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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 14:26:29 GMT -5
“There’s nothing sweet about him,” Rose said roughly, “I have no idea what she sees in him.” “What about the way he kept himself awake, just to take care of her?” Laura said, in the dreamy, romantic voice she always adopted on similar subjects. “And he’s so smart and… sweet.” “Oh brother,” Rose sighed, rolling her eyes. “Raythor’s an idiot.” “Mmm.” “Are you thinking about Markus again?” “Uh-huh.” “I don’t know why I bother. Markus isn’t all that great either, you know.” “You were in love with him too, you told me so.” “Only because he’s rich and handsome and I’m shallow.” “You aren’t shallow.” Laura said with a knowing nod. “And you’re forgetting the sound of his voice.” “I have to go with you on that one. Even when he’s saying something completely moronic, he sounds like heaven.” “It always used to make my heart race… it still does.” “Yeah, that used to happen to me too.” “You really never regret giving him up?” “I had Gabriel. Markus had you. We just weren’t meant for each other.” Rose replied. “Besides, the two of you are so nauseatingly perfect together.” “Hey Laura, hey Rose.” Markus said cheerfully. “What are you talking about, girl stuff?” “You, actually.” Laura said, laughing. “Me, huh?” He dropped to the balls of his feet, grinning. “Why?” “Because of Raythor and Anella.” “You do realize that doesn’t make any sense.” “It did at the time.” “Sure, Laura.” “For once, you confused him instead of the other way around.” Rose said lazily. “I can’t wait to get out of Caltha. I hate it here.” “So do I.” Markus agreed distantly. He got up, nodding a good bye, and disappeared down the hallway. “What was that all about?” Rose asked. “The alliance.” Laura explained. “He doesn’t want to get involved in this war, and he knows that Everglade has to.” “He has nothing to worry about, Everglade knocked out Ovidia’s army easily last time. You barely lost a single soldier.” “That was five years ago, and it was against trained soldiers with real weapons, not peasants with sticks. Markus doesn’t want to hurt innocent people.” “And he knows he has to do not only what his father tells him, but what his country demands of him. Mercy doesn’t have much place here, Laura.” “I know that… Sometimes I just wish that Markus didn’t have to.”
****
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 14:29:19 GMT -5
“Hey, you know, I’ve been meaning to ask one of you people this.” Ross said, waving down Rose. She glared at him. “‘You ‘people’?” “I’m an outsider, remember?” “What’s the question?” “Who the hell are you?” Ross said. “I mean, you got wolf things that talk and do magic tricks, princes that glow blue, famous murderers and the ‘vessel’, what ever that is.” “We’re the Royalty of Everglade,” Rose said simply, tantalizingly. “I’m not even sure we know what we are.” “At least Anella’s normal.” “Sure, keep telling yourself that.” “What is that supposed to mean?” “You haven’t seen it?” “Seen what?” “The silver!” “What?” “Man, Raythor was right.” Rose said. Then she frowned. “I did not just say that.” “Well, out with it woman.” Ross persisted. “Come on. Lucky for you, the moon’s out now.” Rose said, rushing off in the other direction. Ross had to jog after her. She ducked into Anella’s room and Ross did too, panting. “What…is…it…Rose?” He managed to get out. “He’s never seen it before.” Rose said. Anella blinked. “Really? But we’ve been outside at night together before.” “I love how she knew exactly what you were talking about.” Ross said, throwing up his hands. “But, apparently, Raythor was right.” “Remember how I didn’t say that?” Rose said irritably. “He was right, Rose.” Anella said demurely. “You and your tainted opinions don’t count.” “What the duce is the silver?” Ross interrupted. “Here,” Anella said, not wanting to cause any trouble. She went to the window and stretched her hand out until the tips of her fingers passed through a pale beam of light. Shimmering silver cloaked her like a veil. Her eyes changed, her hair changed, her very skin change. Ross was entirely speechless for almost a full minute, before saying: “How did I miss that before? You look…you look…” “Indescribable?” Anella said automatically, but she didn’t blush. The moonlight always gave her a certain kind of courage. “Yes…exactly.” “Where’s Raythor?” Rose said, hands on her hips. “Where ever he goes when he’s gone.” Anella said, shrugging. “He hasn’t told you yet?” “He hasn’t told anyone.” “But you had to kiss him more than once. You should get something in return for that.” “I didn’t have to.”