So Lady Amy and I did a story a while back called Swords and Bows but we lost a lot..and frankly we forgot most of what we wrote..so here is a new story.
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Many years ago in the southern reaches of Nasiel, stood a mighty empire of the Elves. Faewen, elvish for "Bright Star," was a splendor to behold by all. Also it was the only of the Elven cities to openly allow strangers amidst them. Unlike the bustling Human cities where races of all sorts mingled together, the Elves preferred to stay in the solitude of the wood. Many of the other Elves of Nasiel viewed those of Faewen traitors to the Great Mother. One specific group of Elves calling themselves the "Deluthi" decided to take action against the traitorous Faewen Elves. Lead by a master conjurer named Rhivel they summoned a great evil into Nasiel and utterly destroyed Faewen, leaving it a city of embers. The Green Dragon Telarr came to late, but his magic was able to trap this evil and kill Rhivel and all of his followers...or so he thought...
The sun beat down on me as I lay in the open field outside of my home. A small breeze passes through and the sound of chimes ring in the background.
"Drake, its time for dinner, hurry up!"
"Coming.."
I make my way to the house and as I enter, my foster mother and father are already at the table filling their plates. I have a seat and begin to fill mine as well.
"So..Drake, your mother tells me you have been rummaging around the old Faewen ruins again...you know how we feel about that," says my father.
"I know, but I can't help it...I feel drawn to it...I know my real parents were from there and I was born there. I'd just like to find a piece of my past." I know this won't be enough to appease my foster parents, but its true at least. I did want to learn more of my past and the people of Faewen.
"I don't believe they were traitorous, they were all murdered for being different. Just like I am, I'm a Human and Elf, I will never be fully accepted."
My parents continued on eating, ignoring my statements as they have every other time this topic was brought up. I didn't care..tonight I will be leaving here, they will be better off not having me to worry about. I will explore the ruins and find what I have been searching for all my life...
As darkness begins to shroud the land and the moon hides behind the swirling clouds in the sky, I make my move. I had packed everything I needed little at a time over the past week so I would not draw attention from my foster parents. Clothes, sword, tankard, among other things I will need to survive. I throw my pack over my shoulders and talk one last look into my parents room before leaving them behind.
"Thank you..for everything," I say quietly and head out.
As soon as I step out of the house, a brisk breeze greets my body, sending a shiver down my spine. With the moon tucked behind the clouds I pull out a small torch and set it ablaze to guide my route. I make my way to the end of the fields surrounding my house and stand at the opening of the Copper Forest. As I enter the flames dance around and the light glow causes the tree's to shimmer a copper color. I've travelled this path many times, but never after dark. Noises stir all around me, creatures of the night moving about, hunting for their late night snack no doubt.
After several hours of walking I finally see the start of Faewen. 20 years after its destruction and the embers still burn bright and are hot to the touch. Tonight I will find my history...some how.
I am Alanna , part human, part elf, part dragon. My mother was a great elf queen, my father was a great dragon king and warrior. Some called him the Green Dragon. They are gone now. They perished in the great battle to save Faewen, along with most of my realtives. I am the only remaining Dragon.
But none is this is known to me yet. As far as I know, I am princess Alanna, daugher of the king and queen of Arin.
The only thing i know is that i posess unusual powers. I am able to shoot flames of fire from my hands.
I have talked to my parents about this, but they tell me not to talk about my powers.
Anyway, I am excited for today is my 16'th birthday, and my parents have informed me that they have something very important to tell me.
I enter the great hall, where my father and mother sit. Beside them sits Derlin, the master wizard.
" Alanna," My father says to me," We have asked Derlin to come here to help escort you on your journey ."
" Journey father ?" I ask," Where am I going ?"
" Alanna it is time you know who you really are ," says my father," You mother and I are your adopted parents. Derlin brought you to us for your own protection after your real parents were killed in the battle of Faewen."
" Faewen," I exclaim," But i thought Faewen was only a myth."
" Oh no," replies Derlin," It is very real, and you are the last descendant of Faewen. You are part human, part elf, part dragon. Your mother was a great elf queen, and your father was the great dragon king known as the green dragon. Now that you have come of age, it is time for you to return to Faewen, and rule as queen ."
" This is all a joke," i shout," I can't be a dragon, or a elf. This i s not real. I don't belive it. I won't go ."
" I am afraid you have no choice ," says Derlin," Faewen needs you. Without you, many lives will be in danger, for there is a evil there lurking around, and only you and one other have the power to stop it."
" One other," I say," Who is this other ?"
" He is a warrior and a elf," replies Derlin," Neither one of you know it yet, but your paths are destine to cross. You are met to meet and marry, and together you and your offspring will rid Faewen of evil ."
" What !" I exclaim," I am to marry a complete stranger. Oh this is too good to be true. No way, i will have no part of it, destiny or not." I turn and start to walk out and then i stop and think..
" Tell me Derlin, have you seen my future husband? Is he handsome ?"
" Very handsome . You would be quite pleased," replies Derlin.
" Okay," I say with a smile," I'll go with you ."
Derlin, and i start out on our long journey. along the way, he teaches me about being a dragon.He hands me a dragon amulet and tells me how to summon the powers of a dragon.
We arrived in Faewen ( a hour ahead of Drake ), and i start to explore. Everything is in ruins, and embers still burn. I am at a loss for words and my heart starts to ache. this was my home. My birthplace. I sit among a tall cliff in my dragon form, when i see a tall stranger( Drake ) in the distance.I spread my wings and swoop down in front, shooting out a burst of flames at his feet.
" Who are you and what do you want here ? You are entering the sacred ground of Faewen and we don't take lightly to strangers ," I hiss .
Derlin comes racing towards us .
" Derlin, old friend,am i glad to see you," says Drake rubbing his slightly scorched boot," That thing there just tried to kill me."
" Thing," I snap,"I am no thing sir !"
" Well," says Derlin, I had not expected you two to mett so soon,but anyway, Alanna meet your future husband Drake. Drake meet your future wife Alanna."
" What !" I exclaim.
" You are joking old friend," laughs Drake," Me marry that. Why it's a dragon ."
" and what is wrong with a dragon?" I retort.
" Well," replies Drake," Look at you..your huge, fat, scaley, and have a long tail..."
" Fat! Did you just call me fat !" I fly off .
" Smooth move Drake," says Derlin.
" What!" replies Drake," It was just some dragon. And great joke by the way friend. Me marrying a dragon."
" Ah, but it was no joke Drake," replies Derlin,"You are meant to marry Alanna. And by the way she is only part dragon. You should see her, in her human form. She is quite beautiful, but seeing how you just insulted her, she will probably never speak to you ."
I enter the scene. My name is Ayren. I am the last remaing Elven Princess of Fawewn...I was a baby when my family and everything around me was destroyed. My mother, being both Queen and High Priestess of Faewen, had me smuggled out to a neighboring Elven community who were, sympathtic to us. I grew up there in Val'du and while living there I studied the magic that my mother had passed to me with her death. I learned the plants of the forest, the animals of the sky, land and sea. I threw myself into preparing for my return to Faewen. I have been here for nearly three months and for as long as I have been here I have watched this man lurk about...searching...when I see the dragon girl fly away from the two men I apporach.
Neither hear me as I walk up behind them, but as a strong wind comes through the night my long red hair is blown out of its band and catches the eye of the younger male. He turns quickly and pulls his sword, but before he can move an inch toward me I have my blade at his heart.
"Now, you can lower this toothpick of a sword and tell me why you have come to my lands or I can carve out your heart and find your true intentions myself" I mutter quietly, my voice a deadly whisper on the wind.
"Who...who.. are you? And what gives you the right to claim these lands?" he stammars as he tries to inch away from the point of the blade.
"I am Ayren. High Priestess and Queen of Faewen" I declare my voice rolling through the air thick with the power of the Ancient Mother.
The old man drops to his knees and bows before us saying, "I did not believe the rummors that you had lived...that you had surrvived....how?"
"That is my concern. Who are you? And how have such rummors been brought to your ears old man?" I ask softly gazing at him, my blade still at the young ones heart.
