once again. She looked to the fluffy clouds above as a sigh escaped her lips. Her father kept things from her, to protect her. But In the end she felt hindered. She only learned half truths most of the time. It was not a duty for a princess to worry herself with such matters. That was his favorite line to give her.
Vinelle spoke that she killed someone. Jaenyra had walked past the council room earlier in the morning…she didn’t see any blood. But then again she knew that when something was asked to keep hushed…it truly was hidden behind smoke and mirrors. “It can be difficult to control when you allow your magic to flow for the first time.” She spoke softly. “Like a geyser that has been waiting to erupt for years. A building pressure that won’t end.” She described how she felt about her magic. It was bottled up. But she knew how to control it now so the bursts of power….that wasn’t a worry for Jaenyra.
As the woman spoke of the dragon of smoke the princess parted her lips. “You….you were the dragon?” She stood swiftly and rushed away into the hidden room. The princess returned with the book she had been carrying when Vinelle teleported around her. “This.” She flipped through the pages. “This is it.” She held the book forward. A beautiful depiction of the dragon was drawn out. “That is said to be Vargus the Dragon of the Shadow Lord…” she drew her brows together. “It is an incredibly powerful being…and you…we’re a piece of it…you brought it here…”
Jaenyra sat back down. She sipped upon her tea in thought as Vinelle detailed more. “You were not dreaming Lady Vinelle…I believe…” she moved and knelt next to her as she looked to the book. “Might I?” She grasped it and turned several pages before she stopped on another drawing. “That man you saw?” She asked. It was a perfect drawing. “He is the Lord of Shadows. A God of death and despair. He rules the realm of spirits.” She spoke confidently. The princess had been up much of the night researching this. This was one of five books she’d found on the topic.
“I do not believe you were dreaming at all…” She sucked in a breath as Vinelle spoke. This wasn’t her life. Jaenyra bit her lip slightly and bowed her head, she was still knelt down, her crystal hues upon the woman. “This is your life. You have not died, Vinelle.” She spoke, her hand moved to rest over the woman’s shoulder. Her magic seeped into Vinelle once again, without uttering a word.
“Dr. Stone does not know magic outside of healing magic. Dark magic like what you possess…” She stood and sat in her chair. She grasped the bill with blank pages and a quill. The princess smiled as she drew something out. “Oh I need to…” She stood and grasped Vinelle’s hand. She gazed to the glowing tattoo. Her head tilted slightly as she focused. She released her hand and etched away more upon the page.
She sat back down as she drew the lines of a rune. It held the rune that Vinelle had on her hand….but with many other very calculated lines. Jaenyra nodded to herself after a long moment. “This. Will help you.” She spoke as she ripped the page from the book. “I’ll show you how. Just trust me and breathe.”
Jaenyra reached and gently grasped a hold of Vinelle’s hand. She leaned her head back against the seat. “Breathe. Nice and easy.” She began to speak in the old tongue. “Relax and close your eyes.” She spoke, her voice gentle. She continued to speak. It took several minutes before a warmth washed over the two. The sounds of the world around them vanished.
“Now open your eyes.” She spoke as she opened her own. They sat in a beautiful field surrounded by grassy knolls. “This is the fade. A realm in between life and death. This is a place to come and relax. A safe space to practice your magic without repercussions.” The princess grinned then and stood. She lifted her hand and a whirlwind of fire burst from the ground. It spun around and then as she waved her hand it disappeared. “I found the fade when I was a child. My mother brought me here….being a powerful mage…our energy…” she held a hand to her chest. “We have to learn to live with it. Otherwise it will consume you…that rune that I drew you will give you peace. It will allow you control. And we will come to this place for you to practice and release the lent up energy.” She nodded and then smiled. “Try it. It’ll make you feel better.” A gentle playful laugh came from the princess then.
**
Juliana was shaking as she spoke. When Dr. Stone caused the bloody mess to disappear she relaxed slightly. But not nearly enough. “Yes. She pulled it from me…very forcefully…I could hear my tendons ripping…the muscle shredding…” She bit her lip slightly. Then he began to question her about the island. Her eyes looked away. “Yes. Fae are on the Isles of Wry…” her voice was a whisper.
Though her ocean hues turned back to him as he uncovered the truth of the serum. Her brows tugged together. Fae blood. She closed her eyes as if his very words stabbed her painfully. “You…” Her breath quaked. “Where did you get Fae blood?” She asked. She knew that Fae would not willingly give up their blood. She knew the dangers of Fae blood and…well her blood made it that much worse.
He asked it then. If she knew she was Fae. Juliana looked away from him. She bit her lip slightly. It took several minutes of silence before she nodded her head. “Yes, Dr. Stone I am well aware of what I am.” Her voice quivered. “I have been assigned to protect her.” She swallowed, “by the king himself.” She finally looked back to him. “There isn’t a Fae that I know that would willingly give you blood Dr. Stone.” Her voice was pointed.
“My mother was a Fae.” She spoke softly. “She disappeared when I was a child. Shortly after we came here from the isles.” Her voice broke slightly, “I became a Knight to protect our people…to keep children from losing their family…” Her eyes shimmered with the glow of her magic from her heightened emotions. “What have you done?” She asked tearfully.
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Post by Raven on Oct 6, 2022 9:39:24 GMT -5
Vinelle took another swift sip as the Princess quickly stood - her expression was of surprise. A bit of pride swelled in her chest, Yes... she was the dragon, was that so impressive? She smirked and leaned forward as she pulled a book forward. "Vargus..." she hummed softly. "I figured he was... some kind of... God" she shook at the thought. As the Princess placed a hand upon her shoulder - the woman peered to the Princess and then smiled. She placed her own hand over hers, fingers rubbing over her knuckles briefly.
"You know... Jaenyra" she was hesitant to say her real name, but the moment called for it. "You... are using your magic without words or spells" she cracked a smile and she grasped her hand. She was bold in her moves - she cupped her hand with both of hers and peered to her hand, head tilting to the side as she peered to them. She could feel the energy coming from her even then, she smirked. "You have been soothing me this entire time with your magic" she let the woman's hands go and she picked her tea back up, a final sip and it was empty.
"Dark Magic doesn't mean… I'm bad.. Does it?" she questioned, her brows furrowing. The words themselves had such a negative connotation, but the Princess did not shy away from it. "I suppose only bad if I do bad things with it" she chuckled and pressed her lips together. "I don’t have the urge to hurt, but…" she leaned back and sighed. "I don’t know if it was just the extreme amount of magic I released… or when that man died I…" she couldn’t finish the phrase.
She watched as Jaenyra took her hand - staring to the glowing tattoo on her hand. It was a bright blue color - she was sated. Vinelle watched, her fingers rubbing over the smooth tea cup as the Princess etched lines. She watched her mind work and her gears turn as she decided the next line, perfecting it.
As commanded - she shut her eyes and let out several long breaths. The words that swept across the room melted her mind into peace, she felt a lulling in her chest as she was drawn in. When she commanded to open her eyes - Vinelle did so. She looked around - her eyes full of complete awe.
"The Fade?" she questioned. "I wonder… where I went. It didn't look like this" she stood slowly and reached downward to the grass. It was very real - she plucked a wild flower and twirled it between her fingers, the yellow petals spinning with joy. She dropped it and stepped towards the large opening. In the distance she was a beautiful waterfall, a rainbow cresting over its center from the misting waters crashing down into the waters. That river flowed to the right, curving around the plains they stood on.
"You can just… come here whenever?" She chuckled and looked out to the sky. A breeze shifted over her, tossling her red hair back in waves. Her velvet dress fluttering behind her, she was still bare foot as she stepped forward, but the ground was soft and plush under her toes. She walked outward towards the center of this open space and she held her hands out - a light giggle came from her lips. A place where she didn’t have to fear that power within her.
She began to spin slowly - like a dance. She began to kick her leg up slightly with the spin, making it faster - it was evident at one point she danced, though it had been such a long time. As she spun - a dust of darkness began to form around her and spin with her. The more she twirled - the more magic was released, until the magic twirled above her, hundreds of feet into the sky. Then she thrust her arms forward and a light tornado of darkness shot forward. From the darkness of the swirling mass - faces melted from the edges, as if trying to escape it. It spun for a moment many feet before her until it seemingly burst into glimmering ash. It rained the gentle ash for a long moment, it wasn't terrifying - it was more… beautiful.
She felt the tingling in her fingertips and she smirked - it felt as good as the Princess said it would. She did whatever felt was next. Tendrils of darkness lifted her up and she float into the air, both arms outward as she embraced the Fade. She then moved to lay down, the Tendrils lifting her with ease as she stared upward to the sky, she sat like this for a long moment and let out a deep sigh. Slowly the Tendrils lowered her downward, until they succumbed to the earth once more and she was gently placed upon the grass. She held her hand upward above her face as she laid and she stared to the glowing tattoo upon her hand. It pulsed with life, a slightly less dark shade of blue…A fluttering piece of ash landed upon her palm and she collapsed her fingers over it, the darkness disappearing…
A single tendril lifted her swiftly and she stood, she smirked and walked back to the Princess with a slight swagger. "That is nice" she smirked and pressed her lips together. "Your turn" she turned and looked to the plains. "No runes, no spells… just whatever comes to you?" she challenged the Princess.
***
Dr Stone expected no less from Juliana, she was always an honorable woman… He pressed his lips together and leaned back. "Contain yourself, Juliana" he spoke softly. "Just because she is Fae, does not make her a good being" he lifted a brow.
"The one that we… have. Is the same that leveled Calastane, the great city of Mages, as you remember those 5 years ago. When we went to help recover.. I spent many hours sifting through the rubble. Many dead.. Many wounded, I healed and healed until my fingers gave out" he let out a soft breath.
"In that rubble was the very Fae that brought the havoc…" he leaned his head back. "So, of course we had to question her, she became our captive. Though, she willingly told me everything. I tended to her wounds, and I learned of her story…" he crossed his arms. "She is bound to Lord Byron, he captured her and she is magically forced to do his bidding - a curse he had his house mage cast upon her… she must perform his commands… So, she begged for us to help her. I.. Could not break the curse. So, she rests here with a Silencing Collar, unable to use her magic - but also void of his call. She lives peacefully below, and in return… she has allowed me to study her…" he leaned back.
"Her name is Calliope… though, she is not aware that her blood has been used for such a serum… I am sure she would argue with me just as you have.. And I know just as well, the risks made." he sighed and stood up, lifting his tea mug up and setting it down on the table. It was full - he had barely had a sip. "I know that these circumstances are not of your wish, but we are protecting her, and she is helping me understand. I've learned so much about Magic, the science of how it works… and I've pushed the boundary of what we know. You cannot do such a thing without risks…but… as much as I have saved Vinelle's life - I have cursed her equally so. That is the nature of magic, isn't it? The just desert" he let an awkward chuckle released.
"We will continue this partner ship with Calliope, because now I've cursed Vinelle, and to keep her from suffering - I must continue to help her. You understand?" he questioned and sigh. "It is a predicament that I have gotten us into - and if you need to be angry at anyone, it is me… but we must continue, for the sake of that poor woman who suffers now. You cannot imagine" he sighed.
"While we are here… we might as well see how Vinelle can help us… that is the situation, no matter how we got here. She is a sweet, humble soul - now dealing with the horrors of this darkness within her. A corruption I spread to her, I am no longer dedicating myself to the advancement to science, but redemption to what I've done to her in my perversions of self interest." he stood. "I hope you can forgive me, and if you cannot forgive me - forgive Vinelle. You must."
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 6, 2022 12:09:16 GMT -5
Jaenyra grinned as Vinelle repeated the name of the dragon. “There are Gods and Goddesses. Many of them tie together the realms much like the web that a spider spins.” She spoke with a smile upon her lips. This was the stuff that Jaenyra loved. She loved the histories of their world, the stories of old…she wanted to understand everything that had ever happened. “Vargus was a great dragon some 3 centuries ago. One of the largest dragons to ever fly within the skies of Aeritgar.” She smiled brightly, excitement in her tone. “The king of Malreos was his rider, back long ago when mages were graced with a dragon.” She chuckled lightly. “Can you imagine? To have a dragon that is bonded to you?” She paused a moment, as if day dreaming of the idea.
