Hanging By A Thread (Romance/Fantasy) ~ One Slot Open

The way forward is often the way back.

Past?	45.5%	[ 10 ]
Future?	36.4%	[ 8 ]
Pollwhore ;P	18.2%	[ 4 ]
Total Votes:			[ 22 ]

[[Rokugatsu]]

XXXXX♚█████████ There is always c a l m before the s t o r m. | | |

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx●Love shall be our token ●Love be yours and love be mine.

"Nero... You're still just a pup..." Regaining composure Rowan smirked... she wasn't just a controller of lightning, she didn't just train for perks... she hated to be underestimated by anyone. In what would have taken effort for a normal person and probably a few seconds, Rowan seemed to flash to the entrance directly behind Nero before he could set foot in the hallway. "It seems she has done a horrible job in that department dear, and who knows maybe you could take a few lessons from me."

Her voice lowered, she looked up at him while brushing back a few loose strands "It looks like you need them anyways."

...beauty would eclipse the sun as daylight does a lamp... xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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For in my way it lies. Stars, hide your fires; Let not the light see my black and deep desires: The eye wink at the hand; yet let that be which the eye fears, when it is done, to see.♚ xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[FireflyofEarth]

✖___$ ₪ Ω ɰ || ° ¶ ʁ ! // ¢ ë $ $ ]] «


- - - - - - - -

_______εmotιon;; Cautious and Hopeful
__________theme musιc ;; Four Day Weekend ~ Bluetones
_____________mџ tħougħts ;; "Have I made it?"
________________αctιons ;; Riding West.
___________________Aя3a ;; Zaibach Township ~ Western Farmland

- - - - - - - -

____________________________

Sticking to the edges of town, Astraea soon found herself before a homely little chapel. While she had only shot it a sideways glance, she couldn't stop her body from hesitating. It had been six months since she had been in a proper church, and although the castle had plenty of priests on hand within, the princess refused to confess to someone from Zaibach. There was much she wished to ask forgiveness for, both for herself and for others. Her conduct during her stay at the castle had been anything but considerate, and in the beginning she had even given the hired help a hard time. Her heart had been as cold as an iceburg... but what did you expect? She was a young woman who had only just come of age, and yet she had been whisked off in her sleep by a group of strangers, brought to an opposing kingdom and forbidden to step foot outside the castle walls until she agreed to marry someone she hardly knew. It had taken a long time for Astraea to calm herself, as she had been deeply protective of her elder sisters, fighting over the littlest things if she thought that it made either of them uncomfortable. However, the look in her violet orbs had since warmed. She now did her best to help out where she could, performing odd jobs during the day as she tried to make it up to the lower classman that had showed her nothing but kindness since her arrival. Sure, she had yet to warm up to him yet, let alone his half-brothers, and this was unlikely to change. Not unless they grew enough of a heart to give both her sisters and herself the freedom that they so desperately craved. This was unlikely, though... and yet Astraea included the Zaitsev siblings in her silent prayer, hoping that they would one day see the wrong they were doing and strive to make up for it.

Tearing her eyes away from the chapel, the silver-haired girl continued on through the quiet street, and she could just barely make out the tired murmerings of the townsfolk within the houses as they got ready for the day. Keeping her head low, Astraea ducked into the first stable she saw. Looking around, her desperate gaze fell upon a young black stallion who was gazing intently at her, ears turning this way and that as it picked up the various early morning noises. Smiling softly, the girl held out a kind yet filthy hand to the beast, her voice cooing softly as she drew closer to it. Although the horse was nervous, it did not pull away, and simply neighed lightly under her cool touch. "Ssshhh. Yes. That's a good boy," said Astraea softly as she petted the magnificent creature on its long snout. "I know that theft is a sin, but will you listen to my plea? It is urgent that I get as far away from here as possible, to a land that I recognize. To find help, and in turn come back for my dear sisters. You have my word that I will treat you kindly, and even bring you back to your master if you wish. So, will you help me, oh great stallion?"

