Long Live the Living (Closed | Started)

Owner: Aria


Setting: For most people, it's one of the Kingdoms, set in the islands of the East, with its forests and mountains and rivers and fields. People are born in it, people die in it, people laugh and cry and work and procrastinate in it. For some of its residents, it's a place like any other, they can come and go as they please and they can do trades with other countries. For some others, however, those brought to there by less forturate events or for some important reasons, it's something completely different.

Prison. The Prison. Surrounded not by walls, but mist that can never be cleared nor affected by any light, and if someone manages to get to it at all, he will get disoriented and find himself back inside no matter which way he goes. On the inside, however, even for them it looks like a normal country, with its towns and whatnot. There people (and other creatures), though prisoners, there live, even have families and everything mentioned above, but they can't leave unless they're let go for some reason, and their strength (mostly magical, since no ordinary humans go there unless they did something REALLY bad) is drained to keep the "mechanisms" behind the Prison in order.

Originally it was designed to be a nice place - a place to where the criminals would go to change, to work and eventually return home. As the time passed, however, more and more people needed to stay there and never leave, and so the Prison grew. Eventually, more people were born in it than imprisoned, and so the Founders agreed with the current rulers to separate the two. The Prison is not a physical place, it has no bars nor cells. It's held together by the Warden, watched over and controlled, and one can't see it or visit it unless as prisoners.

The prisoners see normal people as they do their things, but regular people don't see them - it's like they turn into ghosts for everyone around them, hence they can't hurt them or anything. Due to that fact, people also tend to tell stories of the Prison being no more than a legend, though still many fear of going there.

The Warden is more of a legend than a person people know, and the prison is thought to be alive itself. Everyone, regardless of the race, age or kingdom they reside in, can get imprisoned. No one exactly knows how the enforcers find their future prisoners, nor how exactly do the convicted get to the Prison. However, it's widely known that there's no way to run - and no way to escape.


Colours: Gold stylized eye with dark green iris, on black background ~ the Prison

- The same eye symbol in silver, with red iris and white background ~ the other part of the country - with different iris colours for different regions



Slot 1 ~ AriaAdams - Vysperian, the Warden and descendant of the original founders

Slot 2 ~ ShadowVyper- Ataia- the Warden's wife - exiled princess from Eajra

Slot 3 ~ luluds - Orion - The ruler of the non-prison part of the country

Slot 4 ~ VeerenVKS - Yetch Shanaia - Prisoner

Slot 5 ~ AriaAdams - Aqui Van Aldarean - Prisoner

Owner: Auxiira


Setting: Merillial is a small kingdom consisting of a large market city - Liliear - which is the capital, and numerous small villages. Although, or maybe because it is small, Merilliar is quite prosperous. it makes most of it's wealth from selling magical objects as well as traditional racial objects. It is in the plains, next to a river that is used for transport.

In Merillial, magic is the norm. From a very young age, children of all races are sent to the Royal School of Magic to learn how to use their powers, spells and magical objects. From 10-15, they are taught how to use their skills for a trade as well as how to fight. The students are allowed to choose which trade they are taught.

Merillial's army has units that are formed according to the person's type of magic, and not their race. It also has a special unit of the best students from the School called the Crimson Guard. They are picked for the strength, control and knowledge they have of their magic, as well as their physical capacities. When the country is not at war, they act as the royal family's bodyguards. They wear a black leather over-tunic with a crimson hawk stitched over the heart, white leggings with black stitching, and a crimson shirt with crimson boots. Their rank is stitched on the collar.

In Merillial, racial discrimination is against the law, (which is enforced by the army). Anyone found guilty of this crime will be severely punished. Even small children respect this as they are told that they will go to the Prison otherwise. Gender discriminatiopn is also becoming more and more frowned upon, despite the traditionalists being against equal gender rights, especially in the army.

The country is run by the royal family - the Meliors. The Queen died giving birth to the Princess.


Colours:

(Flag) Red background and black star.

(The Coat of arms) Black hawk on a crimson background.



Slot 1 ~ VeerenVKS - Creyo Shanaia, the King

Slot 2 ~ Auxiira - Ludiv Hawkins (female) - Captain in the Crimson guard and Thranack's bodyguard

Slot 3 ~ ShadowVyper - Prince Thranack - soon to return from a war council, engaged to Princess Lierre

Slot 4 ~ AriaAdams - Prince Daerys (of Barqarnon) - living as a hostage (to prevent war threats and such from his homeland), never actually called a prince

Slot 5 ~ Alvarin - Princess Lierre (of Barqarnon) - promised to the prince Thranack Dae's little sister

Slot 6 ~ Alvarin - Jonquille - Dae's tutor/protector


(Princess held hostage in Barqarnon)

Owner: Cole


Setting: Set high in cold, dark, snowy mountains and hills. Megarus Angroth the Witch-King is a cruel ruler who wastes money so he can live decadently in his castle called 'The Crag' while the people in his kingdom suffer from terrible destitution. Due to his ability to manipulate darkness, the kingdom lies in a perpetual state of gloom. Megarus has a personal caravan commissioned by him to ship goods, supplies, and luxuries into the mountains. Furthermore, his army is fierce and driven, willing to do whatever he pleases. Though food and supplies are shipped into Barqarnon, there are local sources of food, such as livestock (lamb), goat milk, berries, rum/ale/wine. Local sources of wealth are coal, oil, mineral, and jewel mines in the mountains.

There are no laws in his kingdom, just as long as the citizens honor him, remain loyal to him, and pay their taxes. Despite their poverty, the lack of discipline is enough incentive for the people to remain and practice whatever they please: prostitution, gambling, slavery, witchcraft, etc. Dark, dismal villages spot the mountains and hillsides, the largest of which sits in the shadow of Megarus' fortress. In the villages, crippled members of society are discarded into the woods and hills to wander until death.


Colours: Barqarnon's coat of arms is gray and midnight blue, featuring a sword thrust into a heart.


Slot 1 ~ Cole - Megarus the Witch-King

Slot 2 ~ Blackwood - Marcia - the Queen

Slot 3 ~ VeerenVKS - Memori Shanaia - citizen

Slot 4 ~ Auxiira - Princess Amalaya of Merillial - hostage


(Prince Daerys (AriaAdams) and princess Lierre (Alvarin) ~ held hostage/bethroted in Merillial, along with Dae's tutor Jonquille (Alvarin))

Owner: Alvarin


Setting: A small but wealthy kingdom, covered by golden fields that produces food for not only the citizens, but enough to supply the neighboring kingdoms. The majority of the citizens are peasants.

Magic is completely outlawed in the kingdom. Races with magical abilities will be persecuted, and so will the humans that practice magic. Magical creatures are hunted by men who wants to prove themselves worthy to become knights.

Despite the fight against magic, Eajra is a peace loving kingdom. The happiness and prosperity of the citizens are valued above everything else. The laws are strict, and always upheld. There are of course fair trials, but if you are convicted the punishments are severe.

Right now Eajra is ruled only by a Queen, since the King died (the cause of death was supposedly a heart attack) almost a decade ago. The Queen is well liked by the people, but secretive and the royal family is very seclud

The knights wear big, red, flowing, hooded capes with the coat of arms embroidered on them. Both the knights and the common soldiers have the coat of arms on their shields. The soldiers wear chainmail, while the knights have fancy steel plate armor. The soldiers have the same helmets, while knights are allowed to wear custom made ones.

Colours:

Their coat of arms looks like two big, golden, pompous lions, one holding a sword and the other holding a wheat. The lions are dressed in fancy green robes. The background is red.

Their flag has a red background. On it is a green cross with golden edges.


Slot 1 ~ Alvarin - Prince Timothy/Zain Percy Asphodelius

Slot 2 ~ VeerenVKS - Mina Shanaia/Asphodelius - the Queen

Slot 3 ~ Megsug - Princess Rea

Slot 4 ~ Knight

Slot 5 ~ VeerenVKS - Zen Shanaia - citizen

Owner: Blackwood


Setting: This kingdom is based on the coast. The city is built around a large river mouth that leads out to the sea. The river acts as a port as well as a central canal that runs up through the city and into the forest of the mainland. Just off the coast is a small but well placed island, which on it is the palace. The island is connected to the mainland by a long and solid bridge, 'the serpent bridge', named so because it was built over the foundations of the spine of a great sea-serpent. The people of Talentera are famed for hunting sea-monsters The realm itself specializes in its naval armies and ship trading of goods such as seal skins, whale fat, fish, seaweed and other alchemical ingredients. The soil in the area is quite gravelly and is not fit for cultivating crops so the peoples diets consist predominently of seafood and native plants to the area. Both large trees and dangerous and thorny plants are commonly found on the hillsides.

The people of Talantera are in general very clean and hygenic as the city is home to many apothecaries and health specialists whom are drawn in by the strange plants.

The people distrust and dislike anything winged, and as far as they are concerned it is food or disallowed in the kingdom. Magic that does not involve herbs is frowned upon and anyone found using it will not be arrested but asked to leave the kingdom. The kingdom is ruled by the emperor and empress from the palace, which is made of glass and marble.

There are many small villages in the kingdom, most of them dotted up along the river or along the coastline. Knowledge is power in Talantera and one of the very few welcome uses of magic is in the aid of science. Talantera is quite technologically advanced, prefering to invest in new ideas rather than treasure and reputations, there are many revolutionary inventions in the area such as the tidal gear-pully on the dragon bridge and cannons.


Colours: aquamarine, 'pearl' and silver.

The coat of arms is a finned sea-serpent coiled in a straight line up the middle with an engraving of the marble city across the ocean in the background.


Slot 1 ~ Emperor (father)

Slot 2 ~ Empress (biological mother of younger sibling but not of Demitri)

Slot 3 ~ VeerenVKS - Joyi Shanaia - citizen

Slot 4 ~ Blackwood - Demitri II - Prince

Slot 5 ~ Younger sibling

Slot 6 ~ Cole - Beatrice, 'Water Tris'

Owner: Alvarin


Setting: The Plains is a vast and barren landscape, where the ground is frozen more often than not. To survive on the tundra is difficult, but there are a few nomad tribes that have managed to make it their home. They survive by breeding herds of reindeer, which provide them with both furs, horns, milk, meat and everything else they need. To be able to keep their herds together they tame giant snow tigers that they use as means for transportation, and some of the nomads sleep next to their snow tiger, to help them keep warm at night. They live in tent-like huts, which are easy to transport just like everything else they own.

The different tribes all have different symbols and colours, as they all have their own leaders.

The role of the leader is inherited from father to son or from mother to daughter, depending on the tribe. Each tribe also has a shaman, who acts as a negotiator between people and the many gods, as well as the doctor. The only times the tribes get together is during arranged marriages between two tribes, as well as the annual slaughter.


Slot 1 ~ Alvarin - Saevrie - Hunter of the Räjroe-tribe

Slot 2 ~ Blackwood - Weather god

Slot 1 ~ Auxiira - Akim - assassin for hire

Slot 2 ~ AriaAdams - Marius - king Megarus' brother

Name: Vysperian (called Vys probably only by me, lol)
Age: he looks around 30-ish
Role: Warden - Lord Protector of the Prisons
Kingdom: The Prison
Appearance: At the first glance, he seems like nothing much more than an eccentric human - he likes wearing hats and cloaks, robes and coats which flow around him - but the longer you look, the more you see. He's too good looking, too symmetrical, too much as if someone drew him based on how they thought a perfect human should look like, with flawless skin and right proportions. His hair is straight and long, but just as his eyes, tends to change colour - his irises always stay surrounded by dark black circle, and his pupils tend to look like those of reptiles, especially when he's mad.
When he walks around the non-prison part of the country, he tends to keep his actual appearance, his hair being dark brown and his eyes dark green.
Personality: He's calm, collected, devious and cunning, though not really bad at heart - or at least so he believes. He holds to his principles, following his own rules, and is rather touchy to anyone trying to command him. He takes interest in some prisoners, and sometimes is curious about the normal people, but doesn't really care enough to correct the wrongdoings and let the innocents go (since anyone can be sent to the Prison, if those sending them know how to do it). He's never really sweet or romantic, but does love his wife, and likes using his control of the prison to make her happy.
He nor knows nor accepts the laws of the kingdoms, and the Prison always stays out of conflicts.
History: Vysperian's history is closely tied with the history of Prison itself. It stood there for eras, seeing the the Great Kingdoms falling and the new ones rising, and the Wardens changed in an unpredictable way - some would stay on position for years, some for decades, some for even centuries, and some for no more than days, and most of them would either die or disappear after their time was done.
Vysperian grew up as a prince of Lethe, alongside with his twin brother. For his first years, he learned the same things as the other prince - wielding a sword, reading of history, memorizing coats of arms and so on - but then things have changed.
He found that half the people he's been seeing around weren't there - not for his brother, not for their parents nor anyone else - and he never felt right when he'd approach the borders of the kingdom. At his age of eleven, as the war raged in the rest of the world, Vysperian met the Warden of the Prison.
She contacted only him, and told him about the Prison and how it worked, and as the Neverending War ended, she mysteriously disappeared. Vys, though being the Warden was promising magic and power, didn't want to become one at first - but then he one day woke up and found he can't make his brother hear, see nor touch him (as if Vys was imprisoned himself, that is). He then gave in and bonded with the Prison in the way the previous Warden told him about, becoming the youngest Lord Protector in the long history of the Prison.
Race: Well, born human enough
Abilities: He's not able to leave the Prison, seeing they basically live as one - but he can travel through dreams to anywhere, and in very rare cases he can reach to people and take over as their consciousness for a limited time. While he's doing it, the Prison is more vulnerable. In the Prison, he can do basically everything
Connection to other characters : husband of Ataia, exiled princess of Eajra, twin brother to ---, the king of Lethe
Other: Straight, but not up for love - he's taken. The Prison has changed him in the years he spent as it's Warden, making him less human and depending on the Prison as much as it depends on him.

Name: Ataia
Age:23
Role:Warden's Wife
Kingdom: Lethe - Prison
Appearance: Pale. Raven hair. Thin face, thin build. About 5'9". Usually dresses in dark clothing that's form fitting. Tunics, trousers, soft leather boots. Usually wears a black cloak, with a thin katana strapped to her hip.
Personality: Different for everyone. When she's with her husband, in private, she's the devoted, loving wife. In public, she's the hard-faced, cold, warden's wife. When she's away from her husband, she tends to be cruel and a bit twisted - but tries to hide that from his sight.
History: Ataia was born a princess of Eajra, and was raised accordingly. She was given fine foods, clothing, and a private education. She was mostly ignored as a child, which was fine by her. It left her more time to play.
When she was 12, her powers showed themselves when she was playing with Timothy in the garden. They were romping together, and Timothy dove towards her, trying to tackle her - she lifted a hand, just trying to keep his head from hitting her side, and was shocked when he stopped in mid-air and fell to the ground.
Startled, both she and Tim agreed that that had never happened. But she couldn't forget it, and began secretly developing her powers. She started by just rolling pencils back and forth across the desk, to making them levitate, to retrieving them from across a room. She gradually worked her way up living creatures - cats, dogs, birds, rodents - forcing them to come to her, then pushing them away.
Then, one day when she was 15, Timothy burst into her room and caught her with a hamster levitated all the way to the ceiling, carefully tracing the patterns painted on the it with the rodent, trying to develop the precision of her skills. Frightened, she lost concentration, and the hamster free-fell until it nearly hit the floor, and she was able to catch it.
He begged her to lift it back up, so he could see, and she grudgingly complied, lifting the hamster until it was brushing the ceiling once more. The door flew open again, and this time the King came barging in to accuse her of some crime she'd supposedly committed - and she let the hamster fall, panicked.
Their father looked between them, and, deciding they looked guilty, began questioning Timothy about what they'd been doing. He had a panic attack, and Zain took over. Zain sprinted to the corner and retrieved the bloodied, mutilated creature, and spilled his guts, ratting her out.
In mere weeks, she found herself all alone in the prison, surrounded by criminals. Terrified, she spent the first few months she was there huddled in a corner, only coming out to get the necessities to keep her alive - and then, usually at night, which gave her a better chance of navigating without having to interact with people.
The only time she paid attention to the people around her was when the Warden walked by. He fascinated her and, though she stayed carefully hidden, she couldn't help but watch as he passed - the way his hair changed colors, the eccentric way he dressed, the way he was feared by all the prisoners, yet had a cool, if a bit cold, composure.
He approached her one evening, removing all foolish thoughts of her being well hidden, and handed her a small loaf of bread. He left without a word. For the next week, that became his habit - handing her a loaf of bread, and silently walking away.
When she finally worked the courage up to speak to him, he sat down beside her on the floor and gently spoke to her, reassuring her. Over the months that followed, she gradually lost her fear of him, and began seeking his companionship.
When he asked her hand in marriage, she happily consented, and they were wed when she was 17. Vysp gradually allowed her to have her power back, and encouraged her to develop it. Eventually, with his help, she became very strong in her ability-- eventually being able to control people, for a very short while.
Race: Human
Abilities: Gravity manipulation
Connection to other characters : Married to Vysperian, sister to Timothy/Zain and Rea.

Name: Orion
Age: he looks around 30-ish
Role: King – Ruler of the Kingdom of Lethe
Kingdom: Lethe
Appearance: In the throne room of the great white palace os Lethe, you will find Orion , sat on his throne with his red pupils and his long straight black hair that flows down his back rather elegantly as he walks. Orion wears many long coat and is a very distinguished man, by his features. His face his slender and young but has a long slim scar across his eye down his face. He is otherwise rather a charming man but is physically nowhere as strong as a knight but he is known to be good with a rapier in situations where he doesn't use his magic. He has on his shoulder a tattoo of an Eye with half the iris green and the other half red.
Personality: Orion is a very calm and cold man, very young for a king as his parents had passed away recently but he didn't weep. He hardly opens up to others. He is very composed and just. He is often called to judge over trials for anyone; Up to little thefts to murder and genocides. Orion also has a very complex mind. He always thinks everything over twice before doing anything but he always tries to stick to any promise he makes and stays loyal. He is also very attached to friends. Has a fear of women.
History: As a Child Orion was a very happy and cheerful child who used to play constantly with his Brother Vys even though Vys always was more mature and could see things he could never see. Orion never cared too much for it until one day Orion found himself completely alone. He could no longer find his brother and he desperately searched everywhere. But no one cared for it so he was ignored. They knew it was the prison that was linked to this. As the young prince learned of this he delved into the book of the archive of his city, even leaving to go and study abroad in Merillial.
As the years passed he was getting more and more focused and closed off. He was set on piercing the mist magic he heard of and he was becoming a incredibly powerful Water sorcerer . After years of studying and failing the secret was revealed to him the day that his parent passed away, the secret to going in an out of the “prison” instead of simply going in.
After these days he had met his brother and had a few misadventures in his life and ended up a lonely king.
Race: Human
Abilities: Orion is a water sorcerer, master of mists, ice and the waters but he is rarely see using water in its basic form. Only as ice and mist. He is often referred to as the mist king.
Connection to other characters: Twin brother to Vysperian, Warden of the Prisons
Other: Up for love and gay.

Name: Aqui Van Aldarean
Age: 17
Role: queen of Scarthia and descendant of the Great Crowns
Kingdom: currently in the Prison
Appearance: She is of average height, hourglass built and seeming rather sweet at a glance. Her hair is curly and messy, mix of black and green locks, with dense, straight fringe, and her eyes have a colour of dark silver, one no longer seen in the Six Kingdoms. Her skin is pale compared to others, with a few barely visible freckles over her nose, her lips are full and her ears slightly pointy.
Personality: Aqui is proud, charismatic and determined to get what she sees as rightfully hers. She hardly forgives and never forgets, and keeps her ideas and thoughts to herself until she's sure in herself and the person she's telling them to. Emotions can be spotted on her face and it bothers her, but she can't change it. She's often quiet and sad, thinking about the history of her land, and makes people who meet her feel like she needs protection. She has her moments of weakness, but never cries in front of people. With people she likes, she tends to be fairly playful.
More than anything, Auqi wishes to return the glory to her homeland, though she doesn't even know there's no more Scarthia, and though she doesn't wish to admit it, she will act recklessly and naive if someone promises her to bring her back.
History: Long before the Neverending War, while there were two Great Kingdoms, Scarthia was the the land of arts and inventions, and the King of the Great Kingdom came from it. Everyone with a dream knew how to get there - builders and thinkers, magicians and performers, writers and actors, and those in search of new beginnings. When one of the Kingdoms broke in three, Scarthia raised its defenses, yet still welcomed travelers and kept its philosophy.
Before the fall of the country, half of the royal family was put in the Prison. They agreed to get reunited as those left behind defend Scarthia and return the Great Kingdom - that never happened, and more time passed than anyone expected. The royals in the Prison waited, telling the story to generations that came, until the line almost died off.
Aqui was born in the Prison. Her mother died giving birth to her, and her father killed himself, not able to handle living as a prisoner. Aqui lives her life believing Scarthia still stands and Great Kingdoms got reunited, and searches for a way to leave the Prison and get her crown back, finally meeting the other remaining members of her family.
She doesn't know that her home is now no more than a bunch of ruins in the woods, nor that she's the only one of her bloodline left - nor that there's no more anything even close to what Great Kingdoms were.
Race : human/incubi (for the latter, see the description in Quill's profile) - the Van Aldarean's were the only people ever to have made children with any kinds of demons, due to their family ability to resist any type of magic (hence their energy wasn't drained). They can't be bound to anyone like the incubi's can, nor can they shapeshift or make nightmares.
Abilities: No magic affects her (it'd be so with everyone sharing her blood), and she feeds on energy of people (doesn't eat normal food).
She can't change her appearance from human, but connects easily with any race and creature she encounters.
Connection to other characters: none!
Other: up for love and bi c:

Name: Ludiv Hawkins (Captain Ludiv for everyone, apart from anyone who might become close, who can call her Ludi)
Age: 22
Role: Captain in the Crimson Guard and Prince Thranack's bodyguard (therefore with him at the war council)
Kingdom: Merillial
Appearance: Ludiv has straight black hair cropped just beneath her ears so that it doesn't get in the way. Her eyes are a vivid purple and are often lit with a mischievous light, which she tries to keep under control. She's quite often frowning or smirking, or has a concentrated expression on her face, which isn’t beautiful, but what you'd call charming. She's quite tall (1m75) and toned from her training. Most of the time she wears the Crimson Guard's uniform or her slacks. n°3/5 her slacks
She hates wearing the formal dress, which is just that. Her armour is made of hardened leather that covers her torso and her arms over her uniform. She has a leather necklace that is one of the only possessions she has left to remind her of her father and her sword is her father’s too.
Personality: She is very loyal to the Royal family and can never even imagine betraying them. She gets extremely angry when you say be it even one word against them and has problems with it sometimes. Other than that, she is calm and attentive, and a very good guard. She will obey almost every order she is given. She refuses to let anyone become close to her, as she would consider it betraying her charge – Thranack (in a professional way). Even though she is younger (probably) than him, she will not let him do whatever he wants, as if he became hurt, she would be in trouble and consider it a betrayal.
She has found it hard to love anyone since her father died during the war, leaving her alone. She doesn’t have many friends, as she doesn’t have much time, but doesn’t really want to make any anyway. She isn't exactly cheerful, but most of the time, she’s in a pretty good mood. She can act a little tense as her guard is always up. She can be extremely suspicious towards any new people, but won’t show it, being coldly polite. She doesn’t really speak more than her post requires her to. She likes being able to serve the Royal family and really doesn’t like anyone who is disrespectful to them.
When she first became Thranack’s bodyguard, she was very tense and uptight, but she has relaxed a bit now.
She quietly nurses a desire to avenge the death of her father, but since she doesn’t even know where the person who killed him is from, or whether they are still alive, she doesn’t think that she’ll ever be able to avenge him. She is sometimes sad, and that is when she’s thinking about her father.
She’s very wary about the Barqaronians and isn’t completely sure how to act around them, whether they are royal family or enemies.
History:Ludiv’s mother died giving birth to her, only seven years before the war ended. She spent her years at the local orphanage, waiting for her father to come back from the war and learning magic. She knew that there was a war going on, but was never very curious about. She was mischievous child, until her father died when she was 6, leaving her alone in an orphanage, with nothing to remember him by but a leather necklace and a sword. She became quiet and studious, concentrating so hard on her studies that she would sometimes collapse. She learnt all that children could learn about the war, then turned elsewhere to find information.
When she turned 10, she dedicated herself to the military course, determined to enter the Crimson Guard, like her father (who was the Queen’s guard before she died, then refused to be anyone else’s guard). She entered the Crimson Guard when she was 16 and quickly rose through the ranks until she became Thranack’s bodyguard at 20.
She has followed him everywhere for the last two years and has “loosened up a bit” like Thranack told her to when she first became his bodyguard.
Race: Half Elf
~Elves are tall, beautiful creatures of magic. They are very good warriors and are feared on the battlefield. They call the half-elves the Corrupted, as they have been corrupted by the humans (but they don’t say this is Merillial…). The half-elves have slightly reduced physical capacities and their magic is more violent and aggressive. They are also less beautiful and smaller, but still tall by full human standards.~
Abilities: She can make small explosions and shock waves.
Connection to other characters: Thranack’s bodyguard
Other: Not really up for love, but she’ll obey orders from people she considers the royal family (hint hint). When she gets drunk, she’ll become a lot freer than she normally is, then start crying, which is why she never gets drunk.

