Lore: Upon The Heels of War

Post by **Emora Deen** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 9:56 pm

Rai looked up when Blade announced himself and giggled, clapping her hands. "Its Blade! And he is bigger than me! No fair! Why did he get to grow up and I didn't!" She looked at her father with a frown on her face, folding her arms in the cutest fashion.

* * *

Tenele's heart was thudding in her chest and she found herself shaking with excitement. He seemed to be just as she was, stumped for anything to say. Good-bye's had never been her thing. So she decided to take the silent approach. There before all the onlookers on the city streets she stepped forward quickly, pressing herself to his chest and leaning upwards. She kissed him passionately, knowing no other way to express how she felt. Words at the moment were not her thing. At the moment actions were speaking for more clearly than anything she could ever hope to say.

Post by **Soran Nightblade** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 10:04 pm

Sinead studied the interactions of the family before her, and considered Blade's words. "If you are, in fact, the Prince of your people, explain to me why you see fit to infiltrate my palace unannounced and speak to me with such insolence," she demanded. The queen's voice was no longer a calm wind, but a harsh storm. The guards made no move to unhand any of them.

* * *

Vlad gratefully accepted Tenele's lips in place of all the awkward words that cluttered his throat. He embraced her, and had to concentrate not to squeeze her too hard. It felt good, so good to hold her. Breaking her kiss, he pulled her head against his shoulder, drawing heavy breaths. "There's a prisoner in the dungeon who thinks I'm in love with you," he said breathlessly.

Post by **Emora Deen** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 10:09 pm

Tenele smiled as he held her, leaning into him as much as possible.... She never wanted him to let go. She smiled to herself as she listened to his voice. "Well..." she said softly. "There must be some reason he thinks that. What do you think it might be?" she asked, hoping he would say that it was because he did love her. However, she was no longer getting her hopes up. She was used to him denying it and knew that even now he would deny it. There was no way he would ever love a human... Though, she knew she would always love him. He was the first man to ever steal her heart.

* * *

Rai looked around at all the people who seemed to be talking about things that she still didn't understand. She was too little and, though she understood somethings, it was all still very confusing to her.

Mizuki · Post by **Mizuki** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 10:12 pm

"I see fit, your Majesty, because I had a vision you would execute my father without proper proof of the devastation of Hepian. Well I'll give you your proof," He managed to jerk himself out of the grip of the guards holding him and came forward towards the Queen, near to his father. Mizuki, cried in joy and fear, quietly pleading to the guards to let her see her son, but they would not move.

"I saw Hepian. Devastated and burned to the ground, its people massacred and stray Arken soldiers still haunting its charred remains. If anything at all, you should be honoring them, your Majesty, they evacuated the survivors and led them to safety! My people have been alerted and are now arming themselves against Arken, and you pass a judgment on those who saw fit to warn you. I saw your squadron and allow me to warn you, they will be dissolved the moment they enter Hepian's sights. My sincere apologies for coming unannounced, but I only saw in the interests of my family." His wings twitched in aggitation.

Post by **Soran Nightblade** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 10:19 pm

Sinead stared at Blade closely, weighing his words. One moment he was wailing for his mother like a child, and then next he behaved with the poise of a monarch. She needed an explanation, but eased up because of his youth. "You claim to be the son of these two, and yet be the heir to your race? I am familiar with Dark Angelic tradition. Interbreeding is not taken lightly, and I can not resolve how one of your kind was born of these two," she said gently.

Mizuki · Post by **Mizuki** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 10:27 pm

Steely faced, he explained without hesitation. "My father was Gabriel. In the agony of losing his first wife and with the devastation of the plague upon my people, he searched for a cure... and a miracle. He found it, and found my mother," he pointed to Mizuki whose heart elated. "My mother was his wife in a past life, and he imposed himself upon her without much thought. Crude, but he was in pain and I hold no grudge on his soul... completely. It was only up until a few months before the attack on Hepian did my mother see fit to send me back to my people, for my own safety. My people accepted me as Prince only because they valued Gabriel as a savior. Any of his blood deserve to be treated justly... and they needed a leader. Soran is my father; he accepted me and loves my mother, so much he'll die for her safety. And you are about to fulfill his hearts vow and send my mother and dear sister into despair. I plead their innocents and to the truth on their behalf."

Post by **Soran Nightblade** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 10:29 pm

Vlad closed his eyes and breathed in the scent of Tenele's hair. He wanted to melt into it. What the hell did that mean? "I don't know," he whispered into her ear and her mind at the same time. I believe I do, but I'm not ready. Six hundred years and I'm not ready," he spoke quietly. "Promise to return to me, Maiden Girl.

"Try to come back, and I will try to become ready. Tenele."

These last were spoken into her mind only, as the vampire's tight embrace dissolved into air. Vlad didn't know how to let her go, so he hadn't. Inside on the seat of her chariot, however, was a blood-red rose.

* * *

Sinead looked at Blade with fresh respect. Now he was giving names she recognized. "I had not been aware of Gaberial's death," she said. "If I trust in your testimony on the country of Hepian, and overlook your invasion of my palace during wartime, there is still a question. What of this man's prior sins? What of the thousands of lives he took in the service of my enemy? Do you know of them, young prince?"

