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Post by Blindside Tex on Jun 26, 2016 17:16:31 GMT -5
The world was fuzzy mess as Ayla dangled from the assassin’s shoulder. With each breath she took her eyes became heavier, her muscles weaker. She felt as though she was in a dream, buried in quicksand and any moment her body would be engulfed. She felt the sudden jolt of her body as Ren ran into the Assassin. Her eyes fluttered as she tried to focus, tried to gain control before she ultimately slipped into the black hole that was unconsciousness.
The princess stood in a beautiful dark blue and black dress, she wore black gloves that reached up to her elbows. She stared into the mirror at herself as a thunderstorm brewed outside. The sound of music from the ballroom could be heard echoing down the hall to the powder room that she stood in.
“Méla, let’s go.” Another young girl came to her side. This was her friend Lorelei, she was of the noblest family in Portland. Her best friend since they had been toddlers. “You look beautiful, I’m sure you’ll find a courter.” She smiled, her dark brown eyes looked over the princess. “But no without a smile on your face. What is bothering you?”
“This isn’t me.” She shook her head. “You would much better suite the role of a princess. I’m not who they want me to be. I do not look to bark orders like a rabid dog like my mother does, nor do I wish to kill innocent beggars…or even humans that wander upon the lands of Portland that wished us no harm…” She lowered her head slightly.
“You don’t have to be.” Lorelei placed her hand on the princess’ back. “You will be queen one day, and you can change Portland. Make it a better place.” She smiled. “But first, we must find you a noble man, or a prince charming.” She grinned and towed the princess along toward the ball room. She placed a ball mask over her face and smiled, “You’ll be great.” She nodded before she slipped through the doorway.
Mélawen stood in the shadows of the doorway as she looked to the ball. Everyone was required to wear a mask, everyone but the royal family. She looked to the throne chairs to see her mother and father. The queen shifted in her seat as she scanned the ballroom, most likely looking for her daughter. It was then that their eyes caught and the queen gave a smile, Mélawen looked gorgeous tonight. The blue of the fabric brought out her eyes and the dark velvety black made her skin look as beautiful as porcelain. She stepped into the room and her mother stood. The party stopped as everyone looked to the queen. “Noblemen and ladies, I give you, my dearest daughter Mélawen.” She gestured to her daughter as the princess stepped to the middle of the room, just as planned. The crowd looked to her. “It is with great honor that I introduce to you the first dance with Sir Victor Leighuges.” The crowd clapped as the man stepped forward.
“Princess.” He gave a smile as he took her hands into his. His icy eyes locked on hers from behind his masquerade mask. This was the dance that defined her. This was her future king, her parents had chosen for her. This was not a chance for her to choose, she knew once her mother announced his name that she had already decided for her daughter. He pulled her body in close to his, his arm wrapped around the middle of her waist after he had placed her hand on his shoulder. “It is an honor to have the pleasure of the first dance with you.” He grinned beneath the mask. He tossed her around a bit, his movements quick as he danced with her, Mélawen stumbled slightly, she did not know this dance. Her mother had only instructed her on Elven dances and this was not one. When the music stopped the crowd cheered and the princess was pushed to the next dance, the night continued like this. Dance after dance, her feet began to ache from the heels, her ribs burned from the corset. She was exhausted. Finally she escaped to the balcony and leaned against the cold stone that overlooked the city. She took in several deep breaths, her vision blurred.
“What are you doing?” The voice split the silence, a much known voice filled with anger. “Get back in there, Mélawen.” Her mother grabbed her by her elbow. The princess nearly fell when she was jerked back toward the ball room. “If you ruin this you will regret it.” Her mother said through grit teeth as she pushed her back into the crowd. She stood upon the stage and gave a nod in the direction of Victor. He moved forward from the crowd and pulled the princess into his arms. Mélawen leaned against him as she fought to breathe through the constricting fabric of the corset.
She listened as her mother announced the upcoming marriage. The crowd cheered as they looked to the princess whom had already fallen in the arms of the noble. Her vision was fuzzy, her body tingled. She began to wonder if she had been drugged. It wouldn’t have been the first time her mother had pulled something like that. She had done it in the past several times and this was a familiar feeling. The sound of music began once more, a slow piece. A piece meant for celebration. “I’ve got you now Princess.” Victor whispered in her ear. His breath hot against her skin. She tried to push against him but found her body heavy. She looked up into his eyes and like a play that her mother had planned he kissed her, only for the crowd to cheer once again. The nobles rejoicing in the union between an elf and a human. It could end the war that had been ongoing since the beginning of time.
Mélawen lay her head back against his chest until the song was over. The world seemed to stop when the last note of music was played. The nobles shuffled out of the ballroom leaving the Leighuges family and her own. The queen smiled to Victor as she sat at the table with his parents to discuss what this wedding actually meant for their worlds. Victor picked Mélawen up into his arms with a smile on his lips when he was instructed to see her to her room. “Of course.” He grinned as she princess leaned her head on his shoulder now. She pushed against him lightly as he walked. “Don’t fight against me princess.” He growled to her, “There isn’t anything you can do about this now, your selfish mother is going to sign you away to me and you will be mine.” He chuckled. “It didn’t take much, just a small agreement, but who says that paper can’t be ripped up once I am king?” He mused, “This land is mine and I will finish off the rest of your weak people until elven blood runs through the waters.” He tossed her down onto her bed like a bag of trash.
“You can’t.” Mélawen whispered as she sat up, “I will not allow you to do this.” She went to stand only to meet contact with the back of his hand. She fell back onto her bed with a whimper. “You won’t do this.” She cried as she went to sit up again only to be pinned down by him.
“Oh? You think I won’t? I’ve been training our guard for this for years with my father. It has always been in the plans after what the elves did to my people years ago. Your race is pitiful.” He held her as she fought against him. “I would kill you now if I could still take over the palace without you.” He snickered. “But, sadly I do need you, at least until I have taken over.” He smirked. “Maybe I’ll keep you around.” He licked his lips, “You are an eye catcher.” He brushed her hair from her face.
“Fuck you.” She shoved against him, though his strength was much higher than her own.
“Now, now princess, that wasn’t very ladylike.” He snickered as he traced down the side of her cheek. His hand held both of her wrists together with ease above her head.
“You won’t get away with this!” She snapped as she turned her head away from him and attempted to fight against him. “I’ll have the knights kill you before you do any of---“
His hand clutched her throat. “And you think I haven’t thought of this?” He asked with a sneer. “Why don’t you just follow me like a good puppet? Hm? That’s all you are to your mother.” He slammed her against the bed before he stood. “You’re nothing more than a pawn.”
Mélawen stood and ran to him, though he turned and slammed her hard against the wall, cracking her head against the hard stone. “I won’t…let…you…” She muttered.
The door to her room opened then and the queen walked through the door. Her brows pulled together as she looked at the two. “Is she causing you trouble, Victor?” The queen asked as she came to the side of the two.
“She certainly is my queen.” He looked back to the princess. “I’m not sure why she is fighting against me so much, I was only trying to help her.”
“Don’t worry, Victor. I will make sure that she doesn’t fight against you when you are her king.” The queen grinned. “With what your family has offered, my son, there isn’t much that I will allow to stand in the way, especially my misbehaved daughter.”
“Mother.” Mélawen began only to get backhanded by the queen.
“Shut your mouth girl.” The queen growled. “You will respect him. He is soon to be your king and you will follow every word that comes from this man’s mouth.” She gripped her daughters chin tightly. A bruise was appearing on her cheek.
Victor stepped back with a smirk on his lips, he had the queen wrapped around his finger. “My queen, is there anything I may do?” He asked.
The queen looked to him as she released her daughter. Mélawen had tears running down her cheeks at this point. There was nothing she could do. She knew not even her father would listen to her. “Oh my dear boy, I am so proud to soon call you my son.” She smiled. “If only my daughter were so well behaved such as yourself. You follow every order with perfection, and ask for more.” She looked to her daughter. “Why don’t you teach Mélawen a lesson? Hm? I’d like to see how well you deal with her.” The queen snapped her fingers. She turned to her daughter. “Don’t let me down, Victor.” She smirked before she left the room.
Mélawen looked up to Victor as he stood in front of her, fear in her eyes. “You thought I was joking, didn’t you princess?” He grinned before he kissed her harshly. “Now, let me show you what happens when you disobey and maybe this will be the last time I have to deal with it.”
“No…” Mélawen slipped from his grip, just in time for his fist to come into contact with the wall. He groaned in pain as he spun around. “You are wrong, Victor. This isn’t the way it is supposed to be.” She dodged another swing, and ducked. “We could get our kingdoms to live together.” She misjudged a swing and caught his fist against her jaw. The force of this punch knocked her to her back on the marble floor. She quickly moved to get up only to find herself pinned. His legs on either side of her body. She held her arms up to shield herself. “Please.” She whimpered.
“Please? Now it is please? That is a full circle from what you said to me before princess. When you thought I was joking. I’ve got your mother wrapped around my finger. If it wasn’t for the need for me to marry into royalty I would have killed all of you.” He pinned her arms above her head again. “I told you, I’m going to show you what happens when you disobey.” He smirked. “Don’t think that I forgot that. Your words will not cause me to falter my beautiful queen.” He kissed her again, his actions full of hate. He then lifted her up by her wrists and slammed her against the wall. “Don’t even bother to scream, because no one will save you princess.” He growled into her ear. He slammed his fist against her ribcage, and brought his elbow against the side of her head, causing it to ricochet off of the stone wall. He shoved her hard against the wall and brought his knee into her abdomen and another hook to her ribs. Mélawen let out a cry as her rib snapped from the impact. He slammed her against the wall and looked into her ocean blue eyes. “What did I say?” He asked with a sick grin on his lips. “If you keep going against my word this will never end.” He snickered, knowing very well she couldn’t hold back her whimpers.
This continued until Mélawen lost consciousness. She wasn’t sure how long it had been. All she knew was she woke the next morning in her bed, her dress was upon the floor. She sobbed for what seemed like days before she finally rose to see her body. She stared into the mirror, bruises lined her skin, her jaw. This was worse than her mother and it would never end…
“Princess?” The voice came from the hall as a knock came from the door.
Mélawen rushed and slipped on a nightgown before she climed into her bed. She winced in pain. “C-come in.” She whimpered slightly.
