-Gabe & Taeral: From the Dinner
Gabe & Emilia: Talking
Gabe & Taeral: At Everdawn
Gabe & Alek: Meeting at Tavern
Sakialyn: Reflection after Tyrâs Hand
Roses and Spears
The night air hung thick with the smell of roses as Gabriel followed the other man through the rose gardens. Mere moments ago, he had been seated at a dinner table, with the person he had yearned to see for weeks just across the way. He barely recognized her amid the layers of soft fabric, perfume, and cosmetics, and yet, as Taliori smiled, the glimmer of the women he cared for peaked out amongst the oddities. A pretty bird in a gilded cage of her own choosing amid thorns and roses. Tonight, his goal had been to reach her somehow, and set her free of it.
That was the plan, at least.
When Netta had so eagerly invited him to attend a dinner at their home, he knew right then he would be walking right into a trap. Yet, even knowing this, he still had to risk it. For the woman whom had touched depths of him he had hidden away for years and became as close to him as his own family by blood, he would face whatever ill had been planned for him. Â
He could not have possibly foreseen the depths of the sinister trap the Rosespears had set for him, however.
It had been known, and prepared for, and he had expected such underhanded tactics as poison, or an attempt on his life with a hidden assassin when he was made to be alone. Such things he could have handled easily enough. And yet, as soon as this other guestsâ voice reached his ears, all of that crumbled and he found himself panicking. How could they have possibly known? He thought it impossible for anyone to have found out, and yetâŠ
âAre you considering the best way to kill me, Leoâren?â
The other manâs voice cut through Gabrielâs thoughts, forcing him to tear his eyes away from the sickenly sweet smelling roses that surrounded the both of them. Hearing that name he had cast up so many decades ago always caused his teeth to grit and tension in his muscles to rise.
Taeral Everdawn. He hardly knew anything about the man that was a brother of his father, save scarce visits in his youth. He remembered clearly the cold, calculating eyes that were set upon him with each visit. The disregard, the disinterest. His father had once told him the man was one to not be trusted.
âI donât know who you think I-â
âCut the shit, Leoâren!â Taeral boomed turning to meet Gabrielâs icy stare with his own. âI know my brotherâs face, and I know for a fact heâs dead. The death of his eldest son, on the other hand, has always been debatable.â
Gabriel pinned his ears back
Taliori, the one he had been fully intent on taking from this place, had been barely out of armâs reach. The tangled in a web of thorns crafted by her sistersâ design to keep her ensnared mHe had intended fully tonight to somehow bring her back from the gilded cage
with the person he had full intention on taking from this place just across the way and out of meantTaliori just across the A million thoughts raced through his mind: panic at being discovered,
ESCAPE
He passed through the bars and wondered why they had no effect.
Footsteps rounded the corridor and soon he came face to face with two guards.
âTest subject ## has escaped!â
âDisable him already!â
The man thrust out his arm, but though he saw the glow from the manâs fingers, he felt no loss of control that came. Had the mark stopped working? He didnât linger to find out why.
âI thought I told you to disable him!â
âI tried but for some reason, the mark wonât react!â
âHeâs getting away!â
He ran, but he knew he wouldnât be able to get far unarmed as he was and being pursued. He ducked into a room, thankfully empty, and hid.
âI think I saw him duck into here.â
âKeep your guard up.â
âI doubt there is much he can do between us.â
They were wrong.
He grabbed a knife from one of the tables and with deadly accuracy, launched it, embedding it into the eye socket of one of them.
âThere he is!â
With his position compromised, he ducked and used the tables gathered in the room as shields.
The night air hung thick with the smell of roses as Gabriel followed the other man through the rose gardens. Mere moments ago, he had been seated at a dinner table, with the person he had yearned to see for weeks just across the way. He barely recognized her amid the layers of soft fabric, perfume, and cosmetics, and yet, as Taliori smiled, the glimmer of the women he cared for peaked out amongst the oddities. A pretty bird in a gilded cage of her own choosing amid thorns and roses. Tonight, his goal had been to reach her somehow, and set her free of it.
He could not have possibly foreseen the depths of the sinister trap the Rosespears had set for him.
It had been known, and prepared for, that a trap had most certainly been laid for him. He had expected such underhanded tactics as poison, or an attempt on his life with a hidden assassin. Such things he could have handled easily
Taliori, the one he had been fully intent on taking from this place, had been barely out of armâs reach. The tangled in a web of thorns crafted by her sistersâ design to keep her ensnared mHe had intended fully tonight to somehow bring her back from the gilded cage
with the person he had full intention on taking from this place just across the way and out of meantTaliori just across the A million thoughts raced through his mind: panic at being discovered,
Pattie hustled to the next table, ensuring to refill their drinks. Barmaid work wasnât always so fulfilling, but at least it was better work than that of the brothels.
As she returned to the bar, she drew in a breath and attempted to fill her lungs with something that wasnât stale drunkâs breath.
âYou look beat,â Lin told her with a gentle smile as he subtly pushed a small shot glass her way. She smiled gratefully and eagerly took it up.
