Morning Glory [oneXone]

[Sweet Devil Prince]

xyou see her when you fall asleep
xxxxbut never to touch and never to keep

Fendrel was glad that Maudaine had forgiven him as well, a bit of relief washing over him. However, the guilt would not be lifted from his shoulders until he had the only opinion that truly mattered; Treasa's. It surprised him to hear Maudaine say that his forgiveness meant a lot to her, and found the same was true for him oddly enough. Still, Treasa's forgiveness was far more important, and as he had this thought, she told him to speak to Treasa, which surprised him. He doubted that she would listen to him, but Maudaine assured him that she would. He did indeed want to spend his time with his wife before... the battle. Clearing that grim thought from his mind, he turned his attention to Maudaine. This might very well be the last time he saw her, and that was something they both knew. Although it was uncharacteristic of him, he sat himself on the sofa beside her and pulled her into a hug, his large arms making the embrace a bit awkward, especially with her hands shackled as they were. "Thank you." He said quietly, appreciative of the fact that she had been the first of her generation to be straightforward with him, as everyone else seemed to feel the need to keep things from him.

Once he released Maudaine from the embrace, he wandered his way out of the waiting room, passing William, Adam and Maeve on his way out. Where was Treasa? He heard shouting and thumping from beyond, and his heart fell to his stomach, knowing he could likely guess what was happening. Rushing towards the Grand Hall, he spotted Treasa standing over Nan with her foot on her ribs. Instantly he put his hands on Treasa's shoulders, hoping to restrain her from hurting Nan any further. "Treasa! Please, no more." He pleaded, hoping that she would spare the older woman from any more of a beating. He still firmly believed this was his fault, and if she were going to lash out at him, he deserved it. Beating up an old woman did no one any good.

because you loved her too much and you dived too deep

[Neme-Goddess-of-Death]

Treasa was livid. Livid wasn't the word. Furious maybe. No, worse. Either way, she lost either her mother or her husband in less than an hour's time, neither of which she was ready to give up. Elaine stood right there in the doorway with her papers in hand, and though she could have easily put a stop to Treasa's sudden violent outburst, she didn't. She had just explained consequences to Catherine, and these were hers.

Catherine cried out when Treasa pushed her foot down. That was when Treasa felt hands on her shoulders. Big hands that nearly engulfed them. Fendrel's hands. She stepped back away from Catherine, tempted to give her one more good kick just to be sure she got the message, but she didn't. She released her magic's hold on the woman with a shake of her hand, a shake that was normally associated with when she "leaked." Elaine waved a hand at Catherine on the floor and two other sisters came and peeled the woman off the floor.

Treasa didn't say anything, only keeping the cross look on her face as she lifted one of her hands to wrap around Fendrel's on her shoulder. She walked away, tugging him along behind her by his hand. Finding an empty room, she pulled him in behind her before letting him go and turning to shut the door behind them.

When she turned around, the tears were welling up in her eyes, and suddenly all she could do was throw her arms around him and cry.

[Sweet Devil Prince]

xyou see her when you fall asleep
xxxxbut never to touch and never to keep

Fendrel would be lying if he said he wasn't at least a bit relieved when Treasa did not lash out at him. She did not argue with him, only rested her hands against his own on her shoulders. As Treasa stepped back from Catherine, he let out a held in breath, one he had not realized he had been holding until then. Treasa surprised him by leading him away, and as much as he wanted to help Nan to her feet, he had given her as much help as he was ever going to manage. She had broken his trust, and for that, he could never quite look at her the same. Once alone, Fendrel watched as Treasa moved to close the door, locking eyes with her as she turned around. The tears in her eyes nearly broke his heart.

