ENDLESS JOURNEYS (O/A)

[Rikki Tikki Travi]

Zephyr turned to Kerana and explained, "It works by tethering two hearts together with arcane magic. Their lives are forever bound to one another. If one dies, both die. It is risky, but it has the upside of keeping a person from thoughtlessly sacrificing their own life."

Zephyr looked over his shoulder to Alec knowingly. Alec, in turn, blushed a bit from being put on the spot like that.

He turned back to Kerana and Nova to further say, "When the covenant is made, there is a momentary power struggle between it and any existing curses or enchantments. This creates a gap where I can be tied to the bond of love, rather than the bond of servitude."  

[Nova Blancke]

"It's also why the dragon-kin call their loved one 'their heart'. It originated from this Covenant." Nova added.

"I am against it. I want Alec to be free but this double edged sword is too dangerous for this situation. It would be best to do this after Trinity has won. People are still coming after us which would make this even more dangerous." Nova was silent for a moment.

"However if you do wish to continue...there is an alteration to that Covenant. It would protect Kerana but binds her injury with Alec. She could receive an arrow to knee and it would bounce of her. But Alec will receive the injury. It is more fitting for a guardian. But again...I do not advice either."  

[Rikki Tikki Travi]

Zephyr chuckled, "Rather presumptuous of you, old friend, to volunteer the young fox-kin outright. I was hoping they would come to that conclusion on their own without the interference of two old souls."  

[Nova Blancke]

"You honestly believe they would even consider being bound to someone else? Trinity does not want that responsibility and it won't work on me. At the moment, I like to give what I can...while I still can." Nova responded.  

[Rikki Tikki Travi]

Zephyr smiled a wolfish grin and joked, "Of course I wouldn't. This boy would seize the moon for her. I'd just like to hear them acknowledge it more often. I think it's cute."

Alec blushed deeply and made a small squeaking sound. He was starting to regret letting the wolf come out and play.

But he had a big decision to make. Would the Dragon's Heart Covenant be any different from servitude. If he took the pain in her stead, would he not still be obligated to keep her out of harms way (which he didn't feel was an obligation, but the point still stood).

"There is, of course, a more direct option that doesn't require anything of the arcane. Simply ask Kerana's father to remove the seal." suggested the little wind wolf.

Alec's pallor went from red to ghastly white as he wheezed, "What?"  

[Nova Blancke]

This time it was Nova's turn to joke.

"I believe he would rather fight Leoxandre ten times in a row."  

[Rikki Tikki Travi]

Zephyr shook his head and explained, "It isn't a matter of race, it's a matter of trust. The curse was created because the Fox-kin believed they couldn't trust the Wolf-kin to keep to their oath. If your father and or your mother places their trust in the boy to keep you safe without obligation then the curse will be lifted."  

[Nova Blancke]

"Huh...that I did not know." Nova commented." That certainly is the better than the Dragon Heart Covenant."  

[PixelMuse]

Nova Blancke

Lexi didn't answer but kept walking until they reached a river. She let go of Trinity's arm and folded her arms. "That is his reason." And no sooner than those words left her mouth Ruby jumped out of a tree into the water. Laughing as she did it. Literally crawling up land before getting up and climbing back into the tree.

"His reason is one of the oldest and most simple of them all. It's nothing as noble as wanting to save the world. It's to save her world. To make sure that her smile remains in this world. That she can keep on living."

The moment when Ruby made contact with the water everything became more clear. "To not just watch her grow up but have grow up in a better world. Right?" She couldn't help but think about how he wasn't going to be there for her when she grows up or the moments he will miss by shortening his life to... ensure Ruby would have a better one despite him witnessing in person or not.  

[Nova Blancke]

"Yes, that's right. And if he is lucky, he can meet her in a next life. So don't pity him. Just make sure it is not in vain." Lexi responded.  

[BeaMichelle]

Keleth listened and watched as Trinity spoke with Lex. All this talk of giving hope and a better life to the next generation got her thinking about her mother. The dragon-kin's normally peppy demeanor cooled a bit as she wrapped her arms around herself and tried to remember the woman who died so that her children could live.

Then little Ruby dove into the water and splashed around. This brought Keleth out of her funk and gave her a splendid idea.

She ran toward the water and jumped before tucking her knees into herself and shouted, "Boulder!"

She hit the water with a great splash and came up next to Ruby. She playfully threw water at the little dragon-kin while she laughed a good and hearty laugh.  

[Rikki Tikki Travi]

Kerana

When it was revealed that it wasn't an issue Kerana blushed and smiled. Oh my goodness! We can get seal off of him after all. "You hear that Alec? We can get that seal off of you!" cat_4laugh

Kerana's tail couldn't stop wagging one bit. She really wanted to go home right now and ask her dad to remove the seal.

Alec was quiet for a moment as he took in all the information, but there was something that was bothering him.

"Why did you wait to tell us...to tell me this, Spirit? I am one with you, and I can tell that there is something else that is motivating this that you have not revealed."

The wolf turned and sat before looking up at Alec and addressing his concern.

"You speak with wisdom, Alec. Yes, there is an ulterior motive to my revealing this information now, but it is not at all as sinister as you are thinking. There are things happening back home that do not bode well for either fox or wolf. There is going to come a time, sooner than you think, that the fate of your people could be in the hands of you and Kerana. I was attempting to hasten your return home without causing concern, but I see that I have underestimated your observance."

Zephyr stood up and turned around to face Nova.

"I am sorry, old friend, to have to bring another task upon you and yours. When you are finished with the nearby mana well, it is imperative that your next destination be the home of the fox and wolf kin. I sense an unease stirring in the great wolf mother, and she does not frighten easily. Conveniently, there is a mana well in the forest she calls home. So it is possible to complete two tasks during the detour."