Post by Gem Hawksong on Dec 31, 2010 17:47:04 GMT 10
It was so boring being who I was. no one really looked up to me, though they were all meant to. That got more than a little frustrating for me. I knew that there were things like this that I would never be used to the way my parents were. Then again, I was not all that much like my parents. Not that I cared. It was about time that there was someone different around to rule this land and bring it back out of the shadows that Lindan Marcos had created.
My strength came from the sun, for the Sun Dragon was my own dragon. Now though I was happier than I had been in a while. Finding somewhere among the freshly fallen autumn leaves under a greaqt old oak tree, I sat down, lying in them and closed my eyes to listen to things around me.
Auraka Lamya
Heels lightly pressed into the dark stallions sides, his touch light on the bit for they knew and understood each other well.
"Good boy Iluntasuna," he murmered, hand brushing the thick stallions neck as he paused, looking around where it was. It felt like years since he had last been in the city, but merely it had been months.
A smile upon his face, he started forth once more only to pause and look down from the high horses saddle.
"Hello," he said in surprise, seeing a young woman, who looked like a girl, resting under the huge oak tree.
She sighed as she stayed where she was. It was pleasent out here, and she knew that she would be left alone for long enough that she would be able to relax and get back the energy spent today. Just when she was nearly back to normal, she heard the unmistakable sound of a horse coming towards her.
Her eyes fluttered open she leapt up onto her feet, looking at him regally. "Strangers in these parts are not a common thing. Who are you?" She would not give up her name easily. It clear though that she was of noble birth.
Auraka Lamya
He did not stutter in his words, though he guessed by the air around her that she was of some high level birth. A sigh escped in his mind, though not allowed, he disliked having to deal with royal brats.
He eyed her again, pondering on something, she seemed different from the others.
"I am General Auraka Lamya, coming home after long months on the border," he introduced himself, dismounting so that he was at her level, or at least closer then it. His tall frame seemed huge beside her, making her seem frail.
He paused, something clicking in his mind.
"Ah..my lady," he added, guessing she would get annoyed if he did not show the proper respect.
She smiled. "You're quicker than some, General." That was the truth though, and I knew it. At least there was one person smart here. "I've not seen you before, but then again for several years I was hidden in Adurna.." It explained why I did not know his face at all. Though maybe I would get to know him more. "Ever heard of the Hawkblades?" They were new, only just started since my return a fournight ago. I was always looking for new people to add to them.
He though seemed to have what I was looking for at the moment for the group. A high rank was not really needed, but it was clear he was trusted. My father whould have made him a general.
Auraka Lamya
He flashed her a modest smile, brushing off the comment and refusing to allow it to get to his head.
He was smart and quick, it was the reason he was so young and such a high rank.
"I only moved here recently, I come from Taror orignally," he explained before nodding his head "of course I have heard of the Hawkblades, or at least the rumors of them."
He chuckled lightly, remembering the words and rumors which had been passed around the camp sites at the forests edge.
He shifted where he stood, giving Iluntasuna shoulder a firm pat telling him he was able to gaze and smiled at Gem.
"May I have the delight of learning your name?" he questioned
She looked at him, thinking for a few minutes and pondering the question he had asked her. It was true that people did talk about the Hawkblades, but that was only because she had let them be known about to most people around her. It was no easy thing, being the one who created a group like that. So many things could go wrong from time to time.
"You may. My name is Princess Gemstarzah Vestelle Hawksong, heir to the throne. Though most call me Gem really." She smiled. He was certainly nice.
Auraka Lamya
He sat across from her with ease, used to the gentle silence of the forest and waited for her reply.
"Well Gem," he said with a boyish grin "it is a pleasure to meet you."
Shifting his weight upon the comfortable grass floors, he studied her in silence.
"So...is there a reason you asked of my knowledge of the Hawkblades?" he questioned in earnst, wanting to know the reason she had mentioned it. He wasn't so up himself that he thought she would offer him a position, but he still did wonder.
“You probably know that the Hawkblades are a group whose members are chosen by me alone. There are things I am constantly looking out for. You I believe have the talents I look for, therefore you have a position there, if you'll take it, Auraka Lamya.” I smiled at him. It was a very generous offer for me to make.
And not one made often. That was something everyone knew that was in the group of fighters.
Auraka Lamya
He blinked, staring at her in surprise. He blinked again, allowing the words to drill into his mind.
He wanted to say yes, simple as that. But sadly, for one of such a rank, it wasn't that simple.
"I would be honoured, to" he said after a moment silent thought, though he knew once he let the boys back home know...well they weren't going to be happy to loose their rising superstar. It was rare to make such a leap, yet at such a young age.
He twiddled with a stick between his fingers, thinking in the quiet forest.
"I don't mean to seem ungrateful...but I must wonder why you have chosen me?" he asked after a moment "I mean...we just met and you have no ideas of my abilty."
“You're wrong, Auraka. I know much more of you than you realise. And I know that though they will be a little disappointed, they would be pleased to hear that you are in my personal guard. Ever heard of the rare gifts that some elves get? Like foresight and mind reading? One of those is my own.”
It was pretty clear which was the one I had in my mind at the moment. Only few elves, and all from Taror, ever had the mind reading ability. I was yet to figure out just why that happened to be so. Eventually though, I knew that my cousin, Drannor would come around and tell me.
“As for why you, well, there is a rumour I have heard, that you cannot be beaten in a fair fight when it comes to your sword. The Hawkblades are made of the most elite warriors we have among our people. I happen to be the one who decides who gets into that group and who does not. Only one who can outsmart me, in a duel can join.”
I did not say however, that I knew he would be able to. Purely from him whacking my over the head too, that would be what lost me the match. “Come to the sparring grounds and give it a try. You never know if something is worth doing for the first time unless you actually do it.”
Auraka Lamya
He studied her closely, surprised she knew he had a gift he didn't even know he had. True, he had never been beaten in battle. Even from the first time he lifted a sword, it felt natural in his hands.
But he had never tried to put a name to it, he had taken it as a word from the gods and treated it with care, taking care to loose a battle here for there so not to draw attention to it.
"I have heard of such gifts...and that your family is filled with talents," he smiled warmly "and I would be honoured to fight against one such as you."
He had heard of her abilty and knew it would be a challege at last, also her swordswork was far above most others of their kind.
I smiled as I looked at him with bright eyes. “I need a challenge every now and again.” That was something that was true for all elves. Else we got complacent and lazy about training and keeping our abilities at a good level. So much was possible when it came to me.
I looked towards the forest and smiled. “Shall we go?” This was going to be a very interesting fight for me. I knew that for once, I would be the one who lost. A thing that I was not pleased about, though this was hidden perfectly from my face. He really would have to fight hard if he wanted me to lose.
Auraka Lamya
He grinned, unable to say no to a challenge.
"Of course," he said, calling his ebony hued stallion over "good boy Iluntasuna."
He gently rubbed the soft nose, mounting before looking down at Gem "Want a ride?" he asked, calming the prancing stallion with a light touch of his hand.
He looked up at the sky, feeling the dappled sunlight upon his weathered features.
Auraka Lamya
He nodded, hearing the truth in her powerful words. Even though she was young herself, he could sense she would do great things. The power behind her words already held trust and hope for the future. The voice of a true leader.
Waiting for her, his attention was drawn to the sky. A dragon. A white dragon, seeming larger then the never ending sky itself, called the eyes to her.
Gaelira.
The only sun dragon known alive.
"Greetings powerful keeper of the sky," he said, bowing low to the stunning beast "rare it has been to meet one such as you."
"A long time has it been since my hatch day, Auraka. Though for many of the years I hid out of sight, for no one to know about. Then Gem turned of age, and I came here straight away. That was only a dozen suns ago that we met."
I smiled. “No prouder rider could there be,” I added. “Though I never saw you coming, Gaelira.”
That was something that completely amazed me. However I knew that a purple dragon was making his way here now.
I started moving though again, and this time I did not stop until we reached the wide open training grounds. A male elf came striding towards me immediately.
“La stella lusin ni fin gia, Llye Amusa Gem Hawksong,” he said, bowing politely.
“Drannor.”
Auraka Lamya
He smiled his boyish grin, standing tall after his bow and looking at the dragon with awe in his orbs. How he wished he could complete his life with one such as her.
His stride paused though, as did the stallion at his shoulder, bowing slightly to the elf. Indeed, he looked no different from the first time he had seen him.
"La stealla lusin ni fin gia du lye engame, eldoran Drannor," he greeted the slightly older elf, the one who was to be his leader.
"I am Auraka Lamya," he said easily with a smile
"Nice to meet you, Auraka.” Drannor smiled, inclining his head. “I remember you, from a long time ago.” He then turned his attention to Gem, knowing I had a reason for greeting him.
“Thats good to know,” I replied. “Drannor, I know you are the Captain of my Hawkblades, therefore it is a good thing that you are here.” There were things that needed to be seen to now, by him.
“Why would that be, cousin?”
“I have offered Auraka, a place in the Hawkblades. As you are the leader, well, under me of course, you are supposed to be present when this takes place.”
“Indeed I am. It was good timing on your part, I was on my way out of here actually.”
“I'm always well timed you know that.”
Auraka Lamya
He smiled "yes, we grew up in the same town." He said, taking care not to mention the town name just in case it wasnt common knowledge. Some did not like to wide-spread it.
He paid attention to the words between the two, though it was quickly captured by something. A large dragon.
Deep purple scales run the length of his body long mascular body, strong wings tuck to his side neatly making him seem a lot smaller then he truly was. Though, compared to Gaelira, he was slimmer and small by far. In all, he seemed a fair dragon.
A long tounge flickered out of his maw, much as a snakes did. His deep purple eyes lowering with his head towards Auraka, who stood staring in awe.
Auraka a deep voice hummed, the tounge flickering again.
"Yes," he said out loud, wondering where the voice came from.
Ahh...my rider, at last
Auraka blinked, surprised beyond belief and more confused them anything. What had the creature called him?
'About time you came along, my freind,' Gaelira said, looking over at the purple dragon. Too bad she was already busy when it came to a mate. For that was Veer, though she liked Rasjar very much. 'Auraka, he is your dragon, which means, you are like Gem and I, to put it bluntly.' She did not adress someone directly other than Gem very often. 'I believe Gem want's your attention by the way.'
“Greetings, Moon Dragon,” Gem said, smiling at him. Then she looked at Auraka. “You ready?” It was obvious what she meant at the moment. It was time for their little duel. She'd already drawn her sword.
Auraka Lamya
He still stared blankly at the dragon before him, words around him not making sense. But finally, Gaelira brought him to senses. His princess was waiting for their duel.
"Ah...okay.." he said after a moment, for once in his life shocked.
Shaking his head to clear it, he nodded to Drannor once before pulling his sword from the saddle.
"Ready?" he asked, moving into the center of the clearing, pushing all thoughts of the purple dragon to the back of his mind, only something years of training could allow.
Greetings princess hummed the purple dragon to Gem, settling beside Gaelira to watch the duel unfold. Finally, years of searching were over.
I crouched, my light blue eyes closed as I waited. I knew that he would be the first to strike, they always were that way when I did not attack immediately. There was no chance that he would gain the upper hand easily. I knew what I was doing.
"En gaurde, Auraka," I said, knowing that this was going to get interesting soon. I knew that Drannor would try and get in my head, but there was no chance of that. It was too well sheilded at the moment.
Auraka Lamya
He did not fight like the other quick-paced learners who were still at the lower ranks, he knew how to calm his mind and let his 'gift' take control.
His eyes closed, his mind set only where she was and his breathing patterns. He would wait for her to attack, though he doubted she would want to attack first. He was content to just stand here, waiting.
She stood there, mind focused on his own. There was no doubt in her mind that he would likely just stand there until she eventually gave in.
Well, two could play at that game. She was vaguely aware of other elves coming in their direction to watch. That was only expected. Her father amongst them.
That was something that she had not anticipated. To have the king see her defeated would not be fair at all. That was when her frustration showeed and she leapt at Auraka. Her eyes opened, with a burning concentration, watching as her sword slashed out towards him.
Auraka Lamya
Calm he reminded himself, concentraing purely on her but slowly taking notice of the other coming to watch the new elf and their princess battle. Slowly, it registed that the king himself was here.
She lept at him, and he neatly side-stepped the attack and his orbs flashed opened with a grin. Time to start the battle.