âWouldnât be half as bad if that table in the corner werenât as rowdy,â she grumped slightly, taking in a breath and letting the alcohol burn her throat. Drinking on the job was highly frowned upon, but this night she was grateful for the relief.
A chuckle sounded from him. âYou know drunks. Taverns are the best place to see what a person is truly like behind the facade they put up.â
She smiled his way. It had been a few weeks since Lin had joined the staff, and despite the ownerâs reservations on hiring a quelâdorei, the man seemed quite effective at the bar, even drawing in more women during the night runs to gaze upon him. He was a handsome sort, and even Pattie was quite taken from him at the start. Those charming azure eyes, and long, silvery white hair was enough to make him look truly divine.
Yet, he was not the one she had her eye on. Rather, the Squad Commander Thomas had been the one to have her true eye. She remembered the days when it had been difficult to speak to the man when he came for his weekly nights at the tavern, but Lin had been a good counsel to her in order to gather her courage.
Tonight was the night, she told herself.
True to form, he had arrived as he usually did those past weeks, and she had guided him and his knights to a table she had picked specifically for them. Whispered words were given him of a special gift she had wanted to give him.
The drink was brought over, along with a small box she had delicately wrapped herself. Her heart thudded in her chest as she brought it, eager for him to see.
Then he sipped his drink and his eyes bulged, before snapping his hands to his throat like he couldnât breath as he fell out of his chair and convulsed.
Pattieâs eyes widened in shock as this occurred, and she stood by numbly as this happened. It wasnât happening, was it?
Thomasâ fellow men crowded him, but the man finally stopped and laid still, now dead from the poison.
This wasnât happening. This couldnât be. HowâŠ
âI saw her!â a voice cut across the bar. âShe put something in his drink!â
âWhat? But.. no.. no! I.. I didnât! I..â She stared wide eyed around her, to the faces that now turned upon her, to the corpse of the man she loved. This couldnât be realâŠ
âSomeone grab her! Sheâs killed the squad commander!â
âNo! I didnât!â she finally screamed. âIt wasnât me!â Her eyes shot to the bar. Surely Linâs words would back her up. Surely he could tell them all of her true feelings for the man. Feelings that would surely make them see it couldnât have been her.
Yet he was no longer there. Only then, did she realize, far too late. Her eyes drifted numbly to the body of the man she had come to love, knowing he would never wake again. Her knees gave out, making her fall to the floor and suddenly⊠nothing mattered anymore before she felt hands upon her.
-------------------------
A blonde haired shadow leaned against a tree far outside the walls of Stormwind.
âThe deeds done. Youâll have no more interfere in your operations from the commander,â the man grinned. âNow then, about our agreement.â
The other man huffed before producing a handsome bag of gold for the sinâdorei man. âAs agreed. You have my⊠appreciation for removing such a thorn from my side.â
The bag was quickly tied to the manâs belt, before a grin spread across his face. âPleasure doing business with you, Tom. Should you require any more weeding, you know how to contact me.â
And then, like the shadows of the night, the man vanished.
As he moved through the night, he thought over the girl that was to be crucified now for the death of the commander. Yet, instead of remorse, a wicked grin crossed his face. She deserved what she got.
Fools who fell in love deserved to have their hearts ripped out.
He had been forced awake like usual before he was dragged to his next destination. It was the same as usual, and had been done so often, he didnât even put up a fight anymore. He could only hope that whatever it was today, it would be done quick. Quick meant less pain.
 âTest subject 821â
âCareful with this one. Visceren wants him to stay alive as long as possible hereâ
 He fought against being pulled back to the world of the living.
No. Please. Just let me stay here. I donât want to go back. Please.
That was what the witch in the forest had asked of him when Gabriel begged for her assistance. Simple ingredients in theory. Rosebuds would be easy enough to find were he to chose just any, as well as the seeds for the fruit. But from the bare knowledge he had of witch magic, he at least recognized one thing: For anything to work effectively, the ingredients should to be of quality, with special meaning. And when it came to the one he was betraying every aspect of his common sense for, even to go as far as dabble in witchery, he would dare not take the chance of ineffective ingredients. Damn himself if he must, he would save her from the fate that had befallen her. He would bring back the Tali he knew, and risk his soul trying if he must.Â
 As for something  she valued greatly enough to reach her within the curse... That last one would require extensive thought.Â
For the rosebuds, he had chosen to take from the gardens of the people responsible for these circumstances: the Rosespear. Despite his begrudgement, it had seemed the best place to procure that particular ingredient. The connection through familial grounds, and the one she had clung to so desperately through blood, could provide an adequate anchor. Outside, it had seemed a simple enough task, and with another whom had willingly offered their aid, Islesun, or something or other, he had not bothered to learn the man's name, the pair had set out to clip a few offerings. Much to his dismay, however, the gardens had, of course, been booby trapped, providing another headache to the man's mission. Nonetheless, with some quick thinking despite the other's lack of proper weaponry, they had both been successful.