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 14:30:08 GMT -5
“Hey Anella,” Raythor said as he came in carelessly, “Hey, other people in the room.” “Jerk.” Rose said. “Why the silver?” “Ross hadn’t seen it yet.” Anella said, glancing at him apprehensively. “Oh,” He said, clearly losing interest in the subject. “You’re very lucky.” Ross said, with an insincere grin. Raythor returned the expression. “Thanks, but you say that as though she’s an animal.” “It’s just an expression, Karian.” “I don’t think that’s how you meant it, Rocelin.” “I’d really like it if the two of you could get along instead of pretending to get along.” Anella said hopefully. “I’ll give it a shot.” Raythor said. She sighed. “You’re aware I can tell when you’re lying, right?” “Painfully.” “How could you possibly tell?” Rose came in, distressed at being left out of the conversation for so long. “The tone of his voice never changes.” “His eyes.” Anella said. “Anella…” Raythor said, slightly embarrassed. “Aw, that’s so cute.” Rose said sarcastically. “Does he call you ‘sweetheart’ all the time too?” “I call her Anella, because that’s her name.” Raythor insisted. Anella closed her eyes and put a hand over her side. “Are you all right?” “Yes… I just need to lie down for awhile.” Anella assured him. “Here,” Raythor said, taking her arm and walking her over to her bed. “We’ll wait outside.” Ross said. Rose gave him a funny look. “What?” “Come on, flower girl. Let’s go.” He pulled her through the door and shut it behind him. Anella laughed. “Thank you.” She said sleepily. “Get some rest. I’ll be back later, all right?” “All right…” Anella said. She pulled his head down and kissed him, and it took a long time for him to force himself to pull away. “You know you’re everything to me, don’t you?” Raythor said softly. “I don’t think you’ve ever told me that exactly. I love you.” “I love you.” He brushed his fingers along her cheek and she took hold of them, falling asleep with his hand held in hers. Raythor gently slipped out of the room, nodding vaguely at Ross and Rose, who were still standing outside. “What did she say?” Rose asked. “I’m not telling you.” Raythor said easily. “I’m not telling you what I said either, so I suppose you’ll just have to deal with it.” “The two of you locked lips in front of us, why not tell me?” “That was a one time thing; I promise it won’t happen again.” “It’s not as though it’s a crime.” Ross said. “You’re sticking up for him?” Rose said with disbelief.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 14:31:32 GMT -5
“I’m fairly impartial.” “That didn’t look like love in there.” “I believe we have a rivalry that you perhaps cannot understand.” “I don’t know what about the ‘same girl’ argument is difficult to comprehend.” “Because it’s never been a problem for you.” “Look, Rose may possibly be the most annoying girl on the face of this earth,” Raythor said, “but I’ve been insulting her much longer than you have and I think you should leave her alone.” “Thank you.” Rose said primly, locking arms with Raythor and lifting her chin in the air. “The pair of you freak me out.” Ross said. Rose grinned and Raythor just looked uncomfortable. “Sorry.” Rose said, freeing his arm. When Ross gave her a questioning look, she added: “He doesn’t like physical contact.” “I’m shocked.” “I’m leaving.” Raythor said. He disappeared, leaving the two of them alone together. They spilt up and went off in different directions.
