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Post by Markus Everglade on Apr 9, 2010 22:02:24 GMT -5
“Love you.” He said, happy to see her smile. Raythor turned up the corners of his lips, knowing she would not want to see the blankness of his normal expression right now. “My nightmares are all the same… well, the same thing happens but in different ways…” Anella said, her voice suddenly sad. She caressed his cheek. “You die…” “What?” His eyebrows rose. “That’s what has been keeping you up all these nights?” “It’s what I’m most afraid of.” She chewed her lip almost guiltily. Raythor smoothed her hair behind her ear. “Nothing is going to happen to me as long as I have to protect you. I won’t let my sister hurt you.” He said seriously, staring straight in her eyes. “Heaven and hell won’t stop me from breathing until she’s dead.” “Don’t die ever.” Anella pleaded, kissing him gently. “I promise,” He kissed her back. It didn’t matter that it was impossible. He wouldn’t let her be afraid, not anymore. Not because of him. ****
Kira felt the blood start tricking down her face again. She ignored it, more focused on her cold, wet knees then her bleeding or the ropes around her wrist. Being mute had taught her to focus on the least painful problems in her life and try to solve them. A torn dress was easy to sew, hunger was easy to abate, a paper cut was simple to fix. Having no voice had no solution, so it has occupied no part of her brain. Escaping the small, furniture-less stone room didn’t seem possible so she would concentrate on her uncomfortable legs instead. The separation between the rocks in the floor was starting to leave imprints in her skin, even through her pale skirt. The fabric had just begun to tear at the bottom as it got damper and damper. It was only going to get worse, as it was pouring outside and it seemed that every drop of rain was coming in through the tiny window. As miserable as she was, when she heard footsteps coming down the hall she wanted them to pass her by. Kenetari had not taken her declaration well, if her torn up face was any indication. Kira would rather turn to stone herself than face that woman again… “Kira…” Lydrion said softly. Even in the fading light, she could see the burn scarring snaking up his neck. She swallowed. That was her fault. “Say something.” He added hopefully. “What do I have left to say?” Kira replied, curious. “You could tell me what you named our child.” He swallowed too. Kira turned her head. She had been dreading this day since the day her son had been born. Her son represented a new beginning for her, a new life with new rules. Lydrion represented only weakness on her part. Regret. She couldn’t see how the two could ever really have any connection. “Archibald Peter Softpetal,” She laughed bitterly, “after your father. Archie…” “But he was born after we…” “I know.” They fell into silence. Kira watched the ground intently, turning her attention to her own breathing. In…out…in…out…
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Post by Markus Everglade on Apr 9, 2010 22:03:05 GMT -5
“What happened to him?” Lydrion asked, tilting her chin up so that she has to look at him. Kira closed her eyes defiantly. “He lives with me. He’s my son; I refused to allow Jason to make me give him up. I’m just very good at keeping him hidden.” She gritted her teeth. “I had no idea that the one time we…” “I knew I was pregnant when you proposed to me.” “And you broke up with me anyway?” His voice became angry, just as furious as it has been when she had left him. She didn’t flinch. “I would have taken care of you, you know that I-” “I could not marry a murderer. And that’s what you are.” Kira opened her eyes, glaring. Lydrion knelt, hand clutched on his knee, fingers fidgeting furiously. She could still read that familiar face all too well. He was conflicted, angry, confused. She supposed she couldn’t blame him. “My son deserves to meet Ava, at least, if not me. She is his half sister…” He said finally, settling on common ground. “I’m not sure I have much of a choice. Of course, I will end your wife if she touches my son.” “Kenetari would not hurt a child.” Lydrion tried to say with confidence. “She wouldn’t kill someone who isn’t fighting back; it’s the warrior’s code.” “I don’t know how you even pretend that she has any sort of control of herself.” Kira said bitingly. Lydrion’s dark eyes blazed. “I know because I am. I’m the only person in the world who can make her do anything; you can’t imagine that kind of power.” The fight faded from his irises. “And she’s the only one who ever made me feel anything after I lost you. After Caldria stopped speaking to me…” “Do you expect me to feel some sort of pity for you? You brought this on yourself, all of it.” “Then I’m sure that night is your biggest regret.” Lydrion studied her face. Kira stayed silent. “The only night Caldria had to leave me alone at the Purple Rose Inn. I got such a terrible fever and you stayed with me until it broke…” She kept her face blank. “I had to thank you somehow but I never thought that we’d… but we did. Waking up next to you-” “I would do anything to have my son. Even sleep with someone like you.” She said finally, quietly. “I would make the same choice again.” “Our son.” Lydrion said, for the first time looking a little sad. Kira’s expression began to soften. “He looks so much like you. Archie is sickly too… just like you. He had the same fever too… almost died when he was six months old…” “Are you sure you don’t regret what happened between us?” “Yes. I really loved you. You may have let me down, may have taken my voice, but for awhile I was happier than I had ever been.” “Kira…” Lydrion’s voice started shaking. He went in the hall for a moment, and then came back in. Expertly, he knelt and pulled up a trap door from the floor. “What are you doing?” Kira asked disinterestedly.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Apr 9, 2010 22:03:25 GMT -5
“What I should have done for Charity Glasswater six years ago.” He explained quickly. Undoing her bonds, Lydrion stepped back. “Hurry, come on. I’ll tell Ken Jason let you go.” “I don’t want-” “Kenetari isn’t going to hurt Jason, no matter what she says.” “All right.” Kira said warily. She stood, legs wobbling, and staggered to the trap door, landing at the bottom with a thud. “Kira!” Lydrion called down in a loud whisper. Her name echoed off the walls. “Is Archie the reason you’re close to Jason?” “Yes.” She called back tiredly. “Go straight and follow the path. You’ll come out by the stables.”
