"Hush." said a soft, motherly voice. i was gently picked up and i heard a soothing song come from her mouth. Her fingers brushed against my face in tender movements, and i squealed with happiness. I saw her smile kindly and lean down to kiss the top of my head whispering word I could make out. I was placed down onto the bed and I let out a cried of protest. I squirmed when i saw she had another baby in her arms, looking exactly like me. I let out another cry, which went unheard yet again. I smile smugly as i felt the look alike get set down and raised my arms toward the warm figure above us. I heard her let out a soft laughs, which sound so musical that it was unbelievable. I raised my arms again mumbling nonsense. I was picked up again and i felt a weight on my neck. Curious i pulled on it seeing a black staff staring unblinkingly back at me. Confused I tried to pull on it again but a pair of soft, supple hands stopped me. I looked up to see the woman shake her head and place my hands beside me. I watch in contentment as she put the same necklace on the look alike of me. I closed my eyes briefly and the next thing i know, I hear metal banging against metal and a scream. My blue eyes blinked open and i stared at the woman as a man in armor took her away. I began to cry as i heard her scream louder, calling my name, as well as the look alike next to me. I reached upward for my twin as someone took her away. Darkness closed around me, i was alone.

I shot up in bed drenched in cold sweat, panting heavily while tears streaked down my face. I clutch the staff necklace tightly, my knuckles going white. i got up, peeling the sheets from my body, and walked to my window peering outside. It was still dark. I sighed and began to changed out of my shorts that i had fallen asleep in, opting for a pair of white pants, black knee high boots. I pulled on a sleeveless white tank top and tossed my black vest with gold trim and fur. I pulled on similar gloves and grabbed my sword from beside the door. I held onto it tightly as i opened the door that lead into the hallway of the small house i shared with my adopted parents. Stepping out of my room slowly, i closed the door not making a sound. i rush quietly to the front door, only hitting the wood with a soft thud. i propped open the door with my foot, the rest of my body sliding out and i shut the door again softly. I sighed. i was out. I didnt know what i had to do, but something told me that the dream i had was part of the reason. I needed to find her. I walked off, away from my house, out of the small town i had grown up in.

I look back, standing on top of a small hill a few miles from town. I sighed and placed a hand on top of my wild blond hair, my blues eyes filled with sorrow. i was going to miss this place. i had made friends. Heck i grew up here. I dont remember my mother, all i knew was from what people around the town and travelers had said. All i knew about my past was that i had a twin and my mother was taken away. With a silent good bye i turned away and continued to walk away from the place i had called home.

I traveled for days, stopping when i was on the verge on passing out, or when concerned by-passers pulled me into their home offering me a place to stay for the night. I didnt stay long. Just long enough to get some shut eye and left early the next morning. I didnt know how long i was going to travel for. I just knew i needed to find my twin before it was too late.

~Warm laughter filled the darkness. My heavy eyelids opened to reveal a bright loving smile from a women I barely remember; however I know in my heart she must have held some importance to me, long ago. I was held gently against her breast as she spoke loving words I cannot distinguish. My small head shifted to the side and I caught a glimpse of a babe, possible the same age as me, held in the same fashion by the woman with her other arm. I could not see his face, but I could perceive his dazzling blonde hair that spiked randomly from his tiny head. The color was alike mine, although mine was more tame. I giggled at his odd mane that seemed to emit great amounts of bliss around the room. The woman rocked us slowly from side to side singing a soft lullaby. I felt a deep sensation of peace and tranquility around the two. After a long while of listening to the woman’s song, I resolved to fall to sleep. My eyes closed as the woman set us down on a bed; the other babe was already breathing rhythmically in his slumber.
Suddenly there was a loud thud at the door followed by thunderous yelling and the stamping of armor clad feet. Both of us babes flicked open our eyes to stare in shock as a wave of knights in shining chain-mail rushing into the small room. The room swarmed with colors of silver and the sound of clanking metal. One knight, holding a piece of parchment, read off of the words scribbled on the page in a fancy font with a harsh tone. Two others then reached for the sweet woman and began to drag her from the room. Both of us babes cried noisily from both the startled waking and the woman who screamed at the men to let her go. Then suddenly the chaotic room spun from my vision and I awoke to darkness again, with hot tears rolling silently down my cheeks.~

I awoke to the rustling of the Dragon’s velvet wings. It sighed heavily and snapped its jaws slightly, obliviously in a dream. I slipped from under its warm shelter into the chill of the cave. I quietly tread to the center of the cavern where a single shaft of morning light leaked in from the outside world through the hard earth roof. The stalactites closest to the shaft were slightly glowing and the others could not be seen in the darkness. I know every inch of this cave with light and without. I have been here for my whole life with my former caretaker, who left me just a few days ago without an explanation or allowing me to say ‘farewell’. My only company now is the Dragon.
Although it sometimes isn’t pleasant to be around, it never has harmed me in anyway. We have a silent understanding, the Dragon and I. If I sing for it, it will not harm me or the others outside. It’s a hard life able to see no more light than this lesser beam that is only able to brighten just few feet of shadow. But I stay, not only to complete my duty in protecting the strangers outside, but to help this poor creature in this imprisonment. Under all those scales and fire, I feel only lonely and emptiness. I laugh at myself for my foolish intention. For by helping the Dragon in his imprisonment, I am also imprisoning myself. I feel, in my very soul, that I do not belong here, even if I am exceptional with my task. I sense that I belong somewhere else somewhere outside of this cave and darkness. Somewhere bright and full more things than just solid rock and cold. Somewhere better with more meaning.
The Dragon rose to its feet behind me. It stretched out its wings, almost brushing the top of the roof with their enormous length. I turned and looked into the Dragon’s burning eyes. It grumbled, shaking the cave. This was my queue to begin what I was here for. My fate. I nodded and opened my mouth. I sang.