She threw her arms around him, an embrace he returned just as quickly. If he was going to die today, he wanted only the fondest of last memories. He could feel her tears seeping through his tunic, but he said nothing about it as he smoothed her hair out with his hand. It felt wonderful having his wife in his arms again, even if the circumstances could have been better. "I am so sorry Treasa, please forgive me." He murmured softly, resting his head against the top of her's as he pleaded.

because you loved her too much and you dived too deep

[Neme-Goddess-of-Death]

Treasa just cried into Fendrel's chest as he smoothed her hair and rested his head on top of hers. When he said he was sorry, she only cried harder. That was all he'd been trying to say to her for weeks, and she'd been too caught up in her anger with him for telling Catherine everything that she hadn't realized until it was too late. Catherine had come to Adam and Maeve's not because she sensed Fendrel and William. She'd come because the temple had found out about her mother and was sent to use Fendrel's trust in her against them.

She shook her head into his chest. "I'm so sorry Fendrel. Please don't apologize anymore, it's not your fault. Please. I was too angry to realize. I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry." She choked it all out into his chest. Her whole world was coming apart around her, and all Treasa could do was cry. She felt like she'd lost complete control of everything around her, and maybe she had. "Please don't do it. We'll figure something out. Please. I don't want to lose you. Please."

[Sweet Devil Prince]

xyou see her when you fall asleep
xxxxbut never to touch and never to keep

Treasa's crying was bringing tears to his own eyes, and dread was washing over him at the thought of dying. He had come to acknowledge that he was likely going to lose this battle, as had Maudaine and William, but he doubted Treas was so sure. Whether she was being naive or hopeful he was unsure. Still, he knew that if they fight went as he assumed it would, he would lose everything... or more accurately, he'd lose his life, and everyone else would lose him. Poor Treasa. No matter what happened she could not win. It was impossible. He was surprised to hear Treasa apologize to him, and the tears escaped his eyes as she pleaded with him to stop apologizing. Smoothing her hair out once more, he listened as she repeatedly apologized. He supposed Elaine was right, that Treasa would come around, but unfortunately for him, it was too late. She pleaded him not to do it, and he only shook his head slowly. "There is nothing to figure out. There is no fixing this. Your mother will be burned if I don't, and I can't... I can't let that happen. You don't deserve that, and she doesn't deserve that. This is the mess I have made, and I have to clean it up." He whispered, knowing this must be hard to hear. His own heart felt like it was shattering, especially when thinking about the children he would never get to raise. Poor little Maddie would cry her eyes out, and the twins... well, they'd never remember him.

because you loved her too much and you dived too deep

[Neme-Goddess-of-Death]

Treasa didn't know what to say or do anymore. Her whole world was coming down around her and there was nothing she could do to stop it. Either she would lose her husband or she would lose her mother. She wanted nothing more than to lash out with her magic, to just level everything, but she couldn't. Not only was the temple full of sisters who still had their maiden abilities, but the place was full of innocent people. Not every sister had something to do with it, and Treasa could never live with herself knowing she'd killed so many out of vengeance and hurt.

She looked up at him, tears staining her cheeks, and threw her arms around his neck, lifting herself, or pulling him down, so that she could kiss him. Her legs wrapped around his waist, bunching her skirts awkwardly, to keep herself level with him, and she only choked into the kiss when she realized that would be the last time she climbed him like that. Her hands found his hair, weaving her fingers into those beautiful blonde curls and all she could do as she kissed him was weep.

[[OOC:: We can probably get on with the fight now. Have fun. lol]]

[Sweet Devil Prince]

xyou see her when you fall asleep
xxxxbut never to touch and never to keep

Fendrel stayed with Treasa for as long as he could manage before the hour they had been so graciously given was over. It didn't feel as if it had been that long, and he supposed it wasn't very long compared to the countless, endless hours he knew his wife would have to live on without him. He supposed she would have outlived him to begin with, but it wasn't comforting to know their time together had been cut so short. More than fearing for his own life, Fendrel feared winning this battle, knowing that his own life would come at the cost of two more. And that was something he could never bring himself to do. The hour had been spent holding his wife close and brushing away her tears, only for more to replace them. It was heartbreaking to spend his last hour with her like this.