With the timely 'procurement' of the bewitched Tali, the hair and blood had been easily acquired while she laid unconscious, before being handed over to Shalenor's care. Despite his feelings, it had been a necessary action.Â
 Aside from the very last ingredient, that left the seed and the gold to be paid. Fortunately, gold hadn't been something he'd been short of, and despite Tali's attempts to drink him dry, he had kept a small fortune hidden away from her grabby hands. Would it be enough, he wondered? If not, he surely had other means to acquire it. Means that might require spilled blood.Â
 As for the fruit, he knew where to acquire an adequate sample for it, but that meant certain... complications. It had taken him some time to build up the nerve to go obtain it, but he knew the best place: The Everdawn orchards, and the lands he had cherished as a lad. Despite being forced to return to these lands not long ago under threat of execution, and under the name he had thrown away long ago, the orchards had remained as much a place of comfort to him as the days of his youth. But now, he was Gabriel, a stranger and outcast to these lands once more. After his argument with Emilia. No, Sara... It was Sara who...
He shook the thoughts from his mind and continued down the path to the orchards with Gorethaen, his wolf, at his side. Wary looks were given him from the workers in the surrounding field, but he paid them no mind. If they had wanted to stop them, they could try. The goal had been to slip in and out as quickly as possible, something he probably could have done stealthily enough without anyone noticing. However, his decision to do so brazenly was no doubt going to draw attention, and perhaps that is what he wanted.Â
 After walking for a small time between the trees, he stopped at one in particular and ran his fingers along the wood, and further along the engraving in the wood. "LB" it had read. Two souls intertwined, or whom should have. He recalled the day he had brought Bell to those orchards, and how they had made this tree their own. The memories of that day, and the days following threatened long buried emotions to rise within him. Emotions he quickly forced away, as he took his hand away from the wood like it had burned him. The tree would be the perfect location to retrieve the fruit from. That was the mission he had to focus on.
"So you did return, Leo'ren," came a voice from further down the way, causing Gabe to tear his eyes away from the tree. Before him stood Taeral, the last person he had wanted to run into here. And the man was none too pleased to see him either. "And apparently to thieve, like some common bandit. I almost didnât believe when our field workers alerted me, yet here you are."Â
Gabe furrowed his eyebrows and look away from the man. "Won't be lingering long. I jus' need something, an' then I be on my way."Â
That answer did not seem to satisfy Taeral. "So you mean to steal from us without so much as a word and then, what? Disappear again until you need something? Have you forgotten our agreement, Leo'ren?"Â
Gabriel balled his hands into fists and raised his grey gaze to meet the man's. "I've not forgotten, no. Things have just been... complicated," Far too complicated. "But if ye mean t' hand me over to the state fer my crimes, then afraid you'll have t' wait." Leveling a cold glare upon the man.
An equally cold stare was greeted him. "Perhaps I ought to, considering you have done little to change my opinion of you as the thief and murderer you are."
Gabe stiffened just slightly and swept a hand to his blades. If it was necessary, for Tali, even if it meant murdering once more to get what he needed then.. it needed to be done.Â
Taeral did not seem to flinch at the motion. Instead, he continued. "But for now, I am not here for that. As I am to understand, you know of Emilia's true identity."
Gabe grimaced and looked away. "Aye... I do."
There was a long, hard silence before Taeral broke it. "I cautioned her against getting her hopes up about you. And even knowing whom she is, you are here, thieving like some common criminal. It seems I was correct in my assumption of you: You have not changed from your pirating and thieving days."Â
Gabe grit his teeth. "I ain't here to thieve."Â
"Then what are you here for, boy? A midday snack? Your Sunguard not feeding you properly?" he bit back.Â
"I can't tell ye my reasons. I just need one apple from this tree. That's all."
"One apple," Taeral echoed. "And what will it be tomorrow? An orange? Gems from our mines? Perhaps next time you'll come for my head like you did the others."Â
"The thought had crossed my mind," he glared back threateningly, all care of the threat between them disregarded.Â
Taeral glared back just as icily. "Then what's stopping you, boy?" He spread his arms out in a taunting manner. "We're alone here. No witnesses. You'll get no better chance to enact whatever vengeance you want on me."
"It is true I hate ye, and I'd shed no tear should your head be separated from yer shoulders." Gabe straightened himself and pulled his hand away from the blade at his belt. "But I hav' no reason fer it t' be by my hand. Belittle me all ye like, but th' fact reminds ye be the last family Emi-- no, Sara has left an' I..." he paused in his words and rather than continue, he reached up into the tree and plucked an apple from it. The goal of his mission here, and perhaps the last thing he would glimpse from the lands of his youth. "I ain't th' brother she remembers. Tha' man... died decades ago."Â
Taeral studied him long and hard, before shaking his head with disappointment. "I retract our arrangement."Â
Gabriel blinked at that and stared at the man with surprise.