The door creaked open slowly as Xavier came in. He looked her over and his jaw became loose. “What happened?” He asked as he sat on the edge of her bed. “The queen ordered the whole staff to leave you alone today, that you had been up late with the future king. Is this is doing? Or did she beat you again?” He asked and touched her jaw, looking over the deep bruise.
“It was Victor.” Mélawen whimpered, tears rolling down her cheeks as she threw her arms around him. Xavier was her only safe haven here in the palace. He was the only one who did his best to protect her. It was in this moment that Xavier had decided to free his princess from the castle. “I disobeyed him…he wants to kill everyone, Xavier.” She cried.
The knight held her in his arms as she sobbed, “Don’t worry princess, everything will be okay, I promise.”
Ayla didn’t budge when Ren had shook her shoulder. She was too deep into the world of unconsciousness to be awoken. She had a troubled look upon her face though, as she remembered one of the worst nights of her life. It was up there in the top five for sure. When the chef poured the tea into her mouth she choked and coughed, her eyes fluttered but she fell limp once again. A tear rolled down her cheek as she continued to dream.
Xavier groaned in pain when the chef had stuffed his wound. His blood stained the blankets beneath him. “Fuck….God…why…” He grit his teeth. His chest burned where the blade had pierced it. He could barely breathe. “Princess…” He looked to her as she whimpered in her sleep. “Princess…” He shook her. “Wake up….please….help…” He lay back on his back as he ground his teeth. “Please…” He shook her again.
Ayla’s eyes fluttered open finally. Her world was a haze. She sat up quickly and gasped for air as she looked around. Her eyes fell on her fallen friend. “Xavier!” She cried as she stood, she stumbled slightly as she looked over his wound. His skin was blue near the wound. His lips were also becoming cyanotic. “What happened?” She asked as she looked around the room and located the bag.
“The assassin got the best of me.” He choked out, he had blood in his mouth. “It’s okay…Ayla…” He placed his hand over hers.
Tears welled in her eyes. “No Xavier, I can fix this.”
He gave a soft smile as he pushed himself up, blood soaked through the rag and dripped down his side. “It’s so warm.” He mused as he looked to the red liquid.
Ayla placed her hand over the wound and pushed him to his side. “Just lay still.” She whispered softly as she readied the supplies. She pulled the tape from his wound and removed the cloth. He wheezed, she could hear his lung trying to work, sucking in the air through the hole. She couldn’t clean this wound like a normal wound. She pulled his shirt away completely and taped an occlusive dressing on three sides to his chest to act as a flutter valve when he would breathe. She then placed a field dressing over the top of this to stop the bleeding. Xavier groaned as she placed pressure against the wound. She wrapped cloth around his chest to keep the dressing in place. “Are you still with me?” She asked, her voice shook slightly. She didn’t want to lose her only friend. He had saved her from the hell that was the palace.
Xavier looked up to her with fluttering eyelids. “Thank you, Ayla.” He grit his teeth. “Thank you…” He could finally breathe.
Ayla looked him over with worried eyes, he had lost so much blood. She placed her hand on his chest as she looked into his eyes, tears rolling over her cheeks. “Don’t die on me Xavier.” She whimpered.
He gave a smile and took her hand. “You’ve done your best.” He gave a nod.
The boat was rocking around wildly at this point. How she had patched his wound in the storm was incredible. “You have to pull through this.” She cried as she griped onto his hand. She looked him over, his breaths were small, a smile upon his lips. “Please.” She begged. His skin was pale. His body loosened as he looked up into her eyes. “No…no no no no ….” Ayla pulled him into her arms. “No Xavier please.” She cried as she held his limp heavy body against hers tightly. She shut her eyes as hot tears rolled over her cheeks. She whimpered, “Please.” She cried. A green aura appeared over his entire body until it honed in on his injury. The light that came from the wound was nearly blinding.
The chef had come to check in on the princess and the knight as the storm subsided. He stared into the room in awe as the light faded away and Xavier took in a deep breath. He pulled the door shut just moments before the captain came down the stairs. He grinned to Ren and gave a nod. “Better than that.” He hugged the captain. “Great drivin’ as always captain.” He chuckled then. “We have a healer aboard our ship!” He announced. “She has magic, Ren.” He nodded. “I saw it with my own eyes!” He grinned, “She saved that knight, he was surely dead, and a green light came from her! It was incredible!” He looked to the closed door, “I’ve never seen anything like it!”
Ayla lay on the bed, blood on her hands and forearms as she listened to Xavier breathe. She stare at the ceiling as she tried to decipher what just happened, her body felt so weak. “What…was that…?” She muttered to the silent room.
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Post by Raven on Jun 27, 2016 12:23:08 GMT -5
Ren glanced up just as the glow faded. Her eyes fell upon Ayla who lay slack over Xavier. His chest moved slowly up and down. Ren looked to the crew in the room and waved to them. “Give her some room, we need some warm food made and a hot rag.” She spoke with a serious voice – her bubbly persona gone.
Once the crew left she stepped forward to the bed and put her hand on Ayla’s shoulder. “Our kind – we all have magic.” She glanced over into her pupils – looking for dilation. “Just breath in and out - deeply. You probably feel like you’ve ran a marathon, your muscles are weak, it’s hard to breath … like something is sitting on your chest.” she brushed a bit of blood out of her hair and smiled. “It is interesting to see you are a healer - that is very rare” she spoke and then looked to the door as it opened.
One of the men brought a damp hot towel and handed it to Ren. She nodded her head and then began to wipe off Ayla’s arms of her blood. “I have the ability to manipulate wind and air.” She spoke and then chuckled. “If I want to out run a ship.. I do. But it drains me like this” she spoke softly. “I am partial Elf and Fairy” she laughed. “As weird as that is” she turned slightly and lifted up her tunic where she had been hit – it was completely healed already. “I get a few bonuses for that” she then moved the bloodied rag up to her neck and wipe it off slowly.
“The first time is always the hardest. It gets easier..” she spoke and then turned her head when the door opened. The chef brought in two plates. “Potato soup, bread and tea” she spoke and set it down on the small table. Ren moved over to the slow breathing Xavier and began to clean his hands as well. Xavier’s eyes fluttered and opened slowly. He reached his hand to his wound only to feel it was completely healed, a small patch of scar tissue covered the stab wound. “Wh-what?” she muttered and gripped Ren’s hand.
“Sit up” Ren spoke to Xavier and helped him up. “Thank your Princess” she glanced over to Ayla. “In her moments of desperation – your friendship and bond woke her abilities within her” she went over to the bowl of soup and handed it to him. “She healed you” Ren picked up the other bowl and walked over to Ayla. “Here” she spoke and set the bowl into her hands. “She is truly a gift” Ren spoke and smiled once more. She pulled a chair up and sat down. She would tend for the two as long as necessary.
After a while she turned the chair and sat in it with her chest towards the back of it. She placed her arms on the back and leaned her head against her arms and fell asleep. She heard a familiar sound of a gentle tapping – the ship was docked. Ren opened her eyes and groaned – her body was stiff from the position she slept in. She stood up and put the chair back - her steps leading out of the door.
Ren walked to her deck and Giant nodded to her…."Get some booze for the boys. This place is safe, we can stay here for a bit." she turned and glanced to Xavier who approached her. "Go get Ayla" she spoke and nodded. "I have a friendly Elf that she can talk to..." she spoke and waited at the dock. They had tied off at Velaville, a mostly Elven city. She was known very well there, and if a crew of royal jerks came her way - the entire city would retaliate in defense.
Ren looked over to an Elven woman standing on the dock - she wore a delicate dress. She handed the woman a few coins and the woman approached the ship. She cast a spell and the entire ship visibly changed - into a huge beautiful ship. Ren turned her head as Ayla came with Xavier next to her. "Good morning" she smiled and nodded her head. "How are you feeling?" she asked and the three began to walk down the dock.
"This is Velaville, a very old Elven city. It is open arms to all kinds, especially magic. This is where you can get your hands on anything magic, and so on. We will see a very nice lady, she will help you out." she smiled and led them down the street. They walked for a while and then turned down another smaller road. The city was bustling, shops were open. They passed so many. Herbs. Cafes. Wand shop. Robes and dresses. Vials and leaders. Books. Another book shop. Then an incent and candle shop. The place was scrambling with elfs of all kinds, ones that dressed like humans, ones that dressed in elven wear and garb, others who looked like blacksmiths, cooks, all sorts. Occasionally a human would pass by, without a blink of an eye - the place was a melting pot.
She opened the door to a smaller shop, it said "Fortune". Dangling from every corner was small idols and flowers, beads and other things. The moment the door opened a voice came from the other side of the misty room. "Danirva" A tall elven woman came from the back, where a beaded door dangled and swung from her presence. "Ahem. Uh" Ren scratched her head slightly. "Please. Melawen, Xavier, Danirva.. sit" she pat the round table in the center of the room. The walls of the room were lined with book shelves, some filled with books, and others with ornaments, gems and talismans. Two incenses burned in the room, creating a lingering scent smoke at the ceiling of the dark room.
Ren sat at the table and nodded. "So, Melawen, you have discovered yourself recently, is that so?" She smiled. Her hair was long and silver, fall over her breasts. She wore a dark dress that was lined with white flowers, vines and leaves that traces up her skirt and chest. "I am Luna" she spoke sweetly and then leaned over and grasped Ren's hand. She closed her eyes and then smiled. "Such adventures since the last we spoke" she whispered. "You are developing, changing..." she spoke again, opening her eyes. "Coming out of that shell.. you are blossoming into the ..well.." she chuckled and then looked to Ayla. Her eyes were completely white, she was blind.
"I have something" she spoke and stood up. She pulled out a brown small box. "In here.." she spoke and opened it. Several stones rest, sparkling lightly. "Full of energy absorbed from the air, sea, earth.." she pulled one and twirled it around in her fingers. "Grasp this when you drain yourself, you will find yourself feeling better. And in this bag - tea. To calm your stomach and sooth the body" she spoke and set the box forward.
"Danirva" she spoke and turned her head towards her. "You should see your mother" she spoke softly. Ren turned her head to the side, avoiding contact. "You.. really should" she muttered and then pulled out a deck of cards. She spread the deck out and leaned back. "Danirva... pick a card" she spoke and waved her hand over the deck. Ren reached forward and let her hand hover over the deck, and she selected one. "Xavier.." she spoke. Xavier selected one as well, and then Ayla did. "Turn them over onto the table" she spoke and nodded.