Name:Thranack
Age: 27
Role:Prince
Kingdom: Merillial
Appearance:
6'2", black hair, scruffy facial hair, blue eyes. Medium build, well muscled. Wears hunter green tunics, brown trousers, and soft leather boots. Generally has a dark colored cloak. A hand a half sword on his left hip, a dagger hidden on his back.
Personality: Thranack prefers action to words. Diplomacy is lost on him; he will say exactly what's on his mind, regardless of whether or not it causes a fight. He's a skilled swordsman, and not too shabby with a bow, and likes fighting very much. But, even though he has a hard exterior, and is an accomplished warrior, he secretly would like to settle down and have a family one day.
History: The king refused to choose an heir, until it was probable that no more children would be born to him; and until the possible heirs were old enough to be evaluated. Oblivious to his father's watchful eye, Thranack did what he wanted-- which was, usually, following around the Captain of the Guard, begging for lessons.
The Captain of the Guard usually complied, and Thranack worked hard to learn the craft of swordsmanship. That, combined with his unnatural fascination with the blade, caused his father to pick him as the future War Chief.
Thranack continued recieving the academic education all princes recieved, but also started getting formal swordsmanship and combat lessons, training him for his future post. By the time he was in his late teens, he was already well known and well respected for his skill with the blade, and his proficiency in battle. He's often occupied with relations with the other kingdoms, and has been accused as being the cause of many of the battles fought.
It wasn't until recently that Thranack learned that, instead of being War Cheif, he was to be the future king. He's still not sure how he feels about the decision-- aside from loathing every moment of every day that his father forces him to practice diplomacy.
Race: Human
Abilities: Wizard, general-- particularly strong at attack charms.
Connection to other characters: Engaged to Princess Lierre.
Other: Taken, straight.

Name: Daerys Angroth (Dae for his sister dear, My Prince for Quill, and Lord Daerys for everyone else)
Age: 21
Role: prince and heir of King Megarus, living as hostage/foster kid in Merillial
Kingdom: Merillial/Barqarnon (not really loyal to either)
Appearance: Tall, slender and pale, with wavy black hair tied on the back of his head. For clothes, think a bit 19th century. He's always clean and neat, though when the situation allows it, he'll walk in unbuttoned shirts and keep his hair messy. He always wears rings on his fingers and loosely tied black strings around his wrists. His eyes are also black, the kind that can seem both loving and threatening, and he has sharp, symmetrical features.
As a little child, he found a dragon and, ignoring his father's ideals, tried flying on it - he fell, and now he carries a thin cane around. He doesn't need it to walk (he could normally run if he wanted to as well), but it sometimes comes in handy to have people think he needs help with moving around.
The dragon, however, took his side and is now always somewhere around.
Personality : He doesn't feel the way normal people do - he doesn't have proper emotions, meaning nothing can really make him care. However, by observing people around, he learned how to fake them, and he can appear rather normal among people. He's seductive and charming when he wants to be, and a master in manipulating people to do as he wants.
He's cold, distant and doesn't see a problem in hurting anyone - in fact he quite often almost enjoys it. He's controlling, very good liar with a rather strong sadistic trait, and enjoys toying with people's emotions. He's curious about the way other people think and feel.
He doesn't love anyone, but is protective towards his little sister and holds Quill probably the most important person in his life - not that he'd ever tell him that, though, or that he thinks Quill would believe he really meant it.
Dae is also calm, never raising his voice and never losing control over himself, and his gaze can make people rather uncomfortable. However, he's one of those people whom others want to impress, hence more often than not surrounded by more people than he'd like.
He's really good in fencing and archery, though he doesn't like physical fighting of any kind. He's a talented strategist, much into making other people fight for him, while he does his planning. He loves to draw, and is incredible in catching expressions on portraits, and he likes writing - which is why it amuses him to call Quill so.
Daerys has nightmares from time to time, which is why he doesn't really like going to sleep, and those are the only places where he can experience emotions. Because of those, he knows what they are like, and equally loves and hates the fact that he can't experience them in reality. He can feel physically, by the way - he can feel being touched or shot and whatnot, but even in that case, he doesn't feel, say, pain, as strong as normal people would.
History : Daerys was born during the Neverending War, and he spent his first six years never leaving his home castle in the mountains, spending time with his somewhat younger cousin (see in Megarus's brother's History). At the time Dae was four, his cousin and his cousins mother got killed as the castle was attacked. Daerys's mother then summoned an incubi (basically, not quite a demon - see Quill's History) and bounded his soul with Dae's. from that day on, Jonquille has been on Dae's side, though Dae doesn't know he's anything but human.
As the war ended, when Daerys was six, the negotiations and signing peace contracts followed. A deal was made between Megarus and the king of Merillial, and Dae was sent/took to there as hostage - to prevent Megarus and his armies from attacking Merillial. Since then, Dae never saw his homeland again.
He exchanged letters with his mother and uncle, and met his little sister as their uncle brought her along on his diplomatic mission. She was five then, and he was twelve, and he told her stories he imagined on the spot as they walked around. If there wasn't for Quill to stop him, he would've taken her to new attempt of flying on a dragon.
Their uncle came once more, seven years later, and that was when Lierre was already scared of their father and asking Dae to protect her. He was nineteen, he knew what was happening because he made her tell him, and that was about time when he figured he couldn't go home without a proper plan and possibly an army to support him.
In the beginning of this SB, he's awaiting for Lierre's another visit, this time due to a deal to marry her to the prince of Merillial.
Race: Human by birth, though his soul no longer is.
Abilities: he can destroy and build by saying words - he doesn't quite master it, though, so he can turn things into ashes by voice and touch, but without touching he can't control it that well.
To build things out of thin air using only imagination and voice, however, he must first destroy something of equal size/value. He doesn't know he can even do it, and it's hard to tell of how far it extends, but theoretically he could destroy an army and then create a new one..though there's not much point in that.
Connection to other characters: Son of king Megarus and Queen, brother of Princess Lierre, protege of Jonquille (Quill), nephew of ---
Other: He can't be killed unless Quill dies, though neither of them knows that. He's bi, and neither up for love nor quite taken - he knows Quill and Lierre love him, and he wouldn't be with anyone else for no reason, but if it's for purposes he finds important, he wouldn't care.

Name: Lierre Angroth
Age: 14
Role: Princess of Barqarnon
Kingdom: Originally from Barqarnon. Engaged with Prince Thranack from Merillial, where she now lives.
Appearance: Lierre has a very petite build, and is only 5'2 (157cm) and is very delicate. Her skin is very pale, and her big eyes are dark grey. She has black, thick, wavy hair that reaches down to her waist, which she usually puts it up and braid flowers into. Lierre is very particular about her looks, and puts a lot of time and effort into choosing her dresses and makeup (which she uses to hide the bags under her eyes). As she was raised as a princess she carries herself with grace and dignity.

Personality: She looks small, innocent and defenseless, and she feels like it as well. She looks to her older brother Daerys to protect her and take care of her, and she basically worships the ground he walks on. Whatever Daerys tells her to believe, she believes. Whatever Daerys tells her to do, she does. As she has no clue what a father or brother is supposed to be like, she lets her brother play both those roles for her.
Due to her father she now fears and hates all men (with the obvious exception of Daerys). She stays in her room most of the time, just to avoid running into one of them, and she's afraid to go outside unless her brother accompanies her.
Even though she is constantly afraid she still carries herself with dignity, and will hold her head high no matter what. Afraid as she might be, she is excellent at playing brave. Since she has been raised as a princess she is always follows proper etiquette and acts politely, even though the thoughts in her head are often the direct opposite of her actions.
History: When Lierre was born her brother had already been sent to Merillial, so she grew up feeling very alone despite being almost constantly surrounded by servants and tutors. The only one she really talked to was her mother, who she loved more than anything. Her father, Megarus, was far from a kind father. He molested her from a very young age, which was how she came to fear and hate all men.
When she was five she was allowed to travel to Merillial to visit her brother, and he treated her very kindly, even more so than their mother. Daerys was the first and only exception to her rule about all men being evil, and she has adored him ever since the first time she met him. When she was twelve she travelled to Merillial again, and found her brother even more wonderful than the last time. After a couple of nights filled with terrible nightmares (guess who caused them) about her father, she told Daerys all about what was happening in Barqarnon. She wished more than anything that her brother could be with her and protect her, but of course he couldn't come back with her no matter how much she begged.
Two years later her parents arranged for Lierre to be taken to Merillial again, but this time it was to marry Prince Thranack. She of course despises the very idea of being married, especially to a man she has never met, but at the same time it gives her the chance to live in the same place as her adored Daerys, who she looks up to for protection against all evil men.
Race: Human
Abilities: Can make small inanimate things (stones, paper, toys ect.) come to life by touching them.
Connection to other characters: She's the daughter of King Megarus and Queen Marcia, the younger sister to Prince Daerys and the niece of Marius. She's engaged to Prince Thranack.
Other: Not up for love, as she is in love with her older brother, and engaged to Prince Thranack.

Name: Jonquille (Quill by Dae)
Age: Looks 30-ish, but is actually much older
Role: Tutor/Protector of Prince Daerys
Kingdom: Is being held hostage in MerilliaI, but doesn't really belong to any kingdom.
Appearance: Quill is taller than most (6'2 or 188cm), and since he always stands straight he tends to look even taller. His body is well-toned, but not overly so. Black hair, dark brown eyes, slightly tanned skin. As stated before he has a very good posture, and seems unnaturally graceful. There always seems to be a smile playing in the corner of his mouth, and whether it's a good or bad smile you can usually see in his eyes.. If he wants you to know, that is.
Personality: More than anything, Quill is a good actor. He'll act the way he thinks his victim would like.. Or at least he used to do that. He's changed quite a bit since he got tied to Daerys. Or maybe he's just gotten too used to playing the same role, he isn't quite sure. He has kept the same personality and looks (apart from adding some years to his appearance as Daerys got older) ever since he first met Daerys. He's still very flirty though, and that will never change, but he would never cheat on Daerys.
Speaking of Daerys.. Quill finds it both annoying and amusing ('cause he never expected it to happen), but he actually fell in love with Daerys. For real. He can get very possessive and protective, and is jealous of everyone who as much as looks at his Prince. Everyone who hurts Daerys in any way tend to go insane from nightmares not long after. Yes, Quill can be quite cruel if he wants to. He doesn't really care about any one other than himself and Daerys.
As for the personality he has at the moment, the one which he has gotten quite used to, to the point where he's starting to think it's his real personality.. He's kind towards most people, as long as they don't touch Daerys, and even if they do he pretends not to care, until he's alone with that person. Quill is quite calm, as he knows there's really not anything worth stressing about when you can live forever.. Except when people touch Daerys. From time to time he also shows a bit more devious side, but it's so rarely shows that people actually find it charming. While on the subject, most people thinks he's charming, and he really is. There's probably no one who can outdo him when it comes to flirting, as flirting and attracting people used to be what he did to get his energy. He has a silver tongue, and can talks his way out of any situation.
When it comes to fighting.. Well, he doesn't really. He uses his powers to drive people insane once in a while, but other than that he's a rather peaceful guy. Peaceful in the sense that he doesn't care enough to bother with a fight.
History: Quill doesn't really know how old he is. He knows that his kind came shortly after the humans, but long before there were any kingdoms, and he has some vague memories of the creation of the first kingdom. He spent many years travelling around and doing what his kind does best, sleeping around, that is. Nothing extraordinary happened, and he became quite bored. He watched kingdoms be born and fall, and learned as much as he could about the people and their customs since he had nothing better to do.
17 years ago the Queen of Barqarnon, Marcia, performed a spell that was supposed to bind Prince Daerys soul to the soul of a demon, forcing the demon to protect him. Unfortunately this backlashed when instead of a proper demon Marcia accidentally bound her son to Quill. Quill didn't really protest, as he found the whole situation quite intriguing.
At first he simply watched, concealed as a raven, but eventually he grew tired of that and started posing as Daerys tutor, making use of all the things he had seen and learned over the years. With Quill being what he is it didn't take long for the two to become more than just student and teacher, and eventually started caring for Daerys way more than he thought he was even able to. He has yet to reveal to anyone (except for Marcia) that he is anything other than human.
Race: Incubus/Sucubus
~ A race very close to demons, but still very different. They pretend to be humans, disguising themselves by using their abilities. Instead of eating they absorb energy for the humans they sleep with, and can cause nightmares to those who are sleeping. No one really knows the true form of an incubus/sucubus - which btw is the same thing, since they can choose to take the form of a woman or a man - as they hardly ever show it to anyone. ~
Abilities: He can change into whatever shape he wants, and automatically knows what features a person finds most attractive. He can cause horrible nightmares to those who are sleeping, horrible enough to drive the person insane after a while. When he sleeps with someone he can feed of their energy if he chooses to, hence that he doesn't eat food.
Connection to other characters: He's the tutor, protector and lover of Prince Daerys, and he's being held hostage in Merillial.
Other: Not up for love, as he is in love with his dear little prince, but he'll flirt with anyone he find amusing.

Name: Megarus Angroth, called The Witch-King among all of the kingdoms.
Age: 40
Role: King
Kingdom: Barqarnon
Appearance: Megarus is handsome, and he takes incredible pride in his appearance. He is tall, muscular, has dark cropped hair and pale skin. He has narrow, startling pale eyes that he altered with magic, an aquiline nose, a tall brow, a square jaw, and thin lips. He always wears iron armor, a cape, and his ‘Jagged Crown’ when he is outside his castle. However, when he is lounging in The Crag, he prefers to wear heavy jewels, such as chains, rings, bracelets, and crowns, as well as long, vaporous robes or luxurious pelts of bears and wolves if he is not sitting around nude in his chamber or throne room.
Personality: Megarus is notorious for his lust, narcissism, bitterness, greed, and cruelty. He drains his kingdom of supplies so that he can live extravagantly. He hosts decadent feasts and hires concubines, slaves, and prostitutes to please him whenever he is too disgusted with his wife, Marcia.
Megarus is a sexual sadist and finds intense pleasure in assaulting and abusing others, especially his wife. He uses his hyperactive and twisted sexuality to assert his dominance and authority over others. He also has a distinct hatred for magical creatures, especially dragons. He married Marcia because of her connection to dragons and consistently harms her to insult her kind. He also has an appetite for dragon hearts and has a team specifically commissioned to hunt dragons in the mountains.
Megarus also practices witchcraft so religiously that his kingdom began to call him ‘The Witch-King’. He zealously advocates witchcraft in Barqarnon and makes an example of anyone who opposes any of his preferences—by burning them at the stake publically.
Though Megarus is wildly eccentric, he is not unreasonable and will cooperate with others if, one, they prove themselves worthy, and two, he sees it as being advantageous: either politically or sexually. However, he is not charitable or empathetic in the slightest. The only way he is willing to assist someone is if they convince him it will benefit him.
He is incredibly vain and uses virtually every opportunity to prove his beauty or power. Megarus has a dark, distorted sense of humor as well. If someone can appeal to his pride or humor, then he will find favor in them for a short while.
Megarus is easy to be enraged or insulted, and when he feels like disciplining someone, the chastisement is always severe. He is not forgiving, understanding, or forgetful. If someone offended him in the past, he will never forget it and will always treat them coldly.
One of the few people that Megarus still somewhat cares for his his brother Marius. Despite the fact that they have disagreements, Megarus has a blemish of affection in him for his brother, one he would never admit to. Ever.
History: Megarus was born during the Neverending War.
During the majority of his childhood, he and his younger brother were kept in The Crag with their mother while their father was fighting the war. Megarus’s father was eventually killed in battle and he was unexpectedly forced to take the throne at sixteen. Shortly after, his mother committed suicide by slitting her wrists out of grief.
When he was a timid king, Megarus sought witchcraft as a source of reassurance and power. It emboldened him and he slowly started to become a cold and triumphant king. He took Marcia as his wife, fueled by his dislike for dragons. He found immense joy in abusing her and the more she cowered beneath him, the more powerful he felt.
Megarus neglected his children Daerys and Lierre from early on. He used them as an example for his kingdom, that he would never be weak and compassionate, even to his own kindred. The older Daerys grew, the more Megarus hated him and saw him as a disappointment. Princess Amalaya of Merillal was sent to Barqarnon at a young age. Megarus took interest in her and sexually abused her consistently. When Lierre was eight, Megarus started regularly molesting her, as he did to Amalaya.
Even after the Neverending War finally ceased, Megarus continued to rule Barqarnon as a cold, vicious, decadent king.
Race: Human, though there are rumors of him being not wholly man.
Abilities: He is an incredible swordsman and has various magical abilities due to his famous association with black magic and witchcraft. He has the ability to manipulate shadows and darkness, as well as summon negative powers from an insidious spirit realm.
Connection to other characters: Marius is his brother, Marcia is his wife, and Daerys and Lierre are his children.

Name: Marcia Angroth
Age: 38
Role: Queen
Kingdom: Barqarnon
Appearance: Marcia once was tall and well-built and able to take her fair share of a burden but she has become more frail with age and the stress of abuse and child-bearing. Although from the outside she may seem quite strident and healthy (minus the bruises) she is now physically weak and has no longer retained her muscle strength she once had. Her once glossy black hair is now matted and tangled. She wears it braided down her back reaching almost to her knees. She would cut it short at the first chance she got if it wasn’t for the knowledge that she would be beaten for its removal. Marcia has strong full lips and a stern chin which she holds up high when her husband is not around. Her eyes are a strange dark green that doesn’t seem to occur anywhere else in the kingdom. She does not have a typical beauty but her face is not unpleasant and is unique. She has quite a naturally medium-darker skin tone that could be described as almond.
Personality: Marcia was initially shy and submissive, shunned for her ancestry, when she was taken from her freedom when she was 15 to live with Megarus. She bent at his every will, including having children at the age of 17. This damaged her confidence and she at first resented everyone in the area. However after the birth of her second child, Marcia developed a cold and silent determination, gradually regaining her mental state and has become quite forceful and commanding among lower people in order to aid her will. Although she despised the man she was betrothed to, she loved her children greatly and would fight and die for their safety. On the other hand she wants vengeance on Megarus and would laugh in joy to see him taken down. She would gladly be the one to be responsible for or influence his demise.
History: Marcia was taken as Megarus’s wife because of his determination to humiliate dragons and all they stand for. Taking one of the few remaining dragon descendants as his own he makes a point by abusing her and hating her, showing the dragons that he has complete and full power over them. Marcia despises him for this. It is also the most likely reason on why he is so careless to let his children be hostages and to dislike them as well. He claims that it ensures peace between the nations but Marcia has always had a suspicion that he would hardly care a less to step over his own son and daughter. Marcia initially came from a small and secluded village in the mountains where the people of dragon blood reside. The people are very detached from the rest of the kingdom both in appearance and customs.
Race: Marcia has dragon blood which means she is some form of ascendant of dragons
Abilities: Her dragon blood gives her enhanced magical capabilities and good compatibility with dragons. One specific ability is excellent conjuration skills.
Connection to other characters: Mother of Daerys and Lierre, wife of Megarus.

Name: Princess Amalaya (of Merillial)
Age: 19
Role: Princess of Merillial, living as a hostage in Barqarnon
Kingdom: Merillial/Barqarnon
Appearance: Amalaya has inherited her father's dirty blonde hair that falls to the middle of her legs in a plait and green eyes. She's very pale and has a sadness in her eyes that has only appeared since she started living in Barqarnon. She is quite thin and not very tall (5"4), but can be quite strong if desperate.
She normally wears a cloak over the top (since it's cold).
Personality: She is very quiet and doesn't say much, as she has learnt that voicing her opinions will only get her hurt. She does most of what Megarus tells her to do, as she doesn't want to be the reason of a conflict between Merillial and Barqarnon. She tries not to look anyone from the Crag in the eye and tries to stay away from them as much as possible.
Though she is quiet, she is still a little rebellious, escaping from the castle to the town to try and help the villagers. When she's there, she's more confident and outgoing. However, she is normally caught by the guards and dragged back to the Crag, kicking and screaming (which is the only time she resists). She's often got quite a few bruises and tries her best not to show them, as she's ashamed. She hates herself for giving in to Megarus, but doesn't see how she could do anything about it.
She can be quite selfless, and if someone's survival depends on her doing something, she'll do it. She has a kernel of resistance that just needs someone she can rely on to bloom.
History: Amalaya only has very vague memories of Merillial and her family, as she was only four when she was sent to Barqarnon. She can only remember a nice brother, who liked to play with her and a sad father. She has never been allowed to visit her kingdom.
She was five when Lierre was born and felt sorry for the young girl being born into the Crag. When she was eight, she tried to get close to the three year old, but Megarus locked her up in her room and molested her. She refused to come out of her room for ten days after that, refusing to eat and escaping human contact. When she realised that her death would only cause a dispute, she started to eat again, but escaped contact with people from the Crag as much as possible.
When she was 13, she learnt that Lierre was being molested too, she tried to help by getting Megrus to concentrate on her, but it didn't work very well. It was then that she started to escape from the Crag. She acts as a servant.
At 14, she learnt that Lierre was visiting Merillial and tried to visit the girl more often, so that she could hear about her home country and her family. They were the only time that she was happy. She met M-- during those times and tried to get him to help her visit, but he couldn't, instead telling her long stories about Merillial and her brother.
After she turned 15, Megarus visited her more often and she fell pregnant at 18. As soon as she knew, she terminated her pregnancy with herbs that the Crag's "doctor" gave her. She sometimes dreams about the baby being alive and wonders what it's life would have been like. She wakes up crying.
Race: Human
Abilities: She can read people's emotions if she concentrates.
Connection to other characters : Creyo's daughter, Thranack's sister, Lierre and Daerys' sister-in-law-to-be, Megarus' hostage.
Other: Up for love, straight.

