Spoiler! :
I stared out the window, each second a few feet farther than I had ever been from home. I smiled softly to myself, rocking with the carriage. Now I was 297 seconds farther than I had ever been. I glanced around the carriage, bored of counting. Marius was looking out the window too though surely not for the same reason, and Tim- I desperately hoped it was Tim- was... fidgeting and smiling to himself.
I refused to listen to the doubts whispering, telling me Tim would not act that way. His eyes met mine before I could return to gazing out the window and... I knew. I grimaced, unable to stop myself which was a strange sensation. I thought I had my facial features trained by now. The scum just smirked at me.
I jerked my head away, fisting and relaxing my hands in my lap, trying to enjoy the brand new scenery looking by...
Though it did look very similar to the the scenery some 300 seconds ago.
I glanced at Marius again, afraid that I was slipping into boredom. I cleared my throat as he noticed that I was looking at him. "Ah... How many times have you come this way, Lord Marius?"
He smiled, something much warmer than Zain's. "I've lost count, Princess, but this is only the tenth or so in a carriage with companions."
I leaned forward, interested. "You're often alone, then?" Solitude wasn't something often associated with a diplomat.
"It's simpler to travel alone. More dangerous, perhaps, but one man can hide and run more easily than a group.. besides, when I'm alone, I only have a very loose schedule to follow. I can allow myself to leave the road and explore some interesting place, and then skip lunch the next day to get to my destination in time. When you have company, you can't be that selfish."
That sounded fantastic. In fact, even more marvelous than just leaving the kingdom. "What kind of interesting places?"
He smiled slightly. "All kinds, really... there are a lot more little villages along the roads than you're probably aware of. Some parts of this country - and it's much alike with all the countries - almost resemble little kingdoms. They follow the laws, of course, and serve the Queen, but function as closed little communities, with legends and customs completely different from what you're used to."
I grinned. Just another reason to be a diplomat. "That sounds wonderful," I breathed, forgetting myself for a moment. I shook myself, blushing at his soft chuckle. "Can't hide it, I guess."
I frowned at T- Zain when he muttered a word that wasn't supposed to be said in the presense of a lady even if that lady protested that she didn't care on a fairly frequent basis. He rubbed his head and looked so much like Tim might that I almost reached out and touched him then he looked up.
It was Tim.
My lips parted in shock.
"Rea." His tone was not that of yesterday morning. It was soft and frightened. I did pat his arm reassuringly then. "Where are we?" He glanced at Marius who was studying him closely.
I watched as he cowered back and withheld a sigh. It did little to get impatient with poor Tim, and Marius had done anything for me to get defensive over, so I cooed in the gentlest voice I could, "On our way to Merillial, Tim. For the wedding?" Or had Zain been in control the whole time? Did Tim even know he'd been invited?
"Wh-wh-what?" His coloring did not look very reassuring, and he pressed himself against the door, glancing at the window as if he'd rather been outside.
"You know the Princess of Barqarnon and the Prince of Merillial are getting married? Everyone's been talking about it? Marius invited you the other day?" The blank look on his face worried me.
"Don't worry." His voice was just a murmur, and he was watching Tim like he would someone armed. I was just glad he was talking. "Princess Lierre is my niece, and your mother agreed it would be nice if you two came along to Merillial with me. We should get there by the evening, and stay for a few days...Think of it as vacation."
"It's exciting," I said cheerfully, trying to draw out something of a smile or even just a moment where he was relaxed. "Potentially adventure material."
My words seemed to have the opposite effect. His eyes got a little wider, his face a little paler if that was possible.
...Perhaps adventure had been the wrong word. Tim wasn't that adventerous...
"Er..." I wondered where he went when Zain was around. It must be hard to share a brain. A head's not big enough for two. "It'll be okay, Tim. You'll see. I'll watch out for you, and..." I glanced at Marius. "We all know that if you really need it some... help will come." I wrinkled my nose, hating myself for even thinking that pest could be of help.
Marius sighed silently. "Your sister is right, my Prince. You don't have to worry about anything - whatever happens, if anything happens at all, I'll be there to make sure no one noticed." He smiled a bit. "And I'm fairly good in making sure no one notices things which I'd rather to go unnoticed." He glanced at both of us, before leaning back and closing his eyes. "Besides, I talked to the other prince, and I dare to say you have nothing to stress over."
