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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 12:23:53 GMT -5
and the wedding was really beginning to seem like a wedding. She had been struck by the thought, just as she was about to enter her room, that this was her very last night as an unmarried women. Laura wanted to marry Markus; she truly did, and had longer than the two years that they’d been together. All those years when she was just his best friend and working as a maid, pining away from her unrequited love seemed so far away. It felt terribly odd to be standing here thinking any of these thoughts. She used to just feel that for her there would be no happy ending. “Well, Dasher, I see no reason why you couldn’t come with us to Caltha.” That was Markus’s voice, most definitely. She had the sudden desire to be in his arms, but then she thought of Audrion and pushed it away. “Oh, how marvelous! I would really like to pit my mind against an honest to goodness killer. Three days to solve a crime…” Dasher said, as she and Markus came into view. Her canine features moved into a grin. “Laura, not asleep yet?” “Not yet.” Laura said lamely, turning but keeping one hand on the knob. “I was just caught up in the day before my wedding feeling.” “It’s about time that you were.” “I’ve been quite distracted, seeing everyone again.” “I think I’ll leave you two alone.” Dasher decided, and trotted off down the hall. Markus met Laura’s eyes. “Are you nervous?” He asked. “No,” Laura said. “I just can’t believe it.” “Me neither. I love you, Laura, so much.” “You don’t miss just being best friends, do you?” “Of course not. Besides, you’re still my best friend. I still tell you everything.” “Markus… I just need you to…” Laura said. He nodded, and wrapped his arms around her. “It’s Ok, Laura, it’s all right… You don’t have to worry about Raythor coming back or the murderer in Caltha, or anything at all tomorrow. I’m going to take care of you, for once, instead of the other way around.” “I just wish… that you didn’t have to leave me tonight.” “What?” “I’m going to be up all night, worrying about all those things and I just wish that my… my best friend could be there.” Laura whispered. “But I know you can’t be.” “Tomorrow I won’t have to leave you. Horrible as that might sound; I won’t have to leave you.” Markus put a hand against the side of her face, brushing away the tear that was snaking down her cheek. Laura let her eyes fall shut. “You’ll never have to leave me again… you can’t know how much that means to me.” “Laura…” He said, but he didn’t kiss her and she knew why. “I should probably go, while I can still walk away from you. But I will be here first thing in the morning, I promise you.”
Chapter Three Regardless of circumstance
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 12:24:15 GMT -5
Rose woke up in a foul mood. That didn’t really surprise her, as she always woke up in a foul mood. The first person she saw across from the table that morning was Ross and she scowled at him. He just smiled back and muttered something to Anella that sounded like ‘mother’. Anella was very clearly struggling not to laugh. “How distant a cousin of yours is he, Anella?” Rose snapped. Anella, perfectly used to the princess’s morning snarling, was unperturbed. “Very, actually. The Rainbirds are part of my mother’s side of the family.” “All the Rainbird women are very lovely, and Anella definitely has the same bone structure.” Ross commented lightly. Rose glowered at him. Anella, blushing, stared down at her food and poked at it a little. Rose was reminded of Raythor all at once and for no real reason. Maybe it was the red on Anella’s cheeks, or the way she was looking down, the same way she had at…where? “Did you dance with someone at my failed wedding?” Rose asked suddenly. “It was Raythor, wasn’t it? I made him dance with you. I do apologize, though I suppose that doesn’t mean much now.” “I’d better go get dressed.” Anella said quickly. “The wedding isn’t that long from now.”
****
“You didn’t tell me.” Ross said conversationally, following Anella into the hall. She looked at him quizzically. “Didn’t tell you what?” She asked. Ross raised an eyebrow, studying her face. “That you danced with Raythor.” “I didn’t think it was important.” “I think it is. I’m fairly sure that’s when it happened.” “When… when what happened?” “When you fell in love with him,” Ross said, and then held up his hands. “If you did, that is. I’m just saying, were that the case, and I’m not saying it is, that was when you fell in love with him. Most likely.” Anella took a deep breath, putting her palms together and holding them up over her face. In that second, he tried to memorize the way she looked. Ross had never been able to really talk to a girl before now. He’d had a few girlfriends here and there, sure, but he never talked to them. Anella was his only female friend, if he could even call it that, they’d known each other for less than a week. This girl, with the hair that wisped down her back like a cloud and the eyes that were the gray of morning all in themselves, was the only one he had ever come close to understanding. “Is it that obvious?” She asked finally. “Just the way you talk about him to me. I get the feeling you don’t talk about him with anyone else.” “No… I guess I don’t.” “Why not? If you think you can answer that, of course.” “I just… couldn’t say it. You’re not the only one who knows.” “I’m not?” “No… Markus does…” “I thought you said-” “Dasher told him.” Anella smiled. “I’m stupid, aren’t I?”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 12:24:32 GMT -5
“Of course not. I don’t blame you, the way this guy sounds… you deserve a lot better than that.” “He just seems that way. He’s not…” She shook her head. “I’ve got to go.” “Maybe this time you can dance with me, huh? Not because…” Ross said. “I know. But it’s nice of you to say.” She turned and headed down the hall, and he watched her leave with a grin on his face.