Name: Timothy/Zain Percy Asphodelius (called Tim by his closest family and friends, 'my prince' or 'my lord' by everyone else)
Age: 20
Role: Prince of Eajra
Kingdom: Eajra
Appearance: He's rather tall, with an athletic build. Broad shoulders, narrow hips and all that. His eyes have a slightly odd green-gray color, his hair is honey blonde and tends to be slightly messy, his skin is fair but not pale. He often a few sports cuts and bruises all over, and is anyone asks about it he'll say that he tripped out in the forest or fell down from his horse. When it comes to clothes he doesn't really like the fancy ones. Dark pants, riding boots and a white shirt with the sleeves rolled up is what he prefers to wear. He rarely smiles, not at humans at least, but when he does it's one of those infectious ones.
Personality:
Tim:
Tim is extremely shy.. It might actually be more accurate to say that he is afraid of people. He's very kind, but he can't show it. Around animals or on his own he's just like any other guy, but when he's with someone (other than his closest family) his shyness becomes apparent in everything he does. He never looks anyone in the eyes, and he can't keep his hands still when he knows he's being watched. Most of the time he keeps his head down and his eyes on his feet. He speaks when spoken to, but can't maintain a normal conversation and if he actually tries to make contact with anyone he stutters.
He's a very meek person, and he does everything he can to avoid getting into a fight. He used to be skilled with a sword, but now he refuses to even touch one. Whenever he is physically injured, gets into a fight or is faced with a situation he can't cope with he'll turn into Zain.
Zain:
It's not always apparent when Tim has turned into Zain and when he hasn't, since Zain is quite an actor. He can pretend to be Tim if he thinks it's fun, but most of the time he'll just go ahead and act exactly as he pleases. He's constantly alternating between acting as Tim's guardian and attempting to ruin his life.
Zain is the opposite of Tim. He's cocky, corrupted and manipulative, but most of all he's violent and cruel. He loves fighting. Fists, mace, leg of a chair, it doesn't matter as long as he gets to spill some blood. He prefers swords though. While Tim thought he had stopped training with swords, Zain continued and honed their abilities even further. Give him a sword and there is no one who can defeat him. He goes too far though, often turning blind as he fights. His victim might have died, but he'll go on fighting in blind rage.
Where Tim is shy and secluded Zain is extremely outgoing and charming. He likes playing around with people, manipulating and corrupting them in any way he can. He uses others as he sees fit, often trying to destroy Tim's relationships on purpose, or make him intimate friends with someone he knows will mess with Tim later.
History: Tim was a very happy and normal child, until suddenly changing when he was six years old. He stopped smiling and talking, and actually cowered whenever anyone other than his mother and sister touched him. One day, when he was twelve, the Queen found the King dead and Tim standing over him with blood on his hands and clothes. She tried to ask him what had happened, but he couldn't remember. All he knew was that his father was going to hurt him, again, and then suddenly he had been dead. Everything that happened is kept a secret within the family, since the Queen is afraid that if the people find out they won't respect Tim when he takes over the Throne.
During the six years that Tim was molested he developed a second personality. This wasn't very apparent at first, but his 'episodes' (as his mother likes to call it when the other personality, that Tim named Zain, takes over) became longer and more frequent as he became a teenager. Tim remembers nothing of what he has done when Zain takes over, and before someone told him why he sometimes would suddenly appear in strange places with bruises and cuts all over, it freaked him out. Of course it still freaks him out, but now he's more afraid of what Zain has been up to than the memory loss.
Race: Human
Abilities: No magic or abilities, but he has a tamed kelpie that he rides instead of a horse.
Connection to other characters: Demitri (Prince of Talantera) is Zain's lover. Tim is (obviously) the son of the Queen of Eajra and older brother to the Princess Rea. He's also the younger brother of Atia, the Warden's Wife.
Other: Tim loves animals, horses more than anything. If you ever need to talk to him, you'll always be able to find him in the stables, out riding or just playing with his dog out in the forest. He used to be a very skilled swordsman, but he stopped suddenly a few years back and hasn't touched a sword since (as far as he knows).
He's strong as an ox, but Tim doesn't really use that strength. Zain on the other hand..
Zain and Demitri (Prince of Talantera, Tim's childhood friend) are actually lovers, but Tim knows nothing about this.
Tim's up for love, Zain is not. Tim is gay, Zain is bi.

Name: Princess Rea (She tries to get everyone to call her Rea, even if that's not 'proper.')
Age: 16
Role: Princess
Kingdom: Eajra
Appearance: Rea is small and thin for her age with slightly hunched shoulders which don't make her stature any more threatening. She's often mistaken for a girl several years younger than she is. Her skin is pale, and her eyes a very light gray blue. Her hair is very light and normally up in an elaborate updo. She wears very nice gowns, but they're always dark in color and seem to swallow her.

Personality: Rea is outgoing to a fault. She will talk to anyone kindly to anyone and doesn't worry about propriety too much. She's used to getting her way through her charm and is often visibly surprised when it doesn't work. She has a lot of self-restraint and doesn't say several of the things that go through her mind because it doesn't fit the 'good little girl' image she's created.
She's cleverer than she looks and a tad bit power hungry. Though she can and does have real relationships with people she wouldn't betray, she is willing to step on other's heads for her own gain. She lives firmly by the belief that it's not the king, or queen, that has the most power, but the one who whispers in their ear. She’s even overcome a wariness of men in case she ever needs to use one for her own gain. As willing as she is to talk her way into power, she refuses to do any manual labor and has a great fear of getting dirty. If a bit of mud gets on her clothes, she feels the compulsion to change into a new set. Her room is in pristine condition. If she's in a dirty place or has to interact with dirty people, she can get twitchy and will babble with none of the poise she's developed over the years. She gets mean. To avoid looking like a fool, she usually stays inside.
History: Rea wasn't molested as often as her brother, but she started to be abused when she turned six. Two years later, her father died. Her obsession with cleanliness actually started after the king died. Though she technically wasn’t supposed to know, she figured out what happened to her father pretty quickly. She wasn’t too upset that her father was gone.
She was very close to a certain governess who had been a diplomat of another kingdom during the war, but for reasons of treason and espionage had been in hiding for several years. Of course, the queen does not know of the governess’ history when she was hired, but after the governess began to teach Rea of ways to push people the way she wanted them to go (When Rea is 12-14), she told Rea her story. When Rea was 15, her governess had to leave when her identity was almost discovered. Rea has refused another teacher.
She’s been honing the skills she was taught as much as she can with anyone she can, even her own family. Sometimes, she goes too far and comes very close to being caught in her string pulling. She’s been able to charm her way out of it so far.
She hasn’t taken very well to Tim’s multipersonality disorder. She’d always been somewhat protective of her older brother, and has yet to figure out what to do about Zain.
Race: Human
Abilities: She can get almost anyone to trust her but not through any magical means.
Connection to other characters: Sister of Prince Timothy; daughter of
Other: Up for love; Experimenting

Name: Demitri (Full name is Prince Demitri II. Goes by Demitri by anyone he knows. occasionally his (step)mother will call him Demi as well as his little sibling.
Age:19
[b]Role: Prince of Talantera
Kingdom: Talentera
Appearance: Demitri stands at 5’9”. He has very very light blond hair and deep brown eyes. His skin is pale but fresh and he has a few faint freckles. He has quite a young and innocent appearance on the outside that does not reflect his personality at all. Demitri is extremely well kept and is never seen any less than clean, although he does enjoy the rain and water.
Personality: Demitri can seem reclusive as he prefers not to initiate conversation nor speak with strangers but he is actually quite loud and forwards spoken and social amoung friends. He tends to take on a leadership role and do things his own way despite other peoples suggestions; he presents a lot of attitude in arguments and strongly values his own opinions and ensures that they are heard. Demitri does not make jokes but tends to smile subtly when he is happy, on the contrary he has a very smug sneer when he gets his way or is plotting something. He acts polite and kind around strangers but once he knows someone to a degree he doesn't give a toss and acts however he likes and whatever mood he is in.
History: Demitri refers to the current empress as his mother and was raised by her for most of his life. However, she is not his biological relation. Demitri’s mother suddenly vanished when he was only three years old and the emperor remarried shortly afterwards. It is said that his mother was a beautiful Selkie or a Siren who had returned to the sea after being held against her will.
The ocean is a big part of Demitri’s life. He often escorts goods ships as well as actively being involved in the hunting and harpooning of squids, whales and other sea monsters.
Demitri is also very fond of music. He is talented on the lute and also enjoys singing on his own.
Race: He is human. Or at least mostly if you are believer of Selkies and Sirens.
Abilities: Demitri can hold his breath for a very long time and when he does resurface he claims he could hold it for longer. It is also known that he is very ‘influential’ over anyone who has heard his (singing) voice recently.
Connection to other characters: Son of the emperor of Talentera, (half) brother of his younger sibling.
Other: Weapon of choice is spears/harpoons for hunting as well as longbow and/or sabre for combat.
Named after his great grandfather.

Name: Beatrice, called Water Tris by villagers in Talantera

Age: 18

Role: Peasant/Knight

Kingdom: Talantera

Appearance: Beatrice, despite being thin and willowy, is very strong. She is naturally pretty, but she is not immensely beautiful. Part of this is due to her rejection of vanities such as jewelry and makeup. She has mildly tan skin, waist-length honey/bronze colored hair that she usually keeps tied or braided. She has wide green eyes, high cheekbones, a straight nose, a round chin, and full lips.
She wears simple garments, such as scarves, shifts, dresses, coats, slacks, stockings, and leather boots, or iron armor if she is traveling.

Personality: Beatrice is outwardly quiet, but inwardly bold. She lives her life based more on action than words. She is so quiet due to her fear of lying and flattery. She prefers to use actions to speak for her heart instead of potentially deceitful words. Because of her distrust in spoken words, she is often distrustful of others.
In spite of her caution, she is deeply compassionate, loyal to friends who prove themselves trustworthy, and empathetic, sometimes to the point of it being dangerous. She strives to find redemptive qualities in even the cruelest of people, which can encumber her judgment of a situation.
Beatrice is also humble, refusing luxury or decadence because of her disgust for pride. She knows that the pursuit of luxury brought ruin to her mother, Nessa, and she knows that pride prompted her father to reject Nessa.
Above all, Beatrice is brave, having lived in a barbaric world for most of her childhood. As a result of her upbringing in the mountains of Barqarnon, she has a violent opposition to witchcraft. After witnessing how her mother had been scorned by Barqarnon, Beatrice was raised with a potent sense of justice as well.

History: Beatrice was born in the cold hills of Barqarnon to Nessa, a prostitute. Supposedly, Nessa sought the man who had impregnated her for help, but he rejected her out of revulsion. Beatrice was raised in the wilderness, and despite the grim and bitter circumstances, her mother taught her to be heavy-handed with prudence, virtue, grace, temperance, and compassion. Nessa always told her, “Whenever someone tries to assign a price to you, realize that you are always worth more than what the world tells you.”
When Beatrice was fourteen years old, hunters found her and her mother in the hills and pursued them. They captured and killed her mother and Beatrice fell into a river after trying to escape. After being rendered unconscious, she was washed out to sea.
She was found on the shore of Talantera. Some villagers took her in and she became one of their own. They called her ‘Water Tris’ because sailors thought that she was a mermaid when they spotted her—they thought she had been born from the ocean.
Currently, she lives among the villagers as a fellow peasant and Knight to the monarchy. Even with her duties, her primary ambition is to discover who her father was.
One thing continues to stand out to Beatrice about her mother: when the man rejected her, she returned him the money he had spent on her services—a whore’s price. To Beatrice, this symbolizes that everyone has the capability of doing good, even in small, unnoticeable ways.

Race: Human

Abilities: Beatrice was trained in many arts when she became a Knight and is now skilled in archery and sword-fighting

Connection to other characters: None, as of yet

Other: Breath of Life by Florence + The Machine

Name: Saevrie (which means 'loose snow', or 'snow that you can't stand on'.. Yes, seriously.)
Age: 20
Role: Hunter of the Räjroe-tribe.
Kingdom: The Plains
Appearance: Much like picture 1, but his skin is more tanned and his hair is slightly darker. He's about 6'1, with an athletic but slightly slim build. He smiles most of the time, and if he isn't smiling he's scowling. His posture is lousy, but most of the time it just serves to make him look relaxed. When he talks he uses a very vivid body language, sometimes making him look almost comical. He has a quirky accent, where he stresses the consonants, but is fluid in the language of the kingdoms.
He wears light fur and leather clothes (see pic. 2, ignore the bone-thingy) with a thick fur cloak when it's cold (winter, autumn, spring and larger parts of the summer, since he lives on the Plains). In a small pouch tied with a leather string around his neck he keeps a glass orb. The glass orb seems to contain a white mist, that sometimes talks.
Saevrie rides a giant snow tiger, called Bååvteres (pic 3).
Personality: Saevrie is one of those happy go-luck kind of people, who's an unfaltering optimist. He smiles and laugh most of the time, and he'll talk your ear of if you let him. When he tells stories it's easy to think he's childish (and he kind of is), with his body language and over the top expressions. Kids obviously love him, and he loves kids as well, since he's a very playful person.
He's very kind and compassionate, to the point that it makes him stupid. He'll try to ask anyone who asks for help, no questions asked no matter how shady the situation seems.
Despite his slightly goofy behaviour he is actually very knowledgeable.. When it comes to surviving in the wild. He knows most plants, and is a very talented hunter and bowman. He knows how to make both weapons and clothes out of nothing. It's almost only when he's in 'survival mode' that you get to see him serious.
History: As the grandson of the tribe's shaman, Saevrie was expected to become the next shaman, though it soon became apparent that Saevrie had no magic abilities or skills what so ever. Since he was skilled with bow and spear he was allowed to join the Räjroe-tirbe's group of hunters instead, thought they didn't really want him either since his constant talking scared the prey away.
After getting yelled at for a few years he finally learned to shut up during the hunts, and became one of the best hunters of his tribe. This got some attention from the other tribes, and when he was 17 his mother told him that he were to marry the daughter of the chief of another tribe. He was supposed to be happy about it, marrying rich and all that, but he couldn't help but feel trapped. For a long time he had fantasised about visiting the kingdoms beyond the plains, and he knew that he wouldn't be able to do that if he had to support a wife, a wife he'd never even met.
Thanks to the combination of his nagging and creepily accurate snowstorms he managed to postpone the wedding for three years, but eventually he realized that he was just holding off the inhabitable. Saevrie packed up what little he owned and planned to run away when the others were sleeping. The night he was going to leave, his grandfather gave him a pouch which he claimed contained a captured weather god. The old man instructed him to use it well during his adventures, and Saevrie took it as a blessing. Shortly after he left his tribe for good, to go out and see the world.
Race: Human
Abilities: None, but he has a giant snow tiger who protects him, as well as a weather god in a glass orb (though it's quite useless, unless you want someone to talk to). He's a very good bowman and knows most useful plants.
Connection to other characters: None, yet.

Name: Me (or Mee or Mi) When asked for his/her name he simply replied with “Me, for I am I and no one else” therefore he came to be known as Me.
Age: Does not have an age.
Role: Weather god.
Kingdom: Does not belong to anywhere in specific but his physical from originated in the plains.
Appearance: Me is not male nor female. When in the orb he looks like nothing but mist. When released from the orb Me will appear to everyone differently. Me appears as the eye of the beholder views a god, whether it be someone/something they fear or respect. It could be a large tribal man with the strength of a thousand bears or it could be a tall woman with long flowing hair. The voice me Me works in a similar way including while he is in the orb. The ears of the single person will hear what they hear a god would sound like. This does not influence the words that Me says however, as he may say something completely out of the character that the person visualizes him as.
(This also applies to animals, any animal that sees him will see him as another animal that they should respect or fear.)
Personality: Me is actually quite light hearted for how someone would expect a god to be. He enjoys poking fun at humans as well as creating irony. He finds it funny when he confuses them but does not tend to harm the innocent and will put any confusion back in order when he has had his laugh. While some things me says are very wise and knowledge-full other things he says can be quite naive to the world of humans. However when there is no one to play with or no mood for being playful he is quite serious and sincere.
History: Me is guardian of the weather and always has been. However recently he was captured into an orb by a human in order to aid their crossing of the dangerous plains. Any other reason he doesn’t know. A god is defined as something not good nor bad. They are just powerful over the world and in humans minds. No god is greater than another.
Race: God
Abilities: While Me is trapped in the orb his powers are stuck and he can not do anything except tell which weather is coming next and access his knowledge bank. When he is not in the orb he can create any weather he likes.
Connection to other characters: Saevrie holds him trapped him in the orb, he does not know if this make him his friend or if it should be a reason to despise him. He does not show any ill manners towards him however.

Name: Akim is the name he goes by. He might tell the person who manages to get close to him his real name
Age: Who knows? (in his twenties)
Role: Assassin for Hire
Kingdom: Neutral
Appearance: His appearance is constantly changing. Sometimes he is stout, sometimes thin. His appearance can change at his will. He is very good at playing the people he turns into, not many people can ever tell that it’s not the real him. He has preferred outfits and people, but he doesn’t use them during assassinations that often. When the SB starts, he's got blonde hair and dark eyes, tall and slim. But he morphs pretty soon.
Personality: Akim is know as a cold, ruthless killer. He will kill anyone if you give him the right sum. Whe he kills, he leaves just the body and, engraved near it, the message Life is never what you expected. There are reports of an unknown man being seen in the area, but the man is always different. Some say that Akim is an organisation, but he is just one man.
He is a calm person and a brilliant actor, who can play all of his morphs differently. He's very good at negotiating a deal in his favor. He can adapt to most situation, mainly by smiling and saying somthing pointed. He rarely becomes angry, but when he does, he's very destructive.
If he has to infiltrate somewhere, he will try to make the most of the situation by flirting with someone or playing with their feelings.
He enjoys travelling and decieving people as well as money. He's pretty good with a sword and a bow, but he prefers what he call his "finger daggers".
He isn't very good with people who know that he's a morphling and most of the time they end up dead. He can remember what his true self looks like, but only vaguely as he rarely morphs into his true self. He isn't very good with his true emotions either, which he hides behind a hard shell of acting.
History: No one knows. And he gets angry when you ask. Last time, he burnt the person’s tavern, and everyone inside.
Race: Morpher
~ Morphers are people who can change their appearance at will. However they cannot change their gender or age. When they are young (0-4) or angry, they can't control their power very well. At least one parent has to be a morpher. Most morphers try to hide their powers and live peacefully, but a few live quite successful lives of crime. ~
Abilities: Akim can create small blades of magic on the ends of his fingers (like very long fake nails). They can cut through pretty much anything apart from object filled with magic.
Connection to other characters: The killer of Marius' wife and son.
Other: Up for love if you can break through his shell.

Name: Marius Angroth
Age: 37
Role: diplomat of Megarus's kingdom
Kingdom: Neutral, really - all around on missions
Appearance: much like the other members of his family, he's tall and slender - but other than that, he's fairly different. His hair is light, appearing almost white when lit in certain ways, and his eyes are sharp, light blue.
Personality: He has one of those rare, Prince Charming personalities, mixed with the darkness which just runs in the family.
He has no troubles bowing to his brother as his King if so is asked of him, but he also bows to every ruler he meets in his missions. As a diplomat, he speaks for his king and his kingdom, though he will make many more side deals than Megarus will ever be informed of, getting allies all around and doing what's the best for the country and the family, regardless of his brother's orders (if he gives any). He's charming with women and knows his way with kids, but also knows his way with a sword and knives, and the fact that he lost his family doesn't stop him from killing other people's if so is needed. He more often than not appears rather cheerful - as much as a person of his position can be.
He's an artist with his words, and therefore serves as a diplomatic figure, mostly really staying out of fights and finding out what lies in other people's minds. He knows how to read people, doing whenever he encounters someone, but he barely ever speaks of his own feelings. He also has a gift (nothing to do with magic) to become anyone he knows enough about, thanks to his abilities of reading people and manipulating others, but is proud of his heritage and position and not often presents as someone else. However, he tends to use others as his spies (who either die later or serve him under some threat or for money or other goods) and sometimes disguises himself to find out the secrets (if you've read/watched Song of Ice and Fire, think a bit of a mix of Littlefinger and Varys). He knows how to pick a fight he will win, but knows how to handle risks as well. He has irrational fear of big open spaces (like fields), especially if he must cross them alone.
History: Born as second son, he was taught of running the country behind the scenes - by handling papers and finances, understanding men they recruit and communicating with other kingdoms.
He never wanted to be an heir, even less a king himself - it would give him too much responsibility, put too much pressure and danger to his wife and kid and make him unable to travel all around. He was therefore happy to see little Dae being born.
At the age of seventeen, he got engaged, and made sure to change his fiancée's mind about the royal family of his brother's kingdom. He was, unlike his brother, rather caring to his wife and son as they got one, holding to honour of their kingdom and family above all.
But then the war came closer than ever, and he left to fight on his brother's side (though not in the spotlight, seeing he's better in talking than fighting) and left his wife and son in Megarus's castle with the queen and little prince - the castle seemed better protected than his own residence, and he promised his family they'll be safe there. As they returned, finding the castle defended from the attackers, but attacked nevertheless, he found his promise was broken. Both his wife and son were killed, and ironically, his own residence wasn't touched.
Since then, he was seen seducing, but never loving another person, and he took it more after his older brother, not caring who lives or dies and if it's by his hand. He, however, never hurt his family members.
He was caught and sent to the Prison once, during his time in the war. He thought he had spent years there, and that he'd die there, until one day he just found himself able to leave - the others, Megarus included, never found out he was there and he rarely if ever speaks of it.
Race : human
Abilities: he manipulates emotions - by meeting someone's eyes, he can make them feel whatever he wants, usually at much higher intensity than they'd normally feel
Connection to other characters: Younger brother to king Megarus - uncle to Prince Daerys and Princess Lierre
Other: up for love (though he doesn't agree with me on that) and straight
Also he has a strange connection to Vysperian, or to the Prison on its own - he often dreams of it, but doesn't know the true nature of those dreams. He's the only or one of the very few with whom Vys can talk and interract in dreams
He's also really, really good with swords, and his is named Throne. Once, he was known as First Sword of the Six Kingdoms - even though he hasn't been defeated, he hasn't used it since his family died. It's kept in good shape and carried around, and he now and then practices and duels with other kinds of swords, but the Throne is never wielded. He's also left handed, but can wield weapons in either hand. He's also a vegetarian, meaning he doesn't share his brother's passion for dragon meat c:

~the post features scenes and/or insinuations to subjects of sexual matters, which some might find..unpleasant~

Disturbing material ahead.