"I no longer require you to return here, but in exchange, you will not set foot upon these lands again after this day. If you do, then I will have your head, boy, and considering the pain you have already caused her," the man paused as he turned about, "I would rather you not incite further."Â
Gabriel stared at the man at a loss for a moment before slowing nodding his head to this new agreement. "Then ye won't. This will be the last ye see of me. I promise that." He swallowed thickly before fumbling around in his satchel and pulling out a rolled piece of parchment. "I hav' a request t' make though. Could ye please give this t' Sara fer me?" He looked at the man earnestly as he held it out. "I care not if ye want to read it first before giving it to her but make sure she receives it."
Taeral took the parchment with a heavy frown, but nonetheless, he nodded. "I make no promises." It was not the answer he wanted, but it was the best he would get.Â
Gabe bowed his head regardless as a show of very rare gratitude. "Thank you."
He waited not for further answer. With the object of his mission in hand, he climbed upon the wolf and was gone.Â
With the rest obtained, the final piece was what awaited next. But what would be considered more precious than anything to her? Her swords? No, she was fascinated by them, yes, but they were as loved as a beloved toy. Peaches? ... certainly not. She loved them, sure, but food was disposable and as for the 'other' Peaches... Hell no was he going anywhere near that abomination. The more he thought about it, the more he found himself stumped. Was there even anything she valued more above all others? She cared not for her appearance, or certain trinkets, save the emerald studs she had in her ears, but he had noticed shortly before losing her they had been absent, and she seemed none the more at a loss for them. What then? Was there even anything?
He drew in a breath. Something that was special to her. So special, she would risk life and limb to protect it. His thoughts drifted to the time she had gone in search of the mage, despite her back injury. He scoffed. Aye, if only the mage were an object he could throw at the witch. maybe that would work.Â
The thought caused him to pause. Could that be the answer? Maybe it didn't need to be a thing, but perhaps even a person she loved dearly? He frowned deeply. It was a risky gamble, but the fact remained what she valued more than anything were the people she loved. People she risked her life time and again to be beside. It was possible it wouldn't work, because he had seen for himself, the spell had warped her reasoning and feelings, and those she may have loved before were now as the dirt beneath the feet that bastard walked upon. The thought infuriated him further, causing a momentary pang of despair. But what other option did he have? The witch had said it had to be something special to her. Something that would draw Tali back from the abyss.Â
He gazed down into the shine of the apple in his hand. There was only one way to find out.Â
She was there in front of him, blonde curls sweeping over her shoulder with a worried look upon her features.
âGabe⊠Donât goâŠâ
She called for him again, and he reached out to her. Yet, no matter how hard he tried, she remained out of his grasp. Slowly, she began to be pulled away, and he ran after her retreating form, trying desperately to take hold of her hand. He called out to her, but his words only echoed with silence.
Then, she was gone, swallowed up by the darkness that encircled and surrounded him. As she faded out of view, victorious, maniacal laughter echoed around him, taunting him, reminding him of his failure.
The battle of the Dawnspire had been a tough and grueling fight. Vandeis had come out of it nearly unscathed, save a few scratches from demons that had gotten a little too close for comfort. In comparison, many demonic enemies had suffered far more than a few of his arrows before falling dead.Â
 Yet, even as he, himself, needed no immediate treatment, he found himself making a beeline towards the infirmary once the battle had settled. Despite the cheery disposition he always carried, and the smile that was a permanent fixture upon his lips, he was not ignorant of the cost such brutal battles brought. As his eyes scanned the lines of wounded, and ears twitched at spoken names of those who were being listed as lost, his expression merely dimmed into a sympathetic smile.Â
Despair was a foreign emotion to him, one that was locked behind careful gates so as to not be allowed free. Despair assisted no one in these times, even as familiar names touched his ears as he walked passed menders, busy with their assignments to those who had seen the worst of it. That faint smile refused to diminish in the face of it.Â
One person in particular caught his attention as walked amongst the cots, one of familiar curly raven hair, yet the normally chocolate skin was pale. Could that be...?
He found himself drawn to inspect further with slow steps.
Iiloridan was tucked into the cot, still and quiet.
Though he yet breathed, the usual warm hue to his skin had gone ashen and dull as death, and his remaining eye closed and dark as though bruised with sleeplessness. Iiloridan had fallen to wounds that were, for the most part, not physical in the slightest. The blood that had leaked from his nose, eyes, and ears when he had stretched his healing gifts too far had been cleaned away, and no injuries were obvious on him. But he remained still and...somehow, eerily lacking.