I cast a long look at her, sniffing. Clearly, no food. I stretched my limbs again. For some reason the Keeper seemed upset. It was no concern of mine, however. Most of the Keepers felt upset around me. It was insulting in dragonspeak, but the humans wouldn't understand that. But the Keeper didn't have much to be upset about. When the time came and they were finally allowed to be free, I would have a new jailer to keep me in this airless, cramped space. I sat down on my haunches as Leora (I assume that's her name, as the former Keeper called her that) sang. Her voice was tuneful and reminded me of the outside. I arched my back as I remembered what the world beyond this cave was like. Beautiful, bright, more than just grey and black. More dragons and space.

I gazed at Leora. I envied her. At least one day she'd be free. I would be stuck in here forever, until I died.

"Why won't you just let me out?" I grumbled to the Keeper. "We could both be free. You would be able to find your real family, and I'll be nothing but a memory."

I didn't bother waiting for an answer. She usually didn't. Partly because the humans thought I was a menace, and partly because she could not even hear me when I spoke human. She hardly spoke to me and when she did she never expected to hear an answer. She thought I was too stupid.

As her voice echoed throughout the cave and tunnels, I sank deep into thought. Thoughts about the first Dragon Keeper, who was formerly my friend. He had been kind and friendly and had taken me in when my mother was killed by dragon hunters. At that time he had been just ten human years, a youth. I didn't understand. He'd left me here, alone in this dark cave. He'd been like an clan member to me. We'd travelled far and wide, across the world, for five human years. I dug my claws into the ground, angry. That traitor. I didn't tolerate traitors. He'd left me in this cave, preventing me from ever coming out. And I've been trapped ever since then. Four hundred and thirty five years! I let out a growl which rose to a roar, hitting my shoulders and sides against the walls of the cave in anger. I suddenly noticed that Leora had stopped singing. She'd left. I sniffed the air and smelled fear, and hatred and dislike.

I thumped my tail against the ground, feeling angry and frustrated and lonely. And hungry. I curled into a ball, surprised to find myself wishing for Leora to come back and bring some food, or at least sing. I needed her company. I desperately wanted to be free, to escape and get as far away from here as possible. If only I could somehow persuade her to get me out of here.

As I sang I began to dance, falling deeply into the song. It felt as if hours had past when I heard I mighty roar. The ground shook under my feet and the cave walls swayed from side to side, threatening to tumble down and crush me. I was stunned to silence. Caelus must be angry with me again. I frowned sadly. I never wanted anyone to be angry with me, especially Caelus. I wanted to smell the fresh air and see the light outside of this darkness as much as she did. Unfortunately I am completely worthless when it comes to escaping. With the only exit magically sealed, it’s impossible for someone like me, with no powers, to open it. Caelus would be able to force her way out of here with her great amount of strength if not for the magic of the Dragon Keepers.

When the cave became silent and the shaking ceased, I noticed that I had wandered deep into the cave. I reached my arms out to the side to feel the cave wall. I clambered in the dark like a blind man until my right shoulder smacked right into a sharp rock protruding from the cave wall. I squeaked out a small ‘ouch’ before touching my injured shoulder. It was only a scrap that I felt. Sighing I continued along the wall looking for the beam of light that signaled the center of the cave.

Minutes past and only darkness settled in my vision. I hummed a soft tune as I ventured into the cavern, not knowing if I was going the right way back. Finally I saw the beam of light and relief washed over me. You could really get lost in here; it was a good thing I didn’t receive that fate. I began to move towards the light, when I tripped over something very large and hard. I used my left arm to break my fall. Looking down at my feet, I searched for the object that had tripped me. Caelus’s red tail was hidden under my feet. I followed the tail up to the head of Caelus, seeing her stare at me. I jumped up and stammered an apology.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t see you over there!” I half laughed. I carefully made my way into the light and sighed at its color. The light had become slightly orange, announcing the afternoon. My stomach growled nosily. I flushed with embarrassment.

“Oh I wish the Keeper would come back with some food.” I said to Caelus. “We haven’t eaten since yesterday around this time.” I sighed and hung my head. “They have been slow on bringing food lately…I wonder if something is happening.” I looked up at my companion and watched her, waiting to see if she would answer.

He had tried to be brave, it had been of no use, much like the others bravery had not shielded him from the calculated damage that the dark knight had inflicted upon him.

Regardless of how tiring it had been, when they finally broke was worth every ammount of effort laid upon them, Batrava loved that particular moment, when defiance and bravery sunk into the sea of pain and despair.

He had to recognize it, this last one had endured a lot more than the previous rogues and law breakers he was used to seeing, there was something different in these people as of late they seemed to have lost all respect for the queen as of late... ungrateful lowborn cattle, could they not understand their place in the chain of creation?

They were no better than dogs or cows, the highborn like Reiann were the ones that had been placed by the gods themselves to govern their followers in accordance to their plan.

“Reiann” Sigmund whispered to himself as he loosened the last chain that had held the prisoner in place during the questioning.

The Queen, she was true iron not like her two sisters that would have driven the kingdom into ruin had they had their way, if the royal family had to be compared to metals he would easily come up with good matches.

The first born was pure gold, and every blacksmith worth his price will tell you that pure gold is useless, only when melded with another heavier metal did it acquire the properties that were wished.

The second one, nothing but cheap copper... it shines and it is placed next to gold and silver but at the end of the day is not really worth what you paid.

But Reiann, she was iron, strong, reliable, ruthless, effective and while it did not shine it performed to every expectation... why then did these lowborn defied her so? could they not see the part that they had to play? they simply had to bow and pay their respects to the one and only queen.

If only that accursed Dragon could be disposed of, the only reason the kingdom had not expanded to the limits it rightfully should have was due to that overgrown lizard, deploying armies while having a situation at your very own home was not the wisest of all things, yet at the same time the fiercely territorial nature of the dragon intimidated all other intentions of conquest against the fatherland.