****
Laura barely heard the priest and didn’t really think when she was answered his questions. The white dress that floated against her skin, beautiful as it was, had been put out of her consciousness. Even Audrion’s still slightly disapproving stare, which usually bothered her so deeply, was left unnoticed. All her eyes could see was Markus’s face, all she could feel were her hands in his. Markus was gazing at her in just the same way. Their moment of peace was over far too soon for the both of them, their lips met and drew apart with incredible swiftness, and they walked into the crowd of nobles to a chorus of congratulations. Rose set about her part in the afternoon, which consisted of getting them out of there. She did so with incredible efficiency and perfect politeness that came from a life time of being a princess. After securing them safely in the hallway, she put one hand on her hip and raised an eyebrow. Her own dress, though still gray, was a much lighter shade for the occasion. The bride’s gown inevitably drew her memory back to two years ago, when she herself had worn a dress of equal iridescent beauty. Laura, at least in her opinion, looked much lovelier. She had a happy glow about her that Rose had certainly never possessed. “Who’s joining us?” Rose demanded. “We’re trying to keep it to a small number.” Laura said impartially. “Which means that we managed to convince Kylara to stay here.” Markus said, much less tactfully. “We can’t induce Anella to come, though.” Laura said. Then she looked down and frowned. “Does this dress look terribly like a wedding dress?” “Yes, but only on the basis that it is a wedding dress.” “But I shouldn’t want to overshadow him.” “He’s going to want to be overshadowed.” Dasher said as she came in. For the first time since they’d broken up, Blade was at her side. He was an elementist as well, but of a different element than her own. Blade was a shadow; Dasher was a light, which had been one of the major causes of their break up. Their two countries did not get along and, as she was a princess and he a prince, that mattered. Blade Ghosttail pulled his mouth back in a canine grin. His glossy black fur clung to his body like that of a leopard’s, sleekly and smoothly. Bat wings lay against his back and another animal’s claw hung from his neck by a chain. A golden ring was pierced through his right ear, and a golden snake wound around the opposite front leg. Behind him his tail stretched, barely moving, a scythe framed with skin rather than wood. There was a slight notch in the sharp edge that his brother had given him. The symbol that distinguished him as a shadow, the purple circle engulfed in black flame, marked his forehead.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 12:24:59 GMT -5
“Let me talk to her.” Blade said, dark eyes flashing. “Why would she listen to you?” Dasher said irritably. Blade paid no attention to her. “You deserve your shot. The rest of us failed miserably.” Rose said with a shrug.
****
Blade wove through the legs of the generally confused wedding guests. All of those who were not from Laina saw him only as a living myth. Those that were, and had elementists living among them, didn’t give him a second glance. Blade realized, to his dismay, that he had no idea what color Anella’s dress was. With his usual from the legs up vision, he reflected back on what a good idea it had been to send the others on ahead without him. This could take awhile. Finding humans in a crowd was such a dreadful hassle. “Hey,” A boy’s voice stopped him mid-step. Ross peered down at Blade with the awkwardness all humans seemed to have the first time they met him. “Are you looking for Anella? It’s Blade, right? I’m Ross, the cousin.” “Yes, I am. A pleasure. Do you know where she is?” Blade asked. If Ross was at all bothered by how human Blade’s voice was, he didn’t show it. “In the next room. She’s with Tallith, I think.” “Thank you.” He padded away, drawing to a halt when he heard voices coming from the next room. “Anella, come on, be reasonable.” Tallith begged. “You can’t say no again, there’s no point in it.” “Tallith…” Anella paced across the room and Blade caught sight of a flash of pale blue. “You know that I don’t want to hurt you, but I can’t make myself love you. No one can make themselves love anybody.” “But why don’t you love me?” “I don’t know… I’m sorry, Tallith, I really am. Do we have to do this now? I don’t want Markus and Laura to see us fighting.” “It’s because he’s coming back, isn’t it?” Tallith challenged. She looked away, unable to meet his eyes. “I’ve been lying to myself for so long, pretending that there isn’t someone else in your life. I know the reason you don’t feel anything for me is because of him, and it’s always been the reason, from the first night I met you.” “That’s not true. I just… don’t want to get married right now.” “Patience, then. Just more patience.” Tallith smiled, a rather weary and despondent expression, but one with sincere affection in it none the less. “You did come to me once when you were scared.” “I don’t care about Ray-” Anella started, but he was already gone. She let her hand drift up to her necklace, fingers running over the smooth crystal of the cross. Blade was, at this point, very reluctant to enter the room at all but he did it. Her face lit up a little when she spotted him. “Blade, how are you?” Anella asked pleasantly, with barely a hint of a strain in her voice. The pale blue of her dress complimented the gray in her eyes quite nicely, but because of it he could tell how unhappy she was with even more clarity.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 13:16:45 GMT -5
“You look very pretty, though I know my limited knowledge of human beauty doesn’t serve as the best judge. But you do.” Blade said tentatively. “Thank you…” “They’ve already left, but you can still catch them.” “Blade… to see him again…” “Do you remember what you promised him?” “Yes… that I’d be there when he got back.” Anella stood a little straighter, looked a little less unhappy. “You’re right, Blade. He’s been completely alone for all this time, and I promised him I’d be there.” “Are you coming with me?” “Of course I am.”
