The Hampshire MC Jus-J drops Patience, the second single taken from the Even Further EP and the opening track. Jus-J explaining how creativity and success can take time and in order to maintain patience is required, especially when trying to stay on the right path.
Beat produced by: Kylo
Video filmed by: Millanna and Jus-JDirected and edited by:…
She was in an unfamiliar room. Sitting up and rubbing the sleep from her eyes with one hand, Zilanna took in her surroundings. Unfamiliar white walls with a few decorations, most noticeably a tapestry depicting Valentia’s origins, surrounded her. The room was cozy, but still strange as she had never been in it before.
There was a knock on the heavy wooden door at the far end of the room.
“Come in!”
With a click, the door swung open. Mill poked his head in cautiously and saw Zilanna still under the covers of the bed.
“Good morning, milady.” he said softly with the barest hint of a smile. He looked worried; though about what she couldn't imagine.
“Good morning, milord.” Zilanna yawned. She sat up as Mill opened the door fully to admit himself and then closed it behind him.
“How are you feeling milady?” Mill asked her, settling down into a chair next to the bed. “Mind if I glance at your shoulder?”
Zilanna nodded. Mill shifted so he was sitting on the side of the bed instead and carefully looked over her shoulder. He hummed to himself with a satisfied nod.
“I feel fine. My shoulder feels great.” she said quietly.
“We had our best healer take care of it. It wasn't supposed to leave a scar, but I see it did-”
“That was there prior, milord.” Zilanna sighed. “Is there any other reason for your visit?”
“Your father is here. He came after you himself when you didn't come home, apparently.” Mill told her. “Are you sure you're alright, Lady Zilanna-?”
“Milord. I think after last night you've earned the privilege to call me by my name with no title. In fact, if you'd call me Zil, that'd be great.” Zilanna rubbed at her forehead with a sigh. “We are going to be working together, aren't we? Unless the attack last night has changed your family’s minds.”
The goldie boy shook his head. “Not at all. If anything, your skill and willingness to protect me only solidified my parents’ decision.”
“Was my father angry?” she asked, her voice only a hushed whisper.
“No.” Mill shook his head. “Well...mom and dad didn't seem to think so, anyway.”
Zilanna nodded. “Thank the Mother. Anyway, we had better go and speak with the adults about today. I’m not sure what they want me and you doing or if I’m teaming up with someone else or...anything really.”
Mill gave her a faint smile. “I thought we had agreed that we were teaming up, m’lady.”
She snorted, shaking her head as she threw off the covers and stood. She was dressed in the same outfit as the night before, a light blue and white tunic length dress with black socks that stopped only an inch below the skirt’s hem. The socks would’ve ordinarily been covered by shiny, black boots, however they seemed to have been removed at some point. A small, almost shawl like cape was attached to her upper arms and back of her neck, the thin material torn slightly from last night’s scuffle. Her clothing was oddly reminiscent of a priestess; albeit a bit flashier and showier than the priestesses Mill had seen. She glanced around for a few moments before Mill pointed to a corner of the room where her white and silver armor was stacked neatly.
“Kiara put your armor there after the healers removed it and someone cleaned it. Your boots are there too. Oh, and Astria is in the stables. I’ve been told she wasn’t any trouble.”
Zilanna smiled as she clipped her breastplate on. “That’s good. I was a little worried she’d be resistant to whoever ended up stabling and caring for her. She has a bit of a stubborn streak and doesn't like others caring for her.”
Mill snorted. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more devoted animal.”
“She’s more intelligent than most would give her credit for.” she hummed thoughtfully, standing as she slid on the last bit of her armor: a couple of black, fingerless gloves with silver metal on the tops to protect her hands and wrists. She turned to face Mill, who was in what she had come to determine was his standard outfit: a gold and red suit. How many of those did he even have? And why?
“We should probably meet up with the adults.” She repeated awkwardly with a nod. Mill seemed to snap to attention, his body visibly jolting at the sound of her voice.
“R-Right.” he nodded quickly. “This way, milady.”
Metal clanged against bone.
Terrors used strange weapons. Though rusted, in the hands of these creatures, they were still deadly. Those without swords and shields had claws and fangs to use as weaponry. Terrifying creatures, but slow.