The air in the stable was still and silent for a great many moments... but the black horse eventually bowed low, offering
itself to the soot covered girl. Letting out a sigh of relief, Astraea mounted the bare back with ease, wrapping her hands
securely in the creatures long mane. "Thank you," she said tenderly, leaning into the great beast as she guided it
forward. Soon after, both horse and rider were racing through the farmland to the west, the town slowly becoming smaller
behind them. The girl was still cautious about taking the main road, so she had instead chosen to take her leave from the
west. While she did not know where was going in such a strange land, as soon as she was comfortable that she had gotten
far enough away she would stop and ask for directions. It was doubtful that anyone would recognize her in such poor
condition, what with her beggar clothes and the cuts on her hands and legs that had only just stopped bleeding, so she
should be safe.

... ... Was this possible? ... ... Had she actually made it? Was she free? Disbelief gripped her heart, and although Astraea
was as careful as ever, keeping all of her senses open and looking for any signs of company... ... well, she couldn't stop
the large grin that slowly spread itself across her muddied features.

xxxxx
____________________________

A - - S - - T - - R - - A - - E - - A

[Raithsburne]

==== ☠ ====
тнє єη∂ ιѕ ηιgн
==== ☠ ====

------------------------ι ¢αη вє уσυя мєℓσ∂у...

Vassili Zaitsev

-----------------------------------------------...σя ι ¢αη мαкє уσυ α ѕумρнσηу

Vassili watched from the chapel as she passed. He stayed in the shadows. He had entered the town just five minutes after the sun broke the horizon. The four mercenaries were riding a circle east of the town and as he watched he knew where they would intercept her. He heard her plea to the stallion. If she had actually examined it she would have noticed it a little to well groomed and taken care of. Its mane was actually just unbraided. It was his steed. He left the three knights following him and they moved quickly following the girl.

Six months and she still wished to be free. Six months and the only thing he had denied here was freedom. Was it so important. It was odd that he chose her, the youngest, yes but the complete opposite from his studies. She wasn't cold as she tried to appear. She just had to warm up to you. He on the other hand had black ice in is heart at all times. Except for her face, it seemed to melt it. Like the flame that his title inspired to be was there, just hiding. He fingered the small charm he had made, with the aide of his blacksmith. He had used his own power to forge the small snowflake from the strange metal. His smith said it came from the heavens above. He held it between his two hands.

They had made good time seeing as they were on foot and her on the strongest war steed. From the southwest he could hear the thunder of multiple horses riding hard. The mercenaries would cry a word when they got with in earshot of his steed. A command he had taught the beast if it were ever stolen and he caught up with the thief. He crested a hill two and half miles out of the town, a mile from the path she had used. The vast farm tracts his serfs worked to feed the town and the keep spread out before him and there she was on his steed, riding hard. He looked south and there they were. He heard the command as they came with in thirty yards of the rider and horse.

The massive war beast reared back shaking hard. Vassili watched to see how long it took for his stallion to unseat her. He was sure she had equestrian training and wanted to see the extent of that. Still he needed to move. he replaced the charm in a leather pouch and he and his knights began to close the gap, jogging and then running full sprint. In full armor and at over a mile it would take them seven minutes to close the gap. Seven minutes of terror from lusty, beastly, merciless men. Well she had brought this upon herself. Vassili pulled the strings of the robe untied and it flew off and sailed into the glorious morning sky. He would draw his sword closer. He heard the flutter of three more robes and then the hard pounding of feet and clanking of chain and plates. The mercenaries were upon the bucking steed.

❶ＤＥＡＴＨ❷ＥＮＤＳ❸ＡＬＬ❹ＳＵＦＦＥＲＩＮＧ❺

[Tenken Shirou]

●●● Beg me in yourxBloodiestxlast moment..

Shirou Zaitsev

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xxxxxxxShirou cleared his throat loudly once he had hit the first group of commoners to make them aware of his presence, his head cocking up from its usual position against the floor. Golden eyes flickered back and forth over every body around him, a smile slowly curling his lips as it always did, a hand slowly raising to scratch at the back of his head, nervously chuckling for all to see before his facade was returned in the form of a couple smiles in return. "I apologize if I woke some of you.." Shirou trailed off as he began to weave between his people, nodding off the comments in return letting him know it was fine and that he was so polite. This crude persona always made him cringe, but favor with the people was something he needed to retain for the sake of power, as the military staff was not the only type of person within the kingdom, after all. He purposely made his steps short and calculated, skidding loudly through the dirt until he had passed the crowds that lead to the front gates of his castle. It was heavily guarded and patrolled at all times by men he knew personally, stoutly and clad in shined armors that told a blank story of boredom at one's post. A shame.