His movements were graceful, neat as one leap. His sword lifted, the muscles in his back clearly showing though the tight tunic, and he lowered it into one powerful blow. He trusted his abilty, he wouldn't kill her for that was not his motive. She might gain a few bruises, but that was all.
Though, he doubted the king would want to see his daughter harmed. Another thought flittered to his mind, thinking about throwing the game so not to embarress her infront of her people.
Dont... came the purple dragons words its a test, don't fail.
“Don't even think about doing that, Auraka.” He should have known that I would know what he had thought about planning to do. “Father's seen me beaten before, he's used to it. I heal quick.” I dodged the attack though, sending one of my own. It was clear that while I was using this match for practise, I did not really need it. I knew what I was doing with the sword in my hand.
My father chuckled appreciately at my words. “She's right, young man. Too many times to count.”
I blushed, and as a result lost my concentration for a few moments. If he was smart, he'd strike now.
Auraka Lamya
He grinned, having fun with there deadly dance. She was good, a natural talent he would guess. But, somehow it wasnt enough to beat a natural, god gifted talent.
Taking her momentarily distraction, he struck. Quick as a serpant, he aimed for her head to fast, though he managed to turn it at the last moment and merely hit her lightly. At least he hoped it was lightly, but somehow doubted it as she fell to the ground.
Clearly, he had won, so he pulled away and quickly dropped his weapon.
"Are you okay?" he asked, offering her a hand from the clearings floor. He peered down on her with a worrisome expression.
"Gem?"
She yelped in surprise as the other sword rebounded off of her head. Her balance went bad and her sword dropped from the strong grip she usually had with a clatter onto the floor as she tumbled over.
“Knew you'd do that,” she replied, rolling over and taking his hand. Didn't take much for her to get back onto her feet. “Well.. you passed. Looks like you're one of the Hawkblades, Auraka Lamya.”
Drannor came across then, knowing I'd need healing, unlike my opponent who I'd barely touched. It didn't take long for him to heal me back to normal with magic. “Good job,” he said to both of us. “Welcome Auraka.”
Auraka Lamya
"Thanks," he said to Drannor, still looking upon Gem with worry but it quickly disappeared seeing Drannor healing the bruise he had given her.
"Sorry about that," he said again after helping her to her feet.
The purple dragon heaved his mass from the ground, stepping towards his rider. The ground seemed to rattle under his heavy footsteps.
Well done hatchling he hummed, nose messing his hair and Auraka looked up in surprise.
"Ah..thanks?" he said and the dragon chuckled pulling slightly away and lowered an eye to his level.
Rasjar he told him my name is Rasjar Lainoak Síochána
“At least I heal quickly. Though later I know I'll have a headache from that. Not that it matters. Probably a good idea if I show you around, Auraka.” I smiled. “really, stop being so worried that you hurt me more than you did. Its over now. Wish I did not have to test people that way though, it seems I always somehow end up on the ground.” I laughed it off though. “Happens all the time, but it helps to keep those not up to my standards out of the Hawkblades.”
I smiled at him. “Come on.”
Auraka Lamya
He grinned once more, boyish good humor back in place now that he was sure she was okay.
"Lead the way princess," he chuckled, still half staring at Rasjar.
"Are you coming Rasjar?" he asked and the dragon let out a puff of smoke and a rasping sound, which he put as laughter.
Maybe...
Auraka shrugged his shoulders, still unused to the massive beast.
"He's likely seen everything here many a time from the sky," I said, looking at the massive dragon, though tiny in comparison to the white female near him.
I smiled though, knowing that I was not being mean or anything at the moment. It was merely a statement of fact really. He seemed a nice guy and that was something I was hoping would stay that way.
Gaelira wandered after me, knowing that there was much to be done at the moment. 'Meet you at home,' she said.
I nodded and she took off.
Auraka Lamya
He laughed easily, nodding.
"Most likely...I'm still not used to the fact that I'm his rider," he mused as he followed her.
Coming beside her, he looked around the clearings and buildings.
"You fight well," he said after a moment. And it was true, though he had noticed one mistake which weakened her whole attack, though he wouldn't tell her. Maybe another time, he didnt want to seem like he was rubbing his win in.
"Give it a few days and you'll be used to having Rasjar following you around all the time. Though not all dragons make a habit of it." I smiled at him, my eyes searching for something in his face. He'd do well with the other Hawkblades.
"You're hiding something." It was not a question that I asked. I knew he was, and there was no point in him denying it. Drannor was still close enough that he'd say something if Auraka denied it.
Auraka Lamya
Following him seems to annoy him...I might stick to it hummed the deep voice, the eye turning to look at Auraka with amusement.
Auraka rolled his eyes, though glad that his dragon had a sense of humor.
Startled at Gem's words, he blushed deeply under his tanned skin. He wasn't one to blush often, but he didn't want to offend anyone.
"Ah...it may be best if I told you later princes," he murmered, gesturing to the loud crowd behind them.
I actually laughed at what he said.
“No problem.”
There were some things I knew should be kept for other times. This was likely one of those small things. Not that I really cared if it was something that would embarrass me. That was something I was used to others trying to do to me.
“So what were you doing out in the forest like that?”
I knew that he would likely try and ask the same thing of me, but it showed in my voice that I did not mind. My answer was oh so simple.
Auarak Lamya
He flashed her a relieved smile, following her slightly smaller strides.
"Well, I was returning from the border," he said, gesturing to his ebony stallion "we had been posted there for several months."
He knew it was a role to be proud of, something only the most trusted warriors were given. Also, it was great fun sending the odd scare to the humans.
“Sounds like an interesting job. Drannor's taking a group of his own men out there later to check on a group that were noticed, not long ago. My parents need to know what they are doing, therefore a few men are being sent. They won't be long out there, at least.”
I paused outside a massive white oak tree. It was bigger than any other. “This is my home. If you want we can talk inside, Auraka.”
Auraka Lamya
He nodded slightly, agreeing with her.
"We rotate, though I was out there longer then most...seeing as the others have family and such," he said and paused, studing her beautiful, large home. In every way, it reflected on Gem.
"Of course," he grinned, knowing she would get what he was hiding from her no matter what.
Once they were settled in one of the rooms, she turned to face him. “Now tell me, what exactly was I doing wrong?” She knew that there was no one else home. “There's no one else home at the moment.”
Not that she cared if there was. This was her home, and therefore it mattered not what was discussed here. She was serenely happy at the moment though. “Please tell me.”
Auraka Lamya
He blinked, surprised at the sudden attack of words. He had expected it of course but not quiet so direct.
Several things came to mind of were true. Though, he knew the answer she seeked.
"Though you fight with true talent and spirit of a warrior, you relie to heavily on your back right, making your attack weaker," he explained and gestured for her to take our her sword so that he could show her.
"If you changed your way slightly, you could easily beat almost anyone," he flashed her a dimpled smile.
"Show me." She was eager to learn of such things. After all she was failing to beat Drannor every time she fought with him. The time would come soon, a time when she would need to be able to beat him. taht time was close.
"There is one elf who can beat me, who I intend to beat one day, and its not you, but Drannor." She laughed though, it was fun to learn. "This is not the place for such a lesson though. Gaelira knows of somewhere a little quieter we could go."
Indeed I do, rumbled the dragon.
Auraka Lamya
He laughed, glad that she was taking it well and not as an offence as some would. Truly, he was only trying to help.
Nodding, he agreed. The middle of a royal house was not the best place to be practsing swordswork.
"Then lead the way," he said with a smile, opening the door and gesturing for her to lead the way. He was glad at this time, maybe he could get to know her better. There was some sort of attraction, at least on his side.
He only hoped she felt somewhat the same.
"Up here, if you will," another voice called, and gem smiled as her dragon poked her head down the massive staircase that was leading up to the dragon den. Smiling, Gem moved up that way. "Come on, Auraka." This was going to be fun. “You ever flown before?”
Gaelira hummed as she eyed Auraka. Then she snorted and crouched. Gem then moved to buckle on one of the saddles that were on a rack on the wall. There were two on the wall, and the one she picked up was the one with two seats. The other only had one seat, and was the one she usually used, when she flew alone with Gaelira.
Auraka Lamya
He cleared his throat slightly, shaking his head with brown tresses flying everywhere.
"Um...no," he said nervously, having never been fond of heights.
Rasjar's head appeared as well, from behind Gaelira and studied his rider.
Next time you shall ride me, as a true rider.. he growled, large eyes blinking I don't share well...
He looked to Gaelira and snorted before walking off.
"Okay..." he muttered, approaching Gaelira slowly.
“Well, you're going to have to get used to them. And Rasjar's right, you are going to have to learn to fly, and well at that. There are some things in the world that will not always wait for you. Such as another coming battle that I know will happen sooner than we all think here.”
I sighed as I tightened the last of the straps. Bounding up onto her as if I did this everyday, I made my way up into her saddle and undid one of the loops. Down tumbled what seemed like a rope ladder. “Climb on up,” I said, smiling down at him.
“Or will I have to put you up tehre personally?” Gaelira asked, mouth opening and closing with her words.
Auraka Lamya
He had never been afraid of anything in his life. Throw him in a cage with one hundred archers, he'd be fine and beat them all. Throw him in the air, or at a great height and he felt his stomach heave with ease.
"No Gaelira," he said slowly, moving towards her great mass "I can do it..."
He moved slowly, telling himself to grow up and get over it.
"Okay," he said, leaping up behind Gem and wrapping his arms around her waist, though he doubted it was needed, and enjoyed their closeness with closed eyes.
"Okay..lets go.." he said, refusing to allow his voice to shake.
She snorted and unfurled her wings. Then she was soaring up into the sky smoothly, it did nto even seem like they had left the house. She really was the mistress of the daylight sky. It was not long though before she had landed again in a clearing, as smoothly as she'd taken off.
"Was that really bad to you?" she asked, turning her head around to face Auraka, as Gem loosened the ladder again before jumping down from the saddle to land on the balls of her feet.
Auraka Lamya
His tightly closed eyes never opened, never feeling a jolt until she landed lightly upon her feet.
"What?" he asked, looking around "where here?"
He looked at Gem, allowing his arms to slowly let her go and jumping nimbly to the floor after her.
"Okay..." he muttered, flashing her an embarressed smile.
"Sorry about that...fell down a few to many cliffs as a child," he said quietly, hoping she did not think him a coward for such a fear.
Looking around the clearing and nodding in approval, he turned to her once more.
"Ready to start training?"
She grinned. "It's fine. Don't worry about how I think of you. There's nothing bad there at the moment, beleive me. If not, tell Drannor to tell you what I'm thinking, when we get back." She knew he likely would later, and she knew she would not even notice it when Drannor did look in her head.
Then she nodded. "Of course. Didn't come out ehre just to chat you know." She knew though that there was much for the others to learn about her. Not that she was ever going to make that easy for them.
Auraka Lamya
Favouring her with a small smile, he pulled his sword and guarded the edges.
"Guard your sword...just in case," he said, trusting his weapon but knowing better safe then sorry "and stand in the starting position you normally use."
He stood back, waiting for her to follow his requests. He knew what he was talking about, having drilled it into many children before her. Though, this time he knew it was someone with actual talent.
The white blade seemed to gleam as she pulled it from her own sheath. Corellon, it was called, or, Bringer of Peace. Many knew it, though not all knew the meaning of the name. To most it was simply Corellon. Not that it mattered what name was used, I knew always what was being referred to.
Smiling though, I guarded the edge, easily moving into the same stance as I had not long ago. Gaelira moved off tolay down, out of the way.
Auraka Lamya
He grinned, eyeing the sword with a keen eye. It was truly a wonderous weapon, he had no doubt that it was perfectally weighted and made her for her smaller hands.
"Good," he said, circling her and studing her stance in silence for a moment. Gently, he corrected her by moving her back foot forwards slightly and stood beside her.
"This is your problem," he explained taking his own stance "you rest heavily on your heels, you need to be light on your toes."
He bounced himself on the tips of his toes before continuing "you will be even faster if you do this and stronger within your offfence."
He grinned "want to try it out?" he asked, taking his own stance across from her with a nod.
"Try me."
The sword rose in her hand as she stood facing him, letting him change the way her body was positioned easily enough. There was no point in refusing to let him do so, after she'd said he could help her.
At his words though, she leapt towards him, her blade moving quickly. There was no doubt in her this time though. She would fight, and fight well. Things did seem quicker this time. he would still be in the Hawkblades, even if she beat him.