In more than one way the dragon was their keep, but also their prison if only there was a way to order the monster around, train him like a dog, have him seat, play death and spit fire!

That abomination had left a stain upon everyone, red more than most knew the pain that such fiend could produce

“Such a young little thing” he had finally finished storing the corpse into the disposal compartment, it had been a gory and bloody mess... he loved this job.

Lady fairfax, the red knight.

Sigmund often thought about her, she did not scared him, she just amused him, such a young and frail thing and yet so capable with the sword, she was not on the same league that he was to be sure, Sigmund was a full grown male that had practiced swordplay since he could held a wooden sword and had beaten his premature rivals to a bloody pulp with blunted weapons made out of wood, but she was 10 years younger than he was... who knows, maybe when she grew older she would be able to kill the dragon.

“P-please I dont know anything” Sigmund left out a sigh as he turned to his next victim, he had enough daydreaming for today, he drifted when he wasn't focused on his work... and these prisoners were not going to torture themselves, he simply grabbed his instruments as he closed in to his victim and began the interrogation that left no survivors

I stumbled and fell to the ground. I had been walking for days, only stopping to rest when i was on the verge of passing out. Slowly I sat up, wiping the dirt from my mouth, my eyes hard with determination. I stood up and began walking again, ignoring the protests my body was giving me. I was tired, weak, and i needed food. Narrowing my eyes i spotted a small village about another days walk away. I picked up my pace, wincing in pain as i again fell to the rough ground. I laid there, not ever wanting to get up. The sun was setting, which meant no one would be likely to find my body if I were to perish here. I rolled onto my back, gazing at the sky that was slowly turning blood red. I laid there a while longer, watching as it went from blood red to a dark blue. Sighing heavily i got up and limped slowly toward some trees I had spotted up ahead before I had fallen. I leaned again them, my eyes closing quickly and i fell into a light sleep.

~I saw a vast land, covered with beautiful mountains. I saw a deep canyon, the only way across it was a thin piece of land. I looked around, not seeing much else. Suddenly it changed I was in a dark cave, surrounded by three others. I felt somewhat safe with them by my side. I drew my sword, ready to fight when a girl with green hair and a mask summoned what looked to be spirits. We fought against them and destroyed them quickly. I clashed swords with the girl and then I began to fall...~

"Ah!" I jerked up and looked around. It was dawn, the sun not even fully up yet. I rubbed my eyes. 'What a weird dream...' I thought trying to remember what it had been about. Shaking my head I got up and stretched before setting my sites on the small village. If i was lucky I could get there before sundown. Giving one last look around, I set off again, fresh with new determination. My journey had only just begun.

I held the bread, meat, and water in my hand tightly as I walked to where Caelus, and the girl, Leora was. I glared at the wet, cold ground as I took long, graceful steps. I was finally free from the dragon...but instead...this girl was put in my place. Well, I wasn't completely free. I still have to keep Caelus and the girl from escaping...so my job isn't done. I have no choice though. I would rather do this job than die. I stopped when I saw Leora with Caelus. I sighed and muttered,"Sorry for being late. I have brought food." I went up to the girl and handed her the bread and water. Then I turned around and began to walk away. However, I stopped, turned around, and said,"I will be guarding from outside. If you need me, then come find me." I continued walking, clutching my staff tightly in my hand.

Drip, drop. Drip, drop. The water sounds are engraved in my mind. 'How long...how long have I been in here?' I wondered to myself. Every turn, every entrance...I've memorized all of it. This cave gave me horrible memories. The memories of people dying. The bloodshed. I clutched my staff more tightly. My aqua eyes brimmed with tears. I will never escape this place, and I knew it. The tears fell down my white mask, and quickly wiped it away. I haven't shown my emotions in many years. I stood outside of the cave's entrance, and formed a seal to keep anything or anyone from coming in. I stood in front of it. If anyone were to get to Caelus, they will have to go through me.

A cool breeze welcomed Andrea Fairfax as she passed through an open doorway and stepped onto the high, stone balcony of the Queen's palace. Gratefully taking in the refreshing night air, she walked over to the balcony's edge and scanned the sleeping village below. The only source of light came from the starry night sky and the occasional oil lamp swaying in shop doorways. Andréa's gaze moved from the quiet village to the dark forest resting behind it. Memories of herself running into the forest as a young girl flooded back and she half smiled to herself. Then another image, though slightly blurry, flickered back:

~ Andréa, probably around the age of ten, was once again in the lush, green forest. She was wearing a long, satin, red dress which she had to bunch up in her small hands to prevent herself from tripping over the hem as she darted between trees and and ducked below low-hanging branches. Her long, auburn curls bounced as she ran through the forest with a wide grin across her face. Not too far behind, someone was chasing after Andréa. She was about the same age as Andréa and had pink pigtails which curled into tight spirals. As Andréa ducked under another branch she didn't see a root protruding from the earthy soil and tripped over it landing in a soft patch of grass. The pink haired girl quickly caught up with her and knelt beside Andréa, concern filling her wide eyes. "I'm fine," Andréa said with a smile. Then the pink haired girl laughed and helped Andréa to her feet.~

"Teto."Andréa's voice came out in a barely audible whisper as she spoke her pink-haired friend's name. The thought of her friend made her grip tighten on the balcony railing. Moving her gaze from the forest to the large courtyard bellow triggered yet another memory:

~ Andréa, now sixteen, was sitting alone on the stone bench in the courtyard of her home before she came to live in the palace as one of Queen Reiann's loyal protectors. She had picked some of her mother's prized roses and was holding them to her nose, taking in the sweet aroma, when she heard soft footsteps approaching. Setting the roses on her lap, Andréa looked to see who was coming. A wide smile stretched across her face as the familiar spiraling, pink pigtails came into view. "Teto!" Andréa quickly stood up, brushing off her scarlet dress, and rushed over to her friend. They embraced in a warm hug and began to walk around the bright, colorful courtyard. Close to midday, the two had just lain down in the lush green grass to take in the warm sunshine when heavy footsteps echoed throughout the courtyard. Andréa and Teto both shot up to see three tall, well built men coming towards them.