Ren turned her card over. "Broken Sailor" she chuckled. "What a card to draw" she grinned. "Those honing to this card are subject to a terrible life before their current. Now they are constantly on the run, avoiding contact only until they must board land, trying to find something - any where, but with no direction." she then turned to Xavier. "The White Knight" she nodded. "A man, a guardian, protector of all those before him. He slings himself in front of every sword, takes every blow, his selflessness would soon be his damnation, but his kindness growing beyond his life" she then turned her blind eyes to Ayla. "The Silver Princess. You are in a position of expectation and power, but you crave neither. You will be followed by trouble, until you make resolve and come forth from your name, developing your own sense. But it will take moving the moon to do it.."
She looked to the box. "One of the stones in that box will aid both you and Danirva" Luna spoke to Ayla. "It will bring forth the answers you seek, and create a force none would reckon with... Take it.." she spoke and then stood up. "Unfortunately I do not have much left to offer" she nodded. "I have things to tend to... Off you go.." she spoke and then turned to the back of her room, the beads clinking as they hit each other.
Ren stared to her card. It had a figure standing at the bow of a ship - sword in air. Dark clouds lingered above the ship, who's sails were tattered and filled with holes. She knew every aspect of the card meant something. The darkness was her lingering past that she constantly tried to outrun. The holes in her sails was her lack of direction in life, her sails would never become taught with air. The ship's hull was in good condition, meaning on the outside she showed strength... Ren stood from the table and turned out of the building.
"I hate Luna" she spoke softly and shook her head. She hated her because she was always right. Ren was running from herself. Running from her past. What did she mean... she should see her mother? She crossed her arms and looked down to her feet. "Um - I'd like to go back to the ship now.." she spoke. |
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jul 4, 2016 19:28:07 GMT -5
Ayla looked to Ren, her pupils were dilated so large that the blue in her eyes had become a thin line. Her pulse was racing. “Our…kind?” She breathed as she listened to the captain speak. The princess blinked slowly as she felt the warmth of the rag brush against her skin to wash away the blood. So much blood. More than she had seen at one time, that was for sure. She looked to Xavier and took in a deep breath, she had saved him. Ayla smiled weakly when she heard Ren explain what happened to her friend, when the captain called her a gift. She felt like more of a nuisance until now, she didn’t know how to fight. She wasn’t entirely sure how to protect herself. She had been beaten her entire life, she knew how to block, but that wasn’t enough. She could escape briefly, but, that wouldn’t be enough here in the real world. Especially if it wasn’t enough within the palace walls. Ayla took the bowl of soup carefully, “Thank you.” She whispered weakly before she took it from her hands.
She found herself drifting into sleep once she had the warm food within her belly. She stared to Ren for awhile, the captain clearly exhausted. This felt like home. This felt better than anything she had ever felt before, she had always been afraid in the palace, from her earliest memories. She felt out of control. She felt helpless. Now, she felt as though she could make a difference. As she slipped into the darkness of sleep, she began to wonder what would become of her kingdom now? Without her. Without a successor to the throne. The royals had always complained about the fact that her family had only had one child. Most royal families had two, just for safety sake. The youngest of course got the boot once the eldest took the throne, that is how it always happened, but, it was a failsafe….what would her family do now?
**
“My queen.” A knight bowed before the woman. His armor black as the night. His voice was low and harsh. “I have received your request for my services. It is an honor to be working with the Elves again.”
“You will remove your helm when in my presence.” The queen ordered. One of her men drew his sword and pointed it at the man’s chest.
A chuckle came from within the armor, his eyes glowed orange like the fires of hell. Glimpses of such flame were visible through bullet, sword and other wounds within his armor. “Are you sure?” He turned and ripped the sword from the knight’s hands and easily had the blade against the man’s throat. “You must train your men better, my queen.”
“Remove your helmet and stop threatening my guard, you are of service to me so you will obey me!” The queen’s voice cracked as she pulled her pistol from the side of her throne. She aimed the gun at his head. “I will not hesitate.”
The knight dropped the sword and chuckled once again, “Do not think that even for a minute I am your pet like your daughter and the guard that stand before you. One has betrayed you. What makes you think that the others will not? What makes you think I was not hired to eliminate you?” He lifted the helmet from his head. Beneath the helmet bone showed, his eyes were just as before a fiery abyss. He chuckled again when he saw the surprise in the queen’s eyes. “Oh, forgive me.” He snapped his fingers and skin formed over his bones revealing a handsome man with a strong jaw. He had brown hair that was short and close to his skull and a clean shaven face. “I always forget.” He smirked.
The queen sat back down in her throne as she looked to her frightened guards. “You know what I expect.” She glared to the man. “Bring her to my feet, alive.” She spoke through her teeth. “I expect Xavier as well, I want to show his betrayal to the entire city, and that rat….” She paused, “That whole filthy crew, I want them all! I will have you tear them limb from limb once they are in within the palace walls!!” She stood and stepped up to him. He was tall, a good foot above her head. “If you can not bring them all, bring the rat, the tiny imbred, I want to hear her screams as you kill her slowly.” She chuckled. “As for my daughter. I have my plans. But, she must remain alive.”
The knight chuckled. “Of course my queen, as you wish.” The thunder of hooves came from outside the chamber. “I require a boat of your best men.”
The queen took in a breath. “I can give you a boat of the best men from a kingdom over, my men were lost at sea once they caught up to that filthy boat. Only three survived that massive storm. The future king has sent his guard. They will more than suffice. They have a boat that was forged by mages, it should be quick.”
“Magic, perfect. I won’t have to work as hard.” The knight placed his helmet upon his head once again as the doors flew open and a huge horse reared on its back legs. Several knights stood alongside the horse, their eyes as fiery as this man. “I have my own men to supply as well. Less training that way.” He cackled from within his helmet. “Elves were never the best at fighting.” He turned his back, his tattered cloak swooshing behind him. He climbed upon his steed and the huge horse reared again, it was Clydesdale size, simply massive. It’s hooves landed and cracked the marble flooring. “We leave at dawn, make sure these men of yours are ready and they are prepared for embark in training with my own men. By the time we catch that tiny Flotsam they will be praying for our mercy.” He kicked the horse and took off, the hooves leaving fiery marks in the ground as a storm appeared. He disappeared into a fiery hole in the ground that engulfed him. The knights that stood at ready remained. This knight had offered the queen his army for protection. The demons disbursed throughout the palace and teamed with her own knights, to begin training the Elves so that they would better stand a chance against a battle.
**
“Ayla, wake up.” Xavier shook her shoulder gently. Ayla’s brows were pulled tightly together, her breathing was heavy. “Ayla.” He shook her once more. Her eyes shot open and she gasped for air. “Are you alright?” He asked. “We are at the dock.” He gave a smile, “Time for another adventure.”
Ayla gave a slight nod. “Y-yeah, I’m f-f-fine.” But the truth was, she was far from fine. The demon knight had given her a scare in her dreams. He was a frightening creature with his horned helmet, his fiery eyes. Demons couldn’t come to the surface unless summoned…and her mother had summoned this beast. Her mother was desperate. But, Ayla brushed off the dream as another nightmare. Nothing.
Ayla followed Xavier to the deck and looked around at the beautiful city as she listened to Ren speak of it. When they came to the fortune shop she was shocked by how the woman knew that she had discovered her power recently. She listened to the silvery hared woman as her eyes looked over the card that had been chosen for her. Ayla ran her fingers over the thick material, the aluminum foil that glistened with the light. It was a princess whom looked over her shoulder to an army it seemed. She seemed to be running.
‘I’d like to go back to the ship now..’ Ayla looked up from her card as she heard the last bit of Ren’s word. “We can’t go back yet.” She gave a smile. Xavier furrowed his brows. “We have to get our hands on some chocolate for you, Ren, and a cookbook. The last city ruined that for us.” She ran her arm between Ren’s arm and her body and toted her along. “Don’t let a silly fortune get you down. Be it true or not, things happen. I know this from being in the palace, locked away like a prize. I have never had control over my life. At least you have control, even if it is little. You can carve your own path.”
Ayla paused a moment outside of an armory. She pulled Ren inside as she looked over the swords, daggers, pistols. “I…” She turned to the captain. “Could you teach me?” She paused as she lifted a dagger, the metal cold in her hands. “So that I am not a hindrance. So that I may help? I feel like I am of no help in any of the situations we have encountered…if I had known what to do to protect myself, Xavier would have never gotten hurt, some of the people how died would not have died.” She shook her head. “So, would you teach me, Ren?” Ayla set the dagger back down. Xavier smiled as he stood in the shadows with his arms crossed over his chest.
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Post by Raven on Jul 4, 2016 21:37:01 GMT -5
Ren turned her head to glance at Ayla as she seemingly came skipping forward. Ren couldn’t help but smirk – a slight side smirk even. Ren nodded and then walked forward with Ayla as she spoke. “I suppose you are right… you’re starting to sound like a Flotsam shipmate already” she nudged Ayla slightly and then glanced back to Xavier. He was walking, his hand resting on the hilt of his blade – with a gentle smile as he watched the two girls. The two girls were now like his younger siblings, and he watched and guarded them…
Ren looked to the Armory store and then stepped in with Ayla. “Theres no chocolate in here” she muttered softly but then looked around to the collections of weapons and armor. There was rack after rack in rows that held sword after sword. Great Swords and Great Axes rest on the walls next to shields and bows. Ren stepped up to the dagger rack and ran her finger along several different daggers.
Ren turned her head as her fingers ran over the hilt of one dagger, listening to Ayla speak to her. Ren pulled the dagger, it was a moderate length, the tip of the blade went to her elbow if she turned the blade inward. She flipped it slightly and flipped it around. It was very well balanced, and was very smooth, hardly any air resistance to the blade. It was not traditional metal.
Ren smiled and then flipped the dagger in the air and gripped it by the tip of the blade and held the hilt towards Ayla. “Absolutely” she smiled and lifted her head when Ayla took the blade. “That dagger right there is perfect. Longer than a traditional dagger but not a Short Sword. It would give you a lot of room to parry, and it would allow you to be a little further from your enemy. It would hold its own in a sword fight, as well.” She stepped forward to Ayla and reached forward – adjusting Ayla’s grip on the blade. “Swing it a little, side to side” she held her hand out and made a motion. “It’s a nice one, easy to move” she pulled her own dagger.
