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So here's kinda how my story's going to work. As the roleplaying of her in Nikolais guild goes on, I will be adding more chapters depending on what other characters do in response, but here's what I have so far.
Distant Nights
Chap. 1 Escape
"If time was flying by, I was falling...again..."
A gentle breeze ruffled the light blue strands of hair flowing gently over the slender girls pale face. Her blue eyes were clear and sharp, her structure was rigid. Her full body was covered in a long blue tunic and smooth cloak, and her hair was tucked back with silvery tiara combs. They were all she had left of her mother. Her delicate hands rested easily on her bow and arrow, already strung. Another breeze made her eyes widen perceptively, her feminine looking muscles tightened in anticipation underneath her sleeves. Her arms raised as she backed up against an old worn oak tree. A small dagger flew through the air, aimed at her chest. Three inches from it's target, the dagger iced over and dropped. A moan issued from the end of the daggers path, annd a figure fell from the branch of a tree. An arrow protuded from his breast, and crimson blood showed his life quickly seeping away. He coughed, gasping his last words.
"Forgive me, Serenity. It was my life or yous. I love you."
The girls hands lowered, her figure shaking. Silent tears streamed down her face and she carefully walked over to the boy to reclaim her victorius arrow. She gently kissed his forehead, and watched as the lines of pain dissapeared along with his last consciousness. She made her way back to the tree, each step seeming like ages. On the way, she gently lifted the now thaw dagger. It's ornamental gems and sheeth shimmered in the forgotten sun, twinkling with an almost vicious light. It's runes seemed to mock her, making the vicious shining look almost holy. Sighing with a mixture of relief and sorrow, she glanced back at the lifeless body.
"I'll never understand, Rolan. I'm sorry. I would've died for you, if you'd but told me. I'll love you forever Rolan. Animus Dux Ducis Tu."
An arrow whistled as it flew by Serenity's head, landing in the tree beside her. Reminded of her still danger, she vanished into the tree, safely to transport to the nearest safe tree. A tug on her body while in transition sent her turning and twirling, and finally dumped out of a tree into a different forest. She straightened up, tensing at the trickery. She glanced in wonder at the mess of tall, dark trees surronding her. Her lips formed words that only reached her ears.
"Where am I?"
Breathless, she tested herself for the usuals. Insanity, dreams, and dillusions. Finding herslef free of them all, she felt the panic rise in her throat, bringing tears to her eyes. Suddenly, a pain-racked cough to her right startled her. Her bow zoomed into her hand, an arrow nocked in it, ready to claim the next victim. Serenity peered around the nearest tree, looking into the clearing beyond the shrubbery. A figure lay on the ground, coughing up blood and tense in pain. Serenity winced in sad sympathy for the girl and took pity with a simple healing spell she'd learned in training with Shayana, the priestess of Kaledren
"Progigno Progenui Progenitum, Palam Curatio Animus Ut Mihi."
A whisper of wind carrying what looked like shimmering gold leaves swept through the air, encircling the girl twice and carried off, vanishing along with the girls blood and pain. Suddenly alert, the girl's eyes narrowed in Serenity's direction. The girl drew her weapon, glaring through the clearing. What she was going to do, Serenity had no idea, but she quickly dissapeared into the tree. She heard the girl mutter in an ancient language she's read only in old texts, and then nothing. Serenity, quietly found herself a nice area on the other side of the lake. She sighed as she stripped off her clothes and waded into the warm lake to bathe away the sweat and grime of the days challenges. As she let herself be relaxed by the warm water. She levered herself out, and went to work on dinner. A quick hunt for wood and a small fire spell brought light to the forest, and her hunt for food brought her a tasty rabbit. Her hair curled over her as she cleared her area.
"Thank you, spirits of the forests for providing me with meal, bed, and protection."
Her eyes relaxed and she fell back into the tree, her eyes already blinking heavily. A small dagger on the roots was the only trace of which tree she was sleeping in. She nodded, content. In the morning, she would wake and try to find out more about the place she was in. Maybe even find someone to talk to who wouldn't try to kill her!