I felt my lips tighten into a disapproving frown and was glad Marius' eyes were closed. I would have said something if I didn't respect Marius' opinion so much. I did humph a bit to make it obvious I had heard the title and wasn't pleased.
Tim looked surprised. Over whether Marius knew or whether there had been a conversation or that Zain had been cooperative in the least, I couldn't guess. He still looked scared to death, so I squeezed his arm.
"Marius has your back. He'll watch you closer than I do." I laughed partially because it was true and partially because I didn't like how pale he was. I was rather worried he would throw up on my shoes if he didn't throw himself out of the carriage.
He didn't say or do anything for several minutes which felt like hours. He just got stiffer and stiffer until finally he nodded, his shoulders falling. He looked rather glum, but I'd learned that anything was better than panic, so I patted his arm once more and turned away.
"I can tell them to stop the carriage if you wish. I was planning to stop in a few hours, to eat, but we can spare some time. I only said we're coming tonight, I didn't quite specify the time." He smiled a bit again, to himself. "Though I'm sure Brek will ask me what kept us for so long even if we get there a minute after the time he thinks it should take us."
I frowned. "Should I recognize that name?"
He nodded slowly. "I believe you know of him as lord Elgan, the War Chief of Merillial.. I know he's been to Eajra, but I'm not sure if you ever met."
I nodded, relieved that I did know who he was talking about. "Oh yes. I only spoke to him when we were introduced, but I know of him."
"Mm.. I'm fairly sure you'll get to talk these days.. I told him a bit about you, and he's looking forward to it."
I blushed, hoping it was mostly good things being said. "I'll be looking forward to it then. He's... similar to you, yes? Very good at what he does."
Marius laughed, but turned serious a moment later. "Oh, he's quite good, yes. The kind of person you want to tell things after a few seconds, so make sure not to forget your own talents while observing his." He chuckled. "I suppose we are similar in a way.. though, if I hadn't met him I don't know if I'd be where I am today."
I nodded, digesting his advice and hoping I would be able to use it when I was in the situation. "...What did he do?"
"He visited Barqarnon." He frowned slightly. "Almost thirty years ago, for the first time. He was much, much easier to read back then, but I was much younger and not really able to make use of that fact.. and I was a prince, terribly bored of the expectations people around me had. Meeting a person like him made me decide I wanted to become the same - and eventually better, though that competitive spirit only lasted in the field of swordsmanship."
"So... He was kind of your teacher?" The idea fascinated me.
"In a way.." A smile still played on his lips. "He was never quite aware of it though, as a child I was too proud to ask about how to do things, I'd much rather arrange the situation so they must do something, and then observe how they did it.. it was so with every diplomatic figure which visited Barqarnon, before and after Brek did." His voice trailed off for a moment. "Not all of them do I call my friends today, though."
I was very curious now to actually talk to this Lord Elgan. "Isn't it a bit risky to call him your friend?" I asked softly, wondering what kind of relationship would make him say something so obvious.
He smiled and looked back out the window. "We've still got a long way to go, and we'll busy as soon as we get to castle. You'll want the sleep more than stories when we get there."
I took the hint with a resigned nod but couldn't help a sigh. "Good idea," I murmured and tucked my legs under myself, resting me head on the window. I closed my eyes and fell asleep to the rocking of the carriage.
.~.~.~.~.
I woke with a start as the carriage jolted to a stop. Peering around blearily, I squinted at Marius who was handing Tim a sword and grabbing another for himself from what seemed to be a hollowed compartment in the seats. "What's going on?" I asked, my voice sharpened by alarm as I heard voices outside. "Why have we stopped?"
Tim just looked terrified, but that wasn't much of a hint, really.
I frowned at Marius who was looking out the window. "What's going on?" I asked again.
He put a finger to his lips and left the carriage. I would have huffed at the insult if Tim hadn't slid across the seat, his face set, his movements stiff. He slipped out of the carriage as well, leaving me with the choice to stay or to go. I poked my head out and gasped at the sight of seven rather dirty men on horses surrounding the carriages and promptly shut the door. I would be taking no part of this. I did stay by the window though to make sure I missed nothing too exciting.