Auraka Lamya
He grinned, sword raised into position as he studied her, making note that she had indeed changed her position and was perfectally balanced.
"Good," he said, launching himself at her easily. His feet barely seemed the brush the ground with his quick, neat movements.
His sword appeared at his throat first try "dead, try again."
He backed away, smiling warmly. This time he was fighter harder, knowing how good she was now.
"Fight me!" he crowed boncing on his toes "I can take a bruise Gem."
She growled, knowing that she was not the easiest of fighters when it came to someone like him. Somehow, she did not want to hurt him. She could not explain even to herself why that might be though.
This time when she attacked, she fought in the same way as she had not long before, only this time she kept on her toes the whole time. Her gift worked as well, and somehow, she managed to beat him.
Auraka Lamya
He panted, breathing deeply though he smiled. Smiled broadly to her as he fell onto the ground, sweat covering his limbs. It had been a long time since he had fought like that.
He grabbed her arm, tugging her down beside him and laid back on the soft, summers grass.
"You fight well," he told her, staring up at the blue sky, his green orbs slowly turning to land upon her lightened figure.
"Though you use that talent of yours, your a good fighter," he chuckled lightly "we can work on that another time, but now I think it best we wash the sweat from our limbs and rest until another day?"
"Somehow I don't think I'll mind training with you. You fight well yourself." She smiled as she sat down beside him. She knew that there was much for her to learn at the moment, but she knew that in time there would be a great battle to be dealt with.
Neither could live while the other survives in peace, she thought, looking at Auraka. She knew that it refered to herself and Marcos, though that was something she did not look forwards to as much these days.
Life was starting to be good for her at the moment, here, in the trees, where she was always going to be safe and happy. "Tomorrow then." It was easy enough to agree to that, she knew that there was nothing going on tomorrow except another meeting int he early morning. One which was going to be very boring.
He nodded his agreement, the ghost of a smile still playing at his lips.
"I don't think i'll mind myself," he mused quietly and making to his feet with a sigh of effort. He honesty could not be bothered going back home to shower, so he would head to the river instead. It was closer, fresher.
"I'll see you tomorrow then? The sparring grounds?" he asked, walking backwards slowly towards the trees.
"Later in the morning. I have other things to attend to in the early hours of tomorrow." Damn meeting, she cursed. More war plans to be sorted out and given the okay or denied. But, as the queen, it was certianly her job to be there and guide things the way things were meant to be running.
She smiled at him again, not something she would normally do around one of the other warriors, but she could not help it around him. "See you there."
He favoured her with one final smile before turning and running into the trees, his ears quickly picking up the bubbling of the river, humming himself a tune.
"Oh, I think I found myself a girl, dad,
She's prettier then can be.
I think I found myself a girl, dad,
but she's way to good for me.
Oh, I've known her but a mere day now,
and yet my soul is sold.
Oh, I think I found myself a girl, dad,
and she's way to pretty and bold."
He kept humming the tune under his breath, chuckling to himself at just how well the human lyrics described her. Pretty, bold, perfect....and way to good for him.
"You like him, don't you, little one?" Gaelira asked when they were airbourne once more.
The young elf sighed. She knew that Gaelira had been right this time. "It would seem I do," she said, looking back in the direction they had been coming from.
"Keep your wits about you, yougn one," Gaelira said. "He's from Taror, and you know what those elves can be like."
Gem ignored her the rest of the way home, she was very insulted by those words.
When she got home, Gem headed straight towards her home. her parents of course had news for her. She had to find a mate!
Auraka quickly stripped to his under cloths before jumping into the freezing shallows, washing the sweat and grime from his body.
Rasjar's purple body shadowed the sun as he lowered beside him, large eyes studying him in silence before speaking.
"You like her."
It wasn't a question.
Rasjar sighed at his rider he barely knew.
"Just watch your heart, young one, I've heard that princesses are heartbreakers."
Auraka frowned, though did not respond and plainly ignored the dragon he was bonded to while he cleaned himself before even speaking.
"Are you practiced in our ways dragon?" he asked quietly "are you friends with many princesses?"
The large dragon shook his head slowly.
"Then don't say such things about them. Gem isn't a heartbreakers, at least not on purpose. Look at me! I'm a Taror elf and I'm lucky for her to even know my name, so just stay out if it," he growled, throwing his clothes back on with annoyance and storming into the forest.
The white sun dragon flew ovwer head, she liked the area that her rider's new freind had come to bathe. Se would give him a little privacy though. When she landed, she kept her head away from him at the moment, though eh was so close.
"Been cautioning him against my rider, Rasjar? No need," she commented.
Auraka
His feet thumped along the ground, shoeless soles bruising against the sticks and sharp blades of grass.
As he ran, fluid and graceful, he thought. Why would he say such things? It was the only thing that came to mind. Maybe the dragon knew something he didn't.
He continued his pace, slowly as the gates came into view, thoughts still drifting. It was official. Two things were at the least. He liked Gem, maybe more then friendship. And he was a rider, a flyer of the skies. Another sigh escaped him as he crossed the doorway, heading towards his modest home.
Rasjar
Purple head snapped around, orbs finally moving from the place Auraka had stormed off to.
"I just don't want to see him hurt, nor do you Gem," he said honestly, sighing.
"But, I think I'm to late for a warning..."
“Sometimes we’re not the ones meant t be the ones warning our riders, but the ones listening. I know that this is not something you would want to hear from me,” Gaelira said softly. “I don’t think Gem will do anything rash towards him, Rasjar.”
She sighed, lowering her head to drink from the river before looking up at him again. “We are the way we are, Rasjar. Some of us though are a little hard to understand. These elves know what they are doing, when it comes to each other, unless they are in a situation they have never been in before. It is those times when they need us to guide them.”
"No Gaelira...but I understand, I don't want to finish this relationship before its even started," he huffed a sigh, his mind still tracking his rider.
Large purple head turned, staring at his white friend with sad eyes.
"Years, I have been waiting for this...so many years, and now I destroy it before its even started, I think he is as stubborn as me...At least when it comes to these things."
Hesitating before continuing, he questioned her gently.
"Does she feel the same way?"
"Give them time, and you'll see that she does. It's no easy thing for elves to understand for themselves. Not to mention show such emotions. You'll see." Gaelira smiled. "There is much to learn from these odd creatures."
She chuckled, looking in the direction Auraka had gone. "We can't protect them from themselves, you know. They need to learn their own way in the world, though we can guide them, they must make their own choices and mistakes."
He hummed as he nodded to her wise words, though a sigh escaped him. Though, he had to agree. These humans and elves alike, where odd creatures. There way of getting a mate was so much easier, so less rules to follow. He mused quietly to himself and nodded once more.
"I best go and speak to him Gaelira..I don't want him mad at me..." he said, giving an apologetic glance before leaping into the air.
FAST FORWARDS TO NEXT MORNING
She sighed as she finally got out of the meeting she had had to attend. Though it had been interesting to talk about the upcoming coronation plans, it brought dread to her heart. She knew that when that was over with, her parents would leave, never to be returning to her again.
Moving swiftly, she headed out to the sparring grounds, she really needed to clear her head. Things were going too quickly.
Auraka
He was already there, at the sparing grounds. His sword repeatedly smacking into the pretend enemy.
All his anger, thrown at one single object. And when someone with his level of skill did this, well there wasn't much left to his after a moment.
He couldn't remember a time he had been so annoyed, a time where his calm self had snapped. It had happened last night, when that dragon, Rasjar so he had named himself, had turned up and started to say sorry. But he didn't want to hear it.
He knew and doubted he would ever be good enough for the elf princess, but he didn't need his heart crushed as a reminder.
She moved on swift feet, there was anger in her that did not seem natural. Things were not looking good for any of them at the moment. Annoying were the things that were happening with her family at the moment. At least she could depend on Auraka and Gaelira. Soon, along with Drannor, they would be her only family.
Three days. That was not long. Day after tomorrow was the wedding and then the third day, was her coronation. Spotting the back of a familiar head, she headed in Auraka's direction, on completely silent feet. He would not know she was coming.
She stopped behind him, and as his sword hit the dummy again, she wrapped her arms around him.
Auraka
He paused, feeling small arms wrap tightly around him and sighed, turning his sweaty body around to face her.
"Hey," he whispered, lowering his sword and dropping to the floor before pulling her close. How he ached inside at seeing her, he loved her to much to let her go.
Holding her tight to him, he pressed his lips to her forehead and they swayed for a moment in silence.
From the moment she had touched him, all the before emotions were gone. She was here, with him and that was all that matter. She had enough on her plate without worrying about him as well.
She smiled back at him, knowing that somehow he seemed to calm down a lot when when she was with him these days. It was not something she had ever thought was possible. She knew that one of these days, he would change, like Drannor had. She had not really cared when she found out what Drannor had become. Now though she wondered why Auraka hadn't already. It was a little confusing for her, but she liked him being the way he was.
"hey," she said. "I guess I can still sneak up on you, can't I? You were too focused on that dummy."
Auraka
He looked over at the dummy, frowning slightly.
"Yeah...I guess so.." he said, wrinkling his noise at a scent. A loud thrumming beat inside his ears, making him feel somewhat light headed. Gem blurred before his eyes, but he blinked quickly and tried to focus on her beautiful form.
His nose wrinkled again, noticing the scent once more. Roses, he decided. It smelled like roses.
"You smell like...roses," he slurred, fainting into a heap upon the sweat covered floor.
“You okay?” she asked, looking at him in concern when his vision seemed to waver in front of her. Though when she heard the words he spoke, she was a little surprised. Especially when all of a sudden, he fainted from right in front of her. “Auraka!”
She crouched beside him, one hand moving to try and find a pulse. There was one, but it was very sluggish, she could tell. “What on earth?”
Auraka
He felt dizzy, even passed out on the floor. He felt his heart thumping, the pace going quicker and then slower in an odd pattern.
Sweat beaded upon his tanned forehead, his hands clenching and un-clenching.
"Gem..." he moaned, thrashing weakly before he stopped. Not even a small movement of his chest to show that he was breathing, not air escaping his lungs.
His eyes snapped open, landing upon Gem's crouching form and his nose wrinkled slightly again. There was again, roses.
"You really do smell like roses," he muttered to himself, blinking deeply and staring at her.
The thrum of her heart, the beat of her pulse. He could hear it all.
Slowly sitting up, careful not to knock Gem back, he sighed and stretched his limbs. The tiredness he had felt before was gone, replaced with an easy relaxedness.
She stared at him, trying to figure out what was going on. His eyes had changed, they had gone an odd black. “Auraka?” what had happened to him?
It was then that Drannor happened to be passing by. He stopped though when he heard the confusion in both their heads. When he got closer though, he stopped, eyes on them both.
“I think I know what just happened, Auraka, Gem.”
Auraka
He grinned at Gem, feeling as if he had all the energy in the world at his fingers.
"Yes Gem?" he asked, looking at her worried by her tone, she seemed to be oddly surprised. Something that didn't happen to her often.
"Are you okay?"
He hurried to sit up properly, pulling her body into a hug and clutched her tightly. And those damn roses came clearer.
"Oh, hello Drannor," he said with a cheery grin.
Drannor chuckled for a few moments as he heard the turmoil in Auraka’s head. “You’re very confused aren’t you, Auraka?” He smiled. “I know what you’ve become, Gem smells the same way to me as she does to you, but I daresay it’s a lot harder for you to resist.” He already had Sahar.
“You’ve become what all the Taror born elves become. A vampire.”
Gem’s eyes widened for a moment. “I thought so,” she she muttered, looking at Drannor. “I knew you’d changed, just could not figure out what.”
Auraka Lamya
He bobbed his head, rubbing it as if to ease a headache. But he felt fine, part from the hungry feeling within him. Though, he had to mention that he hadn't noticed it until Drannor had mentioned the words.
Quickly, yet carefully, he pushed Gem off his lap and scrambled to the other side of the training room, just in case. At the moment, he knew he would rather die then hurt her. That included ignoring this feeling, which was hard due to the feelings he had for her.
"Roses?" he asked Drannor "does she smell like roses to you?"
He sighed, licking his lips and froze suddenly. Her felt them, sharp fangs. They scared him, and he was not easily frightened. The amount of damage he could do, the amount of damge that could happen by mistake...he didn't even want to think about it.