As Shirou reached the gate, attention was quickly established, salutes, nods, smiles, the works. His attention was more toward the gate at that particular moment though, glancing over the weathered wood that made up the bracing bar, the rusted metal that held each section from splintering off and giving in to the call of the dirt below, and finally the stone pillars that shined against the morning sun and housed his lazy soldiers. As the door creaked open, he couldnt help but compare this door to his own kingdom, souring his smile slightly at the very thought as he muttered under his breath after tossing the soldiers a quick salute. "Crude, worn out, weak... I'll have to change that.." He resolved himself. If there was anything he despised more, it was the thought of ever getting weaker for any reason..

..Yet, there was her. The princess he had captured so long ago that mirrored his clenched fists for all the wrong reasons. He had attempted to make her stay even more grand than anything her kingdom could offer, yet even after six months of his pressure, kindness, gifts, mercy toward her sisters, she showed only a flicker of acceptance of his very presence. He wasnt one to give up so quickly, however. With a couple long strides he found himself at one of the many doors of the castle, his fingertips sliding down the face of it with a deep breath before he gripped the large handle, prying it open with little effort for such a towering structure, his eyes widening for a moment in surprise as a figure lit the newly opened entrance, heading slowly toward him. He couldnt help but stiffen up and pucker his pale cherry lips to speak in his usual cool tone, clear and collected. "Oh, you're up I see.."

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..they Allxdo.●●●

[Rayelynn]

This S.E.L.F.I.S.H.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx BLOOD

XXXXxxxxxxxxxxxxXXXXXRuns threw my veins

I gave up xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
E V E R Y T H I N G for Fame

xxxxxxxxxxx






indentHer speed was indeed impressive, if not just a little faster than is own. His crimson eyes locked onto hers once more as his expression narrowed into a more serious tone. "Do not test me Rowan....I'm not in the mood." His voice was low as he pulled back from her gentle touches of his hair, he would never let her know how it calmed him at times. Though at the moment it seemed to simply fuel the fire in his emotions. He ran his free hand threw his raven locks and pushed them back into place, covering his eyes from view as they always gave away his emotion.

indentFaster than the normal eye could track, Nero gripped her wrist and with a quick twist and a step he was now behind her in a flash. Her arm pinned to her back between the two of them as he leaned down to talk into her ear. "Don't pretend you know me, or whats good for me." He growled, silently enjoying their banters, no one sent his blood boiling for action as she did. He kept her arm pinned, though loosely as to not hurt her too much, for a few moments the scent of lavender filling his senses once more. "There is little you can teach me, that I don't already know."

I am the L I F E that you A D O R E xxxxxxxxx

I feed the rich and F**k the P O O R

[Chisai Yume]

ＲＡＶＥＮ - Ice Prince - ＹＵＩＮxxxxxxxxx

██████████████████████████████████████████████████ █ █ ██xxxxxxxx
Je vis deux fois Une vie sans toi Et celle où je te serre Je vis deux fois...xxxxx
I live twice.

Raven fiddled with the reins of his steed. He had taken on of his best mares since he wasn't too sure how far they would be riding. She had a black coat and remained undecorated since they would need secrecy on their side. Astraea, hold on... don't give up on me. It had already been six months and yet, he could still remember her laugh. Even though the feel of her skin and the image of her face had blurred, the voice remained in his head, pushing him harder and harder. Raven kicked at his mare's side as he entered the small town close to the castle where his Firefly was being held. The Kingdom of Zaibach, may you forever burn. This I will never forget. He clenched the reigns tighter.

He slowed the mare as he neared a local tavern. Raven brought the mare around to the stables and paid the stable boy to feed and tend to his horse. He chewed at the bottom of his lip, forgive me Astraea. It will only be a bit longer my darling. Raven kept his plain brown cloak close to him but pushed back the hood so that he did not seem to suspicious. He was already noticeable enough with a fine horse and noble appearance.