Chap. 2 A child
Serenity sighed as she roused from her calm sleep. She stretched resisting muslces, sleepily uncoiling herself out of her tree. She felt her way to the water, splashing it to her face. She shivered in the crisp morning air, goosebumps traveling down her skin. Her eyes were dark with thoughts, turned almost inward in the confusion of emotions. She turned as a small fox ran into the undergrowth. Her shoulders shook as she laughed shakily at her tenseness. A few weeks ago, any noise nearby wouldn't have caused her to reach for weapons, but now each birds call became the signal to pull out a bow, each rustle of the wind was an intruder about to leap. Her paranioa almost astonished her, but she knew it wasn't very different from her old paranoia. She gathered up her things and knelt to the ground, sending herself into a trance. The trees surronding her dissapeared, becoming the spirits that filled them. She sent her mind plunging into the forest, taking directions and finding it's way to the nearest cities or towns. She looked into the first town, too empty for her liking. She sent her mind further on, over hills and trees, coming to a place not too far. She listened in gently, seeing a castle.. A prince? She nodded, memorizing it's location. She came out of her trance, snapping a little as she always did. She stood up, her legs shaking and her eyes clouded. She stepped into the tree, and took her path to the town, relishing the feather touch of the spirits a she was hurtled along. Her head spun as she settled into her new location. She stepped out, quietly joining the few in the street. She made her way to the castle, having to take a few shortcuts to avoid the questions coming her way. Her eyes widened as she entered the palace. It was pretty standard, but looked rather torn and unkept. She easily found the throne room, as the castle was laid out as most were, with everything where she had grown up in it's respective place. She entered the room, silently. It was empty, and she stared a little, torn. She should leave and come back, but where would she go? In a place she'd never heard of, she didn't know the laws nor judgement. So she located a small corner, perfect for her situation. It was half hidden in shadow, giving her space to be hidden unless looked for, but also polite and not as if she was trying to be hidden. She sat down, forcing herself into the fight trance. Something she'd used in training, allowing her mind to wander as it did, finding spirits and wandering moonpaths, but leaving a piece behind that would pull her back the moment there was some sign of movement around her. After a few minutes, a sharp giggle broke through her, sending her body into a tense awakening. Her hand was on her dagger, her other hand poised for a magical attack. She blinked and relaxed. It didn't sound malicious at all. The giggle ran out again, And Serenity smiled at the joyous sound in such a desolate place. She scanned the room for it's source, nodding as the sound rang out from behind the throne. Serenity studied the tapestry behind the throne, admiring it's colors and depiction. It was a side of vampires versus a side of humans. The looked worn out, and the grass below began to sway. The vampires breathing became heavy, and the sweat dripped down the humans faces. Serenity blinked in shock. She smiled in surprise. It was magic. She stayed silent, hoping she hadn't disturbed the persons joyous time. The sounds of footsteps started to echo in the halls, coming closer. A small and quiet servant entered, holding several golden goblets filled with fluid. Serenity rose to her feet, nodding to the man. She waited, knowing that the man wouldn't speak, as was customary, until someone else did, but Serenity was waiting for the person behind the throne to move. Serenity covered her steel with her cloak, not hiding them, but merely changing her appearance as to appear less threatening. A hand appeared above the throne, motioning the servant forward. The person giggled again. The servant thrust a goblet at Serenity, rushing towards the more important hand with a second goblet. Serenity smiled in thanks. She sipped her drink, feeling as if someone was watching her. She hated that feeling. It always made her hair stand on end, but she never showed it. Serenity turned towards the entrance to the room, waiting for the person outside to enter. She coughed gently, hoping to finally be noticed. The man entered, barely visable underneath his clothes and mask. Serenity calculated him with a cool air, knowing what to look for. There was already a lot apparent. He was a patient person, a bit mis-trusting, but that was good in a king. He was young, at least for someone of his race. Maybe not King, but Prince perhaps? She inclined her head towards him, then nodded to the throne where the laughter had come from. The servant looked up and handed the last goblet to the Prince, who dismissed the servant immediately. The girl behind the throne stood as the servant left. She smiled.