Ren’s dagger was about the same length. It had a tip but then curved back – a sort of hook dagger. If stabbed and then pulled out it would be deadly, there was no surviving a stab from her blade. Ren moved the dagger side to side, showing Ayla. “Now hold it like this” she spoke and flipped the dagger so that the blade went down her arm, the tip at her elbow. “Feel it. It should feel almost apart of you. Find a dagger here that suits you, comfortable, as if you’re not even holding it. The feeling of balance will differ from my body to yours..” she sheathed her dagger and then stepped over to the pistol area.
She lifted several guns and inspected them, pulling at their cocks and then shifting it around. She went through about 10 before she found a really nice one. It was a lighter gun, easy to hold up with one arm. She cocked it and listened to the click, it was silent – smooth, it was built very well. It was a triple barrel revolver. It was golden with a husk handle, it was covered in engravings and etchings. It was gorgeous. She picked out a holster and nodded. “Did you pick one?” she asked and walked over with the gun. She set it down on the counter where the clerk was watching them.
Ren walked over and looked at the weapon Ayla chose. Ren reached over and plucked the dagger from her hand and turned it around. “Perfect” she whispered. “This is an old blade..” she spoke and closed her eyes. “It is enchanted.. this is a blade made by a Fairy…” she turned it and then set it in Ayla’s hands. “Rare blades, that is” she spoke and turned her head to the clerk. People came in every day and sold their weapons, all the blades and guns were mostly used – each had a story. The blade Ayla picked whispered to Ren – it had a glorious past.
Ren stepped up to the counter and nodded to the blade that Ayla admired, and to the gun. “280” he spoke. Ren tilted her head and shook it no. “185.”
“You tryin’ to bankrupt me kid? 250”
“That blade is over 600 years old.” She crossed her arms. “200”
“220 That’s the lowest” he spoke finally, his eyes looking to Ayla.
Ren thought for a long moment, her eyes looking to Ayla as she held the blade. Ren reached for her pocket and pulled out a small bag. Two large golden coins and two smaller ones. 220 was a good bit. But… Thankfully 220 was chump change to Ren. She pushed the two coins in front of her and took the gun and holster.
“Some scary lookin’ guys might come in here, asking about all this. For the sake of your life – you better pretend you didn’t see anything” she pushed a few more coins forward and then turned, grinning wide. Truthfully the man didn’t know his stock, the weapons were far more valuable than she basically stole them for. Ren’s hues looked to Ayla, its value increasing with each second Ayla grasp the hilt of her new blade. “Better think of a name for ‘em! No blade will act kindly without a proper name” she patted Ayla and then left the place.
“This is your gun too. It’s a good one” she spoke and approached Ayla. She moved her hands to put the holster onto her belt, to rest on Ayla’s waist. “It’ll make that cheap hunk-o-junk our fanboy gave you look like a pea-shooter.” She chuckled and nodded. “Suits ya’” she chuckled and then turned around. Her steps lead to the nearest bakery store. The door jingled as they entered and Ren stepped to the woman behind the counter. The bakery had goods, cooking supplies and more. “I need me a breakfast cook book. All the goodies” she rubbed her hands together and stared at the row of chocolate options.
They had chunks of chocolate, rather than bars. She spied a few and then pointed at the glass, like a child that saw the perfect candy. “That one, that one. Get me.. 2 pounds worth”
The woman’s eyes behind the counter grew large and then nodded. She gathered it up and put it in a paper bag, as well as a cook book. “Perfect!” Ren spoke and shoved some coins forward and opened the bag – taking a big sniff. “Oh this is some home made glories. A bit of coffee beans, cranberry and love in every bite” she squeezed the bag close and then nodded.
“Ayo – so lets make our way back! We can start training you immediately aye? Seein’ how we are being tailed.” She looked to Xavier, who nodded to her approvingly. She stepped forward onto the cobble road and then stopped immediately.
Everything around the three froze in mid-motion. To the right she saw someone that had just thrown a pizza – dough into the air, it was mid spin, flour flying outward. A woman was stepping out of a door.. her foot lingering in its spot above the ground. The smoke from the chimney to the store on the left also stopped. Ren, Ayla and Xavier still maintained motion and time. Before Ren something glowed, it was a short figure that hovered in the air. The figure was pure white light that beamed brightly. Ren shook her head and stepped forward slightly. Her hand reached forward to the being – but her hand pierced the light, like a hand into water. The figure turned red, some image conjuring in the body like a scrying orb. The demon’s head passed through, then seen riding off in the distance with a collection of terrifying horses following his lead.
The figure flickered slightly and reached its hand out to Ren. Ren stepped back slightly, but was touched anyways. Ren’s eyes glowed bright white, as if she was being taken over by this figure. Xavier put his arm in front of Ayla – holding her back from going to Ren.
Ren gasped a gulp of air and the image sucked into her mouth and disappeared. Ren stumbled backward and then shook her head slightly. Time began again, as if nothing had happened. Ren turned her head and glanced towards Xavier. Xavier let his arm down and lifted his head. “You okay?”
“Yeah..” Ren spoke and then looked back down the cobble stone road. “Lets go” she spoke and rushed down the road. Her steps lead her to the port and across the wooden dock. “Load up!” she shouted and then pulled at the ropes – tying them off on their anchor points. She tightened the sails and then jumped to her wheel. Giant pulled the loading ramp up and set it down – locking it into place on the deck. The ship pulled out of the port and caught air quickly – shooting directly out from the city.
Ren glanced to the sun and searched for the northern star. “Wind’s guide me” she whispered, her eyes glowing for just a moment. The boat swung in a large arch – turning directly North East.
Once everything was set in place she leapt from the Wheel and landed on the dock. “Xavier – Ayla. We should begin training now. We will be seeing trouble quite soon” she spoke and placed both hands on her hips. She turned to Ayla and nodded. “We must figure out the fighting style that suits you best…”
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jul 4, 2016 22:30:13 GMT -5
Ayla searched through the store and lifted several blades into her hands until she finally came across the one. The enchanted blade. It was so light, it felt like a feather within her fingertips. It buzzed, almost like it connected with her. When she had first lifted it into her hand the blade had glowed a gentle blue hue. She grinned when she saw the magic within the blade and nodded when Ren had pointed out that it was a very special blade. She holstered it onto her thigh within its special leather sheath that had curled writing all over it in a language that she didn’t understand. “Oh.” She looked to the pistol that Ren offered her and smiled. “Thank you Ren.” She took the pistol into her hands and holstered it upon her other thigh, she tucked the other pistol to the small of her back, easy access if she needed it.
She played with the hilt of her new dagger as Ren selected the chocolate in the bakery. She looked through items and smiled once they headed back outside. When the world stopped Ayla’s eyes widened, she felt a pressure against her chest. “What’s going on?” She grabbed ahold of Xavier’s arm when the figure reached out to Ren. “Ren!” She pushed against his arm, but Xavier stood strong, his other hand on the hilt of his blade, ready for anything.
Ayla furrowed her brows as she followed Ren to the ship. “What the hell was that?” She asked Xavier, “What’s going on? I feel like I’m the only one in the dark here!” She looked up to Ren as she readied the boat. “Xavier, say something….” She shook her head. That demon, she knew it. It was the same demon from her dreams. The same vicious beast of a man that had slammed her against the ground in a nightmare a night ago. It was real. She couldn’t have imagined it. Right? “Xavier?” She questioned.
“Look, Princess, remember when I said things wouldn’t exactly be easy? This is what I was talking about. Things are not going to be easy until we fight back the queen. Hell we may need to fake your own death to get her to stop. She may never stop.” Xavier looked to her with sweat beaded up on his brow. He knew this demon. Her mother had called upon the demon years ago, when Ayla had been a young child. He knew she wouldn’t remember, she hadn’t been allowed out of her room. It was when the humans had attacked the city. The queen called upon the demon and his army to kill the humans. It was a cowardly act. Something that he knew the humans would never forgive not even with the marriage that her mother so cleverly set up.
Ayla stood with her hands on her hips as Xavier stood a few feet from her with his arms crossed. The princess looked to Ren when she jumped down next to the two. She crossed her arms, “Not until you tell me what the hell that was.” She pointed back toward the city. “What happened? What caused the time to stop like that? And…what about that thing? Is it inside you?!” Her voice cracked slightly, she was alarmed.
Xavier placed a hand on her shoulder. “Calm down, princess.”
“I’m not calming down until one of you tells me what is going on!” She cried and smacked his arm away. “I’ve seen that thing in my dreams recently! It is a murderous creature! It nearly killed me in my last dream….please…” She looked to Ren, her eyes pleading, “Tell me what is happening.”
**
“Tonight, gentlemen, we ride.” The demon rose his sword above his head, the huge sword glowed with the fiery energy of his eyes.
“Adriel.” A voice called from behind the human knights that marched onto the docks. The voice carried from the roar of cheers from the demon knights.
The demon turned his head to see the royal step forward from his men. “Ah, Victor, am I correct?” He said from beneath his helmet as he sheathed his sword.
“I am coming along.” He bowed to the man. “To get my bride back from these thieves.” He wore his royal attire with a sword on his hip.
Adriel chuckled as he pulled at a piece of the velvety material. “Don’t get blood on your clothing.” He snickered. “It might stain.” He then cupped the man beneath his chin with his huge armored hand. His touch hot like fire. “Ahhhh yes.” He chuckled. “You boy will be of great help.” He hummed, “The queen didn’t mention that you were a mage, not a peep. Does the princess know of your power?” The knight watched for the man to shake his head. “Good then, we will use you as bait with the princess, you and your human guards. This will be better than I had imagined.” He turned as the last of the men made their way upon the ship. It was small. He pat his horse on its rump and it snorted before stepping onto the boat with its heavy hoofs. “The princess is already terrified of me, I’ll plant more fear in her as we approach, she won’t be able to move once she sees me, and her fear will engulf her and take over. It will be a glorious victory, no matter how hard the crew tries to train her, it will all crumble.” He chuckled as he stepped onto the ship and moved to the wheel. The sails lit a flame and the ship gained speed as though 20mph winds were gusting them along. It would take time, but the ship would gain ground and begin catching the Flotsam with each stop they made.
Adriel stood with his hand on the mast, his eyes glowing bright as ever. His men moved about the ship tightening the flaming sails. “I’m coming for you, princess.” His voice growled.