And incredibly susceptible to Zilanna’s magic.
“I need you tO MOVE!” the former priestess growled as she hurled a bright fireball at one of the Terrors: a scraggly creature with sickly green skin and a thin, white beard. Several weapons stuck out of the creature’s body at varying angles, tokens from lesser fortunate warriors. It disintegrated, only to be replaced by another Terror. This one was a skeleton, with a square helmet-like shape to the base of its forehead. Oddly, the top and inside of its flat head was ablaze, giving the sockets of the skull an eerie glow. The thing held a shield that was old and rusted in the shape of a head with long horns, paired with a sword that could bend and extend at will.
Little was known about a Bonewalker’s Bone Sword, only that the creature that used it was slow enough to have terrible aim. It was fascinating that the “sword” could work as both a whip-like weapon as well as a sturdy sword. How did Terrors figure out to use the things halfway efficiently? Could a weapon similar in design be developed and mastered? Would it be worth it? So many questions.
Unfortunately, a battlefield was no place for such musings.
Zilanna danced away from the creature's swipe, then deflected the second blow with her own sword. The Terror wobbled, not expecting Zilanna to actually fight back. The creatures lacked coordination...or anything that indicated life, really.
With a swing, Zilanna had decapitated the thing and was on to her next victim. Why were they appearing? The Accord shouldn't be broken. Neither Rigel nor Zofia had actually invaded….right? Surely her family, being on the border, would be the first to kno-
Zilanna barely twirled away from another bone sword. This Terror proved harder than previous, but ended with the same result: an eerie skull separated from the rest of its body. This one had armor and even a few strips of cloth.
She heard footsteps and turned, sheathing her sword as she did. She had taken care of the last of the Terrors in this section. The small group of troops her and Mill’s houses had put together would take care of the rest.
Mill stepped up onto the same platform she was on: the base of what used to be a mausoleum. The building itself was long gone. Zilanna gave the goldie boy a wave before taking out a bottle and kneeling next to one of the heads she had separated from its body. The flame had gone out the moment she had “killed” the thing, leaving behind a slimy, dark substance.
Bonewalker oil was said to be one of the best types of oils for any type of smithing work. Zilanna hummed as she scooped what was left of the slime into her bottle then moved onto another skull. This one had slightly more oil. Mill walked over and watched her, eyebrow raised.
“You do that yourself?”
Zilanna shrugged. “Sometimes. Most the time I’m pulled away and others scavenge for the oil. Besides, I owe Mara a favor. And yes, this is a thing that pesky maid needs. Goddess only knows what for.”
Mill gave a quiet chuckle and knelt next to her. Zilanna gave him a tired smile before going back to her work.
“You have a very strange maid.” Mill told her. “How long have you known her?”
“Oh we practically grew up together. She’s the daughter of some servants already in my family’s service. She followed her parents’ footsteps as soon as she could.” Zilanna nodded. “She and I used to play together as children. It’s actually incredibly strange to have her as a servant. She’s much more like a sister.”
“You two must be really close. It certainly seemed like it last night.”
“We’ve distanced a little as I’ve gotten busier. With mother being ill, I had to take over several of her duties. She’s recovering, though, so she’ll eventually take those over again. At least I hope. I am getting older, though and I will be the head of the house one day, so maybe they won’t.” something in her seemed to shift as she said this. She tucked the bottle away with a sigh. Mill glanced away sheepishly.
“I...I’m sorry about your mother. Really.”
“What happened was my own fault.” Zilanna shrugged. “Nothing for you to be sorry over.”
“I...um-”
“Lady Zilanna! Lord Mill!” a short soldier with light brown hair came running up to them. Zilanna stood, instantly falling into the role of commander.
“Report, soldier.” her voice went slightly deeper. More authoritative.
“The enemy has been routed, ma’am.” the soldier said quickly. “We are awaiting your orders.”
“Return to the mansion, soldier.” Zilanna told him. “Lord Mill and I will be there in a moment.”
“Aye, ma’am.” the soldier saluted and ran back the way he had come before Mill stood, dusting his pants off. He’d actually changed out of his gold and red suit. His new outfit consisted of some dark pants with a white shirt and leather beneath gold armor. He didn’t have a helmet, choosing instead to have his bright, golden blonde hair exposed.