Three of the riders approached Marius and Tim. They were talking. It was rather astounding how sound proof this carriage was. Next time I had to talk to someone in private... Marius must've said something they didn't like or maybe they just got bored, but the leader lunged at him with a rusty sword. I put a hand over my mouth to muffle a cry as a thin line of crimson bloomed over the arm of his shirt.
The bandits seemed to multiply then, all converging on the fight. Tim struggled to fight, barely defending himself in time, much less actually wounding any of his opponents. Marius was trying to move towards him, but other bandits blocked his way to Tim. I clenched my teeth and squeezed the fabric of my skirt as he stumbled back and covered my eyes when one of the bandits swung his sword over his head...
I peeked over my hand, praying for the impossible, and watched him- Tim that is, Tim- finish cleaving the man in half. I watched in as much horror as the bandits as Tim- or maybe someone else- grinned and started on the next. Soon, they were fleeing.
Marius stood with two bandits on the ground before him, putting a hand on Tim's shoulder though Tim looked like he was ready to chase after the terrified men.
I leaned against the seat, feeling slightly nauseous. I closed my eyes and heard them enter the carriage again. I tried to compose a bright smile, but I knew it was lacking. "You two must be my heroes now, I suppose," I murmured and studied Tim's face which seemed foreign to me with a fearsome grin on his face. My eyes seemed to get stuck on several blood splatters on his cheek and forehead. I inched away in revulsion and tried to turn to Marius. He looked more uncollected than I had ever seen him though you could tell he was almost calm. "Is your arm alright? I thought I saw one of them draw blood."
He calmed his breathing as he turned to me, nodding and smiling somewhat reassuringly. "Don't worry, Princess. It's just a scratch, I've lived through worse.. are you alright?"
I waved my hand airily, trying to come off as poised but probably failing. "Now that you two are back in here practically unharmed, I'm fine." I looked up at Tim- though I wasn't quite sure why I was still lying to myself- and forced a smile, handing him my handkerchief. "You have some... um..." I waved at my own face in an attempt to to communicate. "On your face."
Zain giggled- which had my eyebrows rising- and dabbed at his face. He stared at the smear of blood now on my handkerchief and smiled.
Marius turned to him as well, his eyes narrowing. "Nice to see you again.. now what made you think doing that was a good idea?"
"I only intended to pary..." He began in quite a serious tone, but couldn't even finish his sentence before he grinned like a wolf again. "Guess I'm a bit stronger than I though."
I was feeling sick again. How could he grin like that when he had just killed someone? He'd saved Tim... Not for affection, I was sure, but probably for something like common interest. He couldn't have the body he lived in losing it's head, I guess.
"And we're certainly glad for that surprise," I murmured without really meaning to say anything.
Marius' eyes glanced in my direction, before locking on Zain's again. "Whatever kind of magic it was, I believe you're smart enough not to use it as we reach Merillial."
I blinked and then realization dawned. How stupid I had been to think mere stength could split a man in half... It must have something to do with the kapa.
He frowned, glaring at Marius with an almost warning expression. "I'm not an idiot. I won't use it when someone's around.. Unless I'm about to get killed, like I was now." He leaned forward a bit towards Marius. "I mean really, giving Tim a sword and letting him fight against bandits?" There was something strangely protective in his expression. "He hasn't used a sword in years."
I watched Zain closely, trying to see if I could peel back a layer, understand him a bit. I gave up with a huff, refocusing on Marius. I probably didn't want to know anyways.
"Then when he decided to leave the carriage and you took over, you could've just used the sword, relaying on your skills with it." he sighed. "Having magic and using magic are different things, and if you get used to using it when you don't need it, it won't end well." Marius' voice was calm, but more authoritative and less friendly than the way he talked before.
I shuddered. We were trusting a psycopath?
Marius was still talking, "How did you get those powers?"
"I told you already, I didn't intend to use it," he growled. "I saw something sharp coming towards me so I reacted." He lowered his voice to a mutter, seeming to calm down. "I didn't know I'd cut right through him." He glanced at me for a moment, seeming to think for a moment before looking back at Marius. "I found a power source," he said with a slight smile.
I glared at him, telling myself if I knew this is what he would get, I wouldn't have gone with him, no matter the threat. I scooted farther away from him.