**
Ayla froze in the middle of holding her dagger out toward Xavier, her eyes flashed with an orange fire. “Princess?” He moved forward and caught the dagger as it fell from her hand and she fell limply forward. “Ren!” He looked to the captain. The princess took in quick sharp breaths as Adriel hijacked her thoughts, showing her getting tossed to the cobblestone of a city street, alone, blood dripped from her mouth as she was then held against a wall by her throat. The only sound besides her heart racing was the frightening sound of the demon’s chuckle as he crushed her throat and stabbed her. The orange flashed white and Ayla woke, she scattered from Xavier’s grip, her dagger found her palm and she held it toward him before she realized who she was holding the blade toward. “Princess, it’s okay.” He held his hands up slightly.
Ayla took in quick breaths, tears in her eyes. The knight had not done that before, he had only attacked her at night. She lowered her blade and looked to Ren with fear in her eyes, though she didn’t speak. Blood trickled from her nose and dripped to the deck of the ship. Xavier stepped forward and took the dagger from her as he looked to Ren as well, what was the next move to be made? He had never had to defend against this demon, he didn’t know any weaknesses…and he knew if the demon got into Ayla’s head, it wouldn’t be a fair fight once the demon caught them. He could easily turn her against the crew…and if she was trained…she could become deadly. “It’s okay, Ayla, just breathe.” Xavier finally spoke softly.
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Post by Raven on Jul 4, 2016 23:08:22 GMT -5
Ren looked to Ayla and then lowered her face slightly. “That was my mother” she whispered. She scratched the back of her neck slightly and then turned away, her eyes looking to the sky. The sun was closing in on the horizon. They only had a few hours left of day light. Ren set her hand on the hilt of her dagger and tilted her head back. Her eyes looked to her sails, the ropes tight and the sail curved. “She was warning me” she almost whispered.
Ren sighed softly and then nodded. “Let us begin” she spoke and pulled her blade. Xavier stepped forward and pulled his own sword, showing Ayla the basics of foot movement and momentum of the blade. “You must move in one flowing movement. Follow the force of your body” she threw her blade forward and her body twisted – she spun and landed her dagger onto Xavier’s outward sword. The circumforce of the twisting motion added power to her blow – which actually caused Xavier to break his stance. “A true fighter uses knowledge, and physics. No mindless acts, each motion is funded by the law of inertia” she spoke and stepped back.
“Now come forward to Xavier, draw your blade and attack his sword.” She spoke and stepped back. She watched Ayla struggle to hold the blade, awkward stance or mishandled hilt would lead to a weak attack. At one point the dagger flew from her hand. “Keep trying until you get the feel of the blade. Do not allow the force of contact to blow you back. Use that rebound force to fuel your next movement” she paused. “Learn with each attack the expected outcome. Calculate and follow through” she tilted her head.
Xavier smiled and held his sword out – taking each attack and holding his stance as a target for her sword. “Do not let your thinking paralyze you. If you’re not sure – just do something. Soon these things will become muscle memory. You will pull them from your bank of moves faster easier than you could write it out” he smiled and changed his stance, holding his sword downward to focus her blow to a lower area.
The sun began to set on the horizon, three hours had passed of constant clashing of metal. The sound of practice. Ren stepped forward and held her blade out for them to stop. “Stop for now. You are growing tired, rest” she spoke and smiled. Just as she did – Ayla went into some kind of trance. Ren stepped forward and wrapped her arm around Ayla – lowering her to the ground slowly. “Is it Adriel?” Ren questioned Xavier. Xavier nodded and looked to Ayla, his hand touching her shoulder as her body shook slightly.
“The Nightmare demon” Ren whispered and shook her head. “We are headed to Xanth. I am sure we will encounter the dread demon before we reach there. I will give it everything I have when the time comes. We cannot encounter him, we are not ready, she is not ready.” Ren spoke and looked up to the sails – which fluttered slightly. Her eyes glowed white and the wind picked up even faster. “I will conserve my strength for that moment.”
Ayla came to and Xavier helped lift her up to a sitting position. “He is going to try and poison your mind” Ren spoke and placed her hand on her shoulder. “Fill you with fear. This is his strength” she smiled. “But don’t succumb to his power. He is a coward, using you against yourself. You are strong” she stood up and helped Ayla stand. “I will protect you” Ren spoke as she looked into Ayla’s eyes. Her own hues glowed a gentle white ray of light as she continued to fuel the sails.
“Lets get you something to drink” Ren spoke and waved to her crew. Giant stood at the stern of the ship, his huge battle axe in his hand as he watched. The co-pilot stood at the wheel, daggers lining his belt. In the center of the deck several men brought pieces of wood up from the hull and began to put their catapult together. She rarely had it assembled, she often didn’t need it, but they would in this case.
The demon was a well known demon, one of the few that actually sold himself to people. Most demons did not dabble in the dramas of the living. He was a coward, and an ass, he didn’t care for the money, he just loved the thrill of killing, and starting wars. He had been playing around in the game for thousands of years… Each time he grew close to death – he would run like a coward he was…
Ren took Ayla to the Captains Room. The room was a darker and had a purple hue, almost like a magic floated in the room. The bed was much more comfortable than the guest one. She knew if Ayla stay here – it would be easy to protect her. Rather than run down a flight of stairs, turn the corner, jiggle the useless handle and kick the door open. The room had several candles and incense ready to burn.
Ren stood at her dresser table and lit the travel stove. A pot of water began to boil and she put together a cup of tea for Ayla. She cut the small stove off and stirred the cup. “Here… this will sooth your muscles, and hopefully ease your mind” she handed the cup over and stood at the double doors that opened to her deck. She left it open to watch the men, to listen to her ship. The curtains that rest in front of the door pushed back and into the room slightly.
“As he gets closer the nightmares will come more frequently…” she spoke, her back turned to the princess. “When it happens – think of something that makes you happy. He preys on your weakness and fears. If you can interrupt the dream with happiness, love, even the smallest – you can break his dream.” She spoke and smiled. Ren pulled some chocolate out and cut a block up on a small plate. “Think of Xavier… water falls, beautiful sights, this ship – cause it’s a beauty, think of the sun set, I don’t know. Whatever makes the warm fuzzies in your tummy” she chuckled and took a bite of her chocolate. “Mine is chocolate” she grinned and moaned lightly to the taste of the chocolate.
“Even if you don’t have any. Make one up” she grinned. “Imagine your first kiss… or what you think might be the most beautiful place in the world” she laughed. “You have a memory? Something?” she turned her body to face the princess as they sat on her bed. “Tell me” she grinned, taking another bite of her chocolate.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jul 4, 2016 23:39:36 GMT -5
Xavier moved and helped the men assemble the catapult. He knew that when this demon caught up to them it would be everything from nightmares that one could imagine. This demon crushed his enemies and delivered what was asked of him by his highest bidder.
Ayla’s body felt weak as she stood with the help of Ren. She followed the captain silently and listened to her as she spoke. She sat down on the soft bed as her eyes moved about the room. It was calm. She took in a deep breath to the smell of the tea. She took the mug from the captain and thanked her softly as she listened. The thought of more nightmares created a knot in her stomach. She already couldn’t escape, what if she couldn’t think up something strong enough? What if this demon buried her in fear like he planned? She shook her head and looked to the captain as she spoke, a soft smile curved up her lips as she listened to the options that Ren named off, of things to think about. Ayla let out a soft chuckle when Ren had mentioned her first kiss. “My first kiss isn’t really something you talk about.” Her cheeks turned rosy as she thought of it. She adverted her eyes from the captain as she lifted the tea cup to her lips. “My mother would have me hung.” She took a sip of the tea and sighed happily as the hot liquid made its way to her stomach.
Ayla looked to the captain and chuckled again when she told her to tell her a memory. “My favorite place is the garden.” She shut her eyes as she imagined it, avoiding speaking of her first kiss. She took in a deep breath and relaxed, “The only time I was able to go into the garden was at night, so, the moon was my guide. I love moonlight, the silvery shine against the white flowers in the garden is relaxing.” She sighed and opened her eyes, the blue hues looking into Ren’s. “It was the only place I felt safe, the only time I felt safe. Xavier would let me go to the gardens, none of the other knights would allow it, I would usually have to sneak from my room, from shadow to shadow.” She grinned, “It was exhilarating. The thought of being caught terrified me, but the excitement that it caused.” She giggled and shook her head before she took another sip of tea the cup nearly gone now. “That is the most beautiful thing I had laid eyes upon until I set foot upon your ship, Ren.” She gave a nod, “Now, each day is a beautiful surprise. I don’t care if I die trying to get away, I will die next to you, next to your crew and Xavier.” She set her cup on the end table next to the bed. “I trust what you said, I’m not going to let that demon control me.” She nodded, “I know you will protect me, you already have, and for what?” She sighed softly, “More trouble…” She shook her head slightly. “I never meant to cause this much trouble, I do apologize.” She looked up to Ren again, “I mean it. If I would have known, I never would wish this upon anyone, especially not you.”
**
Victor stood at the bow of the ship, the mist from the ocean spraying his face. The thud of the heavy steps of Adriel sounded behind him and he turned. “Here is the plan.” The knight handed him a rolled up slip of paper. “Stick to it and we will have no trouble at all. Just remember, you’re the distraction.” The knight walked back into the captain’s lounge then. Victor opened the scroll and read over his instructions, they would make contact in Xanth.
**
Xavier paced on the deck, he ran his fingers through his hair and sighed heavily before he made his way under the decks. He found his way to the alcohol and had the chef pour him a large mug. He rose the liquid to his lips and drank it quickly. His nerves were on edge. He did not want to go head to head with this demon. He had seen what Adriel could do, and it wasn’t pretty.
**
“What would you think of Ren?” She asked, “If you had to think of a memory that makes you happy?” Ayla looked over the captain’s face.
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Post by Raven on Jul 5, 2016 0:00:32 GMT -5
Ren smiled as Ayla spoke, her mind creating the image in her head. “Can’t say I really remember what a garden really feels like. I know what it should look like, but I haven’t been in one in a long time” she laughed. She tilted her head and took a sip of her own tea as she listened, intrigued by her comments about her first kiss. She let it slide for the moment, but would certainly come back to it.
“I knew immediately that you were trouble.” She grinned, taking a sip. “But the good kind of trouble. The kind I love to stick my neck out for, gives me a reason to keep sailing. If all I ever did was people’s dirty work – I’d never make a name for myself. No, I’m known for sinking the ships porting slaves and saving their lives, for getting in the middle of a war and knocking out the big wigs, for transporting meds and supplies to starving cities. And one day I’ll be known for saving a Princess and ending the reign of hell in Portland” she lifted the mug. “I knew, and I accepted happily.”