****
“Hello, Blade.” Dasher said cautiously. The shadow prince was staring up at the stars above him, ignoring the cold night air completely. “Dasher.” He acknowledged. “What are you thinking about?” “My brother, even though it’s pointless.” “It won’t be a concern unless something happens to you.” “Then I suppose I’ll just have to live forever.” Blade said, finally looking at her. “Why are you out here so late?” “Just because of something stupid a friend told me a long time ago.” Dasher replied. They just stared at each other for a moment, before she added: “I found out more about the killer.” “When did you find time to do that?” “When we were searching for Markus.” “That a bit callus of you, don’t you think?” “I was getting two things done at once.” Dasher said, unfazed. “For someone who can read emotions, you don’t know much about them.” Blade said, flicking back an ear. “Yes yes, let us discuss my problems later.” She smoothly brushed him off. “The point is the killer has targeted only peasants.” “Wow, that’s some great work there. I never could have figured that out.” “I’m getting to the important part! I talked to Lila, Markus’s little admirer, and she told me about Elizabeth Marks, the latest victim. She was an orphan, who was left in the care of a girl barely older than herself. Amaria promised to take care of Elizabeth after her parent’s death-” “So we’re looking at an orphan killer?” Blade said skeptically.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 14:33:11 GMT -5
“Not orphans… There was this little boy, whose sister promised to protect him. Then there was a woman, whose husband vowed to protect her. Both of them died by the same hands.” “The killer targets people who have what… guardian angels?” “But only those whose guardians have broken their promise.” “Then why not kill the guardians?” “I don’t know, I’m just telling you what I figured out.” “No one else put this together?” “Lila seems to have. There’s not much she can do about it, though.” “What did Amaria fail to notice?” Blade asked, skepticism returned. “Elizabeth had an abusive boyfriend Amaria didn’t know about. The boy nearly drowned because his sister never taught him to swim, and the woman cut herself and her husband had no idea.” “That doesn’t sound like their fault.” “I don’t suppose the killer cares much.” “I have to admit, you are smart.” Blade said. “You only say that because you still look at me…” Dasher said. She shook her head. “Yeah, I’m pretty smart.” “Let’s go inside.”
****
Laura opened her eyes and found the space next to her empty. Yawning, she got out of bed and stepped into the hall. Markus was sitting outside the door, apparently waiting for her. She put a hand on his shoulder. “You don’t want to send our child here, do you Markus?” She said. “We don’t have a child.” Markus returned. “Yes, but…” She said hesitantly. Should she tell him? It might just have been an illusion; she’d been so out of it… “That won’t always be true, hopefully.” “Are you pregnant?” “I could be. Markus, the strangest thing happened… the energy, from the portal, it concentrated on my stomach and I don’t know if that means anything…” “We could ask Blade.” He said, looking up at her with hope in his eyes. “But no, I don’t want to send our child here.” “Neither do I, but we don’t have a choice.” “I don’t want them to grow up the way I did, at least in regards to having an inescapable destiny looming over head, having to lock up their heart to a certain extent. Some parts of it, though… some of it was wonderful.” He said. She hugged him. “Why do you say things like that when I’m worrying?” “Just because I love you.” “If you love me then maybe you can tell me why, every time I ask you how your cuts are healing, you tell me I’m pretty?” “David said I needed a Kaslon?” Markus suggested hopefully. “She gave you this one, didn’t she?” Laura said, tracing the cut under his lip with her fingertip. “Kenetari…” “It didn’t hurt that much.”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 14:33:32 GMT -5
“It didn’t have to hurt.” “I’m still afraid of her. I thought I wouldn’t be. Honestly, I thought she was dead, even though we never saw the body.” “We’re all afraid of something.” Laura said, in a neutral fashion. Then her tone changed drastically, and she began to physically shake. “I hate to think of her hurting you, I hate it!” “Laura, don’t…don’t worry about it. It’s over and I’m not going to let it happen again.” “It’s over.” Laura repeated, hugging him tighter. She didn’t let him go for a long time.
