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 Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2006 6:55 am
[[Aw, they're cute! :3]]
Peyton stared around wildly, vision not cleared yet from his fuzzy dreams. Where-? He needed to look up that dumb guard in the registry...a-and...oh god, what the-
Calm eyes flickered up at the rustling of sheets and half muttered thoughts. Fastening another bandage on the young soldier beside him quickly, the mage stood up with a softly amused expression on his tired face. Pushing back long amythest bangs behind one ear, the man crouched down to Peyton's level, eyeing him with an almost sympathetic smile. "You need to stop trying so hard. You do realize I always know when you're around, don't you? ...and I wouldn't try new magic when you're so weak again," he chided gently, forcing the teen back down with a light push to his shoulder. "And, about this Cain fellow you've been muttering in your sleep- yes..." He explained as he saw the teen's blue eyes widen, "You do talk in your sleep from time to time. I had one of the guards patrolling this area check around and it seems that you locked up a new guard in our storage room," he murmured, laughing softly as Peyton attempted to explain, "It's fine. Everything's fine. Just go back to bed- and don't try walking on that leg of your's," he murmured softly as to not wake up any of the others before he stood back up, weary eyes scouting around the area for something to do.
The blonde sat up once more, much to the protest of his own leg, wincing lightly as he did so. "Ceris?" He asked softly, a soft flush gracing his rather ashen features. "Is...is Shay back yet?"
The twenty-something year old mage looked back at the boy, pushing him down against his makeshift bed once more with a much more stern expression. "No, but don't let it worry you. He's fine as far as I can tell," he answered, averting his eyes carefully before shuffling off to get more supplies.
------
Taking a moment to look around the band's camp once more, Haar gripped his sword lightly, waiting for a chance to catch the four men off guard. It didn't take but a few minutes for the two men who were standing to start talking about their night's escapades, soon lost in their conversation. Haar knew he just needed to get them unconscious, he didn't really want to have to kill anyone- the thought slightly backwards for an army commander. He didn't really care though, he was compassionate at heart and would much rather just keep these men prisoner until they released who they were, who they were working for, and what their ultimate goal was.
As soon as one of the men talking turned his back, the dark haired man rushed forward, pinning an arm around the man's neck, his sword poised at the other's chest. "Why did you attack the Fire kingdom's castle this evening, gentlemen?" He asked in an eerily calm voice, red eyes dark as he kept a careful watch on all four of the men. "I need names, I need locations as to where you are from- if you feel theneed to keep them to yourselves I will knock all you out and keep you prisoner until you decide to give up these very simple pieces of information," he explained, tightening his grip on the man he was holding by the neck.
Suddenly the man who had seemingly been injured took up his lance that had gone unnoticed until just then as he picked it up gingerly, expertly whipping it into an attacking posture. "Well, if it isn't my good friend. How've you been?" The man asked with a smirk, turning his unsettling familar face towards the young officer. Slowly standing up, the green haired man, seemingly older than Haar himself, took a few careful steps forward. "You know my name, you know where my alliegance stands. I wouldn't want you to lose a friend because you thought you could beat us alone," the man whom Haar knew by the name of Xel- an old friend turned enemy.
The brown haired commander let go of the man he was holding and turned his sword towards Xel, red eyes showing hints of confusion. What...lose someone? He wasn't going to lose anyone, nor would be lose to this small band of rebels.
"I need one more answered before I can allow myself to not kill you. Why did you attack the castle? You had no reason to do so," Haar spat out, eyes darkening as he took a step forward, swinging his arm out towards one of the men quickly. It didn't take much, just a solid punch to the right place and the man he had formerly been holding in a death grip was unconscious on the ground.
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Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2006 2:11 pm
"Well, that brings me some sense of comfort," he said. "... I think." Once in the dining hall, he noticed quite a few lingering nobles. Some stood and chatted while others continued their meals. Both his father and mother occupied their seats at the head of the table. He spared his mother, the long-haired beauty, a smile when she looked their way before gesturing for Sayael to with him near his parents. "Care to join me for my morning lectures?"