Ren shifted slightly and then closed her eyes. “A memory huh?” she chuckled and set the cup down on the small side table. “I would say… the day I became a captain..” she smiled. “I was a slave, before a captain. Every day I would make it out to the salvage yard and pluck some wood. It took me 11 years to build this ship. After I’d work all day – I’d slip away and build Flotsam, piece by piece. No one helped me either, too scared to get caught…” she laughed and shook her head.
“I left that god for saken place. All those days of terror were behind me, I had freed myself. I remember it well. The sea breeze… the sun high in the sky, the white puffy clouds that floated along, the taste of salt and how I’d get nose bleeds almost every hour.” She laughed. “Its not the most beautiful sight I’ve seen, but it’s the most beautiful feeling. You must feel the same” she looked up and smiled. “When I saw you in that café. I saw the eyes of a prisoner. A life I once had. And now I am sure that feeling of freedom, despite being chased, is one of the most amazing feelings one can find” she grinned.
“But the feeling of love? You have to tell me more of this kiss of yours. One’s first kiss is always the best and the worst at the same time” she poked her thigh.
The ship slowed down slightly. Giant placed a tiki torch on the stern of the ship and lit it, allowing the light to shine in the darkness as the sun went down. Giant stood with his hand on the torch, watching intently…
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jul 5, 2016 0:26:55 GMT -5
Ayla watched Ren as she spoke of being a slave. She fiddled with her hands slightly, it must have been awful. But then Ren mentioned that she saw the same look within her eyes, a prisoner. Ayla gave a nod, she had been a prisoner all of her life, nothing that happened was because she wanted it, nothing at all. “Thank you for helping me, Ren.” She gave a soft smile, “I’m sure you are the only soul that would.” Ayla took in a deep breath and nodded, “The feeling of standing at the bow, is incredible. I could have never imagined it, not even with all of the books I have read.” She shook her head and grinned, “It is truly a unique experience.”
Ayla paused when Ren asked her about the kiss. Her cheeks flushed red and she shifted slightly, a smile curved up her lips. She shook her head and let out a soft laugh. “My first kiss was the best kiss I have had, the only one I’ve ever wanted so badly that my heart nearly stopped when it happened….” She fiddled with the material of her blouse almost nervously. “I-I don’t know.” She shook her head and shifted, taking her eyes away from Ren. Her heart felt as though it was in her throat. “I’m not sure how to….” She let out another nervous laugh, her cheeks on fire now.
**
Xavier finished only half of his mug when he felt the boat slowing. He climbed to the deck and looked about the sea. Darkness had fallen upon them, the only light for miles was that of the torch at the bow. “Do you see anything?” He asked Giant as he looked out over the sea.
**
Adriel stood with his hands upon the wheel of the ship, “Do you see that?” He laughed, calling up to the man in the crow’s nest. “Is that the rat’s boat?” He snapped his fingers and the flames from the sails disappeared and they continued their gain on the Flotsam.
“That’s the one, Adriel!” The demon called from the crow’s nest. “We’ll catch them in less than 5.”
“Hmph, I thought this would be more of a challenge.” He chuckled, “Now for some fun.” He motioned and one of his men took over the wheel. “Victor, change of plan, when we board that ship just go get the princess, she won’t be able to move by the time I’m done with her.”
**
Ayla smiled brightly, butterflies in her stomach, she was relaxed. She shook her head, “I’ve never told anyone about it.” She looked to Ren, her breath caught in her chest. She swallowed hard, “W-wait…” She leaned forward, her hand gripped Ren’s, as dark bruises appeared on her neck. “R-Ren…” She choked, she could barely breathe. “H-he…lp…” She blinked and her iris in her eyes turned a fiery orange. She nearly collapsed. “Ren…” She fought against the demon. Her grip on the captain’s hand was tight, her grasp trembled, her body shaking. She focused on the captain, shadows rising around her. She grit her teeth, her body felt like flames had started within it. She shut her eyes tightly and let out a cry before she collapsed, her grip became slack on Ren’s hand. She trembled. She wasn’t strong enough to hold the demon at bay. Her life had been filled with so much darkness it was hard for her to grasp the good. To ward him off. She whimpered as tears ran over her cheeks.
“Captain!” Xavier burst through the door. “That demon is closing in quick.” He looked to the princess and his eyes widened slightly. “No…we have to get him out of her head.” He stepped forward and shook the princess, “Ayla, wake up!” He called to her, “Snap out of it, princess!” He shook her again, nothing. “Ren, we have to get away…we can’t fight him, you said it yourself. We will all die…” He was terrified as he looked to the princess, her nose began to bleed once again as the demon bored deeper into her mind.
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Post by Raven on Jul 5, 2016 0:55:52 GMT -5
Ren blushed slightly when Ayla did and she chuckled, taking another sip until her tea was gone. “Sounds like a first kiss ought to” she grinned and shifted her weight slightly as she tried to speak of her memory. “I’ll tell you of mine – if that’s easier” she took another bite of her chocolate and savored it happily. Her smile then quickly faded when she felt Ayla’s hand on her own. She gripped her tightly as she saw Ayla in pain.
“Hey! Think harder! That memory!” she spoke loudly and then turned her head as Xavier rushed in. “I know” Ren spoke and then pried Ayla’s grip from her arm. “Stay in here with her. Hold on tight, shit’s going to get rocky!” She shouted and ran from the room. She shut the doors and turned to her crew. “Positions!” She shouted. Several men stood in front of the door. The others began to crank the catapult, as it was loaded with a mount of small fist sized cannon balls.
Ren leapt up to the wheel. “You will feel the wrath of my fury!” She shouted loudly to the ship that tailed closely. Above them clouds began to form, coming over the ships and whipping up a gusting storm. “You followed too closely! Fool!” She shouted. She had lead them astray. Not many knew the sea better than Ren. She lead them to the North Eastern collide. Where three very strong currents collide into one, with a touch of her wind power – she could create a monster.
She held her hands out and her eyes glowed bright white. “I call forth the power of wind and sea!” She shouted and several twisters landed into the water, the water spouts spinning in a huge circle. The power of her wind combined with the colliding currents created a giant whirlpool. “FIRE!!!!” she shouted. The boat began to rock heavily to the giant waves that collided against the hull.
The catapult launched its 30 cannon balls. Half of them went straight through their sails, punching holes in the material, the other half launched at their hull and deck. The men instantly began to load more, cranking the catapult with speed.
The whirlpool dragged Adriel’s boat in. What was once calm waters had instantly turned into hell of power and strength. Ren held her hands out and her eyes flashed again. Wind pushed against their sails and hauled them out of the whirlpool. The tornados began to circle faster, causing the whirlpool to move quicker, the downward spiral hole getting larger and deeper.
Clouds began to move down and shrouded the distance between the two ships, making it impossible to see each other. “FIRE!” She shouted. They fired the second batch of cannon balls toward the ship as they made their distance. She stepped from her wheel, the co pilot taking it over. She held her hands towards the mass of terror Adriel was stuck in and continued to cast her spell, draining her of her power slowly as she used every ounce of her strength.
Ren’s veins popped in her forehead and arms as she muscled the strength. Flotsam hadn’t moved so fast in a long time. The bow of the ship lifted upward and was completely out of the water as she powered the sails, the wake of the ship was almost 2 foot high. The ship was moving at a insane speed of 80 mph. This is where the legends came from, this was the moment when Flotsam was uncatchable. Within minutes the ship was completely out of range. The clouds disappeared, the tornado’s faded, the whirlpool calmed. There was no sign of Flotsam, the wake she made had been distorted by the heavy waters, she had rounded the horizon.
Ren continued to cast her spell, her hand touching one of the gems that she got from the witch. She absorbed the magic that the gem borrowed from the sky and sea. It gave her enough strength to continue the spell, increasing their speed even more – hauling as fast as she could get it to go.
Half an hour passed of her spell. The entire crew circled around Ren – watching her. She had her hands facing towards her Sails – the wind coming directly from her palms. The hair of the men fluttered and pushed back, the force of the winds pushing hard against them. They watched her calmly. Ren’s eyes glowed bright white, her body emitting a glow of white as power fluxed through her. Finally the white flickered and she had drained herself dry. Ren’s knees buckled and she began to fall – but was caught by Giant. He picked her up and carried her down to her cabin.
The doors opened and giant slowly approached the princess. He nodded and laid Ren down on the bed next to her. Ren’s skin was pale, she looked as if she had been ran over twice and then thrown down a mountain. Ren turned her head to the side – her eyes looking to the princess. Slowly her hand moved over – her finger tips brushing the rib cage of Ayla before she drifted to a tired slumber, her body giving in to the need for rest.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jul 5, 2016 1:23:09 GMT -5
Ayla whimpered as the demon held her against the wall in the nightmare he had created. He moved away, though her body stayed suspended in the air. He grabbed Xavier by the back of his neck and slit his throat ruthlessly, the blood sprayed across the wooden floor of the deck. “No!” She screamed and shut her eyes tightly. “This isn’t real….this isn’t real….” She muttered to herself. She thought of the garden, of the flowers, she reached out and plucked one and felt the soft petals. The demon rushed forward with his blood soaked hands and ripped the flower from her. She backed away only for him to snatch her up and suspend her on a wall again. She grit her teeth as she tried to fight against his power.
**
Adriel looked around his ship as the tornados closed in and the whirlpool started. “This isn’t over.” He snarled as the sails lit a flame. He couldn’t escape the waves, but his ship didn’t sink into the abyss. His crew ran around pulling sails tight frantically trying to keep the ship afloat.
**
The grip of Adriel kept Ayla in his grasp, he wasn’t letting go. He was planting the fear as deeply into her mind as he could as he stabbed her in the dream, ripping the sword through her flesh, only to show her that the wound was gone an instant later. He was torturing her. It was easy enough because she had felt a great deal of pain. “Ayla!” Xavier continued to try to wake her. It was when the door opened and Giant lay Ren next to the princess on the bed that something happened. “She hasn’t come out of it, Ren….how long do you think it’ll be until we are far enough away to break this?” He asked in a worried tone. Though, the silence that followed his frantic question is what he expected.
When Ren’s fingers brushed against Ayla’s side the princess stirred. Her eyes shot open, she sat up and gasped for air, her neck still had bruises on it. The demon had hurt her with his power. She coughed and looked to the captain. “Ren?” She looked her over and placed her hand on her shoulder.