Zilanna decided that it wasn’t a bad look on him.
“So, m’lady, are you walking back to the others?” he tilted his head. The sun caught his hair just right, making it shimmer. Gods, that looked amazing.
No. Control. He was Rigelian. Rigelian. Just like-
“I was milord, yes.” Zilanna told him. “I’d better get a head start, since you have your horse-”
“Why don’t you ride with me? You let me ride Astria with you last night. It’s only fair.” he told her with a bit of a silly grin as he mounted his horse: a reddish-brown mare with a black mane and tail.
Stop that, please, my heart can’t take it.
“S-sure, milord.” she nodded. It’d be rude to say no...right? And it would be more efficient. Right. Efficiency.
Mill nodded and held his hand out to her to help her up into the saddle. She swung up behind him quickly, wrapping her arms around his waist to secure herself in her seat.
It was strange, viewing another rider from above. Sure, there had always been people and other riders below her, but she was directly above Mill as he rode down the path that led him to his family’s manor. She scanned the surrounding area for signs of Terrors or… well… bandits could be out that late, but Terrors struck her as a larger threat. Astria nickered softly, honey colored eyes glancing back at her rider.
“Hey girl.”Zilanna sighed, lightly patting the animal’s shoulders. Astria tossed her head with a whinny.
“Yeah, I know. I don’t like being in Rigel this late either. It’s a little different during the day, but… I swear the Terrors are more active at night.”
Another toss of the head, as if to agree with her statement. The noblewoman let out a soft giggle. Below, Mill slowed his horse as a manor came into view. Even at this distance, it was easy to tell the building was roughly the same size as Zilanna’s family’s manor, but the architecture favored Rigelian influence and design.
They were only roughly half an hour’s ride past the border, and already, it seemed like an entirely different world. The difference in the land itself was visible in the thinner grass and less trees and general vegetation. The soil itself, what could be seen from the skies, anyway, was a lighter brown than Zofia’s soil. Zilanna had heard that Rigelian farmers struggled to grow crops. Mila’s blessing really did make things much easier in Zofia. Astria glided down out of the sky and began coasting alongside Mill’s horse.
“We’re not far now, milady.” Mill called, slowing his horse just slightly. Zilanna glanced over and nodded.
“Alright, milord.” she nodded. “I think we can slow down, your horse might be a bit tired from the pace. Let’s maybe walk for a bit?”
Mill glanced at her again, but nodded and pulled on his reins until his horse took up a walk. Astri landed lightly on the path alongside Mill’s steed, tucking her wings to her sides. Zilanna sighed and rubbed at her forehead. It had been an incredibly long day.
“You’re tired.” Mill’s voice broke through her thoughts. She looked up and shrugged.
“A party does that to you.”
“Why come with me if you’re so tired?” Mill tilted his head, eyebrow raised. “Your father seemed to think your brothers were just as capable.”
That elicited a slight blush from Zilanna. “W-well. There’s no telling just what my brothers will say or do, you know. They could’ve dumped water on you and bailed. Or something. I dunno.” she stammered. The Rigelian snorted.
“I see. And-”
“Weeeell what have we here?” a gruff voice broke into the two nobles’ conversation as a short man with a scruffy beard emerged from his hiding place: a large stone that he had been crouching behind. He lightly rested his axe with blade on the ground and leaned on the handle. “Two nobles eh?”
Zilanna and Mill froze as the bandit gave them both a once over. “Ya don’t see many pegasi in Rigel. Fine animal like that might fetch a right nice price. And the boss might be fond of her rider, too.” the man hummed thoughtfully.
Zilanna’s hand began to move toward her sword as she shifted her weight just slightly. “It would be in your best interest to leave my companion and I be.” she said in a low voice, her blue eyes narrowing.
“Ohhh the lady has spirit does she?” the man chuckled and leaned forward slightly. More rustling behind Mill and Zilanna produced two more bandits, similar to the first only one was taller and the other lacked a beard.