Raven sat at a table and glanced around at the faces in the Tavern. How can these citizens just let their princes let them do as they please? It is so different from where I come from...yet there is peace. Raven heaved a heavy sigh and slumped over the table. It's too early to be relaxing... I need information. Number of guards, if anyone had seen them and perhaps mercenaries to aide the cause... then again.... perhaps not. Alone I would be faster and less noticable. Raven sighed again. And I suppose I can't ask about the Prince's weaknesses either... He chuckled under his breath. No, that would be too easy...


██ █ █ ████████████████████████████████████████████████████
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxJe vis deux fois une vie pour toi Si jamais je me perd promis, dis moi J'ai une vie pour te plaire une vie pour toi.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx I have a life to please you a life for you.

[LuvN-the-ClAsSiCs]

━━━┳━┻━❂ Tatiana Asturia ❂━┻━┳━━━

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

❁Forget not ❁ XXXXXXX
>> that the earth delights to feel your bare feet
❁and ❁XXXXXXXXXX
>> the winds long to play with your hair.

XX❂XXThe oversized bed was draped with expensive silks and cloths of deep violet dyed inside each strand. The dark purple was much in contrast to the young princess who lay atop of the sheets; her eyes closed in a peaceful sleep. Her chest rising slightly as each breath was taken in. An anxious expression lay across the young maiden’s features even as she stayed in a deep sleep. The side of her cheek resting on one petite hand. The quiet snore coming after every lungful of air; a noise barely above a whisper, Tatiana stuck inside a dream that usually haunted her slumber. She never found mornings anything to get up for, nor anything too eventful. The late nights piled up after a few weeks, forcing her body to stay trapped in sleep. Tatiana would have lay there for ages, if not for the sound of something hitting the floor.

XX❂XXThe princess shut up in bed in one quick movement. Her sandy auburn hair bouncing around the girl’s covered shoulders. It took a moment for her eyes to adjust to the rather dark room. As she took note of how early it must be. The expression that dulled her eyes and left her skin pale white could only be dread. Each time she awakened, her eyes searched for the bright room that held a tall window looking out upon the gardens back in her lovely home. Though her russet orbs finding only disappointment in the shabby darkness of her new prison. A soft sigh came out in one great gasp of air, as Tatie rubbed away the sleep from her eyes in a rushed motion, hoping to clear her vision. A small part of her knew that this kingdom might not be a dreadful as from her point of view, but every object looked scary foreboding in the gloomy layer of darkness that seem to fall over this strange land. How her heart yearned for the bright fields and trees that made up the background to the dream life she used to live. In that moment, a handsome face that only reminded her more of the land she missed appeared in the back of her mind. A sick feeling pushed its way in the back of her throat, as she stood up to clear her head.

XX❂XXThe icy floor sent a shiver up her back the moment her bare feet hit the floor. Her cream colored nightgown was hanging in an odd way from movement in her sleep. Her light copper hair had been filled with rats and matted down the back. The silent yawn, she quickly covered with the palm of her hand.

XX❂XX“Yumei? Astraea? “. Her voice flowed out in such a sleepy mutter; it was almost impossible to understand. With a quick glance to her youngest sister’s bed, with it sheets undisturbed. The heat that flashed up to her face was involuntary. This wasn’t a surprise to her, her sister trying to escape was very common. She placed her hands into fist and pulled her arms across her chest. The guilt was rising up every so fast, just as quickly at the anger at herself. What kind of older sister was she? Letting her baby sister run around in such a dangerous place. Though she gave herself a tiny bit of slack, no one (not even her) could stop Astraea from trying to leave this place. Once the rage settled down, Tatiana looked up to find Yumei sitting on her bed. It must have been her who made the thud to wake her. With a careful step Tatie made her way towards her sister, holding out a comforting hand. There wasn’t much she could do, yet just sitting around waiting for her fiancé was almost too antagonizing. “For all that is good, I hope she makes it this time…” The words were said in a whisper as she looked towards the window. After hearing footsteps coming from the hallway, Tatie looked up to see one of the dark princes standing in the doorway.

[Mayonaka_Kaji]

NEX ZAIBACH


Nex finally made up her mind of what she was going to do. It was time to go to the town and check out what was going on, maybe even running into one of the princesses if they dared leave the castle, though she wouldn't be surprised if one of them did. She didn't bother counting or even going after them. She wanted them gone and she would show it very easily.

