|
Post by libellule on Jul 28, 2011 17:38:24 GMT -6
7.A Twist of Fate Asina, Ciel, Danalli, Noir, Ryell, and Zanen Location: Tekania She felt her breath catch as if she’d forgotten how to breathe. The flutters and lightheadedness hit her like a two-ton brick. With one hand on her head and one on her stomach, she tried to remember how to take in air and how to balance herself in her chair, but everything had begun to fight her and her equilibrium.
Atlast as black dots speckled across her blurring vision she found air, but it was sharp, painful, and too quick. She felt like a rabbit running as fast as it could and the dizzy spells in her head only began to get worse. Danalli mustered the strength to stand.
Oh what a dreadful idea…
She collapsed to her knees and her cheek hit the cool wooden floor seconds after. She heard the shriek as an elder woman re-entered the room. Oh yes… tea. She’d forgotten. The room began to darken and swirl and shapes became murky. There was a dulled clatter, perhaps she’d dropped the tray in her surprise. There was a flurry of movements as the woman fell next to her, calling softly to the other occupants of the room.
“Lady Danalli’s fainted. Bring me a mat, some beddings, and soft sweet bread cakes. Love, would you get that tea restarted.” Danalli could barely make out what she was saying, but the medicine woman’s soft comforting face was all she saw before her world went black.
- It had been a few weeks, a little over a month if she’d remembered correctly, since that day. That day she’d almost gotten herself killed, the day she’d seen Asina so unbelievably vicious. The day Zanen pulled out one of Asina’s most painful memories and used it against her… to save his mate, Danalli, herself.
Death had been so sweetly close to both of them. How ‘Sina had been able to reign back her rage was a miracle to her entirely. No… it wasn’t a miracle, those didn’t have names. It was Ciel. He pulled her back down to reality in a display that was so protective and with so much ease it was astonishing. What had once been entirely impossible to attempt was now as simple as breathing. Ciel was truly Asina’s, born to protect her, born to live his life with her by his side.
She found herself thinking of her sovereign often these days, praying to her Baelli to keep her and Ciel safe. Sure they were immortal demons and were more than capable of taking care of themselves… But even demons needed soft prayers every now and then.
Danalli herself had been hard at work, tuning her stallions to the highest and best of their potential. It helped she could relate to them, communicate effectively with them. They seemed to listen to her when she spoke as if her verbal commands were understand to every syllable. When she walked into their stables, her warm scent earned dozens of bays and whinnies even if she was out of sight.
However, the one who had made the most progress was her precious chestnut stallion. He was the youngest, but he had a spirit that was fiery and beautiful. “You are a demon mount at heart,” she’d hum to him when she would groom his coat, “That is where it counts the most.” She named him Souzan, a name that meant ‘Fire’ in the same language her name was in. After being told this the horse has neighed appreciatively, nuzzling her shoulder.
A few mornings ago, the delavis saddled him up and took him out for a morning ride. Aside from trying to eat the flower Bijou had given her out of her hair, which she now wore almost everyday, he wasn’t too bothersome. She rode him for the whole morning as he excitedly galloped and kicked, celebrating his new title. However, as they rode back to the stables another dizzy spell doused her. This one was a lot stronger than the ones that would often befuddle her vision every now and then. This one made her lose her balance all together and topple off of Souzan. Luckily it was a roll off more than a fall. Unscathed and slightly shaken, she climbed back on Souzan, who crouched and sat with his belly on the ground, extremely concerned for his horse mistress. He walked slowly, carefully as she hugged his neck tightly, her face buried in his soft fur, fearful of falling off again.
Of course, Zanen, her precious and beloved mate, was worried and none to pleased. With him off in a meeting she had stumbled into the corridor, a guard immediately allowed her to lean on him as he escorted her to her chambers. It was gamble to put his arms around her, but he did so professional and unemotionally, hoping the Oracle would note protection and that only.
After she awoke, feeling much better, Danalli smiled up to his worried face. “I must’ve just caught a bug. Not worry, beautiful Shadow. I will go to Deidre in the next day or so.”
- Deidre was an old medicine woman and a delavis as well. What could be better than being cured by a creature that was just like you. Danalli met with her early in the morning after Zanen awoke her with his strong embrace and sweet greetings. Mm the songs he could make her flesh sing. She would never get tired of his heart beating next to hers.
Deidre asked her all sorts of interesting questions, some more personal then others. Even after blushing and earning hearty giggles and laughs from the elder, Danalli managed to answer all of them in grave detail. Then the woman placed a palm on Danalli’s stomach, stating that it was the soul and beginnings of wonders and diseases.
Deidre hummed a chant as sage and other herbs swirled around them. Her voice was enchanting and docile, soft and powerful. But when she finished, the older woman removed her hand from her flat stomach and put it on her heart.
Danalli’s heart was beating to so fast in her chest. She was terrified. Then Deidre spoke, “Oh my dear… my precious dear…” She was… wait… she was… “Are you crying?!” Danalli asked incredulously. The woman could only nod as tears poured from her wrinkled eyes. A few minutes passed as she pulled herself together and Danalli’s heart practically stopped.
“Oh my dear,” the tear stained elder began again with a soft giggle, “You are not sick. No not at all.” Deidre led Danalli to a chair and asked her to sit. “You’ve been blessed by the mother, by Baelli.” Danalli held her breath as Deidre patted her hand.
“Precious delavis, you are pregnant with a strong, fiery soul…” -
She came to as the sweet scent of bread and tea came to her. Deidre was on her knees next to her. “Easy does it now, love. You have to care for two now. Oh come now this is glorious news! You’ve been blessed! This doesn’t happen often for the powerful you know… Oh this will be amazing news for the Oracle indeed!”
She had not noticed the tears that had streamed continuously down her face. As she sat up, she put her face in Deidre’s lap as the woman stroked her long hair. Oh the joy! The blissful, unlimited amount of joy that filled her. It was contagious. She felt her body warm as she curled both of her arms around her flat stomach. A child. A beautiful child was growing within her.
Zanen’s child and hers. She sat up and wiped the tears away with a shaky hand. “How… this… I… he…” “Shh shh, love,” the grandmother like delavis cooed, “You collect yourself, my dear.”
The shock took a while to simmer down. But the pregnancy explained everything down to the sickness and the dizzy spells and her loss of equilibrium. Zanen! Would he be as shocked as she was? Then as she’d taken one sip of tea she stood up, her lethargy and dizziness suddenly dissipating.
“I must go to him,” she said with a beautiful tear streaked face, “I must tell him.” Deidre stood up with a dainty cloth and wiped her face of tear. “There now you may go. I do suppose he may be done with his morning duties. Late breakfast for you two perhaps.” “Please Deidre, do not speak of this to anyone. I would like to spread it myself.” “Not to worry, Lady Danalli. I’ve sworn myself to the palace and its secrets. It is safe with me.” Danalli stood in the doorway, looking at Deidre before bursting into tears again and throwing her arms around the older woman. “I would not have known this news if it hadn’t been for you, Deidre. You have mine and Zanen’s highest regard and thanks.” The elder held her for a few minutes before replying. “You honor me, beautiful Lady.” Then she let go, “Now go and share your news with your mate.”
Danalli bid her goodbyes and thanks as she returned to the corridors of the palace. Her skin became silken and bright with a glossy golden undertone. Her augmentation of Light unlocking its potential to her beauty. She stopped often to hold her stomach and even more times to hold in her tears. It was unbelievable, unspeakable.
Zanen…
She needed him. She wanted to breathe him in. She wanted to see his eyes spark when they knew she had something exciting to tell him. The smirk he hid for others she saw clearly through the veil. His presence was something her soul craved. She needed her Shadow to croon to her and press his lips to her neck when she told him. Danalli wanted to hold his face in her hands and stroke his encased features and kiss his eyes. She wanted her half to be near her. This joy was too much for her to carry and not tell. She had to find him.