“Hm, yes a God. The Lord of Shadows…I don’t…” She pressed her lips together and then shook her head slightly. “There is not much information on him aside from a few images like these.” She pointed to the book. “His powers are greater than some of the other gods and goddesses.” She brushed a bit of her hair from her eyes and then gazed to Vinelle. “It is incredible that you saw him. To be graced with a meeting with a God.” She was in pure awe it seemed. The Princess gazed off slightly as she daydreamed once again.
You know…Jaenyra.
Her crystal hues turned to Vinelle. No one spoke her name. With the exception of her brother and her father. Most merely called her Princess. Though there wasn’t much time for her to respond as Vinelle spoke of her use of her magic. She blinked a few times. She then felt her hand grasped gently. “I have?” She questioned, her eyes lifted to Vinelle from their hands. A playful laugh came over her lips, “I can feel it. You can too?” She had such a bright personality.
Her smile didn’t fade as Vinelle questioned her. She shook her head slightly. “For there to be light there must be darkness.” She spoke, a bit of a smirk upon her lips. “No magic can exist without a counter. There must be balance in this world. Darkness in itself is spoken to be pure evil. But magic is not evil in itself. Just as a blade is not evil…it is all in the hands of…well…” She gave a chuckle. “You.” The Princess searched her eyes a long moment. “I imagine, Lady Vinelle…that you were so focused on saving General Baylar that it was a relief that the man was dead.” She gave a nod. “You are not evil. I can see that. Feel it really.” She searched over the woman a long moment before she’d moved to draw the rune.
Once they entered the Fade the Princess gazed to Vinelle with a gentle glow in her eyes. “Hm…if you were with the Lord of Shadows…I imagine you must have been in the Spirit realm. He presides over death itself mostly.” She commented softly as she looked about the gorgeous plains. A giggle came from the princess. “Yes, of course. The Fade is a safe space….my mother used to bring me here all the time before she died…” She plucked a wildflower and twirled it about within her fingertips. “Let your magic speak to you and you to it.” She spoke as she watched Vinelle give into the feelings – relax.
Her crystal hues studied the woman as she twirled about gracefully. It was much different from the ballroom dancing that she knew, but it was beautiful. It was mesmerizing to watch. The princess couldn’t pull her eyes away from the woman as the darkness began to swirl about and it slowly turned into a twisting wall of ash. Her lips parted as she gazed to the faces within the storm. Vinelle’s magic intrigued the princess more than anything she’d ever seen. She reached up and caught a piece of ash in her hand and smirked slightly. “That was beautiful.” She remarked as she rubbed the ash between her fingertips. It crumbled away gently.
As the tendrils began to move about and lift Vinelle up into the air the princess chuckled slightly. This world – within the Fade. It was the safest place to practice. But few could access the Fade. It was a difficult spell to cast…but one that the Princess had mastered at a young age. It was incredible to watch Vinelle move about with ease, not once did she look fearful. She watched the woman walk back toward her, her head tilted slightly, she had her arms crossed over her chest. Her corset hugged against her body. The princess was dressed in the finest attire – a beautiful bright blue dress with black roses stitched into it. It brought out the color of her eyes even more. “It is…isn’t it?” She asked as she chuckled lightly.
Jaenyra drew in a breath, “Me?” She asked and then laughed once more. “Okay.” She stepped forward. The princess closed her eyes as she focused. She held her hands before her as if she held something within them. Slowly a spark came to life between her hands. The spark turned to a flickering flame that swirled and it grew into a sphere that spun about between her palms. It grew to be the size of a basketball. The princess opened her eyes and grinned. She glanced to Vinelle a moment before she launched the ball up into the air.
Her hues glowed like the fire that she created. She moved her hands up slightly and pulled back. The ball burst and showered sparks over the field that they stood within. She spun her hand and turned it into a fist. The sparks as they fell whipped around. A giggle came from the princess. She looked relaxed – comfortable. This place was where she could truly be herself. She closed her eyes and focused again as she held her hands palms up. Her breathing slowed, her heart beat rapidly within her chest. Her fingertips began to glow like that of the embers of a fire. The light became brighter and cracks appeared up her skin. Though the princess remained with her eyes closed as she drew in her magic. The power swelled within the woman. As her eyes opened a wave of power burst forward. Flames swirled like that of a firestorm. It crawled in a spiral toward the skies and clawed forward along the ground rapidly.
Jaenyra held her glowing hand forward, flames licked up her arms. Then she dropped her hand and the tornado disappeared. She chuckled as she looked to the flames that licked about. “I completely understand the pull you have to your magic.” She spoke as she stepped to Vinelle, she had a smirk upon her lips. “Back to the castle.” She grasped her hand and the world around them faded quickly into darkness.
Jaenyra sucked in a breath, her lungs filled with the crisp air of the morning. She gazed over the city as she stood from her chair a smile upon her lips. She grasped the balcony. “I nearly burned a wing of the castle down when I was a child.” She spoke softly. “The Fade is my only release…if I did not have that I would become a ticking time bomb.” She admitted. The princess turned and leaned her hips against the stone balcony. “Do you feel better, Lady Vinelle?” She asked as her crystal hues gazed over the woman.
**
Juliana scoffed slightly and shook her head. “Contain myself?” She quipped back to him. She stood – the anger was clear to see in her expression. “The Fae have been hunted for years.” She breathed. “Do not speak as if you’ve done a service to this world by trapping her.” Her voice shook. She knew of the stories of Fae that had lost their wings to humans – their wings held an essence of their power. Magic was gained from using them in a tea. Though as he spoke of Calastane, her lips parted slightly, her expression softened.
The General sat back down, she swallowed. She listened to him now. It was a horrible time when Calastane was destroyed. A single Fae caused it. She was there. She pulled bodies from the rubble. Hundreds of innocent lives were lost. Her hand balled into a fist upon the arm of the chair she sat in. The General didn’t look to Dr. Stone. Her eyes looked away from him to the floor. Her breathing was quick as she focused on calming herself.
“Lord Byron of Skull Cove.” She spoke and shook her head. “He is a dishonorable man. I do not doubt that he would perform such magic against a Fae.” She was bitter. All of her memories of her childhood came rushing back to her. She swallowed hard and shut her eyes. She listened to Dr. Stone as he spoke of studying the Fae. He spoke her name. Calliope. Though as he spoke of risks and scientific advancement she shook her head. “Risks.” She breathed as she stood and stared up to him. “Do you know what happens with risks, Dr. Stone?” She questioned softly. She locked her eyes on him. “These risks. These games that you play…” She clicked her tongue. “Vinelle will find herself in a place where she has no choice but to do something that she wishes not to. That will all fall upon your shoulders. When she loses control…that is your doing, Dr. Stone.” She spoke, her voice cold. Her muscles were rigid, her jaw clenched slightly.
“I cannot imagine?” She questioned and then shook her head. “You don’t know me, Dr. Stone.” She spoke as she turned away from him. “Thank you, for healing my wounds.” She spoke as she drew in a breath. “Don’t…put anymore Fae blood in that serum. Please.” She seemed to beg. Her ocean eyes stared to him once again, she crossed her arms over her chest. “It took me a long time to come to terms with what I am, Dr. Stone. It took me time to understand.” She searched his eyes. “Vinelle will have the same battle. She is no longer the sweet baker that she once was.” She pressed her lips together. “I do fear that since she’s tasted my blood…she will crave it more than merely Fae blood.” She sighed and shook her head. Her jaw tensed once again. “You’ve been very honest with me, Dr. Stone. Thank you.” She gave a weak smile to him. “I’ve trusted you all of these years…I…” She was struggling with this.
Juliana pinched the bridge of her nose slightly as she thought deeply for a long moment. She seemed to be thinking deeply. She finally grasped the handle of the door and pulled it closed. She stepped to Dr. Stone and looked to him. “My mother was a Fae…my father is the Unseelie King.” She paused a moment to allow the information to sink into the doctor’s mind. “My blood is more dangerous than the blood of any Fae.” She whispered the words. “I was born of darkness.” Her voice quivered, “An experiment to see what would become of a Fae and Unseelie.” She nodded slightly. “I have magic. But my magic isn’t like that of the runes that humans practice.” She gave a soft laugh. “I practice with runes because that is what allows me to fit in.”
The General turned away from him then. “If you have questions, Dr. Stone. I will answer them. I trust you, more than I trust most within the castle…I know that you do not intend to be malicious. But you must understand the dangers of what you are doing.” She turned to him once again as she crossed her arms over her leather vest. “You’ve created a being that is fueled by Fae magic. The most uncontrollable magic in this world within the fingertips of a human.” She gave a weak laugh. “Do you not remember Ungarde?” She questioned softly. “A human chose to drink the tea of a Fae’s leaves with drops of Fae blood within the tea.” She paused a moment. “He drank and he drank…until the Fae died…when he came down from the incredible high that he experienced he leveled the entire city.” She pressed her lips into a flat line. “There is no good that can come of this…” She whispered softly, worry in her tone.
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Post by Raven on Oct 6, 2022 21:08:02 GMT -5
“Its…interesting” Vinelle peered to the Princess, who seemed intrigued by the concept, she rattled off about the dragon, and whom he once belonged to. “It was different though, I am… not bonded to the dragon. I was the dragon. I couldn’t control where we were going but we were one unit…” she pulled her brows together as she thought of it. How could that be? Was it possible that someone could morph into a dragon?
The Princess went on to say the words she knew, but the way she delivered them was kind, almost as if she had the same questions herself. Magic was a balance, and there must be dark and light, but darkness does not mean evil… she took these words to heart. The way she didn’t judge for killing that man – it was refreshing. Almost as if it was an expectation, almost as if she Princess was prepared herself – to take a life – if she had to. Who had taught her this, or was this just a reasoning she had come to?
Perhaps it was sheer confidence in ones self that drove them from fearing death. Why fear death if you know it cannot touch you? Why fear delivering death when you know there are no repercussions? Not even death itself, the Lord of Darkness – could actually…hurt her. She had all of these thoughts while the Princess spoke, and they happened in split seconds between her breaths.
Though soon they entered the Fade and she found tranquility within this space. The shell that held her inward was the fear of hurting others. Here – there was freedom, and the space called to be filled with her magic. “That felt… amazing” she smirked as she came back to the woman. She watched as Jaenyra walked out towards the middle of the open field. The fire that flickered in her palms, the way she could manipulate it – it was amazing. The woman performed the most spectacle fire show she had ever seen. The fire danced over the marbles of her eyes, the reflection of the woman over her iris. She was beautiful. The magic was beautiful. This place… was beautiful. She could see why it was such a gift.
The sparkling of flame lingered, sparks in the sky until they dissipated. She could hear the beating of her heart speeding up with the excitement of the magic, she felt herself filled with an equal thrill. The explosion of magic and the fire storm that surged forward – she watched in admiration. The King spoke of her power – and she wasn’t sure when she first met the Princess… but she could see it now. Jaenyra was very powerful, she could feel it in waves over her flesh, with each passing second that she exerted her power…
“That is how I felt… pent up, like this inner.. magical beast needed to release” she chuckled slightly. “I suppose… if I feel tense… we can do this again?” she questioned. “Shall it be our secret?” she smirked cheekily and then she nodded, they would return to the castle.
The fresh breeze of the morning wafted over her and Vinelle gave a slight gasp as she came to. She gazed to the woman and then she nodded. “Yes, I do feel better, I feel... more myself” she finished her sip of tea and looked out to the city below.
“Normally by this hour… Lady Cristane would have stopped by for her mid morning tart. Then I would deliver a bundle to the tea shop on 4th and 13th… when I would return – lunch would hit. A line out the door for soup and bread” she smirked. She gave a gentle sigh “I wonder how my mother fares…” she glanced down to her fancy dress, admiring the sheen in the velvet color. “This dress alone could fuel my family for an entire year” she scoffed ever so slightly. “It was simple life though, dreadfully, but… nice” she glanced to the Princess. “Sorry” she chuckled “I don’t mean to… patronize”
***
Dr Stone crossed his arms, he allowed the woman her time to relent. She was snide, but she had her points – all relevant and true. He had never seen the General so worked up before, he always pegged her for a logical one.. but perhaps her actions had always been out of loyalty. He wondered how often her opinion swayed against her own actions…
“Juliana…” he finally gave a sigh of defeat. “I promise… to never deliver another Fae blood driven serum again…” he finally held his hand forward, it glowed slightly. A sigil appeared upon his palm – it was a Bond of Promise. If he broke his promise – he would die. It was often a technique mages would use on other people to force them into their will, but he used it in the opposite fashion. All Juliana had to do was shake his hand to seal it.