As she walked down the hall she let her axe drag itself a cross the ground making a loud scratching sound. Not caring if it left a mark or not. There had been many occasions where she had done this in the past and left some nasty scratches about the floor and even the walls sometimes. In her mind it wasn't her problem. Someone else could bother fixing it.

Finally she reached outside stepping out and looking up at the sky. The area around her though seemed to have its own aura. Dark. Cold. The day was still young and it gave her time to walk down towards the town. Most of the time she would scare those around her with her large weapon of choice. Swords and daggers just weren't the type of weapons she was good at. Large, heavy weapons she loved and this axe was just her type.

Something caught her eye, a male on a black mare. Nex didn't know why this male caught her interest. Something about him seemed different from the towns people who lived here. She wasn't sure if she should investigate him or not. 'I've never seen him before...,' she thought to herself. Nex started to walk towards the tavern he had gone into but didn't go inside. Once she was next to the building, she stabbed her axe's tip into the ground allowing it to stand up next to her though she kept a hand on the handle. Her eyes peered through the window she stood by watching the people in the tavern and seeing if anything suspicious was going on. If nothing where to happen she'd simply lose interest and go some where else. Maybe even go bother the princesses.

XDon't bother trying to turn back time......It wont work here. XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
x

You can't escape. || ✖ || You can't survive.
My blade will slash you. || ✖ || To the bone.
Death... || ✖ || ...is not a gift I'll let you have.

▃ ▃ ▃ ▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃
T A S T E M Y B L A D E

[[Rokugatsu]]

XXXXX♚█████████ There is always c a l m before the s t o r m. | | |

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx●Love shall be our token ●Love be yours and love be mine.

She couldn't help but growl after being pinned, he air growing thick again. Rowan had speed, but strength was an entirely different subject. Carefully and with great restraint, the hand between them crackled as she took a step back to press it closer to him. "I wouldn't test you darling Prince. I only speak in concern for your well being." As she spoke the energy only worked up her arm.

Rowan knew it wouldn't hurt him. He'd feel it the same way she did--a delightful tingle that hightened her senses. Nero might be young, but one who had never met him might have thought differently. My how the years could transform someone. She wasn't sure what was coming over her today because normally she would have simply let him walk out. However today felt different. Maybe because today she was going to set her plans in motion.

She almost purred before politely speaking again. "Maybe we should head to breakfast before anyone gets curious." Smiling, she began to wriggle free from his grasp.

...beauty would eclipse the sun as daylight does a lamp... xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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For in my way it lies. Stars, hide your fires; Let not the light see my black and deep desires: The eye wink at the hand; yet let that be which the eye fears, when it is done, to see.♚ xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Moonfray]

╔════════════════════x
• † Yumei Asturia † •
x════════════════════╝

✶ Shoot for the moon, even if you miss ...

Yumei looked up and smiled at her sister. "Shes gotten further then she ever has..." Yumei muttered quietly. Then looking up from the bed at the entrance and of course the unmistakable voice of Shirou was ringing from the door as he stepped in. "Yeah..." Her voice was small and uncertain, as if she wished she was still in a dream. Yumei had always tried to keep her answers to Shirou short and simple, to avoid conversation, but she still couldnt keep herself from feeling flecks of guilt in her heart. Shirou had been more then just nice to her, she was flooded with gifts all the time. Although she never opened them, NEVER, not even one, she accepted the gifts and put them all in a pile somewhere. The reason she doesnt destroy them like her sister was because she felt as if not accepting a gift would be just as hurtful as not receiving one. Yumei was always told she needed to toughen up. "Get it together, you dont want to be here do you?" is what her sisters used to tell her all the time when they first got here. She giggled at the thought, but then realized Shirou was still in the room and suddenly stopped as the giggles immediatly danced away.

She felt a little embarresed at first, but then remembering her sudden stop in laugher, Yumei started to smile and trying to surpress further laughter. She turned away from the Prince and tried to cover her light giggling, hoping he wouldnt notice, but even she could tell it was more then obvious. Stop laughing Yumei! Stop it! but she just couldnt stop herself, it felt so nice to be able to laugh so much again, ever since they got here she wasnt able to so much as smile. It felt strange to be smiling in front of the Prince, serious and stern was all she pretended to be in front of him for 6 months.