I followed Prince Thranack as closely as being on horseback allowed, carefully observing everything and everyone that passed on both sides of the road, my hand curled around the hilt of my sword. My teeth were grinding slightly, and I sat stiffly in my saddle.


“Relax, Ludi,” Thranack’s voice sounded next to me. “No one would want to kill me. I’m too amazing.” Maybe, but not indestructible.

“Obviously not, sir.” I replied as stiffly as my posture “However, it is my job to watch, just in case.” And yours not to start fights.

“I won’t tell if you won’t.” He winked at me and I sighed inwardly. If he could just take his responsibilities a bit more seriously, then I wouldn’t be so put off all the time.

“Of course…” I murmured as a reply, letting my shoulders drop a little, but not dropping my guard. I would be a fool to do so.
Good. Life’s more fun when you’re not worried all the time.” Even though he was five years older than me, I swear that he was less mature about his station than I was. I hadn’t looked at him when he talked, but I was sure that he had nodded as I relaxed my shoulders. I nodded at his remark. “Come one. Take a deep breath. Shake your hair out.” He shook his head as he talked, making his short strands wave slightly. My black ones swung next to my face. “Say what’s on your mind. You don’t need to be so professional all the time.” But being unprofessional at the wrong time …

“With all due respect, sir, unprofessional behaviour gets you smacked in the mouth.” I stated softly, refusing to look at him. He knew how much it upset me when he started fights. I watched him touch his swollen lip as he smirked, only glancing so that he couldn’t see that I was looking.

“Well, I like to think I’m not nearly as unreasonable as that – as he was.” I noticed the Prince swallow his words and thought back to the meeting earlier – the one that had had me grinding my teeth before.

“If I remember correctly, it was you who first insulted him.” At an official meeting.

“I called him a little bitch. I didn’t hit him…first.” No, but you retaliated and started the fight. And whatever you may think of a person, when you’re a prince, you don’t call them a little bitch. I thought at his words. You’re meant to be making friends… I said the last words out loud, still not looking at him.

“Some people like me.”

“Mhmm.” Sure they do. Because they have to do. He had set my teeth grinding again. I continued observing the road, watching for danger.

“Come on!” The Prince exclaimed abruptly, rousing me from my vigilance.

“What?” I asked, startled, turning to him. When he said something abruptly, it didn’t normally mean …

“Let’s go. Race.” …anything good. I turned fully in my saddle to protest.