"My name is Derlin I was a councilman in your father's court. He gave me this before he died." As he spoke he reached into his shirt and pulled out a silver locket. As he handed it to me I dropped my blade and paid no more attention to the young man. On the locket was a dragon with a ridier, inside the locket was a lock of hair and a tiny scroll. "Hahaha" I laugh weakly, "It's a si'kvul, a voice scroll..." I walk to a boulder and sit as my green eyes fill with tears...I look up to see them watching me....
"For the first time in my life, I am going to hear my father's voice."
I see the Derlin, and the person called Drake talking to a young female. I have to take adoublr take cause she looks alot like me. How can this be ? I fly down for a closer look. I approach from behind, so no one sees me coming. I transform myself into my human form and go to greet the others.
Drake looks at me and then at Ayren.
" Are my eyes playing tricks on me?" he asks Derlin," Now i see two of them ."
" There are two of them ," replies Derlin," Alanna, and Ayren are twin sisters .You can tell them apart by the birthmarks they both have on their lower backs. Alanna's is a small diamond,and Ayren's is a star . "
" Sisters," I exclaim," But why was she allowed to stay here, while i was casted off ?"
" That was not the case,"replies Derlin," Your mother had me smuggle off the both of you ."
" But why to different places ?" asks Ayren," Why did you keep me from my twin sister ?"
" It was for security reasons," answers Derlin," If anything was to happen to one of you, atleast the other sister would be safe ."
" But you just said you thought Ayren was dead ," remarks Drake.
" Derlin what is going on," I demand," I want the truth."
" The truth is," replies Derlin," You are both sisters. Your mother was the high elf queen, your father the Dragon king. During the great war here, you parents were both killed, but before your mother died , fearing for her young infants safety she had me smuugle you both off. I was to take you both to the same place, but as i was on my journy with you both i felt that i was being watched. I decided that i could not risk having something happen to the both of you, so i took you to seperate places. Twas led to believe Ayren was dead, because Val'du was not the place i had taken here. I had brought her somewhere else. To a soceress friend of mine. But she ended up betraying me, and sold Ayren to a band of gypsies as a young infant. When i was told about i hunted down every band of gypsies i came across. Years passed before i came acroos a band of gypsies who told me of a young infant that was stolen by a band of elven warriors. I prayed that it was Ayren, but id not know till now.
As for Alanna, I visted her often and was known to her as the wise old wizard. I kept a close eye on Allana cause i nedded to keep one of you alive in order to protect Faewen. But now that you are both alive you can rule together and rid this land of evil, for your powers combined together equal a force never seen before."
I look at Ayren, and fight back the tears. I hold my arms out to her and say," Sister ." We embrace and both let the tears flow down.
" You would probably like to see this too," Ayren says to me handing me the locket Derlin had given her," It is our father ."
I look at it, and then hand it back to her and shout," I'm sorry, this is all more then i can handle right now. I don't know what to think. I feel like my life has been one big lie. My parents who i thought were my parents are not really my parents. Growing up i was led to think i was some freak, cause i had these strange powers. I find out i am part elf and dragon and am to marry Drake and rule Faewen. And then i find out i have a twin sister too . I'm soory, i need time to think.I don't know what to belive or who to trust."
I storm off.
" And she is the one I am suppose to marry ?" asks Drake.
Derlin nods his head.
" Oh boy," sighs Drake.
" Give her time," says Ayren," I have to admit i am trying to make sense of this all myself too, but unlike Alanna i did not have a family I left behind. The elves i lived with were more like friends. I always knew they were not my real parents. Alanna maybe feeling hurt and betrayed right now. "
*I walk away from the others and sit cross legged on the grass, my sword back in its sheath. I hear someone walk up behind me.*
Mind if I sit here? asks Drake.
Sit if you please, I respond.
*We sit in silence for quiet some time, finally Drake breaks the silence.*
You knew all along that you were adopted?
*I nod slightly*
I always knew that the ones who raised me were not my family. I wouldn't call living with someone adoption..they provided a home, but there was no love in our "family". *Slowly I shrugged and began to stand*
*Drake catches my arm and pulls me back down*
Please, you've been watching me for months....I need to know, why didn't you say anything..why didn't you let me know that you were there?
I shrug off his arm, "I was supposed to. I felt...a connection...I don't know. I just didn't want you messing up my home I suppose."
Drake watches as I walk away and calls after me..."I felt you watching me..."
*I continue to walk away...I sit at the foot of a large oak tree and pull out the scroll. As I open the scroll a voice fills the air...*
My darling Ayren, I have so much to say and so little time. As I speak the warriors are at the walls...if your mother and I don't make it know that we loved you. You and your sister are out heart and soul. There is a young boy, his parents are good friends of ours...he was taken outside of Faewen a few weeks ago. Please find him and take care of him....you, he and your sister are betrothed. Yes I know this may come as a shock. But we never intended for it to be told to you this way, the intentions were that whoever fell in love with him would marry him. He is the key...mingling our bloodlines will save our people...I love you so much...your father...
*I collapse in tears and cry out my pain...when I look up I see Drake watching me....wanting to come comfort me. I bound into the woods needing time...not knowing that Drake had heard every word.*
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Since i have my tremors and can't sleep, i thought i do some writing.
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I wander off across the burnt and blacken ground, trying to gather my thoughts. I come to a small lake and sit down to think. Thoughts of confusion,bretrayal, anger, sadness, and pain fill my mind.
" You are hurting ?" says a voice.
" Who said that ?" I shout," Who is there ?"
" Ah, you are also angry, good, it is good to be angry ," the voice replies.
" Who are you, show yourself," I shout.
" Feel your anger," the voice calls back," Use your anger. The others have betrayed you. Use your powers and destroy the others before they destroy you.Kill the one they call Drake and your sister."
" Never !" I shout," I maybe angry,but i would never kill anyone ."
" Ah, you say that now," laughs the voice," But you will change ."
" I demand you show youself," I shout.
Suddenly a large black evil looking dragon raises out of the water.A cold wind starts to blow.I grow very cold, and i start to shake.
" Come forth," calls the dragon.
I try to shout, but i find my voice gone. I am growing colder and I turn running as fast as I can.
I am running so fast, I end up bumping right into Drake. We both fall to ground.
" Ayren or Alanna ?" asks Drake.
I do not replie. I try, but I can't. I am still shaking all over.
Drake notices i am trembling.
" Alanna or Ayren, what is wrong ? You look like you have seen a ghost ."
Drake hands me his cloak and pulls me close to him.
" You are like ice,what happen out there?" asks Drake rubbing my hands . I try to speak, but can't.My body grows colder.
" I need to get you back to the others," says Drake and he picks me up in his arms and heads off to find the others.
We meet up with the others.Derlin is sitting with Ayren
" Alanna," cries Derlin,"What has happen?"
" I found her running like crazy," answers Drake," As if she had seen a ghost or something. She has been shaking all over and has not said a word."
Derlin looks me over.
" She can't say a word cause she is under a spell ," remarks Derlin.
" What kind of spell," asks Ayren," and who would do this to her ?"
I grab my dragon amulet and point to it.
" She is trying to tell us something ," says Drake.
I keep pointing to the amulet.
" Amulet," asks Drake.
I shake my head and keep pointing to the dragon on the amulet.
" Dragon ?" asks Ayren.
I nod my head.
" You saw another dragon here ?' asks Ayren.
I nod my head and then point towrds Drake grabbing his dark colored hair. I keep pointing at his hair.
" A dark dragon... a black dragon,?' asks Ayren.
" The black dragon !" exclaims Derlin," No Alanna, say you did not see the black dragon."
I keep pointing.
" Ayren," says Derlin," As Alanna's twin, you should be able to communicate with her and read her mind. Use your powers and see what she has seen ."
" I can try," answers Ayren, and she begins to channel her powers. Suddenly she begins to tremble.
" What is it Ayren ," aks Drake grabbing Ayren's arm.
" A black demon like creature...it is a dragon, biggest dragon i have ever seen..there is a evil about it."
" The black dragon !" exclaims Derlin," The rumors are true. He is still alive ."
" Who is this black dragon ?' asks Drake.
" He was known as Rhivel, part elf, part dragon, and as sinister as they come. He was the one who killed Ayren's and Alanna's parents."