She let him push away from her, she knew that he would be worried about hurting her, not that he could. She doubted that very much at the moment. He'd never hurt her and she knew it. That was not something he was capable of, except for when he whacked her on the head with his sword.
Drannor chuckled at that thought and she managed a small smile.
"I guess that one was funny that you heard in me head," she said. "Kinda find it funny in hindsight myself. Though at the time i knew Auraka would hit me on the head with his sword."
She then looked across at Auraka. "Come here. You won't hurt me, and I doubt Drannor would let you."
Drannor nodded. "No, I won't."
Auraka Lamya
His dark eyes darted between Drannor and Gem as they laughed and she flashed him a small smile, jealously flying threw him. It wasn’t an emotion he was used to feeling; actually it was something he had never felt before.
He shoved the flood to the side, standing tall and slowly approaching Gem, trying his best not to breath in her delightful scent. He was glad, to say in the least, that she was not repulsed by his sudden change.
He moved close before her, a small proud smile growing upon his lips. She was right, he could never hurt her.
“I didn’t hit you that hard,” he protested lightly and kissed her cheek, still not breathing in.
"We're family, Auraka," Drannor felt the need to remind him. There was no need for him to be jealous at the moment.
"It still hurt," Gem replied, smiling at him. "And I'm not worried by what you are. I knew this would happen, eventually."
Gently she stretched up and kissed him. He seemed to be fine at the moment. She knew that he would have to hunt, and so did Drannor. Drannor though had slipped out of the room though. She knew he was still keeping an eye on them though, in his own gifted way.
"You're hungry," she observed.
Auraka Lamya
He sighed, having hoped that Drannor had missed that.
“I know Drannor...I don’t know where that came from,” he muttered, feeling embarrassed but smiled slightly as she kissed him. She was, after all, his.
“Not that much,” he argued “I can ignore it.”
She sighed. “You should feed,” she said. She knew the danger of letting him, but she wasn’t having him hunt anywhere else. Not when she seemed willing enough to let him from her.
There was not a chance of this being possible for him. No, she was not going to let him hurt someone else, not when it came to this side of him.
“I trust you, Auraka,” she said. “You’ll never hurt me.” That was not something he would be capable of. If he was going to take too much from her, she knew that Drannor would intervene.
Her older cousin was very protective of her, and she knew it. Auraka knew that, but it was for Drannor’s own reasons really.
Auraka Lamya
He blinked, more than startled. Drink from her? No. No he wouldn’t. He couldn’t do that.
“No,” he said quickly, pulling away from her “no Gem...”
He pleaded to her with his words, not even wanting her to mention such a thing. She knew he couldn’t say no to her, but he didn’t want to hurt her either.
“I can’t Gem...I don’t want to be this! I...” he shook his head quickly, hair flying in the movement which was barely seen because it was so quick. He backed away from her further, looking desperately towards the door to where Drannor was standing, he could smell him.
Help me! He called mentally to Drannor I don’t want to hurt her...tell her I can’t...
“It won’t hurt me. Only the ones you’d feed from without them saying you can would be the ones hurt from this sort of thing. Someone who’s willing will never be.” She sighed, looking in the same direction he did.
Drannor stood to one side though. He did not move. “She’s right. It won’t hurt her. And I won’t let you hurt her anyway. If there is any chance of that, I will stop you. I’m older than you, stronger, too.”
Auraka Lamya
He looked away, trying to change his mind. He didn’t even want to try, only one wrong movement and she could be gone from his life. Forever. This wasn’t some simple mistake which could be fixed.
“Okay...” he whispered, taking a small, hesitant step towards her “but if it hurts, even a little bit...you must tell me.”
He looked at her with worried eyes once more, eyes flickering to Drannor for a moment before returning to Gem’s beautiful face.
“Promise me.”
“I promise.” She replied. If she hid it, well, Drannor would know anyway. He was too strong for her to be able to keep him out of her head at the moment. Just like he couldn’t stop her, from seeing his plans.
Drannor stayed where he was for the moment. You’ll be fine, he said, saying it in Auraka’s head. Nothing is going to go wrong.
Then she moved over to him and wrapped her arms around him gently. “Go ahead,” she said, smiling up at him. There was no chance this was going to go wrong. She already knew what was going to happen, and she was more than prepared for that.
Auraka Lamya
He hesitated for a short moment, his mouth lowering to her neck and kissing it gently. Resting his lips there for a moment, he forced himself to breath and bite into her soft, pale neck.
He tried to ignore the taste, her scent and how much he wanted her. But it wasn’t that simple, she was like nothing he had ever eaten before. Her scent over powered him, clouding his thoughts. He drained some blood, swallowing it before taking more.
Stop he commanded himself stop now.
Slowly, and somewhat regretfully, he pulled away and wiped his mouth.
She shuddered at first, knowing that she was not used to the feel of him biting her. At least it had not hurt, as she had expected it would not.
When he did pull away though, she knew that he had not hurt her. "That did not hurt at all," she said. "Drannor would know if I was lying."
That was the only thing she hated about him being a mind reader.
Drannor laughed. "Sorry Gem, but I'm never not going to be one."
Auraka Lamya
He sighed with relief, kissing her forehead and closing his eyes tightly.
“I am never doing that again,” he whispered against it “I’ll live off animals, not humans...or elves...”
He shook his head slightly, holding her tightly to his chest and looked to Drannor.
“Do you do that to Sahar?” he asked quietly, wondering how he felt about his sister’s blood being drunk.
“She won’t let me hunt anything else unfortunately,” Drannor replied. His mind was focused on him now though; he knew now why Auraka was interested. “I tried to avoid it, but she refused to let me. She’s really stubborn sometimes.”
He sighed. “First time she fainted afterwards, but that was because she refused to take my own blood, when I knew she needed it because I took too much. Second time though... that was only yesterday. I wouldn’t do it a second time if it hurt her.”
Auraka Lamya
He studied Drannor in silence for a moment and shaking his head slightly as his fist clenched. He didn’t like the idea, but he knew Sahar had similar views to Gem and was just as stubborn as he was. It seemed to be a common family trait.
“If your hurt her...” he muttered “I’ll kill you myself.”
He said it so quietly that he knew only Drannor would hear it, not Gem who was standing before him.
“I won’t drink from you again Gem, okay?” he said “I shall find another way..”
I’m guessing you heard that, he thought, guessing Drannor had heard that Sahar was his sister.
I want to tell her, I just don’t know how...any ideas?
He looked over Gem and she seemed fine, maybe a little pale but that was all.
He knew that the next thing he wanted to tell Auraka would not be something that the other vampire would want to hear. However, Auraka had the right to know. What his reaction would be, Drannor knew it would not be pleasent.
"Wish I did not have to tell you this, but your sister's pregnant." There was enough guilt in the words to show who was the one responsible for her being in that situation.
Gem gasped in surprise. What was Drannor thinking right now? Certainly nothing good. Auraka would be furious!
Auraka
The fury built in his eyes, his body turning to face him with disgust as he pushed Gem slightly yet firmly away. His fist clenched, having relaxed moments before, and threw right at his face.
His hard fist connected with the side of Drannor’s face, his body weight throwing him both to the floor as he continued to punch and hit him.
“How dare you!” he growled punching him again, using much more power than he was used to having “you knocked up my baby sister!”
A few times he dodged. “Not a good idea to pick on someone older and stronger than you, Auraka, though I guess I deserve it this time.” He knew though that if he did not act soon though, this building they were in was in danger. That was not something he would let happen at the moment.
Every time Auraka managed to bruise him though, he seemed to heal within a second completely. There was no lasting damage this time. Vampires knew better than to attack their elders though. Looked like Auraka needed that lesson himself.
His power seemed to bunch up at the thought, aiming at Auraka. One strong blast was let loose from his mind and it seemed to knock him to the ground. Before the other vampire could get to his feet though, Drannor was on top of him. “You didn’t let me finish. Very rude.”
Auraka
He struggled under him, temper still flaring at the mere sight of Drannor. He had always had a lot of respect for him, a great liking to his being. He had taken in Sahar...but this was just too much.
“She’s 19!” he growled, throwing Drannor off with one mighty heave and sent him flying backwards and leapt quickly to his feet, still not used to the speed he now had.
He stood, facing him without so much as a pant. Never in his life had he been so mad or upset, nor so full of power. Auraka was normally the quiet and well loved leader, but not today it seemed. Maybe the change had messed with his head slightly.
“Auraka!” Gem shouted. “Calm down!” She didn’t say it out of concern for her cousin, nor her mate. But instead because this was completely ridiculous. “You’re both out of line here!” never had she yelled at either of them, and she knew that. Neither stopped though, and she had to move so she was in between them.
“Stop! Neither of you can hurt each other without hurting me!” She knew there was no chance that Drannor would dare hurt her. Sure she’d hurt him in the past, but it had not really been her.
Drannor seemed to pause, watching warily from the other side of her.
“Go,” she told him.
He did not budge.
Auraka
He paused at the sound of her voice. Only her musical lyrics, sharp as they were, seemed to be able to calm him somewhat down, though his gaze remained trained upon Drannor with hatred burning deep within them.
“My baby sister,” he choked out, seeming overwhelmed by another emotion now. He knew he couldn’t attack Drannor now, not with Gem in the way. There was no chance he would try, not if it might mean her injury.
He ran a hand though his hair, and then over his face.
“I’m so sorry Drannor...” he whispered, knowing he had behaved rashly and not even having any idea why. Yes, his sister was pregnant. But she was also in love.
“You better marry her,” he muttered.
“Actually, I did ask her and she agreed, Auraka. Had you paused to listen before attacking me, I would have said so. I’m not a fool.” Drannor sighed. “I knew it was the wrong thing to do, and I’d rather she didn’t find out why we fought. Though if she asks me, I’ll probably say we had a bit of a disagreement or something. Vampires are likely to fight with each other. And not always to kill, but dominate each other.”
Gem sighed. “Wish you would not put me in such a situation in the first place, Drannor,” she commented.
“Sorry, cousin.” His eyes were sharp though when he looked at Auraka. “Same to you about Gem. She’s my cousin, you know.”
Auraka
He nodded meekly, feeling awful for attacking his leader.
“Drannor..really, I am sorry...I’ve never..done such a thing like that before,” he sighed, hand running though his locks once more as his eyes darted once more to Drannor.
“I would die before letting her get hurt,” he told him, all seriousness “I would give her to world if it was mine to give.”
"I forgive you, Auraka, but don't try attacking me again. A word to the wise, vampires usually won't fight someone older than them, seeing as it would be too hard to win the fight. I could have done you a lot of damage had I wanted to. But, I had too much control,a nd chose not to. You did me more damage because of that."
Gem sighed. "Just go, Drannor."
He turned and this time, he left the room. She turned to look at him. "I've never seen you so angry," she said.
Auraka
“Sorry,” he muttered again, more embarrassed then anything because of how he had acted. It was nothing like him.
His icy blue eyes followed his back as he left, a sigh escaping him.
“Gem,” he whispered “I am so...sorry.”
He held his arms out to her, allowing her to come to him if she chose. Though he would understand if she didn’t.
“I...I don’t know what happened, all these emotions I have never felt before and now suddenly they appear..I don’t know what to do, I don’t want to be this Gem...I just want to be me.”
She moved over to him. She knew that he was embarrassed by his reactions. “I don’t think Drannor would have reacted any different if it had been him in your position, Auraka. I don’t blame you.”
Smiling at him, she wrapped her arms around him. She was the one who was always forgiving, though sometimes people did not deserve it.
He was one of the few who still did when it came to this sort of thing. There was nothing that would change how she felt about him. "I know you won't make a mistake like that again. I still love you, no matter what you are."
Auraka
He wrapped his arms around her, holding her smaller form tightly to him and kissed the top of her head.
“I love you Gem, since the moment we met....” he whispered, glad to have met such a forgiving and wondrous girl. And she was his, all his to look after and treasure.
“I need to tell her,” he whispered “she needs to know that she still has family...”
He smiled weakly “I’m going to be an uncle.”
"Tell her when you think the time is right. They're going to be out of town for a few days, Drannor's going to go have to sort outsome family issues in Taror, though he was banished, and well, Sahar's going with him. Though I have the funny feeling, she'll be coming to pester you when they get back with questions."
She smiled up at him. "And yes you will be. Twins."
Auraka
He chuckled, head shaking with amusement. That was his Gem, knowing everything around her. Though, he blinked at the mention of twins.