Neither William or Fendrel had practiced as they had been suggested to do in the time allotted. William didn't need the practice, and Fendrel didn't want to. They would both rather spend time with their loved ones, just in case bad turned to worse. William could guarantee he wouldn't fail Maudaine, but prophecy was vague, and he wasn't sure he'd enjoy the outcome of this battle. Fendrel was certain that fighting against his father was his death sentence. At least he had gotten forgiveness from everyone, or at least, those with an opinion he cared about. Whether or not Adam and Maeve forgave him he could care less. They wouldn't have to deal with his loss after this battle, but his wife certainly would.

Once the time was up, they were escorted to the grand hall once more, the alabaster marble room looking haunted now that the heaviness of the situation was weighing upon everyone. It was time for the trial by combat.

[all I got for now. Didn't want to move too far ahead without you xD]

because you loved her too much and you dived too deep

[Neme-Goddess-of-Death]

Open up your eyes
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxSave yourself from fading away now
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxdon't let it go
xoxoxoxoxoxoxOpen up your eyes

See what you've become


xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxdon't sacrifice

Stay with me now
I'm facing my last solemn hour

Treasa had to work hard to stop her tears and collect herself. No matter what happened today, she would lose someone dear to her, and it was not an easy thing to cope with. However, she walked with Fendrel into the grand hall, head held high, though her face was tear stained and her eyes bloodshot, she gave away nothing as to how she felt. She simply waited next to him.

Maudaine spent her time with William, though he'd already given the prophecy that he wouldn't fail her, she wanted all the time with him that she could get. She wondered if she should have named someone else her champion, if only so she wouldn't lose him, but quickly dismissed the thought. He wouldn't fail her. She was surprised when they were escorted into the grand hall, though relieved too, to see Treasa standing with Fendrel. She smiled to her daughter from across the room, but Treasa didn't return it. Her face stayed passive, but Maudaine knew that it was just her way of coping. If Treasa changed her face right now, everyone would see her blubbering like an infant, and she'd done enough crying in private.

Adam and Maeve were with their mother, and Maeve was more than a little shocked to see Treasa standing with Fendrel after all the shouting and fighting over the past few weeks. She could feel the shock on Adam as well, but she said nothing.

Mother Elaine stood from her place at the desk. "Convicted prisoner Maudaine Adele Ó Scolaidhe-Merridan-Wayward has called for trial by combat. It is her right, and the Temple of Life acknowledges this right. Champions... at the ready."

Treasa almost came undone when she realized that it was finally time. That she would lose either both of her parents, or her husband, in a matter of minutes. It was all she had in her to hold it together and simply kiss Fendrel one last time, putting as many protections and blessing as she could think of on him in the process. She didn't want to let him go when she pulled away from the kiss, but forced herself to move her hands from his cheeks.

"Don't kill him." Maudaine whispered simply to William. "You can win without killing him."

It's truly the heart of everything

[Sweet Devil Prince]

xyou see her when you fall asleep
xxxxbut never to touch and never to keep

Fendrel was glad to have his wife beside him as they entered the grand hall, even if he himself would rather be on the other side. He didn't want to do this. He didn't want to be the party condemning Maudaine to death, especially not after hearing her side of the story. Maybe if she'd told him sooner, he wouldn't have been so bitter... well, it was too late to ponder on that now. They couldn't go back, and now here he was standing with his wife, ready to accept the consequences of his actions.

William entered the grand hall with his wife and children close, noting the absence of his eldest daughter. Still, he did not blame her for standing by her husband, as Maudaine would likely do the same for him. Besides, Fendrel needed Treasa's support now more than ever. If she hadn't taken to his side, he likely would have thought that she wanted him dead. He was rather sensitive at times. Adam, however, was surprised to see Treasa with Fendrel. It seemed they had made up, which seemed rather short lived considering that their mother might die. Still, he supposed that if Fendrel lost it would be him to die, and Treasa likely wanted to spend him last moments with him. Everyone seemed so sure Fendrel would lose, and Adam wasn't so certain, but he remained silent.