...you'll land among the stars. ✶

[FireflyofEarth]

✖___$ ₪ Ω ɰ || ° ¶ ʁ ! // ¢ ë $ $ ]] «


- - - - - - - -

_______εmotιon;; Afraid
__________theme musιc ;; Four Day Weekend ~ Bluetones
_____________mџ tħougħts ;; "Not now!"
________________αctιons ;; Out of control.
___________________Aя3a ;; Zaibach Township ~ Western Farmland

- - - - - - - -

____________________________

Astraea had been riding along at a constant pace, keeping one hand firmly wrapped within the horse's mane while the other struggled to keep the pageboy's cap atop her head. All had been going well... ... until the roar of hooves from behind began to grow louder and louder. Wide-eyed and blinking, the girl stole a glance over her shoulder, only to end up cursing herself for believing that she had been in the clear. Facing forward once more, she leaned in close to the great stallion's body. As she stroked the steed's healthy coat she desperately willed it to go ever faster. Astraea knew that she could deal with one or two men while she continued to fight her way to freedom, but there was no way she would be able to wriggle away from half a dozen! The only chance she had was to outrun them...

Ah, but it would seem that even the gift of speed had abandoned the princess, as she soon found herself clinging to her horse for dear life. What unholy craft had spooked the beast so as to cause it to come to a full stop. Why, it even seemed that it was trying to throw her from it's very back?! ... ... Unless... it had been no craft at all... but a simple command that the stallion was trained to obey...

A scowl planted itself firmly on Astraea's face as she realized that she had stolen a horse bread for war. Theft was indeed a sin, and yet she had not been expecting to pay for it so soon. Not wishing to trouble the beast anymore than she already had, the girl bowed her head with a sigh, letting her grip give way. Tumbling to the soft earth, the cap flew from her head and allowed long silver locks to cascade around her. Ignoring this, Astraea found her bearings and forced herself to her feet. There was no chance in hell that she would be able to outrun her pursuers on foot, so she turned to face them head on, a defeated yet defiant look on her face. Now that she had made it this far, had tasted a hint of freedom for the first time in ages, there was no way that she would be kept from trying to get away again. And next time she would make no mistakes.

... ... However, Astraea's expression melted into one of doubt... with a hint of fear. Although she was sure that her followers knew her identity, still they did not stop in their charge. She had risen up in rebellion many times before, and yet no harm had come to her other than what she created herself. He had made sure of that. An act of kindness from the very person whom she was holding her captive. However, the princess was all on her own now, and while she could surely stand on her own two feet, not even her strong will could hold against the biting steel of a sword. So as the
mercenaries fell upon her, all the girl could do was throw up her arms in defense and cry out.

"... ... stop... stop. Stop. Stop. STOPSTOPSTOOOOOP!!!"

Before the last syllable had left Astraea's mouth, the temperature in the area directly around her lowered to an unbearable level. Where steel and fists and hooves had come down to assault her, they instead met a devastatingly thick layer of frost. A perfect sphere of crystalline ice had formed around the princess, encasing her within it's protective shell, and anyone who drew too close would quickly find that their very blood began to slow and chill within their veins. The cold was harsh and bitter, but although she had been cut off from the world outside the white-haired female was perfectly fine. For the most part. Within the dome she sat on her knees, a blizzard raging around her as she gazed upwards, unseeing. Her violet orbs had paled to an unearthly white, the power that had come as her birthright swirling unchecked within her. Unlike her sisters, who had power over nature and the whispering wind, Astraea had yet to find a use for her talents that wasn't... destructive. This was to be expected, as her gifts had not surfaced until shortly after her coming of age ceremony. It was fresh, new, and deathly fatal if left uncontrolled. There were good reasons why she didn't tap into it unless necessary, and even now it had been accidental. An unconscious reaction when she thought her life was in danger. Lost within herself, any tears that might have spilled down her porcelain cheeks froze before they even got a chance to surface.

"... ... R-Raven... Help me... ..."