“Rean take the man. He-”
It was at that moment that Zilanna leapt out of Astria’s saddle and the pegasus took to the skies to get out of the noblewoman’s way. “Lord Mill, I suggest you ride home as soon as I create an opening!”
Mill frowned at her, but nodded. Zilanna raced forward toward the first bandit, drawing her sword and leaping at the man. She caught him unawares and sliced cleanly across his neck. His body dropped to the ground with a solid thump.
“Go! Now!” she yelled at Mill as she turned to note the other two bandits preparing themselves. One wielded a spear; the other a sword. Mill’s horse raced past her as she sheathed her sword. The ground surrounding her began to glow as a circle of runes emerged in the air around her. She poured some of her energy into a fireball that she hurled at the spearman. The fireball hit its mark and the man dropped to the ground like his now dead leader.
A quick shuffle to her left told her that she should dodge. Just narrowly missing the strike that had been aimed at her neck, Zilanna drew her own sword once more. Metal clashed as her and the third bandit fought.
Swing, strike, parry, swing.
This third bandit seemed to have more skill than the other two. Then again, the other two didn’t really have a chance.
Side step, parry, swing, roll.
This was starting to get annoying. How was he matching her blow for blow? She had spent her life learning the ways of both the sword and magic. This should be incredibly easy.
Astria circled above, a whinny breaking through the night. Zilanna couldn’t spare a glance up. Her foe had too much skill.
Or was she just that tired?
It was possible. She hadn’t really been sleeping lately.
Dodge, swing-
“AGH!” Zilanna screeched in surprise, clutching at her side. An elbow to the bandit’s face coupled with a kick got him to back up enough that she could glance at the wound. A small scratch, but gods it hurt.
“Lady Zilanna?”
Her eyes snapped wide at Mill’s voice. Why hadn’t he left? She spared a glance behind her.
“Milord I told you- AHHHG!” She screamed in pain as the bandit drove his sword into the closest unarmed place he could find: her shoulder. Her sword clattered to the ground as Astria dived to her aid, the pure white animal letting out an enraged squeal as she descended. She hit the ground at a gallop, racing to the bandit and stopping with her rear to him. Back hooves collided with the third bandit’s head, and the man was sent flying. Zilanna didn’t bother to see where he landed, instead clutching at her shoulder.
A second set of hooves clattered toward her only to stop a small distance away and be replaced by footsteps.
“Zilanna?! Lady Zilanna, are you alright?!” Mill’s voice was tense as he gently grabbed her uninjured shoulder and made her sit down. “Move your hand. Let me see.”
Zilanna did as she was asked and was met with a sharp inhale. Mill frowned and removed his gold suit jacket and took a small knife from somewhere. Before Zilanna could stop him, he had cut strips of cloth from his jacket and had begun to bind her wounds.
“This should hold until we get to my family’s manor. It has to.” He muttered frantically. “You’re riding with me. I don’t want you accidently falling off Astria.”
Zilanna nodded hazily. It wasn’t from her wounds; they were superficial. She was just exhausted, and while she hadn’t lost a lot of blood, the fact that she had lost blood wasn’t helping.
“Alright.” Mill nodded, standing and helping her to her feet as well. Astria trotted over, eyeing Mill warily. Zilanna waved the winged horse away.
“It’s okay girl. He’s alright.” she whispered, “He’ll take care of me, I promise.”
Astria tossed her head, white mane flaring as she nickered softly. Mill eyed the pegasus for a moment before cautiously helping Zilanna over to his horse and helping her into the saddle. He climbed up behind her and lightly looped his arms around her so he could hold onto the reins.
“Will Astria follow us?” he whispered. Zilanna nodded and muttered something, but Mill couldn’t quite make it out. He glanced down at her before spurring his horse into a run. She wasn’t in immediate danger, but there was no telling if there were more bandits on the prowl. Best to make it home before anything else dangerous happened.
Zilanna leaned back in the saddle so her back was up against Mill. He could just slightly feel her breathe in and out. Mill looked down at her as a light pink color crept its way into his cheeks.
This girl was trying to kill him, he’d swear to it.
It still surprised Zilanna how bright Astria glowed in the moonlight, her wings gently flapping up and down, a steady rhythm in the night. Having a warm body behind her wasn’t abnormal; one of the twins often accompanied her on these little flights to nowhere. What was strange was that the arms wrapped around her waist belonged to someone who was pretty much a stranger.