“She’s tired.” Xavier whispered.
Ayla looked back to him. “What happened?” She asked, “She looked ill…” She turned back to Ren. “Is she okay?”
“She just saved us.” Xavier said softly. “Without Ren our asses would be headed back to the palace or dead. The demon caught up to us with his ship. He took you under for a long time, here.” He handed her a rag to wipe the blood from her face.
Ayla wiped the blood from her nose and cheek. A small pool of blood had soaked into the sheets where she had lay. She gripped Ren’s hand gently and shut her eyes, she took in a deep breath and the same green glow from when she had healed Xavier appeared. She took in quick deep breaths as the glow began to become brighter. She was replacing Ren’s energy with her own. Once the light had dimmed she lay on the bed, her pulse pounding.
“Princess?” Xavier asked softly. “Are you alright?”
“Yes…I’m…I’m okay…” She breathed heavily as the green glow in her eyes began to disappear.
“I’ll go get something for you two to eat…when she wakes I’m sure she will be hungry.” Xavier left the cabin.
Ayla let her eyes slip shut as she focused on calming herself, she took in even deep breaths. “Thank you.” She whispered softly as she looked to Ren. “I’m sorry to have caused all this…” She muttered. Even though Ren had told her she knew what she was getting into, Ayla couldn’t help but feel terrible about the situation. She couldn’t help but feel responsible for everything that was happening.
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Post by Raven on Jul 5, 2016 1:51:15 GMT -5
When Ayla gripped her hand – her finger tips came in contact with the gem that fell from Ren’s grasp… A surge of energy came from the gem, piercing into Ren and releasing a fragment of Ren to Ayla…
From the docks came the chirping of seagulls, the sound of light house tower bells ringing to the wind that ran through its open windows. Flotsam docked, Ren and Giant emerging from the ship. It was just them that cruised the seas, flotsam had not yet gained its full crew yet. They stood at the docks that led to a huge wall.
The wall was all crystal like, the tips pointed like a castle but glowing in a magical way. She approached the door and a small figure approached. “Danirva” the woman spoke and bowed her head. “Come, she is waiting” the woman spoke. She wore a silver uniform, that of the guard. Their steps lead to the inside of the grand city. The center of the city a giant castle sat, crystal and glistening. It has several towers to it, and hung over the city like a bright cloud in the sky.
“Whoaa” Ren looked up, it seemed so high. She glanced to Giant and smiled, he then placed a hand on her back and pushed her forward. Ren followed the Fairy as they walked through the silent city. The buildings were all so perfectly formed, it was the most beautiful place she had seen. Her eyes glanced to the trees that had pink and red flowers blossoming from its branches that came to a silver trunk.
They came to the castle and entered the first main room, the gathering room. Standing before her was a small woman. She was older… her hair was black and curly, a row of silver vines was twisted about, over her forehead. Along the woman’s fair skin was white etchings of an ancient language all over her skin, it glowed slightly to the presence of Ren.
Ren stood before this woman for a long time. Her eyes just looking to her. They had the same eyes, glowing and gentle, the same soft and small lips. This was her mother. “Danirva” the woman spoke and then shook her head. “Ren” she muttered and stepped forward. Ren ran forward and wrapped her arms around her mother and squeezed her tightly. “I’m so sorry…” her mother kissed her temple and smiled to her.”
Ren’s eyes fluttered awake a few minutes after Ayla transferred power over to her. Ren wiggled her fingers, but then stopped as she realized Ayla had grasped her hand. She glanced over and then shut her eyes, as if she hadn’t noticed. A few minutes passed and Xavier walked in with two bowls. “Mac ‘n cheese” Ren spoke before Xavier could even. She could smell it instantly. It was her favorite dish, simple and easy, and stupid delicious. She sat up, her hand falling from Ayla, and she dug into her bowl. It was filled to the brim, and when she was done – it was empty and barren, the hearty pasta filling her stomach and forcing her eye lids to gain weight.
“I need to sleep” she whispered and then crawled under the blanket. “Let Ayla stay… I want to be here if she has a nightmare..” she spoke and looked to Ayla. She then rolled over to her side – her forehead lightly touching Ayla’s shoulder, and she fell asleep.
They were on course now for Xanth, they would arrive there by morning. The night passed silently, no problems came. When the morning came, she perked from her slumber. Her eyes fell to the woman who slept next to her. The sun peaked through the curtains and fell over the smooth cheek of the princess. Ren stared for a long moment, her eyes looking over her pores, tracing her small freckles about her nose, looking to each individual strand of eyebrow hair, then seemingly counting her long eye lashes. Ren flushed slightly and then slipped from the covers.
She stepped out to the deck and stretched her aching body. Her eyes looking to the growing city, the giant crystal wall before her. It got bigger and bigger as they got closer. It was unbelievably tall. As they came towards the city the ship passed through a magical barrier. A protective barrier that shielded unwanted visitors. Though the city already knew who was coming, they knew it long before the ship ever arrived.
Ren nodded to her men. They were to stay aboard. Xavier, Ayla and Ren would go inside the city and confront her mother. Ren crossed her arms as she stood at the bow of the ship, the boat turning as it came to the dock, settling in next to the wooden poles. She grasped her line and leapt from the side, tying the boat off at the anchor point. She then tied the other six lines off and they threw the anchor into the water. Ren walked back onto her ship and Xavier emerged from the deck.
“This time you’ll be entering” she smiled. The last time she and Xavier were here – only Ren entered the city. And when they left – it wasn’t a happy experience. She stepped to the Captains chambers and closed the door behind her. “Rise and shine lady” she walked over and placed her hand on the princess’s side. "Any dreams this time?" she smiled and tilted her head.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jul 5, 2016 2:12:10 GMT -5
Ayla slipped into a deep slumber far before Xavier returned with the bowls of Mac n’ Cheese. He looked over the princess as he watched Ren devour her own bowl. “You look a lot better.” He commented with a soft smile. Xavier had stepped forward and taken the bowl from the captain. “Of course, sleep well my friend.” He nodded as he exited the cabin.
Ayla sifted through the memory that had been transferred to her from Ren. She looked around taking everything in. “What is this…” She wondered out loud. She looked around the glass city and to the woman that was Ren’s mother. It was a sight to see.
The night passed void of nightmares. Ayla lay peacefully on the bed, on her side, curled slightly, she hugged a pillow under an arm that was stretched out above her body. The sun didn’t even stir her.
**
Xavier yawned as he stood at the bow of the ship, staring up to the beautiful city. He heard the door shut and turned around, he gave a wave and walked to Ren’s side. “Did you sleep well?” He asked. He smiled and looked to the city. “I am honored to be invited in with you.” He smirked.
**
Ayla’s eyes fluttered to the touch on her side. She moved slightly, her face burrowed into the pillow. She yawned and wiped her eyes as she looked up to Ren. She needed the sleep that she had just had, after a few nights filled with nightmares it was wonderful to sleep without interruption. “Dream, yes.” She gave a soft smile. “I dreamt of you.” She then laughed lightly, “That sounded strange…um…” She blushed and shook her head. “I think…I caught a memory.” She looked to where Ren had lay, “When I healed you and gave you my power, I felt a strange surge, but I didn’t know what it was…I’m still not very good at this…” She bowed her head slightly and smiled before she brought her eyes back to Ren. “I saw you, and your mother in a city of glass.” Ayla stood and stretched before she rubbed her eyes once more. “It was a really beautiful place…was that a memory? Or…? What am I to make of it?” She brushed her hair from her eyes, “You looked so happy to see her, and…she looked happy too…” The princess paused. “I’m sorry, I…I’m rambling…” She shook her head. “No nightmares.” She gave a smile as she looked to Ren.
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Post by Raven on Jul 5, 2016 13:16:38 GMT -5
Ren chuckled and nodded “Hm.. that’s interesting..” she spoke softly and then she stepped back - letting Ayla rise from the bed. “The city of glass is where we are docked now. I wonder if you really did see my mother, if it was my own memory perhaps.” She shrugged slightly and turned to the door. “I wish things were so happy go lucky as they once were.” Ren waved and left the room.
Once the three got together they approached the giant crystal door of the wall. A woman about four feet tall approached them and then nodded. “She waits” the fairy spoke. In essence they looked like very short elves. No weird wings or anything of that sort. They were all small bodied people, but within the rest an abundance of magic, creatures truly crafted by magic. Ren stepped into the huge city of Xanth and led them towards the castle in the center of the walled city.
They came to the castle doors they opened to their presence. “Come” the woman spoke and led them down a large corridor, coming to two grand doors. The doors opened and led to the throne room. The room was tall with a line of arches along each side, holding up a second story ledge where guards stood. On the throne was an older woman, much older now than the memory. She hand one hand on the arm rest, as if she was holding herself up with it. The woman smiled weakly and nodded her head to their presence.
“An honor to meet you, fair princess, and her guardian Xavier. And of course - Danirva” she smiled and waved them forward, to approach the throne. Ren stepped infront of the two and stared to her mother. “Why have you called me” she spoke, her arms crossed.
“You’re dabbling In a game you ought not to, Danirva. I’ve called you for a few reasons… first being that my time is running short. We must consider the next advocate to the throne” she rubbed the seat she sat in and then looked up. “And that for the sake of your life, the future Queen of the Fairies, you can’t be dying to the hands of The Despair Demon..” she shook her head slowly. “You’ve picked a fight you aren’t ready for, dear girl” she glanced to the Princess. “Perhaps you should have considered your choices better…” she waved her hand slightly.
“I will aid you in your battle against this demon, in return that you maintain the lineage of heritage” she spoke with a soft voice. “I fear if I allow the crown to fall in wrong hands - our thinning kind will find its end, resting in old history books.”
Ren scoffed and shook her head. “Me? Try again. I would never bind myself to this sparkling castle, to rule what? A few hundred docile fairys? A village needs no queen” she spoke with a thick tone.
The queen shook her head slowly. “We must keep tradition, it is the basis of the fairies, you are the next blood” she spoke, her voice rising.
“The next blood?” Ren then laughed, almost like a bark. “I may share your blood, but we are no family” she spoke through grit teeth. “You gave me away, you no longer have any control of me now. You should have thought about the honor of blood when you binded me to that fucking island! You have no idea that I had to do to be free! For what? A peace treaty that was thrown out the window years later? The crown would be no safer in my hands, mother! I could care less about the fairies! I am no elf, no fairy, I am Ren!” she shouted. Her voice echoed in the room, and seemed to go on forever.