A smile bloomed over her features as she turned into a corridor headed towards the gardens.. She would know where to find him….
|
|
|
Post by Willow on Jul 28, 2011 18:58:41 GMT -6
The morning was already pregnant with activity. It had been hours since sunrise and he's spent every moment of them either in various meeting or training. After all, there is no rest for the General, let alone the Oracle. Especially when he was the only one really ruling the country at the moment. Asina was still gone and there was no telling when she would return. Well, that wasn't completely true. He could look. He could peak through the folds of time and place and find her, but she would know. She would know if he tried to look in on her and when she'd left she'd specifically told him not to look for her. Not that that had stopped him before, but in this case he would listen to her. Of all people, he knew better than to tempt the rage of a zephyr, especially a rightful rage.
She was justifiably upset with him. No, upset did not begin to cover how Asina must have felt, must still probably feel, about what he had done.
Zanen pushed those thoughts out of his mind as he made his way through the corridors to the little courtyard that held the Dark Garden.
This was a special place. A sanctuary. It was a circular courtyard separated into perhaps a dozen plots in which various breeds of darkness plants were nurtured. Most of them were centuries, millennia old. The things planted here were beautiful and extraordinarily significant, as this was the garden of those who were gone. There was a large plot in the very center dedicated to the High King, and he knew for a fact that Asina visited it every single day that she was in residence. Sometimes she would spend hours there, often he would find her talking to the great willow that was planted there as if the old king would respond to her and give her the advice she sought. He had brought Danalli here a few times, more in the month or so that Asina had been gone. He had shown her the various plots and told her for whom they had been planted. They were all people she had never known, many of them having died before she was even born, but it was important to him that she see this part of him. These people were all people who he and Asina mourned. People that were stolen by war. People that should still be here today.
He remembered when he first brought her in, slowly taking her around the whole circle of the garden, introducing her to each plot as if they were a person still there. He introduced her to the High King with a smirk and a mocking bow. Silus would have gotten a kick out of that if he were still alive, and he'd told her as much. Yeah, Silus would have liked Danalli. He would have liked her a lot, just like Asina did. And then they had come to the last plot, and he'd purposefully gone to that particular plot last. At first, he hadn't said anything, just touched the trunk of the beautiful twining tree with reverence and care. She asked who it was. A lost love, he had told her. A lost love and a dear, dear friend. He did not go further than that and he knew she understood. He'd had centuries to mourn the loss of his former mate, but that pain had finally begun to ease when he met Danalli. Still, he came to her tree every day and just sat with her. Recently, Danalli had started to join him and he felt that it was helping, allowing him to let go of the past and move forward into the future.
As Zanen entered the Dark Garden he stopped before the great willow and looked up at it's infinite branches, sweeping low to the ground in sweeping black tendrils. "I wish you were around to smack me upside the head," he said softly into the silence. Then with a sigh and a vague smile he lifted his hands to remove the wraps he wore to veil his face. Veils he had started to wear so long ago as a rite of mourning for the loss of the raves. Then, when all of his kin vanished into the abyss... he saw no reason to ever remove them. Why should he highlight on the fact that he was utterly and completely alone?
Zanen winced at the thought. That was unfair of him, and he knew it. Because he wasn't the only one left, even besides that prat Ciel. Asina was also a zephyr. Oh yes, she was more than that as well, but she was a zephyr, by birth and by practice. The true Demon Queen. She felt the loss of her people like a festering wound and he knew it. Every single day, just as he did if not moreso.
Shaking his head he turned away from the darkness willow and instead made his way to another plot. This one was also one of the largest in the garden. Standing in the center was another tree, a tall and beautiful example of it's species with high, towering branches that twisted around one another in a colorful display of white, black, and blood red. The intricate blooms that covered its branches were of a deep and everlasting purple, streaked with veins of that deep red of hearts blood. Zanen walked up to the tree, careful of the various breeds of flowers planted around its base, and placed his hand against the trunk. He breathed out a sigh, as if he had been holding his breath. "Not going to lie," he murmured softly, "I wish you were here to smack me around a bit, too. Tell me I'm an idiot and to get over myself. You never would have let me do something so stupid as what I did. Hell, you probably would have thrown her a party and smacked me before I had a chance to be an idiot." He shook his head. "So many will never know how much was lost when we lost you, Ryell."
"Oh stop being an idiot and get over yourself," came an amused female voice. A smooth alto, musical with the underlying crackle of fire. In an instant Zanen had spun around with two knives drawn, ready for a fight. Then his eyes landed on the speaker and it was like all the breath had been knocked from his body. "N-no..." he murmured. His voice was little more than a hoarse whisper as those violet eyes flickered from the tall and beautiful zephyr woman over to the much shorter one beside her. He shook his head, rubbed the back of his hand over his eyes. "Asina?" he asked, training his eyes on that shorter figure. "Are you paying me back? Is this a trick?"
Asina rose a brow, gave a little smirk. "I only wish I'd thought of it," was her only response.
The woman stepped forward, and there was Dance in her steps. Zanen felt as though his chest was collapsing. He nearly lost his balance, and within a moment she was right there, an arm around his waist, leading him away from the tree. "Gee, Zanen, you'd think you'd seen a ghost or something," she was saying, and he still wasn't sure if it was real or not. Somehow he was sitting on one of the stone benches that were placed around the garden, and she was kneeling before him. He looked at her, really looked at her, and he knew that there was no mistake here. She was here. Alive. Breathing and truly alive. He rose a hand and cupped her face in it, and there were tears in both of their eyes. No one blamed either of them for this weakness.
He tucked a little tendril of silky white hair behind her ear. "Ryell," he murmured, then sucked in a deep breath. "I planted a fucking tree for you, Ryell." She smirked. "I know," she whispered. "I know." Then she pulled the both of them to their feet and wrapped her arms around him, hugging him as though she wanted to pull him into her, connect them together so that they would never be separated again.
Without a second thought, he returned the embrace.
|
|
|
Post by libellule on Jul 28, 2011 20:12:21 GMT -6
They had returned sooner than he would have liked, but it seemed the company they had needed to be back in Tekania more. Yes, everything changed when Ryell and Akioge returned. Ryell was often quiet with the exception of her surefire remarks, Ciel didn’t mind her. Her presence soothed a wound, a hole that seemed to refuse to heal. Perhaps this emptiness was the loss of his kin. If one zephyr could do that… what would it feel like if their entire race was restored. He felt a sound twinge of joy bloom in his heart. It was a warming and comforting feeling from the ice he was normally used to.
Asina led Ryell to the gardens. It had to be related to Zanen, there was too much anticipation. Ciel knew of the Dark Garden and its purpose. Asina had even introduced him to her father. Against his usual proud self, he found it within himself to treat the tree as if the king stood before him. He had even gone once, late in the night, and promised the care and love Asina would always receive from him and that Silus did not have to worry about his precious daughter.
He followed them and remained in the doorway, leaning against its frame. His curiosity would not lead him into the garden. He watched from a far as the two demons entered. This Ryell was something to Zanen… The thought of Danalli crossed his mind and he felt his stomach tighten at Zanen’s reaction to Ryell’s comment.
Then it all clicked and the cold bucket of water fell on his shoulders. Ryell was Zanen’s mate. Er… first mate that is. Ciel brought a hand to cover his mouth as he got a twinge of dark emotions. Confusion. There was apprehension in the air of the hallway. He had a bad feeling.
He heard a soft breath release wearily down the hall, most certainly near the other entrance, farther from Ryell’s tree, closer to Silus’.
A figure had slumped against the frame, its long tresses draping a curtain across its body. His eyebrows rose as he watched the golden glimmer of her skin dull into a matte white and those brilliant white strands of hair fall into an ashen shade.
Ciel pushed himself away from the frame, a beckon calling to him that he didn’t understand and could not ignore. He watched her slide away from the frame and back into the corridor. What a creature she was… Had a demon walked on something like that… all hell would’ve broken loose. But she… she’d chose pain instead of glory, for Zanen. She allowed this reunion to continue because her love could not end it. Something in him could not allow her to be alone. He followed her quietly. -
Nothing could prepare her for this morning. The glory and excitement she would give him and the happiness that would make him throw her in his arms. Perhaps if she sat next to his tree… His lost love might even give her a blessing. Danalli loved to meet him in the morning in the gardens. Sometimes she tried not to disturb him, but sometimes she wanted to be there to comfort him. She would, of course, always come with him when he asked.
But this… She’d seen it all. She had turned the corner and had almost reached the entryway before she placed her back against the wall, the exchange of Ryell and Zanen occurring before her very eyes nearly 100 feet away.