“No, sir, I think it would be wiser to stay with your full guard so –“

“See you at the castle!” He spurred his horse and leaned low over its neck to go faster. I sighed and spurred Chim to catch up with him, a string of profanities filing through my head. He was going to get a strict warning when we got back to the castle.

~~~

The Prince slowed outside of the gate, allowing the rest of the guard to catch up. I drew up next to him and he grinned at me.
“I won, Ludi.”

“That wasn’t funny, Prince Thranack.” I replied curtly, using his full title to let him know that I that I was annoyed with him.

“Aww, come on.” I threw him a look that could kill and turned to look at the approaching guard. They were for his own protection, but he refused it. I think that he accepted my presence because he found it interesting.

“If you insist on acting in this immature and childish fashion, then I will be forced to tell the King.” By now the rest of his guard had caught up, frowning, their horses frothing slightly at the mouths. "Now, I don't know if you've forgotten, but King Megarus and your fiancée should have arrived at the castle yesterday. You are to meet both of them for lunch along with King Creyo and lord Daerys."

"Prince Daerys," he corrected me. Not to me. I thought. He had yet to show that he was a prince to me. "And yes, I remembered. I'll go and clean up first."

"I think that that's advisable, unless you want the King and your fiancée to see you with blood on your collar."

"What!" He cried in dismay, rubbing his collar as he glanced at the rest of the disapproving guard. Sighing, he turned his horse. “Alright. Let’s go, then, get this over with.”

“Oh yes, let’s get this over with as soon as possible.” I muttered quietly, too annoyed to conceal my thoughts. “It’s horrible, you being forced to speak to your fiancée and her father.” Really, even though I didn’t particularly like the Angroths, it was my duty, and that of the Prince, to act at least cordial around them, especially as the Princess was going to marry Prince Thranack.

We passed through the gate and started towards the stables, Thranack refusing to go any faster than a lazy walk. My grip on the hilt of my sword tightened at his stubbornness.

“Think I have to talk to Meg?” He asked me, his nickname for King Megarus pushing me past the point of propriety.

“Yes.” I hissed in reply. If he couldn’t learn to be mature then he was going to get this end of me. Only a half step in front of me, he sighed.

“I don’t like him.” I don’t care if you like him. I screamed in my head. You are a prince and you will act like one if it’s the only thing I manage to do about your attitude. I could feel my blood boiling and the magic in it rising.

“Shut up.” If he said one more stupid, petulant phrase then there would be a small explosion in the stables. And no one liked it when I did that. He grunted at my curt response and swung from his horse.

“Fine. I’ll be in my room.” He stormed off, leaving me with his horse and the rest of his guard. My control over my power slipped. A small explosion sounded on the lawn next to the stables.

“Take care of Chim and the Prince’s horse.” I ordered the others shortly as I dismounted and tried to follow the Prince up the stairs and into the hall. He was holding the door open, a slightly repentant look on his face. Is stopped and looked at him, sighing. He smiled a little, and I knew that he was sorry. Rubbing my temples, I sighed again then took the door from him

“No, I’ve got it,” he said, waving his had inside. “Go on.”

“My Prince, it would not be proper if--” I protested, but he cut me off.

“I don’t care what’s proper.” I know. I thought, my annoyance coming back a little.

“And that’s the majority of your problem.” I snapped as a reply. He didn't reply, turning and sidling inside, taking a small glance back at me. He immediately walked into someone and apologised as I sighed quietly. It was one of his attendants, who exclaimed about how late we were before dragging the Prince off whilst shooting glances at me. I was going to be blamed for this.

"You're right. Let's be quick, shall we?" I started. Thranack being reasonable? Well surprises were nice.

He pushed open the door to his room and was immediately assaulted by attendant armed with rags and cloths. I smiled quietly at his resistance. In some ways it was a small revenge for his earlier annoyance. He asked for a rag and wiped his face and neck as he pulled off his tunic. Drying his arms with a towel, he grabbed a tunic and a comb as he marched through his door. I followed him, carefully watching the corridors of the castle as he dragged the comb though his short hair that hardly needed combing and struggled into his clean tunic. As he arrived in front of the Dining Room, he stopped for a second to shrug the tunic into place before opening the doors and striding inside.


His face twisted a fraction, not so much as that anyone who didn't know him would notice as he looked around the hall, filled with ... decorations to please King Megarus. It wasn't my place to comment, but I found it dishonourable to the Meliors to show such subservience to another monarchy. King Creyo sat at one end of the young moon table, a peeved expression on his face, King Megarus at the other, slightly amused. Prince Daerys and Princess Lierre sat next to each other in the middle. The places for the missing Queens made the table seem sparse, and my heart panged slightly at the reminder of the late queen and the memory of her bodyguard, my father.

Thranack paced towards the table and I shadowed him, after bowing low to the whole room.

“That must’ve been some meeting, to keep you so long.” King Creyo commented from his seat. Thranack hesitated, looking at him like a caught animal. I sighed at his incompetence and replied for him.

“Excuse us, your Majesty, travelling took longer than I thought.” He seemed satisfied at my reply, but eyed Thranack's lip. I would have to explain it later. Thranack approached his fiancée and took a deep breath

“I am... most...pleased..that...you arrived safely, my princess.” He stumbled over his works and I restrained a groan. At least he's attempting diplomacy, I thought as he bowed over her hand and kissed it gently. “I hope you’ll enjoy your stay in Merillial.” Well that's an improvement.

He straightened and turned to the Princess' father. “King Angroth. It’s been too long.” he bowed. “I trust you had a good trip?”

“I did.” The King replied simply, leaving Thranack with nothing else to say. The Prince looked over at lord Daerys and then at his father for help, neither of them giving it to him.

“Quite a lovely guard you have there.” King Megarus' voice sounded and I looked at him, refusing to let the shiver that his words had induced show on my body. His gaze was heavy, like hands on my skin and it repulsed me. Thranack followed the King's gaze to me and something impossible, akin to anger lit his eyes.

“She is," he replied, a vein of ice fingering his words. “A fierce warrior, too.” I blinked at his words.
You find me lovely? I thought bewilderedly as Megarus replied to Thranack's less than diplomatic response by a slightly amused, “I’m sure.”


Thranack turned and quickly took his seat, as I took my place at the end of the room, observing everyone and everything quietly. I noticed that the Prince still had his sword on his belt as Lord Daerys struck up a conversation with him.
Brilliant, that's going to go down well with everyone. My grip tightened on the hilt of my own sword - the one my father had left me. He had been the Queen's bodyguard, before she died giving birth to Princess Amalaya, who now lived in Barqarnon. The Queen's and the Princess' places at the table were empty, and the King seemed so lonely at his end of the table. The King had been a lonely man since his wife had died, and even lonelier since he had had to give up his daughter in exchange for Lord Daerys. I knew that Thranack missed his sister too, though he tried not to show it too much.


I thought back to his defense earlier. No one had called me lovely since my father died, sixteen years ago, and suddenly, in the space of a minute, two men had. Though he infuriated me sometimes, I did hold a small fondness for Thranack that I refused to show.
The Crimson Guards who guard the Royal Family must never let themselves develop any feelings for those in their care.
I reminded myself of the rule those aspiring to be royal bodyguards had been taught and it dampened the fondness a little.


I watched as he rolled his shoulders in response to a comment from Lord Daerys and smirked slightly at the tiny wince that crossed his face. Serves you right for starting a fight. Lord Daerys' smirk echoed mine. Though I may not like him, Lord Daerys was not an idiot and had probably already guessed the reason for our tardiness, and Thranack's split lip.


“And do we have the Duke’s support?” King Creyo asked Thranack, catching me by surprise. If you go next time, and not him, I thought in reply.

“It’s...complicated.” It's simple. You started a fight. The Prince took a sidelong glance at his father and saw the disapproving frown.

"Which means?" Thranack was the one dragging it out, and by now, I felt just slightly sorry for the squirming Prince.

“...You have his support...on the condition that you send someone else to talk to him next time.” Yes, someone with diplomatic skills.

The King sighed, putting a hand on his temple. “Do I even want to know what you did?” Thranack glanced back at me, and I could tell that he was debating telling his father. Not wanting him to say anything out of turn in front of guests, I stepped forwards.

“Just a bit of a disagreement is all, Majesty." I answered carefully,Some...conflicting viewpoints, that were difficult to appease in time.”

“Mm.”The King took in my reply then looked at his son disapprovingly. “I’d like to hear about it later.” Thranack dipped his head and muttered a reply and I took a step back. Lord Daerys whispered something at Thranack and had a glare turrned on him.

Thranack started polishing the pommel of his sword and I resisted the urge to go and tell him to stop. A thousand gods, Prince! At least try to be polite! Then the food arrived, and he was happy for a quarter of an hour and three plates of food.


“Is that all you’re going to eat?” Lord Daerys asked Thranack sarcastically, gesturing at the plate. See, now this is why I don't like you very much, my Lord. I thought, slightly peeved. The Prince glanced at his plate and picked up a roll on it.

"Not quite." Save me now, the Prince is still hungry! I thought as Daerys called Thranack a glutton.

“I’ve been riding all day.” The Prince protested.

“So has Ludiv, here, yet you don’t see her stuffing her face.” Lord Daerys replied, and I mentally cursed at him. Don't bring me into this! Thranack glanced back at me.

“Oh yeah...you want something?” Gods be with me! He knew I often didn't eat at lunch time. I looked at him flatly, something he had to be used to.

“No, your Majesty.”

“Oh, come on.” He gestured at the table. “He’s got a point. You’ve got to be hungry too.” No I'm bloody well not! I am not meant to be your concern!

“That’s very kind, my Prince, but I’m fine. Thank you.” I replied, hoping my cold tone would turn him back around.

“There’s plenty...” he continued.

“Thranack, stop teasing your guard.” The King sighed. “Good heavens.” Thank you, your Majesty I sighed as Thranack glanced from the King to me to Daerys.

“Yes, sir.” Thranack replied slightly petulantly as he shook his head slightly. Lord Daerys muttered something to him and he stood up.

“Fine. I’m leaving.” He threw his napkin into his plate. I glared at him harshly and he sighed, turning to the King.“May I be excused?” Better. I sighed.

“...Yes, I suppose you may.” The King replied and Thranack glanced at me, uncertainty in his eyes. Please and...

"Thank you." He bowed then slipped something off of the table before moving around Daerys to stand next to his fiancée. “Princess... if you’re finished with your meal, would you like to...take a stroll in the garden...with me?” Well that's nice of you... I thought, then noticed that the Princess took her cues from her brother, like Thranack took his from me. Well if that isn't a relation of independence, then I'm not my father's daughter.


She stood and took the offered hand, allowing him to lead her to the door, which I reached at the same time as them. Lierre walked through it and Thranack hesitated. You are not making me walk through that door before you. I thought, fixing him with an icy glare before turning and bowing at the men left in the room, then leaving.


As soon as the door closed, Thranack placed a roll in my hands and wrapped my fingers around it. “I know you’re hungry. Now you’re away from the table, and I’m going to look that way for a bit...” He turned away from me, and I looked at the bread in my hands, straight from the King and Prince's table.

“It’s not proper for me--”

“Eat the damned bread.” He growled, glancing back at me. I blinked. Okay. That was an order...from Thranack. I slowly chewed on the bread as I followed the couple through the rose gardens, one of my favourite places in the palace, apart from the training grounds.


I finished the roll that Thranack had given me just in time to see him touch Princess Lierre's neck and her turn to him furiously. I paced forwards a few steps.

“What happened to your lip?” She asked him. I don't know what he had asked, but it seemed like a counter, and a good one at that.

He touched his lip and conceded her the conversation. “Fair enough.”

“Mm.”

He glanced at me and met my gaze, frowning slightly. A thousand gods, how many prompts do you need? I thought silently before saying sweetly. “Perhaps your Majesties would like to visit the back gardens?”

“Oh, yes, would you like to go there?” he asked the Princess clumsily.

“Um...yes. I’m sure they’re lovely.”

Thranack paced quickly towards the gardens, only slowing once he noticed my glare.


He held open the gate for Lierre then passed through, having finally understood that I didn't like him holding open doors for me. The sound of practice swords reached my ears even before we turned the corner and stumbled on Lord Daerys and his tutor, Jonquille sparring.

“Oh.” The Princess exclaimed quietly, even from behind seeming a little happier.

“Do you want to watch them, for a bit?” Yes, please. I didn't care who it was, I liked watching people spar.

“If you’d like to.” Princess Lierre replied quietly, fixated on the fighters.

“Okay. Come on.” They slowly walked towards the duo, me shadowing them, already analysing their moves. Daerys was bad at protecting his left knee, but also his hands, which many completely forgot about. Jonquille was just as good as Daerys, and had probably taught him all he knew. The duo paused in their spar to move back onto the practice pad and looked over at us.

“Hey Thran.” Lord Daerys gestured in guise of a greeting.

“Dae.” Princess Lierre left Thranack's side to go and hug her brother, the latter glancing gloatingly over at Thranack. There's something going on between those siblings, I thought, narrowing my eyes at them. Thranack walked over to them as the Princess stepped back. Glancing up and down Lord Daerys, the Prince suddenly decided to untie his shirt. I shot him an icy look, one of many today, and arched an eyebrow. He quickly retied it. He wasn't lost yet.

“I think Quill could use a break.” Daerys said, and his tutor agreed with him offering his practice sword to Thranack.

“Want to spar?” Daerys continued. So now the Prince is at your beck and call, is he? I glared at the Lord mentally.

“Meh...maybe later. I want to talk to you, right now.” Oh joy, I sighed.

“Ooh, am I in trouble?” Daery asked sarcastically. My dear hostage Prince, please be quiet. I thought sourly.

“Shut up.” Thranack growled, pushing past him. “Let’s go. Now.”

“I want to spar.”

“I could spar with you, Lor--Prince Daerys, if you want someone to spar with.” I offered, wanting to give the Lord at least one good hit.

“No. We’re talking. Now.” Thranack growled back. “You can spar with Quill.” And what put you in such a bad mood, my dear Prince? Apart from Lord Daerys here? I wondered. They descended into a childish exchange that I tuned out to before hearing my name.

“So does Ludi. Ludiv.” Thranack stepped back, leaving his place to me. “So get to it. I want to talk to you.”

"Your guard?" Dae scoffed, lifting his eyebrows. "Fine." Oh, you poor little thing. I didn't become a bodyguard because I was incompetent.

"Better watch it." Thranack warned. "She'll stomp your ass into the ground if you don't pay attention." Lovely vocabulary, Prince. I'll be sure to correct it later, once I've "stomped his ass into the ground", as you put it.


I grabbed the blunted sword offered to me by Jonquille, swirled it once in my grasp to get a feel for it. Resting my sword against the wall, I sucked in a breath and stepped onto the practice pad. We slowly approached each other, trading a few blows to test the water before throwing ourselves into it, exchanging blow for blow. His sword hammered against mine, mine against his. Though didn't like him, Lord Daerys was a good swordsman.

A second of inattention cost me my offensive, Daerys pressing me back to the edge of the training pad. I clenched my teeth and pushed back, recovering my footing and switching back to the offensive again. We traded offensive and defensive for minutes that seemed longer, slowly growing more tired. I lost my offensive again and couldn't gain it again.

My feet slipped inside my shoes, and I fell to my knees, a place I didn't particularly like being. But I didn't have time to think about my situation as Lord Daerys relentlessly brought down his sword, his jaw clenched. It wasn't me he was seeing, but someone else. I could tell that much. All I could do was defend myself from his blows as my teeth ground in frustration. I could feel my grip on the hilt slipping and my arm weakening. Although I trained often, I wasn't used to taking repetitive blows like this, and Daerys soon sent my sword to the floor and me onto my back.


He raised his sword again. I was too tired to yield, he seemed too lost to stop. Suddenly, Daery disappeared from my vision, and thumped to the ground along with his sword. I could hear some noise, but buzzing filled my head, like a hive of angry bees. I lost. I'm meant to be able to protect Prince Thranack but I lost... The thought circled in my head a hundred times before allowing me to focus

Princess Lierre's face appeared above me, saying something, but I still couldn't hear her. I pulled myself up into a sitting postition, and the sound came rushing back.

"Miss, are you okay?" The Princess' timid voice sounded next to me and I turned to see it covered in concern.

"I'm fine, Princess. Thank you." I used the practice sword to push myself up and swayed on my feet. I lost...The Prince and Lord Daerys stood close by, Jonquille next to them, discussing something in raised tones. As I tried to retrieve my sword, Lord Daerys turned to me.

"Please excuse me, Miss Ludiv. I didn't know what I was doing."

I nodded slightly. "It's fine, Lord Daerys. I'm fine."

"Do you mind showing my sister around the waterfall garden? It's just, I need to discuss something with your master, in private." I looked to Thranack behind him and he nodded at me. Was he disappointed in me? Why didn't he talk, like he never could stop doing? My thoughts swirled sickeningly in my head, but I plastered a smile on my face.

"Of course, my Lord. It would be an honour." I turned to Lierre. "The waterfall garden is very beautiful at this time of the year, Princess..." Ushering her down the gravel path, I shot a last glance at Thranack, before turning back to the gardens.

I jumped down from Salt as we arrived at the harbor, and led him through the crowd by his reins. He liked crowds just as little as I did, and was easily spooked. Luckily the sight of the big black kelpie with his mane of thick seaweed made most people back of. I didn't like the looks they gave us, looks of fear and anger, and kept my eyes on the ground as I walked. The big, red hooded cloak that I had borrowed from one of the knights helped. At least they couldn't see my face, or at least it made it harder for me to see theirs.

The crowd was biggest and densest near the big ship that had just arrived, so I decided to stay back and wait until it had dispersed a bit. I watched the sailors rushing back and forth between the ship and the loading doc, carrying wooden crates and barrels of all kinds. Goods from Talantera. The trade was a sign of friendship between the countries, and it really was a win-win situation for both kingdoms. Eajra's peasants produced a redundance of food, which they then sold to Talantera to make an even bigger profit. That money enabled people to buy the more luxurious wares that Talantera produced. I shook my head slightly. Lately Ibhad been reading too much about economy and not nearly enough about everything else. My tutor would complain when he realized.

A sudden gust of wind brought the salty smell of sea in over the harbor, and made Salt pull his reins. "Woah, boy. I'll let you take a swim soon, I promise, but not now." He calmed down a bit as I stroked him on his head. One would've expected the seaweed to feel slimy or wet, but it didn't. It felt like normal horsehair, but with a far smoother consistency.

"Thank the gods for Salt, or I wouldn't have seen you."

I twirled around, my smile growing even wider as I saw my friends face for the first time in what felt like ages. "Demitri!" I wrapped my free arm aroun his shoulders and drew him into a quick hug. "It's good to see you."

"Yeah, writing letters was getting tiresome, and reading your horrible handwriting even more so." He rolled his eyes and I chuckled.

"My handwriting isn't that bad."

"Yes, it is.." His voice trailed of as he eyed me from top to bottom. "Why are you dressed as a knight?"

I shrugged. "Simplest way to sneak out. You know my mother would rather keep me locked in the castle if she could." Because she is afraid Zain will take over. But I didn't say that last part. Demitri already knew all about it, and I didn't want to remind him of everything that was wrong with me.

He smiled. "Lets hope she doesn't catch us today then, 'cause I don't really feel like heading straight for the castle."

"I was just thinking the same thing.. And there's your horse." I gestured towards the stable boy who was waiting where I had left him. He was holding the reins of a beautiful buckskin steed. "He's called Birch."

Demitri shook his head, in an attempt to mock reproachfullness. "You and your horses. I thought that was a phase that little princes where supposed to outgrow."

"You know I'll always be fond of horses." In fact I preferred animals to most humans, but I wasn't going to tell him that either, since he already knew.

***

We rode through the forests of Eajra, catching up and talking about everything and nothing. Demitri had always been surprisingly easy to talk to, maybe even more so than my sister, and it surprised me. Normally I couldn't say a word to anyone outside the family. It was probably because we had know each other since we were children.

We reached a small stream, and due to Salt's nature he immediately sat of running towards it. I saw a low branch, but didn't have time to duck.

When I opened my eyes I was met by Demitri's worried face. He was kneeling at my side. Naaaw, how cute. He seemed really worried, and with all right. That damn creature was insane, and I had never understood why Tim would keep something so dangerous. it was tragic, really. If that thing would let me come close enough I would've killed it long ago. Maybe I should put something in its food, whenever I have the chance.

"Are you okay? You hit your head pretty bad."

I looked up at Demitri's face and smiled. He was probably the only one who could make me smile with true mirth. Before he had time to protest I grabbed his shirt and pulled him down so that I could kiss him. His lips were surprisingly soft for a man. At first he tensed and tried to pull away, but when I wouldn't let him he stopped struggling and gave in. I put my other hand in his hair, pulling him even closer. Eventually I had to let him go, so that I could breathe.

He stared at me, blushing and seemingly dunbfounded. "What?" I asked with a playful smile.

"Is this Tim or Zain?"

My heart dropped and the smile on my face died. What kind of idiot was I? This guy only cared for precious little Tim, just as everyone else. They all wished I would just disappear. I pushed Demitri away so that I could get up from the ground. Both he and the creature were eyeing me warily, the creature with hate and the human with.. Regret? I sure hopes it was regret, and shame as well.

"Who the hell do you think I am? Little Timmy would never kiss you, no matter how much you want him to." my voice was filled with cold rage, and it made Demitri wince slightly. "But here I am, wasting your time. I'll just let golden boy take over again, since he's the one you really want to see."

"No, wait. Zain!" He grabbed my shoulder, and I looked into his eyes with a frown. "I'm sorry. I knew who it was, you just.. Surprised me. I didn't know what else to say." He actually looks like he means it.. I shook my head slightly to keep me from thinking like that. All he wanted was for Tim to love him, he didn't care what I thought.

"My head hurts," I said after glaring at him for a while, sounding slightly defeated. It wasn't like I was going to just let Tim take over again when I was finally in control. I hadn't been let outside of the back of his mind for several days now, and I hated being trapped. All I could ever do was watch him ruin his own life by being such a wuss.

"You're bleeding a bit," he said and carefully touched my forehead. I winced even though he was trying to be gentle. "You'll probably get a giant bump on your head."

"He's an idiot. I don't understand what you see in him."

Demitri didn't deny it, which only served to make me feel even more hopeless. I didn't feel like arguing anymore. I couldn't stand his hurt face, so I got closer to him and rested my head on his shoulder. He wrapped his arms around me and I smiled a little. I so rarely got to feel the warmth of another human for myself - unless I was beating someone up, but that didn't count. If Tim knew how jealous I was of him he'd probably laugh.

"We should head back to the castle," I mumbled after a while. I didn't really want to, but I knew I just get stuck if I didn't leave soon. I pulled away from him with a barely audible sigh. "You take the rains of that beast, it won't let me come anywhere near it."

"You mean we should walk all the way?" he asked with a slight frown.

"Or I could take your horse and you could walk back alone, it's your call."

He chuckled and held his hands up to show he was giving up. "Okay, okay. We'll walk."

I smiled and took his hand, which made him blush. We walked for a bit, when I realized the world was getting blurry. That was how it usually looked just before Tim took control again. I cursed silently as I let go of Demitri's hand again. "He's coming back," I hissed. To my great joy Demitri looked disappointed. "Do punch him in the face once in a while, 'cause I want to see you again before you leave," I said and quickly brushed my lips against his before taking a step back and feeling the sickening sensation of my conscious being pulled back into my own head.

I would've fallen to the ground if Demitri hadn't grabbed hold of my arm. As I looked around I realized that we had to be fairly close to the castle, and we hadn't been in my last memory. My eyes widened as I looked at Demitri. Had Zain hurt him? No, he looks fine. Relax. Demitri actually knows how to handle him. "What did he do?"

Demitri blinked as if the question ha caught him of guard. "Nothing," he said with a shrug. "You were knocked of the horse and fainted, and then he woke up. We just talked a bit, then we started walking."

"Is that all?" I couldn't hide the surprise I was feeling. Zain rarely did nothing.

"Yeah. Don't worry about it.. But you should really do something about Salt. It.. He is dangerous."

I looked down on my hands. I loved that kelpie more than any horse I had ever had. "He just likes water," I mumbled. "I should take him swimming more often."

"Less often would probably be better," he said with a slight sigh. "Lets get to the castle. You should put something cold on your head."

I nodded and smiled at him slightly.

***

"Tim, where have you been? I told you not to stay in your room."

I held back a sigh as my mother spotted me showing Demitri to his room. I knew she wanted to keep me inside, and I knew all too well why, but I liked being outside in the forest or the stables. It was the only time I didn't feel so crippled. It was the only time I didn't have people staring at me, observing my every move.

"Don't worry. I just went to the harbor to pick up Demitri."

"Prince Demitri," my mother greeted, sounding ridiculously polite. "I sent some knights to escort you here, but it seems my son was quicker."

Demitri smiled and bowed. "Queen Mina. It's an honor to be greeted with such hospitality, and--"

"Please, you've known each other for years," I said and rolled my eyes.

"As a member of the royal family you always have to follow etiquette," my mother reprimanded. "Since we'll be having two guests during tonight's dinner you'd do well to remember that."

I froze. Two guests? The only one I knew about was Demitri. Had mother invited some stranger? My heart sank at the thought of it. I wouldn't even be able to eat if it was someone I hadn't met before. Why couldn't we just keep to ourselves? I hated meeting new people, mother knew that. Zain might even come out, if I didn't manage to keep calm. "Can't I just eat dinner in my room?"

"Tim, you're too old to behave like that." Her words were harsh, but her voice sounded sympathetic. She would probably have let me if it hadn't been for Demitri.

"Yes, mother," I mumbled before leaving.

I showed Demitri to his room, and then stayed there myself as well. He was trying to comfort me, but it wasn't working. Every time I looked at the clock my heart tool an extra beat, and when dinner time was closing in my hands were trembling uncontrollably.

"Tim, it'll be alright." Demitri smiled reassuringly. "I'll be there, and I'll try to pull any attention of you, okay?"

I nodded mutely. It didn't matter what he did. Sooner or later I'd be forced to say something, and this time I couldn't hide under a cloak or behind Salt.

Rea caught up to us as we were walking towards the dining hall. As usual I heard the sound of her dress before I heard anything else, and as I turned to greet her she smiled. "You okay?" The best I could manage was an awkward shrug and a quick smile. "Hello, Demitri."

They exchanged a few words that I didn't quite hear since Inwas focusing on breathing normally. My legs were starting to shake now as well, and my resentment towards the situation only managed to grow stronger when I tried to get over it.

"Tim, it'll be okay." That sounds strangely familiar, and still just as much of a lie. "You've met him before, I think. He's the brother or King Megarus." I nearly tripped over my own feet. How is that supposed to make me feel better?!

I apologize for the crappy South Sami in the following POV. If anyone actually knows the language, then feel free to PM me about the grammar.

I pulled the straps of Bååvteres' saddle a bit tighter and adjusted the length of the reins before quickly sliding my hands back into my warm gloves. The icy air was making both mine and his breaths look like white smoke. It was the coldest night in a long time, and the bright stars only promised that it would get worse until the sun came up again. If it hadn't been for the thick furs I was wearing, I would have gotten some serious frostbite. Bååvteres seemed completely unaffected, as always. His thick white fur was even more effective that the furs of the reindeer. Even if we were surprised by a sudden snowstorm he'd be able to keep me warm.

Before I climbed into the saddle I looked back at the tribe's latest camping site. Despite the stars and the crescent moon I could barely make out more than the contours of the huts. "Maaje datne riejries, baahtjetje?" I said softly and patted him on the neck.

Bååvteres flicked his tail quickly from side to side like a whip and made a low purring sound. Oh, you’re ready alright. I chuckled at his excitement, but couldn’t help but feel the same. ”Hajkegåetedh,” I said and tugged at his reins. He quickly turned and ran, so fast that the snow stirred up and formed a white cloud behind us. With Bååvteres' smooth movements it felt almost like we were flying through the dark. It was hard to tell where one step ended and the other began.

Neither of us had ever ventured outside the tundra we had grown up on. Sometimes caravans crossed the edges of The Plains, and our tribe would meet them there to trade furs, meat and rare medicinal herbs for flour and other foods that we could not grow ourselves. Those encounters were the closest anyone ever got to the outside world, with the exception of my grandfather. He had travelled to the kingdoms, and he was the one who taught me their language. Now when I thought about it, it seems almost like he had been preparing me for this. Maybe he had seen it in the stars, or maybe the gods had told him. He always seemed to know everything before it happened, so why would my fate be any exception?