****
“Good morning, Anella.” Markus said cheerfully. The shy girl smiled at him. She watched in a sort of daze as he sat down across from her at the long banquet table, and started eating his breakfast. “What are you doing up so early?” “I have a little bit of a headache.” Anella said. Actually, she had a fairly serious headache. Usually she tried not to drink more than one or two cups of wine, but she had ended up downing about five or six last night. She had hoped it would take care of the nightmares, at least for one night. All it had done was make it the first night she had woken up screaming. Anella could only be thankful that no one had heard but Raythor. “I’m not surprised.” The young king said sympathetically. “Kind of why I gave up drinking.” “I can’t imagine you drunk.” She told him, poking at her own food. Markus shook his head. “I’m awful when I’m drunk, try not to imagine it.” “How could you be awful?” Anella said, taking a careful bite. She felt… awkward. Like everyone knew she had spent the night with Raythor, even if they hadn’t done anything. At the same time, she liked waking up next to him, opening her eyes to his arms around her. Markus probably felt the same way about Laura but… “You’re too nice.” “I get conceited.” He said, almost like he was confessing something. “I start insulting everyone and- worst of all- singing. And I can’t sing.” Anella shook her head, laughing. “You are a lot more fun, honestly.” “Didn’t I call someone a puppy?” “Me.” Markus nodded. “Also you told Raythor you were married to him.” Anella blushed reflexively. “Have you seen him this morning, by the way? I need to talk to him before you leave.” “He’s still sleeping.” Anella said without thinking. Then she poked her food nervously. “I looked in on him this morning.” Markus nodded, not looking at all suspicious. Anella breathed an inward sigh of relief. She had told Raythor that she didn’t mind if anyone found out, but the nightmare had changed things. She felt vulnerable and, above all, scared. Anella knew she had to do something to make the nightmares stop before she started falling apart. “Markus?” “Yes?” He asked, between chewing and swallowing.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Apr 9, 2010 22:03:43 GMT -5
“Do you ever have nightmares?” She asked, continuing to just push her food around her plate. “Huh?” Markus looked up curiously. Then his eyes widened and he nodded. Before he could answer, Raythor came down the stairs. He smiled when he saw her and Anella’s face mimicked the expression automatically. “Good morning, Anella.” He kissed her, fastening something in her hair before he drew away. Anella blushed vividly, reaching up to see what it was. “Hey, Markus.” “Raythor, I need to speak with you for just a moment.” The prince said, standing up. Raythor nodded and followed him into the hall. Anella watched them leave before she took the object out of her hair. Glistening in her palm was a silver hair pin, shaped like a crescent moon and set with a single emerald in the center. Anella closed her fingers around it, smiling despite herself. She wasn’t going to fall apart as long as Raythor was here.
*****
“Did Anella tell you?” Markus asked, when he stopped walking and looked back at his new employee. “Tell me what?” Raythor said warily. Markus tried not to smile. He knew he shouldn’t find it amusing, but sometimes the differences in their personalities, the way they both grew up, was strikingly obvious. Markus just would have been interested to hear the news. Raythor just instantly assumed it was something terrible. He looked almost like a cornered animal, even if he was trying to look blank. When Markus realized he was starting to be able to see through his friend’s guarded expressions, he stopped thinking about it. “About the war clause?” The prince leaned back against the wall, yawning. He had a few meetings today, some court decisions, nothing he hadn’t at least attended before… nothing to worry about. “War clause? Oh…where Anella goes to war because she has an heir to replace herself…” Raythor looked off to the side. “Yeah, I think I remember that.” “I’m almost certain that Ovidia is going to attack Everglade or our allies in the next month. Probably it won’t last longer than the month the two of you get to get married but…” “Oh.” He nodded. Markus’s brow scrunched sympathetically. “There is one way that you can go for her.” “I don’t want her dead.” Raythor said jokingly. Markus shook his head. He stood straight, taking a few steps down the hallway. “If she gets pregnant, the pact is void.”