This… was Zanen’s tree. Well she was. Her head spun and before she’d realized the delavis had sunken and slumped against the wall. The power that had once laced her with excitement had vanished and her aura became dull and weak… defeated.
The delavis had not noticed Ciel concern as she watch him cup Ryell’s face and place a strand behind her ear. She could taste the bile as everything that had made her happy was taken from her. How could he ever care for her again? How could he love her… when his true love been returned…? Had she simply been a replacement? This child…
Her heart drop and she swore she heard in shatter in her mind. That thought seemed to stop time. And when he held her just as tightly, Danalli could watch no more. She didn’t have the hatred in her heart to stop such a reunion. She was not that creature… Zanen…
She despairingly picked up her broken soul and softly padded down the corridor. It was until she reached his chamber and touched their door… A door she’d come to know so well that she’d noticed her flood of tears and heard the question of a soldier who’d followed her from an adjacent corridor, continuing to ask her what was wrong. When she looked up to him with puffy red eyes he sucked in a breath and stepped away as he eyes only read devastation…
Then she burst into a flat out sprint. Someone swore behind her in frustration, but the wind howled in her ears and soft crackles of electricity and promised power surged her limbs. She invited them in without a second thought of the consequences. She’d vaulted over a two story drop, rolling out of her fall, her bones still very much in tact, and headed for the forest.
Her mind didn’t think, it drew a blankness. She reached the outer ridge of the forest and slowed before standing still, the heat of power and spark of light fueling her beating hearts.
“Danalli…” She whipped around, her eyes landing on Ciel, who had a strange look on his face… Was that sympathy? “Danalli…” It was a coo that promised a shoulder. He walked towards her and her legs began to shake, her lip trembled. They gave out but he had encased her in a hug as he fell to a knee. Then all hell broke loose as her walls collapsed.
She had never felt something like this… not in a long time. It felt like… like Ghatreg had surged Ciel with his love. She did the only thing that felt right in this warm familiar embrace. “Oh Ciel,” her wail was muffled in his chest as her own heaved and heaved and heaved. The power simmered around her and after a while, her wails soothed into soft hiccups and blubbering words.
Then she stood and he released her. “I…I,” she was still hyperventilating and hiccupping, “I c.c..cant s.stay. I just c.cant. N..no..not with that g..g..going on.” She smiled a sad smile of thanks and Ciel felt something pull at his heartstrings, a defense mechanism. She turned to leave when he grabbed her wrist. Both of their hearts stopped. - Ciel had the same memory snap through him, only this time the dancing girl in his memory had eyes as big and brown as Danalli’s and a smile to match. The hand that clamped on his shoulder belonged to a fiery red headed man with eyes as red as a beserker’s. “Raijah, Szchenelli… Protect Raijah.”
Danalli remembered the demon mount that had died onto of her, the avian archer who had been killed by a man with similar features of Ciel. The mount as moved and she sat up as he forced her back down. “Don’t move, Raijah. I’ve got you. I’ve always got you…” -
Danalli pulled her arm from him. Ciel still seemed dazed, which left her little time. She could be here, not now… She tore from him and dove into the thick center of the forest, ripping and tearing her clothes off. “Baelli, my mother, my goddess,” she pleaded softly through her tears and her broken heart, “Give me the strength and the flight of your stars. Give me the fuel of your fire and let me run until I can run no longer…” The transformation of her equine form completed and a surge of power welled from her soul and into her hooves. She could do nothing more than flex her augmented muscles and hooves and beat them into the ground. She had no idea where she was headed only that she would not stop until her power gave out. This divine, blessed strength answered her and she ran. There were no whinnies of joy or neighs of excitement. Just the drone of four hooves uprooting dirt.
She ran with the power of an immortal, with the power of a god.
|
|
|
Post by Willow on Jul 28, 2011 21:39:14 GMT -6
She kept her peace while she watched the reunion. Still and silent, as if she weren't there at all, she let them have their moment. Asina was not ignorant to Danalli's presence, she'd noticed when the other woman entered the room but did not draw any attention to it nor did she go to her. Any movement on her part might alert Zanen or Ryell of another person in the garden and she didn't want to break up this reunion. Both of them deserved it. Even though she knew that Danalli was feeling pain -immeasurable pain- she would not break up this moment. Danalli was a strong woman and whatever became of this she would be able to handle, because in the end it would not be Danalli's heart that would be broken. It would not be Danalli who had held onto a love for almost a thousand years, only to return to find that that love had found another. That her mate, her one true mate, had moved on and had not only taken another as a life-partner, but has also put his Seal on her. His Seal. Albeit, there were many reasons behind that, the fact still remained that one of the most precious things a demon can give is his Seal, and Danalli held Zanen's. And she knew very well that if the pony stopped to think for a damned moment she would realize that long lost love or not, Zanen was not going to leave Danalli.
So when Danalli fled, Asina caught Ciel's eye as he went to go after her. She was leaving this to him. She would stay here with Zanen and Ryell, Ciel could make sure nothing happened to Danalli and that she was alright.
-
The embrace lasted mere moments and a lifetime. Neither wanted to let go, but at the same time they both did.
Ryell looked up the few inches that separated them with a watery smile. "Almost a thousand years, Zanen. A thousand years." Her voice was a hoarse whisper, barely audible.
Zanen gave a small nod and crushed her to his chest again, kissing her hard on the top of her head. "Damn you, Ryell. Damn you." He shook his head, slowly loosening his hold on her as his head returned to reality. If she had returned a year ago... But she hadn't, and he would not dwell on that. He would not let this blessing turn into a curse. It tore him up, and he felt like his chest was in shreds already, but as he looked down at her again, he knew what he had to tell her.
Ryell could see it in his face. She could see the way his eyes tightened every so slightly, the way they shaded slightly darker and his shoulders tensed. She could feel the way he breathed, the way he hesitated just a fraction of a second before exhaling. Almost a thousand years, and she still knew the nuances of the way he moved. She knew him. She had thought she always would. But looking at him now... she knew that things had changed. It had been a thousand years. Things change with the centuries.
Her voice caught in her throat and she took a step back, trying not to feel the way that he resisted letting her go. Ebony-streaked emerald met amethyst and she gave him the slightest of smiles. Wry, sad, but all-too knowing. "Ryell," he murmured softly, and it was that same voice he'd always used with her when it was just the two of them. Soft, sweet, so tender. He looked at her with those eyes, eyes that had always been hers just as that smile had been hers. She shook her head, looking away from him and down before forcing herself to meet those wonderful eyes. Eyes that she knew were no longer hers.
"You don't love me anymore, do you Zanen?"
The pain in her voice made him want to reach out to her again, pull her in, cradle her. But Ryell had never been one to allow such nonsense. She had rarely let him shelter her, and she definitely wasn't going to let him do it now. "I always will, Ryell. Always." His voice was choked.
"There's someone else. Another woman." It wasn't a question.
Zanen gave the smallest of nods. "A thousand years, Ryell. I thought you were dead--" Ryell had risen a hand to stop him and his voice died in his throat.
"No," -a shaky breath- "I don't want to hear it." Her eyes flickered from Zanen back over to Asina, who gave a small nod. When she looked at Zanen again, she seemed to have composed herself a little more, and a smirk flickered over her lips, baring tiny fangs. "She better be worthy of you, Alurine. If she is not, not even you will be able to stop me from destroying her."
The private name that she had always used for him put a stake through his heart but he nodded.
"Good. Then where is she, hm?" The bright smile she gave almost completely hid the pain drowning her from within.
-
Asina stepped forward now from where she had been silently observing near the doorway. Zanen's attention flickered toward her, their gazes met, and in in hers he read what must have been the case. After all, Danalli met him in the Dark Garden often enough.
He gave a small curse and shook his head, running a hand through his hair. "Did you see where she went?"
Asina shook her head. "Ciel went after her. I assume he caught up with her and is with her now. Catch up with Ryell, she has a lot to tell you. I'll go get the other two and convince Danalli that her world hasn't ended." Even as she said it, she found her gaze locking with Ryell's. The other woman flashed her a smile, but she knew that even after a thousand years, they would probably be drinking together tonight. Drinking and crying. After all, Ryell had missed out on a lot as well while she was trapped in the Forest of Lost Souls.