" and now he is back," says Drake.
" Yes," answers Derlin," and now he knows that Alanna is here, and he probably knows that Ayren is too, and he won't stop until he destroys them both ."
I sudenly go unconscious. They try to wake me, but can't.
" I think i know the spell he put on my sister," says Ayren," I have heard the elves in my village where i grew up talk of such a spell. It is a death spell ."
" A death spell," remarks Drake," But i thought Derlin had said that both Ayren and Alanna had powers strong enough to fight any evil."
" They do," replied Derlin," but remember Alanna is still learning about hers. It is all new to her. "
" So what do we do to break the spell then ? " asks Drake.
" You have to kiss her," replies Ayren.
" Pardon ?" remarks Drake.
" I'm serious," replies Ayren," The kiss of death can only be broken by a kiss of love ."
" But we just met," says Drake," How do i know if i love her."
" Oh for goodness sake Just kiss her please," snaps Ayren at Drake," I would think you would jump at the chance to kiss a beautiful princess. Or perhaps you don't like woman . You aren't one of thoose type,I have heard about you male humans." ;D ;D ;D ;D
" Har, Har !" remarks Drake and leans over and gives me a long tender kiss. i do not wake.
" It did not work," says Ayren," This is not looking good for you sir .Are you sure there is not anything you would like to tell us." ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
" I do not like men," snaps Drake," there must be another spell on her."
" No," says Derlin," Th kiss did not wake Alanna, cause it has to be a kiss of love, and you have not fallen in love with her yet."
" So what do we do," cries Ayren," I can't let her die. We just found each other. Alanna please don't die. I love you sister."
" That is it !" exclaims Drake," Ayren kiss your sister."
" What ?' asks Ayren.
" Kiss your sister ," says Drake.
Ayren leans over and kisses me. I wake up.
" What in the world !" i remark staring up into Ayren's face," What do you think you are doing ?"
" You two make a lovely couple," teases Drake ," I am sure you will both me happy together."
" What!" I exclaim," What is going on ?"
" Welcome back sis !" cries Ayren sticking her tongue out at Drake. ;D ;D
"I'm glad we are all having a good time, but there is a Black Dragon out there we need to be worried about," I say
Alanna, Derlin, and Ayren all give me a serious look.
"I know my part in this world. I know my parents weren't just friends of yours. They were guardians, they protected them with there lives to the very end, and that is my fate. My fate is to protect both of you."
I pace back and forth and everyone's eyes are fixated on me.
"My foster parents thought they could hide who I am, but I found out, I found my past and my future on my own, and I will live to keep you safe, in honor of my parents."
Suddenly out from the direction I carried Alanna from, the tree's burn apart and a large black form walks up to the clearing. It spreads its wings wide and lets out a wicked roar.
"Last Elves of Faewen, your end is near!" It yells.
I move forward drawing my bow and a single arrow, I aim the arrow at the dragon and hold it in place.
"You killed my parents, you killed Alanna and Ayrens parents, you killed our people. You will rue this day Rhivel.."
I begin an elvish chant my foster father had taught me when I was younger. The arrow shutters a bit and bursts into a blue flame.
Rhivel laughs loudly, "Pathetic half-breed, what can you do with a spell like that!?"
I let the arrow rip and as it does the ground in front of us tears apart sending Derlin, Ayren, and Alanna backwards a few feet. The arrow hits Rhivels chest and explodes, causing him to rear up.
"You..you stupid half-breed!...wait..I know you...your the son of Illonidil and Elariel...but Drake isn't your real name! Until you learn your real name you will never accomplish the same feats your pathetic mother and father have!"
Rhivel spreads his wings and soars away, but I'm left wondering...my real name...what does he mean...
*I rush forward towards Drake*
Are you alright?
*My hands shake as I reach out to him*
I'm fine, *he answer as he walks to a boulder*
*I follow him for a momment and sit beside him...*
Would you like to talk about it? *I reach down to touch his hand but hesitate right above it. I draw my hand back, not knowing that Drake is watching with an amused smile*
Well there really isn't much to talk about...just found out that my name isn't my name. Have you always been afraid to touch men?
*I look up startled, as I get up to leave I hear him chuckle behind me and wonder why does this man unnerve me so*
I watch Ayren as she walks away and I grab her hand.
"You don't need to be afraid, while I'm still not 100% sure who I am...I feel a connection with you. I don't know why I'm being told to marry Alanna. I know your identical twins, but when I've felt your presence every time I came here."
Ayren gives me a sad look, she wants to say something more, but she just turns and walks away
"Am I not free to choose for myself?" I yell out to Ayren.
She stops for a few moments and silence ensues. "Free to choose what?"
"Who I give my heart too.." I reply.
Ayren turns to me with a serious look on her face and takes a step forward
"I won't let my hearts fate be pre-determined. If I had to choose a wife right now I'd choose you. I knew you were watching me, I always wanted to meet you. I was never scared, I just would enjoy the feeling that washed over me."
Ayren walks up to me and stops before me. "Prove it," she says.
I take Ayren in my arms and give her a long passionate kiss, when we stop and I look up I see Derlin and Alanna watching from a far.
"I'm sorry...maybe I took that too far," I say as I turn and head into the woods.
I sit where Drake has left me...left me....I sigh
He won't stand up to my sister and an old man for his "love" so what happens when there is a real test I wonder to myself.
I grab my bow and stalk off towards the fleeting sunlight in the neighboring woods....
"I'm going to get dinner"
"So stupid.." I mutter to myself.
With my bow in hand I pace around in the woods until I notice a small door jutting out of the mountain side. My curiosity gets the best of me and I wander over. As I'm walking over I feel the presence I've felt every day for the past 10 years...Ayren is near.
I shrug off the feeling and head towards the door, when I get closer I feel a wierd sensation pulling me in. The door frame is stone, but its not the same as the mountain, it looks like an rock slide may of crush what the door led to. There are old burned branches laying around the entrance, one of them stands out.
"Whats this..." I lean down and grab the edge of a piece of partially burned wood. I pull it out and brush off age old ashes and dirt. It has writing on it.
"Dieris...home? This was someones home..."
Another look down and I notice a small chest, it looks like it was never touched. It is a jade color with golden parts and other gems ingraved in it. The small clip holding it shut opens without a struggle. Inside is a locke of hair, a hair pin, and a pipe. Suddenly my legs fall limp and I collapse to the ground, still grasping the box. A vision crosses my mind...its an elf, a man, a child...is this me? they call out to me..but its not my name..I couldn't understand it...
When I finally realize whats happening Ayren runs to my side and grabs me to pick me up, I feel so light headed and can barely comprehend whats happening. Out of the corner of my eye I see Derlin and Alanna coming towards us waving there arms wildly. Ayren looks behind us and I see the look of panic in her eyes.
I try to turn my head but the sound I hear gives it away..Wretched...they live in Derloon Swamp to the east, but they have been coming farther into the ruined forest as time goes by. I push Ayren away and turn around to see several of them, but I'm to dizzy to tell how many or how fast. Ayren steps in front of me and pulls back her draw string to let an arrow fly, Derlin and Alanna run out to help as well. Everything is moving so fast, I can't get my bearings back. I see a large Wretched running towards Ayren with his club out, I move clumsily but manage to get in front of her and hug her tight as I push her away. I feel the pain surge through my back and as I'm falling, in that split second I hear an explosion of the Wretcheds head behind me..someone got it..good...then I black out.
Quote from: Dracconia on February 25, 2009, 11:15:04 AM
I sit where Drake has left me...left me....I sigh
He won't stand up to my sister and an old man for his "love" so what happens when there is a real test I wonder to myself.
I grab my bow and stalk off towards the fleeting sunlight in the neighboring woods....
"I'm going to get dinner"
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ROFL ! is there trouble in romance ville ! ;D
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" Protect Drake," I shout to Ayren," I'll take care of the Wretched ." I transform in to my dragon form and raise up infront of them. The Wretched's fire arrows at be , but they only bounce off of my heavy scaled skin. They approach closer. I swing my mighty long tail and knock several of them down with one swing. Then i pounce on them with my crawls being drawn in by the smell of flesh. I let out a roar and the remaining Wretched creatures flee for their lives.