"Hello Stranger..."
She extended her hand, but soon lost all politeness and glomped him, making even Serenity wince in sympathy.
"Allo, Vamif.. What took you so long? hmm?"
He grunted, starting towards Serenity. Still smiling at the reuinion, Serenity moved forward, bowing slightly. She looked him straight in the eye, no fear in her eyes at all. People have a hard time hiding much in their eyes. Somehow things always managed to show through unless you were truly skilled. There seemed to be a pain that was kin to Serenitys in his eyes. She almost felt like crying on his shoulder, and started at the reaction. What was wrong with her? She would be feeling terrible about everything with Rolan, but she hadn't felt the urge to let everything go in years! She'd lost it ever since her father had betrayed her. She steeled herself and pushed the thought into the back of her mind. Not what she wanted to think about. His mask was his shield, her's was her practiced expressions. He bowed, his fangs stuck out as he smiled gently.
"Velcome to my vorld youngling."
Serenity nearly laughed, but kept it back. He had called HER a youngling? HAH! She took a good look at him again. He was pretty good looking, over all. A strong body that told of rippling muscles underneath his outfit, and a strong attitude that would take control. He was pretty young, but had called it his world, which told a lot. No parents, she supposed. An after affect of war perhaps? Or maybe assaniation. All the possiblities matched his eyes. Serenity smirked, something that usually was foretold as danger.
"Thank you, your highness. I do not know yet how I have come to be in your realm, but I am fully ready to become part of your kingdom if you have space."
She said her speech lightly, and quietly, staring right into his eyes, her hand resting easily on her dagger. Her slight emphasis at the space was slightly mocking, but nothing he could call her on. It was a challenge of words.
"Tis a pleasure to meet someone of your class... Elven? No.... But you are Elven, correct?"
He was looking at her again, studying her in such a way that bordered on inappropriate. She hardened, slightly surprised. She had started to underestimate him. She wouldn't again. She knew better than to mask too much, he would notice. She nodded, he had recognized some of her well. It was a good characteristic.
"Half-elfish, Prince. Half Nymph as well, on my mothers side, of course. Also, the Elven is minorly noble, but not too badly. I swear, I'm not a Princess! As you might have noticed, I'm not of here. I was transported here and was hoping for some answers."
She watched for his reaction. Ok, so she wasn't a Princess, but only because she'd given up the title and rank years ago. She stilled had some rank, but most of it was just because she took control of situations. She stared at the Prince, noting how closely he was watching her. He was almost starting to look at her the way her father used to. She shook her head, dispelling the image. She looked away for the first time, her shields shake as she thought of her father. He grunted, nodding passively. He had seen it, but was not going to bring it up.
"You are in the velcome hands of Valis, a once pure vampiric realm, now not much more than a rest stop for travelers."
Serenity started in surprise. So he was a vampire! She shuddered a little, terror and excitement rushing through her veins. She'd heard stories about vampires, both cold and sensual. Both encounters were said to be brutal, yet many of the sensual ecounters had left her curious. He sight and seated himself on the stairs to the throne, fatigue written in every outline. Serenity started at his disregard. He had called this land... Valis? She knew the name of course! Fairy tales and horror stories she thought was all myth. Her eyes furrowed in exasperation before falling to her public face. A sweet and innocent face that could had had fooled everyone. He still hadn't mentioned if he knew how she'd gotten here, nor his name.
"Thank you, your highness, but I have yet to learn your name. I was also wondering if you had any positions open. I am skilled in many areas and could always use more experiance."