After a nod of acknowledgement from Zanen, she turned and left the garden, heading towards where she could feel Ciel through their bond.
-
When she reached Ciel, she was surprised to find him alone.
"Ciel... where is Danalli?"
|
|
|
Post by libellule on Jul 28, 2011 22:42:10 GMT -6
Flying was the word someone would use to describe the pace of that beautiful glistening ember that charged through the fields of Ameghda. Her coat as bright and brilliant as the sun. The ferocity of her leaps and her gallop would rival the powerful vicious charges of wild demonic mounts and their herds.
Nothing could stop her.
It was a statement that sizzled deep in her heart, in her soul. The freedom that grazed and touched her made her finally release a whiny that pierced the sky and its clear blue radiance. It might have been a wail or a scream had she been in a different form. It may have been a croak barely above a whisper. But this… was an ear-piercing scream sure to match the pitches of an eagle, a griffon, or the majestic and legendary Pegasus. And with such power it was sure to bring about something.
She heard it to the right of her, though she refused to break a stride. Another four hooves, a companion. The horse next to her appeared out of nowhere as if she’d dropped from the sky. Beautiful and stark, unstained white, this horse was built just like her, muscled, toned, and fast. She matched her stride for stride.
They ran together for what seemed like simply minutes, but hours had gone past and still they galloped full speed. Danalli did not slow, her emotions fueled her. She could not, would not be there. The palace, the tree, the past… She could change none of it. A sad sound fell from her as she finally noticed her slowed pace. The silent white horse had nickered to her as if bringing her back to the task at hand.
Oh yes… Running. She had to run, to leap… The fallen oaks were nothing to her jumps, the canyons with their steep deathly trenches fell short of her defying leaps. The rocks and earth weren’t strong enough for her hooves that tore through them. And her speed… her speed was sourced from a power that made her blood sing and scorch. The warmth that wrapped around her… It ran away the feeling of pain and loss. ‘Baelli,’ she called in her mind, her word soft spoken, ‘I’m eternally grateful for your gift…’
Then her focus became terrifyingly clear as her vision tunneled and running, again, became the only thing she could think of, only thing she could dream of. Tekania was far from her, she could think of nothing else then to run as if her life depended on it. Had anyone tried to stop her maybe she would run through them or jump over them. Her legs had gone numb but they still followed her, just as strongly. Her shimmering companion did as well.
Lake Wrath was on her horizon. -
’Ciel… where is Danalli?’
It shook him from his reverie, from his memory and what he had felt when he touch her wrist. He stumbled and breathed a deep breath for what had seemed like a long time…
This his face grew surprised then… slightly dark when he looked up to the sky. A growl lit up his features, as he didn’t respond. How much time had past?! He looked almost frantically to the right and then to the left of the edges, before leaping into the forest a few dozen feet or so. Surely she had just wanted some time alone… He remembered what she said, he’d tried to stop her but then… but then what? His shackle tightened and he hissed as his hand became a fist. That memory… with her face…
He had grabbed her wrist and his shackle had made his hand tingle. Did that mean Danalli was connected to his past? How could that woman have been Danalli? How could she have been alive? Those fashions were more than centuries old, maybe a thousand years old. That pony was only 60 maybe 80 tops. He had to know. He had to find her. She had to know who that woman was… Raijah.
His heart stuttered when he thought of that name. An unnatural surge of emotions hit him. When he spelled it out in his head. “Raijah,” he whispered inaudibly and gritted his teeth when his shackle singed him slightly. That was her name. That dancing woman…
His head… his past… this woman. He faintly remembered meeting a priestess, a warrior, in his early days who was named after the sun, the meaning of ‘Raijah’, he couldn’t remember if it was Raijah or not. But the woman… he could neither remember her body, or her features, or even she was friend or foe, or simply an acquaintance…
With both of his palms on his forehead, he roared in ferocity as one hand swung into a tree trunk, splintering it as the thick green collapsed, its trunk shuddering the entire forest into silence, eerie silence.
His brows were furrowed and his hand was on the bridge of his nose as he walked back to Asina. “She told me she couldn’t stay, not like this. She couldn’t stand it,” he spoke with impressive difficulty as he removed his hand and stared down at her, “I tried to stop her... then I think she took off with a lot speed. I’ve never seen her like that before…”
|
|
|
Post by Willow on Jul 28, 2011 23:36:55 GMT -6
Asina watched him, utterly and completely baffled but not letting it show in her posture or expression. She watched as he pulled himself out of his reverie, disappeared into the forest for a few moments, and returned. She did not comment on the fact that he'd lost the pony -the pony, mind you- she just touched the emerald crystal about her neck and tapped into its power in order to reach one of the other crystals it was connected to.
-
Zanen. We're at the edge of the Kekenc Forest leading into the mountains. Meet us here.
"Zanen?" He looked up at Ryell, demeanor suddenly completely serious. "Zanen, what's wrong?"
"Apparently, someone lost track of Danalli. I am going to meet Asina and Ciel at the edge of the mountains and we're going to look for her." He breathed out a sigh. Damn Ciel. This was probably his fault, no doubt about that. Charge him with one thing, one little thing, and he goes ahead a fucks it all up. That would be just like him. But of course, it had to be with Danalli. His Danalli.
That fierce possessiveness roared inside of him and he gave a low snarl.
"Zanen?"
"You're welcome to come, but if anything has happened to Danalli you probably won't want to stick around unless you want to see me kill Asina's mate." The threat was low and sincere as he began to take sure, angry strides across the gardens and toward a cozy pool of shadows he would use to take him to where he could feel Asina and Ciel resonating through the crystal hanging about his throat.
Ryell looked up in alarm. "What? Why would Ciel hurt your--" she couldn't say it "--Danalli?"
Zanen shook his head. "It's his fault if anything happens to her. It's dangerous out there."
The other zephyr looked absolutely flabbergasted. "Zanen! She's a big girl, I'm pretty sure she protect herself just fine. Sure, she might not be a zephyr but you've gotta give the other demons some credit. They can look out for themselves, and whether you coddle her or not, I'm sure she's just fine. Let her calm herself for a while before you go barging in all possessive, dominant male on her. Trust me on this one, Zanen, by barging in insinuating that she can't take care of herself you're only going to make things worse for the both of you." She shook her head. Wow, Zanen must really have changed over the past thousand years. Before the zephyrs had vanished, had something like this happened and she had dashed off, sure he might have been internally pacing and freaking out, but he would have given her her space and he definitely would have trusted her to look out after herself. Even if this Danalli is no warrior, every demon has the ability to defend themselves, even the most docile of kindles -though Ryell was sure that whoever this Danalli was she probably had some zephyr blood in her even if it was a few generations back.
"You don't understand," Zanen snarled at her as he came to a halt. "She can't defend herself!"
Ryell balked. "What? Is she a pacifist cripple or something?" This was getting ridiculous.
"No, she's a delavis. An equine. Not a demon. She young, and no warrior, and most definitely not a demon."
It was the first time that Zanen had said as much out loud, to anyone, and that it was to Ryell made it worse. He couldn't look at her face, because he knew her too well and he knew exactly what emotions she was trying to keep from showing on it. So he didn't look at her, gave her a moment to collect herself.
"Fine," she said after a brief moment, and her voice was stony. Blank. Formal. "How do you expect to find her, then? If she's in her animal form she will be impossible to trace."
He gave no response, and this time it was Ryell who knew him too well. "She has your Seal." It was spoken quietly, but without a tremor of emotion. "Well, I didn't know it was possible for a Seal to be revoked, last I knew Asina had yours." It was stated so matter-of-fact, so blandly, that Zanen found himself looking over at her again, and over into the eyes of an impassive warrior.
"Very well, sir. Lead the way."
Zanen felt every word like an ax to the chest, but there was nothing he could do. He swallowed it all down, gave a single nod and held out his hand. "Do you have any opposition travelling through the shadows? It will take us there faster."
Ryell looked at his hand, then up at his face. "No, Oracle, I have no qualms with travelling through the shadows." Then she took his hand, but didn't look at him even as he pulled her to him so that the shadows could twine around them, taking them to meet with Asina and Ciel.