I turn back into my human form. I look around at bodies around me and begin to shake and run off into the woods. Ayren who has been sitting with Drake, who has gained conscious, sees me run off.
" I need to go to my sister ," she says to Drake and Derlin.
Ayren finds me pacing back and forth .
" Alanna, talk to me," she says to me.
" What got into to me back there," I cry out," Did you see what i did back there. I killed those creatures , and then I almost ate them. What kind of creature am I ?"
" You are part dragon," Laughs Ayren," Dragon's eat meat ."
" This is not funny," I remark back," I am not a killer. What could happen next time ? I want no part of this. I want to go home...... "
" This is our home ?" replies Ayren.
"You mean it was our home," I remark back," Look around you Ayren. Everything is in ruins. There is nothing left ."
" Come with me," says Ayren. She grabs my hand. We hiked for quite a ways up a huge mountain.
"Where are we going ?" I demand.
" You will see when we get to the top," answers Ayren. I look up at the mountain. It is very tall and we are only half way up.
" Way up there!" I exclaim," Do you see how high it is up there ? We will be killed. Besides i am afraid of heights ."
" A dragon who is afraid of heights," laughs Ayren.
" You see how high it is up there ," I remark back.
" Find,I'll go without you ," replies Ayren walking off.
" and now we know who the stubborn and crazy sister is," I shout after her. ;D ;D ;D
Ayren keeps walking. I let out a sigh and a grumble and then say," Wait. I know a easier and safer way. You are forgetting dragons can fly."
I tranform into a dragon and say to her," Climb on my back ."
She climbs on .
" I wonder why if we are both twins," i say to her," That I have dragon powers and you don't. Anyway where are we going ?"
" They say our homeland is just over that mountain. So far i have only made it half way up the mountain on my own without almost falling," replies Ayren.
" And you wanted both of us to climb all the way to the top ! " I remark.
" I was going to let you go first," teases Ayren.
" Umm..remember sis, that you are on my back, and that i could knock you off at any momment," I replie with a laugh.
" Ah, but i got you to laugh," smiles Ayren.
" Yes, you did sis," I replie," Thankyou ."
Ayren gives me a big hug .
" Sisters forever," I say to her.
" Sisters forever," Ayren replies back.
" Good," I say to her," Then you must do what i ask of you. You should marry Drake, not I. I see how he looks at you."
" But Derlin has said for the prophecy to work, Drake must marry you. "
" Yes, he mentioned something about us both sharing dragon blood ,but still Drake cares for you. I have seen the look in his eyes."
We fly for a ways...
" I got it !" I shout," Drake will just have to marry both of us. What is wrong with two wives. ?"
" Oh he is going to love that ," laughs Ayren. ;D ;D ;D
" What, we both look alike, and act alike in certain ways. He can marry both of us, unless someone has a better idea . and besides what man alive in sound mind, would not want to be married to two gorgeous, loving, caring, twin sisters." ;D ;)
Ayren interupts me," Look !" she points ahead. I look ahead, and standing in a mist of clouds and fogs stands what once must have been a magnificent castle. It walls and windows battered by war, but it still stands a signal of hope for us all.How can i leave here.
" Do you think it is ?" I say to Ayren
" Our home ?" asks Ayren," I think it is ."
" Our home," I say with a tear in my eye.
" Still want to go back where you came from?" Ayren asks me.
" No !" i replie," This was our home, and will be our home again.Faewen will be once more. Come lets go get the others ."
When we reach the others I check on Drake and find him well, sore and confussed but well. As Alanna tells the others of what we saw I slip quietly into the forest and back to my camp. Once there I pack away the few things I have. As I am gathering things I see again the package given to me on my 16th birthday. It contains my mothers robes, an amulet and a ring. They came to me when I gained the powers passed to the eldest. I sigh a heavy sigh and gather the package and a few things I will need. As I make my way to the river I hum an acient tune of peace and safety unconciously weaving Alanna and the others into its protective net. I strip down and slip into the water, scrubbing myself of all dirt and filth. When I emegre onto the bank I don my mothers dark emerald day robes. The skirts are split, indecently, and I can't imagine why until I find the black breeches and don them as well. The silver inlay gives the garment a mystic air. I slip the amulet around my neck and the ring upon my finger.
At once I am asleep, my body lying on the forest floor, my spirit soaring.
When I awake I have memories of a talk with my mother. I lift myself up and stand...as I do my hair tumbles to the small of my back...2 feet longer than it had been, I walk slowly to the waters edge and look at my reflection. My hair, once red and unruly, was now a deep red with bursts of flame, falling all the way to the small of my back...when the sun hit me it looked as if I was cast in flames. My eyes, once green and warm, were now slanted slightly, two pools of emerald silk you could fall into forever. I was slightly smaller about the waist and felt lighter on me feet...my senses were even more keen than before...and I somehow knew without looking that there was an emerald dragon tattooed across my back...
I took a deep breath and began to hum a song that started in my heart and summoned that green dragon. When she landed beside me she bowed low and said, "Tis an honor to serve the daughter of our late Queen, you will be a fine Queen in her stead. Call upon me if ever you have need"
I looked at her and said, "I thought you were all gone...except the black dragon and Alanna..."
"Your sister is the only human or elf that we know of that can still shift tis true, but we dragons are still very much alive...and you, are our Queen. We answer to you for you have followed in the footsteps of your mother. There is but one step you must take. Marry your heart to the heart of a love which the world has never seen. Find the one that completes your very essense. He will be your King. Once you find him, we can bring you and your sister to full power...."
The dizziness finally subsides, but when I look straight ahead I see two people looking down on me. Two complete strangers I've never seen, yet feel as I know.
"Greetings son," Says the woman. "You look well..we knew you would return to your home one day."
I stare blankly ahead of myself. "What is in the air here..." I mumble.
"This city is magical," replies the man.
"This city is dead," I say back.
"Far from dead my son. The city is nealy dormant, the new queen is almost ready to take her place, and it will be your place to protect her, with your heart, and your body."
"We have brought a gift for you Belariel, you will need it in your journey's ahead."
The images of the two in front vanish and I suddenly feel different. I stand up and head towards the radiant pool. As I head in the vacinity I notice Ayren talking to a dragon. I cannot hear whats being said, but after 2 minutes of watching, the dragon turns to my direction and roars.
"Come out mortal! Show yourself!"
I step into view and she dragon steps back a bit and lowers its head.
"I..I am sorry my lord, I did not know it was you..."
Ayren looks up to the dragon, "Why do you call him your lord?"
"My Queen...he has the Aura of Faewen all around him, he is the man meant to rule the kingdom along yourside..."
Ayren and I both turn a shade of red for a few moments, unsure what to say. I finally step forward to Ayren and the dragon bows once more and flies away.
"Ayren, I know who I am...My real name is Belariel. My mother and father told me my heart and body are yours. I knew there was a connection. I only wish I could of talked to them longer. From this day forth I will never let anything hurt you."
I make a step closer until I can feel Ayrens breath on my neck, I put my arms around her and look into her eyes.
"Something is different about you Drake...I mean..Belariel...you seem stronger, your heart..seems more..open..."
I try not to smile to much as I look into the eyes of a woman I barely know, yet have known half of my life. I love her.
"You have changes as well...you look even more beautiful and even stronger..you will be a great queen."
Ayren leans in and kisses me softly then pulls away and smiles. I go in and kiss her again, enveloping her in my arms. We fall gently to the ground and kiss as the world spins around us.
I come upon the two love birds, and give a little fake cough, and say," If you two are done, we should be making a move on before dark to the castle."
" Alanna,we nedd to talk," Drake says to me.
" No need Drake," I say to him," You are forgetting that Ayren and I are twins. I can feel the emotions she feels for you and they are very strong.I am happy for you both .Plus i don't think you were the one I was meant to marry. It is obvious i have dragon bllod in me, which you do not, atleast as far as we know. So should I not be marrying a fellow dragon instead? Anyway, I am going to scout ahead, let me know when you two are ready ."