Her eyes skirted around the room, surprising herself with her boldness. She hadn't expected to stay at all, and now she might find herself accepting a permanent role! She felt her heart beat rise, her skin flushed. Something about the Prince was affecting her. Maybe he could relate to her pain, or maybe it was excitement/fear he had installed in her, but she knew she was starting to be attracted. He was looking better by the moment, and and she felt herself starting to imagine what the night would look like. Those teeth sinking into her neck, starting her blood even as she it started her in other ways. She felt a warmth spread through her, and her breath quickened gently. She looked away, trying to regain composure. He laughed, maybe at her audaciousness, maybe at her discomfort.
"It appears I have not, m'lady. I am Prince Vincent, ruler of these..."
He paused, looking thoughtful. Serenity's heart skipped a beat.
"Beautiful lands, vhich you haf come to... And openings... hmm... Name a job and you more than likely may haf it, other than Prince of course."
He stretched out his lefs, withdrawing them a second later. He was amused, and slightly arrogant. Serenity knew the type well. She nodded, noting what he didn't talk about. He didn't speak of any postions he needed filled. He was very observant, seeing her every reaction, but she wasn't going to play the "you say what you want first-no you do" game. She turned her head, letting her hair fall out of her face. She wouldn't brag, he would take her seriously here.
"I can be just about anything you need. Assainanation is my specialty, but I can be a mage, nobility, trainer, or spy. My background allows me to transport through trees and call spirits, so I almost never get caught, and I have enough magic I can be very helpful. I can handle myself with weapons, especially on horseback and with bows. I am used to tactics and advisory as well. If you have no need, I can try to find another place, but I'm positive I could be more of an asset to you than to a neighboring kingdom."
He blinked, obviously a little shocked. She'd expected that after a while.
"you think we have a need for assaination? Hah, only if it is my father... I haf no need for any particular line of profession, although we could use a mage of sorts, and spy, maybe. As for schooling.. Heh, I wish we really had a school, but all of the teachers of our way of life are either dead, or relics such as myself that are not in knowledge of everything of this land... The corpses as you could have seen if you walked here, which I know you didn't, are no longer."
He stayed composed, and seemed to be stating the facts, but the waver in his voice and flash in his eyes betrayed his emotions. His resentment of his father, the anger and pain of loss. Serenity felt the desire to hold him, willing him to break down, and felt her breath catch again. What was going on? He was a good ruler, that was apparent!
"If you have need of it, I suppose I could be councilor most of the time, and when you have need of my other abilities, I could be them."
Serenity nodded as she spoke. That would do. If she was going to stay here, advisor would be nice. She'd played that before during a campaign, and had even taking over rule during an assaination. She knew she could spy, yet the job was not something she particularly liked. Ah well, it would suit her to stay, and she knew it.
"The conditions are pretty simple. I need a place to sleep, food, and I suppose some clothes. I like to practice with weapons and ride horses, and I have no need of luxeries, so don't waste them on me. I am NOT a stuck up high-born who needs maids and feather beds to live!"
Serenitys voice growled at the last part. She had been asked where the beds were by a silly noble during a campaign! HAH! And he had the gall to faint when told he was sleeping in a tent! The prince watched her, his eye brows rising gently at her reaction.
"Sounds suitable, but well.. can I trust you?"
He stood above her. She looked up, calm as ever. She'd had 8ft tall men hover over her with axes and machine guns and had ordered them around. She what he was doing. It wasn't itimidation, it was power. She was slightly impressed, but knew what to do. She didn't move, and stared into his eyes.
"About the room.. I shall have someone find one near this room, and the training grounds... The few horses we have haven't been ridden of late, so they be untame. As for feather beds, EVERYONE has one, and so shall you. WE have no definite rank, and too few to fill the rooms which do have feather beds."
The girl behind him stood up, walking over to the throne and throwing herself onto it.
"I thought I was a councilor! And my room has no feather bed. What do you think she could give to this kingdom, hmm?"
Serenity had listened to the Princes speech, noting his non-hostile attitude. She was about to speak when the girl interrupted her. She spoke now, to the prince.