With another short look in my direction, Marius slowly nodded. "Alright. Keep it a secret if you wish..but listen to me." He lowered his voice. "Uncontrolled magic is dangerous for its owner, more than controlled one for the others. Make sure you know what you're doing before doing anything."
"Yes," he drawled, rolling his eyes. "I can think for myself. I'll learn how to control it soon enough."
"Yes?" Marius raised an eyebrow. "How soon is soon enough? And what will happen if Tim found out?" He shook his head. "I'm not worried about you having magic, I'm used to people having magic around me. I'm worried because you like it too much."
"Tim won't find out. He's too meek to ever try using his full strength.." His eyes narrowed. "And what's wrong with liking power? It worked out pretty well for your brother."
I winced, watching Marius for a reaction.
He stayed calm, watching Zain in silence for a few moments, before smiling a bit. "I like to believe there are some differences between you and my brother. And I assure you, liking power too much can never really work out well."
"We'll just have to see about that, won't we?" he muttered, looking out through the window with eyes that were glowing with something I couldn't quite place.
Silence quickly fell over the carriage as we all looked out at the greenery passing by now that the carriage was moving again.
I sighed, wanting to leave this stuffy little carriage soon. It was too tense now, and I swore I could smell the metallic hint of blood which made my hands itch just to think about. Yes, I wanted to get out, and perhaps run into my mother's arms if we weren't miles apart now.
I shook that thought away. I was not going to be the princess who ran off because I got a little scared. I straightened my shoulders and thought of the future.
.~.~.~.~.~.
The tension of a few hours ago was lost on me. It might have still existed, but I had willed myself not to notice, burying myself in daydreams instead. Excitement coiled within me as I craned my neck for a better view. Ahead of us, gray and rather despressingly similar to Eajra's, was Merillal's castle. We rolled through the gates, and I couldn't quite keep a little titter of happiness to myself.
When the carriage rolled to a stop, I was practically bouncing with excitement. Perhaps Marius thought I was silly. Zain was surely thinking something deragatory if he wasn't fantasizing about drops of blood again. I didn't care. This was a new place with semi-new people though I certainly knew of them and had been introduced to the majority. I hadn't spent days under the same roof- aleit a very large roof- with most of them.
When I stepped down, looking up into the face of the group waiting to welcome us, I couldn't help but think this was the start of some marvelous adventure.
I refused to listen to the doubts whispering, telling me Tim would not act that way. His eyes met mine before I could return to gazing out the window and... I knew. I grimaced, unable to stop myself which was a strange sensation. I thought I had my facial features trained by now. The scum just smirked at me.
I jerked my head away, fisting and relaxing my hands in my lap, trying to enjoy the brand new scenery looking by...
Though it did look very similar to the the scenery some 300 seconds ago.
I glanced at Marius again, afraid that I was slipping into boredom. I cleared my throat as he noticed that I was looking at him. "Ah... How many times have you come this way, Lord Marius?"
He smiled, something much warmer than Zain's. "I've lost count, Princess, but this is only the tenth or so in a carriage with companions."
I leaned forward, interested. "You're often alone, then?" Solitude wasn't something often associated with a diplomat.
"It's simpler to travel alone. More dangerous, perhaps, but one man can hide and run more easily than a group.. besides, when I'm alone, I only have a very loose schedule to follow. I can allow myself to leave the road and explore some interesting place, and then skip lunch the next day to get to my destination in time. When you have company, you can't be that selfish."
That sounded fantastic. In fact, even more marvelous than just leaving the kingdom. "What kind of interesting places?"
He smiled slightly. "All kinds, really... there are a lot more little villages along the roads than you're probably aware of. Some parts of this country - and it's much alike with all the countries - almost resemble little kingdoms. They follow the laws, of course, and serve the Queen, but function as closed little communities, with legends and customs completely different from what you're used to."
I grinned. Just another reason to be a diplomat. "That sounds wonderful," I breathed, forgetting myself for a moment. I shook myself, blushing at his soft chuckle. "Can't hide it, I guess."
I frowned at T- Zain when he muttered a word that wasn't supposed to be said in the presense of a lady even if that lady protested that she didn't care on a fairly frequent basis. He rubbed his head and looked so much like Tim might that I almost reached out and touched him then he looked up.
It was Tim.
My lips parted in shock.