*I brush myself off and begin to follow Alanna.*
"We should go" I say quietly. I begin to follow Alanna...thoughts swimming in my head...I turn to Drake and gaze at him before saying,
"Look, I was born to rule Faewen, this is my home, my duty and my heart...if you want to love me...alright, but know that if Faewen fights, I fight, if Faewen wins, as do I and if Faewen dies...then my heart will stop as well. I won't be some damsel in distress all the time...so if you think you can deal, let's go."
I turn and give a call, instantly my dragon has appeared.
"Friend, what is your name?" I ask.
"You could not proncue it in your toungue my Lady, so feel free to call me what you wish"
I look at her and nod, "Then I will call you Siorai. This means life in my ancent tongue..."
Siorai nods in agreement before replying, "My Lady, My Lord we should press on..your sister can fly and I beside her...she will carry the old man...I would be honored to carry you both."
I look to Drake as I mount Siorai and say, "Well...can you handle this?"
I pick up my bow and put it around my shoulder.
"I've been ready for this my entire life, you need not treat me like a child"
I step forward and jump onto the dragons back
I laugh out loud at his response!
"I meant can you handle me Drake...."
I giggle as Soirai flys away...
Quote from: Dracconia on February 27, 2009, 12:01:07 AM
I laugh out loud at his response!
"I meant can you handle me Drake...."
I giggle as Soirai flys away...
***************************************************************************
Rofl. Now that is a loaded question....rofl....and watch how you respond to that sir, or else we may get bumped to John's Inn.
*******************************************************************************
Suddenly my keen dragon senses pick up something near by...a sound...and then a scent...
" We are being followed ," I say to the others," It is not human,nor is it a animal. Derlin, hang on tight and lay low on my back, I'm going in for a closer look ." I fly ahead of the others, and spot a small army of strange , ominous looking creatures.
" Derlin, what are they ?' I say to him.
" Orcs," says Derlin," We best nedd to warn the others. Alanna, concentrate.. focus on your mind..you can communicate with Ayren."
I do what Derlin tells me to do, aand i telepath a message to Ayren.
" Now lets take on some Orc's shall we ?" I say to Derlin. I lunge ahead at the Orc army, shooting flames of fire, and ripping and tearing apart with my claws, and whacking with my huge tail. I dive, and shoot more flames, and i discover new dragon powers and strength i never knew i had.
I manged to defeat the small band of Orcs on my own.
" That is the last of them, for now," says Derlin," They appeared to be looking for something ."
I go to lay down for a a few minutes to rest. I start to lay down, when i notice a large stone laying on the ground. It seems to have some kind of crptic code on it. I point it out Derlin.
" No, it can't be !" exclaims Derlin picking up the stone," This would explain what the Orcs were doing here. This must have been after this ."
" What is it ?" i ask Derlin.
" This is the Tablet of Destinies. Who ever posesses this tablet has the power to control the world around us ."
" We need to destroy it then," I say to him," Before it falls in the wrong hands ."
" No it is mine," hisses Derlin at me.
This tablet must have powers of it's own which are posessing Derlin.
" Derlin, please pout down the tablet."
" No, it is mine, mine, mine..and you can not have ," Derlin shouts and leaps away from me.
" Please Derlin," i beg
" No, my tablet, you may not have..mine..mine...mine...."
" Derlin, this tablet is making you go mad. Please don't make me have to use my powers on you ."
I draw an arrow as Drake and I sit perched upon Soirai. The arrow is thinner than most and has a dull head. I shoot true into the small of Derlin's back. Seconds after it hits Derlin is in a dead sleep.
"Alanna destroy the tablet! We must keep moving."
Alanna picks up the tablet crushes it in one swift motion.
As night begins to fall I ask Soirai where it is best to sleep for the night.
Her reply catches me by surprise me, "With my family in Th'rum....we would be honored to have you and yours M'Lady"
I agree and we shift towards Th'rum.
The scene that greets us is magnificent.....high in the mountians grand caves lay everywhere, and in every cave is a dragon of a different size and color...it is as if every jewel ever none and many never seen had received its color from the scales of one of these dragons. As Soirai flew in every dragon let out a roar of pleasure. When she landed, she landed in front of the largest pair of dragons. As Drake and I slipped off her back all the dragons kneel forward....Alanna landed behind us and looked around, her eyes wide with questions...thankfully she holds her tongue for once.
"Welcome my Queen," rumbles the deep red dragon before me. "We have long awaited your return. I am Sarabi, Mother Queen to the Dragons, this is my mate, Mu'faza, Father King. We declare our allegiance to you our Queen of the Light, Ayren, True Mother Queen of Faewen."
As her speech ends all the dragons echo her pledge with an ending roar of pleasure into the night sky.
As I look about I nod to each dragon in turn and reply, "I thank you. It is an honor to have such marvelous ones as you to have as mine own. I am truly and deeply moved by the faith you show in me. I make this my vow, you will not regret the day you swore allegiance to me. Any who are enemies of yours are enemies of mine and they shall rue the day they first saw Faewen."
I turn to Soirai and ask, "Is there somewhere my compaions and I may clean up and lie down for the night? It has been a long day."
She nods and leads us down a long corridor into one of the caves, the doors on ethier side are marked in a language I vaugley recall. We turn right and before us is a bathing hall and two bedrooms.
"Alanna your room is to the right, M'Lord, M'Lady your room is to the left...please feel free to make use of everything. The old man has been taken to the hospital to assure that no marks remain from the tablet. Dinner will be brought to you." And with that she was gone....
"I am taking a bath" I mutter and head off to the room to see what I can find...inside is an evening dress of light linen, it is a pale green with silver inlays, I pick it up along with other neccesties and head off to the baths..once emerged in the water I lie back and let the heat work away all the cramps a day of riding can leave. As I begin to wash my hair my mind drifts....thoughts of Drake come to mind and I smile...I dry of quickly and dress...I towel dry my hair and allow it to hang down to my waist, as I make it through the corridor I see many works of art I stop to admire them and notice Drake coming in from another of the baths...he has on tan breeches and his chest is bare, I watch him as he towels off his hair...one droplet of water running down his chest...I turn my head until he has entered the room and follow suit a few minutes later...
I sit on the bed until he notices me and I say softly,
"You never answered my question....can you handle me and my wild ways...or are you looking for a damsel?"
I finish rubbing my hair dry and I sit next to Ayren
"I can handle anyway you decide to be, I know fate may say I'm to love you, but I really do love you. I've felt this connection for a long time. Theres nothing you can do to change that. If you need to rely on my strength..I will be there. But I know you better than that, you are strong willed and not weak in the least. As Queen you cannot afford to be weak. Neither can I"
I put my hand on Ayrens lap and smile, I lay back hitting my head to the pillow and stare up at the ceiling.
"Don't doubt me..please. If you doubt me, that will only hamper our journey ahead. I need to to trust me with everything. As I trust you. I know your strong, but even the strongest of beings need help every now and then, and I will be right there by your side through all of this."
"I know you will be..I never said I didn't trust you," replies Ayren.
I just smile, and run my hand up and down the small of Ayrens back as I gaze to the left out the window, into stars hanging above like a protective canopy above us.
I look down at Drake as his hand runs along my back and smile....I turn to him and lie down next to him with my head on his chest...
"I trust you with everything..." I murmmur softly....
I lie there content to spend forever there...and giggle when Drakes arms come around me and pull me closer....we kiss softly, than deeply, than deeper still and fall lost to the world...knowing only each other.
I lay perfectly content, I know I should fall asleep as Ayren already has, but I have so much on my mind. Can I really protect her when the time comes? I would give me life for her. YES I can do it...
I then drift off to sleep with the warmth of my love in my arms
Derlin has returned from the hospital, feeling his old self again. He summons Ayren Drake and I to come meet with him.
" I appologise for my actions last night. You now know that there are forces of evil around that will do anything to destroy the FOUR of you and keep Faewen from being reborn."
" Four of us ?" I asked," But there are only three of us standing before you, unless you are including yourself ."
" No, "replies Derlin," excluding myself there will be FOUR of you."
We all look at Derlin with a puzzled look on our faces.
" There will be two kings and two queens.
Ayren and Drake will rule over the elven kingdom.
Alanna and her king will rule over the dragons.