“You are right, it is not the answer…” he leaned back and pressed his lips together. “I broke moral code, believing that the virtue of science was above historical experiences… but you are right. Some things do not change, the nature of Fae blood is that of the Gods, and should not be tampered with by mortals. It is clear that there is a strict balance, and Vinelle pays that ultimate price…for that, I may never be able to live with myself again. So… I do not need your lecturing to make me understand the forsaken deeds I have performed.” He stood then and brought a hand to his forehead as he paced towards the desk.
When she began to tell of her origins – he raised a brow. What a combination – the ultimate of darkness, combined with the light? “Juliana – you…” he bit his lip slightly. “Never feel like you must fit in, please. I can perform magic without runes, the Magister can, the Queen of late could, the Princess – she can too. Embrace your gifts – you… you wouldn’t have gotten hurt yesterday if you had…” he crossed his arms. “If you are worried of people learning of your nature… as I said – I am not Fae, and yet…” he lifted his brow to her. “You are the most powerful General in this entire world, your standing is above all others. You should use your talents, and make the best of your position. If you are to protect the King, to protect the Princess – why ever should you limit your capabilities. I encourage you.. embrace who you are. You of all people have every right to exercise it” he turned then and set his hands on his desk, glancing down to his scrolls of scattered notes.
He wanted to blame her then - if Juliana had embraced herself and used her powers - the King would have never demanded for such advancements. The King wanted something that could stop the dying, sure, but he wanted someone strong by his side again. Juliana could have been the strength he needed... but, he had to wipe this thought from his mind. The King did not specifically say - use Fae magic, no.. Dr Stone argued it was the only answer. He used his own curiosity and greed to fill the need of the King... Juliana was not to blame, but part of him wondered... how things could have been differently if they had known, and embraced the General for who she was. A part of him pitied that she had to suppress herself...
“I understand, and I know the stories. I believed… I was strong enough, smart enough to overcome history. I am no match for the Gods, I see that now. What’s done is… is done. So please… spare me your chastising. The guilt of my actions will bury me, some day, I know this… for now, I have a sworn duty to heal those who need it, and to Vinelle…” he let out a sigh. “Please, I have… much to do. I do not expect you to forgive me, now, nor ever, but I do expect us to work together in peace. The King will demand it... “ he walked over towards the door and unlocked the clasp and held it open for her, waiting for her to leave.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 6, 2022 22:34:29 GMT -5
The princess merely smiled back to Vinelle. “The Fae can embody another being...” She spoke and scrunched her brow slightly. “Their magic is different from ours. More mystical in a way.” She pondered a moment. “But I imagine your magic is different from even mine. Isn’t it?”
Soon enough they were within the fade and their magic was placed upon display. She could see the excitement upon Vinelle’s expression as she displayed her magic. It felt good. More than good it felt as though it brought life to her when she performed her magic. “You have to become one with your magic. To live and breathe with it. For you to be given such power...all at once...I can only imagine that you felt like a tea kettle that was about to boil over...” She chuckled lightly as Vinelle asked if they could come again. “It will need to be our secret.” Jaenyra spoke and then raised a brow slightly. “I’ll give you a key.” She spoke as she took the woman back to the castle.
She stood upon the balcony now, her eyes upon Vinelle. She smiled as she spoke of her daily life. Her eyes searched the woman. “Do you wish to go check on your mother?” She asked, a grin curved up her lips. “Come on. You should see her. She’s your family.” She grasped her hand and towed her from the chair. She stepped into the room. “Oh!” the princess exclaimed as she turned and stepped to one of the bookcases. She grasped a book, it clattered slightly. She opened it to reveal that it was not a book at all but a small hidden box. She plucked a key from within and held it to Vinelle. “If you ever feel overwhelmed and you cannot find me. I am usually here in the tower.” She spoke and gently smiled. “Come. You should feel well enough to go into the city.” She stepped from the room.
The Princess had a light about her that others did not. She was caring and kind, her actions were pure. Though she held a darkness in the magic that she wielded. That was the very reason that the king required her to sit with the Magister and learn runes. Her magic if it was not controlled could become a magic that destroyed her. Jaenyra moved through the castle swiftly, “Where are your shoes?” She questioned as she looked to Vinelle. “Come here.” She pushed a door open. It was to her private chambers. The room was luxurious. She had a canopy that hung over her large king sized bed, a couch before a fireplace, a sitting area for tea, there was an attached room with a bath that was set into the floor. Everything about the room was beautiful.
Jaenyra pulled open a door and walked into a huge walk in closet that could easily be another bedroom. It was filled with glorious dresses and shoes. Everything from riding gear, to ball gowns...the princess pressed her lips together. She glanced back to Vinelle to her dress and to her eyes and hair. “Hm.” She hummed as she bend and grasped a pair of beautiful black heels that held a violet bow that nearly matched Vinelle’s hues. “These should do nicely.” She spoke with a smile as she came from the closet. “You can have them.” A chuckle came from the princess. “I don’t wear violet often, but it suits you well.” She stepped back a moment and a knock came from the door.
“Jae? Are you in there?” Her brother’s voice filtered into the room.
The princess’ hues widened slightly. She grasped Vinelle by her shoulders and moved her swiftly into the large closet. “It’ll just be a moment.” She whispered before she tugged the door closed. “Yes brother what is it?” She asked.
Valon walked into the room and glanced about. “Good morning.” He spoke. He wore his council attire. He was partially armored with a paldron upon his shoulder that held the crest of the castle upon it. He wore a blue cape over his other shoulder. “Father has called a meeting of the council.” He spoke as he watched her carefully. “In regards to the happenings while we were at dinner last night.”
“Oh and what was that?” Jaenyra played dumb. She listened to her brother as he detailed out the events. He spoke of the intruders. Of the plans. “Lady Vinelle seems to be missing as well. I haven’t seen General Baylar this morning either.” He had his arms crossed over his chest.
“I saw the General earlier.” She smiled. “She assured me that everything was fine...oh and that Lady Vinelle was resting. I suppose she wasn’t feeling well last night. Perhaps her first use of her power was taxing?” The lie came over her tongue easily. She knew how to play the games as she needed to.
“Oh...is that possible?” Valon asked. He was completely without magic. “Do you feel tired after your sessions with the Magister?”
“Sometimes I am extremely exhausted, yes.” She spoke as she brushed had hair from her face slightly. “Speaking of which...I should really get to the library this morning, brother.”
Valon gave a slight nod. “Yes, of course. I’ll let you know what happens in the council meeting, Jae.” He hugged her gently before he slipped from the room.
The princess drew in a breath, she stared to the closed door for a few minutes. “You can come out now, Lady Vinelle.” She spoke and then looked to the woman. She walked out of her room once Vinelle was ready. She clasped her hands before her waist gently as she walked along. Soon enough they came to the courtyard of the castle and as the princess walked along she glanced to Vinelle. “You’ll have to lead the way to bakery. I’ve never been I’m afraid.” She smiled. As her vision was turned away her foot tapped against something. “Oh!” She looked down to see a dagger that glistened in the morning sunlight. “What is….” She leaned down and grasped it. A few specks of blood were still upon the blade. She looked over the inscriptions curiously as she came to a complete stop. “This blood has an interesting color to it...” She noted the deep colored blood. “Is...it blood?” She asked softly.
**
Juliana kept her arms crossed over her chest as she looked to Dr. Stone. As he spoke to her, her frown began to relax, the crease between her brows began to disappear. The more he spoke. The more she realized he didn’t mean harm. Then as he made the promise and bound himself with a rune her lips parted slightly. “Dr. Stone...” She spoke. She bit her lip slightly as she stared to his hand. “I cannot.” She had started to reach for his hand. “If….if you must save someone...from something horrible one day...what if the serum is the only answer….if you had the serum before the queen passed….you would have used it on her.” Her anger was beginning to settle. Her logical brain was starting to set in once again. This was the General that the doctor knew. The one that thought of many different paths to a common goal.
“There must be a way...to help her….” She spoke after he spoke more of what he’d done. The guilt that he held because of it. She gave a soft sigh. She wasn’t helping the situation by scolding him. “Perhaps...rather than studying a Fae...you needed to work with a Fae in order to understand the blood.” She searched his eyes a moment. She wanted to help Vinelle. She remembered the torn look upon the woman’s face just moments before she ripped the blade from her body. Almost as if Vinelle didn’t want to hurt the General, but she had to. There was no choice in the matter.
As Dr. Stone told her she should use her magic General Baylar sucked in a breath. “There is a fine line, doctor.” She spoke. “There are those like Lord Baylon that know exactly what to look for in Fae magic...there are differences. I do not wish to disappear like my mother...I still hold hope that I will find her one day.” She gave a weak smile. She then bit her lip and shook her head. “I would have gotten hurt either way, the gods willed it to be so. Besides...I was distracted. I was worried about Lady Vinelle...I looked away for one second...that was my mistake, Dr. Stone.”
She lowered her gaze from him, “I will...take your words into consideration though...perhaps you may be right.” Her voice was soft. She watched as he walked over to the door and opened it. General Baylar placed her hand upon his shoulder, “I will help you...and...I do forgive you, Dr. Stone.” She spoke before she stepped from the room without another word.
**
"Last night a group of thieves from the Ravenclaw house attacked our General. Our mage is no where to be found. They aimed to steal many documents from this very room." Servants moved about - placing important documents into crates. "We will no longer keep important material here, but in the vault in the dungeons under close supervision." He spoke as he looked about the table. "Where is Baylar?" He questioned. "I heard she had recovered..."
"We sent a knight to fetch her your grace." A man at the table spoke.
"Good. I will need her insight. The man in the dungeon. He has been unable to speak...he is afraid of nearly everything....he just....whimpers and screams." The king responded. "He looks as though he's seen a ghost..." He shook his head.
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Post by Raven on Oct 6, 2022 23:04:20 GMT -5
Vinelle sat upright as the Princess mentioned checking on her mother. She thought of it for a moment – striding into the bakery with the Princess in tow, how her mother would faint. The feeling made her very proud in that moment, and it even caused a smile to crack over her lips. She stood and stepped to the balcony rail and placed two hands upon it, glancing down to the city. They were so high she felt as though the tower itself swayed with the clouds.
“Oh?” Vinelle turned as the Princess rushed away to the bookcase, to reveal a fake book. “You are a sneaky one, Princess” she smirked and accepted the key. As she reached forward – she paused and grasped her hand. “Can I ask you something?” she questioned and peered into the woman’s eyes.
“In this tower…” she glanced above to the high peaked ceiling, the angle of it was sharp, making it feel extremely tall. “I am no Lady… and perhaps, you are no Princess.” She smirked and let her hand fall from hers. “Vinelle, and Jaenyra, two girls making our way through the world of magic” she presented the idea and then she chuckled slightly. “I feel like… the rest of the world disappears in here. We’re in a different realm of existence, and I stand here before you… and I feel like equals, I feel like” she pressed her lips together. “Dare I say… friends” he smirked and a slight flush crept across her cheeks. “I’ve never really had one of those, you know” she pulled her necklace off.
It was a thin golden chain with a carved amulet, it was nothing special – just something to go with the outfit. She pulled the amulet off and slid the chain through the loop of the key. She then put it back around her neck and placed a hand over it. “Safe” she smirked and then turned. “Let’s go then… my mom will lose her mind to meet you” she chuckled.
When they arrived to her private chamber – Vinelle’s mouth dropped in a soft gasp. “Wow” she managed to whisper as she marveled the beauty of the room. It smelled sweet and comforting, and was equally so. She followed along to the two doors that opened into the closet. “Whoa!” she stepped in swiftly and peered to the huge collection of dresses. “This is a dream come true” she chuckled. It was incredibly orderly, and overwhelming with beauty, glittering and sheen – the inner girl within her wanted to touch every dress.
“I’m glad we are the same size foot” she chuckled as she slipped the perfect set of heels on. “If the shoe fits, huh?” she took a few steps and turned swiftly as the Princess suddenly moved about. “Oh-“ she felt the hands of the Princess on her shoulders. A hot flush flashed over her face and she quickly stepped back as the doors closed.