As Vandeis reached him, he suddenly paused at the edge of the cot in order to fully take in his friend's form. Though he could not discern any physically bandaged wounds upon him, it was clear to Van something dire had occurred during the battle to bring him into such a state. Quiet steps took him to Iiloridan's side, where he studied his friend's sleeping features before drawing the back of his fingers along the ashen cheek.Â
Cold, and lacking the warmth he had grown accustomed to in their times together.Â
If it hadn't been for the faint breathing, and an even fainter heartbeat. his senses picked up, he might have found himself sharing that chill.Â
"It seems you had a rougher time than I, my friend," the hunter smiled softly, even if deep within there was a ache in his chest that refused to radiate to the surface. He remained there for a time, watching his slumbering friend as he gently brushed errand strands of curls from Iiloridan's forehead. After a few moments, he bent down slowly and pressed a gentle kiss above the man's remaining eye.Â
"Rest well, my dear friend," he whispered to the slumbering priest before drawing back with a  forlorn smile.  "I'll return shortly once you awaken."Â
He idled for a few moments longer, before reluctantly moving on down the rest of the cots to find any further familiar faces. Even as he did, a glance or two would be given back to the cot where Iiloridan remained so still, as if expecting the man to wake and offer him a rare, warm smile.Â
Taeral drummed his fingers rhythmically upon polished wood as he carefully looked over the document in his hand. His desk had been a scene of paperwork stacks the past few weeks, with reports from the other houses coming in constantly: Reports of production, sightings of scourge and demons, and all other manner that required his attention as the Lord of the Everdawn.Â
The past few years had not been easy, after taking up the mantle following his late brotherâs passing. Vesyrnâs methods had been questionable, as the man had driven the neighboring houses into subjection like a tyrant, rather than regarding it as a mutual alliance. Yet, regardless, there was no doubt that under his hand, production and trade had continued to flourish. Perhaps what fear he had utilized had been a motivational factor, but Taeralâs brother, whether or not his methods were moral, had been efficient in ensuring The Everdawn continued to thrive. Yet now, with his brotherâs gruesome death having come with few sympathizers, it had been a question of how to maintain it.
It had taken time to clear out his brotherâs ill influences, and lingering thugs, as it were, in order to start fresh, but with it, came even more problems.Â
The mines of Phoenix Heights to the north had practically been stripped barren and its residents had been worked thin in order to meet demanded production. While the corruption of his brother had been cleansed, House Highmourn would need time in order to survey new places within the mountains in order to draw from.
To the south, Lightblossom Fields were having trouble with bandits pillaging their crops, and even burning their fields in a fit of spite. Calling upon those of Highmourn to assist in guarding them had stemmed the tide, but the damage had been done. Recovery and re-planting of lost crops would set them back.
Then to the west, Dawnwood forest, and, more specifically, Tylentus Sunleaf had been another problem. While the Sunleaf Wardens had done well to prevent the Scourgeâs corruption from tainting their forests, their numbers had dwindled over the past years in fending off wandering undead and trolls that tested the western borders of The Everdawn. They required manpower in order to process the lumber and goods from the forests, but House Sunleaf had been refusing aid. Taeral suspected it had not only to do with Vesrynâs methods of terror, but also the rumors over a daughter of Sunleaf, Tylenthusâ own, having been murdered by a son of Everdawn, Taeralâs late nephew, Leoâren, nearly a hundred years ago. Such wounds would be hard to forgive, and Taeral would have to regain the manâs trust somehow. Until then, Dawnwood Forest could not be counted upon.
Lastly, there were his own lands of Autumnsun. Port Belore had seen fewer and fewer ships passing through, and under the tyranny of his brother, many of the surrounding towns had become abandoned, its citizens having sought refuge elsewhere. Even Arkha'oriel, once a prominent academy of mages and those seeking knowledge, had become a little more than a husk of its former glory. Taeral suspected the rumors of his brotherâs penchant for the darker arts, including felmancy, had something to do with the taint that had filled it until recently.
Given these circumstances, he knew there was little choice. If the Everdawn was to survive, and the tides change, then new alliances would have to be formed. He once more looked over the parchment in his hand. It was a list his advisors had given of suggested noble houses that might prove beneficial in an alliance. As his eyes scanned down the list, a particular name stood out:
Firestorm.
Over a year had passed, and he still remembered vividly the night of the ball that honored the Lordâs newly appointed Knight-Captain. A face of a ghost long since dead had stuck out to him in the crowd, yet had been as tangible as mist before it vanished before his eyes. Was it his youngest brother, Faedryn, he had seen? Had it been a warning warning of the fate that had swallowed those who had previously held the title of Lord of the Everdawn? He had wondered for the longest time if it was merely the wine of the evening that had played tricks upon him, or if he had truly seen what he had.
He stroked his beard a moment as he thought over it further. Perhaps this would be the opportunity to look further into the mystery, while at the same time, secure alliances that would save his lands.
The paper was set to the side as he retrieved parchment and a well of ink in order to begin writing.Â
Lord Vaelrin Firestorm-
He paused, having recalled the man had a military title, then balled up the paper and tossed it into the wastebin before starting over with fresh parchment.
Ranger-Captain Firestorm,
It has been some time since we last spoke and I believe our last meeting was to celebrate your new Knight-Captain Esme Sunshardâs appointment. It is in my hopes that you have been keeping well and that your people and lands have known a harmonious peace within these trying times.Â
It is in regards to that mentioned above I feel I need to write onto your persons as I have a proposition for you that I believe would both benefit Shallowbrook and that of my own the Everdawn. If you hold any interest in helping strengthen your own lands through an alliance I would like to extend an invitation to dinner so that we may further discuss this proposition.
