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 Posted: Thu May 17, 2012 12:24 am
Henry was pouring over books in his study, trying to classify what he had seen looking into Borus's eyes. He was being posessed by something terribly evil, that much was known. He sighed, "Perhaps in an older text..."
He closed the book volume and rubbed his eyes sleepily, leaning back in his chair. He heard a gentle knock on his chamber door and rose slowly, reaching for the door knob and turning the brass handle. "Keira?" He was peering into the small pale face of the young human girl. "What is it? Is something wrong?"
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Posted: Thu May 17, 2012 1:18 am
 Keira smiled as she wrapped herself in the blanket. She noticed the Colonel was tired as she tilted her head. "Nothing is wrong just wanted to hace a father-daughter time but it seems like your tired. We can do it another time."
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Posted: Mon May 21, 2012 2:57 am
"Nonsense. This couldn't have been a perfect time," Henry said, leading her into a room and sitting her in a large, comfy chair by the fire. He poured two cups of tea and took the chair opposite her, sitting on the edge with straight posture. "With all the excitement, we've hardly had the chance to talk. Did you enjoy the evening?"
He sipped his tea quietly and waited for her to reply, tugging at the cuffs of his sleeves to straighten them out.
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Posted: Mon May 21, 2012 3:22 am
Keira blushed and smiled as she walked in. She snuggled up on the comfy chair as the temprature was a bit colder than she expected. "The evening was well planned. I figured you had to play your part and yes I actually missed talking to you." Keira looked around as she looked at the tea. "You umm dad, father. Lately I have been questioning myself by asking who am I? I.don't have any parents well I did but I don't know who.they are? I remember at one point John sad it was impossible for humans to see faires wings and yet I saw them as clear as I see you. I feel lost at times."
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Posted: Mon May 21, 2012 3:35 am
"Well," Henry said, taking another quick sip of tea, "Perhaps you are not quite human," he said simply and calmly, as if discussing the weather. "Or at least an enhanced human of some sort."
He set down his cup on a saucer and regarded her carefully. "It doesn't seem too unlikely. However, if you could find out who you really are, would you want to? Is it something that matters deeply to you," he asked with genuine curiosity.
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Posted: Mon May 21, 2012 3:51 am
Keira was now in thought as she looked at the tea cup. "I suppose being human makes me an odd ball doesn't?" Her attention now went to her wedfing ring. "It makes me wonder how could John fall in love with a hunan? Especially one who don't recall any memories of who she really is?" She now looked at him. "For all I know, Keira is not my real name. Finding out makes me curious but it also terrifies me."
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Posted: Mon May 21, 2012 4:01 am
"Don't sell yourself short. John doesn't see human and non-human. He sees only a woman that he loves. To him, and to all of us, it doesn't matter who you were or whether or not you can remember your past; it only matters who you are now. But... if you really wanted to know, their might be a way we can find out."
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Posted: Mon May 21, 2012 4:24 am
Keira was lost in thought again but she had to smile on what he said. She then dropped that smile. "Even if that is true, than why is there so many wanting to kill the human race?" She tighten the blanket around her. "Well, I would say to keep my life burried but I honestly don't want anything to bite me in the tooshy because I wasn't aware. Is this way of fimding out dangerous?" She asked considering it. She also wanted to know so she can see what kind of a person John is marring.
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Posted: Mon May 21, 2012 4:31 am
"I'm not even sure there is a way. But if there is, I'm sure I could find it. And... people want to kill humans because they are not of our world. Some believe they are corrupting us, that they bring diseases and distruction with them. Indeed, that has been the case in the past, speaking overall. Not to mention that the arrival of the first humans brought the arrival of the vampires. When the humans came into our world, the floating city of the vampires - Ravenheart - came and clouded our sky. Did you know that The Badlands used to be a thriving kingdom, full of trees, animals, rivers, and people? There's a long story behind it, but its downfall had a lot to do with the vampires. Our people saw this and blamed the humans as well as the vampires. They think by eliminating the humans - through closing the door or killing the humans - they will, in turn, force the vampires to return to wherever they came from."
Henry poured himself another cup of tea and stretched out his legs, sinking back into the chair.
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Posted: Mon May 21, 2012 4:40 am
She nodded at him trying to find away for her to see who she really is. She looked back down at her ring. "Dad, what of me? I am a human, one who could bring diseases if I caught one, or be seen as guilty for bringing the vampires. Am I going to be a target because I am human? A human who is going to marry an Otherworlder?".she wonder.if she will have hate crimes against her because she is a human, a human that is just as guilty as they claim.