The Mother of the Temple began to speak, telling the Champions to get ready, and Fendrel could feel his knees begin to shake. Treasa gave him one last kiss, one that he was reluctant to part from, but eventually did. Fendrel was unaware of the protections and blessings placed upon him, focusing solely on his wife. When she removed her hands from his cheeks, one of his hands caught her chin, pulling her a bit closer before kissing the top of her head. He wanted to tell her to be strong, and to tell the children that he loved them, but they were words he couldn't bring himself to say. They were too... final. After all, what if he happened to win? That wasn't a thought he enjoyed, but he didn't necessarily rejoice the thought of dying either. Instead, all he managed to murmur was, "I'm sorry."

William nodded after hearing Maudaine tell him not to kill Fendrel, knowing that she was hardly concerned about him losing. "I know, dear." He whispered back, never actually intending to kill Fendrel. Even if he had to, he didn't think he could do it. He had held that boy in his arms after he was born... his blood may not have run through his veins, but Fendrel still had his love. William placed a kiss on Maudaine's forehead before stepping forward, and with that, both Champions were ready.

[I'm trying to break this into sections to keep myself from getting too overwhelmed xD]

because you loved her too much and you dived too deep

[Neme-Goddess-of-Death]

Open up your eyes
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxSave yourself from fading away now
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxdon't let it go
xoxoxoxoxoxoxOpen up your eyes

See what you've become


xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxdon't sacrifice

Stay with me now
I'm facing my last solemn hour

Maudaine said nothing else, only nodded and stepped back with the veiled sisters that were her escorts until she could get rid of her shackles. She hadn't thought that William would kill Fendrel, not intentionally at least, but accidents did happen, and Maudaine was doing everything in her power to see everyone walk away from this safely. She simply stood back and watched as a sword was put into William's hands. Gods, were those ever the wrong hands to put a weapon in. As far as Maudaine was concerned, William was unstoppable with a sword.

Treasa felt a hand gently touch her shoulder as she watched Fendrel step forward. She nearly came out of her skin until she realized it was a sister guiding her back out of the way. She was so worried for Fendrel. So worried for her parents. Even more so for her children. She didn't want them to grow up without a father like she had...

In that moment, Treasa finalized the most important decision that she ever would make. She decided that if Fendrel survived this, then they would walk away from everything. They would find somewhere to hide with their children, safe out of the capital's reach, where they could raise them as her mother had raised her. She refused to let their children grow up the way that she had. They would hide, and if they were found, they would simply take their children and run to hide somewhere else. She refused to subject her children to this nonsense anymore. She just wouldn't do it. If anyone tried to touch her children, Treasa would show no mercy. She had been shown none, so why should she do them the favor? She wouldn't.

Her face hardened as she watched the sword put to Fendrel's hands. "Don't you dare die until we have grandchildren." She said simply, sounding dangerously like her mother in that moment. Her hands found her hips, resting there as she lifted her chin some. If he died, she'd never forgive him.

It's truly the heart of everything

[Sweet Devil Prince]

xyou see her when you fall asleep
xxxxbut never to touch and never to keep

Fendrel stepped forward as prompted to, glancing over to his father as they were both handed swords. He gripped the sword precariously, hardly wanting to hold the weapon to begin with. William looked like a seasoned warrior, holding the sword as he did. No one would ever guess the man had been a serf for most of his life. Fendrel, on the other hand, had paled out to the point where no one would even suspect he'd ever held a sword in his life. Fendrel was an excellent swordsman, but not nearly as good as his father. This was it. Just as he had this thought, Treasa threatened him, telling him not to dare die until they had grandchildren. Grandchildren had been the farthest thing from his mind considering the ages of their children, but perhaps that was the point.