****
“According to legend, when the two years have elapsed the gateway to the reverse world will open again as the sun sets.” Dasher explained, though they all already knew this. “Regardless of circumstance. So we haven’t long to wait now.” “I just wish it could have been a bit nicer out for him.” Laura said. “It looks like it might rain.” “It won’t rain.” Markus assured her, but he put an arm around her and drew her close, as though that would shield her from the weather. Rose glared at them. “Think Anella’s coming?” The princess asked, suddenly irritated by the fact she no longer held ranking over Laura. In fact, as future queen, Laura was of a higher rank than she was. “Only if Blade chose his words carefully, which I’m sure he didn’t.” Dasher said, with the usual bit of venom she had when discussing her ex. Then she brightened. “Oh, and by the way, congratulations to the both of you.” “Thank you, Dasher.” Markus replied cheerfully. Then his expression changed as he stared into the woods. The others followed his gaze and Laura let out a little gasp. “Don’t look so surprised.” Blade said nonchalantly. “Can you name a single girl who wouldn’t want to stand in the woods in a beautiful dress?” “Does anyone know if the moon will be out tonight?” Anella, voice very soft, reddened slightly. “Not yet,” Laura said sympathetically. “Not just yet.”
****
Markus, Laura, Blade, Dasher, Rose and Anella had been waiting in more or less of an awkward silence for what felt like hours, but really couldn’t have been more than twenty minutes. Conversation had been attempted, but it had fallen flat each and every time and they’d again find themselves again locked in silence. Finally, the sun faded completely behind the horizon and they plunged into darkness. Nothing happened. “Maybe he’s-”Blade started, but Dasher shook her head. “Regardless of circumstance,” She reiterated. Around them, the air became sharper and colder as the wind picked up out of no where among the trees. The blackness all around them seemed to concentrate in one spot and start to spread.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 13:19:39 GMT -5
“Don’t touch it, what ever happens.” Dasher warned. They all stepped back. The mass of shadows that had taken Raythor two years ago finished forming. Markus held Laura closer, and she held her breath. Anella took hold of her necklace again and stood stock still. Rose didn’t move a muscle. “Dasher, but what if he…?” “Regardless of circumstance,” Dasher told Blade firmly. She herself inhaled sharply. A figure stepped through the portal and stopped when it was fully through. His eyes were closed. The black hair was a little longer, the pale skin a little paler, the slight form even slighter. Slowly, the lids opened and the cold blue irises beneath were unmistakably those of Raythor Karian. “You all really thought I wouldn’t make it back, didn’t you?” Raythor said, with a smile. When he met Anella’s eyes she found herself unable to look away. Laura darted forward and hugged him tightly, crying already. “I promised myself I wouldn’t cry but you’re really here and I can’t stop…” Laura sobbed. Raythor patted her back. “I missed you, cat girl. How was the wedding?” “The wedding? Oh goodness, you’ve noticed already.” She backed up a bit and, for the first time, realized she was married. “I…just…married…Markus…and…I…missed…you…” Laura said between her tears. She stepped away fully and Rose, to everyone’s surprise, hugged Raythor too. “Gee, Rose, I really thought you were going to slap me and call me a moron.” Raythor said. Rose hugged him tighter, so that he couldn’t see the tears welling in the sides of her eyes. “You’ve been gone for two whole years,” Rose pointed out, “even I missed you a little. You’d better cut your hair and get some sun or I really will slap you.” She let go and Raythor knelt to greet Dasher and Blade. Dasher was so relieved that her chest hurt and her throat constricted. A black shape ran forward and knocked into the dark haired boy. “Thunder! Hey, how’ve you been?” Raythor scratched the dog’s ears. “Don’t worry, boy, I’m not going away again.” He pushed to his feet and Markus gave him a quick hug as well. Anella felt her heart drop when she realized she was the last one left. “I hope he wasn’t too much trouble.” Raythor said. He was careful not to use her name. “None at all.” Anella answered, but she didn’t budge. Raythor managed a step forward but didn’t make it further than that. Markus and Laura exchanged looks. They started back and Rose, Blade, and Dasher followed suit. Anella just stayed frozen. “I know I’ve been gone a long time, but you are acting like we’ve never met before.” Raythor said softly. “I may not have changed, but maybe you have. Maybe you realized what a poison I am.” “Don’t say that.” Anella said, finally breaking free of the stiffness that had overtaken her. She moved forward and wrapped her arms around him. “It’s you, it’s you, I can’t believe it…” She felt his hand pass very lightly through her hair and she jumped back like a frightened rabbit. “I’ve really missed you.” She said hesitantly. “But we’d better go back.” Raythor said, as though he were agreeing with something.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 13:20:05 GMT -5