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Posted: Mon May 21, 2012 4:48 am
"You personally did not bring disease, famine, distruction, or vampires. There are many who accept humans and they far outweigh those who do not accept them. That's why we are fighting this war; to keep humans from being slaves and raised like cattle for vampires to slaughter, to win their right to be here. Some on our side think the door is better off closed so that the vampires will lose their supply. Some think that they'll just start breeding humans. All believe that humans are equal, as do I. As does John. You will no more be a target than any other human. Believe it or not, you are widely accepted. News of your wedding has traveled fast, thanks to our many guests last night. It has been met with great joy. You are just as beloved now as John is. He's something of a great hero," he explained with a wink.
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Posted: Mon May 21, 2012 4:57 am
Keira blushed deeply at thr news. "Oh my, that is fast and just wow." She yawned and snyggled deeper as sge felt sleepiy. "I suppose I didn't but I am of the same race. Also a bit vulnerable. Accidence happen and I hope I can defend myself. There are those who are stronger than me and those who scares me." She rubbed her eyes "Dad, can you read me a story."
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Posted: Tue May 22, 2012 12:08 am
Henry nodded and, pulling himself up from his chair, scanned his library for something suitable; many of his books were histories and sciences. At last he found a book of tales written by an old friend. "Tales of the Great Heroes of Our Day". He returned to his chair and opened it to a marked page. The section of stories bore the title "Tales of Johnathan Thames Harcourt the Fearless"; the introduction to the section opened with a short poem. He read.
Swiftly our hero rides into battle,
The blazing sun upon his crest,
His sword raised high,
Shield close to chest.
He is a valiant man,
Whose honor knows no bounds.
Whenever our need arises,
He does not hesitate to make his sound.
The war was the worst our world had ever seen. A young heroic soldier by the name of Johnathan Thames Harcourt rode into battle under a red, scorching sun accompanied by a hawk. It soared overhead, snatching arrows out of the air that were intended for this young man. Every man marveled at this soldier; no one knew who he was or where he had come from, but one thing was certain - he was a powerful force. He wore strange red armor etched with gold patterns, very different from our own. This did not prevent him from coming to our aide. Swiftly, he galloped through the field, cutting down our enemies effortlessly with a golden sword.
I witnessed this marvel with pounding heart as he flew by me and engaged the Serpent Lord. The lord reared his head and hissed, spitting venom. The brave hawk swooped down, tearing his talons into the lord's face. He was immediately thrown to the ground with such force that he returned to his true form - a brown haired man with feathers in his hair and adorning his studded leather armor.
The colonel grasped me by the arm and ordered me to save his son. Dear reader, I must tell you I was struck hard by the weight of his words. I sprinted toward him and grasped his mount's reigns, forcing him to halt. Looking up into this boy's face, I could see he was still very young. Too young to be a soldier. However, he was resolute. He yanked the reigns from my hands and grasped them firmly, spurring his horse toward the lord. In a single fluid movement, his sword flashed, lobbing of the great serpant's head. Immediately his army fell. His spell over them was broken.
May we never forget the day our beloved hero freed our people; in honor of his actions, at the site of this battle where we made our stand is now a small, prosperous village - Harcourt.
This was the first appearance of Johnathan Thames Harcourt the Fearless. What follows are several tales of his battles and deeds as recounted to me by various sources and some retold from what I have seen with my own eyes...
Henry turned the page. "Shall I continue," he asked with a chuckle, "There are quite a few tales in here about John. And even some about me," he added with a wink.
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Posted: Tue May 22, 2012 12:21 am
Keira fell asleep halfway in the story as she dreamed of the story. John.... The man she loved was a hero and now she couldn't help but sleep in peace for a time. She did feel rude but she slept snuggled on the couch with a smile on her face.
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Posted: Tue May 22, 2012 12:30 am
Henry chuckled as he realized Keira had fallen asleep. "Rest well, daughter," he whispered, leaving the room. He made his way down the hall to Keira's room and knocked three times before entering. John was sitting in the window seat, injecting himself. Henry held up an apologetic hand. "Sorry for the interruption. Is it clean," he asked.
"What, the medicine? Yes, it's not been poisoned like the last. Perhaps one day we'll find a cure and I won't have to keep injecting myself."
"The price for being brave," the colonel said softly. "Perhaps one day. At least it serves as a reminder to be more careful in battle," he added sternly.
"I know, I know," John sighed. "Sometimes I am tempted to just stop dosing myself like this."
"You know what would happen if you did," the colonel said sharply. "The 'medicine' prolongs it, but if you stop taking it - "
"You don't have to tell me," John cut across, "I can't let that happen. I can't even allow myself to think it now that Keira is in my life." Henry nodded. "She's asleep in my chambers for now. However, you and I must make our rounds. I'll have the horses saddled and wait for you in the stables. Hurry up and dress," he ordered, closing the door.
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