“Twins?” he echoed and sighed with defeat, there was nothing he could do about it now.
He hesitated momentarily “does Drannor know that Sahar, to is a Taror elf? She will change as well...in the next few years. Though she doesn’t know it..”
My strength came from the sun, for the Sun Dragon was my own dragon. Now though I was happier than I had been in a while. Finding somewhere among the freshly fallen autumn leaves under a greaqt old oak tree, I sat down, lying in them and closed my eyes to listen to things around me.
Auraka Lamya
Heels lightly pressed into the dark stallions sides, his touch light on the bit for they knew and understood each other well.
"Good boy Iluntasuna," he murmered, hand brushing the thick stallions neck as he paused, looking around where it was. It felt like years since he had last been in the city, but merely it had been months.
A smile upon his face, he started forth once more only to pause and look down from the high horses saddle.
"Hello," he said in surprise, seeing a young woman, who looked like a girl, resting under the huge oak tree.
She sighed as she stayed where she was. It was pleasent out here, and she knew that she would be left alone for long enough that she would be able to relax and get back the energy spent today. Just when she was nearly back to normal, she heard the unmistakable sound of a horse coming towards her.
Her eyes fluttered open she leapt up onto her feet, looking at him regally. "Strangers in these parts are not a common thing. Who are you?" She would not give up her name easily. It clear though that she was of noble birth.
Auraka Lamya
He did not stutter in his words, though he guessed by the air around her that she was of some high level birth. A sigh escped in his mind, though not allowed, he disliked having to deal with royal brats.
He eyed her again, pondering on something, she seemed different from the others.
"I am General Auraka Lamya, coming home after long months on the border," he introduced himself, dismounting so that he was at her level, or at least closer then it. His tall frame seemed huge beside her, making her seem frail.
He paused, something clicking in his mind.
"Ah..my lady," he added, guessing she would get annoyed if he did not show the proper respect.
She smiled. "You're quicker than some, General." That was the truth though, and I knew it. At least there was one person smart here. "I've not seen you before, but then again for several years I was hidden in Adurna.." It explained why I did not know his face at all. Though maybe I would get to know him more. "Ever heard of the Hawkblades?" They were new, only just started since my return a fournight ago. I was always looking for new people to add to them.
He though seemed to have what I was looking for at the moment for the group. A high rank was not really needed, but it was clear he was trusted. My father whould have made him a general.
Auraka Lamya
He flashed her a modest smile, brushing off the comment and refusing to allow it to get to his head.
He was smart and quick, it was the reason he was so young and such a high rank.
"I only moved here recently, I come from Taror orignally," he explained before nodding his head "of course I have heard of the Hawkblades, or at least the rumors of them."
He chuckled lightly, remembering the words and rumors which had been passed around the camp sites at the forests edge.
He shifted where he stood, giving Iluntasuna shoulder a firm pat telling him he was able to gaze and smiled at Gem.
"May I have the delight of learning your name?" he questioned
She looked at him, thinking for a few minutes and pondering the question he had asked her. It was true that people did talk about the Hawkblades, but that was only because she had let them be known about to most people around her. It was no easy thing, being the one who created a group like that. So many things could go wrong from time to time.
"You may. My name is Princess Gemstarzah Vestelle Hawksong, heir to the throne. Though most call me Gem really." She smiled. He was certainly nice.
Auraka Lamya
He sat across from her with ease, used to the gentle silence of the forest and waited for her reply.
"Well Gem," he said with a boyish grin "it is a pleasure to meet you."
Shifting his weight upon the comfortable grass floors, he studied her in silence.
"So...is there a reason you asked of my knowledge of the Hawkblades?" he questioned in earnst, wanting to know the reason she had mentioned it. He wasn't so up himself that he thought she would offer him a position, but he still did wonder.
“You probably know that the Hawkblades are a group whose members are chosen by me alone. There are things I am constantly looking out for. You I believe have the talents I look for, therefore you have a position there, if you'll take it, Auraka Lamya.” I smiled at him. It was a very generous offer for me to make.
And not one made often. That was something everyone knew that was in the group of fighters.
Auraka Lamya
He blinked, staring at her in surprise. He blinked again, allowing the words to drill into his mind.
He wanted to say yes, simple as that. But sadly, for one of such a rank, it wasn't that simple.
"I would be honoured, to" he said after a moment silent thought, though he knew once he let the boys back home know...well they weren't going to be happy to loose their rising superstar. It was rare to make such a leap, yet at such a young age.
He twiddled with a stick between his fingers, thinking in the quiet forest.
"I don't mean to seem ungrateful...but I must wonder why you have chosen me?" he asked after a moment "I mean...we just met and you have no ideas of my abilty."
“You're wrong, Auraka. I know much more of you than you realise. And I know that though they will be a little disappointed, they would be pleased to hear that you are in my personal guard. Ever heard of the rare gifts that some elves get? Like foresight and mind reading? One of those is my own.”
It was pretty clear which was the one I had in my mind at the moment. Only few elves, and all from Taror, ever had the mind reading ability. I was yet to figure out just why that happened to be so. Eventually though, I knew that my cousin, Drannor would come around and tell me.
“As for why you, well, there is a rumour I have heard, that you cannot be beaten in a fair fight when it comes to your sword. The Hawkblades are made of the most elite warriors we have among our people. I happen to be the one who decides who gets into that group and who does not. Only one who can outsmart me, in a duel can join.”
I did not say however, that I knew he would be able to. Purely from him whacking my over the head too, that would be what lost me the match. “Come to the sparring grounds and give it a try. You never know if something is worth doing for the first time unless you actually do it.”
Auraka Lamya
He studied her closely, surprised she knew he had a gift he didn't even know he had. True, he had never been beaten in battle. Even from the first time he lifted a sword, it felt natural in his hands.
But he had never tried to put a name to it, he had taken it as a word from the gods and treated it with care, taking care to loose a battle here for there so not to draw attention to it.
"I have heard of such gifts...and that your family is filled with talents," he smiled warmly "and I would be honoured to fight against one such as you."
He had heard of her abilty and knew it would be a challege at last, also her swordswork was far above most others of their kind.
I smiled as I looked at him with bright eyes. “I need a challenge every now and again.” That was something that was true for all elves. Else we got complacent and lazy about training and keeping our abilities at a good level. So much was possible when it came to me.
I looked towards the forest and smiled. “Shall we go?” This was going to be a very interesting fight for me. I knew that for once, I would be the one who lost. A thing that I was not pleased about, though this was hidden perfectly from my face. He really would have to fight hard if he wanted me to lose.
Auraka Lamya
He grinned, unable to say no to a challenge.
"Of course," he said, calling his ebony hued stallion over "good boy Iluntasuna."
He gently rubbed the soft nose, mounting before looking down at Gem "Want a ride?" he asked, calming the prancing stallion with a light touch of his hand.
He looked up at the sky, feeling the dappled sunlight upon his weathered features.
Auraka Lamya
He nodded, hearing the truth in her powerful words. Even though she was young herself, he could sense she would do great things. The power behind her words already held trust and hope for the future. The voice of a true leader.
Waiting for her, his attention was drawn to the sky. A dragon. A white dragon, seeming larger then the never ending sky itself, called the eyes to her.
Gaelira.
The only sun dragon known alive.
"Greetings powerful keeper of the sky," he said, bowing low to the stunning beast "rare it has been to meet one such as you."
"A long time has it been since my hatch day, Auraka. Though for many of the years I hid out of sight, for no one to know about. Then Gem turned of age, and I came here straight away. That was only a dozen suns ago that we met."
I smiled. “No prouder rider could there be,” I added. “Though I never saw you coming, Gaelira.”
That was something that completely amazed me. However I knew that a purple dragon was making his way here now.
I started moving though again, and this time I did not stop until we reached the wide open training grounds. A male elf came striding towards me immediately.
“La stella lusin ni fin gia, Llye Amusa Gem Hawksong,” he said, bowing politely.
“Drannor.”
Auraka Lamya
He smiled his boyish grin, standing tall after his bow and looking at the dragon with awe in his orbs. How he wished he could complete his life with one such as her.
His stride paused though, as did the stallion at his shoulder, bowing slightly to the elf. Indeed, he looked no different from the first time he had seen him.
"La stealla lusin ni fin gia du lye engame, eldoran Drannor," he greeted the slightly older elf, the one who was to be his leader.
"I am Auraka Lamya," he said easily with a smile
"Nice to meet you, Auraka.” Drannor smiled, inclining his head. “I remember you, from a long time ago.” He then turned his attention to Gem, knowing I had a reason for greeting him.
“Thats good to know,” I replied. “Drannor, I know you are the Captain of my Hawkblades, therefore it is a good thing that you are here.” There were things that needed to be seen to now, by him.
“Why would that be, cousin?”
“I have offered Auraka, a place in the Hawkblades. As you are the leader, well, under me of course, you are supposed to be present when this takes place.”
“Indeed I am. It was good timing on your part, I was on my way out of here actually.”
“I'm always well timed you know that.”
Auraka Lamya
He smiled "yes, we grew up in the same town." He said, taking care not to mention the town name just in case it wasnt common knowledge. Some did not like to wide-spread it.
He paid attention to the words between the two, though it was quickly captured by something. A large dragon.
Deep purple scales run the length of his body long mascular body, strong wings tuck to his side neatly making him seem a lot smaller then he truly was. Though, compared to Gaelira, he was slimmer and small by far. In all, he seemed a fair dragon.
A long tounge flickered out of his maw, much as a snakes did. His deep purple eyes lowering with his head towards Auraka, who stood staring in awe.
Auraka a deep voice hummed, the tounge flickering again.
"Yes," he said out loud, wondering where the voice came from.
Ahh...my rider, at last
Auraka blinked, surprised beyond belief and more confused them anything. What had the creature called him?
'About time you came along, my freind,' Gaelira said, looking over at the purple dragon. Too bad she was already busy when it came to a mate. For that was Veer, though she liked Rasjar very much. 'Auraka, he is your dragon, which means, you are like Gem and I, to put it bluntly.' She did not adress someone directly other than Gem very often. 'I believe Gem want's your attention by the way.'
“Greetings, Moon Dragon,” Gem said, smiling at him. Then she looked at Auraka. “You ready?” It was obvious what she meant at the moment. It was time for their little duel. She'd already drawn her sword.
Auraka Lamya
He still stared blankly at the dragon before him, words around him not making sense. But finally, Gaelira brought him to senses. His princess was waiting for their duel.
"Ah...okay.." he said after a moment, for once in his life shocked.
Shaking his head to clear it, he nodded to Drannor once before pulling his sword from the saddle.
"Ready?" he asked, moving into the center of the clearing, pushing all thoughts of the purple dragon to the back of his mind, only something years of training could allow.
Greetings princess hummed the purple dragon to Gem, settling beside Gaelira to watch the duel unfold. Finally, years of searching were over.
I crouched, my light blue eyes closed as I waited. I knew that he would be the first to strike, they always were that way when I did not attack immediately. There was no chance that he would gain the upper hand easily. I knew what I was doing.
"En gaurde, Auraka," I said, knowing that this was going to get interesting soon. I knew that Drannor would try and get in my head, but there was no chance of that. It was too well sheilded at the moment.
Auraka Lamya
He did not fight like the other quick-paced learners who were still at the lower ranks, he knew how to calm his mind and let his 'gift' take control.
His eyes closed, his mind set only where she was and his breathing patterns. He would wait for her to attack, though he doubted she would want to attack first. He was content to just stand here, waiting.
She stood there, mind focused on his own. There was no doubt in her mind that he would likely just stand there until she eventually gave in.
Well, two could play at that game. She was vaguely aware of other elves coming in their direction to watch. That was only expected. Her father amongst them.
That was something that she had not anticipated. To have the king see her defeated would not be fair at all. That was when her frustration showeed and she leapt at Auraka. Her eyes opened, with a burning concentration, watching as her sword slashed out towards him.
Auraka Lamya
Calm he reminded himself, concentraing purely on her but slowly taking notice of the other coming to watch the new elf and their princess battle. Slowly, it registed that the king himself was here.
She lept at him, and he neatly side-stepped the attack and his orbs flashed opened with a grin. Time to start the battle.
His movements were graceful, neat as one leap. His sword lifted, the muscles in his back clearly showing though the tight tunic, and he lowered it into one powerful blow. He trusted his abilty, he wouldn't kill her for that was not his motive. She might gain a few bruises, but that was all.