-
Asina's gaze flickered over to the movement of being in the shadows as Zanen and Ryell materialized from the edge of the wood. It was not lost on her how the moment they emerged Ryell moved as far from the other zephyr as possible, nor did she miss the carefully blank expression on her dear friend's face. Unfortunately, right now she couldn't worry about that.
"Unfortunately, Zanen, you won't be able to shadow-walk us to her. We'll have to travel on horseback for at least part of the way. I know you can't take all of use the full distance."
He gave a short nod.
"Where is she?"
Silence for a moment, then he turned to face the northwest. "The Lake of Rage. She'll be there in a few hours. If we leave now, we won't be too far behind her, but she's moving fast." He locked eyes with Asina. "If anything happens, I'm leaving ahead. You guys will have to catch up." Asina gave a solemn nod. He then turned to Ciel with an expression of disgust, even locked eyes with him, but he didn't dignify him with so much as a comment.
"Come on," he said to all of them. "We better get going. I'll get Necromancer and a horse for Ryell. Asina?"
She nodded. "Nightmare is nearby," she said, then turned to Ciel with a raised brow, "along with a 'friend' of his. Whether it's a one shot deal or something more permanent he won't tell me, but it looks like you'll get to ride a full-demon mount. Isn't that exciting?" She flashed fang in her smirk. "Well, this is turning out to be quite a day now, isn't it?"
|
|
|
Post by libellule on Jul 29, 2011 0:51:59 GMT -6
Asina didn’t have to say anything. He knew the mistake he had made and the person he’d have to answer to. Ciel snarled viciously, angered by Zanen’s dismissal. But he felt like he had let them down. He could not help her, and he had simply let her go when he should have at least followed her. Her mind was focused on other things and he could not detach them. That was not his job. He was an acquaintance, not her mate.
“You did not see it,” he retorted sharply only in earshot of Zanen, in reference to her demeanor, to her state of mind, then more softly as he looked away as the scene of that broken woman unfolded in front of him again, “You did not watch in it front of you…” The look in her eyes. The fear, the despair. Something in his dead heart stirred and he felt compelled to comfort her. In a soft, almost brotherly way, more soft then he treated other things and much too sweet for Asina’s taste.
“I can only hope it will end when she is returned home,” this morning had exhausted him. His floods of memories, Danalli’s emotion, and her strange pulse- His back went rigid. He’d forgotten about that. But he was entirely certain it was a rouse.
What was this worry that had doused him? Where did it come from? He remained quiet as the mounts arrived. He tried to smirk towards Asina but it felt wrong and forced. He’d felt off ever since Danalli had run from him. He laid his palm on her thigh as she sit on Nightmare. “I am sorry my mind was elsewhere.” They would get her back and she would be safe and sound and better than ever. His thoughts soothed him as he sat on the back of a monstrous horse.
If he’d only known the truth in his thoughts…
“Come now Parallel,” his smirk was true this time, “Fancy a new pony for your stables?” -
Her hooves met the icy cold water of a creek as she slowed to a halt. Her nostrils were flaring open and closed at a quickened pace as the steam from her dripping, sweat covered coat rose into the air. Her long tail swished to and fro swatting away the flies that had landed on her. The white mare had run with her the entire day and at the same demonic pace she forged.
The delavis look up to the sky and reared. She pawed up to the sun and its beautiful throne in the sky, whinnying a luscious triumph to her goddess. The white mare followed suit.
Settling back down, Danalli looked back the way she came. Should she go back? What would be waiting for her if she walked into his chambers to change and… A sharp pain stabbed her as she breathed, silencing her thoughts. The mare pranced around her, ready to start again. This companion almost felt and knew her. As if she could sense the need for a mood change… or an activity.
Danalli nickered out a response to her and the mare trotted circles around her. She had not felt a twinge of fatigue or exhaustion. Nothing. She could run this way forever… And so they bolted once more, a full gallop. - Nearly an hour had past when it began. The haze and the weight. It felt as though she was carrying two riders on her back… Perhaps she should turn around… She could make it back. Of course she did not run to hurt Zanen, nor did she bolt because she wanted to be a brat. She’d been hurt. She couldn’t simply wait around until her found her… how could she sit through a reunion as he held Ryell’s hand firmly and told her… she was nothing.
That was it. The thought that broke the spell. The high left her almost instantaneously and the reality came roaring back to her. Her numb legs began apparently agonizing and her lungs had made air seem like sand paper against her raw throat. The heat of her body… it was sweltering as the pound of her heartbeat slammed against her temples.
Her galloped had slowly instantly to a low energy trot as the white mare circled her, concerned whinnies uprooting around her. How many horse were there? She stumbled and tripped on rocks as her trot became a slow, weak walk… Too much. It was too much.
Was that music she heard, laughter? Her vision had swirled into darkness as her power had seeped every drop of energy from her, marking her second faint of the day. -
There were voices above her head, murmuring, some jokingly, some serious. She stirred with a soft moan. ‘She’s mighty pretty.’ ‘Can’t believe she was a horse.’ ‘You think she’s pretty now… shoulda seen her when we found her! Ha-Hey! Ow that hurt!’
“Alright, damn it! The, lot of you, give the lady some space. And Lev, don’t boast about such things! She’s mated!”
Danalli knew that voice and willed her eyes to open. The sunlight filtered through a wooden warm interior. “Bijou…” she croaked as if she’d been crying for months. “Easy now, my old friend,” the golden encrusted gypsy cooed, her hand combing Danalli’s matching hair, “You’re safe.”
The delavis looked down, noting she’d changed back. An embarrassed moan filled the tiny wagon. “Oh dear… I mustve been really unconscious!” Bijou hid her smirk behind a dainty hand. “Well… I must say you are one beautiful pony, Nalli.” Another moan sounded as Danalli sat up, a red blush covering the bridge of her nose.
“I dressed you in some of my old clothes, however those pants are new. I figured you’d enjoy them more than me seeing as I favor skirts.” Bijou turned in her wagon, filling her cup with tea and offering it to Danalli, who had sat fully up and was attempting to stand. ‘This will wake you up right quick dear.”
The ache in her muscles cried out to her as she stumbled into a wall for support. “Oh dear,” the gypsy called, “You are quite hurt, come lets get some fresh air.” They went out with their tea and sat on the steps. Bijou sat in silence as Danalli surveryed the location. The caravan had been on the other side of the lake…
“You… found me,” Danalli said incredulously, “You saved me.” Bijou waved her hand. “Oh dear it was nothing. I’m happy to offered you comfort it seemed as though you had something behind you with a vengeance or perhaps trying to kill you. I stationed some mercenaries on the outskirts just incase. Tell me, Nalli… what was making you run so fast…?”
Danalli sipped her tea quietly before answering. “I would rather not.” Bijou wrqapped an arm around her. “I see you have been wearing my flower in your hair!” That got a smile out of Danalli. “I will be back, Nalli. I will call the man off. Dinner is soon.” The gypsy began to saunter off.
“Jou,” Danalli called weakly, the gypsy in question turned, “What of my companion? The white mare?” Bijou gave her a quizzical look.
“My dear, you were… alone.” Danalli felt her stomach drop.
|
|
|
Post by Willow on Jul 29, 2011 1:25:07 GMT -6
Asina watched Ciel carefully. She felt him. The befuddlement, the concern. It worried her.
The great demon stallion broke through the trees, another demon horse behind him. By the build of the great mount, he was a warrior of Nightmare's herd. A very trusted one for the lead stallion to have brought him before his bonded rider and her mate. Standing tall and proud, the beast tossed his head a few times before approaching close enough to watch as Asina greeted Nightmare, then swung herself up onto his back. She hadn't bothered gathering a saddle for him. She was feeling a little unsettled by whatever was going on with Ciel, and would feel better if she were able to feel the muscles of the great demon horse moving beneath her.
Nightmare's companion allowed Ciel to mount him, and for a moment the four of them stood, waiting for Zanen and Ryell to join them on Necromancer and whatever horse he found for the other zephyr.
She rose a brow at Ciel's comment, looking over the sight of him astride a great demon horse. It was a good one, one that seemed to fit. "You talk like that and you'll be luck if he doesn't throw you off his back and try to trample you." Ciel knew better than that, surely. "Demon horses, true demon horses -not halfbreeds like Zanen's Necromancer- roam free and meet their riders when they are needed. There is a bond that is created, telepathic in a sense, when a horse agrees to form a pact with a rider." She nodded at the magnificent monster he was astride. "If he likes you enough to stick around, he'll tell you his name, and you'll always be able to find each other."