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Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2006 7:18 pm
Jillian watched the proceedings blank-minded from shock. Faryn gripped his hand much too tightly and he winced - his hand was still weak from having been frozen just hours before. "'Woo?'" he asked, slightly incredulous. "It's called kindness. She needs a brother who can be kind to her instead of insulting her anytime she shows weakness. She is only five - much too young to even try to lock herself away, as you seem to want her to do. Is she not allowed her humanity due to her royalty?" He knew Faryn was cold and quite often cruel, but he'd thought the prince would at least be able to recognise when his sister tried to throw her feelings away in an attempt not to anger him.
**
Alti followed Haar, but remained in the shadows and was luckily unnoticed - or perhaps it was just that Haar demanded so much attention. There was a man - the wounded one - who seemed to know Haar. But they didn't seem on good terms - not at all from the look on the brown-haired man's face. His magic quested out and he quickly knocked out one of the men - not the green haired man, one of the one's who would be less noticed who was in shadows, like himseld - with a sharp gust of pressured wind more powerful than a blow from a fist. The man crumpled silently and Alti caught him and layed him down before he could thud loudly against the ground.
**
He shrugged. "I'll jojn you, but I probably won't listen. Hearing and listening are two different things." He was used to ignoring anything people said to or about him and it would be much easier to ignore something that was said to or about someone else. Probably too easy and he would end up listening, anyway.
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Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2006 10:38 pm
"Alright. I must warn you, though, my mother is a bit.. strange," Dax said, giving a smile that looked almost apologetic for any future turnouts. He led Sayael where two open chairs were, seating himself right beside the queen. They were both greeted with a nod from the king who seemed half-occupied in a conversation with a man of silvering hair. "Good morning, mothe-" he started, but was cut off by the woman.
"Dax, you were late for breakfast! Were you feeling ill this morning? You know that I told you, if you feel even the slightest bit of an uneasy stomach or headache, have one of our medics look you over." She didn't seem to take a breath inbetween sentences.
"No, mother, I'm feeling just fi-.." Again he was cut short. Somehow, he didn't seemed bothered by the fact. He was simply used to it.
"I noticed the two of you coming in together. Isn't he one of those princes from the Darkness Kingdom?" she asked, loud enough for both Sayael and several others to hear. "The two of you shared a couple dances last night, I hear. A graceful pair the girls were telling me, but I still am curious as to why you're with him even today. I've never known you to court anyone for more than one night before you're with another." She leaned in close, but her whispers were still quite audible. "You didn't sleep with him, did you? Because if you did, you did know to be safe, correct? And you should have spoken with me about it first! I have told you time and time aga-"
"Cilia, for the god's sake!" the king said, turning from his own conversation to look upon his wife. "Leave the boy alone for once. He's experienced enough to know how to handle things behind closed doors."
Of course, this left bickering among the couple, each interrupting one another while Dax slunk down in his seat. He cupped one side of his face in an open palm as servants began to pour both himself and Sayael glasses of wine. He was close to asking if it was too late to just leave now.
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Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2006 11:25 pm
[[Thanks Tato :3.
And Nolas... I<3theQueen xD Sofunny.
I thought I'd just mention it here for the record. On account of a week-long mission trip effective as of 7:45am June 25th followed by a 4 day trip to Chicago to visit relatives for Independence Day, I won't be able to even access the internet until (at EARLIEST) July 1st. The 2nd-5th may be very limited in me getting online as well, because I will be busy visiting with cousins and family. I'll do my best.]]
Pools of turbulent black narrowed. How dare Jillian criticize him! He hadn't a clue... Faryn wanted nothing but the best for Treza. They were so similar; if there was anyone Faryn would respect as a near equal, it would be her. And she was being raised just as he had been; she just would face different tests of skill and magic.