Though, he doubted the king would want to see his daughter harmed. Another thought flittered to his mind, thinking about throwing the game so not to embarress her infront of her people.
Dont... came the purple dragons words its a test, don't fail.
“Don't even think about doing that, Auraka.” He should have known that I would know what he had thought about planning to do. “Father's seen me beaten before, he's used to it. I heal quick.” I dodged the attack though, sending one of my own. It was clear that while I was using this match for practise, I did not really need it. I knew what I was doing with the sword in my hand.
My father chuckled appreciately at my words. “She's right, young man. Too many times to count.”
I blushed, and as a result lost my concentration for a few moments. If he was smart, he'd strike now.
Auraka Lamya
He grinned, having fun with there deadly dance. She was good, a natural talent he would guess. But, somehow it wasnt enough to beat a natural, god gifted talent.
Taking her momentarily distraction, he struck. Quick as a serpant, he aimed for her head to fast, though he managed to turn it at the last moment and merely hit her lightly. At least he hoped it was lightly, but somehow doubted it as she fell to the ground.
Clearly, he had won, so he pulled away and quickly dropped his weapon.
"Are you okay?" he asked, offering her a hand from the clearings floor. He peered down on her with a worrisome expression.
"Gem?"
She yelped in surprise as the other sword rebounded off of her head. Her balance went bad and her sword dropped from the strong grip she usually had with a clatter onto the floor as she tumbled over.
“Knew you'd do that,” she replied, rolling over and taking his hand. Didn't take much for her to get back onto her feet. “Well.. you passed. Looks like you're one of the Hawkblades, Auraka Lamya.”
Drannor came across then, knowing I'd need healing, unlike my opponent who I'd barely touched. It didn't take long for him to heal me back to normal with magic. “Good job,” he said to both of us. “Welcome Auraka.”
Auraka Lamya
"Thanks," he said to Drannor, still looking upon Gem with worry but it quickly disappeared seeing Drannor healing the bruise he had given her.
"Sorry about that," he said again after helping her to her feet.
The purple dragon heaved his mass from the ground, stepping towards his rider. The ground seemed to rattle under his heavy footsteps.
Well done hatchling he hummed, nose messing his hair and Auraka looked up in surprise.
"Ah..thanks?" he said and the dragon chuckled pulling slightly away and lowered an eye to his level.
Rasjar he told him my name is Rasjar Lainoak Síochána
“At least I heal quickly. Though later I know I'll have a headache from that. Not that it matters. Probably a good idea if I show you around, Auraka.” I smiled. “really, stop being so worried that you hurt me more than you did. Its over now. Wish I did not have to test people that way though, it seems I always somehow end up on the ground.” I laughed it off though. “Happens all the time, but it helps to keep those not up to my standards out of the Hawkblades.”
I smiled at him. “Come on.”
Auraka Lamya
He grinned once more, boyish good humor back in place now that he was sure she was okay.
"Lead the way princess," he chuckled, still half staring at Rasjar.
"Are you coming Rasjar?" he asked and the dragon let out a puff of smoke and a rasping sound, which he put as laughter.
Maybe...
Auraka shrugged his shoulders, still unused to the massive beast.
"He's likely seen everything here many a time from the sky," I said, looking at the massive dragon, though tiny in comparison to the white female near him.
I smiled though, knowing that I was not being mean or anything at the moment. It was merely a statement of fact really. He seemed a nice guy and that was something I was hoping would stay that way.
Gaelira wandered after me, knowing that there was much to be done at the moment. 'Meet you at home,' she said.
I nodded and she took off.
Auraka Lamya
He laughed easily, nodding.
"Most likely...I'm still not used to the fact that I'm his rider," he mused as he followed her.
Coming beside her, he looked around the clearings and buildings.
"You fight well," he said after a moment. And it was true, though he had noticed one mistake which weakened her whole attack, though he wouldn't tell her. Maybe another time, he didnt want to seem like he was rubbing his win in.
"Give it a few days and you'll be used to having Rasjar following you around all the time. Though not all dragons make a habit of it." I smiled at him, my eyes searching for something in his face. He'd do well with the other Hawkblades.
"You're hiding something." It was not a question that I asked. I knew he was, and there was no point in him denying it. Drannor was still close enough that he'd say something if Auraka denied it.
Auraka Lamya
Following him seems to annoy him...I might stick to it hummed the deep voice, the eye turning to look at Auraka with amusement.
Auraka rolled his eyes, though glad that his dragon had a sense of humor.
Startled at Gem's words, he blushed deeply under his tanned skin. He wasn't one to blush often, but he didn't want to offend anyone.
"Ah...it may be best if I told you later princes," he murmered, gesturing to the loud crowd behind them.
I actually laughed at what he said.
“No problem.”
There were some things I knew should be kept for other times. This was likely one of those small things. Not that I really cared if it was something that would embarrass me. That was something I was used to others trying to do to me.
“So what were you doing out in the forest like that?”
I knew that he would likely try and ask the same thing of me, but it showed in my voice that I did not mind. My answer was oh so simple.
Auarak Lamya
He flashed her a relieved smile, following her slightly smaller strides.
"Well, I was returning from the border," he said, gesturing to his ebony stallion "we had been posted there for several months."
He knew it was a role to be proud of, something only the most trusted warriors were given. Also, it was great fun sending the odd scare to the humans.
“Sounds like an interesting job. Drannor's taking a group of his own men out there later to check on a group that were noticed, not long ago. My parents need to know what they are doing, therefore a few men are being sent. They won't be long out there, at least.”
I paused outside a massive white oak tree. It was bigger than any other. “This is my home. If you want we can talk inside, Auraka.”
Auraka Lamya
He nodded slightly, agreeing with her.
"We rotate, though I was out there longer then most...seeing as the others have family and such," he said and paused, studing her beautiful, large home. In every way, it reflected on Gem.
"Of course," he grinned, knowing she would get what he was hiding from her no matter what.
Once they were settled in one of the rooms, she turned to face him. “Now tell me, what exactly was I doing wrong?” She knew that there was no one else home. “There's no one else home at the moment.”
Not that she cared if there was. This was her home, and therefore it mattered not what was discussed here. She was serenely happy at the moment though. “Please tell me.”
Auraka Lamya
He blinked, surprised at the sudden attack of words. He had expected it of course but not quiet so direct.
Several things came to mind of were true. Though, he knew the answer she seeked.
"Though you fight with true talent and spirit of a warrior, you relie to heavily on your back right, making your attack weaker," he explained and gestured for her to take our her sword so that he could show her.
"If you changed your way slightly, you could easily beat almost anyone," he flashed her a dimpled smile.
"Show me." She was eager to learn of such things. After all she was failing to beat Drannor every time she fought with him. The time would come soon, a time when she would need to be able to beat him. taht time was close.
"There is one elf who can beat me, who I intend to beat one day, and its not you, but Drannor." She laughed though, it was fun to learn. "This is not the place for such a lesson though. Gaelira knows of somewhere a little quieter we could go."
Indeed I do, rumbled the dragon.
Auraka Lamya
He laughed, glad that she was taking it well and not as an offence as some would. Truly, he was only trying to help.
Nodding, he agreed. The middle of a royal house was not the best place to be practsing swordswork.
"Then lead the way," he said with a smile, opening the door and gesturing for her to lead the way. He was glad at this time, maybe he could get to know her better. There was some sort of attraction, at least on his side.
He only hoped she felt somewhat the same.
"Up here, if you will," another voice called, and gem smiled as her dragon poked her head down the massive staircase that was leading up to the dragon den. Smiling, Gem moved up that way. "Come on, Auraka." This was going to be fun. “You ever flown before?”
Gaelira hummed as she eyed Auraka. Then she snorted and crouched. Gem then moved to buckle on one of the saddles that were on a rack on the wall. There were two on the wall, and the one she picked up was the one with two seats. The other only had one seat, and was the one she usually used, when she flew alone with Gaelira.
Auraka Lamya
He cleared his throat slightly, shaking his head with brown tresses flying everywhere.
"Um...no," he said nervously, having never been fond of heights.
Rasjar's head appeared as well, from behind Gaelira and studied his rider.
Next time you shall ride me, as a true rider.. he growled, large eyes blinking I don't share well...
He looked to Gaelira and snorted before walking off.
"Okay..." he muttered, approaching Gaelira slowly.
“Well, you're going to have to get used to them. And Rasjar's right, you are going to have to learn to fly, and well at that. There are some things in the world that will not always wait for you. Such as another coming battle that I know will happen sooner than we all think here.”
I sighed as I tightened the last of the straps. Bounding up onto her as if I did this everyday, I made my way up into her saddle and undid one of the loops. Down tumbled what seemed like a rope ladder. “Climb on up,” I said, smiling down at him.
“Or will I have to put you up tehre personally?” Gaelira asked, mouth opening and closing with her words.
Auraka Lamya
He had never been afraid of anything in his life. Throw him in a cage with one hundred archers, he'd be fine and beat them all. Throw him in the air, or at a great height and he felt his stomach heave with ease.
"No Gaelira," he said slowly, moving towards her great mass "I can do it..."
He moved slowly, telling himself to grow up and get over it.
"Okay," he said, leaping up behind Gem and wrapping his arms around her waist, though he doubted it was needed, and enjoyed their closeness with closed eyes.
"Okay..lets go.." he said, refusing to allow his voice to shake.
She snorted and unfurled her wings. Then she was soaring up into the sky smoothly, it did nto even seem like they had left the house. She really was the mistress of the daylight sky. It was not long though before she had landed again in a clearing, as smoothly as she'd taken off.
"Was that really bad to you?" she asked, turning her head around to face Auraka, as Gem loosened the ladder again before jumping down from the saddle to land on the balls of her feet.
Auraka Lamya
His tightly closed eyes never opened, never feeling a jolt until she landed lightly upon her feet.
"What?" he asked, looking around "where here?"
He looked at Gem, allowing his arms to slowly let her go and jumping nimbly to the floor after her.
"Okay..." he muttered, flashing her an embarressed smile.
"Sorry about that...fell down a few to many cliffs as a child," he said quietly, hoping she did not think him a coward for such a fear.
Looking around the clearing and nodding in approval, he turned to her once more.
"Ready to start training?"
She grinned. "It's fine. Don't worry about how I think of you. There's nothing bad there at the moment, beleive me. If not, tell Drannor to tell you what I'm thinking, when we get back." She knew he likely would later, and she knew she would not even notice it when Drannor did look in her head.
Then she nodded. "Of course. Didn't come out ehre just to chat you know." She knew though that there was much for the others to learn about her. Not that she was ever going to make that easy for them.
Auraka Lamya
Favouring her with a small smile, he pulled his sword and guarded the edges.
"Guard your sword...just in case," he said, trusting his weapon but knowing better safe then sorry "and stand in the starting position you normally use."
He stood back, waiting for her to follow his requests. He knew what he was talking about, having drilled it into many children before her. Though, this time he knew it was someone with actual talent.
The white blade seemed to gleam as she pulled it from her own sheath. Corellon, it was called, or, Bringer of Peace. Many knew it, though not all knew the meaning of the name. To most it was simply Corellon. Not that it mattered what name was used, I knew always what was being referred to.
Smiling though, I guarded the edge, easily moving into the same stance as I had not long ago. Gaelira moved off tolay down, out of the way.
Auraka Lamya
He grinned, eyeing the sword with a keen eye. It was truly a wonderous weapon, he had no doubt that it was perfectally weighted and made her for her smaller hands.
"Good," he said, circling her and studing her stance in silence for a moment. Gently, he corrected her by moving her back foot forwards slightly and stood beside her.
"This is your problem," he explained taking his own stance "you rest heavily on your heels, you need to be light on your toes."
He bounced himself on the tips of his toes before continuing "you will be even faster if you do this and stronger within your offfence."
He grinned "want to try it out?" he asked, taking his own stance across from her with a nod.
"Try me."
The sword rose in her hand as she stood facing him, letting him change the way her body was positioned easily enough. There was no point in refusing to let him do so, after she'd said he could help her.
At his words though, she leapt towards him, her blade moving quickly. There was no doubt in her this time though. She would fight, and fight well. Things did seem quicker this time. he would still be in the Hawkblades, even if she beat him.
Auraka Lamya
He grinned, sword raised into position as he studied her, making note that she had indeed changed her position and was perfectally balanced.