"Rea." His tone was not that of yesterday morning. It was soft and frightened. I did pat his arm reassuringly then. "Where are we?" He glanced at Marius who was studying him closely.
I watched as he cowered back and withheld a sigh. It did little to get impatient with poor Tim, and Marius had done anything for me to get defensive over, so I cooed in the gentlest voice I could, "On our way to Merillial, Tim. For the wedding?" Or had Zain been in control the whole time? Did Tim even know he'd been invited?
"Wh-wh-what?" His coloring did not look very reassuring, and he pressed himself against the door, glancing at the window as if he'd rather been outside.
"You know the Princess of Barqarnon and the Prince of Merillial are getting married? Everyone's been talking about it? Marius invited you the other day?" The blank look on his face worried me.
"Don't worry." His voice was just a murmur, and he was watching Tim like he would someone armed. I was just glad he was talking. "Princess Lierre is my niece, and your mother agreed it would be nice if you two came along to Merillial with me. We should get there by the evening, and stay for a few days...Think of it as vacation."
"It's exciting," I said cheerfully, trying to draw out something of a smile or even just a moment where he was relaxed. "Potentially adventure material."
My words seemed to have the opposite effect. His eyes got a little wider, his face a little paler if that was possible.
...Perhaps adventure had been the wrong word. Tim wasn't that adventerous...
"Er..." I wondered where he went when Zain was around. It must be hard to share a brain. A head's not big enough for two. "It'll be okay, Tim. You'll see. I'll watch out for you, and..." I glanced at Marius. "We all know that if you really need it some... help will come." I wrinkled my nose, hating myself for even thinking that pest could be of help.
Marius sighed silently. "Your sister is right, my Prince. You don't have to worry about anything - whatever happens, if anything happens at all, I'll be there to make sure no one noticed." He smiled a bit. "And I'm fairly good in making sure no one notices things which I'd rather to go unnoticed." He glanced at both of us, before leaning back and closing his eyes. "Besides, I talked to the other prince, and I dare to say you have nothing to stress over."
I felt my lips tighten into a disapproving frown and was glad Marius' eyes were closed. I would have said something if I didn't respect Marius' opinion so much. I did humph a bit to make it obvious I had heard the title and wasn't pleased.
Tim looked surprised. Over whether Marius knew or whether there had been a conversation or that Zain had been cooperative in the least, I couldn't guess. He still looked scared to death, so I squeezed his arm.
"Marius has your back. He'll watch you closer than I do." I laughed partially because it was true and partially because I didn't like how pale he was. I was rather worried he would throw up on my shoes if he didn't throw himself out of the carriage.
He didn't say or do anything for several minutes which felt like hours. He just got stiffer and stiffer until finally he nodded, his shoulders falling. He looked rather glum, but I'd learned that anything was better than panic, so I patted his arm once more and turned away.
"I can tell them to stop the carriage if you wish. I was planning to stop in a few hours, to eat, but we can spare some time. I only said we're coming tonight, I didn't quite specify the time." He smiled a bit again, to himself. "Though I'm sure Brek will ask me what kept us for so long even if we get there a minute after the time he thinks it should take us."
I frowned. "Should I recognize that name?"
He nodded slowly. "I believe you know of him as lord Elgan, the War Chief of Merillial.. I know he's been to Eajra, but I'm not sure if you ever met."
I nodded, relieved that I did know who he was talking about. "Oh yes. I only spoke to him when we were introduced, but I know of him."
"Mm.. I'm fairly sure you'll get to talk these days.. I told him a bit about you, and he's looking forward to it."
I blushed, hoping it was mostly good things being said. "I'll be looking forward to it then. He's... similar to you, yes? Very good at what he does."
Marius laughed, but turned serious a moment later. "Oh, he's quite good, yes. The kind of person you want to tell things after a few seconds, so make sure not to forget your own talents while observing his." He chuckled. "I suppose we are similar in a way.. though, if I hadn't met him I don't know if I'd be where I am today."
I nodded, digesting his advice and hoping I would be able to use it when I was in the situation. "...What did he do?"
"He visited Barqarnon." He frowned slightly. "Almost thirty years ago, for the first time. He was much, much easier to read back then, but I was much younger and not really able to make use of that fact.. and I was a prince, terribly bored of the expectations people around me had. Meeting a person like him made me decide I wanted to become the same - and eventually better, though that competitive spirit only lasted in the field of swordsmanship."