****
“Good morning,” Ross said, with tentative cordialness. Rose, dark circles again under her eyes, returned his ‘good morning’ with a considerable amount of ice. “Poor night’s sleep?” “Why do you care?” Rose said hostilely. “Purely selfish reasons. I want to get back at Karian.” Ross informed her evenly. “For sticking up for me? Why would I help you with that?” “Because those,” Ross traced the air in a half circle in the general area of her eyes, “were getting better until last night.” “That has nothing to do with Raythor.” Rose said, but her gaze shifted to the floor. “I disagree. I believe we may have some common ground.” “I don’t feel that way about him.” “Ah, but you all hold him in some high regard. It’s obvious that he’s completely unstable.” Ross said. She smiled slightly at that. “Being a stoic for so long is finally tearing him apart.” “A what?” Rose asked. She seemed interested now. If there was anything in the world she enjoyed, it was bothering Raythor. “A stoic. They don’t show any emotion for the sake of appearance. And you, for one, don’t hate him.” “How can you tell me what to feel?” “You said that you needed him.” “I did…” Rose said reluctantly. “And he needed me, and I messed it up. It’s not my fault, I still miss…” “You still miss Gabriel.” Ross said matter-of-factly. “Don’t say his name.” “If you don’t admit it, you’ll never work through it.” “How would you know?” “I lost my brother.” “You did?” Rose said uncertainly. He nodded. “When I was fifteen. I have-had- two brothers, William and Everard. William was the eldest, I’m the youngest…” Ross said, not really seeming to see her anymore. “William was one of those, you know, absolutely perfect. Everyone loved him. He was pretty much my hero, but the three of us were always close. That changed when Carina went to war with Ovidia. William and Everard joined the then king’s army and I
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 14:36:18 GMT -5
convinced my brothers to help me join too. I was an archer in Williams’s unit, we got separated from Everard. For awhile, it was all right. We fought and he protected me and we even managed to see Everard sometimes. But one day… one day, it fell on me to protect William. I did the best that I could, but I failed… He died on the battle field, because of me. After the war ended, I was the one who had to tell my brother, my parents, even William’s fiancée that he was dead and why he was dead. I don’t think any of them have ever really forgiven me for it. Everard especially hasn’t, he blames me entirely. We haven’t spoken in four years.” “You’re nineteen?” Rose said, taking it all in. “Just turned. William died in the wars first year, when Rea was fifteen.” “I’m sorry.” She said, feeling weird for saying it at all. Ross grinned. “No, I’m sorry, that was a lot of me just talking your ear off.” “Men never shut up, remember?” “I seem to remember everything you say to me pretty well.” “I’m going to go find Raythor. Thank you, Ross.” “For what?” “For being one of the only one who sincerely and truly hates Raythor’s guts.”
****
Markus hadn’t seen Laura in a few hours. He was wandering about fairly aimlessly; half searching for her, half still in a daze from everything that had happened to him. “Happy morning, Markus.” Saria said cheerfully. “Have you seen Laura?” He asked. “She’s out practicing her bow.” “Oh,” He said, “Thank you, Saria.” “You’re welcome!” She said excitedly. Markus kept heading down the hall in no set direction. Laura usually went to practice her bow when she was upset and wanted to work through the problem herself. He could tell her not to worry all he wanted, but in the end she was going to anyway. He wasn’t entirely sure that he was fully ok anyway. The strange headache, coupled with the three days he had spent locked up, and all the feelings of uselessness and helplessness that had come with it left him in an odd state of mind. Markus thought of himself as, for the most part, a happy person. To be that unhappy had been a jarring experience. Somehow, Laura knew all that without him saying a word. Maybe it was just because she had known him for so long, but maybe he was showing it somehow… If his father saw him showing fear, showing weakness, there would be hell to pay. The prince sighed heavily. No sense worrying about it now. Laura seemed to have that covered anyway. “Oh, hello.” Roland said, startled to see him. “I do hope that your lady Anella is doing better. I understand that she was under for almost a week.” “She’s doing much better, thank you.” Markus said formally. “Are those your demons? The wolves?” “Those are elementists. They’re entirely independent; in fact the four that are with us now are all royalty.”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 14:36:39 GMT -5