"Good," he said, launching himself at her easily. His feet barely seemed the brush the ground with his quick, neat movements.
His sword appeared at his throat first try "dead, try again."
He backed away, smiling warmly. This time he was fighter harder, knowing how good she was now.
"Fight me!" he crowed boncing on his toes "I can take a bruise Gem."
She growled, knowing that she was not the easiest of fighters when it came to someone like him. Somehow, she did not want to hurt him. She could not explain even to herself why that might be though.
This time when she attacked, she fought in the same way as she had not long before, only this time she kept on her toes the whole time. Her gift worked as well, and somehow, she managed to beat him.
Auraka Lamya
He panted, breathing deeply though he smiled. Smiled broadly to her as he fell onto the ground, sweat covering his limbs. It had been a long time since he had fought like that.
He grabbed her arm, tugging her down beside him and laid back on the soft, summers grass.
"You fight well," he told her, staring up at the blue sky, his green orbs slowly turning to land upon her lightened figure.
"Though you use that talent of yours, your a good fighter," he chuckled lightly "we can work on that another time, but now I think it best we wash the sweat from our limbs and rest until another day?"
"Somehow I don't think I'll mind training with you. You fight well yourself." She smiled as she sat down beside him. She knew that there was much for her to learn at the moment, but she knew that in time there would be a great battle to be dealt with.
Neither could live while the other survives in peace, she thought, looking at Auraka. She knew that it refered to herself and Marcos, though that was something she did not look forwards to as much these days.
Life was starting to be good for her at the moment, here, in the trees, where she was always going to be safe and happy. "Tomorrow then." It was easy enough to agree to that, she knew that there was nothing going on tomorrow except another meeting int he early morning. One which was going to be very boring.
He nodded his agreement, the ghost of a smile still playing at his lips.
"I don't think i'll mind myself," he mused quietly and making to his feet with a sigh of effort. He honesty could not be bothered going back home to shower, so he would head to the river instead. It was closer, fresher.
"I'll see you tomorrow then? The sparring grounds?" he asked, walking backwards slowly towards the trees.
"Later in the morning. I have other things to attend to in the early hours of tomorrow." Damn meeting, she cursed. More war plans to be sorted out and given the okay or denied. But, as the queen, it was certianly her job to be there and guide things the way things were meant to be running.
She smiled at him again, not something she would normally do around one of the other warriors, but she could not help it around him. "See you there."
He favoured her with one final smile before turning and running into the trees, his ears quickly picking up the bubbling of the river, humming himself a tune.
"Oh, I think I found myself a girl, dad,
She's prettier then can be.
I think I found myself a girl, dad,
but she's way to good for me.
Oh, I've known her but a mere day now,
and yet my soul is sold.
Oh, I think I found myself a girl, dad,
and she's way to pretty and bold."
He kept humming the tune under his breath, chuckling to himself at just how well the human lyrics described her. Pretty, bold, perfect....and way to good for him.
"You like him, don't you, little one?" Gaelira asked when they were airbourne once more.
The young elf sighed. She knew that Gaelira had been right this time. "It would seem I do," she said, looking back in the direction they had been coming from.
"Keep your wits about you, yougn one," Gaelira said. "He's from Taror, and you know what those elves can be like."
Gem ignored her the rest of the way home, she was very insulted by those words.
When she got home, Gem headed straight towards her home. her parents of course had news for her. She had to find a mate!
Auraka quickly stripped to his under cloths before jumping into the freezing shallows, washing the sweat and grime from his body.
Rasjar's purple body shadowed the sun as he lowered beside him, large eyes studying him in silence before speaking.
"You like her."
It wasn't a question.
Rasjar sighed at his rider he barely knew.
"Just watch your heart, young one, I've heard that princesses are heartbreakers."
Auraka frowned, though did not respond and plainly ignored the dragon he was bonded to while he cleaned himself before even speaking.
"Are you practiced in our ways dragon?" he asked quietly "are you friends with many princesses?"
The large dragon shook his head slowly.
"Then don't say such things about them. Gem isn't a heartbreakers, at least not on purpose. Look at me! I'm a Taror elf and I'm lucky for her to even know my name, so just stay out if it," he growled, throwing his clothes back on with annoyance and storming into the forest.
The white sun dragon flew ovwer head, she liked the area that her rider's new freind had come to bathe. Se would give him a little privacy though. When she landed, she kept her head away from him at the moment, though eh was so close.
"Been cautioning him against my rider, Rasjar? No need," she commented.
Auraka
His feet thumped along the ground, shoeless soles bruising against the sticks and sharp blades of grass.
As he ran, fluid and graceful, he thought. Why would he say such things? It was the only thing that came to mind. Maybe the dragon knew something he didn't.
He continued his pace, slowly as the gates came into view, thoughts still drifting. It was official. Two things were at the least. He liked Gem, maybe more then friendship. And he was a rider, a flyer of the skies. Another sigh escaped him as he crossed the doorway, heading towards his modest home.
Rasjar
Purple head snapped around, orbs finally moving from the place Auraka had stormed off to.
"I just don't want to see him hurt, nor do you Gem," he said honestly, sighing.
"But, I think I'm to late for a warning..."
“Sometimes we’re not the ones meant t be the ones warning our riders, but the ones listening. I know that this is not something you would want to hear from me,” Gaelira said softly. “I don’t think Gem will do anything rash towards him, Rasjar.”
She sighed, lowering her head to drink from the river before looking up at him again. “We are the way we are, Rasjar. Some of us though are a little hard to understand. These elves know what they are doing, when it comes to each other, unless they are in a situation they have never been in before. It is those times when they need us to guide them.”
"No Gaelira...but I understand, I don't want to finish this relationship before its even started," he huffed a sigh, his mind still tracking his rider.
Large purple head turned, staring at his white friend with sad eyes.
"Years, I have been waiting for this...so many years, and now I destroy it before its even started, I think he is as stubborn as me...At least when it comes to these things."
Hesitating before continuing, he questioned her gently.
"Does she feel the same way?"
"Give them time, and you'll see that she does. It's no easy thing for elves to understand for themselves. Not to mention show such emotions. You'll see." Gaelira smiled. "There is much to learn from these odd creatures."
She chuckled, looking in the direction Auraka had gone. "We can't protect them from themselves, you know. They need to learn their own way in the world, though we can guide them, they must make their own choices and mistakes."
He hummed as he nodded to her wise words, though a sigh escaped him. Though, he had to agree. These humans and elves alike, where odd creatures. There way of getting a mate was so much easier, so less rules to follow. He mused quietly to himself and nodded once more.
"I best go and speak to him Gaelira..I don't want him mad at me..." he said, giving an apologetic glance before leaping into the air.
FAST FORWARDS TO NEXT MORNING
She sighed as she finally got out of the meeting she had had to attend. Though it had been interesting to talk about the upcoming coronation plans, it brought dread to her heart. She knew that when that was over with, her parents would leave, never to be returning to her again.
Moving swiftly, she headed out to the sparring grounds, she really needed to clear her head. Things were going too quickly.
Auraka
He was already there, at the sparing grounds. His sword repeatedly smacking into the pretend enemy.
All his anger, thrown at one single object. And when someone with his level of skill did this, well there wasn't much left to his after a moment.
He couldn't remember a time he had been so annoyed, a time where his calm self had snapped. It had happened last night, when that dragon, Rasjar so he had named himself, had turned up and started to say sorry. But he didn't want to hear it.
He knew and doubted he would ever be good enough for the elf princess, but he didn't need his heart crushed as a reminder.
She moved on swift feet, there was anger in her that did not seem natural. Things were not looking good for any of them at the moment. Annoying were the things that were happening with her family at the moment. At least she could depend on Auraka and Gaelira. Soon, along with Drannor, they would be her only family.
Three days. That was not long. Day after tomorrow was the wedding and then the third day, was her coronation. Spotting the back of a familiar head, she headed in Auraka's direction, on completely silent feet. He would not know she was coming.
She stopped behind him, and as his sword hit the dummy again, she wrapped her arms around him.
Auraka
He paused, feeling small arms wrap tightly around him and sighed, turning his sweaty body around to face her.
"Hey," he whispered, lowering his sword and dropping to the floor before pulling her close. How he ached inside at seeing her, he loved her to much to let her go.
Holding her tight to him, he pressed his lips to her forehead and they swayed for a moment in silence.
From the moment she had touched him, all the before emotions were gone. She was here, with him and that was all that matter. She had enough on her plate without worrying about him as well.
She smiled back at him, knowing that somehow he seemed to calm down a lot when when she was with him these days. It was not something she had ever thought was possible. She knew that one of these days, he would change, like Drannor had. She had not really cared when she found out what Drannor had become. Now though she wondered why Auraka hadn't already. It was a little confusing for her, but she liked him being the way he was.
"hey," she said. "I guess I can still sneak up on you, can't I? You were too focused on that dummy."
Auraka
He looked over at the dummy, frowning slightly.
"Yeah...I guess so.." he said, wrinkling his noise at a scent. A loud thrumming beat inside his ears, making him feel somewhat light headed. Gem blurred before his eyes, but he blinked quickly and tried to focus on her beautiful form.
His nose wrinkled again, noticing the scent once more. Roses, he decided. It smelled like roses.
"You smell like...roses," he slurred, fainting into a heap upon the sweat covered floor.
“You okay?” she asked, looking at him in concern when his vision seemed to waver in front of her. Though when she heard the words he spoke, she was a little surprised. Especially when all of a sudden, he fainted from right in front of her. “Auraka!”
She crouched beside him, one hand moving to try and find a pulse. There was one, but it was very sluggish, she could tell. “What on earth?”
Auraka
He felt dizzy, even passed out on the floor. He felt his heart thumping, the pace going quicker and then slower in an odd pattern.
Sweat beaded upon his tanned forehead, his hands clenching and un-clenching.
"Gem..." he moaned, thrashing weakly before he stopped. Not even a small movement of his chest to show that he was breathing, not air escaping his lungs.
His eyes snapped open, landing upon Gem's crouching form and his nose wrinkled slightly again. There was again, roses.
"You really do smell like roses," he muttered to himself, blinking deeply and staring at her.
The thrum of her heart, the beat of her pulse. He could hear it all.
Slowly sitting up, careful not to knock Gem back, he sighed and stretched his limbs. The tiredness he had felt before was gone, replaced with an easy relaxedness.
She stared at him, trying to figure out what was going on. His eyes had changed, they had gone an odd black. “Auraka?” what had happened to him?
It was then that Drannor happened to be passing by. He stopped though when he heard the confusion in both their heads. When he got closer though, he stopped, eyes on them both.
“I think I know what just happened, Auraka, Gem.”
Auraka
He grinned at Gem, feeling as if he had all the energy in the world at his fingers.
"Yes Gem?" he asked, looking at her worried by her tone, she seemed to be oddly surprised. Something that didn't happen to her often.
"Are you okay?"
He hurried to sit up properly, pulling her body into a hug and clutched her tightly. And those damn roses came clearer.
"Oh, hello Drannor," he said with a cheery grin.
Drannor chuckled for a few moments as he heard the turmoil in Auraka’s head. “You’re very confused aren’t you, Auraka?” He smiled. “I know what you’ve become, Gem smells the same way to me as she does to you, but I daresay it’s a lot harder for you to resist.” He already had Sahar.
“You’ve become what all the Taror born elves become. A vampire.”
Gem’s eyes widened for a moment. “I thought so,” she she muttered, looking at Drannor. “I knew you’d changed, just could not figure out what.”
Auraka Lamya
He bobbed his head, rubbing it as if to ease a headache. But he felt fine, part from the hungry feeling within him. Though, he had to mention that he hadn't noticed it until Drannor had mentioned the words.
Quickly, yet carefully, he pushed Gem off his lap and scrambled to the other side of the training room, just in case. At the moment, he knew he would rather die then hurt her. That included ignoring this feeling, which was hard due to the feelings he had for her.
"Roses?" he asked Drannor "does she smell like roses to you?"
He sighed, licking his lips and froze suddenly. Her felt them, sharp fangs. They scared him, and he was not easily frightened. The amount of damage he could do, the amount of damge that could happen by mistake...he didn't even want to think about it.
She let him push away from her, she knew that he would be worried about hurting her, not that he could. She doubted that very much at the moment. He'd never hurt her and she knew it. That was not something he was capable of, except for when he whacked her on the head with his sword.
Drannor chuckled at that thought and she managed a small smile.