“Have you ever been flying before, Mill?” she glanced back at the blond man. He shrugged with a grin.
“Nope. No one I know has a pegasus.”
“Really? Pegasi are decently common. There’s a few pegasus knights in the knights of Zofia.”
“Don’t pegasus riders normally fight with spears instead of swords though?” Mill tilted his head and gestured to Zilanna’s hip, where her sword was firmly attached.
“Yeah, if they fight from the back of their pegasus. I don’t normally. Astria isn’t meant to be in battle, really. She’s too sweet for that~” Zilanna laughed softly. “No, if I have to fight, it’s from the ground, and most times from a distance.”
“A distance?” Mill glanced back at the sword again. “Swords are more for fighting in close quarters, aren’t they?”
“Who said all I use is a sword?” Zilanna smirked, gently elbowing him. Mill titled his head.
“Weeeell what else do you use?”
“Secret~” She giggled.
“Aww...but why?” Mill pouted. “I want to know more about you~”
Zilanna glanced back at him, an eyebrow raised. She silently thanked the Mother that it was cold out, so her cheeks were already flushed from the wind nipping at her skin.
“Well… what would you like to know?” she asked him softly. Mill hummed for a few moments before:
“How did you find Astria?”
“Hmn.” Zilanna tilted her head. “It was a few years ago now. I found her on some of our lands toward the south. I’m not sure how but she had broken a wing. She was really beaten up and dirty too.” she leaned forward slightly to pat Astria’s neck. “Weren’t ya, girl? Anyway, I took her home...cleaned her up and got someone to set her wing so it could heal. I was pretty lucky father let me keep her...”
“Your father doesn’t like animals?” Mill frowned. Zilanna shook her head.
“No, that’s not what I mean. He’s a biiig softie for animals, he just won’t admit it. Since we didn’t know much about Astria’s background, there was more potential for me to get myself hurt. Astria could’ve been a completely wild pegasus for all we knew. My father wasn’t keen on his oldest kid possibly dying because she wanted to adopt a stray.”
“Why’d he let you keep her then?”
“It’s hard to describe, but you could tell she wasn’t a wild pegasus. She’s too meek and gentle. She didn’t try to throw a saddle or rider at all, so Dad lost any argument he had against my keeping her. No one ever came looking for her either.” she smiled. “It’s been me and her ever since.”
Astria snorted, tossing her head as if to agree with Zilanna. She laughed and patted Astria’s neck again, then tossed a glance back at Mill.
“So what did you and Mara talk about?” she asked.
“Nothing important~” Mill rolled his eyes. “She just wanted to know what you and me were doing.”
“She’s always so suspicious that people are going to hurt me.” Zilanna sighed. Mill snorted.
“I don’t think it was quite that.”
“Eh? What do you mean?” Zilanna tilted her head, glancing back at him with an eyebrow raised. “There’s not much else for her to be concerned about. It’s not like I can’t take care of myself.”
“Of course, m’lady.” Mill laughed. She rolled her eyes and lightly elbowed his ribs.
“Let me know when you wanna head back, mkay?”
“Maybe in a few minutes. I get the feeling if I wait any longer, my sister is gonna kill me. She probably wants to leave by now.” Mill sighed dramatically. “But there’s no need to worry about me, my lady. I might live.”
“That’s comforting.” she shook her head. “Am I gonna have to send someone over to Rigel just to check on you?”
“You could come yourself~” Mill gave her a cheesy grin coupled with a wink. “Then we could talk more~”
“Ohhh?” Zilanna coughed and turned to face forward once again to hide the small tinge of pink that dusted her cheeks. “Maybe I will~”
The stables were located not far from the manor proper; a set of a couple buildings that somehow looked as warm and inviting as Zilanna’s home, with lamps glowing a warm orange color. While there were several servants running around and caring for the guest's horses and carriages, all offered both Zilanna and Mill a warm smile and a wave. No one questioned Zilanna’s presence in the stables and only occasionally shot Mill a confused look. Apparently, running from parties and balls was nothing new for the slender girl leading him to the back of the closest building.