*****
Ross held his nose and downed the vile concoction his family had taught him to make for hangovers. He wasn’t sure how effective it actually was, but it certainly woke him right up. It tasted like dead, rotting raccoon mixed with poison. That is, it did when he plugged his nose. Ordinarily it tasted worse. Ross slammed the cup down and shook himself, waving to the kitchen maid before he proceeded to the dining room.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Apr 9, 2010 22:04:03 GMT -5
He thought for a moment that he should give up drinking. After all, what good were women if you didn’t remember what you did with them afterwards? At least he hadn’t slept with Bianca. She did live by the same code, after all. Somehow, that was relaxing. Ross dreaded those girls who wanted to marry him. “Ross,” He felt big, thick hands grab his shoulders. Ross started to panic, suspecting that Bianca’s father had found out. Just as he was about to discover a way to make his escape, he recognized the voice and stopped moving. “Everard.” Ross said flatly. His brother released his shoulders and Ross took a few steps away before turning around with a sigh. The younger boy did his best to look brave, to look intimidating, or even to look like the soldier he used to be. Everard just had to stand there to surpass him in every way. He was muscle-bound, tall, in excellent shape from years as a soldier. His dark blonde hair wisped over his ears, framing sunken cheeks and deep dark green eyes. “Ev, can’t we just leave well enough alone?” Everard moved his head side to side and shoved Ross into a chair lining the wall in the hallway. “That’s just it. It’s not well enough. Whether I like it or not, and god be damned if I don’t hate it, you’re my brother.” “But I’m not the good brother.” Ross smirked. He was all ready feeling defensive, ready to be sarcastic and back away. He’d done the same thing a thousand times, when anyone got too close. “I love William, but so did you.” Everard crossed his arms. “And I accept that you did everything to save him. You were only fifteen; you shouldn’t have even been in the army.” “Come on, Everard. Do you really ever look at me ‘there’s the one that should have died’?” Ross asked. He traced the loop in the chair with his finger uncomfortably. “Even I think that sometimes.” “I used to.” He heard his brother shift, tapping his toes on the ground like he had since they were little. “I wished you would drop dead. I mean, William was in the ground and you…. You were cavorting with women, living on our relatives, acting the same stupid way you always did. It didn’t seem fair.” “No. It’s not.” Ross swallowed hard. “But you’re my brother too, Ross. I didn’t see that all those years ago.” Everard looked him in the eyes. “I was so busy thinking about what I lost that I forgot that it had to hurt you too. I love you, Ross. Even if you’re… you.” “What?” “Take it easy, I kind of have to-” “I love you too.” Ross said, standing up to hug his brother. Everard at first looked deeply concerned before patting his back. “Calm down. We all want you to come home, even mom. Oh, and Bridget says hello. I’m not sure why…” “Yeah, it’s a mystery.” The younger said quickly. Everard rolled his eyes, clearly not wanting to decipher the mystery. “Oh… I’m married, by the way.” “You are? Seriously? To who?” “Sarah.” “The one with the horse teeth?”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Apr 9, 2010 22:04:38 GMT -5
“She does not have horse teeth.” Everard said, giving Ross a playful shove. “Anyway, who is Anella? I’ve been wondering ever since I heard you proposed to her.” “Which of them told you that, Karian?” Ross asked with a sigh. “The Bloodrucian princess named for the flower. Violet? Daisy?” “Rose…” He said noncommittally. “Anyway, I’ll show you Anella. You’ll see why I was willing to risk the marriage thing when you see her.”
****
“That concludes our relations with Carina.” Markus said, standing before the long table in the council room. The assembled members nodded blankly. John, off to the side at his own small table, nodded too, shifting through papers. “Laina, sire?” He prompted. “Laina officially became our ally when I wrote my father that I was pregnant.” Laura said timidly. Markus put his hand over hers on the table without looking down once. No sense in drawing more attention to his wife, she all ready felt so out of place. “Even their king is excited about having a Lainan as queen and a half Lainan king on the throne next generation.” Markus said. “That seemed to supersede the fact that it will be General Glasswater’s grandson.” “He signed an agreement? An official one?” Darien asked, leaning forward with interest. “Yes.” A smile spread across his nephew’s face. “An official treaty.” “Now all we have to worry about is Ovidia.” Elton said, leaning back casually. “Because they are still pretty upset at how badly your father beat them in the Carinian war.” “We have a neutrality agreement. Tenuous, but effective.” Ailith put in. “Only because we forced them into it.” Jane snorted. She drummed her fingers on the table, watching the two new council members sit silently in their seats. Markus was about to respond when Richard added: “Markus has all ready ordered me to bring my army. That’s my brother’s boy, for sure. Ovidia won’t see any weaknesses in the Gladian crown while he’s on the throne.” His voice was filled with pride. Markus finally understood why his uncle had always treated him and his sister so well, been so proud of their achievements even when Audrion had not… it was like watching his own children grow up, watching them take power. The children of his twin might as well be his. “Bloodroot?” John said, glancing briefly at Markus’s smile of thanks to his uncle. “Bloodroot is Ovidia’s economic slave.” Jane said harshly. “They won’t make a move without King Brian’s express permission. He won’t be stupid enough to make a move against us with Richard’s army here and our new alliance with Laina in place.” “And we are currently in procession of their princess.” Markus said grinning. He saw Raythor’s face twitch from across the table. “True.” John said absently, eyes once again glued to his papers. “And, finally, Caltha?” “Gervase is willing to talk.” Ketra said excitedly, sitting up straight. Markus crossed his arms, turning his attention to his sister. He was familiar with her extensive attention to detail, so this was bound to very informative. “Caltha is becoming sort of