“Elementists? I’m afraid I’m unfamiliar with that term.” “Have you ever heard of ‘desert wolves’?” “Yes, of course. Elementists are desert wolves?” “The very same.” “Then why aren’t they on fire?” “It’s sort of a breed thing.” Markus explained, to Roland’s bewilderment. He laughed. “Don’t worry; it confused me at first too.” “I’ve been meaning to ask- and don’t take this the wrong way, I trust you’ve heard the gossip- is Elaura truly a princess?” “No. I mean, she is now, of course.” Markus said quickly. “Are you familiar with the nobility in Laina?” “Naturally.” “Her father is Vyncent Glasswater.” “That man should have been given a title years ago. A noble move, then, to maneuver the King of Laina into finally giving Glasswater what he deserves.” Roland said with approval. “I’m sure it strengthened the people of Laina’s regard for you as well. I did not know this was a political match.” “It wasn’t.” Markus said. “Vyncent sent her to Imperia when she was very young, to work as a maid. It was to protect her from the Lord Sabbath, who wished her dead. We grew up together, actually. She was always my best friend. That’s why we had to invent all of that political stuff in order for me to marry her.” “Then it really was a love match. That isn’t just a rumor…” Roland mused aloud. “I should have guessed. Elaura seems to care for you very deeply.” “I don’t know what I’d do without her, quite honestly.” Markus said with a wry smile. “Do you have an impending arranged marriage?” “No, it’s not traditional in Caltha, for men or for women.” Roland replied automatically. “I’m at a loss, actually. With the rebellion looming, a foreign bride is virtually my only option. Actually, a lady from Everglade is my only option, to be more precise.” “Do you want any help? I certainly know every lady in Everglade.” “And they write you letters.” A feminine voice said behind him. Laura caressed his shoulder and smiled. “Seriously though, Roland, he does. What are you looking for?” “That’s just it.” The other prince said, with a hint of exasperation. “I’m not sure what it is I want.” “You could return to Everglade with us and meet some ladies.” Laura suggested, but then she remembered. “But I’m sure you’re not in a position to leave the castle right now.” “Actually, my father had been encouraging me to travel. He feels that would prove the stability of Caltha’s royal family.” “Fathers.” Markus said with a grin. “Fathers.” Roland agreed. “I’ll go tell everyone.” Laura said eagerly.
****
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 14:39:36 GMT -5
“Gervase, we’re counting on you.” Amaria said, with a considerable amount of distain. She had given him the job most likely to be fatal, and doubtless he knew it. She couldn’t seem to care. “I’ll do my best. As soon as the royal party is gone I’ll make a move.” Gervase said. Gregory glanced at Amaria apprehensively. Her hatred for this man was so terribly obvious that he had to wonder if she had some devious plan that ensured his demise. Ever since she had gotten pregnant, it had become even more obvious than before. Ever since Elizabeth had died… “How long are we going to give the royal party to get out of Caltha?” Lila interjected, trying to sound casual. “Three days. Less.” Amaria said, shrugging. “I wouldn’t worry about them.”
Chapter Sixteen Markus’s favor
“Markus?” Raythor asked. He had an odd expression on his face and Markus was instantly curious. “Hey,” The prince said blankly. “I need to ask you a favor.” “Sure, anything.” “I need to borrow some money.” Raythor said quickly. “I’ll pay you back as soon as I can, I promise.” “You don’t have to pay me back at all.” Markus said with a smile. He took a coin pouch from his pocket and tossed it to Raythor. The dark hair boy blinked with slight confusion as he caught it. “That’s it? No questions? You’re just going to give it to me?” “Yeah, sure.” “This is a lot of money.” “It is?” Markus said, as though he didn’t believe him. “What is that, about five hundred coins? It’s nothing.” “Royals.” Raythor said with disbelief. “What is it for? There, see, I asked something.” “Uh,” He looked around, “a ring.” “Really? For Anella?” “Yeah, for Anella.” “That’s great,” Markus said enthusiastically. “When are you going to ask her?” “Depends how long it takes to get a ring, I suppose.” “Laura would love this. But I won’t tell her.” “Oh, you can tell Laura, just not-” “Rose, got it. I understand. Hey, good luck.” “Thanks.”
****
Lydrion watched Ava sleep, her head resting against his arm. She was beautiful; she had the most wonderful little face in the world. He didn’t quite understand why Ava’s
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 14:40:32 GMT -5
eyes were a different shade of blue than her mother’s were, but to him that just made her prettier. Their daughter. His daughter. Just seeing her in her mother’s arms for the first time had made a lot of the boy that Kira loved come back to him. With it came the hopeless feeling, the desperation, the undying urge to help children, keep them from becoming what he was. And then there she was his innocent, totally helpless second chance. Ava made him see just how easily his ambition had turned to hatred, his own helplessness to the inability to forgive human weakness, his need to protect to emotional numbness. Kira had been all that was good in him, and Ava was just the same thing. No matter what happened, he would take care of her, he would protect her. Even from her mother.