Vinelle felt the need to hide, as if the doors weren’t enough. She crept quietly over to the thick layer of dresses and peeled them apart to hide behind them. She closed her eyes and embraced the different types of fabric that grazed her face. Though she heard every word – even the fast heart beat of the Princess, though her voice did not mimic her heart. She was fluent in her ability to sway her brother, as the seconds passed her heart slowed – intently, she could tell. The Princess was a good liar…
She didn’t realize then that the Prince was magic-less, his naïve questions proved it. She wondered then if he ever got jealous of her, they had a completely different dynamic, for sure. She remained quiet and hidden until she heard his steps lead out of the room. As she Princess called to her – she slowly opened the door and stepped out. She adjusted her dress and nodded “Right – to the bakery” she smiled, they both pretended like nothing had happened it seemed, which was fine.
As they walked – she heard the clattering like a sharp pierce to her ear drum, she winced slightly and glanced over. Suddenly a pit in her stomach filled her core and she felt like she might vomit. She swallowed back the nerves and stepped forward to the Princess. “That’s….” she reached forward and gently took the dagger from the Princess, observing it. She could smell that sweet scent of the blood – but it was old, it didn’t have the same… effect. She scraped a bit of the blood off and it crumbled away. “This dagger is like the one those men used… when they attacked” she glanced to her. “Maybe mud…” she held the dagger back to the Princess.
“You know…” she huffed in a breath. “The shop is probably very busy… and… many guards have seen us both together earlier this morning…” she looked to the Princess then with soft eyes. “Maybe you should take me to the council room and report that dagger, and myself. If the King believes I am missing – that will put people into a panic. Then… when they find out that we just stumbled into the city” she shook her head. “You’ll probably get in trouble, wouldn’t you?” she chuckled.
“Maybe – take the chance to get some credit… you helped me, a lot. The King would likely give you accolades for finding me, and that dagger…” he raised a brow. “What do you think?” she peered to the blade once more… the memory that she tried to repress flashed over her, the General. A painful guilt swarmed her and she sucked in a deep breath and let it go. She would have to face the General at some point… running away to the Bakery to avoid the inevitable was not the answer…
***
Dr Stone peered to the General, she came to her senses rather fast. She did not accept his promise, which was a bold move of her. Perhaps she really did trust him as much as she said, he thought maybe she was just saying it. Though, the point she made next was exactly the point in the first place. If he had the serum when the Queen was sick... he would have used it on her as well... It was interesting to him how she came to the resolution, that if it was the appropriate person... that it was okay? Morality was an odd one, and often even harder to argue. The minor price of blood from a willing body, to save the life of another? Was it... worth it?
Dr Stone bowed his head as she came to the door. "I am not worthy, and I shall not forgive myself, but... I appreciate you, Juliana. Not to worry, I'll always heal your wounds first" he grinned to his weak joke and watched her leave. "We can find her - you know" he called to her as she began to walk away. "All things lost can be found..." he smirked. "Perhaps I owe that to you" he bowed his head and shut the door as their conversation came to an end. He let out a deep breath and the illusion faded. His eyes peered to the thick dark blood that sat in a pool about the ground. He leaned down and peered to it... he then grabbed a test tube and began to gather samples...
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 7, 2022 0:39:36 GMT -5
Jaenyra grinned when she saw the woman sit up in her chair. She could only imagine how much she must miss her family. Living with them all that time and then being torn away due to an illness. She pressed her lips together. She’d get her to the bakery. The Princess turned with a chuckle as she held the key out, “My mother taught me well.” She laughed lightly. Then Vinelle caught her attention, she raised a brow slightly as she listened to the woman. Vinelle dared to speak just her first name again. A smile crept upon her lips. “I’ve not had many friends either.” She replied softly. “Very well, Vinelle it is. You can call me Jae if you’d like.” She spoke before she led her away from the tower and to her room.
The Princess smiled to the woman as she gasped to her room. Though she didn’t truly have any idea how the common folk lived. She left the castle very sparingly and when she did it was for parades and balls. Never to visit with the common folk of the city outside of grand events. She laughed once again as they entered her closet. “Just about any color to choose from.” She remarked before she handed over the shoes. “Luck indeed, isn’t it?” She watched the woman slip the shoe on.
Then her conversation with her brother happened. Once it was over the princess smiled to Vinelle. “I want to try one of the blueberry muffins, fresh from the oven. They are my favorite.” She smiled as she walked forward. Her heels clicked about upon the marble floors of the castle.
As the princess held the dagger in her grasp her crystal hues looked over the raven upon the hilt. Her grasp loosened, her brows tugged together. “Mud?” She asked softly. She stared to the dagger as it was placed back into her grasp. “It isn’t...the right color for mud.” Jaenyra spoke and shook her head. “Perhaps...a mud from another region?” She asked. “It certainly doesn’t look like blood.” She turned the dagger over in her grasp gently, taking in the careful craftsmanship.
When Vinelle began to speak her crystal hues lifted. Her brows tugged together. Vinelle was right. Her father would be livid if she was to leave the castle grounds. But to fantasize about it...that made her smile. Jaenyra watched the mage a long moment before she gazed back to the dagger. After she pondered over the choices she nodded. “You are right. To be honest, the King’s Guard would have stopped us when we tried to leave.” She laughed lightly. “You...are too….good.” She sighed. “But we must go to the bakery. I want to see it. To smell it. To taste the fresh bread from the oven.” She giggled lightly then. “We must go sometime.” She searched Vinelle’s hues before she looked back to the dagger. “Perhaps when we do not have such pressing matters.”
She turned then, “Well to the council room then...” Jaenyra sighed softly. She was never part of the council. She dreamed of it. She dreamed of aiding her father in the protection of the kingdom. But she imagined that she would forever be viewed as his baby – he protected her as though she was a crystal glass. But she was the spitting image of her mother – so perhaps he was merely protecting her so heavily because he’d lost her mother all too young.
**
General Baylar watched the doctor as he bowed his head. She gave a weak smile to his horribly timed joke. “Thank you, doctor.” She spoke softly. She glanced over her shoulder as he called to her. “I would like to, more than anything.” She replied to him before she turned and continued walking forward.
“General.” A guard approached her quickly. “The King has requested you in the War Council.”
General Baylar looked to him with her ocean hues, “Yes of course.” She spoke as she hastened her walk. She rounded a corner just as she saw the Princess and Lady Vinelle coming in from the castle courtyard. She bowed her head, “Princess. Lady Vinelle.” She lifted her eyes to gaze to Vinelle, as if she ask her a thousand questions. She then looked back to the princess. As she looked to the dagger her slow heart began to pound. Her breath hitched within her chest. “Princess.” The General spoke as she reached forward and gently lifted the dagger from her grasp. “This is the dagger...” She looked to the dried specks of blood upon it.
“The weapons that the thieves used looked like that.” Jaenyra spoke, “I’m going to take it to my father.” She smiled as she reached forward.
Juliana pressed her lips together and allowed the princess to retrieve the dagger back from her. “Of course princess. Lady Vinelle it is good to see you are well.” She spoke her eyes locked upon the woman. She remembered that look in her eyes – then the frenzied way she grabbed the dagger.
“General?” The princess questioned after a long moment of silence. “Are you alright?” She waved her hand.
“Oh...yes….I...apologies princess.” She ripped her eyes from Vinelle. “Come along. I am headed to the War Council.” She spoke as she led them forward. Her boots clicked upon the floor. The General looked more feminine in her leather armor. It hugged against her body and accented her figure. She climbed up the stairs with speed and soon enough she waited as two guards opened the doors to the council room. Her eyes gazed to the wall where she remembered the impaled man. Not a scratch nor droplet of blood remained.
Jaelyx stood at the table, his eyes gazed to the General and then to his daughter and finally to the mage. “Jaenyra.” He spoke, his eyes watched her carefully. “What is that?” His eyes gazed to Vinelle. “You are alright?” He asked.
Jaenyra smiled as she set the dagger upon the table before her father, “The weapon that the assailants used. Also, I found Lady Vinelle father. I do not believe that Dr. Stone is qualified to determine her control over her magic. She very much has control over it. But she needs to be paired with a mage that understands what she is going through.”
“Jaenyra I do not believe that--...”
“I am the only mage that you have that can be compared to her power. Father, I helped her...” She looked to Vinelle for help. “I can help her.” She nodded slightly.
The king drew in a breath, his daughter was just as stubborn as her mother had been. “Lady Vinelle – do you feel better after the aid that the princess has given you?” He asked, his tone a bit forced. He didn’t like it. “Also Lady Vinelle...” He pressed his lips together. He looked to the General a moment and then back to the mage. “The captive. Could you encourage him to speak? We cannot seem to break him from a nightmare like trance...”
General Baylar drew in a breath, “Your grace, if I may.” She spoke and awaited for him to speak. “Lady Vinelle is quite competent in the use of her magic. I do believe that the Princess is correct in her observation. Lady Vinelle would do well to study under a seasoned mage with powers that are more suitable to her own. Dr. Stone is a healer. He cannot fathom the magic that these two possess. Lady Vinelle is not a threat, your grace. She is quite loyal, and even in the midst of battle...she chose to save me. Without the help of Lady Vinelle I would have died from my injuries.”
A low mumble came from the others within the council as they looked at one another. The King drew in a breath, he lifted the dagger and turned it in his grasp. “I will consider it...” He gazed to his daughter.
“If anyone is qualified to teach magic, father….Jae is.” Valon spoke up, his crystal hues looked to his sister. “I would trust her upon the council as the mage of the court….if I were king.” It was a bold statement. Others at the table mumbled among one another again.
The King drew in a breath, “Enough.” He spoke above the mumble. “Lady Vinelle. Will you accompany me to speak to the captive?” He questioned. “This meeting with reconvene tomorrow. Once we have more answers.” He watched as others stood and bowed. “General wait.” He spoke as Baylar went to leave. “You’ll be coming with us. You are still assigned to Lady Vinelle.” He spoke in an order.
General Baylar stiffened, her heart thumped. She shut her eyes a moment as she was faced away from the king. “Yes. Of course my king.” She spoke.
The prince and princess sat idly at the table. Jaenyra reached out and grasped the dagger once again, she ran her fingertips over it curiously.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 8, 2022 11:53:16 GMT -5
Vinelle gave a slight chuckle when the Princess mentioned that she was too good. “The bakery is certainly not that extravagant” she chuckled but then pondered to herself… how frequently did she get the opportunity to leave the castle? Was the bakery that intriguing to her? Vinelle turned then as they returned back into the castle, their heeled steps clicking over the tiles.
They entered the corridor that lead to the council room – a now all too familiar corridor. She paused briefly – eyes playing to the spot where the men had attacked them. She lifted her brows as she heard a familiar heart beat approach, before she even gazed over – she knew the General stood before them. She heard her heart elevate, the chambers within squeezing just a little harder. Vinelle turned her violet eyes toward her and she bowed her head slightly. Though her own stomach churned and squeezed, but she knew she couldn’t run this time.
Vinelle did not say a word, she simply watched the two interact over the dagger. When the General spoke her name – speaking directly to her – Vinelle offered a simply nod of acknowledgement and they walked into the council room. Vinelle stood behind the two, both hands clasped over her waist. She was surprised then – by the way the Princess and both General vouched for her. Her brows pulled together slightly – the General was quick to agree, but she could not blame her. If Vinelle could get cleared – the General would not have to be around her, it was a simple solution.
Vinelle cleared her throat as she was questioned, she took a single step forward – her heel echoing in the room as the chatter died down for her response. “My King, the Princess was able to guide me in a meditation to understand my magic, rather than fear it… she is very knowledgable, and knew exactly what I needed… I know now that she is quite powerful, meaning… she knows how to handle this caliber of magic, as well. I would agree, her aid is detrimental to my growth” she bowed her head after, out of respect.
The room stirred to the words of the Prince, if he was King… he would trust his sister, and even her? It was bold words, but in some capacity they seemed respected. It was different to be washed in words of praise, after such events, but many seemed to believe in her – which was a first.