The thoughts of my grandfather actually made me a bit homesick, which served to remind me that running away wasn't just something to be happy about. Who knew when I'd get to see my family again? Who knew if I would even be able to make it on my own? I could always hunt, so food wasn't a problem, but the culture and laws of the kingdoms might be. I only knew what my grandfather had told me, which wasn't much, and many thing could've changed over the years.

I was going to head for Barqarnon, since it was the closest kingdom, and then make it to Merillial. My grandfather had told me great things about the magicians of Merillial, and I wanted to learn from them. Not that I could perform any magic, but I still wanted to learn. After that I’d visit Eajra. I had long dreamed of seeing those vast yellow field and basking in the sun. Last but not least was Talantera, where I’d get to see the ocean for the first time. The journey would probably take a few years, and I still didn’t know what I was going to do when I had seen all the kingdoms. Maybe press further to the west or south, beyond the kingdoms? I had never heard anything about those lands, and they intrigued me.

I looked back, and found that I was no longer able to see the huts. Don’t you dare turn back now, I told myself. Heavy heart or not, I didn’t want to go off and marry some woman that I had never met and then be stuck on the tundra for the rest of my life. If I wished to return after my journey was done, then I could do so, but if I chose to stay just because I was frightened then I would regret it for the rest of my life.

“It’ll get warmer tomorrow. I suggest you head to the southwest, if you want to avoid the rain.”

The sound of the muffled voice scared me to the point where I almost fell out of the saddle. I quickly pulled one of my gloves off and pulled the glass orb out from underneath my clothes. I held it in my hand and studied the white mist that swirled around in it. Grandfather had told me that there was a god inside, but I hadn’t really believed him. “H-hello?” I said. My tongue felt uncooperative, as I for the first time in months tried to speak the language of the kingdoms. I’d really have to practise.

“I think ‘thank you’, would be more appropriate.”

“Oh, I’m sorry!”

“Wrong words.”

I laughed. Suddenly I didn’t feel so lonely any more. “Thank you. Do you have a name?”

“Gods don’t have names.. But if you have to call me something, call me Me.”

At first I though it had stuttered, but then when it didn’t continue I realized it wanted me to call it Me. That was going to get confusing. Me and I are going on a journey. I snickered. “Me, it’s nice to meet you.”

Bååvteres continued to run at the same speed, and I kept talking to Me. The god was fascinating, but eventually he asked me to shut up. I talked a lot, and most people - and gods - tended to grow tired of it after a while. It had driven the other hunters from my tribe near-insane with my constant talking, and eventually I had learned how to keep quiet, a skill that I put to use until the following day.

For the whole day Bååvteres kept running, until the sun disappeared behind the mountains of Barqarnon. By then we had reached the border or the tundra, and for the first time ever I could make camp under some trees. I had seen them from afar, but never been close enough to touch them. It was still cold, but the trees provided shelter from the icy wind, and I found that I could actually take my gloves off without my hands becoming stiff from the cold. I made a fire to keep the animals away, and slept soundly through the whole night. No matter where I was or what was going on I always managed to sleep well, which was a blessing.

~ Day Two ~
I woke up just before sunrise, and ate some of the dried meat I had brought with me. After consulting a bit with Me, I decided to steer Bååvteres up through a mountain pass. I hoped it would be the shortest way to the capital, or a road. If I could just find a road then I could ask whoever I met on the way.

Apparently luck was with me, because the pass led right up to a road, which according to a traveling merchant was supposed to take us to the capital. From there I would be able to travel along one of the main roads to Merillial.

Getting to the city only took a few hours, and after I arrived I realized that Bååvteres and my clothes attracted too much attention from the people there. I had expected people to be curious, but they acted more like they were afraid. These clothes are getting too warm anyway. I found a market place, and traded my thick fur coat for a thinner jacket and a new shirt, and my fur shoes for black leather boots. I even got some extra money for them, probably because I nagged the merchant until he got tired of me. It amazed me how light they were, and it was nice to get out of the warm clothes. From here on it’d only get warmer, and I wouldn’t need to wear any furs in a long time. In fact, I might not have to wear it ever again.

The heat was bothering Bååvteres as well, but I couldn’t do much for him. According to my grandfather he’d change to his summer fur after a week or two. I had never seen a snow tiger without its thick fur, and I was curious to know how my friend would look.

Loud shouting from the other side of the market caught my attention, and I decided to take a look. It sounded like a woman screaming and shouting. People had gathered round, but they quickly moved to let Bååvteres through. From the saddle I quickly spotted the woman who was shouting. The color of her hair.. I had never seen anything like it. It reminded me of the sun, shining through a rain cloud. She was being manhandled by some armed men. I frowned and looked around. Why was no one interfering?

“Hey!” I shouted loudly, to make myself heard. “Let the woman go.” Grandfather would shake his head if he saw me. The first city I visited and I was already getting into trouble.

“Who the hell do you think you are?”

I blinked, a bit surprised at the man’s rudeness. “Does it matter? A strong man like yourself shouldn’t abuse a woman like that.” The man waved his sword threateningly in my direction, and the other men glared at me. A loud roar from Bååvteres made them draw their swords as well. Why did you have to do that? I was going to get myself to be arrested if this continued, but I couldn’t very well just leave her be. Oh, well. Might as well go through with this. I pulled Bååveteres’ reins and made him rear. A stupid move really, since it exposed his abdomen, but I knew how frightening it could be. A snow tiger was bigger and more dangerous than a bear, with razor sharp claws and fangs. “Let her go!”

The men actually looked like they were about to turn and run, when more of them suddenly came running, swords drawn already. This is just getting better and better. Hopefully they’d put me in jail and not.. I swallowed loudly. Here goes nothing! I pushed my heels into Bååvteres’ sides and made him rush towards the soldier. He threw himself to the side, barely avoiding a huge paw.

“Let her go!” I repeated. The man who was holding her actually but her down, or more like dropped her. She had been struggling the whole time, and he had finally lost his balance. He made a move towards the woman again, but this time I used Bååvteres to chase him away. “You look like you’re having some trouble,” I said with a wide smile. Her face was just a beautiful as her golden hair.

She was just about to say something when I felt a sharp pain in my cheek. An arrow dug itself into the ground next to her. I carefully touched my cheek and frowned when I saw the blood on my fingers. When I turned around I was met by two men, both aiming at me. I tightened my grip around the reins and readied to charge again, but I felt her tug on my new jacket.

“I’m not worth dying for. Just give yourself up.” She had a pleading, yet strangely determined look in her eyes.

“But..”

“No. It’s not worth it. Please, don’t get yourself hurt for my sake.”

I smiled slightly at her bravery, but couldn’t help but worry, mostly for her sake. Being tossed in jail surely wouldn’t be nice, but at least I could get out. I had no idea what those men wanted with her, but I doubted it was good. I held my hands up and let myself slide down from the saddle, landing beside her. “What’s your name?”

“Princess Amalaya.” My eyes widened slightly. If she was a princess then why did these men dare to treat her like that?

I didn’t have time to ask before I was pushed down on the ground. The man that Bååvteres had almost killed sneered as he grabbed my hair and forced me to look at him. “Not brave enough to go on, eh?”

Bååvteres roared and tensed as if he was about to charge at the man again. ”Stööves!” I ordered, and he froze. His tail was once again flicking from side to side, this time because he was angry.

“Put a muzzle on that damn thing, and take them both to the dungeons,” he ordered. “..And escort the princess back to the castle.” I didn’t like his tone, not at all. Why was a princess treated like that? It made no sense. A princess was a daughter to a king, if I remembered correctly. A daughter of a chief would’ve been pampered.

I would’ve kept thinking about it if I hadn’t seen the way that they dragged the princess away. I tried to get loose, but all that earned me was several punches and kicks. As they kept raining down on me all I could do was keep repeating: ”Stööves, stööves..” to keep Bååvteres from getting us both killed.

The Crag bustled with activity as the servants prepared for the King’s departure with Lierre, as well as sir Marius’. I was happy to see the back of the King for a while, but Lierre, poor girl, was terrified. And for a good reason, I thought as I pulled back a curtain, trying to find her. I wouldn’t want to stay in the same carriage as the King for even a day. I tugged the curtain back into place and sighed. Though she was afraid of leaving, hiding wouldn’t help her at all, in fact, it would probably just make it worse for her when the time came.


She wasn’t in her room, I had already checked. And the King was in the throne room, on the huge spiky throne that I refused to approach. I pulled open a wardrobe and found the fourteen year old curled up and as white as a sheet.

"Lierre." I sighed. "Come here." I opened my arms and she scurried into them, her warmth seeping into me. Is this what it would be like if I had kept - I banished the forbidden thought from my head. Thinking about the past year would hurt as long as lived at the Crag, under the King's eyes. A weakness could be exploited, and that's what my past year was, a weakness. I smoothed down Lierre's dark hair, so different from mine and kissed the top of her head.

"Lierre, you know I can't say that it'll be alright, We've both lived here long enough to know that that would be a lie." She nodded in my arms. "But once you get to Merillial, there'll be my father and brother, and your brother, and a whole host of guards to protect you." Her arms tightened around me.

"Do I have to marry Thranack, Ami?" Even without my power, I could feel her uncertainty and fear. I smoothed down her hair again.

"Do I have to be here? Does your brother have to be in Merillial? It's for the good of our Kingdoms, Lierre, and there isn't anything that we can do about it until we're free of our parents. Thranack is a good person, he won't try to hurt you, that I'm sure of."

"How can you be so sure? It's been fifteen years since you last saw him." My brow creased slightly. I know that she hadn't meant to hurt me, but her words just reminded me of the predicament I was in.

"That's true, but we still write to each other, and no one can change so completely as to go against their nature. Thranack is kind and gentle, if a little headstrong." She nodded in my arms again, but still seemed unconvinced. I squeezed her a little then let her go.
"You must have better things to do than hide in a wardrobe, now, don't you?" She nodded and hurried off down a corridor, a little less pale than before. I smiled at her disappearing silhouette. Though she was fourteen and starting to have the shape of a woman, she was still as timid as a small animal. The King was the sole responsible for that. I shook my head. So many things went on when no one was around to protect people.


I had other things to do now that I had found Lierre. I pivoted on my heel and started down a corridor I often used as not many others did use it. I started making a list in my mind. Wood, a little coal, cheese, bread, some mea-
My thoughts were cut off as I turned the corner and almost walked into sir Marius. I stumbled back a few steps and bobbed a little.
"I'm sorry, sir." He smiled at me.

"No, it's fine. I was looking for you anyway." He glanced left and right then tugged me into a small alcove. No one was in the corridor, which was one of the reasons I preferred to use it.

"Sir?" He coughed slightly and let go of my arm.

"Princess, I know you're looking forward to my brother's departure - to be honest I can't blame you for it ..but watch yourself, princess, and don't forget where you are. This isn't your home, and the guards are my brother's, not your father's. He may not be there to ... punish you, as he does, but his guards will tell him when he comes back, and then he will punish you."

I looked away, a small ball of lead weighing in my stomach. I knew that, but the people I cared for needed my help. "Yes, sir. I do know." I said quietly. "Oh! Sir, if it isn't too much trouble for you, could you possibly ask the King to give my greetings to my father, and my brother? But only if it isn't too much trouble!" I continued hastily. "I wouldn't want to put you out of your way." He looked at me affectionately.

"No, it's fine. I'll ask him. Just, you know not to expect too much, don't you?"

I smiled at him sadly. "Of course, sir." He smiled and nodded, before turning and pacing off down the corridor. I sighed and passed my hand over my face. Everyone in the castle knew of my limited freedom, and the way I went to the town every so often, not to escape, but to help. I shook my head a little, and started making my way to the pantry again. I stopped again when I got to the main hall.


People were walking back and forth, carrying chests and objects I assumed were going to be gifts for my father and my brother. There was no way I could get through the river of people without being recognised. I tsked and turned around, to return to my room. I would get what I need to tomorrow, before I went into town the day after, despite sir Marius' warning. It wasn't something that anyone should ever say, but I was used to anything that could be done to me. Shut in my room, no food, visited by the King, I was used to all of it after ten years of it. It shamed me to even think it, but it was the truth.


My dress swished around my knees as I mounted the stairs. My room wasn't too far, and had a view over the main road, so I could see when the King was gone. I dragged a chair next to the window and knelt on it, looking at the town. Snow was piled up at the edge of streets and on top of roofs. Most of the houses had smoke curling from their chimneys, but some didn't, and that was why I went into town. I sighed and leant against my hand, observing the town and the forest beyond. There was something beautiful about this cold inhospitable country.


A fanfare sounded, announcing the King's and Lierre's departure. I watched the convoy leave, sending Lierre a mental wish, even if she couldn't hear it. Good luck, little one. Sir Marius' carriage left soon after and the castle quietened, finally stilling after the activity of the day. The sun dipped below the horizon, and I wondered if I'd ever leave the Crag in a carriage too.

---

Day Two

I quietly pushed the door open, making sure that no one was watching me. My green skirt swished around my knees as I made my way through the outer wall and I looked at the dress morosely. It did little to protect me against the cold of the mountains. I needed a warmer one, but the King was the only one I could ask. He'd ask for something in return. My hand clenched over my stomach and I shuddered. I pushed open the outer door and into the cold streets of the town that surrounded The Crag. Not many people were around, but I knew that the few that were wouldn't rat out on me.


I hurried through the streets, stopping at a house right on the edge of the town. No smoke plumed from the small chimney and frost crept up the tiny windows. I knocked on the door and pushed it open without waiting for a reply. A girl around my age sat on a stool next to a makeshift crib. "Princess! What are you doing here?" she asked anxiously, standing up.

"I came to give you wood, and a little food. Here." I took a parcel of food that I had taken from the kitchen this morning and set it on the table alongside a small bundle of coal and kindling.

"You shouldn't have come, Princess. What if the guards find you?"

"The guards have been slacker since the King left two days ago. I hope that this is enough to keep you going..." I trailed of as she looked through the food and smiled slightly.

"Thank you, Princess, this is very kind. Now, please, you must return to the Crag before they notice your absence." I didn’t protest as she bustled me out of the door. She was probably right, I shouldn’t have come; but I wanted to help.

Her story was like many other women’s from this town. The guards had taken liberties with her and she was left with a child who was dying from the cold and no one to support her. I sighed and turned into the back-streets laden with snow. The guards took after their King, there was no mistaking that…I breathed in the cold, crisp air that tasted so much of freedom and cleared my thoughts as I meandered onto the main road.


I kept me head down as I hurried towards the Crag. Not paying attention to my surroundings and acting like a servant was something I had perfected after six years of sneaking into town, but even then is rarely worked. Blonde people were few and far between in Barqarnon, and I stood out like a sore thumb, even in the market. Luck was on my side as something was attracting everyone's attention at the other end. But even that couldn't stop people who knew me from recognising me.

Guards appeared further up the street and I panicked slightly. They started pushing through the crowd, checking every woman they passed. I struggled through the small crowd towards the opposite end of the market, completely in the wrong direction, but I didn't want to go back to the castle in the arms of guards. I had had enough of being manhandled by any man who had orders to capture me. Once I was in the Crag, I wouldn't be carried anywhere...normally.

The guards approached, cutting through the crowd easier than me. Suddenly, a heavy had fell on my shoulder. I whirled around. A guard stood behind me, a grim smile on his face. He would probably get a bonus for catching me. His hand tightened on my shoulder, and I started to struggle. He brought his other hand around to take me by the waist and I kicked out at him, landing a firm kick on his manhood. It was dirty and definitely not lady-like, but it worked. As soon as he had let go of me, I started off, shoving my way through the people. After a few metres, they parted in front of me. Not many people liked the guard.

I stumbled slightly and two guards caught up to me, one grabbing me around the waist and slinging me over his shoulder. I thrashed and kicked, the few obscenities I knew spilling from my mouth in a continuous stream. The guard next to him received a foot in the face, and in return, I received the flat of a sword on the back of my knees. The people in the crowd stood and watched. I couldn't blame them. I never did.


Suddenly, they parted to let a large, white tiger with a tanned man on it's back pass. I could tell he wasn't from here, but my attention quickly turned back to the guard holding me. His hands were getting decidedly petty, and one of them had wrapped around my legs, stopping me from resisting as much. I contortioned my body in every direction, wriggling and flailing, but he didn't let go. Persistent bastard. I thought.

Someone called out with a foreign accent in his voice. “Let the woman go.” The guards paused, but didn't let me go, and the one I recognised as a captain turned to the man. It was the one on the white tiger. A snow tiger. I recognised it from my picture books as a child.
​
“Who the hell do you think you are?” Though I held an intense dislike for the captain, I had to agree with him. No one dared interfere with the guard's business. Especially for another country's princess. The man blinked, apparently surprised. I didn't stop struggling for a second.
​
“Does it matter? A strong man like yourself shouldn’t abuse a woman like that.” This guy was so nice. He had strange principals too and evidently didn't know the kingdom at all. The captain drew his sword. The snow tiger roared at the guards and the rest of them drew their swords. Whilst struggling, I noticed that most of the townspeople had disappeared, leaving the marketplace. They had some sense. The tiger reared. I wasn't sure that this person had mu- “Let her go!” -any at all. So much like my brother.

​
The guards seemed intimidated, but then the reinforcements came from the castle. I could already see the outcome of this but thrashed out anyway, not wanting to give up. The tiger rushed the captain, who leapt to one side. I smirked slightly at his embarrassment, that I could sense from were I was. "Let her go!" the man repeated. I swung a freed elbow at him and it connected. I was dropped unceremoniously on the ground. The guard made a move towards me, but the man brought his tiger between us, an easy grin spreading across his face.
​
“You look like you’re having some trouble." An emotion that I had trouble recognising emanated from him, fondness perhaps. I opened my mouth to reply, when an arrow thudded into the ground next to me, grazing his cheek as it passed. The archers had arrived. My emotions drowned out everything that I could have felt from anyone else. Fear for the man, one of the first in this place to care about what happened to me. A new feeling, one that I had never felt before, driving a splinter into my heart.

​
He turned around to face the archers, a determined look on his face, and an impulse took me. I didn't want this man to be hurt. I scrambled to my feet and tugged hard on his jacket. “I’m not worth dying for. Just give yourself up.” I would get down on my knees and beg if I had to, I didn't want anyone to get hurt because of me. I was determined to make him give up.

“But..”
​
“No. It’s not worth it. Please, don’t get yourself hurt for my sake.” He seemed determined to fight. Couldn't he see that he would get hurt, maybe even die. He glanced back at the archers then slid from the saddle, lifting his hands.
​
“What’s your name?” he asked, his accent making the words soft and melodious. Now my feeling has calmed, I could sense worry emanating from him. He was concerned for my safety. I blinked slightly at the second foreign emotion.
​
“Princess Amalaya.” I replied, almost adding my real country too, but deciding that my title would be enough to reassure him that the guards meant me no lasting harm. His eyes, the colour of the earth widened and he looked at me properly, his mouth opening.

He was pushed to the ground by the captain, who sneered and wrenched the man's head back.“Not brave enough to go on, eh?” I suddenly realised what I had done. I should have told him to run. He'll be tortured and if the King finds out that he was trying to protect me... Guilt seized me. The man wouldn't be treated well.
​
The tiger roared and tensed next to me, making me flinch, but the man barked a strange word I didn't understand and the fierce animal froze, its tail twitching dangerously.
​
“Put a muzzle on that damn thing, and take them both to the dungeons,” the captain ordered. The guards edged towards it, having grabbed a muzzle from a merchant who ad edged forwards with it in his hands. “..And escort the princess back to the castle.” The guard from before picked me up and slung me over his shoulder again, his hands touching places that I didn't like. I tried to kick him, but he just slapped my backside and laughed, walking away from the crowd. I didn't resist, not wanting the man to be hurt on my account. It didn't work.
​
He struggled against the guards, but they rained blows on him, kicks and punches. The tiger growled again, protective of it's master. As the blows continued, the man continued saying the foreign word, over and over again, until I couldn't hear it anymore, because I was too far away.
​

Hm..parts of following post contain certain allusions..which some might wish to avoid c:

Not-so childlike material down there.

I had been happy. Walking on clouds and smiling to yourself kind of happy, just like every time Dae paid the slightest bit of attention to me. It was pitiful, really. Like a stray dog looking for someone to feed him. That thought almost made me laugh. I truly was pitiful. Someone like me, getting hurt because my master was sleeping with someone else. When did I begin to see sex as something more than just feeding?

When the door to his room opened I let myself disappear into the shadows. Dae looked outside, making sure that no one was watching, before he let his younger sister leave. It felt as if someone was crushing my chest, hindering me from breathing or even moving. Not that I needed to breath, but with this human appearance it hurt when I didn’t. Painful as it was, I much prefered the physical pain to the emotional one. I wasn’t used to the latter, or at least I hadn’t been before. If Dae ever found out how much pain he caused me.. I sighed loudly. If he finds out then he’s going to continue, just to see my reaction. Just to see if he can break me.

When Dae stepped outside and walked in my direction I was forced to blend with the shadows again. He didn’t see me, nor did he seem to sense my presence. Of some reason that only served to make the pressure on my chest even heavier. Why did I have to go and fall in love with a human? It was stupid. Like a hawk falling in love with a mouse. Really now, likening Dae to a mouse. Honestly it felt more like our positions had somehow been switched.

After he had turned a corner I decided to follow, slowly. Maybe fencing wasn’t such a good idea.. Not that I’d ever be able to hurt Dae, but I had put too much effort into hiding what I was just to let it slip by showing talents that I wasn’t supposed to have. Why was I even lying to him? Surely my powers would make me more interesting than a frightened little girl.

"I'm surprised to see you up," I said as I approached. Would he get mad if I killed Lierre? No, he probably wouldn’t. I wasn’t even sure he was able to feel anger. Besides, killing wasn’t my thing. I’d just slowly drive her insane, like I had with so many others. I handed him a rapier, while trying to suppress any thoughts of pushing him to the ground and erasing every trace of that girl. "Shall we?"

Just like I thought, I wasn’t able to hold back. It didn’t take me long until I had him pinned to a wall. No matter how skilled he was there was no way that he could beat thousands of years of experience. I kept my blade pointed towards his heart, wishing for a moment that I could just cut it out and keep it with me for all eternity. Eternity. The word rang through my head, almost painfully loud. I had promised myself not to think of eternity. The presence worried me enough already.

"You'd be dead," I said. The words seemed almost scary. Isn’t this brilliant? First love, and now fear. It’s not natural. Even if he lived to see his hundredth birthday, he’d die long before me. I quickly pushed that from my mind, and concentrated on the matter at hand. I needed to do something about her. I needed to get rid of her. Dae was mine, no matter if he thought so or not. "What is it, my Prince? Another nightmare?"

"I slept with Lierre."

The straight forwardness caught me off guard, and I twitched. It was only a small cut, but somehow it seemed much worse just because I had caused it. Why would he say it, just like that? It was like he wanted to rub salt in my wounds. He has no idea how it feels, I reminded myself. That was probably why he was always looking to stir up emotions in others. I carefully wiped the blood from his neck, once again having to contain myself from pushing him to the ground.

"You what..?" I didn’t even think about what I was saying, something that rarely, if ever, happened. Normally my every word was so thought through, but Dae had a tendency to frustrate me to a point where I was no longer able to think before acting and talking.

"What, will you lecture me about it? Can't I sleep with whom I want?" I took a step back, curing at myself as I did so. Every sign of weakness that I showed him could be used against me. Normally I found it entertaining to mask my every word and action, much like a game of wits, but it was only fun when I managed to keep up.

"Of course you can," I said and forced myself to look up into his cold eyes. I didn’t think it was possible for your own words to hurt you, but these did. "Do you love her?" I already knew he didn’t, he didn’t love my either, but of some reason I wanted to see him lie, as if it would make me feel better. At least he never bothered lying to me.

"I do. I love her more than anything - there's nothing I wouldn't do for her. When I see the way she looks at me, there's nothing I wish more than to hug her and make sure everything is alright." I almost snickered. His voice was as convincing as it could get, but his eyes were dead. Normal people would be able to pick up on that, but I had been watching over him since he was four years old. I knew him better than anyone else, much better than he thought.

"Liar."

"Was it that bad?"

"It was very good." Anyone else would’ve fallen for it, but unfortunately I’m not going to let Lierre believe it much longer. "Which is exactly why I know you're lying." Dae had nightmares quite often, but he had no idea what enough nightmares could do to a person. When the lack of sleep became great enough my victim actually started believing what they saw. I could make his sister fear him more than she feared her father.

"It was a stupid thing to ask. You know I don't do love." I knew that better than anyone else, but hearing him say it still hurt. I’m an idiot.

"Then why?" I clenched my fists, trying to stop myself from doing whatever his answer would want me to do.

"She came to me," he said, with the same fake smile. "She asked me to teach her - tutor to tutor, she is a rather good apprentice-"

I couldn’t hold back any more, I just couldn’t. I wanted to touch every inch of his skin, erase every trace of her and make him unable to think of himself as anything else than mine. I kissed him deeply, pressing myself against him. I didn't want to stop, but the burning feeling in my lungs reminded me of the human need to breathe. I backed away, but only enough to let Dae take a breath. I kissed him again, before he had time to say anything and grabbed his wrists, both to hold him still and just because I wanted to touch him. This time I ignored the burning in my lungs. I wanted so desperately for him to be mine that I didn't care. Eventually he squirmed, and I had to force myself to back of.

"No one is here. I wouldn't risk it," I said as he looked around. Honestly I wouldn't have been able to stop myself even if someone had been looking. This desperation, and the pain it caused me.. I hated it. I tried to hate Dae for making me feel that way, but I couldn't. I couldn't hate him, and I couldn't hurt him.

"Quill." He was breathing heavily, something I found strangely satisfactory, even more so when he licked his lips. "Don't ever make me unable to move again."

He really had no clue what I was. You should be happy that I don't lock you up somewhere. I almost grabbed him again, but managed to stop myself this time. He didn't like being played with, and even if he couldn't love me I didn't want him to dislike me either. If he could dislike people. I wasn't completely sure.

"I think we can skip the rest of the lesson. Leave it for after lunch, perhaps." By then I would've calmed down, hopefully. At least calmed down enough to actually teach him something. I picked up both swords and hurried inside, forcing myself to not turn around and kiss him again. Pathetic little incubus, in love with your food.

I went straight to the armory and put the two rapiers down on a table, but then changed my mind and picked up one of them again. A deep breath, then I took position and started sparring against an imaginary foe. I did not hold back, and used whatever moves I felt like using, no matter if it made sense that I knew them or not. No one was looking anyway. The funny thing with humans was that they could express their emotions physically, getting rid of them by crying, shouting, fighting or simply moving. It was one of the few things I enjoyed when posing as a human. That and.. Feeding.

A sudden wave of nausea washed over me. Luckily I was able to grab a table before I fell to the floor. Dae. Something was seriously wrong. Magic, no doubt, or I wouldn’t be feeling it. Megarus, it had to be. What kind of protector was to leave him alone when someone I knew might want to hurt him was near? I cursed silently to myself as I staggered off in the direction where I knew Dae would be.