Teto was the first to speak, "Who are you, and what do you want?" The three men simply looked at each other and nodded. the oldest looking one took out a rolled parchment and opened it for Teto to read. Teto's eyes widened as she read the spidery writing. "Me? They want me?" The man holding the parchment nodded.

"Teto? who wants you? And for what?" Andréa's voice was hinted with concern as she looked from Teto's wide eyes to the parchment. Andréa's brown eyes grew as she read, "They want you to be the new Dragon Keeper, Teto?" Teto was silent from the shock. "They want Teto?" Andréa turned her attention to the men, who simply nodded.

Teto finally spoke in a soft, shaky voice, "I always thought the dragon was a myth."

One of the men spoke next, "It is very much real. And that is the reason we have come for you. We need you to protect the village from this bloodthirsty beast."

"But why Teto?" Andréa nearly screamed her words.

"After careful consideration we chose Teto because we believe she has the ability to sooth the beast and in doing so, keeping it at bay."

"But what happened to the Dragon Keeper before Teto?"

"They-" Began the man holding the parchment but stopped as the others shook their heads. "Lets just say they are unable to fill out their duties any longer."

"I see," Teto looked somberly at the ground, "And you wish for me to take his place?" The men nodded. "I'll do it." When Teto spoke those words Andréa looked up shocked at her friend.

"Teto, your going to accept their proposition?" Andréa's deep, brown eyes were rimmed with tears. "But I'll never be able to see you again!"

Teto remained silent for what seemed an eternity, "It would be selfish for me not to go, Andréa." She turned and looked into her tear brimming, brown eyes, "Think about the rest of the village. What would happen to it if no one was controlling the dragon?" She turned to the men, "I'm ready." They nodded and gestured for Teto to follow as they headed for the courtyard gates. Teto turned and smiled sweetly, "Goodbye, Andréa."

Andrea stood, watching them as they left and tears trickled down her rosy cheeks for this would be the last time she ever saw those pink spiraling, pigtails.~

Andréa vigorously shook her head trying to keep the painful memories at bay like Teto tried to keep the dragon at bay before it killed her. Her head snapped up when she heard the blood curdling screams echoing throughout the marble corridors. Sir Batrava Andréa had never been very found of him or his blood lust. Andréa inhaled the night air deeply before heading back inside the palace. The chain mail that covered her body clinked as she made her way through the corridors towards Sir Batrava's torture chamber.

Another shriek made Andréa freeze in front of the torture chamber. She stared down the stair case which lead to where Sir Batrava kept his victims. She shuddered slightly as another scream echoed up to her ears. A small thought began to bubble inside of Andréa as she stood in front of the chamber; she had never seen its inside. Curiosity began to take over and before Andréa realized what she was doing she was already half way down the stairs, the door only a few feet away.

Sitting in a dusty corner of the library, Aimi studied an old map in a book that probably weighed nearly as much as she did. When she tilted her head to the side, just so, and squinted, she could make out faded marks inked into the margins. Sighing, she concluded that geography was not her best subject, and closed the heavy book with a thump. A puff of dust rose from the old book, and she stifled a cough. She had snuck in when no one was looking, to steal a few lonely minutes for herself, even if she was studying.

Slipping through the heavy shelves, she peeked out into the open space between her hiding place and the door- it was empty. She bit her lip and breathed as softly as she could, listening for any sign of another’s presence. When she heard nothing, she tiptoed to the heavy wooden door, and had to wrestle it open. Slipping out, she closed it as gently as she could.

Aimi shook out her pigtails and lacy pink skirts- she had acquired a thin coat of dust in the all but forgotten corner. At least, it was forgotten by the maids, although who knew if it was really forgotten or just neglected. It made a great place to get a few minutes of silence. Now, however, Aimi hurried down the hallway, hoping to make it to her quarters unseen. If anyone of rank saw her, they’d surely scold her for her dirt smudged hands and dress. Despite her age, they insisted in treating her as a child. Her size and demeanor helped with that, illusion, no doubt, and at least it allowed her some freedom from court intrigue.

She was still a long way from the part of the palace that housed her quarters when a scream echoed through the halls. She froze, trembling from her pigtails to her toes, before hunching her slim shoulders and nearly running down the hall. She was in the wing with the torture chambers, an unfortunate side effect of traveling clear to the other, less traveled half of the castle. A second scream caused her to stumble, nearly falling in her haste, and she bit back a whimper as she continued, more carefully, on her way.

As I was sitting on the cold, stone floor playing with the ends of my tattered dress, I heard the sound of boots clicking against the stone somewhere in the darkness. The clicking was swift, as if its owner was in a hurry. I stiffened in the only beam of light in the cave, but then relaxed when Emilee’s familiar face appeared just moments later. I jumped up quickly with a smile spreading across my face. The smile faded when I saw Emilee’s frustrated expression. Although she wore a mask that covered most of her face, her emotions were still easy to recognize.

"Sorry for being late. I have brought food.” Emilee murdered coldly. Before I could respond, she placed water and bread in my hands and then stalked off. Before she was completely enveloped by the darkness, she turned and looked at me. "I will be guarding from outside. If you need me, then come find me." She hastily stated. Then she continued back into the darkness. The sound of her quickening footsteps faded moments later.

Sighing, I returned to my spot on the floor with the food in my hands. My angry stomach roared viciously at the sight of food again. I flushed slightly and tried to quiet my stomach by taking a huge bite out of the bread Emilee had given me. After a few more bites of similar fashion, the hungering beast finally quieted down. Taking a few sips from the water, I felt satisfied at last.