“My King, of course” she bowed her head. She turned towards the Princess and offered a smile, she mouthed the words ‘Thank you’ to her and then followed behind the King. He called out to the General, who’s heart escalated swiftly. Despite the words – she was still swarmed with discomfort, perhaps fear, of her. Knowing she caused this reaction made herself sick to her stomach, she never wanted such a thing…
The General followed in tow and the King lead them to a set of stairs that lead to the prisoner cells below. As they climbed the stairs – she could hear the wild fast heart beat of someone, thumping through the walls in a hurried fashion. Vinelle nibbled on her bottom lip slightly – she could feel the fear within this man, with each squeeze of his heart.
As they came to the door the King waved to a guard, who unlocked the solid door, to enter a room of iron, to a man who was sitting in a fetal position, one arm chained to the wall. There was a small cot, a bucket for using the bathroom, but that was it. He was sitting - crying, his heart thumping even more so as Vinelle stepped into the room. His tears were that of black streams that crept from his eyes… similar to her own.
Vinelle peered to the King and the General, who stood at the door. Vinelle slowly approached, her dress brushing over the cold stone floor. She knelt down to him – he hid his face from her, his chest quaking with his choking tears. She slowly opened her hand – revealing her palm to him, just before his face. Slowly she she began to draw the darkness that lingered in him, the darkness that she filled him with in her previous state. From his body the darkness collected like a stream of ash – which traversed to her palm, sinking back into her own flesh, where it belonged. Like the Lord of Shadows had done to her – she did to him. The darkness in his eyes faded, revealing a pair of forest green eyes. His tears became clear and his tortured mind was offered relief.
“You faced the torture of your own sins… you are being offered an opportunity to atone” she slowly stood and stepped back from him. She peered to the King and nodded, it was done. She relieved him of the horrors that she caused, though in truth he deserved such a thing. No doubt his list of incidents were longer than stealing from the King...
The man brushed his tears away and offered a sigh of content. “Thank you” he managed to say and he looked up to the King. He was a defeated man – in every way. What he experienced may have been worse than death itself, surely. “I will tell you everything you want to know” he spoke with a soft voice, he was ready to comply – as long as he didn’t have to suffer like that again…
“I… was not very kind to him, my King. Perhaps… you might be” she glanced to him briefly and then back to the man. She disappeared suddenly in ash and returned a second later, swift as ever. She held a leather water pouch – one she just stole from a guard down the hallway. Though she was so swift – he wouldn’t even know it was gone, until he went to drink. Vinelle stepped forward and offered the water to him.
The Prisoner reached up with a shaking head and accepted the leather pouch, he lifted it up and water strolled over his cracked lips. How long he was sitting there in agony – mouth agape – groaning, crying, whimpering. He took a minute to guzzle the water and finally lean back. His head was greasy and damp from endless sweating, long and frazzled strands of black hair that fell about his shoulders. “Thank you...” he managed to utter.
"Tell us about this heist" Vinelle spoke, though she should have waited for the King... but this man seem to respond to Vinelle well, that fear of her driven into his mind, that instinct under his flesh.
"Lord Waylon Ravenclaw paid me - and my men to retrieve those plans in that council room. He knew very well of the plans, that was the main target, but for every additional article he would offer us another one thousand coins. In all, he was going to pay us 5,000 gold coins, and then any additional amount..." This much as an absurd amount, the Kind of coin that would allow one to retire, go any where, restart completely and then some.
"How did he know about the plans?" she questioned him, with a forward but yet calm voice.
"He spoke about having vast resources, ears every where..." he shook his head "but I do not know names, we were not told much."
"I wonder what these plans offer him, why would House Ravenclaw need such a thing. Are they not loyal to the King?" she questioned aloud, her eyes peered to the King briefly.
To her surprise the man spoke up once more. "There have been mutterings... Of an uprising. I met Lord Waylon initially just after some odd meeting. My men and I keep an eye on the comes and goings of the royal folk, good for business... well, I arrived early to our meeting. I saw all kinds of manner of men leaving this... gathering. I saw the crests of Gillanhall, Vertis, Asmodian..." he thought for a moment. "Crone... a few others. A solid 20 or so men, all swiftly left right after. I know it was not a public event, surely. I wondered why men from all over had gathered like that, and then such a huge deal..." he looked to the King and leaned his head back.
"I know that I have committed treason... I deserve death, like my brothers" he glanced briefly to Vinelle. "but... it is clear there is a coup occurring below your very crown, my King" the man spoke to the King now.
"My King... if I may" Vinelle pressed a finger to her chin slightly and glanced to him. "There may be an opportunity to learn more of your enemies here..." she raised a brow.
Vinelle stepped forward to him and peered to the man, who shuffled back against the wall slightly. "What is your name?" she questioned him.
"Kleegan Floyd" he leaned his head back slightly, eyes peering to him with a slight fear.
Vinelle held her palm out and a single orb of darkness appeared before her palm. It float upward into the air and sifted through the air. It was a marble of a shimmering darkness, like a droplet of oil.. It float over and landed upon the top of his hand. A tattoo then appeared over his hand, though similar to hers - but a different shape. It sunk in and then faded, disappearing slightly.
"You will not suffer... unless I deem it so.." she glanced back to the King. She was making a risk by not exactly clearing this by him, but this was something only she could do - he wouldn't quite understand until she finished, no doubt. "You work for me now, and I... work for the King, you understand?" she questioned to Kleegan.
"Y-yes, my Lady" he bowed his head. They all knew what just happened in that moment. That suffering would come if he disobeyed her, and now - he became her first Agent of Shadows.
"Let us discuss... my King" she glanced to him. "I think... I have an idea" she nodded to him, as they stepped out of the room. The door clanked back, locking as they stood outside of the room. Kleegan would not be able to hear him...
"The Ravenclaw clan is not aware of their failed mission. We could draft up fake plans, and send Kleegan back with them. Learn more of the plans of Ravenclaw clan. 5,000 gold coins seems like quite the amount to be offering, this house must be receiving funding, purpose - from else where. We have a chance to find out more. I am sure... you could punish this clan, but there are others who would take his place" she crossed her arms.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 9, 2022 10:58:48 GMT -5
Jaenyra watched as the General was called to follow after her father – assigned to be at Vinelle’s side at all times. She knew her father was weary of such power. In the wrong hands it could become the very thread that is pulled to dismantle the kingdom. Her brows furrowed slightly, she could see the stiffness in the muscles of the General whom had just spoken highly of the mage. Why would General Baylar speak highly of someone that clearly made her uncomfortable? Could no one else see this? Surely her father could. Jaenyra gave a smile as her eyes fell upon Vinelle. She saw the woman thank her silently and she nodded as if to say ‘anytime’. Her eyes moved to the dagger then, her brows creased once more as she fell into a deep thought as the room began to empty around her. The sounds within the room seemed to melt away as she focused upon the runes – writing that she did not recognize – runes that she’d never before seen.
“Jae.” Valon’s voice broke her from her thoughts. His eyes were locked upon her. “Are you lost in your mind?” He chuckled. They were the only ones left in the council room. Her fingertip still ran along the engraving of the blade.
The Princess drew in a breath as she looked to him, “Hm, yes.” She replied as she lifted the dagger and turned it about. She looked to the odd colored liquid that had dried upon it. “I just...want to know what is going on. That’s all.” She pressed her lips together. “Lady Vinelle holds...a lot of power...more power than Dr. Stone could aid her with. She needs to be with a magister in the least. But...even still...” Her voice tailed off. She sucked in a sharp breath.
“Be careful with that.” The prince spoke as he watched bright red blood drip from the Princess’ fingertip.
Jaenyra raised a brow at him and then chuckled lightly. “It’s quite sharp.” She remarked as her blood trailed down the silver and pooled into one of the runes. She stared to it. This blade, there was something about it. Something that made it feel as though it was alive. She watched as a slight glow came to the runes within the blade, activated by the blood possibly. The blade vibrated with the magic that it was infused with. But why? She wiped the blood away and the feeling seemed to fade. “Hm.” She stood and wrapped the dagger.
“Princess. I will take that for Captain Alibaster to inspect.” One of the guards stepped forward.
“I’d rather you not.” Jaenyra responded. “I would like to look more into these runes on this blade. They are not of the old tongue. But of something else.” She turned, “Thank you, brother...for your words. I do appreciate it.” She gave a weak smile. “Father will never stop protecting me….or you...but he refuses to let me….” A sigh came from her lips.
“I know.” Valon placed a hand upon her shoulder. “You look just like mom. It’s painful for him I am sure. But he sees that power in you and he worries the same will happen to you as it did to her.” His crystal hues searched hers. “You have to be careful Jae...” He warned, “That is why father is so protective of you.” He looked to the blade and then back to his sister. “Let me know what you find out about the runes.” He turned and walked away then.
**
General Baylar followed behind the two, her eyes played over Vinelle cautiously. She couldn’t help her heart from pounding within her chest. She knew that the woman could hear it and that seemed to only make it squeeze that much harder. A hard swallow came from the woman, her mouth incredibly dry.
The King drew in a breath as they walked through the castle. He glanced to Vinelle a few times, but he lacked words to speak. The words that she’d spoken to him in the council room had merely received a nod before he’d told his son to stop speaking. “This man has been completely unhelpful. He screams and whimpers. But that is mostly all he will do. I do hope that you can gain some sort of response from him. Perhaps your magic can help.” Jaelyx spoke as he waved for the iron door to be opened. He watched as Vinelle went in – completely fearless of this man that had nearly killed General Baylar.
General Baylar watched the woman with her sparkling ocean hues, her breath caught in her chest as her eyes locked upon the violet hues of Vinelle. She pressed her lips together then in a flatline as she stared to the woman. The demeanor that Baylar had before was all but gone it seemed. She crossed her arms over her chest as she watched the stream of ash draw from the man. Her lips parted slightly. She knew that Vinelle had caused the nightmares of this man, but to actually see it. The King stepped forward into the cell moving to where he could get a better view of what Vinelle was doing. The way she used her magic with ease. He stood next to Vinelle and watched her closely, every move she made the king could see. He listened to her words as she spoke to the man.
Jaelyx gave a nod as the man spoke that he would say everything. “Good to hear that you will cooperate.” He spoke. He turned his eyes to speak to Vinelle just as she disappeared. His eyes looked about the room and fell upon the General. “Where is she?” He questioned.
General Baylar had held her breath when Vinelle disappeared. She remembered the feeling of the blade as it twisted within her wound. Before she could reply Vinelle returned and gave the man the leather pouch to drink from.
The King watched Vinelle, a bit of a smile upon his lips. He seemed to like how forward she was. It was what a King looked for in a court mage, one that was loyal enough he wouldn’t need to worry. But strong enough to act independently in the name of the King. He nodded, his forest eyes peered to the man. “Lord Ravenclaw...” He clicked his tongue. As Vinelle probed deeper he tilted his head slightly. She was incredibly adept at questioning. She knew what to ask, she knew what to push for. “These plans would give them an idea of the magic that our kingdom holds.” He spoke as he looked to her. “Ravenclaw has always been a thorn in our side. Though they have not outright tried to sabotage us before. I imagine he planned something more...with the plans they would know the weakness of the ship...that would allow them to formulate an attack against us. He must be working with the southern lands...”
As the man spoke up the King’s lips parted. An uprising. He swallowed slightly. So many years things had been silent. It was easy to imagine that an uprising would come any day now. There were always Lords that did not want to conform to the king. But he was a fair and just king. He didn’t meet much resistance. He imagined those of the southern lands were fueling this fire. Those that had named and crowned their own ‘king’ with a crown made of bones. As the man spoke the names of the houses the king visibly straightened, his heart clicked up a few beats faster. This was not good. Those were houses that generally stood behind him even in the toughest of times.
“Those houses have men among the guard, my king.” General Baylar spoke, her ocean hues looked to him.
The King nodded to her as he drew in a breath. “Tell me how, Lady Vinelle. We must do something...” He took a step forward and searched her violet eyes. He watched then as her magic came to light, as the rune appeared upon his hand. This magic that she held was dark. But it was needed in this time of darkness for the kingdom. If what the man spoke was true, well...there would be war...a great war. The kingdom if all of the great houses stood against the king...it would fall. He nodded as they stepped into the hall. The King glanced to the closed thick iron door. “Go on.” He spoke as he watched her.
The General shifted uncomfortably, her eyes watched the woman as she spoke of her plan. She pressed her lips together and drew in a breath. “It is a well crafted plan, my king.” She spoke. “He would be able to find out more than any of our scouts, no matter how careful we are. Lord Ravenclaw has always caught the scouts...” She looked back to Vinelle as she shifted once again.