****
Markus bore through yet another lecture on responsibility when he returned. Audrion didn’t care in the slightest that his son’s friend was back, he couldn’t remember Raythor’s name anyway, so he just referred to him as ‘that Kent boy’ for reasons Markus could not fathom. “I should really go talk to all of my relatives now, but I apologize again.” Markus interrupted finally. “I suppose you’d better. I’m sure they feel slighted enough already as it is.” Audrion fumed. “Where is your mother? Ivy!” Markus gratefully slipped away and went off in search of Laura. Raythor had already been swarmed at the door and Markus watched as Anella disappeared into the crowd before he spotted Laura. “It is nice to meet you, Richard. Markus has told me so much about you.” Laura was saying to the prince’s uncle. She had, of course, seen him before but she had been a maid then, not a princess. It was unlikely he would remember her at all. None of what Markus had said about him had been good; Richard was infamous for his numerous young mistresses, many of whom had borne him children. “I always knew my nephew was going to marry a lovely girl one day,” Richard said, grinning broadly. “You are very pretty, my dear.” “Oh, thank you uncle.” Markus said, putting a hand on Laura’s shoulder. “I am very lucky.” Laura looked sideways at him dreamily. “Hello, Markus.” “Let’s go and meet my nice aunt Ailith.” “That sounds wonderful. Doesn’t it sound wonderful, Richard?” “Of course, my dear.” The king’s brother said. Markus nodded a good bye and he and Laura went into the hallway. “That was quick thinking, Laura. Now he thinks you’re so hopelessly in love with me that you won’t even look at him.” Markus said, leaning against the wall and sighing. She leaned next to him and held his hand. “In my defense, he found me. And I do love you.” “I’m sure he did. Why do you have to be so beautiful?” “Don’t worry, darling, you’re much more attractive than I am.” “We should be mingling or my father’s going to yell at me again. And I’m not.” “Why weren’t you going to tell me?” Raythor said, next to them suddenly. “We didn’t want to… ‘Overshadow’ you. That was the word you used, wasn’t it Laura?” “That was it, Markus.” “None the less, congratulations.” Raythor told them. “Did you ever think you’d be Markus’s bride, Laura?” “Never,” She said with a smile. “There were times I thought I’d never hear you call me ‘cat girl’ again either.” “Do you still wear that necklace?” “All the time.” Laura said, tugging the chain around her neck to reveal the cat’s head necklace. Markus blinked. “You’re wearing that under your wedding dress?” He said incredulously.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 13:20:34 GMT -5
“Of course. It makes me remember how you looked as a little boy and just how much we’ve both changed.” “You’re so sweet.” Markus said, squeezing her hand. Raythor turned his head the other way and grinned. “I’d better go before I inflict Kylara on you unintentionally.”
Chapter Four Admit that you’re nervous
After her first brief encounter, Anella had spent the rest of the evening avoiding Raythor. Fortunately for her, she was the only person playing that game, aside from Tallith. By the time the party was at its height, Anella had very nearly exhausted herself. “Ross, I need some air. I feel a little faint.” She said to her current dancing partner. “That’s no surprise. You should really-” She didn’t wait for him to finish before she dashed up the stairs. Without really thinking about it, she found her way out unto the balcony on the second floor. Anella took a good deal of time just catching her breath, letting herself inhale the night air slowly and fully. She remembered, all of a sudden, Raythor’s hands slipping out of hers, his voice whispering her name as he disappeared and the last thing he’d said to her…softly beautiful…softly beautiful… “Why are you avoiding me?” Raythor asked, leaning against the railing. Anella was so surprised to see him that she didn’t have time to think up a really good excuse. She answered instead with: “I’m not avoiding you.” “You’re still a terrible liar, you know.” He said. Anella smiled a little at that. His expression was perfectly blank, his mask and his protection. He was an expert at hiding his emotions and at holding them back. Anella, on the other hand, had never been much good at disguising how she felt. “It’s just that…” She trailed off. She