My mind switched to Emilee (after it wasn’t worried about food anymore). Questions circle inside my skull like a tornado. Why did she leave for so long? Does she not like me anymore? Did I say something? Why did she go back out again? How, why, when, where, what! I shook my head I couple of times as if to shake the thoughts away. Whatever the reason may be, it has to be a good one. I reassured myself. She is that kind of person. I rested my head on my knees.

Looking over at Caelus, I saw that she was fiercely devouring the meat Emilee had brought for her. I giggled at her.

“Looks like you are enjoying yourself, Caelus.” I said smiling. “I told you Emilee would come.” I rose from my spot on the floor and placed my leftover bread and water on a large rock that came up to the middle of my thighs. Retrieving my shawl from the floor, I spun and twirled in the retreating light of the day as it darkened into a new night. A feeling of joy washed over me and I acquired that familiar sensation to sing. I took a deep breath of the cool cave air. Twirling once again, I opened my mouth and let loose a soft melody.

The words came naturally to me as if they were buried deep inside me soul. It was instinct for me to sing, pure instinct, and I was proud to own it. Somehow the words I sing are always familiar no matter if I have sung them before or not. As I sing I feel as if someone else is singing along with me. It’s as if someone is connected to me. I always wondered why I felt this way.

I continued to dance and sing deep into the night until finally my feet were numb from the cold and my tongue bled freely from over singing. My movements slowed and my words slurred. My eyelids felt extremely heavy. The ground got closer and closer. And then I blacked out.

It was a dreadful room to be certain, the lack of light had been applied with the most detailed care to give it an oppressive atmosphere all while leaving enough light, either by the positioning of candles or the sun leaking trough the windows for the victims to see the damage or Sigmund to have a clear field of view to not kill someone before time

“Who funded your operation” Sigmund`s hand was on the lever wheel, he just had to pull it to the right and the arms and legs of the man would stretch even further

The arm pits and legs were already purple colored, showing that the victim had been hading this for a treatment for some time he would be lucky to walk if he made it out of here alive... but that didnt seem a likely outcome, never the less he did not seemed to be willing to give anything to him, yet.

“Im” he was more corpse than man now anyway, yet still he defied Batrava “... not telling you a thing” all that suffering in vain, it would be so frustrating to have worked and invested so much time in a man only to have him die without giving nothing in return

“You are just suffering for nothing, I can make it stop you know... the gift of death is welcomed by many” maybe the promise of an end to it all would loosen him, since he was wise enough to know that he could no longer lead the life he used to have before getting caught

“Im not talking” damned lowborns had they forgotten how many menaces the nation had repelled under the Queen´s command, Reiann had seen them trough to dire situations without her patrols scorching the trade routes brigands would feel free to terrorize caravans as they pleased, did they want to revert to an animalistic reign were the one with the biggest club got to choose the first chunk of meat?

Sure the lowborns were getting slightly overworked... well slightly might not be the best word to describe the conditions they worked under, but their sweat and blood secured grains and minerals to keep the nation not only going but growing as well.

“Oswald is it?” Sigmund told the man who had an admirable physical condition to have lasted this long, part of Batrava wished he had caught him with sword in hand, if he was this resilent on the chambers he would probably be a formidable combatant with blade in hand “Tell me my good man, why do you lowborn cattle rise up in arms against his majesty?”

When he turned to meet his eyes he realized he was looking at something else, his pupils fixated upon something that stood out amongst all the rusted iron, bloodied wood and general grimness of the room and the depraved individual that spent most of his time here.

He looked behind him and saw a familiar face

“Red” Sigmund made a disapproving nod as he waved his head from left to right “Oswald this will have to wait, don't go anywhere if you would be so kind”

He left his tools on the worktable and was careful to lock and bolt everything a man in his career had to be careful with those things, didn't want anyone getting hurt by accident

He moved towards her, he could see that she was in a defensive position, what was she expecting? for him to jump at her like a hungry wolf?

It had only happened once, he had an “accident” with another soldier but ever since everyone murmured at his back how little humanity was behind those masks and helms he wore, in a way he liked it, the feeling of intimidation to lesser creatures was a welcomed one.

But this one was not intimidated, simply disgusted, or at least that was what he could gather about her, those defiant eyes of her... the thought of breaking her often mused him, how long could she take? would she shatter before she bent? but such ideas were ill placed, she was after all a knight in the Queen's service, she was an ally

“Lady Fairfax” he told her as he signaled to door making it clear that he wished them to leave the place “To what do I owe the honor?” she did not seemed amused, Sigmund could tell that she wasnt fond of all the depravity he liked, so he added some insult to his words “had you wished it so I would have saved one for you, all that is required of you is to ask and ill be certain to share the experience or...does her majesty has need of us again?”

I walked into the village, my clothes covered in dirt, my hair once blond hair had turned a light brown from all the mud that was caked in it. My eyes looked sunk in, which was probably the reason all the villagers were running away from me, mumbling words under their breath.
I was tired, cold, hungry, and no one would give me food or a place to rest. Scowling I found my way to a dark alley, slumping my tired aching body against the wall.
"Mister? Are you hungry?" I looked up to see a little girl staying in the entrance of the alley, a piece of bread in her hand.
"Y-yes I a-am." My voice was cracked and hoarse from lack of water and use.
The girl walked closer to me, though very cautious, and slowly handed me the bread, "If you need more I can get some," she said, watching in amusement as I stuffed the bread down my throat, "and some other food, along with water, Mister..." she trailed off.
"Adrien." I said tiredly.
"You seem tired, Mister Adrien, want to come home with me? I live right across the street."
I shook my head, "Thank you very much but I must decline. I dont want to be a bother to you and your family." i settled down on the ground and watched as the girl slowly nodded and left me alone. My eyes slid shut, my body and mind to tired to stay up any longer.