But how could Jillian ask such a question of him?! 'Is she not allowed her humanity due to her royalty?' If there was anything he had learned in his years being raised as the eldest son, and heir, it was that sacrifices... bitter, scarring, heart-wrenching sacrifices had to be made to succeed.
A frown marred his fair brow. "I wasn't," he replied coldly, but truthfully, "She'll give it up eventually, too. The sooner, the better." Faryn turned his back to Jillian, unwilling to expose himself any further or longer. There wasn't a chance he was about to let the memories come back. They were far too painful. Treza would have to start young. The transition couldn't hurt as badly then. "So you know, I haven't killed your father. Come with me," he ordered. And without retracing back to the previous conversation, he set off down the corridor, expecting Jillian to follow.
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Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 8:11 am
Brown eyes glittered softly in the pale firelight, ever watchful as they turned around the camp- noting that yet another man was down. "So, you're not alone, I take it? I didn't think you'd be so hard on your little squire. Taking him with you was a bad idea Shay, a very bad idea," Xel murmured with a flashy grin as he held up his lance. "No matter, he won't be saving you in the nick-" Swiping the tip of his lance at Haar, the green haired man smirked heavily as he landed a hit- a deep gash- right above the commander's collar bone, "of time ever again," he finished, lowering the long weapon with a satisfied expression. "Why can't we go back to the good old days?" He asked, brown eyes narrowing slightly as they watched the younger man stumble backwards, a hand held up to his neck with a pained, if not startled, expression.
Haar kept one hand pressed tight against the gash. It wasn't nearly as deep as most injurings he withstood...but the area of the cut was a bit concerning. Hand soon growing slippery as blood continued to seep through, the red eyed man answered in a harsh voice, "Because you tried to kill me... Now please, tell me why you attacked the castle."
His vision wasn't the best at this point but... something was there. He could feel it more than he could see it. Or maybe he was jus hearing it...there was so much blood and- "Shay? Shay!? Are you okay?" Peyton asked quietly trying to keep his voice sounding as calm as possible. He had heard from his teacher of sorts that if you yelled as someone when they were hurt that they would most likely panic. Peyton was pretty sure he was more panicked than Haar was though... Brushing away dark hair from sticky splotches of blood, the boy held back his tears. There was just so much blood everywhere. Shay moved slightly, red eyes cracking open just a bit, a tiny smile stretched across pale lips. "H-heh. It's not all mine, don't...worry," he muttered, figuring that the blonde was freaking out over how much blood he knew he was, for the most part, drenched in.
Peyton gently liifted Haar's head up, attempting to slid out from underneath him as easily as possible. "I'll get C-Ceris-" A stained hand grasped at the blonde's arm, "Don't." Ceris knew. He was sure of it...but Haar wasn't sure if the mage would make it in time...and he didn't want to die alone. Peyton still squirmed, protesting that maybe Ceris didn't know and-
"That...was an... order."
Blue eyes simply stared down into half open red eyes. Curling over Haar, the boy kept a hand over his mouth to keep his cries from being too loud. Slick fingers ran softly over tear stained cheeks...Peyton couldn't stand that Haar was trying to comfort him when...when he was...he was like this.
"Please be okay."
The green haired man sighed, "I think you already know why I attacked the castle. The royal family's magic and bloodline is as unblemished as ever. And we wonder how that continues to be, now don't we? Anyway, that's not my point. Even if your little army is strong you'll never have the magic power that other kingdom's have and that is your weakness. I was only trying to dispose of the group that has the most magic power- thus making your kingdom even weaker," he explained in a nonchalant tone, twirling around his lance carefully.
"You were trying to kill them then?" Haar asked, already knowing the answer as he took a step forward. "You should know that my kingdom does not take assassination lightly," he snapped, a light red glow encompassing his hand.
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Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 2:12 pm
Sayael listened to the woman's talk, mouth hanging slightly open. He'd never have thought Dax would have had that in the family - and seemingly from both sides, as well. Perhaps it wasn't so surprising. After all, the Ice Prince's quietness was probably due to his being interupted constantly. He glanced back over at Dax and rolled his eyes, grinning slightly.