Sincerely,
Lord Taeral Everdawn
Once finished, he read it over, ensuring each line was pristine and the words un-smudged before setting it off to the side in order to allow the ink to dry. It would perhaps mark the beginning of a long road, and regardless of where it took him and the Everdawn, he would see it through to its end.
She cannot speak right now. She is preparing for her wedding
The words of that vile serpent of a woman still echoed in Gabriel's mind just moments after the communications went silent. The device in his hand was gripped with rising anger, almost crushing it before he thought better. He had hoped to hear Tali's voice after the silence of the past couple weeks, but instead, it had been her sister, Laenetta, that had answered.
He couldn't just sit idly. He had to do something. With a curse, he flew to the desk of his cabin, ripping open the drawers to seek the sought after parchment and ink. He could tell the crew, but it was not as simple as rescuing some damsel locked away, especially when the one in question had convinced themselves they wanted to be there. Storming the place would only make matters worse.
The Captain could be sought but... the man had his own affairs to see to. He didn't need to get caught up in this. Gabriel knew that. Nor did the man know, nor witnessed, what Gabriel had seen. Considering the last time he had witnessed the Captain and Tali argue when it came to such sensitive affairs... he couldn't risk it.
The vision the witch gave already told him the crew would not be able to help.
I look forward to your arrival
The last venomous words hissed by that woman echoed across his mind as he scrawled ink to paper, sending a chill ran up his spine. He knew he would be walking into a trap. Even still, there was no way he could just stand by and let Tali become consumed by them.
There was only one he could trust with this. The man who had seen this all coming and had warned her of it far before it occurred. The man who knew much more about this than Gabe could fathom. Even if whatever trap they had prepared for him would lead to his demise, he would risk it. If he failed, at least heâd make sure thereâd be another chance to save her from this.Â
They're forcing her to marry
Will you stand by and do nothing?
The letter was short, but there didn't need to be much said. The man would understand its message, and what it meant.Â
Once Gabriel finished, he folded it up and tucked it away before reaching for the communication stone once more in order to call for the one whom would need to deliver it for him. As much as he abhorred seeing that ice witch again, he would bear the discomfort for the urgency in this.
She wore a dress of silk and roses, with threads of gold that shone magnificently in the sunlight. Taliori was absolutely radiant where she stood, shining like a sun of her own that lit the halls of the palace they must have been standing in.
Yet beside her stood another, who was cloaked in shadow. Even despite the brilliant rays that exuded off of the woman next to him, no face could be distinguished of the man, save for the wicked grin that twisted and stretched his features. In a flash, the shadow lashed out, latching onto her arm with what looked like thorns.
She cried out and tried to pull away but to no avail. The more she struggled, the more the thorns overtook her. Soon, the brilliance she once exuded began to fade and dim, consumed by the shadow that menaced over her.
Gabriel watched it all play out like a horror show. He started forward and attempted to reach for her, but no matter how far he ran, she only got further and further out of his reach.
Then they appeared on either side of him: two women of very fair hair and gowns of golden silk, with suffocating scents of roses that made his stomach turn when he breathed. They looked upon him with wide, vicious grins that expelled laughter as they snatched at his arms with surprising strength, holding him in place. He struggled to break free of their iron grip and called out to the fading light, only for her silence to greet him. In his ears, he was taunted with hisses of failure by the two women, and as he looked, their mouths opened wide to reveal pairs of fangs. They struck, biting into him before transforming into a pair of immense serpents that wound around him and squeezed the air from his lungs. As their venom slowly began to overtake him, he could feel his strength quickly fading until he was left in nothing but darkness.
She will choose.
Do you really think you have any power to stop it?
====================
Gabriel awoke with a start, tossing the sheets from his form as he struggled against something that was no longer there. Once realization washed over him, he stopped and stared wide eyed around the dark room he was in. It was his cabin on the ship, a familiar place he had grown accustomed to over the last few years, and he was alone. There were no serpents, no thorns.. and no Taliori.
It had all been nothing more than a nightmare. A nightmare brought on by the vision the witchesâ cards had shown him.
As his heartbeat began to slow, he caught sight of something on the bedside table. A ceramic mug with traces of used herbs at the bottom from the medicinal tea the witch had given to him.
Only she can choose her path. You cannot steer it for her.
Uncontrollable anger immediately flared up within him. In an instant, the mug was snatched up and thrown in a rage. As it shattered against the opposite wall, he placed his head in his hands and tried to force the images of despair from his mind.
Lorthan smiled as he looked out over the town square.
The people lining the streets of the brightly lit night were not in sorrow as they once were weeks ago under the iron fist of the Crimson Steel. In fact, they were celebrating with a giant feast to mark the end of the tyranny they had suffered under for so long. Children laughed and played again without fear of a blade in their faces and mothers looked on with a sense of relief knowing their families would be safe. No one looked as if fear had been a common thing in the months previous to this night. And it was all thanks to the Sunguard.
Tomorrow, he thought to himself, it would finally end. The burden of fear created by the Crimson Steel would finally be lifted off of their shoulders. The Sunguard would be departing soon to bring their might against those who had oppressed them for so long, and he would be with them to see it come to its end. After it was all over, everyone would be safe at last, and he would be graced with seeing their happy faces till the ends of his days.