Drystan smirked slightly as the crowed was amazed by his simple magic act, he chukled to himself when he thought of what would have happened if he performed to his full potental. he quickly gathered up all the coins that were tossed to him and stuffed them into his pocket, moving forward not knowing nor really caring where he was going to go next.

The sun was beating down on the crowded streets of the Queendom. People hurried along in packs always having somewhere to go, never slowing down to even think of what was going on outside of their little worlds. Drystan thought of the daily disaperences of more and more beggars, street performers, and such.

He walked confidently in his flashy blue performing clothing, until he reach a small generic tavern. He strolled toward an empty table with an air of arrogance. Once seated he waved over a serving girl over flashing a flirtatious smile cousing the girl to giggle. She looked quite average with mousy brown hair and generic brown eyes. His eyes traveled up and down her body checking her out.

The site of the room sent chills down Andréa's spine and made the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. The armor clad woman peered between heavy lashes in an attempt to take in every unsettling detail of the dark, cold room. Though the lack of light strained her eyes, Andréa was grateful to it. It made it nearly impossible to see the true extent of what torment the souls unfortunate enough to be dragged down here suffered. The flickering candles cast eerie shadows across the room and Andréa's eyes followed them until they came to rest on a shadowy figure.

Slowly that figure turned, reveling a face encased in a grotesque mask of the likes of the devil grinning back at her. Though her heart was pounding at a much more rapid pace than usual, Andréa kept her breathing steady and her expressions calm. The dark figure turned away for a moment and spoke to what she had originally mistaken for a fluke in the design of the chamber. Her heart skipped a beat as she realized this "fluke" was, or originally had been, a man. The masked figure quickly turned back around and with a disproving shake of his head, began to close this distance between himself and the open doorway Andréa was standing in. As he did so, Andréa's slender hand instinctively tightened about the hilt of her sword.

Andréa's back straitened slightly as Sir Batrava inched closer and never once did her dark eyes move from the false ones of the grinning mask. Part of Andréa wished for the mask to disappear, to enable her to see that there was still some humanity left in the Dark Knight's cold eyes. Yet the other part of her was grateful to the mask, grateful that it hid what she feared to be hard, blood lust filled eyes who's last shreds of humanity fled long ago.

Hand still gripped tightly around the hilt of her faithful blade, Andréa listened intently as as the masked man spoke.

“had you wished it so I would have saved one for you, all that is required of you is to ask and I'll be certain to share the experience or...does her majesty has need of us again?”

Andréa's eyes flickered from the masked knight to the "man" who's arms were stretched to unnatural lengths. The thought of doing that to someone nearly made Andréa sick. Body stock still, Andréa turned her attention back to the man towering above her.

"Saved one for me? I do not believe that to be a wise choice on your behalf, Sir Batrava." Slowly and calmly Andréa turned away from the masked man and began to walk the steep steps that took her back to the warmth, laughter, and light of humanity. Halfway up the staircase Andréa turned to face him one last time. "For if you did and the higher-ups saw how efficient I was, you'd most likely be out of the job and I would be filling you're place. Now if you would excuse me, Sir Batrava, it seems I've been placed under nanny duty and I must go check on our beloved princess." And with a respectful bow Andréa walked the remaining steps and was once again in the deserted, marble corridors.

Heart still pounding at double speed, Andréa's pace quickened and she moved away from the torture chamber as quickly as possible. Images of the corpse of a man hanging in that room and the devilish grin upon the Dark Knight's mask flickered back as the Red Knight made her way through the corridors. Shaking her head, Andréa focused herself on the mission at hand: Finding the princess. Now, where has Princess Aimi wandered off to now?

Out of the corner of her eye, Andréa spotted a small movement and as she whipped her head around to find the source of the movement, found the young princess quietly heading back towards her room. "Princess Aimi, may I ask the reason for you to be venturing this far away from your room?" There was no hostility in her voice as she spoke to the wide-eyed girl, only slight concern.

Aimi jumped when she heard a voice behind her- her mother's knight. Well, her sort-of mother's knight. She still got confused about the Queen. "Princess Aimi, may I ask the reason for you to be venturing this far away from your room?" Her voice was soft, and the girl began to hope that she might not get in trouble.

Clenching her trembling fingers behind her back, Aimi looked up at the other woman. She was so tall! "I...I was in the library...studying." She blinked and looked down. "I wanted...the other library is always so noisy. So...I came to this one." Still looking down at her dress, she tried to wipe a smudge of dirt off, but it didn't budge. Looking back up, she met the knight's gaze, and forced herself to stop trembling. "I've done nothing wrong. And...I don't need a, a babysitter." She looked down again, abashed. "I'm sorry." Aimi was still trembling a bit, and a sudden thought struck her, and she stared at the lady knight in horror. "Were you...were you in the torture chamber?" Her eyes still wide, she glanced at the knight's hands, searching for any blood or stains, taking a small step back at the same time.

Fire behind those eyes, she is one of a kind

The defiance that she was showing to his taunts were inviting to keep pushing it to see how soon would she draw that blade of hers and test her wit at last

But this seemed not the place nor the time it, being so good at what he did, dreadfully good some had said, he could tell lies when he saw them, clear like the tools he used to pull the truth out of a man and Fairfax did not believed her words unless she was a great liar and he knew the liar type, they rarely acted so honorable.

Alas she had to make a quick exit, it had been his mistake clearly he should have cornered her into a scenario were the choices laid bare to her were both amusing to him, but she did popped out of the door without much of an invitation.

Which did made him wonder, what was she doing down there?

She did answer his invitation regarding his sadistic pastime but she did not gave an answer to his query, why was she there?

Elusive girl that she was Andrea made her way out of that place without allowing Sigmund to bark an answer at her, but if he had a choice in the matter this would not end like this, and much to his amusement his patient could be exactly that... a little more patient.