“Lady Zilanna?!” a peppy voice screeched. A blur dressed in black pants with a dark green shirt raced past to hug Zilanna, nearly toppling her in the process.
“Mara agh!” Zilanna squeaked in surprise. “I thought it was your day off, annoying miss.”
“Tiran said they'd need help with all the extra horses and carriages for the party.” Mara grinned. “I’m having fun, milady. Don't be upset.”
“But-”
“I. Am. Having. Fuuuunnnn.” the redheaded maid giggled and lightly flicked Zilanna’s cheek. “Are you here to ride Astria? There’s a change of clothes in the tack room. Odd habits you have, Zil. Oooo who’s your friend?” she eyed Mill appraisingly.
“He’s...um...a person. Yes. A person.” Zilanna squeaked and bolted into the tack room, slamming the door closed behind her. The room was quiet, with large, wooden pegs lining the walls and saddles sitting on the pegs. Zilanna pulled a decent sized trunk out of the corner, hurriedly getting out of her sleek, light blue dress and slipping on white pants with a flowy sapphire tunic. She glanced at her breastplate for a few moments before slipping it on with a sigh and grabbing her sword. The Terrors were getting worse and worse. Being cautious was the best idea. But what about Mill? He would more than likely be completely unarmed.
Zilanna stuffed her ballgown into the trunk and opened the door to the tack room. “Milord, I’m beginning to think that you should stay here. Unless you have weapons?” she tilted her head a little as she looked at Mill. He turned from whatever conversation Mara was keeping him occupied with. Zilanna noted that his face was just a little bit pinker than she thought it had been.
“I don't.” he admitted. “I didn't think a bow would be welcome at a party.”
“Probably not.” Zilanna laughed quietly. “The final decision is yours, but… I wouldn't like to see you hurt if something happened. Terrors do fly, you know.”
“I didn't realize we’d be flying over a graveyard.” Mill raised his eyebrows. She shrugged.
“I wasn't planning on it but-”
“Then I want to come with you.”
“...Alright.” she nodded hesitantly.
“Ugh just go on your romantic little pegasus ride under the moonlight~” Mara broke in, placing the now tacked up Astria’s reins into Zilanna’s hands. Zilanna shot her a glare.
“I-it’s not like that!”
“Suuure, Zil.” Mara giggled. “Definitely not like that. And the fact that your face is turning redder than a tomato means nothing~”
“MARA.” Zilanna squeaked, closing her eyes and pressing her forehead to Astria’s snow white neck. Mill chuckled quietly and carefully approached her.
“Can I pet your pegasus?”
Zilanna turned to him with a smile. “Of course. Have you been around pegasi much? Their wings are especially soft and downy. Here.” She lightly patted Astria’s shoulder before carefully stroking her wing. She reached for Mill’s hand with a grin, gently placing his hand next to where her other hand was.
“This is where her softest feathers are.” Zilanna told him. “Her down is easy to reach here, so it makes the overall area pretty soft. Her feathers in general are really soft and fluffy, even for a pegasus. She’s honestly amazing. She’s so sweet and gentle and-” her mouth suddenly snapped shut as she looked down. “I’m sorry. I got carried away…!”
She straightened up as she felt a warm… something on top of her hand. She glanced down, her blue eyes widening as she noted Mill’s hand resting lightly on top of hers. Her eyes darted to the side as her cheeks flushed a light pink. She cleared her throat and pulled her hand away.
“Sh-shall we go, then, milord?” she asked quietly. Mill tilted his head but nodded.
“If you’re still okay with me coming.”
Zilanna nodded, turning and awkwardly leading Astria out of the stables. Mill went to follow Zilanna, but a hand on his shoulder stopped him. He turned in surprise to face Mara.
“Don’t misunderstand her, milord. She’s just… timid and broken...that’s all I should say.”
Mill glanced in the direction Zilanna had gone then turned back to Mara. “Don’t worry. I’m not gonna hurt her. Honestly, the quiet ones like her have the most beautiful hearts. My friend, Don, is like that.”
“Yeah?” Mara smiled. “Well… you better go after her. She’s probably wondering where you are.”