"I am a stranger to this lang, so I am at a disadvantage. If you say no, I have no where else to be, so what could I gain by going against you? I have no grudge with you, and I have experiance advising in the times of war and peace. You are young, that is a I assume you are young. But I am also, yet I have experiance to matc the oldest here."
Serenity turned to face the girl, being cold and warm at the same time.
"And to answer you miss, if I work with this Prince. I can bring my expertise and experiance, something many would die for. I can be a spy when he needs, a mage, a scholar.. Anything.. And if I am not an asset in any way, I will allow your own hand to slash my throat."
Serenity had issued her challenge, knowing she might have killed herself with those words.
"And if you would prefer, you can put me on trial, or keep me under guard at all times."
The girl glared, jealousy apparent.
"You already admitted your good at spying, or why would you hide a lot of your emotions?"
The girls hair changed the color from root to the tip to a bright red. She was showing off, something Serenity would win by not playing.
"What are you trying to hide."
The Prince walked around Serenity, looking through her, and seeing not only the mask, but past it.
"Quite true. The only thing is that we have no guard in any way, our kingdom is quite barren. You would seem fit almost too for a random traveler, but that may be from your Elven side. Then again, I haven't even seen this in a drow, which is almost the same."
Serenity nodded to the girl, her face impassive. Serenity was not going to make hasty judgements, but her guard was up.
"The fact that I've worked as a spy is no count against me. Or should we bring all of your past into this as well? I am at a disadvantage here, so I am, for the time, at your mercy."
Serenity turned to the Prince, pleased. He was listening, but not allowing the girl to take him into her jealousy.
"My fighting trim comes from work. As I said, I've done compaigning. I've taken a lot of weapons classes, especially as I've become a target in my own world. Many were unhappy with the amount of control I have as a "little girl" In my kingdom."
"Hmm...Mercy? That is one thing we all need at this point.... And what trouble are you in at your home.... realm?"
The Prince stopped in front of her, looking over at her, exposing his back. It was a good tactic, showing trust.
"And please, pay no attention to Vaimf's words, for they are simply to get you to show your anger, which you have not."
"I take this is my dismissal?"
The girl waved her hand absently and turned into a bony kitten. She ran into the halls connecting this room and the next. A loud meow echoed down the hall as a small girl ran into the room, breathless. She whistled with a small.
"Hello! THis is a lovely castle, but everything is kinda.... dark, I'd say. I would've brought flowers or something, but this place is pretty lacking of any living foliage... So what's with the oppressing, still air in this room."
Serenity glanced, memorizing the cats looks. She raised an eyebrow at the girl that bounced into the room, and stepped to the side a little.
"Oh. Hello there."
Serenity turned to the Prince, whispering in low tones.
"My trouble is just the usual envy, they set me up twice with betrayal from loved ones, and I had just killed someone when I came here. It's nothing too big. I can wait for you to settle these two before we talk again though. If you could point out the grounds?"
An older man entered, thank god slower than the girl.
"Fythallia, what are you doing?"
He shook his hand, smiling at her enthusiasm. He nodded at Serenity, and glanced at the Prince. Serenity rolled her eyes at the girl, smiling at the man. He seemed nice.
"Well that sucks... Anyway, I'm saying hello to the occupants of this room, trying to make the place brighter, and well... subconciously performing various bodily functions."
After a short time, Fythallia rubbed her chin thoughtfully.
"You all think I'm weird, don't you?"
The Prince glared significantly, his eyebrows raised.
"And who might you two be.
The Prince turned to Serenity, quietly answering.
"You can take that door on the left, and a servant will find you a room."
Serenity nodded.
"I hope we can continue our chat over dinner. Send for me when you wish to talk again. I hope your business goes well with these two."
She bowed slightly, inclining her head towards the other two before going out the door he described.
To be continued^_^
 Bewitchedh · Sat Feb 04, 2006 @ 02:42am · 2 Comments |
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