****
“What do you look so excited about now?” Laura asked as the prince walked up. She kept working on her sewing as she did. “Is Rose here?” He said. “No, she was looking for Raythor.” “She won’t find him.” “Why not?” “Raythor’s out buying Anella an engagement ring.” Markus said. She gasped. “Oh, really? That’s so wonderful!” “We can’t tell… anyone, though.” “Of course not, not before she knows.” Laura said, nodding vigorously. “Oh! This is so exciting!”
****
Someone knocked on the door. Anella yawned, wondering what time it was. “Come in,” She said lazily. “Hi, Anella.” Rose said unsurely as she came in. “Good morning.” “Have you seen Raythor?” “Not since he left with you and Ross last night. I wouldn’t worry, he does that.” “I know.” She sighed. “It must be nice to be in love, even with him. I barely remember it.” “Do you still miss him terribly, all the time?” Anella asked, careful not to use Gabriel’s name. “Most of the time.” Rose said miserably. “It must have been kind of the same for you, with Raythor gone and maybe not coming back. You didn’t know he loved you… I knew Gabriel loved me.” “Sometimes it was almost unbearable.” Anella admitted. “I’d ask myself all the time why I felt that way about someone who had left me, who probably didn’t even care for me. Sometimes I couldn’t sleep…” “I understand completely. You held up so much better than I did.” “I didn’t want my parents to know. And… life goes on, I guess. It’s not like he was… everything to me.”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 14:40:50 GMT -5
“But he was and is. Mine was too.” Rose said. “I never thought we could talk like this,” Anella said, smiling. “Say, could I ask you something? I just wanted to know whether or not I’m crazy.” “Sure.” “Did you ever think that you saw him?” “Absolutely. In crowds and stuff like that, right?” “Exactly! I really thought it was him sometimes.” “We’re such puppy girls.” “No we’re not, the puppy girls get married.” Anella pointed out. Rose laughed. “You have a point there. There’s no way that Raythor’s going to marry you.”
****
“Well go in there.” Laura insisted, giving him a little shove. “Markus, here’s the rest of your money.” Raythor said, avoiding Laura’s eyes. “Great,” Markus said uncaringly. “Did you buy a ring?” “Yes.” “Then aren’t you going to go see Anella?” “No.” “Why?” Laura burst out. “Because she’s going to say no.” Raythor said, shrugging. “She will not. She loves you.” “But why does she love me?” “Because you’re a great guy.” “No I’m not.” “Go in there and ask her,” Markus said. “You’ll never know her answer unless you actually ask the question.” “This was a bad idea.” “No it wasn’t!” Markus and Laura said in unison. “Calm down there, Everglades, I’m going already. But she’s going to say no.” “Raythor!” “Sorry.”
****
“Anella?” Raythor’s voice floated through the door. “You don’t have to warn me.” Anella answered absently, leaning against the window sill. The door opened and he strode in, trying to look nonchalant. “I haven’t seen you all day.” Anella said conversationally. “But I had the nicest chat with Rose. Almost everyone had been by today, actually. It’s kind of strange.” “It’s probably because I have this really dumb question to ask you.” “Why is it dumb?” “Because you’ll never say yes.” “I can’t imagine why I wouldn’t.” “I wouldn’t ask you this at all, but I came so close to losing you and… and I love you.”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 14:41:08 GMT -5
“Is something wrong? Are you hurt?” “No, I’m fine. I should just flat out ask you, shouldn’t I?” “That would abate my fears quite a bit, yes.” “Will you… I mean, would you… Damn.” Raythor struggled. “How did Markus do this?” “I have no idea what you want.” Anella said, smiling slightly. “Will I what? Get a cat? Leave the country?” “Neither of those things.” He said unhelpfully. Anella stared at him and thought about it for a moment. Will you…would you… “You don’t mean… but you couldn’t. You don’t want to hurt me, and you’re so…” “I can’t hurt you.” He said softly. “I had to slash your wrist, and all I felt was fear that I would cut too deeply. There was nothing sinister or dark.” “That’s wonderful.” She said shakily, wanting to hold him so badly, but knowing he had to say… “If you can’t hurt me, then say what ever you need to.” “Well,” Raythor started again. “We’re going back soon and it’s going to be very difficult to see you if I don’t ask you this… and I need to see you.” “I want to be with you too. You’re my guardian angel, remember? I wouldn’t feel safe without you.” “Anella…” Raythor forced. “Anella Nightheart, will you marry me?” “Yes,” Anella answered before she could really even think about it. “Of course I will, Raythor. I never thought you’d ask.” “I never thought I’d ask either.” He agreed. “Come here,” She said, wrapping her arms around him. “You can’t ask me that and expect not to kiss me.” “I love you,” Raythor told her again, completely losing all logical thought. He embraced her, not wanting to ever let her go. He couldn’t hurt her…