Even now Astraea's heart and soul were with her fiancee. Although she didn't know where he was, or was even certain if he had forgotten her, she wished to hear his voice telling her that everything was going to be okay. It had been he who had begun teaching her to control her gift, and she had learned what little she could during that short summer. Under such circumstances it proved to be anything but enough, and the princess cursed her fate. If she had never been taken from her home than this would never have happened. She would have been able to continue trying to bring her power under her own control while under Raven's ever watchful eye, offering valuable insight when she faltered. But now? Now she didn't know what to do, and this thought scared her. For once, Astraea was well and truly afraid.

xxxxx
____________________________

A - - S - - T - - R - - A - - E - - A

[Raithsburne]

==== ☠ ====
тнє єη∂ ιѕ ηιgн
==== ☠ ====

------------------------ι ¢αη вє уσυя мєℓσ∂у...

Vassili Zaitsev

-----------------------------------------------...σя ι ¢αη мαкє уσυ α ѕумρнσηу


Vassili watched as the dome of ice formed and two of the mercenaries froze, not in their tracks, well yes but froze. He and his men were still a hundred yards out and he told them to fall back. He tapped his own power and a inner fire twice as hot as any flame produced by a forge master kept the cooling air at bay. The mercenaries turned at the sound of his foot falls and didn't know that it had been him who had hired them. They charged fearing a competitor. Vassili raised his hand and a flame spat from his palm. Their horses reared in fear and unseated the riders. His men rushed up and bound them.

Vassili was now just ten feet from the dome, it being five feet wide. He knew that only him and one other person in the world could approach the princess. Maybe two. He had yet to test the fire princess's power. He touched the dome and at his own intense heat it melted. He stepped into the blinding blizzard.

"Astraea?" He could barely hear his own voice over the roar of the small storm. He sighed, his breath clearly visible. As he focused a firestorm ignited with in the storm and expanded. He walked toward the center, and a calm was there. She was there, the eye of the storm. It wasn't any warmer there, in fact even colder. he let his power recede slightly and knelt down.

"Astraea, your safe know. You can stop." He held out his arms. He didn't know how she would react, but he was hopping on the positive.

"Those men can't hurt you. In fact no one can hurt you, as long as your with me."

❶ＤＥＡＴＨ❷ＥＮＤＳ❸ＡＬＬ❹ＳＵＦＦＥＲＩＮＧ❺

[Chisai Yume]

ＲＡＶＥＮ - Ice Prince - ＹＵＩＮxxxxxxxxx

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Je vis deux fois Une vie sans toi Et celle où je te serre Je vis deux fois...xxxxx
I live twice.

Raven tapped at the table, brooding. His breath quickened and the room began to grow cold. It wasn't until the faint warmth from his mouth started to show that he realized he had begun to grow out of control. He was starting to freeze up. To others, he must've looked strange, almost as if he were about to die. Raven licked his cold blue lips. There has to be a way to get to her without sending out everyone. As he slowly moved out of the seat, a man burst through the door. He was panting and looked frightened.

The man sat down at the tavern and ordered a massive quantity of ale for a single man. Raven's eye twitched, it seems like information may have just burst through the doors. He sauntered over to the rugged man. He looked like an average commoner. His hands looked calloused from hard work and his clothes were worn but warm looking. Raven sat down next to the man who was downing the ale like there was no tomorrow. Raven spoke aside to the man, "Some reason to celebrate?" The man stopped his ferocious drinking for a moment and stared into his glass. "A monster," he mumbled into his glass. Raven ordered an ale himself. "One of the princes you mean..." Raven asked. The man took another chug of the ale, finishing off his third. After he finished he spoke once more, "No, something else. Cold." The man turned away from him and murmured under his breath, but just loud enough for Raven, "That's all I know.

Raven stood and took the mug in front of the man away and took a long chug, wiping his mouth grimly afterwards. Raven glared down at the angry man, "Where?" The man got up and held onto the Prince's cape. He growled angrily but Raven just looked at him blankly. He didn't reach for his sword until the man shook him violently. The room got quieter. The man looked around him and Raven repeated himself slowly, "Where." The man shook himself off and sat back down, ordering yet another. Raven grunted, slightly annoyed at the man's resistance. He put a hand over the man's next drink as he grabbed the drink with one hand. The man glared at Raven. "The farmland to the West," the man snarled. Raven withdrew his hand and just as the man lifted the mug, he glanced over at Raven in confusion. Raven laid enough coins to pay for the five ales the man had drank and his one that he had ordered in the first place. Raven raced off to the door and the man shook his head.