**
Jillian almost regretted his question, but it was too late to take anything back and he wouldn't have even if he could have, anyway. But they're conversation and the talk he and Treza had been sharing had his mind working furiously - what could have made the prince change? He was caught off guard when Faryn changed the subject. "I - what?" He followed Faryn quickly. Surely the prince couldn't want him to meet his father, not after Enoth had nearly taken him. If Jillian hadn't woken... He shuddered slightly at the thought.
**
The third man fell silently and Alti lowered him carefully to the ground, eyes fixed on the green-haired man. He saw him slash Haar near the neck and his eyes narrowed, although he was careful not to utter a sound. He did, however, send out a small bit of magic that, while insificient to heal the wound completely, would make it older, stop the bleeding and further the healing proccess, therefore making it better. Alti had never been particularly skilled at healing magic and hadn't really cared until then, either. He moved until he was behind the man who had slashed Haar, preparing himself to attack the other - but later. He was too curious just now. He would wait a little...
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Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 2:32 pm
Xel turned a wicked grin towards Haar, brown eyes narrowing slightly as the younger man's gash seemed to stop bleeding and close up just to the point that blood wouldn't seep out as quickly. "Of course I was going to kill them- that is- had not your dumb apprentice gotten in the way. I dare say I took care the situation quite nicely though," he murmured with a sadistic twitch of his lips, curling one finger around green locks. Looking around, the older man called out to Haar as he stomped out the weak fire with his boot. "So where is he? I'd enjoy finishing the job," he said, watching with cool eyes as his former friend bristled, fingers tightening around his sword.
"Loosing your cool, Commander? Don't tell me you care for the boy... You did bring him, didn't you? Maybe if I kill you he'll pop out," Xel murmured, crouching down towards the ground to put out a small pile of embers near the fire pit. Looking up with a smirk, he continued, "Last time I saw you was fun. You didn't care if you died...what's changed? Why can't we have a little skirmish to the death?"
----
Peyton had learned to trust Ceris over the years about these things. He had learned to trust him about everything really... He was almost a father figure to him, not exactly so but he looked to him as someone who would always take care of him- or least always try to do so. Ceris was more like a guardian of sorts, he mused as he slid from his bed. Wincing slightly as he put pressure on his leg. Taking a careful step towards the exit of the room, Peyton stumbled forward, his leg completely giving out.
Ceris had never lied to him. He, for reasons unknown to Peyton, could indeed tell exactly where he was at any moment for the most part. It was complicated but it had something to do with a spell the mage had weaved together about a year or so after they had met. Right then had been no different, the blonde falling against dark robes instead of the floor. Peyton sighed, fingers grasping loosely at the mage's muave cloak.
"I told you not to try to walk," Ceris murmured, lean arms encircling the boy as he gently carried him back to his bed. Running a hand through fair bangs, the man sighed, "Please don't try that again. I promise you Haar is fine," he murmured, pulling a sheet over the boy before standing up.
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Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 3:01 pm
Dax looked over in time to catch Sayael's look, causing a grin of his own which was covered slightly by his curled fingers. After the wine was poured, plates of fresh fruit, several arrays of meats and vegetables, and bread were brought out before them. There was enough sat before the two alone to feed several families. Just as the blonde prince leaned forward as to regain his mother's attention, she jerked around, causing him to jump back into his seat.
"You're not that troublesome prince I've heard about, are you?" Queen Cilia asked, staring directly at Sayael. "Now, Dax, you shouldn't be hanging around bad influences. You've been taught better than that. Oh! But I trust you to know who is and isn't a trouble-maker." Again her gaze shot to the other boy. "You aren't a trouble-maker, are you?"
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Posted: Mon Jun 26, 2006 1:09 pm
Alti had decided it was time. He was close enough now to be able to reach out and touch the man, and he did, magic of destruction and decay already growing in his palm. His hand fastened around the green-haired man's neck, finger pressing into a pressure point, and he brought his blade out, the tip jabbing into the man's side in case he tried to move.