Fendrel was forced back to reality when he and William were left to battle, both facing each other now. It was hard to read his father's expression, as he left his face impassive, like stone. It was all William could do to keep from showing how much he didn't want to fight, but Maudaine's life was on the line. He would not let her die, even if it cost him his life. Then again, losing his life in this circumstance would not be helpful to their cause. He just had to stay alive. Fendrel on the other hand was a bundle of nerves, his discomfort of the situation clear on his face. Neither of them wanted to do this, but it had to be done.

With that, the fight began, and as William began to circle him with his sword drawn, Fendrel made sure to mirror the motion, keeping him at the same distance as they circled each other. It was clear that both of them were apprehensive to take the first strike, the only difference was that Fendrel knew this battle would be going nowhere fast if this continued on, and was far too impatient to not take the first strike. His thrust was deflected by William's blade, followed by a second parry, and by his third swift strike, William had sidestepped and dodged it entirely. Fendrel took a few steps closer, knowing he wouldn't get very far at the distance he was at.

Fendrel slashed towards William several more times, but he only ever defended himself, never once striking towards Fen. The continued on this way for a while, stepping back and forth with Fendrel being the only offensive player. The longer this went on, the more frustrated the giant became. Why wasn't he fighting? With each swing Fen put more force behind it, slashing violently only to have it deflected by a metallic ching sound. William knew better than to attack, seeing the swirling blue protection spells covering Fendrel. He was waiting for the precise moment to strike.

Fendrel's frustration soon became his weakness, as William took the opportunity to distract Fen by flicking the blonde curls on his head with his sword, alarming the giant. Seizing the distraction as his moment to strike, William disarmed Fendrel with one swift strike, his sword clattering to the ground. William then grappled Fendrel's arm with his hand, and the spells that had been cast upon him by Treasa were then drawn to William's touch, the only trace of the transaction being the blue leak that occurred. Fendrel wrestled his way out of his grip, scrambling after his sword that had fallen. William stood his ground, shaking out his hand as the traces of blue dripped out of his fingertips. Treasa's magic was strong, but it was no match for the ability he held.

Now it was William's turn for the offensive. Fendrel was barely prepared for defense when William took to striking him down. It only took a few swings of his sword before Fendrel was disarmed once more, as well as fallen back to avoid being struck, landing on his back with a thunderous thud. In a moment of sheer panic, Fendrel stared up at his father in shock, and William kept his gaze level as he pointed his sword at his chest. Most would have thought the fight over then, as William had him at his mercy. He could kill him now if he wanted. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. The thunderous sound that had occurred when the giant had fallen continued, much to everyone's surprise. The floor began to crumble and split beneath William, and he had to be quick to move to avoid falling in.

because you loved her too much and you dived too deep

[Neme-Goddess-of-Death]

Open up your eyes
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxSave yourself from fading away now
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxdon't let it go
xoxoxoxoxoxoxOpen up your eyes

See what you've become


xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxdon't sacrifice

Stay with me now
I'm facing my last solemn hour

Maudaine watched, smiling the entire time. She knew that William wouldn't kill Fendrel. He had no intention to. If he did, he would have done it by now. As far as she was concerned, her husband was showing off. She simply stood there, a sister behind her and to either side of her, with her hands shackled in front of her. She would have crossed her arms over her chest were it not for her shackles, so she settled for lacing her fingers instead. What she didn't expect was when William grabbed hold of Fendrel. It wasn't a way you grabbed someone in the middle of a fight. Everything clicked for her when she saw the blue energy leaking out of Fendrel's skin and straight to William's hand. He shook it off like he'd dipped his hand in a bucket. She knew her daughter's magic when she saw it, and her eyes locked on Treasa's from across the room, genuinely not knowing where he'd gotten that ability, though she had a good idea.