I found myself outside the door I least wanted to see. Lierre’s room. What was he doing here? I didn’t have time to think more about it, as a new wave of nausea hit me. It had been a while since I changed into another shape, and the female body felt strangely uncomfortable.

I knocked on the door, almost immediately feeling better. Had Megarus caught Lierre and Dae? I didn’t know if I should be happy or worried. Megarus might kill Dae for something like that. “Lady Lierre?” My own voice almost surprised me. You’ve been denying your own nature for too long.

The door opened and Dae looked down on me. How strange it felt to be the one who had to look up. “My..” A servant of Merillial’s royal family wouldn’t call Dae prince, right? “Lord.” I would have to play surprised, so I let a slight frown creep up on my face.

"I came to call my sister to join me for breakfast. However, we shall both pass it this morning." He hesitated for a moment, something that wasn’t like him. Just like me he was normally so sure of what he was saying. "Our father will be joining you shortly, though."

I bowed and watched as Dae closed the door. Hopefully that would be enough.. If it wasn’t then I might have to change into something else. A bird crashing through the window, perhaps. Before I had time to do anything more the door opened again, and I quickly became one with the shadows. Megarus left. I couldn’t help but feel slightly proud. I had protected Dae. The happiness didn’t last long though. Dae didn’t leave. Several minutes passed, but he still didn’t leave. It didn’t take a genius to figure out why he stayed.

I turned back to my normal form. What kind of incubus even has a ‘normal’ form? True form, yes.. But normal? My hands were trembling, and I didn’t know if it was because I was sad, angry or just.. Afraid. I’m an idiot. Afraid that Dae would leave me. That was absurd. Maybe it wasn’t. He could, if he found me boring he probably would.

For a moment I considered just barging in, but I knew Dae wouldn’t.. Wouldn’t what? Wouldn’t like it? It’s not like he’d get angry. Even so, I didn’t want Dae to.. Whatever it was he felt or thought of people he didn’t like. One way or another, I’d drive Lierre away from him, and once again I’d be the only true friend he had left. The only one who truly cared about him. If only I could make him see that as well, it would be so much simpler.

I walked away from the room, since I didn’t want to see them come out. If I did then I wouldn’t be able to contain myself, and I’m sure Dae would appreciate that. My anger and jealousy had managed to form some type of whirlpool in my chest, that sucked all emotions into it. Oddly enough, the sudden emptiness didn’t make me feel better. Maybe I’d go destroy something.. Or someone.

***

The swords were on the same table where I left them. After snatching them up I went to the back garden, where Dae and I had been practising this morning. I laid down in the grass and absentmindedly licked some smudged blood of my wrist. I felt strangely calm. Hungry and tired from wasting my energy, but definitely better than before.

I stretched out in the sun, pushing every thought of Lierre deep into the back of my mind, and instead thought of pleasant things.. Like what I would do to Dae the next time I had the chance. I was in the middle of those very nice thoughts when I heard steps approaching. “How was the lunch?” I asked as I opened my eyes and smiled slightly at Dae. Before he had time to answer I held my arms out to him. “Come,” I said playfully. He just looked at me with blank eyes. “Come on. There’s no one around.”

“I challenged my father to a duel.”

My smile died and I let my arms fall down on the grass again. “Megarus?” It was a stupid question, but it was all I could think of to say. Why would he do something so stupid? He was good with swords, sure, but he couldn’t beat his father. Not that I had seen Megarus fight in years, but I was sure that he would only have gotten better.

“Who else?”

I sat up slowly. Once again whatever happiness I felt was swept away. This time by fear and not anger. “Back out. Tell him you can’t, pretend to have broken a leg.. Anything!” My voice became louder than I had intended it to.

A small smile played in the corner of his mouth, and I suddenly felt the urge to punch him in the face. “You’re afraid?”

I more or less jumped up on my feet so that I could stare down on him. “He’s going to kill you, and you won’t even know what happened. You might be good,” I grabbed his chin in a not so gentle way. “But he’s a thousand times better.”

“You’re my teacher, so teach me how to win.”

I couldn’t possibly teach him enough in such a.. “When’s the duel?”

“I don’t know. It’s up to him.”

I’ll take his place. I’ll lock him up somewhere, take his place and kill Megarus. Then I’ll have to tell Dae what I am, but it doesn’t matter. As long as Dae was alive I didn’t care. “You’re an idiot,” I said, and Dae frowned. “It’ll take years to..” I shook my head. It was impossible. Without another word I fetched the rapiers and held one out to him. “Lets play a game,” I said suddenly. I wasn’t sure it’d help much, but I hoped so.

“A game?”

“Yeah. It’s called ‘spot the weakness’.” I took position. “You figure out my weakness and attack.” I could teach him moves instead, but experience would always be more worth than fancy moves. Megarus had to have a weakness as well, and if I could teach Dae how to spot it.. You should just take his place.

I waited for Dae to take his position, but instead he pointed his own sword at his neck. I frowned. Did he want to practice? “What are you..” My voice trailed off as I realized exactly what he was doing. He was showing me my weakness. I tried to smile, but couldn’t. You’re the biggest.. If not the only weakness I have. He knew what he meant to me, or at least he knew as much as he could understand.

I dropped my own sword, and stepped forward so that I could grab his. It had been blunted, so it didn’t cut my hand, not much at least. I pulled the blade away from his neck and then brushed my lips against his. “Don’t do that,” I mumbled.

“I think that earned me a point.”

I leaned my forehead against his and looked him in the eyes. “Yes,” I said quietly. But you already knew that, didn’t you? “Don’t die, please.” Pathetic incubus, pleading to your food. I wrapped my arms around him and kissed him, much gentler than I had this morning. He kissed me back, but didn’t grab my shirt or my hair or do anything else than kissing. Still it was enough for the hunger I had felt earlier to come back. I quickly let go of him and backed off, before I could push him to the ground or do anything else that he wouldn’t like. I would have to feed tonight, or I’d have even more trouble containing myself.

I looked up at his face again, for a second hoping that he’d frown or somehow show that he didn’t want me to stop, but his face was completely blank. “Lets sparr. For real this time.” I really hoped he would pull a stunt like that again. You’re letting your food play with you. That little voice in my head was starting to annoy me. Pathetic as I might be, with Dae by my side I was never bored.

We both took position, and this time we actually sparred. I left my leg unguarded, and he noticed almost immediately. Then my arm, my other leg, my head and at last my entire right side. Dae was good, and a sudden move forced me to step of the concrete pad. If I was going to teach him anything I’d have to raise the difficulty.

Thranack, Lierre and Thranack’s bodyguard.. I really had to pay more attention to people other than Dae. I couldn’t remember her name. The three of them approached us, and I my grip around the sword tightened as Lierre hugged Dae. Thranack wasn’t as good at controlling himself, and the glare he shot at Dae almost made me snicker. With a few creative nightmares I’d be able to use this situation to my advantage, and drive that wretched princess right in the arms or her prince.. Thranack, that was. Dae was mine.

The following post contains scenes not suitable for kids. You’ve been warned.

“My sweet one..” I winced at his words, because I knew what would come next. No, please no. I wanted to scream and cry, but all I could do was quiver. He'd hurt me again, or worse, and there were no servants around not my mother or Ami. They would've tried to stop him, and he would've hurt them as well, but at least they would've been there to comfort me. Now I was all on my own.

“You are to be married soon,” he whispered. He was too close. For a moment I considered throwing myself out of the carriage, but I knew that wouldn't help. Nothing I did could stop him, only make it worse. Maybe he wouldn't hurt me if I did as I was told. If I didn't struggle. “But don’t fret," he continued, but I was barely able to understand his word. It took every ounce of my self control not to cry. "Our.. adventures will not cease entirely. You will always belong to me.” No, that's not true. Brother will protect me. He'll protect me against anyone who wants to hurt me. He cared, just like Ami and mother. They were the only ones who cared, but unlike them Dae could stand up to father.

He leaned forward and stroked my face. I wanted to scream, but I couldn't. I couldn't even move. Both my hands were shaking uncontrollably, so I put them in my lap, in an attempt to hide my fear. I knew it wasn't working, and yet I tried. Father knew exactly how terrified I was of him, and it only made him happy.

His many rings scraped my skin, and I could just hope that it wouldn't leave a mark. I didn't want Dae to see when I met him. I didn't want anyone to see, but especially not Dae. I winced, just barely able to swallow the sob that threatened to claw its way out of my throat. I had to be silent, or he'd get angry. At least he was in a good mood now, which meant he might change his mind. Maybe he'd decide he was too tired. “My sweet Lierre." He was so close to me that I could feel his warm breath on my face. It was sickening.

“I’m quite tense. Help me relax, would you?”

I froze for a second, as protest on the tip of my tongue, but I knew I couldn't refuse. I knew what happened when one refused. I dropped to my knees, imagining another place and another time. Think of Dae. Think of how he'll take care of you as soon as you've arrived. Think of his smile. Father said something, but I couldn't hear him. Instead I heard Dae speaking to me with his soft voice.

***

Here's the other half xD

I felt sick, but I did my best not to show it. Father was glaring at me, and I knew he'd soon be annoyed enough to hurt me. Before he had time to do anything the coachman announced our arrival, and I just barely managed to hold back a relieved sigh. Maybe he wouldn't hurt me today.. And after the wedding he couldn't hurt me any more, could he? Even if he said he would, we'd still be in different kingdoms. And most importantly, brother would be here to protect me.

The carriage stopped, and a servant opened the door and held out his hand to help me down. I hesitated for a moment, before forcing myself to take it and let him help me down. I had barely take the first step when father grabbed my shoulder and stepped out before me.

“King Megarus.” Father shook king Creyo's hand, and I curtsied. I didn't dare look any of the kings in the eye, so I kept my eyes on their shoes. “I bid you welcome to Merillial - I hope you have traveled well.”

“The journey from the mountains was quite enjoyable." I didn't move, and didn't look up. I could feel their eyes on me. Fathers scrutinizing gaze felt almost as if it burned. Dae, where are you?

“Good. I’ve had the lunch served for us, so if you’d follow me to the dining hall.” I felt relieved as king Creyo started walking away. During lunch, when everyone was watching, father wouldn't be able to do anything.

“In fact.” No, please. I spotted Dae up on the set of stairs. “We would prefer to get some.. refreshment in our rooms first - the climate here is much different from that at home, and changing from these coats would do us both good.” Dae, please save me, I looked at him pleadingly, but he was watching father.

I followed father, careful to keep a proper distance. Too far and he might get angry, to close and I would step on his heels, and then he'd definitely get angry. He stopped at the same step as Dae. Dae, don't do something stupid. He'll hurt you too.

“Father." No, Dae. I knew he was brave, but he should bow. I didn't want Dae to get hurt. Father didn't answer, but started walking again, and I hurried to follow. As I passed Dae he looked down at me and smiled a comforting smile. It looked almost apologizing. It's okay, Dae. There's nothing you can do, I wanted to say. This was all father's fault, and I didn't want Dae to feel guilty.

We were both escorted to fathers chamber, and for a moment I hoped that the servant would stay, but he excused himself quickly and left. As soon as he was out of sight father turned towards me and pushed me into the room. Please, no. I was shaking again, and as he slammed the door shut my fear became too much. My legs folded underneath me, and I fell down on my knees.

Father grabbed my arms, gripping them so hard that tears threatened to spill out of my eyes. As he pulled me up from the floor, his grip tightening even more, I let out a shriek. Stupid. Even if someone hear you, they are too afraid to help. They don't care about you enough to defy father.. No. Dae would help. If he heard me he would save me.

I tried to turn my head away, which only resulted in him spitting in my face. I knew there was no point in resisting, and yet I did anyway. I tried to pull away from him, but he didn't even notice my futile attempts. I bit back a scream as I thought he was going to crush my wrists. He yelled at me, but I couldn't make out the words. It hurts. When he hit me the world disappeared for a moment, and for a moment I longed for the darkness to take me, but my senses returned. I couldn't hold back the tears anymore, and the salty liquid mixed with the metallic taste of my own blood.

Once again the world grew dark, but this time it was only my eyes affected. The last shreds of my calm was eaten by that darkness. I tried to fend him off, but I didn't even know where he was. His laughter seemed to echo between the stone walls as he grabbed my hair and lifted me up. “One of these days, your brother will be nothing but a pile of whimpering shreds!” My heart dropped. No, I won't let you hurt Dae. I'll take every punch for him if I must. You can't hurt Dae. He tossed me into a table, but I barely noticed the pain. My body was shaking uncontrollably, and I didn't even try to bite back the sobs. Dae. As I pictured my brother's smile my vision returned.

"Go clean your face, wear a long-sleeved dress, and then shut up, you bitch."

Father left, slamming the door behind him. I got up carefully. My ribs hurt where I had slammed into the corner of the table, my arms hurt where he had held me, my face hurt where he had hit me. This is nothing, I told myself as I staggered to the bathroom. Father could've done something much, much worse, just like he had before.

I staggered into the bathroom. A servant had already heated and poured water into a basin, so I quickly washed the blood of my face, and then carefully dried it off with a soft towel. It hurt, and I knew it was going to bruise. I pulled the pins from my hair and let it down, carefully taking out the flowers and brushing it out. I couldn't help but wince when I pulled out a knot of hair where father had grabbed it. I then put it up again and put the flowers back, or at least the ones that hadn't been crushed.

In the folds of my dress I always carried a small fabric pouch. Now I opened it and took out the makeup Ami had given me. With some salve and some dark red lipstick I managed to hide my cut lip, and powder - almost chalk white, just like my skin - would hopefully hide the bruises that were already beginning to form.

A knock on the door startled me, and almost made me drop my powder puff. "Lady Lierre?" It's just a woman, I confirmed with a relieved sigh. "I have brought your dresses."

I opened the door slightly and let the maid in. I picked one of my winter dresses, with long sleeves and high collar. I liked the green color or the fabric, since it reminded me of my mother's eyes. The maid quickly helped me put it on, never asking about my bruises or the trashed room. If only all servants were as discrete.

***

The lunch was rather uneventful, which I thanked the gods for. Dae had put himself between me and father, something I was very grateful for. I had just arrived, and he was already protecting me. I just hoped I wouldn't get him into trouble. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if anything happened to him because of me.

My attention returned to the present as Dae suddenly got up from his chair. "If I may be excused. I'm afraid I yet have some matters to attend, and surely the questions of importance should be discussed without rude heirs around." I looked up at him with pleading eyes. Please, take me with you. Who knows what the kings would do if Dae wasn't here to stop them. Ami had told me her father was nice, but I did not believe her. She hadn't seen her father since she was a child, and wouldn't know anything about him. "I would take my sister dear along - we haven't seen each other in years, and I'm sure the words of two..honorable..kings aren't something a young princess should be hearing about."

King Creyo nodded, and I took the hand that brother offered me without any hesitation. Just having him close made me feel safer, and now when he held my hand I felt as if no one could ever hurt me again. I held his hand tight as he led me out of the dining hall and out from the castle. It felt warm.

Close to the stable I spotted a beautiful dragon. A frightening and dangerous looking dragon, but still beautiful. It opened its eyes as we approached. It was much bigger than I remembered it. It really showed how different father and brother were. Father would never be able to take care of a creature and make it trust him, like brother had with the dragon. The thought of it made me smile. Dae really was kind. "It grew so big in a few years," I said, sounding slightly amazed.

"She," he corrected me softly. I almost protested when he let go of my hand. You're not a baby, I told myself sternly, but it didn't help. My hand felt cold. "I didn't name her yet."

"Can you fly on her?" How silly was I to be jealous of a dragon? Still, I couldn't stop wishing he'd pet my head instead.

He did something in between shaking his head and nodding. "I can, but I'm not allowed while no one is around. They could think I'm trying to escape and shoot us down." I had almost forgotten that brother was a prisoner, just like Ami. I just hoped that he was treated better than Ami. He wasn't bruised, and he looked rather confident, but Ami looked confident as well, and father treated her as he treated me.

"How are you, Dae?" I asked carefully, not wanting to pry in something he didn't want to talk about. "Is it hard living as prisoner?" Wouldn't my life be the same? I was just as much of a prisoner as he was.. Though I would eventually become the queen of Merillial.

"I'm more a guest than a prisoner," he said, and I almost let out a relieved sigh. Maybe Ami had been right about her father. "I don't remember home enough to properly miss it."

"Oh, I see." I walked past him and sat down on a bench, warily looking up at what I guessed was the windows leading to the dining hall. "Have you met Prince Thranack?" I had tried not to think of my future husband too much. The thought of marrying someone, to belong to a man I had never met, scared me. What if he treats me like father treats mother?

Dae sat down beside me and nodded. "I don't know him very well, but we've met. He's not a bad person - interested in leading wars and spends a lot of time on councils around the world."

Ami had told me he was a good person as well. Surely brother wouldn't lie to me? .. But he could just be saying those things to calm me down. "Like uncle Marius?" I asked, studying brother's face.

"A bit like him, yes."

I bit my lip, and winced slightly as I was reminded of what father had done earlier. "I don't want to marry him," I said quietly. I didn't want to marry anyone. Why couldn't I just be left alone? No, not alone. I want Dae to be by my side. Always by my side, protecting me. From father and from the prince I had never met.

He turned to look at me with a cold expression, and I really hoped I hadn't upset him. I knew I'd have to marry the prince.. I just wanted brother to hold me and tell me that everything would be alright. "You need to marry him." He smiled reassuringly, and it warmed my heart. Brother really cares about me, and he'll make sure everything will be fine. "It will make you a princess of Merillial, and you will stay here - with me," those words almost made me smile, "and in warmer climate. No one hunts dragons here, nor any other magical creatures, and people of the court is nice. Besides, you will once become this land's queen, just as I shall become the king of Barqarnon after father." That day could not come soon enough.

I looked down at my feet, and tried to blink away my tears. If father could just hurry up and die. "I wish you were the king of Barqarnon already."

He grabbed my chin, his grip a bit too tight. Did I make him angry? "Watch your mouth, little sister." He ran a finger over my lips, and I almost winced. Please, no. "What you just said is a death wish for your King. You must never talk that way when you don't know who's listening."

I blinked away the tears that threatened to spill, but didn't quite succeed. As he let me go and hugged me gently. He wasn't angry, just worried about me, because he cared. He carefully wiped off a tear from my cheek, but even if he was gentle it still hurt. I could just hoped that my makeup still covered my bruises.

"I missed you," he said, words that surprised me, and made me smile even though it hurt my lip.

"You did?"

"Of course I did!" he said, and his happy smile made me want to touch his lips, but I didn't. I didn't dare to. "You're my little sister - I missed someone to tell stories to, show her around and answer all the questions. I don't get the chance to be an older brother to anyone else, you know." I giggled, something I hadn't done in years, and hugged him tighter.

***

After Dae had showed me around for a bit I was forced to return to my room. I did so most reluctantly. I almost ran inside, and closed the door quietly behind me. Father's room was so close that I could only pray that he hadn't heard me. If he did, then I knew he would come. I couldn't lock the door, so I placed a chair in front of it, hoping that it would at least give me a warning.

A servant knocked and told me it was time for dinner, but I didn't want to risk running into father, so I stayed in my room, folding paper cranes and making them fly around and around in my room. My powers had always managed to comfort and calm me down slightly, but it didn't stop me from glancing at the door every fourth second.

After the sun went down I changed into my nightgown and washed my face as quickly as I could, my heart racing for every sound I thought I heard. I crawled into my bed, but didn't dare to close my eyes. I didn't know how much time passed, but I couldn't relax enough to fall asleep. Maybe I could sleep in Dae's room. I quickly dismissed the thought. I didn't want to bother him. He was probably asleep already.

Heavy footsteps passed by my door, stopped for a moment as I held my breath, but then kept walking. Dae. I waited for a few more minutes, just to make sure that whoever it was had gone away, and then I hurried to the door and looked outside. The dark hallway seemed empty, but I knew father had a way of hiding in the shadows. I took a deep breath, before sneaking outside and walking slowly towards Dae's room. when I heard a door creak behind me I dropped all caution and just ran.

By the time I reached Dae's room I was too afraid to stop and knock, so I just entered. The room was dark, the only light coming from the stars outside. "Dae?" I whispered as I saw his bed. When no one answered I stepped closer. He was sleeping. "Dae?" I repeated, a bit louder. He stirred, but didn't wake up.

I carefully approached, almost smiling. He looked even sweeter when he was asleep. Maybe I should just sleep on the floor. I really didn't want to wake him up. A small frown crept onto his face. Was he having a bad dream? Instinctively I stroked his cheek, but when his frown became worse I touched his shoulder and shook him slightly.

"What are you doing here?" I hoped he wasn't angry. I didn't want brother to have a bad dream.

"Can I stay? Please?"

"What- in my bed? No." He sat up and looked at me. You made him angry. "You have a whole room for yourself."

Please, Dae. Don't be angry with me. I didn't know what to do if he was angry with me. I wanted to apologize, but I knew I wouldn't be able to without crying. My tears already threatened to spill, and I tried to bite them back. "Please, Dae. My room.. it can't be locked.. And father's is just across the hallway." I whispered those last words, ashamed of how scared I was of father.

"What has he done to you since the last time?"

I couldn't look him in the eye, I was too ashamed. He already knew, not all the details, but I had told him most of it during my last visit. I was afraid he'd look at me differently if he knew. Look at me like I belonged to father. I wrapped my arms around me, both to warm up and to try to make myself feel a bit safer. "I don't want to talk about it. Can't we just sleep?"

"Surely, I was trying to." I winced. I shouldn't have woken him up just because I was afraid. That was selfish of me. "You can stay in the room if you wish it so. You can't sleep in my bed, though. It's my bed. No one sleeps in it apart from me."

I nodded. Brother was so nice. Even though he was angry and tired he still let me stay, because he wanted me to be safe. Father couldn't hurt me when Dae was here. I looked around and found an armchair that I curled up in. It was cold, but I didn't want to bother Dae by asking for a blanket.

Dae fell asleep again, and I listened to his calm breathing. I dozed off, just for a moment, but woke with a start with images of father's cruel smile that refused to go away even as I looked at Dae. I was shaking again, I didn't know if it was from fear or the cold. I desperately tried to swallow my sobs, but the tears refused to stop coming. The memories of father seemed to make the darkness even more threatening.

"Fine." My head snapped up. For a moment I thought I had heard him wrong, but then as he moved his blankets I realized what he had said. I immediately crawled down beside him, letting his warmth engulf me. I wanted him to hold me as well, but that was probably too much to ask. "So, tell me. What are you so afraid of?"

"Dae.. I really.. you can't change anything," I mumbled. I didn't want to tell him of the things father did to me when no one looked. I didn't want him to know how tainted I was. Dae was pure and clean, he was everything good and he would hate me if I told him. He wouldn't even be able too look at me.

He moved suddelny, putting himself over me. Images of fater flashed by, but I tried to supress them. Dae would never hurt me. He's not like father. "You come to me, want me to protect you, but you won't tell me what of?" No, please don't make me tell you. I'll tell you everything but that. If Dae abandoned me then I would have no one. "How much did he do to you? And the princess and mother, just how enjoyable they really are? Don't give me stories of winter and flowers in the garden, and those tales about everything being perfect. Tell me everything now, or I will tell him that you've told me everything you did so far."

Brother wouldn't do that. He's just saying that because he's worried, and he wants you to trust him. He wouldn't tell father.. But what if he did? Father would take me back home and lock me in my room. Every day he would.. I was shaking now, again. "Please don't tell him I told you," I pleaded silently. "Don't tell him, Dae, I promise I will tell you whatever you want, just please don't make him be mad at me, I-"

"Alright, I won't tell him. Now, I'm listening. Is he doing anything to the Princess?"

Images of Ami, bruised and disgraced, crying and cowering beneath father flashed through my head. She had tried to protect me, and father had punished her for it. "Ami is so nice." I couldn't manage to talk any louder than a whisper. I knew my voice would crack if I did. "I like her and she was trying to watch over me, but she's just getting hurt too instead. She tells me about her brother, that what she knows, and she says he'd never treat me like that, but I'm so afraid, Dae, I don't know what to do! I don't want to marry the Prince, I want to run away with you and never see our father again." Suddenly the words came flowing out of my mouth, and I could barely stop them. Maybe he wouldn't hate me. Maybe he'd just hold me and comfort me.

"Tell me what he does to you. Tell me how." I shook my head. I don't want you to hate me. Anything but that. Suddenly he pulled my nightgown up, and put his hand right where I had hit the side of the table. I just barely managed not to wince. It hurts. I tried to push him away, to make the pain stop, but he didn't even seem to notice me. "Tell me, or I'll check myself."

I was starting to panic as it became harder to breathe. Father lying on top of me, so heavy that I could barely breathe. "Dae," I cried. "I'm tired. Please, just.. just don't. I will tell you everything tomorrow. I swear."

He immediately pulled away from me, and lay down on his back again. See? He never meant to hurt you, and you treat him like he's like father. Dae would never hurt you on purpose. I stopped sobbing, but the tears still came. Had I made him hate me by acting like that? I should've just told him. I should've done whatever he wanted. He just asked because he cared about me, and now I had hurt his feelings.

"Dae..?" He didn't answer. He's the only one who cares about you, and now you've pushed him away. I gently took his hand. It was so big and warm compared to mine. "Dae, come on. Don't be so cold," I pleaded.

"What now? You said you're tired. So shut your mouth, close your eyes and sleep, and let me do the same. You seem afraid of me as much as of him anyway, so why should I even bother?" This was all my fault. Why had I been so afraid? Brother would never hurt me, and now I had hurt him instead. I hated myself for it. Hated myself for being unable to show how much I loved and trusted him.

I crept closer to him and rested my head on his shoulder. Dae was so warm. Carefully I put my hand on his chest. "I'm sorry. I.. I'm not afraid of you. I wouldn't mind- I'd do whatever you wished." I didn't know if that was the right thing to say, if it was what he wanted to hear, but he stroked my hair, and I hoped that meant that he forgave me. Maybe.. "Dae?"

"Mhm," he murmured.

I didn't know if.. If what I was about to say would make him happy, but I hoped so. I wanted him to know that I trusted him. I took a breath to calm down before saying: "You're my big brother. You're a prince. You know what princes expect from their wives, don't you?"

"Yes, yes I believe I do." I couldn't read his expression, nor his voice. Maybe I shouldn't, maybe he didn't even want to touch me, tainted as I was.

"Could you.. teach me?" My voice was just barely audible, and I almost hoped that he wouldn't hear me.

He sat up and glared at me. I'm so sorry. Dae, please don't hate me. "Could I teach you?" Had I made him angry, or maybe disgusted? I knew it was wrong, he was my brother but.. I was afraid and I needed him. I'd do anything for him.

"Yes," he said suddenly, and pushed his lips against mine. I looked up at him, trying to understand why he had done that. Of course I knew what a kiss was, but I had never been kissed by anyone before. Father had never done it, and I could guess why. It was like a hug, something one did out of kindness and tenderness. "I'll teach you."

Dae very gently pushed me down against the pillows. I tried to stop myself from shaking, but I couldn't. I knew that Dae was nothing like father, but I didn't know if it was going to hurt. He seemed to realize that I was frightened, because he stroked my hair and kissed me again. Slower this time, and even gentler. He was barely even touching me. He held my chin, forcing me to open my mouth slightly. It took a while, but eventually I dared to try to copy him. He pulled away, to let me catch my breath, smiling warmly as he did so. He planted light kisses along my jawline, down along my neck and down to my shoulder. Meanwhile his hands seemed to be everywhere, and everywhere they touched they set my body on fire, a good kind of fire. I touched him as well, exploring his warm smooth skin with my fingertips, and trembling as he kissed me again.

During the whole night I burned, with an intensity that almost scared me. I hadn't known that one could feel that good. Whenever my father touched me I had never felt anything else than fear and pain, but with Dae it was so different.

Despite my happiness I was haunted by nightmares. Nightmares in which father found out what I and Dae had done, and he punished us both for it. But Dae was brave, he tried to protect me, tried to take every punch and every cut himself, until he lay dead in my arms. I was too afraid to even cry out for help.