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Post by Markus Everglade on Apr 9, 2010 22:04:56 GMT -5
level… I guess even without their revolutionary leader around, they had a lot of plans ready for when they finally got their freedom. But they will talk about putting Roland back into power with a council of peasants controlling… advising him, rather.” “Then I’ll arrange a meeting with him.” Markus said, nodding. “He only wants to speak with Raythor.” “What?” The dark haired boy sat up straighter. “Gervase the wife beater wants me to go to Caltha? Now?” “They’ll kill him.” Anella protested. The rest of the council was starting to look interested. “They don’t really believe he’s innocent, that trial was a joke. They knew they were going to capture him again the second he was released.” “Will he communicate with no one else?” Markus asked, raising his hand for silence. “He said Raythor’s wife so… Anella.” Ketra said, face blank. “The entire country does believe that they are all ready married.” “No.” Raythor said automatically. Anella grabbed his hand under the table. “I’ll go.” She said firmly. “Who spoke to you about this?” Markus interjected. “Amaria and Gregory, the former leaders of the revolution. They brought the Queen and princess of Caltha with them.” Ketra said. “What? When was this?” “Very late last night, sire. I felt that it could wait until morning.” John chimed in. Markus ran his hand through his hair, thinking. He looked at his eldest uncle and finally decided what to do. “Please bring Amaria and Gregory here. And Richard, take Roland to the surviving Nightspeakers.” Everyone on the council but Raythor and Anella stared at Markus. John got up wordlessly and left the room but Richard stood slowly and deliberately. “Right away, sire.” Richard said smoothly. None of his relatives seemed to breathe until the door closed behind him. Elton slapped his knee. “Well done, Markus. It’s about time someone showed him!” “What’s going on?” Raythor asked, eager to change the subject from his home country. “Richard never has to do anything.” Elton explained. “Audrion needed his well trained soldiers so Richard sits there and gets away with murder, leaving meetings whenever he wants and having a slew of female servants surrounding him whenever possible. He acts like a crown prince.” Markus hid his surprise at this answer by turning his eyes down to study his and Laura’s intertwined fingers. His mother hadn’t been lying when she said no one knew Richard’s secret. “Those must be some impressive soldiers.” “Everglade’s elite.” Elena said quietly, focused as always on her lap. Her pale blonde hair curled around her lined, worried face. “Each direct descendant of the Gladian line has their own specialized army. They’re small, and the king’s army is always larger than all of them combined to prevent revolution…” “It’s hard to believe that Audrion just let that happen, if with the risk of losing the elite.”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Apr 9, 2010 22:05:22 GMT -5
“Richard and Audrion were always very close.” Ailith said. “Sometimes even sensible people turn a blind eye to family.” “Not you, Ailith, and you’re the most sensible person I ever met.” Elton said, stretching in his chair. “I have no siblings and I abhor the very thought of how Richard uses women.” She bristled. Elton laughed. “She’s so perfect for you, Darien. Who says arranged marriages don’t work?” “King Markus, Amaria and Gregory Cartwright.” John said, allowing a very pregnant woman with hair that faded from brown to black and a not at all pregnant brunette man into the room. Gregory hesitantly bowed by Amaria just narrowed her eyes. “Excuse me.” She said coldly, patting her stomach. “You’re the leaders of the revolution?” Markus said, raising an eyebrow. “She is.” Gregory jerked his head at Amaria. “I was second in command.” “Amaria, would you repeat the message?” “Gervase Mend will speak only to Caltha’s legend or his wife if an arrangement is to be made.” Amaria recited uninterestedly. “Caltha’s falling apart. Gervase can’t handle it alone and, essentially, he is alone. Without Amaria our group of rebels divided… it’s complicated. Somehow more stable overall but Gervase wants power so he’s willing to talk to you.” “I know.” Markus said quietly. “He made no assurances of Raythor’s safety?” “No-” Gregory stopped, noticing Raythor and backing up towards the door. “He’s really here, the Karian Killer…. Amaria-” “We’re barely better than him.” Amaria snapped. “Saving two people out of a castle of hundreds doesn’t make us saint.” Gregory nodded but put his hand on his hilt, watching Raythor like he was a rapid dog waiting to attack. Anella squeezed Raythor’s hand again, but he didn’t visibly react to any of it. “Listen, he’s willing to meet you at the border. You don’t actually have to go across Caltha’s border, Shadow Dog.” “I’ll do it. Anella and I will just leave tomorrow.” Raythor shrugged. “Hold on.” Markus said. He shifted the heel of his palm on the table, realizing for the first time how hard he had been pressing into the wood. “Raythor, Anella, I need to speak to you. John, I need you to talk to Dash… Juliet Shine as soon as possible.” “Yes, sire.” John said, hurrying off again. Richard came in as John went out. “Prince Roland was very happy to see his family.” Richard said in a restrained way. “I’m happy for him. I need you to make sure your army is ready for anything, all right?” Markus said. Richard stared back at him. “Well?” “Right away, sire.” His uncle managed. The door banged shut again. Elton smiled broadly. “I think you might be my favorite nephew, Markus.” “I’m just doing what I have to.” Markus said mildly. “Meeting dismissed. We’ll resume on the regular schedule.”