“Oswald, I will have to be taking a break as you can see” he said as he began to close the holes in which the light crept trough “Dont want her getting away” continuing then to blow the candles “You are not afraid of the dark I know, but rest assured were not finished here” and off he was.

Now it seemed that he had seen what exactly had brought her here, she was accompanying that little brat Aimi, she was a perfect example of what he found so annoying in children, how old was that girl again ? 14? 15? hell he forgot all too often.

“Your majesty” he bent one knee as he dropped his head to greet her “I am afraid I cannot greet your properly, had the word been sent the opportunity to show you the installations that provide security for you and our beloved queen would be more...” he had to struggle with himself to not be sarcastic and avoid being rude, even if she had been daughter to an outsider she was still a highborn lady and he would behave accordingly “welcoming, now then how might I assist you your highness”

"Oh..." Aimi pressed a hand to her lips, her eyes wide as she stared at the man dressed all in black. She searched for any glimpse of hummanity beneath the helm, but all she saw was darkness. Shivering, she almost felt as if cold air was pouring off of him, sweeping over her and threatening to pull her under. SHe closed her eyes for a second. Be strong.

Rising to her full, yet unimpressive height, she decided- she would not show fear. Glancing at the lady knight beside her, she raised her chin- although either of them might run to her mother and tell her, she wasn't about to let this...demon scare her. "Please rise," She said, although her voice was still to soft to show strength, she must do her best. "I am afraid any...tours...would have to be for my mother, and her alone. I don't enjoy pain, whether it be my own or others." Turning away swiftly, she added over her shoulder, "And thank you, but I require no assisstance. I was merely returning to my rooms." About to stride away, she paused. Glancing back at him, she remembered the screams she had heard, just a few minutes ago. The strength that was filling her slipped away, leaving her an empty shell of a princess once more. "Don't you ever get tired?" She asked, her voice barely audible. "Doesn't it ever get to much for you to bear?" Her breath caught in her throat, and she walked away as swiftly as she could.

Turning the corner, she leaned against the wall, pressing her face to the cool stones. What was that? What did I just do?

When I awoke, there was a thin, old blanket covering my chest. I smiled tiredly, slowly getting up from the uncomfortable position I had slept in the night before. Glancing down at my clothes, I grimaced seeing that I was covered in a thick layer of dirt and grime. Running a hand tiredly through my now brown hair, I was overcome with determination to find a stream to clean myself. Walking aimlessly around the town, I watched as the villagers began to wake up, either staring at me with disgust, pity, or a mix of both. Smiling ruefully, I gave a weary wave to some of them, continuing on my walk.
"Excuse me?" a young women came up to me, her parents sending me heated glares.
"Yes?" I smiled politely at her, a light blush crossing her face.
"Well, you seem like you were lost? Are you a traveler?" Her eyes were wide with curiosity.
"You are right, Miss. I am a indeed a traveler," I raised a hand, scratching the back of my head, a sheepish smile on my lips, "Do you happen to know where I could bathe?"
"Oh!" She blushed darker, squeaking softly, "There is a stream not too far from here. If you continue this way you will be able to reach it by late morning."
I bowed, kissing her hand, "Thank you, Miss." I began to walk away, but before long she called out behind me.
"If you need food or a place to sleep, we can help you!" she shouted to me.
Turning around I smiled happily, "Again, thank you Miss. If I shall ever need your services I will be sure to find you." Turning back around, I walked in the direction, finding the stream with ease.
Rinsing off my body and my clothes in the stream, amazed at how much dirt and sweat had been on my body. Laying on the grass, my wet clothes on, I waited until they were at least damp, before getting up and heading back to the village. The villagers looked at my differently now, their eyes filled with excitement and wonder at a traveler, the young ladies and unmarried women blushing when I smiled at them.

Meticulous? Perfectionist? Obsessive? These words may not completely describe the beautiful lady who was currently reviewing important parchments concerning the Queendom of Medlimar within the confines of a personal study, however together they certainly embodied her essence which had spread across the Queendom in a raging fire that triggered countless rebellions and struck riveting fear within those under the rule of the Reigning Queen, Reiann Callen de Medlimar.

This may have been viewed as a sign of a weak ruler yet, nothing had fazed the current Queen which had been proven with much force and brutality. She had shown the cold hands she would not hesitate to deliver to those who oppose her will. All of these defined Her Majesty without fallacious rumors. It is also one of the many reasons she had been given by her people many unofficial titles such as Pink Devil, Queen Terror, Beautiful Menace and so on. A beauty to behold yet a persona to be feared. Her Majesty, Medlimar certainly does not hide this with fake pleasantries.

A gush of the night wind entered the solemn room. The small candle used as a source of illumination flickered ever so slightly as the Queen stood from her desk. It would seem that the window had been left ajar that allow the passage of the fleeting air. Approaching with much elegance as she had been raised with, she caught the glimpse of the Kingdom she holds upon her hands. A smile made its way to her lips as a glint of violent ambition could be seen within her sapphire blue eyes. Opening the windows fully, she allowed the breeze to envelop her in a cold embrace. Her long pink hair was gently played by the wind making her appear to be an ethereal being.

"This is all mine and no one would take this away from me."

With that said into the depth of the night, she closed her windows and returned to her desk as she picked one parchment. It was about the current dragon songstress that had been sent as a sacrifice. There was no need to wrap the purpose of having many girls sent to their death with heroism. They were nothing more but pawns in subduing the Dragon until she gain the upper hand. With that in mind, she placed the document that proved the existence of said girl within the flame of the candle. Soon enough, it was engulfed in flames and turned into ashes.

"This is just the beginning of the true revolution."

A small, gentle smile danced across Andréa's full lips as she watched the young princess jump at the sound of her voice. The young knight listened as the wide-eyed girl trembled and stuttered her response.

"I...I was in the library...studying. I wanted...the other library is always so noisy. So...I came to this one."