Treasa paced back and forth around where she'd been standing with Fendrel, her hands still on her hips, unable to take her eyes off the fight. When she saw William flick Fendrel's hair with the sword, she watched as one of the blonde curls went falling to the floor, and her mouth dropped open as she paused her pacing. What happened next shocked her even more. Her magic sucked towards William's hand, and he just shook it off like it was nothing. All the spells she'd ever put on Fendrel were gone. She couldn't feel any of them. Not one. She stood there, staring dumbly for a moment before her eyes locked with her mother's from across the room. She could tell by the look on her face that he hadn't gotten the ability from her and suddenly found herself curious. Then it clicked. Catherine, or Nan, had been the witch who'd shut the curtains on her way back when she was still a child. She'd been the witch that made her swear a blood oath not to come back. Granted, her mother had undone that magic, but the point remained... It had to have been Catherine. She wished she could do something to help Fendrel, but at this point, even casting new protections on him would be interfering with the fight, and her mother would burn for it.

She crossed her arms over her chest and bit her lip like a child. Then, her husband amazed her. The ground shook, she could feel the vibration all the way where she was. She watched as the ground opened underneath her father, threatening to swallow him up. Above and Below, that was her maiden ability Fendrel was using. Suddenly, she wanted to shout at him, to do this or that with the magic, to teach him how to use it, but anything she shouted would be used against him. He'd have to figure it out on his own.

It's truly the heart of everything

[Sweet Devil Prince]

xyou see her when you fall asleep
xxxxbut never to touch and never to keep

Fendrel and William were both genuinely surprised by the large crack in the ground, and William had just barely managed to keep from falling in. Fendrel could hardly believe that had just happened, and he looked over to Treasa with shock written on his face. At first he had suspected that this was her doing, thinking she had somehow been able to use magic to help him. By the look on her face, he deduced that this was not her doing, and immediately he looked to Maudaine, wondering if she was somehow helping him for whatever reason. Nope, again wrong. Desperately confused, he glanced over to Mother Elaine, grasping for anything that could possibly make sense at the moment. Yet again, he had been wrong. It was beginning to dawn on him that this had been his doing, which amazed him more than anything else.

William stepped away from the split in the floor, realizing immediately that Fendrel was using magic. It didn't take him long at all to deduce that this was Treasa's maiden ability he was using, especially considering that he himself had two maiden abilities. Still, this was clearly his first time using the ability, especially with that bewildered look on his face as he searched for an explanation. Fendrel didn't know how to control this new ability, which was both good and bad for William. Still, he would use this against him.

Fendrel scrambled to his feet, now understanding what was going on, and he flung his hand out towards William, sending a large chunk towards him from under the ground. William sliced through the rubble with his sword, shattering it to tiny pieces as he charged at Fendrel. His slight advantage hadn't lasted very long, and soon William had Fendrel pinned down, his blade to his neck, and his knees keeping his hands still. Not bad for an old man, not bad at all. Fendrel stared up at his father in shock, realizing that this was it. He wasn't even sure how he had managed to split the ground the first time, but it wouldn't help him now. They were too close; if he tried to repeat the instance from earlier, he'd be swallowed up as well by the ground. Well, this was it, and he was beginning to accept that. It didn't stop him from cringing though, terrified of the blade at his throat.

because you loved her too much and you dived too deep

[Neme-Goddess-of-Death]

Open up your eyes
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxSave yourself from fading away now
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxdon't let it go
xoxoxoxoxoxoxOpen up your eyes

See what you've become


xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxdon't sacrifice

Stay with me now
I'm facing my last solemn hour

Maeve simply stood there next to her mother and Adam, watching passively. Her face didn't even move when Fendrel split the ground, though Adam could feel her surprise, she didn't show it. She simply showed nothing, even as her mother shook her head at him that it hadn't been her doing. If she interfered, that would be the end of it. She would burn, and that was something Maudaine was trying to avoid. She wasn't shocked when William put him on his back with the tip of the sword's blade to his throat. She didn't even try to feign it. She just kept her grin.

Treasa wagged her fingers like a storybook witch would and pointed at Fendrel when he looked to her for an answer, trying to tell him it was him that'd done it, but it was too late. The fight was already back in full swing, and just as quickly as it'd picked back up, it'd ended. Her husband was on his back and her father had a sword to his throat. Her hands flew up to cover her mouth, silencing a shriek she thought she'd managed to repress.