With a shake of her head, she looked off toward the northwest. What the hell had that pony been thinking?
Out of the corner of her eye she could see Ryell and Zanen moving toward them at a quick canter. Before they reached them she turned to Ciel again, moving Nightmare closer so that she could reach out and touch him, pitch eyes meeting gold in a lock. "Parallel, I do not know what troubles you," she murmured softly, gaze flickering over his face. "I will not push, but please..." That word was almost foreign to her vocabulary. "...please don't shut me out." A hand cupped his face and she pulled him down to kiss him lightly on the lips. Then she pulled away, casting a look at the approaching zephyrs before looking back to Ciel. "And whatever it is that is troubling you that has to do with Danalli, try to remember that in the end, no matter what pain she might feel at the moment, it will be erased soon. But there are others," she looked over her shoulder at Ryell, riding stone-faced on a halfbreed battle mare, before meeting Ciel's eyes again, "who will not be so lucky."
Zanen and Ryell pulled to a stop before them. "Ready?" Asina nodded. "Good. Let's ride."
They turned they're mounts, and headed for the northwest, toward Lake Wrath.
|
|
|
Post by libellule on Jul 29, 2011 1:57:21 GMT -6
She had left the woman to her tea and soon someone would offer her a bowl of food. Bijou had made sure that their guest was to be taken care of and given the highest respect. She was indeed practically royal in a crowd of merchants and gypsies. But she was certainly… the weakest.
Prey.
The halfbreed sauntered of to her men and their post. Indeed they’d been there all day and she did not intend on removing them. She would know the second that Oracle was on the horizon. If she was lucky… he would bring others, important others with him. Hn. Wasn’t this a charming little run in… Wouldn’t Her Radiance be pleased with her progress.
A wicked chortle danced on her lips as her razor sharp nails, clawed into the bark of a tree she could almost hear groan in pain… Traitor…? Peh hardly. This petty equine would bring forth righteous peace for her mother. Her beautiful creator.
The gypsy walked past her station and to the crystal lake. Her reflection stared back at her. But it was an appearance that was not Bijou… It was someone else…
’Hello Bijou… You beautiful… snakelike creature. How you prove your worth to your mother almost every hour of everyday…’
“Noir,” the beautiful woman spoke softly to her reflection. ’Don’t forget your purpose… your promise. I have waited patiently for your success… and you are so beautifully close…’
The gypsy broke the gaze with her reflection on the water and bore her now reddened eyes to the clear sky, a vicious, unglamoured claw reaching for the sun. She made a fist as if she was symbolically crushing it. “You will beg me,” she growled, as angry tears streamed down her face, to the sun and its goddess, “You will beg me to spare your child’s life when I take it away from you!...”
“I will have my vengeance! You will see!”
A beautiful smile covered the sneer as her claw formed back into a beautiful dainty hand and the red in her eyes drained to glistening golden once more. Traitor… Oh no. She was the one who told the truth. The truth everyone was about to find out.
“My lady,” her scout, disguised as a mercenary, called, “Those you’ve awaited have arrived…”
“Excellent,” she purred, “Prepare yourselves…” -
She returned to Danalli, who had finished her stew and was sipping a cup of tea, with a happy laugh. “Oh look at you the color has returned to you beautiful face. I just love that beautiful rose in your hair… it brings so much beauty to your features. And just in time. It seems your friends and mate have come to find you. I knew he would…”
The teacup fell from her hand and shattered on the step. “What?!” It was shock and surprise that made her stand. He… came for her? Her heart lurched.
|
|
|
Post by Willow on Jul 29, 2011 2:14:57 GMT -6
It wasn't unlike any other gypsy camp she'd ever been in, but there was something wrong with it. A familiar but far removed taint that she could just barely taste. Still, it was a taint that shouldn't be there at all, not so far east. Asina didn't like it. It didn't fit. She didn't shake it off, but she did keep it in the back corner of her mind as she allowed her power to rise a little bit, ready to defend with deadly force if she needed to. There should be no problem with these gypsies even if something did go horribly wrong. They were four of the most powerful beings in the realm. Very little could get past them or dissuade them from their task.
Zanen swung down from Necromancer, stroking his nose gently while amethyst eyes peered out past his veils. The horse shifted his weight impatiently, letting out a loud whinny. He tossed his head and tried to move forward but Zanen kept him still. "Don't worry my friend, she's here."
He let go of the stallion and stepped forward. "Danalli!" he called, knowing that she was within earshot. "Come out to me, Danalli! Let's go home!"
Asina shifted slightly and looked over to Ciel, finding herself very aware of him right now. She didn't need to tell him to keep on his guard so she didn't bother. One look back told her that she didn't need to tell Ryell either.
For now, though, she remained silent and watchful. This was between Danalli and Zanen. Right now there was no need for her voice.
|
|
|
Post by libellule on Jul 29, 2011 2:52:12 GMT -6
Her ears pricked up when she heard them slow. There were four of them. Ryell had come with. Zanen… Her heart stuttered as she bit her lip. “I.. I am so sorry,” she stammered to Bijou, no doubt about her teacup.
“Don’t worry about such petty things, precious friend,” her gypsy companion purred, “I do believe someone has missed you.” Danalli felt a jolt in her at the sound of her name on his lips. “Zanen,” she whispered, brokenly.
“Aha! Matters of the heart made you run so fast,” Bijou tsked, comically, “I pray you don’t make that mistake twice, my dear. Should you run into the wrong people with the state you were in… It could mean a good demise for your kingdom…”
Suddenly Danalli felt incredibly stupid. Wondrously so… She had to run all this way, didn’t she? She sighed as she stumbled to a stand as her legs shook underneath her. Bijous arm was around her waist before they gave. Her shoulders hooked her underarm and she lightly gripped the maiden’s thin wrist.
“My… you sure ran yourself into the ground, didn’t you precious?” Danalli could only nod. “Just bring me to him.” Bijou turned her head calling back to her alerted gypsy friends and company. “Nothing to worry about dears, just some friends from Tekania. On to you meals go on.”
“Come now, let me take you to your love.” She eased her through the soft grass. Danalli could see the trail she’d left before her body gave out and gasped. She’d torn through the earth, blazing a trail. Even without his Seal perhaps he would have been able to track her. The might that had ripped apart those rocks and dirt was astonishing for something so meek like her.
And then Bijou brought him into her line of vision. Standing before her, in his majestic glory, was Zanen. Nothing else took her attention. Not even the strange hair raise on the back of her neck when Bijou let her go. Her legs did go numb, as the pain was lost to her as she walked towards him.
She did not take note of Asina, Ciel, his mount, Ryell, Nerco, or even Asina’s monstrous demon mount, Nightmare. Zanen was all she saw, all that she seemed to know. The others would forgive her, perhaps Necro would take some convincing... “Shadow,” she whispered so close to him, her voice so hoarse from her run, so meek and mild, so tired, “You… you came for me.” She stood stoic as the wind blew through her long untied white tresses, unsure if he wanted her embrace. Was this to make sure she was alive? That she hadn’t thrown herself off a cliff so he could rest easy? She cocked her head to the side. She wanted him to be happy, as silent silver tears brimmed. She didn’t know what to do. She wanted to be his forever, but how could she when his precious mate had been returned to him? How could she possibly compete… with a /fucking/ millennium old love… and a god damn tree?! Her jaw locked as she slowly swallowed and released a breath. -
He felt her gaze even it wasn’t physical. Asina had been wary and he couldn’t blame her. There was uneasiness in the air. Like a battle was about to begin and this was the last breath of silence.
His guard was up that was for certain, but his shoulders and other muscles remained dormant and loose. His breath continued to be smooth and even. If something was up they would be waiting for someone to trip for an easy shot. Hn. We shall see indeed…
|
|
|
Post by Willow on Jul 29, 2011 16:47:33 GMT -6
His heart began to ease the moment that she stepped into view, his stomach finally began to settle. The past few hours had been insane. Between his worry for Danalli and the friction with Ryell... all he could do was exist in the middle and continue to ride. Now that he could see her, now that he knew that she was alright... Once he got her home and got her to lie down and rest, then would be time for talking and sorting out everything that had just happened. Ryell had told him a lot, and all of that needed to be dealt with as soon as possible. Asina would handle that, he knew, but he wanted to be a part of it. The other zephyrs.. they were alive. It was a concept that lifted and whirled him about.