****
Dasher regarded the three of them, ears laying flat against her head. All of them were radiating a variety of colors with their varying emotions, but the only one she could
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Post by Markus Everglade on Apr 9, 2010 22:05:40 GMT -5
actually identify was the unchanging in love pink. They were all confused beyond reason. Disturbing. Clearly it wasn’t a failing in her power; it had never been off before. “You all believe that I can make Markus look like Raythor because of something Markus and Anella saw when they were under a painful spell that causes hallucinations?” Dasher said, skeptically. “Where is the logic in that?” “Well… actually… it’s just that we had the same hallucination. The rest of them weren’t even slightly the same but I think this might have actually happened because it was… the same for both of us…” Markus trailed off, realizing he was losing his way. Dasher smirked with amusement. She could see his point, despite the lack of eloquence. “Working from the same sort of idea that if two people have the same dream, because the odds of that happening are so phenomenally low, that dream must have some base in reality?” “Uh… sort of. It was so much more vivid than everything else, like when I was connected with what Anella was seeing.” “And was that real?” “Yes, we discussed it. Everything I saw through her eyes did actually happen. This had the same feeling, I’m positive that Kenetari changed herself into someone else. Someone I didn’t recognize.” “Why did you never mention this before, either of you?” Dasher said, flexing her claws without much interest. She was perfectly willing to try this trifling experiment; there would be little harm to her person no matter what happened and probably little to the subjects themselves. She just wanted to see the logic behind it first. “It was like a dream that didn’t seem like it mattered until this came up.” Markus said, looking back at Anella. She nodded, still mute. “You know… it’s that tiny detail you don’t care about until you need it?” “And usually can’t remember it exactly when you do.” Raythor said, trying to lighten the mood. Dasher’s ears went against her skull again with the blast of nervousness she got from Raythor. As usual, he was not showing it. She found it particularly irritating today. “Well not you, perfect memory.” Dasher teased back. He flashed a half hearted half grin. At least that was progress. “Raythor I was wondering… why did the revolutionary woman call you Shadow Dog?” Anella asked. More nervousness. Dasher sighed. It would be hard to perform any sort of spell in this environment. “There’s something I hoped I never would have to tell you.” Raythor grimaced. “All right… so my parents died by having their throats slit, right? Well you know how dogs supposedly rip throats out? Yeah… I’m the dog.” Anella’s hands went up to her throat for a moment but she managed a smile. “I can imagine Kenetari doing that.” “Stand straight, boys.” Dasher interrupted. Markus and Raythor obeyed pretty instantly. “Do I want Raythor to look like Markus?” “No, for some reason we just want two of me.” Raythor joked again. Dasher rolled her eyes. “Hold perfectly still and, for the love of Ilion, don’t scream.” She closed her eyes momentarily before looking Raythor up and down, studying his features as best she could. Raythor looked very distantly Calthan, with his angular chin and his thin face. His
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Post by Markus Everglade on Apr 10, 2010 2:12:09 GMT -5
short, black hair was so unruly it almost seemed to spike, slightly obscuring the very sides of his eyes. His skin, however, was that ghostly Lainan white. She wasn’t sure how he had managed to keep it that color after living in the desert most of his life, but she didn’t need to question it. She turned her gaze to Markus. All ready she could tell that, even if she could pull this spell off, it was going to be difficult to get right. Markus had soft, rounded, almost feminine features. He was much more muscular, his skin wasn’t as pale, he was taller, his hair was longer and straighter, not to mention lighter. Then there was the problem of getting those gray eyes to become that shocking Karian blue. Dasher sighed heavily. At least they were both male. “Tell me if I need to change something,” Dasher instructed Anella. “If anything does not look right tell me immediately.” Anella nodded, fiddling with the cross around her neck. The elementist princess lit the star symbol on her forehead before jumping up on the table to see them better. She tried starting with Markus’s hair, darkening the blue to black… “Dasher, your ears are black…” Anella said quietly. Dasher swore in her head. She was stupid to have thought that the same principles applied to shape shifting herself, as that was an internal magic. She would have to use an external spell, like her healing, to base it from. “Lie down.” “What?” Markus said with concern. “On the floor?” “No, on the ceiling. Yes on the floor. Dirt will not kill you, go.” She barked. Markus nodded, awkwardly lying down. Raythor just obeyed without any sort of question. Anella covered her mouth, trying not to laugh. Dasher’s ears flicked. She had to admit that the two of them lying side by side did look humorous, but it was also necessary. No need to get