With his heart swelling with happiness, he took in a soft breath and bowed his head in peace before turning to walk down the road towards his home. Rest would be needed for tonight in order to have his strength at full. He would need it. He knew he lacked the immense strength of those he had come to know of the Sunguard, but he would not let that stop him. Courage was what was needed, and though he was secretly terrified, he would give anything for his people.
As he reached the front door, he thought over how best to thank the Sunguard after this. Their saviors deserved no less than their utmost gratitude, for none of this could have come to pass without them.
When the door clicked behind him, he reached over to brush his fingers along the lamp next to the entrance, only to find it broken. Alarm shot through as he wondered over the broken pieces before a voice cut through the darkness, rending a chill down his spine.
âYouâve been a naughty little pest, havenât you?â
His breath caught as soon as he recognized the voice, fear immediately taking over, but before he could grasp the doorknob, he felt a deep stabbing pain into his side. He let out a pained cry, before his vision went black after being struck in the head.
A feature appeared from the darkness to stand over his crumpled body, her bright silvery hair a beacon in the darkness. A wicked grin stretched across her lips. âAt least Iâll finally get to punish you for defying us.â
Outside, the celebration continued on, drowning out the laughter of the assassin.
The words roused him from slumber, and were accompanied by the sensation of delicate fingers being brushed alongside his cheek to draw raven locks from his face. He smiled before arcane infused eyes opened to look upon the woman lying next to him.
She was a stunning sight to behold, lit by the morning's light filtering in through the opened curtains. Long, chestnut curls hung over one shoulder and glistened in the sun like freshly spun silk. Her skin was bare, having just awoken to the morning after the night of passion they had shared, and the way the sunlight reflected off of it made it look like exquisite porcelain, soft to the touch. Even against the daylight, the smile she carried on those tempting lips was warmer than any sun, and twice as bright. Sky blue eyes watched him with curiosity and, once he met them, ensnared him like two deep wells to a man dying of thirst. In his eyes, she was like a goddess made mortal.
He reached for her before an answer would be given, drawing a finger down the length of her skin. "I have yet to consider the possibilities, though there is one idea sitting in front of me that I might wish to indulge myself in further." A wry smile followed, as his fingers continued to drift along her skin, intoxicated by the very presence of the woman.
A smirk was delivered back to him before she playfully smacked his hand away. âIf we continue to indulge, we might not ever leave this room. You are not the only one with obligations to consider, my love.â
âPerhaps,â a low, playful growl escaped from his throat. He sat up on his elbows for leverage and then leapt upon her, rolling himself on top of the woman. With his new advantage, he pinned her to the sheets before delivering swift kisses to her jawline. âThen I will make your only obligation to be the love of my life, so I may ravish you day and night, and shower you with all of my love and adoration. I will make it -my- obligation to ensure your happiness in all the days to come, so you may never want.â He traveled from her jawline, down to her neck, ensuring to kiss and caress what skin he could find with his lips as he went.
A soft giggle escaped her throat followed by a sigh as her hands lifted up and drifted through his hair. âEver the poetic one with words, you are,â she mused. âMuch as I would want nothing more than to stay here with you, what will you tell your father when you miss the meeting he wanted you to attend?â
âI will simply say I had a more pressing engagement to see to,â he murmured over her skin, intent on kissing every inch of her. His hand came down and began to feel along the contours of her body, fingers swirling around her belly before tracing back up the length of her and cupping those perfect breasts.
An appreciative sigh escaped her over the affections rendered.
âWhat about your sister? I thought she wanted to collect more seashells with you today.â
âShe will understand when I tell her there was the most beautiful rose in the world that I needed to tend to,â his lips now traveled down the length of her, stopping at her breasts and nibbling upon the erect nipples.
A soft gasp escaped her, and her fingers dug further into his locks.
âAnd what of your uncle?â
A pause in his attentions came, as his eyebrows furrowed.Â
âNot now...â he whispered in response. Almost immediately, he ceased what he was doing and lifted himself up to hover back near her features. Once he was there, his lips crashed against hers passionately, like it would be the last one they would share. The taste of her was intoxicating, and even if it meant he would not breathe again, he did not wish to let her go so quickly. He would rather drown himself in her as an aching longing sprouted up in his chest.
Not yet. Donât let it end now. Please...
Gently, however, he felt her hand press to his bare skin. Her lips drifted away from the kiss and met his gaze with her own. A warm smile caressed her features as she lifted a hand and ran her thumb over his lips. âYou wish to stay here with me that badly, do you?â
âMore than ever,â his eyes pleaded with her, truly wanting nothing else in this moment.
Her hand drifted, cupping his cheek with that same warm smile he loved so much. Her hand was warm to the touch and he couldnât help but to lean into it, the touch he desired so much. The moment lasted for a few, blissful seconds before her other hand came up and shoved him off of her with a strength he knew she normally wouldnât have.