But right now the first step was getting Danalli home. His Light.
Zanen sucked in a breath. She looked tired and devastated. Worn to the ground. "Yes, Danalli, it's me." He gave her a soft smile that was hidden behind the swaths of his mask, though the tenderness in his eyes was unmistakable. "Of course I came for you," he said with a shake of his head. "Why wouldn't I?"
-
Ryell would not look at Danalli. She could not. She refused to think about this, feel about this right now.
-
Zanen approached Danalli slowly, carefully, as if he were afraid she was going to bolt again. "You are my mate, my love. A lot has happened today, so very much, and I want to tell you all that is happened." He reached out to brush his fingers over her cheek. The motion was tentative, careful, he wasn't sure if she wanted him to touch her right now. "Let me reassure you now, though, that from the moment before Ryell returned to right now, nothing has changed." He brushed a hand over her hair. "You are still my love."
|
|
|
Post by libellule on Jul 29, 2011 18:07:53 GMT -6
She stood stoically from where the beauty had left her embrace. This eclectic woman surveyed the bond before her. My, this was a sight indeed… It had been centuries since she’d seen a love like this. So… raw. She had pressed the backs of her fingers to her lips, a brilliant vivacious smile barely hidden behind them.
Her gold eyes flickered past Ciel and landed on the demon queen and her massive mount. A slight incline of her head would hopefully offer her respect to the monarch and not disturb Zanen or Danalli… -
Of course I came for you. Why wouldn’t I?
The sweetness in his eyes came out for her. Only for her. It would be for him too… An emotion danced in her tired eyes that could have been labeled as excitement if it had not been so dull… Yes, before she left Deidre’s hut the elder told her that the possibility of the child being male was incredibly high. It was news that left her with whirls of happiness and emotion.
They would get home and she would take him on a ride into the Kekenc Forest. She did not care how weak she was, Souzan would carry her. She did not want to be in the confines of his palace chambers, nor in the shadows of an alleyway. She wanted to tell him in the open, in the light, and around life. She wanted to tell him that he had created life… in her, with her.
You are my mate, my love… You are still my love. Danalli was not a creature of jealousy or hatred. She did not want to cause anyone harm if she could help it. Ryell did not deserve this. A thousand years she had held on. But… Danalli could not deny her heart its true holder. No Zanen could not be matched and though the delavis felt for the ancient demoness this was something she could not prevent harm from. This bond between them was ancient even though her age was not. The coincidence of light and shadow meeting in the folds of dusk and finding each other through the darkness wasn’t luck… It was fate.
His hand was balm to her aching muscles and tendons, which were no doubt overstretched, perhaps even torn. Her dull brown eyes closed as she leaned into his hand. A delicate hand rose and laid over top of his, being sure to avoid those deadly knives and their wicked sharp points. Her other hand slid down his forearm, gripping it tightly. Her tears welled, but they did not stream. Tears were for sad occasions this was joy.
Nothing has changed..
“I have so much to tell you, precious,” she spoke faintly, her eyes still closed against his hand, “It seems we both do…” And then they opened to gaze into his beautiful amethyst that always held adoration for her; golden flecks had dusted them into a happy glow.
How could she not touch him? This morning his presence was all she had wanted and throughout the day she had blocked them from her mind. But now this untamed wave of want and love was beginning to hit her, revitalize her. He was here, he was all hers, and he was here. He was /always/ going to be here. He had not come to make sure she was alright. He had not come to tell her to not bother to come back, or to not jump off of a cliff. Nor had he even come her to scold her…
Zanen had come to take her back and tell her everything. Because he loved her and nothing, not even his old world’s love, was going to change it…
The hand that had gripped his forearm tugged on it and she pressed herself into his chest, her arms around his waist, and her cheek resting on his collarbone. The distance between them these past few hours had taken such a toll on her. Hers. He was hers. “Mine,” she stated so sweetly, so softly. It was at decibel so low; she hoped he was the only one who could’ve heard her demon-like statement. -
He breathed in deeply as he felt the worry disperse. The mortal was intact even though she was severely worn out. The emotions that seemed to connect them vanished when she was in sight and alive.
He had felt incredibly awful for the whole situation, which was a feat that was not normally tied to him. His emotions went from soothing to beserker, they knew none of these overly affectionate feelings. The train of thought on emotions made him immediately look over to her. His hand reached out to her, once again rested in on her thigh. He moved slowly so the stallion would register the movement above him was not ill intended. A shrill sound or interruption would not be the best idea.
Though was supposed to be alert and on guard, Ciel could not ignore the distance he’d put between them in these few hours. His jaw had locked in frustration as his hand tightened into a grip on her. He would make it up to her tonight tenfold. He would explain it to the best that he could to her.
‘I would never intend to leave you, my beautiful Parallel, in the dark. That would be incredibly unfair and hurtful…’ He thought quietly to himself as he gazed at her.
|
|
|
Post by Willow on Jul 29, 2011 21:23:06 GMT -6
It was a tender, loving sight. Something beautiful and pure to behold. It was this kind of love, this kind of interaction that great ballads and poems were written about. It was this that young maidens fantasized about and young men feigned to get into the hearts of those young maidens. Ryell could only watch so much of it. She didn't need to be here, she didn't need to see this. For one thousand years she had held onto her love and had hoped that he would have done the same. One thousand years. Ryell was a possessive creature, territorial in her claim and especially in her love, but even a zephyr can understand the gravity of a thousand years. That wasn't what was killing her right now. No, not that her dearest love had found another, not even that his love with her seemed to be pure. It wasn't that he had found another love, it was what that love was. Who and what.
Ebony-streaked emerald eyes lifted to look at the other woman. Slender with silver hair. She looked tired and worn from her exertion. The woman was weak. Weak of power and weak of will. Yes, that was what it was that bothered her. That pathetic little twit had no fire. She was all simpering maiden, all damsel in distress. She had no strength behind her, no bite. There was no beautiful flaw to her like there should have been. It was like she was manufactured.
It was disgusting.
Ryell moved her mount to stand beside Asina on her monstrous Nightmare. "My queen," she murmured softly with as deep a bow as she could manage while astride, "if I am not needed I request to be dismissed." She did not give a reason for her dismissal, but she knew that she didn't need to.
-
Asina looked over at her dearest friend and felt her heart just ache for her. A cold slash right through her chest. Faced with that request, she gave the only answer that she could at the moment, which was just a small nod.
Out of the corner of her eye she watched as Ryell walked her mount up to a handful of yards or so away, then broke out into a full-speed gallop. Asina managed not to cringe and just returned her attention to the reunion, every now and again scanning her eyes around the area in search for any potential threats. To day was not turning out to be the best of days. But then, she'd known that this was how it was going to go. She'd figured that Danalli would have been with Zanen when she and Ryell showed up, she just hadn't thought that Danalli would be in hiding watching the whole reunion. Or that no one would be able to catch her before she got this far away. Well, everyone has their off days.
There was a touch to her leg and Asina looked over at the tall zephyr astride the powerful wild demon stallion. She let herself take in the visual for a moment, because it was definitely an impressive one. Ciel looked right astride the magnificent monster, about as much as she was sure she looked ridiculous. She was surprised that one hadn't found and bonded with him yet.
The grip tightened on her leg and she gave a soft sigh, resting one hand over his and squeezing it tightly, giving him that connection. She wanted this day to be over. He seemed to be more himself now that Danalli was revealed to be alright, but she was still one-hundred percent aware of him. Any shift he made, any spot of tension in his body, any strange fluctuation of emotion, she was listening, feeling for it. There was this distance between them right now, and it had been there since this ordeal with Danalli -had in fact been there bit by bit beforehand. Whenever Ciel was pulled into his past, into his mind, into his memories, because she knew that was what happened. Asina was no idiot. Just because she didn't press didn't mean she didn't pay attention. No, she was always aware of what was going on with her Ciel. He was her mate, her Parallel, her soul, her love.