The King nodded, “Very well. It is done then.” He looked to the guard. “Ensure he is comfortable. He will head to House Ravenclaw once the plans are drafted.” The guard bowed his head and entered the room. Jaelyx then gazed to General Baylar a moment before he looked back to Lady Vinelle. “I would still like General Baylar to be with you, Lady Vinelle.” He spoke and gave a warm smile. “You have great power, and indeed you hold a wonderful amount of control over it. But even with that – I feel as though you should be protected for now. Until Dr. Stone deems that you are ready.” He searched her eyes for a moment. “I do enjoy that my daughter was able to aid you. But I do not wish for you to enter meditation with her. It is quite dangerous for both of you and she will have her own repercussions to speak to with me. As for you. Please continue your studies with Dr. Stone. I will contact the magi tower and see about getting a magister that is capable of handling your expertise and a magic of your caliber.” The King was quiet for a moment. “Do not take this as I do not trust you. I am merely looking out for the wellbeing of my daughter, as well as you.” He spoke, his voice careful. “I have duties to attend to. General Baylar will be with you. Though if there is anything that you need from me. Please, let me know.” He spoke before he walked away.
General Baylar watched as the king left, her jaw was tight. She hated how he was pawning Vinelle off on her like this. She hated it even more now that she knew she was in danger. “Right.” She spoke as she drew in a breath. Her ocean hues looked to the woman. “You must be hungry. You’ve not had breakfast I take it?” She watched Vinelle a moment. “I would be delighted to show you to the breakfast hall.” She spoke as she walked forward. Her eyes glanced to closed doors and bars as they walked by. She was looking for the woman that Dr. Stone had spoken of. The Fae that was within the castle. Where? She’d never seen such a woman.
She climbed the narrow stairs and entered the hallways of the castle above. General Baylar walked swiftly, her eyes would gaze back every now and again to ensure that Vinelle was still there. She grasped a large handle and pushed the door open into a beautiful room with blue walls and white trim. A gorgeous black fireplace that crackled about with life. A suit of armor stood at one corner, a statue of the previous king upon the top of one of the columns of the vaulted ceiling. It was a gorgeous room. The windows overlooked the valley behind the castle that led to the gardens.
A servant stepped forward – she had a smile upon her lips – curly brown hair and bright welcoming eyes. “General Baylar, good morning. Welcome.” She pulled out a chair. “And...” She paused as she looked to Vinelle.
“This is Lady Vinelle Crane.” The General spoke as she took a seat and scooted in her chair.
“Good morning, Lady Crane. It is lovely to see you. A beautiful day it is.” She spoke as she pulled out a chair and set beautiful plates that were trimmed in gold before the two. “Coffee?” She asked as she grasped a kettle that was steaming hot. The servants were always ready to serve anyone whom came in.
“Yes, please.” Juliana spoke as she watched the woman pour two mugs.
“Cream?” She asked as she grasped another smaller pitcher.
“Please.” The General spoke and the woman poured into her mug until she gave a nod. She dropped a sugar cube into it and stirred with the small coffee spoon that was decorated to look like a rose. She waited until the woman left before she lifted her ocean eyes to Vinelle. She took a sip from her coffee as her eyes played over the woman. “That dress still looks magnificent even after a brawl.” She spoke as she set her steaming mug down. “Lady Vinelle. We must speak on the happenings of yesterday. Our dear king does not need to know of it. Only Dr. Stone and I know the truth behind the serum...and I did not know such truths until this morning.” Her voice was hushed. “I want to help you. While I am nervous as I am quite aware that you know...I will help you.” She closed her eyes a moment as if to think deeply. “I will work with you on control. While it may be uncomfortable...you must learn to control it.”
General Baylar stopped speaking as the servant returned and began to fill their plates with fresh fruit and bread. She waited until the woman walked away again. “I know you can.” She gave a smile then before she took a bite of the fresh warm sourdough bread.
The servant came back to the table and smiled, “General Baylar, I will be back momentarily. The princess has requested a tea.” She spoke as she held a kettle in her hands. “Please, Lady Vinelle. Enjoy, I will fill your plate up with more food once I return.” She hurried off with the tea. It smelled of many herbs.
General Baylar watched after the servant as she left the room quickly. “I also need to...admit something to you.” She bit her lip slightly. Trust was a difficult thing. But Juliana needed to give her trust to Vinelle if she was to work around her. She needed this woman to be comfortable around her and she needed to find comfort in being and Vinelle as well. “I am part Fae. Which is why you could not control your thirst – Dr. Stone explained that to me. But, there is a darker part to me. Unseelie...and...that...” She drew in a breath and then sipped from her coffee. “That may be why your magic became so uncontrollable.” Juliana pressed her lips together as she seemed to think a moment. “There is a darkness in that blood that I am certain every cell of your being yearns for.” Her ocean hues locked upon Vinelle then. “So we will learn to work with one another, hm?” She took a bite of fruit. “I will learn to trust you, just as the king will learn to trust you. The Princess...she is young and you are kind...and she will trust you so long as you do not hurt her, Lady Vinelle.” She took another bite of bread before she looked to the woman once again. "Tell me...more about this spell that you have cast on Kleegan. What will it allow you to do? Can you tell where he is? If he betrays us?" Juliana questioned, her voice soft, her heart was slowed once again.
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Post by Raven on Oct 9, 2022 19:59:56 GMT -5
The pace of people’s hearts were like a steady hum to her ears, though she hadn’t been this mage for long – she was beginning to learn how to drone it out. At times it felt as though she heard a thousand thumps, the distant clickings of one’s jaw, the footsteps three corridors down. It was all too much to take in at once, and the words of the room were always just layered over it. It was taking time – but she was learning how to only pinpoint the sounds she wished to hear, the rest became a new world she was becoming familiar with. She supposed it was any other person in the world – capable of hearing around her directly. Sometimes the antics of one’s noises were washed away by thought, or drone, and other times even the slightest of smacking would drive her crazy. It was that but at a much higher scale, instead of just a few feet around her – it was as if she occupied an entire half of the castle. The more she scaled it in her mind – the more she came to terms on how to handle it.
Though the fast pace of the General’s heart was like a war drum to her, it pierced over all other sounds. Hers was quicker still, and it took everything Vinelle had not to turn her gaze toward the woman, lest her heart erupt within. She dared not – and rather focused at the task at hand – and she did. Getting the man to work with her was easy, his fear of her controlled his every thought and action…
Vinelle wasn’t so bothered by his fear – in truth. In a way she embraced it. She saw it as an opportunity to take a corrupted person and put their capabilities to their use, give him a purpose finally. It was this, or death. She at least would offer him a life worth living, though he may never see it that way. When they returned to the hall – she was surprised to see the General approved of the plan. She expected to feel resistance – to be chastised for her actions. Though when she allowed her magic to flow – and embraced who she was – she felt a wave of confidence and strength. A thing that she never had really in the past. Whatever this magic was – it influenced her greatly, for the better no doubt… at least for this case.
“I understand, your Majesty. Your decisions need no further explanation. I expect nothing less. They call you the wise King – for a reason” she bowed to him just before he walked away. She found it interesting that the King felt the need to provide his explanations, he didn’t have to – but chose to anyways. Vinelle turned towards the General and let out a soft sigh, and the chuckle for the carefully plucked word ‘delighted’ by the General. She followed behind her and remained silent, eyes glancing to the castle.
The castle seem to go on and on, hallways to hallways, doors lined the sides – of rooms she didn’t even know existed, or why they existed. They came to a large room – her eyes glanced upward to the towering ceiling. Every bit of the room, like all others, was decorated. Carvings in the lines of the walls, the fireplace had a unique carving of its own etched into the perfect marble slate. She took her seat and nodded to the servant, though she remained quiet as ever.
The ice breaker was as bland as ever, a compliment of her dress. Vinelle gave a stifled smile and nodded “Seemingly so…” she glanced down to her plate. She lifted a piece of toast and brought it to her lips – a single bite and she let it sit for a moment. Nothing. It tasted like a dusty scroll, she gently placed the piece of toast down and smiled weakly, trying to hider her disappointment.
She wanted to believe maybe it was just alcohol, but it seemed all things food. All things other than… she thought for a moment – the pains of hunger actually did not bother her. In truth she had not eaten in nearly three days now. She had not thought to stop and eat – the urge was gone.
“As you wish, General” she simply replied to the first half of the general’s words. How she wished to help her. In truth – Vinelle could bare to never see the General again, but that would not be the case, surely. Vinelle had not touched her plate, so the comment of the servant also made her chuckle slightly. She couldn’t eat it – it didn’t taste right, didn’t feel right, she wasn’t even hungry. If anything – the food nearly made her feel sick. She placed her hands in her laps and glanced across the table to the General.
When Juliana began to reveal her nature – she had a suspicion that became true. Vinelle knew very well that Juliana was Fae of some kind, that was obvious to her. Though the nature of her own darkness was an interesting added note. It did explain why she couldn’t harness the power that flowed within her, it explained why she had… become a dragon, and ventured into another entire realm – things she imagined only the most powerful of people could do, if at all. She wondered then why the General was here, as such a being – did the King collect powerful people now? She knew that she herself was a tool for the King, was Juliana one as well then?
“I see… it does make more sense…” she pressed her lips together, her fingers fidgeting slightly. What should she say, what should she do? She let out a soft sigh “I will do all that I can to master … this” she spoke defeatedly. When the General changed topics – she was more than happy to swap. She had yet to remove her hands from her lap, her food untouched before her, just a single bite of bread was missing.
“The magic is interesting – I doubt such a spell exists any where else other than my mind. It is like I know exactly what to do – and I trust what it will do, having never actually… done such a thing… but” she shut her eyes briefly. Within her mind she could see through his directly – he was walking down a corridor, hands cuffed behind his back, to a slightly upgraded prisoner room. One with a real bed, a wardrobe… but yet a locked iron door still.
“I can see through his eyes, hear through his ears, smell even…” she spoke aloud, her eyes still shut. “He has less fear now, mostly hope. He was certain of his death…” she shifted slightly. “I have this temptation – a feeling – I know I could torture him so, even from so afar, just like before… and I can tell he knows it too. If he betrays us… I will know sooner than he can admit it, and he would suffer the consequences… but… he has thoughts of that moment of darkness, and he shivers from the memory. I can honestly promise – that if I commanded this man to jump off a cliff – he would without a question” she opened her eyes and peered to the General. “It’s kind of fucked up… but it takes someone who has done horrible things to witness such a torture. The spell I cast… took his worst acts and pinned them against him…” she bit her lower lip slightly and let out a soft sigh.
“I should… see Doctor Stone, he has not seen me since yesterday. I will report to you after my time with him.” She stood then and bowed her head, her heels clicking on the tile as she left her perfect plate of food – untouched. Her coffee still steaming in its mug.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 10, 2022 5:05:53 GMT -5
The forced smile that Vinelle gave to General Baylar had a weak smile from the woman in return. She pushed around a few pieces of fruit upon her plate. She watched as Vinelle took one small bite of her fresh warm bread only to set it down once again. She pressed her lips together slightly. Perhaps food was not the best thing to discuss over. It seemed Vinelle wasn’t interested in food at least. The simple response from the woman had Juliana’s jaw clenched, she watched her with furrowed brows now.
She could feel the tension within the room. As much as Juliana tried to push it away – it only seemed to grow thicker. Though, finally with the topic change the mage began to speak. The woman’s voice filled the room and a sigh of relief came from the General’s lips. She sipped upon her coffee as she listened to her speak of her magic. As much as the magic was frightening – it was an incredible feat for a human to control such magic. As Vinelle announced that she could see through this man’s eyes, General Baylar’s lips parted in surprise.
Juliana hugged her mug of coffee to her chest, her eyes watched the woman carefully. Her lips parted to speak just as Vinelle announced that she should see Dr. Stone. Her hand balled into a fist and she shut her eyes. The General let out a slow breath as she heard the door close once Vinelle left the room. She stood and pushed her chair in just as the door opened once more. Her ocean hues turned to look to the servant whom rushed in with the tea kettle in hand. “General Baylar.” She set the kettle down upon the table. Her eyes looked to the empty seat. “The princess...”