"I guess that one was funny that you heard in me head," she said. "Kinda find it funny in hindsight myself. Though at the time i knew Auraka would hit me on the head with his sword."
She then looked across at Auraka. "Come here. You won't hurt me, and I doubt Drannor would let you."
Drannor nodded. "No, I won't."
Auraka Lamya
His dark eyes darted between Drannor and Gem as they laughed and she flashed him a small smile, jealously flying threw him. It wasn’t an emotion he was used to feeling; actually it was something he had never felt before.
He shoved the flood to the side, standing tall and slowly approaching Gem, trying his best not to breath in her delightful scent. He was glad, to say in the least, that she was not repulsed by his sudden change.
He moved close before her, a small proud smile growing upon his lips. She was right, he could never hurt her.
“I didn’t hit you that hard,” he protested lightly and kissed her cheek, still not breathing in.
"We're family, Auraka," Drannor felt the need to remind him. There was no need for him to be jealous at the moment.
"It still hurt," Gem replied, smiling at him. "And I'm not worried by what you are. I knew this would happen, eventually."
Gently she stretched up and kissed him. He seemed to be fine at the moment. She knew that he would have to hunt, and so did Drannor. Drannor though had slipped out of the room though. She knew he was still keeping an eye on them though, in his own gifted way.
"You're hungry," she observed.
Auraka Lamya
He sighed, having hoped that Drannor had missed that.
“I know Drannor...I don’t know where that came from,” he muttered, feeling embarrassed but smiled slightly as she kissed him. She was, after all, his.
“Not that much,” he argued “I can ignore it.”
She sighed. “You should feed,” she said. She knew the danger of letting him, but she wasn’t having him hunt anywhere else. Not when she seemed willing enough to let him from her.
There was not a chance of this being possible for him. No, she was not going to let him hurt someone else, not when it came to this side of him.
“I trust you, Auraka,” she said. “You’ll never hurt me.” That was not something he would be capable of. If he was going to take too much from her, she knew that Drannor would intervene.
Her older cousin was very protective of her, and she knew it. Auraka knew that, but it was for Drannor’s own reasons really.
Auraka Lamya
He blinked, more than startled. Drink from her? No. No he wouldn’t. He couldn’t do that.
“No,” he said quickly, pulling away from her “no Gem...”
He pleaded to her with his words, not even wanting her to mention such a thing. She knew he couldn’t say no to her, but he didn’t want to hurt her either.
“I can’t Gem...I don’t want to be this! I...” he shook his head quickly, hair flying in the movement which was barely seen because it was so quick. He backed away from her further, looking desperately towards the door to where Drannor was standing, he could smell him.
Help me! He called mentally to Drannor I don’t want to hurt her...tell her I can’t...
“It won’t hurt me. Only the ones you’d feed from without them saying you can would be the ones hurt from this sort of thing. Someone who’s willing will never be.” She sighed, looking in the same direction he did.
Drannor stood to one side though. He did not move. “She’s right. It won’t hurt her. And I won’t let you hurt her anyway. If there is any chance of that, I will stop you. I’m older than you, stronger, too.”
Auraka Lamya
He looked away, trying to change his mind. He didn’t even want to try, only one wrong movement and she could be gone from his life. Forever. This wasn’t some simple mistake which could be fixed.
“Okay...” he whispered, taking a small, hesitant step towards her “but if it hurts, even a little bit...you must tell me.”
He looked at her with worried eyes once more, eyes flickering to Drannor for a moment before returning to Gem’s beautiful face.
“Promise me.”
“I promise.” She replied. If she hid it, well, Drannor would know anyway. He was too strong for her to be able to keep him out of her head at the moment. Just like he couldn’t stop her, from seeing his plans.
Drannor stayed where he was for the moment. You’ll be fine, he said, saying it in Auraka’s head. Nothing is going to go wrong.
Then she moved over to him and wrapped her arms around him gently. “Go ahead,” she said, smiling up at him. There was no chance this was going to go wrong. She already knew what was going to happen, and she was more than prepared for that.
Auraka Lamya
He hesitated for a short moment, his mouth lowering to her neck and kissing it gently. Resting his lips there for a moment, he forced himself to breath and bite into her soft, pale neck.
He tried to ignore the taste, her scent and how much he wanted her. But it wasn’t that simple, she was like nothing he had ever eaten before. Her scent over powered him, clouding his thoughts. He drained some blood, swallowing it before taking more.
Stop he commanded himself stop now.
Slowly, and somewhat regretfully, he pulled away and wiped his mouth.
She shuddered at first, knowing that she was not used to the feel of him biting her. At least it had not hurt, as she had expected it would not.
When he did pull away though, she knew that he had not hurt her. "That did not hurt at all," she said. "Drannor would know if I was lying."
That was the only thing she hated about him being a mind reader.
Drannor laughed. "Sorry Gem, but I'm never not going to be one."
Auraka Lamya
He sighed with relief, kissing her forehead and closing his eyes tightly.
“I am never doing that again,” he whispered against it “I’ll live off animals, not humans...or elves...”
He shook his head slightly, holding her tightly to his chest and looked to Drannor.
“Do you do that to Sahar?” he asked quietly, wondering how he felt about his sister’s blood being drunk.
“She won’t let me hunt anything else unfortunately,” Drannor replied. His mind was focused on him now though; he knew now why Auraka was interested. “I tried to avoid it, but she refused to let me. She’s really stubborn sometimes.”
He sighed. “First time she fainted afterwards, but that was because she refused to take my own blood, when I knew she needed it because I took too much. Second time though... that was only yesterday. I wouldn’t do it a second time if it hurt her.”
Auraka Lamya
He studied Drannor in silence for a moment and shaking his head slightly as his fist clenched. He didn’t like the idea, but he knew Sahar had similar views to Gem and was just as stubborn as he was. It seemed to be a common family trait.
“If your hurt her...” he muttered “I’ll kill you myself.”
He said it so quietly that he knew only Drannor would hear it, not Gem who was standing before him.
“I won’t drink from you again Gem, okay?” he said “I shall find another way..”
I’m guessing you heard that, he thought, guessing Drannor had heard that Sahar was his sister.
I want to tell her, I just don’t know how...any ideas?
He looked over Gem and she seemed fine, maybe a little pale but that was all.
He knew that the next thing he wanted to tell Auraka would not be something that the other vampire would want to hear. However, Auraka had the right to know. What his reaction would be, Drannor knew it would not be pleasent.
"Wish I did not have to tell you this, but your sister's pregnant." There was enough guilt in the words to show who was the one responsible for her being in that situation.
Gem gasped in surprise. What was Drannor thinking right now? Certainly nothing good. Auraka would be furious!
Auraka
The fury built in his eyes, his body turning to face him with disgust as he pushed Gem slightly yet firmly away. His fist clenched, having relaxed moments before, and threw right at his face.
His hard fist connected with the side of Drannor’s face, his body weight throwing him both to the floor as he continued to punch and hit him.
“How dare you!” he growled punching him again, using much more power than he was used to having “you knocked up my baby sister!”
A few times he dodged. “Not a good idea to pick on someone older and stronger than you, Auraka, though I guess I deserve it this time.” He knew though that if he did not act soon though, this building they were in was in danger. That was not something he would let happen at the moment.
Every time Auraka managed to bruise him though, he seemed to heal within a second completely. There was no lasting damage this time. Vampires knew better than to attack their elders though. Looked like Auraka needed that lesson himself.
His power seemed to bunch up at the thought, aiming at Auraka. One strong blast was let loose from his mind and it seemed to knock him to the ground. Before the other vampire could get to his feet though, Drannor was on top of him. “You didn’t let me finish. Very rude.”
Auraka
He struggled under him, temper still flaring at the mere sight of Drannor. He had always had a lot of respect for him, a great liking to his being. He had taken in Sahar...but this was just too much.
“She’s 19!” he growled, throwing Drannor off with one mighty heave and sent him flying backwards and leapt quickly to his feet, still not used to the speed he now had.
He stood, facing him without so much as a pant. Never in his life had he been so mad or upset, nor so full of power. Auraka was normally the quiet and well loved leader, but not today it seemed. Maybe the change had messed with his head slightly.
“Auraka!” Gem shouted. “Calm down!” She didn’t say it out of concern for her cousin, nor her mate. But instead because this was completely ridiculous. “You’re both out of line here!” never had she yelled at either of them, and she knew that. Neither stopped though, and she had to move so she was in between them.
“Stop! Neither of you can hurt each other without hurting me!” She knew there was no chance that Drannor would dare hurt her. Sure she’d hurt him in the past, but it had not really been her.
Drannor seemed to pause, watching warily from the other side of her.
“Go,” she told him.
He did not budge.
Auraka
He paused at the sound of her voice. Only her musical lyrics, sharp as they were, seemed to be able to calm him somewhat down, though his gaze remained trained upon Drannor with hatred burning deep within them.
“My baby sister,” he choked out, seeming overwhelmed by another emotion now. He knew he couldn’t attack Drannor now, not with Gem in the way. There was no chance he would try, not if it might mean her injury.
He ran a hand though his hair, and then over his face.
“I’m so sorry Drannor...” he whispered, knowing he had behaved rashly and not even having any idea why. Yes, his sister was pregnant. But she was also in love.
“You better marry her,” he muttered.
“Actually, I did ask her and she agreed, Auraka. Had you paused to listen before attacking me, I would have said so. I’m not a fool.” Drannor sighed. “I knew it was the wrong thing to do, and I’d rather she didn’t find out why we fought. Though if she asks me, I’ll probably say we had a bit of a disagreement or something. Vampires are likely to fight with each other. And not always to kill, but dominate each other.”
Gem sighed. “Wish you would not put me in such a situation in the first place, Drannor,” she commented.
“Sorry, cousin.” His eyes were sharp though when he looked at Auraka. “Same to you about Gem. She’s my cousin, you know.”
Auraka
He nodded meekly, feeling awful for attacking his leader.
“Drannor..really, I am sorry...I’ve never..done such a thing like that before,” he sighed, hand running though his locks once more as his eyes darted once more to Drannor.
“I would die before letting her get hurt,” he told him, all seriousness “I would give her to world if it was mine to give.”
"I forgive you, Auraka, but don't try attacking me again. A word to the wise, vampires usually won't fight someone older than them, seeing as it would be too hard to win the fight. I could have done you a lot of damage had I wanted to. But, I had too much control,a nd chose not to. You did me more damage because of that."
Gem sighed. "Just go, Drannor."
He turned and this time, he left the room. She turned to look at him. "I've never seen you so angry," she said.
Auraka
“Sorry,” he muttered again, more embarrassed then anything because of how he had acted. It was nothing like him.
His icy blue eyes followed his back as he left, a sigh escaping him.
“Gem,” he whispered “I am so...sorry.”
He held his arms out to her, allowing her to come to him if she chose. Though he would understand if she didn’t.
“I...I don’t know what happened, all these emotions I have never felt before and now suddenly they appear..I don’t know what to do, I don’t want to be this Gem...I just want to be me.”
She moved over to him. She knew that he was embarrassed by his reactions. “I don’t think Drannor would have reacted any different if it had been him in your position, Auraka. I don’t blame you.”
Smiling at him, she wrapped her arms around him. She was the one who was always forgiving, though sometimes people did not deserve it.
He was one of the few who still did when it came to this sort of thing. There was nothing that would change how she felt about him. "I know you won't make a mistake like that again. I still love you, no matter what you are."
Auraka
He wrapped his arms around her, holding her smaller form tightly to him and kissed the top of her head.
“I love you Gem, since the moment we met....” he whispered, glad to have met such a forgiving and wondrous girl. And she was his, all his to look after and treasure.
“I need to tell her,” he whispered “she needs to know that she still has family...”
He smiled weakly “I’m going to be an uncle.”
"Tell her when you think the time is right. They're going to be out of town for a few days, Drannor's going to go have to sort outsome family issues in Taror, though he was banished, and well, Sahar's going with him. Though I have the funny feeling, she'll be coming to pester you when they get back with questions."
She smiled up at him. "And yes you will be. Twins."
Auraka
He chuckled, head shaking with amusement. That was his Gem, knowing everything around her. Though, he blinked at the mention of twins.
“Twins?” he echoed and sighed with defeat, there was nothing he could do about it now.
He hesitated momentarily “does Drannor know that Sahar, to is a Taror elf? She will change as well...in the next few years. Though she doesn’t know it..”