**
Sayael looked up at the woman, hand reaching for a strawberry. He straightened up, lowering his arm, and turned on his blindingly bright Prince Charming smile. "I can assure you I am anything but a trouble maker. I do rather a bad reputation from my Kingdom, but the nefarious one is my younger brother and not myself."
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Posted: Mon Jun 26, 2006 1:38 pm
Haar hadn't realized that Alti would try to take out Xel as well, red eyes widening just a fraction as a pale hand encircled the man's neck. The green haired man wuld've esily broken the teen grip and whirled around to hand out a death blow had not he felt the sharp p***k of metal against his back. Falling to his knees as small fingers dug into a pressure point in his neck, the older man looked up at Haar with a hazy expression- something that was almost a smile...something the young commander remembered from a long time ago. Xel was actually smiling, like how he used to...
"Don't kill him," Haar said sharply to Alti, aiming to knock the friend turned enemy out quickly with the hilt of his sword.
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Posted: Mon Jun 26, 2006 3:20 pm
Cilia offered the prince a delighted smile, her hands clasped before herself. She had clearly been swayed by the boy's charm. "How sweet a boy this one seems, Dax," she said to her son. "If I were but a score years younger, I'd take him for myself! Oh dear, but that's just the old-bird in me talking." She giggled to herself, an older version of the gossipy girls around. "I'm very pleased to have you here."
"Here, here," Dax mumbled, lifting his glass in a sarcastic toast before downing a large drink of the wine. He had no way of knowing whether Sayael's brother really was the troublesome one or not, but he had difficulty believing the other boy was such the angel himself. He grinned around the lip of the glass. With that smile the Darkness Prince was flashing about, it would be hard for many not to believe him.
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Posted: Mon Jun 26, 2006 7:24 pm
"I won't," he said with a bit of a scowl, his eyes narrowing as he watched the man fall. THe man made him unneasy somehow and he didn't like that feeling - he had always disposed of anything that had made him feel that way. It was likes snakes writhing inside of his stomach, making him queezy and irritated.
**
He reached back out for the strawberry, pretending to be embarrassed. "Oh, well, thank you. That's quite a complement." He sat back in his chair and popped the non-berry strawberry into his mouth, completely forgetting the wine. He smiled. Strawberries just made him... happy somehow.
((Neh... it irks me how strawberries are "berries." They are NOT berries. Oranges are berries. So are grapes.))
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Posted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 7:29 am
With a swift crack of the hilt of his sword connecting with Xel's head, the green haired man tumbled forward, only to be caught by one lean arm, fingers curling around the older man's shirt. Haar sneered slightly as he looked down at the unconscious man before hauling him up by his shirt, careful not to cut off his already slow breathing. Sheathing his sword quickly, the young commander placed a hand in his mouth, whistling sharply before picking up another unconscious man laying in the underbrush.
Hearing the familiar sound of hooves pounding against twigs and bushes, Haar smiled lightly as his chestnut colored horse and the grey dappled one came into view. Lifting up the two men on his horse, Haar picked up the third and turned to Alti, "Can you put that other on your horse?" He asked, one hand fingering twisted reins.
[[Haar tied his horse up...but...I don't care. x3]]
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Posted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 2:59 pm
((The horse was smart and grew apposable thumbs so it could untie itself. Almost but not QUITE like me making Faryn wear a hat. :"D
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/35441965/
Uwa, I am so proud of that Haro piccu. Maybe this is why those girls think he's a girl. :"D Anywho, still getting over artist's block. All I can say was that it was CLAMP's fault. They made me draw Haro in CCS style. xD))
He nodded. "Sure. Will you tell me who that man was?" He picked up the man and set him on the horse. He was suprisingly strong for such a frail-looking figure. People had often been surprised by his strength, but it only helped him get an advantage by their under estimating him.
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