"Studying at this time of night?" Andréa cast a brown-eyed gaze out one of the tall windows and up at the shining moon. Slowly, the Red Knight turned her attention back to the still shaking princess. The slight smile still present on her lips, Andréa knelt down in front of the girl so they were now eye level. "Would it be too much to ask of the topic you were studying?"

"I've done nothing wrong. And...I don't need a, a babysitter."

"Oh no, there is nothing wrong in studying. Not in the least, Princess Aimi." Andréa chuckled lightly under her breath at the next part of the strawberry-haired girl's response. "I'm sure you don't, but I can not disobey orders from her majesty."

The armor clad woman stood to her full height and watched as the young princes's brown eyes suddenly grew in fear.

"Were you...were you in the torture chamber?"

Andréa's brown and golden flecked orbs flickered from the trembling princess to the dark entry way of the torture chamber. "I was..." But before she could finish explaining herself, the dark figure she knew only too well emerged from his equally dark chamber.

Andréa watched, close to surprised, as the Dark Knight knelt before the young princess and spoke to her in faux respect. But the tone of the fair haired princess as she spoke to Sir Batrava surprised her even further. The young girl, dwarfed in comparison to the crouched shadow before her, held her head high and her strong will flooded through her chestnut colored eyes as she confronted the man.

A faint smile cracked the corner of Andréa's lips as she watched the way Princess Aimi told Sir Batrava off. Strong girl She thought to herself. As soon as the princess rounded the corner, Andréa turned to face the still kneeling Dark Knight. With the faint smile still upon her face, Andréa lightly shook her head in disapproval and headed down the corridor Princess Aimi had disappeared in.

Sigmund was surprised to say the very least.

He was certain dolls did not speak and this one had gone so far as to question his motives, what did she care anyway?

She is just a child, she doesnt know that the price of her comfort is paid by people like me

She had made a fair question tough, one that people did not ask either out of fear or mere indifference to him.

The princess had questioned why and how could he get trough all that pain, he was certain most people thought he had been born this way somehow, that as a small child he tortured animals for the kicks of it.

But this was not the case, to empower himself to unleash a hell of pain upon his victims all he needed to do was remember... the screams of his younger brothers as the life left their bodies and that in turn gave him the strength to cling on to life, he had to live to honor their sacrifice, he had to live to extract revenge on their captors sparing neither the repentant nor the bold

"Feisty little thing is she not?" he told to Andrea "gave her some encouragement did you?"

Drystan strolled out of the tavern with a full stomach. The crowd of people were slowly thinning out, going home to their families having dinner. He, who could't even remember sitting down with his family to just eat dinner, envied them all. He sighed and started walking amilessly toward the edges of the city, passing by alleyways likely containing dangers no person wants to admit is real.

He sighed in relief as he finally walked away from the entrance of the city, Drystan always felt better when he wasn't in the city. He always felt like he was being watched, even if no one was around. He always dismissed these thoughts quickly reasoning with himself that he was just paranoid.

There are many way to define our fragile existence. Many ways to give our life meaning. We choose different paths. But fate tells each path to lead us to our true destiny...


Boots clashed against the steps, leading down to a dungeon. A man's eyes slowly and dizzily swirled around. Gaining his balance, he stood up and looked outside his bars, seeing a guard lumbering towards his direction. The guard cracked a wry smile at prisoner. "Time for your pentalty rebel. Death!" The guard said harshly, adding some spit to spice up his words. The prisoner just stood and stared at the guard. "Ya hear me? When people see the great mercenary be hung, maybe that would stop some rebellions!" The guard said, chortling. The prisoner grinned back at the guard, both of his hands behind his back. "You know. Your accent. I ever mention how ugly it is? Reminds me of a rooster mating with a frog. Of course you would know all about that wouldn't you?" The prisoner responded, evolving his grin into a wide smile. The guard growled and fumbled out his keys, going for the door as a hand slammed the keyhole.

The guard looked up at another one with a questioning look. "Don't let Rathbone taunt you. He is tricking you." The guard said, waving his hand in the air. More guards came and grouped up, opening the door. They seized Rathbone and bounded his hands with rope, escorting him outside. Crowds gathered around the gallows, watching in pain. Rathbone glanced around at the people and felt a tight burn rub against his neck. "Uh, If I may. Say a last word?" Rathbone asked the executioner. The executioner nodded, tightening the ropes. "Rathbone wishes to make a last word." Rathbone stared at the crowds of people as he gulped. He blinked, sweat dripping from his face.

"All I must say is simple. If you were to think you caught me. Think again!" Rathbone said eagerly. He broke the bounds of the rope and wiggled his hands out in front of him. "You should really check who ties the rope on me. You think I wasn't to get help? Please!" Rathbone chucked jumping into the crowd as guards began to pursuit him. The crowd began cheering and trying to slow down the guards for him. Rathbone sprinted into a tailoring shop and hid behind the counter.

The owner stared down at him curiously, wandering if he knew him or not. Rathbone stole a peak behind him and sighed with relief, seeing not more guards. "So Pop! Got any robes and hoods for me?" The owner nodded slowly and brought out some old, ragged robes for him. Rathbone put on the new attire and smiled. "Uh, thanks. But I'm afraid I'm out of cash. Rathbone said shrugging and running out the doors, paying no attention to the angry manager behind him.

Rathbone looked around town, avoiding any guards possible, wandering what he should do next. He should start a rebellion. Form some kind of organization to overrun the queen. Or maybe there already was an organization that he didn't know about. Rathbone grumbled to himself as he walked up to a town fountain. He settled himself down on the stone formation and sighed. "Evil queen. Escaped death about four times. Have to hide forever it seems. What should I do?" Rathbone pondered to himself, making sure his hood was securely over him.


He sat in silence for awhile, but soon it came. An idea. He knew what to do.. "I'm really hungry! Lets eat!"