distracted. She went and sat on Markus’s chest, much to his further discomfort, and tried the spell again. This time the prince’s hair turned dark blue before it went back to its normal color. She growled with frustration. “I’ve got the spell now but I just don’t have the strength to pull it off.” “How about using my wife?” Markus suggested. Then he grimaced. “That sounded bad but…” “A sound suggestion. Anella, would you mind bringing Laura here? I trust she doesn’t need to be brought up to date.” “Mm hm.” Anella said, still trying not to laugh. “She’s in my… our room with Lynn.” Markus provided helpfully. Anella nodded and Markus looked at Dasher expectantly. She didn’t move. “Oh, would you like to sit up until she returns? I suppose I can allow that.” Dasher stepped off his chest primly and sat back down between the two boys. Markus immediately switched to a sitting position, smiling, but Raythor just crossed his arms. “Thanks for doing this.” The dark haired boy said. Dasher shrugged. “It’s a very interesting experiment. I find it rather worthwhile to take part.” “Could I get stuck as Raythor?” Markus asked, taking his crown off and setting it next to him. “If I were you and that happened, I’d just commit ritualistic suicide and be done with it.” Raythor commented lazily. Dasher shook her head.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Apr 10, 2010 2:12:37 GMT -5
“I don’t think my magic will be strong enough for that to happen, even increased ten fold by the vessel.” “Yeah…” Markus said, falling silent. “Is Laura like a leech?” Raythor asked. Markus just stared at him but Dasher considered that. “In a way… she uses little of her own energy. Most if not all of it comes from draining those around her or from channeling energy. She’s… a little like that human monster, the one with the fangs?” Dasher tried. “I married a vampire?” Markus said, clearly disturbed. “Markus, Laura is not a vampire. There are no vampires.” Raythor said, turning his head slightly to look at him. “That’s crazy.” “Some people think there is no you but clearly there is a you.” “But I’m not really me Kenetari is me and…” He trailed off, realizing that made absolutely no sense. “Look, Laura doesn’t even suck blood. She has no fangs, she’s got a reflection, and she doesn’t turn to ash in the sunlight. Not a vampire.” “Yes, but in the myth about the Karian Killer you charmed demon rats to eat out your parent’s throats.” “Oh, you’re right, my argument is completely insane. I mean, if I can’t charm demon rats to kill people, clearly there is no way vampire Laura should be able to suck blood.” “We don’t know that she can’t. I’ve just… never seen her.” “Markus, you met when you were what, six? And now you share the same bed. To never notice, you’d have to be a colossal idi…” Raythor thought about that. “Hey, you’re right. Maybe Laura is a sun-proof energy vampire.” “See, told you.” Markus said cheerfully. Dasher didn’t know whether to laugh or to burst spontaneously into tears. That had been possibly the saddest and most pathetic argument she had ever heard. She had to be more careful before speaking next time, who knows what terrible conversation would erupt from it? “Hey… did you just call me an idiot?” “No, a colossal idiot. But one who might be right.” The dark haired boy said, closing his eyes. “Oh, ok. Thank you.” Markus said, lying back down with his hands behind his head. Dasher started counting down from five. “Hey!” Only to two. Good job, Markus. Raythor laughed. “I’m just kidding.” “I know.” Markus smiled. Dasher saw Laura and Anella come into the room and she moved to sit on Markus again. Raythor laughed again and, after a second, so did Markus. Dasher felt that she was never going to understand humans. “What do you need me to do?” Laura asked, smiling herself. “I just need a standard power boost.” Dasher said. Laura knelt by her husband and put a hand on Dasher’s back. “Aren’t there diplomatic things you are supposed to be doing, Markus?” She asked conversationally. “This is a diplomatic thing. All kings have elementists sit on their chests and try to make them look like wanted killers.” Markus said. Dasher tuned out their conversation,
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Post by Markus Everglade on Apr 10, 2010 2:14:16 GMT -5
starting on the prince’s eyes this time. They flashed bright blue almost instantly and Laura and Anella gasped. “What?” Raythor asked, leaning up on his elbow to look at Markus. “Shit.” “I take it this is working?” Markus asked, not looking at all bothered. “I’d say so.” Dasher said proudly. She tried his hair next and it turned black just as quickly. After that, it was just like what she imagined drawing must be like. She actually began to enjoy manipulating his features, starting to push them back to reveal Raythor’s. Raythor, she decided, was rather handsome. It wasn’t as blatant as it was on Markus, but it was there. Clearly her enjoyment of his kiss in Caltha has been nothing more than her human body’s sexual attraction. She had to admit that came as a great relief. “There, finished I believe. Anella?” “Perfect.” Anella said faintly. “Really, I’m done?” Markus asked, sitting up excitedly. Dasher slid into his lap. She blew air out her nose before promptly getting off. She made brief eye contact with the dark haired boy as soon as the spell finished, just an instant