didn’t know. “You’re married, right?” The question was a lot more urgent than he had intended it to be. “What gave you that idea?” Anella returned, perplexed. “That blonde boy who’s been with you all night,” Raythor said, keeping his eyes focused straight ahead. Anella realized, with a rush of mixed emotions, that he was jealous. It was almost funny, she had never dreamed that stoic, slightly depressive Raythor Karian could even be jealous. “Ross is my cousin,” Anella said carefully. “There are no men in my life, romantically speaking at least.” Raythor didn’t reply at first, afraid of what his voice might betray. “Then why do you keep running away?” He said finally. “I’m your friend, aren’t I? No matter what you say, I always will be. I just didn’t think that your promise two years ago meant that you’d be there when I returned and then never speak to me again.” “I’m just a little…scared.” Anella said. He finally looked at her and he couldn’t look away. He stood up straight, facing her. “I’m being selfish.” Raythor said calmly. “You’re not.” Anella said, not quite as evenly. “If you answer one question, I promise to tell you why I’ve been avoiding you.” “Anything.” “Two years ago, you were going to tell me something just before Kylara found us. What was it?” But the end, her voice was shaking, but only to the slightest degree. “Of all the questions in the world, you ask me that?” “Yes… answer me, Raythor. Please…” Anella said and found she had started to cry. “I’ve never seen you cry before.” Raythor said, moving forward a little. He looked genuinely concerned. “Please…” She said again. “Because it’s just that I’m worried we can’t be just friends… every time I look at you… I… I…” “I was going to say…” He hesitated, taking a deep breath. “‘Anella, I love you.’” “W-what?” “I love you.” Raythor said, almost inaudibly. His blue eyes stared into her gray ones almost pleadingly. “I love you now, I loved you two years ago, and I’ll probably always love you. I’m sorry; I shouldn’t have said that… I just can’t watch you cry, it’s killing me.” Anella still couldn’t tear her eyes off him. It seemed as though none of this could be possibly be real. On a sudden impulse she took one of his hands and held it against her cheek. To feel the touch of his fingers against her skin, to see his blue eyes staring into hers… “I love you too.” She said. “I just wasn’t strong enough to tell you before.” “You…you do?” Raythor said, and his voice was for once terribly broken and unsteady. She had never seen him looking so fragile before. Anella knew how much he’d been through, knew how impossible this had to feel for him too. But he had made no attempt to touch her or k… She knew what it had to be almost at once. “Raythor?” She let go of his hand, and it drifted to her shoulder. “Yes?” “You’re not your sister.” “I know…” “You’re innocent and handsome and brave. You could never hurt me, I know you couldn’t. I love you. Trust me.” The phrase he himself had used so many times melted the last of the ice. He hugged her, clumsily and stiffly, arms around her waist. She pulled away slightly, pressing her lips against his before she could think about it. They drew closer together, everything that they’d felt in the last two years finally released. “You really kissed me.” Anella said breathlessly, when they finally broke apart. “You didn’t hold back.” “Do you wish I had?” Raythor asked faintly. “No… I just never thought that my first kiss would feel anything like that.” Her face turned bright red. “That was your first kiss?” “My very first.” She said almost proudly. “And it was with you.” She nestled her head against his chest and closed her eyes. “With me…” Raythor said quietly. They stood like that for a long time.
****
“Have you seen stupid… I mean Raythor?” Rose asked. Markus shook his head.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 13:20:56 GMT -5
“No, but I’ll bet he’s just avoiding Kylara. He seemed concerned about it last time I saw him.” The prince said. Laura looked around, smiled and whispered something in her new husband’s ear. “Do you think? Really?” Markus asked. Laura, eyes bright, nodded. “Wouldn’t it be wonderful?” “Wouldn’t what?” Rose interrupted. They both laughed. “Nothing,” Laura said. “I was just making a guess. It’s probably not true.” “Then you could tell me, couldn’t you?” “Um… no, I don’t think so.” “You wonder twins are so annoying.” “Wonder twins?” Markus said, slightly disturbed. Rose shrugged. “That’s how I’ve always thought of the two of you.” “Anella’s missing too.” Laura said playfully. Rose’s mouth fell open, and Markus and Laura laughed again. “That’s just ridiculous.” Rose scoffed. “It doesn’t mean anything.” “You’re probably right,” Markus agreed, “but… who knows?” “They do.” Laura said. “The two of you disgust me.” Rose announced, and she marched off.