Soran cast Blade a look as if pleading for him to stop.

Post by **Emora Deen** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 10:36 pm

Tenele stood there for a long moment after he had disappeared. She blinked away the tears that were forming in her eyes and tried to with hold the urge to jump up and down in excitement. He loved her... Is that what he meant? She couldn't be sure but she felt that is exactly what he meant. She turned and made her way back to the charriot. Just as she stepped onto the steps the driver pulled off, hurring to catch up with the caravan. She climbed inside and was about to sit when she saw the red rose on the seat. With a smile on her lips she reached out and took the rose, holding it in her hand as she looked out the window. She couldn't force the smile from her lips. She couldn't make it go away... and her heart just kept pounding.

He loved her.

The army left the city heading north to the mountains where they would soon greet an army far more massive than they could imagine. They would greet a threat that could possibly wipe them out. The odds were slim and non riding north could forsee that.

Mizuki · Post by **Mizuki** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 10:39 pm

Blade shook his head. "I only know he loves my mother, he has never put a hand against her or any other, but to protect his family. That is all it has ever been."

Post by **Soran Nightblade** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 11:03 pm

Sinead looked at Soran, who met her eyes with a steady, intense gaze. She could see it written all over him: "Please don't blame them for this." "They aren't like me." There was so much self-loathing in this man's expression that it made her wonder if everything the others said was true. Had he just been born in the wrong place? Could a person truly change after killing so many, and live a peaceful life? Did he deserve to? The elf didn't appear to think so. She pondered her own opinion. Ten minutes earlier, she'd known her decision. Did these others deserve to suffer? Would killing him really dissolve a threat to her kingdom?

Soran stared at Sinead, different from the only other Queen he'd been acquainted with, but still fiercely powerful. Standing before her shirtless, with his arms drawn taut by guards, he was conscious of how powerless he was. He hated it. "Queen, my family is innocent. Kill me if you want, but please leave them unhurt," he managed to say.

Sinead looked him in the eyes. "Unfortunately, Soran Nightblade, that is impossible," she said with a wistful smile.

Soran's throat worked. "What are you saying?"

"I'm saying that it's apparent to me, in this company, that I could not possibly kill you and also leave your family unhurt. This young prince speaks wisely. Your family is innocent; I do not with to punish them. For that reason, I will spare your life."

Soran felt the arms that were pinning him release, and the bond on his hands was cut. He stepped forward, and didn't need much help falling to one knee. "Queen Sinead," he said, not bowing but gazing straight ahead, "For your mercy, and for the future of this country, I am loyal to you."

"I am happy to have such allies," Sinead said, her gaze travelling over all of them. "Guards, you may release them."

Post by **Emora Deen** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 11:08 pm

Rai giggled with excitement and ran foward. She dodged some of the guards that tried to stop her. It was easy since she was so small. She flew at the Queen and wrapped her arms around the woman's legs. She gave the Queen a tight hug and did not let go, looking up at the woman with the biggest smile on her face.

Mizuki · Post by **Mizuki** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 11:13 pm

Mizuki, feeling the hands release, took no time in rushing up to her son and scooping hi up in her arms. Immediantly, Blade lost his diplomatic nature and hugged his mother back in earnest. Mizuki kissed his face.

"You're alive you're alive you're alive!" Was all she could think to say.

"You're...well..." Blade said, through his mother's practically crushing embrace. But he was elatedly happy that he was reunited with her.

"I've missed you." She held him without the intention of letting him go. "You're so big now, and you saved your father's life! You're brave... my young little Prince..." She cried desparately trying to control herself but not exactly wanting to. "Soran have you seen Blade! He was so brave! Oh thank the Gods!"

"Mama! You're gonna crush my lungs!" Blade laughed, "And you're making me look unprince-ly."

Post by **Soran Nightblade** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 11:35 pm

Soran glanced at Mizuki hugging Blade, but it was hard to take his attention off the sight of his daughter squeezing against Queen Sinead's leg. Sinead had crouched down next to her and was giving her a motherly tweak on the nose. The rogue couldn't believe it. He just stared, his mouth parting slightly.

Sinead scooped Rai up on her arm and smiled at her. She was aware of Soran's reaction. "Mister Nightblade, if you leave my castle knowing nothing else about Ighten, know this." She met his eye. "I am not my sister."

A bemused smile slowly rose to Soran's lips. "I see that," he agreed. He was alive. His family was alive. Finally allowing himself to believe it, he felt a thrill of excitement go through him. Sinead set Rai back down, and Soran extended his arms to his brave daughter proudly.

Post by **Emora Deen** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 11:38 pm

Rai ran to her father and jumped into his arms, hugging him tightly with a giggle. "I'm glad everything worked out okay.... Daddy, when I grow up can I be like the Queen?" she asked, grinning wildly.

Post by **Soran Nightblade** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 12:05 am

"I might allow that," Soran said, glancing at Sinead. He lifted Rai up and hugged her tightly. He'd thought he might not get to hold her again, now he wasn't letting go. He turned to Mizuki and Blade and went to them. "Have you gotten taller?" he questioned the boy. Apparently cheerful sarcasm was a side effect of the rogue's overwhelming relief.