Together you shall join forces and rid Faewen of evil and rule Faewen together ."
" So you agree that Ayren and Drake are meant to be, for when we first started this journey you told me i was to marry Drake, which i will not for i see the love that Ayren and Drake have for each other and would never try to come between them." I say.
" That was before I knew Ayren was still alive,"explains Derlin," No, Ayren and Drake are the meant to marry each other. They will rule the elven land of Faewen. They will bear many children, and their children will be the future of the elven kingdom. "
I smile at my sister as Derlin tells us this.
" And you Alanna," Derlin continues,' will rule the dragon kingdom of Faewn along with your mate, and bear many children as well ."
" This mate of mind ?" I say to Derlin,"Will he be human or dragon ?"
" He will be like you, part human, part dragon, part elf ."
" Sounds good," i say to Derlin," but i am sorry, I can not marry. I will never marry ." I replie.
" What !" shouts Derlin," But you must ."
" No!," I exclaim fighting back the tears," I can't go thru that pain again, I will never marry ." I run off to my room in tears.
Ayren runs after me. I throw myself on my bed and began to sob.
" Alanna talk to me," says Ayren," What are you really hiding. I can tell since this journey started you have been angry, and full of pain. I have afeeling that is not the real Alanna. I think the real Alanna, is loving , carefree and full of life. So why so much anger and pain ?"
" I suppose you would find out eventually," I say to her," I was once betrothed before. He was handsome, kind, caring, strong, and loving. A good man. He was a brave and loyal knight . We were very much in love, and he asked for my hand in marraige and i accepted. But shortly after our engagement he was sent away on amission and he never returned. My heart was broken that day, and I vowed never to marry again. When Derlin told me about Faewn and how i was to come her and marry and rule as dragon queen, I was reluctant to come, but i knew i had to do it for my people, plus i thought it would help me to get over my pain.. But when i got here the pain was still here, and i can't get rid of it. For how do you mend a broken heart ? How do you love again ?"
" Alanna," says Ayren," I am so sorry, but i am glad that you finally confided in me, for that is what sisters are for "
" Yes," I agree," I am glad I told you, and we must pledge now to never keep secrets from each other ."
" Agreed," says Ayren.
We hug each other. I weep a bit more and Ayren sits and hold me in her arms. After having a good cry, and letting go of my pain I turn to her and say,
" So i guess we will be planning a wedding soon," I say to Ayren with a smile," For you and Drake are to marry and rule the elven kindgom have many children,<giigle > acoording to Derlin. Just don't ask me to babysit them all ."
We both start laughing. It is wonderful to sit and laugh with my sister and just talk girl stuff.
" You will be busy chasing your own children around," Ayren reminds me," Derlin did say you were to rule the dragon kingdom and bear many children ."
" Thanks for reminding me," i say to her whacking her with a pillow. We whack each other back and forth with the pillows, laughing like crazy, until there are feathers all around.
" I 'll clean this up later," i say to Ayren hoping off the bed .
" Where you going ?" she aks me.
" Well since i am to marry, and rule the dragon kingdom, and bear many children I thought i would go and check out the male dragons around here," I replie with a laugh.
I walk to the room Ayren and Alanna retreated to, only to find them enjoying themselves immensely. I stand in the doorway and cross my arms and shake my head.
Alanna notices me right away and yells out, "What are you shaking your head at?" she grabs a pillow and throws it at me.
"There I am, fast asleep with Ayren in my arms, only to wake up alone and find you two having the time of your lives and laughing and probably at my expense I gather."
Ayren laughs and shrugs her shoulders in silent agreement. Another pillow flies my way and I hear a sound from behind me.
"OOOOF! WHO THREW THAT!?" says a small voice.
I turn and see a man on the floor with the pillow in his lap, I try not to laugh and point to Ayren. Ayren then gives me a look that probably will involve pain in my near future.
"I've come to summon you to the Grand Hall by Lord Wetherby."
"Lord Wetherby?" I ask.
"Yes, he has been leading our people, the survivors of Faewen until the true Lords and Ladies returned."
Alanna and Ayren jump up and head towards the door.
"No need in making him eh sister?" Says Alanna.
"No need at all!" Responds Ayren.
Both push me out of the way and giggle as they pass. I stand up and follow behind them down a long corridor. Finally we come to a large arched doorway and the man opens the door and beckons us in. As we enter the size of the room engulfs us and hundreds of humans, elves, half-breeds, and dragons all look to us and all falls silent. At the end of the room a man stands up and begins walking towards us.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, let us welcome the real leaders of Faewen, the ones who will lead us back to glory!"
Everyone stands and a deafening cheer consumes the room. I know not what to say or do, I just stand in awe, and from Ayren and Alanna's silence, I would say they feel the same.
I stand tall as I look at my people...and I feel Drake come to stand on my other side...as he takes my hand cheers errupt...for ontop of our heads crowns of ivy and light have appeared...
"My Lady" says the man in front of us as he kneels...."My Queen"
The room follows suit whispering "My Lord and Lady, King and Queen" until only Drake, Alanna and I are left standing...
I open my lips and a song forms on my tongue...I stand and sing the song of life into the room...the old weep with remeberance and the young weep with joy...as I sing the ivy and light wraps itself around mine and Drakes arm...tieing us together...a hand fasting...
Lord Weatherby jumps up and proclaims..."Faewen has married you! You shall be our mother and father as the Ancient Mother has proclaimed it so!"
I look to Drake and whisper..."Looks like you go sucked into a wedding night early"
I giggle but everything in me quakes with fear
I can feel Ayren shaking, I can sense a small hint of unease in her laughter. I squeeze her hand gently, and when she looks up at me I smile and kiss her softly on the lips.
"There's nothing you will have to face alone, Faewen will be restored, and it will be great," I say.
We both look to Alanna and she smiles and we all hug one another, the people of Faewen haven't felt hope in a long time.
"It's time we brought our people and our home back to greatness, and nothing will stop us," Alanna says with a smile.
Ayren and I nod and continue to hold each other amongst the cheers that surround us.
Later that evening as Drake and I ready for bed. We discuss the evening's events....
Why are you afraid of ruling Faewen? Drake asks as he pulls off his boots
I sigh as I pull the last pins out of my hair and murmmur...
I'm not afraid of ruling Faewen...I'm afriad of this...of us...of being a wife...tonight...
Drake stands as he finally understands...he pulls me into his arms as he murmmurs....
You don't have to face this alone either
The look on Ayrens face eases up a bit after I tell her that. I pull her in tightly as can be.
"Tonight lets me husband and wife, tomorrow we will begin what we are destined to do. Together, for I will never leave your side."
I lay Ayren down onto the bed and kiss her softly on her neck, she smiles and pulls me in closer. Something special happened this night, something that bonded our hearts together. I no longer feel doubt, only reassurance of what we are meant to do and how strong my love really is.
Hours later I lay wrapped in Drakes arms...loving the feel of his arms holding me tight....I lay back and listen to him breathing...loving each second of this...needing to feel him always..
mother don't let me mess this up
I whisper to the dark....
Drake pulls me in close and murmmurs...you aren't messing anything up...now kiss me...wife...
I smile as our lips meet and my heart melts
I stand outside my sister's bedroom window. I take the note I had wriiten and wrap it around a arrow and then shhot the arrow and send it flying thru my sister's window.
Drake spots the arrow flying thru the open window.
" what in the world !" he remarks.
" There is a message attached to it," says Ayren grabbing the paper and reading it. She begins to blush.
" what does it say ?" asks Drake.
" It is from Alanna," replies Ayren," Dear sister, remember that being that we are both twins, not only can i read your thoughts, but i can sense what you are feeling. So it must of been some heck of a wedding night sis ! " ;D
I bolt up...grabing my robe as I fly to the window....ALANNA!
She giggles a bit...
"For the love of pete leave us alone tonight of all nights!"
Alanna laughs and runs off....I stand by the window suddenly realizing...I don't know how to face my husband...in my bed....
I crawl out of bed and head over to Ayren. I pick her up and carry her back to the bed. I gently set her down and peel back her robe.
"There's no need to be scared of this my love."
I take Ayrens hand in mine and place it over my heart.