****
Ross was starting to worry about Anella. The party had thinned out considerably, and he could spot most of the people his cousin had introduced him to. It was the ones that he couldn’t find that had him worried. Because they were all staying at the castle, they could only be in different parts of it. He just hoped it wasn’t the same different part that Anella was in. Kylara was missing, and from what he’d seen of her that couldn’t be good. Tallith was too, and probably a little worse for the drink at this point. Ross scanned the room again and noticed that the dark haired boy he assumed to be Raythor was missing too. Anella hadn’t talked about him, looked at him or tried to find him all night, so Ross had no real confirmation that the boy was Raythor- but he knew all the same. Where had she gone again? Up the stairs, he thought. I really have no choice, Ross told himself, she’s my cousin. He honestly couldn’t recall anyone going up the stairs after her, but he hadn’t been paying that much attention either. Kylara, Tallith, Raythor… He almost walked right past the balcony, but something made him stop. Instinctively, he jerked back and pressed himself up against the wall. All he really had was the impression of two blurred figures, standing close together. Anella lifted her head off Raythor’s chest and looked up at his face again. He had the oddest expression across his features, one she didn’t recognize. She could almost see the swirling blackness of the portal in his eyes. “Raythor?” She said hesitantly. “Mm?” “I love you.” “Anella…” He met her eyes again and kissed her tenderly, “I really didn’t hurt you.” “You didn’t hurt me.” She agreed softly. “I have to ask you to do something…”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 13:22:45 GMT -5
“So do I, but you ask first.” “Can we not tell anyone what happened just yet?” “I was about to ask you the same thing. I don’t want you to be associated with my name just yet.” “And I don’t want you to withdraw again.” “All right then.” “Yes…” Anella whispered. She held him tighter all of a sudden. “The moon’s out tonight, isn’t it?” “And it’s turning you silver again, just like it always does.” Raythor said, gathering up enough nerve to put his hand on her cheek. “But this isn’t like last time, I swear it. This is my choice.” “There’s only one way to know for sure.” He said seriously. He took hold of her hands and led her slowly back inside. They both waited in fearful uncertainty for a full minute before Anella broke into a smile. “See?” She said excitedly. She hugged him again. “No blackout, no going crazy.” “Just you.” Raythor said. “The only girl I’ve ever actually wanted to kiss.” “Don’t be so sweet.” “I’m not at all sweet.” “Yes you are.” “Do you think we should go back down together or separately?” “We should go down separately, but I’m not leaving you just yet.” She said. He smiled at her and she felt her heart pound against her chest. They started down the stairs. Ross peeled away from the wall, not sure just what to think. He now knew for sure that the dark haired boy was Raythor. Raythor also genuinely seemed to love Anella, going on the very little Ross knew about him. He tried to decide what to do next, but all he could think about was two blurred figures, standing close together, and the pause before Raythor had said ‘I really didn’t hurt you’.
****
Markus stared blankly out the window. The hallway outside his and his parent’s bedrooms was almost always empty. He could see the light beneath his sister’s door, something he hadn’t seen in a good five months and before that even longer. He contemplated knocking on her door before remembering that Geoffrey was there as well. Markus felt unexplainably sad at this realization. No more coming carelessly into her room early in the morning or late at night. He would never walk in to his own chamber and find Ketra sitting on his bed, angry at their father. She wouldn’t usher him into her room and put an arm around his shoulder, promising what ever childhood problem he was facing would all go away. Ketra was still his sister, whether or not she waited on the edge of his bed, hair undone, with a scowl on her face. Whether or not they practiced fighting together, or snuck out at night to go and see their father’s sword, the Flameron, and giggle at its myths as well as its name. She wouldn’t wrap him in her blanket and dry his tears, wouldn’t sit with him and make up stories for their little wooden toys, wouldn’t sing to him slowly to make him fall asleep. But she was still his sister, even if they were too old for all of that.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 13:27:32 GMT -5
Markus glanced idly down at his wedding ring and remembered that soon he too wouldn’t be sleeping alone. It was dreadfully late and almost all the guests had left a long time ago. Laura was off somewhere waving goodbye to the ones that were left and generally acting as though the world were made of sugar. He was glad of that; he wanted her to be happy. It was almost impossible to imagine now just how much he’d gone through just to get that little length of gold wound around his finger. It just took a priest, really. That was all. He was tired, though. Very, very tired. When he heard footsteps behind him, he was positive that they were Laura’s. Markus turned to see Rose instead. “Hey, lover-boy.” Rose said lazily. “What are you doing way over here?” “Just, you know… thinking.” Markus replied. She put her hands on her hips and narrowed her eyes. “Want to know what I think?” “I’m sure you’ll tell me regardless.” “I think you’re nervous.” “What have I got to be nervous about?” He asked, leaning against the wall. “Your wedding night, of course.” “Oh, that.” He turned back to the window, sighing. “That’s nothing to worry about.” “But no one’s ever told you that, have they?” “So?” “So that’s the point. You go around telling