-
Zanen felt more at peace. He felt more whole. Danalli was back where she belonged, here in his arms. He did not hesitate. The moment she sank into him he pulled her closer so that he could feel the whole of her body against his, the beating of her heart beside his. He stroked her hair gently as he held her close. It was an embrace of now and forever, a reassurance that she was, indeed here. That everything alright again, that his world did not need to be bothered with realignment because his sweet love was no longer in danger. She was where she was safest.
Where he would always be able to protect her.
"Yes," he crooned softly in her ear, a smirk in his voice and on his lips. "Yours, as you are mine and only mine." He took in her scent and sighed. "Now, my love, let us go. Let's go home."
|
|
|
Post by libellule on Jul 29, 2011 23:15:38 GMT -6
Bijou breathed in for relaxation, but the breath felt like thousands of butterflies as the excitement and anticipation welled within her. She had been so patient, so careful. Her time had come.
She remembered it from the beginning, 500 years into the past. - Their grip was strong as the village burned around them. There were people screaming and wailing. Shrieks and yells were deafening as the slaughter continued. They lay silent as red oozed from ripped, fatal wounds. Death bloomed in their dull eyes, life left their mangled bodies and matted hair. Faces were frozen in agony, frozen forever.
It was a massacre. A mass killing of her people. ‘She loved you,’ she pleaded, her voice the pitch of a young child, ‘She would never betray you! Lilani knew nothing of her existence…’ But he did not hear her when he slashed into Laruu, her mother and Liazh’s head general. The hate was born.
Only when her great legendary mother, the general who befell an entire nation for one trade, the woman who crushed the world’s strongest known demon heritage in the palm of her hand, was left gurgling to die in pain did her father finally leave her to rot. Her suffering was balm for his rage. The love of his love, writhing and gasping for air from her serrated windpipe, brought on the most wicked grin on his face, she’d ever seen on a creature. The evil grew within her hate, wrapping her once pure soul in black thick darkness.
‘You are nothing,’ he had sneered to her mother, his red eyes tormenting her last breaths, ‘I will curse your existence to the gods. I pray Saeliir ensnares you in her nets and devours your /revolting/ soul into the pits of nothingness, decrepit witch.’ And then he left the burning massacred village to its timely death. That was the day Ciel Ahniraeh, her father destroyed the Shiv’rae, beautifully enchantresses of the wild, and his only child to die.
But she had run to her mother and grasped her hand tightly. Ciel was gone, long gone, but her proud strong mother had held on to her existence. She could no longer speak. “I will promise you, mother,” Bijou had been crying as she blubbered to her, “I will bring Tekania to its knees for you.” Promise.
Laruu had granted Bijou her lifelong memories, dating a thousand years before. Before the raves were exterminated and the herds of aeons and zephyrs were locked away forever in the Forest of Lost Souls. Before Ciel. Laruu had brought up one memory in particular before her dying gurgling breath.
It was an image of a priestess so beautiful and bright. Her long white hair, mixed with gold charms and her eyes were the shade of the bluest sky. Her name was Danalli, Raijah, the high priestess of Morning Star, an old Rave clan. A daughter that would do anything for a father, gave her word to infiltrate those close to Asina for his life… A man stood nest to her with vibrant red eyes and long hair to match. His name was Ghatreg, a current prisoner of war in Holden. He was also the man responsible for the fall of the Raves. Danalli was the aeon he had saved… His daughter. A duel blackmail without the other knowing and when they had… It had been too late.
Bijou traveled to Holden, requesting an audience with Lilani and obtained a rank of captain. It was until a century before that he plan had been put into action when she first laid eyes on the hidden aeon, a delavis with an enchanted memory and a forgotten past… So she detached all paths from Lilani and became a ‘civilian’ until her time was right…
It was so right now. - Something was not right in the air. He smelt it. ‘Ciel…’ He took in a shuddering breath. That voice… That woman. No. No! The gypsy… He knew her. He looked at her, as her white hair became dark ebony. He was transfixed. Her golden eyes swirled into red orbs. And then they locked eyes with each other. Then her magic began to weave into him. Dark, silent, sweet magic.
Laruu…
He slid off his mount, hypnotic. The woman caught his eyes and winked that feisty wink he remembered. But there was something else… wasn’t there? His guard had fallen, he forgot. He only saw as she became his source of breath. He took one step forward as she cooed to him, beckoning him closer with beautiful claws. -
Her majestic golden eyes sparkled as a strum of music slithered to her ears. To a bystander it would seem her camp had finished their meals and gotten to deep in their ale. Hn. Her frame remained relax and sweet, her smile was practically true.
Shiv’rae witches were legendary. Their glamour rivaled immortal gifts. Some say it began when a true witch was born thin and ugly. No one believed in her and they often took advantage of her. She was beaten and used. The gods were angered by this and gave her the power to wield her appearance in whichever way she wanted. Their child became a force to be reckoned with and destroyed all those who opposed her. She was the first.
Bijou was the last of her kind. Her father had slaughtered the rest. It was difficult to not growl and snarl at the very man who sat not even 20 feet from her. There was a twinge in her spine that begged her to loose herself to her rage, her beserker that was true zephyr and kill him. She bit it back with difficulty. No. Too much was at stake, she had to do this right. So she painted the past in front of his very eyes, a past she obtained from her mother’s memory, conjurned from him to see, perhaps from others to sense. Oh she would get to those. Divided attention was much more weak…
A smirk flashed as her golden eyes tarnished so slightly. Ever so slightly. Oh Danalli. ‘Mm. Goodbye my dear friend… Too bad you have to leave us… The show is going to be oh /so/ good.’
With a whirl of her skirts, she clasped her hands together and gave a beautiful airy laugh. Her silver tresses glimmered in the sun and her eyes danced. “My what a precious lover you have my dear ‘Nalli.”
“Must you leave now? They’ve just started the music! And I do have mighty comfy chairs for you sit on, lovely,” her words were so sweet and soft, like the closet of friends, “Besides tonight we have the greatest performers.” She clapped her hands happily.
But then she turned a little more serious a mood on her face as she looked to the Oracle, Ciel’s demeanor was completely lost to her… or was it.
“I must say Oracle,” she purred innocently, “For the love you have for your Danalli I suggest you keep her much better protected and watched…” A strange emotion played across her smirking face as she outstretched her palm and curled each finger, one by one into her palm.
“You never do know whose hands she might fall into…” She retracted her now curled fist back as if she was doing a fist pump and the rose in Danalli’s hair wilted instantly. Her smirk grew wicked and her eyes only darkened into rouge. -
Yes… Yours, as you are mine and only mine. She held him tightly, burying her face into his chest even more so. She had heard Bijou dancing around wildly behind her back. Perhaps no doubt to celebrate the excitement and happiness of her love reunited. She could even hear the music. Of course that woman was dancing she could never pass up a song.
Everything was alright. Everything was fine again. She would be able to go home and lie with him and wake up to him every morning. She looked up to his face, the backs of her fingers brushing his cheek and resting on the back of his neck.
Danalli would be able to tell him he was a father. A father… She sniffled softly. Zanen was going to be the greatest father. She was not afraid of him harming their child, the thought of her demon spouse endangering what they created together was simply laughable. He was too passionate. He would love him. So deeply.
…You never know whose hands she might fall into…
It started in her head as the rose wilted, a wicked dark vein spidering across her cheekbone and down her neck into her chest. She sucked in a breath but the very action caused her spine to jerk and lock as if someone had slashed her with a blade of hot white cast iron. Her muscles flexed and locked in painful anguish as she tried to breathe, but air only came in tiny, panicked gusts. It didn’t chase away the pain, but brought in a burning fire that seemed to just scorch the inside of her.
No…
The blade sliced as her back again as the very lightweight of Zanen’s arms caused a bone crushing agony. Her shriek was deafening as she shoved him away from her as she lost her balance and fell back onto the ground. She hit the cold ground with a soft thud as she coughed, splattering brilliant red into the dirt.
She struggled to roll to her side, to her knees as her arms shook. Her hazy eyes looked up to her friend, her beautiful friend, who was holding a desert rose in her hand, smiling as if nothing was happening…
‘The rose,’ she mouthed, her voice was nonexistent as she heaved for air, her lips and chin covered with her own blood, ‘Poison…’
Her arms gave and she collapsed again
|
|