****
“Why did it go all quiet in there?” Dasher asked, with her ear pressed against the door. “I don’t know.” Blade said. “I can’t hear anything either.” “We probably shouldn’t have told everyone, Markus.” Laura said worriedly. “We didn’t tell Rose, Tallith, or Kylara.” Markus replied. “So that’s not everyone.” “This is ridiculous. No one was standing outside the door when I proposed to Cally.” David put in gruffly. “I was.” Kaslon said. “You were?” “And your sisters. And Lydrion. Oh, and Kira. And Pallas. And Oraia, I think…” “I’m pretty sure she was.” Caldria said absently. “Why do you know that?” David asked. “Your sisters told me.” “Jenna…” “Shh, everyone, someone’s coming out.” Dasher said.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 14:42:04 GMT -5
“Are you sure, Anella?” Raythor said as he stepped into the hallway. Everyone around the door pressed themselves against the wall. “We haven’t been, you know… ‘Together’ that long.” “I’m positive.” Anella said firmly. “I know this isn’t just a crush, I’ve had them before. I’m in love with you.” “But I’m your first kiss. You might just think…” “I was in love with you two years before you ever held me in your arms.” “I just don’t understand, I guess…” He said, staring at his feet. She held up her right hand, fingers spread apart. Raythor put his hand against hers. “What?” He asked, half grinning. “Raythor…” Anella said softly. “Why do you love me?” “Why do I love you?” He said with disbelief. “Because you’re the only one who’s ever made me blind, who’s ever made me forget who I am, even for a moment… because you’re my best friend, Anella.” “You’re mine too.” Anella said. “You’re the reason I could look Kenetari in the eyes and not be afraid to die. I don’t want to be afraid anymore.” “You need me to not be afraid? You’re the bravest person I ever met.” Raythor said. He pulled her closer and kissed her. He didn’t want to fight this; he didn’t want to lose her. When he finally let go, she smiled at him. “I want to marry you, I really do.” She told him. “I’ll be back, Anella.” “Where are you going?” “Where I always do.” “Someday, are you going to tell me?” “Soon, I promise.” Raythor said. Anella watched him go sadly, only shutting the door when he disappeared from view. “She must have said yes.” Kaslon said, un-sticking himself from the wall. “How could he just leave her again?” Ross asked disgustedly. “What is wrong with him?” “That’s just the way he is.” Laura said with a shrug. “She doesn’t deserve that.” Ross retorted with anger. He started off in the opposite direction of Raythor. “Maybe we shouldn’t have told Ross either.” Markus said, blinking. “Maybe not.” Laura agreed.
****
“Do you really suppose that you care for her as much as you think you do?” Dasher said. She focused her blue eyes on Ross’s face, her rather inhuman beauty only increasing the calculating coldness of the look she was giving him. “I just don’t want to see my cousin get hurt.” Ross said. He didn’t want to deal with her right now, and he didn’t see why he had to. “Do you suppose that’s what Raythor intends to do? Hurt her? Do you suppose he’s insincere?” “I don’t know what the hell I suppose. I’m human, I can’t see the future.” “Neither can I.”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 14:42:32 GMT -5
“Then I don’t want to guess it. We live now, and that’s the way it’s supposed to be. Over thinking it and trying to predict it won’t change the future. What happens happens.” “You do seem to be contradicting yourself.” “I’m not doing anything!” Ross shouted. He closed his eyes and waited for the anger to seep out of him. He didn’t stay angry, not if he could help it. “Karian is not a god, Dasher. He doesn’t have all the answers.” “What makes you despise him so?” Dasher said, tilting her human head in very canine fashion. “Who said I did?” “I don’t think you had to say it.” “How would you like it if the first person you ever even thought you could care about spent…” Ross trailed off. “What?” “Spent all her time talking about someone else. It was fine when he was just an idea, just a memory but now he’s…” He shook his head. “Screw it, it doesn’t matter.”