I woke with a start, immediately sitting up, even though the sudden move made my ribs hurt. I realized I was in Dae's bed, and he was looking at me with a slight smile. "Dae," I said, relief clear in my voice. Of some reason I hadn't expected to see him when I woke up. It made me happy that he was still here.

"Morning," he said and gave me my nightgown. "You should get back to your room now - it wouldn't be very.. proper.. for someone to see you here. And I'm busy."

"But you only just woke up." I didn't want to leave. I wanted him to kiss me again, I almost begged him to do so.. But I couldn't. Brother had obligations and duties, and I didn't want to cause him any problems by telling him to stay by my side.

"Busy," he said again.

I didn't nag, but put my gown on instead. I smiled slightly when he turned his back to me, just to be polite. Someone like me doesn't deserve such a kind brother. He opened the door first, and looked outside to make sure there was no one there, then he let me pass. I smiled at him before hurrying to my room and quickly closing the door behind me.

Only minutes later someone knocked on the door. For a moment I feared that it would be my father, but then I realized that father wouldn't knock. "Lady Lierre?" It was the maid again. "I've come to pour you a bath and help you get dressed for breakfast. I quickly checked myself in the mirror before letting her in. I didn't want it to show what I had done. If father found out he'd probably kill both me and Dae.

I took a quick bath, and then the maid helped me dry and braid my hair. She had even brought some fresh daisies with her that she put in my hair. Today I picked a dress that had a lower neckline, but still high enough to hide most of my bruises. The door was suddenly slammed open. I hurried to slip on my nightgown again, just as father barged into the bathroom.

"Leave," he hissed at the maid who immediately bowed to him and hurried away. "Come," he ordered. I couldn't make my legs move, even though I tried. Dae. Dae, please save me. My heart was racing, and no matter how I tried I couldn't move. Not towards him, nor away from him. "Come," he repeated. I could see the anger in eyes now, even though his face remained deceptively calm.

I managed to take a tiny step towards him, and then another one and another one, until I was standing right in front of him. I didn't dare to look up, so in stead I kept my eyes on his dark bathrobe. Dae is busy, he can't save you. The warm tears were already falling from my cheeks, and he hadn't even touched me yet.. But I knew he would. I knew the look in his eyes, and he was not going to let me go as easily as he did the day before.

"P-please don't." My words came out as barely more than a whisper, and against my will. Pleading always made everything worse, but still I begged. It was the only thing I could do.

I cried in pain as he grabbed my hair and dragged me to the bed. “Whores are supposed to do what they’re told,” he warned silently, his lips so close to my ear that I could feel the heat of his breath. With that he threw me down on the bed. I tried to fend him off, but he was too strong. Before I knew it I was painfully pinned down, and couldn’t move at all.

Heavy. Can’t breathe. It hurts! “Dae,” I whimpered, again and again, hoping that he somehow would hear me and save me. I didn’t stop even though he hit me across the face, or on my stomach, my legs, my arms.. Eventually I couldn’t feel my body at all. I just kept focusing on Dae, and let everything else disappear, even the pain.

I didn’t know how much time passed, but when the noise of the door opening pulled me back to the presence my whole body was hurting. It wasn’t just one rib anymore, but my whole sides.

“You.” Father pushed me down on the bed again. I didn’t even remember when he had pulled me up.

I looked up. Dae, you came to save me. “Me.”

I wanted to scream as father used his magic on Dae. No, don’t hurt Dae. Hurt me instead. I tried pulling on father’s robe, but he didn’t even notice me. I couldn’t do anything but watch as brother struggled, and I hated myself even more because of that. Dae was so brave. He didn’t even look scared. I panicked every time father used his powers on me. It was terrifying, yet brother.. I couldn’t tell if he actually wasn’t scared, or if he was able to hide it. Either way, it was more than impressive.

A mirror suddenly exploded, and judging from father’s reaction Dae was the one who had done it. He had powers just like me, but brother was much stronger than me. For a second I was afraid father would use his powers again, but a knock on the door interrupted them.

“Lady Lierre?” This wasn’t the same maid as before, but I was still thankful. As father and brother both glanced at me I cringed. I didn’t want brother to see me as tainted, and I didn’t want father to hurt me again. Father then turned back to Dae, and Dae went to open the door.

I tensed as I listened on their conversation. “My.. lord.”

"I came to call my sister to join me for breakfast. However, we shall both pass it this morning." He hesitated for a second, before adding, "Our father will be joining you shortly, though." Thank you, Dae.

Father walked towards the door, and Dae did not step back to give him some space. No, Dae. He’ll kill you. "Soon enough, the whores of your mother and sister will be lacking a family member." One would’ve thought that I’d run out of tears eventually, but somehow they just kept coming, and for every word father said they just came faster.

"They will, and I'll be wearing his crown." I gasped. No, Dae. Don’t be stupid. I don’t want to be alone again.

My heart was racing, and didn't calm down until I couldn't hear father's steps anymore. I looked up at Dae, hoping that he would hold me. Dae, please. I'm so scared. He picked up my nightgown from the floor - I couldn't even remember father pulling it off - and I let him put it on me again. My whole body hurt, but Dae was so gentle.

"Lierre," he said as he pulled me up. Do you hate me now? Do you think I'm disgusting? I stood up, my body shaking so much that I had trouble standing still. I wrapped my arms around Dae. He was so warm. Please, don't hate me.

"He'll kill you." My voice was barely audible, I knew it wouldn't hold if I talked any louder. "He'll kill you for what you said, Dae, you should've just left-"

He picked me up and held me in his lap as he sat down on the bed. I grabbed the front of his shirt and buried my face in his chest. I didn't want him to go away. I didn't want to be alone. Without Dae I had no one to protect me from father and prince Thranack.

"It will be alright," he said softly, and wrapped his arms around me. I immediately felt safer. His arms were like a nest. "He won't kill me. And he will never hurt you again. He will leave soon, and you will get married and stay here, and he'll never touch you again."

I started sobbing again, just as I had calmed down. Brother is so kind, I don't deserve him."You- you don't understand. He will never let me go! He said it himself, I.. I will always belong to him."

He gently wiped my tears, and held my chin so that I couldn't look away. I didn't mind. Brother was gentle, and I liked looking at his face. When he smiled it was like looking at the sun. "Do you wish to belong to him?" I shook my head. There was only one person I wanted to belong to. "Good. As of soon, you will belong to your husband, and he-"

"I don't want to be his either," I said quietly.

"Oh?" He doesn't understand.

"I want to be yours."

"Alright then, you are mine." I looked down, and tried to hide my smile. "Say it."

"I'm yours." I'll always belong to you.

"Yes. And do you know what that means?" I didn't say anything. Does he want me to do something for him? I wouldn't mind. I'd do whatever he wanted. "It means I'll take care of you, because I take care of all my belongings. And I promise you, he will not hurt you again." I hadn't expected him to say that, and i almost started crying again just because I was happy. Brother will always take care of me. "It also mean you need to give me something in return - you need to listen to me. Can you do that, Lie? Adhere to my words?"

I'll do whatever you want. "Dae.. you know.." I played with his shirt, not daring to look up at him. "If you asked me to do anything.. any of the things I did for him.. I would do it for you." Only for you.

"Why? Why, Lierre? Why do you love me so much?"

I cocked my head slightly to the side. Don't you know already? "Because, you're the only one who cares." And you're kind and gentle and warm and.. You're my brother.

He smiled warmly. You made him happy. Just knowing that I could make him smile made me feel happier than I had been in a long time. Maybe I could.. I started untying the laces on his pants. I just want to make him smile.

"Lierre, what-" He closed his eyes for a second and bit his lips.

"I'm proving you," I said silently, "that I meant what I said." I got down on my knees in front of him. I hated doing this for father, it disgusted me, but I would do anything for Dae, as long as he was happy. As long as brother loves me..

"I didn't-" He closed his eyes again, and I couldn't help but wonder if I made him feel as good as he made me feel the previous night. I hoped I did, and he did look like he was enjoying it. Am I making you happy?

I watched as he tensed, his hand clutching the sheets, and then relaxed. He opened his eyes again as I pulled away. I couldn't help but smile slightly. Brother had looked like he had enjoyed it. He didn't say anything, just looked at me as he calmed his breathing. Eventually he stroked my cheek. He's happy.

He got up with a smile, and pulled me along with him. I looked up at him with expectant eyes as he carefully touched my lips. I wanted him to kiss me again, but he didn't, and I didn't want to ask. "Very well." He tugged a strand of my hair behind my ear, and I realized I'd have to put it up again."Now, little sister, take a nice bath and dress yourself up.. it'd be time for you to meet your future husband."

Dae, don't leave me alone, I wanted to say, but it was too late. He was already on his way out. I sighed and sunk down on the bed. My room was a mess. Hopefully the maid wouldn't tell anyone. If prince Thranack found out.. I might get sent back to Barqarnon. Father wouldn't have any use for me and.. I shivered. Dae.

A knock on the door startled me. "Lady Lierre." It was the regular maid again.

"Come in," I said, my voice trembling ever so slightly. She entered, and for a while she just stared at me, he eyes wide. "Could you pour me a new bath? And also, I'd like you to fetch my other winter dress." I couldn't wear anything with a lower neckline anymore. Everyone would see my bruises if I did.

"Of course, my lady. Would you like me to fetch some more flowers?" she asked, awerting her eyes from me.

"No, I'll just wear my hair down," I mumbled. I'd need to cover my bruises.

***

As I and Dae entered the dining hall I curtsied to both king Creyo and father, but I refused to look anyone but Dae in the eye. I couldn't see prince Thranack at the table, and felt relieved. The relief quickly disappeared when Dae sat down on the chair I had thought he'd leave for me. Now I'd have to sit next to father, or next to the empty seat next to father, but it was bad enough.

Since I didn't want to pull attention to myself I sat down without saying anything. Maybe Dae could excuse us both again. I wanted to be alone with him. I wanted to be far away from father. I tried to listen as the two kings, mostly Creyo, talked. When the door opened I had to force myself to look up. I knew who it was, and I couldn't stop wishing that he would just go away. I shivered slightly, before I regained my selfcontrol, but Dae was there and took my hand. Brother will protect me, no matter what. He won't let the prince hurt me.

“That must’ve been some meeting, to keep you so long.”

“Excuse us, your Majesty, travelling took longer than I thought.” That surprised me slightly. Why did he let the guard talk instead of him?

I looked up at him, noticing his lip. No, no. Please don't let him be violent. He walked towards me, looking at me with an expression I could only interpret as unhappy. “I am... most...pleased..that...you arrived safely, my princess.” His awkward way with words surprised me again, I had expected him to be more like Dae when it came to words. He looked at me for a moment, as I forced myself to hold my hand up for him to kiss. He did so carefully, but I wouldn't let that fool me. Fahter could be kind too, if he wanted to. “I hope you’ll enjoy your stay in Merillial.”

The prince turned to my father, something he should've done first, if he had been wise. "King Angroth," he said and bowed. "It’s been too long. I trust you had a good trip?”

“I did," father said. I looked down on the hands in my lap. “Quite a lovely guard you have there," father suddenly said. I froze. Be happy that he's not looking at you.

“She is.” I winced. If he loved her, then he wouldn't care about me one bit. He'd treat me like father treats mother. “A fierce warrior, too.”

“I’m sure.”

I tied my hands, barely even noticing the pain of my nails being pressed into my paws. I tried to listen to their conversation, but I couldn't. What if he treats me like father treats mother? When father dies Dae will become king, so he won't be here to protect me. For the first time in my life I almost hoped that father would live a long life. Of course, that wouldn't help. It was either father or Thranack. If Dae wasn't there I someone would always hurt me.

I felt those burning eyes on me again, and realized father was glaring at me. I didn't dare to turn around and look at him. My hands began to tremble again, but Dae was there, taking my hand in his once more and warming it. He talked to Thranack a while, and it didn't sound very friendly. Didn't Dae like him? I winced. If Dae didn't like him then I was sure I wouldn't either.

"Are you alright?"

I nodded, thankful for his consideration. "Do we have to-"

"Yes. You know leaving would be impolite. Besides, you need to eat something." He's worried about me. If father hadn't been so close I would've smiled.

The food was brought in, but I barely touched the food. what little I managed to swallow I didn only because I didn't want Dae to worry. It felt as if everyone was looking at me, even though I tried to tell myself they weren't. I tried listening to Dae's conversation with Thranack, but they were seemed to just be teasing each other. I couldn't quite understand what kind of relationship Dae and Thranack had. Were they friends or not?

“Fine. I’m leaving.” Thranack suddenly said and got up. “May I be excused?”

“..Yes, I suppose you may,” said king Creyo hesitantly.

“Thank you,” he said with a bow.

At first I thought he was going to leave the room, and was relieved, but then he walked towards me, stepping between me and Dae. “Princess.. if you’re finished with your meal, would you like to.. take a stroll in the garden.. with me?”

No, Dae. Please don't leave me alone with him. For the third time the prince surprised me, this time by stepping aside so that I could look at my brother. I looked at him with what I hoped was pleading eyes, pleading for him to come with us. Brother didn't ask to come with me, but just nodded to me. No. He'll hurt me. Dae, I need you.. But I knew I couldn't ask him to come with us. Thranack would think I was rude, and I didn't want to be angry with me. Father always hurt me the most when he was angry.

I forced myself to breath, and then I took the hand he offered me. “Yes, that would be.. lovely.” Incredibly enough my voice didn't fail me.

As we left, prince Thranack held the door open for me, and I walked through it. It took a few more steps, and then watched as the prince gave the bread he had been holding to her. At least he treats his guard kindly, I thought, but then I reminded myself that it could only mean that he would care even less about me.

He caught up to me and offered me his arm, which I took. Would he do anything to while his bodyguard is watching? I hoped he wouldn't, since brother wasn't there. Of course, he could just send the bodyguard away if he wanted to.

We passed some rose bushes, which I barely noticed in my attempts to keep myself from shaking. He, on the other hand, must've seen them, since he stopped and picked one of them. After removing each thorn he gave it to me.

That was the fourth time he surprised me. I took it, careful not to touch his hand. “..Thank you.”

“No prob..” He cleared his throat. “Ah.. you’re most welcome, my Princess.”

I caught myself smiling. What are you doing? Don't let him trick you. Father has pulled the same trick before. Being kind just but hurt me more than ever before.

“I.. know you probably already know, but, seeing as we haven’t actually met, my name’s Thranack. You can call me Thran, though.”

Thran. I nodded. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, after the stories I’ve heard,” I said as politely as I could.

“Stories.. Who have you heard those from?”

“I don’t recall,” I lied, instinctively. Of some reason I was afraid that Ami would get the blame. I didn't think her brother would hurt her though. My brother had never hurt me.. But Thran is nothing compared to brother.

“Well.. they’re mostly embellished, anyway.” He hesitated for a second. “And nearly anyone that Dae will want to tell you.. won’t be.. don’t listen to any of his stories.”

So Dae doesn't like you? I'm sure he has good reason. I forced myself to smile. “Why not?”

“Um..” He looked away. It felt strangely empowering to be able to make a man uncomfortable, and not the other way around. “You know, er, uh.. he enjoys watching me squirm, I think.”

“Ah.. And do you oblige him?”

“More often than I’d care to.” I smiled slightly, and couldn't help but feel proud of my brother.

A soft breeze brought the smell of the flowers, and I closed my eyes for a second, actually relaxing. As I felt him touch my neck I immediately pulled away from him and glared. Was he really trying to touch me already? Couldn't he even wait until we..

“What’s that?”

Oh, no. "Nothing," I said quickly and hurried to put my hair back so that it covered my neck.

“What happened to your neck?”

No, I can't let him know. If he sends me back to Barqarnon father will kill me.. No, death was to painless. He'd never let me die. “What happened to your lip?”

“I..” He touched his lip. “Fair enough.”

“Mm.” My heart was still racing, and I was afraid he might hear it.

We walked silently for a while, when his bodyguard suddenly talked again. “Perhaps your Majesties would like to visit the back gardens?”

“Oh, yes, would you like to go there?” He turned towards me.

“Um.. yes. I’m sure they’re lovely.” Please, Dae. Come quickly.

We walked towards the other garden, and he opened the gate for me to walk through. I couldn't help but smile when I saw my brother. “Oh.”

“Do you want to watch them, for a bit?”

Yes, leave me alone with brother and go away. "If you’d like to," I answered sweetly.

“Okay. Come on.”

I watched closely as Dae sparred with his tutor. Brother was brilliant, just as I expected him to be. Brother was better than any of those knights in shining armor that I had read about in fairy tales. More handsome as well.

"Hey Thran." Brother actually calls him by his nickname. Maybe I should to?

“Dae," he answered with a nod.

I couldn't stop myself anymore. I walked over to brother and hugged him, and he hugged me back. Immediately I felt safer. Brother will protect me from everything. I smiled at Dae as I pulled away.

"I wish to see you later," he whispered, and I almost hugged him again. I wanted nothing more than to be alone with him again. "I think Quill could use a break."

“I certainly could.” Dae's tutor said, and offered Thranack his sword.

“Want to spar?” Say yes, and let brother beat you to a pulp.

“Meh...maybe later.” He rolled his shoulder, and I barely, just barely kept myself from frowning. But maybe it was a good thing? If he was scared of my brother, then maybe I could threaten to tell Dae if he was about to hurt me. “I want to talk to you, right now.”

“Ooh, am I in trouble?”

“Shut up.” Don't you dare tell my brother what to do. My fear of the prince was turning into contempt. “Let’s go. Now.”

“I want to spar,” Dae said, and I smiled slightly.

“I could spar with you, Lor--Prince Daerys, if you want someone to spar with.” Thranack's bodyguard was the one talking again.

“No. We’re talking. Now. You can spar with Quill.”

“I can spar and talk,” he said. With every word Thranack seemed less like a prince and more like a coward. Don't get too certain of yourself. Dae can't always be there to protect you.

“I..” He glanced at me and sighed. “Fine. I can wait.”

“Practicing being a big boy for once? I’m impressed.”

“Shut up.”

“Nice comeback.” I quickly but a hand over my mouth, trying to mask my laugh as a silent cough. Stop. He's strong enough to break your arm if he wishes. Just like father.

“I thought you wanted to spar."

“I do.”

“So does Ludi. Ludiv.” He called for his guard, and she stepped forward. “So get to it. I want to talk to you.”

"Your guard? Fine."

"Better watch it. She'll stomp your ass into the ground if you don't pay attention." I'd like to see her try.

They both took position, and attacked at the same time, not even needing a signal. I didn't know much about fencing, but they looked pretty even at first, until something suddenly changed in brother's eyes and he attacks grew quicker and more fierce than before. Dae forced the bodyguard down to her knees, but he didn't stop, he just went on attacking like he was looking at someone else. He's fighting father, I realized. I wasn't the only one who was afraid of father.

Thranack seemed to realize that brother wasn't himself, so he tackled him to the ground. "Stop it, Dae!" I blinked away my tears. Oh, Dae. I wished I could take whatever fear he was feeling.

"Get off me!"

"What's wrong with you?"

"I’m not going to talk to you while you insist on lying on me."

“You were just sparring.” Thranack got up again. “Not playing for blood.”

“She shouldn’t be jumping into fights she can’t can’t win."

“Because losing is such a foreign concept to you.”

“If she can’t handle herself, she shouldn’t spar with men." Brother was probably embarrassed, I could understand that. I didn't want to admit to anyone how much father scared me either. I just wished Dae would have told me. “And you shouldn’t interfere.”

“I’ll remember that. Next time I unarm you, I’ll just go on and bash your brains out.”

“Thranack, you..” I was surprised to see Dae's tutor intervene. I had barely ever heard him speak, unless we were alone with Dae.

"I suggest you keep out of this, Lord Jonquille."

"Fine. I went too far. Happy?”

“Apologize."

“What?"

“Apologize to Ludiv." Wasn't he taking it too far now? Brother was a prince, after all. He shouldn't have to apologize to a servant.. Eh, bodyguard.

“No.”

“Now," he snarled, and took hold of brothers collar. I almost raised my voice to protest, but Dae's tutor beat me to it by grabbing Thranack's shoulder.

"Quill, this is your last chance, get your f*cking hand off me, before I kick your ass too.”

Once again I had to hide a laugh as the tutor corrected him, but that didn't stop their argument. Eventually Dae apologized, probably tired of Thranack's shouting. She accepted the apology, as I knew she would. She couldn't really do anything else.

Brother suddenly turned to the bodyguard. "Do you mind showing my sister around the waterfall garden? It's just, I need to discuss something with your master, in private."

"Of course, my Lord. It would be an honour." She turned towards me and smiled slightly. "The waterfall garden is very beautiful at this time of the year, Princess." She more or less pushed me into the other garden. I didn't want to leave Dae. If they were going to talk about me then.. Dae will take care of it.

The bodyguard, whose name apparently was Ludiv, showed me around the garden, pointing out different things that were supposed to be beautiful. I liked the flowers, but I would much rather know what brother was talking to Thranack about. I got closer and closer to where Dae and Thranack were, until I could finally hear their voices again. I stopped and pretended to study a flower.

"You will be alright. Both of you.. Promise me something, Thran."

"Yes?"

"Promise me you will never hurt her." I smiled. This, if anything, really proved how much brother cared about me. "And that you won't take her from me." He could never take me from you. I belong to you, and no one else. "I will always watch over her - she's my little sister. It..will be hard to let her out of my sight."

They suddenly became quiet, and I strained to hear if they had just lowered their voices. Brother suddenly turned the corner. I quickly pulled away from the hedge and smiled at him. "Did you really mean that?"

"Mean what?" He really is adorable. He even gets embarrassed now when I caught him being nice so nice.

"What you just said." I hugged him again, and he hugged me back. "I don't know what I'd do without you, big brother."

"You don't need to think of it. I will never let go of you." I smiled. I don't think I'd be able to live if you ever did.

As brother led to my room I realized I was still holding the rose that Thranack gave me. He can't hurt me. Brother will protect me. He opened the door, and I entered carefully. The room looked like it had before father hurt me this morning, it even smelled like flowers. I couldn't help but worry about that maid. If she told someone..

"In theory," he said, and I looked up, "they'd put guards before your door, and they'd stay without a key so they could assist you in any case of need. However, I managed to convince them it'd be highly.. improper.. to leave a young lady's room exposed like that, especially seeing the traditions of her homeland." I couldn't believe my eyes as he pulled out a key from his pocket. "No one will come in unless you let them. Not father, not Thran, not the servants.. not even me." You know I'd always let you in.

I didn't know what to do. I wanted to show him how grateful I was, how much I loved him, but I didn't know how. It turned out I didn't have to do something, because he bent down and kissed me, just as gently as he had the night before. I wanted him to touch me again, like he did then.

"I love you, Dae," my words surprised me a little. I couldn't remember telling anyone that before. Not Ami, not even mother.

"I love you too, Lie."

His words, accompanied by a smile brighter than the sun shocked me. I hadn't expected him to actually say it to me. I already knew he loved me, but it meant the world for me to actually hear him say it. I reached up, standing on the very tips of my toes to be able to kiss him.

"Dae, could you..?" My voice trailed off. I was too embarrassed to go on.

"What?" he asked as he stroked my hair.

"Could you touch me again?" Please don't laugh.

He just smiled. Brother would never laugh at you. "Like I did yesterday?" I nodded, my body shivering again, this time from anticipation. "Would that make you happy?" He put his arms around me and gently kissed my neck, as far down as my dress alowed.

"Yes," I breathed, my voice trembling like the rest of me.

***

Brother was laying with his head in my lap, as I ran my hand through his hair. It was just as soft and black as mine. It made me happy to see that I shared something with him. He asked me about home, and I told him what little I could. I had spent most of my time locked inside my room, and only father had the key. Only anfew times had I followed uncle Marius outside.

I should show him what I can do. It'll make him smile. I reached for a pieces of paper on my nightstand, and to my dismay Dae sat up. I liked having his head in my lap. "I want to show you something," I said as I started folding it. "I couldn't have done it the last time I was here, but I got pretty good at it by now." I folded it into a crane, just like I had learned from a book. I could make frogs, snails and butterflies as well, but I prefered the cranes. They were always the most lively when I woke them up.

I focused on the small paper bird, letting a part of myself flow into it and waking up that little light it had inside. "That's pretty, where-" I carefully watched my brother's face, and smiled when he did. I loved his smile. The crane rose from my palm and flew around pur heads. It seemed to love Dae as much as I did. "Impressive."

"I can do it with everything." I couldn't help but feel proud. I made him smile.. "Well, with small things.. like toys." I looked around, but then remembered that I hadn't been allowed to bring my teddy bear.. "Do you have any toys, Dae?" I really hoped he had some stuffed animal. They were always such great company. When I woke them they behaved just like a pet would.

"I think," he said. "I will bring you some of my old ones that I kept.. after dinner, perhaps." He got up, and I had to stop myself from begging him to stay. I knew he'd have to leave, eventually, but I didn't want him to leave now. At least I could now lock the door to my room. That was a great comfort. Father couldn't just enter as he pleased. "I would love to stay with you - but between us, your fiancé's guard was surprisingly good, and I really need to sleep a bit before dinner." I nodded slightly, and watched as he left.

I got up and locked the door, and then lay down on my bed again, looking at the ceiling. I already missed Dae to the point that tears threatened to fall. I quickly blinked them away. He'll come back after dinner. Maybe he can spend the night here, if I ask him to.

The loud knock on the door startled me. "Yes?" Normally the servants would introduce themselves immediately. I smiled. Maybe brother changes his mind, and wants to sleep here instead.

"It's me.. Prince Thranack. Thran."

For a second I thought of not letting him in, but it would be stupid to give him a reason to hurt me later. "Hold on!"

I more or less flew up from the bed, quickly slipping a simple summer dress on. Then I brushed my hair and was about to unlock the door, when I remembered the bruises. The dress did not nearly cover them. I looked around in panic, found a cloak and put it on. I also tried to straighten out the sheets, in case he wanted to come inside. The thought made me freeze. What if he's here to..? I looked from the key in my hand, to the door and back again. I couldn't refuse to let him in.

With shaking hands I finally unlocked it and opened the door, but not enough to make him think I was letting him in. "Yes, my prince?"

He looked at me for a second, seemingly surprised and even frowning a bit. "Are you going out?"

I pulled the cloak tighter around me. "No, I was just a bit cold." Please don't ask if you can come in.

He smiled. "I brought you something." From behind his back he brought out a bouquet of roses, very similar to the one he had plucked for me in the garden. "I heard you like flowers."

I took them as he held them out, careful not to touch him. "Thank you. They're beautiful." They were, and bringing them to me was almost.. Considerate. But I couldn't know that for sure until he left. I was going to pull one othe he biggest roses othe of the bouquet, just to show him that I appreciated them, when I pricked my finger on one of the thorns. I instinctively pulled my hand back. Before I could protest he took it in his and looked at the small drop of blood.

"I'm sorry. I thought I removed all the thorns."

I blinked. "You picked them yourself?" Why didn't he just send a servant?

The question seemed to make him oddly uncomfortable. "Yes, I.." His voice trailed of at he stared at something over my head. No, no, please tell me there's nothing of father or Dae left to.. "What is that?" Dae, come back. I shut my eyes as he reached out his hand, just above my head, close enough to touch my hair. When the pain I expected didn't come I opened then again and carefully glanced up at him. He still looking at something above my head.

"Prince Thranack?" I asked carefully, and wondered if he was even aware that he was still holding on of my hands.

He finally pulled his arm back. "Did you make this?" The crane had crawled onto his hand. It must have landed on my head.

I cringed. Father hated when I used my ability, and I didn't know how Thranack would react. Was he going to hurt me? The prince seemed suddenly to become aware of my discomfort, and let go of my hand.

He cocked his head to the side and smiled. "It's cute. What spell did you use to make it fly?"

"N-no spell." My voice shook, as I tried to calm down. He's smiling. "I just touch them and they wake up."

"That's awesome." I nodded, not quite knowing what to say. After a few seconds he cleared his throat. "Well, I should probably go and.. Unpack. I hope I'll be seeing you at dinner tonight?"

I nodded. Was he really just going to leave? "Yes, I'll be there, my prince."

"Do call me Thran. 'My prince' sound so.." He frowned, and looked like he was searching for a word.

"Formal?" I suggested quietly.

"Exactly."

I smiled a little, and this time I didn't actually have to force it. Compared to Dae he seemed almost.. Childish. Maybe he wouldn't hurt me. Don't be stupid. He'll hurt you just like everyone else. Everyone else but Dae. "Thank you for the roses, Thran." As he took a step back I closed the door and locked it again.