“Can’t keep a beautiful girl waiting~” Mill grinned, practically skipping his way after Zilanna.
It still surprised Zilanna how bright Astria glowed in the moonlight, her wings gently flapping up and down, a steady rhythm in the night. Having a warm body behind her wasn’t abnormal; one of the twins often accompanied her on these little flights to nowhere. What was strange was that the arms wrapped around her waist belonged to someone who was pretty much a stranger.
“Have you ever been flying before, Mill?” she glanced back at the blond man. He shrugged with a grin.
“Nope. No one I know has a pegasus.”
“Really? Pegasi are decently common. There’s a few pegasus knights in the knights of Zofia.”
“Don’t pegasus riders normally fight with spears instead of swords though?” Mill tilted his head and gestured to Zilanna’s hip, where her sword was firmly attached.
“Yeah, if they fight from the back of their pegasus. I don’t normally. Astria isn’t meant to be in battle, really. She’s too sweet for that~” Zilanna laughed softly. “No, if I have to fight, it’s from the ground, and most times from a distance.”
“A distance?” Mill glanced back at the sword again. “Swords are more for fighting in close quarters, aren’t they?”
“Who said all I use is a sword?” Zilanna smirked, gently elbowing him. Mill titled his head.
“Weeeell what else do you use?”
“Secret~” She giggled.
“Aww...but why?” Mill pouted. “I want to know more about you~”
Zilanna glanced back at him, an eyebrow raised. She silently thanked the Mother that it was cold out, so her cheeks were already flushed from the wind nipping at her skin.
“Well… what would you like to know?” she asked him softly. Mill hummed for a few moments before:
“How did you find Astria?”
“Hmn.” Zilanna tilted her head. “It was a few years ago now. I found her on some of our lands toward the south. I’m not sure how but she had broken a wing. She was really beaten up and dirty too.” she leaned forward slightly to pat Astria’s neck. “Weren’t ya, girl? Anyway, I took her home...cleaned her up and got someone to set her wing so it could heal. I was pretty lucky father let me keep her...”
“Your father doesn’t like animals?” Mill frowned. Zilanna shook her head.
“No, that’s not what I mean. He’s a biiig softie for animals, he just won’t admit it. Since we didn’t know much about Astria’s background, there was more potential for me to get myself hurt. Astria could’ve been a completely wild pegasus for all we knew. My father wasn’t keen on his oldest kid possibly dying because she wanted to adopt a stray.”
“Why’d he let you keep her then?”
“It’s hard to describe, but you could tell she wasn’t a wild pegasus. She’s too meek and gentle for that. She didn’t try to throw a saddle or rider at all, so Dad lost any argument he had against my keeping her. No one ever came looking for her either.” she smiled. “It’s been me and her ever since.”
Astria snorted, tossing her head as if to agree with Zilanna. She laughed and patted Astria’s neck again. She tossed a glance back at Mill.
“So what did you and Mara talk about?” she asked.
“Nothing important~” Mill rolled his eyes. “Just wanted to know what you and me were doing.”
“She’s always so suspicious that people are going to hurt me or something.” Zilanna sighed. Mill snorted.
“I don’t think it was quite that.”
“Eh? What do you mean?” Zilanna tilted her head, glancing back at him with an eyebrow raised. “There’s not much else for her to be concerned about. It’s not like I can’t take care of myself.”
“Of course, m’lady.” Mill laughed. She rolled her eyes and lightly elbowed his ribs.
“Let me know when you wanna head back, mkay?”
“Maybe in a few minutes. I get the feeling if I wait any longer, my sister is gonna kill me. She probably wants to leave by now.” Mill sighed dramatically. “But there’s no need to worry about me, my lady. I might live.”
“That’s comforting.” she shook her head. “Am I gonna have to send someone over to Rigel just to check on you?”
“You could come yourself~” Mill gave her a cheesy grin coupled with a wink. “Then we could talk more~”
“Ohhh?” Zilanna coughed and turned to face forward once again to hide the small tinge of pink that dusted her cheeks. “Maybe I will~”
Millanna before and after coloring’s. Why I am randomly coloring pages, I have no idea, but this is fun. I love her, she’s a cool character. This took me a few hours though… What am I doing with my life….