Out of surprise, he fell back as she sat up. When she lifted her head, there was now a sadness in the depths of her eyes.
"Then why didn't you stay with me when I begged you not to go?"
He paused, the smile he once held quickly faded from his features.
"Because I was a fool," he said softly, moving himself upright. "I should have listened to you."
The sunlight that had previously filled the room began to fade, sapping the warmth from around the two of them.
"You should have listened," she repeated his words, her tone growing more cold. The loss of the sunâs light began to make her skin look much more pale and sickly in color, and the curls of hair that had bounced now wilted and clung to her features like a mess of brambles. "It's your fault," she hissed.
Gone now was the warmth her eyes once held. Now, they were stone cold and accusing. "Your fault," she repeated as tears of blood now began to well up in her eyes.
His heart sank but he could only look upon her with sorrow. "I'm sorry," he said softly before thrusting himself forward to gather her into a tight hug. "You were right. In my arrogance, I disregarded what you told me to do and because of that, you died."
Blood began to run down her paling body, both from the blood red tears and from a gaping wound that opened up at her belly which spread all the way to her back. It began pooling underneath the both of them, staining the once cream colored sheets with crimson. There was no stop to it as it spread. Beneath his embrace, he could feel her skin stretching and thinning, shifting into angler shapes as she began to transform.
"Your fault," she rasped, her voice becoming gurgled and ragged. When he looked down at her again, she was like a corpse in his arms: thin, bony and bloody. Yet, even so, he held onto her.
"None of this would have happened if it weren't for you!" Her fingers, thin and sharp like claws, lashed out and dug into his back. He cried out in pain, but refused to relinquish his hold. "You should have died! Instead of me!"
"I know," he hissed through gritted teeth. "You deserved better."
"And for that, you deserve agony!" she shrieked and raked her claws murderously down his back, causing him to bite back screams. Still, he hung onto the animated corpse of his lover. "You deserve a thousand lifetimes of loneliness and pain for what youâve done!"
The world around them darkened, and her screams were then echoed by a canopy of others, both familiar to him and strange. They all screamed anger and pain upon him like a chorus.
You deserve this! You deserve this!
"I do," he whispered against the void.
=========================
He opened his eyes to a ceiling of wood. The boots that walked upon it from up above caused it to creak horribly and was anything but an enchanting sound to be roused to. Nearby, his ears twitched at the underlying sounds of waves slapping against the side of the ship, further drawing his focus back to the world he was now in. Turning his head and giving a glance to the side brought nothing to be found in the space next to him on the bed. No warm, or cold, body that had been there moments ago. There was nothing, and yet, there was no surprise to be felt. Or much of any emotion in the outcome he knew would be found.
He sat up in his bed, eyes tired, yet feeling nothing despite the images of the nightmare that still hung about behind the lid of his eyes.Â
âGabriel!" boomed a voice, resounding from a comm device that sat upon the wooden nightstand near the man's bed. "If yer done lazying about, meet me on deck. Now."Â
The man's grey gaze drifted to the device, tempted to toss it against the wall instead. But with a sigh, he reached for it and clicked it on. "Aye, Cap'n. I'll be up in a moment."Â
"Make it half," the voice snapped back before clicking off.
He tossed it aside and pulled on his boots. The short slumber had been anything but pleasant or restful, but he was use to it by now. The dreams, or rather nightmares, had always been a common expectation whenever he closed his eyes. The scene often changed, as did the players, but it was always the same themed play, and he was the spectator that had seen it enough times to expect the twists and turns. Most of them no longer phased him anymore.Â
Pushing the last traces of the nightmare out of his mind, he rose and moved to the door to meet the Captain's summons.
Today, like every other, he would continue to live with the memories.
=======================
(A piece thatâs been knocking around in my head for a long long while, long before he was able to get some of his nightmares under control)
The bearded man ceased his playing for a moment and lowered the flute to smile down at the platinum haired boy. âFrom my own Ann'da, of course,â he chuckled lightly and reached over to softly pat the little boyâs head. âAnd someday Iâll teach it to you as well.â
âReally?â Vandeisâ eyes lit up as his excited smile grew further. âIâd love that!â
Another warm chuckle was exhaled from the man as he lifted the instrument back to his lips and continued the tune he had been playing. Vandeis closed his eyes after a moment and exhaled a soft sigh as he listened, further enthralling himself into each note played. Someday, he told himself, he would play the flute as skillfully as his father. Even as he laid his head down upon the manâs lap and let the music carry him off to places faraway, he kept that promise to himself.
=======================
Vandeis lowered the flute from his lips and took in a deep breath. When he opened his eyes again, he smiled softly towards the waterfall before him, whose sound now filled the void of silence left behind by the fluteâs melody. It had been such a peaceful and calming spot, he could not help himself but to sit down and play.
âJust like you, Ann'da,â he said to no one in particular. Beside him, Alexei napped peacefully, lulled to sleep by his companionâs playing. The man smiled further and reached over to run a hand through the lionâs mane.
After a few moments, the flute would be raised to his lips again, and he would play once more.