General Baylar’s heart sank, her stomach churned. She stared to the servant as if willing her to continue. “What is it?” She questioned then as the silence filled the room. Her heart drummed against her chest.
“I could not wake her. She….there was a rune and...”
“Where is she?” Her voice was calm even with the worry that rose in her chest.
“The Queen’s study.” The servant replied quickly, her voice trembled. General Baylar turned and rushed from the room without another word. The heels of her leather boots clicked against the floor swiftly as she rushed through the halls of the castle.
**
Jaenyra sat within the Queen’s study of the castle. It held a gorgeous white marble fireplace that crackled with life. A large mahogany desk sat with plush red velvet chairs that held intricate carvings in the matching wood. Within the center of the room the princess was knelt down, her dress sprawled about behind her. She held a piece of chalk in one hand, a book in another. She formed the lines of the chalk carefully, her crystal hues studied each line once she drew it. She would erase and trace the lines again if there was even the slightest of mistake.
She sat back from the etching, her eyes looked it over several times to ensure no mistake was made. That was the trouble with runic magic – one slightly curved line and you had a whole different spell. To Jaenyra she felt as though it was more dangerous than speaking spells. But the King insisted that she use runes and spells in combination to protect herself. She looked back to the page as she stood slowly. “Okay...” She breathed as she stepped over to the large desk. The dagger sat upon the wood, the beautiful steel of the blade glistened in the light of the sun that filtered into the room.
She lifted the blade and looked over the runes. It turned out that such runes were of an Elven descent. But it was unlike anything she’d seen in her studies before. The princess moved and set the blade in the center of the rune before she grasped a small pin. She carefully pricked her finger and allowed a drop of her blood to fall upon the blade. She began to speak in the old tongue then. A glow filled her eyes as her chest began to rise and fall a bit more quickly. She knelt down as the rune she’d drawn upon the floor began to glow a bright red. She continue the spell as her vision began to fade in and out. Until her body fell limply to the side as she lay within the confines of the rune.
Jaenyra opened her eyes in a foggy memory. She could feel the heat of the forge as she gazed around. The clank of metal upon metal filled her ears. This place – she didn’t recognize it. She stood before the blacksmith and gazed down to the dagger as he beat upon it. Slender tipped ears poked through blonde hair that hung forward loosely. She breathed quickly as she felt as though she was grasped by shadows and transported somewhere else. When she opened her eyes she saw a man...he stabbed forward with the dagger into the chest of a man that wore a crown. The Crown of Malreos. She knew it well as it was the same crown that her father wore. She gazed about – they stood within the throne room of the castle. Her breaths shuddered.
She jumped from memory to memory and she watched death after death. Most were insignificant. The dagger seemed to fall into the hands of thieves and it would pass from hand to hand. That was until she saw something – she saw the blade within the General’s shoulder. General Baylar. She saw Vinelle then as the woman reached forward even against the cries of the General. The blade as it twisted from the wound harshly. The princess stumbled forward only to stand within the council room once more. She stared to a vision of herself as she sliced into her own finger. It seemed that each time this blade drew blood...a memory was bound to it. That is what the runes stood for the magic within the blade would bind these memories to it forever.
**
General Baylar rushed through the castle and up the spiraling staircase. She rounded the corner and skidded to a stop before the king, her breaths heavy. Her eyes lifted to look to him as he gazed to her with furrowed brows. “General.” He spoke as he looked her over. “Where is Lady Vinelle?” He questioned.
“She’s with Dr. Stone, your grace.” She bowed her head deeply.
The King nodded ever so slightly, “Good. That is good news.” He looked her over a moment. “Is everything alright? You seem to be in a hurry.”
“Oh….” General Baylar swallowed slightly. “I was called by the princess, your grace.”
Jaelyx drew in a breath and nodded, “Of course. Carry on.” He spoke before he continued down the hallway.
General Baylar let out a breath before she rushed along once again. She pushed open the huge door to the study and slipped inside. She closed the door behind her as she looked to the princess whom lay motionless upon the glowing rune. The runes upon the blade of the dagger were bright red. A sigh escaped her lips as she stepped forward. “Princess.” She spoke as she knelt just outside the rune. “Princess Jaenyra.” She reached forward but there was a barrier that surrounded the princess. Her jaw clenched to this. She could feel the magic within the room. “Princess wake up.” She spoke and then stood and rushed to the desk where she found the open book. “Ah here….” She read over the book carefully, her brows tugged together ever so slightly. “Jaenyra...” A sigh came over her lips. “Your father would scold you for performing this magic...” It was blood magic, plain and simple. A magic that was corrupted over the years and seen as a forbidden art now. General Baylar bit her lip as she came and knelt next to the princess once again. She pressed her hand forward against the dome of energy that would appear once she reached the threshold of the rune. Juliana began to speak in the ancient language of the Fae. She spoke it as if she practiced each day. Her words were smooth like honey as she closed her eyes. Blue spiraling designs began to appear upon her skin of her arm that touched the barrier. Her breathing slowed ever so slightly as she put her magic into the spell.
**
Dr. Stone stood over the vial of Juliana’s blood. He’d taken droplets of it and placed it on slides. He looked through the microscope to the cells – both dark and light appeared in her blood. It was a sight to see. He even placed a droplet of Juliana’s blood upon a slide and a drop of Vinelle’s blood. He watched as the cells quickly converged upon the Fae’s blood. There was no hesitation at all. This worried him for Juliana’s sake. If Vinelle’s blood was so drawn to the Fae blood that was mixed with the darkness of Unseelie...what would happen if Juliana was injured again around Vinelle? There would be no control.
As the door pushed open Dr. Stone lifted his eyes and he smiled. “Lady Vinelle.” He spoke as he set his notebook down which he scribbled in quickly. “How are you feeling? What happened?” He questioned quickly as he stood. “Come in, sit please.” He offered her a warm smile. The vial of Juliana’s blood still sat open upon his desk.
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Post by Raven on Oct 10, 2022 14:41:27 GMT -5
Vinelle stepped out of the room and placed a hand upon he skirt of her dress - she had been wearing too long. She turned and approached a guard - asking for directions to the General's chambers. She commited the instructions to memory and soon she stood within the room. She grasped her attire - which sat upon her bed and swiftly changed. She set the dress out on the bed and the heels next to it, and then she made her way back down the long stairs.
It was much more comfortable to wear her uniform. She didn't mind wearing heels but it was much easier to balance in her riding boots, and she did not have to worry about the dragging of her dress. It was not long before she entered the Apothecary. "Dr Stone" she questioned as she opened the door, peering inside.
She stepped inside as he welcomed her, she shut the door after and approached him. "Much happened..." she spoke softly and approached him. Her eyes immediately fixated on the dark vial - it smelled of sweet baked goods. She craned her neck slightly and she stepped forward. Her fingers shook slightly as she reached for the cork, she shoved it into the tube and handed it to him. She swallowed deeply - and she stepped back, reluntantly. "We ought to keep that madness away" she sat down and tucked her hands under her legs slightly.
She began to tell him of what happened, she did not spare a detail. From transforming, to the Lord of Darkness. She kept her meditation to herself, the Fade they entered. She simply told him of a personal meditation to sooth her magic - in place of the fade. "There is something else" she bit her lip slightly.
"I cannot taste food, the pleasures of eating" she chuckled. "All barren flavors, wine.. bread... all of it" she pulled her brows together. "The only thing I can taste is that Fae blood... and the feeling of hunger - for food - is no longer. I suspect that I no longer require it" she sighed softly.
The Doctor was taking notes she talked. Meanwhile the vial of Juliana's blood was stashed int the drawer of his desk, which seem to be enough to Vinelle to ignore.
"It makes enough sense... you get your source of energy from else where..." he lifted his eyes to her. "How often does it seem you need to... consume?" he questioned.
"I would say.. roughly 2x a day. I drank this morning, and I feel fine..." she thought for a moment. "Perhaps a breakfast and dinner sort frequency" she proposed.
"Noted... I will give you 3 vials initially. Then two after, if you need that third... you will just need to let me know" he wrote down more notes. "Come with me... we will work on your control of your hunger, hm?" he raised a brow. "You wont like it though"
Vinelle chuckled slightly and she nodded, they traversed down a set of stairs in his very apothecary, they were behind a door that she assumed was a storage room. She raised a brow as they stepped downward, into a slender hallway that had several doors. They passed a door that was locked. She could hear a slow heart beat within - slower than even the General's. "Come on" The Doctor led her to another room.
They opened an iron door to reveal just an empty iron room, a single small table, and chair. "Temptation is what drives humanity into oblivion" the Doctor spoke and nodded to the chair. "The only way to prevent temptation is to face that need, and control that urge" he pulled a vial out of his pocket and set it down, still corked.
Vinelle sat down in the chair - she had a feeling she knew where this was going. The Doctor walked around infront of her and placed his hues on hers. "You will have to practice looking that temptation in the eye and telling it no..." he pulled out two cuffs and she glanced to her arms. She was cuffed then to the chair itself, it clasped around her arm and chair arm. It glowed a gentle blue color.
"Enchanted cuffs. Your magic will flow within you, but your ability to actually use it... will not be possible. It blocks the receptors that allow you to tap into that... lets test it, try to teleport" he nodded. Nothing happened. Vinelle's brows pulled together and then she let out a slight chuckle.
"The magic is there still, I can feel it" she spoke softly and glanced to him, she was bound now. Though she did not show fear in her eyes - she knew this would have to be done...
"Exactly... it will claw at you.. you understand?" he spoke and then stepped over to the vial. He then uncorked it and poured the vial into a small bowl. The glowing blue liquid simmered quietly in the bowl. The scent filled the room and Vinelle sucked in a breath. She wasn't hungry yet, but she still wanted to drink ...
"You will face the torture of your own body, fighting against you. You will have to tell the darkness within that you are in control..." he crossed his arms briefly. "Then... we let you go hungry. We will watch what happens - if you go into a frenzy, or if you grow incredibly weak... you may... be in here for a few days" he looked to her with serious eyes. "I will check on you frequently, but this test is something you must endure. You will come out of this stronger - but it will not be easy" he spoke. "Do you understand?"
"Yes... I do" she nodded slowly and peered to the blood. Her breathing had increased and she was already sweating from the will within that made her pull against the cuffs.
"The last thing we need is you to hurt anyone, especially the General... so you will need to get control of this.. I wish you the best of luck, Vinelle. I will return in a few hours..." he turned to the door and left. The lock shifted into a place in a loud grinding fashion and he waved his hand. The room, and the door - become encompassed in a barrier of magic. Even if she broke through the cuffs - she would not be able to escape, he hoped... at least. He let out a slow breath - he did not want to do this to her, but they had to...
He turned then and walked up the stairs, closing the door and locking it behind him. Dr Stone made his way into the Castle, to find the King and tell him of the update, how the mage will be out of service briefly during this test...
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 10, 2022 21:55:43 GMT -5
General Baylar’s hand broke through the barrier, her eyes glowed a beautiful blue color. Runes scrawled up her arm that pushed through. The barrier slowly dissipated. “Princess.” She spoke, her voice a whisper. She shook Jaenyra’s shoulder gently. “Wake up.” She muttered. Little with the General know, the princess was stuck in the loop of memories from the blade. Each pass through the memories she saw more. The princess’ chest rose and fell slowly as if she were in a deep slumber.
General Baylar but her lip slightly. She gazed to the blade and lifted it from the rune as she knelt next to Jaenyra. She lifted her palm and sliced into her hand, she pressed her lips together as she did this. The runes upon the blade turned from a bright red to a startling blue. The General’s eyes fluttered and she fell limply to the side upon the floor next to the princess.
Blood magic was known to be dangerous. And for good reason. It was unpredictable. General Baylar was surrounded with dark shadows that danced about. The world around her was ice cold, so cold that her muscles shivered and her teeth chattered. “Jaenyra!” She called through the shadows. “Princess!” Her voice was lost in the void. Suddenly the wind began to whip around her, it tossed around her silvery hair as she fought to keep her balance. She stumbled and nearly fell. Then in the distance she saw a dim light. “Princess!” She nearly screamed it this time.