"Feel that?" I ask. "This is how my heart is every time I think of you. It only beats for you, and always will...until the last breath leaves my body. You will not loose me, nor will we fail as long as we are together."
Ayren smiles and pulls me in for a kiss. We spend several hours making love to one another until we fall fast asleep in each others arms.
<I sit in the garden overlooking the small pond. I stare at my reflection in the pond.>
Who am I ? That is a question, I find I can not answer. I thought I was a princess living in a beautiful castle, with two loving parents, but then i find out they are not my real parents. Oh , but i do miss them though, they were the only true family I ever had.
But what about Ayren, she is my sister. yes, we are twins and i share a bond with her, but yet, I hardly know her. I don't know any of this land I am to rule along with my sister. I know i have been raised to be a queen someday and i have had all the proper training, but tthat was before i found out I was part dragon and elf too, and i was to rule the dragon kingdom.
A dragon ! me a dragon. I had always thought dragons, to be mean ugly creatures, that kidnapped beautiful princesses like me. Now i find myself being one.
< I gaze at my reflection >
I am a beautiful as human, do i dare see what i look at as a dragon.
< i transform myself into a dragon and stare in the pond >
Not bad, for a dragon I guess. Sigh. This all still seems so unreal to me.
I ahve left a land that was my home to come here to a unfamiliar land that was supposedly my birthland. I have so much to learn and discover. Thankgoodness Derlin has been teaching me to use my powers, but still......
Do i want to be a dragon, do i want to be part elf... I don't know....
What i do know is that even though i felt lied to and betrayed I miss my adoptive parents. I must ask derlin if there is anyway i can make contact with them.
Derlin, my dear teacher, ah, but he has also kept many secrets from me. How much do i really trust him.
Yes, i must make contact gain with my adoptive parents, and keep my gaurd up around Derlin.
I must learn more about my sister. My sister, who is now happily married to Drake. atleast one of us has found happiness .
< Saddness falls over me, and i feel a pain in my heart . I think of the one I was betrothed to.>
Oh my love where are you ? WhY did you leave me and never return. My heart still aches for you.
I can't keep pretending anymore. I tried to act happy before in my bedroom with Ayren, I tried to erase the pain, but I can't.
< Derlin approaches me >
" Why so sad child on such a happy occasion ?"
" Just thinking of someone I loved dearly ."
< I look at Derlin, and a thought crossed my mind >
" Derlin, since you seem to know so much perhaps you know why the man i was betrothed to, left and never returned. "
" Yes, i know why ," says Derlin
" Tell me," I demand.
" very well," says Derlin," I sent him away."
" You ! You ! " I shout, " Why? why would you do such a thing ?"
" He had a destiny to fill just like you," answers Derlin.
" That is still no excuse," i shout at him," we were in love, and you.... you..... what did you say to him..what did you tell him.....?"
" i told him the turth about you ," replies Derlin.
" You had no right ! " i shout," i should have been the one to tell him, no you, although i did not know the turth did I, thanks to you and your lies and secrets. Tell me one reason, why i should even trust you anymore ."
" I did what I did so the prophecy would be filled ." says Derlin.
" You and your prophecies," i shout at him," You have destroyed the only life i ever known. I will never speak to you gain. i do not trust you no more. Please say goodbye to Ayren and Drake for me ."
" Where are you going ?" shouts Derlin after me.
" Home ," I shout back.
" But this is your home ," Derlin says to me.
" No !" I shout back," This is just another one of your lies and tricks . I am not falling for it anymore. "
" what about Ayren ?' aks derlin.
" she has Drake now ," I replie," Or do you plan to tear them apart too ?"
" What about the Black Dragon, you saw for yourself what he is capable of doing ?"
" I'm sorry, bbut i am not listening to you no more. You have caused me enough heartache and pain, and liek i have already said i don't know what to belive anymore. "
< I take off in the sky , ready to return home to the only home i ever knew >
I wake in Drake's arms...
"Alanna" I jump up and begin to dress...turning to see my husband watching..
"Running away already love?" He asks, his eyes wary...
"Never" I lean in to kiss him slowly, "Alanna needs me...and I need you to gather the men and women who have been ruling Faewen...we need to know who is living here, what they do and so forth...farmers, smiths, bakers, merchants...and such..do we have weapons, do we have supplies...and does anyone else know our land lives? I will be back"
I hum a low tune and Siorai is there...I leap out the window and onto her back and we take off in persute of Alanna.
I jump out of bed and start getting dressed. Suddenly a knock comes and I yell to come in. In walks a small boy and he bows.
"Lord Belerial, Lord Wetherby told me to bring you a gift, a gift that belonged to your father," says the boy.
Suddenly four more men walk in, carrying a chest. They place the chest before me and the boy comes up behind me and lifts up my arms.
"Your father was a Guardian, the greatest in Faewen's history. This was the armor he wore protecting the old King and Queen. Wetherby would like you to have it and we shall dress you. My Lady says you have much work ahead of you today and she asked me to assist you and make sure you stay on track."
I roll my eyes at the thought, but I don't argue, it's probably better of this way. The 4 men start dressing me in armor. The armor is dark blue with pearl white lining on the edges. After equipping my armor I'm handed a sword. It's all so light weight, I can move and swing the sword like its nothing. Something doesn't feel right yet...I walk over to the opened dresser and pull out a dark green cloak, I throw it over my back and put on my quiver and toss my bow over my shoulder, much better.
"Well lets get going I guess. Whats your name boy?" I ask.
"Stuart my Lord," replies the boy.
"Stuart, I need some documents. If they don't exist then we need them made. I need a directory of all the Faewen survivors and their trades. We are going to rebuild Faewen. Also I need any able bodied men who can fight to report to me in the training hall in 6 hours time."
Stuart bows and leaves the room with the 4 other men.
As I fly out in search of Alanna Siorai begins to share her memorries with me...hatching, her first hunt, her first flight, her first...well we skipped that memmory.
Sio'rai, if my sister doesn't want the crown...what will we do?
I ponder aloud.
Well, My Queen, you are the grand Queen, if your sister decides not to take her place than she can go off to find her love and life...she will always be welcome here...we will answer to you as we do now.
I nodd as we turn and see Alanna flying in front of us...
Alanna, it's Ayren, come on let's talk...
When I receive no answer from my sister's mind I sigh and turn back to home...
My Lady when she is ready to talk she will talk, let her go home...you have a new husband and a kingdom to run....let's see what this King of yours has accomplished...we've been gone half a day..let us return...we shall be there by nightfall
I fly for what seems for hours. All around me the land is scorched and burn. This is what we are suppose to be fighting for, this is what I am to rule. There is nothng here. I continue to ly, eager to get back to the home where I grew up.
I start to tire. Just a little furthur and then i will stop to rest. I fly thru some thick clouds and when i get thru them, I look around and raising out of the ashes and scorched ground, are small trees and flowers in bloom. I decide to land and look around. A smal bird lands near by. I lokk at the delicate flowers blooming in the scorch ground.
Then I hear a voice ,
" Look around you Alanna. Look at the flowers. They were once suffering, but have found strength to live . You have that strength too Alanna. "
" Who are you?" I call out," Your voice, your voice sounds familiar ."
A ghostly image of a woman appears before me and says ,
" Alanna, my child ."
" Mother," I cry out kneeling before her," It can't be ."
" It is I child ," the ghostly woman says approaching me.
I begin to weep.
" Hush now child, there is no need to weep ."
" Oh mother, if you only knew ."
" But i do know daughter.I have never left you or Ayren. Although i may not be able to be with you in the flesh, my spirit has never left your side. I watch over you both from the heavens above . I have seen what you have been thru, and I must admit i don't eactly approve of all of Derlin's tactics and how you dicoverd the truth, but i do know he has you best interest and the interest of Fawen in his heart. He was adear friend to me, and would never do anything to hurt you or Ayren >"
" He sent the man i love away ," I replie.
" I know," says my mother," But i also know that your heart will love again Alanna. You may not belive me right now,but you will find true love once again . Go back to Faewen. "
" But...." i replie.