There's a chance. Even a slight chance, I'll take it. Raven took his steed from the stable boy's hands and leaped onto his mare. He circled round once, realizing he didn't know where the western farmlands were. Raven leaned down to the boy. "Which direction would the western farmlands be?" The boy pointed and Raven threw another coin. Raven leaned in close to his beast as it ran as fast as it could off in the direction told.


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xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxJe vis deux fois une vie pour toi Si jamais je me perd promis, dis moi J'ai une vie pour te plaire une vie pour toi.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx I have a life to please you a life for you.

[Mayonaka_Kaji]

NEX ZAIBACH


A grin appeared onto her face as the air around her seemed to become dark. No normal human could get that cold that quickly. He wasn't a villager and most of the people there had noticed and how he was acting. Even the simple movements made it obvious to her of who he was now. Not only that the amount of coins had had left for the man fueled the fire. She almost laughed at how reckless he was not even knowing she was standing there watching him.

As he rushed outside to get his horse, she simply stood there watching him. Quickly moving her axe to be placed on her back. She was in no rush now. Knowing that a prince of light was in the area was good enough for her. The time was coming for all her plans to work, though they would never be as good as her oldest sister. This time Nex was sure she'd succeed long as the male didn't go and get himself killed.

There was no point in her bothering getting a horse. Walking was a much better option and with her large weapon, she wasn't sure she could handle watching both a horse and it on her back. She simply started to walk in the derection of where the male and his mare had gone towards. It was time for action and this made the area around her start to become dark and even smaller areas seemed to have darker spots that seemed to circle around her body.

XDon't bother trying to turn back time......It wont work here. XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
x

You can't escape. || ✖ || You can't survive.
My blade will slash you. || ✖ || To the bone.
Death... || ✖ || ...is not a gift I'll let you have.

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T A S T E M Y B L A D E

[Tenken Shirou]

●●● Beg me in yourxBloodiestxlast moment..

Shirou Zaitsev

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xxxxxxx'Did I say something funny..?' He thought in a near hiss, his eyes flickering a small bit of chaos in an instant, then disappearing. It was the first time she had ever really seemed happy since he had personally carried her to this large stone prison. He had no delusions of grandure about her opening up to his kindness, his gifts, his appearance, or anything of that matter and he never showed incling that he did. Shirou prided himself on the fact he would best any obstacle, overcome any adversary, and had resolved himself to this fact when it came to the beautiful girl beside him as well. He had only been waiting, providing absolutely minimal pressure in an effort to let her warm up to him without the use of trickery or force so she could make the decision herself to either speak to him or leave him be, yet this small fact didnt necessarily mean he wasnt plotting their romance from the shadows the entire time.

Shirou only craved a true victory, full and complete in the way she would have no doubt about her feelings for him after they finally did break the barrier of establishing they were both there indefinetly. His game was to let the princess tear her own thoughts apart in due time and come to her own conclusion she had been a fool to not give the raven haired prince a chance at all. For now, his stride had been taken. With a small chuckle of his own, he shook his head lazily, peering into the dirt before him and noticing the last cut in it from something dragged, noting it and cocking his head upward after the fact to speak in turn. "Well, if I knew you were going to be so happy about being up so early, I'd have invited you out to my training ground. I could use the company, after all.." He trailed off.

With his goal reached, he left the push for later, planting the thought and deciding to let them it grow to what it would be with a simply nod to his own thought, finishing his words briskly and kindly, never breaking his casual smile. "..For now, however, I'm just pleased to see you happy, no matter the means. I have a small matter at hand to tend to, but I invite you to browse the city of your own accord, Miss Yumei."

And on that cord, he turned, silently following the small trail of cut dirt without laying eyes on it once more. Though freedom had been imposed on his princess, she would be tailed by the most peculiar of spies and protected thusly, his own special unit easily unseen by the naked eye. As the very thoughts wandered from his mind, he reached his goal, a little while past the gate and toward a tavern he had never seen. The owner of this particular trail was exactly who he expected it to be, bringing his smile to a smirk before his hand raised slightly, grasping one of the many crosses on his wrist and plucking it free, hurling the tiny object toward the slender figure the short distance away as he whispered, checking to see just how far she'd come with her training in a double-handed axe. "It's impolite to loiter, you know."

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..they Allxdo.●●●