General Baylar trudged forward as she held her hand up. It took a great deal of effort just to merely walk forward. As if the wind was well over that of a storm. As she drew closer she could see a shadowy form that was standing within the dim light. General Baylar was breathing heavily as she approached. The wind suddenly stopped. A deep chuckle came from before her. “You’ve come here? After all this time?” A cloaked figure stood before her, he had red glowing eyes within the shadows of his cloak. The Shadow Lord himself. He stood over the limp motionless body of the princess, shadows wrapped around her, she writhed slightly as if trying to wake.
“Let her go.” Juliana spoke her voice strong.
“Let her go you say?” A deep chuckle. “But why? She chose to come here. She performed the ritual.” The voice of the Shadow Lord reverberated through the shadowy space.
The General drew in a breath. “Take me in her place. I am but a knight, she is the princess. You cannot have her. I have sworn to protect her and I shall do just that.” She gripped her blade as she stared to him.
The Shadow Lord finally turned completely to her, a snicker came from him. “You’re finally offering yourself? After all this time? Here I thought you would side with the goddess.” His voice reminded her of the drums of war just before battle. “I’ll take you Juliana.” His voice grew closer to the General. “You have more power than you could possibly imagine.” He stepped to her and his boney hand reached forward.
Juliana didn’t move as his hand pressed into her chest and through her leather plate. Pain. That is all she felt then as shadows swarmed her. She groaned as her body tried to fight against him, her eyes glowed a bright blue. He lifted her from the ground as the shadows siphoned into her body. A whimper finally escaped her. “Let….her….go…” She gasped as she gazed to the princess whom was still tethered by shadows.
The Lord snickered and looked to the princess then. He snapped his fingers and the shadows disappeared, moments later the princess disappeared as well. He turned his glowing red eyes back to the General, she could have sworn she saw the shadow of a smile within that cloak. Her body trembled as she struggled against him. Blood leaked from her nose. She grit her teeth as she cried out in pain. Her body was not meant to be overcome by the shadows. But perhaps this was the step that the goddess spoke of. She was to destroy the shadows….wasn’t she?
**
Jaenyra sat up swiftly. She glanced around and found the General next to her. “Juliana!” She exclaimed. She placed a hand upon the woman’s shoulder. “General!” She shook her slightly. “This is my fault..” she bit her lip as she looked to the dark purplish blood that leaked upon the floor from the General. The same color as what was once dried upon the blade. The princess stood swiftly and rushed from the room. Her heels clicked against the floor as she ran along.
The princess skidded to a stop before the throne room as she saw Dr. Stone leaving. “Stone!” She cried as she came to his side.
“Princess?” He bowed his head and looked to her curiously. “What is it?” He could see the worry.
“Please come with me.” She turned and hurried back to the queen’s study. She shut the door and locked it behind her. “I…made a mistake…and I fear General Baylar might have…taken the fall for me…” she whispered softly.
Dr. Stone rushed forward and knelt next to the General. He inspected her eyes, the beautiful blue glow swirled with that of shadows now. He gazed to the runes that flowed upon her arms. The doctor looked to the princess. “What spell?” He asked as he stood. He followed her to the desk and looked over the old book. “Princess. This is blood magic….” He gazed to her, his tone serious.
Jaenyra lowered her eyes as a sigh came over her lips. “I am aware. But that blade was forged with blood magic…it hold the memories of each time it has been used….I saw everything…I saw….Vinelle….what she did to the General…she drank her blood…” she rambled on, her voice shook slightly.
Dr. Stone swallowed as he looked to Juliana, “You do not speak of this. I fear that all we can do is wait for Juliana to wake…it is too dangerous for you to pluck her from this dream…”
The princess bit her lip slightly. “I didn’t mean to hurt anyone.” She whispered.
“Perhaps princess, we never truly mean harm. Do we?” Dr. Stone spoke softly. “But that is not always how it plays out.” His voice was a whisper.
Jaenyra gazed to the woman as her breath hitched. “She will be alright. Won’t she Dr. Stone? Juliana will be okay…”
Dr. Stone crossed his arms over his chest and shook his head slightly. “With blood magic, princess, there is no rhyme or reason. There is nothing I can offer her to aid her. We must wait.”
The Princess gave a nod. “Of course.” She lifted the old leather bound book and gazed to the spell that she’d used. “I understand.” She stared to the General the way the tears slipped from her eyes, the pained look on her expression. What had she done? How could she be so foolish? Jaenyra regretted her curiosity. She regretted wanting to know what the runes upon the blade meant.
“I will order guards to take her to her quarters.” Dr. Stone spoke softly as he went to leave the room.
“Dr. Stone…” Jaenyra took a step toward him. “What about Vinelle?” She asked softly. “Her magic is of the shadows…”
“She cannot help her. She is in her own trial at the moment, princess.” He spoke before he left the room.
Jaenyra sucked in a deep breath. What did the doctor mean by that? She waited with Juliana until the guards came and she followed after them like a lost puppy. Her eyes never left Juliana. She stepped forward as the guards left the room. She reached and wiped a bit of her dark blood from her nose. “I’m sorry I did this to you, General.” She whispered softly. “I will get you out of it. I promise.”
The princess left the chambers of the General. Her eyes glanced to the violet dress of Vinelle that lay upon the unused bed. She moved to the library and climbed up and down the stairs and ladders in search of anything she could find that would help her. By the end of it, the princess took a bundle of books with her to the tower where she spent the rest of her day in silent solitude. She only left the tower to eat and have a tea with her father. But she never spoke of the magic she’d used. She never spoke of the things that she saw. She couldn’t.
It was late into the night that the princess sat over the books with a lantern in hand. Her crystal hues went over page after page. But she kept coming back to one thing. The Shadow Lord. Vinelle stated she’d seen him. The princess sighed softly as she rose to her feet. She climbed down the stairs and made her way to the west wing where she poked her head into the General’s room. The woman was breathing rapidly, her hands balled into fists. “I’m trying Juliana…” Jaenyra spoke as she brushed a bit of the silvery hair from the woman’s face. She glanced to the bed of Vinelle and sighed. “Where are you???” She pressed her lips together.
Jaenyra stood there for several minutes – her mind racing in search of answers. She gazed out of the balcony window of the General’s room – the sun was just beginning to stretch its rays to the peaks of the mountains in the distance. The world was still asleep. The shudder of the General’s breaths caused the princess to turn her crystal hues to her. “Juliana…I’m sorry…” She breathed – the General had her brows tugged together as if she was concerned. “I’m going to fix this, I promise.” She spoke as she slipped from the room.
The princess’ heels clicked along the marble flooring of the sleeping castle. She held a lantern in her hands as she walked along. Few guards were in the halls at his hour, most had found a post outside to watch from – the rest were asleep in the barracks. She moved along and made her way to the wing of the castle that held the library, the tower that reached high in the sky and the apothecary. Jaenyra gave a quiet knock upon the door to Dr. Stone’s office. She paused and listened for any movement on the other side before she pushed the door open slowly. Jaenyra gazed about his room – her heart began to beat quickly within her chest. She walked over to Dr. Stone’s desk and pulled the drawer open carefully. She thumbed through the journals and books. She pulled them out one by one until she found one with the most recent dates.
The princess sat at his desk as her crystal hues looked over his notes. The sketches that he made. The conclusions that he had. Some of his writing was scribbling that she could barely read, if at all. Though she came to the most recent entry. It spoke of Vinelle and the need to push her limits to see how she handled her hunger. Jaenyra bit her lip slightly as she read over the techniques that the doctor was using. He’d locked Vinelle away in a cell somewhere in the castle. Hidden from the eyes of the public. Was she suffering? Her brows tugged together and a crease formed. Something inside of her told her that she needed to find Vinelle.
Jaenyra placed the book back in its home. She moved about within the castle then, her heels clicked down the spiral stairs to the dungeon of the castle. The halls were long and tall with thick quartz on either side. “Princess.” A knight bowed deeply. “Are you alright?” He questioned as he looked her over. She had blood upon her dress from the ritual, a smudge of the General’s blood upon her arm where the woman had grasped onto her during the spell.
“Yes. I am alright.” She replied as she looked to him and gave a warm smile. “I am looking for something…a cell that is for Dr. Stone’s experimentation.” She had never heard the screams of those injected with the serum. She began to wonder if he’d brought them all down into the dungeons.
“I am not certain what you are speaking of Princess. Are you sure you’re alright?” The knight questioned as he searched her over. “You have blood on you…” He pointed out.
Jaenyra shook her head, “I’m fine.” She replied as she moved around the man. She walked passed the cells, her eyes glanced into each one. Some of the prisoners slammed against the bars and snickered as she passed. This caused the princess to jump. She’d never been in the belly of the castle before. Her father forbid it. She searched the entire labyrinth of the dungeon only to come up empty handed. There didn’t seem to be a cell that held the shadow mage within it. She climbed the stairs quickly and made her way back to Dr. Stone’s office. She stepped into the back room and gazed about to the various cots. She thumbed through the books upon the walls as the flame within her lantern dulled – it was running low on oil by this point. She saw it then – light. The princess furrowed her brows as she pushed against the stone wall. It ground from its place and turned just enough for her to enter. She pushed it closed and drew in a breath. Her stomach was in knots by this point. Why did Dr. Stone need a secret wing? Did her father know that this existed? Surely, he did.
The princess quickly rushed down the stairs, afraid she was running low on time. She came to a small dimly lit hallway. She bit her lip slightly. Not a guard in sight. “Hello?” She called, her voice echoed back to her. She looked to the first door – it held intricate runes upon it that glowed. She touched the runes with her fingertips. Her breath caught in her chest as she was able to see within the room. Her eyes fluttered as a vision of a woman with glowing wings lay within in a bed, sleeping comfortably. She took several steps back – her back pressed against the wall on the opposite side of the corridor. She bit her lip slightly. What was Dr. Stone doing? Was that a Fae? Her breath shuddered. Jaenyra turned then and moved down the hall a bit more. Several open doors to rooms that were less than appealing. She then paused before another door with runes upon it. The princess pressed her hand against this door, but a vision did not come to her. She pressed her lips together as she worked the locking mechanism from its place.
She pushed into the room, her crystal hues fell upon the shadow mage then. “Vinelle.” She stepped forward and looked to the shackles about her wrists. “What…” She looked to the open vials of blood. She swallowed hard as her heart drummed within her chest. “Are you alright?” She questioned then, her voice full of concern.
**
General Baylar had tendrils of shadows wrapped around her, her body was held suspended within a large hall. The grand castle that Vinelle had once stepped inside. She whimpered in pain as the shadows pierced into her body, her blood dripped from the wounds. She struggled against the tendrils – her eyes held the vibrant bright blue light.
The Lord of Shadows stood before her a chuckle came over his lips. “You’ve not given in?” He questioned as he approached. “Perhaps I should try harder.” He lifted a hand and more shadows swarmed around the General. “Do not forget Juliana, it was you whom offered yourself to me. You belong to me now.” He snickered darkly as he turned his hand about. The shadows pierced and twisted within her body. Her back arched as she fought against the pain. But what was worse? Nightmares began to swarm her mind.
Juliana was pulled from this reality and into another she stood within a cobbled street of the great kingdom of Malreos. She gazed down to her hands – they were dirty from working all day, she wore a plain maiden dress that had patches and rips in it. She was young. Her silvery hair was pulled into a messy bun, her ocean hues gazed about to the people that walked by. A noble tossed a coin to her that clattered upon the ground. Juliana grasped the golden coin as her breath shuddered. This was just weeks after her mother had disappeared. She rushed through the streets as her chest heaved from her attempting to hold back tears. She walked up to a merchant and held up the coin. “Soup and a bread please.” She spoke, her voice small.
The man leaned forward to look over the counter to her, a scoff came over his lips. “Get your filthy hands off my counter, girl.” He swiped the coin from her grasp. “Get out.” He spoke in a harsh tone.
Juliana sniffled as she stared to him. “I…I paid for that…” She breathed. “I…” She stared to the coin in his hand.
“You paid?” He laughed. “You haven’t paid a cent. Now get out before I call the King’s Guard.” He warned.
Juliana turned and rushed from the shop. Her stomach growled uncomfortably. She shivered as the night air began to settle in around her. Her ocean hues gazed about to the bustle of the city. Then she stared to the castle. How grand it looked in the distance. Like a shiny stone as the rays of the sun disappeared behind it. Juliana walked down the street until she made it to an alley where she slid down the wall. She closed her eyes as a single tear rolled down her cheek.
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