Ren shook her head. “If you ever care to acknowledge that I am truly your daughter - you’d send your men my way despite my refusal.”
The queen looked to her for a long hard moment and then nodded. “I accept. You are right… as my daughter, I should defend you..” she looked to one of the guards and waved her hand. “You will have a small fleet of 10 of my strongest fairies. If you plan to defeat the Despair Demon, you will have to hatch a plan. Or you shall waste 10 souls to his grasp” she spoke softly. The guard came back with 10 highly armed Fairies, dressed in magical garb and others in metal suits or leather sets.
“Rest within my walls for the day. The magical barrier will block the demon from entering your thoughts. You will find sanctuary here… I shall cast a spell to create an image over this city, hiding it from plain sight. Once you leave Xanth, he will find you…” she spoke and then slowly stood.
The Queen was weak, her steps small and slow, she turned and then lifted her hand - she hovered in the air and flew out of the room with ease. Ren stared to the empty throne and then towards the doors where her mother had escaped. “Hmph” Ren spoke and then stepped away.
They were lead by the woman before, taken to the guest chambers. They each had their own room, with a balcony over look to the giant city. The Queen had flew up high in the air and cast her spell, shrouding the outside of the castle to appear like a dense forest, just as the next area. Ren stood at the balcony, her eyes looking over the city. This could be hers. She could rule what little population was left… she shook her head. She was never a home body, she would become restless and irritated. The freedom to roam, to see, to experience, that was her life that she created for herself. She would not be sucked into the fantasy of royalty. To hide away in her palace and let the men do her bidding. No. She fought just as hard, she was not a royal mind…
Ren turned her head when Ayla approached. “Crazy stuff, huh?” she laughed and shook her head. “When I was just 5 I was traded in for peace, to the humans. It’s going to sound silly, but the human sought us for Pixie dust.” She glanced to her. “If you cut their skin and then burn it to ashes, you get Pixie dust. A full blood pixie is a complete essence of magic, and thus their dust would allow the humans to gain powers and abilities. Being half elf and half Pixie, I am even more coveted. The mix allows for a different kind of reaction. If you burn me - I melt” she laughed. It was stupid to think. “Pixie dust is temporary. Pixie Gold is permanent… I melt into a golden liquid, if you drink me.. well..” she chuckled. “It all sounds so stupid, but it’s true. I’ve seen it happen. Tis’ why I am so fond of the water” Ren grinned and looked back out to the city.
“They would harvest me, like a plant… then they would force me to work amongst their elven slaves..” she shook her head slowly. “A pixie had found me, ship wrecked - Flotsam didn’t make it through a rough storm. She helped me fix up my boat and told me where Xanth was, the capitol of the Pixies. That was probably the dream you had… I came here by myself, to this giant castle, and I saw her and knew, something whispered to me - mother. At first.. I was full of joy, I wasn’t alone, I had family. When I left here to continue my journey… all was swell. It wasn’t until later down the road I came back to the humans that captured me. I found out then… I wasn’t captured, I was given to them.. I was full of so much anger… - I still am..” she shook her head slowly. “They flayed me for over 50 years” she whispered.
Ren turned and leaned her back against the railing. “Forget about that though” she smiled. “You still have to tell me about this kiss of yours. Who was it? How did it go? Where were you? Did time stop then too?” she grinned and tilted her head, looking to Ayla fondly.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jul 5, 2016 23:34:13 GMT -5
Ayla stood still for a moment when Ren had exited the room. She furrowed her brows trying to figure out how things have changed. What could have happened between the two? She shook her head and exited to the deck where Xavier gave her a smile. “Good morning.” She smiled back to him and he nodded to her before they followed Ren into the city of glass. Ayla looked around in awe to the beautiful city. It was just like in her dream, every single detail was exactly the same. It couldn’t have been a dream. She stopped and straightened when she realized that they stood before the queen of the fairies, her jaw had been loose and she had been absentmindedly looking around at the beauty of the city. She couldn’t imagine such a place to exist.
Ayla looked to the old frail woman before her and bowed her head, acknowledging her greeting. She nearly gasped when she saw the change in Ren’s attitude, a deep rage boiled within the girl. The princess adverted her eyes, the situation made her quite uncomfortable, it reminded her all too much of the beatings she had taken over the years in her life. Her eyes turned to the queen and then to Ren when she heard the mention of the captain taking over the castle. Of her bloodline. This woman was royalty? Just like her. She had forged her life away from the castle. Ayla watched as the two argued her eyes searching over the captain, reading her body language carefully.
Xavier looked to the princess with furrowed brows, he knew the stories, he knew what the fairy queen had done to Ren. He loathed this woman. He was here when Ren had found out the truth. He wanted to kill this woman for it. What she had done was vicious. How could anyone sell their own child into slavery? He then crossed his arms, the queen of Portland was basically doing the same with Ayla, marrying her off to the human. She would have endured more beatings than he had already given her. He had wanted to snap Victor’s neck, but he knew that if he had done so the princess would still be stuck in the palace and he would have been hung in the gallows, if not worse. Most likely worse, knowing the cold hearted queen. Xavier scoffed when the fairy queen left, “She better well supply you with what you want.” He snapped, anger in his voice.
Ayla kept her silence, she took in a breath to speak but only shook her head. She followed silently as they made their way to the guest chambers. She took in the beauty of the castle once again, it was gorgeous. She shuffled about her room, and stood staring over the city at her own balcony as she thought of the palace back in Portland. What would become of her city if she did not take her place as queen? With no heir to the throne? She shook her head, it wasn’t worth it, she would be a prisoner again and even worse she knew she would end up dead, especially if she was forced to marry the human. Ayla sighed and found her way into Ren’s room, she lightly knocked on the door frame as she came in. “Hey, Ren..” She began as the captain greeted her. It was then that Ren unloaded her past. Ayla looked to her with a troubled expression. “How…could…” She sat on the edge of the bed as she continued to listen, when Ren had finished telling her story. “I’m so sorry Ren…that’s horrible…I…” She fumbled with her hands again, almost nervously. “I can’t imagine…” She fell silent for a moment until Ren brought up the memory again, the kiss.
Ayla’s cheeks flushed pink and her eyes met Ren’s. She let out a nervous laugh. “You won’t let this go will you? Not until I tell you.” Her cheeks were on fire, her eyes sparkled a bit, her heart fluttered. She took in a deep breath as she tried to calm the butterflies in her stomach. “Well…” She looked down, fumbling with the material of her shirt again, she bit at her lower lip. “Um…”
“Hey.” Xavier walked into the room, he smiled to Ren, “Are you doing alright?” He asked, “I know…” He paused as he looked to the princess whom looked at him with still rosy pink cheeks. “Oh, should I go?” He asked and searched Ayla’s eyes for a moment. “Are you okay, princess?”
Ayla looked away from him, “Oh yes, I’m good, we were talking about girl stuff, you know, you wouldn’t understand, too feminine for you…um…” She nearly tripped over her words as she spoke.
Xavier smiled brightly, “Oh I see! I will go! This is good.” He chuckled. “You know she hasn’t really had anyone to chat with. Be careful there Ren.” He winked to the captain. “You may end up stuck with the princess here.” He grinned and left the room to explore the beautiful city.
Ayla looked to Ren her cheeks still pink. “It was a winter night.” She studied Ren, “Snow was falling, and it was honestly frigid.” She fumbled with her hands again, it was hard to tell this story, she had kept it locked away for so long, afraid. “I got a note, one that I recognized the penmanship. I had gotten plenty of these notes, most were admirations, and I would write back. I grew very fond of my friend, I dreamed of freedom, of being able to be normal and live a life away from the palace.” She paused and took in a breath, her butterflies soaring within her stomach, her blue eyes were incredibly vibrant. “The note asked me to meet in the gardens just as the moon was high in the sky, to give the best light.” She gave a soft chuckle. “I remember how much I shivered, the butterflies in my stomach, my heart pounded within my ears.” Her cheeks remained pink as ever. She was looking at the floor now, imagining. “I loved the gardens, and it wasn’t a secret…I snuck into the gardens, easily that night, I remember Xavier was my guard, he let me out without any trouble.” She smiled, she had loved him for that. He was truly her guardian. “I made my way to the gazebo in the center of the guardians. My hair was covered in flakes of snow, my eye lashes also had flakes in them.” She giggled lightly. “I love the snow, each snowflake is unique, not one is the same.” She smiled and looked up to Ren. “Much like us, the world does not hold another Ren, nor does it hold another of myself.” She paused as she studied Ren, her cheeks flushed a deeper pink before she bowed her head a bit more.
“I thought I got the date wrong…that I had missed the time. I was alone in the gardens as the storm thickened. The moon completely disappeared.” She stood and came to the balcony. She leaned against it, her arm brushing against Ren. “I remember leaning against the railing of the gazebo, I searched for a body in the night.” She looked out over the glass city before she looked to Ren again, she smiled. “I never knew the feeling of love. I had never felt love.” She shook her head. “I saw a light coming through the snow, a flicker of a candle. My heart was pounding by this point, I wanted to cry.” She shut her eyes lightly as she imagined the memory just like a video playing back in her mind. “A shadow came from the darkness, cloaked. But I knew I was safe, I knew exactly who it was.” She paused and swallowed, this was the moment. “Time did stop. It felt as though nothing else mattered. The palace disappeared, my fears of being beaten were gone. Everything completely stopped. I wasn’t cold anymore, I felt warm as though I was by a blazing fire. Her lips were soft and warm….” She paused and looked to Ren, she fumbled with her blouse and turned away taking in a deep breath. “Um…” She could hear her heart racing within her ears, pounding at her eardrums. “I felt so safe in her arms, that kiss lasted for what felt like years, and it felt like a second all at the same time. It was something I had wanted for so long. We had passed each other in the palace…and I visited her in the library…but that embrace….I dreamed of it…” She let out a heavy sigh, she was incredibly nervous. “I um..I…” She stuttered. “Sorry…Ren…” She bit at her lip.
Ayla looked to Ren nervously, she wasn’t sure if she should have told her that story. She looked over Ren, her features, her jaw her brow line, her cheeks, the way her eyes were shaped. Her cheeks flushed pink once more as she looked into the captain’s eyes. “I should go…um…” She took a step to leave.
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