It wasn't something she could watch. She was sure this was the end of it and that by the end of the evening, she'd be giving Fendrel to the pyre. She turned away, still holding a hand over her mouth as the other moved to her lower back. She started to pace away as Mother Elaine stood from her place at the desk.

"Enough!" Her voice boomed through the room, louder and more demanding than one would think an woman as elderly as her could muster. "The fight is won!" Treasa paused dead in her tracks when she heard Elaine. She heard nothing from Fendrel, no steel against marble, no crying out- not that she was sure or not if that strike would let him make a sound- but she heard nothing. She looked to the Mother of Temple, and Mother Elaine only gave her a wink and discreet motion with her chin towards the men. "The Black One does not burn today, escort her to Sister Adonnenniel."

Treasa turned around to face her father and husband again on Elaine's wink, confused, but glad to have not lost either of them. As mad as she'd been at him, she did love Fendrel, and didn't want to see him killed for his simplicity. Her father... she'd never known him, and now she was finally getting the chance. It would have been cruel of the gods to put him within her reach, only to take him from her so soon. She burst into tears when she saw Fendrel was still breathing and all but threw herself to the ground next to him, suddenly putting her hands all over him, checking him for wounds, and then running her hands through his hair like she couldn't believe he was still there.

It's truly the heart of everything

[Sweet Devil Prince]

xyou see her when you fall asleep
xxxxbut never to touch and never to keep

Adam slipped his hand over Maeve's shoulder, feeling her surprise at all that had happened, as he remained silent as well. Despite Fendrel's sudden advantage, the battle proceeded pretty much just as he had imagined, and as their father placed the blade to Fendrel's throat, he squeezed her shoulder gently. He couldn't say that he was surprised at all that their father had bested the giant, and despite still being angry with Fendrel for all that happened, he didn't want the man to die. He had three children to return home to, and he would never wish a father-less childhood upon his nieces and nephew.

William held the sword to Fendrel's throat for a long moment, unable to move. He couldn't force himself to do it, no matter the circumstances. If it was Maudaine's life at stake, he certainly couldn't lose. But he wasn't about to kill his son either. For a long moment, he began to plot an escape for Fen, thinking of how he could escape death more than once. Fendrel could feel the blade against his throat, and as his eyes broke away from his father's face, he tried to search for Treasa with his eyes, hoping to at least see her before it was over. When his eyes caught sight of her, he saw her pacing away, and his heart felt heavy in that moment. He closed his eyes, shutting them tightly as he waited for the final strike. At least he had been forgiven by those who mattered.

"Enough!" The Mother of the Temple boomed, and Fendrel's eyes popped open in surprise. As it was declared that the fight was won, William eased his weight off of Fendrel, climbing off of him as fast as his old bones would allow. William helped himself to his feet, using the sword as leverage to stand, and once he was standing, he tossed the sword to the ground. All Fendrel could do was breathe, relieved to still be alive. Before he could even gather the energy to move, Treasa came running to him, and he caught sight of the tears in her eyes before anything else. He was a bit cut up and bruised from the fight, mostly due to his own stupidity, but there were no major wounds, except maybe for the missing lock of blonde hair. Still, that was far from his mind at the moment, focusing on Treasa in front of him.

Treasa was acting as though he'd disappear if she didn't have her hands on him, but he didn't say he could really blame her. She had nearly lost him, and if it hadn't been for Mother Elaine, things could have ended badly. Treasa went on to fuss with his hair, something he ignored as he put his arms around her and pulled her into a tight hug, glad to still be alive and be able to hold his wife. William left his sword where he let it fall, and walked over towards Adam and Maeve as Maudaine was escorted away, glad that he had managed to spare both her life and the life of his son. He said nothing, only stood with his son and daughter, a bit weary from the fight, not physically, but emotionally. He was just relieved that everyone would continue to live.

because you loved her too much and you dived too deep