before Laura removed her hand from Dasher’s back. His eyes flashed a lighter blue and she could feel her own throb suddenly, for no particular reason. Before she could analyze this feeling, it stopped. “That is so creepy.” Raythor said, grimacing. He didn’t seem to have noticed. “Yes, it’s terrible.” Anella tried to agree, looking from one to the other. She blushed. “Mm…” “Would you like to add something, Anella?” Her boyfriend asked, leaning up on his elbows with a slight grin. “W-what? N-no, not really.” She blushed more. Dasher looked up at Markus…Raythor. “Is this satisfactory?” “Yeah, thank you.” Markus-Raythor smiled. He studied his new hands. “Wow, Raythor, I didn’t know you had a scar on your palm.” “I don’t advertise it usually.” Raythor shrugged, getting to his feet. “Do you need me anymore or…?” “No, I can easily repeat this spell for Markus’s meeting with Gervase tomorrow.” Dasher said, easily taking over. She caught Markus mischievously grinning out of the corner of her eye and tried to ignore it. “I’ll see the both of you next week, hm?” “Hm.” The dark haired boy agreed. “Good bye, Raythor.” Laura said, hugging him tightly. When she moved onto Anella Raythor made eye contact with his counterpart. He stuck out his hand. “Good bye, Markus.” “Bye, Raythor.” Markus said brightly, shaking his hand and then hugging his friend. Raythor just awkwardly stood there afterwards and Dasher, to her own surprise, laughed. She watched with continued amusement as Markus hugged Anella, who blushed again, and then kissed Laura. The other three stared with their mouths open. Dasher just kept laughing. “Self fulfilling prophecy, Markus.” She teased. The prince nodded. “Exactly why I did it. Could you change me back now?”
****
Laura tried to focus on what John was saying about Carina. Queen Rea and her
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Post by Markus Everglade on Apr 10, 2010 2:14:37 GMT -5
Laura tried to focus on what John was saying about Carina. Queen Rea and her maid, Dione, had all ready gone home. Everyone else was getting restless. John was explaining this, while trying to discern who exactly Kenetari was and why all the secrecy was necessary. “Oh, she’s only been here briefly.” The queen said dismissively. John raised an eyebrow but didn’t press the matter. Her eyes darted to the hallway, waiting for Markus to appear in it. “Your husband is going to be making court decisions for several hours.” John pointed out. Laura’s brow furrowed with frustration. “Then what are Elton and Rhea for?” “They handle a majority of the cases but Markus has to decide everything punishable by death.” John explained casually. Laura went pale. She had never heard that before. She had no idea that Audrion had done that before his death or that her husband would have to until his own, that her eventual son… “He does? He’s going to hate that; Markus can’t kill people in cold blood…” “Sometimes the things they have done warrant it. Even if they are the subjects you have sworn to protect.” “I know my husband; he won’t be able to sentence anyone to death.” “He’s known he has to do this from the beginning.” John said, putting a calmly hand on her shoulder. She hadn’t realized that she’d been shaking. Laura couldn’t make herself believe it. Markus was so… so… “He’s also curbing Richard’s… desires, if that helps you stomach it. As I understand, he promised you that he would as soon as he took the throne.” Laura put her hand over John’s who smiled weakly. It was time she accepted the realties of what it meant to wear this crown, the good and the bad of it. It wasn’t just a silly teenage dream to make a difference. This was real. “That was such a long time ago. I can’t believe that he would remember it…” “My lady, it doesn’t surprise me at all. Markus has always been true to his word. He has been since the day he could speak.” “That’s very sweet, John.” “Elaura?” A broad man with kind green eyes and messy brunette hair smiled at her, holding out his arms. “Father!” Laura said happily, folding into his arms. “I thought you were far too busy to come visit me! I’m so glad you’re here…” “I managed to convince the king to allow me to leave earlier than expected. I’m sorry I missed your coronation, Elaura. I would have liked to see that.” “Maybe I can convince my king to reenact it for you.” She said, laughing as she drew back. She turned her head, looking at John. Laura wasn’t sure if the two men who represented her father had ever before been in the same room before. Vyncent had been the one responsible for her existence, but John had been the one to truly raise her. And Audrion… “John, may I formally introduce you to General Glasswater- my birth father?” “It’s a pleasure to officially meet you, my lord.” John said, bowing slightly. Vyncent nodded, not taking too much stock in the meeting. Laura didn’t know quite how to feel so she fell back on the formality Audrion had tried so hard to pound into her. “John, there is nothing more you need to show me now is there? I think I should speak with my father for awhile.” She said blankly.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Apr 10, 2010 2:14:54 GMT -5
“Not at the moment, Queen Elaura. I do have some papers to look through.” John started to bow again but Laura stopped him with a hand on his shoulder. “You don’t need to bow to me, John. Never again.”