"So... He was kind of your teacher?" The idea fascinated me.
"In a way.." A smile still played on his lips. "He was never quite aware of it though, as a child I was too proud to ask about how to do things, I'd much rather arrange the situation so they must do something, and then observe how they did it.. it was so with every diplomatic figure which visited Barqarnon, before and after Brek did." His voice trailed off for a moment. "Not all of them do I call my friends today, though."
I was very curious now to actually talk to this Lord Elgan. "Isn't it a bit risky to call him your friend?" I asked softly, wondering what kind of relationship would make him say something so obvious.
He smiled and looked back out the window. "We've still got a long way to go, and we'll busy as soon as we get to castle. You'll want the sleep more than stories when we get there."
I took the hint with a resigned nod but couldn't help a sigh. "Good idea," I murmured and tucked my legs under myself, resting me head on the window. I closed my eyes and fell asleep to the rocking of the carriage.
.~.~.~.~.
I woke with a start as the carriage jolted to a stop. Peering around blearily, I squinted at Marius who was handing Tim a sword and grabbing another for himself from what seemed to be a hollowed compartment in the seats. "What's going on?" I asked, my voice sharpened by alarm as I heard voices outside. "Why have we stopped?"
Tim just looked terrified, but that wasn't much of a hint, really.
I frowned at Marius who was looking out the window. "What's going on?" I asked again.
He put a finger to his lips and left the carriage. I would have huffed at the insult if Tim hadn't slid across the seat, his face set, his movements stiff. He slipped out of the carriage as well, leaving me with the choice to stay or to go. I poked my head out and gasped at the sight of seven rather dirty men on horses surrounding the carriages and promptly shut the door. I would be taking no part of this. I did stay by the window though to make sure I missed nothing too exciting.
Three of the riders approached Marius and Tim. They were talking. It was rather astounding how sound proof this carriage was. Next time I had to talk to someone in private... Marius must've said something they didn't like or maybe they just got bored, but the leader lunged at him with a rusty sword. I put a hand over my mouth to muffle a cry as a thin line of crimson bloomed over the arm of his shirt.
The bandits seemed to multiply then, all converging on the fight. Tim struggled to fight, barely defending himself in time, much less actually wounding any of his opponents. Marius was trying to move towards him, but other bandits blocked his way to Tim. I clenched my teeth and squeezed the fabric of my skirt as he stumbled back and covered my eyes when one of the bandits swung his sword over his head...
I peeked over my hand, praying for the impossible, and watched him- Tim that is, Tim- finish cleaving the man in half. I watched in as much horror as the bandits as Tim- or maybe someone else- grinned and started on the next. Soon, they were fleeing.
Marius stood with two bandits on the ground before him, putting a hand on Tim's shoulder though Tim looked like he was ready to chase after the terrified men.
I leaned against the seat, feeling slightly nauseous. I closed my eyes and heard them enter the carriage again. I tried to compose a bright smile, but I knew it was lacking. "You two must be my heroes now, I suppose," I murmured and studied Tim's face which seemed foreign to me with a fearsome grin on his face. My eyes seemed to get stuck on several blood splatters on his cheek and forehead. I inched away in revulsion and tried to turn to Marius. He looked more uncollected than I had ever seen him though you could tell he was almost calm. "Is your arm alright? I thought I saw one of them draw blood."
He calmed his breathing as he turned to me, nodding and smiling somewhat reassuringly. "Don't worry, Princess. It's just a scratch, I've lived through worse.. are you alright?"
I waved my hand airily, trying to come off as poised but probably failing. "Now that you two are back in here practically unharmed, I'm fine." I looked up at Tim- though I wasn't quite sure why I was still lying to myself- and forced a smile, handing him my handkerchief. "You have some... um..." I waved at my own face in an attempt to to communicate. "On your face."
Zain giggled- which had my eyebrows rising- and dabbed at his face. He stared at the smear of blood now on my handkerchief and smiled.
Marius turned to him as well, his eyes narrowing. "Nice to see you again.. now what made you think doing that was a good idea?"