everyone else that everything’s right as rain, but when you’re worried, no one comforts you.” “Ketra does. Did.” “Ketra’s not around anymore, and she hasn’t been for a long time. She hasn’t lived here for over three years. The year before that, she was fighting with Audrion and ignoring you. Before that, she had Lord Samuel.” “She told you about Lord Samuel?” Markus started. “I thought she…” “I didn’t know that you knew.” “I didn’t know that you did.” Their eyes met and he laughed. “I should have guessed, you are her best friend.” Markus said. Rose shrugged. “She didn’t tell me until I was about to marry you. She did it for you.” “So she’s looking out for me.” “When she’s here.” Rose said. “Ketra loves you, I know that. But she tells you when something is wrong, and you fix it. That’s what you do, for everyone. It doesn’t matter who they are.” “She doesn’t tell me everything.” Markus said. His eyes scanned her face again, lingering on the dark circles. “And I rarely ever really fix anything.” Rose turned her face away, feeling a blush burn on her cheeks, and wondering why his gaze felt so much like a caress. “Ketra didn’t tell you who I was because I asked her not to.” “She knew you for years before that and she never told me.” “She did it for you.” “I’m not saying that I don’t know she was doing it for me.” Markus shook his head. “Now I just feel like I’m proving your case. None of this is a problem.” “None of this is a problem? That sort of answer is exactly why I’m worried.” Rose said triumphantly.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 13:28:45 GMT -5
“So I’m a little nervous.” Markus admitted, partially to change the subject. “But I shouldn’t be.” “Do you know why that is?” “Do you plan on telling me, by any chance?” “Because you love her. You spent seventeen years thinking that you’d marry someone you’d never met, and now you’re marrying Laura- and there’s no one in the world you know better than her.” “I guess that’s actually true. I thought you were just going to… never mind.” “I’m not going to tease you until tomorrow.” Rose said, grinning. “I wasn’t thinking that exactly…” Markus said. “You were just too polite to say it.” “Perhaps.” “Try to take care of yourself.” Rose said. “Goodnight, Markus. It really is going to be all right.” She patted his arm, turned to leave, thought better of it, and kissed him on the cheek as well. “What was that for?” Markus asked. “For luck, blue boy.”
****
Laura did finally come find him at the window. Markus hadn’t moved since Rose had left. She wound her arms around him from behind long before he noticed her. “Markus, this has been one of the longest days of my life.” Laura mumbled into his back. “Thanks for doing that for me.” He said neutrally. “What, saying good bye? I don’t mind at all.” “I should have come.” “You’re tired, darling. You have to be a prince all time; I’ve only had to act like a princess for one day.” “And every day for the rest of your life, because of me.” “It’s not like I regret it. We’re the happy every after all the fairy tales tell you about.” “Laura…” He turned around to face her. She took his hands. “Elaura Everglade.” She said wistfully. “It’s a pretty name, isn’t it? If I have to be a princess to deserve it, then I have to be a princess.” “Not all of us can be born princes, right? Poor me.” Markus teased, using the words Laura had hurled at him so bitterly so long ago. “I really said that, didn’t I?” “You sure did. That doesn’t matter now.” He closed his eyes, just to gather the little pieces of himself together. “Because you said that I’d never have to leave you again.” “I did say that,” Laura put her arms around Markus’s neck, “and I meant it.” He picked her up very carefully and started slowly down the hall, eyes never leaving her face.
****
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 13:32:40 GMT -5
“Elizabeth!” She slammed the door behind her, breathing hard. “Elizabeth, stop, you know there’s no point in running.” If she could just make it to Amaria, everything would be ok… “Stop! I’m not going to hurt you!” The door opened again. She could hear footsteps… “Elizabeth!” She tripped, twisting her ankle in the process. She looked back just in time to scream.
Chapter Five Karian, Right?
Rose hadn’t even bothered to put up her hair this morning. She was just sitting, forehead on the table, doing absolutely nothing. Raythor, eyes unfocused, drummed on the wood with his fingers and ignored her. Anella came down next and he smiled at her vaguely. She turned a deep red and sat across from him. “Good morning,” Raythor said, voice once again perfectly controlled. “Sleep well?” “Oh, yes.” Anella answered, trying to regain her composure. The fact he was being so calm and so normal, when the night before he had been so vulnerable, made her unnerved. He stopped tapping his fingers. “Good.” “Ugh, you two are really boring me.” Rose said, raising her head up. Her hair swirled in a tangled red mass as she moved. “Sorry, Rose, you know I survived two years of hell just to come back here and amuse you.” Raythor said, rolling his eyes. “I just thought you’d be a little more interesting now that Anella’s here.” “What does that have to do with anything?” “Usually there’s all this romantic tension going on between the two of you.” “Raythor,” Anella said in her sweetest voice, “Would you come walking with me later?” “See, Rose, now she’s making fun of me.” He said. “Only because she remembers how willing you were to follow the fake Anella two years ago. You’d do anything for the real one,” Rose said, “You love her.” “Sorry,” Anella said rather meekly, “I was kind of hoping that would put an end to the ‘romantic tension’ comment.” “And start a fight between Rose and me.” Raythor agreed. “Which is never difficult to do.” “You love her.” Rose said, with the air of a child who had found something that annoys their sibling and thusly will not stop doing it. “How can I love her when my heart so clearly belongs to you?” Raythor said sarcastically. He blew at his hair but it didn’t have much effect, it was still in his eyes. “Because you just used the word ‘love’. You didn’t say ‘care about’. You said love.”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 13:32:58 GMT -5