Chapter Ten The Hunter
Kira rubbed her cramped arms, head spinning with exhaustion. She’d been riding since Lydrion set her free, straight for Everglade without stopping. She knew that she still had another day to go, more if she couldn’t keep up this pace, but every second left her cousin and his wife in danger. It left poor little Tess in danger… Kira breathed out heavily, sliding off the horses back. They had to rest. She didn’t have a choice. “Hey! You there!” A man called, hands cupped around his mouth. “Something wrong?” Kira called back tiredly. He had better not be a thief. She didn’t have the strength to fight right now, she’d have to just shot between the eyes with an arrow and that had its own set of problems. “Can you tell us where to find Whitestar Castle? We’re Ovidian soldiers; it’s our first stop on our way to visit the king.” “Oh.” Kira felt her heart race. Ovidians, thank God. She could intimidate Kenetari out of the castle with this army behind her. They would help; they were Laina’s greatest allies. “I just came from there, allow me to guide you. I’m Lady Softpetal.” “You look exhausted, my lady. Please ride with us.”
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Laura listened as her father gave her updates on the state of Laina, commenting herself only when what little she knew about politics actually applied. Even after almost three years, it was strange to have her father in her life. After being raised by a combination of John, the older maids and Markus’s parents he didn’t feel much like how she thought a father should. Of course, the feelings of abandonment she had struggled with most of her life had been toned down after she discovered the reason for it. Vyncent was a wonderful, kind and warm man. But he had left his daughter alone, without knowing anything about her past, for over a decade. If she hadn’t stumbled upon him in Laina during the quest it might have been the rest of her life. “Father?” She said, forgetting that she should have been listening. After all, Everglade was going to have to know all this about Laina and she was now, in a sense, Everglade. Well, Markus was really, but… “Did you ever miss me? All those years when you didn’t see me, didn’t really know where I was or how I was living, did you think of me?” Vyncent’s mouth flattened to a line across his wide face. “There wasn’t a day I didn’t think of you. I know I’m a general, Laura, but the fear of losing you controlled me so completely.” Vyncent shook his head. “I can’t imagine what you must think of me. I know that since we met again, you’ve tried to see me as your father. I understand if that will never be possible but… I hope that you at least want me in your life.” “Of course I do.” Laura took his hand. “I always love when you visit, father. I just… wondered…”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Apr 10, 2010 2:15:35 GMT -5
“You’re going to be a mother soon.” He said, understanding. Laura nodded. It has really hit her in the hallway, when Ivy had found out that she was having twins. It was a feeling she couldn’t exactly describe but she knew that she liked it. Laura wasn’t afraid, even if she should be, of the prospect of two new lives under her care. She just wanted to see them, to hold them… Vyncent patted her hand. “Elaura, I’m sure you will not be the kind of parent I was. You don’t have to worry about that.” “Oh father, I wasn’t trying to say-” She began. Vyncent started staring at her hair, mouth hanging open. Laura blinked. “What’s wrong?” He shook his head and tried to brush something out of her hair. His brows furrowed in frustration and he tugged at her right bang. “Ow!” “That’s part of your hair.” Vyncent said, with clear concern. “Yes.” Laura said, looking at him like he was crazy. “It tends to grow like that.” “It’s blue. Just in that one spot, but it’s blue.” “What?” She smiled. Was he playing a trick on her? She got up and went over to the mirror in the corner of the room. Her eyes widened. The hair touching her cheek on the right side of her face was the exact same shade of blue as her husband’s hair. For a moment, her mind raced over how that could be. Then it settled on his pale face as she was draining his energy and she understood. Her heart dropped to her feet but she managed to keep herself from physically reacting. “I… guess it is. My powers are stranger than I thought.” “Is Markus some sort of demon?” Her father asked with confusion. Laura shook her head, running her fingers through the blue strands. “No.” She bared her teeth on a silly whim, laughing at herself to keep from crying. A feeling hit her just like it had in the hallway about her babies. She knew she was losing control of her powers, steadily but surely, and it was only a matter of time before they ruled her completely. “I’m the demon.” ****
Blade gopher (place finder scene...)
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Raythor signed his name in the inn keeper’s ledger, looking up with a very fake smile. “All right, Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter. Have a good night.” The innkeeper said brightly. “Say… you both look familiar. Have you been here before?” “To the Purple Rose? Once.” He said truthfully. Personally, the fact that this was the only inn for miles and they pretty much had to stay here if they didn’t want to sleep outside was a twist of fate that Raythor really wished hadn’t happened. He didn’t have any particularly good memories of this place. Of course, he could be cynical and point out to himself that his brain wasn’t exactly full to the brim of good memories and this place really shouldn’t be any different. Was realizing that an improvement or just being realistic? He decided it was better not to think about it. “It was so great we decided to come back here when we got married, right honey?” “Yes darling.” Anella said, almost having to physically restrain herself from laughing. Raythor’s smile got a little more genuine. “We met here, you see.”
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