Chapter Seventeen Rivne
Kenetari stared idly at the floor and Lydrion stared idly at her. “Every time I try to kill one of them, another one comes and saves them.” Kenetari said. “And we just can’t seem to kill all of them at once.” “Then we’ll get one of them on our side.” Lydrion said. “Isn’t that obvious?” “Which one?” “Anyone. Everyone had their price.” “There’s something…” Kenetari said. Her brain seemed to be struggling with the concept. “I mean, they all seem to…” “Bitterness never lies far beneath the surface.” Lydrion pointed out. “There are at least a few of them who don’t abide by the perfect unity, we’re all friends pact. Find them and make them see it our way.” “With pleasure.” She smiled. “With utmost pleasure.”
****
Markus looked down into the shimmering surface of the water. For a moment, nothing moved. Then he walked forward into the ocean, wading in until he was completely submerged. For some reason, he wasn’t afraid of drowning. When he breathed in, only air filled his lungs, when he moved the water didn’t hold him back. Something swam toward him and he just got closer to it. The elementist stopped in front of him, its white eyes shining with amusement. Scales covered its legs, but the rest of its body was coated in light blue fur that matched Markus’s hair exactly. A fish tail waved lazily behind, and the symbol of a drop of water rested on its forehead. “Mercury,” Markus said solemnly.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 14:43:14 GMT -5
“Come with me,” Mercury beckoned. Markus swam after Mercury and they went deeper and deeper, the light fading around them. All around him bodies floated out of the blackness and hung there lifeless, faces down. Markus went up to one of them and looked at its face. It was his father. The others surrounding him were all familiar too: his mother, Ketra, Benedict, Rose, Anella, and Raythor…Laura’s still form was right in front of him. He reached out to touch her and she opened her eyes. “Come with me,” Mercury enticed again. “Leave them behind. Come with me.” “I can’t…” Markus said, but he took his hand away and Laura’s eyes shut once more. “Leave her. Your future lies with me.” Mercury said. They started moving again, but Markus turned back. The bodies disintegrated into dust. He just looked on in horror, unable to move. “Markus…” Mercury called. “Markus…” “Markus,” Laura said, shaking his arm. “Wake up, sweetheart. You’re glowing blue.” “Laura?” Markus said, leaning up on his elbows and blinking at her blearily. “You were using your magic in your sleep.” She explained. “If you had touched me, I probably would have channeled the energy and destroyed something.” “I had this dream that I was underwater and all of you were drowned…” Markus said, and Laura look hold of his hand. “I’m glad you’re all right.” “How could I drown? We’re in a desert country.” “I don’t know. It was a dream. It didn’t make sense.” “Can you go back to sleep? Because I’ll stay up with you.” “I’m fine. Did I wake you up?” “No… I was already awake.” “Why, Laura? Were you worrying about something?” Markus asked, squeezing her hand. “Well… it’s just that we’re leaving tomorrow and your father…” Laura trailed off. “I know that he…” “Hates me?” “He doesn’t like you, maybe not hate…” “No, Markus. He hates me.” “I wish that he didn’t.” Markus said, rolling on his side to look at her. “Part of it is because you loved me, and I spent so much time with you even though I was engaged to Rose. But part of it… part of it is because you’re Vyncent’s daughter.” “Do you think so? Really?” “My mother loved him, and if there’s anyone in this world my father cares about, it’s my mother.” “He cares about you.” “I know, but I’m just saying… it would be kind of like if our kid married Rose’s.” “That wouldn’t bother… all right, yes it would.” Laura shuddered. “I can’t believe that she opened her mouth. And that you did.” “It was an in the moment kind of thing. And she-” “I don’t want to know.” “I’m sorry; I’m not helping at all, am I?” “Not really.”
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