"I only intended to pary..." He began in quite a serious tone, but couldn't even finish his sentence before he grinned like a wolf again. "Guess I'm a bit stronger than I though."
I was feeling sick again. How could he grin like that when he had just killed someone? He'd saved Tim... Not for affection, I was sure, but probably for something like common interest. He couldn't have the body he lived in losing it's head, I guess.
"And we're certainly glad for that surprise," I murmured without really meaning to say anything.
Marius' eyes glanced in my direction, before locking on Zain's again. "Whatever kind of magic it was, I believe you're smart enough not to use it as we reach Merillial."
I blinked and then realization dawned. How stupid I had been to think mere stength could split a man in half... It must have something to do with the kapa.
He frowned, glaring at Marius with an almost warning expression. "I'm not an idiot. I won't use it when someone's around.. Unless I'm about to get killed, like I was now." He leaned forward a bit towards Marius. "I mean really, giving Tim a sword and letting him fight against bandits?" There was something strangely protective in his expression. "He hasn't used a sword in years."
I watched Zain closely, trying to see if I could peel back a layer, understand him a bit. I gave up with a huff, refocusing on Marius. I probably didn't want to know anyways.
"Then when he decided to leave the carriage and you took over, you could've just used the sword, relaying on your skills with it." he sighed. "Having magic and using magic are different things, and if you get used to using it when you don't need it, it won't end well." Marius' voice was calm, but more authoritative and less friendly than the way he talked before.
I shuddered. We were trusting a psycopath?
Marius was still talking, "How did you get those powers?"
"I told you already, I didn't intend to use it," he growled. "I saw something sharp coming towards me so I reacted." He lowered his voice to a mutter, seeming to calm down. "I didn't know I'd cut right through him." He glanced at me for a moment, seeming to think for a moment before looking back at Marius. "I found a power source," he said with a slight smile.
I glared at him, telling myself if I knew this is what he would get, I wouldn't have gone with him, no matter the threat. I scooted farther away from him.
With another short look in my direction, Marius slowly nodded. "Alright. Keep it a secret if you wish..but listen to me." He lowered his voice. "Uncontrolled magic is dangerous for its owner, more than controlled one for the others. Make sure you know what you're doing before doing anything."
"Yes," he drawled, rolling his eyes. "I can think for myself. I'll learn how to control it soon enough."
"Yes?" Marius raised an eyebrow. "How soon is soon enough? And what will happen if Tim found out?" He shook his head. "I'm not worried about you having magic, I'm used to people having magic around me. I'm worried because you like it too much."
"Tim won't find out. He's too meek to ever try using his full strength.." His eyes narrowed. "And what's wrong with liking power? It worked out pretty well for your brother."
I winced, watching Marius for a reaction.
He stayed calm, watching Zain in silence for a few moments, before smiling a bit. "I like to believe there are some differences between you and my brother. And I assure you, liking power too much can never really work out well."
"We'll just have to see about that, won't we?" he muttered, looking out through the window with eyes that were glowing with something I couldn't quite place.
Silence quickly fell over the carriage as we all looked out at the greenery passing by now that the carriage was moving again.
I sighed, wanting to leave this stuffy little carriage soon. It was too tense now, and I swore I could smell the metallic hint of blood which made my hands itch just to think about. Yes, I wanted to get out, and perhaps run into my mother's arms if we weren't miles apart now.
I shook that thought away. I was not going to be the princess who ran off because I got a little scared. I straightened my shoulders and thought of the future.
.~.~.~.~.~.
The tension of a few hours ago was lost on me. It might have still existed, but I had willed myself not to notice, burying myself in daydreams instead. Excitement coiled within me as I craned my neck for a better view. Ahead of us, gray and rather despressingly similar to Eajra's, was Merillal's castle. We rolled through the gates, and I couldn't quite keep a little titter of happiness to myself.
When the carriage rolled to a stop, I was practically bouncing with excitement. Perhaps Marius thought I was silly. Zain was surely thinking something deragatory if he wasn't fantasizing about drops of blood again. I didn't care. This was a new place with semi-new people though I certainly knew of them and had been introduced to the majority. I hadn't spent days under the same roof- aleit a very large roof- with most of them.
When I stepped down, looking up into the face of the group waiting to welcome us, I couldn't help but think this was the start of some marvelous adventure.
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