“But I’ve said…what about when…damn.” Raythor frowned. Anella did her best not to look at him. “Good morning,” Markus said, missing every emotion in the room and proving it with just two words. “Where’s Laura?” Anella asked, a little desperately. “She’s still sleeping.” “She did look exhausted last night.” Raythor put in. Everyone looked at Rose. She blinked. “What?” She said with fake innocence. “Aren’t you going to say anything?” Markus asked. “Oh no, I’m going to wait until Laura gets here.” “Good, now I feel better.” “Anella, let’s go on that walk now.” Raythor said, getting up. “I wish you all the luck in the world, Markus.” “All right, Raythor…” Anella said. He was outside before she could even get to her feet. Raythor was moving so quickly that she almost had to run to catch up. “Raythor what’s wrong?” He stopped walking and so did she. “I just didn’t think the sun would be this bright,” He said irritably. Anella took a step toward him, lifting her arm up but not quite making it to touch his shoulder. “Oh, Raythor… I wasn’t going to say anything…” “I’m not going to. I spent altogether too much time telling you how terrible my life is two years ago. I don’t want to start off like that again.” “Come on,” Anella beckoned. She went and sat down under a tree. Raythor sighed and followed her, sitting down and draping his arms carelessly over his knees. He noticed that she was wearing the same white dress with green down the front that she had been the day he’d left. Whether or not it was for his benefit, he didn’t care to ask. “You look beautiful.” He said softly. She blushed, looking away. “How’ve you been?” “Other than missing you?” “I’m not all that great.” “You are to me.” “Don’t say that.” Raythor said, “It’s not like I’m your best friend, or anything.” “Yes you are…” Anella said uncertainly. “I realized that after you left.” “Is that when you realized you loved me?” The same unidentifiable expression he’d had last night spread across his face again. Anella bit her lip. Now that he knew, she didn’t have anything to be afraid of anymore. She put her hand behind his neck, and he started when she kissed him. Raythor’s hand went to her cheek and she ran her fingers over it. “I knew when you danced with me…” She said, and he smiled. “Why do you wear those sword gloves all the time, anyway?” “To cover up the scars…” “The ones Kenetari gave you?” “Yeah…” “Those aren’t your only scars, you know.” “Ask me anything you want.” Raythor said, voice serious. Anella nodded, watching the blackness of the portal swirl in his eyes.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 13:33:29 GMT -5
“So there was no sun in the reverse world?” Anella asked. “And no moon either. It was dark all the time. The hours ran into days quicker than you’d expect, but not to years. It really did seem like a very long time.” Raythor said. “It was just this village of empty houses and empty streets, but never any that I recognized. No matter how far I walked in any direction, I always came back to this one village.” “It was a long time… it was a thousand years to you.” “I think that just meant because I was alone; it would feel so much longer than it really was. And it did, it felt like an eternity.” “Of course it was, it was just you for two years.” “Well,” He hesitated, she met his eyes, and he went on, “Sometimes I saw you and everyone else.” “You did?” Anella said, her voice holding just a little bit of hope. “There would be these flat pictures in the air, that just appeared, and people I know would be in them, moving and talking.” “I’m glad of that, then.” She said, with a slight smile. Raythor wavered again. He didn’t want to take that smile off her face, but he didn’t want to lie to her either. “I only ever saw the worst moments in your lives. I’m not even sure if they were real.” “Tell me one of mine and we’ll see.” Anella suggested. “I just saw all the things you wouldn’t want me to see, Rose crying by Gabriel’s grave, Markus getting hurt, Laura getting yelled at by Audrion…” Raythor said. “No one was ever happy.” “You think that I’m too weak to take it.” “No, I just…” “Don’t want to hurt me.” She said resignedly. “The way you kissed me last night… you’ve never let the mask disappear completely before, but you did then.” “The mask?” “The blank expression that you wear when you don’t want anyone to see… you.” “You were alone in this small room, in the dark, and there was a fire burning in the hearth. You kept writing something over and over, but I couldn’t see what it was.” Raythor said tentatively. He tried to read her face, but it too was a blank mask. “Then you leaned over on the table, with your head in your hands. I don’t think you were crying. Your shoulders didn’t shake. You just looked… broken, I guess. After awhile you got up and put the paper in the fire, and you watched it burn until there was nothing left. That was it, but somehow…” “I wish you hadn’t seen that.” Anella said, voice strangely hollow. “It said-” “You don’t have to tell me, not if you don’t want to.” “Softly beautiful.” “So it was my fault.” Raythor rested his forehead in his hands. “Why did you leave me?” “I thought I was dying. I’m still surprised I’m not dead.” “The blood…?” She asked. He nodded. She started kissing him again, a little more desperately than before, as if he might disintegrate if she didn’t. Raythor wound his fingers through her hair, thinking about how much he’d missed her, how much she meant to him… Anella stopped and looked down at her lap, trembling.
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