" Ayren maybe the grand queen, but Faewen needs both of you as queen . Only when you both rule together will you be able to fight the forces of evil and bring peace back to the kingdom. Faewen nedds you Alanna. If not for your people, then do it for your father and I. Revenge our deaths and make us proud daughter ."
" I will mother," I say to her.
" That 's my girl," smiles my mother," Now dry thoose tears. You have been hurting and grieving long enough. it is time for a fresh start."
" Yes mother," i say to her.
She begins to walk away.
" Wait, mother. Please don't leave me. I need you."
" I will always be watching over you Alanna, and your sister too."
" Will i ever see you again ?" I ask, fighting back the tears.
" Someday," my mother replies, and turns and kises me on the forehead.
I reach out for her hand.
" I love you mother ."
She slowly fades away.
" No mother..please don't go ."
I sit there , fighting back the tears, and taking in what my mother said to me. I stand up and take to the sky. Time to go home where i belong.
" Ayren, Drake, Faewen,I'm coming home," I shout.
In the training hall I work as diligently as I can. Wetherby's personal Guardians and some of the finest Arcanists in the land accompanied me and are helping with my training.
Four hours straight I and many of the soldiers battled, each one of us bent on becoming stronger, each for his or her own reason. Mine is to protect the love of my life, Ayren.
Wetherby calls a break and orders in food for us. Everyone has a seat, except me. I continue to work on my sword and arcana. I suddenly feel a hand on my shoulder and I turn to see Wetherby with a serious look on his face. Ayren has arrive back in the castle and is standing behind Wetherby, but due to his size I cannot see her.
"Why do you strain yourself so much my boy?" He asks.
"I cannot, and I will not let anything happen to Ayren as long as I'm alive. In order to protect her and the people of Faewen I must become the strongest I can," I reply.
"But you are already strong, strong of mind and of the heart," Wetherby adds in.
"Yes, this may be true, but a heart and mind alone cannot win a war," I say.
Wetherby starts to turn, but stops and looks back to me.
"I noticed your priorities seem to be Ayren before the rest of your people and your home."
"If Faewen turned into ash and blew into the wind, and all of its people had to move on for good. I could live with that. If anything happened to Ayren, my will to live would turn to ash itself, and blow away into the wind."
I notice Wetherby move quickly towards me, I'm unsure why but suddenly I grow faint and the world around me turns black.
I rush to Drake's side and call the men to help me carry him to our bed chambers.
"And for you as well...no one over trains..or pushes himself to hard...you are all worthless to me and to Faewen if you get yourself sick!" I stand in front of the warriors as they kneel,
"Yes M'Lady" the murmmur in unison.
"Now go home to your wives and families, we will continue on the morrow."
I turn and pace to my bedchamber where the healers have seen to my husband...
"He will be fine, he is merely tired my lady" says the oldest...
"Well he and I will both get some sleep tonight...send someone for me if my sister returns...that is all."
I slip into the hot water waiting for me and begin soaking away the stress of riding all day.
I hum a song from my memories and drift asleep in the water...
As I approach Faewen i see a large army of Sarts, big half human, half Snake, like creatures . They are advancing towards Faewen and they don't look like they are on a hospitality call. Luckily I can fly faster then they can walk.
I land back at the castle and head to find Ayren and Drake.
" Mi lady," says one of the servants," your brother n'law has taken ill, your sister is with him now."
This is not good.
" find the man name Wetherby, and also Derlin. Have them meet me at my sister's chambers ."
I approach the chamber of Ayren and Drake and knock on the door," Ayren, wake up. It is urgent. And no, it has nothing to do with me. Mother helped me see things. i will explain that to you later. But there is a huge army of Sarts headed this way, and they don't look friendly."
I wake with a start and jump from the tub of water, wrapping myself in a large towel as I go to answer Alanna's call.
"Come in but be quite." I whisper.
I rub myself dry as Alanna tells me all she has seen.
"I will dress quickly then" I reply as I quickly don a pair of brecches and my mother's war robes.
"Braid my hair will you" Alanna does so mummbling about being a future Queen herself,
"Yes" I snap a bit impatiant "And I will braid yours on your wedding day now hurry up"
When she finishes it I wind my long hair into a knot and pin it in , as I slip into my chainmail I whisper "Ring for coffee, I'm going to wake my husband."
I walk over and wake Drake, he comes to quickly and begins to jump out of bed when he realizes how I am dressed.
"Calm down, coffee is coming and so is an army, we will drink, plan and attack. But while we are waiting on the others and the coffee, dress and be quick love"
I kiss him quickly and go to don my cloak, quiver, bow and sword.
The arm sheaths and boot daggers can wait a momment.
I go to the window and call Soi'rai,
"You will be good council on this my friend."
Drake Ayren, and myself meet with Soi'rai, Wheterby, and Derlin, to discuss battle tatics.
" The Sarts are a dangerous creature," replies Derlin, " Their venom is highly deadly. One bite from them and you are dead . The only thing that I know them to be afraid of is fire."
" We could build small rings of fire," says Wheterby.
" No," i replie," That will not work. Look around you. The majority of Fawen is still burning in places, and still that did not stop the Sarts. It would appear to me that they have grown immune to fire . We have to come up with a better plan. In the meantime, I would suggest that if there are any healers or herbalists here that we order them to start working on poison antidotes. I have a feeling we may need them ."
" No need," says Derlin," We already have the antidote for the Sarts venom, but we will need you Alanna and Soi'rai as well."
" I am willing to do whatever it is to help," i replie," although i have a uneasy feeling about this ."
" The dung of a female dragon has many healing powers," says Derlin.
" What !" i exclaim," Okay, i have been asked to do many things..but um.... "
Ayren starts laughing hysterically.
A servant approaches with a tray of food and drinks.
" Eat up sis !" laughs Ayren.
I stick out my tongue, grumble and throw a roll at Ayren.
I grab my clothes and gear, readying for whats to come. I make my way back to the training grounds and all the men stand armed and ready.
"Good morning" I offer and they all take there hands to there chest in a fist to salute me.
"Feeling well this morning?" Comes a small voice. I see Tanner, the youngest and smallest in the regiment.
"Yes, thank you Tanner," I answer.
"We have much to do, an army is approaching and we have to be ready, I know you all trained very hard and are ready to fight, but we need a tactical advantage."
The men all start look around at each other, not sure of what response to get.
"No worries, I made my rounds around the castle ground and the surrounding area, I have a pretty good idea of what we are dealing with. Now..has anyone ever delt with a Sart before?"
Silence ensues
"I didn't think so. They are stong, they have powerful claws and usually attack by pouncing on there target, pinning them down and biting into whatever they can. They have an inate ability to find veins. While their teeth may not be as nasty as there claws, they inject a deadly poison into their prey."
Some of the men look to the ground, I can sense fear in them.
"If we march in the open against them we will not win. We need to outsmart them. Therefore we will be broken up into small teams. This will give everyone ample room to defend themselves. Sarts are very prideful creatures and they will only battle one on one."
I pull out a map and walk over to the podium on the far left side of the training area.
"Jirax, Melik, Ologard, Burside, come over here. You four will be in charge of the squads. I will be taking a few men with me, but I already pulled them aside. I trust you four to pick the teams that best work together."
As I'm about to continue, Alanna storms out into the training area flailing her arms.
"UNBELIEVABLE"
Some of the younger troops let out a laugh. I just shake my head and head over to see what the problem is.
Welcome back Drake, old buddy ! :)
*******************************************************************
I see Drake come walking towards me.
" I suppose you think this is all a big joke too," I growl at him.
" What has you so grouchy ?" asks Drake.
" Derlin, and the others, they act as if this up coming battle with the Sarts is a big joke. I saw the Sart army Drake. They looked like they were out for blood. These people here are in serious trouble and they don't realize it. "
" Alanna," says Drake," I know you and I did not start off on the right foot together.I am sorry for some of the things I may have said or done. I did not mean to hurt you or upset you in anyway . And if I may so, I happen to agree with you. That is why I have been out here training with these young fellows."
" Thankyou Drake ," i say to him and give him a big kiss and walk away. Drake stands and looks at me, wondering if he let the wrong girl get away.
" Ready for more training sir ? asks one of the young troopers.
" Yes," replies Drake with a smile.